Motor Trader September 2015

SEP 2015

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND

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Contents Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/MTAQueensland

HEAD OFFICE Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 P.O. Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel: 07 3237 8777 Fax: 07 3844 4488 Toll Free: 1800 177 951 Email: publications@mtaq.com.au Website: www.mtaq.com.au EDITOR Jonathan Nash ART DIRECTOR Marco Ilinic INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Ted Kowalski Paul Murray POLICY Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Barry Browne 03 9807 9154 Email: barry@barrybrownemedia.com.au EDITORIAL Editorial submissions are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed placement.

For more information telephone the Editor 07 3237 8777

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SUBSCRIPTION RATES (including GST) Australia: $72.60 annually Overseas: $110 annually MOTOR TRADER PUBLISHING POLICY

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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

KEITH4WHEELS: JUAN VAN RENSBURG Feature 10 THE REAL DEAL: MIKE BREWER AND EDD CHINA 16 Members Classic T-BUCKET CRUISIN’: FORD T-BUCKET

MEMBERS ESSENTIALS 19 Training matters 26 Member profiles 28 Industrial relations 30 The hit list CONCEPT CARS OF THE 1960s 32 Industry insight

4 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL LOAN APPLICATION September 2015 Motor Trader | 1

From the editor

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JONATHAN NASH EDITOR

ELLO AND WELCOME to the September edition of Motor Trader.

In our main feature this month we talk to Mike Brewer, host of television's Wheeler Dealers.

The show sees the good-natured Brewer seek out a classic car bargain, bring it to his co-host Edd China to repair and restore, and then attempt to make a decent profit through its sale. It's a simple premise made hugely popular by Brewer and China, whose genial approach, coupled to genuine industry knowledge and experience, makes for a truly entertaining, almost educational, experience. Already one of the world's most popular car restorations shows, Brewer and China look like becoming even bigger global stars as a new series of the show will see the pair transplanted to the US. In our MTA Q&A feature this month we talk to Juan Van Rensburgh from Keith4Wheels in Brisbane. The shop is well known across the southeast of the state for the quality of its work and the range of its wheels and tyres and, after buying the business just a couple of years ago, Juan and his family are looking to expand its services further.

The Member's Classic car this edition is a fantastic-looking replica Ford T-Bucket hot rod, owned by Steve Myers of Myers Engine Reconditioning in Cairns. One of the most popular styles of hot rod, the T-Bucket is a real head-turner and Steve's is no different - its dramatic blue paint work and

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

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

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

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uncovered 350 Chev V8 engine proving an eye-catching piece of work.

In other news this month, the MTAQ and MTA Institute of Technology (MTAIT) have had a number of visits from representatives of educational institutions in China and South Korea.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with the South Korean delegation - its aim to establish a mutually beneficial collaborative relationship that will lead to providing their students and teachers with customised training programs. Future collaborations are hoped for with the Chinese institutions also.

"Collaborations such as this are a reflection of our expanding ambition to provide educational opportunities internationally," said Steve Ghost, Managing Director Strategic Operations for MTAIT with regard to the MOU. "It is our aim to develop a strong working relationship into the future around training opportunities for Korean and other international students.”

I hope you enjoy this edition of Motor Trader and if you have a story worth telling, want to appear in Member Profiles, or have a classic car, bike or truck you would like to see featured, then don't hesitate to contact me.

Cheers, Jonathan Nash jonathann@mtaq.com.au

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

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

Policy/Viewpoint

KELLIE DEWAR GENERAL MANAGER MTA QUEENSLAND

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NNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS (AGMs) are underway and are open to all members. They are embedded in our Rules, and provide all members with the entitlement to vote to elect members to serve on a Division Committees, and District Representatives to be a member of the MTA Queensland Board.

AGMs are a cornerstone of the MTA Queensland’s democratic process. Every member, regardless of location, can participate in the AGMs. The Rules provide that participation can be by telephone or close circuit television or any other means of communication. I encourage members to either attend or participate in these proceedings through our teleconferencing or skype facilities.

All you have to do is let me know.

AGMs are a time for renewal, reflection, consolidation and consideration of the year’s activities and events. Two of our long-standing Chairs are exiting their roles. Since 2002, Charlie Serchen has been a leader in his industry sector - from when it was known as the Combined Mechanical Repair Specialist Division to when it was renamed the Australian Engineers Division (AED) in 2008.

Charlie has decided to relocate his business to northern New South Wales and will relinquish the role he has held for 13 years. Mark Dodge from Cairns, who was the Vice President of the AED, has been elected to fill the vacancy.

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Glen Ford, the Chairman of the Auto Parts Recyclers Division (APRD), who has led the sector ably since 2006, has decided to follow his own advice which he offered in the APRD’s 2014 Annual Report. That was to 'to look at a succession and retirement plan'.

Laurie Beecham from Hervey Bay, who has been an active member of the Committee, has been selected to be the Division’s chairman.

On behalf of President David Fraser, the MTA Queensland Board and members of the AED and the APRD, thank you Charlie Serchen and Glen Ford for your commitment and service to your respective sectors and the MTA Queensland. We wish you all the best as you journey into the future.

ADVOCACY Workers Compensation Scheme As indicated in the August Viewpoint, the Parliamentary Finance and Administration Committee called for submissions to the Worker’s Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015.

On behalf the members we submitted a comprehensive submission and it is on the website for you to peruse.

Lemon Laws Following up on the comments in the August Viewpoint regarding Lemon Laws, more information has been provided. The Parliamentary Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee, in undertaking the inquiry, will consider: 1. the experiences of consumers in Queensland who have purchased 'lemons', including community expectations of what constitutes a 'lemon' motor vehicle and the impacts, financial and otherwise, on consumers who have

purchased 'lemons'; 2. the consumer protections and remedies available under existing legislation, such as those contained in the Australian Consumer Law and state-based legislation, including remedies available through Queensland courts and the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, and their adequacy in assisting consumers who have purchased 'lemons'; 3. how legislative protections and remedies might be improved to better protect Queensland consumers who have purchased 'lemons', including improving the ability of consumer to enforce their rights without recourse to courts or tribunals; and 4. any legislative and other protections in other jurisdictions assisting consumers who have purchased 'lemons', including the costs and benefits of existing and proposed protections.

The closing date for submissions is October 8, 2015. This inquiry has generated considerable public interest and comment. I will speak with the Chairman of our Queensland Motor Dealer Council, Garth Madill, to ensure that there is input from his members into our document.

Small Business and Unfair Contract Terms I’ve been keeping my eye on The Treasury Legislation Amendment (Small Business and Unfair Contract Terms) Bill 2015 as it weaved its way through the House of Representatives and into the Senate where it was referred to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee. It will scrutinise potential impacts of the legislation and concerns raised during the consultation phase. MTA Queensland has participated in each of the policy development processes and has been a strong supporter of extending unfair contract term protections to small business. On behalf of members, I will be making a submission with the closing date for submissions being August 28, 2015.

Motorcycle licensing The Department of Transport and

Main Roads has issued a discussion paper on Motorcycle licensing. It is seeking views about how to improve the safety of motorcycle riders and about the testing and licensing requirements of obtaining a motorcycle learner licence and progressing through to an unrestricted open motorcycle licence.

In July 2012, there was a similar discussion to which the Chair of our Queensland Motorcycle Industry Division (QMID) Paul Petersen made an excellent submission. As part of the process, there is an online survey at www.getinvolved.qld.gov. au. I encourage our motorcycle riding members to respond.

NEW CORPORATE PARTNER Joining our prestigious corporate partners is OurAuto Tech- Centre which provides to members a technical team - under a subscription arrangement - and access to the largest technical library in the Southern Hemisphere. This means that for those vehicles where repairs are difficult, a repair solution can be sourced.

The advantage of this service is its immediacy, which means efficiency and financial savings for the business and indeed the client. To seek further information on the service or subscription details, please telephone MTA Queensland or email me.

OurAuto Tech-Centre augments MTAA Super, Australian All Energy Solutions, Capricorn, D&B, Guard Insurance Brokers and the Commonwealth Bank - our corporate partners offering benefits to members.

For instance, members report that Guard Insurance, one of our newer corporate partners, is providing good savings for their businesses.

If you are considering your business insurance requirements, call Guard insurance on 1300 167 143 to discuss your needs and obtain a quote.

INDUSTRY NEWS SuperStream for small employers Are you SuperStream compliant?

For small employers - that is with 19 or fewer employees - SuperStream started from July 1, 2015. If you are not ready now you have until June 30, 2016 to meet the SuperStream requirements when sending superannuation contributions on behalf of employees.

SuperStream for employers with 20 or more employees commenced from July 1, 2014 and they had until June 30, 2015 to meet the SuperStream requirements when sending superannuation contributions on behalf of employees.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is advising employers who have not yet made the change to speak with their service provider, accounting professional or super fund to help find a solution that best suits their business needs.

Under SuperStream, employers are required to make super contributions electronically in a standard format.

A significant benefit is the reduced time and cost it takes for employers to meet their super obligations. For more information, go to the ATO’s: employer checklist at www.ato.gov.au/ SuperStreamChecklist Small Business Superannuation Clearing House at www.ato.gov.au/S

Business Names The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is seeking business owners to renew their business name or risk it being cancelled. ASIC has cancelled more than 95,000 business names in the first half of 2015 after business name holders failed to pay their renewal notice.

