Motor Trader November Online Edition

motor trader

motor trader queensland | vol. 83 | issue 10 | November 2012

AAAA: improve your business Automotive engineering awards

Sir Jack Brabham Centre launched!

MTAQ member profiles Off-road motorcycling Best foods for men

aftermarketexpo.com.au

Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland Head Office Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 P.O. Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel: 07 3237 8777 Fax: 07 3844 4488 Toll Free: 1800 177 951 Email: publications@mtaq.com.au Website: www.mtaq.com.au Editor

contents 2. From the editor 4. Policy/Viewpoint Industrial Relations 6. Award Flexibility provisions of modern awards

Michael Taylor

Michelle Chadburn: MTA Queensland Industrial Officer

Art Director

Members

Industrial Relations

7. Industry stalwarts honoured with life membership

Marco Ilinic

Ted Kowalski Michelle Chadburn

Policy

Member Profiles

MTA Queensland’s $10 million Automotive Centre of Excellence was named in honour of motorsport legend Sir Jack Brabham on 13 October 2012, p. 10

Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland

8. Beerwah Mechanical Services

Advertising Enquiries

Pialba Tyre & Battery/ Carline Mufflers

Miami Smash Repairs

Jeff Dunlop Mobile: 0422 075 007 Facsimile: 07 3844 4488 Email: 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

Features 10. The Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence 12. Fraud: The enemy within 18. Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo focus - how to improve your business 20. SAE-A Automotive Engineering Excellence Awards - 2012 winners

Industry Update 14. Inattention, not speed, the major cause of road fatalities 15. Autonomous emergency braking aids in 5-star ranking 16. Growth, development on show at Brisbane expo

The Australian Construction and Equipment Expo Queensland, reported strong leads at the inaugural show; signalling definite signs of growth and development, p. 16

MIT News 24. MIT prevocational training creates jobs

Corporate Partners

MAAP launch winner set to compete in Formula SAE

Automobile News 26. Citroen DS4

The new Corolla

1968 Corvette: Stolen, found, sold

27. Jaguar F-TYPE

Maserati GranTurismo Sport

Ferrari 458 Spider

Health 28. The Best Foods for Men 30. Getting off-road is good for you!

Sport 20120032

32. TeamVodafone wins Bathurst

TeamVodafone's Jamie Whincup and Paul Dumbrell won the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 in emphatic style, p. 32

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from the editor

Michael Taylor, Editor

preferably with you and your employees, in order for us to run these profiles every month. The purpose of all this is to promote your business, let other members know your viewpoints on our industry and how your Association membership is working for you.

There were a lot of big things happening in October.

I

n this issue we introduce a newly formatted ‘Members Profiles’ section (pages 8 & 9) in a double page spread format that highlights three Members per edition. When our Divisional Representatives (Ben Chesterfield, Cameron Carter, Andy O’Hearn) visit your business they will give you a short questionnaire to fill out. They will also take a photo of your business,

On 4 October, the Society of Automotive Engineers – Australasia (SAE-A) announced the winners of the 2012 Excellence Awards (pages 20 – 22), revealing that engineers continue to generate new and innovative ideas that have amazing impacts on our industry.

The launch of the Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence here at MTA Queensland on 13 October

The launch of the Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence here at MTA Queensland on 13 October was a complete success.

and Graham Winter – were awarded life membership in our Association (page 7).

was a complete success and was well attended by Association staff and Board members, industry partners, local politicians, the Premier of Queensland, media and of course Sir Jack and his wife Margaret and family (see pages 10 & 11). Local television news channels ran a short clip of the event that night, praising our state-ofthe-art, purpose-built facility.

There have been some interesting studies and research done on the health benefits of motorcycle riding, particularly with respect to the off-road variety (page 30). With the advent of professional businesses that cater to off-roaders, there’s no time like the present to get your dirt bike ship shape and off-road ready and participate in an organised day, weekend, or longer ride that will both invigorate and teach you further skills. One such company, Overlanders Motorcycle Adventures, based on the Sunshine Coast, is featured on page 31.

Later in October, two of MTA Queensland’s longest serving members – Greg Klease

“A narrow track of dirt through the forest isn't a trail - it's an attitude.” - Author Unknown.

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• 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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motor trader queensland

The indusTry super fund for The auTomoTive indusTry.

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.

policy/viewpoint

Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland

M

TA Queensland’s new home, the Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence, has been formally opened

by Queensland’s Premier, the Hon Campbell Newman MP. The celebration was very special, with Sir Jack and his family honouring us with their presence. He, with the Premier, stayed on to mingle with guests, MTA Queensland members, staff and students.

The opening of our state-of-the-art facility is a milestone in the growth and development of the motor trades in Queensland and represents the industry’s confidence in the future. I draw Member’s attention to our website for full coverage of the opening.

Governance responsibilities, including the election of Industry Chairs and Board Directors have been a priority in the last month.

Our Rules outline the strategic direction and governance framework in which we operate and report to Members. I draw

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(l to r) The Hon Tom Barton; The Hon Campbell Newman; Sir Jack Brabham; MIT Managing Director, Steve Ghost: MTAQ General Manager, Kellie Dewar

The opening of our state-of-the-art facility is a milestone in the growth and development of the motor trades in Queensland and represents the industry’s confidence in the future. members’ attention to our Annual Report for 2011-12 and urge you to read the comprehensive reports it contains.

Governance is serious business, relieved only by the Annual Board Lunch which doubles as a Christmas celebration.

This year it was particularly

special. It was the first in our new Board Room, but more significantly, Life Memberships were awarded to two longstanding Members.

Mr Greg Klease, who is MTA Queensland’s immediate Past President and a former President for seven successive terms and

Mr Graham Winter, who retired from the long-held role of Representative for the South West Region were honoured for their exceptional contributions to the motor trades over many years. President David Fraser thanked them on behalf of the Association for their commitment and

leadership and presented each with a Life Membership memento.

Mr Klease and Mr Winter spoke at length about their long involvements in the motor trades and the camaraderie they enjoyed as member of MTA Queensland. Both remarked on their experiences and the Association’s progression from a humble building on Milton Road to West End and Cannon Hill and finally to the modern Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence at Eight Mile Plains.

The Chair of the Australian Automotive Dealers’ Association, Mr Len Daddow handed the leadership baton on to Mr Garth Madill, having served three terms as AADA Committee Chair.

Mr Daddow, who has been in the automotive industry since the 1960s emphasised the value of membership and the special friendships developed.

Although the building launch and annual Board Meeting have demanded our attention, our focus is constantly on Member’s issues. MTA Queensland has long advocated that the the motor dealer provisions in the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 should be subject to industry specific legislation and split from the provisions covering property agents . At last, the Queensland Government has acted to do so. In fact, in a 2008 submission to the then Queensland Government we stressed the clear demarcation between the two sectors and centres on the ownership of property, citing the potential for red tape and compliance cost reductions. In the coming days I will be meeting with Fair Trading representatives

We are making steady progress with issues falling within the portfolio responsibilities of the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). to share Member’s strong views on this issue.

We are making steady progress with issues falling within the portfolio responsibilities of the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). The Transport Operations (Road Use Management - Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2010 (Section 4) has been amended to provide that unregistered vehicles that are dealer's stock being used within the dealer's business premises are exempt vehicles. This will ensure that, as a CTP insurance policy is not available for exempt vehicles, dealers may obtain liability insurance to cover unregistered vehicles used on their premises. Any registered vehicles that are dealer's stock used in this area would be covered by CTP insurance policy. The changes came into effect on 21 September 2012.

After three years of discussion, involving a large group of stakeholders on the “Repair Register”, TMR has agreed to modernise and consolidate s133 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 and Section 161 of the Traffic Regulation 1962. The amendments will remove the outdated and onerous requirements for ‘the owner of every garage of other premises where motor vehicles are repaired or painted shall keep a register in writing’.

The amendments remove a provision for a maximum 6 months jail term for owners who don’t keep a ‘register’.

Referring to our policy on statutory write offs – we will have to continue to chip away for one category of statutory write-offs and for a ban the re-registration of repairable-write offs.

However, some progress has been made. Commencing 14 December 2012, will be the new National Damage Assessment Criteria which requires assessors to apply a more stringent set of standards to the classification process.

Under the new guidelines, written-off vehicles that have sustained serious damage will be identified as suitable only for dismantling.

