Auto Channel 55

Technology to rule the next five years

TECHNOLOGY EXPERT FORECASTS A SHIFT TO SOFTWARE-DEFINED VEHICLES WILL TRANSFORM THE GLOBAL AUTO INDUSTRY

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DXC Technology, a leading Fortune 500 global technology services company, has forecast five ways the automotive industry will reshape our relationship with cars in the next five years.

The shift to software-defined vehicles is redefining every aspect of the automotive industry — from how cars are designed, and how they are made, to how we use and service them. Crucially, the car user’s relationship with the rich ecosystem of partners and services that makes up the auto industry is changing. Specialising in automotive software and platform-driven business models, DXC and Luxoft (a DXC company) see evidence that these five trends are accelerating.

THE SOFTWARE IN YOUR VEHICLE WILL BE AS IMPORTANT AS ITS LOGO

Tomorrow’s cars will be software-defined vehicles (SDVs), with their features and functions controlled by software.

“SDVs will be known more for their user experience than their physical attributes. Software will create a direct connection between the car manufacturer and the customer, enabling platform-driven auto businesses which seamlessly deliver personalised services to customers via their vehicles,” said Matthias Bauhammer, global lead, robotic drive offering at DXC Technology.

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This data exchange will not be limited to a single car and its manufacturer. ‘Crowd data’ from millions of vehicles can be used to provide more intelligent mobility services across an entire automotive ecosystem. For example, Gaia-X 4 Future Mobility is a European initiative to enable close interconnectivity between car users, service providers, manufacturers, and suppliers. Applications include smart traffic infrastructure, vehicle lifecycle management, and digital twins for autonomous vehicles.

YOUR CAR WILL RENEW ITSELF AND OFFER ON-DEMAND UPGRADES

With cars becoming increasingly software-defined and connected to the web, their ability to self-heal, self-renew, and self-refresh will increase.

“Our phone’s software is regularly updated, adding new features, downloading apps, updates, and security patches to fix issues and make our devices more useful. The car may have some way to go before it becomes as dynamic and interactive as our phones, but it is clear that we are seeing a similar evolution,” said Karsten Hoffmeister, head of autonomous drive at Luxoft.

control features, SDVs lend themselves to this type of service.

YOUR CAR SCHEDULES ITS OWN MAINTENANCE

“As part of the Internet of Things (IoT), the connectivity built into cars will be used to transmit real-time vehicle diagnostics, which will be used to plan increasingly sophisticated predictive maintenance schedules,” says John Makin, automotive strategist at Luxoft.

Feedback from advanced analytics powered by artificial intelligence (AI) will enable the car to flag imminent issues to the workshop, dealership, or directly to the manufacturer. The diagnostic information will be shared with mechanics ahead of time so they can order the necessary components. This technology will lift some of the responsibility off the driver to spot car maintenance issues while enhancing road safety.

YOUR FUTURE ELECTRIC VEHICLE MAY BE FUELLED BY HYDROGEN

Global electric vehicle (EV) sales are surging. Already in China, the world’s largest automotive market, EVs represent 21 per cent of the market. According to consultancy AutoForecast Solutions, EVs could account for a third of the North American market, and about 26 per cent of vehicles produced worldwide, by 2029.

That said, the rising cost of EV batteries, long waiting times for cars and parts, and issues with scaling recharging infrastructure in line with growing demand are already impacting adoption. In many cities around the world, today’s drivers have to wait for over an hour to charge their vehicle at public charging points.

OWNING A CAR MAY BE A THING OF THE PAST

Auto Channel is the best way to reach the wider automotive industry. The publication is direct mailed to 11,306 New Zealand businesses in the following automotive sectors:

Automotive workshops, parts importers and distributors, transmission specialists, automotive recyclers, towing operators, panel beaters and painters, crash repairers, tyre dealers, suspension and underbody repairers, steering specialists, towing operators, auto-electrical repairers, newand used-car dealers, air-conditioning repairers, heavy-machinery dealers, trucking and transport.

How we live and work is changing. Hybrid working reduces the need for many employees to commute by car every day. Many younger people may want the convenience of a car but not the traditional ownership model — which is typically expensive, high responsibility, and inflexible. A different approach to getting on the road is paying for a vehicle only when you need one, perhaps through a subscription-based, car-sharing, or peer-to-peer rental service. With their on-demand and remote-

With their smart routing and energy optimisation capabilities, SDVs can mitigate many of these issues. However, the hunt is on for viable fuel alternatives to power them.

Initial tests of hydrogen fuel cells at Germany’s DLR Institute for Vehicle Concepts in Stuttgart show that with a tank capacity of 6.3kg of hydrogen, a vehicle can generate somewhere in the region of 100kWh of electricity. That’s equivalent to around the average monthly consumption of a one-person household. As vehicles become more software defined, we anticipate further development of alternative fuel sources across the automotive industry.

Seeking Apprentice of the Year Nominations

THE 2023 CAPRICORN RISING STARS IS LOOKING FOR AMBITIOUS APPRENTICES IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Nominations are officially open for Capricorn members to nominate their outstanding apprentices as Capricorn Rising Stars. This is an opportunity for automotive workshops and repair centres to recognise, retain, and reward apprentices for their ongoing effort and dedication. A nomination to Capricorn Rising Stars will not only benefit the individual but also the whole team as it promotes and embeds a positive workshop culture which rewards commitment and passion.

As Australasia’s largest automotive cooperative, Capricorn supports businesses to thrive and be sustainable in the automotive aftermarket industry. The prestigious achievement award recognises talented apprentices who show initiative, thirst for knowledge, and commitment. The competition is open to all types of workshops and disciplines; from panel and fabrication to auto-electrical, general

mechanical, heavy diesel, and more.

Capricorn CEO Automotive, Brad Gannon, said: “Encouraging and acknowledging future leaders is an important part of growing and supporting the automotive industry. We at Capricorn want to help our members strengthen their teams and believe that recognition and reward will help businesses attract and retain the best talent.”

Capricorn members are encouraged to nominate their star apprentices as they continue to develop their technical proficiency. Recognising an apprentice’s commitment will keep them engaged and excited about the promising careers ahead of them. Every apprentice nominated will benefit by receiving a certificate sent to their workshop.

The Capricorn Rising Stars competition highlights the importance of apprentices to the

Inspiring Futures grants announced

THE FIRST RECIPIENTS OF GRANTS FROM THE INSPIRING FUTURES FOUNDATION HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED

The grants include the development of a website and national network for women in the automotive industry, a student loan scheme, and a coordinator for a qualifications upgrade.

The Inspiring Futures Foundation was established to provide financial support for those working and studying in the automotive, transport and logistics, drilling, mining and quarrying, and gas industries. It has assets of around $25million, largely in managed funds.

Inspiring Futures Foundation convenor Sturrock Saunders says: “It is our aim to have the greatest impact to our stakeholder industries, learners, and the learning environment.”

The successful grants from the first round of funding are:

• Women in Automotive Collective to develop a New Zealand wide communication channel and national network for women in industry

• The Outdoor Fabric Product Association of NZ to fund a coordinator to lead and contribute to a qualification upgrade, allowing a level 4 qualification

• Auto Super Shoppe Academy to fund a student loan scheme and assist the Auto Super Shoppe Academy apply for NZQA accreditation and Private Training Enterprise status

• Perform-X Aotearoa to implement a three-year Growing the Transport, Automotive and Freight Workforce Ecosystem Project to help industries and employers access the skilled workers they need to grow over the long term.

Natasha Callister, GM Lifestyle and Driven at NZME, one of the members of the Women in Automotive Collective, says they’re really grateful to have received the grant.

“NZME is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive culture and we are pleased to support the work of Women in Automotive New Zealand, including through our automotive brand Driven. This funding will go towards developing a platform for women in the industry where they can access relevant resources, be inspired by the career stories of others, and join a network of other women in the industry. It will also act as a resource hub for automotive employers to support them in the recruitment and professional development of women.”

Other partners in the collective include the Motor Trade Association, Otago Polytechnic, Collision Repair Association, Motor Industry Association, and MITO/Te Pūkenga.

The Inspiring Futures Foundation also offers a range of scholarships, including the Janet Lane

Australian and New Zealand automotive aftermarket industries. The competition also seeks to encourage new talent to join the industry, ultimately generating more qualified automotive repairers to ensure the industry’s continued future growth and strength.

Over $27,000 shared cash and prizes is up for grabs for the top five apprentices, overall winner, and nominating workshops. Capricorn thanks long-term program sponsors Castrol, Repco, and the Workshop Whisperer for taking part in this most valuable automotive aftermarket industry recognition program.

Capricorn Members are encouraged to nominate their star apprentices at cap.coop/stars. Entries close 30 April 2023. Capricorn will announce the overall winner in early August 2023, with all top five finalists announced in July.

To find out more about Capricorn, or to join Australasia’s largest automotive cooperative, visit capricorn.coop/join, or call 0800 401 444.

February.

Grants are made twice a year, with the next round available in March 2023.

To view the criteria and apply for funding, visit inspiringfutures.nz.

MNZM scholarship, named in honour of former Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO) chief executive Janet Lane. The scholarship winners will be announced in

The power to stop your load

SMOOTH TRAILER BRAKING, EVEN WITH HEAVY LOADS, HAS BECOME MORE COMPLEX DUE TO AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING. REDARC HAS COME UP WITH SOME SOPHISTICATED ELECTRIC BRAKING CONTROLLERS FOR EVEN THE MOST SENSITIVE TRAILER SYSTEMS

In order to meet safety requirements when towing medium to high weight loads (trailers, caravans, boat trailers, horse floats, etc), both the vehicle and the trailer must comply with braking parameters that include weight to braking ratios, ability to fully stop while travelling at 30kms/h in less than 7 metres, as well as the standard working brake light systems, and the like.

In New Zealand, when towing anything above a certain weight (2000kg), the trailer must have independent braking systems and that is where electric brake controllers come in. In basic terms, these units take the braking input from the vehicle in order to activate the independent brakes in the trailer behind it. Aftermarket units have managed to make that compatibility possible… or have they?

Nowadays, with more automation and computing power controlling everything from parallel parking to hands-off driving, there are a number of variables affecting the braking systems in after-market trailers and nowhere is that more relevant than with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).

Launched in 2009 by Volvo, AEB is seen by many as the biggest game changer in braking since antilock systems. It uses radar technology to monitor road hazards, calculate when a car is on a collision course, and apply the brakes if it determines that the ‘human’ is not doing it quickly enough to avoid a crash.

How these increasingly sophisticated and complex systems communicate with the independent braking systems on trailers has been a feat of engineering.

One outstanding solution has been the Tow-Pro Elite (by REDARC), an electric trailer brake controller designed to suit most common trailer braking applications, requiring minimal dash space and being simple to install and operate.

The Tow-Pro Elite offers selectable proportional or user controlled trailer braking modes, allowing the user to choose the braking style depending on the road or terrain conditions, vehicle type, or driver preference.

It features active calibration which constantly monitors the direction of travel and will even calibrate with no trailer attached while maintaining the ability to mount in any orientation. The unit is able to operate electric / hydraulic trailer brakes from 24V vehicle systems when installed with a suitable adaptor.

With the variety of vehicles and communications between them, and the huge range of trailers, using the recommended wiring kits is essential for Tow-Pro Elite to work with all modern vehicles. REDARC’s range of vehicle specific wiring kits offer quick and easy installation into a host of vehicle makes and models.

WHEN WIRING IS KEY: A CASE STUDY

Here we look at a case study in which marquespecific wiring proves hugely important in the suitable installation of electric trailer brake controllers.

THE SITUATION

Post-2018 Ford released Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) technology for their Ranger and Everest models. Due to the sophisticated trailer modules in these model vehicles, the common connections for the brake signal to the electric brake controllers were not viable, causing adverse

effects on the vehicle and onboard safety systems.

A common query is, “Why can’t I simply connect the brake light trigger to the brake pedal switch as with earlier models?” When the AEB system applies the vehicle brakes, the brake pedal and therefore the brake pedal switch are not activated, meaning that in an AEB braking situation, the trailer brakes will not be activated, increasing the stopping distance of the vehicle / trailer, possibly resulting in a collision.

