Motor Trader, August 2015

AUG 2015

ASTIRLINGJOB MO T OR R ACING LEGEND S T IRLING MOS S OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND

MEMBERS CLASSIC: 1986 VL GROUP A PLUS PACK COMMODORE

GIVE YOUR DEALERSHIP THE TOOLS TO

STAND OUT

NADA UNIVERSITY COURSES ARE NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH AADA, INCLUDING: Service Department Operations Management Sales Operations Management I Sales Operations Management II

PHONE: 07 3237 8777 OR EMAIL: COURSES@AADA.ASN.AU WWW.NADAUNIVERSITY.COM.AU

Contents Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland

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

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

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

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MTA QUEENSLAND ABN: 74 028 933 848 CORPORATE PARTNERS

02 From the editor 04 Policy/Viewpoint 08 MTA Q&A

BRISBANE COLLISION CENTRE: MICHAEL WOODCROFT AND JULIETTE MILLS

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Feature 10 A STIRLING JOB: SIR STIRLING MOSS 16 Members Classic LEADER OF THE PACK: 1986 VL GROUP A PLUS PACK COMMODORE

MEMBERS ESSENTIALS 19 23 26 28

Training matters Members matters Member profiles Industrial relations

30 The hit list CONCEPT CARS OF THE 1950s 32 Industry insight

EOFY OR BOFY? August 2015 Motor Trader | 1

From the editor

JONATHAN NASH EDITOR

H

ELLO AND WELCOME to the August edition of Motor Trader.

It was 60 years ago this year that the great Stirling Moss won his first Formula One race - the 1955 British Grand Prix.

It's a significant marker in a truly astonishing racing career. Moss raced in many different categories (including having a tilt at the Bathurst 1000 in 1976 with driving partner Jack Brabham), in dozens of different cars and won 212 races in a 527 race career - an astonishing hit rate.

However, he is as well remembered for the championship he didn't win as for all the races he did, and he will likely remain 'the greatest driver never to win the Formula One

World Championship' for as long as that competition is run.

Read more about the remarkable Stirling Moss from page 10.

While we're on the subject of racing drivers, we also have a story about an exciting young driver from Toowoomba named William Brown.

Just 17-years-old, William made history at the Townsville V8 Supercars in July by winning the first race of the inaugural season of the CAMS Jayco Australian Formula 4 Championship, a new race category specifically designed to develop young drivers and offer a step on the ladder to elite category racing. It was a spectacular start to what could be a spectacular career. You can read more about William from page 23.

In our MTA Q&A feature this month we talk to Juliette Mills and Michael Woodcroft from Brisbane Collision Centre. With work that includes restorations of classic cars, the building of race cars, as well as general repair and paint work, the couple have owned the business since 2011 and are building a solid reputation as owners with customer satisfaction at the heart of their business philosophy.

The Member's Classic car this edition is a 1986 VL Group A Plus Pack Commodore. A product of the Peter Brock/HDT/Holden collaboration, the Group A Plus Pack is a thundering beast of a motor with a 'new-age' twist. It is one of the Brock creations

SAVE THE DATE THE ANNUAL PRESIDENT’S BALL IS THE HIGHLIGHT ON THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY’S SOCIAL CALENDAR THIS PRESTIGIOUS BLACK-TIE event will be marketed to all MTA Queensland members, clients and stakeholders and is expected to sell out.

The evening will feature dinner, entertainment and dancing and will include an awards ceremony recognising both the best and brightest MTA Institute of Technology trainees and apprentices, as well as the most creative and generous member businesses through the Innovation Award and the Community Award.

Date: Saturday 31st October 2015 Time: 6:30pm - 11pm Venue: Hilton Brisbane

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that carried the 'Energy Polariser' - a device, it was said, that could affect molecular alignment and energy fields and allow it to ‘make motor vehicles work better in all respects’. Whatever the truth, the Energy Polariser only makes the car more intriguing.

In other news this month, MTAQ representatives attended the Townsville V8 event, assisting at the MTAA Super Pathways pod. An initiative developed by MTAA Super in 2013, the pod is a hi-tech booth set up at V8 Supercar races across the country to share information on automotive careers and to register those who express an interest for follow-up contact from the state automotive association. It was a tremendous success in Townsville with more than 1,000 people registering over the course of the three-day event. You can read more on this initiative on page 21.

As always, we will endeavour to bring you news and insight into the industry, information on the latest training opportunities and highlight members' interests.

If you have a story worth telling, want to appear in a Member Profiles, or have a classic car, bike or truck you would like to see featured, then please don't hesitate to contact me.

Cheers, Jonathan Nash jonathann@mtaq.com.au

Get the cash from your card sales the same day, every day.

With Commonwealth Bank’s Everyday Settlement, the card sales# your business makes are settled into your linked Commonwealth Bank business transaction account on the same day*, every day – even on weekends and public holidays.

To find the Commonwealth Bank card payment solution that’s right for your business, contact MTA Queensland on 07 3237 8777 today.

Important Information: #Card sales transactions acceptable via credit card, charge card and scheme debit cards. *Everyday Settlement is available on transactions made before 10.00pm (AEST) for eligible customers with a Commonwealth Bank business transaction account and a linked Commonwealth Bank merchant facility. Terms and conditions issued by Commonwealth Bank of Australia are available on request. You should consider whether or not this product is appropriate for you. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124.

Policy/Viewpoint

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KELLIE DEWAR GENERAL MANAGER MTA QUEENSLAND

4 | Motor Trader August 2015

N BUSINESS, ONE must strive to be prepared for all contingencies.

Despite utilising industry best practices, policies and procedures, we found ourselves compromised by malicious software that affected some members and which stemmed from a staff member’s computer.

Members would have received a Bulletin drawing attention to a spam email impersonating an MTA Queensland staff member. The email appears from sarac@mtaq.com.au with a subject “your account balance”. It is and was a fake. In this instance, the staff member’s computer was replaced and all data screened as a precaution.

We want to relay to members that no matter what size your business, or the systems you have in place, this is happening every day - the age of progressing technology brings with it a very high exposure to additional risks including virus, spam and scams.

At the outset, please take extra care when opening emails even when you think it is from a reliable source. We have had many reports of spam and virus emails circulating within the Automotive Industry. Assess beyond the sender and look at the content and the type of file or links attached to the correspondence.

Here are some tips for awareness: Checking that websites that should be secure are covered by an SSL certificate.

Look for the padlock in the address bar (Banks, Logon portals, online payments).

Software not supplied by your IT department or approved vendors for your business (e.g. Accounting packages) should be raised with IT prior to installation. A quick check can save a lot of problems.

Notify your IT department of any unusual computer behavior. Just continuing on when an issue presents itself can have a significant impact on the severity of a problem.

Ensure backups are in place so if you do lose your data for any reason, you will have the latest copy of the information.

Be wary of ‘Zip’ files. They are used commonly for viruses. Even if it comes from one of your contacts, if you are not expecting the file give them a call to verify it is legitimate.

GST ONLINE SHOPPING BELOW $1000 An ongoing issue for members has been the GST-free status of offshore online shopping purchases below $1,000. Over the years, we have made several submissions calling for this loophole to be closed. The anecdotal information, particularly from retailers of automotive vehicle and motorcycle apparel and accessories and parts, indicates that consumer on-line sourcing of goods is eroding traditional sales volume and having a detrimental effect on sales revenue and profitability.

At last, there may be action; at the recent Leader’s retreat, there was agreement in principle to broaden the GST to cover overseas online transactions under $1,000.

The Federal Treasurer the Hon Joe Hockey foreshadowed “a blueprint” that would be put to a meeting of State and Territory Treasurers at Alice Springs in August. One option includes customers paying the tax when they picked up their parcel from Australia Post. It is estimated that in the 12 months to May about $4 billion went to overseas stores and outlets.

The proposal of GST on overseas online transactions under $1,000 is in addition to the May 2015-16 budget initiative that consumers buying digital goods and services from overseas would have to pay GST on their purchases. This includes e-books, games, movies, music, consultancy and legal services and more.

STATE BUDGET MTA Queensland was in the ‘lock up’ for the State Budget. For industry and business it was welcomed as there were no new additional imposts other than the above CPI increases in motor vehicle registrations and driver’s license fees. Key initiatives included: • Additional funding of $240 million over four years to reinstate Skilling Queenslanders for work to support up to 32,000 Queenslanders into work through a suite of targeted skills and training programs; and

• Providing a payroll tax rebate of 25 per cent on the wages of apprentices and trainees in addition to their wages being exempt from payroll tax up to 30 June 2018.

The rebate will be used as an offset against payroll tax payable on the wages of other employees.

More details of the State Budget as it refers to the automotive value chain may be found on our website.

ADVOCACY Biofuels Prior to going on holidays I signed off on our biofuels submission in reply to the State Government’s ‘Towards a clean energy economy: achieving a biofuels mandate for Queensland’.

Chairman of the Service Station & Convenience Store Association Tim Kane ensured that his member’s views were well represented in our response. For interested members, the submission is on the website.

Small Business Ombudsman The Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee is examining the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman and Associated Bills. The Association had been involved in the policy development process from inception.

Our submission to the Committee repeated our support for Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman and the legislation.

Advisory Council Application On behalf of the Association, I submitted an application to be a stakeholder on the Queensland Government’s Small Business Advisory Council to represent the automotive value chain. To date, I have not heard the outcome.

Exclusive Dealing For almost twelve months, our Motorcycle Industry Division (QMID) has been waiting for the ACCC’s response to Yamaha Motor Australia’s exclusive dealing proposal.

The QMID was opposed to the proposal and made a sound case why it should not be given approval.

Regrettably, after the ACCC’s consideration of submissions and analysis of the financial consequences on the several industry sectors that the exclusive dealing proposal applied, the

decision was ‘not to take any further action …at this time’. The ACCC stated the reasons and these might be accessed on its website http://registers.accc.gov.au

INDUSTRY INFORMATION Worker’s Compensation Scheme The Workers’ Compensation Scheme, reformed in 2013, is under Parliamentary scrutiny again.

The Queensland Government has introduced into the Parliament the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015. The proposed amendments include: • removing the current limitation on the entitlement to seek damages that requires a worker to have a degree of permanent impairment as a result of the injury greater than 5% to access common law since the date of the Queensland State election; • establishing the ability to provide additional compensation to particular workers impacted by the operation of the common law threshold, between 15 October 2013 and 31 January 2015; • removing the entitlement prospective employers have to obtain a copy of a prospective worker’s compensation claims history from the Workers’ Compensation Regulator.

