September 2018 www.nationalcollisionrepairer.com.au

THE NATIONAL

CNews, viewso &ll informationis for theio Collisionn IndustryR Professionalepairer

ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE INDUSTRY AS THE LEADING MAGAZINE

Meet world land speed record holder, fighter pilot Andy Green Get to know Carmine De Maria of C.A.D. Custom Elite Read the full report on the recently-held Symposium2018

------EDITORIAL------

WITH JOE MCFADRIES What’s in it for me? All too often we ask ourselves this question

Another month goes by, and once So why is this important? Well, again it is one of the great delights of fundamentally, history is punctuated by my role that I have the opportunity to great women and men who have connect with so many influential contributed to the growth of their people across the industry. societies and on a much more modest We all understand the necessity to scale I see many similar attributes either carve out a living or generate an across our industry. These people are acceptable return for the high energy, exciting to be around, and shareholders; after all, it is a infectious in their optimism. In this issue commercial world in which we live. we have several articles featuring the However, in my travels this month I type of people I have just described. was drawn to reflect on some of the We meet Carmine De Maria, reasons people do what they do – and Managing Director, C.A.D. Custom Elite it’s not all about maximising money. Body and Paint in Tullamarine on page We induct Trudy Camilleri, first Some of the comments I heard 12 who shares his background, his year teacher at Ultimo TAFE, as our included: “I just want to be the best journey and his future objectives for most recent Future Leader of the I can be”; “I want to build the best car his business in the custom segment in Industry on page 40, Owen Webb I can and exceed my customers’ which he operates. We also interview takes a walk down memory lane in expectations”; and “We really are Andy Green, an RAF fighter pilot and Minneapolis on page 36, John McCoy- focused on ensuring the next current holder of the world land speed Lancaster discusses the heartbeat of generation inherits an industry that is record who is aiming to break the the nation on page 30 and on page in great shape”. 1,000mph barrier (on page 16). 44, I-CAR’s Mark Czvitkovits tells us I have spoken, and reported on, at We also report on a number of about the most important tool in the collision repair workshop. length about the latest technological industry events, including the IBIS Once again, an issue full of advancements and the inevitability of Global Summit in Munich on page 34, passionate and committed people their impact on the industry. However, courtesy of our publishing partner, the who are the backbone of our industry. it is the very presence of the people Automotive Refinisher magazine; the behind the above comments and their full report on our own Mobility, As always, happy to chat. selfless approach that makes them the Technology and Safety Symposium on real heroes of the industry. These are page 26, and a summary of Fix Auto’s The National Collision the people who do not ask “what’s in inaugural national conference, recently Repairer magazine – it for me?”; these are the people who held in Adelaide, where the theme was Making a difference in are more likely to ask, “what can I do “one family – one vision”. Don’t miss our industry for you?” the Fix Auto report on page 33. CollisTHE io NATIONALnRepairer To receive our weekly e-newsletter sign up at www.nationalcollisionrepairer.com.au or email: [email protected] For all the updates follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. “Staying connected”

The National Collision Repairer – 1 CollisTHE io NATIONALnRepairer Contents 2018 Latest News Special Reports Regular Features

Local news 4 Taking Shop 12 The Car Guy 26 Carmine De Maria of C.A.D. John reports on both the All Ford Day Global news 20 Custom Elite Body and Paint shares and the All Day in Sydney. his journey in the industry.

Industry Event 33 Custom Corner 36 Speed Demon 16 Owen goes back to the fifties at the Read about Fix Auto’s We speak with Andy Green, Minneapolis state fairgrounds. inaugural Australian Conference jet fighter pilot by day, land speed from Adelaide. record-holder by night. Future Leaders 40 Technology 38 We present the award to SEMA Update 24 GM to roll-out its self-drive Trudy Camilleri, a first-year teacher at Ultimo TAFE. Super Cruise technology across Industry Event 26 the US range. Read the full report on Stateside 42 Symposium2018 for the latest John discusses how various shop Updated Events and mobility and technology trends. Training Contacts 45 owners allocate their resources. International Event 34 Product Showcase 46 Our South Africa publishing partner I-CAR Update 44 Summary of the latest products reports on the IBIS Global Summit Mark explains why knowledge and designed for your business. from Munich. skills are your most valuable tools.

EDITOR: ADVERTISING SALES ENQUIRIES: PUBLISHING PARTNERS Joe McFadries Joe McFadries 0458 588 333 0458 588 333 [email protected] [email protected] CollisionWeek ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Josephine McFadries Josephine McFadries 0406 421 902 HAMMER 0406 421 902 [email protected] &DOLLY [email protected]

SUB EDITOR: PRINTED BY: Joanna Dolan Bright Print 02 9757 3000 ART CONSULTANT: PUBLISHED BY: UTOMOTIVE Chris Stone (Stone Dezine) A REFINISHER 0407 939 668 JMF Solutions Pty Ltd [email protected] PO Box 3183, Dendy, Vic 3186 Collision Repair 0458 588 333 Association the benchmark for quality

DISCLAIMER The National Collision Repairer is published by JMF Solutions Pty Ltd, 452 Street, North , Victoria 3051.This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism and review under the Copyright Act (1968), no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to the publisher. The publisher believes all the information in this publication to be correct at the time of printing, however is not in a position to make a guarantee to this effect and accepts no liability in event of any information proving inaccurate. Prices, addresses and phone numbers were, after investigations and to the best of our knowledge and belief, up to date at the time of printing. It is also not feasible for the publisher to ensure that advertisements which appear in the publication comply with the Competition and Consumer Act (2010). The responsibility must therefore be on the individual, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisement for publication. Whilst every endeavour has been made to ensure complete accuracy, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Copyright © JMF Solutions Pty Ltd ACN 117 914 235

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Glasurit Automotive Refi nish, BASF Australia Ltd, 231-233 Newton Road, Wetherill Park, NSW 2164, Australia Tel: +61 (2) 8787 0100, Fax: +61 (2) 8787 0133, www.glasurit.com.au https://www.facebook.com/GlasuritAustralia W215750 ------LOCAL NEWS------

Inaugural Capricorn Rising Stars Apprentice of the Year announced After a comprehensive judging Rising Star and I would like to process, and from more than 500 congratulate all of the other nominees Capricorn Rising Stars nominations and finalists, as it is so good to see received from Capricorn members other young people sharing the same across Australia and New Zealand, the enthusiasm for the industry,” he stated. Capricorn Rising Stars Apprentice of “I hope that this initiative and make their mark in the industry. the Year has been selected. continues and that more apprentices The Capricorn Rising Stars Capricorn is delighted to announce gain the recognition that they deserve judging panel included David Fraser, that Mark Smith, an apprentice from for their efforts day in, day out. Out of CEO Automotive – Capricorn; Sean The Battery Terminal in Belconnen, all the prizes, I am looking forward to Rahaley, General Manager – Castrol; ACT has been named as the inaugural the access that I will have with the Stuart Charity, Executive Director – Capricorn Rising Stars winner. industry leaders the most. The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Mark emerged on top after mentoring will be a great thing for my Association (AAAA); Brendan impressing the Capricorn Rising Stars career as I am ready and willing to Sorensen – TaT Biz; Rachael Sheldrick, judging panel with his outstanding learn all the time,” he added. Director – Workshop Whisperer; and work ethic, combined with his passion As part of the Capricorn Rising Gavin Cribb, Education Manager – for the industry and commitment to Stars competition winner’s prize pack, Automotive Centre of Excellence making the most of the opportunity The Battery Terminal has also won (ACE) Bendigo Kangan Institute. given to him by his employers at The industry-renowned customer service All the judges agreed that deciding Battery Terminal. training from The Workshop Whisperer. the winner was a difficult process due to As the Capricorn Rising Stars The Capricorn Rising Stars the extremely high calibre of apprentices Apprentice of the Year, Mark will take competition was developed to assist who were nominated by Capricorn his boss and two friends on an all- Capricorn members in rewarding and members. Capricorn thanks all their expenses paid trip to the spectacular retaining their high performing members who took part by nominating 2018 Vodafone Gold Coast 600 apprentices by recognising their their outstanding apprentices, the Supercar race, held on the streets of important contribution, while people who represent the future of the Surfers Paradise from October 19 to 21, highlighting the promising future that Australian and New Zealand automotive thanks to Capricorn Rising Stars lies ahead of them within the industry. repair and servicing industry. competition major sponsor, Castrol. Through the Capricorn Rising The Capricorn Rising Stars Mark was justifiably proud to have Stars Apprentice of the Year Apprentice of the Year competition earned the inaugural Capricorn Rising competition, Australasia’s largest was proudly supported by , Stars Apprentice of the Year accolade. automotive parts buying group hopes AutoMate, TaT Biz, The Workshop "I'm very proud to be the first Capricorn to encourage more apprentices to join Whisperer and major sponsor Castrol. POR-15 added to the SAPE portfolio The SAPE Group is proud to looking to improve and establish a announce that it is now the better position and one of the key authorised distributor for POR-15 high ways to do so is working with performance coatings in Australia. companies like POR-15. POR-15 is the trusted brand in the “There's no doubt that Australia has paint and coatings industry that a love affair with the car, and restoring a stands for superior quality control, classic car is the ultimate labour of love. durability, and customer service. Best POR-15 products are a must-have for known for the unbeatable POR-15 any automotive restoration. No other rust preventive 3-step system, POR-15 paint is as permanent as POR-15. When also offers a wide variety of specialty others have chipped, scratched, flaked products, including POR-15 top coat, and peeled, POR-15 will still be and The Paint Depot Gold Coast. high temp heat resistant paint, engine preventing rust.” POR-15 products can also be enamel, and brake caliper paint. POR-15 products are now in stock purchased through an extensive Paul McMartin, Director for the at SAPE HQ Condell Park, Automotive reseller network throughout Australia. SAPE Group, said: “This is an exciting Colour & Equipment Newcastle, For further information, call SAPE industry and we are constantly Prestige Paints & Equipment , on (02) 9772 9000.

4 –LOCAL NEWS CAPRICORN TRADE ACCOUNT Fewer bills to pay, less paperwork!

“What did we do before we joined Capricorn? Spent lots of time sourcing different parts and paying different bills. Now, with our Capricorn Trade Account, we get instant credit to use with so many Preferred Suppliers – including the biggest names in the industry – plus the convenience of having just one statement to pay each month. We even earn reward points with our purchases – which we’ve redeemed for some great holidays with Capricorn Travel!” SVS Autocare - Capricorn Member

JJoinoin CapricornCapricorn ttoday.oday. 18180000 560560 555454 | [email protected]@capricorn.coop | capricorn.coopcapricorn.coop

Participation in the Capricorn Rewards Program is subject to the Capricorn Rewards Program Terms and Conditions which can be found at capricorn.coop/TC ------LOCAL NEWS------

The IAA expands Tradiebot Industries backed by to AMGC to automate panel repair The Institute of Accident Assessors The Advanced Manufacturing Growth global automotive coating giant, PPG was established in 1964 with the Centre (AMGC) is supporting a Industries, on developing and later objective of promoting and collaborative project with Tradiebot distributing the robotic solution protecting the interests of the Industries to deliver the world’s first through its global customer base. Kevin profession by holding members to automated vehicle panel repair Woolerton, Marketing Director, PPG a strict code of conduct. This has system. As part of the project, Refinish ANZ said, “We are interested in provided valuable and professional Tradiebot Industries will collaborate the innovations within the industry and services to both the public and the with the University of New South leading that innovation with Tradiebot. insurance industry. Wales (UNSW) ARC Training Centre The repair processes have evolved IAA members have many for Automated Manufacture of considerably over the years. Using a years of experience, combining Advanced Composites (AMAC) on robotic arm to do the physical repairs, their practical trade knowledge developing a robotic control system to such as the sanding process, can help with insurance skills. An emphasis carry out physical repairs on damaged avoid the occasional flaws that occur on technical development and vehicle panels. because of the human factor.” training has members at the Tradiebot’s chief creator, Mario At the signing ceremony at the leading edge of their field. Dimovski, said the project seeks to ARC Training Centre for AMAC at Initially the IAA only provided achieve a shift from manual UNSW on 14 August 2018, AMGC state professional development events production jobs towards a more director, Michael Sharpe, added, in Sydney, although they customised, smart and competitive “Tradiebot is setting an example of expanded several years ago into manufacturing model, backed by how we can advance Australia further Melbourne where assessors have highly skilled workers. According to – helping to upskill the next generation continued to organise events Dimovski, the project addresses a as well as generating jobs for today.” through a local committee. current skills gap in the vehicle The two core activities involved in Many former members have collision repair industry. the project include digitalising the moved to Queensland and the board The AMGC is providing $197,000 in process of repairing damaged vehicle has received numerous enquiries to co-funding for the first stage of the panels by developing virtual models of set up something in Queensland. In project, which is matched by equivalent vehicle panels, as well as developing a response, an initial event for all funding from Tradiebot Industries. robot control system that can conduct assessors was held at Advanced Further investments will follow as the these physical repairs, including Motorcycles and Decals in May, with project achieves set milestones. Apart sanding, painting and polishing. over 50 assessors attending. from providing an internal solution for The participants will also As a follow-up, a second open the automotive repair sector, Dimovski collaborate to integrate data from evening was held at Recar Australia said the project also opens the path for various devices into a unique Internet at Archerfield, again with a high creating new manufacturing jobs in of Things (IoT) solution for vehicle level of interest from Queensland- Australia as the technology sets to panel repair. A successful project based assessors. During this visit, disrupt the global automotive industry. outcome is likely to inspire similar Bob and Cam Jones provided the Successful completion of the project solutions in areas beyond vehicle assessors with a tour of the will allow Tradiebot to create new repair, such as commercial cleaning, expansive repair facilities, explaining revenue streams by leasing or selling painting and washing. Participating the various repair processes that are digital assets and robotic systems to companies will also enhance their skills required for heavy vehicles. vehicle repairers. base by gaining first-hand experience With this level of interest, a Tradiebot has partnered with the in developing cyber-physical systems. Brisbane-based committee has been set up with the following volunteering to take on the role of organising future educational events: Robert Ralph (AAMC), Brian McFadden (IAG) and Adam Kier (Youi). Future professional development events will be offered to IAA members only, so any assessor wishing to undertake the program and be recognised accordingly can apply for membership at www.iaa.network

6 –LOCAL NEWS Let us help YOU...