In these Ford Ranger and Everest cars, other common issues are seen when no trailer is attached if the brake trigger is taken from the brake light circuit of the vehicle or trailer base without using the required wiring kit. These include:

• Trailer warning lamp on with no trailer detected

• Dashboard indicator pilot light flashing at a faster rate

• Logged fault codes relating to brake light circuit

• Reverse sensor / alarm does not operate

• Reverse guidance / camera does not function correctly.

THE SOLUTION

REDARC has engineered a solution to overcome these issues and designed a vehicle specific TowPro Wiring Kit (TPWKIT-012) to suit this application.

The harness in this kit is more than just a standard wiring installation. The wiring kit consists of a harness plus a signal conditioning module which safely filters the brake signal from the brake light circuit sourced from the trailer socket, which is controlled from the vehicle’s trailer module.

The addition of the signal conditioning module ensures there is no interference from your brake controller installation with the vehicle’s electronics, onboard monitoring, and safety equipment.

To summarise, additional parts are required in electric brake installations for modern Ford Ranger and Everest models with AEB when installing any aftermarket brake controllers, due to the vehicle trailer detection system being extremely sensitive. It is a requirement to use the correct wiring harness for these applications.

Available from NAPA Auto Parts branches nationwide, call 0800 800 073,or visit napa.co.nz.

The perfect mix with ACDelco AGM and EFB batteries

PERFORMANCE, AFFORDABILITY, AND RELIABILITY ARE THREE IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING A BATTERY — ACDELCO BATTERIES EMBODY ALL OF THESE AND MUCH MORE

Backed by the automotive giant General Motors, ACDelco is a brand with 100 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket industry. Among its range of automotive batteries, ACDelco Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) and Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) are globally renowned for their performance and technological capabilities, making them a top choice for consumers and businesses alike.

From powering navy planes during combat in the 1940s, to enabling NASA’s Apollo 15 astronauts to tour the moon in the 1970s, ACDelco understands batteries like no other. Throughout its 100-year history, it has continuously improved its product range to meet the evolving needs of vehicles. Its automotive battery range has evolved beyond the role of providing reliable starting power to now powering modern vehicles with Stop Start technology, as well as the ever-increasing number of electrical accessories.

ACDelco AGM and EFB automotive batteries are specifically designed for use in Stop Start systems.

ACDelco AGM and EFB batteries are designed and manufactured to perform under the toughest conditions in New Zealand. These batteries feature industry-leading full frame grid technology that provides superior performance, emission reduction, and maximum fuel savings.

Key features and benefits of ACDelco AGM batteries include high compression absorbent glass mat separators, two times the cycle life, increased charge acceptance compared to standard lead acid counterparts, high cranking power even at low state of charge, a maintenance free design, and high resistance to vibration. Key features and benefits of the EFB range include ultra-high density plate material for high corrosion resistance, lead calcium grids with higher tin content, higher CCA even at partial state of charge, higher reserve capacity, and improved charge acceptance.

All ACDelco products, including AGM and EFB

batteries, are laboratory tested, field proven, and have undergone numerous quality control checks prior to being available in the market. The strong warranty is another testament to its quality and performance capabilities. The AGM battery range comes with 36 months of warranty, while the EFB range carries 24 months of warranty. R&J Batteries is the exclusive distributor of ACDelco batteries in New Zealand. Popularly known as Australasia’s fastest growing battery company, R&J Batteries has branches in Wiri, Christchurch, Hamilton, and Albany, 23 branches in Australia, and an extensive network of over 8000 stockists.

Contact your local R&J Batteries branch for more information about ACDelco AGM and EFB batteries. Learn more about R&J Batteries at rjbatt.co.nz, or call 0800 546 000.

Bust the rust

NEW ZEALAND’S CLIMATE IS MILD AND WE DON’T SALT OUR ROADS, SO YOU’D THINK VEHICLES HERE WOULD HAVE IT EASY WHEN IT COMES TO RUST, RIGHT? WELL… THINK AGAIN

According to Autoblast’s David Kirkham, New Zealand has warm, moist air which condenses on cold steel parts overnight making this the perfect ecosystem for rust, especially if those vehicles aren’t driven during the day, making it harder for them to dry out. Strangely, this means lowmileage vehicles will rust faster than daily drivers, creating expensive problems, or quickly diminishing on-sale prices on newer cars.

Adding to this condensation problem is our coastal location — as salt is drawn in, it holds the moisture and catalyses the rusting process. David says our location provides ideal conditions to set up under-body rusting in only two or three years. As such, he is keen for other enterprising business people to help protect vehicles across the country.

David has developed a unique service specifically to combat our salty sea air conditions. Autoblast’s Autolast process applies a variety of different sprays to coat all of the vehicle’s underside. They dry out, harden, and stay in place. They are thixotropic, which means that if they are struck by a stone, for example, they soften, remould, and harden again.

This is different from the traditional wax/oil rustproofing service that is usually only sprayed inside chassis rails. That solution is prone to slumping, often within a year, meaning protection fades. What’s more,

external painted surfaces under the vehicle are left to fend for themselves. Autoblast also offers a goldstandard galvanising process — the most effective rust protection in countless industrial applications.

David is offering a franchise opportunity to business people around the country with the drive to fully capture this growing opportunity to protect New Zealand’s vehicles.

According to him, the gap in the market is such

the Chatham Islands, and coastal locations around the country, are regularly shipped to Autoblast’s Auckland workshop. Also, with the influx of utes bought for use in rugged conditions, this gap is growing fast and presents an enviable opportunity for the right individuals.

For more information on Autoblast’s processes or its franchising opportunity, check out the extensive resources on the website autoblast.co.nz, or call

A bottle evolution for Fuchs products

FUCHS GROUP ANNOUNCES NEW DESIGN FOR AUTOMOTIVE LUBRICANTS: BETTER ORIENTATION, BETTER HANDLING, GENTLER USE OF RESOURCES

The Fuchs Group, which operates globally in the lubricants industry, brings new small packs for the automotive sector onto the market, maximising customer benefits — new labels for better orientation, ergonomic design for better handling, and using recycled material. The new small packs are now being launched in the New Zealand market.

The range of lubricant products in the automotive sector is enormous and it’s getting harder and harder for customers to find what they need. The new small packs for all automotive Fuchs product brands — Titan, Agrifarm, and Maintain — have risen to this challenge. The Group has optimised its small packs globally for the 1, 4, 5, and 7-litre quantities, not just visually but also in

EXPERT’S CHOICE

terms of handling and environmental friendliness. “The unique new design makes it easier for our customers to choose the right product, improves user-friendliness, and saves on resources,” says Krisztián Rada, global head of the automotive aftermarket division.

EASY TO CHOOSE

The updated packs result in an easier user experience as well as a better, more premium look and feel. The new, clearly structured label design enables customers to identify all the relevant information at a glance. Colours, images, and pictograms help with orientation. For instance, the quality levels of the products are clearly indicated by the colour codes: gold, silver, and bronze. The most important information the customer needs to know about the lubricant is given in a concise and comprehensible manner — such as the viscosity of the product and area of application — for cars, trucks, or tractors.

The new ergonomically shaped bottles are easy to open without tools, fit better in the hand, and are easier to grip and handle. For example, the enlarged opening of the bottle and an optimised neck design allow accurate filling with no spillage. Two handles make the 4, 5, and 7-litre bottles more comfortable to carry and also facilitate filling. What’s more, the new tamper-resistant cap ensures that the bottle has not been opened before and that if Fuchs is written on it, there is Fuchs inside it.

ONE IN FOUR Sika adhesive. and spoilers are bonded with Sikaflex® adhesives. Sika products for windscreen replacement and car body repair are designed to be both for installers safety for their customers.

EASY ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Fuchs has been pursuing its sustainability strategy for almost 10 years now, with the objective of carbon neutrality according to the ‘avoid — reduce — compensate’ principle. As such, all Fuchs lubricants produced in the Group’s plants are carbon neutral. The bottle material of the new small packs consists of up to 30 per cent recycled material (PCR) and is 100 per cent recyclable. The improved bottle shape also makes it possible to pour out even the smallest remaining volume of fluid, allowing complete emptying of the containers. “Our new small packs are not just intended to be more user-friendly but also contribute to avoiding waste, enable materials to be recycled, and help to reduce carbon footprints. Fuchs will continue to work toward making our packaging continuously more sustainable in the future, too,” says Markus Garb, vice president sustainability.

To make things even easier for New Zealand consumers, Fuchs recently launched Fuchs Rego Lookup, which makes finding the correct Fuchs Lubricants product for a vehicle even easier. Simply scan the QR code, and follow the steps to easily get all the information you’ll need to choose the most suitable Fuchs Lubricant for the job.

Or alternatively visit fuchs.com/au/en/productsearch-aus-nz.

Fuchs develops, produces, and markets highgrade lubricants and related specialties for virtually all industries and areas of application and is the only manufacturer of lubricants, greases, coolants, and additives in Australasia.

For more information visit fuchs.co.nz.

Wynn’s leading the way in engine coolants and fluid exchange machinery for professional installers

WYNN’S PRO HEAVY DUTY ENGINE COOLANT IS THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT IN EXTENDED LONG LIFE ANTI-BOIL, ANTI-FREEZE GLYCOL CONCENTRATES (OR PREMIX) TECHNOLOGY

The revolutionary approach of blending carboxylate inhibitors for maximum corrosion protection of aluminium alloys, and ethylene glycol for anti-boil, anti-freeze protection, provides a long-life coolant with performance advantages over conventional anti-boil, anti-freeze coolants.

Wynn’s Pro Heavy Duty Engine Coolant exceeds the performance requirements of the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2108.1:2004 as a ‘Type A’ coolant concentrate.

It does not contain phosphates, borates, silicates, amines, nitrates or tannins.

• 10 years or 1,000,000km service life (whichever comes first) when used as recommended

the life of the cooling system components by keeping it clean and functioning as efficiently as possible. The Coolant Exchange Machine helps facilitate dissolving harmful deposits, suspending them in old coolant for easy removal.

• Reverse flow operation for complete service with engine off

• Disconnection is performed with coolant at ambient temperature

• Coolant system pressure relief feature for safe access to hot cooling system

• Built-In loop mode

• Automatic shut-off on service completion

• EVAC feature for easy fluid removal in overflow tank

• Cleans cooling systems quickly and safely

• Restores coolant flow and heat transfer efficiency

• Safe for rubber hoses, seals, and all metals in the cooling system.

Wynn’s Radiator Sealant contains an upgraded formulation compatible with all coolants and cooling system components:

• Compatible with all anti-freezes and water-based coolants

• Non-clogging when used in the average cooling system

• Provides additional anti-rust, anti-corrosion protection to all cooling system components

• Works in any size radiator

• Prevents head gasket seepage

• Lubricates water pump seals

• Supplements the anti-foam used in coolants.

KEEPING YOUR COOL IS EASY WITH WYNN’S

Autoserv New Zealand offers multiple payment options, including up to 12 months interest free on our full range

A drainer to rule them all

RAASM HAS BEEN MANUFACTURING THE TYPE OF WASTE OIL DRAINERS THAT MANY OTHER BRANDS HAVE UNSUCCESSFULLY TRIED TO IMITATE. WE SPEAK TO NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTORS EMCO TO FIND OUT WHAT MAKES THEM SO COVETED

One of the common issues you have with waste oil drainers is that they will block,” says James Driscoll, managing director of Equipment Marketing (EMCO), New Zealand’s premier reticulation products and installation services, based in Hamilton. James discusses how many workshops often use these drainers — affectionately known as R2D2s — to collect dust, mud, and other materials from vehicles’ undercarriages and wheels. “They’ll chip dust and other bits into the top of the receiver and this can then mix with the waste oil and form a heavy, thick, sludgy tar at the bottom of the receiver which can lead to serious blockages.”