As a result of the 2013 reform, Queensland workers’ compensation premiums reduced on average by 17 per cent, with the average premium rate for businesses dropping from $1.45 per $100 of wages to $1.20 for 2014-15 – and again at this rate for 2015-16. That is estimated to provide a $250 million benefit to the state’s business community each year.

CCIQ surveys found that 81 per cent of Queensland businesses were supportive of the introduction of a threshold to reduce access to common law, bringing Queensland into alignment with other states. The 2013 reforms ceased spiralling common law claim numbers that were 40 per cent higher than five years earlier.

The bill is before the Parliamentary Finance and Administration Committee which has called for submissions - closing date is 3 August 2015 - about the time you will receive this Motor Trader. I raised this at

the recent MTA Queensland Board meeting and with our Divisional Executives. I will be making a submission and would appreciate your input to it.

Lemon Laws In July’s Viewpoint, I drew attention to an e-petition circulating in Queensland requesting that the Queensland Parliament introduce lemon laws to protect consumers.

As stated in the column, the rights of new motor vehicle buyers are protected under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which will undergo review - to begin later this year. This will include consideration if the ACL should contain lemon laws for new motor vehicles. Currently, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), via its website, is seeking from consumers, experiences with so-called ‘lemon cars’.

In addition, the Queensland Parliamentary and Legal Affairs and Committee will inquire into a report on “whether there is a need to improve the consumer protections and remedies for buyers of new motor vehicles with numerous, severe defects that reoccur despite multiple repair attempts or where defects have caused a new motor vehicle to be out of service for a prolonged period of time ('lemons').”

The Committee will consult with key stakeholders, including motor vehicle manufacturers and dealers and consumer protection representatives and submissions have been sought.

It will report to the Legislative Assembly 30 November 2015.

At the time of writing this Viewpoint, the committee has not determined its approach to this Inquiry, including the closing date for submissions. Once available, I will communicate these to the Chairman of our Queensland Motor Dealer Council Garth Madill and discuss the terms of reference and our submission.

Energy news The ACCC has launched its 10th issue of Small Business in Focus. One of the helpful segments for members relates to the Energy Made Easy website. The Australian Energy Regulator has redeveloped this site, which includes a page for small businesses offering: information on small businesses’ rights as energy customers; tools to help small August 2015 Motor Trader | 5

Policy/Viewpoint businesses find a great energy deal; tips on how small businesses can use less energy and save money. It can be accessed at: www.energymadeeasy.gov.au

Business Names Rules The Business Names registration rules have been updated. The new Business Names (Availability of Names) Determination 2015 and accompanying Guidelines aim to ensure small businesses that they can rely on the integrity of their business name registration and that new business name applications are thoroughly vetted.

Future business developments The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has provided a neat pen picture of what is in store for business over the next couple of years emanating from the Streamlining Business Registration Measure tabled in the 2015-15 Federal Budget.

Under this measure, the aim is to: create a single online portal for business and company registration; publish application programming interfaces for Australian Business Number (ABN), business name and company registrations; and reduce the number of business identifiers by making the ABN the primary identifier for businesses and companies.

The Streamlined Business Registration model due for implementation by mid-2016, provides for an individual planning to start a business to be able to log onto www.business.gov.au and access: the Australian Business Licence and Information Service to identify the government licences, permits, approvals and registrations required; ABN registration; company registration; business name registration; GST registration and PAYG (withholding) registration.

THE ECONOMY As I write this Viewpoint the communiqué from the Australian Leader’s retreat has been released which states that there is agreement to focus on health, education, infrastructure, and housing. The automotive value chain, and 6 | Motor Trader August 2015

particularly MTA Queensland with its Institute of Technology, has a stake in training. It is pleasing that the focus will be on a “better trained workforce” and recognition that “there is a misalignment between the jobs we train people for and the jobs business needs doing”. “Leaders committed to change that will see a more demanddriven system, greater engagement with business about the skills needs to deal with emerging industries and new ways to support students”.

The Reserve Bank Board next meets on Tuesday 4 August. At its July meeting, the cash rate of 2.00 per cent was lift unchanged. Economic and financial conditions would be the key determinants of future interest rate decision-making. The Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens has warned that, beyond a certain point, interest rate cuts could do more damage by setting up future financial crises than the short-term boost to growth they generate.

The NAB June 2015 survey indicated that, generally, business confidence was improving, lifting from +8 to +10 index points - the highest level since September 2013. Business conditions were even more robust, lifting 5 points to 11 index points - the highest level since October 2014. Alas, consumer sentiment was downbeat. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment fell by 3.2 per cent in July from 95.3 in June to 92.2 in July. This is the lowest point of the index since December 2014.

NEW MOTOR VEHICLE SALES The ABS (seasonally adjusted) new motor vehicle sales for the month of June indicated there were 20,129 new motor vehicle sales - a bounce of 1,145 units or +5.5 percent on May sales.

Nationally the increase was +3.8 per cent. The 2014-15 financial year data was buoyant compared with that of 2013-2014 - new motor vehicle sales recorded a welcome increase of 1,495 or +8.0 per cent. Nationally there was a rise of +4.0 per cent.

The respected VFacts data indicates that for the financial year ending June 2014, the Australian new

car market topped 1.1 million for only the third year ever, with Australians buying 1,113,224 new cars.

VFacts highlights that the close race between last year’s top seller, the Toyota Corolla, and the Mazda3 ended with 422 more Australians taking home the Toyota Corolla.

A total of 43,735 Toyota Corollas and 43,313 Mazda3s were sold in 2014.

SUV sales continued to boom in 2014, with the vehicle type now accounting for around 32 per cent of the market.

SUVs and light commercial vehicles accounted for almost 50 per cent of new car sales in Australia. Passenger car sales have dropped 6.1 per cent to have 47.8 per cent of the market.

Business sales were slow in 2014, with 6.6 per cent fewer vehicles sold to business than in 2013. Government purchases rose 3.4 per cent compared to 2013 and private sales remained steady—up 0.5 per cent.

It is observed that motorcycle registrations in Australia continue to grow, showing the fastest growth of any type of vehicle over the past five years, according to the latest ABS data. Motorcycle registration (including scooters) from 2010 to 2015 went up by over 22 per cent. There are now over 800,000 motorcycles on Australia’s roads. Queensland has the second highest motorcycle registrations with 187,167.

PRESIDENTS BALL Polishing the dancing pumps and brushing up the groovy dance steps for the President’s Ball will be to no avail without a ticket. Book now Saturday 31 October at the Hilton Hotel, Brisbane. The chatter from the MTA Institute of Technology trainees and apprentices, and from MTA Queensland Chairman David Fraser and Board members is that it will be a special event.

After being to the snow and coming back to Queensland's freezing weather, I’m contemplating dancing lessons just to keep warm - not to mention tripping the light fantastic at the President’s Ball!

In the meantime take care and stay safe.

IT’S TIME TO NOMINATE FOR THE MTAQ AWARDS Representatives of the winning businesses are required to attend the event and will, if needed, be flown to Brisbane and provided accommodation at the Hilton Brisbane. But staying at the Hilton is not the only reward. Recipients will also receive a trophy, an iPad and exposure through MTA Queensland’s website, Facebook presence and Motor Trader magazine. So get involved and nominate either your own business or the business of another member who you think has excelled in either of these areas.

Let us know, via email and in 500 words or less, which business has been nominated, why they have been nominated and include either photographic or documentary evidence to support the nomination, and away we go!

INNOVATION AWARD We often think of innovation in terms of technology, but innovation comes in many forms. From engaging employees with unique incentive programs to methodologies that streamline workflows and increase production; from waste management to quality control; from new product lines to changes to old ones; from customer service programs to unique building, planning and environmental projects.

‘Innovation’ can cover any improvement or adjustment to your business.

COMMUNITY AWARD MTA Queensland knows many members are involved with their community beyond the boundary of their business - be it via charitable works, fundraising, volunteering or direct work in the community.

The Community Award recognises a member business which has identified how important their role can be within the community they serve and which has responded with projects, programs and initiatives reflecting that importance.

The nomination process is open now and closes at Noon on Monday, October 12

The winners will be notified by Friday, October 16

Email your nomination to info@mtaq.com.au

WINNERS REC

EIVE

• Return fligh ts to Brisbane • A night at th e Hilton Brisbane • Free entry to The President’s Ball • An iPad

2014 WINNER

Frank and Mary Teggart with the Innovation Award

Awarded to A1 Mobile Mechanics for the CM4000, a jump start pack developed by business owner Frank Teggart. Taking into consideration all the new technology used in vehicles today, the CM4000 has built-in surge and spike protection and has the ability to jump start cars even when the clamps are placed back-to-front.

2014 WINNER

Don Holden accepted the Community Award on behalf of the Crick Auto Group

Awarded to Crick Auto Group for two major initiatives. The Crick Eastham Foundation is committed to raising funds for charities that support either kids, the community or the fight against cancer. The ‘Cricks 12 Lives’ initiative aims to help change the life of someone in the community. Members of the public nominate people in need, and ‘Cricks 12 Lives’ chooses one person every month to help.

20140186

The President’s Ball is just three months away and the MTA Queensland is looking to once again acknowledge the fantastic work of members through the presentation of the Innovation Award and the Community Award. These awards, presented for the first time at last year’s President’s Ball, were created to recognise the business creativity of MTA Queensland members and their involvement within the communities they serve.

From business methods that benefit the environment or improve productivity, to relationships with local communities through charitable works, the award judges - including MTA Queensland Chairman David Fraser and the Executive team - want to look at any and all initiatives.

MTA

QA &

What products and services does Brisbane Collision Centre provide?

MW: We offer a large range of smash repair and paintwork. We do mainstream insurance work, which is our bread and butter, light commercial and are looking after fleets a lot more.

We also do varied work on race cars and restorations. We are shifting into that area, which is why we have a Mustang, the Ford GT and a racecar sitting in the front showroom. A lot of people drive by, see them and recognise the type and quality of work we do.

When we started, we found that people can be wary of a panel shop – some still think they can be a bit 'dodgy'. We want to make the customer feel relaxed. So with us, they can come in, wander around and look at the cars instead of walking into a dusty shop and hearing all the noise that goes along with the work. We’re trying to turn away from that perception and we have noticed that it is working.

How long has the business been up and running?

JM: The business has been up and running for about 30 years but we bought it in 2011.

MW: Brisbane Collision Centre was started in about 2006. Before then it was called John Mackay Smash Repairs and was actually located in the shop next to where we are now.

