motor_trader_march_2011

motor trader

motor trader queensland | vol. 82 | issue 2 | mar 2011

ATO natural disaster support Contractor vs.

Employee New national training body LPG funding takes a hit Tesla Roadster now in Australia

Bosch’s diesel innovations

BDO reports on NADA event

Attention all Motor Traders Brian Smith Commercial Director Brian brings 25 years of experience to assist his Queensland business clients.

Brian’s services include: •

Buying & selling businesses

•

Commercial leases

•

Consultancy agreements

•

Contractual matters

•

Dissolution of partnerships

•

Employment contracts

•

Joint ventures

•

Loan agreements

•

Management agreements

•

Mortgages & guarantees

•

Partnerships

•

Trusts

•

Workplace matters

If you need advice on commercial business issues, please contact Brian directly on: Tel: 07 3001 2914 bsmith@bennettphilp.com.au

Bennett & Philp Lawyers are here to help your business • Disposal of uncollected vehicles – How to comply with the legislation.

• Franchise Agreements – Do you know where you stand?

• Contract documentation – Complying with standard contracts.

• Waste Tyres – Are you compliant with the legislation?

• Unfair Dismissal – Are you at risk from a claim?

• Commercial premises – What does your lease provide?

• Unpaid debts – How overdue are your overdue accounts?

To take advantage of our expertise please contact our office: Tel 07 3001 2999

Bennett & Philp Lvl 16, 15 Adelaide St, Brisbane Qld 4000 enquiries@bennettphilp.com.au www.bennettphilp.com.au

Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland

Head Office 1000 Wynnum Road, Cannon Hill, Qld 4170 P.O. Box 560, Morningside, Qld 4170 Tel: 07 3237 8777 Fax: 07 3844 4488 Toll Free: 1800 177 951 Email: publications@mtaq.com.au Website: www.mtaq.com.au Managing Editor

contents 3. From the editor Policy/Viewpoint 4. Written-off Vehicle Legislation

Australian Consumer Law – Extended Warranties

ATO Natural Disaster Support for Businesses

Kellie Dewar

Editor in Chief Michael Taylor

Industrial Relations

Art Director

5. Independent Contractor or Employee?

Advertising Enquiries

Industry Update

Peter Richardson Jillian Anfield Mobile: 0414 473 944 Facsimile: 07 3844 4488 Email: jilliana@mtaq.com.au

Editorial

Editorial submissions are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed placement. For more information telephone the Editor 07 3237 8777

Subscription Rates (including GST) Australia: $72.60 annually Overseas: $110 annually Motor Trader Publishing Policy Motor Trader is the official publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland. The role of Motor Trader is to inform members of current issues and legislation affecting the industry. As such it can be regarded as the business magazine for the Queensland motor industry. The role of Motor Trader is not to be in competition with the technical magazines already on the market. It will advise of new vehicles being released and of the latest technology incorporated into them; it will advise of latest technology affecting members in each of the MTA Queensland Divisions; it will keep members abreast of the latest in motor industry training and industrial affairs; and it will keep members informed of the latest technical aids available through MTA Queensland Member Services, which will assist members in staying ahead of the technological revolution presently being encountered within the motor industry. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material.

MTA Queensland ABN: 74 028 933 848

Corporate Partners

6. Monroe & ‘Frosty’ partnership continues

‘Cash for Clunkers’ dumped

Tips for healthy joints – p. 24

7. Bullbars to stay 8. National training advisory body formed 9. ‘Lift share’ support for flood loss

LPG funding hit hard in wake of floods

10. Broken promises galvanise industry 11. Automotive Aftermarket Expo - sold out for 2011 12. Road surface conference 14. BDO Reports on the NADA Convention and Expo

Bosch’s diesel history – p. 16

Feature 16. 75 years of passenger car innovations for diesel and Bosch

Health 24. Looking after your joints

Innovation 26. Thoroughly modern Conti 27. Tesla Roadster available in Oz 28. International Fiesta of safety 29. Hino trucks keep pace with industry standards 30. Ford in prestigious ‘best new products’ final

New national auto training advisory body – p. 8

Automobile news 31. All-New Kia Rio

Audi’s new diesels

Countryman in Australia

32. The new ‘face’ Vito

Holden’s new Captiva: more power, less fuel

The New Jeep® Wrangler Range Continental’s electric future – p. 26 motor trader queensland

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from the editor

Michael Taylor, Editor

M The 62nd Annual Motor Trade Golf Tournament will be held at the Nudgee Golf Club.

The organisers do a spectacular job in taking care of everything that makes the day an enjoyable experience for every participant.

ark Thursday, 20th October on your calendar to start planning early for your participation in the 62nd Annual Motor Trade Golf Tournament (see advert on page 13) that will be held at the Nudgee Golf Club. I have had the pleasure of attending the last two tournaments and I cannot emphasise enough what a spectacular job the organisers do in taking care of everything that makes the day an enjoyable experience for every participant. Please take the time to telephone David Gorrie on 3248 3333 to register your interest or if you have any questions concerning this enjoyable event. It is an excellent day to set aside with your workmates for team building camaraderie, which can also double as a cost effective early Christmas outing for your workplace. You don’t have to be the ‘Shark’ to swim with this crowd. You will love it.

I wonder how many cars that were damaged in the Queensland floods are being sold as ‘repairable write-offs’? Richard Payne (page 4) reminds us of the efforts that MTA Queensland and all other State and industry bodies are making to their respective Governments to bring us all in to line with what NSW introduced on 31st January.

How much do you know about the differences between an independent contractor and an employee? Ted Kowalski (page 5) points out some key points of difference and supplies info (website and telephone number) on employing a contractor.

‘Dieselphiles’ will enjoy the history of Bosch’s innovation in dieselinjection technology on page 16. The leaps and bounds of diesel systems have been phenomenal and it will be very interesting to see what will be going on with this technology

in 2020 vis a vis electric vehicle development, not to mention hybrid, LPG, CNG, etc. - and the ‘archaic’ purely petrol engine.

Do you have ‘bad’ knees, a bung shoulder, aching hips, tennis elbow, weak wrists or any other type of joint pain? If you want to initiate positive changes with any of these problems, please read pages 24 and 25 and then go have a chat with your GP about a plan to get yourself fixed up. There are many medical and bodywork professionals in our communities that can help with the various aches and pains that we believe that we have to live with, when in fact it is possible to experience enormous relief and often total eradication of the pain that keeps us from enjoying the things in life that we desire and deserve.

MTA Queensland welcomes the following new members Division

Principal/s

Business Name

Street and Postal Address

AED

Bradley Joyce & Shane Harrison

Brashas Workshop

41 Camuglia St Garbutt QLD 4814

QTUD

Timothy & Jeffrey Parker

Nitro Crew Wheels & Tyres

11 Thorne St Wynnum QLD 4178

AED

Adrian Caldwell

Midas Car Care Browns Plains

2/7-11 Central Court Hillcrest QLD 4118

UCD

Alan Mayne

A Main Automotive

195 James St Toowoomba QLD 4352

AED

Mark Lythgo

Automotive Obsession

890 Ingham Rd Bohle QLD 4818

AESD

Simon Ruby

Springwood Complete Automotive Services Pty Ltd

33 Watland St Springwood QLD 4127

Chelsea Parageorge

Ezifuel Rosslea

79 Bowen Rd Rosslea QLD 4812

Transfers SSCSAQ

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policy/viewpoint Written-off Vehicle Legislation MTA Queensland is again calling on the Queensland Government to review legislation and practices relating to written-off vehicles. This follows the introduction from January 31, 2011 of a new law in NSW, limiting written-off vehicles to “statutory” write-offs. From this date all total loss light vehicles in NSW, including cars, trailers, caravans and motorcycles cannot be registered anywhere in Australia and may only be used for parts or scrap metal.

In the interests of improving vehicle safety, consumer protection, reducing the risk of vehicle theft and re-birthing, MTA Queensland along with all other State industry bodies, have been strongly advocating for such legislation to apply to the whole of Australia.

Having witnessed the first of many flood affected vehicles being offered as “repairable write-offs” at auction houses in Brisbane, we again wrote to Transport Minister, Rachael Nolan … copy to the Premier on February 1, regarding our concerns.

There are potentially thousands of flood damaged vehicles likely to be sold into the private market without any declaration whatsoever, as is required by licensed dealers (reference 294 A of the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 ).”

The main points of our most recent letter to the Queensland Government are as follows: “We have written to you on three occasions since September 2009 4

motor trader queensland

Richard Payne, Principal Policy Director

regarding the treatment of written-off vehicles strongly advocating that all vehicles assessed as a total loss should be declared as “statutory” write-offs, as legislated in NSW. The current legislation in Queensland permitting “repairable” write-offs to be auctioned on the open market has been, and still is, a major concern to us as many are bought by private “backyard operators’ and there is no control on the quality of workmanship allowing for these vehicles to be re-registered and put back on the road. The vast majority of these are sold into the private market without openly declaring that they have been written-off.

The situation is exacerbated by the recent floods in Queensland from which our members have just witnessed the first batch of flood damaged vehicles being offered at auction …

There are many thousands to go over the ensuing weeks and we are deeply concerned for the longer term effects on electronics and other components from being submerged in water….”

We will keep you advised of developments with this important matter!

Australian Consumer Law (ACL) – Extended Warranties One of the provisions under the new ACL involves extended warranties.

This type of warranty is an extension of time on a warranty against defects

If a product or service fails to meet one of the consumer guarantees, the business must remedy the problem - usually by providing a refund, repair, exchange or repeat service. A business cannot deny a consumer of their guarantee rights. and/or an express warranty.

From 1 January 2011, there is an automatic provision of ‘consumer guarantees’, which applies to goods or services. There are nine different consumer guarantees for goods and three for services. In basic terms, they state that goods must be of acceptable quality, match their description and be fit for their normal purpose.

Services must be performed with due care and skill and must also be fit for their normal purpose.