These blockages mean technician downtime, potential delays in vehicle turnaround, and eventually cost workshops money in unnecessary maintenance or having to fix relationships with their client base.

RAASM waste oil drainers are designed to help offset these problems.

Headquartered in a picturesque, tree-clad and lake-front field on the outskirts of Venice, Italy (S. Zeno di Cassola), RAASM has a nearly 50-year history of high-quality fluid management products. They offer a

wide range of technologically advanced equipment and strive to achieve the best possible quality by paying close attention to every detail of the design and manufacturing process.

In New Zealand, EMCO is proud to supply, among other RAASM products, their 90-litre mobile waste oil drainer (model RAASM 42090).

This is a gravity and air operated suction drainer which is ideal for quick engine oil changes of any motor vehicle. Waste oil can be collected by gravity using the bowl mounted on the adjustable support, or by suction through the supplied probes. After depressurisation, the drainer works independently without requiring continuous connection to the compressed air system.

Part of the reason for the success of this drainer is its manufacturing. High precision robotised welding has been combined with rigorous testing, and finished with lead and heavy metal-free nontoxic polyester resin paints for exteriors (with an average thickness of 80µ and saline mist resistance corrosion testing).

The resin is a critical component in helping the drainers minimise blockages. “As a consequence, you get really good durability from them with respect to the collection of the waste, but also being able to push or suck all the waste out of the

receiver,” says James.

The 90L drainers include a removable, oversized funnel; anti splash screen; adjustable bowl to increase operating range; vacuum gauge for checking suction power; prechamber/tank connection and oil draining cock; transparent eight-litre prechamber with level indicator; and 2m suction hose with probe connection. It has a waste oil suction speed of 1.5-2l/min (oil 70°–80°C, with 6mm probe), and a 2m hose for draining the tank with air.

For these and more high-quality RAASM products, visit emco.co.nz, or call 07 850 5240.

The secret to creating a spark

THE PERFECT IGNITION COIL FOR THE NGK SPARK PLUG HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED

Workshops around the world have demanded NGK spark plugs for over 80 years because they are renowned for three key pillars: high quality, superior performance, and reliability.

While the spark plug is an important part of a vehicle’s ignition, it does not work alone. “As ignition experts, we saw an opportunity to develop an ignition coil that perfectly complements the NGK spark plug to deliver ultimate ignition performance,” said Larry Coulthard, Group Product Manager, NGK Spark Plugs. “Working with some of the best engineers in Japan, the NGK ignition coil has been designed and manufactured to meet technical

demands and to deliver across the same three pillars.”

Technical features that set the NGK ignition coil apart from the rest of the pack include:

• Designed to perfectly match the highest functioning spark plug on the market

• Precise engineering for correct seating

• Excellent pulse strength durability

• Exceptional short circuit and moisture resistance

• Superior thermal loads and vibration resilience

• Optimal dimensioning of cooling surfaces for heat dissipation and temperature stability.

To achieve this commitment, all NGK ignition coils adhere to the high quality standards of NGK

Making Delkor batteries accessible across the country

THE DELKOR BATTERY SPECIALIST PROGRAM TAKES NEW ZEALAND BY STORM. WE EXPLORE THE INS AND OUTS OF THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM

The new and improved Delkor Battery Specialist Program run by R&J Batteries has been well received by the automotive aftermarket industry ever since its inception.

After years of running the original Delkor Battery Specialist Program, the battery distributor made some key changes and improvements to take the program to the next level and offer even more benefits to existing and new customers.

The Delkor Battery Specialist Program was launched with the mission of making Delkor batteries accessible to customers across the country. On joining the program, businesses will gain access to a multitude of marketing collateral, tools, and resources specifically designed to help increase sales of Delkor batteries and grow their business.

The Delkor Battery Specialist Program uses a tiered structure to allow businesses of varying sizes and scales to participate and get customised support to suit the individual needs of each business.

The new stockist program includes custom designed signage, display stands, merchandise, and apparel to help identify a business as an authorised Delkor battery reseller. As a Delkor Battery specialist,

the business will gain access to fitment data which will help to easily locate the right battery for the application. Businesses will also receive comprehensive technical training materials to help the salesforce become Delkor battery experts.

In terms of marketing, the level of support will vary from tier to tier. Tier 1 customers can expect to receive greater financial assistance with local advertising and external building signage compared to Tier 2 and Tier 3 businesses.

Speaking about the marketing support provided to Delkor Battery specialists, R&J Batteries’ marketing manager, Leah Cushion said, “Marketing is essential for business growth. To be able to support our Delkor Battery specialists from a national level will really help lift their battery sales.

“Running digital marketing campaigns and maintaining online visibility requires time and experience which R&J Batteries and the manufacturer of Delkor batteries can offer to our Delkor Battery specialists. These campaigns will generate more

Japan, where every ignition coil is produced in strict compliance with OE specifications and processes. To ensure that all NGK ignition coils deliver across these pillars, there are a number of measures in place throughout the manufacturing process. All NGK ignition coils are:

• Measured mechanically and electrically using laser guidance

• Subjected to on-vehicle installation testing

• Undergo a thermal shock and thermal cycle test that ranges from –65 to 175°C.

• Tested for mechanical vibration durability, EMC, and RFI compatibility

• Endure a vacuum moulding process to ensure a blister-free encapsulation, preventing any potential electrical short-circuits.

“NGK ignition coils are the perfect connection for NGK spark plugs, giving Australasian vehicles a premium and complete ignition package that just makes sense,” Larry added.

To find out more visit www.ngk.com.au.

traffic to specialists’ websites through listings on the Delkor website and will increase brand awareness among their retail customers. These digital assets, combined with other platforms like industry magazines, will ensure Delkor batteries are the top choice for quality and reliability when a customer is considering their battery replacement,” added Cushion.

Auto electrical workshops, battery resellers, and parts distributors interested in joining the Delkor Battery Specialist Program in New Zealand are encouraged to get in touch with their local R&J Batteries branch in Wiri, Albany, Hamilton, or Christchurch to discuss the different support levels available and choose the most appropriate one for the business’s needs.

For more information on the program, please visit rjbatt.co.nz, or call 0800 546 000.

Quality and variety in Cooling system parts at All Euro Parts

WHEN IT COMES TO COOLING SYSTEM PARTS FOR EUROPEAN VEHICLES, ALL EURO PARTS OFFER A WIDE SELECTION OF GENUINE, OEM AND AFTERMARKET PARTS.

All Euro Parts salesperson Brodie Cleverly says that customers are always surprised and happy to find out that All Euro Parts sells a wide variety of radiators for European vehicles. The offering includes several different brands, including genuine OE parts, NRF, BBR, Mahle, Vaico, Vierol, and also a brand new range of Pierburg parts through Motorservice.

All Euro stocks radiators from leading European brand NRF, which has been a leading manufacturer and supplier of cooling products for the automotive market, industrial, railway, and marine sector since 1927. NRF is known for the production of high-quality radiators, but also produces and supplies a wide range of other engine cooling and air conditioning products. NRF has global engineering, testing, and development facilities. Large retailers of vehicle parts, radiator shops, and specialists in more than 80 countries rely on NRF’s high-quality products on a daily basis.

A range of Mahle OE cooling system parts is also available through All Euro Parts. The range includes battery cooling parts, charge air cooling parts, coolant

pumps including electric coolant pumps, cooling modules, EGR coolers, radiators, low-temperature radiators, control valves, thermostats, and thermostat housings. Mahle is a leading developer of new cooling system technology with 12 research and development centres. These specialists are also working on issues relating to integrated thermal management within the vehicle and researching solutions for improving the sustainability of systems and components. Mahle products are fitted in at least every second vehicle worldwide. For decades, Mahle components and systems have also been used on the world’s racetracks and off the road — in stationary applications, for mobile machinery, and rail transport, as well as marine applications.

All Euro also offers a wide range of other cooling system parts, including cooling switches, cooling fan controllers, condenser fans, blower motors, heater cores, coolant flanges, and everything else you might require to repair or upgrade the cooling system in a European vehicle. Many of these parts are also offered in the Pierburg brand from Motorservice.

With warehouses in Auckland and Christchurch, All Euro Parts can quickly and easily deliver parts anywhere in the country. Having a range of different suppliers ensures that mechanics have brand choice and also helps to guarantee a high level of part availability for every repair. All Euro Parts is also a genuine reseller which helps to further expand this reach.

For more information visit alleuroparts.co.nz, or call 0800 255 387.

Demand-based cooling for a long engine life

THE MOTORSERVICE PIERBURG BRAND IS WELL KNOWN FOR ITS PRODUCTS FOR EXHAUST MANAGEMENT AND SECONDARY AIR MANAGEMENT.

They also offer a wide range of cooling system parts, including an extensive range of water pumps. Their range includes variable mechanical water pumps, mechanical water pumps, water circulating pumps, and electrical water pumps.

VARIABLE MECHANICAL WATER PUMPS

With its variable mechanical water pumps, Motorservice offers an innovative state-of-theart and up-to-the-minute thermal management product in the aftermarket sector. Regulated and demand-based cooling saves fuel and thus reduces CO2 emissions. The options for regulating the volumetric flow include electromagnetic couplings, thermostat modules with thermostat valve, electronically actuated

rotary slide valves with worm gear, covering the impeller with an electro hydraulic pneumatic adjustable ring, and pneumatic bypass flaps inside the pump module. As a result, the pumps are in line with the current trend towards smart accessories in combustion engines.

MECHANICAL WATER PUMPS

The cooling liquid of the water pump absorbs the heat from the engine block and cylinder head and releases it into the ambient air through the cooler. Depending on their design, mechanical water pumps are located either externally on the engine in their own pump housing, or are flanged directly on the crankcase and are driven by a V-belt, toothed belt, or the engine directly. Quality features of the Motorservice water pumps include:

• High-quality sliding ring sealing cartridge

• Maintenance-free, long-life rolling bearings

• Flow-optimised impellers made from plastic, steel, aluminium, or brass

• Gaskets and O-rings are included in the scope of supply.

WATER CIRCULATING PUMPS

Water circulating pumps are used where cooling or heating functions need to be performed independently of the coolant circuit. For example, in independent heating systems, water circulating pumps are used for quickly heating the passenger compartment. The first generation alone was tried and tested millions of times over, proving itself to be a simple and robust coolant pump. The second to fourth generations then underwent further optimisation in terms of dimensions, weight, control, and hydraulic power.

ELECTRICAL WATER PUMPS

Electrical water pumps make a significant contribution to emission control on modern engine designs. A delivery rate that is not dependent on the engine speed enables demand-based cooling. This reduces the power requirements while also cutting down on frictional loss, fuel consumption, and pollutant emissions. Pierburg has made this technology ready for series production and is the world’s first series-production supplier of electrical water pumps.

For more information, visit ms-motorservice. com/en/pumps to order, alleuroparts.co.nz/parts or call 0800 255 387

A 30-year journey for Giltrap Group’s new CEO Retail & Mobility

GILTRAP GROUP IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT DANE FISHER HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS CEO RETAIL & MOBILITY – GILTRAP GROUP. FISHER TAKES OVER THE ROLE FROM MICHAEL GILTRAP, WHOM HE WILL REPORT TO AS JOINT MANAGING DIRECTOR ALONGSIDE RICHARD GILTRAP

The new role will see Fisher continue to lead SIXT, with the ‘new mobility’ offering now fully integrated into the Group’s consumer offerings, which include 18 of the world’s leading automotive brands. “Since Sir Colin created the business in 1966, retail has always been the core. I am privileged and honoured to now lead this,” says Dane. “The changes to the market are significant — we need to be steadfast to the values that have made this an iconic Kiwi business, whilst reacting to the changing needs of the modern customer. We can be an industry leader with our commitment to embracing a customer-driven strategy.”

With a reputation as a disruptor, Fisher describes his new role as “an opportunity to help lead the family-owned company into its next 50 years”.

Fisher’s combination of experience and attitude is ideal as Giltrap Group advances into a changing automotive landscape. Giltrap Group director Michael Giltrap says: “Fisher is a proven high-performer and leader who is passionate about cars and the automotive industry. A key driver for the board is his determination to help make Giltrap Group the best automotive retailer and distributor in the world.”

