Motor Trader e-magazine, October 2024

MTA QUEENSLAND

INDUSTRY MEETINGS

MTA QUEENSLAND hosts quarterly industry meetings for:

› AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE DEALER ASSOCIATION (NEW CAR DEALERS)

› AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS DIVISION (MECHANICAL REPAIRERS)

› AUTOMOTIVE PARTS RECYCLERS DIVISION (PARTS RECYCLERS)

› USED CAR DIVISION (USED CAR DEALERS)

› ENGINE RECONDITIONERS ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND (ENGINE RECONDITIONERS)

› NATIONAL AUTO COLLISION ALLIANCE (PAINT & PANEL / TOW TRUCKS)

› QUEENSLAND FARM & INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DEALERS DIVISION (FARM & INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY)

› QUEENSLAND MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY DIVISION (MOTORCYCLES)

› RENTAL VEHICLE INDUSTRY DIVISION (RENTAL VEHICLES)

› SERVICE STATION & CONVENIENCE STORE ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND (SERVICE STATIONS)

› TYRE & UNDERCAR DIVISION OF QUEENSLAND (TYRES, BRAKES, SUSPENSIONS)

The Agenda topics include:

› robust discussions around the priorities of the Division,

› issues that need to be directly presented to government and submissions,

› skilling needs,

› membership representation,

› technical and educational updates, and

› innovation opportunities.

The industry meetings can be attended in-person at MTA Queensland or online. The meetings are open to members and non-members, but we strongly encourage membership to ensure all member benefits are available.

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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

Evangeline Kannis

POLICY

Kellie Dewar, Deputy CEO MTA Queensland

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Email: jonathann@mtaq.com.au

EDITORIAL

Editorial submissions are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed placement. For more information email the Editor at publications@mtaq.com.au

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MOTOR TRADER PUBLISHING POLICY

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

MTA QUEENSLAND ABN: 74 028 933 848

CORPORATE PARTNERS

From the Editor

JONATHAN NASH EDITOR

HELLO AND WELCOME

to the October edition of Motor Trader.

We are just a few weeks away from the announcement of the winners of the annual MTA Queensland Industry Awards. With that in mind, over the next couple of editions of Motor Trader, we'll be looking at the finalists across the five business award categories as well as the Apprentice of the Year category.

The business awards include the Community Award, the Innovation Award, the Women in Industry Award, the Small Business Award, and the Large Business Award and the announcement of the winners will be made at the MTA Queensland Industry Award Dinner, to be held on the evening of November 23 at the W Hotel in Brisbane. You can find out more about the finalists in those

categories in this month's edition from page 14.

Amongst our news stories this month we have something for the enthusiasts of those large utes that seem to be growing in popularity, with details on the big Toyota Tundra which is expected in the local market soon.

In what has been a busy month for Toyota, we also have some stories on the new hybrid Camry as well as the company joining the Supercars championship with a spiced up GR Supra.

Also inside is news on Ford's Ranger Plug-In Hybrid and the Leapmotor C10 - another quality electric vehicle (EV) from another new player in the local market.

There's also our cover story, which looks at the details around the W1 - the latest hypercar from McLaren, one of the great constructors of performance vehicles. A hybrid monster, the W1 puts out some awesome performance numbers and looks to be something very special indeed.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Motor Trader and please do reach out if you have some news you'd like to share.

Cheers

Jonathan Nash, Editor jonathann@mtaq.com.au

MTA Queensland welcomes the following new members

BUSINESS NAME PRIMARY DIVISION

Bridgestone Select Wilsonton TUDQ

Search for MTA Queensland

THE W1 HYPERCAR: MCLAREN UNVEILS SUCCESSOR TO LEGENDARY F1

PANEL BEATING APPRENTICES DESCEND ON MTA QUEENSLAND FOR WORLDSKILLS COMPETITION

MTA Q&A: ELLWOOD MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURES

CONCEPT CORNER: LOTUS THEORY 1 CONCEPT

From the Desk of Management

CAMM

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

THE OUTCOME OF the state election on 26 October 2024 will shape the economic landscape and business conditions in Queensland for the next four years. In anticipation of the election, MTA Queensland has released its 2024 State Election Blueprint, which outlines essential support measures for the retail, repair, and service sectors within Queensland's automotive industry.

Supporting the operation of the state’s 4.3 million registered vehicles are more than 17,000 primarily small and medium-sized motor trades businesses located throughout Queensland. These businesses collectively employ almost 90,000 workers, approximately 3.1 per cent of total employment in Queensland.

It remains our view that governments do not sufficiently respect the role our industry plays in the economy. As the sector shifts towards zero and low emission vehicles (ZLEVs), it faces considerable challenges, especially for family-owned businesses dedicated to vehicle maintenance and repair. These businesses must adapt to the rapidly changing landscape, investing in new technologies and training to keep up with the latest advancements.

MTA Queensland’s 2024 State Election Blueprint highlights crucial priorities that political parties should consider to facilitate this transition, including:

• addressing skills shortages and developing workforce solutions to ensure the industry has the future skills to support Queensland’s ongoing prosperity.

• delivering high-quality training for an industry that is beginning to undergo a significant transformation

• shoring up future industry viability and competitiveness

• ensuring Queensland’s transition to zero and low emission vehicles is optimised

• protecting the environment through adoption of end-of-life vehicle planning.

Addressing these priorities will be essential for sustaining the automotive industry and supporting Queensland’s longterm economic prosperity. Read our full election Blueprint HERE.

KELLIE DEWAR DEPUTY CEO | GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES

MTA QUEENSLAND IS EXCITED to announce the finalists for its 2024 Industry Awards! This year’s nominees exemplify outstanding achievement and commitment in the automotive industry, and you can learn more about them from page 14.

PUT ON YOUR FINEST BLACK-TIE ATTIRE AND JOIN US FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENING

. . . AS WE CELEBRATE THE 2024 MTA QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS!

Along with the announcement of the award finalists, tickets are now available for this year’s Gala! Put on your finest blacktie attire and join us for an unforgettable evening filled with entertainment, a three-course meal, drinks, live music, and dancing as we celebrate the 2024 MTA Queensland Industry Award winners! Click HERE to learn more and get involved.

Additionally, October is shaping up to be an exciting month for MTA Queensland, with several engaging events on the calendar.

Automotive Careers Expo Mackay | 16 October

MTA Queensland has partnered with Capricorn Society to connect local business owners with school students interested in pursuing careers in the automotive industry. Click HERE to learn more and get involved.

Auto Women Social Gladstone | 17 October

Join us for delicious food, engaging conversations, and excellent networking opportunities as we celebrate women in the automotive industry. Click HERE to find out more and get involved.

Trackside Breakfast at the Gold Coast | Fri, 25 October

Experience an exclusive industry breakfast trackside at the Pavilion x Piper-Heidsieck suite, offering a premium view of the pit straight, right above the team garages! Click HERE to learn more and get involved.

I look forward to seeing you there!

ROD

You could save on merchant fees^.

With Commonwealth Bank, MTAQ members can take advantage of preferential rates on credit and debit card merchant fees. Whether you’re a small or large business, the savings you could be making in merchant fees could be invested in other areas of your business, like purchasing equipment, employing staff or online marketing.

How much could you save?

When comparing credit and debit card merchant fee charges for MTAQ members versus non-members, the savings can be surprising. We have reviewed our merchant base^ for the industry and found that on average, members processing less than $500000 could save up to 23%.^

We can easily create a customised comparison for your business, by simply providing us your Merchant statement for one whole month.

With Commonwealth Bank, MTAQ can also take advantage of our latest technology with either an Essential Lite or Essential Plus device, no contracts and 24/7 support.

Here for you, for however you do business.

To find out how much you could save with Commonwealth Bank, contact MTAQ on 07 3237 8777 or email info@mtaq.com.au and they'll put you in touch with a Commonwealth Bank Relationship Manager.

MTA |Q&A

The majority of MTA Queensland members are workshops servicing their local community, but sometimes there are exceptions. Motor Trader magazine caught up with Director Ellyse O’Connor to learn more about Ellwood Motorcycle Adventures - a Cairns-based business which takes clients on motorcycle tours throughout the world.

HOW MUCH ARE MOTORCYCLES A PART OF YOUR LIFE?

EOC: Motorcycles are a massive part of my life. My dad is 73 now and he has always ridden every day, so that has been a huge influence. I grew up with bikes, have been racing and riding motorcycles for about 25

years, have been tour guiding for five years, and have a collection of vintage dirt and road bikes.

I spend my spare time riding motorbikes and, when I am home in Cairns, I also like to race in the local Gravity Enduro events

WORDS : LARA WILDE

IMAGES : ELLWOOD MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURES & LARA WILDE

Woody and Ellyse O’Connor, founders of Ellwood Motorcycle Adventures

MY PARTNER WOODY AND I OPENED THE DOORS TO ELLWOOD MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURES IN 2020. SINCE THEN, WE HAVE BEEN TAKING OUR CLIENTS ON THEIR BUCKET LIST ADVENTURES OF A LIFETIME ALL OVER AUSTRALIA AND NOW THE WORLD.

on my mountain bike.

Our tour season clashes with many of the local competitions but I am always up for a motorcross or enduro cross race when I can fit it in.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS.

EOC: My partner Woody and I opened the doors to Ellwood Motorcycle Adventures in 2020. Since then, we have been taking our clients on their bucket list adventures of a lifetime all over Australia and now the

world. We regularly take groups to Cape York, Darwin, the Simpson Desert, the Kimberley, Victorian high country and Nepal in the Himalayas. Our tours include everything the client needs from the bike to food to camping gear to the support vehicles and staff.

YOUR TOUR BUSINESS IS BOOMING BUT WHAT ELSE DO YOU DO?

EOC: Besides the tours, we also have a full motorcycle repair workshop where we maintain and service our fleet of vehicles but also bikes for external clients.

VIDEO: A SNIPPET OF EXPLORING WITH ELLWOOD

MTA | Q&A

With more than 50 motorcycles in our fleet, we can keep our mechanics very busy but we like to share that expertise with our Cairns community.

THAT SOUNDS FULL ON, YOU MUST BE VERY ORGANISED.

EOC: There's more! With clients flying into Cairns to follow their dream of a motorcycle adventure, we noticed that there were very few options for them to hire a motorcycle in Cairns. We had fallen in love with the Royal Enfield motorcycles we use on tour in Nepal and so we have invested in a fleet of Royal Enfields to hire to our clients. All of the motorcycles are in excellent condition and are approved for Learner riders. We provide them for local rentals including the Daintree, Port Douglas, Atherton Tablelands and the greater Cairns region. We have had great feedback and we look forward to providing a professional and reliable motorcycle hire service for our clients and friends.

WITH ALL OF THAT GOING ON, WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN THE BUSINESS?

EOC: Almost every tour has me riding a bike to provide guidance and management.

When I am not on the bike, I am in the office managing the administration side of the business. Of course, in my spare time I like to get on the tools and I am looking forward to finishing my trade as a qualified motorcycle mechanic.

WHO ELSE IS IN THE ELLWOOD MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURES TEAM?

EOC: Being on tour in remote outback locations means that our team is very close knit. We all enjoy our job and love working with our clients. My husband Woody is the other Director. We also have my brother Leroy, our mechanic Don, our

second-in-command Gav, our other sweeprider Pete, and during the peak season we also have a few casuals to help.

WHAT TRAINING DO YOU DO WITH STAFF IN YOUR TEAM AND FOR YOURSELF?

EOC: We do lots of first-aid training for the tour side of things, we do team training and learn from our mechanic. We are always looking to adopt more training programs into our business to build our employees knowledge. As a business owner trying to wear all the hats, I am learning to stay in my lane and focus on learning my trade as well as running the business.

Ellwood Motorcycle Adventures offers guided motorcycle tours of some of Australia's most amazing regions, including Cape York and the Victorian High Country, and offers such a tour of Nepal in the Himalayas too.

HOW HAS MTA QUEENSLAND PLAYED A ROLE IN YOUR BUSINESS?

