Auto Channel 49

ISSUE 49 AUGUST 2022

THE VOICE OF THE NEW ZEALAND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

DRIVEN BY PASSION FOR 100 YEARS

Fuchs Lubricants offers quality and convenience FUCHS LISTENED TO NEW ZEALAND WORKSHOPS IN PUTTING TOGETHER A RANGE GEARED SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS DIVERSE MARKET Fuchs is a German lubricant manufacturer whose products are designed to meet or exceed the high specifications required by the many modern petrol and diesel engines found in the New Zealand car parc. With 95 per cent of products manufactured locally in Australia, the ISO 9001:2015 quality assured company is focused on providing solutions tailored to New Zealand workshop needs.

The needs identified are having a comprehensive and targeted range that makes for cost-effective one-shop purchasing; addressing sustainability and efficiency; and, finally, supporting local industry.

Fuchs has put together a ‘magnificent 7’ range of high-volume oils and fluids that meet the demands of the vast majority of cars in New Zealand.

They are available in steel 205-litre, 60-litre, and now new 20-litre drums — still one of the most

ecologically sustainable packaging options.

Fuchs Titan GT1 Flex 23 has BMW, MercedesBenz, and VW approvals. However, as it covers ACEA C2, C3, and API SN requirements in one product, it’s also suitable for volume petrol or diesel vehicles such as Land Cruiser, HiLux, and HiAce fleets.

The Titan Syn SN range is even more versatile. A semi-synthetic lubricant, it is available in a broad range of viscosities, meeting API SN/CF requirements suitable for most petrol and diesel fleets.

The Titan Supersyn F Eco-DT SAE range meets Ford diesel specifications, as well as ACEA A5/B5 and API SL, and has Jaguar Land Rover approval.

It covers the majority of Ford Rangers and a broad range of Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

The GT1 Pro C-3 meets most Volkswagen Audi Group requirements and has BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and VW approvals.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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ALL YOU NEED FOR A QUALITY CONNECTION. Whether you’re starting, charging, lighting or connecting, there’s a lot to consider for any electrical job. With everything you need to complete the job at hand, your can rely on the bright sparks with Know How at NAPA Auto Parts.

Get the right part Faster with NAPA PROLink.

NAPA PROLink can help you with: • Easy parts identification • Visibility of stock and prices • Constructing customer quotes • Order tracking • Invoice reprinting and search

Download the PROLink App today and find the parts you need while on the move.

napaprolink.co.nz

Visit napa.co.nz or call 0800 800 073 to find your nearest branch.

Contents

From the Ed.

11 Fuchs expands local production

Cover / 4

‘Right to repair’ win in Australia

6

Fast charge jump starter

8

Heavy-duty tyre changers

10

Service wins at Krystal Klear

11

Heaters for DEF

14

Meyle moves on sustainability

18

Car news

20

Tech feature: ADAS A to Z

26

Feature: Covering Chrome

32

Product profiles

40

Supplier directory

44

Take a 10-minute tour

46

22

How are we doing?

According to most commentators, we have experienced significant and far reaching change in the many aspects of our way of life, postpandemic.

Fewer people are commuting at regular times, more office workers are still ‘flexing’ — working from home, and people talk of a sense of dislocation.

Inflation, which a couple of years ago seemed an historical artefact, is now a raging reality. Supply lines are stretched; the digital economy has accelerated; and closing the borders has starved many industries of essential new entrants.

The motor industry, being an essential service, may be less affected than most but is that true in your case? We plan to run a series of articles highlighting feedback from industry members on their concerns, experiences, and opinions in future issues. You will get the real story here, in Auto Channel.

Ian Parkes, Editor

Auto Channel is distributed 11 times per year.

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

3

FUCHS LUBRICANTS OFFERS QUALITY AND CONVENIENCE CONT. Between them, Titan ATF 4400 and Titan ATF 6400 automatic transmission fluids cover millions of vehicles in the global fleet.

Titan Supergear LS 80W-90 meets limited slip, manual transmission, and standard type API GL5 grades in one, meaning there’s no need to also stock standard 80W-90 gear oil.

Fuchs has also expanded its range of plastic pack sizes, adding 7-litre and 10-litre packs to the range to better match the modern sump sizes in the New Zealand car parc.

Fuchs also meets the third criteria: supporting Australasia. Fuchs has a history that spans 100 years in this region and it has deliberately gone in the opposite direction to most other major oil suppliers, which have moved production outside Australasia.

In 2018, Fuchs opened a new 25,000-squaremetre facility in NSW, in addition to its manufacturing base in Victoria. The company’s 230 employees now work for the only Australian manufacturer continuing to invest in developing and manufacturing lubricants, coolants, and additives for the automotive, industrial, and agriculture sectors in this region.

For more information, call 0800 382 476 or see fuchs.co.nz.

Go Frosty!

WIN A MARK ‘FROSTY’ WINTERBOTTOM FRIDGE AND YOU’LL BE CELEBRATING THE SUPERCARS CHAMPIONSHIP IN STYLE

T

he Supercars Championship is coming to Pukekohe in September and Fuchs Lubricants is giving you the chance to win a Frosty Fridge to help you celebrate with a cold one!

Being at Pukekohe is obviously the best way to enjoy the championship but if you can’t get trackside for this or more distant rounds, watching them on the telly with mates will be a close second, especially if you have a few cold ones close at hand.

Well, Fuchs Lubricants is here to help. They are giving you the chance to win a 98-litre ‘Frosty Fridge’ featuring, of course, a big picture of Supercars star Mark ‘Frosty’ Winterbottom.

The 2015 Supercars champion, who also won Bathurst in 2013 with Kiwi Steven Richards (son of Jim), is driving the Fuchs Lubricants-sponsored Team 18 Holden ZB Commodore in this year’s championship. Naturally Team 18 uses Fuchs lubricants. They are also used by sponsored drag racing teams Lamattina Top Fuel Racing and Zappia Top Door Slammers in Australia. In New Zealand Fuchs sponsors speedway team HLR Racing.

Now picture that big Team 18 car looking right at home at your place, fronting rows of refreshments in your Frosty Fridge. A nice big bit of genuine Supercars Championship team merch will only add to the atmosphere, especially as it will also help you cater for the event. Oh, by the way, the fridge comes empty. The selection of refreshments is down to you.

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Auto Channel Issue #49 August 2022

AUTO CHANNEL IS DISTRIBUTED TO 11,306 NEW ZEALAND BUSINESSES ONLINE autochannel.co.nz EMAIL editor@autochannel.co.nz MAIL PO Box 46,020, Herne Bay, Auckland 1147

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EDITOR Ian Parkes, editor@autochannel.co.nz

But as every responsible host knows, you should also serve food with drinks so Fuchs Lubricants is also generously offering up a second prize, a free-standing George Foreman Grill. Both prizes are being offered specifically to celebrate the Supercars Championship round in Pukekohe.

That means only fans in New Zealand will be eligible to win the prizes offered exclusively through Auto Channel and Fuchs Lubricants.

Simply go to autochannel.co.nz/frosty-fridge, fill in your contact details including the name of your workshop or business, and you will be in the draw to win.

Entries close on Friday, 23 September 2022.

DESIGNER Stephen Philp MEDIA SALES Mike White, michael.white@parkside.co.nz ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Kealy Mathews

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− AUTO CHANNEL IS PUBLISHED BY

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

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

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

WORKFLOW MANAGER Emily Khov PRINTING Ovato

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS Parkside Media uses due care and diligence in the preparation of this magazine, but is not responsible or liable for any mistakes, misprints, omissions, or typographical errors. Parkside Media prints advertisements provided to the publisher but gives no warranty and makes no representation to the truth, accuracy, or sufficiency of any description, photograph, or statement. Parkside Media accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph, or statement contained herein. Parkside Media reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Parkside Media, the publisher, or editor. All material published, gathered, or created for Auto Channel is copyright 2022 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.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− Auto Channel is the best way to reach the wider automotive industry. The publication is direct mailed to 11,298 New Zealand businesses in the following automotive sectors: Automotive workshops, parts importers and distributors, transmission specialists, automotive recyclers, towing operators, panel beaters and painters, crash repairers, tyre dealers, suspension and underbody repairers, steering specialists, towing operators, auto-electrical repairers, newand used-car dealers, air-conditioning repairers, heavy-machinery dealers, trucking and transport

Shifting to Sustainability

FUCHS Lubricants’ new 20 litre drums are now easier on the environment than ever before - when it comes to sustainability, the recycling of steel is real!

FUCHS are proud to shift two of our most popular passenger vehicle products into 100% recyclable packaging, TITAN GT1 FLEX 23 5W-30 and TITAN SuperSyn F Eco-DT 5W-30.

TITAN GT1 FLEX 23 5W-30

TITAN SuperSyn F Eco-DT 5W-30

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APPROVALS - JAGUAR LAND ROVER STJLR.03.5003 RECOMMENDATIONS - ACEA A1/B1 - API CF - CHRYSLER MS 6395 - FORD WSS-M2C913-A - FORD WSS-M2C913-B - IVECO 18-1811 CLASSE S1/S2 - JAGUAR M2C913-B - RENAULT RN0700

Available now from BNT.

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Sustainability that supports your local community!

BNT’s sustainable solutions benefit the community, where all scrap metal returned to any BNT store is used to support community charities.

A unique service and a unique opportunity AUTOBLAST’S ADVANCED UNDERBODY PROTECTION SYSTEM IS IDEAL FOR VEHICLES OPERATING IN COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS, AND IT IS A SERVICE THAT NEEDS TO EXPAND ACROSS NEW ZEALAND

N

ew Zealand’s climate is mild and we don’t salt our roads, so you’d think vehicles here would have it easy.

However, Autoblast’s David Kirkham says our location provides ideal conditions to set up underbody rusting in only two or three years, and he’s keen for other enterprising business people to help

protect vehicles in other parts of the country.

David says we have warm, moist air which condenses on cold steel parts overnight. If those vehicles aren’t driven during the day, the underneath might not dry out, which means low-mileage vehicles will rust faster than daily drivers. Vehicles around the coast are especially at

New law opens access to vehicle service and repair information A TRANSFORMATIONAL LAW PROMOTING A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD IN AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE AND REPAIR IN AUSTRALIA BOLSTERS THE RIGHTS OF INDEPENDENT REPAIRERS AND PROTECTS CONSUMER CHOICE As of July 1, the Motor Vehicle Information Scheme (MVIS) is operational in Australia. The law, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, compels vehicle manufacturers to provide all service and repair information to independent repairers at a fair market price. This ‘right to repair’ legislation paves the way for similar legislation for workshops in New Zealand.

CEO of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) Stuart Charity said the new law is a game changer for independent workshops in Australia increasingly being locked out of repair processes by vehicle manufacturers. Until the new law came into effect they could choose to share their proprietary information only with their own dealer networks.

“Independent workshops now have access to dealer-level vehicle information for all brands sold in Australia, including software updates, wiring schematics, technical, security, and EV information,” Stuart says. “This ensures workshops can compete in the market on a level playing field, and it future proofs their businesses.”

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Auto Channel Issue #49 August 2022

The responsibility of the day-to-day operation of the scheme and access to manufacturer vehicle information is handled by the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA).

AASRA has created a subscription hub to access manufacturer information. Joining AASRA provides workshops with a single location to easily and quickly access all of the participating manufacturer portals, which cover 90 per cent of the vehicles that are sold in Australia today. AASRA subscribers also have access to the AASRA help desk, which will quickly respond to any missing information issues workshops have.

Non-participating brands are providing their own front door to subscription services.

As vehicle technology advanced, the need for access to manufacturer-level vehicle information for diagnosis and repair became ever more important and increasingly over recent years independent workshops have struggled to obtain that information from manufacturers. The AAAA championed their cause.

“The AAAA has long fought for a law that gives

risk as salt is drawn in, which holds the moisture and catalyses the rusting process. Most of New Zealand’s population lives in that coastal zone.

David says vehicles destined for Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands, and coastal locations around the country, are regularly shipped to Autoblast’s Auckland workshop. The market is nationwide and, with the influx of utes bought for use in rugged conditions, growing fast. So now David is offering a franchise opportunity to business people around the country with the drive to fully capture this opportunity.

David has developed a unique service specifically to combat our salty sea air conditions.

Autoblast’s Autolast process applies a variety of different sprays to coat all of the vehicle’s underside.

They dry out, harden, and stay in place. They are thixotropic, which means that if they are struck by a stone, for example, they soften, remould, and harden again.

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

What’s more, external painted surfaces under the vehicle are left to fend for themselves.

Autoblast also offers a gold-standard galvanising process — the most effective rust protection in countless industrial applications.

For more information on Autoblast’s processes or its franchising opportunity, check out the extensive resources on the website autoblast.co.nz, or call David Kirkham on 09 443 6574.

independent workshops a fair go and motorists a choice of repairer. After more than a decade of campaigning, we are proud to see this law finally become a reality for the industry,” says Stuart.

Stuart also thanked the Australian Automotive Dealer Association, the Motor Trades Association of Australia, and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries for their contribution to the new law.