It is another step on a journey that started in 1993 when a 13-year-old Dane Fisher first met Colin Giltrap while his father was buying a car. Sir Colin overheard Fisher talking about the features of different cars and told him to call him when he was ready for a job.

Four years later, he started at Giltrap Group as a part-time groomer and parts van driver. Fisher’s post-graduate roles included brand manager for Porsche and general manager of Audi New Zealand, where he took Audi to number one luxury automotive brand, a position it held for five years.

Fisher’s passion for cars saw him leap at the chance to work with Lamborghini in Italy, where he spent three years in management in Sant’Agata,

first in pre-owned cars and finance, before helping create the Squadra Corse factory race team as commercial motorsport manager.

In 2014, Fisher became Infiniti’s managing director of Asia and Oceania and was on the company’s board of management. His passion for pushing the boundaries and seeking new opportunities led him to become Infiniti’s general manager of global business transformation and brand, leading five global divisions, including Infiniti Lab, the luxury car brand’s technology accelerator program for mobility start-ups.

Moving back to Auckland with his young family in 2019, Fisher returned to Giltrap Group, first as general manager of business development, then as CEO of SIXT, where he led the disruption of the automotive leasing landscape with the introduction of vehicle subscription in New Zealand.

Expanding the charging network

BMW PARTNERS WITH EV CHARGE POINT OPERATOR JOLT TO HELP EXPAND CHARGING OPTIONS ACROSS NEW ZEALAND

BMW has commenced a new partnership with EV charge point operator Jolt that will contribute to the rollout of a free fast charging network in New Zealand and thereby expand the availability of charging points to a growing number of electrified drivers in the country.

New Zealand represents the latest addition to countries where Australiabased Jolt has a presence with its charging point locations, following establishment in its homeland, as well as in the US and Canada.

Jolt is commencing a rollout of 25-50kW DC fast charging stations, with the first unit established in Auckland and plans in place to deploy hundreds more charging points across the nation, continuing with installations in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch next year.

Energy powering the Jolt network puts the priority on renewable sources, with 100 per cent of the electricity feeding the chargers independently certified. This approach complements Jolt’s global commitment to accelerate the shift to a zero emissions future.

Jolt offers complimentary charging up to 7kWh to all EV drivers every 24 hours, which equates to approximately 45km of range, at all its charging points. Chargers will be in a variety of locations to maximise convenience and will be available to all electrified vehicle owners — both those with a plug-in hybrid vehicle or a fully electric vehicle — who are registered with a Jolt account.

Adam Shaver, Managing Director of BMW Group New Zealand, said the new partnership would deliver a host of benefits for customers across the North and South Islands while taking further important steps to achieving strategic sustainability objectives.

“New Zealand is the leading market in the Asia Pacific region for sales of electrified BMW vehicles in the overall model mix, which means new charging solutions for our country are not only welcome — they’re highly important,” Mr. Shaver said.

“Our progressive new partnership with a forward-thinking company like Jolt plays an important role in expanding New Zealand’s EV infrastructure to meet rapidly increasing demand.

Jolt New Zealand Sales Director Henry Rowley shared his excitement about the new association, stating that BMW becoming Jolt’s automotive category-exclusive advertising launch partner would lead to clear customer benefits in the future.

“We have been working hard in the background and we are just at the beginning of our journey in New Zealand,” Mr Rowley said. “It is still early days for us but we have been overwhelmed by the support as we develop our infrastructure across the country. We are excited to equip BMW with the ability to reach its audiences in a more effective yet sustainable way which will only get stronger with the growth of our network.”

And the winner is….

BYD ATTO

3 NAMED NEW ZEALAND CAR OF THE YEAR

In announcing the fully-electric compact five-seater as 35th winner of its annual award, the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild believes its COTY is a global first for the ‘Build Your Dreams’ (BYD) brand.

“Atto 3 has won category awards, including in this country, but our award appears to be the maiden national car of the year for this model and for BYD,” says Guild president Richard Bosselman.

“Securing the country’s most prestigious, longest running, and important industry award is huge, but this is particularly special recognition.

“NZ was one of BYD’s first export destinations — the brand was little known, Atto 3 is their only car here and has been on sale for less than a year. “For it to have made such a powerful impact so immediately is quite something.”

Atto 3’s affordability was a factor recognised by the judges when determining it to be the best of 12 high-quality finalists, all chosen from a much broader count of product released nationally over the past calendar year.

“Atto 3 resonates as a product competing for the attention of budget-minded buyers through offering good range from an advanced battery,” Bosselman says.

“The Guild also recognises it as a solidly-engineered car, offering good technologies and an interesting styling approach.”

In two specifications respectively pricing at just over $50,000 and just under $54,000 when the Government’s Clean Car rebate is applied, Atto 3 is in a lower spending band than the three previous electric cars honoured by the Peter Greenslade Trophy.

That’s a reminder of how bullish China’s electric car industry is, Bosselman says. “The EV sector moves at a rapid pace and this year NZ is going to see some exciting new product from other global involvers, but China remains one to watch.

“Adoption of ‘new-energy vehicles’ is a domestic priority and an increasing count of makers there are exporting.

“BYD has enjoyed colossal growth and reaped spectacular rewards. It was the world’s biggest seller of battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in

ahead of top rival, Tesla.”

The brand itself only founded in 1995, to make batteries for consumer electronics then branched into car production in 2002.

Key to BYD’s success has been its battery technology – known as the ‘blade’; due to the long, thin shape — which uses only lithium, iron and phosphate, materials that are all abundant in the Earth’s crust, while avoiding controversial metals such as cobalt and nickel.

“BYD Auto New Zealand is incredibly proud to receive this award,” says Warren Willmot, national brand manager.

“Our customers have taken a leap of faith with a new brand, of which most of wouldn’t have heard of seven months ago. This award cements their purchasing decision was in line with expert opinions.”

The car’s acceptance of over-the-air software updates ensures it “will get better the longer you own the vehicle. Every update brings new features and refinement. Our early customers have all now received their Vehicle to Load adapters (free with every car) and our BYD App is due to roll out shortly.

“Every BYD Atto 3 on the road potentially replaces an internal combustion engine vehicle, moving us towards a Greener future and BYD’s ultimate global goal of cooling the Earth by one degree.”

Judges considered how a vehicle performs its intended role; its styling, interior design and accommodation; fit, finish and quality; ride and refinement; performance; road-holding and handling; value for money; active and passive safety and environmental responsibility.

Also in the hunt were the BMW iX, Ford Everest, Hyundai i20 N, Kia EV6 and Kia Sportage, Lexus NX, Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mitsubishi Outlander, Polestar 2 and Tesla Model Y.

Said Bosselman: “That we elected to consider 12 finalists for the 2022 award rather than the usual top 10 says much. There is one winner, but my sentiment is there were no poor choices.”

The award is open to all passenger vehicles launched over a 12-month period. Finalists required evaluation on a full road test by more than two-thirds

Hyundai offers post-cyclone support

HYUNDAI NEW ZEALAND IS EXTENDING A HELPING HAND TO CUSTOMERS NATIONWIDE AND DEALERSHIPS IN NAPIER AND HASTINGS WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY CYCLONE GABRIELLE, WHICH HAS WREAKED HAVOC IN SEVERAL REGIONS ACROSS NEW ZEALAND.

The company is offering a range of support options to impacted customers and communities, such as free roadside assistance to all customers affected by the cyclone, regardless of the age of their Hyundai. In addition, the company is providing deferred payments for Hyundai Finance customers to help them manage the impact of the cyclone.

Also at the time of printing, the marque was expected to send a helicopter to Napier to provide crucial support to their dealerships in the area following the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle.

The helicopter was to carry two generators, one for the Napier dealership and another for the Hastings dealership. These generators will provide the dealerships with

New brakes for FMSI

FMSI AUTOMOTIVE HARDWARE HAS ACQUIRED THE BRASS & BRAKE ASSETS OF PLEWS & EDELMANN AND THE PURCHASE WILL COMPLEMENT FMSI’S EXISTING BUSINESS.

FMSI Automotive Hardware has manufactured brake, fuel, transmission, AC, and coolant repair lines and fittings for over 30 years.

According to FMSI, with the addition of Edelmann Fittings and Brake Lines, the company will be the industry leader in high-quality, problem-solving automotive fittings and fluid-carrying lines. Customers throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Australia, and New Zealand will be able to take advantage of two great offerings merged into one source.

Founder and president David Greenwood said: “The addition of Edelmann Brass & Brake, combined with FMSI established programs, continues our commitment to serve all channels of distribution with a comprehensive range of the highest quality products and problem-solving offerings to the automotive aftermarket.”

Dan Billie, CEO of Plews & Edelmann said, “The sale of the fittings business

power, ensuring that they can continue to serve their customers during this difficult time.

In addition, the locally owned company is providing a Starlink to the Napier dealership. Starlink will enable the dealership to connect to the internet, re-establish communication with the head office, and allow staff to connect with friends and family. This will provide much needed support to the dealership’s staff during this challenging time.

Hyundai has also provided vehicles to the Student Volunteer Army to mobilise their volunteer response to support those impacted by the cyclone. For more information, visit hyundai.co.nz/extreme-weather-support, or call 0800 498 632.

is a direct result of Plews’ focus on providing the total solution to the power steering category. Along with the recent sale of our non-application parts business to Highline Warren, this completes a three-year effort to diversify away from non-application parts categories.”

Automotive apprentices wanted to crew rally events

MITO is seeking expressions of interest from current MITO automotive apprentices who want to join the crew of MITO ambassadors Hayden Paddon and Emma Gilmour across four rally events:

• NZRC Otago: 1–2 April (applications close Friday, 5pm, 3 March)

• NZRC Hawke’s Bay: 22 July (applications close Friday, 5pm, 23 June)

• NZRC Coromandel: 2 September (applications close Friday, 5pm, 4 August)

• NZRC Bay of Plenty: 14 October (applications close Friday, 5pm, 15 September)

Two apprentices will attend each rally, with one being assigned to each driver for the duration of the event. They will spend their time with the whole team to support Hayden and Emma with their technical requirements and will get to experience

professional motorsport behind the scenes.

This is the second year MITO is running this offering after four apprentices joined Hayden Paddon at Ashley Forest Rallysprint and WRC Rally NZ in 2022. The apprentices proved to be valuable members of the crew, and all walked away as members of a gold trophy-winning team.

“It was a real privilege to have the MITO apprentices on the team with us and we were all impressed by how involved and enthusiastic they were to help out. They really gelled as part of the team in a short space of time, while we were able to give them first-hand experience of rallying,” says Hayden Paddon.

Now with the addition of Emma Gilmour joining this initiative, hopes are that more women will get involved and show their appreciation for the sport and the industry.

“It’s great to be involved with this initiative from MITO and give someone a first-hand experience of what it’s like to work in a top rally team,” says Emma Gilmour.

The two Kiwi rally legends want to see more technicians consider motorsport as a career, with the experiences of the eight apprentices shared on social media to inspire others. Follow the action on MITO’s Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as via Paddon Racing Group.

For more information and to apply, visit mito.nz/rally-crew.

Mastering the South Island

MUCH LIKE THE BRANDS THEY IMPORT TO NEW ZEALAND — CORGHI, PEAK, POWERREX AND AUTOMASTER, AUTOMASTER EQUIPMENT CONTINUES TO EVOLVE IN ORDER TO BETTER SERVE THEIR CLIENT BASE. WE CAUGHT UP WITH THE TEAM TO CHAT ABOUT THEIR NEWLY OPENED CHRISTCHURCH SHOWROOM

Fresh from having opened an impressive Auckland showroom in early 2022, the crew at Automaster has re-imagined their Christchurch warehouse to include its own South Island showroom. The impetus for the space — which launched in late 2022 — was “to help explain the differences between models to customers and show them the quality and performance of the equipment,” says managing director Gary Cotterell.

