AUG 2018 INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF MTA QUEENSLAND? CLICK HERE.
SMART CARS THE RISE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE REVOLUTION OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND
MEMBER'S CLASSIC: 1966 MAZDA R360 COUPE
The benchmark of industry standards.
LOOKING FOR WORK? Check out MTA Queensland’s Job Board for all the latest opportunities in the automotive industry. Visit www.mtaq.com.au today
Contents Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland
Search for MTA Queensland
HEAD OFFICE Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 P.O. Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel: 07 3237 8777 Fax: 07 3844 4488 Toll Free: 1800 177 951 Email: publications@mtaq.com.au Website: www.mtaq.com.au
MTA Queensland and MTA Institute actively promotes our four social media platforms and encourages all our members and MTA Institute clients to connect with us via these channels. Simply search “MTA Queensland.”
EDITOR Jonathan Nash ART DIRECTOR Marco Ilinic
Each social media platform contains different information and this is a terrific way to stay on top of industry news, upcoming events, MTA Institute courses and the latest benefits for Association members. We see our social media platforms as an additional important communication method, alongside Motor Trader and Member Bulletin emails.
18
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Ted Kowalski Paul Murray POLICY Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Email: publications@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 (including GST) Subscribing to the Motor Trader e-magazine is free. Click here to subscribe
10
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.
112
68
MTA QUEENSLAND ABN: 74 028 933 848 CORPORATE PARTNERS
02 From the Editor 04 From the Desk of the CEO 08 Policy/Viewpoint 12 MTA Q&A TONY MARTIN AND JOHN DI MAURO OF MOTOVATED TURBO AND MECHANICAL IN TOOWOOMBA
20180705
Feature 18 SMART CARS: THE RISE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE REVOLUTION 34 An Eye on Innovation
52 CLASSIC CARS TAKE TO THE TRACK AT HISTORIC RACE MEETING 68 Members Classic MAZDA’S MINI MARVEL: 1966 MAZDA R360 COUPE
MEMBERS ESSENTIALS 87 Training GM's Professional Circle perspective 88 Professional Circle training 106 CARS & COFFEE 112 Concept Corner THE MERCEDES-BENZ CONCEPT EQA
August 2018 Motor Trader | 1
From the Editor
JONATHAN NASH EDITOR
H
ELLO AND WELCOME to the August edition of Motor Trader. Autonomous vehicles (AV) will, at some point in the near future, be gliding about on our roads, taking us from one place to another in comfort and safety, and allowing us to spend that travelling time doing . . . well . . . just about anything we want. Surf the internet, watch a movie, have a nap or finish that urgent report - the commute to work is going to be a lot less stressful. While camera systems and other sensors such as Lidar and Radar are the bits of hardware we often hear most about when talk turns to how AV's work, these things would be worthless without the 'brain' of the whole system being able to understand and interpret what the sensors are 'seeing'. This 'brain' is Artificial Intelligence (AI), and it is the subject of our cover story this month. It's a fascinating
subject and Motor Trader was able to score a long chat with Professor Michael Milford of QUT, an expert on AI and robotics, to get some really cool insights on what AI is, how it works, how it is being developed for use in cars and just where it might lead us. Go to page 18 to read the story. As always, the rest of Motor Trader is jam-packed with stuff, and in our Members Classic feature this month, we catch up with Danny Irvine to talk about his 1966 R360 Coupe, a cracking little car that was the first passenger car model produced by Mazda. It is a delightfullooking thing and you can check it out from page 66. We also have plenty of innovation news, auto industry news and, following a pretty hectic month in motorsport, stories from the Ipswich SuperSprint round of the Supercars championship, and the MTAQ Racing Team's latest outing at the Shannons Nationals at Queensland Raceway. It's another bumper edition! I hope you enjoy this month's Motor Trader, and if you want to let me know of any news you'd like to share; or have a classic bike, car or truck we could feature on our Member's Classic pages, then please do get in contact with me. Cheers! Jonathan Nash, Editor jonathann@mtaq.com.au
MTA QUEENSLAND WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS Business Name
Principal/s
Address
Division
Cairns Auto Spark Carmichael Ford / Mercedes Benz Townsville Diesel Specialists
Colin Harding
176 Newell Street, BUNGALOW Q 4870
admin@cairnsautospark.com.au
AED
Andrew Michael
77 Charters Towers Road, HYDE PARK Q 4812
helenk@carmichaelford.com.au
AADA
Darrin Keates
18 Matheson Street, VIRGINIA Q 4014
info@dieselspecialists.com.au
AED
2 | Motor Trader August 2018
Partnering with you to help your business grow. To run a successful business you need to be an expert in your industry as well as have specialist knowledge. CommBank, proud partners of MTAQ can help. Working closely with MTAQ, your business and customers can benefit from our direct relationship service and competitive banking rates tailored to help you achieve your business goals. Dedicated support for your business To support you and your business a dedicated CommBank Relationship Manager backed by a team of specialists will work with you through every stage of your business life cycle. Access the latest innovative banking products and solutions with MTAQ preferential pricing applied to make it easier for you to do business. These include: • • • • • • •
Competitive Visa, Mastercard and eftpos rates Merchant terminal rental from $24.50 No Merchant Joining fee Same day settlement^ every day of the year Daily IQ - free data analytics with online banking 24/7 help desk for all your banking needs Free business financial check
You can also access other banking solutions including Business Loans, Asset Finance, Overdraft Facilities and Bank Guarantees. To find out how CommBank can help your business move forward, contact MTAQ on (07) 3237 8777 or email info@mtaq.com.au and we’ll put you in touch with a CommBank Business Banking Specialist.
Things you should know: ^‘Same day’ includes eCommerce card sales before 5:30pm (AEST) and EFTPOS card sales before 10pm (AEST) and is available for eligible customers with a Commonwealth Bank business transaction account and a linked Commonwealth Bank merchant facility. Offers available to referrals made via MTAQ. MTAQ may receive a fee from Commonwealth Bank for each successful referral. Referral Fees are not payable on referrals from existing relationship managed customers. Applications for finance are subject to the Bank’s normal credit approval. Other fees, charges, terms and conditions may apply. As this advice has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the information, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. Please view our Merchant Agreement, Financial Services Guide and Operator and User Guides at commbank.com.au/ merchantsupport. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.
From the Desk of the CEO
BRETT DALE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND
W
E TAKE PRIDE in the longevity of MTA Queensland and it having commenced its representative role for the automotive industry 89 years ago. This is well known, but there is an unrecognised statistical fact to which I’m pleased to draw attention. That is, the corporate experience of MTA Queensland’s and the MTA Institute’s staff exceeds the durability of the Association. In all, there is some 415 years of corporate knowledge and dedicated service to MTA Queensland membership by our staff. Transitioning the Association as the peak body through significant governance, policy and economic cycles and representing employers in the automotive value chain, some of our standouts are: Industrial Relations manager Ted Kowalski, with service of 35 years; Stationery/Technical Adviser Russell Sticklen, 22 years; Group Chief Financial Officer Kathy Winkcup, 18 years; Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Member Services Kellie Dewar, 16 years; MTA Institute Training Operations Manager Marcello Riotto, 15 years; and MTA Institute Mackay Trainer Noel Bovey, 10 years . . . and the list goes on. 4 | Motor Trader August 2018
The calibre of the corporate team may be measured by each surpassing key performance indicators stipulated in the Strategic Plan. To some extent, these are replicated in statistical reports of the Association’s activities, the most recent of which, the 2017-18 Group Financial Year Report Card, is on the website for member’s perusal. At a time when trust in the nation’s public institutions and private sector corporations are being questioned, members can be assured that MTA Queensland’s corporate team has met all the Association’s compliance and governance obligations e.g. under the Registered Organisation Act 2009, the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 and the MTA Queensland constitution.
NEW CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES A combination of the merit of our corporate team and the key strategies that underpin the Strategic Plan has attracted the attention of a national corporation to commence discussions on a commercial industry-related partnership. Recently, I’ve had meetings with Telstra’s data technical division and MTData (which was acquired by Telstra in 2017) about the possibilities of training their workforce in retrofitting telematics hardware to vehicles. This relates to GPS tracking, fleet management, and dispatch solutions. In addition, I’ve met Telstra’s General Manager of Premier Business Matt Thearle and General Manager Emerging Technical and Chief Technical Office Warren Jennings to discuss the ‘internet of things’ relating to the automotive industry. In the near future they will facilitate a strategic planning session where the MTA Queensland team will be introduced to the National Transport
“OUR INNOVATION HUB IS
WORKING WITH A NATIONAL COMPANY – REFUELER – ON AN EXCITING FUEL TRADING INITIATIVE THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT BOTH BUSINESS AND CONSUMERS.” Technical team at which we will contemplate collaboration/partnerships. These are new challenges and opportunities for MTA Queensland. I’m confident we have the corporate expertise, the policy underpinnings and the infrastructure to progress these discussions to real outcomes for the membership and the industry.
INDUSTRY Both Kellie Dewar and I monitor the costs imposed on business by different levels of government. In submissions or stakeholder meetings, we stress the need to reduce compliance obligations and imposts on business. Recently, I attended
a stakeholder lunch sponsored by the Minister for Education and Minister for Industrial Relations Grace Grace MP hosted by the WorkCover CEO Bruce Watson. The purpose was to provide an update on the focus of WorkCover Queensland. I took this opportunity to encourage WorkCover to consider and promote emerging technologies from our industry that will reduce work accidents through their injury prevention strategy. Bruce Watson advised that the scheme is performing well, is stable and financially strong with the lowest average workers’ compensation premium in the nation - $1.20 per $100 in wages paid in 2016-17. This should engender confidence for business who are covered by the scheme. Our Innovation Hub is working with a national company – Refueler – on an exciting fuel trading initiative that has the potential to benefit both business and consumers. Our interest in the technological product or Application (App), whilst clearly advantageous to consumers, is to ensure that it is conducive to competition supporting both small fuel retailers and independents as well as the major players. For consumers, the App allows them to buy and pay for a tank of fuel at real-time pricing at a designated service station or fuel retail site of their choosing and collect it, for example, within seven days. The potential advantages of the App are considerable and range from savings, convenience, parents paying for the fuel for their student children and even gifting a tank of fuel. Some interesting data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has been released in the census for motor vehicles registered at 31st January 2018 August 2018 Motor Trader | 5
From the desk of the CEO in Australia. You may be surprised, and maybe not, but Toyota topped the list of registered passenger vehicle makes with 2.9 million registrations. This was the 13th consecutive year that Toyota has led the list of registered passenger vehicles. Holden remained in second position with 1.8 million registrations, but the ABS research found the number of registered Holden passenger vehicles has been declining since 2008. Ford passenger vehicles came in third place with 1.2 million registered vehicles – a decrease of 5.4 per cent from the previous year. The ABS reported that the registrations of Ford passenger vehicles has been decreasing since the turn of the century. Mazda and Hyundai filled out the top 5, with 1.2 million and 1.1 million vehicles registered respectively. The national fleet overall numbers 19.2 million registered vehicles at 31 January 2018 – a 2.1 per cent increase from last year.
AND THE LAST THING Activities that I’ll be undertaking in the days ahead or have recently undertaken include presenting keynote addresses at two significant industry functions. The first was the Sydney Autonomous Vehicle Summit. That took place at the end of July, and in that address, I explored the ability of the Australian industry to introduce and embrace autonomous vehicles, discuss the barriers - including regulations, availability, consumer trust, knowledge and technology to opportunities within various industries, and job creations: Red zone - challenges to adoption and how to stimulate businesses to overcome these, and Yellow Zone - the crossroad in workforce and consumer readiness. The second keynote address will be at the Mumbrella Automotive Marketing 6 | Motor Trader August 2018
“YOU MAY BE SURPRISED,
AND MAYBE NOT, BUT TOYOTA TOPPED THE LIST OF REGISTERED PASSENGER VEHICLE MAKES WITH 2.9 MILLION REGISTRATIONS. THIS WAS THE 13TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR THAT TOYOTA HAS LED THE LIST OF REGISTERED PASSENGER VEHICLES.” Summit, at which the emphasis is on ‘driving into the future; marketing autonomous vehicles’. In that presentation, I’ll explain where Australia and the rest of the world is currently at with autonomous vehicles and what to look out for in the future. As Kellie Dewar says in Viewpoint, I’ll be giving evidence before the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics Inquiry into impediments to business investment in Australia. It provides another opportunity to impress on the Members of Parliament the need for regulatory impact statements to accompany any policy measures imposing additional costs on business. Aside from these, I’ll be working with the corporate team on ‘bread and butter membership’ issues and on the new challenges and commercial and service delivery opportunities to advantage the membership and ensure the Association’s future amidst significant digital and technological change. Until next month, as Henry Ford, the industrialist and the founder of the Ford motor company said, ‘execute ideas with enthusiasm . . . as it is the bottom of all progress’.
CAPRICORN TRADE ACCOUNT Fewer bills to pay, less paperwork!
“What did we do before we joined Capricorn? Spent lots of time sourcing different parts and paying different bills. Now, with our Capricorn Trade Account, we get instant credit to use with so many Preferred Suppliers – including the biggest names in the industry – plus the convenience of having just one statement to pay each month. We even earn reward points with our purchases – which we’ve redeemed for some great holidays with Capricorn Travel!”
SVS Autocare - Capricorn Member
Join Capricorn today. 1800 560 554 | join@capricorn.coop | capricorn.coop Participation in the Capricorn Rewards Program is subject to the Capricorn Rewards Program Terms and Conditions which can be found at capricorn.coop/TC
Policy/Viewpoint
KELLIE DEWAR DEPUTY GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES
T
HE PROFESSIONAL CIRCLE’S ethical standards are fused into our culture and values representing to consumers a commitment to accountability, transparency and professionalism in business dealings. It seems longer, but the Professional Circle is coming up to its third birthday in October having been launched by President David Fraser at the 2015 Annual Industry Dinner. At a time of diminishing public trust in the nation’s civic and private institutions and corporations, the ethical compact which is the essence of the Professional Circle indicates to stakeholders and consumers alike that integrity is integral to the way the Association functions and members operate in their businesses. The ethical compact encapsulates the industry standards of Honesty, Professionalism, Transparency, Courtesy, Integrity, Care, Clarity, Proactivity, Accountability and Compliance which form the Professional Circle’s ten commitments. Important is the branding that underpins the Professional Circle and is unique to MTA Queensland members. Simply, the branding infers a clear distinction between MTA Queensland members ‘inside’ of the Circle and non8 | Motor Trader August 2018
members who are ‘outside’ of the Circle. It acts as vital credentials representing the benchmark of industry standards that make the difference for consumers dealing with a business in the motor trades. A member business displaying the ethical compact as well as advertising the ‘Certified 10/10 Professional Member’ status provides evidence to consumers of the commitment to the highest standard of professionalism. From my perspective, with responsibility for the delivery of services to the membership, the Professional Circle is a guarantee that you, as a Member, will receive the wide range of invaluable services and benefits provided by MTA Queensland. The Professional Circle is entrenched in our Strategic Plan with the goal that it be recognised by industry, key stakeholders and consumers. From the feedback we’ve received we are on target to achieve that aim. I trust that you have on display the Professional Circle certification in your business indicating your commitment to the ethical compact and membership of the MTA Queensland.
TRAINING Over the recent school holidays the MTA Institute (MTAI), at its training facility, initiated and organised an Auto Camp to introduce high school students to the automotive industry. The objective was to provide a course to students with a general overview of the industry and to provide understanding of smart career choices open to them. In addition, they participated in basic ‘hands-on’ activities such as working on engines, repairing damaged vehicle bodies, and tinkering with car design and electronics. Some thirty students enrolled in the course and
rates to 75 per cent of apprentices finishing their training from the current lowly 40 per cent - the majority abandoning their apprenticeship within two years. In ISMAA’s first-year, MTAI skilled mentors have helped hundreds of apprentices and trainees to build successful relationships and to achieve in their chosen trade. Most pleasing was the Courier Mail story on the ISMAA program and benefits to apprentices following an interview with Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Brett Dale.
ADVOCACY
“. . . THE MTA INSTITUTE
(MTAI), AT ITS TRAINING FACILITY, INITIATED AND ORGANISED AN AUTO CAMP TO INTRODUCE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY.” the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The MTAI will offer the Auto Camp again, with the next course on September 25-27. during the school holidays. Whilst thinking about training, the MTA Institute is one of 24 providers of the Federal Government’s Industry Specialist Mentoring for Australian Apprentices (ISMAA) program for the automotive value chain. Its focus is to support apprentices and trainees facing challenges or difficulties in their personal life to achieve their trade qualifications through specialised and skilled mentoring. The program has been in effect since 1 July 2017 and runs for two years. The objective is to increase retention
Underway is a submission to the Senate Select Committee on Electric Vehicles inquiry into the use and manufacture of electric vehicles in Australia. The terms of reference are wide, enabling mention of our investment in and establishment of the innovation hub – the MTA Innovation Queensland (MTAiQ). Pending too is a submission to the Queensland Parliament Transport and Public Works Committee inquiry into Transport Technology identifying trends and changes in fuel type usage in the sectors of personal, freight and public transport. I’d be pleased to receive your views in relation to fuel type usage. That submission is due on 28 August so there is time for any input. As I prepare this column, an Australian Treasury consultation paper on actions to reform and modernise the Australian Business Number (ABN) system has emerged in the in-box. This is in response to the Black Economy Taskforce findings that participants in the black economy are using the ABN system to facilitate their activities to avoid taxation. In due course, I’ll be making a response on your behalf. August 2018 Motor Trader | 9
Policy/Viewpoint We’ve been invited by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to provide preliminary feedback to a Heavy Vehicle Road User Working Group. This is in response to the increase in major infrastructure development and heavy vehicle movements and a need to reasonably manage the risk from interaction between heavy vehicles and vulnerable road users - bicycle riders, the aged and general pedestrians. This is especially the case in inner city and urban environments. In May’s Viewpoint I referred to our submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics Inquiry into impediments to business investment in Australia. As a consequence, Dr Brett Dale has been invited to give evidence before the Committee. Whilst its focus is on the cost of the regulatory frameworks across all governments on business, it provides another opportunity for MTA Queensland to stress to Government the high operating and compliance obligations costs of doing business in the automotive industry. In terms of regulations, the Institute of Public Affairs estimates the cost of red-tape to the economy by all levels of government was an estimated at $176 billion per year. Here in Queensland, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry March quarter Pulse Survey of Other Operating Costs Index measured 68.6 points, a level which indicates businesses are facing strong cost increases. Compared to a year ago, the index increased 2.4 points with the proportion of businesses reporting higher costs. A major issue for businesses across Queensland is affordable and secure energy supply.
FINALLY With daylight saving soon to commence in the southern states ( first and second 10 | Motor Trader August 2018
“THERE ARE TWO SOCIAL
OCCASIONS ON THE MTA QUEENSLAND CALENDAR WHICH SHOULD BE HIGHLIGHTED IN YOUR DIARIES. THE FIRST IS THE ANNUAL INDUSTRY DINNER ON SATURDAY, 10 NOVEMBER AT W BRISBANE, 81 NORTH QUAY.” week in October), it’s again back on the business agenda for debate. A recent Australian Industry Group national survey showed that 72 per cent of the businesses surveyed supported daylight saving being introduced across Queensland. A further 13 per cent supported two different summer times zones within the State. In other words, 85 per cent in total support changing the status quo. As it has been some time since we discussed the subject I’d be keen to hear members' views. There are two social occasions on the MTA Queensland calendar which should be highlighted in your diaries. The first is the Annual Industry Dinner on Saturday, 10 November at W Brisbane, 81 North Quay. This is when we join with stakeholders to enjoy camaraderie and celebrate industry, training and industry excellence. Members have asked that it be semi-formal, and it is. Now in its fifth year, I can assure it is worth ‘dressing up’ for. The other, which calls for golfing attire, is the 69th Annual Motor Trades Golf Tournament on Friday 5th October at the Virginia Golf Club. Entries close by 4pm on the 27th September. Whilst the competition can be robust, it too is about camaraderie. More details on registration and sponsorship are on the website. Until, next month take care and stay safe.
