Motor Trader - April 2012 - Online Edition

motor trader

motor trader queensland | vol. 83 | issue 3 | Apr 2012

LNP landslide in QLD Carbon tax to reap billions Button wins F1 Grand Prix

MTAQ election time

ASQ Webinar series Winternationals in June

give yourself an

advantage

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

• Industrial Relations As a member of MTA Queensland you have access to industry specific-industrial relations expertise for advice and legal representation

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

• Consumer Complaints MTA Queensland will assist member businesses and mediate in the event of a consumer complaint.

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

• Legal Advice Members can access professional legal assistance as part of their membership of MTA Queensland – intial phone advise free

One Stop Industry Advice

• Industry Awareness Members receive regular industry specific publications keeping you abreast of changes, legislative requirements, developments and initiatives in your industry.

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

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

MeMbers cAn receive A subsTAnTiAl sAvings And efficiencies viA our corporATe pArTners The capricorn society is the largest independent automotive parts buying cooperative in Australia.

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

dun and bradstreet is the nation’s foremost credit control and debt collection agency, with an enviable record of service to the recoverables industry. Members are eligible for substantial savings on annual subscriptions.

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

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

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

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

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

Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland

contents

Head Office 1000 Wynnum Building 8, 2728Road, LoganCannon Road, Eight Hill, Mile Qld Plains, 4170 Qld 4113 P.O. Box 4530, 560, Morningside, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4170 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

2. From the editor

Editor Managing Editor Michael Taylor

9. Mercedes-Benz supports brain-damaged children Griffith Uni is front-runner in ITS bid The reuse of stormwater is gaining 10. Carbon tax bill to reap global popularity, p. 16 billions of dollars 11. ASQ Webinar Series Queensland dealer wins top DAF award 12. Bosch division purchases SPX Corporation The virtual dealership 13. Holden achieves Employer of Choice for Women citation 14. MotorEx 2012 featured on event website 15. Deloitte’s motor industry overview 16. Storm water re-use gains momentum 17. Ultra Tune in JV with Saudi petrol giant 18. Small Business workshops Registration form

Kellie Dewar

Art Director Editor in Chief Peter Richardson Michael Taylor

Industrial Relations Art Director Ted Kowalski Peter Richardson

Policy & Media Director Advertising Enquiries Greg Milne

Jillian Anfield Mobile: 0414 473 944 Advertising Enquiries Facsimile: Jeff Dunlop 07 3844 4488 Email: jilliana@mtaq.com.au Mobile: 0422 075 007 Facsimile: 07 3844 4488 Editorial Email: jeffd@mtaq.com.au Editorial submissions are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed placement. For more information telephone Editorial the Editorsubmissions 07 3237 8777 Editorial are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed placement. For more information telephone Subscription Rates the Editor 07 3237 8777(including GST) Australia: $72.60 annually Overseas: $110 annually Subscription Rates (including GST) Australia: $72.60 annually Overseas: $110 annually

Motor Trader Publishing Policy Motor Trader is the official publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland. The role of Motor Trader is to inform members of current Motor Trader Publishing Policy issues and legislation affecting the industry. As such it can be regarded Motor is the official publication of the Motor Trades Association as the Trader business magazine for the Queensland motor industry.

The role of Queensland.

The role of Motor Trader iswith to inform members of current of Motor Trader is not to be in competition the technical magazines issues and legislation affecting the industry.

As such it can be regarded already on the market. It will advise of new vehicles being released and as thelatest business magazine for the Queensland role of the technology incorporated into them;motor it will industry. advise ofThe latest of Motor Trader is notmembers to be in competition withMTA the Queensland technical magazines technology affecting in each of the Divisions; already on members the market.

It will advise of newinvehicles being released and it will keep abreast of the latest motor industry training and of the latest technology incorporated into them; it willofadvise of latest industrial affairs; and it will keep members informed the latest technical technology affecting in each ofMember the MTAServices, Queensland Divisions; aids available throughmembers MTA Queensland which will assist it will keepinmembers abreast the latest in motor industrypresently training and members staying ahead of of the technological revolution being industrial affairs; and it will keep members informed of the latest technical encountered within the motor industry. The publisher reserves the right to aids available through MTA Queensland Member Services, which will omit or alter any advertisement and the advertiser agrees to indemnifyassist the members for in staying aheadorofliabilities the technological revolution presently being publisher all damages arising from the published material. encountered within the motor industry. The publisher reserves the right to omit alter any advertisement and the848 advertiser agrees to indemnify the MTAor Queensland ABN: 74 028 933 publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material.

Corporate Partners

MTA Queensland ABN: 74 028 933 848

4. Policy/Viewpoint 8. Industrial Relations Industry Update

MIT News 19. The wonders of Westpoint

21.Election Notice Sport

Billions of dollars are expected to be collected via the carbon tax, p. 10

23. Heritage Jaguars return to racing 24. Button wins Australian Grand Prix 26. Aston Martin Destroyed At Rally Calder Nissan DeltaWing to race at Le Mans 27. Winternationals at Willowbank Raceway

Health 28. Consequences of uncontrolled diabetes

Automobile News 31. Audi A3 Honda Civic State-of-the art Mokka SUV 32. VW Concept’s low fuel consumption All-new Santa Fe Swift Sport Spectacular crash destroys Aston Martin, p. 26 motor trader queensland

1

from the editor

Michael Taylor, Editor

A

lthough they were expected to win, not many thought the LNP juggernaut would penetrate so thoroughly.

Our policy and media director Greg Milne gives an overview of the result and what our Association hopes to achieve with the new government on page 6.

Members, please refer to the Election Notice and Nomination Forms on page 21 and 22. It’s that time again to nominate for your divisional committee member and/or district representative. Any questions please telephone Member Services on 3232 8777.

For the first time since 2008, Holden has been named a 2012 Employer of Choice for Women (page 13). The prestigious citation is awarded to companies and organisations that have policies and procedures to recognise and advance their female workforce, resulting in a positive outcome for both women and the business. Along these lines,

Did you know that in the US, 90 per cent of car buyers use the internet to determine their purchasing decisions? Figures for Australia can’t be far off that, which means that any automotive business can only gain from upgrading their web presence.

Ted Kowalski points out on page 8 the proposed changes to the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace legislation, which will mean that for businesses employing 100 or more employees, they will be required to undergo online reporting against a number of gender equality indicators.

BDO brought back some interesting statistics from the NADA conference that was held in Las Vegas earlier

in the year (page 12). Did you know that in the US, 90 per cent of car buyers use the internet to determine their purchasing decisions?

Figures for Australia can’t be far off that, which means that any automotive business can only gain from upgrading their web presence to capture this massive audience.

Speaking of ‘massive’, don’t forget to mark your calendars for the 2012 Fuchs Lubricants’ Winternationals at Willowbank from Friday, 8th June to Monday, 11th June (page 27). Event Managing Director Steve Bettes said that the event will be hosting the finals of the ANDRA Pro Series and the Rocket Allstars Racing Series along with “great family entertainment, trade stands and plenty of pit lane action.” Winternationals will host more than 500 competitors and over 38,000 spectators, of which I will be one! See you there!

We come to you!

Certificate IV Frontline Management (Workplace Delivery) enrolments are now open.

An MTA Institute of Technology trainer is available to come to your workplace* on a fortnightly basis to see you through to qualification. *Areas available include Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Brisbane metro and west to Toowoomba.

Telephone Anthony Bonaccorso on 1 800 884 137 to register your interest.

2

motor trader queensland

Be part of an industry that offers more than you

•

Specialising in: • Light Vehicle Mechanical Technicians • Motorcycle Mechanical Technicians Automotive Electrical Technicians • Parts Interpreting • Management Courses • Front Line Management Courses • Specialist Automotive Technicians • Tyre Fitting Light and Heavy • Panel Beating and Vehicle Painting • Heavy Vehicle Road Transport & Diesel

I N S T IT U T E O F T E C H N O L O G Y

Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113 Tel: 07) 3722 3000 Fax: 07) 3722 3030 Funding for Traineeships and Apprenticeships is made available from the Department of Education and Training

policy/viewpoint New national business name register set to begin A newl Business Names Registration System will be launched later this year and will replace the current state and territory registers.

The exact timing depends on the passage of legislation through the various state parliaments. In Queensland, no date has yet been set for the resumption of Parliament since the state election.

Once the new system begins, all business name registrations will be managed and administered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

How will it affect existing businesses?

You won’t need to do anything to transfer your business name to ASIC when the new national business name system is launched.

Your existing business name registration will automatically be transferred over into the new system and the due date for renewing your business name will remain the same.

If you have identical business names currently registered in multiple states and territories, these identical business names will be transferred over into the new system as a single registration.

Under the new system, you will only need to pay one 4

motor trader queensland

Greg Milne, Policy and Media Director

renewal fee for the name to be registered nationally, instead of paying for each state and territory.

Your renewal will fall due on the last date of expiration listed on any of your business name registrations.

If you have multiple different business names, or also have a registered company, you will be able to align the renewal dates for those registrations.

If you have multiple principal places of business across Australia, ASIC will notify you of which address it intends to use as the principal place of business for sending documents.

You can nominate an alternative address for service after the new system has commenced.

If your business has an identical name as another business operating in another state or territory, ASIC will provide additional information on the public register to differentiate affected businesses.

This may be the state or territory your business name was first registered in. This identifier will not form part of your business name, but is used to allow people to distinguish between identical business names on the public register.

How will it affect new businesses?

You will only need to register for a business name once, instead of having to register your name in each state and territory you want to operate in. Once your name

is registered, it is registered nationally.

interest in the corridors of power.

You will need to have an Australian Business Number (ABN), or be in the process of applying for one and not have been refused, in order to apply for a business name.

Backed by impressive statistics that show it represents the nation’s largest small business sector, the Federation – or AMIF – as it prefers to be called, is attracting the attention of Ministerial staffers paid to notice who’s worth inviting in the door.

ABN registrations will continue to be free. http://www.business.gov.au/ Pages/default.aspx How do I register a business name now?

Until the new system is in place, you will need to follow the current process for registering a business name in your state or territory.

How do I renew my business name registration now?

You will still receive a renewal notice from the existing agency responsible for business name registration in your state or territory. You will need to pay your renewal fee to that agency.

In Queensland, the Office of Fair Trading looks after business registration and you can contact them on (07) 30088225.

