THE VEHICLE DEALER’S NEWS SOURCE VOLUME 5 ISSUE 10 MAY 2019

Taxis stall Labor’s labour shortage against Uber ustralia’s taxi industry has stalled against rival Uber, solution amiss Awhose army of drivers now ferry about one fifth of ’s he Australian Automotive Dealer As- in rural towns and provincial cities, are population. sociation and Victorian Automobile resorting to immigrant employment – not After just six years, Uber has TChamber of Commerce aren’t sold their first preference – because of a wider seen strong growth in all age on the Labor opposition’s immigration issue. categories and over a three-month policy to increase the minimum wage in “AADA members, like all reputable average sees close to 4.3 million foreign workers. businesses, only resort to temporary skill people over 14 years old use the The AADA says the 21% increase to visa workers when they can’t get Austral- service, according to the latest Roy migrant workers’ minimum earnings ians to fill critical vacancies in their opera- Morgan research. would put additional strain on dealer- tions,” chief executive David Blackhall In 2016, Uber’s three-month av- ships especially in regional areas, where explains. erage was just two million, or 10.2% it’s a common practice to fill employ- “New dealers in regional and rural of the population, compared with ment places with immigrant talent be- Australia operate in areas with lower costs 20% of Australia’s current popula- cause local employees are hard to find. of living, which is reflected in the salaries tion. Labor suggests increasing pay to they can ofer.” Uber has seen a 73% usage foreign staf from $53,900 annually up to The AADA says Labor’s policy will leave increase of 25 to 34-year-olds $65,000, would encourage businesses regional business to foot a bill they may to the tune of 1.19 million, and a to use what is traditionally cheaper im- not have any choice in paying, “making 253% increase in 14 to 17-year-olds migrant labour in favour local talent, but it harder to operate in a competitive en- amounts to 197,000 teens who the advocates aren’t vironment” where franchised businesses now appear to trust the service as convinced. compete for a limited customer base. of December 2018. The AADA says dealerships, particularly Continued on page 12 To the same research period, the state-based taxi sector, still holds INSIDE the upper hand in most states over- Bosch bofn talks tech P4 all, but is being chased by Uber. Vehicle waste: who gives a scrap? P5 Uber has ofcially overtaken in Aftermarket builds bridge to OEMs P7 Queensland with 19.5% to Uber Alfa love tested by dealers P9 5 9 Continued on page 6 FOUNDATION SPONSORS

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2 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 NEWSTALK

Aussie transport an international laggard

report from the Australian By that time, Australia’s population The academy also implores govern- Academy of Technology says is expected to rise by more than 20% ments in strengthening the teaching Aour transport system is at risk of over 2017 to hit 29.8 million. of STEM subjects (science, technol- becoming archaic. Tokyo’s 102 train lines, which ogy, engineering and mathematics) at The Shifting Gears – Preparing for a include legendary 300km/h bullet primary and secondary school levels Transport Revolution report says failing trains, manages to move 14 billion in order to support further workforces, to ready our transport network for the people every year. Madrid, Spain, with as well as preparing university and VET future will impede mobility, increase a population of only 5.6 million people, courses to be developed in collabora- congestion, deteriorate health and has 21 lines and 396 stations (making tion with industries such as automo- negatively impact productivity. it the sixth-largest metro system in the tive, transport and construction, to Australia’s sparse population cen- world) moving 1.5 billion passengers ensure a talent pool with relevant skills tres and geographic isolation remains annually. is available. a critical problem, but transport can Seoul has Wi-Fi, television and Academy fellow be revolutionised and disrupted by mobile reception on every climate- Kathryn Fagg high- technology, the report indicates. controlled train. New York’s subway lights the rapid rate The academy highlights sustainabili- system, like the city itself, never sleeps at which our unique ty and climate change, productivity and and runs 24 hours a day. transport system is health as the three primary challenges Unfortunately, the academy rates becoming affected that need to be addressed in the next Australia’s infrastructure readiness in by advanced tech- Academy fellow 10 years. regards to “high frequency mass tran- nological innovation, Kathryn Fagg The congestion problem costs $16.5 sit” as only a quarter ready, despite a and the lack thereof. billion per year alone. It’s made worse three-quarters social readiness. “Failure to be prepared will risk a de- by the fact 70% of all domestic passen- Intelligent transport systems is only cline in many aspects of our Australian ger travel in Australia occurs on roads, rated at a quarter ready, and the skills way of life and society,” Fagg says. with 79% of passenger kilometres by availability for connected autonomous “With Australia’s geographic isola- road, and 82% commuting to work by vehicles is also only rated a quarter. tion and long distances between urban car; compared with just 4% of passen- The report makes a list of recom- centres, the transport sector will be ger kilometres and just 10% of com- mendations including governments both significantly disrupted and revolu- muting covered by rail. who need to set nationally consistent tionised by this technological transfor- Yet it’s estimated, as of February standards to support productivity en- mation,” she explains. 2019, by the department of infra- hancing technology such as electric- Fagg warns “increased congestion structure Australia spends $27 billion vehicle charging infrastructure, and of- and vehicle-related emissions, a dete- per year as an economic cost of road fering competitive grants programmes rioration in health, safety and security, crashes – which human error is a fac- to entice transport technology trials and a negative impact on the cost of tor in 90% of them. tailored to Australia’s unique geograph- living, productivity and the ease of mo- Urban congestion, according to data ical or climatic conditions. bility” are all a likely result of inaction. sourced for Shifting Gears, will But she says it isn’t all bad news, rise to a per annum cost of $30 suggesting Australia does have the billion by 2030 and the number ability to prepare. of people using public transport “Australia is performing well on a in capital cities increases by 30%. number of readiness indicators and is Greenhouse emissions from well placed to capitalise on the coming transport, contributing 19% of technology revolution, but we need to Australia’s overall emissions in make smart, strategic decisions to keep 2018, will rise by a further 9% in pace with the technological frontier,” 2030. she advises.

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2019 | 3 NEWSTALK

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EDITOR Workshop technicians Scott (Muzza) Murray [email protected] +61 426 365 774 doing the flash dance ONLINE EDITOR

Geoff Dobson osch Australia has told automotive related, as most things [email protected] +64 21 881 823 workshop business owners pass- are in our automotive Bthrough data sharing software is world, but the EPA (En- ready and waiting for implementation. vironmental Protection BUSINESS MANAGER Speaking at the Australian Automotive Agency) basically said Dale Stevenson Aftermarket Expo, Darren Todd, senior they need a standard [email protected] technical director at Bosch Australia, so they (American me- +64 21 446 214 says independent repairers, workshops chanics) could fix the Darren Todd, Bosch Australia RECRUITMENT / and smash repairers need pass-through vehicles and keep them PRODUCTION SPECIALIST access to technical data expected to be compliant.” Fran Da Silva legislated in 2019. He says the SAE (Society of Automotive [email protected] Todd says a proper pass-through Engineers) developed the J2534 standard, +64 21 933 279 system will mean workshops in Australia which meant from 2004 any American won’t have to pretend to be citizens in vehicle needed to be able to be reflashed the US just to gain technical service and by any qualified technician, which they GROUP GENERAL MANAGER repair data to repair vehicles already out could obtain the software for directly from Deborah Baxter of factory warranty. the manufacturer, using a generic ECU [email protected] “Vehicles are incredibly complicated reflashing tool, such as the Bosch device +64 27 530 5016 now, we know that; I was in Germany Todd demonstrated with. recently watching one of the newest “Any workshop could perform this MANAGING EDITOR production Mercedes park itself – that’s basic task in America,” he says. Richard Edwards where we are now. “The standard, which was built initially [email protected] “Trying to figure out the telephone se- for emissions, was updated later on be- +64 21 556 655 quence for Kansas isn’t right; we shouldn’t cause it worked so well, and they decided need to sneak around on the internet to to develop it, to extend the range of tasks PUBLISHER find backdoor access to reflash a vehicle’s it could fix,” Todd continues. Vern Whitehead computer,” Todd explains. Todd says data access laws, expected [email protected] He says pass-through access isn’t just to pass through parliament later in the +64 21 831 153 about having access to vehicle workshop year, need to offer the tens of thousands Auto Media Group Limited makes manuals, but includes having access to of independent vehicle repairers tech every endeavour to ensure basic data, firmware and the ability to use support on par with OEM-franchised information contained in this publication is accurate, however it on a customer’s vehicle. dealers. we are not liable for any losses Todd says there are vehicles stretching “If part of the new [Australian] legislation or issues resulting from its use. back as far as 2013 and beyond which can surrounding this means you need to clear have simple fault codes and software fixes fault codes or do security functions, they performed by independent and franchise- [OEMs] should provide that as well - it’s no chain workshop service technicians using good doing half the job then you have to autotalk.com.au pass-through programming. take the car around to the dealer,” he says. autotalk.co.nz “It’s not hard to think of example vehi- “It will be required by law that every- transporttalk.com.au cles, some of the most popular, modern thing available to dealers will be avail- transporttalk.co.nz on the market, with faults that don’t able to independent workshops, and we evtalk.com.au go away without re-flashing,” he points expect OEMs will require an accreditation evtalk.co.nz out. process for qualification to access that wheeltalk.co.nz “The origins of most of these program- data,” Todd highlights. ming tools are from the US, it’s emissions Continued on page 16

4 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 NEWSTALK

Who gives a scrap?

