Radiator
June 2013
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Mechanical ingenuity sees vintage aircraft reach new heights See pages 18-21
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Keeping members informed for over 90 years
contents June 2013
6
Road Test -
CEO Comment - Stephen Matthews
What's in it for them?
Collision Repair News
22
51
Regulars 25 Murphs Column 26-27 Mediation Matters 28-29 MTA Advocate 32-35 Bodywork -
Honda CRV-S
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40-43 Statistics 45 MTA Express 48-51 Industry Training 52 IT Techtalk 62-63 Service Station News 65 Environmental News 63 Member Benefits 68 Better Business 69 H.R. Advice
Industry training NZ Radiator Magazine ISSN 1179-7800. Managing Editor: Ian Stronach Production Editor: Peter Woodcock Phone 04-381 8805, Email: peter.woodcock@mta.org.nz Advertising Representative: Cathy La Ville Phone: 09 413 8577 - Mobile: 022 531 1638 Email: cathy.laville@mta.org.nz Published/produced by Motor Trade Association for MTA Members. PO Box 9244, Level 2, 79 Taranaki Street, Wellington. Phone 04-385 8859, Fax 04-385 9517, mta@mta.org.nz, www.mta.org.nz.
18
Features
Comment
10-12 Increasing Car Intelligence- Alistair Hill
Printed by Astra Print, a Kalamazoo Group Company
-
Gene De Marco
14-15 Member Profile - Jones Road Autos 16-17 Transmissions - Martin Brooks 18-21 Industry Comment - Gene De Marco 22-23 Road Test - Honda CRV-S
The Motor Trade Association (Inc) is not responsible for statements, opinions or factual matters published in the NZ Radiator magazine, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of the MTA, its Board of Directors or its advisory/specialty committees, unless expressly so stated and does not endorse advertisers. NZ Radiator magazine is available free to all members of the Motor Trade Association. 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. NZ 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 the NZ Radiator magazine may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written permission of the publisher.
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Main Cover photo courtesy of
Phil Makanna - GHOSTS
60
Product Services Manager
Danny Garrick
Group Accountant
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MEMBER FREEPHONE 0800 00 11 44 www.mta.org.nz 5•
radiator June 2013
comment Stephen Matthews MTA Chief Executive
What’s in it for them?
These days, it’s hard to pick up a newspaper or magazine without reading about some aspect or another of New Zealand’s aging population. I must add that this focus on the ‘greying’ of New Zealand holds particular relevance if you’re one of those that’s in the particular age group being talked about. As a ‘baby-boomer’ it’s sometimes difficult to know whether you are helping or hindering. The fact is though, in many of the world’s developed countries, falling birth rates in recent years have meant that populations are only growing slowly, if at all. Add to this an increased life expectancy rate amongst older people and the size of this challenge becomes obvious. Older people are making up a greater proportion of the population, and will make up an even greater proportion in the future. And much as some would like to imagine they can, a combination of infirmity and fatigue means older people cannot work on forever.
efi@petroject.co.nz • Tel: 09 448 1071• www.petroject.co.nz
At the moment, the main take on the issue of greying populations like ours seems to be around the ability of a smaller workforce to support a large and growing group of retirees. This is understandable because it will provide a considerable challenge for many developing nations, New Zealand included. Projections for New Zealand are for there to be 32 retirees per 100 workers by 2020 compared to just 22 per 100 in the year 2000. While that’s a ‘better’ ratio than for a number of other countries, it is a concern, and judging by the amount of space it’s getting in the media these days I am not the only one who sees it as a concern. An aging population does not just have implications for us in terms of pension and healthcare affordability. A greater number of elderly, who don’t have the time, skill or physical ability to properly carry out many daily tasks, will be forced to rely on the ability of a proportionately smaller group of younger workers to do these things for them. The challenge is that every industry or sector is going to be competing for the best amongst those entering the workforce, and the motor industry will need to look at what it has to offer if it is going to be attractive to enough people.
Older people are making up a greater proportion of the population, and will make up an even greater proportion in the future
We are already seeing a shift in government’s attitude in this regard. Earlier this year the Ministry of Education released a report, Moving On Up - What Young People Earn After Their Tertiary Education, that compares what graduates earn after studying different subjects and at different levels in New Zealand. This is one of the
first indicators that I have seen that so openly suggests which career path young people might like to follow. If young people are being encouraged to look at the longer term prospect in the field they are considering, how will they see our industry? Government is to be congratulated for its recent initiatives to encourage more young people to enter trade training, but as with any problem, government on its own cannot provide all the answers. One thing is certain; there will be a need in the future for the services that our trade provides. Vehicles will continue to exist, and while they may not be exactly in the form that we see them today, transport of one description or another will remain central to the way we live our lives in the future. That being the case, then what can we do to attract more good candidates to our industry? While MITO continues to do a sterling job on a national basis, I wonder what individual members are doing. Having a plan in place to bring on new staff is a good starting
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radiator June 2013
welcome
point. What sort of people will you need, and when. But probably most importantly, where are you going to be getting them from. Remember, with a shrinking pool of younger, capable people, having to provide products and services for a steadily growing group of older and less capable members of the community, there will be significant demand for the best prospects and candidates.
To the following members who joined the MTA team during the last month
Challenge Hokitika Farm Worx Bikes Ltd JL Automotive & Suspension Ltd McCreary Workshop Midas New Lynn Motorama of Greenlane Murchison Mobil Novus Buller Rev Tech Automotive Ltd Smith & Smith - Dunedin Smith & Smith - Hamilton Smith & Smith - Hastings Smith & Smith - Head Office Smith & Smith - Henderson Smith & Smith - Invercargill Smith & Smith - Manukau Smith & Smith - Mount Smart Mobile Smith & Smith - Napier Smith & Smith - Nelson Smith & Smith - New Plymouth Smith & Smith - North Shore Smith & Smith - Palmerston North Smith & Smith - Penrose Smith & Smith - Petone Smith & Smith - Rotorua Smith & Smith - Russley Road Smith & Smith - Tauranga Smith & Smith - Wellington Smith & Smith - Whakatane Smith & Smith - Whangarei Stratford Auto Professionals Sydenham Service Centre The Toy Shop Wellington Ltd The Workshop
The reality is that immigration can only make up for so much of the gap, the likely outlook is for strong competition to lure the best people to the sectors that they perceive as being the most attractive. And attractiveness will be composed on many things; the type of work, the education needed to be able to undertake that work, actual working conditions, the financial rewards, the prospects for advancement and the status that occupation holds. These and others I haven’t mentioned will all play their part in deciding if our industry is able to attract the talent it will need. Locally, is your branch planning any activities to highlight our sector as being one young people should consider? What’s the local branch relationship – and indeed your own – with local high schools and career guidance staff like? What do you have to show or talk about with any young people who make an approach to you? Planning of course is the key. Rest assured, the best will no longer just come to us because they like cars - a small number may, but for most it’ll be a case of comparing the relative merits of one industry over another. The challenge for us all is that we no longer need to be just selling our own products and services, but if we are to be truly successful longer term, we need to do just as good a job on selling our industry as well.
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MTA member update news in brief Between 18 April and 2 May, MTA’s Member Update newsletter, emailed to all subscribed members, covered the following topics: ACC’s Workplace Safety Discount (WSD) programme has expanded to include all business classifications, where previously it was only available for certain industries. Those able to demonstrate sound health and safety practices have a chance to pay reduced ACC levies.
MTA welcomed the decision by government to exempt unregistered vehicles operating under trade plates from Road User Charges (RUC). Government also agreed to implement a new annual charge for trade plates used on heavy vehicles, and are planning to create new trade plates specifically for use on unregistered heavy vehicles.
NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) confirmed repairers are automatically exempt from wearing seatbelts when servicing vehicles under clause 7.11 3(d) of the Road User Rule 2004. However, the automatic exemption only applies when repairers are regularly getting in and out of a vehicle to check things.
NZTA has approved the I.CO.M.S.p.A toroidal automotive LPG tank from Italy for use in New Zealand. The ‘doughnutshaped’ LPG fuel containers are approved under conditions specified in the New Zealand Gazette. Vehicle importers were advised that the government will begin collecting a synthetic greenhouse gas (SGG) levy when a motor vehicle is registered as part of the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), from 1 July 2013.
Associate Minister of Transport Michael Woodhouse announced rule changes for agricultural vehicles that will come into effect on 1 June 2013. Changes are available to view on the NZTA website.
The WoF Training calendar has been set for the rest of the year. Visit www.mta.org.nz/trainingcalendar to view the calendar and see what courses are coming to a town near you.
Auto air conditioning technicians: Refrigerant License Approved Filler and Approved Handler courses have now been scheduled for 2013 in various locations. Full course information can be found on the Refrigerant License New Zealand website.
The Holiday (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day) Amendment Bill was voted into law on 17 April 2013. This means that where Waitangi and/or ANZAC days fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the public holiday will transfer to Monday.
Collision Repairers: New resources are available about how to safely manage the hazardous substances in your workplace, on the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) website. Make sure you check it out.
For further information, or if you missed an edition of Member Update, please contact your Business Manager.
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radiator June 2013
ADVERTORIAL
Hunter Scissor Lift raises the bar Now available in New Zealand through Hunter distributor, STOCKS Equipment, the new RX45 boasts features that make it the ideal lift for workshops who want to maximise floor space, thanks to its compact dimensions. The Hunter RX45 – its name is derived from the 4.5-tonnes lift capacity – is designed for fast turn-around wheel alignments on a wide array of vehicles, but that doesn’t stop it from also being very effective for general under-car work. But it is alignmentfocused businesses that will most definitely benefit from the new model, particularly busy tyre shops and also franchise dealer workshops looking to lift their game. The space-saving, low-profile design brings it down to just 222mm off the floor (best in class), which is brilliant for enabling lowered vehicles and sports cars to be easily driven on. Plus, it has louvered ramps that prevent wheel spin if the tyres are wet. Or, the RX45 can be installed flush-mounted for those who want a clear floor when it’s not in use. The runways are extra wide, measuring 612mm, which enables workshops to cater for a variety of different vehicles. And if the technician needs to step up onto the raised platform when it already has a vehicle on board, there are movable steps that can be used along the entire length on both sides of the lift.
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radiator June 2013
A variety of safety features deliver instantaneous shutdown and lock the device in the event of hydraulic failure. Among its great features is Hunter’s patented Fully Integrated Alignment (FIA) system, which delivers better operating flexibility and save the technician’s time when undertaking alignments. One of the key FIA components is PowerBay™, which provides automatic locking/unlocking of front turn-plates and rear slip-plates, at specified stages of the alignment measurement programme, thus saving the technician multiple trips around the vehicle/lift. Hunter says it can reduce these trips around the car from eight to just three – ie mounting the targets, making adjustments and then removing the targets. No need to jack the vehicle on the lift, or remove and replace the slip-plate and turn-plate pins. An added bonus is that this system avoids wear and tear on the turn-plates, extending their operational life. Another feature is the InflationStation™, which enables all four tyre pressures to be measured and set to the correct pressure simultaneously and automatically from either the aligner or the lift console.
Another very useful option is Hunter’s AlignLights lighting accessory, which provides an efficient light source underneath the vehicle. Two sets of powerful lights built in to either side of the lift are powered by the main lift power source and require no additional or exposed electrical cords. They automatically shut off as the lift is lowered to the ground and turn on when raised.
viewpoint Alistair Hill comments No matter how often we hear the mantra “stay away from cars with too much electronics” from our local repairer and keep buying 1990’s analogue units, it is a fact that car intelligence has been a key to technology development for decades. Indeed there was more computing power on 1995 Ford Escort than on the Saturn V rocket that took man to the moon; and as Moore’s Law predicts, there is significantly more computing power on a 2013 Mini than a 2000 Mercedes S-Class! The relationship between the automobile and the microprocessor is critical, and delivers massive benefits in fuel economy, safety, vehicle dynamics, connectivity, security and cost. It is, after all cheaper to replicate software than to make a physical component every time – hence the wholesale move to electrically actuated four-wheel drive systems across a whole range of smaller SUVs and cross-over vehicles. However, behind the scenes, there is a battle royal raging in the world of electronics for vehicles. What about standards if cars are going to communicate? How much can electronics be fairly used to keep the aftermarket tied to the OEM – or in some creative contract arrangements with new niche assemblies, with the component assembly manufacturers (this is a battle that has been raging since the dawn of motoring). Another key issue is how can the industry attract electronics engineers at the right rate to suit the changing balance in research and development – an electronic rather than mechanical engineering degree is the great entry qualification for automotive research and development today amongst the top tier of suppliers and OEMs.
Complexity and standardisation The area of automotive infotainment systems has reflected a double-digit growth in feature additions. Since the development takes place at multiple suppliers, lack of standardisation has led to an overlap in investment on nondifferentiating areas for OEMs. The automotive industry has resolved this to some extent by forming standardised platforms such as the AUTOSAR but increasing additions of new features has led to higher complexity. According to head of electronics and driver console at BMW, Elmar Frickenstein, the amount of software roughly doubles every two years, the number of functions steadily rose to 4,500 and the electrical power consumption is in the range of 1kW depending on boundary conditions.
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radiator June 2013
Increasing Car Intelligence
Fig 1: FMU and digital validation reduces development time for automotive functions
Software development in the automotive industry typically follows a ‘V’ shaped approach where the development is split into two levels of responsibilities to ensure a clear demarcation between the architecture and the component level (Figure 1). This allows seamless integration of electronic subsystems often supplied by many vendors. The system integrators find this approach flexible in addressing system issues at cluster level and component issues at node level. This makes the entire software system reliable and fault tolerant, a major requirement from customers today. It is clear that the demand for additional comfort and safety features in cars will steadily grow. This will add to complexity in vehicles, leading to additional costs. The answer is to enable re-use of software by adopting common processes, incorporating common architectures and developing more efficient validation techniques.
AUTOSAR AUTOSAR (Automotive Open System Architecture) forms the universal bridge between application software and the hardware. This works by development of software and hardware independent of each other, which simplifies the development process leading to reduced development time and costs. The re-use of software at OEMs and suppliers ensures continuous improvement to its quality and development processes. Launched in 2006 as Release 2.1, AUTOSAR has progressively launched new versions until Release 4.1 in 2013, which now allows ECUs with AUTOSAR architecture on all domains.
VFB view
Virtual Functional Bus
MAPPING
AUTOSAR basic approach
AUTOSAR alliance aims to develop and establish an open standard for ECU (electronic control unit) software and electronics architectures that replaces all proprietary platforms amongst the OEMs. Using standardized software and tools rather than proprietary solutions allows OEMs and suppliers to save costs and enables them to concentrate on their core business and differentiate their product from their competition.
The Genivi Alliance, an open source software solution consortium was formed in March 2009 to overcome the delay by AUTOSAR. It is derived from the same code base as consumer electronics for a reference point to customise and further develop. This will allow automotive infotainment to transition from the traditional proprietary model to a new collaborative model.
“The AUTOSAR Group has done excellent definition work so far. Now is a critical phase to see if enough companies bring AUTOSAR into their product,” said Manfred Adams of Brose citing the major reason why AUTOSAR has emerged from the consumer and computer industry. In the computer industry development comes from hardware and software factions. But in the automotive industry in general, the development is traditionally functionality oriented, with focus on neither hardware nor software. Therefore, most of the possible users of AUTOSAR have to change their business model, which requires much change in the internal and external processes of the company. This is the current problem. Yet, “software will change the dynamics of the supplier industry where current second and third tier software companies might become first tiers.” Most of the innovations will come through software development because today, software is closer to functionality while hardware will create new kinds of functionalities.
The software has OEM and consortium domains. This allows the vehicle manufacturer to differentiate its system using proprietary HMI (human‐machine Interface) while the non-differentiated components including the open source platform architecture, testing and validation and vendor compliance functions vest with the supplier consortium. Genivi’s major strategic target is to reduce the total cost of ownership by reduced development costs, controlled validation costs, a shorter time-to-market and more features with everything being based on a competitive environment among suppliers. Many OEMs embrace the Genivi architecture even though they are involved with other standardised architectures such as Fibex, MOST and JasPar. One advantage is that AUTOSAR specified modules could be hosted by infotainment head units based on Genivi middleware. IPRs are managed by providing plug-ins to the members of the alliance.
Despite AUTOSAR’s progress, infotainment software is mostly proprietary in this fragmented sector. OEMs receive complete Currently, automotive industry players are still joining the systems consisting of application services, operating systems alliance, and the first platform was in unveiled 2010. and hardware from its suppliers. Suppliers such as Becker, Delphi, Visteon, Continental, Clarion, Alpine • Differentiation and Blaupunkt develop infotainment HMI • Commercial Automaker systems independently and deliver and proprietory Domain the complete system to the OEM. solutions This creates lack of standardisation Apps Extensions Libs • Competitive Edge for adopting innovations from the consumer electronics into automotive systems. Leading to smaller volumes, the costs remain huge and time-to-market long. The • Platform Middleware Specification AUTOSAR decision in April 2008 to architechture delay the standardisation of the full Consortium • Open Technology multimedia architecture into Phase Domain Stack • Testing/Validation 3 made BMW lead the way with its Others partners to establish the open source • Vendor Compliance (to grow overtime) Linux based standardised in-vehicle Linux Kernel infotainment platform, Genivi. The Genivi software solution
AutoLinQ While the race is open to all to develop the software platform for automotive electronics, Continental has drawn on Apple’s business model of a recurring revenue stream per customer rather than a one-time sale. Based on Google Android, the OEMs will enable third party vendors to develop applications to differentiate and customise to specific brands. Google’s strength in the internet combined with Web technologies brings internet applications to vehicles. Continental’s foray "clearly confirms the intention of
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radiator June 2013
automotive suppliers to embrace consumer electronics business models by shifting the focus from developing devices toward creating open ecosystems, whereby user experience, recurring revenues and type of applications receive more importance," according to Frost & Sullivan's Automotive & Transportation Program Manager, N. Praveen Chandrasekar. It brings a viable business plan to the whole value chain which can potentially add a host of developers to develop innovative applications for in-vehicle infotainment. AutolinQ’s success is open to many questions. Since it has a
strong dependence on the internet, seamless connectivity in cars will have a bearing on its success. This is still very expensive and seen on premium luxury cars, but the success requires internet access to be cheap in order to equip mass market vehicles. Then there is the question of what types of applications do users want in cars, and will OEMs surrender this part of product development to outside vendors, asks Frost and Sullivan. Though a step in the right direction, it’s too early to comment on its end applications and potential as it’s still in the development stage.
Google’s strength in the internet combined with Web technologies brings internet applications to vehicles.
continued on page 12
continued from page 11
JasPar JasPar (Japan Automotive Software Platform Architecture) is a consortium of Japanese OEMs and suppliers to develop standard electronics platform architecture for the Japanese automotive industry. Formed in 2004, a year after AUTOSAR, JasPar members together define uniform, interchangeable high‐speed bus architecture for adoption in their vehicles. The Japanese industry felt that it was losing global competitive advantage due to increasing development costs compared with the European industry which had already standardised pre-competitive areas leading to cost benefits. Meanwhile the American automotive industry focused on large vehicle volumes and realised the benefits of economy of scale. The development seeks alignment with global standards in the area of automotive electronics software in a way which allows evolution and standardisation of communication. In this regard, JasPar has coordinated development with the FlexRay consortium to align itself with the technology which stands to lead as the communications system for the next‐generation in‐ car network. In March 2009, JasPar announced that the FlexRay Consortium had agreed to adopt its technical proposal in the next version of FlexRay standard, the Protocol Specification V3.0 and Physical Layer Specification V3.0, which are due for release soon. Until the end of 2009, JasPar worked to meet the conformance test specifications for timely integration in the next release. Earlier in January 2008, JasPar announced their cooperation with AUTOSAR to align with the global standardisation in automotive software architecture. To bridge AUTOSAR and JasPar, Bosch and Toyota agreed to lead the initiative. While European OEMs have launched AUTOSAR based ECUs in beginning in the 2008/9 model year cars, the AUTOSAR based JasPar software products have been seen in production models from 2010 onwards.
The Microsoft system draws on virtues of a mobile phone in the hardware. The price for downloads and the user, through the phone utility bill, pays for connectivity. The hardware like a phone can evolve as quickly as the consumer electronics market. A web portal will provide the necessary service and download of a new application, which can be installed in the vehicle through a USB drive. Ford took the lead with the software platform and introduced its second generation MyFord Touch, a Microsoft Auto 4.0 based ‘applications Ecosystem’. The initial hardware side of MyFord Touch had a combination of three displays, a primary 8 inch central display and two 4.2 inch LCD screens installed in the instrument panel. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) has been developed with better voice recognition, use of touch sensitive buttons and touch screens, as well as thumb wheel controls, which allow scrolling through menus and clicking to choose options, which have replaced multiple knobs and switches. Its software library offers Bluetooth connectivity to most of the popular mobile devices and a platform to perform applications in vehicle. The external access to internet is via a 3G or 4G external modem connected to the USB port, which also provides a WiFi link to the mobile devices. Besides, the SD card slot allows users to import external data into the vehicle system. The navigation experience is enhanced by the use of multiple screens to display visual cues for directions. Ergonomically, Consumer Reports have argued that the screen and its attendant flush capacitive switches are out of the driver’s reach in some models. Since the switches are all the same, drivers need to look away from the road to tell which one is which.
The testers thought that a display with multiple bar graphs and time duration settings of five, 10, or 30 minutes was overkill.
Other parts of MyFord Touch 2.0 fall in the “too much information” category. The testers thought that a display with multiple bar graphs and time duration settings of five, 10, or 30 minutes was overkill.