Small change. Big future. Matthew Webster (46) has a long way to go before he hangs up his hat, but he can already picture his retirement. He plans to travel around Australia in a caravan with his wife - once he convinces her that it will be fun!
increased life expectancy, many of us will spend close to a quarter of our lives as retirees.
Matt has spent his career in the motor trades and is well on his way to make sure he has enough super to see the country in comfort.
For some, the age pension alone or relying solely on your employer’s super contributions may not be enough.
He joined MTAA Super as an apprentice in 1989 and now works in an automotive training role in NSW.
Leeanne Turner, CEO of MTAA Super, says it’s important that workers do what they can to help grow their super throughout their working lives.
“I’m really happy I’ve been with MTAA Super. It’s the industry super fund for my trade and has been supporting careers in the automotive industry for over 25 years.” “I’m still a long way off retirement, but I do think about what I will do when I stop working and how I will support myself and my family.” Matt, like many Australians, is not alone in his concern. Thanks to changing work patterns and
“Too many workers are hands-off with their super. Retirement can feel like a lifetime away, so it’s easy to put super on the back burner. But there are a lot of ways you can actively grow your super now.” She says one of the easiest and most effective ways is to make regular extra contributions.
“Small amounts can go a long way. Putting as little as an extra $10 per week into your super can add up to thousands over a 30+ year career.” “This is because of the compounding nature of superannuation. With super, you don’t just grow your employer and voluntary contributions, you also grow the investment returns on these contributions. Every dollar you add to your super account boosts your super’s earning capacity.” Ms Turner also adds that making extra contributions is easy. “It’s simple. Just ask your employer to set up a regular (pre-tax) salary sacrifice into your super, or make direct (after-tax) deposits into your super whenever you can afford to put a little aside.”
Give your super a boost! For ways to give your super a boost while you’re still working visit mtaasuper.com.au /extra-contributions
1300 362 415 mtaasuper.com.au
This article is issued by Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238 718) of Level 3, 39 Brisbane Avenue Barton ACT 2600, Trustee of the MTAA Superannuation Fund (ABN 74 559 365 913). Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited has ownership interests in Industry Super Holdings Pty Ltd and Members Equity Bank Limited. The information provided is of a general nature and does not take into account your specific needs or personal situation. You should assess your financial position and personal objectives before making any decision based on this information. We also recommend that you seek advice from a licensed financial adviser. The MTAA Super Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), an important document containing all the information you need to make a decision about MTAA Super, can be obtained by calling MTAA Super on 1300 362 415 or visiting mtaasuper.com.au/handbooks. You should consider the PDS in making a decision.
CLICK TO VISIT THE MOTOVATED TURBO AND MECHANICAL WEBSITE
John Di Mauro and Tony Martin from Motovated Turbo and Mechanical
MTA|Q&A Tony Martin and John Di Mauro own and run Motovated Turbo and Mechanical in Toowoomba. The duo established the company in October 2017 and the small business of just three employees has got off to a flying start making a strong impression in the performance and general servicing market under the guidance of its enthusiastic owners.
What products and services does Motovated Turbo & Mechanical provide? JDM: While turbocharging is our specialty,
we also do everything from a basic oil and filter change to changing a bulb to general servicing to pretty much building a car! We have the ability to do all those things and everything in-between. However, we do specialise in turbocharging and diesel 12 | Motor Trader August 2018
diagnostic, repairs and sales. That’s our primary focus. TM: There is definitely a market out there for the turbocharging service. It is a specialist skill and there aren’t many people out there who, for instance, repair turbos - there’s a lot of specialist equipment and training involved. And being that we can do on-vehicle
“WHILE TURBOCHARGING IS OUR SPECIALTY, WE ALSO DO EVERYTHING FROM A BASIC OIL AND FILTER CHANGE TO CHANGING A BULB TO GENERAL SERVICING TO PRETTY MUCH BUILDING A CAR!” work as well as turbocharging work means we do have an advantage. For example, when we’re dealing with other workshops that are having problems with a turbocharger, we can look at the entirety of the problem. A lot of turbocharger faults can actually be put down to another fault in the car - whether it be poor servicing, a blocked air filter, that sort of thing - and a lot of times turbos will just get replaced even though there’s actually no problem with them and the fault lies elsewhere. We can diagnose where the real problem lies. JDM: There are also a lot of turbocharger suppliers and sales guys that don’t do on-
vehicle stuff and are just the point of sale. They sell the parts but can’t really tell you what you need to do from that point. That is something we are good at. For instance, we can have a conversation about how one vehicle might usually use a particular turbo but if more power is required, then it might be better to adapt a different turbo and make a few other changes too. That knowledge is where we have it over a lot of others. The technology is continually changing, so you have to keep up through research and through training courses. You have to invest in yourself and keep evolving too. The most important tool you have is your knowledge. It is a key part.
Performance is a big part of what you do at Motovated. Can you tell me about the Rapid Performance Modules that you market? TM: Rapid Performance Modules is a brand from Italian company Dimsport and they are designed for computer-controlled diesels and petrol engines.
August 2018 Motor Trader | 13
The module enhances the performance of the vehicle and it does that by making alterations to the fuel injection system or through the boost sensors, depending on the style of module and the type of vehicle. It’s similar to remapping. Remapping rewrites the factory ECU and a performance module does a similar thing but does it externally and is connected directly onto the injectors or the ECU. The advantage with a module is that you can remove it and the vehicle will then go back to standard. That makes the diagnostic process much easier for any workshop because if the vehicle turns up with a problem it is quite easy to remove. Another advantage is to the customer. If they have a module on, for example, a HiLux, and after a couple of years they trade in that vehicle for another HiLux, there’s a fair chance that they can take that
“RAPID PERFORMANCE
MODULES IS A BRAND FROM ITALIAN COMPANY DIMSPORT AND THEY ARE DESIGNED FOR COMPUTERCONTROLLED DIESELS AND PETROL ENGINES.”
14 | Motor Trader August 2018
module off and put it on to the next one. With a remapping, once it’s done, that’s it, it stays in that particular car. The modules are quite popular and power gains are very similar to remapping. They are simple to install, taking from 15 minutes to an hour, and in that time you’re likely to gain anywhere from 18 – 25 per cent in power and torque, while economy and driveability are also much improved. I’ve been dealing with Dimsport for the 15 years, since they first came to Australia, have trained with them at their factory in Italy and I bring the modules in directly from overseas and distribute them to the end-user as well as to trade customers.
What’s your background in the industry? TM: I’ve been in the turbocharger game
for the last 17 years. Before that I was doing heavy plant maintenance but got out of that because it was getting a bit hard on the body! I moved into the automotive game and started working on turbochargers - building them, doing overhauls and custom modifications. I did a lot of formal training in the navy and my original trade is diesel fitting, but I went through the recognition of prior learning process about eight years ago. JDM: I’ve been in the industry in one way or another for most of my life! I’m
originally from Ayr and my grandad owned one of the biggest wrecking yards in north Queensland so I spent my childhood knocking around cars. I did work as a concreter for a while but then took my first proper step into the industry as a detailer at a Toyota dealership when I was 22. I then went on to do work such as plastic welding and repairs, doing vinyl trims, dashes and so on, and a lot of customising stuff. I also did a lot of car building and customising. The reason I got in to doing a lot of things myself was because I used to take stuff to workshops and they either wouldn’t do it how I wanted it or wouldn’t do it successfully. I soon realised that I could just cut out the middle man, teach myself and do the work myself. I was into turbo cars and I used to deal with Tony quite a lot getting various bits and pieces for my cars from the business he used to work at. We built up a friendship and he saw that I was quite savvy and interested in turbos and he offered me a position with them. That job was supposed to be a sales role, but I ended up going into the workshop. That was about seven years ago and that’s how things really got started for me. I didn’t have any formal training but have
since done my trade recognition and am qualified as a light vehicle mechanic.
How did you come to establish Motovated? TM: John and I were working together at
another business and had been thinking about it for a while, but we didn’t really know how to take the leap or what was going to be involved. We were doing a lot of research and then circumstances changed at the company we were working at and we thought, ‘Well, let’s go!’. JDM: We didn’t want to work for anyone else. We had talked about it, thought about it, and decided to give it a crack. We’d never know unless we gave it a try. TM: The biggest fear was about security. When you are working for a big corporation, you can be confident you are going to be paid every week, but when you go out on your own there is the concern that if you don’t get the work, you won’t get paid. And it takes a lot of effort to make sure that work is coming through the door, that jobs are getting out, that customers are happy and so on. To reach potential customers we use Facebook and Instagram, and use Local Search too, which works well. We also have a good online presence with our website, and word of mouth is important too, of course.
August 2018 Motor Trader | 15
“ . . . WE WERE TALKING ONLY
RECENTLY ABOUT HOW WE HAD SET ALL THESE GOALS FOR THE FIRST 12 MONTHS AND WE’VE SMASHED PRETTY MUCH ALL OF THEM IN THE FIRST SIX!”
JDM: There are all the sort of things that
you must consider when you run a small business. In a big corporation, there are marketing people, while in a small business the person that is trying to run the business also has to do the social media work, as well as stock ordering and other things too. A small operation has to cover all the angles.
How many staff do you have? JDM: There’s the two of us plus Natasha
who does our admin, our books, helps us to order parts, invoicing . . . she actually does a bit of everything!
It’s been less than a year since you established the business. Are you pleased with how these first few months have gone? JDM: It has gone really well. We were talking only recently about how we had set all these goals for the first 12 months and we’ve smashed pretty much all of them in the first six!
To what do you attribute this brilliant start? TM: I think part of it is that, as a small
business, we can offer a more personalised service. Our customers get to talk directly to us - the people doing the work. At other 16 | Motor Trader August 2018
shops they may not talk to the technician who actually does the job. JDM: We can work with the customer right through the process. I might talk to a customer initially via Facebook and I’ll be there all the way through to bringing them into the workshop, diagnosing what is wrong with their vehicle, fixing it and sending them on their way happy.
Where do you hope to take the business in the next few years? TM: I’d like to see the business grow, maybe to five staff or so. For a start, that would mean a less pressure on John and I and would allow us to take a break! I wouldn’t want to see it go massively big because then you lose that personal service, and I think that personal service is key.
What do you do with your spare time? TM: My son races motocross so I’m forever
working on his bike! He’s an apprentice carpenter and has a HiLux that were working on together to rebuild the motor. JDM: Work on cars! I used to have an old HQ ute with an LS engine in it, and that car actually ended becoming a bit famous. I wanted to create a rusty old ute that had a killer driveline and was mint mechanically and inside. We started its own Facebook page and it has reached about 18,000 followers! I still have it but have sold the CLICK TO driveline as I’m currently VISIT THE building a hatchback 'FARM UTE' FACEBOOK PAGE Torana and I need a lot of money for that!
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO MORE THAN 3000 PEOPLE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE MOTORING INDUSTRY (website or e-magazine options)
CLICK HERE FOR MEDIA GUIDE AND COSTS
18 | Motor Trader August 2018
SMART CARS THE RISE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE REVOLUTION
I
N RECENT TIMES, we have heard a lot about self-driving cars and how they will transport us smoothly and safely from place to place, gliding through our cities and making our lives that much simpler and more enjoyable. Their arrival, we are told, is imminent. And indeed, if things go to plan – the manufacturers’ plan that is – then that arrival may be just a year or two away. Every big player in the industry is researching and developing the various technologies needed for a true autonomous vehicle (AV) and there are plenty of others who have joined in the race to be among the first to bring them to the public. Amongst these are technology titans such as Google, ridesharing behemoths such as Uber and Lyft, and innumerable start-ups, all of whom are keen to grab a slice of a market that will, it is claimed, be worth trillions of dollars. Around the world, research, development and trialling of AVs is gathering pace. In Australia too, there is some movement – in June, the NSW government announced it was to invest $10 million in self-driving car trials and the governments of all other states and territories have some sort of investment and research underway or are preparing to do so. In Queensland, the Department of Transport and Main Roads is investing in the Ipswich-based Cooperative and Automated Vehicle
VIDEO: WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE?
Initiative (CAVI) Cooperative Intelligent Transport System (C-ITS) pilot project that will see some 500 private and fleet vehicles retrofitted with C-ITS devices that enable vehicles to ‘talk’ to other vehicles, infrastructure, road operations systems and cloud-based data sharing systems. We know a fair bit about a lot of the technologies that are key to cracking the self-driving car conundrum. Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging), Radar, GPS, and cameras are all critical for cars to be able to navigate our roads without the need for human intervention. What may be a little more difficult to get your head around is the system that reads and interprets the data that these other technologies gather. Radar, Lidar and camera images, as well as GPS data on speed and location, is all well and good but somewhere deep in the heart of a car's onboard computers, something must August 2018 Motor Trader | 19
Professor Michael Milford is a leading figure in AI and robotics research and their use in autonomous vehicles
‘understand’ what all that information means and adjust the movements of the vehicle in response. That system, the ‘brain’ of the car if you will, is Artificial Intelligence (AI). For the layman, the term Artificial Intelligence will often conjure up images of the ‘technology’ we have seen in movies – computers and machines that think like us, reason like us, have a consciousness. Sophisticated AI like that, however, has not yet been developed and what we see instead is a sort of AI-lite – software and code that seem fiendishly clever but are really deciphering and making sense of data sent their way and performing functions based on that information. In fact, the term Artificial Intelligence may be better thought of as an umbrella term for various systems that analyse data - systems such as Machine Learning and Artificial Neural Networks which use mathematical algorithms or replicate the workings of the human brain and are designed to be ‘Deep learning’ by using the stupendous amount of data that can be input into them. Grasping these terms, and AI in general, is a bit tricky, so it’s worth turning to someone who really understands what all 20 | Motor Trader August 2018
“HUMAN BRAINS HAVE A
BIG NETWORK OF ABOUT 100 BILLION NEURONS, AND ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS BASICALLY REPLICATE PARTS OF THAT NATURAL NEURAL NETWORK IN SOFTWARE.” this means, has an insider’s view of this area of automotive research and where it could be headed. That person is Michael Milford, a Professor at the Queensland University of Technology and a world-renowned researcher in robotics, autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence. His team works with Fortune 100 companies and governments developing AI and autonomous vehicle systems, as well as researching how these systems will impact society, infrastructure and investment decisions. His accomplishments are many and among them are holding the positions of Chief Investigator at the Australian Centre for Robotic Vision and Board member of the MTA Institute. He has collaborated with organisations including
the Australian Research Council, the US Air Force, Harvard University, Oxford University, MIT . . . you get the picture, he knows what he’s talking about. “Machine learning is a decades-old field of research of creating mathematical algorithms that are deployed in software and that do some sort of useful task,” says Professor Milford. “Deep Learning is a more specific term that concerns artificial neural networks. “Human brains have a big network of about 100 billion neurons, and artificial neural networks basically replicate parts of that natural neural network in software. Deep learning is about really big artificial neural networks, with millions of ‘cells’ in the software, being stuffed with data to train it to be smart. An example of that would be if you are training a network to do facial recognition surveillance at an airport. You input millions of images of faces and it gradually learns how to recognise individuals reliably. “A lot of the control systems and behaviour systems under development for autonomous cars use aspects of deep learning,” he adds. “But there is a huge spectrum. Some car companies are using traditional, what we call ‘rules-based,
VIDEO: WAYMO 360° EXPERIENCE: A FULLY SELF-DRIVING JOURNEY
if-this-do-that’, approaches while others are just driving a car around and feeding the raw camera data into a deep neural network and getting it to try and learn how to control the car. Then there are combinations in the middle.” While AI of this type – that analyses data and appears smart - is being used to develop AVs, in a less sophisticated form it is already everywhere in our lives. You may not be aware of it, but within a few feet of where you are sitting right now, AI is churning away, analysing information and recognising patterns in both your behaviour and the behaviour of others to perform a function designed to make your life easier. Digital ‘assistants’ on your phone or computer; online purchasing security and fraud detection; music and movie apps that recommend new songs or
Google's Waymo self-driving Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
August 2018 Motor Trader | 21
films based on your listening and viewing habits (think Netflix); online advertising recommendations – ‘primitive’ AI is being put to work everywhere. And while the system that is ultimately developed to control an autonomous car will be much more powerful and ‘smart’, we can already see the technology seeping into new car models. The most up-todate, whizz-bang safety features offer the clearest examples of this, with Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Parking Assistance, Collision Avoidance, Automatic Braking and more all becoming the norm, and all possible, through AI. So, how is it that AI is making such a dramatic difference to our lives, and becoming such a disruptor to industry, at this point in history? It has been a wellknown concept for decades (just think of how many films have been made in which AI plays a major role) and researchers, tucked away in universities and scientific organisations around the world, have been poking away at it for many years, exploring its feasibility and potential in sectors as diverse as robotics and health as well as automotive. The answer, says Professor Milford, lies both in the increase in capability of various related technologies – computing power for AI, and battery power for the related
field of EVs – and the financial windfall that many a far-sighted investor could sense was at their fingertips should the tech be made to work. “Both EVs and AVs have been around as projects in universities for many decades,” says Professor Milford. “There were autonomous vehicles on roads in the 1980s and though they weren’t very fast, the core concept was there. “But a few things have happened to make it suddenly come to the forefront. Key players recognised the potential worth of the market – Intel has claimed there will be a $7 trillion market for autonomous vehicles in the next 20-30 years – and once you get a few people saying that, there is, inevitably, the fear of missing out, so everybody gets on board. “There have also been steady improvements in technology. In the case of EVs, the cost per energy storage for batteries has continued to improve and at some point you start crossing those critical thresholds where you don’t buy an electric vehicle or electric storage unit because it is fashionable or because you want to save the environment, you buy it because it is the best financial choice. Those are pivotal turning points and we will continue to see them.” So, how ‘smart’ will vehicles become? Interior of the Waymo Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
22 | Motor Trader August 2018
“. . . THE DEBATE IS THAT IF WE GET TO A VIABLE TECHNOLOGY THAT IS WIDESPREAD, WILL THAT CAR HAVE SOME LEVEL OF ACTUAL INTELLIGENCE OR WILL IT BE A HIGHLY ENGINEERED RULES-BASED SYSTEM.” If the desire, and the money, is there, will a Knight Rider-style KITT car – a true, thinking, autonomous vehicle - be just a few years away? And if not KITT, is AI far enough along that manufacturers will be able to meet some of the ambitious targets they have set themselves for the introduction of self-driving cars? “For a car driving around and interacting with humans and other drivers, the debate is that if we get to a viable technology that is widespread, will that car have some level of actual intelligence or will it be a highly engineered rules-based system,” says Professor Milford. “The answer is probably somewhere in the middle, but we just don’t know yet. “What we do know is that, when it comes to technology, we are very bad at predicting
things. Some things will roll out very fast while some will, frustratingly, be in the same place in 30 years. Acknowledging there is great uncertainty is important. “So, those targets are possible, but if you look at the predictions made over the last five years, none of them have really come true. And that is because getting this right is hard.” While predictions can be tough, plenty of people in investment funds, governments and corporations are hanging their reputations, and shareholder and taxpayer wallets, on the success of the grand AI/AV project. And the money involved is staggering. A $7 trillion market is not to be sniffed at, and vast sums continue to pour into R&D. Last year, Ford bought AI start-up Argo AI for $1 billion; and earlier this year the investment business Softbank Vision Fund announced it is to sink $2.25 billion into GM’s Cruise AV program. The Softbank Group, along with a consortium of others, also made a monster investment in Uber at the beginning of this year, ploughing nearly $10 billion into a deal that left Softbank as the company’s biggest individual shareholder with a 15 per cent stake. And there a myriad other tales of heavy investments being made, and of big companies August 2018 Motor Trader | 23
The NXG3N Robotics Pegasus Flying Car project, which is based at MTA Queensland'automotive innovation hub, MTAiQ, will use AI for flight and navigation
snapping up AI and AV start-ups. The seemingly sedate world of academia is not immune to these moves, and there are plenty of stories of companies, keen to employ the sharpest minds in the field, enticing researchers to move from the university lab to the corporate workplace where money and resources seem endless. “This is an issue on everyone’s mind at the moment,” says Professor Milford. “Many of our top students and staff are now at self-driving car companies in America and there are some incredible tales of people being aggressively and repeatedly targeted. “It is tempting though,” he adds with a smile. “Anyone in this field who is visible internationally is approached regularly, and a lot of people have gone not just for money reasons, but for fulfilment reasons too. You get access to near unlimited resources, and being able to deploy technology in a fleet of cars and maybe save lives is incredibly appealing for researchers who might otherwise be frustrated in academia.” This talent drain is, perhaps, indicative of Australia’s place in the AV/AI space – it’s the home of immensely talented people 24 | Motor Trader August 2018
“MY DREAM, WHICH IS NOT
YET REALISED, IS THAT THESE BIG COMPANIES, WHO ARE ALREADY SPENDING SO MUCH MONEY AND KNOW THAT WE HAVE AN AMAZING RESOURCE OF TALENT IN AUSTRALIA, WILL SET UP SOME SORT OF R&D OPERATION HERE.” who could help the country be a leader in tech industries but who are hampered by slow government action and a lack of support for innovation and R&D. The problem has been recognised and many are working to correct it - the AV trials underway across the country are indicative of that - but there is no doubt, says Professor Milford, that the epicentre of many of these ambitious technological adventures is the U.S. “These projects assessing the vehicles and what they might be able to do – that’s all very good, but one of the problems is that almost none of the R&D is happening in Australia, it is all happening overseas,” he says.
