October 8, 2019 - DAYCO TRIPLE IMPACT AT AUSTRALIA’S
BIGGEST MOTOR RACING EVENT THIS WEEKEND
Dayco, a
world leading engine components and drive systems supplier for the automotive,
industrial and aftermarket industries, will be seen across three major
motorsport categories at Australia’s most famous motor racing event, the 2019
Bathurst 1000 to be held this weekend (October 10 to 13) at Mount Panorama.
Dayco’s premium event and
television coverage during 2019 continues with the Bathurst debut of the
Monster Energy Tickford Racing Ford Mustang driven by Cameron Waters. The Dayco
sponsored driver is currently 5th in the Supercar Championship and
has gained six podium finishes so far this season in his striking matt black
Mustang.
Long term Dayco Ambassador
David Russell returns to Supercars at the Mountain this weekend as well,
joining forces with Matt Stone Racing (MSR) and
Sherrin Rentals in the Dunlop Super2 Series 250 kilometre Bathurst endurance
race to be held on Saturday October 12. This weekend’s Super2 race at
Bathurst will reunite the driver (Russell) and sponsor (Sherrin Rentals) that
debuted at Mount Panorama together a decade ago.
Since then, “Dayco Dave” Russell has gone on to forge a successful
career as an endurance racing specialist both in Australia and internationally,
bringing an enviable Super2 Series pedigree to this weekend’s nationally
televised Bathurst Super2 race.
In 2010 Russell raced to his first Supercar pole position and scored
both race wins in a clean sweep of the Bathurst Super2 Series round, following
that up with second at the Bathurst Super2 Series round in 2011. Russell has
qualified and finished in the top three in all of his Super2 Series races at
Mount Panorama during his career.
Along with his Super2 Series / DVS experience, Russell celebrated a
decade of main series Bathurst Supercar endurance co-driver racing last season,
having competed there with Fernandez Racing (1 season), Kelly Racing (2
seasons), Nissan Motorsport (5 seasons) and last season with Tickford Racing.
Dayco has proudly been a part of the last seven Bathurst campaigns with Russell.
The third high profile Dayco motorsport marketing platform for
Australia’s biggest motor racing weekend is the debut of the Dayco Carrera Cup
Porsche at Mount Panorama in the hands of Tag Heuer Pro-Am Championship leader
Roger Lago.
Lago has enjoyed an outstanding Porsche Carrera Cup season which has
included the first outright Pole position for a Pro-Am driver, three race wins
and consistent top five performances to keep him within grasp of the Tag Heuer
Pro Am title in this penultimate round of the 2019 Championship.
According to Matt Stone, MSR Team Principal, “It’s good to have David
Russell back in the team. We ran together in the 12 hour at start of year and
it’s good to be able to continue the relationship in Super2. We have competed
against Russell in Super2 for years so are well aware of his abilities and what
he will bring.”
“I have had some great Super2 races at Bathurst and together with such a
strong team, I am looking forward to a very strong race this weekend,” David
Russell said.
For Dayco Asia Pacific Vice President- Aftermarket, Arnold Mouw, the
company is delighted to have such a strong presence at this major Australian
motor racing event.
“It will be impossible to miss the Dayco brand message at Bathurst this
year – that’s for sure! We have progressively grown our involvement in
Australian and international motorsport each year together with our ambassador,
David Russell, and we are delighted to see him back behind the wheel of a
Supercar this year at Mount Panorama.
“Together with Roger Lago in his stunning Carrera Cup Porsche and
Cameron Waters in his Tickford Racing Mustang, we have an enviable presence at
this event which is as big as it gets in this country, while also being an
event that gains incredible Asia Pacific and global coverage as well,“ Mr Mouw
stated.
“I wish all of our drivers and teams a safe and highly successful
weekend at Bathurst,” He added.
September 17, 2019 - CAPRICORN INSPIRED TO HELP BY MEMBER’S FIGHT WITH
PROSTATE CANCER
There are more than 20,000 very important reasons
why Australasia’s largest automotive cooperative, Capricorn, has made a
dedicated effort to accept donations to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of
Australia.
Following the highly
successful Capricorn Cares Farmer’s Drought fundraising initiative conducted
last year, Capricorn is dedicating this year’s Capricorn Cares effort to
increase awareness and collect donations from its vast Member base towards
Prostate cancer research.
Prostate cancer is one of the
most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia, affecting one in seven men. One
of those 20,000 plus men diagnosed last year was Capricorn Member, John Spicer
from John Spicer’s Mechanical Repairs in NSW. Like many men, John never thought
about Prostate Cancer until a routine blood test revealed that he was suffering
from it.
“I never thought about
prostate cancer at all, but I needed to get my Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
and cholesterol tested every year as part of my medicals needed for my speedway
racing. And it was this very simple blood test that showed something was going
on” John said.
The impact of the disease
made it clear, it’s not just a men’s cancer. It’s a family’s cancer that
impacts wives, children, mothers, fathers and friends too.
“My four adult children were
extremely shocked and wanted to help out in any way they could. I was initially
diagnosed in September last year and I was ok until I had my first radiation
treatment. I came back to the office and it hit me - I have cancer.
“My wife took over running
the business with a friend to keep our customers happy so I could rest after
treatment every day. But I found that I really couldn’t leave the business full
time as I had to still do the rego checks and vehicle diagnosing,” John said.
John was more fortunate than
most. By getting the simple PSA blood test every year, he was able to catch the
disease early. And while he’s not out of the woods just yet, it’s clear that
getting tested has significantly increased his chances of making a full recovery.
“By the time symptoms show,
that usually means it’s too late. I’m not “all clear” at the moment, but after
treatment my PSA levels have halved.
“I want to retire in a few
years and enjoy travelling and fishing with my wife. But that wouldn’t be possible
without getting tested. I can’t stress it enough. Early detection is a must.
Just do it.” John said.
September is prostate cancer
awareness month in Australia and New Zealand, making it an apt time for this
very special Capricorn Cares awareness and fundraising campaign.
For the sake of your wives,
your children, your friends and the other people in your life, ask your doctor
for a PSA blood test this month. Even if your doctor says you don’t fit the
likely profile, getting tested early is the best way to track changes in your
PSA levels in the future, that can indicate the presence of the disease.
The Capricorn Cares
fundraising campaign is accepting donations to the Prostate Cancer Foundation
of Australia. To donate, Members should login to capricorn.coop and complete
the donation form.
All donations are entirely
tax deductible and 100% of all funds raised from this Capricorn Cares campaign
in Australia will go directly to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
PROSTATE CANCER
• In Australia and New
Zealand, Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men.
• More than 20,000 men are
diagnosed with Prostate cancer in Australia and New Zealand every year.
• Studies have shown high fat
diets and the consumption of processed meats and alcohol can also increase the
risks of cancer.
The Prostate Specific Antigen
Test (PSA Test) is a simple blood test and the most common screening tool for
the early detection of Prostate cancer. It might be the most important test
you’ll ever do, but the reality is, too many men put it off until it’s too
late.
For more information about
Prostate cancer visit prostate.org.au.
September 13, 2019 - TIMING CHAIN KITS JOIN
THE VAST DAYCO AFTERMARKET RANGE IN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
Dayco, a leading
engine components and drive systems supplier for the automotive, industrial and
aftermarket industries, introduces a new range of premium quality Timing Chain Kits to the
company’s vast Australasian automotive aftermarket product range.
This new range of direct-fit Dayco Timing Chain Kits
bring the benefits of the company’s world class design and engineering expertise in toothed belt power
transmission systems along with Dayco’s in-depth knowledge of functional
requirements.
Combining this
expertise with the total quality and reliability hallmarks of the Dayco brand,
ensures that automotive repairers and parts re-sellers across Australia and New
Zealand can offer technicians outstanding quality replacement Dayco Timing
Chain Kits to suit a wide range of popular local, Asian and European vehicle
makes and models.
In designing the new Dayco Timing Chain kits, a system logic was followed, to
ensure that all of the elements required for replacement, that is; the chain,
hydraulic tensioner, sprockets and guides are included with every kit.
Additionally, Dayco has guaranteed that all elements of each Timing Chain Kit
comply with the technical requirements of each single component. This provides
maximum functionality, silence in operation and promotes longer transmission
life.
The main advantages of the new Dayco Timing Chain Kit range include:
Synergic
design of each entire kit (chain, guides, tensioner, gears and seals)
High
robustness and proven reliability on test benches and in vehicle fleet
testing
High
strength steel, precision machined tensioners to ensure reduced internal
clearances for optimum control and management of the timing chain tension
High
strength plastic guides manufactured with glass fibres for additional
strength.
High
strength moulding steel or sintered steel manufactured gears with specific
heat treatments applied for the hardening of the toothed area surfaces
To find out more
about the new Dayco Timing Chain Kit range visit www.dayco.com, call Dayco
Australia customer service - 03 9794 4466or contact your Dayco Distributor.
/ends.
Image Links: (A selection of new Dayco Timing Chain Kits and
packaging)
September 12, 2019 - MONROE
SUPPORTS A VERY SPECIAL VARIETY BASH ENTRY
Monroe Australia has supported three decade veteran team member, Michael
Kelly, on his very special South Australian Variety Bash car rally entry in
2019.
Sadly, Michael lost his wife Ann to pancreatic
cancer in July. He met Ann at Monroe Australia and enjoyed a loving 33 year
relationship together.In discussing how
he could do something to help get over the terrible loss of his wife and best
friend, Michael and a group of his friends registered to enter the 2019 South
Australia Variety Bash.
The Variety Bash car rallies are held across
Australia each year as a fun way to raise money for children in need using low
value older cars, many decorated in elaborately fun liveries to take part.
Competitors collect donations prior to the event and during it from each town
that they visit, while special fund raising events are also held along the
journey.
Monroe Australia was delighted to join their
loyal team member on his Variety Bash entry, which saw his trusty 1992 Ford XF
Falcon Ute rolled out of the shed and fully worked over to complete the
grueling 4,875 kilometre, mainly dirt road, seven day charity event which was
conducted from August 10 to August 17 this year.
Michael chose an apt team name, “Galahs in a
Falcon”, which is in keeping with the light-hearted and fun nature of each
Variety Bash.
As Michael says, “Galahs is the best word to
describe the characters of everyone who took part and the kids along the
Variety Bash rally route loved it too.”
Monroe provided sponsorship support to the Galahs
in a Falcon SA Variety Bash Team and ensured that the suspension of the XF
Falcon Ute was at optimum ride performance quality for this event with a set of
Australian designed and manufactured Monroe Heavy Duty shock absorbers.
Michael and his team of Galahs conducted meat
raffles and sausage sizzles to increase the funds raised by being a part of
this event, along with contributions from Monroe Australia and other generous
sponsors, that resulted in an outstanding total amount raised of $22,130.
The 94 teams that took part in this year’s
South Australian Variety Bash raised a staggering total of $1.94 million that
finds its way directly to varied children’s charities across the state.
“I am very proud to be a part of the Monroe
Australia team for more than 30 years now, so it is wonderful to have my
employer aboard to help raise funds for Variety – Australia’s Childrens
Charity. We have done a great thing to help Aussie kids and I’m already
thinking about the next one,” Michael stated.
“We had an incredible time over the week and
the Monroe Heavy Duty shocks didn’t miss a beat throughout the bash. After
leaving Codan (SA) we drove as far north as Cameron’s Hill in Queensland and
then continued on mainly dirt roads to Murray Bridge across seven wonderful
days.
“I had to deal with overheating issues
throughout the bash and had a breakdown enroute that we sorted out. The
undercarriage of the car took a major beating, and amazingly the left rear
shock absorber had two major dents in it but still worked perfectly to the end
– true Monroe Australian manufacturing quality right there!,” Michael said.
According to Brydon Tweddell, Monroe Marketing
Manager, “We are very pleased to have taken part in such a worthy and fun
natured motoring event. It was also great to support our team member Michael
Kelly who has taken the initiative to do something very positive for others
following such a major personal loss. The amount of money he and his team
raised for children’s charities was incredible as was the result of the entire
South Australian Variety Bash.”
September 10, 2019 - BURSON AUTO PARTS PLAYS ITS
PART IN PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
Australia’s preferred trade supplier of automotive
parts, tools and equipment is playing its part to protect the environment
through parent company Bapcor Limited’s partnership with Greenfleet.
Greenfleet is a leading environmental not for profit organisation that
seeks to protect our climate by restoring forests through carbon offsets and
donations. This outstanding Australian organisation has restored more than 500
native bio-diverse forests since 1997, planting more than 9.2 million native
trees across both Australia and New Zealand.
Burson Auto Parts’ fleet of almost 1,000 vehicles across the country are
carbon offset through Greenfleet, forming one of several major carbon offset
initiatives being made across the immense Bapcor group of automotive
aftermarket companies.
Burson Auto Parts is also taking part in a tree planting program that
contributes to offsetting the carbon emissions of its national vehicle fleet,
an integral part of Bapcor’s Greenfleet commitment that contributes to the
planting of new bio-diversive forests in Australia.
In fact, Bapcor’s contribution to date will assist in vegetating an area
covering more than nine times the size of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
According to Bapcor Chief Executive Officer, Darryl Abotomey, “We are
delighted to be partnering with Greenfleet to support native Australian local
reforestation projects that provide a wide range of environmental benefits.
“Our partnership with Greenfleet forms part of Bapcor’s strategic
commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and taking action on environmental
sustainability,” he added.
Sustainability is an important part of this Australian owned company’s
growth strategy. Both Burson Auto Parts and the entire Bapcor Group are proud
to be taking effective and directly measurable action through their partnership
with Greenfleet.
September 5, 2019 - 180 STORES PLUS - BURSON AUTO PARTS NEEDS YOU!
This
media release initially was distributed to promote Australia’s Burson Auto
Parts reaching the milestone of the company’s 180th store. Such is
the pace of Burson Auto Parts’ national store network growth that the total is
now in fact 183 stores and growing each week.
These stores cannot best
serve Australia’s automotive trade without great teams of people at the
counter, on the phones and on the road - so now more than ever, opportunities
exist to commence, continue, or a make a career change that has exciting future
prospects with Burson Auto Parts and its parent company, the immense Bapcor
Group.
A total of 11 new Burson Auto
Parts stores were added to the company’s national network in 2019, forming part
of almost 60 new Bapcor Group sites that were added to the Australian
automotive aftermarket company’s unparalleled national footprint over the past
12 months.
This strategic growth is
providing local employment opportunities ranging from store staff, delivery
drivers and local store management, with the company’s size and growth also
providing exciting long term career ascension opportunities across regional
zone management, category management and executive management levels.
The 180th Burson
Auto Parts store to open its doors was the Murwillumbah store, located in north
eastern New South Wales. This branch, along with a further four new sites in
the region, has grown Burson Auto Parts’ footprint in the state significantly.
Store 181 was Mansfield (QLD), Store 182 is the Emerald (QLD) store and the 183rd
Burson Auto Parts store is located in Wangaratta (VIC).
According to Craig Magill,
Burson Auto Parts Executive General Manager, “Our targeted growth continues to
ensure that we provide fast, reliable and geographically convenient service to
our loyal trade customers across the country - which is always our primary
focus.
“Our growth also makes this
the right time for people involved in the automotive aftermarket industry, or
people seeking a start in this industry, to join us as we continue our
unprecedented expansion in line with all of the automotive trade and retail
companies that are a part of the Bapcor Group,” Mr Magill stated.
To find out more about Burson
Auto Parts and the career opportunities that are available with this proudly
Australian owned and operated company, visit www.burson.com.au.
Suggested Caption:Burson Auto
Parts has now reached more than 180 stores nationwide and is continuing to
grow. Now is the right time to join the Australian company as it continues its
unprecedented expansion. 180th Burson Auto
Parts store (Murwillumbah NSW) crew members pictured.
August 29, 2019 - PENRITE LEADS THE CHARGE TO GET THE NATION'S FLAGS FLYING HIGH OVER MOUNT PANORAMA
Australia’s Penrite Oil Company, 100% Australian
Owned and manufactured since 1926,is leading a campaign to have
Australian flags erected at the top of Mount Panorama, home of the world famous
Bathurst 1000, Bathurst 12 Hour and 6 Hour endurance racing events.
Given the unique history of this incredible motor racing circuit and public
road tourist attraction, the team of proud Australians at Penrite are hoping to
generate strong public interest in having Australian flags ever present at this
globally iconic location.
Penrite has made a number of approaches to the Bathurst Regional Council
seeking to assist in the construction of a flag pole above the synonymous
“Mount Panorama” side of mountain signage. These approaches have been refused
for reasons relating to resources, construction and maintenance.
National flags are proudly flown at major international motor racing
events including NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula One and Moto GP all over the world.
Given the spirit of co-operation that can be found in motorsport through the
team owners, their related businesses, sponsors and the sport’s engineering and
fabrication contacts, along with motorsports club members and the assistance of
volunteers to support the Bathurst Regional Council, it is Penrite Australia’s
belief that these obstacles can be overcome.
Toby Dymond, Managing Director of the Penrite Oil Company which has been
Australian family owned and operated for over 90 years, strongly believes that
symbolism of our national pride would be a great addition to the home of
several of the world’s greatest endurance based motor races.
“I am sure that I am not alone in wanting our national flag or the
traditional custodian’s flag to fly proudly at the top of Mount Panorama, not
just during the world famous motor racing events held there - but all of the
time, symbolising how special this place is to millions of Australians and to
the local community.
“When I visit sporting events around the world, national flags are
always a part of each event, promoting national pride. It makes the whole
country feel proud of these major international events and I cannot understand
why we don’t have our national flags flying proudly at this world famous
venue,” Mr Dymond said.
“The Bathurst 1000, Bathurst 12 Hour and the Bathurst 6 Hour events are
renowned worldwide. Drivers and teams from all over the world rate the Mount
Panorama circuit up there with the handful of the world’s greatest motor racing
venues and events. I think it is about time that Australians displayed how
proud we are of this incredible racing circuit and the famed events that it stages,
along with the champions that it has created, by erecting a national flag pole
there,” he stated.
In addition to the Australian national flag, in respect of the area’s
traditional custodians, the flag pole at the top Mount Panorama should also include
a symbol of significance, whether that takes the form of a second flag or
another fitting acknowledgment.
The team at Australia’s Penrite Oil Company hopes that the media, local
and federal members of Parliament and motorsports fans nationwide can lend
their support to this campaign, by adding their powerful voices to help send a
clear message that our country’s most famous motor racing circuit needs an
Australian flag or flags proudly flying over it.
“I truly believe that this is something that we can make happen with the
support of the motor racing fraternity of teams, drivers and fans along with
the wider community. We need to project the message that Mount Panorama is an
important part of Australia’s incredible sporting history and what better way
to symbolise that than this,” Mr Dymond added.
“Where there is a will, there
is a way to overcome any objection and it just requires some entrepreneurship,
innovation and passion for our country to get it done. We can do it,“ he
concluded.
Those in favour of this should support this campaign by adding their
name to Penrite’s change.org petition at http://chng.it/DGxnwwr9and by contacting the Bathurst Regional Council at council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au.
August 19, 2019 - INAUGURAL CAPRICORN “FUTURES
COLLIDE” COLLISION REPAIR CONFERENCE A MAJOR SUCCESS
The inaugural Capricorn Futures Collide Collision
Repair Conference held in Melbourne on Saturday August 10 proved to be a major
success.
Held at the Novotel On Collins Conference Centre, located in Melbourne’s
Central Business District, this unique collision repairer focussed event was
also the first ever Capricorn organised event to include both Capricorn Members
and non-Members from both Australia and New Zealand.
A total of 200 delegates heard and interacted with highly qualified
speakers from the USA and Europe, along with local industry identities,
ensuring the broad sharing of important industry information, advice, technical
workshop product updates and service awareness.
The event’s Key Note speaker was the outstanding Mike Anderson, a
leading American collision repair industry business owner and consultant who is
widely regarded as a global champion of the industry. Anderson gave a highly
detailed insight to the meticulous standards that are required by collision
repairers both in the present and heading into the future. Anderson’s stern
delivery of the facts relating to the level of attention to detail required by
modern automotive panel repairers was combined with interesting stories of his
own personal experiences with several doses of humour thrown in. This ensured a
seriously informative and entertaining commencement to the conference.
The conference also included a detailed panel discussion that included
representation by three collision repair business owners and operators, the
insurance industry and the state’s major automotive industry body. Two OEM’s
were represented at the conference (GM Holden and Hyundai), enabling delegates
to direct questions to senior industry sector specific representatives for
direct and well-informed responses.
Hyundai’s presentation included the fact that the global automotive
manufacturer is now a Capricorn Brand Partner, providing more access to
products and information for Members through the Hyundai network of dealers
within Capricorn’s formidable supplier base.
With the ever increasing numbers of European makes and models on
Australia’s roads, it was also very apt that the conference also benefitted
from the contributions of Ralph Meichtry, Managing Director of Betag
Innovation, the Swiss based world leading collision repair training services
provider.
Given that the major emphasis of this Collision Repair Conference was to
deal with the issues facing the industry right now, the event’s presenters also
included two Australian collision repair business owners, I-CAR Board Member
Andrea McCarthy (from McCarthy’s Body Works) and VACC Body Repair Division Executive
Committee Member Carly Ruggieri (from Europanels), with both resonating well
among the delegates. One of the few regional area based collision repairers to
be Green Belt 6 Sigma PPG Qualified, I-Car Gold Class, Holden and Subaru
Certified (Killen Smash Repairs) was also represented by Managing Director Mike
Killen.
GM Holden Collision Product Manager, Damian Cahill, also chose this
inaugural industry event to personally present McCarthy’s Body Works with their
GM Holden Certified Panel Repairer Plaque, forming a surprise conclusion to Ms
McCarthy’s presentation. As Andrea and her husband Craig are proud Capricorn
Members, this was a memorable moment that showcased yet another Capricorn
Member receiving an OEM badge.
The conference sponsors who made this highly successful inaugural event
possible were also given the opportunity to display and discuss their products
and services informally during the morning, lunch and afternoon breaks.
Capricorn Futures Collide Collision Repair Conference major sponsors,
Hella Gutmann Solutions, Hyundai Genuine Parts and Lowbake also made concise,
sharp and informative presentations during the event. The conference MC and
panel discussion was moderated by the highly experienced David Newton-Ross, who
brought more than 35 years of collision repair business and publishing
expertise to this very special inaugural industry event.
An informal and highly enjoyable cocktail event concluded the official
conference proceedings, providing the conference delegates, sponsors and
presenters with the opportunity to socialise and network with like-minded
industry identities.
According to Capricorn National Panel Manager Rob Mildenhall, the
success of this inaugural Collision Repair Conference is a direct reflection of
the industry’s dedication and commitment to constant improvement and
development.
“The success of our inaugural Capricorn Futures Collide Collision Repair
Conference paves the way for Australasia’s largest automotive parts
co-operative to take the lead in ensuring a stronger technical, training and
product support presence for collision repairers based in Australia and New
Zealand,” Mr Mildenhall said.
“More than 1,800 panel and paint workshops have joined the Capricorn
cooperative, which represents approximately 50% of the entire collision repair
industry in Australia and New Zealand. This means Capricorn is well placed to
represent the interest of repairers and can be relied on to facilitate more
collision repair industry specific events in the future which will be open to
both Capricorn Members and non-members.
“I’d like to thank all of our
presenters and sponsors who believed in the potential of this collision repair
specific event and worked closely with us to ensure its success,” He added.
To find out more about the benefits of joining Capricorn, visit www.capricorn.coop.
August 12, 2019 - MONROE HELPS TO DRIVE YOUR
SUSPENSION BUSINESS
As part of the world’s largest automotive
aftermarket company, DRiV™, Australian automotive repairers and parts re-sellers
gain unique advantages from using and recommending the Monroe ride performance
product range.
While there are several options for product brands competing in the
Australian ride performance replacement product space, none of them offer the
same commitment to increasing your suspension replacement business that DRiV™
does with Australia’s most trusted shock absorber brand, Monroe.
Five Year Monroe OESpectrum Shock Absorber Warranty
The only brand that provides total product reliability and peace of mind
to Australian automotive repairers, re-sellers and their customers is Monroe.
No ride performance or shock absorber product brand in Australia backs its
quality engineering and manufacturing with a five year warranty. Monroe was the
first in the industry to deliver a five year warranty and remains the only
brand to offer this for every part number across the vast Monroe OESpectrum
replacement shock absorber and strut range. This provides unparalleled support
to Australian automotive aftermarket repairers, suspension specialists and
re-sellers.