EOC: We joined MTA Queensland about six months ago. Our membership has provided great advice and industry-specific guidance and networking. There's also the ability to connect with other members, such as Wayne Leonard Motorcycles who sold us our Royal Enfield motorcycles for our rental service, and the opportunity to attend networking events such as Auto Women.

DO YOU SPONSOR ANY LOCAL MOTORSPORT AND INDIVIDUAL COMPETITORS?

EOC: Being super passionate about all things motorcycles, we like to support community facilities so the riders of the future have somewhere to practice and compete. Because our footprint is larger than just Cairns, we sponsor beyond our local community. We sponsor the Rockhampton MX track, the Broome Mx track and also Dungog Enduro cross. We have riders from all over the country and world, so we like to add value to clubs all over Australia.

HOW MUCH IMPORTANCE DO YOU PLACE ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

EOC: Social media is everything for our marketing strategy. We very rarely advertise - we only post on social media

which is where we get 90 per cent of our bookings. It’s a great way to show the experiences people get when they come on a journey with us. We create an amazing environment for all level of riders to achieve their goals and it’s easy to see that we absolutely love what we do. Social media communicates our passion, our story, our capabilities and the satisfaction of our clients.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE GREATEST ADVANCEMENT IN TECHNOLOGY FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

EOC: For us it’s probably the use of GPS and in-reach messaging. We work in very remote locations and now we can communicate on the bike super quick if we have mechanical issues. That means we can get in contact with our support truck and get the help our client needs in record time.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS?

EOC: Personally, I will get signed off as a qualified motorcycle mechanic and be an asset to my team. As a team, we are working hard to continue to build our tour and motorcycle rental business. We will put three of our employees through their motorcycle mechanic trade. By continuing our training, we will learn more around

. . . WE WILL ADD VALUE TO THE MOTORCYCLE AND ADVENTURE COMMUNITY OF CAIRNS AS WE CONTINUE TO GROW OUR BUSINESS AND OFFER EXCITING NEW ADVENTURES AND TOURS TO PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.

the mechanical side of our job and be able to fix any bike no matter how remote we may be. In the process we will add value to the motorcycle and adventure community of Cairns as we continue to grow our business and offer exciting new adventures and tours to people from all over the world.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG ELLYSE STARTING OUT IN THE INDUSTRY?

EOC: Be patient and put the effort in. Nothing worthwhile comes easy so put the effort in. Show up and bring with you a can-do attitude no matter what.

WOMEN

Auto Women is a supportive group that:

Raises the profile of women in the automotive industry

Advocates for women in the automotive industry on key issues to government

Promotes career opportunities for women and the advantages of diversity to employers

Hosts virtual and in-person networking and social events that educate, connect and support women

Provides career enhancement courses and scholarships

DRIVING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

WITH THE QUEENSLAND

state election to take place on 26 October, MTA Queensland released its 2024 State Election Blueprint in September, outlining critical support measures for the retail, repair, and service sectors of Queensland’s automotive industry.

The automotive industry serves as a key enabler of the Queensland economy and is deeply intertwined with the lives of residents and businesses. Whether it’s commuting to work, driving children to school, utilising light and commercial vehicles for trade purposes, or relying on trucks and mobile plant and equipment in the mining, construction, agricultural, or transport sectors, the automotive industry plays a vital role in keeping Queensland moving.

• ensuring Queensland’s transition to zero and low emission is optimised

• protecting the environment through adoption of end-of-life vehicle planning.

Queensland’s automotive landscape is currently undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a rapid transition to zero and low emission vehicles. This transition presents multifaceted challenges across the automotive industry, particularly for family-owned businesses that are pivotal in vehicle maintenance and services.

MTA Queensland’s Blueprint highlights five strategic priorities designed to bolster the resilience and competitiveness of automotive businesses in Queensland.

Key recommendations from the Blueprint include:

• addressing skills shortages and developing workforce solutions to ensure the industry has the future skills to support Queensland’s ongoing prosperity

• delivering high-quality training for an industry that is beginning to undergo a significant transformation

• shoring up future industry viability and competitiveness

“Developed through extensive consultations with members and industry stakeholders, MTA Queensland’s State Election Blueprint offers practical recommendations to support automotive businesses during this time of transition,” said Rod Camm, CEO of MTA Queensland.

“The sector's significant contribution necessitates a strategic relationship between the industry and government. We encourage all political parties to consider the proposals outlined in the Blueprint, and look forward to collaborating with the incoming government, opposition, and crossbench members to promote a sustainable future for the automotive industry.”

URGENT ACTION NEEDED TO ADDRESS BROKEN APPROVED INSPECTION STATION SCHEME

MTA QUEENSLAND IS profoundly disappointed with the recent announcement by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), which has revealed plans to proceed with mandatory training for both new and existing members of the Approved Inspection Station (AIS) scheme, effective from November 1, 2024.

MTA Queensland is alarmed by the lack of consultation with industry stakeholders in the decision to proceed and urges the department to take a comprehensive view of the system as a whole. The AIS scheme is broken, and any training needs to be part of a broader regulatory reform to take action against the dodgy members of the scheme.

“Introducing the training program based on a flawed scheme makes no sense; training was an opportunity to educate industry on all elements of a reformed scheme. While we appreciate the funding of the program, we urge the government to deliver on their promise of a thorough review of all components of the AIS, including this training initiative,” said Rod Camm, MTA Group CEO.

For years, MTA Queensland has been a staunch advocate for reforming the AIS scheme to eliminate unscrupulous practices that not only jeopardise the integrity of reputable businesses but also pose risks to the safety of Queenslanders. The Association's involvement in discussions regarding both training and the overall framework of the scheme underscores its commitment to these reforms.

“IT DEFIES LOGIC THAT GOVERNMENT WOULD OFFER TO FUND TRAINING BEFORE THE FINDINGS OF THEIR OWN TASKFORCE . . .”

In July, Minister Mellish announced the formation of a dedicated taskforce to investigate issues related to non-compliant safety certificates - an initiative that MTA Queensland welcomed, expecting it would shed light on the shortcomings of the existing system and any changes would then be supported by a training program.

“It defies logic that government would offer to fund training before the findings of their own taskforce, which will make further changes. Our members remain deeply concerned that this new training requirement will not effectively address the fundamental issues plaguing the scheme. MTA Queensland strongly opposes this one-size-fits-all approach and is advocating for more rigorous measures to penalise deficiencies within the system,” added Rod.

“With this decision poised to impact many Queenslanders, MTA Queensland urges the department to pause the rollout of mandatory training until the findings of the AIS taskforce have been thoroughly reviewed and considered. We believe that a comprehensive understanding of a reformed AIS scheme is essential to ensure both the safety of the public and the integrity of the industry.”

INVITES YOU TO AN EXCLUSIVE PAUL

PETERSON MTA QUEENSLAND CHAIR

Trackside Breakfast AT THE GOLD COAST 500

Join me trackside for an exclusive breakfast at the Pavilion x Piper-Heidsieck suite, situated directly above the team garages with a premium view of pit straight.

Friday, 25 October 2024

7:30am - 9:30am

Pavilion x Piper-Heidsieck suite

$150

Ticket includes:

GRAB YOUR TODAY TICKET

Entry to the Pavilion x Piper-Heidsieck suite until 10:00am

Breakfast (including an assortment of coffee, juice, and water)

General admission ticket to the Gold Coast 500 for Friday session

THE FINALISTS HAVE been selected for the MTA Queensland 2024 Industry Awards, recognising the outstanding contributions of Queensland's leading individuals and businesses from the automotive industry.

To be awarded at the MTA Queensland Industry Awards Gala, to be held this year on Saturday, 23rd November at the W Hotel in Brisbane, the awards are a celebration of the success the automotive industry has achieved over the last 12 months.

As always, MTA Queensland member businesses have been leading the way in driving the industry forward, and the

“MTA QUEENSLAND’S

INDUSTRY AWARDS ARE ABOUT RECOGNISING THE INCREDIBLE TALENT AND AMAZING WORK BEING DONE BY OUR MEMBER BUSINESSES WHO CONTRIBUTE SO MUCH TO THE INDUSTRY’S ONGOING SUCCESS, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO CELEBRATING THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS WITH THEM ON THE NIGHT.”

MTA QUEENSLAND THANKS PLATINUM SPONSORS CAPRICORN, SPIRIT SUPER, BUSY

finalists in the 2024 awards are proof of the industriousness, professionalism, and innovative and community-minded thinking that are the hallmarks of success.

There are 15 finalists across five categories. Those categories are the Community Award, the Innovation Award, the Women In Industry Award, the Small Business Award, and the Large Business

Award. As always, the competition is fierce, with every finalist an outstanding entrant and a worthy winner should their name be called on the night.

“The automotive industry is going through the most dramatic change in its history,” said Rod Camm, MTA Queensland CEO. “Electrification, computing power, artificial intelligence, advanced driver assistance systems – these developments and more are demanding businesses adapt and evolve, and I am consistently amazed at the ability and commitment being shown by our members in tackling the challenges and seizing the opportunities that are being revealed.

“MTA Queensland’s Industry Awards are about recognising the incredible talent and amazing work being done by our member

Rod Camm, MTA Queensland CEO

businesses who contribute so much to the industry’s ongoing success, and I look forward to celebrating their achievements with them on the night.”

FINALISTS FOR THE COMMUNITY AWARD

BMAS BILOELA

An agricultural dealership that offers a comprehensive range of machinery, on-site and mobile repair services, and a full-featured retail parts and agricultural supplies store, BMAS Biloela is dedicated to making a positive impact on its community. It works to do so through a range of initiatives. These include, amongst many others, offering employment opportunities for people with disabilities and special needs; fundraising for causes such as Beyond Blue; community

support initiatives such as working with local high schools to take on work experience students every school holiday; and encouraging team members to get involved with the community.

FRASER COAST MOTOR CENTRE

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COAST

Fraser Coast Motor centre has been a part of the Fraser Coast Community for over 100 years, and its long-standing ties with the community see it support a wide range of initiatives, groups, teams, and events in the region. Amongst these are mental health initiatives such as Fraser Coast Mates, and the Sound of Rock music event to be held in Hervey Bay on November 2 which will see performances from, amongst others, Leo Sayer, Darrell Braithwaite, Kate Ceberano, and Killing Heidi.

WHEELNUTZ GARAGE

Wheelnutz Garage, based in Brisbane, works to deliver hands-on automotive experiences and learning for people with disabilities. By also creating employment pathways for people with disabilities, Wheelnutz Garage has become a leader in promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

Wheelnutz Garage has also implemented a suicide prevention initiative across the Logan region. The 'Torque it Out' initiative

The team at BMAS Biloela

– which has received a federal grant - offers men who are contemplating suicide a walk-in, noappointment-necessary option to access mental health support in an automotive garage setting.

FINALISTS FOR THE INNOVATION AWARD

AUTO GIANT, BRENDALE

Auto Giant is a onestop shop for all things automotive, offering services for cars, trucks, trailers and caravans. It has one of the biggest, most modern workshops on Brisbane’s northside, an online parts store, and amongst the innovations introduced at the business is a fully Integrated marketing system that utilises an advantage rewards system to reward customers every time they buy from Auto Giant.

MARYBOROUGH SERVICE CENTRE, MARYBOROUGH

Maryborough Service Centre (MSC) sets itself apart through its commitment to top-tier customer service, innovative practices, and proactive staff engagement. A three-time winner of the Repco Authorised Service – Service Centre

of the Year award, MSC features a stateof-the-art workshop equipped with cutting-edge technologies. It is positioned for sustained growth through ongoing investments in advanced technologies, employee training programs, smart inspection tools and ADAS calibration equipment.

MSC also advocates for environmental sustainability through eco-friendly practices. These efforts not only reduce their environmental footprint but also contribute to the region's overall quality of life and appeal.

WILLMOT SMASH REPAIRS - CAIRNS

With a team of nearly 40 staff working across two stateof-the-art workshops, Willmot Smash Repairs in Cairns is a leader in the sector. The business moves around 100 vehicles per week through its doors, is an I-Car Gold

Willmot Smash Repairs

Class Collision Industry business and by using the most cutting-edge equipment to deliver its services, the Willmot team can take on any job, including those for high-voltage electrified vehicles – it is an approved collision centre for Tesla.