“We have the talent here and there is no reason that Australia shouldn’t play a role in at least some niche areas of the technology and develop some tech that is in millions of cars worldwide. That would be awesome. “To do that, I think government needs to entertain more flexible attitudes to how they invest in projects, and universities need to entertain more flexible attitudes to how academics and students move in and out of academia into companies and startups and back again. “My dream, which is not yet realised, is that these big companies, who are already spending so much money and know that we have an amazing resource of talent in Australia, will set up some sort of R&D operation here. “And that is one thing I have been working on with colleagues. It’s tough because everything is very Americancentric, and they say, ‘Why don’t we just buy your talent?’ So, it’s a work in progress.” Safety, and the possibility of saving lives (reports have suggested that self-driving cars could reduce traffic fatalities by up to 90 per cent) is, Professor Milford says, one reason why academics are moving to the corporate world, and it is a word
that is perhaps the most important in any conversation about AI and autonomous vehicles. It may well be true that AVs will prevent the deaths of tens of thousands of people every year, but there is still some nervousness about the technology and there is no denying that accidents, and indeed fatalities, attributable to its failure, have occurred in testing. “You encounter two extreme views of AVs quite often, and they are both wrong in my opinion, and unhelpful,” says Professor Milford. “One is that we have to deploy them now because they’ll save lives and there is a moral imperative. But that is not true because they are not good enough yet. Then there is the hostile reaction to autonomous cars that says they should never happen. And that also is not correct. “Because there is so much money and so much concentration of talent and pressure in this area, it is a volatile situation and some people are probably pushing too quickly to deploy and test some of the systems on roads. “At the same time, there really is something of a moral imperative because if we can bring down the road toll, with limited deployments, even by just a few
MTA Queensland is involved in the retro-fitting of vehicles with C-ITS devices that will be used in the Queensland Government's Cooperative and Automated Vehicle Initiative (CAVI)
August 2018 Motor Trader | 25
per cent, there is strong pressure to do that.” Over the years, decades in fact, Artificial Intelligence has not necessarily received good PR. While it may be whirring away in the background of devices and products that are changing the way we live, it’s usually the devices and products that get the glory, not the geeky software that makes them work. Instead, AI must contend with the way it is portrayed in movies and pop culture. And that is almost always very bad indeed. From The Matrix to The Terminator, I Robot to 2001: A Space Odyssey, from Alien to Westworld to War Games (all excellent movies by the way), AI seems to always be the ‘bad guy’. Often the scenario goes something like this - humans develop learning software so advanced that it develops consciousness. It becomes self-aware and realises that humans are either, a: an imminent threat to its own existence, b: a plague destroying the planet, or c: getting in the way of a predetermined mission. Once it’s worked out which, the AI proceeds to work diligently on either wiping out all of humanity, dominating humanity into some sort of often unnecessary slavery, or knocking off the few humans in its way so it can perform its mission.
While these may be just sci-fi stories made to entertain, the idea that AI could be something of a danger is not one that is laughed away. In fact, some significant figures in science and technology have raised concerns. A few years ago, the late theoretical physicist Professor Stephen Hawking who, incidentally, used a basic form of AI to help him communicate - said in an interview with the BBC, “The primitive forms of artificial intelligence we already have, have proved very useful. But I think the development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race. Once humans develop artificial intelligence that would take off on its own and redesign itself at an everincreasing rate, humans, who are limited by slow, biological evolution couldn’t compete and would be superseded.” Elon Musk, founder of Tesla, also had some surprising words for the technology – surprising, perhaps, because AI plays a big role in the autonomous features of his company’s cars. Speaking at a symposium at U.S. research university MIT, Musk said, “I think we should be very careful about artificial intelligence. If I were to guess at what our biggest existential threat is, it is probably that . . .”.
Human-like AI, and armies of robots in which it could be used, currently exist only in the minds of writers and filmmakers . . . for now!
“. . . IF WE ARE INTERESTED
IN FURTHERING HUMANITY AND IMPROVING THE OVERALL AVERAGE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR EVERYONE, THEN AI, ROBOTICS AND ALL OF THESE TECHNOLOGIES, ARE CRITICAL.” He then added, “With artificial intelligence, we are summoning the demon.” On top of these comments, there was news last month that more than 160 AI-related companies and organisations, plus 2400 individuals, signed a pledge that stated in part that they would, ‘. . . neither participate in nor support the development, manufacture, trade, or use of lethal autonomous weapons.’ The pledge revolved around the use of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) - weapons that can identify, target, and kill a person, without a human ‘in-the-loop’. Does that not sound terrifying? Are we on the first step to the world of The Terminator and Arnold strolling about growling ‘I’ll be back’?
“You do get very strong opinions on this!” says Professor Milford, with a smile. “My own opinion is that in the long-term, general intelligence – that is, intelligence like a human – is a concern. A lot of people are working on how we can address and control that development path, but it’s worth remembering that it is very hard to get to that level of AI. It’s unlikely we’ll get there in the near future. “The second thing to remember is that hardware is difficult too. While the core algorithms that you see Google and other companies use are growing in capability quite quickly, the physical hardware into which that would be deployed is not advancing as fast. So, one of the safeguards is that we don’t actually have millions of highly physically capable robots around us that could do a whole heap of damage! “Overall, technology is a fantastic thing for humanity. It has issues that we have to control, and it can have unintended negative consequences that we have to anticipate and remedy, but if we are interested in furthering humanity and improving the overall average quality of life for everyone, then AI, robotics and all of these technologies, are critical.” August 2018 Motor Trader | 27
MTAQ Racing Team
BUMPY RIDE FOR MTAQ RACING TEAM AT SHANNONS NATIONALS
T
HERE WAS A monster gathering of motor racing enthusiasts at Queensland Raceway last month – and we’re not just talking about the Supercars Ipswich SuperSprint that took place on July 20-22. The following weekend, the Shannons Nationals race meeting rolled into town and dozens of teams across five categories – the Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia, Australian Production Car Series, National Sports Sedan Series, Australian Prototype Series and Series X3 Queensland – battled it out for podium honours. The MTAQ Racing team lined up with
28 | Motor Trader August 2018
more than 30 others in the Hyundai Excel Series X3 races, and sported a slightly altered look too, thanks to two new sponsors – Aqualuma and Local Search - whose logos were emblazoned on the car’s bodywork. Aqualuma is a world leader in LED lighting technology. Starting out in marine lighting, they have also taken their cuttingedge technology to commercial and retail applications, including workshop lighting. Local Search – a company many MTA Queensland members would know - is a market leader in getting businesses found and bringing new business in the door, using an arsenal that includes directory
“LED BY DRIVER DAVID
WOOD, THE TEAM WORKED WONDERS WITH THE EXCEL THAT WAS UNFORTUNATELY STRICKEN WITH TROUBLES ALL WEEKEND . . .” services, website creation, content management, SEO, social media and reputation management. It was certainly an exciting start for these new members of the MTAQ Racing Team family, as the massive field of competitors ensured the on-track battle was always
going to be fast and furious. That’s exactly how it turned out. Led by driver David Wood, the team worked wonders with the Excel that was unfortunately stricken with troubles all weekend and with a hamstrung car, recapturing the form that had seen them become regular challengers for podium spots at the end of the 2017 season was impossible. And the car’s problems began early, with a front brake pad disintegrating in the very first practice session on the Friday, and a piston ring failing in the second session that would lead to a frantic trip back to MTA Queensland’s home base at Eight Mile Plains where the team put in an all-nighter at the workshop to get repairs done and the car back on track. August 2018 Motor Trader | 29
MTAQ Racing Team It was, said David, an interesting start to the weekend! “The front brake pad disintegrated in that first practice session and that did cause me an anxious moment on the track!” he said. “When we inspected the car, we found the front pads had crumbled and split, so we spoke to the manufacturer, who hadn't seen anything like it before. They’re local, great to deal with, and we were able to get a replacement set and be on our way again. “Then, early into the second session, we had a piston ring fail in our engine,” he added. “That engine had been performing very well this year and while it wasn’t a catastrophic failure, it was enough to kill any performance, so we faced a long night ahead. We had enough spare components to do a rebuild - so it was back to HQ to start the task of changing and rebuilding the engine.
30 | Motor Trader August 2018
“The team hooked into the task, and we had the car back up and running in the early hours of Saturday morning. We had to use a lot of road-car standard parts as time didn't permit fitting all of our racespec goodies and the majority of those parts came from our donor car. “In the end we got home at around 5am and were headed back to the track at 6am in time for qualifying. By that point, in my mind, we were already winners as just to be back out there was an achievement!”
“THE TEAM HOOKED INTO THE TASK, AND WE HAD THE CAR BACK UP AND RUNNING IN THE EARLY HOURS OF SATURDAY MORNING.”
Without the opportunity to run the car properly prior to qualifying – aside, said David, from a lap of the carpark – the team weren’t certain what sort of performance the car would deliver and ended up starting the first race from 26th on the grid,
from a starting line-up of 35. “26th is our worst qualifying ever,” said David. “But to put this in some context, that lap was almost 1.5 seconds faster than our qualification time at the corresponding event last year, in which we qualified 13th!
August 2018 Motor Trader | 31
MTAQ Racing Team
“That underlines the enormous rate of development in this class. “We tweaked the tune and Race One started very well for us. I was able to nail the start to move into 18th at the end of the first lap, but then our horrendous luck continued, with the car having a fuel pump problem which saw us fade out of the race. I was able to nurse the car home for 22nd, which was disappointing given the start we had.” Another on-the-spot fix, another tune, and, thankfully, some luck that held, would see a better performance on the Sunday, which included a televised Race Three, but the troubles of Friday and Saturday were enough to relegate the team down the grid where it was just about impossible to climb up to challenge the leaders. “Sunday's races two and three did go much better,” said David. “The car's engine performed splendidly after we tuned it a bit more and got it in the ‘window’. I was able to move from 22nd to 12th in Race 2, but that was about as far forward as I could get – sadly, we just weren't fast enough. 32 | Motor Trader August 2018
“Race 3 was more akin to a boxing match - being the televised race, everyone wanted to put on a show. We were able to make a handsome start, climbing to 8th a few laps in, but we did make a mistake with the suspension settings, which made the car a bit of a handful and we didn't have the pace to escape the pack and get into the lead group. “The pack from 8th through to 14th was very intense, and we were on the receiving end of some desperado moves - getting pushed off and dropping back to 15th before recovering for 12th spot.” While the results of the races were not what everyone was hoping for, there were, once again, rays of hope that things could be turned around and the team's performance was one of which they could be proud. Part of the reason for establishing the MTAQ Racing Team was that apprentices and students would be exposed to the rough and tumble workings of motorsport at the grassroots level and, on that score, the weekend was a resounding success.
MTAQ RACING TEAM
PARTNERS MTAQ RACING FOUNDATION PARTNER
MAJOR PARTNER
MAJOR PARTNER
OFFICIAL TOOL PARTNER
“OVERCOMING THE
CHALLENGES TO GET THE CAR BACK ON THE TRACK ON THE SATURDAY WAS TERRIFIC AND THAT IS WHAT BEING A TEAM IS ALL ABOUT.” “A pair of 12th-place finishes doesn't even go close to representing the weekend's incredible effort,” said David. “Overcoming the challenges to get the car back on the track on the Saturday was terrific and that is what being a team is all about. On Sunday, that engine repair was well validated with the car running very strongly, and that was very,
very pleasing and a heartening reward for our all-nighter. With the handling properly OFFICIAL INSURANCE PARTNER sharpened up, the car would have been very fast. “Our next round is a SIGNAGE AND DESIGN PARTNER few weeks away back at our ‘home’ track - Morgan Park. With a few weeks to fit the OFFICIAL LUBRICANT PARTNER rest of our race-spec components to the OFFICIAL TYRE PARTNER engine, and a few new things we want to try, I am very confident we will be back challenging ENGINEERING AND INNOVATION PARTNER for wins at a track at which we always perform well. The rebuilt engine feels like it has a lot of potential, and I can't wait to get back to Warwick and make up for a poor showing t Ipswich. We are well overdue for a change in fortunes, and I think Warwick in September will be a great place to start!” The next round of the Series X3 Queensland will be at Morgan Park Raceway on the 8-9 September. August 2018 Motor Trader | 33
An Eye on Innovation
KATHY WINKCUP CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GENERAL MANAGER INNOVATION
I
T HAS BEEN another busy few weeks, especially for our CEO, Dr Brett Dale, who has been launching into another round of keynote presentations at national industry events to which MTAiQ and MTA Queensland have been invited. These include the Sydney Autonomous Vehicle Conference that has just come and gone, and the Mumbrella Automotive Marketing Summit that is nearly upon us. Brett will be relieved of presentation duties at the upcoming Electric Vehicle Expo and Convention, however, with Business Development Manager Anthony Bonaccorso taking to the stage in his place to deliver a presentation on the future of automotive. The Electric Vehicle Expo will be held in Brisbane on Nov 9-10. Still, Brett and the MTAiQ team will remain busy and, as he pointed out in his From the Desk of the CEO column, MTAiQ is collaborating with the company Refueler on what could be a fantastic initiative for business and consumers in the area of realtime fuel pricing. We will be talking about this exciting development in more detail in an upcoming edition of Motor Trader. That is a pretty exciting adventure to be a part of, and another is the F1 in Schools Challenge - an event of which we are very proud to play a part.
34 | Motor Trader August 2018
The Challenge is an international STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) competition for school children aged 9 to 19 in which they must collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test and then race miniature compressed air powered F1 cars. Not only a design challenge, teams must also rasie sponsorship and manage budgets to fund research, travel and accommodation. It is a fantastic project that inspires the imagination and critical thinking of children around the world, and when they say 'around the world', they mean it - millions of children from dozens of countries take part in the competition every year. The Gold Coast/South Brisbane Regional finals of the Challenge will take place on Tuesday 28th August and the top scoring teams will be invited to represent their Region at the State Finals later in the year. We're proud to say that Nathan Luu Nguyen, MTAiQ's Community Manager will be a judge at the event. Nathan has some serious credentials that make him a perfect fit for the role - as well as working with MTAiQ, he is co-founder of NEXG3N Robotics and of the Pegasus Flying Car Project. By the way, Australia has a formidable reputation in this event - in the 2017 VIDEO: F1 IN SCHOOLS CHALLENGE, 2017 WORLD FINALS
MTAiQ. You can also visit the MTAiQ website at www. mtaiq.com.au for more news and to find a calendar which details the many technology events that are now a regular part of the industry MTA Queensland will be presenting at, and sponsoring, landscape. the Electric Vehicle Expo It is also very much and Convention to be held worth noting that in Brisbane in November the MTAiQ site has a growing pool of resources for those with an entrepreneurial spirit and a IT IS A FANTASTIC PROJECT cracking idea. Those resources include THAT INSPIRES THE details on available grants, information on IMAGINATION AND CRITICAL the Robotic Roadmap for Australia, and guidelines for Autonomous Vehicle trials, THINKING OF CHILDREN amongst other things. AROUND THE WORLD. It's well worth a look. Remember too, that MTAiQ is always on world finals, Australian teams placed the lookout for smart ideas that can have first and second! an impact on the automotive industry as Innovation news continues to be it continues to evolve. We’re keen to hear jaw-dropping. Over the next few pages about those ideas and concepts and we’re you'll be able to read stories about the here to help you get them off the ground. use of Xray technology for the anlysing of It’s simple to get in touch. Just click vehicles, a flying car project from Aston on this link www.mtaiq.com.au/submitMartin and, perhaps most interestingly, ideas/, fill in the submission form, and the formation by Ford of a division we’ll be in touch within two business days devoted to autonomous vehicles. A clearer about what will happen next. declaration of the future of the industry I’ll be back with more in next month’s would, I think, be harder to find. edition of Motor Trader. Until then, FINALLY here's an interesting quote from internet entrepreneur Marc Benioff: "The only As always, I encourage every MTA constant in the technology industry Queensland member to read the is change." Industry Bulletin that is sent CLICK TO VIEW THE As the automotive industry each Thursday. It includes MTAIQ RESOURCES continues to evolve, that's an information and news on WEB PAGE idea worth thinking about. the innovation space and the work of MTA Queensland and Until next month.
“
”
August 2018 Motor Trader | 35
Auto innovation news
BMW GROUP USES X-RAY MEASUREMENTS FOR VEHICLE ANALYSIS VIDEO: INNOVATIVE COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM AT THE BMW GROUP
T
HE BMW GROUP has introduced computer tomography (CT) into prototype development, production and analysis. The company says that thanks to this technology, the full range of vehicles, from MINI to Rolls-Royce, can now be quality-controlled even in the early stages of development. Scans are performed by four robots which move around the prototype to produce several thousand cross-sectional images. These are then used for detailed examinations of innovations, new materials and bonding technologies. BMW says that until now, vehicles have had to be dismantled for analysis, but CT allows checks to be carried out with the vehicle completely intact. The new X-ray system is based in the BMW Group Pilot Plant in the Research & Innovation Centre (FIZ) in Munich, at the intersection between Development and Production. This degree of detail, BMW says, is required for a range of reasons - to check welds and punch screw connections, and
36 | Motor Trader August 2018
to verify body condition before and after painting, where extreme temperatures can affect adhesive bonds. Findings from the scan are then used as a basis for making targeted modifications to series production. The four coordinated robots work in pairs and send X-rays through the vehicle across to their counterparts. The data they collect is then put through a specially developed computer program that calculates a multi-layered, three-dimensional image. This forms the basis for a detailed analysis of the internal workings of the vehicle, offering information on objects as small as the width of a human hair. Engineers are currently carrying out research to establish how far Artificial Intelligence might be used to evaluate findings. By processing large amounts of data, the software can learn the many different patterns that occur, link individual items of data, and gradually evaluate findings automatically.
