replacement parts - Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine
replacement parts - Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine
replacement parts - Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine
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REGULAR DEPARTMENTS<br />
AAAA Report ...................................4<br />
Calendar & New Members.................5<br />
News ..............................................6<br />
Products .......................................20<br />
HR Matters....................................96<br />
4WD .............................................99<br />
PRTC ..........................................100<br />
Retail..........................................102<br />
KEEPING YOU INFORMED<br />
Hella helps out..............................................................................................6<br />
US buyers tour Victoria...................................................................................7<br />
Shanghai show extended ................................................................................8<br />
Snatch strap recalled .....................................................................................8<br />
Exedy clocks up 15 years .............................................................................10<br />
Summernats experience ...............................................................................11<br />
Narva celebrates 60.....................................................................................13<br />
New industry body .......................................................................................13<br />
Switch up to Bosch......................................................................................14<br />
Lord of the ring ...........................................................................................17<br />
MEMBER FEATURES<br />
Bosch wipes out the competition with its award..............................................40<br />
winning Aerotwin wiper blades<br />
Autobarn is reaping the rewards after taking a ................................................42<br />
chance following the demise of National Parts<br />
FEATURES<br />
Replacement Parts .....................................................................................44<br />
Exhaust Systems .........................................................................................66<br />
Oils and Lubes ............................................................................................74<br />
Engine Management and Fuel Injection .........................................................84<br />
44<br />
74<br />
92<br />
ABOUT THE COVER<br />
Bosch has just made wiper blade changing quicker<br />
and easier than ever before, with the release of a<br />
new range of its award winning Aerotwin wiper<br />
blades, fitted with the new Bosch Multi-Clip.<br />
100<br />
All material appearing in <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Automotive</strong> <strong>Aftermarket</strong> magazine is copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly forbidden without prior written consent.<br />
Contribution: Freelance contribution and submissions are welcomed by this magazine. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and<br />
transparencies. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the AAAA. All statements made, although based on information believed to be reliable<br />
and accurate, cannot be guaranteed and no fault or liability can be accepted for error or omission. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement<br />
and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material.
AAAA REPORT<br />
JULY 2010<br />
Peter Hein<br />
President<br />
Stuart Charity<br />
Executive Director<br />
Choice of Repairer Campaign moves<br />
into the next phase<br />
Readers of <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Automotive</strong> <strong>Aftermarket</strong><br />
<strong>Magazine</strong> would be aware that in April last year the<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Automotive</strong> <strong>Aftermarket</strong> Association<br />
launched the Choice of Repairer Campaign.<br />
The aim of the campaign is to protect choice and<br />
competition in vehicle repair, servicing and<br />
<strong>replacement</strong> <strong>parts</strong> sectors by eliminating any<br />
technical or legal barriers that impact on the<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> consumers’ rights to have their vehicle<br />
serviced, maintained and repaired at competitive<br />
prices in the workshop of their choice.<br />
Much of the campaign activity to date has been<br />
focused on raising awareness of the issue with key<br />
industry and consumer groups in Australia,<br />
documenting the consumer’s experience of unfair<br />
practices and creating the web site and campaign<br />
materials (www.choiceofrepairer.com.au).<br />
The campaign continues to monitor and work<br />
with similar “Right to Repair” campaigns in Europe<br />
and North America and examining the potential for<br />
a co-operative industry led solution to the issue.<br />
The AAAA was also an active contributor to the<br />
recent Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory<br />
Council (CCAAC) review of statutory and implied<br />
conditions and warranties.<br />
This review has resulted in the development of a<br />
new <strong>Australian</strong> Consumer Law, which has now<br />
passed both houses of Parliament and will come into<br />
force on January 1, 2011.<br />
From our perspective we can see that the new<br />
law will provide for the implementation of a national,<br />
unified approach to consumer dealings.<br />
The new unfair terms and consumer guarantee<br />
provisions enable a safer environment for<br />
consumers, ensuring them better protection from<br />
exploitation. Nevertheless, the absence of explicit<br />
legislation protecting consumers from the danger of<br />
express warranties remains.<br />
The issue of fair market competition in vehicle<br />
servicing extends beyond the misrepresentation of<br />
warranties. There are also technical barriers to<br />
independent <strong>parts</strong> and servicing that may prevent<br />
consumers from selecting their repairer. Whilst we<br />
welcome the CCAAC findings and the new <strong>Australian</strong><br />
Consumer Law we note that it does not affect the<br />
vehicle repair consumer in a manner that provides<br />
for open competition in our industry.<br />
Specifically the new Consumer Law does not<br />
address the technical and anti-competitive barriers<br />
that limit the ability of independent aftermarket<br />
businesses to access the necessary information,<br />
tools and equipment required to maintain and repair<br />
customers’ vehicles to the manufacturers’<br />
specifications.<br />
In Europe, there are regulations governing the<br />
distribution of technical and diagnostic information<br />
related to the servicing of motor vehicles, and<br />
protecting the consumers’ rights to have their vehicle<br />
repaired or serviced in the workshop of their choice.<br />
This regulation has recently been renewed and<br />
strengthened by the European Parliament. In North<br />
America, the aftermarket industry is campaigning to<br />
prevent manufacturers from unfairly restricting<br />
access to information and tools. This has resulted<br />
in Right to Repair Acts being legislated in two US<br />
states. A Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act<br />
was also introduced into the US Federal Senate in<br />
March 2010 and has already received significant<br />
bipartisan support.<br />
In Australia, there remains no regulated process<br />
to ensure that vehicle manufacturers make<br />
available vital repair and service information and<br />
equipment to independent aftermarket businesses.<br />
This means independent aftermarket <strong>parts</strong><br />
suppliers and workshops in Australia must rely on<br />
the goodwill of vehicle manufacturers. This is a<br />
growing problem for consumers. It is estimated<br />
that over a 10-year period, a vehicle will require<br />
service and repairs approximately equal to one and<br />
a half times the original purchase price. Each year<br />
AAAA<br />
Suite 16, Building 3, 195 Wellington Road<br />
Clayton Vic 3168<br />
Ph: 03 9545 3333 Fax: 03 9545 3355<br />
email: info@aaaa.com.au<br />
www.aaaa.com.au<br />
NSW Office<br />
Box 693 Penrith BC<br />
Penrith NSW 2751<br />
Ph: 02 4731 5671 Fax: 02 4731 1171<br />
Email: grahame@aaaa.com.au<br />
Stuart Charity<br />
Executive Director<br />
execdir@aaaa.com.au<br />
PRESIDENT Mr Peter Hein (VIC) – NGK Spark Plug (Australia) Pty Ltd<br />
Ph: 03 9730 4900 Fax: 03 9730 4990<br />
VICE PRESIDENT Mr David Fraser (WA) – Capricorn Society<br />
Ph: 08 6250 9500 Fax: 08 6250 9576<br />
SECRETARY Mr Greg Barker (VIC) – RSP Australia Pty Ltd<br />
Ph: 03 9305 4000 Fax: 03 9305 3520<br />
TREASURER Mr Peter Martin (VIC) – Hella Australia Pty Ltd<br />
Ph: 03 9581 9333 Fax: 03 9584 1741<br />
DIRECTORS<br />
Mr Andrew Schram (VIC) – Burson <strong>Automotive</strong> P/L<br />
Ph: 03 9914 5555 Fax: 03 9914 5544<br />
Mr Bob Pattison (VIC) – GUD <strong>Automotive</strong> Pty Ltd<br />
Ph: 03 9243 3333 Fax: 03 9243 3366<br />
COMMITTEE<br />
Mr Peter Armstrong (NSW) – IBS Auto Solutions Pty Ltd<br />
Ph: 02 9892 4004 Fax: 02 9892 2897<br />
Mr David Duncan (VIC) – Dayco Australia Pty Ltd<br />
Ph: 03 9796 4044 Fax: 03 9796 4731<br />
Mr Roger Lassen (SA) – Tenneco<br />
Ph: 08 8374 5212 Fax: 08 8276 1653<br />
Mr Mark Pedder (VIC) – Pedders Suspension<br />
Ph: 03 9706 3500 Fax: 03 9706 3355<br />
Mr Geoff Rosenbaum (NSW) – Motospecs – Drivetech<br />
Ph: 02 9847 5724 Fax: 02 9847 5757<br />
Mr Graham Scudamore-Smith (QLD) – Fulcrum Suspensions<br />
Ph: 07 3892 9000 Fax: 07 3892 1526<br />
4 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
AAAA<br />
ARB Dubbo<br />
70 River Street<br />
DUBBO NSW 2830<br />
Ph: 03 6885 5777<br />
ARB Keilor Park<br />
34 Commercial Place<br />
KEILOR EAST VIC 3033<br />
Ph: 03 9331 7333 Fax: 03 9331 7399<br />
<strong>Automotive</strong> Service Solutions NSW<br />
21 Anvil Road<br />
SEVEN HILLS NSW 2147<br />
Ph: 02 9890 5244 Fax: 02 9890 5344<br />
Confidyne Pty Ltd<br />
5 Export Drive<br />
ULVERSTONE TAS 7315<br />
Ph: 03 6425 1748<br />
Donald Gorringe Reconditoning<br />
& Spare Parts Pty Ltd<br />
281A Elizabeth Street<br />
BATHURST STREET PO TAS 7000<br />
Ph: 03 6234 5699 Fax: 03 6234 8842<br />
we estimate that vehicle owners spend over<br />
$8 billion on <strong>parts</strong> and services. Consumers<br />
are paying too much because this is not a fair<br />
and open playing field.<br />
Based on our analysis of the situation in<br />
Australia and the insights and experience of our<br />
international colleagues, the Choice of Repairer<br />
sub-committee has come to the view that the<br />
introduction of a Choice of Repairer Act in<br />
Australia is the only solution. The USA has<br />
already worked its way through the introduction<br />
of a voluntary industry code and it is now<br />
working on legislative solutions. Voluntary<br />
codes don't work where there is unequal market<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Automotive</strong><br />
<strong>Aftermarket</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong><br />
is a member of the<br />
Circulations Audit Board.<br />
PUBLISHER –<br />
Stuart Charity,<br />
Executive Director<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Automotive</strong><br />
<strong>Aftermarket</strong> Association<br />
NEW MEMBERS<br />
The <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Automotive</strong> <strong>Aftermarket</strong> magazine is the official publication of the<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Automotive</strong> <strong>Aftermarket</strong> Association (AAAA).<br />
Published by<br />
The <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Automotive</strong> <strong>Aftermarket</strong> Association<br />
ABN 23 002 271 454<br />
Suite 16, Building 3, 195 Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia<br />
Phone: 03 9545 3333 Fax: 03 9545 3355 email: info@aaaa.com.au<br />
NSW Office<br />
Box 693 Penrith BC Penrith NSW 2751<br />
Ph: 02 4731 5671 Fax: 02 4731 1171 Email: info@aaaa.com.au<br />
EDITORIAL –<br />
Allan Edwards,<br />
Pole Position Productions<br />
Tel 61 3 9331 2608<br />
HDT Special Vehicle Operations<br />
6-24 Anzac Ave<br />
SMEATON GRANGE NSW 2567<br />
Ph: 1300 364 252 Fax: 02 4648 5695<br />
Icer Brakes Australia Pty Ltd<br />
200 Sussex Street NORTH COBURG VIC 3058<br />
Ph: 1300 127 253 Fax: 03 9354 4540<br />
Media & Communication Services<br />
Level 1, 419 Bay Street BRIGHTON VIC 3186<br />
Ph: 03 9226 6666 Fax: 03 9226 6677<br />
North West Off Road<br />
24 Kelcey Tier Road SPREYTON TAS 7310<br />
Ph: 03 6247 3266 Fax: 03 6247 3288<br />
Orger Engines<br />
10 Scoresby Road BAYSWATER VIC 3153<br />
Ph: 03 9729 9677 Fax: 03 9720 6552<br />
Welch Auto<strong>parts</strong> Pty Ltd<br />
151 Islington Street<br />
COLLINGWOOD VIC 3066<br />
Ph: 03 9415 8787 Fax: 03 9415 8797<br />
power – the small independently owned<br />
repairer cannot match the power of global<br />
vehicle companies.<br />
As a result we have now written to The Hon<br />
Dr Craig Emerson MP, Minster for Competition<br />
Policy and Consumer Affairs seeking a meeting<br />
where we will formally request that the<br />
Government intervene to protect free and open<br />
competition in our industry. A similar meeting<br />
request has been sent to Peter Kell, Deputy<br />
Commissioner responsible for competition at<br />
the ACCC. We will keep you updated via this<br />
column on the outcome of these meetings and<br />
the progress of the campaign.<br />
ADVERTISING MANAGER –<br />
Janene Champion,<br />
Champion Ads<br />
Tel 61 3 5862 3090<br />
PRODUCTION & DESIGN –<br />
Brigid Fraser,<br />
Possprint<br />
Tel 61 3 9505 0121<br />
CALENDAR<br />
2010<br />
Automechanika Frankfurt 2010<br />
Frankfurt, Germany<br />
14-19 September 2010<br />
www.automechanika.messefrankfurt.com<br />
SEMA Show<br />
Las Vegas Convention Center<br />
Nevada, USA<br />
2-5 November, 2010<br />
www.semashow.com<br />
AAPEX Show<br />
<strong>Automotive</strong> <strong>Aftermarket</strong> Products Expo<br />
Sands Expo Convention Center<br />
Las Vegas, Nevada<br />
2-4 November, 2010<br />
www.aapexshow.com<br />
APRA BIG R show<br />
Riviera Hotel and Casino,<br />
Las Vegas, Nevada<br />
October 30 - November 1, 2010<br />
www.bigrshow.com<br />
Automechanika Shanghai<br />
Shanghai New International Expo Center,<br />
Pudong, Shanghai, China<br />
8-11 December 2010<br />
www.automechanika.messefrankfurt.com<br />
Performance Racing Industry<br />
Trade Show<br />
Orange County Convention Center<br />
Orlando, Florida, USA<br />
9-11 December 2010<br />
www.performanceracing.com<br />
2011<br />
INAPA 2011<br />
2011 JIExpo Kemayoran<br />
Jakarta, Indonesia<br />
23 - 26 March 2011<br />
www.inapa-exhibition.net/<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> Auto <strong>Aftermarket</strong> Expo<br />
Melbourne Exhibition Centre<br />
Melbourne, Australia<br />
12-14 May 2011<br />
www.aftermartketexpo.com.au<br />
Collision Repair Expo<br />
Melbourne Exhibition Centre<br />
Melbourne, Australia<br />
12-14 May 2011<br />
www.collisionrepair.com.au<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 5
NEWS<br />
A shining example of this local sports<br />
based marketing initiative can be found with<br />
Hella’s major sponsorship of Tasmania’s<br />
historic Ridgley Football Club, triple DFA<br />
(Darwin Football Association) Premiers from<br />
2007 to 2009.<br />
The Ridgley Football Club is based in<br />
north western Tasmania, 10km south of the<br />
city of Burnie and is more than 120 years old<br />
making it one of the country’s longest<br />
established footy clubs.<br />
This highly successful local footy team<br />
enjoys strong community support for its 60 to<br />
65 registered players and Hella, an <strong>Australian</strong><br />
manufacturer and marketer of premium<br />
quality automotive lighting products, is<br />
delighted to be the team’s major sponsor.<br />
Hella Australia Independent <strong>Aftermarket</strong><br />
Director, Terry Fitzgerald, said supporting<br />
community sports clubs that relate to<br />
customer markets makes perfect sense.<br />
“This is a highly talented team that<br />
through its success has bonded its<br />
community together, many of whom are also<br />
Hella customers,” he said.<br />
“When our representative for the region<br />
Darren Ward presented us with the<br />
opportunity to become the team’s major<br />
sponsor, we didn't hesitate.”<br />
The Ridgley Football Club entered the<br />
2010 season as triple premiers and is looking<br />
forward to the challenges ahead, while<br />
HELLA HELPS OUT<br />
With many of its valued customers based in regional areas of the country, Hella Australia has always<br />
maintained a strong community aspect to its sports based marketing.<br />
Midtronics is reputedly the world’s leading<br />
manufacturer of battery testing and engine<br />
diagnostic equipment and the standard for<br />
battery and electrical system testing.<br />
Medtronic’s testers and its patented<br />
conductance technology are recognised<br />
worldwide as the standard for determining<br />
battery condition and the required test method<br />
for battery warranty decisions for the majority<br />
of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers<br />
and dealerships.<br />
Ideal for use in the workshop or out in the<br />
field, Midtronics testers provide fast, accurate,<br />
on the spot test results regarding a battery’s<br />
state of health.<br />
When used as part of a managed battery<br />
proudly carrying the distinctive Hella logo on<br />
their jumpers, which incidentally display the<br />
same colour band as Melbourne’s St Kilda<br />
Football Club.<br />
Along with Hella’s presence on the Ridgley<br />
Football Team jumpers, Hella also has<br />
significant signage space at the team’s home<br />
ground in Ridgley, in the change rooms and in<br />
other high visibility areas, such as near<br />
scoreboards.<br />
The team even carries mobile Hella<br />
signage for inter-quarter breaks and coach<br />
briefings during the games.<br />
Hella Australia has a history of supporting<br />
INCREASE SALES WITH<br />
CENTURY<br />
Iconic <strong>Australian</strong> battery manufacturer, Century Batteries, has joined forces with<br />
Midtronics, the world’s leading name in battery testing, to introduce a range of<br />
equipment designed to take the guess work out of battery testing.<br />
testing program, Midtronics testers can help<br />
identify suspect batteries before they fail,<br />
leading to pre-emptive battery <strong>replacement</strong>,<br />
increased battery sales and ensures your<br />
customers are not left stranded with a flat<br />
battery.<br />
As the <strong>Australian</strong> aftermarket distributor for<br />
Midtronics, Century Batteries has a solution to<br />
suit your testing requirements and budgets.<br />
For more information regarding Midtronics<br />
battery testers and to see how Century’s battery<br />
testing program can help increase<br />
your battery sales contact your Century<br />
representative on 1300 362 287 or email<br />
info@cyb.com.au<br />
committed and talented community sports<br />
groups, such as local community soccer clubs<br />
such as Melbourne’s Chelsea FC and<br />
sportspeople who are forging their way to the<br />
top.<br />
A prime example of this strategy at work<br />
was the company’s sponsorship of up and<br />
coming rally duo Simon and Sue Evans<br />
several years ago, who after Hella’s primary<br />
support went on to become <strong>Australian</strong> Rally<br />
Champions with Toyota’s factory team.<br />
All at Hella Australia wish the Ridgley<br />
Football Club and all involved with them<br />
continued success in 2010 and beyond.<br />
VALE -<br />
STEVEN HEAD<br />
We regret to<br />
advise the sad<br />
passing of former<br />
AAAA National<br />
Councillor Stephen<br />
Head who died at<br />
his Kewarra Beach,<br />
QLD home on 9<br />
May 2010 aged<br />
43 years.<br />
Stephen was<br />
an outstanding<br />
contributor to the<br />
association and the wider industry in his 2<br />
½ years on National Council between 2005<br />
and 2007. Our deepest condolences go out<br />
to his wife Barbara and his children Sheba,<br />
Alexis, Lily, Bryce and Kandis. Stephen’s<br />
friendship will be sadly missed by all in the<br />
AAAA family.<br />
6 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
NEWS<br />
AAAA US BUYER MISSION A SUCCESS<br />
The recent <strong>Australian</strong> trade mission convened by the <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Automotive</strong> <strong>Aftermarket</strong> Association was a great success on<br />
many levels. Predominately funded by the Victorian Government with some support from Austrade, the mission brought three<br />
key buyers from the United States to tour Victorian performance <strong>parts</strong> manufacturers.<br />
From left to right: Jim Moore (Performance Warehouse), Kathryn Abbott (AAAA), Chris Candido (Turn 14), Ben Bartlett (AAAA), Stuart Charity (AAAA),<br />
Harvey Fong (Foreign Auto Tech) and JR Moore (Performance Warehouse)<br />
The buyers were also interested members<br />
of the 90-strong crowd at the Performance,<br />
Racing and Tunning (PRTC) function held in<br />
Melbourne in early May where Performance<br />
Racing Industry’s Francisque Savinien had<br />
flown in from the United States to be one of<br />
the keynote speakers.<br />
Harvey Fong of Foreign Auto Tech, Chris<br />
Candido of Turn 14 and JR Moore of<br />
Performance Warehouse all described the<br />
mission as incredibly valuable.<br />
“This trip has certainly exceeded my<br />
expectations,” Mr Fong said.<br />
“Seeing the engineering and quality of the<br />
<strong>parts</strong> confirms what we have seen in the<br />
(<strong>Australian</strong>) products that are coming through<br />
the States.”<br />
He was reluctant to talk about any specific<br />
deals he may have done with the Victorian<br />
performance <strong>parts</strong> manufacturers during the<br />
week-long mission, but did say “from a buying<br />
point of view I think there will be some<br />
business come out of it”.<br />
He also believes that <strong>Australian</strong><br />
performance products can continue to do well<br />
in the US market.<br />
“Of course there is a lot of opportunity,”<br />
he said.<br />
“I keep hearing that the <strong>Australian</strong><br />
demographics are very limited. They are<br />
happy to have what they have, but they are<br />
keen to expand their reach and Australia<br />
certainly has world-class products.”<br />
He believes one of the big advantages of<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> products over other imports to the<br />
States is the aftersales service offered by<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> manufacturers.<br />
Mr Moore also said the mission was<br />
beneficial to his business.<br />
“We got to talk to a lot of manufacturers<br />
and hopefully they will turn into full-blown<br />
relationships down the road,” he said.<br />
He commented that it was good to meet<br />
the manufacturers in a different environment<br />
to a trade show.<br />
“Normally when you meet with a<br />
manufacturer you are at a show or at your<br />
place of business; this time we were at their<br />
place of business and it created a better<br />
dynamic.”<br />
He stressed that innovation is the key to<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> products breaking into the US<br />
market, adding that ‘me too’ products are less<br />
likely to sell in what is essentially an already<br />
over-crowded marketplace.<br />
He said <strong>Australian</strong>s are much better at<br />
making <strong>replacement</strong> <strong>parts</strong> that have improved<br />
performance over original equipment,<br />
particularly in the area of suspension.<br />
Mr Candido noted that <strong>Australian</strong><br />
manufacturers still have a relatively flat<br />
structure and they should use that to their<br />
advantage.<br />
“The great part about <strong>Australian</strong><br />
companies is that in a lot of ways it’s a lot like<br />
things were in America some time ago, where<br />
you have a manufacturer who is building the<br />
products and packaging them and doing the<br />
quality control and everything else and<br />
shipping it and it’s ready to go,” he said.<br />
“You have these very high-end products<br />
and the market is very similar (to the US), the<br />
vehicles are very similar, and the ideas are<br />
very similar, with the tuning styles and<br />
everything, so I think there is a tonne of<br />
opportunities for those brands in the US.<br />
“<strong>Australian</strong> products are serious<br />
performance products and I think that is what<br />
a lot of Americans are looking for. <strong>Australian</strong>s<br />
don’t hold back; they try to make as much<br />
power as they can and I think that has struck<br />
a cord with Americans. I think there is a lot of<br />
opportunity for <strong>Australian</strong> brands.”<br />
AAAA’s Ben Bartlett said the mission will<br />
not only benefit the members who get direct<br />
deals from the three buyers as the knowledge<br />
gained about what Americans are looking for<br />
in <strong>Australian</strong> products will help other member<br />
businesses break into the US market.<br />
“The feedback from the buyers and our<br />
members has been fantastic; while the main<br />
goal was to show the buyers what products<br />
were available and ultimately for them to<br />
purchase some, it has also been great in that<br />
the buyers have been able to offer advice to<br />
our members on what they need to do to<br />
improve their product offerings in the US…<br />
that kind of feedback is probably just as<br />
important as a small order because what it<br />
does is set these guys up with better<br />
opportunities in the future.”<br />
Mr Bartlett called on all members wanting<br />
to break into the US market to use the<br />
resources of the Association and the<br />
knowledge gained from these types of trade<br />
missions.<br />
“We have a range of activities that are<br />
happening; we have access to market<br />
research; we have a mission that we will be<br />
launching early in July to the PRI show again;<br />
we can give them contacts within the<br />
Austrade network that can help with advice.<br />
“If you want to break into the US market<br />
come and talk to us; if we can’t help you<br />
ourselves chances are we know someone who<br />
can.”<br />
Mr Bartlett thanked the three buyers for<br />
giving their time to make the <strong>Australian</strong> trade<br />
mission such a success.<br />
“I really want to thank these guys; it was<br />
a lot of time out of their schedules to come<br />
here and travel and we worked them hard<br />
while they were here, and we particularly<br />
appreciated the fact that they were so willing<br />
to give advice as well as being keen to buy,”<br />
he said.<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 7
NEWS<br />
Due to exhibitor and visitor demand,<br />
Automechanika Shanghai is extending to a fourday<br />
event in 2010, running from December 8<br />
to 11 at the Shanghai New International Expo<br />
Centre.<br />
Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) and the China<br />
National <strong>Automotive</strong> Industry International<br />
Corporation (CNAICO) organise the fair which<br />
is reputedly Asia’s largest for automotive <strong>parts</strong>,<br />
equipment and service supplier.<br />
Having firmly established itself as the<br />
preferred sourcing destination for the<br />
automotive industry, Automechanika Shanghai<br />
has not been affected by the global economic<br />
slowdown.<br />
In 2009 exhibitor numbers increased 22<br />
percent to a record high of 2414 exhibitors.<br />
They came from 24 countries and regions<br />
to showcase their latest products on 103,500<br />
sqm of exhibition space.<br />
Visitor numbers increased 25 percent to a<br />
record-breaking 38,551 visitors from 132<br />
countries and regions. Half of the visitors had<br />
full purchasing authority.<br />
In response to an enthusiastic demand from<br />
exhibitors, the fair will expand to 130,000 sqm<br />
of exhibition space in 11 halls plus the building<br />
of temporary halls, meaning an increase of 25<br />
percent in space compared to the 2009 event.<br />
To date, nearly 80 percent of the exhibition<br />
space has been taken up and six overseas<br />
pavilions from Germany, Korea, Malaysia,<br />
Spain, Taiwan and the USA have been<br />
confirmed.<br />
The German pavilion is sponsored by the<br />
Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology<br />
INTERNATIONAL NEWS<br />
Automechanika Shanghai extended<br />
in co-operation with Association of the German<br />
Trade Fair Industry (AUMA).<br />
The Spanish pavilion is organised by<br />
Sernauto, the Spanish <strong>Automotive</strong> Equipment<br />
and Components Manufacturers Association<br />
and supported by ICEX – Spanish Institute for<br />
Foreign Trade and the USA pavilion is certified<br />
by the US Department of Commerce.<br />
Special events such as the Automobile<br />
Maintenance Equipment Dealer Convention,<br />
Forum on China Auto Repair Industry and<br />
Chinese <strong>Automotive</strong> <strong>Aftermarket</strong> Suppliers and<br />
Distributors Networking received a good<br />
response from buyers in maintenance and<br />
aftermarket sector last year.<br />
Visitor numbers increased<br />
25 percent to a record-breaking<br />
38,551 visitors from 132 countries<br />
and regions. Half of the visitors<br />
had full purchasing authority.<br />
As a result, Automechanika Shanghai 2010<br />
is receiving more bookings for larger booth<br />
space from suppliers of these sectors.<br />
Helping buyers to enhance sourcing and<br />
networking efficiency, special halls will be set<br />
up for powertrain, chassis, electrics/<br />
electronics/sensor systems, bodywork/<br />
interior/tuning and accessories/standard <strong>parts</strong><br />
and workshop equipment and tools/ painting<br />
systems/car care products.<br />
China remains the world’s largest<br />
automobile market, offering abundant business<br />
opportunities in the aftermarket sector.<br />
According to the China Association of<br />
Automobile Manufacturers, China’s vehicle<br />
production and sales hit a record high of 4.55<br />
million and 4.61 million units respectively for<br />
the first quarter of 2010, up 77 percent and<br />
72 percent respectively year on year.<br />
Industry experts predict that China’s<br />
automobile market in 2010 will maintain a<br />
growth rate between 15 to 25 percent to 17<br />
million vehicles and it is expected to grow by<br />
one million units in each of the next 10 years.<br />
With China’s automotive market becoming<br />
more mature, the portion of sales in the<br />
aftermarket is growing.<br />
Experts predict that China’s automobile<br />
aftermarket will reach RMB 190 billion (USD<br />
27.85 billion) in 2010.<br />
In addition, the total vehicle population in<br />
China reached 76 million in 2009.<br />
As a result, analysts forecast the automobile<br />
maintenance industry will generate an annual<br />
growth of 10 to 15 percent.<br />
Automechanika Shanghai is one of 14<br />
global Automechanika fairs held in Asia,<br />
Europe, North America, South America and<br />
Africa.<br />
For further information on<br />
Automechanika Shanghai, visit<br />
www.automechanika-shanghai.com<br />
or email auto@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com<br />
ACCC RECALLS SNATCH<br />
STRAP IN QUEENSLAND<br />
The <strong>Australian</strong> Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has<br />
recalled a four-wheel-drive snatch strap in Queensland as its sale<br />
breached the state’s safety requirements.<br />
The snatch strap was sold at ALDI stores in<br />
May and has the item code 7743 marked on it.<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> Trading Services Pty Ltd (ATS)<br />
supplied the snatch strap.<br />
The ACCC claims that misuse of the<br />
products could cause injury or death and says<br />
the item was not accompanied by important<br />
safety information, which makes it noncompliant<br />
with Queensland's standard for<br />
motor vehicle recovery straps.<br />
ACCC instructs concerned<br />
consumers to visit ATS's website at<br />
www.australiantrading.com to order<br />
instructions and labels for their snatch strap<br />
and view full information on how to properly<br />
use the Auto XS 4x4 Recovery Kit and the risks<br />
associated with their improper use; or take the<br />
strap back to the nearest Queensland ALDI<br />
store for a full refund.<br />
Consumers<br />
should call ATS's toll free<br />
number 1300 768 895 for<br />
more information.<br />
8 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
NEWS<br />
CELEBRATION TIME FOR EXEDY<br />
Exedy is celebrating 15 years since establishing in Australia. It established a direct presence in Australia in July 1995<br />
starting with sales, production and warehouse operations in Melbourne and Sydney.<br />
Since then, it has established sales,<br />
service and warehouse facilities in Brisbane<br />
and Auckland.<br />
By concentrating on the delivery of high<br />
quality OEM specified products and the<br />
provision of excellent service by<br />
knowledgeable staff, Exedy claims it has<br />
become the premier distributor of clutch<br />
products to the automotive aftermarket in<br />
Australia and New Zealand.<br />
Exedy has established a national<br />
network of wholesale and specialist<br />
distributors who professionally deliver<br />
quality Exedy clutch products to the trade.<br />
Exedy markets its range under six<br />
separate banners. OEM Replacement<br />
Clutch is its range of standard products<br />
designed to replace the clutch that is<br />
typically fitted as OE.<br />
Sports Tuff Clutch is its range of heavyduty<br />
clutches designed for lightly tuned<br />
performance vehicles.<br />
Exedy Racing Clutch is its range of<br />
higher performance clutches featuring<br />
single, twin and triple plate configurations<br />
boasting advanced design and material<br />
specifications.<br />
Safari Tuff Clutch is its range of<br />
precision engineered clutches for 4WD<br />
applications used in demanding situations.<br />
Truck Tuff Clutch is its range of clutches<br />
for American and European truck<br />
applications.<br />
Agri Tuff Clutch is its range for tractors<br />
and agricultural equipment.<br />
In addition, its parent company Exedy<br />
Corporation is celebrating 60 years since it<br />
was formed in Osaka, Japan.<br />
Exedy claims it is the largest supplier of<br />
OE clutches for Japanese vehicles.<br />
The company supplies all Japanese<br />
vehicle manufacturers, as well as General<br />
Motors and Ford.<br />
The Exedy product range includes<br />
clutches for manual transmissions, clutches<br />
for motorcycles, torque converters and<br />
friction discs for automatic transmissions<br />
and complete transmissions for forklifts.<br />
Over its 60-year history, the Exedy group<br />
has grown to $2 billion in sales and over<br />
10,000 employees through a network of 34<br />
companies in 16 countries.<br />
Exedy strongly supports motorsports and<br />
has achieved success at every level.<br />
The company claims it is the only clutch<br />
manufacturer to have recorded victories in<br />
Formula One (with Ferrari) and MotoGP<br />
(with Valantino Rossi’s Yamaha team).<br />
Exedy has regularly received recognition<br />
as being a world-class supplier. Its recent<br />
rewards include:<br />
• Hyundai – Kia Overseas Supplier of the<br />
Year 2009;<br />
• Daihatsu Special Quality Award 2000 –<br />
2010 (10 years consecutively);<br />
• Daimler Best Supplier – Powertrain<br />
2009.<br />
For more information visit www.exedy.com.au<br />
10 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
NEWS<br />
WIN THE ULTIMATE<br />
OF ULTIMATE<br />
SUMMERNATS<br />
EXPERIENCES<br />
Nolathane, a long time supporter of the Summernats Car<br />
Festival, and major sponsor of the ‘Tuff Street’ category is<br />
running a genuine money-can’t-buy Summernats 24 experience.<br />
Whether you’re a rev-head, trade mechanic, DIY’er, genuine car<br />
enthusiast or even work in the auto industry this is the competition you’ll<br />
want to enter – it really is the ultimate of ultimate Summernats<br />
experiences. The prize includes:<br />
• Flights for you and a mate from your nearest capital city<br />
• Two Summernats VIP Gold Season Passes for you and a mate<br />
• Gold Grandstand seats at the Saturday night entertainment<br />
• A burnout with a Burnout Master<br />
• Backstage passes to the featured bands concert on Saturday night<br />
• Gold Grandstand seats at the burnouts<br />
• Exclusive VIP Tour with “Mr Summernats” Chic Henry<br />
• Be part of the Supercruise with a ride in the Tuff Street winning car<br />
• Attend the exclusive Street Machine <strong>Magazine</strong> Summernats Party<br />
• Accommodation and $500 spending money<br />
Entry is simple and there’s no catch – just go to www.tuffstreet.com.au<br />
and register online. Plus there’s 10 monthly draws of Nolathane prize<br />
packs with a heap of goodies.<br />
Tuff Street is Summernats’ ever-growing car category and represents<br />
some of the best street modified cars in the country. Vehicles are entered<br />
and judged on the main premise of being “street driven ‘wild and crazy<br />
animal’ cars that have an ‘angry’ performance factor”.<br />
Tuff Street cars are not on the same level as the Summernats’ Grand<br />
Champion, nor does it need to be. It’s the grassroots and affordability<br />
factor of Tuff Street that provides some fantastic entries such as the pearl<br />
orange 1974 Holden HQ Sedan which took out Tuff Street Best Overall at<br />
Summernats 23.<br />
Nolathane <strong>replacement</strong> bushes and alignment products are designed<br />
to integrate and offer a fully balanced handling solution. Nolathane has<br />
been providing suspension servicing solutions to the trade and DIY/<br />
restoration market for over 20 years.<br />
For a catalogue, brochure or technical information on any of the<br />
products contact Nolathane on 1300 88 2355 or visit<br />
www.nolathane.com.au.<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 11
NEWS<br />
