JUN 2015
THE HIT LIST
BEST MOVIE CARS OF ALL TIME MTA Q&A
SUPREME AUTOMOTIVE: SCOTT AND ELLEN GIST
MEMBERS ESSENTIALS
BRISBANE TRUCK SHOW INDUSTRY INSIGHT
WHO IS LOOKING OUT FOR THE ICEBERGS IN YOUR BUSINESS?
RECORD BREAKERS CHASING THE LAND SPEED RECORD OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND
MEMBERS CLASSIC: 1965 HONDA T500F
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I NS T I T UT E OF T E CHNOL OGY
Contents Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland
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HEAD OFFICE Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 P.O. Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel: 07 3237 8777 Fax: 07 3844 4488 Toll Free: 1800 177 951 Email: publications@mtaq.com.au Website: www.mtaq.com.au EDITOR Jonathan Nash ART DIRECTOR Marco Ilinic INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Ted Kowalski Paul Murray POLICY Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Barry Browne 03 9807 9154 Email: barry@barrybrownemedia.com.au EDITORIAL Editorial submissions are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed placement. For more information telephone the Editor 07 3237 8777
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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
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CORPORATE PARTNERS
02 From the editor 04 Policy/Viewpoint 08 MTA Q&A SUPREME AUTOMOTIVE: SCOTT AND ELLEN GIST Feature 10 RECORD BREAKERS: CHASING THE LAND SPEED RECORD 15 News PORSCHE CENTRE TOWNSVILLE TO OPEN DOORS IN JULY 16 Members Classic HONDA'S PINT-SIZED PICKUP: 1965 HONDA T500F
30 MEMBERS ESSENTIALS 19 24 26 28
Training matters Brisbane Truck Show Member profiles Industrial relations
29 Investment matters MARKET WRAP 30 The hit list BEST MOVIE CARS OF ALL TIME 32 Industry insight WHO IS LOOKING OUT FOR THE ICEBERGS IN YOUR BUSINESS? June 2015 Motor Trader | 1
From the editor “IN OUR 'HIT LIST' FEATURE THIS MONTH WE TAKE A LOOK AT SOME CLASSIC MOVIE CARS. FROM MAD MAX TO BOND, FROM THE ITALIAN JOB TO THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS THERE ARE SOME TASTY MOTORS ON THE LIST.”
JONATHAN NASH EDITOR
H
ELLO AND WELCOME to the June edition of Motor Trader. In our main feature this month we take a look at the World Land Speed Record. Since the invention of the motorcar more than a century ago, the quest to build and drive the fastest vehicle on wheels has made heroes of those who have made the attempt, while the names of their vehicles have become equally as iconic. Malcolm and Donald Campbell and their Bluebird cars, Sir Henry Segrave and the Golden Arrow, Gary Gabelich and the Blue Flame, Andy Green and the Thrust SSC - just a few of the men and their cars that have held the world land speed record. It was in 1997 that RAF pilot Green drove the twin-jet engine-powered Thrust SSC across the dry and dusty ground of the Black Rock Desert in Utah to record an astonishing speed of 763.035mph (1227.986km/h). That mark not only shattered the previous record but also broke the sound barrier. In the 18 years since then, things have been relatively quiet, but over the next year to 18 months that is all set to change as a number of teams,
constructing some of the most powerful cars ever designed, look to smash the record and reach out to the seemingly impossible 1000mph (1600km/h) barrier. A British team are building the Bloodhound SSC – a jet engine/rocketpowered hybrid that will be driven by Green. And an Australian team, led by Rosco McGlashan in Perth, is building the Aussie Invader 5R, a fire-breathing monster that packs the most power of all the current contenders thanks to a rocket engine producing the equivalent of 200,000hp. The next couple of years should be an intriguing one as these teams, and others, move ever closer to launching these spectacular vehicles. Read more about them and some of the land speed record history from page 10. In our Members Classic feature this month we talk to Len Daddow about his remarkable Honda 1965 T500F pick-up truck. A tiny machine, powered by a 531cc engine, the T500 series was amongst the first four-wheel vehicles ever created by Honda and it is a lovelylooking vehicle. Take a look on page 16. In Training Matters this month, we catch up with Mary-Louise Eagle-Frith,
the MTA Institute of Technology's Student of the Month for May and a remarkable young woman. A 4th-year paint and panel apprentice, Mary is already winning car show trophies for her brilliant work on an old Toyota HiLux she bought five years ago. A natural at the paint and panel game, Mary's future looks very bright indeed. You can read more about Mary on page 21. Also in Training Matters we take a look at the continuing AccelR8 program and the Year 12 high school students who have now moved into the work experience phase of the program. With the students working alongside experienced professionals in a real business and workshop environment, they will be fully prepared to move into the industry on a full-time basis by the time their high school career finishes at the end of the year. In our 'Hit List' feature this month we cast an eye over some classic movie cars. From Mad Max to Bond, from The Italian Job to The Fast and The Furious there are some tasty motors on the list and we'd love to here your thoughts on what should, or shouldn't be included. As always, we will endeavour to bring you news and insight into the industry, information on the latest training opportunities and highlight members' interests. If you have a story worth telling, want to appear in a Member Profiles, or have a classic car, bike or truck you would like to see featured, then please don't hesitate to contact me.
Cheers, Jonathan Nash jonathann@mtaq.com.au
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Policy/Viewpoint
KELLIE DEWAR GENERAL MANAGER MTA QUEENSLAND
I
WAS WORKING ON our electronic membership invoice system as we endeavour to go paperless, and the thought came that we have similarities with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) - and it is not just about money. The ATO, as mentioned in the January/ February Viewpoint, is in the process of simplifying tax and superannuation reporting obligations through Single Touch Payroll. Here at head office, the plan is to eliminate paper invoices with an electronic statement direct to the member’s email address. Please keep a look-out for the invoice in your inbox and put it in your annual payments calendar. The aim is to improve our efficiency and to help you in the process. If there is a problem please let me know.
THE ECONOMY The month of May, unlike last year, brought good news for business. The Reserve Bank Board (RBB), at its 5th May meeting, decided to lower the cash rate by 25 basis points to 2.0 per cent, effective 6 May 2015. Truly this is a historical low. Some banks have passed on the cash rate cut in full and others partially. I note the RBB’s minutes state that the May decision “does not limit the Board’s scope for any action that might be appropriate at future meetings.” The combined effect of a well received federal budget and a cut to the cash rate has had a positive response 4 | Motor Trader June 2015
from consumers and business alike. The Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) for May showed a lift in the CSI of 6.4 percent, which is the first time there had been a strong result in May since 2007. Here in Queensland the CSI recorded the second highest rise in consumer confidence of any Australian mainland state in May. Queensland’s CSI rose 10.7 per cent in May in original terms, to 100.2 points and is the first time the Queensland CSI has been above 100 since December 2013. The NAB Monthly Business Survey for April revealed too that business confidence in Queensland was growing and was the highest of any Australian state in April.” Other encouraging news is the Westpac Melbourne Institute Index Unemployment. Expectations fell by 5.8% to 147.3. (A lower read indicates more confidence around the employment outlook). The Index is now 3.2% below its average read over the last year but it is still pointing to fragile conditions in the labour market. The outlooks for economic conditions over the next 12 months (up 9.2%) and next five years (up 20.2%) were both encouraging. We must keep in mind that one good survey does not say all is well. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) survey found that small business struggled through difficult trading conditions in the March quarter, with all current indicators except for wages and nonwage labour costs in contractionary territory. Small business conditions posted their third consecutive drop in the March quarter, leaving the index entrenched in negative territory.
THE BUDGET The federal budget brought good news for the motor trades and indeed Australia’s two million or so small businesses. It recognises that the sector is a major driver of growth and new jobs. In our pre-budget submission we said that stimulatory initiatives were needed such as those announced in the budget.
The budget has been well reported and if members are looking for further information, a brief is on our website. It is pleasing that there is bipartisan support for small business budgetary measures which means they will not be obstructed in the Senate. A popular initiative of the $5.5 billion Growing Jobs and Small Package was that small businesses with a turnover below $2 million would be able to fully and immediately deduct every asset they acquire up to $20,000 for tax purposes. The ATO has issued advice on this initiative stating that the relevant legislation to give effect to the proposal will back-date eligibility to Budget night, Tuesday 12th May 2015, so that assets acquired on or after 7.30pm, (AEST) on that night will be eligible for the concession. For other assets over $20,000 or more, small business wanting to take advantage of the new measure will need to pool these and depreciate these assets at a rate of 15 percent in the first year and 30 per cent each year thereafter. It is important that records of purchases be kept to claim the deductions. The ATO advises it will be working with small business looking to use the immediate deduction, to ensure they are appropriately claiming it and following up on high risks cases. Members may access future tax updates and information from the ATO’s new small business newsroom service which provides subscribers with email updates on the latest news every three to four weeks. Members may subscribe at ato.gov.au/sbnews.
ASIC GUIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESS DIRECTORS ASIC has released a new online resource to help small business owners understand their role and responsibilities as company directors. It provides an overview of directors' duties under the Corporations Act with a focus on small business directors. The guide covers topics including: what it means to be a company director; how to become a company director; director’s key responsibilities;
directors’ liabilities when things go wrong; and how to resign as a director. The guide is to help small business owners understand the difference between operating as a sole trader and a company and the key responsibilities of company directors, including potential liabilities if things go wrong. It may be accessed at www.asic.gov. au/sb-directors.
SMALL BUSINESS FIX IT SQUADS The ATO sponsored Small Business Fix-it Squad has developed a suite of easy-to-access materials to help small business owners make informed decisions about their business structure and meet their legal responsibilities. Small Business Fix-it Squads are made up of small business owners working with federal, state and local government regulators to tackle the everyday issues of running a business. Small business owners looking to investigate the legal structure that best suits their business will find easy to understand information on business.gov.au.
SCAM RANSOMWARE I draw member’s attention to a warning to small business operators from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). It strongly advises to think twice before opening email files that could contain ransomware after the latest Targeting Scams Report revealed that almost $1 million was lost to these scams last year.” Ransomware is a type of malware that infects a computer system by restricting access unless a ransom is paid to a scammer for the restriction to be removed. In the words of the ACCC, Ransomware can also see your business losing all of its business and financial records, which may be catastrophic.” The ACCC’s Targeting Scams report reveals that some 91,600 Australian scam complaints were made to the ACCC last year with almost $82 million lost. Victims reported receiving an email purportedly from a reputable sender such as Australia Post or FedEx, with a file attached that will install ransomware on your computer once opened.
