South African auto industry news and analysis

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OCTOBER 2011
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I N F O R M E D
A N D
I N N O V A T I V E
PAGE 29
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS
Supplier Pooling On The Cards
CLS - easy on the eye and ON fuel

New flywheel hybrid system
IN N OVAT I ON S
Inside
Investment & job creation Disappointing N3 Stats the brutal truth Napa / Midas Conference 2011
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October 2011
CONTENTS
06
WWW.AUTOFORUM.CO.ZA
OCTOBER 2011
RSA: R20.00 (incl. VAT) Other Countries: US $12.00
I N F O R M E D
A N D
I N N O V A T I V E
Cover Stories
Investment & job creation disappointing Supplier pooling on the cards CLS - Easy on the eye and on fuel New flywheel hybrid system N3 stats the brutal truth Napa / Midas Conference 2011 12 19 26 50 52 56
PAGE 29
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS
Supplier Pooling On The Cards
cLS - EASY ON THE EYE AND ON fUEL
14
Trade Talk
Highlights of global and local industry news 04
Inside
INvESTmENT & jOB cREATION DISAPPOINTING N3 STATS THE BRUTAL TRUTH NAPA / mIDAS cONfERENcE 2011
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NEW fLYWHEEL HYBRID SYSTEm
IN N OvAT ION S
Cover photo - Thank you to MBSA.
News Forum
Disappointing progress in job creation and investment efforts Synovate Quality Awards 2011 Ekurhuleni Metro open for business RMI condemns proposed Western Cape tolls Supplier pooling on the cards Nissan SA in bid for new bakkie PSH hosts head office visit Will SA ever catch up and be 'Green'? CLS - Easy on the eye and on fuel Proposed speed limit criticised 12 14 16 18 19 20 22 24 26 27
Editorial
The JHB Motor Show is on this month, which means that the local industry is buzzing. But thats not the only reason for the flutter - Bidvest Bank has released its findings on trends in the motor financing sector and the news is not encouraging for the future sales of passenger and commercial vehicles. Also topping headlines is the Transport Ministers controversial speed limit proposal, which has everybody up in arms. But perhaps the most important news is getting less attention - and that is the dire state of our roads, and the vehicles that use them daily. Its a story that Dave Scott is passionate about, and its the most important section to read if you are a fleet manager, driver or traffic authority. Or if you use the N3 - which we almost all do.
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Auto Training
Behr Hella Service Partner Workshop 28 28
36
Renault spotlights graduate training programme
EDITOR CLARE RUTKIEWICZ
BodyShop News
Repair validation - Thatcham takes on Chevy and Citroen - Part #1 Web resource for the refinishing sector Online CPA training for Sambra members 30 36 36
CONTRIBUTORS: AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS DAVE SCOTT ROY COKAYNE Colin Windell ADVERTISING: GRANT WEST WARWICK ROBINSON C: 076 727 8161 C: 082 855 7750 T: 011 466 3733 F: 086 627 1135 PRODUCTION: KAZ NEL
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I N F O R M E D A N D I N N O V A T I V E
Business Forum
Sales figures look good, but... Selling your services? Longer term financing - a trend to watch How to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 40 42 44 46
Advertisers Guide
Aer-O-Cure Alfa International AMR Autocosmos/Electrolog Autozone Behr Hella Bosch Coetz Technologies Federal-Mogul First National Battery Highveld Garage Equipment Hofmann Megaplan Ital Machinery Leaderquip Midas Group MISA Motor Merchandise Newclear Parts Incorporated / Midas Group POS Service Holland Probe SABAT Safeline Silver Falcon/Hurricane Snap-on/John Bean Turbo Exchange World Spares Wheelquip 34-35, OBC 25 9 60 32-33, 53 37, 41 IBC 18 15 23 45 17 18, 49 5 7 42 29 49 21, 61 55 49 11 43 38-39 13 50-51 3, 60 47
Innovations
New ESR makes even non premium vehicles safer New flywheel hybrid system 48 50
Commercial Vehicles
N3 stats reveal the brutal truth Can we recover the trailer mess? 52 54
Show Time
Midas/Napa Convention 2011 JHB Motor Show now on 56 59
New Releases
Latest offerings of local products 60
After-Marketplace Directory
Directory listings 62
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While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the advice and information given to readers, neither the editor, nor the publishers, can accept any responsibility for any damages, injury or loss which arise there from. The opinions expressed by contributors to this magazine are not necessarily shared by the editor or the publishers.
Trade Talk
Top exporters awarded
AutoForum - October 2011
www.AutoForum.co.za
Late in August, The Eastern Cape Exporters Club of South Africa hosted the 2011 Exporter of The Year Awards. As Club Chairman, Quintin Levey, explains: More entries were received this year than has ever been received before and the calibre of entries was very good. The honours were awarded in a number of categories, with the VW Group claiming the titles Exporter of the Year 2011and Best Exporter Corporate for achieving the most success in the period under review. Merit awards in the latter category were received by SJM Flex SA for its increase in staffing over the year; BASF South Africas Catalysts Division for its increase in turnover and profitability over the year; Ford Motor Company for its significant investment during the year; and Shatterprufe, for its significant water and electricity savings project. VWSAs David Powels said: We have, over recent years, expanded the scope of our destination markets to include regions such as Brazil, Spain, India and China. This is a major achievement as we aim to explore growth opportunities outside of the traditional European export market. We have also invested about R23 million into the development of our Port Elizabeth production plant in order to support the export of catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters. The company increased its export of Fully Built-Up units from 29 225 in 2009 to 76 875 last year an increase of some 163%. It also exports components such as catalytic converters to Germany and India, sheet metal parts, including door single parts, side panels and wheel housings, to VW in Germany, and dashboards, dash carriers and alloy wheels to Spain.
TomTom launches EV nav system

TomTom took advantage of the recent IAA Frankfurt Motorshow to show off its new in-dash navigation system for electric vehicles. Standard fitment on the Renault Fluence Z.E., the Carminat TomTom Z.E LIVE integrates battery charge information, remaining vehicle range based on this charge and routes to the nearest charge stations which are then displayed on the navigation screen. It also boasts an eco-routing programme that allows the driver the option to select the most energy-efficient route. With an estimated 5 000 charging stations expected in Europe by the end of this year, making sure electric vehicle drivers know the location of their closest station is of vital importance. The new application will automatically update the list whenever drivers connect their SD card to their computer. The company also recently launched its GO LIVE TopGear edition satnav, which features what it describes as the soothing, helpful voice of Jeremy Clarkson, and is touted as the ultimate traffic-vanquishing weapon for the discerning driverist. It boasts speed camera warnings, Local Search, Google weather reports, the ability to render the system instantly silent with Stig mode, and Top Gear start up and shut down screens. It also features hands-free calling via a Bluetooth Voice Control Integrated mounting with flip screen, and many more.
The Ford Struandale Engine Plant is one of the Eastern Capes top exporters. Pictured (from left to right) are: Quintin Levey (Chairman, Exporters Club of SA, Eastern Cape), Wallace Yearwood (Plant Manager, Ford Struandale Engine Plant), Belinda Vabaza (Regional Head, Eastern Cape Development Corporation) and Deon Joubert (Vice-chairman, Exporters Club of SA, Eastern Cape).
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Trade Talk
AutoForum AutoForum--October October2011 2011
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Sustainability Indexes 2011

The BMW Group was recently named the highest ranking automotive company in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI) giving the automaker its seventh win. The company was the first in the industry to appoint an Environmental Officer almost 40 years ago, and has worked since then to refine how it maintains its sustainability. The automaker now has a Sustainability Board, comprising all members of the Board of Management. The Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes launched in 1999, and are the first global indexes tracking the financial performance of the leading sustainability-driven companies worldwide. Each year, sustainable investment company, SAM, invites the worlds 2 500 largest companies to participate in evaluations based on a complex set of guidelines. This year, 1 443 companies took part of which 41 were added to the Index and 23 were dumped from a list that now totals 342 companies. Other big moves on the list include the addition of Hyundai Mobis, and the removal from the list of Denso Corporation, and VW AG.
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Trade Talk
www.AutoForum.co.za
Motor Merchandise challenges you

Motor Merchandise has become an affiliate of the 100 Day Challenge programme, and has invited all customers and partners to take the challenge and move closer to achieving their business and private goals. The affiliation comes after company Owner and Director Mike Pollok, experienced the system himself. Last year around this time I began thinking about whether I was achieving what I wanted and needed to be achieving in my business, or if I was just going around like a headless chicken Obviously in a recessionary climate in order to survive and grow, you need to get more focused. I subsequently came across the 100 Day Challenge. I thought it was brilliant and that everyone could benefit from it, as we all need to focus a lot more and commit to deadlines that we make for ourselves. Pollock describes the programme as like having a personal coach that puts you through your paces and keeps you motivated. The 100 Day Challenge was created by Gary Ryan Blair who is the author of the best selling Everything Counts. To learn more, visit the webpage www.motormerchandise.co.za and click on the 100 Day Challenge link.
New Alpha catalogue

Alfa International has published its new Light Duty Catalogue, which, it says, is a definitive reference in the market place, and boasts a large range for South African applications. The company is a local supplier of all makes of high quality brake drums and discs for heavy road transport, light commercial and passenger vehicle requirements. Its philosophy is to maintain an extremely high level of availability (95%) on most parts and continuously obtains parts for newly-introduced vehicle models. This latest catalogue boasts more than 150 new references, while even more are consistently updated on the the company website (www.alphabrakes.co.za), ensuring that customers have access to parts as they become available. Founded in 1964 in Springs, Gauteng, Alfa is committed to investing in very large ranges for the independent market, making the right part available in the least amount of time possible.
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Trade Talk
www.AutoForum.co.za
Bad economy means good repair business
ccording to a recent Time Magazine article, the trend among American consumers is to hang on to their cars for far longer than in the past, with many drivers planning on keeping their cars until they literally cant be driven any more. The trend is not unique to the US, as Bidvest Bank has highlighted the fact that in SA the trend is to finance cars over longer periods than ever before. And its not only to make monthly payments lower, but also because owners plan on keeping the car for more time than they used to, based on improved vehicle reliability and because warranty provisions from manufacturers now run for longer (see page 44). As the Time writer points out, while that is not good news for carmakers and dealers, it is good news for repairers. The trend seems to stem from a number of factors, the economic situation being amongst the top reasons Americans are avoiding new car dealers. It also just makes more sense to spend smaller amounts (relative to the new car prices) to keep an older car going. And that is evident from the fact that in that country, while numerous businesses have closed or only just managed to keep afloat over the last few years, car repairer operations are busy and trade has been good. The article quotes a report in the Los Angeles Times, which found that US car repairers reported $36 billion in sales in 2010. The figure is up 10.5% from 2007 and is expected to rise at least 5% more in 2011.
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The latest global news
Disappointing progress in job creation and investment efforts

