Motor Trader e-magazine, October 2019

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OCT 2019

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF MTA QUEENSLAND? CLICK HERE.

MAJOR MILESTONE REACHED AS MTA QUEENSLAND TURNS 90 2019 MTA QUEENSLAND APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

A new way of doing business.

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND

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From the Editor Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland

2mota, a site that features two online marketplaces in one platform, delivering businessto-consumer and business-tobusiness engagement. Both an online vehicle repair and service booking platform, as well as a platform that enables businesses to engage JONATHAN NASH with each other to hire and EDITOR share assets, 2mota is, says MTA Queensland CEO Dr Brett VOLUTION. Dale, a ‘game changer’. DISRUPTION. To find out more, go to page 24. REVOLUTION. Words In last month’s edition, we often used to describe the looked at the finalists in the developments in today’s MTA Queensland Community, automotive industry. Innovation, and Women In From the seemingly inevitable Industry awards, the winners of rise of battery-electric which will be announced at the technology, to the developments grand Industry Dinner event on in driver assistance systems, to November 16. new vehicles that are incredibly In this edition, we introduce complex and ‘connected’, these the finalists for the MTA changes and more will have a Queensland Apprentice of the dramatic effect on the traditional Year award. 10 outstanding business of the industry. young people, some of whom There’s also the matter of the have now completed their expectations of consumers. qualification, will be celebrated For most people today, going for their achievements on online to research and review the big night with one to be businesses, sell and buy presented with the prestigious products, and book all manner award. Find out more about of services, is the norm. In them from page 72. today’s world, being active I hope you enjoy this edition online is a must for any business. and if you have any news to With all this in mind, share, or have a classic vehicle MTA Queensland has been you'd like to see featured, then working to develop programs please do get in contact. and resources to help small Cheers! businesses come to grips with Jonathan Nash, Editor the changing landscape and jonathann@mtaq.com.au October will see the launch of

HEAD OFFICE Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 P.O. Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel: 07 3237 8777 Fax: 07 3844 4488 Toll Free: 1800 177 951 Email: publications@mtaq.com.au Website: www.mtaq.com.au EDITOR Jonathan Nash ART DIRECTOR Marco Ilinic INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Ted Kowalski Evangeline Kannis

E

POLICY Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Marc Wilson // Gypsy media & marketing services

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

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EDITORIAL Editorial submissions are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed placement. For more information email the Editor at publications@mtaq.com.au SUBSCRIPTION RATES Subscribing to the Motor Trader e-magazine is free. Click here to subscribe MOTOR TRADER PUBLISHING POLICY

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

MTA QUEENSLAND ABN: 74 028 933 848 CORPORATE PARTNERS

20190822

MTA QUEENSLAND WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS Business Name

Principal/s

Address

Email

Division

Martins Mechanical Services Tuguncars.com

Brendon Agius Thomas Wright

10 Victoria St, MACKAY QLD 4740 482 Golden Four Dr, TUGUN QLD 4224

admin@martinsmechanical.com.au cwtuguncars@outlook.com

AED ARD

October 2019 Motor Trader | 1


Contents

24 04 08 14 24

FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO POLICY/VIEWPOINT MTA |Q&A 2MOTO: A NEW WAY OF DOING BUSINESS 30 MAJOR MILESTONE REACHED AS MTA QUEENSLAND TURNS 90 36 AN EYE ON INNOVATION 38 AUTO INNOVATION NEWS 50 CARS & COFFEE CLASSIC 56 AUTO NEWS 64 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS 69 TRAINING GM'S PROFESSIONAL CIRCLE PERSPECTIVE 72 MTA QUEENSLAND AWARDS FINALISTS 88 PLUGGED IN WITH PAUL TUGWELL 90 CONCEPT CORNER 94 XMAS GIFT GUIDE 96 MARKET WRAP 2 | Motor Trader October 2019

30


Search for MTA Queensland

50

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From the Desk of the CEO It was with the great sense of achievement we noted the Federal Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Michaela Cash announcement that vocational education and the trades will have equality with tertiary education. I had met with Senator Cash in October 2018 at a policy discussion lunch at which I raised the issue of a pathway from secondary school to an apprenticeship BRETT DALE and the need for government focus and CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND investment in skills for the automotive RAINING AND SKILLING have been value chain. I was encouraged with what I heard at that time. big part of the MTA Queensland’s The Federal Government has advised structure since 1975 when it began there is a $1.5 billion Skilling Australians providing the automotive sector with the Fund to help young people into skill sets required to meet current and forecast demands. In 1997, as a consequence apprenticeships and is encouraging high school students and their parents to of the deregulation of the vocational consider the options available to them. ‘A training market, the MTA Institute (MTAI) became a Registered Training Organisation university degree is not superior to a VET pathway.’ The automotive trades are on the servicing the field of vocational education National Skills Needs List which addresses for automotive traineeships and areas of persistent skills shortage in the apprenticeships. It is the premier provider Australian economy. of automotive vocational training in A trade job is not inferior to professional Queensland delivering leading-edge courses employment. The MTAI has had students to students. The Institute is the primary with an undergraduate medical degree supply chain for a skilled workforce for the looking for a career change and choosing automotive industry across Queensland. For more than a decade, I’ve been involved to undertake automotive training. The with the MTAI in leadership roles. Over that MTA Queensland 2018 Apprentice of the Year Jack Goodrich from Twidale time, there’s been consistent advocacy to Auto and Motorcycles at Goondiwindi, Federal and State Ministers, departments has a Bachelor of Science but chose the and agencies for a defined pathway for automotive trade as his career path. For interested secondary school students to be students or parents seeking automotive inducted directly into the apprenticeship apprenticeship information, the MTAI and traineeship system. There must be, contact is on the website www.mtai.edu.au for students and parents, the pre-requisite knowledge of the academic requirements to enter the trades equivalent to those required A YEAR OF ACHIEVEMENT The 2018-19 financial year has been a for entry to an undergraduate qualification. year of achievement. This did not happen There must also be an awareness of the by chance. There’s been unity of purpose tremendous opportunities that vocational pathways offer. across the Group and the corporate office

T

4 | Motor Trader October 2019


MTA Institute wins the Queensland Training Award for Small Training Provider of the Year

“INDEPENDENT AND

• The MTAI, the recipient of the Queensland Training Award for Small Training Provider of the Year which makes the MTAI eligible for the Australian Training Awards. • The Lord Mayor Business Awards finalist in the category of Australia Pacific LNG Award for Business Innovation which will be announced on 18 October. These achievements have not been at the expense of the quality of services delivered or the Association’s fiscal position. The Association’s Auditor BDO Audit Pty Ltd, has completed the audit of the accounts which reveal an impressive result for the end of the financial year. Account and audit details will be presented to the Annual General Meeting Board of Directors meeting and published in the Annual Report, November edition.

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENTS OF SPECIFIC ACTIONS AND POLICIES INDICATE WE ARE UPHOLDING THE MEMBER ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY TENETS OF OUR VISION “TO The Strategic Plan 2019-2021 sets ‘service excellence’ as the prime priority. BE QUEENSLAND’S MOST As mentioned in previous From the TRUSTED, INFLUENTIAL AND ENGAGED INDUSTRY PEAK BODY”. Desk of the CEO, a Member Engagement and led by a united Board of Directors focused on achieving outcomes for the membership and the Association. Independent and external assessments of specific actions and policies indicate we are upholding the tenets of our vision “to be Queensland’s most trusted, influential and engaged industry peak body”. Members and the corporate office should take pride in the recognised achievements of being selected the winner of significant awards: • Australian Business Award for Business Innovation which recognises organisations that implement business initiatives which demonstrate innovative solutions for new and existing business needs.

Strategy has been established to increase one-on-one interactions with members. The purpose is to listen to the views and issues of members and inform of the many advantages of belonging to the MTA Queensland. Similar to all undertakings by the corporate office, there must be investment in the skill sets needed to achieve the outcomes. Recently there was a two-day training event that covered off on ‘service excellence’ and sales through service that all participants valued.

EVENTS It is the practice to reciprocate the courtesy of the Australian Automotive Dealer’s Association (AADA) in supporting the MTA Queensland events. I attended October 2019 Motor Trader | 5


From the desk of the CEO the AADA convention ‘2020 + Beyond’ and the President’s dinner where former Chief Executive Officer David Blackall was farewelled and James Voortman welcomed to the role by the AADA Chairman. The convention, aptly, was centred on the theme that dealerships have two front doors: the conventional one opening out onto the street and the online one through which many potential customers now enter. An overlooked matter is the contribution automotive retailers deliver to Australia’s economy. The reality is that the sector creates $57 billion in turnover per year and collects $2 billion in tax. Following MTA Queensland’s nomination in the Lord Mayor Business Awards in the Australia Pacific LNG Awards For Business Innovation category, I presented to an eight-person panel on the merits of the Innovation Hub and its activities. I further attended a formal networking opportunity hosted by the Lord Mayor for the 2019 finalists on the 30th September.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES A significant and ongoing issue for the automotive value chain is the disposal of end of life tyres. In Australia, 23 million are generated annually. The MTA Queensland is in discussions with a green technology startup which has developed a technology which is capable of recycling end-of-life car and truck tyres into saleable commodities of carbon, oil and steel. Due diligence has commenced into an investment opportunity with this start-up. It has enormous potential for the

industry and will bring significant social, environment and economic benefits. The MTA Queensland Board will review the due diligence and determine if to invest and the level of the financial commitment.

AND THE LAST THING The incursion of autonomous vehicles across the landscape has had a recent disruption. The global mining giant Anglo American has paused plans to roll out autonomous trucks at its Queensland Dawson mine. The feasibility study to replace the existing fleet of haul trucks with autonomous haulage systems did not match up against other options for the capital outlay. The existing fleet will be overhauled. The company will revisit autonomous replacements when the existing fleet reach the end of their operational lives in two to three years’ time. Indeed, the issue of operational life is relevant to our industry and does pose an increased risk towards our already burdened waste liability. If our current fleet have a shortened lifecycle due to preferences by consumers for new technology such as EVs and AEVs, then we will have the challenge to address this issue. The focus for the next month will be attending to membership and commercial issues and preparing for the Annual General Meeting of the MTA Queensland Board. Until next month, as Henry Ford, the industrialist and the founder of the Ford motor company said, ‘execute ideas with enthusiasm . . . as it is the bottom of all progress’.

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Policy/Viewpoint

KELLIE DEWAR DEPUTY GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES

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OMETIMES, IN THE rush of achieving and delivering outcomes, a period of quiet reflection is a steadying influence. I’ve had the opportunity to do this as I reviewed the past years activities for my annual report to the MTA Queensland Board. The 201819 financial year Report Card has been helpful in doing this, as it enumerates the many interactions with members on a range of ser vices and actions. The most popular service is the workplace relations advice provided by our industrial relations team. In all, over the past year, there was a total of 5,400 engagements with members on industrial related issues. Obviously, members value this service and the quality of the advice provided on workplace matters. For almost thirty-six years, it’s been the solid and reliable intelligence of Industrial Relations Manager Ted Kowalski that has guided members through their obligations and issues as employers. Ted, now has taken down his shingle, handed in the statute and rule book and bid us adieu to explore retirement life. He’s been a loyal servant of MTA Queensland and our best wishes go with him.

8 | Motor Trader October 2019

Members need not be alarmed or concerned; Industrial Relations Officer Evangeline Kannis will be on hand to provide the quality employment relations advices to which they are accustomed and rely. In the coming weeks, a second industrial relations officer will be commencing employment. Naturally, I take a close interest in the number of direct engagements with members. During the day, due to general busyness, communication and information traffic into and out of the office is unnoticed. When tallied for the financial year however, a realistic perspective is portrayed with direct interactions with members amounting to more than 5,230 on varied issues. It is the activities related to the MTA Queensland’s profile where there has been a substantial increase in output and interest. It is clear mainstream media recognise the Association as the peak industry voice for the motor trades as evidenced by requests for comments and interviews and the almost 240 media mentions. We initiated 20 media releases relating to motor trades or organisational issues. The Report Card identifies that the rebuilt website had some 95,000 users and 290,000-page views with a media reach of over 2 million. The Association’s

“IT IS CLEAR MAINSTREAM

MEDIA RECOGNISE THE ASSOCIATION AS THE PEAK INDUSTRY VOICE FOR THE MOTOR TRADES AS EVIDENCED BY REQUESTS FOR COMMENTS AND INTERVIEWS AND THE ALMOST 240 MEDIA MENTIONS.”


Facebook page has just under 4,500 followers. The key channel for current information is the Weekly Industry Bulletin sent to member’s inboxes at 11.00 am each Thursday (excepting holidays). With over 100 issues distributed, these contain advices on programs, seminars, meetings and legislative, regulatory and Australian Taxation Office instructions.

DIVISION NEWS The priority for the Divisions has been their annual general meetings and for the Chairs the finalisation of their reports for presentation to the Annual Board meeting and inclusion in the Annual Report. The Chair of the Australian Automotive Dealers Association – Queensland (AADA Q) James Sturges resigned to pursue other interests. The incoming Chair will be James Robertson and he will continue in the roles of MTA Queensland Secretary and the Central Queensland Representative. James Sturges has been on the Board of Directors since October 2016 and our best wishes go with him for his new challenges.

ADVOCACY In previous Viewpoints I’ve referred to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) and Other Legislation Amendment legislation which conferred QCAT with additional jurisdiction. In a nutshell, QCAT can hear motor vehicle disputes against a motor dealer for failure to repair a defect of a warranted vehicle under the Motor Dealers and Chattel Auctioneers Act 2014 or failure to comply with a consumer guarantee under the Fair Trading Act 1984 – (Consumer Law Provisions).

“THE CHAIR OF THE

AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE DEALERS ASSOCIATION – QUEENSLAND (AADA-Q) JAMES STURGES HAS RESIGNED TO PURSUE OTHER AUTOMOTIVERELATED INTERESTS. THE INCOMING CHAIR WILL BE JAMES ROBERTSON AND HE WILL CONTINUE IN THE ROLES OF MTA QUEENSLAND SECRETARY AND THE CENTRAL QUEENSLAND REPRESENTATIVE.” I met QCAT officers for a briefing on the new laws and their application to motor vehicle disputes. Detailed information is in Weekly Industry Bulletin, Issue 107, 5 September 2019. As a timely reminder, a motor vehicle dispute that has already commenced as a minor civil dispute before September 1, 2019 will continue as a minor civil dispute. A motor vehicle dispute where the defect or problem with the vehicle arose before 1 September 2019, for which a proceeding has not been started will be heard under the law as it applies from 1 September 2019. The practice will be that disputes not exceeding $25,000 will be heard and determined by an adjudicator. Disputes in which the claim in the application exceeds $25,000 and up to $100,000 will be listed for a directions hearing before a member. QCAT officers advised on the role of Assessors in disputes exceeding $25,000 and their appointment. October 2019 Motor Trader | 9


Policy/Viewpoint QCAT is now seeking expressions of interest for appointment as Assessors closing October 16th 2019. Suitably qualified and experienced people are invited to apply for appointment to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) as an assessor to assist QCAT in the determination of motor vehicle disputes. We distributed the requirements and process for expressions of interest in our Weekly Industry Bulletin and you can view the information by clicking HERE. Following on from hosting the National Association of Women in Construction ‘Women on Tools’ Breakfast in May, we turned out a strong representation for the recent event at Eve Workwear, Morningside. It provided the opportunity to promote employment in the motor trades and network with tradeswomen and apprentices from other sectors including the Australian Defence Force. Capricorn, one of our corporate partners, hosts member nights at different locations we have recently attended these on the Sunshine Coast and locally on Brisbane’s Southside. These are occasions when the hospitality is generous and personnel from the automotive industry interact and ‘talk shop’. We’ll be in attendance too on Saturday 2 November for the Capricorn Trade Show and Gala Dinner at the Star Casino, Gold Coast.

INDUSTRY NEWS As each week passes, it seems that more vehicles are being added to the Takata airbag recall list www.productsafety.gov. au.recalls/compulary-takata-airbat-recall. In Australia’s automotive history, the compulsory Takata airbag recall stands out as the most significant happening 10 | Motor Trader October 2019

“FOLLOWING ON FROM

HOSTING THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION ‘WOMEN ON TOOLS’ BREAKFAST IN MAY, WE TURNED OUT A STRONG REPRESENTATION FOR THE RECENT EVENT AT EVE WORKWEAR, MORNINGSIDE.” to beset the industry. There are more than four million affected Takata airbag inflators and involve more than three million vehicle recalls. Globally, the recall is estimated to affect some 100 million vehicles. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) advises that ‘the compulsory recall requires ‘suppliers’ of vehicles with defective Takata airbags to replace all defective airbags in Australian vehicles by 31 December 2020 (or later if approved by the ACCC). Under the compulsory recall, a vehicle’s ‘supplier’ is the first person to supply a vehicle with a defective Takata airbag into Australia.

FINALLY Over the year the MTA Queensland has had many working fora, seminars and meetings. There is only one event however, when we gather to enjoy comradery and celebrate achievement. That is the annual Industry Awards Dinner. This year it is on Saturday, 16 November at the Emporium Hotel, South Bank. It is only there, each of us will find out the winners of the Community, Innovation, and Women in Industry awards and the 2019 Apprentice of the Year. Until next month, take care and stay safe.


Small change. Big future. Matthew Webster (46) has a long way to go before he hangs up his hat, but he can already picture his retirement. He plans to travel around Australia in a caravan with his wife — once he convinces her that it will be fun! Matt has spent his career in the motor trades and is well on his way to making sure he has enough super to see the country in comfort. He joined MTAA Super as an apprentice in 1989 and now works in an automotive training role in NSW. “I’m really happy I’ve been with MTAA Super. It’s the industry super fund for my trade and has been supporting careers in the automotive industry for over 25 years.” “I’m still a long way off retirement, but I do think about what I will do when I stop working and how I will support myself and my family.”