Signing up to AASRA is only A$90, plus GST per year, per technician, for base-level access and verification. There are also subscription options for security information and EV information. The pricing of each is published on the AASRA website.

To sign up, automotive businesses can visit aasra.com.au and follow the prompts.

Given the sheer size and scope of the change, the AASRA subscription portal will need to be upgraded as the scheme gets underway. AASRA welcomes feedback from subscribers at info@aasra.com.au to ensure the scheme meets subscribers’ needs.

CHILL WITH A FROSTY FRIDGE Fuchs Lubricants are giving you the chance to win a 98-litre custom Mark Winterbottom Team 18 Frosty fridge ABOUT THE PRIZE •

There are two prizes to be won, total prize pool valued at $1,210

•

Main prize is a custom 98L fridge valued at $880 and a George Foreman electric grill valued at $165

•

Second prize is a George Foreman electric grill valued at $165

Scan the QR or go to autochannel.co.nz/frosty-fridge to enter now!

The endless power of the Intelli-Start jump starter PROJECTA’S INTELLI-START JUMP STARTERS ARE ALWAYS READY TO GO BECAUSE THEY CHARGE THEMSELVES WITHIN SECONDS OF STARTING A FLAT BATTERY

P

ortable jump starters are a fuss-free way to get a vehicle with a flat battery going again but, because they are often used in a hurry, jump starters are often put away without a thought to recharging them. A few starts later and they could be as much use as the car’s own flat battery.

Projecta’s new Intelli-Start range makes that whole charging issue a thing of the past. The IS1500 Professional Intelli-Start Jumpstarter has deep reserves of power in a lightweight unit, performing up to 150 cranking starts on a single charge.

Thanks to its lithium iron phosphate (LifePO4) cell construction and smart controls, it can be recharged on the spot by the started vehicle’s alternator (if it’s still functional) just by leaving it connected for a short time.

LifePO4 batteries can accept much higher levels of charge than other lithium technologies, meaning that in just 40 seconds an Intelli-start Jumpstarter will have fully recovered the discharge from starting that vehicle.

As soon as the vehicle has started, the intelligent battery management in the Intelli-Start system recognises the charging current from the vehicle’s alternator and switches into charging mode to replace the jump starter’s discharged energy. This system, combined with the LifePO4

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Auto Channel Issue #49 August 2022

battery’s fast-charging capability, forms Protecta’s unique ‘Rapid Recharge Technology’.

RRT means Intelli-start Jumpstarters never have to be charged via connection to a mains socket. This immediate recharging capability means they can provide unlimited charging on the go. One starter could be used to charge an entire fleet of vehicles in a car park without needing to find a 240V wall socket — although a 5-volt USB adapter charger is supplied to provide that option.

The smarts in the RRT instantly recognise whether power is demanded from the charger or whether power is available for recharging. This ‘all-in-one’ protection circuitry alerts users to connections to the wrong terminals, preventing sparks, surges, overheating, and overcharging. This gives protection both

to users and to vehicles’ sensitive electronics.

As well as handling high currents in both charging and discharging modes, the lithium iron phosphate construction provides up to 2000 charging cycles, which Projecta says is about four times more than the lithium cobalt batteries used in other lithium battery chargers. This offers much greater value and longevity in a workshop environment where durability and reliability are most important.

For more information on the IS1500 Professional Intelli-Start Jumpstarter, or the smaller pocketsized consumer jump starters in Projecta’s range, contact your local NAPA Auto Parts branch on 0800 800 073.

VE PH

WANT TO WIN A NEW CORVETTE?

VEHICLE SHOWN IS FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES. PHOTOGRAPHED UNDER CONTROLLED CONDITIONS.

ENTER THE DREAM MACHINE COMPETITION FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A NEW C 8 2 LT C O R V E T T E S T I N G R AY It’s so close you can almost touch it!! The GM Dream Machine competition gives you the chance to win the ultimate dream machine… The C8 Corvette 2LT! As a GM Trade Parts member you will receive one entry for every $100 spent for each month of the campaign and will receive bonus entries for every $100 spent on across our ACDelco all makes auto parts range!

The ACDelco name needs no explanation when it comes to the auto trade, having served the industry with the backing of General Motors for more than 100 years. One thing you may not know in Australia and New Zealand is that ACDelco can be your one stop shop for your fast moving mechanical needs. Oils, Filters, Coolant, Belts, Plugs, Globes, Brakes….you name it, and for all makes! So get shopping and start collecting your Dream Machine Entries!

FOR FULL COMPETITION DETAILS & HOW TO ENTER

gmtradeparts.co.nz

*Terms & Conditions apply, Eligible entrants must spend $100 (plus GST) in one transaction on Holden Genuine or ACDelco parts or at any Holden Dealer service department. No maximum number of entries.

See www.plexus.co/terms/gm-dream-machine for full terms & conditions.

Permits: (ACT) TP 22/00146, (NSW) TP/01619 & (SA) T2/72.

Competition closes 30/11/2022.

9

Big tyres demand Corghi CORGHI IS A GLOBAL LEADER IN THE FIELD OF TYRE CHANGERS AND THEIR PROVEN TRACK RECORD IS REASSURING WHEN INVESTING IN A HEAVY-DUTY COMMERCIAL TYRE CHANGER

C

orghi has become synonymous with bringing inventive operating features to the market with a process of continuous improvement. The Italian-made Corghi HD500 Plus truck and bus tyre changer has been completely redesigned, adding to the structural integrity of the frame. Corghi has increased the turntable rpm from 7.5 to 9 rpm, improved the design of the clamping jaws, and added a new adjustable control console to improve operator ergonomics. Multi-purpose and compact, it offers flexibility and performance, clamping wheels up to 26in and on tyres with a maximum diameter of 1400mm.

The robust Corghi HD850A features a new power unit and hydraulic cylinders which drive the tool carriage and clamp arm with more strength. It

For more info on Automaster’s range of Corghi commercial tyre changers, see automaster.co.nz, or call 0800 214 604.

can be used for tubed or tubeless tyres up to 26-inch diameter.

Getting really serious is Corghi’s HD1400 Evolution auto heavy-duty tyre changer. It can handle 14 to 58-inch wheels and will deal to agricultural, deforestation, and earth-moving machinery. It has a world-first hydraulic motor for operating the turntable’s three-speed gear motor.

Speeds can be adjusted to ultra-low settings for tyre grooving operations, and the HD1400 also comes with a 2.4GHz radio kit that can be installed on the console.

Top of the range is the Corghi HD1800 Hydrus — the Thor of tyre changers, offering super size and power to make even the most challenging operations simple and safe. It will handle wheel rims from 14 to 60-inch widths up to 1800mm, and diameters up to 3000mm, weighing up to 3000kg.

The clamping spindle and tool arm operate completely independently allowing maximum accuracy in positioning the tool head.

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AUTO EQUIPMENT BUILT TO PERFORM AUCKLAND 87 Henderson Valley Rd, Henderson CHRISTCHURCH 6 Gerald Connolly Place, Hornby

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automaster.co.nz

Service quality leads to repeat business

level of after-sales support that is rarely matched, as well as its 100 Promise.

As a new owner, Noel found peace of mind in knowing that if anything were to happen there would be no passing the blame between businesses. The Treadway Equipped 100 Promise means that if a purchaser is not 100 per cent satisfied with the equipment within the first 100 days of purchase it will repair, replace, or refund the equipment free of charge.

Noel’s experience with Treadway Equipped prompted him to return for the combination of quality equipment, quality of service, and value.

Noel's second purchase was a single-post portable hoist.

“The plan is before you do an underbody seal, we can lift the vehicle up and take a look and clean it so it isn’t dropping dirt inside. Outside, we can wash the dirt into a sump, so it isn’t going into the stormwater either.”

For more information, see treadwayequipped.

GETTING THE RIGHT ADVICE, A RELIABLE PRODUCT, AND GOOD SERVICE LED KRYSTAL KLEAR CARPAINTERS BACK TO TREADWAY EQUIPPED FOR A SECOND NEW HOIST

N

oel Brandellero took over running Krystal Klear Carpainters in Whangarei midway through 2021. As this was an established business with more than 20 years under its belt and a strong reputation for quality of service, Noel had some big boots to fill.

Stepping into his ownership position, Noel knew it was vital to maintain the business’ reputation for quality, but he also wanted to enhance the service he could provide his customers. Noel decided that adding a hoist to the workshop would really benefit his customers and his new business.

He approached Treadway Equipped. Having done a fair bit of research, he decided that a twopost would be best suited for the job. It would provide the access and flexibility he needed, while also being more affordable than a four-post hoist.

Noel worked with the Treadway Equipped team and decided the European-certified LT235 CFPRO would do the job. The Steiner Professional Series 3.5 tonne electro-mechanical hoist offers good vehicle access.

Noel added the hoist within a month of taking over the business and, having had it for the best part of a year, he says it makes it much easier to do work under a vehicle, especially undersealing.

“We can also use it for vehicle storage if we’ve got a bit of a sitter, but also if we’ve got work to do on the side of a vehicle we can raise it up to a height which makes it easier and nicer to work on,” says Noel.

Noel initially approached Treadway Equipped partly because they were New Zealand owned, but they also allowed Noel to focus more on developing his new venture by removing the additional stress that often comes with organising installation. Treadway Equipped is a one-stop shop.

It analyses needs and advises on product selection, delivers the products, and offers installation and a

SET YOUR TYRE SHOP UP IN STYLE VCO-K2

LT455A

Wheel Aligner

4 Post 5.5 Tonne Alignment Lift

› The worlds fastest Wheel Aligner › Powerful computer, with easy-to-operate software

INCLUDES ROLLING JACK

› 27" Widescreen LED Colour Monitor › Contact Clamps (No run out required)

› Electrical hydraulic power system, cable driven ideal for service and alignment work.

› Wintrax 2 Sensors › Italian design and build

26,800

$

› Dual safety device: In case the primary safety locks are out of operation, the lift would also be locked automatically by a second safety device.

LT245CF

ST260 / ST420 COMBO

4.5 Tonne Hydraulic Clear Floor 2 Post Hoist

Tyre Changer & Wheel Balancer Combo ST260 INCLUDES HELPER ARM

› Hard working direct drive 2 post hoist - ideal for dealerships and busy workshops › S-Column for extra strength and rigidity › Ezi-reach three stage asymmetrical arms › Simple one button push operating process

All prices exclude GST, installation and freight.

12,432

$

5,549

$

save

$406

› ST260 WITH HELPER ARM - The perfect option for Workshops and Garages that have a tyre changing facility or want to get into changing tyres. › ST420 - Cost effective, feature packed wheel balancer from Steiner.

COMBO PRICE

8,399

$

Need finance? Talk to us about 12 months interest free finance and lease options.

OUR PROMISE:

100 ONE HUNDRED DAYS 100% SATISFACTION

If you are not 100% satisfied with your equipment, Treadway Equipped will repair, replace or refund the equipment free of charge within the first 100 days.

GET IN TOUCH

0800 436 436 treadwayequipped.co.nz

How to test air conditioning performance SOMETIMES CUSTOMERS HAVE A FEELING THEIR VEHICLE’S AIR CONDITIONING IS NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE. HOW CAN YOU BE SURE IF IT’S A PROBLEM OR NOT?

B

efore you get out the gauges, check if the system is indeed blowing cold air and that it is being sent to the right vents. Set the system for maximum cooling — fan on highest speed, temperature full cold. Place your hand in front of the centre duct to get a quick gauge of how cold — or how warm — the air coming out is. Take a quick look under the bonnet to see if the compressor is engaged. If so, shut down the system and connect manifold gauges to the service ports, and monitor ambient temperature and humidity, as well as the temperature coming from the centre duct.

How much of a difference should you see on a properly operating system between ambient and duct temperatures? Most of us are used to seeing 15+ degrees difference but according to most OEMs, today’s cars may only reach a 10 degree difference between the two. Testing specifications vary between OE manufacturers and vehicle models. For this reason, it is always important to check service information for the vehicle you are servicing. Humidity may also have an effect.

How you obtain your readings is also important.

When we measure the ambient temperature from in front of the condenser and centre duct (with

the doors open or closed), the position of the recirculation door can make a huge difference between the readings.

When the recirculation door is open to outside air, the system has the full heat load to dissipate. If we compare the temperature at the inlet and the outlet duct, and if there is a 5–10 degree change measured, the A/C system is doing a pretty good job of taking on that heat load.

What happens if we close the recirculation door?

Compared to the ambient reading, the difference is

Synthetic oil vs conventional IT USED TO BE ARGUED THAT SYNTHETIC OIL DIDN’T ‘WORK’ IN ENGINES DESIGNED FOR CONVENTIONAL OILS. IS THAT TRUE?

A

small group of mechanics and techs might still maintain that synthetic motor oils cause bearings or roller followers to ‘slip or skid’, or that they cause oil leaks in older engines.

However, synthetics and conventional products are held to the same minimum industry standards so they both, for example, have to have seal compatibility.

The use of synthetic lubricants is growing rapidly in new and older applications without issue because properly formulated synthetics offer benefits beyond those of conventional and synthetic-blend products.

