Auto Channel 56

Ham radio to the rescue

WHEN COMMUNICATIONS WENT DOWN IN THE EAST COAST REGION, GISBORNE EIT TAIRAWHITI LECTURER AND MTA MEMBER STEVE MAIN CAME TO THE RESCUE

With communications badly affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, and hearing people were desperate to contact family and loved ones, Steve Main and a team of operators used old technology — ham

WHAT IS HAM RADIO?

Amateur radio — aka ‘ham radio’ — is a hobby about experimenting and communicating using not only radio, but also a range of technologies including satellites, the internet and even beams of light!

Once licensed, an amateur can operate twoway radio equipment from home, from vehicles and from anywhere in New Zealand and, in many cases, when overseas too.

Bands of radio frequencies have been set aside for amateur radio use and they allow hams to communicate across town or around the world.

radio — to get them connected.

“It proved to be a godsend,” Steve says. “We have a huge repeater network spanning from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, and we can use satellites and do point-to-point contact around the world. “We set up a phone patch service so that people could talk to their family in Australia or England to say they are fine, and they will be in touch, and that was the majority of our work. “We also had two operators in Napier who were able to do welfare checks on people for families who couldn’t get through.”

All this was achieved thanks to a network of keen amateur radio operators around the country. “It was a team effort that’s for sure, and once people started to find out they could use us to contact family it got really busy, especially with welfare checks.

“We had people communicating via social media and we would go out and check they were OK, and

for some people we made phone links so family could hear their voice,” he says.

As the power was down for a day and half in Gisborne, Steve relied on a generator and battery back-up. Now he says he would like to see ham radio have a higher profile. “It is older tech but just like in the old days sometimes it is the most reliable means and all you need is a battery, a radio and a wire,” he continues.

For anyone wanting to know where to go if communications are down visit nzart.org.nz (NZ Association of Radio Transmitters), or arec.nz (Amateur Radio Emergency Communication).

Steve Main (far right, back row) along with other ham radio enthusiasts. Photo: Paul Rickard, The Gisborne Herald

CHOOSE VALUE

With more than 20 years building quality units for vehicles of all sizes, we know what it takes to keep you moving. OEX gives you more value with every unit with affordable prices, reliable parts and unbeatable warranty. Built to a standard for quality and value.

ENDURANCE TESTED IN THE WORLD’S BEST TESTING FACILITY

MARKET LEADING WARRANTY YOU WON’T FIND ANYWHERE ELSE

UNITS MEET OR EXCEED OEM SPECIFICATIONS

find your nearest branch www.napa.co.nz.

Epic journey amid Gabrielle’s fury

AMID POST-APOCALYPTIC SCENES OF FLOODING, SLASH, AND SILT FROM CYCLONE GABRIELLE, ANXIOUS ABHAY SHARMA HAD JUST ONE THING ON HIS MIND: GETTING BACK TO HIS WIFE AND BABY AT ALL COSTS

On a normal day it would have been an easy 10-minute drive from Hastings to Napier, but this day was far from normal, and the trip turned into six desperate hours.

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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.

Abhay lives in Napier and owns Global Auto Works Hastings. On the night Cyclone Gabrielle hit, there was a lot of wind and rain, power and communications were down, but thinking the worst was over the next morning Abhay headed to Hastings to check on his workshop. Then came a knock on his door.

It was the police ordering the house to be evacuated and with a 15-month-old baby to worry about, Abhay waded through waist-deep water and hired a 4WD to get the family to a friend’s house.

With his family safe Abhay headed down the Napier to Clive Road to Hastings to check on the workshop and track down his cousin.

“Everything looked fine, life was normal, I checked the workshop it was fine apart from one customer car”. He was heading home to Napier when he discovered the main road through Clive had been closed, phones weren’t working, and since it had been three hours, his family would have been worried. Abhay tried to walk across Clive Bridge — a 15-kilometre hike to Napier — “but there were cops everywhere and they said ‘don’t dare cross the bridge’.” From seeking other roads through to even considering

flying from Palmerston North to Napier, Abhay wasn’t about to give up but when every avenue was closed. Panic set in.

“I reversed back and went through Taradale and started walking towards Napier and a cop car came by and asked if I was alright and I said no, I just wanted to get home to Napier,” he says. Luck was finally on his side. The police gave him a ride on a route open for emergency vehicles only.

RECOVERY MODE

“After a few days I went into recovery mode,” Abhay says as he sorted water and gas for his house. After that, Abhay turned his mind to the community and went about helping others.

In the weeks following the cyclone, MTA member Abhay and his mates — one of whom owns a restaurant — pulled together whatever food they could to feed those in need in the Hastings community.

“For me it is all about the people in the community, after what I saw and what happened out there, I had to do something to help out,” he says. With the cleanup and recovery underway the experience has left its mark — Abhay says when it rains there is the fear of being flooded again.

“It was a scary time, four days without power and communications, never heard of in New Zealand,” he says. But in the meantime, his family’s safe and the community’s bouncing back.

(Words: Gerald Rillstone)

More than 3800 automotive sector businesses enjoy the benefits of MTA membership. To find out more, and how to join, contact mta@mta.org.nz, or visit mta.org.nz.

New boss at MTA

LEE MARSHALL HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS THE MOTOR TRADE ASSOCIATION’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE, COMMENCING 18 APRIL 2023

Lee Marshall joins MTA after a successful career, spending the last 12 years in management roles in the car rental industry. He worked for Apex Car Rentals, Ezi Car Rentals, and Jucy before taking the role of Country General Manager for Avis Budget Group in 2019.

“We’re looking forward to Lee coming on board, to drive our strategy objectives to the next level and evolve MTA into the future,” says MTA President Bob Boniface.

Lee steered Avis Budget through the Covid-19 pandemic and was heavily involved with the consolidation of Avis Budget and Apex Car Rentals.

“Joining MTA is a change and opportunity to learn about something different. I’m really looking forward to getting started,” Lee says.

“MTA is a very long-standing, proud organisation that is of a scale that no other trade association for the automotive industry can really compare to.” Lee

replaces interim CEO Ian Pike.

“I would like to thank Ian for his invaluable contribution over the past 15 months. Ian has been instrumental in gaining momentum on a number of projects aligned to our future goals,” Bob says.

The Motor Trade Association (Inc) (MTA) was founded in 1917. MTA currently represents approximately 3,800 businesses within the New Zealand automotive industry and its allied services. Members of the Association operate businesses including automotive repairers (both heavy and light vehicle), collision repair, service stations, vehicle importers and distributors, and vehicle sales. The automotive industry employs 57,000 New Zealanders and contributes around $3.7 billion to the New Zealand economy.

Abhay Sharma

ISSN 2816-0959 (Print)

ISSN 2816-0967 (Online)

The Beginning of a New Century

Designed for New Zealand conditions

When it comes to our vehicles we push them hard and so does New Zealand’s environment.

Driving through the high country in winter, under bonnet temperatures could drop below 0°C, a trip to the corner store can be a 15 minute drive - and the hill on the way home a vertical ascent.

Our journeys take in the smoothest of roads and the roughest alpine tracks. We need a battery that we can rely on to power our unique lifestyle. So we delivered one. Then another and another.

And we continue to innovate and improve, because that’s the Century way.

The Beginning of a New Century

ICONIC BATTERY MANUFACTURER AND SUPPLIER CENTURY BATTERIES CONTINUES TO POWER AHEAD IN 2023 WITH THE ROLL OUT OF AN EXCITING NEW PRODUCT RANGE AND EXTENDED WARRANTY OFFER AS PART OF THE COMPANY’S COMMITMENT TO THE NEW ZEALAND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Century Yuasa is New Zealand’s foremost battery supplier with a portfolio of advanced products supported with an industry leading sales and distribution network. Since inception the company has continued to invest significantly in the areas of new product development, brand awareness, and market research to ensure their product range and market offer continues to meet the changing demands of today’s consumers and the New Zealand carparc.

In line with this commitment, Century has unveiled a new ‘Go to Market’ offer which encompasses a range of enhancements to its product portfolio, including a series of new product introductions, improved performance specifications, new branding, and extended warranties across the majority of the Century product range.

This means the top-selling Ultra Hi Performance car and passenger vehicle range will now come with a 40-month warranty (up from 36 months) and the increasingly popular Idle Stop Start AGM range is now backed by a 36-month warranty (up from 24 months).

Century Batteries’ Australasian marketing manager (automotive), Andrew Bottoms, explains that they worked extensively with focus groups and industry specialists to develop this exciting new market offer.

“Both our resellers and our customers can be assured this is a true product warranty. At Century we continually review the design, quality, and performance of our products and because of this end users, stockists, and resellers can be confident that our products will last and last.

“Our new branding is sharper than ever, promotes our heritage, and provides consumers with all the information needed to make an informed purchase decision for their intended application,” says Andrew.

“In addition, we have undertaken an extensive review of all product categories resulting in a series of new products and improvements to some of our existing product ranges,” he continues. “This includes new DIN AGM and EFB products for the growing Stop/Start vehicle market, an exciting new range of marine products and the launch of a new Dual-Purpose AGM range, the Dual Force+, focused towards the growing recreational market.”

To launch all of this to New Zealand’s motoring public, Century has commissioned an extensive advertising campaign encompassing a range of media including radio, BVOD, YouTube, social media, and print, all strategically timed to maximise impact and awareness.

For more information on the new and improved range of Century Batteries and to understand how your business can benefit from becoming a Century stockist, visit centurybatteries.co.nz or call 0800 93 93 93.

Small packs, big changes

FUCHS GROUP REDESIGNS SMALL PACKAGING IN AN EFFORT TO BETTER MEET CUSTOMER AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

The range of lubricant products in the automotive sector is enormous and it’s getting harder and harder for customers to find what they need. The Fuchs Group — which operates globally in the lubricants industry — has risen to this challenge and announced the New Zealand launch of new small packs for all automotive Fuchs product

with orientation.

New ergonomically shaped bottles that are easy to open without tools and have been made to fit better in the hand, to grip and handle. This also includes an enlarged opening of the bottle and an optimised neck design allowing accurate filling with no spillage.

it possible to pour out even the smallest remaining volume of fluid, allowing complete emptying of the containers and preventing unnecessary leftovers.

“Our new small packs are not just intended to be

OEX will keep you moving

THROUGH RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, OEX CONTINUES TO IRON OUT FAULTS COMMON IN OE PRODUCTS. HERE WE LOOK AT REDUCING FRUSTRATION AND WASTED TIME WHEN YOU HAVE A SIMILAR S AND RLO TERMINAL FUNCTION ON THE SAME APPLICATION

OEX has long been regarded as a leader in aftermarket alternators, starter motors, and spare parts.

They stride ahead in innovation and their mission is to challenge the norm, enhance durability, improve performance, and release new, pioneering products to the market. Now, celebrating the addition of over 50 part numbers in their alternator and starter motor range, OEX continues to be New Zealand’s and Australia’s brand of choice for automotive specialists.

According to NAPA Auto Parts rotating electrical merchandise manager, Andrew Little, one of the reasons OEX remains the region’s top supplier is because when products are released to the market, they look at major OE products and take out common faults and frustrations so that customers can plug and play. This has resulted in reduced warranties and less wasted time for OEX customers.

This is evident in OEX’s most recent work with solving a common problem in identifying the correct regulator function for 2003–12 Camry and RAV4s with similar 2AZ-FE four-cylinder 2.4L engines. OEX range DXA582 and DXA583 alternators cover these applications, but as both units have the same regulator with a single terminal function

difference, it is difficult to diagnose whether an S or RLO regulator is required.

The OEX team has now solved this problem with a simple tester (ACX6250). The ACX6250 simply plugs into the harness and after you turn on the ignition (without starting the vehicle), the tester will show which regulator function you require. If S, use DXA582. If RLO, use DXA583.

However, it’s not just these two applications — the ACX6250 unit will work on Lexus, Hiace, Kluger, and others with similar issues. When you have a similar S and RLO terminal function on the same application, this tester can diagnose quickly, remove frustration, and minimise wasted time.