Matt, like many Australians, is not alone in his concern. Thanks to changing work patterns and increased life expectancy, many of us will spend close to a quarter of our lives as retirees. For some, the age pension alone or relying solely on your employer’s super contributions may not be enough. Leeanne Turner, CEO of MTAA Super, says it’s important that workers do what they can to help grow their super throughout their working lives. “Too many workers are hands-off with their super. Retirement can feel like a lifetime away, so it’s easy to put super on the back burner. But there are a lot of ways you can actively grow your super now.” She says one of the easiest and most effective ways is to make regular extra contributions.

“Small amounts can go a long way. Putting as little as an extra $10 per week into your super can add up to thousands over a 30+ year career.” “This is because of the compounding nature of superannuation. With super, you don’t just grow your employer and voluntary contributions, you also grow the investment returns on these contributions. Every dollar you add to your super account boosts your super’s earning capacity.” Ms Turner also adds that making extra contributions is easy. “It’s simple. Just ask your employer to set up a regular (pre-tax) salary sacrifice into your super, or make direct (after-tax) deposits into your super whenever you can afford to put a little aside.”

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

1300 362 415 mtaasuper.com.au

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


Paul Kulpa, General Manager, MTA Institute

MTA INSTITUTE WINS QUEENSLAND SMALL TRAINING PROVIDER OF THE YEAR AWARD

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HE MTA INSTITUTE (RTO No. 31529) was named the Small Training Provider of the Year at the annual Queensland Training Awards held on Saturday the 14th of September 2019. MTA Institute is the largest independent Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for automotive apprenticeships and trainees in Queensland with more than 2,000 students located throughout the state. Established in 1975, the MTA Institute has grown to be the leading automotive training provider, offering a full suite of nationally accredited automotive qualifications as well as a long list of non12 | Motor Trader October 2019

“THE QUEENSLAND TRAINING

AWARDS IS THE EPITOME OF WHAT VET SHOULD BE AND IT IS INCREDIBLY HUMBLING FOR THE MTA INSTITUTE TO BE RECOGNISED AT THIS VERY HIGH LEVEL.” accredited and short industry courses. The Queensland Training Awards has been operating for 58 years and recognises individuals and organisations that strive for and have achieved success, best practice and innovation in vocational education and training (VET).


“THIS AWARD BELONGS TO

OUR STAFF AND TRAINERS WHO ARE THE HARDEST WORKING GROUP OF PEOPLE I’VE HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH AND WHO ARE ALWAYS WILLING TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND TO HELP STUDENTS AND EMPLOYERS.” “We are absolutely thrilled to win this award,” said Paul Kulpa, General Manager of the MTA Institute. “The Queensland Training Awards is the epitome of what VET should be and it is incredibly humbling for the MTA Institute to be recognised at this very high level. “It is not just the quality of training that we are so proud to deliver through our exceptional team of highly experienced trainers, it is all the extras we offer. We set the bar really high in our provision of service excellence and this is evidenced by our support for the apprentice mentor program, graduation ceremonies, motorsport opportunities, access to

scholarships and offering cutting-edge courses in areas like hybrid electric vehicles. “This award belongs to our staff and trainers who are the hardest working group of people I’ve had the pleasure of working with and who are always willing to go above and beyond to help students and employers.” October 2019 Motor Trader | 13


Bec and Matt Barrett

MTA|Q&A Bec and Matt Barrett have weathered some tough times. They’ve survived two earth-altering cyclones, a mining boom and bust cycle and an internet scam, fighting on to establish Your OCD Mechanics in the heart of Mackay. Their flourishing automotive workshop is a mechanic’s dream with two large indoor wash bays and a huge shady shed with lots of air flow to beat the stifling heat of the North. WORDS: LARA WILDE

LW: Where did the Barrett family come from? MB: We grew up in the Burdekin region.

Bec trained as a horticulturalist while I trained as a mechanic with a focus on brands such as Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Ford. We opened a workshop in Mission Beach which worked well until we were 14 | Motor Trader October 2019

wiped off the map by Cyclone Larry in 2006. A few years later in 2011, history repeated itself with Cyclone Yasi knocking on the door and then blowing that door away. After Cyclone Yasi demolished everything we had built, we took the hint and packed our bags, moving the family to Mackay.


Your OCD Mechanics, Mackay

LW: The move to Mackay has worked well for you? BB: Mackay was at the height of the mining

“A FOCUS ON THE

CUSTOMER HAS BEEN THE CORNERSTONE OF OCD SINCE IT BEGAN. BOTH OF US ARE COMMITTED TO MAKING SURE OUR CUSTOMERS LEAVE THE SHOP WITH COMPLETE SATISFACTION EVERY TIME.”

boom in 2011 when we bought our house and set up our business. After the trauma of two massive cyclones we thought we were starting afresh but then came the bust to follow the mining boom and we suffered again. The hits kept coming too, with an internet scam cleaning out our bank account to the tune of $20,000. Not to be disheartened, we struggled on and opened our new business, Your OCD Mechanics, in May of 2018.

dedication to customer satisfaction saw the business thrive with the addition of five full-time staff.

LW: What was it like to start from scratch again? MB: When the doors to the giant workshop

LW: Was it easy to find the right staff? BB: Finding staff to suit our business

first opened, it was just me on the tools and Bec in the office. A focus on the customer has been the cornerstone of OCD since it began. Both of us are committed to making sure our customers leave the shop with complete satisfaction every time. Within 12 months, our

has not always been easy. At first, we advertised vacant positions on the radio but had almost no response. We have had to rely on the local community and word of mouth to find the right people. We have been very lucky to find the right staff at the right time. Being a small family-run October 2019 Motor Trader | 15


business, we have been able to put in place many workarounds to accommodate our staff and our needs.

LW: Your business is called Your OCD Mechanics. Have you been officially diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? MB: Despite calling our business Your OCD

Mechanics, we have not been formally diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, but we are obsessive about finding the right solution for the customer! I am working hard to change the perception of mechanics with the general public. I do not want customers to feel that mechanics are wasting their money. At Your OCD Mechanics, the focus is on providing total transparency and honesty to the customer.

LW: What has been you main marketing strategy to grow the business? BB: The marketing strategy hinges very much on a local reputation for quality work and customer-centric service. We

16 | Motor Trader October 2019

“. . . WE ARE OBSESSIVE

ABOUT FINDING THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR THE CUSTOMER! I AM WORKING HARD TO CHANGE THE PERCEPTION OF MECHANICS WITH THE GENERAL PUBLIC.� advertise on local radio stations and through Google. There is a Facebook page for the business, although it is not given much attention. By building rapport and establishing a relationship with the customer, much of the business has grown through word of mouth and referrals. Another plentiful source of referrals has been our participation in the local BNI (Business Network International) chapter, BNI Dynamic. Matt attends a networking event every Wednesday to connect with the Mackay business community. An average of 35 new jobs come from our


BNI referrals each month making our membership a worthwhile investment.

LW: How has Your OCD Mechanics engaged with the local community? MB: We actively engage with the community providing support for charities such as Life Education in the Mackay region. Our community work is not measured against our business and marketing targets, but

rather is a reflection of our commitment to the region that we have chosen to call home. We also contribute to the local community through the provision of training for our staff. Taking on school-based and mature-aged apprentices has meant that we can provide local jobs and local training in Mackay. Our current school-based apprentice will finish Year 12 this year and become a full-time staff member in 2020. Our ability to train staff and employ apprentices has been enhanced through our MTA Queensland membership.

LW: When did you first join MTA Queensland and what have been the benefits of your membership? MB: I became a member of the MTA Queensland when I opened my first shop in Mission Beach. Since then, I have found my membership invaluable to support me and the business in the training and management of staff. The Your OCD „

October 2019 Motor Trader | 17


“MEMBERSHIP OF MTA

QUEENSLAND HAS ALSO GIVEN US THE CONFIDENCE TO TRY NEW THINGS WITHIN OUR BUSINESS, PUSHING BOUNDARIES THAT MOST WOULDN’T CHALLENGE.” Mechanics’ MTA Queensland membership certificate is proudly displayed in the office window. We feel that certificate gives our customers a sense of confidence that the business has integrity and will she really enjoyed being hands on in the take care of them. workshop with the cars. With the support of MTA Queensland, I signed Bec up as Membership of MTA Queensland has an apprentice. Not many happily married also given us the confidence to try new couples can live together and work things within our business, pushing together but as Bec finishes her second boundaries that most wouldn’t challenge. year as an apprentice, we could not In 2018, when the business first be happier! kicked off, Bec was taking care CLICK TO VISIT of the office while I took care Lara Wilde is a writer, motorsport THE YOUR OCD MECHANICS of the workshop. Very quickly, commentator and car enthusiast from WEBSITE Bec was needed to step out of northern Queensland. Follow her the office and help on the tools automotive adventures at www.wildedrive.com and she soon discovered that 18 | Motor Trader October 2019


Business support every step of the way. Whether you’re starting, running or growing your business, CommBank, proud Alliance Partner of MTAQ can help you do business your way.

Dedicated support for your business

To help you take your business to the next level, MTAQ members can benefit from direct access to a dedicated CommBank Relationship Manager and team of specialists who will work with you through every stage of your business life cycle. You’ll also receive 24/7 Australian based phone support for all your business banking needs.

Business products and solutions

MTAQ members may be eligible to access the latest innovative business banking products and solutions with preferential pricing applied to make it easier for you to do business. These include:

• No merchant joining fee

• Business Loans and Asset Finance

• Same day settlement every day of the year^

• Overdraft Facilities and Bank Guarantees

• Daily IQ - free business insights tool with CommBiz and NetBank

• Free business financial health checks

To find out how CommBank can help you do business your way, contact MTAQ on (07) 3237 8777 or email info@mtaq.com.au and they’ll put you in touch with a CommBank Business Banking Specialist.

Things you should know: ^‘Same day’ includes eCommerce card sales before 5:30pm (AEST) and EFTPOS card sales before 10pm (AEST) and is available for eligible customers with a Commonwealth Bank business transaction account and a linked Commonwealth Bank merchant facility. Offers available to referrals made via MTAQ. MTAQ may receive a referral fee from Commonwealth Bank for each successful referral (excludes existing customers). Applications for finance are subject to the Bank’s normal credit approval and suitability of the asset. Other fees, charges, terms and conditions may apply. As this information has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the information, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. Please view our Merchant Agreement, Financial Services Guide and Operator and User Guides at commbank.com.au/ merchantsupport. To find out more about Daily IQ, visit commbank.com.au/DailyIQ. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.


MTAQ Racing

MTAQ TEAM RACES TO PODIUM SUCCESS

A

T THE END of September, the MTAQ Racing Team hit the Morgan Park circuit at Warwick for the 4th round of the 2019 Series X3 Queensland championship and, after a season of near misses and struggles with mechanical gremlins, managed a near trouble-free round that saw them notch third place for the weekend’s racing - the best result in the team’s short history. It was a brilliant result, and well deserved after a titanic effort to get the Hyundai Excel ready for the race meeting. Things had been quite frantic in the lead up, with some routine checks and

20 | Motor Trader October 2019

“. . . IN RACE ONE WE

MUSCLED OUR WAY TO 5TH AND WERE BATTLING FOR 4TH SPOT AS THE CHEQUERED FLAG WAVED. WE WERE THE SECOND-FASTEST CAR IN THE RACE TOO. . .” upgrades revealing a major engine issue that required significant attention. But the team rolled up their sleeves, got stuck in and the hard work and late nights ensured the car was in good nick for the weekend. And this time, the hard work paid off even


with a minor hiccup in qualifying. “Our weekend actually didn't start overly flash,” said David Wood, team leader and driver. “We had an engine setting problem that was robbing us of some power for Saturday morning's qualifying session and unfortunately that meant we could only set a time good enough for 11th. We only had about two hours between qualifying and the first race to rectify that problem. “However, in Race One we muscled our way to 5th and were battling for 4th spot as the chequered flag waved. We were the second-fastest car in the race too, which gave us great confidence for the two races held on Sunday. A few more tweaks and we would be ready to set sail for the leaders.” And so it turned out. With a good position on the grid from which to challenge, David piloted the Excel to 3rd place by the second lap and was challenging the two leading cars by

“WE MADE A TERRIFIC START

IN RACE TWO. . . WE WERE ABLE TO SET THE FASTEST LAP OF THE RACE, AND FASTEST OF THE ENTIRE WEEKEND, IN OUR PURSUIT, LANDING ON THE BUMPER OF THE SECOND-PLACE CAR.” halfway. Things get tough at the front though, and finding a way to get past the leaders and take the win was too much in the short race time that was left. “We made a terrific start in race two, and though the two lead cars had opened up quite a gap by the time we got into third, we were, with a bit of clear track, able to close that gap,” said David. “In fact, we were able to set the fastest lap of the race, and fastest of the entire weekend, October 2019 Motor Trader | 21


in our pursuit, landing on the bumper of the second-place car. The front three cars were very evenly matched though, and we couldn't find a way past without doing something silly and had to settle for third.” Starting from 3rd spot on the grid for the double-distance Race Three meant David had a great shot at the two leaders right

“WE PICKED UP WHERE RACE TWO LEFT OFF, WITH US IN A FIERCE BATTLE FOR 2ND PLACE. THAT BATTLE RAGED FOR THE DURATION . . . WE ONCE AGAIN POSTED THE FASTEST LAP OF THE RACE ONCE WE GOT A BIT OF CLEAR TRACK . . . ” The MTAQ Racing team has picked up its first trophy with third place at the latest Excel championship round

from the off and a humdinger of a race was on the cards. “We picked up where Race Two left off, with us in a fierce battle for 2nd place. That battle raged for the duration,” said David. “The front two cars were again very evenly matched on lap time with our car, making passing hard. I made a few big dives but ended up being boxed in behind the car in 2nd spot for most of the race, finally sneaking past with two laps to go as tyres faded. By then the leader had a small gap that we couldn't make up, but we came home a strong second. And we once again posted the fastest lap of the race once we got a bit of clear track, which was a nice reward.” A 5th, 3rd and 2nd place finish across the three races meant the MTAQ Racing Team scored the first podium position, and its first trophy, of its threeseason existence. It also meant the team is now in the top section of the championship leader board for the first time too. “The points haul from the weekend has moved us up to 6th in the championship,” said David. “We can't win the championship from here, but it would be nice to come home in the top 5 and we’ll look to achieve that. “The team worked incredibly hard over the weekend to make the car as good as it was. We were the last


MTAQ RACING TEAM

THANKS

SPONSORS MTAQ RACING FOUNDATION PARTNER

MAJOR PARTNER

OFFICIAL TOOL PARTNER

OFFICIAL XXXX PARTNER

NATIONWIDE DELIVERY

OFFICIAL XXXX PARTNER

OFFICIAL INSURANCE PARTNER Excel racing as a fulltime business, we are punching well above OFFICIAL XXXX PARTNER our weight. I am very, very proud.” The team’s attention OFFICIAL LUBRICANT PARTNER now switches to the final state championship round OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER of the year in early Excel team to leave the track both Friday November and and Saturday nights, and the first to arrive. preparation for the ENGINEERING AND INNOVATION PARTNER Our continual improvement and 'never 2019 Excel Nationals to give up' attitude has earned us tremendous be held on November respect from our peers, and when 16-17 at The Bend OFFICIAL TYRE PARTNER CLICK your competition recognises your circuit in South TO CLICK TO level of effort, that is the ultimate Australia. The FOLLOW THE compliment. team is looking forward to the MTAQ RACING TEAM ON “We are a small team in challenge. FACEBOOK comparison to others, but we are “The final state championship rarely outworked and our effort round of the year is basically a is starting to really show in our dress rehearsal for the big dance – results. Considering those top two cars the Australian Championship event,” said David. “Given our recent run, we can go we were locked in combat with over the there with some confidence.” weekend are out of a workshop that goes

“A 5TH, 3RD AND 2ND PLACE FINISH ACROSS THE THREE RACES MEANT THE MTAQ RACING TEAM SCORED THE FIRST PODIUM POSITION, AND ITS FIRST TROPHY, OF ITS THREE-SEASON EXISTENCE.”

October 2019 Motor Trader | 23



A new way of doing business.

