Auto Channel 52

State of the NationReport industry-widehighlightsskills shortage

CAPRICORN, AUSTRALASIA’S LARGEST AUTOMOTIVE COOPERATIVE, HAS RELEASED ITS LATEST SURVEY HIGHLIGHTING THE SKILLS SHORTAGE, ONGOING PARTS AVAILABILITY ISSUES AND WORK-LIFE BALANCE AS THE TOP ISSUES FOR ITS MEMBERS — BUT ALSO REPORTS HIGH LEVELS OF HAPPINESS

Capricorn’s third State of the Nation report drew responses from more than 1900 of its 25,000 members, 22 per cent of them from New Zealand.

According to the 2022 report, maintaining a good work-life balance and finding time to take a break remains a significant challenge for many. Parts shortages and the rising cost of parts have also affected the industry, while finding and retaining qualified staff is still the number one challenge for many business owners.

Capricorn Group CEO David Fraser said it’s

clear the automotive industry is battling a serious skills shortage and many member workshops had turned to apprentices to help fill this gap, more than half (52 per cent) of respondents saying the reason they took on an apprentice was the lack of qualified tradespeople.

Some members have begun searching overseas, looking to sponsor experienced mechanics and other tradespeople to fill long-term vacancies.

The report noted the industry had not done a good job of promoting itself to youth, ceding the ground to other sectors which had portrayed

themselves as cooler or having a brighter future. Among the recommendations in the report was to talk up automotive careers to more young people. Just 57 per cent of respondents said they would recommend a career in the automotive industry to a young person. Fraser suggested trying to attract more women into the industry — half the population which “are almost an untapped opportunity”.

Having a diverse workplace is strongly linked to improved business performance, effectiveness, profitability and revenue generation in many fields, yet just six per cent of workshops surveyed had a female mechanic and only 12 per cent employed a female apprentice.

ON

the

seeing how you are doing compared with the measured performance of others. You might feel you are doing well, but how does that compare with others; could you be doing much better? Are there opportunities you are simply not seeing?

Australian-based Capricorn’s ‘State of the Nation’ survey of its members – which perhaps needs a more inclusive name as 22 per cent of survey respondents were from New Zealand – provides a valuable insight into their performance and their issues.

It also points out opportunities and what the industry can do to address its challenges. One opportunity to address the top issue of lack of skilled labour is promoting the industry as a good career to young people — especially young women (half of the population!) — who are always being enticed into other fields. While many respondents to the survey said they were happy, apparently only 57 per cent of members would recommend a career in the industry. C’mon, be proud!

Parkes, Editor

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“Yes, it has traditionally been a male-dominated environment. But it doesn’t have to be,” says Fraser. “We need to create opportunities and challenge perceptions that automotive is only for the blokes.

“It’s not the only solution, and it’s not a quick fix,” continues Fraser, “but providing opportunities and encouraging a more diverse workforce will make our industry a much better, happier place to be.”

FINDING HAPPINESS

EDITOR

Ian Parkes, editor@autochannel.co.nz

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Deven Solanki, Henry Khov

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

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Kealy Mathews

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

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

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

WORKFLOW MANAGER

Emily Khov

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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 11,306 New Zealand businesses in the following automotive sectors:

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

Interestingly, the report also found that 62 per cent of respondents were “extremely happy” or “very happy” with their career in automotive, regardless of their turnover, but there was a strong link between having lots of work, enjoying being a business owner, and happiness. “Making customers happy” was the leading positive of working in the industry, while a third enjoyed problem solving and fixing things.

Six in 10 members said being successful means doing high-quality work. It beat out financial considerations as the top answer to the question: ‘What does success look like?’

“Despite a couple of Covid-chaos years, the mood generally remains positive. Making customers happy, solving their vehicle’s problems and the variety of work continue to drive the positive sentiment,” said Fraser.

THE BIG PICTURE

Of the respondents, 89 per cent ran independent workshops, 64 per cent ran mechanical workshops and almost three-quarters were the sole decisionmakers in their businesses.

The average respondent was male and aged 46. More commercial truck members replied this year (up five percentage points to 10 per cent). Members had an average of 4.4 staff, ranging from the 22 per cent who had one team member to the 24 per cent who had six or more. The average number of hoists

was 2.9. More than three-quarters of respondents relied on word-of-mouth marketing and just over half were using social media channels to find work and communicate with customers.

THE REPORT MADE 10 RECOMMENDATIONS SUMMARISED BELOW:

Make use of quality data sources

• Stop googling for information about repairs; use reputable resources.

Get ready for EVs

• They will be a big part of the industry’s future and workshops need to be prepared for them.

Take on an apprentice

• They’re the long-term solution to the skills shortage. Provide opportunities for female apprentices.

Charge customers fairly

• Charge for diagnostics. Mark up parts thoughtfully. Consider increasing your labour charge-out rate, if necessary, to meet rising costs.

Plan for spare parts shortages

• While global supply chains are causing problems getting parts, Capricorn says its preferred suppliers are doing everything possible to meet demand.

Invest in training

• Training improves productivity and competitiveness. It’s also an investment in staff that helps with retention.

Invest in technology

• Don’t fall behind competitors or risk turning away business for a lack of tools or training. Recoup tech costs by charging for diagnostics.

Create an excellent workplace culture

Make the workshop a place people want to be. Embrace the benefits of a more diverse workforce.

Take a break

You need rest. Structure your business so you can get away. Pay yourself with time off like you’d pay your bills – on time, in full, and non-negotiable.

Plan for the future

Whether it’s growing the business or handing over to the next generation, have a plan in place. It’s never too early to plan succession.

NTK expands sensor range

LEADING IGNITION AND SENSOR SUPPLIER NTK HAS LAUNCHED FOUR NEW SENSOR RANGES

NTK has more than 40 years of experience in the sensor business and is Australia’s leading ignition and sensor supplier. Following successes in Europe and the United States, NTK added to its already extensive catalogue of oxygen sensors, exhaust gas temperature sensors, and air fuel ratio monitors last year by releasing four new products:

• Engine Camshaft Position Sensor: These sensors report camshaft rotation timing and speed. A vital component of the ignition system and vehicle computer communication, the engine camshaft sensor determines the exact position and speed of the camshaft(s) to ensure the proper timing of fuel injection and ignition as well as VVT operation.

• Engine Crankshaft Position Sensor: These sensors report crankshaft rotation timing and speed. Like the camshaft sensor, the engine crankshaft position sensor plays a vital role when it comes to the ignition system and vehicle computer communication, determining the exact position and speed of the crankshaft to ensure the proper timing of fuel injection and ignition while also providing misfire monitoring.

• MAP Sensor: These sensors determine the intake manifold pressure or vacuum. They are a major contributor to fuel injector pulse width and ignition and valve timing, reporting engine load to the engine’s computer and ensuring proper air/ fuel ratios.

• ABS Wheel Speed Sensor: These sensors monitor the vehicle wheel speed. The ABS control module uses the information received from the ABS wheel speed sensors for several systems such as anti-lock braking, traction control, and stability control systems. Sensors can be found at each wheel as well as at the differential or transmission tail shaft housing.

After years of NTK’s oxygen sensors, exhaust gas temperature sensors, and air fuel ratio monitors leading the way for both vehicle manufacturers and the automotive aftermarket, the addition of the new camshaft, crankshaft, MAP and ABS wheel speed sensor ranges mark a significant expansion of the NTK portfolio. The company says these new sensor ranges are already proving popular within its home aftermarket with distributors, workshops, and end-users.

NTK attributes its premier status within the industry to its commitment to four competitive differences: range, availability, tech support, and OE standards.

“Our range, availability, technical support, and OE quality makes NTK sensors the most trusted sensor brand for mechanical workshops,” said

NGK Spark Plugs Australia’s senior product manager, James Filshie.

“NTK have always been the sensor specialists you can count on, and this is now even more true thanks to our significantly expanded range.

“These new offerings provide excellent New Zealand vehicle parc coverage and open up further OE replacement opportunities for aftermarket customers, and cement our position as a worldleading ignition and sensor manufacturer.”

To support these new ranges, NTK has now released educational material in an informative YouTube video.

“Today’s motor vehicles must provide greater efficiency, optimise fuel consumption, and maintain performance and power while providing improved safety and accident avoidance, cleaner outputs, and pollution control. At the same time, reliability, long service life, and engine protection are a must,” James said.

“These functions all rely on the engine control unit (ECU), a powerful computer which performs

information from sensors.

“It is the function of these sensors that have provided the enormous advances in vehicle operations in recent years. Quality sensors are vital to help professionals working in service, repair, and diagnostics ensure their customers’ cars are operating as intended by the factory.

“Our new educational material will help explain to customers the importance of using quality sensors in their vehicles to ensure their vehicles’ brains — the ECUs — have the best and most reliable sensors possible. Quality sensors also mean faster diagnosis in times of trouble, which equals less downtime, lower costs, and happier customers.

“The last thing technicians working on customer vehicles should be worrying about is whether the replacement sensor they have chosen is going to stand the test of time. As the sensor specialist, NTK applies its engineering expertise and goes the extra mile to test its full line of technical sensors beyond OE specifications so our customers can focus on moving onto the next job, rather than worrying about comebacks.

“With the release of our new and informative video and other resources in support of our four new sensor ranges, we look forward to speaking with more and more automotive professionals about what we can do for them.”

For more information, visit ngk.com.au.

Quality sensors are vital to help professionals working in service, repair, and diagnostics ensure their customers’ cars are operating as intended by the factory

The game changer

FUCHS NEW GT1 TITAN FLEX COMBINES ACEA C2 AND C3 SPECIFICATIONS IN A SINGLE PRODUCT

Titan GT1 Flex C23 SAE 5W-30 replaces Fuchs

Titan GT1 Flex 23 SAE 5W-30 and the new name speaks to the oil’s many attributes. The Flex title highlights its many approvals, while C23 refers to its unique ability to combine ACEA C2 and C3 in a single product. That’s why Fuchs calls Titan GT1 Flex C23 SAE 5W-30 ‘the Game Changer’. The global car parc is ever-evolving and it has seen a great deal of change, especially in recent years. Fuchs says this change needs to be embraced

That’s why Fuchs — which offers German technology, made in Australia — continues to lead the way in developing lubricants to service the Australasian car parc. The new Titan GT1 Flex C23 SAE 5W-30 oil is universally applicable for diesel, petrol, and gas engines for many manufacturers, which reduces oil inventory and saves money for workshops.

