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COMMERCIAL WWW.AUTOFORUM.CO.ZA September / October 2015 I N F O R M E D A N D I N N O V A T I V E THE ART OF PHONE ETIQUETTE FIELD’S HILL TOKOLOSHE WAITS TO STRIKE... DEALING WITH UNCLAIMED CARS GOT REPAIR RESPONSIBILITY COVERED? RSA: R20.00 (incl. VAT) Other Countries: US $13.50 SCAN ME! Autoforum Online MIAZ - Driving business into the future Midas & NAPA - “Power Up” conference Bosch Workshop Concepts - “Three P’s” 2015’s Spring Conference Season

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WWW.AUTOFORUM.CO.ZA September / October 2015

I N F O R M E D A N D I N N O V A T I V E

ThE ART Of PhOnE ETIquETTE

fIELd’s hILL TOkOLOshE wAITs TO sTRIkE...

dEALIng wITh unCLAIMEd CARs

gOT REPAIR REsPOnsIbILITy COvEREd?

RSA: R20.00 (incl. VAT)Other Countries: US $13.50

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MIAZ - Driving business into the futureMidas & NAPA - “Power Up” conferenceBosch Workshop Concepts - “Three P’s”

2015’s Spring Conference Season

AutoForum - September / October 2015

PAGE 2

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September / October 2015

40

32

16

CONTENTSCover StoriesMidas franchisees, NAPA members and suppliers Power Up at the Wild Coast

14

Manslaughter case highlights repair responsibility 22

Bosch Workshop Service convention 2015 24

MIAZ 2015 Annual congress 32

Is your telephone reception failing your company? 36

Fields Hill tokoloshe waits to strike again 40

News ForumJag Land Rover rewards techies with award and cash 16

Midas franchisees, NAPA members and suppliers Power Up at the Wild Coast

18

Manslaughter case highlights repair responsibility 22

Mahle’s new automated central warehouse 22

Bosch Workshop Service convention 2015 24

Vigus – another luxury 4x4 bakkie out of the east 26

TransUnion adds SYNC to lineup 27

Staying afloat in the flood of information available to fleet managers

28

Aftermarket Solutions’ franchise of the year awards 30

MIAZ 2015 Annual congress 32

Business ForumAARTO – Another business headache? 35

Dealerships keep spending to keep up 35

Is your telephone reception failing your company? 36

Mibco renews the agreement with the Min. of Labour 37

Safer used sales for online sellers as well as buyers 38

Trade Talk“Oooops” - VW’s redfaced emissions rigging confes-sion bites hard

8

G.U.D. scores an AutoZone “Supplier of the year” hat-trick

8

Best exporter OeM award goes to Ford Pe plant 8

PIA now the exclusive SA distributor for Brembo 10

SATMC gets backing from merSeTA 12

Counterfeit G.U.D. filters found and destroyed 12

First Auto Incubation graduate announced 14

Editorial

The big news over the last few weeks has been the VW emissions testing scandal and the resulting cost to both the company and the German economy. It certainly has dented the brand’s reputation globally, and many years and much PR will be required to rebuild consumer’s trust. But really - is this scandal limited to the German automaker? Or will the coming months topple more leading automakers too? Only time (and maybe a disgruntled employee or two) will tell. In the mean time, enjoy this conference feedback filled issue!

Enjoy the read!Clare

MIAZ Conference in Zimbabwe

EDITOR: CLARE RUTKIEWICZ

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

FAx: 086 627 1135

PUBLISHER:SWIFT PUBLICATIONS & OLYMPIC PARK TRADINGPOSTNET SUITE 174PRIVATE BAG x11HALFWAY HOUSE1684

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

WARWICK ROBINSONMobile: +27 (0) 82 855 7750

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Gabriel Double page ad_Sept_outlines.indd All Pages 2015-09-15 08:54:34 AM

Gabriel Double page ad_Sept_outlines.indd All Pages 2015-09-15 08:54:34 AM

www.AutoForum.co.za

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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AutoForum - September / October 2015

“Oooops” - VW’s redfaced emissions rigging confession bites hard

Its been on every news platform for weeks, with the latest reports confirming that VW it will repair up to 11 million vehicles and overhaul the brand. That’s after the scandal that has plagued them in recent weeks regarding its falsifying of emissions test results in diesel cars. After the CeO was forced to resign reports stated “New Chief executive Matthias Mueller said the German carmaker would tell customers in the coming days they would need to have diesel vehicles with illegal software refitted, a move which some analysts have said could cost more than $6.5 billion. In Washington, U.S. lawmakers asked the automaker to turn over documents related to the scandal, including records concerning the development of a software program intended to defeat regulatory emissions tests.”

earlier this month the automaker admitted it had rigged results in diesel emissions tests in the United States, while the German Transport Minister added that european figures were also manipulated. So far the crisis has seen VW shares tumble by at least a third, which threatens not only the carmaker, but also the greater German economy.

The Reuters article continues: “Volkswagen did not say how the planned refit would make cars with the “cheat” software comply with regulations, or how this might affect vehicles’ mileage or efficiency, which are important considerations for customers. It said it would submit the details to Germany’s KBA watchdog next month.”

Mueller was made CeO on 25 September, to replace Martin Winterkorn, who is said to be under investigation by German prosecutors. VW has confirmed that 11 million vehicles were fitted with the software responsible for duping the emissions tests – this includes 5 million Volkwagen vehicles, 2.1 million Audi’s, 1.2 million Skodas and 1.8 million light commercial vehicles. The company has set aside 6.5 billion euro to cover the crisis costs. But that may only be the beginning as they watch their profits go up in a cloud of diesel fumes. Who is next you may ask, as every carmaker with a PR agency puts out comments on their “no comments”.

Trade Talk AutoForum - September / October 2015 www.AutoForum.co.za

G.U.D. scores an AutoZone “Supplier of the year” hat-trick

G.U.D. Holdings (Pty) Ltd was honoured with their 3rd AutoZone Supplier of the Year Award.

The award ceremony took place at the exclusive Grill Room in Sandton, Gauteng, attended by AutoZone executives and suppliers.

“It is very exciting to win the AutoZone Supplier of the Year Award three years in a row! We are very pleased to receive this recognition which is attributed to the dedication and hard work by the G.U.D. Holdings staff.” says Ian Law, Group Sales and Marketing Director, G.U.D. Holdings (Pty) Ltd.

The AutoZone Supplier of the Year Award is in acknowledgment of their premium quality products, timeous service delivery and outstanding customer service. G.U.D. Holdings (Pty) Ltd supplies leading brands G.U.D. Filters, Safeline Brake Pads and Indy Oil to AutoZone.

Best exporter OeM award goes to Ford Pe plant

The Ford Struandale engine Plant in Port elizabeth has been honoured at the annual exporter of the Year banquet held by the exporters Club of South Africa - eastern Cape.

Ford was named the ‘Best exporter - OeM’, a category for manufacturers of original equipment for the automotive industry, the Struandale engine Plant’s second win of the prestigious title.

The plant also earned second place for the SJM environmental Merit Award for Continuous Improvement.

The Struandale engine Plant currently machines components and assembles engines for the Ford Ranger export programme. Component sets, comprising the Duratorq TDCi engine cylinder head, block and crankshaft, are exported to Ford plants in Argentina and Thailand, while fully assembled engines are shipped to Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria for installation in the Ford Ranger. The latter is exported to over 148 markets around the world.

“We aim to ensure that the plant remains eco-friendly and continues to develop as we do,” explains Neil Stander, Programs and engineering Manager of the engine Plant.

“It is a great achievement to be recognised and to receive this merit award, as it acknowledges our ongoing commitment towards environmental sustainability and eco-friendly manufacturing solutions.”

PAGE 8

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PIA now the exclusive SA distributor for Brembo

Parts Incorporated Africa have announced that they are now the exclusive distributors of Brembo in Southern Africa. The news came at an event in Johannesburg in mid September.

PIA’s Shane Stevens and Gavin Harford hosted Brembo’s Marco Moretti and Alfredo Albarella, respectively the Aftermarket Marketing and Area Managers for the brand, at the event.

Brembo is widely recognised as the premium braking brand for cars, bikes and even trucks. “This brand is the braking solution of choice for our top Oe clients, which include top marques such as Ferrari, Porsche AMG, Ducati, KTM and more,”

explained Moretti. “We are proud to be associated with an organisation such as PIA and AS”.

PIA will begin by carrying pads, discs and even calipers for the aftermarket. According to Harford: “We have a limited range available right away, but can bring in any part in the catalogue for clients who need them”.

PIA plans to extend the warehoused range over the next months and will distribute catalogues as soon as the 2016/17 editions are printed, which is expected to leave Italy in January 2016.

Trade Talk AutoForum - September / October 2015 www.AutoForum.co.za

PAGE 10

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Tip-off leads to counterfeit G.U.D. filters being found and destroyed in Botswana

G.U.D. have declared zero tolerance against counterfeit filters and retailers that sell illegal products. The filter manufacturer received a tip off about counterfeit filters being sold in Botswana after several months of undercover investigations. Together with Botswana ClD officials, they raided spares shops in and around Gabarone last month. Filters representatives conducted the raids simultaneously to seize the counterfeit filters and place the perpetrators into immediate custody.

“We are very pleased with the success of the counterfeit raid and appreciate the support of the authorities in Botswana. When we discovered the counterfeits in the country, the CID detectives swiftly actioned the raid at the spares shops upon our instructions. We have sent a very clear message that the unauthorized use of our trademarks will not be tolerated.” says Red Shuttleworth , CeO, G.U.D. Holdings (Pty) Ltd. “G.U.D. Filters is a trusted automotive filter brand in Africa and it is imperative that we remain vigilant about counterfeit G.U.D. filters entering the market to protect our customers.” he added.

Pictures: Criminal Investigation Detectives inspect the counterfeit filters at the raid; Heavy duty machinery destroys the counterfeit filters at a landfill in Botswana

SATMC gets backing from merSeTA

The Manufacturing, engineering and Related Services Sector education and Training Authority (merSeTA) has given the South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC) its financial backing, allowing traffic officers and SARS Customs officials to receive tyre safety training. SATMC explains that the training is aimed at highlighting the importance of tyre safety, “especially the early detection of damaged tyres liable to cause devastating, even fatal accidents.”

“The law enforcement officers who patrol national roads daily will now be much better equipped to educate road users on tyre safety and maintenance, ultimately yielding safer roads for all South Africans.”Once the officials have completed this training they will receive accreditation towards a formal, nationally-recognised qualification.

As Nobuzwe Mangcu, SATMC Managing executive explains: “We focus on enhancing the knowledge of Traffic and Customs officials, ensuring a good understanding of current legal requirements when checking tyres on vehicles. The SATMC training is both classroom-based and experiential, enabling officials to undertake a technical examination of tyres with guidance from tyre experts. The value of this knowledge is understated in their examination of un-roadworthy vehicles that pose a huge safety risk.

The training ultimately contributes to reducing accident rates on our roads.”

“MerSeTA’s role in facilitating the development of skills in the tyre sector in South Africa is critical,” adds Mangcu. “Traffic officers can be a credible source of advice for motorists. Tyres have developed tremendously in technological terms and traffic officers need to keep up with recent technological advancements, to ensure that their tyre knowledge is at the cutting edge.” SATMC collectively hosted and trained 129 Municipal and Provincial traffic officials, South African Police Services (SAPS) officials and weighbridge inspectors at Mooi Plaza, Tugela Plaza, Harrismith and Heidelberg in April this year.