The criteria are expected to reduce the number of vehicles classified as repairable by 30%.

Members of our Motorcycle Industry Division who contributed to our QRide submission to the Parliamentary Transport, Housing, Local Government Committee Inquiry into the Motorcycle Licensing Process in Queensland”, should be pleased with Committee’s Report and their input. Member John Peterson’s evidence before the Committee was quoted throughout the report as was segments from the submission. Shortly, I will be signing a letter to Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson advising of our desire to participate in the consultation phase of the Review recommended by the Committee.

I have just signed off on a submission to the Department of Environment and Heritage pertaining to the “Greentape Reduction Project”. Under

this initiative 29 potential Environmental Relevant Activities (ERA) have been proposed for deletion which includes ERA 21 ‘motor vehicle workshop operation’.

MTAQ Queensland submitted that our Members with enterprises relevant to ERA21 unanimously support its deletion from State Government jurisdiction and its devolvement to Local Government jurisdiction. For members, this will represent a significant reduction in greentape, a collateral contribution to motor trade productivity and a savings in compliance costs without altering communal environmental outcomes.

As said in my last column, “drive-offs” are a worrying trend for our Service Station & Convenience Store Association Members, impacting on safety and their financial and human resources. The incidence of fuel drive-offs has doubled compared with the same 12 month period last year. The Police Department has called a meeting of stakeholder’s to discuss the issue which I will be attending. I will report back next month.

Motor vehicle sales continue to trend up and with the Reserve Bank lowering the cash rate at its October meeting hopefully it will encourage consumers to invest in new motor vehicles and motor cycles.

The Reserve Bank meets on Melbourne Cup Day. I hope Members have a win – both on a flutter on the Melbourne Cup and a cut to the cash rate. Good luck! motor trader queensland

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industrial relations

Ted Kowalski, Industrial Relations Manager law degree with a view to practice in Employment Law / Industrial Relations, previously worked as a senior advisor with the Fair Work Ombudsman for over two years.

Award Flexibility provisions of modern awards

B

oth the Vehicle Manufacturing Repair Services and Retail Award and the Clerks Private Sector Award contain a clause, titled “Award Flexibility”, which allows an employer and an individual employee to agree to vary the application of certain terms of the award - to meet the genuine needs of the employee and the business. There are five, and only five, matters that can be addressed in such an agreement and they are: • Arrangements for when work is performed • Overtime rates • Penalty rates • Allowances; and • Leave loading Making the agreement must be free from coercion or duress, i.e. an employee cannot be forced to enter into the agreement. The agreement must also result in the employee being better off overall than if the agreement had not been entered into.

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The employee would have to be better off under the agreement than he or she would be if paid strictly by the award and it should demonstrate how it leaves the employee better off.

What are the requirements for an award flexibility agreement?

• It must be in writing, name the parties to the agreement, and, be signed by both parties.

• It must nominate which terms (clause/s) of the award are being varied by the agreement.

• It must detail how those terms of the award are being varied.

• It must show how the employee is better off overall under the agreement.

• It must state the starting date of the agreement.

• The employee must get one signed copy and the employer must retain one copy with the payroll records.

• The agreement can be terminated by either party with four weeks, or lesser agreed, notice.

An award flexibility agreement could be considered in a situation where a business wanted to pay an employee a flat hourly rate, well in excess of the award rate, but to include things like tool allowance, penalty rates and leave loading in that hourly rate. The employee would have to be better off under the agreement than he or she would be if paid strictly by the award and it should demonstrate how it leaves the employee better off.

Michelle Chadburn: MTA Queensland Industrial Officer

She has vast experience in the delivery of training on transitional provisions in Modern Awards and in depth knowledge of standdown provisions and other technical matters of the Fair Work Act. In addition, Michelle has expertise in wage calculations and complex IR issues.

Since commencing work with MTA Queensland, Michelle has assisted members in numerous ways including dealing with wage disputes and in one instance saved a member a substantial sum of money after she corrected a FWO original wage claim. She has also represented a member in an unfair dismissal conciliation, which again saved the member from potential costs and the time of going to a full hearing.

Michelle’s background in law and experience at Fair Work Ombudsman places her in a unique position to provide effective, accurate and timely IR advice. She looks forward to talking with members about any IR issue they may have.

M

TA Queensland’s new Industrial Officer, Michelle Chadburn, has been working with long-serving Industrial Relations Manager Ted Kowalski since April 2012.

Michelle, who is currently three-quarters of the way through to completing a

Michelle Chadburn

members Industry stalwarts honoured with life membership

T

wo of MTA Queensland’s longest serving members - Greg Klease and Graham Winter - have been awarded life membership to the Association.

At a ceremony hosted by MTA Queensland President David Fraser, both men were honoured as dedicated and passionate advocates for the automotive trades.

Greg Klease joined as a member of the Australian Automobile Dealers Association of Queensland in 1979. In 1996 he became Chairman of the Committee representing MTA Queensland members in the new car sector. As a member of the Board, Mr. Klease was noted for his technical expertise and enthusiasm for the industry.

MTA Queensland is proud to honour both Greg and Graham and will continue to capitalise on their passion and expertise to the benefit of Queensland’s automotive industry.

In 2002, after 6 years as a Board member, Mr. Klease was elevated to the position of President of MTA Queensland. He is the longest serving President of the Association, having served for 7 years, until 2009.

At the presentation ceremony, his colleagues praised Mr. Klease for his commitment to preserving the integrity of the Association during periods of significant change. His peers also acknowledged his tireless work in the Gladstone community, where he is well known for his philanthropy.

(l to r) Graham Winter, Greg Klease

Graham Winter joined as a member of the National Auto Collision Alliance in the late 1980’s. He served as a Director of the MTA Queensland Board for 12 years.

Mr. Winter is renowned in the automotive industry for his absolute dedication to the crash repair sector.

He has been a mentor to a number of Queensland business owners, including current NACA Chairman Mark Brady, who nominated Graham for life membership.

MTA Queensland is proud to honour both Greg and Graham and will continue to capitalise on their passion and expertise to the benefit of Queensland’s automotive industry.

The Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTAQ) is the peak industry body representing 2,000 members in the retail, service and repair sectors of Queensland’s automotive industry.

MTA Queensland welcomes the following new members Business Name

Principal/s

Address/Email

Advantage Tyres Townsville

Shay Tallon

Unit 1 881 Ingham Road BOHLE QLD 4814 accounts@msctownsville.com.au

Division TUDQ

Bridgestone Select Sumner Park

Damien Meneguzzo & Martin Habershon

2/72 Sumners Road SUMNER PARK Q 4047 dmeneguzzo@bigpond.com

TUDQ

Bridgestone Select Woolloongabba

Shalvin Raju

200 Logan Road WOOLLOONGABBA Q 4102 shalvin@bselectgabba.com.au

TUDQ

Caltex Park Ridge

Deepen Khagram

3726 – 3730 Mt Lindsay Highway, PARK RIDGE QLD 4125 deepen_k@bigpond.net.au

East Coast RV’s

Michael Relph

10 Commercial Drive ASHMORE Q 4214 michael@eastcoastrvs.com.au

NACA

MPA Refinish Supplies

Michael Mifsud

165 Railway Parade THORNSIDE Q 4158 tracey@mparefinish.com.au

NACA

National Automotive Service Centre

Mr Charles Palmer

2 Aerodrome Road MAROOCHYDORE QLD 4558 natautos@lycos.com

Pialba Smash Repairs

Lee & Jacqueline Steinhardt

99 Beach Road PIALBA QLD 4655 pialbasmash@bigpond.com

NACA

Top End Paint & Panel

Kelly Burke

4 Quaid Street MOSSMAN QLD 4873 topend@conxx.com

NACA

United Ayr

Jayaran Sriharan

Cnr Bruce Hwy & Ayr-Dalbeg Road AYR QLD 4807 unitedayr@gmail.com

SSCSAQ

AED

SSCSAQ

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member profiles Business name:

Beerwah Mechanical Services Location: 8/47 Beerwah Parade, Beerwah

Type of business: Automotive Repair and Servicing

Number of employees: 4 Trading since: 2008 MTAQ member since: 2008

Business name:

Pialba Tyre & Battery/ Carline Mufflers Location: Hervey Bay Type of business: Tyres, Batteries, Mechanical Repairs, Exhausts

Number of employees: 4 Trading since: 2007 MTAQ member since: 2007

Business name:

Miami Smash Repairs Location: Miami, Gold Coast Type of business: Panel Beating & Spraypainting

Number of employees: 28 Trading since: 1982 MTAQ member since: 1982

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

(MTAQ) Recommended by previous owner.

