Motor Trader e-magazine March 2019

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From the Editor Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of 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 EDITOR Jonathan Nash ART DIRECTOR Marco Ilinic INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Ted Kowalski Evangeline Kannis

JONATHAN NASH EDITOR

H

POLICY Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland

ELLO AND WELCOME to the March 2019 edition of Motor Trader.

There has been a big bundle of development and innovation news in the industry across the globe in the past few weeks, including the entrance of online behemoth Amazon onto the automotive development scene. The company has reportedly invested in U.S. electric pick-up truck and SUV maker Rivian, and it now feels like just about everybody has clambered on the electric vehicle/autonomous vehicle bandwagon - from traditional carmakers to tech companies, from start-ups to vacuum cleaner firms (you may recall that Dyson is busy beavering away on development of an electric car).

Amazon stomping over the horizon with its bulging

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M: 0419 107 143 Email: advertising@mtaq.com.au

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Click here to subscribe MOTOR TRADER PUBLISHING POLICY

Motor Trader is the official publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland. The role of Motor Trader is to inform members of current issues and legislation affecting the industry. As such it can be regarded as the business magazine for the Queensland motor industry. The role of Motor Trader is not to be in competition with the technical magazines already on the market. It will advise of new vehicles being released and of the latest technology incorporated into them; it will advise of latest technology affecting members in each of the MTA Queensland Divisions; it will keep members abreast of the latest in motor industry training and industrial affairs; and it will keep members informed of the latest technical aids available through MTA Queensland Member Services, which will assist members in staying ahead of the technological revolution presently being encountered within the motor industry. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material.

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wallet in tow only adds to the evidence that EVs will become the transportation mode of choice within a few short years.

The Amazon news was just part of a flurry of activity that has occurred since the beginning of the year on the innovation/ technology side of the auto industry, and we look at some of these in our cover feature this month, which starts on page 18.

The timing of these events comes just as MTA Queensland is about to launch the third edition of its Carmageddon conference, bringing together experts from across technological, educational and industry disciplines to discuss the future direction of the auto industry. The one-day conference, to be held on March 21, was booked out weeks in advance and will give us all a glimpse of where we are headed.

We'll report on all things Carmageddon in the April edition of Motor Trader.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this month's edition. And remember, if you have any news you'd like to share, then please contact me.

Cheers!

Jonathan Nash, Editor jonathann@mtaq.com.au

20190761

MTA QUEENSLAND WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS Business Name

Principal/s

Address

Email

Division

BP Canungra

Michael Covino

46-50 Christie Street CANUNGRA, QLD 4275

bpcanungra@bigpond.com

SSCSAQ

Greco’s Auto Electrics

Mark John Greco

LOT 537 Bruce Highway SILKWOOD, QLD 4856

mjgreco@gmail.com

AED

Logan City Council

Graham Peall

181 Chambers Flat Road, MARSDEN, QLD 4132

grahampeall@logan.qld.gov.au

AED

Pickering Luxury Garage Sampson Automotive

Peter Lynton Shannon Sampson

5 Splendelove Avenue SOUTHPORT, QLD 4215 3/15 Landy Street Northgate, QLD 4013

creditors@scag.com sampsonautomotive@outlook.com

ARD AED

March 2019 Motor Trader | 1

Contents

18 04 08 12 18

FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO POLICY/VIEWPOINT MTA |Q&A FOCUS ON THE FUTURE: CARMAGEDDON RETURNS TO MTA QUEENSLAND AS THE AUTO INDUSTRY TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION CONTINUES 24 AN EYE ON INNOVATION 26 AUTO INNOVATION NEWS 46 MEMBERS CLASSIC 52 CARS & COFFEE 56 AUTO NEWS 63 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS 67 TRAINING GM'S PROFESSIONAL CIRCLE PERSPECTIVE 75 APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH 80 PLUGGED IN 84 CONCEPT CORNER 88 MARKET WRAP 2 | Motor Trader March 2019

70

Search for MTA Queensland

46

32

12

82 March 2019 Motor Trader | 3

From the Desk of the CEO STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-20

BRETT DALE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND

T

HE MIGHT AND extent of the recent spate of natural disasters cast technological advancement and artificial intelligence into a shadow. These may help with initial preparation and the aftermath of such events but will not stop huge rainfall, nor make it rain on droughted country or cease cyclonic winds.

Throughout the devasting experiences endured by many Queenslanders, human resilience and community spirit was evident. Governments, corporate Australia and the general population have been generous donors to enable the great rebuild of suburbs, communities, infrastructure, services and industry.

The MTA Queensland has members directly or indirectly impacted by the natural disasters - whether it by flood, drought, bushfires, supercell storms or cyclones. In relation the Townsville flooding area and in the North West, our staff spoke with members to inquire about their wellbeing in a personal and business sense. There was a mixed response ranging from limited to severe impacts. To help with the rebuild, our websites detail the government grants and programs available. These are important, as is our help and thoughts for all in the mammoth recovery process.

4 | Motor Trader March 2019

At all times, our members are our ‘priority’. At the third quarterly meeting of the financial year, the focus was on the Strategic Plan and its interrelation with the membership. In all, seven strategies form the Strategic Plan. Each is underpinned by actions and associated measures that ensure transparency and accountability for the delivery of each action. The prime strategy has the membership as the ‘key priority’ – Service Excellence. I share with members three key actions for this strategy we will be pursuing across the year. These include: demonstrating a culture that recognises members and clients as the core of the organisation; through effective consultation, understand the drivers of industry and influence policy that supports our members’ businesses; and deliver purposeful and on-going engagement.

One action measure is survey evidence and industry feedback. Currently, this is in the form of the Group Report Card (GRC). All corporate office’s practices and process are tabulated and presented in the GRC to the MTA Queensland Board at each quarterly meeting and posted on the website.

Accompanying strategies that form the Strategic Plan are: corporate social responsibility; creativity and innovation; business excellence; expand our profile; workforce and skilling solutions; and grow and diversify. Each strategy is underpinned by the actions to be pursued and the measures of their delivery and the expected outcomes.

The second strategic goal - corporate social responsibility - is embedded in our administrative and business operations.

We must constantly be alert to processes and practices that have economic, social and environmental implications. Actions

“AT ALL TIMES, OUR MEMBERS ARE OUR ‘PRIORITY’. AT THE THIRD QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR, THE FOCUS WAS ON THE STRATEGIC PLAN AND ITS INTERRELATION WITH THE MEMBERSHIP”

that underpin this strategy are diverse and include: establish a green team; minimise unnecessary travel; business decisions are underpinned by environmental, social and economic sustainability; create opportunities for women in automotive and for disadvantaged young adults.

A new action under the corporate and social responsibility strategy, and one that the MTA Queensland Board is keen to pursue, is the ‘provision of scholarships for tradespersons to become trainers for industry’. The proposed scholarships will be uniquely aligned to the MTA Queensland and builds on the MTA Institute’s (MTAI) awards.

These scholarships are timely due to the significant technological transformations occurring across all facets of the automotive value chain and at a time when, within the vocational educational sector, there is a lack of definition about the prerequisites for prospective students to succeed in the automotive vocation.

OPERATING WITHIN THE MTA QUEENSLAND RULES The bedrock of the Association is the MTA Queensland constitution, registered under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 (ROC Act). It is essential to comply with both our Rules and the ROC Act. The MTA Queensland

Board spent some time on what may be referred to as ‘housekeeping’ matters or, in other words, succession planning.

This involved the applications pending for the 2019 MTA Queensland elections: Elections Committee; Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary for divisions of Automotive Remarketing; Engine Re-Conditioners Association; Service Station and Convenience Store Association; Rental Vehicle Industry; and Auto Party Recyclers; Far North Queensland and Central Queensland representatives and for the Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary of the MTA Queensland Board.

CARMAGEDDON3 Carmageddon3 ‘New World Mobility’ - the prime forum to promote understanding of the emerging technologies transforming mobility at the Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence on Thursday 21 March - has been oversubscribed. Initially, 100 places were available, but the interest was such that the sitting arrangements were reconfigured for 150 places. If you’ve registered for this free forum and are unable to attend, please let our staff know as there is a waiting list! Details of the forum, including the distinguished guest presenters, are on the MTA Queensland website. As said in a previous From the Desk of the CEO, the forum will be opened by the Federal Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Hon Karen Andrews.

Of much interest at Caramageddon3 will be the electric and other powered motor vehicles exhibition located in our Innovation Hub. The ACE EV Group, which won the MTA Queensland 2018 Innovation Award, will have its commercial ACE Cargo on display. The best part is that the ACE Cargo is an Australian built electric March 2019 Motor Trader | 5

From the desk of the CEO commercial vehicle and the model is assembled in our (the MTA Queensland) workshop! ACE Cargo will be launched nationally on 2nd April at the Sydney International Convention centre.

COLLABORATIONS MTA Queensland has developed the reputation for collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders that includes interstate Motor Trade Associations (MTAs), federal and state departments and agencies, industry organisations and universities. This is done directly through one-on-one consultations or indirectly through electronic communications and submissions. Invitations to speak at national and state industry automotive events and meeting engagements to discuss automotive chain issues are indicative of successful engagement on motor trades matters. In the near future, there will be discussions with interstate MTAs on closer collaboration.

THE DIARY At the end of month (27-28th March) is the 9th Annual Australian HealthCare Week to which I’ve been invited to be a participant on an expert panel.

The purpose is to discuss the role of autonomous vehicles (AV) for the health care sector with health professionals and academics. As a precursor to the conference, I was asked to respond in writing to a range of questions relevant to the application of AV to health care.

WorkCover Queensland has invited the Association as a stakeholder to a presentation and discussion on its 2018-22 Corporate Plan - to make ‘a difference to people’s lives through partnerships’. I attended a similar event last year and look forward to hearing progress on the plan and to participate in the discussion.

6 | Motor Trader March 2019

MTAA Superannuation (MTAA Super) is one of our Corporate Partners and the donor of the $2,000 MTA Institute Apprentice of the Year Award. Recently, MTAA Super media interviewed me on a wide range of automotive and training issues for one of its future feature publications.

Last year, the MTA Queensland was a partner in the Myriad Festival with its popular Garage which had on display the Micro-olli and the Flying Car framework.

For 2019, an innovation and technology event named QODE has replaced the Myriad Festival. MTA Queensland is not an official partner in this event due to our earlier undertaking for Carmageddon 3 as the leading innovation and technology forum for the automotive value chain.

However, we will have presence at QODE and I am to take part in a discussion, along with a group of respected experts, on 'next generation transportation'. It should be very enlightening.

AND THE LAST THING Just a little scoop. The MTA Institute Board of Directors Chairman Ian Lawrence has advised that he will retire in the near future. Since commencing the role in August 2014, he has given valued service and strong leadership ensuring that the MTA Institute remained the largest private provider of automotive apprenticeship and training in Queensland. The Board has developed a succession plan that will be executed in the coming months . . . watch this space.

Until next month, as Henry Ford, the industrialist and the founder of the Ford motor company said, ‘execute ideas with enthusiasm . . . as it is the bottom of all progress’.

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Policy/Viewpoint “WHILE OUR HEARTS GO

OUT TO ALL WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED VARIOUS FORMS OF RUIN FROM THE FLOODING EVENTS, OUR MEMBERS HAVE BEEN IN OUR MINDS AS THEY GO INTO RECOVERY MODE.” KELLIE DEWAR DEPUTY GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES

N

ATURAL DISASTERS DON’T discriminate. A recent report reveals that the State disaster bill is in the vicinity of $30 billion. Over this summer, Queenslanders have endured supercells, hail storms, drought, bushfires and floods. For our members, in various ways these have impacted their welfare and business operations. Currently, some of our members are emerging from the aftermath of the devasting floods at Townsville and nearby localities and in the north-west.

While our hearts go out to all who have experienced various forms of ruin from the flooding events, our members have been in our minds as they go into recovery mode. To check on their welfare and business operations, our Industrial Manager Ted Kowalski and Industrial Relations Officer Evangeline Kannis spoke with members in affected areas.

Each had a story to tell.

Some had negligible to minor impacts whilst others experienced severe damage either to their homes, businesses or both. Whilst community, corporate and public support is necessary and helpful, government grants and restoration programs are essential for the rebuild. To

8 | Motor Trader March 2019

help members, our Industry Bulletins have drawn attention to the various government programs to assist with the recovery and these are iterated on the website under ‘Industry News”.

ADVOCACY Advocacy responsibilities are spread across both state and federal jurisdictions and agencies that reference issues to the automotive value chain. As I look back over some 15 years of advocacy, it is clear we have a sound track record of enunciating, either in submissions or directly in for a, the views of membership on issues of concern and reform measures.

What is important is the views expressed have contributed to a collective position that have been mirrored in legislation or regulations that ultimately benefit our members. For this reason alone, the advantages of MTA Queensland membership are significant.

One of the matters I’m working on now is the consultation paper Mandatory Scheme for the sharing of motor vehicle and repair information deriving from the Consumer and Corporations Policy Division of the Australian Treasury. For the Australian Automotive Dealers Association (AADA) (new car dealers) and Automotive Engineers Division (AED) (mechanical repairers) this is an issue in which they have had long-term interest and engagement

arising from previous consultations. Group Chief Executive Officer Brett Dale and I have liaised with AADA and AED members to ensure their views are reflected in our submission. The submission is due for lodgment on 11th March and will be on the website for members’ perusal.

It is clear from our soundings that AADA and AED members continue to support the statutory mandated regulatory framework for the effective transfer of vehicle repair and maintenance information from Original Equipment Makers to independent repairers on fair commercial terms. This was the October 2017 position expressed in a supplementary submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Competition arising from its the New Car Retailing Industry - a market study draft report.

As intimated in last month’s Viewpoint, we responded to the Queensland Transport and Public Works Parliament Committee’s invitation for views relating to Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (the Bill). These included the Fair Trading Act (FT)and the Motor Dealers and Chattel Auctioneers Act 2014 (MDCA Act). As a consequence, Automotive Remarketing Division (ARD) Chairman Peter Dever

and I presented the views expressed in our submission at the Parliamentary Committee’s Hearings on the Bill.

We were keen to pursue issues raised in our submission with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) at our recent scheduled meeting with OFT officers.