NEW MOTOR VEHICLE SALES The Australian Bureau of Statistic's (seasonally adjusted) Queensland April data indicated there were 19,478 new motor vehicle sales - a decrease of 982 units or -4.8 per cent on March sales. Nationally there was a decline of -1.5 per cent. The better news is that, compared with April 2014, new motor vehicle sales were up by 942 or + 3.6 percent and similarly, there was a rise of +2.8 per cent nationally. The respected VFacts data indicates that Queensland’s April new motor vehicle sales were 17,335, an increase of 294 or +1.7 per cent compared with April 2014. On a year-to-date basis, Queensland’s total new car sales numbered 74,616, up 3,475 or +4,9 per cent, which compares favourably with the national increase of +3.5 percent. VFacts analysis reveals that private buyers continued to show a preference for SUVs, increasing by 24.4 per cent, and light commercial vehicles rising by 17.7 per cent. Overall, new car sales to private buyers increased 8.8 per cent and new car sales to government increased 1.7 per cent. Small passenger cars continued to attract the most buyers, holding 19.8 per cent of the new car market in April 2015 and 21.1 per cent year-to-date. Business purchases were down, recording 5.6 per cent less than April 2014. Over the coming months the Federal Budget initiative should give a boost to the business sector to upgrade or invest in additional new vehicles.
ADVOCACY A work in progress is our submission to the Australian tax discussion paper which is due on 1 June. The discussion and responses to it form part of the government’s conversation with the community on how to create a ‘better tax system that delivers taxes, lower, simpler and fairer.’ The Motor Accident Insurance Commission has commenced the process for review of the limits to apply to compulsory third party premiums and we will be making a submission. In view of the State Government’s decision to increase motor vehicle registration for a four-cylinder car by about $12 and a six-cylinder car will go up by about
$17, twice the inflation rate. It will take the registration for four-cylinder cars from $328.90 to $340.40, and sixcylinder cars from $492.30 to $509.50, excluding insurance costs. This rise comes on top of a 3.5 per cent rise in Queensland drivers' licence fees, due to take effect on 1 July. In view of these increases we will lobby to have CTP premiums remain steady.
PUBLIC RELATIONS Recently, we met with the Member of Parliament for Morayfield, Mark Ryan, at Parliament House and we look forward to future contact from parliamentarians. The former Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Hon Scott Emerson has sought to meet with us to discuss policy and initiatives.
NEW CORPORATE PARTNER Guard Insurance Brokers has joined our Corporate Partnerships that include MTAA Super, D&B, Staples, Commonwealth Bank and Australian All Energy Solutions. Guard Insurance Broker specialise in insurance and risk management solutions and will be offering a dedicated service to members at market leading rates. Attractively, with Guard Insurance Brokers there are no geographical limits. If Members are looking for information about their products and services, it can be done through the MTA Queensland website by completing the form and the Association will arrange for a Guard Insurance Broker to make contact and discuss your needs.
SAFER ROADS, SAFER QUEENSLAND FORUM After the Queensland Easter road toll, that was the worst in more than 20 years, the State government held a forum with the collective determination to seek initiatives that may make a difference to prevention of road accidents. I attended on behalf of the Association and, like all stakeholders, made a contribution. Tougher penalties were among a range of recommendations arising from that forum. Now the government has announced that motorists repeatedly caught texting or using their mobile phone while driving June 2015 Motor Trader | 5
Policy/Viewpoint will be subjected to double demerit points ($341). This is similar to those imposed on repeat offenders who don’t wear a seatbelt or a motorcycle helmet, or who exceed the speed limit by more than 20 kilometres per hour.
TRAINING A concerning trend in the motor trades is that there are insufficient apprentices coming through to meet the demand in the medium to longer term. This trend is not confined to the automotive value chain. It is across all industry sectors. The National Centre for Vocational Education Research’s most recent statistical data is for the September quarter 2014 and is a sobering read. It shows a significant decrease in commencements of apprenticeships in Queensland, with a fall of 25.5 per cent year-on-year: 55,000 commencements in 2013 to 41,200 in
2014. The number of apprentices in training in Queensland fell to 75,600 for the September quarter, down more than 15 per cent from September 2013. This trend is noticeable too at the MTA Institute of Technology which is Queensland’s largest automotive skills training entity in the state. For the motor trades this should be of concern as it means that in the medium to longer term there will be a shortage of qualified employees. I encourage members to think about their future trade employment needs and apprenticeship opportunities in their businesses.
VISITS Divisional Executive Andy O’Hearn and I will be visiting our regional members. By the time you have this month’s Motor Trader we will have visited members in Cairns on 4th
June. As said in previous Viewpoints, these provide us with an insight into Member’s on-the-ground issues and in turn help us with our advocacy and service delivery.
THE PRESIDENT’S BALL Now is the time to start practicing your dance moves. The May’s Motor Trader carried an advertisement reminding of the October 31 President’s Ball at the Hilton, Brisbane. In case it didn’t catch your eye, it is an evening for camaraderie, celebration and dancing. The achievements of the best and brightest MTA Institute of Technology trainees and apprentices will be honoured as well as the most creative and generous member business through the Innovation Award and Community Award announced. Start planning and, in the mean time, stay safe.
News
FORD GT TURNING HEADS WITH THE 24 hours of Le Mans race taking place on June 13 and 14, it's worth noting that a new supercar has been doing the rounds this year based on one of the true classic motors from that famous race's history. Due to hit the road next year, the Ford GT has been shown off at major motor shows throughout the year and the sleek sports car has been turning heads wherever it goes. Featuring rear-wheel drive, a mid-mounted engine, and a sleek, aerodynamic, two-door coupe body shell, the GT is propelled by a next-generation twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 producing more than 600 horsepower and makes extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon fibre and aluminium. One of more than 12 new Ford Performance vehicles being launched by 2020, it joins the Focus RS, 6 | Motor Trader June 2015
The Ford GT
F-150 Raptor, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R in the growing Ford Performance lineup and will begin production in late 2016 - hitting the road in select global markets to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ford GT race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.
FORD POSTS SOLID RESULTS FORD ALSO RECENTLY released its first quarter results for 2015 and the
news was encouraging. Pre-tax profit for the company was $US1.4billion, up $US24million from last year. The company said that three of 15 global new product launches were complete, with the remainder on track, and it reconfirmed 2015 pre-tax profit guidance of $US8.5billion to $US9.5billion. “The first quarter was a good start to a year in which our results will grow progressively stronger as the new products we have been launching start to pay off," said Ford CEO Mark Fields.
Get the cash from your card sales the same day, every day. With Commonwealth Bank’s Everyday Settlement, the card sales# your business makes are settled into your linked Commonwealth Bank business transaction account on the same day*, every day – even on weekends and public holidays.
To find the Commonwealth Bank card payment solution that’s right for your business, contact MTA Queensland on 07 3237 8777 today.
Important Information: #Card sales transactions acceptable via credit card, charge card and scheme debit cards. *Everyday Settlement is available on transactions made before 10.00pm (AEST) for eligible customers with a Commonwealth Bank business transaction account and a linked Commonwealth Bank merchant facility. Terms and conditions issued by Commonwealth Bank of Australia are available on request. You should consider whether or not this product is appropriate for you. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124.
MTA
QA &
MT: What products and services does Supreme Automotive provide?
SG: We specialise in the Toyota brand – general servicing, log book servicing, mechanical repairs. Beyond that, we also specialise in hybrids and have a hybrid service centre fully equipped to work on the Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry hybrids. Although we specialise in the Toyota brand we do work across the range of hybrids. Outside of that scope of work we do vehicle modifications, wheelchair accessibility conversions, cargo barriers, seating reductions, anchorage points – any sort of vehicle modifications. And we do that work, and the compliancing, in-house. We are different to the standard mechanical shop – whilst we do suspension work, engine overhauls and everything like that, our specialist work is in hybrids.
How did you come to specialise in hybrids?
Scott and Ellen Gist (front) with mechanic Greg Buhse and the family pets, Gypsy and Murray
SG: Supreme Automotive started in Townsville and we had a taxi business there. As a taxi operator we were looking for a low fuel-cost option so we trialed the hybrid and bought our first Prius in 2006. Taxis travel 150,000 to 170,000 kilometres per year and very quickly our technicians had to become familiar with the product. So we bought specialist equipment and provided the training so that we could get the experience, knowledge and know-how. The shop maintained the cabs 24 hours a day and that’s where the workshop benefited - we had a fleet of
Scott and Ellen Gist set up their Brisbane business, Supreme Automotive, just two years ago. Specialising in hybrid technology, the couple are generating a reputation as a ‘go-to’ location for this growing segment of the automotive industry. 40-odd cabs doing 150,000-170,000km per year so our workshop was seeing cars with very high mileage, something most other shops never saw. We relocated here to Brisbane in 2012 and though we are smaller here - we run 5 taxis - hybrids are a growing market. As the technology is ageing, and as the cars become more affordable and battery technology improves, then the private market is seeing the benefit. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is now sub-$30,000, so it is a very affordable product for the family. Slowly, we have seen brand new Prius and Camry hybrids being driven by mums and dads and locally they are becoming far more common. I wouldn’t say they are mainstream yet but it’s definitely improved.
Does your experience put you in a prime position as the hybrid market expands? SG: Absolutely. The reason we became involved with hybrids was that we were running the cars ourselves and hardly any other shop would touch them. Whatever the reasons were, we had cars being sent to us from dealerships and from other townships. Brisbane is a similar situation, although the volume of workshops here means there are shops out there that are willing to give it a go.
What’s you background in the industry? SG: I started as an apprentice Light Vehicle Mechanic when I was 18 and got my trade in 1999. In the shop where I did my apprenticeship, we worked on vehicle modifications
and wheelchair accessibility modifications, and it was also a panel and paint shop.
