Auto Channel Issue 12

ISSUE 12 APRIL 2019

THE VOICE OF THE NEW ZEALAND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

AUTO CHANNEL

COVERING OVER 90% OF THE NEW ZEALAND CAR PARC BRAKE PADS THAT MATCH

OE QUALITY & DEPENDABILITY

A GOOD WEBSITE WILL ENCOURAGE CUSTOMERS TO VISIT YOUR WORKSHOP

Available from these sellers

THE INTERNET IS BIGGER THAN EVER AND IT IS THE NUMBER-ONE RESEARCH TOOL FOR CUSTOMERS TO FIND WHAT THEY WANT, WHEN THEY WANT

H

ow often do you use Google to find

that they didn’t already see, read, and experience on

businesses that are close to your

your website, other than the personal experience, and

location? The way customers use the

services being as good as you said they would be.

internet to find nearby businesses

It is also crucial for your website to make a great first

is huge, and if you don’t have a well-functioning

impression. Research suggests users take only 0.05

website that shows up on the internet, the chance

seconds to form an opinion about your website that

of customers knowing about your existence is slim,

determines whether they will stay or leave.

unless they physically see your store, or are referred

Ideally you want them to spend us much time on your

to you.

website as possible to hopefully convert them through

Your website is not only the face of your business but

to making an enquiry, or visiting your premises. With

also the first interaction with your workshop for any

well over 60% of searches being made on mobile, your

prospective customers who looked you up to learn

customers’ experience with your website on their

a little more about your business and the services

smartphone is an important component to consider. It

they may be interested in. A good website plays an

is critical to ensure that the users’ mobile experience is

important part of the process in the customer journey

simple, easy, and informative, so be sure to have a fully

that influences the probability of them coming to you

responsive website that is mobile-friendly and easy to

to get work done on their vehicle.

navigate.

It’s important to note that your customer shouldn’t

In this day, when such a large percentage of browsing

learn anything new when they visit your workshop,

is done online, your website is there to act as a credible

IN A BOCW W DER WORETLH OVER $3 SEE PAGE 000 8

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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Equipment Specialist Contacts: National Sales Manager

2 Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019 EQUIPMENT

National Technical & Training Manager

Kevin Odgers

027 279 1204

Bruce Francis

027 494 2802

National Diagnostics Sales Manager

Dean Guilford

027 643 1608

Equipment Spares

Scott Townsend

027 246 3640

Auckland North & Northland

Nigel Toa

027 475 2224

Auckland East & South

Dave Miller

027 492 8962

Waikato & Bay of Plenty

Alan Dadswell

027 282 3966

Lower North Island

Justin Mills

027 494 7186

South Island

Brent Grindley

027 216 9173

Dunedin South

Craig Everett

027 282 7423

Contents

From the Ed.

10 Making websites work for workshops

Cover / 4

How to tempt EVs into your workshop

7

OEX fixes OEM design problems

8

Light, efficient, patented mobile lift

10

Win the great American road trip with Honda

12

Sice — the big brand in tyre changers

20

MITO launches new EV qualification

21

New products

24

Choose live alignment error checking

26

The easiest way to win a welder

28

1000hp for 400mph

36

Situations vacant

44

The road to paradise

46

Scanning industry news and trends from overseas this month shows the industry is still very focused on the challenge of new technology in vehicles, either in electric propulsion, or in the realm of advanced driver assistance, or ADAS. In this issue Blackfern is encouraging workshops to get customers who also have EVs to bring them in too, and MITO is gearing up new qualifications to service this new fleet. We also look at how to keep the good guys in your business, in your business.

A common theme is that change creates opportunities so there is more to gain than to fear from the change and that car owners will want independent workshops to stay onboard with the demands of servicing and repairing their cars.

Others point to the opportunities to get into ADAS calibration as a new string to a workshop’s bow, as other workshops won’t have the inclination or space to do it themselves. And as moves to standardise these systems gather strength, it’s possible they will actually become easier to deal with. And these systems could move into the aftermarket space too, offering more sales and installation opportunities.

Still on the digital theme, our front page story features Motorcentral’s service geared to helping traditional workshops hang their billboard out on the internet. They know how to drive customers to your door, and how you can use Facebook or other platforms — without bucketloads training or effort — to show the human side of your business and your personality.

It looks like it’s all about technology, but really they are just the tools you can use to connect with customers so you can deliver great service face-toface.

Ian Parkes, Editor

36

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

Motorcentral website examples

ISSUE 12 APRIL 2019

reference to your business for those customers who

talk to a camera, build trust and familiarity with your

are visiting your website from their own research or

customers in the space where they are doing all of

referral from a friend.

their homework,” Mark says.

Your website should also act as a hub that everything points towards, from all forms of advertising through

Websites are a low-cost investment for the value they can offer your business and your prospective

THE VOICE OF THE NEW ZEALAND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

AUTO CHANNEL

COVERING OVER 90% OF THE NEW ZEALAND CAR PARC BRAKE PADS THAT MATCH

OE QUALITY & DEPENDABILITY

A GOOD WEBSITE WILL ENCOURAGE CUSTOMERS TO VISIT YOUR WORKSHOP

Available from these sellers

THE INTERNET IS BIGGER THAN EVER AND IT IS THE NUMBER-ONE RESEARCH TOOL FOR CUSTOMERS TO FIND WHAT THEY WANT, WHEN THEY WANT

H

ow often do you use Google to find

that they didn’t already see, read, and experience on

businesses that are close to your

your website, other than the personal experience, and

location? The way customers use the

services being as good as you said they would be.

internet to find nearby businesses

It is also crucial for your website to make a great first

is huge, and if you don’t have a well-functioning

E8

impression. Research suggests users take only 0.05

website that shows up on the internet, the chance

seconds to form an opinion about your website that

of customers knowing about your existence is slim,

determines whether they will stay or leave.

unless they physically see your store, or are referred

Ideally you want them to spend us much time on your

to you.

website as possible to hopefully convert them through

Your website is not only the face of your business but

to making an enquiry, or visiting your premises. With

also the first interaction with your workshop for any

well over 60% of searches being made on mobile, your

prospective customers who looked you up to learn

N BOCWI WE A ER WORTLD H OVER $30 SEE PAG 00

customers’ experience with your website on their

a little more about your business and the services

smartphone is an important component to consider. It

they may be interested in. A good website plays an

is critical to ensure that the users’ mobile experience is

important part of the process in the customer journey

simple, easy, and informative, so be sure to have a fully

that influences the probability of them coming to you

responsive website that is mobile-friendly and easy to

to get work done on their vehicle.

navigate.

It’s important to note that your customer shouldn’t

In this day, when such a large percentage of browsing

learn anything new when they visit your workshop,

is done online, your website is there to act as a credible

to customer-relationship management components.

customer. It’s the online face of your workshop, it’s

Whichever online mediums your customer interacts

open 24/7 and is there for many years to come with

with your business on, they all need to transition the

renovations and upgrades along the way.

customer to your website.

They will continue to play an even bigger role for

A good website should do as much of the sales

businesses as technology continues to evolve. The

process as possible, as if you are face-to-face with the

team at Motorcentral continues to develop and

visitor. It is the opportunity to deliver an experience to

deliver websites with features and functionality that

your customers, present to them the different services

are viewed by many as unparalleled in value in New

you offer, and create an easy path for them to engage

Zealand.

with your workshop, make an enquiry, or simply to

“Our team understands workshops, their customers,

book their vehicle in.

and the needs of both. Regardless of who your website

Delivering a good website experience increases the

is built by, just ensure it portrays your workshop,

probability of them choosing your workshop for

your people and your vehicles online in a way that’s

check-ups and repairs. Giving them a bad, uninformed

consistent with the experience on the ground,” says

or mobile-unfriendly experience is actually giving them

Mark.

reasons not to do business with you. Worse still, is not

If you want to learn more about Motorcentral’s

PHOTOGRAPHER Adam Croy

having a website at all. That means you are completely

websites, phone our team on 0800 623 687 or email

invisible online where the majority of consumers look

workshopsolutions@motorcentral.co.nz.

MEDIA SALES Mike White, michael.white@parkside.co.nz

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

ONE STEP PERMANENT

COOLANT LEAK REPAIR

NO DRAINING/NO ADVERT FLUSHING SEALS HOLES/CRACKS – JUST POUR & GO KSEAL.COM

1

AUTO CHANNEL IS DISTRIBUTED TO 11,306 NEW ZEALAND BUSINESSES

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

AUTO

CHANNEL

EDITOR Ian Parkes, editor@autochannel.co.nz DESIGNER Danielle Williams

CONTENT MANAGER Helen Adams-Blackburn

for where to go.

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Danielle Williams

Motorcentral provides websites and other online

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Renae Fisher

tools geared to the needs of the motor industry.

AUTO CHANNEL IS PUBLISHED BY

Motorcentral General Manager Mark Greenfield says

ADVERT

while the tools have changed people are still applying the same judgement to their selection process.

Pre-internet, customers would rely on a

PUBLISHER

recommendation from a friend about where to take

Greg Vincent, greg.vincent@parkside.co.nz

BUSINESS DIRECTOR

their vehicle to get repairs, or rely on Yellow Pages

Michael White, michael.white@parkside.co.nz

ads to find workshops that looked right for them.

GENERAL MANAGER

Today, friend recommendations still stand, but the

Simon Holloway, simon.holloway@parkside.co.nz

Yellow Pages has been replaced with the ever-growing

DATA ANALYST Isobel Woudberg PRINTING PMP Maxum

internet. Customers have the tools to view workshops in a matter of seconds, with 24/7 access.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS

Therefore, your business needs to be conveyed online, as best you can in a short space of time. This doesn’t apply just to your website; it applies across everything you do and all advertising material you are presenting.

“I cannot stress enough how much the human element needs to be presented online more than what it is today in many businesses. Show your face,

4

Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

Mark Greenfield, General Manager Motorcentral

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 2019 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.

5

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Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

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Blackfern and YHI partner to help workshops tune up their service to EVs BLACKFERN COOPERATIVE ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP, OFFERING WORKSHOPS EV-SPECIFIC SERVICES THAT WILL BRING CUSTOMERS’ ELECTRIC VEHICLES INTO THE FOLD

When cooling is critical, tap into experience SIZE COUNTS IN THE RADIATOR BUSINESS BUT EXPERIENCE COUNTS FOR MORE

F

M

ore than 13,000 electric vehicles (EVs) are already whispering along New Zealand’s roads meaning we could be on track to achieving the government target of 64,00 by 2021.

Blackfern Cooperative’s Roger Castleton is noticing workshops pivoting towards these vehicles, installing appropriate scanners and other EV gear.

It’s a smart move.

Roger notes that most families have two or more vehicles. It’s unlikely that both will be EVs yet, so he says workshops should take this opportunity to wrap those customers’ EVs into their relationship.

EVs still need traditional underbody servicing for things like suspension, brakes, and tyres.

Roger says a progressive move would be buying and installing an EV charging station so that workshops can top up EV batteries while servicing the car — or even while owners are running

errands in the neighbourhood.

New Blackfern partner YHI and Blackfern have come together to offer a special introductory rate for an EV charger which Blackfern will fund with a 3-month interest free loan. Terms and conditions apply.

To offset the additional power consumption from charging electric vehicles, YHI can provide high spec solar panels, inverters and batteries at wholesale rates which will reduce power costs and eventually pay for themselves. Installing solar power will also boost a workshop’s sustainability and provide an opportunity to market some green credentials.

To find out more, call YHI on 0800 99 33 44, and you could collect another bonus. Just picking up the phone and talking to YHI during April will also put Blackfern members into the draw for 10,000 Blackfern rewards points.

enix Radiators stocks more than 1000 part numbers and is always adding to its inventory to cater for the new vehicle fleet.

It matches its inventory with experience.

Adrian Andrew has been part of Fenix and the radiator industry for 14 years and owner for nearly four years. “Manufacturers are always changing very minor things,” says Adrian. “That’s where the experience comes in.” He says the staff of seven has years of experience and even the newest member of staff has been there for over two years. Fenix is a foundation supplier of the Blackfern cooperative and Fenix’s price, range and speed keep them top of mind. “You can order something at 4.30pm and have it at the bottom of the South Island the next morning,” Adrian says. And naturally, Blackfern member customers score Blackfern points.

Fenix covers all aspects of the cooling systems — radiators, expansion bottles, hoses and thermostats, intercoolers and performance parts. As motorsport fans and sponsors of Gaz Whiter’s 800hp D1NZ S14 Silvia drift car, they appreciate nothing more than someone with a performance car project looking to tap into their expertise. “We love solving cooling problems,” says Adrian. For more information, contact the Fenix team on 0800 757 333 or see fenixcooling.co.nz for their up-to-date catalogue.

Keeping the cogs whirring under pressure EXEDY LAUNCHES COOLMASTER TRANSMISSION COOLER FOR HOT OFFROAD 4WDS

E

xedy has designed and launched a transmission cooler aimed at transmissions dealing with increased load from power upgrades, towing or heavy off-road use.

Exedy’s research noted the increases in more complex multi-speed transmissions and performance upgrades for both petrol and diesel 4WD vehicles; and that owners of modified 4WDs were wanting extra transmission cooling to complement their greater engine performance.

“Modern, multi-speed transmissions have to contend with higher operating temperatures due to increased vehicle loads, towing capacities and the rigours of serious four-wheel-driving,” said Exedy product manager Mark Davis. “When combined, these factors quickly highlight the inadequacies of OEM cooling systems.” And that translates into faster wear and shorter transmission life, he added.

The team set about addressing this gap in the market by developing a new transmission cooling system

designed to work with or replace original components, depending on vehicle type.