FINALISTS FOR THE WOMEN IN INDUSTRY AWARD

ANNE MCCLURE – McCLURE REFINISHING (Townsville)

Anne leads McClure Refinishing with a focus on building an inclusive and wellsupported team. That support sees the business back programs such as the On Common Country/ MTA First Nations work preparation program, and Anne has played an important role in extending MTA

Queensland’s Auto Women initiative to regional areas. Anne works to enhance opportunities for women in automotive and actively seeks to be involved in initiatives, including mentorship programs.

BARBARA SPARROW – MIKE CARNEY TOYOTA (Townsville)

Barbara is the Service Manager at Mike Carney Toyota in Townsville – a role that sees her lead a diverse team of 89 staff, including more than 20 apprentices. In her career with the business, she has actively mentored colleagues; has implemented new processes directly impacting customer satisfaction; pursued personal and professional growth opportunities and inspired her team to achieve significant target improvements across the Mike Carney Group.

JASMINE FLANAGAN –CURRUMBIN MECHANICAL & TRANSMISSIONS (Gold Coast)

The owner of Currumbin Mechanical and Transmissions, Jasmine has extended the scope of services of her business to be a complete motor vehicle service centre with specialist capability in automatic transmissions, clutch and manual transmissions, automotive electrical and air-conditioning services as well as tyres. Jasmine’s commitment to developing her business is matched by her commitment to the industry – she is a strong supporter of MTA Queensland’s Auto Women initiative and is the current chairperson of the Association’s Auto Parts Recyclers Division.

Anne McClure

FINALISTS FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS AWARD FOR

EXCELLENCE

ALL CAR ENGINE RECONDITIONING SERVICES

(Beenleigh)

A family owned and operated business, All Car Engine Reconditioning Services (ACERS) has grown substantially since its founding. Owners Hatice and Len Hutchinson work hard to ensure they deliver quality work while delivering a welcoming, personal focus on customers – with many of whom they have long-standing relationships.

Crafting strong community ties, supporting local groups, providing a friendly work-life balance environment for staff, and that focus on quality has ensured ACERS' excellent reputation.

HIGHFIELDS MECHANICAL

(Toowoomba)

A commitment to deliver superior service, innovation, and community impact, makes Highfields Mechanical stand out. Focusing on delivering top-tier service to customers, embracing innovation through adopting cuttingedge technologies and industry best practices, and investing

in advanced tools and training, has ensured Highfields Mechanical’s reputation and success in a competitive market.

NIVERAK SMASH REPAIRS (Cloncurry)

Opened in 1984, Niverak Smash Repairs delivers excellence in smash repairs to remote Queensland. Also an O’Brien Glass Authorised Dealer, the Niverak workshop keeps up to date with modern equipment and processes, including systems to perform camera and radar recalibrations. A part of the Cloncurry community for 40 years, Niverak Smash Repairs supports many groups in the area through sponsorships and donations, and has an unwavering commitment to Cloncurry and the region.

FINALISTS FOR THE LARGE BUSINESS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

ASR COLLISION SPECIALISTS (Cairns)

ASR Collision Specialists have been providing quality vehicle accident repair service since 1978. Always looking to ensure the delivery of highest quality service, the business works to Identify internal changes that support growth and increase productivity, looks to develop and deliver a better experience for customers, and works with staff to ensure a healthy work-life balance. The business supports staff through training and professional development opportunities, including electric and hybrid vehicle training, to stay as a leading provider of comprehensive, state-of-the-art services.

AUTO PARTS GROUP

Auto Parts Group (APG) –a leading supplier of genuine, certified and aftermarket collision parts - achieved a 20% year-over-year growth in the past year and to support this success, implemented an array of initiatives. From employee development and training to employment

initiatives, implementing growth-driven innovations, facility expansion, launching a recycled product line, and implementing technological advancements to improve efficiencies. In a competitive auto parts sector, APG is setting the pace.

CARS4US

Cars4Us is a leading marketplace for buying, selling and financing cars. Cars4Us’ success comes from its focus on delivering a seamless and positive experience for its customers - something crucial to its reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.

A bespoke CRM, integrated into the company’s dealer management system, has improved efficiencies, and the company has been recognised as a certified Great Place to Work thanks in part to the personal and professional support extended to employees.

Cars4Us’ innovative thinking, customercentric processes, and dedication to employee development set it apart.

The team at Cars4Us

DEFECTIVE PARTS THE FOCUS OF SECOND GUIDE FOR COLLISION REPAIRERS

IN SEPTEMBER, MTA

Queensland released the first of a series of industry guides aimed at helping the collision repair sector navigate the complex landscape of insurance demands.

That first Guide - Using NonGenuine Parts: Legal Rights & Risks for Collision Repairers – outlined the legal rights and risks for collision repairers using non-genuine parts.

The second guide in that ongoing series has now been released. The guide - Defective Parts: Rights & Obligations of Collision Repairers - focuses on defective parts and highlights a collision repairer’s rights, obligations, and risks when the parts they have used for a repair are found to be defective. Areas covered within the guide include the topics of insurerdirected parts, consumer guarantees and arrangements made directly with the customer, and a repairer’s rights with regards to the supplier and/or manufacturer of defective parts.

This second guide is part of an ongoing series aimed at repairers and clarifying their legal rights against unreasonable or prohibited insurer requests and was created after the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) and the Australian Motor Body Repairers Association (AMBRA) joined forces with HWLE Lawyers to address issues facing collision repair businesses across the country.

Providing

Attracting

Auto innovation news

JLR REVEALS ‘ROVER’, THE ROBOTIC GUARD DOG

THERE IS LITTLE

doubt that robots, in many different forms, will play a part in our future. In the automotive industry – particularly on the production line – they have been around in a basic form for many years but as technology, computing power, and engineering prowess advances, so do the scenarios in which they can be used.

A case in point is Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) recent announcement that they are using a robotic dog at its electric vehicle (EV) build and test facility in Coventry in the UK.

The company says that the robot, dubbed ‘Rover’ (no surprise there!), can highlight potential operational issues and equipment wear and tear early, ensuring test and development continues to run on schedule ahead of the launch of Range Rover Electric.

The robot dog comes from Boston Dynamics, the U.S.-based company that has been in the business of designing and building robots for many years and which is now part of Hyundai.

Fully automated to follow a range of preset routes, Jaguar says that Rover conducts up to 24 patrols each day and night, using AI to do so and navigate high-traffic areas.

JLR says the robot continuously takes measurements and inspects valves and

machinery. Advanced onboard sensors include those that enable the robot to ‘hear’ potential gas leaks that would otherwise not be sensed by human ears, and thermal sensors to evaluate battery temperatures quickly.

The company says it is scoping future use scenarios for a fleet of robotic ‘dogs’ across its entire global industrial footprint.

VIDEO: JAGUAR LAND ROVER'S ROBOT GUARD 'DOG'

Auto innovation news

HYUNDAI AND GM TO COLLABORATE ON PRODUCTION AND TECH

GENERAL MOTORS AND Hyundai have signed an agreement to explore collaboration across key strategic areas.

The companies say they will look for ways to leverage their complementary scale and strengths to reduce costs and bring a wider range of vehicles and technologies to customers faster.

BMW IN THE U.S. AND REDWOOD MATERIALS TO PARTNER ON RECYCLING EV BATTERIES

BMW OF NORTH America and Redwood Materials – which works to create sources of sustainable battery materials - announced they are to partner to recycle lithium-ion batteries from all-electric, plug-in hybrid-electric, and mild hybrid BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles in the U.S.

Redwood Materials will work directly with BMW Group's network of close to 700 locations across the U.S., including dealerships, distribution centres, and other facilities to recover end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and ensure critical minerals like nickel, cobalt, lithium, and copper are recycled and refined.

Ultimately, the companies say 95 to 98 per cent of these critical minerals will be returned to the battery supply chain.

Potential collaboration projects centre on co-development and production of passenger and commercial vehicles, internal combustion engines and cleanenergy, electric and hydrogen technologies.

The companies say they will also review opportunities for combined sourcing in battery raw materials, steel and other areas.

“GM and Hyundai have complementary strengths and talented teams,” said Mary Barra, CEO of GM. “Our goal is to unlock the scale and creativity of both companies to deliver even more competitive vehicles to customers faster and more efficiently.”

BMW, FORD AND HONDA BEGIN

OPERATIONS IN U.S. OF VEHICLE-GRID

INTEGRATION JOINT VENTURE

BMW, FORD and Honda have begun operations in the U.S., of the new Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) joint venture, called ChargeScape, that was announced last year.

ChargeScape is a software platform that integrates electric vehicles (EVs) into the power grid. It works by wirelessly connecting to EVs and managing the flow of electrons in line with real-time grid conditions, temporarily reducing demand when the grid is constrained and sending energy back into the grid when needed.

Early in October, Nissan joined the three companies and entered into an agreement to invest in ChargeScape. Once the transaction is complete, Nissan will become an equal 25 per cent investor.

RENAULT AND DACIA LAUNCH

OFFICIAL EBAY STORES IN UK

EBAY IN the UK has launched official stores for Renault and Dacia (a brand which is part of the Renault Group). This partnership will, eBay says, make it easier for owners of the brands' vehicles to find and purchase a comprehensive selection of genuine parts and accessories, catering to both older and current models.

Renault and Dacia owners can now browse through thousands of official parts, ranging from essential servicing items like oil and air filters to wearand-tear components such as brakes and exhausts. All parts come with the assurance of manufacturer quality and eBay Assured Fit guarantee, which promises a full refund if the part does not fit, provided it’s returned within 30 days.

Customers can also take advantage of eBay’s My Garage feature, allowing them to enter their vehicle registration number to ensure that the parts they’re purchasing are a perfect fit for their specific model.

Renault and Dacia now join a lineup of official eBay OEM stores that includes Ford, BMW, Mini, Toyota, Lexus and Suzuki.

TOYOTA TO JOIN SUPERCARS CHAMPIONSHIP IN 2026 WITH GR SUPRA

TOYOTA AUSTRALIA

IS set to join the Repco Supercars Championship in 2026.

The company will field a minimum of four GEN3 GR Supras. Two will be run by Toyota’s homologation team partner Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) with Supercars drivers Chaz Mostert and Ryan Wood behind the wheel.

The company says it has already begun initial design work on the GR Supra race car through its own in-house design team, based at Altona.

The GR Supra will use Toyota’s 2URGSE all-aluminium, quad-cam V8, that has featured in a range of performance production cars as well as the 2019 Dakarwinning HiLux, as its baseline engine.

Toyota is committed to racing in the Supercars Championship for five years.

Repco Supercars Championship CEO Shane Howard said he welcomed Toyota’s announcement that would bring a new level of competition to Australia’s premier motorsport category.

“This is an incredible honour, to welcome Toyota to the Repco Supercars Championship from 2026,” said Howard. “This is a landmark moment for Supercars, solidifying an iconic global automotive brand on our grid from 2026.”

Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU)

team directors Ryan Walkinshaw, Zak Brown and Michael Andretti said they were thrilled to partner with Toyota as its homologation team.

“To announce our future with Toyota Australia, as it enters the Supercars Championship from 2026, is a fantastic honour and privilege for everyone at Walkinshaw Andretti United,” said Walkinshaw, WAU Director.

“Toyota’s commitment to our team and to the sport is a historic moment, and one that shouldn’t be underestimated.

“We have developed a fantastic relationship with Toyota Australia through the Walkinshaw Group, and we are delighted to extend that partnership into Walkinshaw Andretti United – we can’t wait to share success together in 2026 and beyond.”

Further details on Toyota’s race car will be announced in due course.