Then it was moved to behind our current location and then we moved it here, to the shop fronting the road.

What’s your background in the industry?

Juliette Mills and Michael Woodcrioft

MW: I started as a panel beater. I was working in a big shop and it was noisy, hard work and I remember looking over at the painters and thinking, ‘They’re all in white overalls, they look nice and relaxed, they’re making the car look really good – that looks like the glory side of things!’ So I decided

Michael Woodcroft and Juliette Mills have owned and run Brisbane Collision Centre since 2011, rejuvenating a long-standing business with a new-look showroom displaying the classic car and race car work they do, while building a reputation as a company with customer satisfaction at the heart of their business philosophy. that was what I wanted to do!

I started my apprenticeship in 1982 in Sydney and then moved up here in 1994 as a contract spray painter.

I started work here in 2003 as a spray painter, then became foreman, then junior estimator, then senior estimator, then general manager before buying the business in 2011.

JM: I’m from Brisbane and I was a teacher’s aide before Michael said to me one day, ‘Do you want to buy a business?’

It is a big difference! Cars didn’t mean too much to me then, but now we can be driving along and I’ll point and say ‘Look at the colour on that bumper bar!”

I now run the office side of things and it has been very, very hard but we are starting to get somewhere and our reputation is growing.

Brisbane smash businesses have been very busy since the massive hail storm late last year. How has it affected you?

JM: We’re booked out to this time next year. Last December we were quoting for about 700 cars, and then we started getting rectification work being brought to us too - we’ve developed a reputation for quality that means we fix a number of cars that come from other panel shops.

MW: It is good to be busy but it has been tough. We were getting about three conventional hail jobs and three PDR jobs, plus the rectifications, on top of our normal, everyday smash work and other specialised work.

When we were quoting through December and January the days were 4am until 9pm.

How do you keep up to date with the new technologies and materials that are used in new vehicles?

MW: There is information out there – implemented through bodies such as MTAQ and I-Car. Dealerships are on

board now too, offering information sessions. We’re attending one this week where we will go through the crash procedures for the new Mondeo.

Information is a lot more attainable from the manufacturers than it ever has been. And it is better to share the information than to hide it - it only improves the industry as a whole.

The paint companies come to us as well - they have technicians who deliver onsite training. We are just bringing in water-borne paint and they are helping us to make sure we get that process sorted properly.

We have much of the latest equipment and are looking at upgrading our booths and installing water tanks for recycling so that we can run the detailing bay off saved water. And we will look at a few more things over the next few weeks.

We were starting to do the Green Stamp certification too but that got shelved because of the storm.

But we’re getting there.

How many staff do you have?

JM: 25 staff including 5 spray painters, 5 panel beaters, 3 stripper/fitters, a detailer, parts clerk, 2 estimators, a workshop foreman and a workshop manager. We started with 15 staff and have grown steadily. Michael used to do all the estimating himself and even though we now have two estimators, he still does help with that.

The business also involves building race cars and restoring classic cars.

How did that come about?

MW: It’s only a small part of the business but there are people out there who appreciate what can be done and what cars can look like.

It started when we restored a VK Commodore as the Alan Grice Bathurst-winning ‘chickadee’ race car from the ‘80s. We've also worked

on a race car that has been featured in a number of magazines. It has 'Brisbane Collision' on its sides and that has generated work – we even had a customer come up from Melbourne just to get his car painted by us!

JM: Some of the cars we do look so great and we feel proud to have been involved with them. Business has been tough but our success comes in the quality, customer service and honesty we show to our clients. Customer satisfaction is the most important thing. If you do things right you end up with customers who are very loyal.

Do you enjoy racing yourself?

MW: I have raced in different categories over the years but now I have a race replica Torana that I use to compete in the Qld Touring Car Championship.

There are people who spend a lot of money on their cars, but I don’t.

It’s not about winning races for me – it’s about putting a smile on my face.

JM: It’s more about getting his stress level down! I see his stress levels rising, then he has a race meeting and it’s all better!

What plans do you have for the business?

JM: The aim is to make an exceptional workshop but I don’t think we want to be a much larger business.

We’re a family here and, sometimes, when you get bigger, it doesn’t always work. Bigger isn’t always better.

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

MW: Apart from racing, we try to have ‘our time’ - try and forget about work for a while. It doesn’t really happen, of course, because it is difficult to detach completely.

JM: Sometimes though, when we do get away from the business, that is when we come up with our best ideas.

When we’re relaxed we can come up with some great ideas!

August 2015 Motor Trader | 9

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STIRLING JOB

It is 60 years since motor racing great Sir Stirling Moss won his first Formula One race. It came at the British Grand Prix and was toasted as the prelude to what would be a glorious, trophy-laden career. Intense opposition and cursed bad luck would mean his trophy cabinet would always lack one showpiece prize, but a speed icon had been created.

10 | Motor Trader August 2015

Stirling Moss, aged 19, chats with his dad as he prepares for a race in 1949

Moss (left) with F1 legend Juan Manuel Fangio after Moss won the 1955 British Grand Prix

With the Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss supercar

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With his Maserati 250F

Sir Stirling Moss with F1 champ Lewis Hamilton

T SAYS PROBABLY all there is to say about Stirling Moss in that, in his 1950s heyday, he was known quite simply as ‘Mr Motor Racing’. There were no multi-million dollar sponsorship deals, no press events, and his face wasn’t patterned across every conceivable piece of media. He was simply a quiet, unassuming motor racing icon.

Wind forward six decades and Stirling remains the greatest driver never to win the Formula One world crown.

But titles, labels and regrets matter not to the 85-year-old, whose latest book has seen him at the centre of the sort of acclaim and attention deserving of a generational great.

Like all those who transcend and reach beyond their chosen sport, Moss still displays a superstar quality: quotable, controversial and charismatic. And so he should be. As a competitor he was brilliant, confident and unerringly prolific. In an age where car safety was an afterthought and races would regularly see fatalities, Moss drove 527 time across different disciplines and in 107 different cars - Porsche, Mercedes, Ferrari, Lotus, Maserati, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz - taking the chequered flag on 212 occasions. In those iconic cars Moss did more than compete; he reinvented what British drivers could achieve in a race car.

Yet, born in West Kensington, London on 17 September, 1929, Moss hardly appeared destined for a career on the tarmac. His father, Alfred Moss, a dentist by trade, might have enjoyed some small notoriety as an amateur racer

“...MOSS STILL DISPLAYS A SUPERSTAR QUALITY: QUOTABLE, CONTROVERSIAL AND CHARISMATIC. AND SO HE SHOULD BE. AS A COMPETITOR HE WAS BRILLIANT, CONFIDENT AND UNERRINGLY PROLIFIC.”

- finishing 14th in the 1924 Indy 500 driving a Fronty Ford but he never encouraged his son to drive competitively.

On the contrary, Moss Snr wanted his eldest child to emulate his success ‘in the chair’, and was fiercely opposed to Stirling purchasing his first race car.

Moss had been educated at several independent schools across the south of England, where he discovered a talent for horse riding. It was this gift that would eventually unlock the door to his racing career, given that he used the proceeds from his numerous riding victories to put down a deposit on a Cooper 500 in 1948, much to his father’s dismay.

The seeds of a sport-defining career were sown, and from then on Moss would take barely a backward glance in the rear view mirror. He cut his teeth in the world of motorsport in Formula Three, winning his first major race at the RAC Tourist Trophy at the Dundrod circuit in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, in 1950, using a borrowed Jaguar XK120.

August 2015 Motor Trader | 11

Within two years, he was taking on the greats of Formula One. The transition to the top grade of the sport was initially unsuccessful despite his commitment. Bravery and aptitude behind the wheel will only take a competitor so far, and in Moss’s case his stubborn insistence on driving British vehicles (that were significantly inferior to their continental counterparts) saw him struggle to compete. Not that he was duly concerned - ever the anglophile, he once commented “better to lose honourably in a British car than win in a foreign one”.

But he soon relented on that ideology and, in 1954, switched to drive a Maserati 250F at the suggestion of Mercedes-Benz boss Alfred Neubauer who, impressed with Moss’s performance in a substandard car, wanted the racer to prove his mettle before signing him for the team.

Despite having failed to come close to winning a professional race – a podium finish in Belgium in 1954 being the closest he got amongst a string of retirements – Moss did enough to convince Neubauer to give him the opportunity to partner the great Juan Manuel Fangio of Argentina, then F1’s golden boy. The Brit would be competing in the most German of cars, but even in the aftermath of World War II, his competitive spirit excelled over national pride, and the Mercedes drive was his.

That faith was soon repaid in the most spectacular way when, in July 1955, Moss won his first F1 race - the British Grand Prix at Aintree, Liverpool. It remains a momentous occasion in British racing history.

Moss arrived at Aintree in fine fettle having chalked up two second-place finishes behind team mate, friend and rival Fangio in the previous two races. With the Argentinean head and shoulders above all others, another runners-up spot was perhaps all a vociferous home crowd could hope for. Yet Moss accelerated his name into motorsport folklore with a

courageous drive that, even 60 years on, many still regard as one of the most defining performances from any British racing driver. As cars and drivers fell away in the blistering heat, the lead changed hands between the two Mercedes before, in the home run, Moss stole a march on his great rival to take the flag by less than a fifth of a second.

It’s arguably the race Moss is asked about most in interviews. In recent conversation he recalled: “The race is still very vivid to this day. There was a tremendous amount of people there. I could beat Fangio in sports cars but I couldn’t in Formula One. Again he got a better start than me, but I stuck with him and followed him round.

“It came to the last lap and I thought, ‘well, I’ve got to make a move or I’ll be in trouble’. We were coming down the straight and I just braked a bit later than he did and got away with it.

The stands erupted. It was a very meaningful race to me.”

While a marker had been set by Moss, the title would prove elusive. Trailing Fangio by 11 points with four races left, three of those were cancelled due to a tragedy at Le Mans, meaning Moss had to settle for second in the Drivers’ Championship.

Undeterred, he continued his fearless, magpie approach to motor racing and, away from F1, would soon have a race victory he would go on to label as his greatest ever.

In 1955, he won the Millie Migilia, a 1,000-mile road race in Italy between Brescia and Rome. Abetted by a navigator, journalist Denis Jenkinson, Moss steered his Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR around the course in 10 hours, seven minutes and 48 seconds, finishing 32 minutes ahead of Fangio in second.

It was branded by one commentator as “the most iconic single day's drive in motor racing history.”