Mounting brackets were designed and prototype coolers were fitted to a fleet of test vehicles to find the best airflow and ease of installation. Then they were put through intensive off-road trials in Australia

to test cooling performance, clearance and the rigidity of the mounting brackets.

Exedy products are available through authorised distributors. To find out more about the Exedy Coolmaster Offroad transmission cooler and to locate an Exedy authorised distributor, see exedy.co.nz.

7

Driven by innovation

OEX KNOWS THE AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND AUTOMOTIVE LANDSCAPE, REGULARLY SOURCING PARTS FOR NEW CARS OR DRIVING INNOVATION WITH MANUFACTURING PARTNERS

A

replacement, the same mistake could happen again.

switches. OEX also carries condensers and radiators.

OEX has built its reputation in developing

OEX developed replacement alternators with simple

Phil says OEX’s catalogue continues to grow to meet the

a range of innovations and fixes for some

screw adjustments that would function in either

needs of the Australasian car parc, which is one of the

of New Zealand and Australia’s most

regulator mode, in both the regular and high output

most diverse in the world.

popular vehicles. Its modifications, developed in

formats. They came up with a similar solution for starter

Phil also says OEX works directly with industry,

association with OEMs, have overcome known issues

motors for the Toyota D4D 3.0L engine in the Prado,

providing training for new and experienced automotive

helping customers prevent failures, reduce inventory

Hilux and Hiace. The starter motors were mechanically

technicians on specialist air conditioning products. The

and avoid repeated mistakes with replacement parts.

identical but had different switch terminals. OEX

courses are dedicated to covering the full spectrum

Its New Zealand research team provides input to

developed a version of the starter motor with a patented

of air conditioning diagnostic systems for a range of

OEX’s Brisbane-based engineers who work closely

terminal that could accept all of the relevant connectors,

applications. The full range of OEX products are available

with leading automotive electrical specialists and OE

creating one replacement starter that would fit all three

from Ashdown-Ingram and leading trade specialists. For

manufacturers. They develop fixes for products where

applications.

more information on OEX innovations, training courses

issues have emerged in the marketplace caused by

OEX and its manufacturing partners are ISO 9001

or product range, see oex.co.nz.

environmental factors or initial product development

certified, ensuring its new products meet set criteria

oversights.

through a series of stringent in-house product tests,

Their most popular innovation resolved recurring

which are designed to keep customers on the road, site

problems with both regular and high-output alternators

or water in real-world conditions.

on 4.2L 79, 80, and 100 series Land Cruisers. The fact

The leading OEX distributor in New Zealand is Ashdown-

that there were two identical-looking but different

Ingram. Ashdown-Ingram’s Phil Hughes says, alongside

replacement alternators both in regular and high-output

the products developed in-house, OEX supplies

models caused repeated failures. The two versions for

other replacement alternators, starter motors and air

each alternator had different regulator functions. The

conditioning components, as well as the full range of

only fix was to replace the wrong alternator with the

auto electrical ancillaries including cables, connectors,

right one but, as the failure could be put down to a dud

condensers, fuses and terminals, bulbs, LED lighting and

W

IN !

ustralian-based auto electrical specialist

Ashdown-Ingram New Zealand General Manager Phil Hughes

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AUTO

CHANNEL

8

Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

9

Automaster gives the South Island a lift DEDICATED SOUTH ISLAND EQUIPMENT SALES SPECIALIST APPOINTED TO AUTOMASTER CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH

B

ryan Atkins is adding 20 years of automotive development experience to the Automaster’s Christchurch branch as their South Island equipment sales specialist. Brian has OEM experience with Land Rover and BMW and extensive experience in the industrial tyre industry in Christchurch and surrounding areas. Bryan’s appointment is also supporting Automaster’s developing partnership with MAHA, a leading brand in automotive servicing equipment. MAHA produces German-designed hoists and vehicle testing equipment. The company made its name with the invention of rolling-road-

type brake testing equipment. Automaster has the agency for two of MAHA’s market leading vehicle lifts in New Zealand — the technically-advanced heavy vehicle 7.5T mobile column lift, and the two-column 3.5T MAPOWER II 35. The mobile lift columns have a unique, slender yet solid H-beam construction, and the lack of hydraulics or chains makes them light and easy to manoeurvre. They feature MAHA’s own-design, highly efficient stainless steel recirculating ballrace worm drives, which allow for millimetre adjustments with no need to lower onto safety locks. Unlike acme-type screws, the ballrace’s low friction design is almost maintenance

free. With virtually no energy lost to friction or heat, the lifts operate at more than 90 per cent efficiency. The ball races have a five-year warranty and a life expectancy of more than 20 years. As well as preserving workshop flexibility or making use of outside space the four-pillar, wireless mobile lift system can adapt easily to almost any vehicle dimensions in its weight range.

MAHA’s lifts do away with hydraulics and the risk of a rising cylinder damaging vehicles, and they don’t rely on chains. The electromechanical motors also have a failsafe lock, and a simple slow release in the event of a power failure. Every column is built with additional safety features that go beyond certification requirements. Redundant safety systems include wedge locks — the same locking device used on elevators — and industrial strength emergency brakes.

The MAPOWER II lift is a premium product that has a vast range of OEM approvals, and intelligent design that eliminates the need for a base frame or cross bar.

It has a bottom clearance height of less than 100mm across the entire support arm area; a lifting height in excess of 2m, and built-in ambient support lighting.

A space-saving control unit integrated in the lifting column features a robust membrane keypad with large buttons and 16-symbol display. It also has internet connectivity for integration with advanced servicing systems. For more information, South Island customers can take the opportunity to contact Bryan on 0223618064 or bryan@automaster.co.nz, or call Automaster on 0800 214 604, or see automaster.co.nz.

Hayman Reese’s new X-Bar sets a new bar for off-road towbars GIVEN THREE WISHES, THIS TOWBAR COULD BE THE OFFROADERS’ TOWBAR OF THEIR DREAMS

M

erging over 65 years of towbar expertise with tough 4×4 design, Hayman Reese has released its latest innovation in towbars, the X-Bar. While the X-Bar is clearly heavy duty kit, the ‘X’ doesn’t refer to any kind of trick bracing or construction. It indicates this bar is tightly focused on cross-country use for serious off-roaders. Hayman Reese designed the bar to meet off-roaders’ top three needs. It is the first towbar to come with three recovery attachment points. The two outboard points are rated to four tonnes while the central recovery point is rated to eight tonnes. That gives off-roaders plenty of scope for recovering their own or other vehicles along with meeting their towing needs. While tow balls have been used in vehicle recovery operations before now, they are simply not safe for attaching strops, especially for any snatch-type manoeuvres. Closed towing eyes, as fitted to the X-Bar, and shackles are much safer. The new design is also focused on improved ground clearance. The Hayman Reese hitch receiver is positioned 100mm higher than a standard towbar. A heavy duty cast towball tongue

10

Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

takes the towball down to a standard height for normal towing. If a touch down does occur when crossing rough terrain, an integrated bash plate helps the bar ride over possible snags, and keeps wiring safe and out of the way. The X-Bar also locates its dual plug points in between the top plate and bash plate, keeping them free from damage. The X-Bar is designed specifically for cab-chassis vehicles with different models engineered for 12 of the most

popular four-wheel-drive utes on the market.

The X-Bar comes standard with MetalShield™, twostage paint protection as standard, SmartClick™ vehicle specific wiring solutions and bolt bag. It comes with a 50mm towball and a 1 7/8” towball is available as an option. The X-Bar is priced from $1667.50 RRP (plus fitting and wiring) and is available now at Hayman Reese stockists around New Zealand.

See x-bar.co.nz.

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info@automaster.co.nz nz

Win the great American road trip HONDA NEW ZEALAND’S LATEST SPARES PROMOTION CUTS RIGHT TO THE CHASE FOR THE INDUSTRY’S MOTORSPORT FANS

The magic ingredient: nitrogen IF DEALERS COULD SPRINKLE A LITTLE FAIRY DUST THAT WOULD BRING THEIR CUSTOMERS INTO THEIR SERVICE CENTRES MORE OFTEN, THEY WOULD PROBABLY DO IT

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ell, the fairy dust that turns rare workshop visitors into willing frequent visitors is already in the air. It’s nitrogen. For it to work it’s magic, service centres simply

have to put it in customers’ tyres. Nitrogen has many advantages for ordinary motorists. As race car drivers know it’s much more stable than air at high temperatures, which allows tyres to perform better in extreme conditions, but the main benefit for ordinary passenger vehicles is extended tyre life, up to 30 per cent more, and better fuel economy. Nitrogen leaks out of tyres more slowly than the

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hat would be better? Attending the final round of the 2019 Indycar series, or picking up a Winnebago in San Francisco and driving there yourself? Honda New Zealand is offering you five chances to do both this month. It’s an exclusive offer for trade customers; purchase any genuine Honda parts and collect scratch and win tickets that could see you and a lucky partner flying off to spectacular San Francisco in September for a week in your own RV. Five of the mighty six-berth, 9.1m-long Winnebago US Wanderers are ready and waiting. The five lucky

winners and partners will take in a baseball game in San Francisco, then drive south through San Jose to the Laguna Seca raceway for the final round on the Indycar Series on September 21 and 22.

Will they witness New Zealand’s favourite Indycar legend, Scott Dixon, wrap up a sixth series? He already has the most Indycar wins since the series was reunited in 2008 but currently lies third on the all-time list behind Mario Andretti and AJ Foyt. Scott Dixon is a Honda ambassador and other scratch cards will score instant prizes of Scott Dixon merchandise.

Honda arranges these excursions to give back to the industry and so far has sent more than 50 trade customers away to world motorsport events. Right now, winners of the last promotion are gearing up to fly to China for the Shanghai Formula One Grand Prix (April 14). Previous groups have gone to Australia, Singapore and Japan, including visits to Honda’s own track, Twin Ring Motegi, for the Japanese MotoGP. Purchase parts between late April and July inclusive to win or keep an eye on parts. Visit honda.co.nz for more details.

NGK offers glow of satisfaction WINTER IS COMING. IT’S TIME TO BE ON THE LOOK-OUT FOR SIGNS OF POOR GLOW-PLUG PERFORMANCE

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hen it comes to replacement of glow plugs, NGK has the field covered. Repco and Appco have more than 140 NGK Glow Plugs available nationwide.

Modern ceramic glow plugs have distinct advantages over their metal-tipped counterparts, as they can heat to 1000 degrees Celcius in one second. That significantly reduces the recommended glow time of 20 seconds in older engines and offers a much more petrol-enginelike starting procedure.

They also offer a ‘post-glow’ temperature of 1350 degrees Celcius which improves emissions.

These very different performance parameters mean metal and ceramic glow plugs are not

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Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

interchangeable. Metal glow plugs should not be used where ceramic glow plugs are specified, and vice versa.

NGK is one of the few manufacturers of ceramic glow plugs and is the only manufacturer of pure ceramic glow plugs, which have ceramic conductors encased in ceramic insulators.

Other brands offer ceramic plugs that simply have a ceramic insulator around a metal conductor.

Metal and ceramic have different expansion and contraction rates inducing stress. Some may not even withstand the expected operating conditions in the high temperature, high compression diesel environment, resulting in premature failure.

For genuine NGK Glow Plugs, contact your Repco or Appco NGK stockist.

oxygen in air, which means tyres maintain their shape and incur less wear. And because owners with nitrogen-filled tyres are aware that they can’t get nitrogen everywhere — and more aware of their tyre maintenance in general — they are more likely to make a point of going to a service centre to get it. Especially when NitroFill sends members of the NitroFill Drivers Club a reminder every month. NitroFill general manager John Murray says complementary benefits to motorists include full road hazard warranty cover for their tyres, emergency towing and the full suite of roadside assistance benefits through a third party contractor, so it’s an attractive deal. Offering membership to customers through a dealership or service centre is a powerful customer retention tool for workshops. “It brings customers back through the door much more regularly than they would on the extended service schedules that apply these days,” says John. “It’s a great way to build a relationship. ”NitroFill supplies nitrogen generators that extract nitrogen from air, and supplies it free of charge to service centres that join the programme. However, the equipment is also available for rent or purchase. For more information, call 0800 NITROGEN, or 09 523 1310.

How to install shock absorbers free from distortion ZF AFTERMARKET, WHICH KNOWS A THING OR TWO ABOUT SHOCK ABSORBERS, OFFERS TIPS ON SHOCK ABSORBER CHECKS AND CHANGES

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hen a vehicle’s shocks or dampers need to be changed, it’s essential for the part to be installed free of distortion.

Improper assembly can lead to warping, resulting in a reduction in service life of shock absorbers, as well as serious component damage.

For best practice, ZF Aftermarket has some tips on what to pay attention to during inspection and installation of shock absorbers, explains the causes of problems as well as effects on the chassis component technology, and suggests preventative actions.

According to ZF Aftermarket, there are two main reasons for shock absorber distortion. Firstly, the shock absorbers’ mounting points are displaced, meaning they are no longer flush. This can also cause the piston rod to bend. Secondly, a lack of care during installation.

A shock absorber installed with a distortion could affect the vehicle’s performance. When a drop in performance is reported, workshops should check for worn-down seals.

Due to the distortion, one side of the chromium plating on the piston rod surface will press against the guide and sealing unit with each stroke, ultimately wearing through. This results in strong wear on the seals and piston rod guide, mostly ending in a loss of oil and performance of the shock absorber.

To prevent distortions and defects, workshops should not tighten the shock absorbers when the axle is suspended. Only tighten them when the vehicle stands on its wheels, or when the wheels are pressed upwards with tools such as hydraulic jacks.

