JULY 2018
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BACK ON TRACK
BRABHAM AND THE BT62 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND
MEMBER'S CLASSIC: 1938 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL SEDAN
The benchmark of industry standards.
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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.
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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
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MOTOR TRADER PUBLISHING POLICY Motor Trader is the official publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland. The role of Motor Trader is to inform members of current issues and legislation affecting the industry. As such it can be regarded as the business magazine for the Queensland motor industry. The role of Motor Trader is not to be in competition with the technical magazines already on the market. It will advise of new vehicles being released and of the latest technology incorporated into them; it will advise of latest technology affecting members in each of the MTA Queensland Divisions; it will keep members abreast of the latest in motor industry training and industrial affairs; and it will keep members informed of the latest technical aids available through MTA Queensland Member Services, which will assist members in staying ahead of the technological revolution presently being encountered within the motor industry. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material.
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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 SHANE BOYNTON, MANLY AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES 16 BACK ON TRACK: BRABHAM AND THE BT62 20180696
26 MTA QUEENSLAND STATE BUDGET BRIEF 32 AN EYE ON INNOVATION
64 Members Classic MINT IMPERIAL: 1938 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL
MEMBERS ESSENTIALS 93 Training GM's Professional Circle perspective 94 Professional Circle training 98 NEW MTA INSTITUTE BOARD MEMBER APPOINTED 108 Concept Corner THE PORSCHE 911 SPEEDSTER CONCEPT
July 2018 Motor Trader | 1
From the editor “OUR COVER FEATURE THIS
JONATHAN NASH EDITOR
H
ELLO AND WELCOME to the July 2018 edition of Motor Trader. While autonomous cars, electric vehicles and mobile connectivity, and the disruption that such innovation brings, and will bring, to our industry, is a theme we touch on often in the pages of Motor Trader - indeed, we have an entire section devoted to such advances - it's nice to be reminded that not all innovation finds its power via fast-charging battery packs or is driven by the speed at which sensors, computers and software can connect with each other and steer a car for you. Some brilliant work is still being done around the beating heart of an internal combustion engine and the ability of a driver to . . . well . . . drive. Our cover feature this month focuses on just such a story - the rather brilliant Brabham BT62 supercar and the man behind that legendary name's return to the track, David Brabham. The son of F1 Legend Sir Jack, David heads Brabham Automotive and is responsible for a car that, for any motoring enthusiast, gets the heart pumping just that little bit faster. The BT62 is stunning to look at, has oodles of power from a naturallyaspirated V8, is super lightweight and
2 | Motor Trader July 2018
MONTH FOCUSES ON JUST SUCH A STORY - THE RATHER BRILLIANT BRABHAM BT62 SUPERCAR AND THE MAN BEHIND THAT LEGENDARY NAME'S RETURN TO THE TRACK, DAVID BRABHAM.� aerodynamic, and produces 1200kg of downforce. It is designed to appeal to our inner Sir Jack, to be a driver's car and, to top it all off, it's being built in Australia. Brilliant. Only 70 units of the BT62 will be made and it does cost a pretty penny, but if you had a lazy $1.8 million lying around, wouldn't you be lining up to own and drive a state-of-the-art growling beast of a supercar? That's what I thought. Go to page 16 to find out more about the Brabham BT62 story. We have a packed Motor Trader this month and along with our Brabham story we carry our regular Members Classic and Q&A features, our Auto Innovation News, Auto News, and Training sections and, for the Porsche fans out there, we have a number of stories on the German marque which this year is celebrating its 70th anniversary. I hope you enjoy this edition, 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
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From the desk of the CEO
BRETT DALE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND
I
N A UNIQUE way, the pillars which underpin MTA Queensland -advocacy, service, education/training, innovation and mobility - will unite in a significant project to provide staff and the public with an amenity which is liberating, effective and environmentally friendly. In previous From the CEO’s Desks in Motor Trader, I’ve referred to the emerging Skills and Knowledge precinct at the nearby Brisbane Technology Park (BTP). Involved in this project is consortia of interests including the BTP, the Brisbane Marketing Economic Board, Griffith University and MTA Queensland. A critical component to be addressed is precinct staff and visitor mobility between Technology Parks (the BTP and the MTA Queensland’s Freeway Office Park) and transport options to and from adjacent retail centres. For this purpose, a 12-month pilot of the SAGE automation Olli autonomous shuttle and shuttle stop is envisaged as the optimal mobility outcome. With the consortia team and Local Motors (Sage Automation) I met with the South East Queensland Council of Mayors' Chief Executive Officer and senior executives to discuss pilots of the driverless vehicle technologies. The outcome was 4 | Motor Trader July 2018
agreement that shuttle bus trials could be undertaken in several of the councils’, subject to a successful application for a federal grant. The intention remains to have two autonomous Olli shuttles in operation by the end of this year. There will be ongoing discussions with State and local government officers about the logistics of the trials. As a Group, we can take pride in this project and must promote the benefits of this autonomous shuttle innovation, so that potential users can adjust their thinking processes to a new mode of transport. It seems to me that in general, the public are not recognising the future liberating benefits of autonomous vehicles. Members will recall that the corporate office was built at the Freeway Office Park with an objective to reduce the Association’s environmental footprint which included the installation of solar panels. Since then, an electric vehicle charge station has been installed in the car park and more will be required as staff and visitors transition to electric vehicles. To maintain a sustainable energy source and best practice, the Association has committed to the installation of a wind turbine. For this purpose, I met with Australian Electric Infrastructure Transport (AEIT) which is a Brisbanebased start-up company. The AEIT is currently undertaking feasibility studies to launch Australia’s first wireless charging electric bus, light rail / tram system. A hot button media item has been the decline in apprenticeship numbers across Australia. Consequently, there have been requests for interviews on the issue which we were pleased to do, particularly as MTA Queensland is a provider of the Federal Government’s Industry Specialist Mentoring for Australian Apprentices
“MTA QUEENSLAND HAS COMMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN SOMETHING DIGITAL – A FESTIVAL TO BE HELD ON 1 NOVEMBER AT THE BRISBANE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.” (ISMAA) program It aims to increase apprentice retention rates, particularly in the first two years of training, in order to improve completion rates and support the supply of skilled workers in industries undergoing structural change. It is our view that the program has benefits to first and second year apprentices in the motor trades and we are confident that there will be increased retention in those cohorts.
TRAINING As indicated in last month’s From the Desk of the CEO, there are two vacancies on the MTAI Board of Directors. Chairman Ian Lawrence advised the appointment of, and welcomed to one of the roles, Queensland University of Technology Professor Michael Milford. He is a leading robotics researcher conducting interdisciplinary research at the boundary between robotics, neuroscience and computer vision, and a multi-award winning educational entrepreneur. Professor Milford is well known to us through his involvement in the Carmageddon symposiums.
DIGITAL ECONOMY One of the issues recognised as vital to our membership was the impact of technological changes on their businesses. The Carmageddon symposiums and other fora emphasised the need to implement
strategies, innovate and utilise new products to advantage business so as to participate in the digital economy. Change continues apace, and we must stay with it. For this purpose, MTA Queensland has committed to participate in Something Digital – a festival to be held on 1 November at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event will bring together ‘participants in the digital economy including start-ups, small business and established organisations specifically in digital roles which foster thought leadership, technology and marketing.’ Similar to the Carmageddon symposiums, Something Digital will have significant learnings for our executive team and the membership alike and permits us to be part of the forward thinking that drives digital economies.
COOPERATIVE AND AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE INITIATIVE (CAVI) In the May From the Desk of the CEO, I mentioned a meeting with Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) to discuss the potential to utilise the MTA Institute’s auto-electrician capability relating to wireless technology. This would enhance the work on the Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems project underway. As a part of ongoing discussions, I met with DTMR General Manager Denis Walsh on what is now referred to CAVI to be delivered by DTMR ‘to help prepare for the arrival of new vehicle technologies with safety, mobility and environmental benefits on Queensland roads.’ CAVI will lay the technical foundations for the next generation of smart transport infrastructure and has four components: Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems Pilot—the largest on-road testing trial July 2018 Motor Trader | 5
From the desk of the CEO in Australia of cooperative vehicles and infrastructure; Cooperative and Highly Automated Driving Pilot; Vulnerable road user pilot; and change management. One of our senior technical trainers is engaged in collaborating with staff from DTMR to progress the initiative which is expected be implemented late 2019. The MTA Institute has already retro-fitted four vehicles with the communication devices and developed an installation manual for methods and processes involved. There is also potential scope for this project to involve MTA Queensland members to complete further retro-fitting of vehicles and for our apprentices to become skilled in the technology as well as the installation of the devices, broadening the training set of the MTA Institute.
CAR2GO I try to keep an eye on market place happenings or attend meetings that have relevance to the membership. One of these was a briefing on Car2Go by Austrade and Brisbane Marketing with the product overviewed by the company’s Chief Executive Officer. It is in the process of establishing in Australia. Car2Go can be classified as a ‘disrupter’ as the service forgoes the centralised rental office, and cars are accessed via a downloadable smartphone App wherever they are parked. Seemingly, it is shared mobility through car sharing that provides all the benefits of a car without owning one – parking, fuel and insurance. Users are charged by the minute, with hourly and daily rates available. As of July 2017, Car2Go is the largest carsharing company in the world. This business model is likely to be a huge part of industry in the future and the establishment in Australia and Queensland is both important and relevant. 6 | Motor Trader July 2018
“OVER THE NEXT MONTH
MY FOCUS WILL INCLUDE ROLLING OUT THE ACTION PLAN FOR 2019. I’M KEEN TO ESTABLISH MTA QUEENSLAND IN THE INNOVATION SPACE AS REQUIRED UNDER THE STRATEGIC PLAN 2016-18.” AND THE LAST THING The value of stakeholder engagement and input into federal policy issues was driven home to me at a recent National Transport Commission (NTC) roundtable. Its purpose was to discuss ‘end-to-end regulation . . . to support the safe commercial deployment and operation of automated vehicles and at all levels of automation’. The aim is to have the process in place by 2020. Automated vehicle safety assurance has been a policy matter that MTA Queensland has engaged in since June 2017 via submissions. At the round table, I had the opportunity to support and supplement the content in our submissions. More importantly, I was able to provide feedback and balance to issues that would be the subject of regulations from the perspective of the automotive value chain and the consumer. I felt much was achieved. Over the next month my focus will include rolling out the action plan for 2019. I’m keen to establish MTA Queensland in the innovation space as required under the Strategic Plan 2016-18. One of the exciting projects being explored is a Centre of Excellence or learning institute centred on mobility linked to autonomous technology and innovation to be established in a suitable and enthusiastic community of Queensland. Until August, 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’.
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Policy/Viewpoint teleconference relating to the airbag recall and the specific impact on their businesses. Of concern for dismantlers is Section 5(10) to (13) of the recall notice about using their best endeavours to notify vehicle manufacturers about affected spare parts in their possession.
ADVOCACY KELLIE DEWAR DEPUTY GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES
T
HE TAKATA AIRBAG recall has been a big issue and a timely and comprehensive automotive retail briefing from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) officers and Corrs Chambers Westgarth (advisors to the Takata Task Force) was held at the MTA Queensland’s corporate headquarters for new and second-hand vehicle dealers, dismantlers, and all industry participants affected by the recall. It was in response to member enquiries and some continuing uncertainty on how to handle the recall. In Viewpoint (Motor Trader May 2018) I said the compulsory Takata airbag recall was the most ‘all consuming’ of the many industry policy issues with which I’d been involved over some fifteen years. it remains so, with detail changing and some four million cars now affected. The level of reporting obligations increase next month giving further detailed information. There will be four possible categories of the recall status of affected vehicles; Critical, Active, Complete and Future to ensure that all vehicles were managed expeditiously, safely and timely. Our Parts Recyclers members also had the opportunity to participate in a national 8 | Motor Trader July 2018
I’ve two policy submissions pending: The National Transport Commission’s Safety Assurance for Automated Driving Systems Consultation Regulation Impact Statement; and the Queensland Transport and Public Works Committee Inquiry into Transport Technology. The latter inquiry includes the changes in fuel type usage in the sectors of personal transport, freight transport and public transport, such as the increasing uptake of hybrid and electric vehicles; the readiness of the transport network for increasing electrification of vehicles in coming years; and technology that is affecting employment arrangements in the transport industry. This is an important matter and I’d welcome members’ views in preparing submission for lodgement on 28 August.
DIVISIONS Increasingly, women are assuming
“INCREASINGLY, WOMEN
ARE ASSUMING DIVERSE ROLES IN THE AUTOMOTIVE VALUE CHAIN FROM THE WORKSHOP FLOOR, TO ASSISTANT AND MANAGERIAL POSITIONS, AND TO APPRENTICESHIPS.”
diverse roles in the automotive value chain from the workshop floor, to assistant and managerial positions, and to apprenticeships. Two exceptional women have chosen the sector as a career and serve on MTA Queensland’s divisional committees. Andrea McCarthy from McCarthy Panel Works in North Mackay sits on the National Auto Collision Alliance and has done so since 2014. Andrea serves as the Division’s secretary bringing to the role broad understanding of the repair business due to some two decades in the sector. Important to her is networking, staying up-to-date on industry development and highlighting regional issues which differ from those in the metropolitan areas. Townsville’s R.H.D. Classic Supplies and Services owner Sharine Milne is a newcomer to the Queensland Motorcycle Industry Division Committee. Sharine brings diverse experience in the motorcycle services, parts and accessories business including training. In 2017, Sharine was awarded the Small Employer of the Year for the North Queensland region at the State’s Training Awards. This achievement builds on her record as a former finalist in TAFE’s Pre-Vocational Student of the Year competition and the 2004 national Ulysses Motorcycle Apprentice of the Year winner. Community engagement has been a long-term focus for Sharine resulting in R.H.D being recognised with the 2016 MTA Queensland Community Award. I look forward to working with Andrea and Sharine on their respective divisional issues and encourage women to be involved in the automotive value chain and consider roles as industry representatives.
“NEW IS THE MEMBER
PORTAL CONTAINING A 'KNOWLEDGE BASE', WHICH IS A RESOURCE AREA AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY TO MTA QUEENSLAND MEMBERS.” MTA QUEENSLAND WEBSITE The MTA Queensland website is undergoing redesign to create a better user experience. It will go live on 1 August 2018. The website is a constant online presence that establishes the image and information on which members and visitors alike make a judgment call as to its value. It’s the first place that people will go to learn about the Association. No significant change is envisaged. The favourites will be there such as the Jobs Board, ISMAA (Industry Automotive Apprentice Mentoring program), and the Motor Trader e-magazine, plus some new ones. New is the Member Portal containing a ‘Knowledge Base’ which is a resource area available exclusively to MTA Queensland members. The ‘Knowledge Base’ has a library of industry resources, marketing material and Industrial Relations information such as Wages Guides, Awards, Tax Sheets, Workplace Health and Safety and other essential information. Members can access the Member Portal from the navigation bar on the front of the website. Member’s will have ample time to become familiar with the site and the sign-in requirements for the ‘exclusive’ portal. An email detailing access will be sent to all members in July. Look for more information on our new website in this Motor Trader. July 2018 Motor Trader | 9
Policy/Viewpoint INDUSTRY NEWS The budget season is over for another 12 months. Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Brett Dale attended the State Budget ‘lock-up’ for the Premier the Hon Anastacia Palaszczuk and the Treasurer the Hon Jacklyn Trad’s briefing on the budget and economy. The State Budget included the innovation and training funding priorities and electricity initiatives to make power prices more affordable for residential and business customers that formed part of our budget presentation. There were the expected revenue increases that will impact the value chain such as the increase in motor vehicle registration fees and the new 2 per cent transfer duty on new cars costing more than $100,000. This measure will raise an estimated $25 million a year. Within the automotive value chain there are concerns about this new duty. It was one of four new taxes announced during the 2018 State election process by the caretaker Palaszczuk Government to pay for its election promises. The re-elected government has a mandate to introduce the suite of new revenue raising taxes. A suite of five Road Vehicle Standard bills that regulate the importation and provision of road vehicles is before the Senate. The bills have been introduced as a replacement for the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989, which has now been in force for nearly three decades. The Road Vehicles Standard Bill 2018 provides the overarching framework and includes: prohibiting the importation into Australia of road vehicles that do not comply with national road vehicle standards, except in limited circumstances; establishing a Register of Approved Vehicles, on which road vehicles must be entered before they 10 | Motor Trader July 2018
“THERE WERE THE EXPECTED
REVENUE INCREASES THAT WILL IMPACT THE VALUE CHAIN SUCH AS THE INCREASE IN MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEES AND THE NEW 2 PER CENT TRANSFER DUTY ON NEW CARS COSTING MORE THAN $100,000.” are introduced to the Australian market; establishing a framework for the recall of road vehicles and approved road vehicle components; and providing for criminal offences etc. The commencement of the suite of bills will occur 12 months after the passage and royal assent of the legislation – to give the automotive industry sufficient time and legislative certainty to adapt to the detail of the new Act.
FINALLY Yes, it’s time to talk about the Annual Industry Dinner (previously the President’s Ball). Now in its fifth year, it is the signature social event on the MTA Queensland calendar. This is the only event when we unite to celebrate the motor trades and achievement. It’s on Saturday, 10 November at W Brisbane, 81 North Quay. By popular demand the Annual Industry Dinner is semi-formal. The 2018 theme is ‘New World Automotive’, the Master of Ceremonies is the ever-popular Shane Jacobson and the guest speaker is Professional Drift Driver Jake Jones. For now, the important part, is to enter the date in your schedule and it would be wise to purchase tickets early. Until July, take care and stay safe.