PAGE 12

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AutoForum - September / October 2015Trade Talk AutoForum - September / October 2015 www.AutoForum.co.za

First Auto Incubation graduate announced

The Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) in Gauteng has announced the graduation of its first Automotive Incubation Centre student - Caiphus Mokotedi - from the project’s base at Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant.

The Incubation Programme was established by the Gauteng provincial government, in conjunction with the AIDC, with the aim of providing manufacturing opportunities for small and medium enterprises to enter the automotive industry.

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has been part of this initiative since it was launched at the company’s Silverton Assembly plant in 2011.

As Jeff Nemeth, President and CeO of Ford Sub Saharan Africa explains: “The incubation programme is focused on enterprise development support to empower SMMe’s to run sound and sustainable businesses through structured training and mentoring programmes, aimed at giving the entrepreneurs the required technical and business acumen skills.”

The first graduate of this successful Broad-Based Black economic empowerment (B-BBee) programme, Mokotedi commented: “This project has been an extremely valuable stepping stone for me and I am very grateful for the opportunity that the AIDC and Ford have given me through the Incubation Programme.

The training and support have given me the solid grounding to start up my own new business, which will now become an integral part of Ford’s manufacturing operations.”

Zig enterprises, headed by Mokotedi, has been awarded the tender for Ford’s new Vehicle Personalisation Centre (VPC), which is located adjacent to the Silverton Assembly Plant. This facility gives Ranger customers the opportunity to equip their vehicles at factory level to suit specific needs and requirements. The facility is subject to the same error-proofing systems as the manufacturing facility, to ensure the highest levels of quality.

Once the accessories are fitted, the Ranger undergoes the standard final testing and sign-off procedures before being shipped to the dealer.

PAGE 14

Trade Talk

AutoForum - September / October 2015

The latest local and global news

Jag Land Rover rewards techies with award and cashJaguar Land Rover has announced its top technician for the year. Twenty-six year old Jaco Scheepers, a technician at Land Rover Bedfordview has been named Technician of the Year and awarded a R270 000 cash prize.

The automaker explains that the award has been implemented to attract new talent to the technical services industry.

Scheepers enrolled at the Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa (JLR SA and SSA) Training Academy to obtain his Master Technician certification, following his acceptance as an apprentice. “This prize money has made a massive difference to my life, I’m now almost debt free,” said Scheepers. “I just work hard to be the best at what I do, and I am driven by my passion for Land Rover. It’s a dynamic, multi-purpose luxury brand.”

The marque says it started the training academy “to address the skills shortage in the motor industry and train new technicians,

thus ensuring that Jaguar and Land Rover customers receive world-class service.” It adds that technicians are required to complete all excellence programmes in the curriculum, while maintaining their knowledge base and skillset with regular tests.

Qualifying as a master technician at the JLR SA Training Academy takes approximately three years and follows JLR’s global curriculum. The process involves seminars where key knowledge is imparted to technicians in training, who are then given opportunities to apply their new skills in a practical, real-world environment.

“Our training standards have been aligned with global practices ever since the Training Academy opened, in 2007,” says Rory Beattie, Customer Services Director of JLR SA and SSA. “By recognising individuals like Jaco, who has shown determination and excelled in his duties, we want to inspire his peers and let our customers know that they are in excellent hands.”

PAGE 16

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AutoForum - September / October 2015NEWS FORUM

Midas franchisees, NAPA members and suppliers Power Up at the Wild Coast- Grant West

The Wild Coast Sun Resort hosted in excess of 400 delegates and their partners at the annual Midas NAPA convention of 2015 over the weekend of 4-6 September.

Stefan Le Roux, AAAS Marketing Director officially opened proceedings and welcomed all attendees, whilst describing the “Power up” theme for this year’s convention.

The latter aimed to empower and assist the franchisees in adapting to current market conditions, while continuing to grow their businesses.

ex DA leader and Ambassador, Tony Leon delivered a passionate presentation on change in relation to the immediate political, business and financial environment. He also discussed how awareness and reaction to trends and the constantly changing environment is what has historically proven to be the key factor in the successes of leading companies, individuals and countries alike.

Leon highlighted his “Big Five negatives” influencing the current trading environment in SA. These include: •The economy - flat at best and affected by electricity

uncertainty costing the country R11Billion a month in

PAGE 18

economic activity, labour uncertainty - with the highest unemployment figures in history - and policy uncertainty.

• Leadership – poor political leadership is creating a financially unsustainable government, which spends more money on paying government employees and social grants than servicing the country’s debt and driving real growth in the economy.

•Corruption and dysfunction in state services.•High unemployment figures – with 7,3 Million potential

workers unemployed. •The emerging Markets situation – which is no longer prime

in the eyes of international investor markets, combined with falling ratings from international credit rating agencies.

His counters to these negatives, inspiring a sunnier outlook were described as:• ‘Ubuntu’ and ‘Boer maak a plan’ – Ubuntu, the ingrained

ability of most South Africans, particularly in business, to get along in their interactions with each other. And Boer maak a plan where we adapt to the situation, in order to move forward.

•Private sector successes in stepping in to counter government failure.

•South African corporates’ ability to go global and earn foreign currency to help offset our negative economy.

•Positive changes in the perception of Africa as a continent and its potential.

•South Africa’s ability to take advantage of the African continent’s potential.

•Renewal of AGOA and its trade benefits.•Changes in the political environment, with fiercer

competition from the opposition to the leading party.•Abilities of our NGOs to move forward in adversity.

Leon concluded that he believes our greatest national asset is our ability to positively address the problems and challenges in our country.

Delegates were able to relax, catch up with old friends and be entertained at the Sophiatown party

in the evening, with an array of delicious South African foods and local music.

Day 2 commenced with the delegates being addressed by Warren espinoza, CeO of AAAS, who touched on the collective changes within the SA market. These include vehicle proliferation in SA and the Oe Manufacturers’ intrusion into the traditional aftermarket, as well as the growth in innovation and technology in modern vehicles, in addition to the impact of economically priced products available in the market. “The need for technological support from both suppliers and the group to the customer is important in ensuring the future of the end user, the workshops and ultimately the continued growth of the group, its divisions and the franchisees,” espinoza continued.

He spent some time clarifying the structure of the various franchises within AAAS and the new national distribution facility. He proudly described the group as one of the largest franchisors in the country, with approximately 700 different franchisees. espinoza elaborated on the group’s plans going forward and how they would be both supporting and targeting growth for all concerned, aligned with the “Powering Up’ of the people within the group. espinoza concluded with a commitment to continuing growth of all within the group and a Powering Up of the sustainability of the group into the future.

PAGE 19

AutoForum - September / October 2015NEWS FORUM

An enlightening presentation on the challenge of change and the reaction to change both personally and in business from guest speaker Michael Jackson, was followed by an address by Murray Long, MD of Parts Incorporated, which centered around the parts/component supply chain requirements in the modern automotive marketplace and how PIA and the group continue to commit investment and technology into ensuring the logistics and distribution channels are optimum in adding value to their supply chain in a challenging market.

The new facility in Meadowview, the delivery fleet, the management systems and the staff of PIA would provide the best service possible, he said with pride. Murray assured delegates, that they, the customers and their needs, are the priority in the eyes of PIA.

Megan Naiker, MD of NAPA reviewed the financials and trading environment in the market with delegates. With sales through the NAPA Organisation exceeding, once again, R1 Billion in tough trading conditions, Naiker confirmed that NAPA was in good financial health. He announced Malta as

the overseas incentive destination for September 2016 and concluded by thanking members, staff and the suppliers to NAPA for their continuing support.

Gerhard Braun, Franchise & Technical Director, AAAS then took the podium to present the impact of current market conditions, the requirements of the modern vehicle and the automotive businesses that service this market. Hand-in-hand with this information Braun discussed the results of recent market research conducted on the Midas franchises.

He described the support programmes that Midas would be initiating to ‘Power Up’ their franchisees to continue the positive impressions of Midas outlets in customers’ minds. A humour-infused depiction of some common interactions between customers and staff members solicited the appropriate reaction from the audience and helped reinforce opportunities to increase turnover within the stores.

A thought provoking presentation on ‘Powering Up” brands and the principals of branding from brand consultant Andy Rice, preceded the lunch break, after which the delegates were entertained by guest speaker, ex Springbok Captain John Smit. He concluded the presentations in order to allow the delegates to prepare for the gala dinner and awards ceremony that evening.

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excitement was palpable as the award winners in the following categories were announced.

PIA International Supplier of the Year•Winner - ACP (Pic 1 Below)•Nominees - Mobiltron, Homer enterprise CompanyPIA Supplier of the Year – Emerald•Winner - Monroe (Pic 2 Below)•Nominees - Caltex, Fram, NGKPIA Supplier of the Year – Crystal•Winner - Osram•Nominees - Cape Parts Distributors, Topclass Osram

NAPA Supplier of the Year – Emerald•Winner - First National Battery (Pic 4 Below)•Nominees - Fram, ChevronNAPA Supplier of the Year – Crystal•Winner - Shield (Pic 5 Below)•Nominees - Autobax, Wynns

NAPA Member of the Year•Winner - Linton Grange Midas (Pic 6 Below)•Nominees - Far North Midas, CC Auto Supplies,

Mohamed’s MidasNAPA Most Improved Member of the Year•Mohamed’s Midas, Newcastle (Pic 3 Below)

MIDAS Franchise of the Year•Winner - Lowveld Garage equipment Midas (Pic 7 Below)• 2nd Place - Hi-PerformanceMidas, Vanderbijlpark• 3rd Place - Hazyview Midas

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AutoForum - September / October 2015NEWS FORUM

Mahle’s new automated central warehouse Mahle Aftermarket’s european central warehouse in Schorndorf has been using unmanned transport systems in recent months, which assist employees to store and retrieve numerous spare parts.

The company says that its driverless high-bay forklifts are an essential part of the new automated narrow-aisle warehouse - one of the first installations of its type in Germany. It adds that the new system has aided the flow of goods for an entire product group, amidst the nine aisles, each 1.30 metres wide and 8.60 metres high.

Communicating with each other, the high-bay forklifts work together as an independent unit, operating entirely separately from the manual forklifts - even at night. To avoid collisions inside the automated warehouse, the automated high-bay forklifts are equipped with safety scanners. They navigate through the lanes by means of laser scanners and mechanical guide rails.

Mahle says the news system has resulted in a significant boost in productivity. “With the three current forklifts, we achieve 60 to 65 double cycles per hour”, explains Olaf Henning, member of the Management Committee and Managing Director of Mahle Aftermarket GmbH. A fourth driverless high-bay forklift will soon join the ranks of the fleet. The goal is to process 87 orders in 60 minutes. The possibility of prioritising individual orders more quickly will soon make the flow of goods even more flexible.

Thats good news for a company well positioned to supply OeMs in their increasing electrification of the car. The company expects a 5% increase in sales, with a moderate increase in the european figures, notwithstanding the current situation in Russia and Ukraine.