Thanks to all the available online research material, retail customers tend to visit showrooms already quite well informed about the differences between products they might like to purchase. As such, showrooms for everything from whiteware to commercial equipment have become handson spaces; somewhere to test out theory and ask usage-specific questions from knowledgeable staff who can answer and demonstrate directly on the product itself.

Automaster’s South Island sales rep Bryan Atkins echoes that sentiment: “Customers are quite keen to come in and see the item they’re thinking of buying in the flesh. For example, people who are buying a hoist for home are doing it from the heart and they want to make sure they’re making the right decision. Coming in and seeing it and looking at the other options has been very useful.” Likewise, customers love being able to see the differences between models and price points, according to Gary.

Another bonus of a showroom set up for Automaster is the fact that staff are better prepared to give phone and digital support to non-local customers, further enhancing the supplier’s reputation for high-calibre equipment and customer service. According to Gary, having Automaster’s

core products set up and operational allows staff to “get more familiar with the equipment — our tech guys can give better phone support to our customers by having the actual machine in front of them and they now regularly use video calls to help customers who are not local to learn the features or fix small issues”.

Bryan agrees: “If I get a customer who is in Invercargill, for example, and he’s got a problem with his balancer, I can just walk out to the showroom, get the same balancer in front of me and it helps me talk him through some diagnostics and troubleshooting.”

For more information on Automaster’s extensive range of wheel-service equipment, hoists, and other workshop equipment, see automaster.co.nz, call 0800 214 604, or visit the new showroom at 6 Gerald Connolly Place, Hornby, Christchurch. Please phone first to arrange an appointment.

Projecta enters lithium battery market

In collaboration with parent company Brown & Watson International (which has extensive lithium iron phosphate know-how) and after a comprehensive three-year development and testing period, Projecta has launched a new 12V lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery range. The range provides powerful, yet safe and reliable performance for a range of applications including 4x4, RV, trade, and emergency services.

The range’s LiFePO₄ chemistry is the safest lithium technology available, and makes the new Projecta batteries inherently much safer than lithium cobalt competitors, a performance measure that was proven during in-house testing.

Projecta’s lithium batteries also feature a built-in Battery Management System (BMS), which offers protection in the event of under / overvoltage and over / underheating. Additionally, BMS monitors individual cell voltages, balancing when required, and providing extra peace of mind for users.

Another key benefit of the Projecta lithium battery range is its longevity — capable of delivering over 2000 cycles, this is up to eight times more than lead acid batteries, offsetting the initial higher cost of a lithium battery over time to save money, as well as reduce waste. Compared to equivalent size lead acid batteries, Projecta’s lithium batteries also offer superior charging and discharging rates.

On offer in the range are two models: the LB100 and the high discharge LB100-BT.

The LB100 delivers true 100-amp discharge current, capable of powering 1000W inverters as well as a fridge, and is equivalent to a 160Ah lead acid battery. Lead acid batteries can only withstand 50 per cent depth of discharge without detrimental effects; the LB100 can be discharged to 20 per cent without reducing the life of the battery.

Users needing even greater power can select the high discharge LB100-BT, which delivers an impressive 150-amp discharge current — it’s the ideal battery for four-wheel drive and caravan owners, and is even capable of powering 2000W inverters.

For additional convenience, the LB100-BT allows owners to monitor the battery status via smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth. Available information includes voltages, current, state of charge (in percentages), and any alarms that may have occurred. This battery is also fitted with a power level indicator, allowing owners to see the state of charge at a glance.

Both batteries are housed within traditional N70 casings allowing them to easily fit in engine bays and other mounting

locations. Additionally, Projecta lithium batteries are around one third the weight of equivalent lead acid batteries, making them easier to install while also helping to reduce vehicle gross weights.

Other benefits include carry handles for easy transportation and M8 bolts for simple connection. For added versatility, the LB100 and LB100-BT can both be paralleled with up to four batteries, as well as installed in up to four batteries in series.

Projecta’s new lithium iron phosphate LB100 and LB100-BT batteries are backed by two and three-year warranties respectively.

Further information on the extensive Projecta program, visit projecta.co.nz.

Safeworx: Quality, comfort and safety in PPE

THINGS HAVE CHANGED SOMEWHAT IN RECENT YEARS. THE MODERN WORKSHOP OWNER AND TEAM NEED TO BE AWARE OF THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITHIN OUR TRADE AND ENSURE THAT EVERYONE, INCLUDING VISITORS, ARE SAFE IN THE WORKPLACE

Blackfern Cooperative are proud to appoint Safeworx as new suppliers. Proudly 100 per cent New Zealand owned and operated, Safeworx has been around since 2000 and has rapidly grown to be a leader in all things safety, offering a diverse selection of top-notch, fit for purpose, and

comfortable PPE that meets the highest standards. Safeworx is on track to ultimately cover the country with three branches located in Auckland, plus New Plymouth, Wellington, Christchurch, and growing.

“We looked at a number of options in this space,” commented Roger Castleton, Blackfern CEO.

“Safeworx ticks all the boxes on range, knowledge, and motor trade specific application.” He says that keeping people safe is what matters to them.

Every product and service that Safeworx provides is built around the safety of people.

It’s at the heart of everything they do, with a team of passionate safety experts dedicated to ensuring workers’ well-being.

Having everything safety-related — fire fighting, medical kits and hygiene, barrier markers, warning signage, and access to robust and tested spill and absorbent kits, etc. — under one roof makes life easy for any workshop owner.

Some of the Safeworx team have a motor trade background so they can provide you with tailored, first-hand knowledge and ideas. Best of all, they can advise you on what you might have missed to protect yourselves and comply. Talking costs nothing.

Safeworx prides itself on expert input and support and they are a member of New Zealand’s leading health and safety solutions provider +IMPAC, bringing the added benefit of best-in-class health and safety training, consulting, and other services designed to help businesses protect their workers.

Customer service is of the utmost importance to Safeworx to ensure that orders are delivered on time, to standard and, if more is needed, Safeworx provides solutions as fast as possible so that your business can focus on getting the job done.

For more information, visit safeworx.co.nz, or call 0800 733 888. Any purchase with Safeworx through Blackfern in the month of March will see you go into the draw for a Lunch shout. Give them a go.

Electronic Parking Brake: How it works and what to do when it doesn’t

THE MANUAL PARKING BRAKES OF YESTERYEAR ARE BEING REPLACED BY SINGLE BUTTON ELECTRONIC EQUIVALENTS. WORKSHOPS ARE ADAPTING TO MEET THIS CHANGE

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) systems use two switch-activated motors to set and release the callipers (Figure 1). Most manufacturers use the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module to check and control the parking brake system.

A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is stored in the ABS module when a problem is detected, turning on the parking brake warning indicator or a warning message in the instrument panel cluster or IPC (Figure 2). The EPB indicator also illuminates when the parking brakes are set and when they are released.

The parking brake actuator motors are single-speed reversible electric motors set on and splined to the rear brake callipers (Figure 3). In most cases, the motors can be serviced separately from the callipers.

Below is a generic, chronological version of events when the EPB is asked to engage:

First, a reference voltage is sent back to the ABS module when the driver moves the parking brake switch to the ‘on’ position.

The ABS module then ensures that conditions are right for EPB to be turned on (i.e. the car is not moving at significant speed, the gear is on ‘park’, the service brake is engaged, etc), then sends power and ground to the parking brake actuator motors.

Once the parking brakes are applied, the ABS module sends a message to the IPC, which illuminates either the red brake warning indicator or an EPBspecific warning indicator.

When the driver moves the parking brake switch to the ‘release’ position, the reference voltage is sent back to the ABS module, indicating a release request.

The ABS module assures that conditions are correct for the EPB release (i.e. the foot pedal brake is engaged, the door is closed, etc), then sends reverse polarity current and ground to the parking brake actuator motors.

Once the parking brakes are fully released, the ABS module sends a message to the IPC, which turns off the EPB warning indicator.

So far, so good, but… suppose the transmission range sensor reports a different gear position to the powertrain control module (PCM) than the gear shifter? In that case, the EPB will engage and not budge. It will not disengage until it sees the same value from both sources. When faced with an EPB that will not disengage, this should be the first thing you check.

Most marques design the EPB to disengage under certain circumstances, such as: the driver door closed, the engine running, and the transmission in any forward or reverse gear. The EPB will release when the TPS reports a throttle tip-in.

A WORD OF CAUTION

A rear brake calliper fitted with an EPB motor can be dangerous if the proper precautions aren’t taken before servicing. The piston moves out of the calliper hard and fast, and it doesn’t stop until something stops it, be it mechanical or otherwise.

The parking brake system must be placed in service mode, also known as maintenance mode, to service the rear brake pads or when removing any rear

Figure 1: This is an image of a left rear EPB calliper. The black actuator motor is attached to the back of the calliper

Figure 2: This warning message appears on the IPC of a Ford Fusion when the ABS module sees a fault with the EPB

brake components. The EPB system can be placed in service mode using a diagnostic scan tool or by following a series of steps that can be executed from the driver’s seat (check manufacturer’s instructions).

The IPC will indicate that the system is in service mode. The only way to reactivate the parking brake system is by correctly exiting service mode. Besides the possible damage to mechanics’ fingers, the calliper can be damaged if the piston fully extends during a non-commanded EPB actuation event when the calliper is detached from the vehicle.

The emergency brake feature hasn’t been lost on the EPB system. Applying the electronic parking brake while moving will engage the anti-lock braking system, slowing down or stopping the vehicle. The ABS module will continue to run the pump and apply the rear brakes as long as the driver is engaging the

EPB diagnosis usually begins with an illuminated warning indicator. Some manufacturers use the same indicator to report a service brake issue as they do to report an EPB issue. Pull the DTCs and service any ABS or service brake concerns before diagnosing an EPB failure. The ABS module will set a DTC and turn on the warning indicator if it sees a circuit, calibration, or parameter memory issue with the EPB system. This means that the position of the EPB actuator motors is not what the module expects to see, or the position values are not available. It doesn’t take much for the ABS module to set a DTC and turn on a warning indicator if it doesn’t like what it sees.

CASE STUDY

We diagnosed a 2017 Ford Fusion with an illuminated EPB warning indicator and DTC C2005:74 (the clamp request from the ABS module takes longer than eight seconds to perform) stored in the ABS module. The DTC applied to the right rear actuator motor.

Since there were no circuit DTCs, and the actuator motor was eventually applying, we could assume that the wires between the ABS module and the actuator motor were a complete circuit, not shorted to ground, not shorted to voltage, and not shorted to each other. This is a performance DTC, which means that the ABS module didn’t like what it saw when it activated the EPB.

A visual inspection revealed that the thickness of the rear brake pads was about 7mm. Extremely worn brake pads would set this DTC, but that is not the case here. This meant that we had either a sluggish actuator motor or a sticking rear calliper.

We removed the actuator motors from both rear callipers so we could compare the applying effort of the suspect calliper to a known good

Figure 3: Brand new calliper with the actuator motor removed. The splined shaft visibly meshes with the actuator when installed

Figure 4: Wiring diagram for an EPB system. Notice how each actuator motor has an A and B circuit. Current polarity is reversed on these circuits to extend and retract the calliper piston. The RED circles indicate where the jumper leads are placed to retract the calliper pistons manually

component. After turning the ball screw on both callipers, it was evident that much more torque was needed to extend the right-side calliper piston than was needed to extend the left-side calliper piston. The actuator motor was doing its job, and the ABS module was seeing the extra time it took for the actuator motor to reach the end of its travel. We replaced the calliper, cleared the DTC, and all was fine.

GETTING TO THE BOTTOM OF IT

Road conditions can cause havoc with the EPB actuator motors. Ice, snow, mud, and basic road debris can contaminate the actuator motor harness connector and the actuator motor itself. It’s no big secret that visual inspection is the most critical step in all diagnostic procedures, and it should be the first step when diagnosing an EPB concern.

Check for contamination in the harness connector and cracks in the actuator motor housing. If the heads of the screws that attach the actuator motor to the calliper are badly rusted, the actuator motor will be too.

