THE VEHICLE DEALER’S NEWS SOURCE VOLUME 6 ISSUE 1 AUGUST 2019

Mass recall for Industry airbag SkyActiv engine azda’s haloed SkyActiv engine has been issued warnings not being Ma recall by the Australian Competition and Consumer Com- mission, and affects nearly 19,000 heard vehicles. A software fault has been discovered which Mazda otorists, vehicle owners and Australia’s franchised dealer network. says could cause major power loss, custodians of vehicles contain- ACCC quarterly figures show drivers and inability to restart the engine, Ming Takata airbags are still not in rural and regional communities, and potentially posing a danger if the hearing the warnings from the automo- those from culturally and linguistically vehicle suddenly stops in traffic. tive industry to have them removed. diverse backgrounds are at grave risk, According to the recall notice The Australian Competition and with around half a million Takata airbags published on the Product Safety Consumer Commission says even with still to be replaced. website, the powertrain control 80% of recalled Takata airbags removed In NSW, 1507 ‘alpha’ airbags - the module, responsible for control- from circulation since July 2017 by most at-risk inflator type remain, Victoria ling cylinder deactivation “may not dealers, remote communities are still in has yet to replace 1130 while humid operate correctly”. the dark about the dangers one airbag Queensland’s 793 ‘alpha’ Takata inflators If the fault arises, it “may cause unit poses. remain at high risk, just as WA has 183, an Intake Valve Rocker Arm to Since the mandatory recall began SA has 98 and the Northern Territory still move out of position and make in March 2018, nearly 77,000 vehicles has 38 high-risk climate-affected airbags contact with other internal engine have had their Takata inflator modules waiting to be replaced or unexpectedly parts,” the recall states. replaced every month, the equivalent of mis-deployed. Drivers would expect to see 4175 airbags per day being removed by Continued on page 10 the engine malfunction indicator light appear on the dashboard and INSIDE subsequently “the engine may lose Finding revenue in auto waste P4 power and may stall without the Talking tough times in Ballarat P6 ability to restart, increasing the risk Australia’s great fuel furphy P12 of an accident”. 4 12 The Skyactiv-G 2.5L petrol Old-school engine work in modern era P14 Continued on page 10

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2 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 NEWSTALK

Broker buyers beware

ew South Wales Fair Trading never heard of & Co or Kalimi. will take your deposit and not deliver has suspended and is inves- One three occasions, the woman your ,” she said. Ntigating Cars & Co Pty Ltd’s was told the car was coming from “Our experience was so stressful and licence for allegedly stealing deposits Sydney, but it never showed up. very unpleasant and even though for and full payments from their clients. Cars & Co signed a contract with whatever reason they could not deliver The trader business, which Auto- Volvo Cars Perth for a Volvo XC40 our vehicle, they still have not returned Talk published editorial on in Septem- worth $66,500. The woman was told our deposit,” she explains. ber 2018, sources new and demon- Kalimi would pay the difference to “Every day there was a new ex- strator vehicles from new car dealers make up for the lost time, but he never cuse until eventually phone calls and for both fleet and private buyers, plus did, and the car was sold to another messages are not returned,” she adds, the buy/sell of used cars, including customer. describing “several others in the same through consignment. She tried asking for her money back boat”. About $1.5 million has been stolen and got in touch with a lawyer to try Ringwood Hocking Stuart real estate according to WAtoday, from around 20 and retrieve it. agent Lee Fenech bought an AMG consumers in both Western Australia She is eligible for compensation of Mercedes through Cars & Co in mid- and New South Wales. up to $40,000 with the NSW Civil and 2017 but did not describe the same Fair Trading has confirmed Cars & Administrative Tribunal. experience. Co “may owe more than $600,000 to NSW Fair Trading commissioner “He [Kalimi] was absolutely fantas- consumers”. Rose Webb issued a public warn- tic. He sent me photos promptly and A woman, who wished to remain ing about Cars & Co, suspending the described the car in detail … organised anonymous, lost dealer’s licence and delivery to Melbourne and organised $58,250 to Cars & Co advising people not a great [deal] on my trade-in,” Fenech after being scammed. to deal with the says. Having done her company. “When the car arrived it was better research, but find- “Fair Trading has than described and he even followed ing no prior warnings received a total of 28 up with a courtesy call to see how I about Cars & Co, she complaints and 14 was enjoying it,” he added. engaged the purchase NSW Fair Trading enquiries about the Pakenham, Victorian customer and transferred the Shervin Kalimi, Commissioner trader between No- Craig Thom has made repeated posts $58,250 to Cars & Cars & Co Rose Webb. vember 26, 2016 and of the NSW Fair Trading Public Warning Co after dealing with June 7, 2019, with against dealing with Cars & Co. national sales associate Shervin Kalimi. 16 complaints under current investiga- The Cars & Co Facebook page last Kalimi told her the money was tion,” Webb says. posted on June 24 but remains active, needed to process the car and pay- On the Cars & Co Facebook page however, despite office hours being ment with a Perth dealer, but the a series of reviews corroborate similar 9am-6pm, the 1300 number dialled dealer was unaware of such a deal or encounters with the business. by AutoTalk during business hours was contract. One client, Nicole Williams, said in unanswered and directed to a messag- The woman realised something June 2018: “Potential buyers beware!” ing service. dodgy was going on when she rang “Cars and Co will source your car The Cars & Co website has been Volvo Cars Perth, who said they had and get you an amazing deal, then they deactivated.

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 | 3 NEWSTALK

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EDITOR Waging war on auto Scott (Muzza) Murray [email protected] +61 426 365 774 waste ONLINE EDITOR

Geoff Dobson new data-based organisation supplied local parts manufacturers to [email protected] +64 21 881 823 called ASPIRE aims to take the the factory production line at , Acostly process of waste disposal Ford and Toyota plants. and turn it into a revenue stream, with The business recycles more than BUSINESS MANAGER an emphasis on the . 3000 tonnes of thermoplastic – a non- Dale Stevenson The Advisory System for Processing, biodegradable plastic – every year, and [email protected] Innovation & Resource Exchange, born can turn old oil containers, bumpers and +64 21 446 214 out of the CSIRO’s Data61 specialist interior plastics into its signature Core-

RECRUITMENT / data arm, is now a standalone digital Flute sheeting, a warehouse storage PRODUCTION SPECIALIST marketplace designed to create a cir- option common for transitioning away Fran Da Silva cular economy for Australia’s growing from cardboard. [email protected] waste problem. McKenzie is in discussions with a +64 21 933 279 Director Cameron Mc- major council in Melbourne’s west to Kenzie tells AutoTalk the conduct a waste audit of the dealership automotive industry has a businesses in its municipality, which he GROUP GENERAL MANAGER significant role to play in says could break open the true extent of Deborah Baxter being socially responsible the automotive waste problem. But he [email protected] for its contribution to the wants to put dealers on the right side of +64 27 530 5016 waste crisis and actively the fence. working to turn back the Cameron Mc- “Dealers who want to be leaders in Kenzie, ASPIRE MANAGING EDITOR trash-tide. the waste industry and set an exam- Richard Edwards McKenzie says new car retailers ple for others can be part of a circu- [email protected] and the thousands of servicing and lar economy that is not only socially +64 21 556 655 repair workshops across the country responsible but equitable,” he says. all contribute directly and indirectly to “This programme could be massive PUBLISHER the problem and should not be making for the automotive sector; it’s about giv- Vern Whitehead excuses when it comes to pitching in. ing dealers and the wider auto industry [email protected] “Saying that it’s easier to send it to like body repairers and independent +64 21 831 153 landfill is a cop-out,” he says. workshops the tools to effectively re- Auto Media Group Limited makes “Dealers are currently paying to get duce their waste and recover resources,” every endeavour to ensure rid of these resources when it could be he explains. information contained in this publication is accurate, however turned into a profitable revenue stream ASPIRE says increased population we are not liable for any losses with someone else around the corner,” and affluence encourage waste produc- or issues resulting from its use. he explains. tion. As more people move to an area, ASPIRE works as a virtual meeting eat more food, buy more cars and build point to connect dealers and workshops more houses, waste is produced. And with other businesses who can hap- the CSIRO attributes nearly 80% of Aus- autotalk.com.au pily turn tyres, used oil, spark plugs and tralia waste generation to commercial, autotalk.co.nz oil filters, barrels of dirty fuel, crates of industrial, construction and demolition futuretrucking.com.au worn clutches, brake rotors and pads, activity. transporttalk.co.nz into something else. “The automotive industry needs to cre- evtalk.com.au One ASPIRE partner, Corex, has ate a system similar to the construction in- evtalk.co.nz developed a “cradle-to-cradle” solution dustry which is required by law to recycle wheeltalk.co.nz for reclaiming solid sheet thermoplastic its waste carefully,” McKenzie advises. products which once most commonly Continued on page 10

