Motor Trader - October - Online Edition by MTAQ IT

motor trader

motor trader queensland | vol. 82 | issue 9 | oct 2011

Import sales surge

Quad bikes safety issues Bumper recycling Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Car of the Year

Annual Report edition

Small business incentives

Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland

contents

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

2. From the editor

Managing Editor

HiLux love affair

Women’s car of the year

Kellie Dewar

Editor in Chief

4. Policy/Viewpoint Industry Update 6. New Australian Hot Rod magazine out

Michael Taylor

7. Incentives for small businesses

Art Director

8. Recycling bumpers

Peter Richardson

Advertising Enquiries

Jeff Dunlop Jillian Anfield Mobile: 0414 075 0422 473 007 944 Facsimile: 07 3844 4488 Email: jilliana@mtaq.com.au jeffd@mtaq.com.au

Editorial

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

Subscription Rates (including GST)

Australia: $72.60 annually Overseas: $110 annually

Motor Trader Publishing Policy Motor Trader is the official publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland. The role of Motor Trader is to inform members of current issues and legislation affecting the industry. As such it can be regarded as the business magazine for the Queensland motor industry. The role of Motor Trader is not to be in competition with the technical magazines already on the market. It will advise of new vehicles being released and of the latest technology incorporated into them; it will advise of latest technology affecting members in each of the MTA Queensland Divisions; it will keep members abreast of the latest in motor industry training and industrial affairs; and it will keep members informed of the latest technical aids available through MTA Queensland Member Services, which will assist members in staying ahead of the technological revolution presently being encountered within the motor industry. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material. MTA Queensland ABN: 74 028 933 848

Corporate Partners

9. Collision Repair Mentoring Scheme

Nexteer sets up shop in Australia

New magazine for hot rod enthusiasts, p. 6

10. WikiLeaks report inaccurate in parts

Unregistered salesman gets dealership fined

11. Import sales surge

Features 12. Managing time 16. New guild for Aussie camper manuffacturers 22. Quad bikes: time for a redesign

MIT news 14. Beyond the language barrier

Members 20. The best of the best

Health 24. Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Sport 28. Shepheard’s first Bosch ARC victory

Calls for safety redesign of quad bikes, p. 22

29. Volvo in the swing with Oz Open 31. Resounding success at Coffs Harbour

Automobile news 31. Head turning Saab

The Perfect Shape

Land Rover Defender

32. Honda’s Accord Euro is ACE

Muscular with soft-touch leather

Priced to sell

Cover Image: MTA Queensland's new state of the art facility will be fully operational in the new Year.

Holden in the WikiLeaks miasma, p. 10

motor trader queensland

from the editor

TA Queensland member, Mendham Engineering of Rocklea, has just farewelled stand out employee, Travis Duff, who is off to England for a working stint with Aston Martin (page 20). Travis, who won the 2010 WorldSkills Australia competition in the ‘turning’ category, earned a scholarship arranged by the youth organisation, BBM (Big Brother Movement). Travis was up against 16 regional winners throughout Australia and won by a quarter of a point on a scale of 100. Another successful young man is Bway Day of Nundah Auto Electrics, who was named MIT’s latest Student

Michael Taylor, Editor

of the Month (page 14). Under the tuteledge of Technical Trainer Paul Tugwell, the young Thai man came to Australia in 2007 and has made remarkable gains in his skills – both language and auto electrical. If not for the vision of Nundah Auto Electrics’ owner Brett Norton with regards to his commitment in providing work experience, training, and apprenticeships to capable young people, success stories like this might never come about. When young people come knocking on the door, it costs nothing to give them some work experience. You never know what attributes they will show you and how they can ultimately be an asset to your business in the long run. There’s a new guild for Australian manufactured camper trailers (page 16). Apparently in recent years there has been an influx of overseas’ made camper trailers that are not up to scratch with regards to Australian conditions, and this new guild intends to educate consumers on what products they should

The view from Reception at our new facility looks out over the rest of the office park on to Logan Road, with the Pacific Motorway to the rear of the complex.

be buying when it comes to hooking up an hitting the road. Most people would support automotive-related recycling if it weren’t for the costs involved. Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan, however, has been working at bumper recycling for years, to the point now that the cost of recycling is less than the cost of purchasing new plastic (page 8) thanks to the original inventiveness of the concept and the subsequent years of hard work in perfecting the process. On the domestic front, there is the new federally funded R&D tax incentive scheme that supports and

Under the tuteledge of Technical Trainer Paul Tugwell, the young Thai man came to Australia in 2007 and has made remarkable gains in his skills – both language and auto electrical. rewards the development of new ideas, products and processes – page 7. There have been nationwide information seminars held on the new scheme throughout September and October and you can visit www. ausindustry.gov.au to get more information.

Queensland’s Automotive Centre of Excellence INST IT UT E OF T ECHNOLOGY

Queensland’s Peak Automotive Industry Body

Automotive Training Specialists

One Stop Industry Support for:

Specialising in:

• Government and Media Representations

• Light Vehicle Mechanical Technicians

• Industrial Relations Advice

• Motorcycle Mechanical Technicians

• Technical Information

• Automotive Electrical Technicians

• Professional Business Conduct within a

• Parts Interpreting

Strict Code of Ethics

• Management Courses

• Consumer Assurance • Legal Advice • Industry-specific Publications and Stationery

motor trader queensland

Free call 1800 177 951

• Specialist Automotive Technicians

INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY Every component in today’s cars depend on critical specifications to ensure the vehicle operates to maximum performance. In today’s cars, no component works in isolation. They are designed to work seamlessly with the next, creating the vehicle’s over all performance. Specifications for KYB shock absorbers are integrated into the suspension, steering and braking performance of a vehicle. Each component is designed to operate in unison to achieve the level of comfort and safety demanded in today’s vehicles. When a shock absorber needs replacing, it should be with KYB so the vehicle’s performance is not compromised.

For more information contact KYB today on 03 9730 4990 www.kyb.com.au

Shock Absorbers

policy/viewpoint Australian Consumer Law (ACL) – Important Changes to Product Warranties against Defects From 1 January 2012, any warranties against defects of any consumer products sold in Australia will need to comply with the mandatory requirements of Regulation 90 of the ACL. From this date any written warranty against defects must include the following mandatory text to ensure consumers are aware that any warranty against defects operates in addition to consumers’ rights under the ACL: Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure. Manufacturers will need to review, and as necessary, revise warranty statements on all written documentation including POS material to reflect the new requirements. The new rules apply to all transactions involving vehicles and trailers regardless of value. MTA Queensland members who supply goods with a written express warranty need to be aware of this requirement as it will be an offence with heavy penalties for noncompliance. Members need to ensure that the warranty documents provided by the manufacturers / suppliers of 4

motor trader queensland

Richard Payne, Principal Policy Director

the products they resell from 1 January 2012 comply with regulation 90. For example, it would be an offence to display a sticker on a vehicle that simply says “3 year / 100,000 km warranty” as the written statement does not include the prescribed warranty. We have consulted the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries in regard to manufacturers’ responsibilities, and applicable members should consult Dealer Councils or other official sources to ensure the manufacturers’ of goods they retail comply with these new requirements from 1 January 2012.

Personal Property Security Act 2009 (the PPSA) Introduction Delayed As advised in a recent member Bulletin, the introduction of the PPS Register has been delayed until early 2012. Our best estimate at this stage is an implementation date from 1 February 2012. MTA Queensland welcomes this delay in the interests of ensuring all necessary requirements and processes associated with the national register are well and truly tested before going “live”. We will confirm more details as they are made available from the Attorney General’s Office.

PPSA Finance and Long-term Lease Implications – of particular interest to Rental Vehicle Industry Division members With the introduction of the PPSR pending (refer section above), the following

information relating to the security of vehicles on longterm lease has been provided by Bennett & Philp Lawyers: The PPSA covers all financing leases. Under the PPSA a financing lease is treated as if it were a loan from a financier repayable by way of instalments of rent. When the loan is repaid title and goods pass to the lessee. If the lessee fails to pay rent the financier can repossess the goods. The PPSA also covers some operating leases and hire or rental agreements. These types of agreements involve the owner (or lessor) expecting the goods to be returned at the end of the arrangement. Under the PPSA these leases are called “PPS Leases” which are defined in Section 13(1) of the PPSA. A PPS Lease is a lease or bailment of goods which provides the goods to another person for one of the following terms: More than one year; or 90 days or more for motor vehicles, aircraft and water craft (e.g. goods that can be described by serial number i.e. VIN); or If an operating lease falls within one of the above three categories it should be registered on the PPS register. A lessor can register an interest over the leased property to secure payment in relation to a PPS lease. A PPS lease interest will also be a Purchase Money Security Interest (“PMSI”) which will generally be afforded a “super priority” (if registered) over other perfected security interests on the same property. The PPSA provides transitional

security periods i.e. where a lease is entered into before the commencement date of the PPSA it will be deemed to be effective until two years after that date. Although there is now likelihood that the commencement of the PPSA will be delayed until February 2012, the two year transitional period will still apply. Accordingly, if a lease is entered into before the revised commencement date it is likely that no action will be required by a lessor. However, if the period of the lease extends beyond the 2 year transitional period from the date of commencement of the PPSA, the lessor should register its security interest during the two year period.

