Motor Trader, Dec 2015/Jan 2016

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Contents Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland

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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.

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

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

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

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MTA QUEENSLAND ABN: 74 028 933 848 CORPORATE PARTNERS

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

BOB JANE T-MART STRATHPINE: BRUCE MCKENZIE

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Feature 10 THE MAN & LE MANS: STEVE MCQUEEN 16 Members Classic SUZUKI RE5 AND SUZUKI XN85

30 MEMBERS ESSENTIALS 19 Training GM's Professional Circle perspective 23 Professional Circle training 27 Member profiles 32 Industrial relations 30 The hit list CONCEPT CARS OF THE 1990s 33 Industry insight

IT’S TOUGH TIMES OUT THERE – DOING MORE WITH LESS December 2015/January 2016 Motor Trader | 1

From the editor

H

JONATHAN NASH EDITOR

2 | Motor Trader December 2015/January 2016

ELLO AND WELCOME to our last Motor Trader edition for 2015.

It has been a big couple of months for the MTA Queensland. At the end of October, the Association held its annual President's Ball - an event that celebrates not only the achievements of a year just gone but also, through the presentation of the Community Award, the Innovation Award and the MTAQ Apprentice of the Year Award, the tremendous work of Members and the outstanding apprentices training with the MTA Institute.

This year's Apprentice of the Year winner, Luke Roxburgh, was an exceptional nominee. Luke started his apprenticeship when he was 17-yearsold but, following a truly dreadful accident, had to put his training on hold for almost a decade before returning to the industry a couple of years ago. Now 28, and about to finish the second year of his renewed apprenticeship, he still battles the effects of that accident but has proven to be an outstanding student. His is an inspirational story.

To read more about Luke and the President's Ball evening, our wrap-up story of the event begins on page 20.

In our MTA Q&A interview this month, Motor Trader talks to Bruce McKenzie, owner of the Bob Jane T-Mart in Strathpine. A tyre industry veteran, Bruce has been in the business for more than 25 years. In that time he has worked his way from being a tyre fitter to store owner with stops along the way that include regional manager with the Bob Jane Corporation and a stint in the UK with that country's largest tyre retail outfit, Kwik Fit. His years of experience has proven invaluable, with his Strathpine store winning the prestigious Bob Jane State Franchisee of the Year and National Franchisee of the Year awards for 2015.

You can read more about Bruce on pages 8 and 9.

Another vastly experienced member is the focus of our Member's Classic feature in this edition. Tony Armstrong, owner of the Springwood Suzuki motorcycle dealership is a former Australian Superbike Champion

and with nearly a lifetime spent riding, racing, repairing and selling motorcycles, it comes as no surprise to learn that he has a good eye for a classic bike and has a number in his collection. These include a 1980's Suzuki RG500, a number of GT750s, a Suzuki Katana and an original Suzuki GSXR750 – the model upon which he won his Australian Superbike Championship. But he also owns a couple of other very unusual and rare bikes - the Suzuki RE5 and the Suzuki XN85. And these are the focus of our story on pages 16 and 17.

Our feature story this edition looks back at the making of a classic motor racing film - Steve McQueen's 1971 cult movie, Le Mans. A new documentary, Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans, released this month. reveals the tumultuous behind-the-scenes events that took place during the making of the film and how McQueen's obsession with motor racing and the movie would cause havoc in his private life and his plans for his career.

In other news this edition, we celebrate the career of MTAQ stalwart Len Daddow. A member of the Association since 1966, Len has served the MTAQ and the industry brilliantly for decades, including two stints as President of the Australian Automotive Dealers Association Queensland (AADA Qld) division.

His commitment to the industry and the MTAQ saw Len offered Life Membership with the MTAQ and we are honoured that he chose to accept.

You can read more about Len on page 14.

As always, if you have a story worth telling, want to appear in Member Profiles, or have a classic car, bike or truck you would like to see featured, then please don’t hesitate to contact me. In the meantime, have a fantastic Christmas, enjoy the New Year celebrations and we'll see you all again in 2016.

Cheers, Jonathan Nash jonathann@mtaq.com.au

The benchmark of industry standards.

Coming in 2016.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, go to www.mtaprofessionalcircle.com.au

Policy/Viewpoint

S

KELLIE DEWAR GENERAL MANAGER MTA QUEENSLAND

4 | Motor Trader December 2015/January 2016

EASONS GREETINGS TO each of you from the MTA Queensland staff. Our wish for you is for a happy and safe Christmas and a New Year that brings prosperity and certainty.

At this time there is one word that defines the outlook for the Christmas and New Year period and it is ‘safety’.

The events in Paris, Brussels and Mali, and indeed the Lindt Café siege, have brought new meaning to ‘safety’ for our nation and to each of us. ‘Safety’ is all encompassing, including a focus on business and customer wellbeing and how we go about our lives such as maintenance of, and the servicing and repairing of, motor vehicles.

This was brought home to me in two real ways. The first was a joint media statement from the heads of three peak industry bodies calling ‘on the small business community to accept its role as a key part of the security needs of Australia’. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Australian Industry Group and the Council of Small Business of Australia highlighted the ‘special position that small business people have in communities, when it comes to gathering information to help inform law enforcement and security organisations.’

Small businesses are an integral part of the community fabric and are inherently aware of what is happening in and around their business. By their very nature they tend to know when something is amiss or not quite right.

Small business people are asked ‘to make a call to the relevant authority if they have a concern. The authorities are professional and will deal with the information as necessary. In this current global conflict, information is vital for security organisations and anything odd should be reported.’

The National Security Hotline is 1800 1234 00. Email hotline@ nationalsecurity.gov.au; website www.nationalsecurity.gov.au.

The second way in which 'safety' was brought home to me was when listening to evidence before the Queensland Legal Affairs and

Community Safety Parliamentary Committee on the proposed lemon laws at which I also gave evidence.

Adding to this was stories about falsified motor vehicle emission standards and differing fuel consumption when compared with specifications. Consumers want to be assured that the vehicle they’ve purchased is ‘fit for purpose’ and ‘safe’ and the source from which it is bought or serviced or repaired is professional and trustworthy.

Consumers are ‘savvy’ about the major purchases they make and equally so about the professionalism and the trustworthiness of businesses from which these are bought, serviced or repaired. Consumer expectations are high and should be met.

This is one of the reasons that the MTA Queensland instituted the Professional Circle, launched at the President’s Ball and featured in the November Motor Trader. Being part of the Professional Circle, and displaying and advertising the fact, provides evidence to consumers that Members have a commitment to the highest standard of professionalism.

PRESIDENT’S BALL The President’s Ball is the one night when practitioners engaged in or associated with the motor trades unite as one to enjoy the company of each other and celebrate the year's achievements. And so they should, as there is much in which to take pride.

The MTA Queensland 2015 Apprentice of the Year is Luke Roxburgh, a Light Vehicle apprentice with Absolute Car Care in Brisbane.

The MTA Queensland Community Award was presented to the Bruce Lynton Automotive Group at Southport and the MTA Queensland Innovation Award was presented to Chip Tyre for tyre recycling which meets all Environment Protection Authority standards for a range of purposes. On behalf of the Members, I congratulate each on their achievements.

The auction brought spirited bidding, particularly for the

Queensland State of Origin jersey signed by all the players. Auction funds went to the MTA Queensland’s charity of the year - Youngcare.

I acknowledge and thank our sponsors and supporters for their valued contributions. Platinum sponsors - Capricorn and Suncorp Group; Gold sponsor - Busy at Work; Silver sponsor - Guard Insurance; Apprentice of the Year Prize sponsor - MTAA super; and Supporters - Auto Parts Group, Gilt Investments Pty Ltd, and Jeep Parts Recyclers.

It was a lovely night - with a touch of glamour with work clothes giving way to black tie and evening gowns. I draw Member’s attention to three pages of the highlights of the President’s Ball in this Motor Trader.

INDUSTRY NEWS Fuel efficiency Consumer advocacy group CHOICE has found that fuel efficiency claims on windshields of 53 cars sold in Australia understated their real world performance by an average of 17%, leading to annual fuel bills much higher than expected. Not one of the 53 vehicles sold in Australia could equal the manufacturer’s claimed fuel efficiency. Petrol and diesel models used an average of 14.3% more fuel per 100km than manufacturers claimed.

Hybrid models consumed an average of 33.3% more than claimed.

The Federal Government has announced a Ministerial Forum chaired by the Minister for Major Projects Paul Fletcher to examine vehicle emissions standards in Australia and vehicle testing arrangements. It will take a whole of government approach to addressing vehicle emissions. Major Projects Minister Paul Fletcher said that the Ministerial Forum will be supported by a working group which will be asked to examine issues including implementation of Euro 6, fuel quality standards, fuel efficiency measures (CO2) for light vehicles, as well as emission testing arrangements.

Tax reform 2016 is shaping up to be the year of tax reform. A green paper

(government proposals published for discussion) will be released next year. The expectation is that the May budget would form part of the process with the Government to seek a mandate for the major reforms at the Federal election.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is one component of tax reform.

A recent Fairfax/Ipsos poll shows a majority of voters support an increase in the rate of the GST only if it is “fair”.

The unequivocal view is that support is contingent on compensation for lower and middle income earners.

The GST is only one element of tax reform. In responding to the March 2015 Better Tax discussion paper, our submission stressed that equity, efficiency, simplicity and uniformity must form the foundation of tax reform. When the green paper is released, Members’ views would be welcome.

Trading Hours The Queensland Industrial Relations Commission is considering an application from the National Retail Association for standardised trading hours across South East Queensland. This would extend opening hours, from 7:00am to 9:00pm from Monday to Saturday across the region with the exception of Brisbane City, the Gold Coast entertainment precinct and the Fortitude Valley and Hamilton north shore. The MTA Queensland policy is to support the retention of the existing trading hours.

Standard form contracts After 7 years of patient and consistent advocacy by MTA Queensland and many other industry groups the small business and unfair contract terms legislation has received assent. As mentioned in previous Viewpoints, standard form contracts offer small business protection against unfair contract terms offered by other - and usually larger - firms.

It will take effect on 12 November 2016, following a 12 month transition period. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Australian and Investment Commission (ASIC) and state and territory offices of fair trading will be responsible for enforcing the law.