OEX’s full range of trusted electrical products are available through NAPA Auto Parts nationally. Additionally, with nationwide warranty assistance, if you do encounter an issue, help is not far away. Technical advice is also close at hand with experts that are trade qualified, ready to take your enquiry.

For more information about the NAPA Auto Parts and their wide range of leading automotive specialist and mechanical brands for your workshop, speak with your local NAPA Auto Parts team. Visit napa.co.nz for your nearest branch. More information can be found oex.co.nz.

Talking torque with HTC: #3 Torque Tool Types

CONTINUING FROM OUR PREVIOUS ARTICLE WHERE WE LOOKED AT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE APPLY TORQUE, THIS TIME LET’S REVIEW THE COMMON TYPES OF TOOLS ON THE MARKET

MANUAL TORQUE WRENCHES

Click, break-back, or dial/digital wrenches are by far the most common tools, from small screwdrivers to large break-back style wrenches used on truck wheel lugs.

As the name implies, these wrenches are human powered and the effort involved is proportional to the length of the tool. Screwdrivers are governed by how much force can be generated in a hand twisting action. Commonly ranging from 0 – 1500Nm with ¼ to 1-inch square drives, these tools provide readings for the operator to monitor as they go.

POWERED TOOLS

There are basically two categories of powered tool — hydraulic and powered multiplier. These tools can produce staggering amounts of force and, rather than transferring any force to or from the operator, they send it to an integral reaction foot. The reaction foot is the common component on all powered tools, and must be transferred somewhere like a flange or the next bolt.

• Hydraulic wrenches: These generate large forces from small packages which makes them perfect for a wide range of bolting applications, especially where space is limited. The catch is that they use a ratchet mechanism so can only move one click at a time. To run the wrench also requires a pump and twin hose and the operator cycles the pump back and forth to tighten the bolt.

• Manual multipliers: A torque multiplier, as the name infers, is a gearbox that takes a small force and multiplies it by a set ratio. Input force needs to be applied using a torque wrench so that the output force can be controlled, and breakages avoided.

• Powered multipliers: Imagine the above manual multiplier, but with a power input. This allows for much faster, continual turn fastening and removes

virtually all effort from the operator.

Choosing the correct tool for the job is critical to avoid expensive issues. For this we weigh up simple metrics, like the type and size of the bolts, quantity per day, conditions, and how long a project will run for. It is also critical that equipment is serviced and calibrated on a cycle that is suited to the conditions and site usage levels. In the next edition we will cover what is involved and best practice for calibrating and servicing your tools.

HTC Ltd is New Zealand’s leading supplier of torque wrench tools and calibration, servicing, and repair services. To book a calibration service for your torque tools, visit htc.co.nz/calibration-and-testing/ and scroll down to the booking form. To contact the team directly, call 0800 48 2000.

WORKSHOP SAFETY REMINDER ANNUAL TORQUE WRENCH CALIBRATION

Dual Clutch Transmissions: Now you can

DUAL CLUTCH KITS HAVE GONE FROM SPECIALIST TO MAINSTREAM — AS SUCH, REPCO AND NAPA NOW OFFER CLUTCH KITS, FLYWHEELS, TOOLS, AND COMPONENTS TO MAKE SURE NEW ZEALAND WORKSHOPS CAN OFFER SPEEDY AND PROFESSIONAL WORK AROUND THIS EXCITING TECHNOLOGY

Since its inception in the early 1920s, the automatic transmission has been a constantly evolving piece of technology. Designed for lighting fast shifts and fuel efficiency, one of the more recent innovations is the ‘Dual Clutch Transmission’ or ‘DCT.’ Although DCTs have been around for several decades, it was not until the 21st century that they became mainstream.

DCTs are a type of transmission that uses two separate clutches to engage and disengage the gears. One clutch controls the odd-numbered gears, and the other controls the even-numbered

changes while combining the efficiency of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic. Besides fuel economy and acceleration performance, DCTs are known for their durability. They are less likely to overheat or wear out than traditional automatic transmissions because there are no fluid pumps or torque converters to fail.

However, like any other mechanical piece, they sometimes need replacement and the replacement is made easier with special tools (Dual Clutch assemblies are firmly meshed in the gearbox bell and must be removed together with the gearbox).

In line with the upward trend by vehicle manufacturers to use this style of transmission across various makes and models.

DCTs are no longer the domain of the auto trans specialist repairer or dealer. DCT clutch replacement is becoming more generalist and is able to be carried out by general automotive service workshops. As such, REPCO and NAPA now have a range of OEM LuK and VALEO DCT clutch kits and components available nationwide to suit European (VW, AUDI, Ford) and Korean

applications (Hyundai KIA) as well as the specific tool kits.

These kits offer complete package solutions to professionally and efficiently replace and service DCTs and include all parts needed for their installation or repair, OE quality and perfectly coordinated, safe mounting with simple installation instructions, high-quality special tool for the perfect repair and much more.

To find out more get in touch with you local

Customise your lifting

CORGHI’S NEW LIFT ERCO HC4502 4500KG TWO POST CAR LIFT ALLOWS FOR SYMMETRICAL AND ASYMMETRICAL CONFIGURATIONS. WE FIND OUT MORE.

Corghi, a renowned global leader in the vehicle assistance equipment sector, is proud to unveil a cutting-edge two-post car lift, the ERCO HC4502, which prioritises safety, productivity, and ergonomic design. Boasting Italian craftsmanship, iconic design, and a consistent focus on innovation for nearly seven decades, Corghi sets the bar high for the industry. This new lift continues to push the boundaries of excellence in both structural and functional design.

One of the key features of the ERCO HC4502 is the fact that it can be installed in asymmetrical or symmetrical configuration. Asymmetrical design is where the columns are rotated 30º to place the approximate centre of gravity of the vehicle in line with the optimum load capability of the column, reducing unnecessary wear and tear on the column, carriage, and bearings. The vehicle sits back further on the lift and, since most vehicles are front heavy, only about a third of the vehicle sits to the front while two-thirds hang behind on an asymmetric lift. This makes it easy to open the doors and access the interior of a vehicle.

drive-thru clearance. The centre of gravity of the vehicle and the lift are aligned, equalising the load on the columns, carriage, and bearings. That is the more traditional option, and it’s best for shops that work on a variety of vehicles. The most significant benefit of symmetric lifts is that they offer a much larger drive-through area.

Besides this, the HC4502 offers:

• Industry leading 1980mm lifting height and 3200mm internal clearance between the posts

• Columns made from one piece of full length steel, with an 8 fold bending structure and internally built-in reinforcement

• The large base plate (650mmx350mm) is made from 20mm thick steel, has four supporting brackets welded to the base of the column and is secured to the floor by 8 true bolts

• The lifts’ carriages are 1800mm long to provide extra stability and load distribution

• Nylon carriage slider blocks are made from wear-resistant and maintenance free material

• At full extension the 4 x three stage arms provide And much more.

For more information on the HC4502 or Automaster’s wide range of lifts, see automaster. co.nz, or call 0800 214 604.

Innovation solving part availability issues

CLUTCH INDUSTRIES’ RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION HAS A FUTURE THINKING PHILOSOPHY AND HAS BEEN PROACTIVELY APPROACHING THE CHALLENGE OF HOW TO ENSURE WORKSHOPS HAVE IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO THE PARTS THEY NEED IN THE COMPLEX AND SIGNIFICANT CATEGORY OF THE CLUTCH

In 2018 a dedicated engineering team at Clutch Industries embarked on a project to decrease clutch SKU complexity (ie. increase car parc coverage with less parts), and reduce installation time for mechanics, while also looking at enhancing performance and quality compared with typical OEM clutches. What they created is a clutch system that replaces thousands of different clutch kits with 20 products. The system is called UniClutch.

UniClutch works by taking the fitment complexity out of the clutch and consolidating the mechanical

interfaces into a fitment kit, which contains its patented multi-fit flywheel mount and patented interchangeable splines. This system allows the sealed pre-assembled clutch to be adapted to various makes and models where traditionally a different clutch would be required for each vehicle.

Justin Batten, Clutch Industries’ general manager of sales, says the clutch system has been in beta testing all through 2022 with the system being fitted to over 50 vehicles in that time. “We’ve been focusing testing on the enthusiast market which has meant we’re not only testing on different vehicles but also testing with different drivers and environments, from tuned street machines to off-road beasts.”

With the development and testing stages of the project now complete, Clutch Industries has started production of the system in their Melbourne manufacturing facility. “In preparation to manufacture the UniClutch inhouse, our Melbourne facility has had a massive upgrade, which included the commissioning of a fully autonomous production line,” Justin says. “In addition to the autonomous production line, we

have commissioned a quality control system which is revolutionary in the industry. Every clutch is tested for clamp, bearing load, lift, release, finger evenness, and finger height. All this information is saved to our server and a unique QR code is engraved on each clutch which allows the purchaser to access the specific test results for their clutch. In all, we’ve spent over $1 million modernising our Melbourne manufacturing facility, ensuring that we can efficiently produce the UniClutch inhouse.”

The UniClutch will be officially launched in mid2023 and will be available through Repco and NAPA Auto Parts. For more information, visit uniclutch.com.

Delkor batteries win KS-QEI award for the 17th consecutive year

DELKOR PROVES YET AGAIN WHY IT IS ONE OF THE TOP AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY BRANDS IN THE MARKET

Delkor has been awarded the prestigious Korean Standard Quality Excellence Index (KS-QEI) award in the automotive battery category for the 17th consecutive year since 2006.

The KS-QEI is Korea’s only comprehensive index of consumer satisfaction and expert evaluation. The association surveys consumers and industry experts on their satisfaction and experience with different products and services and measures results against two indices — Usage Quality Index and Emotional Quality Index. The Usage Quality Index is based on performance, reliability, durability, stability, usability, and accessibility whereas the Emotional Quality Index is based on brand image, brand awareness and novelty. Delkor batteries has once again successfully met these criteria and emerged with top scores this year.

Delkor batteries are manufactured by Clarios Delkor Corporation, a global leader in advanced energy storage solutions. Speaking about the recent award, the vice president and general manager North Asia at Clarios, S.J Won, said, “It is a great honour to be selected as the number one automotive battery in the KS-QEI for 17 consecutive years. A big thank you to our customers who have put their trust and recognition in Delkor batteries. Clarios Delkor Corporation will continue to deliver reliable, safe, and quality vehicle batteries, providing peace of mind and comfort to anyone who drives a vehicle with a Delkor battery in it.”

Delkor batteries are exclusively distributed by R&J Batteries in New Zealand and Australia.

Revealing more about R&J Batteries’ experience distributing Delkor batteries, Stuart Hamilton, chief executive officer at R&J Batteries, said, “We have distributed Delkor Batteries for close to 25 years in Australasia. The main driver behind our dedication to the Delkor product is the unparalleled quality of the product. We have visited the factory on many occasions and have seen first hand the lengths they go to in R&D, QA, and engineering to ensure the quality of their product is vastly superior to any other South Korean made battery. It is estimated that 60 per cent of all aftermarket vehicle batteries sold in Australia are made in South Korea.

“The fact that Delkor has won such a prestigious quality award for 17 consecutive years is testament to why Delkor is the best battery made in South Korea, and one suitable for the conditions in New Zealand and Australia,” added Hamilton.

Established in 1985 in Korea, Delkor has nearly 40 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket industry. In 1987, it was the very first battery brand in Korea to offer a range of calcium maintenance-free batteries. In the subsequent decades, the Delkor brand continued to build on its market leading position to offer automotive batteries with new technologies and expand its range to include batteries for other applications.

The extensive Delkor range includes batteries for automotive, deep cycle, commercial, marine and leisure, and lawn and garden applications. Delkor

commercial batteries are high-strength batteries manufactured with tough internal components and materials to provide long-lasting, superior power for trucks and buses. Delkor deep cycle batteries are built to last longer, provide high bursts of power in short periods of time, and require no maintenance. The Delkor range of marine and leisure batteries are developed with thicker plates to power long journeys in all kinds of terrains and weather conditions. Delkor lawn and garden batteries are built with cutting-edge technology to stand up well against vibration, dirt, and grass in challenging terrain conditions to help keep lawns and gardens beautifully maintained all year round.