New Monroe Shock Absorber Tester
DRiV™ also assists Monroe shock absorber stockists and re-sellers with
yet another industry first - a new cordless, hand-held electronic shock
absorber tester. This ingenious workshop tool enables the fast and easy testing
of vehicle shock absorbers using the rebound and damping ratio methods to
determine shock absorber performance. The unit even provides an easy to
understand print-out of the test results. This is another exclusive Monroe game
changer that enables your automotive repair business to professionally and
highly accurately test the shock absorbers of every vehicle that enters your
workshop. This of course leads to increased shock absorber replacement
business.
Monroe Training Video
Another important part of the Monroe commitment to the Australian
automotive repair and parts sales sectors is updated product training. To
ensure that Monroe trade customers are provided with Monroe ride performance
product training, fitting tips and other important information, DRiV™ has
produced a new training video that can be easily viewed by technicians online
at any time. Produced by Monroe Australia’s product development team, this
commitment to important trade customer training works hand in hand with
Monroe’s Australian technical helpline and customer service team who can be
reached by calling 1800 088 205. You can view the latest Monroe
training video anytime at www.monroe.com.au/workshop.
Monroe Safety Specialist Program
Monroe also provides the trade with the industry’s longest standing and
most successful suspension product sales generating program, the Monroe Safety
Specialist Program. This program enables your business to benefit from Monroe’s
extensive nationwide marketing, providing sales leads by delivering customers
who are actively seeking shock absorber replacement or checking within your
geographic area. Sales tools are also included and your business is directly
linked to the Monroe Australia website, which is constantly promoting the
benefits of enhanced vehicle safety through shock absorber replacement. All
Monroe Safety Specialists are also linked to a Freecall hotline phone number as
well. This proven sales generating program is without any doubt the most unique
and effective for general automotive repairers and suspension specialists
alike. It is another part of the DRiV™ commitment to increasing Monroe
Australia’s trade customers’ sales.
Monroe Passenger Vehicle and Heavy Duty Catalogues
DRiV™’s commitment to provide the most up to date Monroe ride
performance products for the Australian automotive aftermarket is reflected
through the brand’s constantly updated passenger vehicle and heavy duty /
commercial vehicle catalogues. Featuring hundreds of new applications with each
edition, the coverage offered by Monroe across both road car, 4WD and
commercial / truck applications remains unrivalled. All catalogued products are
also updated online at www.monroe.com.au, including 360
degree photography and important fitment tips. As a major Original Equipment
supplier to many of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers, the Australian
automotive aftermarket is assured of fast replacement product availability,
with all Monroe ride performance products manufactured to exact or to exceed
Original Equipment specifications, particularly across Monroe’s vast European,
Asian and Australian vehicle application range.
When you select Monroe, you are selecting so much more than the world’s
leading ride performance product brand, you are enhancing the future
development and growth of your automotive repair or parts re-selling business.
Another unique point in selecting Monroe ride performance products is
the company’s Australian research and development, providing localised product
engineering and manufacturing.
Whether it is the five year Monroe OESpectrum range warranty, the
specially produced product and fitment training videos, the sales generating
Monroe Safety Specialist marketing support and the commitment to the broadest
aftermarket application range, Monroe supplies it all, backed by the world’s
largest automotive aftermarket company, DRiV™.
For more information contact the Monroe Australia customer service team
on 1800 088 205 or visit Monroe on line at www.monroe.com.au
June 25, 2019 - POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR
AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING
With the dust settling in the
wake of car manufacturers ceasing vehicle production in Australia, the
automotive manufacturing sector has had to recalibrate, but positive signs are
emerging.
Although
overall revenue and employment numbers are down from 2015 figures, business
sentiment within the sector is positive; with reinvention, new ventures and
innovation driving an increase in the number of manufacturing businesses
operating in Australia.
In fact,
research commissioned by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association
(AAAA) with ACA Research to evaluate the state of the market has revealed a
total of 300 automotive manufacturing companies operating in Australia, up from
260 in 2015.
The increase
is an encouraging sign and is a combination of OEM parts suppliers being
able to pivot and diversify into other markets with new products and skilled
workers previously employed by vehicle manufacturers, starting new ventures in
more specialised or niche areas.
In 2019,
the Australian automotive manufacturing sector employs nearly 10,000 workers
and has a combined annual revenue of $4 billion. This revenue predominantly
comes from direct sales to consumers and trade, or sales to wholesalers and retailers.
With the popularity of the 4WD
market in Australia and overseas from a parts and accessories perspective, it
is unsurprising that 86% of businesses are engaged in this market.
Diversification is widespread however, with businesses most commonly producing
parts for four types of vehicles - 4WD’s, passenger vehicles, light commercial
and performance vehicles.
While
Australia remains the core customer base for most manufacturers, 70% of these
companies are exporting overseas.The
combined export revenue within the sector currently sits at $640 million, with
the USA remaining the key export market, ahead of Europe, New Zealand and the
Middle East.
Export
markets remain a key area for growth potential to the sector, however external
economic issues such as the fluctuating dollar, general economic conditions,
plus rising power and fuel costs are the greatest challenges to medium term
growth for the industry.
To mitigate
these factors, investment in new technology, research and development and
skills building are the main drivers for business development. And with nearly
all manufacturing business forecasting revenue growth and the volume of exports
to increase over the next 12 months, signs are positive.
“It has
been a challenging time for us following Ford, Holden and Toyota leaving
Australia. But this landmark research
has now shed important light on the steady growth in the number of companies
and the increase in product innovation in our industry. We are still here and
we are encouraged by the increase in exports and business confidence. These
findings are a catalyst for further optimism and growth within automotive
manufacturing,” said Lesley Yates, Senior Manager – Government Relations and
Advocacy of the AAAA .
ACA Research Director Steve Nuttal echoed the confidence in the industry that the research has uncovered.
"The
highlight of this research for us is the positive outlook for the
future of the Australaian automotive manufacturing sector, despite an
uncertain economic environment. In our view, this confidence is
justified with our manufacturing firms focussing on investing in talent
and innovation, which will position them for success in Australian and
international markets."
June 13, 2019 - DAYCO PLAYS ITS
PART IN ENGINE AWARDS
Power
Transmission Specialist Features in Multiple Categories
Dayco is a leading engine products and drive systems supplier for the
automotive, industrial and aftermarket industries and the close relationships
it has forged with the research and development departments of many of Europe’s
major vehicle manufacturers (VMs). These relationships are clearly evident in
the latest International Engine of the Year Awards, presented by Engine
Technology International Magazine.
Ford’s
innovative, multiple award-winning, 999cc three-cylinder turbo, which features
in models such as the Fiesta, Focus, C-Max and Mondeo, was again crowned winner
of the Sub 150PS category, while the VW 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI unit, used
in a wide range of Volkswagen Auto Group (VAG) vehicles, topped the 150PS to
250PS classification.
Dayco supplies
the entire primary drive system, which incorporates its ground-breaking BIO
(Belt-In-Oil) system, for the Ford unit and the timing / water pump belt for
the VW engine, emphasising the company’s extraordinary technical capabilities
and manufacturing capacity.
The awards, which
are judged by more than 70 of the most respected motoring journalists from
around the world, are held in high regard by the VM’s and the wider industry
alike.
About Dayco
Dayco is a global
leader in the research, design, manufacturing and distribution of essential
engine products, drive systems and services for automobiles, trucks,
construction, agriculture and industry.
Dayco’s
contributions are integral to how people get from place to place, goods are
transported, food is harvested, and infrastructure is built. The company
operates according to long-held values - keeping promises, delivering on time
all the time, and an intense commitment to service no matter what the
obstacles. For more than a century, Dayco has overcome challenges, emerging
stronger and smarter at every turn. Dayco improves how the world moves by
creating products, systems and relationships that endure. Move Forward.
Always.™
Dayco has more
than 40 locations in 21 countries and over 4,500 associates. For more
information about Dayco, visit the Company's website at www.dayco.com.
August 6, 2019 - 2019 CAPRICORN RISING STARS
COMPETITION WINNER ANNOUNCED
The 2019 Capricorn Rising Stars competition to find
Australia’s most promising automotive apprentice among the more than 20,000
Capricorn Member automotive businesses has unearthed a winner and four
outstanding finalists.
The Capricorn Rising Stars competition was developed to assist Capricorn
Members to recognise and reward their high performing apprentices to keep them
committed to the industry, long-term.
The more than 500 nominees were evaluated based on their ability to show
initiative in the workshop, eagerness to learn and commitment to the auto
industry.
Queensland based apprentice from Titan Automotive, Jeremy Drabsch, has
been selected by the Capricorn Rising Star panel of highly experienced
automotive aftermarket industry judges as the 2019 Capricorn Rising Star.
In what proved to be yet another extremely close competition, Jeremy
stood out by demonstrating his professionalism and dedication to his craft,
inside and outside of the workshop.
“I always strive to be an excellent representative of my workshop, not
just when I’m wearing my uniform, but outside of work too. I recognise I’m
being paid to learn, so I always make sure I’m prepared to do my very best at
all times including studying up on topics every day before class. Even little
things like sitting at the front in class and not going out for lunch. I know
that if I was paying someone to study, I’d want them to take it very seriously
too,” Jeremy said.
Jeremy credits his employers at Titan Automotive with his early
successes.
“From day one at Titan, my boss was clear in letting me know that I’d
get the training needed to work on today’s cars, older vehicles and whatever
future technology is coming through. I feel really privileged to be in a
workshop that’s working hard to stay ahead of the curve,” He said.
“When it comes to repair work, my workshop’s values are aligned with my
own, which I think is important. At Titan there is a strong focus on producing
high quality work as opposed to just getting cars out. I really respect and
appreciate the opportunity to be part of this. It is a relationship where we
are both fully committed to the end goal,” Jeremy added.
As the Capricorn Rising Stars competition winner, Jeremy will take his
workshop boss and two friends on an all-expenses paid trip to the spectacular
2019 Vodafone Gold Coast 600 Supercar race event held on the streets of Surfers
Paradise from October 26 to 27 thanks to major sponsor, Castrol.
As part of the winning Capricorn Rising Star prize pack, Titan
Automotive has also won 150,000 Bonus Capricorn Reward Points, also courtesy of
Castrol.
Jeremy Drabsch will also receive industry renowned leadership academy
training from The Workshop Whisperer.
Of special additional note are the four highly talented finalists who
made it to the last round of judging alongside our winner. These finalists are:
Stephanie McKenzie - Ultra Tune
Bundaberg (QLD)
Micah Connolly - Paramount
Automotive (QLD)
Sarah Spriopoulos - Kilmore
Collision Centre (VIC)
Wesley Rietveld - Westernport
Automotive (VIC)
Encouragingly, there were substantially more women nominated for the
Rising Stars award in 2019, reflecting the increased diversity within our
workshops. This was highlighted by the top five placings from Stephanie
McKenzie and Sarah Spiropoulos. Sarah also gained the distinction of being the
top-rated repairer from a paint & panel workshop.
These finalists all received Capricorn Rising Star prize packs that
included:
A Repco tool kit valued at
$1,000
A 12 month subscription to
Repco’s Autopedia technical support service
Tickets to two Repco Masterclass
Clinics
Access to the AutoMate online
training program
Two tickets to their local
Capricorn Gala Dinner & Tradeshow
According to Capricorn Automotive CEO Bradley Gannon, this year’s
Capricorn Rising Stars competition proved to be an outstanding success.
“Once again we have revealed a number of outstanding young individuals
who are making their mark in the automotive service and repair industry. I
congratulate the winner, Jeremy Drabsch and all of the finalists, along with
all of the apprentices who were nominated for this competition by our Members,”
Mr Gannon stated.
“We believe that it is highly important to support the introduction of
new and enthusiastic talent to the industry while encouraging more young people
to enter this industry. These are the main reasons why we established the
Capricorn Rising Stars competition. I would like to thank the highly
experienced judging panel for donating their time along with all of our
generous program partners for their outstanding prizes. Above all, thanks to
the many Capricorn Members who are helping sustain our industry by recognising
their apprentices with a nomination,” Mr Gannon said.
Capricorn Rising Stars is proudly supported by major sponsor Castrol,
Repco, AutoMate, The Workshop Whisperer and The Automotive Technician (TaT).
Suggested Caption: 2019 Capricorn
Rising Stars Apprentice Competition winner Jeremy Drabsch from Titan Automotive
(QLD) at the moment that he was informed of his well-earned accolade.
July 16, 2019 - INDUSTRY SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED
FOR THE CAPRICORN “FUTURES COLLIDE” COLLISION REPAIR CONFERENCE IN MELBOURNE
Just under one month remains before the inaugural
“Futures Collide” Collision Repair Conference takes place at the centrally
located Novotel Melbourne On Collins on Saturday August 10.
There is still time for collision repairers from Victoria, across the
country and New Zealand to register online atwww.capricorn.coop/collision_repair_conference and take part in
this custom designed industry event that will address the real issues facing
the collision repair industry from people who are experiencing these issues -
fellow collision repair business owners and operators.
Leading the impressive line-up of industry speakers at the Capricorn
“Futures Collide” Collision Repair Conference is leading American collision
repair industry business owner and consultant, Mike Anderson. A champion of the
industry on a global scale, Mike spends the majority of his time sharing from
his own experiences by teaching cutting edge management and operational
techniques, while also serving on leading industry advisory boards throughout
the USA and Canada.
The emphasis on our Australasian collision repair industry at this conference
is paramount and to address many of the day to day issues of this highly
specialised sector of the automotive repair industry, Capricorn has assembled a
panel of local collision repair business owners alongside automotive repair
industry heavyweights to share their learned insights at this event.
Andrea McCarthy - McCarthy Panel Works
Andrea has 22 years of collision repair experience gained from her
family business. Andrea became the first female elected to the Board of I-Car
Australia last year and is the only female repairer representative on the MTAQ
Committee NACA division. Andrea brings outstanding integrity and relative
insight as a current collision repair business co-owner.
Carly Ruggeri - Europanels
Carly Ruggeri is a second-generation body repair business owner who has
grown up in the industry. Her proudly independent prestige vehicle repair
business, Europanels, is based in the Victorian coastal city of Geelong. Carly
and her brother Jake took over the family business from their father Peter.
Europanels is a TESLA Approved Body Shop and a Subaru Certified Collision
Repairer. Carly is currently Acting Chair of Body Repair Division Executive for
the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and also sits on the
Industry Policy Council.
Mike Killen - Killen’s Smash Repairs
Mike commenced his panel beating apprenticeship in 1983. Mike’s
enthusiasm for his profession saw him join the James Hardie (Bathurst) 1000
TAFE Smash Repair team in both 1986 and 1987 and he also represented the state
of New South Wales at the 1988 Work Skill Olympics. Mike has served on several
industry committees including the NRMA Jumpstart Training Initiative and the
NRMA Preferred Repairer Advisory panel. He currently serves as an Industry
representative on the Skills Australia Training Review panel for Body and
Paint. Mike is also Green Belt 6 Sigma PPG Qualified and he has been a
recipient of the National Collision Repairer Lifetime Achievement Award.
Killen’s Smash Repairs is one of the few Regional Operations to be I-Car Gold
Class, Holden and Subaru Certified Collision Repairers and Green Stamp
Accredited.
Jason Trewin, I-CAR Australia
In the role of OEM and Industry Relations Director for I-CAR Australia,
Jason works closely with vehicle manufacturers to assist with the introduction
of dedicated training pathways and the facilitation of specific training roles
for body repair technicians. Jason is a passionate collision repair industry
member whose goal is to ensure that the industry’s current and future workforce
is upskilled with the latest repair methods.
Geoff Gwilym - VACC
Geoff Gwilym is the Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Automobile
Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and brings a long history in the automotive
industry. Geoff’s many achievements include the running of two national skills
councils; Automotive along with Transport and Logistics. Geoff has managed
large industry training provisions and holds a central role in the development
of automotive qualifications and skills forecasting for the automotive
industry. More recently Geoff has been a key driver in national industry policy
initiatives including improved code protections for body repairers in their
engagement with insurers.
Rod McDougall – QBE Insurance
Rod McDougall is the National Motor Strategy Manager for QBE Insurance
and possesses 30 years of experience across the insurance and collision repair
Industry. Rod has worked for several Australia based general insurers in
various roles from Motor Assessing through to Supply Chain and Motor Insurance
Strategy positions.
According to Rob Mildenhall, Capricorn National Panel Manager,
“Capricorn is fully committed to supporting the panel repair industry. We look
forward to engaging in meaningful conversations with the attendees at the
conference, including both Member and non-Members, who are interested in making
the collision repair sector more prosperous for all.
“While many collision repair conference speaking topics tend to place a
major amount of emphasis on technologies that may not impact repairers for some
time, this conference is totally focussed on the real issues facing the
Australian and New Zealand collision repair industry here and now.
“These are the day to day issues that are important to collision
repairers now, including access to technical data, repair methods, the sourcing
and sustaining of labour, procurement pressure from insurers and parts sourcing
software just to mention a few,” Mr Mildenhall added.
This special event will also provide networking opportunities with a
number of suppliers, concluding with a cocktail function immediately following
the conference. The centrally located Novotel Melbourne On Collins is adjacent
to the city’s major shopping and entertainment precincts and Capricorn has
negotiated discounted accommodation rates that can be easily booked upon
registration.
With Capricorn Members accounting for almost half of Australia and New
Zealand’s collision repairer population, and with non-Members welcome to take
part, there is no doubt that the “Futures Collide” Collision Repair Conference,
hosted by Capricorn, will be a highly worthwhile day of learning and networking
in Melbourne on Saturday, August 10.
Suggested Caption: Leading American collision
repair industry business owner and consultant, Mike Anderson will be sharing
from his vast experience at the “Futures Collide” Collision Repair Conference
in Melbourne on August 10, hosted by Capricorn.
June 11, 2019 - CAPRICORN GROUP CEO GREG WALL RECEIVES ORDER OF AUSTRALIA AWARD FOR SERVICES TO BUSINESS AND THE
COMMUNITY
Australasia’s largest automotive co-operative, Capricorn, together with the
Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM), warmly congratulates
outgoing Capricorn Group CEO Greg Wall on receiving the honoured Member of the
Order of Australia (AM) Award for his significant service to business and the
community.
Along with having led
Capricorn to record high levels of business success over the past eight years
as the cooperative’s first ever Group CEO, Mr Wall is also a Director and
founding Chairman of the BCCM. Mr Wall has been involved with co-operative and
mutual businesses throughout his working career that spans almost four decades,
leading the sector’s most significant period of resurgence.
Aligned with Mr Wall’s
outstanding leadership of Capricorn, which included a complete re-structure of
all areas of Capricorn’s business, he has also been pivotal in the growth and
success of the BCCM.
Some of Mr Wall’s
extensive achievements include:
Establishing the first national forum for the Chairs of
Australia’s top co-operative firms
Advocating for the highest governance standards in business
Chairing the United Nations International Year of
Co-operatives Secretariat in 2012
Presenting at the United Nations in New York for the launch
of the International Year of Co-operatives
Founding
Australia’s national peak body for the sector - the BCCM
Mr Wall is also recognised
internationally as the first Australian to be elected to the International
Co-operative Alliance (ICA), the peak global body representing co-operatives
and mutuals worldwide. With members from more than 95 countries, in 2013 Mr.
Wall was the first Australian to be elected to the board of the ICA in its
120-year history. He has also been appointed to the board of Dot Coop Ltd (the
internet domain for co-operatives worldwide) and has joined the leadership
circle of the ICA.
According to
Capricorn’s new Group CEO (effective July 1), David Fraser, this is a deserving
accolade for a truly outstanding individual.
“To say that we are
incredibly proud to have our Group CEO of the past eight years receive a Member
of the Order of Australia (AM) Award is an understatement. Greg has been at the
helm of not only the Capricorn business during several years of unprecedented
growth, but he has also been a relentless champion for both the Australian and
the global co-operative movement. I couldn’t think of a more fitting way for
all involved to show their appreciation for his dedication and enthusiasm than
this.”
June 6, 2019 - BURSON
AUTO PARTS IS YOUR MOTORGEAR BATTERY DESTINATION
Australia’s Burson Auto Parts offers automotive
repairers nationwide their exclusive Motorgear range of fully sealed and
maintenance free automotive batteries.
With an impressive application range covering more than 65% of vehicle
makes and models in the Australian car parc, each Burson Auto Parts store
stocks enough Motorgear automotive batteries so workshops like yours don’t have
to.
With Motorgear maintenance free batteries delivered to workshops
promptly as and when required, there is no need for valuable workshop floor
space to be taken up, or for business expense to be incurred up by having “in
house” bulk battery stocks.
Burson Auto Parts exclusively offers every Motorgear automotive battery
with a trusty 24 month warranty, making this maintenance free replacement
battery range the leading choice when it comes to price, quality, prompt
availability, application coverage and importantly, for end customer peace of
mind.
“There has been a traditional belief that to sell batteries, automotive
workshops needed to have a rack in the workshop with the top half a dozen
batteries ready to go, consuming valuable business floor space and adding to
business operating costs,” stated Burson Auto Parts General Manager -
Merchandise, Peter Cheney.
“We are saying to repairers that this method is outdated due to the
complexity of the car parc these days when Burson can provide a cost effective
‘Just in Time’ solution due to our broad store ranges with prompt delivery.
“Add to this the Motorgear Batteries 24 month warranty and the
maintenance free, fully sealed design, along with with excellent value pricing
and we have the vast majority of workshop replacement battery requirements
covered.
“Repairers have access to quality replacement battery products as and
when needed, rather than stocking random part numbers in house,” Mr Cheney
added.
To find out more about the exclusive Motorgear battery range from Burson
Auto Parts, contact your local store by calling 1300 BURSON (287 766).
June 4, 2019 - DRiV™ MAKES ITS DEBUT AT AUSTRALIA’S
LARGEST TRUCK SHOW
A world leader in the automotive aftermarket, DRiV Incorporated
showcased its heavy-duty product range at Australia’s largest truck show, the
Brisbane Truck Show, held from May 16 to 19, 2019.
Staged at the new Brisbane
Convention and Exhibition Centre, this is the second major Australian
automotive aftermarket trade fair to feature the new global DRiV™ brand and its
vast heavy-duty premium quality automotive product portfolio including the
Monroe®, FP Diesel®, MOOG®, Champion®, Ferodo®, Beral®, Abex® and National® brands.
The event was also the
perfect launching pad for the new Monroe heavy-duty product catalogue which was
distributed to customers who visited the DRiV stand.
The Brisbane Truck Show was
staged by Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), the national association representing and
advancing the interests of manufacturers and suppliers of heavy vehicles and
their components, equipment and technology. The major four-day event was the
most comprehensive showcase of trucks, trailers, components, equipment,
accessories and technology in Australia.
Approximately forty thousand
visitors took part in the 2019 Brisbane Truck Show including fleet executives
and purchasing managers from industries including road transport, agriculture,
retail, mining, construction, infrastructure, services, trades and local
government.
The 2019 Brisbane Truck Show displayed the
outstanding capabilities and capacity of the Australian heavy vehicle industry,
joined by world leading automotive component manufacturing companies and
brands. This year’s show also featured dynamic and interactive tools and
displays, demonstrations and information.
According
to DRiV South East Asia Marketing Manager, Brydon Tweddell, “This major
heavy-duty transport industry event provided DRiV with the opportunity to
display, discuss and demonstrate the quality behind all of DRiV’s vast product
portfolio.”
May 31, 2019 - IBS ADVANCED CERAMIC BRAKE PADS
AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM BURSON AUTO PARTS
Australia’s preferred trade supplier of parts, tools and equipment
provides an exclusive and high quality replacement brake pad range to
automotive repairers, brake specialists and service centres nationwide.
The well established and
highly trusted IBS Auto Parts brake products range is well known throughout the
Australian automotive aftermarket for its broad range, durability and value for
money.
In seeking to provide Burson
Auto Parts’ trade customers with the best quality replacement brake pad
products, the Australian company now exclusively offers a premium quality range
of IBS Advanced Ceramic Disc Brake Pads.
These quality brake pads from
Burson Auto Parts offer quiet operation and greater pad life due to the
advanced friction technology of the IBS positive mould design. The IBS Advanced
Ceramic brake pad formulation contains both ceramic and copper fibres that
dissipate heat, allowing the brake pads to remain stable under a wide range of
temperatures. The less abrasive formulation also minimises rotor wear and
provides superior dust control.