- Roy Cokayne
illions of Rand in foreign investments have been made in SA and several hundred new jobs created all as a result of a motor industry initiative aimed at broadening and deepening local content in domestically produced vehicles.However, Evan Dold, Chairman of the OEM Purchasing Council, is disappointed with the overall progress made to date, because he believes it has not resulted in more foreign investment in the country, or more jobs. Dold said the reason for the disappointing overall progress was related to different technologies and specifications set by the various OEMs, which made it very difficult if not impossible for a local OEM to deliver on them. That means when we get together to look at a particular opportunity, quite often the objective of combining volumes by having a single technology and single specification, as opposed to multiple technologies and multiple specifications, it cannot be achieved. You then dont get the volumes for economies of scale that will make the business case work. This has been the major challenge. Roger Pitot, Executive Director of the Naacam, said it was, in principle, fully supportive of the
purchasing councils objective of increasing local content. However, he said the way the council had tried to create more volume for certain companies may have a positive impact on those organisations but had a negative effect on others. For this reason, Naacam did not participate in those specific product or company discussions. The primary focus and objective of the council - established in 2009 and effectively a sub committee of Naamsa - is to try and work together with OEMs to grow local content in the automotive industry, while at the same time facilitating technology transfers as an enabler of new local content. It has recently also started looking at co-operating, where appropriate, on supplier development and competitiveness improvement initiatives. Dold said joint localisation feasibility studies by the purchasing council were aimed at broadening and deepening local content. The former means introducing completely new local content into the domestic industry. Deepening local content means replacing existing imported content in current local components with new local content.
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Roy Cokayne is a senior financial reporter for Business Report.
AF 201109.FH9 Wed Aug 24 12:11:24 2011
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The desired benefits of these feasibility studies were to increase local content volumes to achieve economies of scale and as leverage against a volatile exchange rate; to reduce foreign exchange usage; and to introduce new technology and some new local suppliers, thereby growing investment and jobs. Dold said individual OEMs sourcing for new vehicle models would remain a key generator of new local content. He stressed the importance of the leverage of global OEMs in persuading global component suppliers to invest in new facilities in SA, and the export of locally produced components to other production plants in their global networks. Examples of this included the Volkswagen Group persuading Benteler to establish a R178 million facility in Uitenhage and exports out of SA of components, stampings and pressings for the new Ford T6 Ranger pickup programme. Dold said successes by the council included negotiations that were currently taking place with a component supplier about initially assembling drive shafts locally, but with the objective of introducing new local content on a phased basis. Brake boosters for Fords new T6 Ranger pickup programme had also been localised and provided localisation opportunities for various other OEMs, which are currently being explored. Two companies in SA now have technology agreements with two of the six major global instrument cluster manufacturers, which has enabled instrument clusters to be localised on Toyotas new Hilux facelift product and for the Ford T6 programme. Opportunities are also being pursued by various OEMs to significantly deepen local content on existing alternators. According to Dold, new initiatives by the OEM Purchasing Council were focused on ongoing competitiveness supplier improvement projects at key tier one, two and three suppliers. He said the council also had an initiative to establish a pool of retired industry experts with expertise in areas such as lean manufacturing, quality and logistics, and to get them involved in competitiveness improvement projects. He believes there is also a need for a review of the measures and levels of support needed to sustain some vulnerable automotive component manufacturing sub sectors in the transition from the MIDP to APDP, and eventually grow these sub sectors through specific competitiveness improvement initiatives. Dold continued that the retention of traditional local content was a growing concern, because of the uncompetitiveness of components historically sourced locally versus alternative overseas sources. Many factors were driving this, including local cost escalations, and local versus overseas labour productivity. There is also growing concern among global OEMs about the increasing frequency of strikes in SA, exchange rates and falling duty rates on imported components in both the MIDP and the APDP.
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Synovate Quality Awards 2011

he latest Synovate Quality Awards have indicated that SA passenger cars are consistently improving. The 2011 study that asses the quality of sales and service transactions as well as product quality and which is based on interviews with customers 3 months after purchasing their vehicles - boasted an average of 56 problems per hundred vehicles overall. The score is up nearly 31% from last year. Richard Rice, Group Sales and Marketing Director at Synovate explains: A lower score equates to a better result in Synovates PP100 study. The study honours the top achievers per segment with a Gold Award, and this year a discretionary Platinum Award was presented to Mercedes-Benz for exceptional performance across all of their segments. All the Gold Award winners across passenger vehicles have scores well below 50 PP100.
Passenger Vehicle Segments: Gold Awards Entry Small Hatch Small Sedan Top Hatch Top Sedan Medium Top Executive Sports Coup MPV / Station Wagon Chevrolet Spark Toyota Yaris T3 Toyota Yaris Sedan Mercedes-Benz A-Class Mazda 3 Sedan Mercedes-Benz C-Class Mercedes-Benz E-Class Volkswagen Scirocco Mercedes-Benz B-Class 17 31 22 33 35 18 36 42 40
This years study also found that there were many improvements in both the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) down from a very sad 100 PP100 last year to 86 PP100 this year and Recreational Vehicle (RV) down from 85 PP100 to 76 PP100 segments. Rice continues: Recreational vehicles are quite featurerich, given that they are made for off-road driving. What this means is that there is a lot in the vehicle that could go wrong and there is a bigger chance that these vehicles should have a higher problem count.
Recreational Vehicle Segments: Gold Awards Segment Small RV Large RV Gold Award Toyota RAV4 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Score 35 67
http://www.synovate.com/southafrica/news/2011/ SynovateQualityAwards ProductQualityAnnounced.html
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NEWS FORUM
More efficient designs means less CO2
Federal Mogul recently sent out a media release to show what it is doing in an effort to continuously find ways of cutting emissions and increasing fuel efficiency. According to the company, only a small percentage of heat (just under a third) released during operation actually produces torque, while the rest is dissipated in heat transfer, friction, and gas exchange. One of the ways its working to improve that ratio, is through the overall reduction of friction by using optimised product designs. According to Federal Mogul, power cylinder assemblies (pistons and piston rings) generally account for 40% of engine friction losses and dissipate useful energy in the form of heat. By optimising the designs of pistons, piston rings, and piston coating technologies, frictional horsepower losses can be reduced and fuel economy improved. So effective are they that can reduces CO2 emissions by up to 4.4 g/km, on a typical 170 g/km CO2 petrol vehicle on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Other innovations include changes in cylinder head and gasket design which can help minimise bore distortion - making a ring pack design with less friction and therefore less CO2 emissions and improved sealing and bearing technologies. The latter also reduces friction and offers high-performance dynamic sealing for low torque that can be used for front and rear seals, as well as for transmission and axle applications. The company points out that efficient seals enable a reduction of more than 0.5 g/km CO2, as based on the NEDC test cycle. Spark plugs are another key area. By using iridium technology in the production of fine wire centres and ground electrodes, the cylinders air-fuel mixture is exposed to a larger spark plug gap for a brighter ignition, with higher voltage. And the fuel saving changes are not just under the bonnet. Flatblade windscreen wipers reduce mass and energy, while more efficient lighting systems incorporating LEDs means less mass, power draw and copper wiring requirements. And lighter weight means lower CO2 emissions.
Ekurhuleni Metro open for business

- Roy Cokayne
he Ekurhuleni Metro has placed the retention, expansion and attraction of new automotive companies to the city firmly on its agenda and its open for business and new partnerships. Bennett Nikani, Member of the Mayoral Committee for City Planning and Economic Development for Ekurhuleni, said the Metro was considering entering into a Memorandum of Association (MOA) with the AIDC, Naacam and automotive companies to achieve this goal. He stressed at a recent AIDC conference the critical need to engage and work together with Naacam, as the key authority of the countrys automotive components industry, and its members in a quest for a partnership that ultimately promoted national and international competitiveness. He acknowledged that such communication and engagement had been missing for some reason, but that the Ekurhuleni Metro had reached agreement with the AIDC for it to assist the metro with a number of initiatives. These initiatives included: An industrial assessment and development programme, which would include a comprehensive understanding of the economic composition and dynamics of the automotive industry in the region.
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An industrial improvement programme. An understanding of logistics and physical infrastructure constraints. An understanding of opportunities in relation to the industrys development. Enterprise and skills development. Strategic industrial forums; and Programme coordination, administration and management.
Nikani said this agreement would serve as an umbrella arrangement under which the parties had identified joint projects. It was proposed that an initial amount of R4.5 million would be allocated to this AIDC programme, he said. The ultimate goal is to retain, expand and attract new automotive companies and we are confirming that Ekurhuleni is open for business and genuine partnerships. Nikani added that Ekurhuleni at present accommodated one of the largest concentrations of industry activity in the province but indications were that the area was in decline, including the automotive sector. He said the automotive industry in Ekurhuleni had been well established for a number of years but it had not been immune from this decline. In part, this decline could be ascribed to global economic shifts and uncertainties, but may also be the result of physical forces that exist at a more local level and were therefore amenable to change, he said.
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eTraining for Hi-Q

