Ryco innovation rewarded

Ryco Filters a top 10 innovator for a third straight year

RYCO FILTERS IS AGAIN HONOURED TO BE RECOGNISED AS ONE OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND’S MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES. THE PRESTIGIOUS ANNUAL LIST, PUBLISHED BY THE AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL REVIEW AND BOSS MAGAZINE, IS BASED ON A RIGOROUS ASSESSMENT PROCESS MANAGED BY AUSTRALIA’S LEADING INNOVATION CONSULTANCY, INVENTIUM, IN CONJUNCTION WITH A PANEL OF INDUSTRY EXPERT JUDGES.

Ryco was ranked second in this year’s manufacturing and consumer goods category among the 700 nominated organisations across Australia and New Zealand that entered in this year’s awards. The assessment measures a top innovation implemented in the past two years. Specifically, the judges look at how valuable the problem is that the innovation is solving, the quality and uniqueness of the solution being provided, and the level of impact that the innovation is having in the market. Inventium also assesses internal elements such as innovation culture, strategy, resources, and process that demonstrate a sustainable and repeatable approach to innovation.

Ryco Filters achieved second place this year for its cabin air filters. The Ryco MicroShield N99 cabin air filters are effectively medical-grade face masks for vehicle cabins.

In a world first, MicroShield N99 brings medical-grade air filtration to vehicles, protecting the health and safety of occupants from hazardous pollution, allergens, bacteria, and viruses with a fine-particle filter suitable for most Australian and New Zealand vehicles.

The MicroShield N99 filters outside air entering the vehicle cabin and occupants’ airways. It replaces existing coarse or large-particle dust filters with a unique integrated fine-particle filter, comprising: • An anti-viral and bacterial pre-filter to eliminate biological agents • Activated carbon barrier to remove chemicals and odours • Electrostatically charged nano-fibre filter to capture fine particles • A 360° air-tight seal to prevent air bypassing the filter

Occupants experience an enhanced air quality with improved health and safety benefits, removing 99.7% @ 0.3micron viral and bacterial particles that can enter deep into the lungs.

Ryco says customers have praised the noticeably reduced-odour driving experience.

The MicroShield N99 cabin air filter range is suitable for most vehicles in Australia and New Zealand. The initial range covers more than 10 million vehicles.

MicroShield is easily fitted during a regular professional or DIY service following simple instructions with no specialty tools required.

“I’m extremely proud of Ryco’s second placing on this year’s list,” said Stuart Chandler, Ryco’s executive general manager. “The continued outstanding and innovative work being carried out within the entire Ryco business, in particular identifying and successfully solving one of the most interesting problems faced by car owners. The development of a product that is not only easy for the automotive service trade to install, but also delivers a world-first product that enhances the health and safety of consumers when driving their vehicles in these tough Covid times and beyond, is certainly cementing Ryco as the leader in filtration solutions.”

For more Information on Ryco products see rycofilters.com.au, or see facebook.com/rycofilters, or instagram.com/rycofilters.

Efficiencies gained bringing services in-house

KAWERAU AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS SAYS ITS DECISION TO BRING WHEEL SERVICING IN-HOUSE HAS PAID OFF

Workshop manager Rod Stephenson said the garage used to send tyre work down the road to a tyre shop but the team decided they might as well bring tyre changing and balancing into the business. It would add a small margin but the main benefit was in extra convenience.

“I hadn’t done it [tyre changing] before so I didn’t know what [equipment] was good or bad,” says Rod. Treadway Equipped was contacted and they assessed the workshop’s needs, recommended a Steiner ST260 with helper arm, then they handled the installation and training. One year on, Rod says he is “more than happy” with the gear and the ongoing support from Treadway Equipped.

“It was a bit of a learning curve and while it would have been ideal to have someone on the spot sometimes, once or twice we’ve called up and worked through it on the phone.”

The Steiner ST260’s large turntable with an 11- to 24-inch clamping range handles larger wheels and tyres, as well as standard sizes and smaller rims. While the ST260 is designed for dealerships and smaller workshops looking to add a tyre-changing capability, the generous spacing between the table and rear post gives the ST260 the flexibility to tackle anything on the domestic market. Wheels and tyres up to 1.1m in diameter are not a problem. The bead breaker has adjustable width settings, and is generously wide, giving the capability to deal with wider rims, and even some agricultural wheels. The solid double box construction of the rear post prevents movement on the mounting arm and that in turn prevents scratching or damage to the rim or tyre. This feature was important to McGlashen’s hire car business where pristine presentation is important.