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OR CAR-O-LINER Head Office: Unit 1, 25 Industrial Road, Unanderra, NSW 2526 Ph: (02) 4271 6287 l Fax: (02) 4271 7899 Website: www.car-o-liner.com.au l Email: [email protected] NSW & Tas: Fritz Pfeffer Ph: 0412 559 208 l NT & Vic: Lindsay Batten Ph: 0412 372 988 l Qld & SA: Liam Hugo Ph 0403 455 914 ------LOCAL NEWS------

PPG’s CPC all-round performance In the first of a four-part series, we take a look at PPG’s CPC specialised paint system. Over and above the refinish sector, from a variety of PPG product about. Our local development team PPG describes itself as a global technologies including alkyd, acrylic, epoxy introduced the latest coatings coatings specialist, catering to sectors and urethane coatings. The tag line is technologies to create a more as diverse as architectural (homes and “simplicity, consistency and capability” and streamlined range of solutions that commercial buildings), marine, it’s designed to meet virtually any either match or better their aeronautical, industrial and more. In requirement. For example, if you want to predecessors. In addition, colour early 2017, the local industrial range coat a particular substrate, there is an capability is outstanding across the came in for a comprehensive update option. If you want to get the job done range thanks to the world-class and name-change to “Commercial more quickly, there is an option. If you SELEMIX tinting system – it’s a Performance Coatings”. Chris Davis, want a high-end finish, there is an option. revolutionary step for this market! PPG Business Director Commercial If you want to do it on a budget, there In contrast to LIC, which had Performance Coatings, talks about the is an option. different tinting systems depending on new range and the market reaction. Over the past few decades, the the product being used, all the Where PPG’s refinish systems tend to LIC business had evolved into a very Commercial Performance Coatings’ be focused on one task, the customer broad range, but one where products binder technologies are fully base for these products has a vast number overlapped each other. This made it compatible with the one Selemix of applications and outcomes they want to quite complicated when customers tinting system – that is a revolution! It’s achieve. It could be anything from came to choose the right one. simple to mix exactly the same colour agricultural and construction equipment to Launching Commercial Performance across different binder technologies trailers, business equipment, concrete Coatings gave us the opportunity to and be confident the colours will match floors and much more. As a result, the rationalise – it’s still a broad range, but each other – this is really important for Commercial Performance Coatings range it’s now less complex – and the name many customers. What’s more, the has to be super versatile, and that comes better reflects what the brand is all Selemix system is capable of formulating around 10,000 colours in any gloss level, from full gloss to matt. It’s also backed by excellent colour tools including a colour box, PPG’s PAINTMANAGER XI software for colour formulation retrieval, and even a really cool, pocket-sized spectrophotometer, called the Selemix ColourPin II, which can be used to read the colour on virtually any object or surface and identify the nearest Selemix colour. Regarding the market reaction, launching Commercial Performance Coatings was a nervous time because we were rationalising the entire product range. However, rather than cause issues, it has done exactly the opposite – in just 18 months, it has taken the market by storm. It gives users the ability to choose the ideal product technology for their job and then mix it in exactly the right colour and gloss level. The transition has been nothing but positive from our staff, our distributors and our customers, and it does not stop there. A constant flow of new product technologies continues to arrive as the Commercial Performance Coatings brand goes from strength to strength. For more information, visit the new Commercial Performance Coatings website at www.ppgcpc.com.au

8 –LOCAL NEWS ------LOCAL NEWS------

The Winning formula The saying goes, “practice makes perfect”, and the preliminary rounds of the PPG Colour Matching Competition have already given spray painting apprentices from across the region the opportunity to take colour matching principles they have learned during training and put them into practice. With the preliminary competitions now complete, more than 60 apprentices have been inspired to test themselves against their peers as they sharpen their colour matching skills under competitive conditions. Not only that, the long-running annual competition also gave each one of them a shot at winning through The 2018 PPG Colour Matching as the honour of winning, contestants to the 2018 ANZ final, to be held on Competition final is all about can also walk away with cool prizes 12th October at PPG’s Morningside “matching it with the best” as they including gift vouchers, SATA spray Training Centre in Brisbane. The total are required to match two colours equipment and MIRKA tools. No of nine finalists is made up of (typically, a solid colour followed by a matter whose name is engraved on representatives from New Zealand and metallic colour), which will be the 2018 winner’s trophy, the skill of each Australian state and territory. assessed by a judging panel. As well colour matching is already a winner!

MTA NSW and NSW CEO, Stavros Yallouridis. AHVRA support “With over half of our members’ businesses located within regional drought relief and rural NSW, the ongoing drought The Motor Traders’ Association of conditions are also having an adverse NSW (MTA NSW), together with the effect on their own businesses within Australian Heavy Vehicle Repairers the affected communities,” Yallouridis Association (AHVRA), have said. “By supporting the farmers, we committed to donating a total of are also indirectly helping the local $15,000 to the Buy a Bale campaign automotive businesses that are in support of local farming dependent on farming and the employing locals within the regional communities who are struggling with agricultural industry.” communities.” severe drought conditions. AHVRA Chairman, Richard The employer associations’ joint “On behalf of our executive Nathan, said, “Our members, who contributions will be directed towards board and members, the Motor specialise in accident repairs to buying bales of hay to be transported Traders’ Association of NSW has trucks and trailers, wanted to to affected farmers across the four committed to this donation in order contribute after learning of the affected NSW regions of the Hunter, to provide practical support to devastating effect the drought was New England, Southern NSW and those farmers in need,” said MTA having, especially those businesses Western NSW.

The National Collision Repairer – 9 ------LOCAL NEWS------

Axalta Services can have on a body shop’s business develop staff have never been more sustainability. This led the team at critical as the pool of people from offers an I-CAR Axalta to develop a leadership course which to draw upon is dwindling at an that focuses on providing the right alarming rate. leadership course techniques to lead a team effectively The I-CAR certified leadership Axalta Coating Systems is offering an I- and efficiently. The course targets: course is taught using a highly CAR approved leadership course designed • Understanding the differences interactive guided learning model to for body shop owners, managers and team between leadership and keep attendees engaged in the leaders to develop the skillset to become management. learning process. Numerous concepts successful leaders within a team and • Developing and motivating body will be available, including: business. Participants will walk away with shop staff to improve performance, • Identifying the task or functions critical an in-depth understanding of how to retention and conflict resolution to becoming a successful leader. differentiate leadership from management, whilst creating a positive and • Increasing retention and reducing motivate and develop staff, build a positive meaningful culture. absenteeism. working culture and create the next • Identifying the right management • Providing opportunities to network generation of leaders, which will ultimately style for the business. with other business leaders. translate into happier, more effective staff The program will show attendees • Providing techniques to establish and a strong business model. how to effectively communicate, build and improve employee engagement. Running a body shop requires and sustain better teams, create a Axalta’s Training Alliance with I- leadership at all levels of management. positive culture in the business, and CAR means that, upon completion of Axalta Services understands the keep staff engaged for the long term. the leadership course, an attendee will importance of this and the impact it Strategies designed to keep and be awarded credit hours that can be applied towards the I-CAR Gold Class Professionals, Platinum Individual designations, or be used to meet role- relevant annual training requirements. The training dates for Leadership in 2018 have already been completed in and Queensland with the following still to come: 25 September 10 October 5 December Victoria Full details on Axalta Services and the latest courses available can be found at www.axalta.com.au/AxaltaServices. Holden appoints Daniel Cotterill Holden has announced the Holden’s Director of Communications. appointment of Daniel Cotterill as “His product knowledge is Senior Manager Product outstanding, matched by his passion Communications. Cotterill has a for the Holden brand, which will be broad range of experience that an asset as we continue to build our includes several years as a specialist reputation as an SUV and LCV defence industry journalist, working company, with the soon-to-be as chief of staff for a federal cabinet launched, all-new Holden Acadia just minister, time as a director with a around the corner,” she added. large multi-national PR agency, “I am thrilled to be joining Daniel Cotterill. managing PR for Ateco Automotive’s Holden at a time when the company touring car in his spare time, I’m Asian brands and as associate is looking to strengthen its market looking forward to getting stuck into publisher of GoAuto Media. position and is demonstrating the my new role.” “Holden has the best product determination necessary to make Cotterill will work closely with line-up we’ve ever had, it’s an exciting that happen,” said Cotterill. “As a press fleet coordinator Jessiie Rees- time for Daniel to be joining the long-term Holden enthusiast, and Dielenberg and is available for all Holden team,” said Anna Betts, someone who races an old Holden product-related queries.

10 –LOCAL NEWS -----LOCAL NEWS------Minutes 5with ... Seamless – by name and by nature and business analytics. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all approach, as Seamless is fully customisable to suit the individual body shop. “We recognise that our customers have very different business models and Seamless has the capability to customise key features to suit the required model,” said Tonkes. The shop floor data collection module is, as the name suggests, designed to clearly identify and track all the vehicles in the system, including those scheduled to arrive – a type of pipeline management process. Interestingly, one of the functions Craig Tonkes allows the allocation of resources with Axalta Coating Systems the effect that it minimises bottlenecks in the business. The data When did you join the industry? During the month of July, Axalta is shared in real time, provides full A long time ago - 1984 Coating Systems took Seamless, their transparency, and generates a range body shop management program, on a of operational reports designed to What was your first job in the industry? national roadshow with the better manage the business. Apprentice Spray Painter penultimate event staged in Melbourne The repair tracking module is the at the Crown Promenade. The event customer interface function that was attended by a mix of distributor What do you do now? allows the vehicle owner access to National Business to Business Manager partners and body shop owners. real-time information about the Hosted by Michael Kirchner, Victorian progress of the repair. Online access is What do you like about the industry? Territory Business Manager, and supplemented by an automated SMS The challenge of adapting to the ever- presented by Craig Tonkes, National B2B function that proactively interacts with Manager, the event was designed not changing pace of our industry the customer. It also encourages the only as a presentation and interactive customer to provide feedback through discussion, but also a live demonstration What don’t you like about the industry? the customer satisfaction survey. of the features and benefits of the In this current environment where Doomsdayers system. Seamless was developed to multi-site operations are becoming facilitate the smooth and continuous flow more and more prevalent, Seamless is What music do you like? of work through the body shop. “It has also designed to be scalable, enable A mix of genres depending on my mood been designed as a simplified system management reporting from each site that does not overly-complicate the Your Favourite Artist? process and makes the complete repair and consolidate the information into a Van Morrison process visible,” said Tonkes. whole-of-business system. In addition, The 100 percent web-based Seamless integrates with most of the Your favourite food? Seamless system is built upon three existing quoting systems and can even fundamental modules: Body Shop integrate with multiple quoting Thai Management, Shop Floor Data systems across a multi-site operation. Collection and Vehicle Repair Tracking, “We at Axalta are proud to be able to Your favourite drink? and every employee in the business has extend our offering to include Beer individual access which, of course, is Seamless. It has been designed to customised depending on their job role assist the business owner to make the Your hobbies? and the requirements of the business. transition from working in the Surf Lifesaving The body shop management business to working on the business,” module covers all aspects required to concluded Tonkes. Who in the world would you most run an efficient and productive facility, For more information, contact Axalta like to meet? Leonardo DaVinci such as: job allocation, booking Coating Systems on management, recording cycle times, Tel: (02) 8818 4343 or visit parts management, staff management www.seamlessbsm.com.au PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

The National Collision Repairer – 11 ------TALKING SHOP------

Driven by PERFECTION

WHEN YOU FIRST MEET CARMINE DE MARIA OF C.A.D. CUSTOM ELITE BODY AND PAINT, YOU CAN’T HELP BUT GET CAUGHT UP IN HIS ENTHUSIASM AND PASSION FOR LIFE AND FOR WHAT HE DOES FOR A LIVING – CREATE AND DELIVER GREAT CUSTOM CARS.