If a product or service fails to meet one of the consumer guarantees, the business must remedy the problem - usually by providing a refund, repair, exchange or repeat service. A business cannot deny a consumer of their guarantee rights.

An extended warranty is offered in addition to consumer guarantee rights.

A consumer should not be offered an extended warranty if it only covers a length of time that a reasonable person would expect the goods to last for anyway.

If your business sells extended warranties, you need to ensure that you are offering something of value to the consumer – something that is not already their legal right. Further details on extended warranties and other provisions of the ACL may be accessed from the Office of Fair Trading website - www.fairtrading. qld.gov.au or from the Australian Consumer Law website - www.consumerlaw. gov.au Members are advised to consult the provider of extended warranties if doubt exists.

ATO Natural Disaster Support for Businesses We have been advised by the ATO that special support is available for businesses affected by the floods or Cyclone Yasi. This includes: • Additional time to lodge and pay outstanding returns and activity statements • Fast-tracking refunds • Renegotiating arrangements to pay outstanding debt, and offer specific help to those experiencing serious hardship, and • Reconstructing lost or destroyed records and, if necessary, assisting to make a reasonable estimate Full details of “disaster support” are available on the ATO website - www.ato.gov. au ... and affected members may contact the ATO on 1800 806 218 for assistance.

Suddenly, the old adage “we’re from the tax department and here to help you”, has a new meaning!

industrial relations Independent Contractor or Employee?

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usinesses are often approached by existing or potential employees asking to be employed as independent contractors.

This is usually done because the individual perceives advantages in a contractor arrangement which would not be available as an employee.

Before entering into any such arrangement, the business owner needs to be sure he understands the legal differences between the two types of engagement, otherwise he could be faced with a wage claim down the track – usually after a falling-out with the individual who now claims that he was an employee all along.

Ted Kowalski, Industrial Relations Manager

• Have freedom in the way you work • Provide services to other businesses • Are free to accept or refuse work • Are in a position to make a profit or loss.

In contrast, employees receive entitlements, from the Fair Work Act, such as; • Personal leave • Annual leave • Parental leave • Minimum rates of pay • Meal breaks.

However, employees have little control over the work

they perform, their place of work, and their work hours.

Generally a worker is an employee if he or she; • Is paid for time worked • Receives paid leave such as annual leave, personal leave or long service leave • Is not responsible for providing the materials or equipment required to do the job • Must perform the duties of the job position • Agrees to provide their personal services • Works hours set by an agreement or an award • Is recognised as an

integral part of the employer’s business • Takes no commercial risks and cannot make a profit or loss from the work performed.”

If you are considering entering into a contractor arrangement or wish to check your existing arrangement, you should obtain a copy of the above booklet at business.gov. au or by contacting the independent contractors hotline on 1300 667 850. A companion booklet entitled “Independent Contractors – contracts made simple”, is also available from the same web site.

The Australian Government has recently released a booklet entitled Independent Contractors – the essential handbook, which contains much of the information needed to assist in setting up a valid contractor arrangement. To quote from the handbook;“As an independent contractor you operate a business entity that produces a result for an agreed price. There are key differences between independent contractors and employees. In most cases you are an independent contractor if you; • Are paid for results achieved • Provide all or most of the necessary materials and equipment to complete the work motor trader queensland

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industry update Monroe & ‘Frosty’ partnership continues

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enneco has confirmed that the safety ambassador agreement between Monroe shock absorbers and V8 Supercar star driver Mark “Frosty” Winterbottom will continue through 2011 and 2012.

Winterbottom placed third in the 2010 V8 Supercar Championship Series, gaining three victories and five pole positions. These efforts kept the FPR driver in the title hunt all the way to the final round of the season.

During the year Winterbottom participated in several Monroe supported road safety and trade events, including Fatality Free Friday and The World’s Biggest Driving Lesson. He was also the special guest speaker at the 2010 Repco Expo among several other major media events. Tenneco engaged their aftermarket customers and Monroe Safety Specialists through two national promotions during the year to win replica Mark Winterbottom helmets.

Tenneco’s General Manager, Aftermarket Roger Lassen said that the alliance between this top three ranked V8 Supercar driver and the Monroe brand will only continue to grow in terms of marketing and promotional opportunities while constantly

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delivering Monroe’s road safety message.

“Mark has been a very pro-active ambassador for the Monroe brand and his dedication to making our roads safer fits in perfectly with our Monroe safety triangle message for motorists to check and replace worn shock absorbers, brakes and tyres,” Lassen said.

“On the track Mark was a force to reckon with during 2010 and we know that he will be a definite challenger for the title in the coming years as well, so extending our ambassador agreement with him made perfect sense,” he added.

Tenneco will soon unveil details of a new Monroe Safety Specialist Program promotion that encourages more independent workshops to benefit from Monroe’s marketing efforts.

Winterbottom said that he is proud to continue his close association with Monroe shock absorbers.

“It is fantastic to have one of the worlds most respected automotive aftermarket brands on board for the next two seasons. We have achieved a lot to promote enhanced road safety and how this links in with Monroe shock absorbers and I look forward to continuing this association well into the future,” Winterbottom said.

‘Cash for Clunkers’ dumped

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he Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Julia Gillard to scrap the $430 million Cleaner Car Rebate scheme as part of the Federal Government budget adjustments to fund flood damage reconstruction.

AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity said the Cleaner Car Rebate scheme was so poorly designed that it would have delivered no net benefit to the environment.

“The Gillard scheme was loosely based on economic stimulus programs initiated in Europe and the USA to help recovery from the global financial crisis,” said Charity.

“Research has shown that, while these ‘cash for clunkers’

“As environmental, economic or social policy, this scheme had no redeeming features. It would have paid millions of Australian taxpayer dollars to overseas car makers, it was open to rorting, and it totally ignored other less costly and more effective solutions.” programs do encourage people to buy new cars, the net effect on the environment is negligible when emissions produced in the manufacture of the new cars is included in the calculations.

“As environmental, economic or social policy, this scheme had no redeeming features.

It would have paid millions of Australian taxpayer dollars to overseas car makers, it was open to rorting, and it totally ignored other less costly and more effective solutions,” he said.

The AAAA and other key automotive industry bodies were not consulted prior to the launch of the Cleaner Car Rebate program.

“As an association representing 1300 businesses in a sector that turns over $11 billion each year, we hope to be consulted prior to the launch of new automotive related initiatives in future,” said Charity.

“There are simple, low cost policy options to achieve real emission reductions in Australia’s in-service vehicle fleet. Many countries

have achieved substantial reductions in vehicle emissions through regulations requiring vehicles to be regularly inspected for safety and emissions compliance.

“A five minute check, using diagnostic equipment commonly available in many licensed motor repairers, can determine the emissions performance of a vehicle. If emissions testing was part of mandatory annual road worthy and safety checks, Australian families would be making a huge contribution to emissions reductions - and they would be safer on the road,” concluded Charity.

Statement (RIS) on Pedestrian Safety on the basis that the proposal was not suitable for Australian conditions.

The 4WD Industry Council of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) in particular has welcomed the decision to withdraw, which would have proposed the adoption of the UNECE regulation on pedestrian safety to supersede the current

improvements in pedestrian safety should not result in increased risk to the safety of vehicle occupants in rural and outback Australia,” he added.

Vehicle insurers’ statistics indicate that on outer urban and regional roads in Australia, vehicle occupants face risk of injury

“To the users, manufacturers and installers of bull bars in Australia, these vital safety benefits have long been understood. Australia is a world leader in bull bar design and produces and exports state of the art products that complement modern vehicle crash cell

Bullbars to stay

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he Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development in Canberra had in January proposed regulation that focused on pedestrian safety, which could have marked the end of bullbars in Australia.

Ironically, the proposed regulations were based on rules developed for the European environment and road conditions by the United Nations Economic Cooperation for Europe (UNECE).

Adoption of this overseas rule would have made it impossible in Australia to fit bull and nudge bars, which are designed to protect drivers and passengers in front end animal strikes and other impacts. It also threatened the use of winches and driving lights.

However, after considerable resistance from Australian automotive industries and other interested parties, the Federal Government withdrew the Regulation Impact

“The RIS focused on pedestrian safety in an urban context. It took no account of the safety needs of millions of Australians living, working and holidaying in outer urban and regional areas.”

Australian Design Rule for vehicle frontal design.

AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity said this European standard was not suitable for Australian driving conditions.

“The RIS focused on pedestrian safety in an urban context. It took no account of the safety needs of millions of Australians living, working and holidaying in outer urban and regional areas. The Federal Government recognised this and withdrew the proposal before the consultation period closed, Charity said.

“We emphasise that the 4WD Industry Council fully supports improved pedestrian safety in Australia, however

and death from an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 animal strikes a year. Bull bars have protected these families from impacts with small and large animals immobilising their vehicle in a remote place, or worse, animals crashing through the windscreen into the passenger compartment.

In addition to providing protection from animal strike, bull bars provide a platform for other safety equipment, including auxiliary lighting, winches for vehicle retrieval and aerials for remote communication.

technology,” said Charity.

Many employers, including agricultural, mining and government authorities fit bull bars to their vehicles to protect their staff.

“We won’t be banning bullbars in the Northern Territory because they are essential for rural driving.

There has been a lobby from

Unfortunately there was absolutely no recognition of the safety benefits that bulls bars provide for vehicle occupants included in the RIS,” he added.

The Northern Territory Government had remained adamant throughout the proposal that it would fight any national move to ban bullbars on cars.

NT Transport Minister Gerry McCarthy had said it would not happen on his watch.

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industry update the south of the country in our major cities for a number of years, but bullbars form a very important and effective accessory on motor vehicles that operate in the Northern Territory and northern Australia,” McCarthy added.

In response to this lack of hard data in the proposed RIS, the 4WD Industry Council launched a national on line survey in January to gather statistics from bull bar users about animal strikes and other incidents. The intention was to offer this data to the Department as part of the 4WD Industry Council submission at the close of the consultation process.