VIEW PAST ISSUES OF MOTOR TRADER MAGAZINE AT WWW.MTAQ.COM.AU/PUBLICATIONS
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS PAST ISSUES OF MOTOR TRADER
Auto innovation news
Alieno Arcanum
HYPERCAR TO THE EXTREME: THE ALIENO ARCANUM
T
HIS IS THE Arcanum, an allelectric hypercar that was revealed last month by Bulgarian company Alieno. The company, founded in 2015, takes its name from the Italian word for ‘alien’, and the Arcanum, on paper anyway, does look to be out of this world! To be available in four versions – the RP2, RP3, RP4 and RP5 – the top model RP5 will, the company says, have an astounding 5221hp, 8880Nm of torque, a power-to-weight ratio of 2.64hp/kg and a 38 | Motor Trader August 2018
top speed of 488km/h (303mph). The other, less powerful, models will still offer some mind-blowing performance, with the RP2 offering 2610hp, the RP3 3481hp and the RP4 4351hp. That power comes from a direct drive electric powertrain using three (in the RP2 version) and up to six (in the RP5 version) electric motors per wheel. The type AC three-phase flux electric motors are connected to a common connecting axis, to transfer the power to the according
wheel through a half-shaft. Power comes 1020 km on a single charge. The Arcanum comes with three braking from a battery system composed of systems: a hydraulic braking system, a Graphene LiPo cells and Supercapacitors. regenerative electromagnetic braking The battery will be available, the system, and a robotic air braking system. company says, in three variants: SBP An air brake parachute system will be (Street Battery Pack), with a capacity of an option! Alieno says the Arcanum is 180 kWh, TBP (Track Battery Pack) available for pre-orders with the with a capacity of 120 kWh and RP5 going for â‚Ź1,500,000 ($AU2.36 RBP (Race Battery Pack) with CLICK TO VISIT million) with a delivery time from capacity of 60 kWh. Alieno THE ALIENO 18 to 30 months, depending on the says the SBP battery provides WEBSITE chosen model. long mileage, reaching up to August 2018 Motor Trader | 39
Auto innovation news
McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC)
MCLAREN TO LAUNCH 18 NEW CARS AS PART OF PLAN TO GO 100% HYBRID BY 2025 McLaren P1
M
CLAREN AUTOMOTIVE HAS announced an ambitious, wideranging business plan called Track25 that sets out a clear roadmap for future vehicles, production and technology. The company says the plan will allow the brand to continue to position itself as a major global player in the sportscar and supercar market. The major news in the plan is McLaren’s commitment to ensure its sportscar and supercar range will be hybrid within seven years. The company will also evaluate new augmented driving features and help
40 | Motor Trader August 2018
develop a lighter, superfast-charging, high-power battery system for performance applications that is expected to have over 30 minutes of electric range around a race track. The company says it will also continue its drive to win the new supercar ‘weight race’ by ensuring that each of its products is the lightest in their segment. This complements a £50m ($AU88.9 million) investment in developing and manufacturing the future of lightweighting technology with the soonto-open McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC). Having launched the world’s first ever petrol-electric hybrid-hypercar five years ago with the iconic McLaren P1, McLaren plans to produce its successor as part of the Track25 plan. Investment in 18 new models or derivatives will help lift production by almost 75 per cent over current levels to around 6,000 cars a year by the middle of the next decade. Alongside a focus on the on-track
NEW UK AUTO TECH ROADMAP REVEALS CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHANGING INDUSTRY
VIDEO: THE NEW MCLAREN 600LT – THE EDGE IS CALLING
and on-road experience, McLaren will introduce technologies designed to improve the owning experience. Cars will feature enhanced cyber protection, improved vehicle tracking and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. “Everyone at McLaren Automotive remains constant in their focus of designing and crafting the world’s best drivers’ cars,” said Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive. “True to McLaren’s spirit, however, our ambitions continue to grow and our £1.2bn Track25 business plan which covers 18 new models, including a new McLaren P1, is clear proof of that. We are a luxury brand that is committed to investing in innovation, whether that’s in the development and manufacture of our own carbon fibre tubs as part of a new £50m British-based production centre, new powertrains with our entire range due to be hybrid by 2025 or the deployment of technology to enhance the driving and owning experience.”
LAST MONTH, THE Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), on behalf of the UK’s Automotive Council, delivered its Automotive Technology Roadmap Report that highlighted the technical innovations needed to deliver ambitious plans for future low carbon vehicles. The report draws on the expertise of 139 organisations from vehicle manufacturers and technology suppliers, to consultants and academics. The Roadmap predicts changes in technologies and regulations, and looks forward to the tech needed for next-generation vehicles (including solid-state batteries); the electrification of future powertrains; weight reduction and the design, materials and processes to achieve that. With increasing vehicle content and safety requirements, weight reduction continues to escalate as a priority for all vehicles regardless of propulsion type. The report identifies design, materials and processes, and the need for closer collaboration between innovators, government and the transport sectors. While the report is focused on the UK, there is much of interest in the report for the Australian auto industry and it can CLICK TO be accessed here. ACCESS THE REPORT
August 2018 Motor Trader | 41
Auto innovation news
FORD CREATES AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE DIVISION
F
ORD HAS ESTABLISHED Ford Autonomous Vehicles LLC, a new organisation charged with accelerating its AV (Autonomous Vehicles) business to capitalise on market opportunities. The new business will include Ford’s self-driving systems integration, autonomous vehicle research and advanced engineering, AV transportationas-a-service network development, user experience, business strategy and business development teams. The new LLC, which is structured to take on third party investment, will hold Ford’s ownership stake in Argo AI, the company’s Pittsburgh-based partner for self-driving system development. Ford expects to invest $US4 billion ($AU5.4 billion) in its AV efforts through 2023, including its $US1 billion ($AU1.35 billion) investment in Argo AI. “Ford has made tremendous progress across the self-driving value chain – from technology development to business model innovation to user experience,” said Jim Hackett, president and CEO, Ford
42 | Motor Trader August 2018
Motor Company. “Now is the right time to consolidate our autonomous driving platform into one team to best position the business for the opportunities ahead.” In addition, Ford is reorganising its Global Operations division to include Information Technology as well as the company’s global order-to-delivery system, integrating the teams, technologies and processes from both across Ford’s production system. The company says that this realignment will help the company accelerate the integration and application of technology across its industrial system to further streamline manufacturing, speed vehicle delivery times, reduce inventories and improve capital efficiency. “The evolution of computing power and IT have helped bring great products to customers – from cars to tablets,” Hackett said. “We can now harness this technology to unlock a new world of vehicle personalisation, supply chain choreography and inventory leanness that rivals any industrial model in the world.”
The benchmark of industry standards.
69 TH ANNUAL M OTOR T R A DE S
GOLF TOU R NAMEN T VIRGIN IA GOLF CLUB , FR I DAY, 5 T H O C TO B ER , 2 0 1 8
MTA QUEENSLAND ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE 69TH ANNUAL MOTOR TRADES GOLF TOURNAMENT TO BE HELD AT VIRGINIA GOLF CLUB ON FRIDAY, 5TH OCTOBER, 2018 With this year’s event set to be bigger than ever, sponsorship opportunities NOW AVAILABLE! MTA Queensland wishes to extend an invitation to you and your work colleagues to enter the event, and we look forward to some friendly competition on the green.
Download the MTA QUEENSLAND GOLF DAY FLYER for more information here Download the MTA QUEENSLAND GOLF DAY SPONSORSHIP BROCHURE here ENTRIES CLOSE 4 P.M. THURSDAY, 27TH SEPTEMBER, 2018 Iesha Iselin: Phone (07) 3237 8777 | Email info@mtaq.com.au PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Pains Q 4113 August 2018 Motor Trader | 43
Auto innovation news
Volante Vision Concept
ASTON MARTIN TAKES TO THE SKIES
T
HE RACE TO be a leader in the flying vehicle sector just got a little more crowded with the news that Aston Martin is to enter the fray. The carmaker has revealed the Volante Vision Concept, a luxury concept aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities. To be produced in partnership with Cranfield University, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions and Rolls-Royce, the company says the concept aircraft aims to bring 'luxury
44 | Motor Trader August 2018
personal transportation' to the sky. With room for three adults, the concept is a near-future study that previews a flying autonomous hybrid-electric vehicle for urban and inter-city air travel. “With the population in urban areas continuing to grow, congestion in towns and cities will become increasingly demanding,” said Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and CEO. “We need to look at alternative solutions to reduce
congestion, cut pollution and improve mobility. Air travel will be a crucial part in the future of transportation - the Volante Vision Concept is the ultimate luxury mobility solution. “Humans have always spent on average, one hour commuting to and from work. The distance we live from our workplace has been determined by the methods of transportation available. The Volante Vision Concept will enable us to travel further with our hourly commute, meaning we are able to live further away from where we work. Cities will grow, and towns that are today too far away from cities to be commutable will become suburban.” Power for the concept will likely come
from a hybrid-electric system developed by Rolls-Royce. “We are delighted to be involved in the Volante Vision Concept, which showcases the best of British design and engineering,” said Rob Watson, Director Rolls-Royce Electrical. “Rolls-Royce has already delivered hybrid-electric systems for other applications including ships and trains, and we’re very excited about the potential of the technology in aerospace. This is a great opportunity to collaborate on a pioneering project which will use high performance hybrid-electric propulsion technologies for personal air mobility concepts that could transform the future of transportation.”
August 2018 Motor Trader | 45
Auto innovation news
TECH THAT ANALYSES RACERS’ LIVE EMOTIONS MAY HELP FUTURE AUTO DEVELOPMENT
A
T THIS YEAR’S Goodwood Festival of Speed, UK-based technology start-up, Sensum, publicly displayed the real-time emotions of supercar and superbike racers in the Hillclimb challenge. Participants wore biometric sensors that provided data for Sensum’s ‘empathic AI’ algorithms to analyse live. Sensum then produced an on-going score of each racer’s emotional response to the track, ranging from ‘ice cool’ to ‘wild’. Sensum’s technology interpreted the incoming data to generate a map of the emotional journey along the track. The ‘wildest’ emotional response levels were concentrated around the two main corners of the track. The company says this is an encouraging finding for the experimental technology behind the 46 | Motor Trader August 2018
project because the wildest emotions occur at the track sections that are reported as being the most challenging. Another finding was a strong correlation between high levels of ‘wild’ responses and low track times. In other words, the fastest racers were also the most excited or stressed, rather than the calmest. This could suggest that the faster people were performing in a heightened state of alertness, ‘on the edge’ where their performance is optimal. Sensum says this kind of emotional measurement tech could be applied to future motorsport and also to the development of CLICK TO VISIT consumer vehicles. THE THE SENSUM “Sensum was challenged WEBSITE with connecting motorsport
VIDEO: MEASURING LIVE MOTORSPORT EMOTIONS
fans with the thrill of the Hillclimb,” said Gawain Morrison, CEO & Co-Founder of Sensum. “We demonstrated how current technology can be used to measure the real-time emotions and body data of vehicle occupants. “In future we will see many applications of this empathic technology, from lifesaving safety features to improved comfort and entertainment for vehicle occupants. In motorsport, we can look forward
HONDA AND PANASONIC TO BEGIN BATTERY RESEARCH EXPERIMENT IN INDONESIA HONDA MOTOR CO., Ltd. and Panasonic Corporation are to conduct a research experiment in Indonesia on battery sharing using the Honda Mobile Power Pack (Mobile Power Pack) detachable mobile battery with electric mobility products, including electric motorcycles powered by the Mobile Power Pack. The two companies are planning to begin the research experiment in December and the experiment will be conducted as one of the projects subsidised by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO).
to an exciting new form of audience entertainment that displays the live emotions of the racers.” Technology like Sensum’s could provide race teams with data to optimise the health and performance of their racers, and with moment-by-moment analysis of the vehicle occupant’s state, they could learn previously unseen insights such as which parts of the track are the most emotionally challenging, or when racers need to rest. In the consumer market, Sensum says all major automotive manufacturers are exploring how to integrate this kind of technology into their vehicles. This could save lives - for instance by detecting driver fatigue or intoxication - and also improve the quality of the transport experience. Sensum’s AI technology interprets data from sources including body biometrics (such as heart rate), facial expressions and voice patterns, combined with contextual data from the surrounding environment. As the third largest motorcycle market in the world, Indonesia is facing an issue with air pollution associated with the increase in traffic volume. To address this issue, the Indonesian government has announced a policy to facilitate the widespread use of electric mobility products. For this research experiment, Honda and Panasonic will install charging stations at several dozen locations, which will charge multiple units of the Mobile Power Pack simultaneously and supply fully-charged Mobile Power Packs to users at any time. Users of electric mobility products who experience a low battery level can stop at the nearest charging station and exchange their Mobile Power Pack for a fully-charged one and get back on the road. August 2018 Motor Trader | 47
Auto innovation news
(l-r) Toyota Concept-i, Welcab and e-Palette
TOYOTA TO BRING LATEST TECH TO TOKYO OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC GAMES 2020
W
ITH TWO YEARS to go until the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, Toyota has outlined the mobility concept that will become the basis for its Tokyo 2020 Games activities, organised around three main pillars: (1) Mobility for all; (2) Sustainability, centreing on the realisation of a hydrogen society, with the environment and safety as core principles; and (3) Transportation support of staff, media and athletes between Games venues using a Toyota Production System (TPS)-based system.
• S howcase the future of automated driving. Verification testing and demonstrations using SAE Level 4 automation, where all driving functions are performed by the vehicle in certain well-defined areas of operation; • Introduce a new type of moving experience through a demonstration of the TOYOTA Concept-I - a car that recognises drivers' emotions and preferences and can make conversation using artificial intelligence (AI);
1) "MOBILITY FOR ALL"
• Support transportation services for athletes and affiliated guests around the Athlete's Village with e-Palette, a battery electric vehicle specially designed for Mobility as a Service (MaaS);
Taking on the challenge to provide the freedom to move to everyone at the Tokyo 2020 games, Toyota says it will:
• Provide its existing assistive vehicles line-up, WelCab, as well as new personal mobility devices and support for last-mile mobility needs.
VIDEO: TOYOTA E-PALETTE
• Provide personal mobility solutions such as the Toyota i-ROAD.
2) S USTAINABILITY, CENTERED ON THE REALISATION OF A HYDROGEN SOCIETY Toyota plans to contribute to sustainable Games by providing a fleet of over 3,000 passenger vehicles for official use and others, equipped with the latest environmental and safety technologies. • T oyota will support the Games and their legacy with a large number of zero-emission hydrogen 48 | Motor Trader August 2018
fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) such as the Mirai sedan for official use. In addition, the Fuel Cell Bus Sora, as well as Fuel Cell forklifts will help support the Games.
VIDEO: TOYOTA I-ROAD TEST DRIVING IN TOKYO
• The latest Hybrid Electric/Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV/PHEV) from the Toyota and Lexus line-ups, as well as new Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), will mainly compose the rest of the fleet. • V ehicles for official use will be equipped with the latest active safety technology packages such as Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) and Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+), as well as Parking Support Brake (PKSB), a technology to help prevent collisions that primarily occur in parking lots and garages. • In addition to official vehicles above, some vehicles will feature Highway Teammate, an automated driving safety function that allows hands-off driving on highways (SAE Level 2* automation).
Mazda MX-5
MAZDA BRINGING VIRTUAL REALITY DRIVING EXPERIENCES TO UK CUSTOMERS MAZDA IS PARTNERING with shopping centre owner intu to bring virtual reality driving experiences to customers at five centres across the UK. The retail tour will offer customers the chance to experience a 360 immersive virtual reality test drive of either the Mazda MX-5 or the Mazda CX-5. Using VR goggles whilst seated in each car, participants will
3) G AMES OFFICIAL TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT USING THE TOYOTA PRODUCTION SYSTEM • T oyota says it will support the movement of official staff and athletes twith the latest connected technologies, such as vehicle Data Communication Modules connected to its Mobility Service Platform. • Toyota will also support on-the-ground vehicle dispatching and transportation operations from an efficiency standpoint. experience a virtual drive along the roads of the Italian Alps (MX-5) or around the Longcross test track in Surrey, UK (CX-5). Shoppers visiting the Mazda stand can also request an interactive digital brochure sent instantaneously via SMS or email, enquire about test drives, or simply find out more from the Mazda Brand Ambassadors. Mazda says it will also use this technology to enhance the retail experience through the launch of their Drive Together App. “The aim of this app is to enhance customer enjoyment and engagement with the brand throughout their retail experience. We are enabling customers who like to use digital devices as part of their shopping process, so each dealership will have the VR hardware to showcase the new interactive digital brochures and to offer exciting VR experiences akin to those found on the retail tour”, said Claire Andrews, Marketing Director Mazda UK. August 2018 Motor Trader | 49
Auto innovation news
HYUNDAI INVESTS IN AUSTRALIAN CAR-SHARING BUSINESS CAR NEXT DOOR
H
YUNDAI IS COLLABORATING with Car Next Door, one of Australia’s leading car-sharing companies, with plans for owners of Hyundai cars to be able to utilise a new version of Hyundai’s Auto Link phone app, now in development, to list their cars for rent when they aren’t being used. Using the inbuilt Auto Link unit connected to their phones, Hyundai drivers will be able to rent their vehicles by the hour or day to vetted members of Car Next Door’s peer-to-peer car sharing community. It will allow them to access and drive other Car Next Door-registered vehicles with their phones, negating the need for a traditional key. Currently available on the new i30 hatch and Kona SUV, and soon to be available on the new Santa Fe and IONIQ, Hyundai Auto Link connects owners’ vehicles to their phones, giving them information about their vehicle. The new Auto Link with Car Next Door functionality will be introduced in 2019. “This capability will be pre-installed and
VIDEO: CAR NEXT DOOR - HOW DOES IT WORK?
50 | Motor Trader August 2018
Hyundai Kona
integrated into a new version of Hyundai’s Auto Link unit, making it a simple matter to earn extra funds via Car Next Doors innovative car sharing platform,” said Scott Grant, Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Operating Officer. “We think it will be a great extra option for Hyundai owners and we are proud to partner with Car Next Door in this fantastic innovation.” “Fuel prices, economic pressures and rapid changes in vehicle technology are all supporting the development of connected cars and the sharing economy, so you can have a car when you need one, but when you’re not using it, the vehicle is out there making you money,” said Will Davies Car Next Door CEO and co-founder. “Owners can then factor this income into their regular repayments.” The company says that, on average, earnings when listing a medium-size car for rent on CLICK Car Next Door is just over TO VISIT $3,000 a year, with van THE CAR NEXT owners making $7,500 a DOOR WEBSITE year and upwards.
MTAiQ: THE INNOVATION HUB FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
Do you have an idea, a concept or an innovation that could make a difference in the automotive world? Do you need assistance in taking that idea to the next step in its development and to the wider world?
The auto industry is evolving quickly – technology is pushing the industry forward in directions we could scarcely imagine a decade ago and in another 10 years the vehicles that will be cruising our highways and byways (and maybe skyways!) will be vastly different to what we see today.
New ideas and new thinking are the fuel of this evolution and MTAiQ has a mission to not only help nurture new concepts, but to educate and assist the industry to adjust to, and embrace, this evolution.
At MTAiQ, we know there are creative and innovative thinkers and doers in the automotive sector who are constantly working on new ways to advance their business and their industry – and we are here to help.
With a purpose-built workshop, hot-desk working area with high-speed internet, an environment humming with start-up creativity, the backing of an association with more than 80 years working for the automotive industry, and a dedicated team with links and contacts across the worlds of investment, research and government, MTAiQ can help give your idea the development and backing it needs to shift into top gear.
Click here and submit your ideas, or problems that need solving, to MTAiQ for consideration. Come on . . . Let’s get started!
www.mtaiq.com.au/submit-idea August 2018 Motor Trader | 51
CLASSIC CLASSIC
TAKE TO THE TRACK AT H 52 | Motor Trader August 2018
C CARS C CARS
HISTORIC RACE MEETING
August 2018 Motor Trader | 53
54 | Motor Trader August 2018
F
OR THOSE WHO love motorsport and classic cars, Warwick was the place to be on July 14-15 when the 41st edition of the National Historic Race Meeting, organised by the Historic Racing Car Club of Queensland (HRCC), took over Morgan Park Raceway for the weekend. Hundreds of classic cars made the trip to Warwick, either to race, take part in a Show and Shine, or just to get a weekend run. But it was the track that was the major focus of the event with some thunderous racing taking place from sunrise to sunset across both days.