National body getting on with the job In a city where political intrigue sets pulses racing more often than serious policy debate, the motor trades’ new national body – the Australian Motor Industry Federation – is gaining

Yet the official launch of AMIF took place less than a year ago – it was one of the first official functions attended – albeit by video message due to Parliament sitting - by Julia Gillard only 10 days after her swearing in as Australia’s first female Prime Minister While interesting backroom manoeuvrings were features of both AMIFs and the new Prime Minister’s beginnings, it could be argued the motor industry body has had a smoother ride since those cold Canberra winter days of 2011.

AMIF launched outside Canberra – the event took place on Monday, 4 July, 2011 at the Australian International Motor Show at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, a more natural fit for the industry than the sombre corridors of the national capital, and importantly, a more attractive location for journalists.

At the time, inaugural Chief Executive Officer, Richard Dudley, pointed out that representatives from every state and territory Motor Trades Association were present at the launch, demonstrating the unity within the Federation.

Now, as AMIF’s first 12 months draws to a close, the organisation can reflect on a hugely successful renewal of the bonds between the states and territories and their national body, fractured for many years because of differing agendas.

“We are conscious of the hard work of all the state MTAs and they are our best resource for information and feedback on a vast range of issues,” Mr Dudley said.

“There are some issues which are more suited to a national organisation because they require persuasion of national bureaucrats or politicians and AMIF is well placed – both geographically and in a representative sense – to argue those issues.”

And he points out that it is difficult for the nation’s politicians to ignore AMIF. “Small business is the lifeblood of our economy and the Australian automotive retail, service and repair industry is the nation’s largest small business industry sector,” Mr Dudley said.

“The sector involves 100,000 businesses, 310,000 employees and an aggregated turnover of $160 billion per annum.

Short Cuts – an update on issues affecting members ACCC invites submissions on fuel discounting The ACCC has written to the MTAQ inviting members to contact them with any evidence of market abuse by Coles and Woolworths.

Group General Manager of Enforcement Operations, Scott Gregson, advised the ACCC was currently in the process of seeking information from a number of independent fuel retailers regarding the impacts of shopper docket promotions used by the supermarket heavyweights.

Mr Gregson suggested members could participate in a survey being distributed by the ACCC, or simply have a discussion about their concerns as a starting point.

The contact is Jessica Buik on (02) 62434940.

Fair Trading working with MTAQ on key issues The MTAQ had a positive meeting with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) recently to discuss a raft of issues which affect the motor industry.

Fair Trading Commissioner, David Ford, Executive Director, Brian Bauer, and Director Policy, Chris Irons agreed a strong relationship between OFT and the MTAQ was integral to the future of the industry.

MTAQ calls for freeze on third party insurance The MTAQ called on the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) to freeze CTP premiums for the foreseeable future.

The MAIC is currently considering whether to raise CTP premiums, and, under existing legislation, must first consult with industry before making any recommendation.

The MTAQ recommended to the Commission that third party premiums be held at their current level, in recognition of the current difficult economic climate, advances in vehicle safety, and rising business inputs.

Dealer trade plates set to change The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) recently asked the MTAQ to provide feedback on the possibility of changing the sizes for dealer and trailer trade number plates.

The MTAQ foreshadowed a number of issues for which it was seeking legislative or regulatory change.

TMR’s plate manufacturer, LicenSys, advised that the current dealer plate size 166mm x 166mm was the only one of its kind used in Australia. The sizing causes concern for the manufacturer as the raw material ordered to accommodate this size can only be purchased in 8 tonne lots.

Further meetings with OFT will be held now the state election process is complete and we’ll keep members up to date.

LicenSys wants to change the width to be the same as a regular motor vehicle number plate, 134mm. The length would remain the same.

PPSR settling down after rocky start

The MTAQ thanks those AADA members who provided comment and will update you on any decision from TMR.

The past month has been notable at the MTAQ for the drop-off in frustrated calls about the new Personal Property Security Register (PPSR).

“AMIF has the ability to tap into all of those voices – and for the bureaucrats and politicians who are serious about Australia’s future, we are a valuable resource.”

Access to the new system seems to have improved considerably since the first weeks and members seem to getting used to the processes.

The MTA Queensland President, David Fraser, is a strong advocate of the national body, pointing out it is important for the industry to speak with one national voice.

Inaugural Automotive Repairers meeting in Brisbane

“In AMIF, we have a strong national organisation and

Sharing of repair information, skills training and development, national roadworthy tests and national licensing of repairers were among the topics discussed.

If you have any issues, please contact the MTAQ so we can discuss them with the Registrar and his team in Canberra.

TMR looks to introduce National Code into Queensland The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has advised it is moving towards the adoption of the National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification (VSB 14).

A transitional period of 6 months is proposed to assist in the shift from the Code of Practice - Light Vehicles to the NCOP.

The first meeting of the Australian Automotive Repairers Association (AARA) was held in Brisbane at MTAQs new Headquarters facility at Eight Mile Plains in February.

This will provide vehicle modifiers and approved persons with a 6 month period to finalise any modifications that will no longer be able to be certified under the NCOP.

Twenty delegates from Motor Trades Associations in every state and territory attended the meeting which canvassed a range of issues relevant to all.

No date has yet been set for the implementation of the new Code. The MTAQ will keep members informed of discussions with TMR about the changeover.

continued on page 6

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5

policy/viewpoint one which will engage the Federal Government and Commonwealth Departments to proactively influence the development policy, regulation and legislation, and protect our industry’s interests,” Mr Fraser said.

Earlier this year, the MTA Queensland hosted a national meeting of AMIF at its Eight Mile Plains offices.

Representatives of all state and territory MTAs attended and a variety of important national issues were canvassed, providing a long menu of issues to keep AMIF executives busy for years to come.

March poll heralds a new era for Queensland.

The Motor Trades Association of Queensland welcomes the new Government and looks forward to working closely with its Ministerial team.

Premier Campbell Newman, in one of his first statements to media after the election victory, said: “I’ll be a Premier working for everyone and I’ll always be conscious of the incredible trust that’s been placed in the LNP team’s hands”.

The challenge for the new Government will be in setting up good processes that provide accessibility to Ministers for business and stakeholders.

The Motor Trades Association of Queensland briefed key LNP members when the party was in Opposition and has provided considerable correspondence on issues of concern.

Election heralds new era for Queensland The election of the Liberal National Party (LNP) Government with a recordbreaking majority at the 24

We now have to wait and see whether there will be a

positive response to many of our issues including safety inspection fees, repairable write-offs, and backyard dealers.

The pre-election policies announced by the LNP of particular interest to the automotive industry included commitments to: • Reduce red tape and regulation by 20 per cent • Immediately establish a Skills and Training Taskforce to reform and revamp the skills and training system • Spend $86 million for 10,000 additional apprentices over six years to meet the looming skills shortage • Freeze family car registration for the first term of an LNP government • Repeal the $35 a tonne tax on commercial, industrial, construction and demolition waste • Work every day to reduce unemployment in

Queensland to 4 per cent in six years The Motor Trades Association of Queensland will be seeking meetings with key Ministers to discuss industry issues of concern.

February maintains upward trend Propelled by continuing demand for sports utility vehicles (SUVs), new car sales in Queensland continued their strong resurgence during February.

Overall, new car sales in the Sunshine State were up by 9.6% during the month with 17,839 units sold on the back of consumers’ continuing love affair with SUVs. Across all the states and territories, new car sales were up 6%. Only Tasmania (down 16.5%) and the ACT (down 0.2%) recorded negative growth.

Sales by Marque & Model

12 Month Trends 2011-12 2010-11

Rank

Model

30000

1

Mazda3

749

680

2

Hyundai i30

617

606

11

1.8

3

Toyota Corolla

585

474

111

23.4

4

Nissan Navara 4X4

559

557

2

0.4

5

Toyota Hilux 4X4

479

472

7

1.5%

6

Holden Commodore

423

448

-25

-5.6

7

Holden Cruze

415

385

30

7.8

8

Toyota Prado

407

373

34

9.1

9

Mitsubishi Lancer

380

382

-2

-0.5

10

Mazda2

333

348

-15

-4.3

11

Nissan X-Trail

314

182

132

72.5

12

Mazda BT-50 4X4

304

148

156

105.4

13

Toyota Landcruiser PU/CC

289

140

149

106.4

14

Toyota Hilux 4X2

282

338

-56

-16.6

15

Mitsubishi Triton 4X4

278

248

30

12.1

20000

10000

6

motor trader queensland

Feb

Jan

Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

Aug

Jul

Jun

May

Apr

Mar

0

Feb-12 Feb-11 Variance 69

% 10.1

The first two months of 2012 have provided hope for Queensland new car dealers that a good year is ahead with sales up 13.5% on the same period in 2011.

All segments have recorded increases but SUVs have been the star performers with sales up a whopping 36.8% or 2623 units – on last year.

Of the marques, Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai, Holden, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen have all started the year well.

Toyota continues to dominate the battle of the marques with 3465 sales, while Mazda grabbed second spot (1884) sales and Hyundai (1671) nosed out Holden (1643) for third.

The Mazda3 maintained its number one spot amongst all passenger models with Hyundai’s i30 and the ever-popular Toyota Corolla

in second and third spots respectively.

February saw resurgence from the Commodore (423).

In a close battle, it recorded slightly more sales than its little brother, the Cruze (415).

For media watchers, the distinctive ‘I bought a Jeep’ marketing campaign seems to have struck a chord with strong sales of the Patriot and Compass.

Once again, the attentiongetting result in February was the continuing surge in SUV sales.

4,946 units were sold during February – a 24.5% increase on the 3,972 vehicles sold at the same time 12 months ago.

On the good news/bad news fronts – good news for Honda with Japan returning to good supply levels but bad news for Ford with Falcon sales down 28.6% year to date.

Retail Sales by Marque Rank

Marque

Feb-12

Feb-11 Change

%

1

Toyota

3465

3084

381

12.4

2

Mazda

1884

1648

236

14.3

3

Hyundai

1671

1505

166

11.0

4

Holden

1643

1673

-30

-1.8

5

Nissan

1468

1335

133

10.0

6

Mitsubishi

1416

1278

138

10.8

7

Ford

1183

1428

-245

-17.2

8

Volkswagen

712

423

289

68.3

9

Subaru

595

560

35

6.3

10

Kia

508

406

102

25.1

Retail Sales by State Total Market

Feb-12

Feb-11

Change

%

1282

1352

-70

-5.2

New South Wales

26391

25048

1343

5.4

Northern Territory

776

680

96

14.1

ACT

17839

16283

1556

9.6

South Australia

Queensland

5344

5128

216

4.2

Tasmania

1148

1273

-125

-9.8

Victoria

23270

22446

824

3.7

Western Australia Total

9673

8686

987

11.4

85723

80896

4827

33.3

Don’t just ask for a plug Insist on NGK www.ngk.com.au

NCANGK/189

motor trader queensland

7

industrial relations Proposed changes to “Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace” legislation.

