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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 />

18 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 />

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 />

20 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 />

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 />

26 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 />

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 />

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 51


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 />

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 71


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 />

72 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 />

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 />

74 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 />

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 />

98 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


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

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