Its API SP specification means Titan GT1 Flex C23 SAE 5W-30 also retrospectively covers API SN, SM, SL requirements. As a result, it provides coverage for more than 12 million vehicles across the Australian and New Zealand car parc.

This includes many of the most popular vehicles, including Toyota Landcruiser, Prado, Fortuner, HiAce, Rav-4 and Hi-Lux, Volkswagen Golf, Jetta and Passat, a range of of BMW and Mercedes vehicles, and late-model diesel vehicles including those from Mazda, Subaru, Hyundai, and Kia.

Fuchs says Titan GT1 Flex C23 SAE 5W-30 reduces oil consumption, improves ageing resistance, and protects diesel exhaust aftertreatment systems such as diesel particulate filters.

In line with Fuchs’ commitment to sustainability, the new oil is available in a range of bottle sizes designed to better match more modern sump sizes which reduces potential packaging waste. The available sizes are 5 and 7-litre bottles, 10, 20, and

Corghi Artiglio Master Jolly — simply the best tyre changer

IF YOU WANT THE BEST IN TYRE CHANGERS, YOU HAVE TO CONSIDER CORGHI’S ARTIGLIO MASTER JOLLY

Corghi has long been at the forefront of tyre changing technology and is now matching its strengths in proven construction quality and unique technological solutions with a competitive price.

It has brought completely touchless technology into a price bracket never seen before. Other brands have come to market with other systems but Corghi distributor Automaster says Corghi’s patenting of its ‘Leva la leva’ design, introduced in 2001, has given its customers a technological advantage that has remained unmatched over time.

Simple programming of the rim diameter ensures the machine’s tools never touch the wheel rim during any work phase, thanks to the preset distance between the tool and the rim.

Bead breaking is achieved with rotating polymer discs set at precise angles. They work with the turntable to move the bead down into the wheel well without stressing the sidewall. A second disc working in the same way from underneath the turntable repeats the process, releasing the inside bead. After the outside tyre wall has been lifted over the rim by another arm — no manual handling of

levers is required — the bottom disc then moves up to complete the removal of the tyre from the rim.

The radial positioning of the discs is automated, removing the need for manual positioning by the operator. Controlled penetration, speed, and repeatability are guaranteed by the synchronised and symmetrical motions of the two bead-breaking discs in the patented system.

The tool arms and controls are divided into three distinct work areas making it easy to recognise the required movements, making the job simple and intuitive for the operator. Ergonomic and multifunctional consoles with a display set the rim diameter and obtain the positioning of the work tools in a quick, practical, and safe manner.

The Master Jolly can handle wheels from 12 to 28-inches in diameter and tyre widths up to 14-inches. It is ideal for high throughput workshops, taking most of the wearying physical effort out of handling wheels. Naturally, it comes with a wheel lifter which effortlessly lifts and tilts wheels of any type onto the turntable, enabling staff to stay fresh and focused.

The only remaining physical task in operating the machine is placing the spindle through the centre

Fuchs remains a local supplier, developing and manufacturing products at two laboratories and production facilities in Australia. More than 95 per cent of Fuchs’ products sold in Australia and New Zealand are manufactured in Australia. Fuchs produces more than 1700 lubricants and related specialist products.

For more information, and for a fast product recommendation for individual vehicles, see fuchs.co.nz.

of the wheel to centre and locate it. However, there is also another version of the machine, the Corghi Artiglio Master Jolly Automatic, which also automates the process of pneumatically clamping the wheel.

For more information, and informative videos on Corghi’s Artiglio Master machines, see automaster.co.nz, or call Automaster on 0800 214 604.

A last race to remember

SEPTEMBER WAS A BIG MONTH FOR SUPERCAR DRIVER MARK ‘FROSTY’ WINTERBOTTOM AND TEAM 18 IN NEW ZEALAND

Mark ‘Frosty’ Winterbottom had a testing weekend at the last ever Supercars Championship event at Auckland’s Pukekohe Park Raceway but it finished on a high note — Frosty and the Fuchs Lubricants-sponsored Team 18 announced a multi-year extension to their partnership.

“Tough weekend for my car,” said Frosty. “Qualifying speed wasn’t there but our race pace was pretty good.”

Frosty qualified 15th and 16th for Sunday’s two races. He had a drive-through penalty in the first race after contact with another car, but he set one of the fastest laps in the closing stages of the race before finishing 22nd. In the second race he suffered a hit to the rear of his Commodore which affected the handling but he still managed to improve three places to finish 12th.

Frosty paid tribute to the track and to the Pukekohe crowd who made the last race there a special event.

“It’s going to be sad to see this place go — the reception on the hill was pretty

epic after the race.”

It was a better day for Mark Emery at KAAR Henderson, Auckland, who won first prize in Fuchs Lubricants’ ‘Chill with Frosty’ promotion. The win saw Mark take home a 98-litre ‘Frosty Fridge’ decalled with Supercar’s star Mark ‘Frosty’ Winterbottom — the ideal accessory for motorsport viewing at home.

Second prize of a George Foreman grill went to Ajay Raj of Subirex Automotive Ltd.

While in Auckland, Frosty and fellow Team 18 driver Scott Pye — who scored fifth and seventh-placed finishes at Puke — made a surprise visit to the Auto Super Shoppe Automotive Academy.

The academy provides a 12-week intensive course that helps candidates who are passionate about the automotive industry get ready for the challenges of life in a workshop.

The Auto Super Shoppe Automotive Academy students are fully supported into employment on graduation. It’s a unique opportunity, giving technicians of the future the best possible start in their careers as it is the only pre-trade course in New Zealand that can boast 100 per cent job placement

of graduates for the last three years running!

The students and staff got valuable insights into the cutting edge of the car world from the two Supercar drivers. Fuchs Lubricants gave each student a double pass to the last race at Pukekohe and some of the keenest also took part in a private garage tour.

In the season-ending feature race at Bathurst on 6 October, Frosty finished 15th and Pye 16th, enough to secure 10th in the championship for Frosty, while Scott Pye finished 16th overall. The Bathurst 1000 race was won by Shane van Gisbergen.

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

AAAA provides input on EV strategy

THE AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET ASSOCIATION HAS REACTED TO CONCERN ABOUT ITS INPUT INTO THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S PLAN FOR A TRANSITION TO EVS

CEO Stuart Charity says Australia’s plans to transition to zero and low emission vehicles (ZLEVs) is dominating discussion across the industry in the wake of the AAAA’s announcement that the government wanted its views.

He reassured members that although the AAAA backs this technological evolution and will support the aftermarket industry throughout the journey, the AAAA didn’t want to lose focus on ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles.

He said he had heard from many AAAA members in recent weeks, particularly after the AAAA’s media release confirming it would be consulted on the government’s strategy for the EV transition, and that this was a hot topic of discussion at the recent Automotive Repairers Council Australia (ARCA) meeting.

“There are three key messages I’ve heard loud and clear. Firstly, you understand the ZLEV future is coming, and want support with advice, education and training to allay concerns and prepare your customers. Secondly, and equally as important, is that the AAAA should maintain its focus and effort on supporting the service and repair of ICE vehicles,

and thirdly, that the government should factor ICE vehicles into the overall national transition strategy,” Charity said.

“Our industry is increasingly becoming EV ready, but we must not lose sight of the projected timelines involved. The government has previously set a target of 50 percent of new car sales being ZLEV by 2030. Even if this 50 percent figure is reached, the volume of ICE vehicles currently on our roads and the 10-year average age of the car-parc, means ICE vehicles will remain the predominant vehicles in our car parc for many years to come. That is why we are advocating for a balanced and realistic transition, and our government consultation will remain a priority moving forward.”

He said that the aftermarket industry, which comprises more than 50,000 businesses and 300,000 workers, had a “huge” role to play in the rollout of this strategy, and the government needed to get it right.

He added that while electric vehicles were central to this new strategy, hydrogen-powered, hybrid and sustainably fuelled efficient internal

combustion vehicles should also be considered part of the solution.

The industry had already shown its willingness to embrace an electric future, with long waiting lists for technicians wanting to complete the basic EV safety training courses across the country.

“We are working with governments, training organisations and other industry bodies on expanding training opportunities to meet this demand.”

Said Charity: “It is natural that change can create apprehension, but with a good plan, the correct advice, ongoing open communication and the right training, change can also bring growth and new business opportunities to the aftermarket industry. I look forward to supporting our members and the industry through this change.”

WORKSHOP SAFETY REMINDER ANNUAL TORQUE WRENCH CALIBRATION

Call the team at HTC today on 0800 48 2000 to book your torque wrenches in for their Annual Calibration.

Auckland and Christchurch locations. Plus, our Mobile Vans tour the country regularly to Calibrate wrenches on-site, saving you down-time. You can also book online: www.htc.co.nz/calibration-and-testing/www.htc.co.nz

Ryco to help drive Supercar Championship into new era

Achieving success in motorsport is about putting all the elements together that add up to the fastest combination of driver and car. Behind the scenes, competitive teams are juggling outright performance and reliability with a keen eye on budgetary constraints.

While touring car competitions began with vehicles driven off the showroom floor and tweaked for the racetrack, the current breed of Supercars is very much purpose-built for competition in one of the world’s most competitive racing series.

The Supercars organisation is always looking for ways to reduce costs for its competing teams to ensure strong grids, while at the same time encouraging close racing.

In response, Supercars has devised a new series for 2023 known as Gen3 that aims to significantly reduce competition costs, using more affordable engines with longer maintenance intervals that would also deliver high performance.