Newly replaced rear brake pads can be a clue when diagnosing an EPB concern. The calliper could have been damaged if the installer did not correctly

before attempting to diagnose an EPB DTC. Sometimes a DTC represents the result of an issue, not the cause.

A LITTLE LOGIC GOES A LONG WAY

Here’s something that happens way too often — a vehicle gets towed into your shop with no power and an engaged EPB. You jump the battery — no go, no power. You need the vehicle pushed into the shop, but if the locked-up rear wheels aren’t rolling, the vehicle isn’t rolling.

The manufacturer’s solution to this issue is to remove the actuator motor from the calliper and turn the ball screw with a pair of pliers to disengage the parking brake. The problem is that there’s always one screw tucked behind a shock absorber or a spring shackle, which makes removing the actuator motor (while lying under the vehicle in the parking lot) a frustrating task. It’s much easier to reverse the actuator motor using a jump box, two jumper leads, and a couple of flex probes.

The wire schematic is referenced to determine the polarity needed to reverse the motor and retract the calliper piston (Figure 4). It takes less time and eliminates the possibility of damaging an actuator motor during disassembly. I’ve made up a couple of harness connector pigtails for the types of actuator motors I see most commonly. This way, I can disconnect the vehicle harness connector, plug in my pigtail, and connect the jumper box (Figure 5). You can hear the motor retract when applying power and ground. Ensure the vehicle is secure before releasing the actuator motors; it will start to roll.

We haven’t talked much about EPB systems that utilise a central actuator motor and parking brake cables. In these systems, the actuator motor is tucked up under the body, which keeps it safe from road debris issues for the most part. Seized cables are the actuator motor killers on these systems. The tighter the cable becomes, the harder the motor must work.

In most cases, the cables come with the actuator motor when replacing the component. Check the operation of the callipers before replacing the motor and cables. A seized cable can eventually lead to a seized calliper, damaging a new actuator motor.

EPB systems really aren’t that complex. The ABS module only outputs voltage and ground to the actuator motors and warning lamp info to the IPC. The switch is a one-trick pony that sends a voltage signal to the ABS module when it’s moved in either direction, and the actuator motors are just that, DC motors.

The ABS module receives inputs from the brake switch, accelerator pedal, clutch pedal, door-ajar switch, engine RPM, transmission range, and the airbag module to determine vehicle attitude. Some of this information will detour through

Figure 5: One of my pigtails attached to an actuator motor. Notice how the wires are marked red and black, identifying the proper polarity to retract the calliper piston. Using a tool like a power probe can make light work of supplementing voltage and ground to operate the actuators

Figure 6: Here’s one example of the many network configurations that you’ll see on an EPB system. Notice how the gateway module is used to deliver messages that originated from other modules and sensors to the ABS module

THE COBRA TO END ALL COBRAS

THE 1966 SHELBY COBRA 427 SUPER SNAKE IS NOTHING SHORT OF RIDICULOUS

Who reading this can say they’ve never sat there daydreaming about building the ultimate version of whatever car they’re into? The fastest, the scariest, and the most over-the-top, butt-puckering machine that may or may not kill its driver without a moment’s notice.

Carroll Shelby no doubt spent time mulling over those exact same big dreams. The difference is, he had the technical ability, the connections, the team, the finances, and the timing to make those dreams a reality at a time when much of what he wanted to do had never been done before.

Shelby is, of course, well known for these big swings when it comes to insanely high-performance vehicles but if there’s one example that trumps even the GT350, GT40, and Daytona Coupe for outright insanity, it’s got to be the 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake.

Carroll Shelby only built two of these incredible

twin-supercharged 427 big block-powered machines — one for himself (#CSX3015) and one for his good friend Bill Cosby (#CSX3303). Long before date rape drugs and prison time, Cosby drove that car exactly one time before never touching it again and eventually returning it out of fear for his life. Unfortunately, only Shelby’s #3015 still exists today after Cosby’s #CSX3303 was then on-sold to an enthusiast named Tony Maxey, who launched it off a cliff and into the Pacific Ocean, killing himself and the car in the process.

As an interesting aside, what was left of that car was actually recovered and taken to a scrap yard, where it was eventually located and purchased by a collector, who then shipped it over to AC cars in the UK to be rebuilt, albeit with an all-new frame and body panels, and no superchargers, making it no longer a Super Snake.

So let’s dig into the story of the Super Snake to

see exactly what makes it so special, and just why Cosby refused to drive it after its maiden voyage.

As any Ford enthusiast is probably already aware, there were quite a few different versions of the Shelby Cobra produced between 1962 and 1967, but the most hardcore of them all was the 427 Competition Roadster (23 built) and 427 SemiCompetition (28 built) models — the latter being slightly paired down street-legal versions of the full Competition race cars, though many were put into motorsport duties regardless.

In early 1966 Shelby decided that he was going to get a little silly and build his own street-legal Cobra. The existing 420+hp S/C model, while an incredibly fast machine in its own right, just wasn’t going to be enough — he wanted more … Much more.

This led to the creation of the Super Snake, which started life as a full-blown Cobra Competition model, the lightest and most powerful available.

Shelby kept these unique Competition-only body panels, along with the bigger brakes, diff, and headers, then added a full exhaust system, windshield, and bumpers that would allow the car to be registered for the road. A bigger, heavily-bulged aluminium bonnet was also made and fitted to accommodate the Super Snake’s most eye-popping attribute — its absolutely insane (especially for the time) powerplant.

The original competition-spec 427ci FE side-

to the crank first, before the valvetrain. Pulling air and fuel through a single four-barrel 780 CFM Holley carburettor, these motors made a very respectable grunt well north of 400hp. This was arguably already a little too much power for the Cobra chassis to deal with but Shelby didn’t care. He wanted his Super Snake to be stupidly — perhaps even irresponsibly — overpowered, with double that grunt.

This roughly 800hp was achieved through the use

He wanted his super snake to be stupidly … overpowered

put into semi-daily driver duties as Shelby’s personal vehicle. This was easily one of the fastest street cars on the planet at the time, capable of a three-second 0-100kph sprint at a time when

cause all sorts of mischief behind the wheel of the Super Snake, competing in local road races, obliterating buzzards at ultra-high speed on the highway, and once even being snapped by the cops for travelling at 195mph through the Nevada desert.

It all came to an end in 1970, when Shelby popped the 427ci during a Nevada road race. He decided he’d had enough, and quickly rebuilt the motor and sold it to Canadian musician Jimmy Webb. Unfortunately for Webb, while he did write some great songs, he wasn’t so hot at paying his US taxes and soon ran afoul of the IRS, forcing him to skip back across the border into Canada, but

it, and then putting it up for auction, where it sold for US$375,000 in 1995.

Since then, unlike Cosby’s #CSX3303 Super Snake, Shelby’s #CSX3005 has remained relatively unmolested aside from a return to the original Metallic Blue from the Guardsman Blue it had been changed to at some point in the ’70s. The car has also changed hands between various enthusiasts multiple times since its rediscovery and last sold in 2022 for a cool US$5.5 million.

investigators finally located the Super Snake, seizing

As Road and Track magazine so artfully put it back in 1968, Shelby’s big dream turned reality was the “Cobra to end all Cobras”. With only one example remaining, though, the chances of any of us actually seeing a real Super Snake — let alone driving one — are next to none. With that kind of power, such a low kerb weight, and sketchy sixties tyre technology to contend with, maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

Shelby is, of course, well known for these big swings when it comes to insanely high-performance vehicles

INTAKE MANIFOLD REPAIR KITS

When the non-return valve in the intake manifold fails on the Holden A14NET engine, it can cause a cascade of

OE PRODUCT SOLUTIONS

Part

This flexible steering coupler matches the fit and function of a cracked, worn or deteriorated original equipment coupler. Made of tough materials for durable, reliable performance, this part has undergone extensive testing to ensure a proper fit.

onward

Part

Part

DRIVETRAIN SPECIALISTS THE GEARBOX FACTORY RECENTLY COMPLETED A STAGE 3 UPGRADE ON A CORVETTE. WE EXPLORE WHAT MADE THIS PROJECT SPECIAL

The Gearbox Factory in East Tamaki, Auckland, is a drivetrain specialist company that covers automatics, manuals, DSGs, DCTs, transfer cases, differentials, and wheel bearings. For the past 48 years, along with servicing all passenger vehicles and light commercial trucks, they have rebuilt hundreds of TH700R4/4L60s and 4L60E/4L65Es. For this particular Stage 3 upgrade they called on six staff members’ 100-plus years of combined experience to

subframe and detached the trans from all components. The trans was then completely stripped apart, cleaned up, and assessed. All the upgrades were then carefully applied to the rebuild. The torque convertor was cut open in their dedicated machine shop and rebuilt with new bearings, seals, and upgraded lockup. Once the overhaul was complete, the fitting team pieced it back together, ready for road testing. After testing was complete and the clutch packs were bedded in, the vehicle was spanner and leak checked, and wiped down ready for the customer to collect.

Now for an explanation of what the different stages entail. (Warranty: Stage 1 & 2, 12 months, 20,000 kms workmanship and part warranty applies. Stage 3, 12 months, 20,000 kms limited workmanship & warranty applies but no warranty if used in competition.)

STAGE 1

coordinate a successful, tailor-made package. This is how the technical feat was achieved:

This Corvette had a Stage 3 package fitted, capable of handling its 700-plus HP. Everything was done in house. They removed the rear

Rated up to 350Kw. Master rebuild kit with 3/4 Z-Pack High Performance clutches, HD band, upgraded torque converter lock-up lining.

STAGE 2

Rated up to 450Kw. Master rebuild kit with 3/4 Z-Pack High Performance clutches, HD band, HD2 reprogramming kit with combined servo package, upgraded torque converter lock-up lining.

STAGE 3

Rated up to 550Kw — Master rebuild kit with competition clutch packs, HD band, highstrength input shaft, smart-tech housing kit, HD2 reprogramming kit with combined servo package, upgraded torque converter lock-up lining.

The TH700R4/4L60 are hydraulically controlled four-speed automatic transmissions. They were introduced in 1982 as a response to fuel economy pressures, to be phased in as the replacement for the TH350 (three speed). The transmission’s

principal new feature was its 30 per cent overdrive. The 4L60E /4L65E were later phased in, which introduced an updated electronically controlled version. Both hydraulic and electronic transmissions were fitted to a wide range of GM models like Corvette, Camaro, Silverado, and Commodore. Holden were using these transmissions in the mid 90s, right through to the 00s. Strapped behind the LS1 motors (which cranked out 250Kw), the factorybuilt transmissions were simply not up to the task. Once the R8 ClubSport was released, pushing 300plus Kw, The Gearbox Factory were overhauling one to two per week. Keeping their technicians up to date with the latest information has given them the experience and knowledge to piece together

3 Stage upgrades that prevent common failures and increase overall strength.

Visit: gearboxfactory.co.nz, or telephone 0800 443 272, or 09 274 8340 for more information.

Is a climate neutral car possible?

SWEDISH EV MANUFACTURER POLESTAR SEEMS TO THINK SO, AS THEY JOIN FORCES WITH EIGHT NEW GLOBAL INDUSTRY LEADING PARTNERS IN THE QUEST TO CREATE A TRULY CLIMATE NEUTRAL CAR BY 2030

Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car company, has signed up a further eight partners to the Polestar 0 project, the company’s goal to create a truly climate neutral car by 2030.

New collaborators in the project include Vitesco Technologies, Schloetter, Autoneum, Stora Enso,

Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, Finland, and Sweden, they cover the areas of electrical inverters, electroplating, interior and exterior materials, renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials and wooden construction, coating and textiles, flat-rolled aluminium, knit and woven materials, and recycled aluminium.

The Polestar 0 project launched in 2021 with the belief that the car industry needs a

While the switch to EVs eliminates tailpipe emissions, Polestar recognises the need to urgently address emissions that stem from production. The ambitious aim of the Polestar 0 project is to eliminate all sources of CO2e throughout the supply chain, from the extraction of raw materials to material and vehicle production, delivery, and end of life, without relying on misleading offsetting schemes.