This is the third time that Hella Australia<br />
has been officially recognised as the most<br />
outstanding independent aftermarket sales<br />
company of the global Hella Group.<br />
The <strong>Australian</strong> aftermarket sales company<br />
was presented with this prestigious global<br />
award at Hella KGaA’s global head office in<br />
Lippstadt Germany.<br />
This award is a glowing testament to the<br />
commitment of the Hella <strong>Australian</strong><br />
independent aftermarket team to rise above<br />
the economic downturn by providing<br />
unprecedented levels of customer service, an<br />
innovative aftermarket product range and<br />
premium quality.<br />
Hella Australia won this highly sought after<br />
award ahead of second and third placed Hella<br />
HELLA OZ WINS AGAIN<br />
Hella Australia has once again risen above its global aftermarket sales company peers to be presented with the top<br />
aftermarket sales company award of the entire global Hella Group.<br />
Belgium and Hella Hungary and more than<br />
20 competing Hella aftermarket sales<br />
companies worldwide.<br />
The winner was determined by a points<br />
based system relating to several different<br />
facets of the aftermarket business of each<br />
country’s sales company.<br />
Senior Hella executives appraised the<br />
areas of sales performance and growth and fill<br />
rates, along with the marketing activities and<br />
impact such marketing activities had on<br />
increasing sales within each company.<br />
Hella Australia Independent <strong>Aftermarket</strong><br />
Director, Terry Fitzgerald, said the award<br />
reflected the great work done with lighting,<br />
air conditioning and engine cooling products.<br />
“Our commitment to introducing premium<br />
Hella Australia Independent <strong>Aftermarket</strong> Director,<br />
Terry Fitzgerald<br />
quality new and innovative products to our<br />
aftermarket range has been very successful<br />
and this policy will continue,” Mr Fitzgerald<br />
said.<br />
“I am also very proud that Hella Australia’s<br />
leadership in logistics and customer service<br />
has positioned us as world leaders.<br />
“Despite the economic climate during this<br />
period, Hella Australia continued to develop<br />
its aftermarket product range and provide its<br />
customers with unrivalled product quality that<br />
not only maintained our aftermarket sales<br />
levels, but increased them against various<br />
cheaper and clearly inferior products.<br />
“When you consider that our company has<br />
some incredible aftermarket sales operations<br />
all over the world, for Hella Australia to take<br />
the top award for the third time is truly<br />
remarkable and a testament to the talent that<br />
exists within our entire aftermarket team.”<br />
Hella Australia continues to develop the<br />
company’s aftermarket product range to suit<br />
the <strong>Australian</strong> car parc and looks forward to<br />
continued growth in 2010 and beyond.<br />
The company employs 360 people across<br />
one manufacturing facility and five state sales<br />
branches nationally.<br />
Hella Australia’s aftermarket portfolio<br />
includes the entire Mann Filter aftermarket<br />
range, Hella Marine product range and Behr<br />
Hella Service for engine cooling and heat<br />
management products.<br />
12 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
NEWS<br />
SWITCH UP TO BOSCH AND WIN<br />
Bosch is now into the final months of the Switch Up To Bosch promotion. With nearly 1880 workshops registered,<br />
businesses from all over the country have been winning every month.<br />
Southern Car Care Clinic in Braeside,<br />
Victoria, and Gatton Auto Electrical in Gatton,<br />
Queensland, won the first two major prize<br />
draws of the promotion with both businesses<br />
receiving a $5000 pre-paid Bosch Visa Card.<br />
BRM motors in Dromana, Victoria,<br />
received the $2000 early registration prize.<br />
Rob Camilleri of Southern Car Care Clinic<br />
was surprised to find out he’d won.<br />
“We’ve been using Bosch and PBR<br />
products for 15 years,” he said.<br />
“I can’t believe we’ve won something just<br />
for buying the quality product we love to use.”<br />
Mr Camilleri said he’ll use his $5000 prepaid<br />
Bosch Visa Card to treat himself to a<br />
holiday.<br />
Plenty of other businesses have won $500<br />
Bosch pre-paid Visa card minor prizes<br />
including Legana Service and Spares in<br />
Tasmania.<br />
The New South Wales winners are Sydney<br />
Diesel Centre, South Coast Auto Repairs,<br />
Mooney Auto Electrical Services and<br />
Stopmaster Brake Services.<br />
R & G Auto Electrics, Woody’s Auto<br />
Electrics, Currumbin Steering, Diesel Care<br />
Australia, Nerang Euro Parts and Service,<br />
Special Vehicle Services, Highway Diesel<br />
Services, The Rocklea Group and Beenleigh<br />
Batteries are the Queensland businesses that<br />
have won runner-up prizes.<br />
In South Australia the minor prizes have<br />
so far gone to Wayne Richards Auto, Fleurieu<br />
Diesel Service, Christies Auto Electric, Corjay<br />
Aire, Jackson’s Auto Repairs, Cinemod, Ultra<br />
Tune Aberfoyle, Home Autotune Services,<br />
Strathalbyn Auto Electrical, Dave Potter<br />
Honda, D&C Carcraft and Franks Auto<br />
Electrical and Air Conditioning.<br />
The lucky Victorian stores are Barry<br />
Bangay Motors, Valley Auto Parts, Wantirna<br />
<strong>Automotive</strong>, KAM Auto Parts, Truepart, Parts<br />
R Us, Precision <strong>Automotive</strong>, Ben’s Kitchen Rd<br />
<strong>Automotive</strong>, Vass Motors, Kingston Garage<br />
and Southern Car Care Clinic.<br />
In Western Australia minor prizes went to<br />
Kenwick Auto Electric, Browns Garage,<br />
Henley Motors, Rod’s Auto Electrics, Ron<br />
White Auto Repairs, Major Auto Technics,<br />
Pebco <strong>Automotive</strong> and Avon Auto Electrical.<br />
The Switch Up To Bosch Promotion runs<br />
until the end of July.<br />
For those who have already registered,<br />
remember that you receive one entry into the<br />
draw for every $100 (excluding GST) you<br />
spend on Bosch and PBR products every<br />
month.<br />
There are plenty more prizes still to be<br />
Southern Car Care Clinic’s Rob Camilleri was the<br />
winner of April’s major prize draw of a $5000 pre-paid<br />
Bosch Visa Card, stands with Narelle Walker,<br />
an Ausbrake representative.<br />
won, so make sure you get your purchases in<br />
for your chance to win.<br />
For more information visit the website<br />
www.switchuptobosch.com.au<br />
There’s never been a better time to switch<br />
up to Bosch.<br />
BEING FOLLOWED IS NOW INTEGRAL<br />
TO BRAND SUCCESS<br />
With consumers shifting interest from traditional media channels such as TV or print to digital, the pressure<br />
is on brand marketers to be increasingly savvy in a fragmenting and often daunting space.<br />
The minefield that is social media is<br />
avoided at a brand’s peril.<br />
Consumers demand interaction with their<br />
favourite brands through Twitter, Facebook<br />
and Foursquare.<br />
The rules of engagement are vastly<br />
different from traditional advertising.<br />
One false step can cost a brand valuable<br />
credibility in an online world that spreads<br />
messages with viral efficiency.<br />
Conversely, enormous positives can be<br />
gained from harnessing the power of social<br />
media effectively.<br />
Brands that manage this space well<br />
benefit from the loyalty they can build<br />
directly with their consumers, an army of<br />
advocates, spreading the message across the<br />
internet.<br />
Mobile devices such as smartphones and<br />
the iPad mean consumers are ‘always on, all<br />
the time’ – with 24/7 access to social<br />
networks.<br />
This has led to the exponential growth in<br />
niche sites dedicated to their interests.<br />
Examples of these are the automotive<br />
community forums dedicated to specific<br />
vehicle brands, car performance and 4WD.<br />
These online car communities are now<br />
seeing more than one million enthusiasts<br />
visiting monthly to discuss motoring<br />
products and events – often as a daily habit.<br />
Often these forums are found by<br />
consumers searching for product reviews.<br />
“By involvement with car communities,<br />
automotive brands can manage their online<br />
reputation, ensuring their products are not<br />
misrepresented,” according to Sean Ryan<br />
who is the Managing Director of go2space, a<br />
social media marketing consultancy.<br />
Go2space has already had proven<br />
success using its specialist community<br />
network to both advertise to, and create<br />
meaningful brand engagement with, key<br />
consumers.<br />
Go2space client, Jacqui Delaney from<br />
Castrol, commented on the strength of the<br />
new channel, saying it showed “proof of the<br />
power of effective content driven<br />
communication”.<br />
“Our campaign was a complete success<br />
delivering consistent brand messaging and<br />
allowing us to connect with consumers in an<br />
engaging and relevant environment,” she<br />
said.<br />
To find out how go2space can connect<br />
your brand with online car culture visit<br />
the website www.go2space.com.au<br />
call 02 9375 2403 or email<br />
sales@go2psace.com.au<br />
14 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
NEWS<br />
NARVA CELEBRATES 60 YEARS<br />
Narva Germany, which is based in Plauen, is celebrating its 60th year in the industry.<br />
The association of the Narva name with<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> company Brown and Watson<br />
International goes back more than 25 years<br />
and it is now a household name throughout this<br />
part of the world, particularly within the<br />
automotive, transport and mining circles.<br />
Narva Germany was founded in East<br />
Germany at the end of World War II with the<br />
fortunate discovery of old OSRAM machinery<br />
in an abandoned textile factory where lamp<br />
manufacturing for general lighting was once<br />
conducted.<br />
The business began with 190 employees<br />
working out of a 500 square metre production<br />
facility.<br />
Within a few short years the company added<br />
the production of automotive lamps to its range<br />
and quickly established itself as a player in<br />
automotive lighting for the aftermarket<br />
industry, particularly in Eastern Europe.<br />
The new brand Narva was first registered in<br />
1957 and reflects some of the necessary<br />
materials and processes required to develop a<br />
quality globe: N stands for Nitrogen, AR for<br />
Argon and VA for Vacuum.<br />
By this time the company had grown to<br />
employ more than 1000 workers with an ever<br />
increasing product range of over 560 different<br />
types of globes.<br />
Rapidly Narva became known as a quality<br />
manufacturer capable of producing both<br />
industrial and automotive lamps.<br />
In the early 1980s<br />
first contact was made<br />
between Narva and<br />
Brown and Watson<br />
International located<br />
in Melbourne.<br />
It was the<br />
beginnings of a long<br />
and successful<br />
relationship that has<br />
gone from strength to<br />
strength over the past<br />
25 years.<br />
Today Brown and<br />
Watson International<br />
own and operate the<br />
Narva trademark in Australia and New Zealand<br />
and are the sole distributors of Narva globes<br />
throughout Australasia with offices and<br />
representation in each state of Australia and in<br />
New Zealand.<br />
Over a period of 10 years, Narva Plauen has<br />
invested heavily in the construction of new<br />
buildings, warehousing and machinery to<br />
handle the ever expanding range and the<br />
continuing growth of the company.<br />
Advancements in globe technologies have<br />
seen the company’s exports grow to 65 percent<br />
with sales to 71 countries around the globe.<br />
With the falling of the Berlin Wall a new<br />
partnership between Narva Germany and<br />
Philips began.<br />
The <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Automotive</strong> Industry Association (AAIA) has been<br />
established to meet the needs of retail automotive associations and<br />
was launched in May.<br />
This is the first major shake-up of the <strong>Australian</strong> retail automotive<br />
industry for more than 20 years.<br />
The MTAA (Motor Trades Association of Australia) was set up in<br />
1988, but MTAQ, MTA-NSW, VACC and TACC have withdrawn their<br />
membership.<br />
It was felt the MTAA business model, which had served its purpose<br />
in the past, was not appropriate for the future.<br />
AAIA’s business model will be less bureaucratic, more transparent,<br />
more interactive, more responsive and reduced in scale and cost.<br />
AAIA will also be more representative of the industry as work will be<br />
undertaken by members utilising their particular areas of expertise.<br />
MTA-NSW Chief Executive Officer, James McCall, said it was not<br />
unusual for associations to have to remodel themselves to keep up with<br />
the demands of modern business practices.<br />
During this time 75 percent of the entire<br />
production was made up of vehicle and<br />
miniature globes with the remaining 25<br />
percent consisting of projector and special<br />
bulbs for traditional lamps, headlights and<br />
projectors.<br />
Today Narva Germany is a wholly owned<br />
division of Philips and part of the world’s<br />
largest electronics corporation.<br />
The close relationship established more<br />
than 25 years ago between Narva Plauen and<br />
the independent <strong>Australian</strong> company Brown<br />
and Watson International continues to prosper<br />
with record Narva sales and continual product<br />
development setting the benchmark for globe<br />
quality and range throughout Australasia.<br />
AAIA: THE NEW NATIONAL<br />
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY BODY<br />
MTA-NSW, MTAQ, VACC and TACC, which represent approximately 80 percent of the repair, service and retail sector of the<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> automotive industry, have announced the formation of a new national automotive industry body.<br />
“This gives AAIA members an opportunity to look ahead with<br />
confidence and to work in an environment that best serves the interests<br />
of the employers we represent,” Mr McCall said.<br />
MTAQ Executive Director, Ian Field, said the organisations had sought<br />
to reform MTAA from within but found that was impossible.<br />
“Therefore, we have established a new association which will be less<br />
distant and more connected with the needs and desires of automotive<br />
businesses nationwide,” Mr Field said.<br />
VACC, Executive Director, David Purchase, said AAIA members will<br />
be served by a comprehensive support network.<br />
“We felt our industry had to evolve in order to stay ahead and under<br />
the previous structure we were falling behind,” Mr Purchase said.<br />
TACC, General Manager, Malcolm Little, said the AAIA will enable<br />
true representation at a national level.<br />
“We have every confidence that the voice of the <strong>Australian</strong> automotive<br />
industry will be heard and respected,” Mr Little said.<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 15
NEWS<br />
BILSTEIN REMAINS LORD OF THE RING<br />
After a hard-fought and dramatic race in which many cars dropped out, Bilstein celebrated two places on the winners' rostrum.<br />
Positions two and three in this year's 24-<br />
Hour Race at the Nürburgring went to the<br />
Farnbacher Ferrari F430 GTC and the Audi<br />
R8 LMS of Phoenix Racing, both equipped<br />
with Bilstein suspension.<br />
The quartet at the wheel of the Ferrari<br />
produced a faultless performance to finish in<br />
a superb second position.<br />
The drivers of the Phoenix Audi steered<br />
well clear of trouble and came in third by<br />
recording consistently good lap times.<br />
Bilstein performed as the most visible<br />
suspension supplier in the field providing<br />
sport suspension to four of the top 10 cars.<br />
Most of the 202 high-performance racers<br />
went to the start line at the 38th holding of<br />
this arduous long-distance classic with sport<br />
suspension from Ennepetal in Germany.<br />
After the qualifying rounds it was clear<br />
that half of the top 10 cars in the start lineup<br />
would be going into the race with Bilstein<br />
sport suspension, including the car in pole<br />
position and in positions two, three, four and<br />
six on the grid.<br />
In the 24-hour battle the Ferrari F430<br />
GTC of the Farnbacher racing team secured<br />
victory in the SP 7 class and second position<br />
in the overall result.<br />
The Audi R8 LMS of Phoenix Racing and<br />
Black Falcon took places one and three in the<br />
very popular SP 9 GT3 class, equivalent to<br />
positions three and five in the overall ranking.<br />
The road-legal Porsche 997 GT3 RS with<br />
the start number 11 was equipped for the first<br />
time with the series-produced, electronically<br />
adjustable Bilstein DampTronic suspension<br />
(PASM).<br />
Its fourth position in the SP 7 class and<br />
13th position overall exceeded all expectations.<br />
This proves that series products can satisfy<br />
even the toughest requirements and shows that<br />
Bilstein is bringing motorsports performance to<br />
the open road.<br />
Together with the smaller CC classes SP 4T,<br />
SP 8T and V6, Bilstein finished top in five<br />
classes.<br />
The Bilstein motorsports truck was a much<br />
frequented venue in the paddock again this<br />
year.<br />
The suspension specialist provided advice<br />
to keen amateur drivers and professional<br />
motorsport drivers alike, directly on the race<br />
course.<br />
The Bilstein mechanics and engineers were<br />
available to the racing teams around the clock<br />
at the mobile workshop.<br />
When the second placed Ferrari was<br />
damaged during practice, the Bilstein team<br />
helped to recondition the car in time for the<br />
actual race.<br />
On Saturday the professional drivers Walter<br />
Röhrl and Marc Basseng signed autographs at<br />
the motorsports truck.<br />
Bilstein congratulates all successful racing<br />
teams for their strong performance at this<br />
nerve-racking marathon.<br />
Bilstein is always at home at the<br />
Nürburgring: on the ring boulevard in the<br />
showroom of the Digi-Tec Performance tuner<br />
and at the Racebox service point directly on<br />
the "Nordschleife".<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 17
NEWS<br />
CARLINE TAMWORTH GETS THE GROWL<br />
Tenneco has announced the lucky new owner of the company’s very special Lukey SS Thunder VZ Ute following the year’s<br />
first major Lukey sales promotion held from February to May, 2010.<br />
Carline Tamworth is the proud new owner of the Lukey SS Thunder<br />
VZ Ute, which was a favourite amongst Walker/Lukey Exhaust fitters<br />
and their customers during its travels across Australia to promote the<br />
Lukey Performance Exhaust product range.<br />
The Lukey Ute becomes one of the best looking and performing work<br />
vehicles on the road thanks to it being loaded with extras by Tenneco,<br />
including a three inch Lukey Super System and premium quality<br />
Monroe GT Sport lowered suspension.<br />
The winning customer, Carline Tamworth, became a part of the<br />
Carline group of exhaust specialists 12 years ago.<br />
The business has been a mainstay of the city of Tamworth for some<br />
33 years since it was established as Motorco.<br />
Bill Caley has owned the business since 1992 and is assisted by<br />
manager Stan Kumfor and eight hard working staff members.<br />
This trade promotion certainly captured the imagination of exhaust<br />
fitters and general repairers nationwide according to Tenneco<br />
<strong>Aftermarket</strong> Director, Roger Lassen.<br />
“Our Lukey SS Thunder Ute now has a new home after serving us<br />
well as a highly exposed promotional vehicle,” he said.<br />
The former Lukey Ute has been replaced by a new Lukey<br />
Performance Exhaust SS VE promotional ute which is currently touring<br />
the country visiting customers, just as its predecessor did.<br />
This model boasts a new and aggressive Pontiac styled twin nostril<br />
fascia along with a racing inspired bottom splitter and twin letter box<br />
bonnet air scoops.<br />
It is powered by Holden’s legendary 6.0 litre, Generation 4 Alloy V8<br />
engine and is mated to a six speed transmission for smooth power<br />
delivery when paired with its Lukey Performance Exhaust Super System.<br />
The system features specially designed Lukey Ultra-Flo welded<br />
mufflers to deliver significant performance gains, better fuel efficiency<br />
and the famous Lukey growl.<br />
WHY DID PEPS AUTO SPARES ELECT<br />
TO BE A CO-OPERATIVE?<br />
Co-operatives (purchasing groups) are businesses owned and controlled by the people who use them. Co-operatives differ<br />
from other business identities such as franchises, because they are member owned and operate for the mutual benefit of<br />
the members. Like other businesses, most co-operatives are incorporated under state law.<br />
Peps Auto Spares is a privately owned<br />
company that is owned by its member<br />
shareholders and, under the management of<br />
its directors and operates on a not for profit<br />
undertaking.<br />
Co-operatives are organised because of<br />
strengthened bargaining powers, to maintain<br />
access to competitive markets, capitalise on<br />
new market opportunities, reduce costs and<br />
manage risk.<br />
They have a low cost membership because<br />
of a commitment to place any and all benefits<br />
at the store level and there is complete freedom<br />
to join and or leave with a minimum of fuss.<br />
Peps Auto Spares’ mission is to advance<br />
the business interests or its members.<br />
To fulfil this mission Peps up holds five<br />
core values. These are member ownership and<br />
control in the distribution chain, continued<br />
economic viability of member stores, good<br />
stewardship of supply resources and to<br />
promote, vibrant, happy, strong, well informed<br />
small business operations.<br />
Peps also strives to collect and distribute<br />
rebate monies accrued as a result of<br />
supporting our approved suppliers and keep<br />
the cost of membership to a bear minimum.<br />
With the strength of many stores behind<br />
it, Peps Auto Spares can negotiate a better<br />
buying price as opposed to an individual store<br />
and pool ordering can be created through inhouse<br />
order stacking.<br />
The company does not have control over a<br />
member’s supply chain, allowing members<br />
the freedom to shop around.<br />
However it does seek to maximise the<br />
benefit by organising to have most popular<br />
suppliers contracted to Peps to supply rebate<br />
on shop purchases.<br />
In addition to saving on invoices, most<br />
purchases through Peps Auto Spares<br />
approved suppliers are eligible to receive an<br />
end of month rebate.<br />
Peps Auto Spares, which is dealer owned<br />
and operated, has operated for 10 years and<br />
has maintained its core values all the way<br />
through.<br />
It does believe in the power of collective<br />
purchasing, and warehouse distribution and<br />
collective marketing.<br />
Peps also believes that the rebate benefits<br />
of its purchases should be redistributed back<br />
to our members and it does believe in keeping<br />
the cost of membership as small as possible.<br />
One Peps member said they joined eight<br />
years ago and has not looked back, saying it<br />
was the best decision they ever made.<br />
“Peps is not a franchise, Peps is a true<br />
buying group.<br />
“As a Peps member my buy price is terrific<br />
(and) many suppliers pay rebate, which is<br />
returned to me as a thankyou for choosing to<br />
buy off them.”<br />
The Peps member said this monthly rebate<br />
totally offset the monthly membership fee.<br />
“Our fully stocked warehouse allows me to<br />
buy at the same price as major warehouse<br />
distributors I currently still buy from; boy, this<br />
really helps my bottom line,” the member<br />
said.<br />
Find out why Peps Auto Spares will add<br />
profit to your business by contacting<br />
James Bullock on 02 4571 3002 or<br />
visit www.peps.com.au<br />
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PRODUCTS<br />
Haigh expands<br />
products<br />
Following the release of the 2010 Sunland<br />
Dashmat and Protective Plastics catalogues,<br />
automotive accessories supplier Haigh Australia<br />
has just released the 2010 Tailored Floor Mat<br />
Catalogue.<br />
The redesigned format looks fresh and should<br />
make product selection simpler.<br />
The range has grown to accommodate nearly<br />
250 vehicles and has more than 1500 individual<br />
part numbers since it was released last year.<br />
Just like the best selling range of Sunland<br />
dash mats, the tailored floor mat range can be<br />
personalised with the addition of coloured trim<br />
and badges.<br />
VDO expands Oxygen Sensor range<br />
An extensive range of OEM <strong>replacement</strong> Oxygen sensors is now available from VDO, covering<br />
popular vehicles on the <strong>Australian</strong> market.<br />
Whilst the VDO range covers<br />
many imported vehicles in the<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> vehicle park,<br />
particular emphasis has been<br />
placed on popular Ford and<br />
Holden models such as Falcon,<br />
Fairlane and LTD plus<br />
Commodore, Statesman and<br />
Monaro.<br />
Replacement Oxygen<br />
Sensors are becoming<br />
increasingly important as the<br />
need for greater fuel efficiency<br />
and peak engine performance increases.<br />
Although they have been around for more than 20 years many motorists are unaware of<br />
their existence let alone the function they perform. This results in an important role for the<br />
motor mechanic to explain the importance of a <strong>replacement</strong> sensor in monitoring the fuel<br />
mix to enable the engine computer to adjust air/fuel ratios to maintain the lowest possible<br />
emissions and best fuel economy for the vehicle.<br />
To maintain peak engine performance experts now recommend replacing O2 sensors at<br />
specific mileage intervals as part of preventative maintenance with earlier vehicles in the<br />
1990's requiring <strong>replacement</strong>s at around 50,000 kilometers and later vehicles around<br />
100,000.<br />
VDO's new vehicle application listing makes selection simple and stock is now available<br />
from VDO stockists and leading automotive outlets throughout Australia.<br />
For further information email enquiries.au@continental-corporation.com<br />
Haigh Australia has also released a<br />
comprehensive new range of wiper blades and<br />
wiper refills under its Drive brand.<br />
Its Vision Tek and Vision Flex models<br />
incorporate selected plastic and metal refills in<br />
either single, twin or multi-edge designs as well<br />
as multi-coloured silicone refills.<br />
The range boasts an extensive selection of<br />
complete blades including the newer flex or flat<br />
blade models, which can be retrofitted to older<br />
vehicles with a simple adapter.<br />
The packaging is modern and designed to<br />
appeal with the use of bright colours to<br />
distinguish between ranges and sizes.<br />
They replace the Tru Vision brand, which was<br />
phased out earlier this year.<br />
For more information contact Haigh on<br />
07 3713 9345 or visit www.haigh.com.au<br />
Disc pad manufacturer finds perfect fit<br />
Remsa, one of Europe’s largest producers of<br />
disc pads, has appointed IBS Auto Solutions as<br />
its authorised exclusive <strong>Australian</strong> distributor.<br />
Since its establishment in 1970 with one<br />
manufacturing facility in Spain, Remsa now has<br />
10 facilities located in Europe and America.<br />
With an annual production in excess of 20<br />
million pad sets, it is renowned in the world<br />
market and launched in Australia last month<br />
with a reputation for quality, reliability and<br />
excellent braking performance.<br />
Remsa has a strong focus on quality and<br />
innovation. Its product exceeds the stringent<br />
European standard ECE R-90 and is in line with OES specifications.<br />
The product range is extensive, the largest in the world available from one manufacturer, and<br />
Remsa is the market leader in introducing new applications.<br />
“Australia is a very important market for us,” Business Development Manager of Remsa Spain,<br />
Hector Brea, said.<br />
“We are very excited about this new opportunity. It was very important for us to appoint a national<br />
distributor with extensive experience and also a specialist in the brake industry. We are confident<br />
that our partnership with IBS Auto Solutions will see our sales go from strength to strength."<br />
IBS Auto Solutions is the nationwide stockist of Remsa disc pads and equipped with<br />
comprehensive cataloguing to support the introduction of this new line.<br />
For more information visit www.ibsauto.com.au for stockists<br />
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PRODUCTS<br />
Plug and play<br />
Adventurers in today’s world have serious toys to take on the road including<br />
computers, mobile phones, GPSs, lights and even fridges.<br />
The problem is, not all vehicles have the right plugs for those appliances<br />
and toys.<br />
Baintech has introduced an easy and inexpensive solution: the Plugger 3.<br />
This combo pack of three plugs – Engel, Merit and Ciga – lets you plug<br />
and play any appliance or toy into any socket of any car,<br />
4WD, RV or boat.<br />
Now Engel fridges can<br />
plug into Merit sockets; Waco<br />
fridges can connect into Engel<br />
sockets; and any other<br />
combination of appliance and<br />
socket is possible, too.<br />
The best thing about the<br />
Plugger 3 is it connects all the<br />
plugs with an Engel connector,<br />
which is the most secure and<br />
robust, least likely to fall out,<br />
connector.<br />
The existing connector is<br />
cut off the 12V appliance<br />
or toy and the wires<br />
are connected to the back of<br />
the new Plugger 3 Engel<br />
connector.<br />
To plug into a Merit or a<br />
Ciga socket, the matching<br />
Plugger 3 connection is screwed on and the appliance or toy is ready to go.<br />
At only $35, the Baintech’s Plugger 3 offers affordable versatility to take<br />
any appliance or toy on any adventure in any vehicle.<br />
Baintech also offers a full range of sockets to suit these plugs so you can<br />
match to fit.<br />
Plugger is giving away three Plugger 3 packs. To enter, email<br />
info@baintech.com.au answering the question what toy do you need to take<br />
on an adventure and why you need a Plugger 3.<br />
For more information on the Plugger 3 visit the website<br />
www.baintech.com.au or call 1300 224 683.<br />
Ultimate HID lamp<br />
The release of the<br />
latest High Intensity<br />
Discharge (HID) Work<br />
Lamp from Narva sets<br />
a new standard in<br />
high performance<br />
lighting for use in<br />
extreme conditions.<br />
Designed for<br />
hazardous working<br />
conditions such as<br />
mining, forestry and<br />
contracting, the new<br />
lamp combines the<br />
latest Xenon D1 HID<br />
lighting with Free<br />
Form reflector<br />
technology to produce<br />
an outstanding long<br />
range flood beam as<br />
close to daylight as is<br />
currently possible.<br />
For ultimate<br />
safety the Gen 5 fast igniting ballast is internally mounted within a<br />
robust housing that incorporates a weatherproof boot, re-wired cable<br />
connection and a unique heavy-duty vibration resistant bracket.<br />
The extremely versatile bracket allows the lamp to be fixed at<br />
almost any angle and with an overall height of 188mm and width of<br />
119mm this compact and superbly built work lamp is suited to a<br />
wide range of applications.<br />
Designed and developed for the most extreme conditions, the<br />
lamp is rated to IP67 specifications.<br />
The new Narva Xenon HID Work Lamp Part No. 72411HID is now<br />
available from leading automotive, transport and mining outlets<br />
throughout Australia.<br />
For more information phone 03 9730 6000.<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 21
PRODUCTS<br />
GTechniq refinishing<br />
system<br />
The GTechniq refinishing system is now available in<br />
Australia from <strong>Automotive</strong> Burg Design.<br />
It promises to revolutionise the industry with both<br />
its ease of application, time saving benefits and most<br />
importantly global track record of outstanding<br />
results.<br />
Developed in the harsh world of aircraft and<br />
marine maintenance, this technology can now<br />
benefit your automotive workplace.<br />
GTechniq autoSystem is a professionally<br />
developed process for transforming cars, boats and<br />
planes – new, used or vintage – from ordinary to the<br />
extraordinary.<br />
In depth knowledge of paints and a pioneering<br />
finish process combined with cutting edge nanocomposites<br />
deliver the benchmark in car care.<br />
This is a product line-up developed from the<br />
ground up as a system for trade use to save both<br />
time and money, with ease of application and<br />
industry leading finish results as the two main<br />
criteria.<br />
What has been developed after extensive<br />
research was a two-part system based on the<br />
‘perfect, then protect’ principle.<br />
One of the significant advantages to trade users<br />
is that the GTechniq refinishing system products<br />
require very low speed and pressure when using<br />
orbital buffers to achieve a superior result.<br />
The speed required is between 600 to 900RPM<br />
while the pressure required is very light, even to<br />
remove the worst oxidisation and contaminants as<br />
the products do the work for you, not the other way<br />
around.<br />
This leads to several advantages of pads lasting<br />
longer, less splatter, precise control of the buffer and<br />
less fatigue for staff, as well as much faster<br />
turnaround times in the shop.<br />
<strong>Automotive</strong> Burg Design says this product has to<br />
be seen to be believed. For information phone<br />
03 9555 9277<br />
Protex radiator range keeps growing<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> Truck & Auto Parts (ATAP) has not only completed a very successful launch<br />
into the radiator market but after two years is constantly expanding the range.<br />
The company has<br />
continued to invest in the<br />
stock and warehouse<br />
space for a significant new<br />
range expansion of<br />
<strong>replacement</strong> radiators that<br />
will cover all popular<br />
vehicles.<br />
“This has been a very<br />
successful move for us. We<br />
released the right product<br />
with excellent quality at a<br />
very attractive price,” ATAP’s Anthony Goerke said.<br />
“Protex radiators entire range is built to last, so in the past two years since we<br />
released them, they have established a reputation for quality of manufacture, ease of<br />
fit and durability.<br />
“We not only keep a generous national stock holding throughout our warehouse<br />
system but are maintaining the level of quality. We know from the customer feedback<br />
we receive, quality is as important as our competitive prices.<br />
“And the success of our radiator range has been matched by the way we have also<br />
expanded our wide range of cooling products. From coolants, to water pumps, clamps,<br />
thermostats, hoses, fan clutches, switches, caps, fan clutches, and the list goes on.<br />
“We’ve established ATAP as an all-rounder in quality cooling products and the plan<br />
is to keep growing this area of our business,” Mr Goerke said.<br />
For more information contact your local ATAP warehouse<br />
VDO Commodore gauge pod<br />
An OE style instrument pod<br />
carrying an oil pressure gauge<br />
and voltmeter designed to fit VY to<br />
VZ Holden Commodores for a<br />
sports vehicle style and look is<br />
now available from VDO.<br />
Designed and made originally<br />
for the Holden HSV in the same<br />
material and colour as the<br />
genuine dashboard, the pod<br />
complements the standard<br />
Commodore cockpit with a look of<br />
style and performance.<br />
Installation is a breeze with a complete 'plug and play' installation kit with simple DIY<br />
instructions.<br />
No cutting or drilling is required to complete the installation as the kit comes with the two<br />
genuine quality VDO gauges, sender units, adaptors, wiring loom extension and cable ties.<br />
Correctly fitted, the addition of the VDO pod does not alter the vehicle's existing warning<br />
system.<br />
The pod and gauge kit Part No. 740.300 suits all VY-VZ models and three installation kits<br />
are tailored to suit VY-V6; VZ-V6 and VY-VZ V8 models.<br />
Available from VDO stockists and leading automotive outlets throughout Australia the pod<br />
kit comes with a recommended retail price of $699 and installation kit prices start at $290.<br />
For more information visit www.vdo.com<br />
22 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
PRODUCTS<br />
Trico signs exclusive agreement<br />
World renowned car care product range Nu Finish will receive a major boost following the signing of<br />
an exclusive marketing agreement with Trico Products.<br />
Covering Australia and New Zealand, the<br />
signing of this important agreement will result<br />
in increased prominence for Nu Finish products<br />
which are recognised as a dominant force<br />
in car care around the world.<br />
Effective immediately, Nu Finish<br />
products join the expanding range of<br />
market leading products within<br />
the Trico program.<br />
These include Nu Finish -<br />
The Once a Year Car Polish, Nu<br />
Finish Car Wash, Nu Finish<br />
Scratch Doctor and the<br />
company’s Nu Vinyl protection,<br />
enhancement<br />
and<br />
weatherproofing formula.<br />
Speciality chemical<br />
coatings manufacturer, Reed-<br />
Union Corporation of Illinois in<br />
the USA, produces the Nu<br />
Finish products which follow a<br />
strong company philosophy of<br />
restoring old surfaces to look<br />
like new.<br />
Nu Finish car polish was<br />
developed following research<br />
to create a more durable wax<br />
to replace the widely used<br />
carnauba.<br />
The creation of the once a year car polish<br />
pioneered the use of amino-functional<br />
chemicals, revolutionising the car care<br />
appearance industry with zinc cross-linking<br />
technology.<br />
The Nu Finish brand continues to gain<br />