Businesses interested in selling the awardwinning range of Delkor automotive batteries, or any of the other battery types, should consider joining R&J Batteries’ dedicated Delkor Battery Specialist program. The program aims to assist stockists increase sales of Delkor batteries by granting access to a multitude of marketing collateral, tools, and resources. It follows a tiered structure which allows businesses of varying sizes and scales to participate, providing support according to individual business needs.

For more information about Delkor batteries or the Delkor Battery Specialist program, please visit rjbatt.co.nz, or call 0800 546 000 to get in touch with R&J Batteries branches in Wiri, Christchurch, Hamilton, or Albany.

In his own voice: Brent Greenlees

MANY WOF INSPECTORS AROUND NEW ZEALAND WOULD HAVE MET BRENT GREENLEES: THE ORGANISER OF ALL THE MTA REGIONAL TRAINING EVENINGS. HERE, HE TALKS ABOUT THE LONG AND PIONEERING CAREER THAT HAS LED HIM TO HIS LATEST VENTURE: BDG SYSTEMS.

Joining the vehicle inspection industry, I trained and obtained the qualification of entry level compliance inspector. The role set me on a path through the inspection industry that would lead to the unique position I find myself today. Having returned from the UK after a four year stint involved in motorsport I was informed of an opportunity to become an entry level certifier.

At that point myself, as well as others, found the training to be lacking and felt my inspection outcomes could be compromised by the lack of skill and support. I then took it upon myself to create my own knowledge pool and share this information with my peers to fill those gaps.

Overtime, this proved to be an invaluable tool for both building a skillbase but, more importantly, ensuring inspection outcomes were not compromised by poor decision making based on little and poor support from employers.

The programme I created led to another inspection group offering me an opportunity that was too good to ignore: managing a flagship site and the establishment of a small training programme for new entry compliance inspectors. When the Virm — and later the PRS (also known as QMS) manual — was introduced I was then asked to embark on a nationwide campaign rolling out the manuals to all vehicle inspectors in the group. These were my first ventures into public speaking.

When the company was bought out and all of the support staff made redundant, I moved away from the inspection industry only to return to establish a strong

working relationship with the MTA while running my now-industry-renowned vehicle inspection training programmes which I have grown from scratch.

I have also introduced a Facebook page called the ‘WOF Inspectors Club’ which is a private page for inspectors to discuss issues and post topics and questions. With just under 1000 members, the page has been well received within the industry. As a supplier to Blackfern I offer new inspector courses that are part of the WOF test application, update nights for inspectors and QMS support and I am very keen my customers get good value for money. (Words: Brent Greenlees)

BDG systems is now a Blackfern Supplier so technicians and workshop owners can be centrally billed through Blackfern for their training sessions.

Bosch ADAS equipment now at CoolDrive

COOLDRIVE

With Advanced Driver Assistance Systems [ADAS] becoming more and more common on new vehicles on our roads, there is an increased need for quality equipment that is capable of adjusting and calibrating these systems,” said Matthew Douglass, category manager – tools and equipment at CoolDrive Auto Parts.

“The Bosch ADAS equipment range is one of the most reputable in the industry and we are pleased to have it available at CoolDrive.

“Made for collision repair shops, mechanical, and auto electrical workshops alike, the Bosch

ADAS offering is equipment our customers can trust to calibrate the vehicle correctly with its wide coverage and easier set-up making the job faster than ever before.”

ADAS on a vehicle are extensive and include Electric Control Units (ECUs) for safety control, such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), a central computing unit for sensor data fusion, as well as units for engine, transmission, brake, and lighting control.

Newer vehicles are also increasingly equipped with a wide range of ADAS cameras such as front cameras for lane assist, speed limit displays, adaptive lights, and rain/sun sensors, as well as surround-view cameras for rear and 360-degree views, and infrared cameras for night vision.

ADAS also covers a range of sensors such as LIDAR for ACC, lane assist and stop-go function, front radar sensors for ACC and stop-go function too, and emergency brake assist, as well as corner and steering angle sensors.

Heading the Bosch ADAS equipment range at CoolDrive is the DAS 3000 S20, its newest universal computer-based calibration and adjustment device

for ADAS, which is complemented by the SCT815 corner reflector target and carrier for calibration of radar sensors.

Also available is Bosch’s KTS diagnostic scan tool range and its ESI[tronic] diagnostic software, which works in conjunction with the DAS 3000.

Bosch’s calibration solutions are compliant with OEM requirements with targets for most vehicle manufacturers.

In conjunction with Bosch, CoolDrive also hosts ADAS and diagnostic-focused training at some of its regular specialist training events and through the Bosch technical training program.

For further information on the Bosch ADAS range at CoolDrive, visit cooldrive.co.nz.

AUTO PARTS CONTINUES TO PROVE ITSELF AS A PARTNER OF CHOICE FOR WORKSHOPS, WITH A RANGE OF BOSCH ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS CALIBRATION EQUIPMENT NOW AVAILABLE

Government future proofs EV-charging

Transport Minister Michael Wood has recently launched the first national EV (electric vehicle) charging strategy, Charging Our Future, which includes plans to provide EV charging stations in almost every town in New Zealand.

“Our vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand to have world-class EV charging infrastructure that is accessible, affordable, convenient, and reliable,” Michael Wood said.

“Emissions from our light vehicle fleet are the single largest source of transport emissions in New Zealand, partially due to having some of the most fuel inefficient and emissions intensive vehicles in the OECD.

“This costs Kiwis at the pump and is damaging to our health and the environment. Switching to EVs would be like buying petrol for 40c/litre, which would make a big difference for household budgets.

“The strategy sets targets to provide journey charging hubs every 150 – 200 kilometres on main highways, a public charger for every 20-40 EVs in urban areas, and public charging at community facilities for all settlements with 2000 or more people.

“Meeting the targets would see tens of thousands more EV chargers across the country.

“These new targets carefully balance facilitating infrastructure to support different trips and journeys that EV drivers make, while ensuring that rural and provincial New Zealand locations are accessible for

residents and visitors with EVs.

“The success of our clean car policies mean there are more than 69,000 EVs on our roads, over 80 per cent more than at the end of 2021. This strategy will ensure we can sustain the uptake of EVs as we see more people making the switch.

“To make sure the strategy is effective we’ll be

Vehicles fail to meet fuel efficiency claims

A CONSUMER NZ TRIAL HAS FOUND ‘REAL LIFE’ DRIVING HYBRID AND PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES (PHEVS) RUNS UP LARGER-THAN-EXPECTED FUEL BILLS

The trial found, when measured at the pump, PHEVs used on average 73 per cent more fuel than the manufacturers’ claims, while hybrids averaged 20 per cent more fuel use.

The watchdog was commissioned by Te Manatū Waka, the Ministry of Transport, to assess the fuel

use of five brands’ PHEVs and hybrids to see how normal use compared with manufacturers’ claims.

“Some PHEV manufacturers claim their vehicles require very low fuel use,” said James le Page, Consumer NZ test content team leader.

Manufacturers’ fuel efficiency figures come from

collaborating with local government and industry across transport, energy, and other sectors to deliver on these initiatives. I want to thank the Clean Car Leadership Group for giving advice as we’ve developed the strategy.

“We also want to make sure we’re working alongside the public. I hope everyone will take the opportunity to feed into the draft strategy and the discussion document,” Michael Wood said.

The draft strategy and public discussion documents are available from consult.transport.govt.nz until 11 May.

lab tests conducted under controlled settings.

“However, when you drive a vehicle on ‘real roads’ the efficiency is likely to be lower.

“The fuel usage was much higher than manufacturers claimed,” said le Page.

The difference in fuel efficiency was also evident in each car’s computers, which showed that PHEVs used on average 45 per cent more fuel, and hybrids used on average 10 per cent more than manufacturers’ claims.

THE TRIAL

Each vehicle in Consumer’s trial was driven on the exact same routes, including a rush-hour commute to and from Consumer HQ, a supermarket trip, and a weekend run over the Remutaka Hill. Each vehicle drove 270km over the course of a week.

Fuel usage was recorded at the petrol pump — by calculating how much fuel was used on the trips — and on each car’s computer.

“Our trial didn’t use any specialist or calibrated equipment. Instead, we opted for a repeatable, real-world approach, where each vehicle received the same treatment and test.”

THE FINDINGS

Consumer’s findings echo those of Europe’s leading clean transport campaign group, Transport & Environment. In 2020 it found emissions and fuel use were, on average, over two and a half times those of official test values.

“Our trial is the first of its kind in New Zealand and highlighted a staggering difference in the fuel efficiency between different models of PHEVs and hybrids.”

Right to repair gets traction

WITH AN INCREASE OF AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS BLOCKING ACCESS TO WIRELESSLY TRANSMITTED VEHICLE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE DATA, A GLOBAL MOVEMENT IS TRYING TO ENSURE INDEPENDENT WORKSHOPS’ RIGHT TO REPAIR

Automotive industry organisations across Canada, Australia, and several states in the United States of America are the latest in signing a ‘Global Vehicle Right to Repair Position Statement’ (GVRRPS) seeking to ensure independent workshops continue to have the right to maintain and repair new vehicles.

According to the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), which recently signed the document, the GVRRPS “sets forth 10 best practice principles to develop a framework for ‘Right to Repair’ legislation that any supporting country can use and adapt them to their needs. Globally, the automotive aftermarket keeps 1.5 billion vehicles on the road while contributing AU$1.8 trillion to the global economy. After vehicles exit their warranty

Millennials more likely repair cars than boomers

Online marketplace eBay research revealed that more than a quarter of millennials in the UK would undertake their own vehicle repairs to save on costs rather than paying a professional garage. In contrast, just 18 per cent of baby boomers are willing to get their hands dirty — they’re more likely to opt for help from their local workshop.

Contrary to popular opinion, Gen Z is seemingly willing to get its hands dirty, with more than 23 per cent of 17-24 year old respondents inclined to undertake minor car repairs.

Windscreen wipers are one of the easiest items to fix, with more than half of customers prepared to fit them at home. Sales on eBay for 2022 reflected this, with the online retailer selling enough wipers to stretch more than 485km, if laid end to end.

Broken or smashed door mirrors, car seats, floor mats, carpet, and battery-related issues also featured highly in this study.

period, independent repair shops perform 70 per cent of repairs. This vibrant industry and the consumer choice that it creates is being threatened by automotive manufacturers that block access to wirelessly transmitted vehicle repair and maintenance data.”

According to Paul Smith, head of testing at Consumer NZ, recent Australian regulation seeking the right to repair was passed after years of lobbying to try and “force manufacturers to make repair info, diagnostics, tools and parts available to independent repairers. In Australia it came off the back of an ACCC investigation that showed the manufacturers were making huge profits on repair and servicing compared to selling the cars, and they were shutting out independents.”

The AAAA echoes that sentiment: “Without the convenience and choice of independent parts and repair, especially in suburban and rural communities, consumers will have limited access to affordable vehicle service and repair. These restrictions can have catastrophic effects on local economies and the well-being and safety of millions that rely on vehicle transportation daily.”

As far as Consumer NZ knows, there is nothing specific to ensure the ‘Right to Repair’ of cars going on in New Zealand but advocates here are calling for a broader ‘Right to Repair’ applicable to more products.

Workforce challenges growing global concern

GLOBAL ABB AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING OUTLOOK SURVEY REVEALS

RISING LABOUR COSTS AND SHORTAGES ARE SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Shortages of specific skills and requirements for new knowledge highlighted by more than half of respondents’ education and upskilling at all levels – from early years to current workers – are key to addressing the industry challenges.

