THE VEHICLE DEALER’S NEWS SOURCE VOLUMEVOLUME 4 ISSUE 4 ISSUE 6 JANUARY 9 APRIL 2018

Car buyers’ media menu varies in taste nline new car-buying re- Six degrees of deliberation search dominates all other Omedia forms such as televi- sion and radio - but not without a for new franchised car dealers and the he push from the Australian fight, a new Roy Morgan study shows. tens of thousands of Australians they Automotive Dealer Association A separate overall media consump- employ.” T(AADA) to see a fit-for-purpose Blackhall says the AADA’s voice will be tion study shows bias changes dra- automotive industry franchising code heard as the enquiry continues to de- matically at various times of the day, that restores balance to dealers is on liberate over several issues that include suggesting that online might never go the fairway. the automotive sector. offline. Since the federal Parliamentary enquiry “We are in regular contact with the But there is still a captive audience began into the effectiveness of the relevant ministers, shadow ministers, in the less popular mediums. current Franchising Code of Conduct, other elected officials, government Over the next four years, 2.26 mil- dealers have been grappling with the departments and regulators. lion Australians intend buying a new imbalance first-hand. “Under the current system dealers have car, including 614,000 people who’ll The enquiry, which is being handled no security of tenure, are increasingly buy one in the next year alone – a by the Parliamentary Joint Commit- being served with non-renewal notices, tee on Corporations and Financial have ineffective capital expenditure 7.7% increase (44,000 people) over Services, is expected to report by protections and are subject to unfair the same time last year. September 30 and, according to the end-of-term arrangements.” So how, where and when carmak- AADA, substantial progress is happen- The AADA maintains the position that ers advertise is becoming increas- ing. the Franchising Code of Conduct, ingly important. AADA chief executive David Blackhall which includes more conventional Radio is the most popular media tells AutoTalk discussions should see retail such as clothing, food and elec- during the breakfast hours and tel- Australia’s 1500 franchised new car tronic goods, is insufficient for the raft evision is Australia’s favourite dinner- dealers given a fairer go. of dealer-specific circumstances that time digestive. “We have spent a arise in the buying and selling of cars, great deal of time in vans and trucks. Canberra educating “Consumer complaints handling is only the relevant officials one feature of a relationship skewed on the inadequacy of very much in favour of manufacturers,” the existing franchis- Blackhall says. ing code and the Bolstering the AADA’s arguments are need for an industry six key principles for inclusion in an specific code,” he Automotive Industry Code which will says. put dealers on par. David Blackhall “I believe our discus- Principle one is the need for a safe, Roy Morgan sions have resonated secure and vetted system that al- The results of the survey of more with the key figures in Canberra and, lows independent repairers to access than 15,000 people show 75% of while it is early days, we are confident manufacturer technical service and we are taking all the right steps which repair data, after the ACCC suggested a Australians consume radio with their will result in a good and fair outcome mandatory scheme was needed to bet- poached eggs and 88% watch the box while eating their meat and ve- Continued on page 4 gies. INSIDE Roy Morgan chief executive ACCC dishes details on Takata drama P3 Michele Levine says a strong market- US auto industry guru offers advice P6 ing campaign is buoyed by strategy Fleet safety obligations set to change P8 and cunning. Import dealer folds from new rules P15 3 8 Continued on page 12 FOUNDATION SPONSORS

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2 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 NEWSTALK

Explosive consequences for non-compliance

and other industry stakeholders to help he auto industry has been told in placed as most practicable with priority complete the recall within two years. factors including vehicles currently no uncertain terms exactly what’s “This really is a difficult problem and registered in areas of high humidity, Texpected of it in dealing with the it poses serious safety concerns for vehicles older than six years, unless mandatory Takata airbag recall. consumers,” he said. they’ve had a like-for-like replacement, The Australian Competition and Con- “It’s an issue the entire industry is re- and vehicles with driver-side inflators.” sumer Commission (ACCC) held an quired to address and while the recall The three categories of suppliers were information session at VACC House largely puts the onus on manufactur- essentially OEMs under category A and last month to explain what’s expected ers to replace affected airbag infla- B, while C category is grey import- under the recall. tors, we acknowledge the impact this ers with more flexibility shown toward In the presence of representatives has on the wider industry.” these suppliers because the ACCC from Automotive Holdings Group, AP Probyn said the “out of mind, out of recognised most businesses don’t have Eagers, Melbourne’s Cheapest Cars, sight” factor in the inherent design the available resources of the carmak- Andrews and Wallis Group, Jefferson of the lifesaving airbag is ironically a ers, Probyn says. Group and Gesmac Group, the Victori- mindset that could result in fatalities if It was also important that the whole an Automobile Chamber of Commerce the problem isn’t solved in its entirety. industry was involved and knew each (VACC) fielded multiple questions and “The fact the consumer cannot see the others’ roles, he says. laid down the law to the industry. Takata airbag inflator which can cause “It’s almost impossible to understand It had fielded hundreds of phone calls very serious injury or death means they the recall fully by just knowing one in the days preceding the February 27 can be completely unaware of the party’s obligations or position. It’s cru- news that the recall of Takata airbags hazard and [that] requires an urgent cial to know how the system works in would be made compulsory with a response,” he says. broader context.” December 2020 deadline and 100% As the largest and most complex Corrs Chambers Westgarth senior completion rate. product recall in Australian history, and associate John Fogarty elaborated VACC deputy executive director Layla with more than 200 cases of injury and further, saying suppliers (OEMs) had a Yilmaz welcomed the room with some many mis-deployments globally, it had direct obligation to the recall and must blunt statements. the potential to become catastrophic. track and record replacement activity. “Clearly this is a big issue, you don’t often “The root cause is that the design “OEMs must also support dealers to see a 39-page recall notice,” she began. allows moist air intrusion through vent- conduct replacements and there are “The impact is not only on new car ing holes so the propellant burns more obligations such as covering replace- dealers but used dealers, recyclers, rapidly and basically it explodes more ment costs,” he says. repairers – basically anyone who buys, intensely than it’s supposed to, fractur- “They must provide detailed instructions sells or repairs vehicles.” ing the casing, which comes out with on how to perform replacement. They Motor Trades Association of Australia the airbag,” Probyn says. must also put in place systems where chief executive Richard Dudley stressed Under the recall notice, suppliers consumers can present their vehicle to the seriousness of the undertaking. would be required to account for 100% any dealer in that OEM’s network and “We don’t have answers to every single of affected Takata airbag inflators sup- ensure dealers comply with requirements question right now but the ACCC has made plied to Australian consumers, includ- when acting on their behalf.” this decision and it’s important,” he said. ing those now in salvage yards. Not OEMs must implement second-hand “We are liaising with manufacturers helping the recall in a proactive way vehicle action plans to ensure distribu- and the FCAI, and there is a taskforce would have repercussions. tion of recall information to that mar- in place by them with members. Let “Suppliers and other affected parties ket and support replacements through this be a recall that brings including dealers, second-hand trad- their dealer networks. what is otherwise a nor- ers and spare parts suppliers may face “These measures must apply to alpha mally fragmented industry penalties under ACL for non-com- airbag inflators for their higher risk of together.” pliance with the obligations. And for rupture.” Glenn Probyn, the corporations the maximum penalty is “Any OEM that has supplied vehicles ACCC deputy director $1.1 million per breach. with alpha inflators is required to com- of the Takata Taskforce, “Vehicles most at risk are those with mence recalls of them within one week Glenn Probyn, pulled no punches when alpha inflators which pose highest risk of the notice commencing on April 3. ACCC explaining the high ex- of rupture. Other airbags must be re- taskforce pectation on carmakers Continued on page 5

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 | 3 NEWSTALK

Six degrees of deliberation AutoTalk Magazine and autotalk.com.au are published Continued from page 1 by Auto Media Group ter serve consumers “on commercially fair The AADA wants to see the withholding PO BOX 286 Batman VIC 3058 and reasonable terms”. of target-setting and performance review Phone: 1800 125 620 information stopped, particularly when it ABN: 37 51360 734 The same information provided to fran- chise dealers would be made available to affects the dealer. independent workshops but the AADA It also wants recommended retail pricing stresses the importance of a secure vetting prohibited from falling below wholesale EDITOR process to guarantee that end-users are pricing without reflecting it on invoices and Scott (Muzza) Murray traced along with the use of the information crediting dealers. [email protected] obtained. And it says factory-owned dealer stores +61 426 365 774 Principle two is the amending of manufac- should not be allowed unfair trading ad- turer warranty and policy protocols that vantages that compete with independent franchised dealerships. ONLINE EDITOR adhere to all Australian Consumer Laws and consumer rights with zero allowances. Principle four aims to have unfair contract Geoff Dobson It includes making sure the warranty protocols terms legislation extended to motor vehicle [email protected] of global auto brands comply with Australian traders, particularly to prevent the variation +64 21 881 823 laws while ensuring dealers are compensated of terminology in dealer agreements. for performing warranty work in compliance Principle five wants to see mandated indus- GROUP EDITOR with ACL and the OEM requirements, plus the try protocols set in stone, such as minimum Scott Morgan auditing of manufacturer warranty claims. contract terms of five years, with optional re- [email protected] “Under these [current] agreements dealers newal of additional five years and a minimum +61 212 402 402 are required to adhere strictly to manufac- 12-month notice period in the event of a turers’ policies regarding warranties and non-renewal due to the capital investments, stock holdings, employee status’ and com- MANAGING EDITOR potential product defect claims. They are not munity contributions affected as a result. Richard Edwards to admit liability and can be required to allow manufacturers to assume control of how There are several other compulsory rules in [email protected] principle five. +64 21 556 655 dealers handle complaints,” Blackhall says. Principle three is clamping down on mis- Lastly, principle six endeavours to make the conduct and the risk of contract termination franchising code of conduct include the PUBLISHER or non-renewal leveraged against dealers automotive code as relevant. Vern Whitehead which unfairly forces them to act in conflict This is the year significant changes are [email protected] with ACL. expected to come to a head for Australia’s +64 21 831 153 franchised dealers.

BUSINESS MANAGER Dale Stevenson [email protected] AHG chairman steps down +64 21 446 214 Automotive Holdings Group’s (AHG) new chair- GENERAL MANAGER man Robert McEniry has given up the role after just four weeks because of ill-health. Deborah Baxter [email protected] The company operates dealerships across +64 27 530 5016 the automotive sector on both sides of the Tasman. Auto Media Group Limited makes AHG chief executive John McConnell told the every endeavour to ensure West Australian McEniry will be missed. information contained in this publication is accurate, however “His knowledge of the automotive industry has we are not liable for any losses been of great value to AHG during a challeng- or issues resulting from its use. ing time for the industry.”

