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Auto tech steals the show at CES

What happens in Vegas...

AutoForum - January / February 2016

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CONTENTSCover StoriesAA demystifies Regulation 32A 16

The emissions scandal and its impact on South Africa 22

Decreased CCI indicates weak economy 28

The e-toll zombie that refuses to just die 34

Innovation & revolution from beyond the assembly plant gate

36

Tighter controls for fewer road deaths 40

A reality check on MIG/MAG welding 46

News ForumBosch Plans AR Future With Reflekt 14

The iATN Auto Wiki 16

CES showcases new auto tech 18

Distracted driving 22

Road death debacle highlights sad state of SA driving 24

Beijing Automotive invests R11B in SA 26

Waste opportunities - Redisa in the spotlight 28

Business Forum2016: A new business year – are you ready for the challenges?

30

New vs used car sales market trends 32

Marketing with pinched budgets 34

Trade TalkMix Telematics’s 4th ISO 9001 6

Technical training offers your workshop a future 6

New NOx rating scheme to clear air quality confusion 8

Snap-on winners announced & new competition 10

RMI kicks off OHS training for 2016 10

Don’t wait for your licence renewal! 10

The 2016 World Car Awards finalists are... 12

Editorial

2016 has started with a bang and just weeks in, it feels like the festive season is a distant memory. But the start of the year is a prime opportunity to reassess how you manage your business and Robert Kaiser discusses this in the first issue of the year. We are incredibly proud that our talented Dave Scott has been rewarded for his extensive knowledge of the fleet and heavy duty sectors - in this issue we pay tribute to his valuable input. And if you missed SEMA and CES - have no fear - we feature some of the highlights in these very pages.Doom and gloom seems to be the overriding sentiment after the recent vehicle sales figures - but as repairers this is our opportunity to shine! May 2016 bring you great success.

Enjoy the read!Clare

Mercedes IAA Concept at CES 2016

EDITOR: CLARE RUTKIEWICZ

CONTRIBUTORS:AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS ROBERT KAISER WARWICK ROBINSONROY COKAYNE gRANT WEST EMAIL: [email protected]

FAx: 086 627 1135

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FOR ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES:gRANT WEST Mobile: +27 (0) 76 727 8161

WARWICK ROBINSONMobile: +27 (0) 82 855 7750

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While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the advice and information given to readers, neither the editor, nor the publishers, can accept any responsibility for any damages, injury or loss which arise there from. The opinions expressed by contributors to this magazine are not necessarily shared by the editor or the publishers.

Advertisers Guide

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Aer-O-Cure OBC

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Alfa International 15

AMR 43

AAAS – Pegasus 13

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garage Trade Supplies 11

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Ital Machinery 4,31

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Robert Bosch – Parts 9

Robert Bosch – Training 27

Silver Falcon – Hurricane 47,55

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AftermarketplaceMobil SHC Hydraulic Environmentally Acceptable Lubricant 44

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Robert Bosch Vehicle Of The Month: February 44

BodyShop NewsFirst VOC-free powder coating for cars 46

How equipped are repairers for the foreseenEV revolution?

48

A news network dedicated to collision repair? 49

SEMA: Good walking shoes and lots of energy 50

Is vehicle complexity killing the industry? 54

Material Risk 56

Commercial Vehicles2016 Outlook for trucks – the forecast drives the system!

36

Year of belt-tightening ahead for fleet managers 38

Hino tops in customer satisfaction monitor 39

AutoForum’s Dave Scott wins Commercial Vehicle Journalist of the Year!

40

Volvo’s January press conference sets goals for 2016 42

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AutoForum - January / February 2016Trade Talk AutoForum - January / February 2016 www.AutoForum.co.za

Technical training offers your workshop a future

One of the best ways to improve service capability and ensure your business develops and prospers, is to maximise the skills of everyone you employ.

Whether that requires greater levels of technical skills or improved product knowledge, the Bosch Technical Training Programme has a training course from which you and your staff can benefit. Covering key aspects of servicing, technical diagnosis and systems training, the Bosch courses have been specifically designed to meet the needs of vehicle workshops.

Delivering a quality of service that satisfies the most demanding customer means that service specialists must meet the requirements of advanced technologies, in order to succeed in today’s aftermarket. The scope and quality of these services are ultimately dependent upon the skills of the workshop technicians, who are responsible for the application of information, skill and equipment to diagnose and resolve problems.

Training is an investment which allows your technicians - and therefore your business - to adapt to the changing demands of the aftermarket. In doing so, you maintain the service capability of your workshop throughout the technical evolution of vehicles.

New technologies, more sophisticated service requirements and an increasingly demanding market indicate a need for experts who are able to approach their tasks professionally and with confidence, to secure improved business for the future. RBSA continues to expand on its comprehensive training programme, to support this readiness of workshops.

The company offers both basic and advanced courses for technical, product and service training. These courses are designed to ensure the technician is fully equipped to meet the technical, marketing and sales demands of the new millennium.

For further details or to book your course, contact any Bosch Wholesaler. Alternatively call or email: [email protected], (011) 651-9780.

Mix Telematics’s 4th ISO 9001

Fleet management solutions company MiX Telematics Africa, together with their consumer brands Matrix and Beame, has been awarded the internationally recognised ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System certification.

This is the company’s fourth ISO 9001 accreditation received since 2003, but it is a first with global auditing company TÜV Rheinland Inspection Services, a testing service provider for quality, and human, technological and environmental safety. The ISO 9001 certification is based on quality management principles, including strong customer focus, motivation and involvement of top management, the process approach and continuous improvement and review.

Josef Peters, CEO at TÜV Rheinland Inspection Services, comments: “In achieving the Quality Management System certification to ISO 9001:2008, MiX Telematics has demonstrated effective implementation of documentation and records management, commitment to providing quality products and services to their customers, establishment of clear policies and efficient process control, analysis and measurement.”

PAGE 6

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New NOx rating scheme to clear air quality confusion A new initiative has been announced by international emissions measurement company Emissions Analytics, which it says will help consumers, policy makers and vehicle manufacturers better understand the real-world emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from new cars.

The company offers on-road vehicle emissions measurement and analysis that covers the European Union and the United States. Its subscription-access results database includes testing from 2011 onwards.

The new system is expected to launch early this year after fully considering input from its advisory board. The NOx accreditation initiative is expected to help buyers clearly identify the cars emitting the lowest quantities of harmful pollutants, allow manufacturers to demonstrate their vehicles’ clean credentials, and provide data to policymakers on progress in the drive to improve air quality.

Working across the European Union, the scheme will measure the NOx performance of passenger cars in real-world driving conditions.

The accreditation scheme is intended to complement the forthcoming Real Driving Emissions regulations for new vehicle certification and is hoped to better ensure that vehicles remain compliant when driven normally on roads, thereby contributing towards real air quality improvements.

The new scheme comes at a time when there is increasing focus on emissions and air quality, following vehicle certification irregularities and legal actions against European countries for air quality violations in cities.

No surprise but the interest rate hike is bad news for consumers At the end of January, WesBank noted the Reserve Bank’s decision to hike the interest by 50 basis points, bringing the effective repo rate to 6.75%. This means that the prime lending rate will now change to 10.25%. The rate hike will affect buyers who have vehicle finance agreements structured around a linked interest rate. Interest on these loans will be recalculated, and account holders will be notified of the increase in their monthly instalment. “Given the current economic conditions this hike comes as no surprise. But it will not be welcomed by consumers,” says Rudolf Mahoney, Head of Brand and Communication at WesBank.

“Household budgets are under tremendous pressure. The interest rate has increased 175 basis points in 24 months, meaning those who have had car and home loans since the start of the rate hiking cycle will now really start feeling the effects.” Using an example of a vehicle that costs R250 000, financed over 72 months at an interest rate of prime plus 1.5%, the instalment amount at the start of January 2014 would have

been R4 710 (at an effective interest rate of 10%, including all charges).

Purchasing that same vehicle at today’s hiked interest rate would result in a monthly repayment of R4 935 – a difference of

R225.

“Every time there’s a 25bps hike a vehicle’s monthly instalment only changes by 20 or

30 rand, but all those small hikes add up,” says Mahoney.

“This is an excellent example of why we urge consumers to build some fat into their car-buying budgets.” Consumers with additional debt will notice the increased repayments

starting to significantly affect their budgets. Household debt levels in

South Africa remain at high levels – with more than 75% of disposable income

servicing debt.

Rising interest rates and inflation, brought on by a deteriorating rand and compounded by the fallout of

the national drought, will see buyers either postpone vehicle purchases, buy down or exit the new market altogether in order to find better value the used market. Perhaps the Piggy(bank) is the most endangered animal for 2016!

Trade Talk AutoForum - January / February 2016 www.AutoForum.co.za

PAGE 8

Brakes, wiper blades, batteries and automotive bulbs are part of the basic equipment of vehicles – maintaining its safety. Reliable braking in every situation, effective windshield cleaning, reliable starting and good visibility, these are the advantages of using high-quality Bosch parts. Make sure your driving is safe and rely on the high quality of Bosch spare parts. What drives you, drives us.

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Snap-on winners announced and new competition launches

The winners of last year’s fantastic Snap-on competitions will surely agree that the brand is fast gaining a reputation locally for hosting unbeatable competitions for the repair sector.

In late December, the three winners of the last 2015 Snap-on online competition to win a branded gaming console were drawn.

The winners had each purchased a ticket to take part in the competition via the brand’s website and the draw, which took place at Snap-on head quarters, was audited by BDO South Africa.

The winners were :• Malone Horn of KZN• Billy Norval of Western Cape• Jaco Dickinson of Gauteng

A new competition – the first for 2016 – has been launched and you could stand in line to win a Ford Mustang Limited Edition Work Station.

If you have not taken part yet, you will simply kick yourself if you let this opportunity go by!

Simply visit the webpage snapon.co.za/onlinedraw and enter.

You can also visit the www.autoforum.co.za webpage to click though to the competition or sign up for our newsletter, to make sure you are kept up to date.

Trade Talk AutoForum - January / February 2016 www.AutoForum.co.za

RMI kicks off OHS training for 2016

The RMI has announced new training courses in Occupational Health and Safety, at its various offices nationwide. According to the association, the training consists of two modules and is intended to:

Assist members in being compliant in terms of the business regulations as set by the Department of Labour requirement with regards to the OHS Act 85 of 1993 as it fulfills the requirements for all the associations within the RMI to meet the minimum Occupational Health and Safety standards, as stipulated by the Department of Labour; and to ensure that the member businesses have the right quality and resources to mitigate occupational health and safety risks.For more information, visit the RMI website by visiting the website, http://sambra.biz/member-news/occupational-health-and-safety-training/

RMI Offices Cape Town – 11 February 2016RMI Offices Johannesburg – 24 February 2016RMI Offices Pretoria – 03 March 2016RMI Offices Durban – 10 March 2016(Venue to be confirmed) Port Elizabeth – 06 April 2016Old Selbornian club East London – 12 April 2016

Don’t wait for your licence renewal!

The Justice Project in late January reminded SA drivers that even if they do not receive their licence renewal notices, the onus is on them to pay their licensing fees timeously.

It says that while the apparent failure may be attributable to the inefficiencies of the South African Post Office, the RTMC or eNaTIS, the City of Cape Town claimed that this is attributable to “national agencies failing to send reminders to vehicle owners”.

“While the RTMC Act does not place a duty on it to send out licence renewal reminders, it has done so since its formation and the R36.00 transaction fee on eNaTIS transactions is paid to the RTMC. It is not clear whether the specific point of failure is attributable to the SA Post Office, the RTMC or eNaTIS itself, but whatever the reason behind it is, vehicle owners are advised to check their licence discs regularly.”

If it does happen that your reminder is not received, and the licence disc be due for renewal, and the owner has not received a reminder to renew it, a Form “ALV”, is available on the eNaTIS website, and needs to be completed.

“It is also important to note that counter staff of the SA Post Office are particularly fond of telling people that a warrant of arrest has been issued when people try unsuccessfully to renew their licence discs. While this may be true in the City of Cape Town where administrative blocks are placed on eNaTIS by it on the basis of the existence of a warrant of arrest, it is most likely untrue in other parts of the country.”

The Justice Project adds that most often the inability to have a licence disc issued is the existence of an enforcement order issued under the AARTO Act. “In October 2015, JPSA published an advisory on this matter, yet it still receives numerous enquiries from panicked members of the public who are misled and unduly intimidated by alarmist statements by SAPO counter staff. Motorists are also advised that enforcement orders block the renewal of driving licenses and Professional Driving Permits (PrDP) as well as licence discs.”

