Auto Channel #5

ISSUE 5 AUGUST 2018

THE VOICE FOR THE NEW ZEALAND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

AUTO CHANNEL RUBEN, Flight Engineer OLE OLE JOHAN, JOHAN, Chief Chief Mechanic Mechanic

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CONNECTING THE NEW ZEALAND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY Omsparad.indd 3

2015-11-23 13:41:51

FILPRO AUTOMOTIVE THE DESTINATION FOR NEW ZEALAND’S MOST POPULAR AUTO AFTERMARKET BRANDS

perfectly might seem boring, but when it comes to chasing seconds, it’s vital. Welcome to our world!

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OLE JOHAN, Chief Mechanic

FILPRO AUTOMOTIVE IS THE COMPANY BEHIND A HOST OF PREMIUM AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET BRANDS, USED AND TRUSTED BY NEW ZEALAND AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRERS, RESELLERS, AND THEIR CUSTOMERS EVERY DAY

T CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

here’s no doubt that you are more than familiar with the premium quality automotive aftermarket brands FRAM Filters, Prestone, Holts, and Simoniz. But how well do you know the company that drives the success and constant growth of these highly trusted aftermarket brands across New Zealand?

Filpro Automotive is the company behind these premium automotive aftermarket product brands used and trusted by New Zealand automotive repairers, re-sellers and their customers every day.

Headed by highly experienced and industry-renowned automotive aftermarket executive, Roger Lassen, Filpro Automotive (Australia and New Zealand) markets these premium-quality brands while providing a high level

of localized customer support to the company’s New Zealand customers.

Lassen brings more than two decades of automotive aftermarket industry experience to Filpro Automotive, including a stellar 17-year career as the Australian, New Zealand, and South East Asian aftermarket director for Tenneco Automotive, the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of Monroe and Rancho ride control products, along with the Walker range of aftermarket exhaust products.

The move to Filpro Automotive represents the next step in Lassen’s outstanding automotive aftermarket industry career, bringing his experience to the role of General Manager for both Australia and New Zealand, while also serving as a Director of the company.

ROGER LASSEN, FILPRO GM, AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND

NARVA.CO.NZ

150% MORE LIGHT, EXTREME LIGHT OUTPUT Narva continues to lead the way in the development of performance headlight globes, following the release of the new Plus 150 • Up to 150% more light on the road* • Up to 60 metres longer beam • Suitable for use in polycarbonate headlamps

ACCORDING TO TENG ADVERT POLE POSITION Plus 150

Conventional

*Compared with a Standard Globe

Conventional

Plus 150

ON

ON

INSTALLATI

INSTALLATI

INCLUDED

INCLUDED

4 Tonne Wheel Alignment Scissor Lift

6.3 Tonne 4 Post Hoist

NBS40A-48

CR14E

• • • •

• Heavy duty hydraulic cylinder, with a single point latch release system • Jack track is standard feature • Multiple position latch points in each structural leg

3 phase

3 phase

Configurations for different demands Advanced Master-Slave hydraulic system Manual operation to lower in case of power cut Open front and rear with no structural connection between platforms or bases increases work area for technicians • The upper limit and lower limit improve operating security • Advanced electron-hydraulic control technology makes the lift easy to operate and maintain • Reliable, high quality composite bearings provide maintenance free operation Capacity: 4000kg Lifting Height: 1920mm Overall Width: 2206mm Lowered Height: 345mm Overall Length: 5289mm

Capacity: 6.3 Tonne Overall Width (with motor mounted to outside of column): 3569mm Overall Length: 6350mm Rise: 2006mm Rise Time: 72 seconds

Runway Length: 4800mm Runway Width: 625mm Motor Performance: 3kW Air Pressure: 6-8 bar

FROM

11,995

$ Jacking Beams NRJ45G-AP sold separately

8495

$

ON INSTALLATI

ON INSTALLATI

INCLUDED

3.2 Tonne Wheelfree Scissor Lift

4 Tonne Base Plate Lift with Symmetric Style Arms

3 phase DSD32 • • • •

Low profile with 105mm minimum height, suitable for a wide range of vehicles with low chassis Upper & lower switches improve operator safety and lift longevity Master-slave synchronised hydraulic system ensuring platforms remain level during operation Independent scissor platforms with no structural connection allowing unobstructed access in and around the lift • Advanced electro hydraulic operating system ensuring safety and reliability • Emergency manual lowering in the event of power outage

Capacity: 3200 kg Stroke: 1945 mm Overall Length: 2105 mm Overall Width: 2120 mm Min Height: 105 mm

Platform Length: 1485 mm Platform Width: 660 mm Power: 2.2 KW Lifting Time: 60s Lowering Time: 18-40s

INCLUDED

7295

$

Single phase PRO9FPY42 • • • • •

Designed for facilities with low ceilings Dual hydraulic cylinders with chain 2-stage symmetric arms Carriage latch system engages every 3”(76mm) Secondary lock system includes a spring actuated slack chainlocking device

Overall Height: 2826mm Drive Through Clearance: 2470mm Min Ceiling Height: 2870mm

4095

$

Prices exclude GST. Valid until 31 August 2018. Valid to Repco and Appco Trade account holders only. E&OE.

Equipment Specialist Contacts:

EQUIPMENT

National Sales Manager National Technical & Training Manager Equipment Spares Auckland North & Northland

Kevin Odgers

027 279 1204

Bruce Francis Scott Townsend Nigel Toa

027 494 2802 027 246 3640 027 475 2224

Auckland East & South Waikato & Bay of Plenty Lower North Island South Island

Dave Miller Alan Dadswell Justin Mills Brent Grindley

027 492 8962 027 282 3966 027 494 7186 027 216 9173

Contents

From the Ed.

23 Filpro Automotive thriving Gulf Western Oil’s new release

Cover / 4 07

B

ack at the end of June, New Zealandbased engineering company UBCO was presented with an International Innovation Award for their two-wheel

drive electric bike. Minister of Agriculture Hon. Damien O’Connor handed UBCO the award at this year’s New Zealand Agricultural Fieldays event at Mystery Creek, and commended the bike for being e-smart, eco-friendly and safer than competing

Parts search simplified with Navigator Pro

12

farm bikes and ATVs. There is obviously a lot of focus on electric vehicles in the industry at present; for mechanics and service agents, the talk is more

DTM NZ introduces Gruzo

18

Repco announces Singapore promotion winners

23

around how the nature of servicing EVs will force changes to equipment and staff skill sets, more than the environmental or economic benefits.

Though, it’s interesting to see the tech moving into the backblocks too. An electric farm bike makes a fair bit

Women in the industry

24

of sense; short bursts of work rather than all-day use means that the battery should offer good range, and with no need for an external drivetrain there’s less to

New vehicle announcements

28

The latest automotive products

30

crack open or damage should the rough stuff get the better of the rider. That makes for greater durability and a longer life. Naturally, though, that moves the question of servicing EVs from the middle of town into rural workshops. Other heavy-duty plant, such as tractors

Feature car: ‘67 Camaro

32

and PTO equipment, have seen big advances in terms of technology in the last decade; the rural mechanic is as well-armed in the middle of a paddock with a laptop

Chasing the land speed record

34

Situations vacant

36

as he or she is with a set of spanners. Fully-electric machinery changes things up another gear; especially when you consider most repairs, short of scheduled servicing, happen out in the field by necessity – in all sorts of environments and elements. As for electric

32

bikes, there are plenty of companies coming through with on-road solutions aimed at commuters, and the odd racer, too. It will be interesting to see whether UBCO’s audience remain early adopters for long, or whether their bike finds mainstream success in a rural setting. As always, let us know if there’s a feature we haven’t included in Auto Channel that you’d like to see, or something you reckon needs more coverage or a different spin on things. Email me at editor@autochannel.co.nz.

I hope you enjoy this month’s read.

Auto Channel is distributed 11 times per year.

To receive your free copy or to change your address simply visit: autochannel.co.nz

3

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

According to Lassen, Filpro Automotive’s brands are very well known across the land of the long white cloud, but his primary goal is to extend the reach of the entire family of premium quality automotive aftermarket brands that fall under the company’s umbrella in this country.

“We are fortunate to have a strong presence and reputation in the New Zealand automotive aftermarket for the premium quality FRAM Filters product range, the industry-renowned Prestone Coolants range, and the outstanding Holts product range among others,” he says.

“The important thing for our customers to be aware of is that these premium quality automotive aftermarket products and more are available from Filpro Automotive New Zealand backed by dedicated local customer support.”

Lassen points out that Filpro Automotive’s family of marquee automotive aftermarket brands are bound by one very important and uncompromising factor – premium quality.

FRAM Filters has been a global leader in automotive filtration for more than 85 years, providing automotive repairers worldwide with industry leading quality filtration products designed to suit a broad range of vehicle applications, from passenger cars to high performance and heavy-duty vehicles.

“Our FRAM range of oil, air, fuel, and cabin filters are manufactured in accredited Original Equipment manufacturing facilities that also supply many of the world’s leading car manufacturers. This ensures that when automotive repairers and re-sellers select FRAM Filters, they are selecting premium quality at a competitive price due to the volumes that our accredited manufacturing partners produce for the global market,” Lassen said.

“FRAM Filters are manufactured to the same and better quality standards as demanded by several of the world’s highest selling car manufacturers, with this global aftermarket product range being produced in the same world class manufacturing facilities as the Original Equipment filtration products.”

A common factor that has contributed to the global promotion and marketing of the FRAM Filters brand has been the brand’s involvement in front line motor sport across the world. New Zealand is no exception to this well-proven marketing strategy, with the familiar black-and-orange FRAM Filters logo accompanying star Kiwi racer Richie Stanaway in his debut Supercars season with Tickford Racing in 2018.

“FRAM Filters has a long pedigree of motor sport

involvement across the world, so it made perfect sense for us to bring our world-renowned brand of automotive filtration products to Supercars, the unrivalled top category of motor racing in Australia and New Zealand. We also wanted to support one of New Zealand’s most talented young racing drivers making his start in one of the world’s most competitive Touring Car racing series,” Lassen said.

While the vast FRAM Filters range is an integral part of Filpro Automotive’s product range, the company is also responsible for the growth and expansion of its current and future automotive aftermarket product offerings to the New Zealand market. This has required extensive market research and the recruitment of local and Australian talent to his team, including highly qualified Market Analyst and Product Manager Trent Smith.

Filpro Automotive is also fortunate to have a highly skilled and customer service focussed New Zealand based team that includes highly experienced Finance Manager Neil Middleton, Product and Procurement Manager Mark Scurrah, Customer Service Officer Sue Delaney along with Sales and Cataloguing expert Kerry Wood.

This is an important asset to Filpro Automotive as the company delivers higher levels of customer service and engagement coupled with more brand value by expanding its product portfolio to its existing highly valued distributor partnerships across New Zealand. These include BNT, Supercheap Auto, and Repco.

“The Filpro Automotive business model in New Zealand features many strengths that we are working on replicating across the Tasman in Australia. Our quality brands are extremely broad and cover multiple segments, enabling us to provide a whole spectrum of premium quality automotive aftermarket products to distributors and re-sellers on both sides of the Tasman. We offer much more than the premium brands that we are well known for such as FRAM Filters and Prestone, that cover several automotive aftermarket segments,” Lassen added.

When questioned on the value proposition offered by the industry’s renowned FRAM Filters product range, Lassen is very clear on why the brand has become so successful over its 85-year history.

“When it comes to service items such as oil, air, and fuel filters, these products are crucial to engine performance and life, so you want an Original Equipment specification or better product at a value price and the FRAM Filters range offers that here in New Zealand and all over the world.

“Moreover, a big differentiating factor between FRAM Filters and competitor products is that we have full quality control over the components used and the manufacturing process. This is due to the fact that our strategic partner in this business is in fact an Original Equipment manufacturer.

“So, we know exactly what goes into our filtration products, particularly the filter media, the quality of which is imperative to the long-term efficiency of the filtration product,” Lassen concludes.

There is no doubt that you will be hearing much more from Filpro Automotive across the New Zealand automotive aftermarket industry as the company continues to market its unrivalled premium quality range of products headed by the FRAM Filters, Prestone, Holts and Simoniz product ranges, with more to come in the near future.

To find out more about how Filpro Automotive can enhance your product range with outstanding globally renowned brands, call 0800 465 855.

ONLINE autochannel.co.nz EMAIL editor@autochannel.co.nz PHONE 09 360 1480 MAIL PO Box 46020, Herne Bay, Auckland 1147

AUTO

CHANNEL

EDITOR Cameron Officer DESIGNER Danielle Williams PHOTOGRAPHER Adam Croy MEDIA SALES Mike White, mwhite@parkside.co.nz CONTENT MANAGER Helen Adams-Blackburn ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Danielle Williams ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Renae Fisher AUTO CHANNEL IS PUBLISHED BY

ADVERT

PUBLISHER

Greg Vincent, gvincent@parkside.co.nz

BUSINESS DIRECTOR

Michael White, mwhite@parkside.co.nz

GENERAL MANAGER

Simon Holloway, sholloway@parkside.co.nz

DATA ANALYST Isobel Woudberg PRINTING PMP Maxum

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS Parkside Media uses due care and diligence in the preparation of this magazine, but is not responsible or liable for any mistakes, misprints, omissions, or typographical errors. Parkside Media prints advertisements provided to the publisher but gives no warranty and makes no representation to the truth, accuracy, or sufficiency of any description, photograph, or statement. Parkside Media accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph, or statement contained herein. Parkside Media reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Parkside Media, the publisher, or editor. All material published, gathered, or created for Auto Channel is copyright 2018 Parkside Media Limited. All rights reserved in all media. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the publisher.

4

Auto Channel Issue #5 August 2018

All change at top for Bridgestone as Andrew Moffatt announces retirement

Volkswagen wins Pikes Peak hill climb with electric racer ALL-TIME PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB RECORD BROKEN AS VOLKSWAGEN SHOWCASES ITS ELECTRIC TECH IN EXTREME PERFORMANCE SETTING

V

olkswagen has won the 2018 running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with a 500kW ID R Pikes Peak prototype.

The pared-down electric racer, driven by former Le Mans winner Romain Dumas, set an alltime record run up the Colorado mountain course of 7 minutes, 57.148 seconds.

That was a full 16 seconds faster up the 19.9km course than fellow Frenchman, ex-World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb, whose run in a V6 Peugeot 208 has stood since 2013.

Volkswagen used the event to showcase technology that it will incorporate in a series of battery-powered models including the ID range.

“The ID R Pikes Peak is the sporty forerunner of Volkswagen’s ID family. Today, we saw what this technology is capable of,” in a statement.