However, for these goals to be met a notable reduction in engine wear had to be achieved.

The team at Ryco accepted this challenge and developed a range of new filtration products designed specifically for Supercars. As a result Ryco’s oil, air, and fuel filters are fitted as ‘control parts’ for the category’s new Gen3 race cars. And in the finest tradition of motorsport, those benefits have not only been transferred to other race categories, but also to everyday passenger cars.

HOW TO CREATE THE WORLD’S BEST PACKAGE OF RACING OIL, AIR, AND FUEL FILTERS

The process began with Ryco referring to a strategically aligned innovation-based mission statement — to create the world’s best oil, air and fuel filters for racing vehicles.

Consultation with race teams, engine builders, and Supercars’ technical experts identified other concerns over engine wear, performance limitations, and the shortfalls of existing filtration products.

Ryco complemented these insights with additional research focusing on race engine specifications, incumbent filtration products, and the effects that certain particulate sizes have on different systems.

Armed with the facts, Ryco’s engineers set about designing and producing a package of oil, fuel, and air filters that would provide ideal filtration efficiencies to both maximise engine life and outstanding performance.

Ryco collaborated globally with its suppliers to identify the latest technology filter media that could achieve the target efficiencies and design requirements of Supercars.

RYCO’S UNIQUE SUPERCAR FILTRATION SOLUTION

Ryco’s unique Supercar filtration solution breaks with the traditional view that fine particle filtration

must come with a compromise in flow restriction and engine performance.

A key to Ryco’s new Supercar filters are media types and designs never seen before in racing.

In the case of the oil filter, it features a unique 100 per cent synthetic media for fine micron filtration which replaces the traditional cellulosebased examples.

For the fuel filter, it features rolled element fine micron media, rather than coarse particle pleated metal screens.

Finally, the air filter employs a hydrophobic nano-fibre-coated media with a unique honeycomb construction. To prove the feasibility of these combinations under racing conditions, prototypes of each of these filters were extensively evaluated both in Ryco’s lab, current Supercars race vehicles, and the Gen3 Mustang and Camaro prototypes.

The amazing performance of the three Ryco filtration products quickly allayed any concerns race teams may have had in making a switch away from traditional racing filtration products.

In addition, Ryco’s new range of filtration products also drew praise from Supercars, including from its very experienced head of motorsport Adrian Burgess.

“Ryco’s innovative, world-first filtration technology will enable the Gen3 series the best chance of success while also lowering purchase and operating costs for teams,” he said.

Similar sentiments were also echoed by Supercars’ engine projects manager, Craig Hasted. “The Ryco ‘control’ oil, fuel, and air filters provide long life performance for Gen3 engines.”

Ryco’s executive general manager, Stuart Chandler, said the company was delighted to have further

cemented its relationship with Supercars.

“I am extremely excited by our new partnership with Supercars as the ‘Official Filtration Partner’ of the category through being the ‘control’ supplier of oil, air, and fuel filters,” he said. “In addition, this partnership cements Ryco Filters as the premium motorsport filter brand in Australian and New Zealand.

“The accomplishment would not have been possible without Ryco’s brand promise of adapting to demanding conditions, along with our unwavering commitment to innovation. I thank everyone involved in helping us achieve this success.”

RYCO FILTERS: BRED FOR THE RACE TRACK, PERFECT FOR THE ROAD

On and off the racetrack, the latest range of Ryco filters help to extend engine life while maintaining power levels and requiring less consumption of resources.

And just as Ryco passenger car filters meet or exceed the filtration performance of previous Supercars and original equipment manufacturers, these products can also be used by regular vehicle owners without affecting their warranty.

Late last year, Ryco Filters launched passenger car derivatives from the Supercars filters employing the same technologies and composition as used in motorsport.

Currently, there are more than 30 filters available within the Ryco range to suit a variety of makes and models, with the range constantly expanding. To purchase a Ryco filtration product, contact your nearest Ryco stockist.

RYCO FILTERS HAS DEVELOPED A NEW GENERATION OF FILTERS TO HELP GEN3 SUPERCARS ACHIEVE NEW LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY, BECOMING THE ‘OFFICIAL FILTRATION PARTNER’ OF SUPERCARS

The new generation of race cars need a new generation of filters.

Rob Herrod (Herrod Performance), Tony Sheedy (GM Sales Ryco), Alastair Hampton (GM Engineering and Innovation at Ryco) with Supercars’ Engineering Project Manager Craig Hasted

WHEN CREATIVITY SPARKS INNOVATION

BE RYCO READY

Ryco is proud to be the Official Filtration Partner of the Supercars Championship. Along with being engineered, developed, and tested at its Melbourne Laboratory, Ryco’s range of GEN3 Control Parts deliver outstanding filtration and extended engine life without compromising flow or performance.

So, when your everyday passenger, 4x4 or commercial vehicle needs the same protection as a Supercar, be Ryco Ready.

Fuel Filter

Oil Filter

Air Filter

Wipers reveal higher workshop profits

AUTOSERV OFFERS COST-EFFECTIVE REPLACEMENT WIPER PROGRAMME TO WORKSHOPS

Autoserv is offering a not-for-retail brand of wipers designed to increase workshop revenue from this frequent use consumable.

Autoserv says the program is already the number one selling wiper program, which offers workshops the opportunity to use topquality products they can stand behind without competing with major retailers.

Trufit Eurowipers are available from 14 to 30-inches for European, Asian, and American vehicles, and vehicle specific models are also available. Twelve adapters are available to fit 99 per cent of vehicles on New Zealand roads.

The 100 per cent rubber blades are mounted on low profile carriers with a spoiler design that increases blade contact and performance. They have a wear-resistant zinc alloy connector for optimum performance.

Autoserv’s managing director Andrew Davis says Autoserv selected the wiper design after it underwent extensive research and testing.

The wiper program is part of the Autoserv Workshop Consumables range which are proven profit programs for professional workshops. Autoserv

was established in 2005 and remains family owned and operated. It has a national sales force, more than 300 years of combined industry experience, and says its service and quality is unrivalled.

Autoserv says it carries out extensive research and testing on the latest products and technologies to ensure that only products that represent quality and value are offered under the Autoserv brand.

“As proven in thousands of automotive workshops across New Zealand, our programs are guaranteed to improve vehicle performance, workshop profits, and customer satisfaction,” says Andrew.

Autoserv also offers a range of traditional, metalframed wipers with 100 per cent rubber blades,

They feature a unique design that enhances streamlining and performance under high-speed driving. A multilayer coating strengthens anticorrosion and UV resistance that reduces colour fading and rust, even after long periods.

For more information on these or other Autorserv consumable ranges, see autoserv.co.nz, or call 09 272 1940.

How to build an express service

THE UNIPAC EXPRESS SERVICE SYSTEM (ESS) TROLLEY CAN DRAMATICALLY INCREASE EFFICIENCY IN THE WORKSHOP AS PART OF A CAREFULLY DESIGNED SERVICING PROCESS

The Express Trolley allows a single technician to easily and efficiently conduct an express service. It is designed to reduce wasted movement in the servicing process as well as productivity-sapping fatigue by removing the need for manual handling of heavy vehicle wheels. The big gains in efficiency come from ensuring all hand and air tools are arranged systematically and ergonomically. It makes locating the right tool an automatic process for the technician. It avoids the considerable time that can be wasted going to a workbench to check several possible locations for specific tools or to a service point for access to air lines.

The Unipac Express Service Trolley is built from stainless steel and top-quality parts to ensure reliability and longevity. The design incorporates a pneumatic wheel lifter, brake bleeder, four air tool lines, dedicated hand tool slots and accessory storage. The trolley comes with a 48-month warranty and is available with or without the recommended tool kit.

The Unipac Express Service Trolley is a key component in ‘express service’ which aims to streamline vehicle maintenance procedures through

efficiency gains. This provides a faster service, while maintaining (or more likely increasing) quality standards and job satisfaction, and reducing technician down time.

It increases workshop throughput for no increase in overheads, which results in an increased return. By using service bays more efficiently through applying express principles, workshops can avoid the need to increase the overall size of the workshop to cater for the increased volume which could be a huge additional cost-saving.

These efficiency measures can be amplified by reducing technician downtime through overlapping tasks, and reducing time on task by keeping the ultimate objective in mind at all times — making the work bay more productive.

The system is designed to improve servicing efficiency, and customers have reported gains ranging from 138 per cent to 173 per cent, while also increasing safety and customer convenience.

For more information visit centurydistributors. co.nz, phone 04 567 1405, or email sales@centurydistributors.co.nz.

NZ Post takes the lead on carbon emissions

NZ POST HAS UNVEILED THE FIRST CONSIGNMENT OF ITS 60 NEW, ALL-ELECTRIC, MERCEDES-BENZ EVITO PANEL VANS TO ADD TO ITS VEHICLE FLEET

Twenty-two of the 60 new Mercedes-Benz eVito panel vans — a $20 million investment — were lined up together at NZ Post’s Auckland Operations Centre, in Highbrook. They will replace diesel and petrol vans used by NZ Post and some of its delivery partners for last mile delivery, to help reduce the organisation’s emissions by a third by 2030.

The bulk purchase helped NZ Post overcome supply chain challenges in accessing the electric vehicles thanks to an arrangement with New Zealand Green Investment Finance (NZGIF), with each organisation contributing $10M.

emissions in Aotearoa at 17 per cent — and we are playing our part to help meet our national reduction plans,” says Dawn Baggaley, NZ Post’s Group Sustainability Manager. “Our ambitious carbon reduction target aims to have all our own fleet and a quarter of our last mile delivery contractor fleet electric by 2025 with the balance of the contractor fleet electric by 2030.

“Electric vehicles cost a lot less to run, but the initial purchasing cost can be a barrier. Teaming up with NZGIF and offering this competitive finance deal means our contractors can shift into electric vans sooner rather than later. There are over 2000 vans in our own fleet and contractor fleet for last mile that we will be transitioning over to electric to meet our science-based target.”