Hans Pehrson, head of the Polestar 0 project, comments: “My conviction in

Transparency needed in EV battery cell materials

STOREDOT AND CIRCULOR PARTNER TO DELIVER SUPPLY CHAIN TRANSPARENCY FOR EV BATTERY CELL MATERIALS

StoreDot, the pioneer of extreme fast-charging battery technology for electric vehicles, has partnered with Circulor, the leading supply chain traceability solution, to track the provenance and CO2 emissions of the raw materials used in its battery cells and its manufacturing cells process in order to prove responsible, sustainable, and ethical sourcing.

StoreDot is pioneering faster charging times and increased reliability by developing cell technology capable of delivering 160kms on a five-minute charge by 2024. In parallel to driving greater electric vehicle demand through longer range and shorter charge times, StoreDot is also concentrating its efforts on sustainable products, working with Circulor on creating transparent battery supply chains to provide full traceability for global automotive manufacturers and support them in meeting regulatory requirements.

StoreDot and Circulor’s collaboration has already begun, and the two companies are implementing

Circulor’s traceability solution to follow upstream battery material production and the corresponding embedded carbon emissions. This information will give StoreDot transparency and will enable the company to make such information available to EV OEM customers and regulators who are requiring information regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts.

StoreDot has also joined the German government’s ‘Battery Pass’ project as an associate member alongside Circulor, which is a founding consortium member and leads the technology workstream. The two companies will continue to work within the project to strengthen industry collaboration and prepare for the enactment of the EU Battery Regulation.

StoreDot CEO Dr Doron Myersdorf said: “The environmental, social, and governance aspects of our XFC solution are a core value to StoreDot and its employees. We are therefore pleased to be entering this partnership with Circulor, which has

the success of the Polestar 0 project is reaffirmed every time we meet with new collaborators.

It’s clear that there is immense potential to tap into around the globe. Achieving the seemingly impossible is never a one-man show. It is only through collective action that we can achieve the breakthroughs that truly make a difference and find the transformative solutions that go beyond the car industry.”

Research around base materials is fundamental, making biosource and mining, followed by refining and man-made materials key to success. More partners, both from the academic and corporate fields are needed, and the search continues for partners on raw materials, biobased chemicals, polymers, electric components, noble gases, and other base material production. With a goal of delivering the car by 2030, solving the missing elements is critically urgent.

consistently demonstrated its world-leading supply chain traceability capabilities. It is essential that StoreDot offers its automotive OEM customers and investors full transparency of CO2 emissions, as well as the materials and components of our extreme fast charging ‘100 in 5’ battery cells. This will give our EV partners even more confidence in StoreDot as we move closer to mass producing batteries.”

Circulor CEO Douglas Johnson-Poensgen said: “StoreDot is a pioneer in next generation battery solutions, specifically focused on overcoming potential barriers to EV adoption and ensuring that our move to electrified economies is done right. We are delighted to be working with the StoreDot team to create EV supply chain transparency and demonstrate its importance in building a sustainable and responsible future.”

Introducing Cool-Safe: We’ll pay you for your recovered refrigerants

COOL-SAFE IS AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND’S VOLUNTARY PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP SCHEME FOR REFRIGERANTS

Cool-Safe is governed by The Trust for the Destruction of Synthetic Refrigerants, which was formed in 1993 to manage refrigerant gas collection and destruction in New Zealand.

Since 1993, the Trust’s former voluntary ‘Recovery’ scheme (now Cool-Safe) has prevented more than 1,326,000 tonnes of CO2eq greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to 36,000 tonnes of ozone depletion from harming our atmosphere, through to October 2022. CO2eq (carbon dioxide equivalent) stands for a unit based on the global warming potential of different greenhouse gases. The CO2eq unit measures the environmental impact of one tonne of these greenhouse gases in comparison to the impact of one tonne of CO2.

Cool-Safe is building on the work of Recovery to inspire and enable the refrigerants industry to increase that even further and reduce the impact of synthetic refrigerants released into the atmosphere by 90 per cent by 2035.

They are also committed to supporting the transition to refrigerant regulations for anyone working with refrigerants (including the automotive industry), expected in 2024. How is Cool-Safe supporting you?

BUY-BACK PROGRAMMES

Through their ‘Bounty Buy-Back Programme’ CoolSafe rewards businesses that deposit recovered refrigerants at one of their collection sites with financial incentives.

Cool-Safe is currently paying $15 per kilo of recovered refrigerant.

EASY REFRIGERANT DROP OFF

Cool-Safe has a growing list of refrigerant collection sites across New Zealand which they’re looking to expand. Likewise, there are courier collection options available for those not close to one of those centres.

ONSHORE REFRIGERANT DESTRUCTION

Cool-Safe will be using Aotearoa New Zealand’s first and only Plasma Arc Destruction Facility (being developed by The Trust for the Destruction of Synthetic Refrigerants) to avoid the environmental risk that comes with shipping them offshore and reduce the cost of destruction for you and your business.

CHAMPIONING A SKILLED WORKFORCE

Cool-Safe is playing their part in reducing leaks by supporting the development of a training framework that gives anyone working with refrigerants easy access to best practice training.

They’re also developing an accreditation and certification scheme to acknowledge the professionals and keep out the cowboys.

A list of training courses is available on their website.

KEEPING YOU INFORMED AND CONNECTED

Through Cool-Safe’s regular e-updates, webinars, roadshows, website, media releases, and social media channels they help bring all of us working with refrigerants together and keep you up-to-date and engaged.

They know that you know your industry better than anyone else, and they make sure your voice is heard where and when it counts.

For more information visit coolsafe.org.nz, or contact Ben Fechney, Collection Services business development manager, ben@coolsafe.org.nz, or

SmartClick Intelligent wiring revolutionises towing

HAYMAN REESE SIMPLIFIES AFTERMARKET TRAILER WIRING AND SUPPORTS TROUBLE-FREE TOWING

Hayman Reese, one of the big names in towbar tech, is now reaching further into aftermarket towing solutions introducing a smart alternative to complicated towbar wiring installations. SmartClick Intelligent wiring looms — which are engineered to suit individual vehicle applications — are expected to be included in every new-release Hayman Reese towbar. It’s as easy as clicking together the smart plug with vehicle nodes and the wiring is done.

For vehicles equipped with CAN bus, but not yet supported by SmartClick Intelligent wiring packages, or for previously installed towbars, Hayman Reese now offer CAN bus-compatible wiring solutions. To make these systems more compatible, Hayman

Reese has introduced the Smartcode system for these vehicles. This means the Hayman Reese approved installer can code the vehicle at the end of

the installation to turn on all the correct safety feature activations while towing.

TALKING TO CAN BUS

A traditional trailer wiring harness would be prone to setting off fault codes in vehicles managed by CAN bus. The old standard wiring loom technology can also prompt systems managed by CAN bus to fail to activate or switch off certain features within the vehicle’s safety systems when a trailer is connected to the vehicle.

Late in 2019, Hayman Reese launched the first of the SmartClick systems. A base loom was still included with the bar and the ECU, and a tail was then chosen to complete the system. The Hayman Reese SmartClick CAN bus system is a plug and play system, meaning there is no need for scotch locks, or soldering into the vehicle’s wiring harness. Hayman Reese uses the factory plugs to support this type of connectivity. The ECU supplied is designed to communicate effectively with the vehicle in the same manner as the OE version.

SMARTCODE SOLUTION FOR INSTALLERS

Smartcode is a handheld device that plugs into the vehicle OBD plug that will program the vehicle to recognise and accept a properly set up trailer wiring solution, and turn on the correct parameters for safe towing. As that can be done by the installer, there is no need for vehicle owners to contact dealers.

Smartcode is a token-based system for the installer, allowing an additional revenue stream from the installation, which ensures compatibility without compromising the vehicle’s integrity.

The hand piece is designed for towing coding only, and like its name it is very smart. In a few minutes the vehicle is coded and ready to go. The Smartcode firmware is constantly updated, and a quick download will ensure the hand piece is kept up to date.

Brands currently supported are Ford, VW, Audi, Skoda, and Mercedes-Benz.

For more information, contact Hayman Reese on 0800 MY T BAR (0800 698 227), or visit haymanreese.co.nz.

Products The latest automotive products

Pierburg Water Circulating Pumps

Pierburg water circulating pumps are characterised by a low weight and high media and temperature resistance. They are used where cooling or heating functions have to be carried out independently from the engine speed, e.g. auxiliary heating or cooling turbochargers, or cooling the drive and battery in electric vehicles (Part numbers 7.01713.27.0, 7.02074.89.0).

Triple the traction

The 750-16C LP46 Brightway 14-ply bias ply tyre is a copy of the old triple traction tyre put out by Dunlop many years ago. Due to demand, it has been reproduced with a few slight modifications. For a rugged traction bias ply in 750-16, this is the tyre for you. Available in limited numbers from Blairs Supertyre Distributors.

For more information, call 0800 80 90 96, or visit blairs.co.nz.

Failed emissions test?

Aeroflow’s Catalytic Converter is the perfect solution to failed emission tests. Aeroflow’s universal catalytic converter is a metallic substrate material encased in a full brushed 304 stainless steel round body. Designed for performance exhaust systems, these Hi-flow 50 cells per inch honeycomb converters are very low restriction so they don’t lose horsepower. The overall length is 190mm and it comes in 2½-inch, 3-inch, 3½inch, and 4-inch slip fits.

For all your Aeroflow Performance Parts needs, go to thepartsman.co.nz, e-mail sales@thepartsman.co.nz, or call 07 846 1623.

convenient to install, improve wear rates and performance, and are designed to meet overseas environmental standards. They are finished with an anti-rust coating that provides good looks and long-lasting protection. This corrosion resistant coating also means rotors are not covered in the oil that is traditionally applied to prevent rust prior to fitting, saving time and money for workshops during fitment.

All RDA brake pads are copper free, which means they don’t deposit toxic brake dust into the stormwater system. All RDA brake pads have an 18-month, 30,000km warranty.

For more information, contact NAPA Auto Parts, or call 0800 800 073.

Game changer for EV diagnostics

Autel has recently released three new products that will help Kiwi workshops expand into the fast growing electric vehicle market: the Autel MS909EV, MaxiSYS Ultra EV, and EV Diagnostic Kit Upgrade Package. The MS909EV and its more premium version, the Ultra EV, are secure high-voltage system testing and analysis tools that perform battery pack diagnostics. They give accurate ‘state of charge’ and ‘state of health’ analysis (as well as recalibration) for true battery condition and also perform topology module mapping on 50-plus vehicle brands. The EV Diagnostic Kit Upgrade Package allows existing MS909, MS919, and Ultra models to be upgraded so they can safely and accurately offer the same quality of diagnostics for EV owners.

Autel MS909EV, Ultra EV, and the EV Diagnostic Kit Upgrade Package are available at Sulco and NAPA Auto Parts. For more information visit autel.nz.

ACDelco Automotive AGM Batteries

The ACDelco Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) range represents the very best in advanced battery technology for the most highly developed luxury cars and most advanced fuel-saving technology, including stop-start and regenerative braking. AGM plate separators reduce internal resistance, providing significant improvement in all performance criteria, including increased cycling ability, faster recharge acceptance, and improved cranking power in Partial-State-OfCharge (PSOC). The AGM range is ideal for modern systems that have higher electrical accessory loads.

For more information, or to become a stockist, call 0800 546 000, or visit rjbatt.co.nz.

Corghi for effortless lifting

Save your back with a Corghi TT-O Zero Gravity Automatic wheel lifter.

Self-balancing, the lifter features a special pneumatic system which completely eliminates the weight of the wheel for effortlessly lifting and mounting wheels onto your wheel balancer, for wheels weighing up to 80kg. It will work on most makes and models of wheel balancers.

For more information, visit automaster.co.nz, contact info@ automaster.co.nz, or call 0800 214 604.

Odours be gone!