Rising labour costs and mounting workforce shortages are a growing global concern for automotive manufacturing, according to a new survey commissioned by ABB Robotics produced in partnership Automotive Manufacturing Solutions. Nearly a third (31%) of all respondents listed labour shortages among their top three challenges, while 35% ranked labour as their most concerning area when it came to rising costs.

Crucially, the survey revealed that these concerns are not confined to general shortages alone. More than half (56%) identified specific skills shortages when asked to select the challenges they face on labour and skills, followed by 48% who expressed the view that new skills were required by a fast-changing automotive landscape, suggesting more needed to be done to

attract people to the industry.

The survey also highlighted regional variations throughout the industry, with general labour shortages a greater concern in North America (56%), compared to Asia (37%) and Europe (34%). Conversely, new skill sets are in much greater demand in Asia (57%), in contrast to just 37% in North America and 48% in Europe. OEMs and Tier 2 suppliers also ranked this concern highly.

The ABB survey includes close to 600 global industry experts, from vehicle manufacturers, and suppliers at all levels of management, engineering and other key professionals throughout the automotive world.

Major boost for NZ EV bus infrastructure

NZ GREEN INVESTMENT FINANCE (NZGIF) HAS SIGNED A MAJOR FINANCING DEAL WITH KINETIC – AUSTRALASIA’S LARGEST BUS TRANSPORT OPERATOR – TO HELP DECARBONISE PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN NEW ZEALAND

NZGIF’s $50m capex facility will finance electric buses and associated infrastructure, and is part of a broader senior lending syndicate supporting Kinetic’s strategic vision and sustainability goals.

Kinetic has ambitious plans to support councils in transitioning public bus fleets from diesel to battery electric buses. Kinetic has already delivered over 150 electric buses to New Zealand streets in partnership with councils in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Tauranga.

In January Kinetic unveiled New Zealand’s first and Australasia’s largest fully electric bus depot. The Panmure (Auckland) site is home to 35 electric buses, which are among 152 the company will deliver in

partnership with Auckland Transport over the next two years.

The NZGIF facility will be used to accelerate the decarbonisation of New Zealand’s public transport fleet, and is enough to fund more than 150 zero-emission buses over the term of the facility. If fully drawn, the facility will help New Zealand avoid more than 100,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions over the life of the assets.

NZGIF chief executive Craig Weise said the deal was an important step for New Zealand’s public transport system.

“If New Zealand is going to meet its CO2 emissions reductions targets, we’re going to need to dramatically increase the number of low and zero-carbon emissions buses on our roads. Only around 5 per cent of public buses in New Zealand are electric at the moment, so there’s room for a huge improvement. The technology is readily available but, until now, financing for the New Zealand market just hasn’t been there.

“We were established precisely to help catalyse these sorts of deals, and to collaborate with other like-minded organisations to build a low carbon economy.

Kinetic Co-CEO Michael Sewards said the support of NZGIF recognised Kinetic’s strategic vision and sustainability goals.

“The strength of our lending syndicate recognises the evolution and diversification of the Kinetic platform across Australasia and our trusted partnerships with government regulators and regional councils to accelerate the decarbonisation of public transport,” Mr Sewards said.

“In our experience New Zealand is leading the charge on the global stage on the transition to zero emission busing, and we’re prepared with adequate support to meet both community expectation and the government mandate for the full decarbonisation of urban buses in New Zealand by 2035.”

Upward bound: NZ auto execs on the rise

MOTOR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND NEW CEO

New Zealand’s Motor Industry Association announced that Aimee Wiley will be MIA’s next Chief Executive Officer, replacing David Crawford, when he retires mid-2023.

Aimee was selected for her extensive professional experience, formal education, and unique skill set.

She has a wealth of senior experience, spanning the business sector (including automotive with Ford NZ and Ford Asia Pacific Product Development) through to government, most recently as programme director, Low Emission Vehicles (Clean Car Discount and Clean Car Standard) for the New Zealand Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi).

According to the MIA Aimee will bring with her knowledge of and connection with government process, leadership skills and formal qualifications in Accountancy and Business Law.

Aimee commenced with the MIA on 1 April

and will be working with departing CEO over the following three months to ensure a smooth transition.

MITSUBISHI MOTORS NEW ZEALAND BOASTS NEW COO

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ) announced the promotion of its head of sales Tony Johnston to chief operating officer (COO).

MMNZ managing director Warren Brown said: “Over the past decade, Tony has proven himself as a strong leader. He played a central role in MMNZ becoming the number one passenger car brand in 2022 and is a natural successor to the role that will be vacated by Dan Cook at the end of the month.”

As the company prepares for the upcoming launch of the all-new Triton later this year, Johnston says he’s keen to maintain and build on the brand’s success in New Zealand to ensure sustainable operation for MMNZ and its dealer network going forward.

“There are now over 79,000 Mitsubishi’s under four years old on New Zealand roads, that provides a strong pipeline of service work for our dealers over the short to medium term,” says Johnston. “I will be looking to ensure that that pipeline remains strong, which in turn allows us to maintain a dealer network and a customer satisfaction rating that is second to none. I’m excited by the opportunity and looking forward to viewing the business through a slightly different lens.”

Steiner fits the bill for Goodhue Automotive

THE ARNEL FAMILY BUSINESS HAS A LONG HISTORY WITH STEINER TYRE CHANGERS. HERE WE EXPLORE WHAT MADE THEM CHOOSE THE BRAND FOR THEIR NEW ENTERPRISE

The Arnel family has a long history in the motor trade, with multiple generations working in the auto service and repair business. Arnel Service Centre is well known in Hamilton and has been in operation for more than 25 years. When Tony Arnel took over the family business, he recognised the need for additional services to better serve his customers and generate more revenue. After testing the waters, he decided to add tyre changing and tyre sales to the range of services offered by the business.

To support this new service, Tony saw the need for equipment suited to low-profile tyres. He turned to Treadway Equipped and purchased a Steiner

ST260 tyre changer with helper arm. The equipment proved to be a valuable addition to the shop, and Tony was pleased to report that it allowed them to do everything that comes into their shop.

balance modes that can cover hidden, stick-on, and clip-on weights. It comes with a Haweka shaft and mounting cone.

A year later, the business and equipment are still going strong, as is the relationship with Treadway Equipped.

If you’re planning on fitting out your new workshop or replacing or upgrading your equipment, Treadway Equipped can make sure you get the equipment that’s right for your business, along with the installation and training to get you up and running fast.

For more information call 0800 436 436, write to enquiries@treadwayequipped.co.nz, or visit treadwayequipped.co.nz.

When he decided to open a second business, Goodhue Automotive, they chose to work with Treadway Equipped again, picking a Steiner tyre changer and wheel balancer for their tyre bay.

The Steiner ST260 tyre changer has a clamping range of 11-inches to 26-inches and options for a motorcycle wheel adaptor and helper arms. It is also leverless and comes with an accessory pack to get you up and running.

In addition to the tyre changer, they also purchased the Steiner ST410 wheel balancer, which is an easy-to-use tyre balancer with nine

comes

— Tony Arnel

Why pour clean oil into a dirty engine?

THE PROBLEM

Modern engines run hotter due to high speed, high compression, and comprehensive emission controls. To offset this, good-quality motor oils have been formulated to have increased detergent properties to help to remove contaminants.

Contamination is a by-product of combustion and is inevitable. This is compounded with manufacturers extending service intervals, as well as by stop-start city driving.

THE SOLUTION

Wynn’s Engine Flush is specially designed to gently dissolve and remove internal engine contaminants by suspending them in a high level of dispersants. Wynn’s Engine Flush formula provides a high degree of protection for

chemicals leave the internals of the engine unlubricated.

Wynn’s Engine Flush, however, acts as more than just a flush by also providing protection. Wynn’s Engine Flush is professionally formulated with detergents, dispersants, and anti-wear additives, so the engine still has lubrication protection during cleansing. It’s even safe to drive before draining. Wynn’s now has a specific product range to suit both petrol and diesel engines. The new diesel engine flush is a low-sap formulation to suit all modern diesel engines and will treat up to 18 litres of engine oil.

Wynn’s Engine Flush restores engine compression and performance, contains

DRIVE REVENUE AND PROFITABILITY

Wynn’s products are designed for the professional installer — they provide a way to produce a better, cleaner running engine and drive profitability in the modern workshop. Be sure to ask about Wynn’s service kits for both diesel and petrol versions, available with bonus goodies to drive even more revenue.

Wynn’s also offers full training and product demonstrations to show the benefits of using their products… something only Wynn’s does.

If you would like to see a no obligation product demonstration at Wynn’s workshop, call their national head office on 09 272 1940, and don’t forget to ask about Wynn’s beer bowser promotion.

Performance Gauges: What’s in it for me?

PERFORMANCE GAUGES ARE NOT JUST PRETTY TO LOOK AT… THEY CAN BE THE KEY TO MAXIMISING A CAR’S PERFORMANCE AND PROSPORT GAUGES MIGHT JUST BE THE BEST IN TOWN

Prosport gauges are one of the world’s most premium and established USA gauge brands. Manufactured to the highest quality they are used in some of the fastest vehicles in the world and are available in an array of different sizes and colours and whatever price point you need to suit your vehicle and budget.

If you’re looking to upgrade your car’s performance and want to get your hands on some high-quality sports car performance parts, you might want to consider getting Prosport. They’re super useful for keeping track of your car’s vital stats, and they offer a bunch of benefits that make them worth the investment.

For starters, Prosport gauges can help you catch potential problems before they become serious. By monitoring things like oil pressure, air-to-fuel ratio, and coolant temperature, you can get a better understanding of how your car is performing and quickly spot any issues that might arise. This can save you a ton of money in the long run by preventing costly repairs and engine rebuilds.

Another great thing about Prosport gauges is that they can help you optimise your car’s performance.

By tracking your engine’s air-to-fuel ratio and exhaust gas temperature, you can make adjustments that will increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and power output. This can be especially helpful for turbo engines, which can be prone to over-boost and performance issues if not properly monitored. And finally, Prosport gauges are just really convenient to have. This means you can diagnose issues quickly, get a better sense of how your car is performing, and make informed decisions about repairs or upgrades.

Engine care at affordable prices

FROM THE MAKERS OF MOBIL 1, THE NEW MOBIL SUPER RANGE OFFERS EASY AND AFFORDABLE CAR CARE

ExxonMobil unveils its updated Mobil Super product range, offering proven protection and value-for-money, making it easier for car owners to care for their vehicles. The launch comes during a time when drivers in New Zealand continue to experience the rippling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the need for value-for-money alongside convenience.

Part of the motivation for Mobil is to inspire motorists to live life to the fullest. Mobil Super helps deliver exactly that with affordable, easy car care. This new range is an integral part of their commitment to protect what matters to consumers, so they can focus on what is most important. Offering value-formoney alongside convenience, Mobil Super brings ease and protection to drivers, which is especially important during these uncertain times.

The new Mobil Super range delivers superior fuel economy, better engine wear protection and cleanliness, and extended engine life. The line also features an upgrade to the highest performance standard ILSAC GF-6 and API S, and is backed by over 150 years

of experience in lubricant technology by Mobil, a worldwide leader among synthetic engine oils since 2008.

The all-new Mobil Super line has been formulated with active ingredients, for the following standout features:

• Mobil Super All-in-One Protection: a fully synthetic engine oil formulated with Heat

If you’re interested in getting Prosport gauges for your car, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a boost gauge, oil pressure gauge, or EGT gauge, Prosport has you covered. So why not give them a try and see how they can help you take your car’s performance to the next level?

For more information visit scarles.co.nz

Activated Anti-Wear molecules so the more your engine heats up, the harder Mobil Super protects and delivers improved fuel economy.

• Mobil Super Friction Fighter, a synthetic technology engine oil formulated with FrictionFighter molecules to create a solid protective layer that cushions the impact when engine parts come in contact, protecting your engine against life-shortening wear.

• Mobil Super Everyday Protection: a premium mineral engine oil formulated with the ExtEngine molecule — an age-defying, anti-wear ingredient which reacts to engine-damaging stress by creating a long-lasting protective barrier to extend engine life.