The triple layer advanced
shim technology featured in the IBS Advanced Ceramic brake pad range reduces
vibration (the main cause of brake pad squeal) by including a specifically
formulated nitrile rubber layer, which also allows for exceptional pedal feel.
Performing well from cold
conditions and boasting a stable friction coefficient up to 500 degrees, Burson
Auto Parts highly recommends
their exclusive IBS Advanced Ceramic brake pad range for repairers requiring
premium brake replacement products at a value price.
Burson Auto Parts also offers
Australian automotive repairers and re-sellers the entire IBS range of brake
system products that includes more than 165 part numbers to suit more than 70%
of passenger and commercial vehicles currently being driven on Australia’s
roads.
To find out more about IBS
Advanced Ceramic Disc Brake Pads or any brake products from the vast IBS range
available from Burson Auto Parts, contact your local store by calling 1300 BURSON (287 766).
May 27, 2019 - BURSON
AUTO PARTS OFFERS PREMIUM QUALITY EUROPEAN PARTS FOR EUROPEAN CARS
Australia’s Burson Auto Parts introduces
two new ranges of Germany’s world leading European vehicle parts specifically
for European vehicle repairers.
Australia’s preferred supplier of automotive parts, tools and equipment
now provides the outstanding quality Hella Pagid disc rotor and brake pad range
along with the globally renowned Mann Filter oil, air, fuel and cabin filter
range throughout its 181 national store network.
Both Hella Pagid and Mann Filter are long term Original Equipment
suppliers to Europe’s leading automotive vehicle manufacturers, ensuring that
European vehicle specialist repairers in Australia have access to the same
quality brake pads, disc rotors and filtration products that have been selected
by these world leading car makers.
The importance of using European designed and manufactured parts on
European vehicles cannot be understated. These products have been designed
specifically for the performance demands and the driving dynamics of these
vehicle makes and models.
To ensure that Australian automotive repairers have access to the
premier level of fast moving brake and filtration replacement products for the
ever growing numbers of European passenger and commercial vehicles on our
roads, Burson Auto Parts now offers the Hella Pagid range and the Mann Filter
range.
The new Hella Pagid and Mann Filter product ranges at Burson Auto Parts
complement the Australian company’s Sachs range of replacement shock absorbers
and struts that are also Original Equipment quality ride control products
designed specifically to suit the driving dynamics of European makes and
models.
According to Burson Auto Parts General Manager, Merchandise, Peter
Cheney, “Burson Auto Parts now offers two premium quality European fast moving
service product ranges that represent the highest levels of German
manufacturing quality and reliability for European vehicle specialists.
Together with Sachs, the addition of the vast Hella Pagid disc rotor and brake
pad range along with the Mann Filter range ensures that Burson Auto Parts is
equipped to quickly and efficiently provide European vehicle specialists with
everything that they need.”
To find out more about the Hella Pagid, Mann Filter and Sachs ride
control product ranges from Burson Auto Parts, contact your local store by
calling 1300 BURSON (287 766).
May 15, 2019 - WOMEN AND NEW SERVICES
KEY AREAS FOR WORKSHOP GROWTH
The Australian automotive workshop landscape
remains in healthy condition overall despite the challenges. A
significant slice of the workshop sector is growing and the focus on further
opportunities to increase profitability and customer satisfaction is
encouraging. The latest
research conducted by ACA Research for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket
Association (AAAA) delves deeper into workshop performance, business
profitability, growth strategies, and industry challenges. Considering
the average capacity of Australian workshops is sitting at 82%, there is
certainly room for growth across the board. The research shows that of the 48%
of businesses that expected more growth last year, 38% achieved that growth
into 2019. As such, the outlook for the industry remains strong and this is
backed up with two in every five workshops expecting to increase the number of
vehicles they service over the coming year. Businesses,
particularly industry leaders, are pursuing a range of strategies to aid
productivity and drive this growth; from an increased female focus, to new
service offerings. Of the
workshops surveyed, 81% believed increasing female customer satisfaction was an
important goal.Furthermore, nearly 60%
reported female customer growth in their business, showing the importance of a
female focus as a key growth avenue. Investing in equipment, increasing staff
efficiency and reducing overheads remain high priorities for business growth
across the industry. Value add customer services, fleet servicing and capturing
customer feedback are also important growth drivers. Customer feedback enables
business owners and managers to better understand their customers and helps to
steer their business in a direction that improves customer satisfaction and
retention, while identifying areas for new customer growth. The
addition of new servicing offerings builds value and efficiency for existing
customers and can also attract new customers. Of the future service offerings
automotive workshops are aiming to add or expand, vehicle collection and drop
off (81%) and the use of email/SMS confirmation systems (69%) remained the most
popular areas of focus, while online booking systems (50%) and loyalty programs
(28%) have seen the largest increase in focus. Weekend servicing, extended
business hours, vehicle cleaning, mobile servicing and courtesy buses were also
listed in the research. The
industry is not without its challenges however. The largest concern for
automotive workshops is the number of consumers that are not aware they can
choose an independent workshop to service their car during the warranty period.
The AAAA is actively campaigning to address this challenge, both at a
government level and with the Choice of Repairer consumer education
campaign.On the
positive side there has been growth in the number of vehicles serviced within
warranty periods for 21% of the respondents over the past 12 months and
log-book servicing by independent repairers increased from 5% to 11%. According
to Lesley Yates, Senior Manager, Government Relations and Advocacy of the AAAA,
research is a great snapshot of the health of the industry and a resource with
insights into effective growth strategies for independent automotive repairers
nationwide. “Our
industry has always put the customer first. It’s clear from the research that
businesses who develop new strategies to make their customer experience more
satisfying, increase business productivity, invest in staff development and
market to new customers are being rewarded for their efforts. “It’s
fantastic to see more workshops focusing on attracting women and operating in a
more female friendly manner and it backs up the findings of our consumer
perception study that indicated the majority of decision makers for car
servicing in the household were women. “On the
challenge front, we are encouraged by positive signs around the increase in the
number of vehicles being serviced within warranty, but we understand there is
much more to do, and we will continue to campaign on behalf of independent
workshops on this front,” said Yates. /ends. The research is available as a free download HERE Print quality image link Further information/interviews: Please
contact Lesley Yates, AAAA Senior Manager, Government Relations and Advocacy - 0402 005 476 orlesley@aaaa.com.au Additional
research background and quote from ACA Research Director Steve Nuttall: “We first ran the
AAAA Workshop Research program in 2018, mapping the workshop landscape and
setting benchmarks for the industry around business profitability and labour
utilisation. The 2019 research was a chance to go back, and look at how the
sector has changed over the last 12 months, as well as exploring in more detail
the strategies workshops are using to improve business revenue, profitability,
and productivity. “What was most
obvious to us was that despite less optimism than we saw last year against a
background of increasing competition and declining optimism, many are still
targeting growth, proactively looking for opportunities to add capacity to
their business, increase efficiency, and deliver improved experiences for their
customers (particularly women). A greater focus on delivering to the needs of
their female customers stands out as a key outcome of this year’s research,
with workshops appearing to increasingly recognise the role women play in
servicing and maintenance decisions.”
Visit the Australian
Automotive Aftermarket Association website - www.aaaa.com.au
April 29, 2019 - FROM SUPERCARS TO
THE AMERICA’S CUP 2021 Australian
Hospitality Company Octane Events selected by American Magic
Renowned as one of
Australia’s premier sports hospitality companies, Melbourne based Octane Events
has been selected to be the exclusive hospitality services provider for one of
the United States’ 2021 America’s Cup Challengers, New York Yacht Club American
Magic.
This exciting appointment continues the impressive international
expansion of Australia’s Octane Events, headed by Managing Director Ms Soundos
Hanna, who started her company in 2007 to offer sports teams and sponsors a new
level of event based hospitality, fine dining and entertainment.
Octane Events’ industry leading event hospitality services continue to
establish new benchmarks in creating and activating unique experiential
opportunities for sports sponsors and their stakeholders from Australia, New
Zealand, the United States and Europe.
Specialising in motorsport, Octane Events has become the event
hospitality service provider of choice to leading Australian Supercar teams
including the Red Bull Holden Racing Team, Shell V Power Racing (DJR Team
Penske), Brad Jones Racing (BJR) and Tickford Racing.
This exclusive appointment by American Magic takes Octane Events from
the race circuits of Australasia to the open ocean for world sailing’s most
prestigious competition.
“American Magic is more than just a sailing team,” stated Rob Ouellette,
American Magic Chief Operating Officer.
“We are a coalition of team members, partners and supporters working to win the
America’s Cup. Having an experienced group like Octane Events leading our
hospitality program will ensure that everyone who has made this challenge
possible will be seamlessly integrated into our team operations in New
Zealand.”
American Magic is one of six international challengers entered to
contest the America’s Cup, the oldest and most prestigious trophy in
international sport. Australia’s Octane Events will design and deliver
exclusive hospitality experiences, provide first class catering and oversee
guest management for this global event, along with the preceding Prada Cup
being held across January and February 2021. This series of sailing races will
determine which teams will be competing for world sailing’s most coveted
trophy.
An international who’s who of American Magic team and partner guests
will be attending this outstanding global sporting event which will be based at
the Auckland Viaduct, home of defending America’s Cup title holders, Emirates
Team New Zealand, in March 2021.
“The majority of Octane Events’ clients have been with us from the very
beginning and through nurturing those relationships and taking pride in our
reputation, we have been able to connect with the consortium involved in the
American Magic campaign,” stated Soundos Hanna, Managing Director of Octane
Events.
“Working with American Magic is an amazing international opportunity for
Octane Events and we are excited to have been recognised by such a prestigious
sporting organisation and its partners to provide their hospitality services at
this major global sporting event.
“We are looking forward to joining American Magic on its journey to capture the
America’s Cup and return the Auld Mug to its home,” Ms Hanna added.
About Octane Events
Established by Soundos Hanna in 2006, Octane Events’ commenced operations in
the motorsport industry where it has become a significant partner for many of
the internationally recognised Virgin Australia Supercars Championship teams
and corporate partners, including Shell V-Power Racing (DJR Team Penske) and
the Red Bull Holden Racing Team / Triple8 Race Engineering.
Octane Events also provides its industry leading corporate hospitality services
at other major league sports events as well as providing custom tailored
experiences for major events including product launches.
About New York Yacht Club American Magic
Formed in October
2017 by Bella Mente Racing, Quantum Racing and the New York Yacht Club,
American Magic brings together two highly successful racing programs with one
of the foremost yacht clubs in the world. The team represents a shared vision
of launching a campaign for the 36th America's Cup competition, reconnecting
the American sailing base with sailing's premier event and elevating the
quality of competitive sailing in the United States.
American Magic will
develop and support a team that will participate in the America's Cup
competition, the Prada Cup and the America's Cup World Series events that lead
up to both. American Magic’s Official Innovation Partner is Airbus. Other
partnerships include Official Apparel Sponsor Helly Hansen and Official Control
Systems Sponsor Parker Hannifin. American Magic is a recognized 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization.
Suggested Caption: Ms Soundos Hanna, Managing Director of Octane
Events, one of Australia’s premier sporting and major event hospitality service
companies, which has been selected by New York Yacht Club American Magic for
its America’s Cup Challenge in 2021.
April 18, 2019 - FILPRO
MAKES THE MOST OUT OF THE EXPO
Filpro
Automotive enjoyed a strong 2019 Australian Auto Aftermarket (AAA) Expo held in
Melbourne from April 4 to 6.
For the first time since commencing operations in Australia almost two
years ago, Filpro Automotive showcased its entire range of premium quality
automotive aftermarket products at this major biennial industry event.
The Filpro Automotive stand showcased some of the world’s best known and
trusted automotive aftermarket brands including FRAM Filters, Holts, Redex,
Simoniz and Prestone, creating significant interest amongst Australian
automotive workshop owners, technicians and re-sellers during this major
three-day industry exclusive event.
Senior Filpro Automotive management identities were on hand at the 2019
AAA Expo to meet with customers, along with the company’s Australian and New Zealand based sales and customer service
teams, ensuring that personal contact was made with as many customers as
possible during Australia’s largest automotive industry event.
According to Filpro Automotive Australia and New Zealand Managing
Director, Roger Lassen, the 2019 AAA Expo has contributed to some exciting new
business opportunities for the company.
“While our FRAM Filters brand is well known here in Australia and New
Zealand, the 2019 AAA Expo gave us the opportunity to showcase our entire range
of outstanding car care and general aftermarket products. It was good to gauge
the trade’s interest in our quality brands such as Holts, Redex, Simoniz and
Prestone, while also being able to inspect our premium quality FRAM Filter
products at our stand,” Mr Lassen said.
“We enjoyed being able to meet so many members of the Australian and New
Zealand trade at the AAA Expo, while also showing how our Australasian business
has grown in such a short time. We made the most of every moment at the Expo
and we look forward to the next one,” Mr Lassen added.
Filpro Automotive is also pleased to announce that FRAM Filters are
available to the trade from both SWD (Specialised Wholesale Distribution) as
well as ADRAD and Natrad, while all Holts; Simoniz and Redex products are also
available from SWD.
To find out more about Filpro Automotive and any of the company’s
outstanding range of premium quality automotive aftermarket products contact
the team on 1800 155 879 or 08 8193 9675. You can also visit the
FRAM filters website at www.framfilters.com.au.
April 26, 2019 - BRADLEY
GANNON TO BECOME CAPRICORN AUTOMOTIVE CEO FROM JULY 1, 2019
Capricorn is delighted to
announce the promotion of current Company Secretary and General Counsel - Legal
Risk and Marketing, Bradley Gannon, to the role of Capricorn Automotive Chief
Executive Officer from July 1, 2019. Mr Gannon takes on this exciting new
responsibility following the promotion of current Capricorn Automotive CEO,
David Fraser, who progresses to the Capricorn Group Chief Executive Officer
role on the same date.
Mr Gannon was appointed as
Capricorn Company Secretary / General Counsel in 2008, managing various
corporate functions including legal and risk management, working closely with
the Capricorn Board of Directors and more recently overseeing Capricorn’s
marketing functions. He has gained a wide and varied body of direct Capricorn
business experience across the past 11 years, particularly within the company’s
automotive aftermarket operations where he has been directly involved with key
projects.
Mr Gannon has been admitted as
a Barrister and Solicitor for the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the
High Court of Australia. He has a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of
Commerce (Major in General Management) from the University of Western Australia.
The incoming Capricorn
Automotive CEO has also completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors
(AICD) Course Diploma requirements, achieving Order of Merit status. In
addition, Mr Gannon has also successfully completed the Governance Institute of
Australia Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance, receiving National
Dux and State Dux accolades for Corporate Accountability along with Corporate
Governance and Corporate Financial Management respectively. He is also a
graduate of the Harvard Business School (USA) Advanced Management Program.
According to David Fraser,
outgoing Capricorn Automotive CEO, “Along with his outstanding qualifications,
Brad takes on this role with an excellent understanding of our business
following his impressive 11 year career with Capricorn. Our constantly growing
automotive business and membership base could not be in better hands and we
look forward to the progress that will continue to be made under his leadership
with the support of the entire Capricorn management team and the Capricorn
Board.”
For Bradley Gannon, this is an
exciting opportunity.
“I’m really excited about the
opportunity entrusted to me. It is as an important time for Capricorn Members
and the broader automotive community. There are a number of opportunities and
challenges accompanying the continued technological advancements of vehicles
and evolution of industry practices,” He stated.
“With strong foundations in
place and the combined power of more than 20,000 automotive workshops, surviving
and thriving as a Member of Capricorn, with everything it has to offer, has
never made more sense. I look forward to working with the entire Capricorn team
to assist Members and our relationship partners to grow and prosper,” Mr Gannon
concluded.
April 12, 2019 - DAYCO TEAMS WITH PRO-AM
ACE ROGER LAGO IN THE 2019 PORSCHE CARRERA CUP CHAMPIONSHIP
Dayco,
one
of the world’s leading manufacturers of engine products and drive systems for the automotive,
industrial and aftermarket industries, has formed a marketing alliance with
leading Pro-Am driver Roger Lago for the 2019 Porsche Carrera Cup Championship.
Lago, a highly experienced Australian Carrera Cup and
GT racing driver, has competed at the top end of the Pro-Am category for
several seasons and is a former Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Champion. He raced to
5th in the 2018 Tag Heuer Pro-Am Championship and is currently third
in the 2019 Pro-Am standings with five rounds remaining.
Dayco has previously enjoyed success with the Brisbane
based driver both in local and international GT racing and during Lago’s past Carrera
Cup seasons as an associate sponsor.
The 2019 season finds Lago’s Porsche 911 GT3 emblazoned
with the Dayco logo in a bold new matt black livery that is sure to make a
major impact with its racing debut at Victoria’s Phillip Island Grand Prix
Circuit for the third round of the national championship from April 12 to 14.
This addition to Dayco’s Australasian motorsport
program now finds the premium quality automotive aftermarket brand promoted in
Supercars with Cameron Waters in his Monster Racing Tickford Mustang, in the
Blancpain World Challenge Asia GT Series with Dayco Ambassador David Russell and
the HubAuto Corsa Ferrari team and again with Russell in selected Australian GT
Endurance Championship races and Supercar endurance races this season. This
forms an exciting and comprehensive Australian and Asia Pacific high exposure
marketing platform for the Dayco brand.
“We are delighted to have Roger Lago race with Dayco
in the world’s fastest one make series this season,” stated Arnold Mouw, Vice President,
Dayco Asia Pacific.
“We have known Roger and his team through our brand ambassador
David Russell for several years now, so when the opportunity came for us to become
a part of his team, we were excited to be involved in such a prestigious and dynamic
racing category. As a leading European aftermarket component manufacturer and
as OE component suppliers to Porsche, this alliance makes a lot of marketing
sense.
“The livery looks incredible and we are sure that our
trade customers will enjoy the close Carrera Cup racing both at the high
profile Supercar events and on television,” Mr. Mouw added.
The 2019 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia rounds are all
held in conjunction with Supercar events with all races broadcast live on
Foxsports. The remaining 2019 rounds include Phillip Island April 12-24, Darwin
June 14-16, Townsville July 5-7, The Bend Aug 23-25, the Bathurst 1000 Oct
10-13 and the Gold Coast 600 Oct 25-27.
April 10. 2019 - AUSTRALIAN AUTO AFTERMARKET EXCELLENCE AWARDS
One of the major highlights of the 2019 Australian
Auto Aftermarket Expo was the staging of the Australian Auto Aftermarket
Excellence Awards at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium on the evening of Thursday
April 4.
A total of 750 guests attended the industry’s night of nights that saw
automotive aftermarket industry excellence recognised, along with the honouring
of a number of outstanding individuals, both through the Outstanding Service to
Industry award along with inductions into the AAAA Hall of Fame.
“The AAAA warmly congratulates all award winners along with all of the
companies and individuals who made submissions for these highly coveted
accolades. There is no doubt that the industry knows no boundaries when it
comes to manufacturing and marketing excellence as these awards have clearly
recognised,” AAAA Chief Executive Officer Stuart Charity stated.
“Our Hall of Fame and Outstanding Service to Industry inductees all
richly deserve this recognition for their remarkable contribution to our
industry’s growth over the decades,” He added.
The 2019 Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards gala dinner was
presented by Platinum sponsor Burson Auto Parts, Gold sponsor Dayco Australia,
Silver sponsor The Auto Agency and Bronze sponsor ZF Aftermarket, with the
support of many more important industry members.
Several surprises were revealed during this highly entertaining evening
that marked the first day of the 2019 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo.
The 2019 Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards’ Honour Roll
follows:
Best Aftermarket Expo Stand
Best Shell Scheme – Zylux Distribution
Best Stand 36sqm or Less – Autodata Australia
The Best Stand over 36 sqm – Brown & Watson International
Under $10 million Turnover Category: Gold -Bainbridge Technologies
Over $10 million Turnover Category: Gold - Nulon Products Australia for
Project XY; Silver - Gates Australia for their Gates Online
Automotive Catalogue;Bronze -
Redranger for Nolathane.
Excellence in Manufacturing
Awards
Gold - Redarc Electronics;Silver
– East Coast Bullbars; Bronze – AA Gaskets
Certificates of Appreciation -
Outstanding Contribution to the Industry
Geoff Rosenbaum
Commencing
his career at Girlock in 1973, then moving to the Borg Warner Group in 1976,
Geoff rose to the position of National Sales and Marketing Manager prior to the
Borg Warner sale to BTR. In 2000, BTR sold its transmission business to
Motospecs marking the beginning of Geoff’s 19-year tenure with the company.
Geoff served on the AAAA National Council for a record twenty-one years, from
1989 through to 2010. His many activities included Chairmanship of the
Re-manufacturing Committee, Honorary Secretary and serving on a number of
special events sub-committees. In recognition of his outstanding contribution
to the aftermarket industry, Geoff was inducted into the AAAA Hall of Fame in
2003 and won the AAAA Outstanding Service to Industry Award in 2011. After a
successful 46-year career in the automotive industry Geoff Rosenbaum announced
his retirement effective from August this year.
David Fraser
David has
over 35 years’ experience in the automotive industry and is Chief Executive
Officer Automotive of Capricorn Society. He was also a former Associate
Director and General Manager Automotive of ASX listed Coventry Group Ltd and
was responsible for the sales, marketing and administration of the group’s
automotive businesses. Aside from a short period out of the industry in
2005/06, David was a member of the AAAA National Council for 16 years, first
joining in 2001. David held the role of Vice President for three years and was
President from 2010 to 2012. David is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of
Company Directors and he is also a Fellow of the Australian Institute of
Management. In 2017 he completed the Harvard Business School’s Advanced
Management Program. David takes on the role of Capricorn Group Chief Executive
Officer from July 1, 2019.
Kim Aunger Young Achiever
Award - Ryan Davis
After
becoming one of the first technicians in Australia and New Zealand to be
awarded the esteemed Bosch Diagnostic Technician Certification and attending
his first Australian Automotive Aftermarket Expo several years ago, Ryan built
his professional network, forging the relationships that have evolved his award
winning start-up company Autoexpert into what is now known as Mechanic.com.au -
The Home of Australia’s Mechanic. His goal is to connect the automotive service
and repair industry in a meaningful and wholesome way, to harness the many
benefits of working together and to amplify that on a national level,
facilitated by technology.
Outstanding Service to
Industry Award: Maurice Donovan
Maurice is
the first ever workshop owner to win this prestigious award. Maurice is the
Director and owner of Allautos Advanced Tuning, a three decade family owned
mechanical repair business that he runs with his wife Sandy and son Samuel in
the Brisbane Suburb of Geebung. In a career spanning 48 years, Maurice has
dedicated an enormous amount of time and effort to a huge number of different
organisations and causes. He is driven by his strong desire to see the auto
industry unite and he believes in the need for continued training and increased
collaboration to help lift the entire standard of the industry. Maurice is an
outstanding individual who stands out from the crowd due to his 100% commitment
to our industry.
2019 AAAA Hall of Fame
Inductees:
John Blanchard Snr
By the
time John was 11 years old he could already fully service a vehicle himself.
This technical knowledge of motor vehicles has given John an advantage
throughout his career, often giving customers and suppliers’ advice that has
helped set his business apart from the rest. John was the first person to
import aftermarket air conditioning systems to Australia in the late 1970’s
under the Cooldrive banner. A well respected leader within his business and the
entire industry, John has always taken a keen interest in every aspect of the
day to day running of his company. John is well known for his meticulous
attention to detail and incredibly high level of organisation. You will often
see John, at 85 years of age, spending time with Cooldrive staff passing on his
wealth of technical knowledge so they can better assist their customers
wherever possible.
Bob Pattison
Bob has
been in the automotive industry since 1971 in both the Original Equipment and
Aftermarket channels. Bob joined the AAAA National Council in 2006 and served
for a total of 12 years including three years as Vice President and held the
role of President from 2012 to 2015. Some of the highlights of the AAAA during
his time on Council include purchasing its own head office, launching the
Choice of Repairer campaign, securing funding for the Auto Innovation Lab and
overseeing a tripling of the size of the AAAA membership and a ten-fold
increase in the AAAA’s financial reserves. Today Bob is the CEO of the GUD
Automotive Division, which is the automotive arm of GUD Holdings Limited, a
publicly listed Australian company. Bob is a strong advocate for promoting and
improving the Australian automotive industry and possesses vast knowledge and
experience in all facets of the industry from manufacturing, importing,
distribution, wholesaling, retailing and brand management.