“North America is also among the markets experiencing a positive development in sales of high-quality accessory parts. A favourable currency exchange rate between the US dollar and the euro further amplifies this trend”, explains Henning.

Mechanic manslaughter case highlights repair responsibility - Clare Rutkiewicz

A case of manslaughter and reckless endangerment has been opened against a man in the US. What makes the story compelling is that the man is a mechanic and the case relates to his approving a state inspection for a defective car that later crashed, killing a woman. Although the incident took place a year ago, Steven Jalbert, 30, of Barre has pleaded not guilty and he has been released on conditions, including that he have no contact with the victim’s family.

The charges stem from a crash that killed elizabeth Ibey, 82, of Barre Town in Washington County in July 2014. According to an article in the Burlington Free Press: “The driver, Donald Ibey, 86, of Barre Town reported he was traveling down a steep section of Hill Street in the 22-year-old car “when he heard a pop,” Barre police reported after the crash. The 1992 four-door silver Chevrolet Corsica sedan continued out of control and crashed near Nelson Street. elizabeth Ibey died at the scene, police said.”

The article continues that: “Jalbert, who is employed at the family’s business, A.J.’s Sunoco on Washington Street in Barre, conducted a faulty annual inspection less than two months (prior) to the fatal crash, said Glen Button, director of enforcement for the state Department of Motor Vehicles. The inspection sticker was issued May 9, 2014, with visibly unsafe conditions showing, records indicate. The Ibey car traveled only 383 miles from the time of the inspection until the crash, DMV Lt. Tim Charland said in a court affidavit.” (You can read the original story here: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/vermont/2015/08/11/mechanic-charged-manslaughter/31466163/)

While the details of the issue relate to an inspection centre – a mandatory annual vehicle test required by law in the US – it highlights a bigger issue for all of us in the automotive industry. especially if we are in the repair sector. The issue is that of repair responsibility. How accountable is a repairer for faulty workmanship for work that resulted in a vehicular fail? It also highlights the very real difference between the terms “accident” and “crash”. The former implies that there is no responsibility, that the act was not due to any human fault.

So, if the vehicle had been struck by lightening, which then short circuited the vehicle electrical systems and caused a brake failure, that would be considered an accident. However, if the brakes failed due to a braking system that had not been replaced, the incident would be considered a crash. In SA the terms have been used interchangeably until now – but as Dave Scott has points out in his article “Field’s Hill Tokoloshe (page 40) the definitions are critically important. especially where accountability and the law are concerned.

Its not a fetch to charge a mechanic with culpable homicide following an inspection that passed a car with a number of safety critical issues – especially when automakers are sued for faulty equipment. The case could be a landmark one for the automotive aftermarket sector as a whole. How responsible are you for your oversights or your staff’s “bad day”? Apart from the ethical issues of bad workmanship, how equipped is your shop to prevent such oversights occurring? Or indeed, legally and financially covered for errors in judgement?The US case may seem far away, but SA is fast becoming a litigious society. Make sure you are prepared.

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TransUnion adds SYNC to lineupTransUnion Auto Information Solutions has announced the introduction of TU SYNC to the South African auto dealer landscape.

The new addition is in partnership with Imarda Technologies SA, and offers a vehicle management solution that combines wireless, real-time tracking with stock management and full integration into third-party, back-end systems.

This, the company explains, delivers unprecedented levels of insight and process automation. Armed with up-to-the-minute information on the location of each and every vehicle in their stock pool at any given time, dealers are now empowered to proactively manage risk while improving efficiency and leveraging a host of other benefits. “For many dealers, in particular large outfits that stock hundreds of vehicles at any given time, keeping track of vehicles can be a real challenge. The unfortunate reality is that theft is all too common, and often by the time dealers realise a vehicle is missing it is too late. The new product addresses this challenge by providing tracking in real-time, with customisable, configurable alerts to deliver a more proactive approach.”

“In addition, it provides up-to-date stock profiles, improving efficiency by automating the laborious stock control process,” said Kriben Reddy, Director, Product Development, TransUnion Auto Information Solutions. TU SYNC is a self-powered tracking device with extended battery life that utilises GPS to pinpoint the precise location, to within a few metres of a vehicle. The system can also be customised according to requirements.

“The real value here is in the power of the data dealers can access, providing the ability to proactively track and give a complete view of all vehicles at all times. This kind of visibility is immensely valuable,” continues Reddy. TU SYNC offers a cloud-based solution that allows dealers to fully customise their tracking system. Vehicles can be geo-fenced, or limited to a specific geographical area around the dealership, and alerts can be sent automatically if any vehicles leave this set area.

Vehicles can also be tracked during test drives, whilst on loan, or while they are out of the dealership for any reason, with customisable triggers to alert managers of unusual or unauthorised use. Dealers can even set specific parameters for test drives, and receive alerts should vehicles deviate from set routes.For insurance purposes and risk mitigation, auto dealers are typically required to fit tracking devices to all of their vehicles, which can take several hours, or even days to organise and

install. TU SYNC is a wireless solution that can be fitted to a vehicle by a qualified installer in a matter of minutes.

In fact, TransUnion guarantees a complete turnaround time of just 90 minutes from receiving a request for installation to the unit being put into place, integrated into back-end systems, and tracking becoming live and active.

Since the units are not hard wired into the vehicle, they can be removed and re-used, enabling dealers to own a pool of devices that can then be rotated when vehicles are sold and stock is replaced. “This is another significant challenge for dealers – they must pay an installation charge to have tracking units fitted, but once the car is sold the tracking unit goes with the vehicle and this investment cannot be recovered. TU SYNC offers a more cost effective solution that still complies with insurance requirements, with additional benefits to management and stock visibility and control,” said Reddy.

“In addition, TU SYNC creates the opportunity for additional revenue generation for dealers. They have the ability to on-sell the tracking unit to the buyer. The buyer, in turn, can then leverage TransUnion’s cost-effective consumer vehicle tracking service, TU SYNC MyCar.”

AutoForum - September / October 2015

Bosch Workshop Service convention 2015Bosch Workshop Concepts held their annual convention in Sandton on the 12th of September. The theme for 2015 is the “3 P’s” - Power, Precision, and Premium, and the speakers each concentrated on an area of the business.

As an introduction, the team conveyed the Bosch brand foundation, and the recognition that has in areas as diverse as mobility solutions, industrial technology, consumer goods and even energy. These all work toward the future concept of a “connected life”, where technology touchpoints will connect with users, and each other, in the emerging internet of things. (This is where the future convergence of technologies will let you know that your tyre pressure is low in the right front wheel of your wife’s car, your windows are open in the upstairs bedrooms of your house, and that it is expected to rain in 45 minutes. Oh, and the milk is almost finished in the fridge.)

This brand foundation is leveraged into a position of “Power” by the global Bosch network, corporate identity and marketing activities. ewald Faulstich focussed on sharing the figures and opportunities in the local and international automotive aftermarket, and discussed how workshops had to be aware of the risks in terms of their position in the supply chain. “Franchising in this market is not an easy business – many have tried and failed, and we have to keep working together to continue the success that Bosch workshops have achieved,” he explained.

The precision aspect of the theme concentrated on the quality and range of products, tools and technical know how. Lilian Hansen and Dylan Brander expanded on the WSC brands and how they were being developed to assist franchisees, as well as offered insights into the rationale behind recent updates. Grant Palliser focused on the equipment and training that workshops will need to acquire in looking to grow their businesses.

The last segment of the day carried the Premium idea - with focus on customer experience and satisfaction leading to return business. It also extends to the trsaining and e-learning available in the group, including value added concepts such as the inter-branch guarantee system.

Faulstich brought the proceedings to a close by emphasising how important an opportunity the African market still is for big brands such as Bosch, saying that “it is the most exciting and promising opportunity”. “But we can’t do this alone” he continued, “with our choice of the right partners, the right training and the right focus on our customers we will continue make this a success – together”.

NEWS FORUM

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AutoForum - September / October 2015NEWS FORUM

Vigus – another luxury 4x4 bakkie out of the east - Grant West

September saw us spending a week with JMC’s recent addition to the luxury 4x4 bakkie sector. Our initial impressions on meeting the JMC VIGUS 2,4TDCI 4WD SLX were favourable.

With its attractive profiles from both front and side, this vehicle is a leap forward from the “Boarding” it replaces.

The South African marketplace has a special affinity for its bakkies and with the current offerings from Ford, Toyota and Isuzu having set benchmarks and created firm loyalties, the other players in this sector have had to step up to the plate in order to compete.

JMC’s newcomer offers attractive looks and a stylish and quite elegant interior, which includes a multifunction steering wheel, air-conditioning, driver & passenger airbags, electric windows & mirrors, ABS with eBD, remote central locking, USB port, touchscreen infotainment system incl DVD, easy selection drive with 2high, 4high and 4low and 16inch alloy wheels.

Our passengers both front and back were positive in their feedback. On comfortable leather seats with good head and leg room in the rear, everyone found the cab to be comfortable and free of any irritating squeaks and rattles. (Although we wondered about the choice of plastic matting over floor carpeting).

The power plant and drivedrain is a definite improvement on its predessessor, and comprises a 2,402cc Turbodiesel delivering 88kw at 3,800r/min and 290Nm from between 1600 and 1750 r/min limked to a five speed manual transmission driving through a simple dial selection for 4x2 or 4x4 high and low options.

We found the motor performed quite well through the gearbox to national speeds where it tended to get a bit thin on grunt. Having said this, the gearshift takes a little getting used to and the short first gear, good for loads, means shifting to 2nd requires use of the revs, awareness of some turbo lag and a less than seamless pull off.

We were unable to put the vehicle through a very technical 4x4 testing, but found it capable of coping with basic incline/declines and terrains. It has solid off-road credentials with 226mm ground clearance and a quick and easy selection of 2 or 4 wheel drive options. We believe that a diff lock option would be a good addition to this vehicle and found although comfortable enough, the suspension is a little firm. Then again - it is a bakkie!

I found the overall driving experience to be good and comfortable, with very little body roll. This, combined with a claimed fuel consumption of 8,21l/100km, and the standard spec levels aligned with a 5year/100 000km warranty plus 3year/60 000km service plan and priced in the region of R380 000, makes it an attractive option.

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AutoForum - September / October 2015NEWS FORUM

Staying afloat in the flood of information available to fleet managers Now that virtually every bump, scrape and tyre screech of an entire fleet’s vehicles can be traced and tracked, fleet managers’ efforts to control risks are being threatened by information overload.

Thats according to Dr David Molapo, Head of Standard Bank Fleet Management. He says the sharp increase in the use of telematics combined with the latest fuel-card information technology, shows that most fleet managers acknowledge the potency of the new technologies as management tools. But how many are actually putting the torrents of data that rush back from the field to optimal use?

“Just a few years ago the challenge was to get ever more detailed, real-time information from fleet vehicles to head office,” says Dr Molapo. “Now the challenge is to extract and use only the essential information without wasting time.” When they get it right, the results can be dramatic. A good example is Gavin Biggs, owner of a paint retail chain, City Paint & Tools in the eastern Cape. As Owner-Director, one of Biggs’ many roles is managing his fleet of almost 40 vehicles. Three years ago, he started using management reports generated from his fleet’s use of Standard Bank’s Fleet Cards. At the same time, he introduced GPS tracking units in his vehicles that not only measured position, but also speed. Together, the two systems generate torrents of data, but Biggs spends no more than 20 minutes per week on it, and has managed to reduce his maintenance and fuel expenditure by 20%, translating to between R20 000 and R30 000 per month. The secret to his efficient use of the data is exception management. “I only dive into a report if it is flagged as an exception. I don’t get fixated on the data,” he says. For example, from the website he draws three reports: top-ten travellers, bottom-ten travellers and heavy-footed drivers.