LEAPMOTOR ARRIVES IN AUSTRALIA WITH ALL-ELECTRIC SUV

LEAPMOTOR, THE CHINESE electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer in which Stellantis has a substantial stake, is to enter the local market in November with the C10, a mid-size SUV. The C10 will launch with two levelsthe Style and the Design variants. Both are built on the Leapmotor’s LEAP3.0 platform with power coming from a single rear-mounted 160kW/320Nm e-motor and a 69.9kWh battery pack. The vehicle is developed with Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) technology meaning the battery cells are integrated into the structure of the car.

Leapmotor says the driving range is up to 420km (WLTP cycle). A maximum DC charge rate of up to 84kW sees the

LEAPMOTOR

SAYS THE DRIVING RANGE IS UP TO 420KM (WLTP CYCLE). A MAXIMUM DC CHARGE RATE OF UP TO 84KW SEES THE C10 RECHARGE FROM 30-80 PER CENT IN APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES.

C10 recharge from 30-80 per cent in approximately 30 minutes. Equivalent AC charging will take just over six hours with an onboard charger capable of 6.6kW. Included as standard are both mode 2 and mode 3 charging cables

Leapmotor C10

and Vehicle-to-Load capability.

The Style variant comes stacked with features including a 10.25-inch instrument display; 14.6-inch central display; six-way adjustable electric driver seat and fourway adjustable electric passenger seat; wireless charging pad; 360-degree camera; LED auto headlights; panoramic roof with electric sunshade; dual-zone automatic climate control and more.

The Design variant gets some extras including 20-inch alloy wheels; a power tailgate; rear privacy glass; ambient lighting; heated steering wheel and front seats; LED rear light bar; and silicone leather seats.

The C10 includes four separate drive modes, three levels of regenerative braking and three separate steering modes.

There’s 581 litres of cargo volume when all seats are upright, expanding to 1,410 litres when the second-row seats are folded.

The interior offers 26 storage spaces and 180-degree flat-fold seating. The hollow front armrest box allows for the storage of smaller items, as well as concealed USB ports and the wireless charging pad.

A Leapmotor app allows the driver to

stay connected to the C10 at all times. Features include real-time car location, and remote air-conditioning control.

The LEAP Pilot Intelligent Driver Assistance System offers a comprehensive range of driver assistance safety features including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centring Control, Emergency Lane Keep, Front Collision Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Intelligent Speed Assist, Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning, Door Open Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Autonomous Emergency Brake, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Sport Detection, Hands Off Detection, and Advanced Driver Distraction Warning.

The C10 has a 7-year, 160,000km warranty on the vehicle and an 8-year, 160,000km high-voltage battery warranty. It will launch with an offer giving customers one-year free charging via the Chargefox network when they take delivery of their vehicle before 31st March 2025.

Leapmotor Australia says it will have dealerships nationwide, with locations to be announced later this month.

NEW HONDA HR-V NOW AVAILABLE IN LOCAL MARKET

HONDA AUSTRALIA'S NEW HR-V –launched into the local market this month - is being offered in three variants, including a new hybrid grade e:HEV X which will sit in between the Vi X petrol and top of the range e:HEV L.

The petrol Vi X features the 1.5-litre VTEC engine while the hybrid variantse:HEV X and e:HEV L - feature a two-motor hybrid system with a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine.

Each grade features advanced driving, safety, interior and exterior specification upgrades.

On the exterior, the front grille styling has a darkened upper lip as well as Adaptive Driving Beam standard on e:HEV grades. In the rear, the taillight housing is now a horizontal tone with all LED lights.

The interior has a simplified centre console. The upper tray has been extended to house a large smartphone and a lower tray is now more accessible from the passenger position. There are USB-A and USB-C ports in the front cabin.

Honda says improvements have been made to the motion adaptive power steering and e:HEV grades also benefit from revised front and rear dampener tuning.

Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) has also been improved with higher density cabin soundproofing reducing engine and road noise.

Improvements to the Honda Sensing driver assistance suite see new features added including Low Speed Breaking Control, Traffic Jam Assist and, in the

e:HEV grades, Adaptive Driving Beam. Other features have also been improved, including the Collision Mitigation Braking System which has the addition of pedestrian and bicycle front cross-traffic collision and oncoming motorcycle collision detection; the Road Departure Mitigation System; the Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow which has improved longitudinal braking control, and Low Speed Follow algorithm; and the Lane Keep Assist System which has the addition of Traffic Jam Assist at lower speeds.

The e:HEV L model is $42,900 drive away while the e:HEV X is priced at $39,900. The Vi X comes in at $34,900.

Honda e:HEV L

MAZDA 3 GETS MAZDA CONNECTED SERVICES

THE MAZDA 3 IS to get additional safety, style and convenience features with the primary enhancement being the addition of Mazda Connected Services.

The suite of services link up with the recently released MyMazda app to give the driver remote access to a vehicle locator, geofencing capability, a flashing lights feature, curfew notifications, remote locking, vehicle health and status reports and stolen vehicle tracking assistance.

In addition, the Mazda3 is also fitted with an SOS button on the roof panel, which automatically activates in the event of an emergency.

The Vision Pack becomes standard from Touring models and above, offering

NEW GLX-R MODEL FOR MITSUBISHI TRITON

MITSUBISHI MOTORS AUSTRALIA is introducing the Triton GLX-R. Based off the GLX range, the 24.5 model year GLX-R is available as a Dual Cab Utility, with the six-speed automatic transmission and 4x4 drivetrain featuring rear differential lock.

a 360-degree View Monitor, 10.25-inch Mazda Connect widescreen colour display, Cruising & Traffic Support, Driver Monitoring and Front Cross Traffic Alert.

USB-C connectivity replaces USB-A for charging and audio ports in the front row from G20 Pure models upwards, while Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless charging functionality join from the G20 Evolve model grade.

GLX-R also features Mitsubishi’s premium Super Select II 4WD system with Drive Mode Terrain Control System, as found in the higher-grade GLS and GSR.

The new GLX-R receives the ‘standard duty’ suspension layout also present on these higher grades. For improved control in the front this is comprised of a high mounted upper wishbone layout paired with 36mm shock absorber cylinders. The standard rear suspension set up features three high-tensile steel leaves.

It gains its own visual identity with Black 18-inch alloy wheels with ‘highway terrain’ tyres, Black sports bar, Leather steering wheel, Fully carpeted floor, Exterior door body mouldings, and Side-step deletion. Tailgate assist debuts on the 24.5 modelyear Triton GLX-R. The dual strut system supports opening and closing the tailgate and will be rolled out on GLS and GSR in the coming weeks.

Mazda 3

Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R

TOYOTA TUNDRA TO GO ON SALE FROM NOVEMBER

TOYOTA WILL BE joining the ‘big boys club’ in Australia later this year when its full-size Tundra pick-up truck goes on sale in the local market. This follows final approval of the local re-engineering project by Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan.

Toyota Australia partnered with Walkinshaw Automotive Group to re-engineer the US-built Tundra from left-hand drive (LHD) to right-hand drive (RHD), with the vehicle to be produced at Walkinshaw’s facility in Melbourne.

THE

NEW TUNDRA WILL INITIALLY BE LAUNCHED IN LIMITED GRADE WITH A NEW AUSTRALIAN TOP-OFTHE-RANGE PREMIUM VERSION TO JOIN IT IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2025.

The new Tundra will initially be launched in Limited grade with a new Australian topof-the-range premium version to join it in the second quarter of 2025. Both versions sit on the TNGA-F platform that underpins the

Toyota Tundra

LandCruiser 300 Series and are powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 i-FORCE MAX powertrain that generates 326kW of power and 790Nm of torque. Power is driven through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

There's a part-time 4WD system with a dual-range transfer case, and the Tundra offers a 4.5-tonne braked towing capacity.

In the Limited variant guise, the Tundra will be equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, leather-accented seats with power adjustment, heating and ventilation for the driver and front passenger, 14-inch multimedia touchscreen with a 12-speaker JBL audio system

and wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto compatibility, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, and trailer brake controller.

The premium grade will sport a unique grille, black painted alloy wheels, black-accented tailgate, a panoramic moonroof and other cosmetic changes.

Inside, it will include leather-accented seats that offer a massage function for the front and heating and ventilation for the rear outboard positions, power adjustable steering column and heated steering wheel, and 10.9-inch head up display.

Toyota revealed back in 2022 that it had begun a development program in Australia for the Tundra and had partnered with Walkinshaw Automotive Group to develop and build RHD variants. In the years since then, the market for large, powerful pick-ups has grown considerably, with RHD versions of vehicles from RAM Trucks Australia proving to be particularly popular. Toyota may well be entering the market with the Tundra at the right time. Further information on the new Tundra will be released closer to the launch.

FORD RANGER PHEV MAKES GLOBAL DEBUT

FORD HAS UNVEILED it muchanticipated Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Debuting at the IAA Transportation expo in Germany, the Ranger PHEV feels like an important step for the local market as one of the industry’s giants brings such a model to the nation’s most popular vehicle segment.

The Ranger PHEV combines a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor (e-motor) and 11.8kWh (usable) battery and 10-speed automatic gearbox.

A new Modular Hybrid Transmission (MHT) integrates Ranger PHEV’s e-motor between the engine and transmission. The traction battery is packaged between specially engineered frame rails and,

THE RANGER PHEV COMBINES A 2.3LITRE TURBOCHARGED FOUR-CYLINDER ECOBOOST PETROL ENGINE WITH A 75KW ELECTRIC MOTOR (E-MOTOR) AND 11.8KWH (USABLE) BATTERY AND 10-SPEED AUTOMATIC GEARBOX.

using a standard household plug, can be charged to full overnight. It is big enough, Ford says, to offer an electric-only range of over 45km. Any owner would likely find that range appealing (the average daily commute for an Australian is less than 40km) but additional features will clearly

Ford Ranger PHEV

find favour with Tradies and those with a hankering for camping but who wish to bring along some gadgetry.

The Pro Power Onboard feature enables customers to power up to a maximum of 6.9kW of tools and equipment directly from the onboard battery rather than needing a generator. There’s a cabin socket output of 2.3kW and two outlets in the load bed with an individual outlet limit of 3.45kW.

VIDEO: FORD RANGER PLUG-IN HYBRID WALKAROUND

Drivers can choose when and how to use battery power for driving using Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later or EV Charge modes.

• Auto EV: keeps Ranger PHEV in the best mode for performance and efficiency

• EV Now: provides all-electric drive

• EV Later: keeps a portion of charge in reserve so that it can be deployed later

• EV Charge: prioritises recharging the battery while driving

Ford says the Ranger PHEV will be able tow up to 3,500kg and have Ford’s Advanced 4WD system, dual-range transfer case and rear differential lock.

In addition to the PHEV Wildtrak, Sport and XLT series, Ford is introducing a PHEV-exclusive Stormtrak launch edition which offers some extra spicy options for those getting in early. These include:

• Unique Stormtrak design features with 18-inch alloy wheels, honeycomb grille, fender vents and decal kit

• Matrix LED headlamps, Flexible Rack System, Pro Trailer Backup Assist and a 360-degree camera as standard

• Stormtrak-only new Chill Grey paint colour with Agate Black paint also available

“THE RANGER PHEV DELIVERS THE BENEFITS OF ELECTRIFICATION TOGETHER WITH THE HARD-WORKING PERFORMANCE THAT HAS BUILT RANGER A LOYAL CUSTOMER BASE IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.”

• A cabin with B&O sound system and unique interior materials

“The Ranger PHEV delivers the benefits of electrification together with the hardworking performance that has built Ranger a loyal customer base in Australia and New Zealand,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand. “We ensured our first PHEV pickup in Australia and New Zealand would be a hugely capable tool for work and off-roading, as well as a smart vehicle with the tech, connectivity and EV-only capability for family life.”

Initial customer deliveries for the Ranger PHEV are expected in 2025.

Trust the Motor Trades Professional Circle.

MEMBER

MCLAREN HAS REVEALED the W1, a hybrid-powered road-legal hypercar that the company is calling the successor to two of its most iconic sportscars – the F1 and the P1. Those were truly epic supercars. The

F1, which appeared in 1992, still holds the record of being the fastest naturally aspirated car ever with a top speed of 386km/h. The P1 from 2013, meanwhile, was a hybrid-powered monster which was considered part of the hypercar ‘Holy

. . . IN AN ERA WHEN ELECTRIFICATION HAS MADE CARS PUMP OUT SOME OUTRAGEOUS PERFORMANCE FIGURES, THERE’S NO SURPRISE TO DISCOVER THE W1 IS RIGHT UP THERE WITH THE BEST OF THEM.

