Radiator - October 2024

SWEET SUCCESSION

AN ARTICLE IN RADIATOR CHANGED HIS LIFE ... COULD IT HAPPEN TO YOU?

Repairer: Next up: VIRM amendments

Collision Repair: Look out — fog ahead

Dealer: MVR annual reporting due next month

Fuel & Heavy Vehicle: RUC for petrol vehicles

Advocacy: When the law's an ass - tell us

Mediation: Keeping control of

Market

FRONT COVER

SWEET SUCCESSION

Northlander Hare Pickering holds a copy of the June 2023 issue of Radiator that changed his life.

Photo: Michael Cunningham

Radiator

Editor Gerald Rillstone

027 252 3229

gerald.rillstone@mta.org.nz

Postal address PO Box 9244, Marion Square, Wellington 6141

Physical address

Level 5, AIA House

34 Manners Street, Wellington 6011

E: mta@mta.org.nz

W: www.mta.org.nz

Printing & Production

Vertia, Wellington Mailhouse

Orange Box, Wellington

Radiator Magazine ISSN 1179-7800

The Motor Trade Association (Inc) (MTA) is not responsible for statements, opinions or factual matters published in Radiator magazine, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of MTA, its Board of Directors or its advisory/specialty committees, unless expressly so stated, and does not endorse advertisers.

Radiator magazine is available free to all members of MTA. Information on products and services contained in the editorial and advertising pages of this magazine is published as a service and no responsibility will be taken for inaccurate information.

Radiator magazine does not imply the endorsement of any product or service.

The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising and editorial at any stage.

Copyright: No part of Radiator magazine may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written permission of the publisher.

Danke schön Automechanika – I learned a lot from you

Last month we hosted our inaugural MTA President’s Tour to Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany.

It was a pleasure for Bob Boniface and I to host members at the leading edge of their sectors within our industry, each visiting with their own agenda, but united by a common drive to discover the next supplier, innovation, or idea to progress their businesses.

The event itself happens on a scale that would be simply unimaginable here: 5000 exhibitors spread across 55 hectares of floor space in 12 buildings, each with a footprint as large as the largest conference venue in New Zealand, but most being three stories high. I entered one hall to find there were around 200 stands dedicated solely to vehicle hoists! Personally, I left the event with three key takeaways.

Firstly, it was a great reminder of the global scale of the automotive service industry. While the broad media might have us believe automotive repair is somehow diminishing in relevance with the advent of electric vehicle technology, the fair was a good illustration of how that couldn’t be further from the truth. Automotive businesses continue to innovate, compete, and thrive, including in the electric vehicle space, adding to the breadth and complexity of our industry in the process.

Secondly, given how far ahead Europe is with electric vehicle adoption, I was surprised by how little the fair was about EVs. Not because thew topic wasn’t covered, but because businesses that already exist within the industry are adjusting and adapting to changing technology, thereby organically shutting out space for

are progressing with a pace of change unheard of.

The build quality of the vehicles on display was arguably excellent; Chinese businesses are leaders in battery technology, and with the Macan lookalike EV (with a supposed range of 650km) I mentioned earlier priced at under NZ$60,000 in the Chinese market, price will ultimately talk to a large chunk of the population.

While the enlightenment for someone who works for an association may have been limited, above all I was thrilled for the members that attended – all of whom were in some way leaders in their field. In future years, I would commend anyone to make the time and travel investment and see for yourselves. Watch this space for more events we will promote and host for your benefit in the future.

me we have almost completely run out of spare copies due to ongoing requests.

It’s amazing to read how that particular issue of Radiator inspired one reader to actually inquire about buying his employers’ business, of which he is now the proud owner – now that really is an example of news you can use!

So, I recommend it to all members with an interest in this subject. There’s some very valuable advice and information.

Finally, please make sure you read outgoing MTA President Bob Boniface’s reflections as he nears the end of his term next month. I’d like to thank Bob for his support and advice to me personally, but more importantly his massive contribution to MTA and members.

new specialist entrants. And here is something Kiwi businesses can learn – I know businesses in New Zealand are adjusting too – they just aren’t telling anyone!

Thirdly, while this expo wasn’t about car manufacturers, there was a small space dominated by Chinese new entrants, most of which I had never heard of (HongQi anyone...?) The takeaway for me was clear: Chinese vehicle manufacturers have a BIG part to play in the future of automotive.

Sure, some of the models on display looked spookily similar to a Land Rover Defender, Porsche Macan, Rolls Royce Cullinan, or in one instance… a Mitsubishi ASX. Never mind the mimicry and quality of drive that no doubt fails to emulate their Western equivalents, it’s evident these companies mean business and

On another matter, we regularly hear from our Member Support team that many of you are interested in the subject of business succession.

When Radiator last tackled this subject, it became one of the most popular and well-read issues in recent years – the team tells

I’ll have more to say on this next month, but for now let me just say Bob is a true giant in MTA’s history, and we will all wish him well. Although knowing Bob, I suspect he will still be in touch from time to time!

Noho ora mai, Lee Marshall

• Bob looks back, page 18

• Photo gallery, page 22

Multi-brand diagnostics specialist TEXA displays its cutting-edge systems at Automechanika.

Succeeding at succession

In this month’s issue of Radiator, we revisit the issue of succession and exit plans for our members.

Since our first series in Radiator's June 2023 issue, it continues to be a subject brought up more and more often by members and there’s a real concern viable automotive sector businesses are closing their doors when retirement calls and a buyer can’t be found. These businesses are not only a loss for the owner but a loss for the community they serve and the people they employ.

What we found talking with business owners is if there is a plan in place then the likelihood of closing the doors and walking away from the business when you want to call it a day can be averted, and the sooner members start planning their exit the better the outcome.

Plan ahead

Succession planning can cater for an unforeseen event, and a well-executed plan can bring great benefits too, but it needs to be planned well in advance and that could mean thinking about it once you are a few years into running your business.

Adding value

A well-executed succession and exit plan can significantly enhance the value of a business and attract potential buyers or investors ultimately maximising the return on their investment. How to execute the perfect plan is never straightforward and each one is individual. But from what we have found talking to members, succession and exit planning is an essential part of every business if the owners want to reap the benefits of their years of toil.

Gerald Rillstone, Editor

Tips on succession and exiting the business

Chartered Accountant Peter Morton offers his top tips for exciting your business.

Succession planning is extremely important to a business if the owner wants to maximise the value of the operation and get the most from all that hard graft over the years. This means keeping the business in a constant state of readiness whether you intend to sell now or not. Too often business owners need to exit due to change of circumstances, for example health issues, and if you don’t keep it ready to sell then you will not get the maximum from the sale.

And being prepared for an unforeseeable change will mean you are always in control of the business and the process until the business is sold.

Prepare the business for sale, get rid of the junk and make it look attractive.

Collect all the relevant information such as rental agreements, lease agreements, plant lists, accounts for sale purposes, a background on the business, employees’ contract terms and any other documents that are relevant to the business.

Decide on the marketing process, who to market to, outsiders or insiders.

If you intend selling internally you will want your accountant to help with the process and if the sale is external, you will need marketers to help you.

Asking price

Always price ahead of what your bottom line is.

Valuing the business is very important, so get professional help from accountants, valuers and brokers.

Identify any tax issues, such as depreciation recovered and imputation credits.

Identify potential buyers who might buy your business - this will determine what team you need to help you sell the business.

Get a team you can work with: Real estate agents, brokers, and accountants.

Then consider your options.

A complete sale

Sell the lot as a going concern.

Either a sale of the shares in the company or the sale of the plant, stock and goodwill to another company or persons.

A sale of shares will involve issues with security on loans and overdrafts and potential tax issues to consider as well.

Gradual exit

Maybe sell some shares on a regular basis. You need to have a good shareholders agreement with tag along and drag along rights in case you need to sell the whole business or need to get on with the new shareholders.

Partial exit

Sell part of the business to start with and reassess the balance later.

You will need a good shareholder’s agreement to agree on who can do what and what if you need to sell the whole business.

Succession to family or employees

This can again be gradual, complete or partial and will still need a shareholder’s agreement if gradual or partial.

Closure

Closing the doors and selling off the plant and equipment are another option, but this is usually the least profitable way.

Merger

Find another similar business to combine with yours to make one business as this might give both parties more time off and can work if you can get on in business.

Doing the deal

A staged exit is the best way rather than abrupt end. You should stay for a while in the business, so the buyer minimises some of the takeover risks with the vendor in a staged exit from the business and financiers of the new business are happier as this reduces their risk.

Customers and suppliers see less disruption and employees may feel less anxious.

What to avoid

A last-minute sale, the price will always be lower, and you may not have enough for all the retirement dreams. Avoid doing the initial preparation cheaply because in the long run it will cost you, if you fail to plan, then you will plan to fail.

‘I read Radiator...then bought our business!’

Here at Radiator we know the magazine’s a popular read at smoko time. We like to think it’s packed with good advice and information.

What we don’t often hear is that it’s the inspiration for a life-changing event.

But that’s exactly what it was for big-dreaming Northlander Hare Pickering.

“It had always been a plan in the back of my mind, either taking over or starting my own business,” Hare explains.

So, when Hare was browsing the June 2023 issue of Radiator one feature in particular caught his eye.

“When we were sitting down having smoko the subject in Radiator was succession within the industry. I looked at one of the owners and I went: ‘what are you guys doing?’”

Those “guys” were his employers at Petersen Motors Kaikohe, where Hare had been working for the last 12 years.

“We started talking about me acquiring the company and what that would look like and they wanted to know if I was serious, and I was.”

The Radiator feature in question contained succession examples and advice from other members and has become one of the magazine’s most well-received content.

A year after that cheeky query over the coffee mugs at smoko, Hare has gone from valued employee to owning the business – at the ripe old age of 28.

And the whole experience has been life changing, he says, in a good way. He’s even featured in the local newspaper.

Wendy Roland, one of the previous owners, told the Northern Advocate the sellers think the switch is great.

“We’re really happy for him,” she said.

Going from employee to owner has been a big change for Hare. There’s the staff of six to manage and his day starts earlier and ends later than it used to.

“Taking over I have had pretty much every feeling under the sun, scary, nervous, excited and sleepless - but that describes me at home with my five kids anyway.”

Gateway to ownership

Hare started his automotive journey with Petersen’s while he was a student at Northland College, doing work experience under the gateway scheme before being offered an apprenticeship by the owner at the time, Peter Petersen.

According to the Advocate, Petersen Motors was originally a car dealership on Broadway for 75 years, before it changed hands and moved to its current location as a workshop.

The company was co-owned by business partners Wendy Roland, Noreen Jordan, Ric Stillwell, and Dick Haami, who are all aged 65 and over and planning their retirements.

Now Hare plans on running the business as it’s always been run. One thing he’s already done put the MTA membership in his name.

“I have big dreams for the business but for now I want to concentrate on keeping it ticking over and get some money back in the bank.”

Now Hare encourages anyone else reading this issue of Radiator to follow his example: “Don’t be shy, go and do it.

“Ask the question the worst thing they could say is no and if they do don’t take it personally.”

Oh, and if Radiator offers some good advice – take it.

Some of the articles in the succession issue of Radiator.

Proud business owner Hare with the issue of Radiator that changed his life.

The hours may be longer but Hare has big dreams for the business.

Hare with his partner Kuirangi and one of their five children, daughter Pounamu.

So what’s your business worth?

When you are selling your business it’s well worth getting in touch with a professional organisation to help get the best result. LINK Business has the expertise to help.

Sales manager for LINK Business

Neil Cragien says when valuing a business, they take into account the financial aspects including revenue, profit and assets, market dynamics and unique characteristics.

“We look at your business trends and industry trends in the automotive sector relevant to the business being valued, and who the right target market would be if you decided to go ahead with listing the business for sale.”

The foundation of any business valuation is profitability. For automotive businesses, LINK primarily assess EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) or SDE (Seller’s

Discretionary Earnings). This provides a clear picture of the business's financial health. LINK then applies industry-appropriate multiples to these earnings figures to establish a baseline valuation. The multiple varies depending on the size of the business, growth potential, and industry trends.

Revenue and growth

Consistent revenue generation is crucial for a healthy valuation. LINK examines historical revenue trends to understand how the business has performed over time and evaluates its potential for future growth. For automotive businesses, whether it’s a vehicle repair shop,

For automotive businesses, tangible assets such as equipment, tools, inventory, and vehicles play a significant role in valuation. Well-maintained, essential machinery adds to the business’s overall worth. Additionally, location is key. Prime locations with high visibility or proximity to major roads are highly valued. Lease agreements, if applicable, are carefully assessed to determine whether they add or detract from the business’s longterm potential.

Customer base

The diversity and size of a business’s customer base are critical in the automotive industry. Businesses with a broad, loyal

clientele and contracts with fleet operators, insurance companies, or corporate accounts are viewed as lower risk, leading to a stronger valuation.

“Lastly, we consider industryspecific risks such as market saturation or reliance on key suppliers. To ensure the valuation is competitive, LINK compares sales data from recently sold businesses in the automotive sector, benchmarking the business against similar enterprises,” Neil says.