worldwide market share as satisfied customers<br />
spread the word on this easy to use polish<br />
renowned for returning old surfaces to new<br />
with long term durability.<br />
Nu Finish Car Wash, made from pure<br />
orange oil, is heralded for its streak free<br />
finish, concentrated formula and lack<br />
of harmful ingredients.<br />
Rated number one by<br />
independent research laboratory<br />
testing in the USA market against<br />
other leading brands, Nu Finish<br />
Scratch Doctor is a clear coat<br />
scratch remover taking out scrapes,<br />
scuffs, haze and swirl marks.<br />
“Following Trico’s successful<br />
launch of the US STA-BIL Fuel<br />
Stabiliser product on the <strong>Australian</strong><br />
market we are excited at the<br />
potential for Nu Finish car care<br />
products,” Trico Sales and Marketing<br />
Manager, Peter Avenell, said.<br />
“Nu Finish complements our<br />
premium Trico product range along<br />
with other leading products and we<br />
are confident it will quickly build on<br />
its name for quality and performance.”<br />
Nu Finish products are now available from<br />
leading automotive outlets throughout Australia.<br />
For more product information and the<br />
location of stockists visit<br />
www.nufinish.com.au<br />
Hot Devil Heat Shrink<br />
Kit<br />
Hot Devil’s new<br />
Heat Shrink Kit is<br />
the perfect addition<br />
for any workshop or<br />
DIY enthusiast.<br />
The Heat<br />
Shrink Kit comes<br />
with a mini<br />
blowtorch,<br />
removable scoop<br />
attachment and an<br />
assortment of<br />
different sized heat<br />
shrink tubing.<br />
This versatile little<br />
tool refills in seconds<br />
with purified butane<br />
gas via the fuel cell,<br />
which is good for 20<br />
minutes of burn time<br />
per fill.<br />
With its assortment<br />
of heat shrink tubing included you can get<br />
started on any job that is outstanding.<br />
By removing the heat shield the torch itself<br />
can be used for a variety of purposes including<br />
loosening rusted nuts and bolts, drying touch<br />
up paints and auto putties or light plumbing<br />
works.<br />
For more information contact Hot Devil on<br />
03 9775 0713.<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 25
PRODUCTS<br />
Keeping batteries out of the grave<br />
Most batteries don’t die, they’re killed.<br />
Inadequate charging, improper<br />
maintenance between uses, sulphation and<br />
over-charging are the common killers.<br />
With today’s more advanced and sensitive<br />
lead-acid batteries, life expectancy is falling.<br />
Consumers are spending more and more<br />
money replacing prematurely dead batteries<br />
and are still being left stranded with<br />
batteries that unexpectedly die.<br />
But there is hope and batteries can be<br />
saved from an early death.<br />
Bainbridge Technologies has introduced<br />
the new CTEK MXS 4003, a smart four amp<br />
charger equipped with the latest generation<br />
technology and designed specifically to<br />
prolong the life of today’s 12V lead-acid<br />
batteries.<br />
With the simple touch of a button, the<br />
CTEK MXS 4003 implements a patented<br />
eight-step approach to diagnose and revive,<br />
condition, charge and/or maintain batteries.<br />
The MXS 4003 has the power and<br />
intelligence to automatically recondition<br />
deeply discharged batteries, remove harmful<br />
lead sulphation, apply a ‘10 day float’<br />
function and maintain the battery<br />
indefinitely with a patented pulse<br />
technology.<br />
Never before has this level of charging<br />
technology been available to the consumer<br />
market.<br />
Simple, safe and smart - like all CTEK<br />
chargers - the new MXS 4003 is fully<br />
automatic, foolproof to connect, spark proof<br />
and reverse-polarity protected.<br />
Peter Blume, the renowned ‘Total Power<br />
Systems Expert’ is now available at<br />
www.bainbridgetechnologies.com to<br />
answer any questions about the MXS<br />
4003 or any battery charging needs, or<br />
call 1300 224 683.<br />
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PRODUCTS<br />
StrongArm range expands<br />
Brandlines has announced yet another range expansion to its successful line-up of StrongArm gas charged lift supports.<br />
More than 50 part numbers have been added to ensure the range now<br />
includes the applications of hatch, boot, bonnet, tailgate and liftgate for<br />
more popular vehicles on the <strong>Australian</strong> market.<br />
There are also 25 universal applications where the dimension and<br />
weights values are detailed to give easy guides for canopies, caravans,<br />
boat hatches, large tool boxes and trailers.<br />
Additionally, it contains specific units for most branded canopies.<br />
“This brings the total to over 500 which is more than double the<br />
competitors’ coverage and even more applications are planned for the<br />
future,” Brandlines’ Mark Luksich said.<br />
All StrongArm lift supports are gas charged, made in the USA and<br />
backed by a 12 month warranty.<br />
They are vehicle specific and easy to fit needing just a screwdriver,<br />
qualifying as a DIY job.<br />
The most important aspect of the lift support business to understand<br />
is that 76 percent of all sales in the USA are through retail stores direct.<br />
This shows the way for future sales expansion so it is a great business<br />
builder opportunity.<br />
These lift supports need to be seen to sell well because most<br />
consumers simply don’t know such struts can be easily bought and fitted.<br />
So to build those extra sales, a merchandiser displaying the product<br />
is now available.<br />
StrongArm has been the most dominant maker of gas charged lift<br />
support struts in the US for more than 25 years and has built its business<br />
by making a wide range of quality products that are easy to fit and<br />
available at competitive prices.<br />
The same strategy is being applied to the local market.<br />
Contact Brandlines on 1800 645 609 for more information.<br />
StrongArm is available from <strong>Australian</strong> Truck and Auto Parts.<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 29
PRODUCTS<br />
Exide to carry <strong>Australian</strong><br />
Made logo<br />
Exide Technologies, a global leader in stored electrical energy solutions<br />
and a leading manufacturer of automotive batteries in Australia, has<br />
joined a growing number of local manufacturers carrying the <strong>Australian</strong><br />
Made logo on its products. Exide was welcomed as a licensee recently<br />
at a ceremony at its facility in Adelaide, Australia.<br />
Ian Harrison, Chief Executive of the <strong>Australian</strong> Made, <strong>Australian</strong><br />
Grown Campaign, welcomed the move.<br />
“Local manufacturing plays a pivotal role in our economy, and we’re<br />
thrilled to welcome Exide as a licensed user of the <strong>Australian</strong> Made,<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> Grown logo. Research shows that shoppers want to buy<br />
locally made, so to see Exide promote its products as <strong>Australian</strong> is not<br />
only a smart move by Exide, but also a great help for shoppers,” Mr<br />
Harrison said.<br />
Exide Technologies is one of the largest battery suppliers to vehicle<br />
manufacturers based in Australia, and the technology exchange enables<br />
Exide to remain at the forefront of meeting the needs of new vehicles.<br />
This, in turn, is supported by Exide's global connections with vehicle<br />
manufacturers around the world to ensure the latest technologies are<br />
employed to power the vehicles of the future.<br />
Exide Technologies manufactures product for transportation<br />
applications at its facility in Elizabeth, South Australia and has a<br />
battery recycling facility in Wellington, New Zealand. Both Exide and<br />
Marshall branded products will carry the <strong>Australian</strong> Made logo.<br />
A pill that cleans cars?<br />
A simple little blue pill is now all that is needed to keep windscreens<br />
constantly clean and clear while on the go thanks to Polyglaze<br />
Windscreen Cleaner Tablets.<br />
These environmentally friendly and innovative tablets use cuttingedge<br />
technology that is tough enough to remove bird droppings, tree sap<br />
and other stubborn stains from windscreens, offering clearer vision and<br />
a safer drive especially for those who love to take their vehicle off road.<br />
The new innovation also helps keep wiper blades in top condition<br />
for longer, avoiding perishing, tearing and screen-scratching.<br />
Car lovers need only add one tablet to their wiper reservoir every<br />
few months and wipers will then do the cleaning, leaving a streak free<br />
finish.<br />
The convenient blister pack stores in the glove box, with minimal<br />
packaging to reduce environmental impacts.<br />
Polyglaze Windscreen Cleaner Tablets are the latest product from<br />
the stable of well recognised and trusted Polyglaze products that<br />
include Sparkling Car Wash, Invisible Glass and Diamond Finish<br />
amongst others.<br />
Polyglaze products are the choice of the discerning car owner, and<br />
readily available in the supermarket aisle.<br />
Polyglaze Windscreen Cleaner Tablets are now available throughout<br />
Woolworths and Supercheap Auto with a RRP of $3.99.<br />
For more information phone 02 9781 8777.<br />
“Exide and our Marshall Battery division are delighted to partner<br />
with <strong>Australian</strong> Made, a brand synonymous with quality, resilience and<br />
all that is <strong>Australian</strong>,” Exide Technologies General Manager Sales<br />
Marketing, John Cowpe, said.<br />
“The <strong>Australian</strong> Made brand has absolute synergy with Exide<br />
Technologies. Since 1935 we have been manufacturing world-leading<br />
products in Australia, specifically designed for <strong>Australian</strong> conditions.<br />
“We are proud to manufacture leading automotive product offerings<br />
– including the Extreme and Extra ranges – in Elizabeth, South<br />
Australia. It is our view that this product is the best available and is a<br />
credit to our staff, customers and retailers. Thank you for buying<br />
<strong>Australian</strong>.”<br />
Exide joins more than 1650 businesses, which use the logo on more<br />
than 10,000 products.<br />
For more information visit www.exide.com.au<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 31
PRODUCTS<br />
Lok-On socket set range expands<br />
Kincrome has extended its Lok-On socket set range with the release of the Kincrome 40 Piece Socket<br />
Set in 1/2” drive size.<br />
The Lok-On sockets are the ideal<br />
companion for removing rounded fasteners.<br />
Kincrome Lok-On sockets drive the side of<br />
the fastener using a unique subtle cam found<br />
in the six-point socket design.<br />
This unique design not only provides<br />
increased strength but also avoids the rounding<br />
of rusted and damaged fasteners.<br />
The cam design also enables the user to<br />
effectively loosen fasteners which have<br />
rounded by up to 85 percent.<br />
The Lok-On design helps reduce stress<br />
concentration when torqued, preventing the<br />
fastener from rounding while offering better<br />
torque than conventional sockets.<br />
The Kincrome socket set features 40 pieces<br />
of professional quality sockets and accessories.<br />
This set includes 33 sockets in popular<br />
imperial and metric sizes in 1/2” square drive<br />
sizes to suit many applications.<br />
The set also includes seven socket<br />
accessories including a ratchet handle, three<br />
extensions, spark plug socket, flex handle and<br />
universal joint.<br />
The ratchet includes a push button quick<br />
release feature to ensure the socket is locked<br />
securely while in use and also allows for easy<br />
removal or quick change of socket even with<br />
greasy or oily fingers.<br />
The ratchet also includes a forward and<br />
reverse switch to easily change direction when<br />
required.<br />
The set also includes a combination<br />
extension bar which can be used either as a<br />
conventional straight bar or as a wobble bar<br />
providing 15 degrees of swivel for easier<br />
access, as well as a hex shaft end so you can<br />
add a spanner for extra torque.<br />
Manufactured from quality chrome<br />
vanadium steel, the sockets feature a mirror<br />
polish chrome finish for corrosion protection.<br />
The set comes complete in a metal case<br />
with two clips and carry handle.<br />
The tools are housed within a PVC tray<br />
designed to<br />
hold<br />
tools<br />
safely and<br />
securely and are marked for easy tool<br />
identification, making tool selection quicker<br />
and easier.<br />
The Kincrome Lok-On range is also covered<br />
by the exclusive Kincrome Lifetime Guarantee.<br />
The Kincrome Lok-On Socket Set is now<br />
available from leading automotive, hardware<br />
and industrial stores across Australia with a<br />
recommended retail price of $199.<br />
For more information and details of your<br />
nearest stockist visit the Kincrome website<br />
www.kincrome.com.au<br />
Protex expands brake fluid range<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> Truck and Auto Parts (ATAP) has announced an expansion of its<br />
Protex brake fluid range.<br />
The well-received High Performance Dot 3, Dot 4 and Super Dot 4 are<br />
now available in a range of 500ml, five and 20 litre containers.<br />
The additions meet the changing modern market demand for<br />
performance-enhanced products, which are endorsed for specific model<br />
specifications.<br />
All Protex Brake Fluids exceed <strong>Australian</strong> standards and are<br />
manufactured to meet international specifications.<br />
This expanded range fits in perfectly with the company’s well established<br />
range of TRW Brake Fluids, available in Dot 3, Dot 4 and the popular TRW<br />
racing fluid.<br />
The Protex range is the advanced polyglycol type and suitable for a variety<br />
of applications such as drum or disc brakes, ABS systems, hydraulic<br />
clutches and high temperatures for both passenger and commercial vehicles.<br />
For more information contact your local ATAP warehouse.<br />
32 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
PRODUCTS<br />
Minimize the hidden<br />
risks of towing<br />
Many drivers may not appreciate the differences in vehicle behaviour they<br />
will encounter between their unladen vehicle and one towing a caravan,<br />
boat or trailer.<br />
The heavier loads on brakes, suspensions and vehicle frames generate<br />
hazards that can remain hidden until a heavily loaded vehicle runs afoul<br />
of poor roads, bad weather, inadequate brakes or overloaded springs.<br />
All Air Suspension National Sales Manager and supplementary air<br />
suspension specialist, James Maslin, said the issue is becoming more<br />
apparent as the number of people who two increase.<br />
Mr Maslin pointed to the growing number of retired people hitting the<br />
road and other people using their everyday personal or work vehicle as a<br />
recreational vehicle too.<br />
“Many people are hitching up a caravan or boat now they are retired,<br />
while many active working people are taking their work vehicle further<br />
afield than they used to because many new generation work vehicles are<br />
very capable and comfortable recreational vehicles,” he said.<br />
Mr Maslin said All Air<br />
suspension provides a solution to<br />
the problem of needing one<br />
suspension setting for ordinary<br />
driving and another when towing.<br />
“The company’s distribution<br />
network, working nationally with<br />
Airbag Man, offers Firestone Coil-<br />
Rite supplementary air<br />
suspensions with durable<br />
polyurethane airbags that fit inside<br />
existing coil springs to provide<br />
levelling control to a vehicle when<br />
under load, providing comfort and<br />
stability,” he said.<br />
The Coil-Rite system provides<br />
extra support for front and rear coil<br />
springs in cars, vans, 4WDs, SUVs<br />
and motorhomes.<br />
Coil-Rite supplementary air springs are used for front-to-rear and sideto-side<br />
levelling control of a vehicle.<br />
This enables a vehicle to ‘level up’ when towing caravans, boats and<br />
trailers or when a vehicle is carrying heavy, uneven loads.<br />
Coil-Rites are engineered to withstand the rigours dished out to coil<br />
sprung suspensions over widely varying road surfaces.<br />
Each set will support 250-500kg subject to the vehicles gross vehicle<br />
weight rating, providing comfort and stability to a vehicle.<br />
Reasons for fitting Coil-Rite systems include maintaining a level<br />
vehicle with adjustability for different conditions, maximising safe load<br />
carrying capacity, increasing vehicle stability and braking performance<br />
and improving steering, balance and ride quality.<br />
Coil-Rite systems greatly reduce bottoming out and coil suspension<br />
fatigue, keep headlights aimed on the road and not up in the face of<br />
oncoming traffic and reduce tyre wear.<br />
By simply adding or removing air, operators of vehicles equipped with<br />
the kits can maintain the same vehicle ride height under different load<br />
conditions.<br />
This gives ideal performance and safety from empty to full.<br />
Air can also be added to overcome the imbalance inherent with<br />
uneven loads.<br />
For heavier duty applications involving leaf springs, All Air dealers<br />
can fit Firestone’s Ride-Rite system, which use the same type of airbag<br />
used in heavy trucks.<br />
Alternatively, Airbag Man On-Air kits totally replace the vehicle’s coil<br />
springs with heavy duty air springs, providing a fully adjustable air<br />
suspension.<br />
For more information or the name of local fitting specialists<br />
contact All Air Suspension, on 02 9807 7641, fax 9807 7643 or<br />
visit the website www.allair.com.au<br />
All Air Suspension can also supply contacts for national availability<br />
of the product.<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 35
PRODUCTS<br />
SuperCharge powers<br />
millions<br />
SuperCharge Batteries has been powering millions of<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> motorists on roads and waterways since<br />
1984.<br />
Through the years, it has forged a remarkable<br />
success story of performance and quality.<br />
After more than 25 years, SuperCharge stands<br />
today as a major player in the <strong>Australian</strong> battery<br />
market providing motorists with a product range that<br />
includes automotive, marine, deep cycle,<br />
motorcycle and recreational vehicle batteries.<br />
Over the years, as battery technology and vehicle<br />
standards improved, SuperCharge has remained at<br />
the forefront of innovation, consistently pioneering<br />
new products and challenging industry<br />
preconceptions.<br />
With EXG Calcium plate technology,<br />
SuperCharge has led the industry in offering<br />
comprehensive range of ‘maintenance free’ batteries<br />
and support the claim of superior quality and long<br />
lasting product by being the very first to introduce<br />
to the <strong>Australian</strong> market the 36 month full<br />
<strong>replacement</strong> warranty in their Gold MF series<br />
(conditions apply), setting a new bench mark in the<br />
industry.<br />
SuperCharge understands that Australia is a<br />
large and unforgiving land and as such recognises<br />
the need to have people on the ground ready to<br />
assist where and when they can.<br />
It is one of the very few battery players in the<br />
market which is truly national in scope.<br />
The network consists of more than 30<br />
warehousing locations and more than 60 vehicles<br />
supported by a team of dedicated sales and service<br />
personnel.<br />
SuperCharge, a company that thrives on service,<br />
product innovation and growth.<br />
For more information call<br />
1300 BATTERY (2288379).<br />
Make an impression<br />
Professional quality tools supplier Kincrome<br />
has released a nifty letter and number stamp<br />
set ideal for stamping a range of materials and<br />
surfaces to protect against theft, loss or simply<br />
to make an impression.<br />
Manufactured from<br />
carbon steel, the set<br />
includes the letters A<br />
to Z, the ampersand<br />
character, and the<br />
numbers from 1 to 9<br />
(with 6 used as 9) all<br />
forged to a 10mm (3/8”) square shank size.<br />
The set is supplied a convenient blow mould plastic case to protect against loss or<br />
damage.<br />
The Kincrome Letter and Number Stamp Set is now available from leading<br />
automotive, hardware and industrial stores across Australia with a recommended retail<br />
price of $79.95 for a limited time.<br />
For more information and details of your nearest stockist visit the<br />
Kincrome website www.kincrome.com.au<br />
Victron Phoenix MultiPlus<br />
When you have serious power needs for your “home-away-from-home”, you need power you can<br />
rely on – whether you’re on the road, on the water or in a remote location.<br />
It takes a lot of power, and heavy-duty chargers and<br />
inverters, to ensure fridges, computers, televisions, hairdryers<br />
and ovens run smoothly all the time wherever you are.<br />
The Victron Phoenix MultiPlus from Bainbridge<br />
Technologies gives you a serious power boost and can even<br />
automatically switch between generators and mains with no<br />
interruption to power.<br />
It’s a sophisticated sinewave inverter, battery charger and<br />
power transfer switch all in one compact unit.<br />
It’s perfect for big boats, serious caravans and remote<br />
houses off the power grid.<br />
Now you can get power you never thought possible for your<br />
boat, RV or remote home.<br />
The Victron MultiPlus automatically switches to inverter<br />
mode if mains power is interrupted, and back again when the<br />
power is restored, so quickly the appliances won’t even flicker.<br />
It also boosts power so smaller, lighter generators can be<br />
used, meaning a lower upfront cost, less fuel consumption and<br />
less pollution.<br />
Battery life can be maximised with minimal space thanks to the Victron Multiplus which<br />
is the perfect, compact all-in-one solution to automatically monitoring and charging batteries,<br />
keeping them in optimum condition and saving money on <strong>replacement</strong>s.<br />
Get as much power as you need by connecting multiple Victron Multipluses in parallel.<br />
If you’re serious about reliable, uninterrupted power wherever you are, ask Peter Blume,<br />
Bainbridge Technologies’ in-house Total Power Systems Expert, about the Victron Phoenix<br />
MultiPlus for your boat, RV or remote site.<br />
For more information visit the website www.bainbridgetechnologies.com<br />
or call 1300 224 683.<br />
36 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
PRODUCTS<br />
Upgade to<br />
Pedders for a<br />
better ride<br />
Pedders Suspension now has<br />
urethane control arm bushes to suit a<br />
range of makes and models,<br />
including: Nissan Navara and 350Z;<br />
Audi TT; Hyundai Grandeur; Mitsubishi Lancer, Magna and Verada; Honda Civic; Holden<br />
Vectra, Astra, Apollo and Commodore; Ford Falcon and Laser; and Toyota Hilux, Prado and<br />
Avalon.<br />
Upgrading your existing rubber control arm bushes to<br />
Pedders urethane bushing will assist in providing a ‘tighter’<br />
feel to your car, which is preferable for drivers who require<br />
more feedback from their vehicle<br />
when driving.<br />
These products can be installed as<br />
an upgrade and not necessarily just to<br />
replace worn <strong>parts</strong>.<br />
Pedders urethane bushes provide<br />
better handling, extended bush life<br />
and improved performance.<br />
New jump-starter<br />
suits rescue services<br />
Pro Quip has announced the impressive<br />
Propulstation, which introduces a new standard<br />
to jump-starter boosters. The extra heavy duty<br />
12-volt unit has the unique facility of its own<br />
recharging station for storage – so every time it<br />
is taken out, it is charged and ready to use.<br />
All the basics are very impressive: US-made<br />
dry battery with the thick copper leads feature<br />
wide-opening fully insulated clamps. It has the<br />
ability to operate in two types of docks – 240-<br />
volt workstation and 12-volt vehicle.<br />
Additionally, the Propulstation also boasts<br />
two heavy-duty power settings: 12-volt/1200<br />
cranking amps for up to 350HPengines, or 12-<br />
volt/760 cranking amps for up to 250HP<br />
engines.<br />
Precision for the trade<br />
professional<br />
For further information please contact your local Pedders<br />
Suspension specialist, check out www.pedders.com.au<br />
Kincrome has released a new range of workshop<br />
bench and floor drills designed and manufactured<br />
for the trade or serious DIY person.<br />
Ideal for commercial, industrial and domestic<br />
use, the range includes two bench-mounted<br />
drills and a floor mounted pedestal drill.<br />
The bench-mounted range includes the fivespeed<br />
model with 250W motor and overall<br />
height of 580mm while the larger bench<br />
mounted model features a variable speed 550W<br />
motor standing at an overall height of 940mm.<br />
The larger 550W model features a variable<br />
speed digital RPM display, laser guide, work light<br />
and adjustable roller guide.<br />
The floor mounted pedestal drill features a<br />
variable speed 550W motor and stands at an<br />
overall height of 1610mm and also features a<br />
digital RPM display, laser guide, work light and<br />
adjustable roller guide.<br />
All models in the range are manufactured from cast iron steel, can be mounted to the bench<br />
or floor easily and are covered by a 12 month warranty.<br />
The Kincrome workshop bench and floor drills are now available from leading automotive,<br />
industrial and hardware across Australia with a recommended retail price starting from $149.<br />
For more information and details of your nearest stockist visit the Kincrome website<br />
www.kincrome.com.au<br />
Propulstation is suited for rescue services.<br />
Other features include:<br />
• A top performance of 3100 peak amps;<br />
• Built-in charge indicator;<br />
• Tough case has lifetime guarantee.<br />
Pro Quip’s Martin Haines said, “This new<br />
unit has the instant ability to start up to a<br />
350HP turbo diesel, or 175HP if it has no<br />
battery, with the heavy duty clamps to match.<br />
“As it can be charged while in a driven<br />
vehicle, it is very suited for rescue services as<br />
well as service station.<br />
“This Propulstation is the very latest in smart<br />
and compact design. It certainly raises the<br />
standard in jump starter boosters. Everything<br />
about it is right,” Mr Haines said.<br />
For more information contact Pro Quip on<br />
03 9761 1110 or www.proquip.com.au<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 39
BOSCH FEATURE<br />
NEW AEROTWIN MULTI-CLIP: QUICK AND<br />
EASY FITMENT, WITH LESS PART NUMBERS<br />
Bosch has just made wiper blade changing quicker and easier than ever before, with the release of<br />
a new range of its award winning Aerotwin wiper blades, fitted with the new Bosch Multi-Clip.<br />
The innovative Bosch Multi-Clip connector makes blade<br />
<strong>replacement</strong> so easy. Each blade comes individually<br />
packaged with a pre-assembled adapter that covers the<br />
four different wiper arm types fitted by all major car<br />
manufacturers.<br />
Where other leading brands of wiper blades supply<br />
multiple adapters, the Aerotwin Multi-Clip range comes<br />
with one 4-in-1 adapter.<br />
For workshops this means<br />
stocking less part<br />
numbers while<br />
covering more<br />
applications.<br />
Fitting the<br />
new Aerotwin<br />
Multi-Clip wiper blades<br />
is easy. The Multi-Clip<br />
adapter comes pre-installed on<br />
the blade, so there are no loose, fiddly<br />
<strong>parts</strong>. With one easy-to-fit part the blades can<br />
be changed quickly and easily, saving workshops<br />
valuable time.<br />
The Aerotwin Multi-Clip range of wiper blades<br />
provides maximum convenience for your business with:<br />
• significantly less part numbers than any competitor<br />
range;<br />
• range consolidation;<br />
• easy fitment;<br />
• reduced handling and customer service costs.<br />
The new Aerotwin Multi-Clip part numbers replace the<br />
existing Aerotwin range of European part numbers.<br />
Common applications for the new range include:<br />
• Ford Focus II;<br />
• Holden VE Commodore;<br />
• Holden AH Astra;<br />
• Hyundai i30;<br />
• BMW 3-Series (E90/E91);<br />
• Mercedes Benz E-class (211);<br />
• Volkswagen Golf IV/V/VI.<br />
The new Aerotwin Multi-Clip range complements the<br />
current Aerotwin BBA series of wiper blades, which fit<br />
Asian and local vehicle applications. So, by stocking<br />
both the Aerotwin BBA and Multi-Clip ranges, your<br />
workshop can provide your customers with the right<br />
wiper blade for all the latest vehicles.<br />
AWARD WINNING AEROTWIN MULTI-CLIP<br />
The new Bosch Aerotwin Multi-Clip wiper blade was awarded ‘best in class’, in recent field<br />
testing conducted by ADAC, Europe’s largest automotive association.<br />
Ten wiper blades of various leading brands were tested,<br />
comprising of both bracket-less and older style blades. All blades<br />
were tested on vehicles under extreme hot and cold<br />
temperatures. In addition, all wipers were checked for rate of<br />
wear and condition, after being subjected to high levels of<br />
artificial sunlight.<br />
The conclusion was that the Bosch Aerotwin Multi-Clip wiper<br />
blade stood out from the competition in all tests conducted.<br />
Having the best wiping result and least wear, the new Bosch<br />
blades were recognised as a superior quality product.<br />
The Aerotwin received further accolades for ease of<br />
installation and fitted, thanks to the Multi-Clip universal adapter.<br />
The ADAC testers criticised wiper blades in general, for<br />
frequently being problematic to install on cars and called for<br />
"more user-friendly, standardised connection elements between<br />
the wiper arm and blade". They commended Bosch for having<br />
done exactly that, with the Aerotwin Multi-Clip model.<br />
In its test findings, ADAC stated that: “When buying wipers,<br />
it is well worth paying a little more for a good quality product,<br />
as the high-quality and slightly more ex¬pensive products<br />
performed better in the test than the inexpensive ones”.<br />
The testers also stated that bracket-less wipers, such as the<br />
Aerotwin, were also a preferable choice over older style wiper<br />
blades, as they retained a higher level of wiping performance<br />
for longer.<br />
40 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
BOSCH FEATURE<br />
BOSCH AEROTWIN WIPER BLADES<br />
– INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY<br />
With Aerotwin Wiper blades, Bosch has re-defined the concept<br />
of excellent wiping quality, innovative design and maximum<br />
comfort. Even in heavy rain and when driving at high speeds,<br />
drivers can always be sure of having optimum visibility.<br />
Aerotwin bracket-less wiper blades<br />
are designed without metal or plastic<br />
brackets, joints or hinges, offering design<br />
and performance improvements over<br />
conventional wiper blades.<br />
The brackets and joints of<br />
conventional wiper blades are replaced<br />
by dual precision-tensioned Evodium<br />
steel springs. These are curved at a<br />
precise radius along each millimetre of<br />
length, creating infinite pressure points<br />
for a perfect fit to the curvature of the<br />
windscreen.<br />
These springs are enclosed under an<br />
aerodynamic integrated wind spoiler,<br />
protecting them from corrosion and<br />
ultra-violet rays. The spoiler creates<br />
down-force, preventing blade lift-off at<br />
highway speeds or in severe winds.<br />
This innovative design distributes<br />
more uniform pressure along the entire<br />
length of the blade for the perfect wipe.<br />
The Bosch Aerotwin also features<br />
innovative FX dual rubber technology. A<br />
soft, flexible rubber element reduces<br />
chatter and squeak, whilst the precisioncut<br />
wiping edge, specially coated with<br />
This innovative design<br />
distributes more uniform<br />
pressure along the entire<br />
length of the blade for<br />
the perfect wipe.<br />
Quiet-Glide micro-finish for smooth and<br />
quiet operation, resists wear and<br />
removes even the smallest droplets of<br />
moisture for the cleanest wipe over a<br />
longer performance life.<br />
Bosch Aerotwin wiper blades have<br />
been designed to provide ultimate<br />
wiping performance with the longest<br />
life. The Bosch wiper blade range also<br />
includes Micro Edge and ECO wiper<br />
blades, in order to provide a range of<br />
products to cater for almost every vehicle<br />
and budget.<br />
All Bosch wiper blades are tested to<br />
the limits of weather conditions and<br />
speeds to guarantee ultimate safety, the<br />
best possible performance and durability.<br />
For further information on Bosch<br />
Aerotwin wiper blades, or any other<br />
product in the Bosch wiper blade<br />
range, please contact your local Bosch<br />
distributor, or call Bosch Customer<br />
Service Centre on 1300 307 040.<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 41
MEMBER FEATURE<br />
AUTOMOTIVE BRANDS RACING AHEAD<br />
Like many in the automotive aftermarket, two years ago Autobarn faced a big hurdle due to the<br />
potential demise of one of its biggest suppliers, National Parts, but the franchise group met that<br />
challenge head on and has continued to grow and now has plans to take on its larger competition<br />
through its, and its new sister chain's, increased market presence.<br />
<strong>Automotive</strong> Brands was born as an<br />
umbrella company when Autopro became a<br />
member of the Autobarn group as a result of<br />
its acquisition of various assets from National<br />
Parts in 2008.<br />
Since then the two auto <strong>parts</strong> chains have<br />
lived contentedly side-by-side and have<br />
continued to take on their rivals in the<br />
marketplace, which include a number of<br />
chains – such as Repco and AutoOne –<br />
independents and the huge Supercheap Auto<br />
conglomerate.<br />
<strong>Automotive</strong> Brands General Manager of<br />
Operations, Grant Jarrett, sits comfortably<br />
when he reflects back on what the<br />
organisation has achieved over the past two<br />
years.<br />
"In that period of time we've added some<br />
50 new product ranges; we've taken this<br />
warehouse (in Nunawading Victoria) from<br />
being predominantly an import style<br />
warehouse to now servicing the majority of<br />
our customers on a daily basis," he explained.<br />
"The amount of stock that we're<br />
delivering now to our stores through this<br />
warehouse and both our Brisbane and Perth<br />
warehouses, has gone way beyond our initial<br />
expectations.<br />
"When we started looking at the growth<br />
achieved in some of the key categories we<br />
started to realise that the whole integration<br />
has actually worked out extremely well.<br />
"It's been hard work; a lot of hard yards<br />
by everybody to get it to this stage, trying to<br />
integrate two quite culturally different<br />
businesses and then trying to change the<br />
culture internally in this business to accept<br />
those two different businesses has certainly<br />
been a big challenge for us, but we've got the<br />
results."<br />
It's been hard work; a lot of<br />
hard yards by everybody to get it<br />
to this stage, trying to integrate<br />
two quite culturally different<br />
businesses and then trying to<br />
change the culture internally<br />
in this business to accept<br />
those two different businesses<br />
has certainly been a big challenge<br />
for us, but we've got the results.<br />
In fact, the merging of the two businesses<br />
was so successful that <strong>Automotive</strong> Brands<br />
decided to showcase its renewed<br />
organisation by holding a conference and<br />
trade expo in Auckland New Zealand in the<br />
second half of 2009.<br />
"We generated record sales through the<br />
trade expo; way beyond our wildest dreams<br />
and certainly beyond the dreams of even our<br />
supplier partners," Mr Jarrett said.<br />
"It showcased to our franchisees and to<br />
our suppliers that we're really serious about<br />
Grant Jarrett<br />
what we're doing, and that is providing a<br />
valuable, integrated service to our network.<br />
"We've achieved a lot in a relatively short<br />
period of time. It's not as though we<br />
necessarily had the entire infrastructure in<br />
place to make that all happen.<br />
"So getting those product ranges added,<br />
our suppliers on board, the products into the<br />
warehouse, our distribution network correct,<br />
establishing the processes to service our<br />
customers on an overnight basis for<br />
emergency orders and also give them a good<br />
consistent reliable stock order system, to<br />
work out the categories, get our core ranges<br />
correct, create a comprehensive marketing<br />
program that was suitable, to adapt our<br />
whole business model to suit the two quite<br />
unique styles of both Autobarn and Autopro<br />
and at the same time go and recruit new<br />
franchisees, has been a real feat."<br />
National Parts was a major supplier to<br />
Autobarn stores as well as many other auto<br />
<strong>parts</strong> businesses. When it closed Autobarn<br />
was left with a gap in its supply chain and one<br />
of its competitors, the Autopro group – which<br />
was owned by National Parts – was also left<br />
hanging by a thread.<br />
Rather than watching one of its<br />
competitors collapse and having to find<br />
another supplier, or indeed many other<br />
suppliers, the directors of Autobarn decided<br />
to buy some of the National Parts assets and<br />
the Autopro trademark and associated assets.<br />
They set up <strong>Automotive</strong> Brands as an<br />
umbrella company, continued to run both<br />
Autobarn and Autopro as separate entities,<br />
both with very different structures, and<br />
became the major supplier and supporter of<br />
both chains.<br />
"Our distribution model is set up to<br />
support our two store groups, that's our plan<br />
and was our plan from day one, (But) we<br />
needed to have more than one warehouse,<br />
so we took over the Brisbane and Perth<br />
former National Parts warehouses to make<br />
sure we had a distribution model that was<br />