The major contributors to the JasPar initiative are Japanese OEMs – Honda, Nissan, Toyota, and Japanese first tier suppliers, Denso and Toyota Tsusho Electronics. A further 62 regular and 55 associate global companies are part of the member group. JasPar’s demand stemmed from increasingly stringent car safety standards in the domestic market which required more electronics to be used in vehicles. Increase in the density of in-vehicle electrical integration and networked systems called for industry wide collaboration in non-competitive platforms, which allows lower cost integration for each stakeholder.
Microsoft Auto The leading computer operating system supplier has developed the Microsoft Auto 4.0, a standardised platform for in-vehicle communication, entertainment, navigation and information services. The platform has integrated, tested, and flexible middleware along with various applications available with Windows® Embedded CE 6.0 R2. Apart from these specific applications, Microsoft’s platform converges personal devices, in-vehicle devices and the internet. This is possible using a standardised architecture that allows update capabilities with new consumer electronic devices through device updates and service content. This leads to shorter time-to-market for the OEMs.
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radiator June 2013
MyFord Touch 2.0 screen
In a statement, Ford technology spokesman Alan Hall argued that customers seem pleased with MyFord Touch 2.0. “Those who installed the recent software upgrade report a 25 percent point increase in satisfaction. Also, 71percent of owners with the new upgrade say they would recommend MyFord or MyLincoln Touch to others,” he said. In 2012, Ford began upgrading existing cars’ systems with new software, and rolled out MyFord Touch 2.0 on 2013 models including the Edge, Escape, and Taurus, as well as the Lincoln MKS and MKT. Clearly, despite the behind the scenes complexity of standardisation, the consumer interface itself remains critical and software development can be cost effective behind the scenes and still not present a satisfactory product at consumer level. And, this is the electronics you interact with directly – the situation with the critical powertrain and safety electronics is equally hard to manage, with a lower failure tolerance.
FEATURE: INTELLIGENT VEHICLES
Toyota to test in-car traffic signal alert Intelligent Transport System Toyota recently announced that it will conduct public road tests of a Toyotadeveloped driving support system using ITS technology to transmit information from traffic light signals information to vehicles, starting in May, 2013 in Toyota City, Japan. The system is part of a number of Driving Safety Support Systems (DSSS) being promoted by the Japanese National Police Agency and sponsored by the Universal Traffic Management Society of Japan (UTMS Japan). One road in Toyota City will be used for the tests which will be equipped with a system to transmit traffic light signal information to vehicles through its onboard testing equipment using the 700 MHz bandwidth. The system receives the information, providing alerts when necessary to vehicle occupants via the audio system and on-screen on the navigation system. Added to TMC's separate system to help drivers notice red lights, it is hoped that by early encouragement to decelerate when approaching red lights, the system can help in reducing CO2 emissions. Provision of traffic light signal information was made possible with the cooperation of the National Police Agency and the Aichi Prefectural Police. Through these tests, TMC will analyse driver behaviour under various driving conditions to understand the extent to which cooperative vehicle-infrastructure systems can contribute to reducing traffic accidents and CO2 emissions, and incorporate the data into future ITS development.
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System said to assist reduction in CO2 emissions by encouraging early deceleration, and helping to reduce road accidents through cooperating vehicle systems.
Based on its Integrated Safety Management Concept, TMC is making proactive efforts to develop its driving vehicle infrastructure cooperative (4) safety support systems utilising ITS technologies that make it possible to connect people, vehicles, and traffic environments. TMC has been using the 700 MHz band (allocated by the Japanese government for ITS) starting with road tests in March last year on a support system aimed at preventing collisions caused by driver error during right-hand turns at intersections.
MEMBER PROFILE: JONES ROAD AUTO
It’s all in the waiting room By Stephanie Brunt MTA Communications and Marketing Advisor
Freshly painted walls. Current magazines. Complimentary hot drinks and new toys for the kids in the waiting room toybox. Nigel and Lisa Fleck of Jones Road Auto in Christchurch have realised sometimes the little things make a biggest difference to customer experience. The dynamic duo has been in business just on a year, and what a year is has been. In the first nine months Nigel and Lisa experienced 100 percent growth, taking on more staff to cope with the additional work. “Then at the start of this year we employed another staff member in anticipation of more growth, and to ensure we could keep our service levels up, which has paid off as we continue to grow,” says Lisa. It can be hard to pinpoint the reason behind rapid growth, but Lisa and Nigel believe it is a result of both population and industry growth in the local area. People are moving south of Christchurch after the earthquakes, leading to ‘boom’ times for this industrial part of town. The other key factor – word of mouth, Lisa says. “We’ve had excellent feedback that customers enjoy our service and honesty. Most new customers have been recommended by friends or family!” Working as a husband and wife team is likely to have its challenges, so Nigel and Lisa went into it with their eyes wide open. Nigel’s background is in the motor industry, having been a mechanic by trade for 18 years, and Lisa is a qualified Financial Advisor with 12 years experience in the banking and investment industry. Lisa found it was a steep learning curve, having no prior knowledge of the industry, but being surrounded by people who are willing to share advice and help out has made all the difference. Early on in their business venture, Nigel and Lisa took the time and effort to get to know their customers personally, and concentrated on delivering excellent service. “We’re working on building our reputation as a trusted provider of services to our customers by being transparent and upfront,” commented Nigel.
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Nigel and Lisa have put time and effort into their reception area, offering complimentary hot drinks and toys for the children to keep them entertained.
But looking after staff is also of high importance to the Flecks. Nigel comments “Good staff produce excellent work. The more we look after them, the more we will succeed.” Customers enjoy dealing with friendly, talented and efficient staff, traits that shine through in all of the Jones Road Auto team. “We try to go the extra mile for our customers and make getting their car repaired as painless an experience as possible!” Running a new business is tough, particularly with the challenges that MTA members will face due to changes to the WoF regime – Nigel and Lisa are all too aware of this. They are investing time into creating efficiencies and planning for the future, offsetting the effects of VLR. “We’re concentrating on educating our loyal customer base and ensuring our business has a wide range of services – we can’t just rely on WoFs and the repairs that come from them.” Since joining the MTA team, they have been impressed with the network of other repairers they’ve been exposed to. Training, support and advice is never hard to come by, and Lisa said “the team are always so friendly
Good staff produce excellent work. The more we look after them, the more we will succeed.” The Jones Road Auto team has been growing constantly since Nigel and Lisa took over, all thanks to such high demand for their work
and helpful on the other end of the phone.” Nigel and Lisa are looking forward to celebrating their first birthday early this month. Their innovation is coming through yet again; they’re having an open morning at their workshop with a car show, sausage sizzle, bouncy castle and lots of giveaways
+
for their customers. No doubt they’ll have their three kids in tow – yes, that wasn’t mentioned! Not only did Nigel and Lisa take on a business together, they did it all while raising their 14-, two- and one–yearold children. That’s no mean feat! Looking back on the year, Nigel and Lisa
can be really proud of their work. From thinking strategically about how to combat challenges, right through to thinking about the small touches such as a welcoming waiting room, they have built a flourishing business – and by the sounds of it, set only to get busier.”
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Variable Pressure Solenoids
transmissions Martin Brooks
In the last article (May 2013) we looked at the simple on/off type of solenoid that has been fitted to automatic transmissions for many years starting as a means of achieving detent shifts and graduating to actuating the shift. However although this type of solenoid is able to perform this and similar functions it is not able to actually control the pressure within a circuit apart from simple high/low. To actually control the pressures within a circuit we need to use a variable pressure or EPC solenoid. Depending on the particular transmission manufacturer this type of solenoid can be used to control the overall pressure within a transmission such as the main line pressure or to control the application of a particular component such as a torque converter lockup or clutch application. To keep things simple we are going to look at a common type of solenoid that is used to control the overall line pressure in a General Motors 4L60E unit as fitted to Holden Commodore, this type is known as Pulse Width Modulated (PWM). The solenoid controls the line pressure based on the inputs from throttle position, road speed, fluid
VALVE
EXHAUST
ARMATURE
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Electronic Pressure Control Solenoid
ACEOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICES LTD Automatic Transmission Repairs and Service Electrical Repairs and Diagnosis Torque Converter Specialists
temperature and the engine load. The solenoid is controlled by the transmission controller by way of a variable current through its coil windings. As the current flow is increased the magnetic field from the coil moves the internal plunger further way from the exhaust port thus reducing the output pressure and this ultimately reduces the line pressure. The variable current is a function of the duty cycle and the frequency, duty cycle being the percentage of time that current is flowing through the coil during each cycle and the frequency is the number of cycles in a particular amount of time (usually per second). In our particular case we have a fixed frequency of around 290 cycles per second (Hz). If we have a higher duty cycle we will reduce the pressure as the current will be higher. In fact the current specified for GM at 40 percent duty cycle is 1.1 amps; this will give us minimum line pressure. Of course reducing the duty cycle will reduce the current flow causing the internal plunger to move back in towards the exhaust port meaning that the pressure will be increased. In the case of no current flow then pressure will be at maximum, allowing maximum pressure with no current means that in the case of a failsafe condition the high pressure will help to protect the transmission from damage. In the case we have discussed above the overall transmission pressure (line pressure) is controlled by the solenoid but in some cases a similar solenoid will be used to control an individual component such as a clutch or torque converter. Solenoids are a precision item and their correct operation is essential to correct transmission operation. Because of their magnetic properties they are prone to contamination by debris especially after a transmission malfunction. Debris can cause sticking or restriction to fluid flow in the solenoid and this could lead to incorrect pressure and shift quality or transmission durability issues. It is important to note that
27 Stanmore Road, Christchurch
Phone: 03 381 1333 service@aceomatic.co.nz www.aceomatic.co.nz
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continued on next page
transmissions
This is a good solenoid pattern, note that the solid line goes to a peak and follows the dotted sample line
a faulty solenoid may not set a code if it is electrically ok the accompanying graphs show a faulty solenoid pattern. A short article such as this cannot cover in depth the workings of solenoids but hopefully you will see the importance of correct solenoid operation to correct transmission operation. As always I will be happy to take suggestions or comments about this or any other subject related to transmissions.
Please contact me at martin@aceomatic.co.nz.
Note the difference here with a faulty solenoid
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radiator June 2013
INDUSTRY COMMENT
On a wing and a repair! Vintage Aviator’s Production Manager
Gene De Marco This month’s industry leader comment is not from the automotive field, even though their sector shares many similarities. Knowing that many members are interested to learn about the restoration and refurbishment of vintage vehicles, we thought we’d take the opportunity to talk with someone that’s doing something similar. In this case though, it’s aircraft they are building, not cars. Facing a number of issues common to our industry we thought you’d find our chat with Vintage Aviator’s Production Manager, Gene De Marco refreshingly different.
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Tell us about yourself and your company Born in New York, son of a Pan Am pilot, I began to fly very young, getting my pilot license when I was 16. Armed with 35 years of experience on early aircraft types, and working for several aircraft museums I assumed the role of Production Manager and Test Pilot for The Vintage Aviator Ltd in Wellington NZ. I am still an FAA licensed Mechanic with an Inspection Authorization and continue to build on my 13,000 hours flying experience mainly on early aircraft types. In addition to restoring and building aircraft I have a passion for flying that has included performing in air-shows, and skywriting messages over the East Coast of the USA. I sometimes wonder if I haven’t spent more time in Sopwith Camels than anyone else in the world? After a visit to New Zealand in 2001, I took an interest in the Aviation scene here, several collectors were restoring interesting aircraft and the workmanship was second to none. Insurance, liability and government restrictions seemed to be less of an issue here, but what tipped the scales was 9/11. It changed aviation forever, and so the decision to move to NZ was made. Starting with a small group of aircraft engineers in Blenheim I found a place in NZ aviation and eventually proposed a larger scale project to essentially put a WW1 aircraft type back into production. The project was to construct several RAF SE.5a aircraft as original as possible and all to be flying aircraft. With several ambitious aircraft and engine construction projects planned we had to work closely with the CAA to become a certified aircraft manufacturer; we knew all there is to know about early aircraft, we didn’t completely understand exactly how much paperwork would be involved! This project grew into the aircraft manufacturing company now called The Vintage Aviator Ltd (TVAL). This is the first time since WW1 that these aircraft would be produced in a factory setting. TVAL
gained CAA approval and was issued its Part 148 Manufacturing Organisation Certificate on May 10, 2007. It is probably unique within the world aviation community due to the fact that it solely manufactures aircraft from the 1914-1918 period. We work under strict CAA mandates, codes and systems, and CAA regularly audits our systems and procedures. "Our primary aim is to build WW1 aircraft, engines and propellers to the same exacting standards they were originally made over 90 years ago."
We endeavour to maintain absolute authenticity with the original design by working from historic factory drawings or reverse engineering surviving examples. We construct both airworthy and static aircraft for museum display and private collections. AT TVAL we strive to produce accurate reproduction aircraft, essentially the same as those produced nearly 100 years ago, built exactly like the originals from original drawings. These differ from the many replica aircraft that simply look like the airplanes they represent and may be powered with modern engines or built from modern redesigned plans. Our facility in Wellington and at Hood Aerodrome Masterton is capable of every aspect of aircraft and engine construction imaginable. Our most valuable resource is the staff that we have enlisted to be part of this endeavour. From specialized woodworkers, welders, machinists to people experienced in aircraft fabric covering there is no part of these early aeroplanes that we cannot duplicate. With far reaching resources and experts in Europe, Canada and in the USA and working relationships with other Museums and restoration facilities TVAL is able to source information, technical data and original parts for duplication and reproduction. In addition to building these fine machines we are responsible for maintaining and flying the aircraft that belong to the 1914-1918 Aviation heritage trust – possibly the largest collection of flying WW1 aircraft in the world, and its located here in N.Z!
The auto industry regularly finds it hard to recruit suitably skilled people, how difficult is it for you to find people with the right expertise to build/re-create WW1 aircraft? Recruiting skilled labour has been a mixed bag for TVAL. A few key staff were hired from the large number of creative and talented craftsmen that either moved to or stayed in Wellington to support the growing film industry, others were recruited from further away. One of the big problems we face is the diverse trades required to build almost every part of an early aircraft. In our quest for authenticity we have been forced to make nearly every part of the aircraft including engines, propellers, instruments, formed and welded metal components, brass radiators, wire wheels, obsolete plumbing fittings and even tires and spark plugs. This vast variety in manufactured parts requires many skilled craftsmen. To build all of these parts we had to be inventive; we would maintain a certain amount of automation in the way of CNC machines and retain the hand built craftsmanship by finding skilled people that were willing to learn about early aircraft construction and apply these techniques to skills they already possessed. At times we can find people with an individual skill we require but we often find it difficult to find multi skilled people. The nature of our projects often does not justify a full time position, in answer to this TVAL would prefer to hire multi skilled craftsmen that can work in a variety of roles within our organisation. This variety is also a plus for the employee and allows personal development and growth as they learn from others and expand their own skill base. Even more important than a person’s skill set is their attitude, with our “noblame” policy and strict traceability and paperwork requirements we need to make sure our staff understand the consequences if procedure is not followed.
What are the advantages of running a company such as yours in New Zealand – after all we are not noted as a home for aircraft manufacturing? For a small company this is the place to be, we have the ability to change direction rather quickly and can adapt to a variety of manufacturing needs by having multi skilled staff, something you don’t find in the US, UK or Europe. We have metalworkers that are just as skilled welding as they are running woodworking tools, painters that can weld, sew fabric and work with leather, all trades that come in handy when you are building aircraft. Another advantage was the ability to work with the CAA to develop an acceptable method for producing accurate aircraft reproductions in a factory setting. At first this daunting task was almost insurmountable but we are now one of only two CAA approved aircraft manufacturers in New Zealand. This approval is what sets our reproduction aircraft apart from other Great War replicas. Similar to an ISO system of quality management, the CAA part 148 approval assures that all of our aircraft meet certain standards. CAA has been proactive in developing a number of programmes and rules that currently only exist here in New Zealand, without this cooperation TVAL and a number of other aviation businesses would not exist.
The most difficult position to fill was in our engine shop, finding someone that understood vintage engine technology was difficult. Engines today are high revving small cubic-inch motors; ours are huge displacement, slow turning giants that develop around 200HP. For example the Mercedes D.III displaces 900 cubic inches and the Bentley BR.2 1500 cubic inches and both have redlines around 1,400RPM! Even though we have put together a terrific team of craftsmen it is apparent that there is a real shortage of skilled labour which is only going to get worse. Most of the skilled workforce is close to retirement age and very few young people choose to train in the trades or even consider a field that involves apprenticeship rather than a four year degree. Vocational training is almost nonexistent in schools today and we have actively discouraged an entire generation from working with their hands. At TVAL our finished aircraft are often described as works of art, hand built to exacting standards, this connection with art removes the stigma associated with even the most mundane manufacturing job and reinforces the importance of taking pride in what you do.
How much of an advantage are modern manufacturing technologies when it comes to making machines from almost 100 years ago? At TVAL we rely heavily on modern technology and manufacturing principles to compliment our skilled staff. We have a full CAD design team responsible for digitizing original drawings and also reverse engineering original parts, these digital files are then used to program our four CNC machines for manufacture. This technique provides a good link between “Just-In-Time production” and “Simultaneous Engineering”, where we simultaneously design both the product and the process by which it is to be produced; it’s extremely helpful to us. The core purpose of this scheme is to ensure the design of a product which is then capable of being manufactured in a timely and cost-effective manner, without rework or in-process design changes. One of our biggest problems is the number of parts we make, most of our designs are limited production; on the order of three aircraft, this means for some parts we require only one per aircraft and for other parts we may require several hundred per aircraft. Couple this with the fact that many of these aircraft take years to build the actual demand for a part could be one part every two years or several hundred of the same part every year!
continued on page 20
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By using a cutting edge 3D printer we can take advantage of a casting process that eliminates the need for traditional pattern making which results in less expensive and faster manufacture of cast parts. In certain instances we can also substitute fully machined parts for those that may have been cast or forged originally this leads to further cost reduction by eliminating expensive tooling or patterns. CAD has the potential to reduce lead times, allow for easier revision of designs, and improve quality and accuracy. It also has the potential to bridge the gap between design engineering and manufacturing, particularly when operated as CAD/CAM.
Even sourcing the original manufacturing plans can be a problem when it comes to re-building old cars, how do you overcome this when creating new ‘old aircraft’ from the ground up? Sourcing original drawings is still preferred but is often extremely difficult because complete drawing sets may not exist and obtaining original drawings and blueprints from around the world is costly and troublesome. In the event we cannot find sufficient original printed data and drawings we have to resort to more inventive methods. TVAL pioneered a radical new idea utilizing technology very new to aircraft construction but common to reverse engineering; laser scanning and digital modelling.
How would you rate the airworthiness of an original aircraft compared to those that you build? Oddly enough we strive to build the aircraft exactly as they were built nearly 100 years ago! We do this for a number of reasons; these designs have been built in sufficient numbers and tested during combat this ensures they are robust enough to be operated under favourable conditions and by experienced pilots today. Another reason we stay faithful to the original design is to preserve the technology used in these designs giving TVAL the ability to supply parts to museums and collectors if necessary. Where we excel and improve the ‘airworthiness’ is in our Quality assurance programme and raw material selection. Today much better material standards can be obtained, while we try not to change material type, the quality or consistency is much better today than it was many years ago. Our manufacturing requirements and record keeping is no different than that of Cessna, Piper or Boeing, we must know the ‘pedigree’ of every part or raw material we utilise. TVAL also employs a rigid non destructive testing program to inspect every part we weld, cast or fabricate to ensure they are as safe and structurally sound as possible.
This technology facilitated the construction of a very accurate computer model that would duplicate the original aircraft and provide all of the data needed to reproduce an airworthy aircraft. This laser scanning technology could obtain accuracies to 0.001 inches without direct physical contact with the object being measured, a real benefit when dealing with one of a kind priceless museum artefacts! In some cases this degree of accuracy would have been more precise and detailed than original drawings. This tool, or coordinate measuring machine, consists of an articulated arm fitted with either a digital probe or a laser scanner, the arm has several "joints" which allow it to follow the shape of any surface, it can reach several metres in any direction allowing TVAL technicians to “stitch” together 3D scans of an entire airframe. The scans become a complete digital model of the whole aircraft from which detailed drawings of each part can then be made. The German Albatros DVa of which no blueprints were available would cause us to take this new approach to aircraft building. Collaborating with the Canberra War Memorial Museum in Australia, which has one of the two remaining Albatros DVa’s in the world, TVAL pioneered a way to create digital models and drawings using a portable optical scanner to reverse engineer the entire aircraft. TVAL invested a great deal in research and design to create the digital model that would be the basis for the extensive tooling, jigs and fixtures required to produce the complex Albatros design. By combining experience and state of the art equipment TVAL is able to achieve the highest standard of finish as well as fast turnaround and cost effective efficient manufacturing results.
Does building aircraft for sometimes wealthy clients mean you occasionally get to see famous people about the place? Living and working in Wellington you get to see famous people all the time! Building fascinating works of art like these airplanes does help. It depends what you mean by famous people. TVAL has also been called upon to manufacture movie props for a number of major films including ‘King Kong’, and ‘Avatar’, and our aircraft have been used in a number of feature films and documentaries all serving to bring prominent individuals from these fields closer to our aircraft manufacturing business. Personally, I have taken my fair share of Orcs and Hobbits for rides as well as Oscar winning directors, screenwriters, producers and topgun pilots – even grandsons of WW1 fliers and aircraft designers – it is always a thrill to share my passion for these unique machines with others.