Trinity’ along with the Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder.

Now comes the W1, and in an era when electrification has enabled cars to pump out some outrageous performance figures, there’s no surprise to discover the W1 is right up there with the best of them. The sprint to 100km/h is done in 2.7 seconds, 200km/h is reached in 5.8 seconds, while 300km/h is passed after just 12.7 seconds.

Top speed is limited to 350km/h.

All manner of awesome technology goes into making a rear-wheel-drive hypercar deliver these sorts of numbers. Aerodynamics, downforce, weight, tyres and so on are all important, but none are as vital as a truly brutal power source.

McLaren have built the W1 around an epic powertrain – a new hybrid set-up pumping out 938kW thanks to a V8 twinturbo combustion engine developing 683kW paired with an electric motor, control unit and 1.384kWh battery producing 255kW. There’s an 8-speed transmission with E-reverse, and power and torque are sent to the rear wheels through an E-differential.

Syupporting the powertrain to deliver performance is the W1's aerodynamics. Leaning on its long experience in developing race cars, McLaren says it has built the W1 with an Aerocell carbon fibre

monocoque which is shaped to facilitate full ground effect aerodynamics, producing massive downforce.

When the W1 is put into Race Mode, ride height is lowered – by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear – and active front and rear wings are deployed. Along with the underbody ground effect, Race Mode aerodynamics enables the W1 to generate up to 350kg of downforce at the front and 650kg at the rear, giving total downforce of up to 1000kg in high-speed corners.

An Active Long Tail rear wing is, McLaren says, integral to the aerodynamic performance of the car. Actuated by four E-motors and moving up, down, and – depending on whether the W1 is in Road mode or Race mode – 300mm rearwards and adjusting in pitch, the rear wing extends the working area of the rear diffuser in Race Mode and is key to the generation of downforce.

Suspension is as cutting edge as the aerodynamics. It works in combination with the front and rear active aero features allowing the required levels of load and grip to deploy the torque through the driven axle, mitigating the need for allwheel-drive. The front suspension setup includes titanium torsion bars and an active heave element crosslink, while the rear has a Z-bar with active drop-links to control heave. 3D printing was used for the front uprights and wishbones of the

THE PEDALS,

STEERING WHEEL AND PRIMARY CONTROLS MOVE,

WITH

THE RIGHT DRIVING POSITION FOUND BY ADJUSTING THE FLOOR-MOUNTED ALUMINIUM PEDALS.

suspension system. Braking on the W1 sees the McLaren Carbon Ceramic-Racing+ set-up being used, with 390mm discs and 6-piston calipers up front and 4-piston calipers at the rear.

Some very tasty Anhedral Doors open upwards to reveal an interior with a race car feel.

Seating is integrated into the Aerocell monocoque. Both seats are fully upholstered and provide a driving position that is more reclined than usual, with a high level of thigh support.

The pedals, steering wheel and primary controls move, with the right driving position found by adjusting the floormounted aluminium pedals. The only two buttons on the steering wheel are Boost and McLaren Aero Deployment controls.

Chassis and powertrain modes are adjusted via rocker controls on the instrument binnacle. The W1’s driver display has been engineered to ensure the full screen remains visible to the driver

despite a smaller steering wheel. There’s overhead start/stop, gear selection and Race mode switchgear together with the window controls. These are housed by the digital rear-view display.

Further information and adjustments can be found on the 8-inch touchscreen located between the driver and passenger. This has Apple CarPlay with USB C connectivity, with USB A also provided for device charging and storage access.

Between the fixed seats there is a storage area with a sliding cupholder, while there is a second area for small items behind the armrest. The W1 also has a luggage stowage shelf behind the seats, accessible by moving the headrests, which fold flat forwards to provide a loading platform.

The McLaren W1 is pretty special and comes at a price - around £2 million ($3.86 million) including taxes in the UK, with the final cost dependent on the level of personalisation each owner decides upon.

Just 399 customer cars will be produced.

TOYOTA’S NEW HYBRIDONLY CAMRY SEDAN ARRIVES IN AUSTRALIA

TOYOTA HAS LAUNCHED its new hybrid-only Camry range in Australia.

The new Camry sees the introduction of Toyota’s fifth-generation 2.5-litre Hybrid Electric powertrain to its Australian lineup for the first time.

The combined Hybrid Electric system power output has been increased by 10kW to 170kW, compared to the outgoing Camry, generated through a combination of the 138kW/221Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine and 100kW/208Nm electric motor mounted on the front axle.

The hybrid system drives the front wheels via an electronic CVT transmission with Normal, Eco and Sport modes, and an EV mode which allows the Camry to be driven solely on EV power over short distances and at low speeds.

Toyota says that all elements of the new Hybrid Electric system have undergone significant revisions resulting in substantially improved fuel efficiency, dynamic performance and response, and

THE NEW CAMRY SEES THE INTRODUCTION OF TOYOTA’S FIFTH-GENERATION 2.5-LITRE HYBRID ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN TO ITS AUSTRALIAN LINE-UP FOR THE FIRST TIME.

reduced NVH. The new Camry offers fuel efficiency of 4 litres per 100km.

Toyota says its engineers have retuned both the front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension, while the rack parallel-type electric power steering system has been refined too.

Braking performance has also been improved with a newly developed electronic control brake system that employs an active hydraulic booster to enhance brake feel and optimise regenerative braking.

The new Camry carries Toyota’s Hammer

Head design styling and the new look continues inside.

Digital instrumentation is displayed on either 7-inch or 12.3-inch screens depending on the grade, while Toyota’s latest-generation multimedia system - featuring cloud-based satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – comes via either 8-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen displays, also depending on the grade.

There’s a full suite of Toyota’s Safety Sense active safety technologies. Upgrades include improved road user detection and active cruise control parameters, and functionality across the range includes blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, emergency driver support system and safe exit assist.

The new Camry range starts from

$39,990 plus on-road costs for the entrylevel Ascent which comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, daytime running lights and rear combination lamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen display for the multimedia system.

The mid-range Ascent Sport is available from $42,990 plus on-road costs, and adds high-grade LED headlamps and tail-lamps, LED foglamps, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, wireless smartphone charger, and a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen display.

Priced from $53,990, the flagship SL includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic rain-sensing wipers, rear side and back privacy glass, and heated side mirrors with reverse and memory function.

Inside, the flagship model features leather-accented upholstery, panoramic sunroof, eight-way power adjustable front passenger seat, front seat heating and ventilation, heated steering wheel with power adjustment, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system.

The new-generation Camry range is available with the choice of eight exterior colours offered across the range, consisting of Glacier White, Frosted White, Silver Pearl, Liquid Mercury, Eclipse Black, Jasper Red, Precious Bronze and Saturn Blue.

POLESTAR ADDS REARWHEEL DRIVE POLESTAR 3 TO LINE-UP

POLESTAR AUSTRALIA HAS confirmed a new rear-wheel-drive variant to the Polestar 3 model range with the introduction of the Long range Single motor model.

The Long range Single motor becomes the third variant of the Polestar 3 range and is now available to order with Australian deliveries commencing early in 2025.

POLESTAR SAYS THE NEW LONG RANGE

SINGLE MOTOR OFFERS UP TO 700KM OF RANGE BETWEEN CHARGES. THAT WOULD BE THANKS, IN PART, TO A WHOPPING 111KWH BATTERY PACK.

Standard exterior features include a front and rear wing, active LED headlights, flush door handles, a panoramic glass roof, and 20-inch Aero wheels. Inside, like all Polestar 3 variants, this model features recycled materials, a 14.5-inch multimedia touchscreen with full smartphone integration, triple-zone climate control, and electrically adjustable and heated seats.

Polestar says the new Long range Single motor offers up to 700km of range between charges. That would be thanks, in part, to a whopping 111kWh battery pack. 250kW peak DC charging capability delivers a 30-minute 10 to 80 per cent charge.

A single motor drives the rear axle and produces 220kW and 490Nm of torque.

range

0 to 100 km/h is done in 7.8 seconds. A Brembo braking system delivers the stopping power, while ride comfort and control comes via a passive damper system that uses Hydraulic Rebound Stops (HRS) and Frequency Selective Damping (FSD).

The Polestar 3 Long range starts at $118,420 (excluding on-road charges).

Polestar 3 Long

HYUNDAI’S I20 N GETS UPDATED TECH AND TWEAKED STYLING

THE 2025 HYUNDAI i20 N has received some design and technology updates.

A more aggressive look sees a redesigned front bumper and a new front grille, with the latter introducing a new mesh pattern. New Hyundai badging, meanwhile, now adopts a matte black finish that blends into the rear tailgate, while a large flat style ‘H’ sits in the centre of the revised front grille.

18-inch forged alloy wheels complete the new look and feature a Y-spoke design with a machined silver finish, through which the flash of the N Division’s red colour is visible on the large performance brake calipers.

Inside, the i20 N’s cabin now offers LED interior lighting, while Hyundai’s new badge design features on the gear knob and in the centre of the leatherwrapped steering wheel.

Technology updates include the introduction of Hyundai Bluelink connected car services and Over The Air (OTA) software update capability.

Key Bluelink features include:

• Automatic Collision Notification (ACN)

• Emergency Call (SOS) function

• Connected Routing – live traffic updates

• Alert services including geo-fencing, valet, speed & time alerts

• Remote control of climate and vehicle functions

• Navigation send to car

• Voice recognition for POI lookup, vehicle controls

• Vehicle settings management Power for the front-wheel-drive i20N comes from a 1.6-litre turbo engine providing 150kW and 275Nm (304Nm with overboost) which is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The i20 N has an MLP of $35,500.

Hyundai i20 N

MTA QUEENSLAND’S

2024 INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA TICKETS

Put on your finest black-tie attire and join us for an unforgettable evening filled with entertainment, a three-course meal, drinks, live music, and dancing, as we unveil the 2024 MTA Queensland Industry Award winners!

Special Guest Speaker: WILL BROWN

V8 Supercars Driver, Red Bull Ampol Racing

Join us as Will shares his inspiring journey from Toowoomba to the racetrack with Red Bull Ampol Racing. With multiple wins and podium finishes, including the Australian Formula 4, Australian Toyota 86 Series, and TCR Australia, his story is one of talent, determination, and a passion for motorsport.

Master of Ceremonies: BEN DAVIS

Host of Channel 7News Sport Brisbane & SEN Radio

As the Head of Sport for 7News Brisbane and one of Brisbane’s most experienced media all-rounders, Ben brings decades of experience covering the biggest stories in sport and current affairs. Get ready for an engaging evening with our esteemed MC!

Entertainment by: PHAT SAUCE

Get ready to groove with Brisbane’s sensational music group! Known for their electrifying performances, Phat Sauce will keep the energy high and the dance floor alive throughout the night!

DON’T MISS OUT!

Be part of an evening filled with recognition, inspiration, and entertainment. Gather your colleagues and friends to celebrate excellence in our industry!

Date: Sat, 23 November 2024

Time: 6:00pm – 11:00pm Venue: W Hotel, Brisbane

SSANGYONG AUSTRALIA REBRANDS TO KGM AND INTRODUCES ALL-NEW TORRES SUV

IN 2022, KOREAN industrial company

KG Group invested in the SsangYong Motor Company, becoming the majority owner. In Australia, and in more than 100 countries around the world, this ownership change will see SsangYong rebranding to KGM.

Other than the new name, not much will change in terms of the company’s models available in Australia: the KGM Australia range includes the Musso dual cab ute and Rexton 7 seat large SUV with 4X4 turbo diesel drivetrains and a 3.5 tonne towing capacity.

However, KGM SsangYong Australia is introducing the all-new MY25 Torres SUV range.