Its statement concludes: “Despite the National Department of Transport having published in a government gazette 38142 on 31 October 2014 that motorists may make use of an online facility on its website to verify and update their address details the eNaTIS system, no such facility apparently exists on its or the RTMC’s websites. According to the City of Cape

PAGE 10

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The 2016 World Car Awards finalists are...

The finalists for the 2016 World Car Awards (WCA) prize-giving ceremony - to be hosted by the New York International Auto Show on Thursday, March 24, 2016 - have been announced.

Winners of the 2016 World Car of the Year, World Luxury Car, World Performance Car, World Green Car and World Car Design of the Year will all be declared at this time.

The Global Trends Report, presented annually by Prime Research will also be announced during the New York show press conference and media breakfast hosted by Bridgestone Corporation. The report is the culmination of research and insights across the past six months. A jury of 73 distinguished international automotive journalists selected the following finalists by secret ballot based on their evaluation with each candidate as part of their professional work. The international accounting firm KPMG tabulated the jurors’ ballots before announcing the finalists in late January.

The 2016 World Car of the Year will be selected from the following 10 finalists listed in alphabetical order. •AudiA4Sedan/AudiA4Avant•BMWX1•HyundaiTucson•JaguarXE•LandRoverDiscoverySport•MazdaCX-3•MazdaMX-5•Mercedes-BenzGLC•SkodaSuperb•ToyotaPrius

The 2016 World Luxury Car will be chosen from one of these top five finalists:•AudiQ7•BMW7Series•JaguarXF•Mercedes-BenzGLECoupe•VolvoXC90

The 2016 World Performance Car top five finalists are:•AudiR8Coupe•ChevroletCamaro•HondaCivicTypeRI•Mercedes-AMGC63Coupé•RangeRoverSportSVR

The 2016 World Green Car top five are:•BMW330ePlug-in-hybrid•ChevroletVolt•ToyotaPrius(Hybrid)•ToyotaMirai(HydrogenFuelCell)•VolkswagenPassatGT

The Road to the World Car began in Frankfurt on September 15, was followed by a four and a half day stop in Los Angeles for test-drives of the North American, Japanese and Swedish contenders in November, and continues with the finalists’ announcement.

The next stop is at the Geneva International Auto Show on Tuesday, March 1 when the top three finalists in all categories will be announced.

PAGE 12

Trade Talk

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The latest local and global news

Bosch plans augmented reality future with ReflektFor the last two years, Bosch has been closely cooperating with Reflekt GmbH in the development of Augmented Reality (AR) applications for production, service, training and marketing applications.

Bosch has now announced that it plans to extend this successful cooperation by taking a minority stake in the AR specialist, with contracts to that effect signed on December 16, 2015.

Since its foundation in 2012, the Augmented Reality startup Reflekt has evolved into one of the most renowned companies in the area of industrial AR solutions. Its international team in Munich (Germany) consists of more than 25 employees. The transaction is subject to the approval of the cartel authorities.

In the future, Augmented Reality applications are expected to be used in many areas including in the industrial and automotive aftermarket sectors, where the tech holds much promise and potential cost saving.

Augmented Reality applications enhance the perception of reality by combining reality with augmented information. Once the user points his smart-phone or tablet camera onto a specific area, additional digital information such as explanations, 3D objects or videos are shown on the display of the device.

In automotive workshops, for instance, Augmented Reality allows technicians to see components true to scale and in their correct location, even though they may not be visible on the product without disassembly. Work instructions, error codes and the required tools are displayed as well.

Having been involved in AR applications at an early stage, Bosch and the AR specialist Reflekt have evolved into worldwide leaders in the industrialization of Augmented Reality. Together, both companies developed the Common Augmented Reality Platform (CAP); the world’s first software platform for the industrialization of AR. Using CAP, highly complex AR applications and their digital and visual contents can be integrated quickly and easily in technical documentation or diagnostic procedures. The platform enables integration into existing IT infrastructures.

Also, it enables easy integration of data such as text information, circuit diagrams, videos and augmented 3D animations.

Besides applications for the automotive sector, Bosch also sees a variety of useful possibilities to apply Augmented Reality in other industrial sectors. As part of the total solution, Bosch offers licensing of the CAP system combined with consulting, engineering and complete authoring services

PAGE 14

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AutoForum - January / February 2016NEWS FORUM

The iATN Auto WikiThe International Automotive Technicians Network (iATN® - http://www.iatn.net/) recently launched Auto Pro Wiki, where iATN’s 84,000 members can help shape an essential asset for the automotive service industry.

The Wiki, located at iatn.net/wiki, features unbiased biographical information written by members about the companies, products and services that serve the industry. It also includes members’ expert reviews of the many products and services in use every day in automotive repair shops around the world.

iATN members building the Auto Pro Wiki are among the most knowledgeable and experienced automotive service professionals in the industry.

On average, iATN members have more than 21 years of experience, and collectively share over two million years of industry knowledge.

To ensure unbiased information, iATN members who edit the Wiki must adhere to a neutral point of view when writing about the companies, products and services that make up the Wiki. The information presented includes company and product descriptions, year of origin, headquarters location, website and product URLs, social media links, company logos, product images, and more.

A clearly marked area of each page is designated for product reviews to give iATN members the opportunity to share their expert opinions. It’s easy for members to review any product or service, even those that don’t yet have a dedicated page in the Wiki.

Companies that partner with iATN are able to add promotions to their company, product and service pages in the Wiki, in clearly marked promotional areas.

“With the help of iATN members supporting our mission, we’re excited to build what we hope will become the world’s most comprehensive, dynamically useful product and service guide for the automotive service industry.

Having unbiased facts, expert opinions, and valuable offers all in one place should make the guide extremely useful for industry-related purchasing decisions,” said Scott Brown, iATN president.

iATN was founded in 1995 and is the largest online community of automotive technicians, repair shop owners and other allied service professionals in the world with more than 84,000 active members from over 166 countries. iATN members exchange technical knowledge with their peers around the globe, collectively sharing more than two million years of experience.

For additional information, automotive industry professionals are welcome to join iATN at iatn.net.

So What Is A Wiki Anyway?

A wiki is a website which allows collaborative modification of its content and structure directly from the web browser.

A wiki engine is a type of content management system, but it differs from most other such systems, including blog software, in that the content is created without any defined owner or leader, and wikis have little implicit structure, allowing structure to emerge according to the needs of the users.

The encyclopedia project Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org) is by far the most popular wiki-based website, and is in fact one of the most widely viewed sites of any kind of the world, having been ranked in the top ten since 2007. (Wikipedia is not a single wiki but rather a collection of hundreds of wikis, one for each language.)

There are at least tens of thousands of other wikis in use, both public and private, including wikis functioning as knowledge management resources, notetaking tools, community websites and intranets.

Ward Cunningham, the developer of the first wiki software, WikiWikiWeb, originally described it as “the simplest online database that could possibly work”.

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CES showcases new auto tech, stealing limelight from Detroit The automotive new year kicked off earlier than usual in 2016, with the varied and impactful display that the sector had at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in the US. In fact, so powerful were the carmakers’ technology announcements, many members of the media felt it nearly stole the show from the Detroit based North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) that opened just a few days later. Not only did CES feature numerous automotive sector keynote speakers – including VW’s new CEO Herbert Diess who also unveiled the brand’s new BUDD-e (which nabbed the Best Innovation Award), the expected successor to the microbus, and apologised for the emissions saga - GM’s CE Mary Barra was there to show off Chevrolet’s new Bolt. The latter company also announced a $500 million investment in Lyft inc, a ride sharing company, with a view to creating a fleet of self-driving, on-demand, vehicles.

These are all announcements that generally would be reserved for a strictly automotive event – but CES has slowly submitted to automotive domination of sorts. The Financial Post quotes a Senior Editor at Edmunds.com saying that he would be skipping the 2016 NAIAS as a result. Indeed, while the auto show benefits carmakers, CES has now become a highlight for automotive suppliers, and offers them a chance to shine in the consumers’ eyes. Gary Shapiro, the Consumer Electronics Association CE - the trade group that puts on CES – told Bits magazine that 10 automakers exhibited or presented at the show in some way, including Audi, VW, Toyota, GM and BMW.

PAGE 18

Tech companies are also busy getting in on the high-tech car trend, such as LG Electronics which is working on developing methods to connect devices like phones, tablets and wearables to cars in a seamless way.

With the current international focus on autonomous driving by most automakers clearly evident, CES has become the logical place to show it off. KIA Motors took advantage to launch a new sub-brand, ‘Drive Wise’, which will cover its future Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). It announced plans late in 2015 to manufacturer partially-autonomous cars by 2020, and to have its first fully-autonomous vehicle by 2030.

Some of the technologies included in the new division’s area of responsibility include Highway Autonomous Driving, Urban Autonomous Driving, Preceding Vehicle Following, Emergency Stop System, Traffic Jam Assist and a new Autonomous Parking & Out function. The automaker adds that the division will also focus on facilitating communication and interaction between the driver and vehicle with innovative new Human Machine Interface (HMI) functions, such as gesture control, fingerprint sensors and smart-device connectivity.

HMI is based on the concept of ‘blind control’, with a fingerprint touchpad and gesture recognition used to operate the car’s controls. Automatically recognising individual drivers’ preferences on start-up – based on their fingerprint or smartwatch – the car can immediately change the cabin ambience for the driver with their favourite music, preferred

climate control temperature and the type of information displayed by the instrument panel.

Ford announced that it is tripling its fleet of fully autonomous Fusion Hybrid test vehicles in the US – making it the largest in the automotive industry – and will use a new-generation sensor technology, as the company further accelerates its autonomous vehicle development plans.

This is part of the brand’s Smart Mobility plan and technologies include Velodyne’s newest LiDAR sensors – named Solid-State Hybrid Ultra PUCK™ Auto for its hockey puck-like size and shape – on its third-generation autonomous vehicle platform.

Solid-State Hybrid Ultra PUCK Auto sensors boast a longer range of 200 meters, making them the first auto-specific LiDAR sensors capable of handling different driving scenarios. Ultra Puck will accelerate the development and validation of Ford’s virtual driver software, which serves as the decision-making brain that directs vehicle systems.

PAGE 19


Mercedes Benz debuted its 2017 E-Class. The hype over this vehicle relates not only to its looks and power, but also to the fact that it is the first “standard-production” vehicle to receive an autonomous license from the US state of Nevada.

All other cars licensed for testing have required modifications such as extra sensors and other hardware and software, however the production E-Class already has fully autonomous technology. So for it to be tested, engineers have only needed to tweak smaller software-related features.

Nevada is the first state in that country to have passed autonomous driving regulations almost five years ago and Daimler has had two self driving trucks on public roads since May 2015.

The marque also debuted its new IAA concept (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile) which celebrated its US market premiere in Las Vegas after being presented to the public for the first time at the 2015 Frankfurt show. It provides a glimpse of the further development of the User Interface and User Experience Design that Mercedes is working on.

PAGE 20

Audi showed off it e-tron concept SUV. The vehicle is fully electric and designed for autonomous driving in traffic. The car maker had first debuted the SUV concept in Frankfurt in 2015, a move which confirmed that it is very much part of the future of driving movement.

The e-tron quattro uses three electric motors with up to 370 kW (496 hp) of power in total to provide quattro four-wheel drive and electric torque vectoring.

BMW told attendees that its iVision concept car makes driving so easy, users don’t need to touch the LCD screen. The concept is based on AirTouch, which senses gestures. The driver or passenger need only point or gesture to indicate what he or she wants.

So why this rush to be at CES? According to the US Autotrader, almost 2/3 of consumers in 2015 confirmed that they would switch car brands to get a vehicle with all the technological upgrades they wanted. That is a jump of 9% from 2014. And 77% of respondents said they prioritised technology over car colour, up 8% on 2014. So yes – carmakers are giving them what they want.

Can we maybe save up some cash to be there in 2017?

PAGE 21


Wait for it - Distracted driving is now based on less calls, more internet surfing!In July 2015, the State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company Strategic Resources Department conducted an online survey with adults 18 or older in the US, to examine drivers’ attitudes and behaviors related to distracted driving. This survey was the seventh wave of a study first conducted in August 2009.

These are some of the major findings from the latest report, and although the study was undertaken in the North American country, the results are scarily similar to a rapidly growing number of SA drivers.

The researchers of the 2015 report noted that drivers generally realize how distracting cellphone and/or smartphone-related behaviors can be while driving, support measures to restrict cellphone use while driving, and agree with harsh penalties for crashes resulting from cellphone use.

However, the prevalence of some of these behaviors, notably those involving smartphones, continue to increase each year. This increase may be partly explained by the increase in smartphone ownership each year.

Among the more encouraging trends, the frequency of texting while driving has remained relatively stable, and talking on a hand-held cellphone while driving has continued to decrease to the point that it is now slightly less prevalent than talking on a hands-free cellphone.