Who let the cats out? When cat converters go bad

BEFORE YOU GO REPLACING YET ANOTHER CATALYTIC CONVERTER, LET’S TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM IN THE FIRST PLACE.

You know the error codes well: Low catalyst system efficiency (P0420) and Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (P0430). They are some of the most common OBD codes and as such, it is probably a good idea to refresh your memory and improve your skills on how to deal with these pesky visitors.

BACK TO BASICS: WHAT IS A CATALYTIC CONVERTER

The catalytic converter shell tends to be made of stainless steel. The inner core is made up of a ceramic monolith core with a honeycomb design to increase the surface area the exhaust gases pass over (Figure 1).

The substrate is treated in a wash coat made of chemicals and elements. These promote the catalytic reactions that change the harmful exhaust gases into less harmful ones. Inside the converters are also some precious metals (which have made these components highly coveted by thieves in the United States) such as of rhodium, palladium, platinum, cerium, and nickel.

Each one of these components plays a specific part in the chemical process. Some are catalyst agents that can withstand extreme temperatures, others have storage capabilities of components (like oxygen and hydrogen) that are required for the correct operation of the converter.

NO MORE MEOW: WHEN THE CAT STOPS WORKING

Here is one version of how to properly diagnose these bad kitties:

Start by interviewing the customer to try to get a repair history. Are there repairs for engine misfires,

internal coolant leaks, engine oil-burning issues? Have they been noticing smoke or strange burning smells?

From there, scan and retrieve DTCs, review the freeze frame, and mode $06 data for advance diagnostics. The PIDs and info available in the freeze frame has increased significantly… so much so that some vehicles have pages and pages available for each code set (Figure 2).

Try to grab PCM software calibration number info while connected with the scan tool, to verify the update level of the software. Sometimes, a change in software corrects a miscalculation of catalytic efficiency and performance. At this point, a road test is recommended to figure out if the engine has any other issues (like low

power) or not. Make sure to document your findings by saving your pre-scan, freeze frame, and make a record of your tests and results.

It is super important to consult service information and look for two things: code-setting criteria and the strategy used to monitor the system. Some marques monitor switch ratios of front and rear air fuel/O2 sensors, and if the rear is switching too often (mirroring the front), then it will set the fault.

Others monitor the oxygen storage capacity of the cat by running the engine through a set air-fuel ratio cycle. The cycling deliberately depletes the oxygen stored in the converter. The converter is then flooded with oxygen and the fill time is monitored to figure out how long it takes to absorb the oxygen to full capacity. This filling is inferred by the activity of the rear O2

Figure 1- In this cutaway view of a converter, you can see the monolith core the exhaust gases pass through.

Figure 2- Here is an example of a “freeze frame” snapshot. The number of PIDs stored varies by year, make, and make.

sensor. When it signals a rise in O2, it indicates the converter is full and cannot store any more oxygen.

Another thing to do is check if there is a TSB that may apply to this code (Figure 3). This is why it is recommended to grab the software/calibration number in the previous step, so that you can tell if the update has already been done. Many vehicles may have a bad converter, but it has been recognised by the manufacturer that a software update, operational strategies and changing the parameters may improve the longevity of the converter. Some can be related to a faulty part that is damaging the converter that needs to be replaced, the root cause of a repeat failure of the converter.

TYPES OF FAILURES

The first type is structural. A structural failure includes a dented shell, flex pipe failures, damaged threads, or leaky welds. Visual or audible inspection usually picks these up; however, small leaks that can’t be seen can present a difficulty.

Some technicians use a smoke machine to test for those, but sometimes this does not work as the converter can absorb the smoke.

Another method is using a shop vacuum (or even a small rechargeable leaf blower!) with a rubber tip connecting the hose of the vacuum to the output

port and then connecting the other end to the tailpipe (some number 8-wire skills might be useful here). Simply fill the exhaust system with pressurised

through a cold winter’s puddle? Thermal shock.

This can cause the substrate to be crushed or damaged and break free to become a rattling rather than a meowing cat. Construction design improvements and the use of heat shields have made these faults less common, but it is worth keeping in mind.

The third failure is cat poisoning. Poisoning is harder to figure out without disassembly, because the evidence is on the substrate. This usually happens from antifreeze or oil being consumed during the combustion process and contaminating the substrate (this is why it is a good idea to interview clients about previous repairs).

The system can also be poisoned by oil or fuel additives or the use of improper sealants (i.e on exhaust gaskets). Depending on layout or construction, we may be able to remove a sensor and see the substrate with a borescope.

I saved the best for last: overheating leading to melting of the substrate. When the exhaust gas levels get too high (due to either misfires or incorrect fuel control), the reactions in the converter and the associated temperatures rise well above normal. Overheating destroys the active components of the wash coat, making them unable to perform their tasks. Melting is when the temperatures get so hot the substrate melts and starts to restrict the flow of the exhaust gases. This can result in a loss of power because the engine can no longer breathe properly.

If you have followed diagnostic procedures and

air. It is useful to note that this works much better on a cold system because if you can’t hear the leak, you spray soapy water and look for the bubbles. If the exhaust is hot, the water will boil off before the leak can be found.

Leaky exhausts can affect a cat’s performance in two ways. First, if there are leaks upstream of the air-fuel ratio sensor, it will alter the ECM’s fuel control strategy (which can lead to damage to the substrate). The second is if a leak exists after the primary air/ fuel ratio sensor, but before the downstream O2 sensor. This will cause false oxygen to be detected, which again may alter the fuel strategy, but it could also skew an oxygen capacity storage test result and trigger a DTC.

The second failure is not so common but requires the mentioning of thermal shock. The converter’s average operating temperature is anywhere between 260 to 650 C. What happens when you drive that

eliminated the first three causes, TSBs, and previous repair issues, you now get into the meat of the testing. This is not a problem though because we already understand the criteria for setting the code and the method the ECM uses to determine the fault.

It is preferable to do easy testing methods whenever possible. If the vehicle in question is using switch ratio to determine the fault, we should up our scanner to read the data PID graphs for the upstream and downstream sensors. Essentially, we would be monitoring the same data the ECM does to determine the switch ratio under the same (or as close to the same) conditions as the ECM does. And yes… common knowledge would say that if it has an air-fuel ratio sensor, then we cannot read it. But the truth is yes, you can; you just need to read differently.

If we look at the current (or amperage, in “uA”), it will be of smaller amplitude, but it will still be a

Figure 3- This TSB indicates the manufacturer recognized a parameter problem in the software that is causing the early demise of the catalytic converter. To correct the problem, it states the converter requires replacement and an update of the PCM software.

Figure 4- This is the blower I use to pressurise the exhaust systems for leak detection. The rubber tip will seal in the tailpipe to allow the pressure to build in the exhaust.

Figure 5- This screenshot demonstrates a manual oxygen storage capacity test result for a catalytic converter.

swing. This picture (Figure 5) demonstrates data being monitored while testing oxygen storage capacity. You should notice sensor 1/1 signal movement with the lambda value and how it changes with the mixture. Not perfect, but it works. If we see either sensor not behaving as anticipated, we then need to test their functionality to ensure they can perform their job properly. The sensor needs to be able to read rich and lean mixtures and react fast. A biassed sensor (one that favours rich or lean readings) can and does cause a lot of converter issues.

The systems that employ oxygen storage capacity test strategies may require a little more effort, but we can alter the mixture with vacuum leaks and alternate fuel sources while watching the reaction time. Or, to make it easier, get out the scan tool and monitor upstream and downstream (as described above). However, this time, you can take the vehicle out on a road test or elevate the RPM in the bay. Then, allow the engine to idle normally, give it a wide-open

throttle snap, and watch the response time of the downstream sensor before it starts reading oxygen (see Figure 5).

You can also use tools that perform the tests for you (Figure 6). This tool guides you through the steps and then calculates the results (this is only one of many useful features for testing fuel control systems). This tool is great because it lists its mode $06 data as well. (Figure 7). The actual purpose of our testing is to verify the ECM is getting fed the proper data from the sensors, and then responding properly and as expected.

VALUABLE INFORMATION AVAILABLE

The last two resources available are mode $06 and freeze frame data. The freeze frame data could be too slow to catch glitches that set DTCs. For P0420/ P0430 it puts us in the general range when the fault happens. We need to review this data to see if any readings were off.

The freeze frame has a smaller list of relevant PIDs and displays those for you to see at the approximate time the fault was detected. Look at the PIDs that can affect the fuel mixtures (like the temperature of the engine and air, MAF or MAP sensors, and the upstream and downstream o2 sensors).

The other source of information we have is mode $06. Although it was not initially made for technicians, and some of the descriptions of what is being tested can be less than perfect, it is a treasure trove of info.

The screenshot pictured here (Figure 7) is from a good-running vehicle with no faults. You can see the information provided here and what the computer is using for its parameters to set faults. Why is this valuable to see?

What happens when parameters are close to failing but just not crossing the threshold yet? Could they be affecting the ECM’s decision for fuel mixtures? Absolutely. In parts of the United States they perform emissions inspections that consist of reading the OBD2 monitors to see if all or most (depending on the year) have run and passed.

Sometimes monitors will not run, and they will find the culprit in mode $06 data. They could easily see if one of those sensors was close to failing and see the ‘grey areas’ rather than just the ‘black and whites;. This might be the root cause that prevents a monitor from running.

Some other key data shown is the misfire parameters. Although there may not be any misfire DTCs, there may be misfires occurring just below that threshold of turning the MIL on. This, over time, can be a culprit to the early demise of our beloved cat.

ECMs and scan tools process data faster than a technician ever could, yet despite what every customer thinks about these magic machines, they do not tell us what is wrong with their car. It is still a mechanic’s task to analyse the data and diagnose the faults. We do this by following a process of logical testing which leads not only to the faulty component but beyond that, to what caused that component to fail in the first place.

Figure 6- This scanning tool features a catalytic converter efficiency test. It directs you through the steps required to prepare the vehicle for the converter test and then performs the test automatically once the criteria are met. The tool then displays the test results with a score in the percentage of efficiency.

Figure 7- In this screenshot of Mode $06 data, the EScanELITE scan tool from Automotive Test Solutions displays the MIN/MAX criteria for the test parameters and shows the vehicle’s results. The colour changes depending on how close to failure the results are.

‘PROJECT LIGHTWEIGHT’

LIGHT, POWERFUL, AND EXTREMELY RARE, THE 1963 CORVETTE GRAND SPORT IS ONE OF CHEVROLET’S TRUE HOLY GRAILS

In early 1963, five unique and very fast C2 Chevrolet Corvettes were built. The fact that each of those five still exists today is probably a very good indication of how special they are — they even survived the ’60s and ’70s, when all manner of crimes against enthusiasts were committed as rare cars of the era were crashed, crushed, and abandoned with little regard to their future holy grail status.

Known internally as ‘Project Lightweight’ and externally as the 1963 Corvette Grand Sport, these five wild machines — two built as roadsters and the other three as hardtops — would become the ultimate and most desirable Corvettes ever built.

To discover how this unicorn of the American sports car world edged its way into existence we need to start at the very beginning, with a legendary personality who would become forever linked to the Corvette. The story begins in 1953, when Belgian engineer and professional circuit racer, Zora Arkus-Duntov, first laid eyes on the C1 Corvette at a Motorama event in New York City. Duntov, a Jewish refugee who’d barely escaped Paris in 1942, with the Nazis nipping at his heels, is said to have been enamoured with the C1’s body design but

disappointed by the engineering underneath.

Instead of just saying “Oh well”, as anyone else would, Duntov went home and wrote a letter to Ed Cole, the chief engineer at Chevrolet at the time. In the letter, Duntov laid out his thoughts on the Corvette, then explained how much he’d like to work on such a beautiful car. As a way of showcasing his abilities, he included a technical paper he’d drawn up that proposed an analytical method of precisely calculating a vehicle’s top speed. Cole was impressed, to say the least, and within weeks Duntov was in Detroit starting his new job as Chevrolet’s assistant staff engineer.