mountain of scrap vehicles the “But eventually that remaining size of the Cricket vehicle carcass – those parts that are AGround is generated hundreds of not recycled – has to go somewhere times every year. and the fact we don’t have a national The Auto Recyclers Association end-of-life vehicle disposal policy in of Australia and Victorian Automo- place to monetise and repurpose those bile Chamber of Commerce say the 800,000 vehicles in scrap yards is a 800,000 vehicles sent to landfill in lost opportunity for the industry, and Geoff Gwilym, David Nolan, Auto VACC. Recyclers Associa- 2018 - which could fill the MCG 400 ecologically irresponsible,” Dowsey tion Australia. times and stretch nose-to-tail from explains. Sydney to Auckland return - is a sur- ARAA executive director David mountable problem. Nolan tells AutoTalk the auto salvage “Compared with Japan, China, Eu- The VACC says the 1.2 million and recycling problem is an extension rope and the US, Australia’s regulatory new vehicles, including motorcycles, of Australia’s broader and widely-publi- system for vehicle recycling is totally bought by Australian consumers, cised waste management crisis. inadequate,” Nolan reveals. businesses and governments in 2018 “Out of about 2000 auto recycling “Automotive waste has a signifi- will push another million end-of-life businesses, 300-400 are doing the cant environmental impact because vehicles (ELVs) out of circulation and right thing, paying tax, meeting com- vehicles are highly intensive of material into landfill by the end of 2019. pliance standards, employing people resources,” he continues. Chief executive Geoff Gwilym says and operating their business responsi- Nolan says a wide range of various there is a growing problem in the auto- bly,” he says. types of metals, as well as other non- motive industry with how the millions “But these large compliant busi- metallic materials, go into making a of tonnes of scrap material is disposed nesses are the ones at the scrutiny vehicle, which then can either go back of. of regulators, and the small, rogue into the ground, or stay in circulation. “Embarrassingly, Australia currently operators flouting the rules are hard for The politics, he notes, is not producing does not have a national policy dealing regulators to deal with,” Nolan explains. a result. with ELVs,” he says. According to Nolan, roughly 60% “At an industry level it’s a signifi- “This lack of policy leaves the auto of end-of-life vehicles go through a cant problem, but at a federal level it recycling sector vulnerable to - “shredding” process, which separates isn’t; the waste management prob- ronmental breaches and rogue trad- a vehicle’s metal components from lem as far as a federal government ers,” Gwilym explains. the glass, rubber, plastic and other approach is concerned is to operate VACC communications manager non-metallic materials. But he and the locally through councils and states, David Dowsey says accredited auto- VACC says there is between 200,000- but the automotive problem always motive recyclers are doing their best 300,000 tonnes of that non-metallic falls shy of attention,” he says. but can’t do it all. material going from the shredder to “It’s too hard for local government “Accredited automotive recyclers landfill, including 65,000 tonnes of to regulate on its own, the state-based do keep as much scrap from going to unrecyclable vehicle material going EPA does what it can, but the federal landfill as possible by keeping as much directly into Victorian landfill each year. government needs to step in and take material as their lots can hold, and on- Nolan says Australia is well behind control of the nation’s automotive selling parts to give them a second or the rest of the developed world when it waste problem,” Nolan warns. even a third life,” he says. comes to automotive waste regulation. Continued on page 6

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 | 5 NEWSTALK

Who gives a scrap?

Continued from page 5

According to the China End-of-Life or recycled”. Tyre Stewardship Australia says the Vehicle (ELV) and Dismantling Industry Nolan highlights the inadequacy national fleet, which the Australian Report, 2018-2022, Chinese vehicle of Australian EPA regulations which Bureau of Statistics reports consisted of ownership increased by more than 15% allow fluids and gases such as refriger- 19.2 million registered motor vehicles from 2010 to 2017 and is predicted ants like the R-134a hydroflurocarbon, as of January 31, 2018, is putting 56 to continue for another five years, which contributes to global warming, million used tyres into the waste man- reaching 313.1 million vehicles under as non-recyclable. However, Japan has agement system every year. ownership by 2022 – which all have a had regulations in place since 2002 A 550-metre Pakenham horse track life cycle of their own. which stipulate it can and must be in Victoria has used a product called But the same problem emerges, al- recycled. Equine Air which consists of approxi- beit on a much larger scale. The report The Law Concerning the Recov- mately 3000 passenger car tyres - just indicates 1.469 million ELVs were recy- ery and Destruction of Fluorocarbons 27 tonnes worth – and it’s just one of cled in China from January-November, forces Japan’s automotive dismantling 29 other projects TSA has under way. 2018 – an increase of 15% over the industry to ensure “fluorocarbons used Nolan says we’re lucky if 250,000 same period in 2017. But the full-year for car air-conditioners be recovered,” end-of-life vehicles were de-polluted recycling rate is only as high as 20%. JFS says. of oil, petrol, brake fluids, coolant, China boasts an ELV scrap rate Industrial landfill sites are near ca- lead, hexavalent chromium, mercury which remains far lower than the level pacity in Japan, where 25% of ELVs put and plastic compounds in an environ- of 6% to 8% in the developed countries, through shredding were once typically mentally appropriate manner. plus as many as 700 car dismantling sent to landfill, but the increase in dis- “We are simply shredding the vehi- firms, many considered small against posal fees and drop in steel prices risks cles,” he says the likes of Shenzhen GEM High-Tech an illegal dumping trend. “All of the shredder residue, which which employs over 3000 people or Automakers in Japan are required contains all of those [harmful] elements Henan Yuguang Gold & Lead smelter by law to remove and recycle fluo- … ends up in landfill.” and recycler with over 3500 staff. rocarbons, airbags and ASR from the “Australia seriously lags the rest of The Chinese government offers an vehicles they manufacture or import; the industrialised world in managing its incentive scheme, paying subsidies di- fluorocarbons must simply be de- vehicle waste,” he adds. rectly to vehicle owners, which means stroyed. Those manufacturers also Auto Recyclers Association of Aus- professional dismantling firms buy cars pay collection fees at the end of this tralia wants to see national recognition at a low price due to weak profitabil- process. of certified automotive recyclers. ity, but causing “an influx of scrapped cars to the black market … [at] a higher price”. According to Japan for Sustainabil- ity (JFS), it ranks in the top 10 for car ownership courtesy of the ownership rate of one car per 1.7 people. Stats Japan cites nearly 127 million people, and nearly 69 million registered cars (forgetting the 69.1 million bicycles), making end-of-life vehicles a problem for the island nation as well. JFS says roughly 55% of parts by weight are not immediately reusable, such as “some engine components as well as catalysts, non-ferrous met- als, and tyres”, but as much as “80% of parts [by weight] per vehicle are reused

6 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 NEWSTALK

Building bridges with OEMs

he relationship between Austra- more vehicles are coming into our ership is testament to the ingenuity lia’s aftermarket and carmakers market which can’t have the same and engineering nouse of Australia’s Tis stronger than ever before, and OE equipment on them to suit all our aftermarket. the rivalry isn’t what it once was. customers and every end use,” Charity Ford’s Ranger Raptor features Fox Speaking to AutoTalk says. shock absorbers, HSV fitted SupaShocks at the Aftermarket and “If someone’s towing a heavy cara- racing suspension and features the Collision Repair Expo, van, or a boat, or they’re going off-road aerodynamic design of Aeroflow Australian Automotive to regional areas, they’ll need auxiliary Performance in the rear spoiler bolted Aftermarket Association lighting, frontal protection, reinforced to the GTSR W1, and chief executive Stuart suspension and towing equipment, and dealerships are honouring warranty on Stuart Charity, Charity says he’s had the aftermarket has really pioneered bullbars from Frontline Australasia, LED AAAA. enough of the two that market, almost created it with lots lighting from Narva (Brown & Watson industry counterparts butting heads. of its own IP. International), rock rails and recovery Charity says what has in the past “What we do and what the car com- points from ARB and hard tonneau been two sides with staunchly opposed panies do – and they can’t do every- Continued on page 8 positions on servicing and repairs, parts thing to the same and vehicle warranties, as well as in the degree of quality, accessories and off-roading enhance- refinement and ments market, now have a lot to gain testing that some from each other. of our companies He says a mutual, respectful relation- do – can work ship, even at the dealership level, could in harmony,” he bring what he describes as a “Mexican adds. • NZ’s number one automotive workship stand-off” to a win-win situation. Charity high- management software for over 25 years. “It isn’t quite as serious as it was a lights this with few years ago and quite frankly I want the Ford Ranger • The ultimate specialist workshop software to see the end of this Mexican stand- as one exam- package off between us and OEMs, it’s some- ple, where 4x4 • Cloud-based and hosted options available thing we talk about a lot,” Charity says. accessories and “We’re all in this industry together, fit-for-purpose • Installation, Configuration, Support and we can work hand-in-glove with add-ons, par- Trainer from the industry best companies competing vigorously with ticularly in the each other, but in the end we’re all fleet sector, are • Range of options from the entry level lite to trying to support the consumer. important areas the all-inclusive Elite “The structure of the industry is where intellectu- changing and I can see some of those al property needs barriers and walls are coming down in to be shared with Australia,” Charity adds. the aftermarket. The AAAA says with the trend of He also says global manufacturers relying on fewer the fact more core platforms across all or multiple brands are using regions means aftermarket businesses non-genuine Contact Details: are being increasingly relied on in local parts to outfit P: SAM Admin +64 9 583 2451 markets by those consumers. their vehicles SAM Support +64 9 583 2455 “Due to economic pressures we’re under warranty E: [email protected] seeing platform rationalisation, so from the deal-

