Motor Trader, April 2016

APR

2016

THE FLYING FINN TALKING FORMULA ONE WITH TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMP MIKA HAKKINEN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND

The benchmark of industry standards.

The benchmark of industry standards.

RTO No: 31529

Right training.

Right place.

Right way.

Get Your Trade Skills Recognised Do you have trade skills and experience but no formal qualification?

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 • AUR30312 – Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology • AUR30412 – Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology • AUR30612 – Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology • AUR30812 – Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology • AUR31114 – Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology • AUR31212 – Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology • AUR32112 – Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology

• AUR32412 – Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing 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 18 years or older.

4. Express a commitment to gaining the entire qualification.

Fees and Charges The majority of this program is funded by the Queensland Government. However, mandatory fees are applicable for the 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. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and/or Credit Transfers (CT) are fee exempt.

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.

MTA Institute

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

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Trade Recognition

Contents Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/MTAQueensland

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 Paul Murray POLICY Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Barry Browne 03 9807 9154 Email: barry@barrybrownemedia.com.au EDITORIAL Editorial submissions are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed placement.

For more information telephone the Editor 07 3237 8777

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SUBSCRIPTION RATES (including GST) Australia: $72.60 annually Overseas: $110 annually

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MOTOR TRADER PUBLISHING POLICY Motor Trader is the official publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland.

The role of Motor Trader is to inform members of current issues and legislation affecting the industry. As such it can be regarded as the business magazine for the Queensland motor industry. The role of Motor Trader is not to be in competition with the technical magazines already on the market. It will advise of new vehicles being released and of the latest technology incorporated into them; it will advise of latest technology affecting members in each of the MTA Queensland Divisions; it will keep members abreast of the latest in motor industry training and industrial affairs; and it will keep members informed of the latest technical aids available through MTA Queensland Member Services, which will assist members in staying ahead of the technological revolution presently being encountered within the motor industry.

The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material.

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MTA QUEENSLAND ABN: 74 028 933 848

02 From the editor

CORPORATE PARTNERS

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04 Policy/Viewpoint 06 GM's Professional Circle perspective 08 MTA Q&A

VALLEY RADIATOR SERVICE: GENE BRESLIN AND ROBERT SNELL

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Cover image: MrSegui / Shutterstock.com

Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland

MEMBERS ESSENTIALS 19 Training GM's Professional Circle perspective 20 Professional Circle training 27 Member profiles 28 Industrial relations

Feature 10 THE FLYING FINN: TALKING FORMULA ONE WITH MIKA HAKKINEN

30 The hit list GENEVA MOTOR SHOW 2016

16 Members Classic MESSERSCHMITT'S MIGHTY MICRO: 1958 MESSERSCHMITT KR200 ROADSTER

33 Industry insight

11 STEPS TO ‘BUSINESS NUMBERS MADE EASY’ PART 2 April 2016 Motor Trader | 1

From the editor

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JONATHAN NASH EDITOR

2 | Motor Trader April 2016

ELLO AND WELCOME to the April edition of Motor Trader.

In our main feature this month we talk with two-time Formula One world champion Mika Hakkinen. The Finnish driver, who won his championships driving for the McLaren team in 1998 and 1999, and survived a horrifying crash at the 1995 Australian GP in Adelaide, has some interesting insights regarding the 2016 season, the recent domination of F1 by Mercedes, developments in F1 safety and plenty more.

In our MTA Q&A feature this month we talk to Gene Breslin and Robert Snell from Valley Radiator Service in Brisbane. Established in 1978 by Kevin and Maureen Breslin, the business has built an enviable reputation for the quality of the products and services it provides to customers across Queensland and beyond.

In our Member's Classic feature we catch up with Maurie West from West Car Sales in Bundaberg. Maurie is the owner of a most unusual piece of automotive history - a Messerschmitt KR200. A three-wheeled microcar built in the fifties, the KR200 was part of a series of microcars built by the famous German aircraft manufacturer in the wake of a post-WWII ban on the company producing planes. Maurie's KR200 has been owned by his family since the 1960s after his grandfather picked it up at an auction in Brisbane.

After a serious restoration, the Messerschmitt is in absolutely tip-top condition as you can see on page 16.

In Professional Circle training news, we report on the first Advanced Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) training course recently run at the Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence. Delving deeply into technical and practical PDR techniques - including blending, glue pulling, pulling-tool options, large dent removal, crease dents, double dents, working with aluminium, finishing techniques and hail repair - the five-day program is designed to deliver in-depth training to enhance the skills and knowledge required for a technician to operate at a commercial level in PDR.

Also in training news, the MTA Institute is introducing an Advanced Hybrid Electric Vehicle Course to its training portfolio. The course, to be held over four evening sessions in May, is designed to cover elements of hybrid vehicle systems in considerable depth, and each session will focus on an individual element such as batteries, transmissions, electronics and diagnostics. In an environment in which hybrid and all-electric vehicles are becoming more common, the course offers industry professionals comprehensive training in a sector of the industry that will continue to grow.

This month also sees the launch of the MTA Institute's new online Learning Management System (LMS).

Commencing with the delivery of the Motor Vehicle Salesperson’s course and Motor Vehicles Dealer’s course, the LMS has been developed to provide access to MTAI programs to students in regional and remote areas.

Benefits of the LMS system are substantial - an online course allows students to enrol at any time and complete the course at their own pace and, as a digital medium, there is, in many cases, no requirement for physical workbooks or other paper documentation. Instead, these elements, as part of the LMS, mean trainers can assess their students' progress at any time online, no matter their location.

The LMS represents an evolution of the innovative training for which the MTA Institute is renowned and, over the next few months, will be expanded to included other programs. Go to page 26 for more details.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Motor Trader, and remember, if you have a story worth telling, want to appear in Member Profiles, or have a classic car, bike or truck you would like to see featured, then please contact me.

Cheers, Jonathan Nash jonathann@mtaq.com.au

The benchmark of industry standards.

Representing the benchmark of industry standards, in 2016 the Professional Circle will bring a new level of connection between the MTA Queensland, its members, the industry and the public.

It will reinforce the great value of both the benefits available by being a member of MTAQ and of using the training services of the MTA Institute.

And through components such as the 10 Commitments to the Professional Circle, and the displaying of the Certified 10/10 Professional message, it will also be proof to the public that to choose to use

the services of an MTAQ member is to be guaranteed the very highest standards of service and professionalism.

As we move through 2016, a focus on highlighting the quality and professionalism of MTAQ Members will be made through established and new channels – including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and e-newsletters - and new features, products and services will flow through revitalised MTAQ and MTAI websites.

The Professional Circle is an exciting development and one that will confirm

the Association’s status not only as the pre-eminent representative for the motor trades, but also as the source of expert and professional services to the public.

For more on the Professional Circle, go to www.mtaprofessionalcircle.com.au

Policy/Viewpoint Mackay on June 8. Members were keen for other courses to be decentralised, to the extent that they offered their own premises to overcome the need for MTAI training gear to be transported from Brisbane. We are working on that aspect. In the near future, as part of our customer service relations, there will be field visits to centres on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts and later to Toowoomba and the west.

KELLIE DEWAR GENERAL MANAGER MTA QUEENSLAND

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UCH OF MY time is spent at a desk using electronic mediums to communicate with Members.

However, when the opportunity arises, I love meeting with Members in person.

And that has been the highlight of the past month as, together with divisional executive Andy O’Hearn and our corporate partners, I have been meeting Members in Cairns, Atherton and Townsville.

These meetings allowed Members to express their views on local industry issues, gave Andy and myself the chance to promote MTA Queensland services and the advantages of being in the Professional Circle, and allowed our corporate partners the opportunity to meet Members and talk about their services. I noted after the meeting that our corporate partners were interacting with Members, and it is pleasing that they want to continue to participate in future events. In a nutshell, the meetings were most successful.

Cairns and Atherton Members were positive about the local economy and their businesses but the mood in Townsville was more circumspect.

The Atherton meeting was a full house and clearly the motor vehicle franchisees regarded the meeting as a networking opportunity.

A topical issue at each of the meetings was training. Members were pleased that the MTA Institute (MTAI) is to take specific courses to regional centres. The first is the Introduction to Hybrid Electric Vehicle Introductory Course which will take place in Cairns on June 6, Townsville on June 7 and 4 | Motor Trader April 2016

PETROL PRICE SUMMIT To be blunt, we were not invited to the petrol price summit. Members of the Service Station and Convenience Store Association and I heard about it after the event. As said many times, the MTA Queensland has a sound working relationship with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and I was puzzled as to our omission. The OFT, in a response to my telephone call, advised that the petrol price summit was an initiative of the Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply Mark Bailey and his office without input from the bureaucracy.

I wrote to Minister Bailey expressing disappointment we were not invited and were unable to value-add to the discussions based on practical fuel retailing experiences and understanding of consumer attitudes to fuel pricing and price boards. I advised that we had communicated our Members concerns regularly to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission with regard to bulk fuel price to service stations and the supermarket oligopolies discounting practices. Obviously, the petrol price summit was a rushed initiative.

If the Minister’s Office had taken the time to research submissions to the Parliamentary Utilities, Science and Innovation Committee concerning Ethanol and the Biofuels Mandate, it would have found that we were consistent submitters. In the event of another petrol price summit, the expectation is that MTA Queensland will be on the invitation list.

An outcome of the summit was that Minister Bailey wrote to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Rod Sims urging an investigation into why Queenslanders

were paying more for fuel than other Australians. A similar investigation has been completed in Darwin, and the ACCC has two more underway in Launceston and Armidale. In addition, signage outside petrol stations was raised as an issue. The OFT, in discussions with us, advised it is exploring various options on a national standard for Fuel Price Boards. NSW and South Australia have legislated standards for fuel price boards.

ADVOCACY Advocacy requires substance, consistency and patience and over the years the MTAQ has exhibited those characteristics in the best interests of Members. Two recent issues come to mind. The first - after seven years of advocacy - is the realisation of standard form contracts between businesses where one of the businesses employs less than 20 people and the contract is worth up to $300,000 in a single year or $1 million if the contract runs for more than a year. The new protections will help address significant imbalances or disadvantages to small businesses in their dealings with other businesses by allowing the courts to declare void unfair terms within standard form.

This will take effect from November 12, 2016 following a transition period.

The second issue is competition policy reform. The Federal Government decision to change laws governing the misuse of market power was a welcome announcement for small and medium businesses. In our submissions, we advocated that the Australian Competition and Consumer Act S46 (misuse of market power) must be reformed as an economic protocol by incorporating an ‘economic effects test’ as a determinant of the misuse of market power but, also, retain the judicial purpose test in the Harper Panel’s recommendation. The change will increase the capacity of automotive industries such as smash repair, retailing, service and parts to engage in competition on their own merits and provide enhanced consumer choice.

Currently, the priority is to finalise the submission to the Commonwealth

Department of Transport and Regional Development’s discussion paper on Vehicle Emissions which seeks responses on a range of issues. These are diverse, such as the implementation of Euro 6 or equivalent standards for new vehicles, fuel efficiency (CO2) measures for new light vehicles, and fuel quality standards.