If shocks are installed under tension or a fastening nut is tightened too firmly, the pin joint can tear out.

To prevent this, and overall material overexpansion due to excessive tightening torques, always ensure that impact wrenches are not used when performing this work and that the specified tightening torque is observed.

Safety can be severely compromise on vehicles with either worn or defective shock absorbers.

A vehicle’s stopping distances become longer if the contact with the road is no longer optimal. Many electronic advanced driver assistance systems, such as ESP and ABS, require good contact between the wheels and the road to function properly.

The more electronic safety systems installed in the car, the more the performance of the shock absorbers comes into play.

Short stopping distances are only possible with functional shock absorbers, as defective shocks will reduce the brake force due to insufficient traction.

Depending on speed, vehicle systems and road surfaces, the stopping distance can increase by up to 20 per cent, which can be as far as six metres for

speeds up to 80 kilometres an hour.

If the shock absorbers no longer prevent the car body from pitching and vibrating, it becomes more difficult to control the vehicle during evasive manoeuvers, cornering becomes unstable and the car is prone to aquaplaning.

Furthermore, worn shock absorbers will adversely affect other components in the vehicle, exposing tyre and chassis parts, such tie rod ends and steering devices, to greater wear.

An oil leak is a clear indication of a defective shock absorber but the shock absorber may be defective even if no oil spills are visible. A professional inspection is therefore essential.

If a customer’s vehicle does present with worn or defective shocks, below are some communication tips we recommend: • Simply state the issue with the vehicle as a technical expert • Reiterate to the customer the safety concerns that can arise from faulty or worn shock absorbers • Be consistent. If you recommended at the last service that something should be replaced, make sure you note it again.

• When they book the car in, remind them that the shocks may need replacing.

• It may take another couple of services until the customer is ready to have shocks replaced.

Available through ZF Aftermarket, Sachs shock absorbers distinguish themselves through original equipment quality and innovative technology.

They provide performance and dynamics, ensuring perfect road grip and cornering behaviour, no matter what challenges the road presents.

For more detailed information, go to zf.com/sachs.

For more installation tips, go to zf.com.

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Forward collision warning — ADAS systems offer new aftermarket opportunity ADAPT TO AN ADAS FUTURE OFFERING CALIBRATION FOR YOUR OWN OR OTHER WORKSHOPS

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his technology drive has been heading our way for nearly 20 years but we are getting close to crunch time for workshops. There is now no avoiding advanced driver assistance systems, or ADAS. The decision is what to do about it.

Forward collision warning systems appeared as early as 2001 as options in high-end models and developed into adaptive cruise control and emergency braking. By 2008 ADAS features had spread to 18 manufacturers.

ADAS is the catch-all phrase to describe all those systems that help keep vehicles safe on the roads — blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control and emergency braking are just the tip of the iceberg. Now the American Automobile Association reports at least one ADAS feature on nearly 93 percent of all new vehicles sold in the US, and drivers, the people they are supposed to help, are getting blindsided.

The morass of manufacturer specific names for similar functions and names is confusing consumers There are apparently 40 separate designations for automatic emergency braking systems and 20 names for adaptive cruise control and assorted camera applications. So it’s no wonder customers have little idea of what they can and can’t do, and that’s where mistakes can be made. Blind spot monitoring systems can identify other vehicles travelling in a blind spot but will likely not warn of fast-approaching vehicles, or the presence of bicycles. The AAA is calling for standardisation of system names and clarification of what they do. But to make the most of these systems, they also point to the need to educate drivers and give them a solid understanding of their capabilities and limitations. And that could be another business opportunity.

Meanwhile the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers

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Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

Association is also pressing for cross-industry collaboration on standardizing ADAS procedures, terminology, training and certification. So it’s an evolving field — and where there is change, there is opportunity. But whether you’re prepared to be an early adopter or someone taking a wait-and-see posture, you’re going to be affected.

So what is ADAS? Depending on the car it’s an ecosystem of cameras, radars, laser assisted radar (LIDAR) and ultrasonic sensors (similar to SONAR) that feeds information into on-board computers, which also take into account other inputs like speed, throttle, braking and steering angle.

Adaptive cruise control usually uses both a forwardfacing camera and a radar or LIDAR system. The forward-looking radar will see an object in front of the vehicle, but it needs the camera to identify what the object is. Is it a plastic bag or a small child?

The challenge for the workshops is ensuring these sensors are kept in calibration and it’s all too easy to disturb them unintentionally.

Say you have to change a damaged air conditioning condenser behind a radiator. That might involve

removing the forward range radar module. Easy.

You reinstall it but then you see the instructions for recalibrating it. Some ‘dynamic’ modules will set themselves up automatically but you might have to drive the vehicle for half an hour in a specific range of conditions until it has acquired all the necessary reference targets. And if you change a windscreen, or a wing mirror you might have to set up camera targets and run tests in accordance with OEM instructions.

These are additional costs to the driving public, and a business opportunity for the aftermarket, but there’s an entry fee. Many of the calibration procedures require specific targeting systems.

More systems with multiple vehicle coverage are being developed but, as with any other investment, you should assess the pros and cons, and timing, carefully. Ask yourself how many vehicles you’re seeing regularly that have ADAS features on them and what service you can offer to grow the business.

The other big issue is the problem of space. The average space required for proper calibrations is about nearly 10m long by 15m wide. And that means empty space. If you are doing a calibration, you don’t want the system to lock onto something like a hoist in the same area. Some vehicles with 360-degree camera systems require much larger spaces. And sometimes calibration can’t be done outside, due to sun effects.

If you have or can access space you are in a good position to offer services to nearby workshops nearby shops that have the space, resources or inclination to do these tests. Panel-beaters or collision shops are another immediate potential customer, as many of them sub-let these services and are eagerly looking for providers to perform these calibrations.

So opportunities are opening up in education and training for installers, repairers and motorists, and specialisation in this field.

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Car News

Survey reveals parking dent fibbers ALMOST ONE IN FIVE BRITS WOULD NOT LEAVE THEIR CONTACT DETAILS IF THEY DENTED ANOTHER CAR WHEN PARKING AND NO ONE ELSE HAD SEEN THEM

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s it because of, or despite the fact, that failing to stop is an offence under the Road Traffic Act, however minor an accident that one in five Brits will ignore parking dents? UK motorists also are obliged to give their name and address to anyone else involved, as well as passing on details to insurance companies.

Harrison Woods, managing director at online parking portal YourParkingSpace.co.uk, which carried out the survey, said: “It would seem there are a significant number of motorists prepared to flout motoring etiquette by not leaving their contact details if they hit another car when parking and had not been spotted.

“Not only is this a motoring offence, it is also very inconvenient for the other motorist who, through no fault of their own, could have to pay to fix the damage to their vehicle.”

The survey also showed that 1-in-10 motorists have actually dented another car when parking and

that more than a third of Brits claim to have seen someone else denting another vehicle.

Meanwhile, the good news is that the majority of Brits would intervene if they saw someone else denting another car when parking as just over half

said they would be willing to step in.

“The UK’s roads must be littered with dented cars given the results from our survey, meaning many millions of motorists need to practice their parking skills,” Harrison said

Are video games turning teens into dangerous drivers?

HALF OF ALL DRIVERS (47 PER CENT) BELIEVE THAT DRIVING GAMES ARE GIVING YOUNGSTERS THE WRONG IMPRESSION OF DRIVING

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study by UK driver training company Young Driver, asked 1000 drivers what impact they felt computer games, films and TV programmes have on teens getting behind the wheel. Forty per cent said they felt video games made bad driving look cool, with a third (33 per cent) saying they also felt TV programmes and films had the same effect.

The survey revealed that more than one in three drivers (39 per cent) felt films and TV shows rarely show the consequences of driving dangerously or too fast, with 29 per cent saying they thought teens’ attitudes to driving were negatively influenced by films such as The Fast and the Furious.

Young Driver found that the figure rose with drivers aged 18-24, who would have most recently passed

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Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

their test, where 58 per cent felt motoring on screens contributed to teens thinking driving was much easier than it really is.

When parents were asked if they believed that driving video games gave youngsters an opportunity to drive recklessly in a safe way, only one in 10 (11 per cent) agreed it was a good way of ‘getting it out of their system’.

Even more experienced drivers are not immune with one in 10 (nine per cent) admitting seeing a cool car stunt on the screen makes you think how great it would be to give it a try — rising to 22 percent of 18-24s.

Teen expert Nicola Morgan is an award-winning author and international speaker, specialising in writing for and about adolescent development,

performance and wellbeing, and wrote the book ‘Blame My Brain’. She has been working with Young Driver to help them understand teenage minds better.

She explains: “Teenage brains are still developing and that continues well into the twenties. The last area to develop is the prefrontal cortex, which is the brain’s control centre, necessary for tasks such as selfcontrol, decision-making, risk analysis and saying no.

So, at 17 years old, teens do not generally have a fully developed control centre to help them make good decisions and control their emotional urges, including risk-taking. If they have a risk-taking mindset, they may put thrill before safety. And even if they don’t mean to, they may be more driven by excitement than reason.”

TV motoring presenter Quentin Willson added: “We don't know the effects that games like GTA and Need for Speed have on teen attitudes to road safety simply because the research hasn’t been done yet.

But at Young Driver we see every day that if you catch pre-teen kids who haven’t yet been corroded by the glorification of bad driving in films, on TV and through gaming, they’re much more receptive to road safety messages.” Research shows that those who have early driver tuition are half as likely to have an accident within the first six-months after passing their test. One in five drivers in the UK will typically crash in those important first few months. Young Driver has given more than 600,000 driving lessons to 10-17 year olds, which take place on specially created road systems at private venues, with traffic lights, junctions and roundabouts to negotiate.

Ford looks around corners to save fuel FORD ECOGUIDE HELPS SAVE FUEL BY SHOWING WHEN TO SLOW DOWN AT JUNCTIONS, SPEED LIMITS AND HILLS

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any drivers know that they can save on fuel by laying off the accelerator pedal. Now, Ford is introducing commercial vehicle-first technology that helps drivers economise further by letting them know when to slow down in good time to avoid hard braking, based on what lies ahead, and

even out of sight.

Ford’s EcoGuide technology uses the vehicle sat-nav to anticipate future driving situations that help inform the most fuel-efficient way to drive. It analyses driving behaviour and offers feedback via the instrument cluster to help achieve the optimum efficiency for the road conditions ahead.

“Everyone has experienced occasions when we have to brake suddenly if a bend is tighter than expected, only to speed up again afterwards. EcoGuide will help avoid this, saving drivers fuel, time and stress,” said Michael McDonagh, Transit global chief programme engineer, Ford of Europe.

Ford will first introduce EcoGuide to the new Transit, Transit Custom van and Tourneo Custom people mover in the UK from mid-2019.

“Driving smoothly and assessing the road ahead as

much as possible to avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration can improve your fuel consumption by as much as 12 per cent,” said Rebecca Ashton, Head of Policy and Research for U.K. road safety organisation IAM RoadSmart, which runs ecodriving training courses approved by the Energy Saving Trust.

EcoGuide helps customers drive more smoothly by using information from Ford satellite navigation prompting the driver to decelerate, while the vehicle’s gear shift indicator advises the ideal gear, using icons in the instrument cluster, to avoid unnecessary braking or acceleration.

In addition, EcoGuide can provide drivers with feedback on their driving efficiency via a halo effect around the digital speed read-out, based on analysis of acceleration, braking, cruising and gearshift patterns. The halo expands as the driver adopts more efficient driving habits, and a report can be viewed at the end of each trip.

New McLaren wins for new owner THE MCLAREN 720S GT3 SCORED POLE POSITION AND A MEMORABLE VICTORY ON ITS FIRST EVER RACE IN CUSTOMER HANDS

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he McLaren 720S GT3 took both honours at the opening round of the Australian GT Championship at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, Australia. Newly-launched McLaren customer team 59Racing enjoyed strong results in both the GT3 and GT4 categories, racing as part of the support package for the opening round of the 2019 Formula 1 World Championship.

The 570S GT4 of customer team Motorsports In Action also performed well in the United States to secure a podium finish, and now leads the Michelin Pilot Challenge.

The 720S GT3 made its customer team debut at the

iconic Melbourne street circuit driven by Australian GT regular Fraser Ross. The experience of the Melbourne local, combined with the strengths of the newly-developed 720S GT3, were evident over a one-lap sprint as he claimed P2 in the first qualifying session and topping the timesheets during the second qualifying session to secure the first ever pole position for the car.

The first of the weekend’s racing action saw Ross in a three-way battle for the lead throughout the opening laps of the 25-minute sprint race. A bold move in the latter stages of the race saw Ross take the lead and then gradually extend the gap, eventually crossing

the line with a 2.2 second lead to record the historic debut victory for the team and for the McLaren 720S GT3. Building on this success, the second race saw further silverware as Ross steered the 720S GT3 to a hard-fought P2 finish, and his second podium of the weekend.

The 570S GT4 of 59Racing also enjoyed a strong weekend, driven by Ryan Simpson. Making his first ever race start in a McLaren, Simpson narrowly missed out on GT4 class victory in the opening race, crossing the line in second. From here, the 31-year old went on to improve this result with three victories in the remaining races of the weekend.

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New Cars

Nissan Leaf

The second generation Nissan Leaf, the world’s best-selling electric vehicle, has picked up another accolade, being named 2019 Canadian Green Car of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.

The second generation Nissan Leaf, the world’s best-

structure of the 40kW/h laminated lithium-ion battery

will bring the car to a halt, if necessary. But more

selling electric vehicle, has picked up another accolade,

cells has been improved, representing a 67 percent

specifically electric car is an ‘e-pedal’ regenerative

being named 2019 Canadian Green Car of the Year by

increase in energy density versus the original 24kW/h

braking system system that offers 0.2g deceleration

the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.