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4 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 NEWSTALK

Explosive consequences for non-compliance Continued from page 3 The inflator must be replaced within Sales of new cars with five days of the part becoming avail- affected Takata airbags able at the designated dealership.” after December 31, 2018 The OEM must arrange for vehicles to were prohibited in all be towed or for a qualified technician circumstances. Before to travel to the consumer. then dealers could sell in “We’re so concerned about these alpha certain circumstances but inflators, we don’t want consumers to not if under active recall, feel they have to drive them to a dealer.” Fogarty says. OEMs had to ensure quarterly com- Active recall meant the pletion rates were met and, unless supplier had initiated recall approved by the ACCC, must complete on the vehicle, recorded the recall by December 2020. on the online recall data- “It’s all very ambitious and moving with “One of the criticisms with some of the base and ACCC website. the urgency that this major problem voluntary recall was that the risks were Whether you’re were authorised or requires.” understated at times,” Fogarty says. second-hand dealer, regardless if the The recall notice acknowledged the “The ACCC has the power to require car was new or second-hand, selling limited supply of replacement parts improvements to messages, which also a vehicle under compulsory recall was and that they should be directed at the need to be approved.” banned. Doing so would breach ACL vehicles with the most urgent need of A centralised booking system needs to and incur penalties, he says. replacement. be arranged with the dealer network If the vehicle was under future recall, “We’ve heard about the constraints and phone contact line needs to be set certain requirements existed. Future on workshops to complete such a up, not pushed on to the dealers. recall meant any vehicle on the initia- demand,” Fogarty says. Suppliers had to bear the costs, includ- tion schedule submitted to the ACCC OEMs must have a plan about how to ing transportation, to ensure consum- and awaiting approval, which could utilise their network capacity to imple- ers were not deterred from participat- include vehicles not under active recall ment the recall and meet their obliga- ing in the recall. right now, would be schedule for tions. “It’s crucial people with alpha airbags future recall. “We want to see older airbags re- do not drive the vehicles. “Vehicles under future recall are per- placed before newer airbags. We want “If the recall process deprives a con- missible to be sold if not under active to see airbags in high absolute-hu- sumer of the vehicle for more than 24 recall but not after December 31, 2018. midity climates prioritised over those hours, the supplier must supply a loan We expect by then there won’t be any in drier climates. or hire car, or help find transportation more affected new vehicles being sold “The other risk factor is location in the as is reasonable for the duration of the into the market, and we understand vehicle. It’s a difficult regulatory position replacement process. most OEMs have stopped using these the Government finds itself in when we “This is a bit of a hot topic. But in the inflators in their vehicles,” Fogarty says. know a driver’s side airbag will direct broader structure of the notice, this “It is important to notify consumers shrapnel into the head of a driver and is a flexible recall, we’re not expect- verbally and in writing that the vehicle has a higher likelihood of killing a driver ing 100% of consumers to turn up and has a faulty Takata inflator and poses a than a passenger airbag, and we have to demand a hire car – it is going to be risk of injury or death, and you must in- put that priority in place.” staggered out.” form them the inflator needs replace- OEMs had to supply their action plans Consumers with special needs would ment and that the vehicle will be part to the ACCC by April 3 and had to need to be accounted for, again with of the recall and they’ll be contacted include vehicles in salvage yards or costs going to the supplier. Failing to by the supplier to arrange rectification. vehicles written off. tick all the boxes would will be costly “You must record in the service record Suppliers were incentivised to sup- in more ways than one. that the vehicle contains a faulty airbag port dealers otherwise they would be “This is a very public recall so neglect- inflator and the location of it, and that penalised. Making it difficult for dealers ing parts of the market will come the supplier will engage in replacement.” made it difficult for them, Fogarty says, with significant financial penalties Notices must be fixed to the vehicle’s and the consumer would need infor- per breach, and naming and shaming front windscreen and engine bay about mation readily available. of OEMs will be another regulatory the risk imposed by the Takata inflator. “Suppliers’ recall databases will be measure. The cost for wreckers to remove and accessible to the public, to punch in “It’s also worth noting also the notice dispose of airbags must be compensated their VIN and know the status of their requires suppliers, dealers and other by the OEMs and wreckers were equally vehicle in the recall.” authorised agents to take respon- incentivised to comply with helping in Suppliers must also develop a commu- sibility with regards to quarantine, the recall action otherwise impeding the nication and engagement plan to show handling and destruction of affected process would incur penalties. how they would inform consumers of inflators. “We expect everybody to help - we’re the need to replace airbags. They must “Suppliers must provide instructions to dealing with something that has po- use clear simple language to indicate dealers and agents on the labelling and tential to kill people. We expect every- the serious risk of injury or death to the handling of inflators, with detailed records one to be good corporate citizens.” consumer. kept of quarantine and destruction.”

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 | 5 NEWSTALK

Data sharing needs co-operation and governance

s long as everyone’s in it for the “It’s only now that two things have solution for OEMs, independents, right reasons, Australia’s manu- happened - since the mid-1980s tool companies, information provid- Afacturers and franchised dealers technology really began to rocket into ers, the press, to all sit in a room and could find mutual benefit in making these vehicles and the reliability and not debate the issues, but discuss the proprietary repair data available to the quality of the vehicle population has problems they face and how to make aftermarket, Skip Potter says. improved dramatically. the market work better for access to The now-retired American executive “We’re not making vehicles that only service information.” director of the National Automotive last five years or 100,000km. If you take Like any exchange of goods, ser- Service Task Force (NASTF) visited Aus- care of them, they’ll go forever - so the vices and information, the business tralia in early March and took time to average age of the vehicle goes way up.” proposition of having an overarching impart some of his 45 years of experi- Potter says 70% of the vehicles body that facilitates and monitors ence in the US automotive industry. on US roads are out of warranty, not transactions could be the solution Manufacturers and franchised surprising when considering a warranty Australia’s auto industry needs, he says. dealers here continue to grapple with is usually five years or 50,000 miles on “They have a very specific role, they increasingly vocal negotiations with critical components. can keep on topic, ask if the system is the aftermarket on accessing propri- “The aftermarket technician is find- efficient, if it can be more efficient and etary repair data and service bulletin ing they need the automaker’s service how to facilitate improvements that information, so perhaps a third-party information more now than ever before. are going to be necessary in an OEM’s perspective can foster progress. “On the other side of the coin, the au- technical service website. With industry accolades on the tomakers – each at different rates – have “You’ve got thousands of technicians mantlepiece and reverence in the retail, begun to appreciate they need inde- out there using those resources - they motorsport and finance aspects of pendent service center’s because there have opinions and have their own needs the US auto industry, Potter has been are fewer dealer franchise locations than to make the system more effective.” a crucial cog in the machine that has the peak vehicle population, which is The Australian Automotive Aftermar- seen an equilibrium develop between growing, becoming more diverse, more ket Association has said it is willing to carmakers and aftermarket repairers. scattered and increasingly competitive.” arrange a payment portal to provide a But when it comes to the secu- secure, regulated supply of even basic rity and value of design, engineering, OEM service bulletins or technical algorithms and all the development repair information to the likes of Repco work that goes into modern vehicles, Authorised Servicing, AutoTune, Midas dealers and OEMs should, arguably, be and ABS, and independent workshops naturally protective. and crash repairers across the country. That’s why Potter reckons Aus- Potter describes US manufacturers tralia should look at a mutual busi- as equally protective of their brands ness model that protects the billions but recognising the importance of the Skip Potter stresses Australia’s auto indus- of research and development dollars independents in assisting to maintain try can’t lose by making data sharing “part of doing business”. invested by carmakers, while allow- their marque’s reputation. ing for the necessity of post-warranty “The automaker [in the US] looks at “It’s better now than it was in the repair of a rapidly aging fleet. the independent as a chance for them beginning, but it’s a natural tension that “What the NASTF does is sit above to ensure the consumer that where the has existed for almost a century,” he all the associations who have their own dealer sold to them one year, as it goes says. stakes and implements an efficient Continued on page 7

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Continued from page 6 “So they came up with the secure data “No one has ever asked for their in- on to other owners - and is maybe release model which was basically soft- tellectual property; the design specifi- restored or maintained sometimes ware that the group developed together cations. Specifically, in the NASTF case, out to 20 years in the cases of luxury voluntarily, which NASTF distributed for it’s focused only on service information brands - it behoves the automaker to free to any vehicle maker that had a web- which includes the information to start be interested in the quality and value of site with access to technical information. and operate a vehicle. the service experience their customer “The OEM sells a pin code for an “It should be in their interests to immobiliser and provide the owner of that car with a wants to know good service experience... certain things “But if there is a cost in the service in- about that person. formation – even in the cost of develop- They have to be ing that information – that can be shared sure they’re in the that should be good for everybody. NASTF registry “It becomes part of the cost of do- (which includes ing business.” a background Potter says Australia can learn from check for authori- the 30 years it’s taken the US auto sation). industry to form a mutual working “It permits you relationship. to put in your It all began with emissions, he says. unique ID and “The 1990 Clean Air Act was a bed- Potter says Subaru in the US was one of the early advocates of NASTF and aftermarket brand support. passcode, vali- rock that really brought people together. dates the transac- “It got them talking about building tion with the ID an efficient system for communicating enjoys for the full life of that vehicle.” number that’s recorded by the OEM in automaker service repair data - albeit If a customer is blocked or hindered a NASTF database and is kept by a third at the time is was just emissions system in getting their vehicle serviced, it has party called the National Insurance repair data. a detrimental reputational affect on Crime Bureau (NICB) which works with “They came together and got talk- the brand and potentially puts them off the FBI and their vehicle theft database. ing, the OEMs and independent techni- buying a new vehicle from that manu- “NICB can do their own audits and cians in Arizona, they actually got this facturer in future. notify NASTF if there is suspicious activity. thing off the ground with a personal Potter believes US carmakers have “NASTF does its own audits on the relationship and a civil constructive at- kept significant control of their data and transactions if something looks suspi- titude of cooperation.” IP while allowing democratic access. cious, and the automakers can do their As the NASTF and those founding re- “It was the automakers who had to own audits. There are three layers of lationships grew, more associations were decide what they were going to sell protection to make sure everybody invited to take part in the conversation. from their websites,” he says. plays by the rules.” Potter says as long as all parties are “All OEM websites now require an Potter told the Victorian Automobile in it for the right reasons, the system account to access and once you have Chamber of Commerce (VACC) in its can be mutually beneficial for all. that account, some OEMs provide very own interview that US manufacturers “It hasn’t always been easy. basic information, other levels require a began to see an opportunity to extend “There were a couple of organisa- level of subscription. They individually their reach beyond franchised dealers tions that tried to hijack the purpose of set their own rules. to non-franchised servicing centres NASTF and use it for its own purposes, “NASTF has no role in that, other which could access data. which made a couple of others mad, than sending them efficiency state- It’s up to policymakers to set the but that’s just one of the experiences ments. But in 2008, when OEMs industry on a refreshed course, he says. NASTF had throughout its develop- determined they needed to provide “If some bedrock mandate can be ment which we can impart here.” security keycodes and immobiliser pins laid down by government that essen- The argument over access to repair to technicians servicing transmissions, tially says that if an automaker is going data pales in comparison to the seri- any security bus modules, locksmiths to come and play in this country, then ousness of the repercussions for Aus- out on the road saving customers from there is a requirement that they provide tralian consumers, which is profound if themselves... they came to NASTF and service information to non-franchised complaints to the Australian Competi- said they would develop a system that service operations, like they do with their tion and Consumer Commission in needed managing.” franchised service operations, so that the recent years are anything to go by. That process for exchanging in- vehicle can be looked after for its life.” The question for all stakeholders formation also has multiple layers of The VACC asked Potter directly is whether listening to experience security, which in Australia has been why manufacturers should have to counts for more than pride and self- cited as a primary concern for manu- hand over their intellectual property preservation. facturers and franchised dealers. to the aftermarket.

7 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 | 7 NEWSTALK

Black box or black heart?