A significant pending policy issue is the review of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). A 2009 Intergovernmental Agreement requires that this must be undertaken within seven years.

It will commence shortly and will consider the effectiveness of the provisions of the ACL. The final report is expected in 2017. The review will test whether consumer protections suit the modern market place and whether the regulatory tools and sanctions are delivering compliance.

The understanding is that the body to conduct the review - Consumer Affairs Australia and New Zealand - will make a determination whether so called ‘lemon laws’ should be included in the ACL or have its own body of legislation.

Adding grist to the ‘lemon law’ mill, the consumer advocacy group CHOICE has advised that its research indicated 16 per cent of consumers who had problems with their new motor vehicles were made to sign confidentiality agreements in order to have a faulty vehicle replaced or refunded.

FEDERAL ELECTION A Federal Election is now on the agenda either as a double dissolution or a half Senate election concurrently with the election for House of Representatives Members. It seems like yesterday that the MTA Queensland was bunkered down arguing against the ruinous fringe benefit tax - with success.

There are no such burning issues at this time, but we will be listening carefully during the upcoming Federal Budget for issues relevant to the motor trades.

THE ECONOMY The Reserve Bank left the cash rate unchanged at 2 per cent. In making the decision, the view was expressed that that ‘non-mining parts of the economy’ had strengthened, which was reflected in improved labour market conditions.

The Board will be watching new economic data to determine if there should be easing in monetary policy.

The economic news for the month, as revealed in the December Quarter National Accounts, has been that Australia continues to successfully manage the transition from the largest resources investment boom in the nation’s history to broader-based growth. Real GDP grew by 0.6 per cent in the December quarter and by a strong 3 per cent compared to a year ago, up from a revised 2.7 per cent through the year to September.

The National Australia Bank Business Survey recorded a rebound in business conditions in February. Interestingly, this was assisted by substantial improvements in Western Australia and Queensland (non-mining states), in addition to moderate increases in New South Wales and South Australia.

Overall, business conditions rose by 3 points to +8 index points in February, above the long-term average of +5.

Business confidence did not follow the benefits of higher conditions, remaining at +3 index points in February.

According to the survey, business confidence is the highest in Queensland with a rating of 7 on a trend basis, followed by Tasmania (5) and NSW (4).

The national rating was 3. Queensland was the only state where there was an improvement in business conditions on a trend basis - up 7 points to 8 points to be the equal second mainland state with Victoria. The good news was the large fall in Queensland’s unemployment rate from 6.4 per cent to 5.6 per cent (seasonally adjusted) suggesting that the Queensland economy is improving.

NEW MOTOR VEHICLE SALES The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data for Queensland indicates that January’s mini-boom in new motor vehicle sales did not carry through to February. In all, there were 19,531 new motor vehicle sales, a decline of -384 or -1.9 per cent (seasonally adjusted) compared with last month. Nationally, there was a slight fall.

Compared with the same period last year when 19,793 new motor vehicles were sold, there has been a fall off of 162 units or - 1.3 per cent. Interestingly, nationally there was growth in the new car market of +2.3 per cent driven by large sales in New South Wales.

According to VFacts, passenger cars were the best selling category having

+41 per cent of the market for February 2016. The SUV segment maintained a healthy +38.2 per cent of total sales.

Light commercial sales accounted for 18.1 percent. Compared with February 2015, all segments showed strong growth. In particular, business buyers through February 2016 exuded confidence with sales up by +15.6 per cent compared with same month the previous year. Specifically, business purchases of light commercial vehicles increased +32.8 per cent and of SUVs increased +18.8 per cent.

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK Small Business Week will take place between May 16-21, and will have a regional flavour. With some 30 per cent of the State’s small businesses in regional Queensland, events will be hosted in Cairns, Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Toowoomba. It is planned that these events will complement the government-hosted Brisbane and Logan programs.

The government-hosted events include workshops and training sessions centred on themes of collaboration and partnerships, innovation and entrepreneurship, identifying and seizing opportunities, and preparing for digital disruption.

For more information, or to register interest in being involved in the 2016 Small Business Week, visit the website at www.business.qld.gov. au/smallbusinessweek or email smallbusiness@dtesb.qld.gov.au

BUSINESS NEWS I was perusing the Reserve Bank’s March quarter 2016 Bulletin and noted an article on Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Reform since 2009. Of interest was that the article found ‘ATM use is now in decline, even though overall ATM numbers continue to rise. Direct charges, on average, have risen slightly in real terms but the amount spent on ATM fees has fallen, reflecting declines in both the number of withdrawals and the proportion of withdrawals on which a direct charge is paid.’

The Federal Government has introduced legislation into Parliament to allow employees the option to choose their superannuation fund. Currently, about two million employees are without the opportunity to choose the fund into which their compulsory April 2016 Motor Trader | 5

Policy/Viewpoint employer contributions are paid.

At present, the common way this can occur is through enterprise bargaining agreements and workplace determinations, which may mandate a given super fund.

The Commonwealth Government’s Education and Employment Committee Report, Getting Small Business Booming, contained two recommendations of interest. The first relates to the potential complexity of multijurisdictional workers compensation arrangements which were highlighted by the Australian Small Business Commissioner. The issue is that a small business that has employees based in two or more jurisdictions must register and pay for WorkCover in each applicable state or territory. This adds red tape and complexity to the business operation and possible expansion. The Committee recommended the Minister for Employment - together with Safe Work Australia - put on the Council of Australian Government agenda a proposal to eliminate the requirement for small business operating in multiple jurisdictions to engage with multiple workers’ compensation schemes.

The second issue was the Committee’s concerns with the difficulty many young people and disadvantaged job and part-time

workers have accessing driver’s licences.

A driver’s licence is a key requirement for apprenticeships and employment in many small businesses. The Committee recommended that the Australian Government increase funding and support for the provision of driver’s licence programs to enable young and disadvantaged people to access employment opportunities.

AUSTRALIAN SMALL BUSINESS AND FAMILY ENTERPRISE OMBUDSMAN For more than two years we have engaged in the development of the policy and role of the Australian Small Business and Family Ombudsman by way of submissions to the Federal Treasury’s Competition and Consumer Division. The Ombudsman role will be as a Commonwealth-wide advocate for small businesses and family enterprises; concierge for dispute resolution services to allow businesses to resolve disputes without resorting to costly litigation, and be a contributor to the development of small business-friendly Commonwealth laws and regulations.

Ms Kate Carnell AO has been appointed to the role and has commenced work.

QUAD BIKE SAFETY As a consequence of accidents, and

even fatalities, from quad bikes, the Queensland Government has released The Statewide Plan for Improving Quad Bike Safety in Queensland 2016 – 2019.

The plan is to raise awareness of the risks associated with quad bike use and enhance operator skill and safety.

The plan focuses on three key priorities: 1. Community education and awareness about quad bike safety risks.

2. Improving quad bike operator skill and safety.

3. Govt leadership in promoting quad bike safety.

The Statewide Plan for Improving Quad Bike Safety in Queensland can be downloaded from worksafe.qld.gov.au

FINALLY In the March Viewpoint, I indicated there would be more information in this edition on the Benchmark Survey.

Please accept a raincheck on this studying the data is taking longer than expected.

Voting is the flavour of the month, so please vote for the deregistration of MTA Queensland as an Association under the State Industrial Relations Act. As explained in the March Viewpoint, workplace relations law covering the motor trades are under the Commonwealth Fair Work Act. I trust you had a happy Easter.

Until the May Viewpoint, take care and stay safe.

GM's Professional Circle perspective

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ECENTLY, YOU WOULD have noticed that the MTAQ has revitalised its social media presence. Through such channels as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn, we have stepped up our engagement with you, our members, as well as our apprentices and trainees, the automotive industry and, indeed, the general public.

And the response has been truly positive with our online community growing every day.

6 | Motor Trader April 2016

Now, the MTAQ is about to launch its new website at www.mtaq.com.au.

While it retains the important features and functions important to members - such as industrial relations information, the online store, and regular updates and news concerning the Association, training opportunities and the automotive industry, the website will also feature a new portal for the public.

This area will offer a host of engaging and informative features for the consumer, including

‘How to’ video content offering basic vehicle maintenance information, and a function that will assist them to locate the nearest MTAQ member who can help with whatever query or service they require.

The new website, together with the Association’s revitalised social media presence are compelling developments, and using these avenues allows the MTAQ to establish a unique conversation and relationship between members, industry and the public.

It’s an exciting moment, and now is the time for you to sign in, join the conversation and embrace the possibilities presented online.

We’ll see you there!

As a special business offer for MTA Queensland members, you can have access to a payment terminal that can do more than take payments.

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$

The Commonwealth Bank has developed a new EFTPOS tablet called Albert that accepts card payments and also runs apps. To help keep your business moving, Commonwealth Bank has a special offer for MTA Queensland members.

Just open a new Commonwealth Bank Business Transaction Account by 30/06/2016 and link it to your existing or new Commonwealth Bank merchant facility.

terminal rental for 3 months*

$

monthly account fee on a Business Transaction Account – $10 monthly account fee waiver#

To take advantage of this offer, just contact MTA Queensland on 07 3237 8777.

Important Information: Offer available to referrals made via MTA Queensland between 01/01/2016 and 30/06/2016. *This offer is applicable to existing and eligible new merchant facilities.

To maintain the fee waiver, you must retain the required products contained in the offer (including settling your merchant facility to your linked Commonwealth Bank business transaction account). Otherwise the offer may be withdrawn. #To maintain the fee waiver, you must retain the required products, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn. Offer includes the monthly account maintenance fee of currently $10 on the Business Transaction Account linked to the merchant facility. Please refer to terms and conditions. This offer may be extended beyond the specified end date at the discretion of the Commonwealth Bank. Interest rates and fees are subject to change. Full conditions of use will be included in our Letter of Offer.

Applications for finance subject to the Bank’s normal leading criteria. MTA Queensland may receive a fee from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for each successful referral. Referral Fees are not payable on referrals from existing relationship managed Commonwealth Bank customers. This has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider its appropriateness to your circumstances before you act on it. Terms and conditions are available from commbank.com.au. Some of the apps shown require individual development. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. Australian credit licence 234945.

MTA

QA &

What products and services does Valley Radiator Service provide?

GB: Sales and repairs to retail, smash repairers and insurers. We work with radiators, air condensers, other air conditioning components, receiver driers, intercoolers, oil coolers – essentially all vehicle coolant components.

RS: We service trade customers from across the state and into NSW. We have customers in Tully, Innisfail, Cairns and everyday we have replacement part shipments going out to Rockhampton, Gladstone, Townsville and everywhere in between.

GB: So the mechanic or panel beater will strip the vehicle down, then call us. We go and pick up whatever component is damaged and we either repair or replace that component.

RS: We inspect the items as they come in and if they are repairable we will repair them. If they need replacing, then we organise the replacement parts.

We also offer free pick up and delivery.