Hi-Q fitment centres and Gabriel have teamed up to implement an eTraining shock absorber programme. The companies believe that this makes the former the first fitment centre group to implement a web-based eLearning suite covering the installation and maintenance of shock absorbers. The training programme works through Gabriels website and once logged in, users are able to work through the courses at their own speed, with online testing at the end of each module. The course covers a full range of expertise from beginner to advanced and expert fitters and, once complete, learners receive competency certification. The new training course forms part of the Safe Zone 2.6 programme, which is aimed at educating fitment counter staff, management and motorists about vehicle and passenger safety. This includes responsible driving through education-based branding and training.
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NEWS FORUM
RMI condemns proposed Western Cape tolls

n September, the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) released a comment to the media regarding recent newspaper reports of the imminent arrival of new tolling booths in the Western Cape. Its a move that the organisation predicted would occur while slamming the Gauteng tolling system. As CEO Jeff Osborne explains: There is a fundamental reason for viewing our objections. The RMI has little doubt that, should the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project funding mechanism be implemented as is, it will only be a matter of time for such a model to be implemented elsewhere. Once again, there was no consultation with any of the stakeholders. Instead, SANRAL is imposing its wishes without any discussion. Osborne continued that there had been no ring-fencing of toll amounts, and said that monies collected through the road levy and price of fuel, disappears into coffers and is not used for road maintenance per se. The CEO believes that if the SA National Roads Agency Ltd did indeed require additional
funding for road maintenance and upkeep, it should collect it on a user-pays basis and ensure that everyone pays - including taxis. As in his previous statement, Osborne condemned the new tolling gantries, foreseeing them as adding strain on businesses, fleet operators and consumers warning that the latter would be paying out in terms of the tolls and the inflationary effects they would have on goods. Osborne continued: The cost of the proposed tolling system in the Cape Province includes a contract with Murray & Roberts worth R10 million, which the country is going to have to pay before it starts paying for actual road maintenance. Too much money is being spent on an unnecessary collection mechanism and we, as the RMI, have to ask What level of upgrading could be undertaken for R10 million or to what extent could the public transport system be enhanced instead? As is the case in Gauteng, this is a complex funding mechanism, which could easily be done away with by simply increasing the fuel levy.
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Supplier pooling on the cards

- Roy Cokayne
motor manufacturing industry initiative to improve local content in domestically produced vehicles is investigating the possibility of a group of suppliers pooling their imports on common routes to reduce costs and improve competitiveness. However, according to Evan Dold, Chairman of the OEM Purchasing Council, this project was embryonic at this stage. Dold said the project had been initiated within General Motors South Africas supplier council on a pilot project basis, but was in planning rather than implementation mode after the idea was presented to the Naamsa supply chain sub committee. He said the idea was for principal suppliers to combine their business on common routes to get full container loads, rather than each supplier bringing in their own 30% full container. Dold said this would allow a group of suppliers to negotiate a single shipping contract, the increase in shipping frequencies and lower freight rates.
He continued that there seemed to be a good level of interest in this initiative, but that the OEM Purchasing Council would first test it with a pilot project or two. But the potential is there and there must be an enormous opportunity to reduce fixed costs with an initiative like this. Dold added that the motor manufacturing industry and Transnet had also established a joint task team in August, to undertake a number of projects aimed at improving the competitiveness of the automotive sector. The team will undertake a number of short-term projects of not more than six months, and some medium to longer term projects. Dold stressed this was not an initiative of the purchasing council but was extremely important, as logistics was such a critical area for the industry in terms of it becoming more competitive. He said one of the short-term projects related to resolving disruptions in Durban port related to Navis, the new container management system introduced a few months ago. There have been some hiccups. It has contributed as has
the weather to massive congestion and delays in Durban port. All of that is making us more expensive and less competitive. It has to be resolved fast. According to Dold, other short-term projects related to the need to increase the volume of vehicles transported by rail rather than by road and to get car carriers off the roads, the need to implement port efficiency targets to measure how efficient SAs port operations were versus global port best practices, and a need to reduce cargo dues on inbound and outbound vehicles. In the longer term, he said there was a need to find ways of reducing cost in the Transnet value chain. He continued that there was a need to introduce new rail car wagons, strengthen the Gauteng-Eastern Cape corridor and reduce cargo dues on containers. He explained that a lot of work was happening on the Gauteng-Eastern Cape corridor between various national and provincial governments, with Naamsas involvement, with a focus on building up the car terminal in PE.
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NEWS FORUM
Nissan SA in bid for new bakkie

- Roy Cokayne
issan SA is bidding for a contract to produce a new bakkie model at its plant in Rosslyn near Pretoria. Qedani Mahlangu, the Gauteng Economic Development MEC, said Nissan SA would be travelling overseas to bid for this international contract to produce a new generation pick-up truck, and if it was successful in its bid, it would result in an investment of about R200 million in its plant in Rosslyn. Veralda Schmidt, a Nissan SA spokeswoman, said MD Mike Whitfield had confirmed the SA company was bidding to be among the Nissan plants that were awarded production contracts for a new Nissan product. Schmidt declined to comment on the investment it would have to make in its plant if it was awarded the contract, what other plants were bidding for the contracts to produce this vehicle or the anticipated volumes of the vehicle that would be produced and markets serviced. Mahlangu told an AIDC conference in Boksburg that the Gauteng provincial government had given Nissan SA a letter of support for its bid. Schmidt said the Gauteng provincial governments commitment in working with Nissan SA in support of its bid was highly appreciated because it would certainly make a positive impact on the automotive sector in Gauteng and South Africa.
However, Schmidt said the discussions with their parent company Nissan Motor Company of Japan were still in the early stages and no concrete confirmations have been announced yet. Whitfield said in July that Nissan SA had aggressive vehicle sales growth targets in Africa, in line with its plans to double production at its plant in Rosslyn to 100 000 units a year by 2015, while still continuing with exports to Europe, Russia and Turkey. He said Nissan Motor Company had an extensive product plan in terms of its new midterm strategy, Nissan Power 88, which was launched in June. In terms of this strategy, it would launch 51 new models between now and 2016, with Africa a core part of the new product rollout and 12 new products launched into this market. These models include the new Micra, new 4X4 crossover Juke and new B-segment sedan Almera. Nissan aimed to increase its market share in Africa to double digits by 2016 from 6.8% today. Whitfield also declined to comment on whether any of the 12 new models for Africa would be produced in SA, however, he confirmed Nissan SA would be re-entering the taxi market in about a year and a half. Whitfield added that the future direction of Nissans Rosslyn plant was towards a reduction in its production platforms from five to two, but with substantially higher volumes.
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PSH hosts head office visit

arald van Haaster and the staff of Pos Service Hollands South African branch recently hosted a visit from parent company Director, Hans Pos Jnr, who is responsible for Sales and Purchasing worldwide. Pos Service Holland BV Head office is based at Graveland, in the Netherlands, employing 60 staff worldwide. It was established in 1992 and supplies new and remanufactured starters, alternators, parts and test benches across a wide spectrum of passenger, light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles. With over 15 OE brands, PSH currently stock in excess of 6 500 line items, in addition to an average of 18 000 line items at the core division. This diversified supply line has resulted in constant stock levels, with no visible effects
from external factors such as the Japanese Tsunami. The South African branch has been in operation since 2007 and carries approximately 800 lines items at its new premises in Kya Sands. Sales and distribution is through Kalundu Trading as well as directly from PSH. Van Haaster explains: With our on site test equipment, we are able to immediately evaluate any warranty claims. Pos is impressed with the South African operation and commented that his visit was instigated by the excellent sales levels being achieved locally, as well as the wide range of makes and models available in the SA marketplace.
Harald van Haaster and Hans Pos Jnr, Sales and Purchasing Director Pos Service Holland BV
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NEWS FORUM
100% electric Nissan LEAF
Will SA ever catch up and be 'Green'?
lot of noise is being made about this years Johannesburg Motor Show, and it really is set to be the show to attend for all those involved in the industry in SA. Automakers and commercial vehicle makers are going all out to present their latest products and impress attendees. One of the many issues that will be highlighted at the show is that of so called Green motoring in South Africa. We are faced with daily accounts of international plans and programmes to boost the use of alternate fuels and electric vehicles, but local activities apart from the Joule seem to be falling behind. The JHB Motor Show promises to be at the forefront of what is happening on the green scene, but as motor industry journalist Roger Houghton expressed in a recent release to the press,
much on view will remain out of reach for the local market. There has been some promise in this area, however. In 2010, Government introduced a new emissions tax for cars emitting more than 120 grams of carbon dioxide for every kilometre travelled, which it extended to some light commercial vehicles - all in an effort to encourage motorists to become environmentally conscious and buy low-emission vehicles. But as Houghton points out, theres a catch. Many of those low-emission vehicles cant come to South Africa.
that it had launched Green Vehicle Finance, with reduced rates on vehicles below the 120 gm/km threshold. However, only 12 brands are represented on the initial list: Audi, Citroen, Daihatsu, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Lexus, Peugeot, Smart, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo, and while all have made giant strides in emissions control, so too have many others. And what is more is that the list includes no all-electric cars. The reality is that despite motor companies requests to national and regional governments to consider city-centre recharging infrastructure, there appears to be little official urgency in SA to confront the issue. And no charging facilities means no electric cars. Houghton continues that even Optimal Energy, the SA company hoping to build
Absa announced recently that it had launched Green Vehicle Finance

And the financial sector is looking to the future too Absa announced recently
PAGE 24
the locally-designed Joule electric car, recognises there will be little demand in its home market and that almost all its production will be exported. This, despite the fact that governments own Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is a partner in the project. And even hybrid cars have found it difficult to break into the SA market - the Toyota Prius has been available for some years but sales have been slow. Lexus, with its more upmarket, environmentally-aware target market, has fared better, and in 2010 Honda entered the fray with the CR-Z. According to Houghton, the biggest obstacle to green motoring progress has been the poor quality of SA fuel both diesel and petrol. Most parts of the country do not yet have access to 50ppm diesel, but the newest, lowest emission cars require 10ppm, which is not available here at all. Petrol is not exempt from these issues. Says Houghton: SAs fuel is several generations behind that of Europe, the US and Japan. Nearly all the worlds motor companies have products available to SA. They want to bring in the latest and the best, but cant. He concludes: To make matters worse, the rest of the world isnt standing still while SA struggles to catch up. By the time we are up to current developed-world standards, they will have leapt ahead again.
GM Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle
PAGE 25
NEWS FORUM
CLS - easy on the eye and on fuel
he Mercedes-Benz CLS was first launched in 2003 and has since then remained the only four-door coup in its class, having sold 170 000 units around the world to date. The latest model is also set to impress, boasting a few more green characteristics than its predecessor, as well as a whole lot more ease of driving. Top features include better fuel economy, thanks in part to its lighter weight; electromechanical power steering; and high tech new safety systems. Both the 6-cylinder CLS 350 and the CLS 500 V8 boast BlueEFFICIENCY, with the V8 model featuring ECO start/stop functionality as standard all of which contributes to a 25% cut in consumption without compromising on power. This is assisted by the fact that the vehicle is the first out of the Mercedes-Benz stable to have frameless, all-aluminium doors. The lightweight material is also featured in the bonnet, front wings, boot lid, parcel shelf, various
support profiles and substantial parts of the suspension and engine. Electromechanical power steering debuts on this model and promises to make a new and radical contribution to the relationship between driver, car and road. It uses less energy than conventional systems, cutting fuel usage by up to 0.3 litres/7 g of CO2 compared to the previous model. The new CLS boasts all the top driver assistance systems, as well as new additions: Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist the latter being linked to the ESP system. Considering the prince range of the car (lets just say its not generally going to be the family run-around), the ability to customise the interior is expected. The new CLS offers four interior colours and trim designs in high quality leather and two exclusive wood types.
PAGE 26
Proposed speed limit criticised