Age is an important factor in terms of distracted driving perceptions and behavior. Younger age groups perceive many of these behaviors as less distracting and report being more likely to participate in these behaviors compared to older age groups.

Another important factor is the driving environment/situation. For instance, some drivers report being more likely to use their cellphone when stopped at a red light and driving on an open highway/interstate.

The key take home from the report, its creators say, is the need for continued research to understand the perceptions, person factors (e.g., age) and situation factors that influence distracted driving behavior, as well as continued educational, technological and legislative efforts to mitigate these types of behaviors.

Drivers perceive many behaviors as distracting, yet they still report participating in them.

According to the survey, respondents tended to perceive the most distracting behaviors to involve activities that take drivers’ eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. These activities included text messaging, taking pictures, recording video and accessing social media networks, email or the Internet in general.

For all of these activities, more than nine in 10 indicated that the activities were at least somewhat distracting, with over seven in 10 indicating that the activities were very distracting.

Despite these perceptions, a considerable percentage of respondents indicated that they participate in these behaviors. Some of the more notable discrepancies include:

•Text messaging: Over 94 percent indicated that sending and/or reading text messages was at least somewhat distracting, yet 36 percent reported text messaging while driving.

•Programming a navigation system: Nine in 10 indicated it was at least somewhat distracting, yet over half reported doing this activity while driving. Note that the percentage of respondents who reported doing this activity has trended upward at a significant rate since 2009.

•Accessing the Internet: Nearly three in 10 reported accessing the Internet while driving despite 95 percent reporting that the behavior is at least somewhat distracting.

Aside from talking with a passenger, attending to children and listening to directions from a GPS, in most cases, respondents who were 40 and older were more likely than those 18-29 years of age, and in many cases more likely than those 30-39 years of age, to perceive the behaviors as very distracting, whereas those 18-39 years of age were more likely to say that these behaviors were only somewhat distracting.

PAGE 22

Smartphone-related distracted driving behaviors continue to increase.

As reported last year, many smartphone-related distracting behaviors have significantly increased since the beginning of this study in 2009. In 2015, behaviors that continued to notably increase since 2014 included using a hands-free device to talk on a cellphone, listening to and programming a navigation system/GPS and accessing the Internet. Additionally, using in-car wireless Internet built into a vehicle significantly increased from seven percent in 2014 to 13 percent in 2015. On a more positive note, talking on a hand-held cellphone has continued to decrease in 2015 and is now slightly less common than talking on a hands-free device. However, over half of respondents still reported talking on a hand-held cellphone.

Results from new survey items added in 2015 reveal the prevalence of more potentially dangerous behaviors.

Nearly two in 10 drivers reported taking pictures with their cellphone while driving, and one in 10 reported recording video — activities that can take drivers’ eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. In addition to phones, people and pets can be considerable distractions. A quarter of respondents reported attending to children while driving, and over two in 10 reported attending to pets.

Many distracted driving behaviors are more common among younger age groups.

In general, adults younger than 40 years of age are more likely than those 40 and older to report talking on a hand-held cellphone, texting on a cellphone, listening to and programming a navigation system/GPS and performing many smartphone-related behaviors (i.e., accessing the Internet, reading/responding to email, reading/updating social media).

Additionally, 18-29 year-olds are more likely than those 40 and older to report taking pictures and recording video with a cellphone, using voice-command technology and attending to a pet that is riding in the vehicle.

A few distracted driving behaviors are more common among those living in metropolitan areas.

Respondents living in a large metropolitan area with over one million people were more likely than those living in a rural or small town with less than 75,000 people to report programming a GPS (57 percent vs. 44 percent), reading email (27 percent vs. 16 percent) and responding to email (22 percent vs. 13 percent) while driving. City drivers may be more likely to participate in these behaviors than rural drivers due to the effects of the driving situation — being stopped at red lights tends to increase these types of behaviors, especially for city drivers. Additionally, city drivers may be more likely than rural drivers to have a need to program a GPS given more complex directions and the desire for routes that avoid traffic

Driving situations influence cellphone-related distracted driving behaviors that involve looking at the cellphone and interacting with the screen and/or buttons:•Sixty-two percent of drivers who use their cellphone while

driving reported that being stopped at a red light makes them more likely to use their cellphone compared to when the vehicle is in motion.

•Over a quarter of respondents reported being more likely to use their cellphone when driving on an open highway/interstate compared to other types of roads and traffic conditions.

Drivers who regularly text behind the wheel are most likely to be deterred from texting if they cause a crash, face financial and/or legal consequences or get caught by police. Roughly two in 10 drivers reported reading texts frequently or sometimes while driving, whereas 14 percent respond to texts at these frequencies while driving.

Among these drivers, more than a third selected the following responses as the most likely deterrents to texting while driving; causing a crash, facing financial and/or legal consequences and getting caught by the police. Only two percent reported that nothing would deter them from text messaging while driving.

Respondents generally support laws governing the use of cellphones while driving, but over half feel that these laws are infrequently enforced. Respondents are slightly less likely to support technology to prohibit cellphone use compared to laws. More than half of respondents indicated that laws are enforced to little or no extent for sending/receiving text messages or emails while driving (51 percent) and making/receiving calls while driving (58 percent).

However, 84 percent of respondents are supportive of these laws for prohibiting cellphone use that requires physically interacting with the cellphone, and 61 percent are supportive of laws prohibiting the use of the cellphone for any activity (including hands-free talking). Given difficulties with enforcing these laws and respondents’ perceptions that the laws are infrequently enforced, one potential alternative could be technology that prohibits cellphone use.

However, respondents are slightly less supportive of technology than laws, with 64 percent supporting technology for prohibiting text messaging and less than half (45 percent) supporting technology that would prohibit making/receiving calls.

Consistent with previous waves of this study, imprisonment and license suspension/revocation were the most commonly selected responses as the appropriate penalty for a driver that caused injury or death resulting from a crash while using a cellphone.

Bottom line: Keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes (and mind) on the road. And teach your drivers, staff and family to do the same.

PAGE 23


Road death debacle highlights sad state of SA driving - Clare Rutkiewicz

The AA has commented on figures released by Transport Minister Dipuo Peters in Pretoria in early January, which showed that road fatalities over the festive season increased by a staggering 14% on the previous year. According to the Minister, the preliminary figures show that 1755 people died on South African roads from 1 December 2015 to 11 January 2016.

The Automobile Association believes these figures are alarming and concerning and point to a need for concerted intervention to address the problem of road safety in our country. “We are concerned by these figures which will undoubtedly increase once the final numbers are calculated. We expect that the final figures will be close to 2000 deaths over the period. We are deeply worried by these numbers and extend our condolences to the families and friends of all who lost their lives during this time.” The Association said while several factors contributed to this figure, the over-riding reason for the road deaths was poor driver attitude and a disregard for the law. In addition to improved driver behaviour, the AA believes that better, and stricter, law enforcement is needed, and that moving violations are areas that traffic law enforcers needed to come down harder on. Co-ordinated safe driving campaigns to educate all road users, aimed at reducing crashes and fatalities were also vital to bring the numbers down. The AA also said it is important that government make available the latest in-depth statistics for annual road deaths in South Africa to enable road safety campaigners to assess which initiatives and interventions are working, and which are not. “Unfortunately the data currently available is from 2011 and does not provide a clear indication of the trends of road deaths. Road crash statistics need to be widely available and accurate to ensure that everyone is working towards reducing crashes and fatalities through an understanding of the true nature of the current problem,” the AA concluded.

At the same time, the Justice Project of SA commented that the announcement represented a direct contradiction of the RTMC’s spokesperson’s assertion made the week prior that road deaths had decreased. The spokesperson accused JPSA of “trying to mislead the public”.

In a media release, the organisation stated: “While there can be no doubt that had there not been an increased presence of law enforcement over the festive season the death toll would have been significantly higher, it is sad that traffic enforcement during the rest of the year remains poor. JPSA has repeatedly stated that “it is unreasonable to expect people to drive responsibly over holiday periods when they are allowed to drive as badly as they wish at any other time of the year.” We stand by our assertion and reinforce it.”

It added: “It must also be borne in mind that the statistics released today are preliminary statistics and are likely to rise by 30% or more, given the fact that the World Health Organisation’s best practice for road death statistical data

keeping requires all signatories to the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety – 2011 to 2020 to monitor those injured in road crashes for 30 days after the crash.

Therefore, when these figures are finalised, they could easily reach or exceed 2,281, thus raising the average daily death toll to 54 per day. This is a far cry from the Statistician General’s claims that “no more than 5,000 people are killed on SA roads annually”.

“The fact remains that the RTMC has not released a comprehensive “Road Traffic Report” since the end of the 2010/11 calendar year, thereby creating a vacuum of data upon which to plan interventions.”

It also raised concerns over the 2003/4 SIU annual report, which revealed that the issue of “irregular” driving licenses and roadworthy certificates being sold to people presents a serious problem in South Africa. “Since then very little positive and proactive action to halt this practice has been taken to tackle this serious issue and there is overwhelming anecdotal evidence that this practice has in fact worsened since then.”

JPSA added: “Today it was revealed that over 508,000 new driving licenses were issued in 2015 and one has to wonder how many of

those were legitimate. Unlike counterfeit driving licenses, those sold by corrupt officials using the eNaTIS system to issue them are impossible for traffic officers to detect and therefore, interventions to eradicate corruption in Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) can only be implemented by licensing authorities. Again, it is completely unreasonable to expect those who have bought their driving licences to know road traffic laws, let alone obey them.”

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PAGE 24

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Beijing Automotive invests R11B in SA- Roy Cokayne

SA component manufacturers and suppliers are set to receive a significant boost from the planned R11 billion investment by Beijing Automotive International Corporation (BAIC), China’s fifth-largest automotive manufacturer, in a new vehicle manufacturing plant in the country.

The investment in a completely knocked down (CKD) vehicle manufacturing plant is expected to create an estimated 10 000 direct and indirect jobs.

This is the second recent announcement regarding a significant investment in the local automotive industry. It follows BMW late last year announcing an investment of R6 billion in SA after awarding a contract to its plant in Rosslyn ifor the production of the new generation BMW X3 for the domestic and export markets.

Mandla Mpangase, a spokesperson for the Industrial Development Corporation, confirmed the IDC would hold a shareholding of between 20% and 35% in the venture, with the balance held by BAIC. Mpangase said the exact amount the IDC would be investing in the project had not yet been finalised and would be determined by the corporation’s final shareholding in the project.

He said the IDC and BAIC signed a memorandum of understanding to formalise the cooperation in December during the official state visit to SA of Chinese President Xi Jinping, so production could commence within the next two to three years. Mpangase added the establishment of the new BAIC OEM facility would create 2 500 direct jobs, but it was generally accepted there would be an estimated multiplier effect of five times the job creation in the supply chain on localisation of component manufacturing and other services. This is expected to result in another 7 500 new job opportunities being created.

According to Mpangase, SA has the capability to produce all automotive components with existing suppliers with a deep value chain and the current local content of existing OEMs in South Africa ranges from 40% to 70%.“Taking all this into account, a similarly-sized new OEM could result in an estimated 10 000 decent jobs being created in the SA economy.”

Lewis Lu, the business development manager at BAIC SA Investments, confirmed BAIC would be investing R11 billion in a vehicle manufacturing plant in South Africa but indicated the location of the plant had not yet been confirmed. “It might be in Durban, East London or Port Elizabeth.”

Mpangase said the project would be phased, with the vehicle plant having an initial capacity of up to 50 000 units a year and ramping up to 100 000 units a year thereafter. BAIC will be exporting about two-thirds of this production to Africa and the rest of the world. “The fact that it is important to export

volumes makes it clear that the production facility would have to be placed at the coast, either KwaZulu-Natal (Durban or Richards Bay) or the Eastern Cape (East London or Port Elizabeth).”

It is believed that BAIC will launch some fully built up imported car models into the SA market in August next year.

Mpangase added that the new BAIC facility would manufacture passenger vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles, pick-up trucks and SUV’s. He said the SA auto industry only accounted for about 0.6% of total global vehicle production but accounted for about 7% of the country’s GDP. “By adding another similarly-sized new OEM to the South African industry, this facility could push this figure to 8% of GDP, especially considering that the contribution by the mining industry is reducing. The impact of the exchange rate would then further push the contribution to GDP in an upwards direction if significant units are exported.”

Nico Vermeulen, the director of Naamsa, said the investment by BAIC was not totally unexpected and a positive development in that it would assist in making the vision of the government for the automotive industry to produce 1-million vehicles by 2020, more achievable. He believes there may be further automotive investment announcements given the lower production thresholds of the APDP.