eletrac Navman solution special- Room’s cutlery is no longer clinking ous pieces of legislation out there that ist Chris L’Ecluse is not your typi- and movement stops. want to identify who’s responsible.” Tcal salesperson but he does have “It doesn’t matter if you’re male, L’Ecluse says from a legal frame- a strong pitch for anybody who doesn’t female, old, young, tall, short, black or work a fleet manager needs to ensure like dying. white - road crashes don’t discriminate. all vehicles used in a work capacity L’Ecluse told the Australasian Fleet People do things wrong, which leads meet three tiers of workplace health Management Association (AFMA) fleet to a collision. and safety compliance - and that ap- forum in March about the connec- “We don’t call them accidents - plies to more than just the fleet with tion between changes in vehicle fleet that’s a media term. An accident im- stickers on the doors. management and how new chain of plies it couldn’t have been avoided. “That also includes contractors; they responsibility legislation could cost jobs “Most people drive in an autono- can be private vehicles when used for a - or worse - if it’s not taken seriously. mous state, not to be confused with work purpose; they could be anything He might be a salesperson but autonomous driving. from reimbursing for fuel - that be- L’Ecluse also spent two decades in uni- “As human beings, we are not tech- comes a work vehicle - and you have form with highway patrol “on the other nology. We make massive mistakes, to be responsible for how it’s being side of the fence”. every time we take that wheel in our used,” L’Ecluse says. AutoTalk was at the AFMA lunch hands. And everybody’s guilty of it.” It’s the same for light trucks perform- presentation, where members sought L’Ecluse wants to use technology ing all the last-mile transport to and to improve their abilities managing as an educator for drivers and fleet from warehouses and collection points vehicular workplace fleets by hearing owners to find out exactly what their to the point of delivery or drop-off. L’Ecluse’s story and message. fleet actually looks like from a safety And it doesn’t just include the bright His police experience lay not only in perspective out on the road. red or green trucks from major super- trying to prevent people from meeting “Apart from the very real issue of markets, it includes bread and delica- their own self-destruction but also in people dying, there’s also a lot of repu- tessen deliverers, wine growers, deal- picking up the pieces when they did. tational damage to be had and we’ve ership parts deliveries, postal vehicles “I had to attend many of those horri- seen, especially this far into 2018, so – anything used for work purposes. ble scenes and deal with telling people’s many times on the news a vehicle “Vehicles over 4.5 tonnes fall under loved ones the bad news,” he says. fallen off the road and that organisa- Chain of Responsibility, a particu- “Everybody drives but nobody really tion’s logo splashed across the media. larly nasty piece of legislation if you’re addresses the consequences of what “When we relate that back to fleets, caught on the wrong end of it,” we’re doing. Driving is something most we don’t want to strictly look at your L’Ecluse says. people think they’re good at. drivers as the ones doing something “For vehicles above 12.5 tonnes on “As a driver trainer and police driver wrong. the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator instructor, I can tell you there’s no such “They may be caught up in an in- we have T-mass management rules too. thing as the perfect driver.” cident not of their doing. But how do “What is a safe workplace? It covers Seeing more road carnage than they react to that? What can they do? employees, contractors, sub-contrac- anybody should ever have to now Are there lessons to be learned? How tors, directors, safety officers, opera- empowers him to encourage busi- do we minimise the risk exposure for tions managers, job schedulers... and nesses and community organisations our personnel?” the list goes on.” to protect their drivers. Looking inward is the best place to Investigations are no longer about Because they do need protecting, start, L’Ecluse says. on trying to push the driver under the he says. “When you see the three kinds of bus, so to speak, he says. “Road safety is a serious business - emergency services turn up at a crash, “We’re looking at the greater logisti- 1.25 million people every you know why paramedics are there, cal chain. Where investigators can year wake up on the the fire crew’s there to pull someone identify something in that logistical morning of their death, out of the vehicle. But why are the chain has fallen over, they will target not realising they’re not police there? the individual responsible. going home.” “Police are there to identify who did “It’s going to get harder come this That concept really something wrong. More often than July because some penalties are going Teletrac Navman’s hits home and sudden- not, we identify that individual and to be stronger.” Chris L’Ecluse ly the Crown Garden they’re charged because there are vari- Continued on page 9

8 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 NEWSTALK

Continued from page 8 cases going as far as a million dollars.” should be perceived as good drivers. If someone’s in a position of influ- L’Ecluse cites the example of one “With telematics, we have a vehicle ence within an organisation, they transport company out of South with a black box - as much as we don’t know that a risk exists but fail to act Australia that traversed the country. In like to call them that - but it is essentially upon that risk in a mitigating way “and NSW alone, its drivers were caught and a small computer installed out of sight you may find yourself in a seat you fined for speeding 65 times in a four- and hardwired to the vehicle’s electrics.” don’t want to be in,” L’Ecluse says. year period. Having a modem and sim card on “That’s why this piece of legislation is “The legislation says you need to be board taking constant electronic notes very important to understand. For me, proactive in identification of risks and as the vehicle moves and sending in- it’s all about education because you proactive in mitigation of those risks. formation over the mobile phone net- need to know what you’re up against.” However, this company didn’t do so. work to a server means access to data Asked how effective the legislation The state government took them to that has the potential to save lives. changes will be in improving small pas- court and was successful in prosecu- “If a driver does something really senger vehicle and truck fleets that run tion to the tune of $1 million.” bad, and tries to pull that sim card, on nothing, hit bridges, take risks, drive He also mentions one individual fined we’ve already recorded and you get to dangerously and flaunt their respon- $50,000 for failing their obligations. see what’s happening. sibilities, L’Ecluse says they’re in the “I would hate to go to my wife and “You can see what’s happening from regulators’ sights. say, ‘I’ve got a bit of a fine today’.” a driver behavior perspective, how “They’re the cowboy operators this “Law is enacted in a knee-jerk reac- hard are they accelerating, which uses legislation aims to weed out, that mind- tion to behaviour the Government sees excess fuel, how hard are they corner- set, the Government is really trying to fit to change. People continue to die ing, how far over the speed limit are push out of the industry,” he says. on our roads and the Government is they going, how harsh are they braking “It doesn’t matter if you’ve got 3000 trying to do what it can. This is where - and how long are they driving for? vehicles or one. Many trucks that deliver technology helps.” “These are all precursors to not driv- for supermarkets are mum-and-dad L’Ecluse says those in positions of ing in a defensive manner. organisations with one or two vehicles. responsibility have lots of questions “More often, bad drivers don’t know It’s also protection for small busi- to answer in mitigating vehicular risk they’re bad drivers. Very few people are nesses, protected under the law from in the workplace. willing to say they’re bad and you would bigger organisations putting too much “The argument is you can’t manage be shocked to see your own data.” pressure on them, he says. what you don’t measure. In the psychology of driving L’Ecluse “Governments are essentially saying “What are your drivers doing out says crash investigations and a telem- you need to proactively manage and there? Do you really know? How do atics provider like Teletrac Navman use mitigate your fleet and it’s pretty hard you know? I know for a fact, none of an “ABC principle” of driving: activators; to do that without technology, which your drivers are going to come to you behaviours and consequences. they want small businesses to invest in. and say, ‘I’m not a very good driver’. “Look at any risky driving behaviour - In a clandestine way, they’re saying it “How do you know they’re bad driv- there’s an activator, a behaviour but the without saying it,” he says. ers? I’ve got lots of evidence to support consequence is where we kid ourselves. L’Ecluse says prosecutions under the the fact everyone is a bad driver. But “We look at the perceived posi- new legislation will not be gentle. are you ready to put your livelihood on tive consequence of our behaviour, “We will always go to the highest the line without understanding much as opposed to the very real negative legislation we can. In many cases, it’s about the people driving?” consequence. criminal law being broken. Just because drivers aren’t crashing “Speeding... everybody speeds. The ac- “Suffice to say, the penalties be- the trucks or incurring speeding fines, tivator of speeding is usually getting to my ing dolled out under the changes to or telling about the close calls they’ve destination sooner, my ability to drive fast CoR legislation are significant, in some had during the day, doesn’t mean they Continued on page 12

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AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 | 9 NEWSTALK

Efficiency’s key for used dealer giant

ddie Abelnica was buying and Hondas and Jeeps that we don’t have a lot Ringwood Car City or Melbourne Car selling used cars long before of anyway; and the likes of Toyota I didn’t Supermarket in Cheltenham. Emany dealerships and dealer think were as affected as I’d expected.” The last five years has seen the emer- groups even existed, back when Gen- It’s possible the affected vehicles gence of the fixed price model between eral Motors Holden, Ford and Toyota could effectively disappear from the Pickles and Manheim auctions. ruled the roost. used market depending on public per- “Leasing companies would have Melbourne’s Cheapest Cars has ception and subsequent dealer value. their own spin-offs, dealers would “been there, done that” with stock mar- “If we have a trade-in on the blacklist, come out and price the cars with their ket crashes, manufacturing closures, it’ll be a question of whether we accept tenders, but now Pickles and Manheim the rise of South Korea’s dilution of the the trade at all and, if we do, we re- have gone out to these companies and Australian market - and the rest. evaluate at what rate we trade it for.” said they’ll put the cars up for sale. But changes in the automotive in- “It’s more of a transactional style dustry are eroding the way used deal- LMCT all for what? deal now which is really hitting into a ers are able to do business, especially Unless they’re in the automotive lot of dealership sales. in volume, to the point where many industry, most people probably won’t “They’re doing everything by the law; are having to change tack - including a know what an LMCT is, although they they’re not doing anything wrong. It’s major outfit like MCC. might recall Abelnica using the acro- just that leasing companies, where they The latest bombshell to hit them is the nym in his TV commercials throughout were selling those vehicles out, are now mandatory Takata airbag replacement the 1990s and 2000s. dealing largely with auction houses.” deadline, which could drastically impinge Since then, the Cheapest Cars That has Abelnica questioning the on vehicle stocks in used dealer lots. enterprise has gone online, moved into use of the famous (in Melbourne at As MCC founder and dealer prin- other capital cities and has even taken least) LMCT 8399 which now has a cipal, Abelinca says the business is to the racetrack on the side of a red XB counterpart in Tasmania, LMVT 6013. growing a potential “blacklist” for Falcon to further strengthen the brand. But as he explains, the auction houses vehicles it knows to be wary of. But today, the smiling enthusiasm haven’t actually acted unfairly, it’s just “We’re obviously trying to keep on display in those ads has dampened the way things have changed. abreast of the Takata recall at the mo- somewhat as the Australian used mar- “When you get a licence to operate ment, and it’s not going to affect as ket takes hits in multiple directions. you feel like you might be able to get much as I initially thought but it’s going “When you get a motor car trader’s some trade going your way. But now licence, I often think what you get for that. the used car dealer has to stand next to What privileges does it offer?” Abelnica says. the public buyer on the same stock. “As long as everyone’s under the “The places we were purchasing same umbrella I’ve got no concerns from, now we’re competing against but as soon as we’ve got people being them. Life is much harder now.” able to operate [freely] and dealers are held accountable - whether it’s auction Is selling on Sundays selling dealers houses, private sales or whatever in oth- short? er areas - I don’t mind having uniform Abelnica says the deck isn’t stacked policies, but it seems like dealers are very evenly when it comes to all the Melbourne’s Cheapest Cars, Moorabbin. often the ones taking a lot of the brunt.” overheads associated with running a to be a concern the months leading up Abelnica wants to see a more level dealership, compared with the “single- to the 2020 deadline,” he says. playing field, saying lot of the changes digit, skeleton staff” at auction houses. “It’s likely to reach a stage where are out of the hands of used car dealers. “The type of forum dealers have to op- we’ll just need to have a blacklist of “We source our cars like other deal- erate in, when we have to pay warranties, cars we can’t sell and don’t buy.” ers do, through private sales off the staffing, stay open all week, it gets into a The reasons, Abelnica says, are street, auction house or leases; we’re difficult environment compared to what pretty straightforward. no different to how other dealers oper- we were dealing with a few years ago. “As dealers we can’t afford to have ate there,” he says. “I know there are some makes and cars in dealerships being repaired and But auction houses are radi- models I can’t actively go out and buy paying all the costs associated. cally changing how they sell volume because I can’t compete against the “We’ve got a lot of Nissan Pulsars, for stock. It was once solid business for fixed-price model.” example, on that list; there are things like used dealers like MCC in Moorabbin, Continued on page 11