2010 Leaf.

when you lift off, which can actually stop the car. It

It was named 2018 World Green Car of the Year at

The car retains the chassis from the old model

apparently makes the middle pedal virtually redundant

the New York International Auto Show. New Zealand

and its new skin and interior are less quirky than its

around town.

drivers will be able to buy this version of Leaf new

predecessor, no doubt reflecting Nissan’s confidence

While this car is more a step forward than the game-

in New Zealand but delivery dates have yet to be

that the car will be more mainstream. There’s good

changer its predecessor was, Nissan is still years ahead

announced. New car supplies of the previous model

reason for that confidence. As of March 5, 2019, the

of Tesla, despite all the hoo-haa about that brand, in

dried up for New Zealand for several years after it

Nissan Leaf became the first electric car in history to

terms of delivering a practical electric car for those

failed to sell in Australia, because Nissan linked the two

exceed 400,000 sales globally.

with less than $100,000 to spend. It is also more than

markets. Actual New Zealanders had to rely solely on

The new car naturally features new electronic aids,

$10,000 cheaper than the BMW’s electric i3 and it has

second-hand imports.

including Nissan’s already excellent 360 degree

greater range.

Kiwi prices have not been announced yet either but this

camera coverage, and blind-spot monitoring, object

Nissan bore the brunt of criticism for first-mover issues

model sells in Australia for A$50,000. The new version

recognition and self-parking. It gets a hands-free lane

like fading battery capacity but deserves credit for

boasts 110kW up from 80kW and 320Nm of torque,

keeping system although a buzzer warns after five

going it alone for so long. While shelling out more than

up from 280NM from a denser battery pack fitted into

seconds, so it’s more like a lane departure warning

$50,000 doesn’t look cheap most owners are usually

the same space as the old model.The individual cell

system. And there’s an adaptive cruise control that

enthusiastic ambassadors.

They like the torquey power delivery which delivers frisky performance but are just as likely to have done the sums on the savings in fuel and other running costs and the growing demand for second-hand cars. Even while battery capacity reduces over time, shoppers are working out that the difference from a car’s new battery capacity is not the most important factor. The only number that really matters is the margin over their daily needs. Then, if and when necessary, they can pull the plug and trade up to car with more in reserve, and sell their car to someone with a lower demand.

Meanwhile battery technology, battery management systems and software improves and the prices continue to come down. Nissan reckons electric cars will have purchase price parity with conventional cars in about 2025, which means, in reality, they will be much cheaper to own.

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Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

WHEEL HUBS & WHEEL BEARINGS / KITS

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Wide Range Available Now! U

D N

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R S A C ST

C E P

I L IA

QUALITY • SERVICE • KNOWLEDGE • LATEST RANGES WHANGAREI . HENDERSON . PENROSE . HAMILTON . NAPIER . PALMERSTON NTH . LOWER HUTT . CHRISTCHURCH

Italy’s Sice is the big brand in big tyre changers THE BIGGER THE GEAR GETS, THE MORE IMPORTANT IT IS TO SAVE OPERATOR EFFORT, FOR SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY

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ustomers in the market for dependable truck, tractor or heavy vehicle tyre changers want gear that can take the knocks, take the effort and risk out of working with heavy gear and above all perform reliably for years to come.

Italian manufacturer Sice has specialised in tyre changers since it was founded in Reggio Emilia in 1964. It is an established leader among the manufacturers of tyre service equipment with a range that now includes wheel balancers and aligners. Todd Jenkins of New Zealand agents Century Distributors

says the brand has built its reputation on performance and innovation. Its range of international patents is compelling evidence that Sice is one of the most technologically advanced manufacturers in the automotive sector. And as evidence of their products’ durability, he cites machines bordering on 20 years old still doing the business in New Zealand. Sice’s heavy vehicle tyre changer range starts with conventional truck and bus tyre changers, running through to agricultural and mining applications.

The flagship S 58 LL model is a leverless, automatic machine with a wireless portable control unit.

Wireless control is also available as an option on other automatic models such as the S 55A. The 55A is a heavy duty electro-hydraulic tyre changer which offers quick and effortless demounting and mounting of wheels for trucks, buses, tractors and earth moving vehicles. It deals equally well with grooved rims or split ring rims, and tubed or tubeless tyres.

The S 55 has one translation speed and manual tool rotation and lifting. The popular 55A model lightens the load on the operator. It has two speeds and simple button presses control tool movement for mounting, bead breaking and levering tyres on or off.

The operator simply has to place a lever between tyre and rim while the machine runs the rest of the bead out. Prior to mounting a tyre, the operator simply has to wind a temporary clamp on to the rim to stop the bead sliding off while the machine rolls the tyre onto the rim. Both 55 models handle 14 inch to 56 inch rims using the standard extension. With a maximum wheel diameter of 2500mm, maximum width 1220mm and a maximum wheel weight of 1700kg, they are built to handle anything that will fit through the workshop door. For more information on the Sice 55A or any other Sice tyre servicing equipment, call Century Distributors on 04-567-1405 or email sales@centurydistributors.co.nz.

All Equipment prices INCLUDE Delivery and Installation*

NEW FINANCIAL YEAR SALE!

Lease for $55 + gst / week NEW FINANCIAL YEAR SALE!

*Some delivery & installation conditions do apply *Lease includes install, servicing, maintenance & certification.

For the full range of Heshbon equipment visit www.centurydistributors.co.nz 20

Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

MITO launches milestone EV servicing qualification NEW MITO EV QUALIFICATION HELPS WORKSHOPS UPSKILL AND SUPPORT EXPANDING EV MARKET

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utomotive technicians across New Zealand will soon be able to qualify in inspection, servicing and repair of electric vehicles.

The industry training organisation MITO has worked with industry to develop the New Zealand Certificate in Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering (Level 5) qualification. Suitably qualified technicians will be able to enrol soon.

MITO chief executive Janet Lane says the new qualification is a significant milestone for the industry. It is a major step forward in providing the “human infrastructure” to support the adoption of electric vehicles across New Zealand.

“MITO has been at the forefront developing this qualification which will give the national network of automotive servicing businesses the critical ability to upskill on electric vehicles,” she says.

Funding from the government’s Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund enabled MITO to conduct research into EV service training overseas, which fed into qualification design, content, structure and delivery models. “This enabled us to understand and capitalise on the experiences of other countries and decide how this could best be applied to New Zealand,” Janet says.

She says the new qualification will give consumers choice when buying service and repair services for their EV, but it also gives workshops a pathway to respond to the increasingly rapid pace of change in the industry. It will allow workshops to upskill their own staff in a structured way, and find more qualified staff in the future.

“That’s essential for strong, sustainable and balanced growth of the automotive industry,” she says.

The training programme includes a mix of practical training and assessment during specific training courses will be delivered by external training providers, combined with online learning. Online modules allow technicians to complete theory elements of the programme in their own time and at their own pace. Online learning resources including videos and theory assessment, can be easily accessed at any time from mobile phones, tablets or PCs. The Level 5 programme is made up of 70 credits and is expected to take 11 months to complete.

Technicians entering this programme must have completed an automotive engineering qualification at Level 4, or provide evidence of equivalent skills and knowledge. Automotive technicians wanting to enrol in MITO’s new EV training programme can visit mito.nz/ev for more information.

MITO chief executive Janet Lane

MITO’s training programmes feature a mix of practical training and assessment combined with online learning

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Aligning your thinking with ADAS ADAS-EQUIPPED VEHICLES REQUIRE WORKSHOPS TO PAY ATTENTION TO SENSOR AIMING AND CALIBRATION SO WHY LET WHEEL ALIGNMENT OUT OF YOUR SIGHT?

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f you are repairing ADAS-equipped vehicles you will already know that each OEM has its own procedures for recalibrating its sensors and, as these can change at any time, technicians should look up the steps when repairing each vehicle. You will also have noticed wheel alignment can be part of the process.

That makes wheel alignment checks more common and therefore more worthwhile to bring inhouse.

That benefit is doubled if you need to recheck something.

Adding modern and fast wheel alignment equipment to your workshops also lets you check every damaged vehicle that comes into the shop, which will improve the estimating process. It also lets you charge for the recheck after repairing the vehicle.

There’s a good reason OEM procedures require wheel alignment checks, and it’s not just caution.

Lane keeping assist and front collision avoidance braking, need to be properly aligned with how the vehicle is traveling down the road.

This can include inputs from the steering angle

sensor.If the steering angle sensor is adjusted during a wheel alignment, the forward-facing camera, which controls the lane departure warning, may think the steering wheel is turned. This can signal the vehicle to correct the steering, even though it is travelling straight ahead.

ADAS sensors also rely on correct rear thrust angles, which means accurate four-wheel alignments are now an even more important factor in road safety as they can also skew ADAS responses.

If you are going to be responsible for the repair it’s better for you to control exactly how alignment is achieved.

Modern alignment equipment is both fast and easy to fit in any workshop. There are mobile systems but the cameras used in permanent installations can mounted almost virtually anywhere around a frame rack or 2-post lift.

They save space, and time. You won’t waste manpower by sending two people to drop off a car for alignment and retrieval.

While you are at it, think about adding a tyre changer and you could make even more.

How to keep the good guys FINDING NEW STAFF IS ONE THING. KEEPING GOOD STAFF IS ANOTHER. CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE WHERE PEOPLE ARE HAPPY TO COME TO WORK IS THE BEST WAY TO BUILD AND GROW A TEAM

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ome American statistics show ‘engaged’ workshops have 40 per cent less staff turnover, 21 per cent more profitability and average 20 per cent annual revenue growth. Those businesses can invest in training staff on new technologies — and the need for that is increasing — without wondering if staff will take it and then leave.

Business analysts looking at what makes a successful business measure and pay close attention to the level of ‘employee engagement’.

High performing businesses score well on this scale.

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Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

Typically, actively engaged employees represent only 5 to 15 percent of the workforce with a range through somewhat engaged to the actively disengaged who also sit at 5 to 15 percent, a group that has been described as people who have left but haven’t told the boss yet!

So what is ‘engagement’? It’s not just employee satisfaction or company culture — which is described as; the way we do things around here’.

Engagement is about how individual employees behave, what drives them to do what they do.

Bosses have to create the right environment for

people to work well in and that goes beyond lighting, heating and good gear. It includes how bosses relate to their staff and staff to each other.

Employees today are more driven by how a workplace ‘feels’ than what it pays. Owners and managers need to get comfortable with two-way communication. People are more concerned with being respected and appreciated, so they need to be treated as important parts of the business, not spare parts. Bosses also need to enrol people in what the business stands for and lead from the front. Successful businesses operate ‘on purpose’.

Individual employees should also be encouraged to discuss what they want, and bosses need to listen. If an employee feels a boss isn’t interested in helping them get where they want, there may be another boss out there who will.

Recognition is vital too. Little and often, as the job is done, is more meaningful than monthly awards or employee of the week posters. Like all good relationships, the goal is to create and build trust that will work over decades, not just a few years — and not just with the staff managers identify with most.

If you look at successful businesses, which is where people want to work, you will generally see some outward expression of that company’s culture, because people feel pride and a sense of belonging.

A business after all, is nothing but its people.

BREAK THE

CHAINS ON PRODUCT PRICING

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EMCO is an Industry Leader in the distribution of lubricant and fluid equipment including: • Hose Reels • Pumps • Mobile dispensing equipment EMCO is a one stop shop, specialising in advice, installation of pipework and equipment as well as servicing of fluid management systems.

We distribute and sell a great range of lubrication equipment from leading brands including RAASM, GRACO, ReCoila and Macnaught.

Here is what one of our customer had to say recently about an installation job EMCO completed: “When we were building our new Flagship Toyota dealership here in Hamilton, we worked closely with James Driscoll and his team from EMCO. They were very easy to work with right from involvement during initial concept meetings and quotes, clarifying technical queries about pipe systems and equipment that they recommended…through to the installation of equipment from oil, water and air lines, oil fill manifold cabinet through to double skinned tanks. The work was completed on time with EMCO working closely with our construction company and meeting our high standards and expectations both from a functionality and aesthetic point of view.”

- Alistair Silcock, Aftersales Manager, Ebbett Toyota

Contact EMCO on 07 8505240, email sales@emco.co.nz or visit our website www.emco.co.nz

Products

The latest automotive products

A brilliant heavy-duty tow-bar step The Hayman Reese LED Hitch Step is an easy-fit rear step with built-in ultra-bright LED lights.

The step makes it easy to reach deeper into utes, vans and on top of SUVs, while also providing powerful, securely mounted rear lighting for attaching trailers in the dark, for reversing, or whenever you need it. Its unique, non-slip, aluminium checker plate construction gives you a sturdy and safe platform for loading and unloading cargo.

Designed to fit most towbar tongues and towball mounts, the LED Hitch Step comes prewired with a 7-pin flat plug to suit most vehicle configurations and a multi-function switch to work with reverse lights and park lights. It can also be configured to specific vehicles. Call 0800 698227 for more information.

Tool trays at head height You’ve got your vehicle on the hoist and you are spinning a nut off but where do you put it? Century Distributors has the answer — tool trays that bolt over the arms of Heshbon 2-post hoists. They provide a safe place to store your tools, and the nuts, bolts and brackets you are working on. The slimline fitment also means they don’t get in the way when loading or unloading the hoist, or when the arms are folded away.

They also fit other 2-post hoists with arms 100mm wide and 110mm–120mm high. $120+GST a pair. For more information or accessories, visit centurydistributors.co.nz.