Volkswagen board member Frank Welsch said

that the prototype incorporates developments in electric vehicle technology that will be seen in the manufacturer’s forthcoming ID sub-brand.

“The team has managed to create a fantastic racing car in just eight months,” he told reporters at the event.

“The Volkswagen ID R Pikes Peak has now set the fastest time in the history of this hill climb, which spans more than 100 years. That speaks volumes for electric mobility.”

Volkswagen has set a goal to sell three million electric cars per year across the wider group (which also incorporates Audi, Porsche, Skoda and SEAT) by 2025 and to offer an electric version of each of the group’s 300 models by 2030.

The Pikes Peak hill climb — nicknamed the ‘Race to the Clouds’ – has been running since 1916.

Z Energy advises fleet customers of 2017 data hack THE OIL COMPANY HAS ADVISED CUSTOMERS ON ITS CORPORATE WEBSITE THAT THE DATA LEAK DIDN’T INCLUDE BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION, OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT WOULD PUT CLIENT FINANCES DIRECTLY AT RISK

Z

Energy Limited says it is now aware that customer data from its Z Card online database (ZCOL) was accessed by a third party in November 2017.

The ZCOL system enables the New Zealand-owned oil chain’s customer to manage fleets directly, rather than through requests to a call centre.

Z Energy says its investigation into the incident reveals that a third party found a way to get unauthorized access to the part of the database that holds information about customer fleets such as names, addresses, registrations numbers, vehicle types and Z Card credit limits.

The company has told its customers in a message on its corporate website that evidence received to date suggests the data accessed did not include bank details, or other information that would put customer finances directly at risk. Z Energy states that this is because that sort of customer detail is not held within the system that was accessed for security reasons.

“Z is committed to assisting customers in any way

6

Auto Channel Issue #5 August 2018

possible in relation to this incident [and] has alerted the Privacy Commission to the incident,” the website statement says.

The company also reassured its client base that the system concerned is no longer in operation, having been closed in December 2017. A new Z Card online website is now up and running and has been tested to ensure customer data is secure.

“Z has engaged an external provider to commence penetration testing across all of Z’s customer facing systems to immediately assess for any vulnerabilities,” the online message to customers said.

BRIDGESTONE AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND MD TO RETIRE AFTER 25-YEAR TENURE. INCOMING REPLACEMENT JOINS TYRE MANUFACTURER AND DISTRIBUTOR AFTER SUCCESSES IN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

B

ridgestone Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Andrew Moffatt has announced his intention to retire at the end of September, with Stephen Roche named as his successor.

Previously Roche was CEO and Managing Director of Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (API) for more than 10 years, during which time he led growth in retail and a turnover in excess of AU$3.8 billion.

Andrew Moffatt’s retirement will bring to a close a 25-year career with Bridgestone after joining the company in July 1993 as National Finance & Operations Manager. In 1994 he was promoted to Group Financial Controller before being appointed to the Board of Directors as Director of Finance in 1997.

In 2009 he became Bridgestone’s Senior Executive Director, responsible for Tyre Sales and Marketing, before making history in 2013 when he was made the first non-Japanese Managing Director of both of Bridgestone’s local subsidiaries, Bridgestone Australia Limited and Bridgestone New Zealand Limited.

Mr Moffatt believes he steps down with Bridgestone in good shape.

“We are the leading tyre company in Australia and New Zealand and are considered the most trusted brand by consumers in both countries. I believe we have respect in the industry for our customer service, good environmental practices, focus on safety, quality products and for continuously evolving our commercial business solutions offering,” he said.

“Bridgestone is ready for whatever the future brings.

There are a number of exciting developments planned and in progress that will keep us ahead of industry trends and innovation and strengthen our status as Australia and New Zealand’s leading tyre company.”

In his 25 years with the business, Mr Moffatt has seen significant growth in the number of Bridgestone retail stores, which together form a network of more than 450 locations across Australia and New Zealand.

He also played a hands-on role in the acquisition of Bandag Manufacturing Pty. Ltd. in 2000, which has subsequently become a core component of Bridgestone’s Total Tyre Management commercial solutions offering. “Bridgestone has an exceptional team committed to serving customers with safety as a priority. I’m going to miss the business and its people for years to come,” Mr Moffatt said.

Stephen Roche joined Bridgestone last month and will work closely with Mr. Moffatt until his retirement at the end of September.

Top Dog Indestructible offers high-tech lubrication for severe duty diesel engines THE LATEST SEVERE DUTY RELEASE FROM HIGH-PERFORMANCE LUBRICATION EXPERT GULF WESTERN PROMISES EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE UNDER EXTRAORDINARY OPERATING CIRCUMSTANCES FOR A VARIETY OF HEAVY-DUTY HARDWARE RIGHT ACROSS THE FLEET

SCR SOLUTION (EXHAUST AFTERTREATMENT): • CLEARONOX (ADBLUE) VDA CERTIFIED

COOLING SYSTEM:

TRANSMISSION:

• LONG LIFE ORGANIC COOLANT • ALL FLEET HDD COOLANT (HYBRID)

• SYN-TORQUE 50 FULL SYNTHETIC NON-EP • ULTRA CLEAR GEAR OILS FULL SYNTHETIC EP GEAR OILS

FINAL DRIVE: • ULTRA CLEAR 80W-140 FULL SYNTHETIC GL-5 • ULTRA DRIVE 80W-90 SEMI-SYNTHETIC GL-5

• SYN-TS - FULL SYNTHETIC ATF

F

leet trucks are the backbone of a huge variety 100% AUSTRALIAN

with API CJ-4 andMADE CI-4 engine oil specifications, making OWNED AND

of businesses, with reliability and component

it ideal for mixed fleet applications as a universal engine

life meaning absolutely everything for

oil. It also boasts wear rates that have been tested as

uninterrupted service and profitability.

52 per cent better than conventional CK-4 engine oils.

Within those trucks lie today’s heavy-duty diesel engines,

Top Dog Indestructible 15W-40 is suitable for all modern

which are expensive, more technically advanced than

US, European, and Japanese heavy-duty diesel engines

ever before and with ever-increasing oil drain intervals.

fitted with EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) systems and

Gulf Western has formulated a semi-synthetic engine oil

– with low ash levels – those fitted with DPF’s (Diesel

that will go the distance and beyond.

Particulate Filters) as well.

Top Dog Indestructible – a severe duty diesel semi-

It promotes increased fuel economy through reduced

synthetic 15W-40 engine oil – has been specially

friction, along with extended drain intervals compared to

formulated using Gulf Western’s indestructible additive

earlier generation API grades, as well as vastly improved

technology. It has been engineered from the outset to

oxidation control.

ensure that engines stay cleaner, use less fuel, and last

Better dispersancy compared to conventional API

longer.

CK-4 and CJ-4 specifications means that Top Dog

Top Dog Indestructible 15W-40 meets the majority

Indestructible 15W-40 helps make for cleaner engines

of modern engine manufacturer’s specifications. It’s

that offer increased service life and decreased oil

formulated to meet API CK-4, which is the latest heavy-

consumption.

duty diesel engine oil classification released in January

For further information contact ASL on 0800 275 888,

2017 by the American Petroleum Institute.

Extreme Autoparts on 0800 498 7363, Autostop on

It meets the specifications of modern and older engine

0800 288, ADL Autoparts on 0800 285 272 and other

manufacturers and OEM’s and is backwards-compatible

leading distributors.

WWW.GULFWESTERN.COM.AU O

7

Quality through Tenacity FOUNDED IN 1973, TENACITY HAS BUILT A REPUTATION OF QUALITY FOR A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF STEERING, SUSPENSION, AND BONDED RUBBER PRODUCTS IN THE AFTERMARKET PARTS MARKET

T

enacity’s R&D focus drives an expanding market-leading range utilizing the latest technology. From a simple suspension bush to complex engine mounts, the same care and attention to detail goes into every part this well-regarded company produces.

Production and quality control are paramount to ensure precise fitment and consistent finishing of the final product. This requires complete production control, starting with Tenacity’s selection of premium raw materials and incorporating the latest technology all the way through the production process, such as 3D scanning and CNC machining, vibration, and tensile force testing.

By utilizing the excellent ageing and mechanical properties of NR/BR blend rubber at different ratios to suit the application, both tensile and tear strengths can be maintained while retaining higher compression stiffness and deformation resistance than would normally be possible.

Where applicable, products are finished with an oxidation and abrasion resistant coating or powder coated, rather than traditional painting, which is prone to cracking and flaking.

Quality aside, not all engine mounts and bushings are created equal. Externally, you might be able to tell. Many modern Japanese, Korean, and European Automotive OEM’s incorporate hydraulic technology into specific engine mounts and suspension bushings.

Hydraulic engine mounts and bushing have hollow

8

Auto Channel Issue #5 August 2018

chambers filled with hydraulic fluid; many with valves and diaphragms. Hydraulic technology offers superior damping characteristics, especially in the low-frequency (engine idle) range. This provides superior vibration isolation that would otherwise be transmitted to the chassis.

Many aftermarket offerings are incapable of this technology or ignore it to reduce manufacturing costs and market a product consisting of a hollow shell offering poor dampening performance, well below the OEM parts they replace.

The product may pass a WOF check, only to

cause unwanted vehicle vibrations – a rattle in the dashboard that wasn’t there before, perhaps – and a reduced lifespan of the product itself.

Tenacity manufacture like-for-like hydraulic replacement components, meaning that you’re fitting the technology fit for the vehicle as it was originally specified. Look out for the hydraulic logo and fit Tenacity with confidence.

Tenacity is available exclusively through Partmaster and all leading automotive repair workshops nationwide. Find them online at partmaster.kiwi or phone 0800 727 862 for more information.

Engine Mount

Engine Mount

Engine Mounts, Steering and Suspension components for most leading makes and models Strut Mount

Stabiliser Link Axle Bushing Ball Bearing Strut Mount Arm Bushing

Stabiliser Bushing Stabiliser Bushing Stabiliser Bushing

Suspension Bushing Suspension Bushing

Ball Joint

Stabiliser Link

Arm Bushing

Utilising blended rubber formulations (NR + BR) for excellent tensile, tear and fatigue properties.

High-tensile powder coated steel tested in house for sheer impact resistance. Vehicle specific fitment guaranteed by 3D scanning, precision CNC machining & Hydraulic technology ensuring hassle free fitment and original equipment performance.

Now available from Partmaster. www.partmaster.kiwi | 0800 727 862

Corghi celebrates 60 years of brilliance YOU NEED INDUSTRY DEDICATION AND THE ABILITY TO MANUFACTURE THE ABSOLUTE HIGHEST QUALITY HARDWARE IN ORDER TO REMAIN AT THE TOP OF THE TYRE AND WHEEL SERVICING EQUIPMENT GAME FOR SIX DECADES. JUST ASK TRUSTED ITALIAN FIRM CORGHI

I

n 1947 brothers Erminio and Remo Corghi founded their business with the main objective of providing total quality.

Sixty years later, this mental and professional attitude still permeates today in all aspects of the Corghi work environments. Through continuous research, development, and diversification, Corghi remains the absolute global leader in the tyre service equipment sector.

Corghi has retained an unparalleled global reputation for quality and performance for more than 60 years.

This reputation remains strong today, with the Corghi Group being the world’s largest producer of wheel servicing equipment.

The traditional Corghi range is still 100 per cent manufactured in Italy, and history has proven that Corghi products boast supreme performance and endurance in the most demanding work environments. Additionally, when it comes time to upgrade, Corghi machines retain great value, achieving high prices on the second-hand market.

The range held in stock by New Zealand’s Corghi distributor Automaster Equipment consists of multiple tyre changer and balancer options, along with a range of Corghi Exact wheel aligners.

The Corghi A2025TI tyre machine, for example,

has been a New Zealand favourite for more than a decade and still retains it spot as the numberone-selling tyre changer. Featuring a compact size, variable torque turntable, adjustable clamping range covering 10”-26” wheels, and unmatched durability in the most demanding environments, it’s easy to see why the Corghi A2025TI tyre machine remains a popular choice.

New to the Corghi range is the recently released ‘Plus’ model Laserline wheel balancers.

The EM-9550 & EM-9780 Plus Laserline models automatically position the wheel in the correct place to apply the weights, feature a bright LED light to light up the work area, a laser to indicate where to place the stick-on weight, as well as a touchless outside wheel width measurement sonar.

These models are also supplied with a stick-on wheel weight dispenser attached to the side of the balancer and they even come with a 5kg roll of stick on weights.

The fast, user-friendly operating programs automatically select the correct balancing modes.

Included on the EM-9550 and EM-9780 Plus Laserline models is a multi-operator program that can store three different wheel dimensions; allowing three different operators to use the machine

simultaneously. The operator can even carry out self-calibrations without the need to call out a service tech. The EM-9780 Plus adds in full touchless operation and has a diagnostic system to check for issues with the wheel rim or tyre.

Alternatively, the ultra-compact EM-9250 Premium version is available for as little as $4650+GST with optional LED, Laserline, and rim width sonar.

For more product information visit corghi.com or automaster.co.nz, or phone Automaster Equipment on 0800 214 604 or email info@automaster.co.nz for further information and pricing. Complete no-deposit leaseto-own finance packages can be easily arranged with flexible terms, ranging from 12-60 months.

Bendix provides advice on today’s modern brake-pad wear sensors IN TODAY’S AUTOMOTIVE WORLD, ELECTRONIC BRAKE WEAR SENSORS ARE FITTED TO A WIDE VARIETY OF MODERN CARS, ESPECIALLY EUROPEAN CARS. THEY TELL YOU WHEN IT’S TIME TO REPLACE YOUR WORN BRAKE PADS, BUT HOW DO THEY WORK AND HOW OFTEN DO THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED?

E

lectronic brake-pad wear sensors replace the traditional metal squealer tabs found commonly in braking systems. These tabs work by rubbing against the rotor once the pads have reached the end of their service life. By making a loud squeal it simply lets the driver know that the brakes require service.

The downside of this warning apart from the squeal is that most drivers tend to ignore the warning thinking that the sound will eventually go away. Electronic brake wear sensors don’t have the noise element and give the driver a more accurate gauge on how much brake pad life is left.

The new wear sensors are designed to break or complete a circuit once the brake pad has worn down enough for the sensor to contact the brake rotor.

This will usually activate a warning light on the dash indicating to the driver that it’s time for a brake pad change.