The ACCC is urging businesses to closely review the standard form

contracts used when dealing with other businesses. The law applies to standard form contracts between businesses where one of the businesses employs less than 20 people and the contract is worth up to $300,000 in a single year or $1 million if the contract runs for more than a year. The new protections will help address significant imbalances or disadvantages to small businesses in their dealings with other businesses by allowing the courts to declare void unfair terms within standard form.

On the ACCC’s website are videos to inform businesses about their rights and obligation's under the new law. https://www.youtube.com/user/ ACCCvideos

Advocacy There is one more submission to be prepared and presented before the year winds down. This is to respond to the Department of State Development’s consultation paper on Queensland Biofutures 10-year Roadmap which is due in December.

In November’s Viewpoint, I referred to the need for motorcycle dealers trading a small number of used trail bikes or All Terrain Vehicles to secure a second-hand dealer’s licence to do so in addition to their dealer’s licence.

We made the case to the Office of Fair Trading that this was onerous red tape and additional cost. We are hopeful for a positive resolution.

The economy With the festive season on the door step, business is keen to know what consumers are thinking and feeling.

The Westpac Melbourne Institute (WMI) Index of Consumer Sentiment suggests that consumers have a positive outlook, with Christmas spending predicted to be at a ‘seven year high’. The rise in the index is 3.9 per cent to be over 100 for the festive season and has been referred to as a ‘cracking result’.

The WMI Index of Unemployment expectations rose by 3.3 percent signaling ‘a much less pessimistic attitude towards the labour market’ than has been seen for a number of years. The index tracking assessments of ‘family finances compared to a year ago’ fell 2.2% and of expectations for ‘family finances over the next 12 months’ slumped 9.1%. Offsetting this was the index tracking expectations December 2015/January 2016 Motor Trader | 5

Policy/Viewpoint for ‘economic conditions over the next five years’ soaring to the highest level since September 2013.

The Reserve Bank Board meets on Tuesday, December 1 and the expectation is that the cash rate will remain at 2.0 percent. Its first meeting of the New Year will be on February 2, at which an assessment of the economy will determine the cash rate for the near term.

New Motor Vehicles Sales During October 2015, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) (seasonally adjusted), across Queensland there were 19,638 new motor vehicle sales - a decline of -449 units or 2.2 per cent contrasting with the +4.8 per cent increase for the previous month.

There was a corresponding fall in national new motor vehicle sales of -3.6 percent.

The positive result for Queensland is that, in the current month, 1,608

+8.9 per cent more new units were sold compared with October 2014.

Nationally the increase was +4.2 per cent.

The respected VFacts data for Queensland indicates that there were 18,246 new motor vehicle sales - an increase of +7.4 per cent compared with September 2014. This compares more than favourably with national new vehicle sales which rose by +3.4 per cent for the same timeline.

On a year-to-date basis, there have been 196,714 new motor vehicles for Queensland - an increase of +5.8 per cent - whilst nationally the rise was +3.6 per cent.

Market growth suggests that affordability is at an all time high, led largely by the growth of the SUV market, which is up 15.9 per cent compared to sales in the period January to October 2014. The total SUV market increased 20.5 per cent in October 2015, compared to October

2014. Small SUV sales, in particular, increased 37 per cent, medium SUV sales increased 20.1 per cent and large SUV sales increased 11.8 per cent.

The passenger car segment remains the largest selling segment, taking 43.3 per cent of new car sales in October 2015 and 44.9 per cent of sales year-todate. In the 2014 period, passenger car sales accounted for 48 per cent of the total market.

CORPORATE INFORMATION This is the final Motor Trader for 2015. The next edition will be in your mailbox in February 2016.

The MTA Queensland office will be closed from close of business on Wednesday, December 23 and reopen on Monday, January 4, 2016.

Until then, the very best wishes for Christmas and a successful and prosperous New Year.

Take care and stay safe.

GM's Professional Circle perspective

A

T THE 2015 MTA Queensland President’s Ball, our Chairman David Fraser launched the concept of the Professional Circle – a truly exciting development for everyone connected with the MTA Queensland.

A simple idea, the Professional Circle represents the very highest standards of professionalism, and to be a part of, or ‘inside’, the Professional Circle as an MTA Queensland member is to stamp your business as one that provides only the highest standards of service.

It is a message that the public will look for, and through the display of components such as the 10 Commitments to the Professional Circle and the Certified 10/10 Professional message – material that will become available to you in 6 | Motor Trader December 2015/January 2016

2016 - they will see the clear evidence that should they choose to use the services of an MTAQ member, they will be guaranteed those high standards.

Being ‘inside’ the Professional Circle offers much more than this very important message. It will also bring a new level of connection between the MTA Queensland, Members, the industry and the public.

New communication initiatives will be introduced in the New Year, and through an invigorated website and other new and established channels such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, consumers will be able to see and hear all about the work that the MTAQ does, engage with us on technical and industry matters, follow the work of MTAQ members, and find and contact their nearest member when the time comes that they need

their services.

As a member of the MTA Queensland, you are already a part of one of Australia’s most well respected industry associations and receive a range of services and benefits should you wish to use them.

From industrial relations advice to technical information services, from advocacy to government on your behalf through to the financial savings available to you through our range of corporate partners, MTA Queensland membership is invaluable.

In 2016, with the launch of the full suite of Professional Circle features, being ‘inside’ the Circle and a part of the MTA Queensland will be a more valuable proposition than ever before.

The Professional Circle will become an integral part of how MTA Queensland works and communicates with members, clients, the industry and the public. It is the benchmark of industry standards.

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

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

0 0

$

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

Just open a new Commonwealth Bank Business Transaction Account by 31/03/2016 and link it to your existing or new Commonwealth Bank merchant facility.

terminal rental for 3 months*

$

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

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

Important Information: Offer available to referrals made via MTA Queensland between 01/07/2015 and 31/03/2016. *This offer is applicable to existing and eligible new merchant facilities.

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

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

MTA

QA &

What products and services does Bob Jane T-Mart Strathpine provide?

BM: Tyres, wheels, batteries, wheel

alignments, balances and tyre maintenance. Maintenance is a big thing nowadays too. Over the past 5 to 10 years, times between vehicle servicing have become a lot longer and we are seeing more people come back to us with tyre issues.

Some people believe that if the car is brand new they don’t need to touch anything. However, if they do a lot of driving they can get to 12 or 15 months and the tyres are toasted and they don’t understand why. So we are seeing more people coming in and wanting to have their tyres maintained with us before going back for a vehicle service.

Are people becoming more educated about tyres?

BM: These days, with smart phones

Bruce McKenzie

and the like, people essentially have computers in their pockets and can look and question things easily. So yes, people are becoming more educated.

However, a lot of people do still come in wanting to put the same tyre on their car not realising there are other products available. For example, 4WD tyres are built on application. Mud tyres are very popular because they look aggressive but they are noisy and not particularly fuel-efficient. People like to buy those tyres but don’t ask the question about what is going to happen to their car when they take the passenger tyres off and put these on.

They don’t realise they’ll need more breaking distance, that they’ll have a firmer ride and so on. We ask those questions because if you don’t, you can’t recommend the best product for the customer. Asking those questions and helping people with maintenance

Bruce McKenzie, owner of the Bob Jane T-Mart in Strathpine, has worked in the tyre industry for more than 25 years. From tyre fitter to store manager to regional manager with the Bob Jane Corporation, he has worked across the spectrum of the retail tyre industry. In 2015, that experience and knowledge would help in securing his Strathpine store the prestigious Bob Jane State Franchisee of the Year and National Franchisee of the Year awards. programs means they get more value for money from their tyres.

What's your background in the industry?

BM: In 1988, I started as a tyre fitter for Bob Jane at the Enoggera T-Mart and worked my way up to a management role. In 1993, I went to work under the ex-State Manager for Yokohama in Queensland and when he opened a Goodyear Auto Service Centre I went to work with him and helped to build that business into the national Goodyear Dealer of the Year. During that time, I also went to Japan on study tours with Yokohama and learnt about tyre construction, development and applications. In 2005, I took a supervisory role with Kwik-Fit in the UK. They are the biggest retailers over there and the two years I spent with them was one of the best opportunities I've ever had. Tyre manufacturers were developing and testing in Europe and I was right there - it was a great education. I came back to Australia in 2007 and was offered a role in the Bob Jane Corporation and became relief manager for Queensland. I became the regional manager for Queensland for a period before buying this store in 2010.

What's it like being part of the Bob Jane Group?

BM: The whole Bob Jane T-Mart package is outstanding. No matter the level you are at - from a fitter to a franchisee – there is support and training provided. They cover everything – warehousing, logistics, recommending equipment – and help you to make sure you are on the right track.

The Bob Jane T-Mart model is well known overseas too. When I worked

in the UK people certainly knew what a Bob Jane T-Mart was. So, the whole package, from the Bob Jane Corporation to the T-Marts at ground level, is an outstanding system.

How many staff do you have?

BM: 8 staff. Two office staff, two wheel alignment technicians and the rest of the guys are fitters.

I also employ a young guy who has learning difficulties, and have another young man starting with me soon.

They are great kids and they are keen, respectful, want to be successful and they have an interest in cars. While no one else might give them a crack, I can give them an interesting career.

And it gives me a lot of satisfaction to help them, to give younger people the chance of a decent career.

Is your family involved in the business?

BM: Yes. My 16-year-old son works here on a Saturday doing tyre pressure checks and so on, and customers like to see that.

My wife doesn’t work here though.

I learned early on that you have to be a very special couple indeed to eat, sleep and work together. That’s all I’ll say about that!

You've had a very successful year – the business is growing and you've picked up a number of awards. Can you tell us more?

BM: We are one of five T-Marts in Australia to have been presented a Platinum Award this year. That award comes via a national audit program that includes a thorough assessment of the business. Bob Jane check the presentation of your building and staff, they check stock volumes are correct, that procedures such as stock picking and tyre applications are

followed. They check everything and it is pretty intense. To win a Platinum Award was a goal for this year and we’re very proud to have done it.

We were presented with the award at the national conference in Melbourne and won the State Franchisee of the Year and the National Franchisee of the Year awards at the same event. To win both of those was really incredible. My wife was sitting across from me when they were announced and both our jaws hit the ground! It was very humbling.

It is a massive achievement and I am immensely proud of my team.

Our success is a reflection of the fact we do go the extra mile for our customers and within the business.