The first was the need for regulatory measures that raise the standard of the competencies required to hold a motor dealer’s licence or to comply with the requirements for registration as a motor dealer salesperson. The second was that a mandatory prerequisite for applicants seeking a motor dealer’s licence be to complete a traineeship/internship to be served as a registered salesperson under the supervision of a licensed motor dealer to develop competencies in all aspects of motor vehicle trading. The ARD will continue to work on both policy issues in the interests of their members.

We’ve signed off on our submission to the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) in respect of its Review of the Limits to Apply to Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance. This related to the dynamics of factors that should be considered in making determinations relevant to the Commission’s setting of insurance premium floors and ceilings across the 24 classes of vehicles comprising Queensland’s motor vehicle fleet. MTA Queensland, whilst recognising the MAIC has a statutory duty to maintain prudential standards, consideration should be given to the headwinds in the form of drought, storms, bushfires, flood, economic indicators and living costs impacting household budgets. It is on the website for members to consider.

Upcoming is a submission to Jobs Queensland ‘on what the future of work will look like over the next decade and March 2019 Motor Trader | 9

Policy/Viewpoint beyond to inform its Future of Work project.’ The MTA Institute General Manager Paul Kulpa will have significant input into this document.

DIVISIONAL NEWS The MTA Queensland Board recently met for its first quarterly meeting at which Divisional Chairs, overall, expressed a sentiment of confidence for their sectors.

An exception was the Queensland Farm and Industrial Machinery Division which reported that ‘agricultural farm machinery dealerships in Queensland were experiencing their toughest period in history.’

For the Automotive Remarketing Division (ARD), the most significant ongoing issue facing the sector was the Takata air bag recall. The continued expansion of the makes and models affected by the recall by the manufacturers meant most members were impacted in some way with vehicles in stock requiring air bag replacement prior to resale to the public.

Congratulations are due to the ARD for its advocacy in achieving some success with dealer-to-dealer transactions. We are continuing to pursue better access to the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ form to allow dealers to dispose of vehicle registrations to other dealers. A form is available, but not electronically and in small quantities. This change will curtail the number of toll notices and other infringements being incorrectly billed for vehicles that have been sold.

The Service Station and Convenience Store Association (SS&CSA) of Queensland reported the mandatory fuel price reporting process commenced on 1 December 2018 had been implemented smoothly. No members had experienced significant problems once the initial setup was finalised. The SS&CSA had engaged in extensive consultations with the Energy 10 | Motor Trader March 2019

“THE MTA QUEENSLAND

BOARD RECENTLY MET FOR ITS FIRST QUARTERLY MEETING AT WHICH DIVISIONAL CHAIRS, OVERALL, EXPRESSED A SENTIMENT OF CONFIDENCE FOR THEIR SECTORS.” Division of the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy on the introduction of the scheme.

Overall, the reports revealed that Divisions were proactive addressing the challenges that are confronting their sectors. For example, the Rental Vehicle Industry Division initiated discussions with other industry organisations that represent the rental and finance industries to ascertain the value of information sharing.

FINALLY Our recent Lunch and Learn workshop was presented by an Officer from the ATO here at MTA Queensland. The Lunch and Learn initiative was designed to educate and support members with relevant key business topics and, in 2019, we hope to transform the concept into webinars to allow our members across the state to access the content anywhere and anytime.

This Lunch and Learn followed our successful 2018 workshops covering social media for automotive businesses.

The ATO session covered practical and current tax topics including independent reviews, Single Touch Payrolls, Instant asset write off, Cash Flow Coaching Kit and Concessions and deductions. You can access a summary of the workshop in the Member Portal HERE. Until next month, take care and stay safe.

Small change.

Big future.

Matthew Webster (46) has a long way to go before he hangs up his hat, but he can already picture his retirement.

He plans to travel around Australia in a caravan with his wife — once he convinces her that it will be fun!

Matt has spent his career in the motor trades and is well on his way to making sure he has enough super to see the country in comfort.

He joined MTAA Super as an apprentice in 1989 and now works in an automotive training role in NSW. “I’m really happy I’ve been with MTAA Super. It’s the industry super fund for my trade and has been supporting careers in the automotive industry for over 25 years.”

“I’m still a long way off retirement, but I do think about what I will do when I stop working and how I will support myself and my family.”

Matt, like many Australians, is not alone in his concern. Thanks to changing work patterns and increased life expectancy, many of us will spend close to a quarter of our lives as retirees.

For some, the age pension alone or relying solely on your employer’s super contributions may not be enough.

Leeanne Turner, CEO of MTAA Super, says it’s important that workers do what they can to help grow their super throughout their working lives.

“Too many workers are hands-off with their super. Retirement can feel like a lifetime away, so it’s easy to put super on the back burner. But there are a lot of ways you can actively grow your super now.”

She says one of the easiest and most effective ways is to make regular extra contributions.

“Small amounts can go a long way.

Putting as little as an extra $10 per week into your super can add up to thousands over a 30+ year career.”

“This is because of the compounding nature of superannuation. With super, you don’t just grow your employer and voluntary contributions, you also grow the investment returns on these contributions. Every dollar you add to your super account boosts your super’s earning capacity.”

Ms Turner also adds that making extra contributions is easy.

“It’s simple. Just ask your employer to set up a regular (pre-tax) salary sacrifice into your super, or make direct (after-tax) deposits into your super whenever you can afford to put a little aside.”

Give your super a boost!

For ways to give your super a boost while you’re still working visit mtaasuper.com.au/ extra-contributions

1300 362 415 mtaasuper.com.au

This article is issued by Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238 718) of Level 3, 39 Brisbane Avenue Barton ACT 2600, Trustee of the MTAA Superannuation Fund (ABN 74 559 365 913). Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited has ownership interests in Industry Super Holdings Pty Ltd and Members Equity Bank Limited. The information provided is of a general nature and does not take into account your specific needs or personal situation. You should assess your financial position and personal objectives before making any decision based on this information. We also recommend that you seek advice from a licensed financial adviser. The MTAA Super Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), an important document containing all the information you need to make a decision about MTAA Super, can be obtained by calling MTAA Super on 1300 362 415 or visiting mtaasuper.com.au/handbooks. You should consider the PDS in making a decision.

Maurie Pickering

MTA|Q&A It has been a busy 18 months for Maurie Pickering. The Gold Coast-based businessman has spent his career building a successful automotive enterprise that includes Mazda and Nissan dealerships as well as a national finance company, but he has stepped up his activities of late and recently established not only the Gold Coast’s first MG dealership but also Pickering Luxury Garage – a prestige used vehicle showroom that sells some of the world’s most luxurious and beautiful cars.

How did you come to establish Pickering Luxury Garage?

MP: Along with Peter Lynton, the Dealer

Principal of this site and our new MG dealership, we saw there were people who aspired to buy a prestige brand, had never quite been able to get there, but who 12 | Motor Trader March 2019

could buy a very good, late model, lowkilometre car.

We don’t want to compete for someone who is picking up a new $800,000 Ferrari or $400,000 Bentley. However, if you want to buy a $345,000 458 Ferrari that is four years old, has 50,000kms on the clock,

Pickering Luxury Garage in Southport on Queensland's Gold Coast

is well checked out, and has a four-year warranty, we are here. Our warranty is very interesting and covers the vehicle to the value of the car. So, if an engine blows up in a 458 Ferrari, or the transmission goes in a Q7, it’s covered and we’ll put in a new or a restored one. All of our cars come with that 4-year warranty.

We saw there was a need for this kind of dealership and service and, in the six weeks since we opened, we have sold 20 cars.

We source the cars from people we know in the industry – from good, stable companies. And it is important to find the right cars. For instance, we recently got a 2011 Land Rover 90 in silver with 36,000kms, and it lasted a day! We have an eye for details and know what’s hot.

You have launched an MG dealership on the Gold Coast. Why did you become involved with the brand?

MP: We started talking about doing that last year and I am excited about where MG is going.

If someone wants something a little

“I SAW THERE WAS A

NEED FOR THIS KIND OF DEALERSHIP AND SERVICE AND, IN THE SIX WEEKS SINCE WE OPENED, WE HAVE SOLD 20 CARS.” different, MG offers that. Our little car, for example, is just $14,990 drive away, and it has auto, an 8-inch screen, 7-year warranty, and German engineering. From the point of view of value, it is pretty hard to beat!

There is also MG’s electric e-motion technology, and they are bringing back the two-door sports car which we will have that next year.

It’s exciting to fit a good value brand here and I like the fact that it has 7-year warranty. That warranty means someone can keep an MG for three years, transfer it to someone else and that new owner will still have four years' warranty. It’s an excellent value equation.

Importantly, MG is here to stay.

March 2019 Motor Trader | 13

They are part of China’s SAIC Group which made 7.4 million cars last year, and they are fair dinkum with what they want to do here. I believe they will be very successful, very quickly, in the Australian market.

What's your background in the industry?

MP: I started as an 18-year-old cadet

salesman at Sci-Fleet Toyota in Windsor in 1981. I was on $120 a week and that’s where I cut my teeth.

I worked there for some time, then went to Albion Car Centre selling Alfa Romeo and Porsche. I became sales manager there before taking about a year off from the industry.

I then came back to work with Doug Barton, who was a Holden dealer at Wynnum. I worked with Doug for about nine years, before coming down to Southport in 1998 to be dealer principal and general manager of Warren Von Bibra's Honda and Nissan dealership business after he bought out Warren McKie. I stayed there until 2001 when I bought my first dealership from Harry Moore, who

14 | Motor Trader March 2019

had Mazda and Nissan at Coolangatta. I also had South City Mazda at Mt Gravatt, which I sold about 18 months ago, and I started Finance Ezi in 2004.

I have been involved with Mazda for a long time - 17 years owning the dealerships - and it is a great brand, and has been central to our success.

I have also been president of the national Mazda Dealers Association and was involved with advisory boards and dealer agreement negotiations with manufacturers. Having worked in all areas of the business – sales, parts, service, and I was even a fleet salesman out in the bush my skill set is quite varied!

We know that the auto industry is changing and being disrupted. Do you see that change impacting the dealership model?

MP: The future probably doesn’t look as

rosy for the retail experience. There’s the two per cent cap on consumer lending, which has halved our income, and there’s talk about dealerships not having their point-of-exemption rule.

Pickering Luxury Garage has some true prestige vehicles for sale

Then there’s capped price servicing. We once serviced a car at 5000km, then that became 10,000km, and now it’s at one year/15,000kms, so you are lucky to see a customer once a year.

Then, of course, there’s the fact we are moving towards electric cars with features such as regenerative braking and so on.

Things have changed and I don’t know how some dealers will survive unless we get revenue up on cars. That means selling cars at a sustainable profit. and making sure the dealer has a fair margin and is able to maintain that margin.

There are a lot of people losing a lot of

money and wondering what to do. For me, I have my foot flat and am going to make it happen. I am looking for that new business model but getting MG and perhaps a few other brands brings more choice and a bigger pot of revenue.

However, where the industry is heading is a broad concern.

We have a responsibility too, to make our business an appealing industry for young people. It’s not such a bad industry and can be alot of fun if you put the work in, and I like to bring younger guys through and for them to have a stake in the business. I think that's important.

“WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILIY TOO, TO MAKE OUR BUSINESS AN APPEALING INDUSTRY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE . . . I LIKE TO BRING YOUNGER GUYS THROUGH AND FOR THEM TO HAVE A STAKE IN THE BUSINESS. I THINK THAT'S IMPORTANT.”

You were involved in motor racing for many years and owned the Finance Ezi team. Can you tell us a little bit about your involvement in the sport?

MP: I started in karting in the early 1980s,

and a few years later I was racing against Peter Brock and Dick Johnson! I only had a tiny budget back then because I was very much a privateer, but I recall sitting there next to them in the briefing room and having to pinch myself !

I bought a Group A Commodore, but we then entered the era when we were changing from VK to VL Commodores when Brock started driving BMWs and Sierras.

We were trying to compete in a VK, which was essentially a taxi with a carburetted engine built in the 1960s! We pushed the envelope to try and keep up but then the Skyline arrived. The last race I had in Group A was at Oran Park. I had 485hp and was coming out of a corner when a Skyline came up on the inside, left four black lines, and was gone! I thought, ‘What are we doing this for?!’.

I then did sports sedans for a while, bought a beautiful Chevy Monza and raced that for a couple more years, and then my first child came along and I decided to stop motor racing.

A few years later, in 2012, I decided to get back behind the wheel.

March 2019 Motor Trader | 15

Maurie with son Jack, who will taking on the role of sales manager at the new MG dealership

“WE DO WORK VERY HARD AND PEOPLE DO SEEM TO FEEL AT EASE WITH US. THAT’S WHY WE HAVE BEEN SO EFFECTIVE – OUR CUSTOMERS ARE FULLY INFORMED AND FEEL AT EASE WITH THE PROCESS.”

having to entertain people in the corporate box and take people to dinner and so on. I was racing 8 times a season, we had a Porsche team racing 8 times, and two v8 supercars racing 8 times all over the country. We had trucks going everywhere!

Then Ali said to me, ‘I thought you were just going to go back and do a little bit of motor racing?’.

I thought about that and said, ‘No more, I’m done’.

At that point, I stopped the team to spend the time with my family.

To what do you attribute the success of the business?

MP: We do work very hard and people do

feel at ease with us. That’s why we have been so effective – our customers are fully informed and at ease with the process. If you do that bit right, they become brand ambassadors for you. You just have to be transparent and fair.

And I am driven. Though I am not highly educated and don’t have any letters after my name, I’ll back myself against most people - I know when things make sense or not.

I started with a third-tier V8 supercar in the Kumho series, bought a couple of engines and gearboxes, then a truck, and within a year the Finance Ezi team had four race cars, two trucks, 20 staff, and a Is your family involved with the business? budget of $1.8million!

MP: My son Jack works with me. He’s pretty We had two drivers racing in the V8 savvy, loves cars, loves talking to people, development series and, at the time, I did and he’s a good young man. He’s had a year think about putting Mazda into the V8 working at Mazda and will be the sales Supercars. Back then, we saw the manager at MG. Mazda 6 as a perfectly good platform to use with a Ford generic engine, but Mazda What do you do with your spare time, if you have were against the brand going that way. any? Are you still involved in motorsport?

Anyway, there was a lot going on and MP: I do follow motorsport but if one day my wife Ali looked at me CLICK I am not racing I rarely actually and said, ‘Are you enjoying this?’, TO VISIT go. These days, I spend as much and I said ‘No’.

