Motor Trader e-magazine, June 2018

THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY

JUNE 2018

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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.

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.

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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

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02 From the editor 04 From the desk of the CEO 08 Policy/Viewpoint

20180686

12 MTA Q&A

GARY MOLLROSS OF LEDA MECHANICAL Features 16 THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY: MTA QUEENSLAND AT MYRIAD 2018 24 QUEENSLAND EV COMPANY SET TO RECHARGE AUTO MANUFACTURING INDUSTRYD

60 Members Classic FIVE-STAR GENERAL: 1969 DODGE CHARGER

MEMBERS ESSENTIALS 85 Training GM's Professional Circle perspective 86 Professional Circle training 89 Apprentice of the Month for April 102 Concept Corner THE VISION MERCEDES-MAYBACH ULTIMATE LUXURY CONCEPT

June 2018 Motor Trader | 1

From the editor

JONATHAN NASH EDITOR

H

ELLO AND WELCOME to the June 2018 edition of Motor Trader.

It has been another big month for MTA Queensland and MTAiQ, Australia's first automotive innovation hub.

The Association's presence as a sponsor of the Garage display at the Myriad 2018 technology and innovation festival saw the MTAiQ's clients and partners enjoy a great opportunity to showcase and share their skills and concepts with potential investors and influential figures in the innovation landscape.

For MTA Queensland and MTAiQ, the festival, which included a keynote speech from CEO Dr Brett Dale on future mobility, highlighted its commitment to innovation, as well as its leadership in support of the automotive industry as it evolves to embrace new technology, new business ideas and new concepts.

It was an important event for the Association and the feedback has been really positive. You can read more about MTA Queensland at Myriad from page 16.

One of the businesses that joined MTAiQ at Myriad was ACE Electrical Vehicles.

Next year, ACE plans to go into production with two sub-$40,000 electric vehicles designed for the light commercial market - the Cargo Van and Yewt. The vehicles have a range of 350km, deliver low-cost and efficient transportation and look to be the perfect asset for a range of urban businesses, from couriers to caterers to tradies.

If demand is there, a full manufacturing setup is planned and that would be something remarkable for Australia, a country that, just last year, saw the last major automotive manufacturer cease production.

You can read more about ACE Electric Vehicles from page 24.

Elsewhere in Motor Trader, in our MTA Q&A feature, we talk to Gary Mollross, a 50-year veteran of the industry who owns Leda Mechanical on the Gold Coast, while in our Member's Classic feature we talk to automotive consultant Nick Ladell about his brilliant 'Dukes of Hazzard' Dodge Charger.

Also inside, we have the Association's Federal Budget Brief; automotive innovation news; articles on new concepts and vehicle releases; and we meet Andrew Janes and Briohny de Vere, owners of Accelerate Auto Electric & Air Conditioning who were winners at the recent Australian Small Business Champion Awards.

I hope you enjoy this packed edition of Motor Trader, and if you want to let me know of any news you'd like to share, then please email me. heers!

C Jonathan Nash, Editor jonathann@mtaq.com.au

MTA QUEENSLAND WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS Business Name

Principal/s

Address

Email

Division

Leo Royan Automotive Engineer Pty Ltd Motortek MTH Auto Care Pty Ltd Victorian Diesel Services Pty Ltd

Leo Royan Malcolm Sleeman Gerry Lucas Marcus Prillwitz

7/21 Southern Cross Circuit, URANGAN Q 4655 1/9 Nesbit Street, SOUTHPORT Q 4215 12 Chain Street, MACKAY QLD 4740 32 Activity Crescent, MOLENDINAR QLD 4214

leoroyan@ymail.com mal.sleeman101@hotmail.com admin@mthautocare.com.au marucs@victoriandiesel.com.au

AED AED AED AED

2 | Motor Trader June 2018

Finance energy efficient equipment and get a 0.70% p.a. discount.

Access a 0.70% p.a. discount and fund up to 100% of the purchase price when you finance qualifying energy efficient vehicles and equipment.

To find out more, contact MTAQ on (07) 3237 8777 or email info@mtaq.com.au today.

From the desk of the CEO

BRETT DALE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND

O

VER THE PAST two years, my focus has been on performing the duties tasked by the MTA Queensland Board. These included growing the Association’s commercial interests through membership, training, the new innovation initiative and lifting our public profile. There’s been sound progress measured by meeting benchmarks and incorporated in reports to members. The proof is in the numbers, but at the back of the mind there’s been a nagging question regarding the impact of our efforts.

Recently, at a visit to Parliament House in Canberra for an Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) event attended by stakeholders and parliamentarians, I was pleased with what I heard. Firstly, I was commended for MTA Queensland’s social media platform and the fact that it was one of the best in the industry. It was being adopted as ‘the model’ to leverage both stakeholder and member interest in its activities. Secondly, another leader said the MTA Queensland was recognised as a ‘leader in automotive innovation’ having established the first automotive innovation hub in Australia.

There was too, recognition of our

4 | Motor Trader June 2018

leadership in equipping members with understanding of digital disruption and the impacts of emerging technologies through the Carmageddon symposiums.

This unexpected feedback is attributable to the MTA Queensland Board’s foresight to broaden its role into the innovation and technological space.

Equally it is a credit and compliment to the corporate staff who have worked to both reach the benchmarks and influence opinion.

Additionally, Telstra’s Co-operative Intelligent Transport Systems consultant Jamie Smith and Business Growth and Innovation Executive (Transport and Logistics) Mark Ullah sought a meeting to discuss our approach to the emerging transport and mobility technologies and innovations. They were impressed with our endeavours to invest capital and resources into establishing the automotive innovation hub. The outcome of the meeting was that the Telstra personnel committed to working with us on mobility and transport innovations. For MTA Queensland, this is an excellent result as it allows the MTAiQ entrepreneurs and staff to work with great minds in a leading Tech company on innovation. Importantly, the expertise contributed may assist start-ups such as the flying car and the wireless (inductive) electric car charging innovation to market.

Flying cars once were the domain of my boyhood cartoons, but not anymore.

The fabricated aluminium frame of a flying car is on the floor in our innovation hub and was on display in the Garage at the Myriad festival. Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur Steve Baxter, in a festival panel discussion which I facilitated: ‘Are flying cars the way of the future?’

“ . . . MTA QUEENSLAND

WAS RECOGNISED AS A ‘LEADER IN AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATION’ HAVING ESTABLISHED THE FIRST AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATION HUB IN AUSTRALIA.” informed: ‘flying cars will happen and could be in Australia within a decade’.

BOARD MEETING The MTA Queensland Board had its quarterly meeting adjacent to the Myriad festival. It was an excellent meeting at which much enthusiasm was expressed for the future of the Association. New opportunities for the motor trades were discussed which we will work towards bringing to fruition. A report with special interest to the Board of Directors was the MTA Queensland Treasurer Paul Petersen’s financial statement. He advised the commercial performance of the MTA Queensland Group (membership, training and innovation) had improved to the extent that for the 2017-18 financial year, a small profit was envisaged. Better still, was the expectation that the 2018-19 financial year would reflect strong turnover.

As Deputy Group CEO Kellie Dewar says in Viewpoint, the Board of Directors visited the Garage – our space at the festival – to see our exhibit with its innovations, special badging and livery and to speak with staff and visitors. They were both proud and impressed with our presentation. Appropriately, Directors took the opportunity to mingle with the innovators, the entrepreneurs and exhibitors and listen to discussions.

QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY TRAINING AWARDS In April’s From the Desk of the CEO, I mentioned that I’d been asked by the Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training Deputy Director-General, Training and Skills, to contribute to the selection panel and participate as a judge of the 2018 Industry and Training Awards. Nominations closed on 16 March 2018 for the 11 categories from training providers across the state’s seven regional areas.

Appropriately, I do not participate in the judging process for the Small Trainer Provider of the Year Award, for which the MTA Institute (MTAI) was one of hundreds of nominees. I’m at liberty to report, however, that the MTAI has been shortlisted for this Award which is for outstanding contribution to the delivery of vocational education and training in Queensland by a registered training organisation delivering less than 50 qualifications. We’ll have to wait until September for the announcement at the Queensland Training Awards State Final Dinner for the winner. In the meantime, being shortlisted for the Award amidst strong competition reflects well on the MTAI, its trainers and students.

The MTAI, over some 43 years, has evolved to be the premier provider of automotive traineeships and apprenticeships. This has been in part due to the wisdom and leadership of successive Board of Directors.

Recently, Mr Allan Bonsall (appointed February 2015) and Mr Thomas Mangan (appointed November 2015) resigned.

Both were sound contributors and their advice to the MTAI’s overall governance and strategic direction valued. We thank them for their service and wish June 2018 Motor Trader | 5

From the desk of the CEO

“THE MTAI, OVER SOME 43

YEARS, HAS EVOLVED TO BE THE PREMIER PROVIDER OF AUTOMOTIVE TRAINEESHIPS AND APPRENTICESHIPS. THIS HAS BEEN IN PART DUE TO THE WISDOM AND LEADERSHIP OF SUCCESSIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.” them well with their new endeavours.

Succession planning will commence to enable the MTAI Board to reflect the innovation, education and future training requirements of employers and the automotive value chain.

BRISBANE TECHNOLOGY PARK In From the Desk of the CEO in the March Motor Trader edition, I referred to discussions with the Brisbane Marketing Economic Board representatives and the Griffith University Deputy Vice Chancellor on Industry Partnerships and Projects, Amanda Briggs on an emerging Skills and Knowledge precinct at the adjacent Brisbane Technology Park (BTP). Subsequently, my team and I met with the largest owner of property at the BTP, Industria REIT’s Fund Manager Alex Abell and BTP’s Portfolio Manager James Tippelt. Discussions centred on precinct staff and visitor mobility between the Technology Parks which have limited parking space and transport options for staff to and from adjacent retail centres.

A 12-month pilot of the SAGE automation Olli autonomous shuttle and shuttle stop is envisaged as the optimal mobility outcome. The logistics of the pilot are in the process of being carefully worked through including compliance 6 | Motor Trader June 2018

obligations. In the coming days, there will be several meetings with State and Local Government leaders to discuss the pilot. The intention is to have the two autonomous Olli shuttles in operation by the end of this year. By the way, at the Myriad Garage, a mini Olli was on display.

AND THE LAST THING In the coming month, the end of the financial year governance responsibilities will be a focus, as will be attending to the Group’s commercial interests.

At the back of my mind, however, will be speech preparation for two automotive summits. The first is the Sydney Autonomous Vehicles Summit with the emphasis on ‘the Integration of Autonomous Vehicles in Shaping Australia’s Connected and Accessible Transport Futures’. Presenters include a diverse range of international, national and business leaders from the private and public sectors. It is not a mass participation event, featuring hundreds of attendees but a tightly focused networking, business development and learning platform.

The second is the keynote address at the Mumbrella Automotive Marketing Summit in a session entitled: Driving into the future: Marketing autonomous vehicles. In my role as MTA Queensland Group CEO, I’m pleased to represent the Association and be the voice of the motor trades at both of these significant events and to engage with the participants on issues important to the future of the automotive value chain.

Until June, 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’.

Members first, always.

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Whether you’re paying your team’s super, or building your own, we have the tools, resources and people to help you make financial decisions that work for you.

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1300 362 415 mtaasuper.com.au/get-started

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). The information provided is of a general nature and does not take into account your specific needs or personal situation. You should assess your financial position and personal objectives before making any decision based on this information. The MTAA Super Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) can be obtained by calling MTAA Super on 1300 362 415 or visiting mtaasuper.com.au/handbooks. You should consider the PDS in making a decision.

Policy/Viewpoint MTA QUEENSLAND BOARD MEETING

KELLIE DEWAR DEPUTY GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES

F

ROM AN OPTICS point of view, the May MTA Queensland Board meeting was the best.

Amidst innovative gadgetry, emerging technologies, entrepreneurs and influential thinkers and speakers at the Myriad festival, your Board deliberated on bread and butter issues of the motor trades, the membership and the Association. Equally good was the Board Directors spending time in our space at the festival – the Garage – speaking with staff and visitors and exploring the many exhibitors which had flocked to be part of Myriad.

Nothing happens without thought and effort! Corporate office staff excelled in making the Garage interesting with badging, start-ups and projects from our innovation hub – MTAiQ - and promotional literature. The overwhelming feedback from the many visitors to the Garage was positive and undoubtedly increased the profile of the Association. Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Brett Dale’s presentation on ‘Future of Mobility, New business models and Smart Cities’ positioned the automotive value chain at the centre of the festival’s focus on the emerging technological and innovative transformations impacting industries and society.

8 | Motor Trader June 2018

The divisional reports highlighted business conditions, focus and activities.

Two consistent messages were expressed.

The first was the general economic improvement assisted by outlays on new and pending infrastructure and commercial and industrial projects across the State. The second was the recognition that ‘change’ was occurring in each of the sectors at a ‘pace not experienced before’ which required adaption and innovation.

Service Station and Convenience Store Association of Queensland (SSCSAQ) Chair Tim Kane reported the exponential increase in regulatory requirements arising from State government decisions. The Liquid Fuel Supply (Ethanol and Other Biofuels Mandate) Amendment Act 2015 enacted costly compliance obligations on fuel retailers with 10 or more service stations or selling more than 250,000 litres a quarter at a single station. Now, the decision has been made to commence a two-year trial of real-time petrol price reporting in Queensland. Currently, there has been no departmental clarification of how the data will be collected and reported to the public. Although popular with consumers, the fear for fuel retailers is more ‘red tape’ will be imposed.

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) initiated discussions with the SSCSAQ on the long-running issue of fuel theft and drive-offs. The Committee was pleased to provide further thoughts and ideas as it had been contributing to a 2014 Queensland Loss and Crime Committee on the issue.

The Rental Vehicle Industry division also had a recent meeting with the QPS on a range of issues relevant to its membership.

A long-term issue for the Tyre and Under Car division has been the disposal of used tyres. Nationally, in the past year, some

MTA Queensland Board members at Myriad

“THE OVERWHELMING

FEEDBACK FROM THE MANY VISITORS TO THE GARAGE WAS POSITIVE AND UNDOUBTEDLY INCREASED THE PROFILE OF THE ASSOCIATION.” 56.3 million tyres reached their end-of-life of which only 10 per cent were recycled domestically. The rest were dumped, going into land fill etc. Chair Brad Collett detailed the Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme (the scheme) or the Green Tyre Project (GTP) initiated by the Australian Tyre Industry Council and supported by the leading tyre manufactures with Australian Competition and Commission (ACCC) approval.

The GTP is focused on recycling tyres in an environmentally sustainable way for a range of uses from road surfacing to brake pads. The scheme is funded by a levy of 25 cents per ‘equivalent passenger unit’ on the sales of new tyres. The retailer has the choice to add the levy into the cost of the tyre or charge it separately.

The TUD intends to encourage voluntary applications for accreditation under the Scheme.

An interesting observation from Central Queensland region was the impact of the

Banking Royal Commission evidence and the Australian Securities and Investment Commission’s activities on motor vehicle sales. Financiers were changing lending criteria and consequently car loans were harder to obtain, and some customers have had applications declined. Concern is being expressed about the economic impact of the lost sales on businesses and on the new vehicle market.

ADVOCACY The months of May and June are the time my focus turns to the content of the Commonwealth and State budgets, participation in divisional meetings and attending to any issues that may emerge from these. The Queensland budget will be delivered on Tuesday, 12th June. I’ll post an overview on the website detailing any initiatives relevant to the motor trades or training.

The Commonwealth budget included initiatives that we had sought in our pre-budget submission. This included: taxation reform measures; a further extension of the $20,000 instant asset tax write-off for SMEs with an up to $10 million annual turnover and additional training initiatives.

Responses were lodged to two consultation papers. These were to the Commonwealth Treasury’s Regulation Impact Statement relating to the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) Review: Clarification, simplification and June 2018 Motor Trader | 9

Policy/Viewpoint modernisation of the consumer guarantee framework and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services’ inquiry into the operation and effectiveness of the Franchising Code of Conduct.

I’ve now turned my mind to the National Transport Commission’s call for submissions to the safety assurance for automated driving systems consultation Regulation Impact Statement. The purpose of the consultation is to gather evidence on safety assurance options to address the anticipated risks of commercial deployment of automated vehicles.

Currently, Australia’s existing laws and regulations do not recognise automated vehicles or provide assurance of their safe design or operation. Overseas governments are considering automated vehicle safety assurance but, at present, there is not an international consensus approach.

INDUSTRY NEWS As I prepare Viewpoint, the ACCC has underway its ‘Scams Awareness week’.

The key message is urging Australians to be on the look-out for threat-based impersonation scams by taking a moment to ‘Stop and check: is this for real?’ And there is a sound reasons to do so! In 2017, the ACCC, the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network and other government organisations such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) received over 200,000 scam reports with reported losses exceeding $340 million. This was an increase of $40 million over 2016 losses. The ACCC received over 161,500 scam reports with $90.9 million in financial losses which represents an eight per cent increase in reported losses over 2016. These increasing losses demonstrate the continuing harm caused by scams on the Australian public.

The ATO is working towards a digital tax 10 | Motor Trader June 2018

“CONGRATULATIONS ARE

DUE TO THE AUTOMOTIVE REMARKETING DIVISION (ARD) FOR ITS INNOVATIVE SOLUTION TO THE LONG-TERM ISSUE OF CHECKING RECALLS ON VEHICLES.” revolution that ultimately will result in the demise of the group certificate. From the 2018-19 financial year, the phase out will begin commencing with companies with 20 employees or more. The group certificate will almost disappear by 2020 when small employers are brought into the process.

The ATO is moving increasingly towards online tax returns, and pre-filling them with information to which it already has access. In the next few years, this could mean individual taxpayers and small businesses may no longer need tax agents for straightforward returns.

FINALLY Congratulations are due to the Automotive Remarketing Division (ARD) for its innovative solution to the long-term issue of checking recalls on vehicles. ARD members envisaged a digital APP as a more appropriate means of checking vehicles than a desktop-based program.

Consequently, a simple mobile platform was built to assist members and the industry to check for outstanding recalls on vehicles. The timing is favorable, particularly with the growing list of compulsory recall of vehicles with Takata airbags which will take many years to be completed. Remember the MTAiQ’s offer to assist members with problems where potential innovative solutions are required we look forward to hearing some ideas.

Until May, take care and stay safe.