It is perfectly safe to switch a vehicle to synthetics at any time.

Synthetic oil is made from conventional oil but it comprises artificial chemical compounds produced

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Auto Channel Issue #49 August 2022

by breaking down and rebuilding petroleum molecules. Their pure, uniform molecular structures provide better friction reduction, optimum fuel efficiency, maximum film strength, and extreme temperature performance beyond that of conventional lubricants. As a result, synthetics can be judged to provide better and long-lasting equipment protection.

Conversely, conventional oil is manufactured with whole refined crude oil. The sizes, shapes, and structures of the molecules in conventional motor oil differ. Crude oil also contains a number of contaminants, such as sulphur, nitrogen, oxygen, waxes, and metal components. A portion of

significant! Now there can be a 20–25 degree drop in temperature compared with ambient air. Does that mean the system is working better? No. The air now being passed through the evaporator core has a lower heat load on each pass.

To judge the system’s performance more accurately, you should reference your ambient reading to the air entering the evaporator. In this case, now it’s from inside the car.

If we then compare the actual difference between the air temperature going in, versus the air coming out, the difference is close to the same as we saw when the recirc door was open.

The key is that both temperature readings are showing us how well the system is actually doing when it comes to removing the heat load. It is functioning properly but its performance should be compared to the information on the OEM pressure/ temperature charts for direction.

these contaminants make it into the final product, reducing the oil’s life and performance.

Synthetic oil also contains additives synthesised from other raw materials that help to clean harmful deposits from building up in the engine. The different recipes for the combination of various additives are what differentiates competing oil brands, although the final products must all meet or exceed the different standards they were designed to conform to.

Note that synthetic oil can either be a full synthetic or a synthetic blend. A synthetic blend consists of a synthetic stock base and regular motor oil. This mixture provides better protection and improved performance than just using conventional motor oil but at a lower price than full synthetic.

This fact helps answer the question of whether synthetic and conventional oil can be safely mixed. All motor oils are designed to pass the same minimum standards. The main difference is conventional oil is typically designed to just barely meet standards while reducing the cost as much as possible.

Vehicle performance can be enhanced or hindered by the type of oil you use.

Some argue conventional oil is more suitable for older vehicles due to its higher viscosity. It offers better lubrication, due to the slower flow of the fluid.

However, synthetic oil outshines conventional motor oil in general performance, its cleaner composition produces less friction and therefore wear, and it is more stable in both cold and hot temperatures, making it a better lubricant overall.

Don’t be caught with frozen DEF GOSS OFFERS A RANGE OF AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR MODERN HIGH-PERFORMANCE DIESELS, INCLUDING HEATERS WHICH PREVENT FROZEN DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID

M

eeting each new emission standard brings new challenges and often new technologies for technicians to master. These systems ensure clean running but often come with new control modules, sensors, and mechanical components. To ensure compliance with emission standards, components with these systems will often put a vehicle into limp mode, or at a minimum set the malfunction indicator when not working correctly.

As more vehicles are being built to Euro 6 emissions standards, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) solutions like Adblue are now more commonplace. The urea-based diesel exhaust fluid is typically made up of 67.5 per cent water and 32.5 per cent urea. It can freeze.

Enter the DEF Heater, a component of the Selected Catalyst Reduction (SCR) control environment.

A DEF control module is responsible for driving the DEF heater, reading a number of sensor inputs that can include the DEF tank temperature sensor, DEF supply pump temperature sensor, and outside air temperature sensor, usually provided by the MAF sensor.

Based on this data, the heater is instructed to defrost the urea-based fluid within the tank itself. This can be achieved by a heating element, or a valve allowing engine coolant to circulate through a water jacket in the tank.

The DEF heater is only one component of a proper SCR solution. It has multiple temperature inputs, running conditions, and multiple modes of operation, from basic heating, to thermal control, and start-up modes.

While we don’t get down to the temperatures seen in northern hemisphere population centres, it certainly gets cold enough in New Zealand to freeze DEF, making DEF heaters a valuable preventive measure.

Goss has some of the most common replacement components needed by vehicle repairers dealing with modern diesel emission solution repairs.

• DEF heaters • EGR valve assemblies • EGT sensors • DPS pressure sensors • EGR coolers Goss is a leading provider of genuine alternative aftermarket and original equipment parts with more than 75 years experience in sourcing and developing the world’s leading OE supplier and aftermarket parts.

To find your nearest Goss stockist, see goss.com.au for product details, catalogues, technical documents, and other information.

Delkor’s AGM and EFB target stop/start reliability KOREAN-MADE DELKOR QUALITY MEETS THE CHALLENGE OF HIGH DEMAND STOP/START SYSTEMS

D

elkor Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are ideal for high-end and advanced fuel-efficient vehicles with high electrical demands, such as those with start/stop technology and regenerative braking. These vehicles start approximately 16,000 times more per annum (based on average CBD travel of 15,000km) than an average car. They require batteries capable of handling frequent cycling and high charging loads. Delkor Batteries says its patented ‘PowerFrame’ grid technology provides superior and consistent starting performance, with up to 70 per cent better electrical flow than other grid technologies in the market.

Delkor Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) are suitable for applications that operate at a partial state of charge, as required by stop/start vehicles, but which don’t require the deep-cycling capabilities of AGM batteries. Vehicles fitted with stop/start technology require batteries that can support the repeated demand for engine cranking power. That means either an EFB or AGM battery must be used and, as vehicles’ electrical systems are designed for specific battery types, it is always advisable to replace batteries with the relevant type.

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Auto Channel Issue #49 August 2022

Many vehicles are now set up to ‘register’ new batteries with the car’s battery management system (BMS). It must know which type of battery is installed in the vehicle to make full use of its potential. Installing the incorrect battery will lead to premature battery aging and failure.

However, not all batteries are equal. Delkor’s EFB batteries feature a polyfleece scrim material added to the positive plate surface which helps to stabilise the active material of the plates, increasing their endurance. Delkor EFB batteries also benefit from PowerFrame grid technology, which delivers increased dynamic charge acceptance — critical for the regenerative braking systems used in ISS vehicles. Similar to AGM batteries, EFB batteries are also built to resist corrosion, which is the number one cause of car battery failure.

The award-winning Delkor brand

by Clarios has a reputation for quality and reliability. Delkor

has been awarded the Korean Standard-Quality Excellence Index (KS-QEI) award for 16 consecutive years from 2006 to 2021, which measures product quality and customer satisfaction. The manufacturing process of Delkor batteries strictly adheres to global product and process standards, from the production of raw materials through to shipment. Delkor AGM and EFB batteries are designed specifically to meet the evolving power requirements of modern day vehicles.

Delkor AGM and EFB batteries are available exclusively at R&J Batteries, one of the fastest growing battery distributors in Australasia. R&J Batteries has branches in Wiri, Christchurch, Hamilton, and Albany in New Zealand, and 23 other branches in Australia.

R&J Batteries has a comprehensive range of Delkor automotive, commercial, marine, leisure, and deep cycle batteries. See Delkor.com to find a Delkor distributor, learn more at rjbatt. co.nz, or call 0800 546 000.

DELIVERING THE DIESEL RANGE Goss are keeping pace with the increasing popularity of the Diesel vehicles in today’s car parc, by expanding their range of engine management & electronic products to suit the 4WD and diesel markets.

OIL COOLERS

DEF HEATERS

FUEL VAPOUR VALVES

Help reduce engine oil temperatures and assist the engine lubrication system.

A DEF Heater is used to return DEF to liquid form in cold conditions.

The main component of the Diesel Fuel Vaporiser system to assist in incinerating particulate matter.

EGR VALVES

EGR COOLERS

TURBO ACTUATORS

Used to recirculate a portion of the engines exhaust gas back into the intake manifold.

Reengineered using a new manufacturing process we offer a product that is better than OE.

Controls the boost output, redirecting excess exhaust gases away from the turbine wheel.

FUEL RAIL PRESSURE SENSORS

THROTTLE BODIES

EGT & DPF SENSORS

Don’t replace the entire fuel rail, Goss fuel rail pressure sensors allow you to replace the faulty part only.

OES engineered and supplied by global OEM suppliers.

Both important parts of the vehicles emission system.

GRAB A GOSS QUALITY PRODUCT AT YOUR NEAREST PARTS STORE

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MIN HEIGHT:

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PLATFORM LENGTH:

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-Remote Control

PLATFORM WIDTH:

770mm

-Automatic Lock System

PLATFORM TILT (X):

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PLATFORM TILT (Y):

5°

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LOCK RELEASE:

Automatic

PLATFORM SIDE TRAVEL:

GOSS.CO.NZ

CEN-EV120E

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100 Years and beyond – the ACDelco story ACDELCO IS ONE OF THE BEST KNOWN NAMES IN THE AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET BUSINESS. ITS HISTORY SPANS MORE THAN 100 YEARS

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ne hundred years of continuous R&D work has gone into supplying customers all over the world with ACDelco quality products, backed by both experience and the latest technology.

The ACDelco brand is synonymous with quality, reliability, and performance. This reputation extends across all facets of the business, from the extensive product range through to motorsport sponsorships.

Over the past century, ACDelco’s accomplishments include providing the AC spark plugs that powered Charles Lindberg’s transAtlantic journey in the 1920s, making him the first person in history to be in New York one day and Paris the next. They also enabled Amelia Earhart to become the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic (in under 15 hours) in the 1930s.

Delco batteries were used in the 1940s in navy planes during World War II, and that mission critical reliability was also put to use in the 1970s in the lunar rover vehicle used by NASA’s Apollo 15 astronauts to explore the moon. It was around this time General Motors united AC Spark Plugs and Delco to form ACDelco. ACDelco’s illustrious history includes pioneering the use of leadcalcium battery plates. It is also known for creating the world’s first mass-produced, maintenance-free car battery.

Today, ACDelco is well known for its supply of premium quality automotive parts at competitive prices. The comprehensive product range includes batteries, spark plugs, oil filters, air filters, wiper blades, and brake components to suit most makes and models of vehicles. The ACDelco battery range has grown beyond automotive batteries to include batteries for commercial, marine, and garden applications.

Throughout the century, ACDelco has lent its support to various motorsport teams in Australasia.

Its current line-up of motorsport sponsorships includes Kiwi favourite Red Bull Ampol Racing’s #97 car driven by Shane van Gisbergen in the Supercars Championship, and Fabietti Racing in Top Doorslammer Drag Racing.

Exclusive distributor of the ACDelco brand of batteries in New Zealand, R&J Batteries shares this passion for motorsports. The battery distributor has sponsored motorsport teams from grassroots level and upwards throughout its 26 years of operation. Currently, R&J Batteries sponsors Brad Jones Racing in the Supercars Championship, PremiAir Racing and Lamattina Top Fuel Racing in the Australian Top Fuel Championship, and Greg

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Auto Channel Issue #49 August 2022

R&J Batteries sponsors Brad Jones Racing, PremiAir Racing, Lamattina Top Fuel Racing and Greg Gartner, to name a few Gartner in the Stadium Super Trucks Championship, to name a few.

R&J Batteries has played an active role in supporting drivers and teams in the popular Supercars Championship series since 2009 when it began sponsoring Greg Murphy Racing. In 2010, the team won in the Super2 category with driver Steve Owen at the helm of the R&J Batteries sponsored car. The year 2010 included many wins for the R&J Batteries and Steve Owen partnership with six poles, eight race wins, and four round wins. In 2020, the battery distributor sponsored Brad Jones Racing in the major league Supercars Championship. The #8 R&J Batteries Supercar is currently driven by

New Zealander André Heimgartner and competes in events across Australasia alongside Shane van Gisbergen and other drivers.

R&J Batteries has been distributing ACDelco batteries in Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia for over 15 years and became the exclusive distributor of its battery range in New Zealand in early 2022.

“After selling automotive batteries for more than 26 years, R&J Batteries know how important battery performance, quality, and dependability are to our customers. We stand behind only the best brands and after selling ACDelco for more than 15 years, we have absolute confidence that ACDelco batteries provide what they promise,” says R&J Batteries’ ACDelco product development manager, Matthew Everett. He said there were many synergies between R&J Batteries and ACDelco. “Both are respected and trusted brands, supply quality products, have ongoing product innovation, and heavy involvement in motorsport just to name a few.”

ACDelco batteries are fitted as original equipment in new vehicles and are designed, engineered, and tested to rigorous standards. The brand’s automotive battery range covers the majority of most makes and models in the market today.

ACDelco is owned and backed by General Motors. Stephen Matthews, General Motors’ New Zealand general manager (aftersales), says the partnership with R&J Batteries supports the company’s growth strategy: “As we look to develop the ACDelco battery business in New Zealand, supported by our existing Holden and Isuzu Truck dealer network, we see opportunities to grow the brand across the automotive sector, supporting customers with a quality product. We look forward to developing the relationship that will not only grow the business but also secure our business for the future.”