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What is your favourite aircraft and why? TVAL has such a diverse collection of original WW1 aircraft and accurate reproductions there is no shortage of aircraft to compare and I have been flying unique types for more than 35 years. I am very fond of and probably best known for flying the Sopwith Camel. It is an excellent airplane although having garnered a sinister reputation, since its flying characteristics are’nt exactly best suited for new pilots. The RAF SE.5A is also a great aircraft to fly. TVAL has recently built three airworthy fighters of this type, equipped with Hispano Suiza engines. I consider the SE 5A to be one of the best all around fighters, with first rate flying performance, be it for speed or maneuverability. She is very controllable on the ground, thanks to a steering skid and good directional control aided by a brisk engine response, so that it suffices to carefully dose the power. The only comparable plane from the other side is the Fokker D VII which, with the Mercedes engine, could be an awesome opponent. The Corsair from World War II was the first single engine production aircraft capable of 400mph in level flight. With its characteristic gull wing and giant 18-cylinder 2000 HP double wasp radial, it proved a superb fighter in the Pacific campaign and achieved a victory ratio approaching 10 to 1. One of my most vivid flying memories was my first flight in this particular aircraft not because of some near death experience or narrow escape but because it was a perfect day to fly in an aeroplane that exceeded all of my expectations! There are so many great aircraft to fly; on a nice calm evening the early BE2c we have is something special to fly, it is slow (48MPH) and very gentle, the camel is loud, obnoxious, manouverable and a thrill to fly, the Corsair is big and fast and gives you a feeling of power, a Cessna 185 on amphibious floats can take you places that you never dreamed of. I suppose they’re all my favourite at one time or another.
What do you see for the future of replica aircraft manufacturing? The sky is the limit – sounds crazy but it is true. Today we can only be limited by our imagination and to some degree our line of credit! Museums have only begun to accept the fact that if they want to fill gaps in their collection then a reproduction aircraft may be the way to facilitate this, collectors have also realised that flying an original aircraft or restoring it to airworthy standards may not be ideal or cost effective or even ethical. Often a substantial amount of an aircraft must be replaced in order to make the aircraft airworthy, in doing this much of the provenance and integrity of an original may be lost. TVAL specializes in building accurate reproduction aircraft as well as engines something that I don’t think is being done anywhere else in the world on this scale. A lot of credit has to go to the people who preserve and keep aircraft like these in the air where they belong. After all, we are just caretakers of these things. They should be shared and passed down from generation to generation to remember, commemorate and enjoy. They are works of art, a testament to technology and symbols of conflict, patriotism and hope.
Companies like TVAL will ensure that generations to come will hear, smell and see historic aircraft like these in the sky.
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road test courtesy of autotrader.co.nz
Words David Linklater pictures supplied
t a e s k c a b a s e k a t V R C ! c i g a m and it's WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW? Crossover wagons account for a quarter of new cars sold in New Zealand. It’s not only the largest single segment, it follows that it’s the most competitive too. Given that very few of these vehicles actually venture off-road, the latest trend in the crossover market is for two-wheel drive models that offer all of the style and space expected in this genre, but at a price comparable to a small or medium car. Honda New Zealand looked pretty smart when it launched the fourth-generation CR-V last year, as it slipped a 2.0-litre front-drive model into the range for less than $40,000. That version is still quite a smart choice, but circa-2013 it’s certainly not unique in the segment. Does the entry-level CR-V S still stack up?
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The new CR-V is actually shorter and lower than the old, and it’s no bad thing through tight corners.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The 2.0-litre engine (as found in your garden variety Civic) is no ball of fire, but it is smooth and free-revving – perhaps more so than the larger 2.4-litre unit used in all-wheel drive CR-Vs. However, the powerplant is somewhat hampered by the fivespeed automatic transmission. That’s pretty old-hat these days and while Honda has protested long and loud to media that more gears doesn’t necessarily mean better real-world performance, the reality is that this smaller-engined CR-V would be much more lively with a six-speed gearbox to help take the strain in open-road driving. The new CR-V is actually shorter and lower than the old, and it’s no bad thing through tight corners. The CR-V has always been totally focused on the tarmac and it remains a pleasing machine to drive quickly: decent steering, good body control. Base price: $39,900.
IS IT EASY TO LIVE WITH? The cabin is strong on style but definitely built down to a price, with a few too many hard plastics and ungainly textures on display. The CR-V’s unique selling proposition is Magic Seat, an astonishingly clever system of folding rear chairs that we’ve previously seen in the Jazz and Civic Euro. The CR-V’s version of Magic Seat is not as complex as the smaller cars’ but it does still provide you with an astonishingly low and flat load space that requires almost no effort to configure. There’s nothing like it in the segment.
Powertrain and performance: 2.0-litre petrol four, 114kW/190Nm, 6-speed automatic manual, front-drive, Combined economy 7.7 litres per 100km. Vital statistics: 4545mm long, 1685mm high, kerb weight 1460kg luggage capacity 589/1146 litres, fuel tank 58 litres, 17-inch wheels on 225/65 tyres. We like: Excellent on-road dynamics, clever Magic Seat system in rear. We don’t like: Some cabin materials feel cheap, fivespeed automatic lacks verve. How it rates: 7/10
SHOULD I BUY ONE? That’s a tricky question. The market is awash with new models and this CR-V no longer looks like a bright young thing next to the likes of the just-launched Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-5 and Mitsubishi Outlander. Worse, while the CR-V’s sub-$40k price looked very sharp when it was released, all of the rivals mentioned above offer at least one model at that same price point. So in many respects it looks like the CR-V is playing catch-up again, but if you want to keep things in the $30k bracket, avoid Continuously Variable Transmission (RAV4, Forester, Outlander) and carry a chest of drawers or a large artwork (yes, I did that) occasionally, then the CR-V S is suddenly back in contention.
David Linklater has been road testing cars and writing about them for nearly two decades, both in New Zealand and Europe. Whether it’s a Ford Fiesta or a Ferrari FF, he can put a car in context and put you behind the wheel. Check out his expert opinions at www.autotrader.co.nz
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From where I'm standing... I am finding it very difficult to explain to people how busy I have been so far this year. The standard question from most people is, “So, what are you doing with all your spare time now you aren’t racing?” The full time drive in Australia didn’t materialise this year, but nothing else has changed as far as other commitments go and I have ended up at all but one of the V8 Supercar events so far this year doing other things. The Roving Pit reporter has become an integral part of the majority of top motorsport TV production, being it be F1, Nascar or V8 Supercars; the information gathered and passed on from key team personnel to the main commentators and in turn to the viewing public has become standard procedure these days. So, when I was asked if I wanted to do that job in Perth at Barbagallo Raceway filling in for Channel Seven’s Mark Beretta who usually supports Mark Larkham in the pitlane, I thought I might as well have a crack!
but in almost every incident, all of those involved reckoned it was the ‘other guys’ fault. Nothing new there I suppose! There is obviously an array of different personalities about the place, and you have to be mindful of the various tensions in the air. Of course, when I was racing, I was always cool calm and collected no matter what the situation was!! The feedback from the weekend was positive, so there coud be the possibility of more appearances during the season.
I am looking forward to getting back to the other side of the drama locally in the next round of the V8 Supertourers. Being in front of the camera isn’t a foreign experience Since we last raced, there for me, so I felt I was reasonably prepared have been some changes to for what I’d have to do, but usually there Of course, is someone else asking me the questions, when I was racing, the overall ownership structure of V8 Supertourers, which I reckon not the other way around. I figured that I was always can only be a good thing; it’ll the broadcast director would be throwing cool, calm and add more certainty, and allow me a few bones on where to go and who collected no the organisers to plan for the to annoy, and that did happen a little bit, matter what the future with a whole lot more but it was up to me to go searching out confidence. The next round other interesting facts and report back to situation was!! is scheduled for late May at the director anything that looked like it Pukekohe. I still haven’t sampled could be of interest to the TV audience. the new track layout in anger and after being My comrade in pitlane, Mark Larkham has developed slightly unsure initially about the changes it a very good approach to describing some of the more seemed to work really well for the Supercar technical aspects of the racing, team strategies and event - the racing was very entertaining. car components, so that viewers and fans get a more Anything that improves safety, keeps the racing in depth analysis and understanding of what’s going close and that enhances the whole experience for on. He does a fantastic job and has a great sense fans has to be applauded. of humour to boot. It’s a very well organised and structured machine with plenty of pre-organised links I go into the Brother 350 round on the 25th of and cover pieces that need to be completed, usually May with a small points lead over Ant Pederson irrespective of what else is going on, so speed and and Daniel Gaunt. Both these guys have shown accuracy is essential. improved and consistent speed at the first two As it turned out, the job was pretty much as I rounds of the season so far and of course others expected; being a part of the Championship for so like Scott McLaughlin and Shane Van Gisbergen long and seeing and talking to the guys doing that job have already proven their prowess on the re-vamped made it reasonably easy to adapt to. I suppose that circuit. As far as I am concerned it is all about understanding what is involved in succeeding and entertaining the fans and I think it’s great that there the work that is required to compete at all levels of are so many guys out there all in with a shot. While the sport gave me the knowledge to ask appropriate I’d always love to come out on top, that isn’t going to questions. It was bloody interesting looking at keep the interest level up. I’ve been in the business everything that was going on from this new perspective long enough to know that anything can happen. and seeing things that were going really well and in Several of the leading contenders have already had others where it was wall to wall disappointment. I know some pretty average luck in terms of reliability issues what it feels like to be in both of those situations. Of or racing incidents, so it’ll be interesting to see who course, when you’re driving, you tend to see the event gets the rub of the green this time around. The V8 revolving around your own fortunes, or misfortunes – Supercars put on a great show; it’s up to us now not too much else matters. But, when you’re moving to complete a successful introduction for the from team to team and instantly seeing highs and new Puke’ and hopefully entice the fans back lows, it’s completely different. Not surprisingly the for some more V8 action. inside of the garage can be very tense when problems arise, especially when a team feels its driver has been Best wishes wronged by someone else. I suppose its human nature,
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mediation Alan Barr MTA Mediation Advisor
When breakdown customers
don’t contact you first
Something we haven’t discussed for a while is customers seeking compensation for failures that occur from repair work they’ve had done recently. They then get the problem fixed somewhere else and don’t advise the original repairer. It’s a fairly common situation that we give a lot of advice about. In all cases when the customer’s vehicle broke down with a problem suspected to be related to a previous repair, they or their diagnosing workshop didn’t get in touch with the first repairer. As you are aware, the Consumer Guarantees Act states that should a repair fail then the supplier of the repair must be given the first chance to put things right. If not, their customer jeopardises their rights for compensation under the Act. The reasons for customers not notifying the repairer vary in many ways; here are three typical examples: • Customer A told us his car broke
down out of town while on holiday. He rang his repairer several times and left messages. He also did the same on the repairer’s cell phone. After half a day without response he organised a tow to a local garage. That workshop tried and couldn’t get the customer’s repairer either so the necessary work was carried out there. • Customer B broke down at a weekend and organised a long distance tow back to his home. This was not authorised by his repairer who he contacted afterwards, at the start of the new week. • Customer C said when his car broke down there was no way he was going to take the car back to his repairer and got the necessary job done elsewhere. Then he demanded our service get him a full refund and compensation for all the stress he had to go through!
Some of you will know exactly how and why these cases were dealt with and resolved differently, but we’ll explain further: • Customer A did not get authorisation from the repairer for the tow, or the repair, however the member acknowledged that his customer did try to contact him many times. He called the workshop that repaired the car and ascertained it was a small error by him that had caused the breakdown. The member sent a cheque to his customer for the costs and the issue was quickly resolved without any bad feeling. • Customer B. The member was not impressed that the customer spent $200 on a tow and did not try to contact him. The member always carries his afterhours cell phone to avoid this sort of eventuality. When the customer’s vehicle was looked at, the fault was very minor and although related to the member’s work, it could have been fixed for around $90 by a local workshop. The member explained this to his customer and offered a cheque for $90 which is what the member believed he could have had the job contracted for. The customer accepted. • Customer C had called us and he was very angry. His demeanour did not improve when we advised him that he had totally lost his rights to compensation because the second lot of repairs he had done were not authorised by the original repairer. He threatened to take the case to the media and the Disputes Tribunal which of course did not happen as he had no case to argue. The important thing to remember from all of this is, if a breakdown is not related to any work you have done then it is not covered by a warranty. But more importantly, as the repairer you should be given the first chance to decide the best course of action. Any time you are in this situation, keep control. If the breakdown is out of town, contract another MTA member to investigate on your behalf. Don’t let the customer choose. If you’re not sure, call the Mediation Team and we can give you some member choices.
Call the Mediation team on 0508 682 633 to discuss your particular situation.
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A picture says a thousand words TradeMe is a fantastic marketing tool for the motor industry. It gets your stock out to the whole country rather than just the local population who drive past your yard, or spot a bargain in the local newspaper. It allows vivid descriptions of your vehicles and a multitude of pictures showing every aspect of your offering. But what happens when your pictures are at odds with your description?
mediation Julian McMullan
MTA Mediation Advisor
Several different figures were offered in value and the tribunal found that the difference between these was $6,500 and considered this the appropriate sum to award. The tribunal also found that the purchaser’s careless behaviour in purchasing it ‘sight unseen’ and not reading the VOSA carefully, had contributed to their own loss. The award was reduced by $2,500.
A case recently heard by the MVDT highlighted what can happen if you get it wrong. A director of X LTD wanted a vehicle that suited their image for her staff to drive around and found a Fiat 500C (convertible) listed on TradeMe; the listing stated it was a 2009 Fiat 500 1.4 Sport. The photographs on TradeMe clearly showed a white Fiat 500C, although the listing details stated it was grey. X LTD bought the car, sight unseen, for $17,900 and had it shipped from Christchurch to Auckland. The vehicle arrived and it was a silver hardtop Fiat 500 Sport. The vehicle exactly matched the description and the VOSA that X LTD signed but not the photographs, what matters more? X LTD said at the hearing that the trader’s conduct was misleading and they would not have purchased the vehicle had they known it was a silver hardtop. X LTD asked for a refund of their purchase price or the difference in value. The trader didn’t agree that their conduct was misleading. They said, first the TradeMe advertisement described the vehicle as grey. Second, the VOSA describes the vehicle as silver. Third, the trader believes that the purchaser’s offer was made in response to their website that showed no photographs, rather than TradeMe. The Fair Trading Act Section 9 states “No person shall, in trade, engage in conduct that is misleading or deceptive or is likely to mislead or deceive.” The trader admitted during the course of his evidence that the wrong photographs were shown on TradeMe and X LTD may have been misled. The trader also stated he had not attempted to mediate the dispute as he was “not into wasting my time”, a statement which cost the trader $548.90, the cost for the purchaser to attend the hearing. The Tribunal found X LTD had been misled by the advertisement as they purchased the vehicle based on the trader’s description. The photographs in an advertisement are the most powerful part of the description. The tribunal found it was appropriate to award compensation rather than rejection.
advocacy
Photo for illustration purposes only The trader made several attempts to show that a reasonable purchaser would have realised the photographs were a mistake by stating the price was too low for a 500C and that the 500C was not available until 2010. Be careful here, we sometimes get a little too close to our product and make assumptions about a purchaser’s knowledge of what they are buying. Don’t assume the purchaser knows models, options or even the difference between alloy and steel wheels. You may feel reading this that the decision is a little harsh, at least with rejection the trader would be back in the position he was to begin with minus the freight – the $4,000 award would most likely be well in excess of his margin. Had the trader accepted the rejection and his mistake in the first place, they would have been in a much better position. The purchaser bares some responsibility as they purchased the vehicle without touching it, and this is acknowledged in the decision. However as a trader, it is your responsibility to describe the vehicle accurately, or if they are that far away, maybe even shout the purchaser a plane ticket. Customer problems, or problem customers? One solution: Call MTA’s Mediation Service – another benefit of being an MTA member
MEDIATION LINE 0508 682 633 We go into bat on your behalf yet another benefit of being an MTA member
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advocate Dougal Morrison
This column gives an update on the activities of the MTA Category and Advisory Committees and the Advocacy and Training Team, including the Mediation Service.
Any feedback you have would be appreciated, either to the Committee Chairperson, whose details are in the back of Radiator, the Committee Manager or me. email dougal.morrison@mta.org.nz or Tel 04 381 8816.
Legislation/Consultation 2013 Essential Skills in Demand Review
In response to being asked to provide submissions for this review, MTA has requested the status quo be maintained so that Automotive Electricians and Diesel Motor Mechanics, including Heavy Vehicle Inspectors, be retained on the Long Term Skill Shortage list. MTA also requested that Motor Mechanics and Motor Air Conditioning Mechanics be retained on the Immediate Skills Shortage list.
Consumer Law Reform
It now seems unlikely the Consumer Law Reform (CLR) will get through the parliamentary law making process before the end of the third quarter this year, with implementation not until end of first quarter 2014. We will keep you informed as the Bill progresses.
Credit Contracts and Financial Services Law Reform Bill
In mid April 2013, Consumer Affairs Minister Craig Foss introduced this Bill to Parliament, proposing changes in consumer credit and repossession laws. The Bill follows on from a wide consultation process undertaken over previous years. Assuming the Bill proceeds through the first reading, it will then enter the Select Committee phase in which public consultation will be sought again – this is likely in the second half of the year. The changes proposed include:
• lenders will have to take responsibility for the likely effect of credit they provide
• lenders will only be able to lend money when the loan
meets the borrower’s requirements and objectives, and the payments required won’t cause substantial hardship for the borrower
• lenders may be banned from the industry if they don’t lend responsibly
• a new code of responsible lending will be introduced • there will be better controls against misleading, deceptive or consumer advertising
• consumer goods cannot be repossessed unless they are specifically identified in the credit contract
• licensing of repossession agents and employees.
Category and Advisory Committee Initiatives Auto Air Conditioning, Heating and Ventilation Training and compliance requirements A summary of compliance requirements relevant to air conditioning work is available from the MTA website at www.mta.org.nz/autoac. This includes information about Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO) Approved Filler and Approved Handler certification. MTA strongly encourages members carrying out auto air conditioning work to get their staff trained appropriately.
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More general information about Approved Fillers and Handler training is available from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA, formerly ERMA) from www.epa.govt.nz.
Automotive Technology Meeting of the Automotive Technology Committee and Committee chairpersons The Automotive Technology Committee and the chairs of the Franchise and Motorcycle Committees and Heavy Vehicle Advisory Group met in Wellington on 21 May 2013. The following items were considered:
• Land Transport Compliance Rule Amendment The primary issue was to review and sign off a draft MTA submission to the Land Transport Vehicle Compliance Amendment Rule, covering Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and Certificate of Fitness (CoF) frequency changes and introduction. MTA reiterated concerns raised in our earlier Vehicle Licensing Reform submission that frequency changes were being considered. The proposal to phasein the WoF frequency change for 2000 to 2008 vehicles in two groups was also considered. Although this would maintain WoF numbers at a consistent level in the future, it would also bring forward the time at which WoF numbers began to reduce.
• Vehicle safety and pre-purchase inspection checksheets During the meeting the Committee also considered the technical content of two checksheets the MTA is developing.
The first, an MTA safety check has the purpose of covering key vehicle safety items that could be completed between warrant inspections. Not all WoF items are covered as some can wait until the next WoF inspection. The new pre-purchase check form will bring the current MTA dealer pre-purchase form up to date and at the same time will be friendlier to use, from a repairer viewpoint. The consumer information on both forms needs to be checked, and form formatting completed, after which they will be available for use by members.
• Vehicle Lifecycle Value Model The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has employed a consultant to undertake a review of vehicle lifecycle and reasons people buy, own and sell/scrap them. There were a number of economic assumptions in this model needing input to improve their accuracy from motor industry experts who deal with vehicles every day. The output from this report could potentially affect a number of future decisions relating to vehicles standards. Input from the committee was valuable.
Collision Repair and Towing 2013 Collision Repair Survey of Insurers
Due to the low response rate, this survey has now been reopened. The results from this survey produce a key document, used during discussions with insurance work
providers. For this reason it is important that the results are accurate, meaningful and reflects a sizeable majority of the industry, which it currently does not. If you have not completed this survey we urge you to do so.
Environment Major milestone drawing near for Tyrewise The Tyrewise industry working group met on 1 and 30 May 2013, to work through the final stages of developing a proposed product stewardship scheme for end of life tyres. The working group’s preferred option will be submitted to the Minister for the Environment for consideration by the end of June 2013. Recent public consultation sessions held in Auckland and Christchurch allowed for wider feedback from interested and affected stakeholders, and provided for some good discussion. For more information see www.tyrewise. co.nz (also, see further the related article in Enviro News).
Spill kit requirements for the MTA Environmental Standards A lack of spill kits and procedures remains a gap for many members not meeting the standards. An analysis from the beginning of 2013 shows, of all members surveyed to date, one in five (or 20 percent) still don’t have a spill kit. To set up your own kit you can use the action sheet and posters available from www.mta.org.nz/environmentresources. Alternatively MTA has a low-cost 45 litre spill kit available, which is suitable for many members’ needs. Contact your MTA Business Manager, or Danny Garrick, MTA Gift Voucher and Stationery Manager: danny.garrick@mta.org.nz.
Heavy Vehicle Advisory Group CoF survey – MTA Heavy Vehicle Repairers NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has indicated that government wants to open up the CoF market, which means heavy vehicle repairers meeting criteria may be given the opportunity to undertake CoFs. MTA surveyed heavy vehicle repairers about their views on undertaking CoF. Members were asked whether they preferred:
a) No change – only independent testing stations should undertake CoFs.
b) Partial change – an independent CoF inspector could undertake inspection in their premises.
c) Open up the market – heavy vehicle repairers meeting
criteria could undertake CoFs. This might mean testing stations could undertake repairs if their facilities were suitable.
40 percent of those surveyed provided a valid response. This indicated an equal number of heavy repairers preferred ‘no change’ and ‘open up the market’. Fewer preferred ‘partial change’.
Service Station and Convenience Store Do you use ‘Petrol dollars’ to inform your customers about where their money goes? We are in the process of updating and refreshing MTA’s petrol dollars poster, which aims to educate the motoring public about who really gets their money when they buy fuel – in particular highlighting the independent service station margin. The poster will be available online for members to download and print, to display around their premises. If you have any comments or feedback on the use of the poster that we can consider during this update, contact liezel. jahnke@mta.org.nz.