BAIC already has a presence in the South African market. Beijing Automotive Works (BAW), a subsidiary of the holding company of BAIC, the IDC and China Africa Motors (CAM), the previous importer and distributor of BAW taxi vehicles into South Africa under the CAM brand, in 2012 invested R196 million in a new semi knocked down (SKD) assembly plant in Springs to produce taxi vehicles for the domestic and sub-Saharan markets.

BAW SA is 51% owned by BAIC, with the balance held equally by the IDC and CAM. Local assembly of BAW SA’s Sasuka 16-seater minibus taxi commenced in April 2013.

Tony Godycki, the plant director at BAW SA, said plans to transition the plant into a CKD operation at a cost of about R300 million were still in progress and were being discussed at length with the IDC. Godycki said there was no timetable yet for this transition because feasibilities on the way forward were still being conducted. He added that the plant was producing 300 taxi vehicles a month and BAW SA had about 3 000 units in the market.

The order also establishes a Coordinated Remedy Programme under which the agency will oversee the supply of remedy parts and manage future recalls with the assistance of an independent third-party monitor.

NEWS FORUM

Roy Cokayne is a senior financial reporter for Business ReportPAGE 26


Waste opportunities - Redisa in the spotlightThe Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa has received quite a bit of press in AutoForum since its inception three years ago. The initiative has by all accounts made good ground in building a viable and sustainable waste management industry focusing on tyre recycling, having hosted a recent panel on its role in the circular economy at the 2015 Global Economic Symposium amongst other achievements.

The project also highlights the individuals who are benefitting from its existence. Fanile Mbanjwa from Somopho Primary school in Empangeni, in KwaZulu Natal is the latest such story. The school has taken the initiative to start their own tyre recycling projects, once of which includes developing a successful tyre vegetable garden – and the results are being realised as the garden provides food for the 1600 students in the school. But in the later part of 2015, the organisation was thrown into a different light. When OUTA announced this January that it is expanding its focus to include investigating misuse of taxpayers’ money, maladministration and corruption, it included the intention to look further into REDISA.

Wayne Duvenage comments: “We are concerned at the extent of the negative publicity received (regarding) the REDISA project. Carte Blanche featured an expose on REDISA in November 2015, wherein many questions and concerns were raised as to the what is happening with the Tyre Recycling levy (R2.30 per kg of tyre sold) and how is this accounted for. The City Press also raised the issue levies-was-spent-20151220.”

“We are mindful that not all that one reads or sees in the media is necessarily correct, thus our decision to embark on our own investigation into this matter. In OUTA’s opinion, this tyre recycling levy is a Tax. It is a compulsory charge, to which the consumer has no option or choice but to pay. We are aware that REDISA sees this differently, and positions this as a fee which the public should pay, to ensure the

back-end of the transaction (ie the waste element) is taken care of. While we do not denounce the fact that waste is a matter which need to be tackled more effectively (not only here but the world over), we need to ensure that it is done in a transparent and effective manner. There are too many examples of maladministration and wasteful expenditure of taxes and levies in South Africa, and thus the need for greater scrutiny by civil action organisations such as OUTA.”

“OUTA’s concern is that this tyre recycling tax (levy) is passed on to an NPO with a board (REDISA), whom the public had no say in its appointment. 18% of these levies are then paid to a Private Company - Kusaga Taga Consulting (estimated to be roughly R9 million per month), who’s main shareholder, Mr Herman Erdman, is also the CEO of REDISA. There appears to be a conflict of interest here.”

“Finally, there is a concern about the expenditure of these levies and the actual performance against the plan - as regards job creation, tyres recycled, etc.”

“We have not made any accusations, other than to say there are too many questions that require answering. We also believe there may have been some regulatory transgressions which require scrutiny. Finally, we have recently met with Mr Erdman and Ms Davidson of REDISA, and they have indicated they have nothing to hide and have agreed to be transparent about the financials and details of the organisations involved. We have expressed our appreciation thereof and will shortly embark on a process of engaging with them in this regard.”

PAGE 28

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AutoForum - January / February 2016BusinessForum Business insight

2016: A new business year – are you ready for the challenges? - Robert Kaiser

Now that the all the festive season and new year social and holiday celebrations are behind us, it is necessary to reflect on 2016 as the start of a new business year. Hopefully we have all had a really good rest and are able to think about our businesses in a refreshed state of mind. If one looks at the circumstances surrounding us, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the negativity that is evident just about everywhere. The knowledge that South Africa is not the only country grappling with disruption and upset, but that this is an international phenomenon, is cold comfort when you open the doors of your business to 2016 and wonder how the heck you are going to make ends meet! Fortunately it is so that despite a negative business climate there are always positives. If one does not waste energy on the negatives and instead focuses on the positives, you have already won half the battle - there are always opportunities waiting to be discovered and exploited.

Here are a few thoughts that may be of value to you in getting your business ready for the 2016 business year:

1. Get rid of negative perceptions. Modern business is driven more by perceptions than ever before. We see the effect of perceptions daily in the value movement of share prices, currencies and a host of other volatile factors. It is easy to fall victim to negative perceptions, which could in turn affect your business outlook and decision making processes. Refuse to be influenced by negative perceptions. If you are a vehicle dealer, remember that, despite a decline in vehicle sales, a great number of vehicles are still being sold every month and strategizing to get your piece of the pie is what should be occupying your mind. If you are active in the automotive aftermarket, the good news is that the average age of the vehicle car parq in this country is still growing, spelling opportunity for the spares, accessories, vehicle repair, tyre and associated sectors. The collision repair sector is all but recession proof! The challenge is to ensure that one does not fall victim to overtraded market conditions. Excellent customer service and quality of workmanship will ensure profitable survival.

2. Budget and stick to it! A well-managed business will have a realistic budget of projected income and expenditure. Your budget is your work programme for the year and you should stick to it, deviating only when unavoidable and unforeseen circumstances force you to do so. An unexpected expense should be balanced by an adjustment to the income side to keep the integrity of your work plan in place.

3. Check your cash position and the cash flow requirements. Ensure that cash flow is sufficient to meet obligations. This could be an issue especially at the beginning of the year, when cash-sapping December bonus payments and other end of year expenses have taken their toll. Cash flow should be scrutinised on a daily basis, it is that crucial!

4. The Debtor’s Ledger. This is a crucially important business asset that looks nice on a balance sheet but not of much use if payments are not made timeously, impeding your cash flow. Some debtors may have delayed payments to you to support their own cash requirements over the festive season period and in order to address this, credit control should be intensified.

5. Credit Control. The importance of on-going effective credit control in business does not even have to be debated. It is an imperative, as important as focusing on new sales. Neglect it at your peril. A commitment to ensure effective credit control in your business could be one of the best Business New Year’s Resolutions you can make!

6. Training. Making sure that your employees are exposed to training, whether it is to acquire new skills or to receive further training in new trends and developments in their fields of expertise to keep their knowledge and skills relevant. This will ensure that your business stays ahead of the game in your industry sector and enhance your competitive position market share. At the same time you could ensure that you recoup any refunds/subsidies for training undertaken which may be available from the Merseta. Get your own back!

7. Staff Motivation. If a team spirit is not yet part of your business culture, you should not let this New Year pass without giving serious consideration to the inculcation of a true team/family spirit. This is an aspect that deserves volumes of consideration and thought, Nothing can beat a situation where there is a true, genuine team spirit to foster a sense of belonging, of being a valuable asset to the business and being treated with dignity and cared for. Your business will reap the benefits.

PAGE 30

8. Marketing and Communication. Be sure to consider your marketing strategy for the New Year: you could have the most amazing business offering but if no one knows about it, you may as well close your doors! Consider how you are going to apply your marketing budget: advertising, both print and digital, choosing the channels and publications where you will get the most advantage for your spend and participation at trade shows are all essential elements of a balanced marketing and advertising strategy. Effective customer communication is a must. Have a critical look at your website to ensure that it still conveys the image (remember the perception principle?) of your business that you would like it to, that it is relevant, the standard of grammar is impeccable and that contact details are up to date and easy to find and utilise. Websites are so important but so easily neglected. Make on-going website administration part of the portfolio of a senior member of your staff and remember to check on this regularly!

9. Reception, physical and telephonic. This is where customers and potential customers interface personally with your business; are these crucial reception functions in capable hands that are professional, and an asset to your business or are they letting you down? Perhaps it is time for some critical evaluation and, by the way, do get rid of the automatic answering service if you can, it is an awful system meant to save you money and time but it could cost you dearly in the long run!

These are only a few thoughts on getting your business ready face a challenging 2016 and it remains for us you wish you: Happy New (Business) Year!

“If one does not waste energy

on the negatives and instead

focuses on the positives,

you have already won half the battle”

PAGE 31


New vs used car sales market trends – the dramatic change over last decade According to the latest Naamsa figures released in early January, new car sales are continuing to decline. Only 617,000 total new vehicles were sold in 2015, compared to 714,000 in 2005. The opposite trend is true of used cars. According to Jeff Osborne, Head of Gumtree Automotive, ten years ago the ratio of new cars sold compared to used cars sold was roughly 0,5 used to 1 new. That number has since risen to 1.7 used cars sold for every new car sold in 2015. He believes that the reason behind this is not really a surprising one – our market’s need to economise. November’s Transunion Vehicle Pricing Index highlighted the continued declaration of vehicle price inflation, coupled with a slight drop in new vehicle pricing. Osborne comments: “Vehicle sales, both new and used, are a good indicator of the state of the economy. Credit health and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth are low and South African households are putting off purchasing new vehicles as a result. The affordability and variety of the second-hand market, coupled with the ease of entry into private sales, are encouraging sellers to become their own brokers as it were,

and dealerships are pushing used car sales to make up for the shortfall of declining new sales.” He adds that over 1.4 million potential car buyers are browsing the automotive category on Gumtree every month.

“Dealerships have embraced the fact that their consumers are online and browsing for bargains and they are using the convenience and responsiveness of classifieds to drive sales.” This, in turn, has led to a “formalising” of the second-hand market. “Innovative online sales dashboards providing real-time analytics at the click of a button has enabled dealerships to measure which ads perform best and which method of communication provides the best quality leads…we’ve pioneered little over a year ago and witnessed firsthand that the industry is becoming adept at analyzing information and using it to make stock and marketing decisions.”

BUSINESS FORUM

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PAGE 32

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Marketing with pinched budgetsThe traditional rhetoric of marketers in a tight economy is based on a poor strategy of slashing adspend and taking a wait-and-see approach to how things develop. They usually cut from the advertising budget first. That’s a big mistake.

Advertising in a tough economy is actually a smart move to grow your business, both now, and for the future. It’s not the risk you may think it is. Research conducted on U.S. companies shows that within 5 years recession-period advertisers experienced up to 256% growth over competitors that eliminated or decreased spending. The numbers aren’t coincidental and prove that aggressive advertising efforts in tough times pays off. Yes, budgets are tight, but if local distributors can find the cash to spend, then multinationals gain local budget with their rate of exchange, you just need to plan better.

The reasons to keep getting your brand to the market are numerous:

Your Competition Won’t be Advertising

Most businesses have limited advertising budgets and it’s easy win to reduce that by holding back on advertising. But all that really does is open up the marketplace to savvy competitors.

The presence you have built up to date is now an open field for competitors – they capitalise on your company’s visibility (or lack of it). Let’s say you own a parts business.

Consumers still need your products, no matter what the economy is doing. Cars still break down or need maintenance.

They still need windshield wipers, brake pads and oil - and people will even buy those little air fresheners when if they are on great special you are running. But they will only be buying from you if you tell them about it!

You Can build the Long-Term Position for Your Business

Standing out in the marketplace hard enough when you and your competition are battling it out.

As your competition cuts back on advertising, your advertising cuts through the clutter and builds the brand and its reputation within your target market.

Consumers may not be spending as much, but they are still spending.

If you’re not the company they think of when they do need to spend, your sales will decrease. While your competition is cutting back, you have the chance to be the company consumers spend with now, while gaining their future business as you continue with consistent presence in good times and bad.

You WILL Get Better Deals on Advertising

Now’s a good time to get deals on your ad space and get more out of your spend. Ad inventory has to be sold, but understand that media owners still have budgets to make.

Consistent ad placement is rewarded by media owners who should be offering you value added extras, in terms of special positions, editorial coverage and online support to improve the pull through of your ad campaign.

Don’t fall into the trap of placing ad hoc ads haphazardly through the year - its like hunting in the dark. Consistency is more important that ad size. Rather go for 6 half page ads than 2 full page ads - at least customers know where to find you.

Combine your campaign across different media channels

Media owners who are not active in multiple online media do not understand the technological developments in media. That does not mean that print in particular is not relevant – especially in business to business advertising and developing markets.

Your campaign should be in multiple media channels, supported in print, online, direct email and social media. This approach enables the building of a relationship with your customers – with multiple points of contact and multiple means of getting them useful information you are consolidating your brand’s position in their minds.