How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business?

What has been your proudest business achievement to date?

Polling all of my new customers to see how they heard of us and finding the 80% of them were referred by existing customers!

By giving our the business access to:

What is the best thing about working in your industry?

• Technical information and support;

Meeting new customers everyday.

• Business Register; and

Previous owner member.

How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business?

Assistance with payroll enquiries and Information on vehicle data and reset lamps.

What has been your proudest business achievement to date?

Surviving.

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

(MTAQ) Previous owner member.

How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business?

Assistance with payroll enquiries and Information on vehicle data and reset lamps.

What has been your proudest business achievement to date?

Surviving.

Look after your staff, let your staff look after the customer, let the customer look after your business and then your business will look after you!

What would you say to someone thinking about joining MTAQ? Go for it, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!!

• Local bulletins and updates on legislation etc.

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

(MTAQ)

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

What is the best thing about working in your industry?

Owning your own business and meeting new customers.

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

Keep on top of your accounts.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining MTAQ? Very helpful and will respond to your queries promptly.

What is the best thing about working in your industry?

Owning your own business and meeting new customers.

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

Keep on top of your accounts.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining MTAQ? Very helpful and will respond to your queries promptly.

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The Sir Jack Brabham

Automotive Cen

MTA Queensland’s $10 million Automotive Centre of Excellence was named in honour of motorsport legend Sir Jack Brabham on 13 October 2012.

A

n official naming ceremony featuring Sir Jack and his family was held at the state-of-the-art facility in Eight Mile Plains

(Brisbane South). The event was also attended by the Premier of Queensland, the Hon Campbell Newman MP who gave a keynote speech praising the purpose-built Centre.

The facility was named after Sir Jack Brabham in recognition of his reputation as a trailblazer who revolutionised the sport of motor racing both as a driver and as a constructor. The triple Formula One world champion driver is still the only person to ever win a Formula One championship in a car he designed and built himself.

Steve Ghost, Managing Director of the MTA Institute of Technology said the

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organisation was thrilled that Sir Jack agreed to lend his name to the facility.

“Naming the Centre in Sir Jack’s honour guarantees that the 2000 students training at the facility each year will be inspired to achieve great things in the automotive industry,” Mr. Ghost said.

MTA Queensland sought advice from industry experts and accounted for the demands in the training market.

For example, the Centre of Excellence is now the only place in South-East Queensland that students can train in automotive painting and panel beating.

“The Sir Jack Brabham Queensland Automotive Centre of Excellence sets the standard for automotive training in Australia.

“Given MTA’s long-standing involvement

“This contemporary facility will help to ensure the MTA Institute of Technology maintains its place as the largest private provider of training to students in the automotive trades in Queensland” he added.

changing industry requirements and

The Centre of Excellence is equipped with the latest technology and training resources. When designing the Centre,

with all aspects of the automotive trades, the MTA Institute of Technology is in a unique position to monitor ensure that all apprentices and trainees that train at the Centre are equipped with the skills to navigate current and future industry trends,” said Mr Ghost.

The Centre features: • 28 mechanical and vehicle body repair bays;

ntre of Excellence MTA Queensland General Manager, Kellie Dewar, said the building launch is the culmination of years of hard work, planning and preparation.

Excellence ensures that young people considering a career in the automotive trades will be able to learn their craft on world-class equipment and share the skills they learn with their employers and colleagues,” she added.

• 5 fully equipped training rooms featuring the latest IT and communications technology;

At the launch, Sir Jack and his family, including wife Lady Margaret Brabham, were taken on a comprehensive tour of the Centre and treated to equipment demonstrations by some of the brightest students at the MTA Institute of Technology. Sir Jack was extremely impressed by the facility and the skills of the young apprentices and told the 200 assembled guests and media that he had “learnt a lot” on the day.

• State-of-the-art equipment for students training in crash repair, including the latest technology in spray booths and body repair systems; • Modern student recreation facilities including a kitchen, lunchroom and BBQ area; • The headquarters for MTA Queensland, the peak body representing Queensland’s automotive industry.

The building of the facility was fully funded by contributions from MTA Queensland members and

other stakeholders in Queensland’s automotive industry. The Queensland Government supports the Centre by providing an ongoing investment in the training of every apprentice that attends the Institute.

MTA Queensland General Manager, Kellie Dewar, said the building launch is the culmination of years of hard work, planning and preparation.

“The automotive industry is one of the largest employers in Australia’s economy,” Ms. Dewar said.

“As an industry we know that it is up to us to attract and retain the next generation of automotive specialists.

“Having a facility like the Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of

The Centre is located at: Building 8, Freeway Office Park 2728 Logan Road Eight Mile Plains, QLD 4113 More information is at: www.mtait.com.au.

Training inquiries can be directed to training@mtaq.com.au. motor trader queensland

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The automotive industry has experienced significant changes that underscore the importance of strong internal controls. Savvy dealers and financial controllers are taking the time to re-evaluate their internal controls.

F

requent checks should be carried out in order to reduce financial exposure and loss. Using our experience working with dealerships, the following is a list of accounting functions that commonly expose the dealership to fraud where adequate internal controls are not in place:

Is the bank reconciliation performed regularly and are the adjustments posted promptly?

Bank reconciliations should be conducted on a monthly basis (and preferably on a daily basis) by an employee not involved in the dealership’s cheque writing and EFT function. More than identifying all of the discrepancies between the bank’s records and the dealership’s general ledger, this

person is required to post all of the adjustments to maintain the accuracy of the financial records throughout the month.

Does the parts system agree with the general ledger?

Dealerships should reconcile the parts system with the general ledger on a monthly basis. Failing to reconcile these two systems opens the door to employee fraud. For example, the parts manager could sell parts and pocket the cash without suspicion or adjust numbers in the parts to boost department performance measures.

Who signs the dealership’s cheques?

An employee charged with signing cheques should not also be

responsible for posting journal entries or reconciling bank and dealership records, nor have easy access to cheques. Although many dealers address the issue by requiring two signatures on every cheque, the reality is that cheques often clear banks without both signatures.

Does someone independent of the vehicle departments conduct a physical inventory of the vehicles?

It is prudent to have an independent review of the physical inventory – as discrepancies can be identified with a fresh pair of eyes. In one case, an audit was conducted of a large MercedesBenz dealership, and it was discovered that 10 new vehicles were unaccounted for. It turned out the new car manager allowed salespeople to borrow the vehicles for the day. An independent review of the physical inventory will reduce the likelihood of employees taking liberties with inventory.

Are dealership purchases made from an approved vendor list?

A dealer can receive price concessions by purchasing supplies from a single vendor.

It makes good business practice to have an approved preferred supplier listing. Dealers are often surprised to discover that they purchase some of their

The enemy within 12

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service supplies from say the service manager’s brother-in-law.

be in a position to remove that asset from accounting records.

Which employees are allowed to post journal entries?

How much do the employees earn?

Commonly the accounting person who handles the cash also posts journal entries. This segregation of duties issue is difficult to overcome where accounting staff are few in number.

Dealers should be aware however that this is a common area for fraud as the accounting person is able to take cash and cover the differences with write offs through journal entries.

Some dealers are surprised when presented with a listing of the 10 highest paid employees in the dealership. The dealer may find that some employees are paid more than they realised, or more importantly that remuneration has been altered without approval.

Who approves journal entries?

Is the employee responsible for key controls over disbursements monitored?

Management should regularly review the original journal entries to understand and verify the purpose of all entries. Journal entries represent a common tool for concealing fraud. The basic rule is the individual who has responsibility over an asset should not

Recently, a dealer learned that the office manager was posting accounts payable invoices, preparing cheques, signing cheques, reconciling the bank statement, posting journal entries, approving new vendors, and accounting for cheque sequence.

Traditionally, businesses paid their creditors by cheque and implemented simple controls such as two cheque signatories to ensure the validity of the payment.

The appropriate segregation of duties in the cash disbursement area is essential. Overlapping duties create a situation ripe for fraud.

