Motor Trader e-magazine, March 2018

MAR 2018 INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF MTA QUEENSLAND? CLICK HERE.

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND

MEMBER'S CLASSIC: 1976 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA RS

The benchmark of industry standards.

LOOKING FOR WORK? Check out MTA Queensland’s Job Board for all the latest opportunities in the automotive industry.

Visit www.mtaq.com.au today

Contents Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland

Search for MTA Queensland

HEAD OFFICE Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 P.O. Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel: 07 3237 8777 Fax: 07 3844 4488 Toll Free: 1800 177 951 Email: publications@mtaq.com.au Website: www.mtaq.com.au

MTA Queensland and MTA Institute actively promotes our four social media platforms and encourages all our members and MTA Institute clients to connect with us via these channels.

Simply search “MTA Queensland.”

EDITOR Jonathan Nash ART DIRECTOR Marco Ilinic

Each social media platform contains different information and this is a terrific way to stay on top of industry news, upcoming events, MTA Institute courses and the latest benefits for Association members.

We see our social media platforms as an additional important communication method, alongside Motor Trader and Member Bulletin emails.

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Ted Kowalski Paul Murray POLICY Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Email: publications@mtaq.com.au EDITORIAL Editorial submissions are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed placement. For more information email the Editor at publications@mtaq.com.au SUBSCRIPTION RATES (including GST) Subscribing to the Motor Trader e-magazine is free.

Click here to subscribe

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

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

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

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MTA QUEENSLAND ABN: 74 028 933 848 CORPORATE PARTNERS

10 16

30

02 From the editor 04 From the desk of the CEO 08 Policy/Viewpoint 12 MTA Q&A

MARK T BOLDRY, MANAGER OF CLASSIC CAR CLINIC

20180643

Feature 16 THE SKY'S THE LIMIT 34 Members Classic PORSCHE POWER: 1976 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA RS

MEMBERS ESSENTIALS 49 Training GM's Professional Circle perspective 50 Professional Circle training 57 Apprentice of the Month for January 59 Apprentice of the Month for February 60 Concept Corner TOYOTA ADVENTURE CONCEPT FT-AC

March 2018 Motor Trader | 1

From the editor “. . . WHAT IF YOU HAD

YOUR OWN, PERSONAL FLYING MACHINE, OR COULD SHARE ONE WITH OTHERS, TO GET DIRECTLY FROM HOME TO WORK AND BACK AGAIN. YES, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT FLYING CARS.”

JONATHAN NASH EDITOR

H

ELLO AND WELCOME to the March 2018 edition of Motor Trader.

The speed of innovation in the automotive industry - in all industries really - is lightning fast. While we may not see the extent of these innovations on the road as yet (beyond the incredible safety features that new cars now have) there is no doubt that, behind the scenes, clever people are creating incredible tech that will ultimately change transportation of us and of things - as we know it.

And these clever folks don't just think about the future of transportation on our roads. Some of them look up and ponder whether we might use the sky above us as a highway, a 'skyway' perhaps, to move about.

Yes, there are aeroplanes and helicopters already, but what if you had your own, personal flying machine, or could share one with others, to get directly from home to work and back again. Yes, we are talking about flying cars.

Sounds crazy right? And yet these machines are here, you can already order them, and influential people are considering the 'when', not the 'how', of this technology and at what point in our future it can be introduced.

Incredible stuff, and we take a look at this sci-fi-sounding future in our cover story this month from page 16.

Also in this edition, we have our regular features, including Member’s Classic and MTA Q&A, and a host of other interesting reads including, on pages 50-52, a report from the first MTA Institute graduation evening for apprentices.

I hope you enjoy this edition, and if you want to let me know of any news you'd like to share; or have a classic bike, car or truck we could feature on our Member's Classic pages, then please email me.

Cheers!

Jonathan Nash, Editor jonathann@mtaq.com.au

MTA QUEENSLAND WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS Business Name

Principal/s

Address

Email

Division

AgKing Aussie Hail Pty Ltd Automotive Consultants Dave’s Smash Repairs Dedicated Truck Specialists Ians A Grade Mechanical Services Mackay Car & Commercial NLM Mechanical

Karen Keys Sonia McMurray Nick Ladell Niall Cassidy Gary Saunders Ian Cawthray Peter Vella Nick Murray

2/2 Summerholm Road, Hattonvale Q 4341 93 Balham Road, ARCHERFIELD Q 4108 31 Harvey Street North, EAGLE FARM Q 4009 7/299 Morayfield Road, MORAYFIELD Q 4506 1-35 Boomerang Road, TAMBORINE MOUNT 4272 Shed 1, 7 Islander Road, PIALBA Q 4655 Unit 5, 105 Archibald Street, MACKAY Q 4740 22 Capella Street, CLERMONT Q 4721

karen@agking.com.au soniamcmurray@aussiehail.com.au nladell@yahoo.com.au davessmashrepairs@bigpond.com gary@dedicatedtrucks.com.au iansagrade@bigpond.com mcc.vella@gmail.com ch-autos@bigpond.net.au

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2 | Motor Trader March 2018

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From the desk of the CEO

BRETT DALE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND

W

HEN THE MTA Queensland Board approved my appointment as Group Chief Executive in May 2016, the key performance indicators to achieve for the membership did not include ‘innovation’. I held the view that for the Association and the membership to be sustainable into the future, we had to adjust to e-commerce and innovations in the automotive chain.

In my first From the Desk of the CEO I said: ‘Fast changing technology and innovations are pervasive, requiring us to be ‘nimble’ with our policies and strategic actions to ensure long-term relevancy in service delivery and as an advocate to all levels of Government.’

And we’ve been ‘nimble’. At the 2016 November Annual President’s Ball, the concept of Carmageddon was unveiled ‘to explore and investigate the realm of implications that the automotive industry would experience in the era of digital disruption and technological transformation.’ Two Carmageddon Symposiums (March 2017 and July 2017) were held to provide the leadership and advance understanding of present and future disrupters to the value chain and to bridge the knowledge gap on

4 | Motor Trader March 2018

the digital economy and the emerging technologies in this sector.

Significantly, the MTA Queensland Executive and Board, at its May 2017 meeting, recognised the evolution of innovation and technological change, amending the Strategic Plan with: ‘we will constantly challenge what we offer with the aim of exceeding the expectations of industry in everything we do’. Innovation was added to the core pillars of advocacy, services, training, and support. On reflection, I’m proud of our progress in the delivery of each of these pillars, particularly innovation as we started from ground zero.

MYRIAD FESTIVAL As indicated in the February From the Desk of the CEO, the MTA Queensland will be a key Myriad Festival sponsor and exhibitor. We’ll have the exclusive brand ownership of the of Myriad Garage where the Association will be showcased as an industry leader in the automotive, transport and mobility space through a combination of program content and activation displays.

The Myriad Garage incorporates the Carmageddon initiative showcasing startups, innovation and the next-generation of smart mobility vehicles.

We are working with Myriad on the program contents, speakers and panels.

I assure members the Myriad Garage has something for your interest. Even a panel discussion: Are flying cars the way of the future? Potentially I’m the panel’s facilitator! I encourage members to attend.

It’s from Wednesday 16 May to Friday 18 May at the RNA Show grounds.

GOVERNANCE As Group Chief Executive Officer, corporate governance of the Association’s

processes, procedures and systems is a priority. In the lead up to the MTA Executive and Board meetings, I’vebeen preoccupied to ensure that the group’s corporate governance arrangements were in order and complied with the MTA Queensland’s rules and Federal legislative and regulatory requirements. I assure Members that all our systems and processes conform to established standards.

“THE QUARTERLY REPORT

CARD . . . INDICATES THAT THE CORPORATE OFFICE IS EXCEEDING ITS MILESTONES IN EVERY BENCHMARK.” I reported to the Board on progress of the key performance indicators that underpin the five pillars in the State Strategic Plan 2016-18. The quarterly report card, which is on the website for you to peruse, indicates that the corporate office is exceeding its milestones in every benchmark. Importantly, the corporate office functions as cohesive team, listening to and delivering for the membership and advocating the Association’s interests to a wide range of state and national stakeholders.

ADVOCACY As Deputy Group Chief Executive Kellie Dewar says in Viewpoint, there has been an excellent response to the congratulatory letters to State Members of Parliament.

These included an invitation to visit and speak with us at our corporate office. I’m looking forward to raising awareness of the impacts of a possible driverless car future and the need for extensive skill acquisition by existing technicians for the

maintenance and repair requirements of hybrid and electric engines.

In the coming days I’ll be seeking appointments with State Ministers and Shadow Ministers with portfolios relevant to the motor trades. In particular, I’m keen to meet with the Minister for Innovation the Hon Kate Jones, the Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development the Hon Shannon Fentiman.

I’ll be meeting Minister Fentiman informally at a lunch to which I’ve been invited.

As mentioned in previous From the Desk of the CEO, the Automotive Engineer’s Division (AED) has a priority issue which refers to the sharing of repair information in the automotive industry. I attended an AED meeting where ongoing concerns were expressed about restricted access to repair information limiting the ability of independent repairers to compete with authorised repairers. On behalf of the AED, I am closely monitoring developments.

By way of background, The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission recommended, following its thorough new car retailing industry market study, that a statutory mandated framework for the transfer of vehicle repair and maintenance information from Original Equipment Manufacturers to independents repairers be introduced.

SKILLS AND TRAINING The MTA Institute has as a core practice to adapt its curricula in line with technological change and digitisation so that apprentices and trainees have the skills demanded by automotive value chain employers. Change is constant.To emphasise the technical transformation underway, I met with Jobs Queensland for increased recognition of the March 2018 Motor Trader | 5

From the desk of the CEO emerging technologies that impact the motor trades and the skill sets required by business.

I’ve been in ongoing discussion with the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training Queensland to incorporate further automotive skills sets into the Queensland Subsidies List.

I’ve been advocating for five additional Skills Sets that include: Advanced Body Repair; Advanced Body Repair Welding; Battery Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing; and Hybrid Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing. These are nationally recognised skills that include competencies that upskill the existing workforce in emerging technologies. I’ll be proposing these Skills Sets as a priority in out pre-budget submission to the Queensland Treasury for consideration in drafting the 2018-19 State Budget.

“I MET WITH JOBS

QUEENSLAND FOR INCREASED RECOGNITION OF THE EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES THAT IMPACT THE MOTOR TRADES AND THE SKILL SETS REQUIRED BY BUSINESS.” MEDIA EXPOSURE It’s nice to say that the MTA Queensland is being recognised by creditable media outlets as an authoritative source for the automotive value chain. I’ll mention one example. Queensland University Professor Michael Milford interviewed me for a print opinion piece entitled Driverless cars could create new jobs in a welcome boost to Australia’s motor industry.

6 | Motor Trader March 2018

It received significant media interest. As a consequence, the Brisbane ABC Breakfast Team had lengthy radio discussion with me about petrol prices, the take up of electric cars, and charging stations. Interviews were done also with the ABC national Talking Lifestyle Radio.

AND THE LAST THING An unexpected twist arose from a meeting with the Brisbane Marketing Economic Development Board (the Board). Griffith University had been in discussion with the Board on possible partnerships for an emerging Skills and Knowledge precinct at the Freeway Office Park (this is where our corporate office is located). Arrangements were put in place for Deputy Group Chief Executive Kellie Dewar and I to meet with representatives of the Deputy Vice Chancellor on Industry Partnerships and Projects Office, at our corporate office.

We discussed possible collaboration between MTA Queensland and the University on the Skills and Knowledge precinct concept and the benefits that could be generated, particularly in the space of innovation and startups. Griffith University is a recognised leader in fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with industry, government and community.