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CLICK TO VISIT THE LEDA MECHANICAL WEBSITE

Gary Mollross, owner of Leda Mechanical

MTA|Q&A Gary Mollross has been working in the automotive industry for more than 50 years. In a career that began in Sydney working with a BMC dealership, through stints working on heaving machinery in the mines, metropolitan bus services, mobile servicing and classic car restoration, there isn’t much Gary hasn’t seen. His knowledge and experience are second to none and for the past 18 years he has owned and run Leda Mechanical, providing general mechanical and restoration services to clients across southeast Queensland.

What products and services does Leda Mechanical provide?

GM: We do general servicing on all makes and models, fleet servicing, diagnostics, air conditioning, and I personally do restorations and repairs on older and classic vehicles – anything up to late 80s. We also do LPG installs, serving and repairs. Although LPG isn’t as popular 12 | Motor Trader June 2018

as it once was here in Queensland, it is still very popular in South Australia and Victoria and we get a lot of people who have moved from the southern states, who have LPG vehicles, and who are looking for somewhere to go.

The restoration work is my passion.

I’ve been in the trade for a long time and, of course, worked on my own cars over the

years – Monaro’s, EH Holdens and so on. I have a number of customers who come to me with their older cars because there are very few people around now that can work on them properly and know all the nuts and bolts about them.

How long has the business been operating?

GM: Since 2000. It had been running for

about 5 years before that but had shut its doors, so I basically bought an empty shed and some second-hand equipment.

There were no customers, no suppliers, no nothing so I had to generate everything from scratch.

It was hard. I didn’t take wages for a long time and turned the money back into the business to get it up and running.

It took a while.

What’s you background in the industry and why the automotive industry?

GM: I did my apprenticeship in Sydney and am now in my 55th year working in the industry!

I wasn’t a brilliant student at school and one of my mates was going to be a

mechanic, so I thought ‘why not?’. At the same time my father, who was a carpenter, said, ‘Don’t be a carpenter’, so I decided then that I would become a mechanic!

I was 14 when I left school but couldn’t get a job until I was 15, so I got on to a pre-apprenticeship scheme before starting my apprenticeship. I remember my mum’s words at the time were, ‘Anyone can be a motor mechanic so, if you want to be one, be a good one and study hard’.

My apprenticeship was with York Motors, which owned a heap of dealerships in Sydney, and I was at the Lancaster Motors dealership located right in the city, where Darling Harbour is now.

Back then everything was done inhouse. There was the workshop and a machine shop, we had a truck section, a panel beating shop, a paint shop, a trim shop and we even had a dyno - which not many workshops had at the time - and as apprentices we had to spend time in the auto electrical and wheel alignments sections too.

We basically covered everything in the trade and dealt with a lot of vehicles June 2018 Motor Trader | 13

The team from Leda Mechanical, apprentice Scott, Karen and Gary

including Minis, Studebakers, Princesses, Morris 1000s and 1800s. I remember the James Bond Aston Martin DB5 came in during preparation for the Sydney Motor Show. I was working in the machine shop at the time and we had to build a rotating stand for it to sit on when it was on display.

I didn’t get to drive it, but I did sit in it!

When I finished my apprenticeship, my papers said I was an Automotive Engineer.

It says that because that is what we were – we did head repairs, crankshaft grinding, rebores, everything to do with rebuilding a motor. We learned a wide array of skills and that has held me in good stead over the years. Added to that, when I completed my apprenticeship, I spent two years doing what was called a ‘journeyman’s course’ in panel beating. I did that two nights a week and picked up skills that I am still using today.

I would go on to spend a couple of years in South Australia working for BHP at an open-cut mine servicing and repairing compressors, generators, cranes, 75-tonne dump trucks, caterpillars, loaders - pretty much anything that moved! I enjoyed that experience a lot.

Then I went back to Sydney to work with 14 | Motor Trader June 2018

what is now Sydney Buses. I was there for 11 years working on the bus fleet before moving up to the Gold Coast about 30 years ago where I did a variety of work, including being mobile for a while, before buying Leda Mechanical.

In your career you would have seen a lot of changes.

Where do you think the industry is headed?

GM: The biggest change for me was when I left Sydney Buses in 1987. I had been there since about 1975 and had worked mostly on old diesel buses and some of the newer Mercedes buses that came through in the mid-80s. That meant that, on the car side of things, I had missed developments in areas such as emission controls and computerisation - I had to learn all of that.

Looking forward from today, I think there is going to be a big jump and some of what we see on the road now, such as hybrids, are only interim vehicles. I think there will be a big jump to electric and I do think flying cars won’t be far behind.

I don’t know whether I will live long enough to see it, but I really feel these developments are going to happen a lot quicker than many people envisage - it wouldn’t surprise me if in 20 years there

How many staff do you have?

GM: There’s me, Karen our receptionist, my

wife who does the business financials, and Scott my apprentice who has been with me for nearly three years and who recently won the Apprentice of the Month award from MTA Institute. There is always more to learn about the finer points, but I am proud of his achievements.

To what do you attribute your success?

GM: A lot of hard work. A business will

were hovercraft-type cars!

Having said that, I also believe that classic cars will always be around. People have a passion for them and I can’t see that ending. And they are fabulous cars!

Regarding the restoration side of the business, are your customers interested in their cars being as original as possible?

GM: Generally, my customers just want to

get their cars on the road, but I do try to keep them as original as possible and try to source good second-hand parts.

The main source of parts for a lot of these vehicles is actually swap meets. I am amazed at how many parts people still source from swap meets and that tells me that there must be thousands of cars undergoing restoration.

There is also a network of people who do the same sort of work as me and have a store of parts of their own or know where to get them. That means that I’ll buy from them and they’ll buy from me, and it also means that if they go to a swap meet and see something they think I might want, they’ll call and let me know.

You can source almost anything if you know where to look for it.

always have its ups and downs and you must be able to ride them out.

You need dedication to what you are doing and an appreciation of your customers – without them you have no business. We, for example, give our customers incentives such as 10 per cent off labour costs if they answer an SMS reminder we send when their service is due.

And if they refer someone to us, they get $20 off their next service. These are incentives for them to come back to us.

The other thing that has helped is membership of Associations. I am an MTAQ and IAME member and have been a Capricorn member since 2001. They have been a fantastic help and I would recommend every mechanical business be a member. No one can know everything, and these organisations can help.

It’s the same with other mechanics in the area. We bounce things off each other.

If I have a problem I know I can run it past two or three others to see if they have come across it before and so on. It’s a good network.

What does the future hold?

GM: Well, I am nearly 70 and I can’t keep working forever, but I’ll keep going for a while yet!

What do you do with your spare time, if you have any?

GM: When I am away from the business, I am either working on the house, playing golf, or at a Titans games - I am a Titans member and go to as many games as I can.

June 2018 Motor Trader | 15

THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY MTA QUEENSLAND AT MYRIAD 2018

16 | Motor Trader June 2018

The MTAQ team

M

YRIAD 2018 HAS come and gone. The three-day showcase of new concepts, new ideas and entrepreneurial innovation brought a world of startling technology to Brisbane and the Royal International Convention Centre, delivering a program that included 26 masterclasses and workshops, 24 satellite events that spanned the U.S. and Australia, and presentations and roundtable sessions delivered by 158 speakers and moderators that included some of the most influential people from across the global innovation landscape.

The only event in Australia that brings together the five elements – start-ups, investors, students, government and enterprise – of an innovation ecosystem, Myriad proved to be a must-attend event for those with an eye on the future direction of technology and society and more than 2500 tickets were sold for the main event

“CENTRAL TO THE MYRIAD

GARAGE WAS MTA QUEENSLAND’S EXHIBITION SPACE – AN AREA DEDICATED TO THE SERVICES, PRODUCTS, IDEAS AND SKILLS OF MTAIQ, ITS CLIENTS AND PARTNERS. . .” with many more members of the public visiting the free-to-enter, MTA Queenslandsponsored, Myriad Garage, held in the exhibition space below the main stage arena.

Featuring more than 150 exhibits and product demonstrations from start-ups and established businesses, including Tesla, the Garage was also the location for the Garage Stage which hosted, amongst other things, a nerve-jangling pitch competition that saw start-ups and entrepreneurs spruik their ideas to June 2018 Motor Trader | 17

experts and a gathered audience in an event reminiscent of the TV show Shark Tank.

Central to the Myriad Garage was MTA Queensland’s exhibition space – an area dedicated to the services, products, ideas and skills of MTAiQ, its clients and partners, with a little entertainment thrown in by way of a purpose-built theatre screening automotive-related innovation videos from around the world.

Those exhibiting at the MTA Queensland space included AEIT (Australian Electric Infrastructure and Transport), designers of a wireless charging electric bus; Local Motors, creators of Olli, an all-electric, partially 3D-printed, autonomous shuttle bus; ACE Electric Vehicles, who will soon begin the production of electric light commercial vehicles (see page 24) ; 3D Space Labs (3DSL) which offers a range of services including 3D printing, 3D scanning and design work as well as retailing a variety of the leading brands of printers; Immerse Enterprise, creator of virtual reality, augmented reality and 360-degree video content; and The Robotics Club, who displayed their work in self-driving vehicles.

Also taking its place in the MTA The NXG3N Robotics Pegasus Flying Car project

18 | Motor Trader June 2018

Queensland space was NXG3N Robotics with their Pegasus Flying Car project. For the NXG3N team, Myriad represented an opportunity to highlight their project for the first time in public, and they worked around the clock in the days leading up to the festival to be able to display the base of their concept - a full-size frame, complete with motors and propeller blades in place - to complement their working models and other conceptual material.

It was, said Nathan Luu, co-founder of NXG3N Robotics, something of a feat to get an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) prototype of the Pegasus Alpha concept to Myriad, but the hard work paid off with the

“NXG3N ROBOTICS AND OUR

PEGASUS ALPHA FLYING CAR MVP PROTOTYPE WERE AT MYRIAD TO CREATE NOISE, TO IGNITE THE CONVERSATION AND TO SHOW THE WORLD THAT US AUSSIES WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FLYING CAR FUTURE.”

vehicle becoming a focus of conversation around future mobility and transportation and creating a torrent of positive feedback.

“We worked really hard to get the prototype there and if it wasn’t for the help of the MTA Institute workshop team, our old race car builder mate Grant Watson of Advanced Enterprises, and our mentor Tony Wheeler of ImagineX, we wouldn’t have made it!” said Nathan.

“NXG3N Robotics and our Pegasus Alpha Flying Car MVP prototype were at Myriad to create noise, to ignite the conversation and to show the world that us Aussies want to contribute to the flying car future.

And the feedback was phenomenal!

“The prototype gained so much attention that we were invited to ICRA 2018, (the International Conference of Robotics and Automation) by the distinguished Professor Peter Corke of Robotic Vision QUT,” he added.

“More than 3000 attendees came to Brisbane for ICRA from all over Australia and the world, and the Pegasus Alpha caught the attention of Dr. Sue Keay, the CEO of the Australian Centre for Robotic Vision. Now, ‘Flying Cars’ will be included in the official Robotics Roadmap for Australia Steve Baxter takes to launch in Canberra a seat in the Pegasus later this month.

Alpha flying car frame “I have to say a massive thank you to all the staff at MTA Queensland, especially their visionary CEO, Dr. Brett Dale, as well as General Manager Innovation Kathy Winkcup and Chief Technology Innovation Officer James Orr for their support in helping NXG3N Robotics bring a crazy idea to life!”

The Pegasus Alpha project also received

WHERE WILL THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY TAKE US?

help from other teams associated with MTAiQ, including Immerse Enterprise, which provided a virtual reality experience to Myriad attendees to see the flying car in its finished state; and 3DSL, which assisted the project by 3D printing various components used through the flying car’s design phase.

For Iain Gilmour, owner of 3DSL, working with NXG3N and being at Myriad provided the opportunity to spread the word about 3D printing and showcase its power in quickly creating bespoke and prototype components.

“I 3D-printed three 23-hour prints of the drone body so that NXG3N could run tests,” said Iain, “These guys are the type of good crazy people that you need to make projects like this happen and I back them all the way. They did a remarkable job to build the full-scale model in about a week and I am very eager to see what happens next because I know they will deliver something impressive.

“As for 3DSL, being at Myriad confirmed to us that a lot of people who are serious about product development see the value in purchasing serious equipment to give them the tools they need to easily iterate designs and get to market in the quickest possible time. The ones that insist on doing it the hard way simply miss out or spend ages going around in circles.”

While the Pegasus flying car project was an important part of the Myriad Garage, June 2018 Motor Trader | 19

Dr Brett Dale, MTA Queensland CEO, delivering his keynote presentation on the future of mobility

the concept of future mobility, including flying cars, was the centrepiece of MTA Queensland CEO Dr Brett Dale’s keynote presentation, as well as the topic of conversation of the roundtable discussion that followed.

Taking place on the main Coast Stage of the festival, Dr Dale’s presentation covered a range of issues under the title ‘Mobility Models and Utopian Societies’.

Laying out the direction that mobility is taking, Dr Dale encouraged investors, businesses and creative minds to see the opportunities that the inevitable disruption in the automotive industry would reveal.

“There is nothing more exciting than the future of mobility,” he said. “I am an extreme optimist who believes if we can imagine it, we can do it. And as far as emerging technology goes, our industry will be completely transformed as a result.

Some of the technology is here, some of it is on its way and some of it is still unknown. But it is coming, and we need to be ready for it. We need to get ahead of the game and start channelling great minds to what the opportunities are.

“By 2022, we expect to see 13.5 million electric cars on the road globally, and by 20 | Motor Trader June 2018

“I AM AN EXTREME OPTIMIST

WHO BELIEVES IF WE CAN IMAGINE IT, WE CAN DO IT. AND AS FAR AS EMERGING TECHNOLOGY GOES, OUR INDUSTRY WILL BE COMPLETELY TRANSFORMED AS A RESULT.” 2020 we expect 90 per cent of all cars sold will be ‘connected’. Under new models of mobility, where we expect there to be shared ownership, 26.2 million people globally will be using only 500,000 vehicles for transport.

“So, our industry will change, our society will change, and by as soon as 2022 every aspect of our lives will be different. By 2020, we’ll start to get familiar with the technology, by 2022 you will see some significant changes and uptake of the technology and by 2030 it will be old news.

“The sky’s the limit, and while I don’t profess to know what all the opportunities are, if you’ve got an imagination and you have an interest in mobility our industry is the place to focus your attention.”

Turning to the social benefits that mobility will bring, Dr Dale highlighted the undeniable positives of embracing new electric, autonomous and connected automotive technology.

“40-90 per cent of emissions will be reduced, and while these statistics are representative of the U.S., they see that 40,000 lives can be saved each year, a figure that equates to 1.2 million lives globally.

In the U.S. alone they also expect to gain 100 billion hours of productivity thanks to technology, and that equates to about 1 trillion hours globally.

“We are also witnessing the largest growth of the middle class,” he added.

“About 2 billion people are deemed middle class now and we expect that number to double by 2030. That means people who at one time did not have accessibility to mobility will be in the market.

“54 per cent of the world’s population lives in urban centres and that is expected to rise to 75 per cent by 2050. That is huge. Australia’s largest cities are facing huge migration pressures from regional and overseas migrants. We expect, over the next 30 years, for our population to increase by 12 million. We need to do

something, and the future of mobility will provide solutions that are sustainable.“ Turning to the prospect of flying cars, Dr Dale was moderator for the roundtable discussion that followed his presentation with a distinguished panel of guests taking part - Steve Baxter, Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur and advocate of flying car technology; Professor Michael Milford from QUT’s Science and Engineering Faculty; and Kellie Nuttall, Global Mobility Expert from Deloittes.

An animated discussion ensued with the prospect of flying cars unanimously supported but with a difference of opinion on the strategies and timelines of the technology being introduced.

“Get over it, it is happening,” said Mr Baxter at one point. “The hard part is the regulation and convincing people that we are going to have 10,000 of these flying above of our heads and less of us will die in transport because of it.

“In one cubic kilometre of airspace I can put 4000 vehicles separated by 50m.

Right now, on a freeway, you have 3m of separation. It is safer in the air.”

As with other mobility technologies, Mr Baxter argued that flying cars, whether they be personal or in a sharing capacity, would fundamentally change society.

“To me, in Australia, this isn’t about congestion busting,” he said. “If you are willing to spend 30 minutes in a vehicle to get to and from work every day, what would you do if you had a vehicle that can go point-to-point at 300km/h. The question becomes ‘Where do you want to live that is 150km from where you work?’, not ‘Where do you have to live?’. Suddenly you can live 150k from work and be half- June 2018 Motor Trader | 21

an-hour away. That changes everything.”

Regarding the safety of flying vehicles, the consensus seemed to be that the less human interaction the better and that autonomous flying vehicles could provide a superior model of transport.

“The really attractive thing about flying cars is that they don’t have to interact with people as much,” said Professor Milford.

“What we have seen with autonomous cars in the last 5-10 years is that humans are horribly unpredictable. We do silly things like jump out in front of cars . . . The big advantage, technically, of flying cars is that the only interaction with a human is at the very beginning and the very end of the journey - the rest of the interaction is governed by both current and reasonably predictable future air safety rules and practice. That makes it much more attractive than all the messy problems the government is dealing with now.

“The other attraction is the range of scenarios in terms of flying cars is possibly more predictable than ground-based autonomous vehicles. I would posit that the flying car model will result in people

22 | Motor Trader June 2018

not flying the flying car.”

Other issues touched on by the panel was the need for government to become more involved in the development of policy and regulation and to put mobility and flying car scenarios near the centre of transport policy-making; that Australia had to meet the ‘talent challenge’ of being a leader in the field by, for instance, creating large-scale projects that would impact the imagination of the public; and, finally, an acknowledgement that generational change may play a role in the uptake of such technology.

It was, a spirited debate, and the feedback from the packed auditorium was excellent.

“THE HARD PART IS

THE REGULATION AND CONVINCING PEOPLE THAT WE ARE GOING TO HAVE 10,000 OF THESE FLYING ABOVE OF OUR HEADS AND LESS OF US WILL DIE IN TRANSPORT BECAUSE OF IT.”

“Not having participated in the previous event it was hard to gauge what we might be in for and what the content focus for the presentations should be,” said Dr Dale.

“But the feedback has been very good, so I suspect the content was relevant.

“I was really happy with the panel discussion and thought the panel input, style and knowledge was on point. I aimed to facilitate a thought-provoking discussion around what many may consider ‘pie in the sky’ stuff and the panel gave some great insights about the true feasibility and the most probable implementation/use/regulatory and timeline opinions.”