10 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 NEWSTALK

Continued from page 10 To compare the situation to other industries, Abelnica says the most obvi- ous is aviation where budget airlines like Tiger or JetStar suck sales from stalwarts like Qantas or Virgin. with the OEM or leverage other dealer calendar, it begs the question whether “You’ve got to ask yourself where networks but, in saying that, if you’re a well-connected car nut like Abelnica you want to be in regards to it; I still diligent enough to keep an eye on the is ever tempted by a more romantic see us as a full-service dealership with economics, you can usually realise a cache of classic cars. everything available on-site.” reasonable outcome. “I have thought about it,” he says. But his air of optimism is short-lived “You’re in a marketplace which can “I think in this environment you - a strong dose of reality is just around be affected very easily. It only takes a need some sort of volume. Without the next corner. carmaker to come out with an incen- it you don’t have cashflow, you don’t “But you’ve got to weigh it up; with tive-based finance model and sudden- have finance, no add-ons or aftercare the new finance regulations coming ly a model in our dealership will stop. products. You need to work a product into place, every department is being “It’s a matter of not getting too close you know is a sure thing. compressed and we need to be in- to new cars otherwise you put yourself “Classics are a niche and while there credibly efficient in everything we do. in a vulnerable position.” are some doing well out of it, you’d want “I don’t see us predominantly sell- With industry and government calls to make it a specialist part of your busi- ing any more cars in volume. to raise the national fleet age, those ness and do both volume and classics.” “Our best area to look at is expens- trends could be forcing used dealers to Abelnica is not going to roll over in es, how we can run more efficiently, buy poorer condition or more primitive tough times, especially when it’s not do more with less.” cars in terms of safety and add to the his first test drive around the block. Some would say doing more with taboo issue of the road toll. “I’ve been in used cars for a long less is the perfect description of the In trying to keep businesses profitable, time and you get a certain feel about it. trade down to the dollar and Abelnica’s staff employed and livelihoods intact, “Overall, we know we’re not where not the only one. Abelnica says he has to be light on his feet. we were five years ago [but] we’re still “With the ASIC changes regarding fi- “There are two ends of the year to going okay. It’s definitely a flat market nance compensation, there are going to be careful, Christmas time and end of at the moment, and short to medium be big changes in November, and a lot financial year, when OEMs work hard term it’s going to remain like that.” of dealers are remodeling the running of to bring out new models and they He urges his fellow used dealers to their dealerships with those new com- work those areas hard. hunker down and look at what can be mission plans in place and we have too. “We have to be aware of incentives done more efficiently. MCC has gone “To continue the used car model, and deals OEMs bring out, but you from being open seven days to six, for nobody’s going to come into your can’t afford to go too far either way - example. dealership for a wrongly priced car. there’s certain times of the year you He also suggests building relation- “It’s also not cheap to run the can put your neck out but you have to ships with third parties. high-staffing level model you need be ready to remain conservative. “Dealers want to be looking for at dealerships, but you also have an “When a carmaker comes out with anything in partnership with companies, obligation with employees.” a new model, sometimes that can be something to make an offering to make There’s an adage that says neces- a chance to pounce. I remember I was a dealership become more efficient. sity is the mother of invention, and it’s selling used cars when the AU Falcon “The old mantra to ‘just sell more a situation that means Melbourne’s came out, Ford dealers were crying cars’ doesn’t work anymore; it doesn’t Cheapest Cars has to play smart. and Holden dealers were laughing cut it getting up and telling the team to “There’s not a lot of big used dealers when the new Monaro came out. sell more.” like us but we have an opportunity to pick “A lot of consumers get drawn into the Every part of the business needs to the models that are popular, successful, marketplace by those OEM deals [but they] be managed carefully when volume reliable and profitable in the marketplace also often realise they’re not financially sales are harder to come by, he says. so we have the flexibility of choice. suitable for a new car and will buy used. “You have to be lean, find those “Some of the franchised dealers That’s then our opportunity to share in areas of the business to be efficient. probably don’t have that opportunity those busy times of the year with OEMs. “We’re in a time of change now, there’s because they need to keep a certain “You have just to be careful still great business and great opportuni- amount of used cars derived from the because they’re the big guys, we’re ties. Dealers just need to look hard at their cars they sell new.” the little guys, and once a carmaker business and do things differently. Picking the low-hanging fruit is one decides on a 1% rate or a special price “It’s like motor racing. You’re always strategy that seems to be working, but that can have a huge ramification, looking for that little bit extra and it’s Abelnica avoids becoming complacent. especially if you have plenty of stock.” about what you can do. One week you “Operating under an independent With so many variables and roller- can be up the front, the next you can umbrella, you don’t get to work closely coaster events in a used dealer’s be in the middle of the pack.”

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 | 11 NEWSTALK

Black box or black heart?

Continued from page 9 your due diligence, understand what manage it.” and being able to ‘handle it’ and so on. you need to know.” He asks a flurry of questions that “The behaviour is the speeding itself. It’s also crucial for company boards feels more like a quasi-interrogation The perceived positive consequence is and executive teams to guarantee than an educational lunch. But it’s bet- getting there sooner but the reality is they’ve covered their company with ter than doing it for real, he says. creating an unsafe environment.” policies that reflect the expectation to “I’ve spent an awful lot of time Acting on the data for a driver’s own comply with vehicle workplace health challenging organisations or unions safety takes many forms, such as set- and safety. who don’t want telematics for privacy ting driver goals rather than KPIs, which “Ignorance is no longer a defence reasons or surveillance or vehicle dy- L’Ecluse says rewards the best or most - by law you cannot say ‘I didn’t know’ namics problems but nothing has been consistent drivers. because they’ve inserted a clause that successful. Because this technology is “It’s not a tool to sack people.” says you need to be proactive. If you’re about safety.” The Big Brother telematics syn- not, you’re culpable. According to the Bureau of In- drome is a real factor for organisations “If you’re unsure or don’t have a frastructure, Transport and Regional to overcome and L’Ecluse says that’s relevant policy, you will still be liable if Economics, deaths nationally from because telematics providers tend there’s an incident.” truck-related crashes in 2017 are up 7 to engage with company executives He asks companies how often their per cent from 2016. Safe Work Australia rather than the drivers themselves. driving policies are updated or if they data shows 40% of work deaths involve “They hear a black box is being even exist. If they do, do they reflect transport workers. installed and they believe you have current legislation and do they recog- There have been 152 in truck-re- the time and resources to monitor 15 nise the installation of new tech? lated crashes in Australia this year and personnel and screw in 37 cameras and “Does your policy also recognise at the time of finishing this story over screens, watching every journey, all day worker rights? Pre-vehicle checks, Easter weekend, when data was yet to every day. The reality is you just don’t driver exposure to danger, fatigue be collated, the 2018 road toll sat at 55, have time to do that. management policies - how long has exactly the same as 2017. Clearly the “If we can engage with the driver your driver been driving for in any same old strategies are not working. pool as early as possible, they recog- given shift?” The question remains - what are you nise it’s about the need for this tech “Remember that fatigue is a natu- going to do about it? from a safety perspective. ral phenomenon but with effects like “Be aware of the new legislation. Do drinking and driving, so we have to Artificial intelligence world changing rtificial intelligence (AI) is chang- Storage will adapt and Guggs referred attendees to a ing the world. and people will be 146-page Microsoft book The Future A Experts told more than 500 conversing more with Computed about how AI is expected to people at the AI-Day event in Auckland robot assistants - like help people in all facets of life. on March 28 just how those changes Siri, Cortana and other “In 2038, a driverless vehicle will are being made. chatbots – and passed take you to your first meeting while AI applies to all, from businesses and on to a human if you finalise a presentation on the car’s Steve Guggen- projects such as autonomous vehicles they don’t get the heimer digital hub,” the book says. to individuals. response they want. “Cortana will summarise research It’s part of everyday life and about to Guggs talks and data pulled from newly published become more so. about the instant ability to translate articles and reports, creating info- “We’re really at the beginning of languages; to connect with multiple graphics with the new information for the next phase,” keynote speaker devices; medical assistance via face you to review and accept.” Microsoft AI business corporate vice- recognition or other smart device It goes on to say Cortana will auto- president Steve Guggenheimer says. (medication arriving by drone); help- matically reply to routine emails, re- With growth in data continuing ing businesses such as improving route others and request a due date. apace, AI can process it. customer service and providing virtual The conference heard that AI will Guggenheimer, known as “Guggs”, meetings; and using “AI for Good” to take care of more mundane data and says by 2020 data worldwide will reach improve the planet (to combat global information, allowing humans to opti- 44 zettabytes or about six terabytes of warming, for example). mise their time. data for every person. Privacy, legal and other ethical “The next generation is growing up In other words, huge amounts. matters around AI need more work with new tool sets,” Guggs says.

12 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 NEWSTALK

Car buyers’ media menu varies in taste

Magazines continue to slump in rel- evance, down 2.1% from 2013 figures to make up 4.1% of new car research efforts across all generations, and 8.8% for pre-boomers. A total of 17.7% of baby boomers still see newspapers as useful new car research material. But more that 60% of them have also moved online. Roy Morgan industry communica- tions director Norman Morris says the rise and fall of various media is the writing on the wall. Continued from page 1 afford a new car. “The purchase of a new motor ve- “Exploring media Gen-Y who can drive still prefer the hicle is a major decision that generally preferences in detail is an internet but only 32.4% of them, and involves the need for more information essential input for de- 18.3% of them watch television. than most other product areas,” he says. veloping effective media It seems breakfast radio advertising “The internet is ideally suited to strategies to reach existing could still provide a strong return for providing very detailed information for and potential customers,” carmakers and dealers. Even for the non- those intending to purchase. she says. Michele Levine driving Gen-Z, being aware of new cars “The dramatic rise in the use of the “It’s so easy to Image: Roy Morgan could bode well for brands, increasing internet among new vehicle intend- assume the ‘traditional media’ belong the likelihood they’ll buy the newest, saf- ers is in contrast to the decline in the in the past. This new research, which est car possible in years to come. importance of newspapers which have specifically focuses on social media At the end of the day, fallen to only 10.7%.” and new digital media within the total television and the internet Morris says increased access to the media context, shows clearly that TV are the most prominent internet by all age groups shows the is still the preferred media after dinner; ways of spending time. industry how savvy consumers are in radio rules at breakfast. However, the data suggests making educated choices. “However, the overall trends are TV remains a potentially “The widespread use of the internet all foreshadowing a move to a more untapped resource. to provide detailed information to in- Norman Morris digital media world.” Television has a Image: FST Media tending car buyers gives them unprec- According to the online car-buying low overall aver- edented ability to make well-informed study of 5500 people, 45.6% use in- age usage for research, with only 5.4% decisions, particularly when negotiat- ternet search engines such as Google across all generations. Its scores highest ing with dealers.” as their primary source of informa- among Gen-Z at 8.3%. But traditional media is not redun- tion when looking to purchase a new Although the internet continues to dant just yet, he says. car versus 5.4% using television. Total get the attention of 38.5% of Austral- “Although all generations have a internet use preference is 67.6%. ians, including 28.2% on social media, preference for the internet as the most The study shows that while an old television is still a force to be reckoned useful information source there is a need medium such as radio represents a with, locking eyes with 58.2% of us at to understand generational and other small portion of advertising spend, dinner time compared to 21.9% at the differences across other media consid- generational differences in audiences start of the day. ered of value among intending buyers. are the likely cause for its popularity in Consumers who intend to buy a new “The older generations still maintain the mornings. car in the next four years are most likely an above-level of interest in the printed Only 14.4% of Gen-Z (born 1991- to use the internet across all genera- material provided by newspapers and 2005) listen to the radio before school. tions. magazines.” That increases to 24.9% of Gen-Y Generation-X and millennials (Gen- With a consumer audience more in- (1976-1990), 33% of Gen-X (1961- Y) know the web is the best source of formed than ever before and a tempera- 1975), 33.7% of baby boomers (1946- vehicle details, with 75.8% and 74.6% mental media landscape that shifts with 1960) and 38.4% of the pre-boomers of each group respectively voting it the time, knowing when to strike is vital. born before 1946. most useful. It’s equally crucial for advertisers Gen-Z’s most preferred breakfast Older generations still consider news- to hit their target audience and get medium remains the internet and so- papers considerably useful when sourc- the message delivered before viewers cial media at 39.6% - however, they’re ing new vehicle information, making up change channel or simply “skip ad”. not yet old enough to drive, let alone 23.2% of pre-1946 oldies surveyed.