The top-ten travellers’ category lists the vehicles that did the most travelling during the preceding week and is checked for signs of unauthorised private use. If necessary, the movement of a suspected abuser can be cross-checked against the GPS tracks recorded through the telematics system. The bottom-ten travellers are checked for signs of slacking, for example, salespeople who are not doing their rounds diligently. Biggs acknowledges that in between the top and the bottom ten there may be many inefficiencies and abuses, but combing the entire data set for anomalies is simply not worth the while.

Besides, curbing the extremes also influences the behaviour of the average driver. Another crucial report that he draws is a list of heavy-footed drivers; those vehicles that have used more fuel per kilometre than the national average for each particular model and make.

The national averages against which each vehicle is measured are aggregated from the thousands of vehicles that use Standard Bank Fleet Cards throughout South Africa. Biggs says above-average fuel consumption may be the result of bad driving. This can be cross-checked with reports from the tracking system which flags incidents of harsh acceleration and braking, speeding and sudden swerving.

Regular feedback to drivers has led to a sharp drop in accidents. He adds that with these results he has managed to negotiate a reduction in insurance premiums, which goes some way towards covering the monthly costs of the telematics system. Heavy fuel use can also be the result of fuel pilfering or the first signal of a nascent mechanical fault. As the message has filtered through the company, he says driving behaviour has been positively influenced and costs curbed.

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THERMOSTATS

Contact your nearest PIA branch today

Cape TownTel: (021) 590-7500Fax: (021) 591-5033

East LondonTel: (043) 703-8000Fax: (043) 743-8418

JohannesburgTel: (011) 879-6000Fax: (011) 454-0200

Port ElizabethTel: (041) 390-3000Fax: (041) 373-0090

BloemfonteinTel: (051) 506-0700Fax: (051) 447-8336

DurbanTel: (031) 533-5300Fax: (031) 569-6576

GeorgeTel: (044) 874-4175Fax: (044) 874-3706

NelspruitTel: (013) 752-4821Fax: (013) 752-4869

PretoriaTel: (012) 377-7500Fax: (012) 377-3896

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Although thermostats are not standard wearing parts, there is a need to replace them as a result of an accident, or under simple cooling system maintenance when a vehicle does not reach its optimal operating temperature. The THERMO-

STAT forms an integral part of the engines thermal management system, as all engines are designed to operate at their highest level of efficiency, when they reach a pre-de-termined temperature level.

Failing to reach these temperatures can cause a deterioration in fuel efficiency, an in-crease of CO2 emissions and even premature engine failure. MAHLE original THERMO-STATS are manufactured to original equipment specifications and are guaranteed to perform at these levels. These OE thermostats are not only available from the vehicle manufacturers. Full map controlled range available.

AutoForum - September / October 2015NEWS FORUM

Aftermarket Solutions’ franchise of the year awardsAfrica Automotive Aftermarket Solutions (Pty) Ltd recently honoured the winners and runners up of its annual Franchise of the Year 2015 awards ceremony, at the Intercontinental O.R Tambo Airport Hotel in Johannesburg in late August.

AS hosted a breakfast for the 5 National Winners and the5 Runners up for each respective brand that was represented:

ACD: Auto Care Diagnostics

ADCO: Diesel Fuel Injection Specialists

CBS: Clutch & Brake Specialists

MOTOLEK: Auto-electrical Specialists

SILVERTON: engine Cooling Specialists

The workshops represented within the Aftermarket Solutions Group consists of 352 franchisees. These awards honoured the franchisees’ success in representing their respective brands and contributing to the overall success of the Aftermarket Solutions Group.

Aftermarket Solutions also congratulated the winners on being outstanding brand ambassadors of their relevant brand. Workshop assessment criteria included: corporate image, purchase support through Parts Incorporated Africa (PIA) and Midas stores, training of employees and giving back to the community through social responsibilities.

Warren espinoza, Chief executive Officer of Aftermarket Solutions, and Gerhard Braun, the Franchise and Technical Director had the honour of presenting the winners with their National Franchise of the Year 2015 trophy and certificate.

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The Winners and Runners up for Franchisee of the Year 2015 are as follows: FRANCHISE WINNER RUNNER UP

ACD ACD Quality Motors ACD Vredenburg

ADCO GC Diesel Pumps Archman Power Diesel

CBS Vision Air Brakes CBS Jacobs

MOTOLEK Queenstown Auto electrical Hein’s Auto electrical

SILVERTON Silverton Witbank Silverton Middelburg

PIctured in the front from left to right: Hugo Grobler (National Franchise Manager - Silverton), Justin McKnight (National Sales Executive), Verensia Vermaak (National Workshops Co-ordinator) Louis Bles (National Franchise Manager - ACD) Nerina Hanekom (ACD Vredenburg), Maryna MacDonald (ACD Quality Motors) Riaan Lloyd (National Franchise Manager - Motolek, ADCO, CBS) Morne J.V Rensburg (GC Diesel Pumps), Marco Minetti (CBS Jacobs), Laurens Van Vuuren (SIlverton Middleburg), Vijay Mawalall (National Franchise & Marketing Assistant), Jacques Iveson (Queenstown Auto Electrical, Shane Stevens (Procurement Director). In the back row is Warren Espinoza (CEO) Albie Hanekom (ACD Vredenburg), Gerhard Braun (Franchise & Technical Director), Juluan McDonald (ACD Quality Motors) Marius V.D. Westhuizen (Vision Air Brakes) Ruan Coetzee (Silverton Witbank) Brenden Hawman (Archman Power Diesel)

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AutoForum - September / October 2015NEWS FORUM

ZIMBABWe

MIAZ 2015 annual congress aimed at driving business into the future - Grant West

The Motor Industry Association of Zimbabwe, MIAZ, held the 2015 staging of its annual congress in Nyanga at the Troutbeck Inn from 23-26 of September, with delegates attending presentations by both local and international keynote speakers.

Outgoing President Pearson Chitando welcomed the delegates and their respective partners, proudly announcing that increased subscription to this year’s congress had surpassed the venue’s facilities, requiring the use of available time-share accommodation too.

Chitando wished delegates a successful congress, reminding them of the extremely full schedule of events. Once again all sectors of the automotive industry in Zimbabwe were represented, including management of the Motor Industry employers Association (MIeAZ) and Motor Industry Pension Fund (MIPF) as well as a broad spectrum of “automotive industry captains”.

Fuel distribution and retailing, body repair & refinish, vehicle service & repair, vehicle manufacturers, importers, franchise & independent dealers, as well as parts importers & retailers were well represented amongst the delegates. Their input and questions to the key note speakers showed an active interest in growing the automotive industry in Zimbabwe, commented incoming President Mr Luckson Gwara.

The opening session on day one launched with a lively presentation entitled the “African economic Outlook” from Dr. Godfrey Kanyenze, Director at the Labour & economic Development Research Institute of Zimbabwe.

He discussed the economic growth rates in Africa and in particular Sub-Saharan Africa, where growth rates are out performing world economic performance averages.

Kanyenze expanded on the “Africa Rising” narrative as expounded by The economist magazine and specifically Zimbabwe’s role on the continent. He stated that Africa urgently needed to increase its productivity levels amongst its very large informal sectors in order to address its development challenges.

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Next up to the podium was Flora Rusinga from ZeRA (Zimbabwe energy Regulatory Authority) who addressed the state of the current energy situation in Zimbabwe and the outlook for the foreseeable future. This solicited energetic discussion and comment from a number of delegates, in relation to operating costs of their businesses and the energy capacity of the country.

Ronald Mutandagayi, Group CeO ZB Financial Holdings & Bankers Association of Zimbabwe ,followed Rusinga with a presentation entitled: “Making Finance Work for Zimbabwe”. Mutandagayi based this on the three major categories of finance: 1. Public finance – referring to the finances of government and

quasi government.2. Corporate finance – incorporating equity, debt- generally

long-term debt, bonds and corporate paper, and3. Personal finance. In line with the theme of the congress, he focused on corporate finance as the key source of financing, discussing the avenues of finance available via the 13 commercial banks, 4 building societies, 5 life insurance companies, pension funds and micro financing companies, SMeDCO (Small and Medium enterprises Development Company), the Infrastructure Development Bank as well as the POSB(Post office Savings Bank) and finally foreign investment.

Colin Campbell, Trade Parts Business Development Manager, ZF Services SA then detailed the ZF, SACHS and Lemforder brands and products along with the worldwide manufacturing and distribution facilities available within the group. Due to prior commitments, Campbell was unable to attend the full congress, however, he commented: “I must say I was made to feel very welcome and everyone I had contact with were very friendly. I would not hesitate to participate again. A professionally organised congress.” Autoforum is aware of a number of delegates who have secured Campbell’s details to follow up contact with regard to further discussions.

“Selling Diagnostics” was the first of three individual key note sessions by Jeff Smit, Technical editor – Director, The Automotive Technician, Australia who discussed the need for diagnostic equipment in modern motor servicing and repair. Smit provided a different perspective on the use of diagnostics in service and repair in today’s workshops. He emphasized the need to communicate with the customer throughout the process of diagnosis, in order for the client to fully understand the need for and costs attached to diagnosis, in the service and repair of modern vehicles.

After a brief lunch break, Smit followed up with his second presentation titled “Utilising & Selling our Knowledge & expertise.” He detailed the protocols in place at his two workshops in Sydney, Australia - which ensured that all time and equipment utilised in the service/repair process generated a revenue stream through customer buy-in.

“The State of the Automotive Industry in Sub-Saharan Africa” was the subject of the key note address by Autoforum, which resulted in the delegates subscribing to our digital platform of weekly newsletters and bi-monthly publications. Autoforum is proud to be the preferred trade publication to MIAZ and is currently expanding its reach throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. This region accounts for in excess of R20 Billion in official exports of automotive vehicles and components from South Africa and has certainly established itself as the potential growth market of the future.

A number of eye-opening presentations from representatives from the local assemblers, CBU importers and component manufacturers preceded the close of the first day’s sessions and the welcoming cocktail party and dinner, where delegates networked with each other and the key note speakers.

Day two’s sessions were launched by Australian publisher Michel Malik, CeO, BodyShop News International – our partner publication - with a combined videographic and key note address on “Making your Body shop profitable.” Using the Australian ReAL scenario, Malik showed how an effective management system in a refinish shop, can minimise costs, cut down on wasteage

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AutoForum - September / October 2015NEWS FORUM

and ensure a more efficient workflow - creating a more profitable business. This thought provoking presentation had a number of the delegates in this sector engaging with Malik to discuss growing their business and managing the variances within the Zimbabwean landscape.