The Federal government has introduced legislation that seeks, among other things, to establish more rigorous reporting requirements for workplace gender equality. It should be noted that while the legislation will apply to all workplaces, the reporting obligations will only apply to workplaces with 100 or more employees.

The legislation actually amends the current “Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999” and will change the name of the legislation to the “Workplace Gender

Ted Kowalski, Industrial Relations Manager

Equality Act 2012” – to reflect the fact that it now seeks to support gender equality and improve workforce participation and flexibility for all workers. The central issues it addresses are equal remuneration and family and caring responsibilities and it focuses on removing barriers to women’s full and equal workplace participation.

This amending legislation results from a review of the current Act which found an estimated 18% gender pay gap and that more than two-thirds of employers were not complying with the current legislation.

It proposes to develop industry level benchmarks, industry specific strategies

and minimum standards to assist in achieving equality for particular workplaces.

Removal of barriers to full and equal participation of women in the workplace will be driven by a focus on facilitation of flexible caring arrangements and an improvement in the uptake of such arrangements by men.

Businesses employing 100 or more employees will be required to undergo online reporting against a number of gender equality indicators including• Gender composition of the workforce; • Gender composition of governing bodies of relevant employers; • Equal remuneration

Providing legal advice to MTAQ members

between women and men; • Availability and utility of employment terms, conditions and practices relating to flexible working arrangements for employees and to working arrangements supporting employees with family or caring responsibilities; and • Consultation with employees on issues concerning gender equality in the workplace.

These reporting requirements will be phased in over two years, with no changes in the 2012 reporting year. In 2013, employers will only be required to report on their workplace profiles, with full reporting requirements to start in 2014.

Lvl 13, 15 Adelaide Street, Brisbane Qld 4000 Tel: 3001 2999 Email: enquiries@bennettphilp.com.au Web: www.bennettphilp.com.au 8

motor trader queensland

industry update MercedesBenz supports brain-damaged children

Tiffany Wasnig with Mick Doohan

W

ith an average of 500 Australian children suffering brain damage from road trauma each year, it’s not hard to understand the passion behind safety conscious Mercedes-Benz’s new partnership with Brainwave Australia.

Throw five-time Moto GP Champion Mick Doohan AO and his well-documented passion and support for road safety into the mix, and it’s a partnership made in heaven.

Brainwave’s Junior Ambassador, 13-year-old Tiffany Wasnig, who suffers from a brain illness, made the historical announcement in early March at MercedesBenz Melbourne on Kingsway.

Tiffany was ably supported

by CEO of Mercedes-Benz & Daimler Australia, Hans Tempel, and longtime supporter and Director of Brainwave Australia, David Blackley.

Speaking to a room full of executives, guests and media, young Tiffany summed up the importance of the MercedesBenz announcement.

“Brainwave Australia runs amazing programs which really help kids like me and my family, like Camp Brainwave, Luna Park Christmas parties, parents’ dinners and gives equipment like beds, bikes and walkers,” said Tiffany.

Mick Doohan was on hand to show his support and share his knowledge of road

safety. The five-time Moto GP Champion is Mercedes-Benz’s AMG Ambassador and is well known for his passion and dedication to road safety programs and issues.

“We spend more on life saving safety systems than any other car company. It is our dream that one day our roads will be accident free" said President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific, Hans Tempel “Many of the children Brainwave supports have injuries as a result of road trauma. Our support at this level inspires us more than ever to realize our safety goal whilst supporting all children suffering brain damage and illness,” he added.

Mr. Tempel said MercedesBenz’s sponsorship of Brainwave Australia would be about a lot more than handing over a cheque.

“We want to be involved and we are encouraging our staff to be involved by donating money and using their company funded volunteer leave to assist Brainwave in

fundraising activities,” he said.

Founder and Director of Brainwave Australia Josephine Nicholls said that Mercedes-Benz’s very generous support of Brainwave Australia means so much more to her organisation than just the financial donation, albeit the money being a vital part of Brainwaves’ support of brain damaged and affected children.

“Between our two organisations, we have a wealth of knowledge about road safety and road trauma, which we look forward to sharing and helping support children and families who need our help most,” she said.

Griffith Uni is front-runner in ITS bid

A

ustralia’s Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) industry is lodging a bid with the Federal Department of Industry, Innovation, Science and Research to secure funding for a Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).

The industry’s objectives for the CRC in Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) include ensuring Australia’s position in the global development of ITS technologies and facilitating the deployment of ITS across Australia.

The preparation Brainwave of the bid Australia is ITS Australia Chief reflects the the country’s Executive Officer need for a strong Susan Harris. only paediatric government and neuroscience industry partnership, charity. See www. as flagged in the Policy brainwaveaustralia.org for more information. continued on page 10 motor trader queensland

9

industry update Framework for Intelligent Transport Systems in Australia that was endorsed by all Australian Transport Ministers at the Standing Council on Transport and Infrastructure (SCOTI) meeting in November 2011.

The C-ITS bid leader is Griffith University and the campaign enjoys significant industry support. ITS includes in-vehicle and infrastructure based technologies to improve the performance of transport systems. Common applications include traffic signal and traffic flow systems, navigation and parking aides, tolling and security systems.

ITS Australia Chief Executive Officer Susan Harris said the Australian industry had achieved a high level of maturity in terms of both systems development and deployment.

“This has created widespread recognition of the safety, environmental and economic benefits delivered by the ITS technologies we already have in place,” Ms. Harris said.

“Internationally, the Australian ITS industry has recognised strengths, especially in navigation, traffic management and tolling operations. It is timely to move the industry to the next level in Australia and internationally by accelerating investment in research and development.

“The CRC project based industry engagement concept has been successfully applied to a number of fields in Australia and has delivered a high rate of return on the investment in terms of business growth, job creation and export income.

“ITS is an ideal industry to return important community 10

motor trader queensland

benefits using the CRC model. Recognising this, both corporate and public sector organisations have committed funds to finalise the C-ITS submission to the Department.

“At the ‘user’ end of the CRC model, we have already experienced an outstanding level of commitment by companies, education and research organisations to fund individual research and development projects to an estimated value of $20 million.

“We anticipate that projects funded through the C-ITS will drive consistency and compatibility in technologies, and increase harmony of systems across state and territory and international borders. This will help to ensure Australia remains a key player in global ITS, enabling the local industry to become more proactive in addressing multi-disciplinary transport needs and make Australian transport safer, more environmentally friendly and more internationally competitive,” Ms. Harris explained.

Carbon tax bill to reap billions of dollars

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ustralia’s top 50 carbon intensive companies could have an initial carbon tax liability of up to $7.3 billion, according to new figures from the latest National Greenhouse and Energy Report, produced by the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE).

Over 800 corporations were registered to report for 2010–2011. Of these, 430 corporations met the 2010-11 publication threshold of 50 kilotonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e), and this data is included in the NGER Publication.

The publication threshold has been reduced since 20082009 from 125 kilotonnes CO2-e to 50 kilotonnes CO2-e.

The companies will have to pay the full price of the $23 a tonne carbon tax that comes

into effect on July 1, minus any assistance provided by the government. Their final liabilities will also depend on other factors such as corporate structure.

The carbon tax bill for the top 50 of these companies would be up to $7.3 billion, based on the figures in the latest report.

Among the biggest emitters on the register for 2010/11 are: • Macquarie Generation • Delta Electricity • Great Energy Alliance Corporation • International Power • TRUEnergy Holdings.

The government has offered a range of assistance programs to the heaviest-hit industries, including cement works, petroleum refiners and steel and aluminium makers.

Climate Change Minister Greg Combet told parliament recently that for many of these businesses the effective carbon price, after free emissions permits were provided, would be reduced from $23 a tonne

to $1.30 a tonne. Combet was announcing the start of regulations to establish the Jobs and Competitiveness Program under the government’s clean energy laws.

The program would provide significant assistance to help emissions-intensive, tradeexposed industries manage the impact of the carbon price, while maintaining

incentives for them to reduce their carbon emissions.

“Supporting energy efficiency and productivity in our emissions-intensive manufacturing industries is important to remaining globally competitive into the future,” Combet said.

The final list of companies to pay the full carbon price, and their liabilities, was to

ASQ Webinar Series The carbon economy is here and businesses will need to measure, manage and minimize their carbon emissions.

Week 2 (May 8, 12-12.30) - Lowcarbon operations and managing the response to low-carbon opportunities

Local and overseas government legislation, tender requirements, suppliers and consumers who want a greener and more efficient economy are demanding this.

Week 3 (May 15, 12-12.30) - Fleet management and reducing heavy vehicle emissions

By managing and minimising your energy use and carbon emissions, you will reduce your energy costs, be ready to respond to new business opportunities and be able to promote and market your business as socially responsible and environmentally friendly.

To assist the Queensland automotive industry, ASQ with funding from the Office for Climate Change is proud to present: ASQ Lunch and Learn Seminar Series – Improving Energy Productivity The webinars will contextualize carbon management and the low carbon economy for the automotive industry.

Liquid fuel being an enormous part of organisations’ carbon footprints, over the next few years’ fleet procurement, management and maintenance will come under focus.

Session Titles: Week 1 (May 1, 12-12.30) Introduction to the low carbon economy

Week 4 (May 22, 12-12.30) Concluding implications and opportunities for the automotive sector.

Participants will log in each week to an online webinar platform and be able to gain a real insight into the opportunities that abound in the automotive sector around carbon management.

System Requirements: PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer If you have any questions regarding how to log in please contact Richard on 0425 788 654 or on richard@co2ti.com The Queensland Office of Climate Change is generously supporting this webinar series.

To register for free visit: https:// www3.gotomeeting.com/ register/723759558 Details are at 20 February 2012.

Organisers reserve the right to change details of these events without notice”.

be produced after the Clean Energy Regulator took over the management of the emissions register and carbon pricing mechanism from April 2.

The DCCEE’s greenhouse and energy data officer Ross Carter said it was not possible to calculate the exact carbon tax liabilities from the current data, as companies needed to use their own data. But Carter said it was important the companies understood their emission reporting and carbon pricing obligations.