MTA Queensland again vents its Ire at changes made last year to CTP Insurance Industry stakeholders were recently invited by the Insurance Commissioner of the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) to comment on the effectiveness of CTP changes made last year, as announced in the 2010 / 11 State Budget … so we obliged! In part we said: “the only real winners from the CTP ceiling reduction have been the insurance companies to the disadvantage of dealers through increased administration (red tape) as well as increased operating costs through the abolition of offset insurance arrangements with businesses and with no tangible benefit to consumers“. Our full response may be viewed from the MTA Queensland website by connecting to MTA Queensland submissions via the drop-down box under - News and Advocacy.

Stationery for the automotive industry ogue l a t a C ct Produ 2011

• 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

industry update New Australian Hot Rod magazine out

he roots of hot rodding might be traced back to America but it also has a rich and colourful history in Australia, one that is now being given the long overdue and deserved respect it deserves with the launch of Australian Hot Rodder. Published by well known automotive journalist, Graham Smith, himself a keen hot rodder with a show winning Ford roadster in his garage, Australian Hot Rodder is a new 152 page, full colour premium publication dedicated to telling the story of hot rodding in this country. With a fascinating blend of the old and new, Australian Hot Rodder chronicles the tales behind

Caruana Model A Ford pickup featured as the cover car in issue Number One, it will also pay due respect to those cars that have been built to be driven, like the many 1932 Fords of veteran Victorian rodder, Ray Charlton or Sydney’s Norm Longfield. In Issue #1 the soft cover

While the magazine will honour the great show cars that have become legends of the local hot rodding scene, like the fabulous Pirotta/ Caruana Model A Ford pickup pictured, it will also pay due respect to cars that have been built to be driven.

book also charts the history of Australia’s first man to exceed 200mph in a dragster, Ash Marshall, with historical photos of his ‘Vandal’ and ‘Scorcher’ dragsters. Smith travelled to San Diego, California to interview Marshall for the feature story.

“Ninety per cent of HiLux buyers are men - and they love their HiLux because it often doubles as a rugged, trusty workmate during the week and as family or recreational transport on the weekend,” Thompson explained.

The first issue of Australian Hot Rodder is priced at $29.95 plus GST and is available now at www. australianhotrodder.com.au.

“The ad demonstrates that HiLux is a reliable friend - and the only thing more unbreakable than the bond between a man and his HiLux is the new HiLux itself,” he said.

HiLux love affair

Mr Thompson said launching the campaign on Facebook acknowledged the support of Toyota’s 57,000 loyal 4x4 Facebook fans, many of whom have a ‘bromance’ with their own HiLux.

Visitors to facebook.com/ Toyota4x4, which has 57,000 followers, have been able to view the TV commercial since Friday September 16.

“The formidable reputation for ruggedness and reliability has enabled HiLux to attract more than 40,000 customers in each of the past five years,” he said.

oyota Australia recently launched a TV advertising campaign for its new-look HiLux on the company’s 4x4 Facebook site.

The ad is the latest in a long line of iconic humorous ads promoting Australia’s bestselling ute. Toyota Australia Divisional Manager

the great hot rods and dragsters built in this country and the people who built, drove and raced them. While the magazine will honour the great show cars that have become legends of the local hot rodding scene, like the fabulous Pirotta/ 6

motor trader queensland

National Marketing Scott Thompson said the ad tells the story about a ‘bromance’ between a man and his beloved HiLux.

Women’s car of the year

epresentatives of Citroën and BMW in September were presented their trophies at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany, after winning the 2011 Women’s World Car of the Year in a dead heat.

Several judges from the panel, which is made up of 14 judges from countries including New Zealand, Australia, Britain, America, Europe and India, were on hand for the presentation of the awards which this year

Incentives for small businesses

nformation sessions, held across Australia in September and October, are helping businesses learn how to access and best use the new R&D Tax Incentive to drive the development of new ideas, products and processes. Encouraging people to attend, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr, said the R&D Tax Incentive, as the program will be now known, would support and reward the creativity of Australian businesses.

Citroën DS3 -

Economical car

BMW 5 Series -

Luxury car

Volvo S60 -

Family Car

Aston Martin Rapide -

Sports car

Audi A1 - saw Citroën DS3 and the BMW 5 Series score equal points. The judges present were Renuka Kirpalani (India), Henny Hemmes (The Netherlands), Charlene Clarke (South Africa), LouAnn Hammond (USA) and New Zealand’s Sandy Myhre, the chief judge and founder of WWCOTY. Trophies and certificates for the outright win were presented to Ian Robertson (BMW) and Xavier Duchemin (Citroën). Certificates for winning their specific category were presented to Ulrich Bez (Aston Martin Lagonda), Frank van Meel (Audi AG) and Stefan Jacobi (Volvo). Cars in the judging are

Greenest car divided into five categories and awarded points out of 10 on 10 different criteria such as safety, driveability, sex appeal and childfriendliness. The supreme winner is the one that scores the most points outright. This year it was a tie. Car Voting on the WWCOTY is done in secret, with each judge submitting their score sheets to an independent auditor, international accountancy practice, Grant Thornton. Judging is done at the end of each year (after test driving cars launched that year) and the results announced early the following year, so this year’s winners were announced in April. Chief judge, Sandy Myhre, says two more judges will

“These awards are unique worldwide and are gaining recognition. We began with eight original judges in 2009 and have now doubled that, which reflects the importance of a woman’s viewpoint to the motor industry.” join the panel for 2012 - one each from Australia and China. “These awards are unique worldwide and are gaining recognition. We began with eight original judges in 2009 and have now doubled that, which reflects the importance of a woman’s viewpoint to the motor industry,” she said. Evaluation and shortlisting of finalists for the 2012 award is already underway.

“We are a clever country. We have renamed the tax credit an incentive because that is what it is – an incentive for our creative firms and individuals to invest in new ideas, products and services. “This is a huge opportunity for Australian firms. The new incentive is designed so more firms can access government support. It will provide assistance to innovating companies when they need it most,” Senator Carr said. “The new incentive will support more firms – and it is important that people who may not have considered applying for assistance under the old system understand it is there to help them. “That is why AusIndustry, together with the Australian Taxation Office, have been conducting information sessions around the country throughout September and October to ensure firms are aware of the support available under the program,” he said. The R&D Tax Incentive has more generous benefits motor trader queensland

industry update and a clearer definition of research and development activities. “The Tax Incentive effectively doubles the support for small firms to 15 cents in the dollar and increases support for all other firms by a third, to 10 cents in the dollar,” Senator Carr added. The R&D Tax Incentive starts retrospectively from 1 July 2011. To register for an information session or for more information on the R&D Tax Incentive, visit AusIndustry.gov.au. Senator Carr said the R&D Tax Incentive complements the Government’s Clean Energy Future initiative. Together, they will provide significant support for innovative firms to invest in research, development and commercialisation of clean technology products and services.

Recycling bumpers

azda Motor Corporation in Japan has become the world’s first automaker to successfully recycle scrapped bumpers from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) into raw material for new vehicle bumpers. The new technology was introduced on August 21, 2011 and is initially being used to make rear bumpers for the Mazda Biante minivan. Conventionally, bumpers from ELVs are processed into automobile shredder residue (ASR) and incinerated to recover 8

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The polyprophylene bumpers are ground down for recycling.

Bumpers comprise a large proportion of the plastic used in vehicles and Mazda is proactively developing bumper recycling technologies as an effective way to increase vehicle material-recycling ratio. heat energy (thermal recycling). By enabling the ELV bumpers to be recycled into material for new vehicle bumpers, the new technology improves the material-recycling ratio (MRR) of Mazda vehicles and contributes to more effective use of resources. Bumpers comprise a large proportion of the plastic used in vehicles and Mazda is proactively developing bumper recycling technologies as an effective way to increase vehicle MRR. Mazda became an industry leader in bumper recycling when it began processing damaged bumpers collected from in-use vehicles through its dealer network in Japan. Mazda then aimed to further develop this damaged bumper recycling technology and adapt it for

History of Mazda’s bumper recycling technologies Year

Details

1992

Began collecting damaged bumpers (that were replaced at dealer service centers) and recycling them for use as vehicle undercovers.