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | APRIL 2019 | 7 NEWSTALK

Building bridges with OEMs

Continued from page 7 “Especially around customisation, “Our workshops, the automo- covers from ERG Group for the Rogue, people are getting their new car on- tive trade, have these cars coming in Rugged and Rugged X range. spec, driving out of the dealership and now with new technology and they “We’re not expecting to see Toyota taking it immediately to an aftermar- just want the facts on what’s going to fall over themselves to work with us ket store to put all the gear put on it, happen, how it’ll happen and how to from day one, but I think we will see so that’s a lost sales opportunity for adjust.” more and more co-operation, because dealerships. The AAAA will open an Automotive we have companies who all compete “We’re also in full support of deal- Innovation Centre in Melbourne and vigorously with each other to support ers and OEMs in their efforts to see Adelaide in the next year which will be the consumer,” Charity says. Luxury Car Tax abolished, which modelled off the SEMA Garage in the While the term aftermarket refers to should hopefully be soon,” he adds. United States, to hone skills and devel- any part that is designed for, sold and Charity believes in a symbiotic op products for Australian consumers. fitted to a vehicle after the completion ecosystem between carmakers and the Looking at the structure and scale of manufacture, Charity says increas- aftermarket and points to the spike in of the United States auto industry, the ingly OEMs are bringing those special- interest (8000 pre-registrations) for the working relationship between au- ist brands closer to the production line expo seminars signifying the impor- tomakers and aftermarket brands here – even at dealership level. tance of the relationship among the will benefit from the AIC which aims to “The aftermarket stands ready to industry. learn the architectural, technological work with the dealership networks to “There isn’t this big wall between OE and electrical infrastructure under the provide parts solutions to give their parts suppliers and aftermarket, it’s just bonnet. customers a choice and more options, a different part of the market,” he says. “In the US, OEMs give SEMA Garage and our members invest a lot into “We need the new integrated prod- users full pre-release vehicles to do innovation, R&D and branding with uct in the showroom in order to adapt product development on because strong products people will demand,” and modify and understand the tech in their aftermarket accessories on vehi- Charity concedes. there to make sure we integrate with cles at their launch helps drive sales,” “It’s not the dealers’ fault though, it to maintain compliance and so on – Charity explains. it’s the OEMs dictating terms of their we’re all in this together and it’s a big “The car brands can then launch arrangements, so we welcome discus- industry, a big pie.” their product at SEMA with the modi- sions with the dealer associations on Charity says talking theoretically or fied vehicle to show what it could look opening that because it’s a win-win metaphorically about cars being com- like if they buy one – we’re going to opportunity,” he continues. puters on wheels is to be uninformed. see more and more of this.” Charity also acknowledges the “They’re out there now coming into The AAAA says it will take time to inability for brands to embrace the af- workshops with telematics, pass- catalogue a range of vehicles’ intricate termarket in their dealership contracts through technology, over 40% of their layers of data but will start with the means fewer bums testing seats in the content now is electronics, you’ve most in-demand models such as the showroom. got radar and advanced driver assist 4x4 dual and single-cab ute segment, “Every business is about having a re- systems, and there’s a lot of noise out 4WD wagons and popular SUVs for lationship with the customer,” he says. there about electric cars,” Charity says. modification. Taxis stall against Uber

Continued from page 1 24% usage, South Australia’s taxi service the sudden growth of new competitors versus 18% taxis, Western Australia’s taxi remains in favour of taxis 23% to 16% cannot be ignored, and Uber would do fleet usage is on 19.6% (down 3.7% from Uber. well to reconsider where their unique 2016) against Uber’s 25.7% (up 10%), Roy Morgan chief executive Michele value propositions are,” she says. and Victoria has also seen Uber surpass Levine says Uber is enjoying global “However, there are now many new taxis at 23% (up 10%) versus 20% (down success charging affordable rates for a companies from all across the world 1%). premium service. looking to replicate Uber’s success, and In NSW, Uber is up 11% (on 20% total) “While Uber comfortably sits at a they have already started to influence and taxis are down 1%, holding onto phenomenal domestic market share, the Australian market,” Levine explains.

8 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 NEWSTALK

Anotonio Scafidi and Laura Cannistrà are in love with Italian cars, most of the time. Big brand dealer starves tiny Italian

o other brand can reach into Antonio’s is not a gleaming fran- “I feel they don’t want to give it to your pulsating heart and pick chised service department with ironed anybody else, either because their stock is Nat every string with such fidelity overalls strutting under the roof of a tight, or they aren’t allowed to sell it to us, that rationality simply leaves your brain multi-million dollar contract with a but considering they have to service their to consciously ignore the warning light global automotive powerhouse. own customers under warranty, I find it flashing on your cranial dashboard. But business is becoming hard to hard to fathom,” Cannistra concedes. It’s the reason Antonio Scafidi and hold onto when late-model “It’s unfair because they’re our only his fiancee Laura Cannistra got into the owners start to get short-changed by option. If they don’t have the oil, then humble business of servicing and re- the brand they love, some of whom they couldn’t possibly be putting it in pairing Alfa Romeo and automobili. AutoTalk understands have had a better cars they’re servicing,” she surmises. However, their passion for the brand, customer experience with Antonio’s According to Penrite’s product like love itself, is being tested. than their dealership. selector, 5.1 litres of Selenia goes into a On the Alfa Romeo website, Selenia “When we order Selenia oil, which current-model 1.7-litre engine Giuli- oil is described as “the lifeblood of every the customer has requested be used to etta Veloce, and 3.5 litres goes into the Alfa Romeo ... the difference between ensure everything in her car is Alfa Ro- 1.4-litre engine, still under warranty. it running as intended”, which on a meo, we can only get it from the fran- And according to VFACTS data from technical level is becoming something chised dealer in Australia – it can’t be the Federal Chamber of Automotive nightmarish for Antonio’s Auto Service. imported independently and nobody is Industries, Alfa Romeo sold 56 Giuliettas Their modest little family business allowed to stock it,” Cannistra explains. year-to-date to the end of March 2019, tucked away in less-than-glamorous “So, we order five litres, the quote and 89 for the year-to-date by end of Thomastown depends on a relationship comes back saying four one-litre bot- March 2018. Even if sales were split with a range of parts suppliers for both tles are on back order, and we would’ve 50/50 Veloce to base model and mid- aftermarket, non-genuine and 100% been supplied one litre – the order also spec versions, that’s 623 litres of Selenia authentic genuine Alfa Romeo and Fiat had a three-month delay,” she reveals. oil required to service those vehicles in parts for the most enthusiastic of their Cannistra likens the situation to the the last two years. loyal customers. food industry where “home brand” Anybody who tries to buy from “We have quite a number of cus- food is typically the same, if not truer another brand like Penrite or Liqui-Moly, tomers who absolutely will not have to the original food, than name-brand will find an equivalent listing such as the anything other than totally genuine versions, which often have added salt, “Enviro” 5w-40 from the former, which Alfa Romeo parts used on their car,” sugar and preservatives behind the col- works fine in most cases, to a point. Cannistra tells AutoTalk. ourful, graphic label. Another workshop in Melbourne’s “But we also have a customer base “It’s marketing; no car manufacturer west run by Matt, aka “Alfa Man”, regards who say they will not service their Fiat makes the servicing parts and if I call itself as an Alfa Romeo specialist and or Alfa with anybody else because they one of the dealers to order spark plugs, says the Selenia oil situation is just one are a part of our family, so we honour filters, etc; I get a box with Alfa Romeo example. them by giving them the best customer and Fiat logos all over it, on the packag- “The new Selenia oil blend recipe is service we possibly can,” she adds. ing, but opening it up, they’re the same not licensed to any other oil brand,” he Her hair is splayed, the makeup stayed NGK plugs I could get at Burson’s or says. in the case and her darkened fingernails ,” she says. “There are equivalent oils you can suggest she is far from the primped Selenia oil is made by Petronas and use from other brands which match receptionist one might find at a dealer- is a formula of oil specifically for Alfas, the performance and then some, but ship nearby. Her daggy jumper wears especially Giulietta, made in the last 10 they don’t protect special solenoids the proud fade of a partner dedicated to years. which are prematurely chemically the family business, not afraid to pull on “If I contact Petronas directly, they damaged by anything other than Sele- gloves and lift sheetmetal onto a welding say they can’t sell it to me, they also nia,” Matt reveals. trolley, hold an oil filter without fear of can’t sell me an equivalent because “I would suspect many workshops, smearing, and will get involved in the there isn’t one, according to them,” she possibly even some dealerships, are not workshop in any way possible. says. Continued on page 10