2019 Australian Auto
Aftermarket Innovation Awards:
Most
Innovative New Aftermarket Product (4WD): REDARC Electronics for their 50 Amp
DC-DC In-Vehicle Battery Charger
Most
Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Accessories): HSP 4x4 Accessories for the
Tail Lock
Most
Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Chemical):Nulon Products Australia Pty Ltd for Nulon EZY-SQUEEZE & Nulon
FILLER TOOL
Most
Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Electrical): Brown & Watson
International Pty Ltd for the Projecta Intelli RV Power Management System
Most
Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Parts): Milford Industries Pty Ltd for
their Ult1Mate Next Gen Towbar range
Most
Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Performance): Turbosmart Pty Ltd for the
Turbosmart Kompact Electro-Mechanical (EM) Blow Off Valve
Most
Innovative New Servicing Product (Tools & Equipment): Hella Australia Pty
Ltd for the Hella Gutmann Solutions CSC Tool
Most
Innovative New Packaging - Nulon Products Australia Pty Ltd - Nulon EZY-SQUEEZE
Most
Innovative Employee Engagement Program: GPC Asia Pacific for Make it safe, Make
it Home
Most
Innovative Community Impact Program: Repco Authorised Service - Racing for
Drought Relief
Most
Innovative Marketing Campaign: Pedders Suspension & Brakes - Pedders Tow
& Load Assessment
Most
Innovative Trade Catalogue / E-Commerce Solution: Repco Australia for their
Navigator Pro Mobile
Most
Innovative Trade Catalogue / E-Commerce Solution: Repco Australia for their
Navigator Pro Mobile with Rego Search
April 3, 2019 - CAPRICORN HOSTS THE
“FUTURES COLLIDE” COLLISION REPAIR
CONFERENCE
Australasia’s
largest automotive cooperative, Capricorn, is hosting an information filled,
one day Collision Repair Conference in Melbourne on Saturday August 10, 2019.
This detailed conference, titled “Futures Collide” will connect
collision repairers with a host of industry specialists and suppliers who will
share their knowledge relating to current and topical local and international industry
issues, technological advancements, product developments and the growth
opportunities that exist for repairers and industry stakeholders.
The “Futures Collide” Conference has Mike Anderson as special guest
speaker. Mr Anderson is the former owner of United States based Wagonwork Collision
Centres and the current owner of CollisionAdvice, a leading industry research,
reference and consulting business.
Mr Anderson’s shops held OEM certifications including Audi, VW, Porsche,
Nissan GTR and many others. He is also an Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM)
and he has served on numerous industry advisory committees. He is widely
recognised by industry and received an award from the Governor of the State of
the Virginia for his contribution to the Virginia State Education System.
Mr Anderson is taking some time off from his in-demand teaching
obligations and advisory board responsibilities across North America to play a
major role in this Australian Capricorn Collision Repair Conference. He will
discuss cutting edge collision repair business management and operational
techniques that every delegate is sure to learn something from.
This conference will include input and guidance from our Women in
Collision, given their knowledge and involvement in the daily planning,
negotiation and interaction with work providers, suppliers and customers.
Located at the Novotel Melbourne in the trendy beachside suburb of St
Kilda, the Capricorn Collision Repair Conference is all about the sharing of
information, business networking and education. The key focus of this event is
to provide support from the industry, for the industry.
A cocktail reception and excellent value corporate accommodation rate
ensures that collision repairers enjoy a weekend in Melbourne, while learning
more about optimising their business operations. This Capricorn event also
welcomes non-Capricorn members to learn more about becoming a part of
Australasia’s most successful and rewarding automotive cooperative.
“We look forward to welcoming collision repairers from across the
country as well as our New Zealand industry colleagues to the Conference. The
rate of change taking place in our industry with technology, materials,
techniques and management requires effective business operators to be informed
and updated. This one-day event is all about achieving this with minimum
business downtime,” said Rob Mildenhall, Capricorn National Panel Manager &
Business Development Manager NSW.
To register for the Futures Collide Collision Repair Conference on
August 10 in Melbourne, Capricorn Members can log in at www.capricorn.coop and non-members can register at www.bit.ly/CRCRegister
April 4, 2019 - AUTO INNOVATION CENTRES LAUNCHED AT THE 2019 AAA EXPO
The
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has unveiled the exciting future
of Australia’s automotive aftermarket industry product design and development
capabilities at the country’s largest Automotive industry event, the Australian
Auto Aftermarket (AAA) Expo in Melbourne today.
AAAA Chief Executive Officer Stuart Charity
announced the establishment of two Automotive Innovation Centres based in
Victoria and South Australia.Co-funded
by Federal and Victorian Government industry development grants, these state of
the art facilities will provide Australian automotive product designers and
manufacturers with the tools, advanced technology, vehicles, expertise and the
collaborative environment required to innovate, design and test products for
local and export markets. These Automotive Innovation Centres will also
significantly reduce the time and cost in developing innovative new products
for domestic and export markets.
The Melbourne Innovation Centre, which is
scheduled to open during the second half of 2019, will support the development
of new automotive aftermarket products by Australian advanced manufacturing
businesses. This will be achieved by providing them with access to services
including base OEM vehicle data and measurements, 3D scanning and printing,
measuring sessions, technology transfer and rapid prototyping. In addition,
state of the art testing facilities will form a core element of the facility’s
offering to the entire industry, along with the delivery of highly specialised
training.
The vision for the South Australian facility,
which will open in 2020, is to establish a national centre of excellence for
dynamic vehicle testing including brake and electronic stability control along
with Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) testing, suspension development
and load capacity validation.
According to Mr Charity, “We are confident
that these Automotive Innovation Centres will play a key role in ensuring that
AAAA member companies are leveraging world leading technology and best practice
when it comes to the development, testing, integration and validation of their
products to verify the ongoing safety and compliance of modified vehicles.”
Mr Charity was joined by Auto Innovation
Centre Manager, Luke Truskinger at today’s launch, who outlined the concepts
behind the establishment of these vitally important Australian Innovation Labs.
“We strongly
believe that they key to the success of our manufacturing sector is innovation
and it is therefore vital that companies continue to invest in R&D, new
products and capital equipment to keep ahead of the curve. In addition, the
rapid changes in vehicle technology mean that parts producers need to
continually raise the bar in their testing and validation to ensure that their
products fully integrate with todays’ highly computerised vehicles to ensure
ongoing compliance with local and international design specifications.”
While the
well-publicised closure of Australia’s car manufacturing sector in 2017 was a
devastating blow to the tens of thousands of workers from the vehicle
manufacturers and their supply chain companies directly impacted by these
decisions, it did not lead to the demise of the entire Australian automotive
manufacturing industry as many incorrectly predicted.
“The Australian automotive aftermarket
manufacturing sector continues to punch well above its weight on the global
stage. Australian automotive aftermarket manufacturers currently turn over $5
billion per annum, employ 21,000 people directly and export $1 billion per year
of locally manufactured product - and these exports are growing strongly.” Mr
Charity stated.
“Earlier this
year we commissioned ACA Research to undertake a survey of our manufacturers to
measure the health of the industry and the preliminary findings are very
telling of the exciting future potential of Australian automotive aftermarket
manufacturing.
“78% of all
Australian aftermarket manufacturers engage in export with our largest markets
being the USA, Europe and the UK in that order. An incredible 82% of those
surveyed expected export sales to be either a little higher or significantly
higher over the next 3 years with only 3% projecting lower export sales.” Mr
Charity added.
In the face of strong import penetration, the
Australian automotive aftermarket industry’s response has been to move up the
value chain - from service parts to high-value specialty products with a
technological advantage such as 4WD, high performance and motorsport
components. All of these products are purchased on innovation, performance and
features rather than on price.
The massive increase in domestic and global
sales of 4WD and SUV’s has also created significant demand for highly
specialised automotive aftermarket components. This has opened the door to new
opportunities for the Australian automotive aftermarket industry in the design
and development of functional accessories as well as performance and safety
enhancement products.
“The two new Auto Innovation Centres will play
a crucial role in the ongoing development of not just world class, but world
leading automotive aftermarket products and components for the domestic market
and for global export markets,” Mr Charity concluded.
March 29, 2019 - NEW
MONROE RIDE PERFORMANCE CATALOGUE HAS IT ALL
Monroe Australia
released its new ride performance catalogue at the end of March 2019.
This new Monroe catalogue is without doubt the most comprehensive
aftermarket reference for the broadest range of Australian, Asian and European
vehicle ride performance product applications.
The Monroe OESpectrum range of replacement shock absorbers and struts
has grown significantly as has the entire Monroe ride performance range with
172 new part numbers, 185 supersessions and 54 extensions over 320 pages, 43
pages larger than the last Monroe catalogue.
General mechanics, suspension specialists and re-sellers can also offer
their customers total peace of mind knowing that every Monroe OESpectrum shock
absorber fitted or sold comes with the industry’s only five year warranty.
Featuring a total of 438 part number changes, the new Monroe catalogue
also includes a revamped supersession listing that covers applications from
2004 onwards.The new catalogue also
includes 65 updated Protection Kit images and 104 Monroe Strut-Mate Mounting
Kit images.
Monroe has also included a quick and easy reference guide with selling
tips on the inside back cover of the new catalogue, bringing the widest
aftermarket ride performance product range and customer support to your
fingertips.
Make sure to pick up your new Monroe Ride Performance Catalogue at the
2019 AAA Expo from April 4 to 6 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition
Centre, by visiting Monroe Australia at Stand J28.
Alternately, you can contact your Monroe Distributor or Territory
Manager to access a copy of the new Monroe Ride Performance Catalogue.
Suggested image caption:The new, 320 page
2019/20 Monroe Ride Performance Catalogue is the trade’s complete ride
performance replacement reference and it is available from your Monroe distributor.
March 20, 2019 - MONROE SAFETY SPECIALIST
PROGRAM RETURNS FOR 2019 Monroe’s Safety
Specialist program returns for 2019, enabling you to align your automotive
repair business with Australia’s top selling brand of ride performance
products.
For a minimum
investment of $75, your business will benefit from Monroe’s national marketing
campaigns that include targeted print and online advertising, social media and
promotions designed to attract more shock absorber replacement business
directly to your workshop.
The Monroe Safety
Specialist program also heightens consumer attention to the risks of driving a
car with worn shock absorbers, encouraging them to check the condition of these
important suspension components with each service or repair visit to their
mechanic.
The popular
Monroe website includes an online Dealer Locator that directs new customers to
their most convenient Monroe Safety Specialist. This combined with extensive
social media promotion and a broad national advertising program, makes being a
part of the Monroe Safety Specialist program a must for suspension specialists
and general automotive repairers.
Your $75 Monroe
Safety Specialist investment extends for 12 months and Monroe provides the
following value packed inclusions:
- Your business
will be listed in Australia’s leading online mechanic community at
www.mechanic.com.au. This customer generating listing is worth $195 per year,
but is yours at no cost as a part of becoming a Monroe Safety Specialist.
Additional customer exposure and business generation can be gained from this
popular website at no additional cost.
- Monroe Safety
Specialist merchandise pack includes a Monroe counter mat, a brochure holder
with Monroe brochures, an official Monroe Safety Specialist framed Certificate,
Monroe seat covers, a Monroe calculator joined by additional useful business
items such as Monroe notepads and pens.
- Exclusive
Monroe Safety Specialist competitions and promotions will be conducted during
the year, placing members in the running to win great prizes - just for being a
part of the program.
The smallest or
largest of automotive repair businesses can benefit from becoming a Monroe
Safety Specialist. This successful long term customer facing concept has been
designed with one clear and specific goal, to deliver customers directly to
your business either by phone, from online channels, or in person through
national advertising campaigns that promote the Monroe Safety Specialist
network throughout the year.
To become a
Monroe Safety Specialist, contact your local Monroe Territory Manager or call
Monroe Australia Customer Service on 1800 088 205.
You can also find
out more about this successful business generating program by visiting Monroe
at Stand J28 during the 2019 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo being held at the
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 4 to 6.
Suggested image
caption:Align your automotive repair
business with Australia’s top selling brand of ride performance products by
joining the Monroe Safety Specialist program in 2019.
FRAM
FILTERS AND TICKFORD RACING FIRE UP ONCE AGAIN FOR THE 2019 SUPERCARS SEASON
One of the world’s leading brands in automotive
filtration, FRAM Filters will once again join forces with Tickford Racing in
the 2019 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.
The 2019 season, which gets underway this weekend at the Superloop
Adelaide 500, also heralds the long awaited racing debut of the iconic Ford
Mustang in the Supercars Championship. The familiar FRAM Filters logo is
emblazoned across the rear wing of the team’s #5 Bottle-O Tickford Racing
Mustang, piloted by the highly experienced Lee Holdsworth who is also making
his debut with the Championship winning team this season.
FRAM Filters marked the air, oil, fuel and cabin filter brand’s return
to the Australian market last year with signage on one of the four Tickford
Racing Falcon Supercars, a marketing platform that was effective in bringing
the FRAM brand to the attention of the Australian automotive trade, the wider
motorist market and the agricultural equipment sector.
FRAM Filters is one of a number of high-quality automotive aftermarket
product brands that are managed by Filpro Automotive, an international
automotive component manufacturer and marketer with operations based in
Australia and New Zealand servicing the Oceania region.
According to Filpro Automotive Australia and New Zealand Managing
Director, Roger Lassen, the company is delighted to be back on the track this
year on one of the six new Mustangs that will be making their Supercar racing
debut this season.
“The excitement that has accompanied the introduction of the Mustang to
the Supercars Championship has and continues to be extraordinary. We are
pleased to be a part of that excitement with Tickford Racing and accomplished
driver Lee Holdsworth. We are looking forward to engaging our customers in a
number of activities around our front line motorsport involvement and to
support our Australian and New Zealand distributors by strongly promoting FRAM
Filters at the 15 Supercar rounds from February to November this year.”
For vehicle application or stocking enquiries in Australia for FRAM
Filters, the team at Filpro Automotive can be contacted on 1800 155 879 or by sending an enquiry to info@filpro.com.au.
FRAM Filters are also available throughout New Zealand from BNT stores
across the nation.
February 27, 2019 - AUSTRALIA’S
AUTO PARTS PROFESSIONALS PARTNER WITH SUPERCARS IN 2019
Burson Auto Parts
has joined forces with the 2019 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, as
part of the Australian company’s most extensive motorsport program in its 47
year history.
Australia’s
preferred supplier of automotive parts, tools and equipment has become the
Official Automotive Event Partner across several of the most exciting Supercar
rounds of the year.
Burson Auto Parts
will partner with Supercars for the upcoming Round 1 in Adelaide and across the
inaugural Pirtek Perth Supernight event, the Vodafone Gold Coast 600 endurance
event and the grand final round, the Coates Hire Newcastle 500. The familiar
Burson Auto Parts logo will appear on high profile signage at each of these
spectacular Supercar events.
Burson Auto Parts
blasted its way into the Supercars arena for the first time in 2017 by
sponsoring Paul Dumbrell’s Commodore Supercar during his outstanding final two
seasons of full-time competition. The Burson Auto Parts sponsored driver (and
former member of the company’s executive management team) raced to seven
victories and his second consecutive runner-up finish in the Super2
Championship, his car proving to be an incredibly effective billboard for the
180 store strong national auto parts supplier.
“Following Paul’s
retirement from racing, the next step for Burson Auto Parts was to make this
Australian company a part of Australia’s most exciting motor racing events. We
are delighted to become the 2019 Virgin Australia Supercars Official Automotive
Event Partner across a number of prestigious Supercar events, ensuring that the
Burson Auto Parts message remains a part of this country’s most popular motor
racing series,” stated Burson Auto Parts General Manager of Sales and
Marketing, Anthony Hughes.
“This next step
in our Supercars marketing program compliments our continuing Australian
motorsport sponsorships and forms a great fit to reach the trade and the wider
motoring community. We are looking forward to significantly extending the reach
of the Burson Auto Parts - The Parts Professionals message during 2019,” Mr
Hughes added.
Burson Auto Parts
continues its series sponsorship of the popular Touring Car Masters Series in
2019, along with the CAMS Rising Star Awards and the CAMS Australian Formula 4
Championship, supporting the development of junior level racing drivers seeking
to make their mark in Australian motorsport.
February 22, 2019 - DAVID FRASER APPOINTED AS NEW
CAPRICORN GROUP CEO
Australasia’s largest automotive cooperative,
Capricorn, is delighted to announce the appointment of current Capricorn Chief
Executive Officer - Automotive, David Fraser, to the role of Capricorn Group
Chief Executive Officer effective from July 1, 2019.
In March 2018 after careful consideration and deliberation both with his
family and the Capricorn Board, current Capricorn Group Chief Executive Officer
Greg Wall advised that he would be transitioning from the company’s leadership
role in July 2019 to pursue Board roles.
Since that announcement was made, the Capricorn Board has worked with an
external recruitment firm to find the most suitable successor to continue
Capricorn’s Member success story and to continue Mr Wall’s successful legacy.
A combination of external and internal candidates from Capricorn’s
highly talented and experienced executive management team were considered for
this vitally important leadership role. Mr Fraser’s results, experience and
dedication to the current and long term success of Capricorn made the industry
veteran a clear stand out for this major leadership role.
David Fraser joined Capricorn in 2006 following more than two decades
working within the automotive aftermarket industry with leading companies,
using his vast expertise to grow Capricorn’s automotive business reach and
profitability, achieving impressive year on year record breaking sales results.
Speaking with Capricorn Chairman, Russell Becker, this is a highly
deserved and fitting appointment for David Fraser that will continue the
remarkable success achieved by Mr Wall across all of the Capricorn Group’s
business divisions.
“During his 12 year career with Capricorn, David has displayed an
outstanding level of dedication to the success of Capricorn’s automotive
business division and this has been reflected in the strong growth and
development of this core business division during his tenure.
“Working closely with Greg, David has gained a strong and intimate
understanding of the entire Capricorn Group and along with Greg, has been
instrumental in our unprecedented company growth,” Mr Becker said.
“On behalf of my fellow Board members and more than 20,000 Capricorn
Members across Australia and New Zealand, I couldn’t be more pleased to know
that the future leadership of this company is in such good hands,” He added.
The Capricorn Board, executive management team and staff congratulate Mr
Fraser on his appointment and look forward to the next exciting steps of his
impressive career in this industry.
They also would like to take this opportunity to warmly thank Mr Wall
for his outstanding leadership contribution to the entire Capricorn Group over
the past seven years and wish him well in his semi-retirement future.
February 19, 2019 - DRiV INCORPORATED TO SPIN FROM TENNECO LATER THIS YEAR
New Aftermarket and Ride Performance Company Expected to be a
Global Leader
Lake Forest, Illinois, February 14, 2019 -DRiV Incorporated
is the name of the future publicly traded Aftermarket and Ride Performance company
that will launch in the second half of this year, following Tenneco Inc.’s
(NYSE: TEN)separation into two
independent companies, Tenneco announced today. Once it spins, DRiV™ will serve
as one of the largest global multi-line, multi-brand aftermarket suppliers and
one of the largest global original equipment (OE) ride performance and braking suppliers
to aftermarket, light vehicle, and commercial vehicle customers. DRiV will be
headquartered in the greater Chicago area.
“It is a landmark day, now that we are able to announce the
future company’s name and identity,” said Brian Kesseler, Co-CEO, Tenneco and
future chairman and CEO, DRiV.“DRiV
will be a unique new business, a more than $6 billion start-up, built from the
combined strengths of Tenneco, Federal-Mogul and Öhlins - laser-focused on
innovation, performance, brand development and customer service. Our global scale, our
stable of well-respected and enduring aftermarket brands and our longtime
partnerships with the world’s leading original equipment manufacturers give us
a significant competitive advantage.We
are strategically positioned to capitalize on secular trends such as the
expansion of vehicles in operation globally, as well as growth in intelligent
suspension, new mobility models and the evolution of autonomous driving.”
The DRiV name is emblematic of what the new company expects
to be – a global leader in the aftermarket and original equipment businesses,
driving advancements that help people get the most out of every vehicle, every
ride, every race, and every journey. The black, red and silver logo is connected to a rich heritage of performance. The
overall design is confident with a circular shape that evokes
a tachometer, representing speed, strength, and pushing boundaries.The uniquely styled letters that form the
company name are clean, dynamic, and forward-leaning.In the logo design, the DRiV name incorporates
a special character for the “i” that has multiple
meanings.It can be read as a letter “i”
which also represents integrity, innovation and insight. And it can also be
read as the number “1,” which implies “our one team.”
“The DRiV name and logo is distinctive, standing
out from the competition in both the original equipment and aftermarket spaces,”
said Scott Usitalo, the company’s chief marketing officer. “It personifies the idea that there’s a driving force
behind anything in motion.Our mission
is to be a driving force that moves people – offering them enhanced ride
experiences through differentiated brands, products and technologies. DRiV is an active name
that inspires energy and movement, and signals what we intend to provide to our
customers – superior driving advancements.”
Aftermarket Business - Motorparts
DRiV’s aftermarket business, which will
be known as “Motorparts,” will develop, manufacture and distribute a broad
portfolio of products in the global vehicle aftermarket. Through the
acquisition of Federal-Mogul in 2018, the company has built an industry-leading
brand portfolio that positions it to become one of the largest global suppliers
of replacement parts to the global aftermarket. Its stable of well-respected,
enduring brands includes Monroe®, Champion®, Öhlins®, MOOG®, Walker®, Fel-Pro®,
Wagner®, Ferodo® Rancho®, Thrush®, National®, Sealed Power®, Axios® and others.
Original Equipment Business – Ride
Performance
The original equipment business, known as
“Ride Performance,” is one of the world’s largest ride performance businesses, developing,
manufacturing and supplying to the leading global original equipment
manufacturers with shock absorbers, struts, NVH performance materials and brake
friction.
Following the
acquisition of Federal-Mogul in October 2018, Tenneco’s separation into two
independent, publicly traded companies is expected to be complete in the second
half of 2019. After the spin-off, the remaining
Tenneco businesses will focus on powertrain systems technology and will retain
the Tenneco name.
About Tenneco
Headquartered in
Lake Forest, Illinois, Tenneco is one of the world’s leading designers,
manufacturers and marketers of Ride Performance and Clean Air products and
technology solutions for diversified markets, including light vehicle,
commercial truck, off-highway equipment and the aftermarket, with 2017 revenues
of $9.3 billion and approximately 32,000 employees worldwide. On October 1,
2018, Tenneco completed the acquisition of Federal-Mogul, a leading global
supplier to original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with nearly
55,000 employees globally and 2017 revenues of $7.8 billion.Additionally, the company expects to separate
its businesses to form two new, independent companies, an Aftermarket and Ride
Performance company as well as a new Powertrain Technology company, in the
second half of 2019.
About DRiV - the future Aftermarket and Ride
Performance Company
Following the
separation, DRiV will be one of the largest global multi-line, multi-brand
aftermarket companies, and one of the largest global OE ride performance and
braking companies.DRiV’s principal product brands will feature Monroe®, Öhlins® Walker®, Clevite®Elastomers,
MOOG®, Fel-Pro®, Wagner®, Ferodo®, Champion® and others. DRiV would have 2017 pro-forma revenues of
$6.4 billion, with 56% of those revenues from aftermarket and 44% from original
equipment customers.
About the new Tenneco - the future Powertrain
Technology Company
Following the
separation, the new Tenneco will be one of the world’s largest pure-play
powertrain companies serving OE markets worldwide with engineered solutions
addressing fuel economy, power output, and criteria pollution requirements for
gasoline, diesel and electrified powertrains. The new Tenneco would have 2017
pro-forma revenues of $10.7 billion, serving light vehicle, commercial truck,
off-highway and industrial markets.
