Automobil May 2016 by Future Publishing

MAY 2016

EFFICIENCY IN MOTION A milestone in auto engineering

TALKING PLAINLY

Q&A with Jeรกnne Esterhuizen, President of the RMI

THE COMPONENTS INDUSTRY:

ALUMINIUM'S BRIGHT FUTURE

RMI UPDATE: SKILLS RUN SHORT ACROSS THE GLOBE, TUKELA GIVES BACK, www.automobil.co.za DERICK MATHEBULA ACHIEVES HIS GOALS, FIVE STAR GRADING FOR SWEDO TECH, ROAD TO WORLDSKILLS 2017, AIDC HOSTS PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE

MAY 2016

22 -MAY NOVEMBER 2014 2016

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CONTENTS – MAY 2016 COLUMNS 5

Driver’s Seat

Jakkie Oliver, CEO of the RMI

7 9 56

Editor’s Letter: Wynter Murdoch Hot Stuff: New product showcase Frequently Asked Questions: Answers from the experts

66 Tailpiece Editor: Wynter Murdoch wynter@thefuture.co.za Sub-editor: Peggy Lendrum peggy@thefuture.co.za Reporters: Pritesh Ruthun pritesh@thefuture.co.za Ryan de Smidt ryan@thefuture.co.za Kieran Rennie kieran@thefuture.co.za Reuben Van Niekerk reuben@thefuture.co.za Publisher: Richard Lendrum richard@thefuture.co.za Production: Mabel Ramafoko mabel@thefuture.co.za Design and layout: Heinz Bawa heinz@thefuture.co.za Advertising Sales Executives: Enver Lawangi, Greg Surgeon, Kieran Rennie enver@thefuture.co.za greg@thefuture.co.za kieran@thefuture.co.za Future Publishing (Pty) Ltd 1 Cecil Avenue, Melrose Estate, Johannesburg PO Box 3355, Rivonia, 2128 Tel: +27 (11) 268-6297

UPDATES

P22

At full throttle

Going places

RMI Update

It’s been a busy start to the year for the RMI in KwaZuluNatal, says regional manager Julian Pillay Skills run short across the globe, Tukela gives back, Derick Mathebula achieves his goals, Five star grading for Swedo Tech, Road to World Skills 2017, AIDC hosts partnership initiative, Partinform on the road

COVER STORY 22

P36

Aluminium’s bright future

To keep pace with emerging global trends, South Africa’s automotive industry would be required to incorporate more and more aluminium in domestically built vehicles

FEATURES

P48

RMI Automobil’s Editorial Sub-Committee: Chairman: John Ellmore; Gary McCraw, Gideon de Klerk, Lilian Hansen, Shamika Singh, Danelle Van Der Merwe, Marwaan Davids, Wynter Murdoch, Greg Surgeon, Jakkie Olivier, Jan Schoeman

Automobil is the official journal of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) which hosts 14 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); NAZA (number plate association); 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).

Talking plainly

Dunlop: Confident and bullish

Efficiency in motion

More for your money

Ready for another revolution

Change of marital dispensation

Sexual harassment in the workplace

Get out of the pits

Automobil is available to purchase from the publishers at R25 a copy. Automobil is published by Future Publishing (Pty) Ltd and produced for the Retail Motor Industry Organisation. Opinions expressed in Automobil are not necessarily those of the publishers or the Retail Motor Industry Organisation. Permission to republish any article or image or part thereof must be obtained in writing from the publisher. © Future Publishing (Pty) Ltd.

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P10

Jeff Molefe, director of the RMI’s Motorcycle Dealers’Association outlines some of the benefits of belonging – and some of the issues and challenges that face the body

Jeánne Esterhuizen, President of the RMI, answers questions regarding her role within the Organisation, and her goals and ambitions for it Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, manufacturers of Dunlop tyres, invested R2,0-billion to upgrade and expand its manufacturing plant at Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal A concept vehicle that requires about half the energy to build and run than a typical small family car has been developed by Shell – and one of its designers is South African-born Gordon Murray The weak rand makes foreign investment in local vehicle manufacture great value, says David Furlonger Camshafts in engines will begin to disappear soon, their function replaced by electro-hydraulic or electromechanical valve operating systems, says Jake Venter Spouses who got married in community of property have the option to change the matrimonial regime applicable to their union by way of an application to court Sexual harrasment can take on different guises and is regarded as one of the most serious forms of misconduct in the workplace One of the biggest problems for business owners is that they convince themselves that being busy is what business is all about, says accredited business coach Fergus Ferguson

MAY 2016 -

BENEFITS OF BELONGING The RMI has represented the retail motor trade for over 100 years. Our 7 500 members across 14 trade associations are serviced out of six offices around the country, manned by a staff of 74. Through MIBCO structures, we represent members on the board of Moto Health Care and the motor industry pension funds. Handling labour negotiations on your behalf through the centralised bargaining forum removes the nightmare of possible shop floor negotiations. We actively drive industry-wide training and apprenticeship issues through our position on the MERSETA Board and our involvement with the Technica CDX training manuals. Unparalleled industrial relations support, with highly qualified specialists at each regional office; free phone advice on employment issues; low-priced on-site advice and assistance; representation at the CCMA and labour courts; seminars on labour-related matters; and free

industrial relations kit on joining. Exceptional support with regard to the CPA is also provided, including free online and DVD training material and telephonic legal advice on CPA-related matters. Advertising on national radio stations and local newspapers, urging motorists to do business with RMI-accredited members, profiling the RMI and its constituent associations. A consumer complaint resolution rate of 95%. A quality and standards function that works to reduce and eliminate the marketing of substandard parts and goods. A personal and professional focus on road safety. The RMI is regularly invited to comment by both print and broadcast media and participates in and hosts numerous conventions and shows. Effective communication, including Automobil magazine, which facilitates two-way communication to a far greater degree and delivers greater levels of consumer awareness. Ongoing new developments.

There are also our products: RMI4BEE: assistance on B-BBEE matters, with an accreditation service and the compilation of a National B-BBEE Register. RMI4Car & Home Insurance – car and household insurance, personal accident cover, car rental and vintage car insurance; RMI4Emergency – emergency transport and trauma room cover; RMI4Insurance – CPA, labour, liability and fuel deposit insurance; RMI4Life – Key-man, funeral, accident and life insurance, coupled with a savings and education-provider product; RMI4Law: our 24-hour legal advisory service. RMI4OHS: occupational health and safety (OHS) assistance. RMI4Recruit: recruitment and placement assistance. RMI4Sure: our own best-value short-term insurance.

NeedNeed to get hold of of the Page10 8 of forall allthe thecontact contact details to get hold theRMI? RMI?Turn Turn to to page of this this issue issue for details.

MAY 2016 December/January 2015/16

EFFICIENCY IN CAPITAL INJECTION MOTION BMW sets SA A milestone in investment record auto engineering

TALKING PLAINLY

Q&A with Jeánne Esterhuizen, President of the RMI

Vehicle Testing Association

VEHICLE TESTING ASSOCIATION –

Addressing fraud and corruption in the industry

APDP IN REVIEW

THE COMPONENTS INDUSTRY:

ALUMINIUM'S BRIGHT Government policy shifts FUTURE gear

RMI BULLETIN: RMI – THE EMPLOYER OF CHAMPIONS; FRANK MAC NICOL RECEIVES ERA EXCELLENCE AWARD; ACCOLADES FOR MOTOR BUSINESSES; RMI UPDATE: SKILLS RUN SHORT ACROSS THE GLOBE, TUKELALAB GIVES BACK, www.automobil.co.za DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015/16 -1 www.automobil.co.za MAY 2016 1 DERICK MATHEBULA ACHIEVES HIS GOALS, FIVETHE STAR GRADING FOR OF SWEDO NEW STAFF MEMBERS AT THE RMI; MIBCO AND LEC, OUTCOMES THE AGMs TECH, ROAD TO WORLD SKILLS 2017, AIDC HOSTS PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE

MAY 2016 64 MARCH 2016

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DRIVER’S SEAT

When the winds of change blow the RMI chooses to build windmills instead of walls, says the Organisation’s CEO, Jakkie Olivier

ohn F Kennedy, one of the more revered American presidents, famously said that “change is the law of life.” In the modern era of doing business, we cannot escape the reality of change and successful businesses are those that proactively adapt to the ever-increasing demands of the environments in which they operate. For the RMI, as an employer’s organisation collectively looking after the entire automotive aftermarket, continuous and effective change means staying focused and relevant. It also means adapting to and fulfilling the needs of its members. In the context of individual businesses operated by our members, continuous change means satisfying the needs of demanding customers, coping with a gloomy economy and remaining financially sound. The RMI and its affiliated members have to work together to find the ultimate business or operating model – not only to satisfy the needs of business in general, but to continue to add value for the motoring public. Don’t forget that RMI members subscribe to strict minimum accreditation criteria and a code of conduct – that’s why we can state with confidence that the Organisation provides “peace of mind” to the motoring public. As Charles Darwin, the father of evolution, discovered, it is not the strongest of the species that survive –or the most intelligent – but the one that is most responsive to change. The definitive business or operating model for the RMI

calls for persistent change and the ability to readjust, ensuring products and service delivery of high standards aligned to current business interests and needs.

organisation, underpinned by enhanced modern business practices aimed at improved service and product delivery to members. This will ensure specific services that resonate with the intense specialisation It was this truth that made the RMI’s that we are witnessing in all sectors of inmanagement team realise that, after the dustry, while the duplication of services and successful implementation of Project Renew- infrastructure through the regional focus will al in 2013, in order for the RMI to remain be reduced. relevant and continue to represent a value proposition for its 7 500 members, it had to After all the RMI’s regional and national adopt a learning culture and strive towards executive committees have been properly continued improvement. briefed and consulted during roadshows, the Board will consider and approve the impleThe extended RMI management team conmentation plan for this strategy at its June sequently engaged in a strategic planning 2016 meeting. and team building session early in March 2016, which resulted in the development of We believe that organisational change is an organisational transformation strategy. critical for success and that the envisaged The well-considered plan was presented to transformation strategy will again deliver the – and approved by – the RMI’s Board at its required and desired outcomes in the interest quarterly meeting during March 2016. of the retail motor industry and the motoring public during 2016 and beyond – because The strategy involves the migration of the when the winds of change are blowing, we RMI from a regionally focused organisation at the RMI choose to build windmills instead to a more specialised, association-focused of walls.

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

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MAY 2016 -

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.

NAZA (Number Plate Association of South Africa) NAZA supports the imposition of a national standard for number plates, as well as for legislation to govern their manufacture, embossing practice and protocol. NAZA members adhere to a strict code of ethics in ensuring their part in eradicating corruption within the sector. TA

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

6 - MAY 2016

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EDITOR’S LETTER

INSIGHTS INTO THE AUTO INDUSTRY

his edition of Automobil offers a myriad of insights into the everchanging nature of the automotive industry – from the way global light-weighting trends are increasing demand for aluminium in mass vehicle production, to new concepts in car design that show how energy and efficiency costs can be cut substantially through co-operative partnerships.

In his Tech Talk column, Jake Venter discusses the advent of cam-less engines – no longer the stuff of science fiction but a concept which is fast becoming a reality following H COLLEGE AD MAY 2015 5/8/15 10:11 AM Page 1 the demonstration recently of a developmental unit in Sweden by none

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other than supercar manufacturer Koenigsegg. Other engine developers are working on similar concepts.

involved-in-everything approach, read Fergus Ferguson’s assessment of the damage workaholics can cause. And you may be interested to read, too, the legal definition of sexual harassment in the workplace.

It’s not only the future of motoring that falls in the spotlight – the present is highlighted equally dextrously through a plain talking interview with Jeánne Esterhuizen, president of the RMI, who examines some of the challenges faced not only by the Organisation, but also by the wider automotive industry in general.

As promised, the Automobil team brings you coverage of two recent Partinform events – the latest show in Vredenburg in the Cape and the previous event in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. And, as we do every month, we bring you up to speed regarding an RMI affiliate – in this case the Motorcycle Dealers’ Association – and keep you abreast of happenings within the Organisation.

And, in Inside Line, David Furlonger presents a positive side of the country’s dismal exchange rate, explaining how much it represents as a value-add for foreign investors who are keen to ramp up manufacturing facilities here. Business, as usual, plays a significant role in this edition. If you’ve ever thought that your business C M Y couldn’t CM MY CY CMY survive without your hands-on,

I hope you enjoy reading this edition of Automobil as much as we enjoyed putting it together. K

Wynter Murdoch Editor

MAY 2016

NEWS

SPEAK TO US RMI EXECUTIVES

hief Executive Officer: C Jakkie Olivier jakkie.olivier@rmi.org.za

SAMBRA Edwin Martin edwin.martin@rmi.org.za SAPRA Vacant

Chief Operations Officer & Human Resources Director: Jan Schoeman jan.schoeman@rmi.org.za

TDAFA, ACRA Hedley Judd hedley.judd@rmi.org.za

Financial Director: Renee Coetsee renee.coetsee@rmi.org.za

TRAINING, TRANSFORMATION & ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT Marwaan Davids marwaan.davids@rmi.org.za

Company Secretary: Gary McCraw gary.mccraw@rmi.org.za

RMI BOARD MEMBERS

Jeánne Esterhuizen (President) Barry Canning (Vice-President) Ferose Oaten Jakkie Olivier Bruce Allen Lindsay Bouchier Pumza Gcanga Les McMaster George Nyabadza

RMI PARTNERS

SADFIA Louis van Huyssteen louis.vanhuyssteen@rmi.org.za ERA Pieter Niemand pieter.niemand@rmi.org.za

@AutomobilSA

www.rmi.org.za

NAZA Julian Pillay julian.pillay@rmi.org.za MPEA, MIMA Erwin Stroebel erwin.stroebel@rmi.org.za MDA Jeff Molefe jeffrey.molefe@rmi.org.za

RMI4Sure 0860-104-202 RMI4Law 0861-668-677 RMI4BEE 0861-764-233 RMI4Recruit 0860-772-222 RMI4OHS 012-998-7139

RMI HEAD RMI HEADOFFICE OFFICE Danelle van der Merwe Brand and Communication Manager danelle.vandermerwe@rmi.org.za

DIRECTORS

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

Q&S, SAVABA, FRICTION STANDARDS Twala Boco twala.boco@rmi.org.za

011-789-2542 | www.rmi.org.za

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

Surrey Square Office Park 330 Surrey Avenue Ferndale Randburg 2194

NAAASP EMPOWERMENT Marwaan Davids marwaan.davids@rmi.org.za NADA Gary McCraw gary.mccraw@rmi.org.za

RMI REGIONAL OFFICES Highveld: Jeff Molefe jeffrey.molefe@rmi.org.za Randburg: 011-886-6300

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

8 - MAY 2015

Facebook.com/AutomobilSA

Vehicle Testing Association

Northern: Pieter Niemand pieter.niemand@rmi.org.za Pretoria: 012-348-9311 KwaZulu-Natal: Julian Pillay julian.pillay@rmi.org.za Durban: 031-266-7031 Eastern Cape/Border: Erwin Stroebel erwin.stroebel@rmi.org.za Port Elizabeth: 041-364-0070 Western Cape: Joy Oldale joy.oldale@rmi.org.za Cape Town: 021-939-9440 Free State/Northern Cape: Louis van Huyssteen louis.vanhuyssteen@rmi.org.za Bloemfontein: 051-430-3294

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HOT STUFF Ultra-high performance tyre from Goodyear

NEW PRODUCTS

A medic in your seatbelt

Goodyear has introduced an ultrahigh performance tyre that is said to deliver shorter braking distances on wet and dry roads, responsive handling and impeccable cornering control. Branded the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3, the tyre will be manufactured in selected sizes to fit 17- to 20-inch rims. The company perceives the premium quality, ultra-high performance tyre sector to be a growth market driven primarily by increasing global demand for vehicles in the C, D and E segments. “The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 redefines tyre performance for powerful saloons and sports cars as well as their driver’s expectations. Significant efforts went into optimising the tyre for outstanding safety and performance,” a company spokesman says in a statement.