“UNDETERRED, HE CONTINUED HIS

FEARLESS, MAGPIE APPROACH TO MOTOR RACING AND, AWAY FROM F1, WOULD SOON HAVE A RACE VICTORY HE WOULD GO ON TO LABEL AS HIS GREATEST EVER. IN 1955, HE WON THE MILLIE MIGILIA...”

Moss (right) and Denis Jenkinson (left, with beard) after winning the 1955 Mille Miglia

12 | Motor Trader August 2015

Raising his arm in victory as he takes the chequered flag at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1961

“TO ME... THE IDEA OF DRIVING FOR

POINTS GOES AGAINST THE WHOLE POINT OF RACING. THAT'S WHY I SO ADMIRED GILLES VILLENEUVE'S APPROACH. IF YOU'RE NOT TRYING TO WIN AT ALL COSTS, WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING THERE?”

With regular sports car success, it seemed inevitable such glory would eventually transfer to F1, and when Fangio retired in 1958, surely Moss would assume the position of being the driver to beat? But for a variety of reasons - his reckless abandon in the car, his ‘win or bust’ attitude, and more than a fair share of bad luck - the championship title would elude him. The closest he got was in 1958 when good sportsmanship and basic decency cost him. By testifying in favour of Mike Hawthorn, who had bump-started his car against the direction of traffic at the Portuguese Grand Prix, Moss had helped a stewards’ inquiry go his rival’s way. As a result, Hawthorn’s second-place finish and six points were upheld, and he won the title from Moss by just half a point.

The Brit would never go as close again, and although he retired with an impressive F1 record of 24 podiums and 16 wins from 66 races - the last of which came in the German Grand Prix in 1961 - the big prize was never to be his. Not that, in any interviews, Moss seems to care particularly. He admits to having regrets, but real achievement he bases on driving and not winning.

“To me,” Moss said recently, “the idea of driving for points goes against the whole point of racing. That's why I so admired Gilles Villeneuve's approach. If you're not trying to win at all costs, what on earth are you doing there? As far as I'm concerned, boy, any driver who's worth the name tries to win every race he runs. Eventually, the world championship ceased to be very important to me."

His racing career all but ended in 1962 when a horrific crash in his Lotus at the Goodwood-held Glover Trophy left him in a coma for a month, partially paralysing the left side of his body. A short-lived comeback a year later lasted just a private test session - feeling unable to match his former control of the car, Moss called it a day at the age of just 32,

Moss is congratulated by Fangio after his victory at the Grand Prix of Italy in 1957

and with 14 years’ service as a professional racer. He still competes occasionally, though hasn’t entered a registered race since the Le Mans Legend event in 2011.

Moss was 81 at that point, but had spent the intervening years cleverly building up his personal brand to the point where he had become more famous in retirement racing than he ever was on the track, astutely developing into a hugely marketable commentator, broadcaster, author and celebrity.

Inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1990 and Knighted by the Queen a decade later for services to motor racing, it never lessened Moss’s ability to court controversy. Over the years, he has traded on his outspoken nature in seeing his ire turn on such targets as Michael Schumacher, the pampered, the unchallenging state of F1 tracks and the supposed ease of driving modern cars.

Even this year, he was knocking Lewis Hamilton down a peg or two. “I don’t think Lewis is great yet. We know Vettel is in there, and Alonso. And Lewis is slightly less valued than someone like Jim Clark. The thing Lewis is really interested in is music, not driving.”

Right or wrong, Moss has earned the right to criticise, and it is a sign of the esteem that one of the true old generals of racing is generally held in that he even has his own catchphrase. Many a speeding motorist in Britain has been hauled over by a policeman to hear the words, “Who do you think you are, Stirling Moss?”

But of course - there can only be one Stirling Moss.

August 2015 Motor Trader | 13

News

BLUE BIRD SOARS 90 YEARS AFTER RECORD RUN

The Blue Bird today (above) and racing on the sands of Pendine in the '20s

Y

OU MAY RECALL that, a couple of editions back, Motor Trader ran a story on Land Speed Record breaking cars. Included amongst that list of fabulous vehicles was the Sunbeam Blue Bird – driven

by Sir Malcolm Campbell to a record speed of 150.76mph (242.6km/h) on the Pendine Sands beach in Wales in 1925.

Recently, the fully restored car was brought out from its home at Britain’s National Motor Museum and taken back to Pendine for a commemorative run on the 90th anniversary of Campbell’s record-breaking drive.

Campbell’s grandson Don Wales was at the wheel for the low speed demonstration drive.

The car was the brainchild of Sunbeam’s chief engineer and racing team manager, Louis Coatalen, and was constructed at the company’s works in Wolverhampton during 1919 and early 1920. Its power came from a modified 18.322-litre V12 Manitou Arab aero engine, a type used on naval seaplanes.

The Sunbeam, renamed Blue Bird

by Campbell, holds three World Land Speed Records, the first achieved by Kenelm Lee Guinness at Brooklands in 1922 with a speed of 133.75mph (215.24km/h). Campbell then 14 | Motor Trader August 2015

purchased the car, had it painted in his distinctive colour scheme and in September 1924 achieved a new record speed of 146.16mph (235.22km/h) at Pendine, raising it the following year to 150.76mph (242.6km/h).

Campbell then sold the Sunbeam and it passed through a number of owners and was in a poor condition when purchased by Lord Montagu in 1957, for his motor museum. During a test fire-up in 1993 to assess the car’s condition, disaster struck when a blocked oil way in the engine caused it to seize and ‘throw a rod’. For several years, the car was on display with a visible hole in its engine where the piston and con-rod had exited.

In January 2014, following a complete mechanical rebuild undertaken by the National Motor Museum’s workshop team over a period of many years, the Sunbeam was firedup again - the first time it had been heard in public in over 50 years.

PARENTS DRIVE UP TO 4200km MORE THAN THE AVERAGE DRIVER ACCORDING TO NEW data from Roy Morgan Research, Aussie parents drive over 1800km a year more than the average Australian driver—the equivalent of an extra trip from Melbourne to Brisbane during the year. And the older the kids, the more kilometres are spent behind the wheel.

Australian drivers drive an average of 15,813km per year, down around 2000km per year compared with ten years ago. However the 4.9 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17,659km per year on average: a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually.

Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15,807km per year and 15,570km per year respectively, close to the norm. But all the primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16,764km per year. When the kids turn 9-11 their parents drive farther still: an average 17.433km per year.

Having kids in the 12-15 years old range adds 1,580km on the road (to 19,013km per year). And once children have reached the age where they are learning to drive, at ages 16-17, parents can expect to add 4,233km per year more than the average driver: a total of 20,046km per year.

“Parents know full well that having kids means more time behind the wheel as they grow up—but just how many extra kilometres they drive may come as a surprise,” said Jordan Pakes, Industry Director – Automotive, Roy Morgan Research. “Well over 90 per cent of parents with kids aged from newborn to eight say their car needs to be suitable for carrying children, while over 75 per cent need lots of space and seating flexibility and say safety is the primary concern when choosing a vehicle.

“Car manufacturers and dealers, repairers, tyre and auto parts brands, petrol retailers and insurance companies would do well to track Australian parents’ driving habits and what they look for when buying a new car."

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An easy solution MTAA Super can help your business save time and money with it’s Quicksuper one-transaction clearing house.* KEY BENEFITS • Make all your super contributions with ONE transaction • 24x7 web-based access • Free for default or registered employers* • Upload payment information directly from your payroll system or input manually • Online validation of payments to ensure accuracy • Add new employees without additional paperwork • Secure online facility TAKE THE NEXT STEP Go to the MTAA Super website mtaasuper.com.au/get-superstream-ready to find out how we can help you be SuperStream compliant by 31 October. Alternatively, please contact our Customer Service Centre directly on 1300 362 415.

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Other employers may be granted use of the service at the approval of the Trustee.

mtaasuper.com.au The MTAA Super Clearing House is a non-cash payment facility issued by Westpac Banking Corporation. MTAA Super does not issue or operate the MTAA Super Clearing House. It offers a high level of security, stability and privacy and is subject to regulation as a financial product. You should consider the terms and conditions in the Product Disclosure Statement in deciding whether to use the MTAA Super Clearing House, which is available from https://clearinghouse.mtaasuper.com.au/ApplicationIntroductionView. 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. You should consider the PDS in making a decision.

LEADER OF THE PACK

I

N 1986, PETER Brock was just about at the pinnacle of his career. The eight-time Bathurst winner was still a major force on the track (he would win again in 1987) and off the track his influence was just as potent. As the owner of the Holden Dealer Team (HDT) not only was Brock running one of Australian motorsport’s most successful outfits he had also branched out into the production of modified, highperformance, road-going Commodore sedans, selling the cars to an enthusiastic public.

Up until 1986, Holden had been happy to give the nod of official approval to Brock’s creations. His knowledge and experience, coupled to his popularity, would hardly give them reason to do otherwise. And then things went pear-shaped.

For whatever reason, Brock began to champion the Energy Polariser - a small device, about the size of cigarette packet, that was said to contain crystals and magnets and have mysterious properties that supposedly affected molecular alignment and energy fields and would allow it to ‘make motor vehicles work better in all respects’.

Not surprisingly, the Energy Polariser polarised opinion and Holden questioned its technical merit. And when Brock installed the device on his HDT Director sedan creation at the start of 1987, and unveiled the car against Holden’s wishes, Holden brought the tie-up with Brock and HDT to an end.

This peculiar story may have had people questioning quite what was going through Brock’s mind but it’s just the type of story that makes the cars fitted with the polarizer, including the 170 or so VL Group A Plus Pack’s, even more spectacular, rare and intriguing than they already are.

16 | Motor Trader August 2015

“I don’t think it does anything,” says Ryan Anderson of the energy polariser placed carefully in the engine bay of his stunning VL Plus Pack. “It doesn’t plug into anything - it just sits in there. I’ve never pulled one apart because I don’t want to wreck it, but it is a bit crazy!”

Whatever the truth about the Energy Polariser, there’s no denying that the rest of the VL Plus Pack is the real deal.

It’s 4.9-litre V8 is a symphony of thunderous notes that screams power (whether molecules are aligned or not) and are a perfect accompaniment to its muscular exterior with hood scoop, boot spoiler and deep maroon paint job topped off with the swirling print of Peter Brock’s signature on its flanks.

The additional Brock touches – Momo steering wheel, star wheels and upgraded engine components and suspension settings - make the Plus Pack as close to the racing version of the VL as it’s possible to get and the addition of a Peter Brock signature on the glovebox, next to the plaque indicating the vehicle’s build number, is a tasty additional flourish that makes this particular car even more special.