VIDEO: HISTORIC RACE CAR MEETING, MORGAN PARK RACEWAY, JULY 2018
The structure of motor racing meant that many categories were represented, from Group J Vintage Cars to the Heritage Touring Cars Legends of Bathurst, and „ August 2018 Motor Trader | 55
amongst the Touring Cars Legends were cars that were once at the pinnacle of Australian motorsport. These cars, including Ford Sierra RS500s, Toranas, XD Falcons and BMWs, were cars driven around the iconic Mount Panorama circuit by drivers such as Larry Perkins, Dick Johnson, Bob Holden and Ian Geoghegan. Talking of big-name drivers, both Dick Johnson and Bob Holden were interested spectators at the event and Matt Campbell
56 | Motor Trader August 2018
“. . . BOTH DICK JOHNSON
AND BOB HOLDEN WERE INTERESTED SPECTATORS AT THE EVENT AND MATT CAMPBELL WAS ALSO THERE FOR THE WEEKEND.” was also there for the weekend. If you follow motorsport, you’d know Campbell has had something of a special year – in
August 2018 Motor Trader | 57
58 | Motor Trader August 2018
June, the 23-year-old was part of the Le Mans-winning, Dempsey-Proton Racing Porsche team that scooped victory in the GTE-Am category for production-based machines. Winning Le Mans on your debut . . . that’s not bad!! At Warwick, Campbell took to the track in a Datsun 1200 Coupe in the Group Nc class – a category for cars which competed in Australia between January 1, 1965 and December 31, 1972. MTA Queensland had some skin in the game with several members taking
part - including Steve Jeffs from Bob Jane T-Marts Toombul, who was also a sponsor of the event - while Business Development Manager Andrew Bear (Porsche 911), along with his father Bob (Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV), put FIND OUT MORE AT the pedal to the metal in THE HRCC Regularity Trials. WEBSITE An outstanding weekend of motorsport, as well as a trip down memory lane, the Historic Race Meeting is one event to make sure is in your calendar for 2019. August 2018 Motor Trader | 59
Auto news
The BMW i8 Roadster and i8 Coupé LCI
FIRST BMW i8 ROADSTER AND UPDATED COUPE READY FOR AUSTRALIA
B
MW GROUP AUSTRALIA has announced pricing and specification details for the all new BMW i8 Roadster and i8 Coupé LCI. Now available in two body variants, both the i8 Roadster and Coupé feature further developed BMW eDrive technology, something BMW says increases pureelectric driving capability. The all new two-seater i8 Roadster shares the best features of the original i8 Coupé but receives aerodynamic refinements such as the open-air channels between the roof frame and taillights. The fully automatic soft top roof can be lowered and stowed in 15 seconds, and at speeds of up to 50km/h, and when the soft top is down, the rear window raises 30mm to act as a wind deflector. Unique to the i8 Roadster is a Travel Package, which includes electric seats
60 | Motor Trader August 2018
VIDEO: THE FIRST EVER BMW I8 ROADSTER. OFFICIAL LAUNCHFILM
with additional memory functions and a specifically-designed rear storage section with separating elements for additional convenience. The Travel Package provides 92 litres of storage overall. The Roadster also comes with a distinctive Lights Package. This system projects the i8 logo from underneath the exterior mirrors. Further identification is provided by ‘Roadster’ badging mounted on the c-pillar and rear of the body.
The i8 Roadster has new 20-inch bi-colour light alloy wheels in Radial spoke design with mixed-size tyres. New to both models are the redesigned Air Curtains. The cooling air flows laterally through the wheel arches and along the underbody, creating a quieter ride, even when the Roadster’s soft top is down. The two-plus-two Coupé also features 20-inch bi-colour Radial spoke light alloy wheels, a b-pillar ‘Coupé designation and painted brake calipers. Further personalisation can be achieved with Dry Carbon interior trim, BMW i Blue seat belts and Anthracite roof liner available as no cost options. There’s a choice of three bespoke interiors – Carpo, Halo and Accaro all offer luxury natural leather interiors and exclusive touches. The newly-
designed interior also features several key technological advances over the predecessor model. Innovations include a large colour HUD system, which also incorporates shift light projection when in Sport mode. BMW’s Navigation system Professional now features a 10.25-inch colour display with a tile-based interface and touchscreen functionality. The premium suite of BMW ConnectedDrive features is also included. This brings Intelligent Emergency Call, TeleServices, ConnectedDrive Services, Remote Services, Real-Time Traffic Information and Concierge Services. Other interactive systems include the 11-speaker harman/kardon surround sound system, DAB+ digital radio tuner and USB interface, while the advanced BMW Display Key and natural language voice recognition are also standard.
BMW i8 Roadster
August 2018 Motor Trader | 61
Auto news
BMW i8 Coupé LCI
Adaptive LED lighting features on both BMW i8 variants, with cornering functionality. The exterior also has LED technology for the parking lights and the daytime running lights. Inside, there’s LED footwell illumination, a blue LED welcome light and LED reading lights. The storage capacity of the vehicles’ high-voltage battery, which is positioned in the centre of the underbody, has now increased by around 70 per cent, to 11.6kWh (gross). BMW says this allows both models to benefit from 9kW increase in the peak output of the electric motor to 105kW, and an increase in the all-electric range (NEDC cycle) from 37 to 55 kilometres. Real-world range is expected to be around 40 kilometres. The electric motor’s output can be exclusively deployed at speeds up to 120km/h. The 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine produces 170kW of power and 320Nm of torque and combined power and torque outputs are 275kW/570Nm. Fuel consumption is a claimed 2.2L/100km (Coupé) or 2.4L/100km (Roadster) on the combined cycle. The electric motor also provides a boost 62 | Motor Trader August 2018
function that enables the all-wheel drive BMW i8 Coupé to accelerate to 100km/h from rest in 4.4sec. The Roadster achieves this benchmark in 4.6sec. The BMW i8’s battery pack can be recharged via a conventional household power socket, or at a public charging station, via its Type 2 connector. AC charging to 80 per cent capacity can be achieved in 2 hours, 30 minutes at a maximum of 3.7kW. Owners also have the option of installing a new generation BMW i Wallbox Plus at their home or office. PRICING: BMW i8 Coupé LCI pricing*............... $318,900 BMW i8 Roadster LCI pricing*............ $348,900.
THE NEXT EVOLUTION OF TOOL KITS WITH THE FAST AND EVER CHANGING TOOL REQUIREMENTS FOR TODAYS MODERN VEHICLES AND MACHINERY, SP TOOLS HAVE DEVELOPED IN CONJUNCTION WITH MANY OF THE MAJOR CAR MANUFACTURERS A RANGE OF TOOL BOXES AND TOOL KITS TO MEET THE DEMANDS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE INDUSTRIES TECHNICIANS AND MECHANICS. The Tech Series workshop boxes have been designed to not only store the tools but to stand up to the rigors of constant use and in many cases mobility. All the boxes are designed with a dog bone style frame construction offering maximum rigidity for the high volume and weight of the tools. Heavy gauge steel is used for all load bearing framework. The Tech Series boxes are equipped with heavy duty ball bearing slides with extra slides for load bearing on the deeper drawers, dual gas struts stays on the top box lids and soft close drawers fitted with SP’s Clicklock to secure the drawers when closed or when moving the box. All the drawers are heavy load bearing and are full extension capable allowing you easy access to your tools.
There are three external side storage compartments (great for aerosol cans etc) two on the top box and one on the roll cab. The roller cabinet also has a paper towel holder and a large removable side storage/rubbish bin.
Soft Close Drawers with Locking System
Paper Towel Holder
EVA Foam Storage
The larger top box to suit the wide roll cab and all roller cabinets are fitted with stainless steel work area tops and blow moulded side trays with holders for screwdrivers and bits and pieces. All the boxes have moulded corner bumpers for protection against damage and are double powder coated. With the increased load from the many extra tools required in todays tool kits all the Tech Series roller cabinets are fitted with extra heavy duty castors, two fixed castors and two lockable swivel castors for easy manoeuvrability.
Side Storage Compartment
Removable Side Storage/Rubbish Bin
Heavy Duty Wheels
THE TECH SERIES TOOL KIT RANGE STARTER PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIANS KITS THE STARTER KITS have a range of long polished chrome vanadium combination spanners (6-24mm), flare nut spanners (10-22mm), E star spanners (E6-E20) and 2 double ring spanners 75 deg offset (8/10 & 9/11mm) all housed in EVA foam insert. Also housed in an EVA tray is a full range of 1/4dr & 3/8dr standard 12pt and deep 6pt chrome vanadium sockets with all the accessories plus E torx sockets, inhex and torx sockets. Both starter kits come with 12 screwdrivers, 2 x 9pce hex key sets, 1 x 9pce Torx key set, Combination- Long Nose- Diagonal cutters and Locking Pliers, multigrips, adjustable wrench, 31 piece mini bit and ratchet set, ball pein hammer, tape measure, 3 prong filter oil wrench, pin punch set, pick & hook set, feeler gauges, razor scraper, safety glasses and ear plugs.
TRADE TECHNICIANS KITS THE TRADE TECHNICIANS KITS have all the tools that are in the starter kits and also a set of 1/2” drive sockets from 19-36mm, 60t ratchet, 250mm breaker bar, universal joint, 75 and 125mm wobble bar extensions and 5 x 1/2dr impact sockets (10-18mm), 6 x 1/2dr colour coded wheel nut deep impact sockets (14-24mm), 2 x 1/2dr impact extension bars (75 and 125mm) and a 1/2dr impact universal joint. Also a 4pce trim removal set, a telescopic inspection mirror and telescopic magnetic pick-up tool, air duster, LED magbase super brilliant rechargeable worklight and a digital multimeter. All housed in either a 7 drawer top box and 7 drawer roller cabinet or a 13 drawer wide roller cabinet. The trade technicians tools are also available in the Sumo Power Hutch boxes (SP50560)
MASTER TECHNICIANS KITS THE MASTER TECHNICIANS KITS have all the tools of the trade technicians kit with the same choice of tool box combinations but you get an extra ball pein hammer, a soft/hard face hammer, 3 x cold chisels, a six piece precision screwdriver set, a retractable utility knife, a pair of machine washable general purpose gloves, magnetic parts tray, a box frame hacksaw, 6-24v long probe circuit tester, 1/2dr 40-200Nm micrometer torque wrench, 3/8dr mini air ratchet wrench and a 1/2dr stubby air impact wrench with a bonus 5pc impact socket rail.
WWW.SPTOOLS.COM
NOW AVAILABLE IN TEAL COMING AUGUST 2018
Auto news
Mini Countryman S E All4
MINI AUSTRALIA CONFIRMS PLUG-IN HYBRID COUNTRYMAN FOR 2019
T
HE MINI COUNTRYMAN S E All4 will be available in the Australian market from the second quarter of 2019. The plug-in hybrid S E All4 is the first of its type to wear a Mini badge. The hybrid system is composed of a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol combustion engine, which drives the front wheels. The engine develops peaks of 100kW and 220Nm and drives through a six-speed Stepronic automatic transmission. A synchronous electric motor powers the rear axle, via a two-stage, singlespeed transmission. It produces a 65kW power peak, with 160Nm of torque that is instantly available. 64 | Motor Trader August 2018
VIDEO: THE NEW MINI COUNTRYMAN | PLUG-IN HYBRID
Combined output is rated at 165kW, enabling a 0-100km/h time of 6.8 seconds, while an electronically-controlled interaction between the two power units enables all four wheels to be driven when required, maximising traction.
In normal driving, Mini says the Countryman S E All4 relies solely on the electric motor, at speeds of up to 80km/h. From this point, the combustion engine is engaged, ensuring a continued flow of power at all speeds. Located underneath the rear seat, the lithium-ion battery pack offers 7.6kWh gross capacity. Using the supplied charging cable, the Mini Countryman S E All4 can be charged using a standard domestic socket. Via this method, Mini says that charging the lithium-ion battery pack to 80 per cent is completed in 3 hours and 15 minutes. Customers can also purchase a Mini Wallbox. When using the Wallbox, the
same recharge is completed in 2 hours, 15 minutes. The Mini Countryman S E All4 has a toggle switch, marked eDRIVE, that enables the driver to switch between drive modes. In MAX eDrive mode, the Countryman relies on pure electric power at speeds of up to 125km/h. The default AUTO eDrive blends combustion and electrical power. In this mode, pure electric driving is possible at speeds of up to 80km/h. A SAVE BATTERY mode biases power supply towards the combustion engine, allowing the battery pack to recharge on-the-fly. August 2018 Motor Trader | 65
Auto news
NEW COROLLA OFFERS ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES
Toyota Corolla
T
HE NEW COROLLA hatch has been fully-loaded with an array of active driver assistance and passive protection features. Active cruise control, a pre-collision safety system, seven airbags, and reversing camera are all standard across the threemodel Corolla hatch range. Headlining the features is an Active Cruise Control system that is standard across the three-model range of Corolla Ascent Sport, SX and ZR. Using a system of cameras and other sensors to maintain a set distance to the car in front, the driver is able to set a cruising speed of between 30km/h and 180km/h with the system operating at all speeds down to a complete stop for CVTequipped models. For the Ascent Sport fitted with the manual gearbox, the ACC operates at speeds above about 30km/h. All new Corolla hatch models are also fitted with a suite of advanced safety
66 | Motor Trader August 2018
“ALL COROLLA HATCH
MODELS ALSO FEATURE AN ADVANCED LANE DEPARTURE WARNING AND SUPPORT SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS.� features to help avoid collisions including an active pre-collision safety (PCS) system with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection. If a potential collision is detected, the PCS system will initially employ a visual and audible warning, then brake assistance and if the driver fails to heed the warnings, full automatic braking to assist the driver to bring the car to a complete stop. All Corolla hatch models also feature an advanced lane departure warning and support system with multiple functions. If the car deviates from the lane unintentionally, the lane departure alert
(LDA) will first issue an audible and visual warning before providing gentle steering assistance to encourage the driver to move back into the lane. To help reduce the potential of fatiguerelated collisions, the system also includes a sway warning function that displays a warning prompting the driver to take a break if the system detects the car swerving due to driver inattention. Corolla hatch models equipped with the CVT feature a lane trace assist (LTA) function that works when the ACC is activated. The lane centring function uses detection of the lane markings as well as the position of the vehicle ahead and then provides steering assistance to ensure the car stays centred in the lane. It is designed to function on highways and freeways, but if the driver removes
their hands from the steering wheel, they receive visual and audio warnings. Across the range, the new Corolla hatch offers further standard safety technology in the form of an automatic high beam system for the headlights and a road sign assist (RSA) system that is designed to recognise speed limit signs and displays them on the multi information display in the instrument cluster. Corolla SX and ZR models add a blind spot monitor (BSM) to the safety kit list with ZR also featuring head-up display. For improved safety and convenience when reversing, the new Corolla also comes standard with a rear-view camera with guidelines while for passive safety and occupant protection, all models include a total of seven airbags.
GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE ACCESSORY MANUFACTURER CHOOSES TO EXPAND IN QUEENSLAND
a company with a strong commitment to innovation, with nearly 20 per cent of its Brisbane workforce directly working on the development of new products. “We promised to deliver an economic plan that invested in innovation to create jobs, and EGR Group’s decision to expand their operations in Queensland is further proof of the benefits that are flowing from our proactive approach.” As part of the expansion plans, a forecast 178 new jobs are being created across EGR’s existing facilities in Brisbane, including engineers, product development staff and highly-skilled technicians. Positions are also being created for highlyqualified operations and maintenance managers and personnel, supply chain managers, project managers, product support managers and other staff. The expansion comes in the wake of the company recently signing a global contract to manufacture accessories for the Mercedes-Benz X-class, including canopies and hard tonneau covers, in Brisbane.
AUTOMOTIVE ACCESSORY MANUFACTURER EGR Group it to expand its national automotive hub in Brisbane with support from the Qld Government’s $105 million Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund. Up to 180 new jobs for Queenslanders are expected to be created. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk visited EGR’s Salisbury factory in July, welcoming the company’s decision to grow its national base. “The EGR story is a major coup for our state and yet another example of our Government supporting companies to expand in Queensland and deliver more jobs for Queenslanders,” she said. “EGR Group is a global company at the forefront of global technology with a renewed focus on export growth, and it’s
August 2018 Motor Trader | 67
M A Z D
Mini M
68 | Motor Trader August 2018
MAKE: MAZDA MODEL: R360 COUPE YEAR: 1966 ENGINE: 356CC, TWO-CYLINDER, FOUR-STROKE OWNED BY: DANNY IRVINE OWNED SINCE: 2011
D A ’ S
Marvel
August 2018 Motor Trader | 69
F
OUR YEARS AGO, Motor Trader had the pleasure of viewing a stunning privately-held collection of Mazda motor vehicles. That collection, owned by Danny Irvine of Mazda specialist Automotive Plus, has some true gems, including a cracking 1990 JC Cosmo (the flagship of Mazda’s luxury Eunos division and the first production car to have a built-in GPS navigation system) and the JC Cosmo’s rare and stunning-looking predecessor, a 1968 110S L10A Cosmo Sport. Only 343 of the L10A were ever built and it was the first Mazda to be powered by a Wankel rotary engine - the engine technology that Mazda would continue to develop and use for decades in its vehicles, and for which it became famous. Tucked in amongst these and other classics from Mazda’s past is a small and rather cute vehicle that was, in fact, a true milestone for the company – the R360 Coupe. This little car was Mazda’s first passenger car and was launched in Japan in 1960. A ‘Kei’ car – a designation given to Japanese models that are small in size 70 | Motor Trader August 2018
VIDEO: DANNY IRVINE AND MAZDA
“EVEN THOUGH I AM A ROTARY
ENGINE ENTHUSIAST, AND THIS DOESN’T HAVE ONE, MAZDA’S HISTORY IS IMPORTANT TO ME AND THIS CAR REPRESENTED AN HISTORIC MOMENT FOR THE COMPANY.” and small in engine capacity so as to meet strict regulations – the R360 Coupe was a two-door, four-seat sedan (though surely only four of the trimmest humans could have occupied it at any one time!), weighed just 380kg, was powered by a 356cc,
Mazda R360 Coupe
two-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke, 16hp engine and could climb to a nottoo-shabby 85km/h. Cheap and economical, the R360 was a wildly popular car on its release. It went on sale in Japan in June of 1960 and by the end of the year more than 23,000 of them had been sold, giving the company a 65 per cent share of the micro-mini car market. It was the foundation block upon which Mazda built its successful passenger car business. This particular model, a 1966 R360, was built at the end of the model’s six-year production run and it is an important part of Danny’s collection – the company’s first passenger car was one that he could not pass up the chance of owning – and one he tracked down in 2011. “Mazda were making the T-series and D-series trucks, but this was their first
vehicle where their focus was on moving people,” says Danny. “So, it was important to have this model. Even though I am a rotary engine enthusiast and this doesn’t have one, Mazda’s history is important to me and this car represented an historic moment for the company.” As with many of the cars in his collection, Danny found the R360 in Japan through an online auction. His business August 2018 Motor Trader | 71
takes him to Japan often and has enabled him to establish a network of contacts that not only gives him the opportunity to track down cars but also inspect them and store them for transport to Australia. “At that time, I was actively looking for cars and I think I added about a dozen to the collection in that period!” he says.
“While I didn’t see this one personally before I bought it, I did have someone go and have a look at it for me and I had plenty of photos. The seats had been retrimmed and it had been repainted at some point in the past 52 years. Plus, the previous owner had supplied a series of images of the engine being rebuilt, so I knew that was relatively fresh. “The condition was very good, pretty much as you see it now,” he adds. “Basic maintenance and keeping it clean is all I have really had to do.” While the R360 Coupe sold in big numbers in Japan, few found their way out of the country at the time and, like many cars, CLICK TO VISIT THE AUTOMOTIVE PLUS WEBSITE
72 | Motor Trader August 2018
they were, says Danny, considered rather disposable and are now considered something of a rarity. “They were never sold through the dealer network outside of Japan as far as I am aware,” he says. “Quite a few found their way into the hands of enthusiasts like me, but it is a rare car now. Mazda have one in their historical collection in Melbourne but outside of that I think there are only about half-a-dozen in Australia and maybe only four of them are driveable.” With a collection as large as his – now 28
“THEY WERE NEVER SOLD
THROUGH THE DEALER NETWORK OUTSIDE OF JAPAN AS FAR AS I AM AWARE . . . QUITE A FEW FOUND THEIR WAY INTO THE HANDS OF ENTHUSIASTS LIKE ME, BUT IT IS A RARE CAR NOW.”
vehicles – Danny obviously doesn’t get to speed the little Mazda around town very much. When he has, however, it is just as much of a head-turner as the classic L10A Cosmo Sport - a considerably rarer vehicle from the company’s past. “I actually haven’t taken it out for a while but when I have, people are very curious about it,” he says with a smile. “If the general public came in to look at the collection as a whole, it definitely would be the R360 that would gain the most attention. People that aren’t car enthusiasts or ‘Mazda’ people are automatically drawn to it because of how cute it is.” Interestingly, though the R360 is a historical marker for Mazda, and the Cosmo Sport is a rare and classic sports car (How rare? A beautifully restored version sold for $US264,000 in 2014), neither of these hold the top spot for Danny in the list of his cars. Rather surprisingly, that honour goes to his early 1980’s 626.