R&J Batteries is one of the fastest growing battery companies in Australasia with branches located in Wiri, Christchurch, Hamilton, and Albany in New Zealand, and 23 other branches in Australia. Visit your local R&J Batteries branch to find the complete range of ACDelco batteries for automotive, commercial, deep-cycle, and garden applications. For more information on ACDelco batteries, visit rjbatt.co.nz, or call 0800 546 000.

AGM & EFB START-STOP BATTERIES 9 Reliable, superior electrical

performance for high electrical demand

9 Superior cycling and partial state of charge operation*

9 PowerFrame® grid technology for high starting power

9 Now with 24/ 36 month warranty for EFB/ AGM (start - stop applications)

*compared to standard flooded batteries

EXCLUSIVELY DISTRIBUTED BY R&J BATTERIES ACROSS NEW ZEALAND

 0800 546 000

 www.rjbatt.co.nz

 RJBatteries

Meyle celebrates 20th anniversary of HD with forward focus on sustainability ON ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY, MEYLE WILL EXTEND ITS HD PRODUCT LINE INTO ELECTRIC AND HYBRID VEHICLES WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS FIRST CLIMATENEUTRAL PRODUCTS

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eyle established its HD product line 20 years ago with the goal of enhancing original spare parts and making them more reliable, more durable, and more sustainable. Meyle was the first manufacturer in the market to provide a four-year guarantee, which it still offers to this day.

Its technically enhanced spare parts last longer, save workshops time through intelligent fitment options, and save their customers money. Meyle now has more than 1650 spare parts available in HD

quality in the range, and new ones are added on a yearly basis.

To mark the 20th anniversary of the first Meyle HD product, the Hamburg-based company plans to announce electric and hybrid vehicle innovations at Automechanika in September.

“We love technology and can pinpoint even the smallest imperfections,” says Meyle’s head of steering and suspension, Stefan Bachmann. “We thrive on taking things apart, analysing them,

technically refining them, testing them, and then putting them into production. This is the multistage HD principle in action, which leads to every new Meyle HD part.”

Meyle’s chairman of the executive board, Dr Karl J. Gaertner, says Meyle plans to make its Meyle HD brand more visible. “For us, the wellestablished product line represents what has always distinguished our company — pioneering spirit, innovative thinking, and the ambition to always develop the best product for our customers and workshops.”

Meyle has also become the first company in the aftermarket to produce a carbon-neutral steering and suspension product line. An anniversary campaign for the brand’s flagship explores the promise, the principle, and the engineering behind Meyle HD which can be seen at www.meyle.com/hd20.

A full range of Meyle Original, Meyle PD, and Meyle HD parts are available from Meyle’s exclusive supplier in New Zealand, All Euro Parts. You can find out more at www.alleuroparts.co.nz.

Arnott, Dunlop, and Wabco offering the best in air NEW FOCUS ON ‘AIR QUALITY’ EXPANDS ALL EURO PARTS’ AIR SUSPENSION OFFERINGS

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ll Euro Parts has pumped up its range of air suspension parts by forming alliances with the Arnott, Dunlop, and Wabco brands.

Arnott’s OE-quality air suspension parts are engineered and assembled in Arnott’s own facilities in Europe. Arnott designs and assembles OE-quality components, including premium brand rubber air springs, shocks utilising components from other industry-leading manufacturers, heavy-duty crimping rings and seals, and other parts machined in-house from aircraft-quality aluminium. Arnott offers the choice of Arnott remanufactured struts, which provide OE functionality, or Arnott designed and assembled brand new replacement parts.

Arnott is also increasing the range of products it offers. This year alone Arnott has released new parts for Mercedes S Class and GLK Class, Jaguar, Range Rover, Audi A6 and S6, BMW X5, X6, and Land Rover Discovery 3 and 4. Arnott already offers

more than 450 quality aftermarket air suspension products covering over 800 applications, including remanufactured OE air struts, Arnott-designed new air struts, magnetic shocks, innovative air springs, OES air suspension compressors, coil spring conversion kits, valve blocks, and ride-height sensors.

All Euro Parts also offers a great range of air suspension products from Dunlop. Dunlop needs no introduction as a tyre company, but following a buyout of Trelleborg AB, it founded Dunlop Systems and Components in 2007. In 2014, the company moved to a new, purpose-built facility in Coventry where it develops and manufactures suspension parts. The Dunlop range includes air bellows, air struts, ‘sleeve-type’ air springs, coil springs, and shock absorbers.

The third alliance with Wabco offers All Euro Parts customers OE-quality aftermarket parts designed to offer the safest drive and best performance possible.

Designed in conjunction with vehicle and engine manufacturers to ensure optimal fit and most efficient energy consumption, each component is tested beyond the OE standard both in the lab and on the road.

Wabco’s air suspension parts include air compressors, air reservoirs, distance and pressure sensors, electric control units, and solenoid valve blocks.

With warehouses in Auckland and Christchurch, All Euro Parts can quickly and easily deliver parts anywhere in the country. Having a range of different suppliers ensures that mechanics have brand choice, and it also reinforces part availability for every repair. All Euro Parts is also a genuine reseller and this level of representation also helps ensure availability of a broader range of parts. For more information, visit www.alleuroparts.co.nz, or call 0800 255 387.

N Me OE & ow rc Af in s ed te to es rm ck European OE & Aftermarket Parts & Specialist Automotive Tools Be ar nz ket Specialists in OE Quality Air Suspension Parts pa r ts

Air Springs

Air Struts & Shocks

Air Suspension Compressors

www.alleuroparts.co.nz

CoilSpring Conversion Kits

SolenoidValve Blocks

0800 255 387

Ride Height Sensors

Dryers

parts@alleuroparts.co.nz

Audi l VW l Skoda l BMW l Mini l Land Rover l Jaguar l Mercedes Benz l Peugeot l Citroen l Renault l Volvo l Saab l Fiat l Alfa

McMurtry Spéirling breaks Goodwood record

Car news

NZ Post powered by hydrogen NZ POST HAS TAKEN DELIVERY OF THE FIRST OF FIVE XCIENT HYDROGENPOWERED FUEL CELL ELECTRIC TRUCKS, BECOMING HYUNDAI NEW ZEALAND’S INAUGURAL CUSTOMER FOR ITS NEW HYDROGEN HEAVY HAULERS The Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cell truck was officially unveiled in its working livery by NZ Post in July.

NZ Post says it has responded to the Government Emissions Reduction Plan’s target to cut emissions from freight transport by 35 per cent by 2035. Heavy transport makes up 4 per cent of New Zealand’s transport fleet but is responsible for 25 per cent of all transport emissions.

Hyundai New Zealand CEO Andy Sinclair welcomed NZ Post’s initiative.

“Kiwis should keep an eye out for the Xcient — it might be their parcel in the back, travelling without the environmental impact of diesel, and in a remarkably quieter manner.

“Heavy transport emissions are notoriously hard to offset, as electric battery vehicle alternatives can’t offer companies the same productivity.

Larger trucks are driven all day, every day, over long distances. Taking multiple hours to recharge a battery regularly is time the truck can’t be on the road. Hydrogen technology is an important solution for NZ Post and other similar businesses to introduce as part of reducing heavy freight emissions.”

The electric motor is run by two 90kW fuel cells supported by a small battery pack (72kW), which is continuously charged through the splitting of hydrogen. This results in a clean and quiet motor where the only emission is water.

The truck will replace a diesel-powered truck, saving 1701 tonnes of C02 per year from being emitted into our environment. It is the equivalent of displacing approximately 100 passenger cars’

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Auto Channel Issue #49 August 2022

emissions based on typical annual mileage.

Until the first commercial refuelling stations are built, with the first currently expected to be ready by early 2023, the truck will be fuelled by green hydrogen supplied by BOC. NZ Post’s Hyundai Xcient fuel cell truck will now undergo a validation process. This includes operating the truck in different configurations, first as a truck only, then as a truck and trailer combination on several routes, gaining New Zealand specific performance information to refine software settings and define the best operating routes for this technology.

Once the commercial infrastructure is in place next year, the truck’s ideal first operational route is likely to be Auckland – Hamilton – Auckland – Whangarei.

Taking ownership of a hydrogen truck is an exciting milestone, says NZ Post chief executive officer David Walsh.

“We are very proud to be leading the way by putting the country’s first hydrogen truck into commercial operation.”

Investing in hydrogen fuel cell technology aligns with NZ Post’s goal of being a carbon neutral business from 2030.

“Sustainability is a big deal to all of us at NZ Post, and we see hydrogen technology as one way to contribute to reducing our emissions within New Zealand’s road freight sector,” he said.

Having introduced the world’s first massproduced fuel cell electric passenger vehicle, the ix35, and the second-generation fuel cell electric vehicle, the Nexo, Hyundai is now leveraging its decades of experience, world-leading fuel cell technology, and mass-production capability to advance hydrogen in the commercial vehicle sector with the Xcient fuel cell.

Hyundai Motor Company vice president and head of commercial vehicle global new business development group, SeungMin Lee, says: “Xcient fuel cell is a present-day reality, not a mere future drawing-board project.”

It is the world’s first mass produced fuel cell electric heavy-duty truck, which has already clocked up 4 million kilometres, with 47 trucks running in Switzerland.

Success! Auto Channel profiled the McMurtry Spéirling fan car last month before its assault on the Goodwood Hillclimb record set by the Volkswagen ID.R electric race car.

British electric car manufacturer McMurtry Automotive set the new all-time hillclimb mark on its competition debut. Max Chilton completed the 1.16 mile course in a blistering 39.08 seconds in front of 150,000 spectators.

The pairing beat both the official shootout record of 41.6s from Nick Heidfeld in the McLaren MP4/13 F1, and the outright record Roman Dumas set in the VW ID.R of 39.9s.

The Spéirling is the first fancar to compete in officially sanctioned motorsport since the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix. This win maintained the 100 per cent win rate for fan cars spanning four decades.

The downward facing fan in the car delivers 2000kg of instant downforce on demand, enabling a sub 1.5 second 0-60mph.

McMurty adopted the technology pioneered in Formula 1 in the 1970s. The Brabham BT46B was swiftly outlawed for its ‘unfair’ advantage.

Managing director Thomas Yates said, “Goodwood has always been a spectacular global event, celebrating different eras of motorsport. They have made it possible for a fan car to compete again, having had a 40year hiatus since Niki Lauda won in Sweden.”

The fan generates more downforce than a Formula 1 car at speeds up to 150mph, with significantly less drag.

Ford secures EV supplies TO MEET STRONGER THAN EXPECTED DEMAND FOR EVS, FORD HAS ANNOUNCED PLANS TO BUILD 600,000 ELECTRIC VEHICLES BY LATE 2023 AND MORE THAN 2 MILLION BY THE END OF 2026 Ford expects a compound annual growth rate for EVs to exceed 90 per cent through 2026, more than double the forecasted global industry growth.

The company confirmed it has secured 100 per cent of the annual battery cell capacity needed — 60 gigawatt hours (GWh) — to support a 600,000 EV run rate by working with leading battery companies around the globe. It also has 70 per cent of the battery cell capacity it needs to support an annual global run rate of more than 2 million EVs by late 2026.

Jim Farley, Ford’s president and CEO and president of Ford Model E, said Ford plans to invest over $50 billion in EVs through 2026 and for more than half its global production to be EVs by 2030. It is also aiming for carbon neutrality globally no later than 2050.

Ford plans to reach a 600,000 global EV run rate by late 2023 with the following EVs: • 270,000 Mustang Mach-Es for North America, Europe, and China • 150,000 F-150 Lightnings for North America • 150,000 Transit EVs for North America and Europe • 30,000 units of an all-new SUV for Europe, whose run rate will significantly ramp up in 2024.

Ford is adding lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell chemistry to its portfolio, alongside its existing nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) chemistry. This technology allows for higher capacity charging and longer service with minimal range loss. It also reduces the reliance on scarce minerals such as nickel and, at current costs, brings a 10 to 15 per cent materials saving versus NCM batteries.

American batteries Ford plans to use 40GWh of lithium iron phosphate battery capacity in North America, starting in 2026, in addition to the production from three previously announced joint venture battery plants in Kentucky and Tennessee.

In Europe, the Ford Cologne Niehl Plant is being converted to the production of electric vehicles, starting in 2023, with the addition of a new 2500-square-metre, five-storey building for pre-coating.

Production capacity at the plant is expected to reach 200,000 vehicles per year.

Online shopping For the first time, the majority of consumers who intend to buy a car in the next two years say they will choose an EV or hybrid vehicle — up 11 per cent from last year and 22 per cent from 2020, according to research published by EY. Most of that increase is for full EVs. Among commercial owners who don’t already deploy EVs, 60 per cent of US fleet managers said in a Ford Pro survey they plan to add EVs to their operations within two years.

Ford Model E chief customer officer Marin Gjaja expects new car purchases to become more like other new technology purchases in the future.

“We’re developing the digital and physical services and experiences new customers expect when they purchase a product that to them is a new technology purchase.

“Our aim is to combine the convenience of digital shopping with Ford’s expertise, scale, and the physical presence of our dealers to create the best possible experience for tomorrow’s EV owners.”