D N A L S N E E QU S E I R E S 3 X I A HYUND P I H S N O I P M A CH
9 2 7 2 Y L U J , D N U O R T X NE S L A N IO T A N S N O N N A H S Y A W E C A R D N A L S N E E R D T H R E E, Q U
ING STATE C A R IT U C IR C LD Q S M A C 18 0 2 SEPTEMBER 8-9, ARK P N A G R O M , R U FO D N U O R , S IP CHAMPIONSH TE TA S G IN C A R IT U C IR C LD Q S M NOVEMBER 17-18, 2018 CA PARK N A G R O M , E V FI D N U O R , S IP H S CHAMPION
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CLICK TO VISIT THE MANLY AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES WEBSITE
Shane Boynton, owner of Manly Automotive Services
MTA|Q&A
Shane Boynton has owned and run Manly Automotive Services for 18 years. Taking real pride in the relationship he has with his community, Shane has generations of families as customers and the Manly Automotive logo is a common sight on the vehicles that cruise the Brisbane bayside suburb.
What products and services does Manly Automotive provide? SB: We offer service and maintenance of
vehicles, and mainly specialise in older European cars – anything mare than five years old and all the way back to the '50s.
What is your background in the industry and how did you come to specialise in European vehicles? SB: I completed my apprenticeship in Auckland at a place called Percy Motors 12 | Motor Trader July 2018
where I worked on Honda, Rover and Scimitar. We were the only Scimitar agents in New Zealand and I think there were only four Scimitars in the country, but we were it! After I finished my apprenticeship, I went to work at a Porsche race centre for about nine months and then spent a year at another shop before, in 1989, I went to live and work in Scotland for 3½ years. I actually went there for three months, but
“WE JUST OPENED AND REALLY HAD NO IDEA WHAT WE WERE DOING! MY FIRST CUSTOMER HAD AN XD FALCON AND I HAD NEVER EVEN SEEN AN XD BEFORE!” loved the place and ended up doing a lot of work on European vehicles there. I then did 3½ years in London working on DS Citroens. The workshop in London was one of those small shops under railway arches and there was a couple of guys there who only had one jack and two axle stands, but over time we gained the reputation fo being one of the best Citroen DS restoration shops in London. It was very cool. After that I came back to Australia and worked for six months at a place in Kenmore before discovering what would become our first shop in Manly was up for sale. I borrowed $5000 from my mother-
in-law and away we went. We just opened the doors and really had no idea what we were doing! My first customer had an XD Falcon and I had never even seen an XD before! We had no internet, and didn’t know anybody, but we just got on with it and worked from 6am to midnight to make $400 a week – if we were lucky! Then the area started changing. Houses in the Manly area started to sell and it turned out that people from Victoria and NSW were moving in. They were selling their homes for $600-700,000 down there, buying a lovely house up here for $300,000 and suddenly dad would find himself with money left over for his midlife crisis car. That was who we were – the ‘mid-life crisis centre’! That is how we got into the older cars. Slowly, those people started to come to us and now people from as far as Toowoomba and Springbrook come to us to get work done. There are other guys who do that July 2018 Motor Trader | 13
sort of work, of course, but a lot of our customers have been with us for years and trust us. In fact, now, I have a thirdgeneration of customers coming to us. We built up a good relationship with them, their families, their neighbours, their friends – it goes on and on.
Do you work on any brands in particular? SB: Basically, anything European such as
Mercedes, BMW and VW – those sorts of mainstream cars. We also see a number of classics – an old MG or Porsche, vehicles like that.
Is it a challenge to work both on classic cars as well as modern vehicles, considering the technological advances over the years? SB: You just have to think ‘basic’. A lot
of guys overthink the job when really you just have to go back to basics. Take the electrical side of things – if there’s a problem then something has caused that to go wrong, and the thinking is the same as if an old carburettor had a problem you just have to backtrack and find the cause. Once you’ve done that, it’s easy. 14 | Motor Trader July 2018
“HONEST AND RELIABLE
SERVICE. IT’S AS SIMPLE AS THAT. AND WE DO THAT LITTLE BIT EXTRA TOO. NO MATTER THE JOB, WE’LL CHECK THE TYRE PRESSURES, THE WATER LEVELS AND THAT SORT OF STUFF!” Manly Automotive recently became a mobile servicing business. How did that come about? SB: Our original shop in Manly, that we
had been in for many years, was an old building. It was built in 1927 and was actually a Model T garage. Back then it had a showroom, sold spare parts – both genuine and non-genuine – they had car rentals so people could drive around the bay, and they did tours. It was an amazing place. However, the building is old and had wooden floors which meant we had to do everything on jacks. It was hard work. So, we moved and opened a new workshop with all mod cons - new hoists, new diagnostic equipment – but then we
What are your thoughts on these changes? SB: In the last few years the industry has
subsequently discovered that the area had been rezoned, and after 7 months we had to move again! That was in August last year. We really had nowhere to go at the time, so we went mobile. I found a small workshop for sale that we use for more difficult jobs, but we are basically a mobile service. Now, we go out to the customer’s car and, if it is a small job, we will do the work on site, while the bigger jobs we take back to the workshop. For our customers it means that they come home from work to find the keys to their vehicle are there, the invoice is there, and they just have to direct debit me. Everyone’s happy and it’s actually a good system. It was hard to start with because we were limited on how many customers we can service, but I think the council actually did me a favour and I now think going mobile may be the future for the new motor mechanic. There are many workshops closing down, and I think the way I am doing it now maybe the way to go.
The industry is evolving – hybrids, electric vehicles, even autonomous cars may be here soon.
really changed and, often, young people coming into the trade don’t seem as interested n the older skill sets and would as soon change a part as repair it. We can’t do that. We have to diagnose and work out what’s gone wrong and fix it. They look towards the electronics side and working with scanners and so on, and it often seems that they believe if they can scan a car and use google, they are a qualified mechanic! Having said that, hybrid and electric cars are the future and mechanics will have to learn and adapt when they do become the norm. As for me, I'll have to decide whether to specialise in older cars, which is, I think, what I would prefer, and let the young guys do that work. Someone still has to service those older cars, after all. They’ll still be here!
You’ve been in business for nearly 20 years and have the trust of many in your community. To what do you attribute your success? SB: Honest and reliable service. It’s as
simple as that. And we do that little bit extra too. No matter the job, we’ll check the tyre pressures, the water levels and that sort of stuff. They need a light bulb? We’ll do that for free. A set of wiper blades? No problem. They are small, feel-good jobs but the customer will tell 10 other people about that. And that’s the way we’ve always done it. Busy? Just find a bit of time to do the tyre pressures and make them happy. It’s just about doing that little bit extra.
What do you do with your spare time, if you have any? SB: I’ve always enjoyed motorsport and
racing. It’s been in my blood forever and I currently have an Escort RS2000 which I race. I’m working on installing a new engine now and will be back on track soon. July 2018 Motor Trader | 15
BACK ON
BRAB AND TH
16 | Motor Trader July 2018
N TRACK
BHAM E BT62
July 2018 Motor Trader | 17
The Brabham BT62
As the dust settles over the launch of the BT62, we sit down for an exclusive chat with the man who has brought this famous brand back to life, David Brabham.
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FRANK GRICE
HINK OF THE name Brabham and at first you probably envisage Sir Jack, a three-time Formula One world champion and one of Australia’s finest ever sporting exports. Then, assimilate the name with a brand and it’s a manufacturing heavyweight of true, global regard. The combination of man and brand stands for so many races, achievements, honours and magical moments of the past, and yet, in the fast-paced world of automotive technology and racing cars, sentimentality can quickly find itself taking a back seat, and so happened with Brabham.
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Following Sir Jack’s retirement in 1971, the F1 Brabham team battled on for another 20 years with diminishing levels of success under the leadership of a number of different owners - including Bernie Ecclestone, future supremo of Formula One – but the team, an iconic force in the 1960s which readily triumphed against behemoths such as McLaren, Ferrari and Lotus, had faded into virtual obscurity by the early 1990s, when mechanical and financial challenges had been deemed too great to overcome. Yet the brand did live on – not just in the misty-eyed memories of traditional
VIDEO: UNVEILING OF THE BRABHAM BT62
racing aficionados, not even in the motoring museums where BT52s still sit majestically as four-wheeled powerhouses from a bygone era. Instead, so cherished and so valuable was the name that other entities began to cash in. In 2009, the BT92 appeared, a modified BMW M3 Coupe launched out of a German stable, while a year later a Brabham Grand Prix team
attempted entry for the F1 season. Neither of these had anything to do with David Brabham, the accidental overseer of his father’s intellectual property, and it would be a further three years before legal ownership of the trademark was passed back to him. “I guess that was the start, and the whole thing came at the right time for me really,” Brabham tells Motor Trader. “My own racing career was coming to an end and suddenly there were others trying to take the family name. Really, that should have been us, and not for money’s sake; more so that the legacy of producing incredible racing machines could be taken forward and celebrated from those who had a proper claim to it. “For a long time, I had felt that Brabham needed to be back racing again, but it July 2018 Motor Trader | 19
took a while to realise how to achieve that. “Wind forward, and I think what we’ve done in the past couple of years proves that the decision we took to reignite this famous brand was the correct one.” The result, of course, is the BT62, a purebred racing machine, which was officially unveiled in the spring. Coming in at a cool $1.8million before tax, it has a power-toweight ratio of 730ps (720hp) per tonne, a dry weight of just 972kg and is powered by a Brabham naturally-aspirated 5.4-litre capacity V8 engine. And best of all, it’s being built in Australia. “I can’t say the Australia connection was an entirely emotional decision,” Brabham says, referencing his father, who was born in Hurstville, NSW. “There comes a point where you have to say – what are the capabilities, is there funding, is there expertise? None of those you take lightly, and it just so happened that the right partners were in Adelaide. “It’s then you say, ‘Wow, how incredible is that? We are going full-circle, back to Australia where it all began with Jack in 1948.” Technically, every element of this incredible machine is on-point. The engine offers a telling echo back to the BrabhamRepco V8 days, and that power-to-weight ratio eclipses even the McLaren Senna. There are carbon-fibre body panels, a spaceframe chassis and a protective 20 | Motor Trader July 2018
roll cage. It boasts Michelin slicks on 18” tyres, carbon-carbon brakes and integrated air jack points so the car can be elevated during pit stops. They’re the basics, but in terms of owner imprint, Brabham can mould that into manufacturer expertise, with multiple wheel designs, carbon packs, seat specifications and right-hand drive conversion. Yet, while its next iteration gives the BT62 – a full-performance GT racer – an option to progress into a full-performance racing vehicle, or to be moulded down into a showpiece road vehicle right up there with tarmac monsters of the like of Porsche, Maserati and more, this is essentially a blueprint
designed for ‘here and now’, statement racing. The short-term ambition appears to be getting the car up there with the Toyotas, Porsches and Audis on the starting grid for the 2020 Le Mans 24hr race. For that to be possible, Brabham Automotive will need to move quickly.
“True, we have Le Mans in in our sights,” says Brabham. “We went down there with our partner Michelin to have the car on display. We’re waiting to see what more detail is released regarding new regulations for hypercars, so we are
looking at 2020, perhaps even 2021 for those to become a part of that championship. “Like a lot of other manufacturers, we want to decide if that’s the best way for us to go, or do we create a GTE version – we’ll see, but we want to be there as soon as we can.” Paul Birch, Brabham Automotive’s technical boss, adds: “It’s important to aim a few steps above everyone else, because while you’re marketing a current vehicle, others are developing theirs. “Of course, when you start with a blank sheet of paper, as we did with the BT62, you don’t know where the regulations might move, but we wanted to make a big step over the current GTE competitors in terms of performance, giving us the
platform then to plan the modifications into the retail element, because the market for this car in its current form is obviously very small and extremely exclusive. “As it stands, the car already has headlights, tail-lights and you can see out of the windows, so it has all those road elements to it, and if you look at the current GT racers, there is a formula of a certain size in terms of wheelbase, engine position and two seats, so we very quickly got to that point and then had to decide what we were going to do with the distinct elements.” David Brabham was closely involved in the design process despite not having formal architecture or engineering qualifications. “I would say I know the brand’s intentions better than anyone else, so passing that idea on was easy - intuitive, almost. The look, the feel, the build of it - everything needed to be at that point to go off in different directions. So, there was always that fight between that function for the track and the form for a road car, with a good look, but we feel we have definitely hit the nail on the head. “And let’s be clear,” he adds, “at its very core it’s a race car - the slick tyres, the suspension, the aerodynamics. It’s designed to be fast on a race track. David Brabham
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David testing the BT62
It’s light, it’s powerful, it’s got good downforce and, when you drive it, it responds really well because of the nature of the way the car has been configured. Engine reliability is key, and I just can’t stop driving it every time I get in it!” Brabham laughs. Throughout the process though, the manufacturer knows a Brabham must always feel like a Brabham, hence why David conducted the lion’s share of the testing himself. Furthermore, the preservation of a contemporary feel has been at the forefront of ideas – why else would the team choose a six-speed sequential Hollinger gearbox when rivals are increasingly moving towards turbocharged units. “When I drove the BT62 for the first time, I hadn’t driven on track for almost two years,” Brabham continues. “I felt rusty and just wanted to take my time. Yet after a few tests I felt like I was back and enjoying it so much because there’s a real purpose to it. “It’s a quick GT car, there’s no doubt about it, but it is very driveable. You have 1200kg of downforce, it’s light and a lot of the performance is down to that powerto-weight ratio. It rockets away from the corners and sticks pretty around them like a dream, too.” Of course, what makes the BT62 really special is the tacit link between 22 | Motor Trader July 2018
Australia and the UK. The production site at Fusion Capital, in northern Adelaide, is a 15,000-square-metre facility, and sits perfectly within a high-technology manufacturing park that is quickly becoming synonymous for the next wave of motoring innovation, preserving all the good, positive principles that came out of the Australian industry’s car production implosion of late 2017.
“The disappearance of the industry – in terms of building cars – has obviously been a big topic,” says Brabham. “So, when we made our announcement we shocked everyone. People grabbed onto it with a lot of love and attention because it was manufacturing - it was Brabham coming back and putting faith in that area.
“They’ve been building cars here for a long time and there are supply chains with a lot of expertise, so that had left a nice gap. And that was part of the vision with the Fusion group, because one of their businesses was a tier one supplier to Holden. Obviously, they had the need to diversify, and wanted to do a ‘halo’ project, and that’s where we all came together to make that
VIDEO: BRABHAM BT62 COMPLETES DYNAMIC TESTING AT THE BEND
elements fall in line together, like the opening of The Bend, an FIA-standard race circuit about 80 miles from Brabham Automotive’s factory, and Jack’s 70-year anniversary too. Those things make a big difference - they make me feel very comfortable, like this is meant to be. “So, we’ve got the right partners, we’ve got the right vision, and we hope this is the start of the Australia automotive industry’s fightback. What’s gone on has been difficult, but in our small way, straight away, there is a rebirth, and that feels good.” What’s more, the Brabham team have gone about this the only way they could – no clay models, no material renders, no optimistic funding rounds in order to see a prototype. The team had their car, their plan and their launch ready to go, something that is surely befitting of David and Sir Jack Brabham
happen. “There is good support from the South Australian State Government too, although still a bit to go in terms of agreements and getting the cash, so to speak, but we’ve plenty to do on our side too. “Ultimately, it all comes back to timing - sometimes you just get a feeling that things are going to go well because July 2018 Motor Trader | 23
such a legitimate brand. “We had to be credible from the start,” says Brabham, who admits to taking influences from his work with the DB9 in coming to a vision for the BT62. “And the fact we were launching almost 70 years since Sir Jack made his racing debut was another nice incentive to find ourselves ready with something tangible and real from day one. “In discussing with Fusion, we realised the only way to do this was to actually deliver a car at the show and the launch. It was so vital that we demonstrated to people what we’ve done and not what we’d like to do.” The initial production run is for 70 vehicles, with the liveries of the first 35 echoing each of Brabham’s F1 winners, ranging from the green and gold of its earliest cars through to the blue and white of the BT54 that Nelson Piquet drove to victory in France in 1985. These ‘celebration’ cars make way for the ‘signature’ cars to follow, each customised to their new owners. Brabham also reveals that four tracks around the world will be offered exclusivity rights “A lot of people have identified the Middle East as a hot-spot for these types of cars, so it does make sense to have a presence around that region. Then, of course, the UK, Australia, and another
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location to be decided upon.” Owners will join ‘the journey’ by having a moulded seat insert, and a tailored driver development programme to help them get the best out of the BT62 (including a Microsoft-partnered data analysis package that will help customers develop their skills). “It’s a family and the owners will be a part of that from day one,” says Birch. “Just like Sir Jack was integral to everything, as has David been, we want our owners to feel that too.” The sense of optimism vibrates through every element of David Brabham. It also offers a sense of closure over the flawed BT61, an F1 design that never reached a racetrack in the dark days of the 1990s. Now, the stable has a bright future that exists in physical form. “This is 100% me and that’s what also makes it special,” says David, when asked if other members of the Brabham clan are involved. “It’s about me and Dad Jack knew I was trying to do something and, unfortunately, he passed away before this got up and running. “He knew the vision of what I was trying to achieve VISIT though, and he was very THE BRABHAM supportive of it, and I AUTOMOTIVE think that he would have WEBSITE been really happy to see where we have got to, and where we’re going.”