The formative years Carmine De Maria speaks fondly of his late father, Cobram Valiant–Chrysler Dealer, Joe De Maria, as he reflects on growing up in the car game. The dealership included a smash repair shop and was a key service provider to commercial vehicles in the Riverina. In his early years, Joe gave young Carmine a sage piece of advice that he still lives by today: if you want to succeed in life, think and plan for the long term and align yourself with the best people. From his early days, Carmine was driven by achievement and, as an Carmine De Maria. apprentice at Barry Dickson Paint and Panel in Cobram, he was awarded obvious affection for his home town, De in the country” – quite a challenge Apprentice of the Year in each of his Maria headed to Melbourne to further when you start out in a rented three years at Wangaratta TAFE. By develop his skills and knowledge where, property and a second hand Lowbake his mid-twenties, he was an once again, he worked in various spray booth. However, as he built his accomplished body builder and was businesses including Lemax with an old business and built his network, his not satisfied until he won the Mr friend of the National Collision Repairer, reputation grew, and he has now Australia Contest in 1998 – in Max Chanter. “Carmine was one of the fulfilled this goal with the various cars everything he does, he strives to be best spray painters I ever worked with. that he has built over the years. the best. It is no surprise that he has gone on to Owen Webb, MotorActive said, “I It is the same with his automotive become one of the best in the country,” first met Carmine when he was planning career. On completion of his spray- said Chanter. to open his custom shop and I painting apprenticeship, De Maria immediately liked his attitude. I told him worked for several different Building the brand it would be a long road and you must businesses, both in Melbourne and in However, De Maria was looking for an turn out great work with a high service regional Victoria, before setting up De edge, and in 2009 he headed to the level – which he has done. It has been Maria Smash Repairs in Cobram in SEMA Show and discovered the his investment back into his business 1993. However, he discovered that custom car scene and was hooked – and continual hard work that makes him being a great spray painter did not C.A.D. Custom was born! He was one of Australia’s top custom shops.” necessarily mean he would be a great determined to make his mark on the In 2014 C.A.D. Custom displayed business owner and he closed down industry and so he set out on his no less than eight cars at MotorEx, the business in 1999. journey. Following his father’s advice, including “Toxic Q”, the big block HQ Notwithstanding his roots and his he set an objective to “win every show Holden that featured on the cover of

12 –TALKING SHOP ------TALKING SHOP------

Street Machine magazine. De Maria was getting noticed. True to his father’s mantra, he aligned himself with the best in the custom car scene, and in the US that meant people like Chip Foose and Charlie Hutton. In 2015, De Maria won a competition to have a car (an XB Falcon) painted by Hutton at the Sydney Hot Rod and Custom Show and was blown away when Hutton insisted that they paint the car together. De Maria still recalls that day and has stayed in touch ever since. On his annual trips to SEMA, De Maria would drop in to Foose Design in Huntington Beach and began to Open day at C.A.D. Custom. build a relationship with Chip Foose and his team. However, it was in 2016, when he was selected by a panel of industry leaders to represent Australia in the 3M PPS World Cup at the 2017 Woodward Dream Cruise week, that he really cemented his relationship with Foose and the team at 3M. “The experience was unbelievable as all the contestants had the chance to learn from each other, using the very best of products – I can’t thank 3M enough for the opportunity,” he said.

Where are we now? De Maria has since taken on an ambassadorial role for 3M PPS and has CHOODA ... a standout at any show. worked alongside the 3M team at several events in the past 12 months. “Carmine has been a great ambassador for the 3M brand and the Australian custom car scene. His excitable passion for cars is infectious, his workmanship is top class and we really enjoy working with him,” said Andrew King, 3M Automotive Aftermarket & Marine Division Business Manager – Australia & New Zealand. There is no doubt that Carmine De Maria is now a major force in the custom car scene in Australia and this was never more evident than at Meguiar’s MotorEx in Melbourne in May this year, where he Award winning HK Monaro. had three of his creations on display. The ’32 Ford (Chooda), the ’57 Chev Bel-Air expertise and I love it.” Maria aligning himself with the best in and the HK Monaro all picked up awards In addition to becoming one of the business. in their categories. Interestingly, the pre-eminent custom car builders As I stood on the shop floor in his although De Maria runs the business and in Australia, C.A.D. Customs has been Tullamarine facility, I watched his team manages a great team, he does all the appointed the Australian distributor at work and it’s clear they too have a painting himself. “This is what my for NotcHead Fasteners and Sockets passion for what they do. I was stunned customers expect, it’s my area of and is yet another example of De to see none other than Tom Peach,

The National Collision Repairer – 13 ------TALKING SHOP------

Carmine with Chip Foose and Andrew King. Peter Lamb, Carmine and Norm Stewart.

whenever I’m recruiting. Trying to get a great fit at the beginning improves my likelihood of success. With access to people like Tom Peach, it only enhances our ability to recruit and retain the best staff.” I just had to ask what his favourite creation has been over the years, and without hesitation he said, “The ’65 Chevy Impala, ‘Supernatural’, because it greatly exceeded the customer’s expectations. This is why I do what I do.”

Where to from here? SUPERNATURAL. Asking this question, I expected an answer more in line with “who knows what the future holds”. However, De Maria is a very focused individual and he works on up to eight projects at any one time. A typical build is a two-year project, and he has another eight in the queue already. He shares with me that when he began his “custom career”, one of his dreams was to build a car to a standard that was worthy of entering the Ridler Award. It was no surprise to hear that he has now been commissioned to do just that, and I was privileged to see the early progress on this confidential project. Look out for the finished car at the SEMA Show in 2020. Tom Peach sharing the knowledge. As I leave the facility, I reflect on renowned master of metal shaping, of what we do,” said De Maria. the advice Joe De Maria passed on to imparting his knowledge to young Not unlike collision repairers, a young up-and-coming Carmine: Adam Vella as he rebuilds the ’28 Ford attracting and retaining experienced “think and plan for the long term and Coupe. “It’s just so great to have custom builders is a perennial align yourself with the best people”. It someone of Tom’s experience come challenge. “I look to recruit on is clear that Joe’s advice has been well into the shop – he is a great supporter character, charisma and competency and truly put into practice.

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JET FIGHTER PILOT BY DAY, LAND SPEED RECORD-HOLDER BY NIGHT. WHEN IT COMES TO PUSHING MODERN MOTORING TECHNOLOGY TO ITS LIMITS, NO-ONE DOES IT QUITE LIKE ANDY GREEN.

Being blasted in a straight line via “It’s a disorientation of the inner rocket propulsion at speeds of well ear,” he laughs, raising a hand as if to over 1,000mph may well be enough to apologise. “Somatic graphic illusion is persuade even the staunchest of where your sense of up and down speed demons that life is better becomes so distorted that you feel like served in the slow lane. For Andy you’re going vertically up into the sky Green, however, the thought of being while you’re accelerating – it’s most fired across an expanse of desert strange. And if that’s not bad enough, brings nothing more than a quiet there’s also the feeling of going reminder that life should be lived at vertically down into the earth when the very limit of human, and decelerating,” he explains. “It feels like mechanical, potential. the whole world is tilted 90º up when “That’s the thing I get up for in the you’re going straight up and then 90º morning,” he begins, speaking down when you’re going straight down. exclusively to National Collision Repairer. “That is something that I will “In the serenity of getting out of bed, simply have to cope with,” Green says there’s a stillness, but that doesn’t last in another example of glorious long. No sooner are we at the track or understatement, referencing his next the test unit do the engines start, the speed challenge, when he tries to revs increase and the vigorous, violent break his own record in the near process gets underway.” future with Bloodhound, a machine Green, 55, presents himself with designed solely with the purpose of an admirable nonchalance that’s born hitting the 1,600km/hr mark and out of his prestigious position as the beyond. The RAF Wing Commander world’s current land speed record- struggles to contain his excitement at holder, having achieved a velocity of Andy Green. the technical prowess of what he 1,228kph in 1997 with Thrust SSC. labels “the world’s most advanced “It’s not the same sort of high- in the cockpit as little as possible, straight-line racing car”. But this isn’t a endurance sport that most motor whereas I will be looking in the cockpit project that has come easily, even for racing is because it’s relatively short,” a lot to check temperatures, pressures, someone who has the level of Green says of his penchant for speeds and jet engine power settings experience that Green possesses. supersonic driving. “Ultimately, for the – I’m monitoring all of that. “Little did we know that it was fastest run we do, we’re expecting to “It’s a very different level of going to take us five-and-a-half years get from standstill to 1,000mph, and physical requirement and nearly all of to solve the incredibly complex back to a standstill again 12 miles that challenge is mental,” he says. “It’s aerodynamic problems that would away. That will only take two minutes. all to do with the distractions of the allow us to provide the right degree of “Two minutes could be quite hard noise, the disorientation, the somatic stability, control and load distribution work, but it’s not exactly like turning graphic illusion…” on the car,” he muses. “But the fact is, around in circles going around The somatic what? A we have. We’ve solved problems that Silverstone for over an hour-and-a- “mathematician by training”, reeling no-one has even addressed before half, as Lewis Hamilton does – it’s a off these sorts of complex scientific because nobody has tried to build a completely different set of skills, but concepts mid-conversation appears car doing these speeds at ground level. there is still a lot to do in that two no more difficult for Green than “Just to put that into perspective, minutes. A Formula One driver looks shattering the sound barrier. the world’s fastest jet fighters max out

16 –SPECIAL REPORT ------SPECIAL REPORT------

at about 900mph down at ground level in thick air. They can go twice as fast up in the thin air at 50,000ft, but down at ground level we are aiming to build a car that is faster than any jet fighter. The task is that ambitious.” However ambitious, good research makes the job achievable, and Australia has certainly played its part in terms of scoping out a potential location for the new world record attempt. “We scoped out four potential sites in Australia – Lake Gairdner, Lake Eyre, Island Lagoon and Lake Frome. Immediately, we ruled out Island Lagoon and Lake Frome. They were great locations but too ‘soft’, so the trip then focused on Gairdner and Eyre.” Both lakes have “previous” – Donald Campbell set a world record of 403mph on Lake Eyre in 1964, while Australian record-breaker Rosco McGlashan launched his Aussie Invader jet car onto the barren Lake Gairdner in 1996. “Both lakes are completely unique. Very dry, very smooth surfaces with what I have described before as ‘pressure ridges’. There is a crystal-like sheen to the top where salt spins into weaves with several 1–2cm bumps. There is a hardness which, while beneficial for sitting the car on, can also be unforgiving if any bumps appear.” The official launch. He continues: “We concluded that both sites have real potential, and it huge variety of individuals, times a minute,” he explains. “The would be great to do this in Australia, organisations and engineering actual underside of the wheel at high but we have concerns about how institutions – people come and find us. speed is the same as a high-speed often the surfaces dry. It’s said that They are the sorts of characters who boat. We have to try to predict how Donald Campbell might have made have the expertise, the drive and the the wheels are going to function at 450mph on a better surface, while inspiration to do something that no-one such incredible rotational velocity McGlashan’s team were on the lake for has even attempted before. These are when the dry mud surface underneath a year waiting for the right conditions, the mechanical minds who try to solve the wheel starts to act more like a fluid which never came. It could be a long problems that don’t yet have solutions.” than it does a solid, because we are way to go to sit around frustrated.” Of course, when they do find now travelling at supersonic speed. At least Green will have company Green and the Bloodhound team, these “Then we have to look at how to – not only is he being aided by lucky souls are met with one of the join the front half of the car to the Richard Noble, a former Land Speed most – if not the most – visionary back,” he continues. “The cockpit is a record-holder who held the position engineering challenges in automotive carbon fibre monocoque structure – between 1983 and 1997, but the history. And the answers to much like a Formula One car, except project has become a mecca of sorts Bloodhound’s many potential problems ours weighs 200kg and is the for any aeronautical or automotive span every aspect of modern strongest monocoque cockpit in the engineer worth their salt. engineering, from space to the sea. history of motorsport. “To a certain extent, the “The wheels at high speed will not “How do you join that to the back engineering team is almost self- function like rubber tyres – they are half of a car that is taking these huge selecting,” Green says. “We work with a solid aluminium discs rotating 10,000 loads and accelerating at fantastic

The National Collision Repairer – 17 ------SPECIAL REPORT------

victorious, and it’s at that point where you push a bit more … past the point of any return. “I guess I’m nervous more because I’m working with one of the world’s best multi-disciplined engineering teams,” he says. “I’m sitting in the most advanced and sophisticated high-quality, straight- line racing cars ever created. My driving standard needs to be up to the quality of their engineering design and build, every single time. I need to drive the car as precisely as possible and bring back as much feedback as possible: how the suspension is working, steering, stability, the dynamics of the vehicle. With all the modelling in the world, the real-world testing will show up all the differences Stripped down. because they’re always there between speeds? That’s not the sort of thing as to the historic significance of what even the most advanced modelling in the Formula 1 can tell you, because their Bloodhound could achieve. world and what actually happens out car weighs a few hundred kilos and “To bring my skills as a there on a dry lake bed, with crosswinds ours weighs 10 times as much. We’re mathematician to this fantastic, very and slight undulations and the hardness talking about the sorts of loads that highly-skilled, multi-disciplined science and the smoothness of the surface. Volvo Ocean racers see when they try and engineering team is an incredible “That is what we need to work out to join stainless steel fittings to carbon honour. It’s a huge privilege to be part in detail, so we can get the car step-by- fibre hulls. So, you can see the level of of that and to help them to solve the step up to supersonic speed and, expertise we need on board – it’s top- countless problems that come into this,” ultimately, to 1,600kph, because we level mechanical engineering.” he nods. “Of course, by employment I’m understand everything that’s happening What Green admires most about a Royal Air Force fighter pilot, so I’ve as accurately and as completely as the personnel, though, is the varied got the world’s best day job: flying or possible. So, my driving skills need to live backgrounds on show, and an indeed supporting Royal Air Force up to the quality of their engineering acceptance that despite the need for operations around the world. and design skills. The pressure is on me pinpoint precision of speed and “I can bring that skillset to the to actually live up to that.” science, at the heart of any land speed project in terms of understanding jet But if this unique vehicle and the record is the time spent in the garage. engines and supersonics and the team behind it do realise their goal, “Everything starts and ends with controls, precisions and dynamics of it’s entirely possible that Green’s the mechanic, with the body shop accelerating at 2G before slowing down current position at the top of the experts and with ensuring the car is in at 3G. If you want to think about 3G, speed leader board will remain the most streamlined condition,” he that’s 60mph per second. So, in terms unmatched for some time. says. “We need this this thing to be a of that deceleration, that’s driving along “Well, it’s been over 20 years since bullet, and any dents or loose parts can the road at 60mph and coming to a the last one and it’s difficult to see have a catastrophic effect, not only on complete stop in one second – that’s where somebody would get the next a record attempt, but driver safety too. how quickly the car will slow down. idea to go that much faster from,” he “The care, attention and love that That is something that will be a normal agrees. “But I would be so sad if the goes into every surface of the car is process every time I drive the car.” sport just finishes with Bloodhound. something to behold, and the real It appears the pressures of the task There is a unique thrill in doing speeds stars of the show are those who get in terms of physical exertion and that are just not imaginable. the exterior of this car in a position individual responsibility would make “I think these are challenges and where it can break records.” most men turn and run. So, could it be opportunities that come along pretty Later this year, Green will begin to possible that Green, who lives an almost much once in a generation, so it would really put the Bloodhound through its comic-book hero existence of speed, is be a great shame if that didn’t happen paces with a series of runs aiming to feeling any pre-race jitters already? any further. I hope it isn’t, but if this is hit speeds of 500mph on the “I’m human like everyone else,” he it, the last record, then let’s make it a Hakskeen Pan track in South Africa. offers. “I talk a good game and I have really good one.” With well over half a decade of to, because unless I believed I would dedication, funding, and cutting-edge emerge unscathed, then I wouldn’t get This interview was conducted by expertise having gone into the project in the car. But emerging unscathed Ian Faulconbridge on behalf of already, the racer is under no illusions isn’t enough – you have to emerge The National Collision Repairer.