The focus for the coming month will be on state and national stakeholder advocacy; finalising our Myriad Garage schedule; promoting the innovation hub to start-ups and driving MTA Queensland’s commercial interests to the best advantage of the membership.

Until April, as Henry Ford, the industrialist and the founder of the Ford motor company said, ‘execute ideas with enthusiasm . . . as it is the bottom of all progress’.

Planning for a super future Matthew Webster, 45 has a long way to go before he hangs up his hat, but is easily able to picture his retirement years.

He plans to grey nomad it around Australia in a caravan with his wife, once he convinces her that it will be a lot more fun than she expects.

Matt has spent his career in the motor trades and is well on the way to ensuring he has enough super to be able to see the nation in comfort. He started an apprenticeship in 1986 at the age of 16 and now works in an automotive training role in NSW. He became an MTAA Super member when it was first established in 1989.

“I’m really happy I’ve been with MTAA Super. It’s the industry super fund for my trade and has been supporting careers in the automotive industry for over 25 years.”

“I’m still a long way off retirement but I do think about what I will do when I stop working and how I will support myself and my family.”

Matt, like many Australians is not alone in his concern about life after work. We can now expect to spend more time in

retirement than any previous generation, thanks to changing work patterns and increased life expectancy.

Leeanne Turner, CEO of MTAA Super mentions “As people start drawing closer to the 60-mark, they begin to think more seriously about what they would like to do in their retirement and how they will be able to finance it. With people living longer, weak interest rates and stricter rules around the age pension, these concerns have come to the forefront like never before.”

Leeanne shares, “The key is to take advantage of the compounding nature of superannuation. Super gives the opportunity not just to grow one’s employer and voluntary contributions but to grow the investment returns on these contributions as well.”

“Small amounts can go a long way.

Making extra contributions as little as $25 per week early in your career can result in thousands of dollars over a 30+ year working life.”

“Extra super contributions can be particularly important for people in casual or part time employment as well as those who’ve needed to take career breaks to raise a family or care for sick or elderly relatives.”

With increasing life expectancy, many Australians could be in retirement for over 25 years and may well need to look at ways to boost their super such as salary sacrifice contributions and personal contributions.

Give your super a boost!

For ways to give your super a boost while you’re still working visit mtaasuper.com.au/take-control.

1300 362 415 mtaasuper.com.au/take-control

This article is issued by Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238 718) of Level 3, 39 Brisbane Avenue Barton ACT 2600, Trustee of the MTAA Superannuation Fund (ABN 74 559 365 913). Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited has ownership interests in Industry Super Holdings Pty Ltd and Members Equity Bank Limited. The information provided is of a general nature and does not take into account your specific needs or personal situation. You should assess your financial position and personal objectives before making any decision based on this information. We also recommend that you seek advice from a licensed financial adviser. The MTAA Super Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), an important document containing all the information you need to make a decision about MTAA Super, can be obtained by calling MTAA Super on 1300 362 415 or visiting mtaasuper.com.au/handbooks. You should consider the PDS in making a decision.

Policy/Viewpoint Mobile Mechanical Services in Atherton.

As highlighted in various editions of Motor Trader many women are in ownership and operation business roles in our Industry.

SUPPORT

KELLIE DEWAR DEPUTY GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES

I

’VE MUCH TO share with you arising from preparations for the MTA Executive and Board meetings and from my busy round of divisional and advocacy activities.

A new experience for me, and a first for MTA Queensland, is supporting the Tradeswomen in Australia conference at the Salisbury Construction Training Centre. The conference is themed 'Educate, Empower, Unite'. We are hosting the keynote heavy vehicle mechanic speaker Louise Azzopardi who was the sector’s national champion in the WorldSkills competition. I’ll attend one day of the conference to be held 8-9th March and our Marketing and Communications Manager Lysa Dugandzic will be at the events of the second day.

The focus of the conference will be celebrating the longevity of women in trades and driving a national direction that continues to attract, train, mentor and retain women in non-traditional trades. This is most apt as our MTA Institute has several women undertaking apprenticeships / training in the motor trades and others are working successfully in the industry. By way of example, the 2014 MTA Institute Apprentice of the Year award winner was Sarah Gale of Rego’s 8 | Motor Trader March 2018

In the 2017-2018 Federal Budget, the Australian Government announced the Industry Specialist Mentoring for Australian Apprentices (ISMAA) program.

The ISMAA program will aim to increase apprentice retention rates, particularly in the first two years of training, to improve completion rates and support the supply of skilled workers in specific industries.

MTA Queensland is delighted to be an ISMAA Provider to the automotive industry for 2018 & 2019. The program is available for all your eligible apprentices and trainees (eligibility criteria applies).

Please make contact with us for the guidelines. You can send an email to info@mtaq.com.au to register your interest or call us. Read more about the program here.

DIVISIONAL NEWS As indicated in previous Viewpoints, it is my practice to attend divisional meetings and for my Services and Support staff to provide the secretarial duties. In the lead up to the February Board meeting and into March, each of the divisions meet to discuss policy and trade matters. I’ll share with you some of the key issues from these meetings and reports. A welcome sentiment expressed was the upswing in the economy. Offsetting this was the lack of uniformity of growth across the State coupled with the rapid change in the automotive industry and consumer habits that affected businesses.

All divisions recognised that adapting

“THE FOCUS OF THE CONFERENCE WILL BE CELEBRATING THE LONGEVITY OF WOMEN IN TRADES AND DRIVING A NATIONAL DIRECTION THAT CONTINUES TO ATTRACT, TRAIN, MENTOR AND RETAIN WOMEN IN NONTRADITIONAL TRADES.” to change was a prerequisite to be sustainable into the future.

The strength of the Association is reliant on its membership. Each division had the goal of increasing its membership and ensuring knowledge of the comprehensive suite of assistance measures e.g. support, services, training and corporate partner savings available to members. From my perspective, it is important for all members to obtain the maximum benefits from their membership.

The Rental Vehicle Industry division chair Grant Harrison reported that the Queensland Police Service (QPS) attended a meeting to provide understanding of the processes pertaining to stolen vehicles In discussion, helpful information was gained by both members and the QPS. The division continues to watch the growing space of ‘Not My Fault’ free accident replacement rental operators and its charging mechanisms. Advertising and sales processes by one company has been under investigation by the ACCC. The chair of the Motorcycle Industry division Paul Petersen has a full agenda for the coming quarter. This includes continuing to work with the government on the new training requirements for licensing. An issue of concern being pursued relates to exhaust pipes with

the focus on better policing and an audit of compliance activity for air injection systems so that the same rules are enforced for industry and consumers.

The chair of the Automotive Remarketing division Peter Dever has advised that concentration will be on driveway pricing processes; handling of tolls; and streamlining vehicle disposal.

The National Auto Collision Alliance chair Ben Chesterfield reported that membership continued to be strong and the committee was focused on education and awareness around The Code of Conduct and Choice of Repairer marketing collateral. The Chair of the Service Station and Convenience Store Association Tim Kane advised that the focus was on the introduction of the fuel price board regulation on January 31st 2018. It appears that roll out of the implementation of the changes went smoothly with only one breach identified.

ADVOCACY I’m in the process of reviewing our submission to the Inquiry into the National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020. Its focus is on the technological advances to Australia’s land transport private and commercial fleet which substantially contribute to road safety for the benefit of all stakeholders. In the coming days, I’ll be finalising our input into the Motor Accident Insurance Commission’s request for views on current factors and trends influencing the cost of insurance under the statutory insurance scheme.

As is our practice we will be presenting a pre-budget submission to Queensland Treasury identifying our priorities for consideration in the preparation of the 2018-19 State Budget.

Group Chief Executive Dr Brett Dale March 2018 Motor Trader | 9

Policy/Viewpoint and I had our first meeting since the State election with Office of Fair Trading (OFT) senior officers. The agenda items pursued related to auction houses and warranties; driveaway pricing as it relates to online platforms; and fuel nozzles that aligned with colour codes for each product.

The OFT advised that it was working to implement, by April 2018, an online licence renewal facility for licences relating to Motor Dealers. The OFT’s quarterly compliance activity for licensed motor dealer business had some positive news after random spot checks were completed across businesses only one breach was issued.

In my last Viewpoint, I said we had written congratulatory letters to all elected State Members of Parliament and invited them to meet with us to discuss issues relevant to the automotive value chain We’ve had an excellent response, including from the Shadow Attorney General & Shadow Minister for Justice David Janetzki. Brett and I will meet with him before the end of the month.

It provides an opportunity to promote the Carmageddon series, Myriad, the MTAiQ Innovation Hub, the MTA Institute and discuss key industry and policy issues.

On a regular basis I meet with the Association’s corporate partners. Earlier in the month, I spoke with Capricorn and in the coming days will be meeting with the Commonwealth Bank. I encourage members to peruse the member benefits that are available and the potential for savings from our corporate partners.

ACCC PETROLEUM REPORT The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Report on the Australian Petroleum Market December qtr. has just emerged in my in-box. A quick 10 | Motor Trader March 2018

“THE OFT ADVISED THAT IT

WAS WORKING TO IMPLEMENT,

BY APRIL 2018, AN ONLINE LICENCE RENEWAL FACILITY FOR LICENCES RELATING TO MOTOR DEALERS.” perusal indicates that average prices in Brisbane were 138.5 cpl, which was 4.3 cpl higher than the average across the other four largest Australian cities.

It included findings from the ACCC’s October 2017 report on the Brisbane petrol market stating that petrol prices have been substantially higher than those in the other four largest cities for the last eight years. Between 2009–10 and 2016–17, Brisbane motorists paid on average 3.3 cpl more for petrol than motorists in the other four largest cities. The main factor influencing the higher prices in Brisbane is higher retail margins on petrol, which have contributed to profits in Brisbane being significantly higher than the average across Australia.

FINALLY Changes within the MTA Queensland structure necessitated a review of the Association’s constitution which resulted in several amendments. These were circulated prior to the November 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and agreed to by the Board. On 23 November 2017, following the AGM, details of the alterations to the rules was lodged with the Fair Work Commission (FWC). It is pleasing to report that on 14th February 2018, the FWC advised that the alterations complied with the legislative requirements and approved.

Until April, take care and stay safe.

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CLICK TO VISIT THE CLASSIC CAR CLINIC WEBSITE

MTA|Q&A

Established in 2009 by MG enthusiast David Godwin, Classic Car Clinic is one of Queensland’s premier workshops for the service and maintenance of classic British and European cars. Managed by Mark T Boldry - another MG aficionado and an Englishman who has spent more than 40 years restoring, repairing and maintaining classic vehicles - and staffed by a team of experienced and genuine enthusiasts, Classic Car Clinic’s reputation for excellence has seen it expand a client list to more than 1300 customers from across the country, and be entrusted with the repair and servicing of some truly remarkable cars.

12 | Motor Trader March 2018

as I have a reasonable stock holding.

The sourcing of parts is a little bit more difficult than a mainstream car but that’s one of my personal strengths - I have been involved with classic vehicles for over 40 years, have a great network, and only buy from people I trust.

So, if I don’t have a part immediately, I can source it quickly for them. And I am happy to do that because I know that if they do subsequently have a bit of a problem, then they will likely come back to us for help.

What we often find is that we end up undoing a lot of work that was done in previous decades when cars were maintained regardless of what was put in them. So, we find ourselves taking things off and effectively going backward to move forward.

Do people want original parts?

Mark T Boldry, manager of Classic Car Clinic

What products and services does Classic Car Clinic provide?