Direct email allows you to address your customers directly - while letting the customer learn about

your product in their own time.

PAGE 34

Speak Directly to Bargain Hunters

Don’t be afraid to address the bad economic environment - Customers are looking for good deals. Show them a silver lining and how your brand can get them through the tough times. Focus on very specific items and how much difference they can make in times like these.

Don’t ignore the low hanging fruit.

Never forget to market most often and strongly to loyal customers who already buy from you. Objective editorial coverage that you can share with your customers, and Direct email marketing is critical.

However make sure to compose your message well and create a compelling offer. It is easy to implement and extremely cost-effective, especially when your media partner can assit you in tailoring the message and providing tools to deliver the message.

Email gives you the ability to test times of delivery, see what is working in terms of content and response, and allows you to react to that information - all with the goal of generating more awareness which is the first step to generating sales.

It allows you to make your message as timely and relevant as possible. This is made easier by using a media partner who already has these databases, systems and resources to assist in tailoring your message.

Some forms of marketing don’t cost you anything but time

You can create online buzz about your product through social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and even Linkedin. Using social media methods to stimulate conversation about you, your business, and your products relies on being genuine. To ensure the buzz is positive, you have to promote yourself gradually and organically by developing real relationships with your desired audience on targeted social media sites.

It is also imperative that you are involved in the conversation. To ignore your customers is an unforgivable mistake in today’s interconnected world.

You must always be willing to devote time to answer questions, responding to complaints, explore opportunities, announce new products and events. Working with a media owner who can generate content for you to share in a structured campaign is a must.

As evidenced in recent disastrous social media blunders, making sure you are accurately represented online is essential. Formulating an online reputation management policy within your company and having all employees agree and adhere to it is key - offensive and derogatory remarks made by members of your team could have costly implications for your business.

Get to know the your media partners.

Public relations via editorial coverage is a missed opportunity that every business should embrace. That’s because it is pretty much free.

A good media partner can translate your information into valuable, newsworthy stories. These can be shared in print, online, email and social media.

It is about positioning your brand and products as thought leaders in your category. Customers need to believe that you have the answers to their problems and so identify you as the provider of the solution.

In a bad economy, there are many opportunities to expose your business to new customers that aren’t always possible in a good economy. Every one of them can be explored to help you solidify your place in business and stand out from your Competitors.

In reality, cutting your marketing budget in a bad economy is the last thing you should do. This is not the time to focus less on marketing ... rather the opposite. The beauty of marketing in the 21st century is that so many of the marketing channels available to you are cheap, easy and fast to execute.

With niche markets such as business to business within the automotive aftermarket, AutoForum is your media partner of choice.

Our team are experienced marketers and media professionals, and our reach into the automotive aftermarket is proven – over almost 3 decades and with a footprint right up into sub-Saharan Africa.

We have adapted our media channels to ensure your brand gets the coverage you need in the new marketing environment and our network of marketing suppliers is available to be utilised to suit your needs.

Drop us a line, we can make your adspend perform.

PAGE 35


Dave Scott is a member of the S.A. Guild of Motoring Journalists, and is a monthly contributor to the press on transport and trucking related subjects. In 2002 and 2003 Dave Scott was the S.A. Guild of Motoring Journalists winner of the category ‘Business Motoring’. As a member of the S.A. Institute of

Tribology he takes a keen interest in the application of lubricants to road transport maintenance and the cost of ownership. His key writing focus is on fleet management including the technology of trucks and road transport.

CoM

MER

CiAL

2016 Outlook for trucks – the forecast drives the system! - by Dave Scott

When 2015 kicked into gear, no one was forecasting a truck market decline. Despite the existing lack of confidence in fixed investment a modest increase of around 2% was expected to take the total truck and bus market over 3500kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) up to 32200 units. It went the other way for a final total of 30611 – a decline of 3%. What will happen in 2016?

Truck & Bus Market

2013 2014 Industry Forecasts Q1 2015

Actual 2015 % Change on 2014

BUS 1 046 1 253 1 403 1 119 - 10.7%

MCV 3,5 - 8,5t GVM

11 584 11 017 10 911 10 488 -4.8 %

HCV 8,5 - 16,5t GVM

5 474 5 467 5 531 5 599 2.4%

ExHCV > 16,5t GVM

12 820 13 814 14 356 13 405 - 3.0%

TOTAL 30 924 31 551 32 201 30 611 - 3.0%

The heavy bus market took the biggest percentage decline-hit at 10,7% but does not represent a big unit volume. The biggest 2015 loser in volume – 529 units – was the medium truck segment, while the heavy market gained a minor 2,4% and extra heavies dropped 3% on 2014 for 399 units.

A serious decline in the value of the Rand meant that extra-heavy segment sales were inflated in the last quarter of 2015 by deals that ‘purchased the future’ against looming price increases. Among these sales were risk-free, guaranteed buy-back transactions that also bring into question the sustainability of ExHCV sales for 2016

2015 ended in an exchange rate panic, when the Rand touched R18 against the greenback in January 2016 – this after President Jacob Zuma replaced Minister Nene with Finance-Minister-for-a-weekend David van Rooyen, before re-appointing Pravin Gordhan to his old post.

But the Rand broke through R16 against the Dollar in morning trade on Thursday 7 January 2016, following a softer-than-expected Purchasing Managers’ Index reading, while

global markets reacted to nuclear bomb testing in North Korea.

Adding to the pressure, the Rand also faced a depreciating yuan following the Chinese stock market ‘circuit-breaker’ shocks resulting in a ‘perfect investor storm’.

And while all of this is happening, the oil price hit 32 USD to the barrel (11 January 2016). Unfortunately our Government cannot even bank this benefit due the weakening Rand and forecast to decline even further.

Exchange rates will hit trucks hard. Its going to be torture! - R1 buys 0.0625 USD (R16 : $1USD).

PAGE 36

The exchange rate drama amplifies market rumblings about the survival of Freightliner in SA. The trend hardens even more in difficult times for small volume truck manufacturers as truckers move towards more established brands. Which other brands will finally be calling it quits in the South African market – hmmm!

The Naamsa flash report states the: “industry trading conditions remained intensely competitive with over 52 brands and 2 595 model derivatives, in the new car and light commercial vehicle sectors, competing for consumers’ franchise”. The new prices for imported models can be expected to take a serious toll in the car and light commercial segment where many dealers cannot survive off parts and service to absorb overhead costs. Here is the truck and bus market relative to the total market:

Sector 2012 2013 2014 2015 2015/14 Change%

Cars 442 604 450 296 438 942 412 826 -5.90%

Light 160 174 167 996 173 759 174 490 0.40%

Medium 10 104 11 584 11 024 10 488 -4.90%

Heavy, 17 737 19 340 20 534 20 123 -2.00%

Total Vehicles

630 619 649 216 644 259 617 927 -4.10%

When seen against the total industry, truck volumes are small but vital to our economy as everything goes by road. But there are major obstacles in 2016 apart from the exchange rate:•SA exporters benefit from a weak Rand, especially rewarding

for farm exports, but the current disastrous, multi-year drought will make South Africa a net importer of food. The devastating, El Niño-driven interior parchedness will drive more people into urban centres unsettling millions of people and impact on society itself, not just agriculture

•The SA prime lending rate – up 50 basis points from 9.75% in November 2015 – has already broken through 10% and hopefully will not test 11%.

•As Dr Cees Bruggemans comments: “Also it would help if government were to do more to restore confidence in the economy, so that citizens may be more willing to be more enterprising, taking risks they won’t take if too anxious.” Bruggemans continues: “The caricature is a spendthrift government out of control, eager to borrow to the limit and raise taxes to get its hands on more resources.” Indeed, why invest in a truck?

•Bruggemans adds: “Further Rand weakness will be imposed from the outside on the back of Chinese strains, Fed uncertainty, Middle East eruptions. And yet further bolstered by our ongoing lack of domestic policy focus, sliding performance, questions about fiscal stabilisation and

doubtful credit ratings. It suggests a Rand heading deeper into $16-$18 territory.” This is amplified in Bruggemans comment on 11 January 2016 where SA suffers from “Growth stagnation and slipping fiscals amounting to a slow-mo credit rating banana-peel towards junk. Such junk status is in any case already mostly priced in on account of the Nene fiasco and the market rethink that followed in its wake.”

•But the used truck market will benefit from new truck price increases – and those ‘guaranteed buy-backs’ will not hurt so much.

So - What’s the truck & bus forecast for 2016?

Truck & Bus Market forecast scenarios

Actual 2015

NAAMSA Forecast

2016

2016 Forecast

down 5%

2016 Forecast

down 7%

BUS 1119 1 000 1 000 900

MCV 3,5 - 8,5t GVM 10 488 10 200 10 000 9 900

HCV 8,5 - 16,5t GVM 5 599 5 500 5 100 5 000

ExHCV > 16,5t GVM 13 405 13 500 13 000 12 700

TOTAL 30 611 30 200 29 100 28 500

There’s no reason for any truck market increase – how far will it fall, and which segments will take the biggest hits? The van market must be stripped out of the MCV segment to build its own sector forecast.

What will happen in the over-supplied ExHCV segment – which horsepower sector and application will suffer the most under current conditions? But water tankers are going to be needed in the face of the drought disaster – in which segments can these be factored in?

My Conclusion:

Eskom has not been resolved – electricity price increases mount up, while in 2014 we were told to expect rolling blackouts as a permanent feature of our lives for the next five years.

Never mind 32 USD/barrel, fuel-saving disciplines of the past must remain entrenched to deal with the future. There is much more to the fuel price than a market glut while the ‘Philistines and Syrians’ chase each other across the burning hot sands in the Middle East. It’s very dangerous to drop one’s guard and behave as if the USD $110/barrel days will never return.

And regardless of all the negativity there’s still a truck market out there which needs to be understood and forecast – after all, the forecast drives the system!

PAGE 37


Year of belt-tightening ahead for fleet managersWith economic relief unlikely any time soon, South African fleet managers are set to continue in belt-tightening mode through the coming year which will bring relentless pressure to reduce costs and to squeeze every bit of value out of their vehicles before replacing them.

The most obvious characteristic of 2016 from a fleet management point of view will therefore be slow new-vehicle purchases and fleet expansion in line with weak economic growth, predicts Dr David Molapo, Head of Standard Bank Fleet Management. This will apply especially to the sectors hit hardest by the economic downturn, namely manufacturing, mining and agriculture.

The only certainty seems to be continued uncertainty about all the major economic factors that bear down on fleet management – the price of fuel, inflation, the exchange rate, the interest rate and the growth rate.“The resultant lack of confidence among companies to invest in fleet is likely to bring a contradiction of sorts to the fore in the coming year,” says Dr Molapo.

One would expect that in such difficult conditions, fleet managers would eagerly embrace the many tools that are

now available to increase fleet efficiency and reduce costs – telematics, managed maintenance, full maintenance leasing and value-added products and services linked to fleet cards.

Yet the uptake of these cost-saving tools is subject to the very same budget constraints as those pertaining to the replacement of vehicles. Even though these systems will certainly decrease costs of any fleet using them, companies balk at the upfront costs to implement and install them.

Many are considering the adoption of fleet management tools, but under current conditions every decision is made very slowly and cautiously as businesses turn over every penny before spending it. Ironically, therefore, the prediction is that the take-up of efficiency systems will only start picking up once the economy returns to health again.

But Dr Molapo believes that the slow take-up of fleet-efficiency systems goes beyond financial considerations. “How many companies out there actually know that these products and services exist and what they can do to reduce costs?

In large companies with dedicated fleet managers, sure, they use these tools, but it would appear that a number of SMEs

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PAGE 38

(small and medium enterprises) and smaller fleets either simply don’t know about them or have other cash flow priorities.”

The coming year therefore provides ample opportunity for fleet management services to educate the market further. What may help this process in 2016 is the further conversion of value-added fleet services into single, holistic management platforms.

The information technology revolution has led to the development of several disparate information streams for fleet managers, with telematics generating huge amounts of data from the road and fleet cards from service stations.

Service providers such as banks and telematics operators are increasingly exploring opportunities to cooperate to provide fleet managers integrated systems such as a single web portal to collect and crunch all the information they need for precision management of their fleets.

Safety is likely to remain a top worry for fleet managers in the year ahead, says Dr Molapo. Economic uncertainty amplifies the seriousness of every incident, as companies are less able to absorb setbacks.

Concerns include road safety as well as crime, especially around truck hijackings which showed an eye-watering 29% increase in the most recent release of official crime statistics, with car hijackings increasing by 14%.

However, a look at the real numbers – a total of about 1300 truck hijackings per year – shows that the scourge remains below previous peaks.