Electrifying Jekyll and Hyde exhaust Quick Time Performance offers electric exhaust cutout switches for 21/2”, 3” 31/2” and 4” diamaters pipes and oval sizes. The cutout motor is housed in a new cast aluminum cover, machined for a precision fit, powder-coated for protection and style.

Suitable for old-school muscle or unleashing Q-car power at full noise. Note that all exhaust cutouts are recommended for off-road use only. RRP is $665.14 plus GST per pair. See quicktimeperformance.com/QTEC/

A Weld for all seasons

Super Red super tough grease

Time to bin that shelf of glues and sealants gathering dust. J-B Weld’s family of high-tech epoxy adhesives, bonding, and filling products handle almost any job with such strength they make permanent repairs in many cases. Cracked bumper? Fixed. Split pipe? Sorted. Hairline crack in your block? Gone. And you can use it again and again as the plungers and re-sealable cap keep air out. Importantly the cap only fits one way so you can’t accidentally glue it on.

Starting at $15, the J-B Weld range is available from leading automotive and hardware retailers, or see jbweld.com.

Morey’s Super Red Premium EP2 Grease is a premium, heavy duty EP multi-purpose grease designed to resist water wash-out for industrial plain bearings taking shock loads or working in wet and dirty conditions. That makes it a great chassis lubricant for off-road vehicles, construction, agricultural, logging and mining equipment. It offers extreme pressure protection rated at 70lb in the Timken OK Load Test. Available in 400gm and 450gm cartridges, 500gm pots, 2.5kg and 18kg pails, or 55kg and 180kg drums. See moreyoil.co.nz call 09 8139200 for stockists, or email info@moreyoil.co.nz.

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Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

Win this BOC Smootharc welder prize pack!

A feature-rich 4500kg two post hoist The Automaster AM6246R 4500kg Clearfloor 2-post hoist is supplied with tools trays on each arm (3-stage front arms, two stage rear), 80mm 4x4 adapters and remote control. This lift also features a high motor position, a very low 88mm minimum lift pad height and two height settings for the top cross bar. Fully featured, value-packed and supplied for RRP $4385 plus GST. An extra high top option is also available. Contact Automaster Equipment on 0800 214 604 or see automaster.co.nz.

W N TH IS BOCIW E L D WORTH ER OVER $3 000

Auto Channel is giving you the chance to set yourself up with all-new welding gear.

The versatile BOC Smootharc Advance II MIG 250R welding machine can be used for MMA, MIG, and flux-cored welding making it ideal for light or medium industrial use. This prize pack comes complete with a welding helmet. Being single phase you just have to plug it in, don your new welding helmet and go.

Simply head to autochannel.co.nz, register yourself with your email address and select your business categories, and you’ll go straight in the draw to win this prize, which is

OEX alternators solve regulator puzzle Toyota Prado, HiLux and HiAce have the same 3.0L D4D but require different alternators depending on whether they were built in Thailand or Japan. OEX developed the DXA552U which can be used on both Japanese and Thailand models. The removal of a single screw changes the regulator setting to the other configuration. The DXA552U offers 130A output whereas the DXA4050U offers 160A for drivers who need more power for four-wheel-driving or camping. Priced at $682, for more information or to see the full OEX range, visit oex.co.nz or your local Ashdown-Ingram branch.

Penrite’s Lucky Seven Penrite’s best selling oil range is now available in a convenient 7-litre cube, suitable for more than 4.8 million vehicles with sump capacities greater than six litres. Every 7-litre cube is supplied with a free flexible nozzle, making refills and top-ups easier than ever. This free nozzle is also rolling out to the existing 10-litre cube. Discover the full Penrite range at penriteoil.com call 0800 533 698 or 021 440 547.

A penetrant that does not dry out Lucas Oil takes a step closer to offering the most comprehensive line of petroleumbased products with the launch of Lucas Oil Penetrating Oil Aerosol. The formula is designed to provide a microscopic film that rust proofs for up to a year. The low odour formula contains anti-seize agents and a penetrant that will dissolve corrosion and rust without drying out. The container has a locking pop-up tube and 360° application range, even upside down. See lucasoilnz.com for an outlet near you.

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John Bean introduces live alignment error checking BREAK THE SPACE BARRIER WITH THE TRUE 3D, ON-THE-CAR V1200 WHEEL ALIGNER FROM THE CREATORS OF WHEEL ALIGNMENT TECH, JOHN BEAN

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ohn Bean’s V1200 uses the latest wireless 3D technology with live error checking in a rollaway package that is ideal for independent garages. Set up on the hoist is simple, requiring only the mounting of pods on each lift track to provide reference points, which are easily removed with a quick release system. No calibration of the lift is required. The operator then attaches two front targets and two rear camera units, all mounted to the vehicle’s wheels with AC700 wheel clamps. Visual indicators on the pods guide the operator through the measuring process.

And a new information preview provides critical data before work begins. Providing this information in the right place at the right time is more convenient and more efficient for the operator.

The V1200 allows for live and accurate alignment adjustment of camber, caster and toe. Live alignment error checking is accomplished with an all-new interface with three levels of intervention:

compensate, warn and alert. This notifies the operator of errors as they happen, without slowing the process. All corrective actions are clearly identified, and more information is one click away.

“It’s one thing to check wheel alignment but the gain comes from live alignment checking,” says Repco’s Equipment National Sales Manager, Kevin Odgers. “Instead of checking the alignment, making adjustments and re-checking, using the aligner to guide the adjustment streamlines the whole process. That can save a lot of time which leads to greater profitability.”

Manufacturer specifications and actual vehicle data is displayed graphically and in colour on a 22in display on a compact wheeled trolley, which comes complete with printer and mobile chargers for the pods. The cordless connection between components and mobile control also allows wifi connection to the internet. The V1200 allows measurement of ride height and toe-out on turns.

The unit’s ‘EZ Toe’ feature allows adjustment without using a steering wheel holder or at maximum steering angle. It prevents leaving the vehicle with a crooked steering wheel and simplifies adjustment.

Rolling run-out compensation is easily achieved with a short roll while still on the lift turntables. John Bean has been a leading innovator in wheel alignment through its history, inventing the first dedicated wheel alignment diagnostic machine in 1925 (as well as the first dynamic wheel balancer in 1934).

It also invented the first computerised wheel aligner, the first calibration by operator system, the first cordless measuring heads and the first use of 3D imaging technology, and the first, with this V1200 model, to introduce live alignment error checking software. This unit is priced at $23,995, excluding GST, to Repco and Appco trade account holders only. For more information contact your local Repco or Appco store.

New Monroe ride performance catalogue has it all MONROE RELEASES NEW RIDE PERFORMANCE CATALOGUE

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t 320 pages, 43 pages larger than the last Monroe catalogue, this new catalogue is the most comprehensive aftermarket reference for the broadest range of Australian, Asian and European vehicle ride performance products.

Featuring a total of 438 part number changes, the new Monroe catalogue also includes a revamped supersession listing that covers applications from 2004 onwards. The new catalogue also includes 65 updated Protection Kit images and 104 Monroe Strut-Mate Mounting Kit images. The Monroe OESpectrum range of replacement shock absorbers and struts has grown significantly, as has the entire Monroe ride performance range with 172 new part numbers, 185 supersessions and 54 extensions.

Monroe has also included a quick reference guide with selling tips on the inside back cover of the new catalogue. Mechanics, suspension specialists and re-sellers can also offer their customers the peace of mind of knowing that every Monroe OESpectrum shock absorber comes with the industry’s only five year warranty.

For a copy of the new Monroe Ride Performance catalogue, contact the Monroe customer service team on 0800 023 678, or see monroe.com.au.

The original and the best MOREY OIL HAS SEEN MANY OIL ADDITIVES COME AND GO BUT MOREY’S KEEPS TRUCKING ON

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hether it’s for maxxed-out cropdusting aero engines or for lubricating fishing reels, Morey Oil’s technical manager, Andy Slater, knows the right product for the job. He’s been asked and answered it all as a rep for the company for 35 years.

Andy says a lot of different additives have come and gone over that time but Morey’s Oil Stabilizer is consistently recommended by engineers, from old school mechanics through to luxury car dealerships.

Andy says most of his business comes from word of mouth.

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Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

Is there still a place for additives when there’s so much science in modern engine oils? Andy says the performance gains from Morey’s are real but building those additives into regular oils is a cost issue for oil companies, especially when set service intervals are a factor. He says the oil stabilizer works equally well in gearboxes as it clears the shellac coating that affects pressure switches, and its capillary action ensures gears remain coated. His favourite demo is on lathes where you can see the stabilizer creep up gear trains and travel along shafts to bearings. A crop-dusting mechanic said he never lost another cam lobe after adding Morey’s. Find out more at moreyoil.co.nz.

Morey’s Oil technical manager Andy Slater

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Ford and Hyundai choose Hankook for 2019 models SELECTION AS INTEGRAL TYRE AND TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS FOR GLOBAL OEMS IS A TESTAMENT TO QUALITY AND VALUE

Take the tidy garage challenge THE MARIE KONDO-INSPIRED DECLUTTERING CRAZE THAT URGES PEOPLE TO ONLY KEEP POSSESSIONS THAT ‘SPARK JOY’ IS NOW SPREADING INTO WORKSHOPS

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he Automotive Service Association in the USA is launching a series of videos aimed at building a dialogue with business owners to solve everyday challenges in their shops.

The online Garage Challenge videos, hosted

by Arizona workshop owner Frank Leutz, will be produced twice a month. The first two are available now and the first looks at garage clutter.

But Marie Kondo is hardly the first to tackle this issue. The Japanese principle of kaizen that analyses process and makes sure, for example, the most frequently used tools and gear are closest to hand and all gear used less than daily is out

of the workspace, is widely practiced in bigger businesses.

The videos are online at autoinc.org and available through ASA’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media accounts.

Leutz, host of Wrench Nation Car Talk Radio and owner of Desert Car Care in Chandler, Ariz., an ASA member-shop and Top Shop, is excited about the opportunity.

“Coming together discussing common, everyday garage concerns by way of sharing ideas for solutions is critical,” Leutz said. “My hope is that we can further the discussion in a quick and easy format to help each other out.”

H

ankook’s Ventus Prime3 (K125) was chosen as original equipment for models of the Ford Focus Active and Hyundai Kona models coming to the New Zealand market in 2019.

The Prime3 continues to be a Hankook Tyre success story in the passenger tyre sector, carrying plaudits from 2016-2018 into 2019 while competing toe-totoe with other premium brands.

The Prime3 topped a field of 51 tyres in the Germanbased AutoBild Summer Tyre Test 2018. They have a separate test for different winter-specific tyres.

AutoBild editors awarded the Hankook pattern the test win with outstanding driving characteristics on wet and dry roads, precise steering behaviour, short wet and dry braking distances, along with pleasant ride comfort. The tyre also achieved a ‘Consumer Recommends’ endorsement from New Zealand Consumer in 2018. It delivered the best combination of wet and dry braking distances out of all brands – a significant safety feature for New Zealand and one well worth considering for consumers wanting new passenger car tyres. For more information call Value Tyres on 0800 825 838.

The world’s easiest way to win a BOC Smootharc welder

AUTO CHANNEL IS GIVING YOU THE CHANCE TO SET YOURSELF UP WITH ALL-NEW WELDING GEAR

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he versatile BOC Smootharc Advance II MIG 250R welding machine can be used for MMA, MIG and flux-cored welding making it ideal for light or medium industrial use. This prize pack comes complete with a welding helmet. Being single phase you just have to plug it in, don your new welding helmet and go.

Simply head to autochannel.co.nz, register yourself with your email address and select your business categories, and you’ll go straight in the draw to win this prize, which is exclusive to Auto Channel readers.

To complete the package you will also get a Weld Guard high impact auto-darkening welding and grinding helmet, that is ideal for MMA, MIG/MAG, and TIG welding.

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Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

The BOC Smootharc Advance II MIG 250R Welder comes with a separate wire feeder and a 10m interconnecting cable and a full set of accessories which stored within the machine’s cabinet. It complies with AS/NZS 60974-1 and IEC/EN 6097410 and is back by a three-year conditional warranty.

Inverter welders use silicon transformer technology instead of copper and aluminum transformers and rectifiers used in standard MIG/TIG welders, making them compact and easy to move about the shop, although this model comes complete with a 10m accessessory lead. The inverter-based power source allows you to fine-tune settings for optimum results.

Go to autochannel.co.nz, register, and you can get in the draw right now.

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS IN PARADISE! MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF TOP QUALITY LUBRICANTS Looking for a lifestyle business option?

A unique opportunity awaits in sunny Karamea to purchase a WoF-accredited mechanical repairs workshop on the top end of the South Island’s West Coast.

Steady, year-round cashflow and a modern, purpose-built workshop with fully equipped plant are the key selling-points of this business located on 1.62Ha of land close to Karamea township.

Lease and purchase options available for land and buildings.

MOREY OIL SPECIALISES IN HIGH QUALITY LUBRICANTS, INCLUDING: • MOREY’S HEAVY DUTY OIL STABILIZER, • UPPER CYLINDER LUBRICANT & INJECTOR CLEANER FOR PETROL ENGINES • DIESEL SMOKE KILLER & INJECTOR CLEANER FOR DIESEL ENGINES

Contact Paul Murray, Property Brokers PH: 027 256 9967 E: paulm@pb.co.nz

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OEM security move puts pressure on repair industry INDEPENDENT REPAIRERS SEEK TO PROTECT SOFTWARE ACCESS TO PROVIDE FULL REPAIRS

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ccess to diagnostic port data is becoming a battleground in the US, which will naturally have flow-on effects in other markets.