“At LINK Business, our goal is to provide automotive business owners with accurate and fair valuations, reflecting the full value of their hard work and future potential.”

paint and panel, service station or parts supplier, steady or growing revenue streams indicate stability and are reflected positively in the valuation.

The automotive industry is dynamic, with trends shifting rapidly due to technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. Businesses that have carved out a niche or dominate a local market often command higher valuations. LINK evaluates a business’s competitive position in the market, considering factors such as brand strength, customer loyalty, and adaptability to changes like electric vehicle servicing or new regulatory standards.

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Towing business fits the bill

MTA member Barry Woolcott of Southern Districts Towing has shown that you don’t necessarily need to have automotive industry experience to be successful.

Barry’s background is in corporate business management - he was chief executive of an ASX-listed company but wanted his own business.

So, armed with a set criteria of what he wanted he used a business broker.

He bought the towing company 12 months ago and although it has been a challenge to get his head around, it has been one he has relished.

“I really wanted to own my own

business; I was a little bit industry agnostic to a degree around the key criteria to buying a business,” he says.

What Barry was looking for was a business that was stable, had a history of profitability, asset-backed and something where demand wasn’t going to fluctuate. Oh, and a business not easily disruptable.

“I probably looked at 40 to 50 different businesses and this one came to market, and I organised a meeting with the owner,” he says.

I can see there are a lot of people pushing to further professionalise the industry.”

Learning the ropes

“I did due diligence, and it all has gone to plan but there has been a lot to understand.”

His goal in the first 12 months was to do nothing to change the dynamics of the business and learn as much as possible about the industry and the people on his team.

“It was a bit like drinking from a fire hose really, but I did have a good team around me.

“What I know now that I didn’t know when I was first doing the due diligence is the amount of deep technical expertise a lot of the drivers need, and when you think about it, they are first responders getting to a crash.

“They are often there before the police or ambulance arrive.” Barry was keen to lead from the front and be part of the team so he did ride along with drivers thinking he could gain experience and eventually get his own HT licence

“I also wanted a business where I could add value through my business expertise which are generalist rather than specialised in one area.”

Telling friends and family that he was looking at buying a towing business brought out all the clichés, Barry says - it’s a dangerous business, you don’t have the experience to do it - but he wasn’t deterred.

“That image doesn’t exist and having spent a year in the industry

Barry Woolcott stepped out of the corporate world buying and operating Southern Districts Towing

Southern Districts Towing owner Barry Woolcott with righthand man and general manager Allan Hearn

Dispatch and logistics are a key part of the smooth running of the business

No two jobs are the same with vehicle recovery.

and be part of the action, but quickly concluded that it wouldn’t make sense.

“It would take at least a decade for me to learn what they knew and even then, I would be a liability.

“Every job is different, and a lot of the staff have decades of experience, you can’t just start pulling a car out of a ravine. That is about the worst thing you can do.

“You need to understand the health and safety element and what tools are needed.”

He decided to stick to his strengths and focus on the business’s systems efficiency, digital marketing, capital allocation and strategic partnerships.

Right hand man

General manager, Allan Hearn, is Barry’s right-hand man and had worked with the previous owner for a number of years. His extensive experience in the industry, in New

Zealand and in Australia, has been a huge help to Barry.

“We are the largest police contractor in the country covering Counties Manukau and that’s a huge area,” Allan says. Under the contract some of the work can be complex especially if it is a crime scene, he says.

If a vehicle is involved in a crime it needs to be protected for forensics to do their job and that's where the years of experience and staff training comes into play.

A majority of the day-to-day work involves stolen vehicles, working with first responders and working with other breakdown companies who give roadside assistance.

Those troublesome parking tows are less than one present of the company’s business, Barry says.

“We do heavy tows as well, we have six heavy tow vehicles and when I took it over, I saw that as a growth opportunity and what I loved about the business when I dug into it was, we are solving serious problems.”

With the first 12 months under his belt and an increase in towage fees thanks to MTA’s advocacy, Barry says he’s enjoying the new challenge and is looking forward to building on the company's success.

• Barry is happy for other MTA members to reach out to him if they want to learn more about his experience in buying a business

Getting the job done takes the whole Southern Districts Towing team.

Heavy haulage is a growth part of the business.

All staff have a wealth of experience in the industry.

Parking tows are a small percentage of the business.

Refl ections from the retiring President

It has been a fantastic privilege to serve on MTA’s Board for these past 11 years and sobering to think this is 10% of the organisation’s time in existence. It has been a period of significant change. You may be aware my pathway to MTA was a bit unusual — firstly

as an academic then a career in corporate leadership and governance spanning 35 years, much of it involved with import and distribution in our sector.

A lifelong obsession with vehicles and motorsport led me to invest in Auckland Panel and Paint Group

A lot was happening at MTA around 2013, including the sell down of 60% of VTNZ to Dekra, and some sterling work led by Dave Storey to wrest control of MTA back to the Board after a period of 17 years or so when the Executive largely determined the organisation’s direction — in fact I remember overhearing a stunning quotation at the time — ‘members are a mere legacy’ for MTA. I am proud to have continued the thrust after Dave Storey and Dave Harris to ensure Members, Members benefits and Members success is front and centre for MTA — it is what we are here for.

Lawnmower man

Many decades ago, a wise person told me this truism: “all people fall roughly into two groups — the lawnmowers and the well poisoners”. It’s very true — when mowing the lawn most of us occasionally experiment with a different pattern, and if it works we adopt it, and think about the

next improvement. Then there are those in society, business and organisations who see danger and trepidation in any change — and are often focal and energised about their position.

Most of my working life has been around improving organisational performance, and I very much live by the lawnmower’s mantra — if you don’t try change you won’t know if it’s good-stability for its own sake, or going slow, are very much over-rated.

When I decided to go for the President’s role three years ago, I was pretty distraught about the Wellington situation, and our inability to get stuff done at MTA.

Our staff were being poached by government departments, the market was so overheated for instance that HR advisers were getting nearly twice the salary they would attract in Auckland, and also we just couldn’t find great people. Very frustrating.

So, I put myself forward on a

personal commitment to use my corporate experience to set up MTA with some structure, attitude, resources and tools to enable success for the foreseeable future, regardless of what the operating environment delivers.

The measure of MTA’s success must be its ability to remain relevant to members over time, and I think the fact that it has for 107 years is fantastic. The membership is currently over 4200, I think at its peak for the history I’m aware of.

I am hugely proud that the Board has delivered substantial change over my period as President, ways which are now getting enshrined in what we do and are.

Auckland campus

We are now firmly a dual location entity, with the successful establishment of the Auckland campus and auto hub. We are in a position to attract great talent, which in turn enables us to more assertively progress our agenda.

A big hole in our effectiveness

in 2008 to support these interests. I quickly found you must be a CRA member to operate in the space. A little bit later I met David Storey through a chance encounter at a Directors Institute event. From him I learned of MTA’s weight and soon after joined the MTA Board.

MTA President Bob Boniface

Launching the political manifesto, Driving New Zealand Forward, at Parliament.

Bob Boniface’s term as MTA President ends later this year. He takes the opportunity to reflect on his time in the role, and MTA’s significant changes and progress.

Discussing industry issues with incoming Transport Minister Simeon Brown.

during the Jacinda era was advocacy. Our newfound competence really started with the pre-election Policy Manifesto (a concept Sturrock Saunders and I ‘borrowed’ from across the ditch). Launched in Parliament in May 2023, and with our policies largely adopted by the incoming government, we have progressed to really being the “Peak Body” in automotive.

Whether it is Lee Marshall chairing the Transport Minister’s routine sector meeting, Lee being the go-to person in the industry for commentary on issues automotive, right through to bringing together some 20 groups under our wing to lobby for a correction to the vocational education settings for automotive as we speak. These are not just single focused tactics, but the coming together of various threads of influence. In this case the Foundation model is one, under which we have incorporated CRA as a chapter of MTA is a component (and by the way we have other such

smaller organisations lining up to become chapters of MTA). We are becoming an even more dominant voice. Also key to our influence has been our involvement through Sturrock as Chair of Inspiring Futures Foundation, and his strong efforts over the past two years to stay very close to MITO, bringing our industry trainer to the table sharing the agenda we have set for “training by industry for industry” in our current lobbying. We are now in the conversation on retail crime, particularly around fuel stations, and many other topical issues as they come up — we are now commonly beating AA for total press coverage, something not even contemplated four years ago.

Auxo

Many other cogs are in train such as working through the digitisation of MTA, and the potential to own the peak database for automotive, building our subsidiary Auxo into potentially a global software provider for our industry, continually evolving

members’ lives — a fantastic 40% opening rate is outstanding for such a communication.

Also Radiator, in my view, has continued to improve since Simon Bradwell joined us, and I think is a really great read. Our recent survey says 'don’t you dare stop printing it'.

I mentioned at the beginning the parlous state of Governance the organisation found itself in more than a decade back. A vital Board tool is the new constitution applying from 1 July 2024 which should give future Boards every chance to resource successful competent Governance.

increasingly complex membership organisations can be a stretch for small business member elected directors alone. I did an informal survey amongst director colleagues recently, which shows an MTA Board pack generally contains a wider range of Governance complexities than many $300m revenue public companies. It is not a small or simple business.

what we don’t know or look into new things.

the MTA regional and Member participation model to try and improve the ancient issue of member participation.

We have also increased our risk appetite by getting involved in some of the thorny global issues which affect our members differentially and create some tensions, such as the right to repair and the pace of electrification. Our stance on these sorts of issues will necessarily not please all members, but at Board level our commitment is to be fact-based, understand global trends and to try and bring parties to understand the likely inevitable positions and how each can best adapt. In the meantime, all the functions that MTA is valued for daily continue with competence; training delivery throughout the regions, HR advice, advocacy, employee support, call centre activity etc.

I’m particularly proud of our two main general communication channels; the Friday bulletin, which commenced during Covid, has found a permanent place in our

It’s based on two pillars, firstly that the Board will aways have a majority of Member-elected Directors, and secondly that there is flexibility in numbers and powers to ensure every key Governance role can be filled with a strong skilled appointment.

Governance complexities

The constitution is consistent with trends in Australia and elsewhere, recognising that governing

I guess it may not be widely appreciated, but the President and Vice-President roles at MTA are quite busy, and cover a very wide range of issues in any week; not only the short term tactics, but the strategic agenda, finance and investment activity, Government response, member issues etc.

The week starts with a one-hour traffic meeting on Mondays –President, VP and CEO, what’s on track, what’s off track, and what’s new.

From there work is shared where appropriate and I would like to acknowledge Sturrock’s assistance over the three years, always willing to pitch in, do extra work, find out

The CEO is employed to do or organise the work to be done in the Association, but pace and coverage can be greatly extended by operating as a mini think tank, no different from high performing corporates. Thanks also for Lee’s work for us over the past 18 months – it’s been a delight to have such high energy and intellect in the CEO role.

And of course, thanks to the whole Board for supporting the agenda over the past three years. I know sometimes it’s been a little uncomfortable or pacy when we’re mostly running our own businesses too, but the Board has remained united and supportive producing very significant movement towards a strong ambitious MTA for the future.

Thank you to all Members for your support, Regards and good luck, Bob Boniface MTA President 2021-24.

Bob Boniface, Dave Harris, David Storey at the Auto Super Shoppes Conference in 2022.

Bob’s Targa drive - Toyota Altezza with a Chev LS1 V8 and Hollinger crash box. Sounds fantastic, he says!

President's Tour Automechanika Germany

A contingent of MTA members joined outgoing President Bob Boniface for the President's Tour to Automechanika in Frankfurt Germany last month. The delegation of 30 had the opportunity to view and explore the 2024 Innovator Summit of 4,200 interactive displays from 80 countries covering an

area of 320,000 square metres and 26 hall levels of pioneering technologies.

This year’s trends were electrification, vehicle connectivity, driver assistance systems and digitalisation.

Some of the latest tech in vehicle storage

a

The latest in ADAS calibration on display

Time to sample some German beer. Cheers!

Some of the 4,200 interactive displays

Twin Busch workshop equipment on display

Old meets modern at Automechanika

The tour group at the entrance to Automechanika

A classic Porshe on a Twin Busch lift

Jetlag catching up on MTA Vice President Sturrock Saunders

MTA elections

Voting is open for the positions of President and Director on the MTA Board.

There are two nominations for President, and three nominations for one Director vacancy. Details of the candidates are on these pages.

Voting opened on 11 October and closes at 5pm on 31 October.

You may have already received an email from Electionz with voting instructions.

Director Candidates

(in alphabetical order)

As the founder of New Zealand’s leading electric vehicle (EV) dealership, I am committed to fostering a balanced automotive ecosystem that values both EVs and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. I believe that while EVs are a significant part of the future, they are not the sole solution.

Experience:

In 2018, I established EV City in Christchurch, which has become a trusted leader in EV sales.With over 18 years in the automotive industry, including managing two dealerships, my experience spans both EVs and traditional vehicles, enabling me to navigate the market's complexities effectively.