October 2019 Motor Trader | 25


I

T IS A certainty that the next few years will see dramatic change in Australia’s automotive industry. Electric cars and hybrids will become commonplace and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, perhaps, may not be far behind. Connected cars that can be upgraded with ‘over the air’ software updates will be the norm too. Improving advanced driver assistance systems will lead to ever more complex vehicles and, perhaps, to self-driving cars. Beyond the vehicles themselves, consumer expectations and habits are changing too. Car sharing, Mobility-asa-Service and car subscription models are finding a place in the market and will impact the traditional idea of car ownership, while engagement with consumers online and through social media is already a given if businesses want to flourish and grow. All these changes and more are, to some degree, already here. Adapting to this rapidly changing landscape is an issue with which every automotive business must wrestle and being equipped with the right tools to adapt to this change is a must. One such tool is now available. It is called 2mota. 2mota is a new online platform that offers automotive businesses a unique proposition – two marketplaces in one that deliver business-to-consumer and 26 | Motor Trader October 2019

business-to-business engagement. The first pillar of 2mota is an online booking platform which allows consumers to request a quote for, and then book, a vehicle repair or service from workshops in their area. Simple to use, this consumer-focused side of 2mota allows for quotes to be adjusted depending on the specifics of a particular job, ensuring businesses receive a fair and reasonable price for the work done. For the consumer, transparent communication in an open forum with all potential businesses regarding a job’s requirements ensures they fully understand what the work will entail and what the costs will be. They will also be able to rate the service they receive. The second pillar to 2mota is the business-to-business marketplace. This area of 2mota offers a unique opportunity for businesses to not only access a pool of sub-contractors and sole traders whom they can engage to work should they require short-term extra staff or technicians with specialist skills, but also to hire and share tools and other assets from and with other workshops. If, for example, there is a scenario in which a business has a particularly busy period on its books, or wants to take on some work that requires specialist skills, then 2mota is where they’ll be able to find the right technicians to bring in for that time, however short or long it may be. Equally, if a business has invested in a equipment - let’s say a specialised diagnostic tool - that is not used that often, then that business can utilise 2mota to make it available to other workshops that may require it. This is a win-win


situation. Business and undercutting. One receives a return And it’s all in on its investment in one, easy-to-use an expensive piece of platform. equipment that might THE BACKGROUND otherwise be lying idle, while Business Two The 2mota can hire that tool and platform is built take on a particular upon and utilises a job it might otherwise secure blockchain have had to turn away. transaction system And this ‘asset developed by sharing’ feature on Block2 - a start-up 2mota isn’t restricted technology company Eden Spencer, 2mota CEO just to equipment in which MTA that is mobile. Queensland is an For instance, if Business One has the investor and which was founded by Eden opportunity of more work but not enough Spencer, who is also 2mota’s CEO. hoists to service that work, then it can 2mota will, said Mr Spencer, be use 2mota to search for a workshop that a vehicle that offers tremendous does have a hoist available and can then opportunities for users. hire that hoist and workshop space. Once “2mota is ‘for the industry’,” he said. again, a win-win situation. Business One “Society, technology and the way we can take on the extra work and Business work is changing. Look at how Uber has Two receives an income on unused disrupted the taxi industry. Look at how equipment. Netflix disrupted the video industry and This sharing of underused assets – be the chains such as Blockbuster and Video it space or tools – and the ability to hire Ezy. This change is happening to the qualified technicians for short periods, automotive industry too and we want to is a simple idea that has huge potential stop mechanics, motor body repairers and upside for the automotive industry - it is other industry trades from suffering the simply a fact that fostering collaboration, same fate as taxi drivers and video store engagement and partnerships strengthens owners. We can help if business works everybody’s business and the industry as a together with us.” whole. Block2 and 2mota was born out of As the expected disruptions to the Mr Spencer’s personal experience of industry start to bite, 2mota is 2mota customer quoting screen aimed at helping businesses become more efficient and productive, offering a secure way to share and collaborate, generate more business, and get online without the need for price wars


working in the automotive industry and the recognition that while many new digital business ideas were being launched, none appeared to protect or support traditional industries. He also saw that the idea of ‘sharing’ assets had grown in an organic fashion in other sectors, was a concept already well entrenched with the public, and could be tailored to automotive. “I saw that the construction industry, whilst having its own skills shortage, had evolved into a very sharing-based industry,” said Mr Spencer. “Businesses connect with sub-contractors every day and when they have a lot of work on, they look for support from other tradies. When they don’t have enough work, they connect with the industry communities to offer up time to sub-contract to other businesses. I realised that this could work in the automotive industry. Both are traditional industries, and both rely on skilled tradespeople. “What has also happened is that people have become accustomed to ‘sharing’ products and services and they don’t even realise it,” he added. “Many of us today use Uber, where we are, in effect, sharing a ride with a stranger. This is interesting because just seven years ago this was unheard of. Who would’ve thought that the most popular method of point-to-point transport today would be to jump in a complete stranger’s car? The same is true with accommodation. People now rent their own property out to others. Sharing is no

2mota business quoting screen

longer a strange idea. It is the future and we need to use these types of ideas to help and support businesses to continue to succeed.” While the sharing concept was central to the establishment of Block2 and was the initial focus of development, the possibilities of using the technology to offer a business-to-consumer platform that had the backing and input of industry was recognised by MTA Queensland, and a partnership between the Association and Block2 began to take shape. “Creating a new site for customers was presented to us by MTA Queensland,” said Mr Spencer. “Many businesses were saying that they were spending a significant sum per year to have access to other online platforms and did not feel they were making the return to justify the spend. “2mota focuses on providing quality service to customers at a price that is acceptable to both parties. We have also established partnerships with key industry leaders that will see us be able to offer customers services not currently available on any other platform. “For industry, the first key advantage is that MTA Queensland members will be able to use 2mota for free for the first 12 months, while for non-members there is a low fee of just $20 per month. “This means businesses can set up their profile and get going hassle free and risk free. Some key advantages still to come include access to apprentices and Group Training Organisations, and an industry-focused marketplace where businesses can buy/ swap/sell goods. Most importantly, however, is access to more customers to drive more business.” An important reason for 2mota working the way it


does is that industry was consulted extensively during its development. The feedback to the concept, and the detailed discussions with business owners who have decades of working in the industry, has ensured the platform delivers features and an experience that was sought after by automotive business and is easy to use for consumers. Contribution from industry was, said Mr Spencer, vital to 2mota’s development and will continue to be. “Industry input was extremely important and we need MTA Queensland members, and indeed the industry generally, to understand first and foremost that this is an industry-led initiative,” he said. “We worked with MTA Queensland and some key member businesses to design our offering to make it simple to use and provide real value. Over the course of the year we participated in dozens of working groups with mechanics and once we launch, this will continue. “Over the next 18 months we will look to engage with members to continuously improve our industry-backed offering and we will encourage members to reach out to us and give us their input into what they would like to see to make the platform even better.” For MTA Queensland, 2mota marks an investment in a business and a concept that aligns strongly with a core objective of its strategic plan to advance the interests of its members and offer real, practical offerings that will help businesses in a changing industry landscape. “We believe 2mota will be a game changer, allowing businesses to trade in a space designed for them. It is an exciting

2mota employee or contractor screen

initiative that can support and grow members’ business opportunities and, nationally, there is growing interest in the platform,” said Dr Brett Dale, CEO of MTA Queensland Group. He added that the two pillars of the 2mota platform complement each other. “A consumer-facing application helps to drive the B2B,” he said. “A customer can come onto the platform to book their car in for a service and that request will go on to a workshop that can decide to take on that work or not, depending on their capacity to do so. That business can then use the B2B end of the system to look at bringing in resources, should they require them, to be able to do that job. "The industry is changing and 2mota gives businesses the opportunity to adapt to that changing landscape, to reach more customers, make money from their assets, be more productive and gain a greater financial return. “Ultimately, this platform will help businesses navigate new and uncertain times. It will enable them to engage with other businesses and the public on a large scale, see how they can collaborate with each other, and give them a competitive advantage.”  2mota will launch on October 19. If you'd like to register your interest in the platform, or are interested in attending an introductory session, email: info@2mota.com.au October 2019 Motor Trader | 29


MAJOR MILESTONE REACHED AS MTA QUEENSLAND TURNS 90

T

HE YEAR WAS 1929 and Australia was in the middle of a revolution that would alter the landscape in a way that couldn’t be imagined . . . the car revolution. More than 600,000 Australians (1 in every 11) could claim they owned a GASSA members gathered for the 7th annual motor vehicle, a stark rise meeting of the Association in November 30, 1936 from the one-in-55 figure from the turn of the decade. Car prices were coming down and required to identify and acknowledge new the middle class could now afford to get businesses in order to give respectability into the market. More cars on the road and legitimacy to this nascent industry. led to more petrol stations and more and On the night of the 30th September improved roads. Car manufacturing giants 1929, a group of esteemed businessmen Ford and GM had their own plants here, from garages and service stations met at and were mass producing vehicles. Exton House in Brisbane to discuss the A new industry had developed, and more success and development of their industry. and more garages and motor mechanics And on that night, the Garage and were opening and jumping on board the Service Station Proprietors Association revolution. It soon became apparent of Queensland (GASSA), the association that some form of record keeping was that would become the Motor Trades

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Watt Bros. were represented at the first meeting of GASSA and the company is a member of MTAQ to this day, now run by Barrie Watt

Association of Queensland, was born. The arrival of GASSA was very much a low-key affair, barely raising a mention outside those involved. The founding members set an annual membership fee of two guineas ($4.20) for themselves, while for other members there was a nomination fee of one guinea ($2.10) on top of the two guineas membership fee. ‘High standards and better service’ was GASSA’s philosophy, and while the economic climate was poor following the New York Stock Exchange crash of October 1929 and resultant Great Depression, the automotive industry proved valuable in getting Australia back on its feet quicker than many other countries. GASSA began to thrive. In August 1945, during World War II, the association changed its name to the Queensland Automobile Chamber of Commerce (QACC) - a sign that the industry and its influence was continuing to grow. In fact, the Association had grown large enough that it had enough members to offer skilled workers to the Australian Government to assist in the war efforts. Association President W. J. Johnson claimed, “There are hundreds of garages throughout this state with machines almost idle, and employing thousands of men, which could be used for war work.” The QACC would rebrand for a third

time in December 1976 when it joined forces with the national Motor Trades Association to become the Queensland Motor Industry Association (QMIA). This merger was a big deal for the motor retail industry. It was the first time the entire automotive industry was joined under a single employers’ organisation, creating a unified association that provided support for all aspects of the industry. As QMIA President Tom Madill wrote in the December 1976 issue of Motor Trader magazine: “For the first time, Queensland will have one voice to talk for the Retail Motor Industry, one organisation that will bring harmony and unity to our industry and one employers’ organisation that will have real teeth in the Queensland situation.” Around this time, the QMIA moved into the training sector. It would grow from modest beginnings to become, 40 years later, the MTA Institute and the largest private provider of automotive apprenticeships and training in Queensland. The training institute was initially established to deliver business training courses to Association members and then later the general public, before adding six 12-month Certificate II Automotive traineeships to the offerings in 1997 with the objective to be recognised as the leading VETEC Accredited Training organisation in the industry. October 2019 Motor Trader | 31


MTA Queensland, Eight Mile Plains

the development of a land construction contract at Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, to construct a headquarters and state-of-the-art training facility. Construction was completed in October 2011 and MTA Queensland moved into the Sir Jack Brabham opening the MTA Institute training facility new headquarters – the site we call home today – on December THE NAME GAME 12 that year. The training facility would be named the Sir Jack Brabham Automotive After a number of name changes Centre of Excellence on October 13, 2012 through the years, the Association at a special unveiling event attended by the settled on Motor Trades Association of Premier of Queensland, the Hon Campbell Queensland in 1985 when, on Monday, Newman MP and Sir Jack Brabham himself. January 21 at a special General Meeting 2017 saw the launch of the MTAiQ, of the QMIA, a decision was passed by Australia’s first automotive innovation hub. majority vote to change the name. With MTA Queensland having long been Since then, MTA Queensland has gone from strength to strength, a leader in an industry that is moving and changing – something reflected in its logo which was designed to depict the association’s dynamic movement into the future, with the five circles representing pistons, wheels, cylinders, gears and shafts, and the yellow-to-red colour spectrum represented the energy cycle of combustion. In 2010 it was announced that MTA Queensland had approved 32 | Motor Trader October 2019

MTA Queensland CEO Dr Brett Dale and former Chairman David Fraser


MTAQ Racing

committed to being leaders in innovation, the hub was established to stay ahead of the massive technological changes occurring in the automotive industry and was designed to create opportunities and growth through collaboration between industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and industry experts. In line with that philosophy, MTAiQ hosted the first Carmageddon event on 7 March, 2017, a one-day symposium focusing on the innovations and developments in the industry and which featured attendees and stakeholders from senior government, academia, the innovation eco-system and automotive industry businesses. 2017 also saw the launch of the MTAQ Racing Team. Led by a team of dedicated enthusiasts and MTA Institute trainers,

with apprentices comprising the bulk of the race team support crew, the MTAQ Racing Team entered the Queensland Hyundai X3 Series Cup and continues to race in that series to this day. It’s been quite the journey to get to where we are from that one night in September of 1929 and there have been countless changes and advancements in those 90 years. And yet, if you take a closer look at the current landscape of the automotive industry, the similarities between the climate now and that seen during the inaugural years of GASSA are uncanny. The automotive industry is undergoing a period of disruption and change many people say hasn’t been witnessed since the rise of the automobile more than a century ago.

Launch of the MTAiQ, Australia’s first automotive innovation hub


Dr Brett Dale presenting at Carmageddon

Electric, hybrid and other alternative fuel vehicles are fast becoming the expected and desired vehicle of choice for drivers around the world. Companies are investing billions of dollars into technology that will fuel the automotive industry revolution. It is surely undeniable that a large part of the future of the automotive industry will be electric. Prior to the 1920’s and GASSA, the horse-drawn carriage was the popular mode of transport. Cars were only for the wealthy and those in cities who could access fuel and parts. They were mostly imported or produced in very limited numbers and seen more as a novelty then a viable means of getting around. This pile of fuel-consuming machinery could never produce the performance of the reliable horse and cart. It couldn’t cover the rough terrain of the outback without breaking down or get from town to town without running out of fuel due to a lack of infrastructure. Yet, the car would come EVlink charging station at MTA Queensland

to dominate and, for the next 90 years, kept the nation moving. Electric and hybrid vehicles have faced much of the same skepticism. High prices, unreliable or insufficient technology and a lack of charging infrastructure have for a long time been barriers to supporting electric vehicles. However, with the rapid rate of technological advancement and investment we are witnessing, many of these issues are no longer a problem, or soon won’t be. As a long-time champion of innovation, MTA Queensland identified the upcoming disruption early and understands the need to stay ahead of the game to provide direction, leadership and support to its members. While we can be fairly sure where the automotive industry is heading, 90 years of history has taught us that things are in constant motion and nothing is set in stone. What we do know, however, is that no matter which path the industry goes down, the association, no matter the name it operates under, will be present to witness it and challenge, strive and advocate for the best interest of our members. Here’s hoping the next 90 years are as successful as the previous 90!


From the Office of Fair Trading

CHANGES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SALES LAWS By Craig Turner, Acting Executive Director, Office of Fair Trading

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MPORTANT CHANGES CAME into effect on 1 September 2019. Dealers and chattel auctioneers are now required to provide a ‘class B’ statutory warranty when a vehicle has clocked up 160,000km or more, or has a built date of more than 10 years before the day of its sale. The warranty expires after one month or 1,000km, whichever comes first. Licensed motor dealers and chattel auctioneers were advised of the changes via email and letter in August, however, if you are part of those industry groups and are not aware of your new obligations, it’s very important you read on. The approved form, Form 12 - Coolingoff period and statutory warranty (motor dealer or chattel auctioneer to buyer) has been updated and is available on the Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) motor industry forms and fees page. The new statutory warranty laws only apply to vehicles sold on or after 1 September 2019. There are exceptions to the types of vehicles and defects covered by the ‘class B’ statutory warranty, so I recommend you visit http://www.qld.gov.au/law/fair-trading for further information on how the changes affect motor dealers and chattel auctioneers. The OFT has been raising awareness of these changes with the Queensland public, advising used car buyers of the added protections that are automatically applied when they buy from a licensed seller, rather than via a private sale.

“DEALERS AND CHATTEL

AUCTIONEERS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A ‘CLASS B’ STATUTORY WARRANTY WHEN A VEHICLE HAS CLOCKED UP 160,000KM OR MORE, OR HAS A BUILT DATE OF MORE THAN 10 YEARS BEFORE THE DAY OF ITS SALE.” We know that the vast majority of those that operate in the used car business are doing the right thing, and it’s pleasing that these new measures will increase consumer confidence in the industry. Another related change that came into effect on 1 September was the raising of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal’s jurisdictional limit from $25,000 to $100,000 for motor vehicle matters. This includes both old and new cars, motorhomes and caravans. More information on this change is available at www.qcat.qld.gov.au October 2019 Motor Trader | 35


An Eye on Innovation

KATHY WINKCUP CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GENERAL MANAGER INNOVATION

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Pivot Accelerator program, Mentoring on the Inside

AST MONTH, YOU may have read reports that Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, is to put a halt on the development of new internal combustion engines (ICE). According to the reporting, Daimler development chief Markus Schaefer told German publication Auto Motor und Sport that the company would switch its focus to electrification, electric drive and battery development, although it could still develop parts for existing ICE engines. This, if true, is big news and comes after other major manufacturers have suggested that they too will focus heavily on electrification. Volvo, for example, made a declaration last year that all its models would be available with some measure of electrification from 2019 onwards, and VW is pumping billions into its electrification strategy. It is worth noting too that every manufacturer of note has some sort of electric vehicle R&D going on. These strategies are not, one suspects, just a case of jumping on some sort of eco-friendly, keep-up-with-Tesla, bandwagon - although being friendlier to the environment and following an industry leader are both worthy reasons to do so. Rather, manufacturers are just as likely

36 | Motor Trader October 2019

“COMMUNITY MANAGER

NATHAN NGUYEN TOOK PART IN THE MENTORING ON THE INSIDE PROJECT.� to be keeping an eye on some upcoming deadlines. You may remember that several nations and cities have declared they will ban the sale of new ICE vehicles in the near future. France and the UK have stated they will do so by 2040, Denmark by 2030, Norway by 2025 . . . and the list goes on. The electrification revolution is, one could say, charging up nicely.