EFTs – emerging area of fraud Traditionally, businesses paid their creditors by cheque and implemented simple controls such as two cheque signatories to ensure the validity of the payment. The same type of minimum controls need to be applied to EFT payments, whereby one staff member initiates the payment and another person authorises the payment using a different and secure PIN code.

BDO can help you manage the risks BDO’s specialist automotive team understand the accounting and operational fraud risks. We can assist you to identify internal control risks relative to a particular area of concern or across the whole of the dealership business.

If you have any specific questions or would like to know more about how we can assist you, please do not hesitate to contact our Automotive team. Refer to BDO contact details on the back cover of this magazine.

Have your trade skills recognised Government funding is available for eligible candidates.

Limited time only! Enquire now!

Trade skills recognition is a way of gaining formal qualification to recognise your skills and work experience. If you have not completed an apprenticeship in Australia or you have gained trade skills overseas, you can have your skills, work experience and overseas trade qualifications nationally recognised.

Criteria 1. Australian or New Zealand citizenship 2. Permanent residency in Australia 3. Hold a provisional Visa (163, 309, 310, 457, 820 and 826) or Skilled Independent Regional (SIR) Visa or Temporary Protection Visa (TPV)

training@mtaq.com.au | www.mtait.com.au

I NS T I T UT E OF T E CHNOL O G Y

motor trader queensland

20120044

Telephone the MTA Institute of Technology on 1 800 884 137, today!

13

industry update

Inattention, not speed, the major cause of road fatalities

S

peeding fines have become a multi-million dollar source of income for state governments in Australia according to the National Roads and Motorists Association of Australia (NMAA).

NMAA media spokesman Michael Lane said that there has been a vast over-emphasis on collecting speeding fines instead of a focus on the major causes road fatalities.

“The cause of the majority of road fatalities is inattention,” said Mr. Lane.

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“Some people use the euphemism of distraction when they crash while driving. However, drivers need to accept that driving is a task that deserves their full attention,” he added.

Research in Australia has shown that fitting GPS controllers to every vehicle on the road so that drivers cannot exceed the posted speed limit would prevent fewer than 8 per cent of road fatalities.

"Improved driver training is vital and P-plate drivers need to complete an advanced driving course to be competent to drive on public roads."

Other nations have provided similar research results.

Government research in the United Kingdom shows that only 5 per cent of all injury crashes had ‘exceeding the

Mr. Lane said that this is clear evidence that more than 92 per cent of fatalities are not caused by exceeding the speed limit.

speed limit’ as a contributory

“Governments need to focus on the real causes of fatal crashes, instead of raking in speeding fines,” he said.

reports that when driver error

factor.

In the US, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was the primary cause of a crash, researchers identified that ‘distraction and not

paying attention to the road accounted for 41 percent of the errors’.

In Australia, state governments continue to espouse speed limit enforcement as the primary traffic safety measure.

Comprehensive examination of accident causation suggests this focus on speed is grossly misplaced and is actively hindering progress towards genuine reductions in road fatalities.

The NMAA spokesman said that it was their view that three major steps to dramatically reduce fatal crashes on Australia’s roads are necessary.

“Firstly, improved driver training is vital and P-plate drivers need to complete an advanced driving course to

be competent to drive on public roads,” said Mr. Lane.

“Secondly, more highly visible highway patrol vehicles need to patrol the roads and enforce all road rules, not simply the one rule for which technology allows the greatest number of tickets issued per hour.

“The technology companies that peddle speed detection devices are part the problem.

For too long, bureaucrats and politicians have been susceptible to the temptation to invest in this technologically based revenue.

“Thirdly, governments need to commit far more expenditure on road improvements such as divided dual carriageways on major highways. History shows that converting the Hume Highway between Sydney and Melbourne to a dual divided carriageway has reduced road fatalities by 80 per cent. That is a quantum leap.

“Reducing fatalities and injuries on roads is not a simplistic single sentence fix such as blaming speed.

The state governments have converted the roads portfolio into a revenue source and in doing so have disguised their lack of expenditure on road infrastructure.

Autonomous emergency braking aids in 5-star ranking

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he Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) in early October praised Volkswagen for its inclusion of life saving crash avoidance technology into their newest, most affordable model on the Australasian market - the Volkswagen Up! small car.

The Volkswagen Up! has achieved the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating.

Other recent entrants to the Australian market, which have also achieved maximum 5 star ANCAP safety ratings, are the Opel Astra (1.6L petrol), Astra GTC and Insignia models.

The four-seat Up! provides consumers with classleading safety including autonomous emergency

braking (AEB). Referred to as City Emergency Braking

by Volkswagen, this AEB system has been included as standard across all Up! variants demonstrating AEB need no longer be reserved for more expensive luxury models.

occupants are sold as optional extras by most manufacturers yet alloy wheels and leather seats, for instance, come as standard.

The move by Volkswagen to include AEB in the Up! as standard across all variants is a welcome change.

"ANCAP is pleased to see that the Up! provides advanced safety features as standard and offers other occupant comforts such as Bluetooth as optional extras," said ANCAP Chairman, Mr. Lauchlan McIntosh.

"The standard fitment of safety features and safety technologies is something ANCAP has been advocating for some time and all manufacturers should follow Volkswagen's lead," he added.

"It is hard to fathom why features that protect vehicle

AEB systems use a combination of lasers, radar and cameras to detect an imminent rear-end crash and can automatically apply the brakes of a vehicle. The fast adoption of new technologies like AEB could see the road toll halved by 2020.

AEB systems use a combination of lasers, radar and cameras to detect an imminent rear-end crash and can automatically apply the brakes of a vehicle.

AEB is currently being considered by ANCAP as a mandatory safety requirement.

“Vehicle manufacturers have made excellent progress with vehicle safety. Evidence of this is that air bags have greatly reduced the number of front seat fatalities and electronic stability control has dramatically reduced the number of fatal car crashes.

What is needed is for state governments to participate with expenditure on road infrastructure, providing more highway patrol police and establishing a vastly improved standard of driver training,” Mr. Lane concluded. motor trader queensland

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industry update

Growth, development on show at Brisbane expo

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any exhibitors at the Australian Construction and Equipment Expo Queensland (ACE QLD 2012), held in Brisbane in early October, reported strong leads at the inaugural show; signalling that while the industry is not currently experiencing a peak there are definitely signs of growth and development.

The Expo attracted visitors from the construction, mining, engineering, landscaping, public works, recruitment and training sectors.

Barry Cook, Business Development Manager, Action Mining Services, travelled with his team from Perth to exhibit at the Expo.

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“The good quality of visitors on the Expo floor and the number of quotes acquired over the three Expo days has certainly made our trek over to Brisbane worthwhile,” said Mr. Cook.

serious buyers in attendance at the Expo.

“We had great feedback from visitors to our stand regarding what we had on display. The AMS 15,000 litre Water Truck that we transported all the way from Perth and valued at $260,000, garnered lots of interest that resulted in a sale during the three day Expo as well as many more enquiries.

“We had contractors from the right industries show real genuine interest in our products.

“We were highly proactive, always approachable, and took a lot of care with every enquiry. I am positive that this helped us drive business and I’m extremely proud of my team that delivered this great result,” he added.

Chris Moroz, South Queensland Sales Manager, Komatsu Australia, noted the good quality visitors and

“I was quite impressed with the number of good quality leads we received over the three days,” Mr. Moroz said.

“I think it was important to our successful participation to showcase our latest machinery; visitors were interested in our new hybrid excavator and the PW98 wheeled excavator; they certainly were the highlight to our stand,” he said.

“The work our team has done to draw together a holistic representation of the construction and mining industries and their allied industries, has really paid off.”

Maureen Ryan, Event Manager, is very happy with the overall outcome of the Expo and looks forward to building on it for future events.

“This Expo, in its infancy here in Brisbane, has brought different products and services, applicable to a vast array of industries, together in one place – and its success this week shows us that our target market has appreciated the chance to come and discover ‘what’s new’ in their fields and what the future holds in their industry.

“The work our team has done to draw together a holistic representation of the construction and mining industries and their allied industries, has really paid off,” said Ms Ryan.

The Australian Construction and Equipment Expo will next be held in Melbourne, 21-23 February 2013. For more information visit: http://www.aceexpo.com.au

Workshop owners and managers facing the challenging realities of change in today's industry will learn how to improve their businesses at the 2013 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo.