THE PICKERING LUXURY GARAGE time as I can with my wife and Not only was I hopping into the WEBSITE children. race car to drive, but I was also 16 | Motor Trader March 2019

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

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18 | Motor Trader March 2019

Rivian R1T

2

019 HAS STARTED with something of a bang.

There has been a steady stream of announcements, from companies large and small, that show the pace of change in the auto industry continues to accelerate.

For example, it’s unlikely to have escaped your notice that Amazon, the technology and e-commerce behemoth, was recently part of an investment round that will pump $US700 million into electric pick-up truck maker Rivian.

Who are Rivian? Well, they’re a U.S. company making the pretty spectacular R1T pick-up and R1S SUV, both of which were revealed, to much acclaim, at the L.A. Auto Show in November last year (you can find out a little bit more about Rivian on pages 36-39).

Other agreements (and rumours of agreements) that have surfaced in the past few weeks include Ford and Volkswagen partnering up in the light commercial vehicle sector, and that the two companies are also to collaborate in the autonomous sector, with VW said to be moving towards working with, and investing in, Argo AI, the autonomous vehicle unit of Ford. The autonomous vehicle sector continues to attract big-money investment – last year, Honda and Softbank collectively invested

. . . AMAZON, THE TECHNOLOGY AND E-COMMERCE BEHEMOTH, WAS RECENTLY PART OF AN INVESTMENT ROUND THAT WILL PUMP $US700 MILLION INTO ELECTRIC PICK-UP TRUCK MAKER RIVIAN. $US5billion in General Motor’s Cruise Automation unit.

Elsewhere in the past few weeks, 'big oil' has continued its move to become a big player in ‘new’ energy. Shell announced in January that it is acquiring Greenlots, a U.S.-based provider of EV charging and energy management software and solutions, and followed up that announcement a few weeks later with news that it would also be acquiring European firm Sonnen, a leader in smart energy storage systems and energy services for households.

These developments follow the company signing up in 2017 to buy NewMotion, a charging station company with more than 30,000 charging points across Europe.

Incidentally, Shell is not the only oil major investing in in this sector. Over in March 2019 Motor Trader | 19

the UK, BP acquired Chargemaster, the country’s largest electric vehicle charging station company, in 2018. At the time, BP said its takeover (which included taking control of 6,500 charging points) was part of its bid to “support the successful adoption of electric vehicles.”

Moving away from the oil giants, the traditional car manufacturers are also getting in on the act and carving out a piece of the power pie that will feed the electric vehicles they are building.

For example, Alliance Venture, the strategic capital arm of the RenaultNissan-Mitsubishi alliance, is to invest in PowerShare, an EV charging platform start-up based in China which provides an online platform that connects EV drivers, charge point operators and power suppliers. That news, announced in February, followed an announcement in January that Alliance Venture was investing in Tekion, a U.S. provider of dealership software systems.

Tekion, the company said, ‘brings connected digital experiences to automotive retail through the most

OVER IN THE UK, BP ACQUIRED CHARGEMASTER, THE COUNTRY’S LARGEST ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION COMPANY, IN 2018.

advanced Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence capabilities available’.

What all this activity seems to show is that the speed of change is increasing.

Consolidation, research, development, investment, expansion are all occurring at a startling pace across the world and there’s no stopping it - no matter which sector of the automotive industry you work in, the amount of time you have before the disruption becomes a game-changer grows ever shorter.

And that was brought into even more stark relief at the end of February when members of the Internal Market Committee of the European Parliament approved a set of rules to make several advanced safety features standard equipment in different categories of vehicles sold in the European Union.

The mandatory safety features include an advanced emergency braking system and a lane departure warning system. Also included are intelligent speed assistance; alcohol interlock installation facilitation: driver drowsiness and attention warning; advanced driver distraction warning; emergency stop signal; reversing detection; and the inclusion of an accident data recorder.

Advanced safety features are a step on the way to autonomous vehicles and that future is, it seems, being ensured by politics and the law.

In Australia, it can sometimes feel like we are a little divorced from all this action, and it is true that we have been, in some areas at least, slow in catching up. This is most obvious in the EV sector, where the uptake of battery-powered cars has been, well,

less than enthusiastic - while 580,000 EV/ PHEV vehicles were sold in China in 2017, and another 280,000 in the U.S., Australia could muster just 2400 sales.

However, while our sluggish response to EVs will certainly change as the choice of EVs grows - and according to research firm McKinsey, some 350 EV models are due to make their global debuts by 2025 – in other areas, Australia is already something of a leader.

Take battery fast-charge stations, for example. Australian company Tritium based in Queensland, by the way - is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of EV fast-charging solutions, and its chargers have been installed in 26 countries across the world.

And if we move away from EVs and look at autonomous vehicles, then Australia is working hard to be part at the leading edge of that revolution too.

In February, the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) announced that a team of its researchers, led by Professor Michael Milford, would be taking an EV fitted with Artificial Intelligence (AI) sensors and computers on a three month, 1200km Queensland road trip with the aim to ensure the autonomous cars of the future will be smart enough to handle tough Australian road conditions.

That research is part of the Queensland Government’s Cooperative and Highly Automated Driving (CHAD) Pilot, itself part of the Cooperative and Automated Vehicle Initiative. That initiative is also to see the Cooperative Intelligent Transport Sytems (C-ITS) Pilot take place in Ipswich – large-scale on-road testing trial of

. . . THE QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (QUT) ANNOUNCED THAT A TEAM OF ITS RESEARCHERS, LED BY PROFESSOR MICHAEL MILFORD, WOULD BE TAKING AN EV FITTED WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) SENSORS AND COMPUTERS ON A THREE MONTH, 1200KM QUEENSLAND ROAD TRIP . . . cooperative vehicles and infrastructure, with around 500 private and fleet vehicles retrofitted with C-ITS devices that enable vehicles to ‘talk’ to vehicles, infrastructure, road operations systems and cloud-based data sharing systems.

Keeping up with these changes and technological advances, and understanding where it is all leading, is not easy. However, there are organisations and events that aim to bring together the many strands of information and present them as a coherent whole, giving a broad sense of the direction in which the automotive industry is moving.

Amongst those is MTA Queensland and on March 21 the Association will be holding the third edition of its Carmageddon

March 2019 Motor Trader | 21

Prof Michael Milford from QUT will be presenting at Carmageddon3

. . . ON MARCH 21 THE ASSOCIATION WILL BE HOLDING THE THIRD EDITION OF ITS CARMAGEDDON AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATION SYMPOSIUMS . . . automotive innovation symposium, bringing together leading figures from industry academia and the government sector to deliver presentations on developments within the industry.

This year’s event has the theme of ‘New World Mobility’ and subjects that will be covered by expert presenters range from blockchain technology to electric vehicles, robotics and artificial intelligence to battery charging and the digital environment.

Those experts include: • Cat Matson, Brisbane’s Chief Digital Officer • Dr Kellie Nuttall, Partner Deloitte • Prof Michael Milford, QUT Science and Engineering Faculty, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics and Autonomous Systems • Dr Sue Keay, Research Director Cyber Physical Systems, CSIRO’s Data 61 • Dr Brett Dale, CEO, MTA Queensland • Dr Paul Sernia, Chief Product Officer | 22 | Motor Trader March 2019

Founder, Tritium • Eden Spencer, Founder | CEO, Block Two Pty Ltd • Mark Dutton, Team Manager and Racing Engineer, Triple Eight Race Engineering • Scott Nagar, Public Relations | Manager of Future Mobility & Government Relations, Hyundai • Graeme Manietta, Chairman Queensland Branch, Australian Electric Vehicle Council There will also be a showcase of the latest hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric cars from Tesla, Hyundai, Jaguar and Renault.

It will be a fascinating event, building on the success of previous Carmageddon coferences held in 2017. And it is an important event too, as are the many tech and innovation events held across the country each year.

To keep up with the rest of the world and strike our own path forward requires as much interaction and conversation as possible, and the next few months in the automotive industry will likely be as frenetic as the last. It's going to be an interesting ride.

Motor Trader will have a full report from Carmageddon3 in our next edition.

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

An Eye on Innovation

KATHY WINKCUP CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GENERAL MANAGER INNOVATION

T

HE NEXT FEW weeks will be important ones for us here at MTAiQ. On March 21, we will be holding the third edition of MTA Queensland's Carmageddon conference.

A chance to hear (and see, thanks to a number of electric vehicles being on display) the latest on the technological advances occuring within the automotive industry, Carmageddon has become a leading event on the calendar of those interested in and involved in the innovation evolution of the industry.

While Carmageddon is an important fixture for us, plenty of other things have been going on as we continue to work to engage with stakeholders and advance the understanding of that evolution.

Amongst the many meetings and network events that MTAiQ representatives have attended in February was the MIT Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation Bootcamp, and a QUT Innovation Research Showcase on 'What makes entrepreneurs successful and resilient?'.

Also on the calendar was a tour of MTA Institute and the MTAiQ Hub by Logan YMCA Vocational School Students.

The YMCA school offers a positive environment and training 'to assist

24 | Motor Trader March 2019

disengaged students to achieve their full potential through positive educational studies, activities, and outcomes'. It was a pleasure to have them on site.

Another excursion took place at the beginning of March when Nathan Luu Nguyen, MTAiQ's Community Manager, joined a group of others involved in the innovation sector to travel to the Sunshine Coast to tour the Peregian Digital Hub, the University of the Sunshine Coast Innovation Centre, and the Smart Centre Living Lab. On the trip with Nathan were representatives from Logan City Council and Innov8 Logan, Griffith University, and Redland City Council.

These are the types of connections and networks that are vital to cultivate as the auto industry moves to a more technological footing. Academia, local government and other innovation hubs will be instrumental in helping society move towards new systems and new mobility solutions.

On that note, MTAiQ and MTA Queensland will be in the thick of things at the beginning of April when we attend the two-day technology QODE festival in Brisbane. We will be present offering insight into our own work, insights and developments, while our CEO, Dr Brett Dale, will be part of panel discussing 'Next Generation Transportation – an emerging industry' and the opportunities

“THESE ARE THE TYPES

OF CONNECTIONS AND NETWORKS THAT IT IS VITAL TO CULTIVATE AS THE AUTO INDUSTRY MOVES TO A MORE TECHNOLOGICAL FOOTING . . .”

The pace of change in the auto industry is continuing to accelerate as new ideas and innovations take hold

“MTAiQ AND MTA

QUEENSLAND WILL BE IN THE THICK OF THINGS AT THE BEGINNING OF APRIL WHEN WE ATTEND THE TWO-DAY TECHNOLOGY QODE FESTIVAL IN BRISBANE . . .” for innovation and economic rewards for cities and states that adopt this tech early.

computers on a trip that will take them along 1200km of the state's roads. Among the researchers is Professor Michael Milford, who sits on the board of the MTA Institute training organisation, and the trip should result in some interesting and revealing data. There's more on that story on page 32.

GOT AN IDEA? LET US KNOW!

As always, I will take this opportunity to remind you that the MTAiQ Innovation Hub is here not only to be an industry voice IN THE NEWS as disruption comes to the automotive The pace of change does not stop, and sector, but also to encourage, nurture the news, as always, is a blizzard of stories and develop concepts that can help the about new tech, new concepts, new ideas industry take advantage of that disruption. and, this month, a pretty big story We are always on the lookout for those as Amazon makes an invetment in concepts and if you think you have just such U.S. electric vehicle maker Rivian. an idea, don't be afraid to share it with You can read more about that on us - we can help you develop it and, CLICK page 36. perhaps, take it to the next level.

TO SUBMIT On a local note, research As author Mark Twain said: YOUR IDEA into the abilities of artificial ‘The man with a new idea is a TO MTAIQ intelligence (AI) continues as a crank – until the idea succeeds.’ team from QUT head out across So let's hear it!

Queensland to test AI sensors and Until next time. .

March 2019 Motor Trader | 25

Auto innovation news

CITROËN UNVEILS VISION OF URBAN MOBILITY ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE

T

HIS IS THE Ami One Concept, a new all-electric concept from Citroen that the company says represents its take on the future of urban mobility and is designed as an alternative to public transport and other modes of transport such as bikes and electric scooters.

An ultra-compact two-seater vehicle, the Ami One can reach a top speed of 45km/h and has a range of 100km. A two-hour charge time is claimed via wallbox or public charger.

The Ami One can be rented using an app and smartphone and Citroën says it is to make the vehicle available via digital media, and have use options available spanning car-sharing, rental and purchase.

Customers can access the vehicle from five minutes, five hours or five days, with rental offers for five months or long-term leasing arrangements for five years.

There’s plenty of interesting features here. For instance, the doors lock and

26 | Motor Trader March 2019

VIDEO: AMI ONE CONCEPT

unlock via a QR code on the aluminium base of the door handles and functionality of the Ami One comes via an app with the screen display projected onto a reflective panel in the driver’s field of vision – similar to a head-up display system.

Another interesting feature of the Ami One is the use of identical parts across the vehicle. For instance, the doors are identical on both sides - hinged at the front on the passenger side and at the rear on

Citroen Ami One Concept

the driver’s side – and there are identical bumpers, wings, and panels.

There are some interesting design quirks on the inside too, including an original storage space on the passenger side for a cabin bag and a handbag. At the rear, a platform accessed via the folding driver’s seat can be used for occasional luggage and is equipped with a Safety Box complete with a fluorescent jacket and warning triangle. There’s even some

exclusive luggage that has been created to accompany the concept, including a backpack designed to fit in the storage space in front of the passenger.

Whether the Ami One concept gets off the ground as a production vehicle or not, it is indicative of the direction that manufacturers are considering when it comes to mobility, and something like the Ami One will likely be part of automotive future.

March 2019 Motor Trader | 27

Auto innovation news

GENERAL MOTORS REVEALS ARIV EBIKE MODELS

Ariv Merge eBike

G

ENERAL MOTORS HAS inveiled its new electric ebike brand. Called Ariv, the brand comprises two models - the Meld, a compact eBike, and the Merge, a folding eBike.

Power for the Ariv bikes comes from a GM-developed motor that enables speeds up to 25km/h with four levels of pedalassisted power. The ebikes’ battery can charge in approximately 3.5 hours and receive up to 64km of ride time on a single charge.

Both models come standard with safety components such as integrated, rechargeable front and rear LED safety lights and oversized brake rotors.