How did the business start?

GB: It started with Kevin, my father.

To be honest, Robert would have more of those details because he has been here since day one!

RS: I was the first employee. We started in Bundamba where Kevin was managing a radiator shop. He hired me and then, about six months later, he went out by himself and I went with him. We started up in Barry Parade in Fortitude Valley – hence Valley Radiator Service. At the time it was just the two of us and the shop was a small unit underneath a tyre service business. None of it exists anymore there is a high-rise going up there now.

Until your recent move, were you always located at the Valley?

Robert Snell and Gene Breslin

RS: We were at our last premises in

Established by Kevin and Maureen Breslin, Valley Radiator Service has been in the radiator repair and sales business for nearly 40 years. Supported by an experienced and loyal team, the business has built an enviable reputation for the quality of the products and services it provides to customers across Queensland and beyond. Motor Trader caught up with Gene Breslin and Robert Snell – the company’s workshop manager and very first employee who has been with the business since it opened in 1978. the Valley for 21 years. Prior to that we were at a couple of different sites in that area. We moved to Albion in December last year.

Why the move?

GB: We were one of the last automotive trades still located in that area - which is so near to the city. You can’t stop progress, and Developers were already buying the properties on either side of us, so it was time to sell and relocate.

Our current location is about the same size as the previous one but on one level.

What’s your background in the industry?

GB: I’ve been here 18 years, starting when I was 15. I started at the very bottom sweeping floors and have slowly worked my way up. I was shown the ropes regarding repair, delivery and so on and have gone through pretty much every role there is. Now I am the assistant workshop manager.

RS: I’ve been in the business a long time and am the workshop manager.

There is actually no radiator repair trade, so what I have is accumulated knowledge, skill and experience.

How many staff do you have?

GB: We have ten staff, and many of the guys have been with us for more than 20 years.

RS: As we got busier we hired and trained more people. We started with one delivery driver, then went to two and now we have three. As we said, most of the people who work here have been here for 20 years and more. The shortest period is actually 12 years.

What is it about the environment and culture you have created here that has fostered such loyalty?

GB: We have always been very fair to our staff. We’ve always tried to accommodate them better than a

standard workshop - we pay above award, and always try to help if they need extra time and so on.

It’s a family-owned business. How many of the Breslin family are involved?

GB: My sisters Amy and Erin are involved in the administration side of the business, and Maureen is now retired but still helps out when needed. My father was involved, of course, but passed away 11 years ago. My nephew has worked here during his school holidays, so three generations of our family have worked here. As for ‘extended’ family, one of Rob’s sons is on board with us and at one stage we had two of his sons working here.

To what do you attribute the success of the business?

RS: Our prices are fair and we offer the best service in town. We have always done the right thing by the insurance companies too, and are probably one of the few companies left that actually repair smash jobs. Other companies may supply new parts but very few actually repair radiators. And there can be huge benefits for the insurance companies there. For example, we might get a late-model Mercedes radiator that is worth $1000 that we can repair for less than $100.

The repair work we provide is mainly to the Brisbane and surrounding area.

As far as our country customers go we normally supply replacement parts.

As repairers, we know good quality parts and we only supply the best.

GB: If we had branches in those areas we would, of course, be offering repair work.

Being based where we are, what we can do is offer speedy service in supplying parts. We do that at such a price that we often are beating their local providers, and getting parts to them quicker! Many of our customers are amazed at how quickly we can get parts to them.

Your website says you work with ‘fabricating and modifying rare, vintage and specialised vehicles’. What is that work and how did you become involved?

RS: We do quite a lot of work on vintage cars – cars from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. We do get that work on a fairly regular basis and it is coming in because of word-of-mouth - because people are talking about what we can do here. A lot of people have ‘toys’ out there hidden away, and we are getting more of that sort of work coming in – older radiators for older vehicles. Car club members come in and then tell others they had work done here and that we’re the place to go to.

We do modifications for people who have hot rods too. We can make them a custom radiator from scratch. If they want a pipe of a certain dimension, to go in a certain position and at a certain angle, well, no problems, we can do that as well.

People have always been modifying vehicles. If they take the side-plate out of their FB Holden and throw a V8 into it then they want a bigger radiator, bigger inlet and outlet pipes and that sort of stuff. We work out what they need and go from there.

What’s the most unusual or rare vehicle you have worked on?

RS: We have a 1927 Oakland we’re working on at the moment. We’ve worked on an early 1920s Rolls-Royce too . . . you never know what’s going to come in.

What do you do with your spare time?

GB: I don’t get much, but just relax with the better half !

RS: I have a couple of old MGs I work on. I probably wouldn’t say I relax when working on them! There’s lots of work to do on them, but they are my toys.

April 2016 Motor Trader | 9

THE FLYING FINN .

Legendary F1 driver Mika Hakkinen overcame accidents and adversity in order to take on the racing giant Michael Schumacher. Now he wants to see his beloved McLaren challenge the Mercedes-Ferrari monopoly and reclaim pole position.

WORDS: JAKE TAYLOR

Background image: MrSegui / Shutterstock.com

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IKA HAKKINEN’S BACK-TO-BACK Formula One Championship wins in 1998 and 1999 were made all the more impressive by the fact that he went toe-to-toe with Michael Schumacher, widely considered to be one of the greatest drivers of all time. It’s an accolade that could be attributed to the Flying Finn himself, of course, as Hakkinen and Schumacher’s on-track rivalry was the greatest the sport had seen since the glory days of Alain Prost versus Ayrton Senna.

Coupling a stereotypically Scandinavian temperament both on and off the track, Hakkinen’s career had it all: a life-threatening injury that sparked a triumphant career characterised by arguably some of the most daring overtaking manoeuvres ever seen in Formula One history.

Despite Hakkinen making his F1 debut with Lotus in 1991, he later became synonymous with McLaren – a team he stayed with from 1993 until his retirement in 2001.

10 | Motor Trader April 2016

Upon joining the British team, Hakkinen was given the chance to shine following the departure of Michael Andretti, effectively promoting the young Finn to the two-man race team; the other driver being the legendary Senna himself.

Hakkinen made his mark immediately, out-qualifying the brilliant Brazilian at the Portuguese Grand Prix, but ultimately failing to finish the race.

Hakkinen clinched his first victory in 1997, when David Coulthard partnered him at McLaren. It was around this time that his rivalry with Schumacher began to reach new heights, as the next two seasons saw Hakkinen clinch the title at the German’s expense. Their battle for top spot continued until Hakkinen’s relatively early retirement in 2001, a year after he amazed the Formula One world with a stunning simultaneous overtake of both Schumacher and Ricardo Zonta in Belgium.

Now 47 years old, Hakkinen is comfortably retired from racing, although he does still consider himself “a great fan”. “I get very excited about Formula One,” he explains.

“Having raced for many years, I love the experiences it has given me. Formula One gives me excitement today – it has great character and great drivers.”

Hakkinen’s perception of the opening race of 2016 in Australia – marred by a huge crash from McLaren’s Spanish star Fernando Alonso – is all the more relevant given his own near-fatal experience at the now-disused Adelaide track in 1995.

Though Hakkinen contests his accident “was such a long time ago” that seeing Alonso’s incident “didn’t take [him] back”, the discussion surrounding how to keep drivers safe is ongoing and essential to the sport.

Hakkinen’s position in the debate is unique: as a former driver, and accident survivor, he experienced first-hand the perils of racing at such eye-watering speeds. On top of this, his career began just a year before his former team-mate Senna died at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994. Despite Alonso’s crash, and the tragic death of Jules Bianchi as recently as 2013, Hakkinen maintains that “what they have done for safety in Formula One is incredible.”

“They have the technology, [they] work hard and save lives,” he explains. “It’s a very good thing. You rarely see accidents like [Alonso’s] these days and he was able to walk away.”

The Finn was less lucky in 1995. Hakkinen’s car suffered a tyre failure, resulting in him crashing at a speed of around 120mph.

Safety was, in his own words, “less developed”. Hakkinen suffered a skull

fracture, internal bleeding and a blockage of his airway, and was saved only by an emergency incision to his trachea by the side of the track. Now, however, Hakkinen believes that technological advancements give drivers more than a fighting chance against the danger inherent in such a perilous sport.

“Now the HANS system reduces the movement of your head,” he says, “the cockpit protects you, so that any parts which fly into the air can’t reach you. The parts of the car are also stronger, so the possibility of stepping out of the car after an accident is much higher.”

Alonso’s incident dominated events on the track in Australia but, meanwhile, the off-track discussion was more focused on the fiasco surrounding the new qualifying format – which now looks certain to be scrapped. The brief lifespan of the new format, which introduced a live elimination element to the process, was almost unanimously criticised by fans, drivers and team officials.

For Hakkinen, although the new qualifying started in “an interesting way”, it ended up being “horrible for the fans”; the action ended in the earlier rounds, meaning the third qualifying period – usually one full of high-octane action as the final few compete for pole – was distinctly lacklustre. “That didn’t make sense,” says Hakkinen, adding that qualifying definitely needs “a fight for the last few metres” – a sentiment obviously shared by the rest of the F1 community.

“I GET VERY EXCITED

ABOUT FORMULA ONE. HAVING RACED FOR MANY YEARS, I LOVE THE EXPERIENCES IT HAS GIVEN ME. FORMULA ONE GIVES ME EXCITEMENT TODAY – IT HAS GREAT CHARACTER AND GREAT DRIVERS.”

April 2016 Motor Trader | 11

Mika Hakkinen's fierce rivalry with Michael Schumacher was a hallmark of Formula One during the late '90s

Of course, Alonso’s accident and the qualifying fiasco put aside, the real story of F1 always comes down to who ends up on the podium. Predicting who might come away as champion this year is difficult, says Hakkinen, as “there are only a few days of testing” beforehand. Once again, however, Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg and current champion Lewis Hamilton dominated proceedings with a one-two finish, but things may well have been very different had Ferrari’s tactics matched Sebastian Vettel’s flying start.

Hakkinen, whose heated rivalry with Ferrari’s Schumacher dominated the sport throughout the late 1990s, believes the iconic Italian team are “getting closer” to breaking the stranglehold Mercedes have had on the title for the past few years.

“It was amazing to see how Ferrari started,” says Hakkinen. “They have developed great technology and performances. At the same time, it was amazing to see different tactics, how the teams and drivers decided what tyres to use and when.”

Bearing in mind the flurry of technological advances within the sport, championships can now be decided on the most minute of details. While Ferrari were criticised for leaving Vettel on super-soft tyres, effectively forcing him into an unnecessary pit stop that many believe cost him the win, Hakkinen says Mercedes “were able to get results using good tactics”.

What of Hakkinen’s own long-term team, McLaren?

Following a disastrous 2015 season, and taking into account Alonso’s crash, Jenson Button’s performance in Melbourne may well be a step forward, but it still was not quite 12 | Motor Trader April 2016

““IT WAS AMAZING TO SEE HOW

FERRARI STARTED. THEY HAVE DEVELOPED GREAT TECHNOLOGY AND PERFORMANCES. AT THE SAME TIME, IT WAS AMAZING TO SEE DIFFERENT TACTICS, HOW THE TEAMS AND DRIVERS DECIDED WHAT TYRES TO USE AND WHEN.”

enough to secure any points.