You have a vehicle modifications side to your business. How did that come about? SG: We were doing that type of work in Townsville but it is a more serious part of the business here in Brisbane. This is because there weren’t a lot of suppliers in the wheelchair accessible vehicle market and the people who rely on those vehicles are, generally, a fairly vulnerable group and the prices that were being set were unfair. We can supply a superior product at a lower cost and we saw an opportunity there.
How many staff do you have? SG: We have five staff – two mechanics, plus myself, and two in the office. Myself and my wife Ellen are the owners of the business and Ellen runs the office. Our mechanics have, obviously, done a lot of auto-electrical work and we do our training directly with Toyota - when we did the original training, there were training days held for specialist shops. The basic technology of the hybrid system has only marginally changed since then and for ongoing training we are given updates when new models are released, we receive fact sheets and access to workshop manuals, and access to a specialist hotline if assistance is required. Over a long period of time we have developed the contacts to access this sort of training.
To what do you attribute you success? SG: It depends on your definition of success. Success can be about having a good lifestyle, good premises or good cash flow. For me, success is being confident in what we do and being able to liaise with the customer and explain the problem in layman’s terms – to generate the reputation of being the ‘go-to guys’ when there is a drama or a problem that can’t be fixed elsewhere. We do provide value for money and we do go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. We try to make the customer experience one where they can get their car serviced, repaired or modified and be confident that they are getting value for money and a good job is done.
What are your plans for the future? SG: Our plans include a panel and paint shop and to consolidate what we have built. We have been trading in Brisbane only for a couple of years so the next three years are really about getting our reputation and name out there and to consolidate our presence in the marketplace as a service and repair specialist.
What do you do in your spare time if you have any? SG: I try to spend as much time as I can with family, of course, and I am a martial artist training in Japanese jiu-jitsu and kickboxing. It’s a really good discipline and a good stress-release! June 2015 Motor Trader | 9
RECORD BREAKERS The current World Land Speed Record was set in 1997 and stands at an astonishing 763.035mph (1227.9km/h) - faster than the speed of sound. Now, after a near 20-year wait, teams are lining up and making preparations to push the record past the 1000mph barrier
Malcolm Campbell and the Bluebird V
T
HERE’S SOMETHING THRILLING about speed. It can be electrifying and breathtaking – as well as a little hair-raising. And it can be an addictive feeling too. It’s why people race cars; why racing drivers like Peter Brock are heroes; why the names Ferrari, Brabham and McLaren are revered, and why every young boy dreams of owning a V8 Monaro, or a Phase III GTHO and not, with all due respect, a Prius. Speed is fun. In fact, it is so much fun that people will do almost anything to get their fix. Give a bloke - it's almost always a bloke - access to a V8 and something that he can put wheels on and that's all the inspiration he'll need. According to the Guinness World Records website, there are speed records for the planet’s fastest mobility scooter (133km/h), the fastest golf cart (191km/h) and the fastest milk float (136km/h). There’s even a record of 68km/h for the world's fastest toilet - which usually doesn't come with wheels but just goes to show how inventive some people can be. Of course, this obsession with speed has reached its peak with the motorcar. Just about from the day Karl Benz rolled his Patent-Motorwagen out of the garage in 1886, the desire to make faster cars has grown ever stronger and the boundaries are continually being tested. And there is no event that more obviously highlights our desire to push past
10 | Motor Trader June 2015
boundaries than the race for the World Land Speed Record. In the years since the setting of the first record in December of 1898 – a mighty 39.245mph (63.15km/h) – the race to build the world’s fastest car, and become the world’s fastest human, has seen the development of some extraordinary machines driven by some extraordinary people. From the 1920s and 30s - the golden age of the internal combustion engine-driven cars - to the jet and rocketpowered cars of the 1960s and onwards, the history of the land speed record is one of innovation, risk-taking, mad genius and stupendous bravery. And it really does take courage. The current record is 763.035mph (1227.9km/h), and anyone willing to drive at that speed has got to be brave . . . and perhaps a little crazy. And more of that crazy courage will be on display over the next year to 18 months as a number of teams, constructing some of the most powerful cars ever designed, look to smash the old record and reach out to the seemingly impossible 1000mph (1600km/h) barrier. A British team - that includes former record holder Richard Noble and current record holder Andy Green - are
building the Bloodhound SSC, a jet engine/rocket-powered hybrid. And an Australian team, led by Rosco McGlashan in Perth, are building the Aussie Invader 5R, a slender-looking, fire-breathing monster that packs the most power of all the current contenders thanks to a rocket engine producing the equivalent of 200,000hp. The next year or so should be an intriguing one as these teams move ever closer to launching these spectacular vehicles into land speed record history. But where did this all begin? How did we get to the point where human beings can build, and are willing to drive, cars that can travel faster, literally, than a speeding bullet? The first official land speed record was set at 39.245mph (63.15km/h) on December 18, 1898 and it was set, rather surprisingly, by an electric car powered by a 36hp motor. If it seems odd that the land speed record should have been held by an electric vehicle, it may be even more surprising to learn that it remained in the hands of electric vehicles until 1902 when it was captured by a steam-powered car. Now, 'steam power' may evoke images of something puffing slow away, but this was no snail’s-pace record – the driver, Leon Serpollet, stoked his vehicle to a very respectable 75mph (120km/h). Electricity and steam would not, could not, hold on to the record for long, of course. At the beginning of the 20th century, the development of the internal combustion engine was moving at such a pace that it was a natural to become the means of powering cars - and, therefore, powering land speed record cars - for the next few decades. The action was particularly 'fast and furious' during the 1920s when some truly astounding machines made their debut and the public became so fascinated by these attempts that both the cars and drivers became world famous. In 1922, a new official record of 133.75mph (215.2km/h) was set by Kenelm Lee Guinness in a 350hp Sunbeam. Fitted with an 18.3-litre V12 aero-engine, the Sunbeam would find even greater fame in the hands of Malcolm Campbell, who bought the car in 1923, painted it blue, renamed it Bluebird and took it to 146.16 mph (235.22 km/h) on the Pendine Sands beach in Wales. The car was one of several that Malcolm Campbell, and then his son Donald, would name Bluebird and put into the field. Malcolm Campbell would go on to set new records nine times between 1924 and 1935, setting his final mark at Bonneville Salt Flats in September 1935 where he became the first person to drive a car more than 300mph – setting the record at 301.337mph (484.955km/h). Before reaching that milestone, however, Campbell had to see off the competiton of rivals Sir Henry Segrave and John Parry-Thomas. Parry-Thomas would become famous not only for taking the record to a new mark of 171mph (275.2km/h) in April 1926 but also for becoming the first person to die in pursuit of the record. The 42-year-old was killed in 1927 when his car, named Babs, flipped on the sand at Pendine.
THE LAND SPEED RECORD HOLDERS DATE
SPEED (MPH)
DRIVER
CAR
Oct 1997
763.035
Andy Green (GB)
Thrust SSC
Sep 1997
714.144
Andy Green (GB)
Thrust SSC
Oct 1983
633.468
Richard Noble (GB)
Thrust 2
Gary Gabelich's Blue Flame
Oct 1970
622.407
Gary Gabelich (USA)
The Blue Flame
Nov 1965
600.601
Craig Breedlove (USA)
Spirit of America Sonic 1
Nov 1965
576.553
Art Arfons (USA)
Green Monster
Nov 1965
555.485
Craig Breedlove (USA)
Spirit of America Sonic 1
Oct 1964
536.710
Art Arfons (USA)
Green Monster
Oct 1964
526.277
Craig Breedlove (USA)
Spirit Of America
Oct 1964
468.719
Craig Breedlove (USA)
Spirit Of America
Oct 1964
434.022
Art Arfons (USA)
Green Monster
Oct 1964
413.199
Tom Green (USA)
Wingfoot Express
July 1964
403.135
Donald Campbell (GB)
Bluebird CN7
Aug 1963
407.447 (unofficial) Craig Breedlove (USA)
Spirit Of America
John Cobbs Railton Special
Sep 1947
394.196
John Cobb (GB)
Railton
Aug 1939
369.741
John Cobb (GB)
Railton
Sep 1938
357.497
George Eyston (GB)
Thunderbolt
Sep 1938
350.194
John Cobb (GB)
Railton
Aug 1938
345.489
George Eyston (GB)
Thunderbolt
Nov 1937
312.203
George Eyston (GB)
Thunderbolt
Sep 1935
301.129
Malcolm Campbell (GB)
Bluebird
Mar 1935
276.710
Malcolm Campbell (GB)
Bluebird
Feb 1933
272.465
Malcolm Campbell (GB)
Bluebird
Feb 1932
253.968
Malcolm Campbell (GB)
Bluebird
Feb 1931
246.088
Malcolm Campbell (GB)
Bluebird
Mar 1929
231.362
Henry Segrave (GB)
Golden Arrow
Apr 1928
207.553
Ray Keech (USA)
Triplex
Feb 1928
206.956
Malcolm Campbell (GB)
Bluebird
Mar 1927
203.793
Henry Segrave (GB)
Sunbeam CONTINUED PAGE 13 June 2015 Motor Trader | 11
Donald Campbell and the Bluebird CN7
The current record-holding car ThrustSCC
As for Segrave, a former Royal Flying blows through 1964 and 1965, pushing the In 1964, son bell, p m Corp pilot, he would, like Campbell, hold mark through the 500 and 600mph barriers. , a ll C e ampb Donald alcolm C 3km/h) M ry the record several times, including a Breedlove would eventually win their a d en .7 of the leg f 403.1mph (648 ar, 231.362mph (372.34km/h) effort in 1929 battle in November 1965 after achieving c o His ord set a rec alia’s Lake Eyre. powered in his 925hp, 23.9-litre W12 aero-engine 600.601mph (966.57km/h) - the first official s tr a s 7, w at Au ebird CN e lu in B g g n powered Golden Arrow - an attempt run beyond 600mph. e in n ft osha the stun 0hp turb e the last 0 0 4 that attracted 100,000 spectators to the That record would remain intact for a y b to becom hold and was to Daytona, Florida, beach location. 5 years before the first rocket-powered r a riven c wheel-d . The Golden Arrow was a sleek machine car appeared at Bonneville. Driven by Gary rd o c the re designed with aerodynamics in mind - and from Gabelich, the Blue Flame was powered by a then on a steady stream of fantastic-looking cars specially-designed rocket motor that pumped out the took up the world record challenge. equivalent of 35,000hp during its record-breaking run, pushing At this point, the setting for record attempts moved from the mark out to 622.407mph (1001.67km/h) for the measured the shifting sands of Pendine and Daytona to the more solid mile. It was a record that stood for 13 years. ground of Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, and it was here that After two decades of American dominance, it was the George Eyston's Thunderbolt, a 73-litre, 4700hp beast, would British who would return in 1983, this time to the Black Rock reach 312mph (502km/h) before swapping the record in a Desert, to try and wrestle back the record. year-long competition with Englishman John Cobb and his Prefering jet power to rocket power, the Thrust2 was Railton Special - Cobb winning out in that particular clash powered by a Rolls-Royce Avon 302 engine developing thanks to the Railton's two 23.9-litre W12 supercharged 17,000lbs of thrust, and its driver, Richard Noble, took the car aero-engines hauling it to 369.74mph (595km/h) in 1939. to 633.47mph (1019.47km/h) on October 4, 1983. That was the last record set before WWII, and by the Not content with that, Noble would spearhead the team time thoughts had returned once again to the land speed that returned to the Black Rock Desert in late 1997 with the record, the days of the internal combustion engine were all twin-turbofan-powered ThrustSSC. Driven by RAF pilot Andy but over. A new power source had been discovered Green, the ThrustSSC would smash through the sound barrier, – the jet age had arrived. setting the current record mark of 763.035mph (1227.986km/h). It would take a number of years, however, for jet engines to Now, 18 years removed from that remarkable achievement, translate from aircraft to cars, and it wasn’t until the 60s that excitement is building as news updates filter out regarding the real breakthrough came. But when it did, the land speed the progression of new cars and new teams looking to take a record began to tumble regularly - forcing the official arbiters tilt at the 1000mph mark. of the sport to create a new category of vehicle, and new That is an astonishing figure - and it is perhaps worth rules, to accommodate 'cars' that did not necessarily have noting that 1000mph was only achieved by an aircraft in four wheels, and were not even wheel-driven. 1956 and there are no current commercial jet airliners that Craig Breedlove's The Spirit of America was the first of the approach that speed today. Which means that, given the right modern jet-propelled cars and together with fellow American circumstances, you could get to London quicker by car. Art Arfons and his jet-powered Green Monster, the pair traded Now that would be something.