Ariv Meld eBike

28 | Motor Trader March 2019

The Merge folds easily, allowing customers to roll the bike on its two wheels while folded. Walk mode can also be engaged on the Merge and Meld, allowing customers to engage the motor to walk the eBikes up steep terrain more easily!

Both eBikes connect with an Ariv eBike app via Bluetooth. The app provides riding metrics such as speed, distance, remaining battery level, motor assist level, distance traveled and more.

The Merge and Meld come equipped with a Quad Lock mount - a system to securely attach a smartphone. An integrated USB port allows riders to maintain their phone’s charge while on the go.

The company says the Ariv eBikes will launch first in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, due to the popularity of lithium-ion batterypowered eBikes in those markets. Prices will range from €2750 ($AU4350) for the Meld to €3400 ($AU5380) for the Merge. The eBikes are scheduled to begin shipping to customers in Q2 of 2019.

FORD TESTS LIGHT-BASED VISUAL LANGUAGE TO HELP AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES COMMUNICATE WITH PEDESTRIANS

A

S PART OF its research into a communication interface that will help autonomous vehicles integrate with other road users, Ford has been testing a light system to indicate what the vehicle is doing and what it will do next.

Ford installed the system, as well as a ‘Human Car Seat’ in a Transit Connect van. Designed to look like an autonomous vehicle, with the driver hidden in the seat, the company says that observers could more effectively gauge responses to a roof-mounted light bar that flashed white, purple and turquoise to indicate when the van was driving, about to pull forwards and giving way.

The tests concluded that 60 per cent of 173 people surveyed after encountering the Transit Connect thought it was an autonomous vehicle. Together with the observed reactions of a further 1,600 people, turquoise – more noticeable than

VIDEO: HELPING AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES TO COMMUNICATE WITH PEDESTRIANS

white and less easily confused with red than purple – was the preferred colour.

There was also a high level of acceptance and trust in the signals, providing a basis from which researchers can further develop the visual language.

In separate tests conducted by Ford together with the automotive lighting and electronics specialist HELLA, researchers tested further locations for the lights, such as on the grille and headlamps, though no clear preference emerged.

March 2019 Motor Trader | 29

Auto innovation news

GOODYEAR, LOCAL MOTORS JOIN FORCES ON AUTONOMOUS SHUTTLES

G

OODYEAR HAS TEAMED with US company Local Motors to conduct tyre testing with an Olli, the brand name of Local Motors’ eight-passenger autonomous shuttle.

Local Motors has also selected Goodyear tyres for exclusive fitment on its Olli vehicles.

Goodyear says that adding the vehicle to its testing fleet allows the company to use it for advanced mobility evaluation at various locations.

“Our work on autonomous vehicle projects, such as the Olli, is another mile marker on our journey to future mobility solutions. We learn through pilot programs with leading start-ups, transferring advanced vehicle and ride-sharing data into truly usable and connected information to improve operating performance and benefit customers,” said Chris Helsel, Goodyear’s chief technology officer.

The test work with autonomous vehicles will allow Goodyear to study the operation and maintenance areas that need to be addressed when there is no driver at the controls. This includes future tyre technology options for such vehicles.

Additionally, in Luxembourg, where it operates one of its two global innovation

30 | Motor Trader March 2019

Goodyear Olli

“OUR WORK ON

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE PROJECTS, SUCH AS THE OLLI, IS ANOTHER MILE MARKER ON OUR JOURNEY TO FUTURE MOBILITY SOLUTIONS.” centres, Goodyear is outfitting three autonomous shuttle buses. The vehicles, operated by bus company Sales-Lentz, will shuttle up to 14 passengers per ride on a variety of local routes.

On the three shuttles, Goodyear tyres are equipped with sensors to collect operational data in the real-world application.

VIDEO: NISSAN X OPUS CONCEPT CAMPERVAN

CONCEPT CAMPER USES SECOND-LIFE NISSAN EV BATTERIES

N

ISSAN ENERGY AND OPUS Campers have collaborated on a smart camping concept that uses second-life Nissan electric vehicle batteries to deliver up to a week's worth of remote power for 'off-grid' adventures.

The Nissan x OPUS concept integrates the Nissan Energy ROAM, a portable, all-in-one, weatherproof power pack harnessing Nissan's EV battery technology.

With a storage capacity of 700Wh and a power output of 1kW, the ROAM's lithium-ion cells are recovered from firstgeneration Nissan electric vehicles.

Mounted in a special compartment at the front of the OPUS, the ROAM unit

provides a power supply to both the 230v circuit and the 12v circuit (via recharging of the on-board leisure battery which powers the 12v system). This helps support enough energy autonomy for around seven days of camping, with assistance from a solar panel accessory.

The concept allows campers to remain connected and enjoy the comforts of home, whilst having the freedom to travel to remote areas.

Uniquely, Nissan Energy ROAM can be removed from its housing within the camper and recharged away from the campsite via a standard 230v domestic socket, or by plugging into a solar panel accessory.

March 2019 Motor Trader | 31

Auto innovation news

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BEING PUT TO THE TEST ON QUEENSLAND ROADS

A

TEAM OF QUEENSLAND University of Technology (QUT) researchers, led by Professor Michael Milford, are taking an electric car fitted with Artificial Intelligence (AI) sensors and computers on a three month, 1200km Queensland road trip.

The aim of the research is to ensure that autonomous cars of the future will be smart enough to handle tough Australian road conditions.

“The QUT trial, in partnership with the Palaszczuk Government, is the first step in charting Queensland’s vast and varied road network for new vehicle technologies,” said Mark Bailey, Transport and Main Roads Minister.

“As researchers drive the car across

VIDEO: ROAD TRIP TO TEST ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Queensland, onboard sensors will build a virtual map to help refine AI-equipped vehicles to drive safely on our roads.

“It’s early days yet, but Artificial Intelligence technology and smart road infrastructure have potential to transform the way we travel in Queensland and

QUT's Professor Michael Milford (right) leads a team of researchers from the Australian Centre for Robotic Vision which will take an Artificial Intelligence system on a road trip so autonomous cars of the future will be smart enough for tough Australian roads. Credit: Anthony Weate/QUT. 32 | Motor Trader March 2019

reduce road trauma.

“This is world-leading transport technology research and it’s happening right here in Queensland.”

The road trip is part of the Queensland Government’s Cooperative and Highly Automated Driving (CHAD) Pilot and is supported by the iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre (iMOVE CRC).

Professor Milford, from QUT’s Australian Centre for Robotic Vision (and Board member of the MTA Institute), said the challenge for the current generation of automated vehicles was driving as well as people.

“Engineers at QUT’s Research Engineering Facility have developed a research car platform equipped with a range of state-of-the-art camera and LIDAR sensors used on automated vehicles.

“As we drive, AI will watch and determine if it could perform the same as a human driver in all conditions.”

Professor Milford added that early testing of the system had already revealed how a paint spill on the road could confuse a self-driving AI system into wrongly identifying it as a lane marking.

“Past studies, along with initial experiments conducted by QUT, show how automated cars have difficulties on rural roads which can lack lane markings,” he said.

“A motorist on a rural road knows to stick on the left or imagine there is a line in the middle of the road.

“People will also cross the imaginary line to go around obstacles, it’s quite difficult for an automated vehicle to do this.

“The primary goal of this work is to consider how current advances in robotic vision and machine learning – the backbone of AI – enable the research car platform to see and make sense of everyday road signage and markings that we, as humans, take for granted.”

The upcoming research project will specifically look at how the automated vehicle’s artificial intelligence system adapts to Australian road conditions in four main areas: • Lane markings • Traffic lights • Street signage, and; • Overcoming the limitations of GPS systems in built-up areas and tunnels for vehicle positioning.

Sensors include cameras and LIDAR attached to the vehicle’s roof.

Credit: Anthony Weate/QUT.

March 2019 Motor Trader | 33

Auto innovation news

Mercedes-Benz EQC crossover SUV

MERCS’ ALL-ELECTRIC EQC GOES THROUGH WINTER TRIALS

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ERCEDES’ ALL-ELECTRIC EQC crossover SUV – the first MercedesBenz EQ model produced under the new product and technology brand - is undergoing final winter tests in Sweden.

During the trials, Mercedes says the engineers will pay particular attention to the thermal management of the electric vehicle’s battery and interior, recharging in cold conditions and handling safety, traction and recuperation on ice and snow.

The company says that these winter trials include the fine-tuning and testing of aspects that present a particular challenge

34 | Motor Trader March 2019

VIDEO: THE ALL-NEW EQC

in electric vehicles, including cold-starting characteristics and thermal comfort, pre-entry climatisation, negative effects of ice and snow, thermal management and charging in the cold, traction, dynamic handling and recuperation, and range in customer operation.

The EQC has two motors – one at each axle, and energy comes from an 80kWh lithium-ion battery that Mercedes’ claims give an electric operating range of over 450 km. Power output reaches 300kW (408hp) and 100km/h is reached in 5.1 seconds.

Top speed is limited to 180km/h.

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Auto innovation news

Rivian R1T

ELECTRIC VEHICLE MAKER RIVIAN SCORES $US700 MILLION INVESTMENT LED BY AMAZON

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IVIAN, MAKER OF electric adventure vehicles, has announced an equity investment round of $700 million ($US980 million) led by Amazon. The investment comes on the heels of Rivian’s reveal of the all-electric R1T pickup and R1S SUV at the LA Auto Show last November.

The company’s launch products, the R1T and R1S, are claimed to deliver huge range, performance and capability and will be produced at Rivian’s manufacturing plant 36 | Motor Trader March 2019

VIDEO: THE CLEAN ESCAPE // RIVIAN

in Illinois, U.S., with customer deliveries expected to start in late 2020.

“This investment is an important milestone for Rivian and the shift to sustainable mobility,” said RJ Scaringe, Rivian Founder and CEO. “Beyond simply eliminating compromises that exist around performance, capability and efficiency, we are working to drive innovation across the entire customer experience. Delivering on this vision requires the right partners, and we are excited to have Amazon with us on our journey to create products, technology and experiences that reset expectations of what is possible.”

THE VEHICLES Rivian’s R1T is a 5-passenger pickup truck and the R1S is a 7-passenger SUV. The vehicles offer 400+ miles (640km) in electric range, a wading depth of 1 metre,

lockable storage bins, and the performance and precise control of quad-motor AWD. The foundation of the R1T and R1S is Rivian’s skateboard platform, which packages the battery pack, drive units, suspension, braking and thermal system all below the height of the wheel, leaving the space above for occupants and their gear.

The company says this architecture delivers a low centre of gravity that supports the vehicle’s agility and stability.

Suspension architecture has unequal length double wishbone suspension in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear. The suspension features dynamic roll control and adaptive dampers along with ride-height adjustable air-suspension – allowing the suspension to be adjusted for highway comfort, on-road performance or off-road capability.

The quad-motor system delivers 147kW March 2019 Motor Trader | 37

Auto innovation news with torque control to each wheel.

The R1T and R1S can both reach 60 mph (96.5km/h) in 3 seconds and 100 mph (160.9km/h) in less than 7 seconds. The powertrain and chassis also enable the R1T’s tow rating of 11,000 pounds.

There’s an impressive amount of room in both the R1S and R1T. There’s a 330-litre front trunk with the hood fully powered for opening and closing, and the R1T also has a lockable Gear Tunnel aft of the cab that extends across the vehicle and provides more than 350 litres of space for hauling oversized gear such as snowboards, golf bags or strollers. The Gear Tunnel doors also act as steps for loading items into the bed or onto the roof, as well as a seat for such as lacing up hiking boots.

The R1T has a watertight, integrated tonneau cover for the bed and beneath the bed floor is a 200-litre sealed bin that can also be used to store a full-size spare tyre.

The bed features three 110-volt outlets and integrated compressed air.

38 | Motor Trader March 2019

Rivian R1S

Rivian has developed a clever racking system that uses telescoping racks with mounts that attach to the roof of either the R1T or R1S, as well as the bed rails and bed floor of the R1T. The racks integrate with a range of accessories including tents, travel containers and bike/ski racks.

BATTERY SYSTEM Rivian says its energy-dense battery module and pack were developed with demanding journeys in mind.

The company says it has incorporated tough underbody protection and an advanced cooling system. Adaptive control algorithms learn driver behaviour,

optimising user-specific battery management for maximising battery life, reliability and second-life reusability.

Three battery sizes are planned, with the 180 kWh and 135 kWh available at launch and a 105 kWh being made available within six months.

The battery is designed for fast charging with charging rates of up to 160kW. This enables approximately 200 miles (321km) of range to be added in 30 minutes of charging. In addition to DC fast-charging, an 11kW onboard charger facilitates rapid charging at a Level 2 charger.

SELF-DRIVING Rivian says the R1T and R1S will launch with hardware including camera, lidar, radar, ultrasonic and a high precision GPS coupled with high definition maps. This hardware enables Level 3 (hands-off wheel and eyes off road) autonomy for highway operation.

Beyond the highway Level 3, the vehicle will have a range of self-driving features focused on enabling active lifestyles.

March 2019 Motor Trader | 39

Auto innovation news W O R K S H O P

PRACTICAL TAX FOR AUTOMOTIVE SMALL BUSINESSES

I

N 2018 THE Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) introduced Lunch & Learn Workshops, an initiative designed to educate and support members in key business areas.

On Thursday the 14th of February, MTA Queensland were pleased to welcome the Australian Tax Office (ATO) to deliver the first Lunch & Learn workshop for 2019, Tax for Automotive Small Businesses. The onehour workshop proved to be incredibly beneficial for members and automotive businesses with the topics discussed being relevant and informative.

Information covered included:

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS In an independent review, an independent technical officer from outside our audit area reviews the merits of our audit position before assessment or amended assessment is issued.

SINGLE TOUCH PAYROLL • If you have 20 or more employees, you will need to report through Single Touch 40 | Motor Trader March 2019

Payroll from 1 July 2018. The first year will be a transition period and penalties may not apply.

• If you have 19 or less employees, you will need to report through Single Touch Payroll from 1 July 2019.

• When you start reporting through Single Touch Payroll you will send your employees’ payroll and super information to the ATO from your payroll solution each payday.

INSTANT ASSET WRITE-OFF If you buy an asset and it costs less that $20,000, you can write off the business portion in your tax return for the relevant income year.