2001

Implemented mechanical paint removal technology, increased the strength of recycled plastic to the same level as new plastic and began using recycled plastic to reinforce new bumpers.

2002

Optimised the paint removal process, improving the paint removal rate from 98% to 99%. Recycled resin used for new (dimpled black plastic) bumpers on Mazda Bongo Friendee from July 2003.

2003

Developed an optical selection mechanism and new paint removal technology in collaboration with Satake Corporation, which increased the paint removal rate to 99.9%. The resulting recycled plastic achieved the necessary strength and quality for use as replacement painted bumpers.

2005

Began continuous recycling of damaged bumpers as raw material for use in new car bumpers.

2009

Developed the world’s first automated recycling technology for end-of-life vehicle bumpers.

recycling ELV bumpers. Many ELVs are over 10 years old, so the composition of the

bumpers’ polypropylene plastic and the adhesive properties of the paint vary considerably. Before recycling, unwanted

Collision Repair Mentoring Scheme Automotive Skills Queensland (ASQ) is excited to announce the Collision Repair Mentoring Scheme is on again and is taking applications from employers to nominate participants for this innovative program. This program is the only one of its kind in Australia and currently offered to the Queensland collision repair industry. Like the previous intake, the scheme will provide a structured training model for an apprentice (i.e. mentee) and tradesperson (i.e. mentor) to help both participants in career development and

materials such as metal attachments must also be removed. As a result, processing ELV bumpers into new material has previously been technically and economically difficult. To overcome this, Mazda began in the 1990s to design bumpers to be easily recyclable, and now the number of ELV bumpers that can be efficiently dismantled is increasing. Mazda has also developed and implemented efficient ELV bumper collection and processing methods in collaboration with Yamako Corporation and Takase Gosei Kagaku Corporation, companies based in Hiroshima prefecture, western Japan. As a result of these initiatives, the cost of recycling is less than the cost of purchasing new plastic.

employers with workforce development. Technical training will be provided by I-CAR, as well as first aid training and a defensive driving course are offered. The training scheme is valued at over $2,500.00 per person, but with the support of a government grant, the program is offered free to industry. Further details and an application form can be obtained from Automotive Skills Queensland – Telephone: 1300 796 644 or by emailing: info@asqld.org.au

per cent by weight of ELVs (parts made of plastics, rubber and other materials) is incinerated as ASR. Bumpers comprise a large proportion of the plastic so collecting and recycling ELV bumpers is expected to make a significant contribution to reducing ASR and optimising efficient use of resources. Going forward, Mazda will continue to develop advanced recycling

technologies, including bumper-to-bumper recycling, as it strives toward a sustainable future.

North America, South America and Asia, and vehicle manufacturers globally. The project is expected to create more than 250 jobs.

Nexteer sets up shop in Australia

exteer Automotive is expanding its presence in Australia with the assistance of the Australian Government. To assist with the development of green technology in Australia’s automotive component industry, the Australian Federal Government is providing a $66 million grant to Nexteer Automotive Australia from its Green Car Innovation Fund, the company said. Nexteer Automotive Australia will receive its funding over a three-year period, along with additional investment support from the Victorian State Government. Nexteer, headquartered in Michigan, USA, said the electric power steering and drive line products produced in Australia will be used by Nexteer facilities in Europe,

The designer and manufacturer of electric power steering and driveline components has locations throughout the world, including in South America, Europe and Asia. The company recently announced an expansion in Brazil, and in the last four years has made capital investments in North and South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region totaling nearly $500 million. Nexteer in March announced it had sold more than 15 million electric power steering units since 1999. The supplier said its electric power steering systems, which are more eco-friendly than hydraulic steering systems that require the continuous driving of a hydraulic pump to maintain pressure to assist the driver in turning the vehicle, have helped save approximately 5 billion litres of fuel.

Initially, Mazda is collecting bumpers from end-of-life Mazda vehicles in the Hiroshima area, with the recycled plastic comprising approximately 10 per cent of each new bumper produced. Currently, approximately 20 motor trader queensland

industry update

WikiLeaks report inaccurate in parts

olden Australia’s manufacturing business almost collapsed after its US parent cut it adrift at the height of the financial crisis, according to a leaked diplomatic cable, as reported in the Brisbane Times newspaper. Cables released by WikiLeaks show that in 2009 Holden Australia’s then chairman and managing director, Mark Reuss, reportedly described the situation as ‘’very dark’’ and said the carmaker would ‘’scrape by’’ until local production of its mid-sized Cruze model began. He reportedly made the comments during a meeting with officials at the US consul in Melbourne in June 2009. Holden’s parent, General Motors, had filed for bankruptcy two weeks before the meeting. The cable said the Australian government had stepped in to help Holden raise money through banks, including ANZ, noting that Australian banks were wary about lending to Holden without backing from its parent. ‘’Holden is scraping by in the competitive Australian automotive market, even though financing from its parent company has all but dried up,’’ the cable said. ‘’While Holden will remain 10

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a part of the new GM, the Australian subsidiary was ‘fenced off’ from the parent in an attempt to prevent US tax dollars from flowing out of the United States,’’ it said. This forced Holden to dramatically scale back

‘’The material appears to be notes taken by someone making observations of a conversation - it’s not a factual document - and it includes a number of inaccuracies about potential export volumes and our financial arrangements.’’

WikiLeaks ' Julian Assange

production at its South Australian plant and to reportedly seek short-term loans from GM finance facilities in Mexico and the European Union, among others, the cable said. It said Mr Reuss ‘’appeared frustrated that GM had effectively left Holden in the financial wilderness’’ once it accepted US Treasury money. Mr Reuss has since become president of General Motors’

North American arm. A spokeswoman for Holden said the cable was an interpretation of a conversation and was inaccurate in parts. ‘’The material appears to be notes taken by someone making observations of a conversation - it’s not a factual document - and it includes a number of inaccuracies about potential export volumes and our financial arrangements,’’ said Holden spokeswoman Emily Perry, who declined to comment further. It is believed Holden did not seek financing from ANZ. The cable also describes the carmaker’s plan to shift to production of mid-sized cars, with $149 million in financial support from the Australian government’s Green Car Innovation Fund. The cable noted that Mr Reuss believed a good relationship with the federal government ‘’will be critical’’ should Holden need to ask for further assistance. The undermining of the economics of Holden’s Australian business model was mainly due to the collapse of its exports. Holden eventually persuaded the parent company to give financial support to its restructure, despite the parent’s problems. Fundamental to its argument was that Holden played a key part in GM’s global design and production network. After racking up more than five years of losses, Holden’s latest

financial accounts show it delivered an after-tax profit of $112 million in 2009-10, rebounding from a $211 million loss in 2008-09.

Unregistered salesman gets dealership fined

large Brisbane motor vehicle dealership and auction house has been convicted and fined $3500 for employing an unregistered salesman. Central Auto Auctions Pty Ltd, of Eagle Farm, pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday, September 14 to a breach of the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000. A conviction was recorded against the company. The Office of Fair Trading, which brought the prosecution, told the court the auction house and dealership employed Ross Murray Dummett, of Forestdale, Logan City, in 2010 while he was unregistered, following a two-year disqualification. Dummett had been selling vehicles from his home address and local fuel stations, on behalf of Central Auto Auctions Pty Ltd, and receiving commissions. Magistrate Ms Bronwyn Springer convicted Central Auto Auctions Pty Ltd

and fined the company $3500. It was ordered to pay court costs of $78.90. Outside court, an Office of Fair Trading spokesperson said it was essential all motor dealers were licensed and all motor salespersons registered. “If a consumer is dealing with an unlicensed motor dealer or unregistered motor salesperson, there are limits to their legal or consumer protection,” the spokesperson said. “The consumer won’t have the benefit of cooling-off periods or statutory warranties and may not receive details about any encumbrances or monies owing on the vehicle.”

Import sales surge

turnaround from 2005, for example, when locally made cars represented more than one in four vehicles sold, industry VFACTS figures show.

otorists are turning their backs on locally made cars, with the latest sales figures showing more than eight out of every 10 vehicles sold in August were made overseas.

Now local cars are on the slide: Ford has sold 9811 fewer locally made cars so far this year, Toyota 5610 fewer. Only Holden is making headway, having added the Cruze to its portfolio.