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 | 13 DIARYTALK

in the European market by Centre Sydney and Alto Pen- AUTOTALK DIARY 2021 and joining the fuel cell nant Hills second and third Autotalk Australia editor ranks will have trickle-down respectively (major metro), Scott Murray looks at the month effects Down Under. Audi Centre Springwood and gone by on www.autotalk.com.au Wollongong (metro), and Audi Aussies weigh fuel Centre Townsville and Shep- options parton (rural). About 2.26 million Australians intend buying a new vehicle Asbestos warning March 12 March 15 in the next four years. for DIYers But there’s increased Law firm Slater and Gordon Volkswagen No money in the interest in alternatives to is warning at-home mechan- emissions ‘excessive’ metal petrol, a Roy Morgan Single ics about a spike in claims The Australian Automobile Research organisation De- Source survey of more than arising from decades of trade Association has found Volk- loitte supports the notion that 50,000 consumers shows. work on cars now considered swagen vehicles continue to dealers make little profit on The share of new vehicle classics. emit excessive emissions and new car sales. sales that had petrol engines Former mechanics are only consume greater amounts Deloitte partner Karen was 75.3% (VFACTS) last year. now beginning to suffer the ef- of fuel than advertised, even Den-Toll says a considerable But among intending buyers fects of asbestosis and similar after being recalled. portion of dealership profits over the next four years, only diseases as a result of work- The AAA says its 2017 are derived from insurance 61.9% think their next vehicle ing on classic cars containing real-world emissions report and finance, not the cars will most likely have a petrol the fibrous material in brakes, shows some vehicles burning themselves. engine. gaskets, insulation, carpet and up to 14% more diesel post- “They don’t make money some vinyl materials. recall rectification and con- from the metal anymore,” tinuing to produce 400 times Den-Toll told an insurance March 19 Volvo’s top dealer more noxious emissions than industry conference. Volvo Cars Sydney has been laboratory testing results. Old cars in more named the marque’s top Aus- A 2010 Euro-5 compliant Volkswagen refutes sie dealership for 2017 – the fatal crashes second time in a row it has VW Golf used in the testing pro- report The Australasian New Car claimed the honour. gramme, post-recall, did show Volkswagen Group Australia Assessment Program (AN- Rural dealer of the year reduced oxides of nitrogen has dismissed research by the CAP) warns the likelihood that was Allan Mackay Volvo in (NOx), carbon monoxide and Australian Automobile As- older vehicles will be involved Moss Vale, NSW, for the sec- particulate matter, but contin- sociation which found a diesel in a crash has shot up. ond time. ued to produce more than four Golf emitted excessively even ANCAP is calling on the times the level of NOx during after being recalled. Government to begin a real-world driving, it says. VW claims the research national dialogue about is “flawed” and labeled the replacing millions of 15-year- March 21 AAA’s timing as “cynical old vehicles – which rarely March 13 opportunism” as the class feature airbags or basic elec- Ford expands its action against Volkswagen tronic stability control range Greens release EV for its “Dieselgate” cheating systems – in favour of newer, New trucks, SUVs and hybrid plan began in Federal Court last safer ones. vehicles with advanced The Australian Green Party week. Vehicles at the 15-year or technology are all part of wants all of the country’s new Volkswagen Group Austral- older threshold are four times Ford Motor Company’s new vehicle sales to be electric by ia managing director Michael more likely to be involved in line-up. 2030. Bartsch claims the testing a fatal crash than vehicles up The company has an- The Greens have put for- procedure on a 2010 2.0-litre to five years old, according to nounced a fresh range of ward a proposal to ban the diesel Golf wagon pre-recall 2014-2016 crash data. vehicles which meet the sale of new petrol and diesel and post-recall is “not suitable demands of connectivity and cars in the next 12 years, for testing fuel consumption innovation will be released in along with other changes and CO2 emissions”. March 20 the North American market such as increasing the luxury by 2020. car tax from 33% to 50% March 16 Audi applauds top make EVs more affordable. dealers Vets ban historic They say the tax rise would Audi Australia has awarded the be a disincentive to buy ex- Haval ‘ready for fuel marque’s top honours for 2017. vehicles pensive fossil-fuelled vehicles cell’ Audi Alto Central Coast is Australia’s Anzac Day parade over the $65,000 threshold. Haval has become the first rural dealer of the year, Audi will be without period-correct Chinese automaker to join Indooroopilly is metro dealer Jeeps, Land Rovers and Morris international group the Hy- of the year and Audi Suther- vehicles because they’re too drogen Council. land has won major metro- smoky. Haval Australia says the politan dealer of the year. Australia’s Returned Ser- brand’s ambition is to sell Runners-up included Audi vices League has prohibited Continued on page 15

14 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 DIARYTALK

New look for Dealer Continued from page 14 March 27 March 29 vehicles made before 2010 Solutions from taking part in the April 25 Dealership management soft- Geelong wins global RAV4 hybrid parade because of health con- ware provider Dealer Solu- cerns with the historic vehicles tions has a new look. award developed being driven among people With a new logo and Geelong BMW has been Toyota Australia will offer a taking part in the march. brand identity replacing its recognised by BMW Group hybrid variant of the top-sell- Ford Australia has offered decade-old look, Dealer Australia as one of the world’s ing RAV4 SUV from 2019. to supply SUVs. Solutions says it is also “in- top dealerships for aftersales The RAV4, which sold novating solutions we will service. 1841 units in February, will be launching soon on all our The Latrobe Terrace deal- gain a new 2.5-litre four- March 22 media channels”. ership in Victoria’s southwest cylinder petrol engine with has been given the Excel- a hybrid electric battery Aftermarket expo lence in Sales award in the arrangement sending drive to March 26 Aftersales sub-category at all four wheels. details an awards event in Munich, The Australian Automotive Germany. Wicked Campers not Aftermarket Association has Esanda issues Dealer principal Paul released details of its free revealed learning Gorell’s BMW and Mini Garage Wicked Campers has had yet training session programme The Royal Commission into business beat out competi- another advertising campaign for AutoCare 2018. Australia’s finance sector has tion from 3100 dealers in 85 banned by regulators. The aftermarket’s indus- revealed ANZ’s former Esanda countries. An Ad Standards com- try event will be held at the car loan subsidiary was rife plaint has labelled Wicked International Convention with misconduct. Jeep ute for Aussie Campers’ latest Dr Seuss- Centre in Sydney on May 4-5. Dealerships have been themed advertising campaign found out for raising interest market Fiat Chrysler Automobiles as “glamourising drug use” ‘Unfair’ car loans rates to increase commis- Australia has confirmed a with reference to TV show sions, as well as trading the under fire Wrangler-based ute is des- Breaking Bad. Westpac has been targeted financial details of more than tined for local dealerships. It is the 79th complaint up- by the Royal Commission into 90 customers to loan guaran- However, FCA Australia is yet held against the camper van Australian banking and lend- tors. to disclose any form of speci- rental company. Laws passed ing services. Breaches of responsi- fication or pricing. in Tasmania, Queensland and A review found Nalini ble lending laws were also Motoring.com.au reports the ACT could force Wicked Thiruvangadam, a casual uncovered as part of a group Jeep Australia’s brand head Campers to de-register its worker on Centrelink ben- fraud between three dealers Guillaume Drelon as say- vehicles if it continues to efits, was rejected eight times supplying false payslips and ing the adventure-focused disobey the Advertising Stand- for a car loan before receiv- bank statements to Esanda in Wrangler Pickup will target ards Bureau. ing finance through a dealer- order to lock down customer the passionate Aussie ute ship, Reuters reports. loans and garner commission, market with gusto. Pinged for life jacket Thiruvangadam told the Fairfax reports. commission she was given faux pas no choice by the dealer in MG lands on Central March 28 Fiat Chrysler Australia has which car to buy, needed one Coast been banned from showing its “Sun out run-out sale” com- to take her kids to school and MG Motor Australia has con- Nexo fuel cell on mercial. was approved by Westpac tinued its march into the local Two canoeists featured for before immediately struggling market by opening a new sale about two seconds on-screen to afford $259 fortnightly dealership in Tuggerah, NSW. The Hyundai Motor Company are not wearing life jackets. repayments. The company’s dealer- in South Korea has begun The ad drew a complaint in ship footprint now expands sales of the Nexo hydrogen light of Prime Minister Mal- to 11 sites - Southside MG in fuel cell SUV. colm Turnbull’s recent $250 March 23 Ipswich, Redcliffe MG and Nexo received more than fine for the same mistake. Brisbane (Qld), Wagga Wagga 1060 pre-orders in a one- Aston Martin’s new MG, Campbelltown and Coffs week pre-order period, with ANCAP backs incen- Harbour (NSW), Werribee MG 733 cars demanded on the tives Vantage first day. Aston Martin has launched in Hoppers Crossing (Vic), The Australasian New Car In Australian currency, the its new Vantage and DB11 two John McGrath MG in the Assessment Program (ANCAP) base model Nexo SUV costs Volante ahead of the 2018 ACT, and one in Wodonga is championing a move to $83,360 based on current Rolex Australian Formula One (Vic). get young drivers into newer, exchange rates, with the Grand Prix. Located at 136-140 Pacific safer cars. premium-spec version asking The British luxury sports Highway in Tuggerah, 90km ANCAP says it supports the $87,353. car marque has also reaf- north of Sydney, the new MG National Roads and Motor- firmed its promise to offer site will be run by dealer prin- ists Association “Come Home electric options within a few cipal Dean Oven. Safe” report, an eight-point years. Continued on page 16

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 | 15 DIARYTALK

would be replaced with a new relaxation in emissions stand- family hauler, are crash-rated Continued from page 15 one in the event of a complete ards in the United States. at five stars. plan to prevent young drivers write-off but failed to “ade- The US Environmental becoming road toll statistics. quately disclose or explain” the Protection Agency (EPA) has ANCAP wants to see young full conditions of the product. vowed to ease the national probationary drivers financially fuel efficiency standards helped into safer, newer five- Uber launches imposed by the Obama presi- star rated vehicles by way of dency. THE VEHICLE DEALER’S NEWS SOURCE registration discounts. carpool service Uber is launching its carpool- EPA administrator Scott ing service in Australia on Pruitt says the Obama-en- April 3 April 3. dorsed emissions cuts were Register for It offers passengers the made with “politically charged RAA fined over ads chance to share ride costs. expediency” and “didn’t com- port with reality, and set the The Royal Automobile Asso- A Uberpool trial starts in standards too high,” Just Auto FREE ciation’s Insurance Limited of Sydney on April 3 from around reports. news updates South Australia has been fined Watsons Bay to Leichardt and will extend to other suburbs for a misleading advertising Safety coverage campaign last year. and cities such as Melbourne Receive The Australian Securities where it’s expected to begin surges thrice-weekly and Investments Commis- within the next three months. Australasian New Car Assess- sion has imposed a $43,200 ment Program crash testing news alerts to penalty for its lifetime vehicle now applies to a record high your email replacement commercials April 4 proportion of the new car your email which lasted 15 to 30 sec- market. onds and aired from Decem- Warning for Australia Of the vehicles sold in ber 2016 to June 2017. The Australian Automobile As- Australia today, 91%, from The regulator says the ads sociation is urging the federal the smallest micro hatch to autotalk.com.au imply a consumer’s vehicle government to take note of a the longest, tallest all-terrain

THE DIARY AutoTalk’s group editor Sepang Express Scott Morgan looks at the month discharges vehicles March 29 gone by on AutoTalk.co.nz Up to 30 vehicles a day are Drive happy with being taken off the stink bug- affected Sepang Express. Toyota NZ says at this point it can’t The Ministry for Primary Toyota New Zealand has March 2 definitively say whether Industries told AutoTalk it made a massive change in how it does business with the bugs stowed away on is currently checking cargo Takata issue customers and dealers, used vehicles, new vehicles, samples from two decks, switching to an agency model resurfaces heavy vehicles or the ships with 24-30 units being with fixed prices. There’s no easy fix to the themselves. processed each day. Dubbed the “Drive Takata airbag issue, Motor Happy Project”, the move Industry Association chief ex- ecutive David Crawford says. March 19 March 27 comes with a raft of up- The issue has come to dates to the brand’s opera- light again after a compul- Winner focuses on VW dealer of the tions, including a revised sory recall was announced in website, test drive systems Australia. young drivers year and fixed-price service Improving the driving skills Ebbett Volkswagen Hamilton plans with offers of war- of 15 to 19-year-olds is the has been recognised as the theme that helped team brand’s best dealership in the ranty extensions. March 13 Licence Me claim first prize country for the second year Stink bug source at NZ Transport Agency’s first running. ever hackathon. Seventeen dealerships All the HOT NEWS unconfirmed The team proposed were represented at the Exactly how stink bugs made creating an app to incentiv- awards event at Auckland every day as it their way on to vehicle car- ise safe driving behaviour Museum. happens riers in Japan is still being in teenagers on restricted investigated by the Ministry for Primary Industries. licences. A ministry spokesman autotalk.co.nz