For every person who completed the questionnaire, the 4WD Industry Council donated $1 to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, to a maximum of $20,000,” said the Council’s spokesperson, Matthew Frost.

Well over 35,000 people completed the survey. This huge amount of public information collected in just five weeks will be integrated into an industry position paper on vehicle frontal protection systems and will help to ensure that the safety benefits of bull bars are factored into Government decision-making on road safety in future.

National training advisory body formed

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he Australian Automotive Industry has finally been granted its own national training advisory body, Auto Skills Australia (ASA).

Senator Chris Evans, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and 8

motor trader queensland

"In our view, the industry has

not been properly represented since the formation of Skills Councils in 2003-04"

Workplace Relations has formally congratulated the Automotive Industry and the new Board of ASA. The Minister confirmed that the role and responsibilities of this new body would be the same as a Skills Council, although it will not have that title.

“We have been fighting very hard for this moment and see this announcement as a victory for the Australian automotive industry,” VACC executive director, David Purchase, said.

“In our view, the automotive industry has not been properly represented since the formation of Skills Councils in 2003-04.

While Auto Skills Australia is not totally independent, the body is sufficiently

independent for us to have confidence in it.

VACC’s general manager of IR and Training, Leyla Yilmaz, said that the VACC always felt the automotive industry was at a disadvantage as it did not have a full voice in the development and delivery of industry training packages.

“Training Packages are guidelines for the delivery and assessment of training for apprentices and trainees to industry standards. Now we have an opportunity to shape skills and training to ensure the automotive industry goes from strength to strength,” Yilmaz said.

“Auto Skills Australia

will allow the automotive industry to have control of its own destiny. The industry will be able to directly communicate the Industry’s skill needs to government and other decision makers on training matters, collect and utilise important data which will lead to important decisions on skills shortages and labour needs and provide resources to assist employers with skilling of the workforce,” she added.

VACC, TACC, all MTAs and many other organisations, including the Manufacturers, are behind ASA. ASA is expected to be fully operational on 1 July 2011 with the appointment of a new CEO.

‘Lift share’ support for flood loss

“FPcarshare.com.au is a simple way of bringing people together to share transport and get flood-affected towns moving again,” he added.

rivers are being urged to sign up for a new lift sharing website to help flood victims in Queensland, NSW and Victoria.

Mr Johnson said he hoped the website would be a useful tool for communities around the country.

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The website, www.

FPcarshare.com.au, is a free service designed to help people who have lost their vehicle in the floods find a lift and get mobile again.

Created by fleet solutions company FleetPartners, www.FPcarshare.com.au is a practical response to the flood relief effort.

“Major flooding in parts of Queensland, NSW and Victoria has left thousands of people without transport,” said FleetPartners CEO, Nick Johnson.

“If you live in or near a flood affected area and wish to lift share, it is as simple as registering on the website.

There’s no obligation and you are free to lift share when it suits you.

“This is a small way we can show our support for flood affected Australians who have lost their cars, reduce traffic on damaged roads and assist communities in the recovery effort,” Johnson concluded.

Hundreds of thousands of Australians have been displaced since flooding began late last year, with the recovery and rebuild effort

expected to take several years in the hardest hit areas.

LPG funding hit hard in wake of floods

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he Chief Executive Officer of the peak industry group, LPG Australia, Michael Carmody, said that working families - including those hit by the floods in Queensland, Northern NSW and Victoria - will be hurt the most by a three year cap on a Government grant to assist consumers converting from more expensive petrol and diesel to the cleaner and cheaper green transition alternative fuel LPG (Autogas).

The Prime Minister announced the cap on the grants as part of a package of spending cuts

“FPcarshare.com.au is a simple way of bringing people together to share transport and get floodaffected towns moving again.”

to help pay for the recovery and reconstruction of the many flood-hit towns and cities.

According to Carmody, the cap on the LPG Vehicle Scheme - a cut of $96 million over three years – will be a strong deterrent for consumers who want to opt for the alternative fuel that is up to 50% cheaper at the bowser and emits up to 13% less harmful carbon emissions than petrol or diesel.

Currently those families who convert their cars to LPG are eligible for a $1500 rebate, reducing to $1250 from 1 July, from the Federal Government.

“Whilst we support the Government’s endeavours to help the victims of the flood, many of those working families in Queensland, Victoria and elsewhere rely on LPG as a cleaner, greener alternative transport fuel,” Carmody said.

“The cap on the LPG Vehicle Scheme will simply leave future motorists looking for relief from rising fuel costs stranded when they need it most.

“Ironically, LPG is a fuel that will be even more relied upon now in those devastated communities as it is cheaper than petrol, can be sourced from Australia and is easily transportable.

The Government should be supporting the community’s access to this local, cheaper and cleaner exceptional fuel rather than punishing those consumers and small businesses who want to convert to LPG. “Whilst this cap remains in place, the Government must definitely not bring in a tax on LPG that will further hurt these motorists. The proposed tax on LPG has been delayed once but now the Government must defer again indefinitely, or at least until the LPG sector motor trader queensland

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industry update can get back on its feet and provide 10% of the alternative fuel market place - a target that can be achieved through industry innovation, public awareness and ongoing Government support,” he added.

Carmody said the sector was still endeavouring to determine from the Government, the details of a ‘cap’ on the number of conversion grants allowed but warned any move to limit the success of this program will have a negative impact on thousands of Australians.

“Of the 700,000 motorists choosing LPG over petrol or diesel, the greatest demographic tends to be working families and small businesses from regional and rural areas,” Carmody said.

“We know this Government supports consumers who are doing it tough. The cost of petrol and ethanol is moving through the roof. LPG is a cost effective, cleaner green transition fuel that should have its take up encouraged, not discouraged.

We look forward to working with the Government to achieve the best outcome for motorists, regional Australia, the environment and taxpayers,” Carmody concluded.

Broken promises galvanise industry

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he Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has indicated its disappointment at the Government’s decision 10

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to abolish the Green Car Innovation Fund (GCIF).

The end of the fund, less than three years into a 10-year program, will scare the big manufacturers, according to the FCAI. “It is a bitterly disappointing decision and one which is to be regretted”, FCAI Chief Executive, Andrew McKellar said.

“The GCIF has delivered significant dividends, helping to secure key investment decisions for new models and investment in more environmentally friendly vehicles and technology.

“The program was originally

put in place in response to the 2008 review of the automotive industry, after extensive consultation with the industry and other stakeholders and it is a key element of the Government’s new Car Plan.

“The decision to abolish the Green Car Innovation Fund comes as an unwelcome surprise and it sends an adverse signal to international investors responsible for future investment in the Australian industry.

“We urge the Government not to renege on the clear policy framework which it has implemented to secure

new investment and jobs in the industry. We urge the Government to re-think this decision”, McKellar said.

The original $6.2 billion fund was set up during 2008 to help carmakers develop cleaner and greener cars.

The three carmakers that have had a substantial stake in the GCIF - Ford, Toyota and Holden - say the Government has breached an agreement with them.

As part of that deal, the companies gave the government letters of commitment outlining longterm investment plans.

Carmakers were to receive $1 for every $3 spent

fund in the May budget, and announced another $200 million cut during the election.

McKellar said that when the original program was put in place, the car industry was asked by the Government to give explicit written commitments in return.

"The decision to abolish the Green Car Innovation Fund comes as an unwelcome surprise and it sends an adverse signal to international investors responsible for future investment in the Australian industry."

“The developing a fuel-efficient vehicle.

Toyota used the money to build a hybrid Camry in Melbourne but so far, sales have been disappointing.

Ford, which reneged on a deal to build the Focus small car in Australia, later accepted a green subsidy to add an imported four-cylinder engine to its locally built Falcon range.

However, the government sliced $200 million from the

Government agreed to a range of policy measures. Now the industry, I guess, is concerned that government officials have not advised senior ministers of those agreements before this decision has been taken,” McKellar said.

“That is very much our concern, that those officials, basically on an ideological rampage to see programs of this kind knocked over, have misled senior ministers in government before a decision like this has been taken,” he added.

McKellar hopes the axing of the program will not result in manufacturers closing or moving offshore.

He said that the decision sends a bad signal to the rest of the world about the reliability of investing in Australia.

The Automotive Aftermarket Expo will again have the separate Collision Repair Expo next door and the combined exhibition space will be 21,000 square metres, which is 10% more than in 2009.

“If you cannot rely on the word of the Australian Government you’d find it very difficult to make investment decisions on that basis,” he said.

In effect, global automobile companies may regard Australia as a risky place to invest as Canberra axes taxpayer subsidies in breach of a commercial promise.'

McKellar concluded.

Automotive Aftermarket Expo - sold out for 2011

A

ll exhibition space at the 2011 Automotive Aftermarket Expo - to be held from Thursday 12 May to Saturday 14 May at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre - has been allocated and there is a waiting list for display space.

Strong demand for space began in Sydney during the successful 2009 Automotive Aftermarket Expo, with businesses and industry bodies moving quickly to book stands in their favourite locations for the 2011 Melbourne event.

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) hosts the Expo and Executive Director Stuart Charity said the rapid sell out of exhibition space is a bonus for the industry committee organising the show.

“The Expo committee

can now focus on the remaining critical elements of a successful show,” said Charity.

“To support the stars of the show - the exhibitors - the team is now investing its time in creating the special events program and is finalising plans for the extensive visitor marketing campaign.

“The Automotive Aftermarket Expo will again have the separate Collision Repair Expo next door and the combined exhibition space will be 21,000 square metres, which is 10% more than in 2009.

“We cap the shows to accommodate around 400 stands and the exhibitor list reads like a who’s who of the industry.

“The Automotive Aftermarket Expo includes suppliers such as major corporate sponsor Monroe, Bendix, Bosch, Castrol, Century, Exedy, Hella, Meguiars, NGK, Ryco, Snap-on, Valvoline

and Wynn’s, as well as major resellers and retailers including Auto One, Burson Automotive, Repco and Supercheap Auto.

“We devote about 10% of the show to international exhibitors and this year there will be companies from China, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the USA,” Charity added.