CASH FLOW COACHING KIT Research by the Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has revealed that 90% of small business failures are due to cash flow problems and small businesses who manage their cash flow effectively are more likely to succeed.

PROTECTING YOURSELF AGAINST ILLEGAL PHOENIX ACTIVITY • Start by asking questions when dealing with other businesses.

• Verify information regarding the company you’re thinking of dealing with. Some information can be checked on ASIC’s (Australia’s Security and Investments Commission) registers.

• Use the Personal Property Securities Register at www.ppsr.gov.au for goods you supply so you can reclaim them if you are not paid for.

• You can also conduct a formal creditcheck through a credit reporting bureau, seek references or purchase a company report from ASIC • Report your concerns to ASIC if you suspect a company cannot pay its debts or has engaged in Illegal Phoenix Activity.

• Ask for up-front payments, cash of delivery or payments in instalments.

• Include a clause in your contract that the other business has all their tax compliance up to date. This creates an additional right (in contract) you can pursue in the event of illegal phoenix activity.

• Ensure you are taking a large enough deposit – particularly if you suspect a company is higher risk.

CONCESSIONS AND DEDUCTIONS INCLUDING: • Start-up expenses • Small business tax discount • Fringe Benefit tax exemptions: Car parking benefits and Multiple workrelated devices.

• CGT concession??

Most expenses you incur in running a business are tax deductible. You can only claim expenses that are directly related to earning your assessable income.

There are three general rules for allowable deductions.

1. The expense must have been incurred 2. The expense must be directly related to work

3. You must have a record to prove the expense – if you don’t have your receipt your claim may be denied.

These exclusions are examples of items you cannot claim as tax deductions. They are not directly related to the work of a business.

• Entertainment of clients • Parking and speeding fines • Loans the business makes • Money you draw from the business Generally excluded: • Private use of vehicle/phone/internet • Childcare fees • Cost of your home • Capital expense deductions (claimed through depreciation)

MOTOR VEHICLE DEDUCTIONS – GENERALLY The deductions you can claim for the business use of a motor vehicle depend on: • Your business structure • The type of vehicle you use • Whether you also use the vehicle for private purposes.

There are two approved methods available to sole traders and partners in a partnership to calculate motor vehicle expense claims: • Logbook method – keep logbook for 12 weeks to claim business related motor vehicle deductions. The logbook provides a percentage rate of business use to apply to costs of running and owning a vehicle, including depreciation. The 12week period needs to be representative of your travel throughout the year. You can rely on a logbook for five years and can use the same logbook if the car is replaced and your usage is the same.

• Cents per kilometer method – using this method, your claim is based on a set rate for each business kilometer travelled.

The rate per kilometer (69 cents in 2018 2019) takes into account your car running expenses, including depreciation.

You can’t make a separate claim for depreciation of the car’s value.

March 2019 Motor Trader | 41

Auto news

THIRD-PARTY BOOKING PLATFORMS: OPPORTUNITY OR THREAT?

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ECHNOLOGY WITHIN THE automotive industry – from the manufacturer to the repairer, from the workshop to the showroom continues to develop at lightning, even frightening, speed.

Sometimes, it is worth looking back, even just a few years, to see how far things have come.

If we focus just on the interaction between the consumer and the service provider, for example, the change that technology has brought about has been astounding.

Back in 2002 - only 17 years ago - there was no LinkedIn (launched in 2003), no Facebook (2004), no YouTube (2005), no Twitter (2006), and no Instagram (2010).

Go back a further 12 years to 1990 and there wasn’t even a World Wide Web – that didn’t debut until 1991.

In just 28 years then, the online environment has grown to such a degree that it has seen a quite staggering

42 | Motor Trader March 2019

change in the way we lead our lives, our interactions with each other and, of course, in the way business is done.

The landscape for engagement between business and consumer has been altered so completely that today, to not have a website or a presence on social media is to cripple your business prospects and make life a great deal harder than it should be.

Of course, technology is constantly evolving, and new and inventive ideas, as well as developments of proven concepts, come along all the time, challenging the status quo and promising even more ways

for businesses to attract customers and increase profits.

Keeping across all of these developments is vitally important and today, one of those developments that is increasingly prominent is the third-party booking platform.

The following article, written by, and the opinion of, Craig Baills of Highfields Mechanical near Toowoomba, takes a look at third-party booking platforms from the perspective of a veteran industry professional.

INDUSTRY AWARENESS: THIRD-PARTY BOOKING PLATFORMS

By Craig Baills

‘Our industry is awesome, and changing at a rapid pace, quicker than we have ever seen. If you are like me, you will share a strong passion for our trade, the cars, the customers and the satisfaction that our set of unique skills can achieve.

Keeping up with this change and being aware of the future is something we dare not fall asleep on.

Let’s talk third-party booking platforms.

Love them or hate them, agree or disagree, these platforms exist.

What are they? Similar to the hotel, airline and insurance industry online booking websites, we are seeing similar platforms take aim at our industry. As the name suggests ,and with reference to our industry, a third-party booking platform is an agency that signs workshops up to supply you with customers that book online through the agency. This process gives the consumer the option of booking the vehicles online, at their convenience and the ability to select the workshop and advertised price of service that suits their requirements and finances.

Sounds pretty easy if you are the customer and seems reasonably attractive if you are the workshop - extra work, no

effort on your part.

Through this article I want to explain the pros and cons of these sites and how it may affect your business and our industry.

Pros – these booking portals will do the following: 1. Sign your business up and allow you access to their website and marketing programs 2. Reach a large volume of customers in your area and hopefully bring work through your door 3. Allow you to individually quote customer enquiries 4. Allow the client to leave a review on your business on the booking platforms site Cons: They can also: 1. Set your pricing and advertise it to the consumer along with the advertised price of other local workshops in your area that are part of the platform, essentially driving prices down 2. Charge monthly subscriptions and commission fees that are a percentage of the sale and eat into your already depleted profit margins 3. Collect and keep your client’s data 4. Take over any google ranking that you may have established on various Search engines 5. Educate your customer to shop for the cheapest price These are the basic pros and cons of these platforms, and it is up to the individual workshops to become more aware of how they may or may not benefit your business and our industry.

I am a massive advocate for the future of our industry, 10 years and beyond, to keep it profitable, productive, educated and sustainable. As part of this column, I want you to consider the same.

1. Are these platforms going to help our industry in the next 10 years and if so how?

2. Will they monopolise how our customers find a workshop and dictate the price March 2019 Motor Trader | 43

Auto news at which they purchase from you?

3. Will they overcome your online presence taking your business out of play on google searches?

4. Will these platforms improve our hourly charge out rate or will they drive it down?

5. Will they help us in attracting new blood to our industry or will the wage rate remain so low that they continue to go elsewhere?

6. What happens with your and your customers' data and information once signed up to these platforms?

7. What will the customers’ expectations on pricing become?

There are many opinions floating around on all the above. One thing is certain though, we all need to become very well educated on what these platforms may or may not bring to the industry. Do they have the industry at heart or their own back pockets? Do they care about your business or do they care about making money from your business? Have you fully read and understood all their terms and conditions?

Before committing to any of these booking platforms, ask yourself the questions above and think about the future. When you google search your business, do you want to see your business on the front page of google where you have already spent your hard-earned cash on SEO or do you want to see the booking agency take over your position.

Once booking agencies gain traction and become the 'go to' for online enquiries, you have then lost your edge, the uniqueness that you have worked so hard to develop, and quite possibly entered a race to the bottom that is endless.

With any new changes that are coming our way, big or small consider how it effects your future, your business and our industry. Look for long-term solutions that 44 | Motor Trader March 2019

enhance your business profits, position and sustainability. Ask questions, seek advice and don't fall victim to short term propaganda.

Here’s to a great future.’

MTA QUEENSLAND IS FOCUSING ON HELPING INDUSTRY ADAPT TO DISRUPTION There is no doubt that the automotive industry is in the midst of profound change. Things will look very different in just a few short years, and much of that change will be the result not only of technological development but of consumer demand. An example manufacturers are investing billions in developing electric vehicles and autonomous technology not just because they believe them to be environmentally responsible or a way to make travelling safer, but because they know there is a market for them. The consumer is king.

As a consequence, all the downstream industry sectors - including mechanical workshops, auto-electricians, dealerships, panel beaters and tyre retailers - will have to learn, engage, evolve and adapt to the new and challenging landscape.

MTA Queensland has been alert to these challenges for some time – the development of the MTAiQ Innovation Hub and events such as the Carmageddon forums are testament to that – and helping industry adapt to the disruption is at the core of the Association’s mission.

The challenge to the status quo presented by third-party booking platforms are a part of that mission, though it must be

noted that many users of these platforms, including auto industry platforms, are positive about their experience with them and the benefits they can provide.

“There is one certainty for all of us and that is the scale and rate of change facing us will be exponential,” said Dr Brett Dale, CEO of MTA Queensland.

“Our challenge as the industry body is to contemplate those changes and understand the pros and cons of the technology and pending change.

“At times, our industry has been considered anti-competitive and recognised as challenging new approaches on the basis of their threat to business.

"To some degree, that is our job as an industrial organisation for employers. But we are at a time where much of the change coming is driven by consumer behaviour.

We know that technology is the ‘how’ of disruption, but we must remember that consumers are the ‘why’ of disruption and, most importantly, that they drive demand.

“OUR CHALLENGE AS

THE INDUSTRY BODY IS TO CONTEMPLATE THOSE CHANGES AND UNDERSTAND THE PROS AND CONS OF THE TECHNOLOGY AND PENDING CHANGE.”

“On that basis alone, we cannot turn our backs on consumer expectation and technological change.

“Certainly, third-party platforms are a big part of that change. They operate in most other industries and consumers have become accustomed to investigating, purchasing and rating businesses through consumer-facing third-party platforms.

“I have personally received feedback noting both positive and negative experiences from businesses using thirdparty platforms.

“My challenge is to learn and stay close to the development of the technology and keep industry abreast of the opportunities and threats.

“The positive aspects of change are very easy to promote and attract awareness, whereas the negative impacts require considered and strategic solutions that respect and balance consumer choice with business viability.

“The establishment of the MTAiQ Innovation Hub was for that very purpose - we want to be able to lead innovation and provide industry solutions that respect the business trading environment whilst recognising the changing needs of consumers.

“We are committed to working with industry to ensure they remain informed and that when they are challenged, we can collaborate to develop solutions that will help navigate the disruption most effectively.

“The technology is here. Our challenge is to make it work for industry. Does that mean competition for the thirdparty platform providers, competing for consumer choice on things other than price? I’m not sure at the moment, but I am convinced that these challenges will drive creativity that will lead to innovative solutions and with time and resources the existing threat will diminish, and business will prosper from evolving approaches and competitive technology.”

March 2019 Motor Trader | 45

C

S&COFFEE R A

MAKE: GOLF GTI MODEL: MK 6 ENGINE: 2.0-LITRE 4-CYLINDER OWNER: ALAN LIEW

F

OR THOSE WHO have been able to come along to the MTA Queensland Cars & Coffee events over the past year, it would not have escaped their notice that a group of rather special supercars have become regular visitors.

46 | Motor Trader March 2019

Models from McLaren, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Audi and others have roared their way to the MTA Queensland head office for the Sunday morning get-together and many a jaw has dropped at the sight of these stunning,

road-going pieces of art.

These exotic motors belong to members of a group known as the CarStyle Crew – a collective of car enthusiasts who share their passion for all things motoring through photography, videos, social media and, of course, regular meetings, car runs and cruises.

Independent in organisation and philosophy, in just a couple of years CarStyle Crew has grown to more than 1800 Facebook members, has a hefty following across other social media platforms, and is on the 'contact list' of massively popular automotive YouTube channels such as Supercar Blondie (500,000+ subscribers) and Seen Through Glass (400,000+ subscribers).

Those connections, and those beautiful cars, might make the group seem like something of an exclusive club, but you would be mistaken - while the Alan Liew organisers’ tastes do run to the more exotic side of the market, it’s their passion for cars, and their desire to share that passion, that really drives them, and the club is open to anyone who shares that passion, regardless of supercarowning status.

March 2019 Motor Trader | 47

XXXX.MAKE: MCLAREN

MODEL: 650S SPIDER ENGINE: 3.8-LITRE V8, TWIN TURBO OWNER: MITCHELL WAN

“We are all equal. It is true inclusivity,” says Mitchell Wan, one of the trio of enthusiasts who are the driving force behind the club, and the owner of the McLaren 650s Spider you see on these pages.

Mitchell Wan “There is no barrier,” he adds. “Someone who owns a Toyota Corolla can cruise with someone who owns a supercar and that is quite a powerful statement. It is about the cars, the photographs, about getting together and meeting friends, being introduced to new people, and interacting with each other. That’s what I love about what we do, and everyone is welcome.”

A graduate of the Queensland Institute 48 | Motor Trader March 2019

VIDEO: WE HAD AN INTERVIEW... *CARSTYLE CREW UNITED*

of Technology (now Queensland University of Technology), Mitchell is a director of InfinityPATH - an independent medical pathology company – and became involved with CarStyle Crew early on after meeting Alan Liew, the man who started it all.

Director of the BTACS accountancy firm, Alan – who drives a MK6 model of the ever-popular and classic VW Golf GTi

CLICK TO VISIT THE CARSTYLE CREW INSTAGRAM PAGE

- gave CarStyle Crew its start after setting up an Instagram account to share images of cars. The account attracted plenty of attention from other enthusiasts, which led to a meeting with Mitchell and the rapid evolution of the club.

“Mitch introduced me to the Brisbane car scene, invited me to various local car events, and that's where Carstyle Crew was born,” says Alan. “It was created to be an inclusive social media group of enthusiasts who share their love of cars.”

William Tan is the third member of the trio and the very fortunate chap who gets to drive an Aston Martin Vanquish Volante. Nice.

The owner of the Sieverts Group of companies – which includes a radiology clinic design firm, a multi-media company, and a mediation law firm – William March 2019 Motor Trader | 49

stresses that the CarStyle Crew is as much about the people as it is about the cars.

“We are like-minded individuals who enjoy getting together – that’s the philosophy,” he says. “It’s not about supercars, it’s about super people!”

That’s a positive philosophy, and one of the reasons CarStyle Crew has caught on and grown, appealing to all enthusiasts regardless of their taste in vehicles or the depth of their wallets.

So how did these three men catch the car bug themselves?

