Automobil Dec Jan 2018 by Future Publishing

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

ROAD SAFETY

Global NCAP launches #SaferCarsforAfrica

FORD INVESTS What does it really mean?

RMI BOARD

2017/18 members elected

The International TVET Youth Forum SAMBRA CONFERENCE A BIG SUCCESS RMI UPDATE: RMI ELECTS NEW BOARD; SAMBRA RECOGNISED; PARTINFORM

www.automobil.co.za RACES TO YEAR END; GET YOUR CAR CHECKED AND BE SAFE THESE HOLIDAYS; WIN WITH JONNESWAY; SPANJAARD WELCOMES NEW CEO

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

DRIVESAFE This Holiday Season! Check tyres, buckle up, and remember speed kills.

The merSETA is one of 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) established to promote skills development in terms of the Skills Development Act of 1988 (as amended). The 21 SETAs broadly reﬂect different sectors of the South African economy. The merSETA encompasses Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services. The various industry sectors are covered by ﬁve chambers within the merSETA: Metal and Engineering, Auto Manufacturing, Motor Retail and Components Manufacturing, New Tyre Manufacturing and Plastics Manufacturing.

WE CARE

It’s about caring for people we render services to

w www.merseta.org.za

WE BELONG

WE SERVE

It’s about working together with colleagues

merSETA Social

It’s about going beyond the call of duty

@mersetasocial

LEADERS IN CLOSING THE SKILLS GAP

22 -DECEMBER/JANUARY NOVEMBER 2014 2018

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CONTENTS – DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 COLUMNS 5 Driver’s Seat: Jakkie Olivier, CEO of the RMI 7 Editor’s Letter: Reuben van Niekerk 9 Hot Stuff! New product showcase 60 Frequently Asked Questions: Answers from experts 66 Tailpiece: Cutting edge thinking in Cancer treatment meets car making UPDATES

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12 News

Editor: Reuben van Niekerk reuben@thefuture.co.za Sub-editor: Peggy Lendrum peggy@thefuture.co.za Design and layout: Heinz Bawa heinz@thefuture.co.za Reporters: Ryan de Smidt ryan@thefuture.co.za

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SAMBRA Conference a big success

SAMBRA’s annual conference and awards presentation took place recently in Stellenbosch with delegates proclaiming the action-packed weekend a big success!

RMI Review

RMI elects new board; SAMBRA recognised; Partinform races to year end; Get your car checked and be safe these holidays; Win with Jonnesway; Spanjaard welcomes new CEO

COVER STORY

Wynter Murdoch wynter@thefuture.co.za Publisher: Richard Lendrum richard@thefuture.co.za Production: Mabel Ramafoko mabel@thefuture.co.za Advertising Sales Executives: Enver Lawangi, Greg Surgeon, enver@thefuture.co.za greg@thefuture.co.za Future Publishing (Pty) Ltd 247 Jan Smuts Avenue, Dunkeld West, Johannesburg PO Box 3355, Rivonia, 2128 Tel: +27 (11) 803-2040 RMI Automobil’s Editorial Sub-Committee: Chairman: John Ellmore; Gary McCraw, Gideon de Klerk, Denice Grobler, Danelle Van Der Merwe, Wynter Murdoch, Greg Surgeon, Jakkie Olivier, Jan Schoeman and Reuben van Niekerk

The International TVET Youth Forum

The first international TVET Youth Forum was held during WorldSkills Abu Dhabi

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FEATURES 26

Global NCAP launch #SaferCarsforAfrica

Global NCAP and AA South Africa have launched the first independent crash test assessment of some of South Africa’s most popular compact and small cars

Ford invests R3 billion

Don’t read too much into Ford’s latest R3bn cash injection into its SA-based subsidiary, says local MD Casper Kruger

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Automobil is the official journal of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) which hosts 13 constituent associations: ACRA (component remanufacturers); ERA (engine re-builders and automotive engineers); MDA (motorcycle, scooter, quad and jet-ski/outboard engine dealers); MIMA (Motor Industry Manufacturers’ Association); MIWA (the full spectrum of workshop operators); MPEA (wholesale and retail part dealers); NADA (new and used car and truck dealers); VTA (vehicle testing); SADFIA (diesel pumproom operators); SAPRA (Fuel resellers, convenience store and car wash operators); SAMBRA (collision repairers and automotive refinishers); SAVABA (vehicle body builders) and TDAFA (tyre dealers and fitment centres).

Reading a magazine road test

Jake Venter sheds some light on what journalists write in their road tests

Does your email signature constiture a valid signature?

Disciplinary record at arbitration

Douw Breed, a director at Barnard Incorporated Attorneys, highlights the importance of procedure when conducting a disciplinary hearing

Improving Cash Flow: 6 Keys to success

Improving cash flow in a business can be achieved by following a couple of simple steps

MISA announces 2017 Woman of the Year

Automobil is produced and published monthly by Future Publishing (Pty) Ltd for the Retail Motor Industry Organisation. The views and opinions expressed in the publication are not necessarily those of the publishers or the Retail Motor Industry Organistion. While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and information contained in editorial and advertisements, neither the publishers nor the Retail Motor Industry Organisation can accept responsibility for errors, misrepresentations or omissions, or for any effect or consequence arising therefrom. Permission to republish any article or image or part thereof must be obtained in writing from the publishers.

MISA pays homage to the remarkable women in the motor retail sector with their Woman of the Year Award

Helping business to help others

Automobil is available to purchase from the publishers at R25 a copy.

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 -

BENEFITS OF BELONGING A short summary of the benefits of RMI membership

The RMI has represented the retail motor industry and its members for more than 100 years. With more than 7 500 member businesses, our unity is our strength. RMI representation at often volatile and disruptive centralised wage negotiations. Professional industrial relations advice by expert specialists, ensuring procedural and substantive fairness when disciplining staff. Industry labour relations seminars focused on the rules, agreements and industry-specific topics that affect retail motor industry businesses. Chairing of disciplinary hearings and AUTOMATIC entry and representation at the CCMA, DRC and Labour Court. Representation at various MIBCO and Industry-related Boards and committee structures.

Affiliation to reputable organisations recognised by Government, big business, consumers and relevant stakeholders like Business Unity SA (BUSA). Protection against one-sided legislative changes or new laws and regulations. Exceptional CPA support and member assistance during defence cases at the National Consumer Commission (NCC) and the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA). Facilitation of a business-to-business complaint where both parties are RMI members, with a complaint resolution rate in excess of 95%. Quality and Standards function â&#x20AC;&#x201C; representing the retail industry at various South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) committees and working groups. Representation at the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), defending our industry when compulsory specifications and standards are compromised.

The informative Automobil magazine and weekly web letters that facilitate two-way communication and create consumer and industry awareness. The RMI is regularly invited to comment on industry topics by both print and broadcast media, and participates in and hosts numerous conventions and shows. Associational accreditation ensures ongoing development and implementation of commercial value propositions specific to the association. Training needs and representation via merSETA and W&RSETA. We actively drive industry-wide training and apprenticeship issues through our position on the merSETA Board and our involvement with the Technica manuals. Representation at the Moto Health Care Fund, Industry Provident Funds and the Sick, Accident and Maternity Pay Fund. The RMI offers industry-specific products like RMI4BEE / RMI4LAW / RMI4OHS /RMI4SURE.

Need to get hold of the RMI? Turn to Page 8 of this issue for all the contact details

4 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

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DRIVER’S SEAT

ongoing challenges we face with regards to skills development and training, B-BBEE compliance and change, the high unemployment levels and muchneeded job creation, protection of small businesses, and the ever-increasing demands of technological advancement.

As 2017 draws to a close, Jakkie Olivier, CEO of the RMI, recounts a number of the organisation’s advancements and engagements that continue to ensure that the industry remains sustainable

his issue of Automobil is the 11th and last for this year. With 2017 drawing to a close, I have no doubt that most readers will agree that in many respects, the past year has been a challenging journey in the automotive industry. We have seen major developments impacting on the future of the industry, which has not been made easier with the unstable political environment and struggling economy. The RMI and its various constituent associations, with our very strong collective voice, were at the forefront of new advancements and engagements in order to be proactive in ensuring their sustainability and that of our members operating in the automotive industry on a daily basis.

One of the developments that rates as extremely important was our participation in a process initiated by the Competitions Commission to establish a voluntary code of conduct for the broader automotive industry. At the RMI we also adopted a New Thinking Model (NTM) during 2017 in order to generate better products, services and benefits for our membership. The NTM’s implementation commenced earlier in the year and will continue to deliver better outcomes in 2018 for all those who are active in the automotive industry. Another strategic objective of the RMI, and in fact for South Africa, is that of transforming the economy and therefore the motor industry, to address the

While 2017 witnessed many business closures, liquidations, and the disinvestment of General Motors, the RMI maintained a high level of activity, innovation and creativity to ensure the RMI’s continued relevance in the fastchanging business environment. During 2018, we need to remain confident and reconfirm our collective commitment to make the automotive industry vibrant, sustainable, and successful for our members, the industry we serve, and our country. As the RMI, we are working tirelessly to ensure that our members continue experiencing our slogan, BELONGING IS BETTER BUSINESS, in every interaction that they have with the RMI. We at the RMI would like to thank all stakeholders who have engaged, and will continue to engage with the RMI in future, for choosing the RMI as your preferred business partner. Through constructive dialogue and engagement we could make a difference to shape the automotive industry, and our country, into a better place for all. Road safety is our collective concern, and therefore we would urge all to be safe on the roads during the upcoming festive season – happy holidays and we will see one another again in 2018.

For information on the RMI and its workings, visit www.rmi.org.za or call 011 886 6300

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 -

CONSTITUENT ASSOCIATIONS Who do they represent and what are their objectives?

he RMI is a proactive, relevant, retail and associated motor industry organisation recognised as the leading voice in South Africa’s automotive aftermarket, serving the daily needs of its members and playing a key role in enabling motor traders to deliver top class service to motoring consumers. Here are the associations which fall under its umbrella… ACRA (Automotive Component Remanufacturers’ Association) ACRA represents component remanufacturers involved in the remanufacture of safety-critical components and radiators, an ever-growing industry in which keeping abreast of change is crucial for business owners. ERA (Engine Remanufacturers’ Association) ERA represents motor engineers who re-machine, rebuild and remanufacture engines in South Africa. ERA members promote the reuse of engines, parts and components in a manner that is green and sustainable. ERA members create employment and skills development opportunities, directly in their own machine shops and indirectly through suppliers to the industry and component manufacturers. MDA (Motorcycle Dealers’ Association) MDA represents members who are motorcycle dealers – these members benefit from an extensive array of value-add services and products such as commercial insurance, labour legal assistance and representation, consumer dispute resolution, and a strong relationship with the Association of Motorcycle Importers and Distributors. MIMA (Motor Industry Manufacturers’ Association) MIMA members are Parts, Equipment and Component Manufacturers and suppliers to Original Equipment Manufacturers and the automotive aftermarket that exports into Africa and other countries in the world. MIWA (Motor Industry Workshop Association) MIWA, the largest association within the RMI, strives to keep its members informed about the ever-changing auto repair industry, thereby ensuring that vehicles are repaired to acceptable standards designed to make them perform better and safely on South African roads. MPEA (Motor Parts and Equipment Association) MPEA represents South Africa’s auto part traders, including wholesalers, retailers and independent operators in the replacement motor parts industry. Genuine replacement parts are available at accredited MPEA spares outlets at affordable prices, backed by the manufacturer’s warranty. NADA (National Automobile Dealers’ Association) NADA represents the interests of business people who own or operate new vehicle franchise dealerships and qualifying used vehicle outlets. NADA is committed to the image enhancement of the retail motor business, facilitating the interface between dealers and OEMs/distributors, building relationships between dealers and customers and bringing relevant industry issues to the attention of government.

6 - DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

Vehicle Testing Association

VTA (Vehicle Testing Association) The VTA represents private vehicle testing stations that are committed to operating within the law in accordance with the Road Traffic Act and the relevant SANS standards. In this highly regulated environment, the association represents the interests of its members at government working groups and is committed to enhancing the reputation of the industry in all the spheres. SADFIA (South African Diesel Fuel Injection Association) SADFIA members operate fully equipped pump rooms aimed at providing cost-effective service solutions for owners of diesel powered vehicles seeking fuel injection system testing, repair or replacement. SAMBRA (South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association) SAMBRA is an active leader in the motor body repair industry and consolidates, communicates and regulates repair standards in the motor body repair industry. SAMBRA ensures the provision of technical and business skills training that meets the demands of the industry and instils confidence in consumers and industry stakeholders. SAPRA (South African Petroleum Retailers’ Association) SAPRA represents and promotes the interests of petroleum retailers in South Africa and fosters strong relationships with the Department of Energy, oil companies, banks, financial institutions and other stakeholders that have an impact on the sustainability of the service station industry. SAVABA (South African Vehicle and Bodybuilders’ Association) SAVABA members are professional, certified and regulated vehicle body builders in South Africa who manufacture commercial vehicle body applications (tanker, coal, refrigerated trucks and trailers) and bus bodies (commuter and tourist type). Members manufacture using the latest equipment and highly trained staff to ensure strict compliance with SABS standards and other legal specifications. TDAFA (Tyre Dealers' and Fitment Association) The TDAFA is the only representative body for tyre dealers nationally. The association works on all issues relevant to tyres and the fitment industry. Strategically, the TDAFA is positioned as an intermediary between government, the tyre industry and consumers and is recognised by government and industry leaders as the legitimate voice representing tyre dealers. RMI contact details Head Office: 011-886-6300 | www.rmi.org.za Surrey Square Office Park, 330 Surrey Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg, 2194 RMI Regional Offices: Highveld: Randburg: 011-886-6300; Northern: Pretoria: 012-348-9311; KwaZulu-Natal: Durban: 031-266-7031; Eastern Cape/Border: Port Elizabeth: 041-364-0070; Western Cape: Cape Town: 021-939-9440; Free State/Northern Cape: Bloemfontein: 051-430-3294

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EDITORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LETTER

Crashing into 2018

s 2017 draws to a close and we look towards the new year one tends to take stock of the year ahead and look with hope towards the future. The industry truly is on the brink of a revolution with new titbits of technology landing in our inbox everyday, on what the future might look like, it certainly is a exciting time to be part of this industry. What this does however mean is that players in the automotive industry need to embrace change, because the rate at which technology will progress is going to accelerate dramatically.