Reggie Sibiya, CeO, Fuel Retailers Association of South Africa enthralled attendees with an “Insight into Petroleum

Products Act – current challenges and future prospects for dealers”. Zimbabwe is in the process of compiling their own white paper to government in relation to their Petroleum

Products Act. Sibiya was able to provide valuable commentary and examples of how the South African petroleum industry is structured, as well as where and how the margins are made. This popular presentation solicited wide comment from the delegates. We noted a number of discussions with Sibiya over the course of the congress.

An entertaining and informative presentation by Colin Sapsford, MD, DC Diagnostics in Jhb “The pricing dilemma in vehicle servicing – technical correctness vs affordability”, was well received. His interactive style had the delegates’ full participation and attention and he added that he was both pleased and honored to be invited to attend the 2015 MIAZ congress.

After lunch, Jeff Smit completed the third of his inter related presentations entitled “Improving Technicians’ Profitability.” Once again Smit provided booklets detailing tried and tested methods and schedules of responsibility, which when implemented have proven to manage productivity among staff and have led to improvements in the profitability of his businesses.

Smit’s popularity was endorsed by the number of questions he fielded over the period of the congress, as well as the invitations he received to visit individual businesses during his extended stay in Zimbabwe.

George Makings, legal practioner with Labour Relations Information Services in Zimbabwe stimulated extended discussion and questions from his address “Labour Law Reforms – a panacea to Zimbabwe’s economic problems” before delegates prepared for the golf tournament prize giving, formal diner and investiture of the incoming MIAZ Presidents, which brought a close to the MIAZ annual congress 2015.

It has been our pleasure to attend and provide coverage of this event. Our congratulations to the executive Director, Presidents, Board and members of MIAZ for a professionally organised, well supported and very successful 2015 congress!

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BusinessForum Business insight

AARTO – Another business headache? The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act will provide a myriad challenges to business which operate a vehicle fleet. That is according to an executive at Absa Vehicle Asset Finance.

The AARTO system is expected to be rolled out country wide in 2016, following initial delays. A key aspect of AARTO is the demerit system, which will see habitual transgressors’ licenses being suspended. It will also mean added administration for businesses that own a large number of vehicles.

Businesses will be responsible for ensuring that their drivers have valid drivers’ licenses and will have to track if drivers have incurred fines in their personal capacity or while on duty. In addition, owners who are unaware of a fine on a particular vehicle and who fail to pay it as a result, could see the license renewals, registrations and de-registrations for their entire fleet being withheld leading to further costs. “The roll out of AARTO could spell major administrative problems for businesses which operate large vehicle fleets. Companies that do not track incoming fines or pay them

on time could see their vehicles being taken off the road or their proxy facing prosecution,” says Wessel Steffens, Absa Vehicle Asset Finance (AVAF) Managing executive. In order to help customers manage the administration around their vehicle fleet AVAF have developed its Fine’s and Licensing solution. The latter is an electronic interface with 25 municipal districts across the country allowing users to track outstanding fines and license fees. “We are then able to notify the customer of these fines. We send these fine notifications directly to the company so they can see which driver is responsible for the fine and track driver behavior. This also helps us protect the customer’s proxy,” says Steffens. Absa is the first bank in South Africa to provide this service and plans to extend it and to pay outstanding amounts directly to the municipalities on behalf of Absa clients in the future. “We believe in helping our clients stick to their core business by managing some of the aggravating and stressful aspects that come with doing so. That’s what’s behind our drive to continuously develop these types of solutions. We are truly helping them prosper by delivering value added services.”

Dealerships keep spending to keep up According to Attie Anderson, Head of Business Lending at FNB Commercial Property Finance, the motor sector is putting the money where its mouth is in keeping dealerships up to scratch.

This as dealers continues to build new or refurbish existing showrooms and service centres to stay up to date with specifications of motor companies and their new vehicle launches.

“This is a trend we are seeing across established and private auto dealers in the country. World-renowned manufacturers such as VW and Audi are focused on enhancing their competitive edge while Ford and Mazda have split their showrooms to distinctly position their individual brands.” “We expect the motor sector to sustain the current investment inflows into specialised commercial property due to a number of market factors such as increased competition. More importantly, the development of new ‘Motor Town’ nodes such as the William Moffett expressway in Port elizabeth and Century City in Cape Town is also contributing to the current wave of investment.”

Anderson adds his believe that the migration to new nodes is influenced by the need to gain maximum exposure, accessibility to customers and pressure to compete or retain the rights to sell certain vehicle models.

“In a market where consumers are under intense economic pressure, industries need to find new ways to attract and retain customers. The motor sector seems to have taken a proactive approach to stimulating customer demand.”

Indeed, customers are squeezed from every corner and enticing them to spend becomes ever more difficult. The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA remarked recently that subdued economic activity, electricity supply constraints, higher personal taxation, petrol price inflation, new vehicle price increases and higher interest rates are likely to create a challenging environment for the motor sector. “Like most industries, the sector is not immune to adverse economic conditions but it is encouraging to see sustained efforts to meet customer needs. Currently, vehicle manufacturers are heavily investing in innovative models and this challenges dealers to match the high standards through state-of-the-art showrooms,” concludes Anderson.

PAGE 35

AutoForum - September / October 2015

Robert Kaiser has been intimately involved in the motor industry for more than 30 years; he established Retail Motor Consultants in 2002, a consultancy providing management, marketing, communication and business relationship management services and, through an associated company, BBBEE services for both corporate and SME businesses.

Is your telephone reception failing your company? - Robert Kaiser

Despite reams and reams of writing, conferencing and discussion group activity on the subjects of customer relations and communication, it is frightening (to say the least) to experience the way in which critical customer contact interface situations are dealt with by some companies. Here we are not talking about wannabes, small or medium companies, but big corporations, with so-called blue chip status.

What makes matters worse, is that areas where many businesses fall flat are not the advanced customer contact challenges, but basic and easy to fix matters - reception, telephonic reception and operations.

While there are many companies who take the customer contact points seriously, there are probably just as many who have not yet woken up to the critical importance of ensuring that reception and communication operations are functioning properly. Such businesses appear not to realise the extent of the immense damage that is being inflicted on their image, their brands and the way in which they are alienating existing customers and losing the opportunity of gaining new ones.Where are the major pitfalls in the primary interface contact functions?

Let’s look at the telephone reception function, where many sins are committed:

Untrained /Poorly trained and uninformed receptionists and the manner in which incoming calls are dealt with. Having operators who have not had proper training about the company they work for, who works there and who does what, can cause huge damage to a company’s image and efficiency. Add to this someone who cannot take proper messages, cannot spell names and record telephone numbers and you have a recipe for loss of business and reputational damage.

I won’t even mention rude receptionists who sound as if they are doing the caller a favour by just answering the phone and want to get rid of the caller as soon as possible. It is amazing how accurately one can read attitude by talking to someone on the phone.

The automated answering system. This is a feature that can assist prompt call answering, but woe betides the company who uses this as a means of replacing a live human being. Most of us have been victims of this system, telling you in a heavy American drawl or amateur Seffrican accent how important your call is to the company, and then to press

1 for accounts, 2 for sales, 3 for service enquiries and if none of the above, to hold for the operator, who eventually answers and either does not know how to direct your call or just tries to get rid of you as soon as possible. Worse still, while you are holding, you may be entertained by either tinny elevator music or a menu of the products and services offered by the company. In the latter case, some companies forget to update

their jingle and promote products, services and events that are out of date or in the past. This is sinful neglect!

Following through on calls. A person calls and asks to speak to someone by name, and you get patched through to the appropriate extension. If the person does not answer the phone, you may be fortunate to get directed to a voicemail function for the person (the chances are that this message will not be returned, but non-return of messages is an entirely different source of business sin on its own). Where there is no voicemail function, the call will go on ringing until the call cuts. The caller is back to square one. It is not often that one will come across a receptionist who will come back to you to say that there is no reply and offer to take a message for the relevant person.

These few examples of incompetence at the telephonic reception function in businesses are an indication of how companies are at serious risk of projecting a negative and incompetent image to the outside world. It is an outright shame if one considers what businesses spend on advertising, promotions and marketing - all of this effort being placed at risk by a poorly functioning and incompetent telephone reception department.

Sight should never be lost of the fact that a caller has chosen to call the company and is doing so at his/her cost. It is a direct approach and a call could be the start of a multi- million Rand deal. Managers who neglect to ensure that this important function is continuously managed and audited, do so at their peril. Modern business is fast, unforgiving and second chances are rare…

PAGE 36

Mibco renews the agreement with the Minister of Labour In late August, the Motor Industry Bargaining Council announced that it had renewed its agreements with the Minister of Labour, Nelisiwe MIildred Olifant.

The organisation functions as a platform for both employers and employees to determine wages and conditions of employment within the industry, as stipulated in the Labour Relations Act. Mibco sees its role as creating stability and goodwill in the motor industry and to provide a forum for centralised bargaining.

The latest announcement confirms the reinstatement of the following agreements:•Collective Administrative Agreement lapsed

31 January 2015;•Motor Industry Provident Fund Agreement lapsed

31 March 2015;•Auto Workers Provident Fund Agreement lapsed

31 March 2015;

“Minister Olifant has signed the promulgation of the agreements and the agreements have been effected as of the dates:

•Collective Administrative Agreement - promulgated on 31 July 2015 to come into operation on Monday the 10th August 2015;

•Motor Industry Provident Fund Agreement – promulgated on 7 August 2015 to come into operation on Monday 17th August 2015; and

•Auto Workers Provident Fund Agreement – promulgated on 7 August 2015 to come into operation on Monday 17th August 2015.”

Mibco explains that the re-enactment of the agreements is positive news – it sees the move as confirmation that it has the necessary jurisdiction to enforce these agreements. “These agreements enable the functioning of the Bargaining Council to perform its actual functions including the collection of levies fulfilling its mandate effectively. The Council has an important role to play to alleviate some of the pressures that are managed mainly in the small businesses in the motor industry for both employers and employees.”

Should you wish to view the complete schedule of agreements available on the Government Gazette, please download from the website www.mibco.org.za.

PAGE 37

AutoForum - September / October 2015

Safer used sales for online sellers as well as buyers A new opinion piece from the head of Gumtree Automotive, Jeff Osborne, has highlighted the latest Vehicle Price Index figures released by TransUnion, which indicates that the demand for used vehicles continues to increase. TransUnion found in its most recent study that one new vehicle is financed for every 1.78 used. In addition, new car price inflation has softened, while the price inflation of used cars is accelerating with increasing speed. “It is not unusual when considered against the backdrop of lower consumer confidence and increasing financial pressure. Fuel and electricity costs, the rising cost of new vehicle imports, uncertainty about the economic outlook – all have an impact – and because the gap in pricing between a new vehicle and a used model is so significant, prospective car buyers will look to the secondhand market, without question. And of course, on the other side of the coin, sellers will take advantage too,” he says. Osborne continues that the quality and quantity of secondhand vehicles is favorable, however private sales can present challenges for the uninitiated, whether buying or selling.

“There are thousands of individuals who use our site to sell their cars privately and have done so for years, but if you aren’t familiar with cars or the process, there are some pitfalls to beware of.

From the selling side, there are obviously risks associated with dealing with large amounts of cash as well as the ordinary risk of transacting with individuals you don’t know. From the buying side, you might not have the technical know-how to determine whether or not the car has undisclosed faults or been damaged in an accident.