Seatbelt Medic is a compact emergency device designed to attach to a motor vehicle’s seatbelt. The purpose of Seatbelt Medic is to provide vital life-saving medical information regarding the wearer in the event of an emergency.

A key feature is active braking technology which is designed to increase the contact surface and grip under retardation, resulting in a shorter braking distance. Additionally, a grip booster compound is said to ensure increased traction during braking and cornering, while a sticky, adhesive resin within the tyre delivers strong handling performance on wet or dry roads.

The device carries two inner information cards which contain the bearer’s name and medical information, including medical aid membership number, blood type, allergies and medical conditions. The second card incorporates a photograph of the bearer for quick and easy identification, plus details of next of kin and doctor’s contact details.

“Reinforced construction technology allows for steering precision and durability by delivering a stronger, lightweight tyre that is notable for its handling qualities, tread wear and fuel efficiency,” the statement says.

A windshield decal is supplied to indicate that the vehicle is equipped with Seatbelt Medic. Cost of the device is R30 excluding VAT. For more information log on to www.seatbeltmedic.com

30 Years of experience Specialising in automatic transmissions with expertise on the premium brands

083 449 0747 011 609 4484 / 2752 mike@executivetransmissions.co.za www.executivetransmissions.co.za www.automobil.co.za Address - Unit 1, 9 Fountain Rd, Eastleigh, Edenvale, Gauteng

MAY 2016 -

NEWS

BMW unveils Centennial Seven

MW took the wraps off the newest member of its 7-Series range at an exclusive launch event last month in Munich, held in the historical buildings that are home to BMW Group Classic. The new 7-Series, a limited edition centennial

model of which only 100 units will be produced, shared the limelight with pen maker, Montblanc, which crafted for the occasion a BMW Centennial fountain pen. The exclusive writing instrument – also limited to 100 units – was designed in collabora-

tion with BMW and will be presented to every owner of the centennial model. The picture shows Hildegard Wortmann, head of BMW’s product management division and Karim Habib, head of the company’s design division, with the new car.

Tshwane to host SAAW

rganisers of South African Automotive Week (SAAW) have announced that this year’s event will be held from October 11 to 13 at the Tshwane Events Centre, Pretoria. Over 200 international buyers from over 20 countries are expected to attend.

site tours. About 10 000 m2 of space has been allocated to the component manufacturing sector, while a major addition will be TDM Africa, a trade show dedicated to the tool, die and mouldmaking sector which is said to have attracted a sizeable German delegation.

The programme schedule includes business-to-business sessions, an automotive industry seminar, workshops, networking functions and

Director Andrew Binning says SAAW’s focus will be on market access and the linking of buyers and suppliers across the supply chain. “A key aspect of

10 - MAY 2016

developing markets is SAAW's ability to bring together not only manufacturers and their supply chain partners from the automotive sector, but also from other sectors like defence, aviation, railways and mining,” he says. The Tooling Association of South Africa (TASA), has joined the national Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (NAAMSA) and the RMI as official partners in the hosting of SAAW.

www.automobil.co.za

Mitsubishi admits to rigging fuel economy figures

itsubishi Motors in Japan has admitted in a statement to manipulating test data involving 625 000 domestic vehicles in order to improve fuel economy claims. The affected models include those supplied to fellow Japanese manufacturer Nissan, which discovered the manipulation, the statement says. The two companies are discussing compensation and Mitsubishi is also checking whether the cheating affected export models. The company is suspected of manipulating the load placed on the tyres of four different models in order to make their fuel economy performance

appear better, according to a news report in Japan. The admission that Mitsubishi swayed its figures comes on the back of the Volkswagen scandal, in which the German company acknowledged meeting US emissions standards by rigging its diesel models with software that detected when fuel economy tests were being conducted. Nissan discovered Mitsubishi’s ploy when it conducted tests on an eK model which it buys from the company and rebadges as a Dayz for sale in the Japanese market. According to Braam Faul, national marketing manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa, none of the affected Mitsubishis have been sold here. “The

D-day for Volkswagen

vehicles – the eK-Wagon, eK-Space as well as the Dayz and Dayz Roox – were produced and sold in Japan between June 2013 and March 2016,” he said. He added, however, that Mitsubishi had set up a committee consisting of external experts to investigate products manufactured by the company for the export market. “Results of the investigation will be published as soon as it has been completed," he said.

Isuzu Truck SA introduces low cost genuine parts

ood sales growth has allowed Isuzu Truck South Africa to stock up on genuine replacement parts bought in bulk from Japan at substantial discounts – with savings passed directly to the local consumer.

The advantage of having Isuzu genuine OEM parts fitted in a truck in the event of a breakdown is that the same parts that were used to build the truck are fitted, thus helping to prolong the life cycle of the vehicle.

In the US, the brand is said to have agreed to set aside at least $10-billion (about R150-billion) to resolve civil claims by the government and lawsuits by owners of rigged models. In settling the issues, the company reached an agreement in principle with the Department of Justice, the Environment Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board, with full backing from the Federal Trade Commission.

“Isuzu Japan has assisted Isuzu Truck South Africa in manufacturing alternative parts using the same stringent engineering and product reliability code, with a reduced cost base to benefit customers,” says Wayne Morgan, general manager of the company’s aftersales and parts division.

Added benefits include a 12-month warranty. Moreover, if fitted by a qualified and Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) approved technician, truck owners are assured of backup and assistance by Isuzu in the event of a breakdown or malfunction of the part.

he Volkswagen Group has announced that it will release its financial statements for the first quarter of 2016 on May 31. The announcement follows the company’s decision to postpone the presentation in the wake of issues related to its diesel emissions scandal and resulting financial implications.

In a statement released in Germany, Volkswagen reiterated that the date of its Annual General Meeting – scheduled for June 22 in Hanover – would not be affected by the decision to postpone the release of its financial accounts.

www.automobil.co.za

MAY 2016 -

NEWS

n celebration of its 100th birthday, Monroe, a global brand of vehicle ride control products, has implemented a year-long commemoration that aims to highlight its success for innovation and quality. The extensive schedule of programmes, promotions and special activities is designed to support the thousands of parts and service providers and millions of consumers worldwide who rely on the brand’s products. Founded in 1916 in Monroe, Michigan, by mechanic and entrepreneur August F Meyer, the business that eventually became the Monroe Auto Equipment Company initially manufactured tyre pumps. Then Meyer joined forces with Dodge motorcar dealer Charles S McIntyre, whose industry knowledge helped cultivate demand for the company’s selfoiled, single-barrelled products. By 1926, Meyer and McIntyre had turned their attention to a larger opportunity – the demand for increased vehi-

cle comfort and ride control. Later that year they introduced the first Monroe Shock Eliminator, which soon replaced the unwieldy carriage springs on many passenger vehicles. Nine decades and millions of customers later, the Monroe brand has become a globally recognised standard of innovation and product excellence within the ride control category. “Monroe is one of the very few brands of vehicle components that has been able to not only remain relevant throughout the past century, but which is still viewed as a leading innovator,” says Bill Dennie, general manager for the aftermarket at Tenneco, which has manufactured Monroe products since 1977 following its purchase of the company.

assemblies in 2003; and Monroe OESpectrum shocks and struts in 2011. According to Dennie, a core element of Monroe’s success has been a uniquely strong connection with the professionals who specify, sell and install its products. “Every Monroe breakthrough for the aftermarket has been supported by dedicated channel partners and skilled vehicle service professionals,” he says. With the theme “Driven by Innovation and Quality since 1916,” the brand’s 100th anniversary celebration will focus as much on Monroe’s future as it does on its past. “It’s part of our corporate culture to always look for the next opportunity to enhance vehicle stability and performance. That’s how our founders helped create the ride control category in the early 1900s and it will be key to our next century of success,” Dennie maintains.

Since then, Monroe has been credited with a number of automotive firsts, including the introduction of gas-charged replacement shock absorbers, Monroe Gas-Matic shocks, in 1982; Monroe Reflex shocks and struts in 1999; Monroe Quick-Strut complete replacement strut

According to a statement issued by MSXI, the company’s expertise in warranty, technical and after-sales solutions combined with the Sewells Group’s focus on retail business management, operational efficiency

12 - MAY 2016

CMY

MSX International acquires Sewells Group

SX International (MSXI), a global business process outsourcing company, has bought the Australian-based Sewells Group. As a result, the company will extend Sewells Group services to its broad customer base in the Americas and Europe, while Sewells Group will leverage MSXI’s offerings for the AsiaPacific, Africa and Middle East markets.

and training provides an unmatched global portfolio for OEMs and their retail networks to enhance customer experience and loyalty, increase dealer revenue and reduce warranty costs.

“Together with our strong operations in North America and Europe, Sewells Group provides us with diversified and truly international opportunities to enhance value creation for our combined customer base.”

“Sewells Group coming together with MSXI solidifies us as the world’s largest provider of retail solutions to automotive OEMs and their dealers,” said Fred Minturn, CEO of MSXI. “Globalisation continues to drive change in the automotive industry, and OEMs are looking to partner with suppliers which can service their needs worldwide.

Sewells Group currently employs about 500 people in offices located throughout Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. The acquisition brings MSXI’s total size to 6 000 employees operating in 80 countries, adding to its current 30 offices throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Sewells Group will operate as a subsidiary of MSXI.

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THE UNDISPUTED KING

Because South African motorists chose Willard Batteries as their brand of choice.* TM

*Research: Objectivity 2015

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NEWS

Continental ramps up Ghana operation Dawn initiative, which recognises the growing economic importance of Africa on a global scale,” says managing director Shaun Uys.

yre manufacturer Continental is looking to grow its presence in sub-Saharan Africa following its official launch of a new division in Ghana – Continental Tire West Africa. The division will focus on developing the local market and maximising the brand’s exposure across the region. “The launch is part of Continental’s African

He believes the company can play an important role to play in helping to develop the tyre industry across Africa. “We have a dedicated team in Ghana to drive the process. The new division will help us to expand our distribution channels and number of retail outlets. We will target new business opportunities in the fleet, rental, government, ports and mining sectors,” he says. Continental has an existing presence in Ghana through a long-term partnership

with Rainbow Motors. The local company has a warehouse and ContiPartner dealer in Accra, as well as a network of independent dealers across the country. Using the ContiPartner model it developed in South Africa, it now plans to involve existing and new partners in Ghana to expand its footprint across the region by establishing a network of outlets. Additionally, the company intends to develop ContiPartner Express stores at fuel stations and other locations, and will support independent dealers by introducing the Continental Associate Program (CAP) store concept, which offers signage elements and preferential pricing in exchange for tyre purchases via its official distribution channel.

Shaun Uys… recognising the growing economic importance of Africa

Faith scores a first Faith began her career at the company in February 1999 as an in-service trainee. She has spent most of her working life in and around the Paint Shop, gaining experience in the process lab, on the production line and in leadership roles.

Faith Lelaka… Volkswagen’s first female unit head

olkswagen South Africa has appointed Faith Lelaka as Unit Head of its Paint Shop, marking the first time that a woman has been appointed at this level in the company’s production environment.

14 - MAY 2016

"I realised early on that I needed to be involved in as many aspects of the job as possible and, if that meant getting into a tank to measure paint levels or running multiple tests to check paint viscosity, that's what I was going to do!" she said. Married for 10 years and the mother of four children, Faith knows what it is like to juggle work and home life. She places a great deal of emphasis on her

family and says that finding a balance between home and work is a challenge that she is constantly working on. When asked how she felt about her appointment, Faith replied: “I am honoured and humbled by the recognition I have received. I am aware of the challenges that lie ahead. As the new leader of this team I know that I am just a team member with a bit more responsibility – being a part of a team is a core Volkswagen value." Thomas Schaefer, managing director of Volkswagen SA, said the company was proud to have Faith in its team. "Her expertise in paint process ensures that our customers both local and overseas will continue to buy great Polos and Vivos. We congratulate her and wish her well on this next leg of her Volkswagen journey.”

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Beware fake Airmatic shocks

ilstein South Africa, importer and distributor of German-made Bilstein gas pressure shock absorbers, has uncovered evidence of counterfeit versions of the brand’s Airmatic spring/damper unit circulating in South Africa and has issued a warning regarding their safety. According to a statement issued by the company, damper assemblies with integrated height-adjustable air springs are fitted to a number of upmarket SUVs and saloons to offer extra ground clearance when the vehicles are off-road, but the secure handling of a lowered ride height on tar. The statement says the company has evidence that Airmatic assemblies have been copied and are being sold at prices much lower than those of the originals. “Counterfeiters go to great lengths to pass off their products as original Bilsteins but there are a number of key visual differences that can be used to verify the authenticity of the products. “For starters, a fake Airmatic recently uncovered was 40mm longer than the genuine part. Dimensional accuracy is critical in suspension systems and, if

components are forced to work through an abnormal arc, it will cause not only incorrect geometry under certain conditions but also premature failure of rubber bushings and mountings and accelerated wear of other components such as constant velocity joints,” the statement says. It adds that further investigation revealed that, while the remote valve cylinder which controls the transfer of oil into the main damping tube of the shock was an original Bilstein part, it had been harvested from a discarded assembly and had been attached to the fake in a completely non-functional manner. “In fact, there was no link between the two so, while the fake unit still controlled the ride height, the all-important technology to control the damping rate had been rendered inoperative.” The statement adds that in another case, inspection of an assembly revealed the use of incorrectly sized air bellows which had been secured by inadequately crimped retaining rings. “The inflatable bellows is the suspension spring and its integrity is therefore critical.

“If it is punctured, the compressor will struggle to maintain the correct ride height. If the crimped-on metal retaining band fails – which it could in the event of a sudden and harsh suspension movement – the result is far more dramatic and the spring will Left: Bad air...Bilstein collapse instantly, uncovers counterfeit shock with potentially catastrophic consequences.” Due to the safety-critical nature of the issue, Bilstein has warned consumers and the trade to be on the look-out for possible fakes. “While some differences are apparent only by removing and examining units carefully, one of the most obvious giveaways in situ is the area at the bottom of the damper, where the fork joins the tube. The fake has a longer boss which is clearly welded to the tube on the upper side,” the statement says.

Paving the way for driverless cars nomic Commission for Europe (UNECE) hailing the move as a “major regulatory milestone towards the deployment of automated vehicle technologies.”

recent amendment to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic has paved the way for automated driving in Europe. Transfer of driving tasks to vehicles will be authorised in 73 countries, with the United Nations Eco-

The Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, concluded in 1968, called for a driver to be in control of a vehicle at all times. With Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) being increasingly installed into vehicles and partially automated cars already being on the market, a state of legal uncertainty resulted.