Brake-pads wear systems feature a sensor in each corner of the vehicle and are usually installed within the inner brake pad. However, the number of wheels fitted with sensors and their placement on the brake

10

Auto Channel Issue #5 August 2018

pads can vary from car to car. These systems usually consist of a wire loop with a small amount of current running through it. Modern brake wear sensors have gained a few more tricks as they not only alert the driver of a brake service being due, but they can also estimate how much life you will get out of the current pads. These trick sensors work using two resistor circuits running parallel at two depths in the pads and are known as two stage sensors. As the first resistor circuit breaks, the resistance in the sensor increases and this is used to gather information such as wheel speed, brake pressure, brake disc temperature, brake operating time, and mileage to estimate the life remaining in the brake pad.

This is usually displayed in the vehicle’s information centre as a warning light that varies in colour as the pad wears. Once the second circuit is broken it triggers the warning light that lets the driver know that it’s time for a brake service. As brake-pad wear

sensors are designed to break or complete a circuit by contacting the brake rotor, they are not reusable and should be replaced with every brake pad change. Bendix Euro+ Brake Pads come with all the necessary clips, shims, and sensors for most popular makes and models, so you are fully equipped for the next service job. Bendix Euro+ Brake Pads are guaranteed to fit most common makes and models and are available from Bendix stockists.

Visit bendix.com.au/stockists.

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Navigator Pro simplifies the parts search REPCO AND APPCO CUSTOMERS BENEFIT FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE WEB-BASED PARTS ORDERING SYSTEM, NAVIGATOR PRO, WHICH IS ALSO NOW AVAILABLE IN APP FORM THROUGH THE GOOGLE PLAY AND APPLE STORES

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avigator Pro is a web-based solution that lists parts for over 23,000 vehicles. Using up-to-date data sourced by GPC Asia Pacific from around the globe, Navigator Pro enables the user to select a specific vehicle, along with its most commonly used parts, with just five clicks of the mouse. Alternatively, by simply entering the vehicle’s registration number, parts information can be gained even faster.

With the expansion of the modern car parc, the pressure has become greater than ever for workshops to manage multiple makes and models from Asia and Europe, as well as the traditional Australian and Japanese staples.

Along with multiple brand options for common items, Navigator Pro also provides access to live pricing, along with inventory availability, and even parts specifications with photographs, all shown on a single screen.

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Auto Channel Issue #5 August 2018

Once a Navigator Pro user selects a vehicle, if the desired part isn’t in the common list, the user can select a specific area of interest – such as suspension or drivetrain – and then the display will populate these areas with parts specific to the vehicle.

Lists can be made from individual vehicles for oneoff requests or managed in weekly and monthly stock orders for regularly required items.

Repco has recently announced the release of a new Navigator Pro mobile app that is available through both the Android and Apple stores.

This means that, as well as offering a robust timesaving tool for the average workshop, Navigator Pro’s entirely web-based platform allows it to be used anywhere, and on multiple devices from desktop and notebook computers through to Microsoft Windows, Android, or Apple tablets.

This frees up workshop owners and managers to keep on top of stock orders from in the stock

room, or further afield.

“Vehicle selection through Navigator Pro’s simple interface ensures a quick and simple parts ordering selection process,” says Tony McKenzie, Repco’s System Development Manager.

“Parts are easily visible and laid out in logical main and sub-category order. The app shows stock available at your local store along with other part details our users have come to expect.

“Another great new feature is a barcode scanner, which allows users to scan any barcode on our product lines and simply add it to a cart for order.

Once the cart is complete the user just places the order and one of our experienced parts interpreters will pick, pack, and dispatch it,” says Tony.

For more information on Repco and Appco’s updated Navigator Pro system, or Smart Quote or Navigator Pro/Sam integration, contact your local Repco Store or sales representative.

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Independent mechanics most trusted, says Aussie survey A COMPREHENSIVE CUSTOMER RESEARCH STUDY BY THE AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET ASSOCIATION (AAAA) REVEALS THAT INDEPENDENT MECHANICS ARE MORE TRUSTED THAN THEIR DEALERSHIP COUNTERPARTS

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ver the Tasman, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has conducted a comprehensive consumer research study to determine key factors that consumers use to select a mechanic.

The consumer study found that the skills, expertise, trustworthiness, and personal relationship with a local automotive repairer assume far more importance in terms of generating long-term consumer loyalty when compared to other factors including prestigious premises and even cost, which was a low priority in decision making. An overwhelming 86 per cent of car owners in the survey claimed to personally know and trust the skill and expertise of their local automotive repairer and are loyal to their mechanic.

“This independently conducted AAAA consumer survey is the most comprehensive insight to consumer attitudes, trends and habits in our industry that has ever been conducted,” said AAAA Executive Director, Stuart Charity. “It is an invaluable resource that provides a detailed snapshot of where the independent automotive servicing and repair industry stands with Australian consumers and we are highly encouraged by its results,” Mr Charity stated.

Conducted by market research company, The Klein

Partnership (TKP), the highly detailed consumer study gleaned an outstanding amount of market information from a national sample group that included more than 1,500 car owners.

Participating car owners had their vehicle serviced or had purchased an automotive aftermarket accessory during the past 12 months, providing up-to-date insights relating to consumers’ attitudes and behaviours in specific regard to the servicing and accessorising of cars. The highlights of the consumer study are many, supporting the AAAA’s efforts in ensuring that Australian consumers retain their choice of repairer.

Seventy-eight per cent of respondents believe that it is important to have a good relationship with their mechanic and 71 per cent of respondents trust their mechanic to select the parts to be fitted to their vehicles. 68 per cent of respondents also like the fact that the person who owns the workshop is also the person working on their car. Consumers surveyed also displayed a significantly higher level of satisfaction with the services provided by independent repairers as opposed to the services provided by car manufacturer dealer service centres. It is also very clear from the survey responses that many consumers are sceptical about capped price servicing and extended warranty

claims. Another important finding was that 55 per cent of the decisions about where to get a car serviced or repaired are made by women. The survey outcomes provide tips on how to encourage women to select their business and how to drive higher satisfaction rates with female customers.

According to TKP Director Ron Klein, “The results of this AAAA consumer survey outline the growth opportunities that exist for independent repairers and accessory resellers. Consumers definitely trust and feel much more comfortable using local repairers with whom they have established relationships, with trust being the factor that overrides all others, including cost, shiny new premises, coffee machines, and loan cars.” Other consumer survey results pointed to the fact that 31 per cent of the survey respondents owned cars that were manufactured between 2010 to 2014, 23 per cent owned cars manufactured from 2005 to 2009, and 21 per cent owned cars manufactured from 2015 to 2018. Thirteen per cent owned cars manufactured from 2000 to 2004 and 9 per cent owned cars manufactured prior to 2000.

Of all vehicles owned by respondents, 47 per cent were purchased second hand from an even spread between car manufacturer dealers and independent car dealers.

ALLTRANZ seminar shines spotlight on tech developments and skills

A TWO-DAY TECHNICAL SEMINAR HOSTED BY ALLTRANZ COVERED A DIVERSE ARRAY OF TOPICS, AS WELL AS ENSURING A WIDE ARRAY OF TRANSMISSION COMPONENTS WERE ON SHOW FOR ATTENDEES

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ore than 100 transmission rebuilders from across New Zealand and Australia gathered in Auckland in June for a two-day technical seminar, hosted by transmission and steering parts supplier, ALLTRANZ. Designed to provide an opportunity for professionals across both countries to upskill, the event featured presentations by Keith Clark, a US-based senior technician and speaker for the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA), and Roy Campanelli, managing director of ALLTRANZ Australia.

Together, Clark and Campanelli covered a wide range of topics, from service procedures and identification of common faults to disassembly and reassembly of transmissions, and an overview of how transmission components function in each gear.

A wide range of transmission parts was also on display to give attendees exposure to new and popular products available.

Neil Anderson, Managing Director for ALLTRANZ New Zealand said the event was a unique chance for transmission rebuilders to learn from a leading global expert.

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Auto Channel Issue #5 August 2018

“The level of interest in the event, from both sides of the Tasman, shows just how great the appetite for knowledge sharing and upskilling is within the industry,” he said.

Mark Dingle, a technician at Hamilton-based Marshall Transmissions, attended the event and said it provided an opportunity to both extend his technical understanding of transmissions and see the latest products available within the industry.

“As well as learning from the presenters, and checking out new products, it was really beneficial to network with other technicians and share tips and fixes,” Mark said.

Transmissions covered in the seminar included the 845RE eight-speed transmission designed by ZF and built by Chrysler for use in Jeeps, and the 8HP created by ZF for use in BMWs, Range Rovers, and Audis; the M11 and M78 six-speed FWD and RWD transmissions that feature in a number of SsangYong vehicles; and the JF015E CVT transmission common in Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Suzuki vehicles. There was also in-depth training provided on a range of transmissions fitted to the latest Ford, GM, Hyundai, Lexus, and Mazda vehicles.

“By covering transmissions for such a wide range of vehicle types – from American cars to high end European vehicles and the more commonplace brands – we tried to ensure that everyone who attended took away some useful information,” said Anderson.

Car designed using AI and 3D printing processes SIEMENS SAYS THE HACKROD LA BANDITA SPEEDS UP THE DEMOCRATIZATION OF ENGINEERING DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING, WHERE THE CONSUMER WILL BECOME A CREATOR IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SPACE

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ow-volume car builder Hackrod Inc. and Siemens PLM Software have announced a partnership and creation of the world’s first car designed in virtual reality, engineered with AI and 3D printed, full size, in structural alloy.

Siemens says the ‘La Bandita’ speedster serves as a proof-of-concept for an entirely new industrial designto-production methodology.

Hackrod has set up what it calls a “factory of the future”, which is powered by Siemens PLM Software. The new manufacturing platform, says the joint-venture companies, will enable individuals, start-ups, and small enterprises the capability to create the product of their needs or dreams as easily as playing a video game.

With multiple tools from the wider Siemens PLM Software suite, Hackrod Inc. has access to the latest design and engineering tools to design, test, and manufacture transport solutions without the need for massive industrial infrastructure or tooling budgets.

The platform leverages virtual reality as a design tool, IoT (Internet of Things), and machine learning to

constantly evolve and perfect engineering systems, and industrial 3D printing to produce optimized hardware.

“The Hackrod and Siemens PLM Software partnership is vitally important,” commented Dr Slade Gardner, Hackrod CTO. “Siemens’ hardware connectivity for Industrial IoT and multi-axis additive manufacturing are critical to (our) success. The products of our partnership will illustrate the impact that an efficient and motivated team can have with access to world class digital design, engineering, visualization, manufacturing and inspection power.”

Bob Haubrock, senior vice president, Product Engineering Software, Siemens PLM Software said that Hackrod’s vision for automotive design is an exciting and unique use of the tech company’s design and engineering software.

“We look forward to seeing the ‘La Bandita’ speedster and using it as proof of concept for this revolutionary design-to-production methodology,” he said.

Oil giant gains EV foothold with buyout, fast-charger implementation in UK servos BP’S BUYOUT OF THE UK’S BIGGEST FAST-CHARGE HARDWARE SUPPLIER, CHARGEMASTER, COULD BE REPLICATED ELSEWHERE AS OIL CHAINS LOOK TO A FUTURE BEYOND FOSSIL FUELS

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n the UK, oil giant BP has announced its intention to buy that region’s biggest electric vehicle fast-charger supplier, Chargemaster.

The company currently has around 6000 private, public, and corporate charging points under the Polar brand, located across the UK. BP has said that following the sale, it will immediately set about installing fast charging infrastructure at all of its 1200 service station locations.

Included in this will be the rollout of ultra-fast chargers, including 150kW rapid chargers capable of delivering 100 miles (160km) of range in just 10 minutes, across its forecourts. BP estimates that there will be 12 million EVs on UK roads by 2040, up from around 135,000 in 2017.

“I am truly excited to lead the Chargemaster team into a new era backed by the strength and scale of BP,” said David Martell, chief executive of Chargemaster.

The deal will see Chargemaster, which has 40,000 customers in the UK, rebranded as BP Chargemaster.

EVworld NZ Motor Industry Forum to discuss industry’s electrified future

Janet Lane, MITO CEO

THE EVWORLD NZ MOTOR INDUSTRY FORUM WILL BRING TOGETHER THE INDUSTRY ON 9 AUGUST TO DISCUSS THE IMPORTANCE OF UPSKILLING THE SECTOR TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT ALLOWS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES

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ne of the key challenges to meet the government’s ambitious targets of 64,00 EVs registered by 2021 is feeding the pipeline of vehicles to meet these targets – an issue plaguing the motor industry currently, as well as answering the needs of the skill shortage in EV servicing skills.

To be held at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland on 9 August, the EVworld NZ Motor Industry Forum will be aiming to bring the industry together to discuss the future pipeline and the importance of upskilling the sector to create an environment that allows for the development of electric vehicles across public and

private sectors. Its organizers say the forum will be taking a deep dive into some of the issues that will be discussed at the EVworld NZ Industry Conference the following day. The EVworld NZ Motor Industry Forum aims to draw the entire motor industry together to provide a platform for discussion and maximization of the EV opportunity for New Zealand’s fleets and vehicle sales. David Vinsen of the Vehicle Import Association will be chairing the forum and Dean Sheed will be giving insight from Drive Electric on the forecast for EV supply and demand.

They will be joined by EVangelists who are championing for a more sustainable transport sector

including Janet Lane from MITO, Cliff McKenna from WelTec, and Whitireia and Hayden Johnston of GVI. The forum will address the imperatives for providing a more stringent regulatory environment for new and used vehicles and the opportunities to further drive the EV market of New Zealand. In addition to the motor industry forum, there will be an EV fleet development forum, network, and infrastructure forum, and local government forum each with the goal to provide a platform for deep discussion on some of the biggest barriers to NZ’s EV uptake currently.

For more information and programme updates, visit evworld.nz

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CRA pushes for introduction of scrappage scheme to help achieve EV aims OLDER VEHICLES SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM KIWI ROADS, SAYS THE COLLISION REPAIR ASSOCIATION, IF THE GOVERNMENT’S GOAL OF 64,000 EV REGISTRATIONS IS TO BE MET IN A TIMELY MANNER

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ollision Repair Association general manager Neil Pritchard says that, while record petrol prices and the introduction of the regional fuel levy may be part of the catalyst needed to help the Government meet its target of 64,000 EV registrations, more needs to be done to get older, inefficient vehicles off the road now to ease the price pressure on motorists.

Pritchard says high petrol prices being paid by motorists creates the ideal environment to introduce incentives to remove older vehicles from our roads.

“In isolation, an increase in the price of fuel may encourage car owners to look for more efficient vehicles, but with dozens of new electric and hybrid models expected to hit the market in the coming years, more needs to be done to encourage the earlier retirement of some of the less efficient, older models,” he says.