Vision:

I envision a future where the transition to EVs is balanced with the continued recognition of traditional vehicles' vital roles. My approach includes:

A second email was scheduled to be sent on 18 October, with a final reminder on 30 October.

The results will be announced at the AGM, 9am on 20 November. The AGM will be an online event.

You can find out more on the MTA Toolbox or by calling the Member Support Team on 0800 00 11 44.

• Education: Informing MTA members about the evolving role of EVs within New Zealand's automotive landscape.

• Workforce Development: Ensuring that New Zealand’s automotive workforce is trained to handle a diverse range of vehicles, from EVs to ICE models.

Skills:

I am known for engaging in robust discussions about New Zealand's vehicle fleet, always aiming to:

• Listen: Consider diverse perspectives within the industry.

• Inform: Provide accurate, factbased insights.

• Communicate: Convey information effectively to ensure all voices are heard.

This approach positions me as a voice of reason in conversations about the future composition of New Zealand's motor vehicle fleet.

Vote for industry wide experience! Vote for Rob Braun.

Let’s get working to strengthen MTA and successfully navigate current and emerging industry challenges. Over 38 Years, I have been fortunate to have accumulated a wealth of automotive industry experience, experiencing a full, varied career across the Repair sectors, OEM franchise management, Dismantling and Certification sectors.

I have enjoyed diverse industry experiences, earned across several modern and emerging countries operating at technical and management levels, from fixing hand grenade damaged cars through to dealing with complex strategic industry level issues, my business leadership experience has steadily grown through carefully navigating and growing businesses through good and tough times, such as

political unrest in emerging countries, the GFC of 2008 and most recently the Covid Pandemic.

I own and operate several automotive businesses across different automotive sectors allowing me to keep my finger on the pulse of current and future industry challenges.

My automotive industry committee and business activities allow me to interact with a crosscut of the automotive industry on a regular basis dishing up a wide range of viewpoints, perspectives and opinions, all valuable in formulating or reviewing MTA strategies and initiatives for the benefit of members.

I will listen to members and articulate topical issues where and when they are needed, with the goal of achieving tangible outcomes for members.

The automotive industry is entering

a phase of unprecedented change. Change that is influencing all aspects of the industry. Change at vehicle technology level, vehicle ownership level, service and repair level, distribution and logistical level and change in business structures. The challenges arising from these changes cannot be underestimated, I hope to work with the MTA Board in ensuring the MTA responds and adapts effectively to the changing environment.

rbraun@mainautocentre.co.nz 0273353690

https://youtu.be/PxSKS1-yEs4

Goals:

As an MTA board member, I aim to:

• Strategic Planning: Modernise the association's strategic direction.

• Advocacy: Promote policies that support a diversified vehicle fleet, ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders are represented in shaping New Zealand's transportation future.

I am committed to working collaboratively to navigate the rapidly changing automotive environment, ensuring that the MTA effectively represents its members' interests.

https://youtu.be/_VvClAaxH5M

I am honoured to submit my candidacy for the board of the Motor Trade Association. With over 25 years of experience in the motor industry, both in Workshops and Service Stations, I am passionate about advancing the interests of our members and addressing the challenges that impact our sector. Throughout my career, I have developed a deep understanding of the motor trade landscape, including automotive workshop management, retail and fuel management, and customer relations. I believe that my diverse experience will enable me to contribute meaningfully to the association’s goals.

My primary objective as a board member would be to drive initiatives that ensure long-term sustainability for our industry. One of my key goals is to support business owners with challenges around security

measures. I would also promote environmentally conscious practices by supporting the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles while advocating for infrastructure improvements, such as more accessible charging networks.

Additionally, I would champion technological advancement, encouraging the adoption of new tools and innovations that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Another priority is improving the professional development opportunities for our workforce.

I believe in investing in skill development programs that prepare our members for the evolving demands of the automotive sector.

Collaboration with educational institutions and vocational training centres can help bridge skill gaps, ensuring our industry remains

competitive and resilient. Lastly, I aim to strengthen member engagement through open dialogue and transparent decision-making processes by actively listening to the concerns and needs of our members.

I am committed to working collaboratively with fellow board members to address these key areas and ensure the continued growth and success of the Motor Trade Association.

Thank you for your consideration.

Michael Glen

Rob Braun

David Boot

President Candidates

(in alphabetical order)

Tony Allen is a seasoned automotive professional with over 37 years of experience in the motor trade industry. As the owner and director of a successful automotive service business, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to creating a positive workplace environment. His extensive background in the sector, combined with his governance experience on the Motor Trade Association (MTA) board, positions him as an ideal candidate for the presidency of the MTA. As a director of the MTA since 2015, Tony has actively contributed to developing member standards and has participated in key committees, including Finance & Risk and Remuneration. His contributions

Sturrock Saunders

Vote Sturrock Saunders, current MTA Vice-President for your next MTA President.

MTA is focused on creating value for your business through the strong MTA brand, marketing, training, mediation, lobbying, industry leadership and much more.

have helped promote best practices within the industry.

With a NZ Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering and qualifications from the Institute of Directors in Finance, Governance, and Risk Essentials, Tony possesses the necessary credentials for leadership. He is skilled in time management, effective communication, and fostering strong relationships within the automotive industry.

Dedicated to the growth of the motor trade in New Zealand, Tony has a personal investment in nurturing future talent, with both of his sons completing their automotive apprenticeships within the family business. Outside of work, he

enjoys restoring classic motorcycles, reflecting his passion for the automotive field.

With his proven track record in operations and governance, Tony Allen is poised to lead the Motor Trade Association of New Zealand. His blend of industry expertise and commitment to member success makes him an outstanding candidate for the MTA presidency role.

Smoko Stumpers

Test your knowledge with our five-minute monthly motoring quiz.

Ratings:

1/5: Put your L plates back on.

2/5: Hit the books, rookie.

3/5: Middle of the road.

4/5: Close but no cigar.

5/5: Congratulations, you’ve outrun The Chaser.

.

Your MTA President must have the proven skills and industry experience to direct and support management, and to lead a strong engaged board to deliver long term business advantage to MTA members.

I have a proven track record of success in business, leadership and governance in the automotive sector, and are committed to take on this important MTA and industry role.

I am the current Vice-President of the Motor Trade Association (MTA), Board member of Auto Stewardship NZ, Finance and Risk Chair of Tyrewise, Chairman of Inspiring Futures Foundation, Director of

VTNZ, and previous MITO Director.

I am a proud MTA Guild Member with a lifelong involvement in the automotive industry. I am committed to ensuring the continued success of the MTA brand for the benefit of members.

I welcome any queries from MTA members, and proudly ask for your vote for the MTA President role.

Kind regards, Sturrock Saunders

Call: 0275544439

Email: sturrockcsaunders@gmail.com

Connect with me at www.LinkedIn.com/in/ sturrocksaunders/

1. What is Liam Lawson’s hometown?

2. And who did he replace at RB Racing?

3. Which European car maker has a winged arrow logo? (Hint: Ask a police officer)

4. What vehicle’s name came from the military abbreviation GP, for “General Purpose”?

5. What will be the highest speed limit on New Zealand roads from October 30?

Answers on page 64

Automotive events 2024

NOVEMBER

Canterbury - USA Day

Sunday 3rd of November 10am to 3 pm

All American origin vehicles welcome

Gladstone Park Woodend

Rotokuria School Classics and Customs Car Show

Saturday the 9th of Novembe 10am to 1 pm

462 Rotokuria Road Hamilton

Stratford - All Australian Car Day

78 Regan Street Stratford 10am to 1pm

All Australian made cars welcom

TTE Multisports Grass Arena

78 Regan Street Stratford Spring into Feilding Car show

Saturday 23rd of November

Open to all hot rods, vintage, classic and vehicles of interest

9.30 to 1 pm, Manchester Square Fielding

Southern Dragways Memorial

Teretonga Park Invercargill

Sunday November 24

All classes plus Roll Racing

Mount Munganui

All USA Day

Sunday 17th November Jean Batten Drive

10am to 2pm Amazing cars, great food and trade stalls $5 per person, $10 per car, $10 per family.

Timaru - All Comers Car Show

Cars, Utes and motorcycles

Sunday November 24th

$10 per car entry fee, gold coin for

spectators

Caroline Bay Timaru

All funds going to Cardiac Kids and Westpac Helicopter Rescue

Auckland North ShoreTakapuna Rocks 2024

Saturday November 9th

The Strand Takapuna

Classic cars, hot rods, vintage market and pin ups Free family fun

Southland - Southern Grills and Gasoline

Santa Cruz Friday November 29th

Stalls, crafts and kids entertainment

The fifth annual towy run with all toys donated going to a charity soon to be announced

Tauranga Motorfest 2024! Blissful Photography & Octane Fix Online Presents... Tauranga Motorfest!

Saturday 2nd November 2024

Tauranga Crossing Lower Carpark. 2 Taurikura Drive, Tauriko Contact us at 022-043-6414 or taurangamotorfest@gmail.com Categories of Cars

Anthony (Tony) Allen

What you're telling us

Every month we reply to members’ questions and comments drawn from conversations with the MTA team. Do you need advice or an answer on something? Radiator would love to hear from you. Please email simon.bradwell@mta.org.nz.

Mike at Dixon Automotive has only ever been open Monday to Friday and finds this works well.

“It stops things from getting overwhelming.”

He says a few years back he stopped opening between Christmas and New Year and if a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or a Thursday, he doesn’t open the store on the work day between.

Everyone gets an extra long weekend.

In the collision repair industry we often end up being a bit of a shoulder for customers to lean on after an accident. They often need to process things, and just review what happened.

Going above and beyond supplying a willing ear during a time when they are in shock is great to hear. Sometimes friendships/links with the places are formed through this.

When dealing with difficult customers if all is not going well I try swapping the worker out for someone else. This is a great strategy, it can work wonders providing a fresh face in a difficult situation.

Sometimes people might prefer to speak to someone closer to their age also.

It is great to hear members getting the work/life balance right and it can make a difference to everyone’s attitude to their work and gives everyone a good break during the festive season.

One of MTA’s member benefits is the N3 card and it proves it’s worth when you log on to it and find out how much you can save at places like Noel Leeming.

MTA Member Benefits are a nice way to help out staff with a discount when they need it. It is a win, win, for employees and employers.

MTA Manfeild Mania

MTA brings you its first Manfeild Mania event in 2025.

Set the 9th to the 11th of May, 2025, aside for an interactive weekend with something for everyone. Arrive in Palmerston North on the Friday evening for a welcome reception, spend Saturday at the track for a day that’ll include everything from rides in race cars, to cruise sessions to a show and shine, drift demos and a fun zone for all ages.

Cars, trucks and motorbikes are welcome!

But wait there is more planned. Join us on Saturday night for a delightful evening of good food and great company at our dinner event which will include an inspiring keynote speaker as well as prize presentations from the show and shine earlier in the day.

All MTA members are invited as are their families and employees.

More details and special MTA accommodation deals will be released soon!

Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss this epic event.

New training centre tackles technology

Global Parts Company (GPC) is opening a new specialist vehicle training centre in Auckland, aimed at training in new technologies.

GPC says one in every 10 cars in workshops will soon be EV or hybrid.

“GPC’s Training Centre is set up to provide a springboard to help workshops negotiate the vehicle technology changes they’re seeing in their workshops,” Jonathan Maddren, Executive General Manager GPC NZ, says.

GPC says up to 50% of the country’s fleet will have Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as standard by 2030.

Advanced systems introduce a new level of complexity. For example, replacing the windscreen can impact distance perception, so sensor recalibration will become an increasingly crucial step for trained technicians.

“We want to help to ensure the information relating to future technology vehicle servicing and repairs is easily accessible for New Zealand workshops,” Maddren says.

GPC is collaborating with Unitec on the programme. Academic Programme Manager for Unitec Trades and Services Bryan Davis says they’re excited by the venture.

“GPC and Unitec Trades & Services are working to leverage their academic programme development and delivery expertise, world-class facilities, and experienced industry staff to co-develop and co-deliver industry-relevant programmes.”

GPC training will be available for both current trade technicians bridging the knowledge gap in the shortterm, and “providing practical know-how for the next generation”, the company says.

Vehicle Inspection and Certification soon replacing WoF Online

WoF Online will soon be replaced by Vehicle Inspection and Certification (VIC). In the new system, vehicle inspectors will be able to record WoF inspections and PDI outcomes in a similar way to how it’s done now, in a modern and easy to use application.

We’ll be doing a staged roll out from October 2024 and all inspecting organisations will be able to start using it before the end of the year. Next year, once everyone is on VIC, we’ll shut down WoF Online.

Support

We’re working closely with MTA to develop VIC and help support vehicle inspectors with the transition from WoF Online to VIC. We’ll provide detailed information on what is needed through emails, updates to the VIRM, training material and workshops. You can also check for updates on vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/vic

If you would like to contact us, email modernisingvehiclecertifications@nzta.govt.nz

Prehistoric favourites and bone shakers

Many MTA staff love vehicles as much as you do and have a story to tell about them. This month, Mediation Advisor Roy Hoverd recalls a few of his favourites.