4 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 NEWSTALK

Inside a wheelarch is one of the most intense environments on a car. Wheels of fortune arbon fibre wheel designer and A forged aluminium wheel can be the fact half of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner manufacturer Carbon Revolu- as much as 870% noisier than a carbon is made of composite carbon fibre sug- Ction is taking great interest in the fibre wheel-steel wheels can be 1000% gests the business could have relation- rise of electric vehicles with big busi- noisier. ships with several industries outside of ness potential for the growing Australian The inherent benefits of carbon fibre automotive. company. wheels, Gass says, means OEMs in future “People once paid $10,000 for a car- Chief technical officer Brett Gass tells could design an entire vehicle around the bon fibre bike but can now get one for AutoTalk the Waurn Ponds business near engineering efficiencies of carbon fibre $500,” Gass continues. Geelong is well-positioned as an OEM wheels, and points to a bespoke Corvette Carbon Revolution is also heav- supplier of lightweight carbon wheels, with its ily vested in a dedicated SUV design and will soon be offering significant drivetrain replaced and manufacturing programme as the value-add products for the electric vehi- with an entirely electric category explodes in popularity globally, cle market. drivetrain – by a com- which Gass says has extensions to the “It’s not a question of if, but when our pany called Genova- pick-up ute segment, light commercial products start showing up on electric tions – which holds the fleets and even the heavy vehicle industry vehicles,” he says. world’s fastest 1/4 drag as transport companies, government and “We’re already working with several race time thanks to Brett Gass, chief private organisations look to reduce fuel OEMs and have had conversations with the nature of Carbon technical officer. costs and increase payload. almost all of them – the world is re- Revolution’s pat- thinking efficiency, optimisation, and ented designs. our wheels are on some of the fastest “Inside the vehicles, recording some of the world’s wheelarch is one shortest lap times,” Gass explains. of the most intense He says Carbon Revolution, which has environments on been in the media recently as another any vehicle, with success story to Australia and Victoria’s forces, tempera- • NZ’s number one automotive workship growing, innovative and economically tures and physics management software for over 25 years. robust automotive industry, is itself on to the extreme,” he the verge of exponential growth. says. • The ultimate specialist workshop software “Removing 20-30kg from each wheel “OEMs are in- package is the equivalent of removing about creasingly moving 200kg from the passenger compartment, into composites • Cloud-based and hosted options available as well as reducing unsprung weight to and we’ve already • Installation, Configuration, Support and help handling, acceleration and braking partnered with a Trainer from the industry best efficiency because wheels influence all number of them vehicle behaviours,” Gass says. to become one of • Range of options from the entry level lite to “Electric and hybrid vehicles have the their many tech- the all-inclusive Elite potential to drastically reduce rolling nology supporters,” resistance and improve range, and as he adds. the market grows for efficient solutions, AutoTalk we’re going to grow like mad too,” he understands the attests. company may be in Carbon fibre wheels will also benefit the midst of early, the cabin ambience of electric vehicles unconfirmed dis- which can highlight road noise with tyre cussions with the Contact Details: contact against road surfaces and height- aerospace industry ened wind noise due to the conventional and with potential P: SAM Admin +64 9 583 2451 sounds of an exhaust, internal combus- military applica- SAM Support +64 9 583 2455 tion engine and gearbox sounds. tions. Certainly, E: [email protected]

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 | 5 NEWSTALK ‘People sell cars, not social media’

here’s something in the water at Carworks in Ballarat, an X-factor Twhich seems to score them dealer awards and industry recognition, but it’s people power closing the deals, not apps. Taking out the VACC’s Industry Award for Best New Car Dealer in 2019, dealer principal Carl Morandi’s business was also nominated for the same title in 2018, won the 2017 Provincial Dealer of the Year award and scooped the 2016 Renault Dealer Brilliance Award ahead of the brand’s network of 51 other dealers. Yet Renault Ballarat, aka Carworks, only began its tenure with the French brand in 2014 and has since become something of a thorn in the side of more the current economical climate, as sales established brands in the old goldmining continue to droop and consumer spend- region of central Victoria. ing tightens. Located in Wendouree, which shares “You sell a lot and make a little, and its name with the lake on the north side people refer their friends and family, of town, Carworks, also a major used especially in the light commercial side,” dealer, locks horns with a broad church he says. of ownership with all the big brands – “We do well off the referral business; as Ballarat Audi, Skoda, Volkswagen, Mazda, soon as you get the ‘good bloke’ stamp Third from left: Carl Morandi, Carworks Ballarat BMW, Skoda, Holden, Eclipse Ford, Kings on you, because a mate or family mem- dealer principal, with his passionate team. Cars Suzuki, Peter Stevens Nissan, Bedg- ber has worked with you, that’s really goods Motor Group (Kia, LDV, SsangYong, good for business,” he explains. Restrictions placed on dealers as a Citroen and ), Isuzu Ute, Ballarat “Social media doesn’t sell cars, all it result of changes brought down by the City Subaru, and of course, Toyota. does is give you brand familiarity, brand Hayne Royal Commission is forcing Morandi tells AutoTalk it’s a challenging awareness,” he continues. business owners like Morandi to walk a market with so many brands in a provin- Morandi says getting cut-through is tightrope. cial city of a growing 101,500 people, less tricky with a French marque in an area Where used cars often become a than an hour-and-a-half from Melbourne. built on farming, primary produce and dealer’s go-to strategy in tough new-car “Ballarat is growing rapidly, with lots of resources – where tourism is a growing times, Morandi says the second-hand affordable housing going up on blocks of but arguably quiet industry for Ballarat. trade is equally soggy. land people can kick a footy on with their “Ninety-nine people out of a 100 in “Used has had a shake-up too with the kids,” he says. Ballarat would think a Renault is knock- change in finance structure; we’ve had to “We now have the biggest Bunnings ing down a wall in a house – we brought change our business model slightly there in Australia, it’s a desirable location with the brand to town five years ago and it’s as well – Melbourne’s Cheapest Cars is a commute time similar to people living a slog because we’re not at the front of no longer Melbourne’s cheapest cars much closer to Melbourne, so that’s everyone’s minds or on top of their shop- these days,” he says. bringing new potential customers to the ping lists,” Morandi concedes. “We’re nimble enough to adapt if there region,” Morandi explains. “When customers do come to us we is further dramatic change, where 70% Having also begun – and nearly com- have to give them something they won’t of our customers were once finance, pleted – renovations as part new fran- get at the other brands; the product now we’re back to industry standards, the chise with , Carworks doesn’t sell, it’s the people that make the volume’s not there, and I think it’s going itself is mirroring the town itself. difference and we’re very hands-on,” he to affect a lot of dealers,” he explains. But Morandi reveals times are quite says. As the new car retailing business tough at the forecourt level, especially in “I’m involved in every deal we do, evolves and grows like Ballarat itself, it’s a meeting and greeting every single given the changes and challenges facing customer to make sure they get the best Carworks will be overcome or navigated. experience at every stage.” Morandi certainly isn’t sitting still. The challenges continue to Carworks’ Just this week the new Carworks Fiat used car business, not only because Chrysler Jeep pilon branding is going buyers often go to the respective fran- up, perhaps as a sign of the times. chised dealer of the used car they seek a “When there’s a change in the industry bargain for, but also due to the ham- you have to change with it, or you won’t strung financial sector. be around,” Morandi concludes.

6 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 ‘Family honour’ at stake as special oil dries up

n May, AutoTalk reported on two ply of specially-formulated Selnia oil to customer, or long-term independent Alfa Romeo and Fiat independent workshops. advocates of the brand. Iservicing workshops in Melbourne’s “Yes, Alfa Romeo dealership depart- “Customers can service their Alfa Ro- outer suburbs being starved of one- ments are allowed to on-sell Selenia meo outside of the FCA dealer network, make factory-specified oil. oil to independent workshops,” an FCA however, FCA Australia recommends Anotonio Scafidi spokesperson says. all Alfa Romeo customers service their and Laura Cannis- “This helps to ensure the correct vehicles at an authorised Alfa Romeo trà’s modest family product is used for Alfa Romeo vehicles.” dealership, where the technicians are business depends on Asked what volumes the dealer factory-trained and genuine Alfa Romeo a relationship with a network’s back-order supply of Selenia parts are used,” the spokesperson says. range of parts sup- oil holds, FCA says it “differs per dealer, “Alfa Romeo owners are highly pliers for both after- based on dealer orders and service focused on performance and design in market, non-genuine centre requirements.” equal measures. They are independently Anotonio Scafi- and 100% authentic di and Laura A second Alfa Romeo workshop minded and confident in their decision genuine Alfa Romeo Cannistrà’s love AutoTalk spoke to says the Selenia oil making; they don’t see themselves as and Fiat parts for the for Italian cars is situation is just one sticking point. followers or wanting to fit in with the most passionate of being tested. “There are equivalent oils you can masses,” FCA says. their loyal customers. use from other brands which match the “’Driver at the centre’ has been a “We also have customers who say performance and then some, but they consistent brand attribute, and this has they will not service their Fiat or Alfa don’t protect special solenoids which translated into vehicles that love to be with anybody else because they are a are prematurely chemically damaged by driven,” FCA adds. part of our family, so we honour them anything other than Selenia,” Matt says. All three Alfa workshops contacted by giving them the best customer ser- “The new Selenia oil blend recipe say they too can perform logbook vice we possibly can,” Cannistrà says. is not licensed to any other oil brand servicing, advanced diagnostics and two “Quite a number of customers also ... I would suspect many workshops, are VicRoads-approved licensed vehicle say they absolutely will not have any- possibly even some dealerships, are not testers capable of issuing roadworthy thing other than totally genuine Alfa Ro- using Selenia oil because whenever I’ve certificates. All three offer technical meo parts used on their car,” she adds. contacted the warehouse, they tell me expertise, use of specialised tools while When the business tries to order it ‘hasn’t been in stock for months’ or fitting quality OEM parts at “less than Selenia oil, which the customer has ‘hasn’t been made available’,” he reveals. factory prices”, including advanced oils requested to ensure everything is Alfa A third workshop contacted this and lubricants. Romeo’s specified brand, they can only week says they always keep Selenia oil But it seems the jury is still out on just order from the franchised dealer net- in stock because of its critical impor- how much choice work in Australia. tance in servicing customers. that independent- “It can’t be imported independently “I don’t take any chances, Selenia oil ly-minded and and nobody is allowed to stock it,” Can- is the only type we use,” he says. decision-making nistrà explains. “If we used more than 5% of another consumer is given “So, we order five litres, but the quote oil it will damage vital components and in where they take comes back saying four one-litre bot- void the warranty; I have this informa- their beloved Alfa. tles are on back order, and we would’ve tion through the dealer network bul- The question been supplied one litre – that order also letin,” they concede. remains why had a three-month delay,” she reveals. He says Alfa Romeo is just one of some Alfa work- “We can’t wait that long, but we also many brands, including popular mass shops can’t be can’t order enough back stock to keep market brands, using or specifying properly supplied Selenia oil is the “life- a steady supply,” she adds. unique grades of oil. Selenia oil, “the blood of Alfa Romeo”. resonded to FCA says it values and appreciates all lifeblood of Alfa AutoTalk’s questions regarding the sup- customers, whether they are a first-time Romeo”, but franchised dealers can.