Available in two-wheel-drive (2WD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations and three models – the ELX, Adventure, and Ultimate – the Torres is powered by a 1-litre direct injection turbo-charged petrol engine producing 120kW and

SsangYong Torres

AVAILABLE

IN TWO-WHEEL-DRIVE

(2WD)

OR ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE (AWD) CONFIGURATIONS AND THREE MODELS . . . THE TORRES IS POWERED BY A 1.-LITRE DIRECT INJECTION TURBO CHARGED PETROL ENGINE PRODUCING 120KW AND 280NM.

280Nm. It has an Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system and is Euro 6 emissions standard. Power runs through an Aisin automatic transmission with gear changes controlled by the shift-by-wire toggle switch selector and steering wheel paddle shifters. Some bold styling pairs with a futuristic feel to the interior. There’s a wide and slim dashboard design with a large panoramic digital interface that combines a 12.3-

inch instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment panel. There’s also a compact toggle switch, Shift By Wire gear selector with integrated electronic park brake in the centre console.

The charcoal black interiors combine nicely with brushed copper-effect trim highlights along the dash and around the centre console.

The new Torres offers 703 litres of luggage capacity at the rear boosted to 1,526 litres with the rear seats folded down.

A comprehensive suite of safety and driving assist technology is here, as is, depending on the model, a range of other tech features.

The Torres is available from $38,000 driveaway for the ELX model, $43,000 for the Adventure, and $47,000 for the Ultimate.

SUZUKI QUEENSLAND POWERS TO 10-YEAR SALES RECORD

WITH THREE MONTHS of selling time remaining in 2024, Suzuki Queensland is reporting that it already has recorded its best sales performance in more than a decade.

The Queensland and Northern Rivers distributor of Suzuki cars says this has happened thanks to an 81.5 percent increase in year-to-date Jimny sales and a 34.8 per increase in Vitara sales.

Suzuki Queensland’s sales so far this year already exceed the total of last year by almost 14 per cent.

“It’s a great result which reflects across the range,” said Paul Dillon, Suzuki Queensland General manager.

“It is not just a one model sales spurt but rather demonstrates the improved sales performance across the range.

“Suzuki S-Cross sales for example are up 384 per cent year-to-date, but admittedly that is off a relatively modest sales base; and the brand’s super economiser, the compact Ignis SUV, has continued to attract sales from those in the budget vehicle and size-conscious market.

“Feedback from our dealer network, all of whom are multi-franchised, is that the Suzuki value proposition which includes delivering outstanding reliability and fuel economy is helping drive this sales performance.”

VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN EXPECTED IN EARLY 2025

THE NEXT-GENERATION

VOLKSWAGEN Multivan will arrive early next year. The seven-seater will ride on Volkswagen’s MQB passenger car platform with power coming from a 2-litre, turbo-diesel engine offering 110kW and 360Nm. With fuel economy of 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres (in combined cycle testing) and an 80-litre fuel tank, VW says the Multivan can stretch out to 1,200km of range.

Inside, the cabin concept offers innovative storage solutions and flexibility with the new modular, multifunction seat system delivering extensive possible configurations. The seating design includes power adjustable lumbar support for the front seats, folding tables on the front seat backrests, removable and repositionable second row armrests, a trio of individually movable third row seats, drawers under the outer seats in the passenger compartment – plus a load compartment partition and waste bins.

Standard features include keyless entry and start; surround lighting for the tailgate; 30 colour interior ambient lighting; a Digital Cockpit and 10-inch centre touchscreen that includes wireless

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; 8 speakers and 6 USB-C ports, including 4 for rear passengers.

Safety features include dual front, centre front, front side and curtain airbags extending to all three rows of seats; adaptive cruise control with stop & go; semi-autonomous Travel Assist; Lane Assist; Multi Collision Brake; Emergency Assist; Side Assist with rear traffic alert; LED headlights with Light Assist; Park Assist with front and rear sensors and autonomous emergency braking with oncoming vehicle braking when turning. Pricing and optional equipment will be confirmed closer to launch, and VW says the Multivan range will expand later in 2025 with a more highly specified Style variant featuring a second powertrain option.

Volkswagen Multivan

EVERYTHING’S TAKEN

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Generous Rewards Program No joining fee

HYBRID PEUGEOT 3008 SUV DUE NEXT YEAR

PEUGEOT’S NEW 3008

mid-size SUV will arrive in Australia next year and it will be available in hybrid form.

Two variants – the Allure and GT Premium – will be available initially, with a third model, the GT Hybrid, to arrive at a later date.

Power will come from a new 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine - that develops 100kW/230Nm - coupled with a new 6-speed dual-clutch electrified gearbox that includes an electric motor.

The battery recharges while decelerating, and the hybrid tech helps to provide extra torque at low engine speeds. Peugeot says it lowers fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 32 per cent when compared to previous generation Peugeot 3008 internal combustion engine vehicles. The new 3008 Hybrid range has a combined cycle fuel consumption of 4.9L/100km and CO2 emissions of 111g/km.

Standard equipment across the range includes the new I-Cockpit featuring a 21inch HD curved display, compact steering wheel with flush controls and digital

i-toggles, and a head-up display.

Key specs for the Allure Hybrid include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless charging capability, LED headlights, and fabric trim seats. The GT Premium Hybrid gets Nappa leather seat trim, panoramic sunroof, and driver and front passenger heated and cooling seats.

A mid-range GT variant will join the range at a later date. Key specs for this model will include a Focal premium stereo, black ‘diamond’ roof and rear spoiler, and pixel LED headlights.

Full specifications for the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid range will be shared nearer to the vehicle’s launch that is expected early next year.

MTAQ MEMBER SIGNAGE

New vehicle sales

NEW VEHICLE SALES SLOW IN SEPTEMBER BUT RECORD YEARLY RESULT STILL IN REACH

DATA RELEASED BY VFACTS and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) revealed that the Australia automotive industry passed 900,000 sales by the end of the third quarter of the year for the first time.

That news was, however, tempered by the fact that the record-setting start to the year has tailed off and the 97,020 sales recorded in September is a 12.4 per cent fall from the 110,702 sales seen in the same month in 2023.

Sales in Queensland were down on September 2023 by 8.3 per cent to z21,481, the ACT was down 23.1 per cent to 1,388; NSW was down 16.8 per cent to 29,943; the Northern Territory was up 5.6 per cent to 910; South Australia decreased by 3.8 per cent to 6,420; Tasmania was down 11.1 per cent to 1,754; Victoria decreased 16.5 per cent to 24,573 and Western Australia decreased 0.2 per cent to 10,551.

Toyota was the market leader with sales of 18,110 in September, followed by Ford (8,303), Mazda (8,201), Kia (7,650) and Mitsubishi (6,130). The Toyota RAV4 was Australia’s top selling vehicle with sales of 5,182 followed by Ford Ranger (4,485), Toyota HiLux (4,313), Ford Everest (2,902) and Isuzu Ute D-Max (2,612).

Of note was the continued cooling in battery-electric vehicle sales. In September 2023, 2,714 electric passenger cars were sold, and 6.090 electric SUVs found buyers. In 2024, those numbers fell to 1,293 for passenger cars and 2,245 for SUVs.

Electrification in the form of hybrid vehicles did find favour with buyers. While hybrid (mild and plug-in) sales were down marginally overall from last year for passenger vehicles, they were up to 11,138 from 7,065 for mild hybrid SUVs, and to 2,406 from 1,247 for plug-in hybrid SUVs.

Tony Weber, FCAI Chief Executive, said in a media release that with one quarter remaining of the sales year, three clear trends had emerged regarding consumer preferences.

“First, SUVs and utes remain the vehicle of choice for

Image: Sawat Banyenngam / Shutterstock.com

“FIRST, SUVS AND UTES REMAIN THE VEHICLE OF CHOICE FOR AROUND 80 PER CENT OF NEW CAR BUYERS.”

around 80 per cent of new car buyers” he said. “Nine of the top 10 vehicles sold during September were in the Medium or Large SUV or Light Commercial segments. By contrast the passenger segment was less than 15 per cent of the market.

“Second, across the board, customers are showing a willingness to take steps towards lower emission vehicles with sales of hybrid and plug-in hybrid continuing to increase.

“Third, recorded sales of battery electric vehicles are again disappointing this month. This is in spite of a strong supply of EVs and the addition of a number of new brands and models being introduced into the Australian market. It is important to note that right now EVs are concentrated in limited market segments such as Passenger Medium and Small and Medium SUVs.

“This trend in lower EV sales and increased hybrid and plug-in hybrids is reflected in markets across the world as production and purchase incentives are being wound back.”

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Automotive Jobs Queensland is a jobs marketplace where Queensland automotive employers can find, attract and hire local and international job-seekers with greater ease and impact.

Powered by WorkinAUS, whose market-leading technology matches thousands of local and international jobseekers to employers each month, Automotive Jobs Queensland makes it easier for automotive employers to connect with talent and fill roles.

Find the talent you need now, with streamlined hiring tools, industry-first compliance tools and features such as video to attract more talent to your job ads.

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AI INTEGRATION - save time writing your job post by inputting key criteria for the AI Job Writing Tool to create a job ad in seconds

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Workplace relations

EVANGELINE KANNIS SENIOR WORKPLACE RELATIONS ADVISOR

PROPOSED REVIEW OF WORKPLACE LAWS

OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE YOUR SAY

WORKPLACE RELATIONS MINISTER

Murray Watt, has proposed a review of the Fair Work Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022, and all interested parties are invited to provide feedback on their experience so far.

When the Act was introduced in 2022, it specifically aimed to promote job security, help close the gender pay gap (by banning pay secrecy), modernise the workplace bargaining system and get wages moving.

THIS REVIEW HAS COMMENCED AND IS TO REPORT BACK TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN JANUARY 2025.

According to the Minister, the evidence indicates these laws are achieving these goals. However, many employers have not found efficiencies and remain frustrated with ongoing labour and skills shortages. This review has commenced and is to report back to the Federal Government in January 2025. The terms of reference will consider whether the laws are appropriate and effective and identify any unintended consequences, and whether these require further amendments.

Employers are hoping this review will be "robust and genuine".

You can find out more about the review by clicking HERE.

If your business would like to contribute to the review, please email MTA Queensland at industrial@mtaq.com.au or call the workplace relations team as we will be participating in the industry response.

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF MEMBERSHIP?

EVENTS & PROGRAMS

• Golf Day

• Auto Women

• Carmageddon

• Industry Awards Gala

INSTANT VALUE

• Workplace Health & Safety Audit

• Workplace Relations Consultation

• Insurance Review

• EFTPOS Comparison

• Energy Audit

BESPOKE MEMBERSHIP FEE

SKILLS EXTENSION & TRAINING

• MTA Institute (RTO31529) provides leading industry training

• Online industry courses

• Webinars

UNLIMITED WORKPLACE SUPPORT SERVICES

INDUSTRY REPRESENTATION TO GOVERNMENT

MTA Institute News

MARCELLO RIOTTO DIRECTOR, MTA INSTITUTE

FORGIVE ME

FOR stating the obvious, but here I go. Unless you’ve had your head buried in the sand, you’ve seen the sheer volume of tech in motor vehicles explode (metaphorically speaking) in recent years. This proliferation of technology has reached extraordinary levels. From the introduction of a plethora of hybrid and electric models to the development of varying degrees of vehicle autonomy, the landscape has transformed dramatically. Technologies such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), vehicle-tovehicle (V2V & V2X) connectivity, as well as sophisticated sensors like radars, lidars, and ultrasonic systems, have become commonplace. The integration of vision-based algorithms and sensor fusion techniques has further enhanced vehicle capabilities, creating a complex ecosystem of interconnected technologies. Reflecting on the above, it’s the type of language you’d expect to hear in a university lecture room with degree students.

The breadth of knowledge required to navigate the intricacies of modern automotive technology may appear overwhelming to some. However, the industry has been adept at adapting to technological changes over the years and will continue to do so. As such, individuals interested in embarking on learning more around ADAS may wonder where to begin their educational pursuits.