For William, his love of cars can be blamed in part on TV shows - in particular, KITT

MAKE: ASTON MARTIN MODEL: VANQUISH VOLANTE ENGINE: 5.9-LITRE V12 OWNER: WILLIAM TAN

50 | Motor Trader March 2019

the intelligent car from the 1980s David Hasselhoff show Knight Rider - as well as the Aston Martins of the James Bond movies.

“I thought the Pontiac Trans Am in Knight Rider was so cool. That was where it all started,” says William.

“And I have always loved Aston Martin.

I was a young guy, very impressionable, and James Bond was saving the world! I thought to myself that one day I would get one, and about four years ago I decided to work towards that goal. Today, I am honoured to have one. There are many beautiful brands but to me Aston Martin has a certain class to it.”

For Alan, his passion for cars came from his father - a dealership owner and importer of vehicles in Malaysia who would drop him off at school each day in a different vehicle

William Tan

- a surefire way to spark a young fellow's interest in all things automotive!

As for Mitchell, his passion for cars came a little later in life. After purchasing an Audi A5 in 2013, the bug bit hard and he worked his way up through the German brand’s models until he bought his first supercar, an R8, in 2016. A year later, he’d gone one step further, buying the McLaren.

“I always wanted to own an Audi, and now I have four!” says Mitchell. “I like the quality, the service and the people who work there. I am trying other brands like McLaren, but I’m not sure what is next!”

While Mitchell might be pondering what supercar might be next for him, what’s next for the CarStyle Crew will be more meetings, more cruises and attracting more members – something that their infectious enthusiasm for all things automotive seems set to ensure. Where it will all lead is anyone’s guess, but there will be a lot of fun had on the way.

“To be honest, no one had any idea we would be where we are now,” says Mitchell. “We were just friends who got along, wanted to do stuff together and join up with other car guys.

There was never a plan that after two years we would have 2000 members or after five years we’d have 5000 or TO JOIN CARSTYLE CREW anything like that.

VISIT THEIR “We don’t know where FACEBOOK PAGE this might go, but the philosophy will remain - friends, fun, inclusivity.

That’s the core.”

!

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.

March 2019 Motor Trader | 51

CARS &

C O F F E E

52 | Motor Trader March 2019

SUPERCAR SUNDAY AT CARS & COFFEE

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HE FIRST MTA Queensland Cars & Coffee was an absolute scorcher.

Supercars were everywhere thanks to special guests the Carstyle Crew, and a massive turnout of more than 100 classic and exotic cars, ensured it was the biggest Cars & Coffee to date.

Visitors this time around included a 1973 Pontiac Firebird, a 1981 DeLorean, a 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe, a 1971 Holden Monaro Coupe, and a brand-spanking new Ford Mustang Coupe.

It was a brilliant mix of vehicles.

This year the MTA Queensland Cars & Coffee event will move to be held every three months, so keep your diary clear

VISITORS THIS TIME AROUND INCLUDED A 1973 PONTIAC FIREBIRD, A 1981 DELOREAN, A 2014 ALFA ROMEO 4C COUPE, A 1971 HOLDEN MONARO COUPE, AND A BRAND-SPANKING NEW FORD MUSTANG COUPE. for the morning of May 26. The meeting just keeps getting bigger and better and if you’re a bit of a car nut, and you can get to the MTA Queensland head office, you shouldn’t miss it.

See you there!

March 2019 Motor Trader | 53

CARS &

C O F F E E

On the fringe of Cars & Coffee, Dr Conroy Howson got a bit of work done on his incredible McLaren 720S. Iain Gilmour, from 3D printing company 3DSL, scanned the McLaren and then printed some bespoke sun blockers for the supercar’s roof.

Cutting edge technology in action!

54 | Motor Trader March 2019

BRANDON TEMPLE PHOTOGRAPHER THE IMAGES on these pages were taken by Brandon Temple, a member of the CarStyle Crew, an MTA Institute paint and panel Brandon Temple apprentice and a gifted photographer.

You’ll spot Brandon at many a car gathering across the southeast of Queensland, taking snaps for his Facebook page @nonaspirated and Instagram @non_aspirated.

Click on the links to check out his work.

March 2019 Motor Trader | 55

Auto news

FIAT AUSTRALIA INTRODUCES THE LIMITED EDITION 500C SPIAGGINA ‘58

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IAT AUSTRALIA HAS released the Fiat 500C Spiaggina ’58 Edition.

Limited to just 30 units locally and 1,958 worldwide, the Fiat 500C ’58 Spiaggina blends a Volare Blue exterior paint with a beige soft top convertible combination.

The Fiat 500C ’58 Spiaggina Edition is available in both manual and dualogic transmission and comes with $3,000 of additional design elements including: • Volare blue paint finish and matching dashboard insert • 16” vintage design alloy wheels • White beauty line

• Chrome bonnet line, mirror covers and bumper inserts • Rear Spiaggina ’58 badge and beige soft top • Striped seat inserts with ivory highlights • 500 logo and piping on seats • Branded front and rear floor mats The Fiat 500C Spiaggina ’58 will feature a standard 7” Uconnect touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, including Bluetooth, USB and AUX IN ports, rear parking sensors and automatic climate control.

The Fiat 500C Spiaggina ’58 Edition is on sale from $25,990 MSRP through Fiat dealerships across Australia.

Fiat 500C ’58 Spiaggina Edition

RANGE & PRICING MODEL ENGINE TRANS POWER MSRP* Fiat 500C Spiaggina Edition Manual 1.2L 5MT 51 kW $25,990 Fiat 500C Spiaggina Spring Edition 1.2L 5MTA 51 Kw $27,490 *Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price

56 | Motor Trader March 2019

BENTLEY LAUNCHES THE WORLD’S FASTEST SUV

Bentley Bentayga Speed SUV

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ENTLEY MOTORS HAS announced details of its Bentayga Speed SUV, claiming it as the world’s fastest production SUV. And its numbers are pretty astounding – it features an enganced 626bhp 6-litre W12 engine that delivers a top speed of 306km/h and 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds.

The all-wheel-drive Speed is equipped with Electronic Differential Lock and four on-road Drive Dynamics modes: Comfort, Bentley, Sport and Custom.

The Sport mode is rather juicy and has been recalibrated to enhance response from the W12 engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission, as well as the

suspension and Bentley Dynamic Ride – an electric active roll control technology that counteracts lateral rolling forces when cornering and ensures maximum tyre contact.

There’s a firmer suspension set-up too, permanent all-wheel drive and ceramic brakes – the largest ever fitted to a Bentley – are available as an option.

Customers can personalise the Bentley Speed to their own requirements with a range of other options. Among these are 22-way adjustable front seats with massage function, carbon fibre fascia panels, Bentley rear-seat entertainment and mood lighting.

March 2019 Motor Trader | 57

Auto news

MAZDA UNVEILS MX-5 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION IN RACING ORANGE

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AZDA HAS UNVEILED the Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition in a new Racing Orange colour.

More than 1 million MX-5 units have been sold in its 30-year lifespan.

In addition to the new colour, the MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition features forged alloy wheels (Rays ZE40 RS30) developed exclusively for the MX-5 in cooperation with Rays Co., Ltd., and a 30th Anniversary badge that displays the model’s serial number. Sales will be limited to 3,000 units worldwide, including both soft-top and retractable hardtop models.

Australia will receive an allocation of just 30 soft-top models, based on the 2.0L Roadster GT, which will be offered to Mazda’s loyal MX-5 customers on a first come first served basis, communicated via eDM. Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition

58 | Motor Trader March 2019

MAZDA MX-5 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION EXCLUSIVE FEATURES:

• Racing Orange body colour • RAYS forged alloys wheels (RAYS ZE40 RS30) • “30th Anniversary” build plate ornament (with serial number) • Colour scheme with orange accents (brake calipers, vent surround, seat piping and stitch, steering wheel stitching, door trim stitching, dashboard decoration panel stitching, and shift / parking lever stitching) • Alcantara material (door trim, dashboard decoration panel and seat centre) • RECARO seats • Bilstein dampers • Brembo front brake calipers (orange painted) • NISSIN rear brake calipers (orange painted).

Shane Howard, Chaz Mostert and Andrew Bottoms

CENTURY BATTERIES TEAMS UP WITH SUPERCARS

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UPERCARS HAS PARTNERED with Century Batteries in a multi-year deal.

The agreement, announced in February at the battery manufacturer’s Ipswich plant, saw Century named Official Battery of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.

The three-year sponsorship builds on Century’s support of motorsport across the globe, with its sponsorship covering different teams across Australian and international categories.

Century Yuasa’s National Marketing Manager (Automotive) Andrew Bottoms said that as Century moves towards a century in business, the partnership was a perfect fit.

“As official battery of Supercars, this puts our brand in the heartland of Australian motorsports,” he said. “This is another way we can connect with our motoring community: an exciting partnership which will showcase the Century brand and our Australian-made product to a new audience of motoring enthusiasts.

“Century celebrates 90 years of manufacturing with our Ipswich plant providing valuable employment to the area and this allows us to take out community involvement to another level.”

Supercars Chief Operating Officer Shane Howard toured Century’s manufacturing

facility at Carole Park, Ipswich, following the announcement, and was joined by Bathurst 1000 winner Chaz Mostert.

Mr Howard said the announcement was a prelude to another exciting partnership with Century securing naming rights to Ipswich’s premier motorsport event – the Ipswich Supersprint at Queensland Raceway - in July.

“Century is one of Australia’s most successful manufacturing firms, having grown from humble beginnings 90 years ago to one of the most recognised brands in the country,” said Howard.

“We are enormously proud to have such an iconic company join the Supercar family. Century will help us further grow our great sport for the fans.”

March 2019 Motor Trader | 59

Auto news

The all-new Toyota RAV4 will offer class-leading active safety features when it goes on sale in the second quarter of 2019 (overseas model shown)

TOYOTA RAV4 TO OFFER CLASS-LEADING SAFETY ON ALL MODELS

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OYOTA SAYS THE new Toyota RAV4 will offer classleading safety across the entire 11-model range when it goes on sale in the second quarter of 2019.

As part of its Toyota Safety Sense suite of features, every model in the line-up will incorporate active cruise control (ACC), pre-collision safety system (PCS) with pedestrian detection, daylight cyclist detection, road sign assist, lane departure alert and automatic high beam.

All models fitted with continuously variable or automatic transmissions also 60 | Motor Trader March 2019

benefit from an all-speed active cruise control that includes a lane trace assist function.

Other advanced safety technologies include blind-spot monitor, rear crosstraffic alert, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and seven airbags.

The new RAV4 will be offered in 11 different models with a choice of four grade levels, front and all-wheel drive and three new powertrains.

For the first time in Australia, Toyota will offer a hybrid RAV4 - available in

MINI ANNOUNCE NEW JOHN COOPER WORKS GP MODEL six models - with its 155kW 2.5-litre petrol-electric drivetrain mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Three front-wheel drive hybrid models will be offered in entry-level GX, midrange GXL and premium Cruiser grades, together with three electric-AWD models with the same GX, GXL and Cruiser models available.

The new RAV4 will also be available in a single model Edge grade that features more 'rugged' exterior styling and an 'adventure' focus.

This AWD model is powered by a new 152kW/243Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine that drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission and uses a mechanical AWD system.

At the entry level are the front-wheel drive 127kW/207Nm 2.0-litre petrol models offered in GX, GXL and Cruiser grades.

The GX will be available with a choice of six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT with launch gear. Both GXL and Cruiser models are fitted with the CVT as standard.

MINI HAS ANNOUNCED it is to produce a new John Cooper Works GP model. The new edition will be powered by a 4-cylinder engine with an output of more than 220 kW/300 hp and feature TwinPower Turbo Technology. It will be, the company says, the fastest and most powerful Mini ever to be approved for use on the road.

Development of the Works GP is continuing on the race track, where whole-vehicle testing is to be carried out in the course of the next few months. The company say the suspension developed specifically for this model will be precisely adapted to the high output of the new engine. Aerodynamic properties and an optimised weight will go together with the relevant drive and suspension technology to create an ‘optimum all-in package for thrilling performance characteristics.’ The John Cooper Works GP will be available in 2020 with production limited to 3000 units.

March 2019 Motor Trader | 61

Auto news

MY19 Alfa Romeo Giulia

SPECS REVEALED FOR MY19 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA RANGE

A

LFA ROMEO AUSTRALIA has announced pricing and specifications for the new MY19 Giulia range.

The company says the MY19 Giulia line-up has been simplified and consists of four models across four equipment grades – Giulia, Super, Veloce and the rangetopping Quadrifoglio.

GIULIA ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT

GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT The Quadrifoglio, the performance flagship of the range, introduces Heated Rear Seats, Five Seating capacity and Quadrifoglio leather and Alcantara Steering Wheel with Carbon Fibre Insert as standard.

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA MY19 PRICING

(MSRP: Manufacturer’s suggested retail price)

The Giulia now has Apple Car Play/ Android Auto and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection as standard, representing $1,000 in additional customer value.

GRADE Giulia Super Veloce Quadrifoglio

GIULIA SUPER ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT

MY19 GIULIA ADDITIONAL OPTIONS

The Super variant now features 35W Bi Xenon headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting System and Auto High Beam and Heated Rear Seats.

OPTION Veloce Pack Alfa Active Suspension, 19-Inch Alloy Wheels with Dark Finish, Red Brake Calipers, Gloss Black DLO Surround, Privacy Glass, Sports Heated Leather Seats & Sports Heated Steering Wheel, Aluminium Pedals and Trim Panoramic Sunroof Alfa Active Suspension Harman/Kardon Sound System Vehicle Theft Alarm

GIULIA VELOCE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT On top of the above features, performance enthusiasts will enjoy the addition of 8-Way Power Front Seats and Heated Rear Seats on the Giulia Veloce model.