The full spectrum of exhibitors covering every aspect of aftermarket equipment, products and supplies makes the Expo a must do for workshop owners and managers.

“In a single visit you can discover the latest products, services and technology, source new suppliers and negotiate better deals, while networking with senior industry executives,” said Charity.

“A special feature of the 2011 Expo will be an education program consisting of free seminars featuring Australian

and international speakers.

“In addition, the show will offer special events, dynamic displays, product launches, special offers and lots of competitions,” Charity added.

Among the key industry suppliers exhibiting at the Expo is Australian lighting and electrical equipment specialist Brown & Watson International.

Their stand featuring the major brands NARVA and PROJECTA will strongly appeal to vehicle manufacturers, resellers and workshop operators in the automotive and heavy transport areas.

Experts will demonstrate the company’s leading edge developments in LED lighting and Australasia’s most comprehensive lighting products catalogue will be available.

Also at the Expo will be a demonstration of the latest high crank jump starters, motor trader queensland

11

industry update battery testers plus the latest developments in low disconnect units from the advanced PROJECTA range.

Pulford Air Compressors offers a specialist service to workshop owners and will display its comprehensive range of compressed air and gas systems at the Expo.

Director Tom Fyfe said the company offers turnkey packages ranging from a single air compressor to a full gas system, including nitrogen inflation systems for tyres.

“Used extensively across America and Europe, the NitroPlus system provides more stable tyre pressures, increased levels of grip, improved fuel economy, extended tyre life and enhanced safety. We support customers with professional service teams on call 24/7,” Fyfe said.

Engine diagnostic equipment and electronic fuel injection parts supplier Automotive Ignition & Electronics (AIE) will feature the Smoke Wizard technology on their Expo stand. New to Australia, this leak detection equipment checks EVAP and vacuum systems and is OEM approved.

Stuart Charity said that the sell out show offers workshop operators the best opportunity for many years to catch up on industry technology, products and services.

“This Expo presents a unique opportunity for workshop owners and managers to give their businesses a real competitive edge. We hope to welcome trade visitors from all Australian states and territories, as well as New Zealand in May. It will simply be too good to miss,” Charity concluded.

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motor trader queensland

Testing at the Mount Cotton test track

One of the highlights of the conference will be a technical demonstration day at the Queensland Government’s Mount Cotton test track on 17 May. Road surface conference

Manager, NZ Police; and Matthew Lugg, Chairman of the UK Roads Board.

he 3rd International Road Surface Friction Conference will be held on the Gold Coast on 15-18 May. The theme of the Conference is Safer Road Surfaces – Saving Lives, which will emphasize that effectively managing road surface friction can make positive road safety outcomes thus making road networks more forgiving.

One of the highlights of the conference will be a technical demonstration day at the Queensland Government’s Mount Cotton test track on 17 May. Delegates will be able to witness many of the key concepts and underlying principles of road surface friction as they affect vehicle dynamics, across a range of vehicle types and ages, and under different road surface conditions.

Invited speakers include The Honourable Craig Wallace MP, Queensland Minister for Main Roads; Rob McInerney, Chief Executive Officer for the International Road Assessment Programme (IRAP); Superintendent Paula Rose, National Road Police

This is the first time this event has been held in Australia and more than 250 delegates are expected to attend from Australia and overseas.

Previous conferences were held in New Zealand (2005) and the United Kingdom (2008).

T

ARRB Group is hosting the conference, in association with the New Zealand Transport Agency and WDM Limited.

Gerard Waldron, ARRB’s Managing Director, said, ‘‘We are proud to host this conference which will provide an opportunity for Australian practitioners to demonstrate their capabilities and knowledge and for international representatives to share their expertise.’’

The main component of the conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast.

Early bird registrations close on 31 March 2011.

Visit www.friction2011. com.au for updates on the Conference.

industry update

BDO Reports on the NADA Convention and Expo

A

number of BDO Automotive’s partners attended the annual National Automobile Dealer Association (NADA) convention in San Francisco in February this year. With more than 10,000 dealers, manufacturers and industry participants the outlook of the conference was noticeably positive by comparison to prior years, reflecting the theme “Bright Future Ahead”.

Of the many workshops facilitated by industry experts, a favourite was one titled Keys to Used Car Success and presented

by Dale Pollack. It brought a new way of thinking and language to what we already know about used cars.

The three learning objectives Dale outlined were: • Velocity, not average gross profit • Leverage the internet – don’t fight it • Change the culture from negotiation to documentation.

Velocity, not average gross profit According to Dale, the pursuit of average gross profit as a primary goal in the current market is wrong. If you are fixated on average gross profit the only ways to improve it are: sell it for more or buy it for less. The challenge is that the internet informs people, and informed people will not overpay.

14

motor trader queensland

Dealers need to recognise this reality. There are going to be fewer lucky grosses and even higher expectations for used car department profitability.

Dale then introduced the concept of Velocity, a clever way of emphasising the importance of applying what we at BDO Automotive refer to as A Return on Investment (ROI) perspective to used vehicles. A focus on ROI brings into play gross profit, days’ supply, and traditional business investment principles for used vehicles.

It also introduces the ‘turn is more than, or just as important as the gross’ philosophy to used vehicles.

Velocity is about getting the: • Right cars – based on market days’ supply (not dealerships) • Right price – pricing the vehicle to market (at BDO we call this ‘dynamic’ pricing) • Right cost – cost to market (a fully reconditioned car should not cost more than 83% of the average asking price).

The table below is how it looks when it works (for an example dealer’s used car inventory).

Things to note are: • Average age of inventory – 22 days • No cars over 45+ days – that is, no age tolerance • 17 average annual retail stock turns!

Leverage the internet

4. Change commission structure. If you discount full asking price discount the commission.

A customer can get the best price for their trade in or purchase within 10 minutes on the internet. The internet rewards you by pushing you to the top, so get your cars up there!

What lies ahead Dale also outlined his thoughts on where he sees the future of US car dealers:

• Do you know what your search result pages (SRPs) are? This is the virtual equivalent of drive-by.

• Only occupy the space required even though manufacturers are looking at dealership upgrades

• Do you know what your vehicle detail pages (VDPs) are? This is the virtual equivalent of a walk-in and is where value is identified.

• It is not about fixed presence as it once was.

During the Global Financial Crisis dealers cut their variable and semi-fixed expenses. In the future dealers will need to focus on cutting their fixed costs.

• Do you know your VDP conversions? You cannot have a VDP unless you have a SRP. Conversion rates from SRP to VDPs are:

In the US, Dale believes the sleeper risks are cost of real estate and cost of money (borrowing costs are currently low, but inflationary pressures will increase this).

• Autotrader.com = 3-4% • Cars.com = 4-5%

Tactics to change culture

BDO has access to many of the notes from the NADA convention workshops, covering all aspects of dealership operations.

Of course many of the principles for dealership operations apply to other retail businesses, especially those in the motor trade. If you would like to discuss the conference or find our how BDO can help you do not hesitate to contact either Mark Ward, Darren Crothers, Damian Wright or Randall Bryson on (07) 3237 5999.

1. Use pricing tools with two to three examples in every sales department meeting to show where market prices are.

2. Replace negotiation with documentation. Show the customer all similar used cars in the market and why your pricing is fair (eg dealer warranty, certified vehicle, lower kilometres).

3. Institute discount tracking.

Which sales person is giving away a discount?

Days Inventory Cost to market Average mark-up Average price to market Days

Inventory

Cost to market

Average mark-up

Average price to market

1 - 15

35%

80%

$2,160

96%

15 – 30

35%

82%

$1,850

93%

30 - 45

30%

83%

$675

89%

45+

0%

NA

NA

NA

Stationery for the automotive industry ogue l a t a C t Produc 2010

• General Office Stationery Supplies • Motor Vehicle Sales Stationery • Job/Time Cards • Service Station Supplies • Signage • Approved Inspection Station Signage and Decals • Accessories • MTA Queensland Member Signage • Technical Publications Our Stationery Catalogue is available online at www.mtaq.com.au Telephone: 07 3237 8781 Toll free 1800 177 951

75 yea

of passenger car innovati

The consistent improvement of diesel engines for motor vehicles has been a tradition in Bosch’s 125-year corporate history.

Bosch provided the injection technology for the world’s first diesel engine in a passenger car 75 years ago.

16

motor trader queensland

C

ompany founder Robert Bosch issued the development contract for the diesel injection pump in 1922 – initially for use in trucks. In 1924, the first series-produced dieselpowered truck was launched in Germany, with largescale series production of diesel-injection technology beginning in 1927. So Bosch laid the foundation for the success of diesel engines on the roads – success that continues to this day.

Developers at Bosch Diesel Systems are predicting fuel consumption of just 3.6 litres per 100 kilometres for a compact-class dieselpowered passenger car by 2015.

So even in 20 years’ time, diesel engines will remain one of the most important powertrains in passenger cars. Bosch, one of the world’s leading providers of diesel systems, has based its forecast on the diesel engines’ enormous development potential. Fuel consumption and emissions will be cut further in the future.

1936 through 2011 Mercedes-Benz 260D - First series produced diesel passenger car In the 1930s, Daimler-Benz planned to expand its use of diesel to passenger cars. The world’s first series-produced diesel passenger car, a Mercedes-Benz 260 D, celebrated its premiere at the Berlin Automobile Exhibition in 1936.

It used a third less fuel than a gasoline model for the same power output. Sales were initially disappointing since the diesel car was no match for its gasolinepowered counterparts in terms of performance and smoothness. Nevertheless an important step had been taken, and diesel engines were to become increasingly important in passenger cars in the post-war period.

By 1950, Bosch had manufactured one million diesel pumps for passenger cars and trucks. Thanks to their cost-effectiveness, diesel-powered passenger cars were growing in

popularity, particularly as taxis, which had to withstand harsh driving conditions.

At the time, Bosch was already focusing on systems competence and on supplying components precisely tuned to the injection pumps – components such as fuel supply pumps, fuel filters, injection nozzles, and glow plugs.