going to service the needs of our stores and<br />
meet the geographical barriers," Mr Jarrett<br />
said.<br />
Suddenly <strong>Automotive</strong> Brands had two<br />
very different auto <strong>parts</strong> chains – Autobarn<br />
and Autopro – so how do the two brands sit<br />
side-by-side under the same parent company?<br />
"We see both brands as having their own<br />
unique strengths and as much as there will be<br />
42 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
MEMBER FEATURE<br />
always some points of conflict, we always see<br />
them as being uniquely different and having<br />
their own areas of specialty," Mr Jarrett<br />
explained.<br />
“They co-existed for a long period of time<br />
being serviced by a pool of similar suppliers,<br />
all we've really done is said 'let's get the<br />
strengths of each group and maximise those<br />
strengths'.<br />
"At the end of the day we're all<br />
competing for a share of the market and that<br />
competition existed before <strong>Automotive</strong><br />
Brands came along. So we're just really<br />
saying, 'look we believe we can add some<br />
expertise to both groups; we think we can<br />
add value to both groups'. Our focus is to<br />
help both of them grow and develop."<br />
It's not lost on <strong>Automotive</strong> Brands that<br />
owning two strong entities in the<br />
marketplace helps to counter its competitors.<br />
"There's many strengths in both brands<br />
and that's the important thing. They've both<br />
got a place in the market; they both appeal<br />
to a range of potential business owners. They<br />
also have very strong brand recall, and<br />
obviously a rapport, with a range of<br />
customers. I see that we can build on it," Mr<br />
Jarrett said.<br />
"What we've learnt now is that we know<br />
where an Autobarn store should be and<br />
where an Autopro store should be.<br />
"We are now very conscious about not<br />
making the mistake of putting the wrong<br />
brand in the wrong place; there's a logical,<br />
commonsense approach to which brand<br />
should be represented in certain areas based<br />
around the demographics of the area.<br />
"Because we now have a better<br />
understanding of that, we're able to target<br />
our actual recruitment program a little better<br />
than perhaps it was in the early days when<br />
each brand already had their own individual<br />
plans, and I'm very confident now that that's<br />
working well."<br />
"Autobarn stores tend to be large stores<br />
and therefore their draw of population tends<br />
to be slightly greater, and there are certain<br />
areas where we think the Autopro model is<br />
a perfect fit, and in most cases these will<br />
be conversions of existing independent<br />
resellers."<br />
So moving forward, what is the next step<br />
in terms of marketing and growth for both<br />
brands?<br />
"We have to maximise our spend and<br />
we've got to make sure we get a good return<br />
on our investment with our spend; we don't<br />
have erroneous amounts of money to deal<br />
with, unlike some of the other company<br />
owned stores, so we've got to be very sensible<br />
where we invest our money, where we think<br />
we'll get our best bang for our buck," Mr<br />
Jarrett said.<br />
"We were a little bit apprehensive about<br />
too much significant store development<br />
growth in the early days of integration<br />
because we really believed we needed to<br />
make sure we had the service model to be<br />
able to support it.<br />
"Until we really were in a position to be<br />
able to support the network and deliver on<br />
what we set out to deliver, we felt that it was<br />
unrealistic to be going out and just adding<br />
more stores randomly around the country.<br />
"We quite<br />
deliberately slowed<br />
that process down,<br />
but we're more<br />
than confident<br />
now that we're<br />
able to service that<br />
and particularly<br />
with the plans that<br />
we've got in place<br />
over the next two<br />
years that we'll be<br />
able to adequately<br />
handle any new<br />
store development<br />
growth that we<br />
bring onboard.<br />
Now it's full steam<br />
ahead."<br />
So how does an organisation that runs a<br />
franchise group, effectively a collection of<br />
likeminded independent stores, take on the<br />
might of a conglomerate like Supercheap<br />
Auto?<br />
"Just with good targeted marketing," Mr<br />
Jarrett said.<br />
"There's two things that we have,<br />
number one, we have stores throughout the<br />
country that are run by very dedicated<br />
people who are very good at what they do;<br />
they understand the industry very well;<br />
they're passionate about their business; they<br />
operate within their own markets<br />
successfully; they all do a range of local<br />
marketing activities, which is targeted and<br />
very specific. So we're fortunate we work<br />
with such a great group of highly<br />
professional people.<br />
"Number two, our marketing is really<br />
supporting those activities; it's out there<br />
saying 'look we'll build the brands; we'll<br />
make sure we've got the right product and<br />
that our pricing position is correct'.<br />
"We have to be very targeted; we have to<br />
make sure that every campaign we run<br />
works.<br />
"You can have the shotgun approach to<br />
advertising or you can have the targeted<br />
approach to advertising and we work with<br />
the targeted approach."<br />
And following this marketing approach,<br />
<strong>Automotive</strong> Brands has grown at such a rate<br />
that it has announced it will be moving its<br />
Nunawading head office and distribution<br />
facility to a new location in early 2011.<br />
"Our growth has been exceptional in such<br />
a short space of time, and we have been<br />
working for some time on a relocation plan<br />
to ensure we are able to support the growth<br />
and continue to improve the service we offer<br />
to our stores", Mr Jarrett said.<br />
<strong>Automotive</strong> Brands has taken over a<br />
facility that will expand its warehouse<br />
capacity by more than four times, as well as<br />
doubling its current office space.<br />
"The new facility will provides us with the<br />
scope to expand our product offering, further<br />
improve customer service and give us a<br />
platform to build an even better business<br />
going forward. These are very exciting times<br />
for <strong>Automotive</strong> Brands, our franchisees and<br />
our supplier partners," Mr Jarrett said.<br />
Mr Jarrett is convinced that independent<br />
stores have an important place in the auto<br />
<strong>parts</strong> landscape.<br />
"They play an important role in selling<br />
and promoting all the key brands in the<br />
market; they do an enormous amount in<br />
supporting local communities. (They are)<br />
often stores owned and run by families<br />
within a community so they have a very<br />
strong relationship with their fellow<br />
community people," he said.<br />
"What we have is the ability to service<br />
that growth; for that independence to<br />
continue to grow and develop we need to be<br />
able to provide them with the tools to better<br />
go out and be competitive in this<br />
marketplace.<br />
"We've probably been quite overwhelmed<br />
with what's been achieved in two<br />
years and I think we've now reached a point<br />
where the future has to open up; we have to<br />
continue to expand; we have to continue the<br />
momentum that's been generated..."<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 43
REPLACEMENT PARTS<br />
Autodata V37<br />
Autodata Australia is about to unveil the latest update of its popular information system, with some major<br />
additions to keep its customers informed and up-to-date with current vehicle technologies.<br />
The South East Queensland based trade<br />
supplier of automotive information systems<br />
has more than 30 years of publishing under<br />
its belt and more than 250 brand new<br />
individual models appear in this updated<br />
version and significant updates across all<br />
subjects are contained in the program.<br />
With this new version, Autodata<br />
Australia continues its ongoing<br />
commitment to its <strong>Australian</strong> and New<br />
Zealand customers by providing continued<br />
product improvement and development<br />
with some new and updated existing<br />
features including body wiring.<br />
This subject has had a substantial<br />
increase, with an emphasis focusing on<br />
body wiring for the popular Falcons and<br />
Commodores.<br />
Problematic circuitry such as body<br />
control module, transmission, instruments<br />
and central locking to name a few has been<br />
updated to provide technicians with the<br />
‘information tool’ to diagnose and rectify<br />
vehicle faults and day to day data needs.<br />
Circuits contain zoom features to<br />
enhance diagrams and ‘hotspot’ labelling<br />
allows the user to hover over components<br />
and wiring using the mouse pointer for<br />
quick identification of the component or<br />
wire colour.<br />
Mandatory with all of Autodata<br />
Australia’s wiring diagrams are the<br />
standardised component names and colour<br />
labelled circuitry, setting a new industry<br />
standard.<br />
Autodata’s advanced software allows<br />
the user to easily navigate between wiring,<br />
component testing and pin data with its<br />
integration and hot linking features.<br />
Vehicle service schedule repair times<br />
are included for a broader range of models<br />
with this update, with Autodata recognising<br />
the need for customers to provide accurate<br />
vehicle service quoting to secure more<br />
customers, especially via telephone<br />
quoting.<br />
Extended servicing times and distances<br />
see the customer presenting the vehicle for<br />
service as little as once or twice a year in<br />
some instances, and usually just before<br />
that long trip for annual holidays.<br />
With this fact in mind Autodata’s team<br />
has created alongside the popular state<br />
based safety inspection sheets three brand<br />
new comprehensive inspections sheets,<br />
ranging from 56,116 or 156 point checks.<br />
Simple model selection and choosing<br />
any of the three inspections produces a<br />
printable workshop guide containing a<br />
glass car outlining vehicle identifiers such<br />
as VIN and engine numbers and provisions<br />
for tread depth, damage and notes.<br />
These can be handed to the customer<br />
at pick up to provide a clear and concise<br />
explanation of what has been checked and<br />
is required in the way of faults with the<br />
vehicle, forming part of the point of sale<br />
material to justify the inspection cost.<br />
For more information contact Autodata<br />
Australia on 07 3245 3282.<br />
No need for illegal leaks anymore<br />
Detecting leaks in vehicle air conditioning systems can be hit and miss at times.<br />
Dyes are messy and often unreliable not<br />
to mention illegal in some applications.<br />
For instance, it is illegal for the vehicle<br />
repairer to allow a vehicle to leave the<br />
premises with a known gas leak and<br />
refrigerant in the system.<br />
This includes the long-time practice of<br />
adding dye and looking for the leak on the<br />
next visit.<br />
Leaks at the evaporator are also<br />
impossible to find with dye unless the dash<br />
has been dismantled.<br />
This is where the LOKtracer trace gas<br />
leak detection system can help.<br />
By injecting a small charge of the<br />
nitrogen-hydrogen trace gas into a<br />
recovered system, a leak can be easily<br />
detected using one of the new-technology<br />
trace gas leak detectors from Vulkan.<br />
Until recently, trace gas leak detection<br />
was expensive and the domain of<br />
dedicated leak detection firms using<br />
thousands of dollars worth of equipment.<br />
This leak detection technology has also<br />
been in use in the manufacturing sector for<br />
more than 10 years, but with the<br />
introduction of LOKtracer it makes the<br />
method available to service technicians<br />
too.<br />
For less than $1000 dollars, the trace<br />
gas leak detection system can be<br />
employed, which includes a hand held<br />
trace gas leak detector, regulator and trace<br />
gas bottle for hire.<br />
The average vehicle will use<br />
approximately eight dollars worth of trace<br />
gas and save heaps of inconvenience.<br />
Hydrogen has the smallest molecule of<br />
all gases and if a leak is present, hydrogen<br />
will leak.<br />
Hydrogen is also lighter than air. This<br />
makes detection easy even for evaporators<br />
as the trace gas will be detected at the vent<br />
outlet.<br />
The system is so accurate that leaks less<br />
than one gram per year can be detected.<br />
The same detector supplied to<br />
automotive A/C repairers is also used in<br />
commercial refrigeration leak detection<br />
where it can detect a leak through 10cm of<br />
concrete.<br />
In Europe, some vehicle repairers are<br />
also using this system to detect engine<br />
block leaks and radiator leaks.<br />
The non-flammable trace gas is totally<br />
inert and harmless to the environment. It<br />
does not need to be recovered.<br />
If you would like to learn more about<br />
LOKtracer trace gas leak detection,<br />
contact Mark Byrnes at Vulkan Lokring<br />
on 0408 658 885 or email<br />
markb@vulkan.com.au<br />
44 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
REPLACEMENT PARTS<br />
Bosch spark plugs cuts stock<br />
Are you carrying too much spark plug stock?<br />
Would you like to carry spark plugs but don’t think<br />
you have the space? Then why not switch up to<br />
Bosch spark plugs?<br />
Powerful and compact the Bosch spark plug range is a great<br />
investment for your business.<br />
It allows you to provide your customers with the latest in proven<br />
spark plug technology supported by a known, trusted brand, with<br />
minimum inventory investment and more profitability for your<br />
workshop.<br />
The Bosch range is easy to manage thanks to extensive research<br />
and testing carried out by Bosch engineers to rationalise part numbers<br />
without sacrificing either performance or service life.<br />
The award winning Bosch spark plug program offers a<br />
comprehensive range of precious metal spark plugs at various<br />
performance levels, with very high vehicle coverage for all domestic<br />
and imported passenger cars, vans, SUVs and light trucks.<br />
The Bosch spark plug program comprises of the Platinum-Ir Fusion,<br />
Platinum Plus and Super Plus spark plugs.<br />
The top 21 spark plugs in the range fit more than 2300 vehicles,<br />
which makes you wander why every workshop doesn’t keep them in<br />
stock.<br />
Unlike other brands of spark plugs on the market, all spark plugs<br />
in the Bosch range are resistor spark plugs.<br />
Resistor spark plugs are fitted by the world’s leading OE vehicle<br />
manufacturers because they avoid damage to expensive electronic<br />
components, protect the engine management computer against<br />
electromagnetic interference, prevent radio interference and improve<br />
overall performance.<br />
Bosch invented the spark plug and after 100 years experience in<br />
developing, testing and manufacturing spark plugs, it’s no surprise<br />
that Bosch spark plugs are recommended by vehicle manufacturers<br />
worldwide.<br />
For your copy of the latest Bosch spark plug stocking crossreference<br />
chart, contact your local Bosch distributor.<br />
For more information on the Bosch spark plug range call Bosch<br />
Customer Service on 1300 30 70 40.<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 45
REPLACEMENT PARTS<br />
“It may surprise people to learn that<br />
independent workshops are amongst<br />
Holden’s most important customers. And<br />
that’s why we launched the Holden Trade<br />
Club program earlier this year,” he said.<br />
Rotor range goes commercial<br />
The on-going range expansion by the Protex brand of disc rotors now includes commercial vehicles.<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> Truck and Auto Parts (ATAP)<br />
has long put its extensive resources behind<br />
this continued range upgrade, resulting in<br />
the brand becoming firmly established as a<br />
leading player in the <strong>Australian</strong> market.<br />
Currently the program totals more than<br />
1400 disc rotor part numbers, encompassing<br />
95 percent of the <strong>Australian</strong> car-parc.<br />
This covers all the popular local and<br />
imported passenger applications; ranging<br />
from Alfa to Volvo, and now includes an<br />
expanding range of commercial vehicles.<br />
The success of the Protex rotor range is<br />
due to the quality built into the products,<br />
which boast sourcing from leading global<br />
suppliers and the knowledge and expertise<br />
provided by the ATAP in-house development<br />
team.<br />
Protex disc rotors are manufactured<br />
using only the highest quality raw materials.<br />
The finishing process includes extensive<br />
testing for roundness, run-out and surface<br />
finish before being machine balanced.<br />
All rotors are machined to achieve a nondirectional<br />
finish, which ensures quicker<br />
bed-in time.<br />
“Maintaining the growth rate of our<br />
Protex range is fundamental to us,<br />
particularly when it comes to brake,” ATAP’s<br />
Anthony Goerke said.<br />
“We have over the years assembled a<br />
vast range, and our inclusion of new<br />
commercial applications is in keeping with<br />
The Protex high-quality disc rotor range now includes rotors for commercial vehicles.<br />
our commitment to ensure our range meets<br />
the demands of a changing market.<br />
“Over recent years there has been a shift<br />
from the manufacturers of commercial<br />
vehicles.<br />
“We are now seeing an increasing trend<br />
towards the use of disc rotors in these<br />
vehicles, a massive change from the<br />
traditional use of drums.”<br />
Mr Goerke said sourcing and ranging<br />
these applications is essential to the<br />
aftermarket, which relies on having<br />
<strong>replacement</strong> <strong>parts</strong> available to stay ahead in<br />
the market place.<br />
Are you in the club?<br />
According to Aftersales Director at Holden, John Scotton, there has been a lot happening in<br />
Holden Dealer Parts Department around the country recently.<br />
“Holden Trade Club is a straightforward<br />
business proposition from Holden to the<br />
genuine trade. Holden Trade Club<br />
members qualify for price reductions over<br />
and above normal trade discounts on a<br />
“Our Protex rotors consistently achieve<br />
high quality and performance, we always<br />
aim to keep our pricing competitive and<br />
importantly our range is always growing to<br />
include the latest vehicles,” he said.<br />
“Backed by our in-house product<br />
development team and national<br />
distribution, we are able to ensure our<br />
customers have access to a range that<br />
continues to meet their needs.”<br />
For more information contact your local<br />
ATAP warehouse.<br />
wide range of service and repair <strong>parts</strong>.”<br />
Trade Club membership is available<br />
free of charge to anyone in the vehicle<br />
service or repair trade with an ABN.<br />
Joining is as simple as contacting the<br />
nearest Holden Trade Club Dealer to sign<br />
up.<br />
ACDelco Essentials is the most recent<br />
Holden Trade Club initiative.<br />
ACDelco Essentials is an extensive<br />
range of multi-application products that<br />
includes wiper blades, chemicals, engine<br />
oils and fluids.<br />
These are consumable <strong>parts</strong> used in<br />
your workshop every day.<br />
So, if you are not already talking to your<br />
local Holden Trade Club dealer then you<br />
should do very soon.<br />
46 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
REPLACEMENT PARTS<br />
BrakeQuip hose system<br />
Gone are the days of having to stock countless different brake hoses, taking up<br />
valuable room and costing you big time.<br />
The BrakeQuip Brake Hose<br />
Manufacturing System enables you to<br />
easily manufacture, test and supply<br />
any brake or clutch hose for any<br />
vehicle you may come across, no<br />
matter how oddball the application is.<br />
You can supply rubber or stainless<br />
steel braided brake hoses that<br />
conform to the toughest of ADR<br />
standards, in just a few minutes -<br />
crimped, tested and ready to go.<br />
Using the BrakeQuip Brake Hose<br />
Manufacturing System along side the<br />
revolutionary Online Application<br />
Catalogue, BrakeQuip takes the<br />
guesswork out of making your<br />
customers’ hoses.<br />
With complete colour CAD<br />
images, cut lengths and build data,<br />
you won’t need samples or OE<br />
numbers.<br />
Searching the vehicle is as easy as<br />
entering the make and model and in<br />
no time at all the new hoses are ready<br />
for sale.<br />
Taking the waiting time out of<br />
spare <strong>parts</strong>, your customers will<br />
quickly come to rely on you not only<br />
for brake hoses, pipes and<br />
accessories, but for other spare <strong>parts</strong>.<br />
The quicker you can get<br />
<strong>replacement</strong> hoses to work shops<br />
around your area, the quicker your<br />
clients can get cars off the hoist and<br />
you profit from their speedy<br />
turnaround time.<br />
With minimal downtime,<br />
everybody’s a winner.<br />
The BrakeQuip Brake Hose<br />
Manufacturing System not only saves<br />
you time but makes you money.<br />
For more information phone<br />
03 8586 2555.<br />
48 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
REPLACEMENT PARTS<br />
Luk joins TecDoc<br />
LuK, the world’s largest Clutch<br />
Manufacturer, has chosen TecDoc<br />
as one of its main partners for<br />
giving customers access to its<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> domestic range of<br />
clutch kits, components and<br />
flywheels.<br />
“The parent company of LuK, Schaeffler<br />
group is an active participant within TecDoc<br />
globally; we are already known for covering<br />
European models, but we have spent the last<br />
two years developing a range of clutches for<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> models, and now have a<br />
compressive range of kits and components<br />
available for Holden, Ford and unique Asian<br />
vehicles within our market.<br />
For us TecDoc is an essential tool to get<br />
these into market,” Manager of Schaeffler’s<br />
<strong>Automotive</strong> <strong>Aftermarket</strong> Division, Pierre<br />
Marshall, said.<br />
For more information phone 03 9534 7802.<br />
LED Technologies catalogue<br />
LED Technologies has released its new, redesigned and<br />
comprehensive 136 page colour product catalogue.<br />
The catalogue is packed full of new<br />
and existing LED automotive,<br />
industrial and marine range products.<br />
It includes complete product<br />
detail, technical drawings, fitting<br />
procedures and other useful<br />
information.<br />
The catalogue is organised for<br />
easy product search and to assist<br />
customers in choosing the right<br />
product for their application.<br />
The catalogue is also available<br />
on the internet at<br />
www.ledautolamps.com where it<br />
can be read on screen or<br />
downloaded to the computer.<br />
To request your copy call LED<br />
Technologies on 03 9464 5939,<br />
email led@ledtech.com.au or<br />
visit one of the many distributors<br />
across Australia.<br />
50 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
REPLACEMENT PARTS<br />
Ferodo expands TQ range<br />
Ferodo ThermoQuiet (TQ) brake pads enjoy an<br />
international reputation for high performance braking<br />
that is not only reliable, but incredibly quiet.<br />
Now, Ferodo TQs cater to an even greater range of applications,<br />
meaning that workshops can confidently recommend the world’s most<br />
technologically advanced brake pad to even more customers.<br />
The Ferodo TQ range now has more than 120 references available,<br />
with applications to suit more than 80 percent of brake pads replaced<br />
in the <strong>Australian</strong> automotive aftermarket.<br />
The expanded range covers 18 of the country’s most prevalent<br />
makes of vehicle, from the ever-popular Holden and Ford through to<br />
makes such as Subaru, Kia and Daewoo.<br />
Workshops can quickly and easily check if Ferodo TQs are available<br />
for a particular make and model of vehicle simply by visiting<br />
www.justquietly.com.au and clicking on ‘applications’.<br />
SUVs continue to gain popularity among <strong>Australian</strong> motorists and<br />
SUV market share is on the rise.<br />
It’s good to know that when servicing these vehicles, workshops<br />
can provide their customers with the exceptional option of Ferodo TQ.<br />
TQs for SUVs feature formulations specifically selected to deliver<br />
outstanding performance whether you’re driving on or off-road.<br />
Ferodo TQs offer exceptional heat dissipation that reduces heat<br />
transfer into the brake components, delivering confident stopping<br />
power under a variety of conditions: loaded up, around town or on the<br />
toughest treks.<br />
Safe and reliable, TQs offer extended operational life, which means<br />
cost savings for SUV customers.<br />
Even on the longest journey, Ferodo TQ’s unique, ultra clean<br />
ceramic friction technology ensures SUV wheels stay super clean and<br />
free of dust and residue.<br />
Another bonus for SUV drivers is TQ’s excellent recovery after water<br />
crossings.<br />
Backed by years of research into clean, quiet high performance<br />
braking, Ferodo TQs stand head and shoulders above competitors in<br />
terms of innovation, performance, reliability and durability.<br />
All TQ pads have excellent pedal feel, great stopping power, and<br />
are exceptionally long lasting.<br />
Now with its expanded range, the TQ advantage is now available<br />
to many more vehicle owners.<br />
For more information visit the website www.motospecs.com.au<br />
or call 1300 FERODO (337636).<br />
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REPLACEMENT PARTS<br />
Understanding the impact of loss of tension in the<br />
Accessory Belt Drive System (ABDS)<br />
It's important to understand the serpentine belt has only one job today and that is to transmit the torque or<br />
power from the crank to all the accessories in the system.<br />
This torque is transferred by belt<br />
friction created by the wedging force as<br />
it is being forced into the pulley by the<br />
tension created by the tensioner.<br />
If either the belt or tensioner is<br />
failing there is less chance the belt can<br />
transfer the energy from the crank to all<br />
the power hungry accessories until both<br />
the belt and tensioner are replaced.<br />
As the belt begins to slip excessive<br />
heat is generated and migrates through<br />
the belt, into the pulley and shafts of the<br />
accessories and then into the bearings<br />
creating premature grease boil-out or<br />
bearing failure.<br />
Loss of tension can also play a part in<br />
excessive belt or potential pulley wear.<br />
Today's EPDM belt can run well over<br />
160,000 kilometres, be totally worn out<br />
but yet still look brand new because of<br />
its material makeup.<br />
The danger of not understanding how<br />
to read this failure creates comebacks<br />
and loss of profits.<br />
A possible example of this could be<br />
your customer comes in for an alternator<br />
<strong>replacement</strong>.<br />
You replace the alternator and reuse<br />
the old belt because it still looks almost<br />
new.<br />
Within a few days your customer<br />
returns because the alternator is not<br />
charging correctly as the worn belt could<br />
not effectively transfer the power as the<br />
accessories turned on and off.<br />
This is why it is important to<br />
understand the root cause of any belt<br />
failure or problem in the ABDS before<br />
recommending the corrective action.<br />
The end result will be a more<br />
satisfied customer, increased profits<br />
along with reduced comebacks for the<br />
shop or mechanic.<br />
Serpentine belt<br />
A high quality belt such as Gates<br />
Micro-V will normally not 'just fail' but<br />
can be caused to fail by something else<br />
so therefore it is important to find the<br />
root cause of the failure. If the<br />
mechanic just installs a new belt, as<br />
soon as the engine starts the failure<br />
begins all over again creating a future<br />
comeback and potential loss of<br />
customer satisfaction.<br />
The following are key indicators of<br />
failed components on the accessory<br />
drive:<br />
• Glazing (shiny) on the underside of<br />
the belt indicates that the belt has<br />
been slipping.<br />
• Cracks on the underside of a<br />
serpentine belt are normal with age.<br />
• Any side abrasion on the belt is a<br />
prime indicator that there is<br />
misalignment in the system.<br />
• Pilling can be identified by the shiny<br />
streaks of material bonded to the<br />
apex of the belt.<br />
EPDM is a superior technology with<br />
better performance characteristics but,<br />
like any wear part, these belts don't last<br />
forever. It can be harder to detect when<br />
these new belts are worn, because as<br />
EPDM belts age, they don't show wear<br />
the same way as Neoprene. To help<br />
professional technicians accurately<br />
diagnose belt wear in EPDM belts, Gates<br />
has developed a Belt Wear Gauge to<br />
help identify and recommend belt<br />
<strong>replacement</strong> at the appropriate time.<br />
Belt wear is a critical failure for belts.<br />
You can find belt wear in a glazed and<br />
shiny, pilling, cracked belt or simply by<br />
itself with no other apparent damage. As<br />
little as five percent material loss can<br />
facilitate loss of tension in the system. A<br />
slipping belt is absolutely the worst<br />
thing that can happen to the ABDS.<br />
A customer's complaint of any belt<br />
noise such as chirp or squeal should be<br />
the first clue that they are experiencing<br />
loss of tension in the system due to a<br />
slipping belt or a failing tensioner. It is now<br />
a systems issue and not a belt problem. As<br />
the belt slips it allows every accessory to<br />
operate at a diminished output, it creates<br />
heat for the bearings and complaints of<br />
noise from the customer.<br />
The consequence of a slipping belt<br />
can result in one of the following:<br />
• Creates heat resulting in premature<br />
bearing/accessory failure<br />
• Reduction in performance from the<br />
A/C<br />
• Poor charging from the alternator<br />
• Pulley wear<br />
54 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
REPLACEMENT PARTS<br />
• Belt glazing/wear resulting in loss of<br />
power transfer<br />
• Belt noise<br />
Note: As a belt slips it also has the ability<br />
to generate false codes for the sensors that<br />
are situated in or around the ABDS. These<br />
false codes can be extremely difficult to<br />
track back to the root cause which is a<br />
slipping belt or a failing tensioner.<br />
Tensioners<br />
Tensioners today are extremely<br />
important in the proper operation of the<br />
ABDS. The automatic tensioner performs<br />
two important jobs. The first is to maintain<br />
the correct amount of tension on the belt at<br />
all times throughout its duty cycle. The<br />
second is to dampen the impulses that are<br />
transmitted throughout the system as each<br />
cylinder fires.<br />
There are three distinct issues<br />
associated with tensioner failure. All of<br />
these issues lead to one corrective action,<br />
which is tensioner <strong>replacement</strong>:<br />
• The first area of concern is undue belt<br />
noise or squeal.<br />
• The second area of concern is pivot<br />
bushing wear which results in the<br />
tensioner arm moving away from its<br />
base.<br />
• The third area of concern is damper<br />
failure and should not be confused with<br />
loss of spring tension.<br />
Please note that there is a universal<br />
style low cost flat spring tensioner that<br />
exists in the aftermarket that does not have<br />
an OE style dampening system built into<br />
it. It relies on spring tension to act as the<br />
dampening device. Because it can lose its<br />
ability to dampen very quickly, it may have<br />
to be replaced more often.<br />
Failure to replace the tensioner with any<br />
one of these three areas of concern is a<br />
recipe for a future comeback or breakdown.<br />
Accessory Component (alternator, A/C,<br />
power steering etc.), bearings and water<br />
pump seals are very susceptible to any<br />
form of excessive vibration or heat and<br />
therefore can cause a premature failure of<br />
any accessory drive component.<br />
For this reason it's important when<br />
installing a <strong>replacement</strong> accessory<br />
component to check/observe the tensioner<br />
in operation to ensure it is operating<br />
properly.<br />
Remember: If you have seen signs of<br />
premature failure in an alternator, water<br />
pump or any accessory upstream from the<br />
tensioner, it may be a failed tensioner that<br />
is causing this component to fail as well.<br />
Tensioner inspection procedures<br />
With the problems caused by a failing<br />
tensioner it's a good rule to observe the<br />
system in operation to allow you to observe<br />
two particular areas of concern while the<br />
engine is in operation such as belt tracking<br />
and tensioner operation.<br />
With the engine running:<br />
• Observe the tracking of the belt as it<br />
revolves around the pulleys.<br />
• Observe the tensioner arm movement as<br />
the belt runs over it.<br />
• Look for excessive chattering or<br />
tensioner arm oscillation.<br />
• Lastly, listen for any hissing or growling<br />
that could indicate a potential pulley<br />
bearing failure.<br />
If Gates can assist in any way do not hesitate<br />
to give your local Gates representative a call<br />
or email southpacsales@gates.com<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 55
REPLACEMENT PARTS<br />
Understanding how to read LED output values<br />
LED lamp output values (lumens) can vary dramatically depending on which values, RAW or Effective<br />
Output, are being quoted.<br />
RAW values are much higher than<br />
Effective values and this can lead to a false<br />
expectation of the lamps performance.<br />
Because LED worklights and headlights<br />
operate at far higher temperatures than<br />
rear LED lighting, thermal management of<br />
LEDs is critical to performance.<br />
RAW output is the measure the light<br />
produced by the LED after 25<br />
milliseconds, the time equivalent to a flash<br />
bulb.<br />
This gives the LED a lumen measure<br />
that is its absolute maximum value.<br />
However, LEDs produce less light as<br />
they get hotter.<br />
In worklights LEDs are powered for long<br />
periods of time, causing them to get very<br />
hot, depending on the thermal<br />
management system.<br />
It’s not unusual for LEDs to reach more<br />
than 100ºC.<br />
This will result in the LED producing 10<br />
to 20 percent less light than its RAW value.<br />
Further optical and assembly losses can<br />
reduce the overall output by up to 50<br />
percent.<br />
The Effective rating is what you see as<br />
the worklight’s final output.<br />
Most companies only quote the RAW<br />
rating which has very little bearing on what<br />
you get out of a finished lamp.<br />
The RAW lumen output is calculated by<br />
taking the number of LEDs in a lamp and<br />
multiplying by the LED rated output. For<br />
example eight LED’s rated at 100 lumens<br />
per watt equal 800 lumen.<br />
The effective lumen output is<br />
calculated by taking the RAW lumen value<br />
and subtracting the thermal, optical and<br />
assembly losses. So using 800 lumens<br />
minus 40 percent in thermal, optical and<br />
assembly losses, the Effective lumens is<br />
480.<br />
So when choosing an LED worklight,<br />
always ask to see the Effective rating for a<br />
true idea of the lamp’s output capability.<br />
For further information on the Speaker<br />
range contact Invision Sales<br />
on 03 9330 2299 or visit<br />
www.speakerlighting.com.au<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 57
REPLACEMENT PARTS<br />
The perfect fit<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> Truck and Auto Parts (ATAP) stock a vast range of wear sensors and pad fitting kits from TRW,<br />
which cover the majority of vehicles found on <strong>Australian</strong> roads.<br />
TRW pad fitting kits and wear sensors<br />
make changing brake pads a trouble-free<br />
experience, while ensuring the highest<br />
quality repair standards.<br />
Installing a new brake pad fitting kit is<br />
very important when fitting a brake pad.<br />
The tension of old springs can<br />
significantly increase the wear of brake<br />
pads.<br />
Using an old, worn and unsafe pin as<br />
part of a pad fitting kit can cause the spring<br />
force to be too low which can result in noise<br />
occurrence or an unequal and<br />
disproportionate wear on the brake pads.<br />
This increases the risk of damaging the<br />
brake disc or an unequal brake effect,<br />
reducing brake stability and safety.<br />
TRW brake pad fitting kits include all<br />
the relevant <strong>parts</strong> for a professional and<br />
safe brake pad <strong>replacement</strong>, ensuring<br />
highest quality standards with minimum<br />
fuss.<br />
The TRW wear sensors are supplied in<br />
axle pack quantities and manufactured<br />
according to OE requirements.<br />
Most modern vehicles are equipped with<br />
brake pad wear sensors, which are a useful<br />
feature for alerting drivers of the need to<br />
replace brake pads.<br />
This alert occurs before the brake pads<br />
reach the point of metal on metal and risk<br />
damage to rotors or creating unsafe driving<br />
conditions.<br />
ATAP has found a way to better cater to<br />
individual customer needs by creating<br />
custom merchandisers for the TRW fitting<br />
kits and wear sensors.<br />
This merchandiser can be made up of<br />
anything from 20 to 100 part numbers,<br />
providing customers with a great sales<br />
opportunity just by having these items on<br />
hand.<br />
For more information on TRW pads, sensors<br />
and fitting kits contact ATAP.<br />
Performance headlamp globes<br />
Major developments emanating from the world’s leading globe manufacturers since the development of the<br />
standard halogen headlamp globe has resulted in greatly enhanced night vision and improved road safety.<br />