Chequered flag waved at Pukekohe FROM NEXT YEAR, THE ONLY CHEQUERED CLOTH TO BE SEEN AT PUKEKOHE PARK RACEWAY WILL BE ON THE SHIRT OF A JOCKEY. ALL THE RACING FROM THEN ON WILL BE OF THE FOUR-LEGGED VARIETY The first motorsport race was held at Pukekohe in 1963, meaning 60 years of motorsport at the combined horse racing track and motorsport circuit will come to an end when the last motorsport race is held there in 2023.

Unlike many motorsport circuits, Pukekohe does not turn back on itself in the infield area as the horse-racing track already occupied that spot, dictating its largely oval shape.

Prior to Pukekohe’s inauguration, Ardmore aerodrome was the venue for many local and international motorsport events, including the New Zealand Grand Prix.

In 1961 increased air traffic movements at Ardmore called a halt to racing there. The New Zealand International Grand Prix Association needed a new home — and fast. Pukekohe quickly emerged as the front runner, given that grandstands already existed, so with a Grand Prix to be held in the first week of January, there was no time to muck around.

Sixty years on, the old version of horsepower has reasserted itself. Auckland Thoroughbred

Racing (ATR) chief executive officer Paul Wilcox said the motorsport circuit would make room for more development focussed on horse racing.

It was part of the club’s plan to future proof the sport of thoroughbred racing in Auckland.

“Motorsport has undoubtedly had a strong association with Pukekohe Park, becoming synonymous with our racecourse since the first time cars and bikes raced on it in 1963,” he said.

“However, our purpose is to facilitate thoroughbred racing at our Auckland venues with our vision being to provide a sustainable future for our sport in New Zealand.”

Pukekohe Park was the venue of Supercars’ first ever international championship race and thousands of fans had seen many of the world’s greatest motorsport champions battling for supremacy there.

Legendary drivers who have raced there include Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme, Chris Amon, overseas stars like Stirling Moss, and world champions Mike Hailwood, Jim Clark, Pedro Rodriguez, Jackie Stewart, Graham Hill, Jack Brabham, Jochen Rindt, Keke Rosberg, Phil Hill, and John Surtees.

Supercars intends to continue hosting rounds in New Zealand and is already exploring options for future events.

New Zealand motorsport fans are fairly wellserved on the track front. Including Pukekohe,

which hasn’t closed yet, it has four in each island for a population just a tick over five million.

Compare that with Scotland that has more residents but only one track.

Finland is the third biggest motorsport overachiever per capita with about five and a half million people but it also has just a single track holding an FIA Grade 1 licence.

Of the current eight, the eldest and youngest are the two most southern facilities at Teretonga, near Invercargill, and Highlands, near Cromwell.

Teretonga opened 65 years ago in 1957.

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BYD EVs on their way BYD NEW ZEALAND SAYS THAT THE ARRIVAL OF ITS NEW ATTO 3 ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) IS IMMINENT AND THAT INTEREST IN BOTH THE CAR AND THE BRAND IS RUNNING HIGH

G

earing up to support the mid-sized SUV demonstrators, BYD New Zealand has announced the first phase of its sales and service network — six dealerships in five main cities.

BYD NZ manager Warren Willmot says, “BYD’s arrival in New Zealand is monumental. These are extraordinary vehicles and deserve an excellent dealer network to sell to and service BYD customers.

We have partnered with carefully selected dealers who set a high standard of customer service so that BYD customers can be assured of the most professional service, warranty, and finance support, delivering an all-round superior purchasing and ownership experience.”

Auckland will see the BYD brand represented

by Andrew Simms in Newmarket in a stand-alone showroom on Broadway. A second Andrew Simms showroom in Botany will service Auckland’s east and south.

Hamilton will be served by a state-of-the-art showroom built at Te Rapa by Ebbett BYD Hamilton, while BYD Tauranga will represent the brand in the Bay of Plenty region with a stand-alone dealership currently under construction on Third Ave. The lower North Island will see Johnston Ebbett carrying the BYD brand in Wellington city with a showroom on Taranaki Street.

For the Upper South Island, Euromarque BYD, located in Central Christchurch, is the nominated dealership.

A showroom in Dunedin is planned to open later this year to service the Otago region.

Phase two will see the BYD dealer network expand to support an increased BYD product offering. The brand has developed other models.

The second phase will set up representation in Invercargill, Central Otago and Nelson in the South Island and in Palmerston North,

Pole position: Mitsubishi leads at halfway point SIX MONTHS INTO THE CALENDAR YEAR, MITSUBISHI MOTORS NEW ZEALAND (MMNZ) CAN FAIRLY CLAIM TO BE THE COUNTRY’S FAVOURITE CAR BRAND, RACKING UP 1800 LIGHT VEHICLE RETAIL SALES IN JUNE, MORE THAN 400 AHEAD OF ITS NEAREST COMPETITOR.

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he New Zealand company says it is committed to retaining its No.1 market position and it has the backing of the Mitsubishi Motors’ worldwide network to meet that demand.

Its leading position mid-year follows a strong end-of-financial-year performance, with three record-busting monthly results building on five years of steady growth.

MMNZ’s market-leading performance has been recognised by a visit from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation President, Takao Kato.

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Auto Channel Issue #49 August 2022

“This support means a lot to our team,” said chief operating officer Daniel Cook. “During his trip, Kato san pledged his support to keeping MMNZ in the top spot for the full year. We will all be working hard to ensure that is the case and to keep supplying our loyal customers with vehicles in a timely manner.”

The continued strong sales have come from a product range suited to diverse Kiwi lifestyles, including the market-leading PHEV Outlander and Eclipse Cross models. Cook paid tribute to the quality of service and dedication of the Mitsubishi Motors team.

“Credit for our remarkable performance must go to the teams on the ground,” said Cook. “They are the ones who support our customers and it’s their expertise and dedication that saw Mitsubishi Motors awarded Most Satisfied Customers by

Hawkes Bay, Whangarei, plus a third dealership in Auckland for the North Island. Warren will welcome expressions of interest from dealerships in these additional areas.

Full dealer contact details can be found at bydauto.co.nz.

Canstar Blue in 2021.

“We have gained market share rapidly over the past five years, thanks largely to the hard work and ambition of the entire dealer network, as well as successfully navigating the supply difficulties faced by the industry globally.”

Pointing to the success of Mitsubishi’s PHEV range, Cook said the team takes its responsibility in helping to lower the country’s vehicle emissions very seriously.

“Kiwis have embraced our PHEV technology and both Outlander and Eclipse Cross PHEVs are extremely well-equipped to meet that challenge, while providing the functionality and performance our customers expect.

“Our target for 2022 is for PHEV products to make up a third of our total sales, a feat which can’t be matched by our closest competitors. We have the right product to suit New Zealand’s needs in this changing climate and our sales are testament to that.”

For more information, see mmnz.co.nz, or call 0800 545 352.

International car data delivered locally A LEGAL RIGHT TO REPAIR BREAKTHROUGH IN AUSTRALIA IS ALSO GIVING KIWI WORKSHOPS ACCESS TO DEALER LEVEL VEHICLE DATA

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legal battle fought on behalf of independent vehicle workshops by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association has succeeded in enshrining the right to repair in Australian law. It’s the first such law for vehicle repairers anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. Now, a commercial service provided by a regional Australian repairers organisation, the VACC, is being offered in New Zealand, giving workshops here access to the same vehicle information level playing field now operating in Australia.

Through its commercial division, OurAuto, the 105-year-old VACC was already offering its MotorTech services here, providing diagnostic

services and a Launch-based OurAuto scan tool, as well as manufacturer information on thousands of vehicles. The new ruling ensures information on new models — which manufacturers have increasingly sought to fence off as proprietary information — will continue to be available to independent repairers.

Representing OurAuto on the ground here in New Zealand is Kye Ford. Shifting to New Zealand’s South Island in the winter from the Gold Coast is testament to the Queenslander’s commitment to helping Kiwi workshops.

He also plans to be part of his Kiwi fiancée’s family life here for the long term.

“We made the decision to move to New Zealand in 2019 so we could be around our nieces and nephews,” says Kye. “And the lifestyle suited us. I can safely say Amberley, just north of Christchurch, is now home for us long-term.”

Almost immediately he was plunged into the challenge of supporting the automotive industry across New Zealand during lockdown from a home office.

He’s now able to visit customers in person and he’s on the lookout for a project car for him and his fiancée to work on. He also enjoys helping out his new neighbours.

“I find it hard to scroll past a call for help on our local community pages — whether it’s fixing a computer or TV problem, or helping someone get a drive belt on their car as I did last week, or helping someone with a drop off to their own mechanic, which I did just last month.”

Kye says MotorTech offers excellent value for money on repair data, which includes the vast HaynesPro ‘how to’ knowledge base, plus information on common faults, service bulletins, and recall information. OurAuto also provides digital solutions such as pre-configured automotive websites and local marketing solutions geared to workshops’ needs.

OurAuto is a Blackfern preferred supplier, enabling subscription payments in New Zealand dollars. “I feel as though I am part of the Blackfern team myself. They are a fantastic bunch of people running a great cooperative,” says Kye. For more information, contact Kye Ford on 027 455 5329, or email kford@ourauto.co.nz.

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CoolDrive now comprehensive in engine management COOLDRIVE AUTO PARTS IS CEMENTING ITS POSITION IN NEW ZEALAND’S ENGINE MANAGEMENT SCENE, HEADLINED BY THE AFI RANGE OF PRODUCTS

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FI is an established supplier of automotive electronic, fuel injection, engine management, and ignition system components and, since 2016, it has been part of CoolDrive’s portfolio.

AFI’s specialised product range for petrol and diesel engine management consists of a diverse range of quality components suiting a huge array of vehicles and applications.

Complementing AFI in CoolDrive’s engine management program is a number of leading global brands including Denso, Bosch, Continental, Delphi, NTK, Walker, Nissens, Borg Warner, Valeo, and Turbomaster Australia.

CoolDrive only expanded into engine management a few years ago but its offering is now extensive, with all manner of equipment and parts available to its New Zealand customers.

Large components include fuel pumps and fuel pump modules, turbochargers, throttle bodies, and vacuum pumps. There is also an industryleading range of sensors, including oxygen sensors, cam and crank sensors, MAP and boost sensors, air mass meters, knock sensors, pedal position sensors, and more.

Both diesel and fuel injectors are available, as are spark plugs, glow plugs, ignition coil and lead sets, variable valve timing solenoids, along with EGR valves, EGR coolers, and oil coolers.

Vehicle applications include popular models from manufacturers including Ford, GM, Mazda, Subaru, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Hyundai, and Volkswagen, to name a few.

CoolDrive also carries a range of scan tools to aid workshops in diagnosing issues and faults and minimising downtime.

For all your engine management needs, look no further than CoolDrive.

For more information on CoolDrive’s engine management offering, visit www.cooldrive.co.nz.

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ADAS A to Z THE TERM ADAS COVERS AN INCREASINGLY LARGE GRAB BAG OF INTERCONNECTED VEHICLE SYSTEMS. HERE WE STRAIGHTEN OUT THE TANGLE TO GET A HANDLE ON WORKING WITH THEM

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ention the term ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) and the first things that will probably come to mind are radar cruise control and lane watch. However, ADAS is much more than that — as the name indicates, it is a system, or even a system of systems.

These systems are made up of subsystems that utilise many individual components; and not every vehicle is configured in the same way. Here we will take a look at ADAS one component at a time, hopefully dispelling some of the myths and fears that keep some workshops at a distance.

to note that workshops will be held responsible for that calibration, regardless of how you choose to handle it.

So ADAS can no longer be avoided, which means it makes no sense to farm out the calibration to dealerships or mobile technicians. It is not only possible to do in house in most situations, but it is also a source of considerable revenue.

Simply getting over the hump of breaking down ADAS into its different understandable components will make it seem a lot less daunting. If we can determine the different subsystems available that

make up ADAS, identify the components that contribute to these subsystems, and learn how they function, we will get a much better idea of how to tackle ADAS challenges when they arise.

One thing to keep in mind is that ADAS systems are designed to assist drivers — they are not intended to replace drivers. However, if the calibration is not right, the response from the ADAS systems will not be either, delivering the opposite of assistance.

ADAS system combinations vary from vehicle to vehicle. Some of the components below provide input to the subsystems that make up ADAS, and we will visit them individually: • Image processing cameras • Radar • Lidar • Ultrasonic sensors • Electromagnetic sensors

THE KEY PIECES ADAS subsystems are designed to work together to help the driver and passengers — as well as the occupants of other vehicles and pedestrians — move around safely while sharing our roads.

And the system appears to work, as the implementation of ADAS has led to measurably fewer accident-related injuries overseas, and more lives spared. Enabling these systems to react fast enough is a combination of the onboard ECU’s (electronic control unit) processing power, as well as the capable speed (or baud rate) of the networks sharing the data. In fact, they deliver reaction times that are far quicker than those of human beings.

As a result, in America the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has mandated that all new vehicles possess certain ADAS subsystems.