Managing director of MercedesBenz Vans Australia and New Zealand Diane Tarr said the move was an important step towards a more sustainable future for MercedesBenz Vans and NZ Post. “We are now ready with a strong customer-centric electric product portfolio.”

At the time of order, it was the

Kiwi Cylinder Heads, German gaskets

KIWI CYLINDER HEADS IS NOW THE NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTOR OF WORLD-RENOWNED VICTOR REINZ GASKETS

Kiwi Cylinder Heads’ Wayne McMeekan says alongside its core business of supplying new fully-built up cylinder head kits, bare cylinder heads and components, it also supplies its own brand of gaskets for engine builders.

However, says Wayne, supply chain issues have contributed to a gap in the gasket market that has been growing for several years, so the company was delighted to add Victor Reinz to its portfolio of products recently.

He says German brand Victor Reinz is well known in Europe and North America, and to European car repairers here. It is a high-quality brand with more than 100 years’ experience in both OE and aftermarket gasket and automotive sealing industry.

Wayne says Kiwi Cylinder Heads used to stock just the gaskets and components that it needed for its own cylinder head range but it has broadened its range of gaskets in particular to meet demand. It is also growing its sideline of other related components such as Aisin water pumps, as well as glow plugs and timing chains, belts, tensioners, and kits, and EGR coolers.

Kiwi Cylinder Heads pioneered the concept of fully assembled, professionally built replacement cylinder heads in New Zealand. It is a service

that saves workshops and their customers considerable time in disassembling, cleaning, and checking each part in a cylinder head; plus ordering and waiting for replacement parts before re-assembly and re-installation. The company now supplies more than 70 different cylinder head kits, complete with gaskets, bolt sets and assembly guides. It also supplies an even wider range of bare cylinder heads and parts for engine builders who prefer to do the work themselves.

Wayne says the range is always expanding. The company develops its cylinder head kits by disassembling an original equipment head then finding aftermarket components — all of the valves, springs, rocker arms, lifters, collets, camshafts and bearings needed — or having them made to original specifications. Then its skilled technicians build them, achieving a standard of quality unmatched by cheaper assemblies from overseas.

Wayne says the company’s small team has built a strong reputation here and in Australia — to the extent workshop customers ask for Kiwi Cylinder Heads by name.

“We also work hard to provide a personal service and do things that are not expected,” says Wayne —

largest single overseas order of electric MercedesBenz vans by a commercial operator. NZ Post and NZGIF have structured an innovative deal for NZ Post’s contract delivery partners that offers competitive financing and pricing benefits from a tiered leasing model. Alongside this, delivery partners have access to expert independent advice through Carbn Asset Management (an NZGIF majority-owned entity) on the best options for their individual needs.

NZ Post has one of the largest EV delivery fleets in the country, including more than 400 Paxters, the award-winning electric delivery vehicles used by its posties. The company also launched the first hydrogen truck for commercial use in New Zealand in July.

New Zealand-made work soap in each box.

Wayne is always keen to help technicians trace and understand the fault that led to the original head’s failure. He says the overheating always originated somewhere else, and he doesn’t want the workshop or the customer to see fault repeated. For that reason Kiwi Cylinder Heads provides detailed technical information to customers in the box as well as through a technical support service.

Kiwi Cylinder Heads is a Blackfern supplier. Purchase from Kiwi Cylinder Heads in November and Blackfern members will go in the draw for 10,000 reward points. For more information see cylinderheads.co.nz or ring 0800 549 429.

From left, NZGIF CEO Craig Weise, Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia and New Zealand MD Diane Tarr, NZ Post contractor Gerrit de Toit, who received the keys of the first E-Vito van, NZ Post CEO Dave Walsh, and Carbn Group director Richard Christensen

ON THE WATER.

ACDelco Marine Batteries

Replace your boat battery with an ACDelco Marine for greater reliability out on the water.

The ACDelco M-Series features high capacity starting batteries with increased cranking power to start you up reliably every time.

The HCM Series are dual purpose batteries with starting and deep cycling capabilities that will crank the boat’s engine while also powering on-board accessories.

On-the-spot recharging

PROJECTA’S INTELLI-START (IS) 1500A PROFESSIONAL JUMP STARTER IS JOINED BY TWO NEW SMALL AND PORTABLE CONSUMER-GRADE JUMP STARTERS THAT ALSO FEATURE RAPID RECHARGE TECHNOLOGY

Lightweight lithium battery technology has revolutionised the convenience of portable jump starters making it much easier and more practical to carry them in any vehicle.

Now, Projecta’s Rapid Recharge Technology has taken the next leap forward in ease of use by eliminating the need to connect jump starters to a wall socket in order to recharge them. Because they are often used in a hurry, jump starters are often put away without a thought to recharging. A few starts later and they could be as much use as the car’s own dead battery.

Like the IS1500 model professional jump starter, the RRT-equipped IS920 and IS1220 models can do away with traditional recharging. Once the vehicle is running, the user simply has to leave the jump starter connected to the running vehicle for 40 seconds to fully replenish the charge used to start it. The new consumer units replace the earlier IS910E and IS1210E jump starter models.

Part of the reason for the RRT revolution is the lithium iron phosphate technology in the units’ batteries, which can accept much higher levels of charge than other lithium technologies. Projecta has combined this new battery construction with intelligent battery management to form Protecta’s

unique ‘Rapid Recharge Technology,’ allowing them to accept a full recharge from the vehicle alternator — provided the alternator is still working. In just 40 seconds an Intelli-start jump starter will recover 100 per cent of the depletion.

Other benefits of the LiFePO₄ batteries include a longer operational life, which is up to 1800 battery cycles. That’s around four times higher than competitor products.

Both the IS920 and IS1220 are suitable for use on a wide range of vehicles including motorcycles, watercraft, passenger cars, and four-wheel drives.

Providing 900A peak amps and 240A clamp power, the IS920 can start four, six, and eightcylinder petrol engines of up to a 6-litre capacity, and will have enough charge to jump a vehicle with a flat battery up to 14 times.

The more powerful IS1220 with 1200A peak amps and 400A clamp power is suitable for petrol engines of up to 7-litre capacity and on diesels as large as 4.5-litre. It could jump start a petrol engine up to 68 times or a diesel as many as 34 times but with the patented RRT it’s fast and easy to keep both devices fully charged all of the time.

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 surges, overheating, and overcharging. Operating the new models is also simple — an indicator light lets the user know that the jump starter is correctly connected to the battery, while another light shows the level of remaining charge.

The IS920 and IS1220 are resistant to dust and dirt, they are splash-proof rated to IP53, and feature a rubber moulded housing that’s impact and drop resistant.

Other benefits include 2.1A USB outlets that allow the units to be used as power banks for recharging mobile devices. They also include bright, built-in LED lights which are useful in breakdown or emergency situations.

Projecta’s latest Intelli-Start IS920 and IS1220 jump starters can be purchased at all leading transport, automotive, and four-wheel drive stores nationwide.

A workshop legend reborn

Looks the business, does the business

STRONG AND SLEEK, THE NEW STEINER 4.5T HYDRAULIC, TWO-POST HOIST IS THE PROFESSIONAL CHOICE FOR DEALERSHIPS AND BUSY WORKSHOPS

very hoist owner knows safety, vehicle accessibility, and reliability are key considerations when buying new equipment. The new Steiner LT245CF delivers these with ease. The seamless S-bend columns add rigidity and strength, and also hide cabling and protect the rams in a professional, clean, and crisp form factor. The motor is placed high up the column moving it out of the way and reducing the chance of it being knocked by a head

This lift is easy to operate with single button operations. One button for up, one for lock, and one for down. When lowering, the carriage first lifts, releasing the safety locks. The lift will then lower — no need to manually release the locks, meaning only one hand is needed to operate the lift.

Getting a vehicle positioned for the lift is made simple with asymmetrical, easy-to-reach arms. The LT245CF comes with height adaptors located by tabs which ensure they are firmly attached in place and can’t slip. There is also a storage place on the side of the hoist, helping keep the floor clear of trolleys or tools.

The maximum lifting height is just shy of 2m (199cm), which means tall technicians can comfortably work under the vehicle. The overall

lift height of 3.9m is ample for cars, SUVs, and mid-sized vans. The top travel limit switch prevents over lifting. A padded overhead limit bar will also stop the lift as an extra precaution. Safety plastic barriers on either side of the columns stop doors being damaged while the vehicle is being worked on.

The Steiner LT245CF features a clever lifting arm resistance system, making sure that the arms are locked securely with a lateral locking force. The main locking half circle is machined steel rather than cast, giving it extra strength. The teeth are sturdy deep grooves to reduce the risk of the arms slipping. When fully lowered, the arm locks are released, making it easy to swing them out of the way. If required, the locks can be manually released by lifting the lock knobs.

When looking for a hoist that won’t damage your customers’ vehicles, won’t be a pain to work with (or under), and has the strength and reliability to go on and on, then consider the Steiner LT245CF.

The Steiner LT245CF comes with a three-year warranty and Treadway Equipped’s ‘100 day –100%’ satisfaction promise. Finance and lease options are available. For more information see treadwayequipped.co.nz, or call 0800 436 436.

Trojan builds up service to the South

NEW SOUTH ISLAND WAREHOUSE MAKES ROOM FOR GROWTH AND FASTER CUSTOMER SERVICE

Trojan — the company said to be New Zealand’s leading supplier in all things to do with trailers and towing — has moved to a new 600-squaremetre warehouse facility in Christchurch, which will distribute its comprehensive range of quality trailer and caravan components and spare parts across the South Island.

This follows on the heels of the Auckland warehouse also moving in late 2021 to a bigger, modern warehouse and axle manufacturing facility.

The new South Island warehouse is designed to handle projected growth. The home market for caravans and trailers is expected to continue growing as in recent years more Kiwis have seen the potential for holidaying locally. In addition, Trojan expects growth from new developments in its business to continue over the coming year.