Today, headlamp globes fitted to many<br />
vehicles as standard can be easily<br />
upgraded with a simple change-over to a<br />
range of new performance globes.<br />
And there is a performance globe to<br />
suit every style of driving or driver<br />
preference.<br />
Narva, one of Australia’s leading<br />
automotive lighting specialists, offers the<br />
most comprehensive range of performance<br />
globes and each is ‘UV-Cut’ making them<br />
safe for use in modern polycarbonate lens<br />
headlamps.<br />
Narva’s Marketing Manager, George<br />
Davies, explained headlamp globes are<br />
measured in Kelvin (K) and Lumen (lm).<br />
Kelvin represents the colour<br />
temperature of a globe (measured in<br />
degrees kelvin) indicating how yellow,<br />
white or blue the light is.<br />
By raising the colour temperature of a<br />
standard globe (3000°K) the light starts<br />
to take on a whiter crisper appearance<br />
similar to that of daylight.<br />
Lumen (lm) is a measure of the ‘total<br />
amount of volume’ of visible light emitted<br />
from the globe.<br />
Therefore the higher the lumen<br />
rating the more light the globe<br />
produces.<br />
For the motorist, the Narva<br />
performance globe range offers a<br />
variety of advantages, all achieved<br />
with no increase in power<br />
consumption or heat.<br />
Plus 50 offers a practical<br />
upgrade providing 50 percent<br />
more light volume which<br />
transforms into a longer beam by<br />
some 20 metres.<br />
Blue Power is an all new<br />
technology globe with 80 percent more<br />
light and a 20 percent whiter light,<br />
producing 100 percent more vision.<br />
Artic Blue produces a distinctive icy<br />
blue/white headlamp appearance with a<br />
brighter, whiter light which at 4000°K is<br />
closer to daylight.<br />
Platinum is a globe providing a high<br />
quality light output with an attractive icy<br />
blue appearance to on-coming traffic.<br />
It produces an intense metallic white<br />
light and has an amazing 4300°K rating.<br />
Ultra Blue produces a distinctively blue<br />
headlamp appearance for on-coming<br />
traffic, catering more for the younger<br />
motoring enthusiast looking to be seen.<br />
Narva’s advice for motorists is a simple<br />
choice of more light or a whiter light more<br />
suited to city driving.<br />
The importance of improved lighting to<br />
reduce eye strain and enhance safety<br />
makes a cost effective upgrade an<br />
important factor to consider.<br />
The complete range of Narva<br />
performance globes is available now from<br />
leading automotive outlets and these<br />
come in all new retail display packs.<br />
For more information visit<br />
www.narva.com.au<br />
58 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
REPLACEMENT PARTS<br />
Akebono lands in Australia<br />
Euro Spares Depot is the sole distributor of Akebono dust-free brakes for Australia and New Zealand<br />
Besides running Euro Spares Depot,<br />
Steve Altair runs the service department at<br />
Melbourne Auto Works in Richmond,<br />
Victoria and has 20 years experience as a<br />
mechanic.<br />
Mr Altair said the Akebono products<br />
were high quality, long lasting and with the<br />
belief they are better than rival dust-free<br />
brakes, he has backed them 100 percent.<br />
“I’m putting my name behind them,”<br />
he declared.<br />
“I have never seen a product that<br />
elimiates brake dust as effectively as<br />
Akebono pads. Brake residue is virtually<br />
non-existent.”<br />
Mr Altair purchased 400 sets of the<br />
pads to trial them on customers’ cars at<br />
Melbourne Auto Works before agreeing to<br />
become the sole distributor for the region;<br />
he only had 40 sets left in May.<br />
“We service such a wide range of<br />
vehicles, from European to Japanese to<br />
American,” he explained.<br />
“We have been fitting them on clients’<br />
cars and they rave about them.”<br />
To fully test Akebono’s dust-free brake<br />
pledge, Melbourne Auto Works<br />
experimented on a 2009 BMW X5.<br />
“We put rear Akebono pads on and left<br />
the OE ones on the front,” Mr Altair said.<br />
“After we fitted them we washed all the<br />
wheels and the customer returned eight<br />
weeks later without washing the wheels at all.<br />
“The clean wheel is the one with<br />
Akebono brakes fitted and the dirty one is<br />
the OE and the customer did<br />
4157 kilometres.”<br />
The Tokyo-based company<br />
began in 1929 as a<br />
manufacturer of brake linings<br />
and clutch facings.<br />
Akebono launched brake<br />
sales activities in the United<br />
States in 1980 and Toyota is<br />
the company’s majority<br />
shareholder.<br />
The company boasts a 40<br />
percent market share in Japan<br />
for disc brake pads and 33<br />
percent in North America.<br />
And in the North American market<br />
Akebono supplies disc pads as OE <strong>parts</strong> to<br />
16 automotive manufacturers.<br />
Akebono also supplies disc pads for<br />
European luxury car makers such as<br />
Mercedes and Audi.<br />
The company prides itself as one of the<br />
world’s largest OE friction pad suppliers.<br />
Akebono supplies calipers and master<br />
cylinders to the McLaren Formula One<br />
team, which reports that Akebono brakes<br />
are worth 0.2 seconds per lap.<br />
This might not sound like much, but at<br />
320kph (200mph) this equates to about an<br />
800 metre advantage over 50 laps.<br />
Plus, the specially developed lightweight<br />
calipers for the F1 cars are designed to<br />
resist torsional loads and 800 degree<br />
Celsius temperate generated under braking<br />
without distorting.<br />
Akebono’s net sales in the 2009<br />
financial year totalled 1.7 billion US dollars<br />
and the company’s products are sold in a<br />
range of countries including China, France,<br />
India, Indonesia and Taiwan.<br />
“It’s doing very, very well overseas and I<br />
truly believe in the quality of the product,”<br />
Mr Altair said.<br />
Being one of the largest brake<br />
manufacturers in the world means Akebono<br />
is backed by some of the most<br />
comprehensive research and development<br />
in the industry.<br />
That fierce pursuit of unfailing quality<br />
and safety assures that Akebono continues<br />
to be a leader of braking technology.<br />
For information on becoming an Akebono<br />
reseller in Australia or New Zealand,<br />
contact Mr Altair on 1300 544 371 or<br />
email steve@eurospares.com.au<br />
Thermostat range expands<br />
Gates has released 12 new Stant thermostat applications for various vehicles including the popular Holden<br />
Astra, Hyundai Accent and Toyota Landcruiser, which have more than 30,000 vehicles on the road.<br />
An innovative product within<br />
the Stant range is the<br />
thermostat with gasket<br />
program.<br />
This program<br />
provides vehicle-specific<br />
thermostats that include the<br />
exact fit gasket or O-ring for every<br />
job, eliminating the frustrations<br />
associated with trying to install<br />
a universal gasket or trying to<br />
order the right gasket for each<br />
application.<br />
There are currently six part numbers<br />
available in the range, covering 24 of the<br />
most popular vehicles,<br />
which make up about 2.5<br />
million vehicles on<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> and New<br />
Zealand roads.<br />
There are numerous<br />
benefits associated with<br />
choosing a reputable brand<br />
like Stant thermostats for your<br />
customer’s vehicles, including<br />
efficient engine operation,<br />
prolonged engine life, reduced<br />
oil consumption, improved fuel<br />
economy and improved emissions.<br />
By installing Stant products, you<br />
provide your customers with security that<br />
you are choosing the right part for the job.<br />
Visit the Gates website<br />
www.gatesaustralia.com.au to use the<br />
Gates Online Catalogue, which lists the<br />
most up-to-date application and part<br />
number information available for all Gates<br />
product ranges.<br />
For more information about Stant<br />
thermostats and gaskets visit the Gates<br />
website www.gatesaustralia.com.au,<br />
contact your nearest stockist or<br />
contact the Gates Customer Service<br />
Team on 03 9797 9688.<br />
60 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
REPLACEMENT PARTS<br />
Better businesses build<br />
with Ryco<br />
More <strong>Australian</strong> trade fitters build their businesses<br />
with the Ryco brand than any other filter<br />
according to the company.<br />
Fred Jovika at Kupa Motor Repairs builds his business with the Ryco credibility.<br />
It is the proven mark of quality that lifts consumer confidence in a<br />
service that results in both being paid a premium for the work and more<br />
business from customers.<br />
“What this is all about for trade fitters is a sure-fire way for them to<br />
get more out of their business, now and in the future,” Ryco Marketing<br />
Manager, Ross Lamb, said.<br />
“As we have spent decades building our brand as the best which<br />
drivers can trust, it follows how the trade can take advantage of that<br />
excellent situation and make it work for their own businesses.”<br />
Successful operators throughout Australia proudly display the Ryco<br />
banners in their workshop and reception areas knowing the power of its<br />
credibility and endorsement.<br />
Zlatko (Fred) Jovica of Kupa Motor Repairs at 223 Sunshine Road,<br />
Tottenham, Victoria, has a workshop, which handles a huge variety of<br />
vehicles and operates in Melbourne’s competitive western suburbs.<br />
From late model Hondas to early Fords, his business relies on<br />
building up local work and keeping it. He has been in the business all<br />
his life and knows the value and benefits of being trusted.<br />
Daryn Brims of the Maryborough Service Centre in regional<br />
Queensland has a business where local credibility is vital and word-ofmouth<br />
is the best endorsement to his business, which started 18 months<br />
ago. The work ranges from general servicing to major mechanical repairs<br />
and using Ryco filters is a vital part of his business building plan.<br />
In the very competitive market of Sydney’s western suburbs, Graham<br />
Metcalfe’s Metcalfe Auto Centre has been in business for 30 years and<br />
he has been with Ryco for that time. His business has been built on<br />
quality servicing and now boasts the children of many customers.<br />
These days he employs four technicians and is proud of the fact that<br />
they all keep up their technical skills to meet the very latest vehicles.<br />
These nation-wide experiences prove from the suburbs of the big<br />
cities to the many and diversified regions, the advantages of Ryco filters<br />
are the same.<br />
This is Australia’s most trusted brand in performance and quality<br />
that enables businesses to build customers and profitability.<br />
For more information phone 03 9243 3333 or visit www.rycofilters.com.au<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 63
REPLACEMENT PARTS<br />
The new Hella Rallye iX FF 4000 and<br />
Hella Predator iX Series spotlights bring<br />
the latest generation of compact internal<br />
ballast spotlights to the <strong>Australian</strong> 4WD,<br />
SUV and heavy duty vehicle aftermarket.<br />
Living up to their brand name<br />
reputations, both the Rallye iX FF 4000<br />
and the Predator iX Series Xenon gas<br />
discharge driving lamps feature new and<br />
innovative designs, including a clear glass<br />
lens, high boost free form reflector and inbuilt<br />
ballast for quick and easy<br />
installation.<br />
These new Hella Xenon internal ballast<br />
spotlights have been extensively tested<br />
and built tough to withstand <strong>Australian</strong> off<br />
road conditions with weatherproof die-cast<br />
zinc housing and brackets.<br />
These new aftermarket products are<br />
Bosch Brake Pads and Shoes Catalogue<br />
Bosch has just released its 2010/2011 Brake Pads and Shoes Catalogue.<br />
The catalogue features the full range of part<br />
numbers across the Ultra, Qikstop and Eco<br />
brake pad ranges, as well as part numbers for<br />
the Bosch range of brake shoes for those<br />
vehicles fitted with brake drums.<br />
The new catalogue sees the release of 140<br />
new part numbers now available in the Bosch<br />
Ultra range of brake pads, which are ideally<br />
suited for demanding driving conditions or for<br />
use in all European applications.<br />
The brake pad range provides<br />
comprehensive coverage for popular makes and<br />
models of local, Asian and European vehicles,<br />
all designed to suit different driver braking<br />
styles and budgets.<br />
The brake shoes range includes part<br />
numbers for applications such as older Holden<br />
Commodore, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen<br />
Beetle models, as well as newer Holden Rodeo,<br />
Toyota Hilux and Yaris applications.<br />
The new catalogue includes valuable<br />
reference data, including wear and <strong>replacement</strong><br />
instructions and an easy to read table<br />
referencing pad part numbers to pad type<br />
availability.<br />
For ease of ordering, product identification<br />
images are also included along with a<br />
transparent catalogue protection sheet to lay<br />
between your sample pads and the catalogue<br />
images for quick size identification.<br />
For a copy of the new catalogue please contact<br />
your local Bosch distributor or call Bosch<br />
customer service on 1300 307 040.<br />
Hella products light up the aftermarket<br />
Hella Australia has introduced three new automotive lighting products to its extensive<br />
and ever growing aftermarket range.<br />
accompanied by a range of accessories<br />
including clear protective covers, HB iX<br />
Pencil Beam inserts and chrome rims.<br />
The Hella Predator iX series is the<br />
larger spotlight of the two new products,<br />
with a diameter of 220mm.<br />
The Hella Predator iX series is available<br />
in three variants, including pencil and<br />
spread beam 12 Volt models, and a 24<br />
Volt spread beam configuration.<br />
The Hella Rallye Ix FF 4000 is the<br />
more compact of the two with a 170mm<br />
diameter and is available in two 12V<br />
variants - pencil or spread beam.<br />
The spread beam driving lamp is fully<br />
compliant with third edition ADRs.<br />
Another new and innovative product to<br />
join the Hella <strong>Australian</strong> aftermarket range<br />
is the Hella multi-function LED rear<br />
combination lamp.<br />
This is a fully submersible LED<br />
stop/rear direction indicator lamp that<br />
includes a red retro reflector.<br />
This new dual volt (12/24V) Hella LED<br />
rear combination lamp features a modern<br />
clear lens design and a black mounting<br />
base with multiple fixing points, making<br />
fitment to vehicles and trailers an easy<br />
task.<br />
These premium quality Hella LED rear<br />
combination lamps have been designed to<br />
withstand harsh environmental conditions,<br />
including long term very high UV level<br />
exposure and high pressure washing.<br />
The optics appear clear in these lamps<br />
until illuminated in the signal colours and<br />
the current draw is minimal, 2W for the<br />
stop lamp, 1W for reverse position and 2W<br />
for the rear indicator.<br />
Hella has released two ADR compliant<br />
variants of this new aftermarket product<br />
with differing cable lengths to suit specific<br />
vehicle or trailer applications from half a<br />
metre to nine metres.<br />
These products are available<br />
individually or in bulk packs of 18 (half<br />
metre cable), 10 (six metre cable) and 12<br />
(nine metre cable).<br />
To find out more about these new<br />
products and the entire Hella aftermarket<br />
range, contact Hella Customer Service on<br />
1800 061 729.<br />
64 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
TECHNICAL COLUMN<br />
Exhaust systems with Ray Brown<br />
It does not seem all that long ago that an exhaust system was a piece of crude<br />
plumbing hung on the underside of a vehicle, almost as an afterthought, to carry<br />
away exhaust gas, heat and noise. On the modern automobile this is far from the<br />
case, as it has become an integral part of the powertrain and under-car architecture<br />
critical to performance, fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.<br />
An automobile exhaust system refers to<br />
a group of independent, but interrelated<br />
components, used to direct the waste<br />
exhaust gases, resulting from combustion<br />
of air and fuel, out of the engine.<br />
Depending on the specific design of an<br />
exhaust system, it will comprise an<br />
exhaust manifold with EGR valve, one or<br />
more exhaust pipes, a catalytic converter,<br />
an oxygen sensor, a muffler and/or<br />
resonator but could also incorporate a<br />
turbocharger. We will now look at each<br />
major part of the exhaust system to<br />
understand its function and how it works.<br />
Later, we will look at a few novel and<br />
future technologies, which may shape the<br />
exhaust system of the future.<br />
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)<br />
EGR was widely adopted in the 1970s<br />
as a means of reducing the oxides of<br />
nitrogen which cause smog and acid rain.<br />
Nitrogen oxides are generated when<br />
nitrogen in the air reacts with oxygen at<br />
high temperature during combustion. The<br />
recirculation of exhaust into the<br />
combustion charge reduces the<br />
combustion temperature by several<br />
hundreds of degrees, thereby reducing the<br />
formation of nitrogen oxides. In older<br />
vehicles, EGR valves were simple<br />
diaphragm valves using manifold vacuum<br />
for control. These days, EGR valves fitted<br />
to diesel and spark ignition engines use<br />
electronically controlled valves controlled<br />
by the engine ECU.<br />
EGR was widely adopted<br />
in the 1970s as a means<br />
of reducing the oxides<br />
of nitrogen which cause<br />
smog and acid rain.<br />
Catalytic Converters<br />
Most vehicles these days are fitted with<br />
a three way monolithic catalytic converter,<br />
which looks like a small muffler. In the<br />
converter, the exhaust gases pass through<br />
a permeable ceramic brick or metal foil,<br />
which is coated with a thin layer of<br />
Readers are invited to send technical<br />
enquiries of a general nature to<br />
brownrc@bigpond.net.au<br />
platinum, palladium or rhodium and<br />
mounted in a stainless steel container.<br />
When fuel and air is burnt in the<br />
combustion chamber, the by-products are<br />
carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbons<br />
and oxides of nitrogen. The first stage of<br />
the converter is called the reduction<br />
catalyst and helps reduce the oxides of<br />
nitrogen into nitrogen and oxygen. The<br />
second stage of the catalyst is the<br />
oxidation catalyst. It reduces the<br />
unburned hydrocarbons and carbon<br />
monoxide by oxidizing (burning) them over<br />
the catalyst. The oxidation of carbon<br />
monoxide creates carbon dioxide.<br />
Catalytic converters work most<br />
efficiently at high temperatures and<br />
therefore are usually positioned close to<br />
the exhaust manifold to enable quick<br />
warm-up. Later generation converters use<br />
an electric heating element to bring the<br />
catalyst to its full operating temperature<br />
in a few seconds. A number of systems<br />
also use a supplementary air pump, to<br />
increase the oxygen supply via an air hose<br />
to the converter.<br />
As diesel engines run cooler than petrol<br />
engines, the reduction catalyst is not as<br />
effective for reducing oxides of nitrogen.<br />
To combat this, a urea solution is injected<br />
into the exhaust system prior to the<br />
converter to chemically react with the<br />
oxides of nitrogen to produce nitrogen and<br />
water vapour.<br />
Oxygen Sensor<br />
In most vehicles an oxygen sensor is<br />
mounted upstream of the converter to<br />
enable the engine ECU to detect how<br />
much oxygen is in the exhaust. Too much<br />
oxygen in the exhaust indicates a lean<br />
mixture, which could give rise to<br />
performance problems and misfiring. Too<br />
little oxygen indicates a rich mixture,<br />
which wastes fuel and results in excess<br />
exhaust emissions.<br />
By adjusting the air-fuel ratio, the ECU<br />
66 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
TECHNICAL COLUMN<br />
can optimise engine-burning efficiency<br />
and ensure there is sufficient oxygen, in<br />
the oxidation catalyst, to burn<br />
hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. The<br />
service life of an oxygen sensor is around<br />
100,000km.<br />
Mufflers/Resonators<br />
Sound is a pressure wave formed from<br />
pulses of alternating high and low pressure<br />
air. In an automotive engine, the pressure<br />
waves are generated when the exhaust<br />
valve repeatedly opens and injects highpressure<br />
gas into the exhaust manifold.<br />
These pressure pulses travel more quickly<br />
than the gas flow itself and are the sound<br />
we hear. As the engine RPM increases, so<br />
do the pressure fluctuations and therefore<br />
the sound emitted is of higher frequency.<br />
The automotive muffler has to allow the<br />
flow of exhaust with little or no back<br />
pressure to maximise engine efficiency<br />
whilst restricting the transmission of<br />
sound. The two main types are reactive,<br />
usually known as mufflers, and absorptive,<br />
which are commonly referred to as<br />
resonators.<br />
Reactive mufflers usually consist of a<br />
series of resonating and expansion<br />
chambers, with inlet and outlet tubes<br />
offset, and perforated internal tubes<br />
housed within a circular or oval outer<br />
housing, the ‘skin’ of which may contain<br />
absorbent material.<br />
Absorptive type resonators use<br />
absorption to reduce sound energy. A<br />
typical resonator has a perforated pipe<br />
that is encased within a larger housing.<br />
Between the perforated inner pipe and the<br />
outer casing is a layer of sound absorbent<br />
material such as fibreglass or mineral<br />
wool.<br />
Unlike mufflers, resonators do not<br />
create backpressure, because there is little<br />
or no change to exhaust gas direction. Any<br />
change to exhaust direction creates<br />
backpressure, which reduces engine<br />
efficiency and output.<br />
The latest model Toyota Prius<br />
uses an exhaust recovery<br />
system to capture energy<br />
that would otherwise be<br />
lost through the exhaust<br />
gases and uses it to warm<br />
the engine coolant.<br />
Exhaust Piping<br />
Corrosion within exhaust systems is a<br />
key durability issue. The exhaust system<br />
runs at an elevated temperature and water<br />
vapour and carbon exist as a result of<br />
combustion. For vehicles which travel<br />
short distances, where the exhaust system<br />
hardly reaches its normal operating<br />
temperature, the life of the exhaust system<br />
will be considerably shorter than one<br />
which is used for a longer duration. For<br />
temperatures up to around 500°C<br />
aluminised steel may be used, but for<br />
higher temperatures, stainless steel (409<br />
or 321) is preferable for exhaust piping<br />
and other components.<br />
Future Trends<br />
As discussed previously, the efficiency<br />
of the internal combustion engine is<br />
around 30 percent or lower and therefore<br />
it is no real surprise that around 30<br />
percent of energy created by the engine is<br />
‘wasted’ in the exhaust system.<br />
Harnessing this energy and maximising<br />
the efficiency of the automobile exhaust<br />
system is known as ‘exhaust heat recovery<br />
and recirculation’. The most obvious<br />
example on many vehicles today is turbocharging,<br />
where the outflow of exhaust<br />
gases is used to power a turbine, which<br />
compresses air and additional fuel into the<br />
cylinder bores, to greatly enhance engine<br />
power. Other similar technologies, which<br />
are in production or still in the research<br />
stage include:<br />
Exhaust Recovery System<br />
The latest model Toyota Prius uses an<br />
exhaust recovery system to capture energy<br />
that would otherwise be lost through the<br />
exhaust gases and uses it to warm the<br />
engine coolant. This system is installed in<br />
the exhaust behind the catalytic converter<br />
and employs an exhaust control valve and<br />
thermostat to monitor and manage the<br />
flow of gases and coolant throughout the<br />
system. It reduces the time for the engine<br />
to reach operating temperature, thereby<br />
reducing fuel usage and CO2 emissions.<br />
The fast engine warm up helps improve<br />
driving comfort in cold weather and faster<br />
catalytic converter ‘light up’.<br />
Lean Burn Catalytic Converters<br />
Lean burn direct injection petrol<br />
engines employ higher compression ratios<br />
and thus provide better performance,<br />
efficient fuel use and lower hydrocarbon<br />
emissions found in conventional petrol<br />
engines. Unfortunately lean burn engines<br />
do not work well with modern three-way<br />
catalytic converters and therefore require<br />
special De-Nox catalysts which use<br />
hydrocarbons from the exhaust to reduce<br />
the nitrogen oxides to nitrogen. During<br />
‘lean’ mode the catalyst traps nitrous<br />
oxides and these are released from the<br />
catalyst when the engine is switched to<br />
‘rich’ conditions on a momentary basis.<br />
These catalysts require very low sulphur<br />
continued page 68<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 67
TECHNICAL COLUMN<br />
Exhaust systems<br />
with Ray Brown - continued<br />
fuel (10ppm), which is not yet available in<br />
Australia. This will limit the use of ultra<br />
lean burn technology and its associated<br />
significant benefits within our market.<br />
Similarly new catalyst systems are being<br />
developed to suit light duty diesel engines,<br />
which do not require vehicles to be fitted<br />
with on-board urea tanks and associated<br />
infrastructure. These later generation<br />
catalysts also incorporate a high efficiency<br />
filter to remove particulate matter, which<br />
can cause human respiratory problems.<br />
Turbomaster<br />
Almost a century ago, the first patent<br />
for a steam auxiliary drive harnessing<br />
exhaust heat was issued to Wilhelm<br />
Schmidt of Germany. BMW is now<br />
researching the application of steam<br />
engine technology that the automaker says<br />
can boost power and fuel efficiency in<br />
conventional engines. BMW’s system uses<br />
two fluid-circulating systems to recover<br />
heat from the engine. The primary high<br />
temperature circuit pumps water through<br />
a heat exchanger, surrounding the exhaust<br />
system, immediately behind the catalytic<br />
converter. This converts water to steam<br />
and is converted into mechanical energy<br />
in an expander coupled to the crankshaft.<br />
The steam flows through another heat<br />
exchanger and transfers its remaining heat<br />
to a second circuit filled with ethanol. This<br />
lower temperature system replaces the<br />
engine’s regular coolant system.<br />
‘Turbosteamer’ converts more than 80<br />
percent of the heat energy in the exhaust<br />
to usable energy.<br />
According to BMW, the 1.8 litre test<br />
vehicle fitted with the Turbosteamer<br />
reduced fuel consumption by 15 percent<br />
and increased power and torque by 14HP<br />
and 20Nm respectively. Ongoing<br />
development of the concept is directed<br />
toward making the components smaller<br />
and simpler with a view to mass<br />
production around 2015.<br />
Thermoelectric Generator:<br />
BMW, GM and, VW<br />
These reported to be studying the<br />
feasibility of adopting thermoelectric<br />
generator technology (TEG) that will use<br />
the car exhaust system heat to generate<br />
sufficient electric power to reduce the load<br />
on the alternator by up to 30 percent. A<br />
thermoelectric generator is a solid-state<br />
device that converts heat directly to<br />
electricity and such systems are already<br />
used to power satellites in orbit around the<br />
earth. It operates on a similar principle to<br />
thermocouples, such that a voltage is<br />
created at the junction of dissimilar<br />
metals when subjected to heat.<br />
A lot of research into<br />
electronic mufflers was<br />
conducted in the 1990s,<br />
with many confident<br />
predictions that these<br />
would be used widely<br />
throughout the industry.<br />
Early prototypes of this technology have<br />
the TEG fitted inside a muffler, to<br />
minimise space and maximise operational<br />
effectiveness. The adoption of TEG should<br />
improve fuel consumption by around five<br />
percent, which, according to BMW, is<br />
more than that offered by regenerative<br />
braking and stop-start technology<br />
combined. BMW believe that TEG systems<br />
could be featured in production vehicles<br />
by 2014.<br />
Thermoacoustic Cooling<br />
Thermoacoustic refrigeration, using the<br />
energy from sound waves is currently used<br />
to cool biological samples on the space<br />
shuttle and electronic equipment on US<br />
warships. At the University of Adelaide,<br />
research has been undertaken to use the<br />
sound waves produced from the car<br />
exhaust gases to run a car air conditioner.<br />
This research involves mating an engine<br />
and pump together, such that the<br />
thermoacoustic engine converts the heat<br />
energy in the exhaust system into acoustic<br />
power, which is fed into the heat pump,<br />
which cools the vehicle interior.<br />
Electronic Mufflers<br />
A lot of research into electronic<br />
mufflers was conducted in the 1990s,<br />
with many confident predictions that these<br />
would be used widely throughout the<br />
industry. Alas, this did not happen, but as<br />
exhaust systems become more<br />
complicated it still may have a role to play<br />
in the future.<br />
Many of you will be familiar with the<br />
principle of noise cancelling headphones,<br />
where anti-noise waves, 180 degrees out<br />
of phase with unwanted background noise,<br />
are generated to effectively cancel out the<br />
unwanted noises. Well the same thing can<br />
be done for vehicle exhaust noise.<br />
A microphone and crankshaft<br />
speed/position sensor feeds information<br />
into a computer, which processes the data<br />
and produces mirror-image pulses that are<br />
sent to a speaker mounted near the<br />
exhaust pipe exit. The speakers generate<br />
waves 180 degrees out of phase with<br />
those of the exhaust, thereby cancelling<br />
noise.<br />
The supposed benefit of these systems,<br />
other than noise suppression, is that a very<br />
simple exhaust system is required to move<br />
exhaust gas, resulting in minimal change<br />
to gas direction, thereby reducing backpressure<br />
and improving engine<br />
performance and efficiency.<br />
Acknowledgement of assistance in<br />
preparation of this article to BMW,<br />
Bosch, Emitec and AECC.<br />
68 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
EXHAUST SYSTEMS<br />
DCI is an OEM supplier to <strong>Australian</strong>,<br />
American, Canadian and Chinese automotive<br />
manufactures.<br />
Nowadays an increasing number of<br />
motoring enthusiasts are modifying their<br />
vehicles to increase performance, and with<br />
higher performance comes increased<br />
temperatures and noise within your vehicle.<br />
Fortunately DCI has produced a wide<br />
variety of shielding products to suit the needs<br />
of the aftermarket with DCI Performance<br />
Products.<br />
With a wide range of heat shields in large<br />
and small sizes it’s now easy to manage the<br />
heat produced by your car and increase<br />
performance.<br />
The DCI Performance Products SheetHot<br />
range is suitable for heat sources up to 600˚C<br />
and is ideal for use in most heat shielding<br />
situations, including exhaust shielding<br />
downstream of the catalytic converter.<br />
Where higher heat levels are an issue,<br />
SheetHot Extreme heat shields can withstand<br />
temperatures of up to 1200˚C and provide a<br />
significant drop in temperatures, which make<br />
it ideal for protecting against the heat<br />
produced by exhaust manifolds and<br />
turbochargers.<br />
With six different varieties of heat shield<br />
and two sizes per product, DCI Performance<br />
products are available to suit all<br />
configurations and levels of performance, no<br />
matter what you need.<br />
That’s SheetHot<br />
As an OEM supplier Diver Consolidated Industries (DCI) has 15 years of experience in developing and<br />
manufacturing products to manage automotive heat and acoustic solutions.<br />
The DCI Performance Products<br />
QuietSheet range is an acoustic shield range,<br />
comprising of four different acoustic shields<br />
to suit any application.<br />
These shields are suitable for exterior and<br />
interior use, areas of little room and can be<br />
self adhesive.<br />
All DCI Performance Products shields are<br />
easy to cut and form using every day<br />
workshop tools.<br />
Shields can be mounted in various<br />
methods, with direct mounting if required.<br />
Version eight continues down the line of<br />
quality and attention and is presented with a<br />
distinctly new cover to make it instantly<br />
recognisable from the outgoing version.<br />
It includes all the new product lines<br />
including nearly 30 new header numbers.<br />
There is a growing inclusion of<br />
accessories to complement the headers such<br />
as connecting pipes and direct fitting<br />
catalytic converters to provide a complete<br />
solution to most header requirements.<br />
The approach to developing bolt-on<br />
solutions extends beyond the traditional<br />
performance based market.<br />
With a heavy emphasis on the 4WD<br />
market HiTech has a large and growing range<br />
of performance exhaust solutions for 4WD<br />
vehicles.<br />
Fastening is simplified by using<br />
mechanical fasteners such as screws, bolts,<br />
pop rivets or stainless steel clamps.<br />
Any of these products can drastically<br />
improve the driving experience of any car, not<br />
only by making it better performing, but more<br />
comfortable too.<br />
Visit www.dci.com.au/performance for<br />
more information or contact DCI by<br />
emailing performance@dci.com.au<br />
or call 03 9357 2511.<br />
HiTech Headers catalogue<br />
HiTech Headers has just released the newest edition of its catalogue.<br />
Not limited to the HiTech Headers range<br />
(which is manufactured in-house), the<br />
company offers a variety of performance<br />
mufflers and pipes to suit many 4WD<br />
models.<br />
The focus and commitment to<br />
specialising in exhausts doesn’t stop with the<br />
performance range either as HiTech has a<br />
line of direct manifold <strong>replacement</strong> <strong>parts</strong><br />
catering to the retro-fit needs of repairers<br />
Australia wide.<br />
With distributors across Australia<br />
supplying this range it’s as easy as a phone<br />
call.<br />
Hitech can answer your questions directly<br />
with regards to supply and application -<br />
just call 1800 624 150.<br />
70 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
EXHAUST SYSTEMS<br />
Leading the pack<br />
Walker Exhaust is the country’s leading manufacturer<br />
of exhaust systems and related components. With a<br />
major manufacturing operation located in Lonsdale<br />
(SA), this is one of several located all over the world<br />
to service Tenneco’s major vehicle manufacturer (OE)<br />
or aftermarket customers.<br />
In Australia, Walker is a supplier of original equipment exhaust<br />
systems to all major local vehicle manufacturers – Ford, Holden and<br />
Toyota. On a global level, Walker exhaust systems are fitted to millions<br />
of new vehicles every year, the vast range and product expertise<br />
extending from BMW to Harley Davidson.<br />
The company’s experience and knowledge in the development and<br />
manufacture of premium quality exhaust systems for the <strong>Australian</strong><br />
and international aftermarket draws on the lessons learned as suppliers<br />
to these original equipment car manufacturers throughout the world.<br />
Tenneco, the global manufacturers of Walker Exhaust Systems and<br />
related products also continues to invest in research and development<br />
programs that lead the emissions control industry worldwide.<br />
This continuous investment is<br />
mirrored in Tenneco’s<br />
commitment in Australia to the<br />
catalytic converter market, where<br />
Walker offers more than 48 direct<br />
fit catalytic converters and 10<br />
universal fitment catalytic<br />
converters to the aftermarket,<br />
covering the majority of vehicles<br />
driven on <strong>Australian</strong> roads.<br />
“We realise that catalytic converters<br />
are becoming an increasingly important<br />
element of many installers’ businesses,”<br />
Product Manager for Walker Australia,<br />
Peter Small, said.<br />
“Therefore, we’re continually looking to<br />
improve our product range and maximise<br />
our coverage of the car parc with the<br />
Walker and Lukey ranges,” he added.<br />
Walker’s universal range is available with nipple tube sizes from<br />
44.5mm (1¾ inch) through to 76mm (three inch), making them<br />
suitable for virtually any passenger vehicle.<br />
Lukey Super Converters are high flow catalytic converters for<br />
superior performance and efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas<br />
emissions, offering 26 percent more frontal area for increased<br />
performance. The converters range in size from 2¼ inch to three-inch<br />
internal diameter in the oval shape.<br />
All Walker and Lukey catalytic converters are manufactured from<br />
high quality stainless steel and are backed by a one-year warranty.<br />
Walker’s Technical Helpline provides valuable service to Walker<br />
customers throughout Australia, providing exceptional technical<br />
product and fitment advice to all customers. Walker’s constant<br />
development of their technical helpline centre demonstrates the<br />
company’s commitment to excellence in customer service.<br />
For all technical enquires regarding Walker and Lukey products, call<br />
the Walker Technical Helpline toll free on 1800 621 444.<br />
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EXHAUST SYSTEMS<br />
Performance with style<br />
The Lukey name can be traced back to automotive aftermarket visionary Len Lukey who opened his first factory<br />