Renewing can be done online where there is guidance on business name renewal fees, what the renewal options are, how you will be notified of an upcoming renewal and an outline of what happens after you have renewed. A registered business name can be renewed with ASIC for either one or three years. Business name holders can check the next renewal date by searching their business name on https://businessname.com.au/ renewals?

GST Online Shopping - regardless of value The good and most welcome news for members was that the State and

Territory Treasurers agreed to remove the GST-free status on offshore online purchases and services, regardless of value. For retailers of automotive vehicle and motorcycle apparel, accessories and parts, the application of the GST to all products and services sold by overseas vendors into Australia ensures a fair market with offshore competitors.

This new statues will take effect from July 2017.

The two year lead-in is disappointing, but ending the exemption is likely to be costly and complicated. The long start date is designed to allow more work done to maximise the compliance changes.

Tax officials will "travel around the world" visiting companies with turnovers in Australia of greater than $75,000 to ensure they collect and forward to the government the GST.

myDeductions To help individuals with their tax returns, the ATO has launched a refreshed version of its app to introduce myDeducations. It is a new online tool to help individuals to keep track of their deductions by allowing them to capture expenses on the go.

By using myDeductions, at tax time an individual can upload the completed deductions data to the ATO, and it will use the information to pre-fill the myTax return. If a tax agent is used, the same information will be available to them to complete the tax return. More information on myDeductions, including how-to videos, is available at www.ato.gov.au/ mydeductions

ECONOMY The June quarter Westpac Group CCIQ Pulse survey of business conditions indicates that Queensland businesses are more optimistic about the States and their own economic prospects - but it is off a relatively low base. Two factors have enhanced this outlook. Firstly, the stimulus measures from the Federal Budget and a balanced State Budget.

The survey indicated that confidence in the Queensland economy has improved, with the Pulse Business Confidence Index rising by 5 percentage points to 42.7 in the June quarter. „ September 2015 Motor Trader | 5

Policy/Viewpoint However, it remains at a “fragile level” exacerbated by the prolonged drought and the downturn in the resources sector. Both of these factors restrain business sentiment.

Some 21 per cent of businesses expect the State’s economy to strengthen, up from 14 per cent in the March quarter.

The anecdotal information from members is that business “is tough” despite the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index finding which indicated that Queensland’s consumer confidence has risen to its highest level in almost two years.

The State’s consumer confidence rose significantly by 12.2 percentage points to 104.8, the highest consumer sentiment of any mainland state.

It is the highest level of confidence since November 2013 and above the national result of 99.5.

This was consistent with the Reserve Banks Board’s assessment that consumption growth had picked up a little since 2013.

According to the Reserve Bank Board (the Board) minutes, the unemployment rate was expected to be a little lower than previously forecast for various reasons. Inflation in the June quarter had been broadly as expected and domestic inflationary pressures had remained well contained. The totality of the Board’s considerations, led it to leave the cash rate unchanged. The next meeting of the Board is on Tuesday, September 1.

NEW MOTOR VEHICLE SALES The ABS (seasonally adjusted) new motor vehicle sales for the month of July were mixed with the retailing of 19,433 units - a decline of 711 or -3.5 per cent compared with June.

Nationally, there was a corresponding fall of -1.3 per cent. On a year-to-date basis, Queensland’s new motor vehicle sales remained buoyant with an increase of 1,129 units - a rise of +6.2 per cent.

The national level was not as robust as Queenslands, with new car sales rising by +3.7 percent.

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The respected VFacts data for Queensland indicates that there were 18,700 new motor vehicle sales - an increase of +5.3 per cent compared with the previous month of June.

On a year-to-date basis there was a similar increase of +5.3 per cent. This compares favourably with the national data which shows that the increase for the month of June was + 2.7 per cent and on the year-to-date basis a rise of + 3.2 per cent.

According to CommSec, car affordability in Australia is the best it has ever been. Coupled with offers such as capped price servicing and low interest rate finance, it is a good time to buy a new car.

The SUV segment recorded the most growth whilst small passenger cars and light commercial vehicles were popular, probably helped by the small business tax breaks. In June 2015, new car sales to business was up by +10.5 per cent. Specifically, business buyers purchased 20.8 per cent more SUVs, 9.1 per cent more passenger cars and 3.4 per cent more light commercial vehicles.

AND SOMETHING LOVELY Our popular Executive Assistant Emily Metelmann gave birth to Albert Allen Metelman, who weighed in at 3.87kgs, on Sunday, August 9.

Congratulations Emily and Adam on the birth of your son and we wish you the best in your new role as Albert’s parents.

To members - don’t forget your tickets for the prestigious President’s Ball, Saturday, October 31, at the Hilton Hotel in Brisbane. It is now in the third year and is a special event with dinner, dancing and entertainment with the highlight of the evening being the awards ceremony. It would be wise to book now. If my memory is correct, all the tickets were sold before the event and some members who left it to the last minute missed out.

In the mean time take care and stay safe.

VISITS Divisional Executive Andy O’Hearn has been on the road meeting with members.

He attended a gathering of Cairns and Tableland members at Mareeba where many issues were canvassed. Next on the schedule is a visit to Cloncurry, which draws members from Mount Isa. As a rule, I join Andy on these visits, but administrative responsibilities arose that required attention here at Head office.

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Training program To get the most out of escribe, sign up to a Thatcham certified training course. Available FREE to all current subscribers.

Value for money Licence fee discounts extended for another year.

Local support Help and support available via dedicated web based Help Centre and Australian Help Desk.

For more information and to subscribe, go to: Australia - www.thatchamescribe.com.au New Zealand - www.thatchamescribe.co.nz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The winners will be notified by Friday, October 16

Email your nomination to info@mtaq.com.au

WINNERS REC

EIVE

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

2014 WINNER

Frank and Mary Teggart with the Innovation Award

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

2014 WINNER

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

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

20140186

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

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

MTA

QA &

What products and services does Keith4Wheels provide?

JVR: We sell a wide range of tyres to

suit any car - from 4WDs to small cars, family cars, racing cars, whatever the customers' needs. We also sell a very large range of wheels suited to every application.

The wheels on our shop wall are just a small sample of what is available – we have them just to give the customer an idea of what that style of wheel would look like against his car.

How did the business start?

We bought the business from Keith Muller. Keith’s dad Jack had a retread factory in Mackay before the family moved to Townsville. They were there for many years until early 2000 when they moved down here and started Keith4Wheels. It was on different site then - they moved here in about May 2011. We took over in December 2012.

How did you come to be involved in the business and the industry?

JVR: I qualified as an electronic

Juan Van Rensburg

engineer from university but when I started to look for work I really couldn’t find anything. Then the whole family decided to buy a business and we decided on a tyre shop!

The name ‘Keith4Wheels’ is a very well known name so we decided to keep it - we didn’t want to upset any customers. Changing the name would have been a bit like buying a 'Bob Jane' and changing that – it doesn’t work.

My mum now works with me in the business, while my dad has his own job and is not involved in the day-today running of the shop, and my sister is studying medicine.

At just 28-years-old, Juan Van Rensburg runs the Brisbane wheel and tyre specialist shop, Keith4Wheels. The shop is well known across the southeast of Qld for its range of products, the knowledge of its staff and their dedication to meet any customer requirement. And Juan and his team are looking to expand the business to provide customers with even more choice.

Keith still comes in to help out from time-to-time. I am a car nut and have worked on cars since I was a toddler but Keith is like a mentor and if I ever need a hand I can call him. He was here working with us for about six months after we bought the business, teaching me and showing me the ropes. I listened, learned and here we are.

Who are your customers and how do you market to them?

JVR: I used to be able to answer that first question, but I can’t anymore! One month we might just sell 4WD wheels, the next might be just passenger car wheels and the next month we might sell just tyres.

I couldn’t say we have a specific market that we look after. However, if there is a 4WD show in the area, or an old-school car show, or a hot rod show, then we go to those, and the old-school market is probably what we are more known for.

We go to two hot rod and old school shows every year and we sponsor the Harrigan’s Calypso Rod and Custom Show, which is on in October. There are usually about 400 cars there and it’s about putting your name out there to people who enjoy those types of cars, so they can see there is somebody who does look after that style. We also sponsor a customer of ours who races a Cobra. He does hill climbs, track racing – that sport of thing - and he does draw in a fair bit of business.

We also get business through the internet, of course, and we use social media. For instance, we put a set of wheels on a Landcruiser this morning, I took a photo and will put that up on

Instagram and our Facebook page.

It’s a challenging way of marketing but it works.

What is the range of tyres and wheels that you sell?

JVR: Our biggest brands are Cooper

Tires, Yokohama, Falken, Michelin and BFGoodrich. We have a range of cheaper brands too, such as Federal and Nexen. A new brand I am starting to carry is Nitto - a brand owned by Toyo. However, we can supply anything the customer wants - a Bridgestone, a Pirelli – it doesn’t matter. That’s the beauty of being an independent.

As for wheels, we carry just about everybody - including a brand called Fuel Wheels which is coming on board soon - but our most dominant brands are Koya Wheels and American Racing Wheels. The American style is popular - it’s what everybody seems to want these days.

We only stock the good quality products. At the end of the day, when a customer buys a set of wheels and tyres they’re spending more than two grand. They don’t want something that is going to wear out in a year’s time.

As a shop that deals with specialist areas such as hot rods, classic cars and 4WDs, how do you help customers in their choices of tyres and wheels?

JVR: People can buy the wrong tyre for their application and get really annoyed that they bought a tyre that didn’t last, or was noisy, or whatever the circumstances might be.