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 | 7 NEWSTALK

Rural Nissan dealers to complete Leaf experience

issan Australia has confirmed its “The 89 dealers you to do the basics, to send your peo- entire national dealer network, already signed up to ple for training, and we need technical Nincluding its rural retailers, will the Leaf programme training,” he continues. complete the brand’s Leaf customer roughly represent all “Tools, the EV service campaigns, experience programme. our metro and pro- and charging stations to ensure owners Speaking to AutoTalk this month at vincial dealers across can receive the same level as service as the Leaf launch in Melbourne, man- Australia, the balance a metro dealer.” aging director Stephen Lester says is what we would Stephen Lester. Nissan says regional dealers in Nissan’s rural dealers are important for classify as more ‘rural’ interesting locations such as tour- closing the gap between metro and dealers,” he says. ism destinations, larger populated provincial dealers to offer an uncom- “Those dealers are typified by much provincial cities and towns are seeing promised customer support map. smaller markets and are relatively re- the strong benefits of having electric He says every Nissan dealership in mote,” Lester explains. vehicle preparations in place. the 187-strong family will be capable of He says Nissan dealers are vital Lester says Nissan hasn’t encour- selling, servicing and providing charg- to supporting the Leaf’s widespread aged the rural network as being part of ing support for the new generation uptake. a “push strategy” but says it was on a Leaf, with 60 already technically pre- “We need them to have the instal- more voluntary basis. pared, with trained sales staff on-hand lations because going down the track “They have raised hands and come and charging infrastructure ready to go. we cannot deliver an experience where to us which is why we’ve being saying “We have been very clear with the our customer is sacrificing when they we’ll see about 89, maybe 90 by the network: The requirements are the go into a dealership,” he explains. time we go on-sale, with charger in- requirements, and they’re non-nego- “The plan will be to on-board rural stalls within August, and many who are tiable – we are not going to deliver dealers as we go, those who want to a bit further down the track,” he says. a sub-standard customer experience start early can do so and we’ll give Lester explains rural Nissan cus- with the Leaf,” he confirms. them all the benefits.” tomers tend to have “predictable traffic “We would say to metro or provin- Lester says the market in Australia’s patterns”, as well as renewable energy cial dealers: ‘You are going to be a Leaf more remote regions will be a long- access such as in-home solar becom- dealer because with this opt-in-opt- term target customer for the benefits ing increasingly popular to self-suffi- out idea, we’re so convinced of the tra- of the $50,000 electric car. cient, smaller communities. jectory for EVs that as a brand we can’t “In our expansion plans we’ve gone “Their route is usually pretty specific afford to have one dealer saying they’re out to all those rural dealers and said and being beholden to a petrol station not doing it and giving a dissatisfaction you’re welcome to be a hand-raiser is no longer necessary - you need a to the customer’,” Lester reveals. and we’ll provide cars, but we still need Continued on page 13

8 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 NEWSTALK

Western Plains Nissan. Image: Google Maps. Rural Nissan dealers to complete Leaf experience

Continued from page 12 “Those battery costs are falling very Assessment Program (ANCAP). Rural Nissan dealers to vehicle to go into town, do grocery rapidly which is why we’re offering the Safety features include intelligent shopping, take kids to school – all Leaf with a 40kWh battery at the same emergency braking with pedestrian tasks the Leaf can easily complete,” he price we used to sell the car with a detection, blind spot warning, rear concludes. 24kWh battery,” he says. cross traffic alert, lane departure warn- complete Leaf experience Nissan global direc- “There will be a crossover very soon ing, intelligent lane intervention and tor of EVs Nic Thomas, where a battery car will cost less than a intelligent forward collision warning as citing Morgan Stanley petrol or diesel car,” Thomas highlights. standard equipment. Research, says the “But people aren’t really going to It also has intelligent around-view amount of carbon buy a car to save the world, they buy a monitor with moving object detection, dioxide and oxides of car because it’s brilliant to drive.” intelligent cruise control, intelligent nitrogen produced The 40kWh Leaf launched (a driver alert, front and rear parking sen- from compliance of Nic Thomas. 62kWh battery is coming) is one of the sors, six SRS airbags, vehicle dynamic internal combustion most affordable EVs on the market at control with traction control system, drivetrain development will also rise. $49,990, plus on-road costs. ISOFIX and three top tether child The drivetrain costs of CO2 and A bi-directional charging capability restraint anchor points, Apple CarPlay NOx compliance for electric vehicles allows it to power a home, known as and Android Auto. versus internal combustion keeps ris- vehicle-to-home (V2H), which means The battery puts out 110kW of ing, with a crossover period, account- that, in future, Nissan Leaf customers in power and 320Nm of torque, provid- ing for real-world driving emissions Australia will be able to use the vehicle ing instant acceleration. (RDE), expected around 2024. to share energy stored in its battery It can be fully charged within 24 Where current compliance costs sit with their home, business or even hours using a standard home wall at around $250 per kWh for an EV, it’s community. socket, and the time drops to 7.5 hours expected to drop below $100 per kWh V2H could be ready in about six if the latest 7kW home charger is used. by 2025, in the same two-year bracket months and helps provide emergency Plugging into a Chademo rapid when internal combustion is predicted back-up power for up to two days. charger gets from alert to 80% charge to go from $175/kWh to $225/kWh. Nissan says it is working with in around an hour. “The costs of those conventional charging partners both locally and A collaboration with Jet Charge will engines will go up,” Thomas says. internationally, as well as various assist customers with home charging “These are the costs to us as a com- stakeholders in the energy, academic, infrastructure needs, and via a partner- pany of building traditional [internal government and business sectors to ship with Chargefox, Nissan, hopes to combustion] engines in the way we realise the benefit of this technology help increase charging awareness and always have,” he concedes. for Australian consumers. ready the country for the impending “Therefore, we’ll have to pass those An e-Pedal allows drivers to start, spike in EV sales. costs on to consumers, not just us, but accelerate, decelerate, stop and Chargefox aims to have more than every other manufacturer,” he adds. hold the car by using the accelerator 100 DC fast chargers in place by the Thomas explains with the cost of pedal alone without needing to use the end of the year, along with a national batteries is also coming down rapidly brakes. It also features an auto-hold network of 22 ultra-rapid chargers because Nissan and mobile phone function. forming a network connecting Bris- companies are investing in them, and The Leaf has a maximum five-star bane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne because the world needs batteries. safety rating from Australia’s New Car and Adelaide.

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 | 9 NEWSTALK

Industry airbag warnings not being heard

Continued from page 1 and culturally and linguistically diverse are rectified as soon as possible, and The ACT also has 72 ‘alpha’ inflators backgrounds, to check if their vehicle is with minimum inconvenience for the and Tasmania has 28 still posing a dan- affected, and help spread the word to customer,” Weber explains. ger. There are also 646 unaccounted-for their family and friends,” she says. The FCAI recently targeted Western Takata ‘alpha’ inflator units which manu- The Federal Chamber of Automo- Australia as a particularly difficult state to facturer brands are yet to trace whether tive Industries says despite tipping in reach into the remote communities of they are still registered or in circulation. resources including an to spread awareness, as well as farm- Holden still has 115,760 standard advertising campaign ing communities which are known for Takata airbags to be removed, while designed to promote stretching the longevity of their vehicles. Toyota has well over 90,000, along with awareness of the issue, “Many of these (affected) vehicles will some 54,000 Mercedes-Benzes, more “Many owners of out- be used by farmers and their families than 45,000 Nissans and nearly 43,000 standing vehicles have travelling long distances every day,” Volkswagens. simply overlooked the Weber says. The ACCC has issued Indigenous Out- need to check the sta- Delia Rickard, “Others may be older farm vehicles reach Officers to engage with Aboriginal tus of their vehicles,” ACCC. that are only be used from time to time,” and Torres Strait Islander communities chief executive Tony he continues. especially in South Australia and Queens- Weber says. “However, there are still 62,859 land who are also located in regions of “By increasing the tempo of the airbags in Western Australia requiring high heat and humidity, exacerbating the advertising with more direct messaging, replacement. This includes 371 of the risk factors. we hope to seize the attention of vehicle highly dangerous Alpha airbags,” he said ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard says owners and their families,” he explains. in June. they’re even asking children whose Eng- “Time, money and resources are not a In total, Australia’s dealer networks lish is better than their elders to assist. consideration for the Australian automo- have removed 3.2 million airbags from “We’re urging all consumers, espe- tive industry in the mandatory Takata vehicles, according to the ACCC’s cially those from regional and rural areas recall. All that matters is the faulty airbags records.