In July last year specialist Australian suspension retrofit and trailer coupling business Cruisemaster joined Trojan’s parent company, the AutoPacific group. Besides the Trojan trailer parts products, AutoPacific is best known for its Hayman-Reese and X-Bar towbars, and Rola roofracks.

Cruisemaster’s third generation general manager Andrew Goddard said joining with AutoPacific was a natural fit for the business, as Cruisemaster had

“If not for them we probably wouldn’t be where we are with outer DA35 and DA45 [all-terrain trailer coupling] products,” he said.

Andrew said Cruisemaster had been in the business for 44 years and, like his company, AutoPacific had been involved in the design and manufacture of products in Australia since 1951, and had been involved in the caravan and trailer industry ever since.

“It means we are going to be able to combine our resources to ensure we can innovate and design and develop the next level of products for the caravan industry,” he said.

Trojan expects to see growth from the burgeoning Cruisemaster range for heavy and off-road towing and the new warehouse will also stock a range of Hayman Reese products for South Island customers.

“We have really upped our service levels in terms of warehouse, dispatch, and stock holding across the country,” says Darryl Maslin, New Zealand aftermarket sales and marketing manager.

“With Trojan and Hayman Reese being distributed in the South Island from the same warehouse, we can really support accessories and trailering needs from tip to tail.

and his team are now fully supported and set to service their requirements.”

The new Christchurch Trojan warehouse is located at 19 Tanya Street, Bromley, Christchurch.

For more than 35 years Trojan has specialised in delivering all things trailering to both DIY and commercial clients. It offers a one-stop shop for all of the components needed to build a quality trailer, including axles and suspensions, braking and couplings, lighting and electrical, towing hitches and towing aids. The new warehouse will cater for all the South Island customer base, with improved stock levels.

Darryl says the changes mean buying from Trojan has never been easier for both DIY or trade customers. Trojan has resellers around the country, with technical support available from the company’s offices.

“Whether it’s a curly new build for specialist application or an older Duratorque axle needing a

Get back on the water with ACDelco marine batteries

IT’S TIME TO CHECK THE BATTERIES IN WATER CRAFT TO ENSURE AFTER A DAY OUT ON THE WATER YOU CAN START FOR HOME AGAIN WITH CONFIDENCE

Some batteries may not have lasted the winter, in which case the comprehensive range of marine batteries from ACDelco make a suitable replacement. ACDelco marine batteries are specifically designed to deliver reliable starting power and performance while withstanding the harsh effects of vibration.

The ACDelco M-Series range has recently expanded to include three new and improved marine starting batteries. Developed specifically for marine starting applications, the new range offers increased durability and power even during the toughest conditions.

The ACDelco M31SMF1000 battery is a high-capacity marine starting battery which offers increased output for the most demanding marine applications with a rating of 1000CCA. The ACDelco M24SMF680 battery is another high-performance marine starting battery with increased output compared to the current ACDelco M24SMF600 battery. The third addition to the ACDelco range is the M27SMF780, a more powerful version of the M27SMF750 battery.

In addition to increased cold cranking amps, enhanced durability, and vibration resistance, all batteries in the M-Series range come with a variety of other features. They have large intercell connectors which increase reliability and cranking performance, increased capacity and dual terminals, with stainless steel studs and SAE posts. These batteries are maintenance-free which means topping up with water is not required for the lifetime of the battery. The integrated handle allows for comfortable handing and easy portability.

ACDelco HCM Series batteries are designed for use in demanding marine applications as well as other recreational applications such as RVs and SUVs. The comprehensive range powers satellite navigation devices, fridges, communication devices, and other accessories on board that place continuous strain on marine batteries. They are built with lead calcium positive and negative grids, which increase durability, and are braced internally to cope with high vibration environments. The HCM grids are thicker and contain more active paste material than starting batteries to handle

features of the ACDelco HCM marine battery is its hybrid characteristic which enables it to serve as a dual-purpose battery where both starting and cycling are needed.

ACDelco has a proven track record for performance over the past 100 years. ACDelco batteries are known globally for quality, reliability, and performance. They are laboratory tested, field proven, and backed by automotive giant General Motors.

ACDelco batteries are exclusively distributed by R&J Batteries in New Zealand. R&J Batteries is one of the fastest growing battery distributors in the Australasian region with branches in Wiri, Christchurch, Hamilton, and Albany in New Zealand, as well as 23 branches in Australia. Visit your local R&J Batteries branch to find the complete range of ACDelco marine batteries. For more information on ACDelco marine batteries, visit rjbatt.co.nz, or call 0800 546 000.

Bringing experience to the floor

WHEN PLANNING A NEW WORKSHOP, IT PAYS TO CONSULT THE SERVICES EXPERTS

Emco’s main business is supplying top-quality fluid handling systems and equipment, however the proven efficiency from the modern practice of installing piped supplies to each work bay has focused Emco’s attention on planning for those services from the outset.

Emco managing director James Driscoll says that even an experienced workshop owner working with an architect can overlook some aspects of providing for fluid or air services in a new workshop.

James says that can lead to having to install an additional bank of reels costing thousands of dollars, an expense that could have been avoided easily by getting the right input at the planning stage.

James has seen hoists installed and then moved because there was no room left for services, or too little provision for head room, and he has seen the layout of even new workshops changed to make proper provision for oil, coolant, water, and air lines.

“It really pays to get in early with the planner to look through the ergonomics of how workshops work. It can save a lot of money downstream,” says James. “We are in the fortunate position of having seen hundreds of workshops up and down the country and overseas, and that experience counts.”

Environmental factors can also play a part. He cited the example of a workshop that planned to run pipework on the outside of a building in a location that might have proved tempting to thieves. Another wanted to locate a compressor outside until James mentioned the level of soundproofing required to get compliance with residential housing nearby.

He has also seen plans for a neatly tucked away bulk storage tank — however it did not have proper access or turning room for the large tanker vehicles that would supply it. Another set of plans had specified pipework that didn’t have the necessary pressure rating.

Ideally, as is usually the case with the installations he is most proud of, James, or members of the Emco team, will go over the plans with the owner or architect, or do a walk around the site. The earlier in the process the better, says James.

“Some architects are great but some might be doing this for the first time,” he says. “Even the chance to have a cup of coffee with the architect could be all it takes to avoid problems later.”

To discuss all your fluid handling needs — and especially to discuss the proposed layout of a new or upgraded workshop — contact Emco on 07 850 5240.

Energy crisis hits European car production

CAR PRODUCTION IN EUROPE COULD FALL BY MORE THAN 4 MILLION VEHICLES OVER THE NEXT YEAR DUE TO THE ONGOING ENERGY CRISIS

S&P Global Mobility believes that output could begin to fall starting late this year and continue through 2023. Analysts state that parts shortages and supply bottlenecks will weigh most heavily on automakers from November through to the spring of 2023 and that things could get worse if energy is cut during the winter months.

While governments in Europe are trying to minimise the impact of the energy crisis, the measures may not shield the automotive industry from production halts. S&P Global Mobility says that just-

in-time supply models could face problems and that factories may have to halt “shipments of completed vehicles due to shortages of single components”.

Forecasts had indicated that European car factories could produce between 4 million and 4.5 million vehicles per quarter but, if energy restrictions are put in place, this could drop to 2.8 million per quarter, resulting in a loss of between 4.8 million to 6.8 million on an annual basis.

“The pressure on the automotive supply chain will be intense, especially the more one moves upstream

from vehicle manufacturing,” says analyst Edwin Pope.

S&P Global Mobility’s forecast analysed 11 major car production hubs in Europe, ranking them on their ability to withstand energy issues this coming winter. The report notes that the Czech Republic and Germany are positioned well, in particular Germany because of its low reliance on gas-derived electricity and its current levels of gas storage.

Things aren’t so pretty in Spain, Italy, and Belgium, all three receiving poor scores on energy self-sufficiency.

Renault aims to earn billions from recycling

Renault says that modern vehicles are made up of 85 per cent recyclable parts. Moreover, 11 million cars reach the end of their lives every year in Europe. That’s a gold mine of materials not currently being adequately tapped into, according to the brand.

In response, it has announced the foundation of ‘The Future Is Neutral’, a new subsidiary that will focus entirely on recycling vehicles.

“In the automotive sector, the first underexploited resource is the car itself,” said JeanPhilippe Bachaud, the CEO of The Future Is Neutral. “This new entity aims to push the automotive industry towards resource neutrality, extracting from each vehicle the largest possible

amount of material needed to manufacture a new model.”

In a market marked by the scarcity of resources and inflation in the price of raw materials, this entity will focus on new technological and industrial solutions using the expertise of its subsidiaries and partners. It aims to significantly increase the proportion of recycled materials from the automotive industry in the production of new vehicles. Today, a new vehicle contains only between 20–30 per cent recycled materials from all industries.

The Future is Neutral is launched with the objective of reaching a turnover of more than €2.3 billion and an operating margin of more

than 10 per cent by 2030. It aims to be the industrial and European leader in the closed-loop automotive circular economy.

Renault hopes that The Future Is Neutral will be an attractive battery supplier that can sign contracts to supply other manufacturers. It is also opening a minority of shares to outside investors with a view to co-financing investments of around €500 million until 2030.

“Today we are taking another step in our historic commitment to the circular economy,” said Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo. “Our ambition is to bring recycling into a new era and become the European leader in the automotive circular economy.”

Cash-strapped motorists running tired tyres

Research commissioned by the UK’s leading independent road safety charity surveyed 1004 motorists on whether they have delayed making vehicle repairs or improvements amid the cost of living crisis. Of those surveyed, one in 10 (11 per cent) stated that they had put off replacing tyres when the tread is low. Meanwhile, 7 per cent of survey respondents also stated that they have put off making a tyre change due to a puncture.

This means that of the almost 36 million people with a full driving licence in the UK, up to 4.2 million drivers are possibly deferring critical tyre safety maintenance, while up to 2.5 million motorists are potentially putting off fixing a puncture.