Wildcat offers a first for New Zealand: stick-shaped air fresheners! They are specially designed to be easily hung from your rearview mirror, ensuring a long lasting, delightful fragrance throughout your ride. The Wildcat Paper Stick comes in a pack of three and you can choose from a variety of invigorating scents, including calming Vanilla, refreshing Wildberry, and classic Strawberry. Try it today and experience the difference.

For more information, visit griffithsequipment.co.nz, or call 09 525 4575.

Back to Basics: Communication is key

TIPS TO BETTER GIVE BAD NEWS TO YOUR CUSTOMERS

According to a United States Auto Mechanic Training Institution, being capable of properly delivering bad news to customers is essential to a successful business. Proper communication skills are key to creating and maintaining relationships with clients, as you work to develop customer satisfaction and loyalty and word-ofmouth referrals for your business.

Here are four basic tips to better communicate the sort of news no reputable workshop ever wants to deliver:

BE TRANSPARENT

No one wants to deliver bad news, but it’s in the best interest of both the mechanic and the client to figure out a solution and move forward. When expecting quality service, customers will want to feel acknowledged and be kept in the loop. As an auto mechanic, you might find that a customer’s vehicle requires more work than you initially anticipated or the parts needed for repair may not be available. When you become an auto mechanic, delivering bad news to your customers and being transparent about any setbacks will make your customers feel seen and heard. When communicating transparently, you should state the cause of the problem, the reasoning behind it, and the steps you plan to take to fix it.

BE QUICK

Never wait to tell your customers any bad news about their vehicles that you think is going to upset them. It’s best if they find out about any issues from their trusted auto mechanic, rather than from someone else down the line. If you wait to communicate problems and customers find out indirectly from another source, it’s likely that your customers will lose trust in your services which could hurt the reputation of your auto business.

Clients tend to leave bad reviews and will likely tell their family and friends to avoid visiting your workshop if they lose faith in you. When you communicate upfront you’re showing them that you care about their business and that their satisfaction is important to you.

ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY

You’ll notice after your training that sometimes problems happen that are not your fault. Often there are unexpected delays that are completely out of your control. You may find that certain car parts are not delivered on time, are defective upon arrival, or don’t match the specifications. When this happens avoid blaming others for the delays, because customers will likely feel that your business isn’t up to professional standards. When

Bite sized news

FEMALE SEAL OF APPROVAL

The 2023 World’s Best Cars of the Year was voted by a majority of 63 women motoring journalists from 45 countries on five continents. The Women’s World Car of the Year jury (founded by a strong contingency of New Zealanders) selected the following vehicles:

• Best Urban Model – Kia Niro

• Best Family SUV – Jeep Avenger

• Best Large Car – Citroën C5 X

• Best Large SUV– Nissan X-Trail

• Best Performance – Audi RS 3

• Best 4×4 & Pick-Up – Ford Ranger

The six winners now announced will go through to the final round of judging to determine the winner of WWCOTY’s top award. The Women’s World Car of the Year winner will be announced on the Women’s World Car of the Year YouTube channel on 8 March, International Women’s Day. Stay tuned!

HONDA HYBRID RACER

The 800 Horsepower Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer project will be revealed soon. The creative minds of the engineers at Honda performance development and auto development centre, and designers from North America auto design Division of American Honda have conceived and constructed the ultimate high-performance beast – the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer project vehicle. This track monster with some 800 electrified horsepower is expected to be revealed soon.

you accept responsibility for any delays, customers will appreciate your honesty and be more accepting of your mistake. You can reassure them that you’ll work to resolve the issues they’re facing as quickly as possible. Accepting responsibility builds trust between you and your customers

FOLLOW UP WITH EMPATHY

After communicating bad news effectively and without delay, it’s important to follow up with the client to provide them with any updates. Some customers may need reassurance that their problems are being seen to. By following up with your clients, you can also listen to any other concerns that may have cropped up for them. When you listen to them, be empathetic towards them and make them feel that their satisfaction is your number one priority.

TATA MOTORS AND UBER IN MAJOR DEAL

India’s leading automobile manufacturer and the pioneer of India’s EV evolution recently signed an MoU with Uber, India’s leading ridesharing

app, to bring 25,000 XPRES–T EVs into their premium category service. Aligned towards its goal of a clean and green environment, Tata Motors will be aiding Uber in electrifying their services across Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad. The company will begin the delivery of the cars to Uber fleet partners in a phased manner, starting this month.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Mount Shop is an undercar parts specialist company that is well established in the automotive industry. We are a 100% kiwi owned private company and work off old school principles.

Due to a growth in business, we have employment opportunities available at three of our branch’s located around the country. The job role is mainly sales based helping customers with over the phone and counter queries.

You would need to have experience or an interest in the automotive industry, be computer literate, have good communication skills, keen to get stuck in and like working as a team.

Hours are Monday to Friday 8-5pm. No Saturday work so full weekend off, and a competitive remuneration package is offered depending on your qualifications.

Employment opportunities are available at our branches located in:

• Whangarei

• Hamilton

• Penrose

If you have experience in parts, workshop or know your way around a vehicle and are looking for a change then maybe this could be for you.

Please send your CV to: hemi@mountshop.co.nz along with which location you would like to apply for.

Pumps,

Supplying

Supplying

PARTSSUPPLY

Bearings,diffs,alternators,brake components, radiators,engine components,batteries,trailerparts

SERVICECONSUMABLES

WORKSHOP CONSUMABLES

Oils,grease,coolant,transfluid,bulbs,flushes

Rags,lubricants,PPE,aerosols,abrasives, cleaners,carcare,aircon

SUSPENSIONAND STEERING Tierods,balljoints,rackends, bushes,bearings,shocks

AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES Audio,performanceparts,bodykits, dressup,paint/wrap,driveline

WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT

GENERALREPAIRSERVICE

Diagnostics,hoists,electrics,powertools, handtools,specialistserviceequipment

Autoelectrical,clutches,cylinderheads, enginerebuilds,suspension,cooling

WINDSCREENSANDGLASSWindscreens,chiprepairs,sideglass, mirrors,wipers,customfitment

WHEELSANDTYRESOEMreplacement,tyres, fitting/balancing,repairs,consumables,innertubes

AUTOREFINISHERS

Restoration,smashrepairs,auto-bodysupplies,spraypainters,paintcorrection

DRIVETRAINREPAIRSERVICEAutomatics,Transfercases,Manuals,DSG’s,CVT’s, Differentials,Wheelbearings,TorqueConverters

PARTSSUPPLY

Bearings,diffs,alternators,brakecomponents,radiators, enginecomponents,batteries,trailerparts

Oils,grease,coolant,transfluid,bulbs,flushes

WORKSHOP CONSUMABLES Rags,lubricants,PPE,aerosols,abrasives, cleaners,carcare,aircon

SUSPENSIONAND STEERING Tierods,balljoints,rackends, bushes,bearings,shocks

AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES Audio,performanceparts,bodykits, dressup,paint/wrap,driveline

WORKSHOP

EQUIPMENT

Autoelectrical,clutches,cylinderheads, enginerebuilds,suspension,cooling SERVICECONSUMABLES

GENERALREPAIRSERVICE

Diagnostics,hoists,electrics,powertools, handtools,specialistserviceequipment

WINDSCREENSANDGLASSWindscreens,chiprepairs,sideglass, mirrors,wipers,customfitment

WHEELSANDTYRESOEMreplacement,tyres, fitting/balancing,repairs,consumables,innertubes

AUTOREFINISHERS

Restoration,smashrepairs,auto-bodysupplies,spraypainters,paintcorrection

DRIVETRAINREPAIRSERVICEAutomatics,Transfercases,Manuals,DSG’s,CVT’s, Differentials,Wheelbearings,TorqueConverters

The Auto Channel supplier directory is your easy reference for sourcing a range of automotive products and services.

This directory is a paid service for businesses who supply to the New Zealand automotive trade. To secure your inclusion, contact Mark Everleigh on 021 140 6855 or mark.everleigh@viamedia.co.nz.

F1 history to land across the ditch

ONE OF THE LARGEST FIELDS OF SPECTACULAR HISTORIC CARS WILL RACE AT THE 2023 PHILLIP ISLAND CLASSIC

This year’s Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motorsport will boast some of the finest historic cars from around the world competing on the world-renowned Grand Prix Circuit at Phillip Island (a day trip from Melbourne) from 10 to 12 March.

There are expected to be six classic Formula One cars from Europe — including the 1972 Surtees TS16/02, the Shadow DN8, the Tyrrell 012, the Ensign N179, the Lotus 81, and the Hesketh 308-1 — racing some of the finest historic race cars in Australia, but there are four spectacular sports cars also from Europe.

These include Leon Ebeling’s 1962 Shelby Cobra 289, Steve Brooks’ Lola T70 Mk 3b, Ludovic Caron’s Chevron B31, and Andrew Newall’s 1966 Chevron B6 — historic Le Mans competitor and multiple World Championship Car in which Andrew won the 2015 FIA Masters Historic Sports Car Championship.

The Chevron B24 driven by Tom Tweedie has the distinction of being the first type of Formula 5000 car to beat the Formula 1 machines in a combined event. This happened at Brands Hatch in 1973 after Peter Gethin had also won the regular Formula 5000 race. With the entry of Tim Berryman in the 1979 Lola T332, in which Australian past World Champion Alan Jones finished fourth in the 1979 Australian Grand Prix at Oran Park Raceway, we will see two of the fastest Formula 5000 cars in Australia competing against the international Formula Ones.

Also competing will be the very rare 1962 Ferrari 196 SP Dino which was raced in the 1962 Sebring 12 Hours by the North American Racing Team. The first of the mid / rear-engine Ferraris, it was one of only five that were built and is the only one surviving. The car continued to race with success at major events in Europe and the USA before passing into the hands of some of the prominent collectors and then recently arriving in Australia.

From the USA, the well-known and highly competitive 1959 Old Yeller Mk11 raced by Ernie Nagamatsu will once again make an appearance at the Phillip Island Circuit.

Also on the Sunday, the Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motorsport will feature two international events with more than 40 Formula Fords on the grid with entrants from New Zealand, Ireland, USA, and UK

competing against Australian drivers. The second international race on the Sunday will see the six international Formula One cars racing against four of Australia’s Formula One cars.

Competing in regularity will be the 1946 Maybach Mk1 which won the 1954 New Zealand Grand Prix driven by Stan Jones. This car was the first successful race car developed and built in Australia to win a Grand Prix event.

On static display at the circuit will be a number of world famous feature cars, including Allan Jones’ 1979 World Championship Williams; the March 701 driven by Italian past World Champion Mario Andretti; an Indy car driven by four-times winner of the Indianapolis 500 Rick Mears, and a 1985 Ferrari 156/85.

Past Bathurst winners Steven Richards and Greg Murphy will be racing in Group C and A in the Nissan HR31 turbo cars against the Ford Sierras, one driven by Chris Stillwell.

In a move to assist competitors at a time of higher inflation, a very committed Mark Tierney, Race Fuels CEO, has just announced that his company will hold the cost of fuel at last year’s level for this year’s Phillip Island Classic event.

Once again the event has strong support from major motor and industry sponsors, such as Penrite, Shannons, Cooldrive and Apex Steel, Dutton Garage, Bendix Brakes, and Trico, with support also coming from Bass Coast Shire Council and Events Gippsland who all recognise the importance of this major sporting event.

The Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motorsport is a family friendly event attracting youths, families with young children, right through to senior citizens because of the range of authentic race cars presented along with exciting and competitive racing.

For more information visit vhrr.com.

Automotive workshops

Parts importers and distributors

Transmission specialists

Automotive recyclers

Towing operators

Panel beaters and painters

Crash repairers

Tyre dealers

Suspension and underbody repairers

Steering specialists

Towing operators

Auto-electrical repairers

New- and used-car dealers

Air conditioning repairers

Heavy machinery dealers

Trucking and transport

04 April

Editorial: editor@autochannel.co.nz

Advertising: Mike White michael.white@viamedia.co.nz

All other enquiries to: autochannel.co.nz

Auto Channel is produced by Via Media, publishers of two of NZ’s biggest-selling automotive magazines: NZ Performance Car and NZV8.

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