in Cheltenham, Victoria in the early 1950s and was the former owner of the world famous Phillip Island Grand<br />
Prix Circuit, which to this day still has one its most exciting corners, Lukey Heights, named in his honour.<br />
Since the first Lukey exhaust system was created over 60 years<br />
ago, Lukey has grown to become the best-known sound in performance<br />
exhaust systems. Leading edge CAD/CAM technology and research has<br />
earned Lukey this enviable reputation in the <strong>Australian</strong> aftermarket.<br />
All Lukey Performance Exhaust products offer the car enthusiast<br />
greater performance, better efficiency and that unmistakable Lukey<br />
growl.<br />
The modern Lukey Performance Exhaust range incorporates the<br />
heritage of the Lukey name with the latest in technology and research<br />
to create a line up of truly special aftermarket exhaust products.<br />
Products such as the Lukey Ultra Flo – the ultimate performance<br />
muffler with a straight-through design for maximum flow and power -<br />
has proven to be extremely popular with discerning <strong>Australian</strong><br />
motorists.<br />
The Lukey Ultra Flo is constructed from 1.2mm ACMS with a 409<br />
stainless mandrel-bent continuous perforated tube and packed with hitemp<br />
Continuous Roving Fibreglass (CRF) for maximum sound control.<br />
Peter Small, Product Manager for Walker Australia, said the Lukey<br />
Ultra Flo was designed for motorists who are seeking the ultimate in<br />
performance.<br />
"Enthusiasts who are passionate about performance demand<br />
optimum flow from their muffler. So, rather than crush-bend the tube,<br />
which can restrict the flow of gases through the muffler, the Lukey<br />
Ultra Flo is mandrel-bent to give a constant inside diameter and a<br />
better, more consistent level of performance," Mr Small said.<br />
"It's the ideal product for the driver who wants performance as well<br />
as that famous Lukey growl.”<br />
The vast range of specially designed Lukey Performance Exhaust<br />
products available in the <strong>Australian</strong> automotive aftermarket include:<br />
• Lukey Ultra Flo - the ultimate performance muffler, with a straightthrough<br />
design for maximum flow and power;<br />
• Lukey Turbo – one of the most popular muffler designs in the world<br />
with patented flow directors for maximum performance;<br />
• Lukey Race – with continuous Roving Fibreglass (CRF) for<br />
maximum sound control and fully externally welded, the Lukey<br />
Race is built to the highest technical standards;<br />
• Lukey Original – packed with high-density fibreglass and the firm<br />
favourite with its unmistakable throaty growl;<br />
• Lukey Hot Dogs – designed straight through for maximum flow.<br />
With a compact design for tight ground clearance, Lukey Hot Dogs<br />
have a moderate sound control suited to racing use;<br />
• Lukey Super Converters – for superior performance, efficiency and<br />
reduced emissions;<br />
• Lukey Stainless Steel Exhaust Tips – a comprehensive range of<br />
quality tips to add the finishing touch to virtually any vehicle;<br />
• Lukey Black Nickel Finish Exhaust Tips – Lukey has introduced<br />
the first Black Nickel finish range of ultra-stylish exhaust tips to<br />
suit a vast number of performance vehicles driven on Australia's<br />
roads.<br />
Lukey Performance Exhaust is a brand of Tenneco, the world's<br />
largest producer and marketer of ride control and exhausts systems<br />
and products. Tenneco manufactures products under the Monroe,<br />
Walker and Lukey brands at its facilities in Clovelly Park and<br />
O'Sullivan's Beach in Adelaide.<br />
Lukey Performance exhaust products are available nationally<br />
through performance exhaust fitters and specialists. To locate your<br />
nearest Lukey stockist visit www.lukey.com.au<br />
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EXHAUST SYSTEMS<br />
Bolt it on!<br />
Increasingly stringent vehicle exhaust emissions<br />
have lead to vehicle manufacturers moving the<br />
catalytic converter as close to the engine as possible.<br />
This ensures that they heat up and start working as<br />
quickly as possible.<br />
Moving the catalytic converter closer to the engine has resulted in it<br />
becoming a part of the exhaust manifold (manifold converter) or bolted<br />
directly to the exhaust manifold (close coupled converter).<br />
The close proximity to the motor means that these catalytic converters<br />
are under enormous amounts of stress and heat and are more likely to<br />
fail than traditional underfloor catalytic converters.<br />
Space and design restrictions however, no longer allow universal type<br />
catalytic converters to be cut into exhaust systems employing manifold<br />
or close-coupled converters. Complete direct fit manifold or closecoupled<br />
catalytic converter system must be used as <strong>replacement</strong>s.<br />
Cateran offers a growing range of <strong>Australian</strong> made direct fit (bolt on)<br />
manifold and close-coupled catalytic converters. New additions to the<br />
range include Toyota Camry, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Rav4, Hyundai<br />
Elantra, Getz and Accent, Mazda MPV and Holden Astra and Barina.<br />
Cateran’s direct fit manifold and close coupled catalytic converters<br />
are designed to match and interchange directly with the OEM <strong>parts</strong> they<br />
replace. Original equipment style flanges and brackets are used for<br />
quick, easy and trouble-free installation with no need for bending,<br />
cutting or welding. In most instances the original heat shields can be refitted.<br />
All vehicles manufactured<br />
after 2005 and many<br />
imported post 2001 models<br />
are equipped with OBD.<br />
OBD monitors the operation of<br />
the catalytic converter.<br />
All vehicles manufactured after 2005 and many imported post 2001<br />
models are equipped with OBD. OBD monitors the operation of the<br />
catalytic converter.<br />
If the converter is not working correctly the engine check lamp<br />
illuminates on the dashboard and the vehicle may go into limp mode.<br />
Cateran works closely with the world’s leading catalyst supplier, which<br />
means its catalyst technology keeps the engine check lamp off,<br />
something that many aftermarket converters fail to achieve.<br />
For more information on Cateran manifold and close coupled catalytic<br />
converter systems contact 03 9702 9200.<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 73
OILS & LUBES<br />
Extreme applications need an extreme oil<br />
If you've been involved in motorsport anywhere in the world, you would undoubtedly know the<br />
name Red Line Synthetic Oil.<br />
Enter your vehicle details into the Red<br />
Line Oil website (www.redlineoil.com.au)<br />
and the right recommendation for your<br />
pride and joy comes up.<br />
Red Line's reputation has been built on<br />
the back of an unswerving desire to build the<br />
best oil for the job, even if that means that<br />
the oil is the most expensive that you can<br />
easily buy.<br />
The polyol-ester base stock that Red Line<br />
uses is the same as which is used in<br />
withstanding the tremendous heat generated<br />
in a jet engine.<br />
Polyol-ester has a longer, stronger<br />
molecule, which withstands heat far better,<br />
continuing to provide the highest protection<br />
wherever used.<br />
Normal synthetics leave a high ash<br />
residue, which is anathema to jet engines.<br />
A spokesman for the manufacturer<br />
explained that petroleum based oils tend to<br />
lose viscosity at high revs and high<br />
temperatures.<br />
"Red Line Extreme Synthetics are very<br />
much better at minimising viscosity loss than<br />
even the best petroleums," he said<br />
"A petroleum 20W50 starts off as a 20<br />
weight oil which is thickened with a<br />
polymeric plastic substance which will<br />
thicken the oil as higher temperatures are<br />
reached.<br />
"But, in high shear stress areas like<br />
bearings, these polymer molecules align<br />
themselves to create a path of least<br />
resistance, so the 20W50 can typically be<br />
like a 30 weight or 40 weight at the bearing."<br />
The spokesman said this happens with all<br />
multigrades.<br />
"But the natural multigrade property of<br />
Red Line requires no unstable thickeners, so<br />
you have fantastic flow rate when cold, and<br />
the retention of viscosity when hot," he said.<br />
"Because of its greater film strength the<br />
polyol ester base stocks used in<br />
manufacturing Red Line Extreme Synthetic<br />
Oil enable the oil to reduce friction, which in<br />
turn reduces heat and expansion leading to<br />
significant reduction in wear."<br />
Red Line advises that it is not<br />
unreasonable to expect an engine or drive<br />
component to last three to four times longer<br />
than would be expected with a mineral oil.<br />
An added benefit of the reduced drag on<br />
metal-to-metal surfaces is that this reduction<br />
translates to increased power and better fuel<br />
economy.<br />
A further claim from the manufacturer is<br />
that the oil is kinder to the earth in that much<br />
of its componentry is able to be re-generated<br />
and the extended drain times reduce the<br />
amount of waste produced, thus minimising<br />
disposal requirements.<br />
The typical drain interval is extended by a<br />
factor of three and Red Line recommend that<br />
filters are changed at the original intervals in<br />
order to ensure that filter durability is not a<br />
problem.<br />
The spokesman for the company said: "It<br />
never fails to amaze me that an owner can<br />
invest $20,000 to $50,000 in an engine,<br />
then does not do any research on the best oil<br />
product to keep that engine working at its<br />
peak for the longest possible time."<br />
"Whether your need is an extreme case or<br />
whether you'd just like to prolong the life of<br />
your engine, gearbox or diff, only Red Line<br />
offers the peace of mind that comes with the<br />
best," he said.<br />
For more information call 08 9446 4455.<br />
Quality oil<br />
for less<br />
Nulon has added two brand new<br />
all day everyday engine oils to<br />
its top selling range of<br />
premium engine oils.<br />
These two consistently priced everyday<br />
engine oils have been designed for the price<br />
conscious consumer, while still maintaining<br />
the high quality standards that Nulon is<br />
renowned for.<br />
The high specifications of Nulon’s new<br />
SL/CF 15W40 and SJ/CF 20W50 engine<br />
oils are formulated with virgin mineral base<br />
oils and high performance additives.<br />
Due to the high demand for such grades,<br />
these are two viscosities that will generate<br />
the high sell volume and therefore higher<br />
store profits while still maintaining their<br />
competitive everyday pricing.<br />
Nulon’s two new engine oils carry the<br />
Nulon quality guarantee and full marketing<br />
and sales support that the current AAT<br />
enhanced range benefits from, as well as<br />
the peace of mind money back guarantee<br />
and a free technical support line to all<br />
customers.<br />
With their easy to understand labels,<br />
eye-catching black bottles these new engine<br />
oils will walk out the door.<br />
Contact your local Nulon sales<br />
representative, call Nulon on toll free<br />
1800 679 922 or visit the website<br />
www.nulon.com.au for more information.<br />
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OILS & LUBES<br />
Castrol Racing’s<br />
Greg Murphy wins<br />
Supercar Challenge<br />
Four-time Bathurst winner, Holden’s Greg Murphy<br />
won the V8 Supercar Challenge late last month at<br />
the Castrol EDGE Winternationals, Australia’s biggest<br />
drag race, at Willowbank Raceway, near Brisbane.<br />
Murphy defeated Paul Morris Motorsport teammate, Russell Ingall<br />
2-1 in the best of three match race.<br />
Ingall had low elapsed time of the event with an 11.0 second run,<br />
while Murphy set the track V8 Supercar speed record at over 135<br />
mph.<br />
“What a great experience, the Castrol EDGE V8 Supercar<br />
Challenge was a lot of fun!” Murphy said.<br />
“Russell and I split the wins in the first two races, so it was all on<br />
the line in the final.<br />
“I don't think our reactions in the decider were anything to write<br />
about and my Castrol EDGE Commodore had a lot of wheel spin, but<br />
I was able to get the win light, which I'm pretty happy about - it also<br />
means I've got bragging rights in our team, at least until Darwin next<br />
weekend!” Never one to let a moment go by, Ingall was quick to<br />
suggest that allowing Murphy the win was the least he could do<br />
following his teammate’s rough start to the V8 Supercar season.<br />
“Today was great fun, we were a bit worried about too much grip<br />
being the biggest issue as the track is so tacky – that is the first time<br />
you will hear about a V8 driver complaining about too much grip!”<br />
Ingall said.<br />
“We got off to a good start though and ‘Murph’ and I had a few<br />
close runs – since he has had not a great start to the year though I<br />
thought I would let him win it – just call me a nice guy,” added a<br />
laughing Ingall.<br />
“It was great to get out here today, the atmosphere and the crowd<br />
and the facility is just amazing and the racing from the guys here is<br />
just phenomenal – the times are so close and it is just intense – I got<br />
the chance to stand behind an 8000hp Top Fuel dragster and I can<br />
tell you, I don’t get scared too easy but that made me jump – those<br />
guys are certainly brave!”<br />
Murphy and Ingall then headed to Darwin to the SKYCITY Triple<br />
Crown at Hidden Valley Raceway for the seventh round of the 2010<br />
V8 Supercar Championship Series.<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 75
OILS & LUBES<br />
Outstanding protection from the moment you turn the key<br />
Castrol Magnatec’s intelligent molecules<br />
cling like a magnet to your engine to provide<br />
an extra layer of protection from the moment<br />
you turn the key.<br />
Have you ever wondered why taxi’s<br />
engines last so long? It’s because they rarely<br />
need to warm up – when up to 75 percent of<br />
engine wear occurs.<br />
So, unless you drive like<br />
a taxi and rarely turn your<br />
engine off, you need<br />
Castrol Magnatec!<br />
Castrol Magnatec<br />
combines synthetic<br />
technology with<br />
intelligent molecules<br />
that cling like a<br />
magnet to critical<br />
engine <strong>parts</strong>, to create<br />
an additional layer of<br />
protection.<br />
When the engine’s<br />
off, ordinary oils<br />
simply drain to the<br />
Up to 75 percent of engine wear occurs in the first 15 minutes.<br />
bottom of the engine, leaving the<br />
engine exposed to the heavy<br />
metal-on-metal wear that occurs<br />
from start-up. Castrol Magnatec’s<br />
molecules cling to the engine, to<br />
create a thin film of protection,<br />
dramatically reducing engine<br />
wear during the critical startup/warm-up<br />
period to ensure<br />
your engine is protected from the moment<br />
you turn the key!<br />
Castrol claims its Magnatec delivers up to<br />
five times better start-up wear protection<br />
than competitor oils to keep engines in peak<br />
condition.<br />
For more information visit<br />
www.castrol.com.au<br />
76 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
OILS & LUBES<br />
Enhanced protection for high power engines<br />
The Amsoil range of 100 percent synthetic oil for high performance engines is now available in Australia.<br />
The company reputedly produced the world's first API qualified<br />
synthetic motor oil in 1972.<br />
Amsoil says its 20W-50, 10W-30 and 15W-40 motor oils are<br />
specially formulated to provide an extreme level of protection and<br />
performance.<br />
By incorporating high-quality synthetic base stocks and a superior<br />
high-zinc additive package, Amsoil says these oils are ideal for use in<br />
street rods and all the latest high performance production cars.<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> distributor, Enginecare Systems Australasia, says these<br />
oils resist oxidation, neutralise acids, inhibits corrosion, reduces wear<br />
and protects against combustion residue deposits.<br />
"These oils provide the extra anti-wear protection required by<br />
engines with flat-tappet cams and high-tension valve springs. Its high<br />
viscosity protects against metal-to-metal contact," Enginecare's Laurie<br />
Hyland said.<br />
"They resist viscosity shear and are formulated with a heavy<br />
treatment of zinc and other anti-wear additives for excellent protection<br />
of gears, bearings, cam lobes and other high-pressure components in<br />
engines and transmissions."<br />
The Amsoil range includes Synthetic Super Heavy Weight Racing<br />
Oil (AHR).<br />
This high-viscosity oil is race proven and designed for highhorsepower<br />
racing engines, typically supercharged and alcohol-burning<br />
or nitro-fuelled that requires high-viscosity oil to resist the thinning<br />
effects of fuel dilution.<br />
"Highly resistant to thermal degradation and oxidation even in longterm,<br />
high-temperature service, Amsoil AHR is claimed to maintain its<br />
specified chemical and physical properties, forming no sludge,<br />
varnish, deposits or acids and maintaining its specified viscosity and<br />
ability to protect and lubricate engines," Mr Hyland said.<br />
For more information visit www.enginecare.com.au<br />
email sales@enginecare.com.au or call 1300 774 662.<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 77
OILS & LUBES<br />
Castrol ends long-time sponsorship deal with Team Bray<br />
After almost 20 years as major sponsor of <strong>Australian</strong> drag racing legend Victor Bray and his multi-ANDRA<br />
Championship-winning team, a change in investment priorities will see Castrol relinquish naming-rights<br />
sponsorship of Team Bray Racing at the end of 2010.<br />
Castrol Lubricants’ Marketing Director, Andrew Johnson, said the<br />
company had made a difficult decision after a detailed review of its<br />
sponsorship properties, but would continue to support the team with<br />
product supply and technical assistance.<br />
"The Castrol – Team Bray partnership is probably one of Australia’s<br />
longest running sponsorships and during that time we have enjoyed<br />
immense success on and off the race track,” Johnson said.<br />
“Victor and his son, Ben Bray, are great race car drivers, but even<br />
better people who have always been willing to help us in our<br />
business.<br />
“Our sponsorship investment priorities have changed in recent<br />
years meaning we needed to make a very tough decision to not<br />
continue as naming rights sponsor beyond this year.<br />
“However, we will stay part of the team in terms of product supply<br />
and technical support, and we look forward to continuing our<br />
relationship with Team Bray Racing well into the future.”<br />
Team Bray Racing patriarch, Victor Bray said he respected what<br />
had been a difficult commercial decision.<br />
“My relationship with Castrol as major sponsor has been a life<br />
changing relationship, but all good things must come to an end at<br />
some stage,” Bray said.<br />
“I feel fortunate and am thankful to Castrol and all the staff over<br />
the past 20-plus years for the help and friendship they shown<br />
towards me, my family and my race team.<br />
“We had some great times, set plenty of national and world<br />
records, and won nine ANDRA National Drag Racing Championships<br />
during our partnership.<br />
“I also saw my son Ben begin his racing career under the tenure<br />
of Castrol sponsorship.<br />
“I feel that both myself and Castrol as a company enjoyed many<br />
benefits out of the relationship and am proud of my time with<br />
them.<br />
“We will have an on-going relationship, albeit at a lesser level,<br />
but Castrol have decided to head in another direction with their<br />
marketing and I certainly respect that decision.<br />
“Team Bray Racing has a growing list of great sponsors and will<br />
continue racing to the best of our ability while we seek another<br />
naming rights sponsor.<br />
“So thanks again to Castrol and staff, both past and present, for<br />
the career you afforded me and Ben, and hopefully we will see<br />
many of you at the track in the future.” After a number of years of<br />
providing lubricant sponsorship and technical assistance, Castrol<br />
first assumed full naming rights sponsorship of Victor Bray and his<br />
infamous, black, supercharged BB/Gas 1957 Chevy for the<br />
1991/’92 drag racing season.<br />
Victor won six straight professional ANDRA Top Doorslammer<br />
Championships, beginning with the inaugural title in the 1995/’96<br />
season, while Ben won the 2002/’03 Top Doorslammer<br />
Championship under the Castrol banner in his debut season.<br />
With drivers Victor and Ben Bray, Troy Critchley and Steve<br />
Stanic, Team Bray Racing’s Castrol Top Doorslammers have won<br />
over 30 ANDRA national events and set numerous national and<br />
world records.<br />
All you need is 2<br />
Rather than carrying a multitude of different specifications,<br />
Nulon’s 2 Multi Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluids<br />
(ATF) has revolutionised the industry.<br />
It is reputedly the first transmission<br />
fluids on the <strong>Australian</strong> market that that<br />
combined 98 percent of the old fluid<br />
specifications into two easy to use and<br />
recommend choices.<br />
Nulon’s Multi-Vehicle ATF also picked up<br />
the prestigious Best New <strong>Aftermarket</strong><br />
Product in the chemical category at the<br />
2009 AAAA awards.<br />
This put it on the path to become the<br />
most popular choice within the retail multi<br />
vehicle automatic fluid category.<br />
If you’re after ease of use and confidence<br />
in application compatibility then choose<br />
Nulon Multi Vehicle Automatic Transmission<br />
Fluid.<br />
Nulon has produced a clearer, easy to<br />
understand fluid that mechanics, retailers<br />
and consumers can choose.<br />
So from today, when choosing<br />
an Automatic Transmission Fluid: All you<br />
need is 2!<br />
For more information on Nulon's Multi<br />
Vehicle and 100 percent Synthetic<br />
Automatic Transmission Fluid give<br />
Nulon a call on 1800 679 922 or<br />
go to www.nulon.com.au<br />
78 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
OILS & LUBES<br />
ATAP’s successful move<br />
to stock gulf western<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> Truck & Auto Parts (ATAP) move to<br />
include leading brand Gulf Western’s range of<br />
oils to its expanding line-up of products has<br />
proven a great success.<br />
Part of Gulf Western’s lubricant range.<br />
The innovative <strong>Australian</strong> lubricant company has an excellent<br />
following from its widely publicised motor racing activities, which<br />
the industry recognises.<br />
This is part of the range’s acceptance for both resellers and trade.<br />
“We added the Gulf Western lubricants to our range because we<br />
knew its locally-developed products would receive acceptance with<br />
our customers as it meets their needs,” ATAP’s Anthony Goerke said.<br />
“We stock the popular sellers in the petrol, diesel, industrial,<br />
marine, agricultural and various specialty products which meet all<br />
popular applications.”<br />
An example of the excellent coverage is the petrol engine oils<br />
range, which includes options ranging from 5w/30 to 15w/40 and<br />
25w/70, with everything in-between.<br />
All are manufactured to the latest international SAE<br />
specification. The same depth of applications is available in diesel<br />
engine oils, transmission fluids and gear lubricants.<br />
ATAP stock the Gulf Western range in sizes of one, four, five, 20<br />
and 205-litre containers, according to the individual products.<br />
“Our successful inclusion of the Gulf Western oils is very much<br />
part of our on-going strategy to offer our customers a broad range of<br />
leading brands.<br />
“This approach better serves our customers' requirements in<br />
building a better business in today’s changing market,” Mr Goerke<br />
said.<br />
For more information contact your local ATAP warehouse.<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 79
OILS & LUBES<br />
Fuchs set<br />
to dominate<br />
grease market<br />
Already at the forefront of<br />
product development, lubricant<br />
specialist Fuchs has introduced<br />
a new grease to its range:<br />
Renolit XTB 2.<br />
With Fuchs already producing a<br />
comprehensive range of grease and<br />
lubricants the addition of Renolit XTB 2<br />
will assist the world’s leading independent<br />
lubricant company in dominating the<br />
grease and lubricant market.<br />
Fuchs’ global product development<br />
team have been working on adding this<br />
product to the range and are pleased to say<br />
it is now available.<br />
With the addition of Renolit XTB 2<br />
Fuchs is able to supply the market with an<br />
extensive range of grease for the <strong>Australian</strong><br />
and New Zealand markets.<br />
Renolit XTB 2 is a top performing<br />
multipurpose lithium complex greases<br />
containing extreme pressure, anti-corrosion<br />
and anti-oxidation additives.<br />
In comparison to other multipurpose<br />
lithium complex greases already in the<br />
market Renolit XTB 2 is extremely sheer<br />
stable, which permits higher loads carrying<br />
potential, reduction in oils bleed, while<br />
potentially extending service intervals.<br />
Renolit XTB 2 has been specially<br />
designed for the lubrication of vehicle<br />
wheel bearings and has the potential to be<br />
used where high temperatures are present.<br />
It is also recommended for applications<br />
where extended greasing intervals are<br />
required.<br />
Some of the benefits of Renolit XTB 2<br />
include that it is suitable for a wide range<br />
of applications and temperature of use, it<br />
resists to peak temperatures up to 200°C<br />
while still ensuring efficient lubrication<br />
and it resists to violent shocks and heavy<br />
loads.<br />
Renolit XTB2 had a good pumping<br />
capability, even at low temperatures.<br />
efficiently protects metallic surfaces<br />
against corrosion and has excellent<br />
resistance to oxidation and shearing.<br />
To place an order or for more information,<br />
contact Fuchs Customer Service on<br />
1800 180 013 for your nearest distributor.<br />
Although these are better for the<br />
environment they may not be as economical<br />
as regular 91 RON, so although motorists<br />
might pay an average 10 percent less at the<br />
pump they will be filling up more regularly<br />
meaning regular fuel system maintenance is<br />
now more important than ever.<br />
Over time, fuel injectors in both petrol<br />
and diesel engines can develop a build up of<br />
carbon deposits, gum and varnish.<br />
Future fuel trends<br />
Fuel formulations are constantly changing in order to meet<br />
environmental legislation such as the current phasing out of regular<br />
unleaded fuels and the trend towards bio and ethanol blended fuels.<br />
Dirty fuel injectors can also lead to<br />
increased fuel consumption, environmentally<br />
dangerous emissions, rough idling and loss<br />
of power.<br />
To help combat these problems,<br />
Australia’s best selling everyday maintenance<br />
products such as Nulon Petrol Injector<br />
Cleaner and Diesel Injector Cleaner will<br />
ensure optimum efficiency at minimal<br />
expense.<br />
To keep the entire fuel system clean,<br />
Nulon’s Total Fuel System Cleaner contains<br />
the world’s leading polyetheramine fuel<br />
system cleaning technology, which cleans<br />
petrol injectors, inlet valves and combustion<br />
chamber deposits.<br />
Nulon’s Total Fuel System Cleaner is the<br />
most simple and effective way to ensure the<br />
vehicle is running in top condition and<br />
producing its optimum power output.<br />
Each of these Nulon fuel additives are<br />
easy to use and will improve power,<br />
performance and economy in just one tank.<br />
For more information on Nulon’s best selling<br />
range of fuel additives contact Nulon on<br />
1800 679 922 or visit www.nulon.com.au<br />
New Lubrimaxx catalogue<br />
Lubrimaxx is very excited and proud to release a fresh<br />
and modern complete product catalogue.<br />
The company’s extensive Lubrimaxx range is laid<br />
out in a convenient colour coded, easy to read layout<br />
in the hard copy format catalogue.<br />
Lubrimaxx’s catalogue covers all automotive,<br />
transport, commercial, agricultural, domestic, and<br />
specialty products that it manufactures.<br />
The catalogue also covers the new additives<br />
(“stop-it” range), radiator coolants pre-mix and<br />
concentrated, solvents and automotive and<br />
industrial greases.<br />
It also lists all oil classifications and grades for<br />
a quick easy reference.<br />
Lubrimaxx has also provided a detailed listing of<br />
all product pack sizes using a simple coded symbol.<br />
And Lubrimaxx will soon launch its new website<br />
at www.Lubrimaxx.com<br />
Call 1300 721 300 for a complimentary copy<br />
of the catalogue to be posted direct or contact the<br />
National Sales Manager, Darren Harman, on<br />
0431 205 935.<br />
80 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
OILS & LUBES<br />
Aussie made<br />
for Aussies<br />
Gulf Western Premium Quality Lubricating<br />
Oils (Australia) began operations in<br />
1988 as a joint venture between<br />
Peter Vicary and Pioneer Concrete.<br />
Since then the company has grown from strength<br />
to strength.<br />
Gulf Western now produces more than 20 million litres<br />
of oil not only for the <strong>Australian</strong> market but for the Pacific<br />
Rim as well, including New Zealand and Fiji.<br />
The Vicary family, which now owns 100 percent of the<br />
company, are continually overwhelmed by their<br />
customers’ preference to use high performance products<br />
which are fully <strong>Australian</strong> manufactured by companies<br />
which are fully <strong>Australian</strong> owned.<br />
Gulf Western has a very strong following in mining,<br />
agriculture, earthmoving and transport, with many of<br />
Australia’s leading companies using the oil.<br />
It has become one of the most dominant diesel and<br />
petrol oil specialists in the market place with lines such<br />
as Top Dog XDO, Top Dog Global and Eurosyn.<br />
All of the oils offer excellent gross profit throughout<br />
the entire range of one litre, five litre, 10 litre, 20 litre<br />
and 205 litre containers.<br />
After switching to Gulf Western Oil, many retailers are<br />
amazed they are now making considerably more money<br />
from their oil sales.<br />
These oils have been proven time and time again with<br />
billions of kilometres of actual vehicle testing in the field.<br />
Clients continually state that they have improved oil<br />
consumption, extended drain intervals for their fleet and<br />
above all that they are saving money.<br />
All the oil is inspected and tested twice before it is<br />
sold, once in Gulf Western Oil’s in-house laboratory and<br />
then again with an independent laboratory.<br />
The company is ISO 9001 certified and operate under<br />
a very stringent blending and quality control system.<br />
Another major reason for its success is it blends the<br />
oils specifically for the <strong>Australian</strong> environment taking into<br />
account our fuel, climate and emissions laws unlike<br />
global oil companies which create an international blend<br />
to suit all climates and conditions.<br />
With such quality control and attention to detail Gulf<br />
Western has a comprehensive range of oils that meet and<br />
exceed all the requirements of API SAE and CME and all<br />
are fully warranted and guaranteed by the Seal of Quality<br />
Guarantee.<br />
While some of the multinationals have been<br />
rationalising or reducing their levels of service, Gulf<br />
Western has been rapidly expanding its network of outlets<br />
and takes pride in offering personal service, local<br />
availability and competitive pricing.<br />
Why not buy <strong>Australian</strong> and keep your money and jobs<br />
here in Australia?<br />
For more information phone 02 4732 3305.<br />
Have you got yours yet?<br />
Have you got Nulon’s<br />
free shelf lube guides<br />
for your store yet?<br />
With their eye-catching and<br />
unique style, the three new<br />
lubricant guides will tidy up any<br />
display without taking up<br />
valuable shelf space in your<br />
store.<br />
They are designed to help<br />
customers to choose the correct<br />
fluids for their vehicle with no<br />
fuss and queuing at the counter,<br />
making sure you make a sale.<br />
These new shelf lube guides<br />
provide easy to understand,<br />
accurate information for<br />
selecting the correct Nulon<br />
coolant, gear and transmission<br />
fluid or engine oil and are<br />
available now for your store.<br />
Call Nulon today on<br />
1800 679 922 or talk to your<br />
Nulon representatives to arrange<br />
a free installation.<br />
Valvoline professional<br />
series chemicals<br />
The Valvoline Professional Series range of 20-litre<br />
chemicals is the latest addition to the Valvoline<br />
workshop ‘one stop shop’ offer.<br />
The range has been designed specifically for the automotive trade market,<br />
covering applications such as brake <strong>parts</strong> cleaner, fuel injector cleaner and carby<br />
cleaner, tyre shine, engine flush and diesel injector fluid.<br />
Using proven, specialised formulations, the Valvoline Professional Series<br />
range is manufactured to the highest quality standards.<br />
Also offered in the range are professional workshop grade 20Lt Brake Fluids;<br />
Heavy Duty DOT3 and Super Performance DOT4.<br />
Available to the trade only, with delivery through Valvoline’s national Customer<br />
Service Van program, be sure to try out the range and see the difference for<br />
yourself.<br />
For more information, please contact Valvoline Technical Hotline<br />
on 1800 804 658.<br />
82 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
OILS & LUBES<br />
Penrite Oil helps grease<br />
the way for apprentices<br />
Innovative <strong>Australian</strong> family owned and operated<br />
'Penrite Oil' is once again holding its 'Extra Pair<br />
of Hands' competition following the success of the<br />
soft launch of the program in 2009.<br />
Commencing in May the competition presents the opportunity for<br />
two workshops to win a fully funded year's apprenticeship by Penrite<br />
Oil and includes the placement of the two young hopefuls in the<br />
automotive industry, as selected by the company.<br />
This unique and beneficial workplace program helps ease the way<br />
for apprentices into an automotive industry career as well as providing<br />
invaluable support to Penrite's Workshop customers.<br />
Penrite Oil General Manager Brendan Bourke said the success of<br />
the program so far was outstanding.<br />
"We are delighted with the progress of last year's winners Chris Vaz<br />
in Victoria and Mathew Parker in Western Australia and for this reason<br />
have decided to continue with the competition again this year.<br />
"Both boys are excelling in their education and experiences and<br />
their respective supervisors are impressed," he said.<br />
Chris Vaz, one of the apprentice winners in the first ‘Extra pair of Hands’ competition<br />
The Extra pair of hands program is open to workshops that are<br />
members of Penrite Oil Top Class and purchasers of Penrite or Sonax<br />
products, Europe's leading supplier of car care and workshop<br />
consumable products. Double Points are awarded to workshops who<br />
order Sonax products or through the Top Class online ordering system.<br />
Penrite's Top Class Program is an initiative developed to help<br />
increase the overall service provided to workshops with the free<br />
program providing rewards and benefits to support businesses,<br />
including a dedicated Penrite consultant and invitations to education<br />
workshops.<br />
"Penrite Oil is committed to the future of the automotive industry<br />
as well as encouraging youth to get involved and continue our<br />
passion," Mr Bourke said.<br />
The competition closes November 30, 2010.<br />
The 'Extra Pair of Hands' program is facilitated in conjunction with<br />
Apprenticeship's Melbourne, a Federal Government initiative.<br />
Interested workshops are able to register their interest in the<br />
program via www.penritetopclass.com.au<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 83
ENGINE MANAGEMENT<br />
& FUEL INJECTION<br />
ACA’s catalogue<br />
technology<br />
With a strong name already as a<br />
leader in technology in automotive<br />
EFI products, ACA is now breaking<br />
new ground, not for your car, but<br />
for your computer.<br />
Utilising a new program called<br />
Screentab, ACA has released its vehicle<br />
application listings and catalogues using<br />
the new desktop application.<br />
The ACA Screentab is a small icon on<br />
your desktop that with one click, unfolds<br />
to reveal the entire range of ACA and GP<br />
products including full vehicle<br />
application listings for every product<br />
under the company’s umbrella, images,<br />
information and catalogues to download<br />
and print.<br />
This exciting new tool not only allows<br />
fast access to all of ACA's product<br />
information, but also displays other<br />
marketing communications such as<br />
technical updates, new product releases<br />
and promotions.<br />
ACA Managing Director, Mark Payne,<br />
said the information is live and allows<br />
instantaneous communication directly<br />
on to your desktop.<br />
“We are offering a new dimension in<br />
customer service and communication,”<br />
Mr Payne said.<br />
“Our ACA Screentab will revolutionise<br />
the way we communicate with our<br />
customers and set a new standard in the<br />
automotive aftermarket.”<br />
Very simple to install, customers can<br />
download the ACA Screentab direct from<br />
www.aca.screentab.com<br />
For further information or to request<br />
an ACA Screentab CD contact ACA<br />
on 02 9938 8700 or email<br />
sales@aca-auto.com.au<br />
Tridon ignition program<br />
Since 1976 Tridon Australia has been at the forefront<br />
of the <strong>Australian</strong> automotive aftermarket. With a<br />
comprehensive product range, proven quality and<br />
reliability, Tridon is the brand people know and trust.<br />