ate last month, the Minister of Transport, Sbu Ndebele, proposed reducing the speed limit on SA national roads from 120 km/h down to 100 km/h, a move that was rapidly criticised by MD of driving.co.za, Rob HandfieldJones. The latter described the proposal as absurd. Handfield-Jones believes the only way to create safer road users in a sustainable way is through a thorough overhaul of the licensing system and the implementation of a traffic prosecution regime which focuses on safety rather than profit. Speed control has yet to yield any reductions in fatalities since it was adopted as policy in 1997. On the contrary, it has driven up the fatality rate by diverting policing resources from the offences that are proven to cause fatal crashes. Of every million fines issued by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, 989 000 are for speed. Despite this blitz of speed enforcement, fatality rates are approximately triple what they were in 1998. I say approximately, because we can only guess at the current fatality rate - the last time the government released a fatalities/100m km figure was in 2006, at which point it was double its 1998 level, he said. Furthermore, we are almost in 2012, but the government has yet to release traffic statistics for 2010. The driving skills company MD believes that the Australian statistics quoted as supporting the lowered limit were misrepresented, as that country already had one of the lowest road death rates in the world before limited areas were restricted to 110 km/h. The minister conveniently avoids mentioning that freeways in these same areas with speed limits of 130 km/h have also shown a reduction in fatalities. Indeed, the safest freeways in the world, the German Autobahns, are limit-free for long stretches, he added. Handfield-Jones said that the speed limit for buses and taxis was reduced to 100 km/h at the turn of the millennium,
but that five years later, the fatality rate for buses continued to climb so rapidly that it jumped 30% from 2005 to 2006 alone. He asserts that despite busses and taxis having lowered speed limits since 2000, this has not reduced fatalities on taxis and buses and they will not do so for other vehicles. The only result of the ministers absurd proposal will be extra traffic fine cash for municipalities which have fallen into financial disarray through rampant corruption and mismanagement. Just a few days later, Handfield-Jones comments were supported officially by the RMI. As Jeff Osborne, RMI CEO commented: Our view is that there would be far greater value in the introduction of a periodic, compulsory vehicle testing regime as well as the introduction of the AARTO licence point demerit system. Osborne added: The government should be instead urgently addressing the rampant levels of bribery and corruption within the countrys traffic law enforcement agencies, which has resulted in flagrant disregard for the rule of law, and of law enforcement officers, by motorists. Too much time is spent generating income for state coffers and not enough is being done to ensure discipline on the part of motorists through visible policing and through the clamping down of moving violations. HandfieldJones also believes that the move could cost the country up to R100 million. He expects the process to involve amendments to law which he says is in itself a costly and lengthy process. Can we trust the Department of Transport not to bungle it? Theyve botched four amendments to the law
over the past 15 months, and had to admit that a fifth was unenforceable. By my count, fourteen AARTO regulations will have to be amended in addition to the amendment to the Road Traffic Regulations. Once that is done, all the instructor and examiner manuals for the learners licence and drivers licence curricula will have to be amended, and new learners licence tests will need to be devised, not to mention the costs to the private sector in updating licence study guides, he added. New road sign charts will also need to be produced by the Department, as well as amendments to the regulations which detail the design and appearance of road signs. This will all cost tens of millions. At least 10 000 to 15 000 signs will have to be replaced. The existing signs have not reached their design life, meaning a cost wastage of half their value or more, he continued. At a typical cost of R1 300 per sign including installation costs, this will mean a waste of R10 million on the old signs, and another R20 million on the new ones. It is immoral that government claims to champion the poor and homeless, but might consider blowing thirty million Rand - possibly much more - on a futile ministerial whim, he said. He also said that private sector tracking companies had invested tens of millions of Rands recording the speed limits for each section of road in the country in order to monitor driver behaviour standards and detect driving anomalies. At the stroke of a pen, vast portions of this investment will not only be wasted, but will need to be spent again in order to verify new speed limits.
PAGE 27
AUTO TRAINING
Behr Hella Service Partner Workshop
he first in a series of regional Behr Hella Service Partner workshops took place in Boksburg in early September. Willie Fourie, MD of Behr Hella SA, welcomed the attendees and went on to explain to the service partners that this inaugural workshop is based on a successful formula in operation with the Behr Hella Silverton franchisees. Hans Soonalal, Manager Aircon Products at Behr Hella SA, showed how these workshops enable the service partners to interact with BHSA senior management whilst discussing topics such as corporate identity, partner benefits and incentives, as well as the
product range. The latter includes condensers, compressors, receiver driers, expansion valves, fans, cabin filters, A/C gas and oils, Hella lighting and engine protection units and new additions to the range. Other topics included the ramifications of the Consumer Protection Act on partners businesses. The delegates were given further insight and training on the groups unique Rapid Trade on-line ordering system and the BHS Know How Tool, a diagrammatic system with zoom into parts and animation of components, as well as a trouble shooting guide complete with possible causes of failure. This software system is able to rotate the diagram to
show different views and animate its exact operation with flows to each of the surrounding components in the aircon system. The Know How Tool was distributed to each person, on CD, in their attendance packs. This combination of systems allows the partners to identify parts via both technical specifications and pictures, and identifies the part as OE and/or aftermarket supply. A session on technical tips was followed by preferred supplier presentations from Bert Steynberg of Launch Diagnostics and Michael Labacher, Sales Manager at A-Gas South Africa.
Delegates at the inaugural workshop Willie Fourie, MD Behr Hella SA
Renault spotlights graduate training programme

enault South Africa recently highlighted its graduate programme, which currently involves 19 graduates involved in non technical and development business areas spread across its dealer network and head office. The automaker invests around R3.4 million annually in the programme, part of its overall training and development strategy encompassing career development, succession planning and work-readiness.
According to Jenni Stephen, Renault SAs HR Director: The aim of our graduate programme is to offer this pool of excited and vibrant young South Africans the opportunity to grow and develop in a real-life working environment so that they can be prepared to take positions within our organisation or elsewhere. Interns are chosen according to a pre-screening process and must fulfill various criteria including possessing a
national diploma or degree. While previously disadvantaged individuals (PDIs) are an obvious target, those who have worked hard to overcome obstacles are also a focus. Last year the programme was given prominence at the merSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority) conference and Renault has expressed its commitment to continuing the programme, as long as it operates in SA.
PAGE 28
Body repair insight
In association with BodyShop News Asia and Australian BodyShop News
Contents
Repair Validation Thatcham Takes on 30 the Chevy and Citroen - PART #1
0860 10 13 17
Workshop Essentials and Supplies

ADAMS POLISHERS
Web resource for the refinishing se
ADAM'S WATERLESS WASH - R295 ex VAT - 5L
MICRO FIBRE CLOTHS
Adams Premium Car Wash R245 ex VAT - 5L
Leather & Interior Cleaner R365 ex VAT - 5L
36
Web resource for the refinishing sector
R17.50 ex VAT each
R9.65 ex VAT each
R52 ex VAT each
Online CPA training 36 for Sambra members
R29 ex VAT each SEAT COVERS R1.75 ex VAT each
R17.50 ex VAT each PAPER AND PLASTIC FLOOR MATS From 79c ex VAT each
R39 ex VAT each
Adams Detail Spray R355 ex VAT - 5L
Super V.R.T Vinyl, Rubber &Tire Dressing R795 ex VAT - 5L
STEERING WHEEL COVERS 90c ex VAT each
START-UP KIT MOBILE FLOOR SYSTEM R2595 ex VAT
KEY CABINETS AND SAFES

Model SKC35 R795 ex VAT
BOOSTER PAC
Model SSKS49 R2850.00
CAR TOP HAT R58 ex VAT each