16 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 PEOPLETALK

Crushing Carizma

t’s a grim outlook facing Australia’s cess of doing with a set of alloy wheels of whom were themselves just trying to network of imported vehicle deal- during our meeting. make a start in the auto trade. Iers and workshops in a post-Road “Right now there are literally only There’s not exactly much sign of a Vehicle Standards Act era. about five vehicles worth importing lucrative business model. Scores of small businesses are likely and selling in the market, but when According to the whiteboard, his to fold when the legislation passes, ef- everybody does it, margins are forced team could modify windscreen wipers fectively strangling their line of income, down and it becomes hard to make in 24 hours and access a firewall in 19. A the Australian Imported Motor Vehicle money. to-do list of compliance requirements Industry Association says. “There are some big import dealers for every car is scribed in the middle. John Meertens is one of those deal- who I thought were going to survive ers, a bloke who just loves cars, new [while they] watch everyone else close. or old, weird and wonderful. But his “I know one in Bayswater who I enthusiasm for the game has taken a thought was big enough to adapt and turn now that loopholes are tightening gear it up; I know another in Moorab- and pathways are being broken up. bin, probably one of the biggest in AutoTalk heard his side of the story Melbourne, who must have nearly 200 at the coalface as he neared the end of cars, well, they’ve stopped importing to packing up his workshop, tucked away just deplete stock,” he says with an air behind bustling Richmond in Melbourne. of defeat. Only three cars remain in the deso- But Meertens, in the spirit of never late space. Cables hang from the roof, giving up, says he’ll keep his hand in Carizma stayed busy through tough times. ceiling panels are missing and there’s the game. a void where a hoist once stood, not He has worked in Japan for four It’s hard to see how this quaint, only as a means to an income but also years with an export company and has grassroots workshop could pose a as a symbol of the countless import motoring enthusiasm coursing through threat to the formidable automotive businesses being dismantled. him retail industry. Up the back are two luxury-appoint- “We’ve been getting by selling Most of the importers who’ll be af- ed people-moving Toyota Alphard Hy- Alphards but they’re over a hundred fected this time around, Meertens says, brids and an immaculate, supercharged grand and the market is very specific – are hardly big fish. 1987 MR2, their fates unknown. they’re very hard to sell,” he says. “They’re all little guys with ten cars Meertens says the draft legislation “For my next venture, a long-time on the lot - if they’ve gotta do hybrids, has been hard to swallow. friend of mine in Japan and I are it’s going to take a huge cost to make “I’ve been doing this for 20 years working together on opening up a it a viable business, unless you become and was previously in a building twice market in Thailand of all places.” a hobbyist selling from your backyard, the size as this until two years ago While Meertens has adaptability on his and there will be a few, but people are when the market dried up. side, he says some simply do not and he going to leave in droves. “There’s doom and gloom in all remembers what happened last time. “Anyone who doesn’t have RAW the big import dealers “I was around when the previous certification and wants to do imports in Melbourne; they’re scheme changed to RAWS in 2001 and has no chance. already struggling now back then it was much more open but “You need to have your destiny in and I can’t see how the 75% of businesses closed. your own hands; you need to com- new rules are going to “I can see the same thing happening ply your own cars and it’s a cost. We help. It doesn’t open the again.” charge on compliance which is often market up to much you Meertens offers a brief tour of the the margin on one car. John Meertens can see them selling a place, which doesn’t take long because “Anyone without a RAW is finished. lot of.” there’s very little to look at. A white- If you’ve built your business around Meertens is not the only one shut- board still hangs on the wall, with a list campervans, you’re done. tering up windows and selling off tools, of “times to beat” on various tasks he “The big players will downsize and something he was literally in the pro- assigned to his five departed staff, most Continued on page 18

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 | 17 PEOPLETALK

Continued from page 15

Crushing Carizma

Continued from page 17 tonne, doesn’t get close to their cri- “I went to all the RAWS meetings the little guys will disappear.” teria, so they know they’ve basically and wasted a lot of time and money With the changes to the Special- wiped out all new sports cars. talking to the department,” he says. ist Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS), “They’ve put the ratio there to look “Most countries have a one-year which means an import will have to like they’re allowing something but we rule; sometimes a five-year rule is comply with at least one of six stipu- all know it’s knocked them all on the common. I was suggesting to follow lated criteria, there might be a glimmer head.” that rule plus with a variant rule - if the of hope, Meertens says. Meertens expects a resurgence of the car’s not sold here, is over five years “The new import laws are all about most desirable sports cars of the 1990s old... then allow us to do it. low emissions,” he says. as the 25-year mark moves closer. “It’s shooting us in the foot. “The power-to-weight ratio (criteria) “The 25-year rule really only allows As a result, and for the foreseeable is so ridiculous it’s knocked off sports something like an R32 GTR or Honda future, Meertens is out. cars and basically leaves hybrids as the NSX, which has already started making “I’m taking an indefinite break from only real, viable option.” them even more desirable,” he says. the car sales business. I’m going to see But even importing low-emission “People have already started storing how the market reacts to the new rules. vehicles is fraught with barriers to a them in Japan so they can bring them in “There might be something that solid business case, particularly if that’s when the 25-year rule comes around.” comes up which I haven’t thought of, not what you want to sell nor what you But again, through a disheartened grin, but I highly doubt it.” understand. he says he knows it will be short-lived He will remain a quiet liaison in the “I’m not a fan of the ‘green’ thing because that’s the nature of the game. import industry. But there’s a tenacious and the disabled vehicle market is too “You’ve got a window of about six fire in his eyes that tells you he won’t tricky,” he says. months to make good money before stay down for long. “If you go through the categories, the margin just gets trimmed so low as It was a bittersweet meeting as the only real thing they can push is the market floods and it becomes really Meertens boxed up what remaining bits hybrids. But if one of these vehicles has hard work. and bobs he had left in the small space a problem, where do I take it? I would “The prices rise so high in Japan - that had clearly brought enjoyment to need to learn hybrid technology.” like an NSX at $100,000 - there’s not a a select few. There are plenty of hybrid potentials lot of people with that kind of money There are a few among us who don’t in Japan that meet that SEVS criteria but for a 25-year old car. want the latest and great, capped-price Meertens says he can’t compete with a “As a dealer it’s hard to compete for servicing or the bells and whistles. new vehicle “unless it’s what Japan call such a small pool and it becomes unvi- Meertens’ few customers and their a ‘super ultra low emission vehicle’. able very quickly.” mates were the young and irrational, “If the regulations opened up to lots of Meertens would like to see a much the tuners and modifiers, the drivers hybrids, there might be some decent busi- closer five-year ruling, or thereabouts, who want gearknobs and clutch ped- ness if you had a good hybrid mechanic.” with dealers being allowed to import als, the connoisseurs and aficionados, Firing Meertens’ passion for the vehicles. He reckons then everybody or simply the young-at-heart in their sports cars his small network of cus- could’ve had their objectives met – saf- twilight years. tomers want to buy is not going to be er, newer cars, a younger average fleet These people had a narrow pathway easy. Or cheap. and fewer dirtier, older more polluting to own the car they had as a poster “The only way you’ll be able to on their wall as a kid, all thanks to little bring in a decent sports car is under businesses like Carizma Cars and the the 25-year rule,” he says. passion of people like John Meertens. He’s not expecting much to change in the proposed criteria. “They’ve made the power ratio so high that when a new car comes out in Japan with a 208kW limit as advertised, they’ve effectively eliminated our ability The good old days. to prove it’s any higher. cars on our roads – without having to “A Nissan GTR, with 130kW per snuff out an entire sector’s flame. A sign of the times.

18 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 STATSTALK

Aussie market riding high

Top 10 Brands (451). The recently updated Kia Sorento ustralians are infatuated with the bumped the Nissan Pathfinder out of medium SUV which outsold every tenth place with 406 sales against 398. Acategory in the market during In the busy small SUV segment, the Mit- March, narrowly beating small car regis- subisi ASX clearly offers the most desir- trations. able package – it sold 2337 to put it in top VFACTS data provided by the Federal spot in March. Chamber of Automotive Industries shows The strong current advertising campaign 19,116 medium SUVs were sold in March, for the all-new Eclipse Cross might have ahead of 18,580 small cars and 15,974 brought some attention back to the ASX, four-wheel drive pick-ups. which now has the collision avoidance The most popular medium SUVs were the features its bigger stablemates Outlander Hyundai Tuscon in fifth place with 1601 and Pajero Sport have had for years. registrations, the Honda CR-V in fourth The Nissan Qashqai came a surprising 1. Toyota 18,878 with 1683, the Toyota RAV4 third with second in the small SUV market with 1497 1952, the Mazda CX-5 second on 2261 and sales and the Subaru XV took third with the best-selling Nissan X-Trail with 2504. 1416, beating February’s hottest pint-sizer Other hot contenders were Mitsubishi’s the Mazda CX-3 which managed 1356 Outlander with 1433, Kia’s Sportage versus last month’s 1562. which managed 1161, and Subaru’s For- The Toyota Hilux (4348) and Ford Ranger ester which registered 1027. (4064) remain the country’s top-selling Volkswagen’s Tiguan was also a contend- light commercial pick-ups. er with 956 sales in the under $60,000 But although the Hilux is sitting pretty price range. overall in that segment, the Ranger was Above $60,000, the BMW X4 took the the biggest-selling four-wheel drive pick- crown with 626 sold. up with 3467 registrations, beating the Toyota’s 3224. In two-wheel drive guise, the Hilux wins with 1124 sales over 597. 2. Mazda 9723 The Mitsubishi Triton in third remains a hard target to match, selling 2788, more than double its nearest rival the Holden Colorado on 1295. Isuzu’s rough-and-ready D-Max four- wheel drive sold 1233 for fourth place, ahead of the Nissan Navara in fifth with 1260 and the Toyota Land Cruiser in sixth with 872. The pricey Volkswagen Amarok BMW X4: king of the over $60,000 in seventh, with missing rear curtain air- mid-size SUVs. bags but the most powerful diesel in-class Lagging in second was the Audi Q5 which also uprated to 3.5t and 6t GCM (gross sold 438. The Mercedes-Benz GLC came combination mass), only sold 835. 3. Mitsubishi 8810 in third with 431 and Lexus NX in fourth with Amarok and company have the Mercedes- 321. Benz X-Class coming into the market this In large SUVs under $70,000, it was the month to steal sales in the high-end four- Toyota Prado on 1677 sales taking gold wheel pick-up truck category, which will over silver stablemate the Kluger on 1144 be an interesting stoush to watch. sales. Bronze went to the newly updated Also finding its feet and worth a mention is Subaru Outback on 1107. the LDV T60 in four-wheel drive variant – A surprising fourth was the no-frills Isuzu it achieved 221 March sales, bringing it to MU-X (833), the Mazda CX-9 in fifth (805), a total of 538 in both drivetrain configura- the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport sixth (773), tions so far this year. Hyundai’s Sante Fe seventh (582), and Holden’s aging Captiva in eighth (452), one sale ahead the Ford Everest in ninth 4. Hyundai 8443

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 | 19 STATSTALK

Finding love in Subaru’s 6. Ford 6687 greatest hits

ew bands match the musical bril- It feels like Subaru’s heritage of build- liance of INXS, especially its long ing spritely semi-offroaders like the Flist of hits that you cannot skip or Outback and the Forester - long before refrain from tapping to while you drive. everybody else jumped on the band- Very rarely does a new car come along wagon - has helped contribute to the so artfully composed that it can literally Levorg. 6. Nissan 6191 tick all the boxes. So why does it shine like it does? It needs to be said that, on the whole, The Levorg has enormous appeal, mostly Subaru’s market track listing is very de- because of its 489-litre boot space. Rear sirable and full of hits right now. seats up, that’s more than the Ford Es- I think I’ve fallen for a Subie again - this cape, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, time it’s the Levorg. It might be weirdly Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, and named but behind the badge there’s just 84 litres shy of March’s top-selling more to love than most to-be dads Nissan X-Trail. could ever want. It’s this hidden awesomeness I love Every time you drive it, as was the case for about wagons because, for all their me over the Christmas/New Year break, it extra girth and dimensions, people seem seems to fit the bill better than the last. infatuated with SUVs they can’t park 7. Honda 5586 Matured beyond the old wannabe-racer –and the Levorg still has more usable years? Moved in with your other half a few stowage than the competition. years now and looking at moving a family Combine this with a symmetrical all-wheel around sometime soon? Still enjoy driving drive backbone and you get one very safe, and can’t suffer the embarrassment of a dynamic and stable craft capable of more lardy SUV? The Levorg could be the kick than its pretty blue paintwork leads you to you need. believe. SUVs might be Sure, you miss the ride height but the the flavour of the reality is nobody ever actually does need year but the new it. Anecdotally, SUVs never leave the bi- sensation Levorg is tumen and on the rare occasion they do clawing it back for go on gravel, the Levorg could happily 8. Subaru 5195 the wagon. tread there too. AutoTalk editor Levorg sales On the dynamic front, the Levorg, Scott Murray. cracked 1621 in particularly in STI form, is very impres- 2016 and drooped sive. The seating position is perfect and I to 1210 last year. But in its two short rarely use that word with seating. year in the market, it has achieved an- The leather-bound buckets might use nual figures that pip Hyundai i40 sales exactly the same cheap-looking 80s- without much advertising effort. style rocker switch for the heating However, with the likes of Ford Mondeo, function as the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Skoda Octavia and VW Passat in the but, that aside, the mirrors are perfectly medium category repeatedly beating placed and they’re easy to adjust out- 9. Volkswagen 5137 it, and the new ZB Commodore Tourer ward to eliminate blind spots. prominently hitting the market in the And the side-facing reversing cameras past couple of months, it could be time are brilliant for navigating tight drive- for Subaru Australia to give the Levorg ways or to reverse parallel park beside some love. bluestone kerbs that would scuff its gor- With only 268 sales on the board this geous 15-spoke charcoal alloys. year, it’s already slipping behind its 2017 In Subaru’s version of “comfort” mode, efforts - and the competition. called i-Drive or something like that, That’s unfortunate because the Levorg will driveability is frankly dull and irritating. A mystify in its ability to give you what you need. Continued on page 24