Pritchard says that New Zealand should look to the example of other markets around the world that have successfully increased their EV ownership and reduced the average age of their passenger fleet at the same time.

He cites the example of Norway, which is considered a model market for the incentivization of EV ownership. “Norway has a population size similar to our own; however the number of registered EVs is more than 140,000 and their average age of passenger vehicles has declined to 10.5 years,” he says. In contrast Pritchard says New Zealand has around 7,800 registered EVs and the average age of our light passenger fleet has increased from 14.0 years in 2012 to 14.4 years in 2016.

“There could be a number of factors contributing to the ageing of our fleet – it may be that vehicles are getting more reliable or that population increases have increased demand for low cost models – regardless of how efficient they are.

“At the same time, the average engine size in the New Zealand passenger fleet has decreased from 2218cc (in 2009) to 2204cc in 2016. Vehicles with smaller engines have fewer cylinders, and traditionally have less horsepower and torque. As a result, they burn less fuel.

“As an example, a small 2018 sedan may be around 18 per cent more efficient than the same model which is 14 years older. That could mean a saving of $370 per annum for the average motorist, or significantly more for larger vehicle owners.

“What this is likely to mean is that as we reduce the age of our fleet, we will also reduce the average engine size and introduce more EVs onto the roads, which helps improve the overall fuel efficiency of our fleet,” he says.

Pritchard says that while Norway’s EV tax exemptions and other incentives such as access to bus lanes, encourages the purchase of new EVs over internal combustion engines, they have other strategies to help to get older models off the road.

“What we have at the moment is large numbers of older inefficient vehicles on our roads which are having an impact on public health and the environment. “Often those driving these older models can least afford the cost of the fuel as it increases.

“The Norwegian model incentivizes the purchase of new EVs but also helps create a trickle-down effect – reducing the average age of all vehicles on their roads,” he says.

Pritchard says Norway introduced a vehicle scrappage programme which has also been used in countries to accelerate the replacement of older, inefficient vehicles. Last year alone this scheme saw more than 136,000 cars permanently taken off Norwegian roads.

“A similar programme was trialled in New Zealand in 2007 and 2009 where car owners were offered two months free public transport, valued at around $400, in return for their older vehicle.

“A review of the Ministry of Transport trials found they were not cost effective due to the low number of vehicles received and the relatively low overall social and environmental benefits, relative to the costs,” he says.

Pritchard says since this time, the price of petrol has increased 35 per cent from $1.91 to $2.58 (including the regional fuel tax), the average age of our fleet has increased by almost two years and is continuing to age, making it one of the oldest in the developed world. He says similar overseas schemes in Europe, US, and Asia provide a much larger cash incentive of up to several thousand dollars and have removed millions of inefficient vehicles from the roads as a result. Pritchard says a more effective scrappage programme could be funded from the additional GST revenue received as petrol continues to increase in per-litre price.

Call to end lubricant packaging waste MAJOR LUBRICANT INDUSTRY BRANDS ARE CALLING ON IMPORTERS AND DISTRIBUTORS IN THE MARKET TO JOIN THEM IN TACKLING THE ISSUE OF MILLIONS OF LUBRICANT PACKAGES BEING DISCARDED EVERY YEAR

A

Waste Lubricant Container Product Stewardship Scheme has been established with the aim of exploring recycling options for lubricant containers. It is estimated that around seven million (20-litre and under) lubricant and grease containers, plus an unknown number of 200-litre drums, are sent to landfills each year.

The scheme will aim to ‘close the loop’ on lubricant packaging and contribute to the development of a circular economy in New Zealand, with a focus

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Auto Channel Issue #5 August 2018

on supporting the development of processing capacity and end-use markets.

“Considering that most lubricant containers are manufactured from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or metal, both highly recyclable after pre-treatment, this provides the ideal opportunity to capture these resources onshore,” says Adele Rose, chief executive of 3R Group, the project managers. To achieve this, members intend to work together as part of a voluntary, industry-led scheme to recover, reuse and recycle waste lubricant containers for urban and rural customers. This will maximize the number of containers diverted from landfill and reduce the need for virgin resin imports.

“The scheme is focused on creating an environment for market pull through of the collected material, supporting the economy through improved resource use and employment opportunities. The scheme will

create a united industry position that will help bring positive behavioural change to the way that waste lubricant packaging has traditionally been disposed of,” said Ms Rose. 3R began working with the industry after being approached by Z Energy Ltd earlier this year to facilitate an industry working group to develop stewardship for waste lubricant container recycling.

Initial meetings with the industry made it clear that a nation-wide solution was needed.

Z Energy is joined by well-recognized brands including Aegis Oil Co, Allied Lubricants Ltd (Mobil), Castrol NZ, Farmlands Co-Operative Society Ltd (Gulf Oil), Lubricants NZ (Vertex & Elf), Oil Intel Ltd (Total Lubricants), Penrite Oil NZ Ltd, and Valvoline NZ Ltd. Other brands are expected to join up over the coming months. Single use plastic packaging has become a highly publicized international environmental issue.

This scheme offers the chance for the New Zealand lubricant packaging industry to take a leadership position on the issue. For more information visit 3r.co.nz/lubricant-container-stewardship-programme.

CHOICE

Newly crowned Dunlop Supercars Series Champion, Garry Jacobson, recommends EXEDY Racing Clutches to keep ahead of the pack. Featuring world leading technology and manufactured to the highest standards, all EXEDY clutches are designed to help you land the winning blow.

DTM reinvents tyre buying THE NEW ONLINE SHOPPING ASSISTANT FROM DTM, GRUZO, HELPS CUSTOMERS MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE

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TM Wheel & Tyre are changing the tyre-buying game with Gruzo, a website dedicated to finding the best option for specific cars and customer requirements. DTM have decades of tyre and wheel sales experience packed under their belts, and are using that knowledge to make tyre buying easy by bringing their dealer network directly to the consumer.

Choosing appropriate tyres can be a very timeconsuming process for consumers, often involving a lot of trial and error with the overwhelming choice of brands and models. This is a problem that DTM sought to solve with its new website, gruzo.co.nz.

DTM Wheel and Tyre’s general manager Craig Wylde explains, “Gruzo delivers a number of benefits to consumers … they have the opportunity to research and make an important, informed decision while choosing a local installer of their choice. Gruzo

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Auto Channel Issue #5 August 2018

delivers that connection, acting as an extension of our dealer network’s business.”

Buyers who are unsure of the right tyre for their car can use the Gruzo Tyre Shopping Assistant to find the best option. It’s a smart system that knows the right questions to ask. Gruzo will ask buyers questions including what their current tyre dimensions are, what sort of car they drive, about the various conditions they drive in, and a selection of what’s important to them when choosing a tyre.

The Gruzo Tyre Shopping Assistant will then present buyers with a series of tyres that best match their needs based on the responses given, and utilizes an integrated fitment guide to achieve this.

If the buyer has a little more tyre knowledge, they can choose to start shopping by the All Tyres, Tyres

by Brand, or Tyres on Sale categories. Shopping

by All Tyres or Tyres by Brand gives the option of adding a different tyre size to the order if the buyer

is running staggered sizing.

Gruzo even gives consumers the option of selecting a local accredited tyre installer from their nationwide partner network. Timely delivery to the selected Gruzo dealer is included free in the purchase.

“It was important to give consumers the option of choosing their preferred local tyre retailer to fit their new tyres. Our local Gruzo partners are an integral part of the Gruzo experience. They provide consumers with a face-to-face service component to their online purchase,” said Craig.

All products that are imported and sold by DTM Wheel and Tyre on gruzo.co.nz are well proven in the New Zealand marketplace and carry specific warranties as part of the Gruzo experience.

For more information, visit gruzo.co.nz, or contact one of the team members on 0800 463 936.

Dodson signs deal with Exedy to drive European sales DODSON MOTORSPORT HAS SIGNED A SALES PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH EXEDY CLUTCH EUROPE THAT WILL ALLOW IT TO EXPAND ITS SALES INTO 53 COUNTRIES IN EUROPE AND BEYOND

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nder a new agreement with Exedy Clutch Europe, Dodson Motorsport and Exedy will jointly fund a team of eight multilingual salespeople, experienced in automotive transmission sales and with high-level connections across the high-performance sector.

The sales team will sell into Exedy’s existing customer base and develop new opportunities, growing Dodson’s overall footprint in Europe.

Dodson has also shipped an initial stock of its highperformance transmission components to four Exedy warehouses. Exedy will hold the stock as inventory and use it to supply dealers in its network throughout Europe.

Currently more than 99 per cent of Dodson’s products are sold into global markets, with European business representing around 20 per cent of its export earnings.

The company expects that this will significantly increase sales of its high-performance transmission systems for European marques such as Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lamborghini, as well as Dodson’s traditional Nissan and Mitsubishi businesses.

“This partnership with Exedy, the world’s number one manufacturer of clutch componentry represents an important stage in our market development plans,” says Steven Parker, General Manager of Dodson Motorsport.

“We will have highly experienced sales people to handle day-to-day product inquiries and meet with customers throughout Europe, and an inventory holding in Europe to improve the speed and ease of delivery to dealerships in markets we have previously not been able to properly address.”

Dennis Rhami, Assistant to the Vice President at Exedy

Clutch Europe says the company is delighted to be collaborating with Dodson Motorsport on the new sales venture.

“This partnership sees two of the world’s best highperformance transmission component manufacturers coming together to ensure our customers get the best performance products available. We’re really looking forward to this opportunity,” he said.

Dodson’s European market development initiative was supported by a grant and assistance under NZTE’s international growth fund. The company also received a grant from Callaghan Innovation to assist with its research and development programme, allowing it to address a wider range of vehicles.

Dodson transmissions have featured in world record breaking standing quarter mile runs by Nissan R35 GT-R, Porsche PDK and Lamborghini Huracan.

CTEK acquires Chargestorm AB to enter EV market BATTERY MAINTENANCE AND SUPPLY GIANT FURTHERS ITS FOOTPRINT IN THE GROWING MARKET FOR RECHARGEABLE ELECTRIC VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY WITH SCANDINAVIAN BUYOUT

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TEK, a leading global brand in the care and maintenance of vehicle batteries, announced last month the acquisition of Chargestorm AB, a market-leading Swedish developer of products and systems for the charging of electric vehicles.

CTEK says that, as a global leader in battery management solutions, entry into the electrical vehicle sector will enable it to build further upon its

solid base and become a major force in the growing EV market.

The company is a leading global brand in the care and maintenance of vehicle batteries and sells more than a million chargers every year in over 70 countries, including New Zealand. CTEK supplies chargers to manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche.

With consumer demand for more ecologically sound

vehicles on the increase and the cost of buying and maintaining electric vehicles reducing, Jon Lind, Chief Executive at CTEK, said that the acquisition of the electrical vehicle charging business from Chargestorm AB will further expand the company’s business and help it enter a rapidly growing new market.

“Our new colleagues from Chargestorm will bring additional expertise to our business, enabling us to develop the most advanced electrical vehicle charging solutions,” he said.

“We want to build upon what they have achieved already within the energy and facilities markets.

“We have proven capability and strong relationships with vehicle manufacturers to enable us to drive the development, manufacture and distribution of products and systems for electric vehicles on a global scale.”

Currently Chargestorm is Scandinavia’s largest producer of electric vehicle charging solutions. It is expected that the acquisition by CTEK will take Chargestorm products to a worldwide audience, including markets such as New Zealand, where rapid charge infrastructure is needed to keep pace with EV demand.

19

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tengtools@tengtools.co.nz facebook.com/TengToolsNZ www.tengtools.co.nz/2010 2015-11-23 www.tengtools.com

13:41:51

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Gates Timing Component Kits take the risk out of timing system repairs WITH SO MANY VARIABLES INVOLVED, TIMING SYSTEM BELT AND COMPONENT REPLACEMENT JOBS CAN BE A NIGHTMARE. REPCO HAS RECENTLY INTRODUCED GATES TIMING COMPONENT KITS (TCKS), WHICH ARE DESIGNED FROM THE GET-GO TO MINIMIZE THE RISK

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iming system belt and component

potentially thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Of course, sourcing all the OE parts for a complete

replacement are major jobs. They are

But with more than seven million vehicles in operation

timing system repair can be time consuming. But this is

time-intensive and a big investment for

currently in the replacement sweet spot of 7-14-year

where the Gates TCK comes in; delivering you the belt,

your customers.

vehicle age for timing system maintenance, timing

pulleys, and other necessary components with a single

Repairing a damaged system can be very costly and

system belt and component replacement work will

part number all in one package.

take hours of labour to complete. A customer that

potentially remain a regular job for many workshops.

A full set of Gates OE quality parts will give you

is stranded due to a flawed job may never return,

Timing Component Kits don’t leave anything to chance,

confidence you are providing maximum value with

leaving your workshop with a damaged reputation and

helping you to avoid the high-stake risks of taking on

extended performance, service life and warranty.

such projects.

Gates offers more than 500 kits covering New Zealand

Gates estimates that 90 per

applications. In fact, Gates is the OE supplier on 75 per

cent of timing belt failures are

cent of the timing belts in the market today.

due to a pulley or associated

Gates has available relevant technical service bulletins

product failure. Rather than

and installation tools necessary and provide the

just replacing the timing

back-up of an industry leading warranty, which is

belt, the nominal fee for the

exactly per the vehicle-maker’s replacement interval,

complete timing component

with parts and labour covered.

kit is a great ‘insurance plan’ to

For more information or to locate your nearest stockist,

avoid thousands in comeback

visit repco.co.nz.

costs.

Rebranding an icon SAME SERVICE, NEW NAME — SEGEDINS AUTO SPARES TO BECOME 1ST AUTO PARTS

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he well-known, well-trusted Segedins

with the parts we’re importing — we’d like to get our

“I want to do a few more events; a few more car shows.

Auto Spares is undergoing a total rebrand,

own in-house brand,” he says. “It’s just something that

Maybe we don’t need to, but the way I see it, it’s good

becoming 1st Auto Parts.

I feel we have to do. I only sell stuff that I’d put on my

customer relations,” he adds. “With online selling and

Founded in the early 1970s by Ivan Segedin

own car — I’m over rubbish, and there’s some bloody

overseas companies selling in New Zealand, I think it’s

Sr after he got out of racing his Fleetwood Motors–

rubbish out there.”

important to keep your name out there. It’s a tough

sponsored Mustang, the little shop on Dominion Road

For now, 1st Auto Parts will retain the famous Dominion

game, and it’s a tough market, but I’d like for us to

became the go-to for car builders and hot-rodders

Road location, although Shane hasn’t ruled out a

continue to be the first name people think of for parts.”

looking for parts or advice — a reputation that has only

change of premises in the future, among other things.