Mass recall for SkyActiv engine

Continued from page 1 not relate to the 2.2-litre diesel Skyactiv they present the vehicle for rectification. engine adopts cylinder deactivation to engine debuted in March 2018. The fault relates to 18,719 Mazda reduce fuel consumption when driv- Mazda’s dealership network will re- vehicles sold between February 16, ing at constant speeds. The recall only program the powertrain control module 2018 to May 11, 2019. relates to the 2.5-litre petrol, and does at no charge to the customer when

Waging war on auto waste

Continued from page 4 With nearly 1.2 million new vehi- its Environmental Performance Index The Victorian Automobile Chamber cles sold last year, the VACC says this with a global ranking of 13 for water/ of Commerce heaps praise on accred- inevitably pushes another million sanitation; 46 for heavy metal expo- ited automotive recyclers for keeping scrap vehicles out of circulation and sure; 61 for biodiversity and habitat; 98 as much scrap from landfill as possible into landfill by the end of 2019. The in climate and energy. by on-selling parts to give them a sec- auto waste problem will be the focus Auto Recyclers Association of Aus- ond or even a third life, but more needs of discussions at the tralia executive director David Nolan to be done. next VACC Industry says: “Compared with Japan, China, “We put 200,000 tonnes of unrecy- Council meeting in Europe and the US, Australia’s regula- cled automotive waste in the ground late August. tory system for vehicle recycling is every year, not the metal, all the other Out of 180 totally inadequate. material,” chief executive Geoff Gwilym countries, according “Automotive waste has a significant says. to Yale University, environmental impact because vehicles “About 64,000 tonnes of the wasted Geoff Gwilym, Australia ranks only are highly intensive of material re- material is in Victoria alone,” he explains. VACC 21st in the world on sources,” he concludes.

10 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 NEWSTALK

Supporting delays in RVSA

his week in Federal Parliament There are a number of new complex hand car imports. legislators will agree that new elements such as a new online register Our biggest concern with the SEVs Tlaws regulating the importation of approved vehicles, recall powers for scheme is that for the first-time vehicle and supply of road vehicles be delayed the Minister responsible, and new cri- variants (not just models) that are not for up to two years. The Road Vehicle teria to allow vehicles to be imported supplied by manufacturers in Aus- Standards Act is the culmination of the under a concessional path. tralia will be eligible for importation review of the Motor Vehicle Standards There are a host of stakeholders by individuals and private businesses. Act, a process which has taken more that have to adjust to this new - In theory this is acceptable, but only than five years. ronment, such as the many businesses if we have a robust definition of what involved with the importation and constitutes a variant. first supply of cars to the market. James Voortman, Chief Cosmetic difference should not be OEMs, registered automotive work- part of that robust definition. A pink executive officer, Austral- shops, newly established authorised ve- vehicle with an additional cup holder ian Automotive Dealer hicle verifiers and independent import- should not be considered a variant. Association, AADA ers will all need to adjust. Governments In our view, the definition of a will also need to be ready, not only the variant should focus on core features The review process has been politi- Federal Government but also State and that make a real difference, such as cally sensitive, particularly in the early Territory registration authorities. transmission type and propulsion days when the Government was con- In particular, the AADA supports the type. The AADA believes appropriate sidering a scheme which would have delay due to specific concerns we have international definitions of variant allowed for the parallel importation around the operation of the Specialist already exist, including the EU defini- of new vehicles from right-hand drive and Enthusiast Vehicle scheme, known tion or the definition of variant within markets. as the SEVs. The SEVs is a pathway for the United Nations Regulations. The AADA and other industry bod- car enthusiasts to bring unique, rare Vehicles that do pass the variant test ies strongly opposed this, mainly on and exotic cars to Australia. can then come into Australia under consumer welfare and road safety Unfortunately, the scheme as it certain categories. We are still coming grounds. In late 2017 the Government exists has been flagrantly abused. In to terms with the thresholds embed- agreed with us, announcing that it particular, through a loophole that al- ded in these categories, but there is would be abandoning this policy. lowed independent importers to bring enough in there that concerns us that With this controversial element into Australia used people movers a potential backdoor for mainstream removed from the legislation, some under the guise of campervans. used car imports could emerge. stakeholders pushed for this new leg- The SEVs is now being reformed The Takata airbag recall has de- islation to be implemented as soon as and we support the goal of making it a livered a lesson in the importance of possible. more objective scheme that caters for vehicle provenance. The safety and However, the AADA supports the true specialist and enthusiast vehicles. consumer welfare implications should legislative delay for the simple fact that However, the AADA remains con- be front and centre of this reform and the laws are not yet quite ready. The cerned about several elements being we hope that a delay in the implemen- new legislation is the biggest shake up proposed by the Government that tation of the laws assists us in reaching of vehicle standards legislation in 30 could still allow the scheme to be used the best possible vehicle standards years. as a back door for mainstream second- regime.

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 | 11 NEWSTALK

The great Australian fuel furphy Dirty fuel, the bleached white Great Barrier Reef dying, and tinfoil-hat resistance to electric vehicles; the lucky country is messing things up.

professionals at any given time, nowa- Automotive Industries (FCAI) and CEO Kurt McGuiness, days it’s closer to 10. of Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific, Board Director Thanks to aggressive buy-outs, the Mr Horst von Sanden, summed it per- Public Relations and continual decline of print relevance, fectly in his maiden speech as supremo Brand Experience and yes, big corporates such as us of the automotive peak body: “We Manager, Volkswagen divesting traditional media spend into need fuel of first-world quality to get a Group Australia social media and owned-content first-world emissions outcome.” streams; “the media” as it were, is not Dirty fuel equals Third-World cars. doing the job for our brand that it While EVs will go some way to reduce recently caught up with a friend who once did; which is to help us sell cars. emissions and air pollution in our cit- does a similar job to me - a lobbyist No surprise then, just as we have ies where it is at its peak, the reality is Ifor a major Australian supermarket. found ways to fill the hole left by me- we will be driving internal combustion While we swapped war stories and dia, media has found a way to fill the cars for some time yet in Australia; so, lamented the cliches vs the reality of hole left by us – and that replacement having better fuel will continue to be what a lobbyist actually does (most has deeper pockets and influence a pressing priority. The worst part is, in of the time, anyway) he mentioned than the whole auto sector combined. Big Oil’s expert opinion, there’s nothing his day-to-day consisted primarily of Say hello to the new voice in your he can do. collaborating with local and federal newsroom: Mr Big Oil, PhD. He’s quite The depth of this line of b******t government bodies to bring about learned, apparently. is breathtaking. A cursory glance at change for staff and customers across The Australian automotive industry what petrol is actually brought into the company’s national footprint. is under attack and risks obsolescence the country will show that, on occa- Not once did he mention making if it doesn’t keep up with the likes of sion, First-World fuel of 10ppm does political donations, buying off media, Europe and Asia. Problem is, we don’t in fact make it to our bowsers, albeit or anything else House of Cards have the same standard of fuel – not anonymously. This begs the ques- would have you to believe goes on. even close when it comes to our petrol tion why Big Oil can’t make a habit We went on to the subject of a presen- – which remains some of the most of this practice, and ensure all cars tation I gave on the simple strategies we sulfuric (dirty) in the developed world. are as clean as possible for Australian employ at Volkswagen Group Australia to Even if the world’s auto manufac- customers and communities. generate owned media and content, and turers take pity on our comparatively I’m writing this, because it appears how this has come out of necessity – as small market (selling one million cars a very few else will. we attempt to plug the hole once filled by year vs China’s 20 times that) and de- Only a small number of my car broad, independent media. velop a work-around to contend with company colleagues continue to talk That hole has been left by a serious Australia’s crap fuel quality, it still poses about the shocking deficit in Australian decline of unique voices in the auto- the question of what our fuel is doing fuel, despite becoming the dull voices motive media. Where once my team to our environment, and our lungs. at the party – repeating the same old and I would talk to close on 30 media President of the Federal Chamber of Continued on page 13