THE AUSSIE INVADER AUSTRALIA WAS THE location for Donald Campbell to claim an official land speed record when he posted 403.1mph (648.73km/h) at Lake Eyre in 1964. But this country is not just a place where records can be set – it is also home to one of the challengers to the current world record. Spearheaded by Australian drag-racing legend, and current Australian land speed record holder, Rosco McGlashan, the Aussie Invader 5R is a most serious contender to take the record past the 1000mph mark. Running a bi-propellant hydrogen peroxide/kerosene rocket motor, the Aussie Invader 5R will generate 62,000 lbs of thrust, the equivalent of 200,000hp, and is capable of accelerating from 0-1000mph (1600km/h) in just over 20 seconds. It’s an astonishing car, and while some might raise an eyebrow at the thought of Australia
12 | Motor Trader June 2015
breaking the American and British hold on the record, it is worth remembering that Mr McGlashan has, as the saying goes, ‘form’. In March 1994 he became Australia’s fastest man when he reached 500mph (802.3km/h) on the salt flat of Lake Gairdner in his jet-powered car, Aussie Invader II. That car would subsequently be trashed after a crashing into a timing marker at
BLOODHOUND SSC
Bloodhound SSC is set to be driven by current world record holder Andy Green
TO MANY OBSERVERS of the race to reach 1000mph, the British Bloodhound SSC team is the one to beat. It is certainly a very experienced team, led as it is by Richard Noble - himself a land speed record holder who broke the record in 1983 in Thrust2, and who was also was the driving force behind the current record-holding car, the ThrustSSC. And not only is Noble back, but Andy Green, who piloted Thrust SSC to the current record, is also back in the driver's seat. That is some serious Land Speed Record experience. As for the car itself, Bloodhound SSC is a The Land hybrid of sorts - powered by both a rocket is the av Speed Record engine and a Eurojet EJ200 jet engine e passes th rage speed of tw rough th o (the type used in the Typhoon fighter e (or kilom etre) in o measured mile jet aircraft). The car is designed The dura pposite ti one hour, on of the attemp directions. so that the EJ200 powers it to t must no me t exceed runs in th aning the car m 300mph, at which point the rocket u at time. All vehic st complete both Vehicle’ engine kicks in and the two work le sm - propell ed by its ust be a ‘Land constant simultaneously. o w n me co and with ntact with the g ans, in The engines will produce more round, power a nd steeri are cons n than 135,000hp (more than six times g which tantly controlle and entirely the power of all the F1 cars on a d by a dri ver. starting grid combined).
nearly 600mph as he tried to raise his own record. Two years later, with his new jet-powered Aussie Invader III, McGlashan ran to a top speed of 638mph (1026.76km/h) on one pass – faster than the 633.468mph (1019km/h) world record at the time. However, bad weather prevented him from achieving the 'two passes within one-hour' required to set a new record, and when Thrust SSC reached 763.035mph (1227.986km/h) in 1997, the Aussie team returned to the drawing board to design a car capable of exceeding that mark. The result is Aussie Invader 5R and it may be that, in a year or so, we will be saluting an Australian as the world's fastest man.
THE LAND SPEED RECORD HOLDERS (Continued from page 11) DATE
SPEED (MPH)
DRIVER
CAR
Feb 1927
174.883
Malcolm Campbell (GB)
Bluebird
Apr 1926
171.019
Parry Thomas (GB)
Babs
Apr 1926
169.298
Parry Thomas (GB)
Babs
Mar 1926
152.307
Henry Segrave (GB)
Sunbeam
Jul 1925
150.766
Malcolm Campbell (GB)
Sunbeam
Sep 1924
146.163
Malcolm Campbell (GB)
Sunbeam
Jul 1924
143.312
René Thomas (France)
Delage
May 1922
133.788
Kenelm Lee Guinness(GB)
Sunbeam
Apr 1920
156.047
Tommy Milton (USA)
Duesenburg
Feb 1919
149.875*
Ralph de Palma (USA)
Packard
Jun 1914
124.095
L.G Hornsted (GB)
Benz
Apr 1911
141.732*
Bob Burman (USA)
Benz
Mar 1910
131.267*
Barney Oldfield (USA)
Benz
Nov 1909
125.946
Victor Héméry (France)
Benz
Jan 1906
121.573
Fred Marriot (USA)
Stanley
Dec 1905
109.589
Victor Héméry (France)
Darracq
Jan 1905
104.651*
Arthur Macdonald (GB)
Napier
John Parry-Thomas in Babs
Nov 1904
104.530
Paul Baras (France)
Darracq
Jul 1904
103.561*
Louis Rigolly (France)
Gobron-Brillié
May 1904
97.258
Pierre de Caters (France)
Mercedes
Mar 1904
94.785
Louis Rigolly (France)
Gobron-Brillié
Jan 1904
92.308*
William K Vanderbilt (USA)
Mercedes
Jan 1904
91.371*
Henry Ford (USA)
Ford
Nov 1903
84.732
Arthur Duray (Belgium)
Gobron-Brilli
Nov 1902
77.136
Augières (France)
Mors
Aug 1902
76.086
William K Vanderbilt (USA)
Mors
Apr 1902
75.065
Leon Serpollet (France)
Serpollet
Apr 1899
65.792
Camille Jenatzy (Belgium)
Jenatzy
Mar 1899
57.653
Chasseloup-Laubat (France)
Jeantaud
Jan 1899
49.932
Camille Jenatzy (Belgium)
Jenatzy
Jan 1899
43.690
Chasseloup-Laubat (France)
Jeantaud
Jan 1899
41.425
Camille Jenatzy (Belgium)
Jenatzy
Dec 1898
39.245
Chasseloup-Laubat (France)
Jeantaud
Rosco McGlashan with Aussie Invader III and (left)
the Aussie Invader 5R
June 2015 Motor Trader | 13
M M
ER
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A SUP A T
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Do you have more than Do you have more than
A SUP A T
20 employees?
Will you be SuperStream ready...
BY JUNE 30?
Will you be SuperStream ready...
BY JUNE 30?
DID YOU KNOW THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S SUPERSTREAM REGULATIONS MEAN YOU MIGHT NEED TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU ARE PAYING EMPLOYEES’ SUPER BY JUNE 30, 2015? DID YOU KNOW THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S SUPERSTREAM REGULATIONS MEAN YOU MIGHT
AnNEED easy solution TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU ARE PAYING EMPLOYEES’ SUPER BY JUNE 30, 2015? MTAA Super has introduced a clearing house solution, An easy solution QuickSuper, to help employers comply with the new online data and payment standards. MTAA Super has introduced a clearing house solution, QuickSuper, to help employers comply with the new KEY BENEFITS online data and payment standards.
• Make all your super contributions with ONE transaction • 24x7 KEYweb-based BENEFITS access • Make all your super contributions with ONE transaction • Free for default or registered employers* • 24x7 web-based access
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TAKE THE NEXT STEP Go TAKE to theTHE MTAA Super website NEXT STEP Go to the MTAA Super website mtaasuper.com.au/get-superstream-ready mtaasuper.com.au/get-superstream-ready to find out how we can help you be SuperStream to find out help you be SuperStream compliant by how Junewe 30.can Alternatively, please contact our compliant by June 30. Alternatively, please our Customer Service Centre directly on 1300contact 362 415. Customer Service Centre directly on 1300 362 415.