In Hakkinen’s view, McLaren are “definitely victims of circumstance”, due to their new engine deal with Honda.

“When you have a new engine manufacturer, you are naturally behind,” explains Hakkinen, adding that the current regulations “don’t allow teams to test enough, and if you can’t test enough it hinders development”.

Despite the team’s struggles, Hakkinen remains “very confident” that they will eventually find success with Ron Dennis, who he describes as a “great leader”, but only if the drivers are given the time they need to get used to the new car.

“If, in my time, the drivers needed a lot of patience, they need more now,” he says. Only time will tell if McLaren have what it takes to return to the top of the grid, but one thing’s for sure: right now they need more of that same spirit that inspired Hakkinen to take the fight to the giant that was Schumacher and win.

News

ROSBERG CLAIMS VICTORY AT AUSSIE GRAND PRIX M ERCEDES STARTED THE 2016 Formula One season with a one-two podium finish at the year’s opening race at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Nico Rosberg claimed the victory, defending champion Lewis Hamilton finished second, with Ferrari’s Sebastien Vettel taking the last podium spot. Though the result seems to indicate that Mercedes will be the force to beat again this season, the race was tight enough to suggest the gap between the teams is getting closer and Mercedes will not have it all their own way this year.

It was an action-packed GP, marked by a monster crash involving McLaren’s Fernando Alonso on Lap 18. Thankfully, Alonso walked away from the accident, which saw him clip the Haas team car of Esteban Gutierrez and flip horrifyingly to a halt at Turn 3.

The crash altered the dynamics of the race and, perhaps, its outcome.

The 20-minute break to clear debris from the track saw Mercedes take advantage of a tyre strategy that meant they could drive through to the end of the race without a further change while Ferrari were forced to pit Vettel again, losing precious time to his rivals.

Up to that moment, Ferrari looked to be in control, with Vettel performing solidly after a spectacular start saw him outstrip pole-sitter Hamilton - who had a horror start, falling to sixth spot by the second corner - and second-placed Rosberg to take the lead at the first turn.

In victory, Rosberg recognised that the Ferrari team looked set to offer the biggest challenge to what has been two years of Mercedes domination.

“That was a perfect race for me,” said Rosberg. “The start was tricky, as I was on the dirty side of the grid and Vettel managed to be ahead. He did a really good job at the start – but we chose the perfect strategy by going

Nico Rosberg took victory in Melbourne, with Lewis Hamilton in second. An excellent performance by

Fernando Alonso walked away from a monster crash that left his McLaren a mangled wreck

onto the medium tyre after the red flag. We can enjoy this moment for sure – but we know now just how strong those red cars will be this season, so we cannot afford to relax.”

For Australian fans, there was something to celebrate in the performance of Daniel Ricciardo, who drove superbly to a 4th place finish.

“Today was fun for me,” said the

Sebastien Vettel saw him take third spot for Ferrari

Aussie. “At the start we were able to pick cars off. We had good pace and it was fun to be able to pass cars - I was enjoying that as always . . . Fourth is still a good result and I’m happy we’re not that far off Mercedes and Ferrari.”

While the race itself was hailed as an action-packed success, the new qualifying format, tried for the first time in Melbourne, most assuredly was not. The revised knock-out format, which saw drivers eliminated every 90 seconds during the final minutes of each of the three qualifying sessions, was highly anticipated.

However, in the third session, teams were content to conserve tyres and sit out the closing minutes.

The upshot was that the hoped-for fight for pole never eventuated, disappointing fans, drivers and F1 administrators.

The new format will likely survive for the Bahrain race at the beginning of April but, after that, some revision is all but certain.

April 2016 Motor Trader | 13

Automotive News

MTAQ MEMBER RECIEVES TOP MERCEDES AWARDS M ERCEDES-BENZ TOOWONG HAVE been honoured at the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Dealer awards held at The Crown Casino in Melbourne last month.

The family-owned Queensland Dealership - a member of the Autosports Group and an MTAQ Member - received several top accolades on the night.

Dealer Principal Angus Young, collectively with his outstanding team, delivered a year of exceptional customer service to be awarded the highest accolades of 2015 Metropolitan Dealer of the Year and 2015 Mercedes-Benz Finance Dealer of The Year. Individual recognition was given to Service Manager Karen Shannon who won Service Manager of The Year, New Vehicle Sales Manager Luke Brown who won New Car Sales Manager of The Year, and runner up for Pre-Owned Manager of The Year went to Mark Bartlett.

With over 800 representatives from dealerships all over Australia attending the ceremony, the awards recognised the exceptional

JAGUAR TO BUILD ICONIC XKSS JAGUAR IS TO build nine ultraexclusive continuation units of the iconic XKSS model.

A road-going version of the hugely successful D-Type race car, the story of the XKSS began following the D-Type’s three Le Mans victories in 1955, 1956 and 1957. After the hat-trick of wins, Jaguar boss Sir Williams Lyons took the decision to convert the remaining 25 D-types into road-

14 | Motor Trader April 2016

Jason Nomikos (General Manager Marketing), Horst von Sanden (Managing Director & CEO), Ben Haywood, Angus Young, Brad Kelly (General Manager Sales), Jeff Simons (General Manager Aftersales)

performance of Australia’s MercedesBenz dealerships and their staff.

On accepting the award, Mr Young thanked Mercedes-Benz Australia, his team and his customers for their continuing support.

“18 months ago, we made a significant investment in the Queensland market purchasing the Mercedes-Benz dealership Centenary Classic from Bob Tucker. Building on Bob’s foundation we have evolved the business to Mercedes-Benz Toowong and I am delighted that the hard

work and dedication of our team has brought us here tonight,” he said.

“To our business partners Mercedes-Benz Australia, to my staff and most importantly to our customers, without whom none of us would be here in this room tonight, thank you for your support.

“We are excited about the construction of our AMG Performance Centre and further facility upgrades which will only enhance the customer experience at our dealership”.

going versions with several external modifications.

These modifications included the addition of a higher windscreen, an extra door on the passenger side, taking away the divider between driver and passenger and the removal of the fin behind the driver’s seat.

Unfortunately, after being earmarked for export to the USA, nine of the cars were destroyed when the company’s Browns Lane factory caught fire in February 1957. Now, 59 years later, Jaguar is going to build the nine

‘lost’ XKSS sports cars.

“The XKSS occupies a unique place in Jaguar’s history and is a car coveted by collectors the world over for its exclusivity and unmistakable design,” said Tim Hannig, Director Jaguar Land Rover Classic. “Jaguar Classic’s highly-skilled team of engineers and technicians will draw on decades of knowledge to ensure each of the nine cars is completely authentic and crafted to the highest quality.”

The company says that every car will be constructed to the same specifications as those first 16 made in 1957 – with every aspect fully certified. The price will be in excess of £1 million ($AUD1.9million).

The first deliveries of the new continuation Jaguar XKSS will commence in early 2017.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Introductory Course Right training.

Right place.

Right way.

Course Overview Lucrative opportunities exist for businesses willing to adapt to new market trends.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) have arrived and new models are on the way.

In just a few years, HEVs will become one of the biggest automotive growth areas in Australia. Mastering the latest technology takes time; it’s complicated and dangerous.

Therefore ‘learning on the job’ isn’t an option - leave it to the experts.

Delivered by industry professionals, the Hybrid Electric Vehicle Course is designed specifically for automotive repairers wanting to familiarise themselves on HEVs. All the information you need to understand hybrid technology and associated safe working practices will be covered in this basic introductory session.

1. Understand principles of HEV vehicle technology 2. Tools, usage and safety requirements 3. Component identification and location 4. S kills and knowledge required to deactivate and isolate the high voltage supply system in HEV Dates

Cairns 6 June, Townsville 7 June and Mackay 8 June, 2016

Time:

6:00pm to 9:00pm (light refreshments provided from 5:30pm)

Locations: Cairns - Mark Dodge Motoring, 112 Buchan Street, Bungalow QLD Townsville - Supreme Automotive, 31-33 Keane Street, Currajong QLD Mackay - NB Industries, 24 Iridium Drive, Paget QLD Cost:

$352 (Inc GST) for MTAQ members $440 (Inc GST) for non-members

Learner Requirements Automotive trade knowledge is desirable but not mandatory. Tools and relevent equipment will be provided. Standard workshop attire required.

Enrol Should you wish to enrol, or require further information, please contact one of our friendly staff on 3722 3000.

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

20150292

MTA Institute Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence

MESSERSCHMITT'S

T

MIGHTY MICRO

HINK OF THE name Messerschmitt and it probably conjures up images of aeroplanes. Most likely, these aeroplanes will be WWII-era fighter aircraft like the Bf109 – the mainstay of the Luftwaffe at the beginning of the war, made famous for its struggles with the Spitfires and Hurricanes of the RAF during the Battle of Britain.

However, the German company was involved in the creation of other, rather less powerful and destructive modes of transport. Most famous of these were the threewheeled microcars designed by engineer Fritz Fend.

Built by the company following a post-war ban on aircraft production imposed by the victorious allies, the microcars were small, lightweight, surprisingly nippy and extraordinarily economical - the second-generation KR200 model’s 191cc engine was good for around 3.2 litres per 100km and capable of an impressive 100km/h top speed.

A quirky-looking vehicle, the rear-wheel drive, rearengined vehicle had some other quirks too. There was seating for two, though the passenger sat directly behind the driver as on a motorcycle; to access reverse, the driver had to shut off the motor and restart it spinning backwards and instead of a standard steering wheel, the KR200 used a ‘yoke’-style steering mechanism – something that was probably more recognisable to those piloting its winged Bf109 cousin.

However, for all their quirks, the Messerschmitt 16 | Motor Trader April 2016

microcars proved to be extremely popular. More than 15,000 of the first-generation KR175 were built between 1953 and 1955 and perhaps as many as 30,000 of the KR200 found their way into the hands of enthusiasts across the world.

One of these, a rare soft-top version of the KR200, found its way to Australian shores and, eventually, into the hands Maurie West, Dealer Principal for West Car Sales in Bundaberg.

“I believe my grandfather actually got it from Brisbane Motor Auctions in the ’60s,” says Maurie. “I’m not exactly sure when, but my memory of it back then was that it was in good condition, and I remember driving around in it as a kid."

Over the years, the KR200 was used a little less and eventually was tucked away for storage. By the time it was uncovered a few years later it was in dire need of some restoration work.

“I started work on it many years ago when my grandmother gave it to me,” says Maurie. “I was going to use it as a backdrop for my wedding but we weren’t able to get it finished in time. After that I got a little disillusioned with and put it back in the shed.