18 –SPECIAL REPORT

------GLOBAL NEWS------

Terrence Hahn to Axalta’s business and balance sheet, positioning the company to capitalise on join Axalta as CEO opportunities as they arise and generate Axalta Coating Systems recently long-term shareholder value. I am very announced that its board of directors proud of our achievements as well as has appointed Terrence Hahn as Chief our excellent prospects for the future. Executive Officer (CEO), effective 4 I recently informed the board that I was September 2018. Hahn will succeed considering stepping down as CEO and, Charlie Shaver, who has served as consistent with our long-term succession Axalta’s chairman and CEO since 2013. planning, the board commenced a Hahn will also serve on Axalta’s board, search for a potential successor CEO to expanding the board’s size from eight build on Axalta’s accomplishments and Terrence Hahn. to nine directors. lead the company forward,” said Shaver. relationships and attract new Hahn was most recently President “We identified Terrence as having a customers, as well as add inorganic and CEO of Honeywell International proven track record of success, and the growth through strategic acquisitions. Home and Building Technologies right expertise, experience, and I appreciate the board’s confidence in group. Shaver, who has chosen to step personality for Axalta. I look forward to me and look forward to working with down as CEO to pursue a unique a successful transition of the chief Charlie and the Axalta leadership team professional opportunity, will remain executive officer role to Terrence and to help drive the next phase of Axalta’s on Axalta’s board and serve as non- a wonderful partnership with him in my growth and build shareholder value.” executive chairman, working closely role as chairman.” Mark Garrett, Presiding Director of with Hahn to ensure a seamless Shaver continued, “Serving as Axalta’s board, added, “On behalf of leadership transition. CEO of Axalta has been an honour the board, I would like to thank Charlie Shaver said, “On behalf of Axalta’s and a privilege. It was an extremely for his outstanding service to Axalta. board, I want to welcome Terrence difficult decision to step away from an As CEO, he led the company’s Hahn to the company. We are executive role at Axalta, but I am separation from its former parent and confident that Terrence is a great confident that Terrence has the right oversaw Axalta’s initial public offering choice to lead Axalta going forward. skillset to take Axalta to the next level and listing on the New York Stock His accomplishments as an executive of growth and development.” Exchange. Under his leadership, Axalta with over a decade of domestic and Hahn commented, “I am honoured has made tremendous strides, driven international experience across to join Axalta at this dynamic time for by a resolute commitment to customer multiple business groups at the company and the coatings service and innovation. We are very Honeywell, along with his nearly two industry. Axalta has leading positions, pleased that he will continue to serve decades of previous experience in a terrific executive team, strong global as chairman. We are confident of a a variety of leadership roles at Air presence, and top brands. I am excited seamless transition of leadership to Products and Chemicals, make him about the tremendous opportunity at Terrence Hahn. With his experience a terrific fit for Axalta. Axalta to drive organic growth through and impressive track record, he is well- “Since I became CEO more than five innovative and value-added offerings suited to lead Axalta’s continued years ago, we have prudently managed that will deepen existing customer growth in the coatings industry.” Safety Association report examines traffic safety issues Automated vehicles will bring new share driving responsibility with “Many people are unconvinced of and perhaps unanticipated traffic humans and are likely to do so for the safety benefits of AVs and unwilling safety issues to the United States. many decades. There will continue to to share the road or to ride in them,” The Governors Highway Safety be crashes, injuries and fatalities said Ryan Gammelgard, Counsel at Association’s (GHSA) Preparing for involving AVs, especially during this State Farm. “However, research Automated Vehicles: Traffic Safety time when AVs share the road with suggests that public enthusiasm and Issues for States report outlines vehicles driven by humans. support will grow as people learn more these issues and discusses how law Former senior NHTSA official Dr about AVs and are able to experience enforcement and State Highway Jim Hedlund authored the report, them first-hand, and if there is Safety Offices (SHSOs) should which was developed with input objective proof that the technology prepare for them. from an advisory panel of experts. operates better than humans.” Funded by State Farm, the Because human error is the cause of This article courtesy of Russell report analyses market trends and the large majority of car crashes, Thrall III, publisher CollisionWeek. finds that, for the foreseeable future, AVs have the potential to greatly Check out their website at: most autonomous vehicles (AVs) will improve safety. www.collisionweek.com

20 –GLOBAL NEWS ----GLOBAL NEWS------

Paris and Groupe Renault to share electric mobility expertise This unprecedented approach between acceleration of the development of new a metropolis and Europe’s leading mobility services, as close as possible to electric vehicle manufacturer testifies to citizens’ expectations and uses. It will a shared vision of the future of mobility draw on the expertise of the C40 in the face of challenges such as public network, which brings together some health, climate change, easier travel, 100 cities around the world and is accessibility and economic currently chaired by Anne Hidalgo, attractiveness. It will result in short, Mayor of Paris and President of C40. medium and long-term actions in favour “Cities and car manufacturers of the development of connected and have a vocation to join forces for the autonomous electric vehicles. future of mobility. Paris and Groupe As a first step, Groupe Renault has Renault are now leading the way by decided to gradually roll out a converging their action in the areas of commercial offer of electric mobility for car sharing and electric motors. This Parisians, Ile-de-France residents and will make it possible to offer Parisians visitors, starting in September 2018: and Ile-de-France residents a healthier, • an electric VTC offer via Marcel from less polluted living environment where Groupe Renault; everyone can move more easily. This • an offer of self-service car-sharing constructive agreement is also an electric vehicles accessible 24/7 and opportunity to promote major without stations; technological and industrial advances • an offer of self-service electric that contribute to the implementation vehicles in a carsharing loop, for of the Paris Climate Agreement and longer journeys, accessible 24/7 from create sustainable jobs and activities,” Renault or partner car parks. stressed Hidalgo. This offer will be based on Groupe “As the European leader in electric Renault’s 100 percent electric range: vehicles, Groupe Renault has also ZOE, Twizy, Kangoo Z.E and Master Z.E. been a player in mobility services for By the end of 2019, they will represent several years, notably through Renault a fleet of 2,000 electric vehicles. Mobility and the Zity car-sharing In a second phase, the City of system in Madrid. Today, we are Paris and Groupe Renault wish to delighted to be part of the City of initiate an open working group, Paris’ desire to develop safe and associating major cities and environmentally respectful electric companies, whose aim will be to think mobility for all. This shared vision collectively about the integration of launches an ambitious model that can changes in mobility in the city. inspire many cities in France and This global initiative for sustainable around the world,” said Thierry mobility will be a space for dialogue, Bolloré, Executive Vice President of expertise, experimentation and Groupe Renault.

The National Collision Repairer – 21 ------GLOBAL NEWS------

Daimler subsidiary moovel: Mobility-as-a-Service pioneer has five million users The term Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) refers to the bundling of various types of public transportation, such as buses, subway, car sharing, bike sharing, and taxis, to form a multimodal transportation solution. Customers book and pay for services using an integrated account accessed via one app. This combines public transportation options with the sharing economy to form a seamless, flexible service. moovel Group introduced its first MaaS platform with integrated booking and payment options such as car sharing and rental million people are excited about our functions in 2015. bikes. For example, users in Stuttgart moovel products. As a Mobility-as-a- With its multimodal mobility have been able to book and pay for Service pioneer, we will continue to platform, moovel offers cities and rides by bus and subway, car2go, work to simplify mobility in cities and transit authorities a toolbox they can mytaxi and Deutsche Bahn directly via improve people’s quality of life,” says use to help integrate various mobility the moovel mobility app since 2015. moovel Group CEO Daniela Gerd tom providers. The MaaS platform can also moovel also offers apps for Hamburg, Markotten, commenting on reaching the be used to optimise a city’s traffic Karlsruhe, and Aschaffenburg. five-million mark. A study published in flow. moovel refers to this as an moovel North America, based in July 2018 by The Insight Partners “operating system for urban mobility”. Portland, Oregon is the USA’s leading indicates that the global MaaS market One of the most important provider of mobile-ticketing apps that has strong growth prospects. According components of this operating system enable customers to book and pay for to the study, the market will see annual is the mobility app – an interface tickets using their smartphone. moovel growth of 34 percent between 2018 and between cities, transit authorities, and products are used by five million people 2025 and is anticipated be a USD360 end users. This allows users to book – an increase of 71 percent, adding two billion market in 2025. and pay for public transportation million users over the past 12 months. For further information visit: tickets as well as other mobility “We are, of course, pleased that five www.moovel-group.com UK’s National Body Repair Association launching investigation into insurer treatment of collision repair industry The UK-based National engineer. Over time, most repairers with representatives from the top Body Repair Association joined insurer networks with fixed insurers and our aim is to lobby and (NBRA) recently contracts and regular work volumes, collaborate with them individually announced it is launching which worked well for both parties. and work together in the interests of an investigation into Eventually, as insurer supply chain repairers to increase their long term insurer treatment of the body repair management became more prosperity, standards, and industry. The aim of the investigation advanced and repairers became so importantly, the ongoing relationship is to understand which insurers act reliant on the work, the overall between the two entities. By working responsibly in true partnership with balance of power between the two in a positive way and building on the industry and those that may be entities has arguably shifted firmly best practice already out there, we taking advantage of their power. towards the insurers. have already seen insurer Chris Weeks, Director of the “As a first step, NBRA is initially willingness to engage, listen and NBRA said, “In the last 20 years, the asking for members and non- change in a controlled way when working relationship between member repairers to complete a presented with honest opinion. This insurers and body repairers has detailed and confidential insurer is an important piece of work and changed drastically. Originally, attitude survey, which began in we are calling on the whole repair consumers selected their own car August, with the results to be collated industry to get involved.” body shop, which estimated the time by the end of September, depending This article courtesy of Russell to complete the repair and charged on how quickly the NBRA gets a Thrall III, publisher CollisionWeek. what they thought was a fair rate significant response back,” Weeks Check out their website at: following negotiations with a motor continued. “We have been liaising www.collisionweek.com

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THE EDUCATION PROGRAM AT THE EXCLUSIVE 2018 SEMA SHOW, SCHEDULED FOR 30TH OCTOBER TO THE 2ND NOVEMBER IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, WILL OFFER SHOW GOERS MORE THAN 100 SEMINARS FOCUSED ON HELPING AUTO-RELATED BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS SELL MORE PRODUCTS AND BE MORE PRODUCTIVE.

Most sessions are available free of charge to those with SEMA Show credentials and cover a variety of topics, including: • Thriving in your career while staying true to your beliefs with Megan Alexander • Defending against the data breach • Addressing forbidden topics to get to back to work • Advanced vehicle technology: practice, policy and challenges • Motorsports media workshop “What separates SEMA Show Education from other learning conferences is the diversity of programming that is offered. Whether your interest rests in data security, marketing, finance, technology, leadership or collision, the SEMA Show with the Society of Collision Repair various times throughout the event. has created sessions to help your Specialists (SCRS), the Inter-Industry “The Education Program offers a business succeed,” said SEMA Senior Conference on Auto Collision Repair comprehensive learning experience Education Director Zane Clark. “With (I-CAR) and the Tyre Industry that shows how to compete in today’s over 20 distinct learning tracks Association (TIA), the SEMA Show marketplace,” said Peter MacGillivray, available, the SEMA Show is an Education sessions are taught by SEMA Vice President of Events and extremely valuable, efficient and industry leaders and business experts Business Development. “The seminars resourceful event where companies from all over the world. To make it teach everything from how to better can send their employees to benefit easy and convenient for show goers to promote products and grow a from the education program and the attend the seminars, sessions begin business to how to use industry tools Show’s overall experience.” the day before the official opening of for professional development and Created through a partnership the SEMA Show and continue at career advancement.”