When asked to write about my favourite car or least favourite car, I really didn’t know where to begin as I have enjoyed several vehicles that mostly have served me well. Remember, this was in prehistoric times, when we had carburettors and points ignition systems. When we wanted more horsepower, we fitted larger capacity engines. Not a lot of regulation back then! I started out with Ford Prefects when I was at college, mainly because they were cheap as chips. My first

car cost me $50, after I had built it from three other parts of cars and sold off parts and bodies.

I guess my bestie was my 1962 Triumph Herald 948cc coupe, acquired from someone’s front lawn around the corner from home, in need of TLC. As I was apprenticed to a Triumph & Rover dealership at the time, parts and service knowledge were not lacking. We gave her a fresh coat of paint in the backyard, overhauled a 1,200cc motor as an upgrade, and fitted

a Spitfire diff, so I had longer legs than the standard MG midgets around the town.

This was my daily work runner, super reliable and fuel efficient, though not keen on hard cornering with a rear transverse leaf spring. It was one car I wish I had kept. In between, I owned a Rover 90, a PA Vauxhall and a 1957 Studebaker Commander two-door station wagon. Boy, I wish I still had that Studebaker, I could get half the rugby team in that beast.

After the Herald came my 1964 MK1 Spitfire – a great bone shaker, it took me all over the place. This was our honeymoon car that we took to Cape Reinga before the road was sealed. I remember stopping at the Auckland Harbour Bridge toll booth to remove an ‘on honeymoon’ tin can that had fallen onto the road but was still attached by a cord. I don’t have the car anymore, but I still have the wife.

My wife had a 1957 VW at the time with a small back window. It couldn’t pull the skin off a rice pudding but it was fun to drive and handled really well. We also had a Ford Popular but my wife wasn’t keen on it as, with only a 6-volt battery, it needed to be handcranked on cold mornings. She actually got really good at that: prime the fuel pump, put a clothes

peg in the choke cable to hold it open and ease her up to top dead centre, then give it a wrist breaker – boom!

Eventually the two doors led to four as the family expanded. Various cars followed: an XW Falcon,

an HQ Holden, and a Hillman Hunter, mixed in with a couple of motorcycles, one being a Honda SL125.

Thats enough nostalgia for one article – happy days of motoring and greasy knuckles!

OCP: New employee assistance for MTA members

MTA is pleased to partner with OCP to provide employee assistance for MTA members and staff. OCP has been taking care of employees for over 20 years offering a personal, flexible and positive experience to organisations and their employees. MTA members and their employees qualify for four sessions of support per year. Here’s how OCP can support you and your team:

• 0800 377 990: OCP has an experienced team that is used to responding to an initial contact, assessing the urgency and developing an understanding of the employee’s requirements. Always answered by an actual person 24/7, 365 days per year. An OCP responder will call back if the caller has called after hours or on a public holiday.

• myocp.app: A simple 4-step online booking process – no downloads or updates required. These are actioned on the next business day. Select MTA as the organisation and mention your business name in the message.

• www.ocp.co.nz/contact: Complete the Contact Form to let us know your requirements. This will be actioned on the next business day by one of our experienced responders.

• The employee can choose a location, gender of counsellor, counsellor speciality, in person or telehealth sessions and the time that actually suits them.

Support and Services Available

• Qualified Psychological and Counselling Support: Professional and registered support for your staff. Our team consists of Counsellors, Psychologists, Mental Health Nurses, Social Workers, Psychotherapists, Life Coaches and Rongoā Māori practitioners.

• Financial and Money Management: Employees can access independent financial guidance whether it be to help with concerns regarding debt or planning for the future.

• Personal Legal Advice: Employees can access personal legal advice to assist with navigating difficult times.

• Confidentiality: A fully confidential service ensuring privacy. We will never release your name without your written permission.

• Duty of Care Follow Up Calls within 7–14 days: After an employee has contacted OCP to access support, OCP Head Office will follow up within 7 - 14 days of the initial contact to ensure the process has gone smoothly or to offer to assist with the process if required.

• Manager Assist Line - 0800 770 300: Our phone-based service is the perfect support system for organisational leaders facing everyday management issues, onsite support and training. This assistance can also be accessed by our usual OCP 0800 number also.

Reaching out for support can be really tough, but it’s often the most important first step. This type of support is meant to help you early on and is usually short-term. It aims to remove the obstacles that make it hard to get help when life gets challenging.

Taking that step to ask for help can be powerful, and it can also make a positive difference for those around you. If you’re thinking about seeking support, now is a great time to do it. It can help you feel more like yourself again.

OCP makes it easy to get this support. It’s completely confidential and free for you, thanks to our partnership with MTA.

“Let us help fix

those raised eyebrows.”

Get your customers back on the road faster and get paid for your hard work. With over 50 MTF Finance offices nationwide, simply jump on mtf.co.nz , choose your nearest office and ask them to help your customer, pronto.

Your local MTF Finance office can offer same-day approval without phone queues or middlemen.

mtf.co.nz

Used tyres live on under Kiwi kids’ feet

It’s been a long road for Tyrewise to get to the finish line, but the tyre stewardship scheme has finally made it with the collection of endof-life tyres this month.

But what happens once they’re out the workshop door?

That’s where Matta comes in - one of several businesses taking what was once a waste product and an environmental headache and giving it a new life, in some cases several lives.

Otaki-based Matta produces playground mats and surfaces from recycled plastic. Used tyres come in to the process for their safety surfacing solutions for playgrounds, exercise and commercial areas.

Matta managing director Dylan Matthews says on average the company recycles around 800,000kg of tyre buffings each year.

Buffings are when the used tyre is broken down into a powder or

in production and supports a circular economy, he says, while offering the company a competitive advantage.

“The product can be recycled repeatedly and using recycled tyre rubber offers a social licence to operate,” Dylan says.

The shock pads are in use throughout New Zealand, he says.

Local councils use them in public playgrounds and many schools use them as a base in playgrounds.

Pioneering waste

Matta founder Murray Scott is a true pioneer of recycling. He saw an opportunity back in 1983 to divert plastic waste from landfills and use it to create a whole new manufacturing process to generate safety surfacing products for a multitude of uses.

“The first injection moulding was carried out on hired equipment, with mixes made in humble blenders on gravel floors,” Dylan says.

After 12 years of pioneering plastic recycling, Murray and his son, Tim Scott, then founded Matta with a mission to turn waste PVC and rubber into a new generation of safety surfacing.

And it’s not only end-of-life tyres going into the mix but road cones, deflated pool toys and gumboots. Since Matta has been operating, Dylan estimates they’ve turned more than 60m kg of waste plastic and rubber otherwise destined for landfill into highly durable and safe surfacing products.

From its tiny Otaki beginnings Matta has expanded worldwide and can be found in the likes of a children’s playgrounds in California, the United Kingdom, Australia, while locally it has become the most recognisable surface in playgrounds around the country.

In 2022 the company took home the award for Excellence in Sustainability ExportNZ ASB Wellington Export Awards 2022.

shredded substance and which come in various grades.

“We use it in our shock pads that go underneath the playground surface tiles that we make. Those shock pads are 75 percent rubber which is all from recycled tyres,” he says.

The system they use binds the buffings to form a new product that is flexible and durable, and the beauty of used tyres is it minimises the use of virgin materials

A playground in Upper Hutt featuring a flexible Matta surface.

Bicentennial Park in Australia uses Matta surface created in Otaki.

Matta managing director Dylan Matthews.

Used tyres from the Tyrewise scheme will go into making buffings.

GRANT APPLICATIONS OPEN

'Visual effects' of service station tell RMA story

Grants are available in the automotive, transport and logistics, drilling, mining and quarrying, and gas industries, seeking to provide a positive impact on learners and the learning environment

Nearly $900,000 granted to date

As an MP and Civil Engineer, I have an interesting set of portfolios that take me to many remote parts of New Zealand - Energy, Resources, Infrastructure and RMA reform. I drive to places where people drill, dig and mine, and I often travel a long way on remote roads to get there. Subaru tell me my Outback could get up to 900km on a tank of petrol, but due to the amount of lead in my foot that is highly unlikely so we assume drivers will need to stop for petrol or diesel every 500-600km.

As the economy grows back from the recession left by Labour there will be demand for new service stations because Kiwis need to get places and they need fuel to get there. The existing planning system however, makes it very difficult, expensive and time consuming to get permission to build, and even impossible if an applicant doesn’t pass RMA tests.

An insider told me about a perfect location for a new service station planned next to a roadhouse on a State Highway. How wrong! A council planner concerned about “site contamination”, destroying “wetlands”, and the “visual effects” from the fuel price sign next to the highway and told them it was a no-go, “non-complying” in planning-speak.

Building a service station on your own property to service customers you hope to attract shouldn’t require permission if it is done well. For decades cars parked outside the roadhouse leaked oil onto the ground, so building a service station will get

that cleaned up and a concrete hardstand will stop it happening again. The overgrown drain is not a wetland and would be replaced with a modern stormwater system including oil and water separators. Displaying fuel prices is required by law, no matter what visual effects a planner might be worried about.

Empowering Kiwis to take a punt and invest time, care, and capital into their land is how we open the door to prosperity. Whether it’s building a back yard retaining wall or a new service station, we must shift from precautionary to permissive, and get rid of the absurdity of navigating new consents and conditions for things we’ve done many times before and done well.

Last week I announced, beside Chris Bishop, that the Government is replacing the RMA with two laws based on property rights, a core commitment in the ACT-National coalition agreement. Putting property rights at the centre of resource management means ditching rules that invite every Tom, Dick, and Harry to vexatiously object to peaceful use and development of private property.

It is now official Government policy with a series of dates by when legislation will be drafted, introduced to Parliament, and passed into law. From 2026 your private property rights will be restored!

• Simon Court is an ACT MP and is the Under-Secretary to the Minister for RMA Reform.

Simon Court

Smart and natty BMW i4 eDrive

Generally you’d say no to the base model but in this case the newly added i4 eDrive35 may well be the star of the range.

What’s the most critical aspect of car dynamics? Chassis rigidity?

Adaptive damping? Rear wheel steering? None of these, in my opinion.

I’d choose weight split. No matter the weight or height of the vehicle, if there’s an even split of mass between the front and rear axles, then there’s every chance that that vehicle will handle at least respectably.

But what I hadn’t realised was the effect of ballast. As we drive more EVs the effect of a battery pack slung low between the axles becomes readily apparent. Even some of the least expensive electric

cars, like the MG4, can rail around corners in quite startling fashion. What happens then when you get one of the masters of chassis dynamics, with plenty of experience in electrification, producing an executive offering that happens to also be electric?

You get the likes of the BMW i4 M50 which we thought was better buying than the M5 at $137,900 back in 2022. We briefly mentioned at the time that there was also an i4 eDrive40 available for almost $30k less.

Since then the line-up has expanded and now there’s this i4 eDrive35, which retails for $98,900. That’s $16k less than the i4 eDrive40 that we’ve not driven.

If I had to summarise my impressions of the 35, I’d say it

is the EV with the best ride and handling set-up I have ever experienced.

It’s not without its faults; room in the back isn’t tremendous, although it’s more the access per se that’s tricky. The reason for this is that it’s built on an ICE platform, not bespoke EV architecture.

And the widescreen infotainment system can be a bit distracting. However, seat heaters and temp adjustment are one touch away and once you get used to it, changing between audio channels is simple enough.

Don’t ask the hired help to do it because she’s AWOL. There is, however, a head-up display. We presume that’s an extra because it doesn’t seem to be on the list of standard equipment.

But the instruments are configurable, and have most of the relevant data is to hand. And there’s adaptive cruise with BMW’s smart adaptive regen. Don’t even think about using the low, medium or high regen settings you’ll find somewhere in touchscreen submenus, eventually.

You don’t need to anyway because there’s a B option to D at the shift lever; just alternate between those. The B invokes max regen and is akin to single-pedal driving.

In Eco Pro mode it coasts in sublime fashion too.

Out of range?

We doubt you’ll ever achieve range of 490km (NEDC) unless perhaps you only drive in town at speeds of 50km/h or less. Even then the WLTP figure of 410km for the 64kWh pack is probably more like it.

But driving like that would be such a real waste in a vehicle like this. At pick up with a full charge it read 390km but we drove mainly on rural roads in which case think closer to 300km of range.

BMW reckons on mean energy use 16 to 19kWh/100km. We saw that easily enough just drifting along – at times it was in the low 16s – but more enthusastic use of the go pedal takes things to 20 or so.

Still pretty decent, given its performance. Having a slick Cd of 0.24 must help inordinately.

Sedan with decent boot opening?

There are a couple of other aspects about this car you should be aware of. At first glance it looks fairly much like a BMW 3 Series, only the rear is more coupe-like so you’re thinking BMW 4 Series, only this has four doors. So you’re thinking Gran Coupe or some such. I know, it’s easy to become lost in model complexity with some of the German car makers. But all the i4s are four doors. Think of them as a four-door liftbacks because at the rear is a powered fifth door that lifts up like a regular hatch. Instead of that mean little sedan maw, you get proper access to a decent sized luggage compartment (470-1290L) that also has an underfloor area for your emergency charger.