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MTA QUEENSLAND STATE BUDGET BRIEF ECONOMIC • total General Government Sector revenue is estimated to be $57,738 billion 2018-19 • major sources of General Government Sector revenue in 2018-19 are grants revenue (48%) and taxation revenue (24.5%) • net operating surplus of $1.512 in 2017-18 • borrowings 2018-19 $70,871 billion rising to $83.093 in 2021-22 • growth 2.75 per cent in 2017-18; 3 per cent in 2018-19 and easing to 2.75 per cent in 20-19-20. • total expenses are projected to grow at an average annual rate of 2.9% over the five years to 2021-22 • unemployment rate forecast to remain at 6¼% in June quarter 2018 and 2019. However, stronger domestic activity is 26 | Motor Trader July 2018
expected to see the unemployment rate fall to 6% by June quarter 2020 • $45.8 billion capital works program over four years
EMPLOYMENT, SMALL BUSINESS AND TRAINING EMPLOYMENT • funding of $20.5 million from 2018-19 over three years to continue Back to Work in areas of South East Queensland with significant labour market challenges; • increased funding of $155 million over four years from 2017-18 to extend the Back to Work regional program to continue to provide employer support payments to employers hiring eligible unemployed jobseekers;
• continue to support workers to upskill and reskill and transition to new employment opportunities due to cessation of sand mining on North Stradbroke Island through the North Stradbroke Island Workers Assistance Scheme; • continue to deliver the Sticking Together Pilot to mentor and support 90 young disadvantaged jobseekers and recentlyemployed young people in Cairns, Townsville and Logan; • continue to support employment opportunities for mature-aged jobseekers, including through the appointment of an Ambassador for mature aged workers; • continue to provide policy oversight to Queensland nominated business and/ or skilled migration visas in partnership with Business and Skilled Migration Queensland.
SMALL BUSINESS • Small Business Services continues to deliver on the Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy 2016-20, including: • provide $1.1 million over four years from 2018-19 to establish small business consultation panels to provide government departments with easier access to experienced small business owners and operators to inform policy and legislation; • provide $1 million in 2018-19 to deliver targeted support and specialist business advice and mentoring to Queenslanders who want to create their own future job; • undertake consultation on how small business can be supported to better position themselves to participate in government procurement; • support the creation of new businesses, helping existing businesses to work smarter and be more resilient and assisting businesses with high growth aspirations to grow and employ through the delivery of three targeted grants programs, Small Business Digital Grants
Program; Small Business Entrepreneur Grants Program; and the Business Growth Fund, mentoring and promoting linkages to other Queensland programs; • support the Small Business Champion, the Queensland Small Business Advisory Council and the Better Regulation Taskforce to advocate for the interests of small business across all levels of governments; • improve the Queensland Government's online services to business via the Business Queensland website to make it easier to access the right service at the right time for customers via a single online location; • deliver Small Business Week events that provide networking and knowledge exchange opportunities • assisting women, Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people to start and grow businesses.
TRAINING • implementation of the $777.9 million 2018-19 investment in training programs and skills initiatives for Queenslanders to support job outcomes and career development; • extending until 30 June 2019 the 50% payroll tax rebate on the exempt wages of apprentices and trainees • invest $80 million ($420 million over six years from 2015-16) to deliver the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to support up to 13,000 disadvantaged Queenslanders (up to July 2018 Motor Trader | 27
54,000 over the six year commitment) to get into work; • support eligible job seekers to gain required skills for employment in regional Queensland communities through additional training under the Back to Work Certificate 3 Guarantee Boost; • support career pathways through apprenticeships and traineeships by partnering with industry to encourage participation in priority training areas including the establishment of a $1 million Advancing Apprentices Fund; • increase engagement of young people in vocational education and training and in identifying pathways to careers; • collaborate with Jobs Queensland to gather strategic industry advice on skills demand and workforce planning; • continue implementation of $9 million over four years for the Regional Skills Investment Strategy to align training outcomes for Queenslanders with local employment skills demand; • provide funding of $10 million over two years for the Regional Skills Adjustment Strategy to support TAFE Queensland to increase training opportunities in specific regions and industry sectors facing economic uncertainty; • implementation of the $5 million industry-led National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Training and Skills Support Strategy over three years to support NDIS training and workforce development needs particularly in
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regional communities; • deliver a strategy for vocational education and training for Queensland that empowers a skilled workforce needed to attract investment and encourage job creation; • embed a comprehensive and systematic approach to quality through the Queensland Vocational Education and Training (VET) Quality Framework; • support public providers in the delivery of training services in our communities with the provision of a State Contribution Grant; • continue to work with Government agencies to allocate at least 10 per cent of total labour hours on eligible projects to be undertaken by apprentices and/ or trainees, with a further 10 percent of total labour hours to be allocated for projects in Indigenous communities; • develop strategies that provide services to better inform students and employers about qualifications, study options and training providers suited to their needs. • ensure individuals, employers and others continue to have access to confidential, free advice through the Queensland Training Ombudsman
SKILLS • increased funding of $180 million over three years from 2018-19 to boost the initiative to fund more apprenticeships and increase workforce participation through a suite of targeted skills and training programs • back to Work: increased funding of $155 million over four years from 2017-18 to extend the regional program to 30 June 2020 to continue to provide employer support payments to employers hiring eligible unemployed jobseekers in regional Queensland • expansion of the Jobs and Regional Growth Fund: increased funding of $20 million for the Jobs and Regional Growth Fund to help facilitate private sector
projects which create employment and economic growth opportunities in regional Queensland by focussing on regions with higher than average unemployment.
INNOVATION • recognise the need for innovation, enhanced digital skills, connectivity and increased inclusion is critical to position Queensland as a global innovation hub. • lead the Advance Queensland initiatives and programs across government to support innovation-led growth and enhance Queensland’s capacity to adapt and thrive, including: - encourage innovative startups and small businesses to commercialise their products through the Ignite Ideas fund; • supporting new ideas for growing Queensland’s competitive strengths through Industry Research Fellowships - driving innovation in regional Queensland through the Regional Startup Onramp program - fostering diversity in innovation by encouraging the success of female founders and researchers - increasing the skills and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander innovators and entrepreneurs; • 'IndustryTech' – working with our key industries to drive crosscutting technologies, like artificial intelligence, that will boost our global competitiveness. • encourage the innovation ecosystem through Ignite Ideas, expanding the Precinct, and supporting regional innovators; • support research through fellowship and the uptake of key technologies like big data, artificial intelligence and drones by industry.
ADVANCE QUEENSLAND • Advance Queensland initiative -$650 million – to foster innovation and
entrepreneurship to enable Queensland businesses to adapt rapidly to the everchanging global business environment. Measures include: • Advance Queensland Foundations for the Future: increased funding of $73 million over four years for the Advance Queensland initiative including $30 million for Ignite Ideas which is helping Queensland startups and small and medium enterprises to succeed • Advance Queensland Increase: increased funding of $50 million over five years to continue funding programs including expansion of 'The Precinct', the State's flagship hub for start-ups, support for the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research, and a range of programs to drive and scale innovation in Queensland • Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund: $40 million over two years has been provided in the 2018-19 Budget to extend the Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund, bringing total funding to $105 million, which will continue to attract interstate and overseas businesses considering moving to Queensland, or Queensland-based businesses interested in expand.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT • Business Development Fund: increased funding of $40 million over two years to continue to support the growth of angel and venture capital funding July 2018 Motor Trader | 29
available to Queensland businesses, thereby strengthening Queensland's entrepreneurial and start-up eco-system; • EcoBiz Program for Small to Medium Enterprises: increased funding of $3.9 million over four years to continue delivering the ecoBiz program that helps small to medium sized businesses identify and achieve financial savings and eco-efficiency across energy, water and waste.
TRANSPORT • customer focus - delivering customercentric solutions in partnership with our stakeholders; • innovation - embracing critical and creative thinking to deliver on our key priorities, now and in the future; • increase pace of technological and social change • change customer and stakeholder expectations; • increase volume and complexity of data and the ability to analyse it (Big data); • improve existing online services from a customer perspective, using customer insights to implement improvements to navigation, information and general usability • deliver the Queensland Compliance Information System which provides Compliance Officers with the ability to easily record vehicle intercept information and have integrated access to registration and licensing information
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in the field through mobile tablet devices; • improve customer flow management tools in our Customer Service Centres across the state, contributing to improving levels of service and enabling focused improvement for specific customer segments and services.
STATE DEVELOPMENT • establish and operate manufacturing hubs in Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton to grow manufacturing businesses and skill up workers in those centres; • deliver Round 4 of Building our Regions, with $70 million of funding over three years to deliver critical infrastructure for the regions; • continue to support the Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund to actively encourage businesses located outside Queensland to re-shore, relocate, establish or expand projects in Queensland; • continue to support the Jobs and Regional Growth Fund which is growing regional economies and creating jobs by helping to facilitate private sector projects to create ongoing employment and sustainable economic development in regional areas; • implement 10-year roadmaps and action plans for the growth of priority new and emerging sectors with global growth potential as part of the Advance Queensland program. Advanced manufacturing; aerospace; biofutures; biomedical; defence industries; and mining equipment, technology and services are sectors identified with potential to build upon Queensland's competitive strengths; • allocate $100 million over three years to support Queensland's resource recovery and recycling industry through the Resource Recovery Industry Development Program. The department will work with local governments and private sector enterprises to help them
find innovative and cost-effective solutions to the problem of waste going to landfill. • allocate $5 million in 2018-19 for Waste to Bioenergy projects. Facilities that turn urban waste into renewable energy and bioproducts are a major opportunity in the Queensland 'waste to bioenergy' sector • continued support for, and growth of, the biofutures sector to enable further investment in projects including pilot, demonstration and commercial biorefinery plants; • implement Round 2 of the enhanced Made in Queensland grants program to support Queensland’s manufacturing small to medium enterprises to become more internationally competitive and adopt innovative processes and technologies
ENERGY • regulate and provide strategic oversight of Queensland’s electricity and gas supply industries, and bio-based petrol and bio-based diesel mandates; • make electricity more affordable for residential and business customers, including continuing an effective working relationship with the Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland; • implement the Government's Powering Queensland's Future policy including: - undertaking actions to support the target of at least 50 per cent renewable energy generation in Queensland by 2030; - supporting establishment of 'CleanCo', a third publicly owned power generation company with a mandate to deliver 1,000MW of new renewable energy projects for Queensland; - considering the findings of our state− wide hydro−electric study under the Powering North Queensland Plan; - delivering Renewables 400MW; - a renewable energy reverse auction; - providing no−interest loans to help
Queenslanders without access to the upfront capital required, to invest in solar and battery technologies.
TAXES, FEES & CHARGES • new revenue from election commitments • a 0.5% increase in the land tax rate for aggregated holdings above $10 million; • an increase in the Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD) from 3% to 7%; • an increase of $2 per $100 of dutiable value for vehicles valued above $100,000; • a 15% point of consumption betting tax. • The Waste Disposal Levy will commence in the first quarter of 2019 and will initially be set at $70 per tonne (higher for regulated waste) and increase by $5 per tonne per annum. • vehicle registration • payroll tax collections are estimated to be $4.086 billion in 2018-19, representing growth of 5.1% on 2017-18; • revenue from vehicle registration is expected to grow by 9.1% in 2018-19 following growth of 5.6% in 2017-18, with the higher growth due to the introduction of the premium motor vehicle duty from 1 July 2018. • land tax is estimated to grow by 11% to $1.313 billion in 2018-19, largely due to the new marginal tax rate on land holdings above $10 million from 1 July 2018, along with growth in land values in recent years. • revenue from transfer duty is expected to be 4.0% higher in 2018-19 than in 2017-18. July 2018 Motor Trader | 31
An Eye for Innovation
KATHY WINKCUP CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GENERAL MANAGER INNOVATION
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HE PACE OF innovation never slows down and in this edition's Auto Innovation News section, you’ll find stories on subjects as varied as self-driving racing cars and autonomous robots, allelectric trucks, government investment in self-driving projects, wheels that turn into tracks . . . and much more. If you follow such developments, you'll know the speed of change is only increasing, and MTA Queensland and MTAiQ continue to play a leadership role in making that change one that our industry can adjust to and engage with through our connections with government, business and other organisations, and through the support of start-up ventures. Examples of the Association's role include our involvement in a number of important projects, including working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads on the Cooperative and Automated Vehicle Initiative (CAVI) that is currently the country’s largest on-road testing trial of cooperative vehicles and infrastructure with around 500 private and fleet vehicles involved. MTA Queensland is helping in the retro-fitting of vehicles that will be adapted to include vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Another project under discussion is
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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 Automoated Vehicle Initiative (CAVI)
the use of autonomous shuttles between an emerging Skills and Knowledge precinct at Brisbane Technology Park and nearby retail centres. Talks revolve around the use of the SAGE Automation Olli autonomous shuttle system as the best solution and those discussions are moving forward well. Projects like these confirm that radical change is inevitable, and being a part of them is important not just because of the inevitability of change but because no one idea or project, on its own, will provide society’s future mobility solution. Encouraging and being a part of programs that advance an integrated solution – one that encompasses autonomous, electric, and connected technology across cars, bikes, buses and even infrastructure – is the most logical way forward and MTA Queensland and MTAiQ, and indeed the MTA Institute which continues to be at the forefront of developing training programs designed to meet these technological advances, will continue to forge links that allow us to play an integral role in this space. One other technological leap that may well play a role in this idea of an integrated
recent Myriad technology and innovation expo in Brisbane, and while the concept was shown in stripped-down form, it attracted plenty of attention. In recent weeks the project team have begun to receive the components – including battery packs, motors, speed and flight controllers - to move the project to the next stage. Design alterations aimed at making Pegasus lighter and safer continue also, and within the next few weeks much of what has been on the drawing board will become a reality.
MTAiQ
“PROJECTS LIKE THESE STRENGTHEN THE ARGUMENT THAT RADICAL CHANGE IS INEVITABLE, AND BEING A PART OF THEM IS IMPORTANT NOT JUST BECAUSE OF THE INEVITABILITY OF CHANGE, BUT BECAUSE NO ONE IDEA OR PROJECT, ON ITS OWN, WILL PROVIDE SOCIETY'S FUTURE MOBILITY SOLUTION.” mobility solution is the flying car. Already, companies such as Uber are planning flying taxi services, so while the concept may seem like science fiction, there are smart and influential businesses, with deep pockets and plenty of enthusiasm, who are working to make them a reality. Here in Queensland, the development of the Pegasus Flying Car concept by MTAiQ client NXG3N Robotics continues to move at a clip. Pegasus made its public debut at the
The MTAiQ Innovation Hub, the first automotive-focused hub in Australia, is designed to bring together experienced mentors, investors, and industry experts to work with start-ups and entrepreneurs, as well as established businesses looking to adapt to the changing industry landscape. It has already provided a muchneeded boost and starting point for start-ups involved in tyre retail, software development, 3D printing and, of course, flying car development, and it is about to become the base for some new startup clients who are developing some pretty exciting projects. Stay tuned for more information on them in upcoming communications. It is important to stress that MTAiQ could be helping you to kickstart your ambitions too. We’re keen to hear about automotive-related ideas and concepts that could make a difference to the industry or the consumer, and we’re here to help. It’s simple to get in touch. Just click on this link www.mtaiq.com.au/submitideas/, fill in the submission form, and we’ll be in touch within two business days about what will happen next. July 2018 Motor Trader | 33
An Eye for Innovation
“IT IS IMPORTANT TO STRESS THAT MTAIQ COULD BE HELPING YOU TO KICK-START YOUR AMBITIONS TOO.” EVENTS
manufacturing and the trade sector, and will also offer participants not only the chance to discover just how far the electric vehicle sector has come but also network with those in the industry. There is no doubt that electric vehicles will be a big part of future mobility, so it may be worthwhile getting along to the expo if you can.
A quick word on technology and innovation events that will be happening FINALLY over the next few months. There are more As I mentioned in my last column, and more of these taking place – more I encourage every MTA Queensland evidence of the changing landscape – and member to read the Industry Bulletin MTA Queensland will be present that is sent each Thursday as it at many of them. In particular, CLICK TO includes information and news our CEO, Dr Brett Dale, will VISIT THE on the innovation space and the MTAIQ be a keynote speaker at the WEBSITE work of MTA Queensland and Autonomous Vehicles Summit MTAiQ. You can also visit the that is taking place in Sydney at MTAiQ website at www.mtaiq. the end of this month where he com.au for more news and to find will discuss the topic, An Industry a calendar which details the many Perspective on the Readiness and Capacity technology events that are now a regular for Autonomous Vehicles in Australia. Brett part of the industry landscape, including will also be a speaker at the upcoming those mentioned above. I’ll also be back Mumbrella Automotive Marketing with more in next month’s edition of Summit, at a session entitled Driving into Motor Trader. the future: Marketing autonomous vehicles. In the meantime, it might be worth Also on the calendar is the Something pondering this thought from writer Digital event in Brisbane on 1 November Stewart Brand, “Once a new technology which will focus on the digital economy rolls over you, if you're not part of the and involve all manner of folk - from steamroller, you're part of the road.” start-ups to big firms and everyone in Until next month. between. While this may not be strictly an automotive event, the ability to VIDEO: MTAIQ INNOVATION HUB understand and embrace the digital landscape is as important to auto businesses as any other. The third big event to make a note of also happens in November, and that is the Electric Vehicle Expo & Convention on 9-10 November at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over its two days, the Expo will provide information and hold discussions on government initiatives and requirements, 34 | Motor Trader July 2018
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Auto innovation news
ROBORACE TO ATTEMPT FIRST AUTONOMOUS HILL CLIMB AT GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED
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OBORACE WILL BE attempting the first-ever fully autonomous hillclimb at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018. The technology firm’s autonomous race car, Robocar, will take on the 1.16-mile
track guided only by automated systems. The vehicle will be tasked with navigating hay bales, flint walls and forests on the Goodwood estate. In addition to the historic run, visitors to
VIDEO: ROBOCAR AT GOODWOOD
VIDEO: ROBOCAR AI RACING
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the Festival of Speed will also be able to enjoy the hill climb from the Robocar’s point of view in a fully immersive VR experience in the Roborace booth. Robocar, the world’s first autonomous race car, was designed by Daniel Simon, the automotive futurist known for his work in tech company ARRIVAL. Hollywood films such as Oblivion. "The Goodwood hill climb presents a real The vehicle weighs 1,350 kg and is challenge for level 4/level 5 autonomous powered by four 135kW electric motors driving systems," said Sergey Malygin, used to power each wheel, for a combined Chief of Software and AI at ARRIVAL. "It 500-plus hp. An NVIDIA DRIVE PX 2 computer processes Robocar’s data, which is a narrow track with complex geometry. Turns and hills with a great deal of tree includes inputs from the LiDAR, radar, coverage mean you can’t rely on GPS / GPS, ultrasonic and camera sensors. RTK signal for localisation. Use of all Roborace provides the car with an advanced sensors, including LiDARs API (application programming VISIT and cameras with deep learninginterface) as a platform for THE GOODWOOD based computer vision methods teams who then add their AI FESTIVAL OF SPEED are needed to perform well at this WEBSITE driver algorithm to the vehicle. course.” Development of the automated driving system for the Robocar The Goodwood Festival of Speed runs from at Goodwood is led by automotive the 12 – 15 July 2018.