Aaron Lowe of the Auto Care Association coordinated the association’s successful effort in 2012 to win the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act in the commonwealth of Massachusetts. However, he warns new challenges are emerging as car companies seek to lock down access to the on-board diagnostic system in the name of cybersecurity.

Writing in Aftermarket Business World, he says Fiat Chrysler now requires workshops, the technician and the tools to be authorized before they can access the OBD system. Other car companies are looking at similar systems or are considering making workshops access diagnostic data through the manufacturer’s cloud.

“Cleary, due to the security issues related to the connected vehicle, the days are numbered when a technician can plug into the on-board diagnostic port and pull off all of the data needed to repair the vehicle. Car companies will argue that the

ends — a secure vehicle — are worth the means, a locked down port.”

The ability to control data will also give manufacturers power over fleet owners, car rental companies and insurance companies who would be forced to rely on the vehicle manufacturer for the logistics and health data on the vehicles they own or cover.

Lowe argues manufacturers should not control access to vehicles from factory to junkyard.

“Instead, it is important that the issue of cybersecurity be addressed in a manner that is standards-based and ensures that the control of the data is with the owner of the vehicle.”

This can be done through what is called the Secure Vehicle Interface (SVI). SVI offers a common language and set of interfaces for securely communicating vehicle information to third parties.

The Auto Care Association ia working to amend the right to repair law to give vehicle owners control over where repair data on their vehicles is sent. It also seeks to ensure access is standardized across all makes and models, and that control over

access is independent of the manufacturer.

“By removing the manufacturer as the gatekeeper for access to on-board diagnostic systems... the industry can do what it does best: provide affordable, convenient and effective repairs for vehicles. That battle is on for the industry’s future.”

For more information on the Massachusetts Right to Repair effort see massrighttorepair.org.

Will drivers want ADAS for older cars?

THE AFTERMARKET IN REVERSING CAMERAS MAY YET MATURE INTO A NEW MARKET FOR RETROFIT ADAS SYSTEMS

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s more drivers experience the benefits of advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features, the more likely they will be to retrofit them to older cars.

Research across several global markets shows new car buyers were slow to choose ADAS options but those that did became converts. It’s the age-old challenge for the aftermarket, offering new tech to drivers of older cars who don’t know what they are missing. But as these features are becoming standard in newer cars, more drivers are being exposed to them. This may be a case where the trickle down effect actually works.

In 2015, McKinsey and Co reported only 30 per cent of 5500 buyers had experienced ADAS and only half of them bought those options; but those that did were overwhelmingly satisfied with them and would buy again.

In 2017 this segment in the US was valued at just under US$1 billion, and it is expected to grow to more than US$1.5 billion by 2021, according to a Specialty Equipment Market Association study conducted by Ducker Worldwide and the Center for Automotive Research.

One of the companies in this field, Brandmotion says its aftermarket ADAS lines attract enthusiastic attention at trade shows. Company president Jeff Varick says radar blind spot is the ADAS technology that most consumers are aware of, and it’s growing the fastest.

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Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

He says interest in reversing cameras is going down but collision avoidance systems are seeing small growth.

On US highways, forward collision warning systems are already proving their safety worth and OEMs are likely to make them standard on all new vehicles by 2022.

But the biggest factor holding back higher ADAS aftermarket sales at this stage is a simple lack of adequate consumer awareness, according to Varick. “They just don’t know you can add ADAS systems to an existing vehicle,” he says.

“I think it’s going to grow, and the savvy retailer is going to recognize that, invest in a few product categories -- whether it’s sensors, backup cameras, blind spot or collision avoidance -- and

they are going to experiment with the marketing and store placement,” Varick says. “And they are going to educate their staff and learn. Eventually they will create new sales.”

Aftermarket systems tend to be less complex, providing an alert or warning without affecting vehicle braking or control. But consumer demand for these passive systems is expected to climb as buyers seek simple, cost-effective alternatives for their older vehicles.

There are only a handful of suppliers at present but their number is expected to grow in step with demand. In short, forward collision warning and other ADAS technologies are not only here to stay but are likely to impact every segment of the aftermarket.

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31

WORDS: JADEN MARTIN PHOTOS: ADAM CROY / GLENN HODGES

Time-attack March goes all-wheel drive AFTER SHOEHORNING A TWIN-TURBO V6 INTO THE BOOT A NISSAN MARCH, GLENN HODGES ONCE AGAIN SET HIS SIGHTS ON THE DRIVELINE, CONVERTING THE REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE SET-UP INTO A BESPOKE ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE MACHINE

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magine standing around kicking stones and shooting the shit at a track day and someone tells you that they’re going to take a Nissan Maxima–sourced VQ35DE, strap a turbo to either side, and chuck it into the back of a Nissan March. Like many, you’d dismiss it as a pipe dream and laugh it off. However, Glenn Hodges doesn’t mess around when it comes to building mind-bending concepts.

Back in 2016, Glenn put aside his then 300ZX track car in favour of a build fit for a madman. The base for this project became a Nissan March. It wasn’t his first choice of chassis, but eventuated as the result of years of back and forth between Glenn and a friend overseas, who enjoyed discussing the intricacies of rear-engined all-wheel drive cars from the Group B era.

At the time, the idea was to “not overcomplicate it”, so naturally Glenn just stuck with shoehorning a bloody twin-turbo V6 into the boot of a March and converted it to rear-wheel drive with a sixspeed Sentra gear swapper instead of pursuing

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Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

an all-wheel set-up. While that package worked well — really well, in fact, producing 400kW and 700Nm of torque to the rears running just 13psi, and going on to campaign a giant-slaying season in NZ Superlap — the weak link was always in the driveline.

The gearbox decided it had had enough of third gear abuse at the GTR Festival in 2018, which led to Glenn rigging up a set of Mitsubishi Evolution six-speed gears inside the Sentra box. Fifth gear followed suit at Chrome the same year, and that was the straw that broke the camel’s back, with Glenn admitting that it would be an ongoing an issue unless he lowered the power levels to be less harsh on the driveline: “which was not an option!”

Glenn recollected those conversations with his friend about rear-engined all-wheel drive cars from the Group B era, then a quick yarn with Paul Radisich, who suggested something similar being a good attack for the Leadfoot Festival, sealed the deal for the March’s future.

The previously east-west–mounted Maxima

VQ35DE block has been switched out in favour of a Skyline 350GT unit — with all the good bits swapped over — that now points back toward the cabin to form a reverse north-south configuration.

Drive is sent to the front-mounted 350Z (Z33) manual viscous LSD with Nissan Fuga axles via a modified D22 Navara two-wheel drive gearbox.

The key to this all-wheel drive system is the bespoke reversing transfer case of Glenn’s own design. It’s a trick bit of CNC-machined kit that Glenn keeps the intricacies of pretty close to his chest, although we do know that it has a 1.18:1 drive ratio — forming a 4.2 final drive ratio — and sends drive backwards to the rear-mounted 350Z (Z33) manual viscous LSD that makes use of custom axles.

Glenn grafted in a custom transmission tunnel from the front firewall to the rear to make room for the driveshaft, and extensively modified the rear subframe to add strength for the increased weight and torsional strain it’s now under. The existing piping had to be heavily reworked, which involved making a completely new intake manifold along with revising the exhaust manifolds for turbo placement, and improving the layout for the water-to-air intercooler to allow for cooler intake

temps and better flow. Up front, the steering rack has been switched out for a 350Z power unit with a Holden Astra electro-hydraulic power steering pump, the towers have been strengthened, and an alloy fuel cell made to clear the new front diff.

Paul Radisich was behind the wheel at Leadfoot — a man who would be brutally honest about any imperfections — yet he only requested minor adjusts to tyre pressure, ride height, and damper settings. With the help of Adam from Link ECU and a loaned laptop from Jamie at Llama Engineering in Wellington, the E throttle was adjusted for better drivability.

Glenn explains: “The car was a bit savage initially and, although Paul was laughing when he returned from the first run, it was clear we needed to tone it down a little to actually go faster — not a terrible problem to have!”

So, if you thought that this March couldn’t get any more lethal, you were wrong, and, with Glenn planning to enter it into the next season of NZ Superlap under the four-wheel drive class, we expect to see a few bruised egos. We dare not even joke about the next step from here, as Glenn’ll probably go and do that, too — just another day at The Lab Limited, eh Glenn?

33

FEAD at a glance SCHAEFFLER PUBLISHES NEW EDITION OF ITS SPARE PARTS CATALOGUE FOR FRONT END AUXILIARY DRIVE (FEAD) REPAIR

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chaeffler has gathered up its extensive portfolio of repair solutions and individual parts for front end auxiliary drive repairs and published a new edition of the spare parts catalogue “INA Front End Auxiliary Drive 2019/2020.”

The company has been developing innovative FEAD products for decades under its INA brand.

It now offers repair solution for over 100 vehicle manufacturers, covering more than 97 percent of the European fleet.

Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket division’s Director Engine Chassis Christian Kos says this product portfolio highlights Schaeffler’s systems

expertise in auxiliary drives “It is becoming more complex and more important all the time,” he said.

The 1200-page catalogue covers more than 300 FEAD KITs, and a complete range of more than 1800 individual spare parts like overrunning alternator pulleys, tensioner and idler pulleys.

Newly-added to the catalogue are crankshaft vibration dampers, crankshaft de-couplers, and over 600 single belts. The catalogue also lists components for vehicles built between 1950 and today older vehicles with less-complex auxiliary drives can also be repaired quickly and efficiently.

Fixing a modern auxiliary drive, on the other hand with power-steering pumps, air-conditioning

compressors and alternators means intervening in a complex system where it’s not always obvious which part of the belt-driving system is damaged, and which part could fail next. “This is why, with an eye on long-term repair, we recommend always replacing all of this system’s components,” said Christian Kos. “Our INA FEAD KIT has proven itself especially valuable here. With it, we offer garages a complete repair solution for the front end auxiliary drive that combines all the components they need for optimal repair.”

INA FEAD kits contain a tensioner pulley, an idler pulley, a V-belt and a graphic diagram showing the vehicle-specific belt path. Depending on vehicle application, the repair solution can also contain an optional overrunning alternator pulley, a water pump, a crankshaft vibration damper and other accessory parts.

Garages can obtain the INA Front End Auxiliary Drive 2019/2020 spare parts catalogue for cars and light commercial vehicles from the distribution partners of Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket division. The catalogue is also available for downloading at schaeffler.de/en and at repxpert.com.

500 LUMENS PART #71462

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NARVA ALS RECHARGEABLE L.E.D INSPECTION LAMPS New additions to the range of Narva ALS lighting solutions are two heavy-duty rechargeable L.E.D inspection lamps. With superior build quality, these lamps are designed to cope with the harsh conditions of the workshop and are also ideal for the home handyperson and even leisure use.

• High efficiency COB L.E.D provides crisp white light • Separate 100 lumen torch light • 2.5 hours continuous use • 5 hours use on low output (71462 only) • 2-3 hour quick USB charge and intelligent battery gauge

Ask for Narva at your local automotive parts store NARVA.CO.NZ

34

Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

• 180° rotating bracket with powerful magnet and a pop out 360° swivel hanging hook • Glow in the dark faces for easy location • IP65 dust and water resistant

Fram Filters at the heart of Mustang’s return to motorsport FRAM FILTERS GETS BACK ON TRACK WITH TICKFORD RACING FOR THE 2019 SUPERCAR SEASON

F

ram Filters has joined forces with Tickford Racing again for the 2019 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.

The 2019 season, which runs through to November, has seen the long-awaited return to racing of the iconic Ford Mustang in the Supercars Championship.

The familiar Fram Filters logo is emblazoned across the rear wing of the team’s #5 Bottle-O Tickford

Racing Mustang, piloted by Lee Holdsworth, who is also making his debut with the championship winning team this season.

Fram Filters marked the air, oil, fuel and cabin filter brand’s return to the Australian market last year with signage on one of the four Tickford Racing Falcon Supercars.

Fram Filters is one of a number of aftermarket product brands managed by Filpro Automotive, an

international automotive component manufacturer and marketer with operations based in Australia and New Zealand servicing the Oceania region.

Filpro Automotive Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Roger Lassen says the company is delighted to be back on the track this year on one of the six new Mustangs that made their Supercar debut this season.

“The excitement about the introduction of the Mustang to the Supercars Championship is extraordinary. We are pleased to be a part of that with Tickford Racing and driver Lee Holdsworth.”

Roger is looking forward to engaging customers in frontline motorsport activities and supporting New Zealand distributors by promoting Fram Filters at the 15 Supercar rounds.

The series touches down in New Zealand for the ITM Auckland Supersprint on September 13–15.

See framfilters.co.nz, or for vehicle application or stocking enquiries, contact the Filpro Automotive team on 0800 465 855.

Fram Filters are also available throughout New Zealand from BNT stores across the nation.