*The MTAA Super Clearing House is accessible free of charge to default or registered employers of MTAA Super subject to application criteria. *The MTAA Super Clearing House is accessible free of charge to default or registered employers of MTAA Super subject to application criteria. Other employers may bebe granted serviceatatthe theapproval approval of the Trustee. Other employers may granteduse use of of the the service of the Trustee.
mtaasuper.com.au mtaasuper.com.au The MTAA Super Clearing House is a non-cash payment facility issued by Westpac Banking Corporation. MTAA Super does not issue or operate the MTAA Super Clearing House. It offers a high level of security, stability and
The MTAA Super Clearing House is a non-cash payment facility issued by Westpac Banking Corporation. MTAA Super does not issue or operate the MTAA Super Clearing House. It offers a high level of security, stability and privacy and is subject to regulation as a financial product. You should consider the terms and conditions in the Product Disclosure Statement in deciding whether to use the MTAA Super Clearing House, which is available privacyfrom and https://clearinghouse.mtaasuper.com.au/ApplicationIntroductionView. is subject to regulation as a financial product. You should consider terms isand conditions the Product Disclosure Statement in deciding to(ABN use the MTAA Clearing House, This the document issued by MotorinTrades Association of Australia Superannuation Fundwhether Pty Limited 14 008 650Super 628, AFSL 238 718) of which is available from https://clearinghouse.mtaasuper.com.au/ApplicationIntroductionView. This document is issued TradesTrades Association of Australia Superannuation (ABN 14 008interests 650 628, AFSL 238 718) of Level 3, 39 Brisbane Avenue Barton ACT 2600, Trustee of the MTAA Superannuation Fund (ABN 74 559 by 365Motor 913). Motor Association of Australia SuperannuationFund Fund Pty Pty Limited Limited has ownership in Industry Level 3,Super 39 Brisbane Barton ACT Equity 2600,Bank Trustee of the Superannuation (ABNnature 74 559 Motor Australia Superannuation Fund Ptyassess Limited ownership interests in Industry Holdings Avenue Pty Ltd and Members Pty Ltd. TheMTAA information provided is ofFund a general and365 does913). not take intoTrades accountAssociation your specificofneeds or personal situation. You should yourhas financial position Super Holdings Pty Ltd and Members Equity Bank Pty Ltd. The information provided is of a general nature and does not take into account your specific needs or personal situation. You should assess your financial position and personal objectives before making any decision based on this information. We also recommend that you seek advice from a licensed financial adviser. The MTAA Super Product Disclosure statement (PDS), an important document containing all themaking information you needbased to make decision about MTAA can be obtained calling MTAA Super on a1300 362 415. You should consider the PDS in making a decision. and personal objectives before any decision ona this information. WeSuper, also recommend thatbyyou seek advice from licensed financial adviser. The MTAA Super Product Disclosure statement (PDS), an important document containing all the information you need to make a decision about MTAA Super, can be obtained by calling MTAA Super on 1300 362 415. You should consider the PDS in making a decision.
PORSCHE CENTRE TOWNSVILLE TO OPEN DOORS IN JULY T HE SIGHT AND sound of a Porsche cruising the roads of North Queensland is to become much more common from July with Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) appointing Townsville’s Motoco Group as the new dealer for the luxury marque. A new Porsche Centre is to open in the city next month and its location is an indication of the importance Porsche places on the north Queensland market, as well as recognition of the lengths Porsche owners have had to go to buy their vehicles. “The closest Porsche centre to Townsville is at Brisbane and the Gold Coast,” said Jason Collins, co-owner of Motoco Group and Dealer Principal for the new Porsche Centre. “But with the car parc growing at a strong rate here, Porsche Australia decided they would explore the possibility of a dealership in Townsville or Cairns. “And the reaction has been very positive and was met with a sigh of relief from people looking to get their cars serviced and maintained here.” “We are delighted to have a new Porsche business partner in the burgeoning Townsville and North Queensland market in Jason Collins and his established team at the Motoco Group,“ said Porsche Cars Australia Managing Director, Sam Curtis. “Establishing an official Porsche Centre in the region is in response to the growing car parc of Porsche vehicles in Townsville and North Queensland. Recently we have noticed a steady increase in Porsches purchased in southern Queensland making their way to the country’s north.
Co-owner of Motoco Group and Dealer Principal for the new Porsche Centre, Jason Collins
“As a premium brand it is critical that we provide our customers with the convenience of expert local Porsche servicing. In addition, the full range of Porsche vehicles will be available for sale through Porsche Centre Townsville.“ Motoco Group, which has been operating for more than 20 years in Cairns and Townsville, has dealerships for a number of prestige European marques and will call on that experience to deliver a premium service to its customers. “We are a long-standing Audi dealer so we are familiar with the segment,” said Mr Collins.
“The Porsche Centre will have substantial renovation and improvements made to meet Porsche’s specifications and will be equipped with the specialised diagnostic equipment and tooling required. Our people have been training on the Gold Coast and in Melbourne, so when we say ‘go’ in early July, everything will be ready.” Townsville can expect quite a launch event for the new Centre – it is scheduled to take place on the weekend of July 10-12, the same weekend as Round 4 of the Porsche Carrera Cup, which the city will host, and the Townsville V8 Supercar event.
June 2015 Motor Trader | 15
HONDA'S PINT-SIZED PICKUP
H
ONDA MAKE GREAT cars. From small hatches such as the Jazz, to SUV models like the CR-V and on to the quite outstanding NSX supercar that was unwrapped at this year’s Detroit motor show, the Japanese firm knows a thing or two about making decent motors, churning out some world-beating products. And yet the company didn’t start out manufacturing cars. In fact, the company made famous by its motorcycles didn’t turn its attention to the four-wheel vehicle market until the 1950s. It was towards the end of that decade that Honda dipped its toe into that market with designs for a small sports car, known as the S360, and an equally small pick-up truck, the T360. And it was in 1963 that the T360, a small workhorse of a truck with a 356cc engine, won the race to be the company’s first production vehicle. A year later, in 1964, the T360 was joined in the model range by the larger capacity T500. Powered by a 531cc DOHC, 4-cylinder engine, the micro-truck was capable of 105km/h and hauling a load of up to 400kg. Built mainly for the export market it was one of these little gems, in the T500F flat-bed configuration, that found its way to Australia and, eventually, into the hands of Len Daddow. Len, until recently the owner of Daddow’s Motor Group based on the Sunshine Coast (and, incidentally, Australia’s longest-serving Honda power products dealer and, with 40 years of service, Queensland’s longest-serving Honda auto dealer) has owned the T500F since 2000 and is, rather remarkably, only the vehicle’s second owner. “The T500 originally came from Rasmussen’s in
16 | Motor Trader June 2015
Bundaberg,” says Len. “A local fellow bought it and enjoyed it so much he and his wife circumnavigated Australia in it!” Doing a circuit of this vast nation in such a small vehicle must have been a very interesting experience. This writer can attest to the fact that the two-seat cabin is very small indeed and for those of us who are not graced with the body of a flexible gymnast, getting in to the T500 requires some rather awkward manoeuvring, while getting out may well, on occasion, require the use of a giant shoehorn. However, the adventurous couple survived the trip and ended up in Cooroy, where Len had his Honda power product dealership. “He bought a house in Cooroy and came to me to buy a push mower,” says Len. “And so we did a deal. He bought the mower for $1500 and I paid $1000 for the T500 . . . so in the end he gave me $500 cash!” It’s an agreement that may be the deal of the decade – a truly classic original vehicle and $500 in exchange for a mower. Which is not to say that the T500 was in perfect condition – far from it. In fact, over the next few years, Len poured plenty of resources into restoring the little truck into the near-mint condition it’s in today. “It was reasonably scrubby,” he says. “Luckily, I had a fellow working in the bodyshop who took real pride in the
MAKE: HONDA MODEL: T500F YEAR: 1965 ENGINE: 531CC, 4 CYLINDER OWNER: LEN DADDOW OWNED: 2000
work. We stripped it, pulled the body apart to clean up all the panels and get rid of the rust. A lot of it we had sandblasted – we found a local farmer with a sandblasting set-up and we would take the parts out there - and then we found a group down at Maroochydore that were able to coat the pipes and filters and so on so it looked almost like new. “As for the colour, Honda still had a paint number for that.” Even with the resources at his disposal, Len says the T500 took a fair while to be completed. “We seemed to be working on it for years,” he says with a laugh. “It had a bay all of its own!” Fully restored, the T500 has seen service more as a marketing tool for the company rather than as a business workhorse, while also being used for special occasions – the unusual vehicle catching the eye of revellers at carnivals, festivals and parades in Cooroy and Noosa. It has also made appearances at a few car shows. “It’s quite well-known in the area for being from Daddows,” says Len. “And we’ve taken it down to the RACQ MotorFest in Brisbane a few times. It attracts a lot of attention. People do wonder what it is!”
DO YOU HAVE A PRIDE AND JOY IN THE GARAGE THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE IN THE PAGES OF MOTOR TRADER? Contact Jonathan Nash at jonathann@
The T500F mtaq.com.au or 07 3237 8721 and let’s is not the only see if we can share your classic with Honda original other members. Len has owned he currently has a first-generation, 1973 Honda Civic and, for a time, owned one the company’s splendid-looking S600 two-door sports cars. “We are a Honda family!” Len says. Having recently sold his business - bringing to an end a career that spans more than 60 years in Queensland’s automotive industry and which started with an apprenticeship at EG Eager & Sons in Brisbane - Len is uncertain quite where the T500, and indeed the Civic, may end up. “I’m not sure what we’ll do,” he says. “I suppose they will go up for sale at some point, but it would be nice if they went to another Honda dealer and were used within their dealership.” Let’s hope that happens - for the tiny truck deserves to have a spot where it can be seen and appreciated. June 2015 Motor Trader | 17
INSTITUTE OF T EC H N O L O G Y
NEW G LIMITE OVERNME D PLAC NT FUN ES APP DING LY NOW
GET YOUR TRADE SKILLS RECOGNISED
Do you have trade skills and experience but no formal qualifications?
TRADE RECOGNITION Trade skills recognition is a way of gaining formal recognition of your skills and work experience. If you have not completed an apprenticeship in Australia or you have gained trade skills overseas, you can have your skills, work experience and trade qualifications nationally recognised. Recognition of work or training (trade recognition) allows people to gain a certificate of recognition in Queensland in an apprenticeship trade, where: • A formal apprenticeship has not been completed • An apprenticeship or trade training has been completed overseas
PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY 1. Be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident of Australia and living in Queensland or a Refugee and Humanitarian Visa holder living in Queensland 2. Be a skilled or experienced individual without a trade qualification, whose experiences are such that it is reasonable to assume you could achieve two thirds of a qualification or more through RPL assessment processes in a priority trade 3. Be 18 years or older 4. Express a commitment to gaining the entire qualification
MTA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY OFFERS TRADE RECOGNITION FOR THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS • • • • • • • •
Agricultural Mechanical Technology Automotive Electrical Technology Automotive Body Repair Technology Automotive Refinishing Technology Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Mobile Plant Technology Motorcycle Mechanical Technology
The Queensland Government covers the majority of the cost for trade recognition other than mandatory fees determined by Government.