Safe Harbor
This release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking
statements relate to our plans to separate into two independent public
companies.Forward-looking
statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause
actual results to materially differ from those described in the forward-looking
statements, including the possibility that Tenneco may not complete the
spin-off of the Aftermarket & Ride Performance business from the Powertrain
Technology business (or achieve some or all of the anticipated benefits of such
a spin-off); the possibility that the acquisition of Federal-Mogul or the
separation may have an adverse impact on existing arrangements with Tenneco,
including those related to transition, manufacturing and supply services and
tax matters; the ability to retain and hire key personnel and maintain
relationships with customers, suppliers or other business partners; the risk
that the benefits of the acquisition of Federal-Mogul or the separation,
including synergies, may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize
than expected; the risk that the acquisition of Federal-Mogul or the separation
may not advance Tenneco’s business strategy; the risk that Tenneco may
experience difficulty integrating all employees or operations; the potential
diversion of Tenneco management’s attention resulting from the separation; as
well as the risk factors and cautionary statements included in Tenneco’s
periodic and current reports (Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K) filed from time to time
with the SEC. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place
undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.
Unless otherwise indicated, the forward-looking statements in this release are
made as of the date of this communication, and, except as required by law,
Tenneco does not undertake any obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to
publicly disclose revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements.
Additional information regarding these risk factors and uncertainties is
detailed from time to time in the company's SEC filings, including but not
limited to its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
February 18, 2019 - MONROE MAGNUM HEAVY DUTY SHOCK ABSORBERS OUT PERFORM THE REST WITH MERRETT LOGGING
Making the transition to Monroe Magnum Heavy Duty
shock absorbers has proven to be a
major advantage for three decade strong South Australian logging transportation
family company, Merrett Logging.
With a total of 30 company owned B-Double configurations in the Merrett
Logging fleet and another 10 sub-contractor owned configurations within the
company’s operations and maintenance schedule, truck and trailer shock absorber
durability and lifespan is of vital importance to ensure safe and efficient
logging transport operations.
Merrett Logging runs a 12 month total maintenance schedule that includes
the replacement of all truck and trailer shock absorbers in their fleet. After
four years of using Monroe Magnum Heavy Duty shock absorbers, Maintenance
Supervisor and company director John Merrett has been impressed by the quality,
durability and cost savings made by selecting Monroe Magnum Heavy Duty truck
and trailer shock absorbers.
“We were always replacing our shock absorbers with the OE products, but
we found during our maintenance checks that oil seal failures were common even
at low kilometres and we also encountered this problem with other aftermarket
brands,” Mr Merrett said.
“Once we tried the Monroe Magnum range we experienced none of these
issues with both our truck and trailer shocks and upon each inspection they looked
as though they could last well beyond our 12 month replacement cycle.”
“The Monroe Magnum truck and trailer shock absorbers enable us to save
costs by outperforming the OE and other aftermarket products that we have used
in the past.
“Up to 15% of our heavy transporting work is on unsealed gravel roads
with long bitumen stretches of approximately 100 kilometres per trip.The quality and durability of our Monroe
Magnum shock absorbers have proven to be excellent under all conditions.
“We look forward to Monroe expanding their heavy duty shock absorber
range to cover more of our own and our sub-contractors trucks as their total
quality and value for money is exceptional,” Mr Merrett added.
The Merrett Logging trailer fleet includes Plunkett and Elphinstone
trailers running BPW, ROR and Fuwa K-Hitch Axles using Monroe Magnum heavy duty
shock absorber part numbers F5002 BPW Long, F5004 BPW Short, F5015 & F5075
ROR and F5194 Weweler.
The Monroe Magnum Heavy Duty range covers the key sectors of truck and
trailer suspension requirements including cabin dampers, seat dampers and axle
shock systems.
Monroe Magnum ride performance product advantages include ease of
fitment with single bonded bushings that ensure very high bushing durability,
along with a high temperature resistant sealing system and high temperature
resistant hydraulic fluid. The Monroe Magnum specially formulated
semi-synthetic fluid improves damping behaviour through more consistent damping
over a wide temperature range.
More consistent heavy duty vehicle damping is also achieved with the Monroe
Magnum anti-wear coated piston ring, providing high levels of wear resistance.
Forces on chassis components are kept to a minimum with the Monroe Magnum
double action valving system during bump and rebound actions. This assists
greatly to achieve safer commercial vehicle handling performances.
Another key advantage of the Monroe Magnum Heavy Duty shock absorber
range is the inclusion of a hydraulic lock-out piston that ensures no
over-extension of the air bag.
The Monroe Magnum range provides world class quality through durable
suspension performance, followed up by Australian sales support that is second
to none in the market.
To find out more about the Monroe Magnum Heavy Duty range and to receive
a Monroe Magnum Catalogue, contact your local Monroe Territory Manager or call
Monroe Australia customer service on 1800
088 205.
Suggested image caption: South Australian
family logging transportation company, Merrett Logging has been significantly
impressed by the quality, durability and cost savings made by selecting Monroe
Magnum Heavy Duty truck and trailer shock absorbers for their truck and trailer
fleet.
February 16, 2019 - DAYCO RACER DAVID RUSSELL JOINS YUYA SAKAMOTO AND
HUBAUTO CORSA IN 2019 BLANCPAIN GT WORLD CHALLENGE ASIA
Dayco Ambassador
David Russell forms an integral part of a new look HubAuto Corsa Ferrari 488
GT3 driver line-up for this year’s Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia campaign.
Two victories
helped the team to finish second in 2018’s Drivers’ standings, while the
Taiwanese squad were also fifth in the Teams’ championship. That success has
led to both representing Ferrari in this year’s Intercontinental GT Challenge
Powered by Pirelli.
And it’s that
new, globe-trotting commitment that has resulted in a shake-up of the team’s
Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia roster, which now features Yuya Sakamoto and
accomplished Australian and international GT and Supercar enduro driver David
Russell.
Super GT300 and
Super Taikyu regular Sakamoto moves across from Porsche Team EBI with whom he
contested Blancpain GT Series Asia’s Japanese rounds at Suzuka and Fuji in
2017.
He’s joined by
Russell who’s best known for his strong performances in Australian Supercars’
endurance events in recent years, GT class podiums at the Bathurst 12 Hour and
finishing runner-up in 2015’s Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship.
Long term
personal sponsor, Dayco, one of the world’s leading global engine products and
drive systems suppliers for the automotive, industrial and aftermarket
industries, will once again join Russell in this exciting new international GT
challenge.
“We are excited
to be returning to Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia for a second season,” said
team owner Morris Chen. “The team had a great first year in 2018 when it won
races and came very close to also clinching the Drivers’ Championship at the
final round. Now the aim is very simple: to go one better.
“We had other
options for this season but it’s important that we continue to support
motorsport in Asia.”
HubAuto Corsa’s
Ferrari is the second 488 GT3 confirmed for the upcoming campaign following
last week’s announcement that T2 Motorsports are returning to the championship
with former Formula 1 driver Rio Haryanto.
2019’s list of
confirmed entries also includes Audi, BMW, Lamborghini, Mercedes-AMG and
Porsche. More will be announced before the opening round at Sepang in Malaysia
on April 6/7.
According to
Russell, joining HubAuto Corsa for the 2019 Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia
is a very exciting opportunity to continue his successful international GT
racing career.
“I can’t wait to
get settled into the Ferrari at the first round at Sepang, a circuit where I
have had success in the past finishing 2nd in the Sepang 12 Hour with Roger
Lago.
“Consistency will
be the key for myself and Yuya Sakamoto who I look forward to teaming up with
for the championship. This is a championship that I have always wanted to
compete in with a great depth of talent in the field, racing on some of Asia’s
best racing circuits.
“It will be a
busy year of racing this season, which is perfect for keeping me sharp and fit
for the Supercar enduros later in the year and its great to have Dayco join me
once again,” Russell said.
The 2019
Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia will be contested over six events being held
in Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Korea and China from April to September.
February 12, 2019 - AAAA
WELCOMES RELEASE OF CONSULTATION PAPER ON A MANDATORY SCHEME FOR THE SHARING OF
MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICE & REPAIR INFORMATION
Australia’s peak body representing
independent automotive repairers, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket
Association (AAAA), welcomes today’s release by the Federal Government of a
Consultation Paper relating to the introduction of a Mandatory Scheme for the
Sharing of Vehicle Service and Repair information between car companies and
Australia’s 23,000 independent automotive repair businesses.
The AAAA
and its members have anticipated the release of this Consultation Paper since
the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recommended that the
Government mandate the sharing of vehicle data between multinational car
companies and Australia’s independent repairers following a comprehensive
industry study that was completed in December 2017.
While
supporting the Federal Government’s move towards the establishment of a
mandatory code for vehicle data sharing, the AAAA warns that some aspects of
this Consultation Paper are inconsistent with the ACCC’s findings.
“We welcome
the steps forward that the Government has made in moving towards the
establishment of a mandatory code under the Competition and Consumer Act (CCA)
for the sharing of vehicle data with Australia’s independent repairers by
releasing this detailed Consultation Paper today,” stated AAAA Chief Executive
Officer, Stuart Charity.
“We
strongly encourage the Government to take on board the full ACCC findings and
recommendations relating to the attributes of a mandatory scheme, as the
overriding objective of this scheme is to provide fair and open competition to
promote choice and affordability for all Australian car owners.
“We are
concerned about the language used throughout the Consultation Paper that relate
to “exclusions” and “restrictions” that may be included in a mandatory
code.Of course there will need to be
safeguards in place to protect the security and integrity of vehicle related
data, however vehicle security should not be used as an excuse by car companies
to withhold critical information required to complete a vehicle repair or
service.
“These
terms were not used in the ACCC Final Report and if they are included in the
final code, we have no doubt that car companies will fully exploit this by
linking all required information to either security, safety or emissions and in
reality nothing will have changed for consumers,” Mr Charity stated.
“In order
for Australian consumers to be treated fairly when it comes to the scheduled
servicing, maintenance and repair of their vehicles, car companies should not
be able to decide who receives information based on their own definitions
relating to safety, security and emissions. The ACCC’s Final Report recommended
that all required technical information ‘be
shared with independent repairers on commercially fair and reasonable terms,
subject to appropriate safeguards to enable the sharing of environmental,
safety and security-related technical information’ and we fully support
this recommendation,” Mr Charity added.
The
Consultation Paper also refers to vehicle manufacturers potentially being able
to determine the appropriate level of investment by independent workshops in
order to receive access to service and repair data. It is the firm belief of
the AAAA that this will provide vehicle manufacturers with the ability to
charge exorbitant fees for information, special tools, training and equipment
and is completely unworkable in a market which has over 74 different car brands
on sale. All this will achieve is higher servicing and repair costs for
Australian consumers, defeating the entire purpose of establishing a mandatory
code.
The AAAA
would also like to see greater acknowledgment of the important role of third
party data aggregators in the Australian market. With 74 vehicle brands on
Australia’s roads, combined with the need for consumers to be able to access
convenient and affordable servicing and repairs wherever they live and for
whatever brand of car they drive, the majority of repairers use data
aggregators to access servicing information. It is commercially unrealistic for
an all-makes-all-model repairer to subscribe to every individual car brands’
data service. The Consultation Paper does not discuss this sector in any depth,
yet data aggregators are vitally important to enable our industry to provide
consumers with choice and competition for vehicle servicing and repair work.
Of
additional concern is the Consultation Paper’s suggestion that there may be no
penalties imposed for car companies while they transition from their current
anti-competitive behaviour in their own time. While it is only fair that an implementation
date is established to allow car companies sufficient time to launch
subscription services, there is no point in establishing a mandatory code that
does not include sanctions for non-compliance once that phase-in period has
ended.
“The AAAA will
participate constructively in this Consultation process as it is a step in
the right direction.
“However we
believe that after two separate Government Inquiries on this matter and over
eight years of consultation, it is now time for the Government to build on the
ACCC’s findings and recommendations and implement a Mandatory Code as a matter
of urgency.
“We also
have the advantage of being able to mirror the main attributes of the highly
successful USA model which has resulted in all relevant technical information
being shared with independent repairers without limitations, exclusions or
restrictions,” Mr Charity added.
Senior
Manager, Government Relations and Advocacy AAAA - 03 9545 3333 / 0402 005 476
Paul
Marinelli
Media
Advisor, AAAA - 0417 558 655.
About the Australian Automotive Aftermarket
Association Limited (AAAA):
The AAAA is
the national industry association representing manufacturers, distributors,
wholesalers, importers and retailers of automotive parts and accessories, tools
and equipment, and providers of mechanical repair and modification services in
Australia. The Association represents 2,500 member companies in all categories
of the Australian automotive aftermarket and includes major national and
multi-national corporations as well as a large number of independent small and
medium size businesses. Member companies are located in metropolitan, regional
and rural Australia. The parts and maintenance sector of the $108 billion
Australian automotive industry represents about $11 billion. AAAA member
companies employ more than 40,000 people and export over $1 billion worth of
product a year. Visit www.aaaa.com.au
February 5 2019 - DAYCO MOTORSPORT PROGRAM
OFF TO A FAST START AT THE BATHURST 12 HOUR
Dayco Ambassador David Russell together
with long term GT racing partner Roger Lago and Supercar racer Todd Hazelwood
have started the 2019 Australian motor racing season off with an impressive top
ten finish in the 2019 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour.
Competing for the first time with Matt Stone Racing in an Audi R8 LMS
that both Russell and Lago had only first driven one week before the event, the
trio’s outstanding result of 9th overall saw them out-perform a number
of local and international Pro Am category teams, finishing second in the
Pro-Am standings to major international team AF Corse (Ferrari) and a clear two
laps ahead of the rest of the 38 car field.
Russell, Lago and Hazelwood’s performance at Bathurst also earned the
Matt Stone Racing team the highest placed Audi honours at this prestigious
event, surpassing all of the factory supported teams.
The challenging race covered a record 312 laps (1,938km) this year and
was held in hot conditions. The frantic pace of this epic 12 hour race was
reflected in the average lap speed of 161kph, which represented another new
event record.
“That was a great race, it was flat out all the way and the team
performed brilliantly, “ David Russell said.
“All three drivers were consistent, fast and error free - the car looks
as straight and perfect as when it arrived!
“I’m a bridesmaid once again in the Pro-Am class and it was a major
international GT team that finished ahead of us, with the rest of the field a
long way behind.
“I look forward to coming back next year to try and take the Pro-Am win.
I am very proud of our result as the first time we drove this car was just one
week before the race. We all came to grips with it immediately and we were able
to extract the best from it,” Russell stated.
The Dayco sponsored driver will return to Mount Panorama to compete in
the opening Pirtek Season of Endurance Supercar event, the Bathurst 1000 this
October.
This event marked Russell’s eleventh Bathurst 12 Hour, his third Pro-Am
podium result and sixth overall top ten result in this race. It continues the
Dayco sponsored driver’s remarkable tally of class wins and podiums in every
format of Bathurst GT or Production car racing during his career.
February 4, 2019 - PRECISION AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT & HUNTER ENGINEERING TWO OF THE BEST
IN THE BUSINESS
Precision Automotive Equipment, Australia’s leader
in premium quality equipment for the automotive industry, adds another premium
brand to its stable.
Hunter Engineering is the world leader in premier quality workshop
equipment since its establishment in 1946 by American Automotive Hall of Fame
inductee Lee Hunter.
Proudly designed and manufactured in the USA to this day, Hunter
Engineering wheel service equipment represents the absolute pinnacle of
quality, durability and long term investment value.
Hunter Engineering has forged an enviable reputation for innovation in
relation to the application of the latest electronic and engineering technology
to automotive under car servicing. Remarkably, the company is responsible for
more than 350 patented and exclusive wheel service equipment features, making
these products the ultimate choice for Australia’s new car dealers, tyre
retailers, suspension specialists and general workshops.
Precision Automotive Equipment offers the industry the full Hunter
Engineering product range, including Wheel Aligners, Tyre Changers and a range
of world leading Wheel Balancers. These premium quality products are joined by
Hunter Engineering Alignment Racks, Brake Lathes and Inspection Lanes.
In line with the addition of the renowned Hunter Engineering wheel
service range, Precision Equipment also welcomes highly experienced industry
expert Phil Goodwin to their team in the role of Key Account Manager.
Phil brings more than 30 years of experience in automotive workshop
equipment to Precision. He has been closely associated with the Hunter
Engineering product range for the past 12 years, establishing Hunter as one of
the leading wheel service equipment brands sold in Australia today.
According to Phil, this new role enables him to continue the growth of
the Hunter Engineering brand in Australia with the support of a dedicated
national equipment team.
“This is a great opportunity to continue the growth of the premium
quality Hunter range of wheel service products in Australia. The rate of
product development, attention to detail and total reliability of these
products is without peer, ensuring that Precision always offers its customers
the highest quality wheel service products, supported by a national team for
after-sales support,” Mr Goodwin said.
For more information contact Precision Automotive Equipment by calling 1300 366 252.
Suggested image caption: Precision Automotive Equipment offers the industry the full Hunter
Engineering product range, including Wheel Aligners, Tyre Changers and a range
of world leading Wheel Balancers. These premium quality products are joined by
Hunter Engineering Alignment Racks, Brake Lathes and Inspection Lanes.
January 30, 2019 - WIN
THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME WITH BURSON AUTO PARTS
Burson Auto
Parts kicks off 2019 with another outstanding trade customer promotion taking
place during February, March and April 2019.
Ten lucky Burson Auto Parts trade customers will win a seven night trip
of a lifetime visiting two of the world’s most popular tourist destinations,
London and Paris, simply for purchasing parts from thirteen of the Australian
company’s premier quality suppliers from February 1 to the end of April 2019.
After reaching a qualifying value of $5,000 (ex GST) spent across the 13
participating brands, which are Exedy, Ryco, NGK Spark Plugs, KYB Shock
Absorbers, JAS Oceania, PAT, DBA, Projecta, Dayco, Penrite, Bendix, Narva and
Kincrome, you will earn an entry into the draw.Every additional $500 spent on any of these brands until the end of
April earns another entry into the draw to be in the running to win this great
trip.
Each of the ten lucky Burson Auto Parts trade customer winners will fly
Premium Economy to London and Paris, visiting all of the majestic sites that
have made these destinations the the most desired by international tourists for
decades. The winners will also enjoy a welcome escape from the Aussie winter
with the trip to take place during in the middle of the European summer in
July.
According to Burson Auto Parts General Manager - Merchandise &
Procurement, Peter Cheney, this exciting Burson Auto Parts trade promotion
follows the success of the Australian company’s highly successful New York City
promotion conducted last year.
“We are delighted to get 2019 started with an exciting European
promotion, which can be won simply for ordering parts from these 13 premium
quality Burson Auto Parts suppliers from February to April. We look forward to
announcing the ten lucky winners who will take part in what is sure to be a
very memorable trip to two of the world’s most exciting capital cities, London
and Paris,” Mr Cheney said.
To register your entry to take part in the Burson Auto Parts Trip of a
Lifetime promotion, visitwww.bursonlondonpromo.com.au, where all terms and
conditions of the promotion are also outlined.
Once registered, get on the phone to 1300 BURSON (287 766) to place your orders of parts from Exedy,
Ryco, NGK Spark Plugs, KYB Shock Absorbers, JAS Oceania, PAT, DBA, Projecta,
Dayco, Penrite, Bendix, Narva and Kincrome to reach your qualifying amount and
be in the running!
Suggested image caption:Australia’s
Burson Auto Parts is giving away 10 trips to London and Paris in its first
major trade promotion for 2019, simply for purchases from these leading
automotive aftermarket brands - Exedy, Ryco, NGK Spark Plugs, KYB Shock
Absorbers, JAS Oceania, PAT, DBA, Projecta, Dayco, Penrite, Bendix, Narva and
Kincrome during February, March and April 2019.
February 1 2019 - IS YOUR APPRENTICE THE NEXT CAPRICORN RISING STAR?
The
Capricorn Rising Stars Apprentice of the Year competition is back in 2019 with
more than $20,000 in prizes to help their Members recognise, reward and retain
their high performing auto repairers.
Capricorn, with support from
major sponsorship partner Castrol, will be searching for more outstanding
apprentices from Capricorn’s membership of more than 20,000 general automotive,
collision repair, commercial vehicle, auto electrical, fabrication along with
other automotive workshops across Australia and New Zealand from February to
April, 2019.
To enter, Capricorn Members
simply have to nominate their apprentices atwww.capricornrisingstars.com.
Nominees will then have until April 30, 2019 to
complete their applications.
This is a major opportunity
for Capricorn Members to show their appreciation and support for their top
performing apprentices, to encourage them to pursue a long term career in the
industry.
The winning apprentice, their
workshop boss and two friends will score an all-expenses paid trip to the
exciting Gold Coast 600 Supercar round along with 150,000 Bonus Capricorn
Reward Points (valued at $1,500) from Castrol.
The winner will also receive
The Workshop Whisperer’s renowned Leadership Academy training to help
fast-track their career development.
The top five finalists,
including the overall winner, will receive a $1,000 tool kit and Autopedia
subscription from Repco, two tickets to attend Repco Masterclass Clinics,
additional online training from AutoMate, tickets to the Capricorn Gala Dinner
and Tradeshow in their closest city, along with additional prizes.
Capricorn
CEO Automotive and Rising Stars judge, David Fraser, described the Capricorn
Rising Stars Apprentice of the Year competition as an important initiative to
assist in addressing the shortage of qualified mechanics and other auto
repairers.
“We’ve
listened to our Members when they’ve told us that one of their biggest concerns
for the future is the lack of qualified mechanics and technicians. As a
cooperative that exists purely to make it easier for our Members to run and
grow their business, Capricorn is very pleased to be running this top
performing apprentice based initiative,” Mr Fraser stated.
“It’s
not just about who wins. Through Capricorn Rising Stars we hope to encourage
more of the best young people working in the industry - letting them know that
they have a bright future ahead of them,” He added.
The
Capricorn Rising Stars judging panel include includes some of the most
experienced automotive aftermarket industry professionals in the country. These
include AAAA Chief Executive Officer Stuart Charity, Castrol General Manager
(Australia & New Zealand), Tanya Ghosn, TaT Biz Director, Jeff Smit, The
Workshop Whisperer Managing Director, Rachael Scheldrick and Gavin Cribb from
the Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence.
Capricorn
Rising Stars is proudly supported by major partner Castrol along with the
valued support of Repco, AutoMate, TaT and The Workshop Whisperer.
Suggested
image caption: Capricorn
Members can recognise the efforts of their best performing apprentices by
nominating them for the Capricorn Rising Stars Apprentice of the Year
competition by April 30, 2019.
December 7, 2018 - CAPRICORN MUTUAL MAKES GLOBAL
FASTEST GROWING TOP TEN ICMIF LIST
Capricorn Mutual, the risk protection mutual
established for Capricorn Society Members, Australasia’s largest automotive
cooperative, continues to grow. Indeed, Capricorn Mutual has grown to become
one of the world’s top ten fastest growing mutual organisations according to
the International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation (ICMIF).
Along with this leading global organisation’s top ten global ranking,
Capricorn Mutual has also become the number one fastest growing mutual
organisation in Australia according to the ICMIF.
This is the first time that Capricorn Mutual has featured in this annual
and highly respected ICMIF Member Statistics Report. This report includes a
detailed analysis of the ICMIF’s 197 member organisations based on their
location, legal structure, product lines and affinity group.
These accolades reflect the outstanding success of Capricorn Mutual led
by Jim Glossat, CEO of Capricorn Risk and actioned by his determined and
committed management team.
“It’s no secret that Capricorn Mutual’s success has come from a
commitment to looking after our Members and the unique needs of the automotive
aftermarket. We are proud to have paid almost $50 million in claims in the past
two years and are delighted that this has corresponded with such strong growth
that has now been recognised by the ICMIF as the fastest in Australia and top ten
in the world.” Mr. Glossat said.
“The best thing about our success is that it directly benefits every
single one of our Mutual Members, not third party corporate shareholders,” Mr.
Glossat added.
To properly recognise the importance of this global and domestic rating
for Capricorn Mutual it is important to look at the sheer numbers. In 2017,
ICMIF Members across the world generated $USD232 billion in premium income,
owned over $USD1.7 trillion in investment assets, serviced 300 million policy
holders and generated a ten-year growth result of 39.3% which compares to the
global market growth average of 16.8%.
To find out how you can join Capricorn Mutual contact Capricorn Risk
Services online at www.capricornrisk.com
or call 1800 007 022.
Suggested image caption: Jim Glossat, CEO, Capricorn
Risk. Capricorn
Mutual has grown to become one of the world’s top ten fastest growing mutual
organisations according to the International Cooperative and Mutual
Insurance Federation (ICMIF).
November 29, 2018 - TENNECO SIGNS DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT
TO ACQUIRE ÖHLINS RACING A.B.