MTB: We provide a general maintenance service for all classic cars. While we mainly deal with British and European vehicles, we will touch on American and Australian cars too. My background, and the background of our staff, is in British cars. That is our strength and we will work on any vehicle from the turn of the 20th century to the late 1970s.

We have a client list in excess of 1300 and, for a lot of them, their enthusiasm is such that they will try and maintain their cars themselves. They’re often retired and have the time and a little bit of ability to do that, but they know their limits. They don’t have the facilities or flexibility to maintain the cars to the level needed, and so this is where we help them.

They will come in and say they need X, Y or Z part and if I can supply it I will

MTB: Different people have different ideas.

Some want to use original parts, while others just want to be able to bring their cars in to be serviced and treated like a modern Holden or Ford. I have a client who has a beautiful collection of cars and while he doesn’t mind what he spends, if anything needs replacing he is happy to use aftermarket parts.

While I try to guide my clients that it isn’t always better to buy off-the-shelf, a lot of people don’t have the budget, and budget plays a big part in the decision.

Bringing a car up to standard with original parts does cost more.

Who are your customers?

MTB: As I mentioned, we have a client base of over 1300 people and most are local, but we have clients from north Brisbane down to Byron Bay and across the state.

People say they are very pleased to have found us because we know what we are talking about. I’ve been doing this for more than 40 years, so I have no excuse to not know what I am talking about!

March 2018 Motor Trader | 13

Mark with business owner and MG enthusiast David Godwin and David's MG A that carries the markings of the many places it has visited around the world.

When was Classic Car Clinic established and how did you come to work for the business?

me the job and we arrived in Australia on Australia Day eight years ago.

MTB: The business has been operating since 2009 and I joined in 2010.

I had been working in the UK on classic cars and historic racing cars, and also was involved with supplying classic cars to television and film, including shows called The Royal and Heartbeat. I have a car collection of my own in the UK, so I supplied some of my own, but sourced others too.

Then the television station pulled the pin on Heartbeat. That had been a reasonably lucrative part of my life, so I was looking for something else to do when I picked up a copy of the MG Car Club magazine and saw an advert titled ‘The Second-Best Job In The World’ – the ‘best job’, you may remember, was the one being advertised for work on an island in the Great Barrier Reef.

That advert was for this job at Classic Car Clinic, so my partner and I came to Australia to meet David, talk about things and look over the workshop. David offered

What is you background in the industry?

14 | Motor Trader March 2018

MTB: When I was a boy I was very interested in cars and built my first, a Mini, from scrap when I was 15. My parents were not particularly enthusiastic about my interest but a guy down the road from us, George, was a Mini dealer who also broke up Minis, Austin Cambridges, Morris Oxfords and the like, and I would go down and help him.

While there, I found a 1964 Mini bodyshell and George said I could help myself to whatever I wanted from the shop, subject to his approval. So, I got hold of an 850 engine, wheels, a gearbox and so on, taught myself how to weld and how to paint, and built the car. I suppose my interest in the MG brand came from this time as my second car was a Sprite and the one after that was a Midget.

Anyway, I started my apprenticeship at 16 with REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) and did my City &

Guilds Motor Vehicle Technician Parts 1-5 at York College of Arts and Technology.

My first job was working for myself, servicing, maintaining and breaking MGs, and over the years I have been technical advisor to the Midget & Sprite Club in the UK as well as the MG Car Club worldwide, and currently President of the Sprite Car Club of Queensland.

I’m also interested in Land Rovers, Jeeps and military vehicles and in 1983 I bought a Jeep, joined the Military Vehicle Conservation Group and formed the Yorkshire area, that became the Military Vehicle Trust. I went to lots of shows, absorbed a lot of information and was eventually approached by a representative of a private collector building a collection of military vehicles who asked if I would be interested in running their workshop. I was, and I spent some years running that workshop maintaining and restoring WWII military vehicles including tanks such as the Churchill, Cromwell, Comet, Sherman and the Russian T34.

During this time, I did build up my own collection of cars, that I still have in the UK and which numbers about 28 vehicles - mainly mainstream BMC cars such as MG, Austin Healey, Mini, Riley 1300s, Austin A35s and Ford Anglias.

I am slowly reducing that collection but there are one or two key cars that I will keep, including the first MG Midget ever made the pre-production car. I also have a growing collection here! I have five Series One Land Rovers, a Sprite, an Alvis, a Mini, two Jaguars and a 1966 850 Mini that is my everyday car.

When I was young, I made a bucket list of cars I wanted to own that included a Mini, a Midget, an MGB, an MGC, an MGB GT V8, an E-Type and an AC Cobra. The Cobra is the only one I haven’t owned!

What is the rarest car worked on by the team at Classic Car Clinic?

MTB: We look after various models of Aston Martin and one of them is a DB2/4

convertible which I am led to believe is unique in Australia. Having said that, when you are working on that level of car – the DB Series – there really aren’t many about and we are honoured to include those in our database.

How many staff do you have?

MTB: There are five of us. We have Robin on the spanners; Spiro, our part-time auto electrician who also does stores work; Steve, who is a mechanic and generally good at everything; and Andrew, our fabricator. And then there is me. I’m a mechanic by trade and get into the shop when I can.

In what state is the classic car market?

Is it growing?

MTB: Worldwide it is a growing market.

However, there is an issue. Our client base is older, mostly retired, and while the younger generation may have an interest in these cars – and when they do drive a classic, they love the experience - they don’t necessarily have the money to own some of these vehicles. So, the question becomes, who is going to buy them in the future?

What will happen to them?

It may be that electrification of these cars is the future. Our government may determine that, at some point, no petrol or diesel-powered cars will be allowed on our roads. The option then is for these cars to be converted to electric. It seems like a natural progression and perhaps these vehicles will then have a new lease of life.

To what do you attribute your success?

MTB: Our staff are very motivated and experienced and get on very well with clients – clients who like to have a conversation and know that the people they are talking to are genuine enthusiasts and understand exactly what they want.

We offer great customer service and quality of work, and we know the product.

Only experience can give you that.

March 2018 Motor Trader | 15

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT B

ACK IN 1962, American television began broadcasting a crazy cartoon show called The Jetsons.

The show portrayed a family, and the society of which it was a part, that lived in a technologically advanced future that included being able to make video calls, access news instantly on screen, wear smartwatches, use robotic assistants, drones, augmented reality and, of course, travel about in flying cars.

In 1962, this was wild stuff, wacky science fiction, the imaginings of fertile minds that were being exposed to the titanic tussle of the space race between the USA and the Soviet Union and who had recently heard President Kennedy announce that the US ‘should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade

16 | Motor Trader March 2018

is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth’.

That sentence, even uttered by the President, must have seemed pretty jawdropping at the time but, 60 years later, not only can 12 sets of footprints be found on the Moon but pretty much everything in the list that was dreamed up for The Jetsons has come to fruition too.

And yes, that includes flying cars.

While they may still seem like a bit of wishful thinking, the truth is that flying cars are already here and there is a budding industry developing around them with several prototype vehicles having been recently tested and some already on sale.

The makers of these craft say there are good reasons to look at their creations as a solution, or part of the solution, to transportation problems. And the logic behind the argument for their inclusion

in conversations about future transport needs is sound. For example, in a world in which cities become more crowded and traffic snarls often reach epic proportions (who hasn’t sat and fumed through a slowmoving traffic jam on their daily commute) the case for a mode of personal or taxi-like transport that can fly swiftly above the congestion seems clear cut.

While the congestion argument for flying cars is the one with which the public can most obviously identify, there are others.

Steve Baxter, Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur and a proponent of the flying car concept, explained recently in an interview with ABC Radio that such vehicles not only offer a way to beat road congestion but could also reduce the heavy financial cost to the taxpayer of building new roads or maintaining old ones. After all, as more people travel by air, the need

for such investment in roads lessens.

Baxter also highlighted the societal change that such technology can bring.

Being able to travel 100km in half-an-hour by air-taxi or flying car means there is no need to be anchored to tightly-packed city suburbs close to where you work. If, for example, your job was based in Brisbane but you wanted to live in the rather pleasant city of Toowoomba 125km away, well, no problem, a commute of a smidge over 30 minutes is nothing.

It’s an idea that could change our cities and the way we live our lives – an ‘urban revolution’ as Baxter calls it.

LISTEN TO THE STEVE BAXTER INTERVIEW ON ABC RADIO

March 2018 Motor Trader | 17

While the arguments for flying cars are solid, the vehicles themselves have, in the past, been less so. Developing a working, and safe, flying car has been somewhat difficult and it is only in recent years that the technology – in construction materials, safety measures, computing power and economically viable power generation – has become such that flying vehicles can be discussed seriously.

And the discussions certainly are serious, with big business taking a big interest in the sector.

Last year, Uber announced that it had partnered with a company called Aurora Flight Sciences to develop electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft for its Uber Elevate Network – a flying ‘taxi’ network that will allow short-distance travel for commuters and which the company reportedly aims to have in service in Los Angeles by 2020.

Technology giant Intel has partnered with German company Volocopter whose Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) vehicle recently conducted test flights in Dubai. Meanwhile, Airbus, the European aerospace giant, has flown into the fray with its Vahana flying taxi vehicle that was successfully tested in January. Airbus has also developed a radical transportation concept called the Pop.Up. Automotive companies are getting involved too. Toyota has invested in a start-up company called Cartivator that is developing a small, one-person vehicle called Skydrive, while Chinese company Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., owners of Volvo, last year bought American flying car developer Terrafugia.

As has been proven with the enormous investments being made in the development of electric and autonomous vehicles, the possibilities offered by new technology and concepts helps draw in the influence, expertise and money of 18 | Motor Trader March 2018

industrial heavyweights, and already there is the whiff of inevitability about flying cars becoming part of the fabric of our society – and not in some dim and distant Jetsons-like future.

There are, of course, issues that the flying car industry must tackle before it can get truly off the ground.

Regulatory issues must be addressed – questions about safety, licensing, autonomy, flight paths and so on must be answered at a governmental level.

And there is also the issue of public acceptance – no new idea has a chance of becoming a reality if the public do not embrace it. But there is evidence that the public is excited about the possibilities.

A 2017 University of Michigan survey of public opinion regarding flying cars yielded some intriguing results and among its key findings were that most respondents had a desire to use them, and while many cited safety concerns, a hefty majority - 70 per cent - were either very positive, positive or neutral about the technology.

That’s pretty encouraging.

READ THE SURVEY HERE

WHERE WE’RE GOING WE DON’T NEED ROADS At the end of the film Back To The Future, the character of Doc Brown, at the wheel of his flying DeLorean DMC-12, says, ‘Where we’re going we don’t need roads’, and it is possible that a future in which the sky is filled with drones, flying cars, flying taxis and the like is one that will come to pass.

So, what will these vehicles look like?

Well here are just a few of the many concepts and ideas currently being developed or being tested.

Ehang 184

EHANG 184

Unveiled in 2015, the Ehang 184 is an electric-powered Autonomous Aerial Vehicle (AAV) from Chinese company Ehang. The company says the 184 – which stands for 'one' passenger, 'eight' propellers, and 'four' arms - uses multiple independent flight control systems to automatically navigate passengers from one point to the next and these systems combine real-time data collected from sensors throughout the flight to automatically plot the fastest and safest route.

The Ehang 184 weighs 200kg, has a load capacity of 100kg and is designed to carry a single passenger for 25 minutes at 100km/h with a cruising altitude of 500m.

The power system is composed of four arms and eight propellers and with the four arms folded, the craft occupies the same size parking space as a car.

Inside, in front of the single seat is a tablet console, through which passengers

can input commands and select a location on a map before take-off.