To view the entire 2018 SEMA Show Education program, visit www.semashow.com/education.

24 –SEMA UPDATE OCTOBER 30–NOVEMBER 2, 2018 • LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

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WE REPORT ON THE MOBILITY, TECHNOLOGY AND SAFETY SYMPOSIUM RECENTLY HELD IN MELBOURNE. WE WERE THRILLED BY THE LEVEL OF INTEREST AND ENGAGEMENT IN THIS CUTTING-EDGE EVENT.

Ian Christensen addresses the delegates.

The symposium kicked off in style as delivery services, focussing on the delegates from around the country efficiency and reliability of their gathered for the what was a first of its operations and their supply chains. kind in Australia. Initially mingling with • Stakeholders who manage the road each other and absorbing the and rail networks that are used by impressive displays, demonstrations the first two groups, whose and information from our sponsors, challenge is to cope with the delegates could sense that something demand for mobility from a strongly special was in the wind. growing population. In the morning session, key note Christensen stated that the speaker, Ian Christensen, Managing biggest single mobility challenge is the Director – iMOVE Australia, got the growing congestion issue in our major ball rolling by painting the big picture cities. He highlighted the cost to our as he outlined the major transport and economy and indicated that iMOVE mobility trends that are impacting our Giles Wallis. has been given a ten-year mandate to industry. Initially, many in the audience work on solutions to this critical issue. wondered where Ian was going, but as movement of people, predominately As he said, there are no quick-fixes or the presentation unfolded, it was clear the public transport sector and their easy answers, and building more roads he was setting the scene for what was suppliers, with a focus on improving is not the answer, particularly with the to become a riveting day. the journey experience. rate of population growth in Australia. iMOVE is working on three • Stakeholders involved in the Some of the solutions may distinct, but inter-related projects: movement of goods, such as freight include: car sharing, ride sharing and • Stakeholders involved in the companies, large retailers and multi-modal options, many of which

26 –INDUSTRY EVENT ------INDUSTRY EVENT------

have become possible on the back the latest technology. However, one of the major impediments is the acceptance of shared mobility solutions, although we are seeing a generational shift towards greater acceptance of “mobility as a service”, or MaaS, as it is more commonly known. The presentation was the precursor to the first discussion panel, where Christensen was joined by Geoff Gwilym, Executive Director VACC, Mario Dimovski, Managing Director, Tradiebot Industries and Samantha Cockfield, Lead Director Road Safety Transport Accident Commission of Victoria. The discussion commenced with a reflection on the congestion issue and there was universal agreement that it is the biggest single issue impacting our mobility and the efficiency of our transport systems. However, there was much debate about how the technology and greater levels of automated and autonomous vehicles will improve the situation. As Gwilym pointed out, “Even if I had a fully autonomous vehicle tomorrow, I’d still be stuck on the Monash at 10kph.” The Technology Panellists. Whilst there was no real argument on this point, it was agreed that it is important to separate the congestion issue from the vehicle technology in the short to medium term. It is the advent of the ever-evolving technology that will allow us to find smarter solutions in the longer term. Dimovski, a pioneer of the use of robotic technology in body shops, implored the audience to embrace the technology and the changes they bring as they will be inevitable. “Our industry will never be the same again,” he said. An interesting twist on the The Mobility Panellists. congestion issue is that it has a positive effect on the road toll and people across Australia grappling with brands. Atkins informed us about Cockfield has no doubt that the recent the problem. digital trends, such as peer-to-peer improvements that have resulted from Immediately after the lunch break, disruptors, industry aggregators and the TAC’s initiatives will continue with delegates where “exposed” to Stu the pros and cons of “big data”, the Towards Zero campaign Atkins, an internationally-renowned together with the importance of social It was generally accepted that presenter and self-declared digital media as a means of connecting with problems on our roads will continue entrepreneur who delivered an customers. One of the more telling for some time to come and, in fact, are insightful view of how the connected comments was the significance of likely to get worse, or even much world in which we live presents us “word-of-mouse” – the information on worse, before they get better. with so many opportunities to market the internet about your business. Atkins However, there are some very smart our businesses and enhance our kept the audience entertained with his

The National Collision Repairer – 27 ------INDUSTRY EVENT------

The Bosch Team Steve O'Brien – iBodyshop

overview of the latest European technology and how it is changing the collision repair industry – surely a sign of things to come. However, the discussion turned to the challenge of how best to ensure our future technicians have the required skillsets, with Gigliotti making the salient point that the industry is now complex and high-tech, attributes that are highly attractive to the next generation of tradespeople – we, as an industry, need to find a better way to market these benefits. This became a key tenet of the The Capricorn Display discussion as it is well-recognised that own relaxed and engaging style and emergency calls, “over-the-air” software the dearth of new technicians is one of the more difficult challenges faced by summarised the topic by giving the updates and predictive diagnostics. our industry. Czvitkovits reinforced that, audience a “to-do” list that included • Electrification, which included the as the motor vehicle is one of the most understanding the changing demands transformation of the powertrain, “high-tech” pieces of equipment on the and being first to move with the new regenerative braking and thermal planet, training the next generation and direction of the industry. These, he efficiency. re-training the current pool of suggested, would add immediate value. • Automation and the importance of technicians will be a key success factor And, just as the delegates were calibration to ensure all the systems for all the industry’s stakeholders. From absorbing this exposé, Giles Wallis, are functioning correctly, and the use an insurer’s perspective, Bartlett spoke National Marketing Manager – Bosch of crash data retrieval. of their commitment to a safer world Automotive Aftermarket Australia, This really set the scene for the and reinforced the importance of demonstrated why their tagline is final panel discussion. suitably-trained technicians using the “Invented for Life”. The presentation Barry Edney – Integrated correct repair procedures. began with an overview of the Commercial Excellence, dialled in from As the event came to a close, it megatrends, such as an aging Amsterdam and joined Rob Bartlett – was clear that it was the sponsors population, growing urbanisation, higher Suncorp, Mark Czvitkovits – I-CAR, who got behind the initiative, the energy demands and accelerating Bernadette Gigliotti – Career speakers and panellists who connectivity. Wallis illustrated how Bosch Education Association of Victoria, and contributed, and the delegates who was at the forefront of technological Darren Todd – Bosch, to discuss both were in the room who were the real advancements in the automotive today’s and tomorrow’s technology beneficiaries, and these are the people industry with their collaboration with at and how it will impact our industry. It who will make the difference and lead least ten global OEMs in the was clear that the technology is the way in the coming years. development of their technology. advancing at such a rate that we can We were really excited to bring this The main thrust of the barely keep up, although, according to event to the industry and were thrilled presentation was: Todd, compared to what is coming, by the level of engagement – the • The connected environment, which what we have now is relatively conversation has now begun, and we included an overview of auto straightforward. Edney provided an look to build on it as we move forward.

28 –INDUSTRY EVENT SYMPOSIUMSYMPO SIUM2018 Mobilityy,, TechnologyTTeechnologgy & Saffeeety

Thankyou We wish to acknowledge and thank the following industry-leading organisations for their sponsorship of our inaugural Symposium.

www.nationalcollisionrepairer.com.au/industry-forum ------THE CAR GUY------

WITH JOHN McCOY-LANCASTER The heartbeat of the nation

WITH ALL THE GREAT DISCUSSIONS HAPPENING IN RELATION TO THE FUTURE OF THE CAR SCENE IN RECENT MONTHS, IT WAS GREAT TO SEE THE TRUE PASSION COME OUT TO SUNSHINE AND TWO VERY BIG EVENTS IN SYDNEY IN JULY AND AUGUST. THE ALL FORD DAY AND ALL HOLDEN DAY SHOWS WERE HELD A WEEK APART IN SYDNEY. BOTH THE SHOWS ARE PUT ON BY COMMITTEES REPRESENTING A RANGE OF CLUBS FOR EACH MARQUE.

The 41st All Ford Day cars represented the best that Ford again. In 1971, five of the top 10 cars at There were just over 1,300 entrants for have delivered to motorsport in this the conclusion of the race were XY GT the event, which was held at the country from the 60s, 70s, 80s and Phase IIIs. But it wasn’t just the Sydney Dragway. The entrants, along 90s. The drool-worthy Moffat Trans- notorious touring cars on display. The with close to 10,000 spectators, were Am Mustang was on display, as were brutally fast Big O XW GT Falcon of treated to an amazing display of very Brock and Johnson Sierras. There was Larry Ormsby was also there after a rare Fords from the early 1900s all the also a factory-backed Galaxy, as well recent restoration and with the way up to the very recent Mustangs. as a range of very special Bathurst appropriate period stickers on every Cars from around the state and racing Phase 2 and 3 Falcons. Moffat’s panel. These cars represent a time around the country were on display. 1971 Hardie Ferodo 500 Bathurst- when Ford backed many different Of particular note were the race cars. winning XY GTHO Phase III was on forms of motorsport in Australia. For 2018, there were some truly display, and next to it was the still- Ormsby was very successful in drag delectable racing Fords on display born Phase IV XA GT Falcon. What a racing right across the country and from various private collections. These picture to see these two cars together the recent restoration is a tribute to all involved. The current owner also managed to track down the exact Ford D series transporter for the car. The range of road cars that participated included Fords of all ages, sizes and performance. This day is a celebration of the cars that Ford has made all around the world. There were vehicles representing the Ford Blitz. Ford Prefect 2C Car. manufacturing that Ford did for World War 2. A fully restored Ford Blitz truck was driven to and from the event. I can just imagine the joy of riding high into the event in the fully sprung driver’s seat. It should be noted that this is only for the driver and not for any passengers – they have to sit on a solid wooden bench! One early car that caught the eyes of many who passed had strange bronze-coloured striping that lit up in the sunlight. Upon GT Phase 3 and 4. closer inspection, the 1950s Ford

30 –THE CAR GUY ------THE CAR GUY------

Prefect was tastefully covered with Australian 2 cent pieces down the sides, on stripes across the roof, and over the entire bonnet. There were also 2 cent pieces decorating the hubcaps. This car even has special number plates that detail the owner’s combined passions for his Prefect and for Australian money. The Mustangs turned up in big numbers and, seeing as these cars are now available at the local Ford dealers, there were modern examples mixed in with classic ones of all shapes and engine configurations. There was even a tease of a liveried version, which is what we will see coming very soon to a track near you for the Virgin Supercars in 2019. GT40.

The 34th All Holden Day The sheer size of the location in Sydney’s north-west, the Hawkesbury Showgrounds in Clarendon, allowed for a swap meet to coincide with the event, and there were all sorts of car parts, memorabilia and garage collectibles available for those who walked around the site to take home. It was interesting to see people picking up spare headlights, guards, wheels, and even stainless-steel trim to support their next restoration. The event committee now limits the entrant numbers to about 800 cars (for 2018 it was 817). Even so, the car parks around the event are filled with other of all ages and become part of the spectacle. There Monaros old and new. were just over 8,000 people who travelled to see the event. All up, they raised over $42,000 on the day for a range of charities, with an even $10,000 being donated to the farmers suffering in the drought. As it is the 50th anniversary for Monaro, there was a good range of different body styles from the HK-T-G through to HX, and then a good range 1984 VK Big Banger Group C. 1978-79 HDT A9X. of late model Monaros on display as well. One of the most detailed recent long line of Monaros there on the day. next to each other, with many taking restorations was an HQ Monaro coupe The Toranas were also there in photos and hearing stories of these in splendid orange. This car is correct large numbers, and it was great to see amazing cars. Not far away, though, in every detail and is one of the best some of the late 70s A9X racing cars was a group of cars from the previous HQ coupes in the country. It was on display. The Bob Morris and collection of Peter Champion, who proudly on display at the front of the Graham Smelt A9X cars sat proudly collected a number of Peter Brock’s

The National Collision Repairer – 31 Minutes ------THE CAR GUY------5with ...