DARPA DEVELOPS WHEELS THAT SWITCH TO TRACKS WHILE ON THE MOVE THE DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA), an agency of the United States Department of Defense, in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s National Robotic Engineering Centre has developed a radical Reconfigurable Wheel-Track (RWT) system – a shape-shifting system that transitions from a round wheel to a triangular track and back. The system can morph the shape of the wheel in two seconds while the vehicle is on the move and has been developed as part of DARPA’s Ground X-vehicle Technologies (GXV-T) program – a program that was developed to
VIDEO: DARPA RECONFIGURABLE WHEEL-TRACK SYSTEM
investigate ways to improve mobility, survivability, safety and effectiveness of future combat vehicles. With round wheels perform better on hard surfaces, over soft ground tracks offer better performance and the system offers a way, says DARPA, ‘for instant improvements to tactical mobility and manoeuvrability on diverse terrains’. July 2018 Motor Trader | 37
Auto innovation news
PENSKE AND NFI TO TEST FIRST FULLY ELECTRIC FREIGHTLINER TRUCKS
The Freightliner eCascadia
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N JUNE, DAIMLER Trucks presented two new fully electric trucks from its US-subsidiary Freightliner. Now, Daimler has announced the two first customers to operate the e-vehicles within their fleet with 30 Freightliner eCascadia and eM2 trucks will be handed over to the customers Penske VIDEO: FREIGHTLINER'S ELECTRIC TRUCKS
38 | Motor Trader July 2018
Truck Leasing and NFI Industries in the US. Daimler says that, as a comprehensive system provider, it is working with the customers on route planning, development of charging infrastructure and vehicle service support. In addition, the newly founded Daimler E-Mobility Group – which the company says will define the strategy for electric components, complete electric vehicles, and develop a standardised, global electric architecture for conventional engines and drive components - will use 10 Freightliner e-trucks for research purposes to gain further knowledge about e-trucks in the US. Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has a goal of starting series production of the electrified trucks in 2021.
“Working together with Penske Truck Leasing Corporation and NFI Industries allows us to start with an important phase of the further development of electrified trucks. Together with our customers, we are working on the best solutions for the usage of e-trucks," said Martin Daum, member of the Daimler Board of Management for Trucks and Buses. Penske Truck Leasing The Freightliner eM2 Corporation will get 10 Freightliner eCascadia heavy duty trucks for regional delivery and ten medium duty eM2 for local operations in the Northwest Pacific and in California. Logistics specialist NFI Industries will receive 10 Freightliner eCascadias for drayage activities from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The Freightliner eCascadia will have up to 730 peak horsepower. The batteries provide 550 Kwh usable capacity, a range of up to 250 miles and have the ability to
charge up to 80 percent (providing a range of 200 miles) in about 90 minutes. The Freightliner eM2 is intended for local distribution operations and last-mile delivery services. The eM2 truck will initially have up to 480 peak horsepower. The batteries provide 325 Kwh of usable capacity, a range of up to 230 miles and have the ability to charge up to 80 percent (providing a range of 184 miles) in about 60 minutes.
BP TO ACQUIRE UK'S LARGEST ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING COMPANY BP HAS ENTERED into an agreement to purchase Chargemaster, the UK’s largest electric vehicle (EV) charging company. Chargemaster operates the UK’s largest public network of EV charging points, with over 6,500 across the country. It also designs, builds, sells and maintains EV charging units for a wide range of locations, including for home charging. The number of EVs on the road is anticipated to increase rapidly in coming decades. By 2040 BP estimates that there will be 12 million EVs on UK roads, up from around 135,000 in 2017.
The company says that to accelerate the adoption of EVs, customers will require convenient access to fast and ultra-fast charging and that its UK retail network is well positioned to provide this access with over 1,200 service stations across the country. A key priority for BP Chargemaster will be the rollout of ultrafast charging infrastructure, including 150kW rapid chargers capable of delivering 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes. BP customers in the UK can expect to access BP Chargemaster chargers on forecourts over the next 12 months. July 2018 Motor Trader | 39
Auto innovation news
PACKED HOUSE AT MTAiQ FOR 3D PRINTING ROADSHOW
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ORE THAN 60 representatives from a range of industry sectors came to the MTAiQ Innovation Hub in June to attend a showcase event on 3D Printing and manufacturing. Organised by Iain Gilmour, CEO of 3D printing services company 3D Space Labs (3DSL), the event was designed to give an overview of the business opportunities offered by 3D printing and focused on the 3D printing systems and services available through 3DSL and Markforged, the world’s premier 3D printer manufacturer. On hand to talk about the advantages and opportunities that 3D printing offers was Mr Gilmour, Richard Elving, Sales Manager Asia Pacific for Markforged, and Nathan Luu, CEO of NXG3N Robotics whose Pegasus flying car project has made extensive use of 3D printing and
VIDEO: THE MARKFORGED METAL X 3D PRINTING SYSTEM
the services of 3DSL to produce many components and drone scale models. Attendees were able to get to grips with several samples printed from materials such as nylon, carbon fibre and metal, and 3DSL had one of its Markforged Desktop Series printers on hand for demonstration purposes. Highlighted during Mr Elving’s presentation was the Markforged Metal X,
Richard Elving of Markforged addressed attendees about the abilities of the Markforged 3D printers
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Iain Gilmour, 3DSL CEO, with Richard Elving (left) and demonstrating the capabilities of the 3D scanning systems (above)
a new and relatively affordable metal printer available through 3DSL. 3D printing is rapidly becoming recognised as a viable and cost-effective way for businesses to quickly prototype, test and manufacture components, and the technology is being used across sectors as diverse as the automotive and health industries. As the technology becomes more refined and more widely used, and more people recognise the incredible financial savings that can be made through 3D printing over traditional machining techniques, the interest from the wider business community has begun to grow and Mr Gilmour said there was no shortage of enquiries at the MTAiQ event about the advantages the tech offers and the quality
of the Markforged printers. “The Markforged is an incredible machine and being able to touch and test the printed parts is always an eyeopener, and a clear demonstration of the quality and strength of the parts that can be produced by 3D printing,” he said. “It’s important to get these samples and machines in front of people and a number of them contacted me afterwards who want to be involved in some capacity. Their questions ranged from asking about our printing services and costs to the possibility of generating an online virtual library of spare parts.” The MTAiQ showcase event will be just the start of such events for Mr Gilmour and 3DSL, and plans are now in the offing CLICK TO VISIT for similar events to be THE 3DSL held across Queensland. WEBSITE To find out more, you can visit the 3DSL website at www.3dsl.com.au July 2018 Motor Trader | 41
Auto innovation news
Hyundai NEXO
HYUNDAI AND AUDI PARTNER IN FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY
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YUNDAI MOTOR GROUP and AUDI AG have entered into a multi-year patent cross-licensing agreement, covering a broad range of fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) components and technologies. Under the new partnership, the companies will make joint efforts in developing FCEVs. The cross-license agreement has been signed between Hyundai Motor Company - the Group’s flagship car-making unit - and Audi but also covers and benefits both companies’ affiliates, including Kia Motors Corporation and Audi’s parent company Volkswagen AG. As a first step, Hyundai Motor Group 42 | Motor Trader July 2018
VIDEO: INTRODUCING HYUNDAI NEXO
will grant its counterpart the access to parts that are based on Hyundai’s knowhow accumulated from the development of the ix35 Fuel Cell as well as the NEXO. Audi - responsible for the development of fuel cell technology within the
Volkswagen Group - will also be able to take advantage of Hyundai’s FCEV parts supply chain. Hyundai has been offering SUV-Class FCEVs since 2013, and currently sells them in 18 countries around the world. Hyundai Motor Group and Audi have also agreed to explore opportunities for a next step in their collaboration. That step will aim to lead industry standards in fuel cell technology as well as accelerate FCEV development and spur innovation in the technology. Hyundai Motor Group also plans to strengthen its competitiveness in the fuel cell components industry, engaging in new business opportunities created by the new partnership.
Hyundai Mobis, the Group’s FCEVs components manufacturer, is expected to expand its role for developing and supplying proprietary core components for Hyundai and Kia FCEVs. In 2017, Mobis established an integrated production system for core components of FCEVs and the company’s plant in Chungju, South Korea, has the production capacity of 3,000 powertrain fuel cell complete (PFC) modules per year. PFC modules are comprised of fuel stacks, drive motors, power electronic components and hydrogen fuel supply units. Hyundai says that Mobis will raise the plant's capacity to tens of thousands of PFC modules down the road, depending on market demand.
BMW CONNECTED JOINS FORCES WITH BAIDU INTERNET OF VEHICLES ON HOME-TO-VEHICLE COOPERATION BMW CHINA AND Baidu - the Chinese technology company that specialises in Internet-related services and products, and artificial intelligence – have announced the signing of an agreement between BMW Connected and Baidu Internet of Vehicles on a home-to-vehicle cooperation. The service will aim to enable customers to access vehicle information by voice control and operate relevant functions from their home. Examples of the features the companies say will be offered include being able to check fuel levels, locking the car doors via remote control, and searching for mobility information stored by BMW Connected and plan routes and departure times in advance. BMW Connected integrates vehicles into their users’ digital lives via touchpoints such as the iPhone and Apple Watch. It is powered by the BMW Open Mobility Cloud and is designed to extend mobility beyond the vehicle. BMW says it is committed to building a ‘comprehensive mobility ecosystem and providing intelligent,
VIDEO: BMW CONNECTED
seamless and personalised mobility services for customers’. BMW Connected was launched in China in December 2016 and now has over one million customers. In addition to global services, BMW Connected also offers a range of services tailored to Chinese customers, such as making appointments for vehicle repairs and maintenance, an airport premium service, valet parking, fuel card recharging, a traffic violation query service and a payment service. July 2018 Motor Trader | 43
Auto innovation news
VODAFONE AND CONTINENTAL USE CONNECTIVITY ON SAFER ROADS INITIATIVE
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ELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP VODAFONE and Continental have announced a new partnership to improve safety on German roads. The companies are working on application scenarios at Vodafone’s 5G mobility lab and the initiatives include a digital shield for pedestrians and a traffic jam warning system. They will be implemented with 5G, cellular vehicle-to-everything (cellular V2X) and mobile edge computing. The companies are looking to optimise the wireless network to cope with the immense data requirements of the automotive industry, saying that fully automated vehicles will generate up to one gigabyte of data every minute. 5G, the next generation of cellular network technology, will be capable of processing up to 10
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gigabits of data per second and make it possible for millions of cars to communicate with each other simultaneously. Continental says that road users can only warn each other of potential hazards if they are able to share data in real time and Cellular V2X technology makes that possible because it connects the vehicle to the cloud and facilitates information sharing between vehicles or between vehicles and other road users. Mobile edge computing technology will be used to test a digital shield for pedestrians and cyclists. Vehicles will have built-in cameras and will send live images to the mobile edge computer at a base station for fast Artificial Intelligence analysis. If the system identifies a risk situation, it sends a warning to all the vehicles in the area via the wireless network. Continental says the Cellular V2X technology can extend the radius of the digital shield by allowing vehicles, people and the infrastructure to directly share information, even when the hazard is beyond the reach of their own sensors. The technology is also being used to develop a traffic jam warning system. Vehicles in a traffic jam send data via cellular V2X directly to all the other road users in the vicinity. An alternative route can be proposed to vehicles that are still some distance away, while vehicles approaching the end of the traffic jam are sent a warning so they can reduce speed.
The benchmark of industry standards.
69 TH ANNUAL M OTOR T R A DE S
GO L F TO U R NAMEN T VIRGIN IA GOLF CLUB , F R I DAY, 5 T H O CTO 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
Auto innovation news
VOLVO AIMS FOR 25% RECYCLED PLASTICS IN EVERY CAR FROM 2025
Volvo XC60 T8
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OLVO CARS HAS announced its ambition that from 2025, at least 25 per cent of the plastics used in every newly launched Volvo car will be made
from recycled material. To demonstrate the viability of this ambition, the company has unveiled a speciallybuilt version of its XC60 T8
HONDA PARTNERS ON GENERAL MOTORS’ NEXT GEN BATTERY DEVELOPMENT
generation battery system with the intent for Honda to source the battery modules from GM. The combined scale and global manufacturing efficiencies will, the companies say, ultimately provide greater value to customers. GM and Honda are already working together to produce an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system. “In addition to our ongoing joint development and production of fuel cells, this battery component collaboration will enable us to take a new step toward the realisation of a sustainable society,” said Takashi Sekiguchi, Chief Officer for Automobile Operations and Managing Officer of Honda.
GENERAL MOTORS AND Honda have announced an agreement for new advanced chemistry battery components, including the cell and module, to accelerate both companies’ plans for all-electric vehicles. The companies say the next-generation battery will deliver higher energy density, smaller packaging and faster charging capabilities for future products, mainly for the North American market. Under the agreement, the companies will collaborate based on GM’s next 46 | Motor Trader July 2018
EU AUTO SECTOR SPENDS €54 BILLION ON R&D PER YEAR
plugin hybrid SUV that has had several of its plastic components replaced with equivalents containing recycled materials. The special XC60’s interior has a tunnel console made from renewable fibres and plastics from discarded fishing nets and maritime ropes. On the floor, the carpet contains fibres made from PET plastic bottles and a recycled cotton mix from clothing manufacturers’ offcuts. The seats also use PET fibres from plastic bottles. Used car seats from old Volvo cars were used to create the soundabsorbing material under the car bonnet. The recycled plastics ambition is another environmentally-conscious statement from Volvo. Recently, the company committed to eradicate singleuse plastics across all its premises and events by the end of 2019;. “Volvo Cars is committed to minimising its global environmental footprint,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. “Environmental care is one of Volvo’s core values and we will continue to find new ways to bring this into our business. This car and our recycled plastics ambition are further examples of that commitment.”
ACCORDING TO INFORMATION compiled by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), annual EU investment into R&D by the automobile and parts sector has risen by 7.4 per cent to reach an all-time high of €53.8 billion. This, and other facts about the industry, were compiled by ACEA in its new Automobile Industry Pocket Guide. ACEA says that this contribution makes the automobile and parts sector the EU’s number one investor in R&D and responsible for 27 per cent of the region’s total R&D spending. Compared to other world regions, the EU auto sector leads the way in terms of R&D investment. Japan comes second in the global ranking with an investment of €29.8 billion per year, followed by the US with €18.5 billion. In addition, over 8,700 automotive patents were granted by the European Patent Office last year. Other key figures contained in the Pocket Guide include: • 13.3 million people work directly and indirectly in the sector. • The 3.4 million jobs in automotive manufacturing represent over 11 per cent of total EU manufacturing CLICK TO VIEW THE employment. ACEA POCKET • Motor vehicles GUIDE account for €413 billion in tax contributions in the EU15 alone. • The automobile industry exported 5.9 million motor vehicles in 2017, generating a trade surplus of €90.3 billion for the EU. July 2018 Motor Trader | 47
Auto innovation news
Tony Wheeler from ImagineX, Dr Sue Keay and Nathan Luu Nguyen
FIRST NATIONAL ‘ROBOTIC ROADMAP’ LAUNCHED IN CANBERRA
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USTRALIA’S FIRST is a critical step towards a ROBOTICS Roadmap national strategy to invest in – a first step in a corobotic technology to create ordinated effort to devise a and support a vibrant economy, plan for the future of robotic community and nation. technology and its use in “Australia’s continued high Australia – was unveiled last standard of living depends month at an event at Parliament on us improving productivity House in Canberra. 2.5 per cent every year. With The roadmap is designed our ageing population this to guide and support the won’t come from labour development of critical robotic productivity alone but will rely on technologies required to support automation. Automation is predicted to Australian industry in the future and deliver Australia a $2.2 trillion dividend create the grounds for the necessary coover the next 15 years if we encourage operation to allow robots to become part businesses to accelerate their uptake of of the fabric of the nation. new technologies such as robotics. The Australian Centre for Robotic Vision “With support and collaboration pioneered the Roadmap concept, collated between industries, government, submissions and co-ordinated a national researchers and developers in coming roadshow across five Australian capital years we will see robotic technology cities ahead of producing the report. developed that can help maintain “We are very pleased to officially our living standards, protect the CLICK TO launch Australia’s first Robotics environment, provide services DOWNLOAD Roadmap,” said Dr Sue Keay, the to remote communities, reduce THE ROBOTICS Centre’s Chief Operating Officer. healthcare costs and create more ROADMAP “Australia’s Robotics Roadmap efficient and safer workplaces.” 48 | Motor Trader July 2018
The MTA Queensland team with the Pegasus flying car project at Myriad 2018
Dr Alan Finkel and Nathan Luu Nguyen
Leaders in academia, industry and Nathan met industry heavyweights as government across key sectors including well as representatives from academia, resources, built and natural environment, the government and the defence forces, manufacturing, services, agriculture, delivering the message that flying cars are defence and healthcare all helped shape a logical and practical concept to consider the Roadmap through submissions and in regards to future mobility and robotics. workshops held in late 2017. “The premise of the Roadmap is that Also recognised in the Roadmap is the right now in Australia, robotics is very concept of flying vehicles. fractured – a lot of different companies A late addition to the document, the are doing a lot of different things and concept is represented and championed nobody knows completely what the others by NXG3N Robotics, a client of the MTAiQ are doing because there is no platform Innovation Hub and the innovators for them to be seen,” said Nathan. “The behind the Pegasus Flying Car Project that Roadmap brings everything together, helps made its public debut at the Myriad 2018 us understand where the future is headed technology and innovation festival in May. and creates the environment for education That appearance at Myriad, as part of the and regulation for this emerging industry.” MTA Queensland-sponsored Garage display, The Roadmap is an exciting document was critical for the concept of flying cars that discusses the prospects for a robotic being included in the Robotic Roadmap. industry, its potential impact on the “Through Myriad, we were invited to economy, education, the workforce and ICRA 2018 (International Conference on other societal impacts as well as highlighting Robotics and Automation) in Brisbane,” those entrepreneurs and innovators already said Nathan Luu Nguyen, co-founder of making a mark in the sector. NXG3N Robotics. “That invitation came “Australia has a talented pool of robotics because they were unaware that anyone leaders and researchers who are working in Australia was developing a flying car. on some incredibly exciting projects,” said Subsequently, because of our involvement Dr Keay. “We have an opportunity to take a at ICRA where we met and talked to Dr collaborative, multi-sector approach to Sue Keay, NXG3N Robotics and the education, funding and legislation concept of flying cars were included VISIT THE to benefit industries and lead in the Robotics Roadmap.” AUSTRALIA the way in the development of CENTRE FOR Attending the Canberra ROBOTIC VISION robotic technology that can solve Robotic Roadmap launch WEBSITE real global challenges.” with colleague Tony Wheeler, July 2018 Motor Trader | 49
Auto innovation news
AUTONOMOUS ROBOT IN USE AT SKODA PLANT
Skoda's autonomous robot has been in operation at the company's Vrchlani plant since June
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KODA AUTO IS using a fully autonomous, self-learning transport robot at its VrchlabĂ component plant in the Czech Republic. The robot is able to recognise obstacles along its journey through the plant and to incorporate other information from its surroundings when planning its route. If necessary, it changes its course to always get to its destination as quickly as possible. It is, said Skoda, contributing to improving safety at work and the efficiency of transport processes at the plant. The transport robot can carry a load of up to 130 kg and chooses the correct paths fully autonomously and does not require lane guidance in the form of induction loops, magnetic strips or reflectors. To learn the route, Skoda says the vehicle only needs to be guided between the stations once via a tablet or joystick. In doing so, it captures its environment as well as changes to its surroundings all by
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itself and adapts its route if necessary. Using sensors and laser scanners, the robot recognises vehicles and stationary obstacles as well as people crossing its path. The control system calculates the approach speed and detects if a collision is imminent. In this case, the robot stops by itself or takes evasive action. It immediately adjusts its route based on information from its surroundings, without having to stop in the process. If the fully autonomous robot detects that it will regularly encounter obstacles at a specific point along its journey, it changes its route permanently. Skoda says the robot completes 120 trips per day and travels a total distance of 35 km on its route between the mechanical measuring centre and the processing machines. The testing and pilot phases have already been completed and the robot has been in regular use at the factory since June.