The amendment allows for automated driving technologies provided that they comply with UN rules. Countries that have ratified the treaty include most EU states, Brazil, Mexico, Pakistan and Turkey. Notable absentees include the United States and China. Though described as an “important interim step” the amendment does not yet allow for fully automated driving. Also, it does not clarify whether drivers can engage in side line activities during journeys. “To actually allow for automated steering the amendment will need more adaptation,” says a legal observer.

Making history… Vivian Mohohlo, dealer principal at Lexus Centurion

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MAY 2016 -

NEWS

TRANSFORMING petroleum's retail sector

Chairman of Shell South Africa, Bonang Mohale

hell Oil Company and the Department of Trade & Industry’s National Empowerment Fund (NEF) have signed a co-operative agreement that aims to transform petroleum’s retail sector. The signing of the agreement – which facilitates access for black South Africans to own and operate Shell service stations – was celebrated recently at an NEF-funded Shell service station at Cosmo City, Gauteng. The chairman of Shell South Africa, Bonang Mohale, was joined by the executive vice-president of Shell Global Retail, István Kapitány, and the CEO of the NEF, Philisiwe Mthethwa, at the function.

16 - MAY 2016

CEO of the NEF, Philisiwe Mthethwa

“The energy sector was the first to adopt a transformation charter and it is in line with that trend that Shell’s ground-breaking target of 40% blackowned service stations by 2017 is coming to life,” Mthethwa told guests. According to Mohale, Shell’s aim was not to only appoint black retailers, but to select high quality brand ambassadors who would receive business training and mentoring through the company’s retail division. “We want to ensure that we do not only comply with the rules and regulations governing the industry, but we also attain leadership status in the transformation area,” he said.

Mthethwa said that within the NEF’s franchise portfolio, service stations ranked as the most vibrant and successful, and the agency had set aside about R300-million for the purchase of 63 Shell outlets – which supported 1 920 jobs – to be owned and managed by black entrepreneurs. The signing of the agreement followed a review of the Liquid Fuels Charter (LFC) – a regulation that provides a framework for empowering black South Africans in the petroleum industry – which revealed that one of the major barriers to entry faced by black entrants to petroleum’s retail sector was a lack of access to capital.

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FEBRUARY 2016 -

RMI UPDATE

Talking plainly Jeánne Esterhuizen, President of the RMI, answers questions from Danelle van der Merwe regarding her role within the Organisation, and her goals and ambitions for it Briefly describe your average working week as the President of the RMI It’s a bit like the Cabinet of Curiosities by Cirque du Soleil: “What if you could change realities at will?” On a more serious note, any one week in the life of the RMI President is a juggling act between the life of business in South Africa, understanding and devising strategies to craft a sustainable future for the RMI as an organisation and its members while maintaining a balance of healthy living in my personal life. My working week starts early in the morning and ends late at night, which is no different from that of most business men and women. What goals do you hope to accomplish during your term as RMI President? The only goal I have is to ensure the RMI and its associations reach full potential as leaders of business in South Africa’s automobile industry. This includes creating opportunities to be the best at what we do as an employer’s organisation in the broader context of the South African economy. Where is growing RMI membership on your priority list and how will you facilitate that growth, given that membership has remained fairly stagnant until an uptick this year? Growth is central to the success of any organisation but it should never compromise

18 - MAY 2016

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the quality of the services it renders or cloud the purpose of its existence. For this reason I am a firm believer in congregating specialist skills within the RMI and its associations, which in turn will ensure sustainable growth. The potential is endless and the impact will be evident for years to come. What are the main opportunities for RMI members?

crisis that affected much of the world from 2008 to 2010 has disappeared in the distant past. Both countries have recovered and are growing favourably. Sadly, when the crisis hit they admit to having to cut training budgets while skills development initiatives came virtually to a standstill. Sound familiar? Indeed – now they are as hard pressed for a skilled workforce as we are in South Africa.

The good news is, if members stay close to the RMI, their workforces will be skilled to cope not only with the demands of amazing technology in the modern day vehicle – which includes the astounding, fascinating and extremely dangerous to repair hybrid and electric vehicles – but also with the demands the modern day consumer brings to business. Watch this space!

Networking platforms created by the RMI create endless business opportunities, providing openings in which to share innovative concepts and ideas and collectively making up a powerful business voice in the automotive sector. The RMI has evolved over more than 100 years into a proactive employer’s organisation which is reflective of the needs of its members. The golden rule is for all members to participate in the activities of the organisation to bring their own unique insights and contribute constructively in the Spirit of Ubuntu. What would your advice be for someone who wants to start a new business within the industry? Join the RMI and its associations as quickly as possible to ensure you avoid the pitfalls which have caused many businesses to fail in the first two years of their existence. In the world of business today one needs 21st century skills to survive – one of which is to collaborate. Learn only from ethical business! What is your key message for the motor industry as a whole? On a recent visit to the UK and the USA I found that the automotive industry

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Coping with demands of the modern day vehicle… being a member of the RMI provides opportunities for skills development in a variety of evolving automotive applications, says Jeánne Esterhuizen, the Organisation’s president

MAY 2016

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MAY 2016

COVER STORY

positive future awaits aluminium in the motor industry with global demand from vehicle manufacturers expected to nearly double during the next five years. This was a key message from international speakers at an aluminium industry conference held last month in Cape Town, which was hosted by the Aluminium Federation of South Africa (AFSA). The conference heard that while aluminium had been used in automotive manufacture for nearly a century, cost had limited its application and, in recent decades, it had been reserved mainly for exotic, lowvolume, high-priced vehicles. However, during the past 10 years, the metal had been used increasingly in volume models. Addressing delegates, Heidi Brock, Chief Executive Officer of the Aluminium Association of the USA, said main drivers for the move towards the metal in mass vehicle manufacture related to stricter emission standards and tighter clean air legislation which had been introduced by governments worldwide. In terms of legislation, Brock said vehicle CO2 emissions in the US would be reduced to 102g/km by 2025 and, in China, to 117g/km by 2020. Similarly, Europe would have to meet emission standards of 95g/km by the latter date while, in Japan, the limit had been set at 105g/km and, in India, at 113g/km. To achieve the levels, she said vehicles would have to shed weight, as every 100kg reduction translated to an improvement

22 - MAY 2016

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COVER STORY To keep pace with emerging global trends, South Africa’s automotive industry would be required to incorporate more and more aluminium in domestically built vehicles. Ferdi de Vos reports

of 8g/km to 10g/km in CO2 emissions and between 0,3 and 0,5 litres/100km less fuel consumed. She estimated that vehicles would weigh between 300kg to 400kg less by 2020. According to Brock, not only was aluminium 40% lighter than comparative grades of steel it was also as strong, providing similar amounts of crash strength and energy absorption. In a joint presentation, Michael Schafer, executive vice president of the SMS Group and Gerd Götz, director general of European Aluminium, said besides efficiency and strength, the formability and surface appearance of aluminium made it attractive to automotive designers and engineers. The attributes had led to more vehicle parts being manufactured from the metal – among them engine components, wheels, suspension parts and body panels. Further, the fact that aluminium was recyclable made it attractive to an industry under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Götz maintained that the use of aluminium would grow at a rate of about 10% a year in models representing the A to D segments of the market, with average aluminium content rising to around 180kg per car by 2020. Philip Jooste, Strategic Business Development Manager at Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA), said aluminium was

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second only to steel as the most used material in locally produced vehicles – and its popularity was expected to rise by about 10% over the next year. From producing components such as cylinder head castings and cam shafts, radiators, heat exchangers and wheels, Jooste said the local aluminium industry was now also fabricating body panels for the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class at a factory in Berlin, Eastern Cape. Other domestically sourced aluminium components for the vehicle included suspension parts, he said. According to Jooste, over 130 new jobs had been created to meet demand for the components and, with other local manufacturers planning to include aluminium body panels in upcoming production models – including bakkies – he said the trend would continue. Brock pointed out that 2015 had been the US automotive sector’s highest growth year for aluminium usage thanks to the introduction of the country’s first volume model to be manufactured principally from the metal – the bestselling Ford F-150 pick-up. “The F-150 may be the poster child for the industry now,” she said, “but by 2020 I expect that each US-based OEM will have in its inventory more than one vehicle with an aluminium-intensive body.” Brock said that to meet anticipated demand, the aluminium industry in the

MAY 2016 -

COVER STORY

US had, since 2013, invested $2,7-billion (about R41-billion) to expand its production facilities. Mark Krieg, Executive Director of AFSA, said South Africa’s aluminium industry employed about 15 000 people and made a net contribution to balance of payments in the region of R4,3-billion, according to the organisation’s research. “We are fortunate to have a complete aluminium value chain in South Africa. Though we have low per capita consumption, there is upside potential given that we have a sophisticated, modern and well established manufacturing sector,” he said. On the automotive front he said that besides the new C-Class, additional prospects for aluminium usage were in the pipeline, including the manufacture at Rosslyn of the new BMW X3 and the recently announced production of the Everest at Ford’s Silverton assembly plant.

it was illegal to move liquid metal on the country’s roads, yet now we transport the equivalent of 100 000 tons annually,” he said. According to Thandi Phele, the chief director for metal, fabrication, capital and rail transport equipment at the Department of Trade & Industry, government remained fully committed to deploying all industrial policies and tools with a view to doubling local production of aluminium.

Krieg said that the conference had met its objective of providing a greater understanding of the vision of the future of the aluminium industry in South Africa and the challenges it faced. “We believe that there is much potential. What we learned from our international counterparts was the importance of long term strategic planning and collaboration,” he said.

Richard Jacob, CEO of Hulamin Limited, outlined specific opportunities around electricity reticulation, packaging, infrastructure projects and the growing use of aluminium in the automotive sector.

Krieg said he expected local companies to meet demand for greater consumption of aluminium even if it meant that some of the 140 000 tons of semi-fabricated product that was currently exported was re-allocated to the domestic industry.

He cautioned that success would require collaboration between government and the private sector, regulatory competitiveness and stable financial markets to raise the capital investment necessary for growth.

He said he was convinced that exciting potential for the future remained strong, as aluminium was an essential component of future strategic development in South Africa as well as within the global economy.

Noel Pillay, vice-president of operations at South32, said the company’s liquid aluminium producing facility, at Meyerton, incorporated the largest smelter in the southern hemisphere. Pillay said that while South32 was committed to playing a more active role in promoting the use of aluminium in South Africa, reliable energy supply was vital in quest of the objective. “We are optimistic that we can find proactive solutions. Just a few years ago,

24 - MAY 2016

How global demand for aluminium is expected to grow from now until 2020

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AUGUST 2015 -

INDUSTRY

umitomo Rubber South Africa sees its R2,0-billion investment in its Kwa-Zulu Natal manufacturing plant as a catalyst for the country’s socio-economic and technological advancement.

Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, manufacturers of Dunlop tyres, has invested R2,0-billion to upgrade and expand its manufacturing plant at Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. Kieran Rennie reports

26 MAY 2016

“Our investment consolidates our commitment to the South African and KwaZulu-Natal provincial economy, as well as the Ladysmith community. As one of the largest employers in Ladysmith it will deepen our impact, stimulating job creation through increased production and industrial development competitiveness,” says company CEO Riaz Haffejee. With Phase One of the project already underway, Phase Two was recently

implemented. “Employment levels have already increased due to Phase One. The first of nearly 120 new employees needed over the next few years have already been recruited. Phase Two will attract a further 300 new employees. On completion, it will bring employment levels at the plant to more than 1 200 people,” Haffejee says. The initial phase of the upgrade, totalling R1,1-billion, saw the Japanese based parent company –Sumitomo Rubber Industries – modernising and expanding production facilities to meet increasing demand for SUV tyres. Phase Two, which has an estimated value of R910-million, focuses on the introduction and manufacture of truck and bus tyres for commercial use. The Dunlop branded product line

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At the soil turning ceremony to mark the start of the second phase of Sumitomo Rubber’s expansion in Ladysmith, from left: Riaz Haffejee, Michael Mabuyakhulu, Rob Davies and Yutaka Kuroda

is currently imported from Sumitomo’s plants in Japan and China. The new investment will establish a state-of-the-art local manufacturing base and terminate the current import arrangement.

An aerial view of the Dunlop manufacturing plant at Ladysmith

In a shining example of the private sector and government working together, the project saw the Department of Trade & Industry approve Sumitomo Rubber South Africa’s application for a support grant for the project. An estimated R300-million was allocated in terms of the DTI’s Automotive Investment Scheme programme. In addition, implementation of the government’s Tariff-free Trade Agreement is aimed at strengthening Sumitomo’s export activity into key African markets.

Riaz Haffejee, CEO of Sumitomo Rubber South Africa

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Development of the expanded facility will take place on a piece of land donated by the Emnambithi Ladysmith Municipality. The underutilised tract, adjacent to Sumitomo’s existing plant, has been donated at no cost, further underscoring the innovative partnership approach. In return, Sumitomo Rubber SA will explore onsite resource efficiency improvements in renewable energy generation and water management interventions.

“Our investment underscores the confidence of our company’s foreign owners in South Africa as an investment destination. It reaffirms what is possible when government and industry work together in pursuit of mutually beneficial economic and industrial objectives,” says Haffejee. “We will continue to support government with innovative solutions and constructive engagement to overcome regulatory challenges and impediments crucial to our industry and the pursuit of employment generating, high growth and competitive industrial and manufacturing initiatives,” he says. The launch of the second phase of the investment was attended by representatives and leaders of national, provincial and local government, customers, suppliers, plant employees, labour unions as well as senior foreign and local members of Sumitomo’s board, among them the Minister of Trade & Industry, Rob Davies; the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Michael Mabuyakhulu; the Japanese ambassador to South Africa, Shigeyuki Hiroki and the executive director of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Yutaka Kuroda.

MAY 2016

INNOVATION

A concept vehicle that requires about half the energy to build and run than a typical small family car has been developed by Shell – and one of its designers is South African-born Gordon Murray. Sarah Smith reports

hell has unveiled a concept city car which, if it were ever to go into production, could deliver material reductions in energy use in the road transport sector. According to its developers – which include South African-born Gordon Murray – the three-seat car is tangible proof of energy efficiency improvements that can be achieved by using cutting edge technology and a process of co-engineering whereby vehicle body, engine design and lubricants are all created together. Independent testing and a rigorous lifecycle study shows that Shell’s Concept Car would deliver a 34% reduction in primary energy use over its entire lifecycle when compared to a typical city car available in the UK. The Shell Concept Car would use around half the energy required to build and run than a typical small family car and 69% less than that of a typical sports utility vehicle. The Shell Concept Car is a rethink of the Gordon Murray Design T.25 city car produced in 2010 for which Shell produced a prototype oil to improve the vehicle’s energy efficiency. The new car is the result of a co- engineering collaboration between world leading vehicle, engine and lubricant designers, with each of the three elements tailored to work optimally with each other. It takes a holistic view on energy reduction, focusing on design material selection, reduced energy demand via

28 - MAY 2016

The design team… from left Gordon Murray, Osamu Goto and Mark Gainsborough

aggressive downsizing, and streamlining while enhancing the efficiency of energy delivery through innovative engine design and lubricant formulation to minimise the impact in terms of overall energy lifecycle use. The car’s fuel consumption has been measured using a range of vehicle testing protocols covering both steady state and urban driving styles. Sample test results include a steady state consumption of 2,64 litres/100km or 38km per litre at 70km/h and an improvement of 4,67g/km of C02 emissions in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) from the use of bespoke lubricants – equivalent to a 5% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to standard lubricants

available in the UK. Mark Gainsborough, Executive VicePresident of Shell’s global lubricants businesses which backed the project said: “This is a significant automobile engineering milestone. I’m very proud of what Shell’s scientists and their partners at Geo Technology and Gordon Murray Design have achieved. “Insights gained from this project could be transformational in terms of how we address energy use in the road transport sector. Energy use and climate change are major issues for society. “This project shows that if we use the best of today’s technology, including cutting edge lubricant science, we could potentially have a major impact on energy use and reduce C02 emissions.