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Dealer Committees 2014 Dealer Attitude Surveys Franchise dealers (both car and motorcycle) should keep a watch out for the annual MTA Dealer Attitude survey – the survey forms will likely be sent out late June/early July. The survey provides a valuable indication on the state of franchisor/franchisee relations and helps highlight areas needing attention. Most distributors fully support the survey, and it is in the interest of all franchise dealers to participate. The survey has been running for six years in New Zealand, and is based on the highly respected similar survey run by NADA in the USA. Only composite results are reported and individual dealer responses are kept fully confidential.
NADA Report – Factory Facilities Programmes, Part 2 NADA released their second report earlier this year which looks into the question about whether factory demands on dealers to renovate their premises is reasonable and cost effective. The study does not provide a ‘one size fits all’ answer, but instead focuses on the positives and negatives of the task. The second study reinforces their initial conclusions; that expansion of a facility can pay off well, that modernisation is somewhat harder to justify, and that standardisation (eg the McDonalds and Apple store approach) seems to be of no benefit at all. The study also looks at what the dealership of the future might look like. The study is a very interesting read. If you would like a copy of the report, phone Tony Everett on 04 3818827.
Mediation Centre Activity levels reduced in April, but are now showing signs of resurgence. Financial pressures may be bearing down on some customers and many are willing to dispute any issue. Make sure your sale or repair documentation is as thorough as possible. Complete records and disclosure can help clear up many misunderstandings.
Repairer issues – observations from Alan:
Dealer issues – observations from Julian:
If you are facing a Tribunal hearing, make sure you call the mediation centre for advice. The team are continually discussing and reviewing dispute issues, and they have a very good understanding on what is achievable and what is not. They won’t ‘beat about the bush’ – if it is not worth defending they will tell you, and that might save you a lot of time, energy, and anxiety. Conversely, if they think you are in a good position they can also help you prepare. It costs you nothing and they’re there to help.
If you make promises in the process of making a sale, live up to them. If events go pear shaped and you end up before a Tribunal and it boils down to your word versus the customer’s, the customer probably has the edge – remember they will have bought one car while you will have sold many. The adjudicator will likely place greater reliance on the customer’s recall of events. Also if your integrity is brought into question, the whole case may swing on that single point. Long story short, live to your promises, and record any special conditions or representations on the Vehicle Offer and Sale Agreement. A paper record is ‘gold’ when it comes to sorting these sorts of disputes.
Call free 0508 682 633 and take advantage of this member benefit
No one wants to miss out on business
– could this be you? The MTA website is a dynamic and forever changing part of the business, critical in keeping both members and the public up to date with the latest industry information. As part of your membership, your details are listed on the website. But did you realise that you can have a business description in there too? If you want to stand out from your competitors, this is an easy way to highlight why you should be their first choice.
‘Find a member’ gets an overhaul The ‘Find an MTA member’ search function is being rebuilt so that all members can be found in an easier and more accurate way – you won’t be limited by New Zealand Post regulations anymore! The system will work off longitude and latitude figures for the location of your business. When a member of the public is using the ‘Find an MTA member’ function, it will show them businesses that are closest to where they are at the time. This will be a new function for the website, but also accessible from mobile devices. Keep an eye on the website; it’s likely to be live soon after you’ve read this article. Make this a reason to login to the website and get all of your details as up to date as you can.
We get the numbers!
When it comes to monthly visitors to the website, we don’t do too badly at all. On average we have around 12,500 unique visitors every month – that means that 12,500 people want to find a member, buy a product or just find out what MTA is all about. How does that affect you? Every one of these people could be a potential customer, whether that be to get their car repaired or purchase a gift card, you could get business from them.
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Update your details It’s easy to update your details! When you login, click on the Edit Profile link at the top of the page, it will be next to your business name. This will take you to a screen that looks like the picture below. In the box with the red circle around it, you can type your 255 character business description. Submit the changes and these will be published to the website within 24 hours
Edit your profile Edit your details here. If you are experiencing difficulties updating your business details please email MTA or phone the Wellington office on 0800 001144 Please note, address changes will only be actioned if they meet NZ Post code standards
Company Details Trading Name Web Site Email Address Telephone Number Fax Number Describe your business in 255 characters, including spaces, or less. This is your chance to let prospective customers know what your business provides, why it's unique and what you can do for them. You might want to mention key products that you handle, a special service you provide or even opening hours. It's your choice.
Your description can contain another 22 characters
Subscribe to Radiator magazine
Take action
We think it’s important that people can find you, and also that all of your details are up to date, so now is the perfect time to get this sorted. Just log onto the website, edit your profile, and you’re all set.
Any problems? Call 0800 00 11 44.
bodywork Bob McCoy MTA Collision Repair Manager
Collision Repair Update Steel industry eliminates the weight gap with aluminum for car bodies
PartsTrader continues to grow New Zealand’s biggest online auto parts marketplace says its implementation of a hotly-debated new quality assurance system is working well. The PartsTrader team presented a detailed briefing to its industry advisory group last month, outlining what it has achieved so far, and what it hopes to deliver within the next three months. The advisory group meeting included representatives from the insurance industry, parts suppliers, MTA and the Collision Repair Association (CRA). The company told industry the feedback and ratings process was now working well and producing quality data, allowing repairers and suppliers to know the business integrity of the company they were dealing with. It also reported its controversial “Quality Assurance Programme” was now in place, with the PartsTrader team intending all participants to fully comply with the new requirements by March 2014. Launched in 2004, the PartsTrader platform was developed as an online marketplace to connect automotive trade parts buyers and suppliers. Developed to function like a nation-wide stock exchange for automotive components, the marketplace has been built to function as openly, fairly, and neutrally as possible. The day ended with a robust discussion on the implementation of a “Parts Standard” practice. From the perspective of repairers, this would be a welcome move, ensuring no hidden surprises when a part was received. The parts suppliers present were less sure about the implications of implementing such a standard. However, all present agreed that the issue was an important one from a repairer perspective, and we should continue to take every opportunity to continue the debate. The meeting attendees also agreed the format of the meeting worked well – talking openly with all stakeholders around one table. For more details on PartsTrader, got to: http://www.partstrader.co.nz
Collision repairers - your industry needs
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The latest in a continuing series of research studies by the steel industry, suggest that steel technology has now progressed to the point that auto body structures in the near future can be as lightweight as today's aluminium bodies – while meeting all crash performance standards, and at comparable cost of current steel structures. Adding to a weight reduction of 35 percent in its initial FutureSteelVehicle (FSV) design, the steel industry's most recent studies boost the mass savings to 39 percent. When compared to a baseline steel body structure carrying an internal combustion engine, adjusted for a battery-electric powertrain, and year 2020 regulatory requirements. "Our latest light-weighting projects show the continuing potential of steel. It demonstrates how car makers can take advantage of steel's design flexibility, and use Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS); to meet their difficult challenges for improving fuel economy and reducing green-house gas emissions," said Cees ten Broek, Director, WorldAutoSteel, the automotive group of the World Steel Association. The two most recent studies, called ‘FSV Final Gauge Optimization’ and ‘FSV Near-Term Front Longitudinal Rail Shape’, streamlined the FSV design and devised alternative geometry (for the front rails), respectively. The former led to an additional mass reduction of 11.6kg, compared to the initial FSV design, bringing the total weight savings to 39 percent. The FSV programme employs more than 20 new AHSS grades, representing materials expected to be commercially available in the 2015-2020 technology horizon. The FSV material portfolio includes dual phase (DP), transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP), twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP), complex phase (CP) and hot formed (HF) steels, which reach into GigaPascal strength levels, and are the newest in steel technology offered by the global industry. These steels answer the call of automakers for stronger, formable steels needed for lighter structures that meet increasingly stringent crash requirements. Source: CollisionWeek News
Recently MTA conducted the annual Collision Repair Survey of Insurers. Whilst the final results clearly show what we all know is happening within your industry, the number of participants was relatively low compared to the number asked to complete the survey. As a result the margin of error for the results is higher than what is generally accepted, which may result in the credibility of the results being questioned. That being the case, we have reopened the survey to give those who did not complete it more time to do so. You have told us that the two major issues affecting the survival of your industry are labour rates, and the repair times you are being allowed by your insurance work providers. MTA wants to help you – but we need your help to provide us with the information needed to do so. You can access the survey via the MTA website, www.mta.org.nz/ surveyofinsurers. It will remain open until Friday, 14 June 2013.
All valid entries will go in the draw to win two registrations to MTA Get Away, being held in the beautiful Bay of Islands on 18-19 October 2013.
Profile
Panel Plus Ltd Christchurch Name: Barry Fleming
What attracted you to the industry? When I was 15 my Dad said I either needed to get an apprenticeship and leave school, or go back to school. School didn’t like me so I set off on my bike around Invercargill, and got an apprenticeship at Bear Services.
How long have you been in business? 21 years
How many staff do you employ? 12.
How long have you been a member of MTA? Two years.
What do you see as the benefits of being an MTA member? There are some good discounts for us to use in our business. And customers recognise the brand and see it as a safe bet that they will receive good service, so they choose to bring their car to us rather than ‘Jo Bloggs’.
What do you like about the collision repair industry? Engaging with clients, and making sure we are providing a professional service to meet their needs.
If you could, what would you change in the industry? Get the insurance companies to pay us in line with what they are prepared to pay a mechanic and other related trades, as our costs to keep up with the latest technologies are not being met, nor are wage increases for our staff.
What is the most unusual vehicle you have repaired? A Reliant Scimitar – you don’t see them often.
What is your favourite holiday destination? Vanuatu
Who do you most admire and why? My Mum, because she taught us kids that whatever you do in life, if you do it well and are prepared to work hard for it, you should succeed.
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Good deed goes a long way for vandalism victim A Dunedin collision repair company has come to the aid of a local teen, whose car became a victim of vandalism while she worked at her part time job. Bodyline Collision owner Sean Blair had heard about Sharna Olds’ story which was published in the Otago Daily Times, and had been contacted by her mother to find out what needed to be done to repair the car. “I went up and had a look at the car to assess the damage and could see how distraught the family was about the whole thing. The car had been given to Sharna by her father before he left to go and live in Australia. Everybody remembers their first car, and you could see that there was an emotional attachment there. So I said, it’s alright – we’ll grab this one,” Sean explains. “In the nine years we’ve been here everybody’s been covered by insurance, or parents have been able to step in and pay for repairs, but this situation was a bit different,” he says. While the car was covered by third party insurance, this did not cover vandalism. The car was scratched down both sides, the front and back guards were kicked in. The spare wheel, jack, first aid kit and CDs were stolen. All of the petrol had been siphoned out, two back windows on the left rear door were smashed, the back seat was badly damaged, and two tyres were slashed. Bodyline Collision staff stripped the Nissan Primera right down, panelbeat the damaged areas, re-primed and painted the car over the course of a week. And they did it all off their own back. “We deal with peoples’ misfortunes every day, but the all the guys here agreed straight away that this one was just that wee bit different,” Sean says. Sharna and her family were extremely grateful for Sean’s offer. “The whole family were very emotional about it. Her mother said to me, ‘I’ve never ever won anything, and I’ve never had anything given to me, but this makes up for it’, they were really delighted,” says Sean. MTA congratulates Sean and the team at Bodyline Collision for their kind gesture; keep up the good work, guys.
Official communications supplier to the MTA
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Take advantage of special rates as an MTA member.
MEMBER PROFILE: WHITE HEATHER
White Heather - selling happiness By Jayne Murray MTA Communications and Marketing Coordinator
It’s not often that a business celebrating 50 years is still owned and operated by its original founders. But caravan and camping specialists White Heather, in Normanby, Taranaki, has never really been the type of operation to follow the pack. Owners Wendy and Geoff Button are entrepreneurs, and although they’ve had their challenges along the way, half a century later they’re still going strong. 36 •
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In 1963 Kiwi caravanning was in its infancy, especially in the small rural settlement of Meremere. Wendy and Geoff had emigrated from the UK and wanted to set up their own business together, but they didn’t know what. They started seeing regular advertisements in the newspaper from people wanting to hire caravans for family holidays. And after looking around to see what was on the caravan market, they realised why – there was nothing available. And so their business adventure began. After some time searching, they found a nice little Starliner caravan which they had saved enough of a deposit to buy. They made it available to rent, and things just grew from there. The demand for the hire caravan was incredible, and they had to buy another one just to keep up with the bookings. People then started asking if they could buy the caravans, so they thought they’d better start selling them too. About 12 months later they moved to a site in Hawera, which they rented for 10 shillings per
week. Due to demand they started looking for a franchise; initially difficult, as no one would trust them due to their age and lack of experience. However after buying and selling for a while, the franchises finally came around and signed them on. The business was christened ‘White Heather’, after the Scottish good luck symbol. Geoff and Wendy had lived in Scotland for 18 months before moving to New Zealand, and Wendy was given a sprig on her leaving party to wish her well for her future endeavours. They wanted a name that would be memorable, and could continue if the business changed hands later down the track. ‘White Heather’ seemed fitting and had a nice feel to it – they also weren’t too keen on ‘Buttons Caravans’ as an alternative! When their rented site in Hawera was sold around 12 months later, they spied a site in the nearby settlement of Normanby. Normanby didn’t have much going for it when they first set up, and everyone, including their accountant
Their site has grown as they gradually purchased two neighbouring houses and a dairy, and is now laid out like a park for visitors to enjoy.
“Having customers from all over New Zealand has been the life blood for our business, and we enjoy giving them service beyond their expectations. We love our job, we’re selling people happiness,” Wendy says.
However the manufacturing business went through a tough time with the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST). “Like any business you have to have your ear to the ground and your eye on the horizon, to look out for what’s happening. We could see that the manufacturing business was going down, so we diversified straight away into selling products and equipment. We dropped the manufacturing side right down to a small area of our business, which it still is today, but it’s still filling a vital need for caravanners,” she says.
With an onsite workshop and one of the largest supplies of caravan and motor home parts and equipment in the country, White Heather is a one-stop shop for caravanners told them they were ‘mad’ to be relocating there, and that they were better off in one of the towns. But Geoff and Wendy saw things differently; they saw a site full of potential located on the main highway (State Highway 3) with plenty of parking, that wasn’t hemmed in by neighbouring businesses. They took the risk and never looked back. The site had been left for quite some time and required an intense clean up. Geoff and Wendy cleared the site themselves, removing thousands of concrete tiles and posts. As they were clearing the site, Geoff discovered an old whisky bottle bearing the name ‘White Heather’. This confirmed things for them, they were meant to be here. The whisky bottle was
turned into a lamp, and is displayed as a keepsake in their home. Today White Heather is thriving, offering almost every product, part and service you could think of for caravanning and camping. Their site has grown as they gradually purchased two neighbouring houses and a dairy, and is now laid out like a park for visitors to enjoy. They have new and used caravans, cars, trailers, motor homes and campers, plus a large camping division with a year round expo of tents on display. They have an onsite workshop with fully trained mechanics, and they carry one of the largest supplies of caravan and motor home parts and equipment in the country. They are also very proud
Wendy Button - Co owner 37 •
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The business is family owned and operated, with all decisions discussed and agreed upon together. Geoff and Wendy made the business self sufficient early on, looking for gaps in the market and adjusting to meet consumer demand. For example, a while back they saw a demand for caravan awnings – so they started manufacturing them on site. “We used to have them going out daily by the truckload, to all parts of the country. And we also exported them to Australia,” Wendy says. They had 40 staff working for them at the time.
The White Heather whisky bottle lamp to represent Australia's leading caravan manufacturer JAYCO, as well as New Zealand light trailer manufacturer Kea Trailers. “We have tried to cover every aspect of camping and caravanning, so people can come along and get everything they need in the one place. We now also sell a lot of parts and equipment online,” says Wendy. White Heather’s success can be attributed to ‘sheer hard work’, and changing the business offering to meet customer demand. They are also grateful to have had such loyal staff (two of whom have been with them for twenty years), and say without their immeasurable assistance they wouldn’t have been able to build and sustain such a vast customer base.
It hasn’t all been plain sailing for White Heather; it’s definitely had its challenges. From signage debates with the council, issues with car franchises dropping small town agents throughout the country, to court cases with Inland Revenue. However Geoff and Wendy put it all down to experience, they would find a way to work through problems, and always did things by the book.
So what’s next for White Heather? Geoff and Wendy explain that they are well past retirement age now, but they are still young in body and mind. They’ll continue with the business, together with their son Ross (who has grown up with the business) and their team of dedicated staff, until they can no longer do so. “Ross wants to carry on the business, and he’ll take over no problem. He has a wealth of knowledge and is well sought after in the industry. But we’ve got all that organised. It all depends on our customers and the economy, and what we think is best to do at the time – we’re watching things very carefully,” says Wendy.
REPCO
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news
A new era has started for the Fiat Chrysler Group in New Zealand, with the launch of its new distributor, Fiat Chrysler New Zealand, which will operate from a new multi-million dollar headquarters in Mt Wellington, Auckland. The new company, a joint venture between New Zealand businessman Neville Crichton and Australian Clyde Campbell, brings together Fiat and Alfa Romeo with the American Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands in one distribution network for the first time in New Zealand. This will enable the new company to benefit fully from all the strengths of the Fiat Chrysler Group for the first time. “It is only by having one distributor for all the major Fiat Chrysler Group brands that New Zealand may fully benefit from all the strengths of the Fiat Chrysler Group,” explains Clyde Campbell, director of the new company. “These include not just working with the Fiat Chrysler Group, but also the added clout of bringing all the brands together when comes to operating in New Zealand, from buying advertising space to putting together the best dealer group to serve our customers. We also have another trick up our sleeve – we will be working as a team with Neville Crichton’s
other company, Ateco Automotive New Zealand, in key areas such as purchasing and this means we can punch well above our separate weights!” New Zealand TV viewers can expect to see a lot more of Fiat and Chrysler products in coming months with a combination of the greater power of the new group buying airtime and a greater emphasis on television meaning when it comes to promotion, television will be the major player for the new company. Structural changes in the New Zealand market that have seen the substantial growth in the small car and 4WD/SUV sectors will also benefit the new company with these being areas in which Fiat Chrysler is uniquely strong. Fiat is renowned for its small cars and Alfa Romeo adds a unique performance edge, while Jeep is the very definition of four wheel drive cars and Chrysler and Dodge are renowned for their SUV/4WD and people mover crossover vehicles.
Kia Springs Fun Surprise With CUB Concept
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CLYDE CAMPBELL
A NEW ERA STARTS FOR FIAT CHRYSLER IN NEW ZEALAND
“The timing and the combinations that we have brought together could not be better for the launch of our new company,” says Neville Crichton, director of the new company. “Whether it Clyde’s expertise in working with Chrysler and my experience with the New Zealand market and the European brands; Ateco and Fiat Chrysler working as a team to get more clout in the market place or the brilliant products from Fiat and Chrysler, we believe that we have put together the ideal solution to meet the needs of New Zealand car buyers and that means solid, long term growth for Fiat Chrysler New Zealand and its dealers.”
Kia Motors has unveiled a fun concept car called the CUB.
The compact four-door coupe, created under the direction of President and Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, is less than four metres long, has rearward-opening rear doors and an ‘access-allareas’ interior concept without traditional B-pillars. Features created by Schreyer for the 2007 Kia Kee 2+2 concept are revisited in a new form; the CUB’s nose has a broad wrap-around ‘mouth’ and there is a ‘dip’ in the top of the windshield – a motif that is featured on Optima, Sportage and Cadenza models. The latest interpretation of the distinctive Kia grille is a shallower design incorporating the turbocharger’s air intake, highlighted in body color. The super-smooth exterior, with its flush glazing, minimum-drag wing mirrors and automatic touch-type door handles, promises ultra-low aerodynamic drag, finished off with a two-colour paint job featuring a white racing stripe on mustard yellow. The CUB powertrain features a new version of the company’s 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine – recently confirmed as the power unit for the new Kia Cerato Koup GT. At present there are no plans to put the Kia CUB concept into volume production.
market overview
statistics
April
Tony Everett Dealer Services & Mediation Manager Ph: 04 381 8827
tony.everett@mta.org.nz or: 04 381 8833 rochelle.reddish@mta.org.nz
New market commercial market storming ahead
New Passenger Registrations April YTD 2011
8,000
2012
2013
7,500 7,000
5907 new passenger registrations in April. Up 9 percent compared to April 2012. Down 13 percent from March 2013. New Passenger market up 3 percent YTD compared to YTD 2012. 2235 commercial registrations in March 2013. This is up 38 percent from April 2012. Down 17 percent from last month
6,500 6,000
5,500 5,000 4,500 4,000 3,500
Commerical market is up 41 percent YTD compared to YTD 2012
3,000
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Used vehicle market huge month for import arrivals
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Used Import Passenger Registrations April YTD 2011
8,000
6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0
Jan
Feb
Mar
2013
900 800 700
500 400
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Over 60cc' market: 327 registrations, this is up 27 percent in conrast to April 2013. Under 60cc' market: 177 registrations for April. This is up 15 percent from April 2013.
300 200 100
40 •
May
504 Motorcycle registrations for April. This is up 23 percent from April 2013 and is only down 22 percent from last month.
600
0
Apr
Motorcycles numbers reduce as winter approaches
New Road Registered Motorcycles (>60cc, & <60cc) April YTD 2012
2013
7,000
7418 used passenger imports in April, this is up 26 percent from April 2013. Down 2 percent from last month. The used import passenger market is up 19 percent YTD compared YTD 2012. The trade is still benefiting from a favourable exchange rate.