Queensland dealer wins top DAF award

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rown & Hurley Yatala has received the DAF Dealer of the Year award for the second year running. The business was also named DAF Service Dealer of the Year for 2011 – this is the first a dealership has won two major DAF awards in the same year.

The Yatala branch, which is less than four years old, was named winner of these awards during PACCAR Australia’s annual dealer awards event.

The Brown & Hurley Group has now received the DAF Dealer of the Year award a record-breaking six times.

The awards are open to PACCAR dealers from various parts of Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Dealers are judged on a points system across five main areas, including general dealership performance, truck sales, customer service, finance and parts support.

“In less than four years, Brown & Hurley Yatala has made its mark on the

trucking industry, particularly with the DAF range,” said PACCAR Australia’s Managing Director, Joe Rizzo during the ceremony.

“It continues to lift sales with existing customers and make significant inroads into new markets, which has contributed to DAF’s increasing industry profile and market share.

“Like all the dealerships in the group, Brown & Hurley Yatala continues to be successful because of its single-minded commitment to customers.

The branch’s facilities are among the best in the country, and they’re complemented by a team of factory-trained sales, service and support professionals. This is all part of the dealer’s dedication to ensuring the best possible customer outcomes in every facet of the business. And that is why Yatala continues to win DAF’s highest awards for excellence,” he added.

Dealer Principal, Paul Hurley, accepted the two awards on behalf of his dealership.

“These are important industry awards. They are testament to the genuine passion our people have for the DAF product, and their hard work throughout the year. These awards will inspire us to continue to improve on our efforts,” he said.

“Customer service is a term that’s often bandied about, but we see it as crucial to our success today and our growth tomorrow. Our goal always is to provide the best possible customer experience; from the presentation of our facilities to the way we conduct business.

We have a full range of truck models, quality parts and accessories on hand at all times, so we can help customers with whatever they need at a moment’s notice,” Mr. Hurley said. motor trader queensland

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industry update

Bosch division purchases SPX Corporation

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osch’s Automotive Aftermarket division has agreed to buy the Service Solutions business of SPX Corporation, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina (USA).

The deal, valued by the company at just under AUD $1.1 billion dollars), was signed in New York City on 23 January. SPX Service Solutions develops, manufactures and sells diagnostic and service tools, workshop equipment, and software for the global automotive aftermarket. The deal follows Bosch’s earlier takeover of Taiwan-based Unipoint, which supplies starters and alternators, and a series of management personnel appointments in the UK. In 2011, the business, which is based in Warren, Michigan (USA), is expected

to generate sales of approximately $866.5 million It employs some 2,700 associates in 17 countries, primarily in the US, Germany, France, and China. This reportedly makes the planned acquisition the largest in the history of the Automotive Aftermarket division. The transaction is subject to normal closing conditions and regulatory approvals, and is expected to complete during the first half of 2012.

“Acquiring SPX Service Solutions will help make Bosch one of the leading providers of diagnostic solutions,” said Robert Hanser, president of the Automotive Aftermarket division. “The acquisition will allow us to considerably expand our market presence in the diagnostics business, particularly in North America.

In addition, we will strengthen our position in Asia Pacific and Europe, especially in our diagnostics business with automakers.”

The product portfolio of SPX Service Solutions includes vehicle repair solutions, including diagnostic tools and software, as well as special repair service tools.

In addition, SPX offers technical information, training programs, equipment for dealerships and repair shops, and services for automaker’s service organizations.

According to the wellknown aftermarket and servicing parts supplier, this acquisition makes Bosch “a comprehensive provider of solutions for such operations.”

The products and services of SPX can be found in many different applications, such as passenger cars, heavy-duty trucks, light commercial vehicles, agricultural machinery, and off-highway applications.

David Kowalski, SPX segment president said that SPX was proud that the company transformed Service Solutions from a domestic hard tool manufacturer into a global supplier of diagnostic solutions, hard tools and repair information services.

Bosch is dedicated to the automotive service sector and has strong relationships with vehicle original equipment manufacturers worldwide.

Bosch’s Automotive Aftermarket division (AA)

supplies aftermarket and repair shops worldwide with a range of diagnostic and garage equipment plus a wide range of spare parts – from new and exchange parts to repair solutions – for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

Its product portfolio includes products made as Bosch original equipment, as well as aftermarket products and services developed and manufactured in-house. The business employs 10,000 associates in 140 countries, as well as a global logistics network, ensuring that some 450,000 different spare parts reach customers quickly and on time. In its diagnostics operations, AA supplies testing and repair-shop technology, diagnostic software, service training, and information services.

The virtual dealership

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ar dealerships need to dedicate as much time and resources to their online presence as their dealership showroom as social media continues to change consumer behaviour.

Latest research out of the United States indicates that 90 per cent of car buyers use the internet to determine their purchasing decision, highlighting the importance of dealerships to optimise their web presence and proactively engage with social media tools.

This was one of the key insights to come from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Conference held recently in Las Vegas.

One of the world’s largest conventions, NADA attracts more than 25,000 attendees from across the world to

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policies and procedures to recognise and advance their female workforce, resulting in a positive outcome for both women and the business.

Holden continues to innovate in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, by implementing a range of initiatives that advance workplace diversity and flexibility.

Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux said the citation was a proud achievement for Holden, which has long championed workplace diversity and worked to improve the representation and experiences of women in the automotive industry.

“Today most consumers decide which car to buy before they even get to the showroom for a test drive.” discuss the latest trends in the automotive industry.

be relevant, be engaging and be accountable,” he added.

Among them was BDO Partner Damian Wright who said the changes in consumer behaviour caused by technology was one of the key points of discussion at NADA.

Having properly trained staff to professionally handle incoming phone sales enquiries was also a key discussion point at NADA.

“Today most consumers decide which car to buy before they even get to the showroom for a test drive,” said Mr. Wright.

“Dealerships cannot wait for buyers to turn up in person.

The sales battle is now occurring online through web marketing, blogs, Twitter and Facebook.

“After having decided which car to purchase through internet research, a common next step is for consumers to call dealers to price shop – what is commonly referred to as the ‘teleweb’ model,” Mr. Wright said.

“The dealerships that will prosper are those that devote the same resources and time to their online presence as they do to the presentation of their physical showroom.

“US research shows that the mishandling of internetgenerated sales phone calls is now one of the major profit leaks for dealerships. Phone sales training could have a significant impact on the sales performance of dealerships,” he concluded.

“Google presented at NADA and said a dealership’s online strategy should be based on four key themes – be found,

The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Conference was held Las Vegas from 3 to 6 February.

Holden achieves Employer of Choice for Women citation

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or the first time since 2008, Holden has been named a 2012 Employer of Choice for Women.

Holden was awarded the highly sought after citation in March in a ceremony held by the Federal Government’s Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA).

The prestigious Employer of Choice for Women citation is awarded to companies and organisations that have

“The award acknowledges the continued efforts of many people across Holden who recognise the importance of gender diversity,” he said.

“Our progress in the areas of women in manufacturing, workplace flexibility, parental leave, gender pay equity and leadership engagement were pivotal elements of our application.

“Workplace diversity is something I have championed at Holden and one of my key priorities is to drive an inclusive culture that supports and retains women in Holden’s workforce,” he said.

Currently, women account for almost 13 per cent of Holden’s total workforce, 20 per cent of the salaried workforce and 15 per cent of the leadership group. continued on page 14

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industry update Senior HR Manager for Organisational Capability Kirsten Makin said Holden had implemented a range of new initiatives to increase diversity in the workforce.

“We were the first Australian automotive manufacturer to introduce 14 weeks’ paid parental leave for employees with more than two years’ service in 2002, which has played a significant role in helping Holden attract and retain female employees,” she said.

“Since then, we’ve introduced key initiatives like the Holden Diversity Committee, which forms a major part of our decision making. The committee serves as a company think-tank to help us address gender equality issues and improve workplace flexibility.

“Workplace diversity is embedded in everything we do as an organisation and has become part of our everyday practice and culture - every function at Holden now has a diversity plan.

“To receive EOWA’s 2012 citation is really encouraging.

It’s fantastic to have formal recognition of our progress towards a flexible and inclusive workplace culture at all levels of our organisation.

“We’ve already identified future focus areas for Holden, which include achieving best practice in the areas of workplace flexibility and pay equity beyond 2012.

“The requirements put forward by the EOWA are great benchmarks and we’ll continue to not only meet these criteria but exceed them to ensure we remain an employer of choice,” Ms. Makin concluded.

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MotorEx 2012 featured on event website

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eguiar’s MotorEx, Australia’s greatest annual celebration of custom, performance and collectable cars, will fire up automotive enthusiasts nationwide with the launch of its new 2012 event website, www.motorex.com.au - a ‘one stop shop’ for all news and information required by entrants, exhibitors, sponsors and show goers in the countdown to Australia’s largest and most prestigious motoring enthusiast event of its kind on July 21-22.

The new website is also designed to showcase the sheer size and spectacle of MotorEx, which in its 12th year will cover more than 22,000 square metres of Sydney’s Olympic Park Dome and attract a vehicle display valued at more than $50 million.

The site features a ‘live’ news feed that is integrated with the MotorEx 12 social

media pages on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, offering fans several unique channels to view the latest event updates, exclusive video clips and photos.

It is also fully compatible with today’s popular mobile media devices, so that tablet and smartphone users will be able to access and navigate the site at any time with ease.

“The MotorEx 12 website is designed to bring all of those elements together, so that anyone logging on can get a clear understanding of the size and spectacle of the event."

Other features include profiles and galleries of the numerous MotorEx Show Features, past winners of the prestigious Meguiar’s Superstars dating back to 2002, entrant listings, video and image galleries of past MotorEx events and an extensive site-wide ‘search’ feature.

MotorEx tickets online to avoid any potential delays at the event.

Site visitors will also find information about the 2012 photo competition, in which budding photographers can share in $3000 worth of prizes for taking the best photos of Australia’s ‘Greatest Rides on Show’.

“With MotorEx being so large and with so much going on, it’s hard to comprehend the scale of the event when you are not able to attend the show,” said MotorEx owner, Bruce Morrison.

The new site encourages show goers to purchase their

All patrons who purchase their tickets online will receive a free car care gift courtesy of Meguiar’s, which can be redeemed when presenting the online ticket at the event.

“The MotorEx 12 website is designed to bring all of those elements together, so

that anyone logging on can get a clear understanding of the size and spectacle of the event.

“The website is also a vital organisational tool, as it contains all the information required for anyone involved in the show, be they entrants, exhibitors, sponsors or fans,” he added.