Official new car sales figures show of the 88,082 vehicles sold in August, 73,891 were imported from Asia, Europe and the Americas, representing an 84 per cent share of the market. Highlighting the precarious state of local manufacturing, only 14,191 of the vehicles sold in August, or 16 per cent, were made in Australia. Of them, Holden sold 7853 (Commodore and the new Cruze four-cylinder), Ford sold 3883 (Falcon and Territory wagon) and Toyota sold 2455 locally made vehicles (Camry and Aurion). In an industry where every fraction of market share is a hard won gain, it’s a significant

Car brands that consist of entirely imported model ranges are enjoying stellar growth - Japan’s Mazda set an all-time August sales record of 9138 cars (up 41 per cent on the same time last year), including selling 4234 Mazda3s - displacing Holden’s Commodore as the top-selling car in August. Korea’s Hyundai shifted 7417 cars (up 13.1 per cent); Japan’s Nissan sold 5587 vehicles (up 18 per cent) and Mitsubishi 4851 vehicles (up 7.8 per cent). The Japanese figures are all the more remarkable given the country is still recovering from March’s devastating earthquake and tsunami disasters.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries defended the performance of local manufacturers, characterising Australia’s new car market as one of the most competitive in the world. ‘’There are over 60 brands available to consumers, which is double the brands available in the much bigger US market and about the same number

Now local cars are on the slide: Ford has sold 9811 fewer locally made cars so far this year, Toyota 5610 fewer. Only Holden is making headway, having added the Cruze to its portfolio. of brands available in Europe, where they sell 10 million cars a year, compared to our one million,’’ the chamber’s acting chief executive, Steve Payne, said. ‘’It’s a continuing challenge for the local manufacturer to keep competitive.

‘’The high Australian dollar is a double whammy, because it makes imported vehicles more attractive and a large number of Australian vehicles are exported, which makes it harder for Australian manufacturers to win those export markets when the Australian dollar is so high,’’ he explained. Most of all, local manufacturers need stable, long-term industry policies that car company head office’s can base investment decisions on, not a government that ‘’chops and changes’’ policies, Mr Payne said. He said it was an industry worth saving as the automotive sector employs 60,000 directly, among manufacturers and suppliers, and at least another 250,000 indirectly. Despite their problems, Toyota, Holden and Ford finished in the top three spots in accrued sales by brand so far this year, boosted by imported models. motor trader queensland

managin Time management means taking control of your activities, duties, and commitments. When you manage your time, you decide which tasks and activities are most important to you based on your values.

ou may place a high value on family life, but you may not be able to spend as much time with your family as you want. Knowing what’s important to you helps you decide how best to spend your time. Managing your time helps you reduce stress. There are three parts to time management: Prioritise tasks and activities. This helps you decide which tasks are most important to you. Control procrastination. Procrastination is putting things off until the last minute or missing deadlines because you have put things off too long. Manage commitments. This means being able to say “no” to things that aren’t important to you and “yes” to things that are important. It’s stressful to feel like you have too much to do and not enough time to do it. Spending a lot of time on things that aren’t important to you also leads to stress. Time management can help 12

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you feel more in control of how you spend your time. When you feel in control, you reduce stress. Prioritising tasks and activities may help you find the time to exercise, read a book, take a class, or do other things that you really want to do. Controlling procrastination can help you get things done, such as a big project at work. When you manage your commitments, you commit to the things that are most important to you, and you let go of the things that are less important. All of these things can reduce stress. You can start managing your time by prioritising tasks, controlling procrastination, and managing your commitments.

Prioritise tasks Make a list of all your tasks and activities for the day or week. Then rate these tasks by how important or urgent they are. Urgent tasks are those that must be done right away to avoid a major problem,

such as paying the electric bill today because your electricity will be turned off tomorrow. Many people never deal with important things until they become urgent. This approach always leads to stress. Important tasks are those that are meaningful or important to you, such as spending time with your family, helping friends, or getting exercise. They are also tasks you must do to avoid a problem, such as paying bills or meeting a deadline at work. Not important tasks are ones that don’t need to be done or that aren’t important to you. After you have your list and have rated the items, think about how you are spending your time. If you take care of important tasks in a timely way, you won’t have as many urgent tasks to worry about. For example, if you pay your bills when you get them, you won’t have to juggle your finances and hurry to write checks the day bills are due. Think about how you can redirect your time to activities that are important and meaningful to you. Are you spending a lot of time on things that aren’t important or urgent? Maybe there are things that you don’t need to do at all.

Control procrastination The more stressful or unpleasant a task, the more likely you are to put it off. This only increases your stress. You may want to try these tips for controlling procrastination: Structure your time. Use a day planner or notebook to plan your day or week. Just seeing on paper that there is a time to get your tasks done can help you get to work. For shorter projects, use a timer or alarm clock to help you stick with your plan. Break up large tasks. If you know that you won’t be able to focus on a project for 3 hours, break up your work into 1-hour blocks over 3 days. It’s easier to face an unpleasant task if the time you are giving it is brief. Create short-term deadlines. Short-term deadlines will help you make a habit of meeting

ng time deadlines. It will also force you to get things done. That way, when the long-term deadline does arrive, you won’t have as much pressure and work built up.

Avoid perfectionism. If you demand perfection, you might not even start a task because you’re worried it won’t be perfect. Doing your best is fine. Giving yourself enough time to do your best will reduce stress. If you find a tip that

works for you, stay with it. Over time you’ll gain confidence that you can beat the procrastination habit. You may still slip up sometimes and find yourself putting things off. That’s okay. Don’t blame yourself. Confidence and positive thinking can help you get back on track.

Manage your commitments Both too many and too few commitments can lead to stress. Letting go of a commitment doesn’t mean giving up. It means learning what’s important to you, recognizing that you have limits, and deciding how you want to spend your

time. Here are some tips for letting go: Don’t commit to things that are not important to you. When you want or need to let go of something, imagine tying it to a helium balloon, releasing the balloon, and watching it float away. Accept that your life is a “work in progress.” You don’t have to finish every project or meet every goal in your life by tomorrow or even next week. If one of your goals is less important, you can work on it later in your life. Making commitments can be just as hard as letting them go. People who are under stress tend to have too many commitments instead of too few. But sometimes stress comes from a lack of commitment. If you need more commitment in your life, think about what is most important to you. When you are ready to commit: Do it. Give yourself to a new commitment as fully as you can. Be responsible. Take your commitment seriously. Don’t back out of obligations. Open up. Be open to new ideas and suggestions, and be ready to learn.

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MIT news Beyond the language barrier

Left to Right: Brett Norton, Bway Day, Paul Tugwell

way Day of Nundah Auto Electrics was named MIT’s August Student of the Month.

Mr Day, trained by MIT Technical Trainer, Paul Tugwell, hails from Thailand. He came to Australia in December 2007 to study English. “Bway has overcome the language barrier and has really shown some excellent progress,” said Mr Tugwell. “This month he goes in to his 4th year and he will make a fine auto electrician,” he added. Soon after arriving in Australia, Mr Day

“Bway has overcome approached business owner Brett Norton, who has for the past ten years been a keen supporter of work experience and apprenticeship training.

After a two-week work experience opportunity, Day was hired to work with the company and in September 2008 he signed on with MIT and has been trained by Paul Tugwell ever since. “We are very fortunate to have people like Brett Norton in our industry,” said Mr Tugwell. “He is always giving young people the opportunity to acquire work experience, and if they are good enough, he’ll put them on as he did with Bway,” he added. 14

motor trader queensland

the language barrier

and has really shown some excellent progress.” Although he didn’t grow up with a car in the household, Mr Day did learn a bit about engines on his father’s long boat. In addition, he has experience in smash repairs.

“A Toyota HiLux was towed here and the owner said that it had just ‘cut out’ while he was driving it,” said Mr Bway.

His experiences at Nundah Auto Electrics have been both challenging and varied, which is what appeals to the apprentice.

“We were able to determine that the wiring had been doctored, although the owner insisted he had not done any work on it.

“In the end we were able to rewire it and got it running again, however, the challenge was in dealing with a situation where what we were being told by the client was not actually what the problem was, so we had to go through the process step by step to ensure a positive outcome,” he explained. In his spare time Mr Day enjoys supporting his favourite football team, Real Madrid.

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Funding for Traineeships and Apprenticeships is made available from the Department of Education and Training

new guild for aussie

camper ma

Some of Australia's leading manufacturers of camper trailers have formed an industry association to highlight the quality workmanship and advantages of insisting on buying only Australian Manufactured camper trailers.

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he new Australian Manufactured Camper Trailer Guild (AMCTG) has been formed by the leading manufacturers largely because of a growing problem with imported camper trailers being passed off as Australian made.