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o be held at the Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour from 11 to 13 to April, the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo will offer a comprehensive education program delivering practical take-aways to help you run your business better.

Education in all forms - from exhibitors' displays of new technologies and products to seminars presented by industry experts - will be the theme of the 2013 Expo. The event host is

the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association and Executive Director Stuart Charity said the ‘run your business better’ theme is timely.

"In the competitive auto service and repair industry, it is critical for the survival and growth of all businesses, no matter where they sit in the value chain, to continually implement better, more efficient and productive ways of doing business," Mr. Charity said.

"In addition, you need to harness technology to grow your customer base and find new sales channels.

The technology may be in the form of new equipment to reduce your use of costly resources, or it may be sophisticated software to streamline your processes or marketing campaigns.

"Recognising this need, our Expo committee of industry leaders decided that a major focus of the 2013 Expo will

Australian Auto Aftermarket E

how to improve your bu AAAA Executive Director, Stuart Charity

Monroe is again the major corporate sponsor for the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo. At the 2011 Expo Monroe was a winning team celebrating an AAAA Bronze Award for Excellence in Marketing and a Silver Award for Excellence in Manufacturing. Pictured on the 2011 Monroe stand were (left to right) David Atherton, Roger Lassen, Barry Langan, Domenic Sbaglia, Chad Torok and Brydon Tweddell.

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be the provision of a comprehensive education and seminar program. The team is developing a plan that will offer Expo visitors a choice of business improvement opportunities and topics.

records, was going to be a hard act to

"The presentation formats will ensure that workshop owners and managers leave with practical information and tips that you can immediately implement to improve your business's bottom line," he said.

have sold all available space and have

Industry acceptance The Expo committee knew that the 2011 Expo in Melbourne, which smashed all exhibitor and visitor

Expo focus-

usiness

follow. However, the team is delighted with the unprecedented demand for exhibitor space at the 2013 Expo.

"At six months out from the event, we a waiting list for the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo. Added to this, the co-located Collision Repair Expo is already 80% sold out," said Mr. Charity.

"This is an incredible and humbling vote of confidence in our Expo format. It also highlights the importance the industry places on the critical role that meeting face to face at a trade show still plays in our businesses.

"Information technology has revolutionised the way we do business, but it will never replace the ability to

About the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association Limited (AAAA): The AAAA is the national industry association representing manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, importers and retailers of automotive parts and accessories, tools and equipment in Australia. The Association has over 1,700 member companies in all categories of the Australian automotive aftermarket and includes major national and multi-national corporations as well as a large number of independent small and medium size businesses. Member companies are located in metropolitan, regional and rural Australia, employ 30,000 people, turn over $11 billion a year, and export $800 million worth of product.

touch, feel and try new equipment and technology - and do a deal over a handshake.

"Industry acceptance of our Expo highlights the value of attending good trade shows and follows recent overseas experience. Having recently returned from Automechanika Frankfurt 2012, which set a new record of 4,593 exhibitors from 74 countries, I saw that the global aftermarket industry is booming once again.

"Our committee is confident that this trend will be reflected in the number, quality and diversity of exhibitors, products and technologies on display at our Expo in April next year. Our major corporate sponsor Monroe will set an excellent example," Mr. Charity said.

For details about the 2013 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo, visit http://www.collisionrepair.com.au

Discover new business opportunities As the major sponsor, Monroe is preparing for what is sure to be an outstanding 2013 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo for its market leading shock absorber range. The 2013/14 Monroe Catalogue will be released at the Expo and this will provide repairers

and resellers with the most detailed and comprehensive ride control product catalogue ever produced by Tenneco.

The unveiling of new products is an important part of any trade show and Tenneco will be revealing the latest products along with the packaging at the Expo as well. It also wouldn’t be a Monroe showcase at a major national automotive trade expo without giveaways and competitions, which will run throughout the event.

Tenneco Aftermarket Director Roger Lassen said that the 2013 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo would deliver new opportunities for workshops or mobile repair businesses, no matter how large or small. “While we have everything that you need for shock absorber replacement, we are joined by every supplier and assembled at the one place with special expo deals on offer,�

Mr. Lassen said.

"That makes the Expo the best opportunity to view and compare the products that are available, to ensure your business runs efficiently, while providing your customers with the best quality," he added.

Visit http://www.monroe.com.au motor trader queensland

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SAE-A Automotive Engine

2012 winners Engineering innovations to reduce engine emissions and fuel consumption and to progress electric vehicles were recognised by the 2012 Automotive Engineering Excellence Awards presented in Melbourne on 4 October by the Society of Automotive Engineers - Australasia (SAE-A).

R

ising to the challenges faced by Australian automotive manufacturing, the industry produced more entries from all sectors. To help promote the study of engineering and recognise future talent, the Society expanded the number of categories to include an Engineering Student prize, in addition to the National Excellence Award and the Young Engineer Award.

SAE-A President Bill Malkoutzis said that in the sixteenth year of the Awards, the one constant for the Australian automotive industry has been constant change.

"In automotive, we do not fear change our creative engineers are the drivers of change,” Mr. Malkoutzis said.

“They develop and manufacture new products and systems to increase safety, decrease emissions and improve value for money for their customers.

"As hosts of the Awards, The Society is always amazed that, for the comparatively small size of our automotive industry, our engineers continue to generate new and innovative ideas, many of which find their way into vehicles around the world.

"To ensure our industry remains rock solid in future, we who work in it must constantly prepare for change.

“This means growing our skills through increasing knowledge gained with ongoing formal education and training,

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motor trader queensland

The aim of EV Engineering's Bronze winning project was to develop electric vehicle engineering skills and components within the Australian automotive industry that would allow the technologies to be considered for mass production.

EV Engineering demonstrated the viability of developing fully operational electric vehicles within the Australian Automotive industry. as well as through professional development and learning through our peers.

"The Society plays an important role in both of these areas as the local provider of the international Formula SAE program, the organiser of major seminars, workshops and the Automotive Engineering Excellence Awards," Mr. Maltkouzis added.

The winners SAE-A Automotive Engineering Excellence Awards entries are invited from all organisations and individuals, who directly or indirectly provide products, processes or services to the vehicle and related industries.

A panel of senior engineering academics and practitioners led by

SAE-A Director Dr Shane Richardson selected winners of the 2012 SAE-A Awards. He said the entries for 2012 highlighted some of the critical issues facing private and public transport today.

"Important themes this year were the environment, with alternate fuel and power trains and emissions reduction projects, and production processes," Dr. Richardson said.

"We thank all Awards entrants for their commitment to improving the Australian automotive engineering product, and for the time taken to complete their entry.

“Their creativity is inspiring and shows promise for the future of the industry in Australia," he added.

eering Excellence Awards Gold Award: Ford Motor Company of Australia for the development and implementation of EcoLPi.

Silver Award: GM Holden for the development and production of a Conformable Aluminium LPG Fuel Tank.

Bronze Award: EV Engineering for the development and production of a fleet of seven fully electric, battery switchable Holden Commodore vehicles.

APA Power Train Engineering Manager Pritika Maharaj (left) received the SAE-A Gold Award on behalf of Ford Australia from Linny Thom of the Victorian Government Department of Business and Innovation.

Managing Engineer Mahesh Mahadevan (left) received the SAE-A Silver Award on behalf of GM Holden from the Society's President Bill Malkoutzis.

Society President Bill Malkoutzis (Left) presented the SAE-A Bronze Award to EV Engineering Chief Engineer Tim Olding for their electric car project.

EcoLPi is a liquid phase injection LPG system for the Ford Falcon platform that substantially increases power and torque and decreases fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Working with local suppliers, the project team designed key technologies to ensure the system architecture had:

A conformable tank design is adaptable to the available space under the vehicle floor, resulting in major efficiency gains in mass, usable fuel volume and range. This project demonstrated an innovative use of aluminium and mass reducing design and integrated important features, including the lightweight shield, bonded crash pad and fusible safety plug. Aluminium enables complex, extruded shapes.