And that extra mile might not cost anything. It might be as simple as talking to a customer in the customer lounge, supplying decent coffee, having a nice environment for them to wait in and ensuring the place looks organised and professional. I think that getting those awards reflects on all those measures we have taken.

What do you do with your spare time?

BM: I race in the Queensland Touring

Car Championship. There are about 30 or more cars that compete and I race a 1989 BMW E30. It’s a great grassroots motorsport and I absolutely love it.

I love driving and I love the challenge.

I’m not the fastest driver but I have a lot of good fun doing it!

What are your plans for the future?

BM: I want to make my business the

best I can. You’ve got to be self-critical and ask, ‘How can I be better? How can I make the customer experience better?’ Having won the awards I feel like we’re getting close but there is always room for improvement.

December 2015/January 2016 Motor Trader | 9

10 | Motor Trader December 2015/January 2016

STEVE M QUEEN C

THE MAN & LE MANS A new documentary reveals the drama and turmoil faced by Hollywood superstar and motor racing fanatic Steve McQueen during the making of the 1971 movie, Le Mans - a personal project with which he had become obsessed

T

HE YEAR WAS 1970. Steve McQueen was the king of cool, the biggest movie star in the world, with box office giants like The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape and Bullitt behind him. He was on the top of his game. It was his moment to make the movie that he always wanted to make; a movie about Le Mans, the most exciting and dangerous competition in racing.

Driving was his drug of choice and it was high octane.

McQueen wanted to make a movie that was authentic; he wanted to capture the danger and the essence of racing.

He didn't want a romantic storyline. He just wanted to capture what it was like to race.

But the making of this movie saw his life unravel. He lost his wife, his production company, and control. The new documentary Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans charts the chaos of what happened when ego combusted on the track.

His then production company Solar Productions had signed a six picture deal with Cinema Center Films. They had invested $6 million in the movie Le Mans - the largest budget ever for a McQueen film. This film meant more to him than any other and the documentary shows how everything went wrong; how scriptwriters were hired and fired, and budgets were blown.

McQueen blamed the meltdown on everyone else.

Director John Sturges, with whom he had made The Great Escape, walked out in frustration saying, "I am too old and too rich to put up with this shit."

They had hired real racing drivers to drive the circuit.

Derek Bell, who had won the classic 24-hour race five times driving for both Ferrari and McLaren, says in the documentary, "We are being paid $200 a day to drive amazing cars in a film starring Steve McQueen; seemed like a pretty sweet deal." This soon soured when one of the drivers, David Piper, had a crash and lost his leg.

The McQueen dream was fast becoming a nightmare but it was doomed from the start. His assistant Mario Iscovich, now a successful Hollywood producer (The Princess Diaries, Runaway Bride) was 20 at the time and had worked with McQueen for about a year when he arrived in France.

"I think he was trying to make the ultimate car racing film of all time," says Iscovich. "Something that was real, something that had never been done before. But some very dramatic things happened. He was in love with

“I THINK HE WAS TRYING TO MAKE

THE ULTIMATE CAR RACING FILM OF ALL TIME. SOMETHING THAT WAS REAL, SOMETHING THAT HAD NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE. BUT SOME VERY DRAMATIC THINGS HAPPENED.” automobiles. He'd always be buying some classic car or be involved in restoring something. He did not get serious about actual racing until about the time I met him."

McQueen was 38 when he made Le Mans. All he had to do was walk in the street to feel the power of adulation.

He was the biggest star in the world.

Iscovich recalls when he arrived at Le Mans. A production base camp had been created. "It was an empty parking lot, a kind of place where you would envision the circus coming to town. It was by the track where they created a camp - a giant tent for food and bathroom facilities. There were three writers' trailers, each one contained a writer pounding away, but there was never a completely finished script. The scripts were always being changed, turned upside down, this didn't work, that didn't work, so already it was very disjointed."

One of the scriptwriters was the highest paid writer in Hollywood, Alan Trustman, who wrote The Thomas December 2015/January 2016 Motor Trader | 11

Crown Affair and Bullitt but McQueen fell out with him and he was fired.

Things got worse from there.

"There were so many people involved in the picture after Sturges left and so many different opinions, the movie was no longer his vision," says Isovich of McQueen.

The money had completely run out. There was still no script and there had been a terrible crash. Cinema Center Films forced McQueen to sign away control of the film.

"I think he lost it," says Isovich. "He went mad in a way, he was trying to create perfection, yet what they were trying to do was, scene by scene, very disjointed. There was no real rhythm, and no one in the editing room could make sense of it all.

"He was trying to evoke the smell of car racing and capture moments of its purity. This became an obsession and that is what caused everything else to fall by the wayside. He had a false priority. I don't think he ever took up producing again; this is the movie he wanted to be in control of from beginning to the end, of every detail."

"He had a very able producer in Bob Relyea. He was a smart guy and had already worked with Steve on The Great Escape. They formed the company Solar and they were going to control everything but everything disintegrated.

Everything fell apart."

McQueen's 15-year marriage to Neile Adams also ended.

"Le Mans changed everything," says Iscovich. "It was more than his indiscretions, it was his personality - his behaviour was erratic, all over the place, nothing mattered, only his obsession and everything else could be discarded.

"I don't think he realised what he had lost and when he did it really scared him. In the documentary they talk about how he acquiesced all of a sudden and how they got him to toe the line and do what he was told. This was because he

“HE WAS TRYING TO EVOKE

THE SMELL OF CAR RACING AND CAPTURE MOMENTS OF ITS PURITY. THIS BECAME AN OBSESSION AND THAT IS WHAT CAUSED EVERYTHING ELSE TO FALL BY THE WAYSIDE.�

12 | Motor Trader December 2015/January 2016

was broken. His marriage was falling apart and his movie was falling apart and he was afraid of his reputation in Hollywood disintegrating.

"He was afraid of a lawsuit because he was supposed to act in the movie and do certain things within the requirements of the budget, and when the movie went out of control financially he was in breach of contract. It was a huge shock. It was a huge budget for a movie and it was all spent."

Events in the US prior to making Le Mans had also destablised McQueen. His friend Sharon Tate was murdered by members of Charles Manson's 'family' in 1969 and McQueen had been invited over to the house where Tate was staying on that very night. He later learnt he was number one on Charles Manson's hit list.

Le Mans the film did get finished but, though its racing footage was praised for its ingenuity and realism, the film was neither a critical nor financial success and, for McQueen, hopes of becoming something more in the film industry than a bankable box-office star were dashed.

He would go on to make a number of successful films in the 1970's, including The Getaway in 1972 and The Towering Inferno in 1974, but by 1978 his health was deteriorating.

It turned out that McQueen had contracted pleural mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer, caused by exposure to asbestos.

There was talk that he may have been exposed because of motor racing - that masks and helmets worn by drivers contained asbestos - but it seems more likely the exposure came from his pre-stardom days in the Marines when he was involved in removing lagging from boilers and pipes on troop ships. Whatever the truth, McQueen died from the illness in November of 1980.

As for Le Mans, the new documentary may renew interest in a film that was close to the heart of a man known as the 'King of Cool' - a true petrolhead who raced cars, raced bikes and loved to do his own stunts.

And though the following line was said by his Le Mans character Michael Delaney, it could just as easily be something McQueen would have said himself.

"A lot of people go through life doing things badly.

Racing is important to men who do it well. When you're racing, it's . . . life. Anything that happens before or after is just waiting."

Together, we’re stronger.

For over 40 years Capricorn Members have been sharing in the benefits.

Make buying parts easier, earn exclusive reward points and experience the benefits of being a shareholder in Australia’s oldest and largest automotive parts buying cooperative.

Find out how Capricorn can help you.

1800 560 554 | join@capricorn.coop | www.capricorn.coop For the best interests of our members

Shares are issued by Capricorn Society Limited (ACN 008 347 313). No offer of shares is made in this advertisement. An offer of shares will only made in, or accompanied by, Capricorn’s Prospectus and any supplementary prospectus which is available on request or may be viewed at www.capricorn.coop under “Corporate Documents.” Before making any decision to apply for shares you should consider the Prospectus and any supplementary prospectus. Any application for shares must be made on the application form in or accompanying the Prospectus.

News

MTAQ LIFE MEMBERSHIP FOR ASSOCIATION STALWART

L

EN DADDOW, THE former Dealer Principal of Daddows Auto Group (Coorooy and Noosa) was awarded Life Membership of the MTA Queensland at the annual MTAQ Board meeting in October in recognition of his service to the Association and lifelong involvement with the motor trades.

Len's career in the industry is an inspirational one. In 1950, aged just 15, Len began his career as a mechanical apprentice with E.G. Eagers and Son in Brisbane, and from that humble beginning he MTAQ Chairman David Fraser congratulates Len Daddow on receiving Life Membership to the MTA Queensland would go on to enjoy a career that would see him become a successful business owner and industry leader through his involvement with both the YOU WILL RECEIVE MTA Queensland and the Australian FAR MORE FROM THE Automotive Dealers Association Queensland (AADA Qld) - a body ASSOCIATION THAN he would serve as President on YOU WILL EVER GIVE, two occasions.

AND IT HAS BEEN VERY From his early years as an apprentice mechanic, Len would IMPORTANT TO ME TO go on to work with Eagers' Claims HAVE BEEN INVOLVED Department before being appointed WITH THE MTAQ OVER GM-Holden's State Service School Instructor following the company's ALL THAT TIME. takeover of direct distribution of Holden in 1958. He would also as well as Daddows Gympie, a Honda spend time as the company's Service new and used car outlet. He also had Representative for the State's business relationships with Hyundai, southwest region.

Kia, Suzuki, Subaru, Mobil Oil and In 1966, Len moved into the new Repco over his long career. car business himself, purchasing AADA Qld came into being in Cooroy Motors which, at the time, 1974 and Len became a Board was a Holden dealership. During the member in 1985, serving two terms early Seventies he purchased land at as the Association's President from Noosa Heads, establishing a Mobil 1997-99 and 2009-2012. This position service station, and in 1974 Len would also see him involved in acquired the Honda car franchise, the organisation of the Brisbane starting an on-going relationship with International Motor Show, an event the brand that would end only this that, in 1999, attracted more than year with his selling of the business.

100,000 people to the Brisbane Len would also establish business relationships with Suzuki at Noosa Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“

”

14 | Motor Trader December 2015/January 2016

The automotive industry has, said Len, been a tremendously rewarding one but it’s not just about the business relationships.