OUT AND ABOUT The MTAiQ team were busy in September on a number of projects. Community Manager Nathan Nguyen took part in the Mentoring on the Inside project. This is a Pivot Accelerator program that is working to reduce recidivism rates amongst of those who have been to prison by offering mentoring to inmates. It is an incredibly worthy program as the statistics would indicate that recidivism (that is the tendency of someone who is convicted to reoffend after release) is a


major issue. Apparently, 46 per cent of people who have been released return to prison within two years. Part of the problem, it is said, is that finding a job for people who have been incarcerated is extremely difficult and is a leading reason for them to reoffend. Selfemployment can be an alternative and the program is designed to help in that area. Among the events attended in September was the YES Young Entrepreneur Summit, held at the Redland Performing Art Centre. Asia Pacific’s Largest Youth Entrepreneurship Summit, YES is specially designed for 12- to 25-year-old students aiming to become future scientists, innovators, engineers, technologists and entrepreneurs. Students got the chance to learn from change-makers about the importance of hard skills like STEM and the necessity of soft skills such as people management which are essential to becoming a future leader. Marketing was the theme of an event hosted by Y(E)P Entrepreneurship Facilitators and Ipswich & West Moreton ARIP (Advancing Regional Innovation Program). The full-day program included 13 different workshops designed to discuss and analyse how marketing is a a multilayered approach to support branding, sales and business growth. Several specialist were on hand to share their skills and knowledge and sessions included the covering of topics such as creating a marketing blueprint, building a marketing strategy, lead generation, and sales conversion amongst others. Also attended was the SEVENTEENx Brisbane event at the River City Labs that showcased some of Brisbane's most entrepreneurial and leading individuals and organisations. In the style of a TEDx event, four speakers told their story of how personal choices, decisions and actions can have a positive impact on people and the planet. A moderated panel session and audience Q&A followed.

Late in the month, Nathan also took part in an event hosted by Brisbane Marketing that saw innovation leaders meet to discuss Queensland’s innovation ecosystem with a delegation from Denver in the U.S.

GOT AN IDEA? LET US KNOW! The focus of MTAiQ is two-fold. Firstly, we take a close look at the developing technologies and expected disruptions and work to deliver programs and guidance that will help MTA Queensland members to adapt to what will be a very different industry landscape in the coming years. We do this by offering such programs as the Social Media workshops and hosting industry events such as Carmageddon. As part of the Australian government’s Small Business Digital Champions project, MTA Queensland, and by extension MTAiQ, also offer sector-specific advice on how members can go digital in their own small business. You can find out more about that project HERE. The second part of our mission is to help bring new ideas and concepts to life and help entrepreneurs and start-ups get traction. We do this through our extensive network of industry and government contacts while offering advice and support on the development of the concept and the strategies needed to make it successful. MTAiQ is an exceptionally strong partner for anyone with an idea or product that could make a difference to our industry, and we encourage those wondering what their next move might be to get in touch. We may be able to help you take the next leap forward. As author and motivational speaker Simon Sinek has said: “What good is an idea CLICK TO SUBMIT if it remains an idea? Try. YOUR IDEA Experiment. Iterate. Fail. Try TO MTAiQ again. Change the world.” We look forward to hearing from you. October 2019 Motor Trader | 37


Auto innovation news

WORLD PREMIERE OF THE FULLY ELECTRIC ID.3

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OLKSWAGEN HAS PREMIERED the fully electric ID.3 at the IAA 2019 in Frankfurt. The first model from the MEB product line for electric vehicles, the ID.3 will be available with a 45kWh battery offering 300km of range, a 58kWh battery offering 420km of range, and a 77 kWh with a claimed maximum range of 550km. There’s an electric motor at the rear axle delivering power. It generates 150 kW and delivers a maximum torque of 310Nm enabling a top speed of 160 km/h. Volkswagen will offer a guarantee of eight years or 160,000 kilometres on ID.3 batteries and the basic price for the series production model will be under €30,000 ($AU48,300). VW is kicking things off with the ID.3 1ST – a special edition that will come Volkswagen ID.3

38 | Motor Trader October 2019

VIDEO: THE ALL-ELECTRIC ID.3

with the 58kWh battery – which will be available in three variants. The basic version of the ID.3 1ST includes a navigation system, a DAB+ digital radio, seat heating and steering wheel heating, armrests at the front, a Mode 2 charging cable and 18-inch light-alloy wheels. The ID.3 1ST Plus additionally features a rear-view camera system, Adaptive Cruise


Control and keyless access locking and starting system. The vehicle interior of the ID.3 1ST Plus also includes design seats, a centre console including two USB-C connections as well as ambient lighting. On the outside, tinted windows, the exterior Style package in silver, matrix LED headlights, matrix side lights, brake lights, turn indicators and tail-light clusters as well as 19-inch light-alloy wheels also form part of the equipment scope. The top-of-the-range version, the ID.3 1ST Max, includes an augmented reality (AR) head-up display, Beats sound system, a large panorama sliding/tilting glass roof and 20-inch light-alloy wheels.

TWO THIRDS OF PEOPLE IN THE UK EXPECT “ELECTRIC CARS” TO BE REFERRED TO AS “CARS” BY 2030 AN INTERESTING BIT of news from the UK regarding the uptake of electric vehicles (EV). New research conducted by Go Ultra Low - a joint government and industry campaign to promote the uptake of EVs - has found that two thirds (69 per cent) of people expect “electric cars” to be referred to simply as “cars” by the year 2030. The research, which looked at the normalisation process of new technology, found people seeing their family and friends driving them (33 per cent), as well more being visible on the road (49 per cent), as the two main factors driving a change in the way we perceive EVs. This comes as registrations for battery electric vehicles hit a record high in the UK, with a 93.1 per cent increase in year-todate registrations compared with the same timeframe last year. When asked what factors would improve the likelihood of purchasing an EV, close to half (45 per cent) of respondents cited improved charging infrastructure. The UK’s growing network currently has more than 25,000 charge point connectors, at over 9,500 locations. A recent government announcement committed £70 million ($AU128 million) worth of investment into the UK’s rapid charge network, increasing the size from 2,100 to over 5,000 chargers. October 2019 Motor Trader | 39


Auto innovation news

Research is being undertaken into head-up displays with augmented reality technology

VW GROUP INVESTS IN 3D HOLOGRAPHY COMPANY

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OLKSWAGEN HAS ACQUIRED a minority stake in SeeReal Technologies, a developer of 3D display solutions. VW says its investment will secure access for the Group to ‘futureoriented augmented reality in the field of display technologies for the automobile’ and provide them with key know-how to make driving safer and more convenient. VW says that in future generations of head-up displays, The technologies are being developed three-dimensional presentations in the laboratories of SeeReal in Dresden will merge seamlessly with the environment, allowing innovative display concepts both in the distance interaction concepts,” said Dr. Axel and near to the driver, and conventional Heinrich, Head of Volkswagen Group dashboards may become obsolete with Innovation. “This is why we are focusing vehicles controlled via virtual switches and on key technologies such as holography displays. All occupants would be able to which will present this new reality in a use ‘touchable’ three- dimensional displays fascinating way. We will be providing with natural vision for information or the automotive requirements for this interaction. exciting project and the know-how in “Augmented reality will be a key 3D technology will be contributed by SeeReal.” component in future mobility and 40 | Motor Trader October 2019


BMW PARTNERS WITH CHARGEFOX ON CHARGING SOLUTION

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MW GROUP AUSTRALIA has announced a new partnership with electric vehicle (EV) charging operator Chargefox that provides customers of the BMW i3 and i3S 120Ah with a new charging solution. Owners of the BMW i3 and i3S 120Ah will receive a three-year subscription to Chargefox, which includes a 250kWh/ year allowance. This allowance equates to more than six complimentary charging sessions where the vehicle is charged from zero to full. In addition, the complimentary charge allowance with the three-year subscription allows BMW i3 and i3S 120Ah customers to use the new Chargefox Ultra-Rapid EV chargers, which are powered by 100 per cent renewable energy. Charging outside the allowance during the three-year subscription is available to BMW i3 and i3S 120Ah customers at a discounted rate.

Chargefox, based in Victoria, is expanding its network of charging locations nationwide and by the end of 2019 it expects to have more than 100 fast DC chargers operating around Australia. Part of that public network expansion is the rollout of the Ultra-Rapid EV chargers. Four Ultra-Rapid charging sites are already open and the company says that 22 will be completed and ready for use by the end of the year. By 2023, BMW Group says it expects to have 13 plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) and 12 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) in its model portfolio. The i3 and i3S 120Ah feature a fully electric drive train. The i3, which produces 125kW and 205Nm, and accelerates from 0-100km/h in in 7.3 seconds. The i3S, with 135kW and 250Nm, delivers the standard sprint in 6.9 seconds. Both models provide up to a claimed 260km of driving range.


Auto innovation news

Hyundai Motor 45 EV Concept

HYUNDAI MOTOR 45 EV CONCEPT REVEALED

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HIS IS HYUNDAI’S 45 electric vehicle concept. It is, the company says, a ‘homage to its heritage and reimagined for the future’ and points the way to how Hyundai’s automotive design will focus on electrification and autonomous technologies. The company says the exterior styling of the 45 draws inspiration from its 1974 Pony Coupe Concept while the ‘character of 45 is defined by its monocoque-style body, aerodynamic and lightweight design inspired by aircrafts from the 1920s’. A simple and sharp design, the concept has a distinctive lattice radiator grille and nice touches include a lighting system at the bottom of the door that

42 | Motor Trader October 2019

highlights its long-distance battery capability and shows drivers how much longer they can drive before they get in the car. The 45 also has side cameras instead of traditional wing mirrors and, rather cleverly, to ensure no dirt should ever obscure the cameras’ view, 45 uses an embedded turntable module which rotates the lens past a brush to keep them clean. With a nod to future advances, there are features, such as a hidden Camera Monitoring System (CMS), that leave room for


self-driving system applications and other upcoming tech. A minimalist cabin is fitted with lounge chair-style rear seats and front seats that can rotate to face other passengers. Front-seat passengers can interact with the infotainment system via a ‘projection-beam’ interface. This replaces a single central touchscreen with a series of displays and functions integrated into the dashboard.


Auto innovation news

Byton M-Byte

BYTON SHOWS M-BYTE, A PREMIUM SMART ELECTRIC SUV

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HINESE ELECTRIC VEHICLE company Byton has unveiled its M-Byte at the Frankfurt Motor Show and it’s a crowd-pleasing design – certainly on the inside, where it appears to have kept the monster 48-inch curved display that was part of last year’s concept version and which stretches across the base of the windscreen. Users can interact with the display via 7-inch Driver Tablet, 8-inch Co-Driver Tablet, gesture control, voice commands (partnering with Amazon Alexa), and hard-buttons. Very cool stuff. Stunning interior tech aside, the M-Byte is to be available with a 72kWh battery (360km range) or an extended version

44 | Motor Trader October 2019

with 95kWh (460 km range). The motor is mounted on the rear axle on the rearwheel drive version and this version offers 200 kW of power. The 4WD comes with an additional 150kW front e-motor. AC charging is up to 22 kW, while DC fast charging is up to 150kW that will, the company says, allow recharging of 100km of range in around 10 minutes. The Byton M-Byte is the company’s first model to go into series production in its own plant in Nanjing, China. Entry price is €45,000 ($AU72,500). Byton plans to start production for the Chinese market in 2020. Pre-orders in Europe and North America start in 2020, followed by market entry in 2021.


BRISBANE COMPANY TO IMPORT ELECTRIC MOPEDS AS LAST-MILE MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

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-MOTION CONCEPTS (EMC), a Brisbane-based mobility solutions company focused on the needs of the first- and last-mile transportation of goods in cities, is to become the exclusive importer, distributor and service agent for two fully electric, three-wheel moped models - the CT-KARGO and CT-KUBE. Both models are produced by RAP SEV in China, and eMC received approval to import the vehicles from the Australian Road Vehicle Safety authority. The CT-KARGO and CT-KUBE have a range of up to 110km per battery charge and a top speed of 50 km/h. The company says the CT-KARGO is suited to transport items such as mail and parcels, supermarket or hospital items, building materials and retail deliveries, while the CTKUBE offers a solution for moving all types of food and beverages, flowers, medicines and time-critical deliveries. The anticipated price for the CT-KARGO is $16,000 and the CT-KUBE is $14,000 with potentially further discounts for fleet buyers.

CT-KUBE

“We are very pleased to have these vehicles approved for import and sale, having passed the safety requirements,” said Wolfgang Roffmann, founder and CTO of eMC. “The vehicles will provide a solution to city transportation for deliveries that is safe, environmentally beneficial and packed with features like GPS tracking and remote fleet management.” eMC received support in its quest to import the CT-KARGO and CT-KUBE from MTA Queensland. “MTA Queensland has proudly supported eMC’s journey by assisting with homologation process,” said Dr Brett Dale, Group Chief Executive for MTA Queensland. “These vehicles are smart, clean, innovative and connected. They are designed to be manoeuvrable in city spaces and have low environmental impact which supports sustainable fleets. Among the benefits for fleets are less repairs due to less parts, reduced servicing costs and alignment with a business’s corporate responsibility policies.”

CT-KARGO


Auto innovation news

HYUNDAI MOTORSPORT REVEALS THE VELOSTER N ETCR

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YUNDAI motor, in line with ETCR MOTORSPORT regulations. REVEALED the The project will be Veloster N ETCR, its first integrated alongside the electric race car, at the company’s continued International Motor commitments as a Show in Frankfurt. manufacturer Based on the within the FIA road-going Veloster World Rally N model, the new Championship car is designed (WRC), as well specifically for as its Customer the new ETCR Racing efforts (Electric with the i20 Touring Car) R5, i30 N TCR championship, and Veloster N which is set to TCR. make its debut As part in 2020. of Hyundai Hyundai Motorsport’s says that the role as a development of development the ETCR project centre for highmirrors Hyundai’s performance cars, Hyundai Veloster N ETCR wider strategy for the company says development of electric that everything learned road cars. from the Veloster N ETCR will be shared The Veloster N ETCR is fully electric, with Hyundai’s global R&D facility in South rear-wheel-drive with a mid-mounted Korea. 46 | Motor Trader October 2019


Engaging the advisors you need Every growing business needs a lawyer! It does not matter where you at in your business journey – whether your three months in or twenty years, having experienced and knowledgeable advisors accessible is critical to business growth. Why you ask? Experienced advisors can help you navigate a regularly changing and dynamic business landscape. It’s no secret that the business world has changed, especially with the advent of the sharing economy and other digital disruptors making their marks felt. What is important is that you engage with your advisors (think lawyers and accountants) to ensure your business is positioned to meet and address these changes head-on. What is also vital is having the right advice when you need it – legislation and regulations regularly change, and when you’re deep into the running of your business, it’s easy to miss them. The implications of these changes can vary – it could be changes to business taxation legislation and writing off assets under $15,000 through to changes to award rates, and you not paying your employees correctly. Having an advisor on hand allows you to maximise your business’ tax position. It could also mean ensuring you are paying employees correctly and mitigating the risk of litigation and reputational harm. Once you have advisors that understand your business as intimately as you do, you can focus on the things that you do well while having peace of mind that you have access to advice tailored to your business requirements, and that best positions you for success. When choosing advisors, it’s useful to ask for recommendations by family and friends, but this should not be your only consideration. We recommend you conduct some due diligence and choose advisors, including lawyers and accountants, that fit their requirements and have the requisite experience in their industry or

the field of expertise that is required. Your lawyer will assist you with matters such as: • Reviewing your business structure; • Ensuring you have the appropriate licenses and policies in place; • Reviewing your terms and conditions; and Your accountant will advise you on matters of tax and ensure you comply with your PAYG and BAS obligations. If you already have advisors at hand, maybe it’s time to look at the relationship and see if it is still working the way it should be. There may be other advisors that you should also consult, such as licensing consultants and marketing consultants. Engaging professional advisors may appear costly but will give you peace of mind and ensure your business has the best chances of success. A valuable tool for researching lawyers is Queensland Law Society’s Find a Solicitor page. You can also find useful information on the Choosing an accountant page on ASIC’s Money Smart website to help find the right accountant for your business. Brian Smith I Director T: +61 7 3001 2914

Lachlan Thorburn I Senior Associate T: +61 7 3001 2957

Looking after MTAQ and its members Complimentary telephone advisory service Don’t quite know where you stand on a legal issue? - Your MTAQ Membership entitles you to find out — before you pay any legal fees. Our initial legal advice is free and easily accessed – the advantage for Members is it provides immediate and direct access to senior lawyers who can give the right advice at the right time – avoiding potential problems. Simply ask MTAQ for a referral to Bennett & Philp Lawyers.

Automotive Dealers and Industry Suppliers Dealers and suppliers need to know their legal advisors can expertly guide them through the sale and purchase of dealerships and related businesses throughout Australia. It’s also important for dealers and suppliers to know their lawyers are experts in pursuing litigation for unpaid debts and other matters, and also counselling clients in areas such as alternate dispute resolution processes.

As industry specialists we are ideally positioned to assist dealers and suppliers with operational issues such as commercial leasing, supply agreements, employment issues and franchise and consumer law. We have expert advice available to assist with dealership and business acquisitions and sales, financing, negotiations with lenders to the automotive industry, and business succession and restructuring issues. We take pride in knowing our team focus their considerable knowledge and experience to deliver specialist, value-added and cost-effective legal services to the automotive industry. Take advantage of our expertise today.

Bennett and Philp are the chosen legal firm of the MTAQ, and proud supporters of the industry - including being a major partner of the MTAQ Racing Team. For more information contact: Phone: 07 3001 2999 Website: www.bennettphilp.com.au

20190817

Appointed by Motor Trades Association of Queensland in 2010, Bennett & Philp Lawyers is the MTAQ’s law firm of choice in providing MTAQ members with business and commercial advice and legal assistance. Our expertise has proven a vital resource for MTAQ, its members and the automotive industry.