62 | Motor Trader March 2019

ENGINE 2.0 turbo petrol 2.0 turbo petrol 2.0 turbo petrol 2.9 turbo petrol

TRANS 8AT 8AT 8AT 8AT

DRIVE RWD RWD RWD RWD

POWER 147 kW 147 kW 206 kW 375 kW

MSRP $60,900 $65,900 $72,900 $145,900

PRICE $4000 MSRP $2,200 MSRP $2,000 MSRP $1,500 MSRP $750 MSRP

Industrial relations employee’s hours of work in order for the employee to be engaged as a full-time or part-time employee in accordance with the provisions of this award – that is, the casual employee is not truly a regular casual employee. (ii) it is known or reasonably foreseeable that the regular casual employee’s position will cease to exist within the next 12 months; TED KOWALSKI (iii) it is known or reasonably foreseeable INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MANAGER that the hours of work which the regular casual employee is required to perform will be significantly reduced in the next 12 months; or (iv) it is known or reasonably foreseeable that there will be a significant change OTH THE VEHICLE Manufacturing in the days and/or times at which Repair Services and Retail Award the employee’s hours of work are (Vehicle Award) and the Clerks required to be performed in the Private Sector Award (Clerks Award) next 12 months which cannot be contain provisions which allow a casual accommodated within the days and/ with a particular length of service to apply or hours during which the employee to become either full time permanent or is available to work. permanent part time.

Under the Vehicle Award, a regular A regular casual employee under the casual employee with 6 months Clerks Award who has worked equivalent employment may similarly apply in writing full-time hours over the preceding to be converted to either permanent 12 months may request to have their part-time or full-time permanent. If the employment converted to full-time employer refuses the request, the reasons permanent. A regular casual employee for doing so must be fully stated and under the Clerks Award who has worked discussed with the employee. less than equivalent full-time hours over The most obvious consequence of the preceding 12 months may request to a change from casual to permanent have their employment converted to partemployment is that the employee loses time permanent. Any such request must the standard 25% casual loading but does be in writing and the request may only be then start to accrue annual leave and refused on reasonable grounds after personal (sick) leave. consultation with the employee.

CLICK TO VISIT THE MTAQ For the full award provisions on Reasonable grounds for refusal KNOWLEDGE this topic members should peruse include that: BASE Clause 12 of the Clerks Award and (i) it would require a significant adjustment to the casual Clause 13 of the Vehicle Award.

AWARD PROVISIONS FOR CASUAL CONVERSION

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March 2019 Motor Trader | 63

Advertorial

ACM PARTS: FROM STARTUP TO QUEENSLAND’S LEADING AUTO PARTS SUPPLIER AND RECYCLER

I

T’S BEEN FOUR years since ACM Parts launched in Queensland on a mission to become the partner of choice for the auto repair industry.

Armed with an innovative business model and plans to shake up a fragmented market, the Australian-owned business has transformed into one of the Sunshine State’s leading automotive recyclers and suppliers of alternative parts.

ACM Parts Chief Executive Officer Campbell Jones said the award-winning business now has an established Gold Coast warehouse and a rapid delivery service that canvasses all Queensland postcodes.

“Our mission has been simple from the start – become Queensland repairers and consumers’ first choice for quality

64 | Motor Trader March 2019

recycled, new and aftermarket auto parts,” Mr Jones said.

“ACM Parts is changing how things are done in automotive repair to deliver better value for our partners. We’re really proud of what we’ve managed to achieve in such a short time.”

ACM Parts has focused single-mindedly on building a full inventory of alternative high-quality automotive parts for mechanical and collision repair – all at affordable prices.

Customers can find Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, sourced direct from the manufacturer, or choose from an impressive range of quality checked recycled parts or aftermarket parts.

ACM Parts gives repairers and consumers

a choice between different types of parts depending on their needs and preferences – a model that saw them announced as an ABA100 Winner in The Australian Business Awards 2016 for Business Innovation.

Mr Jones said ACM Parts’ range of new and alternative automotive parts is “comprehensive”.

“What ACM Parts has done is create genuine choice in the market,” Mr Jones said.

“We know how important it is for repairers to have access to a broad range of auto parts and have the choice between new or recycled.

“For example, it can be very difficult to find Original Equipment Manufacturer parts for older cars, so it’s crucial repairers have access to an excellent selection of recycled parts in order to service those vehicles.

business has won national awards for going the extra mile when it comes to sustainability. ACM Parts was recognised as an ABA100 Winner of the Australian Business Award for Sustainability in 2018.

And it’s this environmental focus that has led to an unparalleled range of recycled parts. Engines, transmissions, headlights, panels, doors or steering wheels – ACM Parts has repairers covered bumper to bumper for all different makes and models.

As well as passenger vehicles, the business also stocks a large range of 4x4 and commercial vehicle parts, backed by a fast, efficient and reliable national delivery network to get parts delivered faster.

“Our size and scope means we are a one-stop shop for repairers,” Mr Jones “ACM PARTS IS CHANGING said.

HOW THINGS ARE DONE “Customers can order all the IN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR TO automotive parts they need with one DELIVER BETTER VALUE phone call or a few clicks of the mouse on our website or eBay store. Not only is this FOR OUR PARTNERS. WE’RE more convenient but it also cuts down REALLY PROUD OF WHAT WE’VE MANAGED TO ACHIEVE on delivery times, which means repairers can better deliver on timelines for their IN SUCH A SHORT TIME.” customers.

“No matter what kind of part you “Recycled parts is a significant growth are looking for, no matter what kind of market for us. Our recycled parts are vehicle you are working on, ACM Parts removed from 250-plus cars each week by is bound to have what you want, in the a team of trained dismantlers, and then expertly cleaned and checked for quality to quantities you need.”

ACM Parts has steadily grown its ensure our customers get the quality parts clientele across Queensland, providing they need for the job every time. parts to large repair networks as well as “A big reason for why ACM Parts is so servicing small independent repairers. focused on stocking recycled automotive By investing in an ever-expanding parts is because they are environmentally fleet of dedicated delivery trucks and friendly. Our recycled parts are harvested hi-tech route planning software to reduce from some of the 600,000 cars retired from waiting times, ACM Parts can offer the road each year, which decreases the same-day multi delivery in most amount of waste going to landfill.” capital cities around Australia.

CLICK TO VISIT Like all ACM Parts sites around THE ACM PARTS Australia, the Queensland HQ in To find out about ACM Parts’ range, WEBSITE Arundel has secured Green Stamp call 1800 226 727 or visit accreditation and the ACM Parts www.acmparts.com.au March 2019 Motor Trader | 65

RTO No. 31529

Can you afford not to be in the circle?

Advocacy

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

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

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

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Innovation

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illion is the leading independent provider of trusted data and analytics products and services in Australasia. Members are eligible for substantial savings on annual subscriptions.

MTA Queensland | Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113 Phone (07) 3237 8777 Fax +61 7 3844 4488 Email info@mtaq.com.au Website www.mtaq.com.au Postal PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113

Search for MTA Queensland

20150315

⑤

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.

a

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

P

Support

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.

e

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

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Training

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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.

o

Receive FREE expert advice on Industrial Relations matters, saving your business thousands on legal expenses!

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Services

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

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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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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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①

SAVE WITH OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS

GENERAL MANAGER MTA INSTITUTE

I

S IT JUST me or is it busy? We’ve started the year full throttle and I’ve been pulled up by a couple of staff members asking me if it’s September already? The time feels like it’s flying (and yes, I realise we are only into March).

I recently had the absolute privilege to deliver a presentation at our MTA Institute graduation ceremony for apprentices who

“I RECENTLY HAD THE

ABSOLUTE PRIVILEGE TO DELIVER A PRESENTATION AT OUR MTA INSTITUTE GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR APPRENTICES WHO HAD FINISHED THEIR TRAINING.” had finished their training. This is our third such graduation event and it was pleasing to see the graduates, and their families and friends, at the event and be recognised for

MEMBERS' ESSENTIALS Contents 70 Professional Circle Training 75 Apprentice of the Month January 80 Plugged In: Explaining Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Tech 84 Concept Corner March 2019 Motor Trader | 67

E S S E N T I A L S

PAUL KULPA

M E M B E R S

Training GM's Professional Circle perspective

Right training.

Right place.

Right way.

RTO No: 31529

MTA INSTITUTE

COURSES

HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE COURSE

SKILL SET TRAINING (3 DAY)

MIG WELDING FUNDAMENTALS COURSE

7 - 9 May 2019 3 - 5 September 2019 29 - 31 October 2019 Click for more information.

14 May 2019, 8:30am - 12:30pm 13 August 2019, 8:30am - 12:30pm 26 November 2019, 8:30am - 12:30pm Click for more information.

COMMON RAIL DIESEL INJECTION COURSE INTRODUCTORY

14 May 2019, 6pm - 9pm 13 August 2019, 6pm - 9pm 26 November 2019, 6pm - 9pm Click for more information.

AIR CONDITIONING COURSE

SKILL SET GAP TRAINING (3 DAY) 1 - 3 May 2019 19 - 21 August 2019 8 - 10 October 2019 Click for more information.

SALES/DEALER LICENCING COURSE

CERT IV AND DIPLOMA OF LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

Click for more information.

Click for more information.

AVAILABLE ONLINE - ENROL NOW

NOW AVAILABLE

All Courses are held at the MTA Institute

Search for MTA Queensland

Free guest Wifi at MTA Institute

20170566

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

“THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY IS AN INDUSTRY OF INNOVATION AND CHANGE, AND TO KEEP UP YOU JUST HAVE TO KEEP LEARNING AND HAVE A THIRST TO BE EDUCATED!�

a part of positive change and growth in the industry. Well done to all!

The Institute has also been busy engaging with industry on validating our training and assessment strategies.

This basically covers the way we deliver our training and how we assess an apprentice as competent.

The feedback helps us develop a contemporary training and assessment strategy in consultation with industry and ensures our staff, equipment, facilities and learning resources are consistent with the requirements of the relevant Training Package (i.e. AUR).

The process ensures we continue to provide the ongoing provision of high-quality training services, including training delivery, assessment methods and robust administrative processes to support training compliance and obligations.

As always, I appreciate the feedback from industry on our training and any improvements we can make.

MTA Institute trainer Zak Zuiderduin and graduating apprentice Nathan Griffiths March 2019 Motor Trader | 69

E S S E N T I A L S

their hard work.

It takes four years it to complete an apprenticeship. This is a significant amount of time, and reflecting on how the world has changed and, in particular, how technology has changed, reminds us of what challenges have occurred in those years. The automotive industry is an industry of innovation and change, and to keep up you just have to keep learning and have a thirst to be educated!

The evening was a time to reflect upon the great experiences the apprentices (or should I say tradespeople) enjoyed during their training and how they are now equipped as technicians and ready to be

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

MTA Institute graduates, February 2019

MTA INSTITUTE WELCOMES NEW GRADUATES TO THE INDUSTRY

T

HE MTA INSTITUTE held its first graduation ceremony of 2019 in February, marking the start of the trade careers of 10 apprentices who recently completed their training.

And while the threat of Cyclone Oma hovered over the occasion and not all the newly graduated tradespeople made the trip to the MTA Queensland head office at Eight Mile Plains in Brisbane, those that did make it came with families and friends to witness the occasion.

Presenting the graduates with their certificates was Paul Kulpa, General Manager of the MTA Institute, who addressed the attendees and delivered a message of congratulations and encouragement to keep learning, keep

70 | Motor Trader March 2019

evolving with the industry and take full advantage of the qualification, and opportunity, the graduates had worked so hard to attain.

“It has taken you four years to complete

“CHANGE IS UNSTOPPABLE,

AND YOU HAVE TO MAINTAIN A LEVEL OF EDUCATION . . .

THERE WILL BY MANY OPPORTUNITIES OVER THE COMING YEARS, BUT YOU’LL HAVE TO CONTINUE TO LEARN AND THAT IS PART OF THE CHALLENGE MOVING FORWARD.”

M E M B E R S

Ryan Kelly Trade: Auto Electrical

Nathan Griffiths Trade: Light Vehicle

David Horstmann Trade: Light Vehicle

Gerald Miller Trade: Light Vehicle

your apprenticeship and when you reflect on that, reflect on how much the world has changed in that time and, in particular, on the technology,” said Mr Kulpa.

“Change is unstoppable,” he added.

“There will by many opportunities over the coming years, but you’ll have to continue to learn and that is part of the challenge moving forward - keep learning, keep evolving and keep asking questions.”

Pointing out that the majority of auto Paul Kulpa, General Manager, MTA Institute

Suzie Solomon Trade: Light Vehicle

apprentices fail to make it across the finish line to become a tradesperson, Mr Kulpa said the graduates had already achieved a great deal.

“There are about 5,500 auto apprentices across all disciplines in Queensland,” he said. “Statistically speaking, we lose about quarter from that group every year and only about 1 in 4 people finish their apprenticeship.

“Take that stat and look at what you have achieved and recognise that what you have done is a truly excellent result. Well done."

On hand for some extra inspiration for the new tradespeople was Elliott Lemmon, the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Year for 2017 and a graduate himself last year. In a Q&A session with Mr Kulpa, Elliott ran through his own apprenticeship journey, some of the hurdles and challenges that new tradespeople face, March 2019 Motor Trader | 71

E S S E N T I A L S

Darren Bellars Trade: Light Vehicle

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

Professional Circle training and offered some sage words of advice.

“Keep learning, stay humble, ask questions, don’t worry about any of the drama, and keep working through it!” he said.

While most of the graduate attendees had come from the south-east corner of the state, Gary Armstrong had taken a somewhat longer road.

The 30-year-old mobile plant technology graduate, along with partner Bianca Magill and daughter Kayla, had travelled more than six hours from near Mungindi where Gary works for the Wyadrigah Pastoral company.

Originally from Belfast in Ireland, and a newly minted Australian Elliott Lemmon, MTA Institute Apprentice of the Year for 2017 citizen, Gary had been working in the heavy machinery and agricultural machinery sectors for some years before “KEEP LEARNING, STAY getting the opportunity to complete an HUMBLE, ASK QUESTIONS, apprenticeship. He was, he said, grateful that the MTA Institute had enabled him DON’T WORRY ABOUT ANY to complete an apprenticeship under the OF THE DRAMA, AND KEEP guidance of his trainer Jeff Mann.

WORKING THROUGH IT!.”

“I am really thankful for the opportunity,” he said. “Jeff, my trainer, was great drive all the way down there to spend the at explaining everything, was always time with me. I’d highly recommend the available on the phone, and he would Institute to anyone thinking of doing an automotive apprenticeship.”

Wrapping up the evening’s festivities, Mr Kulpa said that the graduates should grasp the opportunities that the industry offered and look forward to a long and successful working life in the career they had worked so hard to enter.

“I wish each of you good luck in your careers,” he said.

“And I remind you that you have earned your qualification and your place in the industry.