WorldSkills in Abu Dhabi saw the formation of the International TVET Youth Forum (page 22) and it is great to see the youth so passionate about their respective trades and the development of skills. Following a generation where doing a trade was not always popular I think we ECH COLLEGE might AD 210x130 2/15/17 8:30 AM 3 see a re-emergence ofPage this trend

as the youth realise the importance of possessing a specialised skill. Last month also saw the launch of #SaferCarsforAfrica with Global NCAP shipping five of South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular models, under R200 000 to Germany and crashing them in the ADAC laboratory. The results of which are rather surprising (read more on page 26). The car buying public really needs to vote with their wallets on this one because the only way that manufacturers will stop selling dangerous cars in the country is if South Africans stop buying them. I would not hold my breath that government will implement any legislation stopping the sale of zero star cars here. Talking about crashing cars, there is a report on the SAMBRA conference on page 32, which was a big success and where they also awarded Santam as insurer of the year. C

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If you are travelling this festive season, please ensure that all occupants wear their safety belts, children are in the appropriate car seat and that your car is in good roadworthy condition before embarking on your holiday travels Enjoy the break

Reuben van Niekerk Editor CY CMY

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

NEWS

SPEAK TO US RMI EXECUTIVES

hief Executive Officer: C Jakkie Olivier jakkie.olivier@rmi.org.za Chief Operations Officer: Jan Schoeman jan.schoeman@rmi.org.za Financial Director: Renee Coetsee renee.coetsee@rmi.org.za Company Secretary: Gary McCraw gary.mccraw@rmi.org.za

RMI BOARD MEMBERS

Jeánne Esterhuizen (President) Barry Canning (Vice-President) Jakkie Olivier Bruce Allen Johann van der Merwe Jan Schoeman Jaco Koen Franz Maritz Gary McCraw

Mams Rehaman Lindsay Bouchier Eugene Ranft Chris Le Roux Dupre Le Roux Les McMaster Vuyani Mpofu Andrea Bogner Renee Coetsee Ferose Oaten Frank MacNicol

RMI PARTNERS

TRAINING Louis van Huyssteen louis.vanhuyssteen@rmi.org.za

TRANSFORMATION Joy Oldale joy.oldale@rmi.org.za

MIWA Pieter Niemand pieter.niemand@rmi.org.za NADA, MDA Gary McCraw gary.mccraw@rmi.org.za

Highveld: Randburg: 011-886-6300

8 - MAY 2015

TDAFA, MPEA, MIMA Hedley Judd hedley.judd@rmi.org.za

DIRECTORS

Danelle van der Merwe Brand and Communication Manager danelle.vandermerwe@rmi.org.za

011-886-6300 | www.rmi.org.za Surrey Square Office Park 330 Surrey Avenue Ferndale Randburg 2194

SAPRA Vishal Premlall vishal.premlall@rmi.org.za

SADFIA, ACRA, ERA Attie Serfontein attie.serfontein@rmi.org.za

RMI REGIONAL OFFICES

Julian Pillay Regulatory Compliance Manager julian.pillay@rmi.org.za

SAMBRA, SAVABA Edwin Martin edwin.martin@rmi.org.za

RMI4Sure 0860-104-202 RMI4Law 0861-668-677 RMI4BEE 0861-764-233 RMI4OHS 012-998-7139

RMI HEAD RMI HEADOFFICE OFFICE

Neo Bokaba HR Manager neo.bokaba@rmi.org.za

VTA Joy Oldale joy.oldale@rmi.org.za

Facebook.com/AutomobilSA

@AutomobilSA

Northern: Pretoria: 012-348-9311 KwaZulu-Natal: Durban: 031-266-7031 Eastern Cape/Border: Port Elizabeth: 041-364-0070 Western Cape: Cape Town: 021-939-9440

www.rmi.org.za

Free State/Northern Cape: Bloemfontein: 051-430-3294

Vehicle Testing Association

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HOT STUFF

NEW PRODUCTS

Tiger Wheel & Tyre launches GPS Logbook Are your tired of the hassle of keeping a logbook for business-related travel? Do inaccurate logs mean that your company or clients are not reimbursing you for the full amount you're owed, or that you can't claim the proper tax deduction for all your business travel? It's time you got the Journey Organiser GPS logbook from Tiger Wheel & Tyre. Journey Organiser (JO) makes light work of tracking business-related travel. Simply download the JO app onto your Android or iOS smartphone, plug the JO into your vehicle's cigarette lighter socket, and pair it with your phone via Bluetooth to begin automatically logging your travel and time data so you can generate reports for your tax and business-related travel claims. Of course, not all travel is business related, so to distinguish between business and leisure trips, just push the JO button on the top of the device to flag your current trip as one for business. If you forget to do this, it's easy to recategorise the trip from your smartphone app. More good news is that JO doesn't take your car's cigarette lighter socket out of play for use by other devices. Instead, it doubles as a high-current USB port, so you can plug other USB devices into it and charge them while using the JO. It also has its own built-in GPS engine and low-energy Bluetooth communications, which means you don't need to enable location services for the app, and battery-drain of your mobile device is minimised. Probably the greatest feature of JO is the ability to generate your business travel reports instantly from your smartphone, without having to download them to a PC, and submit them to your employer or client right away for faster reimbursement of business-related travel. Also, because your travel data is stored in cloud servers, there's no danger of losing the data. So come tax return time, all the info is right where you need it. To learn more about this nifty device, go to the website www.twt.to or check it out at your nearest Tiger Wheel & Tyre store.

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Olfa’s new L5-AL/LFB Cutter with low friction Fluorine Coated Blade The new OLFA L5-AL X-Design model with the ComfortGrip is a heavy-duty ultra-smooth cutter with Auto-Lock. It utilizes the most popular Sure grip handle made of elastomer and glass-fibrereinforced polypropylene which is acid, acetone, and oil-resistant. Built into this handle is the metal end wing for multi-purpose applications. Olfa has selected this popular comfort grip handle for this model, incorporating the black rubber surround for a comfortable safe soft grip, adding the sliding click Auto-Lock feature and metal wing to the end for multiple uses, plus their new Low Friction Fluorine Coated Speed blade. The new Olfa blister pack comes packed with a free spare Excel black Speed Blade. “Olfa has taken their leading flagship cutter to another level with these new features,” said Vermont Sales Director Ryan Hunt. “The Olfa team are always ahead of the game with their improvements, upgrades and new products. It’s an exciting brand with an outstanding range of product for a huge target market from almost all industries, all types of businesses, homemakers, dressmaking, hardware, DIYers and workshops. The Olfa cutter is used almost everywhere.” For more information visit www.vermontsales.co.za and look for Olfa.

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 -

10 - SEPTEMBER 2017

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OUR COLLECTIVE STRENGTH YOUR TAILORED SOLUTION Choose to start the new year with a smile by ensuring you, your family and staff members have the healthcare cover you deserve. Contact us without delay!

0861 000 300 www.motohealthcare.org.za

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SEPTEMBER 2017 -

NEWS

Increasing safety with lighter steel

wedish steel producer SSAB has launched a new press hardening, lightweight, boron-based compound that is said to offer increased tensile strength for automotive safety components. Called Docol PHS 2000, the product has been developed in collaboration with automotive parts manufacturer Gestamp. Optimised for components that are manufactured by both direct and indirect hot stamping, applications include bumper systems, door impact beams and B-pillar reinforcements. The collaboration project had the primary goal of finding a lightweight, strong, cost-effective solution for bumper systems. Docol PHS 2000 achieved the aim with a 17% weight reduction compared to similar steel bumpers, and a lower weight than

comparable bumpers made from aluminum. “Docol PHS 2000 maintains crash ductility, while other mechanical properties such as yield strength and ultimate strength have been significantly improved. Most other high strength press hardening steels on the market have not been fully optimised for automotive applications in this way,” says José Puente Cabrero, product manager for cold rolled products at SSAB Europe. In a statement, he says that with regard to environmental impact over a component’s lifetime, steel performs better on the Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) than other materials. In addition, the costs associated with steel for safety components are lower than other automotive materials like aluminum.

“The joint development project between SSAB and Gestamp was efficient and led to an optimal outcome thanks to the expertise possessed by both companies. When you are working in such close collaboration with a customer, you get a very clear picture of the requirements from the beginning,” he says. “Having access to global leading expertise makes it easier to solve the unexpected. Since everything in the cooperation worked so smoothly, the development process was shorter.” Docol PHS 2000 is currently available as part of the wide Docol product portfolio and is expected to be widely adopted by vehicle manufacturers for use in crash relevant automotive applications, including B-pillars, rockers, bumpers and BIW structural components.

New twist on lightweighting

agna has put a new twist on joining thermoplastic materials in order to help automakers cut weight and costs: torsional welding. The torsional welding process, developed by Magna for automotive applications at its exteriors plant in Liberec, Czech Republic, presents a new way to join plastics. It features a high-speed twisting motion that creates enough friction-based heat to join a plastic bracket to a thermoplastic fascia. The innovative technology achieves an approximate 10 percent weight reduction because it allows thinner materials to be joined, which in turn reduces material costs. Torsional welding is currently used to make the

12 - DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

front fascia of the 2017 Skoda Octavia, and it has potential for other applications where materials of similar composition need to be joined. There may also be uses for torsional welding Magna’s torsional welding process is used to make the with the increase front fascia of the 2017 Skoda Octavia. It has potential for of advanced driver other applications where materials of similar composition assistance systems need to be joined and the development of self-driving cars. The trend will be for automotive added without impacting the overall fascias to become heavier with the weight of the vehicle. The Society of increase in autonomous features, Plastics Engineers in Detroit recognised due to the addition of sensors. With Magna’s torsional welding process torsional welding, it’s now possible by presenting the company with an to reduce weight on the outer skin innovation award at its recent TPO and brackets so more sensors can be conference.

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Ford announces R3-billion SA investment

ord has announced that it is investing R3-billion to expand production capacity at its South African manufacturing plant near Pretoria in order to meet growing local and international demand for its Ranger bakkie.

is due to be introduced in 2019, is perceived as one of the company’s top-line flagships.

“As part of our strategic planning to accommodate growing market volumes for the Ranger, the investment will encompass both product and capacity related actions,” said Ockert Berry, Vice President of Operations for Ford’s Middle East and Africa Divisions.

“We’re exceptionally proud to confirm that the Raptor, which has been highly anticipated, will be assembled in South Africa,” said Dr Casper Kruger, Managing Director of Ford’s Sub-Saharan Region. “This is yet another fantastic achievement for our local team, and signals our ability to produce worldclass products of the highest calibre.”

“This significant investment reaffirms Ford’s ongoing commitment to South Africa as a local manufacturer, exporter and key employer in the automotive sector, supporting a large number of direct jobs as well as indirect employment through our extensive supplier base.”

The current Ranger programme has been a resounding success for Ford since it was launched in 2011, the model gaining sales both locally and internationally. Record deliveries of 10 117 units were achieved in September, followed by 8 646 units in October.

Berry said the recently announced, highperformance Ranger Raptor would be produced at the plant. The model, which

The model is exported to 148 countries and, said Kruger, had helped to secure the Silverton plant’s status as a global

centre of excellence for the Ford Ranger programme. In a statement, Ford described the Raptor as a purpose-built, desert-racing inspired derivative that incorporated some of the heritage of Ford Performance’s famous F-150 Raptor. Designed and engineered to deliver an adrenaline-pumping driving experience, the Raptor sports a tough exterior look as well as a level of capability and off-road performance which Ford claims sets benchmarks in the one-ton bakkie segment.

Transforming the auto industry

uto suppliers in the Eastern Cape had taken the lead in identifying and supporting South Africa’s black-owned component manufacturers, according to Jody Naidoo, project manager of the East Cape Automotive Industry Forum (ECAIF). Addressing a Local Economic Development (LED) summit held last month in East London, Naidoo said research undertaken on behalf of ECAIF had identified over 30 black-owned manufacturers which were already supplying – or which had the potential to supply – the country’s component manufacturers. “ECAIF has determined the demand available from component manufacturers

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in specific product categories with the absolute intention of supporting blackowned manufacturing companies,” he said. “The dynamics of the automotive industry are such that new suppliers invariably have to enter the market through component manufacturers rather than vehicle assemblers.” A database listing the companies had been drawn up and distributed to all of ECAIF’s 77 members, while a three-year plan for the development of black-owned manufacturers would be rolled out early next year. “What we have established through our research and our interaction with potential suppliers is that there are no short cuts.

It will take at least three years to develop new manufacturers to the point where they are able to provide the necessary quality, reliability and productivity,” he said. Naidoo said ECAIF’s plan would support a number of classes of businesses – startup ventures; existing manufacturers which needed help to scale up to meet requirements; businesses which wanted to transform by selling shares to black partners; or businesses which were looking to spin off one or more of their operations as black-owned companies. “These developments provide golden opportunities for black entrepreneurs wanting to enter the motor manufacturing industry,” said Naidoo.

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

NEWS

Top motoring journalists honoured

he South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) and Toyota Financial Services (TFS) celebrated one of their largest ever rosters of winners and highly commended entries in the five years that they have partnered for the TFS SAGMJ Motoring Journalist of the Year competition.

of over R75 000. This year, several additional sponsors joined Toyota Financial Services in various special categories, including Bridgestone South Africa, a long-time sponsor of the Steve Dlamini Excellence Award, Hino, Gumtree, MotorPress, the Kyalami International Grand Prix Circuit, the Automobile Association, Forum Homini hotel and TCB Media.

“This year we received 118 entries across our expanded list of categories, which covers motoring, motorsport, photography, industry and business, the environment, road safety, commercial vehicles and a host of other categories,” says Bernard Hellberg Jr, chairman of the SAGMJ.

Apart from the list of category winners, runners-up and highly commended entries in the various categories, the Guild also recognised a number of motoring representatives in its special awards categories.

The entries were scored by a panel of 18 judges. Entrants had to score over 75% to be considered for a commendation and over 80% to be a category winner.

Brenwin Naidu received the Steve Dlamini Award for Excellence, which is awarded in honour of the late Steve Dlamini to young and outstanding journalists who have been part of the Guild for less than five years.

In the end, the title of Motoring Journalist of the Year was awarded to Egmont Sippel, while Jay Groat was crowned the Photographer of the Year and Johann van Tonder took the title as Motorcycle Journalist of the Year.