The optional helper arms give extra support when dealing with hard-to-handle tyres, like run flats, low profiles, or tyres that have been in place a long time. The added degree of control and care lowers the risk of damage to the tyre or rim when putting a tyre back on. It’s literally like having an extra set of hands to hold, move, and massage a tyre on and off the rim. “It’s all about getting the right equipment for the customer and then making sure they get the most out of it for their business, especially if it’s a service new to them,” says Loren Bill, sales manager at Treadway Equipped. One year on and the Steiner ST260 is still going strong, as is the Kawerau Automotive Mechanics/Treadway Equipped relationship. For more information on customised equipment solutions for workshops, see treadwayequipped.co.nz or call 0800 436 436.

Delkor deep cycle batteries designed to power adventure

WITH INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL STILL OFF THE CARDS FOR NOW, A ROAD TRIP AROUND OUR BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY MAY BE THE WAY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAY SEASON

Travellers planning to hit the roads should take into consideration the importance of a vehicle’s battery in travel plans. Whether the holiday features a motorhome, caravan, or boat, having a reliable battery that goes the distance should be at the top of every holidaymaker’s plans. Delkor marine and deep cycle batteries are designed and built with travellers’ best interests in mind. Developed with thicker plates and powered by cutting-edge technology, these batteries offer steadfast power over long journeys and in all kinds of weather.

Exploring the coastline, islands, and harbours surrounding New Zealand is a hassle-free experience with Delkor marine batteries. The M series marine batteries’ dual-fit marine terminals are built maintenance free for convenience, with no topping up of fluid required. Their wrought grid plates provide reliable electrical performance in all kinds of weather, with anchor bonding for added strength and vibration resistance. Their rugged durability is a result of the high-strength polypropylene case protecting the contents of the batteries. Delkor marine batteries effectively provide enhanced safety with the heat-sealed covers and built-in spark arrestor.

Delkor deep cycle batteries are built with recreational vehicles in mind. These batteries share many of the features and benefits of Delkor marine batteries, including thick plates and the ability to provide reliably steadfast current over an extended period of time. Their minimal fast recharge cycle makes them ideal for motorhomes, caravans, campervans, or any other leisure application that is used seasonally.

With summer around the corner and many families looking to hopefully enjoy returned freedoms, workshops can be proactive in helping their customers avoid having an unreliable or poorperforming battery hindering their travel plans.

R&J Batteries is the exclusive distributor of Delkor batteries in New Zealand. R&J Batteries has branches in Wiri, Christchurch, Hamilton, and Albany. Get in touch with your local R&J Batteries branch on 0800 546 000, or visit rjbatt.co.nz for more information on the Delkor range.

GetGenuine partners with Ateco Group NZ

GENUINE JEEP, RAM, ALFA ROMEO, AND FIAT GENUINE PARTS NOW EARN REWARDS

In partnership with Waikato-based loyalty innovator Smart Loyalty, Ateco Group NZ is offering GetGenuine reward points to the automotive repair trade to encourage the use of genuine parts.

Ateco Group NZ is New Zealand’s importer and distributor of Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Ram, and Fiat vehicles. The loyalty programme offers GetGenuine members in the trade the opportunity to earn reward points on genuine parts purchases for these vehicles.

Ateco Group NZ’s aftersales manager, Guy Starling, says GetGenuine offers an added incentive to use genuine parts.

“Buying genuine parts from our dealer network avoids the risk of customers buying counterfeit parts from unapproved sources. We know that genuine parts beat aftermarket alternatives every time — they’re cleaner, tidier, and easier to work with, not to mention more reliable, covered by warranty, and safer,” he says.

“Offering GetGenuine reward points is a way to say thanks to those automotive repairers who are doing the right thing by the vehicle and the customer by using genuine parts.”

Smart Loyalty’s director of automotive, Stacey Kearins, agrees.

“Genuine parts fit right first time and are supported by the manufacturer, which gives peace of mind to both repairer and customer,” she says.

“We’re excited to work with Ateco Group NZ and their NZ Jeep, Ram, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo dealer network to promote genuine parts to the automotive repair trade via the GetGenuine GetRewards programme.”

Members of the programme earn points for purchasing genuine parts from participating dealers, which they can choose to spend in a curated online rewards shop featuring more than 5000 products or, if that range isn’t big enough, they can request any reward they want. Redemptions have included spa pools, cars, engagement rings, travel, and even school tuition.

Part of the global Marque Group family of automotive technology companies, Smart Loyalty is a multi-industry loyalty solutions provider, providing solutions to New Zealand businesses since 1997. It has offices in both Hamilton and Sydney.

For more information on the GetGenuine programme, contact Kelly Burns, Smart Loyalty marketing manager, at kelly@smartloyalty.co.nz.