Kim O’Neill 3M Australia When did you join the industry? Morris’ SS Torana A9X. 5 years ago! race cars. They are now coming up for some represented the fully What was your first job in the industry? auction after the event customised vans of the late 1970s Marketing Co-ordinator, 3M Collision this year. The cars on display and early 1980s with fully decked Repair Solutions included the 1981 VC Brock Race car, out interiors. Some even had the What do you do now? the A9X from 1978–1979, and the appropriate bumper stickers. Product Manager, 3M Collision Repair 1984 05 “Last of the Big Bangers” VK A sign of the times is that one of Solutions. Brock Commodore (with eye piercing the largest clubs on the day was the What do you like about the industry? day-glo orange paint). Peter Brock SS Owners Club with a full range of confirmed this is the actual 05 car Working in an industry where people are Commodores from 1980 through to that crossed the finish line at passionate about their work and care for 2017 on display. Most of these were Bathurst in 1984, followed closely by the industry’s future. We also get to give either SS models or high-performance away some great prizes, such as our the 25 car driven by John Harvey. variants. There were so many other current ‘win a trip to SEMA’ supercharge Champion was actually sitting down specials promo. Also, introducing painters with members of the HDT Owners Holden highlights on the day and so to Chip Foose makes for a pretty Club on the day and enjoying the many great people to meet. enjoyable day’s work! opportunity to hang out with like- Both the All Ford Day and All Holden Day are annual events and What don’t you like about the industry? minded souls. Apart from the Brock highlight the continued passion for I think the rate of change can be hard to race cars, there were also a number keep up with, particularly as product of Holden Dealer Team (HDT) road Australian-built cars. Both events development and commercialisation isn’t cars on display. These cars were were well attended by spectators on always as quick as you’d like it to be. made by Brock from 1980 to 1987 beautiful sunny days. May we and many are kept standard to his continue to celebrate all the great Your Favourite Artist? modifications and represent some of Last concert I went to was Meg Mac and cars and stars of our history of the best driving Holdens made in she’s still on high - rotation automotive manufacturing in this Australia in those years. country. Being able to attend or be Your favourite drink? Speaking of Toranas, there was part of these events shows how we AM = Coffee, PM = Wine even a special SS Torana hatchback continue to learn, once again, that our Your hobbies? Reading, swimming, on display, complete with the Hatch cars are so much more than just Hutch. This was a 1970s tent made eating – if I had endless $$, travelling. metal, glass and rubber. specifically for the Torana hatch and Who in the world would you most was an option from the dealers. It like to meet? John’s love of custom and I’d join Amy Poehler and Jerry Seinfeld helped make the car attractive to the Australian youth of the time for restored cars has seen him in one of his ‘comedians in cars getting become an industry leader in camping and enjoying the great coffee’ episodes. the activities of car clubs and outdoors. Also on display was a automotive enthusiasts across range of Holden Sandman vans. Australia and around the world. PROUDLY SPONSORED BY Some of these were original and

32 –THE CAR GUY ------INDUSTRY EVENT------FixAutoAustralia One Family – One Vision

THE FIX AUTO AUSTRALIA NETWORK AND STAFF CAME TOGETHER FOR THEIR INAUGURAL CONFERENCE UNDER THE THEME: ONE FAMILY, ONE VISION.

The Fix Auto Australia family came together in Adelaide from 3rd to 5th August for their first national conference as One Family, with One Vision. Over 40 franchisees, valued suppliers, partners, and team members from Fix Auto experienced interactive sessions, informative presentations, and compelling speakers in the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel. Delegates were treated to several inspiring and spirited keynote speakers, including Paul Martin, National Manager Assessing Strategy integrated with a charity fundraiser. united by one brand and one vision,” at Allianz. Paul provided key insights Through the efforts and donations of Fix commented Fix Auto Lake Macquarie into the industry from an insurer’s Auto delegates, $2,500 was raised for owner, Jason Whittaker. “The perspective, discussing the challenges the Ronald McDonald House in conference showed the strength of the and opportunities provided by Randwick, Sydney, NSW. Fix Auto family and our power as an consolidators such as Fix Auto. “Fix Auto Australia has recently aftermarket repair network.” Key speaker Stephen O’Brien, celebrated its second anniversary, and “It was great to get together with Managing Director, DNS Technology, it is more important than ever for us the Fix family and see some of the gave insights into the power of the to come together, reflect and discuss tools being developed by the team to iBodyshop platform and how it can our achievements as a network, and help better our business,” agreed assist Fix Auto in achieving predictable where we plan to be in the future,” conference delegate Lana Pagiamtzis, consistency in operating systems. Finally, said Terry Feehan, Head of Business, of Fix Auto Mulgrave. Jeff Williams, chairman of the Australian Fix Auto Australia. “All of our “Following Australia’s first Fix Auto Motor Body Repairers Association attendees at this conference are the national conference, we were able to (AMBRA), gave an interactive Q&A pioneers and the foundation of our Fix recap on our achievements so far and session covering the value of industry Auto network. Our mission is to see how much we have grown as a standards and the need to ensure a continue delivering the quality repairs network,” added Travis Arnold from Fix professional, competitive, compliant and and premium service customers and Auto Morley. “As a team, we were able to sustainable motor body repair sector. work providers expect. With the set structured goals that will enable us Updates from the Fix Auto industry constantly evolving, Fix Auto to drive our business forward in 2019.” marketing and operations teams gave in Australia is now seen as the local Feehan concluded: “This conference the conference delegates a look into the solution for accident repairs, and part not only gave our team the opportunity agenda for this year and beyond, while a of the global solution to the to network and share experiences with presentation from Ralph Marks, Regional aftermarket industry as a whole. other members of the Fix Auto family, but Manager, NOVUS glass, gave strategic Having established the pioneers, we also provided the industry insights, tools insights into the synergy offered by are now poised to expand the Fix and thought-provoking leadership to help combining the Fix Auto and NOVUS Auto model in Australia.” better their business. It was fantastic to brands. As well as a platform to discuss Fix Auto strategic franchise spend the time with our incredible and share best practices, and illustrate partners left the conference united as franchise partners and team, and to the next steps for Fix Auto Australia, the a family, and ready to work together reaffirm that we are all on the same path, event provided an opportunity for a towards a common goal. “Great to see heading for the same destination as One wine tasting and team building activity like-minded individuals together and Family, with One Vision.”

The National Collision Repairer – 33 -----INTERNATIONAL EVENT------IBIS 2018 Challenging Perspectives Global Summit

OUR SOUTH AFRICA PUBLISHING PARTNER REPORTS FROM MUNICH AS THE WORLD’S ‘MOVERS AND SHAKERS’ COME TOGETHER TO DISCUSS THE GLOBAL TRENDS SWEEPING ACROSS THE COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY.

The bell rings at 9:00am and the world’s industry movers and shakers take their place for the grand opening of the summit inside a huge convention centre at the Hilton Munich Park Hotel in Germany. With a who’s who of the world’s key players in many diverse areas of the business in attendance, this two-day intensive think tank on key areas of activity will see a host of specialist speakers strut their stuff.

Setting the scene IBIS CEO, Jason Mosely, takes care of the welcome and house rules as the delegates Paul Steele. Steve Young. settle down for the first presentation while Paul Steele, sales director – DACH, What’s behind the numbers? graves for the modern car. A sort of TrustPilot, hovers in the wings. Steve Young, managing director of weird bright spot for accident counters The first presentation of the day is ICDP, a cross-industry consulting in body shop businesses is the fact that “Can the customer make a company, delivered his presentation drivers using their mobile phones and difference?” Steele started out by entitled, “What’s behind the distracting infotainment devices are a saying that in the world today, over a numbers?” He took a look as far as major cause of accidents right now. So, third of the car-buying public now do 2030, where Europe will see around the decline in crash rates are not yet at it online in order to get a better deal. €45billion being generated by collision levels where the safety-conscious It is happening more than ever before, repair concerns while the projected brigade would like them to be. and dealers are looking to increase turnover of mechanical repair shops Along with all of this is a clear conversion rates on the internet for would be more than double that at indication that vehicles were lasting the online buyers by using elements of €130billion. Motor parts turnover will longer, but the well-documented award trust and keeping their eye on the be around €75billion as car parc of a $42 million payout for a poor content to build credibility for their numbers increase across Europe, Honda repair in the US was a clear services. The car-buying public will particularly in Italy. indicator of how a poor-quality repair visit less and less dealerships for their Accident rates are predicted to may impact on a body shop’s activities. proposed purchase and the worry is drop by some 27% in the future as Chaos theory what will happen to the front-line staff driver safety legislation powers ahead. Andrew Marsh, director, Auto Industry at dealerships inside their million-a- This has also been the primary cause of Insider, is no stranger to the industry. month rented showrooms across the increased technology in cameras and He set out his theories on the chaos world as we know it today. body construction, which add to early that exists from manufacturers as well

34 –INTERNATIONAL EVENT -----INTERNATIONAL EVENT------

Andrew Marsh. as the implementation of camera ahead as the tsunami of new electronic of new players emerging. Key enablers safety technologies as he described technology washes over the traditional for electric and autonomous vehicles each motor makers’ idea of the perfect standards of repair that we know today. were revealed, with drivers moving to car, including 3D cameras, night vision So, the message is quite clear: increased vehicle sharing and motor cameras, ultrasound, dead reckoning repairers must now embrace new makers moving down the value chain sensors, short range radar, long range electronics, software systems, to keep their place with the customer. radar and other Lidar sensors that are networks and big data, and strive to now embedded in new vehicles. Marsh, meet new commercial partners and Panel discussion in his charismatic, dotty professor invest in staff and training accordingly. A panel discussion with Frank Liu, approach, then told a fairly baffled CEO of Fix Auto China, and Michael audience how the VW VAS approach The future of mobility Wilmshurst, chief executive of was used to realign all this stuff to pre- After the Hilton chefs had weaved a Nationwide Accident Repair Services, accident condition with the correct bit more magic for lunch, everyone took centre stage to discuss various wheel alignment equipment. headed back for the important growth scenarios in their respective He then moved on to the Nissan afternoon session, when the future of markets in the body shop repair Micra CMOS camera calibration mobility came under the spotlight operational side. function, which was completely with a strategic view of the next They all have to push hard in different in every way, with its own decade in all things automotive was every area to maintain their profits targets, wall-mounted while static, and presented by Dirk Utman (senior with Fix Auto now having over 40 explained that downloading the app manager consultant, risk advisory, operations up and running in China, was vital in putting the car together automotive Deloitte) and Philipp according to Liu. Wilmshurst said that properly, stage by stage. Enderle (consultant, strategy and repairs had to be carried out and With giant steps forward predicted operations, Deloitte Germany). completed at reasonable costs. in new methodologies in collision Deloitte’s specialised sector spans 150 In China, with 4,000 body shops avoidance systems and governing countries in the Americas, EMEA and Asia- currently trading, Liu said there is always bodies powering ahead, with lane Pacific and offers an end-to-end package a big need to keep up to speed on departure warnings soon to be for their corporate customers from delivery times quoted, while Wilmshurst mandated in Europe for heavy duty business growth, operational excellence, said that the average cost of repair in the vehicles, and the introduction of auto finance, digital and technology to people. UK was approximately £1,600. brake standards for bus makers inside The problem now is that a number of disruptive forces are the EU by September this year, it seems This article courtesy of that future trends are arriving ever challenging the traditional business Claire Macfie of Automotive sooner. Marsh says that, by around 2030, model because of the speed of Refinisher magazine – the self-calibration will become the order of change, with major differences coming voice of the African the day within the three distinct in urban mobility. Some companies are collision repair industry. technology groups. Having said that, offering full service leasing and multi- Check out their website at www.autoref.co.za there are plenty of unknowns that lie brand fleet portfolios, with a number

The National Collision Repairer – 35 ------CUSTOM CORNER------

WITH OWEN WEBB

Back to the ’50s Minneapolis2018

I REGULARLY START THIS COLUMN WITH A “WOW” OR SIMILAR EXPRESSION, AND THIS ONE IS NO DIFFERENT. ALL THE EVENTS I ATTEND IN THE US ARE “WOW”, BUT ALL FOR DIFFERENT REASONS.

Opening Day.

Some are the number of Muscle cars, others are exceptional vehicles, some are about the race tradition, but “Back to the 50s” in Minneapolis on 22nd to 24th June was the sheer size of the event. It is held at the Minnesota state fairgrounds, covering over 200 acres with 12,000 vehicles and over 200 vendors. When you add the 150,000 spectators and buddies, it really was a city for the three days. I had heard that this is the largest car event in the US, which I found hard to believe, but now that I’ve seen it, I think this event and the Street Rod Nationals in Louisville are by far the largest events in the US outside of SEMA. Back to the ’50s is a pre-1964 event, which makes it even more amazing. I believe the reason for the The Foose-built Madam X. size of this show is that it’s the first real

36 –CUSTOM CORNER ------CUSTOM CORNER------

You can have this for only $10k.

Jon Kandy's Brandywine Olds. Typical old Gasser.

The great Jon Kosmoski. The Dave Kindig set up. opportunity the locals get to drive along with heaps of rat style vehicles. memorabilia and parts available there. their cars after winter storage. This is still a huge movement in the US Swap meets are big in the US, with Something else I never really with some crazy mechanicals in this one covering the full 20 acres on understood was that the majority of chopped up bodies, including a lot of the Sunday. car owners from right across the north patina paint with good engineering. It had been wet for the month store their cars in sheds, barns, aircraft All the top name vendors were leading in, but the weather was hot hangers and wherever else they can there with their rigs – Meguiars, and humid and great for the cars and remove the wheels, drain the fluids and Edelbrock, PPG, Lokar, 3M, Ford and cruising. If you like pre-64 cars and cover them up over winter. It’s a big Chevrolet Performance, many builders almost all types of vehicles, this is an deal to get them out and drive them as including Rad Rides, Dave Kindig and event you should try and get to. Back they really only get six months at the heaps of smaller builders chasing jobs. to the 50’s, which has been going for most to enjoy their cars up here. House of Kolor had a great line-up of over 45 years, is looking strong for Another feature of this event is that it’s cars painted by Bo from Vesico quite a while yet. all outdoor, driving around the custom shop in Minneapolis and Jon fairgrounds, parking in the fairground Kosmoski had his personal cars there streets and outside cruising the city. and was firing as good as ever. There Owen is the Business Like all the other US events, the police were also two huge pavilions with Development Manager of don’t hassle the entrants who own over 30 vendors in each. Motoractive. He is also a some really outrageous cars, as long as There were quite a few cars for leading figure within the they’re not doing anything stupid. sale; no real bargains over the first few auto re-styling and vehicle modification There were quite a few show cars, days, but Sunday was swap meet day industry. but the majority were nice drives and some cheaper cars, great

The National Collision Repairer – 37 ------TECHNOLOGY------SuperCruise Cadillac’s Self-drive Technology

CADILLAC RECENTLY ANNOUNCED IT WOULD ROLL OUT THE HIGHWAY SELF-DRIVING FEATURE SUPER CRUISE AS AN OPTION TO ALL ITS US MODELS STARTING IN 2020, FOLLOWED BY “OTHER GM BRANDS”.