For more information visit 1stautoparts.co.nz.

strengthened.

Company Director Shane Johnson explained that it’s simply about moving the business forward as times change, and that customers can still expect the same Segedins service. Shane knows that service better than anyone, too, having been employed by Ivan Segedin himself in 1979. “I had just turned 15, so I’ve been here a long time,” Shane explains. “I worked here pretty much full-time and did my time as an apprentice mechanic at the workshop, then got back into the spare parts side of it, and have been involved ever since. When the [business] split happened around 15 years ago, [Ivan] gave me the opportunity to become partners with him, and we had a pretty successful partnership for many years.”

When Ivan Segedin passed away in 2014, Shane realized the potential to guide the company forward.

“I’ve been involved with the company for 38 years, so it’s a little bit about getting my own identity, but also

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Auto Channel Issue #5 August 2018

Ten lucky Repco and Appco trade customers heading to Singapore Grand Prix TEN WINNERS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY WERE DRAWN AT RANDOM FROM THOUSANDS OF QUALIFYING ENTRIES

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handful of lucky Repco and Appco trade

The winners, which come from Repco and Appco

the chance to win such an awesome prize like this is

customers will be jetting off to Singapore

customers as far apart as Timaru, Kaitkati, and

paramount.”

in September to take in the bright

Auckland, were chosen from thousands of qualifying

The happy winning customers heading to Singapore

lights and big racing of the Formula 1

entries in early July.

for the race in September are: Burgess Automotive

championship’s only night race.

“It’s a fantastic feeling giving these trips away,

of Christchurch; FixCar of Auckland; George’s Auto

The winners are set to enjoy the high-octane racing

especially when we get such great feedback from

Services, Katikati; Goldfields Automotive in Tauranga;

trackside with special seating at turn three of the

our customers,” says Louise Sixton, Repco’s General

J Van Beers Workshop in Lower Hutt; Logan’s Autos

Marina Bay Circuit, along with a premium hospitality

Manager of Sales and Operations.

of Auckland; McRae Mechanical of Timaru; Pukekohe-

package and five-star accommodation while in

“We usually program in around four major promotions

based Murray Kemp Autos; Masterton’s Toms Auto

Singapore.

per year. Rewarding customers’ loyalty by giving them

Services and Torbay Service Station in Auckland.

Snap-on hits the road on Diagnostic Roadshow SNAP-ON TOOLS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND IS EXCITED TO HAVE THEIR SPECIALIZED DIAGNOSTIC ROADSHOW TRUCK CURRENTLY TOURING NEW ZEALAND, SHOWCASING SNAP-ON’S RANGE OF DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS

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he two-month long Diagnostic Roadshow

Diagnostics Centre. The pinnacle of Snap-on’s

diagnosis and repair. It’s capable to be an all-in-one

will see experienced Snap-on diagnostic

diagnostic program, this complete diagnostic business

business tool.

specialists Kevin and Lee touring both

centre combines Snap-on’s flagship Verus Edge

The Snap-on Modis Edge diagnostic tool incorporates

the North and South Islands, calling

professional diagnostic platform, integrated into a

many unique and high-end diagnostic components of

in to workshops and opening up their fantastic,

stand-alone Snap-on tool box with monitor, keyboard,

the Verus Edge including instant VIN recognition, plus

customized mobile diagnostic road show truck to

mouse, and printer. This centre is the number one

includes a digital multi meter, two channel scope, and

workshop owners.

solution to catapult your workplace into a cutting edge

Component Test Meter for added capability. This unit

The roadshow team are able to demonstrate the latest

diagnostic workshop.

is perfectly suited for diagnostic technicians doing

range of Snap-on diagnostic products in realistic

The Verus Edge is Snap-on’s premium diagnostic

testing and advanced diagnostic repairs.

testing scenarios, enabling technicians to gather a

platform includes a digital multi meter and four

The Solus Edge is another quality Snap-on diagnostic

complete picture of how these tools can not only assist

channel scope for added capability and is ideal for

tool that suits workshops that requires ability to

in repairing vehicles more efficiently by helping find

advanced workshop. Utilizing Microsoft Windows,

assess vehicle status and vehicle faults to find vehicle

faults quickly, but also re-shape the way workshops

Verus Edge offers un-paralleled capability and

faults fast. Solus Edge includes a large 8” screen,

operate and presenting a new ROI opportunity.

flexibility.

five-second boot-up time and a host of important

“The beauty of the Snap-on Diagnostic Roadshow

Parts ordering, repair information, and invoicing

functional tests and diagnostic features.

is that it offers local NZ workshops the unique

software can be loaded onto Verus Edge, so you can

To arrange the Diagnostic Roadshow team to visit

opportunity to get a hands-on experience with

diagnose, research, quote, order required parts, and

your workshop, contact your local franchisee quickly,

Snap-on’s industry leading diagnostic tools for

invoice, directly from the vehicle after performing a

as spaces and times are limited.

themselves, learn about the benefits and better understand the ROI opportunities from investing in a Snap-on diagnostic platform,” said James Morris, Snap-on National Sales and Equipment Manager.

Something that can only be seen via the Snap-on Roadshow truck is Snap-on’s unique Advanced

23

Trust and respect SURE, THE AUTOMOTIVE PARTS INDUSTRY MIGHT SEEM LIKE A BIT OF A BLOKE’S WORLD, BUT THERE IS PLENTY OF FEMALE TALENT REPRESENTING THE OTHER HALF OF THE POPULATION IN A VARIETY OF ROLES ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. WE CAUGHT UP WITH THREE PARTMASTER WOMEN WHO FACE UP TO THE CHALLENGES AND REAP THE REWARDS EVERY DAY Helen Huntley, Branch Manager, Taupo Auto Channel: How long have you been working in the automotive parts industry?

Helen: A very long time; 30-plus years.

What attracted you to work in the industry?

It’s not something I really thought about getting into, but an opportunity came up which sounded interesting and I am always up for a challenge.

What background and training had you had prior to joining automotive parts, and how do you think this helps you in your current role?

I didn’t really have any training in auto parts. I got the role straight out of school and I was very eager to learn. Starting on counter sales, then becoming a sales rep has been beneficial in my career.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I really enjoy engaging with a wide variety of people.

Every day is completely different, and you never know what the day is going to bring, which makes the job very interesting.

What are your biggest challenges in this maledominated profession?

I think females have been accepted in this industry extremely well. Once you have a person’s trust there are no problems.

The automotive parts industry is heavily involved in motor sport. Does this appeal to you? If so, what motor sports are you interested in?

Funnily enough, I’m not that keen on motor sport!

Do you have a favourite car?

I don’t really have a favourite brand, but I do drive a Toyota.

Any advice for other females who are keen to work in automotive parts?

Be enthusiastic and take on the challenges.

Kiri Burgess, Sales Representative, Invercargill How long have you been working in the automotive parts industry?

Kiri: Five years and five months.

What attracted you to work in the industry?

I had been working in reception at a local workshop in Invercargill. When I called in to Partmaster to pick up some parts I got asked to apply for the role of sales representative.

What training/background did you have prior to joining automotive parts, and how do you think this helps you in your current role?

I used to own a clothing store in Invercargill, so I had a lot of experience in sales. With working at the workshop in reception prior to this role I learnt the bare basics, but not enough to not get caught out on my first day on the road by myself.

I remember I got asked for free-wheeling hubs for the rear of a vehicle. I called the store as it was my first sale since getting the role only to be told to double check it was for the rear! So, I guess I get a lot of onthe-job training. To this day I still ask questions in the

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Auto Channel Issue #5 August 2018

HELEN HUNTLEY, BRANCH MANAGER, TAUPO

KIRI BURGESS, SALES REPRESENTATIVE, INVERCARGILL

workshops if I’m unsure.

The guys are always very happy to show me and explain why, what, and how it works.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The team I work alongside, both in the branch and on the road. Also, the ability to meet new people every day. You never know what’s around the corner tomorrow.

What are your biggest challenges in this maledominated profession?

Gaining the trust and confidence of the guys in the workshops.

The automotive parts industry is heavily involved in motor sport. Does this appeal to you? If so, what motor sports are you interested in?

Yes, speedway sidecars would have to be my all-time favourite. Bragging rights this year would be that 78I took out the Burt Munro meeting for 2018 running Royal Oil bought from Partmaster.

Do you have a favourite car?

Yes, that would have to be our 1969 XT Falcon station wagon (it’s still a work-in-progress).

Any advice for other females who are keen to work in automotive parts?

Just give it a go! It’s not just a male profession anymore like it was 30 years ago. At our store we have three females and three males working alongside each other.

In saying that, we as females do have to work a lot harder to prove ourselves in the industry, but when you have gained trust and respect, it’s all go from there.

Erica Clark, Driver and Junior – Automotive Parts Specialist, Hastings How long have you been working in the automotive parts industry?

Erica: I have been working in the industry for just under two-and-a-half years What attracted you to work in the industry?

I have always had a passion for cars and anything with an engine really. I knew a few people that worked in the industry and they loved it. So, I decided to take the leap and give it a try.

ERICA CLARK, DRIVER AND JUNIOR, AUTOMOTIVE PARTS SPECIALIST, HASTINGS

What training/background did you have prior to joining automotive parts, and how do you think this helps you in your current role?

I didn’t have any training as such, I actually went from nursing to automotive, so it was quite a big difference.

I have always loved having project cars and working on them in my spare time, so that provided me with a lot of self-taught knowledge.

I think having knowledge before joining the industry is definitely an advantage; correctly identifying parts is a big part of what we do. But you can come into the industry with a small amount of knowledge and learn fast.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the people. You can always count on having a laugh every day no matter how busy you are.

What are your biggest challenges in this maledominated profession?

Sometimes it can prove difficult in a male-dominated industry, being young and female. People can occasionally dismiss you as incompetent just because it’s not ‘normal’ to see a female in the industry.

Building rapport with customers is important in cases like this; once they trust you then you are all-go. I think it takes females a bit more time to gain respect in the industry because of certain old-school preconceived ideas, but this is changing fast.

The automotive parts industry is heavily involved in motor sport. Does this appeal to you? If so, what motor sports are you interested in?

I love watching motor sport! Just recently I was able to help with sponsorship of AWDrift for the next D1NZ season, which I’m really excited about.

What’s your favourite car?

That’s a tough one! I actually own my dream car; my Mk 2 Ford Escort. I love my car and I am hoping to fully restore it; she’s nearly done. I have a lot of cars that I could say are my favourite, but the Escorts are up there for sure.

Any advice for other females who are keen to work in automotive parts?

Just do it! Bite the bullet and go for it. It’s a super-fun industry and there are many different places you can go within it. Male-dominated or not, we need more females out there doing it, so come and join us!

Pure Kiwi

2018

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Pre-emptive battery checks a good habit to get into

New Christchurch location for Patch Rubber and Automaster Equipment AUTOMASTER IS OPENING A BRAND-NEW WAREHOUSE IN THE GARDEN CITY, SUPPORTING ITS MANY SOUTH ISLAND CUSTOMERS

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n order to be able to provide its customers with a faster, more efficient experience, Automaster is opening a new warehouse in Christchurch. The new premises will also support Automaster’s South Island equipment sales specialist, Dean Guilford.

With Automaster’s sister company, Patch Rubber Tyre & Tube, also needing more space, the company will be taking possession of the new, bigger warehouse in August. Most of the first month will be spent improving the building and getting it ready for opening. Once Patch Rubber Tyre & Tube is in

and operating from the new site, equipment stock is expected to start arriving direct from multiple manufacturers by mid September.

Automaster rep Dean Guilford is looking forward to having equipment set up for demonstration purposes so customers can come in and see what they are buying. Customers will also be able to receive their new gear without having to wait for it to be shipped from Auckland.

If you’re looking for Patch Rubber or Automaster Equipment after 27 August, you’ll find them at 6 Gerald Connolly Place, Hornby.

Blackfern Cooperative celebrates first members conference CO-OP MEMBERS AND FAMILIES RECENTLY ENJOYED BOTH WORK AND PLAY ABOARD A CRUISE TO FIJI

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lackfern Cooperative members have recently arrived back in New Zealand following the industry group’s first members conference.

Members of co-op companies and their families embarked from Auckland on an eight-day cruise to Fiji. There were three island stops on the trip, including Suva, Port Denerau (with excursions to outer islands), and Dravuni, which has been longdescribed as an absolute island paradise.

A balance of business seminars and networking was enjoyed by all, at a low cost to attending co-op members.

“Thanks to Blackfern sponsors The Mountshop, Value Tyres, Automotive Supplies Group, and Q8 Oils 1st Autoparts for their help with the trip,” says Blackfern Cooperative’s Roger Castleton.

“Blackfern’s focus is to keep future conferences costs accessible for all to attend. Members can also use their accumulated points to attend future

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Auto Channel Issue #5 August 2018

conferences.

“I would encourage members to keep their eye out for the next interesting conference destination, which we will be announcing in the coming months.”

For more information visit blackfern.coop.

REMINDING CUSTOMERS TO CHECK THEIR VEHICLE BATTERY REGULARLY IS AN IMPORTANT SERVICE, SAYS CENTURY BATTERIES

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ccording to the New Zealand Automobile Association, 40 per cent of all road side service callouts are battery related and on average approximately 45,000 New Zealand motorists wait until their battery fails before replacing it. Century Batteries has been reminding both its private and trade customers lately that taking the time to regularly check a vehicle’s battery is a sure way of avoiding becoming a breakdown statistic – or the reason for a customer call-out – during the cold winter months. Battery failure can be attributed to various factors, as batteries operate and age, they gradually lose their capacity. A battery’s internal components will corrode over time and electrical shorts occur, along with the constant charge and discharge process all eventually leading to battery failure. The average life span of an automotive battery is 42 months; after this period the battery is on borrowed time and should be replaced. Due to the increased electrical demands placed on batteries by today’s modern vehicles, little to no warning is given before a failure, either. Century Batteries is keen to remind service trade professionals that advising customers that battery testing should be considered an integral part of any periodic vehicle maintenance routine is a good rule to follow. Regular battery testing can identify suspect batteries before they fail and can help to eliminate many of the vehicle problems associated with a flat or end-of-life batteries.

For more information on batteries and charging hardware, contact your nearest Century Batteries stockist or visit century.batteries.co.nz

International Innovation Award goes to electric motorbike builders KIWI-BASED COMPANY UBCO WAS PRESENTED WITH THE INTERNATIONAL INNOVATION AWARD AT THE 50TH NEW ZEALAND AGRICULTURAL FIELDAYS

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ew Zealand-based engineering company UBCO was presented with the International Innovation Award for their two-wheel drive electric utility vehicle

by Minster of Agriculture Hon. Damien O’Connor.