MTA Queensland offers an introductory micro-credential in ADAS, designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the system, including its essential components,

. . . MTAQ HAS COLLABORATED WITH ADAS SOLUTIONS

AUSTRALIA TO

DELIVER A ROBUST TWO-DAY TECHNICIAN COURSE IN BRISBANE.

equipment, and calibration processes. While we see various organisations, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) provide deeper training in ADAS, MTAQ has collaborated with ADAS Solutions Australia to deliver a robust two-day technician course in Brisbane. This course is tailored for professionals currently engaged in the automotive sector who need to comprehend the operational characteristics of ADAS components and possess the skills to diagnose and calibrate the systems prevalent in contemporary light vehicles. It is crucial for the entire industry to be well-versed in this vital aspect of modern automotive technology, and I encourage you to explore our website for this and other introductory training opportunities. Happy learning.

Apprentice of the Month: September 2024

The MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month is proudly sponsored by Spirit Super

APPRENTICE:

HARRISON MCLEAN

WORKPLACE:

HAMMOND 4WD CENTRE TYRES & MORE

APPRENTICESHIP:

LIGHT VEHICLE MECHANICAL

HARRISON MCLEAN IS the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for September 2024.

The 25-year-old is about to finish the third year of his light vehicle apprenticeship at Hammond 4WD Centre Tyres & More in Capalaba, a few miles south-east of Brisbane. Harrison joined Hammond 4WD at the beginning of 2022 and though, at age 22, he came later than many to an automotive apprenticeship, working in the industry had been something he had been pursuing for some time.

“I was working in civil construction as a heavy machinery operator and pipe layer for storm water, sewer and water connections and so on,” said Harrison. “I really wasn't enjoying it, and in my own time I was always working on cars. I had a 2012 model Mini Cooper, and I did a lot of work on that, making mistakes and learning, and finding that I had a passion for that work.

“I was hoping to get into either heavy diesel or something vehicle related, but it just wasn't working out for me.”

but also work on the wear and tear of cars that get abused off-road!

“We also do a lot of 12-volt accessory fit outs and on-board air-ups [airbags and bellows]. That's where you can sit in the passenger seat and just click a button for the car to go up and down . . . four-wheel driving has come a long way and we do a lot of those primo upgrades.”

Harrison is keen to work on all these types of jobs. Part of what has made him the Apprentice of the Month winner is his enthusiasm and determination to overcome challenges and learn everything he can.

“I’m certainly not averse to being exposed to jobs that are way beyond my capabilities,” said Harrison. “I feel like the only way you can really learn is just to throw yourself in at the deep end and if you make mistakes, well, that happens.”

“I FEEL LIKE THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN REALLY LEARN IS JUST TO THROW YOURSELF IN AT THE DEEP END AND IF YOU MAKE MISTAKES, WELL, THAT HAPPENS.”

Harrison’s search for an automotive apprenticeship would end when news of a job opportunity at Hammond 4WD filtered through his network of friends and family and now, three years on and about to start the fourth year of his apprenticeship, he is trusted with almost any job that comes through the workshop. As Hammond is a 4WD specialist shop – and one that celebrates 50 years in business this year – there is plenty of challenging and interesting work that comes Harrison’s way.

“We're Jeep specialists so we do a lot of diagnostics on them, and we also do a lot of lift kits, suspensions, gearboxes, and clutches - we get a bit of everything. We do regular servicing

That ‘deep end’ will, at some point down the line, include electric vehicles (EVs). Currently, said Harrison, there weren’t many electrified off-road vehicles but that wouldn’t stop him from looking to learn about EVs.

“Technology is advancing really fast and it's only a matter of time before we start seeing some . . . but I don't think the technology is there yet to have these cars do the really remote sort of stuff that they need,” he said. “I will be looking to do some training though. I'd rather be ahead of the game than behind – it’s better to know than not know.”

With only about a year or so to go before he gains his qualification, Harrison has thought about what steps lie ahead for him as he works to establish a long and successful career. In fact, he’s been pondering that pathway for a long time and does harbour the ambition to run his own business one day.

“Since the day I started, I always had a vision of having my own shop,” he said. “I always knew I had the ability and the motivation to do it, and I do see myself in my own shop. I have a passion for old Toyotas, so that’s where I would like to focus.”

• Are you employing an apprentice who is excelling in the workplace?

• Do you have a high-achieving apprentice colleague?

If the answer is ‘yes’, then nominate them for the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month Award.

• Are they training with MTA Institute? CLICK HERE FOR

MTA Institute Graduates

CONGRATULATIONS

TO THE MTA INSTITUTE’S LATEST GRADUATES

THE MTA INSTITUTE is the largest independent provider of automotive apprenticeships and training in Queensland and it is always a proud moment when its

students complete their trade qualification. Congratulations to everyone who was issued a qualification in September 2024. It's a fantastic achievement!

APPRENTICE QUALIFICATION TRAINER

Riley Dann

Timothy England

Jake Phillips Brown

Sheynne Dimond

Hayden Lewis

Thomas Llewellyn

Zachariah King

Mitchell Whittaker

Cody Eichmann

Daniel Kelly-Lunny

Duncan Fowler

Hayden Coster

Augustine Stowers

Corey Cheyne

Max Calabretta

Hayden Kimlin

Aiden Zemit

Jaymie Boddice

Tristan Lambert

Steve Pala Aitken

Paul Collyer

Samuel Hudson

Ryan Koerner

Marc La Budde

Dylan Vejdelek

Caleb Hammond

Samuel Chigwidden

Reagan Jenkins

James Treloar-Matos

Colin Hockley

Laurence Kolling

Trent Kreis

Joel Macri

Frank Mairu

William Mounsey

Damian Norris

Jordan Green

Joshua Tydd

Jordan Lavergne

Jesse Barnes

Dalton Hume

Alana Brady

Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology

Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology

Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology

Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology

Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology

Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment Technology

Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting)

Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology

Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology

Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology

Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology

Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology

Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology

Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology

Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology

Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology

Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology

Ross Wilson

Lloyd Cross

Gareth Hartley

Gareth Hartley

Keith Minchin

Craig Langson

Colin Crichton

Scott Buckley

Ross Wilson

Gavin Jacobs

Andrew Elson

Stephen Blaauw

Stuart Davies

Bruce McLeish

Derrick Pratt

Dennis Shaw

Stuart Davies

Colin Crichton

Antony Joslin

Scott Buckley

Scott Buckley

Antony Joslin

Kevin Ryan

James Dixon

Stephen Blaauw

Dennis Shaw

Bruce McLeish

Steve Cameron

Stephen Blaauw

Sol Layland

Sol Layland

Steve Adams

Keiran Charters

Shane Palmer

Brett Baker

Keiran Charters

Shane Palmer

Keiran Charters

Shane Palmer

Patrick Cranitch

Brett Baker

Alfio Rotolone

MEMBER

WORKPLACE RELATIONS

Unlimited support through our expert team of Workplace Relations Advisors, helping you navigate any staffing issues and ensure you are paying the correct award rates.

INSURANCE REVIEW

Insurance review conducted through our expert Corporate Partner will ensure you have the best cover for your automotive business, at the right price.

EFTPOS COMPARISON

Complimentary EFTPOS comparison to ensure you are getting the best deal from your payment terminals, potentially saving money on every transaction.

WH&S AUDIT

Complimentary Workplace Health & Safety audit conducted by our experienced industry Corporate Partner to ensure all employer responsibilities are met.

ENERGY AUDIT

Up-front energy audit to determine the most cost-effective utility provider for your business. Available in select locations.

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EXPLORE OUR FULL RANGE OF MEMBER BENEFITS HERE.

CORPORATE PARTNERS

RECIPIENTS CHOSEN FOR MTA QUEENSLAND VET TRAINER SCHOLARSHIP

TWO AUTOMOTIVE

PROFESSIONALS are set to advance their careers in the training sector, with Lachlan Riddel from ChipTorque and Courtney Miles from Eagers Automotive Parts the recipients of MTA Queensland’s 2024 VET Trainer Scholarship.

Through the scholarship, Lachlan and Courtney will have the opportunity to undertake their TAE40122 – Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification fully funded, a program valued at over $3,000. This course equips participants with skills and knowledge related to designing, conducting, and assessing VET training, as well as facilitating learning in diverse settings and evaluating the effectiveness of various learning programs.

Lachlan is a qualified light vehicle technician with over 40 years’ experience

in the automotive industry. He was named Apprentice of the Year by the Rotary Club of Geebung in 1988, before going on to win Queensland’s Apprentice of the Year in 1989, as well as becoming a bronze finalist for the Australian Apprentice of the Year Award.

“THROUGH MY EXPERIENCE IN MOTORSPORT SUPPORT, WHOLESALE TRADE, AND RETAIL SALES WITH CHIPTORQUE, I HAVE ACQUIRED A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE IN THIS INDUSTRY. I BELIEVE IT’S TIME TO GIVE BACK AND SHARE WHAT I’VE LEARNED WITH OTHERS,”

Lachlan Riddel from ChipTorque

“I’M A VERY PATIENT PERSON AND LOVE TO ASSIST OTHERS IN LEARNING ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY. I BELIEVE THIS SCHOLARSHIP WILL SUPPORT ME IN ACHIEVING MY LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES WHILE HELPING TO SHAPE FUTURE AUTOMOTIVE SPECIALISTS.”

Shortly after, he received a scholarship from the Queensland Overseas Foundation, which enabled him to gain international experience for 15 months in England with a company specialising in aftermarket tuning. After returning to the Gold Coast in 1993, he established ChipTorque, focusing on engine management products and tuning services.

Lachlan has contributed to various significant projects during his career, including collaborating with Mazda Australia’s MX-5 sports cars, Bullet Cars, and Absolute Pace Supercars. He aims to use the VET Trainer Scholarship to impart his knowledge to aspiring automotive professionals.

“Through my experience in motorsport support, wholesale trade, and retail sales with ChipTorque, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge in this industry. I believe it’s time to give back and share what I’ve learned with others,” said Lachlan.

Courtney Miles is the second scholarship recipient and works as a qualified parts interpreter at Eagers Automotive Parts in Pinkenba. With a background in sales within the automotive sector, Courtney began her career as a parts interpreter with the McGrath Auto Group in 2008. She has since gained valuable experience working with Repco and Supercheap, and also held a senior parts specialist position at Toyota.

Pursuing her TAE has been a long-standing goal for Courtney, and she is thrilled to continue her growth within the industry.

“I’m a very patient person and love to assist others in learning about this industry. I believe this scholarship will support me in achieving my long-term objectives while helping to shape future automotive specialists,” she said.

“MTA Queensland is dedicated to advancing the careers of individuals in the automotive industry,” said Rod Camm, MTA Queensland CEO. “To date, we have supported twelve individuals through our scholarship program. As the automotive sector faces essential skills shortages, it is crucial to have motivated individuals like Lachlan and Courtney expand their expertise to train the next generation of the automotive professionals.”

• The VET Trainer Scholarship is available twice a year to tradequalified professionals working in the Queensland automotive industry. The next round will open on 1 February 2025.

Courtney Miles from Eagers Automotive Parts

KELVIN MILLAR INDUSTRY WORKFORCE ADVISOR

INDUSTRY WORKFORCE ADVISOR PROGRAM SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS

PART OF MY role as the Automotive Industry Workforce Advisor (IWA), is to promote opportunities for businesses to access Queensland Government programs. One successful program is the Human Resources (HR) Grants Program. In this article I will introduce you to a business that has benefited significantly by accessing a grant from this program.

Jase Pearson from Pearson Automotive has built a successful automotive repair business in the inner Brisbane suburb of Milton. He has owned the business for 18 years and has had steady growth and expansion in that time.

One problem that Jase identified, which was hindering business growth, was that he was finding it difficult to retain staff. He contacted me to assist him develop a workforce plan. Together, we formulated a plan to develop attraction/retention strategies, and we identified some system upgrades. Jase identified that he needed help and applied for a DESBT HR grant. He engaged with HR consultant Jordan Lowry from Blackstone Business Group, who worked with Jase on the identified issues. With the help of the grant, Jace and Jordan developed a strategy based on the principles of building team cohesion. Every person in the business plays a key role. There are standout players, i.e. those who take on big, visible tasks, but you also have other team members whose roles

“THIS SYSTEM HAS BEEN INCREDIBLY EFFECTIVE IN FOSTERING A SENSE OF TEAMWORK AND APPRECIATION, AND IT’S SOMETHING WE PLAN TO KEEP BUILDING ON”

might seem smaller or less flashy. However, the strength of the team comes from every person playing their part.