More than 14 Australian camper trailer manufacturers have signed up as members of the AMCTG with more likely to join in coming months One of the driving forces behind the AMCTG is Roger Fagan, CEO of Cub Campers, a company that has been manufacturing camper trailers in Australia for the past 43 years.

manufacturers According to Mr Fagan, poor quality componentry and workmanship in many of the cheap camper trailers being brought into Australia is often only apparent once the trailer lets customers down. "Unfortunately an increasing number of companies are passing off their imported campers as Australian made and as a result customers are buying imported products believing them to be Australian," said Mr Fagan. "Customers particularly the baby boomer generation who have grown

up with icons like Millard, Viscount, Cub, Jayco, Chesney, Franklin and Coronet have the perception that unless otherwise informed camper trailers are made in Australia, when often major components are fabricated off shore in cheap factories and only minor assembly work is undertaken in Australia," he added. "Like artisans and craftsmen of yesteryear this guild is a group of professional camper trailer manufactures who build genuine Australian made products and have pride in their workmanship," Mr Fagan explained.

"To be a member of the Guild manufacturers will have to prove by independent audit that the chassis, body, suspension and tent are Australian made as per the ACCC definition and that their products are fully compliant to ADR 62/ VSB1," he added. "The ACCC has a clear definition of what qualifies as an Australian manufactured product and simply assembling a kit and adding a fridge does not qualify a product to be called "Australian Made" and stiff penalties exist for those breaching these rules."

"Statements appearing in the media, in brochures, on web sites and those made by sales people such as, 'all production is thoroughly supervised' and 'We are proud to be an Australian owned company with 25 years experience in off roading', clearly gives the impression that their trailers are being locally made. "However those statements mean nothing and are deceptive if the product is being produced in low cost overseas manufacturing facilities with dubious quality credentials," he continued. "Car manufacturers are quite open and honest about where vehicles are built in a global market, Japanese makers are open about the fact that most of their

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light encountered in Australian conditions and is one of the reasons why an Australian made camper will perform better and last longer than an imported model. "While the charter of the Guild is essentially manufacturing based, it is important to focus on the fact that the real benefit will be for the consumer.

utes are now built in Thailand and VW has been quite open about the fact that their new Amarok is made in Argentina. "If a camper trailer or most of its major components have been made in China then tell the buyer so that they can make their buying decision as a fully informed consumer who has not been deceived. "For instance quality Australian canvas used in locally manufactured campers is made for Australian conditions and is clearly superior to imported canvas in our climate and weather conditions. "Our experience even with quality European canvas is that it doesn't perform as well as Australian canvas does, and can virtually turn to tissue paper after extended exposure to the ultra violet

"People buy a camper trailer to fulfill the dream of the 'trip of a lifetime' for them and their family and we believe the Guild can play a role in helping camper trailer buyers to fulfill that dream and that it doesn't turn into a nightmare. "Why would you risk your family's safety and your enjoyment of the 'trip of a lifetime' with a product that wasn't genuinely designed and manufactured by an Australian manufacturer who completely understands what it takes to survive Australia's demanding outback? "Camper trailers are a uniquely Australian form of recreational vehicle that has evolved over decades to provide generations of Australians with the freedom to enjoy our vast, rugged and sometimes hostile outback. "No other country has camper trailers as Australian's know them, that's because no other place on earth demands so

much in terms of the distances travelled, the sustained punishment dealt out by our outback roads and tracks, the incredible contrast in terrain and climatic conditions, and most significantly, the sometimes great distance from assistance if something goes wrong.

"We have been made aware and seen for ourselves examples of imported campers with serious engineering and manufacturing flaws and issues that highlights the problem with allowing cheap imported trailers in under a policy of self regulation.

"If you choose to buy your camper trailer from a Guild Member, you can be confident that it has been designed and manufactured by Australians who completely understand what it takes to survive the unique demands of the Australian Outback and stand by the quality of their product in meeting all Australian Design Rules and standards," Mr Fagan added.

"Members of the AMCTG have reported many examples of non compliance including trailers with the electric brake axle fitted upside down and back to front so the brakes would actually work in reverse and others with no spring bushes in an off road trailer which would create metal to metal wear and result in a very short life and possibly cause an accident," he said.

Mr Fagan goes on to point out that importers of trailers under 4.5 tonnes do not have to submit any engineering compliance before bringing them into Australia. "All an importer has to do is fix a compliance plate to the trailer stating that it conforms with Australian Design Rules and that makes it legal," he said.

According to Mr Fagan the Guild will not only help guarantee the quality and integrity of the design and engineering it will lobby the ACCC, Fair Trading and the Federal Department of Transport and Road Safety (DOTARS) to enforce Australian law and prevent imported trailers being passed off as Australian-made.

Wax Converters, Australia's largest manufacturer of quality canvas has funded a comprehensive website www.australianmanufacturedcampers. org.au and has extended the warranty on canvas used in Guild members campers to five years.

like craftsmen of yesteryear

this guild are professionals who build for Australian and have pride in conditions

their workmanship

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innovation Electric joint venture

iemens and Volvo Car Corporation (Gothenburg, Sweden) recently announced that they intend to jointly advance the technical development of electric cars. The companies have agreed on an extensive strategic cooperation on that field. The focus is on the joint development of electrical drive technology, power electronics and charging technology as well as the integration of those systems into Volvo C 30 Electric cars. The first vehicles in this model fitted with Siemens electric motors will already be on the test tracks at the end of this year. Beginning in late 2012, the Swedish carmaker will be delivering a test series of up to 200 vehicles to Siemens, which will then be tested and validated under real-life conditions as part of a Siemens internal test fIeet. Both companies’ goals and core competencies in electric mobility are perfectly matched. The partnership with the renowned vehicle manufacturer gives Siemens the chance to extend its industrial leadership in electric drive technology into the automotive market. Volvo will be relying on proven and efficient Siemens technology

for the electrification of its future vehicles.

as a comprehensive electric mobility pioneer,” he added.

“We are extremely happy to have Siemens as a partner, as their world-leading knowledge and experience will bring the technology in our electric cars up to an entirely new level, “ said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO at Volvo Car Corporation.

As the worldwide leading vendor of industrial software and automation technology,

Electric power train, battery management and charging technology are considered to be key technologies in the development and production of electric cars. “Cooperation with Volvo is an important milestone in

“It is our long-term goal to establish Siemens as a global system provider with solutions both inside and outside of electric vehicles - we see ourselves as a comprehensive electric mobility pioneer.”

The first of Volvo's vehicles to be fitted with a Siemens electric drive motor will hit test tracks by the end of 2011.

the development of top quality components and systems for electric cars subsequently intended for series production”, said Siegfried Russwurm, Member of the Siemens Managing Board and CEO of the Siemens Industry Sector. “It is our long-term goal to establish Siemens as a global system provider with solutions both inside and outside of electric vehicles - we see ourselves

the Siemens Industry Sector will also contribute to accelerating progress in and cutting the cost of vehicle and battery production. As part of a comprehensive energy concept for sustainable electric mobility, Siemens is also continuing to work on industrializing

the production of hydrogen for fuel cells. The goal is to convert temporary excess energy from renewable power generation into “green” hydrogen. It can then be directly used in industrial applications and fuel-cell vehicles, as well as in battery-powered electric cars by means of a prior power re-conversion process. The Siemens electric motors for Volvo are modular in design and very compact, and have a peak power output of 108 kilowatts with a maximum torque of 220 Newton meters. The inverter design will be jointly optimized to meet all safety requirements in an automotive application. In addition, Siemens will provide highly efficient and fast on-board and off-board charging systems. Siemens drive technology has been used for decades in many mobility solutions, including railway systems and hybrid buses. As a worldwide leading manufacturer of drive systems with electrical and mechanical components, the Siemens Drive Technologies Division has over 36,000 employees and a global production network with 43 locations. The Siemens portfolio for electric mobility also covers everything from regenerative electricity generation and smart grids to charging infrastructure and intermodal traffic management. motor trader queensland

members The best of the best

TA Queensland member Mendham Engineering of Rocklea recently said ‘bon voyage’ to standout employee Travis Duff, the 2010 WorldSkills Australia champion, who won a scholarship to work with Aston Martin in England. Mr Duff has been with the company for six years, where he completed his apprenticeship and most recently acted in the role of assistant foreman on the general engineering side. The WorldSkills Australia National Competition ran over three days from Friday 7th May to Sunday 9th May 2010 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event hosted 500 competitors from 30 regions across Australia, ranging across 50 trades and skills categories. Mr Duff competed in the ‘turning’ category. “I was up against 16 regional winners from around Australia in the finals and we were given a set time to make machine components,” he said.

They were required to complete four components of a designated task in 16 hours spread over the three days. “It was pretty difficult and we were quite pressed for time,” Mr Duff said.