As early as 1960, Bosch unveiled the first distributor pump. It was lighter and more compact than existing in-line pumps, paving the way for the use of diesel engines in smaller passenger cars.

The distributor-pump engineers at Bosch had identified a trend early on that was to become a veritable diesel boom in the mid-1970s.

The phenomenon behind this boom was the VW Golf Diesel.

In 1975 it became the first compact-class diesel model to have a high-speed diesel engine, which delivered high revs yet was economical at the same time thanks to the Bosch distributor type injection pump.

ears

ions for diesel and Bosch

Small piece of history: 1936 Mercedes 260D, the first successful diesel passenger car.

With a turbocharger and lightning-fast looks, the Golf “GTD” version would achieve cult status as the first sporty diesel-powered passenger car. All the major manufacturers across Europe followed suit with “Golf-class” diesel models. The Bosch

distributor pump, which was used in numerous highvolume models, underpinned this success.

The mid-1980s saw the dawn of the electronic era for diesel models. In 1986, Bosch launched the first electronic control systems for its

distributor and in-line pumps.

In 1987, Munich-based BMW became one of the first automakers to start using electronically controlled distributor pumps. “Sheer Driving Pleasure” was now possible with the first turbo diesel engine made by BMW,

which was available in the sixcylinder 524 td – the world’s fastest series-production diesel-powered passenger car of its day.

In 1989, the first axial piston pump for diesel direct injection revolutionized the diesel engine. This innovation motor trader queensland

17

premiered in the Audi 100 TDI (Turbo diesel Direct Injection).

The new Bosch technology allowed the diesel to be injected directly into the cylinder at a high pressure of some 1,000 bar, resulting in particularly efficient combustion. This meant much better power output and smoothness coupled with low fuel consumption and emissions.

Direct injection was to become the norm a few years later in diesel passenger-car and truck engines. In the late 1990s, the uptake of diesel engines received a major boost with the development of another three different highpressure injection products: the radial piston distributor pump (1996), the common rail system (1997), and the unit injector (1998), which was used in vehicles such as Volkswagen‘s 3-litre Lupo.

Mercedes and Alfa First to Use Common rail technology Of all the alternatives available in the late 1990s, common rail injection technology ultimately established itself as the leading solution.

Bosch produced the one-

Starting in 1997, the

millionth system just a year

Mercedes-Benz 220 CDI

after launching common

and the Alfa Romeo 156 JTD

rail, and reached the three

became the first cars to use

million mark in 2000.

the innovation. It provided

The new Bosch technology allowed the diesel to be injected directly into the cylinder at a high pressure of some 1,000 bar, resulting in particularly efficient combustion.

This meant much better power output and smoothness coupled with low fuel consumption and emissions. constantly high injection pressures of up to 1,350 bar for all the cylinders served by the common rail. The common rail system made multiple injections possible for the first time. In 2003, Bosch unveiled the third generation of common rail injection featuring piezoelectric in-line injectors.

Compared with its predecessors, this system further reduced the diesel engine’s fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, while also reducing the associated running noise. Over 66 million engines have been fitted with Bosch’s common rail systems to date.

Diesel Wins Over Motorsport The leading European automakers all caught the diesel wave in the mid-1970s and began to offer diesel power units in seriesproduction vehicles.

Various diesel prototypes were designed to 18

motor trader queensland

Milestones 75 years of diesel in passenger cars 1921 Initial trials of diesel injection with Bosch oilers 1922 Official start of development for diesel fuel injection 1923 First prototypes of diesel injection pumps 1927 Series production of injection pumps and nozzles for commercial vehicles 1930 10,000th diesel injection pump 1931 Regulator for injection pumps 1934 Pneumatic injection pump regulator

100,000th diesel injection pump

demonstrate the everyday practicality of the diesel engine. Opel broke 20 international and two absolute world records for cars in all categories with its diesel-powered Opel GT test vehicle in 1972, and the diesel pioneer Mercedes caused a worldwide frenzy with the C111-III in 1978.

Mercedes set nine world speed records in Nardo, Italy, with the eye-catching C111-III prototype achieving a top speed of 338 kph and an average speed of 325 kph. This success was based on the 3-litre five-cylinder engine in the then new Mercedes-Benz 300 D.

Diesel goes From 22 percent in 1997 t o 50 percent in 2006

1936 Start of diesel injection system for passenger cars

Bosch common rail technology once again propelled the diesel boom at the start of the new millennium.

1975 VE distributor pump

While in 1997 only 22 percent of all passenger cars sold in Western Europe ran on diesel, this figure was over 50 percent in 2006.

Common rail technology still offers a great deal of technical potential: even the most stringent emissions limits in California can be met using common rail.

1996 VP44 radial piston distributor pump

Almost 30 years later, Bosch common rail technology made diesel engines the preferred option in the Audi and Peugeot Le Mans racecars.

Over the past few years, several European, U.S., and Asian manufacturers have initiated a major diesel campaign in the United States. The two premium automakers Audi and BMW joined the ranks of Mercedes-Benz in increasingly opting for diesel engines in the U.S. Bosch expects that the proportion of diesel-powered engines will grow in the United States from 5 percent currently to 10 percent in 2015.

Reliability and durability are just two valuable characteristics that have helped Audi and Bosch clinch overall victory on four occasions at this long established competition. The decisive advantage of diesel engines is their far lower fuel consumption. In the world‘s most gruelling long-distance race, this translates into longer stints at the wheel for drivers, fewer refuelling stops and, in turn, a comfortable lead in lap times over gasoline-powered rivals.

“Clean diesel” may become the preferred option even more quickly in Asia’s emerging markets, since those countries’ emissions targets can only be met by using high-pressure direct

1950 1,000,000th diesel injection pump 1960 First VM distributor pump 1986 EDC electronic diesel control for distributor pumps 1987 EDC electronic diesel control for in-line pumps 1989 VP37 axial piston distributor pump for direct injection in passenger cars 1997 Start of series production of the CP1 high-pressure pump at Bari, Italy

Start of CRI1 injector production in Bamberg, Germany Injection pressure: up to 1,350 bar

1998 Unit injector for passenger cars

Bosch and Fiat awarded the “Paul-Pietsch Prize” for the common rail system as a groundbreaking technical innovation

1999 One millionth common rail system produced 2001 Second-generation common rail passenger cars - Injection pressure: up to 1,600 bar

Production of common rail components in Charleston, USA

2002 Ten millionth common rail system produced 2003 Common rail for passenger cars, third generation with piezoelectric injectors; Injection pressure: up to 1,800 bar 2006 Diesel engines reach a market share of over 50 percent in Western Europe

The Audi R10 TDI with a diesel engine and Bosch injection technology wins the Le Mans race. Additional Le Mans victories in 2007, 2008, and 2010

2007 Bosch produces the world’s first 2,000-bar injection system 2008 Bosch Denoxtronic for exhaust-gas treatment in diesel passenger cars, receipt of the “Öko-Globe” environmental prize in the “Supplier Innovation” category 2008 PSA Peugeot Citroën and Robert Bosch GmbH seal a strategic partnership agreement to develop diesel hybrid technology 2009 50 million common rail systems manufactured by Bosch

First Euro 6 vehicles on the market use clean diesel (5 years before Euro 6 becomes compulsory)

2011 First Bosch-equipped diesel hybrid goes into series production at PSA Peugeot Citroën

motor trader queensland

19

injection. Today, Bosch sells more than one million common rail systems in India and China combined.

Transition to Euro 6 Targets for reducing fuel consumption have been tightened substantially over the past few years, with the transition from the Euro 5 to Euro 6 emissions standard meaning that NOX emissions will need to be cut by more than half.

To this end, Bosch engineers are increasing exhaust-gas recirculation rates, charge-air pressures for combustion air, and injection pressures over the greater part of the engine map, thus reducing nitric oxide levels in the combustion process.

Bosch engineers are also applying exhaustgas treatment to further improve diesel-engine efficiency: they have taken the Denoxtronic for SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) NOx reduction, which is already tried and tested in the commercialvehicle segment, and modified it to passenger-car requirements. Diesel cars have been fitted with this technology in the United States since 2009, specifically to comply with the particularly stringent exhaust emissions legislation there; these diesel vehicles are now also available in Europe as Euro 6 models.

and CO2 emissions even further, Bosch is currently developing injection systems that can generate more than 2,000 bar –equivalent to a load of two metric tons on a single square centimetre.

In the case of piezoelectric injectors that provide up to eight injections per working stroke, the injection time is now less than a millisecond, with injection taking place at more than twice the speed of sound.

with the internal-combustion engine are giving rise to engine concepts that will be ready for the market in 2015.

The Future is Diesel

They will be fitted with a range of additional products, all of which will combine to increase the efficiency of the powertrain:

To meet even more stringent emissions limits and to reduce fuel consumption

Taken together, all the individual technical developments associated

Bosch diesel technology will pave the way over the next few years for even more efficient passenger-car drives based on the internalcombustion engine.

AUTO CARE SOFTWARE MAIN MODULES

Diesel passenger cars of the future will run even more efficiently. A dieselpowered car in 2015 will consume just 3.6 litres to drive 100 kilometres. Some 30 percent less fuel than a 2009 equivalent diesel model uses.

Sales

1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010 1010101010

Stock Control

Purchasing

Banking

Booking Diary

General Ledger

Payroll

Send & Receive SMS Messages

Special Features Vehicle Service History Automatic next service reminder letter printing Numerous vehicle registrations with one ownership ID Job Costing, Job Profitability Serviceman Productivity Reports Multi user application

For more information contact Auto Care Software or download a free test drive from our web site

www.autocaresoftware.com.au motor trader queensland

• A start-stop system to automatically switch the engine on and off when the vehicle comes to a stop, for instance at lights or in traffic jams • Thermal management to get the engine quickly up to the optimal operating temperature and keep it there

BUSINESS SOFTWARE FOR MECHANICAL REPAIRERS AUTO ELECTRICAL TYRE AND SPARE PARTS BUSINESSES

20

The diesel engines of the future will have just three cylinders and a displacement of some 1.1 litres, thanks to extreme downsizing. And yet they will offer dynamic, refined driving characteristics with an output of roughly 100 kilowatts.