Yellow, Red, Blue, Orange
ES3500 (12 volts) Petrol and Diesel R2995 ex VAT
ES6000 (12 volts) Petrol and Diesel R4850 ex VAT
WORKSHOP ESSENTIALS
TEL 0860 10 13 17 JHB Head Office EMAIL: mike@motormerchandise.co.za Unit 7, 368 Oak Ave, The Oaks, Ferndale, Randburg. Cape Town: 083 298 1616, Durban: 083 720 3271
www.motormerchandise.co.za
PAGE 29
BODYSHOP NEWS
Repair Validation
he UK-based Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre, or Thatcham, was established in 1969 by British Insurers, and is an independent not-for-profit organisation. Its primary aim is to carry out research targeted at containing or reducing the cost of motor insurance claims, whilst maintaining safety and quality standards. The centre is well equipped with a range of collision repair equipment that is used for both research and training purposes, and also has a vehicle impact testing laboratory and a sled facility for nondestructive testing. In the first of a series of articles we look at the organisations latest Repair Validation report which assesses whether a vehicle that has undergone a structurally invasive repair, is as safe as the original vehicle. The material below is part one of an extract from the latest research report and is reprinted here courtesy of Thatcham. Working closely with the manufacturer of the vehicle from the outset of the repair, Thatcham evaluates parts availability and service conditions in order to resolve any issues at the earliest opportunity, maximising efficiency and ensuring the best possible outcome in the cost of the repair. Throughout the project, the Vehicle Repair Technologies (VRT) Research team at Thatcham works alongside vehicle manufacturers to validate repair methods in terms of their accessibility, usability, quality, UK repair market acceptance and suitability to produce effective body repair scenarios. The VRT Research team also works with the VRT Data Production teams within Thatcham
Thatcham Takes on Chevy and Citroen - PART #1
who produce Thatchams own repair methods, which are drawn from many sources of information, closely aligned to the original vehicle manufacturer methods, but also incorporating Thatchams own expertise and experience in producing suitable repair methods for the UK repair market. Once the repair is complete using these optimised repair methods, the vehicle is subjected to impact tests carried out according to Euro NCAP specifications, and the results are analysed to verify whether the vehicle has reacted as expected. The most recent validation studies have looked at the Citron DS3 and Chevrolet Spark, and below are examples of how the methods were adapted at different stages of the studies as a result of Thatchams recommendations. Citron DS3 The Citron DS3 is a small three-door vehicle based on the same platform as the Citron C3. It was the first three-door vehicle to be used in the Thatcham project, so it was expected that there would be different results compared to those previously seen in the five-door vehicles used so far. The intention for the repair was to replace the complete body side, including a section through the lower A post reinforcement, the complete rear quarter panel, including reinforcements and the sill panel, including reinforcements. The upper B post reinforcement is ordered as an additional service part, but is only used as a provider for the backing plate, behind the upper section joint of the B post reinforcement. Thatcham researchers did observe that one of the service panels had slots for the required
BODYSHOP
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Citron DS3
The service part for upper B post reinforcement is cut to size from the service part and used as backing plate.
The supplied assembly B post reinforcement with the spot welded joint highlighted.
brazing joints already stamped into the panel. Although the joint is the same in manufacture, this is very useful in the repair process as it avoids the need to cut the slots manually, thereby reducing the panel preparation time. During the repair of the vehicle, they found one particular issue that affected the complete layout of the panels: the supplied assembly of the B post reinforcement is not exactly the same as the reinforcement that was fitted to the vehicle. This is possibly due to: A misalignment between the two panels that have been welded together to make the assembly. This may result in an increase in the overall height of the panel assembly. The lower part of this assembly is made out of Ultra High Strength Steel (UHSS) and as this material is hot formed and quenched, slight differences may occur in its overall shape, in this case causing a slight twist. Chevrolet Spark The Chevrolet Spark is a small car replacing the Chevrolet Matiz. The vehicle is built in South Korea by GMs
subsidiary Daewoo Automotive and Technology (DAT), now the largest manufacturer of small cars under the GM brand. As Thatcham has used a number of GM vehicles in method validation projects in previous years, it was interesting to find out how a low cost vehicle, developed and manufactured in South Korea, performs in a heavy impact following repair, compared to the European developed vehicles which it has tested so far. The intention for the repair was to replace the complete body side, including the lower A post reinforcement, the complete B post, including reinforcements and the sill panel, including reinforcements. Unfortunately, the A post reinforcement only has a method available as a complete replacement, which would require the removal of the dashboard and front screen. It would be advantageous to have a section available that would accommodate the section needed for the sill reinforcement removal, as well as the replacement of the sill outer panel. Thatcham decided that the repair would be uneconomical if the A post reinforcement is replaced as a whole, and
therefore has developed its own method. By using a reinforcement, it frees up the sill reinforcement for removal. The Chevrolet Spark method shows a complete B post reinforcement removal, without the roof on the vehicle. The highlighted area shows where the B post reinforcement is fitted over the cant rail and under the roof panel. Although there is a chance that the roof is damaged when the B post reinforcement is damaged and would need replacement, there is also an equal chance that the lower B post reinforcement is damaged, with no or very limited damage to the roof. As the method for the B post reinforcement requires a complete replacement of the B post reinforcement (and this reinforcement is fitted under the roof panel), it would require the removal of the roof panel in every case. This is not cost effective for a car of this value and it is very likely that the insurers would write the car off. Want to know how these repairs held up in crash testing? Watch out for our November / December issue for part 2 of the Thatcham Repair Validation report.
Chevrolet Spark
Left: Section shows the outer panel and the A post reinforcement overlapping the sill reinforcement. Right: The new method with the additional sections used to free up the sill reinforcement, without removing any additional parts.
PAGE 31
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BODYSHOP NEWS
Web resource for the refinishing sector

S based website Collision Hub is a meeting place for members of the motor repair industry across the globe and features live discussions and training on hot topics for the sector. The latest episode of its educational video series, Repair University, was aired online in late September and featured Daren Fristoe President of The Fristoe Group, a solutions provider of human resource products and services for small to mid-sized businesses. The episode, Interviewing and Hiring in Todays Body Shop is still available on the site and makes for informative watching. And, while the training is US-based, the information can easily be applied locally. To attend the Repair University free online training course, register at http://www.planetReg. com/E91514264781. Registered participants will be able to ask questions online when participating in live interviews and have them answered during the segment.
Online CPA training for Sambra members
ambra is still running its free Online CPA Training for members, and all it involves is registering and a little time.
Run in conjunction with Legal Junction, the application is available at your convenience from the website www.legaljunction.co.za. Sambra cautions, however, that it is the responsibility of each member to ensure that it has a designated responsible person who will take receipt and care of the password, which will be member specific. The Consumer Protection Act has a number of critical elements and its is essential that you know how to keep your self and your business on the right side of the Act. For more information you can visit the website www.sambra.co.za/ cpatraining.shtml
PAGE 36
Behr Hella Service Partners, the Automotive Air Conditioning specialists, offer solutions to the Service and Repair Industry. Already 55 and expanding.
Fault Diagnosis Leak Tests Flushing of Systems Re-gas Performance Tests Full Services
Quality replacement components, including compressors, condensers, receiver dryers, expansion valves, orice tubes, evaporators, pressure and other switches, HVAC blowers, pollen lters, oils, A/c gas, ttings and hoses. Behr Hella Service keeps you Cool, Calm and Collected at all times. Behr Hella Service Components and their functions are optimally matched to the comfort demands of car drivers.
Behr Hella Service for a good climate in your car
Contact details: Hans Soonalal 011 538 7500 Cell: 082 888 3648 Dial: 0861 CAR AIRCON www.behrhella.co.za PAGE 37
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PAGE 39
Business Forum
Business insight
Sales figures look good, but...
- Colin Windell
he collective smile on the face of the auto industry right now stems from yet another good month in terms of sales and the prospect that this will run through to year end and with a full-house Johannesburg Motor Show, it is no wonder hands are being rubbed in anticipation.
and asset finance branches countrywide. (see Longer Term Financing Option, Page 44) The APDP, which rewards production, offers its benefits to vehicle manufacturers and components suppliers alike. Government believes the industry is not sustainable without a strong local supply base. One of the APDPs main platforms is the encouragement of greater local content. By that, it means real local content. Components companies supplying parts direct to vehicle assemblers are known as Tier One suppliers. Their suppliers are Tier Two which, in turn, rely on tiers Three and Four. Many of the Tier One companies are multinationals, which source a large proportion of their sub-components from overseas In recognising that multinationals will dominate the Tier One level, Government wants them to use more local suppliers and service providers. Mass-production vehicle producers like Volkswagen SA and Toyota SA, have set minimum targets of 70% real local content. Toyota SA President, Johan van Zyl, says: If you want to create jobs you have to manufacture something. That means sourcing locally at every level of the supply chain. With the APDP you have to know the value addition at every tier. I think this programme is the right one for the country. BMW SA MD Bodo Donauer adds: We must have a true local supply base. Our
companies should not just be workbenches for others from overseas. The biggest carrot is the already-introduced automotive investment scheme (AIS), which is backdated to July 2009 and allows vehicle and components producers to claim back 20% of production-related investments. Another 10% is available under exceptional circumstances, which include training and job-creation. Another important part of the APDP is an assembly allowance for motor companies building a minimum of 50 000 light vehicles annually. Their reward will be duty-free import credits, equivalent to 18% of the value of vehicles. Other elements of the programme include a production incentive based on valueadded defined by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as manufacturers selling price, less input materials and import tariffs frozen at 25% on vehicles and 20% on components. Vehicles from the European Union will enjoy a preferential 18% tariff. If there are misgivings around the APDP, they reflect the fact that many of its details and definitions have still to be finalised. Given the DTIs history of tardiness and making decisions only under duress, not everyone is convinced the APDP will be 100% ready for its introduction on January 1, 2013. But there seems consensus that enough will be known to make it workable. VWSA MD David Powels, who is also President of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA
Colin Windell is the Editor of Fleet Magazine.
SAs new vehicle market grew 10.9% year on year following the August count to 51.315 units, passenger car sales accounting for 7.8% of growth
According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (Naamsa), SAs new vehicle market grew 10.9% year on year following the August count to 51.315 units, passenger car sales accounting for 7.8% of growth, while Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) performed strongly, 19.3% ahead of the same time last year. So, wheres the but? Cars are being financed over longer periods, the fuel price has gone up again, the spectre of the Gauteng Tolls remains unresolved and the industry has to come to terms with the impending Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP). Thats the but. The six-year transaction once a rarity is being requested with much greater frequency by both corporate and retail customers, says Byron Corcoran, head of fleet and asset finance at Bidvest Bank. The assessment is based on feedback from all 14 of the banks fleet
PAGE 40
(Naamsa), says the APDP will have in-built flexibility that will allow it to be adjusted where necessary. There will be review points along the way so that if there are unintended consequences, we will be able to repair them. Nothing is irreversible. That should give all of us confidence, vehicle manufacturers and components companies alike. In terms of directions on the sales front the Ford Figo upset the SA passenger car market in August, recording the cars best sales month ever as the strongest passenger car performer through the dealer channel and the third-best selling passenger car overall. Market conditions appear to be stronger after consolidating a little in July, says Dean Stoneley, VP Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford. Demand remains strong for good value propositions in the lower end of the market.
The 51 436 sales reported by Naamsa for August are representative of a longer than normal selling month rather than any underlying strength in demand, says Malcolm Gauld, GMSAs VP, Sales and Marketing. There will have been a degree of pent-up demand carried over from June and July that was satisfied through better stock availability. The vehicle rental industry is in a fleeting up phase with sales to that sector accounting for 15% of total deliveries. Overall, out of total August 2011 industry reported sales of 51 436 vehicles, 78.8% or 40 534 units represented dealer sales, 15.2% represented sales to the car rental industry, 3.0% sales to government and 3.0% represented industry corporate fleet sales. The domestic macro environment going forward is likely to become less supportive. Recent low numbers in the purchasing managers index suggest a slower pace of expansion over the medium term. Modest growth in private sector credit extension and in money
supply, sharply higher administered price increases, including electricity and fuel costs, will pressurise consumer disposable income and demand for durable goods. As a result, new vehicle sales over the balance of the year are expected to continue to show growth but at a lower rate. The new vehicle sales trend is encouraging, says Dr Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors. We expect the sales trend to continue to remain positive for the remaining months of this year for an overall sales figure of 570 000 units. This would represent a full year increase of around 15%. Despite the positive growth, Dr van Zyl warns that consumers remain under pressure due to rising living costs and lingering economic uncertainty. This, he says, is partially offset by a significant increase in the number of new vehicle introductions.
Behr Hella Service Partners