Seagram Pearce, in turn, received the Carlie Norval Award for the best single photo-entry for a picture of a Toyota CH-R, which he shot at night in an urban setting.

Apart from being one of the largest competitions to date, it was also one of the richest with total prize money

Sippel was recognised for his writing on road safety by winning the Road Safety Award, while Patrick O’Leary received

Motoring Journalist of the Year Egmont Sippel (left), with Bernard Hellberg Jr, chairman of the SAGMJ the Commercial Vehicle Journalist of the Year Award. Mark Smyth was honoured as Editor of the Year and Ashref Ismail won a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in promoting road safety. In the last of the special awards, the Guild recognised Adell de Vos, its previous General Manager, for her hard work over many years in managing the Guild, growing its influence and member base, supporting the industry and managing all of its many events. Adell received the Chairman’s Award for her service to the industry.

Mitsubishi recalls Pajero for airbag replacement

itsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) has announced that the airbag recall campaign for its Pajero model has been extended to include the front passenger airbag. The vehicle, which is imported from Japan, has been equipped with airbags made by Takata. A defect in the inflation system has resulted in the

14 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

global recall of more than 30-million vehicles built by 34 manufacturers. According to a statement issued by MMSA, the latest recall will see passenger-side airbag inflators replaced on LWB and SWB Pajero models manufactured between 2007 and 2013. MMSA has started contacting owners of

affected vehicles to schedule and arrange the free-of-charge inflator replacement of their Pajeros. The procedure takes about two hours. An online VIN-checker with a FAQ-section is available on the company’s website (www.mitsubishi-motors.co.za/recall) for Pajero owners who want to check if their vehicles are potentially affected.

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

NEWS

Automakers join forces in charging venture

compared with existing systems. Audi, BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen branded vehicles will be able to make use of the stations through a Combined Charging System (CCS).

the end of 2018, the network will have expanded to more than 100 stations, each one enabling multiple customers, driving different manufacturer cars, to charge their vehicles simultaneously.

The project, called Ionity, aims to establish about 400 HPC stations by 2020. Based in Munich, Germany, the venture is led by Chief Executive Officer Michael Hajesch and Chief Operating Officer Marcus Groll.

“The first pan-European HPC network plays an essential role in establishing a market for electric vehicles. Ionity will deliver our common goal of providing customers with fast charging and digital payment capability, to facilitate longdistance travel,” says Hajesch.

Build-up has already begun on 20 stations that will be equipped to offer charging capacities of up to 350kW, significantly reducing charging times

He adds that the stations which will open this year will be located at 120km intervals on major roads in Germany, Norway and Austria. By

“The brand-agnostic approach and Europe-wide distribution is expected to help make electrified vehicles more appealing,” says Hajesch. “Choosing the best locations takes into account potential integration with existing charging technologies and Ionity is negotiating other infrastructure initiatives, including those supported by participating companies as well as political institutions.”

he BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and the Volkswagen Group have announced a joint venture to develop and implement a High-Power Charging (HPC) network for electric vehicles across Europe.

Volkswagen plans its future money going into the electrification and hybridisation of all Group models. “This marks another significant step up in Volkswagen’s commitment to environment-friendly drive technology and a move to advance the Roadmap E electrification offensive at full speed,” says a statement issued by Matthias Müller, CEO of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft.

Matthias Müller, CEO of Volkswagen… moving to advance the company’s Roadmap E electrification offensive

he Volkswagen Group has laid its foundation for the future, having taken a decision to invest billions of dollars in electric mobility, autonomous driving, new mobility services and digitalisation over the coming years.

16 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

Following a recent planning discussion spanning the years 2018 to 2022 – which the company’s Supervisory Board deliberated last month – expenditure totalling more than $40-billion will have been allocated to the technologies by the end of 2022, with most of the

“With the planning round now approved, we are laying the foundation for making Volkswagen the world’s number one player in electric mobility by 2025. We are reinventing the car, making targeted investments in digitalisation, autonomous driving, electric mobility and new mobility services. “We are, however, doing so without sidelining existing technologies and

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Ionity’s Chief Operating Officer, Marcus Groll (left) and CEO Michael Hajesch According to a statement, the investment underlines the commitment the participating manufacturers are making in electric vehicles and relies on international co-operation across

vehicle projects, since this is how we will earn our money for the foreseeable future. Given its brands and potential for synergy, I am convinced that the Volkswagen Group will master this balancing act like no other company in our industry.” He said the entire automotive industry was facing fundamental change which, though requiring tremendous effort to meet challenges, would also provide great opportunities.

the industry. The founding partners have equal shares in the joint venture, while other automotive manufacturers are expected to be invited to help to expand the network.

share price made encouraging moves towards pre-emission scandal levels. “This shows that our shareholders are increasingly certain that we are implementing our strategy with the necessary rigour and are committed to the goals set in the process,” he said.

The Volkswagen Group expects Brazil, China, Russia and North America to be the main growth drivers in the coming years. In accordance with Roadmap E around one in four new vehicles produced by the company “The Volkswagen Group has a convincing plan. Our financial position is will be a battery-only electric vehicle. robust. We have the experience and the Depending on how the market develops, this could mean up to three talent. And wherever skills are lacking, million e-cars a year. we will build the necessary expertise and strengthen our teams. The planning “The company is planning to electrify round that has just been approved provides the framework. Now we have its entire model portfolio by 2030. to get to work quickly and move toward This means that by then there will be shared success.” at least one electric variant of each of the Group’s 300 models. To this end, Volkswagen’s strategic focus appears we have invited tenders for one of the to be enjoying the support of financial largest purchasing volumes ever, with markets. According to CFO Frank plans to spend about $60-billion on Witter, in recent weeks, the company’s battery cells,” Müller said.

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Goodyear renews NASCAR sponsorship

ASCAR and the Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Company have renewed their multi-year sponsorship agreement to ensure that Goodyear remains the exclusive tyre of NASCAR’s top three national series. The agreement – which was signed last month – continues Goodyear’s designation as NASCAR’s official tyre and extends an uninterrupted relationship that started in 1954 – one of the longest-running sponsor programmes in any major sport. “We proudly join Goodyear in celebrating our renewed and longstanding partnership,” said Brent Dewar, NASCAR’s president. “For more than half a century, NASCAR and our teams have trusted Goodyear tyres. Our partner’s commitment to innovation and excellence plays a key role in our unyielding pursuit to deliver the best racing product in the world.”

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

NEWS

Fake oil filters uncovered in Oz the filters were inoperable. Bypass valves allow oil to reach the engine if a filter becomes blocked or clogged. The tests showed that the bypass valves often remained permanently open, negating proper oil filtration and contributing to damage of vital internal engine parts.

Toyota’s genuine oil filter (top) and the counterfeit equivalent (below)

ench flow tests of non-genuine oil filters seized in Australia – which were being sold online for use in popular Toyota, Hyundai and Kia models – have identified several design and engineering flaws which could cause engine damage. Laboratory tests conducted in Japan and Korea revealed that bypass valves inside

Over 500 non-genuine filters which bore Toyota, Lexus or, for Hyundai and Kia vehicles, Mobis branding, were seized in a raid by Australian officials following a tipoff. The items were independently tested by the vehicle manufacturers and found to be faulty. Australian touring car legend Mark Skaife – an ambassador for that country’s Genuine is Best automotive parts programme – said the scale of the problem was considerable. “If you have bought one of these filters online thinking it is legitimate, think again because the money that you may have saved could end up costing you thousands,” he said.

A spokesperson for Toyota Australia said engines fitted with the filters would inevitably suffer damage. “Unfiltered oil containing dirt, metal and other particulates eats away at vital components causing severe damage, and could leave vehicle owners with hefty repair bills for complete engine rebuilds,” he said. In bench testing and analysis by Toyota genuine automotive component manufacturer Denso and Hyundai equivalent Mobis, the fake filters also demonstrated poor filtration qualities and reduced service durability compared with genuine articles. The filters were brazenly presented online as genuine, both in advertisements and in packaging and presentation. Subsequent investigations led to the seizure of a commercial volume of the fakes which, on the outside, appeared almost identical to genuine parts. The investigation followed the seizure earlier this year in the UAE, where 100 000 nongenuine car parts – including Denso-branded oil and air filters – were seized from a warehouse in Abu Dhabi.

Green light for Kia’s CSR initiative

ia Motors has handed over a healthcare centre in the town of Mayuge in eastern Uganda, having funded the cost of building the facility and, during a startup phase, its day-today management. The centre, which provides medical support to the region, was renovated and furnished with new equipment as part of Kia’s Green Light Project initiative – a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme which aids social mobility and self-sufficiency. The programme – initiated in 2012 – strives to improve access to healthcare, education and employment for disadvantaged communities in Africa by establishing much-needed facilities.

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Dignitaries and Kia representatives at the opening of a healthcare centre in Mayuge, Uganda According to Kye-Hwan Roh, head of Kia’s CSR management team, the company has been involved in Green Light projects in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania and Malawi. “The aim is to provide local people an opportunity to build better lives through improved access to healthcare, education and vocational training,” he said. As well as setting up education, health and training facilities, Kia provides small

fleets of support vehicles to serve local needs, such as school buses, mobile mechanics, mobile libraries and mobile health clinics. The Green Light Project also aids local citizens with school uniform production, micro-loan facilities, fertilizer lending programmes, and vehicle workshop facilities. Kia plans to continue expanding the Green Light Project to other countries and regions in the future through the cooperation of its global network.

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SEPTEMBER 2017 -

NEWS

Opening employment opportunities in the digital world need for efficient and flexible skill sets that are required to meet the emerging demands of the automotive manufacturing sector.

Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO of Siemens Southern and Eastern Africa

here is an opportunity in the Eastern Cape’s automotive sector to embrace new and exponential technologies – combined with human talent – to accelerate industrialisation and drive economic growth, and the most effective way to effect change is through digitalisation and automation. That’s the view of Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO of Siemens Southern and Eastern Africa, who says there is a clear

According to NMU Professor Theo van Niekerk, the technology will help the institution maintain pace with current industry standards and future automation developments.

“In order to remain efficient and cost-effective, manufacturing plants will constantly need to improve their automation and engineering technology. Students who are prepared to work in these high-tech environments have a much greater chance of success and advancing their careers,” she maintains.

“With new production processes adopted by the automotive manufacturing industry, we have to make sure our equipment is on the same level to provide relevant training and upskilling of students in these new production systems,” he says.

With this in mind, Siemens is donating a selection of its SIMATIC software and input/output modules – worth nearly R1,3-million – to Port Elizabeth’s Nelson Mandela University (NMU).

He adds: “There is a huge misperception of automation, specifically with regards to the local manufacturing sector. It offers a significant opportunity to upskill the future work force, giving them the means for improved earning potential.”

Dall’Omo says the scalable portfolio of the SIMATIC family will ensure optimal solutions for every application, delivering end-to-end consistency. The range forms the core of Siemens’ Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) technology, and will benefit students who are likely to enter an increasingly automated employment landscape.

According to Van Niekerk, graduates of the NMU Mechatronics department are sought-after candidates in the local job market and he believes the employment landscape can be expanded since there will always be new ways for humans and machines to integrate in an increasingly digitised economy.

‘Oil will remain in demand’

lobal oil demand will fall only modestly alongside the expected rise in electric vehicles over the next two decades, with consumption in petrochemicals and other transportation still growing, according to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

long-term oil price projections from last year, partly because of the falling cost of both renewable and conventional sources of energy, the worldwide push to tackle climate change and improve air quality and the boom in US shale oil and gas output.

Oil is already facing stiff competition from ever-cheaper and more environmentally friendly energy sources as traditional users of fossil fuels switch to cleaner, low-carbon alternatives. In its World Energy Outlook 2018, the Paris-based IEA said it had cut its

Under the IEA’s New Policies Scenario, based on existing legislation and announced policy intentions relative to emissions and climate change, the report said the oil price would continue to rise towards $83 a barrel by the mid2020s.

20 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

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‘Smart homes mean smart cars’

he importance of the growing smart home market is drawing in car manufacturers and their development strategies. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ford and others are introducing Amazon’s Alexa and other smart home voice control platforms to their connected cars. But, according to US research company ABI, voice control is just the start. A statement released by the company says by 2022, more than 500 million connected cars will be on the world’s roads – and the ability to tie those vehicles into platforms that control more than 300 million smart homes around the world is driving investment and partnerships among vendors and technology suppliers in both markets. “Extending smart home voice control into the connected vehicle is part of an ongoing integration that will pull together home and vehicle personalisation. It marks a weakening of control of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) over the technologies embedded in their vehicles,” says Jonathan Collins, Research Director at ABI.

He says OEMs are looking to select partnerships and technology suppliers which can best support the widest integration. “Starting with smart home voice control, vehicle integration with smart home management will increasingly draw other functions into the connected vehicle. “Navigation, insurance, health, energy management, AI, media management, and other applications and supporting industries will integrate with connected vehicles and often directly through smart home interaction,” he predicts.

However, Collins adds that the smart home market, which features a variety of technology vendors – among them Amazon, Apple and Google – leaves vehicle manufacturers with conflicting options to maximise the appeal of their connected car strategies. “With the looming potential of autonomous vehicles, OEMs are faced with an array of choices to help support a generation of vehicles that increasingly threaten their sole roles in controlling the functionality and appeal of their products,” he says.

The IEA estimates that there will be 50-million electric vehicles on the world’s road by 2025 and 300-million by 2040, from only about two million now. However, demand for oil is expected to drop by about 2,5-million barrels per day – about two percent – by that time.

“Many commentators say we are writing the obituary for oil demand ... it is certainly true in the passenger car segment and in power generation, but it is not true in the other two elements of oil demand: transportation and petrochemicals.”

“It’s quite spectacular, because you’re going to see the number of cars on the road (globally) double from 1-billion to 2-billion, thanks to electric vehicles and fuel economy standards,” said Laura Cozzi, head of the Energy Demand Outlook division.

Power generation will move increasingly away from relying on coal and crude oil, with renewables taking a much larger proportion of the global energy mix. Between 2017 and 2040, the IEA estimates that more solar power capacity will be

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added globally each year than any other source of energy, with an annual average increase of nearly 70 gigawatts. “These changes brighten the prospects for affordable, sustainable energy and require a reappraisal of approaches to energy security,” the agency said. “There are many possible pathways ahead and many potential pitfalls if governments or industry misread the signs of change.”