Unlike Tesla’s Autopilot, which Just because the driver is supposed to demands drivers keep their hands on watch the road doesn’t mean the shop the wheel, Cadillac calls Super Cruise will duck responsibility (or bad PR) for “the world’s first true hands-free driver screwing up some aspect of the system. assistance feature”. The system, Consider the recent example in currently available for the CT6, lets the which a shop had to cover the bill after car drive itself on more than 130,000 its failure to properly restore and miles of freeway. calibrate a backup camera system However, there’s a catch: the using OEM procedures led to a driver must still pay attention and customer banging a 2014 Impala into can’t really do anything too interesting an Audi. The fact that the OEM tells with their hands, merely “common owners not to rely solely on the camera tasks, such as using the navigation and to pay attention clearly wasn’t system, adjusting the audio system or enough to get the shop off the hook, taking a phone call,” according to Kye Yeung. and arguably, nor should it have been. Cadillac. “Even while using Super As Society of Collision Repair “The Super Cruise driver assistance Cruise, drivers must always pay Specialists Chairman Kye Yeung feature is made possible by precision attention and not use a handheld (European Motor Car Works) observed LiDAR map data, high precision GPS, a device,” the OEM cautions. Super at the April Collision Industry state-of-the-art driver attention system Cruise software will monitor the and a network of camera and radar Conference, there will be a time, human with an interior camera and sensors,” Cadillac wrote. “It requires an probably right now, when a hybrid alert them if it deems the driver too active OnStar service plan with body-mechanical technician able to distracted. If a driver seems emergency services to function.” scan, calibrate and restore ADAS and incapacitated, the car will stop itself Currently, GM restricts CT6 structural SRS systems would be “the most and alert authorities with OnStar. parts and measurements to its certified important technician in your shop.” The cheapest version of Super network but permits cosmetic repairs. Yeung recalled a recent high-profile Cruise is a $US5,000 upgrade to the No other Cadillacs or GM vehicles are Tesla Autopilot crash and asked the $US65,295 Premium Luxury CT6 trim. so restricted. audience to consider the liability if the The option has been available on all Either way, some combination of vehicle had last been calibrated at Premium Luxury trims made after dealerships, collision repairers and glass their shop. So many vehicles have September 2017 and is standard on shops will need to be ready for this such technology, “it is our duty” to the 2018 Platinum trim. technology and follow OEM repair return them repaired to the best of the A Cadillac spokesman did not procedures or risk customer lives and shop’s ability with properly trained respond to an inquiry asking if the shop reputations. Witness the scrutiny employees, Yeung said. OEM will restrict repair capabilities whenever a Tesla crashes on Autopilot Cadillac also said it would offer given the proximity of Super Cruise (a system that arguably gives the V2X communications within a “high- sensory technology to “cosmetic” vehicle less responsibility than Super volume crossover by 2023 and repairable surfaces such as the Cruise) and imagine media and federal eventually expand the technology windshield and front end. investigators tearing into your work. across Cadillac’s portfolio.” The “V2X”

38 – TECHNOLOGY ------TECHNOLOGY------

abbreviation refers to a combination of “vehicle-to-vehicle” (V2V) and “vehicle-to-infrastructure” (V2I) technology in which the car can “talk” to other devices on the road, in theory allowing safety and efficiency activity like vehicles warning each other off from an impact and coordinating their movements with traffic signals. “National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that safety applications enabled by V2V and V2I could eliminate or mitigate the severity of up to 80 percent of non- impaired crashes, including crashes at intersections or while changing lanes.” Cadillac CT6 Supercruise. According to Cadillac, “Using the basic safety message as a base, V2V V2X with other OEMs. which is great for society but bad for can be extended to the roadway However, Toyota recently shop business, and the Cadillac and infrastructure and other roadway announced it would start producing Toyota announcements suggest this users (such as cyclists and V2V-equipped vehicles starting in trend could start early next decade. pedestrians), establishing a V2X 2021, “with the goal of adoption “The expansion of Super Cruise and ecosystem. Using V2X, compatible across most of its line-up by the mid- V2X communications technology vehicles can be notified of hazardous 2020s.” Toyota’s format uses seven demonstrates Cadillac’s commitment road conditions, traffic light status, channels on the 5.9GHz spectrum for to innovation, and to making changing work zones and more. With its DSRC, and safety and quality customers’ lives better,” GM global a range of nearly 1,000 feet, drivers communications manager Brian Lyons product development, purchasing and can be alerted to possible threats in said the system could communicate supply chain Executive Vice President time to avoid a crash.” with GM’s vehicles. “I know we talk to Mark Reuss said in a statement. “GM is The trick is having enough other them a lot,” Lyons said of General just as committed to ushering in a new devices able to listen to the “Caddy” Motors. He said GM, Nissan and Honda era of personal transportation, and and talk back. General Motors started were all “really high on DSRC”. technologies like these will enable it.” by installing 5.9 GHz dedicated short- Toyota’s system also sounded like range communications (DSRC) V2V what the NHTSA proposed in 2016. standard on the 2017 Cadillac CTS and However, it couldn’t communicate the system could “handle 1,000 with a different technology Ford plans messages per second from vehicles up to use for its V2X starting in 2019, This article courtesy of John Huetter of Repairer to about 1,000 feet away”, but OEMs according to Lyons. Driven Education (RDE). Check out their website with similar tech were hard to come Rapid adoption of a consistent at: http://www.repairerdrivennews.com/ for this by and Cadillac didn’t respond to an V2X across the auto industry seems and many other informative and educational inquiry about the compatibility of its likely to eat into collision frequency, articles on the collision repair industry

The National Collision Repairer – 39 ------FUTURE LEADERS------

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY IAG Future Leaders of the industry Trudy Camilleri.

THE LATEST FUTURE LEADER PRESENTATION WAS MADE AT THE NEW IAG CORPORATE OFFICE IN SUSSEX STREET, SYDNEY TO TRUDY CAMILLERI, FIRST YEAR TEACHER AT TAFENSW, ULTIMO.

Troy Johns, Industry Risk and Trudy, not unlike many who enter our reflected on Trudy’s Regional Gold Governance Manager for IAG, was the industry, found she did not really Medal at WorldSkills, mentoring the 33 MC for the occasion, which was associate with the formal education competitors at the recent 2018 attended by several representatives of system. Trudy was only too happy to National WorldSkills competition and IAG Insurance and TAFENSW, the work in her father’s shop, Cool Custom becoming a teacher so early in her Restorations in Leumeah. Johns went career. He congratulated Garry Clear National Collision Repairer and, most on to say that when Trudy left school and Rainer Malkki for their ongoing importantly, Trudy’s parents, Angelo after Year 10, she planned to be an support as he presented the award and Maria. engine builder but was convinced by and the two I-CAR training courses. Following the acknowledgement her father that her future was in “IAG is proud to support the Future of country, Johns commented that collision repair. Leaders of the Industry initiative and Trudy’s first thought was that she to support the next generation of auto could be the spray painter; however, body technicians. Trudy is a great role the business really needed an auto model for women considering a career body technician and it has been in her in the industry with her dynamic, can- blood ever since. Trudy did her do attitude,” he said. apprenticeship through Campbelltown In receiving her award, Trudy TAFE where she met her teacher, said, “I am forever grateful to Garry Frank Goodlad, who guided her and Rainer for their support over the through her years there. Building a years. I especially want to thank Mum great relationship with Goodlad, Trudy and Dad for everything they have often joked that one day she would done for me over the journey. I know come back and take his job. When at times it’s been tough, but you both Frank retired, she did just that. stuck by me.” Garry Clear, Head Teacher at Editor: IAG’s ongoing support and Ultimo TAFE, said that since joining his sponsorship of these awards is greatly team earlier this year, Trudy has found appreciated. We all wish Trudy every the experience interesting and success. I am quite sure we will see challenging: “Trudy has gained the more of her in the future. respect of the students and just goes from strength to strength. She has all the skills, determination, iag donates two I-CAR professionalism and is so future- courses valued at more than focussed – watch this space.” $500 to the Future Leader Steve Fitzpatrick, Executive that we feature each month Steve Fitzpatrick presents the award. General Manager, Short Tail Claims in this section

40 –FUTURE LEADERS ------LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT------

Honour Roll Acknowledging ...... Richard Nathan ...... David Weatherall ...... a lifetime of Terry Flanagan ...... Marshall Duncan ...... Graham Winter contribution ...... Jeff Hendler (Int) Criteria for induction into the National Collision Repairer Lifetime ...... Max Chanter Achievement Honour Roll ...... 1. A minimum of 10 years in the collision repair industry John Howes ...... 2. Contributions to the collision repair industry beyond the scope of their Robert Renwick (Int) local area ...... David Newton-Ross 3. Contributions to the collision repair industry beyond the scope of their ...... direct employment Wayne Phipps 4. Nominations shall come from within the collision repair industry on the ...... Richard Pratt nomination form with supporting rationale...... Bob Rees ...... A nomination form can be obtained from: Lance Weiss The National Collision Repairer ...... Mark Brady PO Box 3183, Dendy, Victoria 3186 ...... Email: [email protected] Don Wait OAM ...... Tel: +61 458 588 333 Tony Farrugia ...... Bob Christie The National Collision Repairer thanks and acknowledges the ...... John Zulian ongoing support of our sponsors ...... Tom Vukelic ...... Robin Taylor ...... GROUP Ray McMartin ...... Colin Edwards ...... Ian Wilkinson ...... Julie Thomas ...... Brian Johnson ...... Terry Feehan ...... Owen Webb OAM ...... Phil Nixon ...... Trevor Parkes ...... Tony Warrener OAM ...... Brenton Abbott ...... Michael Killen ...... Carl Tinsley ...... Per Madsen (Int) ...... Rex Crowther (Int) ...... Michael Wilkinson ...... Garry Clear ...... Cec Simpson ......

The National Collision Repairer – 41 ------STATE SIDE------

WITH JOHN YOSWICK Focussing yourResources

FROM EQUIPMENT TO MARKETING AND CALL CENTRES, BODY SHOPS SHARE HOW THEY FOCUS THEIR RESOURCES.

Most shop owners have no trouble rattling off a laundry list of items they’d like to invest their time and money into in order to improve their business. From marketing to new equipment, from OEM certifications to an upgrade of the shop’s office or “street appeal”, it can be hard to know what’s the best use of your limited resources. Here’s what shop owners across the United States say they’ve chosen to invest in this year and next. Their decisions may not jibe with what’s best for your business, but their thought process may help you narrow down your choices. Ron Nagy of Nagy’s Collision Repair, which operates 10 shops in Ohio, said some of those more recently acquired locations needed Elissa Larremore. Jim Guthrie. equipment to be brought up-to-date, leading to some significant capital offices is pretty heavy, and they be marketing,” the shop’s Mariah expenditures this year. “The other big weren’t getting it done for hours. The Sampson said. “We’re seeing the move we made was a central call second part of it is follow-up calls on industry starting to slow down, both in centre,” Nagy said. “All assignments customer service, accounts receivable, collision repair and car sales in go to the call centre and then are that type of thing. We’re trying to see general, so we want to make sure that dispersed out to the ten locations if we can do the work of three shop we’re maintaining our front-of-mind depending on scheduling and the location office staff with one person at awareness with our customers.” address of the customer’s work or corporate. So far, we’re real pleased Jim Guthrie of the Car Crafters home. We can already see the huge with it.” MSO in New Mexico said he is benefits of that.” Like a lot of shops, this year spending less money this year and Does he foresee a return on that American Auto Body in Montana has next on equipment for his multiple investment? “My CFO and controller been focusing on getting the training shops. “Our equipment investment has both ran the numbers on it. We were and equipment needed for OEM shop slowed for 2018 and will be slower in looking for two things. Firstly, faster certifications, and making sure its 2019,” he said. “Over the last four follow-up on DRP assignments, which technicians have ready access to OEM years, we have bought all kinds of we wanted to happen within 20 repair procedures. “Moving into 2019, booths, frame machines and welders, minutes. The workload in our shops’ one of our biggest focuses is going to all due to the OEM certifications that