Only you don’t need that because anyone who buys an electric BMW is gifted a Gen 3

BMW wallbox. And with that you can recharge the 66kWh battery pack overnight.

Other sensible items

A couple of other smart features. It has this natty proximity key that unlocks the vehicle as you approach, relocks it as you walk away. Less natty is a traffic sign recognition system that bongs once if you exceed a certain limit.

I dived into the infotainment screen (nicely angled towards the driver) to cancel this but it still chimed away regardless.

This cruises at highway speeds effortlessly. Honestly, this is more than enough performance unless you just must have that neck snapping acceleration.

You do get a bigger 84kWh battery pack with the other models but that’s just more weight to drag around, innit? As it is, the kerb weight is 2065kg for this, not so as you’d know it to drive.

BMW rates conventional performance, 0-100, as 6sec. But both runs we undertook were under

this, with a best of 5.67sec, an overtake needing 3.5sec.

And stopping distances reflect the fact this weighs in the wrong side of 2.0 tonnes at 34.3m. So all good on those fronts.

If you really want more, the M50 delivers respective figures of 3.6 and 2.1sec, and the 100-0 distance is 2m shorter. But the purity of the eDrive35 rear drive dynamics is something else again.

Weight split

Look under the bonnet and all you see is a shroud, not of the Turin variety but plastic. No frunk here. Beneath that is mainly air, and some electrics.

The motor is sited over the rear axle which imbues the car with a 45/55 f/r weight split. That’s midway between a mid-engined car’s 40/60 and an ICE-powered BMW with ‘ideal’ 50/50 split.

We say 45/55 for a rear-drive car is better. For example, there’s one 90-degree reference corner we use a fair bit that’s sighted all the way through.

Only special cars, mid-engined exotics, can round it up cleanly at 100km/h.

The i4 managed that, albeit with a little squealing so it was on the limit, but stayed within its lane. Moreover, it dispensed with a range of other fave corners with utter disdain. For under $100k, we’d say this may be the ultimate driving machine.

It’s not just the weight balance and cornering creds it gets right either. Amazingly this doesn’t have adaptive damping. Suspension is fixed and the ride borders on sumptuous.

That means bumps midcorner can throw it off line on occasion but this is so stuck with its PZero rubber and brilliant weight balance that it just shrugs it off and carries on regardless.

Just imagine how good it will be when BMW gives it a bespoke electric chassis. And the rear seat accommodations will balloon as well. That will be truly something. Price

$98,600

210kW, 400Nm 67kWh 389km single-speed auto, RWD 15.8kWh/100km 0g/km 5.67sec

3.49sec (100.62m) 34.32m

ABS, ESP

AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB

470-1290L

750kg (1600kg braked)

24 months, 30,000km

5yrs, 100,000km

4 Stars (2022) 2065kg (claimed)

Blast from the Past

Every month we revisit pages from Radiator's history.

Racing to the top

From a young age, Luke Brown's life was filled with the hum of engines and the thrill of speed. Growing up with a father who was a mechanic and a speedway racer, Luke naturally gravitated toward the world of cars. "I was always around cars, whether it was road cars or speedway cars. It just felt like a natural progression for me," Luke recalls.

As he matured, his passion for the automotive world only deepened. Working alongside his father and eventually racing in speedway himself, Luke knew that his future lay in the industry.

Luke started working at Penrose Motors five years ago and hasn’t looked back.

He has now completed MITO’s New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 3 and 4) and was recently awarded a 2024 MITO and Inspiring Futures Foundation Business Skills scholarship. "It was really awesome to win that. I was pretty humbled. I've always wanted to have my own business, and this seemed like

a natural step forward."

Grant, Luke's supervisor, has witnessed firsthand the qualities that set Luke apart. "He strives to do the absolute best," Grant says. "Whether it's his presentation, his racing, or his work ethic, he never accepts average. Luke always strives to do everything at the highest level."

Luke's recent promotion to foreman is a testament to his leadership abilities and commitment to excellence. "His team leadership skills have really come to the forefront," Grant notes. "When people see his work ethic and the standards he sets, it lifts the whole shop."

With Luke now in a leadership position where he can influence and guide others, he’s taking what he’s learning from the programme and applying it to his workplace. "We've got older staff, younger apprentices, and people from different cultures. It's been quite rewarding to figure out how to get the best out of everyone, using different strategies to connect with different people," he explains.

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For Grant, Luke's development is not just about one individual's success but also about the future of the trade in New Zealand. "People are initially cautious about taking on new apprentices. They’re learning and they make mistakes - they’re only human. But we have to look at the bigger picture. It's important for the future of our trade to train our own people.”

Through it all, Luke remains grounded, valuing the support and knowledge of his colleagues and encourages anyone starting out in the industry to take advantage of that experience. "People are always willing to help and offer their advice and skills. You can't beat the knowledge from someone who's been doing it for years. Mistakes are going to happen, but don't be afraid to ask for help."

Future-proof your career and apply for one of the 2025 MITO and Inspiring Futures Foundation scholarships! Applications open in October and close in December.

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Un-adding AdBlue

Recently, the LVVTA office was asked about the removal of a factory-fitted diesel exhaust fluid system, which injects a urea-based solution into the exhaust stream of a diesel engine. This setup plays a role in the Selective Catalytic Reduction System, which is part of a suite of technologies intended to reduce the number of pollutants expelled by a diesel engine. It does, however, add a layer of complexity to a vehicle, and depending on the sort of use the vehicle undergoes, can be troublesome to maintain. For this reason, we are asked every so often about removing the system from the vehicle, and the legalities around this.

Often, such systems are known collectively as AdBlue®, which is actually a registered trademark of the Verband der Automobilindustrie e. V. (VDA) – an association of German auto manufacturers. However, like Hoover and Sellotape, AdBlue is rapidly becoming a generic trademark for any diesel exhaust fluid or aftertreatment system, so for the purposes of this article we’ll refer to it as such. What does it do?

A system for reducing the harmful pollutants of a diesel vehicle’s exhaust, Aqueous Urea Solution 32 (AUS 32) or ‘AdBlue’ is a fluid comprised mostly of distilled water and artificial urea injected under pressure into a diesel vehicle’s exhaust, to react with the waste gases created by the combustion process. There is a common misconception that the urea component is derived from agricultural waste (i.e., animal urine), but it’s mostly manufactured from natural gas. The fluid is injected into the vehicle’s exhaust stream, where the water component is turned into steam by the high temperatures of the exhaust. The ammonia component in the urea causes a chemical reaction, changing oxides of nitrogen in the exhaust stream into water and nitrogen. Oxides of nitrogen from motor vehicle exhaust, through their interaction with other parts of the atmosphere, are one of the main contributors to photochemical smog (which is the yellowish haze usually visible over Auckland City if you’re sitting in a boat on the Waitemata Harbour).

Diesel vehicles are particularly prone to creation of oxides of nitrogen, as these are a by-product of high combustion temperatures (and compressionignition engines naturally have higher combustion temperatures than a spark-ignition engine). To add to this, a side effect of the tuning of modern diesels

(which, unless under load, generally run leaner than their stoichiometric value, to reduce fuel consumption and the amount of unburnt hydrocarbons being released into the atmosphere) is increased combustion chamber temperatures, which further exacerbate the issue of oxides of nitrogen being created as part of the combustion process. So, in addition to a diesel particulate filter (to, as the name suggests, filter particulates from the exhaust stream of a diesel vehicle), manufacturers are turning to diesel exhaust fluid systems to meet increasingly stringent emissions standards. As mentioned previously though, these systems can be complex, and troublesome depending on the use of the vehicle. Consequently, there is a growing movement among vehicle owners toward removing the factory-fitted AdBlue system from their vehicles.

What does the Rule say about it?

The Land Transport Rule Vehicle Exhaust Emissions 2007 makes no specific mention of an AdBlue system. However, unless it is over 20 years old, a vehicle needs to meet specified emissions standards when it enters the NZ fleet, which as of May 2024 is Euro 5 (or various equivalents) – whether the vehicle is new or used. The AdBlue system helps to ensure that the vehicle meets this standard. Once it is in service however, the requirements are less stringent – the Warrant of Fitness VIRM states:

‘The exhaust emissions system or exhaust control equipment of a vehicle (other than a group L vehicle or a class MA or MC motorsport vehicle) first certified

for entry into service on or after 1 May 2008 and manufactured on or after 1 January 1990 must not be modified so as to prevent the vehicle from being able to pass a prescribed metered emissions test.’

On the face of it, this is unlikely to become an LVV issue – changes to a vehicle’s emissions system aren’t something that needs LVV certification (the one caveat being that removal of an AdBlue system may involve changing or re-chipping an ECU, which is covered separately in the VIRM Threshold). However, because we weren’t sure what the answer was, we asked NZTA. They said in essence that once in-service, a vehicle does not need to continue to meet the standard it did when it was new, but it does need to pass a prescribed metered emissions test. What does the prescribed metered emissions test measure?

This has been covered in previous Radiator articles, but essentially the metered emissions test measures particulates in a vehicle’s exhaust stream – for a petrol engine, this is specific to carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, but for a diesel this measures opacity. What the VIRM effectively says is ‘you can’t modify a

vehicle’s emissions system in a way that will prevent it from passing a metered emissions test’ – or, to read it another way, ‘you can modify a vehicle’s emissions system, as long as it can still pass a metered emissions test’.

The main issue here is that an AdBlue system has little to any effect on what the current metered emissions test measures – so, while the vehicle must be able to pass the metered emissions test, whether the AdBlue system is fitted or not is very unlikely to affect this. We went back to NZTA, and the response was essentially that the VIRM (and the Rule) only mentions the metered emissions test as a way of ensuring continued compliance, so this is what must happen – the Rule says you can’t modify a vehicle in a way that won’t pass the metered emissions test, therefore, because the vehicle’s emissions system has been modified, it must undergo the metered emissions test to prove that it can still pass. Basically, the metered emissions test is currently the only tool in the toolbox when it comes to measuring emissions.

It’s not the tidiest solution, but it’s a solution nonetheless!

Toolbox

A tough topic: When instinct fails you

Date: Start: End:

By Tony Hutchinson, HSE Connect CEO.

Something caught my eye recently and got me thinking. There are times when your instincts kick in and save you. And there are other times when instinct can get you seriously injured or killed. With a multitude of hazards in every workshop, many of which might crop up in an instant and trigger an instinctual reaction, consciously confronting these hazards – and the instinctive reaction to them – is a good idea.

Let’s start with a basic principle when driving a vehicle at reasonable speed. If a cat, dog or deer dashes in front of the vehicle, what’s the most common reaction?

Invaluable lessons for the workshop

Let’s bring it back into the workshop. Common situations involving potential instinctual reactions include dropping something sharp or heavy, and putting a foot if not in it, then under it. Of course, you’re wearing your steelcaps (of course), but that blade or hammer could still do some damage.

dangerous – say, a light or a mobile phone falling into a moving fanbelt – or gets in front of a moving vehicle. Even worse, nobody wants to suffer the consequences of ANY injury, whether through a reaction, or anything else.

Tony’s top tips

BEWARE

Details

If it is you or the object –sorry, but it is the object It’s swerving, which is a very bad idea. Swerving at speed is a major cause of rollover accidents and head-ons, and swerving quite often happens when unexpectedly encountering an animal (or even an inanimate object, like discarded fast food packaging).

This is your instinct kicking in, and it will be stronger if you’re a dog or cat lover.

But it could also be deadly; all too often, someone has a situation like this and might not live to tell the tale. The fact of it is you should maintain your course, apply the brakes if possible, and when it comes down to the safety of whatever you’ve encountered vs your own, yours comes first.

Another risk is a rolling vehicle. Our instinct makes us want to jump in front of it and use pure manpower to halt it. Now, this is extremely sad, but this can and does happen. And it can and does kill. Back in 2016, the NZ Herald reported on a man who tried stopping his vehicle from rolling away on a steep driveway. He was lucky to survive.

Others haven’t been quite as fortunate. In one case, a truck driver noticed his rig rolling. Instinctively getting in front saw the slow-moving but massive vehicle end the man’s life. Make instinctual reactions part of your Toolbox Talks

As already mentioned, overcoming instinct isn’t easy. Our brains are wired for ‘fight or flight’, and especially in the workshop, our base instincts are further reinforced by working with expensive property belonging to customers. We don’t want that BMW rolling down the driveway, in other words.

further investigation: www.hseconnect.co/contact-us or call HSE Connect on 022 643 1832

Overcoming that instinct isn’t easy. It requires conscious effort and training. Even then, you’re never 100% sure how you’ll react when the time comes.

But here’s the thing. If you think the car is expensive, it won’t have a patch on the WorkSafe investigations bound to follow if someone instinctively grabs at something

• Be aware that your instincts could get you in trouble!

• Training and reminders and more training and reminders are necessary to prevent your body and brain doing what comes naturally. Even then, there’s no guarantee of not ‘doing something stupid’ (it isn’t stupid – but not being aware of the risk and working on training it away might be).