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 -

COVER STORY

The first International TVET Youth Forum was held on 14th and 15th October during WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017. This event was the first of its kind, and a unique opportunity for young professionals to shape the future of skills.

Photos courtesy of WorldSkills International

22 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

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he youth of the world, represented by 300 professionals and vocational students from 62 different countries, all joined hands for a common purpose: the future of skills and TVET. They gathered at the first International TVET Youth Forum on 14th and 15th October, 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and drafted the following declaration: Building on Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development of the United Nations, adopted on 25th September 2015 and signed by 193 countries; Recognizing the pivotal role the youth has to play in supporting and shaping all seventeen Sustainable Development Goals; Stressing the importance of skills in the present era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution; Responding to the challenges that the youth and TVET are facing in the present age.

Credit: Photo: courtesy of WorldSkills International

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For two months prior to their meeting, the youth exchanged views and reflected on key issues surrounding both the future of skills and current global challenges. The International TVET Youth Forum offered the opportunity to shape the future that the youth want to see. Having now consolidated their talks and planned their legacy, they presented the outcome of the collaboration: the first Youth Declaration on the Future of Skills and TVET.

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 -

COVER STORY The declaration focuses on the following points: • Skills education and knowledge fuel the growth of a smart city. • The belief that there should be balance between job readiness and adaptability. • Skills such as adaptability, creativity and flexibility will foster tomorrow’s innovations. • Diverse and inclusive educational systems are the key to building happy and tolerant societies. • Building awareness on vocational education is the gateway to happiness. • The strong recommendation of raising awareness on TVET through government advocacy and educational reform. • TVET curriculums should incorporate an environmentally sustainable approach, and adhere to international standards and regulations. • By promoting a frugal mindset, we can innovate more, using less. • Investing in sustainable skills is the first step to ensuring global environmental sustainability. • Education is the passport to creating a network of young global citizens. • The creation of an organization or network dedicated to promoting and connecting success stories. • Aligning global skill requirements with local education practices can help us achieve social equity, sustainability and prosperity. • In a globalised world, the data revolution will increase the need for dynamic skills for future jobs. • Educational transformation through IT and soft skills will empower individuals to navigate tomorrow’s smart industry. • Lifelong learning is a fundamental mindset for skilled youths in a complex future. • The sharing economy can be a catalyst for the ways we buy, learn, and the way we develop our careers. • We need to build an environment that encourages an entrepreneurial mindset at all levels of society. • Storytelling, skill-building and strategising are the keys to successful entrepreneurship.

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The International TVET Youth Forum The youth of the world, stands united behind this declaration and commits to the following: abide by it, carry it home, become its ambassadors and ensure its positive outcome and long-lasting resonance. The youth urges private and individual actors as well as international stakeholders to take a stand with us and work towards the implementation of these eighteen proposals.

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The merSETA Joins the Motorsport Circuit

The exciting world of motorsport provides an excellent platform for The promotion world of motorsport provides an excellent platform for the the of Mechanical Engineering and Auto Mechanics as promotion of Mechanical, Engineering Auto creates Mechanics as career career options for young learners. and It also a fantastic options for young learners. It also creates a fantastic programme opportunity for opportunity for the basis of a skills development the basiswho of ahave skillsalready development programme for who have students embarked on a career instudents these sectors. already embarked on a career in these sectors. WE CARE

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

TALKING POINT

Global NCAP and AA South Africa have launched the first independent crash test assessment of some of South Africa’s most popular compact and small cars.

he crashworthiness results of the five cars tested show a wide range of safety performance, from four to zero stars for adult protection, with the lowest ratings resulting in a high probability of life-threatening injury in a road crash. The models tested include South Africa’s best-selling car, the VW Polo Vivo. The Datsun Go+, Toyota Etios, Renault Sandero and Chery QQ3 also underwent the safety assessment. Combined sales of these five cars account for around 65% of all the new cars sold in South Africa last year. Global NCAP chose the entry-level version of each model and, as a result, one of them was not fitted with airbags as standard. The results highlight differences in the structural integrity of the vehicles tested. Lauchlan McIntosh, Chairman of Global NCAP, said: “In 2016 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a road

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safety resolution which recognised the important role NCAPs play as a catalyst for improving vehicle safety standards. The UN has sought to encourage the spread of NCAPs across the regions and automotive markets of the World and, I am delighted that Global NCAP is helping to achieve that goal with the launch of the first ever crashworthiness programme for cars sold in Africa. Global NCAP has provided assistance to launch similar programmes in South America, India and the ASEAN region, programmes which have led to the delivery of safer cars into those markets over the last five years. “Working closely with our partners at the Automobile Association of South Africa and with the welcome support of the FIA Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropy, our new campaign is an important first milestone on the road to Safer Cars for Africa.”

Collins Khumalo, CEO of the AA of South Africa said: “The crash tests represent an important step in road safety in South Africa. We believe consumers have a right to know what the safety ratings are on the cars they want to buy. These results are critical to educating the public about vehicle safety, but, more than that, they empower road users to make informed decisions. In the same way emissions and green ratings are displayed on vehicles, we think safety ratings should also be displayed on vehicles, and we don’t believe this should be too much of a challenge to make happen. “The involvement of Global NCAP, the FIA Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropy in bringing these results to Africa, indicates how seriously our partners view road safety, and it is incumbent on us, as South Africans, to consider road, and vehicle safety, in the same way.”

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David Ward, Secretary General of Global NCAP said: “It is good to see a four-star result in these first-ever African crash test ratings. However, it’s extremely disappointing that there’s a zero-star car. Such a poor result shows why it is so important for countries like South Africa to fully apply the UN’s crash test standards. “Consumers need clear, comparative crash test information to help inform their car purchase decisions. This is why Global NCAP supports the introduction of mandatory crash test labeling for all new cars sold in South Africa.” Saul Billingsley, Executive Director of the FIA Foundation said: “These first independent car crash tests in Africa are a safety milestone, which the FIA Foundation is proud to support. The range of results shows that consumers have a real choice, and with access to the right information they can use

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purchasing power to reward carmakers who put safety first. If we are to reduce road traffic injuries here in South Africa, and contribute to the overall United Nations development target of halving road deaths globally, safer cars for Africa must be a top priority.” Dr. Kelly Henning, Director of Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Health team, said: “The latest Global NCAP crash test results for some of the most popular cars sold in South Africa clearly demonstrate why minimum UN vehicle safety standards should be universally applied. “Ahead of legislation, we would urge all auto makers worldwide to voluntarily commit to eliminate the production of zero-star cars.” Global NCAP has awarded a separate child-safety rating to each car in order to highlight the different levels of protection vehicles provide to

passengers on the rear seats. Because the only safe way for young children to travel is to be properly restrained in a child seat, the assessment checks how compatible the car is with the child seats recommended by the manufacturer, as well as the protection provided in the crash test. In the assessments, some of the child seats recommended by manufacturers were found to be incompatible with their vehicle’s belt system. In the Polo Vivo, Chery QQ3 and Datsun GO+ there was no three-point seatbelt on the rear centre seats, and no way to safely install a child seat or transport a small child safely in that seating position. Only the Toyota Etios and Renault Sandero offer Standard ISOFIX anchorages for the outboard rear positions, and a three-point seatbelt for all passengers, facilitating minimum conditions to safely install a child seat.

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 -

TALKING POINT

Philip Purnell, Automobile Association with RMI Director Hedley Judd “The costs of road crashes are huge, the cost to families unimaginable and the effects of the lack of vehicle safety systems on road safety, can be reduced through pressure from consumers by insisting on better vehicle safety specifications, as measured by the Global NCAP crash tests. Celebrity speakers representing stakeholders of the Global NCAP system presented hugely concerning statistics on road crashes and the tests performed across the world, such as that 20% of the 70million cars sold in 2016 did not comply with UN safety specifications, road crashes cost governments up to 3% of GDP worldwide and 3500 people die on the roads daily across the world. “ said RMI Director, Hedley Judd

Toyota ETIOS (2 airbags) The Etios achieved a four-star rating for adult occupant protection in the frontal crash test at 64km/h. The vehicle structure was rated as stable, offering good general adult occupant protection. The car included seatbelts with pretensioners for both front passengers. Using the child seats recommended by Toyota, the Etios achieved a three-star rating for child occupant protection.

“The tests conducted on five sub R200,000 cars provided some hugely concerning results, to the extent that one vehicle achieved a zero result, not particularly encouraging.” said Judd Renault SANDERO (2 airbags) “The future of road safety belongs to everyone, it is not someone else’s problem to sort out, it is ours, yours, mine. As a nation we will need to make a change, was the message that was shared loud and clear by the presentations. Road safety begins with you at home, be responsible. “ concluded Judd

28 - DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

The Sandero achieved a three-star rating for adult occupant protection in the frontal crash test at 64km/h. The vehicle structure was rated as stable, offering acceptable general adult occupant protection. The car did not include seatbelt pretensioners. Using the child seats recommended by Renault, the Sandero achieved a four-star rating for child occupant protection.

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Datsun GO+ (1 airbag) The GO+ achieved a one-star rating for its poor adult occupant protection, mainly in the Driver chest in the frontal crash test at 64km/h. The vehicle structure was rated as unstable, and steering wheel movement, even though a steering wheel airbag was fitted, recorded high compression to the chest of the driver dummy. There was no airbag for the passenger. The Datsun GO+ achieved a two-star rating for child occupant protection using the child seats.

Volkswagen POLO VIVO (2 airbags) The Polo Vivo achieved a three-star rating for adult occupant protection in the frontal crash test at 64km/h. The vehicle structure was rated as stable, offering acceptable adult occupant

protection. The car did not include seatbelt pretensioners. Using the child seats recommended by VW, the Polo Vivo achieved a three-star rating for child protection.

About Global NCAP Launched in 2011, Global NCAP serves as a platform for cooperation among NCAPs worldwide, and to provide financial, technical and advocacy support to new programmes in emerging markets. Global NCAP is a UK-registered charity, and its largest sources of funding come from the FIA Foundation and the Bloomberg Philanthropy. It works closely with the Towards Zero Foundation, and leads the Stop the Crash Partnership.

Chery QQ3 (no airbags) The QQ3 achieved a zero-star rating for its poor adult occupant protection, mainly in driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head and chest. The vehicle structure was rated as unstable as it showed collapsed in some relevant areas during the impact. Injury impacts recorded in the dummy head and chest in particular led to this result. There were

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no airbags for the adult passengers. The manufacturer did not recommend specific child seats, which explains most of the points loss for child occupant protection. The QQ3 was given a zerostar rating for child occupant protection, considering the poor vehicle readiness to safely accommodate the child seats

Global NCAP has consultative status with the UN (ECOSOC), is a member of the UN Road safety Collaboration, and an observer at the UN World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Standards. In 2016, Global NCAP received the Premier Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for outstanding achievement in vehicle safety.

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 -

INSIDE LINE

Ford invests R3 billion: What does it really mean Don’t read too much into Ford’s latest R3bn cash injection into its SA-based subsidiary, says local MD Casper Kruger. David Furlonger reports

rue, motor companies don’t usually throw money at an established product late in its life cycle, unless they plan to continue with its successor. For the same reason, they don’t often introduce a new variant at the end of that life cycle. And then you have Ockert Berry, head of operations for Ford Middle East and Africa: "This significant investment reaffirms Ford's ongoing commitment to South Africa as a local manufacturer, exporter and key employer in the automotive sector.”Note the ‘ongoing’. According to Kruger, however, none of this should be interpreted to mean Ford Southern Africa will build the nextgeneration Ranger bakkie. “This is about current product,” he says. “It is not a statement on the next generation.” The current Ranger was launched in

30 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

2011. Based on industry trends, it’s due for renewal around 2021. Kruger says that’s ‘about right’.

Raptor. The increased capacity will be available from January 2018, and Raptor from 2019.

Ford has spent over R9bn on the product so far. The original investment (which turned the Silverton, Pretoria, assembly plant from a producer of several lowvolume products into the manufacturer of a single, high-volume one) was followed by midlife upgrades and introduction of the Everest sports utility vehicle, off the Ranger platform. Some of the money was used to modernise the Struandale engine plant in Port Elizabeth, which produces Ford diesel engines for local products and for export.

Silverton expects to build between 80,000 and 90,000 Rangers this year. The increased capacity, says Kruger, will give it flexibility for future growth. Again, note the ‘future’. Ranger has been a considerable success over the last six years. Besides being the only challenger to the Toyota Hilux as SA’s best-selling vehicle, it is also exported to over 140 markets around the world.

The latest R3bn will all be spent at Silverton, to increase annual Ranger capacity from 110,000 to 127,000 and introduce a new, upmarket variant, the

Still, one can understand Kruger’s cautionary note. The Silverton Ranger programme is a child of the 2013-2020 Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP). Now government is anxious to assure foreign vehicle and components manufacturers that the

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government official recently stated that SA was losing its attraction as an investment destination for Japanese companies. We must take nothing for granted any more, he said. Kruger, in his own way, is saying the same thing. Let’s see what the post-APDP rules are before we commit ourselves.

Casper Kruger

APDP’s successor, intended to run until 2035, will contain similar incentives. But there’s a catch. Trade and industry minister Rob Davies says companies will need to attain a black empowerment (BEE) status of no worse than Level 4, to access incentives in the future. Under the planned new code, that will require them to transfer at least 10% of their equity to local black partners. Companies have refused point-blank and, instead, offered a R3.5bn fund to support the creation of black-owned auto dealers and suppliers. Without quite adopting a take-it-or-leave-it stance, some motor companies have made it clear that if government clings to its 10% equity demand, they will disinvest. “No incentives means no reason to stay,” says one executive.

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Government needs only look across the Indian Ocean to see what happens when governments press ahead with policy changes irrespective of investor needs. The Australian motor industry officially died in October when first Toyota and then General Motors, in the shape of Holden, closed their vehicle manufacturing operations. Ford had shut up shop a few months earlier. The last vehicle produced by the once-thriving industry was a bright red Holden Commodore – vehicle number 7,687,675 since the company began manufacturing almost 70 years ago. The outcome offers a caution to SA: motor companies are in countries for profit, not sentiment. That’s why General Motors will quit SA at the end of 2017. It’s also why a senior Japanese

One company not waiting for clarity is Mahindra, which says it wants to start assembling vehicles in SA from 2018. The Indian brand has respectable sales in SA, but also wants to start selling in other parts of Africa. Volumes don’t justify manufacture, so the plan is to import partially disassembled vehicles, then bolt them back together. The company says it’s looking for assembly sites, most notably in Durban, the current entry point for its vehicles. But here’s an idea. Ford and Mahindra have joint ventures elsewhere in the world. Who’s to say they can’t do a deal in SA whereby a small reassembly space is set aside in, say, Struandale. The harbour is close by, ditto the railhead. Just a thought.