For MTA Queensland then, the undertaking to be at the forefront of the automotive industry’s evolution through the support of start-ups, entrepreneurs and concepts through MTAiQ; the educational and information programs through MTA Institute; and advocacy, support and guidance to established industry through the Association itself, meant an appearance at Myriad was clearly advantageous. It would, added (l-r) Kellie Nuttall, Michael Milford and Steve Baxter

MTAiQ - AUSTRALIA'S FIRST AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATION HUB

Dr Dale, be just the latest such event that MTA Queensland will support.

“Myriad provided great opportunities for our brilliant start-ups to promote their ideas and to engage like-minded brilliance and potential investors,” he said.

“Our presence certainly substantiated our commitment to leading opportunities for our industry, and the awareness of our futurist approach is becoming well recognised.

“It’s clear that society is about to have a head-on collision with the next industrial revolution and our industry will clearly emerge to encompass all things automotive, transportation and mobility with the latter being more inclusive.

“I have committed to several national events talking about similar technologies with the aim of continuing our commitment to promoting all things mobility,” he added.

“We are currently working on a possible one-day event here in Queensland for November about the digital economy with a focus on mobility and smart cities, and we will strive to make our commitment to Myriad 2019 bigger and better.

“We know we are on track with what’s important, and although some may think there is time to ponder and wait, we believe it’s time to take action, and our action will be leading innovation and opportunities for business.”

June 2018 Motor Trader | 23

ACE Yewt

QUEENSLAND EV COMPANY SET TO RECHARGE AUTO MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

T

HE RISE OF the electric vehicle over the past decade has been extraordinary. In what seems like a blink of the eye, auto manufacturers have gone from barely registering the possibilities of EV technology to embracing it so fully that every major company now has an EV strategy and the future of the industry looks to be battery powered.

Currently, more than two million electric vehicles cruise the world’s roads and some projections forecast that number to hit 17 million by 2025. In China, consumers bought nearly 700,000 EV and hybrid vehicles last year and the number of models

24 | Motor Trader June 2018

and brands seeking to service that market is growing fast. In Norway, one-third of the new car market is EV and some European countries – the UK and France included – have said they will ban sales of new diesel and petrol cars by 2040, presumably leaving EVs to pick up the pieces.

It would be fair to say that Australia has been somewhat lagging when it comes to EVs. There are, in fact, just 4000 of them on our nation’s roads today. That will, and must, change - where the world goes, we will surely follow – and the opportunity is ripe for some pioneering Australian company to step in and bring that manufacturing sector to our shores.

Greg McGar vie, Managing Director of ACE Electric Vehicles, attended the Myriad festival with MTA Queensland to promote the Yewt and Cargo vehicles

“THE VEHICLES WILL BE SOLD WITH A CHARGER AND AN APP . . . THE APP WILL ALLOW A PERSON WITH A CHARGING STATION AT HOME TO INFORM OTHERS WHEN THEIR CHARGER IS VACANT AND WHEN THEY CAN COME AND USE IT.” Enter ACE Electric Vehicles.

Based in Queensland’s Fraser Coast region, ACE – an offshoot of energy management industry leader Get Green - is embarking on an EV project that could make the state not only the hub of the nation’s EV industry but the centre of a new automotive manufacturing industry too.

At the core of this project are the sub$40,000 Cargo Van and Yewt, two vehicles set to go into production next year and designed for the urban light commercial

vehicle market. A passenger vehicle, the Urban Switch is also on the drawing board.

The Cargo and the Yewt are, said ACE Managing Director Greg McGarvie, designed specifically for the light commercial sector.

The Cargo has a payload of 500kg and both vehicles have a range of 350km – perfect for a range of urban-oriented businesses, from couriers to caterers to tradies - and not only do they deliver low-cost, efficient and economical transportation, but also a potential source of income for owners and, in future models, a power source for the home.

“The vehicles will be sold with a charger and an app that works a bit like an AirBnB app,” said Greg. “The app will allow a person with a charging station at home to inform others when their charger is vacant and when they can come and use it. This means charging station owners may be able to earn money from it.

“And at some point down the track we also will be in the position where the June 2018 Motor Trader | 25

technology will allow you to use your car as an emergency back-up energy supply for the home.”

For the moment, ACE vehicles will be assembled from components built in China and shipped to Australia. True manufacturing – in which all components for the vehicles are also produced here – will occur at a facility located in SE Qld once demand reaches a critical point.

“Once we reach, or look like we will reach, a production rate of 10,000 units, full manufacturing will be set up,” said Greg. “For the moment, the vehicles are basically an Ikea-style pack that come to our assembly plant where we put them together and do all the tests required to put them on the road.”

The vehicles incorporate a carbon fibre chassis and passenger protective structure – offering light weight but great

“ONCE WE REACH, OR LOOK

LIKE WE WILL REACH, A PRODUCTION RATE OF 10,000 UNITS, FULL MANUFACTURING WILL BE SET UP” ACE Cargo Van can carry 500kg and has a range of 350km

strength – while the panels are made from ABS plastic. Everything is glued together in a similar process to that used for modern commercial aircraft such as the Boeing Dreamliner – again offering great strength with less weight. And coming from a parent company that deals with environmental issues through energy management, it is no surprise to discover that what happens to the vehicles once they have been sold has been taken into consideration.

“The beauty of our vehicle is that the amount of energy needed to build it is about 30 per cent compared to a traditional vehicle,” said Greg. “And we have a cradle-to-grave solution in place so that when the car reaches the end of its life we have options for recycling all the materials as well as the lithium batteries.”

The ACE vehicles have been in development for five years and are the result of a relationship between a conglomerate of supply-chain companies and individuals connected to industries related to EVs and automotive manufacturing. These include Ernst Thomke, who was part of the design team

“WE HAVE BEEN SWAMPED

BY EMAILS FROM PEOPLE WANTING TO INVEST AND HAVE PICKED UP SOME VERY CLEVER PROCESS AND DRIVETRAIN ENGINEERS”

and who is recognised for his work with Swatch/Daimler-backed Smart car brand.

Having that sort of heavyweight support, while also securing the IP for both the technology used in the production line and the right-hand drive version of the vehicles, means ACE is sitting in an extremely advantageous position.

“Along with my business partner, with whom I have worked for the past 8 years, we negotiated the position to have that IP exclusively,” said Greg. “And that opens all the right-hand drive markets in the world to us.”

The interest in the ACE vehicles has been very positive. Following recent launches in Sydney and Queensland, including as part of the MTA Queensland Garage program at the Myriad 2018 tech and innovation festival, Greg and his team have, he said, had plenty of contact with those keen to be part of the project.

“We have been swamped by emails from people wanting to invest and have picked up some very clever process and drivetrain engineers” he said. “While we are trying to get real traction with the Queensland Government, we went to South Australia June 2018 Motor Trader | 27

“WE ARE NOT GOING TO SET UP TRADITIONAL DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS . . . PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO BUY THE VEHICLES ONLINE, BUT WE ALSO WILL ENGAGE WITH OTHERS WHO WANT TO BE INVOLVED WITH THE PROJECTS . . .” to be part of a show there, and met with one of the investment bodies of Future Manufacturing Industries.”

The buzz around the ACE vehicles is – excuse the pun - electric, and the distribution and sales model that the company is considering is equally exciting and opens a door for the auto industry – including members of MTA Queensland – to join the EV revolution.

“We are not going to set up traditional distribution networks,” said Greg. “People will be able to buy the vehicles online, but we also will engage with others who want to be involved with the project including, we would like to think, members of MTA Queensland.

“If they are interested, they would be trained on the technology – and that 28 | Motor Trader June 2018

would include an endorsement on the vehicle – so they get a really good feel, and develop a passion for, what they are selling, and know they are selling something with real integrity. The other benefit, of course, would be the charging stations – MTA Queensland members can be some of the first with charging stations, and that will bring in customers!”

For those interested in taking a chance on the future of EVs - and recognise that the future is electric and getting in early might be a positive thing - there’s a deal on the table that could prove to be one of the greatest bets in history.

“The deal is that we’ll take pre-orders of 100 vehicles and when the customer takes delivery of the vehicle they will receive 1000 bonus shares in the company,” said Greg. “If we end up doing well, those shares will be worth quite a bit!”

With the future of electric vehicles apparently all but assured thanks to growing global demand, that sounds like a good bet TO FIND OUT MORE indeed.

GO TO THE ACE If you want to find out more, visit WEBSITE the ACE Electric Vehicles website or email admin@ace-ev.com.au

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO MORE THAN 3000 PEOPLE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE MOTORING INDUSTRY (website or e-magazine options)

CLICK HERE FOR MEDIA GUIDE AND COSTS

MTAQ Racing Team

MTAQ RACING TEAM HITS THE BRAKES AFTER EPIC START TO SEASON

I

T HAS BEEN a steady few weeks for the MTAQ Racing Team. With the next hit-out fnot until the weekend of July 27-29 and the Shannons Nationals meeting at Queensland Raceway, there has been a bit of downtime and the chance to take a breather after what was a frantic start to the year.

In the space of just one month, beginning in March, the team raced in the opening round of the Queensland Series X3 Championship (at which the Excel suffered catastrophic cooling system damage); at Bathurst in the Federal Tyre Excel Challenge (at which it scored a 3rd place finish n Race Three); and the Second Round of the state championship at Morgan Park Raceway where the team’s hard work paid off in spades and plenty of points were scored as driver David Wood piloted the car to a best-ever finish of 2nd in Race Two.

30 | Motor Trader June 2018

It was an exhausting schedule with plenty of late nights thrown in as the team battled the usual mix of problems associated with motorsports.

However, with plenty of time to evaluate and MTAQ RACING TEAM prepare for the Shannon PARTNERS Nationals, confidence is high that the excellent MTAQ RACING FOUNDATION PARTNER performances of that hectic month can be NATIONWIDE improved upon.

DELIVERY “It was a tough few MAJOR PARTNER weeks, but every time we went out, we got better and that was terrific to OFFICIAL TOOL PARTNER see,” said David Wood, MTAQ Racing Team driver. “However, we OFFICIAL INSURANCE PARTNER know from the times being recorded in those races that the rate of SIGNAGE AND DESIGN PARTNER improvement is growing across the category.

No-one is standing still.

“We know we have to OFFICIAL LUBRICANT PARTNER find a bit more power, and we have time to do that now. I am confident we OFFICIAL TYRE PARTNER will continue to improve.”

MTAQ RACING TEAM’S NEXT EVENT Shannons Nationals at Queensland Raceway, Ipswich on July 27-29.

ENGINEERING AND INNOVATION PARTNER

VIEW PAST ISSUES OF MOTOR TRADER MAGAZINE AT WWW.MTAQ.COM.AU/PUBLICATIONS

„ June 2018 Motor Trader | 31 CLICK HERE TO ACCESS PAST ISSUES OF MOTOR TRADER

MTA QUEENSLAND 2018 FEDERAL BUDGET BRIEF

T

HE 2018 BUDGET included a number of new items that will impact the automotive industry through changes in relations to small business, training and skills, technology and infrastructure.

Here is a summary of some of those critical elements.

STATISTICS Budget deficit

2$14.5 in 2018-19 and return to a modest balance of $2.2 billion in 2019-20

Consumer Price Index per cent GDP

2.25 per cent

2¾ per cent in 2017-18 forecast rise further to 3 per cent in 2018-19 and 2019-20 Unemployment rate 5.25 per cent 32 | Motor Trader June 2018

BUSINESS /SMALL BUSINESS

• 12 months extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off for small businesses with a turnover of up to $10 million • Black Economy Taskforce, targeting sectors where there is higher risk of under reporting of income, which is forecast to return 5.3 billion to the Budget. (Ban on cash payments above $10,000 as part of a black economy crackdown.)

• $3 billion raised over the next four years by funding new mobile strike teams, increasing audit presence to crack down on tax avoidance and money laundering.

Taking Local Businesses Global initiative includes: • $20.0 million to help Australian smallto-medium enterprises form local and regional business hubs so they can

work together and access new export markets and global supply chains.

• Funding for the current Industry Growth Centres extended by two years, • $20.0 million to support global opportunities for Australian business, entrepreneurs and researchers in Asia and further abroad, as well as extending • The Australia-India Strategic Research Fund extended to foster collaboration extended.

• $29.9 million to develop the artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities of Australian businesses and workers. Includes funding for Cooperative Research Centre Projects with a focus on artificial intelligence, and a national ethics framework to address standards and codes of conduct for adopting such technology in Australia • $17.7 million to expand the Entrepreneurship Facilitators program to additional locations to support individuals to start their own businesses • $19.3 million on a new Skills and Training Incentive to allow more mature workers whose jobs may be at risk to undertake training • $2.4 billion in Australia’s public technology infrastructure. This includes supercomputers, world class satellite imagery, more accurate GPS across Australia, upgrading the Bureau of Meteorology’s technology platform, a national space agency and leading research in artificial intelligence

ENERGY • Power bills — Australian household average power bills to fall $400 from 2020 after introduction of national energy guarantee.

• Renewable energy - Emissions reduction target will remain at 26 to 28 per cent, not 45 per cent demanded by Labor. The current subsidy scheme for renewable energy will be phased out from 2020.

INFRASTRUCTURE • $75 billion ten year rolling infrastructure plan • $1 billion Urban Congestion fund $3.5 billion Roads of Strategic Importance initiative to be established.

SKILLS & TRAINING Extra $250 million for the Skilling Australians in 2017-18 to fund a range of projects under the Skilling Australians Fund which provides support for apprenticeships and traineeships. The projects will support growth in trade and non-trade apprenticeships and traineeships in target areas. The extra funds from tough new anti-phoenixing measures.

Additional $1.2 million in 2018-19 to upgrade Trades Recognition Australia’s existing IT systems to better support its ongoing role in managing technical and trade skills assessments sought by potential migrants to Australia, including charging arrangements.

Additional funding of $18.6 million over four years from 2018-19 to assist the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to transition to full cost recovery from 2020-21. The move to full cost recovery is June 2018 Motor Trader | 33

estimated to achieve additional revenue of $52.7 million, resulting in a net saving to the Budget of $34.1 million over four years from 2018-19. This measure includes $6.6 million in capital funding over four years from 2018-19 to modernise ASQA’s IT systems, which will support enhanced data analytics and information sharing capabilities, streamlined registration processes and improved transparency.

State and Territory governments will be offered a new agreement which is estimated to provide $1.2 billion over the four years to 30 June 2022. This is based on current SAF levy revenue estimates plus total additional funding of $50.0 million per year over the four years from 2018-19, on a per capita basis, to provide certainty to the States and Territories and support apprentices and trainees.

The requirement for the States and Territories to meet budget benchmarks and matched funding requirements remains unchanged. The Fund will prioritise apprenticeships and traineeships, including in occupations in high demand, occupations with a reliance on skilled migration pathways, industries and sectors of future growth, trade apprenticeships, and apprenticeships and traineeships in regional and rural areas.

An additional $50.0 million is available in 2017-18, on a per capita basis, to those States and Territories that sign on to participate in the Fund on or before 7 June 2018.

PERSONAL INCOME TAX 7-YEAR PERSONAL TAX PLAN OF THREE PARTS Step 1 Tax relief for low and middle-income earners worth up to $530 to help with cost of living pressures Step 2 Protect taxpayers from impact of bracket creep Step 3 Simplify and flatten the system by removing the 37 per cent bracket completely. This will mean that by 2024-25, around 94 per cent of Australian taxpayers are projected to face a marginal tax rate of no more than 32.5 per cent 34 | Motor Trader June 2018

AUTOMOTIVE TAXATION LCT receipts are forecast to grow by 7.0 per cent in 2017-18, consistent with strong growth in prices of vehicles subject to LCT. Since the 2017-18 MYEFO, forecast LCT receipts are $50 million higher over the four years to 2021-22.

LCT Custom duty

2017-18 $710m; 2018-19 $740m 2017-18 $510m; 2018-19 $530m

SUPERANNUATION From July 1, 2019, ban on exit fees on all super accounts and a 3 per cent annual cap on passive fees on super accounts with balances below $6000.

The Australian Taxation Office will proactively find people's lost super and have it sent to their active superannuation account, which means potential loss of ongoing fees.

BANKS The legislated major bank levy will continue. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority will commence on 1 November and the Banking Executive Accountability Regime starts on July 1.

The benchmark of industry standards.

69 TH ANNUA L M OTOR T R A DE S

GOLF 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

An Eye for Innovation

KATHY WINKCUP CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GENERAL MANAGER INNOVATION

I

N 2017, MTA Queensland established the Carmageddon symposiums – a forum designed to highlight the innovations and developments within the automotive industry as well as the opportunities that such dramatic changes inevitably uncover.

The symposiums were a great success and not only opened many eyes to the major disruptions already underway, but shone a light on the importance of acknowledging and embracing those disruptions.

Leading directly on from this focus on change, and after much discussion and consultation, MTA Queensland established the MTAiQ Innovation Hub. The first of its kind in Australia, the MTAiQ Hub focuses solely on the automotive market, and its role is to bring together mentors, investors, coaches, commercial partners and industry experts to collaborate with both start-up businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as established businesses looking to adapt to the changing industry landscape.

It offers a high-tech home for fledgling businesses. High-speed internet access, firstclass presentation and office facilities, as well as a state-of-the-art training workshop, are all available to hub clients, as is the expertise of MTA Queensland personnel.

36 | Motor Trader June 2018

Dr Brett Dale, CEO, MTA Queensland

The importance of MTAiQ cannot be emphasised enough. MTA Queensland’s mission throughout its long history has been to advance and promote ideas that are in the best interests of its members and the industry, and with technological advancements so clearly forcing the industry to evolve into something new, it is vital that the Association be ‘in the mix’ as that evolution takes place. MTAiQ allows us to do just that, and offering a space for people to come together and develop their concepts and business ideas, perhaps to a point where they enter the industry mainstream, is at the core of MTAiQ’s brief.

Since it was established at the beginning of this year, MTAiQ has got off to a flying start, offering support and guidance to a number of start-ups that are involved in everything from 3D printing to robotics, workshop-to-customer software development to tyre retail innovation, car sharing to flying cars.

But offering the expertise of MTA Queensland staff and a high-tech space from which these fledgling businesses can work is only part of what we do. Developing contacts and creating programs with government, academia and industry is an equally important strand of our work and

(l-r) Kellie Nuttall, Michael Milford, Steve Baxter

“ . . . MTA QUEENSLAND

AND MTAiQ PLAYED A MAJOR SPONSORSHIP ROLE AT THE MYRIAD 2018 INNOVATION AND START-UP FESTIVAL . . .” in that space too it has been a busy few months. Partnerships, agreements and networks are being regularly developed and in the past few months MTA Queensland and MTAiQ have become partners in the Ipswich and West Moreton Advance Regional Innovation Program (ARIP), which is developing innovation and entrepreneurial activities across the Ipswich and West Moreton region; have met with CSIRO, which is researching ways to supply fuel cell vehicles with low-emissions hydrogen sourced from Australia; have agreed to collaborate with Local Motors, a technology company that designs, builds and sells vehicular products through micro-manufacturing and Advanced 3D printing; and have met for discussions with academic institutions on a range of issues including manufacturing, digital skills, and an emerging Skills and

Knowledge Precinct concept.