You have to ask them the right questions, then they’ll tell you what they want and what they need. Ask

the right questions and you can help them see that what they want and what they need are two different things. We just try to help them understand things, and if we do it right then they appreciate that a lot.

What is the most expensive set of wheels you have ever sold?

JVR: It was a set of Dragway Wheels, custom-made for a Ferrari, that were $8500 for the set. The customer came to us, sat with us and told us exactly what he wanted and we duplicated that.

There are a number of manufacturers that will do custom builds, but Dragway Wheels is an Australian company, based in Melbourne, who we deal with mostly for that sort of work. Custom wheels are expensive, of course, because it takes a lot of tooling time, design time and so on, but the customer is getting a special set, something unique.

How many staff do you have?

JVR: I have three guys who work for me – Kiwi, Tyson and Joseph.

Kiwi is my main aligner and my right hand, and Tyson and Joseph are the fitters and balancers. My mum, Sonia, also works with me in the office.

What are your plans for the future of Keith4Wheels?

JVR: We are expanding at the moment, moving into mechanical work and we will become a one-stop shop. So, if a customer, say a 4WD customer, comes in for tyres or wheels, they could also get their suspension worked on, get a bull-bar - whatever they want. That’s the long-term plan.

September 2015 Motor Trader | 9

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Mike Brewer and Edd China are the hosts of Wheeler Dealers, television's most popular car restoration show. And their successful formula of turning tired automotive classics into pristine machines and selling them on for a tidy profit has made global stars of the unlikely duo.

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WELVE SEASONS AND 101 episodes down, Wheeler Dealers has become the world’s largest car restoration program. With over 100 million viewers across 217 territories, the show’s popularity has boomed since TV viewers first met the Dealers: Mike Brewer, “a bona fide 100% expert” car salesman, and Edd China, the mechanic so handy with a spanner that he’s turned everything from sofas to offices into vehicles.

A Discovery Channel favourite, Wheeler Dealers sees the dynamic duo travel the world – occasionally making the odd pit stop in Australia - in search of motors in need of a bit of TLC. It’s easy to understand the show’s popularity; the bangerto-beauty model makes for very watchable TV, as does their shared knowledge of old rarities and classic motors. There is, of course, also the glaringly obvious fact that the pair are so vastly different, their somewhat contradictory opinions on why the show is so popular being evidence of this! For Mike - a 14-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week workaholic who juggles being a TV personality with life as the owner of a second-hand dealership, it’s the thrill of buying and selling – no surprises there. For Edd, the son of a rocket scientist and the sort of eccentric type that layers t-shirts of differing sleeve lengths, he sees the encyclopaedic motor knowledge they give their viewers as the real draw.

As the phenomenal viewing figures attest, this odd pairing is one that works. Wholly different characters on the surface, their love of cars and engines has left them soldered at the hip, something like a classic chassis and a modern drivetrain. Meeting Mike and Edd, it’s clear that their passion for cars is absolutely real; these vehicles were ones they dreamt of as kids and play with as adults. At the end of a day of filming you won’t see them gleefully downing tools and hopping in to a cab to the station. If they leave the workshop at all they’ll drive home, often very long distances, and they love to do it.

Mike, who describes himself “as the world’s busiest man”, has been dealing cars from an early age and has plied his trade on TV for almost as long.

He met Edd 12 years ago during the early development of the first Wheeler Dealers series. Mike had seen Edd appearing on Top Gear “as a mad inventor” and, thinking he looked “quite interesting”, asked the Discovery Channel to make the pairing happen.

Edd China and Mike Brewer with a rare Lamborghini Urraco that Brewer discovered in a garage in Poland

“WE’VE GOT A HUGE AUDIENCE OUT THERE AND IF WE DO ANYTHING WRONG, THEY’LL COME ON THE INTERNET AND TELL US WE’VE DONE IT WRONG. WE’RE ALWAYS PUSHING OURSELVES AND STRIVING TO MAKE THE SHOW BETTER.” An eccentric character, Edd gives off an air of breakfast cereal mascot/lab technician.

The kind of character very much suited to life on the box, Edd has become almost as synonymous with his off-kilter dress sense as he has his skill with an engine. “It is bizarre, but he says it protects his arms from grease and oil,” laughs Mike, describing Edd’s signature two t-shirt get up. “Edd has an army of female followers online who think he’s the most wonderful thing in the world and he loves it. I’ve only got one female follower and that’s my wife!”

Get to know the person though and his route into television no longer seems quite so bizarre.

Having completed his engineering degree, Edd started to make all kinds of non-drivable things, well, drivable – a bed, a shed, a three-piece September 2015 Motor Trader | 11

bathroom suite, a sofa. The latter of which was a particular success - it holds the record for the world’s fastest piece of furniture.

Bring together the world’s best second-hand car salesman with the man who motorises Jeremy Clarkson’s furniture and there’s a fairly decent chance you’ll arrive with something watchable.

This was something that everyone involved with Wheeler Dealers accepted from the start; “let the cars and the characters do the talking” became the consensus, and it’s one that seems to be working well. “From day one we made it up as we went along,” the pair explain. “People ask who’s taking credit for the show and we all did. And we’re still doing it today - still learning new ways to do stuff.”

Edd China and Mike Brewer with a 1903 Darracq Type L, restored for the 100th episode of Wheeler Dealers Even now, after so many series, the show continues to evolve - something they put largely down to changes in technology. and seeing what the market’s doing” says Mike. “We both do “The cameras are much sharper, you get a much more a lot of research into the cars. I’m a fully trained mechanic detailed image, you need to light things better,” says Mike. myself and when I buy a car I know exactly what needs “It’s pushed us to make the program better with better doing to it and how to do it.” production values. People have got wiser as to what we’re Of course, if the research pays off, it’s not always the case doing on screen. We’ve got a huge audience out there and if that work needs to be done to the vehicles. A particularly we do anything wrong, they’ll come on the Internet and tell profitable purchase happened during a visit to Australia as us we’ve done it wrong. So, we’re always pushing ourselves part of season two of Wheeler Dealers: Trading Up, when the duo picked up a little 1972 1.3L Mk1 Ford Escort. “I gave fiveand striving to make the show better.” and-a-half-thousand Australian dollars for it, about £3,000,” Of course, a lot has changed in the car trading business Mike remembers, “I put it on the ferry, got it all the way too. Though the growth of the Internet might well have back to England and I sold it for £9,000. There was £1800 for brought with a swathe of keyboard warriors, it’s also made shipping costs and I didn’t even have to do anything to it. I tracking down rare vehicles a great deal easier – something don’t think I even threw a bucket of water over it.” this particular dealer takes full advantage of. “I spend an With a tidy win like that under their belt, the Dealers awful lot of time online looking for cars, searching for cars are keen to return to Australia. “It’s always nice to go down to Oz and we can’t wait to be invited back or find a reason to go back.” Speaking just before they leave for a series of “WE BOTH DO A LOT OF RESEARCH weeks filming in frosty Eastern Europe - a part of the world INTO THE CARS. I’M A FULLY TRAINED which Mike seems less enthusiastic about - he reveals his MECHANIC MYSELF AND WHEN I BUY and Edd’s plan to film a handful of shows over here. “I buy a car, bring Edd with me, we fix it up in the territory and sell it A CAR I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT NEEDS within Australia,” he explains, “It’s something we talk about DOING TO IT AND HOW TO DO IT.” regularly and we are being pushed that way. We’re absolutely hoping it will be happening next year because we both desperately want to do it.”

Back on home soil, viewers can expect to see a few home turf favourites – a Morris Marina, several Leylands – but, other than that, the Wheeler Dealer model will most likely stick to what we know. There’s very little wrong with that.

The very fact that it continues to work is testament to the world’s unwavering love of classic motors. As with the vehicles they restore, Mike and Edd rely on what they know and what still works. There might be a fair bit of mileage on the clock but if the thing still runs as well as this, why trade it in for an upgrade? wheelerdealers.discoveryuk.com 12 | Motor Trader September 2015

News

AADA IN GOOD HANDS AS CHAIRMAN STEPS DOWN I T HAS BEEN 18 months since the new national Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) was launched with a goal to represent the interests of newcar dealers. And it has achieved much in that time - from representations to government regarding used-car imports, franchise agreements and tax issues, to agreement over access to repair information, the AADA has worked rigorously on behalf of its members. And this year’s AADA national convention in Melbourne, with more than 1000 delegates in attendance, marked the beginning of a new period for the association - Ian Field, the founding chairman of the new AADA, and the driving force behind its emergence as a powerful industry voice, announced during his address to delegates that he was stepping down from the role.

Mr Field used his speech to reflect on the achievements and ongoing work of the AADA and here are a few excerpts from his address: ON COLLABORATIONS “For the first time ever, the AADA has opened lines of communication and worked very closely with Tony Weber and his team at FCAI on a range of issues. The AADA is about working with the OEMs, franchisors and franchisees who respect each other and work together on major policy issues to achieve better outcomes for our industry and our businesses . . .

There are two clear examples that show the close bond that now exists between the organisations: • Access to Service and Repair Information Agreement signed in December 2014 • Australian Government proposed policy relaxations of restrictions on imports of used, parallel and personal imports.

Independent repairer representative organisations like AMIF and MTAA have agreed to get their members to disclose to customers whether the parts they are using are genuine or not. It will be interesting to see if this agreement is

The AADA's founding Chairman, Ian Field

enforced or if the insurance companies agree to follow the same disclosure process. AAA, the peak body representing the motoring public who own insurance companies like RACQ, NRMA and RACV, have not yet agreed to ensure those companies make accident repairers properly advise policy holders when non-genuine parts are fitted . . .