In February, Ehang announced that the company had performed more than 1000 test flights, including a loaded test flight carrying approximately 230kg, a routed test flight covering 15km, and a high-speed cruising test that reached 130 km/h.

In 2017, Ehang announced a partnership with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority to jointly promote the 184 with the aim to develop it for public transportation. „ March 2018 Motor Trader | 19

TF-X Terrafugia

TF-X TERRAFUGIA

Founded in 2006, American company Terrafugia is already responsible for the working flying car called the Transition.

A two-seat aircraft/car, the Transition is powered by 100hp Rotax petrol engine, has folding wings, can fit in a standard singlecar garage and convert between flight and drive modes in less than a minute.

Following the development of the Transition, the company began work on the TF-X, an altogether different machine.

Designed to seat four, the TF-X will, the company says, be capable of vertical Terrafugia Transition

20 | Motor Trader March 2018

take-off using propellers at the end of each retractable wing, while thrust when airborne will come from a ducted fan at the rear. Power comes from a hybrid set up of two electric motors and a 300hp petrol engine. Speed in flight is estimated at up to 320km/h with a range of 800km.

As with the Transition, the folding wings of the TF-X will allow it to fit into a standard garage, making door-to-door flying car.

Terrafugia was bought by China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., the parent company of Volvo, last year.

PAL-V LIBERTY

The Liberty is the new vehicle from Dutch company PAL-V. A form of gyrocopter, the Liberty looks like a helicopter when its rotors are unpacked, but those rotors are not powered and instead use air-flow to create lift. Thrust is provided by an enginedriven propeller at the rear.

Able to carry two people, the threewheeled Liberty’s rotors fold away when the vehicle is being driven on land and it has tilting technology, called Dynamic Curve Stabilizer, that allows the vehicle to lean into a curve, keeping it stable.

Switching from drive mode to flying mode

takes around 5 minutes and the Liberty requires a bit of space, up to 200m, to take off.

However, driving it to a suitable strip for that purpose seems like a minor inconvenience – you don’t have to keep it there, you can drive it there from your garage.

Lightweight and powerful, the Liberty has, says PAL-V, a top speed of 160km/h and a range of 1300km when driven, and a top speed of 180km/h and a rage of 500km in flight.

Having already demonstrated their technology’s capabilities with a previous model vehicle – the PAL-V ONE – PAL-V will be debuting the Liberty at the Geneva Motor Show this month and are now taking orders for the vehicle.

PAL-V Liberty

March 2018 Motor Trader | 21

AeroMobil 4.0

AEROMOBIL 4.0 A very slick-looking machine from Slovakian company AeroMobil, the latest model of the company’s flying car was unveiled last year.

The wings of the AeroMobil 4.0 fold back like an insect and switching between road and flying modes takes just 3 minutes.

Power comes from a hybrid-electric system integrating a 2-litre turbocharged fourcylinder engine and electric motors.

22 | Motor Trader March 2018

On the road the AeroMobil is powered by a dedicated electric front wheel drive system. During flight mode, AeroMobil has available power of 224 kW (300hp), delivered to the propeller at the rear.

The company says that safety and control are of paramount importance both in the air and on the ground. The vehicle’s cockpit is made from a high-strength monocoque structure and the vehicle incorporates vehicle recovery ballistic parachute technology, designed to bring an airborne vehicle back to ground safely should the pilot choose to deploy it.

On the road, AeroMobil claims a range of 700km and a top speed of 160km/h. In flying mode that changes to somewhere near 1000km and a top speed of 360km/h.

You’ll need to get it to runway to take off but, like the PAL-V Liberty, running it from home to the runway probably wouldn't feel like much of a chore.

LILIUM JET

The Lilium Jet is a zero-emission electric vehicle capable of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL). Developed in Germany

by Lilium Aviation, the Jet is all-electric and capable of both VTOL and jet-powered flight, using its wings for lift, similar to a conventional airplane.

The company claims a range of more than 300 km with a maximum cruising speed of 300 km/h and, while in flight, the Jet’s power consumption per km will be comparable to an electric car.

A lightweight aircraft, the Lilium Jet is powered by 36 electric jet engines mounted to its wings via 12 moveable flaps. At takeoff, the flaps are pointed downwards to provide vertical lift. Once airborne, the flaps gradually tilt into a horizontal position, providing forward thrust.

As with any vehicle, safety is an issue and Lilium says the Jet has been designed along

the principle of ‘Ultra Redundancy’.

The engines are individually shielded, so the failure of a single unit cannot affect adjacent engines, while the power cells are designed to continue delivering sufficient power for flight and a safe landing should part of the battery configuration fails.

A Flight Envelope Protection System prevents the pilot from performing manoeuvres that would take the aircraft beyond safe flight parameters.

The Lilium Jet completed successful flight testing in 2017 and garnered some seriously large interest from investors – raising $90 million in funding at the end of last year from a group of investors including the Chinese internet and technology behemoth Tencent.

Lilium aims to develop a five-seater version of the Jet for on-demand air taxi services.

Lilium Jet

March 2018 Motor Trader | 23

MTAQ Racing Team

MTAQ RACING TEAM AT FULL SPEED AS EXCEL SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP NEARS

T

HE OPENING ROUND of the Hyundai Series X3 Queensland championship will get the green light at Morgan Park Raceway on the weekend of March 17-18 and with time running short, the MTAQ Racing Team has its collective foot to the floor preparing its racing Excel for the new season.

With time so tight, and with the car’s

original engine all but destroyed in the last race of the 2017 season, the team will operate a bought-in engine to start the year as they continue to build and tune their own unit.

“We made a decision to buy a supplierbuilt unit to start our season,” said team driver David Wood. “It is a good pedigree engine that should serve us well, but we

MTAQ RACING TEAM – RACE CALENDAR 2018 March 17/18 Rd 1 CAMS Qld Circuit Racing State Championship March 30 - April 1 Exhibition event, Mount Panorama April 14/15 CAMS Qld Circuit Racing State Championship July 28-29 Federal Tyres Invitational Cup, Queensland Raceway Sept 8/9 CAMS Qld Circuit Racing State Championship Nov 17/18 CAMS Qld Circuit Racing State Championship (The date and venue of the Hyundai Nationals meeting is yet to be announced) 24 | Motor Trader March 2018

Morgan Park Raceway Bathurst Morgan Park Raceway Ipswich Morgan Park Raceway Morgan Park Raceway

David Wood and the MTAQ Racing Team Support Crew

will add our own tune to it.

“We have started work on our own engine, but decided to take some time, develop it properly and do some proper R&D and testing. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to do all that in the lead-in to the season, and with the first three events so tightly compacted, it is better to go with a proven unit while we work on our engine.

"Hopefully, we will be able to install our own engine by May and I am really looking forward to that. We have found a few things we think will equate to some meaningful gains, so I am very excited.”

With plenty of other work being done on elements such as suspension, electronics and brakes, the car has been essentially torn down and put back together, which means that testing will pretty much be last minute.

“Things are tight, but that is the nature of the sport,” said David. “It is a bit of a frenzy, but we will be there for the first round. We won’t test but will do the practice sessions on the Friday of the first event. Ideally it would be nice to test, but we know the car pretty well now and working on all the weaknesses in the workshop should equate to a lot smoother first event of the year.”

The relative success of the MTAQ Race Team’s first season will see the return of many of last year’s sponsors, while a number of new partners are looking to join up to support the push for success in 2018. With their support, a whole season of experience behind them, and with an exciting trip to Mount Panorama ahead at the end of March to take part in support category racing at the Bathurst 6-hour endurance race, it should be an exciting, and hopefully successful, year for the team.

“I am looking forward to starting the new season and am very confident we will be competitive this year,” said David.

“We showed last year that when we got it right, we had real speed – it is just a matter now of getting consistent and reliable, of finishing every race and racking up points meeting-to-meeting. I am confident that our first race win isn't far away."

If you’d like to catch up with members of the MTAQ Racing Team and catch a look at this year’s race car, the team will at MTA Queensland’s first Cars & Coffee event, to be held at the Association’s head office, on March 25.

March 2018 Motor Trader | 25

VIEW PAST ISSUES OF MOTOR TRADER MAGAZINE AT WWW.MTAQ.COM.AU/PUBLICATIONS

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Auto news

NEW MUSTANG SET FOR MID-YEAR LAUNCH

Ford Mustang

T

HE 2018 FORD Mustang will be available to Australian customers from mid-year.

The updated model offers a raft of new features and an exterior design that has a lower, remodeled bonnet and grille, a new position for the bonnet air-intakes, all-LED front lights including signature tri-bar lighting . The rear of the car gets revised LED taillamps, a new bumper, fascia and available performance spoiler. The V8-powered Mustang GT boasts a quad-tip exhaust as standard, along with a black rear diffuser.

Colour choices include an all-new

signature Orange Fury as well as Kona Blue and Royal Crimson.

New technologies include a 12-inch all-digital instrument cluster that can be customised. Owners can customise the displays for Normal, Sport and Track modes and choose settings including colour and gauge layout. Mustang MyMode with memory function allows customers to save their favourite drive settings, including suspension and steering preferences.

The Mustang comes with safety tech including Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection as standard, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist.

The 2018 GT has 33kW more power than its predecessor, delivering a peak of 339kW (around 450hp) as standard. The 5EcoBoost delivers 224kW with 441Nm. There’s a new 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, available with both EcoBoost and V8 engines, and manual transmission for both engine options has been upgraded.

March 2018 Motor Trader | 27

CARS &

C O F F E E

LAST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH 7.30-9.30AM Please join us in your rare, classic, vintage, historic, exotic or race vehicles in the carpark of Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains.

Zalis Cafe will be open! Everyone welcome!

Fundraising for Youngcare.

Commencing 25th March 2018.

This is a family-friendly event, please drive responsibly.

Enquiries: 3237 8721 Sponsored by MTAiQ – Australia’s first automotive innovation hub.

Hosted by the Motor Trades Assoc of Qld

20150316

Ts & Cs at www.mtaq.com.au

Auto news

Jaguar D-Type

JAGUAR GEARS UP FOR D-TYPE PRODUCTION

J

AGUAR CLASSIC IS re-starting production of the iconic D-type race car, 62 years after the last example was built in 1956.

Just 25 new examples of the D-type will be hand-built at Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in the UK. In 1955, Jaguar planned to build 100 D-types.

With only 75 completed, Jaguar Classic is now fulfilling the company’s original ambition by creating 25 all-new, periodcorrect sports cars.

The company says that every aspect of

the D-types built for clients from 2018 will be created to authentic, original specifications.

The D-type is the third continuation vehicle from Jaguar Classic, complementing the six missing Lightweight E-types completed in 2014-15 and nine XKSSs built in 2017-18.

Jaguar Classic says its experts’ painstaking research, with exclusive access to original Jaguar engineering drawings and records, ensures each new D-type will be built to the authentic specifications laid down by competitions manager Lofty England and his engineers in the 1950s. D-type clients can choose either 1955-specification Shortnose or 1956-spec Longnose bodywork.

The engineering prototype is the 1956 Longnose specification, identifiable by its extended bonnet, characteristic tail fin behind the driver’s head, wide-angle cylinder head and quick-change brake calipers.

March 2018 Motor Trader | 29

Auto news

AIRBAG DEFECT LEADS TO COMPULSORY RECALL OF VEHICLES

T

HE TAKATA AIRBAG story has hit new heights in Australia as the Federal Government announced the compulsory recall order of more than 2 million vehicles fitted with the potentially defective equipment.

The Takata airbags at the heart of the problem contain a flaw that can cause their expansion too quickly, causing metal fragments to spray outwards. Worldwide, some 23 deaths and more than 230 serious injuries had been linked to the defective airbags, including one death and one serious injury last year in Australia.