20 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 10. Holden 5116 STATSTALK

March 2018 sales

Top 10 Small Cars, sub $40k Top 10 People Movers

1. Toyota Corolla 1. Kia Carnival 3218 506

2. Mazda3 2. Honda Odyssey 2780 230

3. Hyundai i30 3. Volkswagen Multivan 2719 101

4. Volkswagen Golf 4. LDV G10 Wagon 1713 83

5. Kia Cerato 5. Toyota Tarago 70 7. Honda 5586 1659

6. Honda Civic 6. Hyundai iMAX 1464 59

7. Subaru Impreza 7. Mercedes-Benz V-Class 1036 44 8. Subaru 5195 8.Holden Astra 8. Mercedes-Benz Valente 906 40

9. Ford Focus 9. Volkswagen Caddy 386 24

9. Volkswagen 5137 10. Subaru WRX 10. Kia Rondo 255 9

Register for FREE news updates -Receive thrice-weekly news alerts to your email THE VEHICLE DEALER’S NEWS SOURCE autotalk.com.au

10. Holden 5116 AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 | 21 EVTALK EVTALK.COM.AU

AUSTRALIA’S NEWS SOURCE FOR ELECTRIC, INTELLIGENT AND AUTONOMOUS TRANSPORTATION Satellite positioning improvements evaluated atellite positioning is a major Zealand positioning and resilience would utilise such information, includ- component of many connected group manager Graeme Blick told ITS ing mapping and improving safety. Sand automated vehicle appli- NZ’s “T-Tech” conference in Auckland “If someone is in the wrong lane on cations and is especially needed for on March 19 and 20. the motorway or the wrong side of the autonomous vehicles (AVs). More than 30 projects have been road, they can be warned.” It’s usually known as GPS (global posi- commissioned to demonstrate the Blick says many other countries tioning system) or GNSS (global naviga- potential of SBAS technology across already have similar well-developed tion satellite system), but the accuracy various sectors, including road, rail, systems, such as the Galileo global of such systems in Australia and New aviation and maritime transportation, navigation satellite system in Europe, Zealand is not as good as it could be. agriculture and construction. which vehicles could be tailored for. Improved positioning services, Blick says the study will deter- He says SBAS can also be used to such as satellite-based augmentation mine whether a business case can be better chart harbours and ship loca- systems (SBAS), are midway through a established to invest further in a fully tions, improving navigational efficiency. two-year evaluation by the New Zea- operational system. And train companies can use it to land and Australian governments. GPS (GNSS) is accurate to within determine what track a train is on and Initially, both governments consid- about 10 metres whereas SBAS im- improve services. ered the cost of several hundred mil- proves the accuracy, integrity and lion dollars in developing and operating availability of satellite information, SBAS outweighed any benefits. bringing accuracy down to a metre But now Australia is providing or less, he says. A$12 million and New Zealand A$2m One reason for the trials is towards the two-year trial due to finish the increased technical com- in June 2019, Land Information New ponentry in new vehicles that Australia could learn more from the Galileo global navigation satellite system in Europe. Adelaide to get electric rubbish trucks ubbish collector East Waste recharge collection trucks at night. year, although it can be is planning a solar and wind Excess energy could also be tapped to brought forward if “time Renergy-run rubbish truck fleet ensure “uninterrupted power supply” and resources” allow. for Adelaide’s east and inner north. during blackouts. No budget has been set yet and The project, understood to be an It’s a “very early preliminary as- Gregory says it’s too early to know the Australian first, is expected to slash sessment” of battery-powered trucks cost of moving East Waste’s 35 vehicles costs and reduce carbon emissions. showing the technology warrants to battery power. The company’s draft 2018/19 busi- closer examination, East Waste general East Waste picked up more than ness plan states “rapid” technologi- manager Rob Gregory says. 102,000 tonnes of household rubbish cal advancements mean all-electric “We are continually looking for new last year. trucks are a “real and potential” al- technology that will make our services New Zealand collection company ternative to petrol-powered vehicles, more efficient, more effective and Waste Management last year introduced The Advertiser reports. cleaner.” the southern hemisphere’s first electric Batteries would store power to help The investigation is due to start next rubbish truck with a 200km range. A transport revolution is happening

hought-provoking ideas around residents would use a variety of transport such as Auckland’s “Daisy” apartment transportation and city liv- modes - from ride-share and block, and businesses are developing Ting were presented by keynote autonomous shuttles to cycling mobile services to bring their products speaker Greg Lindsay to about 150 or other alternatives. to people’s doors. delegates at the T-Tech Conference in Cities will change as a Lindsay suggests forming steering Auckland on March 19 and 20. result, he says. committees to ensure people get the

The New Cities Foundation senior fel- Greg Dwellings are already transport they want, rather than just low outlined a possible future in which city Lindsay being built with no carparks, Continued on page 23

22 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 EVTALK EVTALK.COM.AU

Used mine becomes ‘giant battery’

Solar panels soak up the sun.

hat do you do with a used-up Kidston Solar Project (KSP1), then township faced after the closure of the gold mine that’s a blot on the developed a 250mW pumped storage Kidston Gold Mine and its subsequent Wlandscape? hydro project (PSHP) and the inte- revitalisation as a result of Genex Pow- grated 270mW Kidston solar er’s existing and future developments. project (KSP2) at Genex’s “The film is an excellent display of Kidston Renewable Energy- the benefits that have resulted, and Hub in Northern Queens- that will continue to result, from re- land. habilitating an abandoned gold mine, Basically, water flowing including local employment and eco- from one hole to the other nomic stimulation,” Genex says. creates energy needed to “Furthermore, it paints the backdrop power the turbines, sup- for the world’s first renewable, dispatch- ported by a bank of solar able and affordable electricity scheme in panels. addition to providing a perfect prec- Genex joined a Climate edent for the rehabilitation of Australia’s The mine’s two water-filled pits. Council media case study growing abandoned mining sites.” on the Turn it into a power source providing project. The non- electricity to 280,000 homes of course. profit council pro- The gold mine in Kidston, Queens- vides independent, land, closed in 2001, leaving two big authoritative climate holes both half-full of water. change information Many workers left but the remaining to the Australian residents refused to let their town die public. and hit on the idea of creating a world- As part of the leading combined solar and pumped study, the coun- hydro power generation plant. cil has released a Genex Power, which focuses on inno- short film about the vative clean energy generation and elec- Kidston Renewable tricity storage solutions, came on board Energy Hub. and revitalised Kidston with its project. The film depicts It established the first phase 50mW the difficulties the The extensive solar array.

Continued from page 22 “mobility as a service” roadmap, launch a needed to work together to ensure “no waiting for companies like Uber to micro-transit pilot, transition from trans- zombie AVs” where empty shuttles take provide them. port operators to mobility managers, and up street space. He also urges people to know what embrace connected mobility. He painted a picture of many pos- data is needed and what can be done He broadly labelled transport as sibilities and says it’s up to us to decide. with it, cross-train staff and build oppor- taxis, ushers, conveyors, buses, rovers More about mobility will feature tunities, rethink community benefits and and shuttles. at the Global Laboratory for Future strategies, explore demand and reshape Lindsay says AVs can drop people Mobility Conference in Los Angeles on people’s approach to transport, create a off and park themselves but operators November 15-18, he says.

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2018 | 23 EVTALK EVTALK.COM.AU

NSW in the driver(less) seat utomated vehicles with life- ers - BMW, Lexus, Hyundai, Mercedes, through the Smart Innovation Centre saving technology will be trialled Audi, Tesla and Volvo - will take part to to trial a highly automated passenger Aby the New South Wales Gov- ensure NSW roads work with new life- shuttle at Sydney Olympic Park. ernment on some of Sydney’s major saving vehicle automation technolo- Partners in the two-year trial include motorways. gies and lay the foundation for driver- Transport for NSW, Roads and Maritime less vehicles. Services, HMI Technologies, NRMA As more cars with Motoring and Services, Sydney Olym- automated technology pic Park Authority and IAG. come on to the market, It’s the first precinct-based trial of it is important NSW roads an automated shuttle in Australia and are ready, roads, mari- focuses on observing how automated time and freight vehicle technology can improve cus- The Sydney Olympic Park autono- minister Melinda Melinda Pavey tomer mobility and interact with other mous shuttle trial. Pavey says. people within the precinct. “Advances in Transport for NSW is seeking to The trial includes the Lane Cove driving technology and the innovation provide seed funding and partner with Tunnel, the Hills M2 Motorway, West- of road infrastructure will benefit the industry, researchers, local councils link M7, the M5, Eastern Distributor, the public with sustainable and efficient and businesses to develop and co-de- Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney networks, accessible services and, liver several connected and automated Harbour Tunnel. importantly, safety,” she says. vehicle trials across regional NSW. As part of the trial, which ends in “Automated driving technologies Trials will focus on customer October, automated vehicles will op- not only have the potential to save lives mobility use cases and investigate erate under different conditions and but will help us manage congestion the benefits and challenges involved at different times of the day, the NSW and create sustainability and improve in introducing emerging connected Government says. efficiencies on our networks.” and automated vehicle technology to Motorway operator Transurban and The NSW Government is also work- country NSW. some of the world’s leading carmak- ing with industry and research partners Finding love in Subaru’s greatest hits Continued from page 20 is more than enough to damage the You reminisce about the old days doughy throttle and rolling suspension wildlife if you’re an idiot. The STI gets an of getting muddy and hammering a are at times annoying when trying to awesome 350Nm which, when boost dusty backroad in the original WRX and that cult-icon the Forester GT pull out of a junction or when you’re kicks in at around 2500-3000 RPM (I but, at the same time, you know negotiating roundabouts. can’t tell because I’m paying attention things have moved on, it’s time to set- The best compromise is to leave it in to the road), shoves you forward with an tle down and face the change. S-Drive and don’t change a thing. accessable, manageable ferocity only a Anybody who takes a sustained test People often comment that Subarus Subie can achieve. drive of a Levorg will ask the salesman “need more power” but to say this is to It’s a tricky emotion to describe to never tear us apart. testify to one’s own poor driving skills. fanging around in the Levorg STI but Handing the STI back to Subaru The base model 1.6 GT has 125kW the best metaphor on hand is “elegantly Australia was something to lament. of power and 250Nm of torque, which wasted”. Levorg, I burn for you.