12 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 NEWSTALK

The great Australian fuel furphy

Continued from page 12 story and getting fewer listeners each time. For every great bit of journalism that attempts to make sense of this raw deal and look at all factors, I can cite a dozen other examples where Big Oil gets a free kick. In the last 12 months: Big Oil has supplied major mastheads with advertorial fuel buying and how- to guides, fuel economy “research” and, perhaps most offensive to my formal journalism training, paid spon- sorship of so-called “influencer” social media feeds. While the media’s influence on the car-buying public continues to wane meaningful approach to environmental I are working on bringing Volkswa- and manufacturers put up less ad dol- reform. gen’s ID family of electric vehicles to lars, the seemingly highly-educated Trust me, being environmentally Australia at present, and the conversa- and well-intentioned Big Oil is happy friendly is great for marketing, but with tions with head office are tough to say to foot the bill and produce content the Australian public – it’s more a “nice the least. Not that you can blame our hiding in plain sight as editorial. to have”, rather than an imperative. parent company – how can a market Now, it would be incredibly disin- like Australia, so complacent in its poor genuous of me to not acknowledge, “We have a new White environmental policy and standards, a) my own personal allegiances which Australia Policy: The be taken seriously when it comes to EV begin and end with my own livelihood infrastructure? and, b) the Dieselgate scandal that Great Barrier Reef and the Just this week, Volkswagen an- engulfed my company. [Volkswagen bleaching of its ancient nounced its “goTOzero” plan to even unveiled its new Kombi-inspired coral.” reduce emissions and drive sustain- ID Buzz with the poignant statement: ability company-wide. “In the darkness, we found the light”]. On a personal level, however, it’s all I don’t have kids, but I do worry But here, in Australia, where we are I can think about. Like my friend the about our children. Whether you be- a local company that sells European lobbyist, I hope I can enact a modicum lieve in climate change or not (or, more products, our role to play is a simpler of change – either by getting the word specifically, if you’re a flat-Earther or one – to get the very best products out to folks who read my work or hear not), cleaner fuel means cleaner air. we can, so that we can sell them to as me speak, or by continuing to question Given that most schools in suburban many Australians as possible. the motives of Big Oil who I think is areas are on main roads, we should That objective is the same for all car taking the piss. all want future generations to breathe brands in Australia, who I would wager To be fair, Big Oil’s contemporaries easier. right now are also trying to convince are also to blame, so too are all of us. If I am to be seen as a lobbyist; all their European and Asian parent The Government’s own advisors are slick words and corporate manipula- companies to take them seriously, warning that more ambitious policies tion, let it be for something that mat- despite having Australia’s contemptible are needed to meet our Paris Accord ters. Big Oil is trying to buy what’s left approach to climate change and any commitments. of the media’s influence, and continue While I can no longer to treat Australia as a dumping ground call myself a journalist for its dregs. (and nor should I – that’s Whether you like it or not, new, fuel the cost of a corporate efficient cars burn less fuel, which in paycheck), I still believe turn saves customers money. Sure, in the Fourth Estate and you can expect Big Oil to charge more the role of the public to per barrel for Euro-spec petrol, but if uphold it. Cutting-edge you’re using less of it, how much more technology in cars is can it be? By all reports, not a lot. good for business, my Of course, this is all a moot point in business; but that doesn’t the face of an increased EV fleet roll- mean it can’t be good for out. My only hope is the energy sector the environment too. doesn’t treat Australia with the same My colleagues and contempt as Big Oil.

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 | 13 NEWSTALK

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY TRANSPORT & EQUIPMENT

Old school in a brave new world hey don’t make automotive mountains, powering towns and businesses like they used to and hospitals, hauling sugar, coal Tpeeking around the chilly, corru- and ore, or to simply stick back gated expanse of one bloody big shed in the humble workhorse ute in Melbourne’s south-east industrial fleet. Mecca, few would disagree. The shavings which pile up HM Gem Engines is an engine re- under a 30-litre Cummins diesel manufacturing operation headed out block may look artistic and even of Dandenong, with satellite branches beautiful to the scrap-sculptors in Adelaide, Shepparton, Wagga Wag- out there, but anybody who’s ga, Sydney, Coffs Harbour, Tamworth, had a deep paper cut will at- Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns. test to the razored edge of this Their specialty is turning tired, hard- carved metal form. It looks like R-L: Bruce Parker and Dean Taylor win Best Engine worked heavy duty diesel engines into it belongs atop a Masterchef’s Reconditioner award. pristine powerhouses with torque fig- prize-winning cake, not on ures the automotive industry can barely the cold concrete floor under an old, Parker and general manager Dean fathom, let alone truly appreciate. browned steel engine stand. Taylor, collectively won the VACC’s Anything is possible, from tiny two- This is an artform many would agree Industry Award for investing back into litre four-banger van or ute engines has been lost to our world of disposa- the business on a large renewable to vast slabs of capacity one could ble everything. Engineers working with energy initiative by installing 300kW measure with basketballs rather than decimal points, peering over the rim of of rooftop solar to run during the day bottles of milk. Put crudely, engines are their glasses, chewing on their bottom what you could understand is a very stripped to their core and bored out lip as levers are pulled and buttons are energy-intensive operation. by thousandths of a millimetre before pushed having measured twice to cut The addition of one of the larg- being rebuilt and sent back to the once. est boring machines in Victoria and customer to live another life moving The rough cost of one of these big- Tasmania is also a massive investment ger engines, destined for tipped back into the business which another reincarnation inside Taylor says puts them firmly on the a regional passenger loco- front foot. He says such an enormous motive, or perhaps to bur- machine is already installed in Ad- row out the side of a small elaide, Brisbane and Cairns to meet mountain, is anywhere mining and heavy transport customers’ around a quarter of a mil- needs. Just don’t ask what it costs. lion dollars. The raw skill of It’ll bore anything from a 50-litre getting this right is not only to 70-litre engine. But Taylor says his important, but profitable. team is currently frying an even bigger, In late June, HM Gem, trickier fish. Toyota’s V8 diesel still a fibrous staple of HM Gem’s diet. its managing director Bruce Continued on page 15

14 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 ALTERNATIVE ENERGY TRANSPORT & EQUIPMENT MONTHLY MAGAZINE/DIGITAL REVIEW – VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 2 | JANUARY 2018

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY TRANSPORT & EQUIPMENT Old school in a brave new world Continued from page 14 ALTERNATIVE ENERGY TRANSPORT & EQUIPMENT “At the moment we’re trying to fig- ure out getting the crankshaft in here from a 91-litre Cummins engine,” he says whimsically. “That’s a V20 engine bigger than the boardroom table we’re currently sitting at,” he describes, depicting a powerplant capable of running a small town, hospital or high-rise building. The re-manufacturing process by its nature is considered economical and environmentally conscious because of the drastically extended life it gives an extremely resource-intensive engine. there’s a new schematic or set of intri- tomer and us,” he says. Efficiency in re-manufacturing is cate information coming through for The business also works hard to crucial which is why every minute an upcoming job. keep new blood coming in, with 14 spent on a job is benchmarked, but “Particularly for bus companies apprentices in its Melbourne base and the nature of the business can also be we’re working with now, there is a new two per office, many of whom Taylor fraught with trouble spots. generation for engine assembly,” Taylor brings in from automotive to up-skill “Manufacturing is different from re- explains. for heavy diesel. manufacturing because in the former, HM is trusted with the intimate “Bruce’s commitment to investing you’re producing a raw component proprietary technical data of so many in people is massive, I’ve never known to an original design drawing with OEMs, they protect it with increasing a time without apprentices coming no stresses induced into it,” Taylor vigilance. Some approach them for through – it’s essential,” he says. explains. help at an extremely intimate level. Taylor spends a lot of time teaching “Re-manufacturing means you’re “We’re talking about engines of over young people the needed skills, which working with parts that have been 5000 horsepower at the large end of is easier in transitioning from automo- beaten around, you have to be able to the scale, we have to work with all their tive in the city, but the regional offices interpret the part in order to correct it, dealer networks, have a strong rela- find long-term recruitment harder. with each part considered an individual tionship with every OEM,” Parker says. Parker and Taylor say a 20-year staff component, despite often wearing Taylor says the relationship not retention is reasonably common within similarly,” he says. only requires the highest confiden- the business, but rare in the modern Not only do his engineers need the tiality, but co-operation. For exam- workforce. Perhaps it’s the nature of skill, they also need to be trained to ple, Pacific National has 570 active the work. programme the CNC equipment, an- locomotives, each with an enormous “The most human intervention is as- other “difficult barrier” Taylor explains is engine that requires servicing. sembling components,” Taylor says. part of getting into this line of work. “With those biggest engine manu- “Where it was manual machines us- Parker says the various computer facturers, we think of it as a partner- ing operator skill once upon a time, a systems the business runs are “con- ship, because we can extend the life lot of it is computer programmed, but stantly evolving” and despite hav- cycle of one engine by doing one small particularly with crankshaft grinding, ing been rebuilding and assembling thing differently, with massive savings it’s still very artful and requires teach- engines for more than half a century, and benefits to both them, their cus- ing,” he explains. “With so many different engine types, it’s a very custom process, so keeping new people coming in is still difficult when most people are only staying in jobs about five years,” Taylor concedes. “That’s our biggest challenge, and there’s a very personal aspect to inter- acting with our branches to keep them onboard – continually training them with the very best equipment keeps them keen,” he adds. “You can pick the eager kids early on down here in Melbourne, but in the regions it’s much harder,” he adds. Loyalty meets longevity. Continued on page 16

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 | 15 ALTERNATIVE ENERGY TRANSPORT & EQUIPMENT MONTHLY MAGAZINE/DIGITAL REVIEW – VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 2 | JANUARY 2018

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY TRANSPORT & EQUIPMENT Old school in a brave new world