Tridon Australia is proud to announce the release of its new<br />
ignition program.<br />
The Tridon ignition program has been carefully researched<br />
and developed to ensure maximum market coverage of the<br />
highest quality electronic ignition products.<br />
With more than 800 part numbers, the new range sees the<br />
introduction of a full range of cam angle sensors along with upto-date<br />
extended ranges of ignition coils, ignition modules,<br />
crank angles sensors and pick up coils.<br />
The new Tridon ignition program is backed by the release of the new 152 page, full colour<br />
Tridon Ignition Catalogue containing up-to-date vehicle applications with more than 2000<br />
vehicles lines and 4300 part number applications.<br />
It features full colour part number identification guides including photographs and technical<br />
data and technical information with a brief outline for each product type detailing styles,<br />
operation and associated technical data.<br />
And with the Tridon Part Finder Live offering data for new vehicle applications at the website<br />
www.tridon.com.au/partfinder Tridon now has your electronic ignition requirements covered.<br />
For more information and a catalogue on the new Tridon ignition program contact your local<br />
Tridon stockist or Tridon Australia on 1300 362 263.<br />
Intelligent Battery Management Unit<br />
Piranha Off Road Products has launched the first super intelligent dual<br />
battery management unit on to the Aussie market and the world stage.<br />
The DBE 140 is designed to suit the<br />
demands of today's modern vehicles with<br />
complex electronic systems.<br />
When a dual battery system is called for<br />
the DBE140 makes a whole lot of sense on<br />
many levels.<br />
There are lists of benefits that come<br />
with the DBE 140, starting with the<br />
automotive grade microprocessor with<br />
reliable relay switching and intelligent<br />
current sensing to protect the battery and<br />
the vehicle's electronics, all housed in an<br />
automotive grade ABS case that is fully<br />
sealed for the ultimate in all weather use.<br />
There are many more features on the<br />
Aussie designed and manufactured product<br />
that is going to set new standards in dual<br />
battery management units.<br />
Price-wise the DBE 140 comes in under<br />
$170 RRP, is easy to install and with a user<br />
interface and easy to read LED<br />
illumination, the DBE 140 is easy to read<br />
and reach a diagnosis if there are problems<br />
in the system.<br />
And the carton has full diagnostic<br />
instructions for the owner that can easily<br />
be kept in the glove box.<br />
Piranha offers a full nationwide<br />
warranty. In self-fit applications, a two-year<br />
warranty applies to the components and the<br />
battery tray and a six-month warranty on<br />
the battery.<br />
If a full system is fitted by an approved<br />
Piranha agent, the components are covered<br />
by a five-year warranty and the battery<br />
warranty is doubled by Piranha to 12-<br />
months, all at no extra cost.<br />
For more detailed information on the<br />
new DBE140 dual battery management<br />
system or any products Piranha carries,<br />
check out the website at<br />
www.piranhaoffroadproducts.com.au or<br />
give Piranha a call on 03 9762 1200.<br />
84 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
ENGINE MANAGEMENT<br />
& FUEL INJECTION<br />
Injectronics acquires RAE<br />
Injectronics Australia has announced it has entered<br />
into an agreement to acquire the distribution of RAE<br />
distributors and ignition components.<br />
This acquisition was due for completion<br />
on June 1.<br />
RAE has been selling new and<br />
remanufactured distributors as well as<br />
other related ignition <strong>parts</strong> for more than<br />
nine years.<br />
Injectronics was established in 1984<br />
and has grown to be the industry leader in<br />
the remanufacturing of automotive<br />
electronics.<br />
The company has received numerous<br />
export and manufacturing awards from the<br />
aftermarket industry and was inducted into<br />
the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame<br />
in 2008.<br />
RAE will relocate from its current<br />
premises into the Injectronics head office<br />
and because both companies are situated<br />
in very close proximity in Hallam, Victoria,<br />
a very smooth transition and integration is<br />
expected.<br />
The amalgamation of these two industry<br />
leaders will insure that Injectronics will<br />
continue to grow and remain the <strong>Australian</strong><br />
leader in engine management, electronics and ignition categories.<br />
It also cements Injectronics’ long term commitment and<br />
dedication to further develop both brands and product ranges.<br />
Injectronics and RAE have developed loyal customer bases and<br />
distribution networks with both being recognised for their<br />
commitment to supplying the highest<br />
quality products accompanied by<br />
outstanding customer service.<br />
Injectronics Sales and Marketing<br />
Manager, Gino Ricciuti, said the company<br />
was very excited about RAE becoming part<br />
of the Injectronics family.<br />
“With both businesses sharing similar<br />
customer bases and distribution models, a<br />
smooth and seamless transition period is<br />
expected,” he said.<br />
“There are many operational and<br />
distribution synergies between both<br />
companies that will provide exciting<br />
opportunities for new marketing initiatives<br />
and increased sales growth for both<br />
brands.”<br />
RAE’s new address is 8 Becon Court,<br />
Hallam, Victoria 3803 and the phone<br />
numbers will remain the same.<br />
Further information will be forwarded to all<br />
customers over the coming weeks, but for<br />
more information Mr Ricciuti by calling<br />
0419 353 522.<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 85
ENGINE MANAGEMENT<br />
& FUEL INJECTION<br />
Oxygen Sensors: Service <strong>parts</strong>, not repair <strong>parts</strong>!<br />
In 1976 Bosch introduced what would eventually become the most widely used emission<br />
control devices in automotive history: the oxygen sensor.<br />
<strong>Automotive</strong> oxygen sensors, often<br />
known as O2 sensors or Lambda Sensors,<br />
make modern electronic fuel injection and<br />
emission control systems possible.<br />
The oxygen sensor is a measuring probe<br />
located in the exhaust system of the<br />
vehicle, used to reduce vehicle emissions<br />
by ensuring that engines burn their fuel<br />
efficiently and cleanly.<br />
When information from oxygen sensors<br />
is coupled with information from other<br />
sources, it can be used to indirectly<br />
determine the air-to-fuel ratio.<br />
Volvo was the first automobile<br />
manufacturer to employ this technology in<br />
a K-Jetronic equipped Volvo 260 Series<br />
along with the three-way catalyst used in<br />
the catalytic converter.<br />
The sensors were introduced in the USA<br />
from about 1980, and were required on all<br />
models of cars in many countries in Europe<br />
by 1993.<br />
What do oxygen sensors do<br />
and how do they work?<br />
The oxygen sensor monitors the level of<br />
oxygen in the exhaust so an onboard<br />
computer (ECU) can regulate the air/fuel<br />
mixture to reduce emissions.<br />
By measuring the proportion of oxygen<br />
in the remaining exhaust gas, and by<br />
knowing the volume and temperature of<br />
the air entering the cylinders amongst<br />
other things, an ECU can use look-up<br />
tables to determine the amount of fuel<br />
required to burn at the optimum ratio.<br />
The primary goal is a compromise<br />
between power, fuel economy, and<br />
emissions, and in most cases is achieved<br />
by an air/fuel ratio close to 14.7 <strong>parts</strong> of<br />
air to one part of fuel for petrol engines to<br />
ensure complete combustion.<br />
The O2 sensor generates a voltage for<br />
the engine management system related to<br />
the amount of excess oxygen in the exhaust<br />
gas, providing “feedback” of the mixture<br />
composition.<br />
The engine management system is<br />
designed to provide optimal engine power,<br />
emissions and economy over the entire<br />
engine operating range and various driving<br />
conditions.<br />
The oxygen sensor allows the engine<br />
management system to directly reference<br />
the optimal emission air/fuel ratio of<br />
14.7:1.<br />
It can also learn the engine’s<br />
requirements and apply a correctional<br />
air/fuel ratio other than 14.7:1, for<br />
example compensation for engine wear or<br />
engine sensor drift.<br />
The oxygen sensor is a ‘Galvanic Cell’, a<br />
type of battery.<br />
The sensor contains two porous<br />
platinum electrodes with a ceramic<br />
electrolyte (Zirconium Dioxide) between<br />
them.<br />
The oxygen sensor generates a very<br />
small voltage, ranging from as little as<br />
100mV (0.1 volts), up to a maximum of<br />
900mV (0.9 volts) dependent upon<br />
exhaust gas oxygen level.<br />
The sensor references atmospheric<br />
oxygen, typically about 21 percent, to the<br />
varying amount of excess oxygen in the<br />
exhaust.<br />
The larger the differential in oxygen<br />
between the atmosphere and exhaust the<br />
higher the voltage output of the sensor.<br />
A rich mixture typically has no oxygen,<br />
while a lean mixture may have three to four<br />
percent.<br />
During normal engine operation the<br />
sensor voltage will oscillate between<br />
100mV - 900mV as the mixture quickly<br />
swings between rich and lean.<br />
The system will average the sensor<br />
voltage to ~450mV which will result in the<br />
mixture ratio of 14.7:1.<br />
The O2 sensor does not begin to<br />
generate its full output until it reaches<br />
about 350°C.<br />
Most new sensors have heating<br />
elements encased in the ceramic that bring<br />
the ceramic tip up to temperature quickly.<br />
Older sensors, without heating<br />
elements, would eventually be heated by<br />
the exhaust, but there is a time lag<br />
between when the engine is started and<br />
when the components in the exhaust<br />
system come to a thermal equilibrium.<br />
This lag is due to the engine, oil,<br />
coolant, and other components absorption<br />
of heat from the exhaust gases.<br />
Starting as a simple single wire sensor,<br />
developments include the introduction of<br />
improved earth circuits, heating elements<br />
to stabilise sensor temperature and now<br />
‘planar’ design sensors delivering superior<br />
sensitivity and accuracy as well improved<br />
service life.<br />
Now O2 sensors typically have four<br />
wires attached: two for the output and two<br />
for the heater power.<br />
Location of oxygen sensors<br />
The O2 sensor is typically screwed into<br />
a threaded hole in the exhaust system,<br />
located after the branch manifold of the<br />
exhaust system combines, and before the<br />
catalytic converter.<br />
Evolution of the sensor over the years<br />
has resulted in many design improvements<br />
continued page 87<br />
86 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
ENGINE MANAGEMENT<br />
& FUEL INJECTION<br />
Oxygen Sensors: Service <strong>parts</strong>, not repair <strong>parts</strong>! - continued<br />
in both operation and <strong>replacement</strong><br />
intervals.<br />
Most vehicles have one or two oxygen<br />
sensors (two are typically used on selected<br />
V6 and V8 engines starting in the late<br />
1980s).<br />
Since the introduction of Onboard<br />
Diagnostics II (OBD II) in 1995-96, the<br />
number of oxygen sensors per vehicle has<br />
doubled.<br />
In recent years in Australia, we have<br />
seen a rapid increase of vehicles on our<br />
roads using pre and post catalytic converter<br />
oxygen sensors.<br />
These are referred to as Control (precatalyst)<br />
and Diagnosis (post-catalyst)<br />
oxygen sensors.<br />
The requirement for controlling the<br />
combustion process is now only one of the<br />
functions of the engine management<br />
system.<br />
Modern systems also control and<br />
monitor the operation of the vehicles’<br />
catalytic converter.<br />
With the fitment of sensors after the<br />
catalyst, the efficiency of the catalytic<br />
converter can now be evaluated and<br />
various engine control strategies can be<br />
employed to reduce harmful exhaust<br />
emissions throughout various driving and<br />
engine operating conditions.<br />
O2 sensor failures<br />
Oxygen sensors like spark plugs have a<br />
service life. Over time the response of the<br />
sensor slows down and produces less<br />
output, resulting in the tendency for the<br />
engine to run richer.<br />
The problem may not be noticed right<br />
away because the change in performance<br />
occurs gradually.<br />
But over time the situation will get<br />
worse, ultimately requiring the sensor to be<br />
replaced to restore peak engine<br />
performance.<br />
Normally, the lifetime of an unheated<br />
sensor is about 50,000 to 80,000km.<br />
Heated sensor lifetime is typically<br />
160,000km.<br />
Failure of these sensors, either through<br />
normal aging, the use of leaded fuels, or<br />
fuel contaminated with silicones or<br />
silicates for example, can lead to damage<br />
of a vehicle’s catalytic converter and<br />
expensive repairs.<br />
Environmental factors such as road<br />
splash, salt, oil and dirt can also cause a<br />
sensor to fail, as can mechanical stress or<br />
mishandling.<br />
Failure of an unheated sensor is usually<br />
caused by the build-up of soot on the<br />
ceramic element, which lengthens its<br />
response time and may cause total loss of<br />
ability to sense oxygen.<br />
For heated sensors, normal deposits are<br />
burned off during operation and failure<br />
occurs due to catalyst depletion, similar to<br />
the reason a battery stops producing<br />
current.<br />
The probe then tends to report a lean<br />
mixture, the ECU enriches the mixture, the<br />
exhaust gets rich with carbon monoxide<br />
and hydrocarbons, and the vehicle<br />
economy worsens.<br />
Leaded petrol contaminates the oxygen<br />
sensors and catalytic converters.<br />
Lead-damaged sensors typically have<br />
their tips discoloured light rusty.<br />
Another common cause of premature<br />
failure of O2 sensors is contamination of<br />
fuel with silicones (used in some sealing’s<br />
and greases) or silicates (used as corrosion<br />
inhibitors in some antifreeze).<br />
In this case, the deposits on the sensor<br />
are coloured between shiny white and<br />
grainy light gray.<br />
Leaks of oil into the engine may cover<br />
the probe tip with an oily black deposit,<br />
with associated loss of response.<br />
An overly rich mixture causes build-up<br />
of black powdery deposit on the probe.<br />
This may be caused by failure of the<br />
probe itself, or by a problem elsewhere in<br />
the fuel rationing system.<br />
Symptoms of a failing oxygen sensor<br />
include the sensor light on the dash<br />
indicating a problem, increased tailpipe<br />
emissions, increased fuel consumption,<br />
hesitation on acceleration, stalling and<br />
rough idling.<br />
An additional consequence of any<br />
oxygen sensor failure may be damage to<br />
the catalytic converter.<br />
A rich operating condition causes the<br />
converter to run hotter than normal.<br />
If the converter gets hot enough, the<br />
catalyst substrate inside may actually melt<br />
forming a partial or complete blockage.<br />
The result can be a drastic drop in<br />
highway performance or stalling because<br />
of a build-up of backpressure in the<br />
exhaust system.<br />
Why change oxygen sensors<br />
regularly?<br />
Although some cars have an oxygen<br />
sensor reminder light to alert you when it<br />
is time to check the oxygen sensor, most<br />
do not.<br />
So, unless there’s a noticeable<br />
driveability problem or a ‘Check Engine’<br />
light on, most people have no way of<br />
knowing if their oxygen sensor is<br />
functioning properly.<br />
For these reasons, the O2 sensor<br />
should be considered a service<br />
<strong>replacement</strong> item, just like spark plugs.<br />
Don't wait for failure; replace the<br />
oxygen sensor as normal preventive<br />
maintenance.<br />
The regular testing and <strong>replacement</strong> of<br />
O2 sensors has multiple benefits for the<br />
vehicle owner, the workshop and the<br />
environment; it is a win-win-win.<br />
Keeping the oxygen sensor in good<br />
operating condition will ensure peak<br />
engine performance meaning no surging<br />
or hesitating, improve fuel economy as<br />
much as 10 to 15 percent which can save<br />
hundreds each year in fuel costs and<br />
minimise exhaust emissions.<br />
It will also reduce the risk of damage<br />
to the catalytic converter or other costly<br />
repairs and adds workshop value to regular<br />
service and maintenance, and develops<br />
client relationships.<br />
For more information contact Premier Auto<br />
Trade on 03 9585 7993 or visit the website<br />
www.premierautotrade.com.au<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 89
ENGINE MANAGEMENT<br />
& FUEL INJECTION<br />
Though many Distributorless Ignition<br />
Systems (DIS) have plug wires, Coil-Over-<br />
Plug (COP) ignition systems are appearing<br />
on more and more engines and are<br />
eliminating the need for plug wires<br />
altogether by fitting individual coils directly<br />
over each spark plug.<br />
Multi-coil ignitions come in two basic<br />
types: Coil-On-Plug (COP) and Coil-Near-<br />
Plug (CNP) ignition systems.<br />
Placing each individual ignition coil<br />
directly over its spark plug eliminates the<br />
need for long, bulky spark plug wires.<br />
This reduces radio frequency<br />
interference, eliminates potential misfire<br />
problems caused by burned, chaffed or<br />
loose plug wires, and lowers resistance<br />
between the coil and plug.<br />
Consequently, each coil can be smaller,<br />
Fuelmiser ignition coils<br />
Multi-coil ignition systems mean cleaner combustion and better fuel economy<br />
Ignition distributors are slowly disappearing; the demand for spark plug wire sets is also declining.<br />
lighter and use less energy to fire its spark<br />
plug.<br />
From a performance standpoint, having<br />
a separate coil for each cylinder gives each<br />
coil more time to recharge between<br />
cylinder firings.<br />
With single coil distributor systems, the<br />
coil must fire twice every revolution of the<br />
crankshaft in a four cylinder engine, and<br />
four times in a V8.<br />
With a multi-coil system, each coil only<br />
has to fire once every other revolution of<br />
the crankshaft.<br />
This provides more saturation time for<br />
a stronger spark, especially at higher RPM<br />
when firing times are greatly reduced.<br />
The result is fewer misfires, cleaner<br />
combustion and better fuel economy.<br />
The problem with these coils is that the<br />
plugs are deeply recessed and the plug<br />
wells tend to trap water and heat.<br />
If an engine is experiencing repeated<br />
misfiring, the coil may be working too hard<br />
or faulty.<br />
The underlying cause is usually high<br />
secondary resistance (bad spark plug wire<br />
or spark plugs), or in some cases a lean<br />
fuel condition (dirty injectors, vacuum leak<br />
or leaky EGR valve).<br />
It is recommended that connectors and<br />
terminals are cleaned prior to installing the<br />
new coil.<br />
Corrosion can cause intermittent<br />
operation and loss of continuity, which may<br />
contribute to component failure.<br />
Applying dielectric grease which has<br />
high-temperature performance, to these<br />
connections can help prevent corrosion<br />
and assure a good connection and help<br />
prevent spark plug to coil boot fusion.<br />
Having a separate coil for each cylinder<br />
also improves the engine's ability to handle<br />
more exhaust gas recirculation to reduce<br />
oxides of nitrogen emissions which is<br />
important with today's low-emission vehicle<br />
standards.<br />
A better spark also makes spark plugs<br />
more resistant to fouling and helps<br />
100,000km sparkplugs go the distance.<br />
Multi-coil ignition systems also improve<br />
idle stability and idle emissions, too.<br />
On older DIS ignition systems, an<br />
electronic module is part of the coil pack<br />
assembly and controls the switching of the<br />
coils on and off.<br />
On most newer DIS systems, the<br />
switching function is handled by the<br />
Electronic Control Module (ECM), though<br />
there may be additional coil driver<br />
electronics built into the top of each coil.<br />
The PCM receives a basic timing signal<br />
from a Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP)<br />
and sometimes a Camshaft Position Sensor<br />
(CMP) to determine engine speed, firing<br />
order and timing.<br />
The ECM then looks at inputs from the<br />
other sensors to determine how much<br />
timing advance to give each plug.<br />
Most of today's multi-coil ignition<br />
systems are capable of making timing<br />
adjustments between cylinder firings, which<br />
makes these systems very responsive and<br />
quick to adapt to changing engine load and<br />
driving conditions.<br />
With the newer vehicles, the OBD II<br />
system can detect coil problems, as well as<br />
ignition misfires.<br />
If there's a problem, the Engine Warning<br />
Lamp (or emission light in some cases) will<br />
come on, and there will be one or more<br />
diagnostic trouble codes set in the ECM's<br />
memory.<br />
These can be read with a scan tool or<br />
code reader to diagnose the fault.<br />
Some helpful tips:<br />
- Using the wrong coil may damage other<br />
ignition components or cause the new coil<br />
to fail<br />
- On engines with distributors or DIS<br />
ignition systems, the spark plug wires<br />
should also be replaced following a coil<br />
failure to assure a good spark<br />
- Remember to use silicon dielectric<br />
grease on the inside COP boots and spark<br />
plug boots in general<br />
- When fitting COP coils or ignition leads<br />
to spark plugs make sure the boot is<br />
correctly attached to the spark plug, as a<br />
poor connection can cause ignition<br />
component failure<br />
Fuelmiser ignition coils and engine<br />
management products are made to original<br />
equipment specifications.<br />
Fuelmiser is continually researching and<br />
updating its range and currently covers<br />
3300 vehicles and more than 21,000<br />
applications from approximately 1500<br />
components.<br />
Fuelmiser prides itself on having the<br />
most accurate and up to date information.<br />
For details of new items and applications or<br />
a copy of the latest catalogue, contact your<br />
Fuelmiser stockist or email Fuelmiser at<br />
techsupport@motospecs.com or visit<br />
www.motospecs.com.au<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 91
DRIVELINE AND<br />
TRANSMISSION<br />
Clutch Industries’ new flywheel manufacturing facility<br />
In an environment where there seems to be little good news in terms of local manufacturing, Clutch Industries has<br />
recently purchased three Mazak Multiplex 630 twin turret CNC Lathes.<br />
The new lathes establish what Clutch<br />
Industries believes to be the most advanced<br />
flywheel manufacturing facility of its type in<br />
Australia.<br />
Each lathe is specifically designed to<br />
manufacture flywheels, with the units having<br />
the necessary turning, drilling and milling<br />
capability.<br />
Mazatrol T32-6 CNC controllers control the<br />
lathes and in addition all have the added<br />
feature of automatic material management<br />
systems (or loaders).<br />
These lathes are perfect for flywheel<br />
machining as all of the machining operations<br />
required to take a raw billet to a completed<br />
part can be carried out on one machine,<br />
negating the need to transfer from lathe to mill<br />
to drill.<br />
Such a facility allows <strong>Australian</strong><br />
manufactured products to be globally<br />
competitive.<br />
The advantages are twofold. Firstly the<br />
lathes are programmed to machine one side of<br />
the billet then internally transfer the partially<br />
completed part to the opposite chuck to<br />
continue machining the other side.<br />
By planning the tool paths it is possible to<br />
ensure that all critical features are machined<br />
from the same reference point.<br />
This ensures the most accurate <strong>parts</strong><br />
possible are produced and secondly, the<br />
material handling is cut down to a bare<br />
minimum.<br />
The programmable loading system means<br />
the raw billets that are loaded on to the pallet<br />
using an overhead crane and magnet can be<br />
picked up by a robotic arm that transfers the<br />
billet to the first machining head.<br />
After the part is machined and passed to<br />
the second machining head the robotic arm<br />
removes the finished part from the second<br />
head and places it on to the ‘unloading’ pallet.<br />
The Multiplex 630 is equipped with<br />
300mm chucks and has 22KW drive motors.<br />
There are 2x12 mountable tool positions<br />
(12 per head).<br />
This makes it more than suitable for<br />
machining flywheels as the lathe works well<br />
within its power and size range meaning it can<br />
maintain its accuracy and consistency as a<br />
result of the low stresses the lathe is operating<br />
under.<br />
The flywheel’s critical dimensions<br />
including the concentricity of the dowel and<br />
bolt holes to the central hole that positions the<br />
flywheel on to the crank are kept within<br />
0.2mm Total Indicator Reading (TIR).<br />
The flatness and parallelism are kept<br />
within 0.15mm. This means that when<br />
finished machined, a CI flywheel will have an<br />
out of balance of less than 70 gram.cm<br />
without having to do subsequent balancing<br />
processes.<br />
All performance flywheels are checked for<br />
balance after ring gears are fitted and are<br />
balanced to better than 35 gram.cm if they do<br />
not already pass at that level.<br />
The central hole that positions the flywheel<br />
on to the crank is machined to a tolerance of<br />
+/- 0.012mm this ensures the flywheel is a<br />
snug fit on to the spigot on the vehicle’s crank.<br />
Again this ensures the balance of the<br />
clutch system hanging off the crank is<br />
maintained to the tightest tolerance.<br />
The flywheels CI currently manufactures<br />
are made from solid steel billet and not from<br />
cast iron and all materials are made in<br />
Australia.<br />
Suppliers are required to supply material<br />
certificates with each delivery, verifying it has<br />
been made to the required specification.<br />
CI flywheels are also machined on every<br />
surface and 22 tools are used to obtain the<br />
most accurate and impressive surface finish.<br />
The company states that cast flywheels are<br />
only machined on the friction face, the ID and<br />
the crank mount surfaces, leaving the as-cast<br />
finish everywhere else, so cast flywheels<br />
always require balancing and the subsequent<br />
holes drilled into the back of the product.<br />
CI manufactures standard <strong>replacement</strong><br />
flywheels, lightened steel flywheels and dual<br />
mass <strong>replacement</strong> flywheels and has an<br />
extensive and expanding range.<br />
Flywheels are supplied with dowels and if<br />
non standard bolts are required due to its<br />
design, cover to flywheel and flywheel to crank<br />
bolts are also supplied.<br />
Ring gears are fitted and the flywheels are<br />
packaged to prevent damage and corrosion,<br />
ensuring the best possible condition is<br />
maintained until the flywheel is fitted.<br />
Note: The information contained within<br />
this article is based upon CI manufactured<br />
<strong>parts</strong>; CI also distributes flywheels<br />
manufactured by its development partners in<br />
Europe and the United States.Product<br />
specifications may vary based upon specific<br />
applications including but limited tighter<br />
tolerance associated with the product of<br />
performance based applications.<br />
For more information visit the<br />
website www.clutchindustries.com.au<br />
or call Clutch Industries toll free on<br />
1300 369 787.<br />
Clutch Industries has purchased three<br />
Mazak Multiplex 630 twin turret CNC lathes.<br />
By planning the tool paths it is possible to ensure that all critical<br />
features are machined from the same reference point.<br />
After the part is machined and passed to the second<br />
machining head the robotic arm removes the finished part<br />
from the second head and places it on to the ‘unloading’ pallet.<br />
92 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
DRIVELINE AND<br />
TRANSMISSION<br />
Schaeffler Hybrid<br />
The Schaeffler Group has developed a car full of<br />
ideas called the Schaeffler Hybrid.<br />
The vehicle is part of an advance development project that enables a practical<br />
comparison of the various options available for electric mobility to be made. The<br />
vehicle demonstrates various vehicle configurations and driving conditions.<br />
This means the Schaeffler Hybrid not only has a volume produced<br />
combustion engine from a basic vehicle, but also has a central electric motor and<br />
two wheel hub motors. Accordingly, the various elements can each be switched<br />
on and off and comprise a wide range of various driving conditions. These options<br />
range from classic operation using a combustion engine, operation as a parallel<br />
hybrid or serial hybrid to operation using the electric motor only. The combustion<br />
engine can power the vehicle and be coupled for use as a range extender.<br />
An automated manual transmission increases the options available. The<br />
transmission naturally incorporates clutch products specially matched to the<br />
requirements of hybrid vehicles from the Schaeffler brand LuK. The energy store<br />
is a 16kWh lithium-ion battery (400V, 400A) and is charged by means of energy<br />
recovery, the range extender as well as via an external power supply (plug-in<br />
hybrid). Specifically, these are INA, LuK, FAG as well as IDAM and AFT.<br />
The central unit is flange located to the automated manual transmission by<br />
means of a toothed chain and drives the front wheels. It comprises a liquidcooled<br />
50kW and 95Nm electric motor that was designed and manufactured by<br />
Schaeffler subsidiary IDAM. The wheel hub motors, also developed by the<br />
Schaeffler Group, have been given the name eWheel Drive. Motors mounted in<br />
the Schaeffler Hybrid have an output of around 50kW each and torque of around<br />
530Nm.<br />
The Schaeffler Group profits from its profound expertise in the field of wheel<br />
bearings and direct drive technology during the design and manufacture of these<br />
high-performance components. Accordingly, these wheel hub motors form a<br />
compact unit that integrates wheel bearing, drive and brake. The advantage of<br />
these drive units is the fact that they can be integrated in an existing vehicle<br />
platform without making any major changes to the vehicle architecture. In<br />
addition, the eWheel Drive from Schaeffler makes a convincing case due to its<br />
appealing torque development as well as a remarkably low noise level.<br />
“The Schaeffler Hybrid will not go into volume production”, says Peter<br />
Gutzmer, "with the Schaeffler Hybrid, we want to demonstrate that the Schaeffler<br />
Group takes a holistic approach to mobility and offers innovative products for<br />
e-mobility solutions in its portfolio”.<br />
Along with the components shown in the Schaeffler Hybrid, Schaeffler's<br />
range of products tailored to the requirements of hybrid vehicles and electric<br />
mobility includes, amongst others, hybrid clutches (as used in upper-class hybrid<br />
SUVs recently presented), electromechanical chassis and steering components,<br />
as well as various differentials.<br />
For further information phone 02 8977 1038 or<br />
email LuK-AS.au@Schaeffler.com<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 93
DRIVELINE AND<br />
TRANSMISSION<br />
AADi:<br />
constant quality<br />
AADi Australia is a constant velocity<br />
driveline specialist offering a very<br />
comprehensive range of Constant Velocity<br />
(CV) components for most makes and<br />
models on the road in Australia.<br />
AADi is the exclusive <strong>Australian</strong> supplier for the GSP<br />
<strong>Automotive</strong> Group Wenzhou, one the largest<br />
manufacturers of CV components in the world.<br />
Established since 1985, GSP is SGS ISO TS16949<br />
quality certified and manufactures more than 7.5 million<br />
units per year of about 4000 part number applications.<br />
AADi is owned and operated by graduate engineers<br />
who have been working in the CV industry in Australia for<br />
20 years.<br />
During this time they have built up a wealth of<br />
knowledge and are happy to share this knowledge and<br />
expertise with their <strong>Australian</strong> distributors and their<br />
customer base.<br />
Most vehicles on the road these days use constant<br />
velocity driveline and sales for CV shafts in the<br />
automotive aftermarket have grown incredibly with CV<br />
shaft <strong>replacement</strong> becoming a high volume vehicle repair.<br />
Since the availability of brand new CV shaft<br />
assemblies in the <strong>Australian</strong> automotive aftermarket, the<br />
re-conditioning of most CV shafts is no longer necessary.<br />
While there are some very good re-conditioners in the<br />
market who produce good quality work, there are also<br />
many who do not and with the tolerances of CV<br />
components on today’s vehicles being so fine, poorly reconditioned<br />
CV Shafts can quickly cause problems.<br />
Mechanics should also be aware of low cost poor<br />
quality new CV shafts that are flooding into the auto<br />
aftermarket, which can have premature wear due to poor<br />
quality steel or lack of hardening in crucial wear areas.<br />
Common problems with poor quality CV shafts are soft<br />
splines, soft bell/race and cage, spline stubs breaking off<br />
in the diff/gearbox or even axle shafts sheering.<br />
Many mechanics have been caught out with these<br />
problems and will no longer fit these shafts.<br />
It is a much wiser option to fit a brand new GSP CV<br />
Shaft for not much more cost than a reconditioned one<br />
and a new GSP CV shaft often costs less than the reconditioned<br />
ones.<br />
AADi offers a full support package, engineers are<br />
available on a toll free hot line and it has a large range of<br />
CV shafts including for European vehicles.<br />
Application data is accurate which ensures the correct<br />
fit the first time.<br />
For more information or to find your nearest<br />
distributor visit www.aadiaustralia.com.au,<br />
contact AADi Australia by emailing<br />
sales@aadiaustralia.com.au or freecall<br />
1800 105 240.<br />
Albins supercar transmission<br />
Albins Off Road Gear is proud to announce a development partnership<br />
with <strong>Australian</strong> Supercar manufacturer JOSS Developments.<br />
The two companies have formed a partnership to develop a state-of-the-art transmission<br />
for the new production version of the JOSS (code named the JOSS JP1).<br />
The seven-figure development program will produce an <strong>Australian</strong> first with never before<br />
seen levels of technology.<br />
Albins has been carefully selected by the JOSS engineering team for its capacity to<br />
manufacture leading edge components and systems measurable to any other in the world.<br />
JOSS Developments CEO, Glenn Draffin, said there has been a lot of development work<br />
carried out by the engineering team behind the scenes.<br />
“And the transmission partnership with Albins is one of several exciting developments that<br />
JOSS will be announcing over the coming months, he said. “This new transmission will set<br />
the standard and is a key component in JOSS’ plans to build a 360kph supercar.”<br />
Albins Off Road Gear Director, Steve MacDonald, said the high technology in the<br />
upcoming JP1 was a perfect fit for Albins.<br />
“We have been following the development of the production car, and have been in talks<br />
with JOSS Developments Limited for some time now, and are proud to finally be able to<br />
announce our partnership with this very professional team,” he said.<br />
The Prototype JOSS Supercar reputedly enjoyed the status of being the fifth fastest<br />
production car on the planet on its unveiling at the 2004 Melbourne Motor Show.<br />
The 2010 version of the vehicle is expected to place the car in the top three fastest<br />
accelerating production cars on earth.<br />
For more information phone 03 5335 8022 or visit www.albinsgear.com.au<br />
ATAP increases drive shaft range<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> Truck and Auto Parts (ATAP) has again increased its<br />
range of new drive shafts.<br />
The performance of<br />
this range since its<br />
launch in 2005<br />
demonstrates the<br />
growing popularity of<br />
new drive shafts.<br />
With the latest<br />
addition of new part<br />
numbers, the range now<br />
boasts close to 500 individual<br />
part numbers covering the vast<br />
majority of passenger and 4WD applications in Australia.<br />
The drive shafts have recently been repackaged in to the new distinctive Protex drive<br />
shaft packaging.<br />
As with all Protex products, they are covered by a 12 month/20,000km warranty.<br />
Anthony Goerke from ATAP said the company has put considerable effort into<br />
sourcing premium product across this extensive range.<br />
“We’ve always been confident of these products and we’re backing them with a<br />
great warranty,” Mr Goerke said.<br />
“They have now been on the market for more than long enough for us to say they<br />
have a proven track record.”<br />
Mr Goerke said the new competitive pricing gives customers an advantage in the<br />
market along with the confidence that comes with a new driveshaft with nationwide<br />
warranty rather than a re-conditioned unit.<br />
“Protex drive shafts are a proven success and their new packaging is a great way of<br />
us emphasising this product line,” he said.<br />
For more information visit www.atap.com.au<br />
94 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
HR<br />
VEHICLE MANUFACTURING, REPAIR<br />
SERVICES AND RETAIL AWARD<br />
TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS<br />
As per our previous reports Fair Work Australia has been undertaking the significant task of reducing around 4000<br />