Meetings and discussions too numerous to mention, surrounding subjects as diverse as the use of cloud platforms, data analytics and Artificial Intelligence, are also a regularly on our agenda.

Our leadership in the automotive innovation space has also seen our CEO, Dr Brett Dale, invited to speak at the upcoming Mumbrella Automotive Marketing Summit at a session entitled Driving into the future: Marketing autonomous vehicles; and he is also representing MTA Queensland on the newly-established Queensland Electric Vehicle Council (QEVC), whose responsibilities include advising on the development of legislation, strategies standards and technology relevant to electric vehicle adoption.

In just the past month, MTA Queensland and MTAiQ played a major sponsorship role at the Myriad 2018 innovation and start-up festival held at the Royal International Convention Centre in Brisbane. At the festival we hosted MTAiQ clients who were able to present their skills, ideas and concepts to a heavyweight mix of business leaders, entrepreneurs and investors. Brett also presented as a keynote speaker on the subject of future mobility and was involved in a subsequent robust roundtable discussion on flying cars with Steve Baxter, Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur; Kellie Nuttall, global mobility expert from Deloittes; and Professor Michael Milford from QUT’s Science and Engineering faculty.

For all of us here at MTAiQ, working with enthusiastic entrepreneurs and start-ups, as well as the creative minds in the government, business, academic and investment communities that flow around them is, frankly, an exciting and June 2018 Motor Trader | 37

An Eye for Innovation exhilarating space to be and it gives us great confidence that Queensland, and Australia, is well placed to take advantage of the new and developing industry landscape.

A CHANGING LANDSCAPE So how much change is going on? It is mind-boggling!

News of technological developments, and the ways in which that technology can be used, arrives at breakneck speed and barely a day goes by without new concepts and programs being announced that will affect the automotive industry. This very edition of Motor Trader is reflective of that change, with the next few pages comprising a new section devoted to innovation news.

These include stories on peer-to-peer car sharing, electric trucks, radar and hazard safety technology, hybrid engines and wireless charging amongst many others. It’s indicative of the pace and weight of change.

It’s simple to get in touch. Just click on this link https://www.mtaiq.com.au/ submit-ideas/, fill in the submission form, and we’ll be in touch within two business days about what will happen next. We can’t promise your idea will be the next Tesla, but you never know!

FINALLY

As General Manager Innovation for MTA Queensland, I will do my best to keep you regularly informed of the progress and developments the Association makes through MTAiQ and the wider innovation landscape. With that in mind, I encourage every MTA Queensland member to keep an eye out for the Industry Bulletin that is emailed to you each Thursday – it includes a section that summarises some of the work we are doing – and visit the MTAiQ website at https://www.mtaiq.com.au/ CONCEPT AND IDEA SUBMISSION which, as well as carrying news items It is important to note that MTAiQ and information about us, has a calendar is open to considering concepts from of events which, if you are interested in anyone. Great ideas are not exclusive to learning more about the technology and tech-savvy youngsters and, truth be told, it ideas behind the direction our industry is is often those who have real experience in taking, you may wish to attend (https:// an industry that can see the opportunities www.mtaiq.com.au/events/). that lie within. There is no one who knows I’ll also be a regular presence in the the problems and frustrations of an pages of Motor Trader, where I will update industry better than those who work in you on our work and comment on some it – and that means you. Every automotive of the amazing developments that our industry sector – mechanical, auto happening across the automotive world. electrical, paint and panel, sales, retail etc, I’ll end with a quote from noted is filled with smart and knowledgeable American engineer Dean Kamen, whose people, and if you have a solution to a many inventions include the Segway problem, or an idea you think could make a difference to you, your business and your mobility device: “Every once in a while, a new technology, an old problem, and a industry, then we would like to hear big idea turn into an innovation.” about it at MTAiQ. We can help CLICK TO Couldn’t have said it better develop and nurture that idea SUBMIT YOUR myself. into something that might be a IDEA TO MTAIQ game-changer.

Until next month..

38 | Motor Trader June 2018

Auto innovation news

JAGUAR LAND ROVER UNVEILS PROJECT CORTEX

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AGUAR LAND ROVER is reportedly developing autonomous cars capable of all-terrain, offroad driving in any weather condition.

The CORTEX project will, the company says, take self-driving cars off-road, ensuring they are fully capable in any weather condition: dirt, rain, ice, snow or fog. As part of the project, a ‘5D’ technique combining acoustic, video, radar, light detection and distance sensing (LiDAR) data live, in real-time, is being engineered. Machinelearning will enable the selfdriving car to behave in an increasingly sophisticated way, allowing it to handle any weather condition on any terrain.

“It’s important that we develop our selfdriving vehicles with the same capability and performance customers expect from all Jaguars and Land Rovers,” said Chris Holmes, Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Research Manager at Jaguar Land Rover. “Self-driving is an inevitability for the automotive industry and ensuring that our autonomous offering is the most enjoyable, capable and safe is what drives us to explore the boundaries of innovation.

CORTEX gives us the opportunity to work with some fantastic partners whose expertise will help us realise this vision in the near future.”

CORTEX will develop the technology through algorithm development, sensor optimisation and physical testing on off-road tracks in the UK. The University of Birmingham and Myrtle AI, machine learning experts, will join the project.

CORTEX was announced as part of Innovate UK’s third round of Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Funding in March 2018. Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation, the national funding agency investing in science and research in the UK. The CORTEX project forms part of the Jaguar Land Rover’s vision to make the self-driving car viable in the widest range of real-life, on- and off-road driving environments and weather.

June 2018 Motor Trader | 39

Auto innovation news

KIA TO LAUNCH NEW DIESEL 48V MILD-HYBRID POWERTRAIN IN 2018

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IA MOTORS WILL introduce its first 48V diesel mild-hybrid EcoDynamics+ powertrain in the second half of 2018.

The mild-hybrid technology features a compact 0.46 kWh 48-volt lithium-ion battery and a new Mild-Hybrid StarterGenerator (MHSG). By electronically controlling the MHSG using the inverter, the system switches between two modes: ‘motor’ and ‘generator’. Connected by a belt to the diesel engine’s crankshaft, under acceleration the MHSG provides up to 10kW of electric power assistance to the powertrain in ‘motor’ mode, reducing engine load and emissions.

In ‘generator’ mode, the system harvests kinetic energy from the vehicle during 40 | Motor Trader June 2018

in-gear deceleration and braking and uses the power to recharge the batteries.

In ‘motor’ mode the battery is discharged under acceleration, providing additional torque to the engine for a slight boost in performance under hard acceleration, or to reduce engine load during light acceleration. Under deceleration, or when driving downhill or towards a junction, the MHSG switches to ‘generator’ mode, recuperating energy from the crankshaft to recharge the battery on-the-go.

The system is controlled by an advanced Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which calculates the most efficient use of the available energy, and adjusts accordingly, taking into account the amount of charge remaining in the car’s batteries.

Battery power can also be used to provide a new ‘Moving Stop & Start’ function. If the battery has sufficient charge, the combustion engine turns off automatically during in-gear deceleration and braking. The MHSG can then re-ignite the engine – in any situation – if the driver presses the throttle pedal.

Kia says that the compact nature of the components means the technology can be integrated into existing vehicle and powertrain architectures.

The 48V battery’s DC/DC converter enables the new battery to connect to the vehicle’s on-board power supply, leading to a reduction in the size of the 12V battery required to power the car’s ancillary electronics. The adoption of the MHSG also means the conventional starter motor

can be downsized and used primarily for cold starts at low temperatures. Charge from the 48V battery helps to start the engine in most conditions.

The EcoDynamics+ diesel mild-hybrid powertrain is compatible with both manual and automatic transmissions, and Kia says it could be adapted for front-, rear- and all-wheel drivetrain layouts. The powertrain will also be adapted for use in petrol engines.

The Kia Sportage will be the first model to offer the new EcoDynamics+ diesel mildhybrid powertrain later in 2018.

The 48V mild-hybrid powertrain is the first new technology to be launched as part of Kia’s wider powertrain electrification strategy. Kia plans to launch 16 advanced powertrain vehicles by 2025.

DIGITAL CAR SHOWROOM IS A WINNER FOR ŠKODA IN 2017, ŠKODA introduced the Live Tour in the UK, an online experience for customers researching their next car purchase.

Designed to work in tandem with the company’s retail network, the Live Tour allows customers to interact and talk with a Product Host in the Live Tour showroom through a one-way video link. The Host can demonstrate key features of the vehicle and answer questions before helping them to book a test drive, if requested.

More than 2,000 online tours were taken during the 12-month trial period, and ŠKODA says this resulted in 38 per cent booking a test drive at their local retailer, and from that number a further 10 per cent went on to make a purchase.

The Live Tour has, ŠKODA says, successfully attracted new customers to the company, with 75 per cent of users interacting with the brand for the first time.

“The Live Tour is a new concept for automotive retail and was introduced to

adapt to changing buying habits,” said John French, Head of Sales Operations for ŠKODA UK. “Consumers now research extensively online before heading to car showrooms and the Live Tour brings the retail experience to a digital world.

“The results from the initial trial phase have exceeded our expectations for both volume of users and positive feedback.”

Over the last 12 months, ŠKODA says the Live Tour has expanded from a consumer-facing tool to a VISIT multi-functional platform SKODA’S that includes product LIVE TOUR SITE training for retailers and tailored tours for ŠKODA's business customers.

June 2018 Motor Trader | 41

MARKET LAUNCH FOR BMW WIRELESS CHARGING

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MW I, THE BMW Group brand that focuses on connected mobility services and is responsible for the i3 electric car and I8 plug-in hybrid sports car, has launched a factory-fitted, fully integrated inductive charging facility for the highvoltage battery in a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Available to customers as an option, BMW Wireless Charging consists of an Inductive

Charging Station (GroundPad), which can be installed either in a garage or outdoors, and a secondary vehicle component (CarPad) fixed to the underside of the vehicle. The contactless transfer of energy between the GroundPad and CarPad is conducted over a distance of around eight centimetres. The GroundPad generates a magnetic field and an electric current is induced in the CarPad

BRISBANE TO HOST 2020 ASIA PACIFIC ITS FORUM

Mark Bailey, Queensland’s Transport and Main Roads Minister.

“It is an exciting era for ITS and the ITS Asia Pacific Forum provides an opportunity to bring the industry together to share how far we have come and prepare for the journey ahead.

“As the location for the largest trial of Cooperative-ITS in Australia, with public deployment due in late 2019, the best way to understand how we do ITS in Queensland is to come experience it for yourself.”

MTA Queensland is working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, contributing to the Government’s Cooperative and Automated Vehicle Initiative (CAVI).

CLICK TO The project is currently in READ MORE the design and equipmentON THE CAVI PROJECT testing phase and will be conducted in Ipswich next year.

BRISBANE IS TO host the 17th Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Asia Pacific Forum in 2020.

ITS Asia-Pacific seeks to facilitate Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) cooperation and coordination within the Asia-Pacific region and its objectives are to support economic growth and better quality of life by solving transport problems; establish the foundation on which ITS Asia-Pacific members can share and find solutions for common problems; and to collaborate with other organisations.

“Queensland is at the forefront of developing and deploying ITS technologies, particularly in the area of cooperative and automated vehicles, and I am delighted the forum will be held in Brisbane in 2020,” said 42 | Motor Trader June 2018

which then charges the high-voltage battery.

The system has a charging power of 3.2 kW, enabling the high-voltage batteries on board the BMW 530e iPerformance to be fully charged in around three-and-a-half hours with an efficiency rate of around 85 per cent.

The system employs the same inductive charging technology already widely used for supplying power to devices such as mobile phones. The principal benefit, the company says, is ease of use, as drivers no longer need to hook up their plug-in hybrid car using a cable. Instead, as soon as the vehicle has been parked in the correct position above the inductive Charging Station, followed by a simple push of the Start/Stop button, the charging process is initiated. Once the battery is fully charged, the system switches off automatically.

The GroundPad can also be installed outdoors, where it may be used regardless of weather conditions. All components that conduct electricity are protected VIDEO: BMW WIRELESS CHARGING

from rain and snow, and driving over the GroundPad will not damage it.

BMW says the launch of this technology sees the Group move another step closer to an infrastructure that will make charging the battery of an electrified vehicle even simpler than refuelling a car with a conventional engine.

Production of the BMW Wireless Charging system will start in July and can be ordered now in Germany as a leasingoption for the BMW 530e iPerformance, with subsequent markets to include the UK, the US, Japan and China.

HANKOOK TIRE ACQUIRES DIGITAL PROTOTYPE COMPANY MODEL SOLUTION HANKOOK HAS ACQUIRED a 75 per cent equity stake in Model Solution Ltd, a high-tech digital prototype company for €53.5 million ($AU82.4 million). The tyremaker says it plans to incorporate Model Solution as an affiliate company.

The high-tech digital prototype company Model Solution, founded in 1993, designs and manufactures prototypes and molds for IT equipment such as electronic and medical devices.

In 2007, the company started to work in the field of prototype solution services and currently serves 420 clients worldwide. It provides design and prototyping support and the company says it is constantly developing high-tech skills such as 3D-printing to be a leader in the prototype industry.

Hankook says the acquisition is part of its plans to strengthen its investment in promising technologies. Through active mergers and acquisitions of high-tech corporations, the company aims to secure a new growth engine.

Furthermore, Hankook says that synergies can be maximised by bringing together Model Solution’s expertise and the processing techniques of Hankook’s affiliate M&K Technology, a super-size mold equipment company.

June 2018 Motor Trader | 43

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

WAYMO TO TAKE ON UP TO 62,000 MORE CHRYSLER HYBRIDS

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AYMO (FORMERLY THE Google self-driving project) is to expand its partnership with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in the U.S. with an agreement to add up to 62,000 Chrysler

Pacifica Hybrid minivans to its self-driving fleet. This venture builds upon a previous commitment, announced in January, to deliver thousands of vehicles to Waymo’s driverless transportation service. Vehicle

HYUNDAI AND XEVO PARTNER TO PUT YOUR WALLET ON WHEELS HYUNDAI IN THE U.S. is developing technology that will allow customers to find and pay for coffee, petrol and parking using their car’s infotainment screen. In the future, Hyundai will connect cars with popular brands using its new partner, Xevo, to bring in-vehicle payment to customers.

Xevo provides data-driven user experiences for the automotive industry and Xevo Market is a merchant-to-driver commerce platform that uses the vehicle’s infotainment screen. Xevo Market launched at the end of 2017 and is already available.

Initially, Market will let Hyundai owners find and pay for coffee, fuel and parking.

These services could expand to restaurant reservations, order-ahead takeout food, and curb-side pick-up and EV charging.

Xevo also will help create the Hyundai Wallet payment platform that securely 44 | Motor Trader June 2018

stores the customer’s credit cards or PayPal account information.

“These new services work with the Hyundai Blue Link connected-car system to enhance the driving experience. This is why we have selected scenarios that are part of daily drives and longer trips.

Offering this level of convenience is part of our ongoing effort to create best-in-class ownership experiences,” said Manish Mehrotra, director, digital business planning and connected operations, Hyundai Motor America. “Once our owners experience placing a to-go order using their vehicle’s touchscreen and seamlessly routing to the location, we know they’re going to love it. Offering easy-to-use payment options as part of navigation will simplify the driving experience and maximise time spent with eyes on the road.”

VIDEO: WAYMO 360° EXPERIENCE

delivery is expected to begin in late 2018.

FCA US and Waymo also announced they are beginning discussions about the use of Waymo self-driving technology, including potentially through licensing, in an FCA-manufactured vehicle available to retail customers.

Later this year, Waymo says it will launch its self-driving transportation service, allowing the public to use Waymo’s app to request a vehicle.

“Waymo's goal from day one has been to build the world’s most experienced driver and give people access to self-driving technology that will make our roads safer,” said John Krafcik, CEO of Waymo.

“We're excited to deepen our relationship with FCA that will support the launch of our driverless service and explore future products that support Waymo's mission.”

FCA and Waymo first announced their partnership in May 2016. The collaboration brought engineers from FCA and Waymo together to integrate Waymo’s fully self-driving system into the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan. Since then, the companies say their engineers have continued working together to support Waymo’s expansion and to evolve the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan with self-driving technology. The self-driving Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans are equipped with Waymo’s self-driving system that has been honed over 6 million miles of on-road testing.

To date, FCA has delivered 600 Pacifica Hybrid minivans to Waymo.

HYUNDAI CRADLE INVESTS IN METAWAVE TO HELP DEVELOP SMART AUTOMOTIVE RADAR PLATFORMS HYUNDAI CRADLE, HYUNDAI Motor Company’s corporate venturing and open innovation business, has announced it is investing in Metawave Corporation to build intelligent radars for autonomous vehicles.

Metawave uses adaptive metamaterials (conventional materials using engineered structures with unique electromagnetic properties not found in nature) and artificial intelligence (AI) to create smart radars.

Hyundai says that of the three sensors are the fundamental components of the perception system for self-driving cars camera, LiDAR and radar - ut radar can ‘see’ objects at long ranges faster and in all weather and driving conditions.

However, Hyundai says today's radar cannot cover wide angles at long ranges, lacks the resolution to differentiate between objects and needs a large number of antennae and chips to run the complex digital signals.

The company says that Metawave’s advanced radar platform, WARLORD, uses just one antenna and uses ultra-fast and precise responses. With WARLORD, the antenna itself shapes and steers the beam in all directions using pencil beams, deep learning engines and AI algorithms to recognise objects quickly.

“Next-generation radar technology can use advanced algorithms for object detection and classification,” said John Suh, vice president of Hyundai CRADLE. “A new radar system that can increase resolution and accuracy with an AI engine will be a disruptive technology.”

June 2018 Motor Trader | 45

Auto innovation news

VOLVO REVEALS SECOND ELECTRIC TRUCK MODEL

The Volvo FE Electric

A

FTER THE UNVEILING of Volvo Trucks’ first all-electric truck, the FL Electric, in April, the company is expanding its product range with another electric truck, the FE Electric.

Designed for heavier city distribution and refuse transport operations with gross weights of up to 27 tonnes, the FE Electric will go on sale in Europe in 2019.