AADA was instrumental in the Government announcement not to proceed with the policy proposal to allow large-scale importation of used vehicles. The theoretical proposition that new car prices would drop is not what would happen when you already have the most competitive market in the world. We argued we did not want the NZ experience, where the new car market contracted and has been static for over a decade, replicated in this country.

AADA and FCAI are advocating for no relaxation of restrictions to allow parallel imported vehicles into Australia. We believe safety will be the price we pay for any relaxation of standards.

ON DEALER PROFITABILITY According to IBIS, the industry is expected to grow slowly over the next 5 years with industry revenue forecast to grow at an annualised 1.2%.

When we tell customers we make very little on the sale of a motor vehicle, they

don’t believe us. However, Deloitte reports that overall dealer profitability, measured by net profit as a percentage of sales, is around 2% - slightly more than the rent factors on the $17 billion of facilities we own or rent. The small profit we make is not made from the vehicle sales but from parts and service and F and I. Income from F and I is crucial to the sustainability of dealership operations.

The ASIC inquiry into F and I has dragged on for nearly two years. We have been liaising with the Australian Finance Conference and are no closer to being able to update you on what will be the ASIC recommendations.

So, who really makes the money? Let us look at some of our OEM partners.

• Ford revenue was US$135 billion with pre-tax profit of $6.3 billion, 4.64% • Toyota revenue was $257 billion with a pre-tax profit of $17.9 billion, 7% • VW revenue was US$202 billion with a pre-tax profit of $12.3 billion, 6.1% And yet companies such as BHP, Rio Tinto, Apple and Microsoft make pre-tax profits of more than 20%.The point is, all too often, motor vehicle dealers are portrayed as the bad guys who make money ripping off the public.

Over the last 18 months we have achieved a great deal, written numerous submissions, met with politicians, written to all MPs including Senators, spoken to chiefs of staff and Government Departments. All this has been done on a shoestring and I acknowledge the generous support of MTA Queensland and QMDC. The Board of AADA has been working on your behalf and volunteered their time to represent you.

I have been honoured to be the AADA Chairperson and I believe the leadership of AADA is now in the hands of those who, together, will map out and deliver an amazing future for us all. But it cannot happen without you. Don’t waste what we have created. Seize the opportunity and become involved."

September 2015 Motor Trader | 13

News

LATEST TECHNICAL REPAIR INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

A

CCESSING VEHICLE REPAIR information has been a somewhat controversial subject for the automotive industry in recent years but MTA Queensland (MTAQ) can now offer its members access to one of the most comprehensive repair information services in the country – the OurAuto Tech-Centre.

Available to members at a 20 per cent discount subscription rate, OurAuto Tech Centre is a unique technical resource, offering four products in one: • Tech-Online - a website-based service offering access to more than 100,000 technical pages and illustrations.

• Tech-Advice – offering phone access to a team of experienced mechanics and auto-electricians.

• Times Guide - a comprehensive list of mechanical repair times and operations.

• Tech-Talk - a monthly printed technical journal.

Together, these four products combine a knowledge base built up over four decades that utilises the southern hemisphere’s largest automotive technical library of more than 40,000 14 | Motor Trader September 2015

workshop manuals and reference materials, as well as a team of dedicated mechanics and auto electricians, which together offer technical information on more than 90 per cent of the passenger vehicles on Australian roads today.

“OurAuto Tech-Centre is four different product offerings integrated to create one, powerful proposition,” said Paul El Deir, General Manager of Commercial Operations, VACC and OurAuto. “Automotive businesses can search for the repair information online, but what is unique about this product is that they also have unlimited access to a team of qualified mechanics and auto electricians – a team that currently works out of the library and deals with about 65,000 inbound calls a year.

“Our library of 40,000 workshop manuals and reference materials covers the top makes and models of contemporary vehicles and beyond.”

A particularly popular innovation of OurAuto Tech-Centre has proven to be the auto electrical wiring diagrams.

Using their own formats and design, the Tech-Centre team develops wiring diagrams in a standardised, easily understandable form, developed in

line with OEM information, that is consistent across all makes and models.

“Our design is simplified when compared to traditional wiring diagrams,” said Mr El Deir. “It is a design that does not change between makes of vehicles. For example, a VW diagram will have the same look and feel to it as a Toyota diagram. We do this not only to make them easier to digest, but to ensure that a repairer can have a much easier job of following the repair instructions.”

The OurAuto Tech-Centre has a focus on the top makes and models of vehicles on Australian roads but incorporates other factors into its repair information offering.

“We want to make sure we’ve got 90 per cent of all vehicles on the road covered,” said Mr El Deir. “So we cover the volume, but we also seek out specific areas of demand, and we do this through subscriber feedback because it is our customers who reflect the real challenges in finding the repair information they need. And, I suppose, that's why they keep coming back to Tech-Centre. Because if the information is actually available, repairers will find it 98 per cent of the time by accessing the various integrated offerings provided by Tech-Centre.”

“We are excited about our latest partnership with OurAuto Tech-Centre,” said Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland. “Having reliable technical support is crucial to the success of any automotive business and Tech-Centre delivers. With online access, full phone support and a built-in Times Guide, all available at an exclusive rate, I encourage members to consider signing up to the most comprehensive repair information service available in Australia.”

For more information on OurAuto TechCentre, go to www.tech-centre.com.au

A special business offer for MTA Queensland members.

To help keep your business moving, Commonwealth Bank has a special offer for MTA Queensland members. Just open a new Commonwealth Bank Business Transaction Account by 30/12/2015 and link it to your existing or new Commonwealth Bank merchant facility.

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

Important Information: Offer available to referrals made via MTA Queensland between 01/01/2015 and 30/12/2015. *This offer is applicable to existing and eligible new merchant facilities, excluding the Albert EFTPOS device. To maintain the fee waiver, you must retain the required products contained in this offer (including settling your merchant facility to your linked Commonwealth Bank Business transaction account). Otherwise the offer may be withdrawn. #To maintain the fee waiver, you must retain the required products, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn. Offer includes the monthly account maintenance fee of currently $10 on the Business Transaction Account linked to the merchant facility. Please refer to terms and conditions. ^Establishment fee waiver and two free tokens are available to new CommBiz customers only. This offer may be extended beyond the specified end date at the discretion of the Commonwealth Bank. Interest rates and fees are subject to change. Full conditions of use will be included in our Letter of Offer. Applications for finance subject to the Bank’s normal lending criteria. MTA Queensland may receive a fee from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for each successful referral. Referral Fees are not payable on referrals from existing relationship managed Commonwealth Bank customers. This has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider its appropriateness to your circumstances before you act on it. Terms and conditions are available from commbank.com.au Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. Australian credit licence 234945.

T-BUCKET

CRUISIN’

I

N 1908, HENRY Ford watched on as the first Model T rolled off the production line at his factory in Detroit. It was the start of an automotive revolution, ushering in mass-production assembly lines and making cars not just a symbol of luxury and wealth but something everyone could aspire to own. Fast forward 19 years, and more than 15 million of the little black cars were puttering their way along the world’s roads.

As Henry drove the last of the Model T’s off the production line in 1927, it’s likely that he imagined the world would move on, his famous creation consigned to a venerated place in automotive history while the public embraced the new and improved Model A. But the Model T didn’t just disappear into the history books, of course. Robust, incredibly numerous, and cheap, young men began to get their hands on them and began chopping and slicing them, putting in bigger engines, putting on wider wheels and giving the Model T a new life as the hot rodders’ favourite.

By the end of the 1950s, the most popular style of Model T hot rod had become known as the T-Bucket – a name bestowed upon them thanks to the use of the bucket-shaped body from the two-seater Model T roadster - and the T-Bucket style remains one of the most popular to this day. So popular, in fact, that with Roadster bodies becoming harder to find, an industry has developed building fiberglass replicas.

Steve Myers, from Myers Engine Reconditioning in Cairns, has owned this stunning T-Bucket for four years – taking advantage of the replica industry to buy a built-to-order chassis and fiberglass body and building up the car around them. It

16 | Motor Trader September 2015

was a conscious decision to build a hot rod which, at the same time, was not a project that

was terrifically complex.

“I bought a chassis and the bucket from a guy whose business is building them,” says Steve. “They come engineered and with the certificates ready to register it. So I started with that and bought bits here and there and built the rest of it myself. I always wanted to build a hot rod and a T-bucket is quite simple. So I thought I would build this one first, see if it worked out fine and then build another hot rod later.”

Steve already knew much of what he would be doing to the T-Bucket before he received the chassis and body. In fact, he had to tell the manufacturer what engine, gearbox and diff he would be using so that the chassis could be made to fit.

“I knew I was going to build it with a 350 Chev V8,” he says.

“And I knew I was going to run the Chev with a Turbo 350 gearbox and a Jag diff. A lot of hot rods use Jag diffs because they’ve got independent suspension and they are nice looking too. And you take into account what things look like when you build one of these.”

However, as with the construction of just about anything these days, building a hot rod is not as simple as deciding what you want it to look like and what parts you are going to use. There are rules to be followed, including National Street Rod Registration guidelines, which involve submitting a ‘proposal to build’ outlining the technical specs of the car and allowing inspections during the build to ensure compliance.