Continued from page 15 or four-wheel-drive with a Despite the majority of the com- special set-up, we do still pany’s attention being drawn to the do it.” heavier industries, Parker says the au- “It depends on the tomotive roots haven’t gone anywhere models, their price, their even though he was warned things inception into the market would change. and whether they will hold Parker says the trucking industry, intrinsic value for the owner which operates on numbers first and and us,” he adds. sentiment second, unlike the more HM Gem Engines was, materialistic automotive consumer, is a once upon a time, the precious supporter of his company. go-to business partner for Moving mountains? There’s no replacement for dis- “The on-going value of a truck General Motors Holden and placement. engine is built into the lifecycle of for engine the vehicle, unlike the 1.6-litre four- warranty repairs. passenger car engine remanufacturing cylinder engine in a Hyundai,” he says As one of the earliest disrupted market “took a nose dive over 20 years respectfully. businesses, Parker was warned of a ago”, which he and Parker attribute to “More than 60% of our business is potential collapse in Australian vehicle the introduction of GST and the evolu- machining services for the heavy vehi- manufacturing. tion of engines themselves. cle industry, which about 20 years ago “We knew that Holden and Ford “Everybody wants a shiny new car was more like 20%,” he says. were going to exit the country 20 years and a mechanic’s workshop is not “Effectively the price of cars has ago – they spoke to us, both of them, based on the very technical and skillful come down so low that it’s not an it came up very clearly around the Gen task of correctly fitting a new engine, economic argument to fit, exchange III programme,” he reveals. which also means a hoist is in-use for a or remanufacture an engine any- “They made us aware they were long time,” he attests. more,” he says. going to be exiting at some stage; “Cars aren’t designed to have en- Taylor explains: “Cars today are so Mitsubishi wasn’t going well, Nissan gines replaced anymore, whereas in cheap the scale isn’t there anymore, had already gone, it was just a matter the trucking industry, those engines but where we can see inherent value of ‘when’, not ‘if’,” he explains. are absolutely designed to be re-man- in a vehicle, such as a tradie vehicle Taylor says the petrol and diesel ufactured,” Taylor explains. The next time you absent-mindedly read “Without trucks Australia stops” on the back of a B-double, take a second. Think about who keeps the steve- dores and cargo cranes, the excava- tors, portable generators, the 100-car freight trains, dump trucks, the heavy- rigids and of course even the iconic Toyota diesel V8 from stopping. HM Gem is now one of the most called-upon operations to carry out engine work of this kind. You know this because it’s going on 70 platinum-plat- ed years of service keeping Australia moving. Sometimes skilled hands are the only way.

16 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 STATSTALK

Gravity winning new car market battle Kia was strong again in July Top 10 Brands

LandCruiser, despite news of its set-for-extinction V8, also recorded a slight dip - just 0.9%. The only states to record a July 2019 improvement over last year was Tasmania with a 15% gain and West- Tony Weber, Hilux drop 10% over July 2018 FCAI chief ex- ern Australia up 5%. ecutive he rate of new car sales declines FCAI chief executive has slowed throughout July but Tony Weber blames a number of factors 1. Toyota 17,876 Tbrings closer two years of con- holding back the market ripe for the op- secutive monthly sales decreases. portunistic consumer. If Australia’s franchised dealers and their “Tight financial lending, drought, respective brands can’t arrest the market increasing Luxury Car Tax imposts and the slide by early 2020, they could be looking Federal election have all contributed to at a 24-month downturn. make the Australian car market one of the According to VFACTS data supplied by toughest in the world,” he says. the Federal Chamber of Automotive In- “It is great news for the consumer who dustries, a 2.8% drop in reported July 2019 is spoiled for choice with attractive new sales continues the market slow-down, car offers as automotive brands provide while a 7.7% slump in annual sales for 2019 excellent deals to stimulate sales growth,” also puts the retailers and brands on the Weber concedes. 2. Mazda 8,227 back foot. “The July sales figures continue to il- Even with Toyota retaining its 19.2% lustrate the tough market conditions facing market share dominance with over the Australian automotive industry, and the 122,600 reported sales, ahead of Mazda in sensitive nature of the economy over the second with exactly 10% share on 63,600 past 12 months,” he concludes. reported sales and Hyundai in third on Roy Morgan’s quarterly Automotive 8.1% and nearly 52,000 July sales, nine Currency Report back in April suggested out of the top 10 brands report declines. the retail new car market was facing a The only top 10 brand to improve dur- four-year rut for buying intentions. ing July 2019 was Kia, gaining in monthly Just 2,125,000 Australians said they market share, annual sales and monthly were intending to buy a new car in the sales over the equivalent 2018 period. next four years, as of December 2018, and 3. Hyundai 6,983 Kia finished in sixth placed with 5.7% there were 61,000 fewer consumer con- market share, 36,570 reported sales for sidering buying within the next year. 2019, and 4506 July-2019 sales which At the end of 2018, there were 135,000 were enough to keep Volkswagen in fewer intending consumers in the auto- seventh, Nissan eighth, Holden ninth motive market, 6% down on December and Honda in 10th, while Ford (fifth) and 2017. Mitsubishi (fourth) managed to hold the The report said things were only going Korean brand back. to get worse before they improved, citing Of the most popular models, the Hilux automotive consumer intentions at their lost 10.4% reported monthly sales in July lowest in four years and well below the 15- 2019 compared with last year, the Mazda year average. 4. Mitsubishi 5,247 3 lost 22.5% against July 2018, and the

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 | 17 Top 10 Brands continued p18 Top 10 Brands continued STATSTALK

2019 sales in July

Top 10 Top 10 5. Ford 4,900 Light vans Sports cars sub $80k

1. Toyota Hiace 1. Ford Mustang Van 262 646

2. BMW 2 Series 2. Hyundai iLOAD Coupe/Conv 371 76 6. Kia 4,506

3. Ford Transit 3. Toyota 86 Custom 38 156

4. Mazda MX5 4. Renault Trafic 38 140 7. Volkswagen 3,609

5. Volkswagen 5. Subaru BRZ Transporter 22 126

6. Renault Sport 6. LDV G10 Megane 115 20 8. Nissan 3,8048.

7. LDV V80 7. MINI Cabrio 38 18

8. Peugeot Expert 8. Nissan 370Z 10 17

9. 9. Audi A3 9. Holden 3,266 9. Mercedes- Nis- Benz Vito Convertible 3 11

10. Citroen 10. 124 Dispatch Spider 0 8

18 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 10. Honda 2,93810. Top 10 Brands continued STATSTALK

Size matters, except when it doesn’t. Picanto someone your own size

ave you ever noticed that the coming out the back is the sound of Since the Jack Russell emulating Pi- short action heroes seem to rice bubbles touching milk amplified canto GT was launched in January this Hpack the meanest punch, take a thousand times. It’s a joyful process year, 195 units have been sold, which the hardest hits and are near impos- lost to a world of efficiency, timeliness suggests the 1.0-litre three-cylinder sible to catch, capture or kill? and resourcefulness. To hell with that. engine’s 74kW (@6000rpm) and 172Nm Think about it. Bruce Willis as John Not so well thought-out are the (@4000rpm) is plenty of poke to stoke McClane, Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, cupholders fore of the gearshift which is your fire, and of the segment-leading Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa, begging for spilt Dr Pepper, and the cen- micro car’s 3098 sales this year, there Mel Gibson as Riggs, Harrison Ford tre console is barely considered storage, are still petrolheads among them. as Indiana Jones, and Daniel Craig as but provides an excellent armrest when That torque figure is a 30% increase Bond. Need the list continue? conducting J-turns mid car chase. on the regular GT Line and its lesser None are taller than 1.85m, and However, you won’t be doing much siblings in the Picanto range, but it with yours truly at the same height resting when this malevolent little bug- does it using less capacity, down from and routinely adjusting the seating ger gets stuck into it. When you bury it, the 1.25-litre three-pot in the afore- position in every single press fleet ve- the snarl of angry bulldogs growling at mentioned. Regular can also apply hicle upon collection, it seems there’s a possum bellows from its enthusiastic to the fuel you can tip into its teeny a theme with being short but unex- dual pipework exiting the rear sporty- 35-litre tank. pectedly tough as nails. styled bumper. Hopefully you enjoy changing This sentiment extends to Kia’s On several occasions I mistook the gears yourself because the five-speed properly bonkers Picanto GT, as ex- GT’s blow-off valve for a Kenworth’s air manual is all available to you, so save pressed to the brand’s Australian com- brake. the complaints for someone who munications team during the week- As you squirrel up and down streets cares, and a 39kg kerb weight increase long test. Method: and slingshot your way up country isn’t exactly going to butcher your lap • Take a regular Picanto. back roads, you’re taken by how pli- times running to and from work, but • Open bonnet. able and tactile such a front-driver is it’s a good compromise for the added 8. • Locate and remove nearest bee hive before getting anywhere near the limit. pepper on your steak. – use wasp nest if bees unavailable. That’s helped by tyres, obviously, The brakes can be pretty aggres- • Insert bees/wasps into engine bay. its low centre of gravity and a well- sive which is no surprise consider- • Close bonnet. sorted chassis that doesn’t feel unduly ing 256mm ventilated discs are only • Depress clutch pedal, turn key to stressed at the idea of being thrown trying to stop a barely one-tonne start engine. down a hill or round corners. The tiny metal box. Also on the harsh side is the But this firecracker hot hatch is 195/45 R16 alloys will skip over kerbs Macpherson strut and torsion beam more than just a reverse engineered and bumps rather than slam into them rear suspension set-up, favouring the mirco-car from another top 10 manu- like fatter ones. seeing-red rather than the potential facturer brand – it’s a sign of the times Push the throttle right to the floor pensioners our action heroes might – and yet it’s something of a flashback and you’ll squeeze the overboost but- become were they to sustain a back in- to the way cars, like action heroes, ton, which is kinda like Hans Gruber jury hitting potholes in the Picanto GT. 9. used to be. Namely, real. Pay attention, asking “Mr Cowboy” John McClane if This fiesty featherweight is literally Nis- anybody under 30. he really thinks he has a chance. the only reason our vertically chal- You get a real manual gearbox Unfortunately, you must wait a lenged action heroes might consider housing five gear ratios you can select couple of seconds for the turbo lag, buying in the micro segment, and yourself in a two-stage process, by which feels like forever, but the wait should they ever find themselves pushing the left (clutch) pedal, and is worth it. Those bees/wasps you in- strapped for cash in retirement, will moving the stick beside your left knee stalled earlier respond to your right-toe certainly be pleased there’s a more into the desired slot. prodding and go positively berserk, in affordable, performance-orientated All joking aside, that movement is a Mohammed Ali kinda way - floating getaway car that doesn’t demand the so effortless it’s almost cheating, and like a butterfly, and then pow! big bucks.

10. AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 | 19 STATSTALK

Hybrids hit the high notes Hybrids continue to do well in Australian vehicle sales, especially in SUVs - like the Toyota RAV4.

ybrids keeping rising to new barely lifted in July to 23, compared with levels. 22 in July 2018. And YTD was marginally H That’s shown in the latest better, reaching 186 or 19.2% more than VFACTs national figures for July 2019, the 156 YTD in 2018. with the popularity of hybrids in Australia However, hybrid sales in the non- continuing to soar. private passenger arena rocketed to 1291 Electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) – up 150.2% on the 40 sold in July 2018. Sales of petrol and diesel vehicles are gener- vehicles are also on the rise in most new And YTD comparisons were good too, ally diving in comparison to EVs and hybrids. vehicle sales sectors, but not as fast as hybrids up 66% from 4409 in 2018 to hybrids. 7319 this year. Industries (FCAI), in releasing the new Petrol power and diesel, on the other In the private passenger sector, vehicle sales figures for July 2019, says hand, are declining in nearly all catego- hybrids totalled 624 in July 2019 the downward trend in vehicle sales con- ries. compared with 246 for July 2018 – up tinues, with a 2.8% overall decrease from The biggest rises for both hybrid and 153.7%. On YTD figures, hybrids also July 2018. YTD, the industry reported a electric/PHEV are in the SUV market. scored well, climbing from 2190 in 2018 drop of 7.7%. Here hybrids are up 670 on June to to 4018 this year - an 83.5% increase. While the figures represent a slight 722 in July in the private sector and up Light commercial non-private vehicle slowing of the downward sales trend, 382 on the previous month to 457 in July sales in the electric/PHEV field staggered the market remains sluggish, FCAI chief (509.3%) in the non-private category. from one in July 2018 to three in July executive Tony Weber says. In 2018, hybrids comprised just 52 for 2019, and from six YTD in 2018 to 10 so “The July sales figures continue to July in the private sector and 75 in the far this year. illustrate the tough market conditions non-private SUV field. Month and YTD declines in petrol and facing the Australian automotive industry, Year-to-date (YTD) figures for hybrids diesel vehicle sales were shown in both and the sensitive nature of the economy are also well up in the SUV market. passenger categories and the light com- over the past 12 months.” The SUV private hybrid category mercial non-private sector, while a drop Weber blames tight financial lend- reached 2431 YTD this year, up 495.8% in diesels was also recorded in SUVs and ing, drought, increasing Luxury Car Tax on the 408 recorded YTD in 2018. light commercial private. impositions and the federal election for In the non-private sector, hybrid SUV The Federal Chamber of Automotive the decline in sales. sales were recorded at 1725 YTD, up 186.1% on the 603 in 2018. NEW VEHICLE SALES BY BUYER TYPE AND FUEL TYPE JULY 2019 Continuing in the SUV categories, Month YTD Variance +/- Vol. & % electric/PHEV sales got to 80 in the pri- vate area in July 2019 compared with just Total Market 2019 2018 2019 2018 MTH YTD MTH YTD six for July 2018 and 432 YTD against 75 ELECTRIC YTD 2018 – up 476% YTD. Passenger 23 22 186 156 1 30 4.5% 19.2% The non-private SUV sector saw a rise Private Passenger in July to 61 compared with 23 in July 126 40 279 300 86 -21 215.0% -7.0% 2018 (165.2%) while YTD figures in that Non-Private category went from 225 in 2018 to 663 SUV Private 80 6 432 75 74 357 >999% 476.0% SUV Non- in 2019 – up 194.7%. 61 23 663 225 38 438 165.2% 194.7% Private In private passenger sales, hybrids Light Com- topped 624 for July compared with 246 mercial Non- 3 1 10 6 2 4 200.0% 66.7% in July 2018 (153.7%) and made 4018 Private sales YTD this year against 2190 YTD Sub Total 293 92 1,570 762 201 808 218.5% 106.0% 2018 – up 83.5%. HYBRID It is a similar story for non-private pas- Passenger 624 246 4,018 2,190 378 1,828 153.7% 83.5% senger sales. Hybrids there climbed from Private Passenger 516 in July 2018 to 1291 in July 2019 1,291 516 7,319 4,409 775 2,910 150.2% 66.0% Non-Private – up 150.2%. YTD figures in the same SUV Private 722 52 2,431 408 670 2,023 >999% 495.8% category show a 66% rise from 4409 in SUV Non- 457 75 1,725 603 382 1,122 509.3% 186.1% 2018 to 7319 in 2019. Private By comparison, electric/PHEV vehicle Sub Total 3,094 889 15,493 7,610 2,205 7,883 248.0% 103.6% sales in the private passenger category TOTAL 3,387 981 17,063 8,372 2,406 8,691 71.0% 103.8%

20 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 DIARYTALK

AUSSIE TALK DIARY the market by AP Eagers in The potential shutdown of response to market coverage Australia’s vehicle manufac- AutoTalk Australia’s editor concerns raised by Australian turing was made aware to Scott Murray looks at the month Competition and Consumer select individuals within the gone by on autotalk.com.au Commission about the dealer industry as early as the year giant’s $2.3 billion acquisi- 2000. tion of Automotive Holdings Heavy diesel engine re- July 1 July 4 Group. manufacturing business HM Gem tells AutoTalk the po- Turners invest Road Vehicle tential pulling out of manu- July 11 facturing by Holden, Ford in Australian car Standards bill and Toyota was signalled subscription business delayed another year Carbon Revolution to the business in the early Turners Automotive Group The Department of Infrastruc- excited by electric 2000s when the Dandenong Limited is investing AUD$1 ture and Regional Develop- operation was primarily in million (NZD$1,044,479.65) ment has put forward legisla- future the automotive space. into ASX-listed Collaborate tion to delay the introduction Carbon fibre wheel manu- Corporation, a tech-focused of the Road Vehicle Standards facturer Carbon Revolution car-sharing and vehicle sub- amendments bill until July 1, says the increasing interest July 18 scription business based in 2020. in electric vehicles has great Australia. The department has raised potential for the growing Adelaide’s ‘best’ Turners will acquire a concerns about the computer Australian company. Chief technical officer dealerships named 12.13% stake in Collaborate infrastructure’s preparedness News and opinion website Corp and will appoint a direc- for a substantial and complex Brett Gass tells AutoTalk Carbon Revolution is well Best in Aus has ranked what tor to the Collaborate board. series of technical regula- it describes as the “top and tory changes which were positioned as an OEM sup- plier of lightweight carbon leading” franchised and inde- Renault’s masters and proposed to take effect from pendent used dealerships in early December this year. wheels to create significant apprentices rewarded value-add products for the the City of Churches. Renault Australia has sung electric vehicle market. In no particular ranking, the praises of its best techni- “It’s not a question of if, Lakeside Nissan in Pooraka, cians and apprentices in its July 5 but when our products start Dave Potter Honda in Gle- programme conducted with showing up on electric vehi- nelg South, and Adelaide Kangan Institute’s Automotive Hyundai’s clever cles,” he says. Vehicle Centre with five sites Centre of Excellence. new engine tech across the capital’s south- The Renault Apprentice eventually for Oz east, win the accolade of Programme is giving over Adelaide’s best dealers. Hyundai’s new Continuously 200 apprentices and techni- July 12 Variable Valve Duration engine cians a new career path with technology has been declared All Nissan dealers to state-of-the-art facilities at but won’t come to Australia in July 19 the brand’s Mulgrave head become Leaf-ready its debuted form. office and Kangan in Dock- Nissan Australia has con- Hyundai Motor Company Rich-listed Gold lands, while the automotive firmed its entire national claims a 4% boost in engine Coast lemon dealer industry goes through an un- dealer network is expected to output with a 5% improve- precedented skills shortage. become part of the brand’s busted ment in fuel efficiency and a Zero Emission sales and Used car “dealer” Andrew significant 12% reduction in servicing strategy, including its Fraser-Scott has been found July 2 emissions thanks to engine rural showrooms. guilty of breaching Australian technology which manages Speaking to AutoTalk this Consumer Law by overcharg- Mobile Tyre Shop the timing of engine valves week at the Leaf electric car ing customers for unroadwor- during the opening and clos- launch in Melbourne, manag- thy vehicles. growing options for ing sequence according to ing director Stephen Lester His AFS Corporation, which dealers driving demands. says every franchised Nissan operated a chain of automotive Mobile Tyre Shop is about dealership will be capable of businesses “Cartel Dealers”, to expand its fleet of entirely selling, servicing and provid- “Brisbane Dealer Auctions” self-contained tyre replace- July 8 ing charging support for the and “Turn Key Auto Services & ment workshops on wheels to new generation Leaf. Inspections”, has pleaded guilty provide greater opportunities Tony White Group to to 11 breaches of the Motor for dealers. gain from merger Dealers and Chattel Auction- Speaking to AutoTalk last Dealership business Tony July 16 eers Act 2014 (MDCA) and week, Mobile Tyre Shop chief White Group has agreed to buy 66 breaches of the Australian executive Travis Osborne says Kloster Motor Group in New- Local car Consumer Law (ACL). the nationwide tyre service is castle, NSW, from AP Eagers. manufacturing Fraser-Scott and AFS about to ramp-up its fleet to The Heads of Agree- Corporation copped over cope with increased demand ment sale is estimated at closure known in $300,000 in fines. from the automotive indus- $54 million and is one of early 2000s try, especially dealerships. three dealerships placed on Continued on page 22