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“The improvement in economy derived from the collaborative design of engine and lubricant is impressive and highlights the enormous benefits achieved from close relationships between design partners. It also shows the powerful role that lubricants can potentially play in helping achieve C02 reduction targets.” The Shell Concept Car was independently tested at a UK certified automotive testing facility alongside a range of other cars under comparable conditions to measure fuel economy and C02 emissions. In the formal NEDC test the Shell Concept Car produced lower C02 emissions than both a typical petrol-powered city car (28%) and a hybrid car (32%). Shell provided all the fluids for the concept model, specially formulating the motor oil to complement and enhance the overall efficiency of the vehicle, principally by minimising friction. The company’s technology team created bespoke engine oil, based on its premium product Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology. In parallel, engine guru Osamu Goto’s group at Geo Technology optimised the three cylinder petrol engine by redesigning and improving many of the

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internal engine components associated with friction. On the cold portion of the NEDC, the fluids reduced C02 emissions by 7,1% and on the combined cycle by 5,0%, compared with standard lubricants, again highlighting the value of co-designing engine and fluids. Built around Gordon Murray Design’s patented iStream platform, the Shell Concept Car represents a radical rethink on the way in which cars are designed, developed and produced. It combines cutting-edge lightweight technology – the car weighs just 550kg – and is built using carefully chosen materials which have a low energy and C02 footprint. Murray’s experiences in Formula One racing have been used to develop the car, particularly its crashworthiness and lightness. A number of the vehicle’s components were created using 3D printing to accelerate construction of the prototype. Recycled carbon fibre that can be assembled for a quarter of the price of conventional steel has been used for body and chassis, and almost the entire car can be recycled at the end of its life. From a styling perspective, the Shell Concept Car offers a new take on

the tall and narrow look, and dials up the fun factor with a sporty central driving position and two passenger seats behind. The design produces an extremely novel seating arrangement allowing three people to be carried despite the car’s diminutive exterior dimensions and gives it a turning circle smaller than that of a London taxi, making it ideal for urban driving. Andrew Hepher, vice-president of Shell’s lubricant research team said: “Our car may be small, but it’s packed with potential. We want to accelerate the conversation about how we make road vehicles more energy efficient and less carbon-intensive. “In the coming weeks and months, we look forward to sharing our research insights from this project with engine designers, car manufacturers, academics and other experts across the automotive sector.”

MAY 2016 -

RMI UPDATE

AIDC hosts partnership initiative

he Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) and the South African Council for Graduate Cooperative (SACGC) recently hosted an event at the RMI- and SAMBRA-accredited Winterveld Enterprise Centre in Gauteng which aimed at reinforcing partnerships that develop cooperative models to uplift skills, fasttrack jobs and attract foreign investment to South Africa’s automotive hubs. In a keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education & Training, Mduduzi Manana, highlighted the importance of skills and training in creating a pipeline of talented managers and management systems. “To strengthen industrialisation we must learn from countries like Germany and Korea and focus on the quality of training,” he said. According to Manana, one of the strategic goals of the National Development Plan was the production of 30 000 artisans by 2030. “We therefore urge the AIDC

to build partnerships with the TVET sector and relevant SETAs to expand our capacity to produce artisans with relevant productive skills,” he said. “Responsive to requirements of a future inclusive economy, we must encourage and improve the quality of education from a basic level and stay focussed on improving maths and science, encouraging industry to turn every work place into a training space.”

Left to right: Dineshan Moodley, industry executive at the AIDC; Tony Gomes and Alex Buthelezi, master artisans at the AIDC; Portia Mkhabela, Manager of Skills Development and Training at the AIDC; Mduduzi

Manana, Deputy Minister of Higher Education & Training; Tsholofelo In her address, Portia Mkhabela, Mokotedi, Director of Stakeholder Relations at the EW Seta and Departmental Manager of Skills Development & Training at the AIDC, Thamsanqa Maqubela, Executive Chairman of the SACGC emphasised the importance of Work Integrated Learning as a means to closing The AIDC has indicated that it intends to host the gap between theory and practical skills an open week at the Gauteng Automotive in the automotive sector. She further highLearning Centre in 2016 with the aim of lighted the AIDC’s artisan development creating greater awareness among the programme which is aimed at improving public, stakeholders and matric learners the quality of training for the spray paintwho anticipate furthering their studies in the ing and panel beating workforce. motoring industry.

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FEBRUARY 2016 -

INSIDE LINE

The weak rand makes foreign investment in local vehicle manufacture great value, says David Furlonger

ay what you like about it – and there are plenty of detractors – but the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) brings lots of foreign rands into South Africa. Foreign rands? I was going to write foreign currency but I had second thoughts because, while local motor companies boast billions of rands in investments from foreign parents, the figure in real money is rather less. Take the R2,4-billion investment in Pretoria-based Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA). It’s excellent news and a great fillip for the local motor industry. But it’s also a great bargain for the US parent company. Where else could it get such value for $177-million?

32 - MAY 2016

A couple of days after Ford made its announcement locally, news broke of the company’s plans to invest a further $1,4-billion in its Mexican operations. That’s the equivalent of about R20-billion. Now that’s big money in anyone’s currency. None of this is intended to detract from the importance of foreign investment in local vehicle manufacture. Rather, the aim is to show what great value we offer now that the rand is so weak. Take the $800-million pledged for a brand-new South African car plant by Chinese carmaker Beijing Automotive Industry Co (BAIC), in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

When the plan was unveiled late last year, the dollars translated into R12-billion. At time of writing, the rand equivalent is considerably more. Who knows where it will be over the course of the next couple of years if the money is spent as scheduled? But let’s stick to rands. At the FMCSA investment announcement at the company’s Silverton vehicle assembly plant, trade and industry minister Rob Davies boasted that the APDP had brought in R25-billion so far in foreign investment. Davies has been minister since 2009, meaning he oversaw the transition to the APDP’s introduction in 2013 and its subsequent implementation.

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INSIDE LINE It’s not often that politicians underblow their own trumpets but, in this case, Davies did just that. In fact, the APDP has attracted close to R50-billion. Ford and BMW both announced multi-billion investments before 2013, but only after receiving guarantees that they would benefit from APDP incentives. Since then, every one of the country’s seven major manufacturers has invested in production facilities. In the last few months alone, Volkswagen has announced a R4,5-billion spending programme, BMW R6,0-billion and BAIC R12-billion. Ford has already spent nearly all of its latest R2,4-billion and Toyota recently introduced its new Hilux after ploughing a rumoured R5,0-billion into its Prospecton assembly plant in Durban. There are a lot of reasons for investing in South African vehicle production. Besides the value of the rand – which, incidentally, most analysts believe is unlikely to recover to previous strengths – APDP incentives are not to be sneezed at. Minister Davies says Ford may recover R699-million rand of its R2,4-billion outlay. Then there are free-trade agreements that allow locally-made vehicles to be exported duty-free to North America and European Union. Ford’s South African built Ranger is the best-selling pickup in Europe. And German carmaker Mercedes-Benz would not have allowed its local subsidiary to restart exports of the C-Class sedan to the US – where the model is also built – if it did not make sound competitive sense.

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

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MAY 2016 -

O&M CAPE TOWN 88311/E

O&M C

Lock Part No: 4B0-905-851-Q Beetle 2006 – 2010 Passat 2003 – 2005 Polo Classic & Playa 2003 – 2010 Lock Polo Vivo 2010 – 2014 Transporter 2003 – 2010 Part No: R 4B0-905-851-Q Price: 1105.58 Beetle 2006 – 2010 Passat 2003 – 2005 Polo Classic & Playa 2003 – 2010 Polo Vivo 2010 – 2014 Transporter 2003 – 2010

Price: R 1105.58

Seat Belt Part No: 6Q4-857-706-H-RAA Polo Classic & Playa 2003 – 2010

Price: R 611.41

Seat Belt Part No: 6Q4-857-706-H-RAA Polo Classic & Playa 2003 – 2010

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Roller

Gasket

Part No: 038-109-244-J Part No: 058-103-383-Q Eos 2007 – 2008 Beetle 2003 – 2010 Beetle 2003 – 2012 Golf 2003 – 2006 Golf 2002 – 2013 Jetta 2003 – 2006 Jetta 2002 – 2014 Passat 2003 – 2005 Roller Gasket Passat 2003 – 2015 Sharan 1999 – 2010 Sharan 2003 – 2015 Polo Classic 2005 – 2010 PartPolo No:Classic 038-109-244-J No: 058-103-383-Q & Playa 2003 – 2010Part Price: R 588.60 EosScirocco 2007 – 2008 Beetle 2003 – 2010 2009 – 2014 Beetle 2003 – 2012 Golf 2003 – 2006 Tiguan 2008 – 2011 GolfTouran 2002 – 2013– 2015 Jetta 2003 – 2006 2004 Jetta 2002 – 2014 Passat 2003 – 2005 Transporter 2003 – 2011 Passat 2003 – 2015 Sharan 1999 – 2010 Caddy 2004 – 2015 Amarok 2011 – 2012 Sharan 2003 – 2015 Polo Classic 2005 – 2010 Polo ClassicR&351.71 Playa 2003 – 2010 Price: R 588.60 Price: Scirocco 2009 – 2014 Tiguan 2008 – 2011 Touran 2004 – 2015 Transporter 2003 – 2011 Caddy 2004 – 2015 Amarok 2011 – 2012

Gasket Part No: 06D-103-383-L EOS 2007 – 2008 Golf 2004 – 2009 Jetta 2006 – 2011 Passat 2006 – 2011 Gasket Touran 2004 – 2008

Price: R 459.57

Part No: 06D-103-383-L EOS 2007 – 2008 Golf 2004 – 2009 Jetta 2006 – 2011 Passat 2006 – 2011 Touran 2004 – 2008

Price: R 459.57

Tensioner Part No: 06B-109-243-F Beetle 2003 – 2010 Golf 2003 – 2006 Sharan 2003 – 2010

Price: R 642.52

Tensioner

Part No: 06B-109-243-F Beetle 2003 – 2010 Golf 2003 – 2006 Sharan 2003 – 2010

Price: R 642.52

Tensioner Part No: 038-109-243-M Eos 2007 – 2008 Beetle 2003 – 2010 Golf 2002 – 2009 Jetta 2002 – 2011 Tensioner Passat 2003 – 2011 Caddy 2004 – 2011 Part 038-109-243-M PoloNo: Classic & Playa 2003 – 2010 Eos 20072003 – 2008 Sharan – 2010 Beetle Touran2003 2004– –2010 2010 Golf 2002 – 2009 Transporter 2003 – 2010 Jetta 2002 – 2011 Price: R 713.23 Passat 2003 – 2011 Caddy 2004 – 2011 Polo Classic & Playa 2003 – 2010 Sharan 2003 – 2010 Touran 2004 – 2010 Transporter 2003 – 2010

Price: R 713.23

Price: R 351.71

are recommended retail exclusive of VAT and are subject to change without notification. Part applicability dependent on chassis number. Prices valid from 11/01/2016 to 11/07/2016. While stocks last. 34*Prices - MAY 2016 www.automobil.co.za Images depicted are for illustrative purposes only and may differ to the actual product purchased.

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Rubber Mounting Rubber Mounting

Coupling Coupling

Pollen Filter Pollen Filter

Windshield Windshield

PartPart No:No: 4B0-407-515 4B0-407-515 Passat 2001 – 2015 Passat 2001 – 2015

Price: R 231.60 Price: R 231.60

PartPart No: No: 070-903-327-D 070-903-327-D Toureg 2003 – 2010 Toureg 2003 – 2010 Transporter 2003 – 2010 Transporter 2003 – 2010

Part No: Part6Q0-845-011-BE No: 6Q0-845-011-BE Part No: Part8E0-498-625-B No: 8E0-498-625-B Polo Classic & Playa 2003 2003 – 2010 PassatPassat 2001 2001 – 2005 Polo Classic & Playa – 2010 – 2005 Vivo Vivo 20102010 – 2014 – 2014 Price: R 1501.19 Price: R 1501.19

Rubber Mounting

Coupling

Part Part No: 1J0-819-644-A No: 1J0-819-644-A Beetle 20032003 – 2010 Beetle – 2010 Golf Golf 19981998 – 2002 – 2002 JettaJetta 19991999 – 2006 – 2006

Part No: 4B0-407-515 Passat 2001 – 2015

Price: R 231.60

Ribbed Belt Ribbed Belt

Price: R 910.24 Price: R 910.24

Part No: 070-903-327-D Toureg 2003 – 2010 Transporter 2003 – 2010

Price: R 910.24

Tooth BeltBelt Tooth

Part No: 076-145-933 Part No: 22S-109-119 Part No: 076-145-933 Part No: 22S-109-119 Polo Classic & Playa 2003 – 2010 Type 2 1995 – 2003 Polo Classic & Playa 2003 – 2010 Type 2 1995 – 2003

Price: R 462.79 Price: R 462.79

Price: R 446.33 Price: R 446.33

Ribbed Belt

Tooth Belt

Part No: 076-145-933 Part No: 22S-109-119 Polo Classic & Playa 2003 – 2010 Type 2 1995 – 2003

Price: R 462.79

Price: R 446.33

Pollen Filter Price: R 267.49 Price: R 267.49

Part No: 1J0-819-644-A Beetle 2003 – 2010 Golf 1998 – 2002 Jetta 1999 – 2006

Price: R 267.49

Price: R 1 342.66 Price: R 1 342.66

Windshield

Bearing Bearing

Bearing

Part No: 6Q0-845-011-BE Part No: 8E0-498-625-B Polo Classic & Playa 2003 – 2010 Passat 2001 – 2005 Vivo 2010 – 2014 Price: R 1501.19

Price: R 1 342.66

Tooth BeltBelt Tooth

Tooth Belt Belt Tooth

Part No: 06B-109-119-A Part No: 06B-109-119-A Beetle 2003 – 2010 Beetle 2003 – 2010 Golf 1998 – 2006 1998 – 2006 JettaGolf 1999 – 2006 Jetta 1999 – 2006 Sharan 1999 – 2010 Tooth Belt PoloSharan Classic 1999 2005 –– 2010 2010 Polo Classic 2005 – 2010 Price: R 291.46 PartPrice: No: 06B-109-119-A R 291.46 Beetle 2003 – 2010 Golf 1998 – 2006 Jetta 1999 – 2006 Sharan 1999 – 2010 Polo Classic 2005 – 2010

Part No: 076-109-119-A Part No: 076-109-119-A Crafter 2006 – 2012 Crafter 2006 – 2012