The compulsory recall – the first of vehicles in Australia and one of the nation’s largest – came after the Federal Government determined that the 30 | Motor Trader March 2018

voluntary recalls, in place for some time, had not been effective in some cases, ‘and some manufacturers have not taken satisfactory action to address the serious safety risk which arises after the airbags are more than six years old’.

The government said in a statement that the compulsory recall will capture approximately 2.3 million vehicles that still have a defective airbag that needs replacement. This includes vehicles made

by Ford, GM Holden, Mercedes Benz, Tesla, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda. This is in addition to existing voluntary recalls by BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, GMC, Honda, Jeep, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volvo and Hino Trucks.

The compulsory recall places requirements on vehicle manufacturers, dealers, importers and other suppliers to ensure that dangerous Takata airbags are located and replaced as quickly as possible. Absolute priority will be given to replacing alpha airbags. The government estimates that as many as 25,000 vehicles are still fitted with the alpha airbags and has stated that these represent ‘an immediate and extreme safety risk’ and that the vehicles ‘should not be driven’.

The government says four million vehicles have been affected with defective Takata airbags across Australia. 2.7 million have been voluntarily recalled. 1.7 million vehicles have had airbags replaced, leaving around 1 million voluntarily recalled airbags to be replaced. The total of four million includes an additional 1.3 million vehicles that are captured under the compulsory recall.

To ensure a coordinated recall, the government says that over the next two years manufacturers will be required to progressively identify their recalls and replace airbags in affected vehicles.

Recalled vehicles are published on the Product Safety Website.

Holden has since confirmed it will recall approximately 330,000 vehicles affected by the government’s compulsory order. The company will initiate a staggered response, saying in a statement, ‘We are developing our plan in response to the recall. The recall notice calls for a progressive series of recalls, and our plan will reflect this’.

Holden further stated that the company had never had any Takata ‘alpha’ airbag inflators in its vehicles.

All defective Takata airbags will need to be replaced by 31 December 2020, with CLICK FOR MORE ON priority of replacement THE GOVT'S given to airbags based on a COMPULSORY RECALL range of factors including age and exposure to heat and humidit.

VOLVO CARS LAUNCHES TECH START-UP FUND

V

OLVO CARS HAS launched a new investment fund aimed at high-potential technology startups around the globe.

The aim of the Volvo Cars Tech Fund is to invest in strategic technology trends that are transforming the industry, such as artificial intelligence, electrification, autonomous driving and digital mobility services.

The Fund's first investment is a seed round investment into a Californiabased technology firm developing advanced sensors.

Volvo says that companies will benefit from participation in the Volvo Cars Tech Fund in a number of ways.

Apart from the association with one of the world’s leading car makers, startups may gain the ability to validate their technologies and accelerate the pace of achieving product market fit.

Moreover, start-ups may have the opportunity to benefit from Volvo Cars’ unique access to the Chinese car market, its largest, as well as potential access to Volvo Cars’ global network of automotive and technology partners. ]The launch of the Volvo Cars Tech Fund is, the company says, part of a continued push for innovation by Volvo Cars and accelerates the company’s digital transformation.

March 2018 Motor Trader | 31

Auto news

JAGUAR REVEALS PRODUCTION I-PACE

JAGUAR I-PACE

J

AGUAR HAS UNVEILED its production-ready I-PACE and revealed that the all-electric SUV will be available in Australia at a price from $119,000. That’s a lot of money, no doubt, but owners are going to get an awful lot for that heap of cash, for the I-PACE is stocked to the gills with cutting-edge features.

ELECTRIC The I-PACE has a 90kWh Lithium-ion battery that delivers a range of 480km.

Jag says owners will be able to achieve

a 0-80 per cent battery charge in just 40 minutes using DC rapid charging (100kW). Home charging with an AC wall box (7kW) will achieve the same state of charge in just over 10 hours. Smart range-optimising technologies includes a battery pre-conditioning system that will automatically raise (or lower) the temperature of the battery to maximise range ahead of driving.

PERFORMANCE Two Jaguar-designed electric motors are placed at each axle, producing power figures of of 294kW (400PS) and 696Nm, as well as all-wheel-drive, all-surface traction.

The power system delivers some awesome performance figures with Jag claiming a 0-100km/h of just 4.8 seconds.

DESIGN Built and designed as an electric vehicle rather than a development of an existing model, Jaguar says the I-PACE is 32 | Motor Trader March 2018

engineered to take full advantage of its powertrain and maximise the potential of the packaging benefits it brings, enabling a design with a drag co-efficient of 0.29Cd. While a mid-sized SUV, I-PACE has plenty of room inside and with no transmission tunnel, there’s a 10.5-litre central storage compartment. In the rear, tablet and laptop stowage is found beneath the seats, while the rear luggage compartment offers a 656-litre capacity – and 1,453-litres with seats folded flat.

NISSAN AND DeNA TO START EASY RIDE ROBO-VEHICLE MOBILITY SERVICE TRIAL

CONNECTED-CAR TECHNOLOGY The I-PACE is fitted with the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system – a system that uses a combination of touchscreens, sensors and tactile physical controls.

A new EV navigation system assesses the topography of the route to destination and insights from previous journeys, including driving style, to calculate personalised range and charging status. The advanced system uses Smart Settings technology – driven by AI algorithms – to identify driver preferences, and then tailors the I-PACEs driving and interior settings.

I-PACE will also launch an Amazon Alexa Skill, meaning owners will be able to ask an Alexa-enabled device for information held in the Jaguar InControl Remote app.

To ensure owners always have access to the latest infotainment, telematics and battery control software, I-PACE will be the first Jaguar to provide software overthe-air – providing seamless updates.

N

ISSAN AND DENA Co., Ltd. - a provider of mobile portal and e-commerce websites - are to begin a field test of Easy Ride, a robo-vehicle mobility service being developed by both companies.

Nissan says Easy Ride is envisioned as a mobility service for anyone who wants to travel freely to their destination of choice in an autonomous vehicle. During the field test, in the Minatomirai district of Yokohama, the participants will be able to travel in vehicles equipped with autonomous driving technology along a set route.

The route spans about 4.5km between Nissan’s global headquarters and the Yokohama World Porters shopping centre. A remote centre has been set up to monitor the test.

Nissan and DeNA will also test Easy Ride’s service functions. Using a dedicated mobile app, passengers can input what they want to do via text or voice and choose from a list of recommended destinations. An in-car tablet screen will show selections of nearly 500 recommended places of interest and events in the vicinity.

The companies aim to launch Easy Ride as a full service in the early 2020s.

March 2018 Motor Trader | 33

Porsche 34 | Motor Trader March 2018

MAKE: PORSCHE MODEL: 911 CARRERA RS YEAR: 1976 ENGINE: 3.6-LITRE, 6-CYLINDER OWNER: ANDREW BEAR OWNED SINCE: 2017

e Power March 2018 Motor Trader | 35

Y

OU MAY REMEMBER the 1980s as the decade in which the word Yuppie – ‘young upwardly mobile professional’ – entered the public consciousness.

Not necessarily a compliment, ‘yuppie’ became the word most associated with young, wealthy, mostly male, financial traders who modelled themselves after Gordon Gekko in Wall Street, wore Armani suits from Monday to Friday, dressed like an extra from Miami Vice on the weekend, and were often found in crowded areas shouting ‘BUY!’ and ‘SELL!’ into mobile phones the size and weight of house bricks. Yuppies were not, at least as this writer remembers them, viewed as anything other than prats.

However, though a yuppie may have been found wanting in the departments of character and taste, they did latch on to one item that really was as good as they imagined themselves to be.

36 | Motor Trader March 2018

And that was the Porsche 911.

As much a part of the yuppie uniform as braces, a Rolex and a wad of notes folded into a monogrammed money clip, the Porsche 911 was very much more than a rich man’s accessory.

The rear-engined 911 first appeared in 1964 and the model’s history across the decades is nothing short of amazing.

In its various guises, it scored Monte Carlo and European Rally victories, more GT Championships than you can shake a stick at and, as the 935 (the factory version of the 911 turbo), so many victories on the track – including in Australia where

Alan Jones drove it victory in every round of the 1982 Australian GT Championship – it must have been a depressing experience indeed for every other manufacturer when it rumbled up to the start line.

It was, and is, a brilliant car.

This 1976 911 will, hopefully, be carrying on that tradition of Porsche motorsport success on the historic motor racing circuit in Queensland.

Owner Andrew Bear, who has been racing in historic events for many years, is in the

process of converting it from road car to race winner after discovering the car in the US. “I was searching for a project and I was looking at a few different cars, but nothing was jumping out at me,” he says. “I wanted a classic that was nice to drive on the road and something I could drive to the track and do some historic racing with on the weekends. So, the next thing I find myself doing was purchasing this car sight unseen out of Illinois, USA! “I had only just started looking around for an early 911 and by chance I purchased an American AutaBuy magazine at my local newsagent and as soon as I turned the page and saw the car I thought, ‘That’s it!’

“My next thought was how to work out a deal on this car from the other side of the world. Luckily for me it was at a licensed dealer showroom on consignment, so they were very helpful to deal with and the purchase went well.”

March 2018 Motor Trader | 37

Luckily, the Porsche had been welltreated by its previous owner and much of the work – at least the expensive work - needed to turn it from street cruiser to track racer had been done.

“The previous owner was building it up as a show/ track car but didn’t get it finished and decided to sell,” says Andrew.

38 | Motor Trader March 2018

“It was in good condition when I got it.

It has a 3.6-litre air-cooled VarioRam out of a later 993 Porsche, has twin turbo brakes fitted from a 2001 911, and the widebody 964-style body kit fitted to give it an updated look.

“It did need some work to finish it properly. I repainted the front and rear bars, put in a new custom exhaust, some Carrera RS decals, new lights and lenses, and fixed the engine wiring. I’m very happy

with how its turned out so far.

“I still have a few things I want to do to it,” he adds. “I have a bolt-in CAMSapproved roll cage to fit, and I want to do a full dash retrim, and fit some new door trims and carpet. I’m getting all that sorted and then I will be ready for some track days.

"At the moment she’s just a road car – but a very nice one!”

It certainly is, and when the work is complete the 911 will look pretty dashing on the track as it challenges other classics at Morgan Park and Lakeside, as well as the Noosa hill climbs.

A car enthusiast who has owned,

and raced, a number of classic motors (including a 1968 Fastback that we featured in the May 2017 edition of Motor Trader), Andrew says this Porsche is one car that he will hang on to longer than most. It’s fast and fun to drive and, as a classic Porsche, there’s another very good reason to keep hold of it.

“I think I’ll keep this one for a while,” he says. “The prices for old 911’s have really been increasing for a few years now, so I don’t have any plans to sell this anytime soon!”

!

DO YOU HAVE A PRIDE AND JOY IN THE GARAGE THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE IN THE PAGES OF MOTOR TRADER? Contact Jonathan Nash at jonathann@mtaq.com.au and let’s see if we can share your classic with other members.

March 2018 Motor Trader | 39

Auto news

MCLAREN SENNA GETS CARBON FIBRE MAKEOVER

T

HE NEW MCLAREN Senna will appear at this month’s Geneva Motor Show in a pretty special-looking guise - a Visual Carbon Fibre theme.

Developed by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the carbon fibre theme body comprises 67 parts, takes 1000 hours to produce and sports Solar yellow detailing on the sill exteriors, rear wing and front active aero blades, and Laurel Green brake calipers, in recognition of Ayrton Senna’s Formula One helmet colours.

Both seats feature a Senna ‘S’ on the headrest and the same detail is repeated in satin finish Visual Carbon Fibre on the end plates of the rear wing.