“Not all of them have the signature on the dash – it didn’t come with that,” says Ryan. “I imagine quite a few people with them would have had them signed over the years but it is good to have it on there for sure.”

Ryan, owner of Morayfield Smash, north of Brisbane, actually owns two of these classic pieces of ‘80s automotive

MAKE: HOLDEN/HDT MODEL: VL GROUP A PLUS PACK COMMODORE YEAR: 1986 ENGINE: 4.9-LITRE V8 OWNER: RYAN ANDERSON OWNED: 7 YEARS

history – the one you see here he has had for seven years after finding it on carsales.com.au. The other he has had for 13 years.

You would think that someone who would buy two of these rare models must be a Holden, or Brock, fanatic, but actually Ryan has no special affection for the marque. It is, in fact, the model of car that holds special significance for him.

“My first car was a VL and it’s the model I’ve always liked,” says Ryan. “When my wife Ria and I first met, her car was a VL as well, exactly the same colour as my first VL. And yes, I still have that first car too!”

As a collector Ryan has a good eye, for the VL Plus Pack was in solid condition when he bought it and he has only had to do a little maintenance from time-to-time. However, as with many classic motors, the need to give them an occasional run is good for its health.

“The car is genuine,” says Ryan. “But you do need to drive them. I let it sit for a couple of years and I had to replace every hose, had issues with fuel pumps and silly little things that I had to fix up. Now I drive it every three or four weeks – just a 20-kilometre drive is nice. I took the family out in it the other day and we just went through town and the kids loved it – it was new to them. There are no power window buttons or things like that so the kids, who are four and seven, were a bit ‘Whoa! What’s going on here?’ And thanks to the noise it makes, the young bloke thinks it is a racecar!”

Keeping the VL ticking over and in good health is a must now for Ryan – he doesn't have much time on his hands as

DO YOU HAVE A PRIDE AND JOY IN THE GARAGE THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE IN THE PAGES OF MOTOR TRADER? Contact Jonathan Nash at jonathann@ his smash repair mtaq.com.au or 07 3237 8721 and let’s business, which see if we can share your classic has been in the with other members. family since 1981, is busier than ever.

“Since the big hail storm hit at the end of last year, I haven’t seen daylight" he says. "We’re still pumping through 6 or 7 hailies a week. It’s non-stop, and after being here for 12 hours, it’s hard to go home and have the energy to work on a car!”

In the world of classic cars, the VL Plus Pack is a shrewd investment. They are likely to continue to rise in value and though Ryan bought his because of his fascination with the model, it’s a fact he doesn’t ignore.

"I didn’t buy them for that reason - I bought them as a collector - but I recognise they are going to go up in value," he says. “They’re a bit of a nest egg.”

The Energy Polariser may have seemed a bit of a joke 30 years ago but today . . . well, today it seems it's worth its weight in gold.

August 2015 Motor Trader | 17

EMPLOYER INFO TOUR

SEPTEMBER 9TH 5.30PM-7PM DO YOU WANT TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? Do you want to make bigger profits, be more efficient, have your staff trained to the highest standards and be able to access industry and workplace advice by making a simple phone call?

Are you interested in finding out more about government funding and other options available to you that will help you to develop the skills of your employees and build your business?

WELL, WE CAN HELP! The MTAQ has been working in the automotive industry for more than 80 years servicing the needs of the automotive industry with advice, advocacy and training, and on our Employer Info Tour we can talk about all these issues and much more.

SO COME ALONG AND . . . » Tour our facility and meet our industry experts. » Talk to our experienced staff about funding options and programs available to assist you with expanding your business. » Discover more about our world-class industry training courses . . . from Light Vehicle Mechanical to Auto Electric, from Pre-Vocational courses to Business Diplomas we’ve got all your training needs covered. » Discover the benefits of being a member of MTAQ – an industry association with more than 80 years of experience in providing advice, advocacy and training to the industry. » Network with industry colleagues over a snag or two from the BBQ.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU

20150240

SIR JACK BRABHAM AUTOMOTIVE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE BUILDING 8, FREEWAY OFFICE PARK, 2728 LOGAN ROAD, EIGHT MILE PLAINS QUEENSLAND 4113 RSVP 2ND SEPTEMBER INFO@MTAQ.COM.AU

ESSENTIALS Contents 19 Training matters 23 Members matters 26 Member profiles

BAY CITY MOTO MARYBOROUGH MOTORCYCLES ULTRATUNE MARYBOROUGH

28 Industrial relations

T

HE MTA INSTITUTE of Technology (MTAIT) has signed an agreement with I-CAR Australia to deliver select I-CAR courses for apprentices.

The agreement will see newly-qualified technicians receive not only their Certificate III qualifications, but also I-CAR Platinum accreditation upon completion.

To be delivered by MTAIT’s trainers, who will themselves receive I-CAR Instructor training, the courses will give the students the latest information required to work within the collision repair industry.

“I-CAR welcomes the MTA Institute of Technology as a partner and its commitment to improving the skills of our future technicians,” said I-CAR CEO Mark Czvitkovits. “Instructors from MTA Institute

“ . . . THAT’S ONE

THING ABOUT TRAINING AND EDUCATION – YOU SHOULD NEVER STOP LEARNING OR WANTING THE LATEST INFORMATION.” of Technology will undergo I-CAR’s Instructor Qualification Workshop on both course delivery and additional I-CAR courses to increase their level of knowledge. The Instructors will be required to achieve Platinum Individual accreditation as part of the arrangement.”

With the agreement in place, the MTAIT will provide another level of training August 2015 Motor Trader | 19

E S S E N T I A L S

MEMBERS

MTAIT AND I-CAR TO PARTNER IN RESOURCE AGREEMENT

M E M B E R S

Training matters

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

MTAIT TRAINER PROFILE

Training matters to its Collision Repair and Automotive Refinishing apprentices that will provide a significant advantage as they prepare for a career in the industry.

“Our view is that, for apprentices to share in I-CAR’s industry-recognised position and have the training, information and knowledge you get from an I-CAR course as part of their apprenticeship will enhance not only their training and skills, but ultimately that of the industry,” said Paul Kulpa, General Manager Training Operations for MTAIT. “And working with I-CAR will not only provide another dimension of training for our apprentices, but also provide our trainers with currency expected of the Collision repair industry.

“We have a strong working relationship with I-CAR and our trainers have done a number of courses with them and found them of great benefit,” added Mr Kulpa.

“And that’s one thing about training and education – you should never stop learning or wanting the latest information. At MTAIT, we want to be a provider that does offer that level of service and information to our apprentices and employers. It’s a level

TED O’BRIEN

“WORKING WITH I-CAR

WILL NOT ONLY PROVIDE ANOTHER DIMENSION OF TRAINING FOR OUR APPRENTICES, BUT ALSO PROVIDE OUR TRAINERS WITH CURRENCY EXPECTED OF THE COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY.” trains. I had to rebuild the starter motor and generator of the first road train that travelled to the NT (the AEC was being restored).

I moved to Cairns at the end of 1988 where I did a lot of wiring work on fishing trawlers.

When did you become a trainer for MTA institute of technology?

2007.

What geographical area do you service?

FNQ, Cairns and Atherton Tablelands.

What is your specialised area?

Auto electrics, Light Vehicle and Aircon.

What is your background in the automotive industry?

I started my apprenticship in 1971 as an auto electrican in Canberra. I worked in the Alice for 10 years on all sorts, including station machinery and some big road

20 | Motor Trader August 2015

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

When you see the lights come on in the student's eyes when they understand what you and the employer have been teaching them and it has clicked.

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

of commitment that reinforces our position as a premium provider of automotive training.”

MTAIT is one of a number of RTO’s across Australia that will be working with I-CAR Australia to provide the collision repair training.

“The signing of this agreement brings together 7 RTO’s across Australia who will be working with I-CAR Australia in providing apprentices within the collision repair industry the necessary training to prepare them for the future challenges of this fast developing industry,” said Mr Czvitkovits. “These institutes are being recognised as the leaders in Collision Repair apprentice training in Australia.”

Passing some of the knowledge, gained after years in the trade, on to the next generation of tradesmen/tradeswomen.

Why should someone consider a career in the automotive industry?

Because it is forever changing and will always be with us in one form or another.

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

Go for it and never look back.

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

I am tied up with the local speedway, when the competition is on in the dry season. I like to chill out watching a movie, or spend time with my dachshund and with friends.

M

ORE THAN 150,000 people crowded into Townsville’s Reid Park during July’s Castrol Edge Townsville 400 V8 Supercar event. According to reports, it was the second-largest crowd in the event’s history with numbers up more than 7 per cent on 2014 and the massive crowd witnessed a dominant performance

by Mark Winterbottom More than 1000 people registered at the MTAA Super Pathways Pod at the Townsville V8 event the Prodrive Racing Team driver scoring back-todesigned to promote the varied career back victories in the weekend’s races paths available in automotive and to extend his championship lead. one way this is done is through the Such large attendance figures at MTAA Super Pathways Pod. A hi-tech V8 Supercar events offer the perfect booth assembled at Supercar events, opportunity to engage with those who the pod allows individuals to use have an interest in the automotive interactive screens to answer a series industry. Since 2013, MTAA Super - the of questions regarding age, work industry’s $8.5B superannuation fund status and interest in an automotive which has been serving individuals career. That information is then made within the motor trades for 25+ years available to the state Motor Trade - has been using the events to connect association, which can then contact with people through its MTAA Super those individuals who express a desire Pathways® program. to know more about the industry, With the Holden Racing Team and or are keen to get a start in an Prodrive Racing Australia as partners, automotive industry career and want the MTAA Super Pathways program is

to know about training opportunities and other pathway options.

The MTAA Super Pathways Pod has proven very successful since it was first introduced, with thousands of people engaged at V8 events across the country since its inception.

In Townsville, more than 1000 people were registered through the Pod. “The MTAA Super Pathways program was created to help reduce the massive shortage of qualified tradespeople in the automotive industry,” said Michael Irving, Executive Manager, Marketing for MTAA Super. “ And it has proven to be really successful - we’ve registered about 25,000 people through the Pod since it was introduced at Sandown in 2013.

“We were really pleased with the numbers at Townsville,” he added.

“1072 people registered and 165 of those were in the key 13-24 age group.

Of those, 48 highlighted they were keen on a career in automotive and August 2015 Motor Trader | 21

E S S E N T I A L S

MTAA SUPER CHAMPIONS AUTOMOTIVE CAREERS AT V8 SUPERCARS

M E M B E R S

Training matters

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

Training matters would like to start in the next 12 months. That is an excellent result.”