EV Engineering demonstrated the viability of developing fully operational electric vehicles within the Australian Automotive industry. The project included the design of the electric power train and supporting structures, low and high voltage electrical wiring, a controls architecture and associated softwarhttp://www.art-paints.com/ Paints/Acrylic/Daniel-Smith/Iridescent/ Bronze/Bronze.gife, cooling system, battery pack, battery latching system and battery switch station. Consortium partners include Better Place Australia, Robert Bosch Australia, Continental Australia, Futuris, Air International and GE Australia.

• A high level of synergy with the existing petrol system to minimise change and provide a well integrated system.

• Effective engine re-start using new Polyphthalamide plastic integrated high-pressure fuel rail.

• New-patented fuel system prime strategy.

• Switchable high flow / low pressure drop fuel system architecture.

• New-patented injector to conductive tip sealing strategy to prevent injector tip icing.

motor trader queensland

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Highly Commended: AutoCRC, GM Holden and VPAC for the development and prototyping of a Virtual Paint Simulation process.

Conformable Aluminium LPG Pressure Fuel Tank and associated valving, fuel pump hardware and control software, and the heated KPG vaporiser and associated control system algorithms to enable successful cold starts without the expense of liquid LPG systems or the use of petrol.

Engineering Student Project: Sian Hong Teoh and Ruoyu Ding, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Melbourne.

VPAC's Thomas Dittmar (left to right) and Aditya Mulemane received the Society's Highly Commended Award from Michael Case, who represented prize sponsor RACV. The Virtual Paint Simulation project collaborators included the AutoCRC and GM Holden.

The virtual Paint Simulation prototype system uses rapid paint shop simulation tools based on innovative methods and approaches, such as Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics and Lumped Parameter Modelling.

It allows optimisation of the painting process using laptops in near real time rather than costly high performance computers, and is undergoing user trails to be deployed in 9 to 12 months.

Young Engineer Award: Christopher Jones, Specialist Engineer - Fuel Systems, GM Holden.

Melbourne University's Engineering Student Project Award winners Sian Hong Teoh and Ruoyu Ding (centre and right) received the prize from Prof Zhihong Man on behalf of sponsor Swinburne University.

Members of the University of Melbourne Formula SAE-A team, these students presented a well-written and logical paper on the "Analysis of the static friction between steel and aluminium alloy clamped surfaces under dry and lubricated conditions, for a Formula SAE-A vehicle sway bar design."

Ensuring the future automotive manufacturing

GM Holden Specialist Engineer Fuel Systems Chris Jones (left) won the Young Engineer Award for his work on the Conformable Aluminium Fuel Tank.

Engineering Director Greg Tyus presented the Award on behalf of prize sponsor GM Holden.

An enthusiastic and highly capable engineer who has demonstrated capacity to work well above his expected level, Chris Jones has been a key technical team member on the 2012 GM Holden LPG program for Commodore. He contributed to development and testing of the gaseous phase LPG tar filter, the 22

motor trader queensland

Speaking at the SAE-A Awards presentation, Federation of Automotive Products Manufacturers Chief Executive Officer Richard Reilly said the Bracks Review into the automotive industry highlighted a number of sectors benefitting from the technology and skills developed in the automotive sector, including fabricated metal products, defence, aerospace, rubber and plastic products, marine, rail and tramways, aviation, textiles, food processing and construction.

"This is the reason the automotive industry is often referred to as the foundation of the manufacturing sector,” said Mr. Reilly.

“To retain our industrial base, we need the automotive industry to generate the industrial, technical and engineering innovations that are in turn diffused throughout the whole manufacturing sector through knowledge transfer and movement of labour.

"The industry today employs nearly 60,000 people directly and approximately six and a half times that number of people indirectly.

“In 2010, our industry manufactured and exported over $3.6 billion worth of vehicles and components and the supply chain sold over $3.71 billion of components to the local vehicle manufacturers.

"Close the shop down and that’s hundreds of thousands of jobs in the vehicle manufacturing, automotive supply and consumer industries affected. And that’s not taking into account the loss of skills that are currently utilised elsewhere in the economy, such as mining," he added.

SAE-A Executive Director Geoff Pearson recognised the important role that sponsors of the Automotive Engineering Excellence Awards have in ensuring the future of the industry.

"Aspirational programs, such as the Society's annual Awards, help to provide both motivation and recognition for our skilled engineers," said Mr. Pearson.

"As a non-profit organisation, the Society needs help with such major programs.

“We are fortunate that there are organisations that also strongly believe in these Awards.

“The Victorian Government values the contribution that our industry makes to the State and we acknowledge the sponsorship of the Gold Award provided by the Department of Business and Innovation.

"We also thank Award sponsors GM Holden Engineering (Young Engineer Award), Swinburne University (Engineering Student Award), and long term supporter RACV (Highly Commended Award) for their support," he said.

Stationery for the automotive industry gue o l a t a ct C Produ

• 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 8777 Toll free 1800 177 951

MIT news Standout student Shaun Furtado was awarded a Force Tools toolkit to help get him get started as an auto electrical apprentice after he was scooped up

by Conplant - the largest privately owned compaction specialist in Australia.

“For their rock solid enthusiasm and high achievement, Shaun and four other students – Joel Springate, Michael Reynolds, Rhys Easley and Nick Jones – were each presented with two passes to the V8 Supercars on the Gold Coast, compliments of MTAA Super’s Deidre Bell,” Mr. Riotto said.

MIT Senior Residential Trainer, Marcello Riotto (on left), presents standout student Shaun Furtado with a Force Tools toolkit to help him get started with his new job at Conplant.

MIT prevocational training creates jobs

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IT (MTA Institute of Technology) recently completed the final Automotive Prevocational Training Program for 2012, with four trainees gaining immediate employment with various automotive related businesses.

The Queensland Government’s Strategic Investment Fund continues to appoint MIT - in conjunction with ASQ (Automotive Skills Queensland) - to deliver this prevocational model of training that assists eligible candidates into the workforce.

MIT Senior Residential Trainer, Marcello Riotto, conducted the course and said that the program was specifically designed for people who may be having

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some difficulty securing an apprenticeship in the automotive industry.

“This program prepares candidates for employment opportunities in the automotive industry,” said Mr. Riotto.

“The course provides full time training with additional time in work experience placement that gives students an introduction to the automotive trade and provides them with basic skills suitable for employment.

“Upon immediate completion of the program four of the students had gained employment, which is a great result,” he added.

The program’s training modules include inspect and service; and tool equipment and service operations on various types of vehicles such as cars, trucks and vans, tractors and other machinery.

“The Automotive Prevocational Training Program is an effective program giving industry what industry needs: well trained and job ready potential apprentices/ trainees; and Industry gets to have access to these students recommended from MIT – Queensland’s leading automotive training provider,” Mr. Riotto concluded.

MIT’s next Automotive Prevocational Training Program kicks off in February 2013.

Jarrod will be participating in the Formula SAE competition in early December.

MAAP (Mentor/Adviser Apprenticeship Program) – www.maapmyfuture.com. au - is an initiative of Auto Skills Australia (ASA), which is the body responsible for the development and maintenance of nationally accredited automotive training qualifications in Australia.

Jarrod initially came across the MAAP site and promotion via a Facebook link on the Auto CRC website – www.autocrc.com.

A big fan of V8 supercars, he has gravitated towards automotive subject matter with is 4th year thesis being on the chassis design of the Formula SAE vehicle. Jarrod studies include physics, chemistry and calculus. In addition to his uni studies, he has undertaken a number of TAFE short courses such as TIG and mechanical cutting, which gives him more practical exposure to engineering.

Jarrod will be participating in the Formula SAE competition in early December.

MAAP launch winner set to compete in Formula SAE

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hird year University of Queensland mechanical engineering student Jarrod Bismark of Beerwah recently won an iPad in the MAAP My Future website promotional launch.

Jarrod Bismark

I NST I T UT E OF T E CHNOL OGY

Automotive Prevocational Training Program The Queensland Government’s Strategic Investment Fund has approved MTA Institute of Technology in conjunction with Automotive Skills Queensland to deliver a prevocational model of training to assist eligible candidates into the workforce.

This program is specifically designed for people who may be having some difficulty securing an apprenticeship in the automotive industry.

This program will prepare candidates for employment opportunities in the automotive industry. The course will provide full time training that gives participants an introduction to the automotive trade and provide them with basic skills suitable for employment.