Because these deals aren’t protected by the Consumer Protection Act, the new owner will have very little legal recourse after the purchase to demand repairs.

“There are also other considerations. What if the owner hasn’t settled financing at the bank, or in the worst case scenario, what if the vehicle was stolen? How does one approach financing for a private deal? Or transfer ownership? The administration can be mind-boggling if you haven’t actually completed such a deal in the past.” These factors, he explains, have spurred the demand for private automotive sales facilitation, such as the Motofinn solution endorsed by Gumtree. “We formalized our relationship with Motofinn in July not only because the demand for assistance grew significantly, but because of our greater strategic focus on continuously improving the automotive offering on our site. This service not only takes care of the administration surrounding

a private car deal – it also ensures that the seller receives their payment in full and that the buyer is assured that

the vehicle is cleared mechanically, legally and financially before purchase.” Andrew Sutherland of Motofinn says that the solution was born out of a need for safety as well as convenience from both buyers and sellers. “Buyers and sellers are being steered

towards the informal motor trade due to financial pressure, but they would still be willing to pay a

small fee for the benefits that have traditionally been limited to professional dealerships alone. Financing, a full HPI

check, secure payments, a full service history, police clearance, administration – all of these services can be accessed easily and without delaying the transaction.” Osborne concludes: “At the current rate, making use of third party facilitator could very well become the norm for private sales. In many ways South Africans are pioneers when it comes to implementing and discovering safety solutions for the private classifieds market. We do, however, urge customers to only make use of endorsed services that have the backing of respected industry bodies. In Motofinn’s case, this includes DeKRA Automotive, TransUnion and Deloitte.”

PAGE 38

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AutoForum - September / October 2015

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

Fields Hill tokoloshe waits to strike again - Dave Scott

It’s now two years since September 5, 2013, when an articulated truck drove through a red light at the bottom of Fields Hill in Pinetown KZN, killing 22 people - later becoming 27 - and injuring 80. The crash-publicity was enormous as various real-time, drive-cam videos went viral on the Internet. This incident also gave various politicians a platform to raise their profile by expressing their ‘sympathies’ and ‘outrage’. So what’s changed? After two years and many more deaths on the road – nothing! This is apart from threats of more legislation that won’t work, while destroying jobs and trucking productivity. The Department of Transport (DoT) went up against trucks with draft Regulations to ban heavy trucks from the roads in Gazette No. 38772 published for comments on 11 May 2015 : •Reg 318A. Prohibition of operating on the

public road of a goods vehicle the gross vehicle mass of which exceeds 9000 kilograms at certain times. (06h00 – 09h00 and 17h00 – 20h00, Monday to Friday)

This draft Regulation has caused a massive outcry away from focusing on pressing issues such as lack of enforcement – unionised cops don’t work at night – and the standard of heavy duty truck and trailer roadworthiness.

But the DoT suffers from a serious lack of perspective and decent statistics. Trucks certainly cause high-profile crashes, because their size combines with speed to release enormous kinetic energy and block a highway. Add to this the spillage of hazardous chemicals and environmental damage and some truck accidents are really disastrous. But only 6% of the vehicle population are trucks, buses and trailers – here are the official figures at the beginning of 2015:

All trucks over 3,5t GVM 359,762

Buses, bus trains, midi buses 56,814

Trailers over 3,5t GVM 178,681

Total 595,257

All self-propelled vehicles 10,232,890 Trucks buses & heavy trailers only make up 5,82% of all vehicles http://www.enatis.com/

everyone seems to hang onto a figure for reported road deaths at 15,000 – in reality if people who die later in hospital after a crash are included, then 18,000 is probably closer to the truth.

So why legislate against trucks forming only 6% of the vehicle population – what is the death ratio for the other 94% of vehicles. How many people do trucks kill? How many people do minibus taxis kill? Is the ratio of pedestrian road kill still 40% of all reported deaths? And where do most crashes occur as a road condition that promotes severe road incidents.

The DoT should publish accurate, segmented statistics that define the priorities…..perhaps the minibus taxi issue is too sensitive and political an issue to be a national safety priority.

Another knee-jerk, piece of draft change legislation in Gazette No. 38772 deals with speed limits:•Reg 292. General speed limits.

40 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h outside an urban area, 120 km/h on a freeway and 100 km/h on a freeway that passes through a residential area.

More speed limits will not stop a truck from running away on a hill! Taking a descent at 56,000kg gross combination mass demands effective rig braking systems and driver skill. Do we really think any minibus-taxi will obey a 40kmh speed limit? Will all speed signs have to be changed nationally at massive cost while there is no budget for this? Slowing everyone down to 40kmh means travelling in lower gears and higher fuel consumption – what will be the cost and environmental impact?

PAGE 40

This is all crazy stuff and swatting the general economy with penalties because the DoT clearly has no focused strategy based on valid stats to have maximum impact from limited resources.

In the meantime, since the Fields Hill crash, another seven brake and tyre audits have been conducted with traffic enforcement officers under ‘Brake & Tyre Watch’ projects run by Patrick O’Leary, publisher of FleetWatch Magazine.

To date, this training and inspection mission has now conducted 631 audits nationally of trucks for brakes and tyres including other safety items such as trailer connectors, under-run bumpers and trucking equipment in the Regulations. 424 units have failed – a consistent 67% failure rate.

The latest truck and trailer checks were carried out on 12 August 2015 at Mdloti weighbridge and test centre on the N2 outside Durban. 16 rigs were inspected and 12 failed – a 75% failure rate. Some of the worst rigs operating on the N2 were uncovered by the ‘Brake & Tyre Watch’ teams – from lack of brakes to broken axle mountings, and under-run bumpers held in place with load straps.

All the publicity around Fields Hill means zilch! As Chris Barry, Managing Director of HCV Insurers points out: “South Africans must overcome the culture of denial – what me? No, never?”

And yet the evidence is clear: 70% of the trailer parc fail (see AutoForum November 2013: ...70% ‘Vrot’’)

It’s worth repeating – nothing

has changed in the two years

since the 2013 Fields Hill Crash

The Fields Hill Tokoloshe – a well-known evil spirit of local folk lore – is waiting in the wings to strike again. The DoT has to develop and use reliable, accurate crash stats, prioritise road safety strategies and put actions in place to drag South Africa out of the mess – we just cannot afford this.

Pics Clockwise from top left: 1. Broken studs – loose and missing wheel nuts, 2. Broken suspension retaining bolt, 3. Disconnected ABS unit left loose alongside a hanging broken shock absorber, 4. Load strap keeps under-run bumper in place

PAGE 41

AutoForum - September / October 2015COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

Solar panels for delivery trucksSerco has announced that it has delivered more than 50 new trailers and replacement bodies to retailer Shoprite - all of which feature a new Solar powered system designed to eliminate truck idling. In the past it has been necessary for the fleet to keep their trucks idling for periods to allow for the rear mounted tail lift to be provided with enough power during the offloading process at stores. The solar panels however, circumvent this, reducing an estimated 2 to 4 hours per day of idling for each trailer. This in turn, saves around 1600 litres of fuel per annum.

It also means the electrical cable connecting the truck and trailer to power the tail lift is eliminated. In addition, the workload on the truck alternator and starter motor - which no longer have to work excessively to cope with the required power draw - is also reduced.

UD’s top fleet driver UD Trucks has announced the winner of its inaugural extra Mile Challenge event. Team Afgri’s driver James Mavuso and co-driver Hennie Schutte took top honours as the best fleet driver crew, surpassing 15 other crews from UD Trucks’ largest fleet customers that included ABI, Afgri, Vital Distribution, Unitrans, Shoprite Checkers, Imperial Retail Logistics and Clover SA. The winning team was found to be the most efficient and productive team after a day of evaluations and challenges at the Gerotek Vehicle Testing Facility. Mavuso and Schutte have also qualified to represent South African in the global extra Mile Challenge competition, which takes place in Japan in November.

The latter will see teams from all across the globe compete and forms part of UD Trucks’ celebration of the 80th anniversary of brand’s inception in Japan in 1935.

The competition consisted out of three sections with various activities simulating a collection and delivery route. Teams first had to complete a pre-drive inspection on the vehicles, then a drive test that included two collection and delivery points, as well as a parking evaluation which was done by an alley docking simulation, with the objective of getting as close as possible to the loading dock without any assistance.

The pre-drive inspections to ensure the roadworthiness and safety of the vehicle, were carried out on a Quon CW26 490. All the participating teams completed the driving tests in two Quon GW26 410 with tridem trailers, which were loaded to 35 tonnes GCM to ensure fairness.

The event also placed much emphasis on overall efficiency and productivity – some of UD Trucks’ key objectives. Teams were rated according to the time taken to make the deliveries, accuracy of goods delivered, following the rules of the road, fuel efficiency and driving style. UD Trucks’ experts continuously evaluated each team out on the road, and once the course were completed, technicians downloaded and scored the drivers’ fuel efficiency and driving styles according to information retrieved from the truck’s telematics system.

UD extra Mile Challenge 2015 Results:Winner - Team Afgri (James Mavuso & Hennie Schutte)Runner Up - Team ABI (Sthembiso Mthembu & Gansen Rajoo), Unitrans (M.e. Zulu & Msizi Collin Ntombela)

PAGE 42

PAGE 43

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AutoForum - September / October 2015COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

Proving that a woman can be the best man for the jobernita van Dalen has been identified as a pioneer in the SA fleet sector, not only as being one of the first women in the job, but also by introducing a new way of doing things. The National Office Manager at essential Foods, she is responsible for, among other things, the administration of the company’s total fleet (truck and forklifts). Having worked her way up from being a general clerk in 2004, she now manages the company’s telesales division, its procurement function, as well as its fleet, a portfolio added in 2013.

van Dalen admits that she did not know much about vehicles when she started with fleet administration. Knowing that technical understanding is essential for the job she underwent a steep learning curve, requiring her to ask many questions. These, she says, elicited a range of reactions, from complete support on the part of her managers to suspicion and a certain amount of resistance from other role players. “It was tough in the beginning,” she says. “You could see people weren’t all that comfortable with a woman coming in and questioning a lot of things.” “When I took over, each maintenance job on a vehicle was individually handled by our procurement staff, without adequate reporting,” she says. Now, after successful implementation of a new Managed Maintenance system in the Western Cape where she is based, it is ready to be rolled out to the rest of the country. She also saw the introduction of the Transaction Authorisation service, which automatically vets fleet card transactions and declines those that exceed certain parameters. The system allows the staff member to contact the fleet manager, who can decide to override the declined transaction if necessary.

“It is all about communication,” she says. “When you bring in a new system, you have to make sure that people understand why the changes are necessary.” She believes that fleet management requires an equal combination of machine management and people management. While she quickly has had to learn the technical side of things, she brings deep people-management experience to the job. But the learning never really stops. As she worked her way up in the organisation, she has achieved qualifications in office management and credit management, and has started studying supply chain management, a field in which she plans to further pioneer.

Caption: (From left) Brothers Dino and Dersan Pillay from Cordoba Motors receive the Five Star grading award from Vishal Premlall, MIWA Director.