Congratulations!”

72 | Motor Trader March 2019 Gary Armstrong, with partner Bianca Magill and daughter Kayla

LOOKING FOR WORK? Check out MTA Queensland’s Job Board for all the latest opportunities in the automotive industry.

Visit www.mtaq.com.au today

CARS &

C O F F E E

SUNDAY 26 MAY 7:30-9:30AM Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains

20170624

Enquiries: www.mtaq.com.au/cars-coffee

K

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 March 2019 Motor Trader | 75

E S S E N T I A L S

with colleagues. I believe that he is an exceptional student with a promising future in the industry."

The origin of Kade's interest in automotive is easy to track down.

"My grandfather was a mechanic, and he taught my dad everything he knew" he said. "My dad actually isn't a mechanic, but having a mechanic for a dad meant he learned pretty much everything, and ADE HUTCHINSON IS the MTA I ended being on the tools helping him Institute Apprentice of the Month for around the shed.

January.

"I heard some great stories - including The 18-year-old light vehicle apprentice that my grandfather took a Holden Grey is already in the fourth year of his training motor and built it to run a 12-second after leaving school at 16 to take on the quarter mile! He was always tinkering!" position at Noel's Progress Road Pitstop in Kade said he was enjoying the work Wacol, Brisbane. at Noel's Progress Road Pitstop, which He has proven to be an enthusiastic and includes general servicing work as well employee with a fantastic work ethic. as work on tyres and wheel, and when "Kade is an exceptional apprentice," he completes his apprenticeship, further said Keith Minchin, Kade's MTA Institute training is on the cards. trainer. "He is well-respected by his "There is a lot of variety in the work that employer and colleagues, and his quality comes in," he said. "And I am enjoying of work has always been exceptional. every part of it.

CLICK TO "His ability to understand and "I’m still kind of feeling things out VISIT NOEL'S PROGRESS apply technical concepts is about the future but I might take ROAD PITSTOP very good, he demonstrates the on another apprenticeship – maybe WEBSITE ability to work autonomously, diesel fitting. It's important to keep training." and he communicates effectively APPRENTICE: KADE HUTCHINSON WORKPLACE: NOEL'S PROGRESS ROAD PITSTOP APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE

M E M B E R S

Apprentice of the Month: January

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

Rising flood waters threaten homes in Annandale, Townsville Credit: Robert Hiette/Shutterstock.com

ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO QLD BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY FLOODING

T

HE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT announced early in February the activation of recovery grants for small businesses that have been impacted by the Queensland floods.

This money will be made available for small businesses and not-for-profit organisations that have been affected by the floods in the council areas of Townsville, Cloncurry, McKinlay, Richmond and Flinders, with grants of up to $25,000.

WHAT ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE? In exceptional circumstances a grant up to a maximum of $25,000 is available to assist eligible small businesses with an: • Initial grant amounts to assist you with cleaning and reinstatement costs immediately following the disaster event – up to a total of $5,000; and • Subsequent grant amounts to assist you with additional cleaning and reinstatement costs – up to a total of $20,000.

All claims must be supported by either evidence of damage and quotes (initial grant) or evidence of damage, invoices and proof of payment (subsequent grant). If claiming a subsequent grant, then evidence 78 | Motor Trader March 2019

of payment must be supplied for both the initial and subsequent grant amounts.

HOW CAN THE ASSISTANCE HELP YOU? The assistance enables you to pay for costs associated with cleaning and reinstatement activities.

Examples of eligible activities: • hiring or leasing equipment or materials essential to clean-up or for immediately resuming business activities • removing and disposing of debris, damaged goods and material • repairing buildings or repairing or replacing fittings in buildings (business premises) • replacing lost or damaged stock essential for immediately resuming trading • leasing temporary premises to resume operations • engaging a person to clean or to conduct a safety inspection of premises • paying additional wages to an employee to assist with the clean-up work Assistance under this scheme is not intended to compensate for loss of income suffered as a result of the disaster event and assistance provided is subject to future audit.

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 Queensland-

based collision repair industry employees who received I-CAR Platinum Individual Accreditation in January 2019:

• Chris Agnew Sommerville Smash Repairs • Peter Venter Sommerville Smash Repairs • Jess Bulders Sommerville Smash Repairs There were no welding certifications issued in January.

March 2019 Motor Trader | 79

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

businesses to take steps and get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” said Minister Andrews.

“They will provide practical information and referrals to help businesses get through what is a CLICK TO FEDERAL GOVT SENDS ADVISERS TO very difficult time.”

VISIT THE HELP FLOOD-AFFECTED BUSINESSES? RECOVERY Dates and locations of GRANTS The federal government is WEBSITE workshops will be available also providing assistance and shortly and communicated announced in February that a team through the local AusIndustry of dedicated on-the-ground advisers office, existing regional networks, would be sent to help flood-affected the Small Business Recovery Centre businesses. in Townsville, and local chambers of Funded by the Government’s commerce.

Entrepreneurs’ Programme, the business “This support we’re providing is in advisers will run workshops in the region addition to the Coalition Government’s from March to June. commitment of disaster assistance Minister for Industry, Science and through the joint CommonwealthTechnology, Karen Andrews said the Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Coalition was committed to supporting Arrangements,” Minister Andrews said. businesses affected by the floods.

“The Coalition Government has also “Our dedicated business advisers committed $1 million in support funding will run workshops designed to assist to each of the affected Queensland shires.

“The funds will target urgent “OUR DEDICATED BUSINESS priority areas such as rate relief for ADVISERS WILL RUN impacted properties, reconstruction of WORKSHOPS DESIGNED TO infrastructure, or the disposal of cattle ASSIST BUSINESSES TO TAKE that have perished.”

The joint Commonwealth-Queensland STEPS AND GET BACK ON Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements THEIR FEET AS QUICKLY AS has also increased grants for farmers POSSIBLE.” from $25,000 to $75,000.

Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants are subject to terms and conditions which are detailed in the Scheme Guidelines.

For more information CLICK HERE or call 1800 623 946.

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

Plugged In: Explaining Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Tech PAUL TUGWELL TECHNICAL ELECTRICAL TRAINER MTA INSTITUTE

TORQUE AND ELECTRIC MOTORS TORQUE MULTIPLICATION The internal combustion engine has served the world with great success for more than 150 years. However, it certainly is NOT an efficient machine, using only 30 per cent of a litre of fuel to actually propel the vehicle, with the rest disappearing thanks to effects such as overcoming friction and losses to cooling.

Also, the internal combustion engine (ICE) will only operate over a limited effective range, usually around 1500 – 5000 rev/min and, in this range, will produce a comparatively low torque.

When the speed drops below the lower limit, or if the load is too great, the engine stalls and the vehicle will come to rest.

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“THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION

ENGINE HAS SERVED THE WORLD WITH GREAT SUCCESS FOR MORE THAN 150 YEARS. HOWEVER, IT CERTAINLY IS NOT AN EFFICIENT MACHINE . . .”

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

If a vehicle were not fitted with a gearbox, the following disadvantages would occur.

• Poor acceleration from rest; the clutch would have to be slipped to avoid stalling the engine. A road speed of 24 km/h would have to be reached before full engagement could take place, and during this time the driving force at the wheels would only be slightly greater than the force opposing the motion of the vehicle.

• Poor hill – climbing ability; a gradient increases the resistance, and this will mean that as soon as a hill is approached, the engine will slow down and eventually stall. A bigger capacity engine with more torque could overcome this, but this would be uneconomical.

• Vehicle cannot be driven at low speeds; as the vehicle speed is decreased the engine speed will also decrease. Slipping of the clutch would be necessary to avoid stalling if the

“THE DIFFERENCE WITH A

HYBRID / ELECTRIC VEHICLE IS IT DOES NOT NECESSARILY NEED MULTI-GEAR RATIOS TO PERFORM AT ECONOMICALLY AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.” vehicle had to be driven at low speeds.

• No neutral or reverse; shows the importance of fitting a gearbox.

For an ICE to work within the bounds of economical fuel usage and performance, it has to have some means to keep the engine in the most economical range, and this means a gearbox - manual or automatic.

The difference with a hybrid / electric vehicle is it does not necessarily need multigear ratios to perform at economically and performance standards.

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

Plugged In: Explaining Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Tech DIFFERENT TYPES OF DRIVING SYSTEMS FOR HYBRID / ELECTRIC VEHICLES Rear-wheel drive applications use a common drive system with a gearbox, a differential and final drive system at the rear axle to transmit engine torque to drive the wheels. The Lexus GS450h and LS600h are both rear-wheel drive electric vehicles.

In a front-wheel drive vehicle, a transaxle assembly is used. A transaxle has all the components to drive the front wheels in one housing.

Most Hybrid Electric Vehicles in current production have either front-wheel drive or 4WD. Most use a transaxle for driving the front wheels.

“MOST HYBRID ELECTRIC

VEHICLES IN CURRENT PRODUCTION HAVE EITHER FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE OR 4WD. MOST USE A TRANSAXLE FOR DRIVING THE FRONT WHEELS.”

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In a 4WD or AWD vehicle, a transfer case is usually used. A transmission can also be used with a transfer case to distribute torque to all four wheels in a 4WD system.

The Lexus RX400h uses a transaxle on the front of the vehicle and an electric motor to drive the rear wheels in the 4WD model.

The Ford Escape (USA) Hybrid uses a separate power takeoff (PTO) from THE transaxle to mechanically drive the rear axle.

PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION In order to move a vehicle, torque is applied to drive the wheels.

The transmission is responsible for increasing engine torque in the lower speed ranges when acceleration is required, and then reducing engine speed for the best fuel economy when the vehicle is cruising.

Internal combustion engines (ICE) are very different from electric motors in that they only produce torque in a relatively narrow RPM range - around 1500 to 5000 RPM. An internal combustion engine is most efficient when it is operating near its

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E S S E N T I A L S

torque peak. This is the RPM when the engine is breathing most efficiently. The problem is that it can be hard to keep the engine in that range for driving conditions.

This can be overcome to some extent by increasing the RPM range where the engine produces torque ( flattening the torque curve), and by increasing the number of gears in the transmission.

With more gears it is easier to match the vehicle road speed with the most efficient engine RPM. Any torque increase is at the expense of speed. When torque is increased in a transmission, output speed is decreased.

Note: ICE produce maximum torque at high RPM. Electric motors produce maximum torque at low speed.

THINGS TO REMEMBER: Electric motor power is expressed in kilowatts (kW). This is the international standard for rating mechanical and electric power.

A 100 per cent efficient motor would produce one kilowatt of mechanical power with an input of one kilowatt of electrical power.

The Watt scale is named after the Scottish engineer James Watt, and one horsepower (HP) is equal to 746 watts.

Watt developed the horsepower rating in the late 1700s when horses were the main source of power. Watt wanted to show coal mine owners how good his invention was at doing work compared to horses and he had to have an easily understandable way to show the mine owners the improvement. He determined that 550 foot-pounds per second was the power produced by the average pit pony. This means that the pony could lift a weight of 550 pounds one foot in one second – equal to one horsepower.

M E M B E R S

“ELECTRIC MOTOR POWER IS EXPRESSED IN KILOWATTS (KW). THIS IS THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD FOR RATING MECHANICAL AND ELECTRIC POWER.”

Concept corner

AUDI E-TRON 84 | Motor Trader March 2019

N GT CONCEPT March 2019 Motor Trader | 85

Concept corner

R

EVEALED AT THE Los Angeles Auto Show at the end of 2018, the Audi e-tron GT concept is expected to make its debut as a production car in 2020.

And it will be a welcome addition to the growing all-electric family of vehicles.

While the GT concept looks great on the outside and has a multi-material construction that includes carbon fibre, aluminium and steel. On the inside it look very tasty too, with a beautiful interior made from synthetic materials – Audi says that no animal-based products are used at all.

However, it’s what’s under the skin

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AUDI E-TRON GT CONCEPT

VIDEO: AUDI E-TRON GT CONCEPT | AUDI SPORT

that really attracts the attention and performance will, fittingly, match the GT’s stunning look.

Audi claims a 0-100km/h time of around 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 240km/h

(regulated for range), with that grunt coming from 434 kilowatts (590hp) of system power.

Separate electric motors fitted to the front and rear axles and power is delivered to each wheel (the e-tron GT is a quattro).

Drive energy comes from a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery that can, Audi says, deliver a range of more than 400km.

There’s a recuperation system too, that means energy is fed back to the battery in practically all normal braking manoeuvres.

The company says the GT concept’s battery can be charged using a cable, or by means of contactless induction with Audi

Wireless Charging.

Wired charging will be super-quick.

The four-door coupĂŠ is fitted with an 800-volt system meaning it will take just 20 minutes to recharge the battery to 80 percent of its capacity (and a range of more than 320km).

Audi says that by 2025, it will offer 12 automobiles with all-electric drive in the most important markets worldwide and achieve roughly one-third of its sales with electrified models. If they all look as good as this, and perform as claimed, they going to sell well!

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Investment matters

MARKET WRAP

A

USTRALIAN AND GLOBAL markets rebounded strongly from the losses of December, with the S&P ASX 200 and the MSCI World up 3.87% and 7.3% respectively. President Trump ceded to Democratic pressure regarding his “Mexican wall standoff ” and allowed the government to reopen until February 15. The US government also hinted at progress regarding Chinese trade negotiations. Most importantly for markets though, the US Federal Reserve hinted at lower rates for longer. This was the signal that the markets needed to rally, having built in concerns of a hard landing in the US (and therefore global) economy in previous months. The outlook for China improved, while Emerging Markets, Europe and Japan were also higher. The UK was the laggard on the global stage, posting a 3.6% gain after fumbling its Brexit negotiations with the deadline looming.

The market looks to be fair value, though with large differences between the cheapest and most expensive stocks.

This, coupled with the large amounts of volatility in the market has led to significant opportunities for value investors to purchase quality companies at attractive prices. We took this opportunity to add conviction to our positions and are now comfortable with the characteristics of the portfolio going forward.

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. . . THE US FEDERAL RESERVE HINTED AT LOWER RATES FOR LONGER. THIS WAS THE SIGNAL THAT THE MARKETS NEEDED TO RALLY, HAVING BUILT IN CONCERNS OF A HARD LANDING IN THE US (AND THEREFORE GLOBAL) ECONOMY IN PREVIOUS MONTHS. 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).