• Support one another. Discuss instincts at Toolbox Talks, and whenever else it might occur.

• Record and retain your H&S records always. No records mean it didn’t happen.

Peace of mind, thanks to HSE Connect.

Built specifically with WorkSafe in mind, HSE Connect’s easy-to-use software already provides peace of mind to hundreds of MTA members. Members get discounted pricing and free set-up. Find out more here: www.hseconnect.co/mta or call HSE Connect on 022 643 1832

Instinct won’t always save you.

Let’s all go home safely every day.

Need help? Go to www.hseconnect.co/contact-us or call HSE Connect on 022 643 1832

yulene.knight@mta.org.nz prabha.raman@mta.org.nz

A well designed process is the key to succession

As a business owner, you may face a challenging decision on succession at some point in your life. It is important to give this a serious thought as it is one that affects your family, your employees, your customers, your creditors, your financial plan and most importantly your legacy. Succession is inevitable and it is prudent to plan it well ahead to avoid costly mistakes and undue stress.

Succession planning is about taking a series of wellconsidered steps and sticking to a well-designed process. Here are some tips:

1. Talk to family and close friends: It helps to talk to family and friends who you trust about your plans. They may have ideas that might help you. It also prepares them for the impending changes.

2. Set realistic goals: List certain tangible goals with respect to succession – are you looking at

closing or selling the business or just taking a back seat? If you take a back seat, how will you still be involved? What are your financial goals? Know your financial obligations to your staff.

3. Know and calculate your tangible value: Assess your assets versus liabilities and then calculate sale price. Prepare an employee liability schedule for each staff member that contains costs associated with staff as follows:

a. Contracted weekly hours and wages.

b. Length of service.

c. Annual leave entitlement and accrual.

d. Sick leave entitlement.

e. Notice payments.

f. Any other overhead costs.

4. Set a time frame: Finalising an exit plan can take a very long time as it involves winding up your life’s work; however, it is important to set a time frame and milestones.

5. Get professional advice: The process of planning succession can be overwhelming and very complicated. Getting pertinent professional advice can make it easier for you to not only navigate the various stages but also be assured that you are not breaching any fundamental requirements. Review employment agreements to understand your obligations to staff.

6. Write your plan down: Chart out the process and get it reviewed by professional advisors, family, and close friends.

7. Review your plan and put it into action: Track your progress, make changes where required. Be agile and open-minded. Follow through. Have people who you can talk with to help you manage your emotions.

a. Communicate with your staff within a reasonable time frame to help them with digesting the news and ask any questions. This will also help them plan their next steps.

b. If you are selling the business, negotiate for the new owner to take over the staff so their

employment continues. If you are closing the business, give staff adequate closure notice so they can start looking for new jobs. Consult with them to come up with a plan to ensure adequate staffing until end of operations.

c. Adhere to the terms agreed in the individual employment agreements. Review each agreement and do not assume that the terms under which staff are covered are the same for everyone.

d. Act with empathy and provide clarity. Bear in mind that as much as this is a big decision for you, it may have a massive impact on the lives of your staff members.

e. Offer EAP support as they may be anxious. If staff are going to be made redundant, you must start redundancy consultation and you must comply with all employment legislation. Seek the help of HR experts and lawyers if needed, to assist you.

MTA is here to support members through the process. We have developed a very simple and easy-tonavigate Retiring Members Guide, which you can request from us as part of your membership.

If you need specific HR advice, please email us at hr@mta.org.nz or call us on 0800 001 144.

Building a better workforce

It’s vital the redesign in vocational education and training (VET) supports the automotive workforce to bridge the gap between education and employment. As the trades industries continue to face growing skills shortages, the role of vocational training in producing job-ready employees has never been more critical.

Industry-led and endorsed training has emerged as a crucial element in the strategy for economic recovery. The alignment of vocational education with industry requirements allows apprentices to gain practical skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace. This benefits not only the apprentice but also the employer, who can tailor training to fill specific skills gaps.

Prior to the pre-trade classrooms of recent times, the 8000 hours and work-based learning models, such as apprenticeships, offered a unique advantage by integrating on-the-job experience with structured learning. This ensures that an employee enters the workforce with the hands-on experience and industry-relevant knowledge that employers require, without student loan debt. In addition, if an apprentice left employers had confidence that they could replace the employee with an equally

Loretta.thompson@mta.org.nz

capable person, rather than having to start from scratch and retrain.

Although the programme framework of today is far from the old 8000-hours curriculum, the structure of this system supporting employers still has relevance. This is an important consideration as industry addresses the redesign of vocational education and training this year.

Funding challenges

The consultation in reference to the proposal for funding could bring challenges to the sector. Funding across different education pathways, such as full-time classroom learning versus on-thejob apprenticeships, highlights concern that it may shift more resources towards providerbased classroom education at the expense of work-based apprenticeship learning. Advisory groups, particularly in the automotive sector, have expressed concern that this could weaken employer-led apprenticeship programmes, which are critical to developing the skilled workforce that we need.

Employers are the industry trainers; they provide a model for how training can be better aligned with industry. Programmes need to remain industry-led. They need to support employers to invest in their

future workforces, helping to create a pipeline of talent that supports both short-term productivity and long-term growth.

One of the strengths of vocational training is the direct involvement of automotive employers in shaping programmes and learning outcomes through the verification of skills in the workplace. This ensures that learners are gaining the skills that are most in demand, while also keeping employers directly connected to the education that serves their trade.

As New Zealand continues to navigate economic challenges, the importance of vocational training in developing a skilled and adaptable workforce cannot be overstated. Work-based learning models that align education with industry needs are essential for addressing the skills shortage and ensuring that New Zealand remains competitive on the global stage.

The success of these initiatives will depend on continued collaboration between employers and the Government. With the right support and investment, vocational training can play a key role in driving economic recovery and preparing New Zealanders for the jobs of the future.

Next up: VIRM amendments

After many busy months of working on the Safe Operating Practices (SOPs) for technicians in relation to vehicles with high-voltage propulsion, our next area of work will be with the Vehicle Inspection Requirement Manual (VIRM).

In discussions between MTA and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Waka Kotahi, they are looking to find either certain inspection rules within the current VIRM that are not fit for purpose in today’s modern motoring age, or any limitations or possible exclusions of the inspection process itself.

We are looking to update the in-service certification (WoF only) VIRM in conjunction with NZTA, and this presents another one of

those important opportunities for members to have their say in what changes or improvements they would like to see.

We need members to let us know what issues they have with a current process or rule, and how it effects the inspection process or the safety of the vehicle. All this will go a long way towards helping with amendments in the current system.

I don’t say this lightly: the more information we can get from members who work with this day to day, week to week, the more strength we can lend to making improvements in the system.

Very soon we will have a portal in MTA’s toolbox for members to enter their areas of concern easily. You will be required to

So don’t sit on the fence – nothing will change if all you do is talk about it and complain. We know we have a mechanism to make a change for the betterment of our industry, so let’s get on board and use it. Glen.mcgarry@mta.org.nz

list the actual rule that you are referencing for clarification, along with the concern or issue you have with the rule, and finally what implementation or change you would like to see, again either to the rule or the inspection process. The intention is to have as much detail as possible so we can talk with NZTA on members’ behalf. I if you have any photos or particular examples of the concern, this will go a long way to getting these changes through.

Look out — fog ahead

One of the ironies of life is that while people like to know what is ahead of them, it’s something we seldom know, like heading into a fog that is hiding its surprises from us.

Recently we made a submission to the government on its Te Pukenga restructure proposal. We do not know what response our submission will engender or even if it considered seriously at all. Until the government responds to the submissions made, we don’t know how to prepare for the next phase. While we like to be prepared to respond, we can’t spend time working out various scenarios until we are clear on the way ahead. The Motor industry is clear on the direction we seek - essentially for industry ownership and governance of vocational training, yet how the government will present this is an unknown currently.

Challenges

Another unknown is the direction the collision repair industry is heading, while some of the challenges are already recognized their impact isn’t. I use two examples here, industry

stewart@collisionrepair.co.nz

consolidation and ADAS. Industry consolidation reflects the trend of the last twenty years of fewer businesses in collision repair, the decline is due to business closures, purchase of businesses by other businesses or moving into specialist markets (auto restoration, caravans). The trend itself is clear, fewer, and larger businesses, exacerbated by the influence of insurance company strategy. The unknown is how this will eventually look in New Zealand. In the USA, in certain states, you find a single consolidated repairer in a region as the smaller operators were either gobbled up or closed. In Canada 80 percent of collision repairs are done by around 6 multi-site businesses, a mature example of the consolidation trend. Additions to the collision market, such as vehicle manufacturers setting up their own repair networks may increase the numbers of shops in the industry initially, but overseas experiences show they increase industry consolidation. This is a fog we are heading into, with known and unknown outcomes for individual collision repairers.

MVR annual reporting due next month

Tech integral

The next event with an unknown outcome is ADAS. The level of autonomous technologies influence over the operation of vehicles continues to increase at pace and are an integral part of the vehicle operation. Any damage to the vehicle could result in the safety systems not working correctly – a compromised vehicle. The sophistication of these systems means any damage no matter how small, could impair the safety of the vehicle. Previously the safety of the vehicle would not have been compromised to the extent the newer systems can be. Additionally, the upskilling and training required to comply the vehicle to the manufacturers’ specifications is of a higher level. Who is providing this training, who is validating it and who is doing compliance checking that the ADAS are in fact configured the way they were designed to be. As the criticality of ADAS configuration increases, so does the need that the NZ public knows all vehicles are configured as they should be. Fog ahead indeed.

It’s that time of year again: your annual report for the period from 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2024 is due on 1 November 2024. This requirement stems from the revised terms of use for the Motor Vehicle Register (MVR), following the gazetted changes to Section 241 of the Land Transport Act 1998, effective from 1 November 2022. Motor vehicle traders who are accessing personal information via the MVR for a trade-in assessment or to verify a change of ownership must submit an annual report.

If you are accessing data via NZTA Waka Kotahi’s Motochek website, this is a manual process that you will need to complete and send to the S241 team. Your annual report must contain evidence that clauses 11 to 16 of the terms and conditions have been complied with, a record of staff training done in accordance with the requirements in clauses 9 and 10 over the past 12-month reporting period, along with individual users and their training completed, such an internal

Larry.fallowfield@mta.org.nz

privacy training, and/or Privacy 101, and/or Privacy ABC. Also included must be all actions taken in relation to all instances, or suspected instances, of unauthorised access over the 12-month period, all privacy breaches and breach descriptions, along with any notifications sent to NZTA and the Privacy Commissioner.

If you are using an approved third-party platform to access personal information on the MVR, you are still bound by the same requirements; your third-party provider will be capturing this information in the background of the programme. If you are uncertain on how to access that report, contact your provider to ensure you are ready to supply the report on 1 November 2024.

The report must be sent to S241@nzta.govt.nz on 1 November 2024 to ensure you are compliant.

If you are an Autocheck customer, Autocheck and MTA are making this process seamless. If you have given your approval to Autocheck, this process will happen

automatically, which is one less hassle for you or your staff to remember or manage. This year it is vitally important to complete and submit your annual report on 1 November 2024, or as close to that date as possible. Last year NZTA worked with MTA and was lenient, given it was the first year, and there were some areas that were worked through. This will not be the case this year; if you are non-compliant then you and potentially all other MTA members could have your access revoked because of your non-compliance.

If your access is revoked, you will need to reapply as an individual, with NZTA saying it generally allows up to eight weeks from the time of receiving a completed application to provide you with a draft decision, plus a further 14plus days for consultation and approval.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at larry.fallowfield@ mta.org.nz.

RUC for petrol vehicles

Mathew.alderdice@mta.org.nz

When the law’s an ass – tell us

Petrol vehicles may be taxed with road user charges (RUCs) as early as 2027, as the Government begins a consultation period to potentially overhaul land transport funding. With all the proposed changes by the current Government, MTA will be working hard and engaging with the Minister of Transport and NZTA to ensure a considered approach from industry’s perspective is factored into any legislation or system changes Action plan

The Government has allocated a record $32.9 billion investment in New Zealand’s transport network through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) and stated that this will create a more reliable and efficient transport network that boosts economic growth and productivity.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced a roadmap for moving all light vehicles to the RUC system and away from the current petrol tax.

According to the new Revenue Action Plan, legislation would be progressed next year with a "possible" start date for the petrol car shift-over set for 2027. Improvements would be made to the system through 2026 in preparation.

Brown said the transition would ensure all road users – regardless of their vehicles – were contributing

fairly to road upkeep.

"When users pay for a service, they aren't just participants. They become customers, and customers naturally expect and demand the highest level of service."

It was not clear when or how petrol taxes might be phased out, given the Government has already signalled a 12-cent tax increase in 2027 to fuel excise tax. The current RUC system would require a major upgrade and 2027 appears to be an ambitious date to transition the New Zealand petrol fleet to RUC. The proposed change to RUC for all vehicles is a significant system change across multiple stakeholders. How the RUC will be tracked is yet to be decided, but the Government has indicated an electronic system with units in cars measuring their road use. However, concerns regarding this system come to mind over vehicles being tracked and what the data is being used for.