Meguiar’s MotorEx attracts hundreds of the country’s best cars in an amazing indoor spectacle of colour, chrome and individual style. It features everything from hot rods, street machines, hi-tech tuners, custom cars, competition cars and wild motorcycles to the finest examples of Australian and American muscle cars, performance parts and a host of other must-see attractions.

MotorEx 12 will be held at Sydney Olympic Park Dome from the 21st – 22nd July 2012. For more information visit the website at www. motorex.com.au

Deloitte’s motor industry overview

were mixed fortunes for global markets, both in broad economic terms and in vehicle sales, while the continued solid growth of the Australian economy has made the market here stand out, bringing the attention of many multinational car companies.

“Within this environment we saw the average dealer profitability across the whole industry remain fairly static for 2011 with a net profit as a percentage of sales (NPS) of around 2.0%. However, looking behind that number, it was interesting to see that the way dealers generated their profit had shifted during the year,” said Mr. Rezek.

“Across the industry, we saw a decline in the profit from new car sales which were partly, but only partly, offset by an increase in used car profitability. Dealers’ fixed operations remained fairly stable across the full year, with perhaps a slight

contraction in Parts profit and a little more contribution from Service than in 2010,” said Mr. Rezek.

“If we just looked at the four traditional dealership departments, the average 2011 dealer would have been less profitable than the average 2010 dealer,” added Mr. Rezek.

The report also found that another notable feature of 2011 was the different profitability of dealers in each of the three broad segments, which were reviewed; the Volume Market dealer, the Prestige Market dealer and the Luxury Market dealer.

It was reported that on average, dealers operating in the Volume Market saw a fractional improvement in their results over the last 12 months, from 1.8% NPS in 2010 to 1.9% in 2011, while the Prestige Market dealers remained stable at 2.1%

NPS. Perhaps the biggest surprise was the story in the Luxury Market, where the average profit of Luxury Market dealers declined from 2.1% NPS in 2010 to 1.6% in 2011.

“With average dealer profitability in 2011 remaining at 2010 levels, it was not a surprise to see that the Top 30% of dealers also returned similar levels of profit in 2011 to 2010 (3.6% NPS). In terms of the numbers coming out of their business, these top dealers were able to generate more gross income from their used departments than the average dealer,” concluded Mr. Rezek.

Key highlights of the 2011 report were: • The Top performers plan to make 5% net profit on sales.

• They then focus on the nonfinancial KPI’s that make this up (internet and showroom continued on page 16

The report found that a notable feature of 2011 was the different profitability of dealers in each of the three broad segments, which were reviewed; the Volume Market dealer, the Prestige Market dealer and the Luxury Market dealer.

T

he annual Deloitte Motor Industry Services - Australian Industry Overview 2012 report has detailed how in vehicle terms, the strength of the Australian economy helped underpin a market, which although down marginally on 2010 due to the impact of natural disasters, was strong enough to break through the million unit mark for just the fourth time.

According to the report’s author, Danny Rezek, Deloitte Motor Industry Services partner, this has been a year where there motor trader queensland

15

industry update statistics, service retention and CRM measures) and their level of achievement.

This is not a film set, it's part of Japans storm water capture infrastucture.

• The focus is on the customer, not the franchise.

A focus and reward structure built around creating value per customer interaction and maximising front end gross means the need to chase back end (re-earnable) margin isn’t as critical • People generate 100% of the gross and represent 70% of the costs. So the top dealers ensure their people are trained, developed and rewarded. The parts department continues to provide an important source of income to help offset the profit drain commonly experienced by the vehicle operations.

• Staff resource levels are increasingly being adjusted to best practice levels and there is a greater focus on cash flow and inventory management

Storm water re-use gains momentum

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ustralians in three key cities, Salisbury, Charles Sturt and the Gold Coast have backed the use of storm water for recycling purposes, according to evidence from three local water surveys.

The survey by a scientific team from National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training and The University of South Australia found that residents in Salisbury (SA), Charles Sturt (SA) and the Gold Coast (Qld) local government areas are mainly supportive of using storm water for non-drinking 16

motor trader queensland

“There is encouraging scientific evidence that water injected and stored underground undergoes a natural cleansing process, which could help.” purposes and are keen to learn how to keep urban runoff clean.

“The positive attitudes emerging from these regions indicates potential to initially implement storm water harvesting projects for non-drinking uses, which will provide relief for many cities to the growing threat of water scarcity,” said Professor Jennifer McKay, who led the team.

“We chose to survey residents in Salisbury and Charles Sturt because SA leads the nation in storm water capture and reuse, while South-East Queensland is Australia’s fastest growing region, which, despite its recent flood experiences, imposes significant pressure on its water resources.

A total of 66% of respondents back storm water use and reuse, while the remaining (34%) people were unsure, they were rarely negative as long as the water quality was guaranteed and it was

not intended to be used for drinking purposes.

While 36% of the respondents weren’t sure how much they were willing to pay for treated storm water, a significant number in all cities were willing to pay half the current local fresh water price, the survey found.

The team found that the respondents’ attitudes towards storm water use were closely related to how much contact would be needed.

Given a choice of end uses, including personal washing, pet washing, toilet flushing, clothes washing, watering vegetables and lawns and car washing, personal washing was the least preferred use.

The view and value on storm water was also affected by gender, age, education and income level. Respondents above 45 years were more likely to agree that storm water reuse is essential to manage future water shortages, while the 18 to 24 year olds were less likely to agree.

An encouraging finding was that 26% of respondents were already reusing greywater (water from showers, hand washing and clothes washing) on their gardens, while 25% wanted to take up this practice in the future.

Most respondents saw a need for local councils to inform the community about storm water capture and use, meaning that there is still scope for educating people on how to manage storm water quality.

“While this is not a national survey, we could implement successful storm water harvesting projects if we run proper education, awareness and water treatment programs for and with local residents so that storm water re-use does not pose a serious public health risk,” McKay said.

“As water conservation becomes an increasing priority across Australia, storm water harvesting will most likely play a significant role in future climate change adaptation strategies – and it

is encouraging to know that a majority of the people we surveyed are already in favour of it.”

McKay said that the volumes of storm water running off Australia’s cities were very large, but ensuring its safety and freedom from pollutants remains a challenge.

“There is encouraging scientific evidence that water injected and stored underground undergoes a natural cleansing process, which could help,” she added.

The National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training is a Federal Government initiative, supported by the Australian Research Council and the National Water Commission.

Ultra Tune in JV with Saudi petrol giant

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audi Arabia’s largest petrol station operator Saudi Automotive Services Co. has entered into a business agreement with Ultra Tune Australia to form a joint venture company that will offer world-class maintenance services for vehicles and passenger cars.

Australian Ambassador Neil Hawkins welcomed the SASCO and Ultra Tune top executives and congratulated them for entering into a joint venture deal. SASCO is the largest service provider in fuel station segment in terms of capital and also one of the largest in terms of its network of petroleum centers.

Also present were P. Sean Buckley, executive chairman of Ultra Tune Australia, and top Australian and Saudi officials and businessmen. Prominent among them were Tamsin Sanderson, second secretary at the Australian government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Mohammed M. Kamal, business development manager at Australian Trade Commission’s office; and Gaspare Sirianni, general counsel of Ultra Tune. A proposal to train Saudi youngsters within the framework of the SASCO-Ultra Tune JV was also discussed at the meeting.

Speaking on this occasion, Ambassador Hawkins welcomed the idea of imparting training to young Saudi students, who can eventually become good car mechanics and run their

own maintenance facilities.

He pointed out that Saudi Arabia and Australia have forged closer ties in the field of education and training.

Hawkins noted that the total Saudi students enrolled are in excess of 11,734 at the country’s various institutions.

In addition, there are also 7,000 Saudi family members in Australia, accompanying the students.

Australia has become an attractive destination for Saudi vocational and educational training (VET) students, Hawkins said. The number of Saudi students enrolled in VET courses only in Australia has increased from 11 students in 2002 to 744 students in 2011.

“Australia is also increasing its already close cooperation

“This new SaudiAustralian partnership will contribute to improve the level of services offered at the petrol stations, especially along the highways of the Kingdom.”

with the Kingdom’s Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC),” said the diplomat, adding that a senior TVTC delegation concluded a recent successful visit to Australia.

Alhudaithi said that SASCO would be largely benefited from the technical know-how of Ultra Tune, which has considerable experience in the car maintenance industry and owns more than 290 branches across Australia.

He said that “SASCO is now leading a radical change in petrol station industry, and it has many locations with new identity launched by Prince Sultan Bin Salman, chief of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, in mid-2010”.

He said that SASCO is also considered the largest petrol station operator on the highways with 111 locations across the Kingdom. SASCO, he said, had plans to offer world-class services by constructing high-tech central workshops for car services, rest houses and restaurants, and by modernizing the sale of fuel, supplies of auto spare parts and accessories.

An announcement about this new venture that has given a new boost to the SaudiAustralian commercial ties was made at a brief ceremony at the Australian embassy in Riyadh recently.

“This new Saudi-Australian partnership will contribute to improve the level of services offered at the petrol stations, especially along the highways of the Kingdom,” said Sultan M. Alhudaithi, SASCO managing director. motor trader queensland

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motor trader queensland

MIT news The wonders of Westpoint

J

ason Frazer and Dan Madden of Westpoint Auto at Indooroopilly are exceptional standouts in the industry, both of whom have had their careers influenced by MIT’s (MTA Institute of Technology) curriculum, which includes – but is not limited to - the pre apprenticeship program, apprenticeship training leading to qualification and Diploma of Management programs.

Mr. Frazer in 2011 completed the Automotive Access Program, which was designed to deliver a prevocational model of training to assist eligible candidates back in to the workforce.

The program was specifically designed for applicants who may have had difficulty in securing an apprenticeship, and it provided participants

MIT’s Anthony Bonaccorso with Jason Frazer Below: Anthony Bonaccorso with Dan Madden

“Jason was recognized as a top 5 standout in the course,” said Mr. Bonaccorso.

“He has passion, drive, and he loves the industry,” he added.

The 22-year-old Novocastrian moved to

The program was

designed for applicants

who have difficulty in with an introduction to the automotive trade that gave them basic skills and support in getting employed.

Facilitated by MIT Business Development Manager, Anthony Bonaccorso, successful completion of the course greatly improved the skills base and employability of the students.

securing an apprenticeship

Brisbane early last year to look for new employment opportunities and found his way to MIT via the Access Program.