“When you start the build you have to submit a ‘proposal to build’ and basically state what motor, what gearbox,

MODEL: FORD T-BUCKET (REPLICA) YEAR: 2011 ENGINE: 350 CHEV V8 OWNER: STEVE MYERS OWNED: 4 YEARS

what size wheels, everything, you are going to use,” says Steve. “Once you’ve done that you can’t really deviate from the proposal. For instance, I can’t now decide to put a Supercharger on mine because it wont be within those specs. There are only little things along the way that you can change – but not the fundamentals.”

But those ‘little things’ can be important. They influence the look and feel of the car. For instance, the wheels, the paint job, the interior – all play an important part in how a hot rod comes together. For Steve, this meant going a bit ‘old-school’ in design, and sourcing much of the parts, and indeed the look, from websites.

“Because I’m an engine reconditioner, finding the engine wasn’t really a problem,” he says. “I bought aluminium heads from the US and it’s got a twin-carby set-up on it from the States too. I sourced the front brakes from a Commodore and found headlights and other bits online. And because it’s a T-Bucket and they are a bit ‘old school’, I went for an old style mag set-up with the ‘jelly bean’ type.”

While Steve found parts online, the source for the deep blue paint job was a little more conventional.

“I like blue and I was at a local Holden dealer one day repairing a broken stud when I saw a new Commodore Ute. I said to the guy there, ‘What’s the name of that colour?’

He gave me the name and I went from there - so it’s a Commodore colour!

“As for the interior, I made the shape of the seat that I wanted and a friend upholstered the frame I made. The ‘old-school’ style electronic gauges I bought from the States.”

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

With the T-Bucket essentially finished Contact Jonathan Nash at jonathann@ 18 months ago, mtaq.com.au or 07 3237 8721 and let’s Steve hasn’t let the see if we can share your classic with other members. finished project sit idly in his garage.

It might not be his everyday drive, but it certainly gets plenty of road time, and plenty of attention.

“Even if I take it out just for a half-hour drive I always get people waving to me,” he laughs. “I pull up at a set of lights and it’s not unusual to see somebody hanging out of the window of the car next to me taking pictures!”

There isn’t anything left to do on the T-Bucket - though Steve says he may yet put a roof on to protect against the sometimes unpredictable North Queensland weather - and with this car complete, he is turning his mind to future projects.

“I’ve usually always got a project on the go,” he says. “I can’t just sit around and watch TV at night time, so there’s always something happening!"

September 2015 Motor Trader | 17

News

ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO BUILD BETTER HEALTH AND SAFETY SYSTEMS A JOINT INITIATIVE BETWEEN Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and WorkCover Queensland, the Queensland Governments’ Injury Prevention and Management Program (IPaM) assists organisations to develop better workplace health, safety and injury management systems.

The IPaM program works with employers whose work-related injury and compensation claims performance is worse than employers of a similar size through a two-year case management model. The primary function of the program is to build capacity, facilitate and sustain change in organisations.

Two success stories are Transit Australia Group and Greyhound Australia. Since implementing a new safety management system which included changes to their rehabilitation and return to work processes, reporting, consultation and training, Transit Australia Group experienced a cultural shift, a significant reduction in their claims and their WorkCover premium reduced.

THE IPAM PROGRAM WORKS WITH EMPLOYERS WHOSE WORK-RELATED INJURY AND COMPENSATION CLAIMS PERFORMANCE IS WORSE THAN EMPLOYERS OF A SIMILAR SIZE THROUGH A TWO-YEAR CASE MANAGEMENT MODEL.

Greyhound Australia’s participation in IPaM resulted in a significant drop in injury rates and improved their workplace safety culture.

Since starting, IPaM has recorded exceptional results for many companies involved in the program.

WorkCover Queensland’s 2013 - 2014 figures show a 12 per cent reduction in claim numbers, a 12.1 per cent reduction in claim costs, and a 3.5 per cent reduction in days off work for

participating businesses.

Many companies have noted additional benefits, including improved communication and staff morale, reduced operating costs and increased productivity. They are now experiencing safer work environments, while saving money on their workers’ compensation premiums and other business costs.

Most importantly, fewer workers are being injured. For workers that are injured, there are more supportive and effective return-towork processes in place at their workplace.

Whilst the IPaM program is an invitation-only program, you can use the same processes and tools IPaM uses to: • Review how well you are identifying and controlling hazards • Assess your safety and injury management systems • Survey your workers to better understand your organisation’s safety culture • Write a business improvement plan to manage your WHS and injury management improvements • Monitor and review your progress and improvements For small businesses, support is available through the Small Business Program, which provides free, easyto-use services to help manage work health and safety.

For access to the IPaM tools and case studies, to find about more about the Small Business Program and for general WHS advice, refer to the following website. The advice could save a life, as well as improve your financial bottom line.

Go to www.worksafe.qld.gov.au to find out more.

18 | Motor Trader September 2015

MTAIT TRAINERS ATTEND ANNUAL CONFERENCE

E S S E N T I A L S

MEMBERS

M E M B E R S

Training matters

ESSENTIALS Contents 22 Training matters 26 Member profiles

J & J AUTO FIX RELIABLE AUTOMATICS & AUTOMOTIVE SAMFORD AUTOMOTIVE MOBILE SERVICES

28 Industrial relations

MTAIT trainers were able to attend presentations and updates on new technologies and developments

M

TAQ BROUGHT TOGETHER its trainers from across the State last month for the annual two-day MTAIT trainers’ conference.

An opportunity for the 35 trainers to get together and discuss various issues surrounding the organisation’s training programs, the conference also offered sessions on professional development across industry sectors as well as the chance to network with colleagues who, thanks to the vastness of the State, rarely get a chance to meet face to face.

The aim of this year’s conference was to cover four areas vital to MTAIT’s continued excellent performance as an RTO – Information Technology, Business Development, Compliance, and Professional Development – and presentations were given by a wide field of professionals.

Key amongst these presentations was an update on the ARISapp system now used by all trainers.

The system, which is used across mobile phones, tablet computers and desktop machines, allows for critical documentation and information to be constantly available via mobile

in training

systems. This means that apprentice sign-up forms, training documentation, progress records, business reports, office administration documentation and government compliance documentation – everything that might once have required either a trip to the office or the printing out of paperwork – is now handled at the touch of a button.

Presentations were also given by representatives of Busy at Work, which provides career opportunities to job seekers through apprenticeship, employment and community programs; from Mazda, whose presentation focused on light vehicle electronic control systems; from I-CAR regarding body repair and refinishing; and from Volvo, who brought one of their new FH16 trucks to the Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence to conduct a presentation of dynamic control systems.

The annual trainers’ conference is a vital part of the ongoing development of MTAIT, said Paul Kulpa, General Manager Training Operations, “It’s a great opportunity to bring all the trainers into one room and get a September 2015 Motor Trader | 19

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

MTAIT TRAINER PROFILE

Training matters feel for how industry is going through training,” he said. “The energy amongst the guys has been great – they know there are some challenges coming up, however they know what they need to do.

“The conference is about Head Office supporting them and giving them the tools to do the job. And covering the four areas of Information Technology, Business Development, Compliance, and Professional Development is important - if we get all those things right, that moves us in the right direction and sustains us as we move into the future.”

“It is also a chance to exchange ideas too,” added Marcello Riotto, Senior Trainer with MTAIT. “The conference offers the chance to share technical information, share teaching styles and experiences in the field.

But it is also very important as a professional development experience.

“When it comes to organising the agenda for the conference we look at areas where there is new technology

ALEX FLETCHER

and we address that, and we ask the trainers what areas they would like to see presented to them.

“This year, the Volvo presentation was particularly highly rated by the trainers, and some of the technology on show there was very impressive. For instance, they were shown how Volvo has developed trucks with adaptive cruise control, lane departure control and even ‘journey history’. This development means a truck can

record a trip in amazing detail – the altitude, speed, distances - and the next time that trip is run, it can assist the driver. For instance, it can remember when a hill is coming up, or a descent, and can act accordingly.

It’s reckoned that this system could save as much as 5 per cent in fuel costs per trip, which, when you take into account the amount of fuel transport companies use, could mean massive savings.”

What geographical area do you service?

is a constantly advancing industry with highly advanced technology.

Due to the diversity within the motor trade, there are so many areas that one can branch into. The motor trade can offer an interesting and rewarding career for those who want to achieve.

In many cases this is a” people industry”. Yes, we fix cars, but this is a people industry.

Beenleigh down to Coolangatta, and west to Beaudesert.

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

What is your specialised area?

Working with the student and the employer to develop a productive worker that will be of value to the company while, at the same time, ensuring the career prospects of the apprentice.

Light vehicle and auto electrical, front line management.

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

What is your background in the automotive industry?

Getting the knowledge and skills into the student. This is a dollar-driven industry and the worker has to produce at an early stage - the employer wants results that he can benefit from. This is the advantage of our mode of delivery - the student is developed and grows within the business with the training relevant to his daily tasks.

A life in the motor trade as a tradesman and specialist. Manager with long-term experience in branch management of workshops.

When did you become a trainer for MTA Institute of Technology?

Joined MTAQ in 2003 after a successful relationship with MTA as training providers for my workshop staff.

20 | Motor Trader September 2015

Why should someone consider a career in the automotive industry?

Traditionally, it has always been a secure industry. You will always have work. And it

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

Make sure you want to do this!

You have to enjoy what you do. You need to have the aptitude and the ability, and be able to concentrate on becoming a good tradesperson and obtain your qualification.

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

A man of many hobbies, I have a keen interest in classic cars, home and garden improvements, travel, and time with the family.