Serving his community has brought its own rewards too.

“I’ve been to many places, been around the world with the people and businesses I have worked with and met and developed wonderful friendships,” he said.

“And I’ve also sold a lot of nice cars to a lot of very nice people!

“Not long ago I was lying in a hospital bed and a young woman came to see me and said, ‘Mr Daddow, you sold me a Honda Jazz.’

I said, ‘Did I?’ and she replied, ‘Yes. And you sold my sister a Honda Jazz and you sold my mother a Honda Jazz too. And the three of us have still got them and we love them.’

“That was a lovely moment and came completely out of the blue!"

As a member of the MTAQ since 1966, Len has been unwavering in his support for the Association.

“The MTA Queensland exists for the motor industry, and if you are in the industry you must become a member,” he said. “You will receive far more from the Association than you will ever give, and it has been very important to me to have been involved with the MTAQ over all that time.

“It has been very rewarding and I have thoroughly enjoyed it – the returns have far exceeded what I paid in membership fees!”

It is an honour for us at the MTA Queensland to have Len accept the offer of Life Membership to the Association. His great experience and exhaustive knowledge of the industry is a tremendous resource and we look forward to continuing to receive his counsel and advice for many years to come.

News

from the Office of Fair Trading

IMPACTS OF THE VW EMISSIONS DEFEAT DEVICES FOR QLD MOTOR DEALERS Brian Bauer, Executive Director Office of Fair Trading

A

S MOTOR DEALERS, you will no doubt have been closely following the Volkswagen emissions defeat device saga.

The Volkswagen Group fitted ‘defeat device’ software to vehicles to achieve lower emission results when in a test environment. When the vehicle is being driven normally, the software turns off the device so the car can perform to maximum power/torque/mileage.

The devices are present in some Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda diesel models. Recent media coverage now suggests the devices may be in other models as well, including Porsche models and some petrol models.

VW has committed to recalling affected models, with recall procedures to be sent directly to vehicle owners as they become available.

INVESTIGATION The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched an investigation into the possible use of ‘defeat devices’ in Australia. It will consider whether VW has: • breached the Australian Consumer Law’s provisions that prohibit false or misleading claims.

• failed to meet mandatory safety standards.

Using defeat devices in vehicles is specifically prohibited under the Australian Design Rules, which are included in the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) as mandatory safety standards.

There are serious penalties if a corporation is found to have breached

sections of the ACL with fines of up to $1.1 million per contravention applicable.

IMPACTS FOR QUEENSLAND MOTOR DEALERS (BOTH NEW AND USED) Claims relating to environmental benefits or fuel efficiency of a vehicle can influence a consumer’s choice of make and model. That is why you must be able to substantiate any claims you make about a vehicle.

While affected vehicles are safe to drive and sell, dealers and suppliers are obliged by law to fully disclose to prospective buyers if a vehicle contains a defeat device and that it will be subject to a recall.

Under the Motor Dealer and Chattel Auctioneer Act 2014 (MDCA), motor dealers or salespersons must not represent anything that is false or misleading about goods. This includes the wilful concealment of a material fact. A material fact is information that would be important to the average consumer in deciding whether to purchase the car and would include

the existence of defeat devices, issues relating to vehicle performance or emissions, and the necessity for manufacturer recalls. Under the MDCA licensees and salespeople can be fined up to $63,612 for each false or misleading representation made.

WHAT YOU CAN DO To check whether a vehicle in your dealership is affected, you will need to know the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and then check it against a list on the manufacturer’s website. If you have an affected vehicle, you should contact the manufacturer directly. At this point in time, brands to check include Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda. However this list may expand in the future to include other VW brands.

The OFT is encouraging motor dealers and salespeople to be open and transparent in discussions with all buyers, but particularly those interested in the Volkswagen, Skoda and Audi brands.

Ongoing updates, and guidance for motor dealers, are available on our website at www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading December 2015/January 2016 Motor Trader | 15

MODEL: SUZUKI XN85 YEAR: 1983 ENGINE: 675CC FOURCYLINDER TURBOCHARGED OWNER: TONY ARMSTRONG OWNED: 15 YEARS

SUZUKI’S T

ONY ARMSTRONG, OWNER of Springwood Suzuki in Brisbane, knows better than most the capabilities and value of the motorcycle. A former champion motorcycle racer – he won the 1987 Australian Superbike championship and raced for many years amongst the sport’s elite – Tony has been assembling a collection of classic motorcycles for years with the showroom of his business housing not only the latest models from Suzuki, Aprillia, Moto Guzzi and KTM, but also a few personal favourites from the past.

With almost a lifetime spent riding, racing, repairing and selling motorcycles, Tony clearly has an eye for a classic machine and amongst those personal favourites are a 1980s Suzuki RG500, a number of GT750s, a Suzuki Katana and an original Suzuki GSXR750 – the model upon which he won his Australian Superbike Championship.

But he also owns a couple of other very unusual and rare bikes - the Suzuki RE5 and the Suzuki XN85.

Motorcycle manufacturers have always been innovative and the RE5 and XN85 are fine examples of that creativity.

Though separated by nearly a decade, both owe their existence to Suzuki toying with new ideas of how to produce the power to move them. The RE5, for instance, first introduced in 1974, is powered by a single-cylinder Wankel rotary engine - the use of which gave the bike its name (RE5 stood for Rotary Engine 500cc).

Though the other big Japanese manufacturers also seriously studied the use of the rotary engine in their bikes, only Suzuki pushed the button to go into production, mustering some 6000 units over the bike’s two-year run.

Nearly a decade later, the XN85 (the 85 stood for the supposed horsepower the engine produced) was launched with a four-cylinder 675cc turbocharged engine - the turbo being another unusual departure for a motorcycle engine.

This time, there was some competition for Suzuki with most manufacturers having a stab at producing a turbocharged machine. The idea though, as was the case for rotarypowered bikes, never seemed to catch on and only 1100

16 | Motor Trader December 2015/January 2016

XN85’s were built over the year of its manufacture.

“I’ve been collecting old motorcycles, mainly Suzuki’s, for the past 25 years,” says Tony. “And I’ve had the RE5 for 20 years and the XN85 for about 15 years.

“When the rotary Suzuki came out in 1974 it was a very different bike. Back then, everyone was playing around with the idea of a rotary motorcycle but only Suzuki stuck with it. The model I have is one of the last made. It looks a bit like a GT750 – it has the same gauges and indicators - but it has the 497cc single-cylinder rotary, which is very unusual.

“As for the XN85 – that was only built for one year," he adds. "They probably had them in stock for a lot longer than that though, as they weren’t a big seller! I’ve been at Springwood Suzuki since 1981 so I was actually selling the XN85 when it was brand new and, I have to say, they were hard work – let’s just say they didn’t fly out of the door! It was a bike that just didn’t catch the public imagination.

“I think the manufacturers thought, ‘What’s the next big thing?’ and suddenly everyone had a turbo motorcycle.

There was the CX650 Honda, the 650XJ Yamaha and Kawasaki had a 750 that was probably the best seller of all of them because of its bigger engine capacity and more

MODEL: SUZUKI RE5 YEAR: 1976 ENGINE: 500CC SINGLECYLINDER WANKEL ROTARY OWNER: TONY ARMSTRONG OWNED: 20 YEARS

horsepower. I’m not sure what numbers it sold, but it would definitley have been more than the XN85.”

There was, perhaps, a bit of luck in Tony finding and buying these unusual bikes.

“I was at a motorcycle auction and put my hand up a couple of times for an RE5 before someone tapped me on the shoulder and told me that he knew where there was a better one for sale," says Tony. 'He put me onto the gentleman who owned this RE5 and I’ll just say that I got it for a fair price that made everyone happy!

“As for the XN85 – I bought that from a customer who came into the shop. It had very low kms and was, and is, in showroom condition. This one is the only one in this condition that I have seen. And I probably haven’t seen a better condition RE5 either.”

Tony hasn’t ridden the bikes for a while – they take pride of place as two-wheel works of art in his showroom – but he recalls how well they perform.

“I keep them on display and it has been a few years since I’ve ridden them,” he says. “But the XN85 is a very sweet handling bike. The RE5 too is a very smooth bike to ride.

In fact, the rotary engine is so smooth you can sit a glass of water on the tank, rev the engine and the water just won’t spill - it’s that smooth.”

For Tony, trying to pick a favourite from these two classics is a difficult job – both are equally important to him.

“They are both special because they’re both a bit unique, a bit different,” he says. “They were motorcycles that were designed ‘outside the square’. Those engines came along just for a brief period in the ‘70s and ‘80s and really they haven’t

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

been looked at since for use in motorcycles.

“A rotary Contact Jonathan Nash at jonathann@ would, in fact, mtaq.com.au or 07 3237 8721 and let’s be an especially see if we can share your classic with other members. tricky proposition these days – there wouldn’t be many bike mechanics that would have even seen one!”

While the RE5 and the XN85 remain treasured items, and he will likely always have one eye scanning the roads for other classic bikes, there is one motorcycle that Tony would really love to get his hands on. And it isn’t a road bike from the 60s or 70s, or a decades-old BSA, or a classic Triumph.

Rather, it’s a bike much closer to his heart.

“It would be the Suzuki GSXR750 with which I won the Australia Superbike title,” he says. “I sold it years after I had won the championship to someone who really wanted it . . . so I probably would pay to have it back one day. I know who has it and I know where it is . . . so, we’ll see!”

December 2015/January 2016 Motor Trader | 17

Technical Information Service

Your MTA Queensland membership gives you access to a vast technical library.

Industrial Relations

Save with our Corporate Partners Capricorn makes it easier for its members buy parts, earn reward points and share in the benefits of being a member of the largest and oldest automotive parts buying cooperatives in Australasia.

As a member of MTA Queensland you have access to industry-specific industrial relations advice and representation.

MTA Queensland will assist Member Businesses to facilitate this process in the event of a consumer complaint.

Legal Advice

Members can access professional legal assistance as part of their membership of MTA Queensland.

Industry Awareness

Members receive regular industry specific publications to keep you abreast of changes, legislative requirements, developments and initiatives in your industry.

• The MTA Queensland logo provides an element of differentiation between you and other businesses and may just form the key point of difference for a potential customer.