David Furlonger is the industrial editor of Business Day and Financial Mail

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

RMI UPDATE

SAMBRA’s annual conference and awards presentation took place recently in Stellenbosch with delegates proclaiming the action-packed weekend a big success!

hat do you get when you combine competitive team building, hilarity, serious networking, intense discussions around the future of motor body repair and a formal gala dinner? The 2017 SAMBRA Conference Weekend! Held on October 20 and 21 in Stellenbosch, the conference brought together SAMBRA members from across South Africa, as well as insurers, OEMs, suppliers and other industry stakeholders, where they networked, exchanged ideas and opinions, and workshopped the challenges and opportunities in the MBR industry under the banner, 'Choose The Future'. The weekend began with a late afternoon of team building exercises, facilitated by Cape radio celebrity Ryan O’Connor.

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Teams comprised delegates from across industries, and the variety of fun activities – including painting, constructing structures from dowel sticks, games of Mega Jenga, getting themselves out of a serious tangle, and showing off their motoring knowledge by identifying brands from abstract logos – proved to be the perfect ice-breaker for the rest of the event. Delegates were then treated to a scrumptious poolside braai, where they were entertained by television personality and singer Paul Buckby. A photo booth with various fun props provided additional entertainment, while no SAMBRA evening is complete without Charles Canning showing off his bag pipe skills! The main conference followed the next morning. Keynote speaker Ryan

Hogarth provided a reality check on how businesses need to gear themselves to keep up with the ever-evolving demands of today’s consumers, while Dionne Kerr from Siyakha Implementation Partners –SAMBRA’s strategic B-BBEE partner – shared some hard-hitting facts around B-BBEE compliance. “Transformation shouldn’t take the place of business best practice... collaboration is key,” she maintained. Two panel discussions around the future of the MBR industry, featuring representation from various related industries – including the merSETA, SAIA, RMI and Siyakha – prompted lively and constructive debate from the audience. The weekend culminated in the announcement of the annual SAMBRA

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Insurer, OEM and Paint & Equipment Supplier Awards at a formal gala dinner. In addition to the announcement of the winners, paintings created during the previous evening’s team building exercise, as well as the wire-art table centre pieces, were auctioned for charity. Overall, the SAMBRA Conference was a tremendous success, with positive feedback received from many delegates, including the following: • "Despatch Body Works was part of the SAMBRA conference. We opened our doors just over five months ago and, for a new body shop, we have learned a lot and met wonderful new and old friends who share the same passion. “The team building was a great idea and we had so much fun! The awards evening was beautiful and definitely a highlight of the weekend! Congratulations to all the prize winners! Thank you, SAMBRA for the opportunity." – Hendrik and Adri. • “First, thank you, thank you! I really can’t express enough how grateful I am to you and the RMI / SAMBRA team. I think the venue was great and the discussion panel was really helpful – 10 out of 10 from me. Please keep doing what you guys are doing.” – Julian Pretorius, Star Centre, George. • “Well done on a fantastic event! We really had a great time!” – Lightstone Consumer.

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

RMI UPDATE

Santam wins Insurer of the Year Award

inancial services group Santam won the prestigious South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA) Insurer of the Year award at a gala event held recently in Stellenbosch. Old Mutual Insure and Hollard were placed second and third, while Santam also walked away with the Green Practices Award in the Insurance Category – emulating the honour it achieved last year. Ford was once again awarded Best OEM Award, while BASF received the overall Service Excellence Award in the Paint Supplier Category. Bosch made a clean sweep in the Equipment Supplier Category. The annual SAMBRA Awards honoured top vehicle insurers and OEMs, as well as paint and equipment suppliers for their contribution to the sustainability of motor body repairers in South Africa. SAMBRA represents the majority of accredited motor body repairers in the country, and works in close collaboration with various industry influencers – including the insurance sector, OEMs, suppliers, the Department of Labour and trade unions, as well as related SETAs – to maintain industry sustainability and development. In determining the awards, SAMBRA conducts an annual survey which is independently managed and audited. The survey targets the association’s members, OEMs and paint and equipment suppliers to evaluate relationship satisfaction, quality of vehicle damage assessment, repairers’ interaction with claims staff, payment speed, customer service, green practices, training programmes and product support, among others. The outcome of the survey has become an important measure of success and progress in the insurance, OEM and supplier sectors. The first annual SAMBRA survey was conducted in 2011 to gauge the business

34 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

relationship between the insurance and motor body repair industry. The survey has since been extended to also include OEMs, as well as paint and equipment suppliers. “As a motor body repair association, it is our duty to foster effective collaboration between our members on the ground, and insurers, OEMs and suppliers,” says Edwin Martin, SAMBRA’s National Director. “Through this exercise we are able to build best practice models through assisting all parties to re-evaluate and streamline their processes and procedures, and improve skill levels and regulatory compliance. “Addressing mutual key performance areas helps to grow businesses at both ends of the scale with significant benefits to the consumer.” The next SAMBRA Survey, which will culminate in the 2018 SAMBRA Awards, will kick off early in the New Year.

SAMBRA SURVEY WINNERS 2017 Insurance Category: Best Insurer 1st Santam 2nd Old Mutual Insure 3rd Hollard Best Payer: Outsurance Most Efficient: Outsurance Green Practices: Santam Service Excellence: Outsurance OEM Category: Best OEM 1st Ford 2nd Audi 3rd Volkswagen Best Training Programme: Audi Communication Excellence: Audi Paint Supplier Category Best Training: BASF Best Product Support: PPG Overall Service Excellence: BASF Equipment Supplier Category Best Training: Bosch Best Product Support: Bosch Overall Service Excellence: Bosch

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 -

RMI UPDATE

RMI elects new board The RMI’s leadership for the 2017/2018 term has been confirmed, Jeanne Esterhuizen has been re-elected President and Barry Canning has been re-elected Vice-President

Top left to right: Bruce Allen (NADA Chairperson), Johann van der Merwe (MPEA Chairperson), Jan Schoeman (Chief Operations Officer), Jaco Koen (Eastern Cape Chairperson), Franz Maritz (TDAFA Chairperson) 2nd row from top left to right: Gary McCraw (Company Secretary), Mams Rehaman (SAVABA Chairperson), Lindsay Bouchier (Border Chairperson), Eugene Ranft (MIWA Chairperson) 3rd row from top left to right: Chris Le Roux (SADFIA Chairperson and KZN Chairperson), Dupre Le Roux (SAPRA Chairperson), Les McMaster (Northern Chairperson), Jakkie Olivier (Chief Executive Officer) Bottom row left to right: Vuyani Mpofu (Non-Executive Director), Andrea Bogner (Highveld Chairperson), Jeanne Esterhuizen (RMI President , SAMBRA Chairperson, RMI Labour Executive) , Renee Coetsee (Financial Director), Barry Canning (RMI Vice-President, RMI Labour Executive) Absent: Ferose Oaten (VTA Chairperson, Western Cape Chairperson), Frank MacNicol (ERA Chairperson) Vacant positions: ACRA | MDA | MIMA

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SAMBRA receives Certificate of Recognition from False Bay College

alse Bay College CEO Mr Cassie Kruger and the College Executive acknowledged the role that SAMBRA played during 2017, and were grateful for SAMBRA’s commitment to training and skills development in the Motor Body Repair sector. SAMBRA has been instrumental in providing workplace-integrated learning experiences and internship opportunities for apprentices and college graduates through SAMBRA member workshops.

2018 will see training and skills development being one of SAMBRA’s strategic objectives, with aggressive industry engagement on the subject to address and bridge the gaps between industry and skills development.

Partinform races to year end Partinform ended off 2017 with an endurance Go Kart race at Zwartkops Raceway. The winners from each of the regional events were given the opportunity to take to the track and show what they were made of. The participants included Edwin Mabje (Benoni), George Moorev (Stellenbosch), Lolly Singh (Port Shepstone), Andre Kuhn (Brits), Terry Ranger (Port Elizabeth) and Dillion Rundle (Newcastle)

This event also saw the outgoing chairman, Gideon de Klerk, hand over the reigns to the new Chairman Pieter Smal from First National Battery and Vice-Chairman Bryan Burns from Gabriel. The new Committee will be as follows Hannes Pieterse (Brake hose and Components) Jerome Supra (GUD Holdings) Gideon de Klerk (ATE) Gerhard Kleynhans (SKF)

RMI COO Jan Schoeman enjoying the day at Zwartkops raceway

Get your car checked and be safe this holiday

very year hundreds of accidents happen on our roads during the holiday season. With December just around the corner, Pieter Niemand, Director of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), says now is the time to get your pre-holiday vehicle checks done before the last-minute scramble begins. “Every year workshops get flooded in December with motorists wanting vehicle checks and needing repairs just days before they plan to leave on holiday. What motorists don’t realise is that should maintenance be needed on their vehicle and spare parts are not in stock, these need to be ordered. This could take several days, if they are available at all. It is risky leaving things to the last minute and could put a real dampener on holiday plans,” he says.

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He explains that mechanics should do a thorough check of the vehicle which will include a road test and an assessment of the following parts: • Lights • Suspension • Drive lines • Brakes • Tyres, including the spare and tools • Fluid levels • Wipers and windscreen • V Belts, and • Exhaust. If a problem is identified, the mechanic will be able to advise the vehicle owner and provide a quote for repairs needed.

“There are MIWA-accredited workshops around the country that will do an excellent job of getting your vehicle holiday ready.” “There’s nothing worse than having your holiday plans delayed or cancelled because of car issues. Don’t wait until December. Get your vehicle checked now,” concludes Niemand.

Pieter Niemand, Director of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA)

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 -

RMI UPDATE

Meet the new RMI staff Devendren Naidoo, IR Specialist – Northern Region

What was your most recent position prior to joining the RMI? I was a Legal Advisor at SEESA Labour in Durban, for a period of four years.

What qualifications do you hold and where did you study? I hold a LLB law degree from the University of South Africa and a Certificate in Forensic Investigation and Criminal Justice from the University of Kwa Zulu Natal. I am currently completing my LLM Master’s degree in labour law at the University of Kwa Zulu Natal. Where were you born, and where did you grow up? I was born and raised in Durban. I grew up in a small community called Duffs Road, where I attended school and matriculated there. What appeals to you about your new appointment? This position is a great fit for me.

Given the organisations position as a leader in the motor industry, it will be a great place for me to apply my skills. The specific role matches my past experience but will allow me to take on greater responsibility as well. What motivates and inspires you? I have always been motivated by the desire to assist people and expect nothing in return. I strongly believe that no one can motivate you unless you motivate yourself. The world is filled with hope, dreams, accomplishments, fear and joy, this in itself inspires me to achieve more every day. What are your hobbies? I enjoy a bit of golf when I have the time. Lawyers and golf are always a good combination

Joe Pen Lai, Consumer Affairs Specialist Randburg

What was your most recent position prior to joining the RMI? Warranty and service claims administrator. What qualifications do you hold and where did you study? Qualified as A card motor technician at Smith Street college. Where were you born, and where did you grow up? Born in South Africa, grew up in Johannesburg. What appeals to you about your new appointment? The professionalism within the RMI

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group and being able to make decisions that are based on my years of experience and knowledge. What motivates and inspires you? My main motivation is supplying excellent customer service internally and externally based on facts. I get my inspiration from the growing industry and to try keep up with the latest technology. What are your hobbies? My hobbies are playing Backgammon and chess and assisting in a pet shop on weekends.

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Automobil April 2018 Training feature “Training Employees for the Future” Madoda Sonwabo, Consumer Affairs Specialist – Northern Region High employee turnover has been a longstanding issue automotive What waswithin your the most recent retail industry and it shows no sign of slowing position down. With consumer prior to joining the RMI? expectations continually evolving and new technologies My recent constantly position wasbeing with implemented in the work space, it is now, moreMIBCO than ever, critical that for the as a Team Leader automotive companies ensure that staff members constantly receive the best Inspectorate Department. training possible to ensure that they remain competitive. What qualifications do you hold The automotive industry is rapidly evolving in terms of technology in all and where did you study? departments - and it is crucial that Companies keep pace with this and ensure I have a Diploma in Business and that employees receive constant training from manufacturing, parts & spares, Economics Management with UNISA. dealership networks and show rooms and are abreast of developments. were you born, andyear, Training features are published in Automobil inWhere April and November each where did you grow with up? insight focused on providing the readers and automotive business owners into which programmes are available to automotive industry representatives. I was born in Port Elizabeth, then I relocated to Johannesburg to further my studies after passing Matric. What appeals to you about your new appointment? Assisting the parties (both the

consumer and the retailer) through a dispute resolution process must be what I love the most about my new position, having said that, the process of conciliation and mediation is familiar to me as it was part of my job at my previous employer. What motivates and inspires you? I’m motivated by an environment that would allow me the opportunity to grow. I enjoy working with the team that is positive and objective driven. My inspiration must be success, success and success. What are your hobbies? I spend most of my time reading on current affairs and politics, Sports and keeping fit.

Contact Greg Surgeon on 083 449 6137 or E Mail greg@thefuture.co.za

Automobil April 2018 Training feature “Training Employees for the Future” High employee turnover has been a longstanding issue within the automotive retail industry and it shows no sign of slowing down. With consumer expectations continually evolving and new technologies constantly being implemented in the work space, it is now, more than ever, critical that automotive companies ensure that staff members constantly receive the best training possible to ensure that they remain competitive. The automotive industry is rapidly evolving in terms of technology in all departments - and it is crucial that Companies keep pace with this and ensure that employees receive constant training from manufacturing, parts & spares, dealership networks and show rooms and are abreast of developments. Training features are published in Automobil in April and November each year, focused on providing the readers and automotive business owners with insight into which programmes are available to automotive industry representatives.