Part No: 038-109-119-P Part No: 038-109-119-P Eos 2007 – 2008 Eos 2007 – 2008 Beetle 2003 – 2010 Beetle 2003 – 2010 Golf 2002 – 2009 – 2009 Jetta Golf 20022002 – 2011 Tooth Belt – 2011 PassatJetta 20032002 – 2011 2003 CaddyPassat 2004 – 2011– 2011 PartCaddy No: 038-109-119-P 2004 2011 – 2010 Polo Classic & Playa– 2003 EosPolo 2007Classic – 2008 & Playa 2003 – 2010 Sharan 2003 – 2010 Beetle 2003 – 2010 Sharan – 2010 Touran 2004 2003 – 2010 GolfTouran 2002 2003 –2004 2009 2010 Transporter ––2010 Jetta 2002 – 2011 Transporter 2003 – 2010 Price: R 2003 509.65 Passat – 2011 Price: R 509.65 Caddy 2004 – 2011 Polo Classic & Playa 2003 – 2010 Sharan 2003 – 2010 Touran 2004 – 2010 Transporter 2003 – 2010

Price: R 511.96 Price: R 511.96

Tooth Belt Part No: 076-109-119-A Crafter 2006 – 2012

Price: R 511.96

Price: R 291.46

Price: R 509.65

Filter Element Filter Element

Wiper Motor (not illustrated) Wiper Motor (not illustrated)

Part No: 7L6-127-434-C Part2006 No: 7L6-127-434-C Toureg – 2010 Toureg 2006 – 2010 Price: R 830.49

Part No: 7L6-127-434 Part2003 No: 7L6-127-434 Toureg – 2007 Toureg 2003 – 2007 Price: R 947.64

Filter Element

Part No: 7L6-127-434-C Toureg 2006 – 2010

Part No: 7L6-127-434 Toureg 2003 – 2007

Price: R 830.49

Price: R 947.64

Part No: 1K0-127-434-B Part No: 1K0-127-434-B Beetle 2012 Beetle Caddy 20042012 – 2015 Caddy 2004 – 2015 Eos 2007 – 2008 Eos 2007 – 2008 Golf 2004 - 2013 Filter Element Golf 2004 - 2013 Jetta 2006 – 2014 Touran 2004 – 2006 Jetta 2006 – 2014 Part No: 1K0-127-434-B Touran 2004 – 2006 Price: R 407.83 Beetle 2012 Price: R 407.83 Caddy 2004 – 2015 Eos 2007 – 2008 Golf 2004 - 2013 Jetta 2006 – 2014 Touran 2004 – 2006

Part No: 17S-955-113 No: 17S-955-113 CaddyPart 1996 – 2007 Caddy 1996 – 2007 Citi Golf 1996 – 2009 Citi 1996 – 2009 Price: R Golf 556.48

Filter Element

Part No: 1K0-127-434-A Part No:–1K0-127-434-A Caddy 2004 2008 Caddy– 2004 Eos 2007 2008 – 2008 2007 – 2008 Golf Eos 2004 – 2013 2004 – 2013 JettaGolf 2009 – 2014 Filter Element Jetta 2009 – 2014 Touran 2004 – 2006 Touran 2004 – 2006 Price: R 397.87 PartPrice: No: 1K0-127-434-A R 397.87 Caddy 2004 – 2008 Eos 2007 – 2008 Golf 2004 – 2013 Jetta 2009 – 2014 Touran 2004 – 2006

Price: R 830.49

Price: R 947.64

Price: R 397.87

Price: R 556.48

Wiper Motor (not illustrated) Part No: 17S-955-113 Caddy 1996 – 2007 Citi Golf 1996 – 2009

Price: R 556.48

Price: R 407.83

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Commercial Commercial Vehicles Vehicles MAY 2016 - 35 Commercial

RMI ASSOCIATION

At full throttle

Jeff Molefe, director of the RMI’s Motorcycle Dealers’ Association, outlines some of the benefits of belonging – and some of the issues and challenges that face the body

he key objective of the Motorcycle Dealers’ Association (MDA) is to promote, protect and represent the interests and needs of the country’s motorcycle sales and service industry. In addition, MDA members benefit from an extensive array of value-add services and products which include: • Commercial insurance; • Access to legal and labour-related advice, assistance and representation; • Industrial relations training seminars including education sessions and updates to legislation; • Membership of a new Sick, Accident and Maternity Fund. Benefits of the fund are exclusively for employees of RMI members and include payments for

36 - MAY 2016

sick leave, absences due to accidents and maternity leave; • Access to assistance and advisory services for consumer-related complaints; • Representation of member’s interests at all major forums, including various government and other industry bodies; • Addressing issues related to scarce and critical skills required in the motorcycle industry; • Fostering business relationships between MDA members and consumers. In this sense, the MDA’s umbrella body, the RMI, plays an influential role in advising consumers on where to make purchases. Key factors ➢ The MDA has, on a number of occasions, successfully negotiated with government on issues that relate to import taxation and traffic legislation which were seen to be prejudicial to the interests of the industry and consumers; ➢ The association continues to play a

pivotal role in negotiating better dispensations from insurance companies and financial institutions; ➢ In addition, the MDA continues to liaise and to engage extensively with the Association of Motorcycle Importers and Distributors (AMID), where the interests of dealers are represented during discussions with the country’s major motorcycle importers; ➢ Furthermore, the MDA is actively involved at the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and plays a major role in the facility’s Technical Committee SABC/TC 1031 which regulates, revises and develops standards relating to Category L Vehicles. One of the objectives of the committee is to address good design and safe operation of motorcycles. ➢ Moreover, in respect of commodities, products and services, the South African National Standards (SANS) authority, with input from the Technical Committee, assists in enhancing customer satisfaction, attainment of high levels of safety, protection of the environment and consistency of quality throughout the motorcycle industry’s supply chain. Challenges It is worth noting some of the on-going challenges that have faced the motorcycle sector in the first quarter of 2016, including a year-on-year decline in new motorbike sales; price increases; a high inflation rate; economic and business constraints; low skills levels; issues concerning the homologation of motorcycles and volatile exchange rates. In view of the aforementioned, dealers who fall under the auspices of the MDA have been encouraged to use platforms created by the association to present ideas, initiatives, innovations, strategies, research and development aimed at stimulating sustainable growth in the country’s motorcycle sector.

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It is in this context that members are urged to actively participate in the affairs and activities of the association by joining regional committees and working collectively with industry leaders and experts in reaching a common goal. At the same time, the MDA executive is mindful that, in order for the association to achieve success and growth, new relationships need to be fostered and existing ones maintained and enhanced.

* Preventative and scheduled maintenance on motorcycles and scooters; * Dismantling, inspecting, assessing, repairing and assembling motorcycle and scooter system components; * Diagnosing and repairing faults in motorcycle and scooter systems and their components.

The Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande said recently at the launch of the country’s National Skills Development Strategy that “South Africa faces a shortage of intermediate skills, especially artisanal skills. The intention is to ensure that 10 000 artisans per year qualify with relevant skills and find employment.”

The qualification will be implemented as soon as courseware is fully developed.

Motorcycle mechanic qualification On March 17 this year, a new qualification for motorcycle mechanics was registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). In accordance with the curriculum code apprentices will be trained and certified as motorcycle mechanics.

Artisan development Meanwhile, the RMI is involved with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Human Resources and Development Council (HRDC) and the Artisan Development Technical Task Team (AD-TTT) regarding national artisan development programmes.

The Imperial Technical Training Academy has been accredited by MerSETA to offer training to motorcycle mechanics. The academy’s operations manager, Gordon Symonds, says there is a need to ensure that what is offered in terms of training is in line with industry requirements, especially in relation to new technology in motorcycles. He adds that the academy has a small number of learners who are training as motorcycle mechanics.

In terms of the Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO) relating to taxation, SETA and all other government and statutory requirements, the occupational code to be used for motorcycle mechanics is 653103 and that the qualification has been registered with curriculum ID 653103000.

The RMI and the MDA are further working with the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) and DHET to develop quality assessment standards and criteria for the motorcycle mechanic trade.

In the MDA’s view, the newly registered motorcycle mechanic qualification, as well as other forms of training and development, will contribute in helping to address critical skills deficit in the motorcycle industry.

On completion as a three-year trade, the qualification is worth 540 credits at NQF level 2. The occupation curriculum consists of eight knowledge modules, 13 practical modules and 12 work experiential modules that must be completed over a four-year period. Once qualified, journeymen will able to perform the following functions, which will be considered by MIBCO as job definitions and used in the job grading process:

Revving up at Kyalami

he launch of South Africa’s premier motorcycle, music and lifestyle festival will be held this month at the newly refurbished Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit near Johannesburg. The festival will take place from Friday, May 27 to Sunday, May 29 and will inaugurate the refurbished venue as an

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entertainment facility. Festival organisers say they are aiming to make the event the country’s top rated motorcycle, music and lifestyle show for families as well as providing an educational tool to encourage motorcycle riders – including those representing the youth market – to embrace safe and responsible motorcycling.

More than 20 000 visitors are expected to attend the event. Tickets are now on sale with a special 25% discount for RMI members. Use promo code RMI25 when booking online at www.southafricabikefestival.com or by calling 086 1000 291. This ticket special is limited and/or expires on May 15.

MAY 2016 -

Going places! It’s been a busy start to the year for the RMI in KwaZuluNatal, says Regional Manager Julian Pillay

he RMI in the KwaZulu-Natal Region met recently with the Consumer Council in Pietermaritzburg following an invitation by the new head of that organisation, Tesheipo Selepe, to provide information relating to workshop environments and their operation. Robin Naidoo of the RMI addressed the meeting. Meetings were also held with Jeffrey Mopeloa of Indwe Risk Services in a drive to get more RMI members to join RMI4Sure, with the Organisation participating in two breakfast presentations, the last one being held at the Victoria Country Club on March 2. MEMBERSHIP Though membership of the RMI in KwaZulu-Natal has been consistent, management envisages a rise in numbers during the next few months. Further, the RMI’s retention programme has yielded pleasing results, with members being visited regularly. The Organisation has also provided assistance to members regarding its various product offerings. Members who have pressing issues in this regard are invited to contact the regional office and request to been seen immediately. ROADSHOWS A recent RMI roadshow was held at the Musketeers Club in Durban. The event was well attended by members who heard a number of speakers address a variety of topics.

38 - MAY 2016

Julian Pillay, Regional Manager of the RMI in KwaZulu-Natal

Navi Nandkumar, Enforcements Officer at the Consumer Council, addressed delegates regarding compliance in relation to the Consumer Protection Act. Other speakers included Chuma Botha of RMI4Sure, Wilkus Schutte of BEE Dynamix, Dominic Naidoo of Moto Health Care and a representative from merSETA who provided insight into grants available in the training arena. Janina Kalidass, the RMI’s IR specialist in KwaZulu-Natal, outlined various aspects of the Industrial Relations Act, answering a number of frequently asked questions regarding staffing issues. Robin Naidoo spoke on how to run a workshop the CPA way. Another road show with a similar theme has just been held at the Premier Hotel in Richards Bay, with others planned during the year for Pietermaritzburg, Port Shepstone and, finally, Newcastle or Ladysmith. ASSOCIATIONS Regular meetings of RMI associations have been held in the province. MIWA holds monthly meetings for its regional executive and, last November, the association was invited by Safeline Brakes to tour its factory in Gauteng. The Vehicle Testing Association has also held several meetings this year, while the RMI Exco has met on a bi-monthly basis. MIBCO, SAMBRA, the NTA and TDAFA are among other associations which have

held meetings or given presentations of interest to RMI members this year, and a workshop by GUD is scheduled during the first half of this year. While smaller associations tend to meet less frequently, many are planning functions within the next few months. AGM The Annual General Meetings of associations took place during September and October last year. The RMI KZN AGM was held at the Sibiya Conference Centre and was well attended. Jakkie Olivier, CEO of the RMI, and Jan Schoeman, the COO, addressed delegates. Entertainment was provided by Neville Pillay, a household name in KZN as host of the hugely successful morning show on national broadcaster, Lotus FM. Neville is a regular headliner at many of Durban’s top comedy festivals. Several prizes were given away and a free annual subscription was also won by one of the members.

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RMI UPDATE

Automobil is now available on the Mysubs website

utomobil is now available for free download on the magazine and newspaper subscription service, Mysubs.

Visiting the Mysubs website – www.mysubs.co.za – allows readers to download a PDF version of the magazine, which can then be read on a desktop or laptop computer. A Mysubs app is also available, which allows users to read Automobil on their tablets, mobile devices or smartphones. The

app is available across both Android and iOS platforms. Automobil is the official journal of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), and is regarded as South Africa’s leading voice in the automotive aftermarket. The magazine is a must for anyone who has an interest in the business of motoring.

Abie saves the day When the man got into the car Abie saw that he was terrified – wet with sweat and with a torn shirt. He said he had been on his way to Bloemfontein and had stopped at the side of the road when he was hijacked by men who came out of nowhere and held a gun to his head. The hijackers drove him towards Brandfort, then stopped and forced him out of the car and into a field. “They wanted to shoot him,” says Abie, “but somehow he managed to get away.” Abie Kriek… Good Samaritan

bie Kriek, SAMBRA’s Regional Manager in the Eastern and Western Cape and Free State, recently went the extra mile for a stranger. While travelling from Brandfort to Bloemfontein on March 15 during a visit to the Free State region, he saw a man standing next to the road. “Usually I don’t pick up hitchhikers, but something told me to stop that day,” Abie explains.

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The man asked Abie if he could borrow a mobile phone as his had been stolen in the hijacking. He wanted to speak to his employer, a courier company in East London. “Many things went through my mind at the time,” says Abie. “The man was a stranger who spoke in a language I didn’t understand.” Then the duo reached a tollgate where Abie gave a description of the hijacked vehicle – a blue Toyota Etios – and asked the attendants whether they remembered

it. “One of the ladies confirmed that she had seen it, so I asked her to inform the police at Brandfort.” When the police arrived at the toll gate in response to the call, Abie and the stranger were told that the hijacked vehicle had been spotted abandoned at the roadside near Brandfort. “We drove to the scene,” says Abie. “There were a lot of police vehicles at the car, but no sign of the hijackers – they had fled into the bush.” Police radioed for a helicopter and, a few minutes later, two were in the air circling the scene. Their presence helped to flush out one of the hijackers, who was arrested. “After the police had taken my statement I said goodbye to the stranger, telling him the angels had been with him that day. After all, he had escaped with his life and, as a bonus, his virtually new Etios had been recovered without a scratch.”

MAY 2016

RMI UPDATE

Non-compliant products destroyed

he job of the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) is to protect consumers from unsafe and harmful products and ensure fair trade. Recently, the organisation’s Cape Town branch invited stakeholders to witness the destruction of an array of non-compliant items. The event was attended by the Minister of Trade & Industry, Rob Davies. The destroyed items included sub-standard cement, light bulbs, paraffin stoves, heaters, plastic bags, safety shoes and other products.

RA’s National Executive Committee recently held its first quarterly meeting of 2016 – and some important decisions were taken to enhance the association’s service delivery. Members now have an option to use workshop management software specifically designed for remanufacturing services. A special deal on the implementation of the software has been negotiated and a detailed agreement will be signed shortly. The software offers a comprehensive business management solution, incorporating work flow management applications and progress reporting. The beauty of the system is its simplicity and briskness. A dashboard is provided to view the status of every activity in the business, thus enabling

40 - MAY 2016

Members of ERA's National Executive Committee with CEO of the RMI, Jakkie Olivier (2nd from right)

management to work on its business instead of in the business. The event also provided an opportunity for ERA to present each NEC member

with a certificate of appreciation for their ongoing involvement and contribution to the industry. The presentations were made by the CEO of the RMI, Jakkie Olivier.