Judges said that UBCO appears to have effectively analysed the requirements of its target markets and improved on previous models to create the new and improved vehicle.

The 2018 UBCO 2x2 was praised for being e-smart, eco-friendly and safer than competing farm bikes and ATVs. These features are sure to be appealing to farmers right across the sector in New Zealand and overseas, as well as recreational and urban markets due to its suitability on- and off-road.

“The first heavy use owner said it was like walking

around his farm but quicker, so quietness has turned out to be one of the most important things this bike has brought to the farm,” said UBCO CEO Timothy Allan.

“As an electric vehicle it has a lot fewer moving parts with the battery replacing a gas tank and no use for an external drivetrain means greater durability and a longer life.”

“Winning this award against major international agritech companies is a huge honour and a recognition for our team’s hard work. With Fieldays being an internationally recognized event, it provides a great endorsement for this product in the global farming community” he said.

There were nine entries in the International Innovation Awards.

Judges awarded Equilume from Ireland a highly commended. Equilume stood out as featuring exciting new technology which will impact New Zealand considerably. The device provides a low level of blue light in a single eye that can increase milk yields during winter months and has great potential after finalizing the product design and some market research.

The 50th New Zealand Agricultural Fieldays saw record numbers through the gates during its run in mid-June.

The event – the biggest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere – now draws in attendees and exhibitors from all over the globe. In 2017, 133,588 people visited the event, which generated $538m in sales revenue for New Zealand businesses.

Volkswagen to pay €1bn fine in Germany in emissions scandal fallout GERMAN MANUFACTURER AGREES TO HEFTY FINE THREE YEARS AFTER NEWS OF WIDESPREAD ‘DIESELGATE’ EMISSIONS SCANDAL FIRST BROKE

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olkswagen has agreed to pay a €1bn fine in Germany, saying the penalty means it “accepts responsibility” for the diesel emissions scandal that completely shattered the company’s international reputation in 2015.

The German manufacturer announced it has agreed on the amount of the “administrative penalty” after an investigation by the public prosecutor in Braunschweig, a city close to the company’s

Wolfsburg headquarters.

A statement from Volkswagen said that the probe found that “monitoring duties had been breached in the powertrain development department in the context of vehicle tests”.

The company admits that diesel cars were fitted with so-called “defeat devices” which worked out when they were having their emissions levels tested and could then deploy full pollution controls which were not in use during normal driving conditions. This

meant that cars on the road pumped out up to 40 times the allowed amount of pollution.

The car maker added that the German prosecutor had ruled that 10.7m vehicles with “impermissible software” were sold worldwide from mid 2007 until 2015.

Volkswagen said it has “accepted the fine and will not lodge an appeal against it”.

“By doing this, Volkswagen admits its responsibility for the diesel crisis and considers this as a further major step towards the latter being overcome.”

The fine consists of the maximum €5m penalty that could be imposed along with a further €995m for what it described as the “disgorgement of economic benefits”.

Volkswagen said that accepting the penalty means “active regulatory offence proceedings conducted against [the company] will be terminated”.

The company added: “Volkswagen assumes that such termination of the proceedings will also have significant positive effects on further active administrative proceedings in Europe against the Volkswagen.”

While the fine payment puts a full-stop on legal action against Volkswagen in its domestic territories, civil claims against it continue in other markets, such as the US, where the German auto giant has already paid out US$25bn in fines and compensation.

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New Cars

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Aston Martin’s Vantage has long been its ‘mainstream’ seller. New tech, new looks and new engine all make that recipe likely to continue What is it?

The most compact model in the growing Aston Martin family, the V8 Vantage, is the storied firm’s Porsche 911 rival. Whereas the bigger DB11 is what’s referred to as a “sporting GT”, the Vantage is a racer through-and-through.

What’s interesting about it?

You mean aside from the colour?

The really interesting thing here is that the V8 is actually made by AMG, the mad-scientist power division of Mercedes-Benz. So, yes; British car, German engine.

Shorter than its DB11 sibling, the V8 Vantage pares off sheet metal front and rear for an all-together sharper look. The rear diffuser is all protruding pipes and aero fins; much more aggressive than the smoother detailing at the rear of the DB11.

Oh, and by the way, that colour is here to stay. For the time being anyway. It’s part of a new look Aston Martin has rolled out for their AMR Performance division (based at the Nurburgring) and will feature as a dress-up pack on the V8 model, as well as potential stand-alone editions.

Is it any good?

We haven’t driven the V8 Vantage in anger yet, although we’ve had plenty of wheel time in the DB11

V12 and V8, as well as just recently in the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera (but that’s a tale for another day).

After driving the DB11 V8 – which features the same engine as this – but knowing that impressive powerplant would be in a trimmer body with the Vantage, it seems like a no-brainer that this will be a total point-and-shoot machine. The Vantage offers 50:50 weight distribution too, with the engine

pushed back as far as the engineers could manage.

The AMG engine registers an impressive 375kW peak power and 685Nm of torque, pushing power to the rear axle via an eight-speed ZF auto ‘box. The 0-100km/h sprint is seen to in around 3.6 seconds, while the Vantage has a top speed of 314km/h.

What’s it going to cost?

A fair bit. Although if you need to ask…

BMW M140i

Don’t dismiss BMW’s M-adorned take on the 1-Series hatchback too quickly; it actually offers a pretty good bang-for-buck formula Beemer (this side of an i3 electric car anyway) can deliver the goods if it’s on-road engagement you’re after.

What is it?

It’s a shopping trolley on steroids, with plenty of performance-themed styling touches and a muscular straight-six twin-turbo under the bonnet.

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Auto Channel Issue #5 August 2018

What’s interesting about it?

It walks the talk. While not a true ‘M’ car in the purest sense, the oily bits under the bonnet certainly come with the right sort of pedigree. The M Performance TwinPower twin-turbo inline six is capable of producing 250kW peak power, meaning the littlest

Is it any good?

It’s as involving and direct as any mid-sized BMW. It has a driver-focused cockpit and the usual levels of responsiveness from BMW’s steering; sharp and precise with heaps of feedback from the wheels on the road.

Thanks to the twin-turbo set-up, it also offers addictively squeezable acceleration. Unlike a frontdriver such as the Golf GTI and its ilk, there is also a distinctly old-school feel about the rear-wheel drive M140i, too.

Of course, if you’re ferrying kids around, they’re probably not going to enjoy it as much as the driver; the rear is cramped, and the window-line is high, meaning those sports seats could be in line for a wipedown if you’re too intent on driving enthusiastically with extras on board.

But it’s the sort of car that will have you volunteering for that usually annoying run to the shops to pick up extra bread and milk.

What’s it going to cost? $82,000, which is a reasonable chunk of change for a five-door hatch. But you get plenty of M-tastic goodies added into the bargain.

Mazda BT-50 4WD Limited Mazda’s BT-50 might not share some of the big sales-busting headlines of its rivals, but it remains a worthy ute option

What is it?

Mazda’s BT-50 has received some mild updates, most notably a new Alpine stereo system which is accessed through a large 8” touchscreen, offering Apple Carplay and Android Auto phone mirroring, as well as all the usual device-pairing and hands-free calling benefits. The new screen also means the reversing camera display moves to the dashboard,

rather than being nestled in a tiny corner of the rear vision mirror.

What’s interesting about it?

This is the last Mazda BT-50 that will be… well, a Mazda. The next-generation ute will still boast the nameplate, but it will be made by Isuzu.

Mazda will continue to provide the sheet metal (and their individualistic approach to ute design), but

underneath, the next BT-50 will be D-Max all the way baby. This is probably a good thing; Isuzu is a truck maker and their light commercial ute has a pretty solid reputation for ruggedness…

Is it any good? …as long as they don’t compromise the ride the BT-50 affords. The current one is probably the smoothest-riding ute around, regardless of whether there is anything in the tray or not.

The next BT will have an entirely new chassis though, so perhaps this updated one is as good as it gets for now.

In Limited guise, the BT gives you running boards as standard, along with some nice alloys (although you’ll want to watch for rocks off tarmac with so much smooth surface on show), dual-zone air conditioning, tie-down anchor points in the wellside tray and leather seats (electronically-adjustable for the driver too). If the leather’s a bit much, a sports cloth-clad 4WD GSX is probably the one you’re after.

Tray space and a 3.5-ton braked tow rating are onpar with rivals too.

What’s it going to cost? $59,795 for the one with all the bells and whistles.

But there are plenty of body styles spread across entry-level GLX and mid-range GSX utes too. Twowheel drive is available as well, if you don’t have the need for four.

Skoda Karoq

Riding high on new models gathering in the awards by the armload, Skoda joins the mass-brawl in the compact SUV segment of the market What is it?

It’s Skoda’s take on the compact crossover SUV; a reasonably-spacious hatchback-sized car with a higher ride height. Think Volkswagen Tiguan, Audi Q5, SEAT Ateca etc.

What’s interesting about it?

Not so much the Karoq itself (it’s a perfectly good car though: see below), but the real thing of interest right now is Skoda’s fortunes in not just the Kiwi market, but overseas as well.

The manufacturer is on a roll at present, with models such as the Octavia and Superb continuing to offer impressive value-for-money for what they are, and the new Kodiaq full-size SUV showing its Volkswagen Group cousins just how it should be done. It doesn’t hurt any that the Kodiaq also took home a slew of ‘best of’ awards last year, including the AA New Zealand Motoring Writers Guild’s supreme Car of the Year gong.

Is it any good?

Back to the Karoq itself; yes, it’s another example of exemplary packaging, generous specification and nice, contemporary styling for a good price.

It might be dressed up in all the trendy crossover phraseology, but the Karoq uses its occupant and luggage space well. The 521-litre boot comes with

adjustable partitions and plenty of hooks for shopping, so things don’t roll around.

Further forward, each of the three models available (across two grades) cover off all the usual comfort and convenience specification, with either petrol or turbo diesel engine options available; both offering 110kW peak power. There is only 0.4-litres/100km difference in combined fuel economy between the two engines,

though, so we’d probably opt for the petrol version.

What’s it going to cost?

There are three grades of Karoq available: the $38,990 Ambition, or both 2WD and 4WD versions of the higher-grade Style for $42,990 and $48,490 respectively. You’ll have to go for the diesel if you want a 4x4 Karoq, though.

29

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Schumacher Lithium Ion jump-starter 12V Mobil Super 3000 Formula G 5W-30 This premium fully synthetic, low-ash, highperformance motor oil designed to help prolong the life and maintain the efficiency of the exhaust car emission reduction systems in both diesel and gasoline powered automobiles.

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Auto Channel Issue #5 August 2018

Schumacher products have been designed and engineered in the United States since 1947, earning them a global reputation as the number-one name in battery maintenance and chargers.

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Repco RPW3200-1 7HP Petrol Water Blaster The Repco RPW3200-1 7HP Petrol Water Blaster features a gutsy 7.0HP OVH 4-stroke engine offering up maximum pressure of 3000psi and water flow rated at 9L/min. Constructed with premium 10m non-marking, steelbraided high-pressure hose, inside a rugged steel frame and riding on 25cm pneumatic tyres for easy manoeuvrability, this heavy-duty system also includes four quick-connect high-pressure nozzles. The ultimate cleaning machine for most automotive, marine, and household applications, the Repco RPW3200-1 7HP Petrol Water Blaster can also be added to with numerous accessories, including a heavy-duty gun and a 60cm lance.

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Super-low Heavy Duty Trolley Jack This heavy duty trolley jack is a new offering from ProEquip. It features a twin-pump design for a quick and hassle-free lift, and rear swivel castor wheels, making it easy to position the jack under cars, trucks, and SUVs. Minimum height is 76mm with a maximum of 500mm. Featuring a safety overload valve, and a positive action uni-joint release valve, this professional quality jack has a safe working capacity of 2700kg/3.0T, and weighs in at 35.5kg.

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Forward NBS40 Alignment Scissor Lift

Featuring a simple, robust design, the Forward NBS40 alignment scissor lift can handle four-wheel alignments on the broadest range of vehicles in its class, from sub-compacts to light commercials. The NBS40 scissor lift offers technicians maximum vehicle access with an open front and rear. It has a rated lifting capacity of 4000kg and an easily adjustable front radius gauge position that can accommodate a large variety of wheelbases. An integrated rear slip plate allows lateral tyre movement during adjustment. The NBS40 lift comes ready to work with an alignment kit and can be optioned with two rolling jacks. It can be surface-mounted or recessed, based on customer preference.

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ProSelect Timing Kits ProSelect Timing Kits are designed from the outset to meet or exceed OEM quality, at a better price. All ProSelect Timing Kits are manufactured to high-quality performance specifications, undergoing a strict development process which includes sourcing components from industry leading OEM and aftermarket suppliers. In fact, they represent an OEM quality programme developed specifically for the New Zealand market. The range includes 107 part numbers and covers more than 1.4 million vehicles on the road; that’s over 3,500 applications from Australian, European, Korean, and Japanese brands. For further information contact ASL Ph 0800 275 888, Extreme Autoparts Ph 0800 498 7363, Autostop Ph 0800 288 , ADL Autoparts Ph 0800 285 272 or Appco Ph 0800 200 100.

31

Feature Car

FULLY LOADED

WE’VE ALL SEEN A ’67 CAMARO BEFORE BUT NEVER ONE LIKE THIS!

T

here’s a saying out there along the lines of,

Paul Manuell.

A couple of years passed, during which time Bic headed

‘It’s hard to soar like an eagle when you’re

“I met Mike ‘Bic’ Anderson through Paul. Bic had just

out of Auckland for the sunny shores of Tauranga and

surrounded by turkeys’, and a few others that

returned back from the States, where he was crew chief

established his own business, Sonic Race and Machine.

go vaguely along the lines of, ‘you are who

on an IndyCar team and had taken charge of Paul’s NZV8

He was specializing in high-end competition and street

you surround yourself with’. The moral of the story is

race team in Auckland,” says Christian.

cars, and he needed to inject a bit of capital — capital

that if you’re surrounded by idiots, chances are, you’ll

At the time, Christian was crewing for Paul — not just to

that came in the form of selling the Camaro. Despite the

be one, or, conversely, if you surround yourself with

help a mate out in the quest for podium positions, but

fateful phone call from Bic coming right in the middle of

the best, then that’s more likely where you’ll position

also to help increase his own levels of experience in the

the global financial crisis, Christian didn’t need to think

yourself.

never-ending quest for knowledge. It was during the

twice before jumping at the Camaro.