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 | 9 NEWSTALK

Big brand dealer starves tiny Italian

Continued from page 9 using Selenia oil because whenever I’ve chanics didn’t know how to do; people But it seems there’s still work to be contacted the warehouse, they tell me always say ‘don’t buy Italian cars’, but done. it ‘hasn’t been in stock for months’ or it’s not the cars, it’s the mechanics, and “The current cars like the Giulia are ‘hasn’t been made available’,” he adds. Antonio is one of the best,” she beams. amazing,” Matt continues. Matt says the string of curious “Antonio could take a handful of “But people are walking away from responses doesn’t stop at the seem- bolts, screws and clips and tell you dealership servicing to us because ingly uber-rare Selenia oil but includes exactly where they go.” they’re not being shown the same level snapped timing belts not being serviced Matt says Alfa workshops are still of customer service passion as they feel in the required intervals. managing to find ways to service vehi- for their Alfa,” he continues. “Talking to the service manager at cles without authenticated scan tools. “They love their Alfa, or their Fiat, the Alfa dealer, I quote a part number “There aren’t many brands like Alfa they love the brand, but as soon as and there’s a total lack of knowledge which require a branded proprietary- their warranty is up, they’re gone,” he for Selenia or other parts,” he says, not specific computer for resetting service concludes. knowing if it’s by design or inconvenient indicator, but the software is becoming Matt says he’s also had to find several coincidence. leaked through certain channels,” he dis- clever ways to service his customers’ In terms of winning customers, the closes, but doesn’t give away his secrets. cars without having to rely – if that’s dealership, according to Cannistra and Alfa was down 38% in March 2019 the right term – on sourcing through her customers, are quoting list prices compared with 2018, down 12% year- franchised Alfa Romeo dealerships. for parts, excluding GST, which she pre- to-date compared with 2018, but did This begs the question why (or if) sumes is to make their quotes appear finish 2018 up 21% on 2017 with 1279 all franchised dealers, let alone Alfa initially cheaper to customers. reported sales. Alfa also had a strong Romeo, are missing the chance to sell Other hurdles for both businesses 2017 selling 1057 cars for a sizeable 48% their genuine parts in earnest to inde- include access to data through proper improvement over 2016, helped by the pendent brand-only specialist work- Alfa Romeo scan tools. Cannistra also Giulietta launch and opening Zagame’s shops, for the betterment of the brand. points out the so-called genuine part Richmond showroom. Alfa is coming Cannistra says many of their Mann oil filter (sitting on her desk) on strong. customers are adamant they will not which Antonio pulled of a car, wasn’t Fiat Australia chief executive have any other brand on their pristine, even the licensed Alfa Romeo-branded Steve Zanlunghi said in late 2016 that original Alfa. filter, despite being identical to the the Zagame Alfa dealership would rep- For all the workshop business own- non-branded Mann filter. resent the start of the brand’s premium ers who would drop or run from the “We had one of the first new Alfa market push. Milan and Visconti serpent badge, there scan tools, even before the dealers, but “This [dealership] is the flagship of are a few who wouldn’t dare. when we logged on from Australia their the Alfa brand and it is way ahead of Selenia may be the lifeblood of IP blocked us out,” she says. the curve [compared] with some of the every Alfa, but Alfa Romeo, for better “We have to turn away customers other dealers,” he said. or worse, in sickness and health, runs when we can’t get the Selenia oil, or the “The journey is just beginning for the through Antonio Scafidi and Laura Can- Selespeed automated clutch oil which Alfa brand ... You won’t see any of our nistra even thicker. is again the only oil some cars will ac- long-term dealers having competi- cept,” she adds. tive makes in their facilities,” Zanlunghi “It’s not fair. We started as a mobile said. service six years ago when Anotonio There are now 16 Alfa Romeo couldn’t even speak English, and we still dealers across Australia. have a handful of our very first clients, “We have volume aspirations, but some we’re now family friends with,” we are not looking to take over the Cannistra remembers. world with this brand,” Zanlunghi “We even started doing overflow added, intending to “establish as a work or jobs other Alfa and Fiat me- premium contender”.

10 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 NEWSTALK

Italian on world Tesla trip

Dutchman did it and now an Italian is following suit – travel- A ling the world in an EV, includ- ing Australia. Tesla Owners Club Italy vice-pres- ident Pierpaolo Zampini is touring in a Tesla, and has been driving around Australia for three weeks. He was able to use one of Evee’s Tesla Model S cars, shared by its Aus- tralian owner. Zampini travelled from Sydney to Adelaide to Townsville along the coast and then back through inland routes, visiting main cities as well as remote locations where electric cars haven’t been seen before. He documented the 5000km Tesla trip on social media as part of his global mission to demonstrate EVs are not just the future but already present and available to many shortly. Pierpaolo Zampini and Liliana Modoran. Dutchman Wiebe Wakker has just completed a similar EV journey in a ability of EVs. his company helped make Zampini’s converted Volkswagen station wagon Zampini is the Australian visit possible. around Australia, driving 95,000km chief executive of- “We are the only Australian platform from Amsterdam to Sydney where he ficer of Ecolibera, a providing Tesla [and soon other EVs] finished on April 7. property develop- for rent,” he says. He’s now continuing his EV trip ment company which “The owner of the vehicle was also in New Zealand during May to July provides “Energy very happy to share his car with a fel- before returning home to write a book Plus” housing solu- Slava low Tesla enthusiast from Italy. This about it, saying it has proved the vi- tions in Italy and is Kozlovskii is a great example of the global EV helping with his EV owners’ community wanting to con- journey. nect and share their cars with each The homes produce all the energy other. needed with zero emissions, mainly “Zampini’s Australian tour proves through solar panels, enough even for that long distance travel in an EV is an electric car. already a reality - a view not currently Once back in Italy, the Ecolibera shared by many in Australia, especially Tesla will stop in Asti, where the first the Government,” he says. Energy Plus house is taking shape. It’s “When someone from a diferent a villa that can be disconnected from country can land here for the first the electricity grid and aims to have time and immediately set of to drive a zero power bill, the energy coming 5000km in just three weeks, it defeats from a 20kW photovoltaic system the very notion of range anxiety.” which combines with a 42kWh Tesla Kozlovskii says Zampini’s drive is Powerwall to recharge an electric car the longest road trip an Evee customer and power home utilities. has undertaken. Since 2016, Zampini has traversed “Many don’t realise that there are Europe, the USA, the United Arab more power sockets in more remote Emirates, and now Australia. He is areas than petrol stations. And each heading to Japan next. of those power sockets is a source of Evee founder Slava Kozlovskii says energy for your electric car.”

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 | 11 NEWSTALK

Labor’s labour shortage solution amiss Continued from page 1 The VACC tells AutoTalk the problem business, making it harder to operate in stems from what they have been telling a competitive environment,” the AADA the Victorian state government, and re- explains. spective Motor Trades Associations have “Like all reputable businesses, AADA been telling their state governments, for members only resort to temporary skill many years. visa workers when they can’t get Aus- “In previous decades, and even during tralians to fill critical vacancies in their David Blackhall, Geoff Gwilym, war-time the industry was able to find operations,” the AADA adds. AADA VACC. sufficient local labour, which included The Motor Trades Association and tide of young Australians channelling new Australians, to make and repair cars,” Victorian Automobile Chamber of Com- their career aspirations through university chief executive Geoff Gwilym says. merce have widely reported an automo- pathways instead of through vocational “The Shorten position, while designed tive trade employment hole of between training and into traditional trades. to encourage the uptake of local labour, 25,000-30,000 people for the last two Parents and schools, and to a larger does not take into consideration that years. degree our communities became highly many young people are landlocked in VACC chief executive Geoff Gwilym focused around higher education, with- a landscape of higher education certifi- told AutoTalk recently the lack of young out enough evaluation of jobs that may cates,” he explains. people entering the workforce through or may not exist at the completion of a Gwilym says Labor’s policy is well- automotive is concerning. Bachelor or higher level degree. intentioned but could have the adverse “We have to find those 30,000 people In fact, Gwilym says: “Melbourne is effect. who want to come into the industry as probably the Double Degree Barista “The 30,000 people needed for auto- apprentice mechanics, managers, sales- capital of the world … an environment motive jobs is here in Australia, it’s just in people, panelbeaters,” he says. littered with people who took up higher the wrong classroom,” he says. “We have to send a very strong mes- education courses with poor employ- “Making overseas labour more expen- sage to parents and schools to get them ment destinations”. sive for employers just reduces the labour to re-engage with the automotive indus- Yes, these people make great cof- pool even further and intimately leaves try,” Gwilym adds. fee but many of them would have been employers with an even smaller skills base “Automotive apprentices are generally better advised to have gone into trades through which to run their businesses,” he employed for their entire life and are em- that have systemic skills shortages, like concedes. ployed quicker than university students, automotive. The Australian Automotive Dealer they also learn and grow on the job,” he The labour challenge was further Association says the Shorten Labor concludes. compounded with the introduction of the opposition government’s proposed VACC, and the industry more broadly, Higher Education Contribution Scheme Temporary Skilled Migration visa policy have supported the training of young (HECS) initiated in 1989 which meant that could squeeze dealers. and older Australians in the automotive university fees were effectively invisible to The ALP proposal would mandate a industry for well over 100 years. students until they later earned more the 21% minimum wage increase paid to for- In previous decades, and even during $55,000, after which they had to start to eign staff to discourage businesses using war-time the industry was able to find pay the debt back. traditionally cheaper labour from overseas sufficient local labour, which included And even though almost all parents to favour local employment. new Australians, to make and repair cars. insist their offspring are burgeoning Ein- However, franchised automotive deal- In fact, women played a critical role in stein’s, we all know deep down that some ers and their respective service depart- tough times, rolling up their sleeves to do of these beautiful people just aren’t built ments, as well as independent repair the same work as men, in our factories for university study. workshops across Australia, are known and in our service and repair shops. In 2012 more barriers to university for hiring overseas talent, often through For many decades there was some entry were removed with the Gillard Gov- employment agencies, in order to fill vital sort of equilibrium between the growth in ernment removing caps (the number of gaps in operational personnel. the economy, an expanding vehicle fleet students a university could enrol) on most The wage increase would amount to and skilled migrant intakes. Things started university courses. $11,000 extra paid on the current $53,900 to change in the late 80s when the gap This created a bounty for universities wage, up to $65,000, a threshold which between reported vacant positions in who could attract students who would hasn’t changed since 2013, the last time automotive and the skilled people avail- pay fees later in life but could also poten- Labor was in power. able to under-take these tasks started to tially lower entry levels and fill classrooms The AADA says dealerships in regional widen. with new students. Clearly a popular communities are already desperate for This was not due to a drop in migrant move with a 22% increase in university technicians in their service departments. intakes but more likely a perceived dulling student numbers between 2009 and “New car dealers in regional and rural down of the trades in Australia. 2013. Australia operate in areas with lower costs Without the benefit of foresight state- Well that’s a great story. So what, and of living, which is reflected in the salaries ments made by the then Prime Minister how does that affect our migrant and visa they can offer,” the association says. Bob Hawke in 1988, that Australia needs intakes and the Shorten team’s policy an- “The ALP policy will fall on regional to be “the clever country” exacerbated a Continued on page 16