2011
2012
Jan
Feb
Mar
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Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
The Motorcycle market is still doing well so far this year, up 15 percent YTD compared to YTD 2012.
statistics
brought to you by
Top 10 new passenger registrations by brand Mth
% Chg YTD
Toyota
918
6%
Holden
588
2%
Hyundai
541
13%
Ford
506
18%
Mazda
463
5%
Suzuki
441
3%
Honda
271
23%
Volkswagen
263
26%
Mitsubishi
251
NC
Kia
242
5%
It's another up and down month for the top 10 new brands. Six are up and four are down YTD compared to 2012. Toyota is first with 918 units, Holden stays at second with 588 units and Hyundai is third with 541 units. Other brands doing well are: Ssangyong up 41percent; Jeep up 35 percent; Porsche up 42 percent.
Top 10 used import registrations by model Mth
Eight of ten top 10 used models doing well, Legacy and Atenza are down compared to YTD last year. Swift again takes top spot with 351 units. Axela and Demio switch around with Axela second with 327 and Demio third with 304 units. Other models that had a good month include: Outlander up 407 percent; Note up 185 percent; Wish up 146 percent..
% Chg YTD
Swift
351
95%
Axela
327
40%
Demio
304
40%
Tiida
303
53%
Fit
266
77%
Corolla
244
15%
Atenza
236
22%
Legacy
199
9%
Wish
195
146%
Vitz
174
2%
Top 10 motorcycle registrations by brand Mth
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% Chg YTD
Suzuki
94
7%
Honda
60
12%
Yamaha
38
40%
Harley Davidson
35
13%
Triumph
34
1%
Kawasaki
24
22%
BMW
20
154%
Ymoto
15
21%
Piaggio
14
81%
Hyosung
14
1%
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Suzuki is still sitiing high at first with 94 units. Honda has moved one place this month to second with 60 units and Yamaha is third with 38. Other Brands doing well YTD include: BMW up 154 percent; Piaggio up 81percent.
Top three new models by segment Light
Small Medium Large/upper
Swift
Yaris
Fiesta
307
118
102
Corolla
Cruze
Mazda3
287
187
116
Mazda6
Mondeo
Camry
75
71
68
Commodore
Falcon
Aurion
181
56
17
MPV
Journey
Carnival
Vito,Odyssey
21
7
3
Sport
Toyota86
Veloster
Golf, A5
32
11
7
SUV
Rav4
CX-5
Santa Fe
205
205
201
Van
Hiace
Transit
L300
Pickup Heavy Comâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l
179
67
42
Ranger
Hilux
Navara
416
360
212
Hino
Isuzu
Mitsi Fuso
52
50
36
SUV is still highest selling section with 2252 units in April, followed by small with 1483 and then light with 1129 units. This month Ford Ranger moves from third to first with 416 units, Hilux is second with 360 and Swift is third with 307. Mazda CX-5 is up 132%; Honda CRV up 3180%. These two relatively new models are doing well taking their place in the market.
Whangarei Auckland 526 20% 5329 15% Napier New Plym 550 28% 402 6% Blenheim Greymouth 187 41% 74 8% Invercargill National 376 14% 16067 15%
Hamilton 1361 13% Wanganui 174 4% Westport 30 25%
Thames 185 10% Palm North 761 12% Christchurch 2086 20%
Tauranga 782 10% Masterton 164 16% Timaru 230 22%
Rotorua 260 21% Wellington 1389 9% Oamaru 65 25%
Gisborne 173 23% Nelson 332 33% Dunedin 631 23%
Whangarei 18 20% Napier 15 150% Blenheim 0 100% Invercargill 12 8%
Hamilton 21 22% Wanganui 5 25% Westport 0 100%
Thames 3 200% Palm North 17 29% Christchurch 45 NC
Tauranga 30 36% Masterton 6 20% Timaru 6 NC
Rotorua 6 100% Wellington 52 24% Oamaru 0 100%
Gisborne 0 100% Nelson 8 33% Dunedin 18 50%
Auckland 128 12% New Plym 11 39% Greymouth 1 67% National 402 7%
statistics statistics 42 â&#x20AC;˘
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More vehicle statistics are available on the MTA website www.mta.org.nz/dealer-stats Raw sales data on make, model and region of new passenger and new commercial vehicles are also available on the website in PDF format.
statistics
brought to you by
Whangarei 105 Auckland 2619 Hamilton 414 Thames 44 Tauranga 284 Rotorua 106 Gisborne 26 Napier 172 New Plymouth 113 Wanganui 57 Palmerston North 206 Masterton 55 Wellington 601 Nelson 100 Blenheim 59 Greymouth 18 Westport 3 Christchurch 596 Timaru 49 Oamaru 14 Dunedin 176 Invercargill 90 43 â&#x20AC;˘
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2% 8% 17% 2% 27% 104% 13% 26% 28% 19% 18% 6% 7% 37% 5% 29% 70% 10% 8% 39% 11% 8%
Whangarei 145 Auckland 3676 Hamilton 448 Thames 45 Tauranga 306 Rotorua 57 Gisborne 30 Napier 107 New Plymouth 120 Wanganui 56 Palmerston North 190 Masterton 34 Wellington 669 Nelson 107 Blenheim 37 Greymouth 21 Westport 10 Christchurch 989 Timaru 66 Oamaru 12 Dunedin 216 Invercargill 77
75% 25% 20% 5% 39% 2% NC 16% 7% 27% 67% 6% 21% 53% 37% 22% 43% 35% 65% 50% 30% 5%
Whangarei 7 Auckland 186 Hamilton 34 Thames 8 Tauranga 27 Rotorua 3 Gisborne 3 Napier 10 New Plymouth 20 Wanganui 8 Palmerston North 27 Masterton 7 Wellington 48 Nelson 11 Blenheim 7 Greymouth 1 Westport 0 Christchurch 58 Timaru 7 Oamaru 2 Dunedin 17 Invercargill 11
NC 50% 23% 300% 10% 200% 50% 25% 186% 11% 69% 17% 9% 57% 250% 67% NC 13% NC 100% 70% 8%
CHASE AD AND EDITORIAL
44 •
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MTA
EXPRESS
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on ord over $ ers 50
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Need to refresh your MTA sign? They dont last forever. Take advantage of these amazing low prices and smarten up your premises or vehicles.
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LOWEST PRICE EVER! WOF Check Sheet -Tractors & Forklifts (Book 50) (Pad) code:220T
WAS $10.75 pad
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Tape Dispenser 33m & Diamond Roll of Tape Sellotape (Each) Code:2354616
$7.71 Adhesive Officemax Max Tack Reusable Squares 75gm (Pack) Code:1950517
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Office In A BoxMarbig Blue (Each) Code:2625741
$25.87 Business Card Holder Exec 96 Capacity Code:1031635
$4.48
All PRICES ARE GST ExCluSIvE
Order www.mta.org.nz Stationery Hotline 0508 682 682 radiatoronline: June 2013
45 â&#x20AC;˘
New RUC rates from 1July 2013 With the announcement of the 3 cents a litre rise in petrol the Road User Rate will also increase from 1 July 2013. The Ministry of Transport has advised the average increase in distance licence charges is 5.9 percent. The actual rate increase for vehicles will be either 4 percent or 10 percent. Specifically • Distance licence rates for most vehicles at the heavier end of the fleet increase by 4 percent • Charges for most light and “light heavy” powered vehicles (weight bands up to 9 tonnes) increase by 10 percent • Charges for 3 axle type 6 or 311 vehicles in the 18 tonne weight band also increase by 10 percent
The MTA Quick Subs Subs Shout This month, MTA has sent out letters to all members to renew subscriptions. While there is no such thing as a free lunch, everyone who pays their subscription before 1 July, is entered into a draw to win Subs for lunch (or dinner, or whenever you fancy). Pay promptly, and win fast food: It’s easy to enter. Ten members who renew before 1 July will win a $100 Subway Subcard®, chosen by random draw. We will contact winners directly, and let everyone else know in the 11 July edition of Member Update.
• Most trailer charges increase by 4 percent • Charges for type H vehicles increase by 4 percent, unless there is a change in weight band limit The different levels of increase reflect that the Ministry’s cost allocation model continues to show that RUC for lighter vehicles is recovering a lower proportion of costs than RUC for heavier vehicles. As in previous years, the maximum increase has been capped at 10 percent, which is lower than indicated by the model in many cases. The full list of rates is available on the NZTA website. To assist operators to determine the rates that will be payable for specific vehicles, the Ministry of Transport website now has an updated version of the RUC calculator: http://www.transport.govt.nz/ourwork/Land/ RUCcalculator/
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radiator June 2013
Bringing you deals you can get your teeth into, since 1917.
The irresponsible disposal of synthetic refrigerant gases is damaging our environment.
Thankfully, we’re doing something about it. Creating a safer, healthier environment is everyone’s responsibility. If refrigeration and air-conditioning play a role in your business, you have a duty to maintain and dispose of synthetic refrigerant gases in an environmentally responsible way. Leaking these gases into the atmosphere is ozone-threatening and contributes to climate change. The good news is that most unwanted gases are now being delivered by responsible partner companies to Recovery collection depots throughout New Zealand. Recovery was formed by the refrigeration and air-conditioning industries in 1993 to manage the safe and secure destruction of all used synthetic refrigerant gases. And what a difference we’ve made. If you’re not already contributing to Recovery, isn’t it time to become involved?
Trust for the Destruction of Synthetic Refrigerants www.refrigerantrecovery.co.nz
INDUSTRY TRAINING
Refrigerant License NZ Approved Filler Training Under the Hazardous Substances (Compressed Gases) Regulations 2004, any person charging a compressed gas container with compressed gas must be an Approved Filler • Regardless of the type of gas • For any cylinder greater than 500ml in size • For any industry, for any purpose – including automotive air conditioning
What is covered in a Refrigerant License NZ (RLNZ) Approved Filler Test Certificate course? • The different forms of compressed gases • The adverse effects associated with the different forms of compressed gases • Cylinders and valves – approved design, markings, labelling, inspection and testing • The factors that trigger failure of a gas cylinder • PPE, Safety Data Sheets and HAZCHEM codes associated with compressed gases • Calculating, recovering and safely filling cylinders with refrigerant • The requirements of the Compressed Gas regulations If you recycle refrigerant into a system other than a compressed gas cylinder, the Approved Filler requirement may not apply. If unsure, contact RLNZ for assistance.
What do successful attendees get at the end of the course? • An Approved Filler Test Certificate, valid for five years • A handy wallet-sized license accepted by wholesalers as proof of certification • All certification details are logged on the official Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) database • Your name goes into a public registry on the RLNZ website where the public can search for a certified technician in their area, and wholesalers can also search for your name should you forget your license/test certificate when purchasing refrigerant.
Why should you comply? • Compliance is a legal requirement. The EPA can impose fines of up to $500,000 for non-compliance, and even three months’ imprisonment. • Your insurance may not cover you if an incident occurs as a result of filling a cylinder and you do not hold the appropriate certifications. • At a point in the future, major wholesalers intend to restrict the sale of refrigerant to those in possession of an Approved Test Certificate. For more information or to register on an Approved Filler Course at locations throughout New Zealand, please visit training.rlnz.org.nz/ or call 09 273 0044.
NORTH ISLAND Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre 58 Waipuna Road, Mt Wellington, Auckland www.waipunahotel.co.nz Ph 09 526 3000 Dates/Courses FUNDAMENTALS OF AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING..................................................Friday 30th August FUNDAMENTALS OF AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING..................................................Saturday 31st August ANALYSIS OF AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS............................................Sunday 1st September EARTHMOVING AND AGRICULTURAL AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS............................Monday 2nd September
SOUTH ISLAND The Chateau on the Park, Corner Deans Ave & Kilmarnock St, Riccarton www.chateau-park.co.nz Ph 03 348 8999 Dates/Courses FUNDAMENTALS OF AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING..................................................Friday 6th September FUNDAMENTALS OF AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING..................................................Saturday 7th September ANALYSIS OF AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS............................................Sunday 8th September EARTHMOVING AND AGRICULTURAL AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS............................Monday 9th September
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INDUSTRY TRAINING
Taking the workshop to the World stage Three young New Zealand auto industry technicians leave for Germany this month, to put their ‘business as usual’ skills to the test for fame and prizes against the best in the world. Rodney Nelson, from Fieldpower Northland in Whangarei, is competing in the Automotive Technology category. Jake Ackers, from Holland Collision Centre in Rolleston, is contesting the Autobody Repair category. Joshua Fistonich, from Phill Clark Panelbeaters Ltd in Orewa, is representing New Zealand in the Car Painting category. The three men will join 10 others in the New Zealand contingent, to find the world’s best in skills as diverse as welding and floristry, hairdressing and sheet metal working. They leave for the global centre of precision engineering, fine automobiles and motorways without speed limits at the end of June. The team will also be taking along three automotive sector experts: Rick Lunn, Lucas Connew and Roger Hiini. They helped the competitors prepare, and will provide judging assistance in Leipzig. The event will be held in the arena-sized halls of the Leipzig Messe centre in Germany, with the trade skills competition taking place between 2 to 7 July. All of the trade competitions follow the same format: the assigned project can take no more than 22 hours, over four days. MTA WoF training facilitator and WorldSkills NZ Technical Delegate Malcolm Whinham has been involved with the WorldSkills competition for almost 20 years. “This is the career opportunity of a lifetime for the contestants. If they reach the final – or even place in the top five or six – they can be set for life. There are representatives from all the big companies there; the audience is full of talent spotters. The opportunity that this event presents is immense,” he says. In total, there are between 1,000 and 1,200 competitors. After the intensity of the competition is over, all of the contestants have a prize-giving dinner, and get to know their other competitors from all over the world, over a couple of post-competition drinks.
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radiator June 2013
“The scale of the event is colossal – it is approaching 70 member countries. There will be about 60 countries competing. In the last two competitions, we finished 17th in the world. This year, it is our aim to get into the top 15 – and to achieve a medallion of excellence for each of our competitors.” The event takes place every two years, with the next competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2015. Malcolm strongly recommends giving it a go. Contestants first compete at a regional level, then undergo further selection at the national level. “If you have a talented youngster, send them along. This can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as well as a great adventure – their world can open up, because a youngster has the right attitude and is quick at getting a tyre off,” he says.
MTA WoF training facilitator and WorldSkills NZ Technical Delegate Malcolm Whinham has been involved with the WorldSkills competition for almost 20 years.
The requirements: all entrants must have a training agreement – whether with an employer, an industry training organisation, or a training provider. They must also be under 23 years old in the year of the competition.
INDUSTRY TRAINING
MTA Training Calendar June - September 2013 To register, go to: www.mta.org.nz/jobs-and-training
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
June July August 1 Saturday 1 1 Palmerston North 1 February March April May 2 Sunday 2 2 Palmerston North 2 1 1 Easter Monday 1 Ashburton 3 Queens Birthday 3 3 Saturday Saturday 2 Saturday 2 2 Ashburton 3 4 4 Pukekohe 4 Sunday Sunday 3 Sunday 3 3 5 5 5 4 4 Waiouru 4 4 Saturday Central Auckland 6 Saturday 6 5 West Auckland 5 Sunday Central 6 Auckland 5 Palmerston North 5 7 Sunday 6 West Auckland 6 Palmerston 6 Blenheim North 6 Saturday 7 7Waitangi Day 8 7 7 Lower Hutt 7 Sunday 8 7 Kaikoura 8 Saturday 9 9 8 8 Lower Hutt 8 Warkworth 8 Nelson 9 Sunday 10 9 9 Saturday 9 Dargaville10 Saturday 9 Nelson Saturday 10 Kaitaia 11 Sunday 10 10 Corporate 10 Sunday11 10 Sunday 11 11 11 Saturday Gisborne Whangarei 11 Te Aroha 12 12 11 12 12 12 Sunday Hamilton Whakatane 12 13 Saturday Whangarei 13 Central Auckland 12 13 13 Saturday 13 Huntly Rotorua 13 Rotorua 14 Sunday 14 Corporate 13 14 14 Sunday Te14 Awamutu Tauranga Central Auckland14 15 Corporate Rotorua 14 15 15 Tauranga 15 Paraparaumu Te15 Kuiti Central Auckland15 Saturday 16 Christchurch 16 Saturday 16 Wanganui 15 Christchurch 16 Sunday 17 16 Christchurch 16 Saturday 17 Sunday 17 Hawera 16 Christchurch 17 Invercargill 18 Corporate 17 Saturday 17 Sunday 18 Balclutha 18 New Plymouth 17 18 Invercargill 19 Gore 19 South Auckland 18 Sunday 18 19 New Plymouth 18 Saturday Invercargill 19 Gore 20 Saturday 20 Saturday19 19 20 Te Anau 19 Sunday Dunedin 20 Dunedin 21 Sunday 21 Sunday 20 20 21 Cromwell 20 Wairoa Timaru 21 Dunedin 22 21 22 Cromwell 22 Paeroa 21 21 Waipukurau Christchurch 22 Saturday 23 Kaikohe 23 Hamilton22 Corporate 22 23 Saturday 22 Hastings Christchurch Saturday 24 Sunday24 Whangarei 24 Hamilton23 23 Hastings 23 Sunday 23 Sunday 25 25 ANZAC 24 24 25 24Day Saturday 24 26 25 Saturday North 26 Shore 25 25 Sunday 25 26 27 Saturday 26 Sunday South North 27 Shore 26 Auckland Saturday 26 Motueka 26 27 28 Sunday 27 South Auckland 27 28 Sunday 27 Greymouth 27 28 29 Oamaru 28 Tauranga 28 29 Wellington 28 28 29 Good Friday 30 Rangiora 29 Tauranga 29 Saturday 30 Corporate 29 Masterton 29 30 Saturday 30 Opotiki 30 Sunday 31 Porirua 30 Masterton 30 31 Sunday 31 31 Saturday Update course
Inspectors course
Practical course
September Sunday
June 1 Saturday North Shore 2 Sunday North Shore 3 Queens Birthday Corporate 4 5 West Auckland 6 Saturday West Auckland Sunday 7 8 Saturday 9 Sunday Corporate 10 11 Te Aroha 12 Tokoroa 13 Rotorua Saturday 14 Rotorua Sunday 15 Saturday Feilding 16 Sunday Taumaranui 17 Invercargill Hawera 18 Invercargill New Plymouth 19 Gore New Plymouth 20 Dunedin Saturday 21 Dunedin Sunday 22 Saturday 23 Sunday 24 Wellington 25 Levin 26 Napier 27 Napier 28 Saturday 29 Saturday Sunday 30 Sunday
Managing the PRS
Places are available for WoF training now! Keep your inspectors up to date with the latest on the eVIRM including updates, Practicaland course Update course Inspectors course interpretations technical bulletins. WoF courses on this calendar are the only MTA courses that are recognised by NZTA. Now when you receive your Inspectors course confirmation, you will receive a 10 question pre-course test paper worth 20 percent of your overall grade. You must complete the test paper and email it through to the facilitator, malcolm.whinham@ mta.org.nz for marking prior to the course, then bring it along with you on the day for discussion. The overall pass mark of the course remains at 75 percent, so failure to complete the pre-course test will make it very hard to pass! If you have a laptop or a tablet available, bring it along to work on the eVIRM. Such devices are highly recommended to get the maximum value from the course, but are not compulsory at this stage. If you have any questions, contact Kylie Robinson on 04 381 8836 or email kylie.robinson@mta.org.nz.
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INDUSTRY TRAINING
Joshua aims for a double gold medal haul in 2013!
Congratulations to Joshua Fistonich the Collision Repair Association’s Golden Gun Apprentice of the Year. Joshua is a vehicle refinisher at Phill Clark Panelbeaters in Orewa. He was presented with the award in front of an audience of more than 300 at a special ceremony held as part of the CRA’s Centenary Conference in Auckland in April. Joshua’s employer, Phill Clark describes him as “a natural at this job.” Joshua says he’s always enjoyed tinkering with cars, and loves the variety of projects in the workshop. As the only refinisher in the business he gets to paint a wide range of vehicles, from vintage and classic cars to hot rods and motorbikes. Joshua’s talent for art and passion for cars have already seen him deliver a winning performance in 2012 at the WorldSkills New Zealand competition. The 21-year-old is training hard for the international WorldSkills event. In July he’ll travel to Leipzig, Germany as one of three automotive industry representatives in the Tool Blacks team. He says he’s inspired and motivated to do well. “I’m determined to win gold!” With a positive attitude and a record of success behind him, we’re sure Joshua will be a fantastic ambassador for New Zealand’s automotive refinishing industry. The CRA also awarded Blair Hodgetts from Harvey Collision Repairs in Te Rapa with the Golden Hammer trophy for Apprentice of the Year in collision repair. Congratulations Blair!
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www.mito.org.nz
I.T. techtalk Fred Alvrez
Is your wireless
wire loose?
Do you have problems connecting your laptop/ tablet/phone to your wireless network? Sometimes, for no apparent reason, it won’t work?