Paul Kulpa, General Manager Training Operations, with Scott Gehrke, Steve Hudspith and Don Lerm, who were all nominated for the MTAIT Trainer of the Year Award

However, though the trainers’ It feels very good.” conference is important for Steve was a worthy winner networking, development and according to Mr Kulpa, who presented technology updates, it’s not all about him with the award. work. At the end of Day One, the “Steve is unassuming, consistent trainers, as well as many staff from and reliable – the consummate head office, enjoyed a dinner and night professional,” he said. “He is polite and out at the Springwood Towers Hotel in friendly, always follows up with his south Brisbane. students and just gets on with the job.”

A chance for everyone to relax, it “He is extremely able in all aspects,” was also the chance to present the added Mr Riotto. “In the technical award for MTAIT’s Trainer of the Year. area, in his teaching and in his The nominated relationships with trainers were Steve apprentices and TRAINING THESE Hudspith, Scott employers he is Gehrke and Don able to manage all YOUNG STUDENTS Lerm and this situations that are MAKES YOU FEEL year’s recipient was presented to him in THAT YOU’RE MAKING Steve Hudspith, a a very professional seven-year veteran A DIFFERENCE, THAT manner. He is with MTAIT who WHAT YOU DO MATTERS consistent and specialises in nothing is too hard AND IT WILL BENEFIT both Light and for him. He ticks Heavy Vehicle every box.”

PEOPLE AND THEIR qualifications.

For Steve, FUTURE. THAT IS VERY Having the Trainer of the completed his own SATISFYING. Year award is an apprenticeship with added bonus to a the Motorama Group in Brisbane, job he clearly enjoys.

Steve worked for some years on “I enjoy it because I get to be a part brands including Audi, Lotus, Bentley of the industry that I love. And signing and Lamborghini before moving into up a young student with obvious heavy vehicle work with Western Star. talent and motivation and seeing He joined MTAIT as a trainer in 2008. them become a mechanic – well, while “I was very surprised,” said Steve they’re not all like that, they definitely on receiving the award. “And I was make it all worthwhile. proud to be in the company of “Training these young students Scott and Don, who are extremely makes you feel that you’re making a accomplished trainers. difference, that what you do matters “It is very nice to be recognised and it will benefit people and their for the work you do on a daily basis. future. That is very satisfying.”

“

”

THERESA KERR IS the MTAIT Student of the Month for August. The 29-year-old, fourth-year Light Vehicle apprentice with BP The Gap in Brisbane has impressed her trainer Kevin Ryan with the reliability and consistency she has shown over the course of her apprenticeship.

“She always completes her training tasks and her books, and she does revision prior to my visit to stay on top of her game,” said Kevin. “She has always been a top student.”

Theresa started work at BP The Gap in 2007, working in the service station. It’s an unusual starting point for a mechanical apprentice and her move into the workshop is an unusual story, starting as it does with problems she had with her own car and the desire to know how to fix them herself.

“I’d been working behind the service counter and I had a big job to do on my car, - not for the first time” said Theresa. “It just kept costing ridiculous amounts of money. I was 23 and working behind the counter at the BP knowing I didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life. So I asked if I could learn how to do these things myself and that’s how it happened.”

For a year, Theresa worked as a tyre fitter at the BP before officially starting her apprenticeship when she turned 25, in 2011. She clearly enjoys the work and said she has been made to feel very welcome in what is still a male-dominated industry.

“I have never met another female mechanic while I’ve been doing this, though I do know they exist!” she said with a laugh. “I have heard some horror stories but it has been fantastic here - I have a great boss and I work with good people.

“And I like the variety of the work. It’s always good to have different challenges and we are always learning.”

As for her future - the apprenticeship is to be completed soon - Theresa obviously has a soft spot for BP The Gap. “My co-workers and my employer have put up with a lot from me,” she said. “So, I’m not going anywhere. As long as they don’t sack me, I’ll be staying!”

September 2015 Motor Trader | 21

E S S E N T I A L S

Theresa Kerr

M E M B E R S

STUDENT OF THE MONTH

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

MTAIT TO COLLABORATE WITH

M

TAQ PLAYED HOST to some VIP guests in July as more than 20 delegates from South Korean educational institutions came to tour the Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MTAIT. The delegates were representing the Kunjang University College - a Registered Specialised College based in the city of Gunsan in the southwestern region of Jeollabuk-do; and the Advanced Institute of Convergence – a Human Resource Development and Research company located in Seoul. They were joined in the signing of the MOU by representatives of

Smart Education and Training Australia (SETA), a leading education and training consultancy based in Brisbane that offers professional

“IT IS OUR AIM TO

DEVELOP A STRONG WORKING RELATIONSHIP INTO THE FUTURE AROUND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR KOREAN AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS.”

Delegates were given a tour of the MTAIT training centre before visiting Keema Hyundai where they were escorted around the facility by Service Manager John McCreesh (right)

22 | Motor Trader September 2015

services for Korean students. The aim of the MOU is to establish a mutually beneficial collaborative relationship between the four parties that will lead to providing students and teachers with customised training programs.

“This is about strengthening relationships, and the MOU is designed to lead to further negotiations that will lead to cooperative programs between us,” said MTAIT Business Development Manager Anthony Bonaccorso.

As well as a tour of the training workshop at The Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence, the delegates were given a presentation on the scope and breadth of training

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

Mr Seungwoo Lee, Chancellor of Kunjang University College and Steve Ghost, MTAIT Managing Director Strategic Operations, after signing the MOU

SOUTH KOREAN INSTITUTIONS

available through MTAIT and the opportunities provided by the MTAIT’s relationship with MTAQ and its members.

Following the presentation and the signing of the MOU, the delegates then visited the Mount Gravatt Keema Hyundai new-car dealership in Brisbane and were given a tour of their facility, including the service centre and the dealership floor.

“Giving our guests a real-life, real-world experience by taking them to one of our members at Keema

“COLLABORATIONS

SUCH AS THIS ARE A REFLECTION OF OUR EXPANDING AMBITION TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INTERNATIONALLY.” Hyundai allowed them to look past the education and training to the employment outcome and what

it would be like for someone to be living in Australia and working at an automotive dealership,” said Mr Bonaccorso.

“It is our aim to develop a strong working relationship into the future around training opportunities for Korean and other international students,” said Steve Ghost, Managing Director Strategic Operations for MTAIT. “Collaborations such as this are a reflection of our expanding ambition to provide educational opportunities internationally.”

September 2015 Motor Trader | 23

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

A presentation by MTAIT executives was followed by a tour of The Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence

MTAIT WELCOMES CHINESE TOUR DELEGATION

R

many training options that MTAIT EPRESENTATIVES FROM can deliver, both on a local and SOUTH Korea were not the international level; the administrative only East-Asian delegation and organisational structure of to visit the MTAQ last month, with MTAIT, and the regulatory compliance 20 representatives from Sichuan expected of a leading Registered Vocational College of Chemical Training Organisation (RTO).

Technology in China also guests of the The presentation stirred much Association during August. debate amongst the delegates with The Sichuan province, located in southwest China, is a major industrial centre that is a hub for the production ONE THING I’VE of chemicals, construction equipment manufacturing and various other NOTICED IN MEETING hi-tech industries and has become, in WITH OUR CHINESE more recent times, a major player in GUESTS IS THAT the manufacturing of motor vehicles and parts.

THE FOOTPRINT OF The delegation was led by Mr Lu THE AUTOMOTIVE Zhong, President of the Sichuan INDUSTRY IS A GLOBAL College of Chemical Technology, and was comprised of a number of FOOTPRINT. distinguished professors and lecturers from the college.

As well as a tour of the MTAQ’s facility at the Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence, the delegates were also given a presentation by Paul Kulpa, General Manager Training Operations for MTA Institute of Technology (MTAIT), regarding MTAQ and MTAIT; the relationship between the association and its members, and the state Mr Lu Zhong and MTAIT's Paul Kulpa exchange gifts and federal governments; the

“

”

24 | Motor Trader September 2015

particular interest paid to the blended model of apprenticeship training MTAIT delivers to clients - where both on-site and institutebased block training is available.

Mr Zu Lhong explained that, as the Sichuan province continues to move into vehicle manufacturing, his college offered courses in several automotive disciplines and was keen to learn more about Vocational Education and Training. He also predicted a potential closer working relationship with MTAIT. “One of our purposes is to get a general understanding of VET training here,” said Mr Zu. “Our trainers want to know how MTAIT trainers deliver in a more practical way and we look forward to opportunities to co-operate in the future.”

It was a sentiment echoed

by Mr Kulpa. “One thing I’ve noticed in meeting with our Chinese guests is that the footprint of the automotive industry is a global footprint – a car is a car no matter where you are. Fundamentally, the mechanics on how to manufacture a car and repair it are the same here as it is in China or anywhere else, and we hope that this will lead to a future working relationship.”

66TH Annual Motor Trade Golf Tournament NUDGEE GOLF CLUB THURSDAY, 15TH OCTOBER, 2015 Entries close 5pm Friday, 9th October, 2015 with Treasurer David Gorrie, 12 J Dobson Road, Morayfield, 4506. Phone 0431 431 952 Email: gorried@yahoo.com.au Early receipt of entries will determine the priority for allocation of starting times.