12 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 PEOPLENEWSTALKTALK

Workshop technicians doing the flash dance Continued from page 4

AAAA director of workshop. government relations “ do, Lesley Yates says this but they’re the poster is a whole-of-industry brand for that; post-2005 issue and data pass- when Australia went Euro through will offer 5, cutting and pasting benefits for all parties. Lesley Yates, the European emissions “We have leaflets AAAA legislation, they left out all designed to be given the important bits about to customers that tell them under getting the information Australian Consumer Law they are able and actually doing the to choose the vehicle service and repair job,” he continues. workshop of their choice without af- Getting down to dem- fecting their warranty,” she begins. onstrating the pass-through procedure, He advises against Bluetooth or Wi-Fi “Maintaining your statutory rights [as a Todd uses a 2005 VZ Commo- and the bad habits of a messy work consumer] requires you use a workshop dore, where it becomes immediately ob- space - not leaving cables laying around with qualified staff and fit-for-purpose vious how many computerised hoops a to be kicked or tripped on, ensuring parts – there is no requirements, even workshop technician must jump through stable internet connection, pathologi- with a brand new car, for you to take it on an Australian-made vehicle that’s cally following instructions to the letter, back to the dealer.” turning 14 years old. writing down passwords to be readily She describes a “watershed moment” He urges business owners to ensure accessible when needed and storing is coming in Australia’s automotive in- they have even the most basic require- them in a safe place. dustry with the legislation expected to be ments sorted before trying to attempt a As Todd filters through drop-down passed later in 2019. vehicle computer reflashing procedure. menus, clicking on sub-category after “You’d be forgiven for asking: ‘Are “Before you even think about playing sub-category, navigating a software we there yet?’, but this is a very exciting around with this stuff, you need a serious maze reminiscent of selecting a pro- time,” Yates says. power supply,” he advises. gram in The Matrix and using jargon that “You’ll soon be able to tell the kids “If you’re in the middle of reprogram- probably needs its own thesaurus, it’s that come in to work in your business ming a vehicle and the battery goes flat, increasingly apparent that the below- that you remember a regime where or the computer’s battery goes flat, it’s average workshop could be very quickly there wasn’t mandatory data sharing, going to be a really expensive job,” Todd overwhelmed with the level of complex- that you remember having to diagnose warns. ity without proper training. a fault and fix a car without having ac- The power supply requirements for Todd explains the need to register cess to data.” data pass-through tasks as not to be with OEMs to use their data could easily “You’ll be the last generation of peo- underestimated, Todd explains, with the become another competitive barrier. ple who have to make this s*** up as you likes of BMW “now up to about 90amps He says proof is in the fact so many are go along,” she adds. for their [module] power supply”. forced to use false registration details Bosch technician Darren Todd also He says technicians who are connect- as a known tactic in the industry to get says the Europeans have even come ing up to any late model vehicle need around guarded carmakers not willing around to the American system, having to guarantee batteries stay charged, to make data readily accessible. been in a similar position to Australia. “Otherwise you will brick the vehicle and “All this software we’re talking about He says in 2009, Europe followed the it’s often unrecoverable”. downloading, it’s not Bosch’s or the tool American model, although left a number Staff who like to do things their own providers, it’s all from the manufacturer, of loopholes. way and take liberties may also find so it’s easy to be out on your own if you “It’s a real mess the way certain coun- themselves in hot water. have problems,” he empathises. tries get around the system; there’s some “You must follow the manufacturer’s real dodgy stuff going on, so I’m glad instructions, and these are expensive we’re taking the American approach and instructions to not follow properly,” he following the consumer law approach,” implores. Todd explains. Todd himself admits to a laughing He says most vehicles in Australia audience how “highly likely” his demon- since about 2013 are capable of being stration was to “turn to poo”. reflashed using pass-through program- Preparing the vehicle, he says in ad- ming, but it’s not always that simple. dition to checking the power supply, “The vehicles are capable of being because technicians are working with reflashed, but that doesn’t mean the software and hardware, getting pass- manufacturer provides you the software through programs to work needs solid and the ability to do it as an independent USB connections.

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 | 13 PEOPLETALK

Lead management in the Wi-Fi age

can be the most valuable leads for your posed to locking them into a test drive. Gavin Cox business. chief commercial of- So, how should you manage this UTILISE YOUR CRM ficer, AdTorque Edge new brand of leads? These customers need long-term nurturing, which means it is important ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION that all contact with them is recorded n my 20 years working in automo- Despite what you’ve been taught, in your CRM to avoid bombarding tive advertising, I’ve seen a huge don’t just pick up the phone. Many of them with too many calls or emails. Iamount of change, both in the types these early-stage leads will be re- CRMs usually include data such as of advertising available to dealerships, sponding to a digital advertisement, so how many times and when an email as well as the way that the customers it is more than likely they will contact has been opened. By using this intel, purchase vehicles. you electronically via website enquiry, you can gauge the level of interest a Back in the day, new customers live chat, SMS, email, or Messenger. customer has in your dealership, as were either walk-ins visiting their lo- It is important that you respond to well as what time might be appropri- cal dealership, or would make contact these customers in the same way that ate to contact them. in response to radio or print advertis- they have contacted you - at least in If this new brand of lead is well ing, or following a vehicle search on a the first instance. They need to feel as managed by your sales team, your classified site. Prospective customers though they are in control of the com- dealership will reap the rewards. You would want to speak to their chosen munication. will find that these customers are less dealership, either on the telephone or likely to look around at other dealer- face-to-face; and when they hit the ON THEIR TERMS ships, which means that price will showroom floor, they were well and If conversations with the customer be less of a factor for them in their truly in-market for a new vehicle. are continuing, it is important to con- purchasing decision. This in turn will The new generation of automo- firm their preferred method(s) and give you the opportunity to leave more tive customer, however, is different. times for communication. Many may margin in your car, which will be great With the advent of digital advertising, need to speak to you after hours or on for the dealership’s bottom line. customer targeting is far more sophis- their lunch break, so it’s important to Furthermore, if a customer has a ticated than it has ever been. Social be flexible and allow them to dictate positive experience with your dealer- media, Google and YouTube adver- when and how the communication will ship from the moment of enquiry right tisements can be targeted based on a take place. through to delivery of their vehicle, the variety of demographics and profiles, results will be sure to reflect in your meaning prospective customers can TREAD CAREFULLY customer satisfaction index (CSI), and be reached at an earlier stage in their This new type of customer is often in your repeat business through service buying journey. at the very start of their purchasing and further sales. These customers are likely to be in journey. They do not want to feel pres- So, when you see those chats and the early “consideration” phase of the sured into making a decision about web enquiries come through from purchasing funnel. This means they a new vehicle, so it is important that a digital ad, don’t dismiss them as may not necessarily be in-market and you tread carefully with them. Show time-wasters. Treat them as serious ready to buy at the very moment they empathy and understanding and, in the buyers who, with a bit of long-term see and respond to your advertise- early stages, focus your contact more TLC, could be your dealership’s most ment, but experience has shown that, on providing information and answer- valuable customers. if nurtured and managed well, these ing questions about the vehicle, as op-

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14 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 PEOPLETALK

Millennials and cars

and premium airline seating. customer experience three times as “In the car space, this is reflected in much as vehicle design. David Toscano, the growth in prestige sales in recent Carsales trade years. The share of prestige and luxury “The customer experience that a marketing content brand new cars sales nearly doubled millennial expects form a bricks and producer in Australia between 2012 and 2018, mortar retailer, is the same friction- growing from 6.5% to 11%, or around less transaction they’re accustomed to 60,000 cars. from pure online retailers –easy, fast As the Millennial generation -- “The challenge is to build this and transparent. those born between 1981-1996 -- experiential element and emotion ”Of course, we all know that car gets older, starts families and shift to into the car purchase – and not just buying - as the second highest value more affordable housing in suburbia, across premium price points. purchase that most of us will make they too are following earlier genera- “It’s important to keep in mind that – can be complex and intimidating tions into car ownership. there is an aspirational vehicle for for many. ‘See and Touch’ will always However, there is little doubt that millennials at every price point. The be a critical element of an emotional there are economic, social and tech- success of cars such as the Mazda purchase, but the best customer expe- nological influences on this generation 3 and Fiat 500 with private buyers is riences will seamlessly align the online that mean that they don’t quite think testament to this.”= experience with the showroom – to or behave like the generations preced- grow conversion and retention. ing them. 2. Big debt and new expenses On carsales, buyer satisfaction Senior commercial analyst at car- with dealers -- measured by Average sales, Kane Hocking, outlines a few According to GM’s global design Dealer Ratings -- falls as the buyer factors that dealers should keep in boss Mike Simcoe: It’s not the car becomes younger. mind about when marketing and sell- themselves, but their prices, that may “Multiple and long paper forms, and ing to millennial car buyers. impact car ownership. drawn out negotiation is not how this “Value for money in terms of specs generation is accustomed to transacting.” 1. Social media and features has never been better for new cars. However, record levels of Tips to better engage millennials “As the first generation to grow student debt in the US, higher utility side-by-side with social media, mil- and insurance costs and casualisation 1. Photos and video that stimulate lennials are highly influenced by what of labour, have pushed the new car emotion they see posted online by friends, purchase down the priority list. Instagram and Facebook have celebrities, influencers and people “Smartphone costs are also higher conditioned millennial buyers to high they’ve never met,” explains Hocking. than ever – not to mention there are quality photos that elicit an emotional “And online posts are dedicated to new ‘must-haves’ such as Netflix. response. This makes listing photog- the showing the best and most pre- “A lot of the millennial lifestyle has raphy as critical as ever. A vehicle can mium products, services and customer been funded via Alternative Payment become an aspirational or premium experiences. Anything less than that Lenders which have burst on to the choice for a millennial when photos standard, hurts social standing” scene in recent years. These firms are present it in the best light. A recent study by Allianz Life in not regulated as a credit provider for In an Australian automotive clas- the US revealed that 57% of millenni- the purposes of the National Credit sifieds first, dealers are also now als spent money on something they Consumer Protection Act 2009 (Cth), empowered to upload video to their hadn’t planned to because of what allowing them to capitalise on the listings on carsales.com.au, bringing they saw online. need for immediate gratification.” to life exterior and interior features, “Millennials are diverting spend to sounds and condition, and building products and services that boost their 3. Frictionless transacting greater excitement and emotion. social standing amongst peers – best evidenced by the explosion of luxury The Deloitte University Press study, 2. Message instead of dialling sneakers and upgrading to premium “The changing nature of mobility”, Many millennial buyers will prefer products such as Gold Class cinema found that millennial drivers value the Continued on page 16