Over the next few years, Duntov rose through the ranks at GM, making big waves as he went. He’s credited with playing a part in changing Chevrolet’s image to make it more appealing to younger buyers and enthusiasts, as well as bringing the small block V8 and four-wheel disc brakes — a first for America — to the Corvette.

Next on Duntov’s hit list was taking it to the Fords, Ferraris, and Porsches that had been dominating the international endurance racing scene throughout the late ’50s and early ’60s. While the upcoming C2 Corvette ZO6 was a potent machine, it was going to need some serious revisions if it was to compete with the Shelby Cobras, Ferrari 250 GTOs, and Porsche 718s that had been tearing up circuits across Europe and the US. In mid-’62, Duntov quickly got approval from Chev’s general manager and motorsport enthusiast, Bunkie Knudsen, to build 125 new race cars. The problem was that — officially, at least — GM

was still adhering to the 1957 gentleman’s ban on racing that had come about after the Le Mans disaster in that same year.

The plan was to build the 125 cars — the number required for European FIA homologation — in a clandestine fashion, and then sell each car to private teams around the world that may or may not have had varying degrees of unofficial factory support, in theory skirting around the manufacturer-backed racing ban. This reasoning was shaky at best, and meant that a skunk works style of operation was the order of the day.

The new endeavour was dubbed ‘Project Lightweight’ for a reason. Starting with an alloy tube frame ladder chassis and birdcage, the car received new paper-thin fibreglass body panels that lacked any type of gel coat, while handmade alloy and magnesium parts were knocked up to replace factory pieces wherever possible, and lighter organic aviation glass was used all round.

Weight was drastically dropped under the bonnet, too, thanks to the use of an angry aluminium 377ci small block V8 sucking down air and fuel through four 58mm side-draught Weber carbs and producing somewhere in the realm of 550hp.

The result of all this dieting was an incredible kerb weight of 862kg — down from the stock car’s 1451kg. Combine this with the small block’s impressive power output, and Duntov had a very, very fast car on his hands.

Initial testing — which was completed using a heavier fuel-injected 327ci production engine as the new alloy unit wasn’t ready — showed that, while the car was exceptionally quick, it did have some aerodynamic problems, most noticeably a tendency to lift the front end at high speed, resulting in light and sometimes non-existent steering when the driver needed it most. This was quickly rectified with substantial amounts of venting on the front

end, bonnet, and arches of the number 001 test car before work got started on the initial run of production vehicles.

Of course, the team never got close to building the 125 cars that were planned, with only five materialising before the hammer of bureaucracy began to fall. Interestingly though, it wasn’t the flouting of the racing ban that particularly bothered the suits at GM — it was actually a concern over the US government’s anti-trust regulations, which aimed to stop some of the largest companies in the country from creating monopolies. The concern was that, should Chevrolet reach a 60 per cent market share, the government could force the company to split up in order to reduce its size — and Chevrolet was starting to come close.

With that in mind, the GM round table set its sights on Project Lightweight just as it was getting off the ground, reasoning that these machines had so much potential to dominate the competition that they might drastically boost Corvette sales across

the country, thereby pushing Chevrolet over the dreaded 60 per cent line.

With that, the programme was cancelled and GM ordered that all five cars be crushed.

Duntov wasn’t going to have that, though. He still needed to prove that his Grand Sports were faster than any of the competition, so two of the five cars were hidden under covers in a seldomused part of the factory, while the other three were given to trusted privateer racers, who began campaigning them to mixed results, due mostly to teething issues and a lack of factory support.

Vindication came during the famous 1963 Nassau Speed Week in the Bahamas. This event had become the ultimate playground for hard-driving and hardpartying teams to show what they were made of, both on the track and at the bar. The three hardtops, numbers 003, 004, and 005, were shipped to the island and, due to the delicate circumstances, the ‘private’ team was superficially headed by Texas oil tycoon John Mecom Jr while a handful of Chevrolet engineers just happened to be taking a well-earned vacation on Nassau at the same time.

The Grand Sports qualified at the front of the grid, but had to drop out during the first Tourist Trophy race due to cooked differentials. In an incredible stroke of luck, one of those holidaying Chevrolet engineers just happened to have packed a couple of diff coolers in his luggage and was able to help fit them up.

The Governor’s Cup, which was the next race at Nassau, delivered, with the cars finishing third,

GTO. This proved that Duntov had the right idea, and even Carroll Shelby in later years said that his own success with the Cobra was only thanks in part to GM refusing to support the Corvette Grand Sport.

After Nassau, Duntov hoofed it back to home base, where he excitedly pulled numbers 001 and 002 out of their hiding places and began updating them with what had been learnt in the Bahamas — including chopping the roofs off both cars to turn them into speedsters.

The aim was to dominate the 1964 running of the Daytona endurance race. However, it wasn’t to be. Word of the success in Nassau got back to the top brass at GM and they’d had enough of Duntov’s sneaking shenanigans, ordering him to shut the programme down for good this time. Thankfully, though, all five cars avoided the crusher and ended

Park like a pro

IN-CAR PARKING INFORMATION RANKED AS THE MOST VALUABLE CONNECTED CAR FEATURE BY DRIVERS GLOBALLY

Determining parking space availability near destinations is now the top requested in-car connected service for drivers around the world, according to the latest Connected Features Interest Survey Report carried out by TechInsights. The report assessed 28 connected features, with 4,990 drivers in the USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy, and China asked to rank their interest in each service to gauge demand.

Driving-related functionality, such as assessing the availability of parking spaces near a destination, traffic alerts and being able to pay for parking, fuel and tolls from the car are amongst the most desirable features globally. In-car parking information was ranked the most valuable feature cited by Chinese drivers, with European motorists classing it as their second priority, only 1% behind the top-rated choice, and American respondents placed it at 67%, just 3% behind their top priority, traffic information.

Drivers in Western Europe and China are increasingly concerned about whether they will be able to find parking at their destination. Additionally, those with larger vehicles have a higher preference to reserve spaces at their destination. The survey results show drivers’ increasing expectation for parking to be seamlessly integrated into the in-car navigation process. Meanwhile, the survey data highlights how in-car payments have gone from being predominantly used by early adopters, to a highly desirable function, with a probability of choice for 56% of global respondents and ranking just 12% behind the top global priority. The rising demand for in-vehicle payments covers services such as parking, fuel, tolls, and food across all age groups and technology engagement levels. The results show drivers gaining increased confidence using these services due to the reduction in perceived complexity and valuing the heightened convenience and removal of physical contact required.

This survey shows that it’s not just early adopters who want this type of technology in their cars; having in-car connected services that help with finding a parking space was not only the top priority for late adopters in Europe but also for the youngest drivers aged 18-24 years old.

Parking space information ranked similarly high in the USA, with 18-24 year-olds and 35-44 year-olds citing it as their top priority — notably six places above alerts such as traffic for

younger drivers. This shows the younger generation looking to avoid receiving streams of alerts during journeys and preferring to be automatically rerouted to their destination with parking successfully at their destination cited as their most significant concern.

Figures from China show that the ability to make in-car payments has changed from being a “nice-to-have” to a “highly desirable” established feature for many young drivers — with double-digit year-on-year growth expected in this market from 2022 to 2030 — recognising that motorists have an increased level of trust in making payments from their vehicles and a desire for maximum convenience and a seamless user experience.

The survey also highlights how fashionable new features such as in-car games, email, or social media integrations and calendar management, which are now available in an increasing range of cars, are typically seen as far less desirable than those that are journey-related.

Commenting on the survey results, Duncan Licence, chief product officer at Parkopedia, said: “As our roads get busier and drivers’ lives become more hectic, we are not surprised to see demand for journey-related connected features that make driving safer and more convenient, continuing to rise. However, the challenge now for OEMs is to prioritise the most in-demand services and provide a holistic driving experience with the seamless integration of navigation and parking services to take the stress out of their drivers’ journeys. This latest survey shows that many automakers are still lagging behind their customers’ expectations when it comes to delivering the right services, with select OEMs electing to withhold certain connected car features as a cost-saving. The feedback globally shows that many drivers are likely to avoid certain vehicles or brands if their data, mapping and in-car payment services do not meet today’s expectations.”

DSGs & DCTs

Dual clutch transmissions are hugely popular. We cover all repairs and servicing with the latest diagnostic equipment available.

CVTs

Continuously variable transmissions are a significant part of overall sales each month, therefore the equipment and knowledge that we have accumulated from years of experience repairing these complicated transmissions, has given us an unparalleled edge.

DIFF Audit

Often overlooked but not by us, the time to get your diff looked at is when you first hear a noise, to avoid more costly repairs down the track.

Torque Converters

The Gearbox Factory has been rebuilding torque converters for cash trade customers for over 48 years. With a significant increase in production capacity, The Gearbox Factory team is now able to offer a torque converter reconditioning and repair service to the motor industry.

NOW

Oh so wise!

German marque Wiesmann is later this month scheduled to unveil Project Thunderball, “the world’s first all-electric convertible roadster,” according to a company spokesperson.

The 680hp, 1,100Nm, and a targeted 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds has a 500km EV range. The two-seat, rear-wheel drive Wiesmann Project Thunderball features a unique drivetrain that has been designed to push the limits of architecture configuration. The battery modules are in a T-shape running through the centre tunnel and

into the front of the vehicle, along with exotic twin axial flux PMSM e-motors. A bespoke and beefy 92kWh (83kWh usable) lithium ion NMC ‘module-to-pack’ battery is based on series modules with integrated pouch cells. This means it can use the very latest ultra-rapid 300kW chargers, for lightning-fast recharges. The Wiesmann engineers have even developed their own sophisticated thermal management system. The starting price is a cool $520,000.

A windshield full of data

BMW’S NEW HEAD-UP DISPLAY (PANORAMIC VISION) IS EXPECTED TO GO INTO PRODUCTION WITH THE FIRST NEUE KLASSE MODELS

BMW is currently developing a completely new technological platform for the Neue Klasse, whose name refers to the company’s pioneering models of the 1960s.

The new head-up display, projecting across the entire width of the windscreen, creates a unique interaction and information surface for all occupants.

Frank Weber, member of the board for development at BMW AG, describes the main advantages of this revolutionary new head-up display as follows: “The windscreen becomes a single large display with our

new BMW Panoramic Vision, opening up completely new possibilities for the design of our vehicles. The driver decides themselves which information they want to display in their own field of vision, or that all occupants can see the entire content. The revolutionary projection and the significantly more clearly structured cockpit give an impressive new feeling of space and driving. We are taking our proven ‘eyes on the road – hands on the wheel’ slogan to a new level.”

For the first time the innovative projection

McLaren goes 5G

FORMULA 1-DERIVED SOFTWARE CAPABILITY COUPLED WITH FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND 5G EDGE ANTENNA HARDWARE ALLOWS FOR REVOLUTIONARY CONNECTIVITY

AND PERFORMANCE

McLaren Applied has announced the development of a 5G intelligent edge antenna technology for a wide range of moving vehicle applications. Thanks to a smaller, lighter, yet equally durable design, the substantial benefits of the connectivity solution for rail are now available to a broad spectrum of operators and industries.

While existing connectivity solutions require complex installation, bulky additional hardware and a steady signal to function, McLaren Applied’s Halo 300 offers increased performance at lower cost and complexity. Installation and maintenance considerations are greatly reduced with dual modems built in, fewer cables, and no need for a separate router or access point. High quality hardware, including industry-leading Huber+Suhner antenna componentry, and reliable software proven over hundreds of races in the world’s most demanding racing series, ensures the technology is real-world ready.

The technology offers the flexibility and futureproofing necessary to take advantage of near-term developments in autonomous travel, software

defined vehicles, and the Internet of Things. With edge computing, integrated eSIMs, the built-in power to support additional applications and a CANBUS interface, Halo 300 provides a connection not just to a fast and reliable data network, but to an exciting future of untold possibilities as well.