The first Volvo FE Electric, a refuse VIDEO: PREMIERE FOR OUR FIRST ALL-ELECTRIC VOLVO TRUCK

46 | Motor Trader June 2018

truck, will start operating in early 2019 in Germany's second-largest city, Hamburg.

The FE Electric will be offered in several variants for different types of transport assignment. Battery capacity can be optimised to suit individual needs, and charging takes place either via the mains or via quick-charge stations.

"With the introduction of the Volvo FE Electric we have a comprehensive range of electrically powered trucks for city operations and are taking yet another strategic step forward in the development of our total offer in electrified transport solutions,” said Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Trucks. “This opens the door to new forms of cooperation with cities that target to improve air quality, reduce traffic noise, and cut congestion during peak hours since commercial operations can instead be carried out quietly and without tale-pipe exhaust emissions early in the morning or late at night."

AUSTRALIA’S FIRST ELECTRIC VEHICLE 'HOWTO' GUIDE RELEASED

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HE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT has released a guide to EV chargers for property owners, planners and developers.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Cameron Dick said electric vehicle ownership is gaining momentum, and residential and commercial buildings in Queensland, as well as public infrastructure will need to keep up with the technological advancement.

“Queensland has been leading the transition with charging stations from Coolangatta to Cairns,” said Mr Dick.

“We are seeing increasing interest in EV charging from local governments, planners

and property developers, but there is confusion over what type of infrastructure should be installed, and where.

“This EV guide provides information on installing the appropriate electric vehicle charging infrastructure in new and existing buildings. A simple checklist for differing locations is provided to make the planner or property owners’ job much easier.

“The guide has information on a range of building types, from workplaces, tourism CLICK TO destinations, shopping ACCESS THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE centres, right through GUIDE to fast and ultra-fast charging on highways," he said.

DIGITAL DRIVER'S LICENCE A STEP CLOSER IN NSW

said Mr Dominello.

“The Dubbo trial was a big success and drivers gave it the thumbs up. The legislation will enable expansion of the trial so that other NSW drivers can opt in to access a digital licence.”

The proposed changes mean that a driver could use their DDL, accessible on a mobile phone, for proof of identity and proof of age to gain entry into pubs and clubs as well for roadside Police checks.

Since November 2017, more than 1,400 people in Dubbo have participated in a trial of the technology, with an 83 per cent customer satisfaction rating.

The DDL will provide additional levels of identity security and increased protection against identity fraud compared to the physical driver licence. Drivers who opt in will still be provided with a physical card, but not required to carry it with them.

LEGISLATION HAS BEEN introduced to the NSW Parliament enabling a phased state-wide rollout of the Digital Driver Licence (DDL).

The rollout of the technology will be subject to an implementation plan. Once finalised, the DDL will be made available through the Service NSW app.

The technology has been trialled in Dubbo since the end of 2017.

Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello said the DDL would be the first of its kind in Australia, more user friendly and highly secure.

“Smartphones have become de facto wallets and we’re using cutting edge technology so that drivers can use a digital licence in everyday scenarios,”

June 2018 Motor Trader | 47

Auto innovation news

MINI LAUNCHES PEER-TOPEER CAR SHARING TRIAL

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INI IS LAUNCHING a new sharing app that will allow owners to grant friends, family members or colleagues permission to open and start their vehicle via a smartphone. The car sharing project is to be tested under everyday conditions in Madrid, Spain.

The peer-to-peer sharing trial is designed for a fleet of up to 500 vehicles. Owners of current Mini models produced since VIDEO: MINI PEER-TO-PEER SHARING TRIAL

48 | Motor Trader June 2018

March 2018 will be invited to participate, and their vehicle will be equipped or retrofitted with a Mini Sharing Module that enables access and engine start via smartphone.

The vehicle owner will be able to share their MINI with up to ten people of their choosing, with the vehicle availability highlighted in the app's inbuilt calendar function.

The guest drivers can use the app to make a reservation request from their smartphone.

After the owner

has granted their consent, the location of the vehicle and pedestrian directions are displayed on their phone. Upon arrival at the vehicle, the smartphone on which the Mini Sharing App is installed becomes the car key.

If desired, the MINI owner can mark specific individuals as VIP users in the Mini Sharing App. These individuals can book the vehicle spontaneously without having to wait for the owner's consent.

After the guest driver completes their journey, the Mini will be parked in an area agreed with the owner and locked via smartphone.

The App generates a report with the travel data required for billing, and the guest driver is presented with the opportunity to transfer a payment to the Mini owner via PayPal. The cost calculation for the Mini Sharing App is based on a flat rate of 0.30 per kilometre driven.

Insurance cover for each vehicle can be extended, with a lump sum for each additional guest driver participating in the MINI Sharing trial. For data protection reasons, the Mini owner can view the location of their vehicle at any time via the Sharing App - with the exception of instances where another passenger is traveling inside the vehicle.

BMW says that the trial in Madrid will provide important insights for the global expansion of the Mini brand’s sharing economy activities. The BMW Group has identified digital mobility services as one of the future fields to advance as part of its NUMBER ONE> NEXT strategy and it says that the increased commitment to the D-ACES (Design, Autonomous, Connected, Electrified and Services) topics shows it is playing a leading role in shaping mobility of the future.

VOLVO CARS AND VOLVO TRUCKS SHARE LIVE VEHICLE DATA TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY VOLVO CARS AND Volvo Trucks will share real-time data to expand coverage of the companies’ connected safety technology, a cloud-based system that allows vehicles to communicate with each other and alert drivers of nearby hazards.

This is the first instance of Volvo Cars sharing safety-related data with another company.

From 2018, live and anonymised data will be shared between selected Volvo trucks sold in Sweden and Norway with the company’s own hazard-alert systems, and Volvo cars equipped with Volvo Cars’ Hazard Light Alert system.

Volvo Cars’ Hazard Light Alert technology is the first of its kind in the automotive industry. As soon as any equipped Volvo switches on its hazard lights, an alert is sent to all nearby Volvo cars connected to the cloud service, warning drivers to help avoid potential accidents. This is particularly useful on blind corners and over the crest of hills in the road.

Hazard Light Alert has been available in Sweden and Norway since 2016, where it is standard on all 90 and 60 series cars, as well as the XC40. The company says that adding selected models of Volvo Trucks’ fleet to the cloud will cover more area, identify more potential hazards and boost overall traffic safety. Both Volvo brands represent a considerable portion of new vehicle registrations in the region.

June 2018 Motor Trader | 49

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

Auto news

THE NEW BMW Z4 EDGES TOWARDS PRODUCTION

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HE NEW BMW Z4 is currently undergoing driving dynamics testing at the Autodrome de Miramas in France. Testing is focusing on fine-tuning the drive and suspension systems.

The company announced that the highperformance model of the roadster will be the Z4 M40i model which wll feature a new, in-line 6-cylinder engine, a lowered sports suspension with electronically controlled dampers, a newly developed front axle, M light alloy wheels with mixed tyres, an M sports brake system and an electronically controlled lock in the rear axle differential will be part of the for the BMW M Performance model.

BMW says the Miramas test centre offers perfect conditions for the new Z4 to demonstrate its potential. Used by the company to develop and test new models for more than 30 years, the centre comprises an asphalt oval and a motorway

ring road for high-speed tests as well as slalom, serpentine and circular tracks and a number of handling courses and circuits featuring diverse types of surface.

These are being used for detailed analysis and optimisation of the roadster's acceleration, steering and brake response.

BMW says this testing process indicates that the new version of the roadster concept will offer a tangible increase in sporty flair in the new BMW Z4.

VIDEO: BMW TESTING THE NEW Z4

June 2018 Motor Trader | 51

Auto news

MCLAREN RECREATES F1 GTR 'LONGTAIL' LIVERY FOR BESPOKE 675LT

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HE MCLAREN SPECIAL Operations (MSO) outfit, which oversees the bespoke requirements of McLaren customers, has taken on a special order and produced a road-going homage to the race-winning McLaren F1 GTRs of the 1990s.

The new 675LT creation combines a famous racing livery with personalised and bespoke features. The project, which was undertaken with agreement from Gulf Oil International Ltd that its colours could be used, occupied more than1000 hours of MSO time.

The paint, including airbrushing,

52 | Motor Trader June 2018

accounted for 800 hours of that total.

The light blue, black and red hues of the exterior paint, along with the trademark orange centre stripe, recreate the Gulf Racing colours that adorned the 1997 McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ race car, one of the cars that inspired McLaren to produce the 675LT. The 20-spoke wheels, finished in Dayglo Orange, continue the theme and the same colour is used for sill badges that bear the customer’s initials. The car is fitted with louvered front wings, roof scoop upgrade and carbon fibre airbrake from the MSO range of options for the 675LT. Inside, the car was designed to

MCLAREN COMPOSITES TECHNOLOGY CENTRE EDGES NEARER FINISHING LINE

complement the exterior theme and personalisation. MSO bespoke racing seats, finished in Carbon Black Alcantara, feature orange and blue contrast stitching, with the initials of the owner featuring once again.

The 675LT is powered by a twinturbocharged McLaren V8 engine producing 666hp that can push the car to 100km/h in just 2.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 330km/h.

MCLAREN’S NEW £50 MILLION ($87 million) Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) is nearing completion in the UK. Located in Yorkshire, the MCTC will be where McLaren says it will ‘innovate the process for making the ultra-lightweight and strong carbon fibre tubs’ that are at the heart of all of its luxury family of sportscars and supercars.

The finished tubs will then be sent to the McLaren Production Centre where the company’s vehicles have been hand-assembled since 2011.

When open, the MCTC will be home to only McLaren’s second ever production facility. Around 45 employees are currently working at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) on the process for creating the lightweight tubs. McLaren say that the team will grow to around 200 people.

McLaren has a long history using carbon fibre. The company introduced the first carbon fibre chassis into F1 in 1981 and the company says it has never made a race car, sports car or supercar without it since.

June 2018 Motor Trader | 53

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NEW FORD ‘WEATHER FACTORY’ SIMULATES ANY WEATHER, ANYTIME

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ORD HAS OPENED a new state-ofthe-art Environmental Test Centre that will allow its engineers to test vehicles in the most demanding conditions and make whatever weather they want at any time of the day.

Altitudes higher than Mont Blanc, the tallest Alpine peak, vehicle and wind speeds of up to 250 km/h (155 mph), snow, glaring sunlight and rain are among conditions that are a push of a button away at the automotive environmental test centre.

The subject of a €70 million ($AU110 million) investment, Ford says the test centre offers the first automotive wind tunnel that can simulate 5,200 metres, the same elevation as the Mount Everest North Base Camp, and the first with such a

Ford's environmental test centre can recreate almost any weather condition

54 | Motor Trader June 2018

VIDEO: WELCOME TO FORD’S WEATHER FACTORY

range of conditions that can be simulated under one roof. The facility can also cool two rooms to – 40 C and heat them up to 55 C, as well as generate 95 per cent humidity. The temperature extremes make the facility at Ford’s John Andrews Product Development Centre in Cologne, Germany,

the hottest, coldest and most humid place in Europe, and home to the highest point in Western Europe.

“The vast range of punishing simulation tests will enable Ford drivers to be confident their vehicles can handle whatever climate zone they live in,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “Travelling to the four corners of this building is like taking a trip to the four corners of the world, and our engineers will do that around the clock, every day, to continue to develop future best-in-class vehicles.”

Now fully operational, engineers can work on up to ten different vehicles simultaneously.

All Ford vehicles will be tested in the facility, which features three climate wind tunnels, including a high-altitude lab, and four temperature-controlled test chambers, one of which will also facilitate humidity testing.

Overall, the facility requires 11 megawatts of electricity, enough to power a small town of 2,400 inhabitants, that Ford says comes from a fully renewable, environmentally-friendly source. The electricity provided by RheinEnergie originates from certified sustainable sources in Scandinavia and covers the complete electric power demand of Ford's facilities in the city.

The test centre complements testing facilities that include Ford Lommel Proving Ground, in Belgium, home to a specific potholetesting track, side-wind tests, and saltwater and mud baths.

GOVT TO CONDUCT FUEL SECURITY REVIEW THE TURNBULL GOVERNMENT has said it will assess Australia’s liquid fuel security.

Liquid fuel, such as petrol, diesel and jet fuel, accounts for 37 per cent of Australia’s energy use, including 98 per cent of transport needs.

In a statement from the Minister for Environment and Energy Josh Frydenberg, the government said that after two years focusing on securing reliable and affordable electricity and gas it was time to consider Australia’s liquid fuel security.

“The assessment is the prudent and proper thing to do to make sure we aren’t complacent. It should not be construed as Australia having a fuel security problem,” the statement read.

The comprehensive assessment will look at how fuel is supplied and used in Australia, including the country’s resilience to withstand disruptions both overseas and in Australia.

“Australia’s liquid fuel supply increasingly depends on overseas sources and relies on market forces to maintain reliability and affordability.

The assessment will identify whether the Government should take further steps to ensure Australia’s domestic fuel supply is reliable.

“The assessment will also help inform Australia’s plan to return to compliance with the International Energy Agency’s emergency stockholding obligations by 2026.”

“The assessment of liquid fuels will be completed by the end of 2018 and contribute to a broader consideration of energy security across liquid fuel, electricity and gas supplies in the National Energy Security Assessment by mid-2019.”

June 2018 Motor Trader | 55

Auto news

BMW M5 COMPETITION COMING TO AUSTRALIA

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HE NEW BMW M5 Competition will be arriving on the Australian market in the second half of 2018.

The most powerful M5 ever built, the new BMW M5 Competition will be a standalone model globally, rather than a ‘Competition Package’.

Taking the 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 from the M5, BMW says its M engineers have extracted higher power figures, with an emphasis on racetrack-ready performance.

Peak power is now 460kW, an increase of 19kW over the M5 and peaking at 6,000rpm. Torque matches the M5 with 750Nm, available from 1,800 to 5,800rpm.

Zero to 100km/h is achieved in 3.3 seconds, with 200km/h reached in 10.8 seconds; 0.3 faster than the M5.

European fuel consumption is listed at 10.8L/100km. Australian specifications will be announced in due course.

The M5 Competition comes with M Steptronic eight-speed automatic 56 | Motor Trader June 2018

transmission and a model-specific M Sport exhaust system is fitted as standard.

Three different transmission modes are enabled, with efficient, sporty or highly dynamic shift speeds and feel. Like the M5, the M5 Competition can be shifted manually via gearshift paddles.

There are also a raft of Competitionspecific chassis tweaks, and low-weight M compound brakes are featured as standard.

Forged 20-inch wheels are fitted as standard with tyres measuring 275/35/R20 on the front axle and 285/35/R20 on the rear.

“Within weeks of revealing the BMW M5, we sold out of our initial allocation of 50 units,” said Marc Werner, CEO BMW Group Australia. “To now have the M5 Competition available to us is fantastic news.

“With more power and a further refined drive system, the M5 Competition will take the M5 experience to an even higher level.”

The BMW M5 Competition will be available from $229,000.

Auto news

HONDA’S AFRICA TWIN VARIANTS SET FOR AUSTRALIAN LAUNCH

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ONDA’S AFRICA VIDEO: THE NEW 2018 AFRICA TWIN ADVENTURE SPORTS (MT) and Dual Clutch TWIN models Transmission (DCT) will be arriving options. onto the Australian Side-by-side with the market in the next few CRF1000L standard weeks and the company model, the Africa Twin has announced pricing ‘Adventure Sports’ is for the variants; with taller with a flatter the Africa Twin Manual seat profile and more with ABS, (CRF1000L) available for an MLP upright riding position. The fairing and of $17,499, the Africa Twin 'Adventure Sports' screen offer more wind protection, and a Manual with ABS, (CRF1000AL2) available for large sump guard and side pipe fully $19,499 MLP and the Africa Twin 'Adventure protect the machine.

Sports' DCT with ABS, (CRF1000DL2) The fuel tank is 5.4 litres bigger than the available for $19,999 MLP. CRF1000L Africa Twin, and offers longer All three variants available in Australia travel suspension, heated grips, an AC offer improved features such as the addition charging socket and extra-large skid plate of Throttle-By-Wire with three riding and extended fairing with protective cowl bar. modes plus a User mode, expanded Honda The CRF1000L Africa Twin will be Selectable Torque Control parameters and available in Matte Ballistic Black Metallic, revised intake and exhaust for stronger midPearl Glare White (Tricolor) and Grand Prix range response.

Red (Team HRC Rally colour) Also new are front and rear spoked wheels The new ‘Adventure Sports’ variants are constructed from stainless steel and a host of available in one 30th anniversary Tricolore detail upgrades to both Manual Transmission paint scheme."

Honda Africa Twin

June 2018 Motor Trader | 57

Auto news

TOYOTA 86 PASSES 20,000 LOCAL SALES

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HE TOYOTA 86 has passed the 20,000 sales mark in Australia, the first Toyota sports car to pass that figure since the Celica, which achieved the feat in 1975.

Average annual sales for the 86, at more than 3,300 vehicles over its six-year life, are higher than for Celica which averaged around 3,200 cars a year over its 35-year life. For comparison, the Supra reached 2,895 local sales while the MR2 totalled 3,451 cars.

Toyota Australia's vice president sales and marketing Sean Hanley said the 86 has helped rejuvenate the Toyota brand by attracting younger customers who may never previously have considered a Toyota.

"The sales success of the Toyota 86

has been impressive, and it is just the start of a new era of excitement within our company," said Mr Hanley.

"Toyota's designers and engineers are continuing to display their commitment to more desirable styling and greater driving enjoyment with cars like the latest Camry, the upcoming Corolla and next year's RAV4.

"This passion is also evident in Toyota's decision to resurrect the famous Supra name in a car that is under development and slated for launch soon."

The 86 is powered by a front-mounted horizontally opposed 'boxer' petrol engine and rear-wheel drive.

Every Toyota 86 is equipped with seven airbags, premium three-spoke steering wheel and premium shift lever, auto-levelling LED headlamps, LED DRLs, limited-slip differential, air-conditioning, multi-information display, satellite navigation, reversing camera and hill-start assist control.

The optional performance kit, available on all 86 variants, comprises

larger Brembo performance brakes, specially tuned Sachs performance dampers plus anthracite-coloured 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels.

GTS buyers can combine the performance pack with the new Apollo Blue colour plus a black leather-accented

interior trim and a unique black finish for the wheels, exterior mirrors and rear spoiler - all for an option price of $2,950.

The Toyota 86 is covered by the cappedprice servicing plan, Toyota Service Advantage, with up to four scheduled services at just $180 each.

TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL NUMBERS CONTINUE TO GROW THE AUSTRALIAN COMPETITION and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has added another group of vehicles to the Takata airbag recall. The list, which includes vehicles from supercar maker McLaren, will reportedly bring the number of affected vehicles in Australia to more than five million.

The ACCC notes these under the title of ‘Future Takata airbag recalls’, saying the list ‘shows vehicles that are not yet under active recall, but will be subject to future recalls by their manufacturers’.

The recalls come after faulty Takata more than 200 injuries. airbags - with a defect that can CLICK TO Guidance for businesses mean they deploy with too VIEW THE – new and used dealers, much explosive force, releasing 'FUTURE RECALL' importers, auction houses and shrapnel that can hit vehicle LIST manufacturers – as well as occupants – were associated consumers, can be found on the to a number of deaths globally, ACCC website. including one in Australia, and June 2018 Motor Trader | 59

FIVE-STA 60 | Motor Trader June 2018

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MAKE: DODGE MODEL: CHARGER YEAR: 1969 ENGINE: 440CI V8 OWNED BY: NICK LADELL OWNED SINCE: 2018

G ENE R A L

June 2018 Motor Trader | 61

W

HEN YOU THINK about iconic cars from movies or TV, there are a few that come to mind – the ’67 Mustang (Bullitt), the Aston Martin DB5 (Bond), DeLorean DMC-12 (Back To The Future), the Ferrari 308 GTS (Magnum P.I.) . . . classics all.

The Dodge Charger is one that should most definitely belong to this list. In its most famous incarnation – the second62 | Motor Trader June 2018

generation model produced from 1968-1970 – the Charger has rocked many an action flick and TV show. From the first Fast and Furious movie (in which Vin Diesel’s character smashes his to bits in the movie’s high-speed climax) to the Quentin Tarantino flick Death Proof (in which Kurt Russell’s character manages to do the same thing and destroy his) the Charger has been a solidly reliable muscle car presence.

Take the movie Bullitt, the film that made a star of the ’67 Mustang GT Fastback as driven by Steve McQueen. That film’s undeniably brilliant chase scene through the streets of San Francisco only works because McQueen and the Mustang have

VIDEO: DUKES OF HAZZARD INTRO

a suitably challenging adversary – in this case, a 440ci V8-powered 1968 Charger.

Perhaps for most of us, however, the second-generation Dodge Charger is most famous as the vehicle of choice of good-ol’ southern boy moonshine bootleggers Bo and Luke Duke in the TV show The Dukes of Hazzard.

CLICK TO VISIT THE AUTOMOTIVE CONSULTANTS WEBSITE

The show ran from 1979 to 1985 and though it made its human actors - John Schneider (Luke), Tom Wopat (Bo) and Catherine Bach (as the ridiculously attractive Daisy Duke) – famous, the unquestioned star was the orange ’69 Charger emblazoned with the Confederate flag on its roof, ‘01’ on its flanks and its name, the ‘General Lee’, on its roof rim.

Every episode of The Dukes of Hazzard followed a similar formula - the Duke boys would find a way to get into trouble with the law and contrive an escape plan that involved a fast getaway in the Charger and an absurdly long jump over some obstacle or hurdle that the boys in blue could not hope to duplicate.

June 2018 Motor Trader | 63

These jumps were always memorable.

Often filmed in slow motion, even the most distracted viewer could tell that upon landing, the Charger’s body would bend and buckle beyond repair. And yet, in the very next shot, a jubilant Bo and Luke would be seen, without a scratch, driving a similarly unmarked General Lee off into the sunset. It was great stuff, but clearly the film company must have scythed their way through dozens of cars. In fact, more than 300 Chargers (including 1968 and 1970 models slightly altered to look like ‘69s) were destroyed through the life of the series . . . oh the horror!!

However, the second-generation was a popular car with some 400,000 of them produced in various configurations and some cracking examples of the General Lee continue to patrol the streets, including this one, owned by Nick Ladell from Automotive Consultants.

Nick, whose business is sourcing vehicles for clients, had an interesting time in searching out the Charger – a quest that took him to the U.S. and even to the birthday celebration of John Schneider.

“My original plan was to go to America and buy a General Lee,” says Nick. “I found one at the Mecum Auctions and a couple in

64 | Motor Trader June 2018

a car yard there, but they were expensive and when I went to see them they were full of rust.

“John Schneider was having a birthday party and he had invited General Lee owners along, so I emailed him and asked if I could go along too. I got to meet him – he’s a really nice guy – and he gave me a rundown on the car. However, the ones that were at his show were not for sale.”

As it turns out, the best example of the General Lee Charger, and the one Nick bought and that you see on these pages, was actually discovered somewhat closer to home, in Western Australia.

“While I was in America, a mate of mine found one here in Australia,” says Nick. “It was in better condition that any in the U.S. and he emailed me to let me know the guy who owned it was interested in selling and that I shouldn’t buy anything - this was the one.

“So, when I got back, I took the next flight over to WA and bought it!”

The Charger was indeed in excellent condition and though Nick has only had the car for a short time, there is little that needs doing, or that he plans to do with it bar a couple of cosmetic touches.

“The cars in America were nothing like

the one,” he said. “I think we take more care in restoring them here and whoever restored this one did a really good job.

“I’ve put some dump pipes on it, which has made it loud, and I think I might do the interior up just a bit. It’s a 50-year-old car, so there are little cracks here and there. I also want to get the original, pushbutton stereo, although that might be hard to find, and I am going to get Pedders to make the suspension stiffer. Americans apparently like it really floaty and bouncy but I like it harder so it feels more solid going into a corner.”

While it’s a nice drive, looks fantastic, and is quick, Nick says it’s unlikely to be his daily driver – its 440ci (that’s 7.2 litres!) engine is a touch on the thirsty side – but

when it is out and about it garners plenty of attention, and requests come in for Nick to press the horns that blast out the first 12 notes of the famous tune Dixie.

“It’s surprising how many kids know what the car is,” he says with a smile.

“They say ‘It’s the General Lee’, ask me to press the horns and give me the thumbs up.”

And it was as a kid, that Nick fell for the car himself.

“I think I have loved them since I was a kid,” he says. “I was a big fan of the show when I was young, but I never thought in my wildest dreams I would be able to own one. I actually had a Smokey and the Bandit Trans-Am before this and I just woke up one day and thought, that’s it, I’d like the General Lee now. So, I got rid of the TransAm, went out to find one, and got it!

While it’s very unlikely Nick will be driving the Charger in a car chase with the police and looking for the nearest river to jump across, it is entirely certain that the good people of Brisbane will be hearing the thunder of the 440 from time to time, playing in concert with the first few bellowed notes of Dixie. That sounds like a petrolhead’s dream symphony . . . Yee-haw!

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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.

June 2018 Motor Trader | 65

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BRABHAM BT62 SETS THE PACE AT PHILLIP ISLAND

Brabham BT62 supercar

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HE BRABHAM BT62 supercar has been designed and engineered to conquer the track and reward its driver with blistering lap times. To prove the point, Brabham Automotive has

STINGER RECEIVES 5 STARS ACROSS ALL MODELS AFTER EQUIPMENT UPGRADE KIA’S STINGER SPORTS sedan will, following an equipment realignment, carry ANCAPs maximum 5-Star safety rating for all models built from March 2018.

With the inclusion of Autonomous Emergency Braking on the 200S and 330S models, ANCAP has lifted the ratings for those two models up to 5-Stars, in line with the rest of the Stinger model range.

“As soon as we were made aware of the unusual situation regarding the original ANCAP rating of the Stinger, Kia Motors Australia took steps to rectify and ensure consistency across the model range,” said Damien Meredith, Chief Operating Officer Kia Motors Australia.

“At no stage was there any suggestion 66 | Motor Trader June 2018

released some details, and a video, of the car as it unofficially broke the lap record at the Phillip Island track in Victoria.

The footage was filmed during the BT62’s extensive pre-launch testing programme, and Brabham Automotive’s Managing Director and multiple Le Mans winner, David Brabham, was behind the wheel.

“Don’t think of the BT62 as a supercar or track-biased road car, think of it as an unrestricted GT racer – it’s in a different league,” said Brabham Automotive’s Director of Technology and Engineering, Paul Birch.

“Weighing just 972kg dry, it’s light. Very light.

Factor in the car’s power, and the way the Brabham engine delivers its performance and VIDEO: POWERFUL PERFORMANCE | KIA STINGER | KIA

that the physical crash safety of any Stinger model was less than any other grade, however the absence of some technology on the entry-level cars led to a split rating.

With the inclusion of AEB on both S grade models that situation no longer exists.”

With the addition of AEB on all cars manufactured from March 2018, the price for the upgraded S models will rise by $1000 - the 200S is now $46,990 RRP while the 330S is $49,990 RRP.

VIDEO: THE BRABHAM BT62 - SETTING THE PACE AT PHILLIP ISLAND

you have an incredibly effective package.”

To achieve its extreme cornering speeds and help translate its power into pace, the BT62 employs componentry from some of motorsport’s finest, including competition slick tyres from Brabham Automotive’s official tyre supplier and technical partner, Michelin.

The chassis is optimised utilising pushrod-actuated adjustable Öhlins dampers with coilover springs, and an adjustable motorsport traction control system. The BT62’s stopping power comes from bespoke Brembo carbon on carbon brakes for optimal performance, lap after lap, with the unique addition of motorsport ABS. Grip is further enhanced by the BT62’s light-weight carbon fibre body, which has been designed and shaped to maximise aerodynamic efficiency while developing 1,200kg of downforce.

“To give you an idea of just how fast it is, we eclipsed the official outright lap record at Phillip Island during testing – a record formerly held by an open-wheeled car,” said Birch. “We didn’t go out to set a time, and it wasn’t officially recorded, but it demonstrates the car’s potential.”

Interest in the Brabham BT62 has, the company says, been incredibly high, with first deposits already taken. With production taking place at Brabham Automotive’s advanced engineering and manufacturing facility in Adelaide, build slots are currently being allocated and first deliveries are expected later this year.

REPORT SHOWS TRANSPORT COST RISES CONTINUE TO PUT PRESSURE ON HOUSEHOLDS TRANSPORT COSTS HAVE risen in every Australian capital city and region throughout the past quarter according to research from the Australian Automobile Associations’ (AAA).

The AAA March 2018 Transport Affordability Index shows the average Australian metropolitan household is now spending $17,912 on transport costs per year, an increase of $306 from the previous quarter. The report also shows the average regional household now spends $14,326 annually on transport, an increase of $318.

While the majority of city and regional locations saw increases in average weekly earnings, the cost of transport outstripped these gains, with transport costs as a percentage of income increasing by one percentage point to 14.3 per cent in cities and 12.5 per cent in regions.

The increase in costs over the quarter was largely due to an increase in interest rates on new car loans; the average cost of the top 10 selling vehicles; fuel price changes; and price changes relating to comprehensive insurance and public transport.

Some of the findings include: For the regional household, the annual average cost of transport increased by $318 per year over the quarter. The largest increases occurred in Alice Springs and Bunbury at $482 and $379 per year respectively.

Sydney remains the most expensive capital city in Australia, in terms of total dollars ($22,313) per year.

Brisbane remained the third most expensive city, equivalent to $19,561 per year in total READ THE AAA REPORT dollar terms but is the HERE most expensive city when average income is taken into consideration at 16.3 per cent.

June 2018 Motor Trader | 67

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ASTON MARTIN REVEALS THE REBORN V600

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N 1998, ASTON Martin offered its customers the most extreme iteration of its Vantage sportscar, the supercharged V8 Vantage V600. Delivering 600bhp, the model was one of the most powerful sports cars of its time.

68 | Motor Trader June 2018

Today, the V600 has been reborn in the form of a customer commissioned limited run of all-new V12 Vantage V600s, inspired and influenced by the original.

Aston Martin’s personalisation service, Q by Aston Martin, received a customer commission for a strictly limited run of 14 new Vantage V600s, split between seven coupes and seven roadsters and dubbed the ‘Triple V’.

Powered by an upgraded version of Aston Martin’s 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, producing 590hp, the Vantage V600 has some pretty aggressive styling cues across its full-carbon fibre exterior with an all-new carbon fibre diffuser providing the backdrop for an attention-grabbing quad exhaust system.

The external look of the V600 is further distinguished by bespoke centre-lock forged and machined aluminium wheels.

The interior is a study in carbon fibre and

Aston Martin Vantage V600

. . . THE VANTAGE V600 HAS SOME PRETTY AGGRESSIVE STYLING CUES ACROSS ITS FULL-CARBON FIBRE EXTERIOR WITH AN ALL-NEW CARBON FIBRE DIFFUSER PROVIDING THE BACKDROP FOR AN ATTENTION GRABBING QUAD EXHAUST SYSTEM. dark anodised aluminium. The lightweight seats have an all-new perforation pattern, and there's a carbon fibre centre console and bespoke driver information dials. A hand-crafted saddle leather centre armrest

provides comfort within ergonomic reach of the machined-from-solid gear shifter.

The 2018 Aston Martin V12 Vantage V600 is available on request with deliveries taking place in Q3 2018.

“This is precisely why we created our ‘Q by Aston Martin - Commission’ service,” said Marek Reichman, Vice President & Chief Creative Officer Aston Martin. “Our customers can create truly bespoke sports cars by personally collaborating with myself and Aston Martin’s design team. The V600 name remains a classic in Aston Martin’s heritage and I’m proud to see it adorn the V12 Vantage V600 once again.”

June 2018 Motor Trader | 69

Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio

5-STAR ANCAP SAFETY RATINGS RESULT FOR ALFA ROMEO’S GIULIA AND STELVIO

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LFA ROMEO’S GIULIA and Stelvio have scored 5-star safety ratings from ANCAP with both vehicles equalling the highest scores recorded to date in the area of Adult Occupant Protection.

“We are very pleased that the extensive safety features inherent in our Giulia and Stelvio, which were so widely lauded overseas, have now been recognised here in Australia,” said Steve Zanlunghi, Alfa Romeo Australia CEO. “Today’s announcement illustrates the continued evolution of the Alfa Romeo brand and its vehicles in Australia.”

Developed on Alfa Romeo’s ‘Giorgio’ family architecture, the Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV have also been awarded 5-star Euro NCAP ratings.

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA The Alfa Romeo Giulia achieved a score of 98 per cent for the adult occupant protection of all percentiles: equalling the highest score ever 70 | Motor Trader June 2018

VIDEO: ANCAP SAFETY

achieved by any car in Australia.

Alfa Romeo says the sports sedan achieved this result on the basis of two key elements: the adoption of a wide range of innovative safety systems and the structural integrity of its light and rigid bodyshell which makes extensive use of robust, lightweight materials such as carbon fibre, aluminium and aluminium composite.

The Giulia features a host of technical innovations including the Integrated Brake System (IBS), which significantly reduces braking distance (100km/h to a standstill in 38 metres for the Giulia).

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and

Autonomous Emergency Brake (AEB) with pedestrian detection are also standard.

Using a radar sensor and a camera built into the windscreen, these systems detect the presence of any obstacles or vehicles on the car’s trajectory and warn the driver of the risk of imminent collision. If the driver fails to react in time, the system automatically applies the brakes to avoid an impact or reduce its severity. Thanks to the pedestrian recognition function, the AEB is also capable of stopping the car autonomously at speeds of up to 60 km/h, by interpreting the information from the radar and camera.

Standard equipment across the Giulia range also includes Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Blind Spot Monitoring.

The 5-star ANCAP safety rating applies to the 2.0l petrol and 2.2l diesel engine variants of the Giulia built from November 2016.

ALFA ROMEO STELVIO The first SUV in Alfa Romeo’s history, the Stelvio achieved the ANCAP 5-star rating with a 97 per cent score in the protection of adult occupants.

The cockpit of the Stelvio remained stable in the head-on crash test, and all critical body areas and limbs were also protected for the front passenger in the rigid barrier test.

Tests on the front seats and head restraints proved protection against whiplash injuries in the event of shunting from the rear. In addition, Stelvio is fitted with an autonomous emergency braking system (AEB) as standard.

The company says these results were achieved thanks to the efficiency of a body which is rigid, tough and lightweight - with widespread use of ultra-light materials and the adoption of the large number of innovative safety devices.

This 5-star ANCAP safety rating applies to the Stelvio and Ti variants with 2.0l petrol and 2.2l diesel engines.

BRIDGESTONE VOTED AUSTRALIA’S MOST TRUSTED TYRE BRAND BRIDGESTONE HAS BEEN named ‘Australia’s Most Trusted Tyre Brand’ for the fifth consecutive year in the annual Reader’s Digest survey.

The tyre category was first introduced to the annual Most Trusted Brands survey in 2014, making Bridgestone the only tyre brand to have claimed the status of Australia’s Most Trusted Tyre Brand.

“To be named Australia’s Most Trusted Tyre Brand for the fifth consecutive year highlights the level of trust Australians have in our products and service. Not only are they in safe hands, but trusted ones too,” said Andrew Moffatt, Bridgestone Australia and New Zealand Managing Director.

“Bridgestone has earned the trust of Australian motorists, and we will take every step to ensure we are continually building on that trust.”

The Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brands survey is conducted by research firm Catalyst, and saw nearly 2,500 respondents in the 2018 appraisal across 70 categories. Insights from the survey showed reputation, reliability and quality were key driving factors in building trust in the tyres category.

"Congratulations to Bridgestone.

The safety of you and your family is important and so are the brands we trust to keep us safe,” said Sheron White, Reader's Digest Advertising & Retail Director for the APAC region.

“In 2014 we recognised that safety on our roads is a must and developed the ‘Tyre’ category for Trusted Brands.

As sequential winners of this category since its inception, Bridgestone has been identified a top brand that Australians place their trust in.”

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Auto news

ROLLS-ROYCE UNVEILS THE CULLINAN SUV

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HIS IS THE Cullinan, the RollsRoyce (RR) entrant into the SUV market. Perhaps that should be the 'luxury' SUV market . . . or perhaps the 'opulent luxury' market.

Unmistakably a Rolls from the front thanks to the pantheon grill and design reminiscent of the maker’s luxury cars, the SUV is powered by a 6.75-litre, twin turbo V12 engine generating 563hp and 850Nm of torque. That power is delivered to an all new all-wheel drive, all-wheel steer system, giving the Cullinan a top speed limited to 250km/h and plenty of grunt for those who want to do some serious off-road adventuring.

Okay, that does seem an unlikely scenario. It’s hard to imagine the Cullinan ever being seen careening through the outback and thundering about on some mad bush-bashing trek. It certainly has the power and, says Rolls, it has been designed

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VIDEO: ROLLS-ROYCE CULLINAN

with the ability to do it, but with a pricetag which will, no doubt, be somewhere similar to that of an outer suburban home (some reports put a base price $430,000), only the stupendously wealthy could be considered candidates for taking the Cullinan anywhere but the relative safety of the sealed highway.