August 2018 Motor Trader | 73
“Emotionally, the 626 sits at the top of the list because it was my first car,” he says. “I cut my teeth in vehicle modification on that car so that is very important to me. But the R360 is up there because of its historical significance and because it is so pleasing to the eye.” It was Danny’s fascination with Mazda and the rotary engine technology it used and developed for decades that led him to build his fantastic collection. And that collection has led to doors being opened that would make many a car enthusiast green with envy. 2017, in particular, was a fruitful year, with invitations to events that took him around the world. “Last year was a big one for Mazda globally,” he says. “The first big event was in May when Mazda and the Frey family in Germany, who have been Mazda dealers for a long time, opened the first Mazda museum outside of Japan. I was very 74 | Motor Trader August 2018
“I ACTUALLY HAVEN’T TAKEN
IT OUT FOR A WHILE BUT WHEN I HAVE, PEOPLE ARE VERY CURIOUS ABOUT IT . . . PEOPLE THAT AREN’T CAR ENTHUSIASTS, OR ‘MAZDA’ PEOPLE, ARE AUTOMATICALLY DRAWN TO IT BECAUSE OF HOW CUTE IT IS.”
fortunate to be invited to attend by Mazda Europe, and that was a terrific event. “2017 was also the 50th anniversary of Mazda’s use of the rotary engine and the 50th anniversary of the Cosmo Sport,” he adds. “As a member of the Cosmo Sport owners club of Japan, I was invited to their international gathering in Hiroshima in September, and a week after that I headed up to Mt Fuji Speedway for the 50th anniversary celebration of the rotary
engine. Both of those events were amazing, and I was able to meet some of the original engineers who worked on the rotary project as well as talk to the gentlemen involved in the development of cars like the MX5 and the RX7. It was fantastic.” While 2018 and 2019 might be a little bit quieter in the globe-trotting stakes, there is, in 2020, the little matter of Mazda’s 100th anniversary. Celebrations are sure to be comprehensive and it would be no surprise to find Danny at more than one over the course of the year. Flying across the world, celebrating the thing you have a true passion for . . . sounds pretty good to us. Zoom Zoom indeed.
!
DO YOU HAVE A PRIDE AND JOY IN THE GARAGE THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE IN THE PAGES OF MOTOR TRADER? Contact Jonathan Nash at jonathann@mtaq.com.au and let’s see if we can share your classic with other members.
August 2018 Motor Trader | 75
Auto news
MOTOR VEHICLE SALES TAKE A DIVE IN JULY
T
HE AUSTRALIAN MOTOR vehicle industry experienced a 7.8 per cent decline in sales during July 2018 compared with July 2017, according to the latest data released by VFACTS. Only four light vehicle sales segments produced gains during a July in which the industry recorded total sales of 85,551, down from 92,754 for the same month in 2017. Passenger car sales fell by 20.2 per cent and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) by 1 per cent, although the light commercial segment produced an incremental gain of 0.1 per cent in comparison with the same month last year. The Toyota Hilux, posting sales of 3,747, and the second-placed Ford Ranger with 2,950 sales, again led the market. Hardest hit by the July decline was the large car segment (-56.3 per cent), together with medium passenger cars (-31.3 per cent), sports cars (-38.2 per cent) and upper large category passenger cars (-46.1 per cent). The July fall has seen the total market slip below record-setting pace for the first
76 | Motor Trader August 2018
time this year. Total sales for the first seven months of 2018 reached 691,073. All states and territories, bar Tasmania which rose by 5.9 per cent, felt the July decline. New South Wales slipped 9.6 per cent, Victoria by 6.3 per cent and Queensland dropped 5.8 per cent. Western Australia (-8.1 per cent), South Australia (-11.3 per cent), the ACT (-12.2 per cent) and the NT (-18.8 per cent) also fell. Sales to business declined by 9.1 per cent during July compared with the same month last year, while private sales also fell by 9 per cent. Rental fleet sales dropped 4.8 per cent. Toyota was the market leader in July with a 19.8 per cent share, followed by Mazda (10.4%), Hyundai (8.3%), Mitsubishi (6.9%) and Ford (6.4%). Holden, once the power player in the market, sold less than 4,000 cars for the month, reportedly relegating the brand to 9th spot in market share. The Toyota Hilux led July with 3,747 sales, followed by the Ford Ranger (2,950), Toyota Corolla (2,594), Mazda3 (2,443) and Mazda CX-5 (2,233).
We’re not just famous for getting into bed with CAMS.
At Famous Insurance we’re proud to be the Official Car Insurance Partner of CAMS. We’re committed to offering all CAMS members unique benefits on their Car and Bike Insurance. For further information, call 1300 32 6687 or visit famousinsurance.com.au Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Insurance underwritten by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (‘RACQ’). Famous Insurance Agency Pty Ltd ABN 66 168 467 561 is authorised to arrange and issue this insurance as agent of RACQ. Please read the PDS before making a decision about this product, contact us for a copy.
Auto news
TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL WEBSITE LAUNCHED BY AUTO INDUSTRY BODY
V
EHICLE OWNERS THROUGHOUT Australia are being urged by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) to check if their vehicles are fitted with a faulty Takata airbag Tony Weber, Chief Executive, FCAI inflator via a new, centralised website as part of a compulsory nationwide recall. FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber launched the website, www. ismyairbagsafe.com.au, and a national advertising campaign, to drive vehicle owners to the site to check their number plate against the database of affected vehicles. There have been 24 reported deaths and 266 injuries worldwide caused by mis-deploying Takata airbag inflator ruptures, with one death and one serious injury reported in Australia. Mr Weber highlighted the critical need to replace ‘alpha’-type airbag inflators, which are a subset of faulty Takata
78 | Motor Trader August 2018
airbag inflators that pose the greatest safety risk to vehicle occupants. These alpha airbag inflators were installed in certain BMW, Honda, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota models sold between 2001 and 2004. “Some 19,500 vehicles in Australia still need to have their alpha airbag inflators replaced as a matter of utmost urgency,” Mr Weber said. “In certain circumstances, there is a chance as high as 1-in-2 that these may rupture on deployment in a collision. These vehicles with alpha airbag inflators should not be driven and owners should immediately contact their manufacturer. “If a faulty Takata airbag inflator ruptures, metal fragments will propel out of the airbag and into the vehicle cabin, potentially causing serious injury or death to occupants. “It is vital that vehicle owners don’t underestimate the seriousness of
this national recall.” The extreme urgency attached to alpha airbag inflator replacements has resulted in attempts to contact owners multiple times – often as many as five or six times via mail and other contact methods. The industry has already replaced Takata airbag inflators in almost half of the 3.05 million vehicles affected nationwide. The risk of faulty Takata airbag inflators mis-deploying may arise after the first six years in the worst conditions from exposure to high temperatures and humidity levels. This has assisted the affected car brands in prioritising those vehicles which are most at risk to help manage the complex supply and rectification process at the dealer level. The worldwide shortage of replacement airbag inflators meant that it has been necessary for some vehicles to undergo an interim fix with brand new Takata airbag inflators. These airbag inflators used for the interim fix do not pose any immediate risk but will need to be replaced again before they are six years old. “Any customer who has had an airbag inflator replaced should also check the website to find out if their vehicle will be subject to a future recall,” Mr Weber said. Mr Weber said motorists had responded well to the voluntary recall however, it is estimated there are approximately 1.6 million cars on Australian roads identified as requiring their faulty Takata airbag inflator to be replaced now, or in the future. All affected automotive brands involved in the recall have been contacting vehicle owners, or will do so in the immediate future, to alert CLICK TO them to the need to take VISIT THE ISMYAIRBAGSAFE action and arrange to have WEBSITE their faulty Takata airbag inflators replaced.
HYUNDAI MOTOR PREPARES TO LAUNCH THE NEW I30 FASTBACK N HYUNDAI MOTOR IS in the final stages of development of the next model to join its range of highperformance cars wearing the N logo: the i30 Fastback N. The company says that prototype testing is now well under way, including extensive assessments on a variety of road surfaces around Europe. Among the testing locations is the Nordschleife circuit at the Nurburgring in Germany, where Hyundai has its own technical centre. The track and the public roads around the region are among those used to evaluate performance and durability, helping to prepare what will be the third N model, after the fivedoor i30 N and the Veloster N. More information on the new i30 Fastback N will be announced later this year, closer to the time of its launch. August 2018 Motor Trader | 79
Auto news
Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept
AUSTRALIA GETS A PEEK AT GR SUPRA RACING CONCEPT
T
HE TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Supra Racing Concept vehicle has been displayed at an exclusive one-day event in the foyer of Toyota's Corporate Headquarters in Port Melbourne. The vehicle was flown in from the U.K. to be showcased at Toyota's National Dealer Conference in the Hunter Valley before being moved to Toyota Australia's Melbourne headquarters. It was the first time that the vehicle was shown in Australia and the first Toyota sports car concept to be displayed locally since 2011. Toyota says the GR Supra Racing Concept strongly hints at the final production version of the vehicle that will be available globally from 2019. Toyota Australia's Manager of Public Affairs, Brodie Bott, said that with the huge public interest in the latest generation A90 Supra, it was the perfect opportunity to
80 | Motor Trader August 2018
share it with employees and Toyota fans. "The interest in Supra has been steadily growing since we unveiled this concept at Geneva. We are very excited to be able to show off this unique racing concept of the Supra here with its fans," he said. "We are working very hard and are in the final stages of securing this vehicle for a return Australia and hope to be able make an official announcement about Supra's return very soon.�
Auto news
NEW LAMBO TAKES NURBURGRING RECORD
Aventador SVJ
T
HE NEW LAMBORGHINI Aventador SVJ has taken the lap record for production cars at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, in a lap time of 6:44.97 minutes. The camouflaged Aventador SVJ, with official Lamborghini driver Marco Mapelli at the helm, was managed by Lamborghini’s R&D team, with extensive tyre support from Pirelli who fitted the car with its P Zero Trofeo R tyres. “This is another demonstration of the exceptional skills and teamwork by the dedicated personnel within Automobili Lamborghini: from the R&D team, as well as from our test drivers and, of course, partners such as Pirelli,” said Maurizio Reggiani, Lamborghini’s Chief Technical Officer. The V12, 760hp, Aventador SVJ has been created to feature higher power output, with lightweight materials contributing to a weight-to-power ratio of only 1.98 kg/hp.
It features Lamborghini’s patented ALA 2.0 active aerodynamics system with aero vectoring for performance handling and downforce, as well as new aerodynamic features. Lamborghini says the set-up of the Aventador SVJ has been entirely reengineered to enhance its four-wheel drive system, rear-wheel steering and ESC. The Aventador SVJ features a new specifically-developed Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyre as standard. VIDEO: AVENTADOR SVJ BREAKS THE RECORD
August 2018 Motor Trader | 81
Auto news
Nissan N-SPORT Range
NISSAN INTRODUCES N-SPORT SPECIAL EDITIONS
N
ISSAN HAS INTRODUCED N-SPORT special editions for the X-TRAIL, the seven-seat Pathfinder and 370Z. The 2018 Nissan 370Z N-SPORT features GT-inspired exterior graphics that start at the tip of the bonnet and stretch over the roof and boot lid - as well as across the base of the driver and passenger doors. In addition, the 370Z includes black 18-inch alloy wheels and black gloss side mirrors. Inside, the N-SPORT version has yellow accents on the door trim, steering wheel, shift knob, knee pads and dash, while the bespoke black cloth seats are integrated with yellow embroidery. With 50 units available, and prices
Nissan Pathfinder N-SPORT
82 | Motor Trader August 2018
starting from $48,490, the 370Z N-SPORT is offered in three colours including Chicane Yellow and premium shades Diamond Black and Shiro White. Nissan’s five-seat X-TRAIL ST-L (in twowheel drive and four-wheel drive) has also received an update. Available in four colours - including Diamond Black, Gun Metallic, Brilliant Silver and Ivory Pearl - the exterior updates include larger 18-inch black alloy wheels, gloss black mirror caps, dark metallic front and rear bumper finisher, black side sills, a dark chrome front grille and black roof rails. Only available on 600 units, pricing for the X-TRAIL ST-L N-SPORT begins at $39,250. Nissan X-TRAIL N-SPORT
The seven-seat Nissan Pathfinder ST-L two-wheel drive auto also has an N-SPORT variant. Priced at $56,425, the ST-L N-SPORT comes with black painted 20-inch alloys, black mirror caps and black front grille, as well as black front and rear lower grille accents and roof rails. All are available on a colour palette that includes Diamond Black, Gun Metallic and Ivory Pearl. All models are on sale from August 1. Model Drivetrain Price Nissan 370Z N-SPORT MT $48,490 Nissan 370Z N-SPORT AT $50,990 (Add $550 for premium colours – Diamond Black & Shiro White) Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L NAT $39,250 SPORT 2WD Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L NAT $41,250 SPORT 4WD Nissan Pathfinder ST-L AT $56,425 N-SPORT Nissan 370Z N-SPORT
BUGATTI TO LAUNCH THE DIVO LIMITED EDITION MODEL BUGATTI HAS ANNOUNCED that it is working on a new model, called the Bugatti Divo. Named after Albert Divo, the French racing driver who won the Targa Florio race on a mountainous circuit in Sicily for Bugatti twice in the late 1920s, the Bugatti Divo will be designed with that type of circuit in mind, with the company saying it will be light and nimble and boast enormous downforce and g-forces. Not much else has been revealed about the car, other than the production number and the cost, which is, as you might expect, eyewateringly high. Only 40 vehicles will be made, and available at the bargain price of €5 million ($AU7.9 million). Bugatti plans to unveil the Divo on 24 August at ‘The Quail – A Motorsports Gathering’ in California. August 2018 Motor Trader | 83
PPSR TIPS AND TRAPS FOR MOTOR DEALERS
A
S THE SOLICITORS providing the legal hotline service to MTAQ members, we are often asked for advice by members regarding issues with the treatment of encumbered vehicles, PPSR searches and attempted repossessions. We have put together below our list of the most critical issues we’ve come across, and how to ensure you are not caught out.
1. ALWAYS SEARCH THE VIN It is important that all members understand the importance of conducting PPSR searches, similar to how one would 84 | Motor Trader August 2018
CLICK TO VISIT THE BENNETT & PHILP WEBSITE
have conducted REVS searches before the PPSR. Even if you are not buying a vehicle for resale (eg. for parts) and are not concerned by needing to provide a warranty that the vehicle is unencumbered, you should not take possession of a vehicle without first conducting at least a VIN search on the PPSR. Do not rely on a statutory declaration, guarantee or warranty from the seller as to ownership or encumbrances. This will only give you a right against the seller; in the meantime,
the vehicle may be lawfully repossessed or a claim may be made against you leading to costs and expenses.
2. UNDERSTANDING A SEARCH Searching the VIN number on the official PPSR website and through most search providers will not only tell you if the vehicle is encumbered but also return particulars of the vehicle such as its make, model and registration. If your search does not list the particulars of the vehicle or they differ, the VIN number could be incorrect or unrecognised. You should then make additional searches and enquiries such as with the Department of Transport. An official PPSR search will also provide information such as whether the vehicle has been previously written off or is listed as stolen, or the subject of proceeds of crime. The presence of this information cannot be guaranteed, but if the search returns information of this kind, you’ll be glad you did one!
3. S EARCHING THE SELLER FOR INVENTORY VEHICLES Most members don’t realise that the protection afforded by only conducting a VIN search does not apply if you are buying the vehicle as inventory. If the vehicle will be inventory in your hands, then you should also conduct a search of the seller’s name, ACN and ABN as any general security against the seller will be binding against you even if not separately registered on the vehicle’s VIN. This problem typically arises in dealer to dealer transactions where the selling dealer enters financial difficulty and its floor plan financier seeks to repossess all vehicles that were last on its books, this could include vehicles recently sold to another unsuspecting dealer. We therefore recommend that, if you are buying a vehicle as inventory, you also search the seller separately and request a
written release from any general security holder, such as the floor plan financier. The risk of failing to do so is that the general security holder is at liberty to make a claim against the vehicle and protect its claim by registering a security on the VIN sometimes up to 24 months following the sale. This will then prevent you from dealing with the vehicle and could place you at risk if you already have, that is, you could be liable to the secured party for damages.
4. RELEASE AND DISCHARGE PROCEDURE The PPSR provides the ability for a secured party to discharge a registration online. However, often a secured party will say that it will only do so after it has received payment. In that case, you should request a payout figure statement from the secured party and either a written release in exchange for a cheque, or a written undertaking to discharge on receipt of payment in exchange for an EFT. When a written release is given, most businesses will provide an Australian Bankers Association (ABA) Release and Undertaking, however, a letter from the secured party will be satisfactory provided it identifies the vehicle and unequivocally confirms that the secured party releases or has no interest in the vehicle. An undertaking to discharge on receipt of payment may be contained in the payout figure statement or provided by separate correspondence. If the secured party subsequently fails to discharge the PPSR registration, you can make a formal demand and send a request to the PPSR Registrar for removal of the registration, but if you did not obtain a release or undertaking, your request may be denied.
August 2018 Motor Trader | 85
RTO No. 31529
Can you afford not to be in the circle? Advocacy
e
OurAuto Tech-Centre is a repair information service offering technical information on more than 90 per cent of passenger vehicles on our roads. Available to MTAQ members at a 20 per cent discount. OurAuto Digital specialises in online marketing solutions that are tailored to your business, including website design, online marketing, and website hosting.
n r s
Stay ahead of the automotive digital revolution with access to events and MTAiQ.
MTAA Superannuation is the industry’s superfund. Our superannuation partner has over 200,000 members who enjoy excellent service and returns.
t
Innovation
r Safety Help provides the automotive industry with a service dedicated to making your business complaint properly and professionally.
MTA Queensland | Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113 Phone (07) 3237 8777 Fax +61 7 3844 4488 Email info@mtaq.com.au Website www.mtaq.com.au Postal PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113
Search for MTA Queensland
20150315
⑤
Guard Insurance Brokers specialises in insurance and risk management solutions and offers dedicated service to MTAQ members at market leading rates.
a
• Our corporate partners offer substantial savings on EFTPOS fees, electricity & gas bills and business & residential insurance • Library of online business resources and templates • Weekly industry bulletin • FREE Jobs Board • Discounts on stationery & workshop products • Monthly subscription to the Motor Trader e-magazine • Regular specials & discounts
P
Support
Dun and Bradstreet is the nation’s foremost credit control and debt collection agency. Members are eligible for substantial savings on annual subscriptions.
e
④
Specalising in matters such as print solutions, finance, electricity, gas rates and solar; Core SME is a vendor neutral business with one simple objective; reduce costs, increase profits and streamline workflows for your business.
t
Receive 20% off MTA Institute short industry courses, including licensing and management courses.
a
Training
The Commonwealth Bank offers members some of the lowest EFTPOS charges in the country. Members have saved thousands with CBA.
r
③
o
Receive FREE expert advice on Industrial Relations matters, saving your business thousands on legal expenses!
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.
p
Services
r
②
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.
o
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.
C
①
Save with our Corporate Partners
GENERAL MANAGER MTA INSTITUTE
W
E ARE RIGHT into the new financial year and work doesn’t stop. That’s not a bad thing - I think having plenty of work is good and I’d hate to have nothing to do! I was talking to a mate who runs a specialised motorbike tyre and spoke business. He’s dedicated to his craft and puts in massive hours to make the business run and keep his customers happy. I admire his time and dedication, but it got me thinking - when is the right time to look for help and put someone on so that you can work on the business, rather than work in the business? It’s a tough call and sometimes it feels like the stars must align to make this happen. Sometimes a little financial boost can make the difference. Speaking to employers, the first thing they are after is a good worker, but this can sometimes prove to be elusive. This is usually followed by, “It’d be good if there is some sort of incentive to put them on.” There are a few ways you can have both. You can go to jobsearch.gov.au and find a Jobactive provider near you. This is a no
cost option. There may also be support payments of $20,000 available for eligible employers under the Back to Work scheme when you hire an unemployed job seeker (subject to certain criteria). Alternatively, you can place an ad on Seek and if you find someone, there are incentives available. For an apprenticeship, it can attract $1,500 commencement and $2,500 completion incentives. This too depends on eligibility criteria. So, there is some money out there for employers looking to put someone on in their business. Speaking of apprenticeships, I attended a Ministerial Roundtable on the employment and training of apprentices in Queensland and how to increase the number of apprentices. There were some familiar themes, but what was encouraging was a commitment to an Advancing Apprentices Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and industry to promote priority apprenticeship pathways and encourage more businesses to employ apprentices. I think this is a great initiative, and certainly we’ve got some ideas, but I’d open this up to anyone in industry who has an idea about how to increase apprenticeships and ask them to contact me. Your idea could become a reality.