Upon completion, he landed the apprenticeship role at Westpoint Auto, where Dan Madden has been employed

for several years, and is now Service Manager Peter Joseph’s right hand man.

“Jason’s got a head on him,” said Mr. Madden.

“His start time is 6 a.m. but he gets to work at 5.30 and opens up.

“Jason just gets in and does it and gets the job done; he thinks outside the box,” he added.

Dan Madden grew up on Bribie Island where he played footie and dreamt of getting a job working in continued on page 20 security. motor trader queensland

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By the time he was 20 Mr Madden was managing a security business in Gladstone and has worked at various venues for the past ten years in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

In Security, he’s been stabbed in the stomach, shot in the face, has been knocked out twice and gotten his nose broken – which is why henceforth he has decided to stay with the

automotive business solely.

“I’ve got a wife and two children now,” he said.

Just 32 years old, Mr. Madden’s automotive career started out working for a couple of tyre firms before he came to Westpoint as a tyre fitter, then ran that department for 12 months.

MIT provided him with an automotive apprenticeship training program in which

Anthony Bonaccorso took him to completion and qualification, having been fast tracked as a mature-aged, experienced tradesman.

As a qualified automotive technician, Mr. Madden became the workshop manager and is now in the 2ic Service Manager role.

Early this year, he completed the MIT-facilitated Diploma of Business Management,

which was ‘the hardest thing I’ve ever done’, as he was working 12 hours a day and trying to find family time in between.

Mr. Madden is firm advocate of further education and training not just for himself but also for all of the team in the service department.

His affable, indomitable spirit is summed up by his own words: “If you stop going forward, you go backward.”

MTA Queensland welcomes the following new members Business Name

Principal/s

Address/Email

Pims Engineering

Philip Harms

34 O’Neill Street, Moranbah QLD 4744 phil.harms@diahminco.com.au

AED

Ultratune Maroochydore

Geoffrey Lamb

1 / 17-19 Beach Road, Maroochydore QLD 4558 Maroochydore@ultratune.com.au

AED

SVS Auto Repairs & Dyno Tuning

Ms Elizabeth Holman

19 Muir CAIRNS QLD 4870 liz@svscairns.com.au

AED

Blains Auto Electrical

Richard Blain

10 Theresa Drive MOSSMAN QLD 4873 blainsauto@bigpond.com

AED

Nanango Wreckers

Cameron Shepherd

5 King Street NANANGO QLD 4615 catindustriesptyltd@gmail.com

AED

Wideland Ag and Construction

Michael McDonald

388 Taylor Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350 accounts@widelandag.com

Gin Gin Diesel

Jason Macdonald

8 Drinan Road, GIN GIN QLD 4671 gingindiesel@bigpond.com

AED

Ross River Road Mechanical

Melanie Turnbull

5/476 Ross River Road, Cranbrook QLD 4814 servicing@rossriverroadmechanical.com.au

AED

Ace Auto Refinishers

Trudi Barben

11 McCullock Street, Mackay QLD 4740 trudi@aceautos.com.au

NACA

Smash Attack

Matthew Spink

33 Moss Street, Slacks Creek QLD 4127 matt@smashattack.com.au

NACA

Camilleri Motors

Darren Camilleri

10 O’Loughlin Street, Mackay QLD 4740

AED

Saab Care

Michael Oldano

7 Gladys Street, Stones Corner QLD 4120 saabcare@bigpond.com

AED

Commercial Fleet Rental Investments

Mary-Ann Strelow

75 Pickering Street, Enoggera QLD 4051 Maryann99@live.com.au

RVID

Wardes Driveway

Deanne Carter

32-38 Telemon St, BEAUDESERT QLD 4285 wardes@onthenet.com.au

SSCSAQ

Maroochydore Towing Service

Steve Chetcuti

20 Commercial Rd, MAROOCHYDORE QLD 4558 suncoasttowing@bigpond.com

ITTO

Moto National Accessories

Alex Lynis

LOT 6 Rear 457 Tufnell Road, BANYO QLD 4014 admin@motonational.com.au

Alderley Automotive

Mary-Ann Strelow

75 Pickering St, ENOGGERA QLD 4051 maryann99@live.com.au

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motor trader queensland

Division

QFIMDD

QMID AED

Motor Trades Association of Queensland Industrial Organisation of Employers

Election Notice

The Queensland Industrial Registrar has issued a Decision, pursuant to the Industrial Relations Act 1999, that the Electoral Commission of Queensland conduct the annual election of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland, Industrial Organisation of Employers. Nominations are called to fill the positions of office shown below.

Office Division Committee Member for:

No. of Positions

Used Car Division (UCD) ....................................................................................................... 5 Queensland Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Division (QFIMDD) ............................ 5 Queensland Motorcycle Industry Division (QMID) ................................................................. 5 Tyre and Undercar Division Queensland (TUDQ) ............................................................... 10 Engine Re-Conditioners Association of Queensland (ERAQ) .............................................. 5 Service Station and Convenience Store Association of Queensland (SSCSAQ) .................. 7 Australian Automotive Dealers Association Queensland (AADA(QLD)) ............................... 7 Automotive Engineers Division (AED) ................................................................................. 12 Rental Vehicle Industry Division (RVID) ................................................................................. 5 National Auto Collision Alliance (NACA) ................................................................................ 8 Auto Parts Recyclers Division (APRD) ................................................................................... 5

District Representative for:

Northern District ..................................................................................................................... 1

Nominations close midday on Friday, 1 June 2012 Nominations for office must be written, signed by the nominee, nominated by a Financial Member of MTA Queensland, and given to the Returning Officer before nominations close. Nominations open at midday on Tuesday, 1 May 2012 and close at the office of the Electoral Commission of Queensland at midday on Friday, 1 June 2012.

Both the Eligible Member and the Member they are nominating for office must have been a Financial Member for a period of thirty (30) days prior to the opening date for nominations. An Eligible Member may nominate or be nominated for more than one (1) office. An Eligible Member is able to nominate themselves for office. Nominees and their nominating member or organisation should verify their financial status and other qualifications required by the Organisation’s rules before lodging a nomination form with the Electoral Commission of Queensland.

A nomination form suitable for use in this election is printed with this notice. These forms are available from the offices of the Commission and MTA Queensland. They can also be found on the Commission’s website; www.ecq.qld.gov.au.

Although nomination forms are provided for propsective candidates’ convenience, any form complying with the Union Rules is acceptable.

Nominations may be received by means of hand delivery, post, facsimile or any other electronic means that includes the signatures of the nominee and nominator. Nominees should ensure that their nomination is received by the Commission and can be clearly read.

A Candidate may withdraw by written notice given to the Returning Officer no later than Tuesday, 12 June 2012.

Candidate Statement

Prospective candidates may lodge a statement expressing their views to the Association’s members. Statements should be printed on an A4 sheet of plain white paper and reach the Commission by close of nominations. These statements will be copied and distributed with the voting materials.

Ballot

Should more than one candidate stand for election to any or all of the positions, the Commission will take a secret postal ballot of eligible member organisations. Only member organisations that are financial 30 days before the day nominations open are eligible to vote in the election. The successful candidate/s will be elected by the first past the post voting system set out in the Association’s rules. Each member organisation is responsible for ensuring that MTA Queensland has their correct details recorded. A roll of voters is prepared from those records when nominations close. The ballot will open at midday on Monday, 25 June 2012 and close at midday on Monday, 16 July 2012.

JOHN COOPER-JANSSEN Returning Officer 8 March 2012

ELECTORAL COMMISSION of QUEENSLAND Level 6 160 Mary Street, Brisbane, Qld. Postal Address GPO Box 1393 BRISBANE QLD 4001

Telephone 1300 881 665 or (07) 3035 8034 Facsimile (07) 3221 5387 Email: industrial@ecq.qld.gov.au

motor trader queensland

21

Motor Trades Association of Queensland Industrial Organisation of Employers

Nomination Form

Nominations close at midday on Friday, 1 June 2012 Nominating Member Section - completed by an authorised officer

I

, the undersigned being the authorised officer

FULL NAME OF AUTHORISED OFFICER

of

which is a financial

MEMBER ORGANISATION (AS SHOWN IN MTAQ RECORDS)

member of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland, Industrial Organisation of Employers do hereby nominate

, to the office/s of:

NOMINEE’S FULL NAME

Division Committee Member for:

AND / OR

Division Name (Shown in Election Notice)

UCD

ERAQ

RVID

QFIMDD

SSCSAQ

NACA

QMID

AADA(QLD)

APRD

TUDQ

AED

District Representative for:

Division Name (Shown in Election Notice)

Northern District

Address Postcode

Telephone: (Home)

(Business)

(Mobile)

Facsimile:

E-mail: Signature

Date

Consent to Nomination (completed by the nominee) I, Mr/Ms/Other

COURTESY TITLE (OPTIONAL)

,

NOMINEE’S NAME - as you want it shown on the ballot paper

an Eligible

Member of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland Industrial Organisation of Employers from the DIVISION NAME (if nominating for Committee Member)

and/or

DISTRICT NAME (if nominating for Representative)

hereby agree to be nominated and to act if elected.

Address Postcode

Telephone: (Home)

(Business)

(Mobile)

Facsimile:

E-mail: Signature

Date ELECTORAL COMMISSION of QUEENSLAND Level 6 160 Mary Street, Brisbane, Qld. Postal Address GPO Box 1393 BRISBANE QLD 4001 Telephone 1300 881 665 (07) 3035 8034 Facsimile (07) 3221 5387 Email: industrial@ecq.qld.gov.au

22

motor trader queensland

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sport

Heritage Jaguars return to racing

T

he 12th of March marked the launch of Jaguar Heritage Racing, a programme that will see Jaguar return to the competitive arena through the vibrant world of historic motorsport.

For the first time since 1956, works-supported C- and D-types will race again at venues including Goodwood and the Nürburgring, while the season-long programme will also see Jaguar Heritage Racing support numerous additional events on the historic motoring calendar.

These include the Mille Miglia, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and each round of the E-type challenge in the UK - a series that in 2011

demonstrated the depth of global interest in historic motorsport, and in Jaguar’s participation specifically.

As Jaguar embarks on the most extensive new product development cycle in its history, it is the perfect time to invest in and celebrate its heritage.

and XK,” said Mr. Hallmark.

“Forward looking design is part of our heritage - the poised intent of the C-X16 concept pushes the boundaries today just as much as the SS Jaguar 100 did in 1935.

Jaguar Global Brand Director, Adrian Hallmark said that Jaguar is proud of its heritage, and it is a heritage that is both alive and ever evolving.