COURSE LENGTH Once an application has been received with all supporting documentation, MTA Institute of Technology will assess and respond within 10 working days. Evaluation can be completed at MTA Institute of Technology’s Eight Mile Plains premises or alternatively on site at the applicants workplace.
ENROL Should you wish to obtain more information regarding trade recognition, please contact one of our friendly team using the contact details below. RTO No: 31529
Address Building 8, 2728 Logan Road Eight Mile Plains Qld 4113 Postal PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Plains Qld 4113 Tel (07) 3722 3000 Toll Free 1800 884 137 Email training@mtaq.com.au
20130128
MTA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
MEMBERS ESSENTIALS Contents 19 Training matters 24 Brisbane Truck Show 26 Member profiles
COLLS MOTOR CLINIC NARANGBA AUTOS TYRES GALORE AND MECHANICAL
28 Industrial relations
F
OR WHATEVER REASON, there are skilled, knowledgable people in the automotive industry who do not have a recognised trade qualification - the certificate that formally acknowledges their ability to do the job. Of course, that piece of paper is not a requirement to work in the industry but thanks to the MTA Institute of Technology's Trade Recognition program there has never been a better time for those who are not trade qualified to receive that acknowledgement. The program offers industry workers a way of gaining formal recognition of their skills and experience, and with the government currently offering generous funding options, the route to that recognition has never been easier or more affordable. Of course, Trade Recognition offers much more than a 'piece of paper' acknowledgement - it is the avenue to further industry education, better business practice and improvement in job security and prospects. "If you are working as a motor vehicle mechanic but are not trade
qualified then you would not, for example, be able to get a road worthy licence," explained MTAIT Business Development Manager, Anthony Bonaccorso. "If you wanted to get gas certification and be licensed to fit and service and repair LGP systems, well, you wouldn't be able to do that either. In fact, a Cert III trade qualification forms the platform for anyone wanting to go on to further education." "The government is acknowledging there are people working in the industry who are capable of holding a qualification and now is the time to take advantage of the funding available," he added. "This is about people being recognised for what they have been doing in trade and that is really the main thing – it’s about gaining a qualification that says 'I am qualified as a tradesperson'." MTA Institute of Technology offers Trade Recognition for a range of automotive qualifications. For details and more information contact MTAIT at 1800 884 137 or email: training@mtaq.com.au June 2015 Motor Trader | 19
E S S E N T I A L S
SKILLS REWARDED THROUGH TRADE RECOGNITION
M E M B E R S
Training matters
E S S E N T I A L S M E M B E R S
MIT TRAINER PROFILE
Training matters
MTAIT ON THE MOVE T HE MTA INSTITUTE of Technology (MTAIT) will soon be launching its K-Move program. The program, prepared in conjunction with K-Move Australia, will bring skilled South Korean workers, who are looking to up-skill in automotive, to Australia on a 402 visa for two years and be trained to Australian standards. The 402 Visa program is a training and research visa for people who want to come to Australia on a temporary basis to participate in occupational training or participate in a professional development program. Established and funded by the South Korean government, K-Move was created to provide an opportunity for skilled Korean tradespeople to receive that ongoing training in Australia within a workplace environment. MTA Institute of Technology (MTAIT) will provide that training for participants in the MTAIT/K-Move partnership program. For Australian businesses participating in the scheme, it offers
NEIL BOVEY
“K-MOVE WAS CREATED
TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SKILLED KOREAN TRADESPEOPLE TO RECEIVE THAT ONGOING TRAINING IN AUSTRALIA WITHIN A WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT.” What is your specialised area? Light Vehicle, Motor Cycle, Spare Parts and New Car Sales.
What is your background in the automotive industry?
who are successfully employed after completion of their trade.
What do you believe is the most important aspect of training? One-on-one training with the students.
All facets of the industry including motor mechanics spare parts and auto sales.
Why should someone consider a career in the automotive industry?
When did you become a trainer for MTA Institute of Technology?
They are life skills that can keep you employed through your working life.
What geographical area do you service?
What is the best piece of advice you can give to an apprentice starting out in the industry?
Mackay and surrounding areas.
Listen and be prepared to learn.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your role as a trainer for MTA Institute of Technology?
When you’re not training, what do you like to do?
30th June 2008.
Repeat business and meeting students
20 | Motor Trader June 2015
the opportunity to recruit from a pool of skilled workers who have already undergone a comprehensive registration and recruitment process, have a conversational level of English, are at a competent skill level and, perhaps most importantly, are keen to develop those skills in the automotive industry. “MTAIT and K-Move are helping to link candidates and businesses in Queensland and ensure those employers who take part in the program get the right candidate for their business,” said MTAIT Business Development Manager Anthony Bonaccorso. “If employers are thinking about recruitment strategies for their business or skilled labour force, they should enquire to see how MTAIT and K-Move can help.” If you are looking to recruit new staff, are interested in participating in a 402 Visa program or want more information then contact us at (07) 3722 3000 or email feedback@mtait.edu.au
Drag racing and anything to do with cars.
Training matters
Student of the month
MARY'S HILUX 'ART' A SHOWSTOPPING SUCCESS M ARY-LOUIS EAGLE-FRITH IS the MTA Institute of Queensland's Student of the Month for May. The 22-year-old fourth year Paint and Panel apprentice with Bears Bodyworks in Cairns is already beginning to make a name for herself in the trade, not only excelling in the workplace and in her training but winning awards for the remarkable restoration work she has done on her Toyota HiLux ute. Mary bought the old workhorse vehicle five years ago and has totally transformed it, working at home with her boyfriend, a metal fabricator, on the design and metalwork while taking it to the Bears Bodyworks' shop to do the paint work. The result, though still to be completed, is this souped-up showstopper. "I have been working on it for two years," said Mary. "It's not finished yet I've got to put in a bigger engine, do the tub, and I am actually going to repaint it. I painted it in my first year so I know I can do a better job now!" Mary has always had a love of cars, and a strong personal connection to the industry means it is no surprise to see her working in it today. "I've grown up around cars," she said. "My dad used to build them and when
Mary (left) with the trophies she won for her HiLux at the Mackay Motor Show
he passed away, when I was 15, I decided I wanted to do this for him." Mary's passion and drive would eventually lead her to Bears Bodyworks and its owner Graham Nichols, who took her on as an apprentice in 2011. "She has been a great asset," said Graham . "We are a small family business and she fits in well - she has a lot of pride and passion for her work." And there is plenty of work for Mary
to practice her painting skills on, with Bears Bodyworks working their magic on a wide range of products. "We'll paint anything really!" said Graham. "We've just finished restoring a Model A but, along with restos, we do smash repairs, we've just finished doing some work on a Ducati and we work on kitchens too! You name it, we'll paint it!" As for Mary, the future involves plenty of work on her HiLux and finishing her apprenticeship, of course. After that, some time down the track, there's talk of starting her own business. "I would like to think I could do that, at some point," she said. With the skill she is showing, we have no doubt Mary will be successful.
PETER TAKES THE KEYS OF ULYSSES CLUB PRIZE PETER COOKE, THE winner of the prestigious 2014 Ulysses Club Motorcycle Apprentice Of The Year award recently took possession of his main prize - a Honda CBR500R. An annual, nationwide search for the country's best motorcycle apprentice, the award was created by the 28,000-member strong Ulysses club to encourage and
promote the idea of a career in the motorcycle industry, and the prize for winning the award also included one year's insurance cover from QBE Insurance. Peter also took home gift vouchers to the value of $1000 from Supercheap Auto as one of the four 'zone winners' of the national competition. Peter Cooke receives the keys for his new Honda CBR500R
June 2015 Motor Trader | 21
RTO No: 31529
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Training matters
ACCELR8 TRAINING PROGRAM MOVES INTO TOP GEAR T HE ACCELR8 TRAINING program has moved into its final phase with fifteen high school students, who joined the program in March, now placed with employers throughout the southeast of the state and enjoying hands-on, practical work experience. The students are working one day per week, for 20 weeks, with businesses from across the automotive industry. An initiative of Queensland’s Department of Education and Training (DET), in partnership with employers, training organisations, schools, students and parents/guardians, AccelR8 is a ‘school-to-work’ transition program, designed to prepare Year 12 students for the move to full-time automotive industry employment. As well as the work experience element of the program, the students have already completed three days of theory study at school with an MTA Institute of Technology (MTAIT) trainer, and three days of practical work at MTAIT’s state-of-the-art workshop facility. At the end of the program, which coincides with the students completing Year 12, their work placement employer has the opportunity to take them on as a full-time apprentice. Sean Etherden, a 17-year-old student from Bremer State High School, is a few weeks into his work placement with Jax Tyres at West Ipswich and said the experience had been a very positive one. “It has been really good,” he said. "It was a bit tough the first couple of weeks, getting used to everything, but it has been good. I’ve been here four weeks and have done a lot of tyre changing, stripping and fitting tyres and am now doing a bit of wheel balancing as well as a few punctures here and there.
Sean Etherden with MTAIT trainer Jeff Mann . . .