MTAQ representatives were present at the pod on all three days of the Townsville event, answering any questions and encouraging visitors to consider the opportunities a career in automotive offers.

“A lot of people did come through,” said Richard Matthews, one of MTAQ’s trainers from north Queensland. “I talked to quite a number of them and they were very interested in the industry.

We would chat and I would explain to them what I do and what MTAQ does and we would talk about where their interests were. Some just needed a little bit of a push to get involved, and I think it went very well indeed.”

The partnership between MTAA

V8 Supercar drivers Chaz Mostert and Garth Tander at the Pod

Super and MTAQ, and indeed the other state associations, is vital to the success of the MTAA Super Pathways program as it brings together the weight of a national organisation with the training expertise of the state associations.

TOWNSVILLE SMASH BUSINESS WINS REGIONAL QLD TRAINING AWARD A TOWNSVILLE CRASH repair business has taken out the Small Employer of the Year category in the North Queensland regional finals of the 2015 Queensland Training Awards.

Douglas & Miller Motor Body Repairs will now compete for the state award, to be decided in September, and will do so for the fourth time after also making the finals in 2010, 2011 and 2013.

“The biggest thing is about going above and beyond,” said owner David Douglas when asked what it is the business is doing that should see them so consistently recognised by the awards judges. “Anyone can let their apprentices potter along, giving them a little job here and there to fill in their time, but we go further than that.”

Which is a bit of an understatement.

Along with business partner David Miller, Mr Douglas has owned and run the company since the pair bought it from their respective fathers in 1995, and they have been providing an advanced training ground for paint and panel apprentices ever since.

Currently, the company has two paint and two panel apprentices amongst their 17 staff, and the four 22 | Motor Trader August 2015

David Douglas and David Miller

students, who are working through their apprenticeships with MTA Institute of Technology, are receiving some fairly extensive extra training.

“We’ve set up a scheme with paint manufacturer Glasurit where their head trainer comes up here every six weeks,” said Mr Douglas. “For one whole week he works with the apprentices and all he does with them, all day, for a whole week, is show the finer points of how to do the job.

“And that’s why we have a first-year apprentice colouring cars not only

“Our partnership with MTAQ and the other state associations is key,” said Mr Irving. “The associations have training organisations and the MTAA Super Pathways program is a great way for us to work with them and team up to help grow and promote careers in automotive.”

“We now have the ability to contact those individuals, encourage them and provide them with a career pathway through programs such as our pre-vocational course,” said Paul Kulpa, Training Operations Manager for MTA Institute of Technology. “It was good to see MTAQ participate in this event, and it has been great to see people interested in the industry and putting their name forward to find out more.” in three layers, but also whites and metallic; and a third-year apprentice blending three-layer pearls.

“And we do the same on the panel side. We flew an I-CAR trainer up for a whole week to work with us and we arranged for a couple of big jobs to be here and for him to help us with those.”

Paying for this extra training may be expensive but, as Mr Douglas points out, there is a pay off – not just for his own business but for the industry too.

“We have been told by others that we spend too much money on training them like this, but the big difference is that my apprentice is making money earlier than theirs. And I know that when my apprentices finish, and if they leave here, they will be more than able to hold they’re own. And that is very satisfying to me.”

Mr Douglas will be attending the main State Training Award night in Brisbane in September where he will, perhaps, be able to repeat the thanks he expressed during his speech picking up the regional award.

“It is very nice to be recognised for the work we are doing,” he said.

“You don’t get much thanks for doing the training – so when you do get recognised for the effort you put in, it is really something.”

Will Brown with his 3rd place trophy and Rookie of the Round medal

R

EMEMBER THIS NAME . . .

William Brown. You read it here first.

Not heard of him before?

Not sure who he is?

Well, he’s a good-looking, articulate 17-year-old who goes to school every day, has homework to do in the evenings, recently got his driver’s licence and whose parents, Shane and Leanne, own the Cars Galore dealership in the southeast Queensland town of Toowoomba.

William, or Will, is a perfectly regular, normal young fellow . . .

“WHEN DRIVING ON

A RACETRACK, HE IS FAST AS LIGHTNING AND COULD WELL BE AUSTRALIA’S NEXT MOTOR RACING SUPERSTAR.” except for one minor detail - when driving on a racetrack, he is fast as lightning and could well be Australia’s next motor racing superstar.

It’s not really fair, of course, to say of anyone they could be the next Ricciardo, Webber, Lowndes or Whincup – it’s quite a bit of pressure to put on anyone’s shoulders – but Will has done everything in his short career to suggest he’s the real deal.

For just a few weeks ago, on the weekend of July 10-12, he drove into the history books by winning the very first race of Australia’s inaugural CAMS Jayco Australian Formula 4 Championship.

It’s a pretty stunning achievement – one that will make motorsport’s movers and shakers raise an eyebrow and take note – because Formula 4 is no ordinary motor racing category.

A single-seater, open-wheel racing category that focuses on driver development rather than car development, Formula 4 is backed by the FIA, the sport’s global governing body, and by CAMS (Confederation of Australian Motorsport) and is designed to be a step up from the Kart racing with which many young drivers start their careers, and bridge the gap to Formula 3 and, ultimately, Formula One or any other top racing category.

With identical cars - featuring Mygale carbon fibre monocoque chassis and powered by the Ford 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine tuned to deliver 160hp - which are capable of more than 230km/h, and with F1-style energy-absorbing cockpit surrounds, it is as close to an F1 drive as a teenager is likely to get. And with all the Formula 4 championships around the world using cars of similar specification, the drivers, teams and sponsors can see from the results where the talent lies.

So, winning the first race, taking an overall podium position for the three-race event, and taking the August 2015 Motor Trader | 23

E S S E N T I A L S

WILL CRACKS THE FORMULA TO MOTOR RACING SUCCESS

M E M B E R S

Member matters

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

Members matters Rookie of The Round award (a rookie being a driver who is under the age of 18 who has competed in no more than three national series or championship circuit racing events) won’t go unnoticed. And for the young man from Toowoomba, who has powered his way to victories too many to mention in the world of karting, the move up to Formula 4 is exciting and the victory unexpected.

“It was pretty amazing,” he says.

“We were hoping to get top 5 but to get the win was fantastic, especially being a rookie and it being the first time for anybody to race those cars in a competition.

“It was my first ever Supercar event and the atmosphere was awesome the amount of people around when you drive out onto the track is crazy.

It’s a fair bit different to karting! At karting events I’ve just got dad with me, but at the F4 I’ve got dad, my engineer, my mechanic and the whole team – it is very different.

“In Race One I started from second place behind Jordan Lloyd, but he had a lock-up and went a bit wide and I took the lead on about the second corner and maintained it from there.

We had a safety car about halfway through which brought the field back but I managed to stay in front.”

Actually, Will’s description of the race doesn’t really do his performance justice. He dominated once he took the lead and won the race by nearly 3 seconds – an eon in motor racing terms.

A reverse grid position for Race Two saw him start from 6th place and finish fourth, while some gearbox trouble and other niggling problems with the car meant an 8th place finish in Race Three. But even with that disappointment, an overall third-place podium finish, plus being awarded the Rookie of The Round medal, meant the Townsville event was a resounding success.

For Shane, watching his son take the chequered flag in that first race was an emotional moment.

“WE WERE HOPING TO GET TOP 5 BUT TO GET THE WIN WAS FANTASTIC, ESPECIALLY BEING A ROOKIE AND IT BEING THE FIRST TIME FOR ANYBODY TO RACE THOSE CARS IN A COMPETITION.”

“I’ll be honest, I had tears in my eyes,” he says. “It was a very big moment for us.”

It has been a remarkable, and quick (excuse the pun), rise for Will.

He began karting just three years ago, racking up an extraordinarily long list of victories and titles, and impressed enough through karting and through the various CAMS development programs to get encouragement from Cameron McConville, General Manager of Motor Sport Development for CAMS, to move into Formula 4 and win a seat with the AGI team.

And he says that although driving F4 cars is different to karts, there’s no doubt karting offers valuable skills and experience – the short, tight, twisting tracks forcing the development of lightning fast reactions.

“The karts are different, of course – there are no gears and you have rolling starts” says Will. “But the race craft you develop in karting does cross over.

It’s just a case of finding your limits again. It’s not too bad a transition.”

The transition is not all about the driving though. The move up to Formula 4 brings with it an expectation of professionalism that even an F1 driver would recognise.

Through the CAMS Academy, Will has learnt about fitness

Will took a podium spot behind fellow Toowoomba driver Jordan Lloyd and Nick Rowe from WA. He also picked up the Rookie of the Round medal

24 | Motor Trader August 2015

Will with his parents, Shane and Leanne

M E M B E R S

techniques, dietary planning and has even attended lectures dealing with media training – an important part of any blossoming sporting career.

But there are also some differences from the elite categories. For instance, the cars are owned by CAMS and drivers don’t get access to them until the race weekend. And having never driven at some of the championship's racing venues before, they have to come up with some imaginative ways to prepare.

For Will, this means using a hi-tech looking simulator, installed at home and programmed with all the tracks he will be racing through the season.

“It won’t help with the driving,” he says. “But it does help to know the tracks. We only get two practice sessions on a V8 weekend, so if I can go out there and already know the track well, it definitely helps.”

While Will can use his skill and talent to steer his car to victory, one area over which he has little control is the cost of a motorsport career. No matter what level you are at, motor racing is an expensive business and though Formula 4 is designed to keep the costs down, it is still a relatively pricey proposition.

It's one reason why Formula One cars, or any car in any other category you care to mention, are always covered with company logos - sponsorship money helps to keep things running.

Will received sponsorship from the CAMS Foundation for the Townsville race, and has received some backing for upcoming events.

"For the whole season, with insurance and so on, it will

probably cost us in the region of $200,000,” says Shane. “Which is why sponsorship is important. We are looking for sponsors and we have support from companies such as Colliers International, which is giving us some backing for the upcoming Ipswich event.”

Of course, sponsors expect something for their money and Formula 4 offers something a little bit special there too. While smaller category events can mean sponsors’ exposure is limited only to those people attending the event, and perhaps the local media, Formula 4 is a support category for the V8 Supercars and, as such, receives full coverage on Fox Sports television.

Because of this, there’s little doubt that Shane’s own business, Cars Galore, is better known now than ever – Will’s first-race victory and burgeoning profile ensuring his car, and the Cars Galore logo affixed to its side, featured prominently in the weekend’s footage.