Contact Greg Surgeon on 083 449 6137 or E Mail greg@thefuture.co.za www.automobil.co.za DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 - 39

RMI UPDATE

Buy any Jonnesway tools and stand to win a 77-piece professional tool set

pend R300 or more at your AutObarn dealer on Jonnesway Tools, fill in the entry form, and you have a chance to win their latest 77-piece professional tool set. The full and comprehensive range of Jonnesway Tools will be available at all the dealers over this promotional period. “It will be the perfect time to visit your nearest AutObarn dealer over this promotional period, as most Jonnesway products will be on special, along with all our other brands and products,” said

Terry Brand MD AutObarn SA. “This year’s festive promotion is our boldest programme ever, with lots of great offers from our blue-chip brands and suppliers like Jonnesway. Jonnesway is a well-recognised brand established in 1983. With more than 34 years of history in the professional and industrial tool market, Jonnesway successfully distributes to 108 different countries around the world, and established more than 4,000 solid distribution channels. The promotion started on the 22nd of November and ends on the 7th of January 2018

Spanjaard Welcomes New CEO

panjaard Limited and its Board of Directors are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Kentin Welgemoed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company with effect from 3 November 2017. Welgemoed joined Spanjaard Limited as Manager of Operations in July 2015 and was appointed Executive Director: Operations in September 2015. He worked alongside late Founder and Chairman, Mr Robert Spanjaard, over the years, and displayed an exceptional work ethic and knowledge of the business, resulting in his appointment as acting CEO in July 2017. Welgemoed embraced his role and displayed a significant interest in and understanding of all areas of the business with the highest level of commitment. As a result, it was a unanimous decision of the Board to appoint Welgemoed CEO of Spanjaard Limited. “We are confident in our decision to appoint Kentin as CEO, and we are excited about his leadership abilities, passion and enthusiasm that are required to take Spanjaard Limited to the next level and accelerate the business as per the vision of Robert Spanjaard,” says

40 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

Mr Kentin Welgemoed, Spanjaard CEO

Independent Non-Executive Chairman, Prof. D.P. van der Nest. “Spanjaard Limited has a dynamic management team that is committed to growing the 57-yearold business, and we look forward to being part of a legacy that will continue and grow.” Welgemoed is a qualified Chartered Accountant (SA) and completed his articles at Cohen Hill Funk & Co Accountants & Auditors. Subsequently, Welgemoed advanced in his career and took on senior financial positions at Katanga Mining Ltd, Solid Doors (Pty) Ltd Manufacturing and Larimar Group (Putco Ltd) respectively. “It is a great privilege to have been given the opportunity to take on the role of CEO at Spanjaard Limited. It is certainly an interesting time for the business, and we are excited at what the future holds,” says Welgemoed. The Board would like to wish Mr Welgemoed well in taking the Company through the current transitional period and beyond, and looks forward to his valuable contribution.

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Driven by RELIABILITY

Innovative technology for best possible visibility: Commercial vehicle wipers www.bosch.co.za

David Furlonger

www.automobil.co.za

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

RMI UPDATE

RMI representation at Partinform Brits proves to be a great success

he RMI again formed part of very successful Partinform Trade Show, in which suppliers of quality ‘Aftermarket Parts’ showcased their latest technologies, held at the Thatch Haven Country Lodge – attracting businesses from the mainstream Brits and surrounding areas to the event. The purpose of the Trade Show is to increase market awareness of ‘Quality Branded Products’, which is to the industry’s benefit. This allows for networking between businesses and major stakeholders in Industry. The show is also popular for its prize-

42 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

giving, leaving participants and show attendees well catered for in terms of an interesting evening. Aftermarket Suppliers involved in the Trade Show included the likes of EXIDE Batteries, Ferodo, Monroe, Payen, GUD Filters, Schaeffler, Jonnesway, and Bosch, to name some. Charms Events, who hosted the show, have done a stellar job in bringing the ‘Automotive Aftermarket Supplier of Goods’ and Automotive Retailer together under one roof.

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 -

TECH TALK

Reading a magazine road test Jake Venter sheds some light on what journalists write in their road tests

he motor industry gives examples of most new models to journalists, for evaluation. These are driven for anything from one day to a number of weeks in order for the journalist to experience the vehicle and give their opinion. Performance Claims Maximum speed, acceleration, and fuel consumption claims usually come from either the manufacturer or the magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own measurements. These values are often open to question. If they come from the manufacturer, the performance figures are often measured using the fastest production car they can find under very favourable weather conditions. This is made possible because the variation in the power output of vehicles leaving a factory is at least plus or minus three per cent, due to a slight variation in the clearance between parts. Factory fuel consumption figures have, until recently, been measured according to the low speed New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) inside an atmosphere-controlled room on a chassis dynamometer. The

44 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

test conditions guarantee repeatability, but the results have been criticised for delivering very optimistic fuel consumption figures that are unachievable in the real world. A new test cycle is in the process of being evaluated before introduction. Many testers use satellite-based measuring equipment that is more accurate than the carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s instruments. Measuring fuel consumption on the road seldom gives repeatable results. The influence of the wind, gradient, temperature, atmospheric pressure and the driver play such a large role in the final results, that most magazine fuel consumption figures are only estimates. Calculated Yardsticks These are the numbers that engineers use to evaluate a particular model. Power per mass (W/kg):This gives some idea of the acceleration potential and varies from 80 for a VW CitiGolf to well over 200 for a performance car. Power per litre (kW/L): The power output depends on the breathing as well as the maximum revs. This ratio is therefore a measure of the extent to which an engine

has been developed. The more powerful engines are getting over 100 kW/L. Torque per litre (Nm/L): The maximum torque output depends on the breathing and the mixture distribution. It is therefore a measure of these factors. A good, modern, unblown petrol engine should develop close to 100 Nm/L. On turbo engines the value depends on the turbo-boost. Km/h per 1 000 r/min in top gear: This is a gearing yardstick. Lower numbers enable cruising at lower engine revs. Engine revs per km in top gear: Lower numbers imply that the total engine revs over the years will accumulate slower so the engine may last longer than a car with gearing ratios that result in higher numbers. The specification Sheet Most of the information given in the specification sheets is usually easily digestible, but it also contains information that often needs further explanation. The number of cylinders At the moment the trend is to reduce the number of cylinders as well as the

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cubic capacity in an effort to reduce fuel consumption. In many cases the associated power loss is made up by adding a turbocharger, but this often is a mixed blessing. At moderate speeds these downsized engines are usually economical, but at large throttle openings fuel/air mixtures have to be enriched to avoid the possibility of harmful detonation occurring due to the combination of a high compression ratio and a turbo. The more cylinders an engine has, the smoother it becomes, but the less torque it will have at low engine speeds. For maximum economy and the lowest maintenance costs, a small number of cylinders are better, which is why many four-cylinder engines have been replaced by threes. Compression ratio An engineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efficiency increases as the compression ratio increases, but petrol engine compression ratios are limited to approximately 12:1. Above this value, harmful detonation (nonuniform combustion) is likely to occur. Diesel engines compress air only, and require ratios sometimes as high as 22:1. These high ratios generate enough heat to ignite the fuel a fraction of a second after it is injected. Valve gear The location and operation of the valves is very important because power can be lost if the intake ports are long with many bends in it, or if the camshafts are so far away from the valves that push rods and rockers have to be used to transmit the motion. For this reason most modern engines have either single overhead camshafts or twin overhead camshafts. However, some American engines are still equipped with camshafts in the cylinder block and pushrod-operated valve gear. The latter arrangement makes it a lot easier to strip or assemble an engine. Engine output A carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maximum speed is determined by the maximum power output in relation to the total aerodynamic drag. The torque output is more important

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when considering aspects of an engineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance that cannot be measured with a stopwatch, such as the pulling power when pulling up a hill, especially when towing a caravan. The kilowatt developed by an engine is equal to the torque times the revs, divided by a constant number to get the units right. This implies that a high torque output will automatically give a higher power reading throughout the rev range. Engine output graphs These are compiled at the factory by means of an engine dynamometer that is coupled to the engine at the flywheel. The readings are always taken at full throttle, and the important points to notice are the maximum values of the power and torque delivery as well as the engine speeds where these values occur. The shape of the torque curve is particularly important; if it rises to a high value quickly and stays there, the vehicle will not need frequent gear-changing, but if it struggles to get to a maximum value and then falls rapidly the driver will have to change gear frequently when driving in traffic. On turbocharged

engines the trend is to control the boost in such a way that the torque readings stay constant over a range of revs. This protects the transmission from highpeak values that may cause damage. Gearbox ratios The purpose of a gearbox is to adjust the ratio between engine speed and the road wheel speed. Down changes increase the torque being transmitted, and up changes reduces engine speed. The ratios are given in the specification sheet, and these have to be multiplied by the final drive ratio to get the overall ratio. This ratio becomes important if you want to compare the torque output at the drive wheels. For example, 300 Nm transmitted through gear ratios of 0,8:1 (top gear) and 4:1 (final drive) give a 0,8 x 4,0 = 3,2:1 overall ratio. This will deliver 3,2 x 300 = 960 Nm at the drive wheels. This shows that engine specs on their own never give you the complete picture. The number of ratios has become an important consideration. At low engine speeds a lot of energy is lost due to the

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

TECH TALK air having to flow past a semi-closed throttle valve. At large throttle openings the losses are less, but fuel consumption gets worse because more energy is being delivered. The result is that every engine has a ‘sweet spot’ where the ratio between power delivered and fuel consumed is close to ideal, and the more gearbox ratios there are the closer the engine can get to this speed range. This explains why the number of gearbox ratios has increased and why some automatics now have as much as nine ratios. Over- and understeer Any wheel can only develop cornering grip by distorting to the extent that a small angle forms between the centerline of the contact patch and the wheel’s direction of travel. This is called the slip angle and its magnitude increases with an increase in down-force on the wheel as well as with an increase in cornering speed. The ratio between the average slip angle at the rear

wheels and the average slip angle at the front wheels determine what the car will do during cornering. If the front slip angles are greater, the driver will find that he has to turn the steering wheel more to take a particular corner at speed than to take the same corner at a walking pace. This is called under-steer. If the rear slip angles dominate, the driver will have to reduce the steering wheel angle when taking the corner at speed. This is called oversteer. Fuel tank The quoted fuel tank capacity is usually less than the maximum that the tank can take.

Most tanks have an air gap equal to about 13 per cent of the total volume to prevent the tank bursting in an accident, and also prevent spilling due to fuel expanding on a hot day. If a pump attendant keeps tricking more fuel in, after the automatic stop has kicked in, this extra fuel will fill the air gap and make the tank unsafe.

Jake Venter has worked as a mechanic, as an engineer in an engine assembly plant and as a lecturer, but now prefers journalism.

“Abandoned Solutions offers a LEGAL, COST FREE solution TO ALL DEALERS/WORKSHOPS/PANELSHOPS” WHAT WE DO?

Abandoned Solutions (Pty) Ltd offers various Motor Vehicle Dealerships and Workshops the opportunity to sell their claims with regards to outstanding invoices and monies where the dealership has rendered services and invoiced for work already, quoted, finished or assessed, in their workshops and where the owner of the vehicle has simply: • Failed to pay, • Is uncontactable & uncooperative or willing to settle • Abandoned their respective Vehicles • Passing onerous risk on to the dealership forcing them to store various unwanted vehicles • Occupying valuable rented workshop space by leaving their unwanted vehicles on the Dealerships Premises. Abandoned Solutions simply buys the outstanding claim by negotiating an acceptable price from the dealership and removes the vehicle with immediate effect, whilst taking ownership of the outstanding claim or invoice.

HOW IT WORKS? • • • •

•

Both Parties, simply negotiate the price per claim that the dealership is willing to sell at (Willing buyer willing seller principal) Contract per claim is finalized and the monies are paid immediately (effecting the sale) The vehicles are collected immediately or by way of arrangement (Removed as promised) Abandoned Solutions is now rightfully the owner of the claim or outstanding invoice (Dealership is free of the liability and no longer the rightful Creditor of that particular claim rather that ownership has passed to Abandoned Solutions Pty ltd) Abandoned Solutions will trace the client at its own risk and have the claim settled in full (this is how we2018 make money and bring value to the Dealership) DECEMBER/JANUARY

SOLUTION OFFERED •

We at Abandoned Solutions offer a quick, cost free solution to these problems.

We will: • A court order will be obtained within 4 – 6 weeks We will: • As an additional service, Abandoned Solutions can offer FREE temporary storage for abandoned vehicle should this be required during the clearing / salvage process.

Abandoned Solutions….…. we simply take care of your hassles……. And turn them into solutions……… Contact Robert Henderson on 011 450 0550 or 073 016 8424 Fax: E Mail: Address:

086 662 1148 rob@abandonedsolutions.co.za 72 Concorde Road East, Bedfordview, A3 (Head Office) www.automobil.co.za

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

LEGAL EAGLE

Does your e-mail signature constitute a valid signature?

ur signatures have been a unique form of identification authorizing important documents and concluding agreements for as long as can be remembered. However, the signing of documents can be a timeconsuming and frustrating process as it can take weeks to get a signature from all the parties involved. With the advent of the electronic age, the word ‘signature’ is no longer limited to its early definition, and now also includes electronic signatures as defined by the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (‘the Act’). In terms of Section 13 of the Act, an electronic signature is not without legal force and effect merely on the grounds that it is in electronic form. The Act defines ‘electronic signature’ as data attached to, incorporated in, or logically associated with other data and which is intended by the user to serve as a signature. ‘Data’ is defined as electronic representations of information in any form. The Act distinguishes between instances where the law requires a signature, for example a deed of sale for immovable property or suretyship, on the one hand, and those in which the parties

48 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

www.automobil.co.za

to a transaction impose this obligation upon themselves. Where a signature is required by law and the law does not specify the type of signature to be used, section 13(1) of the Act provides that this requirement is met only if an ‘advanced electronic signature’ is used. However, in the second instance, where the parties to an electronic transaction require a signature but do not specify the type of electronic signature to be used, section 13(3) of the Act provides that the requirement is met if a method

is used to identify the person signing, and to indicate the person’s approval of the information communicated and having regard to all the relevant circumstances at the time the method was used, the method was reliable and appropriate for the purposes for which the information was communicated. The question arises whether a signed agreement between parties can be amended by the use of electronic signatures? Will amendments agreed to by way of e-mail be regarded as

valid amendments to long-standing relationships? These questions have been considered in the recent case of Spring Forest Trading 599 CC v Wilberry (Pty) Ltd t/a Ecowash and Another (725/13) [2014] ZASCA 178 (21 November 2014).