“I’ve got a bit used to it now, but it has been solid work all the time,” he added. “You don’t get much of a break – not like school!” Jax Tyres at West Ipswich is an award-winning business owned and run by Wayne Gough. A 40-year veteran of the industry, and former Director of the Quickfit Tyre Group, Wayne has been impressed with Sean’s enthusiasm and ability and been very encouraged by the AccelR8 program’s aim to encourage young people into the trade. “Sean is doing really well,” he said. “Shyness was a little bit of an issue at first but once he felt more comfortable he has been terrific and has come on leaps and bounds in just a few weeks. He is very keen and he is putting that into practice. “Quality fitters are hard to get and I’ve always had the belief that I would rather employ someone ‘green’ and teach them to fit,” he added. “And that is where these kids come in – they’re
. . . and with Jax Tyres West Ipswich owner, Wayne Gough
enthusiastic, it’s what they want to do and they’re easy to teach.” MTA Institute of Technology (MTAIT) trainer Jeff Mann has been overseeing the students as they move through the AccelR8 program from the school-based theory studies, the practical training at MTAIT, and now into the workplace. “I’ve been out to see a number of the students and there has been some nervousness, but that’s normal as they try to settle in,” he said. “But it has been really positive. Everyone is glad that they’re out there and they’re showing plenty of initiative to get stuck in.” For Sean, the AccelR8 program represents the first step into what he hopes will be a long-term career in the industry. “I’ve always been interested in cars and I see a career for me in the business. It’s an industry that is always going to be here and this program is going to really help.” June 2015 Motor Trader | 23
E S S E N T I A L S M E M B E R S
Brisbane Truck Show
BRISBANE SHOW KEEPS ON TRUCKING T HE BRISBANE TRUCK Show seems to get bigger with each passing event and tens of thousands of people were once again in attendance at a packed out Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre during May. With more than 280 exhibitors setting up shop at the four-day event there was plenty to keep the more than 30,000 visitors entertained. The show, organised by the Commercial Vehicle
Industry Association of Queensland (CVIAQ) attracted many of the world’s top manufacturers with Isuzu, Western Star, Iveco, Hino, Scania, Navistar, Foton, Mercedes, Fuso, Freightliner, Kenworth and Daf all occupying major sites on the main show floor. The companies took the opportunity to launch new vehicles and programs, and present upgrades of current models. Mercedes launched its all-new Actros long distance truck,
MTAIT Business Development Manager Anthony Bonaccorso, Support Officer Danielle Taylor and General Manager Training Operations, Paul Kulpa.
24 | Motor Trader June 2015
and Navistar, DAF and Isuzu all had new vehicles on show. MTA Institute of Technology (MTAIT) was also present at the show with a booth showcasing the full range of training offerings available. The booth, located in the 'Industry Career Centre', was manned by a number of MTAIT staff and saw a steady stream of visitors, including high school students who were interested in the automotive and trucking industries.
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Member profiles
Colls Motor Clinic
Narangba Autos Location: 26 Main St, Narangba Type of business: Mechanical workshop Number of employees: 4 Trading since: 2003 MTAQ member since: 2003
How did you hear about the Motor Trades Association of Queensland? (MTAQ)
What is the best thing about working in your industry?
Was an MTAQ member in previous business.
Helping people out when needed.
How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business? Access to IR and technical information.
What has been your proudest business achievement to date? Business growth over the last eleven years and our reputation in the Narangba area.
Tyres Galore and Mechanical
26 | Motor Trader June 2015
What is the best piece of advice you have ever given or been given? Always be ready to help anybody that is in trouble.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining MTAQ? Excellent value for money.
Type of business: Mechanical repair Number of employees: 4 Trading since: 1993 MTAQ member since: 2007
What is the best thing about working in your industry?
MTAQ representative visited the business.
Meeting different people.
How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business? Technical support, industrial relations support and industry information.
What has been your proudest business achievement to date? Being able to operate the business during various financial climates.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever given or been given? Treat customers like you would like to be treated.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining MTAQ? Services – and it is excellent value for money.
Narangba Autos
Tyres Galore and Mechanical Location: 291 Morayfield Road, Morayfield Type of business: Tyre and Mechanical
How did you hear about the Motor Trades Association of Queensland?
What is the best thing about working in your industry?
Through previous positions held in the motor industry.
Being able to help our customers.
Number of employees: 10
How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business?
Trading since: 1995
Access to IR and Industry information.
MTAQ member since: 2008
What has been your proudest business achievement to date? Expanding the business from tyres to tyres and mechanical. Enhancing the image of the business.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever given or been given? Obtain specialist advice when needed.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining MTAQ? Join up – you never know what you may need them for.
June 2015 Motor Trader | 27
E S S E N T I A L S
Location: 6 Park Terrace, Gympie
How did you hear about the Motor Trades Association of Queensland?
M E M B E R S
Colls Motor Clinic
E S S E N T I A L S M E M B E R S
Industrial relations Casual versus part-time engagement
W
HEN YOU REQUIRE an employee for less than 38 hours per week, you have a choice as to how to employ such a person. Usually, the first thing to consider is whether you need some flexibility in his/her work hours ie., will you only require the person to fill-in at your busiest times or as work flow dictates?
TED KOWALSKI INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MANAGER
CASUAL PROVISIONS If flexibility is the most important factor you should consider a casual engagement. A casual employee is paid by the hour and receives a 25% loading on their hourly rate because they do not accrue annual leave or sick leave and are not paid for public holidays - unless they actually work on the day. You should note that the standard casual loading does vary depending on what day of the week is being worked and whether the hours represent overtime. By definition, a casual is someone whose employment is uncertain and irregular. Under the terms of the Vehicle Manufacturing Repair Services and Retail Award (aka the Vehicle Award) a casual who has been employed for six months must be advised that he/ she can apply to become a permanent part-timer. You are not obliged to grant the request if there are good business reasons for doing so. The most likely reason for refusing the request would be that the business requires the flexibility that a casual engagement provides. The Clerks Private Sector Award has no such obligation regarding part time conversion. Under the Vehicle Award a casual can be employed for as little as an hour per engagement while the Clerks Private Sector Award provides for a minimum of three hours per engagement.
PART TIME PROVISIONS Where you require an employee for regular, fixed hours you should consider a permanent part time engagement. A part time employee must have fixed hours and days of employment which are set out in writing at time of engagement. Any hours worked outside of those designated hours and days becomes overtime and must be paid for at overtime rates. A part time employee is paid the same hourly rate as a full time permanent employee, but only for the actual hours worked, and does accrue annual leave and sick leave in proportion to the hours worked. They are paid for public holidays if a public holiday falls on one of the days they would normally have worked. Annual leave accrues at the rate of one-thirteenth of the ordinary hours worked per week and sick leave accrues at the rate of one twenty-sixth of the ordinary hours worked.
MTA QUEENSLAND WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS Business Name
Principal/s
Address
Division
SNC Automotive
Jordan Montague
5/227 Leitchs Road, Brendale Q 4500
jordan@sncautomotive.com.au
AED
28 | Motor Trader June 2015
Investment matters
MARKET WRAP
A
PRIL HAS SHOWN mixed results across markets. Within Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 was soft during the month, down 1.7%. Resource stocks outperformed as commodity prices, particularly oil and iron ore, rose. Banks were the most noticeable underperformers, due to the possibility of regulators taking action against property speculation. Globally, markets were strong with the MSCI World Index up 2.2%. This was in contrast to European Markets which were weaker following fading enthusiasm of the ECB’s QE program. Dalton Nicol Reid’s High Conviction and Income Portfolios produced solid outperformance over their respective benchmarks for April, whilst the Social Responsibility portfolio underperformed. The Australian Stock Market (All Ordinaries) has pulled back over the past month by around 5%, undergoing a much needed correction. We see this decline resulting from a strong run in the first quarter that saw many questioning whether equities were overpriced, poor results on bank profits accompanied by large capital raisings for NAB and WBC, and increasing global bond rates in response to better economic data in Europe. There are a range of positives that can be drawn from the pullback through April. Global growth suggests signs of improvement, with lead indicators in Europe picking up. Employment in Europe has increased and Germany's manufacturing data has improved as Europe responds to the lower oil prices, stronger currency, and the fact that headwinds from austerity are slowing. Whilst Chinese growth rates have been lethargic, significant economic reform has been undertaken to improve
“LOCALLY THERE ARE POSITIVES IN LOWER INTEREST RATES, HIGHLIGHTED BY THE IMPROVEMENT IN THE CONSUMER SPACE SECTOR WITH JB HI FI, SUPERCHEAP, AND BUNNINGS ALL ANNOUNCING STRONG SALES.” the structure of the economy and the dividends of this could soon be realised. This includes a crackdown on corruption, improving structure of the State Owned Enterprises, increasing accountability measures for local government authorities, and improving minimum pay. Furthermore, the Chinese Government has announced a range of stimulus measures, including a decline in interest rate, and the Chinese market has rallied in response. Additionally, the US has shown slight improvement with a bounce back in jobs data. Locally, there are positives in lower interest rates, highlighted by the improvement in the consumer space sector with JB Hi Fi, Supercheap, and Bunnings all announcing strong sales. Housing development continues to be supported by the government, presenting opportunities for companies in this sector. It is also likely that the budget will not be received as badly as last year. The Government appears to be undertaking a careful roadmap towards the next budget surplus. Valuation remains attractive relative
to interest rates and interest rates are unlikely to bounce too much. The results of April also present a few negatives which must be considered. The PE is still high by historical standards, and whilst we maintain the belief that low interest rates can support this, the market is vulnerable to volatility especially in the case of an earnings slippage. There is also uncertainty attached to the US 10-year bond rates as they remain very low by historical standards. Political uncertainty is another factor to be considered, highlighted by the strong reaction to the market following the Conservative win in the UK election. Political uncertainty could have a negative impact on confidence within Australia. Despite the pullback during the month of April, we continue to see selective opportunities in the local market with likely continuation of low interest rates to operate as a support. DISCLAIMER This document provides general information only and is not intended to be a recommendation to invest in any product or financial service mentioned above. Investment in a Dalton Nicol Reid individually managed account can only be made on completion of all the required documentation. Whilst Dalton Nicol Reid has used its best endeavours to ensure the information within this document is accurate it cannot be relied upon in any way and recipients must make their own enquiries concerning the accuracy of the information within.
June 2015 Motor Trader | 29
The hit list DeLorean DMC-12
BEST MOVIE OF ALL
CARS TIME T
HE MOTOR CAR has been an ever present fixture in movies. Much of the time they play the role they were designed for in real life – a means of safe transportation – but there are movies where they play a role that is as important as any of their on-screen, human colleagues. Need an example? Well let’s be honest and say that the Mad Max movies just wouldn’t be the same if you remove the V8
monsters smoking up the highways and byways and replace them with, let’s say, scooters. Of course, while the right car, or cars, can make a movie, it can work the other way too – would the DeLorean DMC-12, for example, be quite as revered if it hadn’t been featured in in the Back to the Future flicks? Whatever the case, here is a list of motors we reckon made starmaking turns on the silver screen.