The carbon tax which is set to kick in next year, on the other hand, do not seem to keep fleet managers awake at night. Dr Molapo says all indications are that the carbon tax is simply seen as an additional tax by the industry, and will do little to pique interest or change vehicle preferences. This may only change one day when government starts introducing carbon levies based on actual vehicle performance, in line with some European practices.

Perhaps the most optimistic aspect of the coming year is the continued rise in the status of fleet management itself.

“A new generation of fleet managers are increasingly making their presence felt. They tend to be tech-savvy and unencumbered by traditions that inhibit the take-up of economically sensible practices such as full maintenance leasing.

At the same time, they are entering an industry where fleet management is increasingly seen as a professional speciality in its own right, rather than an administrative side-line. This is evident in a growing number of fleet-management courses available,” says Dr Molapo. Fleet management itself is in good shape, even though managing a fleet in 2016 is going to be that much more challenging.

PAGE 39

Hino tops in customer satisfaction monitorHino has retained its position as overall leader among truck brands in latest Scott Byers Comparative Customer Satisfaction Monitor.

The quarterly survey is conducted among thousands of South African truck operators and in the last quarter of 2015 edition, Hino rated 97.58, with the runner-up scoring 95.84 and third-placed rated at 95.70.

Each truck brand is rated according to its performance in three categories: sales, service and parts. Hino came out tops in service and parts and was second in sales.

The truck brand moves up to first place in service from being runner-up in the second quarter of 2015, with a score of 96.86. The national average in the category was 91.44.

Hino retained top spot in the parts category for four consecutive quarters with its latest rating of 97.88 in this category, a clear lead over the runner-up on 95.30. National average in this category for the third quarter was 90.06,

compared to 89.97 in the second quarter.

“We are very proud of our ongoing strong performance in the Scott Byers

Comparative Customer Satisfaction Monitor,” said Ernie Trautmann, the

Vice President of Hino SA.

“Hino Total Support is the driving strategy in our operations these days and it is wonderful seeing the results in terms of looking after our customers, which is most important in the truck market, particularly here in South

Africa where there are so many competitors. Our aim now is for

Hino to be top overall in all three category rankings.”


AutoForum’s Dave Scott wins Commercial Vehicle Journalist of the Year!We are proud to announce that our esteemed specialist writer, Dave Scott, was on Monday evening 23 November recognised by the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists with the title “Hino Commercial Vehicle Journalist of the Year.”

Scott’s award-winning article was published in our January / February 2015 issue and online (http://autoforum.co.za/View-News-Article.aspx?News=10211) and discusses the very key - and often overlooked - issue of diabetes in truck drivers. In eThekwini diabetes is now the leading cause of death, with truck drivers particularly threatened, and the wider public’s safety endangered.

The article outlines the threat and the wider range of dangers to both the driver’s and fleets and the steps fleet managers can take to minimise the issue.

It is certainly not the first controversial subject Scott has tackled. We at AutoForum have proudly published his stories for over 12 years and many have caused a bit of an outcry – and sometimes outrage – in the sector.

Well done Dave! We are extremely proud of you and here is to much more recognition of your undeniable talent.

For a list of Dave Scott’s stories, please visit the www.autoforum.co.za website and use the tags “trucks” or “commercial” to filter the articles.

Here are some of our favourite recent ones:• Innovation & revolution from beyond the assembly plant

gate (Nov/Dec 2015)• Fields Hill tokoloshe waits to strike again (Sept / Oct 2015)• Will This ‘Tiger’ Take A Bite Out Of Its Market Segment?

(March /April 2015)

Dave Scott is no trucking newbie. His motor and road transport industry career covers over 48 years, starting in 1966 as a trainee truck salesman for Cargo Motors Mercedes-Benz Truck Division, in Johannesburg.

His focus has been on trucks and transport, developing a unique overall view of the road transport industry in South Africa in contact with the truck manufacturers, retail dealers, truck body suppliers, component industries, fleet-owners and drivers.

He has conducted investigative work and fleet advice for a variety of South African trucking operations – a number of

truck fleet audits has provided him with considerable experience in fleet risk management.

The development of people through training is one of the major activities he has conducted within the motor industry, again with emphasis on trucks, truck drivers and road transport. This continuous involvement in training keeps him in shape as a public speaker.

The quality of drivers on South African roads has been one of his primary focus areas. This has resulted in published articles on driver health covering specialist subjects on diabetes,

hypertension and highway hypnosis, as well as presentations at NOSA annual conventions.

As a member of the SA Institute of Tribology (SAIT), he takes a keen interest in the application of lubricants to road transport maintenance to reduce the cost of ownership.

Access to the SAIT has resulted in many published articles on fuel and lubrication as it applies to SA road transport operations. This has also involved him in consulting on improved transport efficiencies within the truck fleets of South Africa, by providing information on training and transport technology.

He regularly visits major trucking conventions and exhibitions in the USA, Europe and Japan to stay abreast on the latest developments in trucking technologies and provide specialist reports.

Since 1995 Dave Scott has been a member of the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists, and is a monthly contributor to the press on transport and trucking related subjects. In 2002 and 2003 Dave Scott was the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists winner of the category ‘Business Motoring’.

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PAGE 40

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Volvo’s January press conference sets goals for 2016 - Warwick Robinson

Volvo Group took over the traditional UD annual kick-off analysis and projection session in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Torbjörn Christensson, CEO of Volvo Group Southern Africa, began the presentation with a high level overview of the group performance on a positive note. “As a group we have really done quite well overall for the last year, being able to reduce costs as well as do better in the aftermarket” he explained.

Volvo Group’s US and European markets have done well with the only exception to the overall “positive news” being Brazil, which is currently achieving only roughly 50% of their previous performance. Christensson continued: “The sales volume is pretty flat but operating margin is up to 6 from 4 percent. We cannot control the markets so our only real option is to keep the group as lean as possible, and so this remains a group point of focus. Volvo Group are extremely proud of the current international performance - and even through there are still problems and challenges to overcome, the general outlook is still a positive one”.

Macro economically, he asserts that the heavy duty sector in SA has been performing worse than expected with a decrease of 2%, and GDP growth of 1% being looked at as realistic, but still disappointing. However, the attitude of any importers is going to be one of wait and see as they adapt to a new reality. Christensson put it into an analogy: “to look at SA’s situation from the perspective of an importer, you have a reduction in earnings of 15% but simultaneously have to pay a probable 5% increase on labour. The South African reality is not going to easy, but it is far from the worst market situation to have to cope with in 2016.” This is illustrated by the terrible figures from Angola - only 30 trucks were invoiced in 2015, down from 800 previously.

In terms of market share, the group and particularly the UD brand has done well, even if the performance was slightly less than projected. As of 2016 the group is combined into one legal entity, with common back office support, their two 2 manufacturing plants, increased synergies in the retail network, and now with one regional distribution centre.

“This investment and reorganisation of the management structure happened just at the right time to allow us to really focus on the market going forward,” he explained elaborating on the approximately R100 Million investments into facilities such as the state of the art Bloemfontein and Harrismith dealerships, the Competence Centre and used truck facility, amongst others.

The group will continue investing in the country with Durban being a focal area for the period, but there are a number of reasons for the reduction in spend. “The peak of the investments has been reached, and from a board perspective they need to now produce a pay off,” says Christensson.

But it is clear that it is definitely more difficult to sell brand “SA” into European boardrooms as the negative reports start piling up - currency, labour, political climate, bureaucratic restrictions and any number of other factors cannot be ignored. In Christensson’s opinion the “rising star” status of the entire continent has been based on mineral and oil consumption, so this has really driven projections down because of these poor-performing and very volatile sectors within current global trading conditions.

To pick up the mood, he detailed some of the achievements for the local operation including the highly successful UD Quester launch, record sales figures for the brand, and the SA truck driver winner in Japan. The Volvo FH13L440 is currently the biggest selling model in the SADC Truck market - across all segments - and won the Truck X Truck of the Year award. VolvoGroup sold 335000 labour hours through retail network, and have continued on their training focus. “The market in SA will be flat but lower level markets outside the country are foreseen to balance this out, but we really could do with a break in the currency rates,” he says.

And for the coming year areas of focus relate to the Quester’s push into Africa, renewed energy on Renault’s African market, and updates across the brands, based on expanding the technology and succesfull model features tothe wider ranges. Developing the markets in Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are areas of concentration, specifically in the retail arena.

Apparently the UD MCV range is still on the cards but realistically only for mid to later in the year. Telematics is one of the big advantages in Volvo’s ranges and they are seeing customers really starting to utilise the information that they can now access to effect their operations very successfully.

“To summarize our priorities - we can only aim to improve our customer service and satisfaction in these tough market conditions. This offers support to these operators as much as possible, including finance, training and dealer expansion in Africa. We have the products, the team and the expertise so we feel that while it is going to be a tough period of rolling up sleeves, but we are prepared” Christensson asserts.

PAGE 42

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Prescribed part numbers are based on the vehicle model described with reference to ESI[tronic] and Bosch catalogue systems. Data was compiled with the utmost care. Nonetheless, the correctness can not be guaranteed. Part numbers may be discontinued at the discretion of Bosch. Please check ESI[tronic] and TecCom for specific vehicle applications and updates.

124

Batteries

Amp Rating ( 75Ah ) F662PS

Wiper Blades

Aerotwin Driver 3397008537

Aerotwin Pass. 3397008537

Eco Set 3397005287

Starters & Alternators

Alternator 0124315033

Starter F004A94011

Lighting

Head globes 1987302144SET

Bosch Fusion 1987304038

Indicator globe 1987302252

Quantum 2.5 D-4DTOY 2291 / Quantum 2.5 D-4D / Quantum / 2.5 / 75 kW / 03/2005 - / 2KDFTV

Vehicle of the Month February 2016

Filtration

Cabin 1987432190

Fuel F026402814

Oil 0986452044

Glow plugs

Glow plug 0250202125Braking

Brake Pads (F) 098650A184

Brake shoes (R) 0986487203

Brake Discs (F) 0986479R60

Belts

Timing Belt Kit 1987946505

V-Belt (7PK1088) 1987946032

AutoForum - January / February 2016AftermarketplaceMobil SHC Hydraulic Environmentally Acceptable Lubricant

ExxonMobil has launched Mobil SHCTM Hydraulic EAL[3] (Environmentally Acceptable Lubricant), a new readily biodegradable synthetic hydraulic oil that protects equipment and can help improve energy efficiency of hydraulic equipment by up to 3.6 percent.

The high-performance lubricant also boasts low toxicity, making it ideally suited for equipment used in sensitive environments or industries where EALs are required, such as offshore oil and gas applications. The product delivers a balanced technical performance, meets EU Ecolabel standards, and is non bio-accumulating. It also features properties that can increase equipment durability and extend oil life, meaning it can even protect machines operating in rugged environments where deposit build-up can be an issue.

At the same time it offers a shear stable, high viscosity index ensuring it can perform in a wide range of temperatures. The lubricant’s cold start capability can also help to protect pumps and reduce energy consumption at start up. Strong filterability and an ability to tolerate water contamination help to extend a machine’s oil filter life, leading to longer drain intervals. Its makers say that Mobil SHC Hydraulic EAL can help to reduce the need for maintenance, limiting the potentially hazardous interaction between personnel and machine. During extensive rig testing, the oil was also proven to deliver up to 3.6 percent hydraulic pump efficiency benefit versus conventional hydraulic fluid.

In addition, the product outperformed competitive products in a number of benchmark industry tests, including air release and hydrolytic stability, vital parameters for offshore hydraulic application.

Robert Bosch Vehicle Of The Month: February

Robert Bosch SA runs a “vehicle of the month” campaign offering deals on particular models.

All sorts of components and replacement parts are on offer at special rates for that month - which is great news for the independent aftermarket!

This month the vehicle in question is the Toyota Quantum 2.5 D-4D. Visit your nearest Bosch dealer to take advantage before the end of the month.

PAGE 44

Skil 1144 Rotary Polisher

Skil has launched its 1144 rotary polisher that it says it ideal for cars as well as recreational vehicles including boats, caravans and trailers, and can help transform them into pristine condition.

As junior brand manager Taahir Suliman explains, the Skil 1144 is aimed at the convenience-oriented pragmatic DIY enthusiast that will use the tool for polishing vehicles. “The Skil 1144 is designed for getting the best polishing, light cutting and finishing results.

It is great for removing light scratches, light swirls, paint defects and more. It can be used to either enhance the looks, to remove oxidation or to eliminate scratches from the material.”

The unit boasts a powerful 1200 W motor, an adjustable speed control for the required polishing performance on different materials and is also able to maintain consistent rpm, regardless of the amount of pressure applied to the tool.

“The controlled start-up feature eliminates possible splatter of the polish when turning on the tool. The rat tail design provides a soft grip for continued control and the D-shaped side handle ensures a comfortable grip in every working situation.”