“Then the Messerschmitt Club of Sydney got in touch with me. They were trying to find out if I still had the car

MAKE: MESSERSCHMITT MODEL: KR200 ROADSTER YEAR: 1958 ENGINE: 191CC, SINGLE CYLINDER, TWO-STROKE OWNER: MAURIE WEST OWNED: FAMILY-OWNED SINCE 1960

and if I could give them its numbers. I brought it out of storage to find those numbers and an old friend of mine, an engineer, was up from Hervey Bay and he said, ‘Why don’t we get this thing going?’.

“From there the ‘getting it going’ bit turned out to involve a full restoration – and a lot of money!”

The restoration took nearly three years, and involved work on just about every part of the car.

“The body was stripped right down to metal, sandblasted and repainted,” says Maurie. “The motor was stripped down and re-ringed and resealed, the gearbox was stripped down, and the car was reupholstered as well.”

A tricky restoration, locating parts for a relatively rare car which was last produced in the 1960s meant searching far and wide, utilising the resources of Messerschmitt fans from across the globe.

“It was a difficult job,” says Maurie. “The car was completely dismantled, and probably nine-tenths of the parts came from England. There is a massive Messerschmitt Club there, and though I did get some of the parts from the Messerschmitt Club here in Australia, most of it came out of England."

With the KR200 fully restored, Maurie does take it out for a spin every now and again, and, he says, it is an ‘interesting’ drive, especially with power coming from the one, centrally-positioned rear wheel.

“It is something you have to be very wary of driving,”

DO YOU HAVE A PRIDE AND JOY IN THE GARAGE THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE IN THE PAGES OF MOTOR TRADER?

he says. “You have to drive right around a pothole or bump in the road, Contact Jonathan Nash at jonathann@ mtaq.com.au or 07 3237 8721 and let’s and with 10-inch see if we can share your classic wheels it can be a with other members. very rough ride.”

However, though it might provide something of an uncomfortable ride, it’s also clearly a lot of fun and has proved to be a real head-turner.

“I take it out about once a month,” says Maurie.

“Normally, I’d take it out in the afternoon or night-time as it’s too hot to drive otherwise. There’s no air-conditioning so sitting in it here in Queensland, you’d cook!

“Taking it for a drive can be quite comical,” he adds.

“People take photos of it all the time, and when they pull up next to us at the lights everyone has a good laugh. It is fun.”

However, though the Messerschmitt might cause a bit of a chuckle now, in an era where 'small' and 'economical' are desirable features for a motorcar, it may be that, one day, the Messerschmitt may be looked at not with amusement but with a hint of envy.

April 2016 Motor Trader | 17

Can you afford not to be in the circle?

Advocacy

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

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ESSENTIALS ESSENTIALS

PAUL KULPA GENERAL MANAGER MTA INSTITUTE

Contents 19 Training GM's Professional Circle perspective 20 Professional Circle training 27 Member profiles

JOE KNOTT SMASH REPAIRS PROCHECK AUTOMOTIVE

28 Industrial relations

T

HERE HAS BEEN a lot of talk about innovation lately, but what is innovation? How does it improve your business in a commercial sense and why is this something we should strive to achieve?

Being innovative means you are creating a new method, idea or product that can drive your business and improve the customer experience.

The MTA Institute seeks to be innovative and we are looking at ways to create new methods of learning through the range of training programs we offer as well as how we deliver our products.

The new Learning Management System MTA Institute is deploying for its Sales and Dealers courses provides this innovative approach of delivery.

While most of you have likely used computer-based learning, we are taking this system to a new level of interaction by using features such as video clips to help learners navigate through the LMS and have a richer educational experience.

The learner will still have to complete assessment questions, provide a portfolio of evidence and employer confirmation of

April 2016 Motor Trader | 19

E S S E N T I A L S

MEMBERS MEMBERS

learnt outcomes via an evidence report – all of which can be done through the online LMS portal.

These requirements ensure they understand what is required and have the underpinning knowledge to complete the course and move on to a successful career in the industry.

Innovation does not stop at the way we deliver our training, but also the products we offer. We search for and develop programs that will make a difference to your business, such as paintless dent repair courses, advance hybrid vehicle training programs and welding training. We offer these programs to create innovation in your business, which will allow you to create a market position or value proposition to improve business.

Being part of the automotive industry requires us all to be innovative.

The industry continues to evolve and we must keep up, especially for those of us involved in training our industry – whether it is in apprenticeships or post-trade training.

We are always looking at ways to be creative in our training delivery and I find it encouraging talking to clients about ways we can do this (constructive feedback is always welcome). These conversations provide us with observations on new technologies being developed which, in turn, helps MTA Institute focus on improving and evolving our training portfolio.

As always, if you would like more information on our training or just want to discuss training options, we are always willing to listen. So don’t hesitate to contact our staff to find out how we can help your business innovate, create and flourish.

M E M B E R S

Training GM's Professional Circle perspective

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

Professional Circle training

Shane Anderson (centre) goes over the finer points of PDR

FIRST ADVANCED TRAINING COURSE LAUNCHED FOR PDR TECHNICIANS P AINTLESS DENT REPAIR, or PDR, is a burgeoning sector of the auto body repair industry.

This cost-effective method of repairing the dents and imperfections on a vehicle body is proving more popular as businesses, insurers and the public see the benefits of a process that can save damaged body panels from requiring replacement and/or repainting.

As a consequence of the cost savings available through PDR, skilled technicians are becoming a much sought-after resource in the industry.

The MTAQ, in collaboration with industry-leading PDR business PDR President, has already created an ‘Introduction to PDR’ course for those wanting to learn the basics, and has now launched a five-day Advanced program designed to deliver in-depth training to enhance the skills and knowledge required for a technician to operate at a commercial level.

The course delves deeply into technical and practical PDR techniques including blending, glue pulling, pulling-tool options, large dent 20 | Motor Trader April 2016

Sandra Tomlin, PDR technician with East Coast Commercials

removal, crease dents, double dents, working with aluminium, finishing techniques and, of course, hail repair.

Overseen by Shane Anderson, Director of PDR President, the first Advanced course was held at the MTAQ’s state-of-the-art workshop facility in Brisbane in March.

“The course has been excellent,” said Shane. “We covered many advanced techniques and tackled some very complicated work, including crease dents. These are formed when metal hits metal

creating a ‘scar’. We need to know how to repair crease dents as they have a completely different theory behind them than the repair of damage caused by hail.”

As well as covering the techniques and skills needed to remove blemishes on a vehicle’s exterior, the Advanced course, with its small class sizes of no more than six participants, can be tailored to the skills of each student and a focus can be placed on critical elements such as confidence-building and muscle memory.

“Muscle memory is crucial,” said Shane. “Being able to control the amount of pressure you apply to the car is very important. Once your muscles are accustomed to the pressure needed to push dents then you can focus on other elements.

“And it is very important that participants are confident in what they are doing,” he added. “That is why I designed the course so it can be tailored to the skill level of each participant. Each individual has different strengths we can build on.”

MTAIT TRAINER PROFILE

To help build the confidence of participants, towards the end of the five-day program they are tested on a range of dent problems, with extra pressure added through the use of ‘real’ vehicles whose owners have agreed to let them be used for the course.

“The test includes a cross-selection of jobs such as a crease dent, a door dent, blending and some hail work,” said Shane. “There is no help from me during the test and that enables the students to see that they can fix those dents without a teacher watching over their shoulder.

RICHARD MATTHEWS

“You have to take the safety net away, and it’s something I do because PDR is also a mental game. So, I intentionally try to fluster them. I will even give them a repair job that, in my opinion, is not fixable, to see how they react and so they can see the limits of what is achievable through PDR. It is just as important to know what you can’t fix as what you can.”

One of the participants on the Advanced course was Sandra Tomlin - a PDR technician working for East Coast Commercials at Acacia Ridge in Brisbane. Having worked for East

What is your background in the industry?

Over 20 years experience in the automotive industry.

When did you become a trainer for MTA Institute?

2014.

What geographical area do you service?

Townsville and surrounding areas.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role as a trainer for MTA Institute?

What is your specialised area?

Automotive Electrical Technology, Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Motorcycle, Parts Interpreting, Automotive Tyre Servicing and Air Conditioning Technology.

Seeing the students understand what they are learning, putting that into practice and completing their apprenticeship.

What do you believe is the most important aspect of training?

Getting the student to understand why they do what they do.

Why should someone consider a career in the automotive industry?

There is so much opportunity in the industry and so many places you can go in your job. It is always changing and provides a great career path.

What is the best piece of advice you can give to an apprentice starting out in the industry?

Learn as much as you can - there is always something new!

When you’re not training, what do you like to do?

Fishing, camping and 4WD driving.

April 2016 Motor Trader | 21

E S S E N T I A L S

BEEN TIMES WHEN I WAS A BIT HESITANT ON A JOB, BUT THESE GUYS HAVE THROWN NEARLY EVERYTHING AT ME, THROWN ME IN THE DEEP END AND SAID ‘JUST DO IT’.”

M E M B E R S

“THERE MAY HAVE

Coast Commercials for 10 years - the past 14 months in PDR - Sandra was very keen to be a part of the Advanced course and was thrilled with what it was able to offer her.

“I now have the confidence to tackle just about anything,” she said. “Before, there may have been times when I was a bit hesitant on a job, but these guys have thrown nearly everything at me, thrown me in the deep end and said ‘just do it’. They have made me feel like a true professional and it has been great.”

And Sandra has no qualms about recommending the course for those wishing to sharpen their PDR skills.

“100 per cent absolutely," she said.

"The team here make you feel very comfortable and are right there to guide you and encourage you. They have a real easy-going approach to teaching.”

With renewed confidence, new techniques learned and with skills sharpened, Shane is confident the course participants will provide real value to their businesses and their customers.

“The main key here is that we provide value. And, at the very least, a participant will leave here and be able to lift dents, save panels and provide that value to their business,” he said.

“And for those businesses, I believe this course is a real investment. The skills their staff learn through our courses are the fundamental skills they need to add value in whatever situation they are in.”

For more information on both the two-day Introductory PDR course and the five-day Advanced PDR course go to www.mtai.edu.au or email courses@mtai.edu.au

Paintless Dent Repair Introductory Course Right training.

Course Overview

Right place.

Paintless Dent Repair, or PDR, is the method by which dents can be removed from the bodywork of a vehicle leaving the original finish and paintwork intact.

Right way.

A wide range of imperfections can be corrected using PDR techniques, though it is most famously used for the repair of hail damaged vehicles.

MTA Institute is running a two-day Fundamentals of Paintless Dent Repair course.

The PDR technician uses special tools, glues and tabs to either push out dents from the underside of the bodywork or pull them out from the exterior of the panel. Specialist lighting and reflection boards and ‘tapping down’ techniques are used to ensure a perfect finish.

The PDR industry is experiencing a massive upturn. It is a fast and efficient method for the repair of many imperfections, and skilled technicians are much sought-after in the body repair industry.

MTA Institute has partnered with industry-leading company PDR President to offer this course in the fundamentals of Paintless Dent Repair.