• MTA Queensland actively lobbies Governments with the best interest of our members to reduce red tape and streamline process for business owners.

• Being a Member gives you input in the future productivity and profitability of your industry and the opportunity to positively influence it’s future through divisional and regional committees.

MTA Queensland, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road Eight Mile Plains Qld 4113 07 3237 8777 | info@mtaq.com.au | www.mtaq.com.au

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Available to MTAQ members at a 20 per cent discount.

20150315

Consumer Complaints

ESSENTIALS ESSENTIALS

PAUL KULPA GENERAL MANAGER MTA INSTITUTE

Contents 19 Training GM's Professional Circle perspective 23 Professional Circle training 27 Member profiles

CALTEX STARMART HAMILTON SAMFORD AUTOMOTIVE MOBILE SERVICES

32 Industrial relations

H

ELLO, AND WELCOME to the first instalment of what I hope will become your regular automotive training read.

We are proud of the fact that MTA Institute is the largest private provider of automotive training in Queensland. But we know we can’t rest on our laurels. That is why everyone at MTA Queensland and MTA Institute are excited about the launch in 2016 of the Professional Circle.

For the MTA Institute, our commitment to the Professional Circle will reaffirm the three key benefits we deliver to all our training stakeholders.

The MTA Institute has made a reputation for providing the right

December 2015/January 2016 Motor Trader | 19

E S S E N T I A L S

MEMBERS MEMBERS

training, in the right place, and in the right way to ensure that employers, apprentices and all trainees understand what being in the Professional Circle is all about.

To meet the promise of delivering the right training, MTA Institute understands that every employer and trainee has their own specific requirements and we must meet those needs with the right training tailored to each person.

By the Right Place we mean the right place for our clients. Whether it’s at the Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence at Eight Mile Plains, at a workshop on-site or a combination of both, delivering on the Professional Circle is about making training work for our clients.

And finally, being in the Professional Circle means trainers who have the experience and the knowledge to deliver training in the right way to provide work-ready outcomes.

The right training, in the right place, and in the right way is our underpinning philosophy, and one that makes the MTA Institute the premier provider of automotive training.

We will continue to service Queensland to support automotive businesses through quality training outcomes.

I look forward to bringing you monthly updates on our training.

M E M B E R S

Training GM's Professional Circle perspective

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

MTAQ President's Ball

INDUSTRY CELEBRATES AT MTAQ PRESIDENT’S BALL M EMBERS OF THE automotive industry donned their finest attire to attend the MTAQ President’s Ball on October 31. Held at the Brisbane Hilton, the event was a celebration of a challenging and rewarding year and more than 200 guests enjoyed an evening of fine food and fine entertainment.

Hosted by Brisbane radio personality Paul ‘Campo’ Campion, speakers included Suncorp Group’s Rob Bartlett, Dale Durden from the Capricorn Society, Leeanne Turner, CEO of MTAA Super, and MTAQ Chairman David Fraser, who made an important announcement in his opening address, launching the concept of the Professional Circle.

Representing the benchmark of industry standards, Mr Fraser said that, in 2016, the Professional Circle would bring a new level of connection between the MTAQ, its Members, the industry and the public, and reinforce the great value of both the benefits available by being a member of MTAQ and of using the training services of the MTA Institute.

Mr Fraser also introduced a video presentation to the gathered guests that explained more fully the Professional Circle concept.

This video can be seen at www.mtaprofessionalcircle.com.au As well as looking forward to initiatives to come, the President’s Ball was an event at which the quality of students training with the MTA Institute was recognised and honoured with the announcement of the 2015 MTAQ Apprentice of the Year. There were seven outstanding nominees this year and the award, and the cheque for $2000, was won by Luke Roxburgh - a 28-year-old light vehicle apprentice from Absolute Car Care in Brisbane.

20 | Motor Trader December 2015/January 2016

MTA Queensland Chairman David Fraser

The nominees for MTAQ's Apprentice of the Year: Luke Roxburgh, Mary-Louise Eagle-Frith, James Harre, Petera Hooper, Ned Dohle, Edan Rutherford and Hayden Ngametua

“THE PRESIDENT’S

BALL WAS AN EVENT AT WHICH THE QUALITY OF STUDENTS TRAINING WITH THE MTA INSTITUTE WAS RECOGNISED AND HONOURED WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2015 MTAQ APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR.”

Having battled serious injuries after a near-fatal accident when he was just 17 Luke, now 28, is excelling in his apprenticeship, his enthusiasm and determination impressing everyone. Asked what he would do with the $2000, Luke didn’t hesitate when he said he would be spending the money on tools.

Other awards presented on the night included the MTAQ Community Award, celebrating the involvement of MTAQ member businesses in their communities, and the MTAQ

E S S E N T I A L S

ced Paul Kulpa, General Manager MTA Institute announ the nominees for the Apprentice of the Year

MTA Queensland Life Member Len Daddow and wife Geraldine

Steve Hayes accepted the award on behalf of Chip Tyre

Awarded to Chip Tyre. The company is involved in the recycling of end-of-life tyres, breaking down the tyres to create rubber crumb that can be used in a wide range of applications, from tile adhesive glue to children’s playground matting. Using equipment that is capable of shredding 25 tonnes of tyres per hour, Chip Tyre is the only producer of rubber crumb in Queensland, processing in excess of 2000 tonnes per month.

COMMUNITY AWARD

Luke Roxburgh, MTAQ's Apprentice of the Year for 2015, receiving the award and a cheque for $2000 from Leeanne Turner, CEO of MTAA Super

M E M B E R S

INNOVATION AWARD

Bruce Keown accepted the award on behalf of the Bruce Lynton Automotive Group

Presented to the Bruce Lynton Automotive Group, recognising the generous and ongoing support from the Group to a wide range of charities and community initiatives. Included amongst the charities the Group supports are 4 ASD Kids (a charity founded by Chloe and Mat Rogers, which focuses on caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)), Guide Dogs Queensland and Cancer Council Queensland.

December 2015/January 2016 Motor Trader | 21

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

MTAQ President's Ball

David Kemp from the Capricorn Society was the highest bidder for the signed QLD State of Origin ball

Innovation Award, recognising the creative thinking of MTAQ members in developing their businesses through new technologies or practices.

The 2015 MTAQ Innovation Award winner was Chip Tyre. The company is involved in the recycling of endof-life tyres, breaking down the tyres to create rubber crumb that can be used in a wide range of applications, from tile adhesive glue to children’s playground matting. Using equipment that is capable of shredding 25 tonnes of tyres per hour, Chip Tyre is the only producer of rubber crumb in Queensland, processing in excess of 2000 tonnes per month.

The MTAQ Community Award was presented to the Bruce Lynton Automotive Group, recognising the generous and ongoing support from the Group to a wide range of charities and community initiatives.

22 | Motor Trader December 2015/January 2016

Michael Carr from Centro Management was the highest bidder for the signed QLD State of Origin jersey

“THE MTAQ WAS INVOLVED IN SOME FUNDRAISING ON THE NIGHT TOO, AUCTIONING A RUGBY LEAGUE BALL AND A QUEENSLAND MAROONS JERSEY BOTH OF WHICH HAD BEEN SIGNED BY THE VICTORIOUS 2015 MAROONS TEAM.” Included amongst the charities that the Group supports are 4 ASD Kids – a charity founded by Chloe and Mat Rogers, which focuses on caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Guide Dogs Queensland and Cancer

Council Queensland.

The MTAQ was involved in some fundraising on the night too, auctioning a Rugby League Ball and a Queensland Maroons jersey, both of which had been signed by the victorious 2015 Maroons team.

Vigorous bidding saw David Kemp from the Capricorn Society claim the State of Origin ball, while Michael Carr from Centro Management bid the highest for the Maroons' signed jersey. The auction raised nearly $4000 for Youngcare, the charity that assists young people with full-time care needs.

The 2015 MTAQ President’s Ball was a magnificent night and the Association thanks our guests, our students, friends and sponsors for making the evening so memorable.

We look forward to celebrating another fine year at the 2016 Ball.

UKE ROXBURGH, A 28-yearold second-year Light Vehicle apprentice with Absolute Car Care in Brisbane, is the MTAQ Apprentice of the Year for 2015.

Presented with the award, and the $2000 prize, at the MTAQ President’s Ball in October, it was, said Luke, a tremendous surprise to hear his name called out as this year’s winner.

“I was shocked,” said Luke. “I wasn’t expecting it. When they made the announcement I wondered if it was my name I heard! I was surprised I could go up on the stage and say anything because my knees were shaking!”

Joined by his mum, step-dad and work colleagues, it didn’t take long for the news of Luke’s success to spread, and by the time he had returned to his table, excited friends and family were calling him.

“Mum posted something on my Facebook page right after the announcement was made,” said Luke.

“My friends and family found out that way and began calling me!”

Being named the Apprentice of the Year is a remarkable achievement for Luke, for there was a time when he thought a career as a mechanic would be beyond him. At the age of just 17, and in his first year as an apprentice mechanic, he suffered dreadful injuries when he was hit by a train before being trapped beneath it after being dragged along the tracks.

He was extremely fortunate to survive what happened that day, though he has been left with permanent physical impairments.

"I was trapped for about an hourand-a-half and emergency services were considering removing my legs," said Luke. "Fortunately, they were able to get me out. I was in a coma for a

Luke Roxburgh

month and had skin, muscle and bone grafts but thanks to great doctors I was able to keep my arm and my legs."

Luke subsequently spent eight months in hospital, another year wheelchair-bound, and had to teach himself to become left-handed.

His career as a mechanic appeared to be over before it had started.

However, fast forward ten years and Luke picked up his apprenticeship once more after being offered work experience with Michael Georgas and his team at Absolute Car Care. And after two years of hard work and graft, that commitment has resulted in the Apprentice of the Year Award - a result that has given Luke extra motivation to battle through and accomplish his dream of becoming a tradesman.

“Some days I do get down because I know I could do so much better if I didn’t have these injuries,” he said.

“But I know I just have to move on and

move forward and this has just made me more determined. I know that no matter how hard things get I am definitely going to finish.”

For Michael Georgas, Luke’s boss at Absolute Car Care, news of Luke’s win made for a very proud moment.

“All the nominated apprentices were great candidates,” said Michael.

“But Luke has so many good attributes that I always thought he was a chance.

I’m not a betting man but I thought he was up there!