SOFTBANK VISION FUND TO INVEST $2.25 BILLION IN GM CRUISE
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HE SOFTBANK VISION Fund – a $US100 billion tech investment vehicle owned by Japanese conglomerate SoftBank - will invest $US2.25 billion in GM Cruise Holdings LLC (GM Cruise), the autonomous vehicle arm of General Motors. The investment is aimed at strengthening the company’s plans to commercialise autonomous vehicle technology at large scale. General Motors will also invest $US1.1 billion in GM Cruise upon closing of the transaction. Earlier this year, GM announced it was aiming at commercialisation of the Cruise AV in 2019. The SoftBank Vision Fund investment will be made in two tranches. At the closing of the transaction, the Vision Fund will invest the first tranche of $US900 million. At the time that Cruise AVs are ready for commercial deployment, the Vision Fund will complete the second tranche of $1.35 billion. SoftBank Vision Fund owning a 19.6 per cent equity stake.
“GM has made significant progress toward realising the dream of completely automated driving to dramatically reduce fatalities, emissions and congestion,” said Michael Ronen, managing partner, SoftBank Investment Advisers. “The GM Cruise approach of a fully integrated hardware and software stack gives it a unique competitive advantage. We are very impressed by the advances made by the Cruise and GM teams, and are thrilled to help them lead a historic transformation of the automobile industry.” VIDEO: MEET THE CRUISE AV SELF-DRIVING CAR
July 2018 Motor Trader | 51
Auto innovation news
NSW MOVES TO SUPPORT DRIVERLESS CAR TRIALS
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HE NSW GOVERNMENT will set up a new $10 million fund dedicated to expanding trials of driverless vehicles. The fund, highlighted in last month’s State Budget was, said NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, about ‘building for tomorrow and delivering for today’. “The future belongs to those who hear it coming, and this investment looks to harness the power of technology to improve lives across the State,” said Mr Perrottet. “A decade ago things like Uber and smart watches seemed like something out of the Jetsons,” added Andrew Constance, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. “Driverless cars might feel a bit like that today, but the reality is they are already being built and tested around the world. The technology is here, and we are going to make sure we are ready to embrace it. “Having a dedicated fund for trials will mean that government, universities, the private sector and start-ups can partner together to test and gain insights into how these technologies will shape our future cities and regions.”
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“DRIVERLESS VEHICLES
ARE GOING TO CHANGE THE PLAYING FIELD AND OPEN UP SO MANY NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO PROVIDE PERSONALISED TRANSPORT SERVICES.” “Driverless vehicles are going to change the playing field and open up so many new opportunities to provide personalised transport services.” In 2017 legislation was passed to allow trials of connected and automated vehicles in NSW. The first trial under the legislation is underway with a driverless Smart Shuttle at Olympic Park. The fund contains $2.5 million per year over CLICK four years and will FOR MORE INFORMATION be administered by Transport for NSW’s Smart Innovation Centre who will identify projects and partnerships.
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
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ENCOURAGING CONVERSATIONS IN THE MOTOR TRADES
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TAA SUPER is joining forces with R U OK? to launch a new campaign to encourage workers in the automotive industry to look out for signs that a colleague or friend might be “doing it tough”, and to equip them with the tools to start an important conversation. We sat down with CEO of MTAA Super Leeanne Turner to discuss why they’re championing the R U OK? message to their members.
Q. Why did MTAA Super get involved? A. We have a long and proud history of
serving individuals within the motor trades industry. In fact, next year, we will celebrate thirty years of providing superannuation 54 | Motor Trader July 2018
Leeanne Turner, CEO of MTAA Super
“GIVEN THE DEMANDING
NATURE AND RAPID CHANGE WITHIN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY, WORK PRESSURE AND STRESS ARE OFTEN HEIGHTENED.” expertise and advice to our membership. As a super provider, our focus will always be on the financial health and security of our members. But we also know that our members’ physical and mental wellbeing plays an important role when it comes to planning and enjoying their retirement later in life. Given the demanding nature and rapid
change within the automotive industry, work pressure and stress are often heightened. If left unchecked, this can have a real negative affect on individuals - not to mention the impact on their work colleagues, friends, and families. Analysis of insurance death claims by MTAA Super members shows that claims relating to suicide are over represented as a proportion of death claims. As a leader in the motor trades industry, we can play an important and active role in helping combat this issue. By working with R U OK? we can help develop practical tools to help our members look out for one another and take positive action when needed.
Q. What’s a positive action we can take in the workplace to support a colleague? A. At work, we see the same people day in,
day out. This means that we’re well placed to notice the signs that someone might be doing it tough - such as a sudden change in behaviour or mood. If we notice a workmate is struggling, we should take the time to check in with them. Start a conversation, listen to them and be present for that person. It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about showing the person they’re not alone and helping them think of ways to better manage their situation.
WHAT IS R U OK? • A national charity that aims to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life. • Its vision is a world where everyone is connected and is protected from suicide. • Conversation tips and crisis numbers can be found at ruok.org.au • R U OK? Day is Thursday 13th September, 2018 – a national day of action and a reminder to regularly check in with family, friends and workmates.
“IT’S NOT ABOUT HAVING ALL THE ANSWERS. IT’S ABOUT SHOWING THE PERSON THEY’RE NOT ALONE AND HELPING THEM THINK OF WAYS TO BETTER MANAGE THEIR SITUATION.”
people to start difficult conversations. The framework is also designed to help them know what to do if someone says that they’re not OK. We’re privileged to partner with R U Ok? to help our members start these potentially life-changing conversations Q. What might hold people back from starting and to let them know that they’re not these conversations? alone when faced with life’s challenges. A. Talking about difficult issues can be The joint MTAA Super and R U OK? tough. Many people worry that they will say campaign will launch in August 2018. It the wrong thing and make things worse. will be supported by online and offline R U OK? shows us that if you approach resources (posters, flyers, website) which difficult conversations with a genuine can be accessed by anyone seeking to learn effort to “put yourself in their shoes” more or by businesses wanting to your positive intent will be felt and promote an awareness of mental appreciated. CLICK TO health issues in their workplaces. VISIT THE The four steps – Ask R U OK?, R U OK? Want to get the conversations flowing Listen, Encourage action and WEBSITE in your workplace? Visit www.ruok.org. Check in – provide a practical and au/work simple framework that empowers July 2018 Motor Trader | 55
Auto news
PORSCHE RENAMES MISSION E THE ‘TAYCAN’ AS PRODUCTION NEARS VIDEO: MISSION E BECOMES TAYCAN
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ORSCHE HAS REVEALED Series production of the first purely electric Porsche is set to begin next year, and in preparation for that launch the Mission E concept, as it was called, will be known as the Taycan. Apparently, the name can be roughly Porsche Taycan
56 | Motor Trader July 2018
translated as “lively young horse”, referencing the imagery at the heart of the Porsche crest. Two permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM) with a system output of over 600 hp (440 kW) will power the Taycan to 100 km/h in under 3.5 seconds and to 200
km/h in under twelve seconds. This performance is, says Porsche, in addition to a continuous power level that is unprecedented among electric vehicles. The Taycan’s maximum range is over 500 km in accordance with the NEDC. Porsche says it plans to invest more than
€6 billion ($9.5 billion) in electromobility by 2022, doubling the expenditure the company had originally planned. Of the additional €3 billion ($4.7 billion), some €500 million ($789 million) will be used for the development of Taycan variants and derivatives, around €1 billion ($1.6 billion) for electrification and hybridisation of the existing product range, several hundred million for the expansion of production sites, plus around €700 million ($1.1 billion) for new technologies, charging infrastructure and smart mobility. At the Porsche headquarters in Stuttgart, a new paint shop, dedicated assembly area for the Taycan and a conveyor bridge for transporting the painted bodies and drive units to the final assembly area are currently being constructed. The existing engine plant is being expanded to manufacture electric drives and the body shop will also be developed. July 2018 Motor Trader | 57
Ford Escape ST-Line
FORD ESCAPE ST-LINE JOINS LINE-UP AS AEB TO BE STANDARD ON EVERY 2018 ESCAPE
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HE ESCAPE ST-LINE, a sportsand thicker anti-roll bars for reduced oriented mid-sized SUV, will join body roll and sharper responses. Ford’s line-up in Australia later Strong visual changes include 18-inch this year, while Autonomous Emergency Absolute Black alloys matched to the front Braking has been expanded by the grille, fog-lamp surrounds, roof rails and company to become standard equipment rear valence to reflect a more ‘athletic’ on every 2018 Escape model including the model. The driver’s seat has a new leather entry-level Escape Ambiente. combination trim throughout the cabin, The 2018 Ford Escape introduces the featuring detailed red-stitching to match ST-Line name to Australia. Ford says it the ST-Line logo. Red stitching is also seen offers the sportiest on the gear-lever, 2018 FORD ESCAPE MLP Escape driving as well as the dynamics yet, Escape Ambiente 1.5L EcoBoost FWD 6MT $28.990 armrests and the with chassis ST-Line steering Escape Ambiente 1.5L EcoBoost FWD 6AT $30,490 enhancements wheel. Stainless Escape Ambiente 1.5L AWD 6AT $33,490 including steel pedals match optimised Escape Trend 1.5L EcoBoost FWD 6AT $33,490 the unique scuff suspension that Escape ST-Line 2.0L EcoBoost AWD 6AT (new) $39,990 plates. lowers ride-height The Escape Escape Titanium 2.0L EcoBoost AWD 6AT $45,480 $45,480 by 10mm, reST-Line equipment Escape Titanium 2.0L TDCi AWD 6AT $48,340 $48,340 level brings tuned steering,
58 | Motor Trader July 2018
BRAND-NEW MAZDA CX-8 DIESEL GRADES AND PRICING REVEALED AHEAD OF ITS launch this month, Mazda has revealed grades and pricing for the brand-new Mazda CX-8 Diesel. The diesel-only seven-seat SUV is powered by Mazda’s 140kW 2.2L SKYACTIV-D twin-turbo diesel engine and is offered in two model grades. There are three variants of the CX-8 Diesel available - the Sport FWD, Sport AWD and range-topping Asaki AWD. additional Driver Assist Technology to Australian customers. With AEB as standard equipment on all Escapes, the ST-Line also features Smart Keyless Entry, Blind Spot Information System and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert as part of its Driver Assist suite. An optional ST-Line Technology Pack (MLP $800*) adds: • Adaptive Cruise Control • Forward Collision Alert • Tyre Pressure Monitor • Lane Keeping Aid with Lane Departure Warning Standard features also include front and rear parking sensors, as well as its 8.0-inch full colour reversing camera. ST-Line also comes with Enhanced Active Park Assist enabling auto parallel parking as well as auto perpendicular parking, and Intelligent-All-Wheel Drive, which is designed to monitor Escape's performance and adjusts the delivery of torque to each wheel every 16 milliseconds. Power comes from the 178kW/345Nm 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder and six-speed paddleshift automatic, delivering official fuel efficiency figures of 8.6L/100km. The Escape ST-Line goes on sale with the updated Ford Escape line-up in September.
VIDEO: BRAND-NEW MAZDA CX-8 DIESEL
“Brand-New Mazda CX-8 shares the uncompromising quality, style, comfort and safety features that customers know and expect of a Mazda,” said Vinesh Bhindi, Managing Director of Mazda Australia. “This, paired with the efficiency and economy of the most advanced SKYACTIV diesel engine on offer, makes the Mazda CX-8 an enticing proposition for Australians needing an added level of versatility.” Mazda CX-8 Diesel Price list: • Sport FWD $42,490 • Sport AWD $46,490 • Asaki AWD $61,490. July 2018 Motor Trader | 59
Auto news
BMW REVEALS THE 8 SERIES COUPE
B
MW’S 8 SERIES Coupe is due to land in Australia next year, and after its reveal last month, fans of the German manufacturer look to be in for a real treat. Heading the model range is the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe powered by a newly developed 390 kW/530 hp V8 petrol engine. The 4.4-litre engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology serves up plenty of power. Maximum torque of 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) is available over a wide rev range from 1,800 to 4,600 rpm and the M850i xDrive Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. An 840d xDrive Coupe model will sport a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line diesel unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The diesel engine employs multi-stage turbocharging technology and its performance characteristics will enable the car to sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) from rest in 4.9 seconds. 60 | Motor Trader July 2018
VIDEO: BMW 8 SERIES COUPÉ 2018.
The engine transfers power to a new, improved version of the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. Shift paddles on the steering wheel are included as standard for manual gear selection. BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and the electronically controlled rear differential lock are fitted as standard on the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe. Standard equipment also includes the Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, Integral Active
BMW M850i xDrive Coupe
Steering and M Sport brakes along with 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with highperformance tyres. BMW say the underbody is almost fully sealed, with active air flap control and Air Curtains including Air Breathers helping to reduce the aerodynamic drag of the streamlined body. There will be an optional carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof. On the inside, there is, of course, plenty of quality and technology at hand that can be further enhanced by a number of optional extras. The range includes the BMW Display Key, telephony with wireless charging, climate seats, Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, as well as glass applications for selected controls. Moreover, there is a choice of modelspecific options from BMW Individual. Numerous cutting-edge driver assistance systems are available including Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Steering and lane control assistant, Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning systems, Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision protection and evasion aid, BMW Night Vision, as well as Crossing traffic warning, Priority warning and
Wrong-way warning systems. Besides steering, the Parking Assistant takes over the job of controlling the accelerator and brakes. The system also comprises the Reversing Assistant, which makes it possible to reverse for a distance of up to 80 metres by steering the vehicle back along the exact path it recently drove forwards. The BMW Operating System 7.0 display and control concept is standard on the new 8 Series Coupe. Customisable and personalised displays can be called up in both the instrument cluster and the 10.25inch Control Display. An improved BMW Head-Up Display can also be found on the list of standard equipment. The BMW Connected personal mobility assistant is available for connectivity between the vehicle and digital devices. Digital services available include hazard warnings obtained from interconnectivity with other BMW vehicles, “over-the-air� software upgrading, the integration of Microsoft Office 365 and Skype for Business, as well as the BMW Digital Key, which allows customers to unlock the vehicle and start the engine using a smartphone. July 2018 Motor Trader | 61
Auto news
FORD GTHO Phase III
RECORD PRICES FOR FORD GTHO PHASE III AND HOLDEN TORANA
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N EXTREMELY RARE GTHO Phase III that was once owned by Australian cricketer Jeff Thomson has broken records, selling for more than $1 million at a Lloyds Auction event in Bathurst. A very original car right down to the seat belts, spare tyre and carpets, the car was bought by Thomson for $23K just over 30
Holden Torana SS A9X GMP&A 62 | Motor Trader July 2018
years ago. Back in 1971, the Phase III was the fastest 4-door car in the world and could be bought brand new for just over $5,000. Bill Freeman, Head Auctioneer at Lloyds Classic Car Auctions, said the price achieved at Saturday’s auction was a first for Australia. “Now we have taken it into the 7 digits
REPORT SUGGEST EV AND HYBRID MARKETS SET TO FLOURISH IN AUSTRALIA
VIDEO: 1977 HOLDEN TORANA SS A9X GMP&A
we expect to be inundated by Phase III owners and buyers which is exciting for all classic car collectors and investors around Australia� he said. Ford wasn’t the only Aussie Car to break records, with an extremely rare Holden Torana SS A9X GMP&A (General Motor Parts & Accessories) selling for more than $500,000. The Torana was in excellent condition after spending 30 years under wraps, has just CLICK 14km on the clock, TO VISIT was one of only 33 in LLOYDS existence, and one of AUCTIONS only two hatchbacks ever known to be road registered.