Schaeffler takes its garage portal to the next level

SCHAEFFLER’S NEW-LOOK ONLINE PORTAL FOR INDEPENDENT GARAGES OFFERS A PERSONALISED DASHBOARD, GIVING FASTER ACCESS TO MORE IN-DEPTH TECHNICAL CONTENT, CLEAR NAVIGATION, AND AN INTUITIVE SEARCH OPTIMISE USER EXPERIENCE

About 200,000 users from 36 countries access Repxpert portals in 16 languages. The website has been continually expanded over the past five years and has recently been restructured to make the information faster to find through a more userfriendly front end. Schaeffler makes everyday work easier for garages with the new version Repxpert 3.0, guiding users quickly to the topics they are looking for, and offering more technical content than ever before.

Extensive technical information and repair data, an overview of training courses, news, and events are available to every website visitor. Registered users have even more functions on hand. They can access the complete aftermarket parts catalogue and see all manufacturer data, and their recent activities — such as recently selected products or vehicles — and they can personalise their dashboard to show all relevant areas immediately. The revised navigation menu and the new global search function within catalogue and technical information quickly leads to the desired Repxpert content. Garages also have access to the bonus programme, the complete range of repair data — including vehicle-specific repair and maintenance information (RMI) from TecAlliance — and can register for training courses.

Head of Schaeffler Repxpert Garage Services Sven Olev Mueller says the company has taken on feedback from workshops worldwide.

“Many of these we were able to implement with version 3.0 to offer our users an even better experience and, above all, more technical information,” he says.

The integrated parts catalogue continues to offer the entire product range of all aftermarket manufacturers for free and now allows for easier access to extensive repair and maintenance information (RMI). In addition, Schaeffler product data is now getting updated daily.

In the new training area, numerous Repxpert training courses provide interested garages with extensive theoretical and practical knowledge, such as classroom training courses, online training courses, and e-learning courses which can either be accessed directly or booked via an integrated calendar with online registration. On top of all this, Repxpert 3.0 offers more in-depth technical information that is continuously expanded, such as installation videos, step-by-step instructions, workshop tips, and help with typical fitting errors.

Schaeffler Group manufactures high-precision components and systems for drivetrain and chassis applications, as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for a large number of industrial applications. Schaeffler is one of the world’s largest family companies with around 84,200 employees and is Germany’s second most innovative company, according to the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA), registering almost 2400 patent applications in 2019.

The Automotive Aftermarket division of Schaeffler has more than 1700 employees and generated sales of more than 1.8 billion euros in 2019.

How to choose the right scan tool

YOU COULD LOOK AT THE MARKETING MATERIAL, OR YOU COULD TAKE A MORE ANALYTICAL APPROACH TO NARROW YOUR CHOICES

Several aftermarket scan tools can perform most of the functions of factory scan tools, but even top-rated products will rarely offer everything you need, which means some workshops have opted for several scanners.

You need to choose the right scan tools for your shop to ensure that customers’ vehicles are effectively repaired, especially the most recent models where complexity continues to increase. This means you will need to upgrade your scan tools regularly to keep up with the latest standards. You don’t need to cover everything, however you should have a complete knowledge of the functionalities you need in your workshop.

Make a list of the vehicle makes, models, and years you work on, which will be easier if your scope is narrow, or if you specialise in one type or a few types of vehicles. Maybe look at what vehicles you don’t service? You might decide to get a scan tool that lets you service additional vehicle makes.

Find out the advantages and disadvantages of the type or category of scanner you need, such as code readers, OBD I, OBD II generic, OBD II generic with enhanced data, factory tools. Here are some considerations to bear in mind when selecting scan tools:

Hardware: Are they compatible with PDAs (personal digital assistants), Smartphones, and PCs? Don’t forget those models that come with their own dedicated hardware.

Vehicle coverage: It’s important to know the range of vehicle makes and models that the tool is compatible with. What’s the extent of its functionality and what type of data can it produce?

Guidance/usage: Will it be easy to use or to learn how to use? What training is required, and how long will it take? What else is needed to make the scanner work?

Software compatibility: Details about software compatibility is important, whether for PDAs, PCs, tablets, or Smartphones. Operating systems like Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and so on, need to be considered.

Ongoing support: Is there a technical support hotline available?

Regular updates/upgrades: Tools that offer constant updates and upgrades should be on your checklist. Their products will keep getting better over time.

Cost effectiveness: Think of affordability in terms of purchase price, plus regular updates/upgrades.

This is often overlooked, but testing a diagnostic tool is the best way to be sure that it’s the one for you. A manufacturer or seller that lets you demo before making a purchase is a valuable consideration.

After purchase, get to know the tool. Follow the instructions in the manual, undergo training, seek advice from experts and on forums. Then consider how to effectively market your shop’s new diagnostic know-how to potential customers.

There’s no one right answer for any workshop. Create a decision-making process so you don’t end up by default with flashy, pricey, or cheap scanners. Do your research and buy the most suitable one.