Welcome to my world. Wireless connections from a laptop, smartphone or tablet can be pretty dodgy. Sometimes they work just perfectly, other times you just can’t get them to connect at all. Frustrating! In this article I aim to give you some (hopefully!) helpful pointers on what to do when things go wrong. I’m going to make some assumptions here – number one is that you have a wireless network at your home, or place of work. Mind you, perhaps you stop at a café and want to connect to their wireless, and they don’t know how and neither do you? We’ll cover that too. If we have space we’ll go into the mysteries of setting up your phone as a wireless hotspot. Number two assumption is that you do know how to actually connect to a wireless network. You know, click on that little icon down by the clock, click on the name of the wireless network you want to join to, enter the password, and cross your fingers. Let’s get cracking. You have a home wireless network and sometimes, no matter what you do, you can’t connect to it. Number one thing to do: reboot your computer. If you have other wireless devices in the house, check if they can connect to it. If they can’t, pull the power cord on your wireless router, wait ten seconds and then plug it back in, wait for it to start up and try to connect again. This often works. One thing you can try is to make your computer ‘forget’ your wireless network, and treat it as a new one. In Windows 7, go to your Control Panel (haven’t got space here to direct you how, sorry) then click on 'Network' and 'Sharing Center', then 'Manage Wireless Networks'. Look for your wireless network, click on it once, then click on ‘Remove’ and then ‘Yes’. Now go back and try to connect again. Your computer will treat it as an all new wireless network and it might just decide to work. You may be reading this and yelling at me, “Hang on Fred – I don’t see any of this! My little wireless icon has a Big Red X over it!” This is a common problem. Every laptop has a different way of turning the wireless on or off. Many times it’s a little sliding switch somewhere on the side or front of the laptop – it will have a wireless icon next to the switch. This can be easily knocked, or turned off by someone just playing about (read: kids). Other laptops have a key combination, like Fn (that’s your ‘function’ button) F9. That means you hold down the function button (normally it’s a different colour to the rest of your keys) and press the F9 button, and that’s how you turn your wireless in your laptop on or
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off. You may have accidentally done this when you were trying to press Ctrl (control) F9 or whatever. Look for the coloured icons above your function buttons (top of keyboard) and note which one looks like a wireless aerial or signal etc. It’s probably not the F9 key, by the way, that’s just an example. You are driving somewhere and stop for coffee – they have free wireless (or perhaps it’s a hotel and you have to pay). The person serving doesn’t know what to do but they do have a password. This is generally what you would do; click on your wireless icon and connect to the name of the wireless network you want. If it needs a password, then enter it. This is where the confusion starts – what do you do next? Just
Lots of things can affect your wireless signal – microwaves, cordless phones, remote garage door openers. open up whatever internet browser you use, and go for it. Sometimes you will be presented with a page where you have to agree to the terms and conditions of the free service. You can’t go further unless you agree. If you are at a hotel etc and they want payment, often their wireless network will seem like it’s unsecured – you don’t have to
enter a password when you join it. That’s because you need to start the internet browser again to get to the page where it will either ask you for a password, or for your credit card details to give you access to the internet. Often hotels/motels have this service hosted by other companies, as they want nothing to do with technical difficulties. Smartphone Hotspots. Sigh. Some hotspots work perfectly, others not so much. You may have heard of a hotspot and have no idea what I’m talking about. This is when you use your smartphone (that has a data plan) as a wireless network, so you can share it with a laptop/iPad etc. Most smartphones now can be a hotspot – it’s really handy. But so many people have problems with them – mainly (from experience) Apple iPhones. They are notorious for just not working as a hotspot. Sorry not much advice here other than try and try again. Lots of things can affect your wireless signal – microwaves, cordless phones, remote garage door openers. If you are keen to try, change the channel on your wireless router to something else. If you don’t know how to do this, ask someone who does. If your signal is bad and cutting out, you can try a wireless repeater. These are cheap devices that can extend your wireless signal, repeating it to other parts of your home or business. Very handy when they work. Wireless problems can be like that car that keeps coming back to your workshop; most of the time it goes fine, sometimes it plays up and you just can’t find out why. One day, surely it will get more reliable.
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RIGHT TOOLS
JOB ?
for the
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MTA WANGANUI’S BEST RECOGNISED Motor Trade Association (MTA) Wanganui’s 7th awards evening, held last month was another great success. MTA Wanganui celebrated the achievements of those special people who, in making the automotive industry their life, have contributed tremendously to the lifestyles of the people in this region.
Top Automotive Specialist Award Winner, Blane Hannah, Restorat ions Unlimited with sponsor Lynn Te Ngahue, representing EFTPOS NZ Ltd
Award Winner Shane Jordan, Top Technical Business Leader Tim Marshall, Repco NZ sor spon with ta Toyo i Wanganu
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Top Salesperson Award Winner Gareth Jones, David Jones Moto rs with sponsor Hamish Stuart, MTA
Top Technician Award Winner Robert Jones, Watkins Motors with sponsor Hamish Stuart, MTA
Top Collision Repairer/Refinisher Award Winner, Steve Loney, Larsen Collision Repairs with spon sor Tim Marshall, Repco NZ
Photos courtesy of IAN JONES, MAXILAB.
Award Winner, James Glass, Top Parts Interpreter/Manager senting sponsor Lynn Te Ngahue, repre Wanganui Auto Wreckers with Ltd NZ EFTPOS
From automotive technicians to vehicle salespeople and motor industry specialists, awards were presented to MTA Wanganui’s best, from nearly 60 automotive MTA businesses based in the Wanganui Branch region including Hunterville, Marton, Wanganui and Waverley. Top Technical Business Leader Winner: Highly Commended:
Shane Jordan, Wanganui Toyota Murray Laurence, Waverley Motors
Top Administrative Business Leader Winner:
Top Technician
Winner: Highly Commended:
Michelle Lane, VTNZ Wanganui Robert Jones, Watkins Motors, Wanganui Scott Lawlor, BJW Motors, Marton
Top Parts Interpreter/Manager Winner: Highly Commended:
James Glass, Wanganui Auto Wreckers & Towing Jarred Steele, BNT Wanganui
MTA WANGANUI APPRENTICES RECOGNISED
Attendees also acknowledged those apprentices who had completed MTA would like to their various qualifications during the last 12 months. They were: its business partn
• Braydon Hopping, Hoppingand sponsors. Automotive Electrical, Marton – Level 4 National Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering • Aaron Patchett, Guthries Auto Care, Wanganui – Level 4 National Certificate in Automotive Engineering • Zeb Walker, David Jones Motors – Level 4 National Certificate in Automotive Engineering
Top Collision Repairer/Refinisher Winner:
Steve Loney, Larsen Collision Repairs, Wanganui
Top Automotive Specialist Winner: Highly Commended:
Blane Hannah, Restorations Unlimited, Wanganui Gavin Loveridge, Holdaways Brake and Clutch, Wanganui
Top Groomer/Detailer Winner:
Allan Peters, Wanganui Toyota
Top Vehicle Salesperson Winner:
Gareth Jones, David Jones Motors, Wanganui
Top Employer Winner:
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radiator June 2013
A big thank you to those sponsors who have supported this year’s event
INDUSTRY NEWS
Mount Shop opens in Palmerston North. During April, Mount Shop Ltd opened its 5th branch in Palmerston North, located at 606 Tremaine Ave. The new store carries a full range of stock including engine mounts, suspension components, rubber and silicone hose, alloy piping, driveshaft hangers, couplings, pulleys, idlers, construction machinery mounts and much more. Mount Shop only stock quality replacement parts, SWAG Germany for European makes, RBI for Asian manufacturers and a full range of polyurethane mounts and bushes from Energy Suspension USA for American muscle, old and new. Over the past months, Mount Shop has also been working on its website, which, dependent on membership level offers trade and retail pricing, local stock levels and a complete ordering system to registered account holders. The site is smart phone and tablet friendly which means you can look up, match and order parts from under the vehicle and have them delivered directly to your door. To contact your nearest branch call 0508 86 66 86 or head to their website: www.mountshop.co.nz
Mount Shop Palmerston North, 606 Tremaine Ave, Palmerston@mountshop.co.nz
Innovative Hybrid Fusion provides braking solutions for differing driving styles Innovative Hybrid Fusion Technology developed in the advanced Bendix laboratory now allows integrated braking solutions for different braking styles. Hybrid Fusion Technology seamlessly combines latest technologies with advanced new friction material compounds. The integration of different compound combinations formulated at molecular level combines into one innovative product, STEALTH Advanced Technology, Blue Titanium Stripe and Fibre Impregnated Rubber Steel Shims. “No other brake pad merges so many leading technologies to deliver such advanced braking performance,” said Bendix Marketing Services Manager Ian Bott. “This new leading edge technology results in original equipment stopping power with smoother quieter braking performance; improved life of the brake pads and rotors; improved green friction and reduced brake fade,” he said. The new compounds make greater use of organic materials with the benefit of improved environmental protection among the many benefits to the end user.
Bendix Advanced Hybrid Fusion Technology is available from leading Bendix stockists. For more information Freecall the Bendix Brake Advice Centre on 1800 819 666 or +61 3 5327 0211 from overseas, email brakeadvicecentre@bendix.com.au or visit bendix.com.au or bendix.co.nz
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INDUSTRY NEWS
SPANNER PLANNER Spanner Planner manages all aspects of running a workshop from customer and job management including processing from client and vehicle detail, right through to invoices, payments, purchase orders and return of unused goods to the supplier. Craig Byrnes, Managing Director – “Being an online system, we can easily update the software to release new features. We are updating the software with new features and improvements. This also means support issues that need development changes can be implemented quickly, unlike the legacy software model.” Created by the Auckland company App2SaaS, the product has been in development and beta testing for over two years and have now launched the product internationally. “Locally we have been working with the guys at Motorweb who have provided awesome support throughout the process and have helped us integrate Spanner Planner with their system. With your Motorweb account details entered into Spanner Planner, you can retrieve vehicle details including make, model, year, chassis and VIN; saving you potentially hours per week. In the near future we hope to bring WOF details back too using an enhanced search.” “One of the other key aspects of the system is its integration with Xero, the online accounting system. Customer and
Kumho Tyres in conjunction with Kumho Tyre Retailers are offering a ground breaking initiative.
supplier invoices, and Customer payments are pushed to Xero while customer and supplier information synchronises between Xero and Spanner Planner. This means no double handling of information such as manually entering in purchase orders at the end of the month” “To keep it simple we have also built in easy to use stock control which focuses on how motor shops run their business. This is not mandatory but a great feature for tracking, leakage and cutting down on paperwork. If it is utilized fully, this means no stock item should be lost as it is continually accounted for and if it is removed from a job it is either returned to stock, or marked for return to the supplier based on a Return Order” “You can create an account on Spanner Planner in minutes and setup your company through the online wizard. It’s a 30 day trial and no credit card is required.” Craig also goes on to say, “We recommend using an integration partner like “Work in the Cloud” or another Xero Partner to help setup Spanner Planner with your Xero account. They can also assist to migrate historical data from your old system into to Spanner Planner to help you get going even quicker!” You can check out Spanner Planner at www.spannerplanner.co.nz Motorweb www.motorweb.co.nz Work in the cloud - www.workinthecloud. co.nz
Purchase a Kumho Ecowing tyre and we will plant a tree –it’s that simple. For every Kumho Ecowing tyre purchased an ecosourced native tree will be planted by the Talbot Forest working group/Timaru District council. This will enable wildlife corridors to be established adjacent to the Talbot Forest Scenic Reserve in Geraldine, South Canterbury. The Kumho Ecowing tyre is an environmentally friendly tyre – the design brief was to produce a tyre with low rolling resistance to save fuel and reduce emissions during manufacturing and usage. Not only does the Ecowing tyre save the environment with less emissions they offer exceptional performance, saving up to 5% fuel usage compared to non eco tyres. Kumho tyres have become world leaders at designing revolutionary new products and this campaign is one way Kumho can give back and help keep New Zealand green whilst assisting New Zealanders save money on fuel during tough economic times.
Because when it comes to great ideas all you need to do is plant the seed!
Have you noticed the new name? CardSmart. CardLink has updated their fuel card brand to CardSmart.
Driv e
Fleet
Next time you see a CardSmart card remember they are part of the CardLink Family!
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radiator June 2013
600
TEST
325
CARD
ONLY
600
325
TES
T C ARD ONL Y VOL K EXP SWAGEN 12/ PAS 12 SAT
972
92
VOLK SWAG EXP EN PA 12/1 SSAT 2 IN2S
TM
979
99
IN2
001
STM
653
000
000
BUSINESS TRAINING
THE POWER OF THE COACHING PROCESS By Andrew Thirkettle
Training, coaching and mentoring may require an investment of time, but the positive results mean a manifold increase in productivity
People often ask what the difference between coaching, training and mentoring is – they seem to perhaps all flow into one and the boundaries are hard to see. Training is, for the most part, the implantation of the skill whilst coaching takes these skills to another level by empowering the individual to self discover their hidden talents and unlock their potential. Mentoring is slightly different and increasingly popular providing a programme of sharing knowledge and experience from the mentor to the mentee. These sessions are not however an ad hoc “fire side chat” as it would have been 100 years ago - it has objectives and structure. In a football scenario, a coach does not need to train the players how to play football – they acquired those skills at an early age and were trained accordingly. The coach is providing a developmental extension of those skills with a view to the individual self discovering a finer edge to their talents – they will also act as a mentor by sharing their knowledge of the game and their experiences which the individual then includes as part of their own learning “journey”. You may often hear a sales executive say they have “lost it” – they are having a bad month sales wise and as a consequence they believe they have somehow become a poor sales person. An extension of this is where they actually believe they have lost their ability to sell. Does this individual need training, coaching or mentoring? Training will help if they have lost the ability to adapt to new requirements of the job or need new skills or even perhaps some new thinking.
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Mentoring will be of some help as it provides an opportunity for the mentor to have those experiential discussions such as “I remember when this happened to me – and this is what I did about it”. Coaching plays a vital role in this situation - have they really become a bad sales person/ or lost that skill? Perhaps they need it reawakening in some way? You will often find that there may be some personal reasons that have affected their ability or confidence – a key part of selling (or any job) is having the confidence to implement what you actually already know. A structured Training, Coaching and Mentoring programme is a vital tool in ensuring consistency, productivity and the wellbeing of our employees. It is an investment in the individual but also an investment of time. Time is what often stands in the way of us ensuring this happens, but we must make the time to do this –so how do we start? We will almost certainly have some kind of formal or informal appraisal process in place for staff, but so many times they take the format of the individual highlighting to their manager what they have achieved, only for their manager to then highlight what they haven’t. Appraisals should be seen as an opportunity for coaching and if there are any identified areas for improvement, the individual needs to acknowledge these first. The key is to then assist the individual to find the solution. I have listed some suggested guidelines for the appraisal/coaching session but every business is different and has varying operational internal policies – they should be adapted accordingly: Have an agreed date and time for the session – allow the individual some time
to prepare – this can vary but make sure it is adequate for them. Allow enough time for the session and potentially any overrun – this is an important session for you and the individual. As their manager, you need to have some objectives from the session that you want to achieve. Ensure the individual knows the structure of the meeting in terms of what you need them to do prior to it.
“I never cease to be amazed at the power of the coaching process to draw out the skills or talent that was previously hidden within an individual, and which invariably finds a way to solve a problem previously thought unsolvable.”
The meeting should be designed to make sure all parties are at ease and be a mix of what they have achieved together with your offer John Russell, Managing on how you can assist. This may Director, Harley-Davidson take the form of asking how your management style can help assist Europe Ltd. them. This question will solicit not only an answer to that specific question, but will generate a comment based around whether your management style is acting as a barrier to them achieving their goals (which are ultimately yours as well). Whilst discussions should be aimed at a collaborative solution of how you can assist, it should also be about suggestions from the individual as to how they see the solution to any issues. This self discovery technique has many benefits, the main one being that if the solution is their idea, then they own the success or failure of it – if it was purely your solution, then their ownership is diluted eg if it fails, it was your solution that failed. We will also discover a lot about barriers to their achievements by asking how empowered they feel. Organisations often have empowerment as part of their guiding principles – but we must actually foster the implementation of this in the workplace. The Training, Coaching, Mentoring approach may seem like a large investment of time, but surely we do owe this to ourselves and the individuals as it does produce positive results in terms of how individuals develop themselves in our organisations and the payback (or the interest on our investment) we receive is a manifold of increased productivity, higher employee satisfaction, lower staff turnover and a levelling up of skill set in a truly empowered and supportive environment.
Andrew Thirkettle
is a Senior Consultant at Fimtrac® F&I and Compliance Ltd 59 •
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AT YOUR CONVENIENCE
Words: David Linklater - pictures supplied
Convenience stores are as much a part of Kiwiana culture as novelty teatowels and primary school rugby.
It’s an inconvenient truth that times have changed somewhat. True, dairies are still a common sight, even in the busiest urban centres. But the rise of supermarkets over the past quarter of a century, the dramatic growth of service station-based shopping outlets and late-night shopping for all has seriously eroded the place of the traditional convenience store in Kiwi society.
So often, we like to think we’re a grass roots economy: a nation with a village mentality and a colourful dairy on every corner.
Small convenience stores used to be the norm. In the 1950s only half of NZ households owned a refrigerator, so food was normally purchased as and when needed. There had been special diary produce sellers since the turn of the century – shops permitted to sell such items and also permitted to open on Sundays.
Three decades ago, there were around 7000 dairies in New Zealand. Today, there are only about 4000.
Hence the name. Although the ‘diary’ that we know and love really grew out of the Depression, as shop owners changed to cheaper business models and set up retail outlets attached to their own homes, often building a room out front on the street. Dairies enjoyed a privileged position for many decades. In 1945, a new law prohibited
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grocery shops from opening on Saturdays, but dairies were exempt. They could also open outside of other regular trading hours, including evenings. But the change started as far back as the 1950s, when the first supermarkets opened. The concept of a large self-service grocery shop, centrally located with lots of parking, was enthusiastically embraced by city consumers – even if supermarkets couldn’t compete with the long hours of dairies. The 1989 Liquor Act was a watershed moment. It extended the opening hours of supermarkets, which had a significant impact on dairies and small neighbourhood grocery stores. Suddenly, they lost one of their unique selling propositions – and the competition was selling its grocery items at cheaper prices. Like it or not, liquor and tobacco sales have helped many dairies and small grocers survive over the last 20 years – if not in volume then certainly in profit. So regulations regarding tobacco display and alcohol sale have a major impact on the financial viability of many dairies. In a 2010 letter to foodnews.co.nz, Roger Bull, chairman of the New Zealand Association of Convenience Stores (NZACS), said that some dairies derived up to a third of their turnover from cigarettes.
Last year’s Alcohol Reform Bill highlighted the issue once again. Dairy owners complained that the Bill, which now forbids shops below a certain size from having an off licence (meaning they cannot sell alcohol at all), discriminates against them without really tackling alcohol issues in society. In a 2011 story on stuff.co.nz, Association of Dairy, Grocery and Small Business spokesman Naginvhai Neil Patel lamented that “People can come in and buy their bread, butter, eggs, milk, beer and wine, and now they won’t be able to do that. The long-term effects of the Bill on convenience store business remains to be seen. It was passed in December last year. It’s perhaps unfair to characterise the growth in service station-based food shopping as a threat to the convenience store industry – taken solely on size and character, they are convenience stores themselves. But they are a very different kind of business, and have certainly placed a lot of pressure of dairies and small grocery stores by changing consumer buying patterns and expectations.
The ND stores are intended to provide a more traditional dairy-like shopping experience
After all, it’s generally agreed that working people are busier now than they have ever been; or at least, they perceive that to be the case. If you own a car then you have to go to the fuel station regularly. If it so happens that you can buy a few extra food or hardware items while you’re there, so much the better, especially when you can visit at the time that best suits you – including painfully early in the morning or very late at night. A dairy? You have to make a conscious choice to go there. While for many, the ritual of walking down to the corner store is a pleasant experience, others prefer to do their convenience shopping on the run – in way that was simply not possible a few short decades ago.
MTA would like to thank its business partners and sponsors...
(part of Progressive Enterprises) for the grocery giant to run convenience stores at fuel outlets that matched the brand’s supermarket prices.
It’s well-known that service stations have become increasingly reliant on their food outlets for profit and to help the drive the fuel Gull wasn’t the only fuel retailer to see business – the better the shopping, the more the potential in such an arrangement: customers are likely to stop and fill up. As an MTA welike offerto youthank and your MTAmember would BP had trialled a similar arrangement This has led some to try and achieve staffthe health at reduced rates its insurance business partners with Woolworths for a year prior that, impossible dream: convenience-store We’re working for our members –itnotelected overseas not to continue in and sponsors... although or shareholders. So any surplus money hours and size with prices as lowowners as (or goes towards improving our healthcare plans favour of developing its own model. close to) the big supermarkets. Inand2001, keeping premiums affordable. The so-called ‘Woolworths at Gull’ And you can trust us to stay in great financial Gull entered an alliance with Woolworths
Join New Zealand’s favourite health insurer
stores ran for a decade, when Gull changed direction and came full circle. In 2011 it signed a deal for the Night ‘n’ Day (ND) chain of dairies to take over many of its convenience-store operations. However, the Progressive connection continues with Countdown vouchers accepted for Gull fuel discounts. The ND stores are run on a franchise model, but owners are free to develop their own businesses. The ND stores are intended to provide a more traditional dairy-like shopping experience, with not only the expected pies and drinks but also scoop ice cream and its own brand of coffee. Interestingly, while fuel companies persist in getting involved in food retailing, some large food retailers have become involved in fuel. In 2002, supermarket chain Pak ’N’ Save joined with BP in providing (unbranded) fuel on-site, sold at a discount generated by in-store grocery shopping – the opposite emphasis for most fuel/ food alliances but perhaps a more honest reflection of the profit margins.
Productivity and
Efficiency It does show that anything can happen and that there is always room for MTA would thank something. Perhaps alsolike thattothe more things change, more we come to value itsthe business partners our corner shops. There is no doubt that and sponsors... the convenience store industry has been dramatically rationalised over the past few decades – but it’s equally significant that it’s still here and still very visible. New Zealanders still value it
Profit
shape. For eight consecutive years we’ve been given an A+ (Strong) financial strength rating by Standard & Poor’s (Australia) Pty Limited.1
MTA would like MTA would like to to thank MTA would like thankto itsits business partners business partners and sponsors... and sponsors... 1
thank its business partners and supporters
Work
The rating scale is:
AAA (Extremely Strong) AA (Very Strong)
A (Strong)
BBB (Good)
BB (Marginal)
B (Weak)
CCC (Very Weak)
CC (Extremely Weak)
R (Regulatory Action)
Plus (+) or minus (-) signs following ratings from ‘AA’ to ‘CCC’ show relative standing within the major rating categories. Full details of the rating scale are available for inspection at our offices. Standard & Poor’s (Australia) Pty. Limited is an approved agency under the Insurance Companies (Ratings and Inspections) Act 1994.