“And racing is very much part of our heritage also - which is why we have launched the Jaguar Heritage Racing programme that this year will see Jaguar C- and D-types in competitive action,” he added.

“Advanced engineering is part of our heritage - 2012 sees the 60th anniversary of Jaguar’s development of the disc brake for automotive use, and ten years since the marque introduced aerospace-inspired aluminium monocoque technology to its modern range, technology today used on both the XJ

The first event at which Jaguar Heritage Racing will be present is the 2012 Mille Miglia retrospective in May. This year’s running of the Mille Miglia has particular significance for Jaguar as it marks 60 years since Sir Stirling Moss and Norman Dewis (then Jaguar’s chief development driver) took the

start in the first disc-brake equipped C-type. Later that same year Sir Stirling Moss recorded the first win for a disc-braked car when he drove another C-type to victory at Reims, paving the way for the wide-scale use of the technology that we all take for granted today.

In August, the Jaguar Heritage Racing team will then be in competitive action at the AVD Nürburgring Oldtimer Grand Prix. Often referred to as the ‘green hell’, the Nürburgring Nordschleife is regarded as one of the toughest tracks in the world, which is why Jaguar has a dedicated test facility located there running a rigorous durability and performance programme for its modern range.

Jaguar Land Rover Global Head of Communications, Frank Klaas said that the motor trader queensland

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sport Nürburgring Nordschleife presents a unique automotive challenge that Jaguar’s development team continually subjects their current and future models to in order to perfect their attributes of quality, durability and dynamic precision.

From Germany, the team will then head back to British shores for the Goodwood Revival in September. The undisputed jewel in the crown of the historic motor racing calendar, the Revival provides a dazzling backdrop of nostalgia for an equally dazzling array of competitive action in which the Jaguar Heritage Racing C- and D-type will play their part.

The Jaguar Heritage Racing programme is operated and managed by JD Classics, based in Maldon, Essex UK. An established player in the historic motorsport world, JD Classics will prepare both the C- and D-type Jaguars which will take to the track, and have responsibility for all race-day activities.

Derek Hood, managing director, JD Classics, said that Jaguars have been at the heart of his business for many years.

“The opportunity to work with Jaguar Heritage Racing and ensure that the company is as well represented in historic motorsport today as it was when those same models competed in period is one we were only too happy to accept,” he said.

The Jaguar Heritage Racing programme will supplement the activities of Jaguar Heritage - a charitable trust and custodians of an extensive collection of priceless models from Jaguar’s past, including the unique XJ13 prototype. Its 24

motor trader queensland

cars are not campaigned competitively on-track, but will continue to be exhibited - and demonstrated - at a huge number of events during 2012.

Button wins Australian Grand Prix

F

ormer world champion Jenson Button made a brilliant start to his bid to reclaim the crown he won in 2009 with a dominant lights-to-flag victory around Albert Park, giving him his third Australian Grand Prix in four years.

Button and his McLaren teammate Lewis Hamilton shared the front row - the first time the superstar pairing had done so in their three-year partnership with the British team - but it was Button, not pole-sitter Hamilton, who made the fastest getaway.

And that, from a competitive point of view, was that as Button stayed out in front, clear of trouble and never gave any of the pursuing pack a chance to run him down

in a 58-lap race run in late afternoon sunshine.

Red Bull Racing’s Sebastian Vettel, the world champion for the past two years, managed to lift himself from his sixth place starting position to eventually claim second spot ahead of Hamilton who, for much of the race had run at a respectable distance behind his teammate and looked sure to give the English squad a quinella.

Australian Mark Webber showed plenty of pace but was undone by a poor start.

He had lined up fifth on the grid, but by the time the field had sorted itself out through the first handful of frantic corners the Red Bull man was back in ninth position.

Webber drove hard and fast all afternoon to eventually claw himself back to fourth spot and, given where he started - and where his teammate Vettel finished - he can only imagine what might have been this time. It’s doubtful he would have beaten Button, but he might have fancied his chances of taking higher station. Still, fourth place was his best finish in his home grand prix.

Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, like the first three men home another ex-world champion, battled his way up the grid having started in 12th position to claim fifth spot from Kamui Kobayashi, in a Williams, who took sixth ahead of the hard-charging former world champion Kimi Raikkonen in the Lotus who marked his return to F1 after a two-year absence by finishing seventh.

German Michael Schumacher, the seven-time title winner, was strongly fancied to put in one of his strongest showings since he came out of retirement three seasons ago but his race only lasted 11 laps when he retired after a gearbox problem with his Mercedes. Still, the 43-yearold showed plenty of pace through the weekend and on this form can look forward to being competitive and running at the sharp end of the field next weekend when the F1 circus moves on to Malaysia.

The only concern Button had was when a safety car intervention bunched the field following the breakdown of Russian driver Vitaly Petrov’s Caterham at the start-finish line on lap 37. At this stage the

HOW THEY FINISHED 1. Jenson Button (ENG/MLA) 1hr 34min 9.565sec 2. Sebastian Vettel (GER/RBR) +2.139 3. Lewis Hamilton (ENG/MLA) 4.075 4. Mark Webber (AUS/RBR) 4.547 5. Fernando Alonso (ESP/FER) 21.565 6. Kamui Kobayashi (JPN/ SAU) 36.766 7. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/LOT) 38.014 8. Sergio Perez (MEX/SAU) 39.458 9. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/TOR) 39.556 10. Paul Di Resta (SCO/FOR) 39.737 Briton was some 10 seconds ahead, but the slowdown allowed his rivals to close up right behind him.

It looked like a perfect opportunity for Hamilton or Vettel to make a late charge, but Button kept his cool and simply accelerated away, quickly opening up a comfortable enough gap he maintained to the line.

A grinning Button was delighted at notching his third Melbourne win, Vettel was happy enough to have gathered a major points haul from what had looked an unpromising position on Saturday night, while Hamilton looked disappointed and subdued for not capitalising on what was a terrific opportunity to start the season with a victory.

Afterwards Button said his biggest fear in the latter stages of the race, especially after the safety car slowed the field down, was to retain heat in the tyres so that the grip remained constant.

As the race these days starts at 5pm the temperatures are

dropping and the light fading, making it even more important to do so. ‘’Every win means a lot to me but for the team this victory shows how important winter testing is. We have had a strong winter and qualifying yesterday really showed that.

This shows how important the winter is. . this win will definitely help the guys back at Woking - McLaren’s factory base - push harder,’’ he said.

Vettel admitted that the safety car interlude had helped him in his pursuit of Hamilton, but thought he might have collared the McLaren man in any case. ‘’We would have had a good shot at Lewis and it would have been very close. I am very happy to come away with second place, it’s a lot of points and a lot of people would not have expected that after the results yesterday.

This car has a lot of potential and we should be very close with those other guys.’’

(Williams) tries to move past Romain Grosjean (Lotus) on the inside at turn 13, but they make contact. Maldonado is able to continue, but Grosjean goes off with a broken right-front wheel and is out. Devastation for the Frenchman after he started in an excellent third place.

3. Lap 11 Under pressure from the charging Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull), Michael Schumacher (Mercedes) goes off the road at the first turn and takes a trip through the gravel — allowing Vettel into third place. Schumacher (Mercedes) slows with gearbox problems and retires at the end of the lap.

4. Lap 37 Both McLarens pit within seconds of

each other. Vitaly Petrov (Caterham) breaks down at the start/ finish line, bringing out the safety car. Vettel pits immediately and leapfrogs Hamilton into second place. Webber pits also, and comes out ahead of Alonso in fourth.

5. The finish: Button deservedly takes the win after dominating the entire race, with Vettel second and Hamilton third. Webber stays fourth after a dogged chase of Hamilton in the closing stages.

Maldonado crashes hard into the wall after something breaks on his car. Ricciardo (Torro Rosso) gets past teammate Jean-Eric Vergne on the final lap to get into 9th at the line for a points finish on debut.

For Hamilton it was a missed opportunity and he admitted that it was ‘’a bit of a tough day’’.

But he said the season was long, the car was quick and that he had to keep his head up and fight on.

HOW THE RACE UNFOLDED FIVE KEY MOMENTS 1. The start The lights go green and as the field streaks towards turn one, Jenson Button edges ahead of Lewis Hamilton to lead. A bad start for Mark Webber — down to ninth having had contact from a car at the first corner. Fellow Australian Daniel Ricciardo (Torro Rosso) also has a bad start, down to 19th after contact with Bruno Senna (Williams).

2. Lap 3 Pastor Maldonado motor trader queensland

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sport

Aston Martin Destroyed At Rally Calder

T

he opening stage of day three of East Coast Bullbars Rally Calder in early March was marred by a major accident involving the Aston Martin V8 Vantage of Tasmanians Ivan Thompson and Karl Francis.

The half million dollar Aston Martin made heavy contact after sliding wide on wet grass and contacting a concrete barrier at high speed destroying the left hand door of the car.

Co-driver Francis was transferred to a local hospital for precautionary x-rays following the incident and was diagnosed with a dislocated pelvis but was cleared of neck, shoulder and spinal injury. Thompson walked away from the accident without injury.

Car owner Dave Thompson was assessing whether or not the car can be repaired for the remaining rounds of the Bosch Australian Rally Championship.

Nissan DeltaWing to race at Le Mans

N

remarkable DeltaWing car as it races in anger for the first time at the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours (16-17 June).

While Nissan DeltaWing will not be classified in the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hours, the Company is looking to showcase the pioneering technology that will show one potential direction for the future of motorsport and will feed into the research and development of future technologies, that filter down to Nissan’s road car product range.

A race-prepared 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, featuring direct petrol injection and a turbocharger, will power Nissan DeltaWing, which is half the weight and has half the aerodynamic drag of a conventional racer.

issan is aiming to change the face of endurance racing forever by becoming a founding partner in the most radical motorsport project of its time Nissan DeltaWing.

A highly advanced and hugely efficient Nissan engine will power the

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The engine, badged DIG-T

(Direct Injection Gasoline Turbocharged), is expected to produce around 300hp, sufficient to give Nissan DeltaWing lap times between LMP1 and LMP2 machines at Le Mans, despite having only half the power of those conventional prototypes. It features the same technology found in Nissan road cars, such as the range-topping Nissan Juke DIG-T. “As motor racing rulebooks have become tighter over time, racing cars look more and more similar and the technology used has had less and less

relevance to road car development,” said Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “Nissan DeltaWing aims

to change that and we were an obvious choice to become part of the project but this is just the start of our involvement.