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MAY 2016 -

RMI UPDATE

Skills run short across the globe Skills shortages and slow business growth are worldwide issues, according to a high-level motor industry delegation from South Africa which recently visited businesses which are members of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) in the UK

akkie Olivier, CEO of the RMI in South Africa, stressed the point at a meeting with IMI counterparts. “Raising standards in our industry is our top priority,” he told IMI managers. “Training for experienced employees together with apprentices – as well as providing learnerships for young people and the unemployed – is vital to stimulate growth in our sector,” he said, speaking on behalf of the RMI’s 7 500 members. Jeánne Esterhuizen, President of the RMI and a business owner, said there was a complex framework of regulation involving training in South Africa that many businesses found difficult to negotiate. “This is a major hurdle in raising skill levels across the sector and one of the main reasons the RMI is interested in the work the IMI has done concerning training and the advantages it can offer in terms of Return on Investment (ROI),” she said. According to a spokesman for the IMI, the Institute’s study on ROI was funded by the British government in conjunction with the motor industry. Its purpose was to discover exactly what financial returns employers could expect to receive by taking young trainees into their businesses and by up-skilling current staff.

The two-year-long project yielded positive results, convincingly demonstrating that a young apprentice could provide a profit for a retail automotive repair business within 18 months of starting an apprenticeship. By the end of the training period employers could easily reap a return on their training investment of between 200% and 300%. To back its claims, the IMI has produced an online calculator aimed at helping bosses of UK retail automotive maintenance and repair businesses estimate returns on apprentice training as well as offering timelines regarding how quickly the dividends can be reaped. Though aimed at UK employers, to get a flavour, have a go for yourself at www.theimi.org.uk/graph. The IMI is working on a project with the RMI, funded by merSETA, to try to replicate this calculator for South African employers in retail automotive maintenance and repair, as well as automotive body repair businesses. Esterhuizen added that she hoped to use the IMI study to convince more employers in South Africa to take on trainees with a view to encouraging business growth. During their stay the South African delegation, which included trade union leaders Bennie Claassen and Hermann

Köstens, regional RMI manager and national association director Louis van Huyssteen, and Tom Mkhwanazi, General Secretary of the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO), were shown the very best practices in training and development in the UK vehicle industry. The tour included visits to training centres run by BMW and Mercedes-Benz, where qualifications for people working in sales, management, parts and alternative fuel systems – including those for hybrid and dedicated electric vehicles – were assessed. The delegation also visited the EMTEC Motor College with its onsite KIA academy, a state of the art Kwik-Fit centre in Slough, as well as a Sytner Motor Vehicle Dealership in Nottingham, which boasts an approved auto body repair facility for both steel and aluminium vehicles. The week-long visit was rounded off with a chance to network with IMI members from across the UK at the Institute’s annual gala dinner. The IMI’s CEO, Steve Nash, said: “This week provided a tremendous opportunity to build our relationship with the RMI in South Africa. We share many common challenges in our sectors and our values are the same. We hope that our many international qualifications and accreditations will assist the RMI in driving up standards and productivity in their country.”

From left: Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI; Tom Mkhwanazi, General Secretary of the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO); Jakkie Olivier, CEO of the RMI; Jeánne Esterhuizen, President of the RMI; Louis van Huyssteen, regional manager of the RMI and National Association Director; Bennie Claassen, Vice-President of MISA; Hermann Köstens, Chief Executive Officer (Strategy & Development); and Lesley Woolley, COO of the IMI

42 - MAY 2016

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RMI UPDATE

Tukela gives back to the community our service station is at Ntlaza, on the highway to Port St Johns, and that we are in a rural area,” he says. According to Tukela, education remains the key to success. “That's what drives me,” he says. “I was born here and, as my late father who I look up to always said: ‘Education is one thing that no one can take from you – it's wealth that belongs to you.’

Tukela Mtembu

n 2012, Eastern Cape entrepreneur and RMI member Tukela Mtembu opened a Caltex service station near Port St Johns. He says he that starting the business was a scary experience – but he was driven by the thought that if he could succeed, he could help other young entrepreneurs to launch their own enterprises. “Having said that, the idea was to also lend a hand to our communities, bearing in mind that

“So, that for me is important. Returning to my roots and discovering that the kids in the area were in need of betterment and upliftment, I decided to take the advice of one of my former CEOs who was fond of saying: ‘For things to happen, you must do something!’

to over 20 schools in the area. “We have donated money to some and painted some. We have also donated sanitary towels to schools with female learners, many of whom stay away from classes because they can’t afford to buy the items. “Moving forward we want to get other entrepreneurs to join us in caring for our communities. We want to reach out to more schools and establish libraries in rural areas. We want to teach kids the basics – reading and writing – and which in turn will boost their confidence levels. It’s a good starting point.”

“So I got together with members of the community and with other entrepreneurs in the area and we began to do things.” Over the past four years Tukela and his partners have donated thousands of books

Tukela Mtembu (right) at work at a community school

Achieving his goals

n 2014, Luis “Derick” Mathebula – who was stationed at the RMI’s Northern Regional Office – was urged by General Manager Pieter Niemand to enrol for an Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) course run by Triple E Training Holdings.

“Derick is a keen and eager learner who shows lots of determination,” says Niemand. “He has worked hard to better himself and is happy that he has made it this far. He’s also very excited about the prospect of starting his course in maths.”

From the outset Derick proved his worth showing plenty of will to succeed. He passed English Levels One and Two and is currently in his third year.

Over and above Derick’s good results through the ABET programme, Niemand has now made it possible for him to further his knowledge in the IT field through the acquisition of a laptop computer.

However when he completes the course that’s not where his studies will end. Derick has decided to tackle maths next – also through the Triple E Training Holdings ABET course.

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Attie Serfontein, the Northern Region’s Consumer Affairs Consultant has taken Derick through the basics and reckons he’s a quick learner.

All smiles… Derick Mathebula (centre) with Pieter Niemand (left), General Manager of the RMI’s Northern Region and Jakkie Olivier, CEO of the Organisation

We’d like to congratulate Derick on a job well done and fully back him on his way forward. Go Derick, you make us proud!

MAY 2016

Five Star grading for Swedo Tech

runo Burri (right), owner of Swedo-Tech Services – proud winner of the latest MIWA regional and national mystery shopper competition – receives his Five Star grading certificate from the RMI’s Mark Erasmus of the Bloemfontein office. The MIWA grading initiative is outsourced and conducted by Au-

Are you working or training in any of these skills areas?

Are you 22 years or younger in 2017?

BRICKLAYING PLASTERING AND DRYWALL SYSTEMS PLUMBING AND HEATING REFRIGERATION AND AIR-CONDITIONING ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS GRAPHIC DESIGN TECHNOLOGY IT NETWORK SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION IT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS WEB DESIGN CNC TURNING MECHATRONICS MOBILE ROBOTICS WELDING AQUATRONICS BEAUTY THERAPY COOKING HAIRDRESSING RESTAURANT SERVICES AUTO BODY REPAIR AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY CAR PAINTING

The aim of the initiative is to drive standards in the aftermarket workshop environment. According to Bruno, secrets of Swedo Tech’s success relate to continuous training for his staff and always delighting the customer.

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South Africa at the internationals. Skills relating to the automotive sector, which forms part of the competition, include autobody repair, car painting and automobile technology. “We have a considerable talent pool of young artisans in South Africa, and the World Skills South Africa competition is both about celebrating that talent, as well as communicating how key the artisanal sector is to South Africa’s economy,” says Raymond Patel, chairman of the WSSA.

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MAY 2016

RMI UPDATE

Rural automotive communities have been wowed in recent weeks by Partinform shows in Middelburg and Vredenburg. Ryan de Smidt and Kieran Rennie report

Quiz winner Jan Marais (right) and his father Neil of JNL Repair Centre

et weather did not deter a number of automotive representatives from attending Partinform’s second event of the year in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. The aim of the Partinform road-show is not only to promote the role of quality parts in the auto industry, it also serves as a means for Partinform members to network with customers in their own backyards and to advise them on latest trends and products. In addition to the opportunity to interact with various manufacturers and service providers – organisations such as the RMI – the event is focused on fun. Partinform’s customary game show crowns a quiz winner. The prize is not to be sneezed at. Various winners from the year’s 10 individual events ultimately enjoy a Legend Racing track day.

46 - MAY 2016

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After some stiff competition, Neil Marais of JNL Repair Centre – a vehicle workshop in Middelburg – claimed victory in the quiz and will be treated to the Legends Racing experience later in the year. An excited Marais said his attendance at the event not only allowed him to interact and discuss the merits of products with suppliers, but it also allowed him to see what new products had recently been brought to market. “Winning the quiz was a bonus,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the track day.” Additionally, at the Middleburg event exhibitors from Precision Turbo Components and SKF shared their views on Partinform, explaining how the show benefitted their businesses and their brands. As a provider of OEM quality replacement turbochargers, Precision Turbo Components is looking to extend its reach in South Africa, and business development manager Rhett Wiltshire said he had been impressed at Partinform’s commitment to rural automotive communities. “Having joined Partinform only this year I have been amazed at the enthusiasm and positive response we have received,” he said. “We have been able to actively engage with existing and potential clients and are able to share information and advice with them in a relaxed but professional environment.” Gary Czapski, manager of SKF’s automotive division, said he had been impressed by Partinform’s professionalism. “The show provides an ideal platform to communicate with end users of our products,” he said. “Additionally SKF is also able to promote its latest innovations and products to an audience outside of the large automotive hubs around the country. As many of

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our products are distributed via large wholesale groups, we are rarely granted the opportunity to interact directly with our clients and to grow long lasting relationships with them on a more personal basis. “Having the combined efforts of all of the quality manufacturers represented at each trade show ensures far better attendance of the correct target market for our brand offering,” he maintained. For its third event of the year, the Partinform juggernaut headed for the Western Cape – Vredenburg to be precise. About an hour and a half’s drive up the west coast from Cape Town, this friendly little town is strategically placed close to the vibrant commercial port of Saldanha Bay. The area is also an important farming community, meaning service providers are instrumental in helping to keep a variety of vehicles to top shape. Similar to the Middleburg event, the Vredenburg evening provided a vital opportunity for Partinform members to meet with the local community, to share a drink and a laugh and to ultimately forge stronger relationships in the business arena. Promoting quality and creating partnerships is what Partinform is all about. With well-known and established exhibitors such as GUD, Bosch, Gabriel, Indy Oil and a host of others in attendance, it remains one of the best platforms from which to gain valuable automotive insights. This month the Partinform road-show moves on to Louis Trichardt in Limpopo, with the organisation’s fourth event of the year planned for May 18. For more information on Partinform, visit www.partinform.co.za

MAY 2016

TECH TALK

Camshafts in engines will begin to disappear soon, their function replaced by electro-hydraulic or electromechanical valve operating systems, says Jake Venter

any modern engines are surrounded by cladding to reduce under-bonnet noise levels. Removing the outer layer will show the covers of what many technicians regard as something that every engine should have – twin overhead camshafts. We’ve grown up with the perception that angled valves operating in near-hemispherical combustion chambers are the ultimate and twin overhead camshafts are the best way to operate the valves. This layout offers the least inertia and generates the lowest friction of all possible mechanical operating systems. However, the layout retains a number of disadvantages: • Frictional and inertia losses can still be as high as 10% of total engine output; • Camshaft lobe shapes have to be carefully designed to reduce wear. Costly computer time and many months of engine testing is needed to ensure that a new lobe profile fits the bill; • In a conventional engine camshaft and crankshaft are linked by a chain, a cambelt or gears in a fixed 2:1 relationship. This makes it impossible to control valve timing in such a way that the unit delivers maximum torque at all practical speeds or engine loads; • Variable valve timing is able to change the torque profile slightly when power demand and engine speed changes, but the systems are costly and some are not very reliable. Camless valve gear Solutions are being tested in workshops

48 - MAY 2016

involving major manufacturers of cars or components. Camshafts and lobes have been discarded in favour of electro-hydraulic or electro-mechanical valve operating mechanisms. Siemens Automotive Systems as well as Freevalve Engines, a subsidiary of the Swedish supercar maker Koeniggsegg, have demonstrated examples of camless engines to the media. Advantages of camless valve gear are numerous: • Camshafts and troublesome drive mechanisms are eliminated, resulting in a lighter and shorter engines; • Servicing and maintenance costs are reduced; • Valve timing and lift can be controlled individually for each cylinder, leading to maximum efficiency and maximum torque delivery at most engine speeds and under most load conditions; • Electronic control mechanisms can facilitate conservative valve timing during idling, promoting fuel saving; • Bypassing some cylinders at steady cruising speeds to improve fuel consumption is easy to achieve, while active cylinders have to work harder, improving their efficiency; • Inactive cylinders operate under a very low load with the result that piston ring to cylinder bore friction is greatly reduced; • On-demand valve timing lowers emissions and reduces the formation of NOx; • The engine’s operating mode can be easily changed from the conventional

Otto cycle to the Atkinson/Miller cycle in order to run in a more fuel-efficient mode; • Controlling software can be easily upgraded to cope with future desirable operating procedures; • The effect of various valve timing/engine load conditions can be determined by making a software change instead of a camshaft change. This will greatly reduce research time. Electro-mechanical poppet valves Most current camless designs retain a traditional poppet valve operated by electro-

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TECH TALK square wave instead of the more usual cosine wave. The engine can run on an Atkinson/Miller cycle or like a two-stroke at low revs to show almost-double torque delivery. Power and torque output is said to increase by 30% while fuel economy is a claimed 50% better. Software control Biggest advantage of these engines is that valve gear is controlled by a code in a computer chip. The same basic engine can easily be modified for use in tractors, stationary engines, family saloons, sports cars and racing cars, provided the mechanical parts are strong enough to cope with high revs.

magnets. The Siemens system employs a position sensor to keep track of the exact position of the armature in order to allow the magnetic coil current to be adjusted to obtain the desirable valve motion. Construction of the electromagnet is such that it can generate a force in either direction and also vary the amount of force applied. This is an important advantage because the opening and closing speeds of the valves can be varied. A software algorithm ensures that the valves are decelerated to near-zero speed as they land in order to lessen wear and noise. The switching time is about three milliseconds. Siemens has experimented with systems employing valve springs as well as spring-less designs but it’s not clear what form a production version will take. The company’s experimental fourcylinder engine makes use of a 42-volt starter/generator. Electro-mechanical ball valves Ducati is experimenting with ball valves instead of poppet valves. A hollow ball is mounted over a gap in the combustion chamber. The interior of the ball carries passages that open or close the combustion chamber. The design employs magnets controlled by the ECU to rotate the ball into the desired position.