“There was a guy working in my shift who I thought was the one to beat and when he was called out for third, I thought there must have been some even better guys in the other shifts.

and I was trying to figure out

“I heard them calling out someone named ‘Travis Duff’

was on 75.3 so it was pretty

who that was when the guys told me it was me. “In the end I won with a score of 75.55 out of 100 and the guy in second place tight,” he said.

MTA Queensland welcomes the following new members Business Name

Principal/s

Street/Postal Address

AS Auto & Spares

Santo Samperi

4/59402 Bruce Highway TULY QLD 4854 santo02@tpg.com.au

AED

Federation Automotive

Kim Ryrie

111-113 Draper St PORTSMITH QLD 4870 fedautomotive@bigpond.com

AED

Jap Motor & Carby Centre

Peter Moore

162 Brown St CAIRNS QLD 4870 phmoore@japmotor.com.au

AED

Wayne Boylett Mechanical

Wayne Boylett

231 Scott St BUNGALOW QLD 4870 W_mboylett@dodo.com.au

AED

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Division

a win for the company

“His win is Employed by Mendham Engineering, Mr Duff was at the time working through a fitter and turner apprenticeship through Mt Gravatt TAFE when he entered, and won, the regional level of the WorldSkills competition late in 2009.

At the national finals, he was supported by his boss, Ron Heilbronn, who was there to encourage him every day of the competition.

– you can’t buy that sort of value”

committed apprentices.

“His win is a win for the company – you can’t buy that sort of value,” he added.

“Travis is the best of the best in Australia,” said Mr Heilbronn.

Mr Duff’s scholarship to travel to England and work with Aston Martin was arranged by the youth support organisation BBM (Big Brother Movement organisation).

“He’s an inspiration to other young workers here at Mendham Engineering, where we take only seriously

Established in 1925 by Sir Richard Linton, BBM has supported and assisted a wide range

of young Australians to reach fulfilment within their lives. BBM, through good stewardship, has built a substantial financial base, therefore, what they seek to achieve is to join hands across the corporate world to leverage this good work further as a collaborative effort within the community.

Whilst with Aston Martin, Mr Duff will be working in a far different environment from

what he has been doing at Mendham Engineering – fabricating and repairing large earth moving machines – instead, he will be focusing on the slick lines of the renowned British sports car. “It will be more precise, cleaner and tidier work,” he said. “I’ve only really worked on cars as a hobby before but having this new opportunity is definitely what I prefer,” he added. A keen mechanic since a young age, some his work at home included building a Nissan Skyline from the ground up, a feat he worked on for four years. “I love being able to fix and fabricate and do whatever I want to almost anything I can think of. I hope this new experience will open the doorway to more opportunities,” Mr Duff concluded.

we come to you! In getting someone to be a qualified automotive tradesperson, MTA Institute of Technology brings innovation and inspiration to every learner through training excellence. • Government funded, on site, one on one training • Employer and Apprentice incentives • Coaching and mentoring with up to date automotive training resources • Available to school-based apprentices • Trade recognition for current mechanics • Air condition licensing

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Tony Lower, Director of the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety within the Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, recently wrote about quad bikes and the issues surrounding their design:

t’s been just on seven months since my first blog regarding quad bikes and the perils of their design. Since that posting there have been a further 10 quad bike deaths in Australia, taking the total to 15 for this year. Thus far in 2011, quad bikes are the leading cause of death on Australian farms – outnumbering tractor fatalities at a rate of 2:1. In addition, there will have been many serious and life-long debilitating spinal and head injuries. In that initial posting I also highlighted the similarities between the quad bike industry in Australia represented by the Federated Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and the tobacco and asbestos industries. Regrettably, this comparison has only further strengthened in recent times.

The development of the Trans-Tasman Quad Bike Strategy has led a comprehensive shift in the perceptions of those close to the issue. The Strategy supports (but does not require) retrospective fitting of devices designed to reduce the risk to riders from entrapment beneath an overturned vehicle and requires some specific criteria to be met. Interestingly, NSW Farmers Association has gone one step further by calling for mandatory fitting of crush protection devices. It is indeed rare for farmer organisations to call for more regulation in any area, but clearly the leadership of NSW Farmers recognise the risks to their members and the broader farming community from not adopting these devices. The FCAI and quad bike manufacturers do not accept this part of the strategy and continue to

actively peddle information that is of questionable quality and relevance. It appears that they certainly cannot mount a defence based on the evidence (as their own evidence actually indicates a net benefit), so the next best thing is for them to adopt a tobacco-esque approach and seek to ensure that “doubt is their product”. And this is exactly the basis of the current extensive advertising campaign that they are running in the rural print media. A question that I receive every time this issue is raised is just why are the manufacturer’s so opposed to these crush protection devices? Is it because fitting such a device is not “sexy” and confirms the findings of the Victorian coroner that these vehicles are “prone to rollover”? Maybe. Is it because they have had information for many years that illustrates these devices are beneficial – yet they have failed to accurately relay this to their own retailers and the general public? Maybe. Is it because they are afraid of setting a legal precedent that will impact on their bottom line? Maybe. The one thing that is sure is that they are not acting in the best interest of those that ride these vehicles.

Quad bikes

It is telling that the Work Health Authorities across all states and territories appear simply fed up with the antics of the FCAI and manufacturers. The strong position they have taken through the HWSA Strategy to protect riders clearly indicates this. Indeed, within the Strategy it is noted that… “The ongoing fatality and serious injury rates and the need to support the farming community in controlling the risk of entrapment beneath an overturned vehicle, WHS Regulators consider it necessary to maintain this position. Other considerations in this decision were: Coroners’ inquest findings and recommendations, the accuracy of the current simulation model used by manufacturers in considering asphyxiation risks of riders beneath overturned vehicles, and lack of visible progress of manufacturers in developing their own engineering solutions to reduce asphyxiation risks.” This would not be an issue if the outcomes were more trivial; rather, we are literally talking life and death situations here. In a recent NSW Industrial Court case in which a farm business was fined $80,000 for failure of a staff member to wear a helmet in a fatal quad bike rollover, the expert witness also noted that the use of a helmet and the fitting of a ROPS would have most likely reduced the severity of the injuries sustained by the deceased to non fatal.

time for a 22

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This work will have international ramifications, with 500-800+ deaths each year in the US alone and there is no doubt that the quad bike manufacturers will have a gaggle of lawyers trying to determine every loophole that they can, to overcome the growing chorus of demands for positive action to be taken. Nonetheless, it is an appalling indictment on the FCAI and quad bike manufacturers that they continue to roll out information to their own retailers and the general public that simply does not reflect even their own research findings (even though that is also under considerable speculation as to its validity). Its time for the manufacturers to fall on their sword, stop the nonsense and get on with making quad bikes safer vehicles for their customers. Currently the manufacturers are treating their own retailers and the general public who purchase these vehicles as â&#x20AC;&#x153;mugsâ&#x20AC;?.Â Failure by the FCAI and quad manufacturers to take immediate positive action will simply mean more people needlessly die and are seriously injured. Then the lawyers really will have more work. Further accurate information on quad bike safety can be obtained from the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety (02 6752 8210) or by visiting the website www. aghealth.org.au

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health Testosterone Replacement Therapy

estosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles and is responsible for the proper development of male sexual characteristics. Testosterone is also important for maintaining muscle bulk, adequate levels of red blood cells, bone growth, a sense of well being, and sexual function. Inadequate production of testosterone is not a common cause of erectile dysfunction (ED); however, when ED does occur due

• Hemochromatosis (too much iron in the body).

to decreased testosterone production, testosterone replacement therapy may improve the problem.

• Dysfunction of the pituitary gland (a gland in the brain that produces many important hormones).

What Causes Low Testosterone? As a man ages, the amount of testosterone in his body gradually declines. This natural decline starts after age 30 and continues throughout life. Other causes of low testosterone levels include: • Injury, infection, or loss of the testicles.

• Inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis (a condition that causes inflammation of the lungs). • Medications, especially hormones used to treat prostate cancer and corticosteroid drugs. • Chronic illness.

testosterone decline is controversial and poorly understood.

What Are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone? Without adequate testosterone, a man may lose his sex drive, experience erectile dysfunction, feel depressed, have a decreased sense of well being, and have difficulty concentrating.

• Chronic kidney failure. • Liver cirrhosis.

• Chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer.

• Stress.

• Genetic abnormalities such as Klinefelter’s Syndrome (extra X chromosome).

• Obesity (especially abdominal).

• Alcoholism.

The significance of

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What Changes Occur in the Body Due to Low Testosterone? Low testosterone can cause the following physical changes: • Decrease in muscle mass, with an increase in body fat. • Changes in cholesterol levels. • Decrease in haemoglobin and possibly mild anaemia. • Fragile bones (osteoporosis). • Decrease in body hair.