In this course you will be taught the basic tips and techniques behind the successful practice of paintless dent repair. These include: 1. Metal movements and theory 2. Lighting (fog and line boards) 3. Tool selection 4. Access and leverage 5. Glue pulling Time:

9am to 4pm, lunch included

Location: MTA Institute, Eight Mile Plains Cost:

$1650 per person (Inc GST)

Enrol Should you wish to enrol, or require further information, please contact one of our friendly staff on 3722 3000.

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

20150268

MTA Institute Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence

Mitchell Parry has been working steadily on the restoration of his HQ Holden

grown up around it. I wanted to try something different and I really enjoy auto-electrics.”

Eager to put his apprenticeship training to good use, Mitchell has been hard at work restoring his much-loved 1972 HQ Holden.

“I got my HQ Holden a few years ago and spent all my savings getting it. Dad let me have one of the areas in the shed and, once I had that, I started stripping it down to its shell, motor and all.

“At the moment I have just completed the engine bay, and the

whole car has been painted metallic silver. All the wiring in the engine bay and the back of the car is done too.

I haven’t done the dash yet, but I’ve got new rims, new tyres, the motor has just had a cam put in it, and I’ve put in straight-cut gears.”

Mitchell has been able to achieve all of this by picking up skills learnt on the job and through working and learning from his dad.

“Everyday I’m learning something,” he said. “The best thing about working with electronics is you have to use a lot of logic. It’s a combination of mechanical and electrical in some parts of the car and its all really interesting.”

Mitchell reckons everything is coming together as planned with the HQ. Having recently installed a thermofan to maintain the car’s operating temperature and airflow, and replaced traditional bulbs with LED strips, he’s busy at work putting a fresh new spark into an old classic.

MTAI APPRENTICE RECEIVES TOOLS NEEDED TO DO THE JOB ROWAN FOXWELL IS a first year MTAI apprentice at Woods Auto Electrics, based in Tolga, a small town located in the remote Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland.

The Woods Auto Electrics team is made up of two apprentices, two auto electricians who are also qualified air conditioning technicians, and two office staff. Much of the work that comes through the shop includes maintaining and fixing buses, trucks and other commercial vehicles.

Rowan recently received his subsidised Snap-On Starter Toolkit through the MTAQ, which he purchased with the support of the Federal Government's Trade Support

Rowan Foxwell

Loan Scheme, made available to apprenticeships and trainees to help them cover the costs of living and learning whilst studying.

“My instructor got me onto it and told me that there was a special going on this toolkit, so I applied for

it through the trade support loan, and sort of just waited for it to come.

“As an apprentice you’re not very well funded, so this sort of helps you get your tools and all the things you need.”

Rowan received some friendly teasing from his co-workers after receiving his brand new tools so quickly and when asked if his co-workers were jealous, he said, “They’ve all got tools too, but to get something like this so quickly - I was pretty lucky I guess, that’s what they thought.”

The 169-piece piece Starter Kit plus Roll Cab is available for students enrolled with MTAI for a generously subsidised price including GST. Contact Marcello Riotto at marcellor@mtai.edu.au April 2016 Motor Trader | 23

E S S E N T I A L S

M

ITCHELL PARRY IS a third-year auto electrical apprentice at Maryborough Auto Electrics in Central Queensland.

Having started his automotive career as a school-based apprentice, Mitchell has been putting his skills to good use after purchasing an HQ Holden he has been working on restoring and modernising.

It was in grade ten that Mitchell seriously considered enrolling in a school-based auto apprenticeship.

Eager to gain some hands-on work experience, he approached a few local workshops, including Maryborough Auto Electrics, and was soon offered a spot with the company.

Exposed to the mechanical side of vehicles from an early age, Mitchell decided that auto-electrics was the right avenue for him.

“Cars are getting more and more electronics in them and I have always been curious with how that side of things worked,” he said. “I have had a fair bit to do with mechanical stuff since I was a young - my dad has driven trucks all his life - so I have just

M E M B E R S

MITCHELL’S PUTTING THE SPARK BACK INTO CLASSIC HOLDEN

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

Professional Circle training

NATIONAL SUCCESS FOR MTA INSTITUTE STUDENT T

HE ULYSSES MOTORCYCLE Club has named Andrew Kisbalazs as its 2015 National Motorcycle Apprentice of the Year.

The 21-year-old Gold Coast mechanic, who trained with the MTA Institute and completed his apprenticeship at the beginning of the year, was presented with the award at the Club’s national rally in Launceston, Tasmania, at the beginning of March.

The national title win follows Andrew’s earlier success in being named as the Club’s Queensland/ Northern Territory Zone Apprentice of the Year (one of four regional titles awarded, the winners of which were shortlisted for the national award).

After picking up a $1000 Supercheap Auto voucher for winning the Zone award, Andrew took home a more substantial prize for winning the national title – a brand new Honda CBR500R. And it’s a prize he' s looking forward to getting his hands on.

“It is awesome to win,” said Andrew.

“It’s a decent motorbike, and it’s all registered and also comes with $1000 of insurance. So it’s pretty much a case of get on it, ride it and enjoy it. I am pretty stoked about that.”

The Ulysses Club flew Andrew down to Tasmania to attend the final few days of their national rally and to be present to receive the award. Andrew said he enjoyed the event, and the

Andrew with a Honda CBR500R, which was his prize for being named the Ulysses Motorcycle Club's Motorcycle Apprentice of the Year for 2015

company of Club members, so much, he would like to continue to attend the rally in the future.

“They’re really nice, friendly people,” he said. “There were maybe 2500 to 3000 people there and you can start a conversation with anybody because everybody has this common interest in motorbikes. They are great people and I’m looking forward to going again.”

For Paul Ellis, Andrew’s employer at Ellis Race, Trail, Ride, there is real pride in Andrew’s achievement of winning the national award, and also recognition of his qualities as both an apprentice and mechanic as well as his passion for the job.

STUDENT OF THE MONTH Caleb Ferguson is MTAQ’s Student of the Month for February.

The 19-year-old, first-year motorcycle mechanic apprentice, based at Pro Honda Motorcycles in Maroochydore, has impressed both his MTAI trainer and his work colleagues with his enthusiasm for the trade.

It’s no surprise Caleb decided a career working with motorcycles was for him - he comes from a family of motocross enthusiasts, with his brothers sharing the same passion for Caleb when it comes to riding.

“I grew up around motorbikes,’ he said. “My friend’s dad owns a motorbike shop, and my friend put in a good word for me, I got an interview, and the job!

24 | Motor Trader April 2016

“I was stoked for him,” said Paul.

“I thought he had a very good chance to win it, and actually I would have been a little disappointed if he didn’t get it.

I may teach him things along the way but it really is down to him.”

That’s a view shared by Andrew’s MTAI trainer Ken Rahley, who has had remarkable success with his apprentices, training three past Ulysses Club national award winners.

“I wasn’t all that surprised that Andrew won,” said Ken. “He has a great attitude towards his mechanical career, he wants to stay in the industry and I’d say he may be a shop owner himself one day.

“It’s about the calibre of the student.

There is the odd one who comes through who is exceptional and really enjoys what you’re trying to put across to them, really takes it in and moves forward with it.”

And there is no doubt that Andrew enjoys what he is doing and feels honoured to be recognised by the Ulysses Club for doing a job he clearly loves.

“I don’t think you can get any better than this,” he said. “It’s one of the greatest achievements you can realise as a motorbike apprentice.

And If I wasn’t actually a bike mechanic I would still be doing this at home!

Getting paid is a bonus. It’s not just a job, it’s my passion.”

“I really enjoy working on motocross bikes, more than road-bikes actually. It’s interesting to see how it all works, and there’s always something new to learn.”

“Caleb is a very enthusiastic student,” said MTAI trainer Darryl Shields. “He is a very competent and studious worker and has carried out a number of activities very easily.”

Paul Petersen, owner of Pro Honda, said he was equally pleased with Caleb’s progress.

“We’re very happy with him, he’s a good kid who works hard and does his job well,” he said. “When he’s not servicing or tyre-changing, he’s busy doing everything else a good apprentice should do.”

Caleb Ferguson

comprehensive understanding of the operation, functionality and test repair methods of hybrid electric vehicles.

“We are going to study the different motors in these systems and how they work,” said Paul. “We will study the diagnostics, learn about radio frequency interference, electromagnetic induction and a whole lot more – there is a lot we will cover.”

The MTAI is a pioneer in Hybrid Electric training - developing both this Advanced Course as well as the Introductory course that was launched late last year. Business Development Manager Anthony Bonaccorso said that establishing these courses is recognition the technology is becoming more common and may be the dominant technology in the future.

“We are seeing more and more hybrid vehicles on the road and those who work in the industry will inevitably be exposed to this technology,” he said. “Outside of the dealership environment, the

understanding of these systems is not so widespread. That may well be because of a combination of not wanting to study it and knowing that, for the moment, they don’t have to. However, that is going to change and not having a grasp of hybrid technology will no longer be an option.

“Our Introductory and Advanced courses offer training that ranges from the fundamentals to comprehensive coverage. The MTAI is able to offer this training because we have the resources that no other RTO has and it is important for those in the industry to get on board now. Hybrid technology is real, it’s here now, it’s proven and will only become more common as it continues to develop.”

The Advanced Hybrid Electric Vehicle Course is taught across four evening sessions.

The inaugural course will take place across May 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 6pm to 9pm.

Cost is $1320 per person (Inc. GST). For more information, call 07 3722 3000.

April 2016 Motor Trader | 25

E S S E N T I A L S

T

HE MTA INSTITUTE is introducing an Advanced Hybrid Electric Vehicle Course to its training portfolio.

The course, to be held over four evening sessions, is designed to cover various elements of hybrid vehicle systems in considerable depth, and each session will focus on an individual element such as batteries, transmissions, electronics and diagnostics.

MTA Institute trainer Paul Tugwell, who delivers the MTAI hybrid training programs and wrote the resources for the advanced course, is keen that the automotive industry recognise that hybrid vehicles, as well as all-electric vehicles, are going to be more common on our roads. With all major manufacturers now producing hybrid vehicles to complement their petrol engine-powered models, the number is likely to rise from a trickle to a flood.

“There is a big tidal wave coming and we have to learn about these systems now. We need to be prepared,” said Paul. “And, slowly, there is a realisation that we have to be trained on these cars. The reaction has been nowhere near as quick as in Europe or America, but it is slowly increasing.

“And it is important to know how to repair these vehicles. They utilise high-powered systems and if you don’t understand how those systems work, then you could conceivably electrocute yourself or cause real damage to the car.

“With this advanced course, we will be going deeper into the workings of these systems so that participants really understand the concepts of these vehicles. With that knowledge, they can work on hybrids and have real confidence in repairing them.”

The in-depth training involved in the advanced course means it is aimed at tradespeople and industry professionals wanting to gain a

M E M B E R S

ADVANCED HYBRID TRAINING NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH MTAI

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

Professional Circle training

EDUCATION EVOLUTION AS SALES AND DEALER TRAINING MOVES ONLINE

T

HE MTA INSTITUTE has launched its new Learning Management System (LMS).