“We’re all proud of him and the result has really lifted the whole team.

Everyone is striving just a little bit harder to improve themselves. Luke’s circumstances inspire you to do better as an individual because of the adversity he has faced and the pain he still feels every day.”

James Dixon, Luke’s trainer at MTA Institute, was similarly proud of Luke’s achievement.

“I’ve been training Luke for just over two years and his progression has been great,” he said. “And to see the expression on his face when he won was terrific.

“I think he will become an excellent role model, especially to new apprentices,” added James. “I am sure he will become a real inspiration for everyone in the industry.”

For Luke, being named the MTAQ Apprentice of the Year has been a great thrill and the $2000 prize has enabled him to buy some new SnapOn tools, but it hasn’t changed his priorities or his goals. They are still what they were when he walked back into a workshop two years ago.

“I haven’t thought past finishing my apprenticeship,” he said. “That’s my goal and that’s all I’m determined to do at the moment."

December 2015/January 2016 Motor Trader | 23

E S S E N T I A L S

LUKE ROXBURGH NAMED MTAQ APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR L

M E M B E R S

Professional Circle training

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

Professional Circle training

MTAQ LAUNCHES FIRST COURSE IN PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR “ T HE MTAQ, THROUGH its international training body MTA Global, has partnered with industry-leading paintless dent repair (PDR) business PDR President, to deliver courses in this fast-growing sector of the industry.

A fast and efficient method for the repair of many blemishes and flaws on a vehicle’s exterior, Paintless Dent Repair technicians use specialist tools, glues, tabs and lights to identify and push or pull dents from panels, and skilled technicians are becoming a much sought-after resource in the industry.

The first of these courses, a two-day program focusing on the fundamentals of PDR, was recently held at the MTAQ’s state-of-the-art workshop facility in Brisbane.

Run by veteran industry figure Shane Anderson, Director of PDR President, 16 automotive tradespeople participated - including panel beaters, mechanics and painters.

“The course went extremely well,” said Shane. “And the guys can now take the skills they learnt on the

24 | Motor Trader December 2015/January 2016

THE COURSE WENT EXTREMELY WELL. . .

THE GUYS CAN NOW TAKE THE SKILLS THEY LEARNT ON THE COURSE AND START WORKING STRAIGHT AWAY.”

course and start working straight away. The course is designed so they are now capable and competent to push out small dents, but that skill level is transferable to bigger dents.”

Though the PDR course covers the ‘fundamentals’ of this burgeoning industry, the course is more than just instruction on ‘pushing a dent’.

“We do cover a lot in the course,” said Shane. “We cover the condition of the paintwork and the types of metal you can encounter. We discuss how to define a dent – the diameter, the sharpness and its depth – and what could hinder a repair.

“We cover job pricing, repair theory,

tools and lights, metal theory – what the metal is doing underneath the paintwork - access and bracing and, in the workshop, we work on practical solutions teaching different techniques and the 'do's and don’ts'.”

“This course really does make a difference,” said Alfio Rotolone, a trainer with MTA Institute. “They explained how to approach and attack dents - how to look, how to find your start point, how to push a dent up and even what happens to the steel.

“And the theory side is important.

A dent might not look like much but there’s a lot going on, and understanding what is happening to the metal is crucial.

“I got an awful lot out of the course. Shane and the trainers were very hands-on. They really were very good and, I have to say, I’ve never learned so much about PDR than over that weekend.”

For Glen Mathieson, an 18-year veteran of the panel repair industry and owner of GM Auto Body Repairs and Industrial Refinishers, the course was similarly useful.

M E M B E R S

“I’D DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THE COURSE. THE WAY THE INDUSTRY IS GOING I THINK IT SHOULD REALLY BE A PART OF THE PANEL BEATER’S APPRENTICESHIP.” “Participating in the course is a big help in working out the fundamentals of how PDR works,” said Glen. “It was very informative and I definitely came out the other side with more understanding of the concepts.

“It’s a different art altogether and takes a lot of practice, time and effort to master, but it was interesting to listen and learn from someone who really knows what they are doing.

“Shane was very approachable and the way he explained things was very straightforward – he made sure everything was explained in terms we all understood.

“I’d definitely recommend the course. The way the industry is going I think it should really be a part of the panel beater’s apprenticeship.”

To deliver the course, MTAQ required training aids in the form of bonnets for the participants to work on, and collision and mechanical repair parts supplier ACM Parts jumped at the chance to support

the training initiative. ACM Parts Queensland Plant Manager Kingsley Waters had no hesitation in donating a selection of bonnets for students to use in the program.

“Great training is the heart of our industry and we welcome the chance to support skills development in the sector,” said Mr Waters.

“There are great careers on offer in the automotive repair industry and we want to encourage more talented people to skill up and turn their passion for cars into a profession.”

Paintless Dent Repair is set to become a significant part of the future of the automotive repair industry – its mix of efficient, swift and seamless repair offering significant advantages. With that in mind, in 2016, MTA Global and PDR President will be running Advanced courses alongside the Fundamentals course.

“There are a lot of benefits to PDR work,” said Shane. “For example, being able to remove a dent by PDR would save a business from having to blend either into a door or into the next panel, offering a saving on materials and time. Jobs can go through the shop faster, job margins increase and it is a cleaner repair.”

The next Paintless Dent Repair Fundamentals course will take place on January 30-31, 2016.

The first five-day Paintless Dent Repair Advanced course will take place on March 7-11, 2016.

For more information email: training@ mtaglobal.com.au or call 07 3722 3000.

AN INDUSTRY VETERAN with more than 20 years of experience as a PDR technician, Shane Anderson has taken his skills across the world, becoming a sought-after exponent of the trade in the USA, Germany, Austria and France.

His career started on the Gold Coast during a period when PDR was a virtually unknown skill and he has gone on to become a renowned technician, trainer and innovator.

“I didn’t come from the panel industry,” said Shane. “My father owned a repair shop but I was actually working in furniture removal when I had an accident and broke two vertebrae in my back. I had to have an operation and, on the day they operated on me a huge hailstorm smashed the Gold Coast.

"That whole scenario got me thinking. I had heard about PDR and found a guy who was delivering a course. I was 19-years-old when I took that course and I came back from it to open my own PDR business. I was still pretty green, of course, so really worked on my skills. I took the TV out of the house, set up a bonnet in my lounge room and would practice endlessly. I would put a dent in it, try to take it out and write an 'essay' about each effort, noting everything about how I could do it better. Eventually, I even developed my own set of tools to do the job right!

“In 1999, Sydney was hit by a massive hailstorm and I was offered some work with an American company that had come in to help with repairs. Their technicians had all the fancy gear, while I was there with my nine homemade tools! Anyway, turns out my work was as good as theirs and the guy who owned the company ended up buying me a set of tools as a gift. Within three months I was working in Austria, then France and after that I was in the United States.

“I was abroad for about 5 years in a row and it was very lucrative, but very hard, work. One year, I worked three months in the US, then came home for a week, then flew to Germany and France for three months. I managed to fly home from France for my daughter’s birthday but was in Australia for just 12 hours before flying back out for another three months.

"I came back to Australia in 2003 and PDR President has grown from there – servicing our customers across Australia and also offering training courses for those who want to get into the industry.

And our training really works – everyone who has gone through our advanced training courses has become a fully-fledged PDR technician - and made good money from it too!"

December 2015/January 2016 Motor Trader | 25

E S S E N T I A L S

SHANE ANDERSON: RENOWNED INDUSTRY FIGURE AND PDR TRAINER

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

Professional Circle training

FIRST AUTO INITIATION STUDENTS READY TO WORK

T

HE INAUGURAL MTA Queensland (MTAQ) Auto Initiation program has nearly concluded, with 13 students finishing the formal training units of the course at the MTA Queensland facility in Brisbane. The group will now complete the final two-week work placement element of the program, working with automotive businesses in the community, before receiving their Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Placement.

To celebrate the completion of the formal training units, an event was held at the MTAQ’s head office in Brisbane which was attended by students, employers, other stakeholders and Peter Russo MP, member of the Queensland Parliament and government representative, within whose constituency of Sunnybank the MTAQ head office is based.

The Auto Initiation program is delivered under the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative and Mr Russo was on hand to offer his congratulations to the students, present each of them with a Certificate of Achievement recognising their accomplishments so far, and offer them encouragement as they move into work placement and then on into employment within the industry.

“This Auto Initiation project in which you are enrolled is one of the very first projects to be undertaken through the State Government’s reinstated Skilling Queenslanders for Work program,” said Mr Russo.

“The course and this work placement will leave you in a solid position to obtain secure, long-term employment in the motor trades industry.”

Mr Russo also commented on the government’s confidence that the significant investment of funding with the MTAQ to deliver the Auto Initiation program would deliver concrete results to students, communities and the industry as a whole.

26 | Motor Trader December 2015/January 2016

Peter Russo MP (left); Paul Kulpa, General Manager MTAI (centre); and Steve Ghost Acting CEO MTAQ

“MTAQ is using this funding to train men and women like you in a range of locations across the State,” said Mr Russo. “As well as this Brisbane program, which will train up to 80 participants, Auto Initiation projects are being delivered in Townsville, Mount Isa, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg and at the Gold Coast.

“Altogether the funding for MTAQ is helping up to 260 disadvantaged job seekers to find and hold onto meaningful work in this industry.

“That we have committed funds for five separate projects demonstrates the faith we have in MTAQ to get the job done and successfully train these jobseekers, and I’d like to thank the Motor Trades Association of Queensland for organising this wonderful program that is supporting local people to learn new skills to improve their job prospects.”

A nine-week course, the Auto Initiation program is designed to give students both the basic skills and knowledge required to work in the automotive industry as well as training in the ‘life skills’ that will give them the confidence to be ‘job-ready’.

Within the five-week practical

(right), with the Auto Initiation program students

training element of the course, students are given instruction in a variety of tasks and skills, including how to apply safe work practices, the use and maintenance of workplace tools and equipment, the fundamentals of mechanical systems and electrical systems, and the removal and tagging of engine system components.

Two weeks of ‘life skills’ training covers elements such as language, literacy and numeracy, managing emotions, setting goals, financial management and First Aid. The final two weeks of the course are dedicated to work experience placements.

The Auto Initiation program is delivered under the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative – an initiative designed to provide skills development, training and job opportunities to unemployed, disengaged or disadvantaged Queenslanders.