TyreSafe research has revealed that on average 153 people are killed or seriously injured in the UK every year due to defective tyres, contributing towards 150,000 tyre-related convictions in the past three years.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, commented: “Our research has laid bare that far too many motorists have decided to put off potentially critical maintenance on their tyres.

“While we recognise the financial issues many motorists will be facing during

such difficult times, taking a chance with your tyres is simply not worth the risk when your own and other road users’ safety is at risk.

“Furthermore, failing to replace tyres that need to be replaced could let

“Sure, I’ll buy an EV — if you pay me”

The average American driver would expect a US$5988 cash payment from the government if they were forced out of their combustion cars and into an EV, a study has found.

Figures varied across the country, with pushover Wyomingites happy to settle for just $3131 in hard currency, while business-minded folk in New Hampshire claimed they wouldn’t swap gas for volts for less than $12,698.

The data comes from Gunther Volkswagen Delray Beach, who asked 3021 drivers across the United States what it would take to get them into an EV. Obviously some of those drivers will have already made the switch, but many of those yet to give up their ICE vehicles believed that the current US government incentives didn’t go far enough. Almost half (49 per cent) of those surveyed think the government should offer cash incentives rather

than trying to lure drivers into EVs with tax credits, as it does today.

Asked for their primary motivation for switching to EVs, should they make the move, 43 per cent said it would help make the planet cleaner. However 27 per cent said they would do it to claim available tax credits, 18 per cent said they’d swap to save on fuel and maintenance costs, and 7 per cent liked the idea of driving solo in carpool lanes. Interestingly, given that supercar-like acceleration is one of the most talked about facets of an EV, only 5 per cent said

they’d make the switch to enjoy a faster car.

Confusingly, the survey simultaneously highlighted a feeling that electrification wasn’t happening fast enough, and also a reluctance to do anything about it. While 65 per cent of drivers believed electrification isn’t happening sufficiently quickly to combat climate change, and a massive 88 per cent doubted California would be able to electrify every car on the road within 30 years, only one in 10 drivers supported the idea of banning combustion vehicles from cities and major urban areas.

Toyota backs its hybrid strategy

Toyota chief executive Akio Toyoda says a variety of powertrains are needed to cut carbon around the world, including EVs, hybrids, hydrogen vehicles, and ICEs.

Speaking with dealers recently in Las Vegas, Toyoda said the uptake of battery-electric vehicles is “going to take longer than the media would like us to believe”, adding that it remains the carmaker’s strategy to offer the “widest possible” array of powertrains.

“That’s our strategy and we’re sticking to it,” he said.

At the Australian launch of the Corolla Cross Hybrid Toyota, Australia’s Sean Hanley backed this up saying the focus on all-electric vehicles from those critical of Toyota’s approach is short sighted.

“Toyota is not opposed to battery-electric vehicles,” Hanley said. “We believe that to get to carbon neutrality, you have to take everyone on the journey. You have to have a solution for the market you’re operating in. In the market we operate in, we believe right now that the solution is a diversity of products and powertrains (engines). We’ll have battery-electric vehicles for some customers who’ll want that in town, we’ll have hybrid-electric vehicles, fuel-cell electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.”

Hanley added that every Toyota, except for its GR performance cars, will have some form of electrification by 2030, adding that “carbon is the enemy here, not the powertrain”.

“We are in full support of some mandated type of legislation around [emissions reductions]. The one thing everybody agrees with … is we have to get to a carbon-neutral position,” he added. “Toyota is not arguing the toss on that. That’s not a debate. Even with the most extreme viewpoint, we agree you’ve got to get to carbon neutral.

What we’re disagreeing on is … how and when you get there.”

Hanley added that Toyota helped pave the way for reducing carbon emissions in the industry with the launch of the Prius 20 years ago. He added that 30 per cent of Toyota’s current sales come from hybrid vehicles, which plays an important role in lowering its overall emissions.

“The point I’m trying to make here is, what aren’t you seeing that I’m seeing? Toyota is not stopping, lagging, or preventing [electric cars],” he added.

He made the point that the 300,000 hybrid vehicles it has sold in Australia have contributed to the same emissions reductions as introducing approximately 90,000 EVs would have. “The 300,000 hybrids we’ve sold so far are equivalent to the CO2 reduction effect of introducing approximately 90,000 [electric vehicles] to the market,” said Hanley.

A previous study had found that deploying batteries from the current battery electric car fleet into hybrid vehicles would actually save more in emissions. The batteries’ capacity would be

greater number of hybrid vehicles than they are at present sitting in reserve in electric vehicles or in parked vehicles.

Toyota has pledged to spend US$28 billion to introduce 30 electric vehicles by 2030. While this is less than Ford, which is spending $50 billion in EVs through 2026, Toyoda says the Japanese automaker has been investing in battery technologies for two decades.

“When you look at what Toyota has been doing over the last 20 years, the total amount might not necessarily be small,” he said. “Toyota is a department store of all sorts of powertrains. It’s not right for the department store to say, ‘This is the product you should buy.’”

Separately, Toyoda said he is sceptical about achieving California’s mandate to ban the sale of new petrol-fueled vehicles by 2035 while also requiring a large portion of sales to be EVs by 2030.

“We have to look at the current price range and infrastructure availability and at what pace they’re going to be upgrading,” he noted. “Realistically

Renegade Ranger

PROBLEM AND HOW IT WAS SOLVED

A2013 Ford Ranger 3.2-litre five-cylinder common rail turbo diesel was presented by a workshop to another workshop which is high up on the ladder in diagnostics.

It came into the workshop with problems not starting. Pump pressures were checked and could not be faulted. It now starts but has no power.

The workshop asked for help in diagnosing the ‘RPM Differentiate’ function on its ATS scope, suspecting a high-pressure pump problem.

The diagnostician posted the ATS scope recording below tracing from idle to

and starting to fill the combustion chamber with more air, making it harder to compress, or taking more effort to bring up the piston.

Not everyone likes mathematics, but when the recordings are modified through the calculation capabilities of the ATS scope, some very interesting conclusions can be drawn. Have a look at what we did below — you will like it if you take the time to

Same ATS scope recording during misfiring and dying

In the above picture you see the Combustion energy lower to the point where the Compression energy has more effect, lowering the RPM after peak RPM. A misfire is also visible and the rail pressure has dropped really low and is wavy.

Same

The crankshaft sensor signal is transformed into an RPM line, which shows the speeding up and slowing down of the crankshaft as a result of compression and combustion. The RPM line can be recalculated into a differentiator, which shows the steepest parts of the RPM line (the biggest changes). The differentiator line now represents compression energy (slowing the crankshaft) and combustion energy (speeding up of the crank), irrespective of engine speed.

During Idle you can read in the differentiator line a clear and steady energy delivery and compression energy. They keep each other in balance — that is why the RPM does not alter much.

However, look at what happens when the accelerator gets pressed. More diesel gets injected, so energy delivery gets higher, winning energy from the compression. That results in increasing RPM (acceleration on the RPM line).

The compression energy is reduced a little during acceleration as the flywheel distributes more energy during acceleration. However, in the latter part of the Differentiate line you can see that the compression energy used increases (the lines drop lower) as a result of the turbo gaining momentum

Same ATS scope recording focussed on the rail pressure

When looking for a reason for the misfire and the engine dying away, you will have to look at the amount of diesel entering the combustion chamber. The amount of diesel is controlled by rail pressure and injection duration. When the engine gets past peak RPM in the recording, the injection pulse width has dramatically increased, trying to get all it can out from the rail. The ECU has tried to control the rail pressure by increasing the SCV opening rate. The rail pressure is still dropping, and on top of that the signal is really wavy and not in sync with the injectors. This indicates that it is not, for example, one poor quality injector.

THE PUMP

It must be the pump. The three-plunger pump on this vehicle is not timed and not running in sync with the injectors. The crank gear has 21 teeth and the pump gear has 28 teeth. Looking at the recording, the pump elements are in sync every eight revolutions.

The help desk suggested that this pump probably had two non-working pump elements as in broken or sticky springs, and should be replaced.

The diagnostician confirmed when the pump was dismantled that two of the

ATS scope recording with new pump fitted

Above is the trace after the new pump was fitted. With a little automotive mechanical skill, you can read an enormous amount of valuable information from one simple recording made during a quick rev-up in the workshop. For those who think a lot of luck is involved in this game, I can assure you that it is not. It requires a healthy dose of thinking power, AECS quality training, AECS equipment and, in this case, a little bit of tech support.

How to read signals like these is taught in AECS ATS1-3 (New) scope training, and the DMS training series.

2013 Ford Ranger (picture source internet)

ATS

differential/offset scope recording of Inj1, suction control valve, rail pressure sensor, and crankshaft sensor

WORKSHOP SAFETY REMINDER ANNUAL TORQUE WRENCH CALIBRATION

Auckland and Christchurch locations. Plus, our Mobile Vans tour the country regularly to Calibrate wrenches on-site, saving you down-time. www.htc.co.nz

CDi. Backing the SBC is a turbo 350 with BM stall. It’s a combo that although not dyno’d would be delivering more than enough to spin those rears, although for Jason having run the combo for a few years now he is starting to think bigger. “Next on the list is a bit more power up front. We all know what that means to carry that to the tyres out the back. So I’m constantly changing my mind on what direction to take — the LS option is also tempting but I’m not the biggest fan of the look of them in older cars. In the meantime, I’m pretty content with the awesome sounding fast-ish power plant until I settle on what direction to take.”