Tenneco Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire
Öhlins Racing A.B. (“Öhlins”), a Swedish technology company that develops
premium suspension systems and components for the automotive and motorsport
industries.
The addition of Öhlins will accelerate the development of advanced
original equipment (OE) intelligent suspension solutions, while also
fast-tracking time to market. It will also enhance Tenneco’s portfolio in
broader mobility markets with the addition of Öhlins’ range of premium OE and
aftermarket automotive and motorsports performance products.
Founder Kenth Öhlin will retain a minority interest in Öhlins and
partner with Tenneco to provide continuity in his strategic and technological
vision.
“I am proud of the Öhlins team and all we have accomplished over
the last 43 years. We are excited to continue to deliver innovative technologies
that can accelerate growth with the full strength and resources of Tenneco
behind us,” Mr Öhlin stated.
According to Tenneco co-CEO, Mr Brian Kesseler, this acquisition
follows a long and mutually successful association between the two leading Aftermarket
Ride Performance product companies.
“Tenneco’s 20 year relationship with Öhlins has delivered world
class product in the intelligent suspension market and provides a strategic
entry into advanced performance communities with premium branded products and
proprietary Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension Valve (CES)
technology.” Mr Kesseler said.
“Öhlins’ technology team will allow us to rapidly grow our product
offerings for current and future customers, as well as help us win a larger share
of business in developing mobility markets. I am delighted to welcome the
Öhlins team as an important part of our new Aftermarket and Ride Performance
company,” He added.
The acquisition is expected to close during the first quarter of
2019, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals and other customary
closing conditions.
The benefits of Tenneco’s performance product and motorsport
specific product range through the acquisition of Öhlins will be gained across
all of Tenneco’s global markets, including Australia and New Zealand.
Suggested image caption: After 43 years in family
ownership, one of the world’s leading performance and motorsport suspension
technology companies, Öhlins, becomes a part of Tenneco, parent company of the
world leading Monroe Shock Absorber brand among several other ride performance
and Clean Air automotive product lines.
About
Tenneco:
Headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois (USA), Tenneco is one of
the world’s leading designers, manufacturers and marketers of Ride Performance
and Clean Air products and technology solutions for diversified markets,
including light vehicle, commercial truck, off-highway equipment and the
aftermarket, with 2017 revenues of $9.3 billion and approximately 32,000
employees worldwide. Tenneco also owns and operates a Monroe manufacturing
and product development facility in Adelaide (SA).
On October 1, 2018, Tenneco completed the acquisition of
Federal-Mogul, a leading global supplier to original equipment manufacturers
and the aftermarket with nearly 55,000 employees globally and 2017 revenues of
$7.8 billion. Additionally, the company expects to separate its
businesses to form two new, independent companies, an Aftermarket and Ride
Performance company as well as a new Powertrain Technology company, in late
2019.
November 28, 2018 - MORE CAPRICORN MEMBER SOCIAL EVENTS THAN
EVER IN 2018
From its foundation more than four and a half decades ago, Capricorn’s Member
based structure has always placed a high priority on maximising the
opportunities for social interactivity amongst its Members and Preferred
Suppliers. This important principle has grown immensely over the years through
a series of Australian, New Zealand and worldwide Capricorn Member events that
are successfully coordinated each year by Australasia’s largest automotive
cooperative.
2018 was without a doubt
Capricorn’s biggest year of social events that were highlighted by the
remarkable Capricorn Convention held in Salou, Spain back in May. This
remarkable event saw more than 700 Capricorn delegates attend the first ever
Capricorn Convention held in Europe. This proved to be an incredible week that
was filled with lots of fun and great memory making, sight-seeing adventures. More than 400 Capricorn
delegates extended their European visit with a Mediterranean cruise following
the convention, which also proved to be an outstanding success, capping off the
trip of a lifetime for many.
The most recent Capricorn
Member international event was a fully coordinated visit to the SEMA Show held
in Las Vegas in November 2018. This annual event saw 78 Capricorn Members fly to the USA to
attend this mammoth automotive aftermarket trade show in a package that
included five nights of five-star accommodation and a hosted dinner for
Australian and New Zealand based Capricorn Members. Here Capricorn Members
compared notes on the latest automotive aftermarket innovations seen during the
world renowned Automotive Industry Week in Las Vegas.
The annual Capricorn Gala
Dinner & Tradeshow schedule set out across the nation and into New Zealand
from October to December, with record shattering attendances at each and every
outstanding event so far. For many Capricorn Members, these events are the
social highlight of each year and they were all quickly sold out. These events
include outstanding venues, interactive tradeshows, industry led training,
first class meals, refreshments along with live bands and comedic entertainment.
The Capricorn Gala Dinner and
Tradeshows continue to grow each year with over 1,200 attendees in Perth, more
than 1,000 in Melbourne, 830 in Brisbane, 620 in Adelaide, 450 in Auckland and
with more than 550 registered in Sydney. These events are always a fun way to
celebrate what was the most successful year to date for Capricorn.
The year also saw Capricorn
Members take part in Australia’s premier domestic motor race, the Adelaide 500
within an exclusive corporate marquee, including a Supercar team pit visit.
Members also took part in numerous national and regional golf days along with
regional BBQ events. Capricorn’s events are designed to bring Members together,
while also providing Capricorn’s vast list of Preferred Suppliers with access
to Members for event based special offers and exclusive Capricorn Member
promotions throughout the year.
The best part of this vast
social calendar of events is that Capricorn Members can use their Capricorn
Reward Points to take part. Capricorn Members earn points on almost every
dollar spent on essential products and services from Preferred Suppliers, which
they need to run their businesses.
While
Capricorn organises
many social events each year, a large number of Capricorn Members also
elected to use their reward points to organise their own “bucket
list” cruises, tours and automotive events around the world. For this
purpose,
the award winning Capricorn Travel team is available to help both
Members and
non-Members to plan their next escapes or business trips.
All of these Capricorn events
are on top of ensuring that automotive repair businesses are easier to manage,
with Members benefitting from instant trade credit and great prices from top
name suppliers and the convenience of receiving a single invoice each month for
all of their parts, while earning generous reward points throughout.
Benefits such as Capricorn’s
exclusive AutoBoost business tools, and access to the latest vehicle service
and maintenance data, all form part of being a Capricorn Member, truly making
automotive repair businesses much easier to run.
If this all sounds like
something that your business should be a part of, you can find out more about
joining Capricorn by sending an email to join@capricorn.coop or visit www.capricorn.coop.
Suggested Image Caption:2018 was
without a doubt Capricorn’s biggest year of social activity with thousands of
Members taking part in a host of exciting local and international events.
October 25, 2018 - DAYCO &
BURSON AUTO PARTS – THE 35 YEAR HANDSHAKE
Dayco, a leading global engine products and drive systems supplier for the
automotive, industrial and aftermarket industries, is proud to celebrate the
35th Anniversary of the company’s alliance with Australia’s Burson Auto Parts
(part of the Bapcor Group) in 2018.
Marking this
important milestone with a special event, Dayco organised a dinner at No 35,
located on Level 35 of Melbourne’s superb Sofitel Hotel for a special
celebration.
Both Dayco and
Burson Auto Parts have enjoyed outstanding growth since their association
started in the early 1980’s when Burson Auto Parts, the company that would
become Australia’s preferred supplier of automotive parts, accessories, tools
and equipment, had just 11 stores located in Victoria.
Three and a half
decades later, Burson Auto Parts has become one of Dayco’s top ten global
aftermarket customers, now with more than 175 stores located across Australia
andbranching out internationally with
its first two stores in Thailand.
During this
timeframe, Dayco has continued to expand its vast aftermarket product range to
meet the demands of local automotive repairers and the diversity of the
Australian car parc. Thousands of new Dayco Sku’s have been added in the areas
of drive belts, engine thermal management components and performance
components.
According to
Dayco Vice President Aftermarket - Asia Pacific, Arnold Mouw, this outstanding
business relationship was formed with a handshake 35 years ago and continues to
this day.
“The Dayco team
really enjoys working with the many Burson Auto Parts stores and we look
forward to continuing our success, particularly in the larger Bapcor Group.
“We are delighted
to continue to play a part in Burson Auto Parts’ Australian and international
success story and look forward to celebrating many more milestone business
anniversaries together in the future,” Mr. Mouw stated.
Bapcor Limited
CEO and Managing Director Darryl Abotomey highlights the two companies’
commitment to ensuring the broadest aftermarket application coverage as being
integral to their long term mutual success.
“Dayco has always
understood the importance of supplying the broadest possible range of
applications for each of its engine products to suit the Australian car parc.
Being able to say “yes” to a customer and to be able to fill that order quickly
is of prime importance to us, while also ensuring that we are supplying high
quality automotive products. These are the key factors behind our highly
successful 35 year association,” Mr. Abotomey said.
The Dayco and
Burson Auto Parts 35th Anniversary celebration was a highly enjoyable event
that combined fine dining with some of the most spectacular views of Melbourne,
the birthplace of Burson Auto Parts
and Dayco’s Australian head office. A specially produced plaque commemorating
this milestone anniversary was presented to Mr. Abotomey by Arnold Mouw at the
celebration.
Suggested image
caption: Celebrating 35 unbroken years of mutual success, (from left) Bapcor
Limited CEO and Managing Director Darryl Abotomey and Dayco Vice President
Aftermarket - Asia Pacific, Arnold Mouw celebrating this outstanding business
milestone.
October 24, 2018 - INNOVATION LABS
SUPPORTING THE FUTURE GROWTH OF AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the national
industry association representing the automotive manufacturing industry, announces
the establishment of two automotive Innovation Labs based in Victoria and South
Australia.
Co-funded by
Federal and Victorian Government industry development grants, the operation of
these new Innovation Labs will be led by the AAAA, providing Australian
automotive product designers, manufacturers and start-ups with the the tools,
technology,vehicles, expertise and
collaborative environment required to innovate, design, test and manufacture
for local and export markets.
Advanced
manufacturing services including 3D scanning and printing, measuring sessions,
technology transfer, Computer Aided Design and prototyping will be provided.
Advanced product development and testing facilities will significantly reduce
the time and cost in developing innovative new products for local and global
markets.
According to AAAA
Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, the establishment of these Innovation
Labs will grow an industry that is already punching well above its weight on
the global stage.
“Australian
automotive aftermarket industry manufacturers are currently producing parts,
components and technology worth more than $5 billion each year.
“Our companies
are world leaders in the design and manufacture of specialty products with a
technological advantage such as 4WD, high performance and motorsport
components. These products are purchased on innovation, performance and
features rather than on price. Our businesses have been successful because they
have made significant investments in R&D and capital equipment and have a
strong export focus.
“Establishing
this collaborative infrastructure will position our industry for future
domestic and export market growth by providing the innovators of the industry
with the leading edge technology and expertiseneeded to take Australian automotive industry innovations to the world,
regardless of how large or small their businesses are”.
The AAAA has
appointed automotive industry engineering specialist Luke Truskinger to the
role of Innovation Lab Project Manager. Along with his Bachelor of Mechanical
Engineering, Luke brings extensive local and international OEM experience to
this new role and a history of supporting the Innovation Lab project,
understanding the critical role that these Labs will play to support the future
growth of Australia’s automotive manufacturing industry.
The AAAA will be
engaging in extensive discussions with Australia’s automotive parts and
accessories industry to build on the significant work already undertaken as
part of the Innovation Lab feasibility study. The next few months of the
establishment phase will ensure that the equipment and services offered by the
Australian Innovation Labs are closely aligned with the current and future
needs of the Australian automotive manufacturing industry.
“We look forward
to inviting automotive manufacturers to take advantage of the services and
facilities that our Innovation Labs will offer to assist in taking their
products from concept to domestic and global market success,” Mr Charity
stated.
“This Innovation
Lab initiative would not have become reality without the significant financial
support provided by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments in addition to
the support of 25 ‘Lab Champion’ companies who contributed to the Innovation
Lab feasibility study. We would also like to thank Centre Alliance Senator Rex
Patrick for his strong advocacy on behalf of Australian Automotive
manufacturers. Everyone should be very proud of this exciting new development
that secures the future of Australian automotive design and manufacturing,” Mr
Charity added.
To find out more
or to register your interest in the Automotive Innovation Labs, contact AAAA
Innovation Lab Project Manager Luke Truskinger - Luke@aaaa.com.au
The AAAA’s vision
to support the future growth of Australia’s automotive aftermarket industry
through innovation was based on the highly successful precedent set by the
United States based SEMA Garage concept. After evaluating the success of this
USA based Innovation Lab, the AAAA commissioned a detailed Australian
feasibility study before presenting the concept to State and Federal Government
Industry Ministers. For more information
on the SEMA Garage visit: https://www.semagarage.com/
October 22 2018 - WORLD LEADING MONROE INTELLIGENT SUSPENSION FOR ALL NEW 2018 VOLVO XC40
COMPACT CROSSOVER SUV
Tenneco Inc, parent company of the world’s
leading Original Equipment and Aftermarket shock absorber brand, Monroe, is
proud to announce yet another premium vehicle to be equipped with Monroe
Intelligent Suspension technology.
The all-new 2018
Volvo XC40 Compact Crossover SUV features Tenneco’s CVSAe adaptive suspension
technology from its Monroe Intelligent Suspension portfolio.
A proven Monroe
suspension technology that has been launched on more than 40 vehicle models to
date, Tenneco’s CVSAe semi-active suspension technology continuously senses road
and driving conditions and independently adjusts damping levels in real time to
provide superior comfort, handling and enhanced road safety – the primary
design cornerstones to which Volvo has established an enviable reputation over
the decades.
Each electronically
controlled Monroe shock absorber connects to a central ECU, which can realign
damping settings every 10 milliseconds based on sensor inputs monitoring wheel
assembly acceleration, body displacement and steering angle. An externally
mounted electronic valve connects to the vehicle’s driving mode control, giving
drivers the ability to select damping settings that best suit their
requirements.
“Drivers today
expect higher levels of comfort and performance from their vehicles, as well as
a differentiated driving experience,” said Neville Rudd, senior vice president,
Tenneco Global Ride Control.
“CVSAe, like other
technologies from the Monroe Intelligent Suspension portfolio, offers a highly
tuneable suspension solution that delivers optimal control, comfort and
road-holding capabilities under a variety of driving conditions,” Mr Rudd
added.
The XC40
complements Volvo’s XC60 mid-size and XC90 full-size SUV models, both of which
also feature Tenneco’s CVSAe suspension system.
Tenneco will supply
the CVSAe suspension technology for Volvo from its plant in Ermua, Spain, one
of the company’s 93 global manufacturing facilities located across five
continents.
By developing world
leading Monroe suspension technology to international vehicle manufacturers on
brand new models, the many benefits of this technical development also flows
directly to the global automotive aftermarket.
Tenneco’s world
leading Monroe aftermarket ride performance product range is available from
quality automotive repairers, suspension specialists and parts retailers across
Australia and New Zealand.
/ends.
Suggested image caption:The all-new 2018 Volvo XC40 Compact Crossover
SUV features Tenneco’s CVSAe adaptive suspension technology from its Monroe
Intelligent Suspension portfolio. It is the latest of 40 vehicles to be
launched with this world leading Monroe suspension technology worldwide.
October 1, 2018 - FIVE MILLION REASONS WHY IT REALLY PAYS TO BE A
CAPRICORN MEMBER
During the last year, more
than 19,500 Capricorn Members purchased a total of $1.86 billion worth of
automotive parts and other business requirements from Capricorn Preferred
Suppliers across Australia and New Zealand.
Given that the whole reason why the Capricorn cooperative
exists is for the benefit of its Members, it makes perfect sense that Capricorn
Members are rewarded for such an outstanding annual result.
Proving that it really does pay to be a Capricorn Member,
aside from the outstanding benefits gained through the strength of this large
buying group, Capricorn has paid a $5 million trade rebate to its Members.
This $5 million trade rebate was paid on top of these many
other benefits received by Capricorn Members including a Capricorn Share
Dividend payment, Capricorn Reward Points and free access to business
development resources including Capricorn Service Data, Capricorn Vehicle
Videos and the recently introduced AutoBoost online business tool kit.
According to Capricorn Group CEO Greg Wall, “The combined
purchasing of all of our Capricorn Members across Australia and New Zealand is
the core strength of this cooperative. We are delighted to reward our Members
for another record year, clearly proving that it pays both financially and in
making your automotive business so much easier to operate by being a Capricorn
Member.”
“We are also very proud to have paid an 11% dividend on all
Capricorn shares, in addition to the $5 million trade rebate and reward points
earned by our Members,” Mr Wall added.
Capricorn Members earn reward points on almost every
purchase made from Capricorn Preferred Suppliers. These points can be redeemed
by Members to pay for their monthly purchases, effectively giving themselves a
discount on the already great prices offered by suppliers. Alternatively,
Members can choose to accumulate their reward points to use towards travel,
gift cards, workshop equipment or other big-ticket items. By being a part of
one of Australasia’s most generous reward programs, these points can and do add
up to thousands of dollars in savings each year. In fact, in the last financial
year, more than 32 million dollars in reward points were paid to Capricorn
Members.
Rewarding its Members for the purchases they need to make to
run their business, providing the ease and convenience of the Capricorn Trading
Account and distributing real financial rewards while making the job of running
a business so much easier. This isn’t too good to be true, it’s Capricorn.
Suggested image caption:Capricorn
Members across Australia and New Zealand purchased a total of $1.86
billion worth of automotive parts and other business requirements from
Capricorn Preferred Suppliers over the last year, earning themselves a five
million dollar trade rebate along with generous share dividends, simply for running
their businesses.
September 13, 2018 - THE AAAA CLARIFIES THE CURRENT SITUATION REGARDING THE
GROSS COMBINED MASS RE-RATING OF VEHICLES
Following on
from industry dialogue and media activity over recent weeks, the Australian
Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) seeks to clarify the current
situation in relation to the practice of re-rating the Gross Combined Mass
(GCM) or towing capacity of vehicles.
A number of AAAA member companies operate as Second Stage Manufacturers
for the purposes of undertaking Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrades on a vehicle
prior to first registration. This is achieved through the addition of
shock absorbers, springs and supporting componentry that are fit for purpose
for vehicles that operate at, or close to, the gross vehicle mass limits set by
the original manufacturer. This scheme is administered by the Federal
Department of Transport and companies operating under this scheme are required
to provide the Department with test evidence that the upgraded vehicles
maintain full Australian Design Rules (ADR) compliance, which also includes
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Compliance and ADR brake test evidence.
Increasing the Towing Capacity and / or Gross Combination Mass limits of
a vehicle is more complex and has the ability to affect more variables on a
vehicle, such as drivetrain, engine and chassis. In effect, a poorly worded
section of the Australian Design Rules has led to second stage manufacturers
being able to simply nominate an increased Gross Combination Mass (in addition
to the increased GVM), without the requirement for any testing or evidence to
ensure the vehicle can operate safely at the new nominated capacity.
To clarify the situation, in
June 2018 the Federal Government Department of Transport issued a circular
which advised that “The towing capacity
of a light vehicle expressed as Gross Combination Mass (GCM) rating or Rated
Towing Capacity or Maximum Braked Towing Mass rating must not exceed the value
set by the first stage manufacturer. Second Stage Manufacturers are not
permitted to increase the towing capacity as part of a Second Stage
Manufacturer Approval that results in a GVM upgrade”.
It should be noted that this
clarification by the Department was not retrospective and only applies to
vehicles modified under new or amended Federal approvals. It is also important
to clarify that this ruling only applies to vehicles being modified prior to
first registration under the Federal Government Scheme. GCM upgrades are
permitted on already registered vehicles under the various State and Territory
regulations on the condition that each individual vehicle is inspected and
signed off as being safe and fit for purpose by a registered signatory
engineer. It is the position of the AAAA that all States and Territories should
continue to offer this pathway for vehicle owners that require an increase in
the towing capacity of their vehicle.
It is clear that the industry is divided on this issue, with some AAAA member
companies welcoming the circular as a long overdue clarification, while there
are other companies who believe that the Department of Transport’s
clarification unreasonably restricts consumer demand for increased towing
capacity from their vehicles.
As the nation’s peak body for the automotive aftermarket industry, the
AAAA will not place itself in the position of representing some members over
others on this issue, particularly as the AAAA is not responsible for the
drafting or enforcement of Federal Department of Transport regulations. Having
stated this, there are a number of key points that the AAAA wants to put on the
public record.
To the AAAA’s knowledge, there is also no recognised test procedure for
light vehicles to certify that any increase in GCM above that stated by the
original manufacturer is fit for purpose. The AAAA believes that the key issue
is not whether a GCM upgrade on a particular vehicle is safe or unsafe, but the
fact that there is no agreed method of validating this.
The AAAA is committed to protecting and growing our industry and all
representations made to Government on vehicle modification issues are always
supported by solid engineering and test evidence. Testament to this was our
industry’s investment in 2013 on a comprehensive program of ESC testing in the
USA, to support our position that suspension lifts of up to 50mm do not have an
adverse impact on a vehicle’s ESC functionality. This resulted in a change to
national regulations for owner certified raised suspension modifications.
The AAAA is also currently attempting to develop a viable pathway for
Second Stage Manufacturers to undertake GVM upgrades under the new Road Vehicle
Standards Act which will come into force over the next two years.
AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity stated, “We acknowledge that some
AAAA members are unhappy about the current situation in relation to GCM
re-rating in combination with GVM upgrades.
“In order to develop a pathway forward, we will convene an industry
forum on October 4 in Melbourne where all Second Stage Manufacturers and other
industry stakeholders will be invited to attend and discuss the issues in a
constructive environment and to engage in dialogue about the next steps.
“The AAAA represents the interests of members for the benefit of our
entire industry and there are a range of options to consider going forward,
including the potential to develop a commercially viable testing regime to
support GCM upgrades. But this can only occur after the industry enters into a
discussion and the AAAA can represent the majority view,” Mr Charity stated.
“We have an undeniable track record of supporting our industry and we
want to determine the willingness of our industry to work collaboratively in
order to provide certainty to manufacturers, distributors, technicians and
consumers alike in relation to this issue,” Mr Charity added.
The GCM forum will be held at the AAAA National Office in Melbourne from
12.00pm to 3.00pm on Thursday 4th October.For further information or to register to
attend the forum please contact the AAAA National Office by calling (03) 9545 3333 or by sending an email
to: info@aaaa.com.au.
September 7, 2018 - ALWAYS REPLACE SHOCK
ABSORBERS IN PAIRS
Australia’s market leader in replacement ride performance products, Monroe,
warns that replacing only a single shock or strut could lead to adverse vehicle
performance and premature tyre, steering and suspension component wear.
Like other vehicle systems and components, shock absorbers, which
stroke an average of 2,800 cycles per kilometre, are subject to significant
wear over time. When replacing one worn or damaged shock absorber, it is
vitally important to also replace its counterpart on the other side of the
vehicle in order to maintain consistent performance and to prevent premature
wear.
Because a new shock absorber has experienced no internal wear,
pairing it with an old unit could create uneven damping characteristics and
cause the newer shock to wear out much faster than expected, because the
replaced unit will need to work harder to compensate for the wear of the old
shock absorber.
“Shock absorbers have a direct impact on several key areas of
vehicle performance, such as stopping distance, steering response, handling,
and the ability of the tyres to maintain contact with the road surface,” stated
Brydon Tweddell, Monroe Marketing Manager.
“Replacing only a single worn or damaged shock absorber can have
adverse effects on vehicle performance characteristics and increase both
component and tyre wear. It is critical that automotive technicians always
replace both shock absorbers on a single axle to ensure a safer and much more
comfortable ride for their customers,” he added.
Worn and damaged shock absorbers have a significant impact on
driver comfort and safety, causing vehicles to excessively bounce and sway,
adversely affecting steering response along with causing increased stopping
distances.
Monroe recommends that automotive technicians check shock
absorbers for wear or damage with every vehicle service, and when carrying out other repairs such as brake or tyre
replacements.
When conducting vehicle inspections, automotive technicians should
look for common signs of worn and damaged shocks and struts, which include damaged steering and suspension ball
joints, poor steering response, fluid leaks from the shock or strut
body, cupped or uneven tyre wear and excessive vehicle bounce. When performing
road tests, technicians should also look out for any leaning or swaying during
lane changes.
Monroe supports its unparalleled range of replacement shock
absorber products with training for automotive repairers along with providing
the industry’s only five year warranty on its entire Monroe OESpectrum
aftermarket shock absorber range for passenger cars, SUV’s and light commercial
vehicles. Contact your Monroe Territory Manager or call Monroe Australia’s
customer service team on 1800 088 205
to find out more.