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Contact details: Hans Soonalal 011 538 7500 Cell: 082 888 3648 Dial: 0861 CAR AIRCON www.behrhella.co.za
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Selling your services?
- Graham Bush
he more I visit retail outlets, the more services I am confronted with and thats great! My local supermarket has recently been revamped and now offers a sushi counter with a Japanese sales assistant adding genuine flavour in both senses of the word. The competitor up the road has also added a sushi bar however, the Zulu speaking assistant does not offer quite the same feeling. And its pretty clear that stores that offer more services will attract more customers. Why then is selling a service so different from selling a product? In some ways, the principles should be the same. The objective is to get the THE INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE prospect to agree that the way to solve
their problem is to use your product or service. The more a retailer thinks about solving problems and becomes focused on solution selling the better they will be. There are, however, some differences between a product and a service which require different sales techniques: The element of trust: Its never possible to know exactly what will be received until the service has been given, however, would a consumer trust Japanese or Zulu speaking sushi assistant? (Not taking anything away from the competency of the Zulu assistant, but retailing is all about customer perceptions!)
The salesperson as part of the service: The product sales person can never be part of his or her product. The product has its own dimensions and specifications which are self contained and unique. But a salesperson selling a service is often part of the package - especially if it is you, selling your own service. A service cant be stored: You cant make it in advance and stock it for selling later. And each time you deliver a service, its going to be slightly different. This then all becomes part of your consistent offering.
Membership is open to all Office -, Stores -, Sales and Clerical employees, Artisans and Apprentices in the Motor Industry.
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Graham Bush is one of Southern Africas leading retail gurus, and over the past 30 years has inspired thousands of businesspeople.He has a relaxed style, and along with his humour delivers powerful and motivational talks and presentations. www.thebushkitchen.co.za
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So, how can you make the process of selling a service that much more effective? Here are a few quick ideas for you to experiment with, adapt and adopt: 1. Use credentials and testimonials: These can be concrete evidence that your service has worked for other people. And if your existing satisfied customers dont volunteer testimonials, ask for them. Youll seldom get a refusal. Then make a noise about them promote the good news! 2. Dont be vague about your service: A service is by nature a series of promises until the benefits have been delivered. So make your promises as concrete as possible. Paint a Word Picture. Sell both Promise and Proof. Be very, very clear about what you are offering. 3. Give free samples at the right time: Sampling in the food industry is a tried and tested
method. I was in a wine store the other day and there was a new product launch going on with free wine tasting but it was 9.00am! I dont know about you, but having just had some tea and toast, washing it down with a new Merlot just wasnt going to work for me! Timing is everything, so plan your sampling for the right time and the right audience. 4. Make your service different: Product manufacturers try to make their products different from their competitors. Its even more important to show how your service offers something different. And make sure that the differences are ones that are important to the consumer, remembering to sell benefits! 5. Dont sell your time: If you are selling a time-based service, try not to sell it on the basis of so many hours worked. Sell it on so much per solution or project. This way, you remove the fear barrier that you
might be trying to spin the project out. And youll be offering a firm outcome for a fixed price. I understand thats not always possible, but try to make this type of offer to new clients. Existing customers may trust you enough to buy on a time-based proposal. 6. Think of your service as a product: This may seem a contradiction, after saying that a service is different in important ways. But many of the solid sales principles apply equally to a service as to a product. When you are reading about sales and marketing methods which seem to apply more to a product, try to adapt them to selling your service. Often, they will work equally well. And at the end of the day, look at all your services individually, and ask yourself the crucial question: Would I buy this?
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Longer term financing - a trend to watch

ast month, Bidvest Bank released a statement to the media regarding the latest findings it had gathered, based on feedback from its 14 fleet and asset finance branches countrywide. One of the key findings, is that the sixyear transaction is being requested by an increasing number of customers.
Last year 9.8% of passenger vehicle transactions were over the extended period, and the figure had grown to just more than 20% this year
As the Head of Fleet and Asset Finance, Byron Corcoran, explains: Sixty months remains the norm, but the
72-month option is increasingly requested across the range full maintenance leasing, leasing, rental and instalment sale. He continues that this option was not a popular one two years ago, however, this trend began to change in 2010. Last year 9.8% of passenger vehicle transactions were over the extended period, and by the middle of this year, the figure had grown to just more than 20% in the division. According to the bank, the same trend was evident in the commercial vehicle market. The longer period transactions accounted for around 10% of light delivery vehicles and trucks financed by the bank in 2009. This had risen to around 40% by the middle of last year.
And while most would attribute the trend to the economic pressures suffered increasingly by consumers over the past two years, the bank believes it is also due to the increasing reliability of vehicles, and longer running warranties. People also realise that depreciation in the resale value of a vehicle flattens out between years five and six, continues Corcoran. The vehicle is starting to retain value, which can be a positive factor when looking at the residual component of the transaction. Even when economic recovery gains traction, we believe the 72-month term will retain its attraction in both the corporate and retail market segments.
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HCT 202B
Automatic tyre changer with retractable arm Faster operation due to the retractable arm. Supplied with aluminium rim protection covers. Includes lubricator, tyre lever and tyre inflator. Suitable for MAG and steel rims from 1024 diameter. 220V 50Hz Single phase power supply. Stainless steel bead breaking cylinder. Help arm for tough runflat tyres available.
HCT 106B
Semi-automatic tyre changer with swing arm Supplied with aluminum rim protection covers. Includes lubricator, tyre lever and tyre inflator. Suitable for MAG and steel rims from 1024 diameter. 220V 50Hz Single phase power supply. Stainless steel bead breaking cylinder.
HCT B25
Semi-automatic computerised wheel balancer with wheel guard Automatic distance and rim diameter reading. When closing the guard the machine starts automatically and stops after 6 seconds. Dynamic, static and mag rim programs included. Self calibrating and diagnostics program standard. Special stick on MAG and hidden weight programs included. Includes cone adaptors, quick release nut, rim caliper, wheel weight plier and 4x4 cone.
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Hirise low level lift. Capacity 3 Ton. Special design to prevent lift from fast decent or ascent when close to the ground. 220V 50Hz Single phase power. Suitable for all cars, vans and 4X4 vehicles. Drive over ramps lock in horizontal position to accommodate longer vehicles. Pneumatic safety system included. Easy to install.
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How to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act
- John Hempel
Part 4 - Symbolic safety signs

n terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, all employers must comply with the requirements of the Act, and all applicable standards and codes, one of which deals with symbolic safety signs. The latter is addressed under South African National Standards (SANS) code 1186 1 of 2003, and are used to identify certain aspects in the workplace, using specific colour standards. It is important to note that this SANS standard replaces the old SABS standard. The use of Symbolic Safety Signs is an important part of managing Occupational Health and Safety in the workplace, as they are a means of effective communication. Symbolic signage ensures that all employees, contractors, visitors, customers and the general public are able to see what the employer is instructing them to do, and what is required of them, without having to hear verbal instructions, or without having to take the time to read written instructions. This is especially important where employees have hearing difficulties or are illiterate. In order to be as effective as intended, however, the signs should be placed at strategic points in the workplace that are easily visible, and most importantly, address the specific areas for which they are needed.
By way of example, an employer would use the following signage as part of managements strategy to comply with legislation: Green and white to identify the first aid box, toilets and emergency escape routes. Red and white to identify the location of fire extinguishers. Blue and white to enforce the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment. Yellow and black signage to warn visitors about slippery floors, live electricity and so forth. Red, White (and Black) to prohibit smoking on the premises. Of course, as with all OHS rules, making use of such signage is not just a nice to have - as an employer you are legally bound to use them correctly, and failure to do so can result in liability for injuries sustained on your premises. The following court finding proves just how important symbolic signage is, and also highlights the liability of the employer for his customers and visitors: Judge Willie Hartzenberg in the Pretoria High Court, ruled that a transport contractor, Ms Carola de Klerk, receive
compensation of R125 000 from Kohler Delta in Witbank, after slipping and falling on the premises. The company was also instructed to pay all legal costs. On the day of the incident, Ms De Klerk went to buy parts at the premises of Kohler Delta in Witbank where she fell upon leaving the premises. According to evidence submitted, the steps were very slippery and no warning signs to this effect were displayed. (This article was sourced from an Advantage ACT newsletter.) Can you imagine how many products an employer must sell for his net profit to cover a payout of R125 000? Quite simply, it is not worth the risk of NOT having complied with the OHS Act. The lesson is this, ensure that your Risk Assessment identifies your needs to have sufficient symbolic signage in place, so that all of the requirements are met. The symbolic signage aspects should also be included in your basic safety training, so that all employees are aware of what they mean. And if you are still not sure how to comply, talk to somebody who is an expert in the field. The effort will certainly pay off if, and when, something does happen at your business.
The 5 types of SANS symbolic signage that must be used are: Geometric Shape & Background color Warning signs Prohibitory signs Mandatory signs Information (General) Information (Fire Equipment) Yellow triangle with black borderline White circle with red borderline Blue circle Green square White square with red borderline
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John Hempel is a Director of Compliance South Africa (Pty) Ltd, and has worked extensively within the Manufacturing and Motor industries. He has been instrumental in the start up of the SEIFSA Health and Safety division and RMI4OHS Joint Venture, which was launched with the core focus of assisting companies to comply with legislation. His company is accredited with the HWSETA.
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INNOVATIONS
AutoForum - August 2011
The latest automotive technology
Delphis RACam is an integrated radar and camera system that enables a suite of active safety systems including full speed range adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlamp control, traffic sign.
The electronically scanning radar makes it possible to provide mid and long range sensing with one radar.
New ESR makes even non premium vehicles safer