The Skil 1144 polisher comes standard with three polishing pads and a backing pad made from Velcro material for fast and easy accessory change. It is suitable for sanding pads with a diameter of 180 mm or more and its M14 spindle thread accepts any brand attachment.

IS vEHICLE COMPLEXITY kILLInG THE InDuSTRY?

SEMA 2015Karen Fierst’s show report

vOC-fREE POWDER COATInG

EquIPPInG REPAIRERS fOR THE Ev REvOLuTIOn

MATERIAL RISk

Contents

Body repair insight in association with BodyShop News International

January / February 2016


BoDY

ShoP

BODYSHOP NEWS

First VOC-free powder coating for carsAkzoNobel and Chinese auto maker JAC

Motors have announced their use of VOC-

free powder technology for automotive body

coatings.

AkzoNobel’s Interpon powder technology is

being successfully used by JAC for coating

SLX truck bodies at its site in Mengcheng,

China.

“The application of high performance

powder coating solutions in body

coatings represents a major technological

breakthrough in this sector,” said Eddie

Wang, Business Director for AkzoNobel’s

Powder Coatings business in North Asia.

“This partnership demonstrates how we are

supporting sustainability in the automotive

industry by offering benefits such as

minimizing both resource wastage and

environmental pollution.”

Chinese auto makers have been looking for

ways to meet new coatings standards and

Wenping Xing, Technical Director of JAC

Motors, explained that powder coatings

offer major opportunities to help meet those

requirements.

“Environmental friendliness is a top priority

as we pursue production technology

excellence,” she said. “Powder coatings

have advantages such as high utility

rate and zero wastage, making them a

sustainable solution of choice for body

coatings. Our first power coating line for

trucks combined the proven technologies

of AkzoNobel and state-of-the-art

manufacturing equipment. We are now

planning a second powder coating line.”

The companies discussed the technology

at an industry forum in Shanghai on 9

December, organised by the Coating

Division of the China Surface Engineering

Association. The Association’s Secretary

General, Wailing Wu, has called for all

industry-related companies to take action to

put cleaner manufacturing into practice.

“We should strive to enable manufacturing

processes and equipment that produce

high efficiency with fewer emissions,” she

commented. “These efforts will ensure the

long-term sustainable development of the

industry.”

PAGE 46

AutoForum - January / February 2016BODYSHOP NEWS

How equipped are repairers for the foreseenEV revolution?The Institute of the Motoring Industry in the UK (IMI) has

raised concerns in recent years over the lack of skilled

technicians in the motor sector in that country and in

particular, those who are trained to work on electric and

hybrid cars.

The organisation’s research showed 60% of consumers in

the UK are thinking about buying an EV or hybrid vehicle

in the next two years. The British Government has now

promised to invest £600 million to turn this public interest

into sales of electric vehicles, but the IMI says action on

closing the skills gap is now urgently need.

In an article it posted on its website recently, the IMI

asserts that: “Current only 1,000 vehicle technicians’ are

qualified to work on electric cars in the UK. There are

only 1,000 more in training at the moment that will have

graduated by 2018.

That’s only 1% of the workforce. With the Chancellor’s

Autumn Statement setting the goal of all new cars in

Britain being electric by 2040 the current rate of skills

development will be insufficient to meet consumer

demand.”

Speaking at an international motor industry event focusing

on electric cars in Kuala Lumpur late last year, IMI CEO

Steve Nash said: “There is no place for an enthusiastic

amateur maintaining electric and hybrid vehicles, they

have complex systems with three times the power of

domestic voltage.

The Government faces a skills shock if it does not factor

this issue in its plan to reduce carbon emissions by 65

million tonnes.”

IMI is calling for a licence to practice for technicians, to

protect employers’ investment in the skills necessary to

maintain the next generation of vehicles and highlights the

fact that the industry is currently unregulated.

With SA/s skills shortage already in the spotlight, how

equipped is our sector for the EV revolution? And if you

are in the aftermarket and repair sector, is this issue even

on your radar, or do you feel its too far in the future to

even focus on?

Visit AutoForum on our facebook page and share what

your thoughts on this are.

Image courtesy Mercedes BenzPAGE 48

A news network dedicated to collision repair?Collision Hub, the US based networking and news site for the collision repair sector, has announced the industry’s first video news magazine. For some years now, it has allowed knowledge transfer and online training via its website Repair University.

The news network adds to this offering, allowing sector members to catch up on the news and information in a single video episode. While the news is US orientated, the implications and issues also relate in most cases, to the South African context. It is fun and easy way to catch up with the global sector.In the first episode for example, the show looks at : Photo Appraisal And the US Law; Are Advancements in OEM Finishes Impacting Your Paint Department?; The legal Implications to Technicians of a bad repair; and Go 360 with I-CAR and the Ford F-150.

View it for yourself by visiting the website: http://www.collisionhub.com/


SEMA: Good walking shoes and lots of energy-Karen Fierst

That is what attendees of the car enthusiasts’ dream, otherwise known as SEMA, needed during the 2015 edition of the show. Founded in 1967, the SEMA acronym originally stood for Speed Equipment Manufacturing Association.

However in 1970, government regulations became an issue and the name was changed to Specialty Equipment Market Association to improve the overall image of the association.

The SEMA show began as a small exhibition and no one could have dreamt of its 2015 magnitude and scope, with 2500 exhibitors covering more than 93,000 square metres of exhibit space and an additional 140,000 square metres of features and attractions in 2015. Over 130,000 industry professionals, including more than 60,000 qualified domestic and international buyers attended this trade-only show.

The exposition was divided into 12 sections: Business Services, Collision Repair and Refinish, Global Tire Expo, Hot Rod Alley, Mobile Electronics and Technology, OEM, Powersports and Utility Vehicles, Racing and Performance, Restoration Marketplace, Restyling and Car Care Accessories, Tools and Equipment, Trucks, SUVs and Off-Road as well as Wheels and Accessories.

Karen Fierst has been active in the collision parts & repair industry for over a decade. She was an executive of the Certified Automotive Parts Association, is active in the Collision Industry Cnference and maintains membership in a variety of collision repair and aftermarket industry associations. she is the recipient of numerous US industry awards.

PAGE 50

For the most part, the collision repair sector first began to exhibit at the show about six years ago when the Society of Collision Repair Specialists – better known as SCRS – decided to collaborate with SEMA and introduce a collision repair section of the trade show. Today SCRS provides RDE (Repairer Driven Education) seminars and a day-long OEM Collision Technology Summit in addition to recruiting exhibitors and attendees.

This is the second year for the popular summit, which features speakers from a variety of car, paint and material companies discussing issues of particular concern to collision repairers. More than 200 people participated this year.

One of the quarterly Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meetings takes place during SEMA Week. CIC was held on two half days, enabling attendees to participate in educational seminars and walk the show. Traditionally the largest CIC meeting of the year, with about 400 people attending this year the meeting appeared to have a lower turnout than usual.

One interesting CIC presentation was organised by the Parts and Materials Committee. Frank Terlep, CEO and Lead Sherpa of Summit Software Solutions, shared an in-depth study about the added value of electronic parts procurement in the collision repair process.

The study was commissioned in the early 2000s by Carstation.com, an integrated Internet-based parts management and

communication system that enabled collision repairers and their parts suppliers to communicate and handle transactions online.

The study concluded that, at that time, electronic parts procurement saved on average approximately US$16 per day per shop amongst those surveyed. The presentation ended with a question to the audience about whether it was time to conduct a new study. During the week ASA and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers held a joint press conference where they unveiled the newly created ASA OEM Resource Center, a joint project designed to consolidate and simplify access to tool information for repairers.

Today, this useful information resource tool may seem more important to mechanical repairers, but as technology evolves, there is no doubt that very soon ASA’s collision repair members will also need it.

There was so much to do and see on the SEMA Expo floor that it is difficult to know where and when to turn. I’ll note just two amongst hundreds of interesting scenes and sites.

A company called Local Motors intends to disrupt the auto industry with its new concept car which it introduced at SEMA. The company claims the vehicle is the world’s first 3D-printed

PAGE 51


car. The LM3D model is about 80 per cent 3D-printed and made of thermoplastic and carbon fibres.

When ready for market it will cost somewhere between US$18,000 – $30,000, well within the normal price range of conventional vehicles. It will be electric and can go around the neighbourhood traveling up to 64 km/h. However, it will not be roadworthy until the vehicle complies with a myriad of government regulations and standards.

Spanesi Americas displayed a female-built 1969 AMC AMX in its booth. The hot rod was built as part of the Valkyrie Project whose mission statement is to encourage participation of women in all aspects of the automotive industry. The project showcases the wide range of talented women in the industry and serves to inspire women to explore their interests in the automotive and motorsport fields.

The women involved in the building of the 1969 AMC AMX project vehicle designed, fabricated and ultimately built an eye- catching hot car.

As if being surrounded by NASCAR, Formula Drifter, NHRA (National Hot Rod Association), air brushing and TV celebrities wasn’t enough, SCRS’s after party gave us a look behind the scenes.

The 30th floor of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly the International, the Hilton and LVH Hotels) served as Elvis Presley’s home-away-from- home between 1969 and 1976 whenever he performed in Las Vegas.

The opulent penthouse, where a number of movies were filmed, has great views of the city. In addition to being the long-time hang out of ‘The King’, ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson and Liberace are amongst the other celebrities who have stayed here. Not too shabby a place to finally sit down, relax and put your feet up and enjoy an adult beverage. Luckily, whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

All the pretty things on show - from restorations to re-imagined classics and crazy new-age fantasy vehicles - are just too good not be be shared though!

PAGE 52


Is vehicle complexity killing the industry?- Brad Mewes

Earlier this year, I wrote about my 3 predictions for the collision repair sector for 2016. My first prediction was that technology will play an increasing role in the industry. Vehicle manufacturing now resembles high tech aerospace manufacturing with the extensive use of carbon fibre, aluminium, and other advanced materials. OEMs will take a more active role in creating repair methodology and enforcing repair standards. But is vehicle complexity killing the industry?

I admit, suggesting complexity is “killing the industry” is a bit of an overstatement. But I certainly believe that increasing technological complexity fundamentally changes the industry. And, depending on your inclination and your time horizon, can either be seen as a huge opportunity or a huge threat. Regardless of your opinion, the financial implications are significant.

Industry Complexity

The collision industry is complex, for a host of uncontrollable reasons and a number of self-created ones. Adding to the standard complexity of the industry, increasing technological complexity is creating a shift in the way vehicles are repaired. Advanced materials require new tooling, new equipment, new training, updated or retrofitted facilities.

In the US, the starting investment in tooling and facility upgrades to become Ford aluminum approved start at $50,000. More advanced programmes are much more expensive and have substantial ongoing expenses associated with them.

OEM Response

In response to the increasing demand for increased transparency and standardisation, OEMs have begun to take a more active role in creating repair methodology and enforcing repair standards. While increasing standardisation improves business outcomes on a host of different metrics, there is a very real cost to comply with standards.

Even so, the attraction for many is that certifications increase quality and generate increased sales. But there are significant costs associated with increasing standardisation that are often overlooked, and in my opinion, changing how business will operate in the future.Certifications and Industry Evolution

For many years, repairers have clamored for more OEM involvement in the industry. Many reasoned that if OEMs were more involved, repairers would be better positioned to document and bill for certain operations, thus increasing sales and profits.

The hope was that certifications would also increase quality and consistency. References were made to US-based shops that specialised in high end European lines that generated

seemingly massive sales from their locations. It was (and still is) not uncommon to hear stories of these facilities generating well over $1 million in sales a month (Fletcher Jones, the largest Mercedes dealer in the country did over $18 million in collision repair sales in 2014).

Capital Expenses

But standards require training and specialised equipment. As a result of this, the collision repair industry is becoming more capital intensive than it ever has been in history. More tools, more equipment, more training, more clean rooms. Capital intensity refers to an increase in things like spray booths, prep stations, frame racks, etc. Generally, anything that is a long term assert can be thought of a capital cost.

The impact of the increasing capital expense on the industry is significant. Increasing vehicle complexity is matched by increasing certification complexity. There is even a regulatory component to this. Some states in the US are beginning to view tools as something the employer ought to provide, rather than the employee.

The costs to operate a modern collision repair facility will continue to increase. Managing the tools, equipment, and procedures required by different OEMs will become increasingly important. Understanding how to manage the financial outlay will play an increasingly important role in the business.

In short, the industry will continue to get more competitive. Margins will continue to be compressed. The increasing capital requirements in the industry will put pressure on margins. Just as investing in expensive down draft booths and compliant burners decades ago caused a number of shops to shut their doors, so too will the increased cost of certifications and equipment. Larger operators will use scale to their advantage to lower both price and cost, further increasing competition.