ENTRANCE FEE: $55 EACH PLAYER, MUST ACCOMPANY THE ENTRY FORM (includes Green Fee, All Competition Events, Halfway Snack and Dinner from 5pm) (Entrance Fee is Non-Returnable) SEE ELIGIBILITY AND CONDITIONS OF PLAY

TROPHIES WILL BE AWARDED FOR THE FOLLOWING:

18 HOLES STABLEFORD – MAIN EVENT MOTOR TRADE CUP: 18 Holes Stableford. Trophy donated by Motor Trades Association of Queensland for annual competition. Winner each year to receive replica and special trophy.

Trophies also for second, third and fourth and numerous trophy run-downs.

Nearest-the-Pins on all Par 3 holes

18 HOLES STROKE EVENT Trophies for Winner and numerous Runner-up Trophies Nearest-the-Pins

SPECIAL TROPHY FOR HOLE-IN-ONE ON ANY HOLE COMMITTEE: CHAIRMAN: RON SCELLS P.O. Box 49, Boonah, 4310 (5463 2707)

ROSS McCLOUD, 66 Cumberland Drive, Alexandra Hills, 4161 (0419 841 853)

TREASURER: DAVID GORRIE, (Life Member) 12 J Dobson Road, Morayfield, 4506 (0431 431 952)

DES KEMPSTER, (Life Member) 46 Streeton Parade, Everton Park, 4053 (3355 0410)

PAT HELMS, 234 Kirralee Crs. Upper Kedron, 4053

NEAL SPRING, 10 Fairhaven Street, Bridgeman Downs,

(0439 723 316)

4035 (3263 5515)

SOME PROCEEDS MAY BE DONATED TO CHARITY

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

Member profiles

J & J Auto Fix

Reliable Automatics & Automotive

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

The customers and finding solutions to problems.

Location: Albion

Industry awareness of MTAQ.

How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business?

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

Type of business: Mechanical Workshop Number of employees: 6 Trading since: 1998 MTAQ member since: 1998

Has helped with industry information to run business effectively.

What has been your proudest business achievement to date?

Starting business from scratch (twice) due to relocation.

What is the best thing about working in your industry?

Samford Automotive Mobile Services

26 | Motor Trader September 2015

Always keep your finger on the pulse “If it is to be, it is up to me.�

What would you say to someone thinking about joining MTAQ? If you want information and business support, join up.

Type of business: Mechanical Workshop Number of employees: 3 Trading since: October 2014 MTAQ member since: October 2014

What is the best thing about working in your industry?

Previously employed by MTAQ Member.

Our customers and our business associates.

How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business?

Being able to inform customers that we are an MTAQ Member. A sign of credibility.

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

Treat customers as you would like to be treated yourself.

What has been your proudest business achievement to date?

What would you say to someone thinking about joining MTAQ?

Opening the business and making a lot of referred business.

Do it. A good business investment.

Reliable Automatics & Automotive

Samford Automotive Mobile Services Location: Arana Hills Type of business: Mobile Workshop Number of employees: 3 Trading since: 2004 MTAQ member since: 2004

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

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

Through industry contacts.

To be honest and provide good customer service.

How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business?

Good backup and support when required.

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

What has been your proudest business achievement to date?

Being open for business for 10 years.

What is the best thing about working in your industry?

Word of mouth referrals back tobBusiness.

September 2015 Motor Trader | 27

E S S E N T I A L S

Location: Albion

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

M E M B E R S

J & J Auto Fix

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

Industrial relations

TED KOWALSKI INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MANAGER

PAYROLL RECORD KEEPING AND PAY SLIP OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE FAIR WORK ACT

T

HE FAIR WORK Act sets out the information that an employer must maintain in his pay records as well as the details of what must appear on an employee’s pay slip. Pay records must be in English; retained for seven years; must not be altered except for correction of an error and be readily accessible to a Fair Work inspector.

Pay records must show, for each employee: • The name of the employer and the employee.

• If the employee is a casual or irregular part-time employee who has a guaranteed rate of pay, the record relating to the employee must include a record of the hours worked by the employee.

Pay slips must show;• The employer’s name.

• The ABN of the employer.

• The employee’s name.

• The employee’s classification (including whether full-time, parttime or casual) under the award.

• The basis on which the employee’s rate of pay is determined.

• The date of the payment to which the pay slip relates.

• The period to which that pay slip relates.

• The ordinary hours rate and number of hours in that period.

• The number of hours worked overtime and the amount paid for the overtime worked.

• The gross and net amount of the payment.

• Any loadings, allowances, bonuses or penalty rates paid under the award – such as tool allowance, first aid allowance, commissions etc.

• Any deductions made from the employee’s pay.

• Superannuation details including the name of the fund and the amount contributed during that pay period.

Pay slips must be issued to each employee within one working day of payday in electronic form or hard copy even if an employee is on leave.

• The date of commencement of employment.

• Whether the employee is engaged as a permanent, part-time or casual.

• The rate of pay, including the gross and net amounts and any deductions.

• Any allowances, penalties, loadings, bonuses or commissions paid.

• Leave taken and accrued – includes annual leave, sick leave, compassionate leave and long service leave.

• The amount of superannuation contributions made, the date on which each contribution is made, the period over which the contributions were made, the name of the superannuation fund and details in relation to choice of fund.

(Employees are entitled to nominate which super fund they want the contributions to be paid into.)

• If a penalty rate or loading must be paid for overtime hours worked, the number of overtime hours worked or when the employee started and ceased working overtime hours.

• If the employee has agreed to an averaging of hours, a copy of the written agreement.

• If an employee’s employment has been terminated; - The name of the person who terminated the employment.

- The reason for the termination.

- How the termination took place ie., by consent, by notice, summarily or in some other manner.

MTA QUEENSLAND WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS Business Name

Principal/s

Address

Email

Division

AK Autos - Tyres - Servicing - Repairs

Andy Fake

Unit 1/47 Wises Road Maroochydore Q 4558

N/A

AED

Bob Jane T Mart Carina

Brett Watts

944 Old Cleveland Road, Carina Q 4152

bjcarina@tmarts.com.au

TUDQ

Coleman Tyre Company Wacol

Michael Fleming

5/3471 Ipswich Road, Wacol Q 4076

saoes@colemantyreswacol.com.au

TUDQ

Davkel Auto Group

David Cameron

7 Ross Street, Newstead Q 4006

sales@davkelautogroup.com.au

ARD

Geebung Truck & Car Centre

Warren Richardson

47 Morrisby Street, Geebung Q 4034

Warren@gtacc.com.au

AED

J Dixon Automotive Services Pty Ltd

Julie-Anne Dixon

11/58 Wecker Road, Mansfield Q 4122

julieannedixon@gmail.com

AED

Kruger Motors

Rita Ram

Unit 7/91 Lobb St, Churchill Q 4305

krugerstmotors@gmail.com

AED

Option 1 Garage

Paul Williamson

7 Remora Road, Hamilton Q 4007

paul@option1garage.com.au

TUDQ

Slattery Auctions

Dan Foley

Unit 3, 57 Hayward St, Stafford Q 4053

dfoley@slatteryauctions.com

ARD

Tableland Batteries

Jamie DeLai

6 Lawson Street, Tolga Q 4882

jamie@tablelandbatteries.com.au

AED

28 | Motor Trader September 2015

Investment matters

MARKET WRAP

T

HE S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index rallied back 4.4 per cent for the month, following a soft period for markets as Greece made its attempts to reach an agreement with the Eurozone. This was achieved despite falling commodity prices where oil and iron ore dropped significantly. A sharp fall in long-term government bond yields supported the defensive sectors and a fall in the domestic currency aided offshore exposed companies.

A recovery, post the resolution of the crisis in Greece (at least for now), has given way to some unease in markets and weakness in commodities.

US profit results to date have struggled to inspire markets, while Markets remain wary of China in particular, following some soft economic data and risk off attitude of investors following the equities sell off. This is feeding into commodity markets with resource stocks all hitting lows.

We are also becoming increasingly cautious around the outlook for the Australian economy. As we have known for some time, the resource capex spend is about to roll over and we need other areas of the economy to ride to the rescue. However, housing, especially apartments, is hitting a peak and banks are tightening lending into this segment. Additionally, Government rules are tightening the opportunity for foreign investors.

That leaves service industries such as tourism and education, as well as infrastructure and the consumer, to make up the difference. With national incomes flat, it is difficult to see the consumer providing too much of the gap and Government urgency on infrastructure is pathetic (NSW excepted).

This outlook supports lower interest rates and lower currency.

The Chinese equity market volatility has seemingly fed into concerns regarding the economic outlook for China, driving risk aversion and selling of commodities.

There were numerous newspaper reports describing the fall as “China’s Great Depression� etc.

The size of the Shanghai Index is small and represents only a small proportion of the Chinese economy relative to the size of markets in other developed countries. The key enduring concern we have is around the steps authorities have taken to protect equities that can undermine confidence in the asset class. The movement in commodities has clearly stepped down and this has been reflected in equity prices.

The key question is whether this selling is now capitulation and begins to represent an opportunity, or whether it signals a hard landing for China. We think odds of further stimulus for China are increasing which could provide a circuit breaker.

Results for BHP / RIO confirming dividends might also create a circuit breaker for these stocks.

Market valuations remain at around 15.5x earnings, which looks a little expensive from a historical perspective. However, when we compare this to other asset classes it begins to look relatively cheap. While an increase in interest rates in the US might not help this comparison, it appears as though the US will increase interest rates carefully and the RBA is likely to lower rates, so equity will remain the most attractive alternative.

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.