Suggested image caption: To ensure long shock absorber life and to avoid
adverse vehicle performance along with premature tyre, steering and suspension
component wear, Monroe recommends that automotive technicians always replace
shock absorbers in pairs.
September 6, 2018 - NEW DAYCO WEBSITES
SPEARHEAD GLOBAL IDENTITY
Dayco, a leading
engine products and drive systems supplier for the automotive, industrial and
aftermarket industries, has completely redesigned its corporate and aftermarket
websites to more accurately reflect its position as a leading global
manufacturer of Original Equipment (OE) and Aftermarket components.
Digital
interaction is the primary means of worldwide communication, so for Dayco and
its many customers, these websites provide the ideal conduit to relay the huge
depth of information Dayco holds to those that need it, when they need it. It
is also the most effective way to portray Dayco’s revised corporate branding,
which graphically supports its global identity, values and culture via powerful
imagery and a uniform style.
Alongside the
ability to promote global recognition of the Dayco brand, the sites also need
to deliver in terms of their content and ability to provide an enhanced level
of service to Dayco’s existing and future customers. To ensure this objective
was met, the sites have been designed to reflect the growing needs of those
using mobile devices and thereby utilise the latest technology to seamlessly
integrate with whatever platform – mobile, tablet or desktop etc; that users
choose to access them.
In terms of
content, the new sites highlight Dayco’s growing product portfolio and many
technical innovations.
Dayco’s corporate
site – www.dayco.com – highlights the company’s OE technological, design and
manufacturing competences and its global footprint, which extends to more than
40 locations in 21 countries, as well as its significance to both the light and
heavy duty sectors of the automotive industry.
The aftermarket
site – www.daycoaftermarket.com – focuses on providing technical information
and support to Dayco’s many customers and to the technicians that install its
quality OE components. This is done by incorporating videos and Technical
Bulletins, as well as a comprehensive parts catalogue. Among its many benefits,
this exceptional online resource features multiple search options to offer
users the most convenient route to locate the correct replacement product.
In order to serve
Dayco’s worldwide presence, these websites are accessible in the local
languages for each of Dayco’s international manufacturing facilities, making
them accessible for customers from all around the world. As a result, the
corporate site is available in eight languages, reflecting its OE related
facilities and main customers, whereas the aftermarket site can be accessed in
14 languages, demonstrating the company’s multi-market aftermarket operations.
About Dayco
Dayco is a global
leader in the research, design, manufacturing and distribution of essential
engine products, drive systems and services for automobiles, trucks,
construction, agriculture and industry.
Dayco’s
contributions are integral to how people get from place to place, goods are
transported, food is harvested, and infrastructure is built. The company
operates according to long-held values - keeping promises, delivering on time
all the time, and an intense commitment to service no matter what the
obstacles. For more than a century, Dayco has overcome challenges, emerging
stronger and smarter at every turn.
Dayco improves
how the world moves by creating products, systems and relationships that
endure. Move Forward. Always.™
Dayco has more
than 40 locations in 21 countries and over 4,500 associates. For more
information about Dayco, visit the Company's website at www.dayco.com
Suggested Caption - Dayco has completely
redesigned its corporate and aftermarket websites to more accurately reflect
its position as a leading global manufacturer of Original Equipment (OE) and
Aftermarket components. You can bookmark the new websites at www.dayco.com and www.daycoaftermarket.com
August 24, 2018 - CAPRICORN LENDS A HAND TO
AUSTRALIA’S FARMERS
Australasia’s largest automotive parts buying
cooperative, Capricorn, comprising of almost 20,000 automotive businesses
located across Australia and New Zealand, is lending a helping hand to
Australia’s farmers.
There are few who would be unaware that Australia’s farmers are
experiencing extreme financial hardship as one of this country’s most damaging
droughts spans several major farming communities.
Australia relies on its farmers for the fresh, premium quality food that
sustains us. During this time of major financial duress caused directly by the
severe lack of rain, donations to assist rural families in need are essential.
According to Capricorn Group CEO Greg Wall, “This is Capricorn’s
automotive community reaching out to Australia’s farming community and by
collecting donations from our Members we hope to make a real difference for the
many struggling families on the land at this time.”
Capricorn has elected to donate funds to the Country Women’s Association
(CWA) of New South Wales and Queensland, with all donations gained to be evenly
divided between both CWA branches. The CWA are deeply embedded in the
affected communities and have the experience and knowledge to support those
most in need. The organisation is self-funded, non-partisan and non-sectarian.
Capricorn Members can donate using their trade account, with all
donations being tax-deductible. Simply click on the “Donate” link once logged
on at www.capricorn.coop.
August 24, 2018 - MONROE MAGNUM
HEAVY DUTY SHOCK ABSORBERS ENSURE LONGER TYRE LIFE, SAFETY & COST
EFFICIENCIES
As any experienced heavy commercial vehicle technician will tell you, truck
tyre wear patterns present a wealth of information relating to under-vehicle
problems. Tyre wear can identify several potentially dangerous issues:
•
Steer or drive axle misalignment
•
Mismatched tyres to truck applications
•
Mechanical or drive train problems
•
Worn axle components
•
Worn ride control or suspension components
Identifying and
correcting underlying wear causes should always take place before the
investment is made for a new set of tyres.
The cost of a new
set of Monroe Magnum heavy duty shock absorbers is approximately the same as
the cost of just one truck steer tyre, damaged as a result of worn shock
absorbers. Worn shock absorbers are not only uncomfortable for heavy duty
vehicle drivers, they can also impact safety, lead to truck downtime and
increase operational expenses.
Today, more
emphasis is being placed on lowering maintenance costs to improve the bottom
line for heavy duty transport operators. Replacement of heavy duty shock
absorbers can be a low-cost answer to avoid future high-cost problems.
Worn shock
absorbers on heavy duty vehicles are easy to overlook. They're quiet, with no
warning lights to see or screeching parts to hear. Shock absorbers wear out
from miles of driving in a variety of conditions. Under normal conditions,
heavy duty shock absorbers stroke an average of 1,087 times for every kilometre
driven. That's 21.7 million times every 20,000 kilometres.
There is no doubt
that tyres are the major purchase item for many heavy duty transport vehicle
fleet owners and owner-operators. Well performing shock absorbers help control
excessive vibration by keeping the tyres in firm contact with the road. This
can reduce tyre cupping, one of several causes of premature tyre failure.
The advantage of
replacing worn heavy duty shock absorbers don’t end there. Along with
maximising vehicle tyre life, many truck components benefit from a reduction in
excess vibration, including batteries and running lights, radiators and even
body components resulting in reduced failures and maintenance costs.
Don't forget
payloads. A well maintained truck, with good shock absorbers to control
excessive vibration, can help reduce damage to both trailers and their cargo.
Eliminating
downtime by keeping your heavy duty vehicles rolling is the goal of a regularly
performed maintenance approach, including the regular replacement of worn heavy
duty shock absorbers.
MONROE MAGNUM
SHOCK ABSORBERS WILL:
•
Improve your truck safety
•
Reduce tyre wear
•
Reduce battery cracking
•
Prevent cab mount failure
•
Reduce damage to radiator connections
•
Increase the lifetime of vehicle lamps
•
Enhance braking effectiveness
•
Extend the life span of driveline components
•
Reduce shifting cargo drive
•
Reduce driver fatigue
•
Enhance driver comfort
•
Improve fuel consumption
Monroe Magnum
ride performance product advantages include ease of fitment with single bonded
bushings that ensure very high durability, along with a high temperature resistant
sealing system and hydraulic fluid. The Monroe Magnum specially formulated
semi-synthetic fluid improves damping behaviour through more consistent damping
over a wide temperature range.
More consistent
heavy duty vehicle damping is also achieved with the Monroe Magnum anti-wear
coated piston ring, providing high levels of wear resistance. Forces on chassis
components are kept to a minimum with the Monroe Magnum double action valving
system during bump and rebound actions. This assists greatly to achieve safer
commercial vehicle handling performances.
The Monroe Magnum
heavy duty range covers the key sectors of truck suspension requirements
including cabin dampers, seat dampers and axle shock systems. This heavy duty
shock absorber range also provides world class leading quality through durable
suspension performance, followed up by Australian sales support that is second
to none in the market.
Suggested image
caption: The Monroe Magnum heavy duty ride performance product range brings world
class quality to every sector of truck suspension requirements, including cabin
dampers, seat dampers and axle shock systems
August 23, 2018 - AAAA
& CIAA CLARIFY CURRENT 4WD UPGRADE RULE STATUS
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the
nation’s peak body for the manufacturers, distributors and retailers of
automotive parts and accessories, along with the Caravan Industry Association
of Australia (CIAA), the peak national body for the caravanning and camping
industry, wish to clarify the situation relating to proposed 4WD law changes in
Queensland which has generated media coverage around the country in recent
days.
The recent media articles,
specifically those that appear in the Courier Mail (Brisbane) of August 21, 2018,
vastly exaggerate the effect of the current Federal Government rules which only
apply to towing capacity upgrades made on pre-registered vehicles. This has
understandably alarmed industry businesses along with their customers.
Members of the AAAA perform
safe and responsible vehicle upgrades in Queensland and will continue to do so.
The AAAA are working constructively with the Queensland Government on their
proposed state based 4WD vehicle modification standards, contrary to what has
been stated in several of the recent media articles.
Both the AAAA and the CIAA
support 4WD owners and caravan industry consumers in obtaining responsible
vehicle modifications that ensure safer towing.
Both industry organisations
are seeking national uniformity in relation to the highly responsible,
effective and road safety enhancing 4WD modification rules that currently apply
across the rest of the country.
“It makes no sense to think
that vehicles which are highly likely to cross state lines are subject to
different modification rules and we do want to see the Queensland Government
take into account the 4WD suspension modification rules that apply in all of
the other states and territories,” stated Stuart Charity, AAAA Executive
Director.
“There is currently a
disconnect between Queensland and New South Wales on suspension height upgrades
and this is of major concern - but to imply that you can’t upgrade a
vehicle in Queensland anymore is simply not true and has caused major alarm amongst
that state’s 4WD and Caravanning community, representing hundreds of thousands
of motorists.
“The AAAA has invested
heavily in providing full engineering and testing evidence to all Federal and
State Government regulators to prove the ongoing compliance and safety of
suspension upgrades and we look forward to working with the Queensland
Government to ensure that any future changes in State regulation have the
benefit of input from industry experts”, He added.
According to Stuart Lamont,
Chief Executive Officer of the CIAA, “The modern day caravanner crosses many
state borders and the lack of harmonisation of state based regulations does
nothing other than confuse the market.As one country, the concept of barrier free travel must be a priority to
ensure that the many regional areas that the travelling caravanning community
frequents are able to be enjoyed in a safe and legal manner and without
frivolous impediment.”
“The caravanning community is
worth billions of dollars annually to the Queensland economy and political
uncertainty over policy does little to stimulate or provide confidence to the
4WD and caravanning markets,” Mr Lamont stated.
The AAAA and CIAA are ready
to assist in bringing all of the parties together to achieve national
consistency in relation to 4WD vehicle upgrades.
/ends.
For further information or comments:
Stuart Charity – Executive
Director, Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association: 0418 563 959
Stuart Lamont – Chief
Executive Officer, Caravan Industry Association of Australia: 0415 596 424
For additional editorial information:
AAAA: - Paul Marinelli,
Marinelli PR – 0417 558 655.
August 13, 2018 - BURSON
AUTO PARTS IS NOW IN THAILAND!
An
exciting new era in Thai automotive parts, tools, accessories and equipment
access took place with the opening of Bapcor Limited’s first Burson Auto Parts
store outside of Australia on Friday August 10, 2018 in the central Bangkok
suburb of Bangbon. The occasion was marked with a grand opening ceremony to
celebrate the joining of two cultures, bringing an Australian icon automotive
aftermarket brand to Thailand.
Burson Auto Parts’ first store was opened in Australia in 1971 and the
company has steadily grown to become the nation’s leading trade supplier of
automotive parts, tools, accessories and equipment over more than four decades.
This is the exciting first
step for this true blue Australian company’s international expansion plans for
Burson Auto Parts. Thailand has been selected as the first country outside of
Australia to experience the automotive product quality and dedicated customer
service that makes Burson Auto Parts a trade leader in Australia.
“Burson Auto Parts Thailand
represents an exciting new step in our international growth plans for the
company. Our brand new multi-storey store in Bangbon delivers the Thai
automotive trade and automotive enthusiasts a one stop shop for everything that
they require in automotive parts, accessories, tools and equipment,” Bapcor
Limited Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Darryl Abotomey stated.
“Our entry into Thailand also
represents exciting local career opportunities for people seeking to develop a
long term career in Thailand’s constantly growing automotive aftermarket
industry, as this is the first of several stores that we are planning to open
in the country to best serve local automotive workshops and the aftermarket
industry,” Mr Abotomey, who was present at the grand opening, stated.
Bapcor’s strategic partner in the establishment of Burson Auto Parts’
Thailand operations, the Sammitr Group, brings vast local automotive industry
expertise and efficiencies to the Australian company, ensuring the best
possible product range and service well into the future for Thai based automotive
passenger or commercial vehicle service and repair centres.
According to Burson Auto Parts Thailand General Manager, Darryl Gray,
the grand opening ceremony of this major Australian company’s first store in
the country was a highly memorable event.
“Festivities started from the morning and extended throughout the day,
with many customers and the local media enjoying their first Burson Auto Parts
store experience and meeting our 11 member staff team,“ Mr Gray stated.
“No foreign company has managed to establish a multi store operation in
the Thai auto parts market, which is composed mainly of small operators with
one or two stores.
“We plan to open a number of stores in Thailand this year and to
eventually have more than twenty stores selling premium international brands
alongside local brands. Thailand has a mature automotive market with a good
supply chain,” Mr Gray added.
The first Burson Auto Parts store to open outside of Australia offers
1,600 square metres of store space across multi levels and features premium
quality Original Equipment parts, leading global automotive aftermarket parts
brands, along with local Thai automotive parts brands, providing every level of
product for every vehicle application.
Aside from being a leader in automotive parts and accessories, Burson
Auto Parts also provides Thai repairers and end users with a premium range of
lubricants, car care products, mechanical tools and workshop equipment sourced
from quality manufacturers around the world, supported by highly dedicated
Burson Auto Parts after sales service.
Burson Auto Parts’ first store in Thailand is located at 312 / 1-3 Soi Ekachai 62, Ekachai Road, Bangbon
Bangkok.
August 10, 2018 - INDEPENDENT
REPAIRER BUSINESS CONTINUES TO GROW AND STRENGTHEN ACCORDING TO AAAA SURVEY
Directly following the highly positive findings of the Australian Automotive
Aftermarket Association’s (AAAA) detailed consumer survey, come the results of
the inaugural Automotive Workshop Business Confidence study independently
conducted for the AAAA by ACA Research.
A total of 250
independent Australian automotive service and repair workshop owners and senior
management took part in this highly detailed industry benchmarking survey,
representing the first research study of this magnitude ever conducted by the
AAAA.
The study’s
findings have provided an insight to the strength, confidence and long term
positive projections for the service and repair sector of the Australian
automotive aftermarket, which as distinct from new car retailing, continues to
experience sustained growth.
The ACA Research
findings present business growth figures that place Australia’s independent
automotive service and repair sector as one of the highest and most
consistently strong performers of all Australian service industries.
A total of 44% of
the independent automotive workshops surveyed reported seeing a year on year
increase in business, with 48% of respondents expecting business growth over
the next 12 months. A strong 34% of workshops are maintaining their business
size with a solid customer base that continues to return year after year. Both
of these trade perspective respondent percentages correlate directly to the
findings of the recent AAAA consumer study that amongst many other important
facts, revealed that an outstanding 87% of consumers elected to take their cars
for service and repairs to their local and highly trusted independent repairer.
There have also
been significant gains made by automotive repair businesses that have invested
significantly in technology and local area marketing, with the strongest
performing independent workshops attracting motorists who own cars that are
five or less years old, whilst also attracting more company fleet based repair
and servicing business. There is no doubt that the increased consumer awareness
that new car warranties will not be voided by selecting their preferred
independent repairer is growing. The study found that this was particularly the
case during 2017, a result of the sustained efforts by AAAA members to deliver
this message to their customers through the AAAA’s Choice of Repairer campaign.
The research
reveals that both customer trust and the convenience of using independent
automotive repairers is definitely growing, with many workshop owners reporting
that they are being asked to service vehicles while under manufacturer
warranties more than ever before. The study also reveals that increased demand
is being seen for the logbook servicing of European vehicles, diesel vehicles
and four wheel drives.
While this
detailed Australian automotive workshop research has provided many highly
positive snapshots of the sustained health of independent automotive service
and repair businesses, this market study also outlined the challenges affecting
this sector of the industry.
A total of 22% of
respondents felt that their businesses were declining, with the major challenge
facing the entire industry being one that the automotive service and repair
industry shares with many other Australian service industries, the attraction
and retention of skilled staff. This along with the industry’s long term lack
of access to technical repair and service information from vehicle
manufacturers, remain the two major challenges for the automotive repair and
service sector. This finding vindicates the major efforts continually being
made by the AAAA, several members of state and federal parliament and the
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to rectify this vitally
important issue.
This research has
also outlined three distinct business categories in the Australian automotive
service and repair industry, these categories being identified as Leaders, Business
As Usual and At Risk. The study’s findings reveal that leading businesses have
invested significantly in updating their technology and skill sets to be able
to service younger vehicles of all makes and models. According to this study,
automotive repair and service businesses that are not growing and indeed those
that are considered at risk, display a trend to operate their businesses
intuitively or as they have always traditionally done, as opposed to taking a
data driven approach. This includes such things as updated technology, training
and local marketing to assist in drawing new customers with younger vehicles to
their workshops.
According to AAAA
Executive Director, Stuart Charity, this inaugural industry benchmarking survey
was conducted for a number of important reasons.
“The AAAA wants
to assist the independent automotive workshops of Australia to grow and develop
their businesses and the most effective way to achieve this is through detailed
market intelligence, the extent of which we have not done before.
“We also wanted
market data to accurately challenge the notion that independent repairers were
not equipped or experienced enough to service and repair new vehicles, which
this independent study clearly reveals is currently one of our industry’s
biggest growth sectors,” Mr Charity stated.
“The Australian
automotive repair and service industry is growing and will continue to do so as
the Australian carparc continues to grow and diversify. This research clearly
outlines the importance of investing in service and repair technology, training
and marketing in order to continue and sustain this growth. To have such a high
percentage of Leader category businesses, along with an even higher percentage
expecting further growth in the coming year, heralds a highly positive future
ahead for this sector of our industry,” He added.
Along with
smaller family operated automotive service and repair workshops, almost half of
the data gained in this inaugural AAAA industry benchmarking survey was gleaned
from larger independent chains including Kmart Tyre and Auto, Ultra Tune, Repco
Authorised Service, ABS, Midas, Future Auto, Auto Masters and Jax Tyres.
August 6, 2018 - MONROE OFFERS THE
INDUSTRY’S ONLY FIVE YEAR SHOCK ABSORBER WARRANTY
Monroe has spent
more than a century perfecting the engineering of ride performance products.
The global brand that continues to design and manufacture its premium quality
automotive aftermarket products in Australia and in state of the art
manufacturing facilities all over the world, now provides even more incentive
for general mechanics and suspension specialists to recommend and fit Monroe
ride performance products.
In taking the
Monroe slogan “Built To Last” quite literally, Monroe announces that Australia’s
market leading ride performance product brand is extending the factory warranty
on all Monroe OE Spectrum shock absorbers from three years to five years. This
makes Monroe the only ride performance product manufacturer to offer a five
year warranty in Australia and New Zealand, providing two additional years
compared to any other shock absorber brand available in each country’s
automotive aftermarket.
The Monroe range
covers the most comprehensive application range of replacement shock absorbers
for the widely diverse Australian and New Zealand carparc. Designed and
manufactured to meet and exceed the Original Equipment specifications set by
the world’s top selling car manufacturers, each Monroe shock absorber combines
technical innovation, precision engineering and long standing durability. Total
quality and value for money that is confidently and uniquely supported by
Monroe with the industry’s only five year warranty.
Leading the world
in ride control technology and engineering, Monroe brings the benefit of being
selected by the world’s leading car makers to design and develop ride
performance products that perfectly fit each application, from the smallest
compact cars to small, medium and large passenger cars, SUV’s and commercial
vehicles.
By selecting the
Monroe range of replacement shock absorbers, you are going over and beyond the
ride, control, traction and comfort levels designed for each specific vehicle.
This is particularly the case for European vehicles, with Monroe being Europe’s
number one ride performance product brand. This coupled with Monroe’s
unparalleled local, Asian and Japanese vehicle ride performance product range
ensures that Australia’s general repairers and suspension specialists have
access to outstanding quality aftermarket suspension products from one of the
world’s top tier manufacturers.
When you select
Monroe you are selecting the peace of mind that comes with a global
manufacturer who backs their quality “Built To Last” promise with a five year
Monroe OE Spectrum range warranty and value for money that is unrivalled by any
competing ride performance products.
According to
Monroe Marketing Manager Brydon Tweddell, durability, range, superior ride and
handling are at the top of the list when repairers and suspension specialists
select Monroe ride performance products.
“We have always
stood firmly behind the total durability of our aftermarket ride performance
products and this has been a major factor in Monroe’s long term market leading
status. In wanting to further emphasise the quality that comes with our vast
Monroe range, we are proud to be the first to offer a five year warranty on our
Monroe OE Spectrum product range, to offer even greater incentives for the
trade along with total peace of mind and the best value for money for their
customers,” Mr Tweddell said.
“When it comes to
road safety, quality should never become a compromising point. We want to
ensure that there is even more incentive for general repairers, fitters and
re-sellers to offer Monroe as their number one choice for direct fit,
application designed, premium quality ride performance products. This ensures
that their customers, the motorists of Australia and New Zealand, are driving
cars that stop, turn, grip and ride exactly as they should,” He added.
The selection of
Monroe ride performance products ensures that your customers gain the peace of
mind of the industry’s only five year warranty across the vast Monroe OE
Spectrum range of premium quality replacement shock absorbers and struts.
As most motorists
rely on their mechanic’s opinion in relation to the replacement of ride
performance products, your reputation for providing total customer care can
only be enhanced with Monroe’s industry only five year warranty with every set
of Monroe OE Spectrum shock absorbers fitted.
Your business can
make the most of Monroe’s five year warranty initiative by joining Monroe’s
long term alliance program with repairers, suspension specialists and
re-sellers across Australia and New Zealand, the Monroe Safety Specialist
program. Monroe encourages motorists to use its network of Safety
Specialists through vast advertising and promotion of its online dealer locator
on the Monroe website (www.monroe.com.au) along with a dedicated Freecall 1800
/ 0800 number that directs consumer enquiries to their closest Monroe Safety
Specialist. All of these channels direct qualified customers who are actively
seeking to check or replace worn shock absorbers and suspension components to
local automotive repair businesses.
Built to Last is
much more than just a slogan for Monroe, it is the design and engineering basis
from which every Monroe ride performance product is manufactured. It is a
statement that reflects on the benchmarks that Monroe has continued to set in
automotive aftermarket ride performance product quality for more than a
century. By providing the industry’s only five year factory warranty, Monroe
ensures that its reputation for total quality and the best value for money
stands clearly heads and shoulders above the rest.
“Being able to
offer your customers a five year warranty on all Monroe OE Spectrum ride
performance products is one of many key Monroe quality advantages that place
our market leading brand in a field of its own in the Australian and New
Zealand automotive aftermarket,” Mr Tweddell concluded.
Your local Monroe
Territory Manager or the Monroe customer service team are pleased to assist for
any further information regarding the Monroe Safety Specialist program and the
Monroe OE Spectrum range five year warranty, or for any general technical
assistance. You can reach them by calling 1800 088 205. A visit to the Monroe
Australia website can also provide an abundance of product information at
www.monroe.com.au.
Suggested image
caption:Monroe creates another industry first by totally supporting its
“Built to Last” promise with the introduction of Australia and New Zealand’s
only ride performance product five year warranty across the entire Monroe
OESpectrum range.