Built on RR’s all-aluminium architecture, and boasting the latest generation of

self-levelling air suspension, and a new double-wishbone front axle and 5-link rear axle, the Cullinan delivers, the company says, on its ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ promise and offers ‘incredible agility and stability’ to all terrains.

Inside, there’s plenty of top-grade leather and wood for the trim – you would expect no less from RR – and no shortage of luxury features and brilliant touches.

The rear passenger compartment has two configurations – Lounge Seat or Individual Seats, with Lounge Seat offering room for three passengers, and the Individual seat set for two, with seats separated by a fixed rear centre console incorporating a drinks cabinet - with RR whisky glasses, decanter, champagne flutes and a refrigerator.

The luggage compartment offers 560 litres of space (600 with the parcel shelf removed) and is separated from the rest of the cabin by a glass partition. RR says this leads to class-leading silence in the passenger cabin and a sealed environment for passengers when the rear door is open.

Up front, there’s a touch-sensitive central information screen allowing the driver to quickly select functions, map views and vehicle set-up. This portal can be controlled from the Spirit of Ecstasy controller which nestles on the central console along with the ‘Off-Road’ button, Hill Descent Control button and Air Suspension height adjustment controls.

Other equipment includes Night Vision and Vision Assist, including daytime and night-time Wildlife & Pedestrian warning; Alertness Assistant; a 4-Camera system with Panoramic View, all-round visibility and helicopter view; Active Cruise Control; Collision Warning; CrossTraffic Warning, Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning; an industry leading 7x3 HighResolution Head-Up Display, WiFi hotspot, and the latest Navigation and Entertainment Systems.

June 2018 Motor Trader | 73

Auto news

Civic Type R Pickup Truck concept

HONDA REVEALS CIVIC TYPE R UTE CONCEPT

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HIS IS SOMETHING you probably never thought you would see - a ute concept (officially Pickup Truck concept) based on Honda’s Civic Type R. Built by a specialist engineering team from Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) factory in Swindon and codenamed ‘Project P’, the Civic Type R Pickup Truck has been modified and developed from the standard road car and has the potential to be one of the fastest vehicles of its kind on UK roads.

74 | Motor Trader June 2018

The Project P team used a preproduction Type R and adapted the design rearwards from the B-pillars, with a flatbed loading area in the centre of the car where the rear seats and boot space would normally be.

Using the same powertrain, suspension and gearbox as the standard road car, Honda says it is estimated that the Project P concept will complete the 0-100k/h sprint in under six seconds and reach a top speed of over 265km/h.

MCLAREN PASSES MILESTONE OF 15,000 CARS BUILT

“We have a special projects division at the factory in Swindon and this project was a fantastic opportunity for the team to show just what their creative minds could do,” said Alyn James, project lead. “The passion that our engineers have for Honda is shown in our latest creation and we are even considering taking it to the Nurburgring to see if we can take the record for the fastest front wheel drive pickup truck!”

That would be something to see!

MCLAREN AUTOMOTIVE HAS celebrated the manufacture of its 15,000th car at McLaren Production Centre (MPC) in Woking, UK, seven years after production first started.

The 15,000th car, a 570S Spider in Curacao Blue from the company’s Sports Series family, represents a milestone for the supercar brand.

Rising global demand for McLaren vehicles has seen production double from around 10 cars a day to 20, with more than 90 per cent of vehicles built at the MPC facility exported to more than 30 markets around the world.

McLaren achieved record sales in 2017, selling a total of 3,340 cars. The company says that demand has been stimulated by the launch of two new products, the 570S Spider from the Sports Series and the 720S from the Super Series.

“Reaching 15,000 cars built is a significant milestone for McLaren Automotive and comes under 18 months after we hit 10,000 vehicles, showing how demand and production have increased,” said Mike Flewitt, CEO for McLaren Automotive. “The Sports Series has been pivotal to driving this growth, with the 570S Spider now the most popular of the range. The fact we are now able to produce 20 cars a day is, of course, a great testament to the hard work and dedication of every one of our workforce, who should feel justifiably proud and part of this great team effort.”

June 2018 Motor Trader | 75

AUTO CAMP During this 3-day course, designed for male and female high school students (14-17yrs), you will get hands-on experience in a range of skills connected to the automotive industry.

This is a great experience if you are interested in electronics, engineering, design or manufacturing.

COURSE CONTENT ✔ AUTOMOTIVE PRINCIPLES AND MAINTENANCE ✔ ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC FUNDAMENTALS ✔ HYBRID BATTERY ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY ✔ DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING ✔ COLLISION REPAIR TECHNOLOGY Venue: MTA Institute, Building 8, 2728 Logan Rd Eight Mile Plains Times: 9am - 3pm daily Cost: $225 per person (inc GST) Required: Enclosed foot wear / work boots and work trousers / jeans

ENROLMENT & ENQUIRIES courses@mtai.edu.au or 3722 3002 Class size limited to 20 students Includes lunch and morning tea All safety equipment eg: glasses, face shields, gloves will be provided Certificate of Completion for students

Right training.

Right place.

Right way.

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Auto news

MICHELIN TWEEL AVAILABLE FOR UTV MARKET

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ICHELIN TWEEL TECHNOLOGIES, a division of Michelin North America, Inc., is introducing a new 26-inch airless radial tyre with a four-bolt wheelpattern hub designed for use on UTV’s that will initially be sold as a fitment for the replacement market.

Originally designed for military special operations use on light-tactical VIDEO: WHAT IS A MICHELIN® X® TWEEL® AIRLESS RADIAL TYRE vehicles, the Michelin X Tweel UTV 26x9N14 airless radial tyre is a single unit that replaces the current pneumatic tyre/wheel/valve assembly. Once bolted on, there is no air pressure to maintain, eliminating the need to carry spare tyres, tools or repair kits.

Michelin says the X Tweel UTV is appropriate for use on construction, farm, landscape, recreation, quarry, mine, emergency service response, logging, parks, providing outstanding lateral stiffness hunting, military operations, universities, for excellent cornering and sidebeach patrol, camping, hurricane/ hill stability. In addition, the tornado and other debris-laden low-pressure contact helps areas where flat tyres cause provide outstanding off-road serious and interruptions. traction performance.

The tyre is designed to The X Tweel UTV perform like a pneumatic has a 37mph radial tyre, but with the (59.5km/h) durability and high damage VISIT THE speed rating MICHELIN resistance of an airless TWEEL at a maximum tyre. Michelin says the WEBSITE gross vehicle advanced spoke technology weight of 2,860 helps dampen the ride for enhanced operator comfort while Michelin X Tweel pounds (1297kg).

PETERSEN .

Celebrating the a

78 | Motor Trader June 2018

N MUSEUM

art of automotive

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The incredible looking, and incredibly rare, 1939 Porsche Type 64

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HERE ARE SOME truly tremendous car collections around the world – from the National Motor Museum in the U.K. to the similarly named Australian institution in South Australia to the mind-bogglingly private collection of U.S. comedian Jay Leno – but if there is one place a connoisseur of cars should visit in their lifetime, it’s the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

Founded in 1994, the Petersen Automotive Museum sits on the corner of Fairfax Avenue and the famous Wilshire Boulevard, and was the brainchild of magazine publisher Robert E. Petersen.

It’s impressive display of classic vehicles

VIDEO: THE PORSCHE EFFECT

which featured highlights from across the Italian company’s long history; and The Porsche Effect, which focused on the German carmaker’s emergence as a sports car force to be reckoned with. numbers more than 100 with a similar number in storage, and you’d be hard pushed to find a more splendid array of four-wheel works of art anywhere.

In May, the museum put on a couple of exhibitions: Seeing Red: 70 Years of Ferrari,

Okay, so it's not a Porsche or a Ferrari but the Jag XJ220 is one of the best-looking cars 80 so | we Motor Trader aJune 2018 ever made, included picture of it anyway!

The beautiful and powerful 1969 Porsche 917K

The 2013 Porsche 979 Hybrid

VISIT THE PETERSEN MUSEUM WEBSITE

June 2018 Motor Trader | 81

Ferrari sure made some stunning cars.

Above: 1955 857 Sport Left: 2006 248 Formula One race car Below: The magnificent 250 GTO is one of the most sought after, and expensive, cars in the world

82 | Motor Trader June 2018

1949 166 MM Barchetta

The selection of road-going and competition cars was stunning, and MTA Queensland’s Business Development Manager Andrew Bear happened to be in L.A. at the time and went along to see the exhibitions. It was, he says, a sensational trip for a car enthusiast.

“The Petersen museum is amazing, and I would highly recommend it to anyone going to Los Angeles,” said Andrew.

“They always have a revolving array of exhibitions, so there is always something different to see when you’re there.

“I was very lucky on my trip to visit the Seeing Red: 70 years of Ferrari and The Porsche Effect exhibitions - I was like a kid in a candy shop! It’s not every day that you get to see a $50 million Ferrari or a $20 million Porsche in one place at one time!

While every car was a winner, there were a couple that stood out from the pack, said Andrew.

“The rare and gorgeous 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO, which finished second at Le Mans in 1963, was a showstopper,” he said. “The other car I never thought I’d see in real life was the 1969 Gulf Porsche 917K. It was Porsche’s first

VIDEO: SEEING RED

“I WAS VERY LUCKY ON MY TRIP TO VISIT THE SEEING RED: 70 YEARS OF FERRARI AND THE PORSCHE EFFECT EXHIBITIONS - I WAS LIKE A KID IN A CANDY SHOP!”

Le Mans winner and also appeared in the Steve McQueen movie Le Mans.

“To be honest, there were so many priceless race winners from all over the world that the list just goes on and on”!

June 2018 Motor Trader | 83

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

MTAA Superannuation is the industry’s superfund. Our superannuation partner has over 200,000 members who enjoy excellent service and returns.

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Innovation

r Safety Help provides the automotive industry with a service dedicated to making your business complaint properly and professionally.

MTA Queensland | Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113 Training +61 7 3722 3000 Fax +61 7 3844 4488 Email info@mtaq.com.au Website www.mtaq.com.au Postal PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113

Search for MTA Queensland

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

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• Our corporate partners offer substantial savings on EFTPOS fees, electricity & gas bills and business & residential insurance • Library of online business resources and templates • Weekly industry bulletin • FREE Jobs Board • Discounts on stationery & workshop products • Monthly subscription to the Motor Trader e-magazine • Regular specials & discounts

Dun and Bradstreet is the nation’s foremost credit control and debt collection agency. Members are eligible for substantial savings on annual subscriptions.

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Support

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Specalising in matters such as print solutions, finance, electricity, gas rates and solar; Core SME Services is a vendor neutral business with one simple objective; reduce costs, increase profits and streamline workflows for your business.

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Receive 20% off MTA Institute short industry courses, including licensing and management courses.

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The Commonwealth Bank offers members some of the lowest EFTPOS charges in the country. Members have saved thousands with CBA.

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

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

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

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MEMBERS' ESSENTIALS Contents 86 Professional Circle training 89 Apprentice of the Month 101 Industrial relations 102 Concept Corner June 2018 Motor Trader | 85

E S S E N T I A L S

1. Speed. The amount of development and the way in which business is changing has really sped up.

GENERAL MANAGER MTA INSTITUTE Technology is the best example. Who would’ve thought that Facebook would RECENTLY HAD THE opportunity to have more than a couple of billion attend Queensland’s Small Business followers and is the highest advertising Week Summit in Brisbane. platform available – it is now the norm It’s fair to say there are a lot of balls being juggled in the air at the best of times for advertising. Customers interaction via digital platforms has also sped up service for anyone running a small business, let requirements. If you don’t engage the alone trying to make it all work together consumer quickly, you might miss the sale. and have it run successfully all the time Speed has certainly changed how we do - although, on that point of success, and business and what expectations are now after listening to the panel of presenters, success can be measured in many different placed on business to respond.

2. Curiosity. This is something I ways (i.e. lifestyle balance, business found myself thinking about given the purpose, financial outcomes, etc.). presenters built successful business Throughout the day, discussions were based on curiosity, or by looking at new held around the changing nature of opportunities without completely shutting employment – social, economic and down the new ideas thrown their way. technological changes – and how it impacted the when, where and why people Curiosity will keep you going, keep you interested and keep you ahead of changes work. Discussions were held on creating businesses with purpose, and also how and in your business.

It was all really great stuff and why Queensland small businesses for more info on small business needs to change in order to stay CLICK TO presentations, you can go to the competitive.

FIND OUT MORE ON UPCOMING website on upcoming events Ultimately, there were two SMALL BUSINESS EVENTS supporting Queensland's small things that caught my attention or, businesses. actually, two words: PAUL KULPA

M E M B E R S

Training GM's Professional Circle perspective

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

Professional Circle training

Georgia Wharton and Ashleigh Johnson

VOCATIONAL PREPARATION COURSE THE FIRST STEP TO AUTO INDUSTRY CAREER

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T THE BEGINNING of the year, the MTA Institute launched a new round of its pre-apprenticeship vocational preparation course, and the third group of students to take the course have been busy at work since mid-May. The Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation (AUR20716) program is designed to give students a comprehensive set of skills as a basic introduction to the automotive industry and delivers training in areas such as the service of service mechanical parts and suspension systems, the identification and inspection of mechanical and electrical components, and the performance of basic maintenance and repairs.

Developed to assist industry in finding quality apprentices and employees, the aim of the five-week, full-time Automotive Vocational Preparation course is to develop individuals who have an interest in the trades but who have not had the opportunity to start a career in the industry.

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“The MTA Institute has always sought to help the industry by introducing people to the trades through these introductory courses,” said Paul Kulpa, General Manager MTA Institute. “This course gives participants the chance to decide whether a career in the industry is something they really want by offering the opportunity to learn the ropes in a simulated workshop environment.”

For students Georgia Wharton, 18, and Ashleigh Johnson, 23, a career in the automotive industry is what they had in mind, and the Cert II course is not only confirming that their decision to choose automotive is the right one but is giving them the self-belief that such a career is within their grasp.

“The course is really good,” said Georgia.

“We’ve been able to pull an engine apart and see how it works, and learn about fuel capacity and burn rates amongst other things. And in our first week we did theory work and learned about environmental

I

-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 April:

• Roy West • Dave Madden • Andrew Blake • Graham Rewell • Craig Hill

RACQ Insurance IAG IAG IAG IAG

Welding Certifications:

• There were no successful welding certifications in April June 2018 Motor Trader | 87

E S S E N T I A L S

ACKNOWLEDGING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES IN QUEENSLAND

M E M B E R S

VIDEO: MTA INSTITUTE PROMOTIONAL VIDEO 2017 practice in the always been turned workshop and down and been told understanding tools. that I need to get a “I had already done Certificate II to really a Certificate I course get a fair shot. So, I here at MTA Institute decided to jump into and really wanted this course and give to come back and myself a chance. And do the Cert II. And it it is a great course has really confirmed and really good that automotive is preparation. It gives something I want you the confidence to do.” that you know the basics when going for Ashleigh too, is something of a car nut. an apprenticeship.”

The mother of three owns a number of cars That preparation and confidence is – including a 1971 VW Beetle - and has exactly what the course is designed to worked as a car detailer. Her true passion, provide said Mr Kulpa. however, is fixing cars.

“We introduced the vocational “I’ve tinkered around with cars my whole preparation course because employers life and come from a big car family - lots of were asking us if there were any good brothers!” she said. “I’m actually rebuilding calibre candidates who were looking for the engine on my Beetle at the moment, work,” he said. “The course helps us find doing a generator to alternator conversion those candidates, helps us develop and and also working on the clutch and a encourage them. And trainees who show gasket. It should be back together soon. the right attitude will have assistance “As a mother of three I have been in finding work experience that will, ‘mumming’ for a while, but I am now hopefully, lead to a job and a career in the working to get back into what I really want automotive industry. to do,” she added. “I’ve been looking for an “Assisting industry and those looking to get apprenticeship for a long time but have into the automotive trades is what we do.”

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TRAINING WITH THE MTA INSTITUTE? • Trainers with extensive automotive industry experience • On-site one-on-one workplace training • Flexible employer arrangements • State-of-the-art training facility • Online learning capability • Free wi-fi at our training facility • Strong connections to government agencies and industry stakeholders • Unique student opportunities - Pathway to motorsports - Apprentice of the Month and Year Awards - Overseas scholarship opportunities - Links to employers that are members of MTA Queensland - Access to jobs board - Graduation ceremonies THE MTA INSTITUTE offers a full suite of nationally accredited automotive apprenticeships and traineeships in the fields of Light Vehicle, Heavy Vehicle, Motorcycle, Mobile Plant, Automotive Body Repair, Refinishing and more.

ENQUIRE: TRAINING@MTAI.EDU.AU 07 3237 8777 | WWW.MTAI.EDU.AU

RTO No: 31529

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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.

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ARK BERRY IS the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for April.

The 28-year-old second-year light vehicle apprentice works for Andrew Paterson at Countrywide Suzuki Spares & Repairs and has impressed with his commitment to and passion for the trade.

“Mark is making a consistently good effort with all his assignments," said Andrew Bellars, Mark’s trainer. "He has a genuine passion for the work and he has the ability to contribute in the automotive industry at the highest level.”

Something of a latecomer to the industry, Mark says that it took time for him find his way to the automotive profession.

“I finished school and worked in shops to fund my part-time engineering/business degree,” he says. “After a few years of study, I realised that although I enjoyed the theory and principles of engineering,

I was more excited by physically working on machinery, putting concepts and ideas into practical everyday use. I decided to follow this passion, finding casual work with a marine mechanic while searching for an adult apprenticeship in the light automotive field. After six months of applying to every ad I saw, I received a call from Andrew at Countrywide Suzuki and have worked here ever since.”

Countrywide Suzuki offers a range of services – the business is a wrecking yard as well as a servicing and paint and panel shop - meaning that along with his training, Mark experiences a wide range of work.

“An average week might consist of a customer engine or gearbox swap, wrecking out cars for saleable parts, fixing our own sale cars, sourcing customer spares and preparing items for freight,” he says. “And I’m enjoying the large amount of practical work compared to the small amount of theory involved in completing each training module. I like knowing not only how but why a part works.”

As an Apprentice of the Month CLICK TO VISIT winner, Mark moves forward as a COUNTRYWIDE SUZUKI finalist for the Apprentice of the Year award that will be presented at the MTA Queensland Annual Industry Dinner on 10 November.