Customer Relationships
Call 0800 100 777 or visit www.southerncross.co.nz/society SCH6134
Not for profit. For you. Southern Cross Medical Care Society, Level 1, Ernst & Young Building, 2 Takutai Square, Auckland 1010
The leader in specialist automotive s
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ALL PUMPED UP
service station news by Liezel Jahnke
Brought to you by
MTA Environmental and Fuel Services Manager
Best practice for product loss investigations
Petroleum product losses causing contamination due to equipment failures or poor stock management can have long term impacts for service station retailers. Even with the best stock management systems in place and no major incidents occurring on a site, retailers who own tank assets are advised to plan and prepare for potential site clean-up costs in the future when sites may be closed, sold or redeveloped, especially where older sites are concerned. Technology for environmental monitoring and product management is also improving but this will not be able to be used on sites with older tank systems, until they are replaced. Having a sound and comprehensive maintenance contract with a reputable service provider is a good step to ensuring fuel assets remain in good condition, and operate safely to minimise the risk of environmental issues. The 2012 MTA Service Station Industry Survey indicated 31 percent of survey participants had experienced fuel losses (including delivery day shortages); 77 percent said the frequency was monthly (compared to 44 percent in 2011); while there were no fuel losses for 98 (unleaded). The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) code of practice for the operation of underground petroleum tank systems includes the following best practice guidance on dealing with substances losses.
1. Initial steps Losses will usually become apparent due to inventory variation. The following steps should be undertaken: review the site reconciliation data to ensure the calculations are correct, including meter returns, re-dipping of tanks, meter readings in comparison to point of sale data. If this review does not identify the loss, then undertake a site investigation that shall include:
• equipment checks • meter checks • interstitial space (tank and pipework) • observation wells (where fitted) • monitoring wells (where fitted) • leak detection systems • sumps, interceptor and drainage • delivery verification. If a physical loss is confirmed, then undertake a full environmental investigation to determine the extent and nature of the loss together with a remedial action plan.
2. Inventory Check A common cause of an apparent shortage of inventory is error in the calculation of stock on hand. Calculation errors can be minimised by installing an electronic data capture and recording system. Inventory records should be carefully reviewed to ensure that the discrepancy has not been caused by a record keeping error. If no error in the records is found, an independent calculation of apparent loss should be made by an experienced person, starting from the point where the
records indicate satisfactory results.
The objectives of the audit should be:
• to confirm an actual substance loss or reconcile an apparent loss • to prescribe improvements to inventory control procedures appropriate for the site in question • to prescribe appropriate improvements to substance security measures at the site.
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For which products have you experienced these losses? 35 30 25 20 15
10 5 0 91
95
Diesel
If the audit does confirm a substance shortage, and adequate inventory control procedures are in place, the audit should indicate, which individual stationary tank, or group of siphon-connected stationary tanks, is the likely source of loss.
3. Meter Calibration Checks The most common causes of substance shortage are associated with meters and totalisators. The first step, after confirming that an apparent inventory shortage is not the result of an accounting error, is to have an experienced person check the calibration of all the meters on the site. Should this check show that meters are inaccurate; a person competent in maintenance and calibration of these systems should carry out an adjustment and calibration.
4. Dispenser Leakage Checks The dispenser cover panels should be removed and the area below each dispenser inspected for signs of obvious leakage. If leakage is detected, the dispenser should be taken out of service and locked, and a person competent in the maintenance of dispensers should carry out repairs.
5. Delivery Checks Another possible cause of substance shortage is that the amount of substance actually delivered to the site is less than the amount invoiced. A check should be made that the amount invoiced has in fact been delivered. If this does not correspond, the recipient should take the necessary measures to reconcile the difference. Extract from the Environmental Protection Authority Code of Practice for Below Ground Stationary Container Systems for Petroleum – Operations (HSNOCOP45) available from www.epa.govt.nz
Looking to the future Did you know businesses that have a succession plan experience higher growth and have a higher survival rate? If you want to protect the long-term future of your business, now is the time to start thinking about creating your own succession plan. Succession planning not only helps protect your business financially, but gives you a way to leave your business or reduce your responsibility further down the track. This is essential if you eventually want to sell, move on to another venture, or retire.
What is succession planning? Succession planning is the process of ensuring your business is successful without you. This is essential if you’re considering selling or taking on a more passive role in the future. Succession planning is important because businesses that are not reliant on one person or a departing owner’s knowledge, reputation and industry contracts are generally better equipped for sale and to deal with inevitable changes. Succession planning can be complicated and emotionally difficult, but the benefits include: • increased chance of business growth • increased resilience to challenges and higher survival rate • retaining relationships within families and between business partners • setting up for the retirement the owner envisaged.
When to start Planning for succession or a future sale is an important part of being in business. Generally, the earlier you tackle your succession plan, the better. Some business advisers suggest considering your succession plan when you start your business, as part of a wider plan to ensure your business is always ready for transition. In reality, most business owners are too busy with the day-to-day running of the business to spend time planning for an event that they don’t expect to occur for many years. Assuming you haven’t started the process, how much time should you allow before you want to leave the business? The answer depends on your individual circumstances and the state of your business, but here is an approximate guide. • 2 years: Well-prepared business owner with a strategic plan, business in good shape. • 3 to 4 years: Family business owner looking to pass on to professional management. • 3 to 5 years: Knowledge-based business owner (need to pass on knowledge to managers or successor). • 5 years plus: Family business owner looking to pass on to the next generation.
In family-owned businesses, there might be more than one generation involved who have different aspirations and life expectations. All these elements make it difficult to sit down and start building a succession plan. For more information on succession planning and related topics, visit: www.business.govt.nz/starting-andstopping/exiting-a-business/leaving-or-selling Source: www.business.govt.nz
The heart of your forecourt is here
In the event of an emergency such as a health issue, the process can be accelerated. Although this may lead to you achieving a lower value for your business on transition than if a full plan was in place, or having restricted exit options.
Common difficulties Many small business owners simply wind down their business when they’re ready to shut up shop or sell. According to a Harvard and Wharton Business School study, only 47 percent of business owners had any kind of exit plan, and few of those were formal ones. Most owners said they didn’t have a plan because: • it’s too early to think about it • there’s never enough time • I don’t know where to start! Some of the reluctance to discuss a plan could also be attributed to having to leave a business that an owner is connected to, or worrying about losing your status.
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64 • radiator June 2013 *in tests against an API SG/CD mineral oil.
The road to tyre product stewardship Each year approximately five million tyres in New Zealand reach the end of their useful life. Most of these tyres are currently landfilled, stockpiled or dumped, with only a small percentage being recycled. Tyres that aren’t recycled are an environmental problem and a potential health and safety risk. Buried or dumped tyres create the potential for fires, infestation and leaching of toxins. Even if safe management practices are in place, whole tyres are not easily compactable and use a lot of landfill space. If collected and processed efficiently, end of life tyres are a valuable material resource which can create new products and help to reduce New Zealand’s environmental footprint.
What is Tyrewise? In March 2012, the Ministry for the Environment awarded Waste Minimisation funding for the development of a stewardship programme for end of life tyres (ELTs). The Tyrewise project enables industry to work together to deliver a consistent nationwide approach to the responsible disposal of tyres. A working group of ten industry stakeholders has come together to review and shape the product stewardship programme, giving expert direction to 3R Group who are contracted to manage and deliver the project milestones.
Milestones and reports The project had seven milestones to complete by 15 June 2013, with the final deliverable including a full business plan and materials for a scheme launch. The working group has reviewed and given input to a series of scoping reports and other documents produced as part of the project, providing regular feedback to and from their stakeholders and making recommendations at various stages of the process. More on the project deliverables, documents and the working group can be found at www.tyrewise.co.nz
The problem with end of life tyres The economic situation for ELTs in New Zealand has been described previously as a ‘market failure’. This is defined as when an unregulated market system has failed to achieve the optimal allocation of resource or social goals. As ELTs in New Zealand are not currently recognised as a valuable resource, it is reasonable to say that this is a fair analysis. The most common barriers to success are: • There is not a level playing field for all industry participants • Lack of supporting legislation • Lack of secure supply of ELTs The alternative uses for ELTs are wide and varied: it can be as simple as using a car tyre to grow potatoes in the back yard, through to a set of complicated chemical processes to break the tyre back down into its original components for use in further processing.
enviro news Liezel Jahnke Environmental & Fuel Services Manager Ph: 04 381 8843 liezel.jahnke@mta.org.nz
A product stewardship solution The working groups’ role has been to provide feasible options for a product stewardship programme for end of life tyres in New Zealand, investigate the likely costs and benefits of the options and report on the nature of any regulatory framework that might be required to support a scheme. Various options were considered, including international examples and best practice, and five possible scheme options developed. The working group thoroughly considered and reviewed these options and identified a ‘brand owner, first importer fee collection’ model as its preferred option, with the following characteristics: • Priority product status under the Waste Minimisation Act to ensure full mandatory participation and a level playing field • Fee on loose tyres collected from tyre brand owners or importers (preferably via Customs) and fee on fitted tyres on vehicles collected via New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) on behalf of vehicle importers • Fee paid to non-profit product stewardship organisation (PSO) • Consumers take tyres to registered tyre collection locations • Incentives paid to some registered scheme participants (such as collection sites, transporters and processors). A key part of the scheme both in its development and implementation phase is its strong governance structure. For Tyrewise this is proposed to be by way of a product stewardship organisation (PSO) which will consist of a Board of Directors supported by an advisory group with complementary industry knowledge and skills, in order to more effectively govern the scheme.
What is still unknown? The working group doesn’t have all the answers yet, some key details still being developed or requiring decisions are: • the actual value of a fee placed on tyres • value of incentive payments to scheme participants • the exact timing or enactment of regulatory support from government (not within the working group’s control) • if and when priority product will be declared (it is a recommendation to government but not within the working group’s control) • the start date for the product stewardship scheme: the project completes 15 June 2013 and the expectation is that the scheme will be ready for launch, but pending government support and action
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member benefits
Changing of the guard in electronic payment transactions
Sale of EFTPOS New Zealand to VeriFone Systems, Inc Late last year ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited announced it had reached an agreement to sell EFTPOS New Zealand Limited to VeriFone Systems, Inc. VeriFone are a leading global provider of technology that enables electronic payment transactions and value-added services at the point of sale. They operate in 45 countries and their payment solutions are designed to meet the needs of merchants, processors, banks and acquirers worldwide. Since the announcement both companies have been preparing for the split of the business, which took effect on 1 June.
How will the sale impact MTA members with EFTPOS New Zealand? We are pleased to advise that all MTA members will still enjoy or have access to the same preferential pricing package for their payment services, but there are some important changes regarding who will provide these services.
EFTPOS New Zealand remains the terminal and network services provider and any enquiries regarding these services should continue to be directed to EFTPOS New Zealand on 0800 338 767. They will continue to charge the applicable terminal rental and network fees. ANZ will provide the debit and credit card processing facilities. This means for enquiries relating to Merchant Service Fees, settlement and transaction listings, members will need to contact ANZ Merchant Business Solutions on 0800 473 453. Members accepting credit cards will also notice a change to the branding of their monthly Merchant Statements which will be branded ANZ and that their monthly Merchant Service Fee will be debited by ANZ rather than EFTPOS New Zealand. While the ownership of EFTPOS New Zealand is changing, the things MTA members have come to value and expect from your payments provider will stay the same. Both EFTPOS New Zealand and ANZ remain committed to providing great service and market-leading payment solutions at competitive prices. So, from now on the only change you will see is that your monthly statement will arrive in two parts, one from the ANZ and one from EFTPOS NZ
BeNow, assured, you can isnow MTA Assured alsobe insured withwith Crombie Lockwood MTA Insured Crombie Lockwood
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The value of membership
member benefits Matt Chote
MTA Member Benefits Manager Ph: 04 381 8842 matthew.chote@mta.org.nz
Gift Card
$ 67 â&#x20AC;˘
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ADVERTORIAL
better business Russell Holmes
Business Advisory Principal
Profit …. measure
and improve it
In business cliché’s abound and a particularly common one is ‘What is measured, improves’. As profit is one of the key drivers of business, let’s take a closer look at how this concept applies to improving business profitability. So, what is “profit”? At the basic financial level it is the result of the equation: Revenue minus costs. It is then relatively easy to see that increasing profit involves increasing revenue and decreasing costs. So far, so good – but how do you actually do this? Let’s look at what measuring can do. As a competent business owner you will have an accounting system. In most cases that will be an electronic system, ideally using one of the “best of breed” technology systems on the market. Your system will enable you to process sales orders, purchase orders, receive and make payments, link with your bank account and provide you with up to date reporting and probably much more. Basic stuff – right? Wrong! We have found that one of the most frequently missed opportunities in our clients’ businesses is overlooking the treasure trove of information residing in these systems. So what does accounting information have to do with measuring and increasing profit? The answer is EVERYTHING. When your sales and cost information is up to date and correctly recorded then you only need the right reports, a good team to take action, and a system of ongoing monitoring and tracking to get results.
improve the situation? If it makes more sense you can repeat this for your product lines, your suppliers etc. and the list goes on.
Let’s assume you have a range of customers and those customers can be classified in different ways. If you want to improve profit, a first step is to analyse the customers that bring in the most revenue, for the least cost. Having determined your top customers, your team can get involved and discuss the specific characteristics of those top customers. Why do they buy from you? How can you turn more of your customers into top customers? Who is going to be responsible for what action to do this? When? And what will you monitor to see if the actions are working?
So ask yourself – can you determine where your profit is coming from at the press of a button? This month? Last month? Next month? Next year? If the answer is no, your system is not doing the measuring you need it to do. The answers lie hidden and waiting in your business.
These are just a couple of examples of the way you can determine how to improve profit, using your quality business information. Once you have the information, making better decisions is only a few steps away.
You can do the same thing at the opposite end of the spectrum and analyse your poorer performing customers. Why are they at the bottom? Can we do anything to
For more information visit www.whk.co.nz or contact Russell Holmes on 04 569 9069 email: russell.holmes@whk.co.nz
WHK is changing its name to Crowe Horwath at the end of July 2013. We already operate under Crowe Horwath in some of our offices and it makes sense for our business to unite under the one name. WHK has had close ties with Crowe Horwath for a number of years, so we’re confident in the additional resources this global network can provide It has been over 15 years since WHK Group started. In that time we’ve grown to become the leading provider of accounting, tax and advisory services to business throughout New Zealand. We have more access to high quality tax advice, business advice and accounting services you can depend on. We can support you better as you seek ways to prosper. You can find more on our website at www.whk.co.nz/opportunities.
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human resources
Fraud
Kerryn Foote
MTA HR Advisor Ph: 04 381 8841 kerryn.foote@mta.org.nz
Detection Continuously monitor and audit different aspects of your company to ensure you have oversight of your business. Random checks are likely to both deter and detect any shortfalls. Follow up any breaches of process, and make sure all staff are following the correct process without exception.
I’ve been thinking about fraud a lot in the past month. Not because I’m being devious, but because KPMG have released their annual Fraud Survey for 2012, and in the past five weeks I have had more than a dozen calls from members who have experienced theft by an employee. Fraud is both infuriating and devastating for employers, as you deal with both the financial fallout and the betrayal. The KPMG Fraud Survey shows some surprising results. More than a third of those surveyed think fraud is an issue in their industry, but less than eight percent think it’s a problem in their organisation. Fraud can present in many forms, from theft of cash/stock/loyalty scheme points, to elaborate schemes to defraud through accounts payable or payroll. It’s a big cost to business in New Zealand. The Serious Fraud Office estimates that New Zealand could expect an annual loss from fraud of between $2 billion and $8 billion. That’s $8,000,000,000. Some of that could be your money! Personal financial pressure is the main motivation for fraud. The ongoing impact of the Global Financial Crisis is likely putting increasing pressure on people to make ends meet. Half of employee fraudsters earn less than $50,000 annually and the average theft is $12,820. Three quarters of fraudsters act alone, and three quarters of cases are for frauds of less than $100,000. The financial fallout of fraud for employers is huge. Over half of employers don’t get any funds back to cover their loss, and another 20 percent only get some of the amount stolen returned.
Prevention The best way to stop fraud is to prevent it happening in the first place. Screen your job candidates prior to employment. Of those fraudsters caught, five percent had previous dishonesty convictions. Ensure that you have internal controls in place. For example, ensure your stock control is managed – from checking and receipting orders, through to conducting regular stock takes. Train your staff in how you want them to work and handle stock and cash. Have two people sign off on paperwork around areas of risk, such as refunds and cashing up. Try fraud stress testing. See if you (or a third party) are able to get around your systems and controls to commit fraud. Utilise job rotation and compulsory use of annual leave to make it difficult for employees to cover their tracks. Absence can bring to light incidents of wrong-doing. You can mix up teams so that collusion is more difficult.
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Regularly review your financial reports and maintain close supervision of the operation of your bank accounts. Look at your sales and expenses to identify changes in normal patterns. Do not rely on auditors or your accountant to pick up fraud. Only 11 percent of frauds were detected by auditors. You know your business better than anyone and therefore will have a better idea if something is out of the ordinary or unexpected.
Employee issues If you suspect something dodgy is going on, start investigating. Look at paperwork, money trails and video footage if you have it. If you think there is a real problem with the way your staff have been conducting themselves, you should commence a formal disciplinary process. This will begin with an investigation meeting where you can ask the employee questions to gain clarity about the event/s (the employee can bring a support person to this meeting if they wish). You may need to suspend the employee for the duration of the investigation and any resulting action. You will then need to decide if you proceed further with a disciplinary meeting where you can put to them that you are considering action, such as a warning or terminating their employment (the employee can also bring a support person to this meeting). I recommend that you make a report to the Police so that they can consider prosecution. The Police may not be able to recover the money taken in all circumstances but it is important for other employers to be able to avoid hiring fraudsters through a search of their criminal record. It will also help Police track the incidence of fraud and adequately resource for managing this type of crime. Please contact me if you suspect your employee is stealing from you. I can advise you on best practice taking into account the specific aspects of the situation, and walk you through a process that will likely evolve as you investigate.
For advice on employees or employment law, call MTA’s dedicated Human Resources Advisor – and make the most of this member benefit.