For more information about the Auto Initiation program, contact Marcello at auto@mtaq.com.au or 07 3722 3000.

This Skilling Queenslanders for Work project is proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government.

What has been your proudest business achievement to date?

What is the best thing about working in your industry?

The repeat customers.

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

If you look after the pennies, the pounds will look after themselves.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining MTAQ?

Caltex Starmart Hamilton Location: Hamilton Type of business: Service Station Number of employees: 5

Don’t hesitate. They are there to support you.

How did you hear about the Motor Trades Association of Queensland? (MTAQ) From an MTAQ Member.

Trading since: 2014

How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business?

MTAQ member since: 2015

Access to information as required.

What has been your proudest business achievement to date?

Being open for business for 10 years.

What is the best thing about working in your industry?

Word of mouth referrals back to business.

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

To be honest and provide good customer service.

Samford Automotive Mobile Services Location: Arana Hills Type of business: Mechanical Workshop Number of employees: 3

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

How did you hear about the Motor Trades Association of Queensland? (MTAQ) Through industry contacts.

Trading since: 2004

How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business?

MTAQ member since: 2004

Good backup and support.

December 2015/January 2016 Motor Trader | 27

E S S E N T I A L S

Optimising costs and refocusing business to perform at a new level.

M E M B E R S

Member profiles

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

MTAIT TRAINER PROFILE

Professional Circle training

ACCELR8 GRADUATES ON FAST TRACK TO SUCCESS

T

HE INAUGURAL ACCELR8 automotive training program has concluded, with 78 year 12 students undertaking the program to attain a Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation.

13 students completed the AccelR8 program with MTAI this year, receiving their qualification at a grand graduation ceremony in November.

The ceremony marked the end of a long period of training. The AccelR8 program began in February and combined 8 months of practical and theoretical study for the Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation.

As part of the AccelR8 program the students also undertook a 20-week (one day per week) work experience placement at an automotive business.

An initiative of Queensland’s Department of Education and Training (DET), the AccelR8 ‘schoolto-work’ transition program is designed to address the 55 per cent attrition rate of apprentices from the automotive industry, and to prepare year 12 students for the move to full-time employment. At the end of the program, which coincided with the students completing Year 12,

PETER JAENSCH

Joshua Wallace receiving his Cert II from MTAI trainer Jeff Mann.

Joshua also received a toolbox for his outstanding work during the year.

their work placement employer had the opportunity to take them on as a full-time apprentice.

It was an opportunity that several employers took and four of the students are now starting apprenticeships, with another three expected to receive offers shortly.

“This was the first year that the AccelR8 program has been run and it went extremely well and we are very pleased with the outcome,” said Jeff Mann, the students’ MTAI trainer.

“The course has given the students a great foundation as they head into the workforce, and for those who haven’t yet landed an apprenticeship, having

advisor and spent 23 years as a Service Manager. Worked in dealerships in SA, WA and Qld on Holden, Toyota and Case IH farm machinery. Have had approximately 44 years in the trade.

over the years and seeing the students gain understanding.

When did you become a trainer for MTA Institute?

The vast variety in the industry - working on, and understanding, technology from lawn mowers to large earthmovers. The job satisfaction that can be found.

May 2012.

What geographical area do you service?

Central Highlands and Central West.

What is your specialised area?

Light vehicle, motorcycle, heavy transport and auto electrical.

What is your background in the automotive industry?

I started out at a Holden dealer in Adelaide in 1968 as an apprentice. Was a service

28 | Motor Trader December 2015/January 2016

completed the program will help them - it is evidence of their commitment to the automotive industry.”

Medene Woods, Field Officer for the DET, managed the program and was pleased with the positive outcomes.

“It has gone tremendously well,” she said. “The program is a fantastic way for employers to view young people in their workplace prior to employing them as an apprentice. It is also a great opportunity for the students to be exposed to the automotive industry and learn the culture, ethics and expectations of a workplace. The real-world working experience has certainly given them a head start for their automotive career.”

Work is already underway in preparation for the 2016 program.

“We are already talking to students and getting expressions of interest from them,” said Ms Woods.

“It is a terrific program to be part of,” she added. “These kids are very passionate about the industry, so it was tremendous to watch them receive their certificates at the graduation.”

For more information on the AccelR8 course call (07) 3634 0658 or email metrotransitions@ dete.qld.gov.au

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

Observing students, who start out with little knowledge, grow in understanding and apply themselves to the work to become important team members.

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

Imparting the knowledge I have gained

Why should someone consider a career in the automotive industry?

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

Knuckle down to your work. Get as much training as possible - do every course as they come along and don’t be afraid to try new things.

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

Being involved with my church and the St John Ambulance.

Investment matters

MARKET WRAP

E

QUITIES BOUNCED BACK in October as the market welcomed central bank stimulus globally.

The US Federal Reserve held off raising rates, the People’s Bank of China cut rates, and there was rising speculation on further quantitative easing from the European Central Bank and Bank of Japan.

Domestically, major banks were the focus during the month with all the Big Four raising interest rates on residential mortgages by between 15 and 20 basis points. The banks attributed the outof-cycle rate rise to the recent capital requirements imposed by regulators which opens the possibility for further interest rate cuts by the RBA. The valuations of the market still remain reasonable relative to interest rates and in line with long-term averages. The market PE is above average at 15x, but equities still look cheap compared to bonds. Looking into the detail, we note that growth still appears to offer better relative value in a low interest rate and low-growth environment relative to defensive yield.

The question for our portfolio is whether the underweight to higher yield defensive positions need to be closed out. In this regard, we prefer the growth stocks because they can perform well in a low interest rate environment and are probably not the first stocks hit by a rising US Federal Reserve. Furthermore, the US Federal Reserve will need to raise rates at some point. Inflationary pressures will build and, therefore, remaining underweight the yield stocks seems like the sensible choice.

Another consideration we have is that China has been stimulating for some time. Will we begin to see

“RECENT RESULTS FROM THE RETAILERS HAVE BEEN POSITIVE, WHICH SUGGESTS THE CONSUMER REMAINS STRONG. THIS HAS EASED OUR IMMEDIATE CONCERNS REGARDING THE DOMESTIC ECONOMY.” evidence of an economic recovery soon? If so, it would be significant from a resources perspective, particularly relative to investor positioning.

In this respect, there is not much evidence yet to support a turnaround, but it will only take modest signs of the economics becoming a little better to support a stronger move from Chinarelated stocks. Our positioning of being largely neutral is probably about right. The signals remain mixed but we should be alert to the opportunities in the space if value emerges.

Domestically, hedge funds based offshore remain nervous regarding Australian housing. We have seen weakness through August and September in banks and other property-related exposures. The tightening of loan-to-value ratios on investor property, and risks around Chinese capital controls, seem to be the main concerns.

It would appear there is an oversupply in apartments and the hot Sydney market is coming off the boil. However, we think the issue is overcooked by the market and note that bank arrears improved substantially over the last half.

Additionally, banks are lifting rates on mortgages which improve the profitability of the banks but also demonstrate their market confidence.

Unemployment has also proved resilient, which supports serviceability.

We have been concerned about the domestic economy weakening. The decline in resources-related capex has been offset by housing-related spend. However, with the housing spend likely to slow, there remains a hole to be filled. Turnbull’s move to the leadership appears to be proving a boost to confidence, which is a positive. Recent results from the retailers have been positive, which suggests the consumer remains strong. This has eased our immediate concerns regarding the domestic economy. The improvement in business confidence is suggesting businesses are responding to the lower currency and improved competitive position. However, it is fair to say that we remain a little cautious regarding the potential for a harder landing.

DISCLAIMER This document provides general information only and is not intended to be a recommendation to invest in any product or financial service mentioned above. Investment in a DNR Capital individually managed account can only be made on completion of all the required documentation. Whilst DNR Capital has used its best endeavours to ensure the information within this document is accurate it cannot be relied upon in any way and recipients must make their own enquiries concerning the accuracy of the information within.

December 2015/January 2016 Motor Trader | 29

The hit list Buick Wildcat

Chrysler Atlantic

CONCEPT CARS

OF THE

1990s

A

N INTERESTING DECADE for the automotive industry saw the exploding popularity of SUVs (which continues today), the use of a ‘basic platform’ across several of a single manufacturer’s models, and the usurping of Ford and Holden

by Toyota as the market leading manufacturer in Australia.

The ‘90s also saw the emergence of the Japanese luxury brands Lexus, Acura and Infiniti and their move to muscle their way in to the territory of established European and North American rivals.

Fuel consumption, engine Bugatti EB112

emissions and the environment continued to be issues, and 1997 saw the arrival of the hybrid-electric Toyota Prius as the Japanese firm saw the opportunity to test its technological chops and supply a smart and useful vehicle to environmentallyminded consumers.

Amongst all this, car designers were sketching minimasterpieces, some of which looked so good, and were so quick and powerful, that it’s hard to believe they are now more than 20 years old. Here are a few of those ‘90s specials.

CHRYSLER ATLANTIC (1995) LOOKING LIKE A hybrid mix of vintage flair with modern technology, the Chrysler Atlantic’s retro styling was reminiscent of the beautiful Bugatti Type 57S Atlantic and the stunning Talbot Lago Coupé, both created in the 1930s. Utilising structural elements from the Dodge Viper, the Atlantic was powered by a 4-litre straight eight. Chrysler also developed a 'big brother' concept for the Atlantic in 1997. Called the Phaeton, it molded its 1930s style to a four-door convertible sedan powered by a 5.4-litre V12.

Dodge Charger R/T

BUGATTI EB112 (1993) A SPORTS SEDAN that was planned to be the fastest sedan in the world, the EB112 was a luxurious car with design features that purposely harked back to cars from the company’s golden era of the 1930s and 40s.

However, with other features including ABS and 4-wheel drive, the technology was decidedly 90s.

A naturally-aspirated 6-litre V12 delivered 450hp and a top speed of 300km/h ensuring it hit the design brief of being the fastest saloon car in the world at the time.

30 | Motor Trader December 2015/January 2016

Ford GT90

FORD GT90 (1995) FORD HIT A home run with the GT90, a supercar concept that, though 20 years old, would be a winner if it were to be unveiled today.