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35

The road to 400mph WE FOLLOW THE LEAD-UP TO COOK MOTOR RACING’S 2019 BONNEVILLE ASSAULT, AND THE BUILD OF THEIR 1000HP-PLUS SR20 TURBO POWER PLANT IN THE HOPES OF CRACKING 400MPH AND THE TWO-LITRE GAS RECORD WORDS AND PHOTOS: MARCUS GIBSON

B

onneville is a place that Reg Cook swore

has meant that each year they spend the off-season

so what better way to achieve the necessary turbo

he’d never return to after his first record

developing a completely new combination; everything

knowledge needed for the 500mph programme than to

back in 2011 because of the extreme

from naturally aspirated SR20s to turbo diesels, Honda

chase 400mph with a motor that CMR has campaigned

conditions drivers and crew are forced to

K20s, Synergy V8s, and Judd F1 engines. All in an

since 1991?

endure over Speedweek. However, it’s now become

attempt to nab as many records as possible and gain

Sure, you might think that a 1000hp turbo SR is not all

an obsession — one that Cook Motor Racing are

the knowledge and experience to achieve his ultimate

that hard to achieve in this day and age, but being a

working hard at year-in, year-out to achieve. Their

goal in a few years’ time.

pump-gas record this means it will run on regular petrol,

ultimate goal is to run over 500mph, faster than any

We’ll be following the team as they give us an inside

something no other four-digit producing SR has done

human ever has in a wheel-driven streamliner. But,

look at building a 1000-plus brake horsepower SR20

before. To further complicate the situation, the engine

unlike many other teams that spend years perfecting

turbo, which is the engine Reg Cook hopes will propel

needs to survive not just for a few seconds at full throttle,

one combination to an ultimate goal, Reg and his crew

the CMR streamliner, Wairua, to the two-litre blown gas

but for just short of two minutes, and then go into

are playing catch-up, running on borrowed time and,

record — currently held by Ricky Yacoucci at 352mph.

impound and repeat the feat the following day. Should

compared to the competition, a small budget. That

It’s considered one of the hardest records to crack,

Reg achieve this, he will not only beat the existing record by 50mph but by cracking 400mph he will earn a black cap held by only eight teams worldwide.

So, how do they intend to achieve the seemingly impossible? As Reg puts it, like all their wild ideas it begins with brainstorming at the CMR lunch-room table — the location of many fierce debates — and then involves the input of some very talented minds from around the world.

“We can sit here and pretend we know everything, or we can talk to other people and get a better understanding of what might work. Guys like Mark Mazurowski at Mazworx, Murray Coote at MCA Suspension, Darren Palumbo at Billet Blocks, Peter McDonald who does a lot of billet blocks for RBS, Brad Shields in Tasmania, Dewate Scott, or Phil Morrison. Every single one of those people has a different idea of how to make it work. If we were just to follow any single one of them I think we’d have trouble, as none of them have ever done what we’re trying to. In the end, it’s about listening to everybody and their past experiences and brainstorming. When I come up with what we think is the recipe, we will then table it and let them attack it. And if the idea stands after that, I will run with it,“ says Reg. What is known is that the Nissan SR20DET will utilize a billet block and one of

36

Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

CMR’s heads employing the same custom roller-rocker

the tuning and data logging will then be vital, as making

set-up used in the 2011 record-setting NA SR. That

it through one 400mph run is only half the challenge. In

allows for much larger lift cams than a modified VET

order to set a record you must make the return pass the

rocker and will achieve a flow similar to that of the K20

following day, and the car is impounded between those

Honda heads. But every other component is still up for

two runs. Knowing and controlling what’s going on

debate.

inside the engine to keep it in one piece is vital, explains

“The closest to what we want to do is what Murray

Reg.

Coote runs in his World Time Attack S13, although his

“We could possibly break what is the hardest record to

is 900hp, 2.2l and on E85. We’re two-litre and on pump

break but we need to be able to back it up. It’s no good

gas. E85 is a lovely fuel; its combustion is colder, it

if we kill an engine. Probably 90 per cent of the cars that

makes more power, and it’s not as hard on exhaust seats.

ran over 300mph last year had hurt their engines and

If we copy his engine we will be in trouble,” says Reg. But

weren’t able to complete the backup runs. We don’t

that’s not to say that lessons can’t be learnt from it.

want to be in the same boat.”

Once the build recipe is sorted, a mule engine using

To achieve this, pressure sensors reading each

a factory block and crank will be built up and run on

combustion chamber will give the team a first-hand

Reg’s in-house engine dyno at full power for up to two

look at the flame front, and exactly when events such as

minutes to test the combination and see what the effects

detonation will occur. Getting those extremely expensive

are internally. What piston-to-bore clearance is needed?

sensors into the chamber is another challenge the team

What size gudgeon pin will survive? What will happen

are currently working through.

when the cylinder temperature hits almost double the

Check back next month, by which time the courier will

level it’s designed for? These are all questions CMR are

have been running red-hot to Reg’s barn, and we will

endeavouring to answer within the next month so that

see first-hand the components the crew have decided

the two billet blocks headed to the salt are not likely to

to go with.

end up alongside the parts shown on these pages — all offerings to the god of speed, as Burt Munro would say.

Building the engine itself is really only half the challenge facing the team. There is also the issue with getting the car up to speed, as Reg elaborates. “The problem we have is that we’ll push-start the car, and the engine needs to get to 5500rpm before the boost will kick in.

Up until that point we have only about 90hp. Is that enough to make the car accelerate as it weighs 2800 pounds? Our first gear is 120mph. People start talking about compound turbos rather than just one larger turbo, but who do you talk to? Hardly anyone has done it successfully without spending six to nine months on the dyno figuring out the combination. And even then, it hasn’t been designed to last the duration that is required.

At the moment we are going single turbo, but we don’t think it will work. We just don’t have the answer right now.”

So, assuming they can build the engine capable of making the required power for two minutes and then work out a way of it getting off the line and up to speed,

37

The Long Game NEVILLE GEOGHAN KNOWS WHAT HE WANTS HIS F100 TO BE. WHAT YOU SEE HERE ISN’T QUITE IT, BUT IT’S HALFWAY THERE …

A

re you building something in your garage?

If you are, you can almost certainly relate to Neville Geoghan — the owner of this ’56 Ford F100. How? Well, Neville’s journey

began in the way that most do, although it didn’t quite pan out the same.

“I always wanted an old-school truck, that I could upgrade the running gear, chassis, and suspension,” he states. As he’d soon find out, that’s a lot easier said than done, which is why the F100 has hardly even had its running gear upgraded, and is yet to undergo any real chassis or suspension work. Yes, you read that right.

Neville’s plan was always to go for a supercharged Boss engine and transmission from a Ford FG Falcon, with some sort of aftermarket chassis and suspension set-up.

As such, he figured the best starting point would be with an original, unmolested F100 — with genuine patina, if possible — but he couldn’t find anything that suited him.

“Finding a good one has been harder than I first thought, as these have become very popular over the last few years, both here and in the States,” he says. “Any good one was not cheap, even in the States, and they don’t last long and get snapped up pretty quickly.”

It was on one of his many online expeditions that he found this one.

“It was advertised in Atlanta, at a reasonable price, and had also had some work done on it,” he explains.

“Thinking I would be saving money by buying it with all

38

Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

the upgrades already done was not a good idea …”

As Neville was soon to find out, New Zealand has vehicle standards that very rarely align with those in the USA. Most of the existing upgrades would need to be redone before the truck could even get on the road, let alone have Neville planning those upgrades of his own.

However, he knew he wanted to be driving the thing before he began to stockpile parts for the big makeover — a plan that, in hindsight, has worked out well.

Arriving in the country with a T5 five-speed manual box, Neville decided to swap it out for a C4 auto, to go with his plan of driving the thing for a while before pulling it off the road again. He didn’t skimp on some greasy Trade Me special, either, opting for a Hughes Performance Street-Strip transmission and converter, with a Flat-O Products bellhousing adapter for the old Y-block.

For all his dreams of big power and wicked handling, Neville had no problem sticking with the old 292-cuber — for the time being. It’s a good-looking engine that suits the theme of the truck, goes well enough, and thanks to an Edelbrock carb and Smithy’s mufflers, sounds like an old-school V8 should.

More pressing, though, were the many issues that had

Neville’s ownership of the F100. Take a look inside, and

been identified at the border — a list that covered the

you’ll see why. It’s a tastefully modern environment that

replacement of front and rear brakes, steering box,

hasn’t sacrificed any of the F100’s authentic ’50s style.

headlights to suit New Zealand roads, minor work on

The standard bench seat has been reupholstered and an

suspension brackets, and replacement of fasteners

iconic ’39 Ford ‘banjo’ wheel tops the column, but the

throughout the truck, to name a few offending items.

Lokar floor shifter, AutoMeter gauges, No Limit cluster,

Neville knew better than to try and tackle these in

and Vintage Air climate control bring its practicality well

his garage, so after working through the long list of

into the 21st century.

compliance requirements, and getting compliance

So will what Neville ended up purchasing while Mark and

done through a company on Auckland’s North Shore,

Paul worked their way through the small items left on

he contacted Mark and Paul at Alpine Panel & Paint

the to-do list …

in Auckland. Mark and Paul were able to finish a few

As he explains, “In the meantime, I’d bought a

final items as well as inconspicuously touch up several

supercharged Boss 335 motor and trans out of a hail-

existing blemishes in the jet black paint.

damaged 2016 Ford Falcon FG-X in Adelaide, with only

Luckily, any cosmetic issues were strictly limited to the

10,000km on it. The plan was to put it into the F100

exterior, and are more than likely to be for the rest of

once we’d found the right chassis to put under it.”

39

1956 FORD F100 ENGINE: 292ci Ford, 1956 Thunderbird Y-block, 600cfm Edelbrock Performer carburettor, rearmounted alloy fuel tank, standard ignition, MSD ignition leads, ‘rams horn’ headers, Smithy’s mufflers

DRIVELINE: Hughes Performance C4, Hughes Performance torque converter, Flat-O Products bellhousing adapter, 1985 Camaro diff Suspension: Standard

BRAKES: Wilwood under-floor booster and master cylinder, Camaro disc brakes, electric park brake

WHEELS/TYRES: 20-inch Ridler 695 wheels, 225/50R20 Nexen tyres

INTERIOR: Retrimmed bench seat, 1939 Ford ‘banjo’ steering wheel, Lokar floor shifter, No Limit alloy gauge cluster, AutoMeter gauges, Vintage Air air conditioning, original radio, hidden Fusion audio

PERFORMANCE: Untested

He eventually settled for a Revo IFS chassis, which he is currently in the process of ordering.

“The project will probably take a few more years, but at least I am able to drive the truck as it is, until the time comes to take the body off and drop it over the new chassis,” he says.

He might have started this project in a way you can relate to, but Neville’s patience in not jumping straight into the deep end has paid off in a big way.

He gets to drive his dream truck for a wee while, before turning it into his real dream truck. And if you’re reading about it now, in its ‘sensible’ guise, you just wait until it’s where he wants it to be — our advice would be to watch this space!

40

Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

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PHOTOS: DANNY WOOD

REunion ’19

THIS YEAR’S EVENT SUPERSIZED ITSELF WITH MORE THAN 400 ROTARIES STORMING TAUPO MOTORSPORT PARK FOR A WEEKEND OF ON-TRACK HAVOC

F

rom humble beginnings only a few years ago,

the quality of vehicles in attendance, with this year

and burnouts, for most attendants that we talked to, a

the 2019 running of REunion showed that

marking the debut of plenty of standouts, from the

running theme was that in Taupo they can actually use

the Taupo Motorsport Park–based event has

rebuilt Madmax 26b Turbo FD, to Andrew Dremler’s

their car to its full potential. Most show up with a few

cemented itself as number one in the rotary

700hp 20B RX-3, Michael Barker’s 20B PP RX-2, Steve

sets for the rear, at least 100 litres of juice and a very

world. Smashing all previous attendance numbers with

Ellicott’s 808 wagon, and even an S-Cargo with a 12A

heavy right foot. With the dates booked in already for

405 rotaries on the Saturday, we’re pretty confident

thrown in just for the event.

February 11-13, the countdown is on for next year and

that makes it the biggest rotary-only track event on

What makes this event so popular? With two days of

we’re sure many people are already figuring out plans to

the planet. Each year the bar is raised in terms of

heavy track-time, cruise sessions, race sessions, drags,

top the standouts from 2019.

Robbie Longley is a man that's not afraid to give his 20b PP 808 a hard time. Built by Green Brothers Racing, the 20b PP runs Efi Hardware throttle bodies and is backed by a Tremec TKO600. Recently the wagon has taken a liking to putting on a big flame show mid-skid and didn’t disappoint this time around, taking out the NA burnouts for his efforts

42

Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

Taking out Best First Gen RX-7, Jason Trelor’s 12A turbo RX-7 runs an interesting port combination he calls a combination port. The 12A features both the factory-side ports and 50mm PP ports in the housings. Built by Jason himself it's a seriously tough small-block rotary

Louann Hurrell took out Queen of RE even getting out on the burnout pad and throwing down her first ever skid in a manual, becoming the first woman to ever skid at RE. The S1 runs a set of custom-barrelled SSR’s, 12-inch wide in the rear, and a 13B PP with Xtreme Rotaries billet 60mm throttles

Best RX-2 went to the 20B pp S2 RX-2 sedan of Michael Barker rocking custom 18-inch Rotiforms. This was the first outing for the stunning build, and we’ll take a closer look once it’s completed All hail the king! Julian Ogden took out the honors this year with his hard charging RX-3 coupe. The way Julian is able to drift the coupe defies all we know about the sport, and he would likely do pretty well if he entered D1

43

Situations vacant MARKETING ALL ROUNDER Century Yuasa Batteries, Australasia’s largest and most recognised battery manufacturer, is seeking a talented Marketing Professional and true all-rounder. You will be responsible for: • Work closely with Product Managers and Brand Manager to assist in the development and management of marketing collateral and sales material to support brands, products, categories and services.

• Coordination of advertising campaigns and TTL activities with recommendations for suitable advertising mediums.

• Assist with the ongoing management of the company’s digital assets and platforms.

• Manage and coordinate all aspects of CYB’s sponsorship partners and brand ambassadors.

• Coordinate and participate in promotional campaigns, trade shows and sponsorship events • Liaising and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, suppliers and agencies.

• Working closely with sales teams to aid the development and execution of market and customer activities and initiatives.