Auto innovation news

CONTINENTAL PRESENTS CONTI C.A.R.E. TECHNOLOGY

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YRE DEVELOPMENT AND new tyre technologies continue to keep up with the advances in the vehicles to which they are fitted and at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, Continental presented Conti C.A.R.E., a technology system that the company says is designed to bridge the gap between tyres of today and the requirements of electric and autonomous driving in the future. Conti C.A.R.E. tyres feature sensors built into the structure of the tyre. These sensors generate and continuously evaluate data, such as tread depth, possible damage, tyre temperature and tyre pressure. This monitoring system, called ContiSense, transmits information on the condition of the tyres to ContiConnect Live, a webbased application, facilitating efficient mobility management for fleet operators. In turn, Continental says the same technology can be applied to personal vehicles, and the driver can be alerted to the tyre damage via the car owners’ phone.

Conti C.A.R.E. tyre

48 | Motor Trader October 2019

The company says this type of technology can be implemented to assist in the self-inflation of a tyre, where the centrifugal forces within the wheel act as the pump to generate compressed air. This PressureProof technology keeps the tyre pressure constant within the ideal range by releasing compressed air in prevailing conditions, while any excess compressed air is stored in an integrated tank. This translates into the ability for the technology to adapt the tyre pressures constantly catering to different driving scenarios and conditions. The link between Conti C.A.R.E, PressureProof technology and the requirements of electric and autonomous driving in both individual and shared mobility scenarios, means a more flexible system solution. Continental says that the solution can provide tyre management for modern robo-taxi fleets, for example, boosting performance as well as helping to optimise costs.


MTAiQ: THE INNOVATION HUB FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Do you have an idea, a concept or an innovation that could make a difference in the automotive world? Do you need assistance in taking that idea to the next step in its development and to the wider world?

The auto industry is evolving quickly – technology is pushing the industry forward in directions we could scarcely imagine a decade ago and in another 10 years the vehicles that will be cruising our highways and byways (and maybe skyways!) will be vastly different to what we see today.

New ideas and new thinking are the fuel of this evolution and MTAiQ has a mission to not only help nurture new concepts, but to educate and assist the industry to adjust to, and embrace, this evolution.

At MTAiQ, we know there are creative and innovative thinkers and doers in the automotive sector who are constantly working on new ways to advance their business and their industry – and we are here to help.

With a purpose-built workshop, hot-desk working area with high-speed internet, an environment humming with start-up creativity, the backing of an association with more than 80 years working for the automotive industry, and a dedicated team with links and contacts across the worlds of investment, research and government, MTAiQ can help give your idea the development and backing it needs to shift into top gear.

Click here and submit your ideas, or problems that need solving, to MTAiQ for consideration. Come on . . . Let’s get started!

www.mtaiq.com.au/submit-idea


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EK HOLDEN SP September 2019 50 | Motor Trader October 2019


MAKE: HOLDEN MODEL: 1961 EK HOLDEN SPECIAL ENGINE: 186ci SIX-CYLINDER ‘RED MOTOR’ OWNER: DAVID WALSH OWNED SINCE: 1984

PECIAL SEDAN September October 2019 Motor Trader | 51


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WORDS & PHOTOS: LINDSAY SAUNDERS

S

URELY MANY THOUSANDS of Australians – at least those of a certain age - would have been brought home from hospital as newborns in a Holden. Few, however, would now be the owners of that very car. But that’s the case for David Walsh, and the EK Holden Special you see on these pages. The EK was bought new by his uncle Arthur Lundqvist in 1961 and got the job as mum-and-bub delivery service due to the impending delivery of another model of Holden. “When I was born in 1964, Dad was working for GMH in quality control at the Pagewood plant in Sydney,” said David. “Mum was 39 when I – her first and only child – was due. She’d been sick in the lead up to my birth, so Dad had a lot of time off. However, as the launch of the new EH Holden neared, he was so busy at work he didn’t have time off to bring us home from the hospital, so Uncle Arthur did. “I came home from hospital in this car, 52 | Motor Trader October 2019

in a bassinet on the back seat!” The family moved to Brisbane when GMH opened the Acacia Ridge plant in 1966 and his father, a former airframe fitter who served with the RAAF during World War II in the UK during the Battle of Britain and then later from Darwin after the Japanese raids, was offered a promotion to run quality control at that plant. “We’d go back to Sydney every year to visit family and I always looked forward to seeing the EK because I’ve always loved old stuff – not that it was that old back then in the 1970s,” said David. “I always thought it was cool because dad, as he worked for General Motors, always had a new Holden every year. The EK, being ‘old’, was cool. “Arthur died in 1984 when I was 20


David as a toddler with the EK

and we went to the funeral and afterwards went to my auntie’s house. “I went down the backyard to the old fibro garage to look at the EK and my auntie came down and said ‘David, do you want to buy Arthur’s car?’ “I said, ‘I would Auntie Brida, but I didn’t think today was the day to bring it up. I was going to give you a call later and ask if you wanted to sell it.’ “She said, ‘He’d want you to have it’. “I asked how much she’d like for it and she said $600. I remember thinking ‘wow!’ and telling my Dad, ‘she must be mad, she wants $600 for the EK!’ It was like a $50 car back then. “But Dad said, ‘Well, yes, but it’s a really good one.’ So, I paid the $600 and drove it back from Sydney to Brisbane. And I’ve had it ever since – about 35 years.”

With the EK now home in Queensland, David decided to update the car to a degree. “I resprayed it but in hindsight I shouldn’t have as there was some good paint on it. But I was of the mindset back then that if I was going to restore it then it had to be perfect,” he said. “It had a few little dints and scrapes where Arthur had bumped doors or what have you, and two doors on one side were replacements from a wrecker as it had rolled down his driveway and peeled the two doors back. “So it wasn’t pristine, but it had always been a garaged car and the interior was good. “I did a full acrylic paint job on it back and put five-spoke Hustler wheels on it and twin carbs and headers on the original Grey motor.” The car has been through a few tweaked stages during the years but has never strayed far from the original. “I had the five-spoke wheels on it for a while and the hotted Grey motor. Then I went through a rockabilly stage and it had spats and spinner caps on it, that sort of October 2019 Motor Trader | 53


stuff,” said David. “It has been off the road too. There was about eight years where it sat in the garage in the late ‘90s after the original Grey blew up. “But it’s always been a part of me and as my eldest daughter Candice was getting closer to getting her licence, I decided to get it back on the road. I got carried away and did a full rotisserie on it!” The EK now has a Red motor in it, which was part of that major rebuild about 15 years ago. “I decided to make it more reliable, so put a Red in it and a Trimatic auto – it was originally a manual,” said David. “I put in an auto floor with a bigger tunnel and auto column, plus HR front and back rear ends. I didn’t bastardise anything and the way I’ve done it, it looks factory.” A coachbuilder by trade, David, who is now a TAFE teacher, did virtually all of the work himself. “The interior was original, but I’d bought other interiors over time and have a very good trimmer, so we cut parts out of the others into the original,” he said. “For instance, the driver’s seat piping was worn so we replaced that. “The whole interior has been colour dyed

54 | Motor Trader October 2019

too. I used DuPont vinyl paint. I pulled the whole interior out and went through process of scrubbing it with sugar soap and then Prepsol and went over it with a light Scotch Brite pad to dull the surface. “Then I mixed down the paint very thin and first did the inserts as they’re a different colour. I had the paint mixed by Harts to match because where the vinyl wrapped around the door card you could see what the colour was from new as it had never been exposed to the elements. “So, I did the inserts first, then I masked them and sprayed the outers. I took my time with it, misting coats on, letting it cure, then misting more coats so it is not hard like painted vinyl can be. I took about a week to do it.” Even 15 years on, the results speak for themselves as the interior of the EK is incredible. “I put the Red motor in, which I rebuilt, and it’s a great motor. In fact, if and when I take that engine out, I’ll never sell it,” said David. “It’s got a genuine XU1 steel crank in it, Starfire rods, Yella Terra Bathurst 6000 head, hypereutectic pistons, a slightly bigger cam and I had XU carbies on it with


David's daughter Candice used the EK on her wedding day

the big air cleaner. I had a few tuning issues there though, so there’s a Holley on it at the moment, which I don’t love. “It also has X2 headers, a Black motor electronic distributor from a VK Commodore, and the Trimatic behind it with a little shift kit. It goes all right. “I’m running 3.08 diff gears on it in the HR housing so it’s not that exciting on acceleration but once you get on the highway, it’ll wind out the speedo if you want it to. “I love surprising people. You can pull it back into second, nail it and see people’s faces drop and be like ‘what!?’.” Does anyone know why Uncle Arthur chose pink? “The colour is original but we’ve no idea why Arthur bought that colour. I know his family were pretty shocked when he got it,” said David with a laugh. “The body is Pyramid Coral and the roof is Barrier Coral. The two times it’s been repainted it has been with the original colours. People ask, why I don’t paint it a different colour and I ask them what colour would look better? “It’s the character of the car. If I painted it another colour it’d be just another EK.” David said he will return the EK to a more original form under the bonnet at some stage but there were no plans to do so in the short term. “I have a correct date code Grey motor

in the shed that I’ll put in one day,” he said. “I’ll leave the Tri in it when I put the Grey in - you can get adapter kits for it - as Hydramatics are horrible!” One thing that is certain, however, is that this EK is going nowhere. “The car will never be sold. It’ll be passed on. Our oldest daughter Candice has her eye on it,” said David. “In fact, it was her wedding car and she styled the wedding based on it with the bridesmaids’ dresses and even the champagne the same pink! “Our two eldest kids, Candice and Brandon, came home from hospital in it too. Unfortunately, our youngest, Bianca, didn’t as the car wasn’t on the road at the time. She came home in a VN HSV and she hates me for that! She did go to her school formal in it though. “For years, the car was worth nothing and though it’s worth something now, I’ve got other cars that are worth a lot more these days. But if anyone asks which car means the most to me, I say it’s that little pink EK. It’s a sentimental attachment. It’s part of me.”

!

DO YOU HAVE A PRIDE AND JOY IN THE GARAGE THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE IN THE PAGES OF MOTOR TRADER? Contact Jonathan Nash at jonathann@mtaq.com.au and let’s see if we can share your classic with other members.

October 2019 Motor Trader | 55


Auto news

NEW NISSAN JUKE BREAKS COVER IN EUROPE

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HE NEXT-GENERATION NISSAN Juke has been unveiled in Europe and there are some fresh new features available in the compact crossover. The Juke returns slightly larger, is roomier on the inside with a boot capacity of 422 litres and is available with 19-inch wheels. New soft-touch materials on the

dashboard, door trim and footwells are complemented by sporty seats and optional Alcantara or leather upholstery. The new JUKE comes with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder DIG-T turbo petrol engine with 86kW that Nissan says will offer improved performance, fuel economy and refinement. It’ll be available with a sixspeed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch

Nissan Juke

56 | Motor Trader October 2019


paddle-shift transmission, and a driving mode selector (Eco, Standard, Sport). There’s plenty of technology on hand for driver and passengers, including Nissan’s ProPILOT technology which offers electronically assisted steering, acceleration and braking. The ProPILOT system accelerates and slows downs for the driver to maintain the right distance and speed and also keeps the car centred within the lane on the highway. In addition, JUKE offers a bunch of safety tech, including Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Recognition, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Lane Intervention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Intervention. Blind Spot Intervention warns the driver when a car gets into its blind spot and brings JUKE back in the lane. With the new NissanConnect infotainment system, customers can use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to mirror their favourite smartphone apps on the 8-inch touch screen display. Drivers can also access TomTom Maps & Live Traffic or activate their In-Car WiFi to allow passengers to connect laptops or tablets. Google Assistant compability is also available. JUKE owners can also now check the door-lock status of their vehicle and lock or unlock the vehicle directly from their smartphone. Drivers can also check their tyre pressure and oil level before departing

on a trip. There’s a Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers – including two sets of Bose UltraNearfield speakers integrated into both front seats headrests. The new Nissan JUKE will be built at the company’s manufacturing plant in Sunderland, U.K. and first customer deliveries will take place at the end of this year. No word as yet as to whether the update will make it to Australia and with what specs.

Steven Tong, Mechanic Member since 2002

It’s my choice. Make it yours.

I’ve always loved working with cars. When I retire, I want to continue to share this passion with others, spend time with my family, and travel. With MTAA Super, I know I’m in good hands.

1300 362 415 mtaasuper.com. au This document is issued by Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238 718) of Level 3, 39 Brisbane Avenue Barton ACT 2600, Trustee of the MTAA Superannuation Fund (ABN 74 559 365 913). Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited has ownership interests in Industry Super Holdings Pty Ltd and Members Equity Bank Limited. The information provided is of a general nature and does not take into account your specific needs or personal situation. You should consider the MTAA Super Product Disclosure Statement in making a decision (mtaasuper.com.au/handbooks).

October 2019 Motor Trader | 57


Auto news

Porsche Taycan Turbo S

COVERS COME OFF THE PRODUCTION TAYCAN

P

ORSCHE PRESENTED ITS first fully electric sports car, the Taycan, to the public with a world premiere held in September. The first models in the new series are the Taycan Turbo S and Taycan Turbo (even though, as electric cars, neither actually uses a turbocharger). The flagship Turbo S version of the Taycan can generate up to 750hp (560 kW) of power in combination with Launch Control and overboost, while the Taycan Turbo can produce up to 670hp (500 kW). Porsche claims figures for the Turbo S will of 0-100km.h in around 2.6 seconds, while the Turbo can complete this sprint in around 3 seconds. The top track speed of both all-wheel-drive models is 260km/h. 58 | Motor Trader October 2019

The Taycan has a system voltage of 800 volts. Porsche says this means that, under ideal conditions, the charging time from five to 80 per cent State of Charge (SoC) is 22.5 minutes, with a maximum charging power (peak) of up to 270 kW. The overall capacity of the 800V high voltage battery is 93.4 kWh. Range for the models is reportedly 410km for the Turbo S and 450km for the Turbo. There’s no doubt that the Taycan is a good-looking car, inside and out. Porsche says the cockpit signals the start of a new era of interior design for the company with a new architecture. There’s a free-standing, curved instrument cluster with a 10.9-inch infotainment display


at its centre. Combined with with an optional passenger display, this forms an integrated glass band in a black-panel look. Control is 'intelligent and intuitive' using touch operation or a voice control function. Porsche offers an entirely leather-free interior option with the Taycan, with interiors made from recycled materials. The Taycan Turbo S and Taycan Turbo have two electric motors, one on each axle, making the cars all-wheel drive. There’s a two-speed transmission installed on the rear axle. First gear lets the Taycan prioritise acceleration from a standing start, while second gear, with its long gear ratio, ensures high efficiency and high-power reserves while traveling at high speeds. The chassis system includes adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology including PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) electronic damper control, as well as the optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) electromechanical roll stabilisation system including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus). Multiple driving modes allow drivers to tailor their experience on the road. The four driving modes that are available include Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Range. In addition, individual systems can be configured as required in the ‘Individual’ mode. VIDEO: THE PORSCHE TAYCAN

SEPTEMBER 2019 NEW VEHICLE SALES FIGURES THE FEDERAL CHAMBER of Automotive Industries has released new vehicle sales figures for the month of September 2019, and it is another month of decreasing sales. Total sales for the month numbered 88,181 vehicles, a decrease of 6,530 vehicles, or 6.9 per cent, on September 2018. On a year-to-date basis, a total of 811,464 new vehicles were sold, a decrease of 69,541 vehicles, or 7.9 per cent, on the same period in 2018. During the month, the Sports Utility Market (41,861 units) lifted by 1.1 per cent, while the Passenger Vehicle Market (24,893 units) was down 18.3 per cent, and the Light Commercial Market (18,257) decreased by 5.4 per cent. Of the top ten best-selling vehicles, the top three were Light Commercial Vehicles – the Toyota Hi-Lux, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton. Four of the remaining seven were Sports Utility Vehicles – the Mitsubishi ASX, Mazda CX-5, Nissan XTrail and the Mitsubishi Outlander. Only three of the top ten vehicles were Passenger Vehicles – the Hyundai i30, Toyota Corolla and the Kia Cerato. Toyota remained the top seller for the month with 15,166 sales for 17.2 per cent market share. October 2019 Motor Trader | 59


Auto news

Bentley’s 1929 supercharged 4½-litre ‘Blower’

BENTLEY TO REVIVE ICONIC 1929 BLOWER MODEL

O

NE OF THE most famous of all the cars created by Bentley – Sir Tim Birkin’s 1929 supercharged 4½-litre ‘Blower’ – is to be reborn in a series of 12 matching cars. Each one will be individually handcrafted by a specialist team from Bentley’s bespoke and coachwork division, Mulliner. The new cars will form the world’s first pre-war race car continuation series. Only four original ‘Team Blowers’ were built for racing by Birkin – one of group of gentleman racers known as the famous Bentley Boys - in the late 1920s and Bentley will use one of its original Blowers to recreate the 12 new cars. The original will be disassembled to

60 | Motor Trader October 2019

its individual components and each part catalogued and scanned in 3D to create a complete digital model of the entire car. Using the original 1920s moulds and tooling jigs, and traditional hand tools alongside the latest manufacturing technology, 123 sets of parts will be created before assembly. Bentley says the 12 continuation models will be identical wherever possible to the original with only minimal hidden changes dictated by modern safety concerns. The company says it will take about two years to complete the entire project. No price has been put on the ‘new’ cars as yet, but no doubt they’ll be eyewateringly expensive.