What is Next?

My goal is that you double the value of your business. In an industry of increasing capital intensity, developing scale becomes very important. There are a lot of ways you can do that, from expanding and acquiring another location, merging with another business or understanding how to best finance equipment purchases and facility upgrades.Conversely, if all that seems like too much, you may decide that now is a good time to start your exit plan.

If you are unsure of where to start, Brad has recently launched Simple Financial Dashboard (http://supp-co.com/dashboard/) to help improve your financials.

His company also provides CFO and strategic advisory services.

Brad Mewes is a management consultant, strategist and author of the blog: Supplement! Financial Insight for the Collision Repair Professional (http://supp-co.com/). He has a Masters in business administration in finance and is a former equity research associate.

PAGE 54


Material Risk - Andrew Hooker

China, Europe, Australasia, America : all have varying legislation and different pollution and emissions targets for car manufacturers to meet. In the past, engineering a car locally for each market was relatively easy, but this was neither practical nor profitable. With peaks and troughs of economies in each or all of these regions, the volumes of car sales could frequently decline in a market and the fixed cost of a large, local car plant could result in huge losses when sales were poor.

The industry has shifted. Today we see more ‘global’ cars that can meet the disparate range of crash and efficiency requirements, with smaller, local variations to meet the needs of the customers. The location of car plants is also subject to change; car plants in places such as Algeria or Morocco, for example, can pour cars into southern Europe, or down through Africa, or perhaps straight on a ship across the Atlantic to the Americas. So, one production line can be building cars suited for three or more different customer types; perhaps longer in the rear for the Chinese market, different bumpers for the United States and more Driver Assistance electronics for Europe. However, crucially, what is important for the body shop is how these cars are similar underneath and how the car manufacturers have achieved the global modular car.

These new car bodies are built around a simple but very strong and stiff core occupant cell structure, typically made of much higher grade materials than ever seen before. By utilising hot-formed steels, which are expensive yet very effective for the A and B Pillars and across the floor structure, and perhaps also

for the roof side reinforcements and main roof cross- member, the car manufacturers create a skeleton to build upon. This skeleton is strong to protect the occupants, with better dynamic car characteristics and very light weight for greater efficiency.

The remainder of the safety structure is built around this, using higher grade steels or aluminium, to keep the main structure as simple as possible, with as much commonality of components and panels as the manufacturer can achieve, keeping their global supply inventory uncomplicated and cost- effective. The rear floor panel may be longer for some vehicles for the Chinese market, whilst the rear on one vehicle is a sedan for one market and a lift-back for another. Finally, the outer skin and trim items can be fitted. Here again, a single production line can cope with variances for different markets, with one model receiving aluminium doors for one market, steel doors for another. As these bolt on, the production robot or operative just needs to apply a different torque. The same strategy can enable plastic fenders or steel fenders or aluminium fenders, the bumper reinforcement beam appropriate to that market, and roof modules that suit the market; northern Europeans may want a glass roof, but Middle Eastern customers probably won’t.

Andrew Hooker is the future vehicles engineer at Thatcham Research, the UK-based motor insurers’ automotive safety, security and repair research centre.

PAGE 56

Engines, transmissions and interior trims are relatively simple to cope with, and today the vehicle manufacturer builds commonality of mountings across the engine ranges so chassis rails do not have to differ between regions with different emissions targets. All very clever engineering, but what does this mean to you as a repairer?

Let me take you back to that ‘skeleton’ framework. This can be of aluminium, but most likely is of some advanced high strength steel, perhaps boronated, that has the required strength for crash safety, but is also stiff enough to give a core rigidity to the vehicle. In some cases, the material could be further reinforced by a patch of equally high grade material, or perhaps even a composite material. These materials and panels are designed to transmit impact forces. As Thatcham has recently proved, if replaced incorrectly these may not behave in the desired way and that could be the difference between life and death for the occupant in a subsequent crash. The cut line for removing a panel and the correct joining techniques are more critical than ever to ensure the safety of the customer. Not only this, but using the correct replacement procedure or method will probably be more efficient and profitable than trying to handle such strong materials incorrectly.

Only a few of these panels are designed to work in isolation; it is more likely they will share and distribute the crash impact forces through other panels away from the occupants. This is something that as repairers, we need to be very aware of. These extremely strong panels may show little sign of damage, but we must remain mindful that the damage could have been transmitted further into the structure. Good damage assessment skills are vital to study and check the alignment of the body, looking for deformation in areas not immediately obvious.

Mixing hot formed steels, aluminium, new steels and composites is happening now, and is common across most car manufacturers. Even bands perceived as less sophisticated are able to mix materials across a single car body. Suppliers are also providing

panel assemblies tailor made for the car manufacturers adding to the variation and challenges. And to keep weight down further, the flanges where many of these panels join are getting smaller as all that overlapping material adds weight. So alternative hot and cold joining techniques are being increasingly applied with some cars having a daunting range of joining processes. The body shop of today and tomorrow needs to be familiar with and skilled in a greater range of hot and cold processes.

We are beginning to see this simplicity of material selection applied to external panels too, enabling further production cost savings. Aluminium or high strength steel can be utilised very effectively to create the body shapes that the car designer demands.

These materials can now be deep drawn for really sharp creases and into complex curves. In some instances, this will make it easier to repair, in others it will make it a lot harder. What we cannot ignore is that these external panels are a key part of the pedestrian protection requirements, so we need to be mindful of what areas we can and cannot repair as a result. Coupled with the increase in sensors and control modules behind panels, areas where a repair is not allowed are very specific.

The challenges for safe and efficient repair are greater than ever, and are still growing at a terrific pace. Cars can still be repaired but it requires accurate damage diagnosis, more repair skills, better tooling and access to correct and specific repair information to ensure the best repair outcome for both the customer and the body shop.

For further information on Thatcham go to www.thatcham.org.

AutoForum - January / February 2016D

IRE

CTO

RY

LIS

TIN

GDirectory

To advertise your listing in AutoForum Aftermarketplace Directory contact us on

0861 222 878 or email: [email protected] ELECTRICAL

Auto Cosmos - Electrolog Electronic Parts (Electrical) Catalogue 012 327 6210

Bosch Parts, Accessories & Batteries 011 651 9600

AAAS - Parts Incorporated Africa Automotive Components & Accessories 011 879 6000

AIR CONDITIONING

Highveld garage Equipment Air Conditioning Specialists 012 330 0540

Snap-on Equipment Diagnostics Equipment 0861 762 766

BODY REPAIR EQUIPMENT

Aer-O-Cure Spray Booths,Chassis Aligners, Compressors & Welding Equipment 011 444 6454

Allied Paint Solutions - Sikkens Automotive Paints 012 940 0381

BASF - glasurit Automotive Paints 012 681 9200

Hurricane Chassis Aligners, Compressors & Spray Booths 083 628 2288

CLEANING EQUIPMENT

Aer-O-Cure Pressure Washers & Vacuum Cleaners 011 444 6454

Highveld garage Equipment Pressure Washers & Vacuum Cleaners 012 330 0540

AAAS - NAPA Tools & garage Equipment 011 879 6000

DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT

Aer-O-Cure Electronic Chassis Straighteners 011 444 6454

Beissbarth Wheel Alignment Equipment 011 651 9600

Bosch Diagnostic Equipment 011 651 9600

garage Trade Supplies Wheel Service Equipment and Diagnostics 011 908 5199

Highveld garage Equipment Engine Analyser & Diagnostic Scanners 012 330 0540

Leaderquip Wheel Alignment Equipment 011 334 1680

AAAS - Midas Diagnostic Tools & garage Equipment 011 879 6000

Snap-on Diagnostics Diagnostics Equipment 086 176 2766

Tenneco - Monroe Shock Absorber testers 011 574 5602

GARAGE EQUIPMENT & TOOLS

Aer-O-Cure Tools & garage Equipment 011 444 6454

Beissbarth Wheel Alignment Equipment 011 651 9600

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garate Trade Supplies Tyre & Lifting Equipment & Tools 011 908 5199

Highveld garage Equipment Tyre & Lifting Equipment & Tools 012 330 0540

Hurricane Tools & garage Equipment 083 628 2288

Ital Machinery Brake & Clutch Machinery 011 483 3737

John Bean - Snap-on Equipment Wheel Service Equipment 086 176 2766

Leaderquip Tyre & Lifting Equipment & Tools 011 334 1680

AAAS - Midas Tools & garage Equipment 011 879 6000

PCL - AEI Workshop equipment & Tools 011 474 7480

Snap-on Tools Tools & garage Equipment 086 176 2766

PARTS MANUFACTURERS & DISTRIBUTORS

Alfa International Brake Drums, Discs, Linings & Pads. Clutches & Flywheels 011 608 0801/3

AUDI Parts genuine OE Parts 086 043 4838

Auto Magneto Alternators, Starter motors, electric & electronic parts 021 531 8144

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Mahle Engine parts, Filters & Thermal management 041 408 3598

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VW Parts genuine OE Parts 086 043 4737

ZF Lemforder genuine Replacement Parts 011 457 0000

SERVICES

Auto Cosmos - Electrolog Electronic Parts (Electrical) Catalogue 012 327 6210

Bosch Automotive Training Courses 011 651 9600

PAGE 58

Secure the future of your workshop!Bosch - your optimal workshop concept partner

Drive your business forward with Bosch through the automotive evolution and stay ahead of the pack. Bosch offers various workshop concept solutions meeting your individual needs. As a Bosch workshop concept partner you can offer your customer first class quality and you can profit from distinct advantages when partnering with Bosch:

Internationally recognised brand Distinctive corporate identity Effective marketing and advertising programme Customer retention programme Comprehensive technical support portfolio, including ESI[tronic], Bosch diagnostics, technical training, hotline and field support Quality automotive parts at competitive prices National Deal Partner support programme Fleet Program

Share the success of a strong brand in the workshop market, for more information, visit www.boschservice.co.za, or call Customer Careline 0861 267 247

*Terms and conditions apply

Secure the future of your workshop!Bosch - your optimal workshop concept partner

Drive your business forward with Bosch through the automotive evolution and stay ahead of the pack. Bosch offers various workshop concept solutions meeting your individual needs. As a Bosch workshop concept partner you can offer your customer first class quality and you can profit from distinct advantages when partnering with Bosch:

Internationally recognised brand Distinctive corporate identity Effective marketing and advertising programme Customer retention programme Comprehensive technical support portfolio, including ESI[tronic], Bosch diagnostics, technical training, hotline and field support Quality automotive parts at competitive prices National Deal Partner support programme Fleet Program

Share the success of a strong brand in the workshop market, for more information, visit www.boschservice.co.za, or call Customer Careline 0861 267 247

*Terms and conditions apply


PAGE 60GraphicWerx • AOC_Training_AutoForum_JN3161

For the full range visit: www.aerocure.co.za

Tel: +27 11 444 6454 • Fax: +27 11 444 5677 • e-Mail: [email protected] Bodyshop Equipment

Welding Equipment

Aer-o-cure (Pty) LTD • SADC Registered Manufacturer and Exporter. 8 Lees Street, Wynberg, 2090, Johannesburg, South Africa. PO Box 137 Strathavon, 2031

Personnel, the cornerstone of any business, drive a company and its development forward. In collision damage, it is the repair team’s skills, know-how and training that ensure safe, high-quality results. In the fast-moving automotive world, knowledge is often short-lived. Only continuous updates and training will ensure a secure repair shop staffed by trained and motivated individuals and Aer-o-cure is equipped and geared to deliver that training.

COURSES FOCUS ON EFFICIENT PRODUCT USE AND PROCEDURE INCLUDING:

• Tailoredcoursestosuityouandyourcompany• CoursesatAer-o-cure’sJHB-basedtrainingfacilityor on-sitetrainingatthecustomer’spremises• Specialisedtraininginsmallgroups(3-5people)• Awell-balancedmixoftheoryandpracticalexercises• Coursessuitableforrepairtechnicians,apprentices, trainees,bodyshopmanagers,owners,insurance assesorsoranyonethinkingofutilisingCar-o-liner’s rangeofequipment• Coursesareconcludedwithawritten/practicaltest.On passing,participantsareawardedacertificateofattendance forCar-O-LinerAcademy’sglobaldevelopmentprogramme.

Enhancing skills and productivity in the automotive refinishing industry.

Aer-o-cure’s mission is to lead the devel-opment of South Africa’s collision repair technicians, providing industry staff with enhanced knowledge and up-to-date repair methods, resulting in:

• Greater productivity• A higher level of repair quality• Increased profitability• Improved employee motivation • An incentive for every participating individual CONTACT US TODAY FOR TRAINING.

Certified training programmes for

AOC_Training_AutoForum_Nov 1 2015/11/06 8:48 AM

20160201 autoforum january-february 2016

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