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 | 15 ADTORQUE

EDGE

NEWSTALK

Millennials and cars Continued from page 14 to no room for negotiation, aligns with tably, the volume of new cars finance at interacting with your business through how millennials want to buy a car. Australian dealers is less than half of that SMS or instant messaging, as opposed 35% of millennials say trying to in the US and as such, dealers are en- to the traditional phone call, as nego- negotiate makes them stressed, while couraged to widely advertise transparent tiating can be a less daunting experi- 45% of millennials would prefer to and easy-to-understand finance rates. ence for them. SMS enquiries should be avoid it entirely.1 Source: treated as seriously as phone and email, 1 Why millennials say they avoid and buyers that enquire via this channel 4. Transparent borrowing negotiating published March 22, will expect an even faster response. The changes to flex commission rules 2019. URL: https://www.ibj.com/ give rise to an opportunity to increase articles/72992-charlotte-westerhaus- 3. ‘Fair deal’ pricing rate transparency. This in turn may help renfow-why-millennials-say-they- Upfront, “fair deal pricing” with little increase finance penetration rates. No- avoid-negotiating. Labor’s labour shortage solution amiss Continued from page 12 to the local, interstate or international in higher education they are less likely to nouncement on overseas worker? university to undertake their studies. Until ever start an apprenticeship, even if they We have to recognise in Australia that we change this mindset, until we have would have a made a great chippy or we have the available labour here but it’s a committed vocational skills approach mechanic. almost impossible to untap. Notwith- in primary and secondary schools this The 30,000 people needed for auto- standing some great exceptions, most dilemma will not change. motive jobs is here in Australia, it’s just in schools, and no doubt parents, continue The Shorten position, while designed the wrong classroom. Making overseas to consciously or unconsciously bias our to encourage the uptake of local labour, labour more expensive for employers just youth toward university pathways. does not take into consideration that reduces the labour pool even further and While we know we have great careers many young people are landlocked in a intimately leaves employers with an even in the trades and there are many many landscape of higher education certificates. smaller skills base through which to run jobs here, we gladly wave our youth off Once they have spent half a decade their businesses.

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16 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 STATSNEWSTALK

Toyota rises in April Top 10 Brands despite slow year

he Australian new car sales race Ford’s Ranger is up 7.7%, Toyota’s was dominated by Toyota in April Corolla lost 18.5% over April 2018 and Twith three models in the top 10 Mazda 3 holds onto fourth place but is despite a haemorrhaging market. also down 2.9% over April 2018. According to the latest VFACTS report- Passenger vehicles are down 13.5% ed sales figures provided by the Federal (3717 reported sales) compared with April 1. Toyota 64,753 Chamber of Automotive Industries, April’s 2018, SUVs are down 8.2% (2969), and the monthly reported sales decline completes light commercials were tools-down to a full year of monthly market misfortune. the tune of 486 sales (down 3.0%). April 2019 fell 7380 reported sales FCAI chief executive Tony Weber says short of last year’s efort, a whopping the trend of 2018-19 continues. 8.9% slump, worse than the 7.1% drop “The results for April are in line with in March, not quite as bad as the 9.3% trends for year-to-date 2019; we’ve seen scalping of February, and worse again a decrease of around eight per cent than the 7.4% drop in January. across the first four months of the year,” The downward trend didn’t stop he says. Toyota, whose market share increased “This decrease is the result of a number 0.3% to 18.8%, or 64,753 reported sales of factors in the Australian market, includ- 2. Mazda 35,987 year-to-date, albeit down 4359 sales ing the downturn in the housing mar- against April 2018. ket, the tightening of lending practices, Toyota’s Prado snuck into the top 10 environmental factors such as drought models to finish ninth on 1473 reported and flood, and, of course, the imminent sales (down 13.3%), but it was the Land- Federal Government election,” Weber Cruiser which marched into fifth place explains. on 2034 reported sales (up 0.8%), to beat “With all these elements currently Hyundai’s i30 in sixth (1910, up 0.4%), present in the market, it is no surprise that Mazda’s CX-5 seventh (1827, up 5.9%), Kia Australian consumers are conservative in Cerato eighth (1650, up 24.8%), and the their approach to major purchases at the Hyundai Tuscon 10th (1355, down 25%). moment,” he adds. Holden’s best-selling model, in retail, 3. Mitsubishi 30,016 remains the Colorado on 5180 sales year-to-date, but the brand holds on to ninth brand overall with just 15,305 sales year-to- date – 4792 sales down on 2018. Honda Nissan and Volkswagen, plus Ford, are also showing declines, while Kia is up to 19,331 sales for a 5.6% Kia Cerato capitalises on sodden sales 4. Hyundai 26,834 market share.

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 | 17 AUTOTALK.COM.AUTop 10 Brands | MAYcontinued 2019 | 17 p20 Top 10 Brands continued STATSTALK

2019 sales in April

Top 10 Light Passenger Top 10 Small Passenger 5. Ford 21,062 Over $25K Over $40K

1. Hyundai 1. Mercedes- Accent Benz A-Class 998 346

2. Toyota Yaris 2. Audi A3 225 678 6. Kia 19,331

3. Mazda2 3. BMW 1 Series 642 181

4. Kia Rio 4. Lexus CT200H 538 18 8. Volkswagen 15,871

5. Suzuki Swift 5. MINI Clubman 523 15

6. Honda Jazz 6. BMW i3 382 9

7. Nissan 15,866 7. Volkswagen 7. Mercedes- Polo Benz B-Class 365 3

8. MG MG3 8. BMW 2 Series 150 0

10. Holden 15,308 9. Suzuki Baleno 9. Volvo V40 77 0

10. Skoda Fabia 10. Volvo V40 61 Cross Country 0

18 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 9. Honda 14,872 Top 10 Brands continued