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Auto news

Land Rover Defender

LAND ROVER UNVEILS THE NEW DEFENDER

T

HIS IS THE new Land Rover Defender. After a three-year wait, the iconic Land Rover off-road workhorse is back with a new look, new architecture and a host of hi-tech features. To be available initially in the larger 110 body – and to be followed shortly thereafter by the shorter wheelbase 90 – the new Defender has big shoes to fill and the designers have embraced at least some of what made the original so special. Inside, structural elements and fixings usually hidden from view have been exposed, with the emphasis on ‘simplicity and practicality’ and there are clever features such as a dash-mounted gear shifter to accommodate an optional central front seat, which provides seating for three across the front. As a result, the Defender 110 offers five, six or five+two seating configurations, with

62 | Motor Trader October 2019

a load-space behind the second-row seats of up to 1,075 litres, and as much as 2,380-litres when the second row is folded. The Defender 90 will be able to accommodate six occupants in a vehicle the length of a compact family hatchback. There’s durable rubberised flooring, providing a brush or wipe clean interior, and an optional full-length Folding Fabric Roof. Land Rover’s new D7x ( for extreme) architecture is based on a lightweight aluminium monocoque construction to create what the company says is the stiffest body structure it has ever produced. It is, apparently, three times stiffer than traditional body-on-frame designs and provides the foundation for the fully independent air or coil sprung suspension. There’s permanent AWD and a twin-speed automatic gearbox, centre differential and optional Active Locking Rear Differential.


Configurable Terrain Response debuts on new Defender, allowing for the fine-tuning of individual vehicle settings. Inexperienced drivers can let the system detect the most appropriate vehicle settings for the terrain, using the intelligent Auto function. The new body architecture provides ground clearance of 291mm and gives the 110 approach, breakover and departure angles of 38, 28 and 40 degrees (Off Road height) respectively. Its maximum wading depth of 900mm is supported by a new Wade program. On dry land, the ClearSight Ground View technology helps drivers take full advantage of Defender’s capability by showing the area usually hidden by the bonnet, directly ahead of the front wheels, on the central touchscreen. There’s a choice of petrol and diesel engines, while a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain will join the range in 2020. At launch, the petrol line-up comprises a six-cylinder P400 (297kW), featuring

efficient Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology. Alternatively, there are a pair of four-cylinder diesels – the D200 (147kW) and D240 (177kW). New Defender uses Land Rover’s new Pivi Pro infotainment system and Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) technology means 14 individual modules are able to receive remote updates. The model range comprises Defender, First Edition and top of the range Defender X models, as well as standard, S, SE, HSE specification packs. Land Rover says that customers will be able to personalise their vehicle with four Accessory Packs. The Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban Packs each give Defender a specially selected range of enhancements. In addition to the Accessory Packs, new Defender is available with a wide range of accessories including a Remote Control Electric Winch, Rooftop Tent and Inflatable Waterproof Awnings as well as tow bar systems and roof racks. October 2019 Motor Trader | 63


Industrial relations

EVANGELINE KANNIS INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS OFFICER

WHEN IS SWEARING EVER APPROPRIATE IN THE WORKPLACE?

I

“GENERALLY, SWEARING

IN THE WORKPLACE IS CONSIDERED TO BE UNACCEPTABLE AND IT IS INAPPROPRIATE ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS DIRECTED TOWARDS OTHERS. IN MANY CASES WILL BE A VALID REASON FOR DISMISSAL.”

N A RECENT case, the unfair dismissal claim was rejected as casual swearing was no excuse. In a recent Fair Work Commission (FWC) Decision the former employee claimed they had been unfairly are generally depends on the tolerance dismissed because during a performance of the owners and management as to management meeting the discussion standards they set, as well as the location became heated and the claimant tried and context, which is similar to what to defend himself saying it was part of happens in our communities. the vernacular, and he’d been swearing Another key consideration will be conversationally. On the facts the FWC disagreed, finding that in a formal meeting whether the swearing was at something or at someone. the manager was justified in instantly Context is always critical when deciding dismissing the employee because there whether an employee can be excused by had been threats and profanities which the employer let alone another employee. intimidated the supervisor. Having practical and up to date Codes of A consistent response can send the message to employees about what is and is Conduct and setting consistent examples set the tolerance levels. not acceptable. Remember that both valid reason Generally, swearing in the workplace and due process should be considered is considered to be unacceptable and when considering whether to dismiss an it is inappropriate especially when it is employee. The Industrial Relations directed towards others. In many team is here to assist members in cases will be a valid reason for CLICK TO VISIT all employment and wages related dismissal. THE MTAQ KNOWLEDGE How acceptable certain words matters. BASE

64 | Motor Trader October 2019


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W

HAT A DIFFERENCE a month makes. It wasn’t that long ago I was letting everyone know we were nominated for the Queensland Training Awards (QTA) and that alone was a great reward for the work we have been doing. Now the awards have been run, and we won! The news was announced at the State Gala Dinner in Brisbane on 14 September, and nearly 900 guests attended the dinner to celebrate the excellence and innovation within the Queensland vocational education and training (VET) sector. Winners were announced across 14 award categories, including Small and Large Training Provider of the Year, VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year, and Vocational Student, Apprentice and Trainee of the Year. Winning the Small Training Provider of the Year award, we were acknowledged for the work we’ve done with the full suite of nationally accredited automotive qualifications, short courses and schoolbased programs we deliver right across Queensland, as well as our direct industry and employer links that ensure skills and experience are aligned to industry

requirements. This direct connection allows us to facilitate the best possible employment outcomes for students and employers. Ultimately, none of this would have been achievable if it wasn’t for all the hard work and dedication from the MTA Institute team. They are a fantastic group of people to work with and are always willing to help the industry and support its future with their dedication to training and skilling. Well done to the MTA Institute team. We now move on to compete for national honours at the Australian Training Awards in Brisbane on Thursday 21 November 2019. Hopefully I’ll report back with a great result. While the QTA award is a great accolade for us, it doesn’t stop our work to provide the best outcome for the automotive industry and recently we’ve highlighted some views to the federal government on better ways to increase participation into the automotive industry. This included looking at the entry points into an automotive apprenticeship from schools. There is a need for these to be promoted and highlighted. Vocational education and training is one of the entry points and some highly credentialled applicants are not entering the industry through this trade pathway due to a lack of definition about the prerequisites for

MEMBERS' ESSENTIALS Contents 72 2019 Apprentice of the Year Finalists 86 Racing 4 Significance 88 Plugged In: Explaining Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Tech 90 Concept Corner

October 2019 Motor Trader | 69

E S S E N T I A L S

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ACKNOWLEDGING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES IN QUEENSLAND I-CAR AUSTRALIA, the organisation that delivers information, training and education to the collision repair industry, is acknowledging the achievements of industry employees from across the country who have achieved I-CAR Platinum Individual accreditation and I-CAR Welding Certification. The following is a list of Queenslandbased collision repair industry employees who received I-CAR Platinum Individual Accreditation in August 2019: • Graham Parkinson Suncorp • Patrick McCasker Gemini ARC Enoggera • Adam Craft Auto & General Insurance Services • Matthew Thompson Mangano Body Repairs • Peter Hamilton A&L Smash Repairs • Glenn Walker IAG • Wesley Jenkins Willmot Smash Repairs

• Calum Bingham Sowerby's Crash Repairs • Brett Palmer Morayfield Smash Repairs • David Birch A&L Smash Repairs • Stephen Springate Shipstone Accident Repair Specialists • Brendan Moschetti Auto & General Insurance Services • Paul Marriott Auto & General Insurance Services • Julius Viljoen Auto & General Insurance Services • Gordon Buckley Auto & General Insurance Services • Rodney Laing Auto & General Insurance Services • Dean Jones Auto & General Insurance Services • John Clark Auto & General Insurance Services • Laurence Class Auto & General Insurance Services • Scott Wiseman Auto & General Insurance Services • Josh Dries Smashcare • Davide Crivellaro Exclusive Auto Centre • Nathan Taplan Hylands Panel Works • Jayden Dore Hylands Panel Works • Mark Kretzman Shipstone Accident Repair Specialists There were no new I-CAR Welding Certifications issued in August. October 2019 Motor Trader | 71

E S S E N T I A L S

promote the skills requirements, or the academic qualifications required for students to enter the trades. The most appropriate way to address the forecast deficit of priority skills over the long term would be to develop a defined pathway for secondary school students to be inducted directly into the apprenticeship and traineeship system. It'd be worth considering the following issues as the baseline to support students entering the motor trades: • the pre-requisite academic requirements - the foundation skills of literacy, numeracy and digital proficiency - for a secondary school student to enter or complete a trade apprenticeship; and • increased resourcing for the apprenticeship and traineeship system with the learning environments and instructors with skill sets to equip students for the new industry dynamics which includes the emerging technologies, diagnostics, digital literacy, innovation, and automation. Just a few thoughts, but something we can certainly look at. All the best until next time.

M E M B E R S

applicants to succeed in this vocation. Students considering an automotive trade apprenticeship must have both the aptitude and the attitude to succeed. Professor of Adult and Vocational Education at Griffith University Stephen Billett, indicated that ‘Australia needs exceptional technical, trade and service workers whose skills are developed through effective occupational preparation.’ (The Conversation: We need to change negative views of the jobs VET serves to make it a good post-school option, October 4 2018). To achieve this aptitude and the attitude, there must be a paradigm shift towards a secondary school student having the knowledge of the academic requirements (science, technology, English and mathematics (STEM)) to enter the trades equivalent to those required to matriculate for an undergraduate qualification - and to have the confidence to apply for an apprenticeship. Tertiary entrance considerations or rankings are not relevant for students to enter a technical course or apprenticeship. Schools do not effectively


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

2019 Industry Awards

MTA QUEENSLAND IS GRATEFUL FOR EVENT SUPPORTERS COMMONWEALTH BANK, MTAA SUPER AND CORE SME

2019 MTA QUEENSLAND APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD FINALISTS

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N THE 16TH November, MTA Queensland will be hosting its annual Industry Dinner at the Emporium Hotel, Southbank in Brisbane. A celebration of the automotive industry, training excellence, of the achievement of MTA Queensland members and MTA Institute apprentices over the past 12 months, the evening will be hosted by Ben Davis from Channel Seven. Ben will be joined by special guests Craig Lowndes, a legend of Australian motorsport, and Simona De Silvestro, the first full-time female Supercar driver, for a Q&A session on the lives and experiences of both drivers. The highlights of the evening, however, will be the

72 | Motor Trader October 2019

Ben Davis

Craig Lowndes

Simona De Silvestro

announcement of the winners of the MTA Queensland awards. In last month’s edition of Motor Trader, we reviewed the amazing individuals and businesses that are finalists in the Community award, the Innovation award, and the Women In Industry award categories. In this month’s Motor Trader, and over the next few pages, we will take a look at the incredibly talented group of finalists vying for the MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year award. These young people, some of whom have now qualified in their chosen trade, represent the future of the automotive industry, and in a landscape that is changing at a rapid pace, with new technology


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

Jack Goodrich, 2018 Apprentice of the Year

EACH OF THESE NOMINEES HAS EXCELED DURING THEIR APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING AND BEEN PRESENTED WITH THE MTA INSTITUTE APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH AWARD AT SOME STAGE DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS.

However, there can be only one winner of the Apprentice of the Year award and that person will be revealed on November 16. Congratulations to all the finalists!

FUNDRAISING AND TICKETS

As per previous years, the Industry Dinner will include an auction that will raise money for MTA Queensland’s charity partner Youngcare. The 2018 event raised almost $10,000 for the this very worthy organisation that seeks to create a future in which every young person with and new concepts being developed and high care needs can live a life of freedom, being launched all the time, they are choice and dignity. taking their first steps into a career full of If you haven’t yet bought your ticket opportunities and exciting challenges. Each of these finalists has exceled during for the 2019 Industry Dinner, you can still do so. Tickets can be purchased their apprenticeship training and have from the MTA Queensland website – or been presented with the MTA Institute click the blue button link on this page. Apprentice of the Month award at some Member prices start from $135pp stage during the past 12 months. That (GST included). is no small feat - with more than CLICK TO The evening is proudly 2000 students being trained by GET YOUR the Institute across the state, it supported by our event INDUSTRY is clear that these nominees are partners MTAA Super, DINNER TICKETS of outstandingly high calibre and Commonwealth Bank have already proven they have the and CORE SME. will and the skill to succeed. October 2019 Motor Trader | 73


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MTA QUEENSLAND IS GRATEFUL FOR EVENT SUPPORTERS COMMONWEALTH BANK, MTAA SUPER AND CORE SME

2019 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

BAILEY LOCKER QUALIFICATION: AUR31116 Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Mechanical Technology APPRENTICESHIP EMPLOYER: T & H Service Centre, Dalby CURRENT EMPLOYER: J.J. Richards, Toowoomba

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AILEY LOCKER WAS the MTA vehicles in its fleet. Institute Apprentice of the Month “I started with them in July and for September 2018. the move was in part to continue Then aged 20 and a 4th-year to expand my knowledge and experience," said Bailey. "The apprentice, Bailey was awarded the opportunities at a big company like accolade because of his consistently J.J. Richards are just about endless. high standards in the workplace and in They want you to learn and are his training. prepared to teach you everything "Bailey reaches a very high standard there is to know about of practical and theory trucks and other work and excels during “THE OPPORTUNITIES the equipment they run. day-to-day tasks," said AT A BIG COMPANY And so I work on a Steve Adams, Bailey's LIKE J.J. RICHARDS broad spectrum of MTA Institute trainer, at ARE JUST ABOUT vehicles including the time. "He also takes a ENDLESS. THEY trucks, front loaders, senior and proactive role regarding workshop flow WANT YOU TO LEARN excavators and so on. and handling, is polite, AND ARE PREPARED “They are a big concern, so I’m hoping and very highly regarded TO TEACH YOU there is scope to move by his colleagues." EVERYTHING THERE on and up in the Bailey completed his IS TO KNOW ABOUT company over time.” apprenticeship with THE TRUCKS AND Since winning T & H Service Centre OTHER EQUIPMENT the Apprentice of in Dalby in March after the Month award a receiving comprehensive THEY RUN.” year ago, Bailey has training in a variety of had lots of time to think about the disciplines thanks to the wide range of upcoming Apprentice of the Year services – from light to heavy vehicle – award announcement. He is, he said, offered by the company. proud to be a finalist and to be in the After qualifying, he moved on running for the title. from T & H to work in Toowoomba “You never know what is going with J.J. Richards, the largest to happen,” he said. “It’s a real privately owned waste CLICK TO honour to be a finalist and management company in VISIT THE J.J. RICHARDS it would be a tremendous Australia that runs more than WEBSITE honour and would mean a 60 locations across the eastern great deal to win.” states and has more than 1600 74 | Motor Trader October 2019


JETT SANTACATERINA

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ETT SANTACATERINA IS one of the "When I started here at Vanderfield, youngest of the Apprentice of the Year I worked on push mowers and ridefinalists. on owners and so on - just the basic A third-year agricultural mechanical stuff - but now work on tractors and technology apprentice with Vanderfield harvesters, rebuilding engines and North Mackay, Jett was named the MTA transmissions, and recently have Institute Apprentice of the Month for begun doing more field-service work. October 2018 having impressed with And I am enjoying that.” his commitment to the With the Apprentice work and training, and his of the Year award “I HAVE ALWAYS willingness to get stuck in. presentation just "Jett is a very committed HAD A PASSION FOR around the corner, Jett WORKING WITH MY said he was looking apprentice," said Neville HANDS . . . AND I Donaldson, his MTA forward to the big night Institute trainer. "He goes HAVE ALWAYS BEEN and the announcement out of his way to help INTERESTED IN THE of the award winner. others; his theory work CANE INDUSTRY, “I am very proud is excellent and always to be one of the TRACTORS AND done on time, and he is HARVESTERS, SO I finalists. It is a very well liked by everybody, THOUGHT IT WOULD big achievement,” including customers and said. “And I am work peers.” BE INTERESTING TO he looking forward to Jett knew early on that LEARN HOW THEY the event. I’ll be a mechanical trade in the WORK AND HOW TO bringing my partner, agricultural sector was FIX THEM.” my mum and dad and for him, and he secured my grandmother. It the apprenticeship with should be good fun! Vanderfield when he was just 15. “I’d like to think I had a chance "I have always had a passion for working at the award. It would be quite an with my hands and I would help dad achievement,” he added. “To be a in the shed with cars, motorbikes and finalist is great though, and it our tractor," he said. "And I have shows that if you put your always been interested in the CLICK TO VISIT THE head down and strive for cane industry, tractors and VANDERFIELD, what you want, the effort harvesters, so I thought it would NORTH MACKAY can be recognised. I’m very be interesting to learn how they WEBSITE proud.” work and how to fix them. October 2019 Motor Trader | 75

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QUALIFICATION: AUR30416 Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology EMPLOYER: Vanderfield, North Mackay

M E M B E R S

2019 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE


M E M B E R S

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2019 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

CASEY STEEL QUALIFICATION: AUR30616 Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology APPRENTICESHIP EMPLOYER: Dean’s Performance Autos, Manunda CURRENT EMPLOYER: MSF Sugar, Mareeba

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ASEY STEEL WAS the MTA gearbox rebuilds, diff rebuilds, electrical Institute Apprentice of the Month work – everything was on the menu, even for November 2018. some agricultural machinery. That’s a solid grounding for any light The 20-year-old completed his light vehicle apprentice and since completing his vehicle apprenticeship with Dean's training, Casey has taken that experience Performance Autos in Malanda, Far North to a new role at MSF Sugar, a leading Queensland, in March. He fairly raced agribusiness company and Australia’s through his training and, according to his trainer Scott Buckley, achieved all his goals largest sugarcane farming concern. “I’m working on the farms doing thanks to an outstanding commitment maintenance on agricultural machinery to his work and a single-minded focus on and MSF’s vehicles,” said learning all he could about Casey. “They’re based in the light vehicle trade. I’M WORKING ON “ Mareeba and have their Like many young auto THE FARMS DOING own shop and their own apprentices, Casey got the MAINTENANCE ON equipment. They cut their bug for cars from working AGRICULTURAL own cane, so I help to with his dad, although he did flirt for a time at MACHINERY AND look after harvesters and working in a completely MSF’S VEHICLES... irrigation equipment such different trade. THINGS HAVE BEEN as pumps and so on. Things have been going very well "Dad's a Jack of all trades GOING VERY WELL and I’m enjoying the job and he'd always have an old AND I’M ENJOYING a lot.” Kingswood or HiLux in the THE JOB A LOT.” Casey said he was looking shed and be working on forward to the industry that," said Casey. "But when awards night and will be attending with I finished school, I moved down to Cairns and got the first apprenticeship I could get his family and partner Madison. “I hope to win, of course – the Apprentice which was in cabinet making. However, of the Year award will certainly look good after about a year, I came back home, and on the resume – but I know the other worked for Dean for about six months finalists are very strong, so I’m pretty before scoring the apprenticeship." nervous for the night but excited as Casey had plenty of opportunity well,” he said. “When you think to learn at Dean's Performance CLICK TO about the quality of the other Autos as the team there work VISIT THE apprentices, to be a finalist is on a wide variety of vehicles MSF SUGAR WEBSITE something of which I am very on a wide variety of jobs. proud.” Suspensions, engine rebuilds,