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Electro-hydraulic poppet valves In these designs valves are operated by hydraulic actuators which are fed via a constant-pressure rail supplied by an engine-driven pump that scavenges oil from the sump. A company called Freevalve Engines, founded by Christian von Koenigsegg – who owns the Swedish high-performance automobile manufacturer Koenigsegg Automotive AB – is at the forefront of this technology. His system employs pneumatic (air) engine valve actuation combined with hydraulic (oil) engine valve hold and damping. A short You Tube video explains their operation. You can see it at: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=OZWeNPi2XkE The company has been showing a Saab fitted with their camless engine to the media, and it appears to behave like a more powerful version of the standard production model. In a statement, Koenigsegg likened camshaft operated valves to “playing a piano with broom” while his system was like “playing a piano with your fingers.” He maintained that the Freevalve system enabled independent control over valves for each of the engine’s cylinders, saying it was possible to shut down any number of cylinders without affecting others. The valves open and close so fast that a graph depicting open time looks like a

It also means that drivers can be given the option to dial-in an economy mode or a more powerful mode. The ECU can even be programmed to select the most economical valve timing for any particular cruising speed. The possibilities are endless. The downside is that even more sensors than the many in use at present will be required to keep the ECU in the picture. Why not now? There must be at least 10 camless engines in the experimental stage, but none are production-ready. Valve noise, software and component development time and the need for a switch to 42-volt systems are given as the main stumbling blocks. Ten years ago the motor industry was set to change to 42-volt architecture, but nothing happened. The realisation set in that there was a lot more to the upgrade than simply changing an alternator and fitting a bigger battery. The Atkinson/Miller cycle The Atkinson cycle engine was invented by James Atkinson in 1882. It aimed to improve efficiency (improved fuel consumption) at the expense of power density (Kw per litre) by employing a link that moved the conrod sideways to arrange for a short compression stroke but a long expansion stroke. Toyota revived the cycle for the Prius, but used electronics to achieve the same effect by

MAY 2016 -

TECH TECH TALK TALK keeping the intake valve open on the compression stroke for about twice as long as usual. The result is that during the initial part of the compression stroke, the intake mixture is pushed back into the intake manifold and the proper compression stroke only starts when the intake valve finally closes. The benefit is that the effective compression ratio is reduced, resulting in a lower final combustion chamber temperature which in turn reduces the formation of NOX. It also enables

a more advanced spark setting. A high nominal compression ratio can be used to achieve a large expansion ratio that extracts the maximum amount of energy from the exhaust gas. The Miller cycle was patented by an American engineer, Ralph Miller, in 1957. It is sometimes called a fivestroke cycle and is practically the same as the revived Atkinson cycle, but a supercharger is used to restore lost energy. Mazda employed the Miller cycle on some of its engines.

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

Clever meshing In a struggling economy, some businesses are getting it right. Executive Transmissions – a member of the RMI – is not only surviving, it is thriving. Kieran Rennie reports

transmissions, Mike has enough work to warrant the expansion. When asked about taking on extra staff, Mike says he’d welcome any enthusiastic and qualified applicant but adds – as do so many workshop owners today – that the youngsters don’t seem to want to get their hands dirty. An irony considering the country’s unemployment rate and the solid living a qualified artisan can eventually earn. Mike Koekemoer in his workshop at Executive Transmissions, Edenvale

ichael Koekemoer, founder and owner of Executive Transmissions, has a message for the auto repair industry. “We need to look after the long-term owner and second-hand buyer better,” he says. Based in Edenvale, Gauteng, Executive Transmissions is literally bursting at the seams. On the same morning as our interview, Mike had earlier sat with his landlord to discuss increasing workshop space. Fifteen to twenty cars filled the shop floor with a dozen more lined up outside. Dealing predominantly in automatic

50 - MAY 2016

Of the many changes that Mike has seen over the past 28 years, electronics is today’s major influencer. “I started at ZF, fresh out of the army with no skills. I started as parts cleaner and worked my way up to managing the department. I got all my training in Germany. Part of my responsibility was to train car dealership technicians in diagnosing problems with transmissions,” explains Mike. He recalls that a popular box then was the three-speed hydraulic unit – a rudimentary system when compared to today’s high tech eight and nine speed fully electronically controlled transmissions. Electronics are therefore the major challenge for any modern gearbox repairer. “The hardware on any vehicle, be it a BMW,

Jeep, Land Rover, Mercedes, Jaguar or Porsche, all work on the same principal. There is however, unique electronic mapping associated with each individual make. The electronic configuration of the on-board management system varies from brand to brand. It’s tough to be totally au fait with every single manufacturer’s layout,” says Koekemoer. Going forward? Mike is looking for increased dialogue with OEMs and dealer groups. Executive Transmissions is well placed and has properly qualified technicians. The company sees itself taking on contract work for the dealers or OEMs, concentrating on out of warranty and aftermarket repairs. With Executive Transmissions being RMI approved, the business is authorised to do insurance work for all warranty companies – Motorite, Innovation, SA Warranties, Bidvest and others. Mike’s moto is to give the customer the best quality for the most affordable price. “South African car owners keep their cars for up to 10 years. I think we have a responsibility to the enduser to find a more affordable way of keeping older cars on the road,” he concludes. For info, log on to www.executivetransmissions.co.za

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O&M CAPE TOWN 88367/E

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MAY 2016

LEGAL EAGLE

Change of marital dispensation Spouses who got married in community of property have the option to change the matrimonial regime applicable to their union by way of an application to court. Nihann van Rooyen, an attorney at Barnard Incorporated, reports

he choice between available marriage regimes is an important one, as it determines spouses’ liability towards creditors of the other, rights to deal with matrimonial property, and entitlement to assets of the estate(s) upon dissolution of the marriage by death or divorce. All marriages in South Africa are in community of property, unless the spouses can prove the existence of a valid ante nuptial agreement in terms of which community of property and/or community of profit and loss are excluded. Fortunately, spouses who by choice or inadvertently got married in community of property have the option to change the matrimonial regime applicable to their union by way of an application to court. The Matrimonial Property Act, Act 88 of 1984 (the Act) enables the husband and wife to jointly apply to court for leave to change their matrimonial regime. The Court in the Lourens et Uxor case gave the following guidelines with regard to an application in terms of Section 21 of the Act: 1. The Registrar of Deeds must be given notice of the application in terms of Section 97(1) of the Deeds Registries Act 47 of 1937; 2. The draft postnuptial agreement must be attached to the parties’ application; 3. The notice of the parties’ intention to bring the application must be published in the Government Gazette, one English newspaper and one Afrikaans newspaper at least two weeks prior to

the date on which the application will be heard; 4. It is important that the published notice contains the date on which the application will be heard, the steps available to a possible objector to the proposed change and an indication where the application and draft postnuptial agreement can be inspected; 5. All creditors of the parties (whether actual or contingent) must be notified, by prepaid registered post, of the application at least two weeks prior to the date on which the application will be heard. The parties, in their application and under oath, must provide a list of all such creditors and provide proof that notice was given to each of them by, for example, attaching the prepaid registered post slips to their affidavit; 6. The parties must furthermore provide detailed information regarding their assets and liabilities and acceptable reasons should be advanced as to why the court should exercise its discretion to grant the relief claimed and to determine whether any third party will be prejudiced by the proposed change; 7. The parties must also disclose whether or not anyone of them had been sequestrated in the past and if there are any pending legal proceedings against them by any creditor for the recovery of any debt due; 8. The parties must satisfy the court that no other party will be prejudiced by the proposed change. The order sought by the parties and the proposed contract to be registered, shall contain a

provision which preserves the rights of any pre-existing creditors; and 9. The application should be brought in the court in whose jurisdiction the parties are domiciled. As a change to the marriage regime affects a person’s status, such change cannot be effected without an order of the High Court. It must be noted that these applications tend to be expensive and lengthy in duration. In order to avoid unnecessary costs and risks, couples intending to get married would be well advised to consult with an attorney before they get married in order to obtain advice on the available marriage regimes and to timeously execute and register a valid ante nuptial agreement, should they so prefer. • Members of RMI4Law enjoy the benefit of the 24/7 Legal Advice line to obtain assistance from attorneys. To join Rmi4law, phone 0861-668-677

Nihann van Rooyen, an attorney at Barnard Incorporated

52 - MAY 2016

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WHY SETTLE FOR GOOD

WHEN THE BEST IS AVAILABLE?

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MAY 2016

LABOUR

Sexual harassment can take on different guises and is regarded as one of the most serious forms of misconduct in the workplace. Douw Breed, a director at Barnard Incorporated Attorneys, explains

t is the duty of employers to provide safe work environments for all employees. Unfortunately, despite all efforts, it happens from time to time that the actions of other employees compromise the safe working environment. There are many ways in which this can happen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sexual harassment is one. This form of misconduct is of a serious nature and might lead to the dismissal of the perpetrator if he or she is found guilty. It is essential that, apart from being safe, a workplace environment enables employees to respect each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dignity, privacy and right to equity. A helpful resource for dealing with sexual harassment is The Code of Good Practice, which defines sexual harassment as follows: 1 Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. The unwanted nature of sexual harassment distinguishes it from behaviour that is welcome and mutual. 2 Sexual attention becomes sexual harassment if: a) The behaviour is persistent, though a single incident of harassment can constitute sexual harassment; and/or b) The recipient has made it clear that the behaviour is considered offensive; and/or c) The perpetrator should have known that the behaviour would be regarded as unacceptable.

54 - MAY 2016

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LABOUR As a prerequisite to qualify as sexual harassment, the conduct must be considered unwanted and unwelcomed. Sexual harassment can take on different guises, namely physical, verbal or nonverbal. The Code of Good Conduct lists examples: 1 Physical conduct of a sexual nature includes all unwanted physical contact, ranging from touching to sexual assault and rape, and includes a strip search by, or in the presence of, the opposite sex. 2 Verbal forms of sexual harassment include unwelcome innuendoes, suggestions and hints, sexual advances, comments with sexual overtones, sexrelated jokes or insults or unwelcome graphic comments about a person’s body made in their presence or directed toward them, unwelcome and inappropriate enquiries about a person’s sex life and unwelcome whistling directed at a person or group of persons. 3 Non-verbal forms of sexual harassment include unwelcome gestures, indecent exposure and the unwelcome display of sexually explicit pictures and objects. Quid pro quo harassment occurs where an owner, employer, supervisor, member of management or coemployee, undertakes or attempts to influence the process of employment, promotion, training, discipline, dismissal, salary increment or other benefit of an employee or job applicant, in exchange for sexual favours. And sexual favouritism exists where a person who is in a position of authority rewards only those who respond to his or her sexual advances, while other deserving employees who do not submit themselves to any sexual advances are denied promotions, merit ratings or salary increases. During the process of dealing with sexual harassment matters, it remains imperative that the victims of sexual harassment

feel safe, and that their grievances are addressed. Grievances submitted by victims of sexual harassment should be dealt with fast and effectively, leaving the victim feeling satisfied that his or her grievance has been addressed adequately and sincerely.

• Indicate that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity; • That any misconduct of a sexual nature will not be allowed or condoned; and • The victim has the right to lodge a formal grievance which will be dealt with by the employer accordingly.

The aim should, in reiteration, be to create a safe working environment. The Code is of great assistance in establishing certain guidelines that should be followed in the workplace to give effect to this aim.

The employer has to develop proper procedures in the workplace for dealing with sexual misconduct matters, while remaining conscious of the fact that sexual harassment is a sensitive issue.

Principles set out by the Code include the following: a) Employers, managers and employees are required to refrain from committing acts of sexual harassment; b) All employers, managers and employees have a role to play in contributing towards creating and maintaining a working environment in which sexual harassment is unacceptable. They should ensure that their standards of conduct do not cause offence and they should discourage unacceptable behaviour on the part of others; c) Employers and managers should attempt to ensure that persons such as customers, suppliers, job applicants and others, who have dealings with the business, are not subjected to sexual harassment by the employer or his or her employees. d) Employers and managers are required to take appropriate action in accordance with the Code of Good Practice when instances of sexual harassment which occur within the workplace are brought to their attention.

The suggested procedure to follow is: • To provide advice and assistance; • To provide options to resolve a problem; • An informal procedure can be followed; • A formal procedure should follow; • There should be proper investigation and disciplinary action; • Criminal and civil charges should be considered; and • A dispute resolution process should be instituted if necessary. Employers need to ensure that every employee in the workplace understands that misconduct of such a serious nature violates an individual’s right to equality, dignity and privacy and, in turn, compromises the safe working environment. For this reason, employees should know that such behaviour will not be tolerated and that appropriate action will be taken against transgressors.

Moreover, the Code also indicates that employers would be wise to issue policy statements as the first step in addressing sexual harassment problems to show commitment in dealing with the misconduct. The policy statement so issued by the employer should:

Douw Breed (BCom (NWU) LLB (NWU)) is a director at Barnard Incorporated Attorneys www.automobil.co.za

MAY 2016 -

FAQs

Educa0on

RMI UPDATE

•  Master Technician Programme •  Up to date info via newsleKers & website •  IR seminars •  MerSETA and NETC representa+on •  OHS Training seminars

Why MIWA?

Fin

•  Access to Warranty/Go •  Moto Health Care & Pro representa+on •  Nego+ate Group discou •  Research & Developmen business tools to impro •  Business mentoring & u

Automobil has received a large number of questions surrounding the benefits of being a MIWA member, both for the business owner and for the man in the street The RMI’s Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) offers a large number of benefits for its members across five main spheres

Why MIWA?

• Championing Right to Repair in SA • Negotiate Group discounts on quality • Audit workshops awarding 1-5 star ratings parts for your rights and • Develop Master Technicians • Research & Development on value We ﬁght added business tools to improve your make your voice heard Regulatory bottom line Education • Free Labour advice • Business mentoring & upliftment. www.miwasa.com Re The Collec0ve • Master Technician Programme • Representation at CCMA, DRC and Labour • Up to date info via newsletters & court The Collective •  Free Labour advice •  2500 strong •membership website IR seminars • Investigate workshop removals from 2500 strong membership •  Representa+on at C •  Lobbying • MerSETA and NETC representation •  MIBCO representa+on Warranty panels • Lobbying •  Inves0gate worksh panels •  The workshop mee+ng plaNorm • OHS Training seminars • Assistance with complaints lodged at • MIBCO representation •  Assistance with com •  Wage nego0a0ons & bargaining. MIOSA • The workshop meeting platform •  Access to legal opin Consumer Uncollected Proper Financial • Access to legal opinions like Storage • Wage negotiations & bargaining •  SABS & NRCS repre conﬁdence •  Deal with unscrupu • Access to Warranty/Government fleet • Fees and Uncollected Property commiKee work • SABS & NRCS representation Consumer confidence • Moto Health Care & Provident Fund Deal unscrupulous • Developing MIWA as – The trusted •  Developing M• IWA as – Twith he trusted brand to look dealers via the out for board representation ethics committee brand to look out for •  Championing Right to Repair in SA •  Audit workshops awarding 1-‐5 star ra0ngs •  Develop Master Technicians

17-QA/0874/13

BASIC | IN T ERM ED IAT E | ADVAN CED AUTO ELECT RICAL

Kigima Auto Electrical Training Centre prides itself in offering students top class Facilitators where focus is placed on individual attention and student support. Thereby giving students the confidence to excel in their skills development. SHORT COURSES ON OFFER : Bench Worker (LD & HD) Basic Auto Electrical (LD & HD) Intermediate Auto Electrical (LD) Advanced Auto Electrical (LD& HD, Plant & E/moving) Sales, Stores & Goods Receiving Trade Test Preparation Credit & Debit Cards Sound & Security Now Accepted Basic Auto Air Conditioning Kigima Auto Electrical Training Centre 212 Soutter Street, Pretoria West, 0183 Tel : +27 (0)12 327 2586 Fax : +27 (0)12 327 6211 Email : irene@kigima.co.za