Wild in the country

crest of a dusty slope. But in trafc it phone which started the journey placed peaks so quickly there’s nothing smooth vertically for easy removal, but fell hori- Scott Murray, or progressive about it, you’re just going zontal as you braked for trafc. Pro tip: Editor or stopping. Hard. Connect your phone to USB ports and Hard because the brakes also lack use the cable to winch it out. grace and feel; preferring a lunging The lack of a digital speedo means he very first impressions of Suzu- stomping to wipe of speed (see-sawing you’re guessing the set cruise control ki’s reborn Jimny of-road were on the front shocks) rather than a speed, until the dash cluster displays Tfull of childish smiles followed confident press of the pedal. The fact it your needle is somewhere between by a wagging tongue, not dissimilar to weighs less than 1.1 tonnes in both auto 98 and 101km/h. This begs the ques- that of a dog’s out the car window. or manual is your advantage here. tion why a digital readout couldn’t have It’s frisky, capable, light, grunty and The manual, however, is much better, found its way, given the guerilla-style virtually unstoppable in first and second- presuming you remember what to do level of anti-speed enforcement in our gear squirts up and down the well- with the stalk sticking out of the floor. In modern world. trodden slopes of the Melbourne 4x4 a few quick movements you’re already The Jimny is a remarkable vehi- proving ground. Its hill descent control in fifth gear, but again, in the real world, cle and pulls the enthusiasts. A bloke will work its hardest against gravity going fifth on the freeway commute, still revs named Eddie pulled up out front seeing down the most unnerving descents, and sit on 3000rpm at 100km/h - like a the bright white 2019 Jimny on the fight like hell scrambling up the trickiest, Torana! nature strip. most washed-out inclines. Also, on freeways, especially the likes His 20-something lilac Sierra, is still In the wilderness, when it’s just you, of the M80 Ring Road where large sec- going strong, despite faded stickers, the other half and the dog atop a pile tions are susceptible to high winds, so crackled paint in places and an inte- of camping gear, the Jimny absolutely too is the slab-sided Jimny. rior true to its odometer reading nearly fits the brief, especially when adding While on said freeway, trying to over- 200,000km. We spoke for at least 15 ARB bullbars, a Warn winch, UHF radio, take means revving its proverbial bits of, minutes as he tried to wipe the smile of Rhino roof racks and a Narva light bar building up speed to the point air rushes his face that he could get himself into to blind moths on the next ridgeline. over the windscreen and the cabin is the new one for less than 30 grand. But sampling both automatic and filled with the rumbles of brick-like aero- Personally, Jimny can’t be World manual flavours of Jimny in the con- dynamic efciency. Car of the Year, in my opinion, because crete jungle, among trams and trafc, When things calm down and you take anything less than a five-star ANCAP or threading through thorny intersections a moment to appreciate the funky retro EuroNCAP rating simply cannot be the and tracking towards Toorak, the onus cabin design, the front passenger grab best. But don’t confuse this with disdain. of compromise starts leaning back onto handle is one of the highlights (although Engineering and design are both the driver. the tough-looking hex-bolts are fake), below expectations and surpasses them, To be brutally honest, initially, the and the use of space is clever consider- because car buyers deserve life-saving Jimny feels flimsy and floppy in the ing there isn’t much. five-star structural safety and airbags modern metropolitan world of speed Window switches are on the centre which deploy properly, and yet Suzuki humps, multi-vehicle freeway fracas and dash in front of your left hand because have delivered exactly the Jimny people school drop-ofs. there’s literally nowhere to put it on like Eddie want. The four-speed automatic – yes, you the door trim, the Suzuki infotainment Jimny is an automotive oddity in read that correctly – with overdrive – system is joyfully easy to use, and a 2019. In so many ways it’s a brilliant again, correct, and no you’re not in the conventional manual park brake means little machine that farmers, of-roaders, 1990s – has trouble deciding whether less electronic faf to go wrong. campers and adventurers will and to change up or stay in gear and fire all However, the cupholder – singular clearly do love because order books 75kW of hilarious rage and a weirdly suf- – is totally useless sitting almost behind are full. But despite having autono- ficient 130Nm of torque. When you need your left kidney, and the centre console mous emergency braking, there’s no to get going, the only option is to floor it, bin is so small it should’ve been made gentle way to say I wouldn’t put my and wait for the cogs to change. into an armrest because there’s literally family in one, and didn’t. The 1.5-litre petrol-four is a brilliant nowhere to put your left elbow. In full disclosure, it’s easy to love the little engine, with mountain goat-like Also redundant is the door bin, which old-school manual Jimny, but it belongs take of and consistent throttle input at is so thin you can barely get your hand in on a farm or in the bush of the beaten low-speeds and for crawling over the to retrieve anything. This includes your track, not on the road.

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 | 19 STATSTALK

Hybrids charge ahead Hybrids remain the flavour of the month.

ybrids continue making big senger area, just 18 electrics and PHEVs the first four months of the year. gains in the passenger market, sold in April – down five on the previous “This decrease is the result of a num- Hespecially against diesel ve- month with only 84 YTD were down ber of factors in the Australian market, hicles which are declining in droves. 53.8% on the previous YTD total of 182. including the downturn in the hous- Electrics and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) There was no movement at all in the ing market, the tightening of lending are playing catch up with hybrids light commercial non-private electric/ practices, environmental factors such as in most cases, according to the last PHEV sector which stays at just five drought and flood, and, of course, the VFACTs April new vehicle sales figures. YTD. imminent federal government election.” The biggest increases for hybrids are Whether those figures change after Until such time as a national EV tar- in the private and non-private passen- the May 18 federal election remains to get is set, various incentives introduced ger segments, recording 552 for April be seen. and charging infrastructure improved, (up nearly 68% on April 2018) and 1024 But the April sales statistics certainly the vehicle sales figures for the electric/ (up 58% on April last year) respectively. show vehicle sales generally are down. PHEV categories in particular are not Year-to-date (YTD) totals in that Federal Chamber of Automotive expected to change much either. category show the drive for hybrids is Industries (FCAI) chief executive Tony Recent studies and agencies like the on with 2187 in the private passenger Weber says it’s a continuing trend. Electric Vehicle Council say Australia market, up 88% on the same time last “The results for April are in line with runs a real risk of being left behind on year. And in the non-private passenger trends for year-to-date 2019. We have vehicle technology unless political ac- category the YTD figure is 3812 – a seen a decrease of around 8% across tion is taken nationally. 66.8% rise. It’s not so good for hybrids in the SUV private and non-private categories NEW VEHICLE SALES BY BUYER TYPE AND FUEL TYPE APRIL 2019 though. In April, hybrids accounted for 65 Month YTD Variance +/- Vol. & % sales in the private sector and 70 in the Total Market 2019 2018 2019 2018 MTH YTD MTH YTD non-private SUV segment. The first category was up by just six on the same ELECTRIC Passenger month last year and the latter market 22 17 123 73 5 50 29.4% 68.5% down 15.7% in monthly comparisons, Private Passenger 18 23 84 182 -5 -98 -21.7% -53.8% with YTD totals little better (about 28% Non-Private up for private and down the same SUV Private 74 12 201 46 62 155 516.7% 337.0% SUV Non- amount for non-private). 67 26 492 138 41 354 157.7% 256.5% Electrics and PHEVs only really made Private Light Com- substantial gains in the SUV private and mercial Non- 0 1 5 1 -1 4 -100.0% 400.0% non-private sectors – up 516.7% to 74 Private and up 157.7% to 67 respectively, so Sub Total 181 79 905 440 102 465 129.1% 105.7% not huge numbers. YTD totals in those HYBRID categories were 201 private – up 337%, Passenger 552 329 2,187 1,163 223 1,024 67.8% 88.0% and 492 – up 256.5%. Private Passenger In private passenger sales, electrics 1,024 648 3,812 2,286 376 1,526 58.0% 66.8% Non-Private and PHEVs recorded a small increase SUV Private 65 59 278 217 6 61 10.2% 28.1% with 22 for April – up just five on April SUV Non- 70 83 243 337 -13 -94 -15.7% -27.9% 2018, and 123 YTD compared with 73 Private previously (a 68.5% rise). Sub Total 1,711 1,119 6,520 4,003 592 2,517 52.9% 62.9% The dropped in the non-private pas- TOTAL 1,892 1,198 7,425 4,443 694 2,982 57.9% 67.1%

20 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 DIARYTALK

AUSSIE TALK DIARY candidates to account and footsteps of Queensland and ensure road and public trans- Western Australia. AutoTalk Australia’s editor port users have a fair share of The old Holden Com- Scott Murray looks at the month funding for safer roads. modore SS fleet is being gone by on autotalk.com.au phased out for the bi-turbo V6 Stinger as its replacement April 9 after being trialled in the NT Carmakers back and found to be a suitable April 1 Labor eco-vehicle ‘Lemon laws’ replacement, Road Policing eliminating dodgy Command commander Matt Labor policy policy Hollamby says. accelerates Australia’s The Federal Chamber of car sales Automotive Industries says “Lemon laws” passed by the EV ambitions – EVC the Labor opposition govern- Queensland Government now April 12 Labor’s National Electric Vehi- ment’s new focus on low give customers who have cle policy is branded a “game emissions and electric vehicle bought cars with several de- Hydrogen has a role changer” by the Electric Vehicle targets “deserves attention”. fects greater legal protections. Council of Australia and would The FCAI advises of a cau- The new laws lift the limit in Australia’s EV future introduce a national retail sales tious approach to the 50% that customers can claim Hydrogen Mobility Australia target of 50% by 2030 and a low-emission vehicle sales from $25,000 to $100,000 chief executive ofcer Claire Government electric vehicle target by 2030, in favour of a through Queensland’s Civil Johnson says hydrogen fuel target of 50% by 2025. more progressive transition. and Administrative Tribunal. cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) Other key aspects include Chief executive Tony are the lesser-known zero an upfront tax deduction for Weber says plenty of low and Uber Australia sets emission technology, but not businesses purchasing EVs and zero-emission vehicles are al- five-star vehicle for long. a formal EV COAG agenda, With discussion on the ready available and the target requirement which EVC chief executive Be- will encourage sales. future of Australia’s transport hyad Jafari says is an “exciting All new vehicles signed up fleet growing day-by-day, it’s stride forward for the nation”. with Uber Australia from time to bring the other electric April 4 October will need a five-star vehicle to the forefront of this Buying intentions Australasian New Car Assess- important conversation, she decline over next ment Program (ANCAP) safety says. Innovation centres rating. four years to grow automotive An email sent to driv- Automotive consumer inten- manufacturing ers this month spelled out April 17 tions are at their lowest in Two Automotive Innova- the requirement, with Uber four years and well below the tion Centres will open in Australia head of drivers MTA Institute first 15-year average. Melbourne and Adelaide this Lucas Groevenveld saying According to Roy Morgan trade to be ACPET year to support the growth of most UberX trips in Australia research, there were 135,000 Australia’s automotive manu- are already taken in cars that Certified fewer intending consumers facturing sector. have a five-star ANCAP rating The Motor Trades Association in the automotive market at Australian Automotive or equivalent. (MTA) Institute is the first trade the end of 2018, 6% down on Aftermarket Association chief registered training organisa- December 2017. executive Stuart Charity says tion (RTO) in Australia to be the AIC facilities have state April 10 approved under the ACPET government backing and will Industry Certification Pro- April 2 also add to automotive jobs Australia’s vehicle gramme. security, creation and an un- industry may be “The programme explores VACC demands a student’s journey, from precedented level of vehicle resurrected Luxury Car Tax bites product development. their first encounter right Labor may ofer key manu- through to graduation and election dust facturers millions of dollars to there is an extensive evalu- The Victorian Automobile April 8 build electric and hydrogen ation process involved in Chamber of Commerce says vehicles in Australia. becoming an ACPET Industry the rancorous Luxury Car AAA launch Under a yet-to-be un- Certified Member,” MTA Insti- Tax needs to be abolished veiled Labor plan, research tute general manager Paul by whoever wins the 2019 campaign listening and development grants Kulpa says. federal election. to Australians from a $1 billion fund could Chief executive Geof Gwi- The Australian Automobile come to the automotive lym says the fact both country Association (AAA) launched a industry, the ABC reports. April 18 and metro-based consumers nationwide campaign that lets are forced to buy a Mitsubishi voters communicate directly NT police select KIA Four-wheel drive Pajero, Toyota LandCruiser with their local Federal Elec- Stinger or Nissan Patrol with 33% tax hire business under tion candidates about road Northern Territory (NT) se- added on top of the GST- and transport issues. lected the KIA Stinger as its consumer cloud inclusive price simply because “My Money. My Transport” front-line road trafc polic- the $66,331 threshold is unfair. enlists voters hold all political ing vehicle, following in the Continued on page 22