The combination of 5G edge computing antenna and unique connectivity software opens up a new realm of opportunities when it comes to cost savings, too. ‘Virtualising’ applications reduces the need for extra hardware onboard vehicles, unlocking new use cases with the power of 5G.

Originally developed for the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1, McLaren Applied’s patented Fleet Connect software is already deployed on fleets around the world to facilitate seamless high-speed passenger WiFi connections, as well as operator

technology allows visible displays across the entire width of the windscreen for all passengers. BMW Panoramic Vision shows information that is relevant for the driver and passengers with a higher light intensity and contrast onto a dark-coated area at the lower edge of the windscreen.

uplinks for operational, infrastructure, and safety purposes. Splitting data across networks in real time and reassembling it in the cloud en route to its destination, Fleet Connect increases bandwidth and data throughput, reduces blackspots while providing a consistent connectivity stream.

Moving vehicle applications, from mass transit to mining, could find remarkable time and cost savings in the provision of a reliable uplink for realtime remote monitoring, vehicle diagnostics, fleet optimisation, tracking, and freight management. A dependable high-bandwidth WiFi connection could, meanwhile, enable bus, light rail, tram, or boat passengers to enjoy more comfortable, productive journeys.

Back to the future… of cars

A NEW UK EXHIBITION LOOKS AT FUTURE VISIONS OF THE MOTOR CAR FROM THE PAST, IDEAS THAT HAVE BECOME REALITY, AND FUTURE VISIONS STILL TO BE REALISED

How did car designers, manufacturers, experts, and creatives imagine what the future of cars would look like and did any of those predictions become true?

An upcoming exhibition in the UK’s National Motor Museum is hoping to answer those and a lot more questions about cars at Motopia: Past Future

environment in which they would operate. Ideas that are from history, but also of the future, are still as relevant to our conversations about the future of motoring as they were when first introduced.

Jon Murden, chief executive of the National Motor Museum says, “Concept cars, visions of the future at the start of the 20th century, and ideas on how we travel and power our vehicles will be on display, and we’ll be encouraging visitors to explore ideas for an ideal way of living and getting about. It’s the first of a series of exhibitions at the Museum that will focus on the future as well as the past of automobility.”

have taken these ideas and built upon them. The exhibition looks at those and other visions of the future from the past.

Visions, a headline exhibition (from 20 May 2023 – 14 April 2024) where visitors get to experience an immersive journey through 130 years of future thinking about automobility. They will get to explore how motoring concepts have influenced all aspects of the human experience. The exhibition is expected to show some of the radical motoring concepts from the past that remain relevant today. View bold visions both for vehicles and the built

“We’ll explore how radical motoring concepts from the past remain relevant today and how these have influenced what we ride and drive, the nature of our towns and cities, the way we work, shop and socialise.”

Visitors to the Museum will see bold visions for vehicles and the built environment in which they would operate. The title of the exhibition is inspired by the work of British architect Geoffrey Alan Jellicoe. In the 1950s he described the place where vehicles and humans co-exist in harmony as Motopia. Much earlier, at the turn of the 20th Century, another visionary, John Scott Montagu, second Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, was predicting fast roads connecting cities. Successive generations

The exhibition will have four key themes; vehicle visions will look at car design concepts, propulsion asking how our vehicles are powered – particularly timely when there is a resurgence of electric vehicles, architectural dreams which will include science fiction visions, and urban solutions showing how vehicles have constantly been re-imagined to suit our needs and surroundings.

For more information visit nationalmotormuseum.org.uk.

Outsmart the elements

RAIN-X LAUNCHES A RANGE OF BRUSHWARE FOR COMFORTABLE, EFFICIENT YET GENTLE CLEANING OF AUTOMOTIVE SURFACES

For over 50 years, Rain-X has provided drivers — and even aeroplane pilots — with glass care products to help them outsmart the elements.

In keeping with this tradition of high-quality automotive surface care, Rain-X has announced the launch of a new range of brushware giving car owners a suite of eight products to clean and maintain their vehicles. The range includes:

The Car Wash Brush with Hose Connection is the perfect tool for washing cars, RVs, and more. The handle includes a standard garden hose connection and an on/off switch to control water flow through the brush head.

Rain-X’s new premium Microfibre Drying Towel is a soft, ultra-absorbent, 130cm x 75cm towel made of non-abrasive and premium plush microfibre that does not leave scratches or lint on paintwork, glass, or mirrors.

The 1.6m Extendable Wash Brush with Removable Head is an ultra soft-bristle brush with 1.6m extension pole and an angled design that maximises surface area contact and protects the cleaning surface, leaving behind a scrubbed surface that is as clean as new. Likewise, Rain-X’s Jumbo Sponge is designed to clean large surfaces faster and gently. Super hard-wearing,

this product is made of quality soft foam ideal for the creation of suds and is gentle on paintwork.

Meanwhile, the Deluxe Wheel Wash Brush is designed to get into those hard-to-reach areas on tyres, wheels, rims, and inner fenders. The brush is tough on dirt and grime, yet gentle on paint, chrome, powder coats, and polished wheels.

Wheels are some of the toughest parts of a vehicle to clean but Rain-X’s Mag Wheel Spoke Brush easily gets rid of dirt, dust, and grime that accumulates there by reaching through the spokes effortlessly for a spotless shine.

The Extendable Triangle Microfibre Window Cleaner has a long lightweight, extendable, ergonomic handle and features a washable, reusable, and lint-free microfibre cleaning cover. The ultra-fine fibre wipes off dirt, dust, and grease on any surface effortlessly, and is great for the hardto-reach glass of the vehicle’s interior.

Last but not least is Rain-X’s Wash Mitt, a brand-new premium and super absorbent microfibre designed to

hold water and soap making the wash easier, faster, and more efficient. The gentle microfibre ensures that polishing cars, trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, RVs, or even boats will not leave any scratches on the surface.

This new range of brushware is perfectly paired with Rain-X’s wider portfolio of automotive surface care products and is available from leading automotive retail stores throughout New Zealand.

For more information contact Griffiths Equipment, griffithsequipment.co.nz or 09 525 4575.

Motul extends partnerships in Asia-Pacific

Motul Asia Pacific is continuing its commitment to motorsports for the upcoming 2023 year, extending existing partnerships and forging new ones with several teams and athletes across two-wheel and four-wheel racing in various markets. Motul as a brand boasts 170 years of rich history in motorsports, having achieved incredible success both on and off the track. The French lubricant manufacturer values motorsports as the ultimate tool to constantly improve and refine its vast range of products for all categories, as it provides countless insights on the performance of its products under the harshest racing conditions in the Asian climate.

Motul’s range of high-performance products for 4-wheel (and 2-wheel) motorsports features the flagship iconic lubricant, the Motul 300V, which has

cemented its reputation in motorsport history as the ultimate fully synthetic lubricant for extracting the maximum out of the engine. This is supplemented by essential racing-grade additives like Gear Competition for seamless gearbox transmissions and RBF 660, specially designed to withstand the extreme temperature generated by racing brakes.

In 2022, Motul celebrated some notable achievements working with teams across the region. One of the highlights of the year was the successful partnership with Mercedes-AMG Official Performance Team Craft-Bamboo Racing, which saw the Motul brand being featured on the historic Bathurst 12 Hour podium, a monumental feat at one of the most challenging endurance events in the world. The brand also celebrated notable achievements at globally significant events held in Asia such as Super GT and Supercars Championship among others. Motul lubricants also powered the new Nissan Z GT500 to a stellar 3 victories out of the 8 rounds and 10 podiums, at least one in every race of the season to eventually clinch the Super GT title in 2022.

Building upon a successful year, Motul Asia Pacific is proudly extending its collaboration to several teams and events across the region:

• Extensive support to the NISMO teams’ #3 and #23 Nissan Z GT500 in Super GT GT500

• Lubricant partner for Team MUGEN in the Super Formula

• Partner for the Blanchard Racing Team’s Todd Hazelwood in the Supercars Championship

• Key part of Toyota Gazoo Racing Team Thailand’s racing programme in 2023, including their pursuit at the legendary 24 Hours of Nurburgring

• Technical partner for Subaru Tecnica International in the GT300 class of Super GT and at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring

• Official Lubricant Supplier at the resurgent Sepang 12 Hours, marking the return of one of the most revered endurance races in Asia.

EMCO offers an extensive range of premium reticulation products with the highest levels of functionality and design, from quality manufacturers across the globe.

Our team of determined problem-solvers are passionate about quality, service and doing what’s right for you. EMCO products and installations solve even the most technical of reticulation challenges.

TO EMCO FOR PUMPS, REELS, DISPENSING EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES, ALONG WITH SITE PLANNING, INSTALLATION AND SUPPORT.

Zealand agent for world-leading RAASM products

Products

The latest automotive products

Lift and balance

The AM-482 Automaster Pro Series wheel balancer with wheel lifter included is easy to operate thanks to clear diagrams displayed on the machinery’s LCD monitor. It also includes full auto data entry, 6 O’clock Laser Line system, and LED illumination of the work area. It is so smart it automatically stops at the correct position to apply weights! For more info, contact info@automaster.co.nz, visit automaster.co.nz, or phone 0800 214 604.

Powering ahead in 2023

Iconic battery manufacturer and supplier Century Batteries is set to launch an exciting new product range and extended warranty offer as part of the company’s commitment to the New Zealand automotive industry. Their top selling Ultra Hi Performance car and passenger vehicle range now comes with a 40-month warranty (up from 36 months) and includes a new range of DIN style batteries in line with the changing carparc. The flagship Ultra Hi Performance series utilises advanced design features and hard-wearing internal components to deliver longer life and dependable performance in today’s accessory-laden vehicles. For more information on Century’s new range of products contact 0800 93 93 93 or visit centurybatteries.co.nz

automotive aftermarket. ACDelco offers a full range of chemical products to protect, enhance, and maintain your vehicle. From fuelling and brakes to cooling, ACDelco has developed the chemical products needed to keep vehicles performing at their best, all with ACDelco’s thoroughness and quality. ACDelco products are available to order online at gmtradeparts.co.nz or from your GM Trade Parts seller.

Upgrade to Holden head units

Aerpro now offers two different install kits for aftermarket, double DIN head units in Holden VE Series 2 vehicles. The FP9550BK kit (in piano black) is compatible with SV6, SV6Z, SS, SSZ and SSV variants that have the factory black trim, while the FP9550GK kit (in gunmetal) suits Berlina, Calais and Commodore (Omega and Equipe) variants that have the factory silver/grey trim.

Both kits retain factory features like steering wheel controls, reverse camera, AUX input, USB input, and microphone. They also have an integrated IPS display that shows outside temperature, climate control, and factory parking sensor visualisation. Dual USB passthrough ports and outputs for hand brake, reverse gear, and speed pulse are included. The kits come with a double DIN facia kit, trim panel, built-in HVAC and SWC unit, universal SWC patch lead, USB and camera retention leads, and much more. See stockist for pricing. Available from leading audio and automotive stores nationwide.

Hayman Reese helps you reach new heights

Designed to stay in place while towing, the Hitch Step only takes three simple steps to assemble onto the towbar’s tow ball mount. The highgrade aluminium body with machine cut non-slip tread makes it corrosion resistant and gives extra grip for those slippery situations. The Hitch Step is easy to install, fits virtually any towbar, is made from aluminium construction that is lightweight, corrosion resistant and looks great, has a high-grip non-slip step, is trailer ready, and ideal for boat

Alternators get extra oomph!

Continuing its tradition of high quality at a reasonable price, Jaylec Black Series alternators are now available for 4WDs, with units for popular Toyota Land Cruiser and Hilux models.

Offering higher output (amperage) at lower cut-in speeds, these direct replacement alternators give users the ability to run multiple accessories with the confidence that their battery packs will be fully maintained. The Black Series 240LC delivers a charge rate of 240A Cold and 218A Hot, while the 140TH has a charge rate of 160A Cold and 148A Hot. For further information, visit cooldrive.co.nz.