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Towards a hydrogen society

attended a brilliant event held by the Ammonia-to-hydrogen project so when this endorsement comes in Australian Gas Infrastructure Group The Commonwealth Scientific the form of an entire “hydrogen city”, a I(AGIG) in Adelaide on the future of and Industrial Research Organisation mission proposed by Dr Alan Finkel and hydrogen in Australia. (CSIRO) ammonia-to-hydrogen conver- Innovation & Science Australia in Janu- It was also an opportunity to present sion project pilot is to be launched later ary whereby the gas supply of an entire its recently announced power-to-gas this year. Supported by HMA members Australian city would be converted from demonstration plant - Hydrogen Park BOC, Hyundai and Toyota, the project natural gas to clean hydrogen. or HyP SA) at the Tonsley Innovation is tipped to open up the supply chain of District in Adelaide. clean hydrogen to the world, including Hyundai Nexo released Set to be an Australian first, the Japan, South Korea and Europe. Hyundai’s second generation FCV project will demonstrate the comple- CSIRO notes Australia is positioned to was released in January and heralded a mentary nature of gas and electricity be the number one renewable fuel pro- big step towards the mass proliferation in decarbonising the energy sector vider in the world’s fastest growing region. of hydrogen vehicles. With an impres- and is sure to generate plenty of hype If successful, the opportunities for our sive 800km range and a three to five- around hydrogen. country are limitless, both in exports and minute refuelling time, the car encap- What made this event so fascinating - domestically, and could ultimately be the sulates all the advantages of hydrogen apart from the excellent speakers includ- catalyst an Australian hydrogen economy. in one great looking SUV. The first units ing Hydrogen Mobility Australia (HMA) are due in Australia any day now with members Murray Lyster of Siemens and Light vehicle CO₂ standard more arriving by the end of 2018. Scott Nargar of Hyundai - was the turn- With the Australian Government flag- out. ging the introduction of a light vehicle First fuel cell forklift About 50 were expected to attend CO₂ standard this year, Australia’s fleet Global juggernauts such as Amazon but AGIG got 150 RSVPs. mix will need to change. Zero emis- and Walmart are integrating fuel cell It got me thinking, why now? forklifts into their fleets so it seems Why has the level of interest in inevitable Australian companies will hydrogen accelerated so rapidly in follow. American company Hyster By Hydrogen Mobility the past 12 months? Yale’s hydrogen fuel cell forklift will Australia chief executive I know from my own experi- be launched in Australia on April 24, Claire Johnson ence publicly launching HMA that marking the entry of the commercial the response to our formation has fuel cell to our country. been overwhelmingly positive with the number of enquiries making it dif- sion vehicles will be the solution but The Latrobe Valley project ficult to keep up. how do we get there? Energy Minister Kawasaki’s Latrobe Valley project, If this is an indicator of hydrogen Josh Frydenberg said in January that where brown coal will be used to pro- being genuinely recognised as a fuel a coordinated response at all levels of duce hydrogen, will soon have a pilot of the future, then we are in for some government will be needed to create the plant. Integrating carbon capture and great progress. environment for these technologies to storage, the project will see low-emis- Being involved with hydrogen fuel cell proliferate, including incentives. sion hydrogen shipped to Japan. vehicles (FCVs) since 2015, it seems to me This comes in the wake of govern- An accord signed in January to jointly that momentum is truly starting to build ments around the world announcing pursue opportunities in the hydrogen sup- around hydrogen and a critical mass of future bans on fossil fuel vehicles. Here, ply chain provides Australia with an enor- industry and governments is emerging. the Greens announced their proposal mous opportunity as a hydrogen exporter. That’s why I’m calling 2018 the year that for a ban on petrol and diesel cars In terms of this specific project, Latrobe a hydrogen society kicks off for Australia. from 2030. Vehicle manufacturers are could become a “hydrogen valley”. Here’s my list of reasons why. responding to such announcements at a rapid rate, with FCVs playing a key role in Hydrogen Mobility Australia South Australian Hydrogen Roadmap the tool kit for many automakers. Expect Our role will be to support and South Australia has flown the flag for to see greater volumes heading our way. facilitate the excellent headway already hydrogen for a few years now and has made and identify new opportunities to impressed us all with its foresight in cre- Hydrogen City leverage the opportunity even further ating the next chapter for the state, from When Australia’s chief scientist throws while playing a role in education, advo- automotive manufacturing to renewable his weight behind hydrogen and remarks cacy and standards. energy. Several hydrogen projects are set on its “huge potential”, you know you’re Visit www.hydrogenmobilityaustral- to get underway this year. on to something special. Particularly ia.com.au for more information.

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EV TALK DIARY ment will include 123 GE wind EVtalk Australia editor Geoff turbines. March 16 Dobson looks at the month gone Proton battery Aussies weigh up by on www.evtalk.com.au rechargeable fuel options The world’s first rechargeable About 2.26 million Australians “We do electric cars but I proton battery has been created intend buying a new vehicle March 2 don’t think Australia is ready for by researchers at RMIT Univer- in the next four years. electric because the kinds of sity in Melbourne, using carbon But there’s increased inter- I-Pace offers 480km incentives you have to offset the and water instead of lithium. est in alternatives to petrol, It could rewire how we range high cost of batteries are not an annual Roy Morgan Single enough.” Mathew told Australi- power our vehicles, homes Source survey of more than Jaguar’s electric I-Pace has and devices, they say. an journalists, CarAdvice reports. 50,000 consumers shows. been launched globally offer- The small prototype can Of new vehicle sales in Aus- ing twin motors and a 90kWh potentially store more energy tralia in 2017, 75.3% had petrol battery providing up to 480km March 9 than lithium-ion batteries engines (VFACTS). Among of range. which rely on scarce and intending buyers over the next The five-seater SUV’s mo- Solar farms in expensive resources, lead four years, only 61.9% think tors have a combined 294kW researcher Professor John their next vehicle will most and 696Nm, delivering spotlight Andrews says. likely have a petrol engine. 0-100kmh in 4.8 seconds. Queensland is on track to be- The I-Pace S version is come the “solar energy state” priced from A$119,000 plus of Australia. March 13 March 19 on-road costs in Australia. New planning and com- munity engagement guide- Greens outline EV Ioniq hybrids join Hydrogen lines are in development to plan Red Cross production guide the Sunshine State’s solar farm boom. The Australian Green Party wants New Ioniq hybrids are being imminent It’s also expected to help all of the country’s new vehicle placed with select fleet cus- South Australia will produce with electric vehicle uptake sales to be electric by 2030. tomers in Australia. The Greens have put for- consumable hydrogen from a and charging. About 70 of the new second facility to be built on ward a proposal to ban the battery-electric hybrid the old Mitsubishi Motors site Porsche sale of new petrol and diesel vehicle, launched globally in in Adelaide. cars in the next 12 years, 2016, are now in service with Tonsley Innovation District supercharges along with other changes Australian Red Cross (35), will be home to the Austral- network such as increasing the luxury the South Australian Gov- ian Gas Infrastructure Group Porsche plans to establish its car tax from 33% to 50% ernment (28) and Northern as it builds a 1.25-megaWatt own super-fast electric vehicle make EVs more affordable. Alliance Victoria (seven). Siemens-designed elec- charging network in Australia. The tax rise would be a “We had an opportunity to trolyser to convert grid or According to company disincentive to buy expensive import a small number of Ioniq renewable solar power and comments made at the fossil-fuelled vehicles over hybrids in advance of the full oxygen into hydrogen. Geneva Motor Show, the the $65,000 threshold. launch mid-year so we placed The new site, called Hydro- Mission E electric supercar them with fleet customers to gen Park SA (HyP SA) will add will instigate the charging get real-world feedback about to South Australia’s 15-mega- network to rival Tesla. March 15 the cars’ performance and Watt renewable-hydrogen practicality,” Hyundai Motor production facility to be built VW ramps up Company Australia chief oper- in Port Lincoln on the Eyre March 12 production ating officer Scott Grant says. Peninsula by Hydrogen Utility. A new electric vehicle “virtu- Australia’s largest ally every month” will come wind farm from the Volkswagen Group March 20 March 7 GE has started building the after next year. Coopers Gap Wind Farm, its It’s expanding EV produc- Self-driving vehicle EVs off Mahindra’s first in Queensland. tion worldwide on a “massive tests halted list It’s expected to further pro- scale,” Volkswagen AG chief Autonomous vehicle tests Mahindra has ruled out its EVs mote EV uptake in the state, es- executive officer Matthias have been stopped by Uber for Australia, saying cost and pecially as it provides electricity Muller says. Technologies after one of its lack of government incentives from a renewable resource. Within about four years VW cars collided with a pedestrian are the reason. Resources, mines and intends having 16 EV produc- who died of her injuries in The brand’s focus will energy minister Dr Anthony tion sites under its “Roadmap Tempe, Arizona. remain on petrol SUVs and Lynham was among guests at E” electric vision. It currently It’s reportedly the first diesel light-commercial a ground-breaking ceremony produces EVs at three sites known pedestrian death vehicles instead, Mahindra for Australia’s largest wind and will have nine more involving an autonomous international operations chief farm. The Powering Australian plants in two years. vehicle. Arvind Mathew says. Renewables Fund’s develop- Continued on page 27

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Continued from page 26 Australia is about to get a surge driver(less) seat ments mean all-electric trucks in electric vehicles with more Automated vehicles with are a “real and potential” alter- March 21 than 10 car brands launching life-saving technology will native to petrol-powered vehi- EVs here by the end of 2020. be trialled by the New South cles, The Advertiser reports. Satellite positioning BMW and Tesla are the Wales Government on some evaluated only ones selling purely of Sydney’s major motorways. electric cars in Australia now, March 29 Satellite positioning is a The trial ends in Octo- news.com.au reports. major component of many ber and includes the Lane $3.2b needed for connected and automated Cove Tunnel, the Hills M2 vehicle applications, espe- March 26 Motorway, Westlink M7, the infrastructure cially needed for autonomous M5, Eastern Distributor, the The electric vehicle industry vehicles (AVs). Nissan plans a Sydney Harbour Bridge and wants an extra $3.2 billion Usually known as GPS Sydney Harbour Tunnel. spent on infrastructure to get (global positioning system) million EVs a year As part of the trial, the au- three million EVs on Australia’s or GNSS (global navigation Nissan plans to launch in- tomated vehicles will operate roads by 2030. satellite system), the ac- creasing numbers of EVs, ex- under different conditions and The scenario was out- curacy of such systems in pand and evolve autonomous at different times of the day, lined in a new report for the Australia and New Zealand is driving systems, and acceler- the NSW Government says. Electric Vehicle Council, The not as good as it could be. ate vehicle connectivity. Australian reports. Improved positioning ser- One target is to sell a mil- Adelaide gets The council says a boost to vices, such as satellite-based lion EVs a year by the 2022 electric trash trucks public charging infrastructure augmentation systems (SBAS), financial year. Rubbish collector East Waste is would help achieve a Norway- are midway through a two-year These will be either pure proposing a solar and wind en- like EV uptake. evaluation by the New Zealand electric or models with e- ergy run rubbish truck fleet for Power powertrains as part News for the and Australian governments. Adelaide’s east and inner north. EV industry and of its Nissan M.O.V.E to 2022 The project, understood midterm plan. to be an Australian first, is EV buyers March 23 expected to slash costs and reduce carbon emissions. Surge in EVs March 27 The company’s draft expected 2018/19 business plan states www.evtalk.com.au NSW in the “rapid” technological advance-

EV TALK DIARY EVtalk New Zealand editor Geoff March 20 March 28 Dobson looks at the month gone by on www.evtalk.com.nz ITS worth $1.5 New Zealand’s billion cheapest plug-in That’s right – a 33-unit, A new Future Technology Toyota New Zealand has March 6 $17.5 million apartment block Leadership Group will help launched the cheapest new in Ockham Residential’s “Daisy” New Zealand harness some plug-in vehicle available on EVs close to 8000 complex in Mt Eden doesn’t of the estimated $1.5 billion the market, the Prius Prime. value generated by Intelligent A single version is avail- goal have any private carparks. There is room for 40 bicycles, Transport Systems (ITS) an- able at $48,490 drive-away, New Zealand’s EV fleet size nually, transport minister Phil $5500 less than the retail is closing in quickly on this 12 scooters and two shared cars run through the Cityhop Twyford says. price of a Hyundai Ioniq year’s 8000 target, reaching plug-in hybrid. 6884 in February. model for residents’ use. All light EV registrations March 22 for the month were 281, March 14 March 29 compared with 230 for Feb- Nissan probes ruary last year, latest Ministry Pilotless air taxi trial battery degradation Conversion of Transport figures show. Hailed as the world’s first self- Nissan says it’s investigating workshop opens piloted electric air taxi, the allegations of excessive deg- Waste Management NZ March 13 “Cora” is undergoing tests in radation in Nissan Leaf 30kWh has opened the country’s Canterbury. batteries. first workshop dedicated to No carparks for Zephyr Airworks has A thorough internal converting diesel trucks into unveiled the autonomous investigation is being held, electric vehicles. apartments aircraft which has vertical Nissan New Zealand manag- The company plans to What! No carparks in this new take-off and landing ability ing director John Manley told convert 20 of its national truck Auckland apartment block? and can travel 100km. The Listener after it featured fleet in the next two years. a story on the issue.

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