DODGE CHARGER THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS (2001) NOT A BAD film if you’re a car nut, filled as it is with all manner of nitrous-powered rockets and thumping V8 fire-breathers. Pick of the bunch though is the monster Dodge Charger owned in the film by lead character Dominic ‘Dom’ Toretto. A beautiful machine, made even more so with the high-rise supercharger sticking out the front, the Charger makes its big entrance towards the end of the film when Dom gives it a decent squirt in a race with the film’s supposed hero, undercover cop Brian O’Connor (played by the ill-fated Paul Walker). Walker’s character was driving a soupedup, bright orange Toyota Supra - a car presumably chosen to make the Dodge look even more special.
30 | Motor Trader June 2015
Dodge Charger
DELOREAN DMC-12 BACK TO THE FUTURE (1985) ANOTHER CLASSIC VEHICLE hiding beneath some heavy movie make-up, the DeLorean DMC-12 is a bit of a stunner and was every bit as much the star of the Back to the Future movies as its on-screen human partner, Michael J. Fox. Dreamed up by former GM executive John DeLorean (the man credited with creating the original muscle car - the Pontiac GTO), the DMC-12’s movie stardom, unusual stainless steel body, gullwing door set-up and relative rarity - only 9000 were built between 1981 and 1983 - make it a sought-after motor. Powered by a 2.8-litre V6, the flux capacitor was, sadly, only available in Hollywood.
ASTON MARTIN DB5 GOLDFINGER (1965)
MINI COOPER S THE ITALIAN JOB (1969) THE ORIGINAL ITALIAN Job movie, starring Michael Caine, is something of a cult classic. And it’s a movie full of sensational motors. A Lamborghini Miura, E-type Jags, a Fiat Dino Coupe and an Aston Martin DB4 all have roles to play, but it is the rather less glamorous Mini Cooper S that steals the show. Developed by John Cooper - the man whose company won a stack of Formula One races and titles in the 50s and 60s with drivers including Sir Jack Brabham - the film’s red, white and blue Mini’s lead the Italian police on a merry dance through the streets of Turin proving that big is not necessarily better and that small is cool.
COOLER THAN AN arctic winter, the DB5 is THE iconic James Bond motor. The version available to the public was missing a few of the Bond car’s features (DB5s could not be bought with revolving number plates or machine guns in the wings, and couldn’t create an oil slick or smoke screen - not on purpose anyway) but what it did have was a 4-litre straight six that could push it to 145mph, and looks that would leave anybody both shaken and stirred.
Aston Martin DB5
Mini Cooper S
Ford Falcon XB GT
LOTUS ESPRIT S1 THE SPY WHO LOVED ME (1977)
POLICE INTERCEPTOR MAD MAX (1979)
A STRIKING, SLEEK, two-door sports car, the Lotus Esprit S1 found fame as James Bond’s motor in the 1977 classic, The Spy Who Loved Me. A great film and a great car, made even more so when ‘Q-branch’ kitted it out with all the usual gadgets and one very unusual feature - making it watertight enough to be a submersible. Preposterous, of course, but jolly good fun. The Lotus itself was powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine but, thanks to its light weight, the company claimed a top speed of 200kmh and 0-100 in a smidge over 8 seconds. Which is good . . . but a submersible Lotus? That would be something.
BIG, POWERFUL AND as mean-looking as a Mafia enforcer, Mad Max’s Interceptor was actually a Ford Falcon XB GT that had undergone some tasty remodelling work, including a new ‘concorde’ nose plastered on the front and a monster supercharger sticking out of the bonnet. A brute in black, the Interceptor was the perfect foil for a young, leather-clad, and equally angry-looking Mel Gibson who looked suitably impressed as his character, Max Rockatansky was introduced to the car for the first time and was told by the excitable mechanic: “She’s the last of the V8s . . . She sucks nitro . . . she has Phase 4 heads, twin overhead cams, 600 horsepower through the wheels! With the blower, she's meanness set to music and the bitch is born to run!
Lotus Esprit S1
June 2015 Motor Trader | 31
Industry insight
WHO IS LOOKING OUT FOR THE ICEBERGS IN YOUR BUSINESS? I F YOU ARE too young to remember the story of the iceberg that sank the Titanic, let me give you the ‘Executive Summary’ of what went wrong (courtesy of Wikipedia.org). “RMS Titanic was a British passenger liner that sank in the North Atlantic Ocean in the early morning of 15th April 1912, after colliding with an iceberg, during her maiden voyage The sinking resulted in the loss of more than 1,500 passengers and crew. Two enquiries reached broadly similar conclusions, the regulations on the number of lifeboats that ships had to carry were inadequate, Captain Smith had failed to take proper heed of ice warnings, the lifeboats had not been properly filled or crewed, and the collision was the result of steaming into a dangerous area at too high a speed.” This is a useful story to remember and one that all of us in business can relate to. The question is, who is looking out for the iceberg in your business? Here are examples of icebergs we’ve encountered in our time with clients: 1. Superannuation calculated on the wrong staff pay items, resulting in overpayment. 2. Ignorance of Work Health and Safety compliance laws, risking potential fines of hundreds of thousands of dollars and jail term for directors. 3. Growth plans with no consideration of the cash required to fund growth. 4. GST claimed on expenses with no GST included. If this goes on for a long time it can result in large amounts due, plus fines, plus interest and risk putting your business being on a black list for future audits. 5. Similarly GST not claimed on items containing GST – risking potential input credits not claimed, adding
32 | Motor Trader June 2015
up to large amounts, causing unnecessary cash flow problems. 6. PAYG and superannuation not paid, which resulted in a personal liability for the directors of the business (even after liquidation). 7. Plans to purchase a competitor’s business without consideration of the extra working capital required to fund the extra sales, risking potential cash flow problems and insolvency. 8. Incorrect rates paid to staff resulting in retrospective recompense and wasted time dealing with Industrial Relations claims. 9. Long service leave liabilities not accounted for and expected, resulting in potential large payments, unless you have a particularly good relationship with staff to enable negotiation. 10. Lease on premises not renewed, resulting in landlord giving notice to vacate, causing immediate and unexpected closure of business. 11. Payments to suppliers with no ABN or lapsed ABNs, resulting in liability for business to pay PAYG tax on their behalf. 12. Inadequate business insurance resulting in unnecessary hardship after fire. 13. Unresolved contractual issues resulting in unnecessary money and time spent in litigation. 14. Lack of data backups, resulting in unnecessarily long time to recover after technology breakdown. 15. Fraud by staff resulting in financial loss. 16. Issues not allowed for in supply chain, resulting in lack of supply and reduction in revenue. 17. Ignorance of environmental issues e.g. ‘Digital Disruption’ (impact of internet delivery of products/services by cheaper competitors) causing
reduced sales. Also impact of sites like Tridadvisor on hospitality industry. Adverse ratings are ignored at the peril of businesses in this industry. 18. Lack of credit checks of major customers resulting in bad debt, which severely impacted business’s ability to continue. 19. Poorly implemented systems, causing interruption to business’s ability to deliver to customers and reduced revenues. 20. Goods not registered with PPSR, causing inability to recover them in the event of customer liquidation. 21. Errors in accounting, resulting in underpayment of tax and penalties and interest on underpayment. These are just some of the issues uncovered, some before the disaster occurred and some after the event (which occurred before we got there). It’s tempting to think that lots of sales will make up for any issues that occur. Unfortunately, these issues can ‘rear their ugly heads’ when times aren’t so good and the funds aren’t available to cover them. It’s called ‘Murphy’s Law’! The old saying ‘Prevention is better than cure’ is appropriate here. An iceberg can create not just financial hardship, but cause severe stress on business owners and staff morale. The issue with risk management can be ‘we don’t know what we don’t know’ and it can be a very worthwhile exercise to have someone with experience to do a ‘risk management’ review of your business. To develop your very own plan for growth visit: http://www.cfooncall.com.au/growth-planning-session CFO On-Call is a team of Financial and Business Advisors, who work with open-minded people committed to business growth and achieving success. For a no obligation FREE chat about your profit growth opportunities please call us on 1300 36 24 36 or visit www.CFOonCall.com.au
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Genuinely Rewarding YOU With $50,000 worth of Prizes PLUS Great Monthly giveaways. 10 x $500 Coles Group and Myer Gift Cards each month
Win Incredible Prizes! At the end of the 6-month period all eligible entries will go into the major prize draw for: 1st Prize – 2015 Honda HR-V VTi-S 2nd Prize – 2015 Honda CBR1000RR 3rd Prize – Saeco Xelsis Coffee Machine 4th Prize – Samsung Series 9 65 inch Curved UHD TV 5th Prize – BOSE Cinemate 130 Home Theatre System
Visit honda.com.au/hgp to discover how simple it is! Entry to the Competition constitutes acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. The promoter is Honda Australia Pty Ltd, ABN 66 004 759 611, of 95 Sharps Rd Tullamarine VIC 3043. Telephone: (03) 9285 5555. Competition opens at 9am 1/05/2015 and closes at 5:00pm on 31/10/2015. Entry is restricted to registered trade customers who purchase Honda Genuine Parts from authorised Honda dealers in Australia.Entry is based on the purchase values (ex-GST) of Honda Genuine Parts which will be accumulated within 1-month period (in May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct 2015) for the monthly prize draws and within 6-month period (between May and Oct 2015) for the major prize draw. The major prize draw will be at 2:00pm on 25/11/2015 at 95 Sharps Rd, Tullamarine VIC 3043 Australia. Winners published on www.honda.com.au/hgp.10 monthly winners each receive a $500 Coles Myer Gift Card. See T&C’s for dates. Major Prizes 2015 1 x Honda HR-V VTi-S Metallic $31,766.00 1 x 2015 Honda CBR1000RR $15,899.00 1 x Samsung Series 9 65 inch curved UHD TV $3,289.00 1 x Saeco Xelsis Coffee Machine $2,198.90 1 x BOSE Cinemate 130 home theatre system $1,499.00. Monthly Prizes - 60 gift cards ($500 each) with a total value of $30,000.00 Total Prize Pool Value $84,651.90 Full T&C’s available from the Promoter or www.honda.com.au/hgp
HP1554/MTASA
Authorised under permit numbers: VIC Permit Number 15/760, SA Licence Number T15/582, NSW Permit Number LTPS/15/03050, ACT Permit NumberTP 15/05503