In development since mid2015, the LMS will offer training courses, and certain elements of training courses, to students via an online portal.

Designed to enable the MTAI to offer programs to regional areas, the LMS will provide significant advantages and benefits both to students using the system and, through tracking, documentation and reporting features, to the MTAI as well.

Commencing with the delivery of the Motor Vehicle Salesperson’s course and Motor Vehicles Dealer’s course, the LMS is to be developed and expanded to incorporate many of the other training programs offered by MTAI, including apprenticeship programs.

“The Learning Management System is about giving us greater reach to students in regional and remote areas,” said Paul Kulpa, General Manager of MTA Institute. “And the benefits are substantial. In terms of the Sales and Dealer’s courses, which are now delivered through the LMS, it will allow students to enrol at any time and complete the course at their own pace. Any other documentation can also be uploaded through the system and be checked by the trainer.

“A licence application still has to be placed with the Office of Fair Trading, but all the training required to get the Statement of Attainment that will enable them to gain that licence can be done through the LMS.” According to Anthony Bonaccorso, MTAI’s Business Development Manager, the LMS will also mean the course can be delivered to students beyond Queensland’s borders.

26 | Motor Trader April 2016

“In effect, we can offer the course to anyone in Australia,” he said.

“Of course, these Sales and Dealer’s courses are tailored to the Queensland industry but should someone from NSW, or WA, or anywhere else in the country, be looking to move to Queensland, then they could do the course before their move, receive their Statement of Attainment and then be ready to apply for their licence.

“The LMS is also about creating a platform for all our training services and to move away from paper-based administration. It’s logical to have a system that can be accessed at any time by a learner. By doing that, we are keeping costs down for them - they no longer have to come to Brisbane to attend a course - and we create efficiencies for us.”

Acknowledging the opportunities the LMS offers, Mr Kulpa highlighted the potential for its use in the future for automotive apprenticeship training.

“We do intend that our apprentices will be able to use this online system.

And that will create real advantages.

For example, currently a trainer will hand over a workbook to a student and make an appointment to come back in five weeks to review the completed units of the workbook and carry out an assessment. Where once the apprentice would physically complete that workbook, they can, once the system is ready, complete it online. This would also allow the trainer to follow the student’s progress and, should they need to, alert the student if they are falling behind.

“Of course, the practical side of apprenticeship training – the repair, diagnosing, explaining the practical elements and so on, will never change, but the LMS is an exciting development. It offers a tremendous blended model of training and creates the efficiencies and value for both us and the student.”

To find out more about the Motor Vehicle Salesperson’s course and Motor Vehicle Dealer’s course, available through MTA Institute, contact courses@mtai.edu.au or call 07 3722 3000.

Availability of industry information and wages advice.

Having a successful business running since 1981.

What is the best thing about working in your industry?

Customers who keep coming back and say good things about the business.

What is the best piece of business advice you have ever given or been given?

Joe Knott Smash Repairs Location: Bundaberg Type of business: Motor Body Repairs Number of employees: 7 Trading since: 1981 MTAQ member since: 1981

Be professional and approachable with your customers.

How did you hear about the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTAQ)?

An MTAQ representative called on the business.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining MTAQ? A good investment for industry advice. The MTAQ always stands by their Members.

How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business?

Support with industry information and consumer facilitation.

What has been your proudest business achievement to date?

Expanding to approximately 3x the floorspace in the business.

What is the best thing about working in your industry?

Doing something different every day.

What is the best piece of business advice you have ever given or been given?

Be a leader in your business, not just the boss.

Procheck Automotive

What would you say to someone thinking about joining MTAQ? Do it! It’s good value for money.

Location: Caloundra Type of business: Mechanical Workshop Number of employees: 6 Trading since: 2012 MTAQ member since: 2014

How did you hear about the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTAQ)?

Heard about MTAQ when working at motor dealerships that were members.

How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business?

April 2016 Motor Trader | 27

E S S E N T I A L S

What has been your proudest business achievement to date?

M E M B E R S

Member profiles

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

Industrial relations

TED KOWALSKI INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MANAGER

DOES LOSS OF LICENCE MEAN AUTOMATIC LOSS OF JOB?

W

HETHER YOU ARE entitled to dismiss an employee who has had his/her driver’s licence suspended will depend on a number of factors. The first factor to consider is whether the employee’s job description or conditions of employment spell out that a current driver’s licence is a pre-requisite for the position. Does it state that loss of licence could lead to dismissal?

Even if the conditions of employment do state that loss of licence can lead to dismissal, you would need to consider all the facts of the situation before making a decision. Has the policy been applied consistently in the past? Is there any way that the company can work around the fact that the employee cannot drive a vehicle? A person with lengthy, and previously unblemished, service could reasonably expect the company to make some effort in accommodating their predicament – though ultimately the company is entitled to act on the actual circumstances.

In a recent case a motor vehicle salesperson lost his licence but actually arranged for his wife to drive his vehicle

on his behalf whenever necessary – with the employer’s approval – and hence retained his position.

It’s important that the possible loss of licence not be prejudged. Simply because a person has been called on to show cause why the licence should not be suspended should not of itself bring about a possible termination.

Better to wait for the decision of the court and then proceed to examine the alternatives. The length of any suspension would be a relevant factor in determining whether some accommodation might be reached or whether termination was warranted.

Past custom and practice would be a useful guide for how the current situation should be handled.

While the above material does not purport to be an exhaustive analysis of how to handle such a situation, it does show that an automatic assumption of dismissal on the loss of licence might lead to a successful claim of unfair dismissal if not handled properly. If in doubt, contact the Association for assistance prior to making a decision.

MTA QUEENSLAND WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS Business Name

Principal/s

Address

Email

Division

All Spraying Hertz Maroochydore First Response Mechanical Menzies Auto Service

Ryan Elliot Eugene Gallardo Daniel Arnold Matthew Walker

9 William Murray Drive, CANNONVALE Q 4802 6/28-30 Aerodrome Road, MAROOCHYDORE Q 4558 3/54 Beerburrum Road, CABOOLTURE Q 4510 375 Dean Street, FRENCHVILLE Q 4701

info@allspraying.com.au accounts@mcdhire.com.au jessicaarnold@iprimus.com.au Matt@menziesauto.com.au

NACA RVID AED SSCSAQ

28 | Motor Trader April 2016

Investment matters

MARKET WRAP

T

HE MARKET HAS bounced since mid-February with fears easing and a strong reporting season supporting the Australian market. This month we discuss the key drivers of this bounce, particularly in the context of the major issues we identified last month that were responsible for creating market weakness.

We were pleased with the reporting season overall, particularly in light of the pessimistic expectations that preceded it.

Key highlights included: • The earnings revisions ratio of 0.88 was the highest in two years.

• Sales growth remains modest but we saw a pickup in domesticexposed companies and some offshore earners benefiting from the A$. Cost-out remains a focus and margin expansion was noted in Industrials.

• Resources remained soft and saw a drop in dividends. However, the sector is becoming a smaller part of the index and thus deteriorating resource earnings will become less of a headwind going forward.

• Guidance and outlook statements were more positive than expected, especially considering the market sentiment was suggesting a more negative outcome. This confirmed that the Australian economy is holding up well, particularly for the consumer and housing-related sectors. A number of offshore earners also upgraded guidance and thus dispelled concerns that slowing global growth would impact their earnings.

• There was a rotation underway during the month with last year’s winners generally struggling. There was also a rotation from growth to value stocks.

GUIDANCE AND OUTLOOK STATEMENTS WERE MORE POSITIVE THAN EXPECTED . . . THIS CONFIRMED THAT THE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY IS HOLDING UP WELL, PARTICULARLY FOR THE CONSUMER AND HOUSING-RELATED SECTORS. In the context of issues discussed last month we note the following: • Credit spreads have eased, which has triggered short covering in higher risk stocks. However, credit stress will remain elevated until the US energy balance sheets are repaired. The major concern for the market has been whether the credit stress identified in energy names spreads to other sectors of the economy. At this point there is no evidence to suggest that this is occurring.

• Recent economic data has improved. US manufacturing has bounced after a number of periods of declining data and US payrolls pointed to an additional 242,000 jobs in February, versus the 195,000

expected. Recent results from US-centric companies pointed to softness in oil states but strength in other regions of the US. Should the oil price remain subdued, we would expect to see improving economic data over the course of the year.

• The Chinese authorities announced a lower interest rate and further fiscal stimulus in an attempt to further boost its economy. This is a positive development relative to the market’s subdued expectations for the Chinese economy and signals the Chinese preference to reinflate its economy rather than more aggressively devalue its currency to boost its competitiveness.

• The Australian economy displayed surprising resilience during the fourth quarter with GDP growth up 3%. This has surprised many market commentators with the strength of the non-mining economy particularly notable.

The result of the above collection of modestly positive outcomes compares to the market’s very negative expectations during the start of this year. The result is that the market has become a little less negative, which has triggered short covering by hedge funds that were positioned for a continuation of deteriorating news flow.

DISCLAIMER This document provides general information only and is not intended to be a recommendation to invest in any product or financial service mentioned above. Investment in a DNR Capital individually managed account can only be made on completion of all the required documentation.

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.

April 2016 Motor Trader | 29

The hit list

2016

GENEVA MOTOR SHOW F

IRST HELD IN 1905, the Geneva International Motor Show has become one of the most important Motor Shows on the automotive industry calendar and is visited by more that 700,000 people over its 10-day run.

The March 2016 edition of the Show was as popular as ever as people swarmed the Geneva Palexpo Convention Centre to get a glimpse of some truly astounding cars. Here are just a few of the exotic models that were debuted at this year’s event.

LAMBORGHINI CENTENARIO LAMBORGHINI PRESENTED YET another limited edition supercar model, the Centenario, at the Show. Created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the company’s founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini, the amazing Centenario has a naturally-aspirated V12 developing 770hp and lots of cutting-edge features, including carbon-fibre construction, advanced aerodynamics and rear-wheel steering.

Able to top out at over 350km/h and shift from 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds, the Centenario is as swift as it looks. Lamborghini is making just 20 coupe and 20 roadster versions of the car and though the price tag is $2.6million it is likely to sell like hot cakes.

DS E-TENSE CONCEPT

OPEL GT CONCEPT A TINY SPORTS car concept from GM’s European arm, behind the funky tyres and curious design features such as the apparently windowless doors, the GT Concept may well be a sign of where GM is heading with its designs and technology. Beneath the GT’s stretched bonnet is a powerful 1-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine. Developing 143hp and maximum torque of 205Nm, the engine delivers drive to the rear wheels and, weighing under 1000kg, the GT accelerates from 0-100km/h in less than eight seconds and on to a maximum speed of 134mph.

30 | Motor Trader April 2016

PEUGEOT/CITROEN’S DS brand unveiled a new supercar at the show, the E-Tense – an all-electric, 402hp beauty with, the company says, a mixed cycle range of 310km.