elphi Automotive took advantage of the IAA International Motor Show to launch its latest safety technologies aimed at protecting vehicle occupants, cyclists and pedestrians. One of the companys newest sensor fusion products is RACam, an integrated radar and camera system that enables a suite of active safety systems. These include: full speed range adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlamp control, traffic sign recognition, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection and autonomous braking. The latter automatically slows the vehicle to a stop in situations where the driver does not react to a hazard detected by the vehicle. Through this new technology, engineers hope to eliminate the expense of multiple safety systems. It works by virtue of an electronically scanning radar (ESR) at its core, and according to its creators, it is this that makes it possible to provide mid and long range sensing, with a single radar.
RACam also allows for vision sensing and substantial computing power - all integrated in a compact module that can be mounted on the windscreen side of the rear view mirror. This makes a vast change from the traditional approach, which is to mount separate radar systems behind the vehicles front grille, a high risk crash area, and thus a very costly replacement item in the event of a frontal impact. The fusion of radar and camera into one intelligent module provides a sophisticated analysis of the road scene, while moving the radar out of the vehicles crush zone, explains Mike Thoeny, Global Engineering Director of Delphis Electronic Controls product business unit. The technology allows the vehicle to respond with appropriate action such as automatically applying the brakes to avoid a collision with a vehicle or pedestrian when the driver doesnt.The single-box system is expected to be on the roads in 2014.
But accidents are not restricted to the front of the vehicle, so the company has also developed Rear and Side Detection System (RSDS). This technology helps alert drivers of approaching vehicles that may be difficult to detect in side-view mirrors. The system uses a high-performance, globally accepted compact 76GHz radar, which Delphi explains, provides superior long and short range performance, target discrimination and improved range calculation when compared to 24GHz units. This technology is scheduled for production during 2012. Delphi additionally showcased its newly developed vehicle sounder solution for use in hybrid and electric cars for pedestrian safety. Lighter, lower cost and requiring less power than conventional multi-box solutions, the new sounder can be mounted under the bonnet and integrated with other vehicle systems, such as the vehicle alarm or battery charging system.
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INNOVATIONS
New flywheel hybrid system
new flywheel hybrid system has recently shown much promise as an aid to reducing fuel consumption. The system has been developed by a consortium of British companies as part of that countrys Government-supported Flywheel Hybrid System for Premium Vehicles (FHSPV) programme. So far, improvements in fuel economy of up to 22.4% have been demonstrated by a research vehicle fitted with the system, which also includes stop-start technology. The mechanically-driven flywheel system delivers up to 80bhp (82PS, 60kW) of recovered energy from a self-contained hybrid module, and it achieved an 11.9% improvement in the industry standard New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). The benefits of mechanical hybrids outweigh those of electric hybrids, according to the new systems developers. This is
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due in large part to the new technologys more efficient energy conversion methods, which negate the need to convert kinetic energy to electrical, to chemical and back again. In addition, the cost, weight, packaging and recycling issues associated with batteries, are also eliminated. The test vehicle containing the new technology recovers energy via the rear differential, through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) into a highspeed flywheel. When the driver reapplies the accelerator, the CVT smoothly transfers the energy back to the wheels. The flywheel and its drive system are installed adjacent to the rear axle, in the space normally occupied by the spare wheel. The whole system weighs 80 kg. Other advantages include the fact that minimal body and packaging changes are required to integrate the system, and there is no change to the driveline configuration. The flywheel itself is constructed from carbon composite and operates in a
partial vacuum, allowing it to spin at up to 60 000rpm. There is growing support for flywheel hybrid systems across the industry, fundamentally driven by affordability, says Dick Elsy, CEO of Torotrak, which is one of the developers. From Torotraks work in this market, the directional costs of the system look to be less than half of the cost of equivalent battery/ electric hybrids. A mechanical hybrid with stop/start, at a transaction price that makes sense, has significant potential for widespread application in the drive to reduce CO2.
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N3 Stats reveal the brutal truth