The ‘standard’ Senna has what McLaren says is ‘ground-breaking’ front and rear active aerodynamics and every element

40 | Motor Trader March 2018

of the body design, from the front splitter to the double diffuser at the rear, has been developed to ‘optimise downforce and aerodynamic balance’.

At the heart of the car is the engine, and the Senna gets a doozy – a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 monster that produces 789hp and 800Nm of torque.

That should be good for a sub-three second 0-100km/h time and a top speed somewhere in the stratosphere.

MSO is also introducing a new McLaren Senna wheel option in Geneva.

The standard wheel is available in three finishes, but the new MSO 7-spoke, hybrid carbon fibre wheel is the only alternative design available from McLaren for the car. The centre-lock wheel is a forged aluminium/carbon fibre rim component

McLaren Senna

that is up to 10 per cnet lighter than the standard wheel.

Just 500 examples of the Senna will be made, and all are already spoken for.

Each vehicle is priced at ÂŁ750,000 ($AU1.33 million) and are hand-assembled. Cars commissioned from MSO carry a financial premium, with McLaren saying the bespoke personalisation of the Carbon Fibre theme adding ÂŁ300,000 ($AU533,000) to the price.

March 2018 Motor Trader | 41

Auto news

ALFA ROMEO RETURNS TO F1 WITH SAUBER

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HE ALFA ROMEO Sauber F1 Team has launched its new car, the C37, ahead of the 2018 Formula 1 championship.

Sporting a livery reflecting its Alfa Romeo connection, the C37 sports plenty of changes over last year’s C36, and with the team also running the new Ferrari power unit this year, Sauber is hopeful of a decent run in the 2018 championship.

“The 2018 challenger is the result of the hard work that everyone in the factory has put in over the last few months,” said Jrg Zander, Sauber’s Technical Director.

“The aerodynamic concept has changed significantly, and the C37 has several new features in comparison to its predecessor.

We are positive that the new concept offers us more opportunities and will help us to

42 | Motor Trader March 2018

make improvements during the course of the season.

“The 2018 Ferrari engine will also give us a boost in terms of our performance.

We hope that we will make progress with the C37 and that we are more competitive compared to 2017.”

Marcus Ericsson and Charles Leclerc will be Sauber’s drivers, with Ericsson entering his fourth season with the team and Leclerc marking his debut in motorsport’s top category.

TOYOTA TO ESTABLISH NEW INSTITUTE TO RESEARCH AUTOMATED DRIVING

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OYOTA IS TO establish a new company in Tokyo named Toyota Research Institute-Advanced Development (TRI-AD) that will accelerate its efforts in advanced development for automated driving.

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. (Aisin), and Denso Corporation (Denso) have concluded a memorandum of understanding on joint development of fully-integrated, production-quality software for automated driving. The companies say they will hold further discussions, aiming to conclude a concrete joint development contract.

Together, TMC, Aisin and Denso plan to invest more than 300 billion yen ($AU3.6 billion) in TRI-AD. The automotive industry is now in an era of profound transformation. Highquality software development and big data from connected vehicles will be crucial to success. To respond to such changes, Toyota established Toyota Research Institute, Inc. (TRI) in North America in 2016 to conduct research in the areas of artificial intelligence, automated driving, and robotics.

"Building production-quality software is a critical success factor for Toyota's automated driving program," said Dr. James Kuffner, current TRI Chief Technology Officer, who will lead TRIAD as its CEO. "This company's mission is to accelerate software development in a more effective and disruptive way, by augmenting the Toyota Group's capability through the hiring of worldclass software engineers. We will recruit globally, and I am thrilled to lead this effort."

March 2018 Motor Trader | 43

A wide range of items can be manufactured via 3D printing. For example, 3DSL produced this full-size petrol tank via the system

3D PRINTING: PARTS AND REPAIRS AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON

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F YOU WERE asked to pick a technology that had the capacity to be truly transformative, it would be difficult to look past 3D printing.

It’s a technology that has been turned to good use in just about any field you can think of – from construction to clothing, home appliances to aerospace, from toys to medical prosthetics.

It has also found extensive use within the automotive industry. For example, Audi uses the technology to manufacture parts on-demand; Ford is testing 3D printing of large-scale car parts, like spoilers, for prototyping and future production vehicles; GM has been using the technology for rapid prototyping for 44 | Motor Trader March 2018

many years; Porsche is using it to produce rare parts for some of its classic models . . . the list of those using 3D printing is long and growing.

So, how does it work?

Iain Gilmour, 3DSL It’s actually fairly simple. You take a 3D design – a design created from scratch in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software or uploaded into that software via a 3D scanner – and send that design to print.

The printer builds the design using the principle of additive manufacturing - a process in which an object is created by laying down successive layers of a chosen material. This process is the opposite of the traditional ‘subtractive’ manufacturing

“3D PRINTING, SCANNING

AND DESIGN IS ALL ABOUT CUSTOMISATION, AND OFTEN IT’S ABOUT TAKING AN EXISTING PRODUCT AND ADAPTING IT TO SUIT A PARTICULAR NICHE.” method which removes material from a block to achieve the final object - for example in a milling machine – and which leaves a lot of waste from material removed from that block.

The additive process allows for a new way of thinking about the development of parts and equipment, and manufacturers have not been slow in recognising the possibilities it offers. For instance, last year, General Electric announce it had developed the Advanced Turboprop engine using additive manufacturing methods and had reduced the number of parts required from 855 to just 12.

The additive material used in the 3D printing process can vary. Nylon is one of the base materials most commonly used, with other materials such as carbon fibre, fibreglass or Kevlar added to meet strength

requirements; while PLA polylactic acid, a corn-statched derivative plastic is another common material. Metal objects can also be created, although this requires specific printer technology.

While huge corporations and research institutions use, test and develop 3D printing technology, it is no longer solely their preserve, and while suitability for end use is determined by the traditional methods of testing in accordance with relevant legislation, companies have been established to offer 3D printing services to individual customers as well as businesses both small and large.

One such company is 3D Space Labs, or 3DSL, based at MTA Queensland’s Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence.

Founded by Iain Gilmour in 2014, 3DSL sells a variety of the leading brands of printers, and offers a range of services including 3D printing, 3D scanning and design work. And it is the automotive sector, Iain says, that most often calls on his company’s talents.

“Many calls are from automotive companies,” he says. “3D printing, scanning and design is all about customisation, and often it’s about taking an existing product March 2018 Motor Trader | 45

and adapting it to suit a particular niche.

“Clients may call because they want to modify an item that they have but for which they don’t have a CAD model. In that instance, I will go and scan the object and produce a 3D digital model that they can then open in their own CAD system.

That gives them the freedom to then examine and experiment with the digital model and work out what needs to be done to meet their requirements. We can print that for them too, should they require it.

“A left to right-hand conversion is a good example of that type of work. In that instance, you may import a car from the US and switch the driving from one side to the other. There are lots of people that offer that service, but the problem is that there are not a lot, sometimes none, of the dashboard trims and other ancillary items from inside a vehicle, that has that conversion. So, what we can do is scan components, put it into our CAD system, employ a ‘mirror’ command to the scan and end up with a mirror copy that we then print. In a couple of days, the customer can have something that just doesn’t exist anywhere else.

“We recently worked on converting a dash trim for a client. It was the size of a hockey stick and took about 85 hours to complete. The client had the part within a couple of weeks, and that included two

days shipping, and received a part that didn’t exist anywhere else.

“Under normal circumstances, the time and cost to make that part would probably have made the project too prohibitive for them to even entertain.”

Another example of the work Iain and 3DSL are doing is an exhaust system project. It’s a project for a client keen to see if 3D scanning can be accurate in delivering precise measurements.

“The customer wants to be able to scan exhaust systems, or any other tubular section that comes to him, that don’t have a drawing or a CAD model,” says Iain. “In those circumstances they would need a digital model so that they can design other components around it.”

The 3D scanning process is, of course, remarkably accurate, and seeing it demonstrated is fascinating. With just a single hand-held high-resolution scanning device, Iain can move swiftly around any object, of almost any size, and the scanner digitally captures the shape of that object.

The level of detail is incredible and that information is transferred, in real time, to the computer, with the highly-detailed 3D image appearing instantly on screen.

And while it would seem likely that the less complicated an object the easier it is to scan and print, Iain says that is not always the case.

One of the leaders in 3D printing technology, Markforged's range includes a metal printing system 46 | Motor Trader March 2018

“3D PRINTING AND SCANNING MEANS YOU CAN QUICKLY SCAN AN OBJECT . . . AND HAVE SOMETHING UNIQUE TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS. IT’S ABOUT BRINGING PEOPLE’S IDEAS TO LIFE!”

“Complexity comes for free with 3D printing - it doesn’t matter how complex an object is,” he says. “If you think about Handheld scanning systems result in a ‘helter-skelter’ type structure with lots highly accurate digital models of curves, loops and knots - these are no problem for 3D scanners and printers.

It would be a challenge to make those things with traditional methods, but in 3D service for cars. The goal, apparently, is printing, things are rarely complicated.” ‘to enable the low cost rapid service for A mechanical engineer who worked in automotive plastic trim and assembly the UK Space industry designing thermal components that can be commercially control systems for satellites, Iain moved implemented in a same-day fix of vehicles to Australia in 2008 and spotted early damaged by collisions’. the potential of the 3D printing market, News like that highlights the rapid particularly for business. He began by progression of 3D printing and how it is selling the printers and the associated already becoming an indispensable part of Solidworks CAD software, and that is a the automotive sector. service he still offers.

For Iain, the connection is clear and he is “Anyone can come in and buy a printer,” working on other projects that strengthen he says. “And at 3DSL we sell only the top that link, including one that is designed to brand names in this industry - names such allow workshops to scan parts, match them as Markforged, Artec and EOS.” to OEM parts through an online database, These printers include those that print and then download and print from the OE using carbon fibre, fibreglass, Kevlar and specs. Along with the bespoke printing even metal, and 3DSL has some of these and scanning work 3DSL currently does, it printers on site (including a 3D Platform looks like there is an exciting future ahead.

Workbench that can print objects up to “We can see a time when every 1m x 1m x 0.5m) which have been used to mechanical workshop has a 3D printer, create the interior auto trim, a motorcycle and it is exciting,” says Iain. “3D printing petrol tank, air scoops and other complex and scanning means you can quickly scan items. an object, take it into the CAD system, play The automotive industry is clearly where around with it, improve it, fix it, enhance 3D printing will have, a major impact. Just it, reverse engineer it and have something last month, Swinburne University unique to your requirements. It’s of Technology in Melbourne about bringing people’s ideas to CLICK TO announced that it was to life!”

VISIT THE 3DSL WEBSITE spearhead the development of For more information, visit an automated 3D printed repair www.3dsl.com.au March 2018 Motor Trader | 47

RTO No. 31529

Can you afford not to be in the circle?

Advocacy

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GENERAL MANAGER MTA INSTITUTE

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T’S BEEN A big month, and pretty special too, with our first ever graduation ceremony for Institute apprentices who finalised their training in the last half of 2017. I want to personally thank all those that attended for taking the time to make it a great night.

To join the automotive industry was a life-changing decision for these young people and something that all those who finish their apprenticeship should be proud of achieving. I was really pleased with the first graduation event and hope to build on this in the coming months and years – it can only get bigger and better. Our next graduation ceremony is scheduled for August 2018!

This month we’ve also added an additional qualification for delivery to apprentices – Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE). In the way of background, OPE comprises lawn mowers, chainsaws, brush cutters, generators, post-hole diggers,

pumps and other similar engines/motors.