And as manufacturers drive towards vehicle autonomy, these systems will continue to become more prevalent, meaning the everyday jobs we have performed for decades will now require ADAS system calibration to operate safely. It’s important

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Fig. 1 - Image processing cameras are the eyes of the vehicle and provide input for the functionality of a few ADAS systems

RADIO DETECTION AND RANGING (RADAR)

Fig 2 - Lidar or light detection and ranging systems are similar to night vision. The interpretation of this pulsed laser light is seen by the processing computer as a 3D image

This system detects objects using radio waves. It can accurately detect the range, angle, and/or velocity of objects by interpreting these cast radio waves (Figure 3). These systems work to provide similar detecting capabilities as the cameras but allow for cross-traffic alerts. For instance, if a child runs after a ball that is rolling into the street, the short or medium-range radar system would detect him/her and alert the driver. These radar systems also provide blind spot detection, alerting the driver to a possible collision when changing lanes. The short/medium-range radar system will help prevent rear-end collisions from occurring in parking spaces when reversing.

Another version of radar is used for longer ranges.

The long-range radar is ideal for systems like adaptive cruise control (ACC). It will slow down the vehicle if it approaches the vehicle ahead of it too fast. This system will maintain a safe distance (selectable by the driver) from the vehicle ahead and can even resume the chosen speed/distance after stopping at a traffic light.

ULTRASOUND

Fig. 3 - Radar or radio detection and ranging systems emit sound waves and bounce them off objects nearby. The time it takes for the sound to return is used to determine proximity

Using ultrasonic proximity sensors, the distance between the vehicle and objects within close proximity can be detected, allowing the vehicle to get close to other vehicles during parking manoeuvres, without making contact (Figure 4). These sensors emit higher frequency noise undetectable to the human ear and at a speed of over 340 metres per second, and listen for the echo to return. As the detected object nears the vehicle, an audible warning is sent to the driver. The closer the object becomes, the more frequent the audible warning becomes. Just prior to contact, the audible tone becomes steady, strongly suggesting the driver stops approaching.

Some systems will then apply the brakes to prevent an imminent collision. These sensors can be found both in the front of the vehicle as well as the rear. It’s this same technology that we see implemented in vehicles with liftgates, allowing an opening without contact by waving your foot in the path of the sensor’s view.

IMAGE PROCESSING CAMERAS These cameras serve as the ‘eyes’ of the ADAS subsystems (Figure 1). They provide input to the lane departure warning subsystems, or Lane Keep Assist (LKA), helping to keep the vehicle between the painted lines on the road. These cameras also provide input to assist in parking the vehicle, aiming to prevent contact between two vehicles or other stationary objects. They can even begin to recognise road signs, etc, giving the system some artificial intelligence.

LIGHT DETECTION AND RANGING (LIDAR) These systems use pulsed laser light to illuminate an object in their path and measure the distance (Figure 2). The interpretation of this pulsed laser light is seen by the processing computer as a 3D image. It’s this technology that allows autonomous vehicle features to function without driver input.

This system is what provides for collision avoidance and what is known as braking mitigation, meaning if the vehicle gets too close to one in front of it, the vehicle could apply the brakes, increasing the distance between the two vehicles and/or reducing the rate of approach.

Fig. 4 - Ultrasonic proximity sensors are used to help with parking assist systems. As a foreign object nears the sensor, a high-frequency sound wave detects it. The system alerts the driver with an audible warning

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ELECTROMAGNETIC PARKING SENSOR Very similar to the ultrasonic sensor, these sensors provide input to support similar capability; they just function differently. The input from these sensors will not only allow for an audible warning when a detected object is within close proximity, but can also allow for brake mitigation (more on that, shortly).

Each one of these systems can offer either a passive response to the driver (a simple audible or haptic warning), such as the vibration of the steering wheel or the driver’s seat frame, or an active response (a corrective action), such as steering correction or braking mitigation. Sometimes the vehicle allows for a selectable response or even for the system to be turned off entirely.

A TRUE NETWORK Each of those components can be associated with more than one system. We refer to that as sensor fusion. Because the information is communicated between multiple ECUs on the network, sensor fusion becomes possible, allowing for shared responsibility (Figure 5). For instance, combining images from forward-facing cameras, backup cameras (and possibly others) allow for an around-the-vehicle view and even give the vehicle the ability to display an image to the driver that seemingly sees straight through a pull-along trailer, connected to the vehicle. Or using inputs from both the lidar and forward-facing camera to determine the need for braking mitigation to avoid a rear-end collision. This same sensor fusion also allows for autonomous parallel parking, which seems like magic. Another example would be for the wheel speed sensors, yaw sensor, steering angle sensor, front camera input, and GPS to allow for proper compensation of the active headlamps at the appropriate time, preventing blinding of an oncoming car/driver, and increasing illumination in the direction the steering wheel is turned (input from the steering angle sensor).

Sensors provide the inputs, and the processed inputs allow the ADAS to make decisions about the appropriate output. Inputs like the ones below are used to operate and monitor the active responses: Instrument panel cluster — serving as a gateway Throttle position sensor — for speed control Wheel speed sensors — to detect wheel slip during braking mitigation and acceleration for ACC Yaw sensors/accelerometers — to prevent loss of control during active responses

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Auto Channel Issue #49 August 2022

Steering angle sensor — monitoring the actual feedback for active responses like LKA Brake pedal position sensor — to determine a driver’s intention to stop

MASTERING THE BASICS This is the easy part. All the components of all the subsystems of ADAS need just a few things to function properly: an adequate voltage supply, ground supply, ignition voltage supply, and a means to communicate with the other nodes on the networks. This is no different from analysing any other computerised system you have been faced with in the past. It simply requires access to service information, so that you can understand how the vehicle is configured.

Once that is known, research can determine what subsystem the subject vehicle has. When it comes to repairing or replacement, it’s always recommended to do the research ahead of time. Being physically and mentally capable of completing a repair isn’t enough. Having the proper tools and access to software is what it takes to complete the job correctly, and on the first visit.

Regarding ADAS calibration, there are two forms — static calibration and dynamic calibration. Some

systems on some vehicles require one or the other.

Some require either of the two, and some require both. Being prepared and having the appropriate tools can make ADAS calibration very profitable.

Many mobile technicians capitalise on their knowledge of the technology by providing service solutions to surrounding collision and repair workshops in their areas. Some have created ADAS supercentres for themselves. They have the necessary level space, calibration equipment, proper lighting, and software to carry out the calibrations for most auto manufacturers, without any issues.

Profitability doesn’t only come from the fact that they have invested in the proper equipment and can complete the jobs they encounter efficiently — advertising is also very important. It’s vital to put the word out to all the local collision repair shops and insurance companies. Adequate parking to house all upcoming jobs, as well as a dedicated alignment rack solely for ADAS jobs is necessary. This makes for a very streamlined and profitable business within a business.

Venturing into the world of ADAS may seem expensive, but workshops have been down this road more than once. If you can simply consider that almost every vehicle that requires alignment will require an ADAS calibration, it should be clear that with only a few calibrations monthly, the ADAS calibration system will pay for itself in a very short amount of time. And as legislative requirements for ADAS systems for all future vehicles follow on from the improved safety results — and manufacturers continue to push the technology forward — the writing is on the wall.

Do your own research on the available systems.

Take the time to figure out how many alignments you are currently doing per month. Maybe reach out to local collision repair facilities. After all, they must be getting the calibrations completed somewhere; why couldn’t it be in your new ADAS supercentre? It’s clear ADAS is not going away.

It’s only going to become more prevalent as time passes. Jump on the train now — don’t wait until it’s too late.

Fig. 5 - Network topology is important to understand when dealing with communications between systems.

The topology map shows you the configuration and helps to trace communication faults

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Attitudes to ADAS A US SURVEY RESEARCHED PRACTICES RELATING TO ADAS IN THE REPAIR INDUSTRY, AND CONSUMER ATTITUDES WITH AN EYE ON FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

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he Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) in the United States commissioned a research project on ADAS to highlight opportunities for the aftermarket, what the challenges are, and how this sits with consumers there.

New Hammer Ventures’ Jim Fish delivered a summary of the report covering key findings at ETI ToolTech 2022.

Fish and a team of students from the University of Michigan put the report together, surveying 350 repair facilities, researching 91 journals, articles, or academic papers, and conducted an in-person focus group of workshops that perform ADAS.

KEY FINDINGS One million vehicles required ADAS service in an aftermarket workshop in 2021. Ninety percent of ADAS work coming into mechanical shops is outsourced. ADAS parts and services will experience 17 percent compound annual growth through to 2030.

Fish said this was a huge opportunity for the aftermarket as the work was coming in, just most of it wasn’t being done in aftermarket workshops. The work is being outsourced to the dealerships. Even collision repair shops, where most ADAS work is done, outsourced US$177 million worth of ADAS calibration work, and only 30 percent of collision shops are capable of ADAS component replacement.

“I really see ADAS as J2534 on steroids,” Fish said.

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Auto Channel Issue #49 August 2022

“J2534 was a learning curve. There were many of the same problems that ADAS faces in the field.”

When the workshops were asked why they’re outsourcing the work, the three most common responses were that it was too hard, there’s no demand for it, and it was too expensive.

Ninety percent of ADAS work coming into mechanical shops is outsourced CONSUMER USAGE The report stated that 45 percent of ADAS systems are deactivated by the consumer, even though, by 2030, ADAS systems will have lowered crash rates by 20 percent.

Further breaking down the helpfulness of ADAS, the report notes that: Reverse vision (back-up cameras) decreases backing crashes by 42 percent.

Automatic emergency braking decreases rear end striking crashes by 46 percent.

Lane keep assist decreases lane-change crashes by 20 percent.

Additionally, Fish notes that 51 percent of crashes are the front end of one vehicle hitting

the back end of another, so utilising these ADAS systems is beneficial to the consumer.

So why are people deactivating the systems? The report breaks it down into three reasons: Forty-one percent of people do not believe the ADAS systems work.

Thirty percent of people believe the systems are not needed.

Forty-one percent of people say they find the systems’ noises/lights too distracting.

“Last year, it’s believed about 8800 people died from distracted driving [in the US],” Fish said. “Those deaths could be reduced dramatically.”

PROBLEMS WORTH SOLVING Fish summarised the top three problems worth solving with ADAS in the aftermarket were: 1. Cost of ADAS repairs: The cost of parts and equipment is out of reach for most shops.

Aftermarket alternatives are needed as only OEM parts are available in many cases.

2. Low shop competency in ADAS services: More training is necessary to help technicians understand this new and intimidating technology, but aside from requiring high-end diagnostic skills to service these systems, shops aren’t seeing the necessity of doing this training because they’re not seeing the volume in repairs making it essential to bring this service in-house.

3. Consumer usage of ADAS: It would be helpful to educate customers on the benefits of ADAS systems so they do not deactivate them.

Apparently they also need to understand that while the systems help keep them safer — they are driver-assistance systems — it does not mean they can drive more recklessly. The systems can only do so much.

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No stranger to the track or burnout pad, Paul Henry is a common sight in his ‘RU5TY8’ ’58 Chev, and he isn’t afraid to throw it around as if it’s a Mini — something we can testify to after doing some laps in it over the weekend. Sunday’s burnout was made the more memorable after RU5TY8 came out with some coloured tyres and covered the crowd with blue smoke

Express Excess 2022 PROWEAR CHROME EXPRESSION SESSION ­— CHRISTCHURCH WORDS AND PHOTOS: ROD DUNN

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fter cancellations, postponements, and date changes, it was fantastic finally to see an event take place in Christchurch without the restrictions of the past two years. The move down in the government’s traffic-light system meant that things could return to a somewhat normal state, a time when people could just get on with doing the things they love. With the 2022 Prowear Chrome Expression Session Christchurch event already having been postponed from March, fingers had been crossed in the hope that nothing would get in the way of it happening on its revised dates of 22–24 April. Much to the relief of many, it went ahead as planned.

Bevan Chapman and his VL Commodore, now running an LS2. The motor is wearing a 2.3-litre Walkinshaw supercharger using water/methanol, dynoed at 600-plus horsepower with 1000Nm of torque

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Auto Channel Issue #49 August 2022

Starting on Friday with VIP-pass holders getting that early track access, the gates of Mike Pero Motorsport Park, Ruapuna — the venue for the weekend — were flung open at midday, allowing entrants to enter and get set up for three days of driving action. First port of call is always scrutineering, which all vehicles must go through before going onto the track. This is to ensure the safety of not only a vehicle and its driver but also the other entrants who are on the track alongside it.

After a briefing for drivers, the track opened for an afternoon VIP cruise session, with a large number of cars going out. Other than a cold southerly wind blowing over the track, the day remained uneventful — people were just able to get out and enjoy driving their rides.

Spectators were treated to some awesome displays of driving Saturday dawned clear but cold, as you would expect as we fast approached winter here in the south. However, with the sun out, the day was quite warm — a typical Canterbury autumn day. Cars began queuing outside the raceway before 6.30am; by the time the gates opened at 7.30am, the queue stretched several hundred metres down the road.

Cars that hadn’t been there the day before made their way to scrutineering, while others took up residence in the pit area.