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How Do I Find Out If I Have Low Testosterone? The only accurate way to detect the condition is to have your doctor measure the amount of testosterone in your blood. Because testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, several measurements will need to be taken to detect a deficiency. Doctors prefer, if possible, to test levels early in the morning since this is when testosterone levels are at their highest.

Testosterone is important for maintaining muscle bulk, adequate levels of red blood cells, bone growth, a sense of well being, and sexual function. How Is Low Testosterone Treated? Testosterone deficiency can be treated by: • Intramuscular injections, generally every two or three weeks • Testosterone patch worn either on the body or on the scrotum • Testosterone gel • Mucoadhesive material applied above the teeth twice a day • Oral tablets • Long-acting subcutaneous implant • Testosterone stick (apply like underarm deodorant) Each of these options provides adequate levels of hormone replacement; however, they all have

different advantages and disadvantages. Talk to your doctor to see which approach may be right for you.

Who Shouldn’t Take Testosterone Replacement Therapy? Men who have prostate cancer or breast cancer should not take testosterone replacement therapy. All men considering testosterone replacement therapy should undergo a thorough prostate cancer screening prior to starting this therapy with a rectal exam and PSA test.

What Are the Side Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy? In general, testosterone

replacement therapy is safe. It is associated with some side effects, including: • Acne or oily skin. • Mild fluid retention. • Stimulation of prostate tissue, with perhaps some increased urination symptoms such as a decreased stream or frequency. • Breast enlargement. • Worsening of sleep apnoea (a sleep disorder that results in frequent night time awakenings and daytime sleepiness). • Decreased testicular size. • Increased aggression and mood swings. Laboratory abnormalities that can occur with hormone replacement include:

• Changes in cholesterol and lipid levels. • Increase in red blood cell count. • Decrease in sperm count, producing infertility (especially in younger men). • Increase in PSA If you are taking hormone replacement therapy, regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are important. Like any other medication, directions for administering testosterone should be followed exactly as your doctor orders. If you are unsure or have any questions about testosterone replacement therapy, ask your doctor. motor trader queensland

How much insurance do you need? If thinking about your insurance has been in the ‘too hard’ basket for a while, use our guide to work out what you need.

eing under insured could cost you more than you think. You might save a few dollars a month by not covering yourself, but if something happened, you could find yourself in a difficult and expensive situation, which a small amount of money up-front could have prevented. Your family might not have to pay for the expense of your illness or death. Here are some tips for thinking it through. Have a look on your annual superannuation statement to see what insurance cover you already have. If you are an MTAA Super member the default cover provided to employer-sponsored members is three units of death plus total and permanent disability (TPD) cover. If you’re a personal member, for example if you work for yourself or are a contractor, your default cover with

MTAA Super will be three units of death-only cover.

How much insurance cover do you have now?

How much do you need? Try our quick quiz (right). That should give you an idea of your basic ongoing costs. Now consider:

Do other people rely on your income- your partner, parents or children?

Long term hospital costs or funeral costs if you become permanently disabled or die Who would take care of your medical bills, on top of your household bills If something happens to you, who will take care of the kids, and what would that cost. Now that you have an idea of what is at risk, should something happen to you, check out the three types of insurance cover you can access, at very affordable rates, through MTAA Super.

What is your monthly household income? What is your rent or mortgage repayment each month? What would you spend on food each month? How much do you spend on other household bills each month? If you have children, what do you spend on school fees or childcare expenses?

• Death only cover- offers a lump sum benefit. Many people apply for this cover to make sure their family can pay for funeral expenses, pay other bills (possibly mortgage) and have money to live on after you have gone. • Death and total and permanent disability cover- offers a lump-sum

Do you have rent, a mortgage or personal loan to pay?

benefit if you become totally and permanently disabled (as defined by a set of criteria set by the insurer) or if you die. If the insurer agrees that you have become terminally ill, you will receive the equivalent of your TPD cover. • Income protection cover- provides a monthly payment, based on how many units of cover you

have and your salary. So if you became injured or seriously ill, you would receive an income while you recover. To learn more about insurance, the cost, the types of cover and the amount you can apply for, visit the MTAA Super website at www.mtaasuper.com.au or contact us on 1300 362 415.

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

Diedre Bell

Peter Jones

This documenthas is issued by thebyMotor Trades Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Limited (ABN 14 008 650FSEL0001069), 628, AFSL 238 718) of Trustee Level company 3, 39 Brisbane This information been prepared the Motor TradesAssociation Association ofofAustralia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628,AFSL 238718, an Approved engaged Avenue Barton ACT Trustee of the MTAA Superannuation Fund 74 559 365information 913, SPINcontained MTA0100AU). Motor Trades Association Australiahowever, Superannuation solely in managing MTAA2600, Super for the benefit of its members. All care has been taken(ABN to ensure that the in this article is correct at the time of thisof publication, neither the Fund Limited has interests in Industry Super Pty ME Bank PtyonLtd Superpartners Pty(ABN Ltd.74559365913, RSER10004373) TrusteePty of MTAA Super norownership its advisors accept responsibility for any errorHoldings or misprint, norLtd, for anyone acting thisand information. MTAA Super The information provided is of a general nature and does not take into account your specific financial needs or personal situation. You should assess your financial position and personal objectives before making any decision based on this information. We also recommend that you seek advice from a licensed financial adviser. The MTAA Super Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), an important document containing all the information you need to make a decision about MTAA Super, can be obtained by calling MTAA Super on 1300 362 415. You should consider the PDS in making a decision.

Does your super fund tick all the right boxes? Low fees No commissions Run only to benefit members

MTAA Super is the Industry SuperFund for the Motor Industry and anyone can join. For more information visit www.mtaasuper.com.au Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238 718) is the Trustee of MTAA Superannuation Fund (ABN 74 559 365 913). You should consider whether motor trader queensland 27 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.

sport Shepheard’s first Bosch ARC victory

Tom and Nerida Wilde from Nannup,Western Australia in their Subaru Impreza.

n a remarkable second and final day of competition in the Coffs Forest Rally, Queenslander Steve Shepheard has taken his first win in a round of the Bosch Australian Rally Championship while Ryan Smart edged back into the overall series lead despite a last minute driveshaft problem on the closing stages. Smart looked to have the heat and overall rally wins in his grasp but a failed driveshaft just four stages from the finish saw him lose a solid 1 min 23 second lead to Shepheard who was able to power his Mitsubishi Evo X to the win 1 minute 3.5 seconds ahead of the Toyota driver . Eli Evans posted another podium performance following his third place in the Honda Civic Type R at the previous round bringing the high revving front wheel drive car home 1 min 36.8 seconds behind Smart. However despite his Corolla’s driveshaft problems second place overall puts Smart back into the lead in the championship and means he leaves Coffs Harbour with handy advantage over Justin Dowel and Matt Lee in their Evo IX Lancer heading to the final round in Victoria in November. Shepheard has battled reliability issues through the opening rounds of the championship but was able

motor trader queensland

“I figure it was about time

some one else had bad luck,”

to find pace and durability in tough conditions to give him his maiden Bosch ARC victory.

“I figure it was about time that some one else had some bad luck,” Steven Shepheard said at the finish on Saturday night in Coffs Harbour. “I can’t put this into words how I feel right now, its just amazing,” said Steve. “My dad won his first ARC title the year I was born in 1971, so its taken 40 years for the Shepheard name to be at the top of an ARC score sheet again,” said Steve. For Smart it was a nervous time over the last four stages nursing the injured

Shepheard said at the finish

Corolla to the finish. With some on-road repairs Smart removed the broken driveshaft and coaxed the Corolla to second with three wheel drive. “We’re happy that we are now back in the lead of the championship, but also disappointed that we weren’t able to maintain first position after being so dominant all weekend,” said Ryan. “We pretty much handed the win to Steve, but it was still great to see a two wheel drive (Eli Evans) a four wheel drive (Shepheard)

and our three wheel drive Corolla on the podium,” Smart joked at the finish. Dowel had led the series after a win in the previous round in South Australia but a crash on day one cost the Victorian any points from the first heat and may have cost him the championship coming home in fifth placing for the weekend behind NSW husband and wife team John Mitchell and Jo Cadman in another Evo IX who took fourth. Charlie Drake and Ben Atkinson were sixth outright and won the Premier

League category in yet another Lancer Evo IX, while Bruce Fullarton and Hugh Reardon Smith won Group N in their Evo IX and Mick Gillet and Harvey Smith took the Eco Challenge class in their Hyundai i30 turbo Diesel. In the Rallyschool.com.au Australian Junior Challenge Tom and Nerida Wilde from Nannup in Western Australia recovered from early problems on day one in their Subaru Impreza to take victory in the four wheel drive section winning a funding support for an entry in the final round of the Bosch ARC in November. The two wheel drive section was won by Will Orders an Ryan Calder in a Nissan Silvia, the pair winning a fully funded drive in an Unrestricted Rallyschool. com.au rally car at the final round. The Bosch ARC now heads to the final round, Rally Victoria around Warragul (Gippsland) on 11-12 November.