The market extends across domestic, farm and construction activities, and the sector comprises mainly dedicated workshops or combined workshop/retail sales locations.

This is a Priority One qualification, and with on-going advancements in technology there has been a significant increase in the range of automated products available in the marketplace and training requirements have changed.

The MTA Institute is proud to now offer this training to apprentices in this sector through Queensland.

Also, keep an eye out for the Apprenticeship Survey we are currently running. We are seeking your thoughts on the apprenticeship system and what could be improved. This survey will only take 60 seconds to complete and will provide valuable feedback for the future of the apprenticeship system.

That’s enough from me for the moment, but remember, if there is anything you’d like to discuss training wise, please feel free to contact me.

MEMBERS' ESSENTIALS Contents 50 Professional Circle training 57 Apprentice of the Month for January 59 Apprentice of the Month for February 64 Industrial relations March 2018 Motor Trader | 49

E S S E N T I A L S

PAUL KULPA

M E M B E R S

Training GM's Professional Circle perspective

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

Professional Circle training

Apprenticeship graduates and graduates of the MTA Institute automotive pre-vocational program at the Institute's first graduation ceremony.

APPRENTICES MAKE THE GRADE AT MTA INSTITUTE GRADUATION NIGHT

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HE MTA INSTITUTE held its first the event and received their graduation graduation ceremony in February, certificates from Mr Paul Kulpa, General acknowledging the effort of Manager of MTA Institute. apprentices who completed their studies Also on hand were Anna Ibbotson, between July and December 2017, as Executive Officer of Queensland Overseas well as students who recently finished Foundation (QOF), and guest speaker the institute’s five-week automotive preJoshua Stemm, a former automotive vocational program. apprentice who, thanks to the assistance Held at the MTAiQ Innovation Hub of QOF, has worked across the world at MTA Queensland’s head office and is now a senior engineer CLICK TO in Brisbane, some 40 apprentices for Tesla in Australia. MTA VISIT THE MTA INSTITUTE and students, plus family Queensland is a sponsor of QOF WEBSITE members and guests, attended and its program that provides

50 | Motor Trader March 2018

APPRENTICE GRADUATES DAVID ASHBY

TAHNÉ FISHPOOL APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE EMPLOYER: JC AUTOMOTIVE

ALEX EDMONDS APPRENTICESHIP: AUTOMOTIVE REFINISHING EMPLOYER: JRS REFINISHING

CLAIRE BROWN APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE EMPLOYER: APPRENTICESHIP QLD LTD ROSS LLEWELLYN MOTORS

DANE TURNBULL APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE EMPLOYER: PEDDERS SUSPENSION SLACKS CREEK

DYLAN 0'KEEFFE APPRENTICESHIP: MOTORCYCLE MECHANICAL TECH EMPLOYER: TEAMMOTO MOTORCYCLES

JESSE GREENSLADE APPRENTICESHIP: MOTORCYCLE MECHANICAL EMPLOYER: TOP TWO MOTORCYCLES WARWICK

March 2018 Motor Trader | 51

E S S E N T I A L S

APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE EMPLOYER: NANANGO MOTORS

M E M B E R S

up to $7500 to vocational education and training graduates and professionals to broaden their horizons and improve their career prospects by working overseas.

During his opening address, Mr Kulpa acknowledged the challenging road the graduates had travelled to complete their apprenticeships and thanked their families and Institute administrative and training staff for the support they had given the students.

“Completing your apprenticeship is a tremendous result,” he said. “This industry still suffers from a 50 per cent apprentice drop-out rate, and I mention that because it shows what a phenomenal effort you have put in to completing the journey you started four years ago.

“So, now is a time to reflect on those four years and the rewarding and challenging experience it was. And I acknowledge your families and friends who have gone on this journey with you. Getting through the apprenticeship is a group effort and they’ve been there with you for both the highs and lows.

“You have grown considerably since you began your training and the decision you made to start your apprenticeship is a life-changing one. I hope you will look back on this time and see that the MTA Institute provided a great platform for you as you start your career. We are proud to have played our part. Congratulations.”

Following Mr Kulpa’s introduction, Anna Ibbotson from QOF gave a short address about her organisation before introducing Joshua Stemm.

Mr Stemm’s career is a great example of the amazing opportunities on offer for those working in the automotive industry. Following the completion of his Queensland automotive apprenticeship in 2007, and with the help of QOF, Mr Stemm moved to the Middle East to work, completed a Masters of Strategic Automotive Dealership Management at Loughborough University in the UK,

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

Professional Circle training

MTA Institute General Manager Paul Kulpa (right) with Joshua Stemm and Anna Ibbotson from QOF.

and became part of a team responsible for business planning, forecasting and strategy for General Motors in the Middle East and Africa. Aged just 32, Mr Stemm moved back to Australia this year to work with Tesla.

For the graduates in attendance, it was an inspiring story and something to aspire to as they shift from student to tradesperson.

For 20-year-old Tahné Fishpool, from JC Automotive in Morningside, graduating was a great feeling.

“It has taken a while to get my head around it, but it’s a real accomplishment

and I am very proud,” she said.

“It’s also a huge relief to have graduated, as I am not a fan of the theory stuff,” she added with a laugh. “Obviously I am going to continue my education but I’m immensely glad the book work is over!”

Starting her automotive career as a school-based apprentice, Tahné trained with, and works for, her father at JC Automotive. His support, she said, was very important and the journey from novice to tradesperson was immensely satisfying.

“At first, my dad asked, ‘Do you really want to do this?’,” she said. “He knew I would be making a big commitment, but he made sure I stayed on top of my schoolwork and apprenticeship work and, obviously, he was very supportive.

“On the very first day as an apprentice, watching a qualified mechanic take an engine apart, you think, ‘Wow, how do they remember where all these nuts and bolts go!’. Now, you are the person taking apart and rebuilding that engine, and that is the ultimate satisfaction.”

MTA Queensland and MTA Institute congratulates all apprentices who completed their training in the period July 1 – Dec 31, 2017. Graduation ceremonies will be held twice each year, with the next to be CLICK FOR held in August and acknowledging those MORE ON THE VOCATIONAL apprentices graduating in the period of PREPARATION January 1 – June 30, 2018.

COURSE

PRE-VOCATIONAL PROGRAM GRADUATES

ABUBAKAR SDIDH

ETHAN SIMMONS

52 | Motor Trader March 2018

MARVIN BOTHWEY

MOHAMED IBRAHIM SHUJAAJ TURI

Right training.

Right place.

Right way.

RTO No: 31529

MTA INSTITUTE

COURSES PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR COURSE (PDR) INTRODUCTORY

To be advised Click for more information.

MIG WELDING FUNDAMENTALS COURSE 7 March 2018, 8:30am – 12:30pm 18 April 2018, 8:30am – 12:30pm 24 May 2018, 8:30am – 12:30pm Click for more information.

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SALES/DEALER LICENCING COURSE

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CORBY'S DRIVE TAKES HIM TO TRIPLE EIGHT RACING

Corby Marshall

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ORBY MARSHALL HAS skidded drive and commitment. This unique work into 2018 with a supercar bang. experience opportunity came about thanks In February, Corby began a twoto the collaborative partnership between week work experience placement at Triple MTAA Super, MTA Institute and Triple Eight Race Engineering in Banyo. His Eight Race Engineering. placement, taking place in the run-up to “I was so excited to find out I’d won the Adelaide 500, meant the Triple Eight the MTA Institute Apprentice of the headquarters was a hive of activity and the Month and was nominated for the 2017 frenzied atmosphere was palpable.

Apprentice of the Year," said Corby.

Corby found himself in the thick of the "I thought my lucky streak had ended, action and experiencing first hand the but finding out I was going to have the effort and skills that go into prepping a opportunity to work at Triple Eight Race crew for an elite motorsport event.

Engineering felt like I’d won the lotto! I A fourth-year panel beater apprentice have no words and I still can’t believe it.” at ACM Autobody in Mansfield, Corby Although he might not have believed it, was nominated as the MTA Institute it didn’t take long for Corby to look CLICK TO Apprentice of the Year for 2017 after quite at home amongst the Triple VISIT TRIPLE EIGHT RACE winning the April 2017 Apprentice Eight Race Engineering Team.

ENGINEERING'S WEBSITE of the Month due to his outstanding “I’ve been really privileged to be 54 | Motor Trader March 2018

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

Corby at work in the Triple Eight workshop (above) and feeling like a champion with some of the team's array of trophies (right).

able to work with so many crew members having been paired with someone new every day,” he said. “I’ve learnt heaps of great facts and insights into how the team operates, and it’s been amazing being given jobs that actually help the crew.

"The work is very different from my dayto-day job and I’ve seen and done heaps of cool things including assisting in making custom LED lights for Jamie Whincup’s car and working with fibreglass. These things are worlds away from my normal job, pulling apart and repairing smashed cars for customers.”

The opportunity, which couldn’t have been possible without the support and understanding of Corby’s employer ACM Autobody, certainly isn’t lost on his work

“. . . FINDING OUT I WAS GOING TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK AT TRIPLE EIGHT RACE ENGINEERING FELT LIKE I'D WON THE LOTTO! I HAVE NO WORDS AND I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE IT.”

mates, family and friends.

“Everyone is quite jealous. I keep getting hit up for signatures,” said Corby with a laugh. “I’ve gotten to meet Jamie Whincup already, and I met Craig Lowndes at the MTA Queensland President’s Ball, but I’m yet to meet Shane Van Gisbergen, so fingers crossed I get that opportunity.

"It’s quite a surreal thing working on such famous vehicles and getting to meet drivers I’ve looked up to and admired for so long; it blows me away.”

“I’ve always had an interest in motorsport – I love everything about it, but I never thought panel beating could lead into it. This work experience has been quite eye-opening being able to see the different roles and opportunities available.

There’s a whole range of skills and expertise from all sectors of automotive needed and, if I could, I’d love to do something like this for a career.”

Corby’s advice to future apprentices offered an opportunity like this is simple.

“Work as hard as you can and enjoy it.

Opportunities like this don’t come around often so make the most of it!”

March 2018 Motor Trader | 55

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TRAINING WITH THE MTA INSTITUTE? • Trainers with extensive automotive industry experience • On-site one-on-one workplace training • Flexible employer arrangements • State-of-the-art training facility • Online learning capability • Free wi-fi at our training facility • Strong connections to government agencies and industry stakeholders • Unique student opportunities - Pathway to motorsports - Apprentice of the Month and Year Awards - Overseas scholarship opportunities - Links to employers that are members of MTA Queensland - Access to jobs board - Graduation ceremonies THE MTA INSTITUTE offers a full suite of nationally accredited automotive apprenticeships and traineeships in the fields of Light Vehicle, Heavy Vehicle, Motorcycle, Mobile Plant, Automotive Body Repair, Refinishing and more.

ENQUIRE: TRAINING@MTAI.EDU.AU 07 3237 8777 | WWW.MTAI.EDU.AU

RTO No: 31529

20170617

In addition, accredited short courses for licensing requirements are available for Motor Vehicle Sales, Dealers, Wreckers and Automotive Air-Conditioning. We also offer non-accredited short courses in MIG Welding, Paintless Dent Repair, Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Common Rail Diesel Injection.

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AUTO INDUSTRY EVENT FREE INFORMATION & NETWORKING EVENT

DATE: Tuesday 20th March 2018 TIME: 6pm VENUE: MTAiQ Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains RSVP: clancyh@mtaq.com.au by Tuesday 13th March Drinks and Nibbles provided.