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MAY 2016 -

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Get out of the pits! One of the biggest problems for business owners is that they convince themselves that being busy is what business is all about, says accredited business coach Fergus Ferguson

ust imagine if your business was like a Formula 1 pit team – how successful do you think you would be? Would you be the team manager calmly orchestrating the events from the safety of the pit wall or would you be the one running round doing every job to make sure it is done well – getting in everybody's way but feeling good because you are busy helping out, with the end result that the car goes out late and with only three wheels? One of the biggest problems for business owners is that they convince themselves that being busy is what business is all about and that as long as they give their all, then there is not much else that they can do. While we all know that we need to work smarter rather than harder, the reality is that life always throws us curve balls and we end up reacting to the environment we find ourselves in and going back to our old ways. The reason for this stems from why we got into business in the first place. When you are starting a business there is a real buzz from getting things off the ground, everything is new and exciting and the dreams that you set off with are still clear in your mind. At this stage you have to work hard, because there is nobody else to do the work and, if you don’t do it, it doesn't get done. Unfortunately, herein lies the root of future problems. When we are busy like this we usually end up running on high amounts of

58 - MAY 2016

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adrenaline. Pumped up, working long hours and overcoming great challenges, every win we make leaves an imprint in our subconscious minds, linking working hard with success. The imprints are made deeper by the people we tend to meet, who are usually similar to us, doing the same things and ending with the same results. The downside is that we actually become workaholics. Just like an alcoholic, we become addicted to the buzz that we get doing what we know is bad for us, and the last person to realise what is happening is the person with the problem. Also like an alcoholic, it is the people around us who suffer most. Family is neglected, friends become acquaintances and, worst of all, people that are taken on in the business to provide support are driven away if they do not want to behave in the same way. So if you are a workaholic, what do you do? Well, the steps are similar to addressing any addiction. The first step is always being aware that you are a workaholic. The signs are quite clear and if you need help to see them ask somebody close to you to be honest with you. Some of the more obvious ones are: • Struggling to sleep at night because your mind does not stop; • Getting stressed and losing your temper at relatively minor things; • Starting things and not finishing them; • Working late at night or at the weekend when those around you seem to be off enjoying themselves; • Finding yourself being accused of not listening to other people. Once you are aware that there’s a problem you then have to take ownership of the situation. There is no

point in blaming anybody apart from yourself. You can’t blame your team, the bank, the government, the economy or your customers. Where you are is a direct result of the decisions and actions you have made to this point. The good thing is that where you will be in the future will be a direct result of the decisions and actions you take now and in the future. The only thing is will you do as you have always done and get what you always got or will you try something different? So when you are clear that you are in control and can act differently and get a different result what can you actually do to help you wean yourself off your workaholism. The first thing is to be really clear what sort of life you want to lead: how many hours per week, days per year you want to work, what will your team do for you and what would you rather be doing instead of working all the time? This is really important because if you don’t have something you like better, you will always end up doing what you are doing now, even if deep down you hate it. Now you know what you want, decide the time scale you want this to happen and plan out what needs to happen each quarter in order for you to get there. Remember, it takes 21 times to create a good habit and the longer you have been a workaholic, the longer it will take you to change your many bad habits. Finally, be honest with yourself and admit it when you need help and embrace it, other people will see you fall back into your old business habits far sooner than you do. So go on, rev up your business and get yourself out of the pits.

Fergus Ferguson is a franchisee of the global business coaching company – ActionCOACH. He is an accredited Business Coach who assists business owners to significantly grow their profits and develop their entrepreneurial skills. To find out more about Business Coaching or to receive a complimentary consult and a business health check, call 082 650 0867 or visit actioncoach.com/fergusferguson

www.automobil.co.za

MAY 2016

RMI UPDATE

Testing for HIV The basics of HIV testing and what’s important to know

n HIV test is quick, safe and easy. The person’s finger is first cleaned, then a brand new needle is used to make a small finger prick (the needle is only used once and then thrown away). The blood that is drawn is put into a testing kit which takes only a few minutes to give results. If the test is positive, a second HIV test – called a confirmatory test – is done to double-check the results. Importantly, the person doing the test must first give the person taking the test the opportunity to ask questions and get informed. The test can only go ahead if the person gives their permission – this is called informed consent. Pre- and post-test counselling must be a part of all HIV testing where the person will receive his or her test result. There are three Cs that apply to ethical HIV antibody testing: • Consent (Informed) – the person must give their consent to being tested; • Counselling – a counsellor must be available for questions and advice before and after the test; • Confidentiality – the person doing the test is not allowed to disclose a person’s status to anyone without that person’s permission.

60 - MAY 2016

What does an HIV negative test result mean? A negative test result means that HIV antibodies were not detected – this could mean two things: either the person is not infected, or they may be infected but they’re in the window period.

UNDERSTANDING THE WINDOW PERIOD People that have recently become infected with HIV can sometimes have a negative test – it may be necessary to have a repeat test done at a later stage. The person doing the HIV test should be able to advise the person taking the test when their next test should be, based on their personal risk factors. For example, the person may have decided to do the test after a risky event such as recent unprotected intercourse. It usually takes about six weeks following infection for a person to develop these antibodies, so a rule of thumb would be to test three months after a risky event. In summary, the period between infection and the production of HIV antibodies is known as the window period and testing during this period – before antibodies are produced – may lead to a false negative.

What does an HIV positive test result mean? A positive test result means that HIV antibodies were detected and that the person is infected with HIV. What should a person do if they test HIV positive? It’s normal for a person to feel shocked or sad, angry or afraid. It’s important to get help from trusted people – the person should seek advice from a health care provider and others that who can be trusted as they consider sharing their HIV status with family, friends and sexual partners. A person that has been diagnosed as HIV positive should disclose his or her status to sexual partners so that they can be tested too. An HIV positive person should either abstain from sex or use a condom every time they have sex – even if the other person is HIV positive: this is to prevent getting other diseases through sex. They should also go to the clinic regularly so that the doctor can help to manage the disease. With modern medicines and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), a person can live a long, healthy life and still provide for their loved ones. Contact Redpeg for accredited HIV/AIDS workplace training, consulting and research. tim@redpeg.co.za | 0861 REDPEG or (011) 794 5173 | www.redpeg.co.za)

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MAY 2016

62 MAY 2016

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MAY 2016

MEMBERUPDATE

The RMI welcomes these new businesses into membership Member Trading Name A Abelia Motors Action Ford North West Alpha Performance Innovation APM Automech Arnold Auto Services Automall Datsun Automall Kia Automall Renault Automall Subaru B Barloworld Ford Tygervalley Bavarian Technologies C Car Service City Car-Tune Centre Cargo Motors Stoneridge CBS Vision Air CBS Worcester D Dieci Southern Africa (MATPRO) Durban Brake and Clutch F Ford Sed Auto Mthatha Fury Fourways Mazda Fury Fourways Suzuki Fury Midrand Mazda Fury Pinetown Mazda Fury Sandton Mazda G GDC Gearbox &d Diff Supplies Genie Autobody Gobey’s Auto Centre Greenacres Convenience Centre GWM East London H Hi-Q Parow Honda Auto East London Hyundai Corlett Drive Bramley Hyundai Woodmead J J & D Coachworks JRP Auto Repairs K K & S Repairs Kambula Diesel Khalipha Moving & Hydraulic Services Kroon Paneelkloppers

City / Town Strand Lichtenburg Goodwood Middelburg Hilton East London East London East London East London Bellville Bloemfontein Bloemfontein Germiston Edenvale Springs Worcester Blackheath Durban Mthatha Randburg Randburg Midrand Pinetown Randburg Sandton Kempton Park Cape Town Port Elizabeth East London Parow East London Johannesburg Johannesburg Cape Town Ohrigstad Midrand Vryheid Edenvale Kroonstad

Member Trading Name L Lubz on Wheelz M MA Automotive Tool & Die Head Office MA Automotive Tool & Die Plant 2 MA Automotive Tool & Die Plant 4 MA Automotive Tool & Die Plant 6 Mabitsi Transport Services & Trading Marine Drive Motors Midas Akals Midas Bellville Midas Bochum Midas Indian Centre Midas Jane Furse Midas AkalsLandros Mare Midas Matoks Midas Paledi Midas Seshego Midas Sibasa Midas Thornhill MJJ Main Road Radiators & Brakes Mosemo Trading MOTO 1 Service & Repair Centre Multi Franchise Menlyn N North Rand Road Midas R Redi 4 Ma 3 Renault Fourways Renault Randburg Rola Volvo Helderberg Rumaanahs Auto Services S Sanrose Motors & Panelbeaters Silverton Radiators Alberton Silverton Radiators Barberton Silverton Radiators Benoni Silverton Radiators Bethal Silverton Radiators Bethlehem Silverton Radiators Bothaville Silverton Radiators Brits Silverton Radiators Bronkhurstspruit Silverton Radiators Cato Manor Silverton Radiators Centurion Silverton Radiators Denver Silverton Radiators Durban Silverton Radiators Durban Central Silverton Radiators Ellisras Silverton Radiators Empangeni

City / Town Germiston Pretoria Pretoria East London Pretoria Kempton Park Uvongo Durban Cape Town Polokwane Polokwane Jane Furse Polokwane Polokwane Polokwane Seshego Polokwane Polokwane Phalaborwa Polokwane Benoni Pretoria Boksburg Polokwane Randburg Randburg Strand Pretoria Midrand Alberton Barberton Benoni Bethal Bethlehem Bothaville Brits Bronkhurstspruit Durban Centurion Johannesburg Durban Durban Lephalale Empangeni

Member Trading Name

City / Town

Silverton Radiators Ficksburg Silverton Radiators Frankfort Silverton Radiators George Silverton Radiators Germiston Silverton Radiators Harrismith Silverton Radiators Hermanus Silverton Radiators Hes Silverton Radiators Klerksdorp Silverton Radiators Koedoespoort Silverton Radiators Krugersdorp Silverton Radiators Lichtenburg Silverton Radiators Malelane Silverton Radiators Mitchells Plain Silverton Radiators Newcastle Silverton Radiators Oudtsoorn Silverton Radiators Paarl Silverton Radiators Parow Silverton Radiators Piet Retief Silverton Radiators Potchefstroom Silverton Radiators Pretoria West Silverton Radiators Richards Bay Silverton Radiators Sasolburg Silverton Radiators Silvertondale Silverton Radiators Springbok Silverton Radiators Springs Silverton Radiators Standerton Silverton Radiators Stellenbosch Silverton Radiators Strijdompark Silverton Radiators Trichardt Silverton Radiators Vanderbijlpark Silverton Radiators Village Main Silverton Radiators Vryburg Silverton Radiators Welkom Slipstream Motorsport Sobeya Trading & Project Supa Quick Springbok T TATA East London TECH 1 Auto Services The Auto Lounge The BM Workshop Triton Fleet Management Tyre Stuff Trading U Upington Motolek V Valley Tyres W Windien Garage

Ficksburg Frankfort George Germiston Harrismith Hermanus Benoni Klerksdorp Koedoespruit Krugersdorp Lichtenburg Malelane Cape Town Newcastle Oudtshoorn Paarl Cape Town Piet Retief Potchefstroom Pretoria Richards Bay Sasolburg Pretoria Springbok Springs Standerton Stellenbosch Randburg Trichardt Vanderbijlpark Johannesburg Vryburg Welkom Edenvale Winterveld Springbok East London Boksburg Centurion Durban Johannesburg East London Upington Roodepoort Winterton

ADVERTISERS AUTOMOBIL - MAY 2016 EDITION

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

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concerns raised by members in the dayto-day running of their businesses.

- MAY 2016

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Truck Expo

2016

Conference & Awards

TruckX, South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest one day Trucking, Transport and Logistics Expo Get to the Sandton Convention Centre on Tuesday, August 2, for an opportunity to see and interact with all that the trucking, fleet and logistics industry has to offer, all under one roof, right in the heart of Sandton!

FOR THE INDUSTRY ENTHUSIASTS

The TruckX Expo showcases all that the trucking and logistics industry has to offer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from new products and technologies to skills development, environmental sustainability initiatives and other industry products

FOR THE INDUSTRY PLAYERS

The TruckX Conference facilitates leading panel discussions with a power house line-up of speakers, all ready to tackle issues that affect the trucking and logistics industry

Contact: Kieran Rennie Cell: 083 225 9609 Email: kieran@thefuture.co.za

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Hosted by Future Group

MAY 2016

TAILPIECE

Exploring the road ahead French carmaker Renault promises its plans for autonomous vehicles begin and end with customer driving pleasure. Paul Myles reports

ven driverless cars have to evoke passion in consumers if they are to win acceptance… That’s the view of French carmaker Renault as it looks into the future of mobility solutions. The director of the company’s connected and autonomous vehicle programme, Thierry Viadieu, believes customers will demand individual driving experiences even when vehicles are shared by many users – and that technology has to be employed to make this happen. Viadieu believes the autonomous vehicle’s main asset will be its ability to make driving less of a chore in congested traffic or on long tedious motorway journeys. “We are convinced that driving can be a pleasure – though we acknowledge that under some conditions it can be boring. “Our autonomous programme is about providing an experience that takes away the boring parts. We want to be able to say to our customers: ‘We can take over this function now so you can do something else.’ “Our objective is to give back time to the driver, but simultaneously we want to keep open the possibility of driving enjoyment when conditions allow.” Viadieu says the in-car experience must always be one that attracts a customer

66 MAY 2016

back to the vehicle. “When you consider car sharing concepts, it might be that you share the car you own with other people. “What’s important is that every time you get in, the vehicle recognises you by immediately selecting your favourite radio pre-sets, offering you access to your favourite places on the Cloud and also providing the interior lighting and ambience that you want – those are some of the things we are working on.” Viadieu says the connected car of the future has a vital role to play as a mobility solution for consumers in areas of efficiency and convenience for personal and commercial use alike. “We have to explore how we get into the business of offering services to the consumer. We have implemented joint venture pilot schemes to test ideas and we also have programmes such as R-Access for fleets, where drivers can share cars using remote access through smartphones. “This represents a new eco-system. We are moving from the ownership model to the usage model, which for us completely changes at least part of the business concept. So added value for the customer is not just selling the car but selling potential usage of the vehicle, too.

“What is very important in this story is the set of technological enablers that will allow the bridges to be crossed – and it is the job of the OEM to achieve this. We need some very clever technological bricks on which to build. We can dream of a time when a car without a driver picks you up at home and drops you somewhere else – but this might take a bit of time.” Viadieu does not accept the shared car of the future will be more utilitarian than some of the more emotively appealing products on offer today. Nor does he see demand for new products tailing away as more cars are shared by several users, saying: “In a situation where a vehicle is shared among people, it will get greater use than if it was simply owned by one person. In this way the renewal of cars will be faster than at present.” He says matching the connected car’s digital offering to the customer’s ongoing expectations will be another big challenge. “How do we keep a car fresh in terms of technology? Smartphones and tablets are discarded far sooner than vehicles, so we have find ways of keeping a car fresher for longer, because consumers will be expecting similar levels of performance from it as they get from their latest electronic devices.”

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MAY 2016

Your “Aluminium Bolt On Bay” Solution Provider

The VAS 6572

Your recipe for preventing disaster. Minimise the risk of explosions in the work-place by utilising a VAS 6572 RUWAC Industrial Vacuum from Aer-o-cure. Featuring a unique spark trap system, the VAS 6572 is the only independently (TUV) certified machine, approved by the manufacturer (Ruwac) to vacuum an ignition source*.

Various forms of dust in hazardous locations are a serious risk to any business operation with a combination of a source of ignition, air (Oxygen) and combustible dusts or gases often leading to disastrous consequences if not handled with the correct equipment.

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Automotive Bodyshop Equipment

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68 MAY 2016

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