“We used this concept to educate the team, helping them understand how interconnected their roles are. One way we reinforced this was by introducing the MVP (most valuable player) system.”

The MVP system works by allowing all staff to vote at the end of the month for a colleague who has made their job easier or gone above and beyond their normal requirements in the business. It is a peer driven recognition system, so the employees themselves get to highlight who contributed most positively to the team’s success that month.

“Since launching this system, we have seen real improvements in both attendance and morale. The $250 monthly bonus has been a great motivator,” said Jase. Recently, when the team worked under intense pressure, Jase decided to give the bonus to the entire team as a thank-you for their hard work.

“This system has been incredibly effective in fostering a sense of teamwork and appreciation, and it’s something we plan to keep building on” said Jase. “Working with Kelvin and Jordan has re-energized me and my staff.”

The HR Grants program is available to anyone interested in developing systems that will support improved culture and better systems to enhance employee

engagement. If this sounds like something that your business could benefit from, reach out and I will help you connect with the program.

The Industry Workforce Advisor program is funded by the Queensland Government as part of the Good People, Good Jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032.

PANEL BEATING APPRENTICES DESCEND ON MTA QUEENSLAND FOR WORLDSKILLS COMPETITION

ONE OF THE most prestigious events through which apprentices can challenge themselves and test their abilities is the WorldSkills competition.

These competitions happen at a regional, national and international level every two years, and last month, regional competitions were held across the country, with thousands of apprentices, trainees and students taking part in disciplines across all manner of trades and industries.

MTA Queensland was proud to host the Brisbane Regional Autobody Repair competition at its state-of-the-art workshop at the Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence - its headquarters in Eight Mile Plains.

The contest saw five autobody repair

THE CONTEST SAW FIVE AUTOBODY REPAIR APPRENTICES FROM ACROSS THE REGION BATTLE IT OUT OVER THE DAY WITH THE COMPETITION REQUIRING THEM TO COMPLETE TWO TASKS WITHIN A SIX-HOUR PERIOD.

apprentices from across the region battle it out over the day with the competition requiring them to complete two tasks within a six-hour period. Those tasks would test their ability and skills across spot, GMAW and MAG welding; cutting, removal and joining; edge alignment; hammer

and dolly work, and heat shrinking.

Overseen by Worldskills Judges Paul Ridings And Karl Gutzeit – both experienced autobody repairers and trainers - the contest went down to the wire and saw Tyron Brockhurst from Fortress Collision Repair in Springwood come away with the Gold medal. Xander Curtin from Solden Paint and Panel in Brendale took silver, while Riley Wearing from Morayfield Smash Repairs took bronze.

For 26-year-old Tyron, who is now into the third year of his autobody repair apprenticeship, the win came as something of a surprise.

Having entered the competition with no expectations of winning - and thinking during the competition that he had not performed as well as he might - he was shocked and proud to be presented with the gold medal.

“I was nervous when I first signed up

Medallists in the regional Autobody Repair competition - Xander Curtin (silver), Tyron Brockhurst (gold) and Riley Wearing (bronze)

for it, but when it came to the day . . . I tried not to think about it too much as a competition. I just thought that I’d give it a go and that I’m not really in competition with anyone but myself,” he said.

A hiccup in the first task saw Tyron have to start again from scratch and made him ponder if he had any chance of snagging gold. However, keeping calm and finishing strongly would see him do just that, although he was still pretty convinced he had blown his chances.

“I was thinking maybe about the bronze,” he said. “But then they presented the scores and I think I came through by one point. I couldn’t believe it. I was very happy, of course, but I think I was just as happy that I went and gave it a go.”

Taking part in the WorkSkills competitions is a fantastic way for apprentices to test themselves said WorldSkills judge Paul Ridings.

“It’s a great event, the WorldSkills,” he said. “I’d encourage anyone that's interested in improving their skills to

apply and to become part of it, because when you put yourself up against other apprentices, it really gives you a good standard of where you're at and where they're at with the quality of work that they do in their particular shops.

“Sometimes, an apprentice knows his own shop but doesn't get a chance to see what other work is being done elsewhere. So, it really gives them the ability to set their skills up against apprentices just like them from other shops.”

Encouraging apprentices to challenge

VIDEO: WORLDSKILLS BRISBANE REGIONAL AUTOBODY REPAIR COMPETITION

After a nervous start, Tyron Brockhurst performed strongly to take first place and the gold medal

“. . . THEN THEY PRESENTED THE SCORES, AND I THINK I CAME THROUGH BY ONE POINT. I COULDN’T BELIEVE IT. I WAS VERY HAPPY, OF COURSE, BUT I THINK I WAS JUST AS HAPPY THAT I WENT AND GAVE IT A GO.”

themselves through WorldSkills and other competitive events is a sentiment with which Marcello Riotto, Director of the MTA Institute, wholeheartedly agrees.

“Big congratulations to Tyron who has taken out this year's regional competition. It’s a really big accolade,” he said.

“These competitions are really important in terms of allowing some of the upcoming stars of our industry to . . . showcase their skills,” he added. “We would encourage anyone who wants to get involved to do so. Not only do you put yourself out there, but you get to rub shoulders with other like-

minded students in the industry.”

With the regional competitions now finished, the attention on WorldSkills will now turn to the national competitions scheduled to take place in 2025.

MTA Queensland will be holding two of the finals at its head office workshop facility with the Autobody Repair and the Refinishing competitions to take place there in June of next year.

“We were really excited to host the WorldSkills Regional Competition and we are, of course, really pleased to be hosting those national finals next year," said Marcello. “It’s a great honour and something we are really looking forward to doing.”

• While Tyron is officially the gold medallist and winner of the WorldSkills Regional Autobody Repair competition, age-restriction rules of the WorldSkills national and international events mean he is ineligible to take part in those events.

Tyron Brockhurst (centre) with WorldSkills judges Karl Gutzeit (left) and Paul Ridings (right)

Motor Trader’s Christmas Gift Guide

❶ CARS: DRIVEN BY DESIGN

Car designers have come up with some incredible-looking machines over the decades and this volume presents 25 outstanding sports cars as design icons. It pays homage to a selection of exclusive sports cars by legendary manufacturers, from Porsche to Ferrari to Jaguar, as artworks in their own right.

PRICE: $62.60 (at time of writing)

Avilable from Sweetpea & Willow

❷ RETRO GREEN ENAMEL CAMPER VAN BOTTLE OPENER

A Green Vintage Camper Van Range is perfect to keep in the camper van kitchen – or any kitchen really! This bottle opener is cast in metal and then hand enamelled and comes gift boxed.

PRICE: $30 (at time of writing)

Available from At Home in the Country

❸ GRAND PRIX VINTAGE POSTER

Vintage photograph in black and white of a Grand Prix race with the text "Solitude Grand Prix 11th Grand Prix Of The Solitude, 23 July 1961". The perfect print for all retro car and racing lovers!

• Frame not included.

PRICE: $11.48 (at time of writing)

Available from Poster Store

❹ ‘THE RUNAWAY ALARM CLOCK’ CLOCKY ALARM CLOCK ON WHEELS IN CHROME

If you are someone who has trouble getting out of bed every morning, then you need Clocky. Clocky is the wheeled alarm clock that runs away and beeps with an R2D2-like robot sound to get you out of bed! You snooze, you lose!

Jumps from heights up to 75 cm

Loud R2D2-like robot sound for heavy sleepers

Option to snooze once or disable snoozing

Option to turn off the wheels/ roll away function

Display backlit

12 or 24-hour mode

Dimension: 13.2 x 9 x 9 cm

PRICE: $65.90 (at time of writing)

Available from The Design Gift Shop

CLASSIC CAR LEATHER STEERING WHEEL DESK CLOCK

A desk clock beautifully crafted in hawthorn in classic steering wheel design complete with spokes.

Combining stitched leather with a bold burgundy face, this clock will make a statement on any desktop.

A great gift for a classic car lover.

Dimensions: Diameter 24 cm

Depth 4 cm

PRICE: $234 (at time of writing)

Available from Annabel James

Concept corner

THE TRANSFORMATION OF Lotus to the maker of premium, hightech performance electric vehicles continues with the company unveiling the Theory 1, a concept car that the company says, 'embodies the future of intelligent performance vehicles.'

Concept cars can be the mule upon which a company tests new technology, new ideas, new designs and so on, and the Theory 1 appears to be just such a concept.

As an electric vehicle from Lotus, the Theory 1 does, of course, pack a punch. There's an All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) set-up

AS AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE FROM LOTUS, THE THEORY 1 DOES, OF COURSE, PACK A PUNCH. THERE'S AN ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE (AWD) SET-UP UNDER THE SKIN AND A POWERTRAIN THAT PUMPS OUT 735KW.

under the skin and an electric powertrain that pumps out 735kW.

Top speed is a very tasty 320km/h, while the sprint to 100km/h is done in a lightning swift 2.5 seconds. A 70kWh battery provides the juice for the Theory 1, helping to deliver a combined range (WLTP) of a claimed 402km.

‘step-in’ access to the car.

All this is spectacularly good, but it is the tech that surrounds this powertrain that catches the eye. And there is some very cutting-edge stuff going on here.

Firstly, and most noticeable, are reverse opening, wrap-over doors - a design, Lotus says, that enables all occupants with easy

Then there is the construction of the car. Lotus has used materials with performance, durability, light weight, recycled and recyclable properties, to construct the Theory 1. These materials include cellulose-based glass fibre, recycled chopped carbon fibre, titanium, recycled glazing, recycled polyester, recycled rubber and recycled aluminum amogst others. These materials and this construction are a nod from Lotus at the development of a more sustainable future and circular economy.

Lightweight and simple is the name of the game, and Lotus has designed the Theory 1 with its motor and battery assembly as a stressed member to take forces directly from the suspension –reducing complexity and weight - with no need for a subframe.

Within the cabin - which has a three-seat layout akin to McLaren's famous F1, with the driver sat centrally and slightly forward of two passenger seats either sideis an interior fitted with something called LOTUSWEAR.

This is, apparently, an 'immersive system that aims to deliver a personalised

VIDEO: LOTUS THEORY 1 CONCEPT

experience to every occupant in the car' and features an adaptive soft and lightweight robotic textile material that together with inflatable pods, prods and pushes the driver to take action. For example, Lotus says that pulses on the left and right sides of the wheel will indicate when the driver should make a turn.

This component has been created in collaboration with MotorSkins, a start-up that specialises in textile-based wearable robotics and the Theory 1 concept demonstrates the first time it is being used in the automotive industry.

In addition, LOTUSWEAR features 3D-printed headrests which contain a binaural audio system, offering 'bespoke soundscapes for each of the occupants.'

Also here is a LOTUSWEAR Technology Line - a technology band running inside and outside of the car, acting as a communication device. It includes OLED technology to display functions of the vehicle status to the driver and occupants, as well as other road users.

There's also the Lotus 360-degree autonomous driving sensor suite consisting of four deployable LiDARs, six HD cameras, and a combination of longand short-range millimeter radars, plus ultrasonic radars.

Lotus says this ensures driver confidence by scanning for obstacles at a radius of up to 200m around the car, in every direction, even in low light or harsh weather.

The Theory 1 concept integrates projections and screens to deliver information quickly to the driver, including a digital system that uses intelligent environmental light, LED and laser-light components, and reflections on the windscreen to communicate information; laser lights; and 2D and 3D graphic displays.

All-In-all, this is one spectacular concept, and while it was once easy to dismiss concepts as flights of fancy that will never see a production line, technology has developed to the point that anything is possible. We'll hope that the Theory 1, in some form or other, makes it that far.

Jason Murray, Spirit Super CEO