Conclusion So, does your e-mail signature constitute a valid signature to sign or amend agreements? The answer to this question is a definite yes. From the judgment it is clear that e-mail communication can be treated in a similar manner as written communication, and simply printing one’s name at the foot of an e-mail can fulfil the requirement of ‘in writing’ for the purpose of a variation clause in agreements and to conclude agreements in general. This judgment is far reaching in the business environment, where hundreds of e-mails are sent per day. Prominently displaying employee roles and the inclusion of limitation to signing powers on e-mail signatures can dramatically reduce the risk of unauthorised amendments or conclusion of agreements. The following example can be used and included in current e-mail signatures to reduce your risk: “Company policy dictates that no agreements may be concluded or amended unless the required authority accompanies signatures. Contact us to enquire about signing authorities where any doubt exists.” RMI4law members enjoy the benefit of legal advice from an attorney 24 hours a day. If you wish to join RMI4law, call 0861 668 677. Legalex (Pty) Ltd, registration number 2003/003715/07, is an authorized Financial Services Provider (FSP 5277) and underwritten by Guardrisk Insurance Company Limited (FSP 26/10/75).

www.automobil.co.za

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

LABOUR

Disciplinary record at Arbitration Douw Breed, a director at Barnard Incorporated Attorneys, Centurion, highlights the importance of procedure when conducting a disciplinary hearing

ealing with misconduct that ultimately leads to a disciplinary hearing is a common occurrence. Ensuring that the disciplinary hearing is done in accordance with a fair procedure is essential because it will determine whether the dismissal was procedurally fair. The dismissal should not only be in accordance with a fair procedure, but also for a fair reason. If it is found that the reason for the dismissal was not fair, it will render the dismissal substantively unfair which, in turn, will give rise to risk and liabilities to the employer. To ensure the procedural and substantive fairness of such hearing, it is imperative that cognizance is taken of The Code of Good Practice: Schedule 8, which provides Employers with guidelines to follow when considering the fairness of a dismissal.

50 - DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

Once a hearing is scheduled for the alleged misconduct, the Chairperson of the hearing will record the hearing, either by handwritten notes or by making use of a mechanical recording to ensure that the full record of proceedings and evidence is recorded and available in the event that the matter proceeds further to arbitration or otherwise. Such record of proceedings, or part thereof, plays an important role as evidence in subsequent proceedings. In Hillside Aluminum (Pty) Ltd vs. Mathuse and Others a review application was brought seeking to set aside an earlier arbitration award given. The facts are as follows: The Employee, being the First Respondent in the review application, was employed by Hillside Aluminum (Pty) LTD, which

in turn was the Applicant in the review application. The Applicant was employed in the position of a specialist, being a contractor manager. He had access to extremely confidential information relating to service providers by virtue of his position. The employee was ultimately dismissed for misconduct of gross insubordination in circumstances where he refused to co-operate in the investigation into the alleged misconduct. The Applicant had a company policy or code of conduct that determined that employees who failed to co-operate in investigations of possible breaches regarding an employeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own behaviours, will constitute misconduct and might result in disciplinary action being taken. He was charged with gross insubordination following a statement made by a service provider alleging

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that the Employee leaked confidential information regarding a R100 million tender to its competition. After his dismissal, he referred the matter to the MEIBC. After all parties were afforded an opportunity to state their case, the Commissioner found that the dismissal was procedurally fair and that the employee indeed refused to co-operate with the investigation. It is important to note that the Commissioner made no finding on whether the employee was guilty of gross insubordination or not. The Commissioner consequently determined the appropriateness of the sanction. Summarised, the Commissioner found that the sanction was too severe, and in circumstances where that the Employee was not innocent and indeed committed misconduct, awarded the primary remedy of reinstatement, but without any backpay. For the Commissioner to arrive at his conclusion of the sanction being too severe, he focused mainly on two factors, with specific reference to the uncontested mitigating factors, as this was the Commissioner’s main consideration. The Commissioner considered that the parties agreed that the disciplinary hearing’s record was a true reflection of what transpired at the hearing. The Applicant then referred the matter to the Labour Court to review and set aside the arbitration award, and further raised several grounds for review. It also argued that the arbitrator considered the disciplinary record and relied on the fact that the Applicant has not raised aggravating factors at the disciplinary enquiry, and that the mitigating factors were uncontested. These issues were not raised at the arbitration and were not put to the Applicant’s witnesses.

The Court, on this point, indicated what the status of the disciplinary record, as evidence, would be before the arbitrator. The Court furthermore remarked that the law of evidence will be applicable in arbitration proceedings, especially where parties are represented.

The Court subsequently found that the Arbitrator erred in his finding and that he could not consider part of the record that was not introduced as evidence, especially in the absence of a clear agreement between the parties that the record will be regarded as evidence.

1. In the event that the authenticity of the record is disputed, then the party wanting to produce and rely on a document will have to prove the authenticity thereof, failing which it will result in the document being inadmissible; 2. If the parties agree that the documents are what they purport to be, then the party wanting to rely on a document will not have to prove the authenticity thereof and may lead evidence on it. These documents are required to be handed in as evidence – any part that has not been introduced as evidence cannot be relied on merely because it is part of the bundle of documents/trail bundle; 3. The parties agree that the documents in the bundle should be regarded as evidence. The effect is that even if the document was not introduced as evidence but is in the bundle, it may be relied upon as if it was evidence adduced before him/arbitrator.

Judge C. Prinsloo indicated that should the court’s finding be wrong, ‘another important factor comes into play’ – the audi alteram partem rule. This requires both parties to be afforded an opportunity to state their case ‘to every matter and every piece of evidence that the arbitrator may take into account’. If this rule is not followed, it will result in an unfair hearing. The arbitration award was set aside.

The Court further held that if the documents that the parties wanted to rely on was a transcript of a record of proceedings, the same principles will apply.

Ensuring that a proper agreement is reached between the parties at the arbitration with regard to the status of the record of the disciplinary hearing is vital, as it would determine the applicable principles to be applied as set out hereinabove. It will consequently ensure to successfully arbitrate the matter and, even more importantly so, should the Arbitrator disregard the very same principles, it might be tantamount to a gross irregularity on his/her part. Naturally, it will give rise to grounds for the aggrieved party for review.

In the matter at hand, it was common cause that the parties agreed that the record of the disciplinary hearing was what it purported to be. By applying the above principles, a part of the record could be introduced as evidence, and the record could be used during cross- examination.

Douw Breed is a director at Barnard Incorporated Attorneys, Centurion

www.automobil.co.za

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 -

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Improving Cash Flow: 6 Keys to Success Improving cash flow in a business can be achieved by following a couple of simple steps, says Pieter Scholtz

ash flow improvement has been made a mystery over time, and has become elusive for many business owners. However, there are just six Keys to improving your cash flow in any business. This means you only need to focus on six areas of your business to make a massive improvement. So what are these six keys to success: improving cash flow? Marginal Cash Analysis The figures in the following chart are all about your Cash Flow (NOT YOUR PROFIT). Cash flow Analysis Revenue

100

Cost of Goods

56.96

Gross Profit

43.04

Accounts Receivable

12.87

Inventory

0.28

Accounts Payable

1.17

Working Capital

11.98

Marginal Cash flow

31.05

Overheads

45.80

Net Variable Cash flow

-14.75

The above chart states, that for every R100 of new sales coming into the business, the business needs to find R14.75 in cash to fund sales (see the Net Variable Cash Flow Figure). Therefore, if we were to grow this business, we would need access to surplus cash e.g. line of credit, overdraft, cash at bank, etc. Area 1 – Revenue Improvement The first step in improving cash flow is revenue improvement via a price increase or an average value of sale increase. NOT volume of sales. More customers in the above situation will dramatically decrease the cash in the business. Therefore we

52 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

must improve price or sell items of a higher average value of sale. Area 2 – Cost of Goods Improvement A reduction in the Cost of Goods will help to improve the cash flow situation. This can be undertaken via a price improvement / average value of sale improvement as per Area 1. Additionally, you can reduce the actual Cost of Goods by changing supplier and / or getting a better deal from suppliers. Working with suppliers via tender process, telling them you are gaining additional quotes, purchasing online… there are literally hundreds of strategies our ActionCOACH community use to help you in this area. Area 3 – Accounts Receivable Improvement Accounts receivable, debtors, e.g., money your customers owe you. By collecting faster, getting deposits, progress payments, collecting payment at time of delivery, etc., are different ways to improve this figure. Your financial reports should tell you the average number of days your receivables are outstanding. The idea is to reduce the number of days in comparison to your current position. Area 4 – Inventory Reduction As with Area 3, it’s a matter of reducing the average number of days your inventory is sitting around. Sell off old stock, buy faster-moving stock, get stock on consignment, etc. Implementing a stock system, bundling slow-moving items (at a discount) with faster-moving items. The idea is to reduce the number of days in comparison to your current position. If this area is a problem, then work with one of our ActionCOACH business coaches and they will keep you on track to reducing this area.

Area 5 – Accounts Payable Increase Area 5 is different from the rest as we actually want to increase this number. The key is to pay your suppliers slower, while still keeping within trading terms of your suppliers. Increasing the amount owing to your suppliers keeps cash in your business longer. However, there is a trade-off… the money must be put to operational use NOT buying cars or toys, etc. Therefore, the idea is to increase the number of days in comparison to your current position. You can also use a 55-day interest-free credit card, BUT you need to fully pay the card by day 50, AND the card must only be used to pay creditors. Area 6 – Overhead Reduction Finally, let’s talk about our last key factor in improving cash flow. Reduction of Overheads / Expenses without reduction of required capabilities. For example, you would not terminate an effective sales person to reduce costs. However, you might reduce some admin personnel if they were not being fully utilized. You might sub-let some of your office space if it was vacant. Review your monthly costs and see where you can reduce the payment by changing suppliers, getting rid of the cost. Putting in a purchase ordering system will require their team members gaining authorization prior to spending the money. Many businesses we work with have an ‘after the fact’ system, e.g., they spend and then it’s too late. If you have a purchase ordering system, where the team need to list the item, the cost, the reason for wanting it, and a purchase order number… then you get to make a decision to spend or not to spend before the order is placed. In addition, you have a tracking number to check the order when the supplier delivers it. Many clients we’ve worked with are amazed at the number of times the supplier did not supply all goods, or the goods were invoiced at a much higher price.

www.automobil.co.za

Online modules:

What is

Technica? Designed to meet the automotive aftermarket’s requirements, this new interactive automotive training program introduces learners to the principles and applications of automotive repair. It equips the learner with a complete set of easy-to-use course materials. This innovative resource serves as an excellent supplement

• Alternative Fuels • Automatic Transmissions • Braking Systems • Charging Systems • Clutches and Manual Transmissions • Cooling Systems • Diesel Fuel Systems • Electrical Principles • Emission Control Systems • Engine Rebuilding • Final Drives and Drive Shafts • HVAC Systems • Ignition Systems • Intake and Exhaust Systems • Lighting Systems • Lubrication Systems • Peripheral Electrical Systems • Petrol Fuel Systems • SRS Safety Systems • Starting Systems • Steering Systems • Suspension Systems • Wheels, Tyres and Alignment • Workplace Communications

to other training programs, or can be used as a primary training solution for learners in the

A range of automotive textbooks available.

work environment.

CBMT Compliant

CH6790

For more information, call us on (011) 879 6021 or email andrewm@aaas.co.za

www.technica-online.com

www.automobil.co.za

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

TALKING POINT

MISA announces 2017 Woman of the Year The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) each year pays homage to the remarkable women in the motor retail sector with their Woman of the Year Award, the most prestigious of its kind in the motor retail sector.

The 2017 MISA Woman of the Year judges are, from left, Susan Reeva, Lara Theron, Nalini Ballaram and Ester de Beer Her mother earned R300 per month, yet still managed to ensure her children received schooling.

Phumzile Sabela is the 2017 Motor Industry Staff Assocation’s Woman of the Year, and also the Natal Region’s Regional Finalist

his year’s choice for the MISA Woman of the Year for 2017 fell on Phumzile Sabela of Bidvest McCarthy Hino Mobeni. Phumzile was crowned at a glittering awards ceremony at the end of November. The 2017 winner hails from Umlazi, is actively involved in various community projects, and impressed the judges with her enthusiasm, drive and compassion. She describes herself as a young woman from a very disadvantaged background. “Growing up, I had the basics,” she says. “By that I mean I had school shoes. When I went to church, I wore those same shoes.”

54 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

Year winner,” says Ester de Beer, one of the MISA judges. “She is humble, caring, and is the proverbial sunshine in the lives of others.”

“I am grateful to my mother, but I wanted to change my situation,” says Phumzile. “She has so much potential, and we have no doubt that she will make “Today, I am in control of my life. I don’t full use of the opportunities that her go to bed on an empty stomach, and I am year as MISA Woman of the Year will trying to uplift myself.” present,” adds fellow judge, Nalini Ballaram. In her quest for upliftment, Phumzile has not forgotten her community, and “We are not necessarily looking for the is involved with an organisation called most senior, most successful woman Icebonathando, a group of young people in the retail motor sector, but we are who are making a positive change in their looking for someone who has the community. potential to develop far beyond their current job title and role,” says Martle Earlier this year, with the help of her Keyter, MISA’s CEO Operations and Manager, Dave White, she arranged the National Coordinator of the MISA a high tea for a group of ‘gogos’ in Women’s Forum. her community. “The grannies were traumatised because of crime, and I “We are looking for someone who wanted to treat them,” she says. She has the potential to grow and develop even arranged a social worker to personally and professionally during counsel the ladies. her tenure as the MISA Woman of the Year,” she says. “And we know that “Phumzile has all the qualities we were this award will give Phumzile a welllooking for in a potential Woman of the deserved development opportunity.”

www.automobil.co.za

NOVEMBER 2017

TRAINING

Helping business to help others

he Automobile Association of South Africa NPC (AA) has been involved in training learners in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 2 to 4 qualifications, of Vehicle Repair and Maintenance, specialising in passenger and light commercial vehicles (Motor Mechanics), since 2015. Learners from different backgrounds participate in theoretical and practical simulation training at the AA Technical College. As workplace experience they serve time in the AA fleet workshop, and shadowed patrol staff assisting AA members on the side of the road. For 2017 a couple of host employers have also given precious OEM dealership experience and workshop exposure to many of the learners.