ELECTRIC AND PLUG in hybrid vehicles in Australia are set to boom over the next two decades, according to a new report released by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC). The report, prepared by research firm Energeia, forecast three potential scenarios. Under all scenarios, including under a scenario of no intervention, the report predicts that between 2020 and 2027, EVs will reach price parity with traditional combustion engine vehicles and then rapidly increase as a percentage of new vehicle sales. Model availability, registration fee reductions, procurement targets and fuel efficiency standards have been found to be key drivers for the uptake. The availability of charging infrastructure, while not found to be a driver, is a barrier to EV uptake. The report forecasts growth of the consumer market and uptake for EVs in Australia and also includes modelling on the need for future charging infrastructure. The study identified that the vast majority of trips made in Australia are well within the range of current and future EVs, with investment in public charging infrastructure being a necessary prerequisite to EV uptake globally. FOR MORE EV sales are set to INFO VISIT THE ARENA expand over the next five WEBSITE years as more popular vehicle models are released. July 2018 Motor Trader | 63
MINT IM
64 | Motor Trader July 2018
MAKE: CHRYSLER MODEL: IMPERIAL SEDAN YEAR: 1938 ENGINE: HOLDEN 308 V8 OWNED BY: SHANE GILCHRIST OWNED SINCE: 1983
MPERIAL
July 2018 Motor Trader | 65
I
N 1930S AMERICA, if you wanted to have a car that showed off your wealth and upper-class society standing, there were a number of brands and models you could choose from that would prove you were a fully paid-up member of the upper class set. There was the Lincoln Model K, the Cadillac Sixteen, the Duesenberg Model J, the Cord 812 and the Imperial, Chrysler's top-of-the-range model that was first produced in 1926. Although it might not seem unlikely, this amazing-looking vehicle is actually an Imperial - a 1938 model, in fact. Saying it is heavily-modified and customised would, of course, be putting it mildly, and it is the handiwork of one man, Shane Gilchrist, owner of classic car consignment business, Firepower Customs and Classics.
“WE SPENT A WEEKEND
GETTING THE THING CLEARED BEFORE TOWING IT OUT AND DOWN TO MY WORKSHOP. IT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN IN WORSE CONDITION.”
Discovered by Shane and a school mate in the early ‘80s, the Imperial was rotting away, semi-submerged in a swamp! A complete mess, it was hauled from said swamp and off to Shane’s workshop where, For some of the older hot rod and over the next seven years, he slaved away, custom car enthusiasts amongst you, this doing all the work - chassis, body repair, Imperial may look familiar. No surprise paint, graphics and interior – himself and there as some 28 years ago, when it first all for the wildly impressive and walletemerged from Shane’s workshop after friendly sum of $9000. seven years of hard slog, this car stunned “I was 19 years old and was really custom car fans, graced the cover of interested in a ’36 Ford hot rod that was automotive magazines and won a glut running around Wynnum at the time,” says of awards at top-level shows across the Shane. “I had always admired it and one country – including Top Sedan at the 10th day I was with a mate from school and said Hot Rod National at Penrith in 1991. how much I would love to get one like that. Named Fat Attack – because cars He then told me there was something with such bulbous styling were CLICK TO similar to that one in a swamp known as ‘fat fenders’ and VISIT FIREPOWER behind his neighbour’s house! were unusual at the time – the CUSTOMS & “We went to look for it, and we Imperial is a one-of-a-kind CLASSICS' WEBSITE could barely find it as the bulrushes classic and its story is a had grown up around it and it was cracker. 66 | Motor Trader July 2018
bogged down to the running boards. "It had a flathead straight-8 engine that had plants growing out of the plugholes and there was even a tree that had grown through the passenger floor and out through the window! We spent a weekend getting the thing cleared before towing it out and down to my workshop. It couldn’t have been in worse condition.” While the Imperial was in pretty shocking condition, it was, and is, a bit of a rarity – less than 100 of the luxury sedans were brought into Australia in right-hand drive and, of those, Shane says only three remain. However, restoring the Imperial back to factory specs was, he says, never an option.
“ NEVER PLANNED TO PUT IT BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL CONDITION. IT WAS UGLY THEY ARE UGLY CARS!”
“I never planned to put it back to its original condition,” he says. “It was ugly – they are ugly cars!” The result of deciding to go full hot rod is pretty darn cool and is, it would be fair to say, not a bad effort for a man who didn’t do an apprenticeship and who actually ended up in the industry thanks to an interest in art and a borrowed airbrush. “My story is a bit nuts,” says Shane. “I was in high school and didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, but my brother, who was doing architectural rendering at university, had an airbrush and during the school holidays of my last year of school, I picked it up, started messing about with it, and I was fascinated. “I started doing airbrush art, doing paintings and selling them in galleries and art shows and so on, and I began to wonder if I could start painting cars. “My dad ended up letting me put July 2018 Motor Trader | 67
murals all over his old F100 ute, then rented me a little two-car garage and bought a compressor, five cans of paint and an airbrush. And off I went. I had no trade, no experience, didn’t have a clue what I was going, but did have a lot of bravado!” Establishing Shiloh Custom Art in 1980, Shane’s career trajectory certainly is an unusual one. His first job was to paint a sign, his second job a motorcycle, and the next a motorcycle which just happened to have a dent that the owner wanted fixed up too. An acquaintance then asked for a cheap repaint of an old HR Holden . . . and so on it went, Shane’s business slowly building with each job, and each job offering a bigger challenge than the one before. Murals on panel vans followed, and the sale of one of his own vans led to the purchase of an XB Falcon hardtop which Shane customised and quickly sold. “When I sold the XB, I thought that maybe I could make a bit of money by customising and I subsequently got interested in hot rods and started the Fat Attack project," he says. "During the period of that project I did a few T-buckets - they were cheap to buy and quick to build - and worked on projects for club members, so although Fat Attack was my first project, by the time it was finished I had completed quite a few. “I then drifted over to do smash repair as well but there was no satisfaction in that work, so I got out of that and began doing restorations of XY Falcons and HT Holdens." After 20 years of working hands on in the business, stress and financial pressures were taking their toll and Shane chose 68 | Motor Trader July 2018
to sell the business and take a different direction until about four years ago when he established Shed 27. Shed 27 is a social enterprise and community hub that, through automotive restoration and other projects, enables participants to learn new skills in VIDEO: SHANE GILCHRIST - A TRUE CAR ENTHUSIAST
auto electric, mechanics, fabrication, panel beating, spray painting and auto upholstery. Its main clients are those with disabilities, the underemployed and retirees. Something of a philanthropic endeavour for Shane, who has kept the project going with minimal outside funding, it is partly the reason behind the development of his newest venture, Firepower Customs and Classics. “Shed 27 started as a noble idea that I could do something for the community – that it could be somewhere where those who were lonely or who had problems could come and mix with others and work on projects together,” he says. “Four years on, we have accomplished a lot. We have about 30 guys that go there all the time and who work on projects and it’s a hive of activity. But it has been
tough financially and out of necessity I’ve have had to find ways to make money to stay open. So, I do car restorations, trailer fabrication and metal fabrication for clients. And the latest thing is the consignment selling of classic cars through Firepower Customs and Classics.” Now into its third month in business, Firepower Custom and Classics has 14 classic vehicles on its books, including a ’57 Thunderbird, a ’71 Dodge Challenger RT, a ’59 Chevy Belair and a selection of classic trucks including a ’58 Chevy Apache and ’65 Chevy C10. “In America, consignment car sales yards are huge, and I have said for years that it would be great to have a place like that,” says Shane. “My model is a little different to other consignment businesses though. At the moment, the seller keeps hold of the car and can continue to enjoy it up to July 2018 Motor Trader | 69
the moment we sell it. They don’t have any of the sales hassle, that’s on me. All they have to do is provide the car for a photo shoot and be available to show the car for a viewing if a serious buyer comes along. “We are going to a virtual world and a lot of car sales happen online,” he adds. “I’ve
talked to a lot of used car dealers and the question is whether there's a need for a showroom anymore - people often know whether they want the car or not and often have already decided they’ll buy it because they like the photos and the price. "So, the model is changing, and I’m
automotive restoration Shane Gilchrist at Shed 27, a social enterprise and community hub he oversees that, through skills and other projects, enables participants to get together, socialise and learn new auto trade
70 | Motor Trader July 2018
FAT ATTACK SPECS ENGINE
Type: Holden 308 V8 Internals: Reprofiled stock hydraulic cam, worked heads with L34 valves and roller rockers. Ignition: Mallory twin-point distributor, Bosch GT40 coil Induction: Twin 465 Holleys on Cain twin tunnel ram manifold Exhaust: Genie two-inch headers to twin stainless steel system. Turbo mufflers.
DRIVELINE
Transmission: Toyota iron-case five-speed with Dellow bellhousing. Holden clutch. Rear End: XJS Jaguar, XJ6 axles
CHASSIS
looking to see if that works. I do have a building that will work as a showroom should that prove to be a better model, but we’ll see how we go.” One car that isn’t for sale, at least not at the moment, is Fat Attack, though there has been plenty of interest. “I was offered $100,000 for it about six years ago but I don’t think I’ll part with it . . . though I’d never say never,” says Shane. “In fact, I have been thinking that I might rebuild it. “But there’s a bit of irony there” he adds. “It’s a nostalgia hot rod and it’s actually probably worth more if it stays as it is. It’s nearly 30 years old, has never been changed and is a bit of an icon in the community. So, do I leave it alone or do I rebirth it as a new design? That’s the dilemma.” To keep a classic, brilliant-looking hot rod or spend your time following your passion and build something new? Sounds like a nice dilemma to have!
Frame: Original rails, welded-in HT front member, modified X-member, Jag rear member Front Suspension: Standard HT Holden independent, Monroe Wylie gas shocks Rear Suspension: XJS Jaguar coil-overs Steering: Commodore rack and pinion, XY Falcon column and wheel Brakes: Front 10 5/8-inch HT Holden discs; Rear 10 3/8-inch Jaguar inboard discs. Wheels: CSA Magnum Eliminator wheels.
BODY
Modifications: Three-inch chop, custom tilt bonnet, pop-out headlights, 1½-inch widened rear guards. Body shortened and sectioned HQ Holden bumper moulded into rear of body. Paint: HQ GTS Spies-Hecker Chrome Yellow. Interior: Original front bench, custom-made rear. Front Runner silver cloth trim, grey loop pile carpet. Original dash in Chrome Yellow with VDO temperature, oil pressure and fuel gauges. (Specs Info originally published in Australian Rodder magazine, 1990)
!
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.
July 2018 Motor Trader | 71
Right training. Right place. Right way.
RTO No: 31529
AUR20716 - Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation This course designed to give students a comprehensive set of skills as a basic introduction to the automotive industry. The trainee undertaking this course will learn to: • Service mechanical parts such as the engine, transmission (clutch, gear box and differential) • Service suspension systems (springs, steering, brakes, wheels and tyres) • Identify and inspect mechanical and electrical components of light and heavy vehicles, outdoor power equipment and motorcycles • Perform basic maintenance and repairs On successful completion of this course, students will have a higher level of skills in automotive increasing their employability potential, and greater likelihood of successfully undertaking a n apprenticeship pathway.
Units To successfully complete this course, you must be assessed as competent in the following units: • AURASA002 – Follow safe workplace practices in an automotive workplace • AURAEA002 – Follow environmental and sustainability best practice in an automotive workplace • AURAFA003 – Communicate effectively in an automotive workplace • AURTTK002 – Use and maintain tools and equipment in an automotive workplace
• AURTTA002 – Assist with automotive workplace activities • AURLTA001 – Identify automotive mechanical systems and components • AURETR003 – Identify automotive electrical systems and components • AURETK001 – Identify, select and use low voltage electrical test equipment • AURTTA004 – Carry out servicing operations • AURLTJ003 – Remove and refit motorcycle wheel and tyre assemblies • AURETR015 – Inspect, test and service batteries • AURAFA004 – Resolve routine problems in an automotive workplace
Training Venue The MTA Institute campus, Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains or another suitable venue. May include work placement.
Duration 5 weeks.
Delivery There is a range of methods used for our training and assessment which include written and oral questions / answers, and demonstration and observation of practical tasks.
Entry requirements Prospective students must meet eligibility criteria for Certificate 3 Guarantee Subsidies or pay the full fee for the course. Prospective students are only eligible for one subsidised training place.
Fee Information This course is subsidised through the Queensland state government under the Certificate 3 Guarantee. • $144 Concessional rate • $360 Subsidised rate • $3,375 Full fee Contact us for further information on the subsidies and concession rates available.
Dates • • • •
30 July – 31 August 2018 29 October – 30 November 2018 4 February – 8 March 2019 29 April – 31 May 2019
Enrol To assess your eligibility and to apply for enrolment please contact: courses@mtai.edu.au
MTA Institute
Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Postal PO Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel (07) 3722 3000 Toll Free 1800 884 137 Email courses@mtai.edu.au Website www.mtai.edu.au
Search for MTA Queensland
Free guest Wifi at MTA Institute
Auto news
REAL-WORLD TESTING FOR HOLDEN ACADIA
H
OLDEN’S FOCUS ON SUVs continues with real-world local testing due to commence on the all-new Acadia. A seven-seat large SUV, Acadia will join the Trax, Trailblazer and Equinox in Holden's SUV range. Known internally as the Captured Test Fleet (CTF) program, Acadia’s real-world testing sees 16 vehicles being driven every day on Australian roads by a wide range of Holden employees and their families, of different ages, locations and occupations. CTF drivers and their families are tasked with putting the car through its paces and then report on any issues. “The real-world test program we’re running on Acadia ensures it not only drives well on Australian roads, it also fine tunes technology features such as Traffic Sign Recognition, Auto Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning to work with our unique road markings and signs," said
Peter Keley, Holden’s Director of Sales. “SUVs are becoming more and more popular and, where once upon a time most of Holden’s sales would have been passenger cars, we now expect SUVs to take over with Equinox and Acadia leading the way.” With the 16 Acadias testing on Australian roads, joined by 14 more on US roads, the whole fleet is estimated to accumulate almost 1.5 million kilometres by the time the vehicles go on sale in Australia later this year. Key features included in Acadia range: • 3.6-litre petrol engine w. stop/start technology • Front-Wheel-Drive and All-Wheel-Drive available • 360-degree camera • Wireless mobile phone charging • Hands-free power tailgate • Ventilated and heated seats. July 2018 Motor Trader | 73
Auto news
2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt
FORD AIMS AT AUSTRALIA WITH BULLITT MUSTANG
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HE FORD MUSTANG Bullitt will be in Australian showrooms this October, in time to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Steve McQueen film that saw the Hollywood legend drive a 1968 Mustang Fastback in one of cinema's most epic car chases. The first batch to be sold in Australia will consist of only 700 units, with each individually numbered before arriving Down Under. The Mustang Bullitt will be the most powerful Mustang ever sold through Ford Australia, powered by a Coyote V8 delivering 345kW and 556Nm. The 5.0-litre powerplant has been upgraded for 74 | Motor Trader July 2018
VIDEO: THE ALL-NEW 2019 FORD MUSTANG BULLITT
heightened performance, with an Open Air induction system and intake manifold, with 87mm throttle bodies, Ford Racing air-filter and a PCM (Powertrain Control Module) shared with the Shelby Mustang GT350.
There’ll be plenty of touches to link the new Bullitt Mustang to the classic film car, and it will come with Dark Highland Green paintwork matching the colour of the 1968 Fastback driven in the film. Building on the look, gloss-black 19-inch Torq Thrust-style alloys contrast the bright-red calipers of the Brembo brakes. The Bullitt comes with MagneRide suspension - an option on regular Mustang GT in Australia from July 2018 - as standard equipment. The MagneRide Damping System is new for Mustang in 2018 and optimises ride and handling in a variety of situations. This special edition Mustang also comes standard with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist as well as Adaptive Cruise Control. Driver Assist Technology also helps the driver with auto-levelling headlamps, automatic high-beam and an
8.0-inch full-colour reversing camera. SYNC 3iv with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, and the Bullitt comes standard with native satellitenavigation. The unique interior offers signature tributes to the screen Mustang, with Bullitt scuff plates, unique finishes and green-stitched dash, door trims and heated and cooled front seating. From the driver’s seat, Bullitt features Mustang’s new 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, which includes visual changes between Drive modes. Capping off the BULLITT theme inside is the starkwhite cue-ball gear-shift knob and unique stitched gearshifter boot. Every Bullitt will have its own individual number, which will be etched into the passenger sides unique Bullitt plaque. The Ford Mustang Bullitt will go on sale in Australia in October, 2018, with a Manufacturers List Price from $73,688. July 2018 Motor Trader | 75
Auto news
TOYOTA CONFIRMS SUPER SPORTS CAR DEVELOPMENT
T
OYOTA HAS CONFIRMED it has started development of a road-going super sports car that uses the same hybrid drivetrain technology as that honed in its Le Mans-winning Toyota GAZOO Racing TS050 Hybrid race car. The announcement coincided with the Japanese carmaker's win in the 24 hours of Le Mans World Endurance Championship race. Shigeki Tomoyama, President of GAZOO Racing Company, said that competing in the World Endurance Championship and racing at Le Mans had helped Toyota advance the development of its hybrid technology. "We started this project because we believe that creating a super sports car that delivers the same appeal as the TS050 Hybrid greatly adds to Toyota's involvement in WEC. And at some point in the near future, customers will have a chance to get behind the wheel of this incredible machine and experience its astonishing power and driving performance," he said. To further whet fans' appetites, Toyota displayed the GR Super Sport Concept at the Toyota GAZOO Racing "Fan Village" during the Le Mans race.