I can’t say for sure whether Christian Hillary, the owner

traditional beer-and-bullshit session after a race meet

“Of course, the answer was yes, recession or no

of this stunning pro-touring Camaro, has aligned his life

that Bic mentioned that he’d brought back from the

recession!” laughs Christian now.

with such adages, but he’s certainly been hanging out

States a ’67 Camaro RS/SS, which was sitting in the shed.

When the deal was done, the two-thirds-assembled RS/

with the right people to build some killer cars.

“Bic had hoped one day to get some time to put it on the

SS was missing its matching-numbers small block and

The build of this Camaro, which is by no means his first

road. That night, I asked him to give me first choice if he

four-speed, and had a big block in its place. It was in this

trip down the rabbit hole, was initially brought about

ever parted with it. His reply was, ‘Don’t worry; that won’t

state that Christian would drag it home and sit on it for a

through him being good mates with well-known racer

be happening!’” Christian recalls.

few years, while he made up his mind as to exactly how he wanted it.

“Although some would want to keep the car true to its original, the way I saw it was that it wasn’t matching numbers, so it was fair game to change it the way I wanted,” Christian rightfully says, and, with his love of the pro-touring look, the thoughts running through his mind continued to get wilder and wilder.

Of course, the fact that Bic, being one of the top vehicle engineers in the country, had a vested interest in the project didn’t help Christian to rein the ideas back in.

Conversation between the two turned to wheels, which’d form the basis of the build. Drivability was just as important as head-turning ability, so Christian settled on a set of 19x9-inch and 20x11-inch Trafficstar wheels, built specifically to his requirements. The plan was to tuck the one-off wheels well up into the guards through the use of airbag suspension.

Wanting a ride height somewhere between super slammed and ridiculously slammed, Bic didn’t just bring out the grinder and start hacking, but calculated exactly which metal should stay and which needed to go to make way for the impressive rear end.

32

Auto Channel Issue #5 August 2018

Included in the parts needing modification were the

liking the sound that only a big block can produce, that

chassis rails — not due to the width of the rims, as is

singular exit from the custom Spintech mufflers is on

usually the case, but due to Christian’s desire to get the

the driver’s side. To make it all fit without compromising

car well and truly in the weeds. While we’ve all seen

power output or ground clearance, ovalized piping was

airbagged cars that haven’t had any thought put into into

required, as well as plenty of head-scratching.

their ride quality or drivability, the Camaro is totally at the

The weapon making that blissful sound is a work of

other end of the scale, with the ride and handling being

art in itself — although Christian says that it is only a

every bit as crucial as the looks.

temporary one until the twin-turbo motor arrives. The

To this end, the rails were raised to allow the

454 block is all that remains of what was under the

Mark Williams nodular nine-inch diff to come a whole lot

hood when the car was purchased, with Phil Pagan at

higher up. An Air Ride Technologies four-link was then

Track Sport Engines transforming it into a 468ci monster.

stitched into place, offering plenty of adjustability, and, of

For this, the block was filled with a Scat rotating assembly

course, a full range of travel.

topped with Keith Black pistons, and ARP fasteners

Just as much thought and effort went into the front,

have been used throughout, including to secure the

with the spring pockets of the Camaro subframe being

Edelbrock Performer RPM alloy heads.

modified to allow for the Air Ride Technologies air struts

While this is theoretically just the baby motor, that didn’t

to sit as they should.

stop them from ensuring that Christian would have

Don’t expect the car to be three-wheeling down the

plenty of fun with it, or from doing the job properly —

road or rattling your teeth out with how quick it hops;

this is far from a slapped-together stopgap.

it was never about that, and the small compressor and

The intake side of the package includes an 850cfm

narrow-gauge air lines are perfect for the goal of refined

Quick Fuel carb atop an Edelbrock RPM Air-Gap intake

adjustment. Mind you, with an Air Ride Technologies

manifold, while the ignition is all MSD.

digital controller in place — set up using race-inspired

Backing up the dyno-proven 600hp and 600lb·ft mill is

corner weighting — there’s no need to touch anything

a Tremec five-speed manual box. Yep, this bad boy has

besides slamming it when parked.

three pedals! The hope is that the driveline has been built

The ride height set the tone for many other aspects of

tough enough that, once the 1000hp-plus motor goes

the car — obviously including where the custom wheel

in, nothing else will need to be changed.

tubs would sit but also including the exhaust system.

That’s also partially the reason behind those dinner

As Christian didn’t want the rear seat and boot of the

plate–sized brakes.

car to be lost, a plan was devised that saw Bic create

As Christian tells it, “I went for the largest 13-inch

a custom side-exit exhaust. Of course, with Christian

Wilwood rear rotors and four-pot calipers we could

get” — but that’s just part of the story, as up front they

shrank, pulled, and preened the wheel openings until

needs to be extremely functional. The requirements

measure in at 15 inches and are clamped by huge six-pot

they were compliant, before turning his attention to

were put to Shawn at Action Canvas and Upholstery,

calipers.

the rest of the custom bodywork.

who delivered a leather-clad cockpit, thanks primarily

Of course, brakes like this don’t simply bolt onto a stock

As per the build plan, nothing stands out as being

to components purchased from TMI Products. Christian

Camaro spindle, and that’s where Christian’s position

majorly messed with besides the front bumper being

didn’t want the cockpit to be over the top, liking the

as owner of Global Machine Tools comes in handy.

removed. But look a little closer, and you’ll see that the

classic muscle car look, so he opted for a traditional set

The business specializes in importing and distributing

sills now extend closer to the ground, the front valance

of Auto Meter gauges to keep an eye on the 468 and a

hardcore engineering tools, specifically CNC machines

is extraordinarily smooth, and the car is devoid of door

Billet Specialties steering wheel to keep the car pointed

— handy when you’re building something such as this.

handles.

in the right direction.

Before long, Christian’s team had pulled off some

The final colour on the car was inspired by Graeme and

While the full custom rewire by Matt of Sparked Electrical

homers to create custom CNC-machined spindles, hats,

Wendy Cowin’s legendary ‘King Kong’ Cuda, a car that

did include wiring for a stereo, as soon as the engine was

and caliper brackets.

shook the Australian street-machine scene right around

fired for the first time, it was decided that the exhaust

The rest of the front end assembly is equally

the time the Camaro build was kicking off. It’s a unique

alone provided enough music.

complex, with various modifications being made

blend that flips in the light between grey, silver, and

The four-year build was completed just in time for

to the subframe itself before Air Ride Technologies

brown. The team at Greerton Panel and Paint Repairs

Repco Beach Hop 18, but, with a fleet of CNC machines

A-arms and drop spindles were fitted.

were the masters behind the job — which didn’t begin

at his disposal, Christian’s yet to really add the finishing

With wheels as big as this, some tricky work was

until they’d added the finishing touches to the metalwork

touches to the car.

required on the front guards to ensure that nothing

to get the body as arrow straight as it needed to be.

However, the goal of building something that looks

rubbed, regardless of how hard the car was driven.

With the Camaro being built to drive, the interior isn’t

demonic yet drives like a dream has been achieved, and

Bic’s skills came to the fore here; he stretched,

just a place that needs to look good but one that also

then some!

33

Feature

GUNNING FOR 300MPH

MULTIPLE LAND-SPEED-RECORD-HOLDER COOK MOTOR RACING IS GEARING UP FOR A RETURN TO THE SALT FLATS OF UTAH, THIS TIME WITH A THREE-LITRE V10 AND THE GOAL OF EXCEEDING 300MPH (483KPH)

A

round this time every year, the normally sleepy Ness Valley, south east of Auckland, becomes a hive of activity as a small-butdedicated team of maverick mechanics work day and night prepping a pair of land-speed machines before their boat leaves for the opposite side of the Pacific. This yearly pilgrimage to what must be the most inhospitable racing environment on the planet has been highly successful for Cook Motor Racing (CMR), which has claimed multiple records each visit since first making the trip back in 2011.

This year will mark the third that CMR has made a two-car assault with the NX Coupe dubbed ‘Cookie’ and the streamliner known as ‘Wairua’. Both are multiple record holders and have been powered by everything from Honda K20s, VW diesels, to the bespoke Synergy two-litre V8s, the engine that Cookie will run again for 2018. While record holders in their own right, both vehicles are really just tools for the classroom. The subject is land-speed racing, and the graduation assignment will be running north of 500mph (800kph), speeds no wheel-powered streamliner has gone before. To attempt this, Reg and his team will be building a new car, one that is the culmination of everything they are currently learning from running Cookie and Wairua. Sure, running over 500mph is an ambitious goal, but Reg is methodical in his approach, and the results thus far are painting a promising picture. “Is anyone in my team in their current state capable of running it at 500mph? No, but are they capable of learning? Absolutely. It has to be like going to school; we’re playing with things,” explains Reg. It’s a goal that Reg and his team have had their eyes set on for five years, with each successive year treated as a stepping stone. Each year, they have been running a little faster, with a slightly bigger team and, inevitably, a more complicated piece of machinery with which to get from point A to point B. For 2018, the streamliner will be powered by a three-litre Judd V10, a prominent engine of the ’90s Formula 1 (F1) era. It’s an unorthodox approach in a sport dominated by US low(ish)-revving engines, but, then again, most things this team do are unorthodox.

The three-litre V10 was run throughout the ’90s by teams such as BMS Scuderia Italia, then, later, Judd teamed up with Yamaha and the engine received new heads and a redesign which was used right through till ’97.

Judd still offers V10s today, although now they are 4–5.5 litres in capacity, so the three-litre was a

34

Auto Channel Issue #5 August 2018

special order pieced together using new parts and components left over from the ’90s F1 programme.

Like all F1 engines of that period, the heads feature four valves per cylinder, which are controlled by pneumatic valve control, small lightweight buckets that replace the springs, and see upwards of 200psi.

These allow the motor to reach 14,500rpm. Such rpm is coped with by the engine being oversquare, with a super short stroke and a rather large 107mm bore. As it’s a low inertia engine there is no flywheel — or pulleys, for that matter. The water pump, fourstage dry sump, and alternator are all driven off the crank. All this results in an advertised 690hp (515kW) from an engine that weighs a touch over 100kg.

Two major factors drew Reg to the Judd over other options on the market. The first being that it’s the only such option that you can purchase outright — other available engines are lease only, from the likes of Ferrari. That kind of arrangement would not have worked when the intention was to add nitrous to the mix. The other appealing fact was that advertised horsepower of 690, and that it has an ever-increasing power curve right to redline.

“I think it will take a while to get up to speed, but, at 10,000rpm, it’s making 400hp (298kW), which is enough to drive the car. Once it hits 12[,000rpm], it takes off. At Bonneville, if you hit terminal velocity at, say, 12,000rpm, unless you’ve got increasing horsepower, it will stop there. You can’t have a curve where it peaks at 10,000 and revs to 14,000 but makes less power as it will not go past 10[,000]; it’s like a dyno run,” Reg says.

Currently, a dummy V10 is mounted where the Synergy once was, forward of the front wheels.

It has posed a few unique challenges, one being the lack of a flywheel. The result is a machined piece of billet that houses a small driveshaft and a flywheel and starter motor. This piece attaches directly to the billet engine plate, which, as with all the billet suspension components, Richard Mason of Mason Tool and Engineering is responsible for. The eight-speed Weisman land-speed gearbox remains, although, this year, it will have a crown wheel and pinion gearing it to 360mph (579kph) without the need for the reduction box that it ran last year, which caused issues syncing the gear cut.

The MoTeC M150 ECU will remain and is being bolstered by an increase in data logging in the name of not only speed but also safety. A TFX cylinder-pressure sensor system, which measures

the pressure inside the combustion chamber at the phenomenal rate of 10 times every degree of rotation, is a real game-changer for the team, explains Reg: “We can now make changes to the tune and see the results internally in the engine, rather than just relying on the speed of a run to gauge it. Up until now, it’s just been educated guesses.” Something that is extremely hard to do given that the V10 will never see the dyno in New Zealand as the Synergy two-litre will. In fact, it’s likely only to be fired once before leaving New Zealand.

The other big change in data acquisition is the addition of 16 pitot pressure and velocity sensors, which will be positioned all over the streamliner’s body. Combined with the new G-force, yaw, and potentiometers (on the shocks), the team is now able to collect a serious amount of data. With some seriously brilliant minds analysing these, the team will be able to know exactly how the body is reacting

the COP rearwards and give stability with this year’s speeds expected to exceed the 300mph range.

“We are chasing the gas record around 300mph,” Reg says, “but really we need to gain more info [that is] aerodynamically closer to the speeds [that] we want to run next year, so we will use the nitrous to hopefully run around 340mph [547kph]; that way, we will pick up the info [that] we need for next year.

To try and just go out and run 340mph without a gradual progression is pretty stupid.”

as they go faster and faster, and if things are getting to the point at which the car is going to become unsafe — that is, just lift off the ground and whip out.

Changes have already been put in place as a result of his help, as they found that the centre of pressure (COP) was, in fact, in front of the centre of gravity, which is no good for stability. A new rear fin is being constructed, using Naca Report 1251, which will shift

Next year will see the next stage of the plan, with a five-litre V8 slotted in place of the three-litre and speeds closer to 400mph (644kph), which is what they need to run before trying with the second liner.

It’s all part of that progression, but, as Reg says, no one goes to Bonneville to not chase records. So, on the road to 500, you can be sure that the names Reg Cook and CMR will be etched throughout the record books.

35

Situations vacant

ADVERTISE YOUR VACANCY AT AUTOCHANNEL.CO.NZ

NATIONAL SALES Are you experienced in sales and have a strong working knowledge of Automotive Paint and consumables?

Smits Group has been a leading supplier of paint and consumables to the refinish trade for 35 years and is a private company with a well established offer of top brands and a focused and enthusiastic team. Due to retirement, Smits Group has an immediate opening for a Sales Rep in our Wholesale and Aftermarket division. This division represents key brands such as Meguiar’s, Rislone, Peak, Little Trees, Roberlo, and Lyndar, to name a few.

Our ideal candidate would possess the following; • Knowledge of automotive consumables • Experience with business to business sales • Understanding of NZ retail aftermarket • A positive, motivated attitude with a drive to succeed.

• A strong focus on customer service • Clean driver’s licence If the above sounds like you and you feel you would like to join the growing Smits Group team then we look forward to hearing from you.

Please email your CV and cover letter introducing yourself directly to Darlene Smits dsmits@smitsgroup.co.nz

CONTENT MANAGER / ASSISTANT EDITOR Are you a media professional with a passion for all things automotive? We’re looking for an editor to join the team creating content for NZ’s leading motoring brand channels. If writing copy for long-form print comes as easily to you as crafting social posts that capture and engage, and you have the technical smarts to write knowledgeably about mechanical stuff, then we want to hear from you.