Matt Braid, Managing Director of Volvo Car Australia, said the company was looking forward to again being associated with the Australian Open that will take place at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney from November 10-13, 2011. “As a luxury brand we viewed the opportunity to be the Official Vehicle for such a premium event as the perfect alignment for Volvo,” said Mr Braid. “In total we’ll supply 26 courtesy cars for the event from across our range with a focus on one of our newest models, the S60 sedan. The S60 sedan is a genuine competitor

in the luxury market. We look forward to working with the PGA over the next three years to revitalise the Australian Open,” Mr Braid said. Volvo Car Australia joins a strong line up of sponsors eager to support the 2011 Australian Open that will feature global talent the likes of Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Bubba Watson, Greg Norman, Dustin Johnson and Fred Couples. Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA Tour of Australasia said Volvo’s increased association was testament to efforts invested in growing the Australian Open.

“Volvo Cars has supplied vehicles for the Australian Open for the last three years, however this new arrangement is a significant increase and investment on previous years,” said Mr Thorburn. “As the Official Vehicle of the Australian Open, we look forward to working with Volvo Cars as we see the alignment as a great fit between our values and vision,” he added. The Australian Open is cosanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia and will be broadcast to over 400 million homes in more than 40 countries. Tickets are now available from Ticketek.

“Volvo Cars has supplied vehicles for the Australian Open for the last three years, however this new arrangement is a significant increase and investment on previous years”

Volvo in the swing with Oz Open

ith only months to go before the biggest ever season in Australian golf, Volvo Cars has been announced as the official vehicle of the Australian Open. The three-year agreement will see Volvo Cars aligned with Australia’s most prestigious golf tournament extending upon their involvement with Rugby Union, The Australian Ballet and the Cure For Life Foundation. motor trader queensland

sport

Resounding success at Coffs Harbour

Buoyed by the final figure of 92,223 fans attending the rally either at the super special stages or out on

“The good thing is that when you walk down the street, everybody knows about the rally. The numbers here were very high,” he said.

offs Harbour is a very strong chance of hosting another round of the World Rally Championship if the motorsport extravaganza returns to Australia. Rally Australia Chairman Ben Rainsford said that Coffs Harbour proved itself a worthy host of the event during the September spectacular. “Barring a natural disaster or anything like that we will stay here, we don’t want to start chopping and changing,” Rainsford said. “We’d like to establish a base here and start that development process,” he added. The success of the 2011 WRC event in Coffs Harbour has organisers excited about future events in this NSW location.

motor trader queensland

people coming into the (Castrol Edge) Super Special and that, combined with the number of people we’ve had at the enthusiasts’ points out on the stages, is extraordinary.

Rainsford is confident that lessons learned from feedback given by the drivers will ensure that the forest stages will be even better when, not if, the WRC show returns. the forest roads, Rainsford added that the support of the Coffs Coast community was a critical part of the success of the Rally. “The local community’s reaction to the show that is the WRC has been extraordinary,” he said. “We’ve had more than 25,000

“The roads on the second day are fantastic by anybody’s standards and we have learned from the speeds witnessed on those roads,” he said. “We’ll make some changes to the route, we’ll lose some of the faster sections and pick up some of the more

desirable roads in the region,” he added. While a round of the World Rally Championship will be held in New Zealand next year, Rainsford said that the Coffs Coast would not be deprived of rally action in 2012. “We will run a round of the Australian Rally Championship,” he said. “We are not on the WRC calendar but we’ll be pushing hard to become an annual event from 2013. “The ARC round will happen next year, giving us the chance to help with the development of officials and the like here. “We can do that outside of the WRC spotlight. We’ll also look at giving the event a little bit of sizzle to remind people of the WRC,” Rainsford concluded.

automobile news Head turning Saab The Saab PhoeniX has scooped the sought-after Design Award in the Auto Express 2011 New Car Awards, with an overwhelming 30 per cent of the magazine’s online readers’ voting the Saab PhoeniX as their number one ‘head turning’ car of the year. Sleek, innovative and exceptionally efficient, the Saab PhoeniX concept car showcases design features and technologies that will shape the next generation of cars from Saab.

The Perfect Shape What more dynamic way to celebrate the invention of the automobile? The expressive C-Class Coupé sees Mercedes-Benz, now in its 125th year of corporate history, entering a new market segment and for the first time offering a compact coupé with classic proportions. From the side, the new coupé beguiles the onlooker with its flat silhouette with powerful shoulders and narrow C-pillar in a classic threebox design. Typical coupé features include the short front overhang, long bonnet, steeply raked windscreen and long, stretched-out roof.

Land Rover Defender A new 2.2-litre diesel engine replaces the 2.4-litre diesel for 2011, bringing greater levels of refinement to the 2012 Defender. The smaller capacity engine delivers the same power, torque and economy as its outgoing unit. Performance remains similar too, though the top speed has been raised to 145kph compared to 132kph for the previous version. CO2 emissions on the combined cycle are consistent at 266g/km for the 90 and 295g/km for the 110 and 130. It will be on-sale in Australia from December 2011. motor trader queensland

Honda’s Accord Euro is ACE The 2012 Accord Euro has been designed with some of Honda’s most advanced engineering available. Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure delivers enhanced occupant protection in a variety of real world crash conditions. The ACE body structure absorbs and actively channels crash energy away from passengers. With a five-star ANCAP safety rating, the Accord Euro offers the protection of front, side and curtain airbags.

Muscular with softtouch leather The second generation of Bentley’s iconic Continental GTC convertible debuted at the International Automobile Exhibition (IAA) in Frankfurt, with the sharper radii and assertive stance of the new model delivering a more contemporary and muscular presence. The four-seater luxury convertible features a new, spacious and sumptuous handcrafted cabin, with soft-touch leather hides, an extensive range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets. It has a 6.0-litre, twinturbocharged W12 engine as well as a new QuickShift transmission enabling faster gear changes than ever before.

Priced to sell The all-new BMW 1 Series will shakeup the luxury compact market as it hits Australian shores this month, priced below the outgoing model. Pricing for its second-generation 1 Series starts from $36,900 offering Australian customers a more than 5 percent reduction in the entry pricepoint to the badge. To sweeten the deal, the price-leading 116i, featuring an entirely new 1.6 litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, boasts the same power output of the previous entry model, the 118i, despite using 24 per cent less fuel (5.7 litres/100km). The new-generation turbo engine also accelerates the 116i from zero to 100 km/h in just 8.5 seconds - compared to 9.4 seconds for the previous 118i. 32

motor trader queensland

give yourself an

advantage

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

Members can receive a substantial savings and efficiencies via our Corporate Partners The Capricorn Society is the largest independent automotive parts buying cooperative in Australia. The Society is based on group purchasing to secure price advantage.

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

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

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

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

One Stop Industry Advice

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

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

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

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

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

• Legal Advice Members can access professional legal assistance as part of their membership of MTA Queensland free (first phone advice) • Industry Awareness Members receive regular industry specific publications keeping you abreast of changes, legislative requirements, developments and initiatives in your industry. Motor Trader, the official publication of MTA Queensland is issued monthly as part of your membership.

M T E L Tr i n i t y

MTEL-Trinity. Telecommunications for MTA Queensland members. Offering a complete range of very competitive products for both Business and Residential customers. Offers include Landline, Mobile phones and ADSL plans. NRMA Insurance has vast experience in the provision of a superior level of specialist insurance services to the automotive industry, using the buying potential of the member base, can achieve pricing far more attractive than business owners are able to negotiate individually.

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

Shock absorbers, brakes and tyres are essential to your motoring safety. Shock absorbers keep your wheels in contact with the road – without them your brakes and tyres simply can’t do their job!

STOPPING

STEERING

STABILITY

At 50km/h, just one worn shock absorber can increase your stopping distance by up to 2 metres!

Worn shock absorbers can cause your tyres to lose contact with the road, dramatically affecting steering.

Worn shock absorbers cause excessive sway around corners, making the car a lot less stable.

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The Monroe Safety Specialist Program A SAFETY GETPROGRAM ON SIDE WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS maximises your competitive edge by showing TO MAXIMISE YOUR your customers that you’re serious about their safety. Find out more at www.monroe.com.au COMPETITIVE EDGE