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 | 21 DIARYTALK

Continued from page 21 not see their 369kW/637Nm July 23 July 24 supercar for another year. July 22 Lexus Australia Car dealer Regulator approves AP Eagers merger MTAQ puts dent tops customer suspended after satisfaction survey complaints The AP Eagers merger acqui- sition of Automotive Holdings in apprenticeship An annual survey shows Lexus New South Wales Fair Trading Group has been approved by demand Australia as the number one has suspended and is inves- the Australian Competition Motor Trades Association brand for customer satisfaction. tigating Cars & Co Pty Ltd’s and Consumer Commission, of Queensland has entered Beating out the likes of licence for allegedly stealing with conditions. the next wave of automotive Volvo, Mazda, Audi and Mer- money from their clients. The ACCC has accepted hopefuls into the workforce. cedes-Benz, the annual Roy About $1.5 million was AP Eagers’ proposed selling Twenty new potentials, Morgan survey shows Lexus stolen from about 20 con- of its Kloster Motor Group aged from 14 to 17, have coming out on top with an sumers in Western Australia business in the Newcastle/ dipped their toe into what increase of 4% from 2018. and New South Wales, WA Hunter Valley region to cre- could become an automo- Today reports after a woman, ate a more balanced con- tive apprenticeship by taking Automotive who wished to remain anon- sumer market when the $2.3 part in the fifth MTAQ’s ymous, lost $58,250 to Cars manufacturing on billion merger takes place. Auto Camp these latest July & Co after being scammed. school holidays. the rise post big- three closures Corvette conjecture Eclipx share price VW Australia first There are now more Austral- at dealer level skyrockets Eclipx Group Ltd’s share price car brand to pledge ian automotive manufacturing Holden dealers are cagey re- shot high on July 5 after a businesses alive and thriving garding paying deposits on the used-tyre recycling than four years ago. major announcement. is the purchase of a new right-hand That’s according to the The sale of both Eclipx’s first automotive brand to drive Chevrolet Corvette C8. Australian Automotive Af- GraysOnline and AreY- recycle all the used tyres A report by Wheels maga- termarket’s commissioned ouSelling businesses to disposed every year. zine has found some dealers study by ACA Research into Quadrant Private Equity for Teaming up with the Tyre indicating the factory right- the outlook for the industry $60 million was announced, Stewardship Australia (TSA), hand-drive ‘Vette could ar- in a post-car manufacturing making the share price go up Volkswagen Australia is rive as early as October 2019 era where Holden, Ford and by 28% to $1.64. pledging its commitment to in time for the Bathurst 1000. Toyota are no longer the pri- the responsible disposal of while another dealer advises mary source of employment, used tyres. a prospective owner might funding and innovation.

THE DIARY cials down for the month, AutoTalk New Zealand’s group New Zealand Customs motor July 15 editor Richard Edward looks at the vehicle statistics show. month gone by on autotalk.co.nz The total number of all ve- Auckland man jailed hicles arriving in the country, for driving licence including trucks and buses, stands at 3318 – down almost bribe fraud July 1 30 on the previous month. was 23,615 for the month compared to 27,755 in May. A man involved in a scheme Heat comes off new The total number of cars for taking bribes in exchange Serial used-car sales for driving licences has been vehicle market June was 19,766 compared to fraudster jailed 22,928 in May. jailed for two years and eight A Trade Me fraudster has been Fewer new vehicles were sold months. jailed for using several aliases in June compared to the same Mohammed Feroz was to convince people he was a month last year confirming July 11 found guilty of 55 charges car dealer and targeting Trade that the overall market for the of obtaining by deception at Me users, scamming buyers year will be down on 2018. Options limited on the Manukau District Court out of nearly $100,000. The latest registration in South Auckland on July 15, Richard Wallace scammed data shows a total of 13,952 the hunt for ESC 2019. 18 car buyers out of $95,400 new vehicles hit the road in When AutoTalk spoke to a by claiming to be a legitimate June, down 8% compared range of import dealers earlier car dealer between April to 15,172 units in the same this year to establish what July 23 2015 and January 2017. period last year. they were expecting from next year’s introduction of the final Dealer’s Ferrari Dealer numbers still stage of electronic stability crashes on test drive falling July 3 control, answers varied widely. From hugely disruptive A Ferrari crashed in Auckland The number of registered to a small blip was their on July 21 – while it is under- motor vehicle traders in New Vehicle imports take answers. stood to have been out on a Zealand continues to edge a hit in June Some expected little change dealer test drive. down – almost 200 on this The total number of vehicle to their stock, others were The $289,900 white Fer- time a year ago. imports took a hit in June predicting hits to up to 50%. rari 458 Italia caused an 8km The number of dealers with both cars and - traffic jam.

22 | AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 DIARYTALK

EV TALK DIARY The Gold Coast resident So says the Royal Auto- EVtalk Australia editor Geoff drove her Tesla Model S100D mobile Club of Queensland Dobson looks at the month gone with 450km range about (RACQ) in releasing its latest by on www.evtalk.com.au 17,640km. annual report on the cheap- est and dearest cars to own July 12 July 19 July 24 and operate. Tesla Model 3 sales New Leaf on sale Residential EV EV Cabs in WA soar August 1 under sharing service A Perth taxi firm is trialling two Tesla achieved record EV Hyundai Ioniq electric sedans, deliveries and production to A$50,000 launched which it believes is an Austral- end the 2019 second quarter The 2019 Nissan Leaf goes Ohmie Go has launched a ian first. with US$5 billion in cash and on sale at 89 dealers nation- private electric vehicle shar- EV Cabs is a trial initiative cash equivalents on the eve of ally from August 1, making ing service in Melbourne. involving Swan Taxis and launching its RHD Model 3 in it the largest electric vehicle In a partnership with Jet parent company Comfort- Australia and New Zealand. network in the country. Charge and Hyundai Australia, DelGro, the latter one of the Recent reports suggest at The 40kWh version it will see two Hyundai Kona world’s largest transport least four Model 3s are in Syd- launched this week in electric SUVs based at EQ firms which includes an EV ney and three are in Auckland Australia (a 62kWh one is Towers, an apartment com- taxi fleet in Singapore. for media drives before cus- coming) is one of the most plex owned by ICD Property. tomers start receiving theirs affordable EVs at $49,990, in September. plus on-road costs, and July 25 has bidirectional charging July 23 capability which allows it to EVs now attainable - Keep up with Around Australia in power the home. RACQ AU Electric Vehicle 80 days in an EV An EV has become attainable Linda Rohrs has circumnavi- for the first time to motorists industry news gated Australia solo in an EV wanting to drive greener and on an 80-day challenge. not blow the budget. evtalk.com.au

FUTURETRUCKING DIARY electric vehicles more real- Futuretrucking Australia editor July 17 istic provided governments Scott Murray looks at the month gone collaborate with industry. by on www.futuretruckingtalk.com.au World’s largest EV proves worth July 19 A Ford spokeswoman says A Komatsu e-Dumper from July 4 this is still in discussion, and Kuhn Schweiz AG, reported to Biodiesel plant to Ford will share updates as be the world’s largest operat- ABB charging up details become firmer. How- ing EV, has been proving its entice Euro 6 Singapore e-buses ever, Ford and Volkswagen worth during the past year. The Barnawartha biodiesel plant in north east Victoria ABB has won contracts to have reached an agreement The e-Dumper weighs has the potential to drive Euro provide electric bus charg- that will allow Ford to share 111 tonnes (fully laden) and 6 engine sales, slash carbon ing infrastructure to charge VW’s new MEB electric car transports 60 tonnes of lime emissions and improve fuel 40 single-deck electric buses platform. and marl (clay and lime rock security. due on Singapore roads in or soil) from a mountain ex- The plant’s capable of pro- early 2020. traction area in Switzerland. July 12 ducing up to 50 million litres The orders were received of renewable biodiesel made from BYD Singapore and ST Daimler Trucks test from animal and vegetable Engineering Land Systems, July 18 waste oil. two of the three companies vehicle simulators awarded e-bus contracts by Daimler Trucks develop- Labor EV backing the Singapore Land Trans- ment engineers are teaming a tailwind for July 22 port Authority. up with truck drivers to put transport mobile vehicle simulators to The federal Labor opposition’s the test. Fiat Ducato set to support for electric vehicle Truck drivers are helping offer first EV July 8 policy is being described as a test the prototypes which are has an- potential win for the transport based on existing systems nounced it will be taking pre- Ford and VW to and supply chain industry. in the new Mercedes-Benz orders for its first fully electric partner on trucks Australian Logistics Actros. Feedback will go into model later this year. Back in January, Ford and Council chief executive Kirk further development work at The new Ducato Electric Volkswagen announced they Coningham says today’s Daimler Trucks. will launch in 2020 with a pi- would collaborate on devel- policy announcement from lot scheme to major clients. oping electric pick-up trucks, Labor offers signals the party delivery vans and medium would make the potential of duty trucks.

AUTOTALK.COM.AU | AUGUST 2019 | 23

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