One of the most recent upgrades is what really drew our attention to the Aussie hauler, and it’s something we certainly don’t see on an HQ all that often. In fact, very few to our knowledge have ever been air bagged. While Jason is all too keen to get his hands dirty, this is one project he outsourced to the team at Kruzin Kustoms who specc’d it with one of the latest control systems — Ridetech’s E5 controller. Up front the stock coils have been

SPECS: 1974 HOLDEN HQ

Engine: Munro Performance built SBC 355cc, Eagle Crank, 10:1 flat-top pistons, chromoly rings, ARP main stud kit, Comp Cams XE274 camshaft (490-inch Lift 230/236), SRP 64cc alloy heads, Comp Cams roller rockers, Howard Hardened pushrods, Comp Cams timing chain kit, Edelbrock EPS Dual Plane manifold, Holley 650 Double pumper carb, ARP head bolt kit, Carter fuel pump, Custom alloy 80ltr fuel tank, MSD Pro Billet distributor, MSD Blaster SS Coil, MSD Street Fire CDI Multi spark ignition system, Pacemaker ceramic-coated headers, 3-inch exhaust,

Flowmaster mufflers, Custom built radiator/fan shroud and support for modified Camaro radiator, radiator support fabricated from a piece of alloy angle I found at the dump and polished up (lol), Deloomed engine bay, smoothed firewall

Driveline: Turbo 350 trans, shift kitted, B&M stall converter, Salisbury diff, four-spider diff head (3.08)

Suspension: E5 Ridetech Air Ride system, (F) Ridetech Shockwaves, modified lower A-arms, strengthened top shock mounts, heavy duty sway bar, Nolathane bushes throughout, (R) Ride tech Air Bags Original swing arms, Nolathane bushes throughout

Chassis: Modified cross member, driveshaft hoop Brakes: Factory Wheels/Tyres: (F) 18x8-inch American Racing Torque Thrust II, 235/40R18 Neutron NT512 (R) 18x9-inch American Racing Torque Thrust II, 265/35 R18 Neutron NT515

Exterior: GTS Guards, GTS Badges, GTS painted stripes

Interior: Custom lined seats, custom door cards, Momo steering wheel, B&M shifter, AutoMeter Carbon Fibre series gauges, custom made dash

and what’s best for them

Making charging and maintaining batteries even easier

How to test COP ignitions

THE RECIPE NEVER CHANGES: PETROL ENGINES NEED THE RIGHT AIR AND FUEL MIXTURE, COMPRESSION, AND A GOOD SPARK

Acoil-on-plug (COP) ignition system monitored by the engine control module supplies the spark in most modern petrol engines.

THE BASICS

The heart of the system is the coil assembly. The coil has two internal windings, the primary and the secondary. The primary has fewer windings than the secondary does, making the coil a ‘stepup transformer’.

When the ECM completes the primary circuit, the current flow through the windings creates a magnetic field. When the ECM opens the circuit, the magnetic field collapses and induces a magnetic field in the secondary coil (Figure 1). The higher the number of windings in the secondary steps up the voltage originally supplied through the primary to levels as high as 70,000V or more, depending on the coil design.

There are three different types of COP systems in use: two, three, and four-wire systems.

TWO-WIRE SYSTEM

The two-wire COP connector will have a 12V power supply and a switching signal (ground path). The two-wire COP design doesn’t have an integral ignition module. Most two-wire COP designs rely on the PCM (some use a remote mounted ignition control module) to directly control dwell and timing to each COP unit by controlling the ground side of the circuit.

The two-wire COP may use internal PCM electronics to detect the primary voltage spike, created when the primary current flow is interrupted, to confirm that the coil fired. An open or unplugged coil connector will set a PO35x (x indicates the COP number) coil control circuit code.

FCA (Fiat/Chrysler Automotive) PCMs monitor the primary pattern burn time and use this information to set coil ionisation fault codes. If the PCM detects that the secondary ignition burn time is too short, incorrect, or not present, a code will be set.

Pay particular attention to the diagnostics as these ‘secondary circuit, insufficient ionisation’ codes don’t easily point to the correct COP assembly.

is straightforward and can be achieved with or without a scope. Begin first by testing for spark output. This can be done by using an adjustable spark tester (Figure 2). To demo testing without a scope, I’ve used the multimeter built in to the Autel MS919. However, any capable multimeter or DVOM will do.

1. Check for power (12V) at the two-wire COP connector with it disconnected. For some OEMs, you may have to crank the engine to see 12V present. If there isn’t 12V, refer to a wiring diagram. If 12V is present, test the switching signal using your test light.

2. Connect the test light to the B+ and, with the coil disconnected, insert the tip of the tool on the ground pin of the connector. You should see the light flash or at least change in intensity when you crank the engine. You can also use the ‘Frequency or Hertz’ mode of the meter to confirm the ECM control of the coil.

3. With the coil connected, attach one meter lead to the battery ground and the other to the ground side of the coil connection. You should see a fluctuating frequency as the circuit is being opened and closed (Figure 3).

Figure 1. Typical construction of step-up transformer (or ignition coil)

Figure 2. This device is used to load the ignition system. As the gap increases, so does the load. A faulty ignition coil will fail to create a strong enough spark to jump the gap

Testing the two-wire system

4. Connect one channel to the coil ground control circuit. Use a connection point that’s convenient. If you can access the connector at the coil, connect it there. If the coil is hiding under the plenum, look for a common harness connector or go straight to the ECM (Figure 4). When selecting the voltage setting, many scopes (including the MS919) allow you to select the probe type you’re using and will adjust the scaling appropriately to match. By selecting the attenuator that you’re using, you won’t have to do any maths to determine the actual voltage being measured.

5. If you have one, connect a low-amp probe to another scope channel, select the 20A scale and ‘zero’ the clamp before placing the probe. By monitoring and comparing

current patterns, you can detect any electrical issues like open circuits or voltage drops caused by poor or corroded connections.

6. Start the vehicle and capture the pattern. If you’re not familiar with these patterns, the MS919 has an online database you can access. To make sure you have the latest information, you need to keep your tool updated.

depending on configuration. This third wire is the command to the coil to function. The ECU sends the command to the coil (the internal switching device is a transistor). When the coil receives the command, the internal component of the coil allows current to flow through the primary windings. The coil itself (step-up transformer) functions the same as the twowire device (Figure 5).

FOUR-WIRE SYSTEM

to ground when the coil fires successfully. The PCM will recognise a lack of pulse and set a trouble code for the coil that failed to fire (Figure 6).

The second variation four-wire COP design has a power (12V) and ground circuit, a trigger circuit (that GM refers to as Ignition Control or ‘IC’) and the fourth circuit wire is called ‘Reference Low’.

This reference low wire is an auxiliary ground that is provided to the COP unit directly from the PCM. Its primary purpose is to provide a clean

Figure 3. A DVOM can be used to evaluate the operation of the trigger circuit. When set to Hertz, an increase in frequency should be expected if the circuit is functioning properly

Figure 5. Using a lab scope for coil testing provides a visual representation of the circuit functioning. As the trigger circuit is energised, the coil begins to dwell. When the trigger circuit is de-energised, the coil discharges a spark

The four-wire COP ignition coil type isn’t as popular as the three-wire COP, but it is being used by major manufacturers in two variations. Testing these coils is as per the three-wire coil. You can test these with your multimeter but a scope is a much better way to check the operation of these systems.

The first variation (Toyota and Mercedes-Benz) uses three of the four wires in the connector for power (12V), ground and an ECM controlled trigger (very similar to the three-wire COP), but the addition of a fourth wire provides feedback to the ECM that the coil has actually done what the ECM asked it to do.

The Toyota version calls this fourth wire the Ignition Confirmation Signal (IGF) and uses this signal to provide fail-safe fuel cut-off if a coil has failed and isn’t firing the spark plug, protecting the catalytic converter. The Toyota version provides a 5V bias signal on the IGF circuit that runs parallel to all the ignition coils. Internal electronics in each COP monitor the coil operation and pulse the IGF

ground to the low current circuits and electronics in the COP, while the other body ground is managing the coils’ primary coil current. If this reference low wire or circuit loses connection to ground, it is possible for the COP to use the other ground circuit to maintain functionality.

GM’s IC trigger circuit is monitored by the PCM for opens and shorts (to ground/power) and uses a 5V signal to command COP operation. The system is quick to set trouble codes if it sees an issue on the IC line. It’s worth noting that VW/Audi also uses a four-wire COP coil and, similar to GM, there is a 12V power, a 5V trigger, and two grounds that both terminate on the cylinder head/cam cover.

The power output stage (terminology for ‘ignition controller’) uses one ground and the coil primary circuit uses a separate ground. Testing ignition systems begins with understanding how the systems are configured electrically, and a solid understanding of how the tools you choose implement function.

THREE-WIRE SYSTEM

The three-wire system accomplishes the same goal but does so a bit differently. The controlling electronics (which in the two-wire design act like the PCM) are housed internally to the coil itself. There is no way to access the primary circuitry voltage directly. Instead, you would either have to current-ramp the coil (as described above) or rely on verifying the command signal presence from the third wire.

The first two wires provide the voltage and ground (to allow the coil to function, just like any electrical output device). However, the third wire comes from the PCM/ECM/Igniter/Ignition Control Module,

Figure 6. The purple wire at the ECM represents ‘IGF’. This is the feedback circuit to provide the ECM with a confirmation that the Ignition event occurred. This circuit is parallel by design and therefore only one input is available for all coils commonly

Figure 4. Using a scope lead and piercing probe to test for available voltage. Note: Be sure to seal the wire insulation after testing if piercing probes are utilised

Products The latest automotive products

A safer caravan coupling

The Cruisemaster DO35 drop-on 3.5tonne articulating all-terrain pin-type tow coupling was designed for off-road use but it is safer on road too. It makes trailer disconnection or vehicle rollover much less likely where the seal has broken down, or if you have reached the end of the seal. The patented ‘Checklock’ dust cap doubles as a safety check — it will only fit when the lock is activated. For more information, call 0800 TROJAN.

Made from natural bentonite clay, Grip Clean’s heavy-duty hand soap has additives and olive oil moisturisers that break down oils, grease and dirt while caring for the most sensitive of hard-working hands. It is designed to perform with the top cleaners to remove glues, dyes, and for spot cleaning around the home while being kind enough to be used as a full body wash. Steel and stainless heavy duty soap dispensers are also available.

Only from autoserv.co.nz.