Regular driver briefings took place throughout the day; these were mandatory if you planned to drive on the track. The first cruise session of the morning saw plenty of cars head out, with a great mix of vehicles on display. Commodores, Toranas, a late-model Camaro, and a Mustang mixed it up with a big field of Jappas, which in itself had a great mix of cool cars, from early Toyotas and Datsuns to the late-model Skylines and Mitsubishis that usually fill the roads around Christchurch.

This 2000 Nissan Patrol powered by a standard 4.2-litre diesel fitted with an aftermarket turbo and was the talk of the pits on Sunday

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John Healy and partner Kristina had a great weekend in their Mk 1 Escort. The Mk 1 is very different from when it left the factory — it now sports an SBC 400 V8 destroked to 377ci. A Powerglide helps with gear selection, while a nine-inch diff puts the power to the ground. John told us that the diff is only one metre in length

People started queuing at the gates before the crack of dawn to secure a great spot in the pits The crowds also kept coming — thousands walked through the gates over the course of the day. The queue for people wanting to purchase armbands so that they could go for a ride was around 40 deep all day. Several different events took place in between cruise sessions, including the Link ECU/Spec Performance Roll Racing, Prowear Drifting, and what had to be the most popular event of the weekend: the Demon Energy Drinks burnouts. Both the drifting and burnouts attracted large numbers of participants and could be viewed from the grandstand on the track’s north bank. Spectators were treated to some awesome displays of driving in both events, with two sessions of each held over the course of the day.

The highlight of Saturday, if not the whole weekend, took place on the burnout pad in the afternoon. Here, we want to make a special mention of a very special guest, Michael Moore, who had been battling a brain tumour for many years. During the afternoon burnouts, Michael was taken out, riding shotgun with John Healy in his V8-powered Ford Escort then with Cole Raika in his Mazda RX-3, both of whom put on an awesome demonstration of how to blow tyres. The smile on Michael’s face was very evident when he returned to the pits — an awesome moment.

Cruise sessions continued throughout the afternoon until the track closed at 6pm. The official Chrome night cruise took place on Saturday night.

Leaving from the Waterloo Business Park in Hornby at about 8pm, cars cruised south to the Rakaia Bridge, where they turned left and headed back to the city, travelling through Leeston, a small rural town near Lake Ellesmere. This event was well supported, with a large number of people and vehicles taking part.

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Auto Channel Issue #49 August 2022

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After battling some stiff competition this year, Garett Matthews (left) came out the winner in the burnout comp in his LS-powered One Tonner, while Jacob Warren (right) was runner-up in his ’57 Chev

People started queuing at the gates to the Mike Pero Motorsport Park, Ruapuna, before the crack of dawn on Sunday morning, no doubt wanting to secure a great spot in the pits. The day was fairly much a repeat of the Saturday, with plenty taking to the track for the cruise sessions. A couple of cars were missing due to mechanical issues; unfortunately, when you push your car as hard as some do, things are bound to break.

In the afternoon, the finals of several events were held, including the Link ECU/Spec Performance Roll Racing and the Demon Energy Drinks burnouts.

The burnouts were a little down on numbers, with a couple of noticeable absences but still with a strong field. The entrants put it all on the table — or, in this case, on the pad — putting on some great displays.

Once all the smoke had cleared, Garett Matthews, who was up from Ashburton with his supercharged LS-powered Holden One Tonner, named ‘DSPRNG’, was crowned king for 2022, while Jacob Warren, in his black beauty ’57 Chev, named ‘SHREDDER’ and powered by a supercharged SB400, was awarded runner-up.

After additional awards were handed out, more cruising took place before the event was brought to a close for 2022. A big shout-out needs to go to the team at Premier Events and the guys from Auckland for coming down to Christchurch and bringing us this much-needed fixture. Can’t wait for the next.

Geoff Kissack, lapping the track in his Ford Falcon, is very proactive in the Christchurch Falcon Fairlane Club in Christchurch. The Falcon is running a fresh 351 stroker with a manual cog-swapper

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Auto Channel Issue #49 August 2022

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New fit and forget Trojan trailer lights NEW TROJAN LED LIGHTS AND LED LIGHT PACKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE

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rojan’s new fully sealed and durable trailer lights are available singly or as a twin pack, complete with wiring seven-pin trailer plugs and mounting kits.

The new units replace a previous version that has been substantially redesigned. It now comes with a separate mounting plate to relieve stress on the light unit itself, which avoids compromising its water tightness. The case has also been redesigned and a new method of manufacture has further increased its resistance to water ingress.

The LED circuitry is multi-voltage, accepting 10 to 36 volts DC, and the units are ADR compliant.

Each unit features tail, stop, and indicator lights with a built-in reflector. The looks of the new lamp have also received an upgrade. The tail light is now a more sophisticated illuminated rectangular strip around the outside of the indicator, stop light, and reflector lenses.

There are no screws or mounting holes on the front of the units, ensuring the lamps maintain their clean looks for many years. The lenses are constructed from virtually unbreakable polycarbonate, which are also scratch and chemical resistant. They are fully sealed and watertight to the IP67 standard so they can be safely used on boat trailers. However, for peace of mind, they are backed by a three-year warranty.

The units come pre-wired and sealed with nine metres of cable and the multi-fit mounting plate which will adapt to most existing mount hole positions.

They can be purchased in three variants. T371072 is a left-hand unit with stainless steel mount fittings. It replaces unit T371052. The right-hand unit, T371074, has integrated vertical and horizontal number plate lights. It replaces unit T371054.

The seven-pin plug on the twin tail light pack (T37071) is also an improved design. It includes an interchangeable grommet that can accept one or two wires, to suit different wiring plans. A simple installation means the supplied leads from both light units can be fed into the plug side by side, but if additional side marker lights are installed, for example, these are all usually

Century Batteries revved up for Repco Rally New Zealand AFTER 10 YEARS AWAY, THE FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP HAS RETURNED TO NEW ZEALAND, THIS TIME POWERED BY ONE OF NEW ZEALAND’S MOST POPULAR BATTERY BRANDS.

N

ew Zealand’s gravel roads have long been a favourite with international rally drivers. Century Yuasa general manager Stu Stanners believes international events participating on New Zealand soil should be supported and welcomed back not only by the general public, but also by local industries.

Century Batteries will be the official battery partner of Repco Rally New Zealand for 2022, which will take place over four days of actionpacked special stages in the Auckland and Waikato regions, starting 29 September.

“After such a long hiatus, Kiwis are getting around the Repco Rally New Zealand, so we are proud to

38

Auto Channel Issue #49 August 2022

be supporting the New Zealand round,” says Stu. “This is a great moment for Century Batteries to be getting behind such an iconic world series. It is one we have big plans for.”

Repco Rally New Zealand CEO Michael Goldstein welcomed Century Batteries’ support, especially from a brand that has backed New Zealand motorsports for many years.

Century Batteries has also secured naming rights for the NZRC’s service park. The Century Batteries Service Park at Auckland’s Halsey Wharf will be home base for all New Zealand-based teams during the event.

spliced into a single wire going to the plug. This new pack replaces item T371051. The seven-pin plug is also available on its own (T371080).

They are available from automotive and transport outlets nationwide. For more information see trojan.co.nz, or call 0800 TROJAN (876 526).

Installers wanted, enquire now!

haymanreese.co.nz | 0800 MY T BAR

APPLY TO GLASS. DEFY THE ELEMENTS.

OUTSMART THE ELEMENTS™

Visit rainx.co.nz

Available from leading automotive and hardware retailers.

Products

The latest automotive products

5.5t two-post car hoist The Automaster AM-6255R two-post car hoist has a lifting capacity of 5500kg, making it ideal for larger vans and commercial vehicles. The columns utilise double-S bends to increase column strength, and the top cross bar has three height settings to suit different roof heights — 5200mm, 5320mm, and 5420mm. It has three-stage telescoping front arms with arm extensions, rubber-covered screw-up feet with 80mm and 155mm height extensions, and rubber column guards offering great value for money.

For more information and pricing, see Automaster.co.nz, or call 0800 214 604.

Is it a lolly? Is it a plane?

It’s a fragrance!

Make your car smell good enough to eat in the form of a lolly-style jet plane air freshener. Jelly Jets come in six ‘flavours’ – bubble gum, cherry, blueberry, green apple, vanilla, and strawberry in the Hang-It version, or three fragrances in the Clip-It form: bubble gum, cherry, blueberry. To be fair, the Clip-It version also offers six variants, in that the three flavours are also available with sparkles. They are available from leading automotive and hardware stores.

For more information, stockists, and pricing see jellyjets.co.nz.

Ignite beacons Ignite’s 10-80V LED Beacons offer 10 x strobe and 2 x rotating patterns with up to 100,000 hours LED lifespan. SAE J845 Class 1 and IP67 rated, the highquality beacons are available in amber, blue, or red with either a two-bolt metal mount or magnet mount.

Ignite LED Beacons have a low-profile, black aluminium alloy powder-coated housing and a durable PMMA polycarbonate lens and come with a five-year warranty.

Available from CoolDrive or see cooldrive.co.nz.

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Auto Channel Issue #49 August 2022

Suspension for engines The Meyle-HD hybrid engine mount lasts, and lasts, and lasts — without any vibrations. By combining polyurethane and proprietary polyelast, the Meyle-HD hybrid engine mount ensures vibration-free suspension and reliable damping of the engine. It comes with a four-year guarantee.

For more information, see meyle.com/hybridenginemount, or order from alleuroparts.co.nz.

AGM from ACDelco ACDelco’s Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) range brings the best in advanced battery technology for cars with the most advanced fuel-saving technology, including stopstart and regenerative braking. AGM plate separators reduce internal resistance, providing significant improvement in all performance criteria, including increased cycling ability, fast charge acceptance, and improved cranking power in a partial state of charge.

The AGM range is ideal for modern cars that have higher electrical accessory loads.

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

Strong arm tactics Bigger is better! Meyle engineers have built an advanced Meyle-HD control arm for Mercedes W205 models to better withstand the high loads of these vehicles. An enlarged ball diameter reduces wear and tear on the ball pin and a special heat treatment makes it even more resistant. Meyle backs its design with a four-year Meyle-HD warranty.

Learn more at meyle.com/steering-suspension, or order from alleuroparts.co.nz.

The endless power of the Intelli-Start jumpstarter Projecta’s Intelli-Start jumpstarters make that whole charging issue a thing of the past. The IS1500 Professional Intelli-Start Jumpstarter has deep reserves of power in a lightweight unit, performing up to 150 cranking starts on a single charge.

Thanks to its lithium iron phosphate (LifePO4) cell construction and smart controls, it can be recharged on the spot by the started vehicle’s alternator (if it’s still functional) just by leaving it connected for a short time.

41

Know your disc brake pads BRAKE PADS WORK IN TWO DIFFERENT WAYS WITH DIFFERENT DESIGNS OF FRICTION MATERIALS — ABRASIVE AND ADHERENT

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raditional abrasive brake pads create friction stopping power by grinding away at the rotor.

The brake pad acts like sandpaper with the rotor being the wood in this analogy.

This mechanical rubbing robs the kinetic energy in the rotation of the disc by converting it into heat.

Abrasive pads wear away but they also wear the rotor surface away pretty fast too.

The most common abrasive brake pads are semi-metallic. Due to their construction, hardness and abrasiveness, they provide the best stopping power of all brake pad types. That’s why they’re used on heavy SUVs, light trucks, and larger trucks.

Adherent brake pads operate differently. They set up a sticky bond between the pad and the metal surface which is less damaging to the disc. During the break-in or ‘bedding’ operation, the technician drives the vehicle and makes multiple smooth brake applications to wipe a thin layer of brake pad friction material into the pores of the rotor face.

The thin film of brake pad material that adheres to the rotor face is called the transfer layer.

Heat is still essential to the braking process.

During all future braking, the brake pad presses against the transfer layer, creating friction. The heat breaks the transfer layer bond to the rotor, changes the transfer layer on a molecular basis, and replaces the damaged transfer layer with a new layer of material from the brake pad. The process of damaging and replacing the transfer layer happens multiple times during braking.

Because the brake pads are always depositing a new transfer layer onto the rotor, the pads wear faster in this system than the brake rotor.

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Auto Channel Issue #49 August 2022

The most common adherent brake pads are non-asbestos organic (NAO) and ceramic.

Originally, brake pads were made of asbestos, an effective but highly toxic heat-absorbing material.

Today, brake pads fall into three categories: organic, semi-metallic (metallic), and ceramic.

ORGANIC MATERIAL Organic brake pads are made of a mixture of common materials like rubber, carbon, glass/ fibreglass, and others, secured together by resin.

These brake pads are suitable for every day driving of non-performance vehicles and don’t produce excessive heat with stopping. These pads are often known as non-asbestos organic (NAO).

SEMI-METALLIC (METALLIC) Semi-metallic (or often referred to as just ‘metallic’) brake pads contain between 30 and 70 per cent metals like copper, iron, steel, or other composites, and often a graphite lubricant and other durable filler material to complete manufacturing. Semimetallic brake pads can serve a variety of functions from every day driving, to heavy haulage, to track performance.