5 Star truck workshop MIWA recently announced that one of its members - Cordoba Motors in Phoenix Industrial, north coast KZN - has achieved five stars in its new grading process. The truck workshop is close on 30 years old having been started by former Mercedes Benz staffer, the late Denny Pillay. Pillay also worked at Macintosh Motors in Pinetown before venturing out on his own. From humble beginnings the business has grown to become an established family-run concern. Denny’s son, Dersan, is not only a qualified A Grade Diesel technician and Cummins and eaton accredited, he is also completing the MIWA Master Technician Course. He and his brother Dino have been to India for training at the TATA facility and Dersan also visited Korea for training at the TATA Daewoo training facility for the Heavy truck division.

“Being an independant workshop with no financial backing from anyone was a major feat which took hard work and stamina through the good and bad,” says Dino Pillay. “The staff at Cordoba Motors are also to thank as it is due to their hard work that the company is now the best in its field.” The facility boasts the ability to maintain and repair all truck types, as well as the latest in diagnostic tools and equipment and a panel division, which attends to vehicles from the existing customer base. Dino adds that they currently maintain many corporate fleets as well as smaller operator vehicles. “With a staff of around 22 including qualified and semi skilled staff, getting things done is no problem. We have a regular stream of learners from various training centres that come in for practical training as well,” he says. “Being part of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) has really helped us keep up to date with current trends and information about the automobile sector, and being graded Five Stars is a real achievement for us. Thanks to our loyal customers who have supported us during these years without whom this would not been possible,” he concludes.

PAGE 44

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PAGE 46

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PAGE 47

Visit vw.co.za and find us on facebook.com/VWSA

* Prices are recommended retail exclusive of VAT and are subject to change without notification. Part applicability to model is dependent on chassis/VIN number. For further information, please consult your nearest participating Dealership. Prices valid from 1 September 2015 to 29 February 2016. While stocks last.

Volkswagen Genuine Parts. Keep your Volkswagen a Volkswagen.

Volkswagen Genuine Parts are created in collaboration with vehicle development to guarantee the highest quality standard for optimum performance

and impeccable safety. And, because of constant adaptation and technical advancements in current Volkswagen production and offers, Volkswagen

Genuine Parts are the most cost-effective option when the overall costs of a vehicle’s service life are taken into account.

With more than a billion cars in the world, these little lights form a big part of our everyday lives. That’s why Volkswagen will fit your vehicle with

Genuine Parts at a lowered price.

Track Rods (sometimes also referred to as Tie Rods) form an integral part of steering. It’s the rod connecting the two front wheels ensuring that they

turn at the same angle. With it being such an important part, Volkswagen lowered the price so that you can be in control of your Volkswagen at all times.

Genuine Turn Lights

Genuine Track Rods

Part Number Part Description Model Year Price

17S953049F Turn signal - side Citi Golf 1996 - 2009 R95.56

1J0949117 Turn signal - side

Polo 2003 - 2005

R94.95

T5 2007 - 2008

Golf 1998 - 2006

Jetta 1999 - 2006

Passat 2001 - 2005

Polo Playa 2003 - 2005

Polo Vivo 2010 - 2014

Sharan 2001 - 2005

Transporter 2003 - 2005

1Z0949102C Turn signal - side Mirror - right Polo/Polo Playa 2005 - 2010 R196.58

1Z0949101C Turn signal - side Mirror - left Polo/Polo Playa 2005 - 2010 R196.53

1K0949102 Turn signal - right

Golf 2004 - 2009

R201.97Eos 2007 - 2008

Jetta 2006 - 2010

Passat 2003 - 2011

Sharan 2003 - 2010

1K0949101 Turn signal - left

Golf 2004 - 2009

R201.97

Eos 2007 - 2008

Jetta 2006 - 2010

Passat 2003 - 2011

Sharan 2003 - 2010

4B0949127 Turn signal - sideCiti Golf 1996 - 2009

R94.34Caddy 1996 - 2007

17S953049D Turn signal Citi Golf 1996 - 2009 R138.71

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Part Number Part Description Model Year Price

6R0423803A Tie Rod Polo 2010 - 2014 R1348.16

6R0423804A Tie Rod Polo 2010 - 2014 R1349.60

6Q0423804P Tie RodPolo 2003 - 2010

R1229.24Polo Vivo 2010 - 2014

6Q0423803P Tie RodPolo 2003 - 2010

R1240.89Polo Vivo 2010 - 2014

2E0713491 Tie Rod Crafter 2006 R2146.70

1J0422803H Tie Rod

Beetle 2003 - 2010

R1651.79Golf 1998 - 2006

Jetta 1999 - 2006

1J0422804H Tie Rod

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R1647.27Golf 1998 - 2006

Jetta 1999 - 2006

O&M CAPE TOWN 82642/E/TRADE

82642-Turn Lights Track Rods Trade Ad 297x420 v3d.indd 1 2015/09/15 3:17 PM

AutoForum - September / October 2015

14.4V MicroLithium Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit

Features and Benefits

June 2015 Page 1 of 4

CTRS761

CE – DE, ES, GB, FR, IT, NL, JP Country of origin: China

• 3,100 strokes per minute• Variable speed switch • Dual chuck mechanism (Quick Chuck) • Depth guide that can be adjusted without

use of tools • Small and lightweight making it great for

working in confined areas• Integrated LED work light • Battery gauge LED

Perfect size MicroLithium saw allows users to work in confined areas and create more intricate cuts

Snap-on is a trademark, registered in the United States and other countries, of Snap-on Incorporated. All other trademarks are marks of their respective holders. ©Snap-on Incorporated 2015. All rights reserved. Snap-on, 2801 80th Street, Kenosha, WI 53143 www.snapon.com

AutoForum - September / October 2015Aftermarketplace14.4V MicroLithium cordless reciprocating saw kit

Snap-on has introduced a new MicroLithium saw to the SA market, that allows users to work in confined areas and create more intricate cuts.

The saw boasts 3,100 strokes per minute with a variable speed switch, a dual chuck mechanism (Quick Chuck) and a depth guide that can be adjusted without use of tools. Other highlights include the unit’s integrated LeD work light and battery gauge LeD.

The saw is extremely versatile and is ideal for automotive and industrial applications, such as for cutting mufflers and exhaust pipes, sunroofs, door panels, plastic bumpers and many more.

Contact Snap-on for more information.

emergency coupling kit.

PCL has a released a new product to its lineup that will keep service engineers and busy workshops up and running in urgent situations – the emergency Coupling Kit.This compact and convenient kit has been designed for use in case of pneumatic airline failures, which can lead to expensive downtime. The little lifesaver contains all of the parts needed to repair any standard airline failure and have it up and running in minutes.

It includes genuine PCL couplings, adaptors, hosetails and hose connectors, along with Jubilee ® Clips and PTFe tape to convert or repair an airline connection.The contents have been carefully selected so that there should be a suitable product to use in any emergency situation, for example if a service engineer is out on the road, or in a workshop setting when an urgent solution is required. The kit is aimed at providing an interim repair until the specific product necessary for a long-term fix can be sourced.

All components are packed neatly into a solid compact case which is ideal to be tucked into a van or workshop where storage space is limited. Item numbers and descriptions are listed on the inside of the case so it’s easy to keep track of parts used and aid with replenishments.For more info on the PCL kit, contact the SA distributors AeI.

PAGE 48

Fuchs launches new range of synthetic oils

Fuchs Lubricants has launched an ester/PAO-based full-synthetic range of motor oils formulated to give maximum protection during periods of fast road or competition use. The Fuchs TITAN Race range is available in SAe 5W/30, 5W/40 10W/50 and 10W/60 viscosity grades. The 10W/50 and 10W/60 are particularly recommended for use in warmer ambient temperatures. The 10W/60 is also for use in applications where excessive fuel dilution has been encountered. The company says the products are suitable for all modern cars and are particularly recommended for high- performance engines where the engine’s exceptional shear stability and wear protection helps to maintain consistent power output and reliability. “The full synthetic fluid ensures that the products are thermally stable and extremely resistant to oxidation, even when stressed to the extremes of endurance,” explains John Anderson, Automotive and OeM manager, Fuchs Lubricants. “The excellent overall performance profile ensures optimum protection even in the most demanding turbo-charged power units in modern performance cars. The discerning motorist may be confident that the products excel in all areas of performance and ensure maximum protection under all operating conditions.”

dEALIng wITh unCLAIMEd vEhICLEs

sECuRE yOuR TRAInEd APPREnTICEs - AT nO COsT

ALuMInIuM dusT ExTRACTIOn

Contents

Body repair insight in association with BodyShop News Australia

AutoForum - September / October 2015

BoDY

ShoP

BODYSHOP NEWS

Dealing with unclaimed vehicles A while back we discussed the issue of

unclaimed vehicles and the costs and

issues repairers face in housing these

vehicles. SAMBRA regularly receives

requests for clarity on the subjects of panel

shops’ rights to a vehicle contracted in,

storage fees and the calculation thereof,

and abandoned vehicles left in panel shops

for lengthy periods. This article is reprinted

with permission from SAMBRA.

1. Do panel shops have a legal right of

retention to a vehicle where contracted

work was done?

Lien of the bodyshop: A lien is a right of

retention which may flow from a contract

which covers all that is due to the creditor

(a panel shop) under the contract in

respect of the work done and the expenses

incurred in respect of the property.

Therefore if a member, being a panel shop

or otherwise, does work on a vehicle and

it has a contract to determine payment for

such work, the panel shop will have a right

of retention of the vehicle until such time

as it has been paid in full. In other words, a

panel shop may retain the vehicle lawfully

for a period equal to the time it takes the

owner of the vehicle (or other property) to

pay in terms of the contact.

Various terms can be negotiated such as

the real fees and expenses towards the

repair of a vehicle; storage costs; expenses

towards courtesy vehicles and the like. An

important question is whether a member

may exercise its right of retention in the

case where a bank or other financial

institution claims delivery of the vehicle as

a result of the owner not complying with its

obligations in terms of its agreement with

the bank or such financial institution.

It seems trite that no owner can demand

such delivery without providing adequate

security for such panel shop that may hold

the lien. However, the Court also placed

weight on the issue of the Applicant’s

ownership over the vehicle and will not

include issues such as unreasonable

periods of storage costs and courtesy

vehicles if the matter could have been

settled between the owner and the panel

shop quite some time before the parties

approach the Court, as it would tantamount

to depriving the owner of its property

unreasonably – this was referred to in the

matter of Smiths –vs- Kitching. The Court

will have due regard to what is reasonable

to be furnished as security by a Bank in the

event of it claiming delivery of the vehicle.

In the matter of ABSA Bank Ltd–vs-Storm

& Another (67427/2011) [2013] ZAGPPHC

15 (not reportable) the position was dealt

with by the Court in detail. In its judgment

the Court stated that the starting point

is that an earner (which may include the

Bank) does not have an automatic right to

demand delivery of its property on tender

of adequate security. It remains in the

Court’s discretion to order such delivery to

the owner against a liquid security.

•Therefore,intheeventthatabankor

other financial institution or any other third

party may claim delivery of the vehicle

or other property, the panel shop may

exercise its right of retention lawfully

if such right of retention exists on the

grounds described above.

•Panelshopsarehoweverwarnedto

peruse the detail of a Court order that a

Sheriff serves upon a panel shop and in the

event that such a Court order does make

provision for the vehicle to be removed

against payment of security or without such

payment and with disregard to the lien/

right of retention in a declaredly order of

a Court, the member will be well advised

to rather deliver the vehicle against such

non-receivable of such security or without

it respectively.