Regardless of how the search for sponsors goes, the season rolls on, and by the time you read this, Formula 4's second round will have been completed - the championship moving to the V8 Supercars Super Sprint event at Ipswich’s Queensland Raceway from July 31 to August 2. After that, its five

more races through to the finale at Sydney Olympic Park in December.

And then? Well, for the inaugural Formula 4 champion it will mean a trophy and $250,000 in financial support, as well as the opportunity to test for the Carlin Formula 3 team in Europe. For the second, third and fourth placed drivers, there will be the opportunity to take up an official test with a V8 Supercar Development Series team. There’s also $20,000 up for grabs to the Rookie Medal winner.

But whatever happens, Will appears to have his career pretty well planned out, at least for the moment.

“The Dunlop series would be my next target. I will try and get into that,” he says. “And though I think Formula One is awesome, I’d rather move towards the V8 Supercars.”

Will plays it admirably straight when asked the inevitable follow-up question, 'Ford or Holden?'.

“That’s a tough one,” he says. “But I suppose whichever one pays me!”

So there you have it. A few seasons from now we could well see a young superstar called Will Brown charging down Conrod and taking the chequered flag at Bathurst.

And if that does come to pass, then remember, you read it here first.

If you're interested in sponsorship opportunities call Shane Brown on 0418 157 586

E S S E N T I A L S

Will uses a simulator at home to prepare for racing on tracks he hasn't raced on before

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

Member profiles

Bay City Moto

Maryborough Motorcycles Location: Mayborough Type of business: Motorcycle Dealership Number of employees: 5 Trading since: 1990 MTAQ member since: 1992

Ultratune Maryborough

26 | Motor Trader August 2015

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

What is the best thing about working in your industry?

Made contact with MTAQ Representative.

The relationship you build during time in the industry.

How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business?

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

Have industry information and back up when required.

Trust your judgement. Make your own future.

What has been your proudest business achievement to date?

What would you say to someone thinking about joining MTAQ?

Expansion and continuation of business during good and bad times.

Do it! It is necessary in today’s business climate.

Location: Hervey Bay

Number of employees: 6 Trading since: 2013 MTAQ member since: 2013

What is the best thing about working in your industry?

From working in the motor industry.

Always new product coming out every year.

How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business?

Help with changes in business regulations and IR advice.

What has been your proudest business achievement to date?

Opening two dealerships – expanding business to the level it is now.

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

Customer Service. It is the life-blood and future of your business.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining MTAQ? It is beneficial and valuable to your business.

Maryborough Motorcycles

Ultratune Maryborough Location: Maryborough Type of business: Mechanical Workshop Number of employees: 4 Trading since: 2009 MTAQ member since: 2009

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

What is the best thing about working in your industry?

Previous owner of business.

Relationships developed with customers.

How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business?

Being able to access information and provide backup business.

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

Know your business back to front.

What has been your proudest business achievement to date?

What would you say to someone thinking about joining MTAQ?

Increasing staff levels to source expanding business.

Good investment for your business.

August 2015 Motor Trader | 27

E S S E N T I A L S

Type of business: Motorcycle Dealership

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

M E M B E R S

Bay City Moto

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

Industrial relations

DAD AND PARTNER PAY – WHAT IS IT AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

TED KOWALSKI INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MANAGER

D

AD AND PARTNER Pay is a federal government funded program which is an extension to the Paid Parental Leave scheme.

It became available to eligible working dads or partners (including adopting parents and same-sex partners) who care for a child born or adopted from 1st January 2013.

It provides for up to two weeks of government funded pay at the rate of the National Minimum Wage – currently $656.90/week. Dad and Partner Pay can be taken at the same time as Paid Parental Leave is received by the mother.

To be eligible a dad or partner must: • Be caring for a child born or adopted from 1st January 2103 • Be able to meet residence requirements • Have an individual adjusted taxable income of $150,000 or less in the

financial year either before the date of the claim or the date the Dad and Partner Pay period starts, whichever is earlier • Meet the work test, which requires you to have worked for: 1. At least 10 of the 13 months before the date your Dad and Partner Pay period starts 2. At least 330 hours in that 10 month period – which is just over a day a week, with no contiguous gap of longer than 8 weeks between 2 working days, and 3. Be on unpaid leave or not working during the Dad and Partner Pay period.

The claim can be started 3 months before the expected birth date or adoption date of the child and must be done through Centrelink.

MTA QUEENSLAND WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS Business Name

Principal/s

Address

Email

Division

A & D Mechanical Ace Mining Services Caltex Blain Drive Caltex Boyne Island Caltex Star Mart Hamilton Coastal Motor Homes Freedom Hope Island G-Elec Automotive Matchport Materials Handling Progress Heavy Vehicle Repair Smart Auto Service & Repairs Pty Ltd

Mr Allen Lewis Troy Paul Trevor Falzon Trevor Falzon Michael Koveos Brian Sjerp Richard Kaucic Gregory Kehl Ronald Kloprogge Peter & Julie Morgan Paul McMullin

124 Eagle Street, Redbank Plains Q 4305 364 Anzac Avenue, Marian Q 4754 2 Boowan Court, Gladstone Q 4680 91 Malpass Street, Boyne Island Q 4680 516 Kingsford Smith Drive, Hamilton Q 4007 4/10 Driftwood Court, Urangan Q 4655 18 Broadwater Avenue, Hope Island Q 4212 307 Campbell St, Rockhampton Q 4700 6/5 Toohey St, Cairns Q 4870 Unit 1 636 Progress Road, Wacol Q 4076 169 Railway Parade, Thornside Q 4158

Admechanical1@gmail.com Ace.ms@bigpond.com caltexblain@bigpond.com caltexboyne@bigpond.com ctxhamilton@gmail.com coastalmotorhomes@bigpond.com richardk@zolar.com.au Gbkehl1@bigpond.com matchport@matchport.com.au phvr@bigpond.net.au info@smartautoservice.com.au

AED AED SSCSAQ SSCSAQ SSCSAQ ARD SSCSAQ AED QFIMD AED AED

28 | Motor Trader August 2015

Investment matters

MARKET WRAP

T

HE S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index closed down 5.30 per cent for the month but ended up 5.68 per cent for FY15. The markets focused on Greece and its unsuccessful attempt to reach an agreement with the Eurozone. Greece closed its banks and imposed capital controls. Fears of contagion saw bond yields trade up and markets sell-off. The Banking sector outperformed while Resources and Consumer Discretionary lagged.

China was also volatile, with the Shanghai Composite Index falling 7.3 per cent as the government cracked down on margin lending accounts. Economic data out of the US was positive, with another strong month of jobs growth and better consumer confidence.

The market reaction regarding Greece has been reasonably subdued.

For example, Italian bond yields spiked reflecting some concerns of contagion, yet the yields remain at historically low levels.

While volatility has picked up and could remain elevated while we deal with the uncertainty created by the Greek vote, we think the subdued reaction reflects the fact that the contagion impact from a ‘Grexit’ appears containable, relative to the uncertainty in 2011-2012. This is due to the following factors: • Private cross-border debt exposures are now very small.

Greek public debt is 80%-owned by official lenders such as the IMF and the ECB. Bank exposure is $46b compared to $138b in September 2011.

• Greece accounts for less than 2 per cent of the Eurozone and falling. The EU’s share of Greek imports is only 0.5 per cent of total EU trade or 0.15 per cent of GDP,

“THE MISSING INGREDIENT FOR THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET HAS BEEN GROWTH. FY15 WILL BE ANOTHER YEAR WITHOUT GROWTH THANKS TO THE POOR-PERFORMING RESOURCE STOCKS.” making the economic impact less significant.

• The European economy is in better shape, with significant reform paying dividends in economies such as Spain (with GDP growth expectation lifting recently to 3 per cent).

• The ability to contain contagion exists. ECB now has the mechanisms to provide liquidity support and increase QE. The bottom line is that nothing is set in stone in Europe. Even rules that are technically written down in treaties can be overruled and modified in times of crisis. The most we can say with certainty is that the ECB is unlikely to see a late payment to the IMF as a clear signal of insolvency. If Greece does leave the EU and has to print its own currency, then the country may thrive on the back of a depreciated currency.

The ECB will also need a two-thirds majority to end Greek access to the liquidity assistance.

The domestic market has fallen 10 per cent, which is a typical size correction in a bull market. The question is whether this has restored value to the market. We have commented in recent months that the PEs of the market have been high but that the market has still

looked like relative value compared to low interest rates.

A 10 per cent pullback means the PE of the market is on 15x, still slightly above long-term averages but not extreme, and continues to look attractive in a low interest rate environment. Certainly, we are seeing a number of stocks pulling back to attractive levels on an absolute and relative-value perspective. The grossed-up dividend yield of the market is now 6.3 per cent, which will also attract investors in the low interest rate environment.

The missing ingredient for the Australian market has been growth.

FY15 will be another year without growth thanks to the poorperforming resource stocks.

The market is currently forecasting 4 per cent growth for FY16, reflecting more conservative expectations, but growth forecasts look a little more optimistic for Industrial-only stocks (with 8 per cent growth forecast).

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 Dalton Nicol Reid individually managed account can only be made on completion of all the required documentation. Whilst Dalton Nicol Reid 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.

August 2015 Motor Trader | 29

The hit list

GM LE SABRE (1951) GM LE SABRE (1951)

CONCEPT CARS

THE

1950s

T

HE 1950S WAS a decade during which the chill of the cold war settled in and recovery from WWII was the austere norm.

But for some western nations, the ‘50s was also a ‘boom’ time. This was particularly so in the USA, where returning soldiers first moved their families out of the city to the ‘burbs, sparking a ‘suburban boom’, and then enjoyed the comforts of their new suburban homes so much that they gave birth to a ‘baby boom’. Together

with an economy that was also booming, and which provided plenty of jobs and higher wages, the one thing these new, young families needed, and could now afford, was a car.

With this insatiable automotive appetite to feed, manufacturers began to create concept cars of wild designs, filled with technological wizardry, aimed at capturing the hearts, minds, and imagination, of the young consumer. Here are a few of those rather special cars.

ATTRIBUTED TO GENERAL Motors design guru Harley Earl (creator of the first ‘concept car’, 1938’s Buick Y-Job) the 1951 LeSabre concept was inspired by the new technological wonder of the age, the jet aircraft and, in particular, the US Air Force’s fighter jet of the time, the F86 Sabre. Included amongst its cutting-edge technology were a power operated convertible top and a moisture sensor that, when rain was detected, would automatically lift the top into position.