Specialist hoist for EVs

EV powertrains demand different undercar access points to those of conventional vehicles. The Century EV120E — a specialised hydraulic lifting platform for removing and installing EV powertrain — has a 1200kg lifting capacity. The unique design allows powertrains to be separated while mounted to the table with a side slip of ± 50mm on the top platform to accommodate tricky mounting positions. It has a maximum lifting height of 1920mm and a 5° tilt adjustment to accommodate uneven floors. Available in both electric-powered (CEN-EV120A) and pneumatic configurations (CENEV120P).

See centurydistributors.co.nz for more information.

Gripmax Classics

New Zealand has a huge following of classic and muscle cars, and Blairs are stockists of authentic Gripmax Classic tyres. Gripmax Classics are available with either white wall or white lettered sidewall designs, depending on size, designed to provide the right finishing touch to the classic vehicle of choice. Available in 14 and 15-inch rim sizes in a variety of widths from narrow to extra wide, Blairs says these tyres not only look good, they also give classic vehicles a super smooth ride. Available from your preferred tyre retailer.

NGK plugs’ perfect partner

NGK has been a premium brand in spark plugs for more than 80 years. Now, the company is producing the perfect partner for spark plugs in its new range of ignition coils available for a wide range of New Zealand vehicles. NGK is applying the quality processes it employs in its plug manufacture across its range of distributor, block and pencil-type coils to ensure precise seating, heat and vibration resistance and in its design for heat dissipation and temperature stability.

For more information see ngk.com.au/products/ignition-coils/ and see stockists for pricing.

LOCK ’EM UP

Never let those turbo flange nuts or sump bolts come loose again — hit them with the JB Weld Threadlocker range. Designed to lock and seal nuts and bolts on all mechanical parts, body assemblies, and in hundreds of other applications where things may come loose due to shock or vibration. The red Perma-Lock high strength threadlocker is for heavy-duty applications — it requires heating and the use of hand tools to separate parts. The blue version is medium strength, suitable for loosening with hand tools alone. Both strengths are available in 6ml, 12ml, and the larger 36ml bottles.

Available from automotive and hardware stores. Contact local stockists for pricing.

Delkor goes deep

Power any adventure with Delkor Deep Cycle Batteries. Suitable for recreational vehicles like caravans and campers, they provide dependable deep cycling endurance. Their thick plates and highdensity active material are specifically designed to handle the repeated cycling involved in running power-consuming equipment. See a local battery distributor for access to deep cycle batteries from the Delkor range, or visit www.delkor.com.au to learn more.

Universal EFI fuel delivery kit

Aeroflow’s fuel delivery kit, Part Number AF66-40005, provides everything needed to supply fuel to an EFI throttle body. It features a high volume 255 L/PH external inline EFI pump that will fuel engines up to 600hp. The kit includes fuel lines, fittings, enough premium quality hose for an inlet and return line, and two billet fuel filters — a 100 micron pre-filter, and a 30 micron post filter. All parts are also available from thepartsman individually for custom vehicle builds. For all Aeroflow Performance Parts, go to thepartsman.co.nz, email

Topless two-post lift

The Automaster AM-6140E is a base plate commercial grade two-post lift. The open top design is perfect for servicing high roof vehicles and vans with roof-mounted ladder racks. This lift, supplied with double screwup feet with 80mm 4x4 height extensions, is also a good option for workshops with low roof height that cannot fit a clear floor lift.

For more information, call Automaster.co.nz on 0800 214 604, or email info@automaster.co.nz.

The car show forcar professionals

AUTORAMA 2023 IS A NEW EVENT WHERE THE NATION’S BEST SPECIALISTS IN THE AUTO BUSINESS WILL GET TOGETHER TO PROMOTE THEIR PRODUCTS, SER VICES, AND SKILLS — AND PUT ON A SHOW FOR THE PUBLIC

The Autorama organising team, drawn from the Special Interest Vehicle Association (SIVANZ) and Special Interest Vehicle Manufacturers and Suppliers (SIVMAS) groups, have created Autorama 2023 to demonstrate the significance of the special interest vehicle industry sector and the cars they support. It is inviting everyone in the business with a story to tell to get involved.

The venue for Autorama 2023 is the Mystery Events Centre, Hamilton on 17–19 March, 2023.

The event aims to bring together businesses supplying the owners of performance, classic, race, hot rods, imports, and much more with parts, services, specialised tools, and fabrication work — the businesses that support the special interest vehicle segment.

When most people look at a special interest vehicle that has had thousands of hours poured into it, very few see the businesses behind the car — those that sold the tools to put the car together, or that rebuilt the transmission, or the specialised machines and operator knowledge that went into reconditioning the engine, the metal fabrication or the skill required to mix and apply modern paints. That means they don’t know where to go when they

want those specialist skills for their own projects — but they are out there.

Big and beautiful

A business survey in 2019 estimated that the SIVMAS sector contributes an estimated $5 billion annually to the New Zealand economy. At that time the value of special interest vehicles in private ownership was well in excess of $3.4 billion; some pundits believe the figure is closer to $6 billion. It is clear that industry and car people are a big part of New Zealand and the economy, and the Autorama 2023 team think that is worth getting together to celebrate.

So, how do you celebrate special interest vehicle manufacturers and suppliers and the wider automotive sector that holds it all together? You hold an industry and trade show and surround those businesses with the cars that they helped build. Then you invite the general public to come to an industry and car show like no other, to see who is making these extraordinary vehicles; to see the finished product and the businesses that made it possible, bringing industry, cars and enthusiasts together.

Everyone from the small business owner to the largest wil have the opportunity to talk face to face with like-minded industry peers and create new business relationships. Up to 12,000 people are expected to pass through the gates at Autorama 2023 to view the exhibitors and cars on show. We all know cars are important to customers and a show like this gives them the fuel and motivation to get projects finished which means getting tools, parts, expertise and services from the connections they make at the show.

Of special interest to the trade

Autorama 2023 will also showcase automotive education and training programmes and hopefully encourage young men and women into automotive careers. Employees of the future will need to be well trained and motivated and visitors and exhibitors can see what is on offer for them in the Automotive Education and Innovation Excellence hall.

Autorama 2023 has space for about 100 business exhibitors and a similar number for cars, although it is expected applications for exhibition cars will quickly exceed available slots — but the venue is perfect for scaling the event up or down depending on demand, so it’s important to get expressions of interest early. If the two main halls get filled there is plenty of outdoor space available.

If your business has not yet received an Exhibitor and Sponsor Pack but is interested in participating at the trade show, a copy can be downloaded from www.autoramacarshow.co.nz, or via email from the team at info@sivents.co.nz.

PARTSSUPPLY

Oils,grease,coolant,transfluid,bulbs,flushes

WORKSHOP CONSUMABLES

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

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

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

WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT

Diagnostics,hoists,electrics,powertools, handtools,specialistserviceequipment

Autoelectrical,gearboxes,cylinderheads, enginerebuilds,suspension,coolingSERVICECONSUMABLES

REPAIRSERVICE

WINDSCREENSANDGLASSWindscreens,chiprepairs,sideglass, mirrors,wipers,customfitment

WHEELSANDTYRES

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

AUTOREFINISHERS

Restoration,smashrepairs,auto-bodysupplies,spraypainters,paintcorrection

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precisionequipment.co.nz 0800

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PARTSSUPPLY

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

SERVICECONSUMABLES

WORKSHOP CONSUMABLES

Oils,grease,coolant,transfluid,bulbs,flushes

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

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

AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

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

WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT

Diagnostics,hoists,electrics,powertools, handtools,specialistserviceequipment

REPAIRSERVICE

Autoelectrical,gearboxes,cylinderheads, enginerebuilds,suspension,cooling

WHEELSANDTYRES

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

AUTOREFINISHERS

Restoration,smashrepairs,auto-bodysupplies,spraypainters,paintcorrection

Bricked ECM? No problem for Injectronics

DON’T GIVE UP ON A DODGY ECM. INJECTRONICS CAN REPAIR MOST MECHATRONIC COMPONENTS WITHOUT THE PAIN OF HAVING TO GET A REPLACEMENT UNIT REPROGRAMMED BY DEALERSHIPS

While we won’t be seeing a new Holden any time soon, there are plenty of Holdens still on our roads, and the mid-sized Holden Cruze is a great example. Some of these vehicles are approaching 10 years old and still going strong, while others are showing signs of electrical gremlins.

If you are presented with a Cruze and the customer is complaining of a ‘No Start’ symptom, there may have been water ingress of the engine control unit — a commonly seen fault.

One fix for this is a replacement ECM, which can be purchased from the manufacturer, but it can only be programmed by the dealership.

There is an easier option — repairing the existing module. That means pass-through programming and security linking is not required, as is the case with a new unit. It is a simple plug and play exercise.

Injectronics can test and repair existing components, while maintaining the vehicle’s original coding, security, and programming information using technology designed by its inhouse engineers. This means the vehicle doesn’t need to leave the shop on a tilt tray or trailer to have new software installed.

Workshops can even book the repair before

removal using the ‘Register Your Repair’ tab on the Injectronics website. The ‘Critical Info’ tab will inform you of any other modules, such as the BCM, instrument cluster, or ABS that might also be required for in-house testing and repair of the suspect ECM.

Got a faulty VX Commodore BCM? Or how about a defective Ford Ranger central junction box, or even a BA Falcon PCM? Maybe there is a Ford Focus with a broken instrument cluster tucked in the corner? Injectronics currently lists more than 800 different ECMs with identified and proven repair procedures.

Injectronics specialises in the testing, repair, and remanufacturing of automotive electronic and mechatronic components. It has recently opened a new laboratory to provide local access to a wide range of repair and remanufactured solutions, including leading technical support services.

Visit www.injectronics.co.nz to find products, technical information, and resources, including common faults and items requiring testing. Workshops can also register repair requests at www.injectronics.co.nz/register-a-repair, which provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide to complete repair solutions. To speak to a friendly team member, call 0800 536 547.

Performance

and NZV8.