MEMBERS' ESSENTIALS Contents 88 Professional Circle training 91 Apprentice of the Month: June 97 Apprentice of the Month: July 98 Auto Camp A Hit with The Teens August 2018 Motor Trader | 87
E S S E N T I A L S
PAUL KULPA
M E M B E R S
Training GM's Professional Circle perspective
E S S E N T I A L S M E M B E R S
Professional Circle training
TRADE RECOGNITION PROCESS OFFERS A SIMPLE WAY TO GAIN NATIONALLY-RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION
A
CROSS QUEENSLAND, THERE are many skilled and experienced workers, across a range of industries and sectors, including the automotive industry, who though they do not have a trade qualification, are delivering quality service to customers and have been doing so for many years. While they do not have a trade qualification, however, and may not see the need in getting one, there are, in fact, some great reasons for doing so, and it is a simple and straightforward process to do just that, through recognition of prior learning (RPL) or trade recognition. Through trade recognition, experienced and skilled workers receive a nationally-
88 | Motor Trader August 2018
“THE PROCEDURE IS SIMPLE
IF THE CANDIDATE HAS THE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED AND IS ABLE TO PRODUCE SOME EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THEIR EXPERIENCE.” recognised trade qualification, and in return for a relatively small investment in time and money, the benefits are substantial. These benefits include being able to employ and supervise apprentices, consider becoming an approved vehicle inspector/ examiner and apply for a job where a formal qualification is a pre-requisite. On top of those benefits, there is also the
M E M B E R S E S S E N T I A L S
John Di Mauro
undeniable truth that being qualified instils a sense of trust in customers. “The procedure is simple if the candidate has the skills and knowledge required and is able to produce some evidence to support their experience,” said Marcello Riotto, Operations Manager for the MTA Institute. “It begins with the completion of a simple application form capturing when and where the skills and knowledge were gained. That application is then scrutinised and, if accepted, an assessor contacts the applicant and arranges a series of assessment dates to evaluate the candidate. “The entire process from start to finish takes less than six months and can be considerably shorter than that depending on the availability of all parties and the applicant’s competence.” For John Di Mauro, co-founder with Tony Martin of Motovated Turbo and Mechanical in Toowoomba, the trade recognition process, and receiving his light vehicle qualification, was quick and simple and, for someone who was just establishing a new business, an important step. After a lifetime of interest in cars – of building them, racing them, repairing and maintaining them, and working professionally in the turbocharging and performance sectors, John decided that,
with the creation of the company, it was time to get those accumulated skills and those years of experience recognised. “Given that we now had our own workshop, I thought it would be good if I was ‘qualified’ and be able to say, if anyone asked, that I am a fully-qualified mechanic,” he said. “It was a business decision but also a personal goal. In the past, when I’ve built show cars and drag cars, for instance, people would say, ‘You’re a mechanic then?’ and I would say ‘No’ and I would feel a little bit inferior in admitting that. Now I can say that I am a mechanic and that is a satisfaction thing. “It’s a psychological as well as a confidence booster,” he added. “I feel like I can attack things even more now, knowing that my skills, and the way I think and work is the right way and that I am on the right path. “It’s something I would definitely recommend others do,” added John. “I have talked to friends who are in the industry and who are CLICK TO switched on, smart, can do FIND OUT MORE ABOUT TRADE everything that they need to RECOGNITION be able to do their jobs but WITH MTAI don’t have that qualification. Why not get that bit of paper and make it official?” August 2018 Motor Trader | 89
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TRAINING WITH THE MTA INSTITUTE? • Trainers with extensive automotive industry experience • On-site one-on-one workplace training • Flexible employer arrangements • State-of-the-art training facility • Online learning capability • Free wi-fi at our training facility • Strong connections to government agencies and industry stakeholders • Unique student opportunities - Pathway to motorsports - Apprentice of the Month and Year Awards - Overseas scholarship opportunities - Links to employers that are members of MTA Queensland - Access to jobs board - Graduation ceremonies THE MTA INSTITUTE offers a full suite of nationally accredited automotive apprenticeships and traineeships in the fields of Light Vehicle, Heavy Vehicle, Motorcycle, Mobile Plant, Automotive Body Repair, Refinishing and more.
ENQUIRE: TRAINING@MTAI.EDU.AU 07 3237 8777 | WWW.MTAI.EDU.AU
RTO No: 31529
20170617
In addition, accredited short courses for licensing requirements are available for Motor Vehicle Sales, Dealers, Wreckers and Automotive Air-Conditioning. We also offer non-accredited short courses in MIG Welding, Paintless Dent Repair, Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Common Rail Diesel Injection.
A
YDIN HAMMOND IS the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for June. The 22-year-old, 3rd-year panel beating apprentice has been with Col Summerhayes Smash repairs in Townsville for the past two years. Having started his apprenticeship at another business and a with a different training provider, Aydin moved to Col Summerhayes and the MTA Institute two years ago and has made brilliant progress. According to Shane Palmer, Aydin’s MTA Institute trainer, he is enthusiastic and has a bright future in the industry. “He is always keen to learn and very attentive,” said Shane. “He is very motivated and will go a long way.” For Aydin, moving to work with Col Summerhayes Smash Repairs and the MTA Institute has been very positive.
“I had heard good things about the MTA Institute and the training has been very good,” he said. “I do like the different ways we train, for instance with the My Profile system, which is very good. And the work is good to, of course. I am enjoying it all.” Interested in cars since he was a kid, and with his father working in the industry, it was always likely that Aydin was going to look at automotive for a career path. He did, however, choose a slightly different journey to his dad when he went for the paint & panel apprenticeship. “I’m not entirely sure why I didn’t follow dad into the industry as a mechanic," he said. "Perhaps it was because it was something different but in the same industry and I can always learn the mechanical side of things from him!” Aydin said he's lucky to work with a great team at Col Summerhayes and that when he finishes his apprenticeship, he hopes to stay on at the business. “I work with a couple of great panel beaters and they're really good at CLICK TO showing me the ropes,” he said. VISIT THE COL SUMMERHAYES “I’d possibly like to own my own SMASH REPAIRS WEBSITE business someday, but I do really like it here and I definitely want to stay around.” E S S E N T I A L S
APPRENTICE: AYDIN HAMMOND WORKPLACE: COL SUMMERHAYES SMASH REPAIRS APPRENTICESHIP: PANEL BEATING
M E M B E R S
Apprentice of the Month: June
NOMINATE FOR THE MTA INSTITUTE APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH AWARD • 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.
CLICK FOR MORE INFO August 2018 Motor Trader | 91
Craig Lowndes
FORMER MTA INSTITUTE APPRENTICES GET A REAL SUPERCAR EXPERIENCE AT IPSWICH SUPERSPRINT
T
HE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MTA Queensland, corporate partner MTAA Super and Supercars heavyweight outfit Triple Eight Race Engineering continues to offer once-in-alifetime opportunities for apprentices and former apprentices of the MTA Institute. At the Ipswich SuperSprint Round of the Supercars Championship, held at Queensland Raceway on July 20-22, the 2017 MTA Institute Apprentice of the Year winner Elliott Lemmon, and 2017 Apprentice of the Year finalist Dane Turnbull both got a chance to learn from the very best in the business when they spent the weekend working with Triple Eight, with Elliott at the
92 | Motor Trader August 2018
“IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE . . . IT WAS A THRILL TO WORK FOR ONE OF THE TOP TEAMS IN SUPERCARS, THAT’S NOT SOMETHING YOU GET TO DO EVERY DAY!”
Red Bull Holden Racing Team and Dane at Autobarn Lowndes Racing. Working at the pinnacle of Australian motorsport - on the cars of superstar drivers Jamie Whincup, Shane van Gisbergen and Craig Lowndes - is surely the dream of every car and racing enthusiast, and the two young men, now qualified mechanics,
you get to do every day! “I learned a lot about the cars and how the team works, and they really did make me feel part of the team too. I asked a lot of questions and they were very accommodating and happy to answer them, although I’m sure they must have got sick of it by the end of the weekend!” For Elliott who, as the 2017 MTA Institute Apprentice of the Year in was also able to spend time working with Triple Eight at their facility in Banyo earlier this year, the SuperSprint event was another opportunity to learn as much as he could of how the sharp end of motorsport is run. A motorsport enthusiast who has spent time racing karts and has worked with teams in other categories – including as a Dane Turnbull member of the Support Crew for the MTAQ Racing Team – Elliott is aiming, one day, to work in Supercars as a fullygrasped their opportunity, working hard fledged team member. and learning plenty over the course of the “Being able to work at the SuperSprint in three-day event. the Red Bull Racing garage and also work “It was a great experience,” said Dane. at the Triple Eight workshop has been a bit “it was a thrill to work for one of the top of a dream,” he said. “The experiences teams in Supercars, that’s not something August 2018 Motor Trader | 93
are very different as the time at the track is very full on, but it has been fantastic. “They do everything they can to win and their professionalism is amazing – every little detail is covered. The tyres, for example – they check the heat on the edge, the middle and the outside of the tyre, they make sure the pressures are bang-on accurate with a special gauge, and they check absolutely everything. The equipment and level of professionalism is unreal. “I actually stayed at the hotel with the team and even after a full and very busy long day, all anyone wanted to talk about was the day we’d just had and what was happening next. They are all so passionate about what they do.” For both Dane and Elliott, the work at the SuperSprint revolved around assisting Elliott Lemmon the crew in jobs such as getting tyres and wheels set and ready, cleaning and prepping the cars and making minor adjustments to “THEY DO EVERYTHING pressures and the like. And although they THEY CAN TO WIN AND played a small role, every role is important, THEIR PROFESSIONALISM IS and they were, said Elliott, recognised as AMAZING – EVERY LITTLE part of the team from the start, even by the DETAIL IS COVERED.” stars of the show – the drivers. “I was a little bit shocked because “Craig Lowndes actually presented me they saw me as a team mate, not just a with MTA Institute Apprentice of the Year fan,” he said. “I had dinner with them, Award last year at the MTA Queensland breakfast with them, I was able to have a dinner. At the weekend, when I walked in conversation with them.
94 | Motor Trader August 2018
to have breakfast at the SuperSprint, he was there and he actually recognised me. That was brilliant. “Even though this is going to be his last year in Supercars, he didn’t talk about that – he just chatted with us about cars, motorbikes and other things. It was great. He’s a real car guy. “At the end of the second race, which Shane van Gisbergen won, Red Bull won the trophy for best team and all the trophies were filled with champagne. Mark Dutton, the Chief Engineer, and Shane drank from the trophies and Mark came over to me and I got to drink out of the trophy too! He then gave me the bottle of champagne to keep as Shane van Gisbergen
a souvenir – brilliant!” Both Dane and Elliott are motorsport fans, and both harbour a desire to work in the sport at some stage. When that will happen is uncertain – life, and the need to gain experience, can get in the way sometimes - but for both young men it is something they will look to be involved with in the future. “I’ve always loved motorsport, but it is a tough gig,” said Dane. “For the moment, I’ll keep it as a hobby and look at it again down the track. Having said that, this was a truly great experience and not something I’m going to forget! “It is what I want to do,” added Elliott. “’ll keep in contact with the team, and hopefully with people like Mark, and though I know they have only a select few people they would want to accept, I hope that I can gain the experience they want to see from someone who works with them. I am thinking about how to do that as I really want to chase it.” As for future MTA Institute apprentices who will get the opportunity to work with Triple Eight, it is, said Elliott, a chance not to be missed. “Not many people get an opportunity like this,” he said. “I would tell them to grab it with both hands and not let go!” August 2018 Motor Trader | 95
Right training. Right place. Right way.
RTO No: 31529
MTA INSTITUTE
COURSES MIG WELDING FUNDAMENTALS COURSE 21 August 2018, 8:30am - 12:30pm 20 November 2018, 8:30am - 12:30pm 12 February 2019, 8:30am - 12:30pm 14 May 2019, 8:30am - 12:30pm Click for more information.
HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE COURSE
SKILL SET TRAINING (3 DAY) 30 - 31 October and 1 November 2018 5 - 7 February 2019 7 - 9 May 2019 Click for more information.
AIR CONDITIONING COURSE
SKILL SET TRAINING (2 DAY)
COMMON RAIL DIESEL INJECTION COURSE INTRODUCTORY
27 November 2018, 6pm - 9pm 12 February 2019, 6pm - 9pm 14 May 2019, 6pm - 9pm Click for more information.
24 - 25 October 2018 27 - 28 Febraury 2019 1 - 2 May 2019 Click for more information.
GAP TRAINING (3 DAY) 12 - 14 November 2018 20 - 22 March 2019 12 - 14 June 2019 Click for more information.
SALES/DEALER LICENCING COURSE
CERT IV AND DIPLOMA OF LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
AVAILABLE ONLINE - ENROL NOW
NOW AVAILABLE
All Courses are held at the MTA Institute
Search for MTA Queensland
Free guest Wifi at MTA Institute
20170566
Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Enquiries to: courses@mtai.edu.au Website www.mtai.edu.au
J
ADE TARRANT IS the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for June. The 21-year-old, 4th-year auto electrical apprentice works for the awardwinning Accelerate Auto Electrics and Jade has grasped the opportunity of working for the forward-thinking business with both hands - his work ethic and understanding of the industry marking him out as an outstanding future tradesman. “The attitude and determination to be the best is what drives Jade,” said Paul Tugwell, his MTA Institute trainer. “Any task I give him is achieved with fantastic results – I even have an assignment on autonomous sensors from Jade that I use in my lectures. That’s about the highest honour I can give my students!”
Jade said he had decided on an auto electrical apprenticeship not only because his family had a connection to the trade, but because of the direction in which the industry is headed. “We know that hybrids and so on are going to be a part of the industry, so there will always be auto electrical work,” he said. “Also, my uncle owned an auto electrical shop in NZ, and I was interested in what he was doing. I also knew I wanted an apprenticeship and thought auto electrical suited me best. “I really enjoy the work,” he added. “I do pretty much everything a tradesman does and my boss has given me lots of opportunities to work with many different cars. And I enjoy the training too. Paul has trained me from the start and he is very passionate about what he does.” Jade said that he had not yet thought too much about where his career might take him, but that he hoped to stay CLICK TO on with Accelerate. VISIT THE ACCELERATE “This business is growing fast AUTO ELECTRICS WEBSITE and I definitely want to stay on when I finish.” E S S E N T I A L S
APPRENTICE: JADE TARRANT WORKPLACE: ACCELERATE AUTO ELECTRICS APPRENTICESHIP: AUTO ELECTRICAL
M E M B E R S
Apprentice of the Month: July
ACKNOWLEDGING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES IN QUEENSLAND
I
-CAR AUSTRALIA IS acknowledging the achievements of industry employees from across the country who have achieved I-CAR Platinum Individual accreditation and I-CAR Welding Certification. The following is a list of Queensland-based collision repair industry employees who have received I-CAR Platinum Individual Accreditation:
• Matthew Evans Auto & General Insurance Services • Paul Treadwell Auto & General Insurance Services
• Grant Hogan Suncorp • Andrew Burns Auto & General Insurance Services • Brett McIntyre RACQ Insurance • Warren Elliott RACQ Insurance • Brett Mills RACQ Insurance • Sean Diamond RACQ Insurance • Lance Curtis RACQ Insurance • David Campbell RACQ Insurance There were no welding certifications issued in June. August 2018 Motor Trader | 97
AUTO CAMP A HIT WITH THE TEENS
M E M B E R S
E S S E N T I A L S
Professional Circle training
Sebastian Howie and Jack Dugandzic
I
N THE JULY school holidays, the MTA Institute held the first exciting Auto Camp initiative - a three-day course designed for high-school students aged 14 to 17. “Auto Camp was born out of an idea that would allow teenagers a chance to see if they’re interested in some of the basic aspects of the automotive industry with a view to helping them make more informed decisions about the future,” said Marcello Riotto, Operations Manager of Training at MTA Institute. “The MTA Institute saw a gap in the market and decided to offer a short course to high school students that would be compatible with their age group and give them a chance to get some hands-on experience and a general overview of what to expect in the automotive sector.” With 28 enthusiastic students attending the inaugural course, Auto Camp has proved to be a great success, a great learning exercise, and great fun. Jack Dugandzic, a 15-year-old student from John Paul College joined Auto Camp
98 | Motor Trader August 2018
“I’VE LOVED LEARNING ABOUT ENGINES AND HOW THEY OPERATE, AND IT HAS BEEN AMAZING TO USE THE TOOLS AND GET SOME REAL-LIFE WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE.”
with not a great deal of knowledge about the motor trades, but a general interest in cars. “After the first day I felt like I’d learnt more about a combustion engine than I would ever be able to learn at school,” he said. “I found the content very interesting and it was great to get hands-on learning, which I really enjoy.” And this was one of the main objectives of Auto Camp. Designed to offer introductory-level content and experiences over three days, the Camp included elements of the paint and panel trade, including the preparation and repair of a damaged vehicle body; the assembly and manufacturing of an electronic project; and insight into mechanical
M E M B E R S E S S E N T I A L S
technologies, tools and equipment, vehicle inspection, component identification and engine function and operation. “The trainers have been awesome, they’re really thorough with their explanation and the practical stuff is great,” said Sebastian Howie, another student from John Paul College. “It’s a really cool thing to do in the holidays. It doesn’t feel like school at all, but I’ve learnt a lot.” Auto Camp got a surprise visit from ABC Radio Brisbane, where some of the students were interviewed by Craig Zonca about their experience for the morning radio program. “I think Auto Camp has been a spectacular success. The engagement is great, the students are loving it and I think we’ve really nailed the content,” said Marcello. And when asked if any of the participants could potentially go on to a career in automotive, Marcello had no doubt. “Absolutely. Of the 28 students, I’d be surprised if a third don’t move into viable employment or apprenticeships within the automotive industry. I’ve seen a terrific amount of genuine interest for a career
in the motor trades,” he said. “It was also fabulous to see two young ladies at the Camp. The MTA Institute is a big supporter of women in trades and actively encourages females to follow their interests.” The students seemed to agree with that sentiment. “Auto Camp has definitely given me more of an idea about what I’d like to do after school,” said Jack. “I’ve loved learning about engines and how they operate, and it has been amazing to use the tools and get some real-life workshop experience. “I feel like what I’ve learned will come in handy when I get my first car and I’d definitely be interested in thinking about career options CLICK HERE within the automotive TO FIND OUT industry after this.” MORE ABOUT The MTA Institute will AUTO CAMP be offering Auto Camp every school holiday with the next course on 25-27 September 2018. August 2018 Motor Trader | 99
E S S E N T I A L S M E M B E R S
Professional Circle training
MENTOR PROGRAM PROVING A SUCCESS WITH APPRENTICES
A
T THE BEGINNING of 2018, the Industry Specialist Mentoring for Australian Apprentices (ISMAA) program was launched. Aimed at increasing retention and completion rates for apprentices in industries, including automotive, that are undergoing structural change, the ISMAA program is designed to assist and give support to apprentices in their first two years of training. The national program is being delivered by 24 organisations, including MTA Queensland, and in the first half of the year the Association and its five mentors Angus Wade have been working hard at helping and supporting young apprentices as they start and skilled workers and it means a lot to their automotive industry careers. me to be able to deliver this initiative,” said And such mentorship is needed assisting students to successfully complete Andrew. “All our mentors are from industry and I think that makes a massive difference their apprenticeships is vital to the health when talking to students - they know we of the automotive industry. Currently, skill have been through the same system and shortages within the automotive industry are speaking from experience. are at record numbers, with a national “The program has been very well shortage of more than 27,000 skilled received and I have a lot of apprentices positions. And that number is rising. that are happy it is available to them. They For mentor Andrew Bear, the say it has really made a difference and that ISMAA initiative is vital role in helping is great to hear.” apprentices get through some tricky Angus Wade, a 19-year-old light vehicle patches and to stick with their training. apprentice at Midas Capalaba who is And it was, he said, immensely satisfying about to start his second year, is one such for the mentors to see that the happy apprentice, and Andrew has support they offered was useful been his mentor since the beginning and effective. CLICK TO FIND of the year. “I think it is an extremely OUT MORE “I came on board a few months important program. Our ABOUT ISMAA ago and Andrew has been amazing," industry needs highly trained 100 | Motor Trader August 2018
PROUD QLD / NORTHERN NSW DISTRIBUTORS OF
Brisbane
Gold Coast
Sunshine Coast
Rockhampton
Toowoomba
Lismore
87 Old Toombul Rd Northgate QLD 4013 Ph: 07 3552 2800 Fax: 07 3256 8798
39 Production Ave. Molendinar QLD 4214 Ph: 07 5594 0963 Fax: 07 5571 7907
58 Hoopers Road Kunda Park QLD 4556 Ph: 07 5445 6337 Fax: 07 3256 8798
298 Alexandra Street Kawana 4701 Ph: 07 4927 1251 Fax: 07 4927 1296
Unit 4d, 7-9 Gardner Court Wilsonton QLD 4350 Ph: 07 4634 9238 Fax: 07 4634 5895
6/7 Snow Street Lismore NSW 2480 Ph: 02 6621 5131 Fax: 02 6622 8574
E S S E N T I A L S
they have been thrown in at the deep end. "For somebody who has just left school, who steps into this new wide world, and who doesn't know how things work, it can get really confusing and they need someone to talk to and help guide them through it. "The mentor program gives them somebody to talk to - somebodywho will listen to their problems, ideas and plans. For them, the mentor program is perfect.� To find out more, got to www.mtaq.com.au/MTAQ/Mentor-Program Mentoring is available for free to any Australian automotive apprentice or trainee in the first two years of their training.