• Launch of Tyrestock and product demonstration • Meet Tony McMahon, Editor of Tyre Business Australia • Meet Jonathan Nash, Editor of Motor Trader e-magazine and www.tyrenews.com.au

TYRENEWS

• Network with other businesses in the auto industry

TYRENEWS.COM.AU

20180630

• Industry overview by Brad Collett, Chairman of Tyre and Undercar Division of Queensland (TUDQ)

March 2018 Motor Trader | 57

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experienced at what I do, but it's nice to have something on paper."

While his experience means his understanding of the training requirements is very high, it is, he said, a really useful exercise.

"I do quite enjoy the training. Although there is a lot of stuff that I have to go through again, there are always new things that you learn and pick up along the way.

IM WARD IS the MTA Institute "I've been around for a long time so that Apprentice of the Month for January. does make it easier!"

The 36-year-old light vehicle And gaining the light vehicle ticket apprentice is no stranger to the automotive trade - he is already a qualified won't be the last bit of training Tim does either, as he has his eye set on further engine reconditioner and has worked qualifications down the track. And that is in the industry with Repco as well as for not surprising, as Yatala Headworx offers the the past 11 years at current employer Yatala Headworx and Automotive Service - a wide range of services from general a family business founded by his father and servicing to EFI diagnostics to dyno tuning and a fair bit inbetween, including at which his two brothers also work. installing ECUs, and doing wiring and So, why, after years of work in the tuning, for circuit and drag racing cars. industry trade, would a well-qualified "We are a one-stop shop," said and experienced tradesman take CLICK TO Tim. "So getting that extra training it upon himself to go through VISIT THE YATALA is a good thing. And once I have training again?

HEADWORX completed this course, I will WEBSITE "We are a small family business be looking at an auto-electic and I thought it would be a qualification too. It's the way the good thing to have another ticket industry is heading." under my belt," said Tim. "I am pretty APPRENTICE: TIMOTHY WARD WORKPLACE: YATALA HEADWORX & AUTOMOTIVE SERVICING APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE

M E M B E R S

Apprentice of the Month: January

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO MORE THAN 3000 PEOPLE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE MOTORING INDUSTRY (website or e-magazine options)

CLICK HERE FOR MEDIA GUIDE AND COSTS

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NOMINATE FOR THE MTA INSTITUTE APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH AWARD

• Are you employing an apprentice who is excelling in the workplace?

• Do you have a high-achieving apprentice colleague?

• Are they training with MTA Institute?

If the answer is 'yes', then nominate them for the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month award.

FOR MORE INFO, CLICK HERE AND CHECK OUT THE APPRENTICE AWARDS PAGE AT WWW.MTAI.EDU.AU March 2018 Motor Trader | 59

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doing and the enthusiasm and effort he puts in is proof of that.”

Working in the automotive industry is something of a tradition in Reed's family and at aged 16, he took the opportunity of an apprenticeship with T & G Spares and Repairs after completing some work experience while at school.

“My family has always been involved in the industry - my grandparents are mechanics - and it always interested EED LENNOX IS the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for February. me,” said Reed. “We have a lot of sugar cane up here, so we do a lot of work and The 18-year-old heavy vehicle apprentice is in his third year and has been maintenance on machinery like trucks and cane haulers and so on. And I enjoy every working at T&G Spares and Repairs in Ayr, part of the work and the training." north Queensland, since 2015.

With perhaps just another year to go A young man who enjoys everything about his job, Reed’s enthusiastic approach before qualifying as a tradesman, Reed said he hadn’t thought too far ahead to his work will see him become a regarding where his career might lead, tradesman before he turns 20 and wanting to concentrate instead on he has, said his MTA Institute trainer finishing his training and getting some Neville Donaldson, been an excellent solid experience. student.

CLICK TO “There’s still a bit to learn and I “Reed is very diligent and puts VISIT THE enjoy what I am doing,” he said. “This in a lot of work,” said Neville. “He’s TG SPARES & REPAIRS is what I always wanted to do and it well-liked by all the other guys WEBSITE is going well, so I’ll definitely stick he works with, and his boss Troy around, get some experience and speaks very highly of him. He’s one then see what happens.” of those guys who loves what he is APPRENTICE: REED LENNOX WORKPLACE: TG SPARES & REPAIRS APPRENTICESHIP: HEAVY VEHICLE

M E M B E R S

Apprentice of the Month: February

Concept corner Toyota Adventure Concept FT-AC

T O Y O TA’S AD V E N T U 60 | Motor Trader March 2018

URO U S OFF -RO ADER March 2018 Motor Trader | 61

Concept corner

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HIS IS THE Future Toyota Adventure Concept, or FT-AC. Debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show at the end of 2017, and making an appearance at last month’s Chicago Auto Show, the FT-AC has been conceived, Toyota says, as a ‘capable all-wheel-drive petrol or hybrid-powered vehicle catering to various lifestyles, preferences and even generations’.

Currently a design experiment, there have been rumblings that this pretty bold effort may make it to production and if it does then adventure enthusiasts could be in for some fun.

It looks plenty powerful with its long wheelbase, wide track and pronounced, wide grille flanked by LED headlights.

62 | Motor Trader March 2018

VIDEO: TOYOTA ADVENTURE CONCEPT FT-AC

Extra-wide fender flares provide body shielding above the 20-inch wheels and all-terrain tyres. It has twin recovery hooks while skid plates help protect the short front and rear overhangs.

Fog lights can be removed from their pods and used as portable lamps, ideal for being attached to a mountain bike for night riding.

The safari-style cargo roof-rack system can haul all types of adventure gear.

LED marker lights at its front corners can provide ambient lighting around the vehicle, brighten the trail ahead or even act as a flash for infrared cameras embedded in the side mirrors.

An integrated Wi-Fi hotspot provides adventure-goers the ability to livestream their fun or upload footage to cloud-based storage for real-time editing and posting via a mobile device. Like the fog lights, the cameras are removable. Geolocation capabilities can also provide directions back to base camp.

The roof rack's rear-facing LED lights aid night-time visibility and can also be controlled by a mobile device. An integrated bike rack is retractable.

Toyota says the FT-AC envisions a petrol-powered engine with an advanced torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system.

Variable terrain-response settings and fourwheel lock functionality would build on its capability by managing traction control and throttle response to provide maximum grip at each wheel.

FT-AC could also offer a next-generation hybrid powertrain that blends fuel efficiency with all-wheel-drive grunt.

"FT-AC is perfect for those outdoor enthusiasts who want to dial up the adventure on their weekend getaways," said Jack Hollis, group vice president and general manager, Toyota division (USA).

"No matter the roads, the activities, or the people, FT-AC sparks authentic fun and conversation.�

March 2018 Motor Trader | 63

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Industrial relations

TED KOWALSKI INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MANAGER

PERSONAL/CARER’S LEAVE AND COMPASSIONATE LEAVE Under the Fair Work legislation all employees have access to personal/carer’s leave and compassionate leave. Personal leave is what was previously known as sick leave, and this provision allows a full-time permanent employee ten paid days of personal leave per year. Personal leave accrues progressively through the year at the rate of 1.461 hours per week for a full-time employee. The entitlement is cumulative, so that any accrual not accessed in one year carries on into the next indefinitely, but there is no payout of unused accrual at time of termination.

Permanent part-time employees also accrue personal leave based on their actual hours of work - but casuals do not. The rate of accrual for a part-time employee is 1/26th of the ordinary hours worked each

PERSONAL LEAVE IS WHAT WAS PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS SICK LEAVE, AND THIS PROVISION ALLOWS A FULLTIME PERMANENT EMPLOYEE TEN PAID DAYS OF PERSONAL LEAVE PER YEAR. 64 | Motor Trader March 2018

week. Carer’s leave allows an employee to use their accrued personal leave to provide care or support to a member of the employee’s immediate family or household when that person requires care or support due to personal illness, personal injury or an unexpected emergency affecting the member. An employer can require the employee to provide proof of their claim for carer’s leave and the employee can access whatever personal leave they have accrued as carer’s leave.

Immediate family is an employee’s: • spouse • de facto partner • child • parent • grandparent • grandchild • sibling, or a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild or sibling of the employee’s spouse or de facto partner.

The compassionate leave provision allows an employee up to two paid days absence for each occasion when a member of the employee’s immediate family or household either contracts or develops a personal illness or injury which poses a serious threat to his or her life or dies. It can happen that an employee has an immediate family member who has a life-threatening illness or injury, claims compassionate leave, and then subsequently the family member dies. The employee would also be able to claim compassionate leave for the death of the family member. An employee claiming compassionate leave can be asked to provide CLICK FOR evidence in support of their MORE ON INDUSTRIAL claim. A casual can claim RELATIONS compassionate leave but has no entitlement to be paid for the absence.

AUTO INDUSTRY EVENT FREE INFORMATION & NETWORKING EVENT DATE: Tuesday 20th March 2018 TIME: 6pm VENUE: MTAiQ Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains RSVP: clancyh@mtaq.com.au by Tuesday 13th March Drinks and Nibbles provided.

• Industry overview by Brad Collett, Chairman of Tyre and Undercar Division of Queensland (TUDQ) • Launch of Tyrestock and product demonstration • Meet Tony McMahon, Editor of Tyre Business Australia • Meet Jonathan Nash, Editor of Motor Trader e-magazine and www.tyrenews.com.au

TYRENEWS TYRENEWS.COM.AU

20180630

• Network with other businesses in the auto industry

Investment matters

MARKET WRAP

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HE AUSTRALIAN MARKET lagged global indices in January (S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index -0.45%), despite the earnings for the market rising due to expectations for energy and mining companies. Commodity price strength was broad based, with iron ore holding above US$70/t. The domestic economic data continues to surprise to the upside, with retail sales and labour market data improving.

While housing activity is slowing, we have yet to experience the sharp downturn that we feared last year. Non-bank lenders continue to provide liquidity to support settlements, and house prices have been reasonably well supported. However, this remains a risk area for the economy given the over-build in apartments and high levels of gearing among consumers.

Global economic data continues to improve, which is supporting the outlook for earnings in the Australian market.

Global manufacturing indices have risen, creating a very positive growth environment that is further supported by tax cuts in the US. Despite the strong economic data, inflation has been relatively well contained. This is creating a very conducive environment for equities.

In an era of strong economic data, supporting earnings and low interest rates, volatility has remained extraordinarily low. A range of other factors appear to be supporting equities. Low interest rates have enabled US companies to gear up via 66 | Motor Trader March 2018

WHILE HOUSING ACTIVITY IS SLOWING, WE HAVE YET TO EXPERIENCE THE SHARP DOWNTURN THAT WE FEARED LAST YEAR. buybacks, which means the companies themselves have been buying dips in the market. Furthermore, exchange traded funds (ETFs) and other quant strategies often seek to invest based on historic volatility. This creates a positive feedback loop - companies with low volatility enjoy good support, which lowers the volatility.

Global economic indicators remained robust during January and volatility remained extraordinarily low despite bond yields beginning to rise. In the first few days of February, we have seen this rise in bond yields give way to some concerns regarding their potential impact on market valuations.

DISCLAIMER This document has been prepared by DNR Capital Pty Ltd, AFS Representative - 294844 of DNR AFSL Pty Ltd ABN 39 118 946 400, AFSL 301658. It is general information only and is not intended to be a recommendation to invest in any product or financial service mentioned above. Whilst DNR Capital has used its best endeavours to ensure the information within this document is accurate it cannot be relied upon in any way and recipients must make their own enquiries concerning the accuracy of the information within. The general information in this document has been prepared without reference to any recipient’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any financial investment decisions we recommend recipients obtain legal and taxation advice appropriate to their particular needs. Investment in a DNR Capital managed account can only be made on completion of all the required documentation..

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