Tolling as a revenue stream for the NLTP Cabinet is also planning to make changes to tolling legislation next year, Brown said, in line with the shift towards a user-pays approach.

"We expect that NZTA will consider tolling to construct and maintain all new roads, including the Roads of National Significance

(RoNS), and that the Government will support all recommendations," he said.

NZTA would soon begin consultation on tolling proposals for the Manawatū Gorge and two RoNS: Takitimu North Link, and Ōtaki to north of Levin.

"These corridors offer significant benefits for Kiwis and freight, and it makes sense for those who benefit to contribute towards these projects," Brown said.

Brown said the existing funding model was clearly not fit for purpose and needed significant reform to provide certainty for the funding of infrastructure.

"The NLTF is under increasing pressure and is not sustainable.

Taxpayers have had to top up the fund and take on more debt just to pay for the infrastructure they need."

The Government has also signalled the increased use of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), and targeted rates or 'value capture' to fund infrastructure.

The National-ACT coalition agreement included a commitment to "work to replace fuel excise taxes with electronic road user charging for all vehicles, starting with electric vehicles”.

In March, the Government passed legislation requiring light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids to pay RUCs.

The coalition Government, now a year into its term, has been particularly vocal about infrastructure, transport, and regulation – the latter being most evident with the establishment of the Ministry for Regulation. MTA is working more closely than ever with relevant ministries and ministers. As we approach the end of the year, it is opportune to those connections to address unnecessary and ineffective regulations affecting members.

With the Government seeking to enhance regulatory efficiency by cutting red tape, MTA is representing the automotive industry to ensure our voices are heard.

The Government’s commitment to assess the effectiveness of existing laws is a step we hope to see all departments and agencies follow. Now we can identify specific areas within our industry where regulations could be enhanced and streamlined.

Last year, we raised some of these challenges with the incoming Government through our manifesto, Driving New Zealand Forward. Since then, we have identified even more areas that have become burdensome for members, offering disproportionately small benefits. Some examples of the laws that we believe need closer scrutiny are:

• Compliance burden and ineffectiveness of Section 241: Under Section 241 of

the Land Transport Act, all users of the Motor Vehicle Register (MVR) are required to annually report every instance of access to the MVR and the reasons for accessing it. Section 241 imposes a significant compliance burden on MTA members and all businesses that use the MVR. This requirement serves little practical purpose, as the Government already collects this information when the MVR is accessed. Moreover, those who misuse the MVR are unlikely to create a paper trail of evidence.

• Challenges with abandoned vehicles: The current laws surrounding abandoned vehicles have created uncertainty for repairers when the owner doesn’t return. The law requires the repairer to take reasonable care of the vehicle unless the owner explicitly states they have abandoned it. While it is possible to get the court to declare a vehicle abandoned, the cost is prohibitive, especially for low-value cars. This leads to situations where repairers have stored vehicles for years. The Government needs to explore potential reforms to address this issue.

• Consumer Guarantees Act and motor vehicle sales: The Consumer Guarantees Act

is the key consumer protection law, but in the case of motor vehicle sales, it can be overly rigid. We have seen cases where the dealer is liable to refund the full purchase price of a vehicle, even when the car has been used for more than a year. We want an amendment to the Consumer Guarantees Act that reflects the uniqueness of motor vehicles, ensuring fair treatment for both consumers and dealers.

• WOF and COF regime: There are long-standing issues with the Vehicle Inspection Requirements Manual (VIRM), and we are already working on these. We are keen to hear members’ views on the regime. Additionally, it has been raised that the inability to charge a fee for re-checks is an area that should be reviewed.

As those on the front lines of the industry, you have the best understanding of the rules and restrictions that may be hindering your work. As your industry body, we have the opportunity to raise these concerns with the Government, and we want to ensure your voices are heard. If you believe you’re battling laws, rules, and regulations that impose unreasonable burdens on your business, please share your experiences with us by emailing James.McDowall@mta.org.nz.

Maya Polaschek

Keep control of your customers

alan.barr@mta.org.nz

New vehicles

Have you ever had a customer call you after you’ve completed work on their vehicle and they complain that it’s broken down and it’s your fault?

Depending on how you handle those sorts of calls, will depend on how well you can retrieve a potentially costly recourse action. Our advice, no matter how emotional the call may be, is to take the matter seriously and listen carefully to the complaint. If a customer is criticising your work, there is either something in it which may be serious – something relatively easy to put right – or absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with your work. Whatever you think, listen conscientiously because this may be your only opportunity to keep control of the situation. Ignoring it may be at your peril, particularly where the vehicle is in transit and you can’t easily access it. Remember, once advised by a customer they have a problem with your work, it is your right to investigate it and put right anything you may have done wrong. Invite them to bring the vehicle to you and if they can’t or won’t, tell them it’s your right to have the opportunity and

that you’ll come and get it. If the breakdown is away from you, ask for the new repairer’s details as you want to call him and discuss the nature of the breakdown. Assure the customer you are interested and do want to help them. Whatever your response, remember it’s exactly that: a response. If you dismiss the customer or your response is perceived negatively, the customer is entitled to have their reported problem investigated by someone else. Should that investigation prove it was a failure of the work you did, your customer can have it repaired and bring the invoice back to you and seek reasonable compensation. Avoid that and keep control of any problem, which until investigated, is potentially yours. It’s usually in “out of town” cases where you can easily lose control, so you must do your best to get the new repairer’s details and contact them. If they’re an MTA member, the mediation team may be able to assist you both with advice, but importantly get the communication started before someone else commits you or your customer to unnecessary

cost. You’ll have to initiate that process; don’t rely on the customer’s new repairer contacting you. In cases we see ending up in a Disputes Tribunal process, the “test” is always how the response from a trader was handled with the consumer. If there’s evidence that the customer didn’t contact you and they’ve gone ahead and had the problem fixed, they won’t be successful. Alternatively, if they did contact you and you made them an offer to investigate, but they ignored you and got it fixed themselves, the case will also be dismissed. However, if there was contact and their complaint was rejected or mistreated by you, then you are sure to be found against. You have to understand consumers only have to give you one opportunity to understand their concern and for you to respond to them. Give the wrong response and you could be in trouble. Don’t let complaints get that far advanced – keep control of every customer claim. If you are not sure about any challenge, call the Mediation Team on 0508 682 633 or fill in our web-based form to discuss your particular situation.

September is the second largest month in 2024 in the new passenger and light commercial vehicle market, seeing 11,775 units registered, an increase of 18 percent or 1,789 units over August 2024, and a 7.9 percent increase over September 2023, albeit still tracking behind at the end of Q324 versus Q3-23 by 16 percent. New passenger vehicle registrations in September 24 is the largest trading month YTD, totalling 8,588 units, up 1,827 units on last month and 438 registrations up on September 2023. It is also the first time in 2024 that new vehicle

registrations have outsold used imports. Company vehicles dominated the month’s registrations, with a 12 percent jump on the YTD average of 54 percent to finish September with 66 percent of the registrations.

New commercial registrations were up 15.5 percent on Sept 2023 with a total 3,187 units, an increase of 428 units, albeit down 38 units on last month. Currently the sector is up 2 percent YTD at the end of Q3-24 verses Q3-23.

Brand and model performance

Toyota had another big jump in September by 925 units over August 2024 to be the only brand to sell over 3,000 units. Ford also had a big jump of 478 units over last month, and Mitsubishi rounded out the top three, also breaking the threefigure mark with an increase of 390 units on August 2023. Toyota’s Rav4 regained the top spot with a massive increase of 631 units over last month to finish with nearly 20 percent of September’s total registrations. Ford Ranger finished up 102 units on August 2024 to secure number two in sales for the month, and the ever-trusty Toyota HiLux dropped back to third, seeing a decrease of 63 units over August 2024.

New Vehicle Motive Power

September 2024 was not a good month for used import passenger and light commercial vehicles, dropping by a whopping 1,006 units over August 2024 to have its lowest month YTD. At the end of Q3-24 the combined sector is down 6,739 units on Q3-23 and 11.8 percent behind last month. It also finished 18 percent behind September 2023 to see the sector tracking 7.7 percent behind YTD versus the same period last year.

Passenger vehicles in September 2024 saw a drop of 965 units over last month to finish with its lowest month of 2024 with only 7,216 registrations, down almost 12 percent on August 2024 and 19 percent on September 2023. Light commercial unit registrations dropped by 41 units on last month to 443. The sector is up at the end of Q3, albeit by only 75 units on Q3-23. Brand and model performance

Toyota was again the brand leader, dropping below 3,000 units to finish the month with 2,890, while Nissan held the second spot and Mazda rounded out the top three. Combined, they dropped 634 unit registrations over last month. Aqua held its top spot again in September 2024, down 53 units to 754 from last month’s 807 units. Toyota Prius held second on the table with 523, down nine units from last month’s 532 registrations, and Toyota Corolla held the third spot, with a 70-unit drop from August 2024 to finish with 259 unit registrations.

Used Vehicle Motive Power

Top 10 Used Import Brands - September 2024

Motorcycles and scooters

The total new road motorcycle and scooter market took a dip in September 2024 to finish Q3 down 450 unit registrations and down 7.3 percent on the same period LYTD. September’s combined 623 units is 32 units behind last month’s 655 units registrations, and is down nearly 16 percent on September 2023.

Brand and model performance

The new over-60cc motorcycle category saw 549 registrations, down 71 units on last month, and in the scooter market there were 74 units registered, down 25 units on August 2024.

Top 15 Used Import Models - September 2024

Honda topped the month, up four units on August 2024, while Yamaha held the number two podium with 78 units, down four units on last month to be 16 percent of the registrations for September 2024. Suzuki came in third, dropping to 63 registrations, and was down by a massive 25 units on last month’s 88 units. Nine of last month’s top 10 brands reappeared this month. They dropped by almost 6 percent on

August 2024 and rounded out the month down 28 registrations. The Honda CT125 range topped the model category for September 2024 with 23 units, up two registrations on last month. The Forza Ciclone and the Kawasaki EX 550 rounded out the number two and number three positions on the podium. They were also the only two other brands that appeared in last month’s top model category seeing an increase, albeit small numbers of eight and two units, respectively.

The 2024 Kawasaki NINJA ZX4RR saw three registrations in September 2024.

Situations vacant

- North Island

Automotive technician/mechanic

TARADALE

TM Autos require an experienced technician/ mechanic. We offer WoFs, services, pre-purchase checks in a well equipped workshop. WoF inspector authority preferred. Hold a full NZ drivers licence, and NZ residency. Email CV to: go.tmautos@gmail. com, or see Matt at TM Auto’s Taradale.

Automotive technician/WoF

TAUPO

Morrell Motors is an award winning, multi-franchise dealership requiring a qualified Automotive Technician to join our team. WoF certificate an advantage. Contact Mark Morrell, mark@morrellmotors.co.nz or phone 021 759 070.

Automotive technician/WoF

TAUPO

We are a busy workshop looking for a mechanic with recognised qualification in the automotive industry or acceptable time served. WoF certificate preferred. Must be a team player with excellent communication skills.

Email CV to: office@mainlandeng.co.nz.

Automotive technician

NAPIER

T M Autos requires a technician. We are a small fully equipped workshop in the centre of Taradale. 3rd year apprentices will be considered. Must have Full NZ drivers licence. Contact: Matt at go.tmautos@gmail.com

Senior technician

TAURANGA

Herbs Vehicle Repairs are in search for a Senior Technician to join our team in our Central Tauranga based workshop. If you are capable of carrying out all types of mechanical repairs in our busy workshop that will keep our customers happy then we would like to hear from you. Contact us at herbstauranga@gmail.com or call 07 577 6535.

WoF Inspector/technician

TAURANGA

Earn more money then you are currently, come and work with us. We offer a family friendly environment. Email: tauranga@midasnz.co.nz. Phone: 021 102 9743

Mechanic

PAPAKURA

Small busy workshop looking for a mechanic with recognised qualification in the automotive industry or acceptable time served. WoF authority a bonus. Great communication skills and able to work under pressure and without supervision essential. Phone Graeme 09 299 9706.

Qualified mechanic

BIRKENHEAD

Busy workshop looking for a qualified mechanic to work on various makes of cars. Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30pm. WoF authority preferred, but not essential. Email CV to birkenheadcarrepairs@xtra.co.nz

Automotive technician

HAVELOCK NORTH

We require a mechanic with WoF authority, not frightened of being busy and can work on a variety of vehicles, be reliable and trustworthy. Email: mcclintockmotors2014@gmail.com if interested along with your c.v.

Automotive technician

NEW PLYMOUTH

A great opportunity for a motivated, qualified technician to join our growing team. You will have a full drivers license, be trade and WoF certified or have the ability to obtain. No weekend work required. Phone: 06 758 3535.

Automotive technician/mechanic HASTINGS

We are Hastings’ VTNZ Certified Repairer. Full NZ drivers licence. NZ or equivalent automotive qualifications. (3rd year apprentices will be considered) Ability to work unsupervised. Email CV to admin@dcautocare.co.nz or contact Dylan 06 878 8138.