Maintenance free Delkor 55D23L Calcium Battery

The Delkor battery range has sizes to suit all popular makes and models of automotive vehicles. One popular battery is the Delkor 55D23L with 550 CCA. It suits a number of car models across brands such as Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda and more. Also available as left hand positive, this calcium battery is made to last longer thanks to its maintenance-free design and unique Powerframe Grid Technology. For more information or to become a Delkor Battery Specialist visit

Aeroflow’s universal catalytic converter is a metallic substrate material encased in a full brushed 304 stainless steel round body. Designed for performance exhaust systems, these Hi-flow 50 cells per inch honeycomb converters are very low restriction so they don’t lose horsepower. The overall length is 190mm and it comes in 2½-inch, 3-inch, 3½-inch, and 4-inch slip fits. For all your Aeroflow Performance Parts needs, go to thepartsman.co.nz, e-mail sales@thepartsman.co.nz, or call 07 846 1623.

Holiday Considertowing? an electric brake controller

HOLIDAYS ARE A TIME WHEN A LOT OF US HIT THE ROAD WITH A CARAVAN, WATERCRAFT, MOTORBIKES, OR SOME OTHER EQUIPMENT IN TOW, KEEN TO ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS WHILE THE WEATHER’S STILL FAVOURABLE

For some, coupling a trailer to the back of the four-wheel drive or family wagon might be a regular thing, but for others it may be a oncea-year occurrence. Whether experienced or novice though, all drivers will benefit from having an electric brake controller fitted to their vehicles, especially if towing heavier trailers over longer distances.

Legally, depending on the trailer’s gross trailer mass (the weight of the trailer and everything in it), an electronic brake controller, such as Bendix Ultimate Tow, will be needed.

KEEPING THINGS LEGAL

As a starting point, drivers should be aware of their vehicle’s towing capacity and ensure this isn’t exceeded. Certain larger caravans — even unladen — may already be pushing the tow limits of some medium sized four-wheel drives.

Under some countries’ laws, trailers with a gross trailer mass of between 750kg and 2,000kg need to be fitted with either a mechanical or electrical braking system. And anything over 2,000kg usually needs to have an electric, or electric over hydraulic brake with an electric ‘break-away’ function.

Break-away systems are designed to activate the trailer or caravan’s electric brakes if they decouple from the tow vehicle. Drivers will of course still benefit from an electric brake controller even if their trailer’s gross mass is less than what’s stipulated by law — it provides them with additional surety and peace of mind in the knowledge they have the technology in place to help them deal with any issues that may arise.

TOW VEHICLE GVM AND MODIFICATIONS

In Australia and New Zealand, the two tow vehicle types normally used are dual cab four-wheel drive utilities (and their wagon derivatives), along with full size fourwheel drives such as the Land Cruiser and Patrol.

While most of these models have generous braked towing capacities of up to 3,500kg and GVMs around the 3,000kg to 3500kg mark, once fitted with a few accessories and loaded up with equipment, supplies and occupants, they will be very close to operating near their maximum GVM. Also remember that when towing, the tow

ball weight figure of the trailer or caravan also contributes to the tow vehicle’s overall GVM status.

The result of this situation is that considerably more pressure is being placed on the braking system, and if the tow vehicle is fitted with larger tyres, this further compounds the problem — a 10 per cent increase in tyre size means 10 per cent more braking force is needed. So even if on paper the towing capabilities of the tow vehicle sit within the legal requirements, it’s common sense to invest in an electric brake controller for the added safety it provides.

BENDIX ULTIMATE TOW ELECTRIC BRAKE CONTROLLER

Developed, fully programmed, and tested from an Australian facility, Ultimate Tow features its own unique braking algorithm, ensuring superior performance and reliability in demanding local conditions. When hitched to trailers and caravans with electric brakes, the electric brake controller activates and controls the braking force supplied by the electric brakes in the caravan or trailer whenever the driver in the tow vehicle applies the brakes.

The controller allows braking to be easily modulated by adjusting the dial left for a lower setting, or right for maximum setting. This adjustment might be needed when descending steep hills or mountain roads, providing the driver with additional controlled braking capacity.

Bendix Ultimate Tow also features an override function — if the driver notices that the trailer/caravan is swaying, they press the same dial to engage the override. This applies the trailer brakes independently without the tow vehicle brakes needing to be on, pulling the trailer or caravan into line and minimising the swaying effect. Other safety features include an open circuit and trailer disconnection indicator.

Ultimate Tow is suitable for installation in a wide range of popular vehicles and is compatible with the ALKO ESC systems fitted to many caravans and trailers.

The unit offers a compact, remote head and OEM-style finish with built-in LED for easy access during nighttime driving and attractive aesthetics.

Installing Ultimate Tow is also simple — only a single, small hole is required for the remote head and it can be located in the smallest of knock-out dash panels.

Placement is made even easier with the included 1.28m of cabling, which allows greater flexibility to mount the control unit in a variety of under dash or under seat locations. The control unit features rugged aluminium construction and can be installed on any angle, and everything required to fit Ultimate Tow is provided in the kit, so there’ll be no unexpected trips to the auto shop mid-job.

Bendix Ultimate Tow is available from leading automotive, 4x4 and camping stockists across Australia and New Zealand, and is covered by a three-year warranty.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Mount Shop is an undercar parts specialist company that is well established in the automotive industry. We are a 100% kiwi owned private company and work off old school principles.

Due to a growth in business, we have employment opportunities available at three of our branch’s located around the country. The job role is mainly sales based helping customers with over the phone and counter queries.

You would need to have experience or an interest in the automotive industry, be computer literate, have good communication skills, keen to get stuck in and like working as a team.

Hours are Monday to Friday 8-5pm. No Saturday work so full weekend off, and a competitive remuneration package is offered depending on your qualifications.

Employment opportunities are available at our branches located in:

• Whangarei

• Hamilton

• Penrose

If you have experience in parts, workshop or know your way around a vehicle and are looking for a change then maybe this could be for you.

Please send your CV to: hemi@mountshop.co.nz along with which location you would like to apply for.

PARTSSUPPLY

Bearings,diffs,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

GENERALREPAIRSERVICE

Diagnostics,hoists,electrics,powertools, handtools,specialistserviceequipment

Autoelectrical,clutches,cylinderheads, enginerebuilds,suspension,cooling

WINDSCREENSANDGLASSWindscreens,chiprepairs,sideglass, mirrors,wipers,customfitment

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

AUTOREFINISHERS

Restoration,smashrepairs,auto-bodysupplies,spraypainters,paintcorrection

DRIVETRAINREPAIRSERVICEAutomatics,Transfercases,Manuals,DSG’s,CVT’s, Differentials,Wheelbearings,TorqueConverters

PARTSSUPPLY

Bearings,diffs,alternators,brakecomponents,radiators, enginecomponents,batteries,trailerparts

SERVICECONSUMABLES

Oils,grease,coolant,transfluid,bulbs,flushes WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT

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

Diagnostics,hoists,electrics,powertools, handtools,specialistserviceequipment

GENERALREPAIRSERVICE

Autoelectrical,clutches,cylinderheads, enginerebuilds,suspension,cooling

WINDSCREENSANDGLASSWindscreens,chiprepairs,sideglass, mirrors,wipers,customfitment

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

AUTOREFINISHERS

Restoration,smashrepairs,auto-bodysupplies,spraypainters,paintcorrection

DRIVETRAINREPAIRSERVICEAutomatics,Transfercases,Manuals,DSG’s,CVT’s, Differentials,Wheelbearings,TorqueConverters

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

This directory is a paid service for businesses who supply to the New Zealand automotive trade. To secure your inclusion, contact Mark Everleigh on 021 140 6855 or mark.everleigh@viamedia.co.nz.

Nothin’ but a hound dog

NEW RESEARCH FROM ŠKODA IN THE UK HAS REVEALED THAT SIX IN 10 DOGS ARE ANXIOUS IN THE CAR AND THEY HAVE CURATED A SCIENTIFICALLY-RESEARCHED MUSIC PLAYLIST FOR DOGS ON THE MOVE. ACCORDING TO THE EXPERTS: DOGS DIG REGGAE

Škoda has recently collaborated with a UK dog behaviourist and nutritionist (Anna Webb), to curate a Spotify playlist compiled of music tracks scientifically proven to soothe dogs’ travel anxiety.

The playlist was created after research from Škoda revealed six out of 10 dogs become anxious in cars due to reasons such as the space being unfamiliar, hearing unusual sounds from the road and weather, the temperature being too warm in the car, previous bad experiences, and motion sickness. It also emerged that 75 per cent of dog owning drivers have been distracted on streets and motorways by the behaviour of their anxious dog.

Anna Webb advises that the beats per minute of a song is key to keeping dogs calm on long journeys. She comments: “Emulating the heartbeat is thought by science to offer a calming effect. Small dogs and puppies normally have heart rates of 120 to 160 beats per minute (bpm). These songs work as they are not heavy metal or similar genres which are known to disturb sleep patterns in dogs.

“I included some reggae songs on the upper end of the bpm as it’s proven dogs like reggae, so these will work well for smaller dogs as their heartbeat is faster than bigger dogs.”

Škoda’s research, carried out among 1,000 UKbased dog owners, revealed 60 per cent feel they must limit where they go on days out due to their dog becoming distressed in the car.

SOME OF THE TUNES INCLUDED IN THE PLAYLIST ARE:

No Woman No Cry – Bob Marley and the Wailers

Reggae goes down superbly with anxious dogs as they find it calming because of its unique rhythm — 4x4 time signature with emphasis placed on the 2nd and 4th beats of the bar — so it’s perfect for relaxing to on a long drive.

Oh my God – Adele

Rumour has it Adele’s voice is of a lower frequency and in turn keeps a melody without sharp contrasts.

Anti-Hero – Taylor Swift

Taylor’s a hero with this new tune, as it comes in at 106 bpm making for an ideal tempo for our furry

friends. Taylor also sings at a low frequency and speed, at a steady rhythm of 4x4 so it’s best suited for aiding dogs’ anxiety.

Dreams – Fleetwood Mac

A classic ‘Easy Listening’ soft rock track ideal for anxious dogs to help them dream in the car — it has a 61bpm so a low frequency and tempo, along with a steady 4x4 beat.

Hound Dog – Elvis Presley

Science suggests rock ‘n’ roll is agitating for dogs; however, at 87 beats per minute the tune actually comes in at a low frequency, and therefore absolutely ideal for dogs in the car. Rock ‘n’ roll over, doggos.

The playlist ‘Happy Hounds with Škoda’ is available through Spotify

Tail waggin’ wagons

NEW K9 UNITS UNVEILED BY NZ POLICE

As Auto Channel went to print, New Zealand Police was scheduled to unveil their new and improved K9 Units at a media event in Hamilton on 3 April.

The new pooch mobiles, like the rest of the NZ Police fleet, are customised Škodas and it has been rumoured the K9 units will be based on the Škoda Superb Wagon, vehicles that range from TSI 132kW through to 206kW 4x4 with torque ranging up up to 350 @ 1700 - 5600.

Sources indicated that the NZ Police were planning to showcase “Police Dog Units through the years highlighting the advances in technology and animal welfare” at the informative and interesting launch.

Automotive workshops

Parts importers and distributors

Transmission specialists

Automotive recyclers

Towing operators

Panel beaters and painters

Crash repairers

Tyre dealers

Suspension and underbody repairers

Steering specialists

Towing operators

Auto-electrical repairers

New- and used-car dealers

Air conditioning repairers

Heavy machinery dealers

Trucking and transport

distributed

02 May

Editorial: editor@autochannel.co.nz

Advertising: Mike White michael.white@viamedia.co.nz

All other enquiries to: autochannel.co.nz

Auto Channel is produced by Via Media, publishers of two of NZ’s biggest-selling automotive magazines: NZ Performance Car and NZV8.

Auto Channel is the best way to reach the wider automotive industry. The publication is direct mailed to over 10,000 New Zealand businesses in the following automotive sectors:

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