Sales: 1800 15 88 75

• A highly efficient alternator which utilizes brake energy as one source for charging the battery.

With hybridisation, the fuel consumption of diesel engines will be reduced by as much as some 40 percent. Bosch engineers are already working on systems for future engine concepts being planned by carmakers and will continue to promote the refinement of internal-combustion engines.

give yourself an

advantage

- a well-known identifiable brand that signifies trust The MTA Queensland logo provides an element of differentiation between you and other businesses and may just form the key point of difference for a potential customer.

Members can receive a substantial savings and efficiencies via our Corporate Partners The Capricorn Society is the largest independent automotive parts buying cooperative in Australia.

The Society is based on group purchasing to secure price advantage.

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

The Commonwealth Bank offers members some of the lowest eftpos charges in the country. Savings in the thousands of dollars have been achieved by members who opted for the CBA deal.

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

Corporate Express is the leading supplier of a complete range of office consumables, bulk stationery and janitorial supplies.

One Stop Industry Advice

Dun and Bradstreet is the nation’s foremost credit control and debt collection agency, with an enviable record of service to the recoverables industry.

Members are eligible for substantial savings on annual subscriptions.

• Technical Information Service Ever had the situation of working on a vehicle which you don’t usually work on? You don’t need a vast technical library – all you need is MTA Queensland membership to get all the technical resources you need.

The STAR Workplace Program recognises organisations that are committed to creating high performing and engaged workplaces. This is your opportunity to get the recognition that you and your team deserve. Stand out from the crowd and show your team, future employees and your clients that your business is a STAR.

• Industrial Relations As a member of MTA Queensland you have access to industry specific-industrial relations expertise for advice and legal representation • Consumer Complaints MTA Queensland will assist member businesses and mediate in the event of a consumer complaint.

MTAA Superannuation, our superannuation partner has over 200,000 members who are enjoying excellent returns from the Fund.

• Legal Advice Members can access professional legal assistance as part of their membership of MTA Queensland – intial phone advise free • Industry Awareness Members receive regular industry specific publications keeping you abreast of changes, legislative requirements, developments and initiatives in your industry.

Motor Trader, the official publication of MTA Queensland is issued monthly as part of your membership.

M T E L Tr i n i t y

MTEL-Trinity. Telecommunications for MTA Queensland members. Offering a complete range of very competitive products for both Business and Residential customers.

Offers include Landline, Mobile phones and ADSL plans.

NRMA Insurance has vast experience in the provision of a superior level of specialist insurance services to the automotive industry, using the buying potential of the member base, can achieve pricing far more attractive than business owners are able to negotiate individually.

MTA Queensland, 1000 Wynnum Road Cannon Hill Qld 4170 07 3237 8777 enquires@mtaq.com.au www.mtaq.com.au motor trader queensland

21

Did you know that you can submit your contributions online?

As an employer, you want to do the right thing by your staff, while making things easy for yourself. At MTAA Super, we’ve made administration of your super as simple as possible.

E

mployer SuperSite and Super FileManager are our online services designed to save you time completing your superannuation requirements each month. They are easy to use and get you back to doing the things that are important to you.

Instead of completing your submission via paper each month, you can simply login to Employer SuperSite or Super FileManager and complete the online form. Each month your employees information will be automatically loaded into your account saving you time.

Switch to using Employer SuperSite and Super FileManager and benefit from: • Monthly contribution reminder emails to keep your submissions on track • Choice of payment options

•

•

• •

including EFT, BPAY and Direct Debit Save time with your submission with pre-loaded employee details (after initial set-up) Secure access and storage of data of SG obligations across multiple accounts Convenient access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Less reliance on paper filing

SuperSite MTAA Super encourages its employers to access their account and submit contributions using our online administration solution, Super Site. It greatly reduces the time and effort required to manage your super obligations. Once you’ve registered it will take just a few minutes each month to manage your contributions.

SuperSite is easy to use and allows you to: • Complete contributions for different payrolls in your company at the same time • Register and keep track of your payments • View historical contribution records and a full transaction history • Select your preferred payment

method-EFT, BPAY or direct debit • Check and update your details • Amend your employees’ records at any time including adding and deleting multiple employees.

•

•

Super FileManager If you are using an electronic payroll system, Super FileManager could be the option for you. Super FileManager is a secure online service that allows you to upload electronic files generated from your payroll system. Super FileManager is compatible with most of the commonly used electronic payroll systems. All you need to do is contact MTAA Super to verify that your electronic payroll file is compatible with Super FileManager.

Super FileManager allows you to: • Submit contributions by

• • • •

uploading data files containing member contribution information Receive email notifications and updates on the status of your submission Select your preferred payment method-EFT, BPAY or direct debit Assign multiple user access and user responsibilities Generate employer contribution reports View your history of submissions Edit your employer profile

More information and help To learn more about Employer SuperSite or Super FileManager, visit www.mtaasuper.com.au. Alternatively, email us at mtaasuper@mtaasuper. com.au or call our Customer Service Centre on 1300 362 415.

MTAA Super workplace presentations It’s easy to arrange a presentation in your own workplace, and each presentation is tailored specifically to your staff. Just tell your Business Development Manager (BDM) the subjects you would like to see covered, and they will put together a special presentation for you. It might include for example, insurance, making extra contributions and consolidating super—there are a range of topics that can be discussed, so talk to your Business Development Manager about what your employees are interested in. Call us on 1300 362 415 to be put in touch with your local BDM.

To find out more about MTAA Super, you can contact your local representative: • Peter 0419 655 254 • Diedre 0407 732 660 • Lynne 0409 995 868 Email: mtaasuper@mtaasuper.com.au Phone: 1300 362 415 Visit: www.mtaasuper.com.au.

Lynne Wilkinson

Diedre Bell

Peter Jones

This document is issued by the Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Limited (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238 718) of Level 3, 39 This information has been prepared by the Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628,AFSL 238718, FSEL0001069), an Approved Trustee company engaged Brisbane Avenue Barton ACT 2600, Trustee of the MTAA Superannuation Fund (ABN 74 559 365 913, SPIN MTA0100AU). Motor Trades Association of Australia solely in managing MTAA Super for the benefit of its members. All care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this article is correct at the time of this publication, however, neither the Superannuation Limited hasresponsibility ownershipfor interests Super Holdings Pty ME Bank Pty LtdSuper and(ABN Superpartners Ltd. Trustee of MTAA SuperFund nor itsPty advisors accept any errorinorIndustry misprint, nor for anyone acting onLtd, this information.

MTAA 74559365913,Pty RSER10004373) The information provided is of a general nature and does not take into account your specific financial 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.

Does your super fund tick all the right boxes?

Low fees No commissions Run only to benefit members

MTAA Super is the Industry SuperFund for the Motor Industry and anyone can join.

For more information visit www.mtaasuper.com.au Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238 718) is the Trustee of MTAA Superannuation Fund (ABN 74 559 365 913). You should consider whether or not MTAA Super is appropriate for you. The MTAA Super Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) can be obtained by calling us on 1300 362 415. You should consider the PDS in making a decision.

health Looking after your joints Move to Help Prevent Joint Pain Keep joints healthy by keeping them moving. The more you move, the less stiffness you’ll have. Whether you’re reading, working, or watching TV, change positions often. Take breaks from your desk or your chair and move around.

Joint Pain and Arthritis With overuse or injury, cartilage on the end of the joints can break down, causing a narrowing of the joint space and the bones to rub together. Painful bony growths, or spurs, may form. This can lead to inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and possibly osteoarthritis (OA), the most common type of arthritis.

Another type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease characterized by extreme inflammation.

Protect Your Body and Your Joints Injury can damage joints. So protecting your joints your whole life is important. Wear protective gear like elbow and knee pads when taking part in high-risk activities like skating. If your joints are already aching, consider wearing braces when playing tennis or golf.

Healthy Weight for Healthy Joints Joints hurting? Lose just a few kilos and you’ll take some strain off your hips, knees, neck, and back. Extra kilos add to 24

motor trader queensland

the load placed on these joints, increasing the risk of cartilage breakdown.

People with excess body fat may also have higher levels of substances that cause inflammation. Even a little weight loss can help. Every kilo you lose takes four kilos of pressure off your knees.

Don’t Stretch Before Exercise Experts now say that stretching before exercise actually causes muscles to tighten, increasing the risk of muscle pulls. Overstretched joints are more susceptible to injury, especially for people with arthritis. Instead, try sport-specific exercise like slowly kicking before swimming. This warms up not only the muscles, but also loosens up the joints, ligaments, and tendons around them.

Low-Impact Exercise for Joints What exercise is good? To protect your joints, your best choices are low-impact options like bicycling and swimming. That’s because high-impact, pounding, and jarring exercise can increase your risk of joint injuries and may slowly cause cartilage damage. Light weight-lifting exercises are another option.

But if you already have arthritis, first speak with your doctor.

Strengthen Muscles Around Joints Stronger muscles around joints mean less stress on those joints. Research shows that having weak thigh muscles increases your risk of knee osteoarthritis, for example. Even small increases in muscle strength

can reduce that risk. Avoid rapid and repetitive motions of affected joints.

Full Range of Motion is Key Move joints through their full range of motion to reduce stiffness and keep them flexible. Range of motion refers to the normal extent joints can be moved in certain directions. If you have arthritis, your doctor or physical therapist can recommend daily range-ofmotion exercises.

Strengthen Your Core How can strong abs help protect joints? Stronger abs and back muscles help with balance. The more balanced you are, the less likely you are to damage your joints with falls or other injuries. So include core (abdominal) strengthening exercises in your routine.