76 | Motor Trader July 2018
VIDEO: 2018 LE MANS - GAZOO RACING SUPER SPORT CONCEPT
The GR Super Sport Concept was unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January and features the same 735kW (1000hp) twinturbo V6 Toyota Hybrid System - Racing (THS-R) drivetrain as the TS050 race car. Beneath the white bodywork, the GR Super Sport Concept shares many of its components with the TS050 race car reflecting Toyota GAZOO Racing's aim to ensure that technologies and know-how acquired in motorsport are fed back into new production vehicles.
GR Super Sport Concept points the way to a new Toyota hybrid sports car now under development (concept vehicle shown not available for purchase).
Auto news
John Fogarty of law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth and Glenn Probyn, Deputy General Manager of the ACCC’s Takata Task Force
ACCC VISITS MTAQ FOR TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL INFORMATION BRIEFING
T
HE TAKATA AIRBAG scandal arrange presentations across the country continues to be a major concern to keep the industry informed and give a for the automotive industry across comprehensive briefing to stakeholders. On June 18, the ACCC held its the world. More than 100 million vehicles Brisbane briefing at the head office of have been recalled over the issue of MTA Queensland with the presentation the defective airbag inflators that have delivered by Glenn Probyn, Deputy been blamed in the deaths of 24 people, General Manager of the ACCC’s Takata including one Australian. Task Force, and John Fogarty of law firm In Australia, the defect issue prompted Corrs Chambers Westgarth (advisers to the the nation’s largest recall notice with more Takata Task Force). than four million vehicles affected, and it The presentation covered plenty of is a recall that impacts multiple sectors of ground, detailing the nature of the defect; the nation’s automotive industry. the risk to drivers; the recall notice itself; The scale of the problem, and the the obligations the recall notice places uncertainty voiced by businesses as to on suppliers as defined in the how they will be affected and what CLICK FOR notice; Australian Consumer Law their obligations are, prompted INFO ON issues; and the implications for the Australian Competition and GUIDANCE FOR those not complying with the Consumer Commission (ACCC) SUPPLIERS notice. and Motor Trade Associations to July 2018 Motor Trader | 77
Auto news
NISSAN AND ITALDESIGN CELEBRATE 50 YEARS WITH MONSTER CONCEPT
N
ISSAN AND ITALDESIGN have created a new prototype vehicle the Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign – in their first-ever collaboration. Based on a production 2018 Nissan GT-R NISMO model, the unique car commemorates the 50th anniversaries of both the GT-R and Italdesign. Replete with a distinct golden inner element that stretches across almost the full width of the muscular-looking beast the GT-R certainly looks fantastic and the gold is a feature that pops up across the concept. The exterior is finished in Liquid Kinetic Gray paint with Energetic Sigma Gold anniversary accents. Inside, two different carbon fibre finishes are used across the centre console, instrument panel and door linings, along with black Alcantara and fine black Italian leather on the seats. Gold accents echo the exterior treatment across the instrument panel, doors and the race car-inspired
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switchgear. The bespoke steering wheel’s central hub and spokes are made of carbon fibre. Underneath all this the GT-R50 draws on Nissan’s GT3 racing experience, with an enhanced, hand-assembled 3.8-litre V6 engine producing an estimated 720ps (710hp) and 780 Nm of torque. Changes to the power plant include optimised twin high-flow, large-diametre GT3 competition-spec turbochargers and larger intercoolers; heavy-duty crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods and bearings; high-flow piston oil jets; revised camshaft profiles; higher-flow fuel injectors; and optimised ignition, intake and exhaust systems. A reinforced dual-clutch sequential six-speed rear transaxle and stronger differentials and drive shafts direct the power to the wheels.
A revised suspension has been developed, featuring the BILSTEIN DampTronic® I continuously adjustable damping system. For braking, the Brembo six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes feature bright red, clearly visible calipers. Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres are used in sizes 255/35 R21 at the front and 285/30 R21 at the rear. A nice way to celebrate your birthday!
VIDEO: THE GT-R50 FROM NISSAN & ITALDESIGN
AUSTRALIA'S BEST CARS FOR 2018 REVEALED BY MOTORING CLUBS
Here’s the list of winners: Micro Car: Kia Picanto S Light Car: Mazda2 Maxx Small Car Under $35k: Mazda3 Maxx Sport Small Car Over $35k: BMW 125i M-Sport Medium Car Under $50k: Toyota Camry Ascent Hybrid Medium Car Over $50k: BMW 330i Sport Line Large Car Under $70k: Kia Stinger 200S Family Wagon: Kia Carnival SLi Sports Car Under $50k: Hyundai i30 N Sports Car $50k-$100k: Mercedes-AMG A 45 Small 2WD SUV Under $35k: Mazda CX-3 Maxx AWD SUV under $50k: Subaru Outback 2.5i wagon AWD SUV $50k - $65k: Kia Sorento GT-Line AWD SUV $65k–$125k: Volvo XC60 D4 Inscription 4x4 Dual Cab Ute: Ford Ranger XLT 3.2
THE 15 BEST new cars in Australia have been revealed in the 2018 Australia's Best Cars program. Eight judges from motoring clubs across the country, including RACQ, tested some 160 new vehicles to select three finalists in each of 15 model categories with the winners announced in June and every vehicle were scored relative to their competitors in up to 21 areas depending on the class. Kia appears to have impressed the judges most and scored four class winners while Mazda too was successful, collecting three category top spots.
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Auto news
NISSAN LEAF TOPS 100,000 SALES IN EUROPE
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ISSAN IS CELEBRATING the 100,000th delivery of the LEAF car this month in Europe. Globally, more than 320,000 models have been sold, making it the world's most popular EV. The company says that with more than 37,000 new LEAF ordered in Europe, one new Nissan LEAF is sold every 10 minutes in Europe to customers looking to switch to zero-emission technology. The new Nissan LEAF is the first Nissan model in Europe to feature Nissan’s ProPILOT and ProPILOT Park technologies and it is equipped with e-Pedal, which allows drivers to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop simply by increasing or decreasing the pressure applied to the pedal. “For us it’s no surprise that the Nissan LEAF is the world’s best-selling electric vehicle,” said Gareth Dunsmore, Electric Vehicle Director, Nissan Europe. “We
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have been developing our electric vehicle mass-market offering for longer than any other brand and are proud to bring an affordable, visionary car to customers across Europe." Nissan says its European LEAF customers have now driven more than two billion kilometres and saved over 300,000 tonnes of CO2. VIDEO: NEW NISSAN LEAF
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
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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.
Rimac C Two
PORSCHE TAKES STAKE IN ELECTRIC HYPERCAR MAKER RIMAC
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ORSCHE AG HAS invested in the technology and electric sports car company Rimac Automobili, taking a 10 per cent minority shareholding. Rimac develops and produces electric vehicle components and manufactures electric super sports cars, including the spectacular electric hypercar, the ‘C Two’ that was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2018. The two-seater produces around 2,000 hp and reaches a top speed of 412 kilometres per hour. It has a range of 650 kilometres (NEDC Cycle), and achieves an 80 per cent battery charge in 30 minutes through a 250 kW fast charging system.
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VIDEO: RIMAC C TWO
The company also engineers and manufactures high-performance electric vehicle powertrain systems and battery systems.
“By developing the purely electric two-seaters super sports cars, like the ‘Concept One’ or ‘C Two’, as well as core vehicle systems, Rimac has impressively demonstrated its credentials in the field of electromobility”, says Lutz Meschke, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Member of the Executive Board for Finance and IT at Porsche. “We feel that Rimac’s ideas and approaches are extremely promising, which is why we hope to enter into close collaboration with the company in the form of a development partnership.” Rimac employs a total of around 400
employees and its main focus is on high-voltage battery technology, electric powertrains and the development of digital interfaces between man and machine (HMI Development). Rimac also develops and produces e-bikes under its subsidiary Greyp Bikes, which was founded in 2013. “This partnership now is an important step for Rimac on our way to become a component and system supplier of choice for the industry in electrification, connectivity and the exciting field of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems”, said Mate Rimac, Rimac’s CEO. July 2018 Motor Trader | 83
Auto news
VW MAKES HISTORY AT PIKES PEAK WITH RECORDBREAKING EV RACE CAR
VW I.D. R Pikes Peak
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NOTHER NAIL IN the coffin of the internal combustion engine? Maybe. But it’s hard to ignore the record set by Romain Dumas who, driving the 500kW VW I.D. R Pikes Peak all-electric sports car, has broken the record for the Pikes Peak hill climb by an astonishing 16 seconds. The record, for petrol-powered or elective vehicles, now stands at 7m 57.148s. The Pikes Peak hill climb is the most famous hill climb event in the world and competitors have to negotiate a 19.99 kilometre stretch of road that has 156 corners. With the I.D. R Pikes Peak, Volkswagen created a car specifically tailored to the demands of the climb: a combination of minimum weight, as much
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VIDEO: VOLKSWAGEN I.D. R PIKES PEAK – RECORD RUN
downforce as possible, and maximum power. The result was a car that wouldn’t look out of place on any European race track with a streamlined chassis, a huge rear wing for downforce, and a light
weight that, including its battery cells, comes in at less than 1,100kgs. Volkswagen has had some strong partners on its side for the record attempt on Pikes Peak, including Michelin. VW says the tyre maker’s years of experience on Pikes Peak allowed them to provide tyre technology perfectly tailored to the demands of the hill climb. VW gave itself a tough deadline to meet when it announced last year that it was to take a stab at the Pikes Peak record. A mere 250 days passed between that announcement and the record-breaking run – not much time to develop a thoroughbred prototype, including fully-electric drive technology, specific demands on the batteries, aerodynamics and chassis. “The I.D. R Pikes Peak is the most innovative and complex car ever developed by Volkswagen Motorsport,” said Sven Smeets, Volkswagen Motorsport Director. “Every employee involved in the Pikes Peak project has constantly had to push their boundaries and show extreme commitment and dedication. Without this, it would not have been possible to repeatedly overcome new challenges and come up with new solutions. It should actually be impossible to achieve all that and especially the all-time record in such a short time, but our team pulled it off thanks to their passion and commitment.”
AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING SEES BIG INCREASE AS STANDARD FITMENT ANCAP HAS REVEALED market analysis that shows Autonomous Emergency Braking has seen a tenfold increase as standard fitment of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) in just over two years. ANCAP says it has been tracking the availability status and market penetration of AEB across the Australian light vehicle market since December 2015 when just 3 per cent of new vehicles sold offered the autonomous braking feature as standard. Today, that figure has increased to 31 per cent. “This is an encouraging result for consumers, and the vehicle brands leading the charge should be commended,” said James Goodwin, ANCAP Chief Executive. “Over the past few years we have been educating the community of the benefits of this technology, and in parallel, pushing vehicle brands to include AEB as standard across model ranges and price points. “To see one-third of all popular selling models now offer this driver assistance technology as standard, we’ve moved some way closer to achieving CLICK TO a reduction in VIEW THE REPORT crash incidence and severity – but there is still a long way to go.” Of the top 100 selling vehicles available at March 2018, ANCAP says 37 models offered AEB as standard. 35 models, representing 29 per cent of the market, did not offer AEB in any form. July 2018 Motor Trader | 85
CELEBRAT
PORS 1948 2018
MARKS 70TH
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ATIONS AS
SCHE ANNIVERSARY
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CLICK TO VISIT THE PORSCHE CENTRE GOLD COAST WEBSITE
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T WAS IN June 1948, that the Porsche 356 ‘No.1’ Roadster, a prototype two-seater open roadster with a midmounted flat-4 engine, received its general operating permit, moving the Porsche name from the drawing board to the road. It was, to put it mildly, the start of something quite special. 88 | Motor Trader July 2018
Series production of the 356 began in 1950 and just one year later the fledgling Porsche company scored a class victory at Le Mans with the 356 SL. That pretty much set the scene for the company’s now legendary rise to the top of motorsport and its long history as a premier manufacturer of road-going
VIDEO: 70 YEARS OF PORSCHE
July 2018 Motor Trader | 89
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sports cars – a position cemented following the introduction of the flagship 911, launched in 1963 as the 901 (a name that changed following an objection from Peugeot which used the middle ‘0’ convention for its own series of cars). Last month, Porsche celebrated its 70th anniversary with events held around
the world by fans, owners and dealers. Amongst these was Porsche Centre Gold Coast which held a ‘Sportscar Together Day’ – an event that saw dozens of new and classic Porsche cars (plus a few interlopers from other well-known manufacturers) roll up and leave plenty of wide-eyed fans in their wake. July 2018 Motor Trader | 91
RTO No. 31529
Can you afford not to be in the circle? Advocacy
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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.
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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
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GENERAL MANAGER MTA INSTITUTE
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E’VE RECENTLY FINISHED our five-week automotive vocational preparation course and the results for the students that completed the course have been outstanding with six students securing employment in the industry. It's early days, but I believe the students now employed will be there for some time because they know what to expect and will be ready to support their employer. I’ve said it before, but there is a gap between the student’s expectations and what employers want and I believe this program helps o fill this gap. After five weeks, students know some basic automotive workshop tasks but, more importantly, get to know the expectation of what employers are looking for in a potential employee – the right attitude, punctuality, right presentation, etc. We had some employer representatives come and present to the group and provide an outstanding account of what they expected, and it put the students in the right frame of mind. It made them realise that if they could complete the course it would set them up for a long career.