August 2, 2018 - DAYCO AUSTRALIA
INCREASES WAREHOUSE CAPACITY DUE TO PRODUCT RANGE EXPANSION
Dayco, a leading engine products and drive systems supplier for the automotive,
industrial and aftermarket industries, has significantly increased the size and
capacity of the company’s Australian warehouse and distribution centre located
in the Melbourne suburb of Hallam.
Dayco’s warehouse
expansion has seen the Hallam warehouse expand capacity by more than
1,000 square metres of warehousing space, transporter access bays and internal
modernisations to support the addition of more than 4,000 new Dayco SKU’s to
the already comprehensive Dayco automotive aftermarket product range.
The expansion
will allow for further growth in Dayco’s product range over the coming years
with the company’s planned introduction of an Industrial belt range along with
radiator caps and future additions to the Dayco automotive aftermarket
offering.
The Dayco
Australia warehouse expansion will also see the company introduce a new bar
code scanning system to increase product distribution efficiency and accuracy.
According to
Dayco Vice President Aftermarket, Asia Pacific, Arnold Mouw, the company’s
warehouse expansion is aligned with Dayco’s global objectives to ensure that their
customers receive the best service possible, while providing faster access to
the highest quality automotive aftermarket engine belts, thermal management and
engine components.
“Our warehouse
expansion is an investment in our commitment to the future of the Australian
and New Zealand automotive aftermarket industries,” Mr. Mouw stated.
“Making sure that
our aftermarket customers in the automotive, trucking and industrial markets
have immediate access to our belts, hoses, tensioners, pulleys and additional
new Dayco products is our top priority. The larger and more efficient
distribution centre will enable us to deliver this objective and provide our
customers with even more support,” Mr Mouw added.
With locations
worldwide, Dayco is a global leader in the research, design, manufacturing and
distribution of essential engine products, drive systems and services and has
been for more than a century.
Dayco Australia’s
head office and warehouse is located at 11 Dansu Court, Hallam (VIC). For customer
service and any enquiries call 03 9796 4044.
Dayco is a global
leader in the research, design, manufacturing and distribution of essential
engine products, drive systems and services for automobiles, trucks,
construction, agriculture and industry.
Dayco’s
contributions are integral to how people get from place to place, goods are
transported, food is harvested, and infrastructure is built. The company
operates according to long-held values - keeping promises, delivering on time
all the time, and an intense commitment to service no matter what the
obstacles. For more than a century, Dayco has overcome challenges, emerging
stronger and smarter at every turn.
Dayco improves
how the world moves by creating products, systems and relationships that
endure. Move Forward. Always. ™
Dayco has more
than 50 locations in 20 countries and over 4,500 associates. For more
information about Dayco, visit the Company's website at www.dayco.com.
July 27, 2018 - DAYCO SPONSORED MONASH
MOTORSPORT FORMULA STUDENT TEAM ACHIEVES FIRST EVER INTERNATIONAL VICTORY
An important part
of Dayco Australia’s motorsport program is the nurturing of new engineering and
technical talent within the automotive industry with the company’s long term
support of the Melbourne based Monash University Formula Student racing team.
This outstanding
young Australian team has once again competed strongly on the global Formula
Student stage, racing to victory for the first time against Universities from
all over the world at Britain’s historic home of motorsport, Silverstone during
July.
The Australian
team raced to overall first place with their internal combustion engine powered
car and finished 3rd overall with their electric powered car, with both Monash
Motorsport cars using integral Dayco engine components to control thermal management
and performance.
Integral to
achieving this success was the opportunity for the Monash Motorsport team to
test prior to the competition in Europe with some of the highest performing
Formula Student teams in world.
The Dayco
sponsored team was invited to attend an extremely selective competition
practice event hosted by Bosch at their extensive automotive proving ground
facility located in Boxberg, Germany. This event, attended by 30 of the best
combustion, electric and driverless Formula Student teams in the world, allowed
the Australian team to replicate competition conditions. They completed this
using both of their cars and with each of their competition drivers, giving the
team vital testing experience prior to competing.
Monash Motorsport
overcame many challenges during the competition at Silverstone, with more than
100 global teams taking part. The team’s electric car, the M17-E, achieved 10th
place overall for acceleration, 7th for Skidpad and 3rd for Autocross. The
team’s combustion car, the M17-C, set its fastest ever acceleration time of
4.11s, scoring a 7th overall placing along with 4th for Skidpad and 2nd in
Autocross.
Both Dayco
equipped Monash Motorsport cars set very competitive times throughout the
Endurance event, with the M17-C and M17-E finishing 1st and 2nd respectively
and ultimately scoring the most points across all the Dynamics based events.
The Monash
Motorsport team was ecstatic to have achieved an overall 1st place with their
combustion car and an overall 3rd place for their electric car - and to have
won their first ever international competition in Monash Motorsport history.
The Melbourne based team gained a huge amount of online media exposure and
international recognition with this win, along with major interest from the
global automotive engineering community.
“Dayco Australia
is delighted to be a long term supporter of Monash University’s Formula Student
program and congratulates this talented young Australian racing team on their
first ever international victory. We are also proud that a number of Dayco
components have contributed to this success and wish the team more victories in
the future,” stated Dayco Vice President Aftermarket Asia Pacific, Arnold Mouw.
Monash Motorsport
now heads to the Formula Student Austrian and German events, seeking to
continue flying the Aussie flag proudly from the top steps of the podium.
Suggested Image Caption: The Melbourne based Monash Motorsport Formula
Student Team gained its first ever international event victory against more the
100 global University racing teams at Silverstone (UK) during July. Dayco
Australia supplies engine and thermal management components to this talented
Australian group of developing automotive engineers.
July 4, 2018 - INDEPENDENT MECHANICS OUTRANK
DEALERS ON RELATIONSHIP TRUST AND EXPERTISE
The Australian Automotive
Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has conducted its most comprehensive consumer
research study to date to determine the key factors that consumers use to
select a mechanic, along with a host of other insights.
This
detailed consumer studyfound that the
skills, expertise, trustworthiness and personal relationship with a local
automotive repairer assume far more importance in terms of generating long term
consumer loyalty when compared to other factors including prestigious premises
and even cost, which was a low priority in decision making.
An
overwhelming 86% of car owners in the survey claimed to personally know and
trust the skill and expertise of their local automotive repairer and are loyal
to their mechanic.
“This
independently conducted AAAA consumer survey is the most comprehensive insight
to consumer attitudes, trends and habits in our industry that has ever been
conducted,” statedAAAA Executive
Director, Stuart Charity.
“It is an
invaluable resource that provides a detailed snap-shot of where the independent
automotive servicing and repair industry stands with Australian consumers and
we are highly encouraged by its results,” Mr Charity stated.
Conducted
by one of Australia’s leading market research companies, The Klein Partnership
(TKP), this highly detailed, revealing and insightful consumer study gleaned an
outstanding amount of market information from a vast national sample group that
included more than 1,500 car owners.
These
Australian car owners had their vehicle serviced or had purchased an automotive
aftermarket accessory during the past 12 months, providing up to date insights
relating to Australian consumers’ attitudes and behaviours in specific regard
to the servicing and accessorising of cars.
The
highlights of this detailed consumer study are many, supporting the AAAA’s
efforts in ensuring that Australian consumers retain their choice of
repairer.78% of respondents believe
that it is important to have a good relationship with their mechanic and 71% of
respondents trust their mechanic to select the parts to be fitted to their
vehicles. 68% of respondents also like the fact that the person who owns the
workshop is also the person working on their car.
Consumers
surveyed also displayed a significantly higher level of satisfaction with the
services provided by independent repairers as opposed to the services provided
by car manufacturer dealer service centres. It is also very clear from the
survey responses that many consumers are sceptical about capped price servicing
and extended warranty claims.
The
consumer survey provided intelligence that workshops can use to attract and
retain customers.For example, an
important finding was that 55% of the decisions about where to get a car
serviced or repaired are made by women.The survey outcomes provide some great tips on how to encourage women to
select their business and how to drive higher satisfaction rates with female
customers.
According
to TKP Director Ron Klein, “The results of this AAAA consumer survey outline
the growth opportunities that exist for independent repairers and accessory
re-sellers. Consumers definitely trust and feel much more comfortable using
local repairers with whom they have established relationships, with trust being
the factor that overrides all others, including cost, shiny new premises,
coffee machines and loan cars.”
“While some
misconceptions still exist in relation to the voiding of warranties through the
use of non-dealer repairers, the survey results also point toward the progress
that the AAAA has made to ensure consumer understanding relating to their
choice of repairer. This definitely represents a major opportunity for
continued growth for independent repairers across the country,” Mr Klein added.
According
to the AAAA consumer survey results, during the past 12 months; 67% of
Australian car owners had their car serviced, 52% purchased an automotive
accessory and 47% had their car serviced and purchased an accessory.Accessory purchases were more prevalent
amongst family sedan, 4WD and SUV vehicle owners.
31% of the
survey respondents owned cars that were manufactured between 2010 to 2014, 23%
owned cars manufactured from 2005 to 2009 and 21% owned cars manufactured from
2015 to 2018. 13% owned cars manufactured from 2000 to 2004 and 9% owned cars
manufactured prior to 2000. 47% of the vehicles owned by respondents were
purchased second hand from an even spread between car manufacturer dealers and
independent car dealers.
Several of
these factors point towards the continued retention of vehicles by Australian
consumers over extended periods of time (and particularly beyond manufacturer
warranty periods) making the role of independent automotive repairers and
service providers integral to ensure vehicle maintenance and safety, long after
warranties or service agreements have expired.
“The data
gained from this large group of consumers uncovers a number of consumer trends
that will assist our members to provide even more trustworthy, efficient and
high value services to their customers into the future, as more car owners
become aware that their automotive servicing and repair decision is not limited
to new car dealerships, no matter how old the vehicle is,” stated AAAA
Executive Director, Stuart Charity.
/ends.
For
further comments or interviews contact: Stuart Charity - Executive Director, AAAA - 03
9545 3333 / 0418 563 959
Suggested image caption: The Australian Automotive
Aftermarket Association’s most comprehensive consumer study ever conducted has
found that an overwhelming 86%
of car owners personally know and trust the skill and expertise of their local
automotive repairer and are loyal to their mechanic, while 55% of the decisions
about the car service or repair destination are made by women, among many other
important findings.
July 2, 2018 - BURSON
AUTO PARTS REACHES 170 STORES NATIONWIDE
Australia’s preferred trade supplier of automotive
parts, tools and equipment, Burson Auto Parts has opened the company’s 170th
store.
This milestone continues the Australian company’s national growth
strategy to ensure that more trade customers have access to Burson Auto Parts’
unrivalled range of automotive parts, tools and equipment with even higher
levels of delivery efficiency.
According to Burson Auto Parts Executive General Manager - Trade, Craig
Magill, the opening of the company’s 170th store heralds an exciting
period in the company’s national growth.
“We have always focussed on positioning our stores where our trade
customers want us to be and to stock these stores with significantly high amounts of
inventory, to ensure that the automotive repairers of each region have the
parts that they need, when they need them.
“We have opened many outstanding stores in greenfield sites in major
suburbs and in rural areas where large concentrations of repairers are located.
The location of our new Burson Auto Parts stores ensure that repairers
who have not had access to conveniently located parts, tools and equipment, no
have that access, coupled with experienced staff and efficient delivery
services,” Mr Magill stated.
Burson Auto Parts’ dedication to its trade customers across the country
has seen the fully Australian owned company grow from 50 stores in 2008, to 100
stores in 2012 and 150 stores located across all Australian states and
territories by 2016. In 2018 the total number of stores reaches 170 with the
company’s continued growth being guided by the same trade customer service
values that have made Burson Auto Parts a true blue Australian success story
for almost five decades.
Suggested Caption:Australia’s Burson Auto Parts celebrates the
opening of its 170th store in Hervey Bay, a milestone as the
company’s strategy for optimum national trade customer reach continues.
June 19, 2018 - CAPRICORN TOPS THEM ALL WITH
SALOU 2018 CONVENTION
More than 705 Capricorn Convention Delegates
including Members and Preferred Suppliers headed to the beautiful Spanish
coastal city of Salou for what proved to be an epic 27th Capricorn
Convention from May 12 to 19.
This was the first time that Australasia’s largest automotive
cooperative took their renowned biennial Member Convention to Europe, leaving
an outstanding impression on all of the Capricorn Delegates who took
part.
All Capricorn Conventions uphold a time honoured tradition of combining
fun, friendship, camaraderie, networking, business education and world
discovery. This year’s Capricorn Convention took in the majestic natural beauty
and history of Spain’s famed Catalonia region.
To ensure that this would be the trip of a lifetime, Capricornleft no stone unturned to provide Delegates with
unforgettable experiences at several outstanding world-heritage listed sights,
along with medieval cities and ancient Roman ruins that dated back not tens or
hundreds of years, but millennia during this convention.
These included day trips to the amazing city of Barcelona, the ancient
Roman fortress of Tarragona, the world famous Codorniu Winery and the
incredible mountain top village of Monserrat, among other side trips to the
mammoth Camp Nou sports stadium along with transfers to Salou beach on the hour
during each day of the Convention.
The GPC Asia Pacific sponsored Capricorn Convention Welcome Beach Party
spectacularly headed off the two major festivities of this event. Held at one
of Europe’s most exclusive beach clubs, Volcano at Lumine Beach, this
breath-taking venue used the Mediterranean Sea as its backdrop, featuring a
private beach surrounded by huge party areas. Spanish culinary favourites were
flame grilled onsite with lots of party music that ensured a memorable welcome
to Spain. This event also saw a famed Spanish tradition come to life with a
Human Tower team providing two fantastic displays during the evening.
Despite the very late night, more than 300 Delegates woke up early the
next morning and headed to the PortAventura Conference Centre to learn from one
of Australia’s top ten motivational and business speakers, Matt Church. This
amiable Australian speaker provided a full day of heath, life, family and
business coaching across three packed sessions that garnered universal praise
from all of the Delegates that attended.
The home of the 2018 Capricorn Convention, the PortAventura resort,
offered the perfect facilities for social interaction, with its own large
piazza area that saw the entire Capricorn Convention family meet up each and
every evening for the (two-hour long) happy hour sessions that were generously
sponsored by Capricorn Preferred Suppliers. The meticulously prepared Golf
Course also ensured a popular and competitive Capricorn Convention golf
tournament on the Wednesday.
This outstanding venue also offered free and unlimited access to
Europe’s largest and newest theme park, PortAventura Park. Covering hundreds of
hectares, this theme park had everything from the most fiercely frightening
roller coasters to animal shows, theatre shows, Spanish dancing entertainment
and much more. Also located on site was one of only two Ferrari Land theme parks
in the world. Capricorn also provided free entry tickets to this magnificent
park which was a must-visit for any thrill seeker or motorsport enthusiast.
Home of one of the world’s fastest, completely vertical roller coasters, the
combined screams of sheer horror and excitement could be heard with each and
every launch.
The 2018 Capricorn Convention hit its peak with the Burson Auto Parts
sponsored Gala Dinner on Thursday May 17. Held at the immense La Cantina venue
at PortAventura Park, all guests enjoyed first class table service, a Flamenco
dance show and fantastic party music, dancing the night away until 1:00am,
making it a truly memorable night.
The four and a half decade long Capricorn Convention spirit of
camaraderie, friendship, networking, learning and fun is the social glue that
bonds this incredibly successful and growing cooperative structured
organisation together. With many multiple Capricorn “Conventioneers” and
first timers taking part, this bond was stronger than ever at Salou 2018, making
this Capricorn Convention as unforgettable as it was enjoyable.
Europe has now finally been successfully conquered by the Capricorn
Convention, leaving one big question on everyone’s minds - where will it be
held in 2020?
One of the world’s leading automotive aftermarket
filtration brands, FRAM Filters, brings its premium quality product range and
information to a new localised Australian online portal at www.framfilters.com.au.
The new, user-friendly Australian FRAM Filters website offers detailed
product information on all the world leading aftermarket products that will be
available to Australian automotive repairers and re-sellers.
FRAM brings new benchmarks of replacement filtration product quality to
the Australian automotive aftermarket, in fact the same and even better quality
than the stringent filtration requirements required by original equipment
automotive vehicle manufacturers.
The new FRAM Filters Australian website provides detailed information on
the FRAM range of replacement oil, air, fuel and cabin filters covering the
majority of makes and models on Australian roads.
Promoting the straight forward FRAM Filters slogan - “Performance
Driven”, the new FRAM Filters website ensures that Australian automotive
repairers and re-sellers can quickly and easily access localised FRAM product
information, local sales and customer service, warranty information and the
latest news relating to new product releases and technical information.
According to Filpro Automotive Australia and New Zealand General Manager
Roger Lassen, the new Australian FRAM
Filters website is one of several customer service initiatives being
developed to best service the local automotive aftermarket.
“We are pleased to introduce our new Australian website, which isn’t
just a mirror of our international websites with an Australian tag, this
website has been designed specifically for Australian repairers and re-sellers
to access FRAM Filters product information that is specifically relevant to
them,” Mr Lassen said.
“We are bringing a new level of replacement filtration quality to
discerning Australian automotive repairers, who are no doubt familiar with the
FRAM Filters brand given its long history as a global premium filtration brand.
Our new Australian website makes accessing our local product, warranty and
contact information very quick and easy,” Mr Lassen concluded.
Suggested Image Caption: Detailed information about the
FRAM range of replacement oil, air, fuel and cabin filters covering the
majority of makes and models on Australian roads can be found at the new FRAM
Filters website www.framfilters.com.au
May 5, 2018 - MANDATORY
DATA SHARING CODE A MAJOR PRIORITY
The Hon. Michael Sukkar MP, Assistant Minister to
the Treasurer, has left no doubt as to the priority that the Australian
Government has placed on supporting the independent Australian automotive
aftermarket industry, during his opening address at the Autocare 2018
Convention on Friday May 4.
“The Government is actively working on the design of a mandatory scheme
for the sharing of critical repair and service information with consumers and
their choice of repairer, ensuring competition and fairness for Australian
consumers,” Mr Sukkar stated.
“I am here at the opening of Autocare 2018 to assure you that this is
definitely a priority for the Government,” He added.
Minister Sukkar was joined by Australian Automotive Aftermarket
Association (AAAA) President Graham Scudamore-Smith and Autocare 2018 Key Note
Speaker, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Chairman (ACCC) Rod
Sims, to officially open the largest automotive aftermarket industry event of
the year.
Mr Sims supported Minister Sukkar’s comments, which follow recent high
profile ACCC enforceable court actions against several major automotive vehicle
manufacturers following their comprehensive 18 month study into new car
retailing.
“The ACCC, having done the market study, will not now vacate the field.
We will continue to engage with stakeholders, including the AAAA, and we will
provide advice to the Government to assist in the development of a mandatory
scheme for you to get access to the technical information you need to fix cars,
and to compete,” Mr Sims stated during the opening Key Note address of Autocare
2018.
According to AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity, efforts to make
data sharing mandatory in the Australian automotive aftermarket industry have
never been stronger.
“Both Minister Sukkar and Mr Sims’ speeches reflect their commitment to
developing the reforms that will protect 16 million Australian car owners along
with their freedom of choice in selecting their automotive repairer. After the
comments made today in front of hundreds of AAAA members, it is very clear that
we are nearing the end of the road to gaining a mandatory code for our
industry,” Mr Charity stated.
The opening day of the inaugural Autocare Convention saw thousands of
automotive mechanics, technicians, business owners and support staff join more
than 100 of the industry’s largest companies and 50 convention speakers taking
part in this two day, education-led event held at the International Convention
Centre in Sydney.
Autocare 2018 continues through Saturday April 5 with free trade expo
entry for members of the automotive trade with free mechanical and collision
repair training sessions being conducted throughout the day.
/ends.
For further information or interviews contact:
Stuart Charity
Executive
Director, AAAA - 0418 563 959
Lesley Yates
Senior
Manager, Government Relations and Advocacy, AAAA - 0402 005 476
April 26, 2018 - FRAM
FILTERS HIT THE TRACK WITH TICKFORD RACING
One of the world’s best known automotive filtration
brands, FRAM Filters, has joined forces with one of Australia’s most successful
Supercar teams in the 2018 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.
FRAM Filters has been a global leader in automotivefiltration for more than 85 years, providing
automotive repairers worldwide with industry leading quality filtration
products designed to suit a broad range of vehicle applications, from passenger
cars to high performance and heavy-duty vehicles.
As a part of the major re-launch of the FRAM Filters brand in the highly
diverse Australian automotive aftermarket sector,Filpro
Automotive has paired the FRAM Filters brand with one of the Supercars’
Championship most exciting young drivers, Richie Stanaway.
In a career that has included international success in GT Sportscars,
GP2 and a host of junior categories, 26-year-old Stanaway paired with Tickford
Racing driver Cam Waters to win the Sandown 500 last year, leading to his
full-time Supercar drive with the team in the #56 Mega Fuels Tickford Racing
Falcon this season.
According to Filpro Automotive General Manager, Roger Lassen, it is exciting
to bring FRAM Filters to Supercars with such an exciting young driver and with
such an accomplished team.
“FRAM Filters has a long pedigree of motorsport involvement across the
world so it made perfect sense for us to bring our world renowned brand of
automotive filtration products to Supercars, the unrivalled top category of
motor racing in Australia and New Zealand. The FRAM Filters logo won’t be
missed emblazoned across Richie’s Tickford Racing Falcon Supercar’s rear wing
and we look forward to a great season ahead,” Mr Lassen stated.
“We will be leveraging our Supercars involvement in 2018 by providing
trade customers with a number of money can’t buy experiences with Tickford
Racingthrough trade-based FRAM promotions inAustralia and through our long-term partner, BNT, in
New Zealand,” Mr Lassen added.
/ends.
Suggested
image captions:
Image 1 - The world renowned FRAM Filters brand takes
pride of place on the #56 Mega Fuels Tickford Racing Falcon being driven by the
talented Kiwi Supercar rookie Richie Stanaway during the 2018 Virgin Australia
Supercars Championship.
Image 2
- Kiwi
Richie Stanaway is competing in his rookie Supercar season with Tickford Racing
during 2018 with FRAM Filters’ right behind the exciting young racer.
April 24, 2018 - DAYCO
HONOURED BY BAPCOR GOLD SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Dayco Australia has been honoured by receiving the
Gold Supplier of the Year award by the Bapcor Group, parent company of
Australia’s preferred trade supplier of automotive parts Burson Auto Parts and
New Zealand’s BNT.
The Bapcor Group Gold Supplier of the Year Award was presented to Dayco
Vice President Aftermarket Asia Pacific Arnold Mouw at the Bapcor Group
Convention Gala Awards Dinner held at the Singapore Marina Bay Sands Expo
Ballroom on Friday April 20.
This outstanding event concluded the five day 2018 Bapcor Group
Convention that brought together more than 900 members of management, staff and
suppliers in Singapore from April 16 to 20.
According to Arnold Mouw, this prestigious award is as highly
appreciated as it was unexpected.
“Dayco Australia has always had an incredible relationship with Burson
Auto Parts that is now in its 36th consecutive year. It is a very
strong relationship that was built on a hand shake agreement and it has
flourished ever since,” Mr. Mouw said.
“What makes this award even more humbling is that it was voted by the
Bapcor Group across several different levels of criteria. It is also very
pleasing to receive this award out of a field of some 100 Bapcor Group
suppliers. We are all incredibly proud,” he added.
Dayco Australia is a veteran of the Australian and New Zealand
automotive aftermarket industry, with more than three and a half decades of
providing replacement engine components across a full range of applications to
suit each country’s vastly diverse carparc.
Dayco continues to invest in the constant improvement of its trade
customer service with a recent major expansion of the company’s warehouse and
distribution facility located in the Melbourne suburb of Hallam.
/ends.
Print quality image links:
Image 1-(From left) Bapcor Group CEO Darryl Abotomey congratulates Dayco Vice
President Aftermarket Asia Pacific, Arnold Mouw on receiving the Bapcor Group Gold
Supplier of the Year Award at the Bapcor Convention Gala Awads event held at the
Singapore Marina Bay Sands Expo Ballroom on Friday April 20.
Image 2 -
(From left) Bapcor Group CEO Darryl Abotomey with Dayco Business Development
Manager James Barrett, Dayco Vice President Aftermarket Asia Pacific, Arnold
Mouw and Dayco Business Development Manager (NZ) Paul Woods upon receiving the
Bapcor Group Gold Supplier of the Year Award.