Eat Fish to Reduce Inflammation If you have joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), eat more fish. Fatty coldwater fish like salmon and mackerel are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s may help keep your joints healthy, as well as reduce inflammation, a cause of joint pain and tenderness in people with RA. Don’t like fish? Try fish oil capsules instead.

Drink Milk to Keep Bones Strong Calcium and vitamin D help keep bones strong. Strong bones can keep you on your feet, and prevent falls that can damage joints. Dairy

products and green, leafy vegetables like broccoli and kale are good sources of calcium. If you don’t get enough calcium in your diet, ask your doctor about supplements.

bigger muscles and joints support the weight.

Use Ice for Joint Pain Ice is a natural - and free pain reliever. It numbs pain and helps relieve swelling. If you have a sore joint, apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel. Leave it on for up to 20 minutes at a time. Don’t have ice or a cold pack? Try a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. Never apply ice directly to the skin.

Glucosamine for Knee OA Glucosamine is a natural chemical compound found in healthy joint cartilage.

Some studies have shown glucosamine -- combined with chondroitin -- may provide some relief for moderate to severe pain caused by knee OA. Yet the results of other studies have been mixed. Talk to your doctor about this before taking these substances.

Other Supplements for Joint Pain?

Health food stores are filled with supplements promising to relieve joint pain. Although some people have found relief with various products for OA pain, many of these products’ safety and effectiveness haven’t been determined.

Many supplements used to treat OA pain and inflammation are not proven to be effective. Talk to your doctor if you want to give supplements a try.

Treat Joint Injuries

Protect Joints With Good Posture Stand and sit up straight.

One easy way to improve posture is by walking. The faster you walk, the harder

Be Careful Lifting and Carrying Consider your joints when

Good posture protects your

your muscles work to keep

lifting and carrying. Carry

joints all the way from your

you upright. Swimming can

bags on your arms instead

neck down to your knees.

also improve posture.

of with your hands to let your

Physical trauma can contribute to cartilage breakdown and OA. If you injure a joint, see your doctor right away for treatment.

Then take steps to avoid more damage. You may need to avoid activities that overstress the joint or use a brace to stabilize it. motor trader queensland

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innovation Thoroughly modern Conti

G

erman automotive supplier Continental not only develops drive components, storage systems and control units for electric vehicles, the company also works with the collective expertise that brought vehicle navigation to production readiness.

In addition, Continental develops electronics systems that help electric vehicles analyze their routes in advance, identifies charging stations and times, makes the charging process efficient and attractive, carefully monitor batteries and allows them to operate within an uncomplicated, crossprovider fee model. According to the company, through its electronic systems, power outlets can remain ignorant because electric vehicles will become clever.

Helmut Matschi, Head of the Interior division said that Continental is preparing for the new era of electric vehicles.

“This is necessary today, even if popular opinion suggests that the conventional combustion engine will continue to dominate the market for many years to come,” said Matschi.

“We want to ensure that electric vehicles can be used just as spontaneously, independently, flexibly and are as enjoyable to drive as today’s petrol or diesel vehicles.

“If electric vehicles are well-networked from the start, they will be able to more quickly fulfill the needs of their users and provide more 26

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“If electric vehicles are well-networked from the start, they will be able to more quickly fulfill the needs of their users and provide more enjoyment with respect to electric mobility.” enjoyment with respect to electric mobility. In the end, our technology can even greatly simplify the process of building up the required charging infrastructure since we bring charging intelligence to the vehicle,” he explained.

Continental plans to address these requirements with a network system that is the virtual switching and information centre through which all participants can process the exchange of information and data with the vehicle and among themselves.

Continental is not just involved in providing the platform and organizing

data communication. The supplier is also developing the necessary electronics for the vehicle. This always includes a GPS module for positioning and a GSM module for mobile communications, as well as an interface to the vehicle bus system.

The greatest obstacles to the success of electric vehicles in everyday life are the concerns regarding their limited range. Until now, only static information has been entered into the databases of the electronic navigators for individual routes - the best case scenario includes terrain information as well. However, in cooperation with service

providers and with the help of the vehicle electronics, Continental is planning to provide multifaceted traffic information in real time. Which routes pose a traffic jam risk, and to what extent? When do the heater or windshield wipers need to be switched on due to wind and weather conditions? How long is the air conditioner needed and where are the downhill slopes enabling the motor to act as a generator and the vehicle to charge the batteries itself?

The vehicle’s energy supply also requires changes in habits and technology. This not only applies to waiting times at the charging station

– a tank only takes a few minutes to fill, but a battery requires at least a half hour to charge and in the worst case can take up to a half a day. During an extended transition phase at least, it also applies to the number of available charging points.

Petrol stations can be found almost everywhere and many are open 24 hours a day.

On the other hand, public charging stations for electric vehicles are rare, in most cases are not completely integrated into navigation systems, and in some circumstances involve wait times if they are already being used by another vehicle.

The Continental platform not only lists the locations and accessibility of charging posts on a daily basis, but the virtual electromobility traffic centre also knows when, where and how long the individual charging points will be occupied by other vehicles.

This permits drivers to book charging times while traveling.

When planning the route, the Continental electronics system takes into account not only the requirements of the vehicle and the battery, but also the demands of the driver.

Depending on the time of day and the driver’s appointment calendar, preference is given to charging points at restaurants, shopping centres, fitness centres or other special destinations. And in case the current surroundings are no help in passing the time, the Continental service platform naturally also provides in-vehicle access to e-mails and social networks as well as Internet radio and television.

in the vehicle, even complex charging algorithms can be handled via conventional power outlets. It is not the socket, but the control electronics in the vehicle that determine when how much power flows, whether the batteries should be charged quickly or slowly, or whether charging should occur at night to take advantage of lower energy rates. This innovative approach from Continental allows the infrastructure for electric vehicles to be established at a much faster rate while significantly reducing the required investment for communities and energy suppliers.

The new era of electric vehicles will require new tariff and payment models similar to those of mobile communications providers.

Continental is preparing its system for this as well.

All consumption data and charging information is available online via the platform and can be allocated to the individual energy

suppliers and mobility providers. Not only are the electric vehicles fed with the latest traffic data in order to best inform and support the driver, but they can also calculate their energy consumption very easily and accurately.

Tesla Roadster available in Oz

T

he Tesla Roadster, the world’s only electric supercar, is officially hitting the streets in Australia. Tesla Motors, its California-based maker, announced that the Roadster is now approved for Australian roads and available for purchase.

The hand-built, carbon fibre Roadster is the only car that delivers supercar performance with zero tailpipe emissions. Powered by a liquid-cooled battery pack, the Roadster delivers 215 kW (288 hp) and 400

Nm of instant torque. It accelerates from 0-100 km in less than four seconds and consumes no fuel.

The Roadster plugs into any conventional electrical socket and can travel over 360 kms on a single charge.

It is the only sports car in the world that can be charged with solar, hydro and wind energy.

The Roadster 2.5 is

Powered by a liquidcooled battery pack, the Roadster delivers 215 kW (288 hp) and 400 Nm of instant torque, accelerates from 0-100 km in less than four seconds, plugs into any conventional electrical socket and can travel over 360 kms on a single charge.

With the platform and its interfaces to the system partners, Continental also enables intelligent, controlled charging at regular power outlets.

Since all the intelligence, and hence control of the charging process, is present motor trader queensland

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Tesla’s fourth iteration of the Roadster in just two years, reflecting Tesla’s commitment to innovation and its tight feedback loop with its engineers and customers. The 2.5 includes improvements to interior comfort, power control hardware that enables spirited driving in hot climates, and an optional 18-cm touch-screen display with navigation and back-up camera.

Pricing for the Roadster 2.5 starts at AUD 206,188 (plus on road costs).

Tesla is revolutionizing the ownership experience with its house call approach to service. Tesla’s mobile service technicians travel to customers’ homes or offices to perform annual inspections, firmware upgrades and other services.

Tesla Motors has sold more than 1,500 Roadsters to customers in over 30 countries, covering more than 14 million kms in real-world driving and saving 1.6 million litres of petrol and more than 22,000 barrels of oil.

The company sells cars directly to customers, both online and through its growing network of global showrooms, which will soon include Sydney.

“The Roadster has earned global appeal. Our latest delivery milestone proves the Tesla is raising the bar for EVs,” said Tesla cofounder and CEO Elon Musk.

“The Roadster’s advanced electric powertrain is the foundation of Tesla’s success,” he added.

International Fiesta of safety

president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety, Sue Cischke, said.

he Ford Fiesta’s safety reputation continues to grow after recently earning a five-star crash test rating in China.

“Fiesta is the latest example of that safety commitment, and shows that a small, fuel-efficient car can deliver big safety,” she added.

The latest crash result makes it one of the first cars in its segment to earn top crash test ratings in each of the world’s largest auto markets that perform such testing.

Testing agencies in the United States, China, Europe, Australia and New Zealand rate the Ford Fiesta at the top of the list for crash ratings.

T

In Australia the Fiesta’s five-star crash rating is based on data provided by the Euro-NCAP program.

“Ford is committed to safety, including our efforts to deliver top crash test ratings that customers look to when choosing new vehicles,” Ford’s group vice

More than 50 per cent of Fiesta’s body structure is made from ultra-high-strength steel, and the extensive use of high-strength, lightweight boron steel helps protect critical occupant safety zones.

Fiesta’s latest maximum five-star safety rating was awarded by the China Automotive Technology and Research Centre, which released the ratings from its China New Car Assessment Program, or C-NCAP. This follows maximum five-star ratings from Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

The 2011 Ford Fiesta, the only car in its segment to earn a Top Safety Pick from the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety under its new test standards, continues to earn recognition in major global markets for its safety performance and rating in independent third-party testing.

Beneath Fiesta’s stylish exterior is a structure crafted from high-strength steels engineered to preserve quality and enhance driver and passenger safety.

More than 50 per cent of Fiesta’s body structure is made from ultra-highstrength steel, and the extensive use of highstrength, lightweight boron steel helps protect critical occupant safety zones.