September 2015 Motor Trader | 29

The hit list

HOLDEN HURRICANE (1969)

CONCEPT CARS

OF THE

1960s

T

HE 1950S WAS the decade of the truly flamboyant concept car in the US. Wings, fins and protrusions - anything, it seems, to mimic the look of the new-fangled jet fighters of the time - was fair game for car designers.

The 1960s, however, stripped that away, leaving sleek and smooth designs in their place. And there were some truly stunning cars put into

production during the decade. Not least, of course, the car that even Enzo Ferrari called 'the most beautiful car ever made' - the Jaguar E-Type. But it wasn't just the Europeans and the Americans building stunning concept cars. In fact, Australia was the home of one of the '60s standout designs - the Holden Hurricane, a car that was truly decades ahead of its time. Here are a few other rather special concepts

HOLDEN HURRICANE (1969) A study in design trends, propulsion systems and other long range developments, the Hurricane is one of the picks of '60s concept cars. The midengined, rear-wheel drive sports car is stunning and Holden's research team used it to try out a remarkable list of features including electronic digital instrument displays and an automated route finder, called 'Pathfinder', which used a system of magnets embedded along the road to guide the driver. Getting into the Hurricane involved lifting a hydraulically-powered canopy over the front wheels - a fittingly futuristic design for a vehicle truly ahead of its time.

OPEL CD (1969)

DODGE DEORA (1967)

DODGE DEORA (1967)

30 | Motor Trader September 2015

AT THE REQUEST OF Chrylser, famed Detroit custom car builders the Alexander brothers took an A100 pick-up and built the stunning Deora. Entrance to the cab was through the front of the truck - the windscreen swung upwards while the lower gate swivelled. This unusual arrangement meant some major changes to the interior. Instruments and gauges were arranged either to the left of the driver (where a door would normally be) and on the centre console. The steering wheel was built onto a swing-arm. Chrysler took the Deora on the road to major motor shows and the truck was so popular that it was one of the first Hot Wheels models developed by toy manufacturer Mattel.

FORD MUSTANG I (1962) IT SEEMS inconceivable that this 4-cylinder, midengined, two-seater is a Mustang, but it is. Designed to challenge the Chevy Corvette and the numerous sporty roadsters coming out of Europe, it debuted at the US Grand Prix in 1962, being taken on a demonstration lap by F1 driver Dan Gurney. The Mustang I's mid-engined layout was unusual at the time and the 2-litre, 109hp engine pushed it along to a top speed of 160km/h. The Mustang I may not look much like the famous production cars that would follow just two years later, but it shares one important feature with them other than the name - the 'galloping mustang' logo was first seen on this car.

FORD MUSTANG I (1962)

FORD ALLEGRO II (1967)

FORD ALLEGRO II ROADSTER (1967) The original Allegro I concept was a four-passenger fastback considered part of the early '60s designs for what would become the Mustang. The company

shelved the design but it reappeared in 1967 with a speedster-style windshield, roll-bar, flying buttresses on the rear deck, new rear end and no roof. Redubbed the Allegro II, it was long and very low - only a couple of inches tallers than Ford's ultra-low race car, the GT40.

OPEL CD (1969) STEALING THE LIMELIGHT at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Opel CD was a fibreglass-bodied two-seater coupe with a wedge-shaped body and a one-piece wraparound windshield that tilted forward to enable access to the cabin. Power by a 5.3-litre V8, on the inside the CD had a futuristic cockpit with an aircraft-inspired instrument cluster and a central panel that included a telephone.

The CD was such a hit with the Motor Show public that Opel put plans in motion to put the car into production but, in the end, it was a modified version, built by Bitter Automotive, that appeared on roads - about 400 examples of them were sold between 1971 and 1979.

ALFA ROMEO CARABO (1968) DESIGNED BY Marcello Gandini (who would go on to design the Lamborghini Countach), the Carabo was built on the chassis of the equally stunning Alfo Stradale 33 Tipo and had some innovative design quirks, including one-way, multi-coloured glass. Most famously, the Carabo had scissor-doors, a feature Gandini would build into the Lambo. Another touch was saved for the headlights, which were hidden behind a series of swivelling flaps. Powered by the Stradale's 2-litre V8, the Carabo was capable of 250km/h.

ALFA ROMEO CARABO (1968)

VAUXHALL XVR (1966)

VAUXHALL XVR (1966)

FIRST SHOWN AT the 1966 Geneva Salon, the XVR was seen as the British marque's attempt to move away from its reputation as a manufacturer of safe but rather dull cars. And they couldn't have done a better job. Among the VXR's features were gullwing doors, pop-up headlights and all-independent suspension, but it is its very un-English styling that makes it stand-out - it is radically different to its two-seat sports car contemporaries such as the E-Type and, at first glance, many might think it Is a version of its American cousin, the Chevy Corvette.

September 2015 Motor Trader | 31

Industry insight

4 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL LOAN APPLICATION 1. Ask yourself “Would I lend the money to me?” This may seem like a weird question, but at the end of the day this is how a lender will look at you. So, ask yourself these questions: a. What do I need the money for? If it’s to fund growth, you will need to demonstrate the reality of growth with plans/contracts etc.

Banks are looking for intended uses such as: i. Working Capital needs ii. Growth plans iii. Financing the purchase of new equipment b. How much do I need? c. How long do I need it for and how do I plan to repay it? d. What type of financing do I need e.g. overdraft, line of credit etc. e. What banks won’t lend for is to compensate for poor financial management. If this is the case, look into why you’ve run out of money and find operational ways to rectify the situation. f. Lenders will run credit checks on you and your business. It’s best to do this yourself prior to making the application, so you can deal with, or explain, anything negative. g. Do some internet searching on yourself and your business to ensure there’s nothing untoward that could look bad to a lender.

They will do the same.

2. Get the information right. The lender will want to get a really detailed picture of you and your business – particularly your financial situation.

Here’s what they will want to see: a. Recent trading results i.e. Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet for at least a couple of years. They will run diagnostics on your financials to see how the numbers stack up i.e. they will measure your business on their own set of indicators known as covenants. These are measurements that create an 32 | Motor Trader September 2015

easy way for a lender to assess the financial health of a business. b. Budget showing your future plans i. Profit and Loss ii. Balance Sheet c. Cash Flow Forecast showing your future cash situation and how you will use the loan and pay it back. d. Information re forward sales/ orders (possibly signed contracts). e. Information about your personal assets and liabilities. f. Business Plan – a detailed outline and picture of your business and it’s overall plans including: i. Product/service you offer ii. Marketing and sales iii. Operations and finance iv. Human resources v. Customer service etc. g. Ensure all information given to the lender is accurate and properly reconciled. h. Ensure your tax liabilities are up to date e.g. GST, Company Tax, PAYG etc. i. Ensure you don’t have any long overdue payments. j. They may be interested in the level of your investment in the business, i.e. how much of your own equity have you got at stake. k. Lenders may require collateral if there is not a strong track record of profitability or strong credit record. You should be able to list assets that can be pledged.

3. Understand the rules a. Lenders won’t lend you money because you’re a nice guy/girl or because you have a fantastic new idea that you’re convinced will be a world-beater. They will assess the situation based on cold hard facts. b. If your loan is approved they will want regular and timely updates on your financial situation. They will look closely at the operation of your account and usage of an overdraft. If you have an

overdraft that becomes ‘hard core’ i.e. you never pay it off, but keep increasing the amount used, this will raise flags with them and you can probably expect requests for information/reasons why. c. They will measure your loan performance using their covenants, so it pays for you to regularly calculate these for yourself to ensure you’re complying. Include them in your regular financial management reports. d. If you regularly exceed your overdraft this will obviously raise flags and they will become very vigilant. Don’t think of an overdraft as an excuse to get slack on money management.

4. Look in the right place – a traditional bank isn’t the only place to look for loan funds. There’s a myriad of options available these days including angel investors, crowd-funding etc. Do some research to find what is the best form of finance and be very careful to fully understand the true cost of each type of finance. Ensure that the cost of the finance doesn’t wipe out any profit you will make from the business. With investment interest rates currently so low, it might be best to invest your own funds into your business.

In summary you need to present your proposition to a lender in a way that gives them confidence you’re in control of your business. It pays big dividends to seek help from those experienced in lending applications, to guide you in the right direction, present you in the very best light to a lender and ensure you get the best deal.

CFO On-Call works with business owners to achieve successful growth. Why not take advantage of a ‘Growth Planning Session’ today. For details visit www.CFOonCall.com.au

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mtaasuper.com.au The MTAA Super Clearing House is a non-cash payment facility issued by Westpac Banking Corporation. MTAA Super does not issue or operate the MTAA Super Clearing House. It offers a high level of security, stability and privacy and is subject to regulation as a financial product. You should consider the terms and conditions in the Product Disclosure Statement in deciding whether to use the MTAA Super Clearing House, which is available from https://clearinghouse.mtaasuper.com.au/ApplicationIntroductionView. This document is issued by Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Limited (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238 718) of Level 3, 39 Brisbane Avenue Barton ACT 2600, Trustee of the MTAA Superannuation Fund (ABN 74 559 365 913). Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Limited has ownership interests in Industry Super Holdings Pty Ltd and Members Equity Bank Limited. The information provided is of a general nature and does not take into account your specific needs or personal situation. You should assess your financial position and personal objectives before making any decision based on this information. We also recommend that you seek advice from a licensed financial adviser. The MTAA Super Product Disclosure statement (PDS), an important document containing all the information you need to make a decision about MTAA Super, can be obtained by calling MTAA Super on 1300 362 415. You should consider the PDS in making a decision.