directory MTA Executive Team
STEPHEN MATTHEWS Chief Executive Officer
Board of Directors 2013 David Storey
Phone 04-381 8820 stephen.matthews@mta.org.nz
President
Auckland • 09 415 8569 president@mta.org.nz
Malcolm Davison Vice-President Auckland • 09 360 3200 vicepresident@mta.org.nz
JIM GIBBONS
Finance Director
Wellington • 04 384 9734 jim.gibbons@colmotor.co.nz
BOB BONIFACE Auckland • 09 636 5463 bob.boniface@xtra.co.nz
IAN STRONACH
GAVIN STILL
General Manager Marketing & Communications
General Manager Member Benefits
Phone 04-381 8801 ian.stronach@mta.org.nz
Phone 04-381 8822 gavin.still@mta.org.nz
MARK DARROW Auckland • 021 888-858 mdarrow@pggwrightson.co.nz
Dave Harris Waikato/Thames Valley • 027 474 8900 dave@matamata.co.nz
JUDY LANGE Southland • 03-218 7149 judy@a1autoservices.co.nz
Richard Punter Hawkes Bay • 021-943 611 richard@stratix-management.com
Keith Webb Wellington • 04-478 2477 keith.webb@xtra.co.nz
MTA Business Managers NORTHERN REGION
DOUGAL MORRISON
KAETRIN STEPHENSON
Phone 04-381 8816 dougal.morrison@mta.org.nz
Phone 04-381 8807 kaetrin.stephenson@mta.org.nz
General Manager Advocacy & Training
Chief Financial Officer and Administration
Your Business Manager will provide you with access to market leading training, introductions to business specialists and mentors, and a range of discounts to ensure your business operates at its full potential. To take advantage of these benefits please contact your local manager or Gavin Still: 04 381 8822 or gavin.still@mta.org.nz
CENTRAL REGION
Auckland, Northland
Greater Auckland area
David Abbott
Peter Nicholson
(Regional Manager) PO Box 331369, Auckland 0740 Phone 09 488 0962 Mobile 0274 93 9942 Fax 09 488 0763 john.henderson@mta.org.nz
PO Box 9214, Newmarket Auckland 1149 Phone 09 271 1397 Mobile 0274-448 772 Fax 09 271 1397 david.abbott@mta.org.nz
Dealer/Service Station Specialist PO Box 331369, Auckland 0740 Phone 09 473 5975 Mobile 027 491 3907 Fax 09 473 5976 peter.nicholson@mta.org.nz
John Henderson
Auckland, Northland
SOUTHERN REGION
CHRISTINE LAMBIE Marlborough, Nelson, Canterbury, West Coast
PO Box 22 246, Christchurch 8142 Phone 03 379 6186 Mobile 0274 420 899 Fax 03 384 0373 christine.lambie@mta.org.nz
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RUSSELL LANE
MICHELLE FINDLATER
Phone 03 379 6185 Mobile 027 297 1722 Fax 03 384 0373 russell.lane@mta.org.nz
PO Box 8018, Glengarry Invercargill 9845 Phone 03 216 2682 Mobile 027 497 1568 Fax: 0800 000 695 michelle.findlater@mta.org.nz
Canterbury, Ashburton, South Canterbury, North Otago
Otago, Central Otago, South Otago, Gore, Southland
Dave Simon
Bay of Plenty, Tauranga, Gisborne and Wairoa (Regional Manager) PO Box 15531, Tauranga 3144 Phone 07 579 5596 Mobile 0274 946 162 Fax 07 579 5535 dave.simon@mta.org.nz
MICHAEL BRADLEY
FELICITY WILSON
PO Box 318, Feilding 4740 Phone 06 323 0522 Mobile 0274 402 617 Fax 06 323 0526 michael.bradley@mta.org.nz
PO Box 1003, New Plymouth 4340 Phone 06 753 0032 Mobile 027 220 5392 Fax 06 753 0034 felicity.wilson@mta.org.nz
Central/Southern Hawkes Bay, North/South Taranaki, Hawkes Bay, Feilding, Wanganui, Central Main Trunk, Manawatu, North Wairarapa. Taumarunui, Horowhenua,
IAN LAMONT
MARY-ANNE MARTIN
PO Box 9244, Wellington Phone 04 235 7380 Mobile 0274 430 289 Fax 0800 000 695 ian.lamont@mta.org.nz
PO Box 4475, Hamilton East 3247 Mobile 027 440 2618 Fax 0800 000 695 mary-anne.martin@mta.org.nz
Wairarapa, Wellington
Waikato, Waitomo
Branch Presidents
contacts
Northland
Simon Phelps 09-470 3905 sphelps@northtec.ac.nz
> Auto Air Conditioning, Heating & Ventilation Committee
Auckland
Graham Barr pmsltd@xtra.co.nz
09-299 6586
Waikato/ Thames Valley
Andrea Andrew andrea@probars.co.nz
07-847 2375
Tauranga
Sean Squires 07-544 0920 sean.squires@boppoly.ac.nz
Keith Webb (Board Rep) Wellington Quim Silva Auckland Michael Kelly Gore Dave Harwood Auckland Rodney Smith (Chair, Co-opted) Waikato Liezel Jahnke MTA Wellington Office
Waitomo
Peter Kerr-Bell 07-873 8169 peter.kerr-bell@inghamoto.co.nz
Bay of Plenty
Ross Birchall rosbir@clear.net.nz
07-345 5442
Gisborne
Steve Scragg makaraka@xtra.co.nz
06-867 5499
Wairoa
Stewart Halpin 06-838 6922 wairoamotorcycles@xtra.co.nz
> Collision Repair Committee
Hawkes Bay
Grant Lower stichautos@xtra.co.nz
Bob Boniface (Board Rep) Auckland Andrew Purser (Chair) South Taranaki Barry Meuli North Taranaki Alan Berry Christchurch Neil Butterfield (Co-opted) Wellington Bob McCoy MTA Wellington Office
06- 878 7700
Ctrl Hawkes Bay Paul Shanks 06-858 8086 pshanks@ruahinemotors.co.nz Taumarunui
Paul Rushbrooke 07-895 8110 hondafirsttaum@xtra.co.nz
North Taranaki
Kerrie Thomson-Booth 06-758 5451 fitz.aut.ltd.np@xtra.co.nz
South Taranaki Wanganui
Brett Stratton 06-278 5756 haweramufflers@xtra.co.nz Mike Johnston 06-345 8339 holdawaysltd@paradise.net.nz
Ctrl Main Trunk Manawatu & North Wairarapa
Colin Fredrickson 06-385 4151 horopito.motors@xtra.co.nz Peter Morgan 06-355 4460 mainstreetautos@xtra.co.nz
Wairarapa
Jay Sutherland 06-378 9998 autofix@vodafone.co.nz
Horowhenua
Ken Shugg 06-364 5198 k.a.shugg@clear.net.nz
Wellington
Phillip Saxton 04-939 4318 saxtonautos@paradise.net.nz
Marlborough
Phil Brown motors@xtra.co.nz
03-577 9959
Nelson
Paul Kelly pnkelly@clear.net.nz
03-970 0559
West Coast
Dave Larkin lbsc@xtra.co.nz
03-738 0029
Canterbury
Joris Sanders 03-366 3384 joris@leadingedgeautomotive.co.nz
Ashburton
Malcolm Lovett 03 308 9109 malcolm.lovett@clear.net.nz
South Canterbury Murray Kitchen mkskoda@xtra.co.nz
03-688 5922
North Otago
Peter Robinson ceo@nomg.co.nz
03-433 0135
Otago
Kevin Offen kevsgarage@xtra.co.nz
03-455 9094
Central Otago
Richard Smith 03-444 9365 cjsinclair.ranfurly@xtra.co.nz
South Otago
Wayne Eyles gwe@actrix.co.nz
03-418 1348
Gore
Brian Pay ivsgore@xtra.co.nz
03-208 1185
Southland
Neil Allan 03-214 2136 neil@autotechtuning.co.nz
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04 478 2477 09 376 6691 03 208 1050 09 443 8025 07 849 6906 04 381 8843
keith.webb@xtra.co.nz aucklandcity@coolcar.co.nz mickelly@esi.co.nz northshore@coolcar.co.nz sikaseeker@coolcar.co.nz liezel.jahnke@mta.org.nz
> Automotive Technology Committee David Storey (Board Rep) Auckland Anthony Allen (Chair) Tauranga Owen Woodman Horowhenua Matt Rogers Auckland Russell Keeler (Co-opted) Gore Garry Williams MTA Wellington Office
09 415 8569 07 549 0675 04 293 7651 09 917 9417 03 208 4240 04 381 8817
david@supershoppes.co.nz tonysauto@xtra.co.nz woodmanauto@xtra.co.nz matt.rogers@asrl.co.nz rdkeeler@xtra.co.nz garry.williams@mta.org.nz
09 636 5463 06 278 8233 06 758 4085 03 366 9537 04 237 5898 04 381 8837
bob@rabon.co.nz mr.fix@xtra.co.nz bjmeuli@xtra.co.nz alan@atomicpanel.co.nz neil@autocrash.co.nz bob.mccoy@mta.org.nz
03 218 7149 09 294 8159 07 345 5442 04 381 8843
judy@a1autoservices.co.nz craigm_386@hotmail.com ross@bmautomotive.co.nz liezel.jahnke@mta.org.nz
09 360 3200 04 802 8750 07 578 6017 04 587 0005 03 433 0135 04-381 8827
mdavison@giltrap.com hjacob@capitalcityford.co.nz mikef@farmerautovillage.co.nz matthewf@brendanfoot.co.nz ceo@nomg.co.nz tony.everett@mta.org.nz
> Environment Committee Judy Lange (Board Rep) Southland Craig Murray (Chair) Auckland Ross Birchall Bay of Plenty Liezel Jahnke MTA Wellington Office
> Franchise Committee Malcolm Davison (Board Rep) Auckland Hamish Jacob (Chair) Wellington Michael Farmer Tauranga Matthew Foot Wellington Peter Robinson (Co-opted) Oamaru Tony Everett MTA Wellington Office
> Heavy Vehicle Advisory Group Keith Webb (Board Rep) Wellington Wayne McCurdy (Chair) North Taranaki Craig Murray Auckland Brent Ward Wairarapa Lloyd Heslop Nelson Merv Avery Manawatu Brian Sara Wellington Garry Williams MTA Wellington Office
04 478 2477 06 769 6506 09 294 8159 06 370 3818 03 543 9400 06 354 7164 04 495 2505 04 381 8817
keith.webb@xtra.co.nz delwyn@mccurdyeng.co.nz craigm_386@hotmail.com brent@waidiesel.co.nz admin@heslops.co.nz merv@transag.co.nz brians@vtnz.co.nz garry.williams@mta.org.nz
06 877 7621 07 571 3040 06 867 6638 06 357 7027 04 381 8827
richard@stratix-management.com info@bayride.co.nz paul@cgmmotorcycles.co.nz kevin@cityhonda.co.nz tony.everett@mta.org.nz
> Motorcycle Committee Richard Punter (Board Rep) Hawkes Bay Lindsay Beck (Chair) Tauranga Paul Corrin Gisborne Kevin Carian (Co-opted) Manawatu Tony Everett MTA Wellington Office
> Service Station & Convenience Store Dave Harris (Board Rep) Waikato John Patton (Chair) Waikato Ross Shadbolt Auckland Christopher Rawson North Otago Roger Bull (Co-opted) Hawkes Bay Liezel Jahnke MTA Wellington Office
027 474 8900 07 868 7090 09 296 5477 03 434 8798 06 870 8091 04 381 8843
dave@matamata.co.nz thamesA1@xtra.co.nz direct_imports@xtra.co.nz bp2gooamaru@netspeed.net.nz roger@csbgroup.co.nz liezel.jahnke@mta.org.nz
> Used Vehicle Committee Jim Gibbons (Board Rep) Wellington Leslie Baxter (Chair) Gore Ian Charlton Auckland Carl Doggett Canterbury Ian Humphrey (Co-opted) Manawatu Tony Everett MTA Wellington Office
04 384 9734 03 2081234 09 2630353 03 3778873 06 3555761 04 381 8827
jim.gibbons@colmotor.co.nz leslie@carnabycars.co.nz ian@advantagecars.co.nz carl@tcm4wd.co.nz sales@ianhumphrey.co.nz tony.everett@mta.org.nz
classifieds SITUATIONS VACANT
AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOP MANAGER - Motueka, Nelson
Voted Best Town In NZ- Gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. We are an award winning workshop looking for a qualified and experienced mechanic to replace our workshop manager who is retiring. Responsibilities include: • Customer service duties and willing to go the extra mile for customer satisfaction. • Diagnosing faults and assessing for repairs on and off site. • All aspects of vehicle servicing and mechanical repairs, including WOF's • Carrying out necessary paperwork. • Management of workshop staff, sourcing parts, stock control and overseeing jobs. Hours 8-5 Mon-Fri with some rostered after hours work. Please send applications including C.V to motuekavacancy@gmail.com
NEW VEHICLE SALES MANAGER We are seeking a New Vehicle Sales Manager to lead our Subaru and Mazda Sales Departments. Experience in new vehicle sales is essential. A competitive remuneration package is available for the ideal applicant. Please contact Rob Ryan for more information (0274) 969 020. Palmfeild Motors, Palmerston North.
PANELBEATER - CHRISTCHURCH Panelbeater required urgently for small shop in Christchurch. Please email: terry.stevenson@ xtra.co.nz - subject "Vacancy" You must have at least two referees we can contact or call either Naomi or Shanel on (03)388 5187.
BUSINESS FOR SALE/LEASE DYNO TUNING AND FULL WORKSHOP A rare opportunity to purchase a well established workshop in Hamilton. Excellent location, WOF and repair workshop, including an always busy 4x4 Chassis Dyno setup. Established and loyal customer base and business includes extensive plant list. Contact Steve 0274 845 483. Established Automotive Repair & WOF workshop. Good location, North Shore, Takapuna. Four working bays, two hoist, brake roller tester, ample parking, great potential. $79,000 ONO. Phone Ash on 021 163 8560.
Dual Franchise Motorcycle Business available Main Centre, established and desirable Brands / Trading name. Modern high profile premises for lease or purchase, Strong database, stock and plant at valuation. email: franchiseopportunitynz@gmail.com
SERVICE STATION, SHOP, CAFe & WORKSHOP FOR SALE 10 year Gull NZ contract for Force 10, Regular 91 & ADO Diesel. Contact Bruce Thomas - Gull Atiamuri RD1. Ph: 07 333 2300
Automotive business for sale, Canterbury. Est. 11 years. modern premises and equipment WOF authority 700k plus t/o great opportunity, write PO Box 16288 Hornby Christchurch 8003 BUSINESS/INVESTMENT ST. HIGHWAY 1 HAMILTON. Long established auto workshop. owned for 37 years. Fully equipped 3 bay plus secure area can be leased out separately or used as car sales area. Look at lease. Rent to buy, all options open. Phone Dennis ah: 07 8464200. Mechanical workshop Dismantling yard TE AWAMUTU waikato Well established, good customer base WOF. mechanical repairs, with dismantling forklift, tyre machine, computer network. good size workshop and stores, large pit, 2.5 acres industrial property with 3 bedroom house, flat land can be subdivided. Ph 07 871 3449
PARTS/EQUIPMENT FOR SALE NITROGEN Generator E170 near new caps, brochures and sign included. 42 months @$492.30 per month to finish of contract. Machine has had little use and is surplus to requirements as the business has been sold. Ph. 021 0821 4216 SUMAKE POWER STEERING FLUSHING MACHINE Hardly used. New & used fluid containers. Plug into wall with vacuum gauges and flowing quantity gauges. $550. Phone Kelly on 09 430 3728 or email kelly@kellysauto.co.nz WHEEL SERVICE EQUIPMENT - Tyre balancers, Tyre changers for automotive and truck use, Wheel alignment systems, side slip testers. Ph: Sulco Equipment 0800 800488 www.sulco.co.nz
BRAKE LATHE. New Caorle Brake Lathes. Made in Italy. On & Off Car. Phone Stocks on 0800 863 784 or email: equipment@georgestock.co.nz BRAKE TESTER - New MAHA roller brake testers. Phone Stocks Equipment on 0800 863 784 or email: equipment@georgestock.co.nz. CAR HOIST – BRAND NEW 2 POST HOISTS available from only $3,495 + GST installed. Also 4 Post Hoists, Wheel Alignment Scissor Lifts, Belly Lifters also available. Phone Stocks Equipment 0800 863 784 email: equipment@georgestock.co.nz TYRE CHANGER & WHEEL BALANCERS. New & Used Tyre Changers. Stocks Equipment 0800 863 784 or visit www.georgestock.co.nz WHEEL ALIGNER – HUNTER. New & used Wheel Aligners, Phone Stocks Equipment on 0800 863 784 or email: equipment@georgestock.co.nz TOYOTA GENUINE CYLINDER HEADS from $650.00. Timing Belt Kits from $118.00 1KZTE Solid Flywheel Conversions $700.00 Prices excl GST. Ph 07-578 9889. TOYOTA AUTOMOTIVE DIAGNOSTIC SCOPES PC based, extremely powerful and easy to use. phone Chris at Metermaster NZ Ltd 09296 7601, 0800METERS or 021 953 129. Carburettor reconditioning including classic and performance makes, 40 plus years trade experience. Free advice. Contact Graeme Tulloch, Tulmac Carburettor Specialists, Ph: 027-612 2312 or 06-368-2202 Seat Belt Mounting Plates Buy direct from the manufacturer. Quality plates and extensions at good prices. Prescott Engineeering Ltd, 7 Prescott St, Penrose. Ph 09 5797424
TRANSMISSION FLUSHERS - Air conditioning service equipment, Sulco Equipment has new, used and ex demo. Ph: Sulco Equipment 0800 800488 or www.sulco.co.nz TULMAC CARBURETTOR SPECIALISTS Full reconditioning service, carburettor body rebushing and shafts supplied. Specialising in Weber, Dellorto, Su Stromberg etc. Contact Graeme Tulloch Ph: 027 612 2312 or 06-368 2202 Levin. BEAMSETTER – (Headlight Aligner) New, plus other WOF equipment. Phone Stocks Equipment on 0800 863 784 or email: equipment@georgestock.co.nz
Wood Eng. Services Ltd.
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petrol station shop and workshop Freehold going concern. Forecourt and rear yard 400m2. Business turnover is on average close to $1m for the last 5 years. 50+ year tanks circa 2000. Potential to lease out some of the building as a workshop creating rental income. (would lease it back long term, if it suited you). Details are available with confidentiality agreement. Selling well below value in the low to mid 400k range.
FREE for MEMBERS ONLY plus inclusion to MTA website (Member No required/maximum 30 words) Non Members $15 plus GST for 30 words BOLD IT only $5 extra. EXTRA WORDS $1 per word. email to radiator@mta.org.nz
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Ph: (09) 576 9498 Fax: (09) 576 9480
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o.n www.ringgear.c
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Help to keep money within the industry Sell MTA Gift Cards and make 3% commission
LOWER HUTT. Small, well established (23 Years) Automotive Workshop, specialising in European cars. Fully equipped business with latest diagnostic equipment. Loyal customer base. Ph 0275 374 838 full workshop and service station located in Tahuna. Successful business which has been trading for over 55 years. Lease $500 per week. Contact Roy 07 887 5742.
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Phone: Aaron Brooker 04 381 8823 email: aaron.brooker@mta.org.nz
Power Steering Repairers • Power and Manual Units • • All Makes and Models • • Full Testing Facilities • • Rack Ends / Exchange Units •
Ph: 03-381 2332
Email: powersteering@xtra.co.nz www.powersteeringshop.co.nz Fax: 03 351 3350 25 Aldwins Road, Linwood, Christchurch
Can’t do that cambelt job? www.alleuroparts.co.nz
09 425 5023
Specialist Tool sales & hire
Parts for: audi | vw | bmw | alfa | peugeot | land rover | citroën | renault | volvo | saab | fiat
Quality & Reliability Guaranteed 73 •
radiator June 2013
NZ’s largest range of replacement cylinder heads • Bare & Complete Kits • Valves, Camshafts, Lifters & associated parts • Gaskets & Bolts North & South Island Warehouses/Overnight delivery 12 month Unlimited Km Warranty (Inc Parts & Labour)
Ph: 0800 549 429 www.kiwicylinderheads.co.nz 31 Carbine Road, Mt Wellington, Auckland 1060
1236 AEP
Call for AST Tool hire from $45+
Competitively priced European car parts
DASH CLUSTER REPAIRS EUROPEAN LCD DISPLAYS AUDI, BMW, RANGE ROVER PEUGEOT, CITROEN
30 years experience with Euro parts • • • • •
Audi/VW Saab Mercedes BMW Volvo
• • • • •
Peugeot Porsche Alfa Renault Fiat
For anything Euro try us first!
Ph: 04 471 2755 Mob: 021 618 9734 partsplus@partsplus.co.nz Overnight delivery
NZ’S ONLY OEM BONDING MACHINE 12 MTH WARRANTY ALSO REPAIRS TO ECU’S, AIR FLOW METERS MISC COMPONENTS
0800 - GET IT FIXED repairs@getitfixed.co.nz AUTOMOTIVE
GET IT FIXED ! ELECTRONIC REPAIRS
07 549 5475
Keep your customers coming back for all the right reasons. Use genuine Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Porsche parts from the only authorised dealer network – Genuine Parts Direct. With over 70,000 items in stock and outlets nationwide, every part we supply is competitively priced and purpose-built at the factory. They’re safer, longer lasting and feature a two-year manufacturer’s warranty for total peace of mind.
Genuine Parts Direct
0800 223 221 started on 24/06/2009 14:54:45
Commercial Vehicles
cyan
magenta
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black
EMD0042 NZ Rad 180x60.indd 1
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Andrea Andrew W.O.F. Consultant
• Simplify your W.O.F. manual • Audit/Review preparation
radiator June 2013
Fax: 07-855 9758 Email:aandrew@wave.co.nz
• Improve NZTA Review score • Successful national service available
W.O.F. manuals made easy 74 •
Ph: 021 2777 228
WORKSHOP SOLUTIONS TRAINING COMPANY “Inter-active learning 4 practical people”
BMW/MINI PARTS
WOF AVI pre exam coaching WOF Update courses, full or half day theory and or practical training PRS management coaching (Training & coaching for individuals or groups)
WORKSHOP SOLUTIONS 2009 LTD
Engine - filters, gaskets, seals, tensioners, idlers, belts, camkits
WOF & PRS CONSULTANT Assisting in and managing your PRS Records Annual and Pre NZTA PRS audits Practical WOF inspection assessments
Brakes - disks, pads, shoes, cylinders, hoses, sensors, accumulators Suspension - arms, bushes, balljoints, links, shocks Steering - racks, hoses, tierods, trackrods, universals Cooling - waterpumps, thermostats, radiators, expansion tanks, hoses, hose fittings, viscous fans, heater valves ELECTRICAL - ABS/cam/crank sensors, airbagmats/wiring, fuel/washer pumps, sliprings, fan resistors, ignition locks, window regs
BM WORKSHOP
Ph: 09-376 1250 Fax: 09-376 1283
May Special
Philip Tutty M: 021 843 000 Ph: 07 856 3536 E: philip@workshopsolutions.co.nz
ENGINE WAREHOUSE - Prices to the trade - Trade warranty
NEW ZEALAND WIDE - WHOLESALE ONLY Warehouses in Auckland, Christchurch, Geraldine & Invercargill
Includes parts & labour
Over 1000 units in stock. Most transmissions to suit.
FREE PHONE 0800 80 90 96 -Prices to the trade -Excellent profit centre for tyre shops & garages -Quality brands -Second hand & budget tyre options
FREE PHONE 0508 252 477 Email: blairs@blairs.co.nz www.blairs.co.nz
Email: blairs@blairs.co.nz
www.blairs.co.nz
Cylinder Heads • Gaskets • Head Bolts • Cylinder Head Assembly • Engine Parts
4D56T Complete Head Kit • Head Set • Head Gasket • Head Bolts
Engine parts to suit Japanese and European engines. 24 point quality checked cylinder heads. Sold over 5000 cylinder heads High Spec gasket approved by NZ Engine Reconditioners. Comprehensive parts and Labour warranty.
$750 + GST
0800 422 634 sales@acmeimpex.co.nz
Free Shipping
Distributed by BNT Nationwide
IMPORT • EXPORT • DISTRIBUTION
www.acmeimpex.co.nz
JOIN THE LARGEST PREMIUM AUTOMOTIVE NETWORK IN NZ 67+ independent workshops have secured their future. Contact us to secure yours. Some of the benefits • Group buying power • Nationwide marketing • Fleet servicing Phone 09 985 0663 Email admin@supershoppes.co.nz www.autosupershoppes.co.nz ad 180June x 59 final.indd 75 Radiator • radiator 2013
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E M E R T E X C E N E A TH ORM F R R E O . P ER F L I O T T C S L I E I F THETHE TOUGH T N R O SY EERED FITIONS. N I D G N N O E C G N I V I R D E VY HE ADS LOA
EM NS R T X E D I TI O CO N
C IT Y I NG D R IV
E TI C H T SY NO I L
Wire-screen backed, Micro-Glass Synthetic Media traps more dirt, dust and grime. Silicone anti-drain back valve provides longer protection and resistance to hardening and cracking. Steel base plate provides greater resistance to corrosion and wear. * Available for most popular applications
Outside Auckland
Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Lower Hutt, Christchurch
Auckland Area Only