Fiesta offers a driver’s knee airbag – standard on the LX, Zetec and ECOnetic in Australia and available as an optional safety pack

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in the CL. In Australia the LX, Zetec and ECOnetic achieve a five-star result while the CL, with the optional safety pack, is also a five-star car.

The driver’s knee airbag

Hino will continue delivering products that meet was developed to help reduce lower-leg injuries in the event of a frontal collision and to work together with other safety features.

The knee airbag joins a suite of Fiesta safety features that include twostage, dual front airbags, front side-thorax airbags and side curtain airbags.

Ford’s global safety engineers worked together to prepare the Fiesta to meet stringent US crash protection requirements by leveraging Ford of Europe’s small car expertise as well as an array of virtual, actual and hydraulic sledsimulated crash tests.

“The global safety ratings provide another proof point that the all-new Fiesta is redefining what a small car can be,” Ford’s safety, NVH and durability manager, Matt Niesluchowski, said.

“The new Fiesta brings outstanding driving dynamics and fuel economy, high levels of connectivity and safety leadership on a worldwide scale,” he concluded.

the highest levels of fuel efficiency as well as the lowest levels of Hino trucks emissions keep pace with industry standards

H

ino’s position as an industry leader in environmental and fuel efficiency technologies has seen it make an easy transition to new, more stringent vehicle exhaust emission regulations in Australia.

Hino Australia met the January 1 introduction of the Australian Design Rule 80/03 (ADR80/03) for vehicle emissions, commonly known as Euro 5, by making only minimal changes to the design and operation of its full range of light, medium and heavy duty trucks.

Divisional Manager, Product Strategy & Development, Alex Stewart, said Hino’s

transition to Euro 5 for its 500 and 700 Series medium and heavy duty trucks had been simple and straightforward.

“The 500 and 700 Series required only minor modifications and changes to exhaust treatment systems to meet the Euro 5 standard,” Stewart said.]“Hino’s range of light duty trucks, the 300 Series, already met the new standard - the diesel models having met Euro 5 since June 2010, and the Hino Hybrid 300 Series model since 2007,” he added.

Stewart said Hino’s new 500 Series models meet the Euro 5 emission standards by using a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) and a diesel oxidation catalyst with a particulate filter (DPR), to break down the various pollutants in the

exhaust gases.

He said the introduction of ADR80/03 would lead to the trucks on Australian roads being considered among the cleanest in the world.]“Hino has long been a leader in developing truck and bus technologies for safeguarding the environment and for improving fuel efficiencies,” said Stewart.]“It has also been dedicated to improving safety and ease of operation of the vehicles.]“The good news for Hino operators is that Hino Australia will continue delivering products that meet the highest levels of fuel efficiency as well as the lowest levels of emissions - and that has been Hino’s long-held objective as a manufacturer.]“However, we’ve also continued to improve the trucks in all motor trader queensland

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other areas, including driver comfort and safety features. ]“For example, the Hino 500 Series now has, as standard equipment, cabin strength certification to ECE-R29 standards, driver’s SRS airbag, electric and heated exterior mirrors, ABS brakes on all models including 4x4, and on all 4x2 manual transmission models, Easy Start (ES) for hill-start assist,” concluded Stewart.

Ford in prestigious ‘best new products’ final

F

our of Ford Motor Company’s innovative new technologies have been named finalists by the internationally renowned 2011 Edison Best New Product Awards™.

Ford’s MyFord Touch, MyKey, SYNC AppLink and rear inflatable seatbelts – each an industry-first innovation – are finalists in three categories honoured by the Edison Awards.

MyFord Touch and SYNC AppLink are finalists in the Transportation – In-Car Driving Aids Category.

MyKey is a finalist in the Transportation – Remote Driving Aids category.

The rear inflatable seat belt system – available in the 2011 North American Explorer SUV - is a finalist in the Applied Technology category.

The distinguished awards symbolise the persistence and excellence personified

by Thomas Alva Edison (inventor of the light bulb), inspiring America’s drive to remain in the forefront of innovation, creativity 30

motor trader queensland

and ingenuity in the global economy.

“This year’s awards recognise a broad array of innovations including farreaching products, services and technologies that impact daily life,” according to Sarah Miller Caldicott, a great grand-niece of Thomas Edison and Edison Awards Steering Committee chair.

“The awards applaud the forward-thinking innovations for which Thomas Edison remains internationally admired,” she said.

The ballot of nominees for the Edison Best New Product Awards is judged by 2000 members of the not-for-profit Marketing Executives Networking Group, an organisation comprising America’s top marketing professionals and academics.

“It’s exciting to see companies like Ford continuing his legacy of challenging conventional thinking.”

Ford Motor Company group vice president, Global Product Development, Derrick Kuzak, said he was pleased that four Ford technologies could win Edison Awards “which are well-respected achievements”.

“We see in Ford showrooms every day that our connectivity technologies such as SYNC and industryfirst safety innovations such as MyKey are helping us win over more customers,”

Kuzak said.

Ford technologies being honoured include: • MyFord Touch – A simpler, safer and smarter way for drivers to interface with their car using voice commands to control the use of audio, climate control, navigation and phone • MyKey – Allows parents to preset limits on vehicle speed and audio system volume levels. MyKey also will mute the audio system if front occupants do not buckle their seatbelts • SYNC AppLink – A free software program that gives SYNC users smarter, safer voice control of smartphone apps. The first SYNCenabled apps are Pandora internet radio, Stitcher news radio and OpenBeak for Twitter • Rear inflatable seatbelts – The inflatable belts can spread impact forces across five times more area of the chest than conventional seatbelts.

This reduces pressure from crashes on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion The ballot of nominees for the Edison Best New Product Awards is judged by 2000 members of the not-forprofit Marketing Executives Networking Group (MENG), an organisation comprising America’s top marketing professionals and academics.

In a comprehensive peer-review process, the nominees are judged on marketplace innovation, marketplace success, technological innovation, market structure innovation, societal impact and design innovation.

Winners of the gold, silver and bronze awards will be announced on April 5 at the historic Capitale ballroom in New York.

In addition to announcing this year’s Best New Product Awards recipients, the evening will feature the presentation of the prestigious Edison Achievement Award to Alan Mulally, CEO of Ford Motor Company and to John Hendricks, founder and chairman of Discovery Communications, who both have made a significant and lasting contribution to innovation throughout their careers.

The Edison Awards Steering Committee is comprised of senior executives with diverse marketing, scientific and business backgrounds who monitor the development and successful launch of innovative products each year.

The committee is responsible for bestowing the annual Edison Achievement Awards and serves as a guidepost in developing the list of nominees that is presented to the Edison Best New Product Awards judges.

The 2011 Edison Awards are sponsored by The Nielsen Company, Discovery Channel, Science Channel, Spencer Trask and BzzAgent.

The Edison Awards are granted under the aegis of the Thomas A. Edison Papers at Rutgers University, a globally recognised research network dedicated to the study of innovation and its application in the 21 century.

For more information about the Edison Awards finalists, please visit www.edisonawards.com

automobile news All-New Kia Rio The new Kia Rio was recently unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show.

This sportier model has an extensive range of six fuelefficient and low-CO2 engines, from a 1.1-litre diesel unit generating 51.5kW with the powertrain selection tailored to best suit individual markets.

An all-new, high-performance 1.2-litre Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) will also be available in from 2012.

Audi’s new diesels Audi Australia has introduced a 184 kW six-cylinder 3.0 TDI and a 258 kW V8 4.2 TDI. The new 3.0 TDI is standard with a start-stop system that reduces consumption by 0.4 litres/100 km or 8 grams of C02/km, whilst consumption at 6.6 litres/100 km. The 4.2 TDI is a superior high-tech engine with a displacement of 4,134 cc that yields 258 kW and 800 Nm of torque.

Standing start to 100 km/h takes 5.5 seconds and consumption is 7.6 litres/100 km. MLP excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges: Audi A8 3.0 TDI: $188,000; Audi A8 4.2 TDI: $234,500; Audi A8 4.2 FSI: $234,500.

Countryman in Australia MINI’s ‘Countryman’ recently arrived in Australia and will include the diesel engine variant - the MINI Cooper D Countryman - to be available from March production.

MINI Countryman pricing (MRLP) will start at $37,700* for the Cooper Countryman variant. The MINI Cooper S Countryman will start at $47,500* while the four-wheel drive MINI Cooper S ALL4 will start at $50,400*. The MINI Cooper D Countryman will start at $40,950 *Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. motor trader queensland

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The new ‘face’ Vito Mercedes-Benz has revamped the Vito van, which is now more economical and kinder to the environment, yet more practical and more dynamic. New engines and new transmissions reduce emissions and fuel consumption by up to 15 percent while enhancing performance. The reconfigured chassis is tailored to the transportation of goods or passengers, according to the model configuration. The driver’s workplace in all models and the passenger compartment of the Vito crew bus are more attractively appointed than ever.

The new Vito is readily recognisable by its new ‘face’, combining the style of the current passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz with the robustness of a commercial vehicle.

Holden’s new Captiva: more power, less fuel The new-look Series II Captiva 5 and Captiva 7 models have given Holden’s strong-selling SUV range even more widespread appeal with high-performing new generation petrol and diesel engines matched to smooth six-speed transmissions and exceptionally competitive pricing. There’s more power on tap across the range, complemented by fuel efficiency gains on all models. RRP across the range is $27,990 to $45,490 (not including delivery or government charges) and is on sale from mid March.

The New Jeep® Wrangler Range The new 2011 Jeep®Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited have a host of upgrades, from an all-new interior to an upgraded turbo diesel powerplant that delivers significantly more power and economy. In addition to the best-selling 3.8L V6 petrol engine, customers can opt for the upgraded 2.8L CRD turbo diesel which, at 147kW @ 3,600rpm, has benefited from an extra 17kW of power whilst delivering combined cycle fuel economy of just 7.1L/100km when mated to the 6-speed manual transmission. Pricing (based on vehicle price excl government changes & dealer delivery) across all models ranges from $32,000 to $48,000 with optional extras available.

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