PAGE 50

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AutoForum - September / October 2015BODYSHOP NEWS

It would however be an unrealistic occurrence in the

event that a Sheriff would serve a declaredly Court order

asking for delivery of a vehicle without proper security

in place, and members are advised to treat those Court

orders cautiously and to immediately phone an attorney

or the RMI’s Associational Director upon receipt thereof

before exercising any rights that it may or may not have.

2. Are panel shops entitled to charge storage fees?

A panel shop is entitled to charge for storage fees in

the event that a vehicle is not collected and for the

period that it remains so uncollected. There seems to

be no guideline on what is to be charged and for the

sake of cautiousness with regards to the provisions of

the Competitions Legislation we will not endeavour to

provide advice thereon by mentioning amounts and can

only state that such amount should be reasonable.

Panel shops would have a good idea of what a

reasonable amount is to be charged per vehicle for

storage fees in the industry and should, for purposes of

it not to be recognised in a Court for it to be awarded as

part of the costs to be repaid endeavour to remain within

the parameters of the accepted price charged in the

industry.

However, a contentious issue that remains with regards

to the issue of storage costs is whether such storage

costs may be the subject matter that gives rise to a right

of retention. Whilst a lien can only be exercised in terms

of a contract it is of utmost importance to ensure that the

aspect of storage costs be a term to such contract.

Although a contract need not be written to be one that

is lawful and binding upon the parties the terms of

unwritten (or oral) agreements are always much harder to

prove and usually result in the disputes to be determined

by way of a trial which poses its own long lapses in time.

The advices that in the event to prevent an owner use

its vehicle with a panel shop for a reasonable time and

the panel shop wishes to exercise its right of retention in

terms of the aspect of storage costs it be agreed upon in

writing beforehand.

It may occur that an owner pays for the actual work done

on a vehicle and uses the vehicle with a panel shop for

an unreasonable time which naturally lead to storage

costs (which holds an element of direct expense of a

panel shop). Should the aspect of storage costs together

with the amount to be charged per day not be agreed in

writing a panel shop will be well advised to rather release

the vehicle to the owner upon demand to avoid Court

applications in terms of rey vindication for orders to

direct the panel shop to deliver the vehicle or otherwise.

However, in the event that such storage costs is a

substantial amount and the parties (the panel shop and

the owner) has agreed in writing to storage costs on a

certain amount, being reasonable, per day it seems to

be accepted that such storage costs alone can form the

basis of a right of retention.

3. Can panel shops dispose of unclaimed vehicles

after a period of time?

In the event that the vehicle or other property remains

with a panel shop of a member, be it as a result of the

panel shop or member exercising its right of retention or

just as a result of the owner disappearing or not willing

to collect its vehicle, a panel shop or member should

take the necessary steps in law to secure payment of its

costs, at least the extent possible.

These steps include:

a. Write a letter of demand demanding payment and

collection of the vehicle within seven (7) days;

b. Depending on the amount claimed the matter can

proceed through the Small Claims Court or an attorney

consulted to issue summons for the amount and have it

served by Sheriff;

c. Depending on whether the summons is defended by

the owner or not a default judgment application can be

brought or in the case of a defence a summary judgment

application since such costs will form a liquidated claim

based on the signed contract between the parties and

the invoice delivered.

At this juncture it is important for panel shops to ensure

that the owner agrees to the domicilium citandi et

executandi address to prevent situations where the

Sheriff cannot serve the summons on the owner in the

event that such owner is untraceable;

d. Depending on the route of a defended matter or

undefended matter respectively, once judgment is

obtained a warrant of execution can be issued and the

Sheriff can be requested to execute property by way of

a sale in execution, the proceeds of which will cover the

claim of the panel shop in principal.”

The original article is available online (http://sambra.biz/

member-news/dealing-with-unclaimed-vehicles/). The

information contained in this article reflects the legal

opinion on the matter. For more clarity, please email

Edwin Martin at [email protected] or RMI-4-Law at

[email protected], or call 0861 102 092.

PAGE 52

AutoForum - September / October 2015

Secure your trained apprentices – at no cost! A number of trained Spray Painting and MBR learners

will become available for apprenticeships to SAMBRA

members in December 2015 and March 2016

respectively.

The organisation’s members have been invited by False

Bay College in Cape Town to serve as host employers

for the learners who form part of the College’s CBMT

Training Programme, made possible through funding

by the HWSeTA.

Currently completing their Level 2 CBMT

training, 10 Spray Painting learners will

complete their Level 3 training in

December, while 10 MBR learners

will complete their Level 4

training in March 2016.

Upon graduating from their

respective programmes, these

learners are required to complete in-

service training for 18 months in order

to complete the recognised Trade Test.

Interested in hosting one?

• In accordance with the current funding model,

learners receive R1 000 per month to cover their travel

cost.

•When placed, learners will be required to adhere to the

Code of Conduct of both False Bay College and the

companies where they are placed.

•Learners will be expected to perform the task(s)

assigned to them according to the host company’s

specifications.

•Learners will be monitored on a regular basis.

•For more information on how you can host False Bay

College apprentice, please contact Jeremy Schuster at

[email protected].

How do you benefit?

employing an apprentice can be costly, and you are not

guaranteed of finding quality employees, nor funding

from merSeTA. By participating in this programme, you

have a great opportunity to place trained candidates

- with the necessary skills and background - in your

business, and contribute to the ongoing upskilling of

artisans in the motor body repair industry, at no cost

to you. This programme is specifically designed to

give apprentices the opportunity to get practical work

exposure on the shop floor - something which cannot be

simulated in the classroom. It also exposes apprentices

to day-to-day workplace demands.

The host company’s rights and responsibilities:

•Candidates that have received their training through

this programme are funded for a further 18 months

for apprenticeships / in-service training - via the

merSeTA, by the National Skills Fund - while

working in a member workshop.

• SAMBRA members do not have

to pay the candidate, nor register

him/her on their books. However,

for members’ own protection,

you should register your

apprentice with the DOL for

Workman’s Compensation.

• A Service Level Agreement will

be drawn up to determine the roles and

responsibilities of the College, the apprentice

and the employer. This will include a month to

six week long probation period for the apprentice,

during which time he/she will be tested on various

tasks. If there is a clear indication that the apprentice

is unable to perform these tasks, the apprentice will be

returned to the College’s care, OR placed with another

host.

•As the host, you are under no obligation to employ the

apprentice permanently after the 18-month in-service

training period.

Worried about the paperwork?

Abie Dunn (RMI National Training Coordinator & National

Chairperson: RMI National Training Committee) will

coordinate the administrative logistics of participating in

this programme. All you need to do is sign up and take

on an apprentice(s) by contacting Jeremy Schuster at

[email protected]

This story first appeared on the SAMBRA

website (http://sambra.biz/member-news/

secure-your-trained-apprentices-at-no-cost-today/).

BODYSHOP NEWS

PAGE 54

Proud suppliers of the following top brands:

• Steering angle sensors (SAS) which may require recalibration after alignment.• Tyre Pressure Monitoring systems (TPMS) which may require coding.• Batteries which require service resets and system updates• Electronic Parking Brakes which require releasing for brake replacement• ABS for the bleeding of electronic braking systems• Ride Height pre-set required on some Air suspension vehicles• Engine Management light reset required after some exhaust replacements

Tel: 011 908 5199 011 908 4169

Fax: 011 864 1588 [email protected]

David Barendse082 450 6109

WHY A FITMENT CENTRE NEEDS DIAGNOSTICS

Screw compressors, piston compressors complete with silencers and air dryers.

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AutoForum - September / October 2015BODYSHOP NEWS

Aluminium dust extraction in the repair processModern vehicles bodies are constructed from a wide range

of steels, aluminium, plastics and carbon fibres. Repair

to these bodies requires new skills, technologies and

specialized equipment designed to prevent catastrophic

and sometimes fatal accidents caused by flash explosions

created through the unintentional merging of differing

materials with heat, air and water.

Manufacturers have specific safety work files,

encompassing the repair of the hybrid vehicles, to prevent

sparks off the steel providing an ignition source to the

aluminium dust from these repairs.

There are specific vacuums designed to arrest any sparks

in the repair process - which might ignite these materials.

In the next issue of Autoforum, we will initiate the first in a

number of articles on this subject.

PAGE 56

Scantool:All literature2 Days training in PretoriaRefreshments and lunchTheory and Practical testCertificateAccomodation can be arranged at own cost

• Read and erase fault codes,• View live sensor data,• Test actuators,• Do adjustments,• Code injectors,• Test dynamic systems,• Reset service intervals and much more.NOW includes 12 months access to the well known Haynes-Pro Technical Data. www.workshopdata.com. Phone now to book a Demo. (Accomodation can be arranged at own cost)

R 8 900.00Including VAT

Phone now to book your seat

42 Taaifontein st, Cnr Khai Apple st, Montana, PretoriaContact us on (012) 330 0540, [email protected] or visit www.hge.co.za

Quality brands at affordable prices

Automotive Diagnostic Training Course

B-Touch ST-9000

Organizers:CAMEIA / CAMRA / TRADERS-LINK

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www.auto-maintenance.com.cn

AutoForum - September / October 2015D

IRE

CTO

RY

LIS

TIN

GDirectory

To advertise your listing in AutoForum Aftermarketplace Directory contact us on

011 466 3733 or email: [email protected] ELECTRICAL

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

Bosch Parts, Accessories & Batteries 011 651 9600

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

NAPA/Midas Group 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

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

Bosch Diagnostic Equipment 011 651 9600

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

NAPA/Midas Group 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

Bosch Parts, Accessories & Batteries 011 651 9600

GMSA Genuine OE Parts

Midas Aftermarket Parts & Accessories 011 879 6000

Mahle Engine parts, Filters & Thermal management

NAPA/Midas Group Aftermarket Parts & Accessories 011 879 6000

Parts Incorporated Africa Automotive Components & Accessories 011 879 6000

Tenneco Shock Absorbers 011 574 5602

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

AutoForum - September / October 2015

PAGE 60GraphicWerx • AOC_Ally_AutoForum_2998b

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

* Ignition sources created in a normal automotive body repair workshop.

Various forms of dust in hazardous locations are a serious risk to any business operation with a combination of a source of ignition, air (Oxygen) and combustible dusts or gases often leading to disastrous consequences if not handled with the correct equipment.

Prevent a potential disaster by calling Aer-o-cure for more information and to book an appointment to determine your requirements.

The VAS 6572Your recipe forpreventing disaster.

ASK YOURSELF:

IS YOUR INDUSTRIAL

VACUUM CERTIFIED

AND MANUFACTURER

APPROVED TO

VACUUM AN

IGNITION SOURCE?

VIEWING PANEL- INTERCHANGEABLE

Minimise the risk of explosions in the work-place by utilising a VAS 6572 RUWAC Industrial Vacuum from Aer-o-cure. Featuring a unique spark trap system, the VAS 6572 is the only independently (TUV) certified machine, approved by VW and the manufacturer (Ruwac) to vacuum and collect an external ignition source during operation*.

Your “Aluminium Bolt On Bay” Solution Provider

AOC_Ally_AutoForum_OCT 1 2015/10/02 1:16 PM