76 | Motor Trader October 2019


DUSTY AUSTIN

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HE PAST FEW months have been be a skilled and conscientious worker with pretty eventful for Dusty Austin. a sterling attitude to the work and a desire In November 2018, he completed to learn and get on with the job. his motorcycle mechanical technology "Dusty started his apprenticeship in apprenticeship and started his career as a March 2016 as a mature-age apprentice fully fledged tradesman; in December 2018 and his progression has been remarkable," he was named MTA Institute Apprentice of said Zak Zuiderduin, his MTA Institute the Month; and less than a year later he has trainer, when interviewed earlier this year. become a father, having welcomed, with "His passion for the trade is at the highest partner Nakita, a daughter, Jade Ella Austin, level, he is always willing to learn more, into the world at the end of September. and he has great respect for all around It has been a hectic year him." that, not surprisingly, has For Dusty, even with that IT WAS ONLY THREE “ been a little overwhelming. acknowledgement of his TO FOUR YEARS “Basically, the last 10 abilities, there appears to AGO THAT I WAS A months have just flown by,” be real surprise that he said Dusty. “And becoming FARMHAND CHASING should find himself in with a dad definitely changes COWS AROUND! AS a shot at the Apprentice of my perspective on life. FAR AS THE RESULT the Year prize. For now, the short-term “It’s really crazy to think GOES, I’M HAPPY about. outlook is to prioritise I can’t believe I’ve WITH JUST GETTING sleep and helping Nakita, been selected to be honest,” THIS FAR ” and I’m really focused on he said. “It was only three minimising stress and just to four years ago that I enjoying my job, my family, and living life.” was a farmhand chasing cows around! As There is the little matter of the far as the result goes, I’m happy with just Apprentice of the Year award getting this far. I’m sure the other finalists announcement to get out of the way first have every chance of winning and are and Dusty showed throughout his training deserving. that he was an outstanding student and “It would be really awesome and worthy award finalist. definitely be great to add to my resume, Prior to his apprenticeship, he and it would also be great for Top had worked for a few years as Two as they are a smaller rural CLICK TO VISIT THE a farmhand but once he had dealership,” he added. “But it’s TOP TWO turned his attention to the nice just to gain recognition for MOTORCYCLES motorcycle trade, he qualified in the hard work and passion that I WEBSITE less than three years – proving to try and take to work each day.” October 2019 Motor Trader | 77

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QUALIFICATION: AUR30816 Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology EMPLOYER: Top Two Motorcycles, Warwick

M E M B E R S

2019 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE


QUEENSLAND AUTOMOTIVE TRADES – QOF SCHOLARSHIP The Motor Trades Association of Queensland has partnered with the Queensland Overseas Foundation (QOF), Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia, Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers and Construction & Mining Equipment Industry Group to offer the Queensland Automotive Trades Scholarship to graduates in the Queensland automotive industry. More than 110 Queenslanders from a wide range of industries have taken up the opportunity to travel to the international destination of their choice in pursuit of career experience with a QOF Scholarship. These outstanding graduates have returned to Queensland with enviable insights from their field, valuable cultural understandings and an international professional network.

SELECTION CRITERIA The QOF will take the following criteria into consideration when reviewing applications: • Evidence of applicant’s preparedness to take up the scholarship; • Potential for impact on applicant’s employment related skills and/or knowledge and career outcomes; • Potential for applicant to positively influence and impact the automotive industry and other VET graduates in Queensland; and • Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills.

78 | Motor Trader October 2019

TS & CS • I t is the responsibility of the recipient to make arrangements for travel and employment; the QOF Governors will mentor the recipients and can assist with introductions and advice. •S hort-listed applicants will be invited to participate in an interview process. • I nterviews with shortlisted applicants will be held in early January 2020. • The Award Ceremony will be held in March 2020.

APPLY! • Applications are now open and close at the end of November •C omplete the online application form and lodge required attachments (academic certificates, awards etc) • Visit https://qof.org.au/scholarship/qldautomotive-trades/ to apply


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KADE HUTCHISON

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ADE HUTCHISON WAS the MTA dad actually isn't a mechanic but having Institute Apprentice of the Month a mechanic for a dad meant he learned for January. The 19-year-old has now pretty much everything, and I ended being completed his light vehicle apprenticeship, on the tools helping him around the shed. wrapping up his training in mid"I heard some great stories - including September. that my grandfather took a Holden Grey It’s a tremendous effort from Kade, motor and built it to run a 12-second who began his training after leaving quarter mile! He was always tinkering!" school at 16 and taking an apprentice At Noel's Progress Road Pitstop, Kade’s position at Noel's Progress Road Pitstop work is varied – from general servicing to in Wacol, Brisbane. jobs on tyres and wheels – and that variety An enthusiastic and and his general interest driven employee, Kade in all things automotive “I MIGHT TAKE showed himself to be has spurred him to ON ANOTHER tremendous student with a further training APPRENTICESHIP consider fantastic work ethic. opportunities. "He is an exceptional . . . THE INDUSTRY IS "I might take on another apprentice," said Keith HEADING INTO AN apprenticeship,” he said. Minchin, Kade's MTA INTERESTING TIME “Maybe diesel fitting, but Institute trainer when AND IT'S IMPORTANT I’m also looking at auto interviewed about TO KEEP TRAINING.” electrical as an option. The Kade’s apprentice of the industry is heading into month award win. "He an interesting time and it's important to is well-respected by his employer and keep training." colleagues, and his quality of work has As an Apprentice of the Year finalist, always been exceptional. Kade said he wasn’t anxious about the "His ability to understand and apply outcome and was proud to even be in the technical concepts is very good, he running. demonstrates the ability to work “I’m not really nervous about it,” he said. autonomously, and he communicates “If I am named apprentice of the year that effectively with colleagues. He has a would be great, and it wouldn’t look promising future in the industry." bad on my resume! But if I’m not, The origin of Kade's interest in CLICK TO then so be it. I am proud to be VISIT THE automotive is easy to track down. NOEL’S PROGRESS a finalist and to get this far is "My grandfather was a ROAD PITSTOP a great achievement and a big mechanic, and he taught my dad WEBSITE honour.” everything he knew" he said. "My October 2019 Motor Trader | 79

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QUALIFICATION: AUR30616 Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology EMPLOYER: Noel’s Progress Road Pitstop, Wacol

M E M B E R S

2019 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE


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MTA QUEENSLAND IS GRATEFUL FOR EVENT SUPPORTERS COMMONWEALTH BANK, MTAA SUPER AND CORE SME

2019 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

DANIEL BECKHAM QUALIFICATION: AUR31116 Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Mechanical Technology EMPLOYER: Prochem Haulage, Mackay

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HE WINNER OF the apprentice begun to go out on jobs in surrounding of the month award in February, communities to service and maintain 19-year-old Daniel Beckham is a machinery. fourth-year heavy vehicle apprentice with Thanks to the scale of the Prochem Prochem Haulage in Mackay and has operation, Daniel said he would look proved himself an outstanding student, to stay on with the company once he demonstrating a strong passion for the completes his apprenticeship. trade with an excellent work ethic. "There are a few different work roles Along with his mechanical knowledge, and career options within the company Daniel is also proving to be a very that I could explore - we have a fleet competent welder who is often placed of trucks and machinery, deliver bulk on Prochem's fabrication fluids to the mines and repairs/assemblies to “THERE ARE A FEW we have machinery decrease downtime. He has DIFFERENT WORK operating in the mines also taken on auto greaser too. I’d like to stick ROLES AND CAREER installation, breakdown with Prochem and see OPTIONS WITHIN and callout work. what I can achieve with THE COMPANY THAT While he has been the company after my I COULD EXPLORE... apprenticeship.” impressing with his performance at work and Completing that I’D LIKE TO STICK his personable nature, apprenticeship should WITH PROCHEM AND his training is equally come in the next few SEE WHAT I CAN exemplary. months but before then ACHIEVE WITH THE "Dan always has his there is the apprentice COMPANY AFTER MY modules done on time and of the year award to APPRENTICESHIP.” think about. That, said with high percentages," said Neville Donaldson, Daniel, is something he his MTA Institute trainer. "His work is is excited be a part of. carried out with professionalism and his “I know it is a big deal to be a finalist ability is nearly as good as a qualified and I am pretty nervous,” he said. “I am mechanic with a couple of years’ sure the other finalists are very good experience." and deserving of the award so For Daniel himself, working at I’m not expecting too much. CLICK TO VISIT THE Prochem is, he said, an enjoyable However, I am excited about PROCHEM experience. A wide variety it. It’s a big achievement to HAULAGE of work comes through the be there, and to win would WEBSITE workshop and he has recently be amazing." 80 | Motor Trader October 2019


KARL BERLIN

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ARL BERLIN WAS the MTA Institute so on, basically helping out wherever I Apprentice of the Month for March. could," he said. The 21-year-old, who completed This interest translated into gaining his agricultural mechanical technology work experience at Barambah qualification in July and has impressed Machinery and, after finishing everyone - his employers at Barambah school, the start of his apprenticeship Machinery in Murgon, his clients and his with the business. The work and trainer -with the quality of his work. the training, Karl said, had been "His book work is exemplary. When he tough but a lot of fun and since writes a response, it is amazing the detail talking to Motor Trader in March he goes into," said MTA Institute trainer and completing his Terry Palfrey when Karl won the apprentice of the apprenticeship, things I HAVE ALWAYS “ month award. "He also have not slacked off BEEN AROUND goes to factory training with Karl continuing AGRICULTURAL and receives top marks. to work “on a bit of He rises to every challenge EQUIPMENT everything”. and the feedback from DRIVING TRACTORS, Regarding the clients is terrific. Karl FIXING SMALL apprentice of the year deserves the recognition ENGINES AND SO award, Karl said he for his hard work." ON, BASICALLY was excited about And there is plenty of travelling down to HELPING OUT work to do at Barambah Brisbane with his WHEREVER I Machinery. The business is located in farming partner Georgia for COULD.” country 270km norththe big night and that west of Brisbane and offers repair winning the award or not wouldn’t and maintenance services, as well as change the achievement of being one machinery sales, to the local community. of the MTA Institute’s top students. A career in the agricultural sector “It will be great to enjoy a night was always on the cards for Karl. like that,” he said. “I don’t Brought up in a farming family, CLICK TO actually think too much he spent his childhood helping VISIT THE about winning, although I around the property. BARAMBAH would be very honoured if MACHINERY "I have always been around WEBSITE I did. I’m just proud to be a agricultural equipment - driving tractors, fixing small engines and finalist.” October 2019 Motor Trader | 81

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QUALIFICATION: AUR30416 Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology EMPLOYER: Barambah Machinery, Murgon

M E M B E R S

2019 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE


RTO No: 31529

NEW GOVE LIMITED P RNMENT FUND LACES APP ING LY NOW

Right training. Right place. Right way. A

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Get Your Trade Skills Recognised Do you have trade skills and experience but no formal qualification? Trade Recognition Trade Recognition is the process of having your skills and work experience formally assessed against industry and educational requirements for the purpose of gaining a formal trade qualification. MTA Institute offers a Trade Skills Assessment and Gap Training Program for the following qualifications • AUR30316 – Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology • AUR30416 – Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology • AUR30616 – Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology • AUR30716 - Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment • AUR30816 – Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology • AUR31016 – Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting) • AUR31116 – Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology • AUR31216 – Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology • AUR32116 – Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology

• AUR32416 – Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology • AUR32518 – Certificate III in Automotive Underbody Technology

Eligibility Prospective learners must meet the following criteria for eligibility: 1. Be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident living in Queensland, or a Refugee and Humanitarian Visa holder living in Queensland. 2. Be a skilled or experienced individual without a trade qualification, whose experience is such it is a reasonable to assume two thirds of a qualification or more could be achieved through RPL assessment processes in a priority trade. 3. Be 21 years or older. 4. Express a commitment to gaining the entire qualification.

Fees and Charges

gap training component, based on the total nominal hours allocated to each unit of competency requiring training to be conducted, ie. $1.60 per nominal hour or, if a concession is applicable, $0.64 per nominal hour. Refer to www.mtai.edu.au for further details.

Course Length The course length will vary dependent upon the gap training required for individual learners.

Enrol Once an application has been received with all supporting documentation, the MTA Institute will respond within 10 working days. Assessment can be completed either at the MTA Institute’s premises or at the learner’s workplace. For more information contact one of our friendly team members using the contact details below.

The majority of this program is funded by the Queensland Government. However, mandatory fees are applicable for the

MTA Institute

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Free guest Wifi at MTA Institute

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Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Postal PO Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel (07) 3722 3000 Toll Free 1800 884 137 Email courses@mtai.edu.au Website www.mtai.edu.au


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REECE HASLAM

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EECE HASLAM WAS the MTA Since Motor Trader last talked to Reece, Institute Apprentice of the Month he has advanced further, seeing jobs for May. through from priming to customer delivery. “I now work essentially by myself and The 24-year-old refinishing technology own the job from start to finish,” he said. apprentice is now in his fourth year of “It doesn’t matter how big the job is, I pick training and continues to excel. it up when it’s primed and paint it all myself Consistency and enthusiasm have and it is very satisfying to see the job through.” marked him as an outstanding apprentice Reece should be finishing his and according to Sam Quin, Reece's MTA apprenticeship within 12 months and Institute trainer, he has talent to spare. is looking forward to staying on with "When Reece attempted his first refinish McAully Smash as a tradesman. of a pearl I was absolutely blown away by “They’ve looked after me from day dot,” the result," said Sam. "He has he said. “I went in there with shown so much talent." Reece took an unusual “IT DOESN’T MATTER very little experience and route to his refinishing HOW BIG THE JOB they gave me chance and apprenticeship, IS, I PICK IT UP WHEN I’d like to think I can repay them for giving me a go.” having already been IT’S PRIMED AND With the Apprentice of a chef for some years PAINT IT ALL MYSELF the Year award winner to be after completing an AND IT IS VERY revealed soon, Reece said apprenticeship in the SATISFYING TO SEE he was excited and a little culinary arts. Moving from the kitchen THE JOB THROUGH.” surprised to be a finalist but had given some thought to to the spray booth might how he might use the award should he win. seem like a leap, but Reece has always “I have put in some hard work and it been a car enthusiast. In fact, he has been feels very good to be recognised,” he said. involved in drifting for years and now “I certainly am proud to be a finalist. It is races a 200SX S14 in the pursuit of those quite an achievement. I was actually very speed thrills. surprised to have been nominated in the Moving on from the food industry, he first place as I was just working at my scored an apprenticeship with McAully's apprenticeship and had no idea I Smash Repairs three years ago and had even been nominated! started in panel repair before CLICK TO VISIT THE “However, should I win, then quickly switching to paint, MCAULLY'S I would like to think I could use working on all manner of jobs, SMASH REPAIRS that to encourage more kids to including solids, candies, pearls, WEBSITE come into the trade." and metallics. October 2019 Motor Trader | 83

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QUALIFICATION: AUR32416 Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology EMPLOYER: McAully's Smash Repairs

M E M B E R S

2019 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE


M E M B E R S

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MTA QUEENSLAND IS GRATEFUL FOR EVENT SUPPORTERS COMMONWEALTH BANK, MTAA SUPER AND CORE SME

2019 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

JESSE WEATHERHEAD QUALIFICATION: AUR321116 Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology EMPLOYER: Atherton Smash Repair Specialists

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2-YEAR-OLD JESSE fixing engines on the stock cars and WEATHERHEAD was the that sort of jazz,” he said. “My dad and Apprentice of the Month for July. brother were involved, and I got into it when I was about 12. And I still have the A fourth-year Automotive Body Repair car I started with. It has a Corvette body Technology apprentice, he is due to over an HQ chassis, but it needs a new complete in November – just before the motor and is in a bit of a pickle at the Apprentice of the Year award winner is moment. I’m working on it and it’s getting announced. there slowly.” Jesse is doing his training at Atherton Work at Atherton Smash involves “a bit Smash Repair Specialists - one of the most of everything”, said Jesse. advanced smash repair shops in North "We work on everything from trucks Queensland and a tremendous grounding to Mercedes, so there’s plenty of variety,” for any aspiring tradesperson. According he said. “And I do a bit of to his trainer Shane Palmer everything, from pulling and employers Stephen . . . IT WOULD BE “ stuff apart, changing and Karen West, Jesse has AMAZING TO WIN. quarter panels, to using taken full advantage of the car-o-liner for the opportunity, proving I'VE JUST BEEN to have a great attitude DOING MY NORMAL straightening chassis.” Looking forward to the and able to reach the high THING BUT TO BE prospect of attending the standards the business RECOGNISED FOR MTA Queensland industry expects. THAT IS GREAT. ” dinner and lining up for “Jesse is willing to the Apprentice of the Year undertake repair work no award, Jesse said that it was clear the matter how big the job,” said Shane. “He other finalists were exceptional and that has a great relationship with colleagues to be a finalist and to be recognised for and his employer, is always attentive the hard work he had done was already and shows great detail and pride in something special. his work.” “I’m excited to come to the dinner A career in automotive was always likely and to meet a few new people,” he said. for Jesse. He has been involved in stock “And it would be amazing to win. car racing since he was a child and I’ve just been doing my normal the rough and tumble of that CLICK TO VISIT THE thing but to be recognised for category means he has been ATHERTON SMASH that is great. It is great to feel doing mechanical and body REPAIR SPECIALISTS appreciated and I am very repairs for a long time. WEBSITE proud of the achievement.” “I’ve worked on cars all my life,