E S S E N T I A L S

APPRENTICE: MARK BERRY WORKPLACE: COUNTRYWIDE SUZUKI SPARES & REPAIRS APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE

M E M B E R S

Apprentice of the Month: May

NOMINATE FOR THE MTA INSTITUTE APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH AWARD • Are you employing an apprentice who is excelling in the workplace?

• Do you have a high-achieving apprentice colleague?

• Are they training with MTA Institute?

If the answer is 'yes', then nominate them for the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month award.

CLICK FOR MORE INFO June 2018 Motor Trader | 89

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)

COOPERATIVE CARS ONE STEP CLOSER IN QUEENSLAND

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HE MOTOR TRADES Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) has recently been working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to contribute towards an integral part of the Queensland Government’s Cooperative and Automated Vehicle Initiative (CAVI).

The Initiative, which is currently Australia’s largest on-road testing trial of cooperative vehicles and infrastructure, will involve around 500 private and fleet

“WE ARE REALLY EXCITED

TO BE WORKING IN THESE EARLY STAGES WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS IN THE RETRO-FITTING OF THESE VEHICLES.” 90 | Motor Trader June 2018

vehicles retrofitted with C-ITS devices that enable vehicles to ‘talk’ to vehicles, infrastructure, road operations systems and cloud based data sharing systems.

The large-scale, 3.5 year project is currently in the design and equipmenttesting phase, with the nine-month on-road trial to be staged in Ipswich, Queensland in 2019.

The MTA Queensland is thrilled to be involved in the initial retro-fitting of four vehicles, utilising the Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence at Eight Mile Plains; the headquarters of the MTA Institute. The vehicles will be adapted to include vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication and will be tested in Ipswich over the coming months.

“The MTA Institute advocates the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest technology and training resources

these early stages with the Department of Transport and Main Roads in the retrofitting of these vehicles.

“After the initial fit-out of the four vehicles, the project will expand to the remaining vehicles, which may provide a OVER THE NEXT DECADE, great opportunity to businesses that are members of MTA Queensland, which is VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE AND VEHICLE-TO-INFRASTRUCTURE affiliated with the MTA Institute. The cars will then be deployed onto public roads in CONNECTIVITY WILL ENABLE a trial running from 2019.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF “Over the next decade, vehicle-to-vehicle A SMARTER AND MORE and vehicle-to-infrastructure connectivity PRODUCTIVE TRANSPORT will enable the development of a smarter SYSTEM IN AUSTRALIA AND and more productive transport system in Australia and worldwide,” he added.

WORLDWIDES. “This will make it safer and easier for people to move around, Marcello Riotto, Operations Manager as well as boost productivity for of Training, MTA Institute business and industry.

“We acknowledge the leading role that the Queensland Government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads is playing on this hugely important project, and look forward to seeing how cooperative vehicles can make our roads safer for all users.” to skill the future automotive workforce, so we are a perfect fit to undertake this project," said Marcello Riotto, Operations Manager of Training.

“We are really excited to be working in

“

”

June 2018 Motor Trader | 91

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

Briohny de Vere and Andrew Janes, owners of Accelerate Auto Electrics & Air Conditioning, with the Small Business Champion Award. The couple received the accolade in the Automotive Serrvices category.

GROWTH ON THE CARDS AS INNOVATIVE AUTOELECTRICAL BUSINESS SCOOPS NATIONAL AWARD

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UNSHINE COAST BUSINESS Accelerate Auto Electrics & Air Conditioning has been named Champion Automotive Services at the Australian Small Business Champion Awards.

The awards, presented by Precedent Productions, are open to eligible small businesses from around Australia and are designed to ‘highlight Australia’s most outstanding small businesses’ while seeking ‘to recognise the hard work that business owners contribute to the local community in generating employment for millions of Australians, as well as their

92 | Motor Trader June 2018

contribution to the Australian economy’.

Presented with the award at a ceremony at The Star hotel and casino in Sydney at the end of April, Andrew Janes and Briohny de Vere, owners of Accelerate Auto Electrics & Air Conditioning, said that getting to the glamorous evening showcase was a bit of a last-minute sprint and they were thrilled to take the top spot from the 13 finalists in their category.

“We were at a show in Nambour that morning and had to get someone to look after our two young children, so it wasn’t until we finally got on the plane that we thought we should write a speech, just in

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

case,” said Briohny. “We were up against some very strong businesses, including one of our suppliers, so we thought we were just going for the show. We were totally shocked when Peter Overton called our name out and we had to go up on stage in front of 1100 people to accept the award.

“The award is a testament to our team and our hard work over the last 10 years. Having an 'Oscar'-like statue in our reception will definitely spark conversation and interest with customers."

The national Small Business Champion Award win follows hot on the heels of VIDEO: INTRODUCING ACCELERATE

Accelerate taking top spot in the 2017 Sunshine Coast Business Awards for Retail, and comes after a decade of growth and innovation that has made the company the largest Auto Electrical business on the Coast with a staff of 11, three mobile units, a retail showroom and a state-of-the-art workshop.

The company provides the full range of auto electrical services – from starter motors, alternators and batteries, to air conditioning, wiring faults and ECU diagnosis - and the brand has expanded to the 4WD, caravan and camping market with a range of 12V accessories available through the retail store located next to the workshop. Accelerate also has a contract with RACQ to provide and replace starter motors and alternators to association members via RACQ Car Electrics.

The business has come a long way from the one-man one-van outfit that started back in 2008 when Andrew and Briohny made the decision to move from the hustle and bustle of Brisbane.

June 2018 Motor Trader | 93

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

Both already had careers working within the automotive industry - Briohny as an accountant and Andrew, who is dualqualified as a light vehicle mechanic as well as an auto electrician, in various roles including as a mobile auto electrician and co-owner of a mechanical workshop.

The business-minded couple were quick to establish themselves on the Coast and after a couple of years of hard work, the mobile auto-electrical business they founded began to grow, firstly by taking on more technicians and expanding to a four-van business and then through the establishment of a workshop base in 2012 when they joined the Midas group as franchisees, running Accelerate from an adjacent shop.

Four years on, the couple would move on from Midas and set up in a large and well-appointed location from which the award-winning Accelerate would emerge.

So how did this small business come to be so successful, beating much larger businesses to the praise of its peers and capturing national accolades?

The answer lies in Andrew and Briohny’s commitment to combining good oldfashioned service and quality work with a forward-thinking attitude, the adoption of innovative technology, the embracing of the possibilities offered by social media

channels such as Facebook and YouTube, and an ambition to see their industry grow and advance.

It’s a combination that has enabled them to not only create a thoroughly modern, efficient and streamlined business that focuses on the customer, but also to secure an outstanding reputation that sees them on the cusp of realising a far-reaching ambition.

“Good service and turning up when we said we would turn up was, in the beginning, what got us going,” said Briohny. “Building a relationship and good rapport with customers is our main aim.

"Now, we also have an element of automation around quotes that really works. For example, let’s say we have an enquiry about a dual battery system. As soon as the customer contacts us, they go into our job system. We produce the quote for the customer, and once that is sent out, the job status changes to ‘quote sent’.

Those two tags – 'dual battery' and 'quote sent' – will then link with our automation software which texts the customer to let them know that a quote has been emailed to them. It also triggers an email to our sales manager who will call the customer the next day to see if they have any questions. It also triggers a further email asking what the customer thought of the quote while also allowing them to click a link to book in their vehicle should they VIDEO: DUAL BATTERIES

Creating informative videos has become a useful way for Andrew and Briohny to inform customers of the products and services Accelerate offers.

M E M B E R S

wish as well as view further information on the dual battery systems through an informative video.

“We have spent nearly two years creating YouTube content, and that content not only improves our ranking on Google but is also useful for marketing, and it allows us to inform the customer, if they are sitting on the fence, about what options they have.”

The use of technology within Accelerate goes beyond engaging with customers and keeping them updated and informed of their enquiry. In the workshop, and in administration, technology is making a difference too. Technicians use phonebased app software for all communication, including recording job cards, invoices, notes and instructions, and every invoice and piece of paperwork generated by suppliers is scanned and logged digitally. It makes for an essentially paperless business.

The effect of this technology is that Accelerate runs smoothly and efficiently, powered by systems that can be duplicated and which can, with a little training, be transferred to be the foundation of a new business. And it is here that Andrew and Briohny have ambitious goals for Accelerate.

As part of their future planning, the couple are looking at franchising - utilising

the systems they have created and packaging them for those with the skill and the will to run their own business.

Interestingly, the move to franchising is not just about making money for Andrew and Briohny - it is also about making the auto electrical industry more professional and more organised - traits that, Andrew said, have sometimes been lacking.

“There are a lot of guys who want to get out of the mines, for example, get back to their families and earn $100k. But they can’t do that, so they end up jumping in a van and then it all goes sideways for them. So many guys make a mess of it,” he said. “And that is because they just don’t understand that fixing a car is only 10 per cent of the job. 90 per cent is keeping the current customer happy and the next customer happy before you even get to them.

“I want to be able to give them that capability. I want to find the technician who wants his own business and then show them our process, show them how to do it, and then let them run with it.

“We are ready to go,” he added.

“All our systems are online, and INTERESTED IN FINDING we even have a business coach OUT MORE? CLICK HERE waiting in the wings to help new franchisees. The support is there, and we are ready.”

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Exceptional service has led Accelerate to grow from a one-man one-van operation to now include a staff of 11 and a plan to franchise the business.

CARS &

C O F F E E

CARS AND COFFEE GOES BACK TO THE FUTURE

T

HE LAST SUNDAY of the month is becoming a pretty special day at MTA Queensland’s head office as the Association’s Cars & Coffee gatherings continue to prove popular with owners and fans of classic and exotic vehicles.

The third edition of the event took place on the morning of May 27 and, as usual, a cracking collection of vehicles was on show.

These included a rather special guest – a tasty DeLorean DMC-12.

Already famous – or infamous, depending on your take of the vehicle’s

96 | Motor Trader June 2018

THE DELOREAN BECAME A FOUR-WHEEL SUPERSTAR AFTER ITS APPEARANCE AS THE TIME-TRAVELLING (AND ULTIMATELY FLYING) CAR OF MARTY MCFLY’S DREAMS IN THE 1987 HIT MOVIE BACK TO THE FUTURE.” development history – the DeLorean became a four-wheel superstar after its appearance as the time-travelling (and

June 2018 Motor Trader | 97

CARS &

C O F F E E

98 | Motor Trader June 2018

ultimately flying) car of Marty McFly’s dreams in the 1987 hit movie Back To The Future.

Hanging around at Cars & Coffee just long enough for fans to get a few pictures, the DMC-12 joined other fabulous vehicles – a ’67 Camaro Convertible, a ’57 Bel Air Coupe, a ’73 Torana Coupe and a ’68 Chevy C10 Pick-Up amongst them – in classic car line-up. We hope it’ll reappear next month when we can check if it has a not-quitestandard flux capacitor installed!

Join us on June 24, between 7:30am and 9:30am, for the next MTA Queensland Cars & Coffee event.

JOIN US ON JUNE 24, BETWEEN 7:30AM AND 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!

June 2018 Motor Trader | 99

Right training.

Right place.

Right way.

RTO No: 31529

MTA INSTITUTE

COURSES MIG WELDING FUNDAMENTALS COURSE 21 August 2018, 8:30am - 12:30pm 20 November 2018, 8:30am - 12:30pm 12 February 2019, 8:30am - 12:30pm 14 May 2019, 8:30am - 12:30pm Click for more information.

HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE COURSE

SKILL SET TRAINING (2 DAY) 24 - 25 July 2018 30 - 31 October 2018 5 - 6 February 2019 7 - 8 May 2019 Click for more information.

AIR CONDITIONING COURSE

SKILL SET TRAINING (2 DAY)

COMMON RAIL DIESEL INJECTION COURSE

26 - 27 July 2018 24 - 25 October 2018 27 - 28 Febraury 2019 1 - 2 May 2019 Click for more information.

INTRODUCTORY

GAP TRAINING (3 DAY)

SALES/DEALER LICENCING COURSE

CERT IV AND DIPLOMA OF LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

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24 July 2018, 6pm - 9pm 27 November 2018, 6pm - 9pm 12 February 2019, 6pm - 9pm 14 May 2019, 6pm - 9pm Click for more information.

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3 - 5 September 2018 12 - 14 November 2018 20 - 22 March 2019 12 - 14 June 2019 Click for more information.

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All Courses are held at the MTA Institute

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Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Enquiries to: courses@mtai.edu.au Website www.mtai.edu.au

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MANAGER

PAYROLL RECORD KEEPING AND PAY SLIP OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE FAIR WORK ACT The Fair Work Act sets out the information that an employer must maintain in his pay records as well as the details of what must appear on an employee's pay slip. Pay records must be in English; retained for seven years; must not be altered except for correction of an error and be readily accessible to a Fair Work inspector.

PAV RECORDS MUST SHOW, FOR EACH EMPLOYEE: • The name of the employer and the employee • The date of commencement of employment • Whether the employee is engaged as a permanent, part-time or casual • The rate of pay, including the gross and nett amounts and any deductions • Any allowances, penalties, loadings, bonuses or commissions paid • Leave taken and accrued - includes annual leave, sick leave, compassionate leave and long service leave • The amount of superannuation contributions made, the date on which each contribution is made, the period over which the contributions were made, the name of the superannuation fund and details in relation to choice of fund.

(Employees are entitled to nominate which super fund they want the contributions to be paid into.)

PAY SLIPS MUST SHOW: • The employer's name • The ABN of the employer • The employee's name • The employee's classification (including whether full-time, part-time or casual) under the award • The basis on which the employee's rate of pay is determined • The date of the payment to which the pay slip relates • The period to which that pay slip relates • The ordinary hours rate and number of hours in that period • The number of hours worked overtime and the amount paid for the overtime worked • The gross and net amount of the payment • Any loadings, allowances, bonuses or penalty rates paid under the award - such as tool allowance, first aid allowance, commissions etc.

• Any deductions made from the employee's pay • Superannuation details including the name of the fund and the amount CLICK FOR contributed during that pay period MORE ON INDUSTRIAL Pay slips must be issued to each RELATIONS employee within one working day of payday in electronic form or hard copy even if an employee is on leave.

June 2018 Motor Trader | 101

E S S E N T I A L S

TED KOWALSKI

• If a penalty rate or loading must be paid for overtime hours worked, the number of overtime hours worked or when the employee started and ceased working overtime hours.

• If the employee has agreed to an averaging of hours, a copy of the written agreement • If an employee's employment has been terminated; - The name of the person who terminated the employment - The reason for the termination - How the termination took place ie., was it by consent, by notice, summarily or in some other manner • If the employee is a casual or irregular part-time employee who has a guaranteed rate of pay, the record relating to the employee must include a record of the hours worked by the employee.

M E M B E R S

Industrial relations

Concept corner

MERCEDE S -M AYB AC H C ONCE 102 | Motor Trader June 2018

Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury Concept

EP T | A V ISION OF L UXURY June 2018 Motor Trader | 103

Concept corner

Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury Concept Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury Concept

T

HIS IS THE Vision MercedesMaybach Ultimate Luxury – a crossover concept based on an exclusive high-end sedan and an SUV that was revealed at this year’s Auto China show in Beijing.

Conceived as an electric vehicle the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury offers fully variable all-wheel drive via four compact permanent-magnet synchronous motors. The output from the powertrain is 750 hp (550 kW) and the flat underfloor battery has a usable capacity of around 80 kWh, producing a range of 500kms. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

A fast-charging function means that in just five minutes, enough power can be charged to achieve an additional range of around 100kms.

The battery can be charged by cable at public charging stations, conventional domestic socket outlets or by induction where the charging current is contactlessly transmitted by an

104 | Motor Trader June 2018

VIDEO: VISION MERCEDES-MAYBACH ULTIMATE LUXURY

electromagnetic field below the car.

As you’d expect from a MercedesMaybach, and indeed anything named ‘Ultimate Luxury’ – there’s plenty of, well, luxury on hand for the discerning owner.

Seats are crystal white Nappa leather enhanced by diamond stitching in rose gold and the wide centre console extends through to the rear where it is equipped with an integral, heated tray with teapot and cups – a handmade service of finest china which can be electrically retracted

into the console under a sliding cover finished in high-gloss black.

As the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is intended primarily for chauffeur-driven use, its design is strongly focused on the rear passengers, so the driver's area and cockpit are reduced to the essentials with a free-standing Widescreen Cockpit with double 12.3-inch display.

There is a combination of touchscreen, touchpad on the centre console and Touch Control Buttons on the steering wheel

along with voice control.

"The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is a totally new archetype of a kind never seen before," says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG. "Our concept combines the DNA of an SUV with that of a sedan to produce an ultramodern SUV of three-box design. With sensual and pure sophistication, we have created a timeless vehicle that underscores the position of Mercedes-Maybach as the ultimate luxury brand."

June 2018 Motor Trader | 105

Investment matters

MARKET WRAP

G

EOPOLITICAL EVENTS WERE in the spotlight during the month, with the meeting of North and South Korean leaders signalling the potential for de-risking tensions between the US and North Korea. US earnings season started with good results from Facebook and Amazon supporting technology stocks. Domestically, the Royal Commission dominated headlines exposing more issues into misconduct and irresponsible lending by the banks.

Despite this, the banking sector closed flat for the month and the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index closed up 3.91%.

Bond yields remain high as inflation pressures continue to build. Quantitative easing continues to unravel and this has consequences for a range of markets.

Wages in the US continue to climb and our discussions with US companies consistently highlight this as a pressure for them. This comes as no surprise, given that the US is back to full employment. A key driver of this move, and one which supports further inflationary pressure, is the change in political policy priorities. Increasingly, we are seeing either Keynesian-style inflationary policies that promote infrastructure spending and tax cuts, or policies that focus on redistribution of wealth via higher minimum wages and taxing of the rich. Protectionist policies have also gathered momentum.

The Australian economy is somewhat 106 | Motor Trader June 2018

THE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY IS SOMEWHAT WEAKER THAN THE REST OF THE GLOBE, DESPITE A RECOVERY IN INFRASTRUCTURE AND MINING ACTIVITY. weaker than the rest of the globe, despite a recovery in infrastructure and mining activity. The impact of the Royal Commission is a slowdown in lending from the banks and this is coinciding with a peak in housing markets in Sydney and Melbourne. Banks are also rolling investors from interest-only mortgages, to principal plus interest, which places a burden on consumers.

We struggle to see the RBA lifting rates during this period of uncertainty and consequently the interest rate differential with the US will continue to open. This is causing some downward pressure on the Australian dollar.

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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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).