awards Australia wide into approximately 125 Modern Awards that will apply throughout Australia. The new modern<br />
award the Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair Services and Retail Award 2010 applies to all businesses across Australia that<br />
operate as an 'incorporated' entity and all employers regardless of structure in Victoria, the ACT and NT. The new award<br />
came into effect on January 1, 2010.<br />
Despite the government’s objective that<br />
both employers and employees were to be<br />
no worse off as a result of these new<br />
awards Fair Work Australia has stated that<br />
"some wages and conditions will increase<br />
as a result of moving to the terms which<br />
apply elsewhere in the industry and equally<br />
some existing award entitlements will not<br />
be reflected in the applicable modern<br />
award because they do not currently have<br />
general application".<br />
To lessen the immediate impact of<br />
these new changes the modern award<br />
contains transitional provisions, which<br />
allow certain changes in the award to be<br />
progressively phased in over five annual<br />
instalments commencing on July 1, 2010.<br />
The transitional arrangements apply to:<br />
• Minimum wages<br />
• Casual loadings<br />
• Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday<br />
• Evening and other penalty rates<br />
• Shift allowances<br />
In terms of transitional wages, to<br />
calculate an employee's transitional wage<br />
rate, employers need to first identify both<br />
the employee's pre-modern award and<br />
modern award classification. To do so you<br />
would need to view both the previous<br />
award and the modern award classification<br />
definitions to see which award level is most<br />
appropriate. Please note the classification<br />
definition will confirm the employee’s<br />
award wage level, not the level that is<br />
closest to the employee’s current wage.<br />
This is because the duties performed may<br />
deem that classification inappropriate and<br />
the employee current wage may include<br />
above award payments.<br />
The first step in calculating the correct<br />
transitional wage is to find the dollar<br />
difference between the employee's pre<br />
modern award wage and the modern award<br />
wage for the employees' classification as<br />
at January 1, 2010. This difference is<br />
called the 'transitional amount'. The<br />
transitional amount for each award<br />
classification remains the same each year<br />
and is unaffected by annual wage<br />
increases.<br />
The next step is to determine the<br />
modern award wage that applies to the<br />
employee including any increases from Fair<br />
Work Australia's annual wage review.<br />
Once the transitional amount and the<br />
modern award wage (including Fair Work<br />
Australia's wage increase) have been<br />
identified, a proportion of the transitional<br />
amount can be added or subtracted from<br />
the modern award rate to determine the<br />
employee’s transitional wage for that year.<br />
The following are the percentages of the<br />
In making the decision,<br />
Fair Work Australia took<br />
into account a variety<br />
of factors including Australia's<br />
better than expected economic<br />
performance and the<br />
stability of inflation figures.<br />
transitional amount, which will be added<br />
or subtracted each year depending on<br />
whether the modern award wage is higher<br />
or lower than the pre modern award wage:<br />
• 1 July 2010 80 percent<br />
• 1 July 2011 60 percent<br />
• 1 July 2012 40 percent<br />
• 1 July 2013 20 percent<br />
• 1 July 2014 0 percent<br />
Where the modern award rate is higher,<br />
the minimum wage rate is obtained by<br />
subtracting the proportion of the<br />
transitional amount.<br />
Where the modern award rate is lower,<br />
David Wilkinson<br />
AAAA Industrial, Relations Manager<br />
Phone 1300 735 306 Fax 02 9993 9709<br />
Email hr@aaaa.com.au<br />
the minimum wage is obtained by adding<br />
the proportion of the transitional amount.<br />
However, where the modern award rate is<br />
lower and the transitional amount is equal<br />
to or less than the amount of an increase in<br />
the modern award minimum wage resulting<br />
from Fair Work Australia's 2010 annual<br />
wage review, the increase cancels out the<br />
transitional amount and phasing is not<br />
required.<br />
Fair Work Australia Wage Review<br />
On the June 3, 2010, Fair Work<br />
Australia handed down its inaugural annual<br />
wage review awarding an increase of $26<br />
per week to the rates of pay for employees<br />
covered by modern awards. Based on this<br />
increase the new federal minimum wage<br />
for those who are not covered by an award<br />
is $15 per hour. These changes are<br />
applicable from the first full pay period on<br />
or after July 1, 2010 and apply to all<br />
modern awards, they do not apply to state<br />
awards.<br />
In making the decision, Fair Work<br />
Australia took into account a variety of<br />
factors including Australia's better than<br />
expected economic performance and the<br />
stability of inflation figures.<br />
Given the last wage rise was given by<br />
the <strong>Australian</strong> Fair Pay Commission in July<br />
2008, Fair Work Australia concluded that<br />
a significant increase in minimum wages<br />
was warranted and the increase would not<br />
threaten business viability, employment<br />
growth or add to inflation.<br />
Unfair Dismissal Under the Fair Work Act<br />
As of July 1, 2009 all businesses in the<br />
federal system (all employers across the<br />
country except unincorporated businesses<br />
in Western Australia) are now open to<br />
unfair dismissal claims.<br />
Under the new unfair dismissal laws an<br />
employee needs to complete a minimum<br />
qualifying period to make an unfair<br />
96 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
HR<br />
dismissal claim. For employers with 15 full<br />
time equivalent staff or more an employee<br />
needs to be with the business for six<br />
months and for employers with less than<br />
15 full time equivalent staff the employee<br />
must complete a 12 month qualifying<br />
period in order to be eligible to make an<br />
unfair dismissal claim.<br />
What Is An Unfair Dismissal?<br />
An unfair dismissal is one that Fair<br />
Work Australia (FWA) has deemed harsh,<br />
unjust or unreasonable. In making this<br />
determination FWA would take into<br />
account factors such as whether there was<br />
a valid reason for the termination and<br />
whether the employee was notified of the<br />
reason, whether the employee was given an<br />
opportunity to respond and improve and<br />
whether the employee was given any formal<br />
warnings. In short unfair dismissal is more<br />
about the procedures regarding the<br />
employees' termination rather than the<br />
reason for their dismissal.<br />
Small Business Dismissal Code<br />
In order to assist small businesses (i.e<br />
those business with less than 15 full time<br />
equivalent staff) who do not have specialist<br />
human resource departments to assist<br />
them with terminations and often can't<br />
afford to spend time in Fair Work Australia<br />
defending an unfair dismissal claim the<br />
government has developed the Small<br />
Business Fair Dismissal Code.<br />
The government has developed this<br />
code as a checklist for employers to follow<br />
to ensure fairness in the dismissal process.<br />
This code is applicable to small<br />
businesses, that is, business with less than<br />
15 full time equivalent employees. If the<br />
employer follows this code then the<br />
dismissal will be deemed to be 'fair' by Fair<br />
Work Australia.<br />
For a copy of the code please contact<br />
the AAAA HR Advisory Service.<br />
If the business can show<br />
that the employee has been<br />
counselled over a period<br />
of time and given every<br />
chance to improve their<br />
performance/attitude<br />
then this will increase<br />
the chances of the dismissal<br />
being found to be 'fair'<br />
Disciplinary Procedures<br />
Businesses with 15 or more staff will<br />
need to be able to show that they had<br />
proper disciplinary policies and procedures<br />
in place to ensure that the employees'<br />
termination was not harsh, unjust or<br />
unreasonable.<br />
The easiest and most common form of<br />
disciplinary action is a written warning. A<br />
written warning should include details of<br />
the employer's concerns, actions or<br />
outcomes that the employer desires in the<br />
future and also a clear understanding that<br />
due to their unsatisfactory performance the<br />
employee may face termination in the<br />
future and that their conduct will be<br />
reviewed on a future date. The employee<br />
should be given a written copy of the<br />
warning and minutes from the meeting<br />
should be taken.<br />
A warning can be given for such<br />
matters as refusing to carry out reasonable<br />
orders, poor communication with staff<br />
and/or customers and not following<br />
company policies. There is no set guideline<br />
as to a recommended number of warnings<br />
and the number would be dictated by<br />
circumstances such as the seriousness of<br />
the performance or behaviour of the<br />
employee and their length of service with<br />
the business. Subsequent written warnings<br />
should refer to previous written warnings.<br />
The aim of written warnings is to show:<br />
• concrete evidence that the employee<br />
was made aware of the issues that the<br />
employer had with their performance;<br />
• that the employee was advised of the<br />
correct behaviours they were to exhibit<br />
and that the employer had offered the<br />
employee a reasonable chance to<br />
improve their performance; and<br />
• that the employee knew if they did not<br />
improve then termination would occur<br />
in the future.<br />
If the business can show that the<br />
employee has been counselled over a<br />
period of time and given every chance to<br />
improve their performance/attitude then<br />
this will increase the chances of the<br />
dismissal being found to be 'fair'.<br />
It is critical that when terminating a<br />
staff member, business owners need to<br />
take the above information into account as<br />
the new unfair dismissal laws leave many<br />
more practices exposed to an unfair<br />
dismissal claim. If you would like to<br />
discuss how your business can protect<br />
itself from a claim, implement an effective<br />
disciplinary procedure or receive a copy of<br />
the small business fair dismissal code<br />
please contact the AAAA HR Advisory<br />
Service.<br />
Need more information? The AAAA HR Advisory Service can provide free to members Common Law<br />
contract templates, awards and current rates of pay and recruitment and termination advice on phone:<br />
1300 735 306 or email: hr@aaaa.com.au. The AAAA HR Advisory Service is available from 8.30am -<br />
5.00pm Monday to Friday (AEST). The answer could be just a phone call away!<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 97
FINANCE FEATURE<br />
Growth can often be one of the most<br />
dangerous times for any business that<br />
doesn’t have a plan or funding in place. If<br />
you are planning to grow your business in the<br />
next financial year, you need to consider the<br />
resources required – especially cash.<br />
Planning cash resources required during<br />
growth boils down to two things: budgeting<br />
and cash flow forecasting. Let’s discuss what<br />
they are and why you need them, how they<br />
differ and what they should contain.<br />
Budgeting, your road map to success<br />
The word you has been underlined above<br />
because many business owners think a<br />
budget is something that only banks require.<br />
If you want to grow business and end up with<br />
more profit than before, a budget is vital. A<br />
budget is a bit like a roadmap for your<br />
business. It plots out the financial path for<br />
the future and provides a basis for measuring<br />
actual performance. You can see every month<br />
how you are going and take corrective action<br />
quickly rather than waiting until year end to<br />
find out you’ve made a loss or have a looming<br />
tax bill.<br />
A budget contains information about the<br />
future profit and loss of the business. There<br />
are five key areas to consider:<br />
• Sales - you predict your future sales,<br />
based on a combination of previous<br />
results and sales forecasts. Future sales<br />
forecasts really help salespeople with a<br />
target to work towards and be accountable<br />
for.<br />
• Cost of sales – you predict your costs as a<br />
percentage of sales based on previous<br />
knowledge and future purchasing plans.<br />
If you want to maintain or improve your<br />
margin it’s vital to have a plan of how you<br />
are going to achieve it. Are you going to<br />
investigate new suppliers or find better<br />
ways to achieve your requirement? Cost of<br />
Sales are generally those costs that only<br />
occur when you sell something, as<br />
opposed to overheads that occur all the<br />
time, such as rent, wages etc.<br />
• Gross profit – this is the difference<br />
between your sales and cost of sales. You<br />
may have an idea of your usual gross<br />
profit percentage and you can use this as<br />
a guide for the future or a basis for<br />
improvement.<br />
• Overheads – you predict your planned<br />
overheads for the year including any<br />
increases such as extra staff, extra<br />
workspace required due to growth.<br />
Overwhelmed is under-planned<br />
Australia dodged the recession and we’re all geared up for growth again. Sounds good, but will we survive<br />
growth after the downturn? Surviving growth might sound like a crazy notion. One might assume that growth is<br />
good and therefore will solve any other issues such as cash flow.<br />
• Net profit – this is the difference between<br />
your gross profit and overheads. Hopefully<br />
if sales, costs and overheads are tightly<br />
controlled you will end up with a better<br />
profit than before. It’s not uncommon<br />
though to see a business with increased<br />
sales and decreased profit due to lack of<br />
control of costs and overheads.<br />
If Cash is King then cash flow<br />
forecasting is the King Maker<br />
You’ve probably heard the term ‘Cash is<br />
King’; well a cash flow forecast is the ‘king<br />
maker’. Where your budget matches costs<br />
and overheads against sales and predicts<br />
profit and loss, the cash flow forecast<br />
measures the timing of receipts and<br />
payments and predicts the cash position for<br />
the future.<br />
A business can be making profits but have<br />
cash flow problems due to poor management<br />
of:<br />
• Customer payments – too slow<br />
• Supplier payments – too quick<br />
• Inventory – too much or not thought out<br />
• Jobs in progress – too long to finish and<br />
invoice<br />
• Capital assets – paying cash for assets<br />
such as equipment and vehicles etc.<br />
• Interest – having to borrow to compensate<br />
for poor cash flow management<br />
• Tax – not allowing for taxes when they fall<br />
due<br />
• Dividends – paid without considering the<br />
impact on the future cash position<br />
A cash flow forecast contains five key<br />
areas:<br />
• Receipts – a prediction of when money<br />
will actually come into the bank from<br />
sales made. Timing is an issue here and<br />
you need to predict how long customers<br />
will take to pay. You may need to base this<br />
on previous history rather than your ‘terms<br />
of trade’, as we all know not all customers<br />
pay on time.<br />
• Payments – a prediction of when money<br />
will go out of the bank to pay for goods<br />
and services and regular expenses such<br />
as rent, wages etc.<br />
• Opening bank balance for each month.<br />
• Surplus or deficit for the month based on<br />
the difference between receipts and<br />
payments.<br />
• Closing bank balance for each month<br />
being the total of the opening balance<br />
plus the surplus or deficit for the month.<br />
The cash flow forecast puts you in a<br />
position of knowing well beforehand what<br />
your cash position will be given the above<br />
mentioned predictions. This allows you to<br />
plan for action to manage a negative or<br />
positive balance. For example you might have<br />
a negative over Christmas or seasonal<br />
downtime. You can plan to borrow funds to<br />
cover it or manage customer payments,<br />
supplier payments or purchases of stock to<br />
cover it. You can also plan when to purchase<br />
assets, pay taxes and interest so that it<br />
doesn’t leave you short in the future.<br />
If you are borrowing in your business most<br />
lenders will require a budget and cash flow<br />
forecast. If you have good quality information<br />
they will feel much more confident with your<br />
ability to service the debt. There are<br />
anecdotes such as a recent one where a<br />
client was changing banks and the new bank<br />
required a report of actual results versus the<br />
previous budget, before agreeing to a new<br />
loan.<br />
This is the environment we are now<br />
operating in and all businesses need to have<br />
control of this area. Not only will it appease<br />
your lender but it will put you – the business<br />
owner – in the picture of what is the position<br />
relating to cash flow rather than being<br />
reactive when the money runs out.<br />
CAD Partners – CFO On-Call has cash flow<br />
forecasting spreadsheets with clear and<br />
concise instructions to help you get started<br />
at www.bean-talk.com.au They can also meet<br />
with you in your office at a convenient time to<br />
offer free advice on your budgeting and cash<br />
flow to help you grow more confident with the<br />
money side of your business.<br />
The company’s website is www.CFOonCall.biz<br />
while the <strong>Australian</strong> phone number is<br />
1300 36 24 36 and the New Zealand<br />
number is 0800 180 400.<br />
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4WD<br />
ARB'S PRADO ACCESSORIES<br />
Owners of the new Toyota LandCruiser Prado 150 Series can now enjoy a range of quality products for their vehicle<br />
following extensive research and engineering from the team at ARB.<br />
Several deluxe bull bars and Sahara bars have just been released, as<br />
well as roof racks, side rails, a dual battery system, Old Man Emu<br />
suspension and Air Locker locking differentials<br />
A massive amount of research and design has gone into the<br />
development of frontal protection equipment for the Prado.<br />
The most appropriate ARB bar for your Prado will depend on your<br />
specific vehicle model and its additional extras, such as winch provision,<br />
optional centre-grill-located camera, HID lights and anti collision radar.<br />
These elements were factored into the engineering process, resulting<br />
in three different deluxe bar designs and a further two Sahara bar models.<br />
It is highly recommended that customers discuss the most suitable<br />
bar for their Prado with ARB sales staff.<br />
Featuring ARB's renowned multi fold and upswept tapered wing<br />
design, the new bars are exceptionally strong and will provide your vehicle<br />
with an enormous amount of frontal protection.<br />
The bars' vehicle-specific design incorporates a mounting system that<br />
has been fully redesigned from the ground up and extensively tested to<br />
ensure it suits the vehicle's crush curve.<br />
Mount brackets are independent and adjustable, while a bracing<br />
system for the winch mount bracket has been incorporated for full bar<br />
stability when winching.<br />
Winch compatible bars will accommodate a range of Warn electric<br />
models up to 4300 kilograms (9500 pounds) and all bars incorporate<br />
AWESOME RIDE<br />
CONTROL<br />
Ironman 4x4 has launched a suspension package that caters<br />
for Prado 150 drivers and all terrains from comfortable onroad<br />
driving to touring the Great Aussie Outback.<br />
Kristian Ristell, Ironman 4x4’s Suspension Product Manager, said<br />
this new suspension package is very exciting.<br />
“Getting the ride quality up to scratch was the primary goal for<br />
Ironman and we are rapt with the results we’ve achieved; it makes the<br />
Prado ride and handle beautifully,” he said.<br />
There are two rear coil spring choices, a performance coil and a<br />
constant load coil for handling additional weights.<br />
To match the coils and strut system, Ironman offer two models of<br />
rear Nitro Gas shock absorbers, the first being a 12682GR to handle<br />
touring and on-road duties while the 12682GRC is the Comfort shock<br />
absorber and turns the Prado into a very streetable fourby for on-road<br />
work as well as off-road play.<br />
For heavy-duty work and off-road touring where higher shock<br />
absorber temperatures prevail, Ironman offer a Foam Cell shock<br />
absorber perfectly matched to the coils chosen.<br />
All Ironman suspension products are covered by a twoyear/40,000km<br />
iron clad warranty.<br />
For more detailed information check out Ironman’s website at<br />
www.ironman4x4.com visit the Clayton showroom at the corner<br />
of Centre and Westall Roads in Victoria or phone for the cost of<br />
a local call on 1300 731 137.<br />
twin Hi-Lift jacking points in the centre pan for additional recovery<br />
capability, plus CB aerial brackets, IPF and optional fog light provision,<br />
and access to factory tow points.<br />
Sahara bar models offer Prado owners the added option of configuring<br />
the bar either with or without the 76mm polished centre tube.<br />
Manufactured from steel, all bars feature specific wing panels and a<br />
stone tray to assist in protecting the undercarriage from rocks and road<br />
debris.<br />
Finished in a hard-wearing powder coat, the bars also come with the<br />
option of colour coding for increased aesthetics.<br />
For more information phone 03 9761 6622 or visit www.arb.com.au<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 99
PRTC<br />
TAILEM BEND<br />
BOOKINGS OPEN<br />
Tailem Bend Motorsport Park Manager, Jo Malloy, has<br />
announced the South <strong>Australian</strong> venue is now holding<br />
activities and events and accepting bookings.<br />
“The Coorong District Council along with the Regional<br />
Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland Inc<br />
Board have worked closely with us to allow us the<br />
opportunity of developing an international standard<br />
motorsport complex and training facility at the former<br />
Mitsubishi test track site,” Ms Malloy said.<br />
The facility has successfully hosted a MotoTrial event,<br />
the corporate media release of the new Porsche 911 Turbo,<br />
a special stage of the Clipsal 500 Rally Touring Road Event,<br />
vehicle component testing as well as advanced driver and<br />
rider education programs for not only local providers but<br />
also from companies from Queensland and Victoria.<br />
“In the coming months we will see other activities<br />
including various rallies, both on the dirt and the bitumen,<br />
motorkhanas, khanacross, (a) motorcycle enduro, drifting,<br />
dealer product information days and sprint events as well<br />
as advanced driver/rider education programs including<br />
junior development and coaching programs,” Ms Malloy<br />
said.<br />
“Junior development allows children to enter the<br />
motorsport arena in a controlled and safe environment.<br />
“Although the name Tailem Bend Motorsport Park<br />
suggests that the facility is primarily used for motorsport<br />
activities, the site is suitable for many purposes and we<br />
have so much more to offer.”<br />
The site is about 680 hectares that comprises a 1400<br />
metre asphalt straight with an 80x80 metre skid pan that<br />
is capable of being irrigated with reticulating water and a<br />
variety of loop roads surrounding it.<br />
“We have approximately 23km of dirt and gravel roads<br />
and then another 350 untouched hectares,” Ms Malloy<br />
said.<br />
“Tailem Bend Motorsport Park can assist anyone<br />
involved in a club, organisation, driver/rider training or<br />
corporate business who is looking for somewhere to enjoy<br />
motorsport, participate in a program that will improve your<br />
driving skills or hold corporate functions.<br />
“If you are involved in a school and would like to explore<br />
the possibility of varied and practical education programs<br />
for your children to enjoy away from the class room<br />
atmosphere, we would welcome any opportunity to have<br />
your school and your children involved in this exciting<br />
project.”<br />
For anyone wishing to become involved in the facility<br />
there are many opportunities to do so whether it be<br />
participating in a club event or activity as a driver/rider or<br />
perhaps becoming an official for either car or bike racing.<br />
Tailem Bend Motorsport Park welcomes any opportunity<br />
to have the public involved.<br />
Any clubs or organisation can use the existing<br />
facilities and are invited to contact Ms Malloy by<br />
calling 0407 795 729.<br />
PERFORMANCE AND PRODUCT<br />
KNOWLEDGE UNDERPIN<br />
CHAMPION RANGE<br />
As most automotive aftermarket manufacturers know, there’s no greater<br />
endorsement of a product than a tick of approval from the racing industry.<br />
Where performance is<br />
everything and considerable<br />
time, money and commitment<br />
goes into creating superior<br />
engines that will achieve under<br />
pressure, racers and engine<br />
builders at this level use only the<br />
very best <strong>parts</strong> and equipment.<br />
Vehicles competing in the<br />
grunt-fuelled V8 Ute Series<br />
require incredible horsepower<br />
and heat tolerance to attain<br />
success.<br />
Known for their ability to<br />
deliver within both these categories, Champion spark plugs have begun making a mark on<br />
the <strong>Australian</strong> V8 Ute Series events.<br />
According to V8 Ute Series Control Engine Builder, Craig Hasted, Champion spark plugs<br />
are the ideal choice for V8 Utes.<br />
Mr Hasted has been building race engines for more than two decades and his Brisbanebased<br />
company, Cragsted Performance, has built race vehicles for virtually every form of<br />
motorsport in Australia, with a focus in recent years on V8 Supercars.<br />
“You name the race, we’ve built the engine,” he said.<br />
“Champion spark plugs are the ideal choice for V8 Racing Utes<br />
“We confidently use Champion in the majority of race engines we build and a key reason<br />
for this is their strong performance across different heat ranges.”<br />
Mr Hasted and his team regularly and comprehensively test all manner of engine<br />
components, and recently tested two different Champion spark plugs from the iridium range.<br />
“All and any engine components that are fitted to the V8 Racing Utes must go through<br />
an exhaustive testing regime to make sure they can cope with the high pressure environment<br />
of car racing,” he explained.<br />
“We found that Champion spark plugs did a brilliant job, passing all of our tests with<br />
flying colours.<br />
“When building V8 engines, our number one concern is producing the best possible<br />
engine for the demanding conditions.<br />
“We were especially impressed with the results when we tested the heat ranges in<br />
Champion plugs, and I would describe the heat ranges that Champion offer as the best on<br />
the market.<br />
“Given the many heat ranges that Champion has to choose from, we are able to find the<br />
most suitable for our needs very easily.”<br />
Mr Hasted said another critical feature of the Champion brand was its dedicated and<br />
knowledgeable team of <strong>Australian</strong> sales staff.<br />
“I have been involved in racing for over 25 years, with cars ranging from Indy cars to V8<br />
Supercars, and met some very smart people in all those years, but the technical people at<br />
Champion have been some of the smartest people I have ever run into.<br />
“I have been genuinely impressed with their deep product knowledge; they’ve even<br />
educated me in a couple of areas, which is an experience I’ve never had before from a sales<br />
team.<br />
“The great thing is, these people are available for the broader Motospecs customer base<br />
to consult with,” Mr Hated said.<br />
To find out more about Champion’s extensive, high quality range of spark plugs,<br />
visit www.motospecs.com.au or call 1800 245 748 for the Technical and Vehicle<br />
Application or 1800 605 673 for customer service, orders and product availability.<br />
100 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au
PRTC<br />
WALKINSHAW SUPERWAGON<br />
A no cost warranty and an SS-V Wagon – dubbed ‘Superwagon’ – capable of delivering 450kW of power and 770 Nm of torque<br />
are the key highlights of a new range of product Walkinshaw Performance (WP) has specifically developed for Holden<br />
customers looking for more out of their VE.<br />
Walkinshaw Performance has released details of new performance<br />
upgrades available for Holden VE SS, SS-V, Calais, Statesmen and<br />
Caprice product across the sedan, ute and wagon variants.<br />
WP National Sales and Marketing Manager, Tony Harris, said the<br />
brand is capturing lots of attention with its new warranty offer, which<br />
applies equally to customers with a new Holden or Holden Special<br />
Vehicle undertaking a performance upgrade.<br />
“Over 50 percent of our inquiries is from Holden customers and the<br />
fact we are now offering a warranty on supercharged engines gives<br />
owners peace of mind, as well as some pretty exciting product to<br />
experience,” he said.<br />
The Walkinshaw Performance warranty extends for the balance of<br />
the manufacturer’s new car warranty.<br />
If a customer brings in a three month old vehicle for a performance<br />
upgrade, WP will warrant the driveline for the remaining 33 months.<br />
Key highlights of the Walkinshaw Performance SS-V Superwagon<br />
include the WP190 Supercharger in red which delivers up to 450kW of<br />
power and 770Nm of torque, WP unique colour coded bonnet scoops<br />
and a WP 3.0” bi-modal exhaust package.<br />
The wagon features a WP lowered suspension kit, WP Unique 20”<br />
wheels and tyres and WP Unique engine covers, mats and headrests.<br />
An added feature of the Walkinshaw Performance SS Superwagon is<br />
a new partnership with audio specialist Rockford Fosgate, which has<br />
designed a premium, fully integrated sound system available on VE<br />
product for the first time exclusively through WP.<br />
“Importantly, the audio upgrade does not compromise any of the<br />
existing electronic functionality in the Superwagon, like Bluetooth<br />
connectivity,” Mr Harris said.<br />
WP Program Engineer, Alan Hale, said the Superwagon was a lot of<br />
fun to drive on track, but equally as functional on the road.<br />
“To be able to have a car with all that boot space for weekends away<br />
with the kids, which can also sprint from 0-100kmh in less than five<br />
seconds is some achievement,” Mr Hale said.<br />
“A full drive line warranty is the icing on the cake for anyone looking<br />
for increased performance from their Holden, without compromising.”<br />
WP package prices start from $3590 and the WP SS-V Superwagon<br />
costs $43,990.<br />
WP products are available through authorised agents across Australia<br />
and at its Clayton based head office.<br />
For more information phone 03 9265 9617.<br />
PEDDERS LEAD THE WAY IN NASCAR<br />
Pedders is proud to have contributed to the pair of new Camaro SS NASCAR Pace Cars in the USA series.<br />
The Camaro is an awesome vehicle off the<br />
showroom floor based on the times recorded<br />
running the Nurburgring.<br />
A Camaro SS ran the Nürburgring in 8:20; a<br />
2009 Corvette ZR1 did it in 7:26.4. It takes a<br />
special car to run better times than a Lotus,<br />
BMW and Porsche.<br />
When GM asked Pedders to deliver a more<br />
menacing stance for the Indy 500 and new<br />
NASCAR Pace Cars, Pedders delivered a bit<br />
more than requested.<br />
These gorgeous machines run on Pedders<br />
SportsRyder eXtreme XA Adjustable Coilovers<br />
(Part No. 160086), Sway Bar Solution B,<br />
EP1200 sub‐frame and EP6579 radius bush<br />
inserts.<br />
The SportsRyder eXtreme XA Adjustable<br />
Coilovers feature integrated dust boot to<br />
minimize contamination and protect the shaft<br />
and seal, a 30 position adjustable bump and<br />
rebound damping, alloy steel motorsport coil<br />
springs and a fully threaded monotube body.<br />
They have high grade aluminium spring<br />
seats, fully adjustable high grade steel lower<br />
mount for height adjustment and factory style<br />
bracketry for direct fitment.<br />
Pedders is also the official sponsor to V8<br />
Supercars in Australia as well as the official<br />
naming-rights sponsor of the Pedders Safety Car<br />
and Pedders Course Car.<br />
For more information phone 03 9706 3500.<br />
AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 101
RETAIL<br />
NEW ABS<br />
CABOOLTURE<br />
Wendy and Darryl Porter have opened a new<br />
ABS in Caboolture in Brisbane’s outer northern<br />
suburbs where they have received a great<br />
reception from the locals.<br />
Mr Porter has a background in the trade and<br />
had been looking to start and develop a successful<br />
business of his own, with the national ABS<br />
variable franchise approach giving him the<br />
opportunity.<br />
Rob Higgs from ABS said the reason this<br />
business will do so well is the way the ABS<br />
formula really performs, especially in the ultracompetitive<br />
outer suburban markets.<br />
“Our point of advantage is the way we’ve<br />
developed a flexible formula which allows our<br />
franchisees to tailor the business to suit both their<br />
skills and the exact market opportunities,”<br />
Mr Higgs said.<br />
Wendy and Darryl Porter: succeeding in Brisbane’s north.<br />
“The sites can be <strong>parts</strong> or trade <strong>parts</strong>, or a<br />
traditional brake and undercar operation, or any<br />
combination.<br />
“We’ve got the skills, market knowledge and<br />
track record to make it happen.”<br />
Mr Higgs said each franchise received the full<br />
support of the ABS network.<br />
“This means the franchise will work at finding<br />
the customers, running the operation and building<br />
the business,” he said.<br />
“South east Queensland is a very important<br />
market for us at ABS and our research shows there<br />
are many existing and emerging opportunities.<br />
“We’re always open to approaches from both<br />
present operators who want to develop their sites<br />
as well as prospective franchisees looking for a<br />
solid business opportunity.”<br />
ABS Caboolture is at 48 Beerburrum Road and is<br />
open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday and<br />
8am to 12 noon on Saturday.<br />
AUTOBARN NEW ELIZABETH STORE<br />
Brothers Jeremy and Sam Holmes opened their new Autobarn Elizabeth store in May.<br />
Autobarn said the new Elizabeth store<br />
will become the biggest automotive retail<br />
store in South Australia.<br />
It houses a purpose-built workshop<br />
staffed by experienced mobile electronics<br />
technicians.<br />
“We want to be known as a one-stop<br />
shop for automotive,” said Jeremy.<br />
“We have worked on our range extension<br />
for months, adding a massive 5550 part<br />
numbers to double our spare <strong>parts</strong> range,<br />
plus we have a massive range of Rhino Roof<br />
Racks and carry the biggest range of oils<br />
and lubricants in South Australia.”<br />
To celebrate the grand opening<br />
event, customers received massive<br />
opening specials including ‘Hour of Power’<br />
deals when one product was heavily<br />
In fact the new<br />
centre at Darwin only<br />
sells <strong>parts</strong>. That is<br />
why this new venture<br />
is being labelled as an<br />
automotive <strong>parts</strong><br />
centre.<br />
This bright new<br />
centre is located<br />
within Darwin's<br />
distribution hub at<br />
discounted for an hour on each of the<br />
opening event days.<br />
Throughout the event Clarion’s Dodge<br />
Nitro was on display and customers<br />
received free battery checks.<br />
Experts from Kincrome, Meguiars and<br />
other companies were also on hand to<br />
answer questions and provide practical<br />
advice while V8 Supercar driver Paul<br />
Dumbrell from The Bottle-O Racing met<br />
customers.<br />
The new Autobarn Elizabeth store is<br />
located on the corner of Elizabeth Way and<br />
Gillingham Road, across the car park from<br />
the existing store site.<br />
For more information call the Autobarn<br />
Elizabeth store on 08 8287 5777.<br />
ABS DARWIN FOCUSES ON<br />
TRADE PARTS<br />
ABS has broadened its horizons in two ways: firstly with the Grand opening of a<br />
new centre in Darwin and secondly by selling more than brake and clutch.<br />
Winnellie which<br />
enables staff to<br />
provide the local trade<br />
with a fresh new<br />
option for their supply<br />
of <strong>parts</strong>.<br />
Not only will the full<br />
range of Protex’s proven<br />
brake and suspension <strong>parts</strong> be available<br />
but also an expanded range that<br />
includes radiators, cooling system<br />
components, filters, lubricants and most<br />
general hard <strong>parts</strong>.<br />
Rob Higgs from ABS said the store<br />
will set Darwin alight.<br />
“We have taken on experienced local<br />
staff who know the trade and who are<br />
dedicated to making a difference with<br />
real know-how, friendly service and<br />
competitive pricing,” Mr Higgs said.<br />
“The stunning building on the Stuart<br />
Highway should also help the Northern<br />
Looking confident about selling ABS <strong>parts</strong> to the Darwin trade are<br />
(left to right): Kevin Brown, Jonathon Ward and Mark Hillibrand.<br />
Territory market sit-up and take notice.<br />
“ABS has grown as a national trade<br />
<strong>parts</strong> supplier because we really do give<br />
the trade what it wants.<br />
“We deliver in a way that matters –<br />
good products at very good prices with<br />
local experience.”<br />
ABS Darwin is at 450 Stuart<br />
Highway in Winnellie and is open 8am<br />
to 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 12<br />
noon on Saturday.<br />
For more information call the ABS<br />
Darwin store on 08 8984 4267.<br />
102 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 010 www.aaaa.com.au