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KIMBERLEY WALLACE

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IMBERLEY WALLACE WAS the Kimberley said she was delighted to MTA Institute Apprentice of the have been named an apprentice of the Month for August. month winner and was proud to be a finalist for the apprentice of the year The 31-year-old works at Morgan award. The entire journey, it seems, had Motors, a Honda motorcycle and power been an unexpected and pleasant surprise. equipment dealership in Emerald, and “I achieved something that I wanted and recently completed her parts interpreting did it better than I was expecting,” she said apprenticeship. of her apprenticeship. “I thought I would During her training, Kimberley showed just work to get my qualification and then great aptitude and a great appetite to keep on working to better myself. learn and develop her skills. “Being named a finalist “In her last assessment for apprentice of the year Is on merchandise products, I ACHIEVED “ surprise and an awesome Kimberley achieved 100 per SOMETHING THAT aachievement, and I would cent on her first attempt. I WANTED AND DID IT love to win, of course,” She is only the third person BETTER THAN I WAS she added. “And it means to do so in my years of EXPECTING... something that I am female training apprentices,” said Peter Jaensch, Kimberley’s I THOUGHT I WOULD too. You don’t see a lot of MTA Institute trainer. “She JUST WORK TO GET girls doing this and I feel is bright and cheerful, very MY QUALIFICATION that if I do win, then it might encourage more females into organised, achieved well in AND THEN KEEP the industry. I think they are her theory work and excelled ON WORKING TO out there and want to do it in her apprenticeship. BETTER MYSELF. ” but are a little bit scared. But Nothing is too hard for her.” if boys can do it, we can too!” Punctual and professional, As for the future, there is talk of starting ready to take on extra responsibilities when a family and helping out on her partner’s asked - and trusted to do so - Kimberley family’s cotton farm. But whatever she showed great initiative during her does, and whatever the outcome on the apprenticeship and, her employer says, night of the awards, Kimberley said she will ‘always puts in 110 per cent into her role’. continue her training journey. This initiative and passion for the “I certainly will be very proud if I work has been rewarded in the short CLICK TO do win, but I will work to keep on time since she completed her VISIT THE training, focus on the business side qualification, with Kimberley now MORGAN of things, and continue to learn promoted to assistant manager MOTORS WEBSITE and work to better myself." for parts and accessories. October 2019 Motor Trader | 85

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QUALIFICATION: AUR31016 Certificate III in Sales (Parts Interpreting) EMPLOYER: Morgan Motors, Emerald

M E M B E R S

2019 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE


Racing 4 Significance drag car

FOUNDATION TEACHING NEXT GENERATION OF DRIVERS TO STAY SAFE ON THE ROADS

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ACE ON THE strip, not on the street’. That is the message being delivered to young people in schools by the Racing 4 Significance Foundation, a Brisbane based not-for-profit organisation committed to influencing responsible motoring practices. Founded in 2017 by ex-metal fabricator and professional drag racing enthusiast Ashleigh Dawson, Racing 4 Significance has combined a passion for drag racing with a passion for making a difference in the community. The result is a platform that gives back, connects with and inspires the next generation of drivers. Racing 4 Significance delivers their unique interactive in-school programs at no cost to the schools or students. The program is designed to educate and empower youth on their path to becoming a driver in an environment that offers a practical learning element with an actual Drag Car. 86 | Motor Trader October 2019

With a dedicated team of likeminded volunteers looking to make a difference around the country, Racing 4 Significance’s passion for professional drag racing and safe driving is evident throughout the workshops. With their very own dragster and professional Junior driver ambassadors, 15-year-old Kilarney Back and 16-year-old Caitlyn Bradley, the workshops are designed to demonstrate the engineering and safety features in the design of the car with the dragster on hand to help provide a fun interactive educational element. “A crowd favourite is always when we start the car,” said Mr Dawson. One message delivered


by the Racing 4 Significance team is that it is encouraged to have a passion for going fast, as long as that passion is channelled through the proper methods. Drivers are encouraged to take their vehicles to a real dragstrip where events are held for them to put their foot on the pedal and ‘race’ their cars in a safe, controlled environment away from the streets. However, that’s not where the lessons end. A fundamental goal of Racing 4 Significance is making a real difference to the lives of young people who may want guidance in pursuing their goals. So, while safe driving practice remains the takeaway message from the workshops, students are also educated on cars and the wider automotive and related industries including the types of careers that are available that are connected to the sport of Drag Racing. This includes learning about the transfers of energy and physics behind getting a dragster down the track safely, to the fabrication and manufacturing of vehicles, to the mechanical side of maintaining and

servicing a vehicle and how the automotive industry touches a wide array of fields. “The feedback we receive from the teachers indicates that we have made a lasting impression because of how much students continue to talk to about the experience,” said Mr Dawson. As well as in-school workshops, Racing 4 Significance also provides online resources including educational Drag Racing and motivational videos in their ‘Motor-Vation Library’. As a leader in vocational training in the automotive industry, the MTA Institute understands the importance of providing young people with the support and resources they require to reach their goals. The MTA Institute regularly hold courses aimed at assisting young people in discovering potential career paths and educating them on skills related to car maintenance. This includes Auto Camp, a three-day holiday course for high school students; and the AUR201716 Certificate II in Automotive Vocational CLICK FOR Preparation, a five-week MORE INFO ON course designed to RACING 4 SIGNIFICANCE provide students with a set of skills as a basic introduction to the automotive industry. October 2019 Motor Trader | 87


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

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

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S YOU WOULD know, I have been touring Europe for the past few weeks and on my travels have taken the opportunity, when presented, to research the state of the electric vehicle industry in different countries. The final leg of my trip took me to Germany and Berlin. The city certainly has had a tough time of it over the past 80 years. 70 per cent of Berlin was wiped out in World War II and before recovery could be completed the wall that would divide the east and west sides of the city went up, splitting things in two for nearly 30 years. Things have, of course, improved considerably since 1989 when the Berlin Wall was demolished and Germany itself, and the major car manufacturers based there, are at the epicentre of the electric vehicle revolution.

Audi e-tron

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Not too long ago, Germany set in force a program to lead the market in electric mobility by 2020 and had planned to have one million EVs on the road by the end of that year. This date has been pushed back to 2022, but it is still ambitious and a worthy target at which to shoot. As of December 2018, the official statistics state that 196,750 plug-in electric cars have been registered, so they have a fair way to go to meet their target, but in my opinion it has always been the decade following 2020 in which we will see the biggest shake up in transportation of the last hundred years. While in Germany, I was able to meet and talk to Baraja Alshroukh, Production Manager at Audi City Berlin. During our conversation, Baraja outlined the Audi program for the coming decade, and that strategy includes using electric and hydrogen power. While it comes as no surprise that manufacturers will look at all energy source options, the cost of hydrogen production and the lack of infrastructure regarding its storage


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October 2019 Motor Trader | 89

M E M B E R S

and delivery centres means that there is some way to go yet to see it used as a mass transport option. It is, however, very good to see it being including in the company’s strategy. Batteries, on the other hand, are getting better and the infrastructure to support their use is improving all the time. They are becoming cheaper while also being able to store more energy and charging infrastructure is growing all the time - if we look at the UK as an example, there are currently 15,000 charge points at more than 9000 locations, and that number is increasing every day. And on that note of acknowledging Baraja mentioned that in Germany that the future is electric, it would be they are looking to have one million rapid remiss of me not to highlight that the charger points available at service centre MTA Institute is a leader in Hybrid and and service stations. DC ‘ultra-chargers’ Electric Vehicle training and in the next – chargers that can recharge a battery to few months will begin to offer advanced 80 per cent in 10 minutes and are rated at training in EV technology. 350kW – will likely be the norm. Audi says it plans for ultra-chargers to be at service centres throughout Berlin but out THANKS AND FAREWELL I have spent the last three months in the city there are plans for more standard in Europe enjoying a holiday, but also fast chargers to be fitted into existing studying and researching the electric infrastructure such as lamp posts. Berlin vehicle industry. I have been fortunate to has reported that more than a thousand have met a lot of people who want to help such devices have been installed so far. to achieve my goal of putting Australia at A quick note about the Audi e-tron. It the forefront of electric vehicle technology, has a price tag of $170,000 and is claimed and it is because of this that I will be to have a range of 300-350km per charge. moving on from my role with the MTA The next generation of the SUV will, Audi Institute to new challenges. says, achieve 400-500km per charge. I wish to take this opportunity to thank I’ll confess to sometimes being a little the people that have helped to get the sceptical about distance claims because MTA Institute where it is today – a leading range does depend on driving habits, climate temperature, and landscape educational institute committed to helping conditions, but it should, all things teach the next generation of automotive considered, be fairly accurate. industry professional. The e-tron is, of course, a premium Remember, electric vehicles are not the product and likely out of the reach of future - they are here now! - and by the end most of us. However, there is little of the next decade 65 per cent of vehicles doubt that the cost of EVs will on the road will be electrified in some tumble in the coming years form. So, keep studying! CLICK TO VISIT THE as more models, with better I wish you well, and thanks to all MTA INSITUTE batteries and performance, of you. WEBSITE begin their roll out. Paul Tugwell.


Concept corner

AUDI AI:TRAIL QU 90 | Motor Trader October 2019


UATTRO CONCEPT October 2019 Motor Trader | 91


Concept corner

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ONCEPT VEHICLES ARE fantastic. They can be mind-bendingly bonkers to look at, but underneath all the flash there is always something interesting going on – and at the very least we get an idea of just what sort of journey car designers of are going to take us on. The Audi AI:Trail quattro is a good example of this - a concept that has some technology we might expect in a concept but with some features that are eyeopeningly futuristic, and all wrapped in a really cool package. The four-seater car – that is, says Audi, capable of up to Level 4 autonomous driving – is equipped with four electric motors, systems for assisted and automated driving and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Maximum system output is 320 kilowatts and the maximum torque is 1,000 Newton-metres. The AI:Trail lithium-ion battery is good

92 | Motor Trader October 2019

VIDEO: THE AUDI AI:TRAIL QUATTRO | FIRST LOOK AT THE ELECTRIC OFF-ROADER FOR THE FUTURE

for 400km to 500km of range on roads or easy off-road terrain. On rough ground, where energy consumption is higher, Audi says the range limit will still be around the 250km mark. The vehicle is designed to reach a maximum speed of 130km/h on the road. The vehicle electronics continuously monitor the energy flow and consumption, ensuring maximum economy even during off-road driving.


It also helps that the AI:Trail is fairly light for a vehicle with a big battery. Constructed of a mixture of high-tech steel, aluminium and carbon fibre, it comes in at 1,750kg. At 4.15 metres long and 2.15 metres wide, AI:Trail sits on whopping 22-inch wheels and has 340mm of ground clearance. With its focus on off-road work, the AI:Trail doesn’t have some of the tech we might expect of other new concepts – there are no big screens or displays on board. Instead, there’s plenty of broad glass surfaces that provide a clear view of the surroundings. Inside, there are pedals, a yoke for a steering wheel, a few buttons, and a smartphone attached to the steering column as a display and control centre for vehicle functions and navigation—those are all the elements for the interaction between the driver and the vehicle.

However, while there might appear to be less tech than on other concepts we see these days, there is at least one jawdropping feature on the AI:Trail. Instead of conventional low beams and high beam lights, the vehicle is equipped with five electrically operated drones with integrated matrix LED elements. Yes. Drones. Known as Audi Light Pathfinders, they are, apparently, capable of landing on a roof rack or directly on the roof of the vehicle and docking onto inductive charging elements. They are designed to fly ahead of the AI:Trail and illuminate the path ahead, replacing headlights entirely. On-board cameras generate a video image that can be transmitted to the display in front of the driver via Wi-Fi, turning the Pathfinders into eyes in the sky! Crazy times! October 2019 Motor Trader | 93


Motor Trader’s Christmas Gift Guide ❶ FORD SERVICE LIGHT-UP MOUNTABLE TIN SIGN

n eye-catching light for the man cave, games A room or home bar, this Ford Service Light-Up Mountable Tin Sign looks like it's been pointing troubled cars into a roadside service station for donkey's years. Featuring faux 'rust', seven light bulbs and an illustration of a vintage Ford Falcon, this should please the Ford fans. Dimensions: 37cm x 46cm x 6cm and two AA batteries are required. Price: $99.99 Available from www.yellowoctopus.com.au

❷ PERSONALISED UNION JACK MINI CANVAS ART The Mini is a solid-gold classic car and this homage to the little car that could would make a colourful addition to the walls of any room, from nursery to man cave. As an added bonus, you can get the piece personalised with a name. The canvas is mounted onto solid wood and has a protective coating designed to prevent cracking or fading. There’s a variety of sizes available up to 40cm x 60cm. Price: £19.95 or approximately $36 Available from www.artylicious.co.uk

❸ PININFARINA NAPPA LEATHER SIX-CARD FOLIO WALLET

P inifarina is a name well known to any car enthusiast. The Italian firm has had a hand in the design of some of the world’s great cars – especially Ferraris – but has also turned its hand to the design of other high-quality products. This wallet, for example, is very tasty, is made in Italy and crafted in refined nappa leather with highlights of Ligneah, a unique patented wood fabric. It also has ‘Pininfarina’ embossed on its front, so it will fit in nicely on the dash of your LaFerrari. Dimensions: 11.5cm (W) x 1cm (D) x 9cm (H) Price: $199.95 Available from www.gyrofish.com.au

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❹ PININFARINA INKLESS AERO PEN

Here’s another exquisite piece of work from Pininfarina - a pen that features a unique tip that enables it, apparently, to be a limitless writing instrument. There’s no ink required. Instead, a special alloy (called Ethergraph) tip ‘oxidises’ the paper, leaving a permanent mark that somewhere between pencil and pen in look (though not as dark as a ballpoint pen). Very cool stuff. Price: $229.95 Available from www.gyrofish.com.au

❺ CLASSIC STEERING WHEEL DESK CLOCK

A really nice-looking desk clock is this, crafted in hawthorn in a classic steering wheel design complete with spokes. Combining stitched leather with a bold burgundy face, this clock will make a statement on any desk. Could be a great gift for a classic car enthusiast. Dimensions: 24cm x 4cm Price: £124.95 or approximately $230 Available from www.annabeljames.co.uk

❻ 3D SPORTS CAR LED WALL LIGHT ❻

This is an interesting way to shine some light in your kid’s room at night - a night light that looks like a sports car has crashed through your wall! It comes with wall plugs and screws and a crash sticker that gives it the ‘smashed through the wall’ look. Should bring a smile to the face of car-obsessed kids! You can customise the number plate with included alphabet stickers. Is a cordless battery-operated design and uses LED globes. Dimensions: Approx: 32.5cm (L) x 10.5cm (H) x 12cm (D). For kids aged three and over. Price: $39.99 Available from ❹ www.yellowoctopus.com.au October 2019 Motor Trader | 95


Investment matters

MARKET WRAP

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LOBAL MARKETS PULLED back in August (MSCI ACWI -1.2%), led by the Hong Kong-based Hang Seng (-7.4%) which suffered from both the trade war and monthlong protests that have rocked the city. Trade talks continued to deteriorate between the US (S&P 500 -1.8%) and China (CSI -0.9%), with further tariffs being enacted by both sides. UK markets (FTSE 100 -5.0%) were the worst in the West as PM Boris Johnson steers the UK towards a hard Brexit, while European Markets were not as concerned (MSCI Europe ex-UK -0.9%). Emerging (MSCI EM -2.7%) and Asian Markets suffered from the poor global trade outlook (Nikkei -3.8%, KOPSI -2.8%). Domestically, the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index was down 2.36% in August underperforming most global markets. Healthcare (+3.4%) was the biggest outperformer, primarily due the performance of CSL post its annual report. The sector is well supported in times of earnings uncertainty due to its consistent income drivers. Real Estate (1.8%) also outperformed as investors continue to seek stability in a period of falling interest rates and macro uncertainty. Energy ( 6.4%) and Materials (-7.8%) were again amongst the worst performers as the outlook for global growth worsens amid a 96 | Motor Trader October 2019

HEALTHCARE (+3.4%) WAS THE BIGGEST OUTPERFORMER, PRIMARILY DUE THE PERFORMANCE OF CSL POST ITS ANNUAL REPORT. deteriorating geo-political environment. Financials (-3.6%) again lagged as lower interest rates and anaemic credit growth subdue the outlook for the banks. DISCLAIMER This document has been prepared by DNR Capital Pty Ltd, AFS Representative - 294844 of DNR AFSL Pty Ltd ABN 39 118 946 400, AFSL 301658. It is general information only and is not intended to be a recommendation to invest in any product or financial service mentioned above. Whilst DNR Capital has used its best endeavours to ensure the information within this document is accurate it cannot be relied upon in any way and recipients must make their own enquiries concerning the accuracy of the information within. The general information in this document has been prepared without reference to any recipient’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any financial investment decisions we recommend recipients obtain legal and taxation advice appropriate to their particular needs. Investment in a DNR Capital managed account can only be made on completion of all the required documentation.


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