Manufactured from carbon-fibre with a focus on aerodynamics, the E-Tense has its lithium-ion batteries situated under the chassis meaning a low centre of gravity which, the company says, allows the car to handle with ‘rigour and precision’. Capable of 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h the E-Tense likely is a hint of the design future of the DS brand.

FERRARI GTC4 LUSSO A FOUR-SEATER beauty from the geniuses at Ferrari, the GTC4Lusso sports the latest evolution of the naturally-aspirated Ferrari GT V12.

In fact, the performance figures are those of a true thoroughbred sports car, with a maximum speed of 335 km/h and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. Major improvements in vehicle dynamics, including in the four-wheel drive-fourwheel steering system, and a myriad of hi-tech information and entertainment features inside, make this one of the finest Ferraris yet.

MASERATI LEVANTE

BUGATTI CHIRON THE SUCCESSOR TO the awesome Veyron, the Bugatti Chiron is, as expected, a wonderful-looking machine. It looks fantastic and will be, the company says, ‘the most luxurious and most exclusive production super sports car in the world’. However, most people aren’t interested in the level of trim, or the careful stitching on the upholstery. What they want to know is what engine lurks beneath the flowing exterior lines of the Chiron, how much thunder it produces and just how fast it can propel the big Bugatti down a race track. The answer? A thumpingly monstrous 8-litre, 16-cylinder engine producing 1500hp can launch the Chiron from 0-100km/h in 2.5seconds, on to a limited top speed of 420km/h (the true unlimited top speed is, as yet, to be discovered). Performance this good doesn’t come cheap, of course, and with only 500 units to be produced, the Chiron price tag is as scary as its performance – one will set you back an astronomical $3.5million.

MASERATI UNVEILED ITS first SUV at the Show.

The company says the Levante's chassis is designed to combine outstanding performance both on and off-road and has a high level of content as standard, with all versions featuring sophisticated electronic suspension and 'Q4' intelligent all-wheel drive. The SUV is fitted with a 3-litre V6 Twin-Turbo petrol engine with either 350hp or 430hp, and a 3-litre V6 Turbo Diesel churning out 275hp. The interior has, apparently, been created with ‘the finest materials, from optional premium leather to Ermenegildo Zegna silk, made in Trivero by the Zegna wool mill with a patented process’.

Luxury, it seems, comes as standard.

ASTON MARTIN DB11 ASTON MARTIN HAS produced some of the most beautiful cars ever made, and the DB11 is another winner to come from the company’s design studio. At its heart is a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12. Designed in-house, the engine pumps out 600hp and 700Nm of torque, making the DB11 the most powerful production DB model ever, capable of reaching 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 320km/h.

No news on whether James Bond might be driving the DB11 in his next cinematic outing, but if he does, it’s a perfect fit for the gentleman spy.

April 2016 Motor Trader | 31

Auto news

SEMINARS TO HELP INDUSTRY PREPARE FOR NEW AC REFRIGERANTS V ASA, THE PEAK body for the automotive air conditioning industry in Australasia, along with Refrigerants Australia, Refrigerant Reclaim Australia and licensing body the Australian Refrigeration Council, is holding a series of seminars designed to inform and educate thousands of technicians and businesses about new refrigerants and technologies now appearing in vehicles.

The seminars, to be held in July and August under the banner of an industry-led initiative called future:gas, will help prepare businesses for vehicles entering the Australian and New Zealand markets with air conditioning systems that use an all-new refrigerant called R1234yf.

As R1234yf gas and related equipment becomes readily available in Australasia and more

auto-AC

Newcastle NSW: Wednesday July 6 Sydney NSW: Thursday July 7 Melbourne VIC: Wednesday July 13 Hobart TAS: Thursday July 14 Adelaide SA: Wednesday July 27 Perth WA: Thursday July 28 Townsville QLD: Tuesday August 2

Perth

Darwin NT: Wednesday August 3 Brisbane QLD: Thursday August 4

global manufacturers adopt the new refrigerant, the number of R1234yf equipped vehicles arriving in showrooms – and subsequently into workshops– is set to balloon.

Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen Group are also developing systems using a second refrigerant called R744.

Both new gases, and the systems designed for them, will present significant changes to the tools, working practices, component ATTENDEES TO standards and workplace safety considerations relating to repair, FUTURE:GAS SEMINARS service and refrigerant recovery.

WILL BE AMONG THE Attendees to future:gas seminars FIRST IN AUSTRALASIA will be among the first in Australasia TO RECEIVE A to receive a comprehensive overview of the new refrigerants, and each COMPREHENSIVE seminar will feature presentations OVERVIEW OF THE NEW from top industry experts who will REFRIGERANTS, AND EACH explain the reason for the changes, the technical background of the SEMINAR WILL FEATURE new refrigerants, new safe working PRESENTATIONS FROM practices and standards relating TOP INDUSTRY EXPERTS. to the quality and design of both components and service equipment.

Among the target audience are main dealer workshops, aftermarket repairers and the panel repair industry. Apart from main dealers, smash repairers will be the first to encounter cars with the new technology on damaged latemodel vehicles.

Darwin Along with the upcoming seminars, a new website, Townsville www.futuregas.ac, has been developed as an information resource for new-generation Brisbane automotive refrigerants.

The seminars are to be held Newcastle Adelaide Sydney on mid-week evenings and Auckland tickets are priced at just Melbourne $10 per delegate.

Auckland NZ: Wednesday August 10

Change is in the Air 32 | Motor Trader April 2016

Hobart

Spaces are limited, so early booking is advised, and tickets are available from www.futuregas.ac through a secure online booking system.

Industry insight

11 STEPS TO ‘BUSINESS PART NUMBERS MADE EASY’ TWO T HE NUMBERS ARE often a bit of a mystery to business owners.

When you’re busy running everything involved in a business, there just isn’t time to do a degree in finance to understand how it all works in detail. CFO On-Call have come up with a simple way of looking at how the numbers work in most businesses.

Here's part two of our look at this issue.

7. Supplier Payments The time it takes you to pay your suppliers is another opportunity for managing cash, so it spends as long as possible in your bank account. If you give your customers terms and they take longer to pay you than you take to pay your suppliers, you will experience cash squeeze.

This is a common situation where the person dealing with accounts doesn’t like calling customers for payment, but pays suppliers straight away because they also don’t like dealing with them calling and asking for money.

My advice would be to have different people dealing with each one i.e. have someone who is good at calling customers with reminders to pay, without getting them offside, and have another person deal with supplier payments.

Have a policy of not paying suppliers before the due date i.e. take advantage of every day of credit that you can get.

Constant negotiation with suppliers for better terms pays big dividends for your cash flow. Make it a policy to regularly shop around and keep good records of what business you’ve done with suppliers for ammunition at negotiating time.

8. Job/Stock Jobs take time to finish and stock sits in store for some time, before being sold or used on jobs.

During this time they are both sucking up cash i.e. jobs incur costs of labour and materials and you have to pay suppliers for stock to sit on the shelf.

The money to cover this has to come from somewhere. The longer jobs are in progress without being invoiced, and the longer stock sits on the shelf, the more cash is needed. So it’s vital to manage jobs so they can be invoiced ASAP so you can get paid.

Progress payments and deposits are a must if a job is going to take a while (that way your customer is helping to pay for the costs and you avoid having

to borrow or put your own money into the business).

Your job management software will help you to manage jobs, so they can be finished as efficiently and quickly as possible.

A good stock management system will enable you to handle stock, so it sits in store for the minimum time necessary. It gives you an insight into historical trends of stock movement and allows you to set lead times, to ensure you have stock when customers want to buy, but it doesn’t sit there for too long sucking up precious cash.

9. Taxes and Loans We may not like having to pay tax, but unfortunately it’s a fact of life. If you want to run a sustainable business, you need to manage your tax obligations e.g. GST, PAYG, Company Tax etc. If you don’t manage it properly the Tax Office will soon be on your back demanding payment when you can least afford it.

Try to set up your regularity of tax payments in the best way e.g. monthly, quarterly or yearly. Get some advice and do some planning on which will work out best for your cash situation. It depends on your business turnover i.e. yearly sales figure, how often you have to do a GST return.

You need to have a good understanding of how much tax you are holding until it’s due to be paid, because you may think you’ve got great cash flow, but then tax time comes and suddenly you’ve got a problem i.e. your bank balance drops to nothing and you haven’t got enough to pay wages and suppliers etc.

Some people put the tax into a separate bank account until it’s due to be paid. This can be good, but if you manage it right the cash can be used to fund cash flow during the tax cycle, so long as you ensure it’s available when tax times comes.

Sometimes the funds just aren’t there to pay everything that is due all the time. ‘Peaks and troughs’ occur e.g. seasonality, sales drop suddenly, expenses creep up beyond what can be afforded, an unexpected disaster or event occurs.

Funds need to be found from somewhere e.g. borrowed from a lender or the business owner/s.

If you need to borrow from an outside lender e.g. a bank, you will need to provide good information to support your loan application.

They will want to see proof of your trading history and profitability as well as evidence of your assets and liabilities.

The information needs to be accurate and up to date. If you’ve got a good and accurately set up accounting system, that will help. It will also give them comfort you’ve got your ‘finger on the pulse’ of your numbers.

They will almost certainly want to see a Budget and Cash Flow Forecast as well, so they can be confident you have the capacity to repay the money when it’s due.

10. Owners’ Money If you can’t or don’t want to borrow from an outside lender, you may need to put in your own funds or seek input from other shareholders in the business.

In this situation it’s important to handle the transaction correctly in your accounts i.e. it needs to be entered as a loan and not income, so that you aren’t paying tax on the funds unnecessarily, and the repayment needs to come from the same account.

We recently saw a business owner pay tax on the repayment, which was incorrectly entered as wages by the person doing the books!

11. Cash Flow Forecast As can be seen, the cash management in a business can be quite complicated, with money coming and going and amounts being due at certain times.

To try and manage this without a system can be very worrying and confusing for a business owner.

The best way to avoid worry is to manage the situation with a Cash Flow Forecast. It simply sets everything out in black and white.

You can see when funds are coming in and going out and what will be your bank balance at any given time in the future, if everything goes as you plan.

If you monitor it closely and compare actual events to your forecast, you will be in a good position to take action when things don’t go to plan to avoid running out of money.

This information is not designed to be a technically accurate lesson in accounting, rather it’s designed to highlight what are the key numbers you need to understand and manage in your business, to help you make a profit and manage cash flow.

If you can get your head around them and put in place processes to manage them, it will be a great start to a sustainable and profitable business.

This information is from CFO On-Calls EBook, '11 Steps to Business Numbers Made Easy'.

Go to cfooncall.com.au for more information.

April 2016 Motor Trader | 33

FINALIST 2016

MTAA SUPER – the preferred choice of over 40,000 businesses Simplified super administration Support of local business development managers 2015 Medium Fund of the Year

SuperRatings does not issue, sell, guarantee or underwrite this product.

Go to superratings.com.au for details of its ratings criteria.

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 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.