CERAMIC Ceramic brake pads are made of a durable ceramic compound, often fortified with other material to help with friction application and heat management.

Prior to 2015, ceramic brakes commonly contained

copper threads for heat management and increased friction performance characteristics, but since then, the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency has called for the reduction of copper material in brake pads, mandating a reduction of copper content to 0.5 per cent by weight by 2025. While usually sold at a higher price, ceramic brakes are quiet, produce less dust as they wear, and perform consistently at a wider range of temperatures and driving conditions.

Ceramic and semi-metallic pads offer different advantages which should be considered when choosing between them.

For performance vehicles, track driving, or when towing, most drivers prefer semi-metallic brakes, as they provide better braking over a wider range of temperatures and conditions. They are made of material that conducts heat well, thus making them more able to withstand higher temperatures upon braking, while simultaneously being able to help shed that heat and cool the system. Semi-metallic brake pads can be noisier than ceramic brake pads, and their price point normally falls between organic and ceramic brake pads.

Ceramic brake pads, while quieter, are also able to handle high temperatures with quick recovery, causing less damage to the rotors. As they wear, ceramic brake pads create a finer dust than semimetallic brake pads, leaving less debris on the vehicle’s wheels and on the road.

Ceramic brake pads typically last longer than semi-metallic brake pads, and through their lifespan, provide better noise control and less wear-and-tear to rotors without sacrificing braking performance.

When deciding between ceramic and semi-metallic brake pads, bear in mind that not all vehicle makes and models are compatible with ceramic brake pads, so research is advised.

Understanding how brake pads function, and how different brake pad materials are suited for different applications will help you to make the right brake pad selection to fit your customer’s unique vehicle and driving needs.

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Supplying to the Trade

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EMCO offers an extensive range of premium reticulation products, sourced from quality manufacturers across the globe.

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Pumps, reels, dispensing equipment and accessories, along with site planning, installation and support.

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Mark Everleigh - 09 222 1729

Supplier directory

PA R Be TS

a S ra ring UP di s P at , d LY or iff s, s, en al SE gi ter RV ne n O IC co ato ils E ,g C m rs, po br re O as N ne ak e, S nt e c co UM s, om ol A W ba p an B O tte o L t R ,t E rie nen Ra K S r an s, ts gs SH tra , s cl , lu O fl ea b P ile ui ne ric C rp d, rs an O b ar u , c ts N ts l b S SU ar , P U s, flu ca PE M SP re , a AB sh Ti E ,a e L e N es irc ros ES bu rod SIO on ol sh s, N s, es ba A ab , b ll j N ra ea oin D siv AF rin ts ST es TE , E gs ra E , Au R , s ck R di M I h oc en NG dr o, AR ks ds es pe K , s rf ET up or , p m AC W ai an C nt ce ES O /w p S D RK ra ar O ia S p, ts, RI gn H ha o O dr bo ES nd sti P iv d el yk c to s, EQ in it ol ho U e s, s, is IP RE sp ts M PA ec , e E N Au IR ia lec T lis t to t s ric en e SER er s, gi lec V vi po ne tr IC ce w i re cal E eq er bu , g W ui to ild ea pm ol IN r s b , W DS en s, o s u in C t sp xes d m sc RE en , c irr re E sio yli or en N n n s, s S , c der w , c AN oo h ip hi D W er p lin ead H s, re G g s, E LA O E p c a us i EM LS S r to s, S re re A m s pa p ND fit ide irs lac T m gl , c em Y en as R o t s, e ns n E S AU um t, TO t Re ab yre s R le s, s, fit su tora EFI in tin pp ti N ne g lie on ISH r t /b s, , sm E ub ala sp a R es nc ra sh S in y g, pa rep in ai te rs rs , a ,p u ai tont b co od rre y ct io n

YOUR GUIDE TO NEW ZEALAND'S LEADING AUTOMOTIVE TRADE SUPPLIERS

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0800 0800 472 472 787 787 0800 0800 333 333 125 125 aecs.net aecs.net 06 06 874 874 9077 9077 bntnz.co.nz bntnz.co.nz 09 09 414 414 3200 3200 hcb.co.nz hcb.co.nz or or 0800 0800 422 422 228 228

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precisionequipment.co.nz precisionequipment.co.nz 0800 0800 246 246 478 478

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jasoceania.co.nz jasoceania.co.nz or or 0800 0800 527 527 335 335

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dieseldistributors.co.nz dieseldistributors.co.nz or or 09 09 265 265 0622 0622 09 09 836 836 6673 6673

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autolign.co.nz autolign.co.nz or or 09 09 574 574 2288 2288 tatp.co.nz tatp.co.nz or or 0800 0800 268 268 266 266

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smitsgroup.co.nz smitsgroup.co.nz or or 0800 0800 227 227 422 422

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griffithsequipment.co.nz griffithsequipment.co.nz or or 09 09 525 525 4575 4575

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parts@1stautoparts.co.nz parts@1stautoparts.co.nz or or 09 09 638 638 6439 6439 mountshop.co.nz mountshop.co.nz or or 0508 0508 866 866 686 686

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bmw.co.nz bmw.co.nz or or 0508 0508 269 269 727 727 cyb.co.nz cyb.co.nz or or 09 09 978 978 6666 6666

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0800 0800 465 465 855 855 0800 0800 549 549 429 429

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automaster.co.nz automaster.co.nz or or 0800 0800 214 214 604 604 centurydistributors.co.nz centurydistributors.co.nz

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dtm.co.nz dtm.co.nz or or 0800 0800 621 621 233 233

nzmotoroils.com nzmotoroils.com or or 0800 0800 942 942 645 645

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0800 0800 383 383 566 566 06 06 306 306 8446 8446 or or blackfern.coop blackfern.coop redarcelectronics.co.nz redarcelectronics.co.nz 0800 0800 757 757 333 333 or or fenixautoparts.co.nz fenixautoparts.co.nz

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crc.co.nz crc.co.nz or or 09 09 272 272 2700 2700 rjbatt.co.nz rjbatt.co.nz or or 09 09 636 636 5980 5980

 Auto Channel Issue #47 June 2022

patchrubber.co.nz patchrubber.co.nz or or 0508 0508 837 837 248 248

penriteoil.co.nz penriteoil.co.nz or or 0800 0800 533 533 698 698

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smitsgroup.co.nz smitsgroup.co.nz or or 0800 0800 227 227 422 422

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treadwayequipped.co.nz treadwayequipped.co.nz 0800 0800 436 436 436 436

a S ra ring UP di s P at , d LY or iff s, s, en al SE gi ter RV ne n O IC co ato ils E ,g C m rs, po br re O as N ne ak e, S nt e c co UM s, om ol A W ba p a O tte o nt BL ,t E rie nen Ra RK S ra s, ts gs SH n tra , s cl , lu O flu ea b P ile id ne ric C rp ,b rs an O ar ul , c ts N ts bs SU ar , P SU , fl ca PE M SP us re , a AB Ti E he ,a e L e N s ir ros ES bu rod SIO co o sh s, ls, N n b es a A ab , b ll j N ra ea oin D siv AF rin ts ST es T gs , ra EE , Au ER , s ck R M di ho e IN A o dr , R ck nd G es pe K s s, s rf ET up or , p m AC W ai an C nt ce ES O /w p S D RK ra ar O ia S gn H p, ts, RI ha o O dr bo ES nd sti P iv d el yk to cs, EQ in it ol ho U e s, s, is IP RE sp ts M PA ec , e E Au IR ia lec NT lis t to t s ric en e SER er s, gi lec V vi po ne tr IC ce w re ical E eq er b , W ui ge ui to l pm ol IN ds ar , s bo W DS en s, us xe in C t pe s, m dsc RE ns cy irr re E io lin or en N n, d s, s S co er w , c AN ip hi D W ol he er p in ad H G r s g s, , c ep L O EE us ai AS EM LS to rs, S re re A m si pa p ND fit de irs lac T m gl , c em Y en as R o t s, ns en ES AU um t, TO t Re ab yre s R le s, s, fit su tora EFI in tin pp ti N ne g o I lie n SH r t /b , s, sm E ub ala sp a R es nc S ra sh in y g, pa rep in ai te rs rs , a ,p u ai tont b co od rre y ct io n

PA R Be TS

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sales@advancefc.co.nz 0800 538 058 holden.co.nz/dealers

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07 850 5240 0800 188 122

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mmnz.co.nz or 0800 54 53 52 cooldrive.co.nz or 0800 327 868 ryco.co.nz or 0800 838 222

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ford.co.nz or 0800 367 369 tyreorder.co.nz or 0800 80 90 96

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moreyoil.co.nz or 09 813 9200

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gearwrench.co.nz Napa.co.nz or 0800 800 073 trojan.co.nz or 0800 876 526

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fuchs.co.nz or 09 828 3255

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bendix.co.nz

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09 636 5428 or sales@clutchindustries.co.nz

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nz.macnaught.com or 0800 023 510

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tridon.co.nz or 09 259 4327 ateco.co.nz or 09 979 8000

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eproducts.co.nz or 09 916 6750

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eshop.wurth.co.nz or 0800 683 040 alleuroparts.co.nz or 0800 255 387

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haymanreese.co.nz or 0800 MYTBAR

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Injectronics.co.nz or 0800 536 547 goss.co.nz or 0800 536 547

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capricorn.coop or 0800 401 444 sales@dependableoil.co.nz or 09 630 0369

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

This directory is a paid service for businesses who supply to the New Zealand automotive trade. To secure your inclusion, contact Mark Everleigh on 09 222 1729 or mark.everleigh@parkside.co.nz.

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The money-making 10-minute tour for vehicle repairers SPENDING 10 MINUTES WITH YOUR CUSTOMER COULD UNLOCK THOUSANDS IN ADDITIONAL REVENUE

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ehind the scenes and behind the counter or customer area, if you are lucky enough to have one, is all the secret stuff that makes up a vehicle workshop. Most people can imagine or occasionally glimpse the technicians, hoists, toolboxes and the weird and wonderful machinery behind the space marked ‘Employees Only’.

That’s where technicians lurk, carrying out whatever magic or arcane processes that are at their command to somehow fix our vehicles, which only really works without prying eyes watching their every move.

Some workshops will take customers out back to discuss their vehicle, but the thought of giving a customer a tour of the workshop is asking for trouble.

In fact, why would anyone want a tour of a room full of hoists, loud air tools, and the smell of exhaust fumes? It would surely be a boring tour because once you have seen one shop, you have seen them all.

Well, maybe it's boring for you but it won’t be for your new customers, precisely because they never get to see one for themselves.

Most workshop operators assume letting customers in is a health and safety issue but it is not, if you or an experienced member of staff is guiding them. After all, you work there safely every day, and the customer will have that expert knowledge right beside them.

A tidy workshop with a clean and clear floor — a workshop you are proud of — can easily exceed customer expectations. Showing specific equipment, especially any new equipment that delivers additional quality or accuracy, will register with them, and that memory can be triggered when they want additional services in the future.

The power of a workshop tour is that it is a unique way to build trust with your customers. In as little as 10 minutes, you create a relationship that could last a lifetime. Your new customers get one-on-one time with you, and you get the same one-on-one time with a customer you have just acquired.

46

Auto Channel Issue #49 August 2022

If you structure your shop tours correctly, you can even use this opportunity to capture valuable customer data. This is also your opportunity to learn what you can about your customer. The moment you introduce yourself, pay attention to your customer's appearance. What are they wearing? Do they have accessories? Take notes.

After you introduce yourself and get your customer's name, ask them about their career.

Take notes.

As you take your customer through your workshop, use this opportunity to share your company’s approach and values. Be ready for them to interject and ask a question. This is your time to listen because their questions, comments, or stories illustrate what they care about. Every time they say something, take notes.

Auto Channel is the best way to reach the wider automotive industry. The publication is direct mailed to 11,298 New Zealand businesses in the following automotive sectors: Automotive workshops Parts importers and distributors Transmission specialists Automotive recyclers Towing operators Panel beaters and painters Crash repairers Tyre dealers Suspension and underbody repairers Steering specialists Towing operators Auto-electrical repairers New- and used-car dealers Air conditioning repairers Heavy machinery dealers

GIVING AND RECEIVING The intent of a workshop tour is to get them to open up and share a piece of their personal life with you, which could give you an opening to future business or at least build a personal relationship with them, which is the thing most likely to bring them back, all else being equal.

Record everything you hear and see from every workshop tour. Your notes will reveal patterns, like repetitive careers, marital status, core values, residence and work locations, consumer buying behaviours, hobbies, interests, pains, and joys. All of this data is valuable intellectual property that no one else has but you.

A shop tour is a clever way to gain insights into your customers. It can help build a picture that may pave the way to new ideas, sales, promotions, processes, or additional revenue streams for your auto shop.

Accelerate your knowledge of your customer.

Spending 10 minutes with your customer could unlock the path to thousands of dollars in additional revenue.

Trucking and transport −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

Auto Channel Issue No. 50 distributed 30 August −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

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.

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