Reminiscent of the company’s Le Mans-winning GT40, the styling still holds up, as does the performance. With a quad-turbo, 6-litre V12 engine churning out a mighty 720hp, the GT90 was the most powerful car in the world and was capable of a top speed of more than 400km/h. As with the BMW Nazca C2, the world is a slightly less interesting place because Ford executives decided not to put the GT90 into production. Shame.

Audi Avus Quattro

AUDI AVUS QUATTRO (1991) A CONCEPT SUPERCAR introduced at the 1991 Tokyo Motor Show, the Avus was a polished aluminium, all-wheel drive, sleek machine designed to accommodate a planned 6-litre W12 engine. Capable of accelerating the car from 0-100km/h in less than 3 seconds, the engine was designed to shift on to a top speed of 340km/h. The engine was actually still under development at the time of the Tokyo show, so a model one was mocked up to complete the car’s appearance - which was stunning. The Avus would have been wonderful to watch prowling the streets of Monaco or Milan, or wherever the super-rich choose to show-off their super cars.

Lamborghini Cala

DODGE CHARGER R/T (1999) THE DODGE CHARGER is one of the most famous names in muscle car history. First appearing in 1966, the Charger hung around in various forms for more than 20 years before being shelved by Dodge in the mid-eighties. More than a decade later, the company produced this concept Charger and it caused a fair bit of excitement. Powered by a 4.7-litre V8 that fed the rear wheels, it was to be fueled by Compressed Natural Gas. Though this concept didn’t make it to production, the famous Dodge Charger name was revived in 2006 in the four-door Charger LX.

BMW NAZCA C2 (1993) A BLINDINGLY POWERFUL-LOOKING sportscar concept designed by Ital Design, the Nazca C2 had a BMW 5-litre V12 at its heart and the 350hp monster could push the car to 325km/h after reaching 100km/h in just 3.7seconds. Though three prototypes were built, the car never went in to production. Which is a shame because this had the looks and the power to be a classic of the supercar family.

BMW Nazca C2

LAMBORGHINI CALA (1995) A GLORIOUS MACHINE built around an aluminium chassis and powered by a 3.9-litre V10 engine producing 400hp, the Cala was seen as a possible production model by Lamborghini. Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1995, it was a 2+2 coupe constructed from a carbon fibre body over an aluminium chassis. Though the Cala project was shelved as Lamborghini moved through the hands of different owners before settling into the deep pockets of Audi (and, therefore, VW) it was the car that inspired the company to produce the excellent Gallardo.

December 2015/January 2016 Motor Trader | 31

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

Industrial relations Fair Work System. If the business was previously covered by State award/s then the appropriate State legislation continues to apply, and if the business was previously already in the Federal award system the business continues to apply the Federal Long Service Leave legislation. (For the motor industry, the pre-existing federal long service leave legislation was the Federal Vehicle Industry – Repair Services and Retail (Long Service Leave) Award.)

TED KOWALSKI INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MANAGER

WHAT ARE THE NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS? – Part 3

I

N OUR LAST two issues we looked at the first six of ten provisions of the National Employment Standards ie., Maximum weekly hours; request for flexible working arrangements; parental leave and related entitlements; annual leave; personal/ carers leave and compassionate leave; and community service leave.

This article will explain the remaining four provisions.

LONG SERVICE LEAVE Because there is currently no national long service leave legislation, the NES requires that employers must continue to apply whatever legislation applied to the business prior to the commencement of the

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS This provision entitles a permanent employee to be paid while absent from work on a public holiday and local show days - where applicable. There are various detailed requirements covering working on a public holiday and refusing to work on a public holiday. Payment is made only if the employee would normally have worked on the day.

NOTICE OF TERMINATION AND REDUNDANCY Minimum notice periods, which depend on length of service, are set out in this provision. (Awards oblige employees to give the same notice

“THE EMPLOYER MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN NOTICE OF TERMINATION TO THE EMPLOYEE AND IS ABLE TO PAY IN LIEU OF HAVING THE EMPLOYEE WORK OUT THE NOTICE.”

as is required by the employer or to forfeit pay equivalent to the notice required.) The employer must provide a written notice of termination to the employee and is able to pay in lieu of having the employee work out the notice.

In a redundancy situation, the same notice obligations apply as for any other poor performance based termination, but if the business employs 15 or more employees, then redundancy pay will be payable over and above the notice – again based on length of service. The NES contains a table showing the required payment. Businesses with fewer than 15 employees are not obliged to pay redundancy pay. In determining the number of employees in a business you are required to take into account employees of any related entity.

An employer may be able to avoid payment of redundancy pay under circumstances where he is directly instrumental in securing alternative employment for the employee which is no less advantageous in pay and conditions than what the employee was previously employed on.

FAIR WORK INFORMATION STATEMENT All new employees must be given a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement which is published by the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) as soon as possible after commencement. The Statement is available at the FWO web site.

NB: The above information is provided by way of general comment only and it is important to refer to the actual document for the full details of each provision.

MTA QUEENSLAND WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS Business Name

Principal/s

Address

Email

Division

Bridgestone Albion

Savvas Hadjigeorgiou

26 Collingwood Street, Albion QLD 4010

shadjigeorgiou@yahoo.com

TUDQ

Bridgestone Select Redbank Plains

Michael Kebbell

1/5 Henty Drive, Redbank Plains Q 4341

michaelkebbell@yahoo.co.nz

TUDQ

Cartrek Australia P/L t/a Recar

Donna De LaRue

76 Colebard St, Archerfield QLD 4108

Donna.delarue@recar.com.au

NACA

Northside Motorcycle Tyres and Service

Mark Morgan

4/11 Paisley Drive, Lawnton Q 4501

northsidemctyres@bigpond.com

QMID

32 | Motor Trader December 2015/January 2016

Industry insight

IT’S TOUGH OUT THERE – DOING MORE WITH LESS FOUR WAYS TO ENSURE YOUR BUSINESS MAKES IT TO THE NEXT UPTURN We’re hearing many stories of businesses doing it tough. There are various reasons, such as the mining boom ending, consumer/business confidence, digital disruption etc.

If your business is experiencing profit and cash-flow squeeze, here’s some ideas to help you survive:

1. Review your business model I s it still relevant and are there new competitors in your market who aren’t saddled with old ways and costs of doing things? This fits into the category of ‘Digital Disruption’. Take accounting firms for example – the switched on ones are now working with their clients in the cloud, which saves not only the accountant but the client many hours on entry and double handling of data. The cloud enables them to closely monitor their clients’ performance and alert them quickly when things are going off track.

Those who haven’t embraced this way of looking after clients are struggling to compete and stay relevant. Look at your industry and innovation that is changing and how you can embrace it.

2. Understand your break-even sales point T his is the amount of sales you need to cover costs and overheads. The first place to look when calculating your break-even point is your overheads.

It’s a great opportunity to review them and ask questions about every line on your Profit and Loss Statement: a. How can this be done differently? b. How can it be done more cost effectively? c. Should we stop doing this?

When you sit down and quietly think it through, or even go through it with your team, you will be surprised what ideas come up. Technology could be your friend here in helping you to find more efficient and cost effective ways to do things. For example bookkeeping – one person told us of a business which saved five hours per month by using a cloudbased accounting system. That time could be much better spent than doing data entry - e.g. better debt collection, job management, stock management, supplier negotiations and management. Once you

k now your break-even point you will have a target to work towards and share with you team.

3. Cash Flow Management I f you’re doing it tough managing your cash situation, here’s some ways to fix it: a. Put together a weekly cash flow forecast – whether it be on a spreadsheet or a dedicated tool, getting it down in black and white really helps you to clearly understand the situation.

If things are really bad you may need to do a daily forecast for more control. b. Review the picture and if the forecast shows shortfalls work out ways to handle them, such as reducing stock, pushing out suppliers, bringing forward sales, get customers to pay earlier, enter an arrangement with the Tax Office, cutting overheads etc. c. Constantly monitor the situation and when it gets better don’t drop it completely, but drop to monthly or quarterly.

4. Cutting costs is something business owners don’t like to do, however sometimes there isn’t a choice What should you cut and what shouldn’t you cut?

As mentioned in point 2, ask yourself some questions about all your costs.

Examples of ways to save: a. Often the biggest expense is staff, and whilst you don’t want to cut good staff, there generally is ‘fat’ in most organisations. The first thing to do is an ‘Organisational Chart’, setting out all the tasks that need to be done in the business and who is doing them now. You will invariably find there are overlaps and gaps. Use this to prepare or compare against each person’s job description. Take the opportunity to realign roles within the organisation. If there are roles that need to be cut, ensure you do role realignment to ensure critical tasks are covered. Ensure you handle redundancies correctly to avoid ‘Unfair Dismissal Claims’. b. Other expenses to change/eliminate a. Premises – do you need what you’ve got – can you manage with less space (so long as costs of moving don’t outweigh savings)? Could you perhaps sublet some of your space temporarily?

b. Communications – what type of phone systems do you have – can it be updated to save money or can you get a getter deal with your phone carrier. Bundling services perhaps? c. Banking/loans – have you reviewed them and do you fully understand the terms and costs. One example we recently heard was a business using debt factoring, where the cost was thousands of dollars more than they had expected, due to unclear understanding of the contract. d. Technology – applications to manage mobile workforces, Customer Relationship Management systems, Marketing Automation systems, Project Management systems, Stock and Job Management systems can save many hours of people’s time and money, as well as improving customer satisfaction. e. Advertising/marketing – are you doing it cost effectively? Modern marketing methods are much cheaper than old fashioned ones.

Have a look at what ‘return on investment’ you’re getting for your spend and find ways to improve it. f. Insurances – shop around for better deals. g. Power – consider ways to reduce your bills with modern efficient lighting and temperature controls and work practices. h. Travel – do you really have to travel for meetings – could you do them via skype?

Many businesses today use skype on a daily basis to save money and time. c. We’re absolutely certain if you take the time to review every cost you will find savings, and they could add up to many thousands of dollars.

Remember, every dollar saved goes straight onto your bottom line, whereas every dollar of extra sales may only deliver a few cents!

When things pick up again, not only will you survive, your business will thrive with better financial management.

To help you further with financial management in tough times, please feel FREE download our E Book ‘7 Simple Ways to keep your Business Sustainable & Good to Grow’. http://www.cfooncall.com. au/7-simple-ways-to-keep-your-business-sustainablegood-to-grow December 2015/January 2016 Motor Trader | 33

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