Course Objective APTRAP will be utilised as a stepping stone into the automotive trades. Successful completion of this course will greatly improve the skills base and employability of prospective apprentices and trainees to ensure that they have improved chances of securing employment through the apprenticeship pathway.

Fees and Charges The course is fully funded by the Queensland Government.

Course Length 9 weeks

The Automotive Prevocational Training Program (APTRAP)

Enquiries

This course involves inspect and service, tool equipment and service operations on various types of vehicles such as cars, trucks and vans, tractors and other machinery.

Should you wish to express interest in the APTRAP course please contact us on 3722 3000 or email training@mtaq.com.au

Address Building 8, 2728 Logan Road Eight Mile Plains Qld 4113 Postal PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Plains Qld 4113 Tel (07) 3722 3000 Toll Free 1800 884 137 Email training@mtaq.com.au

20120001

MTA Institute of Technology

automobile news Citroen DS4 Citroen has boosted the appeal of its unique DS4 coupe crossover with the addition of a more powerful engine matched to a six speed automatic gearbox. The new engine boasts an additional five kilowatts and this, added to the punchy 240 Nm of torque, means that the DS4 THP 120 automatic actually has a better 0-100 kmh time, down from 9.9 to 8.6 seconds, more than maintaining the DS4šs sporting credentials. The four models cross the RRP range of $35,990 to $49,990 excluding statutory charges, delivery and dealer costs.

The new Corolla Toyota has launched a stylish new Corolla hatch that is more dynamic, better-equipped and better value than ever before. It delivers more power and better on-road dynamics while fuel consumption and emissions have been lowered across the range. While improving Corolla's standard equipment at every level, Toyota has reduced prices on three grades - Ascent, Ascent Sport and Levin SX - while holding prices on the luxury Levin ZR. Australian Corollas are fitted with a revised 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that develops more power at 103kW.

1968 Corvette: Stolen, found, sold Ten years after being reported stolen, this 1968 Corvette was found in a shipping container and sold at a recent Manheim auction for $24,500. Bidding for the car was spirited with plenty of interest from the approximate 100 people present, with a further 100 online utilizing Manheim’s internet auction software, Simulcast.

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Jaguar F-TYPE Presented at the Australian International Motor Show, the new Jaguar F-TYPE represents a return to the company's heartland: a two-seater, convertible sports car focused on performance, agility and driver involvement.

Three models will be available - F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and the F-TYPE V8 S. They are powered respectively

by Jaguar's new 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine in 340PS and 380PS outputs and its 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol producing 495PS.

Maserati GranTurismo Sport There are now two variants of the Maserati GranTurismo in Australia, the GranTurismo fitted with the 4.2 litre 298 kW engine matched to an advanced six-speed transmission and the Maserati GranTurismo Sport with the 4.7 litre 338 kW engine ­up seven kilowatts. The GranTurismo Sport has a choice of a six speed automatic gearbox, fitted for the first time with the aggressive MC Auto Shift package, or the MC Shift robotized manual which, uniquely, is fitted in a different position to the automatic gearbox, using a rear transaxle position to provide an even greater rear weight balance.

Ferrari 458 Spider Following in the footsteps of its revered coupe cousin, the Ferrari 458 Spider is collecting a growing collection of trophies, the latest being the ‘Best Sports Car and Convertible’ in a special edition issue of the UK newspaper, the Sunday Times, celebrating the ‘Top 100 Cars’ in the world. The newspaper said, “This car is simply sublime. A 458 is not a purebred sports car. Yes, it drives like one, but it’s also a singer and a model and an athlete. It's a heptathlete with the lungs of Pavarotti and the face of an angel. The best convertible sports car on the market”. motor trader queensland

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health Lean Red Meat If you're a steak-and-potatoes kind of guy, you're in luck.

Red meat can be good for you, says Leslie Bonci, nutritional consultant to the American gridiron football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Lean cuts of beef and pork are packed with protein and have only a little more fat than chicken breast. Red meat is also one of the best sources of leucine, an amino acid that helps build muscle.

Cherries How do the Pittsburgh Steelers soothe sore muscles? Cherry juice. Bonci says she keeps some in their training room at all times.

"The pigment in cherries and cherry juice mimics the effects of some antiinflammatory medicines," she said. "And there are no side effects."

The Best Foods

for Me

quality and male infertility.

If you're not a seafood fan, beef, turkey, chicken, nuts, and seeds provide excellent alternatives for stocking up on zinc.

Ginger

Chocolate Chocolate may improve blood flow - if you eat the right kind. Studies suggest the flavanols in dark chocolate may curb levels of bad cholesterol, improve circulation, and keep blood pressure in check. Men with poor blood flow are more likely to develop erectile dysfunction, so heart-wise foods may protect your sex life, too. But too much chocolate can lead to weight gain. Bonci suggests eating one ounce a day in lieu of other sweets.

Shellfish Shellfish and other types of seafood are rich in zinc, which is critically important for the heart, muscles, and reproductive system.

Research has linked zinc deficiency to poor sperm 28

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as omega-3 fatty acids, which protect against heart disease, some cancers, and arthritis. Studies suggest two servings of fatty fish per week can lower your chances of dying from heart disease.

Avocado Sure, avocado is high in fat - but it's the "good" kind.

The monounsaturated fat found in avocados packs a one-two punch against cholesterol when it replaces saturated or trans fats in your diet. It can knock down levels of total cholesterol and "bad" cholesterol (LDL), as long as no more than 25%-35% of your daily calories come from all types of fat. Olive oil and nuts also contain good fats.

Fatty Fish Fatty fish, like salmon, herring, sardines, or halibut, are another excellent source of healthy fat. They contain a special type known

Like cherries, ginger may have anti-inflammatory properties that come in handy when you push yourself too hard. Research suggests eating ginger regularly may help reduce the pain of exercise-related muscle injuries.

Milk and Yogurt The whey in milk and yogurt is another source of leucine, the muscle-building amino acid. Bonci recommends Greek yogurt. "It has a thicker consistency that men may like better," she says.

It's also packed with protein, potassium, and friendly bacteria that keep the gut healthy. "Plus, it requires no preparation whatsoever."

Bananas The banana is celebrated for its bounty of potassium

-- and with good reason.

Potassium is critically important in muscle contractions and bone health, Bonci says. It also helps blood pressure.

In fact, getting enough potassium may be as important as reducing sodium when it comes to lowering blood pressure.

Pistachios Nuts provide protein, fiber, and zinc while satisfying the urge for a crunchy, salty snack. Pistachios stand out because they're higher in plant sterols that can improve cholesterol levels, Bonci says. She recommends eating them from the shell, so you work harder for each one. That will help control how many you eat - otherwise, the calories add up quickly.

Brazil Nuts A single ounce of Brazil nuts has seven times the recommended daily value of selenium. It was previously thought that selenium might ward off prostate cancer.

Unfortunately, a large study by the U.S. National Institutes of

en Health found no such benefit from selenium supplements.

Selenium does have other health benefits, though -- it may help boost the immune system and promote healthy thyroid function.

Tomato Sauce Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant that may protect against some cancers. Some research suggests that men who eat tomato sauce regularly are less likely to get prostate cancer, but not all studies support this. Bonci says tomatoes are worth your time anyway, because they provide a variety of plant nutrients. Adding salsa to a burrito or tomato sauce to pasta is an easy way to make a meal more nutritious.

Soy Foods According to a study of more than 40 nations, the food

that may offer the strongest protection against prostate cancer is soy. This includes tofu, miso soup, and soymilk.

In Asian countries, people eat up to 90 times more soy foods than westerners eat. And prostate cancer is far less common in those countries.

Mixed Vegetables Vegetables are packed with phytochemicals, plant-based nutrients that boost cell health and protect against cancer. There are many different types of phytochemicals, and the best way to get a variety of them is to eat different colored veggies. "There should be color on your plate at every meal," Bonci says.

Orange Vegetables Orange vegetables are an excellent source of betacarotene, lutein, and vitamin C. These nutrients lower your odds of developing an enlarged prostate, according to a large study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Good choices include red capsicums, carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes.

Leafy Green Vegetables Silver beat, spinach, collard greens, and kale can benefit the eyes as well as the prostate. These leafy green vegetables are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. Both nutrients protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, a chronic eye disease that impairs vision.