Mechanic/WoF Inspector

AUCKLAND

Busy Automotive workshop - Auckland Howick Central. Are seeking a mechanic with any experience. Contact Vlad: 021 261 2604 or email: info@somarservice.co.nz.

Diesel mechanic

WYNDHAM

Enthusiastic diesel injection technician with common rail experience to join a thriving rural garage with a fully equipped diesel fuel injection facility. Generous package to reflect experience, with possibility for future investment into the business. Email: redbarron222@gmail.com or phone 0272 417 614.

Auto technician/WoF Inspector

PAIHIA

Want a job by the sea? We're looking for a qualified auto technician. Great remuneration and relocation support. E: brian@boiam.co.nz or call 029 238 4088

Automotive technician PAHIATUA

We are looking for a motivated, qualified technician to join our small friendly team. A WoF authority is preferred but not essential. Contact Kevin at laskeysauto@xtra.co.nz. or 021 803 238.

Service advisor

PAPAMOA

To ensure customers have an excellent experience, you’ll be a person who is passionate about providing outstanding customer service. Email your CV to jobs@coastalautos.nz.

Automotive tech/WoF Inspector

TE AROHA

Immediate start. Qualified or equivalent experience and WoF authority are required. We offer excellent working conditions. Please email CV to: service@summitmotors.co.nz or call Garth on 021 511 911.

Mechanic TAUPO AREA

Qualified mechanic required for busy workshop. Must be able to work unsupervised. A WoF authority is preferred but not essential. Great team with new, well-equipped workshop. Contact Heather on 027 244 2331.

Qualified Mechanic & WOF

Inspector – WANGANUI

Experienced mechanic wanted Full Time, Monday-Friday.Fun, friendly team working in busy Rural Garage on all automotive/ farm machinery & equipment.Contact Ross 06 342 7827 or email fordellgarage@inspire.net.nz

Qualified mechanic

PORIRUA

Join our busy, friendly team at Porirua Motors. Contact Murray Phone: 04 237-4975 or directly to our workshop. Phone: 04 237-7979.

Mechanic

KUMEU, RODNEY

Small busy workshop seeking a mechanic with recognised qualification. WoF authority a bonus. Great communication skills and ability to work under pressure. Email Mike: admin@ manukaautomotive.co.nz.

Mechanic/WoF inspector –KAIKOHE

Looking for a qualified automotive technician with WoF authority servicing and mechanical repairs. Clean New Zealand driver licence. Phone Richard 09 401 0155 or email CV to office@kaikohepanelbeaters.co.nz.

Automotive Technician

WHANGAREI

This is a wonderful opportunity if you are looking for a positive change in a rural environment surrounded by a wonderful community. Full-time or part-time considered. Please email chevaun@gasmgk.co.nz

Senior technician/ Foreman

PAPAMOA

Work, play and enjoy life on the beach. Relocation costs may be subsidised. For a qualified, 10yrs+ experienced mechanic, we offer competitive pay. Please send CV to jobs@coastalautos.nz.

Product Support Engineer

MASTERTON

AECS Equipment and Technical Support supplies equipment and support to the Automotive Industry across NZ. We are looking for someone to grow into our technical support team. The role could be based anywhere and includes travel and flexible hours. If you want to have passion for what you do, get in touch! For more information on the role please email jodie@aecs.co.nz

Automotive Technician

TE PUNA, TAURANGA

Seeking qualified mechanic for full time or job share role in busy, well established workshop. Email Adrian, service@tepunamotors.co.nz

Qualified Mechanic

TE AWAMUTU, WAIKATO

We are seeking a Qualified Mechanic with their current WOF certificate or be willing to complete a course to obtain WOF Certificate for our busy workshop in Te Awamutu. Hours of work 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday. The successful candidate will need to be reliable with a good work ethic and a can-do attitude, pay attention to detail and be fluent in English both written and oral.

A full NZ driving licence is essential along with a keen interest in the automotive trade. Please apply to: admin@totalautomotiveltd.co.nz

Qualified Mechanic

TE AROHA

We are seeking an automotive mechanic with their WOF ticket. Job includes, WOF tests, diagnostics, assessments, repairs and servicing on a variety of vehicles. Maintaining accurate records. Ability to work independently. Must be currently living in, and legally allowed to work in New Zealand. Must have a current and full NZ driver licence. Option to be on call out roster. Contact AgPlus Ltd 28-32 Lawrence Avenue, Te Aroha, 3320. admin@agplus.co.nz 07 8849901.

Situations vacant -South Island

Mechanic/WoF Inspector

BALCLUTHA

Seeking a full time qualified, motivated Automotive Technician to join our friendly team at our busy workshop, hours: Monday to Friday. Preferably with WoF authority. Full NZ drivers’ licence. We service all makes and models. Phone Allan Finch on 027 768 6697.

Automotive technician

TASMAN

We are looking for a Senior qualified technician to join our team. Preferably with WoF authority. We are a mechanical workshop/service station and an AA Breakdown contractor. We would be willing to offer assistance with relocation and finding accommodation.

Email chris.perrysauto@gmail.com with CV or contact owner Chris Atkins 021 540 286.

Automotive technician

KAIAPOI

A busy general repair workshop looking for an experienced technician, with a current WoF certificate. Contact Jason on 027 918 8685.

Automotive technician

SOUTH CANTERBURY

South Canterbury Honda service centre, after hours AA roadside contractor and carry out salvaging throughout the district. Must hold a full driver’s licence, have excellent diagnostic skills, time management and be a team player. Call Alan on 027 228 9584 or email alan@vaughanmotors.co.nz

Automotive electrician INVERCARGILL

We are looking for a qualified automotive electrician to join our small friendly team. 40 hour weeks. Email: service@dominionelectric.co.nz with CV.

WoF Inspector NELSON

With over 30 years of experience, DS Auto Ltd is a trusted name in the Nelson automotive industry. We are seeking a qualified and diligent WoF Inspector to join our team. Competitive hourly rate offered. For further information please contact Derryl Henman 029 2412839 or email: office@dsauto.co.nz

Automotive technician

DUNEDIN

Opportunity for a qualified/experienced Automotive Technician to join our friendly team in our busy Dunedin workshop. WoF Certified preferred but would be happy to help you get qualified. Competitive remuneration. Contact Garry 0274 545 040 or email: bgapplegarth@xtra.co.nz.

Automotive technician

INVERCARGILL

New car dealership, Southland Vehicle Sales has a long term opportunity available for a qualified mechanic to join the team working on Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Please contact Mark Lee on 021 0832 3373 or mark@leerecruitment.co.nz.

Motorcycle technician

NELSON

We require a qualified technician to work us in our well-established Honda dealership. The successful applicant will need to be honest and hardworking, have a clean driver’s licence, attention to detail and the ability to work with our existing staff of nine. Contact Ian on 027 221 9162.

2x Qualified Auto-Electricians

TASMAN / NELSON

Our work is interesting and varied, servicing –retail, commercial and industrial clients. Work can be in our workshop or out in the field. Join our fun dynamic team! Contact Dawn on 027 432 3171 Email: sales@auto-electrical.co.nz

Auto Electrician

MATAMATA

Onsite Auto Electrical Matamata are looking for a qualified auto electrician to join our team. We work on a variety of vehicles both in our workshop and onsite.Email office@onsiteae.co.nz or 078887579

Experienced mechanic

TAIHAPE

Please email us for further information bellsdieseltruckandtractor@gmail.com or call 027 332 2471

Businesses for sale

Automotive Workshop/Service Station – TASMAN

Situated in Mapua in the middle of the Tasman Bay. Lots of opportunity to grow an already very busy business. All equipment has been replaced over recent years. 20k invested this year alone. AA roadside contractor. Owner prepared to assist with transition. For information call Chris 021 540 286 or email chris.perrysauto@gmail.com.

Automatic Transmission Specialist – NEW PLYMOUTH

Current owner for 40 years. A very successful family business now for sale so owners can retire. Automatic transmission repairs, Power steering and general servicing and repairs. Currently working out of two workshops with the capability of reducing to one. SAM computer system and Excel run through the accountant. All hoists, specialist tools. Grant: 0275 320 611 Email: automatics@xtra.co.nz

Automotive Workshop HASTINGS

Long established business since 1991 family owned and operated. 3-bay workshop all plant and equipment, SAM computer system, WoF, servicing, tyre sales and general repairs. Contact Clark 06 879 9487 email: clarkkelly@xtra.co.nz.

Automotive WorkshopAUCKLAND (HOWICK CENTRAL)

Long time successful business. High customer base. 2x2 post hoists, one pit plus more. WoF site. For information email: info@somarservice.co.nz.

Automotive Workshop

NORTHSHORE (OREWA)

Retirement Looms. Prime location/Long established business. 3 Bays 2x2 post Hoist, 1x4 post Hoist Wofs,Tyres,Batteries. P: 09 4265783 M:021 022 45219. E: orewa.auto2016@gmail.com

Ludemann Motors WESTON, OAMARU

Modern 360m2 building, fully kitted out. Quality offices, spacious workshop, lengthy and profitable business history. Located on the main street of Weston, top-notch work environment. Asking $265,000 Plus GST (if any). Business only. Contact Tony 027 435 5275 or Sam 022 062 9782.

Services

VIRM In-Service Certification Questionnaire pack

Training resource for prospective and current VIs. 14 questionnaires, marking and certificate of completion. Contact Fliss, Business Systems Sorted. Phone: 022 151 1243.

Email: fliss@businesssystemssorted.co.nz. www.businesssystemssorted.co.nz.

Need some help?

Simple, personalised H&S system, documented policies and procedures, hazsub inventories and office optimisation service - clearing the clutter! Contact Fliss, Business Systems Sorted022 151 1243.

Email: fliss@businesssystemssorted.co.nz. www.businesssystemssorted.co.nz.

To advertise your Situations Vacant or Business for Sale in this section please email: radiator@mta.org.nz. Free for members up to 30 words.

Let us drive your recruitment success

At Muster, we understand that recruiting top talent in the automotive industry requires a winning formula: a blend of expertise and cutting-edge technology. What really sets us apart is our personal touch. We believe in building meaningful relationships and making sure every interaction is tailored to meet your unique needs in the automotive industry. Reach out to our team today! Ph: 09 394 7444 Freephone 0508 MUSTER info@musterrecruit.co.nz - www.musterrecruit.co.nz

Andrea Andrew WoF Consultant

We encourage all members to attend the training courses, professional development opportunities or networking events taking place in their areas. Our region coordinators will let you know what’s on and when. They are also keen to hear your ideas for other training or get-togethers that you’d like to take part in.

The region executive committees meet approximately every six weeks and all MTA members are most welcome to attend. The more you get involved, the more you can benefit from membership. Just contact your coordinator or region chair to check the dates of the meetings in your region.

KAIMAI

Kim Preston Regional Events Coordinator Team Leader 027 280 0707 kim.preston@mta.org.nz

Jason Land Region Chair 0274 452 635 jason@collinsauto.co.nz

CENTRAL WEST

James Candish Region Chair 027 226 3053 jc@vva.co.nz natalie.campbell@mta.org.nz

NORTHERN REGION

Amy Lai Region Coordinator 021 292 7652 amy.lai@mta.org.nz

natalie.campbell@mta.org.nz

Rachel Beattie Region Chair 027 496 6275 rachel@neighbourhood mechanic.co.nz

Kelly Stephens Region Chair 027 366 0050 kstephens@hbtoyota.co.nz

UPPER NORTH ISLAND CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

MIKE BURD Team Leader 027 539 4010 mike.burd@mta.org.nz

SOUTH AUCKLAND

MARK MOWBRAY 027 270 2665 mark.mowbray@mta.org.nz

LOWER NORTH ISLAND & UPPER SOUTH ISLAND

DANNY GARRICK 027 478 0593 danny.garrick@mta.org.nz

NICK MILLS 027 2099 494 nick.mills@mta.org.nz

LOWER SOUTH ISLAND

SHELLEY CARTER 027 497 1568 shelley.carter@mta.org.nz

MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT

Member support team: 0800 00 11 44 mta@mta.org.nz

Shannon Morbey Region Coordinator 021 031 0075 shannon.morbey@mta.org.nz

Region Coordinator 021 152 8232 jody.worsfold@mta.org.nz

www.evcity.kiwi

SOUTHERN MAINLAND

Katrina Garrett Region Coordinator 021 225 5528 katrina.garrett@mta.org.nz

Leslie Baxter Region Chair 03 208 1234 leslie@carnabycars.co.nz

Region Coordinator 021 152 8232 jody.worsfold@mta.org.nz

021 706 503 hamish.miller@op.ac.nz

L-R: Tony Allen, Grant Woolford, Bob Boniface (President), Sturrock Saunders, Ross Verry, Andrea Andrew, Joris Sanders.

Your road to success starts here

MITO Scholarships, in partnership with the Inspiring Futures Foundation, open for applications 7 October 2024. Scan the QR code or head to mito.nz/scholarships to apply.