56 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

Skills development is the most obvious benefit of training learners, but other benefits are apparent. While the fleet workshop grapples with the problem of irregular capacity demands, based on unpredictable temperament of the vehicles, the workshop management needs to balance the cost of running the workshop. In times where little to no repairs are needed, there may be excess capacity, costing the company more money than possibly needed. In contrast to this extended repair times due to lack of capacity costs the company money. The learners are an excellent buffer for this as they can be utilised in times of need and thus gain valuable experience. Most companies only view the cost to company benefit, as it is calculable through conventional accounting practices, however there are other not

so directly apparent benefits of having trainees around. The AA Technical College invites interested workplaces to participate in assisting our youth gain entry to the motor industry, and create their own bright future. Whilst companies are encouraged to take on their own learners, the AA Technical College is also willing allow interested workshops to act as host employers, and give our learners broader exposure to different working environments. The AA would appreciate assistance from workshops willing to take some of the learners for a short period on a rotational basis at no cost! However terms and conditions apply. For more information please email us at AATrainingJHB@aasa.co.za or AndrĂŠ at andre.pistorius@aasa.co.za.

www.automobil.co.za

What is a learnership? A learnership is a structured learning process for gaining theoretical knowledge through an accredited training provider and practical skills in the workplace, leading to a qualiﬁcation registered on the NQF. A learnership is outcomes-based and not time-based and allows for recognition of prior learning. Learnership duration varies but the average is about 12 months.

Who is eligible to enter a learnership programme? Any person, employed or unemployed, may apply to register for a learnership: Ÿ If you are employed, you may register for a learnership programme

within the sector where your company or organisation operates; or

Ÿ If you are unemployed, you may register for placement in a

learnership programme at your local labour centre or with employers in your area.

The Department of Labour refers unemployed individuals, who meet the minimum criteria, to employers looking for learners.

How does one apply for a learnership programme? Ÿ If you are employed, ﬁnd out which learnerships are available in the

sector in which you work. Upon deciding which learnership programme is appropriate, you will need to enter into an agreement with your employer stating your rights and responsibilities as a learner; or

Ÿ If you are unemployed, you must register your proﬁle at the nearest

Department of Labour ofﬁce, after which you may be referred to employers who may be looking for learners to enter learnership programmes.

What is an apprenticeship?

WE CARE

It’s about caring for people we render services to

The apprenticeship system is a well-known technical training system, which covers both practical and theoretical components offered in listed trades. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass a trade test to qualify as an artisan.

WE BELONG

Who is eligible for an apprenticeship programme?

It’s about working together with colleagues

Any South African citizen, 16 years or older. There are different admission requirements for the various trades. Competence in Maths, Science and English will enhance your chances of selection.

WE SERVE

How does one apply to enter an apprenticeship programme?

It’s about going beyond the call of duty

Ÿ If you are unemployed, you may apply to a company that is offering

an apprenticeship programme; or

w www.merseta.org.za @mersetasocial

Ÿ If you are employed, consult with your employer as to the

merSETA Social

requirements and correct procedures to be followed to enter an apprenticeship programme.

LEADERS IN CLOSING THE SKILLS GAP www.automobil.co.za

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

EVENTS

TyreExpo Africa 2018: The Gateway to the SA tyre community the tyre ecosystem in Africa and the surrounding regions, from policy makers to private sector groups like tyre manufacturers, OEMs, distributors, dealers, retailers, fleet operators, and garage owners.

yrexpo Africa, Africa’s only dedicated tyre platform that brings together a comprehensive community of key players and thought leaders representing the tyre community, will be held from 10 to 12 April 2018 at the Gallagher Convention Centre Hall 2. The 7th edition of Tyrexpo Africa is poised to become Africa’s only endto-end tyre event that will play host to over 3 000 stakeholders within

Organised by SingEx Exhibitions, Tyrexpo Africa has since evolved beyond a trade exhibition. It now serves as the region’s converging platform for knowledge sharing, an innovation and technology showcase, as well as business networking within the communities in the entire tyre ecosystem. The inaugural edition of GarageXpo Africa, held alongside Tyrexpo Africa, unifies the rapidly developing automotive aftermarket communities in Africa and the surrounding regions. Driven by the demand of the market, the event will serve as a specially

curated platform to strengthen the exchange of latest trends and expertise, as well as showcasing innovative solutions within the communities. Tyrexpo Africa will also be co-located with RubberTech Africa, the world’s leading international exhibition on rubber technology. RubberTech Africa will serve as a platform for key stakeholders of the rubber industry and those of the African rubber market to engage in meaningful exchange. With all three events under one roof, you can expect an action-packed exhibition that gathers tyre, automotive repair and maintenance, and rubber communities. Contact Leah at leah.jurado@singex.com or +65 6403 2176 to find out how you can be part of this exciting event. Alternatively, visit www.tyrexpoafrica.com or www. garagexpoafrica.com

www.fishgate.co.za_CT_7570

*The views and opinions expressed in this advertorial do not necessary reflect those of the RMI or its constituent associations.

Ctrack Fleet Tracking and Recovery offers everything you need to run a more productive fleet and save up to 20% on fuel and maintenance costs. 0860 333 444 • sales@ctrack.co.za • www.ctrack.co.za

58 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018Superior Vehicle Tracking | Stolen Vehicle Response | Insurance Telematics | Fleet www.automobil.co.za Management Solutions

W NE T UC

REVOLUTIONARY SHOCK ABSORBER

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

FAQs Question Siya is employed by Sell-Well (Pty) Ltd. On 9 September 2017, a fellow employee’s cellular phone disappeared at the workplace. Subsequent thereto, the employer conducted a thorough investigation and Siya was suspected of theft. Consequently, Siya was charged with theft and the disciplinary hearing was scheduled for 20 September 2017. On the date of the hearing, Siya arrived with an external legal representative and requested of the chairperson that he be permitted to be legally represented, despite the company’s disciplinary policy providing the following: “In a disciplinary hearing, an employee can be represented by a fellow employee or a representative of a recognised trade union…” Can Siya’s employer or the chairperson of the hearing refuse Siya’s request for external legal representation solely due to the aforementioned clause?

Experts from Massermule consulting answer your labour related questions

Answer Due to clauses in company policy of the type in the question above, employers disallow external legal representation at disciplinary hearings. In MEC: Department of Finance, Economic Affairs and Tourism, Northern Province v Mahumani (2004) ILJ 2311 (SCA) the employee was refused the right to an external legal representative. The Supreme Court of Appeal (“SCA”) confirmed that in certain circumstances, it may indeed be unfair to deny legal representation in a disciplinary hearing. In certain situations, the absence of legal representation may put an employee at such a disadvantage, that he or she would not be able to present his or her case in a proper manner unless legal representation is allowed. There is no right to legal representation, as confirmed

by the SCA in the aforementioned case. The chairperson always retains a discretion to allow or deny legal representation, even if the employer’s disciplinary procedure states otherwise. The employer’s rules do not trump the employee’s right to a fair hearing. It follows that the employer cannot merely argue that its policy is not to allow legal representation and that Siya’s request should not be considered on that basis alone. All such requests must be considered by the chairperson and he or she must exercise a discretion as to whether or not to allow it. The following factors, among others, should be considered: a) the nature of the charges (e.g. if they are of a criminal nature); b) the factual or legal complexity of the

60 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

case (e.g. if the case raises questions of legal interpretation or involves complex forensic reports); c) potential seriousness of the consequences of the outcome for the employee (e.g. if it may lead to the employee being excluded from his or her profession); d) the prejudice that the employer might suffer if it is allowed (e.g. lengthy delays, problems related to consistent application of the rule regarding representation in the future or having to employ its own lawyer in response to the employee being permitted legal representation); and e) whether the employee, if found guilty, may lose accreditation from a professional body. Legal representation in a disciplinary hearing remains the exception and not the rule. What the chairperson must do is consider the request in the light of the factors mentioned and then make a decision.

www.automobil.co.za

WHEREVER THERE ARE CARS,

THEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;S MAHLE

www.automobil.co.za

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

MEMBERUPDATE

The RMI welcomes these new businesses into membership

021 Auto

Goodwood

Iceberg Aircons & Compressors

3PE Autobody

Randburg

Cape Town

Richard Service Centre

Krugersdorp

Roamer Rand

Germiston

JEG Diesel

Cape Town

Roelfs Auto Electrical

Pretoria

Boksburg

Rola Ford Swellendam

Swellendam

AD Automotive

Krugersdorp

LRD Autoworx

AD Motors KZN Group

Pietermaritzburg

Autobodys Automotive

Claremont

M and M Towing

Polokwane

S & E Panelbeaters and

Autohaus Angel

Cape Town

MJ Border Panelbeaters

Steelpoort

Spraypainting

Azanian Ocean Motors

Barberton

Maoze & Sons

Mokopane

SAS Polokwane

Matira Engineering Solutions

Polokwane

Sejokga Trading and Projects

McGees Auto

Goodwood

Mister Goodwrench

Durban

T20 Taxi

Port Elizabeth

B Bondi Holdings

Polokwane

Roodepoort

Ga-Rankuwa

CE Motor Clinic

Bellville

Mpire Auto

Sandton

TCTS Group Autobody

Roodepoort

Clearwater BMW

Roodepoort

MTM Auto Mechanic and Projects

Tzaneen

Transmission Technologies

Cape Town

Clubview Shell

Centurion

Twelve 21

Pinetown

Newshelf 136

Devlin Auto Service Centre

Edenvale

Germiston

V Vaal Auto Craft

Peugeot Pinetown

Pinetown

Vanderbijlpark

EP Muffler Fasfit – Bestdrive

Grahamstown

Phenix Workshop

Pretoria

Wards Steytlerville

Ezetech Auto

Mount Edgecombe

Power Torque Africa

Makhado

We Buy Cars

Centurion

West London Performance

Cape Town

Pro Rem Civil and Mechanical

F1 Auto Clinic

Boksburg

Front Row Autobody Holdings

Randburg

Engineering

BENEFITS OF BELONGING

With a membership of 7 500, the RMI provides a very effective collective voice that gives members considerable clout in negotiating better trading conditions. As the lead voice in the motor industry, the RMI is a member-driven organisation that constantly seeks solutions to concerns raised by members in the day-to-day running of their businesses.

64 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

Mokopane

X Xcel Automotive Centre

Durban

ADVERTISERS AUTOMOBIL - DEC/JAN 2018 EDITION CLIENTS

CONTACT WEBSITE

PAGE

Abandoned Solutions

011 450 0550

n/a

Africa Automotive Aftermarket Solutions

011 870 6000

www.aaas.co.za

25 & 53

Aer O Cure

011 444 6454

www.aerocure.co.za

OBC

Alert Engine Parts

011 870 0300

www.alertengineparts.com

Autocosmos Biz (Electrolog)

012 327 6210

www.autocosmos.co.za

Automobil Association Technical College

011 799 1068

www.aa.co.za

Automotive Industry Development centre

012 564 5000

www.aidc.co.za

CDK Global

011 998 6000

www.cdkglobal.co.za

Ctrack

012 450 2222

www.ctrack.co.za

Kigima Auto Electrical Training Centre

012 327 2586

www.kigima.co.za

Mahle Aftermarket

+4911 501-13204

www.mahle.com

Merseta

010 219 3000

www.merseta.org.za

IFC,25 &57

Motor Industry Staff Association

011 476 3920

www.misa.org.za

Moto Health Care

0861 000 300

www.motohealthcare.co.za

10 & 11

Robert Bosch

011 651 9600

www.bosch.co.za

35 & 41

Silver Falcon Trading

083 628 2288

www.hurricaneauto.co.za

62 & 63

SingEx Exhibitions

(65) 6403 2100

www.singex.com

Willard Batteries

011 706 7184

www.willard.co.za

www.automobil.co.za

The flexible way to book your service

Introducing Service Online by Now your customers can book their next service on your website, even when your workshop is closed. Complete integration with the DMS means they can choose available appointments that suit their schedule. www.automobil.co.za

To find out more visit www.cdkglobal.co.za/SOL

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

TAIL PIECE

Cutting Edge Thinking in Cancer Treatment meets Car Making After being diagnosed with cancer, Mike Butler was fascinated by the process through which patients were treated – but saw an opportunity to introduce practices from the car manufacturing facility, where he works, so that it might run more smoothly.

orking together with his colleagues, at the Ford assembly plant, in Cologne, in Germany, quality director Butler and the team researched and proposed changes that are now being implemented as part of what is expected to become Europe’s biggest dedicated cancer unit. And this has since developed into a two-way flow of ideas, as hospital staff at the renowned Centre for Integrated Oncology (CIO) at the University of Cologne, one of the leading cancer centres in Germany, are bringing their experience of working with big data to bear on Ford research into future vehicles. “I spent five years in treatment rooms and thought about how I could make life easier for patients,” said Butler, who is now in remission from colon cancer. “There was a real lightbulb moment when I realised that many of the systems that ensure car plants run

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smoothly could be applied to the hospital. Now there is an ideas exchange that is benefitting patients today, and could also help the way we move tomorrow. The more we work together the more synergies we find between our work at Ford and the challenges faced in cancer research.”

It was back in 2008 that medical staff were first shown the advanced technologies and efficient processes that have enabled the Ford Fiesta Cologne plant to become one of the world’s most efficient vehicle production plants. A team of 10 to 15 Ford engineers met with hospital administrators as well as patients, nurses, doctors, and the 17-QA/0874/13 ELECTRICAL collaboration blossomed from there.

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Designed to ensure treatment is less stressful and faster, coloured lines on walls and floors make it easier for staff, patients and visitors to find their way around; and large screens will help make

communication between key medical employees easier. The team also proposed flexible rooms with removable dividers rather than rigid wards and fixed nursing stations. At the existing facility, all of this has already contributed to a 30 per cent improvement in patient flow. Meanwhile, the medical teams at the hospital are advising Ford on the processes they use to conceive and develop completely different approaches to tackling cancer. The company is now applying this “outside the box” thinking in relation to future vehicles and new technologies. “Medicine is an ever-changing science where small changes have a huge impact on the lives of patients,” said Prof Dr Michael Hallek, the director of the CIO – that has been repeatedly honoured by German Cancer Aid as the top oncological centre. “With Ford’s help, we are making huge improvements that will benefit the lives and treatment of future patients for years to come. And hopefully, some of our methods of doing things will help Ford to develop what mobility might look like in the future.” Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/ lnIBA1QXBiw

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