M E M B E R S
said Angus. "If I have a problem at work I know I can talk to him about it, and he has helped me through some 'life' situations as well as work issues. "I can bottle things up sometimes," he added. "But with Andrew around I can just talk to him and he gives me some input and it eases things up. I can talk to him at any time and sometimes he just pops in to see how I'm going and to have a chinwag. "And the fact he is a mechanic really helps too, because he understands what I do. "I was talking to him about my project car and he gave me some tips and so on. And that's great, because it's not like you're talking to a wall - I know he 'gets' it." The automotive trades are not easy. They are rewarding in the long term but are tough work, and workshops are often extremely busy, high-pressure environments - environments that, said Angus, can make new apprentices feel like
Greg, Tony and Mark Motson
AUTO INDUSTRY LEGEND SAYS GOODBYE AFTER 65 YEARS IN THE TRADE
A
FTER SPENDING MORE than 60 years in the automotive industry, Tony Motson, owner of Motson’s Automotive in Brisbane, is calling it a day. The 80-year-old industry legend who has, over his career, worked on everything from agricultural machinery to 4WDs to performance machines to racing cars, and who has also been an influential part of MTA Queensland as a member of the Automotive Engineers Division committee, is retiring and closing the doors on his iconic business. “The time is right,” says Tony. “It’s going to be a sad day for me when we do close the doors – 65 years in the industry is a long time and it is all I have ever done - but it is the right time.” It has been a long, memorable and, on the whole, rewarding journey – one that has seen thousands of satisfied customers 102 | Motor Trader August 2018
“IT’S GOING TO BE A SAD
DAY FOR ME WHEN WE DO CLOSE THE DOORS – 65 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY IS A LONG TIME AND IT IS ALL I HAVE EVER DONE - BUT IT IS THE RIGHT TIME.” bring their vehicles to the Motsons' workshops – and one that has provided a living not only for Tony and his family, but for dozens of apprentices and mechanics too, many of whom have gone on to launch successful business careers of their own. So, while the business and the name will now become a part of Brisbane’s rich automotive history, there’s a legacy to be proud of and one that will live on. For Tony, the foundation of that legacy
Tony (centre) as a young mechanic at Shield Motor Service in Sydney
began in 1954 when, as a teenager, he got an after-school job serving petrol at a Sydney service station. As many a service station had in those days – and as some still do – the service station had a small mechanical workshop attached to it. That workshop was a magnet for the young, car-mad Tony. “That little business was called Shield Motor Service,” he says. “It was run by a lovely fellow called John Shield, and I used to meander in there all the time Tony in the early years because I was so keen of Motson's in Brisbane on motor cars and motorcycles. John very quickly realised I was good apprenticeship material and told me that when I finished school I had a job there if I wanted one. “He was an ex Sergeant-Major and a tough character but a lovely man, a great automotive engineer and he taught me very well.” Five years later and Tony, now married to wife Sylvia, decided that a move to
Queensland was in order and the couple started their new life in Brisbane in 1959. After a year spent working with his parents in their camping goods business, Tony started his own workshop business in Sunnybank with pal Bill Kane. “That business was called Motson and Kane Motors and we were based at the old BP at Sunnybank,” says Tony. “We did a lot of farm machinery and old agricultural stuff back then because, at the time, it was very much a farming area. “To be honest though, that work didn’t particularly interest me, so I ended up selling my share to Bill and had a bit of a break from the industry – I even did a milk run for a while! – before starting up again on my own at my home in Kuraby. “The business grew quickly, so we moved to a shop at Logan Road in Woolloongabba where we stayed for for 37 years and in 1982 we expanded and opened our Springwood branch which we ran for 28 years. Ultimately, we bought the shop here in Coopers Plains and have been here since 2002.” During those years, Tony and his family squeezed in a lot of quality work, with the business gaining a stellar reputation August 2018 Motor Trader | 103
not only for the regular servicing that is the lifeblood of any mechanical workshop, but for their expertise in performance tuning, turbo-charging, 4WD and diesel, modifications and for their involvement in the motor racing scene. Tony himself was a keen participant in motorsport and Tony Motson’s Performance Tune fielded a Ford Escort Mark I in the early ‘70s that would see action, and score points, in the Australian Touring Car Championship with Lyndon Arnel at the wheel, and which included a stint at the famous Bathurst race, then known as the Hardie-Ferodo 500. This passion for motorsport, and indeed for cars in general, was inherited by Tony’s sons, Greg and Mark, who would successfully follow their father onto the track as well as into the workshop, and who, along with Mark’s wife Wendy, made Motson’s a true family business. “Greg and Mark couldn’t get to work quick enough!” Tony says with a smile. “They wanted to be mechanics all their life and they and Wendy, who started with us when she was just 15, have put in a terrific effort over the years. It was important to me to keep the family together and they have always been deeply involved.” That sense of family spreads further than the actual Motson clan too. Generations of families have come to the
Motsons to get their vehicles serviced and maintained and Tony shares a sense of concern that by closing the business, he’s letting them down. “I am worried about hurting them,” he says. “But we have to draw a line in the sand somewhere.” So why is Tony closing the doors on Motson’s Automotive? Well, there are plenty of reasons, not least that the work is hard yakka even for young folk, getting the right staff can be difficult, and wanting to do what’s right for the customers you serve can make running a business a stressful, 24-hour-a-day concern. Add to that some industry challenges that any independent workshop would recognise – namely the right to repair issue and dealerships offering capped price servicing – and now Tony opened a Springwood workshop in 1982 (left) while also running a shop at Woolloongabba
104 | Motor Trader August 2018
A motorsport enthusiast, Tony ran a Ford Escort Mark I in the ATCC in the '70s
seemed right to call it a day. So now, Tony will retire; Greg, Mark and Wendy will take some well-earned time off from the industry; and in the next few months the venerable Motson’s Automotive signing will come down to be replaced by that of a new tenant. The always forward-thinking Tony won’t cut ties completely with the location – having purchased the building when Motson’s moved there in 2002, he will be that new tenant’s landlord. “My accountant and my father told me that you don’t want to be paying rent all your life and to endeavour to own your own property,” he says. “That was good advice!” While the independent workshop sector can be a tough gig with long hours for not always great financial reward, it has been,
says Tony, a pleasure to have worked in an industry for which he has such great passion, and which has allowed him to work with some great people. “Over the years we have probably had 60-70 people work with us,” he says. “And it does make me very proud that we have provided jobs and training for so many. We’ve had some lovely people come through here and some of them still rock in out of the blue. “We’ve made some wonderful associations and friendships and I am very proud of the work we have done and the reputation we have attained. So many customers tell us that they have been advised to come to us to get work done and it astounds me from how far afield our business has come. “It will be sad when we close the doors, for this has been not only job but also my passion, but the time is right.” Motson’s Automotive has much of its workshop equipment currently for sale, including four hoists, a dyno, lathes, oxy gear, drill stands, a laser wheel aligner, hand tools and more. An auction will be held on site on CLICK TO Wednesday August 22 at 10am. VISIT THE If you’re in the market for some MOTSON’S AUTO WEBSITE equipment and want to find out more, contact Motson’s on (07) 3216 6466 or email info@motsons.com.au August 2018 Motor Trader | 105
CARS &
C O F F E E
AWESOME MODIFICATIONS ADD FLAVOUR TO CARS AND COFFEE
T
HE LAST SUNDAY of July may have started with a bank of fog making things a little murky, but when the mist cleared it revealed another bounty of classic and exotic vehicles had made the trip to MTA Queensland’s head office at Eight Mile plains and the July Cars and Coffee gathering. July’s event was just a little bit different, however, with a couple of pretty incredible modified cars turning up for the show. Special guests from vehicle modification company Vogue Industries, an amazing beefed-up Mini Cooper S convertible and a jaw-dropping Lamborghini Huracan Spyder turned plenty of heads. The Lambo Huracan is, let’s be honest, a stunning car
106 | Motor Trader August 2018
JULY’S EVENT WAS JUST A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT, HOWEVER, WITH A COUPLE OF PRETTY INCREDIBLE MODIFIED CARS TURNING UP FOR THE SHOW. straight out of the box, but with the Vogue Industries tweaks it is a real mind-bender. The presence of the modified cars also represented a tweak to the MTA Queensland Cars and Coffee format, with upcoming events to have an added flavour with a focus on vintage cars and motorcycles. Keep your eyes peeled for information on those gatherings.
August 2018 Motor Trader | 107
CARS &
C O F F E E
108 | Motor Trader August 2018
Of course, plenty of other special vehicles turned up to share the spotlight, and amongst these was a rare Mazda JC Cosmo brought along by Danny Irvine from Automotive Plus (another of Danny’s Mazda’s is the focus of our Member’s Classic feature this month), a De Tomaso Pantera, a cracking Porsche GT4, a classic 1981 Commodore Sedan, a 1977 Mazda Rotary Puck-up ute, a 1978 XC Cobra, , a 1962 VW Kombi Van . . . the list goes on. The MTA Queensland Cars & Coffee event is becoming a gathering that shouldn’t be missed by any car enthusiast and thing are only going to get spicier in the months to come. So, join us on August 26, between 7:30am and 9:30am, for the next event.
THE MTA QUEENSLAND CARS & COFFEE EVENT IS BECOMING A GATHERING THAT SHOULDN’T BE MISSED BY ANY CAR ENTHUSIAST AND THING ARE ONLY GOING TO GET SPICIER IN THE MONTHS TO COME. It takes place at the Association’s head office at Freeway Office Park at Eight Mile Plains, and there’s plenty of good food and coffee to be had thanks to Zali’s Café, which is located bang in the middle of the festivities. Eat, drink and let’s torque cars! See you there! August 2018 Motor Trader | 109
QUEENSLAND AUTOMOTIVE TRADES – QOF SCHOLARSHIP The Queensland Automotive Trades – QOF Scholarship assists high achieving vocational education and training graduates (Certificate III and above) in the Queensland automotive industry to travel and work overseas in their chosen vocation for 12 months.
ELIGIBILITY To be eligible for this award, applicants must:
✔ Have completed an apprenticeship (Certificate lll or above) in the automotive industry; ✔ Have current work experience in the automotive industry; ✔ Be a Queensland resident (Australian citizens only); ✔ Be eligible for a work visa to the country in which they wish to travel;
✔ Be at least 18 years of age at the time the scholarship is awarded; ✔ Be prepared to take up the scholarship within 12 months of it being awarded; and ✔ Intend to return to Queensland after their placement.
APPLY • Applications open 30th July 2018 and close 5th October 2018 • Visit http://qof.org.au/qof-scholarship/ queensland-automotive-trades-qofscholarship to apply and find more information including Tc & Cs and selection criteria
20180679
The scholarship funds travel related expenses and a settling in allowance up to $7,500. Recipients will gain valuable international work experience, improve their career prospects and return to Queensland to contribute more broadly from their learnings.
“THE FAIR WORK COMMISSION
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS OFFICER
FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LEAVE
H
AVING REJECTED THE ACTU’s request for paid domestic violence leave last July, the Fair Work Commission has decided to introduce unpaid leave for all employees covered by Modern Awards. From 1 August 2018, all Modern Awards will have a clause granting unpaid family and domestic violence leave. The entitlement takes the form of five days’ unpaid leave. It is available in full at the start of each 12 months. New employees will have the entitlement from their first day at work. Current employees will be entitled to five days from 1st August 2018. The leave does not accrue from year to year. However, employers and employees can agree to more than five days. Part days can also be taken. Casual employees, full time and part time staff all have the same five day entitlement. Leave can be taken if the employee is experiencing family and domestic violence and needs to do something to deal with it that would be impractical to do outside of work hours. This can include attending court hearings, meeting with lawyers or family violence support services, helping family
members relocate or making other safety arrangements, or accessing police services. The notice and evidence requirements are similar to those for personal leave. Employees must give notice as soon as practicable and must advise of the likely period of leave. If the employer requires it, the employee must provide evidence “that would satisfy a reasonable person” that they are entitled to the leave. That is likely to include documents from the police, court, family violence support services, or even a statutory declaration from the employee. The notice or evidence must be kept confidential. That means taking care to keep any written requests for leave or any evidence supplied from becoming available to any unauthorised person. Information can be disclosed, but only if the law requires you to do so or if it is necessary to “protect the life, health or safety of the employee or another person”. Although this leave will initially only be available to employees covered by an Award, it is expected that legislation will be introduced CLICK FOR shortly to extend coverage to MORE ON INDUSTRIAL all employees. RELATIONS As always, our Industrial relations team is available to answer any questions on 07 3237 8777. August 2018 Motor Trader | 111
E S S E N T I A L S
PAUL MURRAY
HAS DECIDED TO INTRODUCE UNPAID LEAVE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES COVERED BY MODERN AWARDS. FROM 1 AUGUST 2018, ALL MODERN AWARDS WILL HAVE A CLAUSE GRANTING UNPAID FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LEAVE.”
M E M B E R S
Industrial relations
Concept corner
MERCS ALL-ELECTRIC 112 | Motor Trader August 2018
C COMPACT CONCEPT August 2018 Motor Trader | 113
Concept corner
Mercedes-Benz Concept EQA
T
HIS IS THE Mercedes-Benz Concept EQA. First revealed last year at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, the EQA made for a sleek star of a recent video from Merc as it cruised the streets of Sicily, and if something like this concept should indeed make it into production, it will be a welcome, and very cool-looking, addition to the fleet of all-electric vehicles that will be rolling out from factories across the globe over the next few years. The Concept EQA is the first MercedesBenz all-electric concept vehicle in the compact segment and is powered by two electric motors - one at the front axle and one at the rear – with a system output that can be increased to over 200 kW thanks to scalable battery components. Merc says it can achieve a range of around 400 kms depending on the battery capacity installed, and go from 0-100 km/h in around 5 seconds. Permanent all-wheel drive promises impressive performance and there are two drive programs – ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport
114 | Motor Trader August 2018
VIDEO: MERCEDES-BENZ CONCEPT EQA: ELECTRIFYING SICILY
Plus’ - that offer different front to rear torque distribution, allowing for a choice of individual drive characteristics. The Concept EQA can be charged via induction or wallbox and is also ready for rapid charging. The vehicle is part of Mercedes’ EQ brand which, the company says, will offer a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem of products, services, technologies and innovations. The spectrum ranges from electric vehicles and wallboxes to charging services and home energy storage units. As with every all-electric concept,
there’s plenty of interesting and fun tech going on here. For instance, instead of a conventional radiator grille, the EQA features a black panel with integrated LED matrix at the front. This black panel is a virtual radiator grille which can completely change in appearance including being able to highlight the
driver’s chosen drive program via an animated design in the virtual grille. In the ‘Sport’ drive program the grille depicts a flaming wing in horizontal format, while in ‘Sport Plus’ mode vertical struts in the style of a radiator grille are displayed. Common to both grille variants is the illuminated central star. Very cool! August 2018 Motor Trader | 115
Investment matters
MARKET WRAP
T
HE AUSTRALIAN EQUITY market was a standout performer in June with the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index returning 3.27%. The Dow Jones Industrial and MSCI World Index closed down 0.59% and 0.05%, respectively. Trade wars between China and the US continued to weigh on market sentiment with the US announcing a US$34b list of Chinese goods subject to tariffs. On a positive note, US President Trump met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un resulting in the signing of a joint statement reaffirming the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. A narrow range of sectors and companies are experiencing very strong returns. The outsized returns from a range of information technology (IT), healthcare and China-exposed companies are at odds with traditional companies like Telstra, the banks and hospital groups, which have been struggling. We are concerned that these trades are becoming crowded and believe some caution is warranted. We see a number of warning signs—aggressive valuation assumptions using low risk-free rates, use of new valuation techniques like price to sales to justify valuations, and heavy use of vague addressable market assumptions to increase the terminal value of these companies. Given these warning signs, we consider potential factors that could cause the market to reassess valuations of these stocks: 116 | Motor Trader August 2018
TRADE WARS BETWEEN CHINA AND THE US CONTINUED TO WEIGH ON MARKET SENTIMENT WITH THE US ANNOUNCING A US$34B LIST OF CHINESE GOODS SUBJECT TO TARIFFS. • As growth-stock multiples extend, confidence increases and the market lifts earnings expectations to help justify valuations. This sets up some of these stocks for future disappointment. The downside for stocks on high multiples that disappoint can be savage. • Inflation is rising in the US and lifting risk-free rates. Given much of the value in growth stocks is reflected in the terminal value, a change in risk-free rates can have a significant impact on the valuation. A spike in inflation could negatively impact these. DISCLAIMER This document has been prepared by DNR Capital Pty Ltd, AFS Representative - 294844 of DNR AFSL Pty Ltd ABN 39 118 946 400, AFSL 301658. It is general information only and is not intended to be a recommendation to invest in any product or financial service mentioned above. Whilst DNR Capital has used its best endeavours to ensure the information within this document is accurate it cannot be relied upon in any way and recipients must make their own enquiries concerning the accuracy of the information within. The general information in this document has been prepared without reference to any recipient’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any financial investment decisions we recommend recipients obtain legal and taxation advice appropriate to their particular needs. Investment in a DNR Capital managed account can only be made on completion of all the required documentation.
MTAQ are a Charity Partner of Youngcare and our staff show support by wearing casual clothes on Friday and donating gold coins.
Please join us and donate to this life-changing organisation!
Steven Tong, Mechanic Member since 2002
It’s my choice. Make it yours.
I’ve always loved working with cars. When I retire, I want to continue to share this passion with others, spend time with my family, and travel. With MTAA Super, I know I’m in good hands.
1300 362 415 mtaasuper.com.au
05/18
This document is issued by Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238 718) of Level 3, 39 Brisbane Avenue Barton ACT 2600, Trustee of the MTAA Superannuation Fund (ABN 74 559 365 913). Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited has ownership interests in Industry Super Holdings Pty Ltd and Members Equity Bank Limited. The information provided is of a general nature and does not take into account your specific needs or personal situation. You should consider the MTAA Super Product Disclosure Statement in making a decision (mtaasuper.com.au/handbooks).