Apparently, that piece of futuristic technology was something of a showstopper wherever the LeSabre was exhibited.

CADILLAC CYCLONE (1959) MORE JET STYLING and more remarkable features. The aircraft theme carried beyond the styling, with the twin nose cones housing a form of radar which, when it sensed obstacles, would warn the driver with an audible signal and a warning light. Add in sliding doors – common now on People Movers - and a communication system that allowed occupants to talk with people outside the car without raising the bubble canopy, and you have a very advanced, and odd, car indeed.

ALFA ROMEO BAT 5 (1953) NOT AMERICAN, BUT equally as wonderful as anything coming out of Detroit, the BAT 5 caused a sensation when shown at the Turin Motor Show. The BAT 5’s sculpted body was sat atop the chassis of a standard Alfa 1900 Sprint and was an experiment in aerodynamics - the idea being to eliminate airflow disruption at high speed and reduce air vortices. This idea led to the unusual design of the front end, the extraordinary, inwardly curved tail fins and a drag coefficient of .23 – better than most cars on our roads today. The fins would be even more extravagant in the BAT 7 concept the following year.

30 | Motor Trader August 2015

ALFA ROMEO BAT 5 (1953)

GM FIREBIRD III (1958) THE FIREBIRD III concept was an example of ‘50s technology and design taken to the extreme.

The third in a series of experimental cars, it had all manner of goodies packed under its fin-heavy exterior including a gas turbine engine, steering and acceleration control by a gearstick-like apparatus on the centre console (no steering wheel!) and a function called ‘autoguide’ – an early design for autonomous travel that worked through the use of coils under the front of the car which straddled a current-carrying wire embedded in the road. It even had air drag brakes and a ‘sonic key’ that signaled the doors to open. As close to the Jetsons as it was possible to get – and it worked.

GM FIREBIRD III (1958)

LINCOLN FUTURA (1955)

LINCOLN FUTURA (1955) APPARENTLY INSPIRED BY the aggressive lines of a shark (though the influence of jet aircraft is also clear) the Futura was an expensive concept to produce. The body was sculpted by Italian firm Ghia for a whopping $250,000, though it was money well spent. The finished product included a unique iridescent effect paint job, an experimental chassis and engine, air-cooled brakes, air conditioning, a push-button transmission system and, hidden in the console between the seats, a telephone. The Futura is one of the most recognisable concept cars of the 1950s - ten years after it was made it appeared on television screens, painted black and with a tweaked body, as the batmobile in the original TV show.

BUICK CENTURION (1956)

CADILLAC CYCLONE (1959)

BUICK CENTURION (1956)

THE FOUR-PASSENGER Centurion, with its full glass bubble cabin, sweeping wings and spear-like front end was clearly inspired by jet aircraft.

Its body was made from fiberglass and its interior included a steering column that was located in the centre of the dash with the steering wheel swung over to the driver’s side on an arm. Located just above the centre steering column was a TV screen that was connected to a camera set in the rear of the car removing the need, so it was decided, for a rear view mirror.

That’s a feature about 50 years ahead of its time.

DODGE FIREARROW CONVERTIBLE (1954)

DODGE FIREARROW CONVERTIBLE (1954)

THE FOURTH IN a range of Dodge concepts given the Firearrow name, the beautiful convertible was the final model of the series.

A collaboration between designers at Chrysler and Italian firm Ghia, the body was hand-sculpted over standard Dodge chassis and Hemi V8 engine. An exercise in designing sporty cars to rival Dodge’s American and European rivals, the Firearrow was close to getting a production green light but, for some the reason, the plans didn’t work out. The convertible survived, however, and was bought by a private collector in 2007 for $US1.1million.

August 2015 Motor Trader | 31

Industry insight

EOFY OR BOFY? I T’S THAT TIME of year again when everyone is advertising their products and services leveraging off ‘End of Financial Year’. It’s great to be on the ball with getting as many tax deductions as possible. But I want to canvas with you are your plans for ‘Beginning of Financial Year’ i.e. the one starting in July.

Presumably, if you’re in business, you want to achieve and improve profits. Here’s a checklist of what to focus on to ensure sustained and improved profits this year:

1. SALES/GROSS PROFIT a. Review sales and gross profit by product, service, customer, region, division etc. to determine which ones you should be focusing on this year. Perhaps there are some you should ditch that are dragging things down. Consider new opportunities available due to changing business conditions. Be a survivor of ‘Digital Disruption’, not a victim. If you aren’t comfortable with online/digital marketing, get some help in this area. Unless your business appeals to those only over say 65 you must get it together online. Run a Strategic Planning session with your team or find someone to facilitate it for you.

Brainstorm ways you can achieve sustainable sales improvements.

2. COSTS a. Closely review your business costs e.g. are there ways you could achieve supplies more cost effectively and efficiently? b. Labour hours is a massive opportunity to achieve better productivity in a service business.

Look very closely at everyone’s productivity level i.e. how many hours they’re working are you able to bill to customers? Small changes in work practices can have massive impact on profitability. Ask yourself A ' m I selling all the hours I’m paying for'?

32 | Motor Trader August 2015

3. PRICING

6. SUPPLIER PAYMENTS

a. Answer these questions honestly – How long since you increased your prices? Have you been too worried you will lose customers if you do this?

Can you continue to suck up the margin squeeze created by increased costs without increasing your prices?

How much more is your overhead this year compared to the previous two years? If you’re being squeezed by competitors you must fight back by lowering your costs to compete or by explaining to the market why they should pay more for your better product/service. You need to make the ‘invisible visible’ by describing what you do that makes your offering so much better, longer lasting or whatever is your ‘point of difference’.

a. How does the average number of days it takes us to pay suppliers compared to the terms they offer us?

If you’re not taking advantage of every day of the terms offered you could be creating unnecessary cash flow squeeze. It really pays to seek better terms from suppliers – particularly if you’re a big customer and they have plenty of competition for your custom.

4. OVERHEADS/NET PROFIT a. Closely review all your overheads and ask yourself these questions – Why are we spending this money?

How does this expense contribute to the business and our profitability?

Should we stop spending on this item? Is there a more cost effective alternative or better way of achieving this? Should we seek an alternative supplier – if only to get current supplier to sharpen their pencil on costs? It really pays sometimes to create an environment of competition amongst suppliers.

Don’t underestimate your value as a customer to them.

5. CUSTOMER PAYMENTS a. How does the average number of days it takes us to get paid by your customers compare to the terms you offer? Not many business owners really understand and/or appreciate the massive difference between these two numbers and the horrendous impact it can have on cash flow if the difference is large. Work it out and set yourself a goal to reduce this number.

7. STOCK MANAGEMENT a. How much stock do you really need to keep on hand at any given point? Think of stock sitting in your stockroom as dollars piled up on the floor that could be used for other things e.g. marketing to get the stuff out of the door quicker. It’s so easy to get sucked into buying things in bulk to get discounts, but if the stuff is going to sit around sucking up precious cash, you might be better to buy in smaller quantities. Consider ways to minimize the amount of stock.

8. JOB MANAGEMENT a. How much money do you have tied up at any one time in jobs in progress? Try to find ways to speed up the time it takes to get payment on jobs e.g. through a deposit, progressive invoicing etc.

Set a plan this year to focus on these key aspects of your financial control to achieve better profit and cash flow. If you would like some pragmatic tips on ways you can improve each one, feel free to download our E Book ‘The Seven Key Numbers that Drive Profit and Cash Flow’ – while you’re there check out some of the other great books too! http://www.cfooncall.com.au/ebooks Here’s to a great BOFY! CFO On-Call works with business owners to achieve successful growth. Why not take advantage of a ‘Growth Planning Session’ today. For details visit www.CFOonCall.com.au

AUR20912 INSTITUTE OF TEC H N O L O G Y

NEW GO LIMITED VERNMENT PL ACES FUNDING APPLY N OW

GET YOUR TRADE SKILLS RECOGNISED

Do you have trade skills and experience but no formal qualification?

TRADE RECOGNITION Trade skills recognition is a way of gaining formal recognition of your skills and work experience. If you have not completed an apprenticeship in Australia or you have gained trade skills overseas, you can have your skills, work experience and trade qualifications nationally recognised.

Recognition of work or training (trade recognition) allows people to gain a certificate of recognition in Queensland in an apprenticeship trade, where: • A formal apprenticeship has not been completed • An apprenticeship or trade training has been completed overseas

ELIGIBILITY Prospective learners must meet the following criteria for eligibility: 1. Be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident of Australia and 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 experiences are such that it is reasonable to assume you could achieve two thirds of a qualification or more through RPL assessment processes in a priority trade.

3. Be 18 years or older.

4. Express a commitment to gaining the entire qualification.

MTA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY OFFERS TRADE RECOGNITION AND GAP TRAINING FOR THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS: • • • •

AUR30612 Cert III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology AUR30812 Cert III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology AUR30312 Cert III in Automotive Electrical Technology AUR31114 Cert III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology • AUR32112 Cert III in Automotive Body Repair Technology • AUR32412 Cert III in Automotive Refinishing Technology The Queensland Government covers the majority of the cost for trade recognition other than mandatory contribution fees determined by the Government.

COURSE LENGTH Dependent upon gap training requirements of individual learners (max. 6 months).

Once an application has been received with all supporting documentation, MTA Institute of Technology will review the supporting evidence and respond within 10 working days.

Training and assessment may be completed at MTA Institute of Technology’s Eight Mile Plains training facility or alternatively on site at the learner’s workplace.

ENROL For further information regarding the trade recognition and gap training program, please contact one of our friendly team members using the contact details below.

RTO No: 31529

Address 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@mtait.edu.au

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MTA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

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MTAA SUPER – the preferred Supercharge your super with MTAA Super choice of over 40,000 businesses Personalised service from our dedicated Business Development Managers Simple, easy and flexible employee super administration Winner of the Conexus Financial 2015 Fund of the Year Award ~ Medium

SECURE, ONE TRANSACTION CLEARING HOUSE Manage employee super contributions to multiple funds

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MySuper Authorised Fund

mtaasuper.com.au The MTAA Super Clearing House is a non-cash payment facility issued by Westpac Banking Corporation. MTAA Super does not issue or operate the MTAA Super Clearing House. It offers a high level of security, stability and privacy and is subject to regulation as a financial product. You should consider the terms and conditions in the Product Disclosure Statement in deciding whether to use the MTAA Super Clearing House, which is available from https://clearinghouse.mtaasuper.com.au/ApplicationIntroductionView. 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. You should consider the PDS in making a decision.