“Nissan DeltaWing embodies a vast number of highlyinnovative ideas that we can learn from and at the same time, our engineering resources and commitment to fuel efficiency leadership via our PureDrive strategy will help develop DeltaWing into a testbed of innovation for Nissan.

“This announcement gives Nissan the

opportunity to become part of a groundbreaking motorsport project and one which could shape the future of the sport,” he added.

Nissan DeltaWing concept originator and designer, Briton Ben Bowlby, said that Nissan

has provided his team with their first choice engine.

“We’ve got the engine of our dreams - it’s the right weight, has the right power and it’s phenomenally efficient,” said Mr. Bowlby.

Nissan DeltaWing is unlike any other racing car currently on track. The driver sits well back in the car, almost over the rear axle and looks ahead down a long, narrow fuselage to narrow twin front tyres, specially created for the car by tyre partner Michelin. With a rear-mounted engine, the car has a strong rearward weight bias, which makes it highly manoeuvrable, while its lightweight and slippery shape make it far more efficient.

Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the organisers of the famous Le Mans 24 Hours, invited the car to run in this year’s race from ‘Garage 56’, the spot in the pit lane reserved for experimental cars. As it doesn’t conform to any existing championship regulations, Nissan DeltaWing will not be eligible to challenge for silverware and will carry the race number ‘0’.

FUCHS Lubricants (Australasia) Managing Director Wayne Hoiles said he was looking forward to the next step in the company’s drag racing history.

running of Australia’s greatest drag racing event and I am so excited to be able to welcome this leading and internationally significant company to our great event,” said Mr. Bettes.

W

“FUCHS Lubricants is a long-time supporter of motorsport and Australian drag racing, and I am delighted we can now announce our sponsorship of the Winternationals,” said Mr. Hoiles.

The event, which will be known as the 2012 Fuchs Winternationals will be held over four days in June.

“The event has such a vibrant history as a leading light in the Australian drag racing scene, so we can’t wait to start working with Willowbank Raceway in making this year’s event a huge success,” he added.

“The 2012 FUCHS Winternationals will host more than 500 competitors and 38,000 spectators from all over Australia, New Zealand and the USA when it is held over four massive days Friday 8 June to Monday 11 June 2012 on what will be the last Queensland June long weekend.

reigning FIA GT1 World Champion Michael Krumm.

Winternationals at Willowbank Raceway illowbank Raceway and FUCHS Lubricants are excited to announce the leading lubricants company as the naming rights sponsor of the greatest spectacle in drag racing – the Winternationals.

Founded as a German family company in 1931, FUCHS Lubricants today has global reach and is the world’s largest independent manufacturer and supplier of lubricants. It’s wholly owned Australian subsidiary has been supplying specialised lubricants since the late 1890s and is the leading market player in many lubricant sectors.

Willowbank Raceway was established in 1985 and is Queensland’s premier drag racing facility, hosting drag racing for nearly 27 years.

Willowbank Raceway Managing Director Steve Bettes said he was pleased to be able to welcome FUCHS Lubricants to the year’s biggest drag racing event.

“This year will mark the 45th

“Hosting the finals of the ANDRA Pro Series and the Rocket Allstars Racing Series as well as great family entertainment, trade stands and plenty of pit lane action, this event is regarded as a ‘must-do’ for competitors and spectators alike,” said Mr. Bettes.

Tickets for the 2012 FUCHS Winternationals start at $20 with children 13 and under gaining free admission.

For ticket and event information please visit www. willowbankraceway.com.au

Nissan’s goal was to develop an engine that was light and efficient but still able to compete in ‘real-world’ motor racing. The Company has promised to apply key learnings from the experience to inform strategies for its PureDrive aerodynamics and efficiency package for road cars.

Dan Gurney’s All American Racers organization has built the DeltaWing. The California racecar constructor has built 157 different cars, earning major victories in Formula 1, sportscars and the Indianapolis 500.

The first two Nissan DeltaWing drivers to be confirmed are British Sportscar racer Marino Franchitti and Nissan’s motor trader queensland

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health Consequences of uncontrolled diabetes

I

f not controlled, diabetes can put you at risk for a host of complications that can affect nearly every organ in the body. They include: • The heart and blood vessels • The eyes • The kidneys • The nerves • The gums and teeth Heart disease and blood vessel disease are the biggest complications that people with uncontrolled diabetes face. Approximately 65% of death from diabetes is due to heart disease and stroke.

Diabetes can also cause poor blood flow in the legs and feet (peripheral artery disease).

Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure in adults. Drugs that lower blood pressure (even if you don’t have high blood pressure) can lower risk of kidney failure by 33%.

Many studies show that controlling diabetes can prevent or stop the progression of heart and blood vessel disease.

Over time, high blood sugar levels can harm the nerves.

This can lead to loss of sensation or feeling (usually starting in the toes) or pain and burning of the feet.

Blood vessel damage or nerve damage may also lead to foot problems that can lead to amputations. More than 60% of leg and foot amputations not related to an injury are due to diabetes.

Diabetes-related nerve damage can also cause pain in the legs, arms, and hands, and can cause problems with digestion, going to the bathroom, or having sex.

Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness. It can cause a number of eye problems, some of which can lead to blindness if not addressed.

The eye disorders include: • Glaucoma • Cataracts • Diabetic retinopathy Studies show that regular eye exams and timely treatment of diabetes-related eye problems could prevent up to 90% of diabetes-related blindness.

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People with diabetes are at high risk for gum disease.

Keeping your diabetes under control, seeing your dentist regularly, and taking good daily care of your teeth can prevent gum disease and tooth loss.

Diabetes complications are caused by damage to the blood vessels, nerves, or both.

Symptoms vary depending on the diabetes complication that you have. You may have:

• No symptoms if you have heart disease or atherosclerosis of a large blood vessel, unless you have a heart attack or stoke. Disease of the large blood vessels in your legs may cause problems with blood circulation, leading to leg cramps, changes in skin color, and decreased sensation.

• Vision problems, vision loss, or pain in your eye if you have diabetic eye disease • No symptoms if you have early diabetes-related kidney disease. Swelling of the legs and feet occur in more advanced stages of kidney failure.

Tingling, numbness, burning, or shooting or stabbing pain in the feet, hands, or other parts of your body, if the nerves are affected by diabetes (peripheral diabetic neuropathy). If the nerves that control internal organs are damaged (autonomic neuropathy), you may have sexual problems, digestive problems (a condition called gastroparesis); difficulty sensing when your bladder

is full; dizziness, fainting, or difficulty knowing when your blood sugar is low.

When diabetes complications are found early, you might only have to take medication to prevent progression of the disease. Only minor lifestyle changes may be necessary.

For example, if you have early diabetic nephropathy, you can take medication to prevent further damage. Early treatment for a complication and keeping your blood sugar levels within a safe range can help slow the progression of your complication and may prevent other complications from developing.

Treatment of diabetes complications focuses on slowing the progression of the damage. That may include medication, surgery, or other treatment options.

But the most important treatment to slow the progression of diabetes complications is to keep your blood sugar levels tightly in control and to treat high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Are you at risk?

• Are you over 40?

• Are you overweight?

• Do you do little or no exercise?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, you could be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

For a quick online assessment visit www.areyouatrisk.com.au

For more information call

1300 136 588

turning diabetes around

Does your super fund tick all the right boxes?

Low fees No commissions Run only to benefit members

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

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

automobile news Audi A3 Audi’s brand new A3 made its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.

The new A3 is a high-tech car full of innovations.

Versions with hybrid and alternative drive systems such as natural gas and Audi e-gas are currently in development. A version with an exceptionally efficient 1.6 TDI engine will launch on the market in 2012, which consumes just 3.8 litres of diesel/100 km. Audi ultra lightweight technology has helped to trim weight in the body of the three-door car by an impressive 80 kg compared to the previous model. The chassis is tuned for sporty and agile driving. The engines are powerful yet highly efficient, and the interior offers an ambience of dynamic style.

Honda Civic Honda Australia in March launched an innovative television advertising campaign to introduce the all-new Civic. Reflecting the harmonious nature of the ninth-generation Honda Civic, the music track uses over sixtyfive recorded sounds made by the Civic. Seven different microphones were used to capture the sounds, from a car boot thud to the electronics of the power door mirrors. The ad was aired nationally from March 11. This ninth-generation Civic has undergone significant engineering development, with increased fuel efficiency, smoother handling, improved driving dynamics, a smarter cockpit and Honda’s ECO assist system. The new Civic embodies engineering excellence and has scored the highest safety rating from ANCAP.

State-of-the art Mokka SUV Opel is the first European brand to offer a vehicle in the growing sub-compact SUV segment. Despite its 4.28 meter measurement, the Mokka has space for five people and places them in a high seating position. It delivers on Opel’s promise to combine attractive design with innovative technologies and upmarket functionalities, making them accessible to a wider segment of customers. Safety is enhanced with new technologies brought to its segment, for example the Driver Assistance Systems that are based on the Opel Eye front camera system, as well as a rear view camera. motor trader queensland

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VW Concept’s low fuel consumption The Cross Coupé Concept is powered by an alliance of a turbodiesel direct-injection engine (TDI) and two electric motors. Its combined fuel consumption in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) is a sensationally low of 1.8 l/100 km.

This is equivalent to CO2 emissions of just 46 g/km. Noteworthy here is the fact that the Cross Coupé is a powerful SUV with a top speed of 220 km/h, 225 kW of power (system power) and a kerb weight of 1,858 kg.

Volkswagen presented the concept with a TDI plug-in hybrid in a world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show in mid March.

All-new Santa Fe This third-generation Santa Fe features sophisticated and refined lines, which are in harmony with bold and voluminous surfaces, completing a more aggressive and classic look than its predecessor. The design adopts the hexagonal grille – a key design cue of the Hyundai family look – a two-tone voluminous bottom car body and wider front and rear bumpers, creating a futuristic and urban-style SUV image.

Swift Sport Suzuki Auto Co has released its quickest, most stylish, sophisticated and feature-laden compact car ever, with the unveiling of the 2012 edition of the Swift Sport. And it has done so at a zero price increase over the previous Swift Sport that it replaces.

The car features much more power, far more torque, significant suspension and steering modifications for sharper driving response, bigger wheels and tyres, high intensity discharge Xenon headlamps, a six speed transmission (a seven-step CVT automatic will join the range in March 2012); push-button engine start and stop, climate control air conditioning, a USB port, steeringmounted cruise and audio controls, a Bluetooth hands-free interface and a greener environmental footprint.

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