About you: Ideally you’ll have a solid journalistic grounding and be excited about the opportunities the current varied media environment provides for communicating with an audience. You’ll be up to date with trends across social media platforms and skilled at repurposing content appropriately for different media channels.

Your enthusiasm for the written word will mean that your command of the English language is exemplary, and your proofreading skills will enable you to spot a typo at a glance. Adept in navigating the modern journalist’s agile environment, you will be proficient interviewing sources, crafting copy from press releases, writing instructional technical material, as well as shooting and editing associated imagery.

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If you fit the profile above, send your CV together with a brief cover letter telling us why you are best suited to join our team, making sure you can confidently show the following: • Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent work experience in a journalism/media or related role • Proficiency with content management systems, GSuite, InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom, and Premiere • Credible automotive sector knowledge • Ability to self-manage and work autonomously to deadline with excellent time management skills • Exceptional attention to detail, a real ‘i’ dotter and ‘t’ crosser • Excellent relationship management and communication skills: ability to persuade and influence • Enthusiastic, can-do attitude, team player, with creative nous and a passion for media • Confident, articulate, and unflappable individual who can be relied upon to stay calm and deliver in pressure situations.

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Send your CV to vacancies@parkside.co.nz

SALES REPRESENTATIVE - NAPIER • Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm • Engage & develop key trade client relationships • Get out on the road, utilise your knowledge & passion for automotive The Role: In this role you will be based in our Appco branch, however the majority of your week will be on the road visiting our trade automotive customers and developing new business in the area. As the main point of contact for those key customers, you will ensure their account is well looked after, assisting them with all of their product/ ordering needs and ensuring that we provide a level of service superior to our competitors. You will strive to look after the needs of our customers whilst also growing profit margin and market share for the store.

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Send your CV to careers@repco.co.nz or call (09) 574 1204

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS ADVISOR Mechanic wanting to get off the tools? Working in parts sales & want a change? Or do you work on cars as a hobby & want a career in the industry?

• Opportunities with Appco Hamilton & Appco Central (Otahuhu) • Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm + alternate Saturday 9am to 12pm (Hamilton only) • Opportunity to progress, plus fantastic staff discounts About Us: Appco is one of the most widely recognised names in the automotive industry, with a brand that stands for quality, expertise and knowledge. At a time where we continue to grow at a fast pace, we required Automotive Parts Advisors with opportunities across the country. We are a great place to showcase your skills, be challenged and grow your career.

The Role: As an Automotive Parts Advisor you will be delivering exceptional customer service over the counter and via phone to a number of key automotive trade clients. You will be dealing with experienced automotive trades people such as mechanics, panel beaters, automotive technicians and service people, therefore you will need a strong understanding of car parts and suppliers to hit the ground running in this busy environment. Specific duties include: • Providing friendly and accurate advice, predominately on hard part queries • Processing trade sales &organising delivery • Answering phone queries, and offering technical advice to ensure the right parts are received • Building strong, enduring relationships with our trade customers Skills & Experience: Our trade customers are experienced automotive professionals, therefore you will need a strong understand of car parts to hit the ground running in this busy role. Whether you’ve worked in automotive parts, come from a mechanical background and are looking to get off the tools, or you’re someone who tinkers with cars at home, this role has you doing what you love with like-minded people.

• Proactive and driven individual who has solid mechanic and/or parts experience • Comfortable liaising and building relationships with automotive trade customers • Strong communication skills and the capability to communicate your automotive knowledge to a variety of customers • High attention to detail • Most important of all, you’;re a team player with a passion for the automotive industry We offer a great opportunity to utilise your knowledge in a new environment, challenge yourself and excel your career in the automotive industry.

Send your CV to careers@Appco.co.nz or call (09) 574 1204

36

Auto Channel Issue #5 August 2018

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN NEW ZEALAND’S WIDER AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR

SALES REPRESENTATIVE - TAUPO

ASSISTANT MANAGER - WANGANUI

• Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm • Engage & develop key trade client relationships • Get out on the road, utilise your knowledge & passion for automotive

• Tuesday to Saturday 8am to 5.30pm • Looking to take that next step and jump into a leadership role?

• Work with a great manager and gain hands on management experience

The Role: In this role you will be based on the road, seeking new business opportunities while also maintaining relationships with our already established automotive trade customers. Products are sold directly from our Taupo Branch with the support of our Trade Specialist team. You will assist our trade customers in finding the best products to meet their needs, and ensure that they receive a level of service superior to what our competitors offer.

The Role: This role offers tonnes of variety and will see you lending a hand to everything from leadership and management of the team, to going back to the basics and serving customers on the shop floor when the branch is busy. Being a busy and high performing store, you will be very much involved in various management tasks and leadership of the team - This is an opportunity to get some real hands on experience. Duties include: • Supporting the Branch Manager to drive sales and improve store performance • Motivating and organising staff on a daily basis to create a great team culture • Providing exceptional customer service and accurate advice to our customers • Maintaining a high standard of Branch presentation • Ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures

Duties include: • Visiting our trade customer base, building last business relationships • Seek and develop new business opportunities • Developing and maintaining a structured itinerary • Providing accurate and friendly advice superior to that of our competitors • Maintaining a high standard of branch presentation Skills & Experience: To be successful in this role you will have proven sales and account management experience and enjoy working towards KPI’s and targets. Our clients are experienced automotive trades professionals, so experience or an interest in the automotive industry is essential. Building relationships will come naturally to you, as well as the ability to work within a fast paced environment.

• Sales experience in a relationship-based sales role – Within automotive would be ideal • Strong automotive parts knowledge • Achievement orientated, enthusiastic, motivated and a team player • Proven ability to increase profit margins and grow market share • Clear and personable communication style About Us The Repco brand stands for authenticity derived from having quality products which have earned the trust of our customers for over 95 years. With a huge network of almost 100 stores, Repco holds such a wide footprint, allowing us the ability to provide the rights parts when you need them. We are backed by GPC Asia Pacific which position Repco with sheer scale, world-class information and logistics systems, and financial capacity to significantly increase the speed of our planned growth in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific. Our people enjoy working for a secure, well-funded, growing company with careers prospects here in New Zealand, in Australia and even America.

Send your CV to careers@repco.co.nz or call (09) 574 1204

Skills & Experience: It goes without saying that you’ve got to enjoy working with people in this role – When overseeing staff and dealing with customers. You must also be able to demonstrate your previous experience within an Assistant Store Manager position, or experience at a supervisory level. Ideally you will have experience within the automotive industry, otherwise an interest for the automotive industry as we want to offer progression for the successful candidate. Most importantly, bring the right attitude – Work hard philosophy and a determination to grow within the Repco (and wider) business.

About Us: Repco is a brand well known within New Zealand and the go-to; for anything automotive. With a huge network of almost 100 stores across the country, we have an exciting Management role within our Wanganui store. What is in it for you? Not only will you be working within a great team and learning under great Repco Branch Manager, but we’re growing at the moment and there’s no sign of it stopping - There’s no better time to join us because the development opportunities are huge!

Send your CV to careers@repco.co.nz or call (09) 574 1204

PARTS ADVISOR - JOHNSONVILLE • Full time position with flexible hours on offer!

• Utilise your strong automotive knowledge & passion for the industry • Opportunity to progress, plus fantastic staff discounts

RETAIL ASSISTANT - ASHBURTON • Full time - Monday & Wednesday to Saturday OR • Part time - Sunday only • Start your automotive career with one of the best brands in the industry • Opportunity to progress, plus fantastic staff discounts The Role: At Repco we want to ensure that each customer has a great experience in store - As a Retail Assistant your key focus is to ensure this, from helping out the customer find the right product, processing the sale at the till, through to ensuring the shelves are adequately stocked and the store maintains its high standard of presentation.

About you: We need someone who enjoys dealing with people and ideally has an interest in automotive. If you have experience within a retail or customer service role that is a plus, but we are open to experience – Attitude is key to this role. You must be confident working in a retail/sales environment and dealing with a variety of customers, providing advice on our products. Your strong communication skills and excellent phone manner will be complimented by your teamfocused and can-do attitude.

The Role: As an Automotive Parts Specialist you will be delivering exceptional customer service over the counter and via phone to a number of key automotive trade clients. You will be dealing with experienced automotive trades people such as mechanics, panel beaters, automotive technicians and service people, therefore you will need a strong understanding of car parts and suppliers to hit the ground running in this busy environment. Specific duties include: • Providing friendly and accurate advice, predominately on hard part queries • Processing trade sales & organising delivery • Answering phone queries, and offering technical advice to ensure the right parts are received • Building strong, enduring relationships with our trade customers Skills & Experience: We need someone who has knowledge and passion for automotive. Given that you will be dealing with our Trade Customers you must have strong automotive parts knowledge, ideally coming from a mechanical or parts sales background. Customer service is a key part of this role with an aim to will build and maintain strong relationships with our valued customers, ensuring Repco is their first choice.

About Us: Repco is a well-known brand within the automotive industry – We are growing at the moment offering so much progression, so there’s no better to be part of our team. We offer a great opportunity to utilise your automotive knowledge and experience, but also a chance to work amongst a team of like-mind and passionate people.

Send your CV to careers@repco.co.nz or call (09) 574 1204

About us: Repco New Zealand are one of the most widely recognised names within the automotive industry, with a network of almost 100 stores across the country. Our people enjoy working as part of the team because we have fun in our roles and we are truly passionate about what we do! This is a great company to be a part of during a time of growth and a fantastic opportunity to learn and develop your skills.

Send your CV to careers@repco.co.nz or call (09) 574 1204

37

SALES COUNTER STAFF AUTOMOTIVE PARTS • Hamilton location About Us: Partmaster is a New Zealand owned Aftermarket Auto Parts Distributor that has been established for over 20 years and who represents an extremely strong brand portfolio. The company specialises in supplying car parts to retail and trade customers, with the core business being trade clients. The business has been built and continues to grow on exceptional service, quality parts, strong relationships and trust. We are looking for an energetic and customer focused retail sales assistant to join our team in Hamilton.

You will be responsible for: • Providing excellent customer service • Have an excellent telephone manner • Follow procedures as instructed • Effectively communicate with team members and team leaders • Maintain cleanliness of the store and front counter • Source and obtain parts for our clients from instore stock, as well as organising parts from our distribution centre in a timely manner.

• Nurture our existing customer base of retail and trade clients • Assist the branch manager and sales representatives by helping to grow the store sales by supporting their new business leads • Maintain proper and safe use of all equipment and tools • Operate POS register • Collect payment, make change, and handle exchanges • The above are general requirements for this position and if you require further information please contact us.

Our Ideal candidate: • Able to serve customers with professionalism and enthusiasm • Be a reliable team member • The ability to work on your feet all day

• Basic computer skills • Ability to perform basic math calculations.

• Is experienced in automotive parts or knows parts.

In return we offer: • A competitive rate • An environment to help you thrive and with lots of room to grow your career If you love selling, can build strong relationships, are hungry to earn and enjoy working with a wide variety of people, then we want to hear from you.

Send your CV to careers@partmaster.kiwi. Please note you must have the right to work in New Zealand.

SALES REP AUTOMOTIVE PARTS • Grey Lynn location About Us: Partmaster is a New Zealand owned Aftermarket Auto Parts Distributor that has been established for over 20 years and who represents an extremely strong brand portfolio. Partmaster is a trade specialist which has been built and continues to grow on exceptional service, strong relationships, and quality products. Partmaster Grey Lynn is currently looking for a highly motivated sales person, who has excellent relationship building skills and is not afraid of hard work. This role will give you the freedom to work autonomously as well as part of a team where you can determine your own success!

The Role: This role is responsible for generating new profitable business within the after market automotive parts industry, building relationships with new and current customers and identifying their needs and finding the best solutions for their business.

Key Responsibilities: • Visiting our trade customers and discussing their account needs • Responsible for locating new business opportunities for the company The ideal candidate for this role: • Has experience in automotive industry parts sales • A contagious & can-do attitude • A hunger for sales and prepared to go the extra mile

• Holds a full clean class 1 drivers licence • Good computer skills – full training on our system will be provided

SALES REP AUTOMOTIVE PARTS • Manukau location About Us: Partmaster is a New Zealand owned Aftermarket Auto Parts Distributor that has been established for over 20 years and who represents an extremely strong brand portfolio. Partmaster is a trade specialist which has been built and continues to grow on exceptional service, strong relationships, and quality products. Our Manukau Branch is currently looking for a highly motivated sales person, who has excellent relationship building skills and is not afraid of hard work. This role will give you the freedom to work autonomously as well as part of a team where you can determine your own success!

The Role: This role is responsible for generating new profitable business within the after market automotive parts industry, building relationships with new and current customers and identifying their needs and finding the best solutions for their business.

• Building lasting relationships with new and existing customers • Increase profitability

• Holds a full clean class 1 drivers licence • Good computer skills – full training on our system will be provided

What we can offer you: • A competitive salary, vehicle and mobile phone as part of the package • Great bonus structure • A family focused and incredibly successful environment to help you thrive and excel in your career • Outstanding company benefits Send your CV to careers@partmaster.kiwi. Please note you must have the right to work in New Zealand.

38

Auto Channel Issue #5 August 2018

ADVERT

Automotive workshops Parts importers and distributors Transmission specialists Automotive recyclers Panel beaters and painters Crash repairers

Send your CV to careers@partmaster.kiwi. Please note you must have the right to work in New Zealand.

The ideal candidate for this role: • Interested in the Automotive industry or keen to learn • A contagious & can-do attitude • A hunger for sales and prepared to go the extra mile

Auto Channel is the best way to reach the wider automotive industry. The publication is direct mailed to 10,455 New Zealand businesses in the following automotive sectors:

Towing operators • Building lasting relationships with new and existing customers • Increase profitability

What we can offer you: • A competitive salary with market leading bonus structure, vehicle and mobile phone as part of the package.

• A family focused and incredibly successful environment to help you thrive and excel in your career.

• Good company benefits • Great culture - we put people @Partmaster first!

Key Responsibilities: • Visiting our trade customers and discussing their account needs • Responsible for locating new business opportunities for the company

AUTO CHANNEL

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

Auto Channel Issue #6 distributed 4 Sep

Editorial: editor@autochannel.co.nz Advertising: Mike White mwhite@parkside.co.nz All other enquiries to: autochannel.co.nz Auto Channel is produced by the team at Parkside Media, publishers of NZ’s three biggest selling automotive magazines; NZV8, New Zealand Classic Car, and NZ Performance Car.

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