• Ensure Marketing projects are executed to budget and overall project spend is tracked and reported to maintain spend within annual budget.

Key skills for the role include: • A Tertiary degree in marketing or similar or at least three years experience in a marketing role • Strong time and project management skills • Strong communication, customer service and interpersonal skills • Ability to work as part of a cohesive, dynamic team.

To apply visit cyb.co.nz or email careers@cyb.com.au

COMMERCIAL TRADE SPECIALIST As the Commercial Trade Specialist you will be based out of our Repco Manukau branch providing parts support to the commercial/heavy transport customers within the South & East Auckland area. You will demonstrate your superior commercial vehicle and mechanical parts knowledge, as well as a strong understanding of the commercial vehicle industry, assisting those customers with their parts enquiries and orders. You will play an integral part in contributing to the profitability and growth of this area of our business.

You will be responsible for: • Leading the day-to-day service offering to our key Commercial customers across the region • Working with the Commercial Business Development Manager and National Commercial Sales Manager to optimise the range and suppliers used • Being the key contact person for product advice and procurement for commercial customers To be successful in your application, you must demonstrate: • Proven success within a commercial trade role • Comprehensive commercial vehicle product knowledge with mechanical understanding This is a rare opportunity for you to really make your mark within our growing commercial space. We offer an opportunity to work as part of great team in Repco Manukau and part of a wider business that will look to progress and develop your career.

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

COUNTER SALES/DRIVER PENROSE You will be responsible For: • The on-time delivery of Partmaster products to customers • Professional level of customer service and building of relationships • Ensuring the delivery vehicle is maintained at all times • Operating Partmaster vehicles in a professional manner • Communicating client issues, questions to the Branch Manager • Counter sales, sales representative enquires and phone sales • Picking customer orders and putting inward goods away • The general upkeep and tidiness of the branch Main Purpose of Job: • Build relationships with customers and ensure that goods are delivered on time.

• Serve customers and exceed their expectations.

• Follow Partmasters general operating and Health and Safety Policies, Processes and Procedures Skills Required: • Ability to listen and relay information precisely to the branch manager and other staff.

• Ability to organise the driving in the most economical manner.

• Basic computing skill and has completed a basic Microsoft course.

• Ability to organise themselves to ensure all leads are followed up.

• Basic selling skills and be able to value add sales where possible.

• Customer services skills and basic cash handling and typing ability.

• Ability to occasionally move to another branch for training or support and adapt quickly • Ability to work under pressure when required • Current full driver’s license Send your CV to james.billington@partmaster.kiwi

44

Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN NEW ZEALAND’S WIDER AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR BRANCH MANAGER ALEXANDRA Reporting to the Area Manager you will be responsible for the management of the Repco Alexandra team, overseeing all branch operations and the business profitability. But this is no ordinary Branch Manager position – You will also be out on the road around 1-2 days a week as the Sales Rep for the area, servicing the trade customers, ensuring their account is well looked after and providing a level of service superior to our competitors.

We not only need someone who is a capable manager, experienced in leading a team, assisting with the operations and financials of a store, but someone who is determined in a Sales Rep position, bringing the ability to drive sales and improve profit margin with our trade customers. You’ll have experience with accountability for profit and loss statements, as well as experience creating a strong team culture & motivating staff in a sales environment. Given that you will be a key point of contact for our trade customers in the area, you will ideally have previous experience in the automotive experience or a high level of knowledge of automotive parts.

Repco was founded in 1922 and has since become one of New Zealand’s most well-recognised and trusted brands. Being at the front of the industry for over 95 years has allowed Repco to retain its reputation and status within the automotive industry. We are backed by the largest automotive aftermarket parts company in the world, Genuine Parts Company (GPC) who own businesses in USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. Our people enjoy working for a secure, well-funded, growing company with careers prospects here in New Zealand, in Australia and even America.

ACCOUNT MANAGER/SALES REP - COMPLIANCE About the Role Repco/Appco NZ are looking for an exceptional Compliance Sales Rep to join their team to develop and maintain successful relationships with our compliance customers in the South Auckland area. Ideally you will have compliance experience within the automotive industry - a unique position within our business, this is an exciting opportunity to make your mark as we aim to continue to build our market share in the compliance space. This is a role where you will truly be self-managed, taking ownership and accountability for the growth of our compliance customers across the South Auckland area, ensuring their account is well looked after, while also developing new business in the area. As the main point of contact for these compliance customers, you will assist with all of their product/ ordering needs, ensuring that we provide a level of service superior to our competitors and increase market share for the territory.

Skills & Experience Previous experience within the automotive industry is essential compliance would be an advantage. You will be able to demonstrate your previous success within a sales role, being a natural people person with the ability to build and maintain client relationships.

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

Send your details to careers@repco.co.nz

BRANCH MANAGER TREMAINE AVE In this role you will be responsible for the management of the Repco Tremaine Ave branch team, overseeing operations and the business profitability. As a dual format business looking after both Trade and Retail customers you will need to have a flair for business, managing sales targets, budgets and new initiatives, whilst also being the key point of contact for both customers and team members. Specific duties include: • Managing the store to increase sales and improve EBIT • Ensuring the store is highly competitive and attractive in the market • Developing staff to deliver exceptional customer service and product knowledge • Building strong relationships with customers to ensure continued market leadership • Contribute to the profitability, growth and return on investment of the company by developing and implementing strategic initiatives • Ensure the branch safety standards adhere to OHSE policies • Creating a supportive and motivating environment for your team to learn and develop their skills and knowledge, whilst clearly understanding their role and accountabilities • Effectively manage inventory to minimise costs to the business and maximise efficiencies Skills and Experience Required: Previous experience in a management position, with accountability for profit and loss statements, as well as experience in the automotive industry is essential. You’ll be able to demonstrate your previous experience creating a strong team culture & motivating staff in a sales environment.

Send your details to careers@repco.co.nz

MULTIPLE VACANCIES Join the Parts Connection Team!

Are you looking for a challenge in the automotive parts industry?

We are a group of market leading automotive dismantlers based in Auckland who are renowned for superb customer service, specialist parts knowledge and quality recycled parts. We currently have a number of openings located at our 9 different Auckland branches.

The roles we are currently hiring for are: • Sales Junior • Sales Person Counter & Telephone Based • Warehouse & Despatch • Hoist Drivers • Vehicle Dismantlers • Vehicle Drainers • Yard Person Our ideal candidates will have an interest in cars, have a sound work ethic and are eligible to work in New Zealand.

If you would like to join the growing Parts Connection team and would like to find out more about any of the above positions then we look forward to hearing from you.

Send your CV to pam@partsconnection.co.nz and indicate the position you are most interested in.

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS SPECIALIST - WELLINGTON About the Role You will draw on your mechanical/automotive experience and/or knowledge, assisting our Automotive Trade Customers with parts enquiries and orders. Duties include: • Liaising with trade customers to organise parts needed for service and repairs • Process order and ensuring delivery within a timely manner • Building and maintaining relationships with our trade customers • Over the counter service for any parts enquiries • Ensuring accurate documentation 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.

About Us Repco was founded in 1922 and has since become one of New Zealand’s most well-recognised and trusted brands. Being at the front of the industry for over 95 years has allowed Repco to retain its reputation and status within the automotive industry. Employing over 1000 staff across the almost 100 branches New Zealand wide, while offering automotive parts and products to cater to everyone from car enthusiasts to mechanics within trade workshops.

Send your CV to our Careers Team – careers@repco.co.nz

SENIOR DESIGNER AUCKLAND Parkside Media are looking for a senior designer who can manage a range of digital and print media design collateral, including page layout design for two magazine titles and their related digital channel outputs. In this role you will work closely with the editorial and account service teams to make sure production on all deliverables runs to schedule.

You will be at the senior level, have five-plus years’ experience (including working with print collateral), and be looking for an opportunity to advance in a studio leadership role. Equally as important as your knowledge of current digital deliverable requirements and delivery platforms is past magazine design experience, which will be particularly advantageous together with sound understanding of pre-press process. Day-to-day, as well as design duties you will work with a small team of in-house and contracted editorial and design staff. You will have an opportunity to contribute to the creative development of the company’s brands, and provide leadership on design direction for the company.

Work hours could be flexible to fit for the right candidate.

Requirements: • 5 years’ design experience, including print and digital • Excellent file management, technical and organizational skills to lead the team and ensure processes run smoothly • Proactive, smart, and fastidious with attention to detail • Motivated to produce great work and to inspire those around you to attain a high standard If you are looking for a role that will challenge you and provide opportunities for growth, please apply now to vacancies@parkside.co.nz with your CV and portfolio.

VACANCY For a National Parts Supplier To join Blackfern Co-operative

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Escape to paradise SPOTTED: A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR AN AUTO ENGINEER LOOKING TO BUILD THEIR OWN BUSINESS AND CREATE A WHOLE NEW LIFESTYLE FOR THEIR FAMILY

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

M

ike MacMillan was living the dream

acre of pasture, a couple of acres of native bush and a

after setting up Baker’s Creek

large carpark for customers’ vehicles.

Automotive to service the township

It’s an opportunity to take the reins on an established

of Karamea at the top of the South

business with real growth potential.

Island. There, he and wife Lena, a Vidal Sassoon-

But it’s more than that. It is an opportunity for

Automotive workshops Parts importers and distributors

trained hair stylist who has her own salon there, and

someone to choose a great quality of life for their

their two children, enjoy a life of fishing, surfing,

family, and be welcomed for providing an important

Transmission specialists

mountain biking, motorcycling and bush-walking at

community service, while earning a good living from

Automotive recyclers

the western gateway to the Kahurangi National Park.

day one.

Then, in 2014, Mike injured his back. He pushed on but

Karamea is the warmest and driest spot on the West

has been forced to the decision that he cannot carry

Coast about 100 kilometres north of Westport. The

on and has to sell the business.

community of about 600 people consists of farmers,

“It’s everything I wanted as a person and as a

horticulturalists, tourism operators, people with

mechanic,” said Mike “It’s productive, profitable

internet businesses and retirees. They all drive vehicles

and the work is diverse which keeps it interesting,

or operate machinery. Lena says it’s also a wonderful

but unfortunately, I’ve come to a point where I am

place to raise a family.

physically unable to continue.

“The kids are not inside, behind a fence or on digital

“The business is integral to the community, and I want

devices; they’re out and about running around, playing

it to continue. I’m happy to assist a new owner in any

on the beach, at the river.

New- and used-car dealers

way I can. I just can’t be in the front row.”

“It’s such an awesome place for the kids [Trevor (8) and

Air conditioning repairers

Baker’s Creek Automotive, which also does light

Tilly (7)]. We’ve got a great school, a great community

Heavy machinery dealers

engineering work, is housed in a modern, purpose-

and we love seeing our two growing up with

built workshop that could be leased or bought

independence and freedom,” said Lena. “After eight

outright. It comes with office space and a lunchroom,

years here, I still love it. I get up in the morning and

full plant and equipment including two 4-tonne hoists

go for a walk, listen to the birds and the sound of the

— one brand new — forklift, welder, plasma cutter, tyre

river and sea and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else

changer and wheel balancer, air tools, drill press... you

in the world.” For more information, contact agent

name it, and a spares inventory.

Paul Murray on 027 256 9967 or 03 7826 767, or email

The workshop is on 1.62 hectares of land including an

paulm@pb.co.nz.

Towing operators Panel beaters and painters Crash repairers Tyre dealers Suspension and underbody repairers Steering specialists Towing operators Auto-electrical repairers

Trucking and transport

Auto Channel Issue #13 distributed 7 May Editorial: editor@autochannel.co.nz Advertising: Mike White michael.white@parkside.co.nz All other enquiries to: autochannel.co.nz Auto Channel is produced by Parkside Media, publishers of NZ’s three biggest-selling automotive magazines NZ Performance Car, New Zealand Classic Car, and NZV8.

46

Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019

24/7 ordering / www.sulco.co.nz

A

UTOPSTENHOJ - a global brand, offering the best overall experience to the premium workshop equipment market, has just appointed Sulco as their New Zealand partner.

The agreement, only recently signed by both parties, is a significant step to ensuring Sulco remains a market leading equipment specialist in the New Zealand market.

Already renowned for supplying world leading brands – including Stertil Koni, BM equipment, Cemb & Butler to name a few, Sulco can now offer world class inground and above ground lifts from AUTOPSTENHOJ. Looking at the AUTOPSTENHOJ range, you can easily see why their lifts are approved by the leading vehicle manufacturers such as BMW / Mini, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Group, Volvo and many more. Their desire to produce top quality products, using innovative processes and stylish design offers clients the highest value by maximising floor space, minimising lifting times and delivering reliability for the lifetime of the product.

With over 100 years’ experience and the desire to be the first choice in workshop equipment, AUTOPSTENHOJ has found the perfect partner in Sulco who’s motto is “quality first, quality lasts” and have been in business for nearly z50 years.

If you strive to deliver a premium workshop experience to your clients and have a goal in mind, then together we can achieve your goals. Just book an appointment with one of our experienced equipment sales team, and we will come to you, to understand your specific needs and make recommendation for the right equipment, that give the best results, to optimise your return on investment.

Meet the team that delivers..... your equipment purchase is only as good as the after sales service.

Equipment Manager - BRETT HIGGINS 027 448 0848 Business Development - STEVE GREER 027 496 6221 General Equipment - VICTOR COBB 027 270 1890

General Equipment (NI) - ARTHUR NICHOLSON 027 836 3620 General Equipment (NI) - JAMIE ALLAN 027 276 9129 General Equipment (SI) - MARCUS MULCAY 027 444 4771

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48

Auto Channel Issue #12 April 2019