42 – STATESIDE ------STATE SIDE------

we chased. I can see us adding a few more OEM certifications at some stores as far as steel repairs go, but aluminium will continue to be more specialised for a while.” Paul Sgro of Lee’s Garage in West Long Branch, New Jersey, is also spending resources on marketing. “Social media is the big avenue that we’re focusing on this year and next,” he said. “We feel you can get more for your money doing things of that nature than the old traditional ways.” “The big thing for us recently has been making sure our front office staff is properly trained, making sure they’re writing estimates properly and using the sources available to them: the I-CAR portal, ALLDATA and so on,” said Troy Lindquist of Premier Auto Body in Oregon. “OEM Ron Nagy. Troy Lindquist. certifications are next on our list. or semi-retire. What we’re finding are a pursue. But the reality is that, even in There are a couple of them we’d like lot of businesses totally unequipped to a market where there may not be a to have by the end of the year.” deal with what’s coming down the ton of Porsches or Audis or Mercedes, Scott Benavidez, owner of Mr. B’s there are some of those vehicles and Paint & Body Shop in New Mexico, road. That’s added dollars to the someone must serve those customers. said he, too, has been going after the retooling of a facility we acquire, but So, looking at ones where you can OEM shop certifications “for the cars on the other hand, it’s reduced the specialise is a way that you can still that I prefer that we work on”, and is purchase price. If you have to go in get a meaningful return in cases also trying some new approaches to and spend a half-million dollars on where you are the one who can repair marketing. “We’re doing some equipment, it certainly makes their those vehicles.” weekend events, like a women’s business worth that much less.” Whereas dedicated aluminium weekend, where we invite them in to Carubba said the company is repair space was a big focus for shops learn how to change a tyre, how to doing more marketing, particularly three or four years ago, he said, “I use the systems on their vehicles, or a through social media. “We’re think we’re just at the cusp right now back-to-school night where new developing an app for your phone that of conversation around investing in drivers can learn these things. That will put you in contact with our call dedicated calibration space.” He said community involvement is really centre and explain what to do in case he also sees shops investing more on helping our business.” of an accident,” he said. “We are also training, including “increased training For Elissa Larremore, who owns going back to grass-roots marketing. to develop specialty, top-end and operates CBS Collision, a 3-shop We have a couple of sales and technicians, as well as building a business in Louisiana, equipment and marketing reps paying close attention bench of entry-level team members acquisitions are on her radar. “We to civic groups, and we’re going back that can be developed internally.” have spent a lot on equipment over to hand-shaking, door-to-door, via It’s clear there are a myriad of the past 18 months, and we still have insurance agents.” things you can do to invest in your some equipment to add,” she said. Aaron Schulenburg talks with business – it’s just determining which “There’s also another location that I’d shops all over the country as part of is right for you. like to add – actually a couple of them, his work as executive director of the but one in particular. So we’re Society of Collision Repair Specialists, exploring that opportunity right now.” a US-based trade association. “I think John is a freelance writer “We’re always in an acquisition the OEM certifications absolutely are based in the United States mode,” echoed Sam Carubba, CEO of the way a lot of shops are going,” he who has been writing about Carubba Collision, which has 20 said when asked where shops are the automotive industry locations in upstate New York. “We put investing time and money. “Focusing since 1988, he is also the editor of the weekly a retired attorney on-staff who tracks on the brands of vehicles they see a Crash Network down people who have shown some lot of is a good piece of advice for www.CrashNetwork.com type of interest in looking to move on shops choosing which certifications to

The National Collision Repairer – 43 ------I-CAR UPDATE------

WITH MARK CZVITKOVITS

AUSTRALIA The most Valuable tool

AS TECHNICIANS AND BUSINESS OWNERS, THE MONEY INVESTED IN TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT IS OFTEN MINDBOGGLING TO THOSE NOT INVOLVED IN THE COLLISION INDUSTRY. OVER THE YEARS, THE EQUIPMENT HAS BECOME MORE TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED AS WE CONTINUE TO SEE HAND TOOLS THAT PROVIDE TECHNICIANS WITH ANOTHER LEVEL OF EFFICIENCY BEING DEVELOPED AND REFINED.

Recently I had the enjoyment of looking a return on investment is expected as as an industry we are only treading inside a Snap-On tool truck whilst I was they depreciate over time. They do, water when it comes to upskilling. in Newcastle. The memories came however, have a finite life and, as new Without training, it is difficult to acquire flooding back as I remembered technologies are introduced, some the knowledge that in turn increases sometimes giving half of my pay away equipment will need to be renewed to your skill level to understand the to buy certain tools that I needed to do conform to new repair requirements. complexity of cars today. my job. As I reminisced about this with Many collision experts from across Many businesses do not have the Snap-On representative, I informed the globe are calling this era of our training budgets; they only commit to him that I still have those tools, even industry “the technological tsunami” or training when they are forced or told to. after consistent use every day. Some of the perfect storm that is relentlessly The benefits of training that increases a these tools were purchased when I was attacking us from all sides. What we technician’s knowledge and betters their eighteen years old! seem to lack at times are the knowledge skills will be a return on investment every There have been, and always will be, and skills to navigate our way through! minute of every day, by delivering better demands on a business to ensure That’s right – knowledge and skills! efficiencies through understanding the efficiency and the ability to repair The most valuable tools in everyone’s complete repair. The question often vehicles correctly. Today, nothing has toolbox are their knowledge and skills. comes back as repairers ask, “who will changed when investing in tools, Unfortunately, quite often these are pay for the training?” It will be the person although the selection is obviously ignored or not developed enough to who paid for the spray booth you are greater due to the need to understand master and understand the current required to have, the spot welder you are the high technology in vehicles today. technology in vehicles. We spend required to have, the electronic We are seeing riveting, aluminium thousands and thousands of dollars on measuring, everything that is required in welding, more powerful spot welders, equipment that it is not used every a modern collision repair facility today. equipment that provides faster curing minute or even hour of every day, but All of these tools provide a return on for refinishes, more efficient measuring they are a necessity to deliver better investment when they are used. There is tools, a vast range of benches for every repairs. But what of the technician who no difference with training; the style of vehicle and the list goes on and must work every minute of every day technician will use their knowledge every on. Not to mention systems that manage repairing cars and at times not necessarily day and provide a return on investment workflow and customer relations: every understanding why it must be done in a with it. Better quality, more efficient and facet of your business is affected. certain way? There are no uniform safer repairs and a valued workforce. So, the question is: “What is the industry procedures and vehicles are built most valuable tool in your toolbox or differently, using any number of variations Mark is the CEO of I-CAR business?” in the materials in the structure. Australia. His mission is to Every one of your tools or This is where training will ensure ensure that the collision equipment is purchased to deliver that everyone who works on a vehicle repair industry understands improvements in efficiencies across a understands what is required in a the importance of having fully business, no matter how big or small. repair. The reality is that the technology trained personnel and They are, at times, very expensive and continues to throw up new waves, and knowledgeable technicians

44 –I-CAR UPDATE ------EVENTS & TRAINING------

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY SUNCORP

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The National Collision Repairer – 45 ------PRODUCT SHOWCASE------

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46 –PRODUCT SHOWCASE --PRODUCT SHOWCASE-- Minutes 5with ...

Fine grade Cubitron II abrasive discs from 3M Kasey Douglas 3M is excited to announce that the new, ceramic mineral into triangular 3M Australia finer-grade Cubitron II abrasive discs structures. These grains are and sheets were released in August. electrostatically oriented at exact When did you join the industry? They provide superior performance in intervals on the abrasive surface. The I started working at 3M 11 years ago and primer prep, primer sanding, e-coat result is an abrasive that cuts 30 joined the 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division (AAD) in 2010 sanding and bumper bar sanding. Panel percent faster and lasts twice as long beaters have been enjoying the as conventional ceramic abrasives. What was your first job in the industry? benefits associated with 3M Cubitron II They also run cooler, while producing Marketing Co-ordinator, 3M AAD products for a few years now; however, superior results on the surface. What do you do now? the painters will start seeing these The discs also incorporate the Marketing Manager, 3M AAD benefits with the introduction of the clean sanding hole construction, which What do you like about the industry? new fine grades: 240+ and 320+. 3M provides superior dust extraction I love being able to launch new products offers Cubitron II products for auto while maintaining the abrasive that enhance body shop efficiencies. I body repair jobs from cutting and performance demanded by the have recently launched 3M Perfect-It Fast grinding and finish sanding. technician. All these features Cut Plus Extreme and 3M Flexible Foam The 3M Cubitron II abrasives combined provide significant labour Abrasives. Lastly, check out the front family of PSG abrasive discs, wheels savings to the repairer which, when cover for 3M Cubitron II 240+ and 320+. and belts feature our precision-shaped compared to traditional ceramic What don’t you like about the industry? grain (PSG), the most advanced abrasive discs, aids in reducing your We are all so busy all the time so it’s abrasive technology in the collision total cost for the repair, resulting in difficult to get out and see customers as repair industry. 3M employs more profit per repair. much as I’d like to. microreplication technology to create To see these benefits for yourself a uniformly sized and precisely shaped contact 3M on: 136 136. What music do you like? Anything I can sing along to in the car CELETTE Naja 3D electronic measuring Your Favourite Artist? system approved by Volkswagen AG It changes all the time but at the moment, I’m really into Angus and Julia Stone CELETTE has announced the most valuable approval of its Naja 3D Your favourite food? Electronic Measuring System by Dessert – I always flip to the end of the menu first! Volkswagen AG, which is available under VAS811001/8 or in composition Your favourite drink? with Griffon VAS811001. Champagne CELETTE’S Naja Evolution 3D Your hobbies? software directly takes measurements It used to be snowboarding & horse riding from OEM-provided 3-D CAD but now I’m a mother of twins, so I don’t have much time for hobbies drawings and provides technicians with unique views of the control Who in the world would you most like to meet? points in relation to length, width and So, if you’re in the market for an I’d love to have dinner with Snoop Dogg height, allowing for an efficient electronic measuring system, buy the damage analysis on a database of best from the best – SAPE. Call our more than 14,000 items. office on Tel: (02) 9772 9000. PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

The National Collision Repairer – 47 ------PRODUCT SHOWCASE------

Green (or any other which produces a crisp, clear gloss finish, does not limit the versatility of colour) with EN-V EN-V Performance Clearcoat. Indeed, it Featuring a crisp, clear factory has the flexibility to fill virtually any role, appearance, PPG’s new generation from one panel to a full respray, and still EN-V Performance Clearcoat is generate a premium gloss finish. A designed to give any refinish colour a newly developed LVT-444 Clearcoat luxurious gloss finish. Accelerator Thinner also ensures it Technological developments answers the need for speed by giving a continue to drive improvements in the handy option to dramatically improve refinish paint shop and PPG’s new LVC- cycle time on smaller jobs. Accelerated 136 EN-V Performance Clearcoat is a mode is very straightforward (simply perfect example of a production-friendly mix LVT-444 Clearcoat Accelerator Thinner at 100%) and results in a bake solution for modern repairers. time slashed to just 15 minutes! Indeed, accuracy, PPG’s Envirobase High Formulated using PPG’s advanced resin combine a 15-minute bake with single Performance paint system (which now technology, this next generation visit application mode (a light, closed includes EN-V Performance Clearcoat) clearcoat arrives as part of the coat over the whole job before has cemented its place as the region’s ENVIROBASE High Performance paint immediately returning to the start and most popular refinish system – bar none! system. Featuring easy mixing and applying a full wet coat) and the Features of LVC-136 EN-V application characteristics, as well as productivity benefits of using EN-V Performance Clearcoat: fabulous flow and levelling qualities, it’s Performance Clearcoat are significant. • Advanced clearcoat resin technology ideal for reproducing a crisp, clear factory This next-gen clearcoat also • Crisp, clear, premium gloss matches appearance. What’s more, although it will continues PPG’s commitment to local “factory” finish reliably deliver superb gloss straight off manufacturing. Along with the majority • Simple mixing and easy application the gun, it’s also easy to polish, should it of products in the Envirobase High • Excellent flow and levelling straight be required. As an added bonus, EN-V Performance low-VOC range, EN-V off the gun Performance Clearcoat hardeners and Performance Clearcoat is manufactured • Easy to polish, if required thinners are common to most of PPG’s at PPG’s Clayton, Melbourne production • Accelerated mode low-VOC clearcoat range, making for plant. Thanks to its unique blend of eco- • Shares hardeners and thinners simpler mixing and less chance of errors, friendly credentials and no-fuss ease of • Locally manufactured. as well as reduced stock holding. use, combined with outright speed and For more information visit The next generation formulation, exceptional colour capability and www.ppgrefinish.com Pilot Air compressed air systems Compressed air systems are at the maintenance of your compressed air heart of the collision repair industry. system is vital in ensuring its They require periodic maintenance to operational efficiency and longevity. ensure the safety, efficiency, It will also save you money in the reliability and lifetime of the long term and help to avoid costly compressed air equipment. An breakdowns and loss of productivity. inadequate service routine can have The national network of over 50 a significant impact on energy experienced technicians perform on- consumption, creating lower site maintenance and repairs or not only service Pilot Air brand air compression efficiency, air leakage, provide service in our workshops. We compressors, we can also service or pressure variability. Poorly understand that you rely on your air and repair most other leading brands maintained equipment can lead to compressor to perform its function of air compressors. high operating temperatures, poor and when breakdowns happen, you Our comprehensive service offering moisture control, and excessive need it fixed – fast. We have service includes: contamination. Most problems are technicians operating from • Scheduled maintenance and minor and can be corrected by workshops in Sydney and Brisbane, preventative checks simple adjustments, cleaning, part plus a fleet of mobile technicians • On-site breakdown repairs replacement, or the elimination of ensuring quick response times. In • In workshop repairs adverse conditions. Just like addition to these, we have a service • Installation services premium cars, premium air agent network of over 50 service Book a service by emailing compressors also require servicing technicians available Australia-wide [email protected] or and maintenance. Scheduling regular who are on hand to assist you. We call 1300 667 579.

48 –PRODUCT SHOWCASE vev d er and Bed Liner and Protective Coating

e CoatingCoating hanehahan COUNTING DOWN TO THE FINAL The 2018 running of the PPG Colour Matching Competition is building to an exciting finale. Preliminary competitions are now completed and it has been wonderful to see so many apprentices from across the region take the opportunity to test their colour matching skills – well done to everyone who took part! For those who won through to the final, we look forward to seeing you at the final in Brisbane on October 12th to determine who will be crowned as 2018 champion!

www.ppgrefinish.com.au www.ppgrefinish.co.nz @PPGANZRefinish