Baked Potato Baked potatoes are hearty and easy to make. They're also surprisingly high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that works against free

radicals in the body. These normal byproducts of our metabolism become damaging at high levels and are linked to the development of cancer, heart disease, even arthritis. Go easy on the butter, or top with salsa and reduced-fat cheese. Other sources of vitamin C include green capsicums, kiwi, and citrus fruits.

whole-grain foods can help you maintain a healthy body weight, while reducing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Eggs Eggs provide lutein, protein, and iron -- but you have to eat the whole egg. "Even though the yolk is a source of cholesterol, it has half the protein and most of the flavor," Bonci says. She recommends cutting back on high-cholesterol sweets to make room for whole eggs in your diet. If you have high cholesterol, ask your GP if you should limit how many eggs you eat per week.

High-Fiber Cereal Fiber may not sound manly, but it's a performance enhancer, Bonci says.

Whether you're an executive or an athlete, you can't concentrate on your goals if your gut is acting up. Fiber helps keep your digestive system running smoothly, and it benefits the heart, too. This doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite cereal - just try mixing in some shredded wheat.

"Don't deprive yourself," Bonci advises, "but add something good."

Brown Rice Brown rice is another great source of fiber, and it's easy to dress up with nutritious, colorful food. Try adding lean meat, baby spinach, and pineapple. If you don't like the texture, mix some white rice in with the brown.

There's good evidence that brown rice and other

Berries "Berries can help you be on top of your game mentally as well as physically," Bonci says. They're loaded with antioxidants that may reduce the risk of various types of cancer. Animal studies suggest blueberries can also enhance memory and brain function. Similar research in people is in its infancy, but looks promising. When fresh berries are expensive or tough to find, try buying them frozen and making a shake.

Coffee When you need a pick-meup, Bonci recommends making a good old-fashioned cup of coffee. Research shows it can enhance alertness, and plain coffee has almost no calories. This makes it a far better choice than expensive, high-calorie energy drinks.

Focus on the Good Stuff When making changes to your diet, Bonci suggests adding good foods rather than denying yourself bad ones. As you get used to eating more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains, these foods may come to replace some of the less healthy choices. Bonci offers a sports metaphor to sum up the benefits: you'll play better today and stay in the game longer. motor trader queensland

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health

S

tudies show that off-road motorcycling activities can produce family, social and health benefits when performed in a safe and sustainable environment.

According to the Health & Fitness Journal of Canada [2010; 3(1): 4—11]: ‘Off-road motorcycle riders have high levels of mental and physical functioning quality of life.

Given their higher physical function, off-road motorcycle riders are less likely than all terrain vehicle riders or the general population to have physical limitations or health problems’.

The news gets even better; the second publication in that series of four reports confirmed that 96.6% of off-road motorcycle riders considered themselves to be positive and optimistic thinkers, expected to have

lower levels of stress and depression; and, felt as though they had a higher overall life satisfaction level.

A Tohoku University (Japan) study group and motorcycle maker Yamaha Motor Co. said they have found that riding motorcycles is useful for brain training.

The group, led by Ryuta Kawashima, a professor who is known for brain research, looked into brain functions as measured by devices put on the heads of 21 males riding motorcycles and found their brains' prefrontal areas activated.

The area covers memory, information processing and concentration functions.

In another test, 22 males who had motorcycle licenses, but did not ride motorcycles often, were divided into two teams; one for riding motorcycles for two months and the other abstaining from

riding. The motorcycleriding team demonstrated improvements in memory, space recognition and other functions of the prefrontal area.

"Balancing and other sensitive control functions are required for riding motorcycles," said Kawashima.

“Riding motorcycles helps keep drivers young by invigorating their brains,” he said.

In one test, which required the men to remember a set of numbers in reverse order, the riders' scores jumped by more than 50 percent in two months, while the non-riders' marks deteriorated slightly.

The riders also said they made fewer mistakes at work and felt happier.

Kawashima said that in a convenient and easy environment, the human mind and body get used to

setting the hurdle low.

"Our final conclusion is that riding motorcycles can lead to smart aging," he said.

In the British Motorcycle Industry Association's "Get On" campaign which is aimed at introducing newcomers – and in particular the young – to motorcycling, the unanimous consensus of one family of four was that “it's the best family fun we've had for years”.

“None of us are is in danger of being mistaken for Evel Knievel,” said the Dad. “But the intense sense of freedom, the heady thrill of that first airborne leap, the joy of scaling a climb with the rear wheel spinning, then biting for grip, was sheer motorised joy!”

Getting off-road

is good for 30

motor trader queensland

In Australia, Overlanders Motorcycle Adventures on the Sunshine Coast has been operating for 15 years and offers a variety of adventure trail motorcycle riding services, from rider skills tuition to personal tours, cross country safaris and options of 1, 2, 3, and 4 day tours.

Known for having the most experienced team and best catered for off road tours in Queensland, Overlanders is a rock solid professional company with all the necessary legal documents (e.g., public liability insurance, QPWS/ EPA permits and permissions, etc.) and is affiliated with Motorcycling Australia.

Based in Cooroy, company owner Rob Turton has been in the

r you!

motorcycle industry for 25 years, having built Overlanders on the back of his Tyres4Bikes business – tyres4bikes.com.au - located in Brisbane (Albion) with a satellite branch in Cooroy.

“Since the mid ‘90s we started out conducting social rides and by 2004 Overlanders Motorcycle Adventures was a registered business,” Rob said.

“We are based right in the heart of some of the best riding country in Queensland that has possibly some of Australia's best trails, which Overlanders has linked through private holdings and forest reserves, stretching across Queensland out to the open expanse of Australia’s outback.

“Our rides operate with professional guides and sweeps – all accredited with Motorcycling Australia, as well as having First Aid certificates and communications and mechanical skills to assist during the ride.

Rob Turton

“We have modern specialist support vehicles to get riders gear out and back on every tour,” he added.

Support vehicles include a 15-tonne purpose-built MAN truck that includes comfortable passenger seating, full kitchen and workshop facilities.

In addition, the Overlanders’ home site in Cooroy offers riders the luxury of a private campground at the ‘Bikers Rest’ facility, with hot showers and toilets, and secure safe parking for cars and trailers while you are away on your ride.

For further information: Overlanders Motorcycle Adventures - PO Box 434 Cooroy Qld 4563 Telephone 0427 425 509 info@overlandersmc.com.au www.overlandersmc.com.au motor trader queensland

31

sport TeamVodafone wins Bathurst

T

eamVodafone's Jamie Whincup and Paul Dumbrell won the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 in emphatic style, leading for over 70% of the 161 Lap race before taking the chequered flag just three tenths of a second ahead of the FPR pairing of David Reynolds/Dean Canto and teammates Craig Lowndes and Warren Luff.

After securing a front row start for the iconic race, Whincup handed the start duties to Dumbrell. The #1 co-driver drove an impressive opening stint with delaminating tyres and a damaged drivers side window failing to thwart their charge.

With almost 100 laps to go the duo took control of the race, supported by the team who perfectly strategised the Holden's fuel consumption down to the last half a litre.

32

motor trader queensland

Whincup yielded 300 points from the event and leads the 2012 V8 Supercar Championship by 161 points ahead of Lowndes who now sits second on 2611 points.

Despite queuing twice which resulted in lost track position, Lowndes stormed home over the closing 30 laps, to record his eighth Bathurst podium result.

Celebrating his fourth victory at Mount Panorama and Triple Eight Race Engineering's fifth in the past decade, Whincup yielded 300 points from the event and leads the 2012 V8 Supercar Championship by 161 points ahead of Lowndes who now sits second on 2611 points.

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AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESSES FACE GREATER FRAUD RISK Increased detection can be linked to increased fraudulent activity or a greater focus on the numbers by management, or both. Regardless, few businesses are totally immune to fraud.

Mark Ward, Partner Ph: 07 3237 5744

Darren Crothers, Partner Ph: 07 3237 5990

The operational nature of an automotive business creates significant opportunities for fraudulent activity and when combined with difficult economic times, the motivation to commit fraud increases. Often fraud is considered only in the context of significant amounts and clearly deceptive behaviour, however any unauthorised action that leads to a financial loss is fraud. Margins are already under pressure without being further eroded through this type of activity.

If you would like to discuss our approach to a fraud review, or request a presentation to your management team that emphasises your ‘tone from the top’ attitude, please contact one of our Automotive advisers.

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