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 | 21 DIARYTALK

Continued from page 21 The AADA says its Driving claims was an attempt to Automotive Holdings Group is Our Future campaign aims steal “sales strategy, contacts reiterating to shareholders to Australian 4WD Hire has to engage both sides of the and valuable” notes from a take no while the bid allegedly engaged in uncon- political divide by connecting smaller, emerging rival brand. from AP Eagers is in motion. scionable conduct and unfair with members of the public, AHG says an AP Eagers contract terms by penalising partnership businesses and bidder’s statement has been customers for using vehicles members of local communi- April 23 sent to AHG shareholders in in less than ideal conditions. ties on political issues affect- relation to the unsolicited The Australian Competi- ing dealers. Nissan ute and conditional takeover of- tion and Consumer Com- partnership will end fer of shares. mission accuses the off-road vehicle hire business of April 22 - Daimler chief breaching consumer law New Daimler chief executive April 25 by charging customers for Battery tech Ola Källenius says the joint driving behaviours it claimed employee allegedly venture between Daimler and Hacked Tesla reveals would cause excessive wear the Nissan-Renault alliance fleet-wide threat and damage to vehicles. caught stealing won’t last much longer. trade secrets The arrangement which potential Battery charging technology saw the Nissan Navara plat- The successful hacking of a April 19 company CTEK is facing a form on which the X-Class was Tesla Model 3 has exposed lawsuit from rival NOCO after based and modified upon will potential weaknesses in the Dealers will be heard an employee was allegedly cease, according to an inter- company’s software security. caught stealing trade secrets view by Manager Magazine in Thanks to contestants before election Germany with Källenius which competing to expose flaws The Australian Automotive inside a notebook. refers to him suggesting he in cyber security systems in Dealer Association will be The notebook belonged to will “gently drain the alliance some of the biggest compa- speaking to local members in a NOCO employee exhibit- without hurting anyone” and nies, the Pwn2Own competi- the next four weeks to make ing the brand at the Austral- “end the co-operation”. tion has seen two hackers sure the issues of the fran- ian Automotive Aftermarket crack the infotainment chised new car retail network Expo on April 6, when it was AHG responds to AP software on the new Tesla are heard. allegedly taken by a CTEK member in what the lawsuit Eagers bid Model 3.

THE DIARY Christchurch and the wider AutoTalk New Zealand’s group South Island. April 23 editor Richard Edward looks at the month gone by on autotalk.co.nz Colin Muir to depart Autotrader.co.nz Isuzu NZ sold to management Guild grand finals held at Isuzu NZ general manager Colin Bauer Media have exited the April 2 Holden Australia Headquarters Muir has announced his resigna- automotive publishing space in Melbourne. tion and will be joining equip- in New Zealand with the sale Craig Bright from West ment and machinery dealership of its iconic Autotrader brand Cost of NZTA City Holden took the Grand AdvanceQuip. to its former managers. regulatory failures Champion title at the annual Muir starts the new role of From last week, Ross event, where thousands of AdvanceQuip general man- ‘unknown’ Logue and Richard East have technicians from Australia ager effective from May 6. taken control of the website Reported comments about and New Zealand compete and magazine, under a new the future of the NZ Transport in a series of hands-on tasks company Autotrader Media Agency’s regulatory function “are and assessments. April 11 Group. misleading and incorrect”, regu- latory compliance lead Steve Year-round stink New boss confirmed Haszard says. April 9 Haszard says the NZTA is bug treatment has for Trade Me The boss of Trade Me’s Nor- making a lot of progress in MG Motor appoints industry support addressing areas of non- Shippers and importers are wegian counterpart has been compliance identified in its first three dealers floating the idea of an industry picked to lead New Zealand’s recent review. MG Motor New Zealand has initiative to have Oceania- leading online commerce site. confirmed the first three of bound vessels heat treated for Anders Skoe, the CEO its new dealers – in Tau- stink bugs all-year round. of Finn.no and executive April 5 ranga, Palmerston North and It comes as the Ministry vice-president of Nordic Christchurch. for Primary Industries (MPI) Marketplaces at Schibsted in NZ beats Aussie at Farmer Motor Group will is seeking feedback on plans Norway, will move to New be its first dealer representa- to introduce stricter import Zealand to take on the role own game tive in Tauranga, Cartown later this year. A New Zealander has taken requirements for vehicles in Palmerston North, and and sea containers. out the victory at the Tech Cockram Motor Group for

22 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 DIARYTALK

EV TALK DIARY EVtalk Australia editor Geoff April 11 April 18 Dobson looks at the month gone by on www.evtalk.com.au Mini Countryman Tim Storer pulls plug hybrid arrives on politics Charles Dalglish owns The Mini Countryman plug-in Electric vehicle advocate April 3 a green power business in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) South Australian independ- the Blue Mountains and will is in Australian showrooms, ent senator Tim Storer won’t Australia to get Ford charge the SUV from his priced from A$57,200. contest the May 18 federal Escape PHEV home solar installation. “The Mini Country plug-in election. The new Ford Escape plug-in hybrid is the first step in what Storer, who chaired the hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) April 9 will be an exciting journey Senate Select Committee on is the first electrified Ford SUV into the world of Mini future Electric Vehicles, has decided offered to Australians. EVs could reduce mobility,” Mini Australia gen- against seeking re-election Due for sale in Australia in eral manager Brett Waudby for family reasons. 2020, it weighs up to 90kg power bills – Evenergi says. less than its predecessor. Mass adoption of electric Strategy for vehicles (EVs) can potentially Queensland’s future improve power use, improve April 17 April 8 grid stability, and drive down transport electricity costs for consum- Barnes backs EVs Automated vehicles, drones First Hyundai Kona ers, a new report says. Australian musician Jimmy and working towards a zero- Electric for green The report by Australian Barnes is set to make electric emission transport network, start-up and EV advocate vehicles his “Driving Wheels” are in the Queensland Aussie Evenergi finds that EV charg- after trying a Tesla while on an Government’s new 30-year A green power enthusiast ing could help balance sup- overseas holiday. transport plan. and former car dealer has ply and demand in a future Barnes says it’s convinced Consultation is open for become the first Australian electricity system dominated him to switch to electric. the draft Queensland Trans- owner of the new Hyundai by renewable energy like port Strategy. Kona Electric. rooftop solar and wind.

TRANSPORTTALK DIARY Australian automotive electric two years after the launch of Transporttalk Australia editor technology company SEA Elec- the new Quon range. Scott Murray looks at the month gone tric is set to exhibit at Califor- by on www.transporttalk.com.au nia’s Advanced Clean Transpor- tation (ACT) expo this month. April 24 The company has taken a T360 and T410 trucks models. number of vehicle orders from Hybrid bus fleet hits April 2 The trucks feature the the recent Work Truck Show Melbourne streets new 2.1m wide cab, originally in Indianapolis that will soon The first of 50 new hybrid Transport drivers launched in December 2016 be deployed to cities includ- buses have been introduced in the T610. ing Detroit, Philadelphia, New demand Safe Rates to Melbourne public trans- York City and San Francisco. as capitals brought port routes marking the to a crawl April 10 biggest single order of hybrid Sunday’s nationwide Safe April 23 buses in Australia. Rates protest brought state Fatal crashes The buses, featuring Volvo hybrid driveline and capitals to a peaceful crawl involving trucks UD Trucks tops up as transport drivers honked, bodywork, are be- revved and rumbled their way down, report finds Quon range ing introduced by transport through the streets. The number of fatalities UD Trucks Australia is an- operator CDC Victoria, a More than 200 trucks involving trucks on Australian nouncing a new 8-litre Quon subsidiary of ComfortDel- brought the Sydney Harbour roads has dropped 14% in two variant ahead of the 2019 Gro group which operates Bridge to a crawl in both years, according to the Na- Brisbane Truck Show. in seven countries and has directions and circling the tional Truck Accident Research The addition comes in two a global fleet of around CBD, to highlight the flawed Centre (NTARC) report. models, the CD 25 360 and 43,300 vehicles. industry which has seen 27 The report also predicts the CW 25 360, and follows people killed in truck crashes we could see zero truck-in- so far this month, including volved fatalities from 2032. All the Auto Industry HOT NEWS every day nine truck drivers. as it happens on www.autotalk.com.au Kenworth launches April 12 Subscribe online for FREE twice weekly new truck range updates direct to your email Kenworth is releasing two new SEA Electric builds additions to its range with the momentum www.autotalk.com.au

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | MAY 2019 | 23

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