Our next course starts on 30 July and will again go over five weeks. If you know anyone interested in attending, or if your business is interested in supporting these students by providing work experience or apprenticeship opportunities, please email training@mtai.edu.au On the flip side to our automotive vocational preparation program, we’ve got our Trade Recognition program. The ‘Trade Rec’ program is a fantastic opportunity for experienced automotive trade workers to gain a formal trade qualification in just a matter of months. The expectations are that anyone undertaking the program could confidently achieve 60 per cent of a qualification or more through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment. To be eligible, you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or a Refugee and Humanitarian Visa holder living in Queensland. You also must have six or more (current or recent) years of experience within the industry, providing documentation as proof. Finally, you must be over the age of 21, have no former trade qualifications, and express a commitment to gaining the qualification in its entirety. If you are interested in this program, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
MEMBERS' ESSENTIALS Contents 94 Professional Circle training 96 Queensland Training Awards 98 Professor Michael Milford joins MTA Institute Board July 2018 Motor Trader | 93
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PAUL KULPA
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Training GM's Professional Circle perspective
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MTA Institute trainer Jeff Mann with the Pre-Vocational Course students
PRE-VOCATIONAL STUDENTS READY TO KICKSTART CAREERS
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TA INSTITUTE’S MID-YEAR pre-apprenticeship course has concluded successfully with five of the nine students taking the Certificate II program securing apprenticeship placements with the other four set to soon follow them into the industry. The students completed the Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation program at the end of May. The Certificate II course is a five-week program developed by the MTA Institute to assist industry in finding quality apprentices and employees, and is designed to give students an introduction to the automotive industry through training in basic technical knowledge and life skills. It was, said Marcello Riotto, Operations Manager for the MTA Institute, a particularly fruitful five weeks with the students proving to be an enthusiastic young group who responded well to the training and to the opportunities the Institute was able to give them in finding apprenticeship positions. “They were a great group and very
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CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CERT II COURSE
engaged,” said Marcello. “And we have secured successful outcomes for many of them through our connections with industry, MTA Queensland members and through Group Training Organisations, with three receiving apprenticeship offers at dealerships and two at independents. The rest of the students are really close to securing employment too and certainly now have the tools to be gainfully employed and productive when opportunities arise.” While the Certificate II pre-vocational program delivers basic training in many technical aspects of mechanical work - including safe workplace practices, identifying mechanical systems and components, identifying electrical systems and components, and carrying out servicing operations, amongst others – an important aspect of the course includes training on various ‘life skills’. And it is these skills - that include interview techniques, how to communicate effectively, and how to create a resume, as well as stressing the
MTA INSTITUTE PROMOTIONAL VIDEO
ACKNOWLEDGING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES IN QUEENSLAND
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-CAR AUSTRALIA, THE organisation that delivers information, training and education to the collision repair industry, 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 Queenslandbased collision repair industry employees who have received I-CAR Platinum
Individual Accreditation: These are the latest Platinum Individual Certifications for May:
• David Wagner • Brian Fox • Michael Wilson • Michael Maddock • Kevin May
RACQ QLD AAMC QLD RACQ QLD RACQ QLD RACQ QLD
There were no welding certifications issued in May. July 2018 Motor Trader | 95
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both secured interviews,” she said. “We had one interview here at the Institute and a few days later got calls to go to Springwood to have a formal interview there. I was very nervous, but it went well and we were both offered the apprenticeships that day! “It really shows that this course does help and employers regard it very highly.” “This is a course that we have delivered for many years and it is proven. We know the model works,” said Marcello. “The duration is right, the content is right, we have a very good balance and the students are productive right from the start.” MTA Institute have another course scheduled for the end of July 2018, so if you know of anyone that would benefit from the course or are looking for a first year apprentice, please make contact with the Institute
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importance of attitude and appearance – that are, said Marcello, critical to young people looking to enter the industry. “Life skills are a very important element of the course,” he said. “Learning and appreciating the value that employers put on their staff presenting well, having a good attitude, being willing to get involved, even getting to work on time, is crucial. In fact, for many employers, finding someone who has these personal attributes along with a real interest in the trade is one of the main objectives when looking for an apprentice. “Technical skills are important, of course, but employers really are looking for people with passion, who are proactive and who have the right attitude.” For 23-year-old Ashleigh Johnson, the Cert II course has given her the chance to start her automotive industry career after a long search for a mechanical apprenticeship. During the program, she was able to meet prospective employers who had been invited to talk to the students and has now secured a light vehicle apprenticeship with the Keema Hyundai Springwood dealership in Brisbane. “I sent my resume to them, as did another student from this class, and we
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MTA INSTITUTE ON THE SHORT LIST FOR QUEENSLAND TRAINING AWARDS
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HE MTA INSTITUTE has been named among the top five organisations in the Small Training Provider of the Year category for the 2018 Queensland Training Awards. The Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees, vocational students, teachers, trainers, training providers, employers and community-based organisations across a range of categories and the Small Training Provider of the Year award is aimed at acknowledging a registered training organisation (RTO) that demonstrates excellence and high-level performance in all aspects of vocational education and training (VET). 96 | Motor Trader July 2018
CLICK FOR MORE INFO ON THE QLD TRAINING AWARDS
“WE’RE PROUD OF THE
OUTCOMES WE HAVE WITH OUR STUDENTS, WHO ARE THE BUSINESS OWNERS AND MANAGERS OF FUTURE AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS.” While the top five short list will be reduced to three finalists before the ultimate winner is announced, being part of that group of five is testament to the outstanding work done by the MTA Institute in training its 1700 automotive apprentices and in its delivery of a range of pre-vocational and post-trade training courses. Making the short list was a great
M E M B E R S E S S E N T I A L S
achievement said Mr Paul Kulpa, General including a chance to work overseas Manager of MTA Institute, and especially through our relationship with the so after a particularly challenging year Queensland Overseas Foundation, the that had seen the Institute introduce new chance to be part of a motorsport team courses and programs, an online digital through the MTAQ Racing Team and learning platform and switch to the new recognition through our Apprentice of AUR16 training package. the Month and Apprentice of the Year “I’m exceptionally proud that we are awards. We put a lot of effort into what in that group,” he said. “The past 18 we do.” months have been very challenging. We Whether the MTA Institute reaches the have transitioned onto our new online final round of the Queensland Training My Profile digital platform and the new Awards or not, Mr Kulpa said the hard training package, and have recognised work, the cutting-edge training delivery the evolving nature of our industry, and and constant monitoring of the industry the demands of those working in it, by to ensure that the Institute’s offerings introducing new courses on subjects such were evolving with it, would continue. as Paintless Dent Repair, Hybrid Vehicle “We’re proud of the outcomes we and Common Rail Diesel. “The administration team and especially have with our students, who are the business owners and managers of future our 30 highly-experienced trainers who automotive business. We are proud deliver apprenticeship training across the to be involved with their state, have worked extremely hard to development. And if we don’t continue to offer top-level service CLICK FOR go through to the final we will to students and clients, and their MORE INFO carry on doing what we do, success is borne out by the very ABOUT delivering excellent training, MTA INSTITUTE positive feedback we receive. working with the government “Students are always at the and industry and doing the best centre of what we do, and we offer some great opportunities, job that we can do. July 2018 Motor Trader | 97
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Member matters
Professor Michael Milford is a leading figure in AI and robotics research and their use in autonomous vehicles
PROFESSOR MICHAEL MILFORD JOINS THE BOARD OF MTA INSTITUTE
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HE MTA INSTITUTE, MTA Queensland’s Registered Training Organisation and the largest private provider of automotive apprenticeships and training in Queensland, has welcomed Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) Professor Michael Milford to its Board. A multi-award winning educational entrepreneur with a Mechanical and Space Engineering degree and a PhD in Robotics from The University of Queensland, Professor Milford currently leads a team at QUT researching Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics and their application in the world of mobility and autonomous vehicles. Recognised internationally for his work, Professor Milford is a frequent keynote speaker at technology events across the world and has collaborated with organisations including the Australian 98 | Motor Trader July 2018
Research Council, the US Air Force, Harvard University, Oxford University, MIT, and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and has delivered presentations to Google, Amazon and Microsoft. As well as his position at QUT, Professor Milford also is an Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Microsoft Research Faculty Fellow and Chief Investigator at the Australian Centre for Robotic Vision. While AI and robotics represent his field of research, Professor Milford has a long history in supporting science education and helping young people to learn – and, just as importantly, enjoy learning Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects. His Math Thrills project - which creates STEM-related educational resources for students from early childhood through to adulthood - uses movies, books and
games to engage young people in the study of STEM subjects in an entertaining way, and has been sold in 33 countries around the world. This passion for education, as well as his field of research, is what drew Professor Milford to agree to join the Board of the MTA Institute. “Three things really piqued my interest and made this opportunity appealing,” he said. “The first is that this is an industry which will see great opportunity and great disruption. Autonomous vehicles and intelligent transport will be the amongst the first major new disruptors, so there is a lot of work that needs to be done to make
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ALONGSIDE MICHAEL AT OUR CARMAGEDDON SYMPOSIUMS AND OTHER EVENTS AND HE IS, WITHOUT QUESTION, AN AUTHORITY ON THESE AREAS THAT ARE MOST RELEVANT TO OUR INDUSTRY’S FUTURE.”
M E M B E R S
“WE HAVE BEEN WORKING
sure people are well prepared. “The second thing is how proactive MTA Queensland is in informing their members not only that change is coming but that it does not necessarily mean it will be doomsday. We must be ready for change and prepare for it, and that is a really balanced and inspiring message which I think is what most industry bodies should be emulating. “The third thing is the emphasis on training and upskilling for a future where people are probably not going to be in the same job for 40 or 50 years. “While this is not particular to the motor trades, it will be unlikely that you will stay in the same role or career for your entire life. The ability to rapidly and comfortably retool and retrain is, I think, going to be critical for everyone.” According to Dr Brett Dale, CEO of MTA Queensland Group, Professor Milford’s appointment to the MTA Institute Board will help inform and guide the organisation as new technologies and educational opportunities are revealed, and his experience and knowledge will prove invaluable. “Our industry is facing a level of technological disruption never before seen and much of this disruption is underpinned by AI and robotics – areas that many have an interest in, but in which few have real expertise,” said Dr Dale. “We have been working alongside Michael at our Carmageddon symposiums and other events and he is, without question, an authority on these areas that are most relevant to our industry’s future. It was a no-brainer that we would want him on our Board. “It is a great win for the MTA Institute to have someone of Michael’s calibre working with us and its truly reflective of a new era in which we will continue to ensure that our future workforce is equipped with the latest skills and knowledge essential to our industry.”
MTA QUEENSLAND – NEW WEBSITE COMING 1 AUGUST
M E M B E R S
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Member matters
• Motor Trader e-magazine
M
TA QUEENSLAND IS launching a new website on 1 August. The website address - www.mtaq. com.au - will be the same and indeed the website will remain much the same with just a few updates and changes that will make it simpler to navigate and make even more information available to members. While the new and updated site goes live on 1 August, here are some handy tips and pointers on how to use the site, what will be available and, for MTA Queensland members, information on how to update your business information online. Updates and reminders will be sent out to members leading up to the launch date. As with the current website, there will be six buttons on the front page for easy access to: • Jobs Board • Shop • ISMAA (Automotive Apprentice Mentoring Program) • Racing Team • Complaints 100 | Motor Trader July 2018
The Shop is a new online store with a range of stationery, signs and other equipment designed to service an MTA Queensland Member Business. Members will need to Sign In first to ensure the member discount is applied to products. To access the Shop, click the button on the front of the website, Sign In and select Shop from the navigation bar at the top of the screen.
FIND A MEMBER Find A Member can be accessed from the orange button on the front of the website. Find A Member can be done in two ways by clicking Find A Member on the navigation bar – either by Member Search or Find A Member By Location. To update Account Information, you are required to complete a Submit Change request. The Account Information is not editable to ensure we keep records accurate. There is new information we can provide
MEMBER PORTAL There is a new Member Portal. The Member Portal contains a Knowledge Base which is a resource area available exclusively to MTA Queensland Members. The Knowledge Base has a library of industry resources, marketing material and Industrial Relations such as Wages Guides, Awards, Tax Sheets, Workplace Health and Safety and other essential information. Members can access the Member Portal from the navigation bar on the front of the website. The landing page for the portal looks very different from the previous member portal. There are 11 buttons on the front for easy access to: • Divisional Resources & Elections • Industrial Relations – Awards, Guides, Job Descriptions, Policies, Templates & Legislation • Industrial Relations Articles
• Industry Insights • Marketing Resources – logos • Public Holidays & Trading Hours • Service & Repair Information • Tax & Super Newsletters (& Tax Tables) • Wages Guides & Fact Sheets • Workplace, Health & Safety • Corporate Partners To access any of the resources in the Member Portal you need to Sign In from the top right of the screen. To Sign In you will need a Username and Password. The Username is the original primary email address you used for your MTA Queensland membership application. Contact the Member Services Team on (07) 3237 8777 or email info@mtaq.com.au if you do not know this email address. For the first Sign In, all members will need to create their password by clicking Forgot Your Password. Passwords must be at least 8 characters. Passwords must contain characters from at least three of the following four classes: uppercase, lowercase, digit, and nonalphanumeric (symbol). After your new password is emailed to you, you can use this to login. You will also be able to change your Password. You can remain signed into the portal by ticking the check box Remember Me. We will be sending out a detailed email in July to ensure all Members understand how to Sign In. July 2018 Motor Trader | 101
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You will be able to update your Business Services. You can select from a list of different services you provide. eg: air conditioning – service repairs, electric vehicle repairs etc. The Memberships information contains your current MTA Queensland membership status information and invoice data. The Orders information contains your current shop orders.
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about our MTA Queensland members, but we will need you to submit this information via the Submit Change request. This includes changes to: • Business or Trading Name • Contact Person • Emails • Phones • Address • Website • Facebook • Accreditations – eg: Green Stamp, Ambra
CARS &
C O F F E E
RARE CLASSICS MAKE THEIR WAY TO CARS & COFFEE
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NOTHER CRISP AND sunny Sunday morning and another brilliant turn-out at the MTA Queensland Cars and Coffee event. Held on the last Sunday of the month, June’s Cars & Coffee get-together brought out plenty of classic and exotic cars including some pretty rare specimens. Amongst these was an old friend - a 1967 110S L10A Mazda Cosmo Sport that was the focus of a Motor Trader’s Member’s Classic feature back in April 2014. Only 343 of the L10As were made and it was the first Mazda to be powered by a Wankel rotary engine, in this case the 0810 10A 110hp unit.
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ONLY 343 OF THE L10AS WERE MADE AND IT WAS THE FIRST MAZDA TO BE POWERED BY A WANKEL ROTARY ENGINE, IN THIS CASE THE 0810 10A 110HP UNIT.” Joining the Mazda was a a returning De Tomaso Pantera and a pair of stunning first-generation Honda NSX supercars. The first all-aluminium production car, the NSX was something of an engineering masterpiece on its launch in 1990 with plenty of racing-inspired touches and input into its development from no less a
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CARS &
C O F F E E
In amongst the exotics and classics were these rather special EV conversions 104 | Motor Trader July 2018
name than Ayrton Senna. Only 18,000 were produced from 1990 to 2005, so to see two 1991 NSE models roll up to Cars & Coffee was pretty special indeed. These rare classics were not alone. Also visiting for the morning was a spectacular 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster, a 1966 Jaguar E-type Coupe, a 1992 Nissan Skyline Coupe, a 1955 Pontiac Chieftain Sedan, a 1988 Lotus Esprit Coupe and a wonderful 1974 Ford Escort Coupe. With cars like these putting the MTA Queensland Cars & Coffee on their schedule, it’s becoming an event that shouldn’t be missed. Join us on July 29, between 7:30am and
JOIN US ON JULY 29, BETWEEN 7:30AM AND 9:30AM, FOR THE NEXT MTA QUEENSLAND CARS & COFFEE EVENT. 9:30am, for the next MTA Queensland Cars & Coffee event. 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 and the sausage sizzle put on by MTA Queensland staff. Eat, drink and let’s torque cars! See you there! July 2018 Motor Trader | 105
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INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS OFFICER
WHAT CAN YOU ASK A POTENTIAL EMPLOYEE ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AS PART OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS? THERE ARE TWO different ways that an employee’s health can be relevant. There are some questions that anti-discrimination legislation prevents you from asking, and there are some questions that you must ask if workers compensation law is to be fairly applied. An employer can have obligations around health and safety and workers compensation that mean they should know of any pre-existing medical condition an employee might have. On the other hand, anti-discrimination legislation in Queensland prevents you from asking questions in an interview that could provide a basis for unlawful discrimination. What should members do to deal with this apparent dilemma? The anti-discrimination legislation provides exemptions for some recruitment decisions. You are allowed to ask about medical conditions where they are relevant to: • An employee’s ability to perform the genuine occupational requirements of the job • Any necessary adjustments or special facilities or services that the employee might require • Matters that could affect the health and safety of the employee or their co-workers
July 2018 Motor Trader | 107
E S S E N T I A L S
PAUL MURRAY
Examples of these might be: • Asking if an applicant had any condition that might prevent them from safely lifting tyres • Asking if they required any special facilities such as a wheelchair ramp for access • Asking if they would have any special needs for evacuating the building in the event of a fire You shouldn’t be asking any questions about health or impairments unless you can justify them in one of these ways. The Workers Compensation laws have seen a few changes over recent years which can leave some members unsure of what they can and can’t ask. The current law says that an employee who has made a false or misleading disclosure about a pre-existing condition can’t make a claim for an aggravation of that condition. However, this only applies if the employer has met the following conditions. • The request for disclosure of pre-existing conditions must be in writing • It must include a description of the nature of the duties associated with the role • It must include a warning that a false or misleading disclosure will mean the employee will not be entitled to compensation or damages for any aggravation of the pre-existing condition • The prospective employee must be given enough time to respond before being employed This means that, to ensure the relevant rules about pre-existing conditions will apply to the employee, you must give them a written request for disclosure that can tick off everything on the list above. Members should ensure that all prospective employees are asked, in a timely fashion, to disclose any relevant pre-existing CLICK FOR conditions. Members should also be MORE ON INDUSTRIAL careful only to ask questions about RELATIONS impairments or medical conditions if those questions are relevant to one of the exemptions listed above.
M E M B E R S
Industrial relations
THE
Concept corner
911 SPEEDST
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TER CONCEPT
July 2018 Motor Trader | 109
Concept corner
911 Speedster Concept
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S WELL AS celebrating with Porsche owners across the world via the Porsche Together Day earlier this year, the German manufacturer is celebrating its 70th anniversary by revealing this gem of a car, the 911 Speedster Concept. The concept does, Porsche says, ‘forge a link between the very first Porsche 356 ‘No. 1’ Roadster, which received its operating permit on June 8, 1948, and the Porsche cars of today’. The concept study offers a glimpse of a potential series-production version, although this model may not be presented until 2019. A decision on whether to move ahead will be made in the coming months. The drive technology under the two-tone shell of the concept is derived from the current GT models and it was developed at the Porsche Motorsport Centre - the birth place of the 911 GT2 RS and, most recently, the GT3 RS. The 911 Speedster Concept has a shorter window frame with a more inclined windscreen and correspondingly shortened side windows. A special rear
110 | Motor Trader July 2018
VIDEO: THE 911 SPEEDSTER CONCEPT. CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF PORSCHE SPORTS CARS.
cover made of carbon fibre connects behind the front seats, covering a roll-over protection structure and featuring a ‘double bubble’, a traditional element of this sports car design since the 911 Speedster from 1988. Two contrasting black slats between the ‘humps’ add an aerodynamic touch, and a transparent Plexiglas wind deflector features an engraved ‘70 years of Porsche’ logo. The concept also features a lightweight tonneau cover instead of a convertible top. The lightweight principles of the Speedster philosophy have seen the navigation, radio and air conditioning eliminated, while the
full bucket seats are made of carbon. The wings, front bonnet and rear cover of the concept are made of lightweight carbonfibre composite material. Below the bodywork, the 911 Speedster Concept relies on state-of-the-art components. The chassis comes from the 911 GT3, with contrasting high gloss
polished clover-leaf details on the 21-inch rims. The GT developers also contributed the exhaust system with titanium tailpipes and the powertrain, which includes a six-speed manual transmission. The six-cylinder flat engine delivers over 500 hp and reaches speeds of up to 9,000 rpm. July 2018 Motor Trader | 111
Investment matters
MARKET WRAP
M
AY IS HISTORICALLY a difficult month for the Australian equity market but this year it managed to produce a positive return despite Italian elections causing concerns towards the end of the month. Protectionist policies were a key focus during the month, with US President Trump investigating vehicle imports and announcing tariffs on aluminium and steel imports from Canada, Mexico and the EU. Trade fears did ease as the US and China released a joint statement in which China agreed to increase imports from the US in a diplomatic effort to reduce its trade deficit with the US. The S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index closed up 1.09%. The Royal Commission provided plenty of attention-grabbing headlines. The highlighted cases of irresponsible lending are likely to drive a more rigorous approach to how banks approach their responsible lending obligations. Banks are already responding by implementing more rigorous testing of borrowers’ income and living expenses. The widespread adoption of comprehensive credit reporting (1 July) will also enable banks to have more thorough insight into potential borrowers spending patterns. Commission structure for mortgage brokers is also under review and any changes will probably lean towards a more conservative flat-fee structure, which could reduce credit availability for some borrowers. The next Federal election will most likely have negative gearing on the agenda as a policy difference between the major parties. 112 | Motor Trader July 2018
LABOR CURRENTLY HAS A POLICY TO LIMIT NEGATIVE GEARING TO NEW DEVELOPMENTS, SO IF ELECTED THIS WOULD BE ANOTHER HEADWIND TO LENDING GROWTH. Current polling has the Labor party ahead of the Coalition. Labor currently has a policy to limit negative gearing to new developments, so if elected this would be another headwind to lending growth. These factors make it almost impossible to argue that there will not be at least a reduction in credit growth in the short-tomedium term. A mild reduction in credit growth would be a headwind for consumers and most likely have some incremental flow-on effect to housing and consumer behaviour. The bigger risk would be if the reduction in credit availability snowballed into a fully blown credit crunch. 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.
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Steven Tong, Mechanic Member since 2002
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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).