Self inflating tyres
Goodyear Tyre Company in the US recently unveiled a new innovation that it claims could make manual tyre pumps obsolete. The value of keeping tyres at optimal pressure is well documented. Not only does it mean that tyres wear evenly and enjoy longer life than their under-inflated counterparts, it also results in better fuel efficiency (2.5 3.3% lower fuel mileage, according to the US government), lower emissions and safer driving. The new development - Air Maintenance Technology (AMT) - involves an internal pump within the tyre itself, allowing it to maintain its own optimal pressure. The innovation already has a very encouraging following and is supported by a $1.5 million US governmental grant, as well as financial support from the EU. As Jean-Claude Kihn, Goodyear Senior VP and Chief Technical Officer explains: While the technology is complex, the idea behind the AMT system is relatively simple and powered by the tyre itself as it rolls down the road. No word yet on when the new technology will be available to consumers.
- Dave Scott
heres one thing any government or N3 Toll Concession (Pty) Ltd cargo public official finds difcarried on this route is approaching ficult to tolerate, and 40 million tons per annum. An average that is accurate statisof 4600 trucks use the N3 every day of tics that paint a dismal which 65% (2990) are extra-heavy rigs picture. We are so dewith five and more axles. The N3 is also void of true stats involvan extremely important leisure corridor ing road safety, that its Easter Friday 22 April 2011 saw 33900 most refreshing when a vehicles pass through N3 gates. corporate body such as the N3 Toll Concession N3TC runs a 24/7 route patrol divided (Pty) Ltd (N3TC) is preinto six sections under a Route Control pared to share the bruCentre with variable message signage tal facts of life on a maand a Customer Care line 0800 N3 HELP jor South Africa artery (00800 63 4357) This is all way beyond such as the N3. What N3TCs contractual obligations. follows are key extracts from a presentation by Con Roux, N3TC Commercial Manager, at the Call to Action for road safety day held at Shongweni KZN. As Roux says: Its all about responsible sharing of the road, and its not happening. Incident Management Systems (IMS) at N3TC measure a variety of events on the road within monthly and annual time frames. For example, the number of tyres removed from the N3 roadway runs on average at over 800 per month during March 2011 this exceeded 1 000 tyres. Types of tyre damage investigated between Warden and Villiers show that penetration and impact fracture account for 70% of the losses. The N3 is a good surface and much heavy traffic runs at night when its cooler and kind to tyres. What is happening in the rest of South Africa where discarded tyre
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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.
YEAR 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Average
NUMBER OF CRASHES 1058 1149 929 934 1103 1035
Poorer decision making. Lost seconds means an extra-heavy rig simply runs out of braking runway see AutoForum April 2011 Running out of trucking runway
and fleet managers are, for the most part, not really serious about driver excellence and wellness. Law is not enforced 24/7. The operators on this route know that, so they take chances at night with overloaded and unroadworthy rigs. A lack of specialists, including vehicle examiners, compounds this problem. Added to this is poor/absent co-ordination between services, exaggerated by the lack of dedicated law enforcement and the result is that illegal driver licences flourish on the N3. It should be law enforcement that provides identification and analysis of accident causes, but sadly they do not take charge over statistical data inaccuracy. Whats happening on the N3 is an accurate reflection of South African society. The representatives of the law are not really interested in enforcement hohum its too much work, co-ordination and effort for the little pay received. From a truck operators viewpoint its a case of trying to get away with avoiding the real issues and safety does not really matter. And the corporate stakeholders are trying to keep it all together by going above the call of duty in spite of the situation on the ground. I salute the men and women of N3TC its a dangerous jungle out there and youre doing a great job!
Reference and acknowledgement Con Roux Commercial Manager N3 Toll Concession you can reach him at conr@n3tc.co.za
carcasses are not being retrieved and counted? This all points to an environmental rubber mess. The average percentage of heavies in the traffic mix is 32%, but 45.3% are involved in crashes. 69% of fatal crashes occurred at night meaning that if you can avoid travelling on the N3 at night it will be in your best interests. Its interesting to note that N3TC favour the term crash as opposed to collision or incident. The economic downturn of 2008 and 2009 are also reflected in the numbers. Head-tail, left the road, and vehicle rolled crash types accounted for 69% of crashes in 2010 all of which indicates driver fatigue. Typical crashes associated with fatigue are driving into objects, driving off the road, overturning and single vehicle crashes Roux makes the point: Fatigue develops over time where some drivers are not aware that they are tired until it is too late. Others are aware that they are tired, but continue to drive and choose not to rest. Fatigue is associated with: Decreased driving performance; Slower reaction times; and
Here is what N3TC regards as peak times for fatiguerelated crashes 04h00- 08h00 - before the body temperature starts to rise 22h00-00h00 - when the body normally expects to sleep 14h00-18h00 - being the siesta period. If we know the inherent dangers around this, the question is: How can we manage driver time, activity and contact so that the impact of peak fatigue times can be minimized?
Fatigue and reaction times are also the outcome of poor health behind the wheel, and N3 has run eightDriver Wellness Days where 686 drivers were tested. 7% were referred for blood pressure treatment 48 drivers could suffer a stroke on the road 7.3% were referred for blood sugar treatment 50 drivers will suffer deteriorating eyesight and could suffer a coma 30% revealed eyesight problems (1 in 3) this is absolutely staggering. Eyesight is everything, especially at night. This means that current eye-testing is a joke. The health and eye certificates being produced are just a paper chase
00_AutoZone_Top_Quality_Strip_Advert.indd 1
2011/07/11 8:59 AM
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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
Can we recover the trailer mess?
- Dave Scott
utoForum April 2011 carried a trailer review entitled: South Africas orphan transport fleet, and the issue was highlighted by FleetWatch magazine and their partners, Bridgestone, Jost Transport Equipment and WABCO, in a further call to action for road safety at Shongweni, KwaZulu-Natal on Friday 19th August to truck fleet owners. Here is more hard evidence of the task ahead. Roadside roadworthy inspections carried out as a training exercise for the road traffic inspectorate in various provinces has proved the shocking state of SAs national trailer fleet. The fact of trailer neglect is shown up in the following table of vehicles tested and those that were served discontinuance notices.
According to this table and its conservative two-thirds of South Africas trailers should not be on the roads. A 100% failure rate of 25 rigs tested in the Western Cape is a shocker. And KZN with a 92% failure rate means that zero tolerance really only applies to speed trapping. How did this situation get so bad? For a start, trailer parts are under siege. Copy parts, pirate junk and misleading labels are flooding the SA market. Price rules so who wants to fit new genuine, safety critical parts to an old rusty trailer? There are many examples that AutoForum has cited in the past, among which are: Cheap, badly cast brake drums accelerate in-service failures where theres a lack of copper (heat
dispensation) or chrome (hardness) in the casting this cuts manufacturing cost and reduces price Mild-steel trailer kingpins are not detectable when machined and oiled. Kingpins must be manufactured from EN19 or EN24 hardened steel and must be traceable with manufacturer imprint to fix the difference between mild steel and EN19 Load-straps marked at 5 t break apart at 740 kg. Polypropylene masquerades as polyester. Also any load-strap must be de-rated by 50% where stitching occurs at the hook end PA6-rated suzi coils are being sold locally and branded as PA12 Out of round, badly machined and weakly-welded cheap rims lead to catastrophic tyre failures
BRAKE & TYRE WATCH - EVENT RESULTS TO DATE LOCATION Gauteng - City Deep Middelburg Centurion Midway KZN Kroonstad Western Cape Bloemfontein Pietermaritzburg Port Elizabeth Rustenburg Limpopo Estcourt Northern Cape JHB - Langlaagte TOTAL INSPECTED 24 35 41 26 8 25 54 12 15 7 11 24 24 24 330 DISCONTINUED 21 24 17 10 7 25 26 11 6 5 10 20 20 18 220 % 88% 69% 42% 38% 92% 100% 48% 92% 40% 72% 91% 84% 84% 75% 67%
This all leads to vital seconds lost as heavy combinations run out of runway. A summary view of the current state of the road transport industry operating trailers: a. The road transport industry does not train anyone in trailer technologies certainly not the truck OEMs or the trailer manufacturers b. There is no industry standard trailer maintenance training manual its all little bits and pieces from component suppliers c. Drivers are not trained to recognise the problems that trailers can cause and record this accurately on predriving checklists
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d. Fleet-owner attitudes are negligent - especially smaller operators who are ignorant of the facts e. Theres a complete lack of tools to measure and maintain trailers f. The road traffic inspectorate is not up to the task g. Fleet owners do not have formal trailer training and maintenance policies this cascades into a lack of discipline h. Untraceable sub-grade safety critical parts are being dumped on unsuspecting price-driven transport operators Countermeasure for a worsening debacle: Its all very well to list the problems what to do about them is more important and here are a few countermeasures to improve the situation at ground zero: 1. Fund a trailer maintenance training manual that goes together with a recognised training course as an industry standard syndicate the costs so that all benefit and promote the manual
2. Chase down spurious parts suppliers under the Consumer Protection Act the SABS must show its teeth not its gums 3. Make trailer training part of a truck OEM technician curriculum 4. Train, train, train the road traffic inspectorate 5. Establish an aviation style forensic team to independently investigate major accidents only a few examples of investigation and exposure will scare operators into voluntary compliance. What we are not observing is the impact that under-serviced trailers have on the prime mover. A badly maintained trailer increases driveline wear and fuel consumption and can be the forerunner of the cascade of events
leading to road accident. This all adds up to destroying the environment theres a bigger picture out there than just maintaining trailers. Come on guys lets not slip into sloppy, slapgatheid on this issue!
Reference and acknowledgement FleetWatch Brake & Tyre Watch and their partners.
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Show Time
Midas/Napa Convention 2011
he Midas Group 2011 national conference took place at Sun City on the weekend of 16-18 September. This impressive gathering of over 800 delegates included Midas Group staff, NAPA members, franchisees from Midas, Motolek, ADCO, CBS and ACD, as well as a host of industry leaders and suppliers. A fun-filled and informative weekend was kicked off with a welcome from outgoing CEO, Gordon Odgers, at a Caribbean beach party in the Super Bowl. The relaxing beach environment - complete with Eyona branded beach slops, dancing girls and a live band - was the ideal venue to start renewing old friendships and meeting fellow delegates. The Eyona Best Together, Now and Forever theme of this years conference was reiterated when business proceedings started bright and early with the first of five industrial theatre pieces. The latter depicted a mythical family of animals living on the banks of a river whose health, well-being, both binds and directs this animal family just as the core value of Eyona unites and guides the Midas family. Keynote speaker Nick Binedell, the founding Director and Sasol Chair of Strategic Management of the Gordon
PAGE 56
Institute of Business Science, opened with a thought provoking statement: We live in an era of large scale and rapid change, increasing technical and social complexity and significantly more competition. Nick expounded upon this statement with a combination of statistics and personal anecdotes of his international experiences and travels. He also highlighted his belief that South African business managers have the ability to, and indeed a history of, adapting positively to change. Warren Espinoza, COO of Midas Group, welcomed the delegates and representatives of the Imperial Group, the major shareholder in Midas Group. He reiterated the Midas board and managements commitment to, and belief in, the strength of Midas Group brought about through this right fit shareholding by the Imperial Group. Espinoza then gave an informal overview of the Midas Group, including its achievements in franchise growth and market share, warehousing expansions, CPA compliance, a BBBEE rating of 5 and the launch of the Technica online training programme (watch out for more on this in future issues of AutoForum). He detailed the Groups forward view and key initiatives, whilst assuring the delegates that these strategies are ongoing in line with managements goal of achieving maximum efficiencies for the Midas family. Gerhard Braun closed off the first morning session with an interesting
presentation encompassing nine areas designed to aid and assist franchisees in maximizing their efficiencies and effectiveness. Gerhard showed how warehouse expansion had led to an increase of R48 million in stock holding, and a daily generation of 16 500-plus invoices. The second morning session began with a very entertaining presentation by NAPAs Men In Black. Rolf Gudegast, Megan Naiker, and Justin McKnight, combined to present the growth achievements of the NAPA members, not least of which is their remarkable smashing through a turnover of R1 billion. There were a few concerned faces amongst the smiling crowd, when Rolf reiterated the continuation of his RED Card system, which will be developed to expand into special RED Card awards to suppliers. With Rolfs imminent retirement, the Men In Black closed their session with ongoing seamless commitment to the NAPA members. Jeremy Maggs, journalist, radio and TV presenter followed with a discourse on Marketing Mojo, giving delegates an insight into modern marketing of brands, an eye opening example of which was his describing how with the social networks currently available, marketers can within minutes of an event such as this conference, be availing consumers of all the details including pictures and videos. Marketing Director of Midas Group, Stefan Le Roux, closed off the morning
session on the topic of Franchisor Obligations. He emphasised the Groups commitment to helping relieve the shortage of skills in the industry through a number of initiatives, foremost of which are the Groups various training systems and products, providing unique advantages and available to members, franchisees and their customers. Independent break-away sessions after lunch for the various franchises provided an opportunity for specific discussions and information to be passed on in these well attended groups which were open to suppliers as well. Last, but certainly not least, among the guest speakers, renowned environmental campaigner and endurance swimmer, Lewis Gordon Pugh inspired attendees prior to the close of the afternoons sessions. Interestingly, we spoke with a number of those who attended this last session and found that each seemed to have come away with a differing personal message, but a renewal of commitment ranked highly. The conference came to a close with the Gala Dinner and awards ceremony where in addition to naming the various franchisees of the year and being entertained by the likes of Jessie Clegg, La Vuvuzela, and the legendary Johnny Clegg and his band, delegates were privileged to be integral in a moving and enthralling final tribute to Gordon Odgers by board members of both Midas and Imperial, colleagues in the industry and members of the Midas Group staff.
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SHOW TIME Midas/Napa Convention 2011
PAGE 58
JHB Motor Show now on
he JHB Motor show is finally here, and while it has been a bit of a wait since the last event, thanks to the staging of the FIFA world cup in 2010, this years show promises to be worth the deferral. Apart from the launches of numerous new models and technology in both the passenger and commercial vehicle sectors, the show will also play host to the announcement of the Wesbank/South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) top contenders in the 2011 Car of the Year competition. Finalists will be announced at a gala event on the evening of the first trade day, 6 October, having been chosen from all the qualifying models released in the past year, excluding
existing range derivatives and face-lifted models. Following audited procedures, the ultimate winner will be named in March 2012.Of course, all ten of the cars in standing for the awards will be on view at the show. Another highlight of the show is the motor industry conference, which will take place on 12 October. There are still spaces available for what is expected to be a very topical conference, so make sure you reserve your seat by contacting Meg Houghton on 011 431 1518, or emailing meg@sashows.co.za. The show runs from the 6-16 October, at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec. The first two days are for trade visitors only.
SHOW TIME
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Metelli distributor World Sparess latest part numbers are here: Complete driveshafts for: Citroen C3 1.4 Hdi, Peugeot Boxer 1.9D and 2.5D ( all Left & Right ) Outer CV joints for: Volvo S40 2.0 Water pumps for: Audi A6 2.8V6 and A3 1.4 TFSi; Citroen C4 2.0 Hdi and Mercedes CDIs Brake discs for: Audi A4 2.0 TDi (Rear); Fiat Croma (Front); Renault Megane (Rear with bearing); Mercedes Sprinter 416 CDi (Rear); Jeep Cherokee (Front) and Mercedes C220 Cdi (Front) Brake pads: Mitsubishi Triton (Front); Mercedes A Class (Front with sensors ); Mercedes E Class 2006 on (Front) Wheel Cylinders: Fiat Strada (Rear); Hyundai Getz (Rear Left and Right ) For these and many others, contact Paul or Martin on (011) 622-5405, fax them on 086 689 3148 or email sales@worldspares.co.za
New SAE IVHM title

The Society of Automotive Engineers has launched a new book that addresses both basic and advanced concepts, which they believe are critical for the understanding and support of the developing field of IVHM. Entitled: Integrated Vehicle Health Management: Perspectives on an Emerging Field the book is edited by Ian Jennions, and is described as a unique and groundbreaking piece collaboratively written by experts from academia, research and industry. The books thirteen chapters represent the collective voice of the most qualified authorities in the field, and is an ideal introduction for engineers, executives, academic instructors, and students. In addition to the basic principles of the field, the text identifies how and where IVHM should be implemented, and looks at its commercial value. It retails for $119.95. For more information visit: http://books.sae. org/book-r-405
Guaranteed minimum offer for dealers

TransUnion recently released an update to its online dealer-to-dealer used car trading market - Guaranteed Minimum Offer - which ensures that its customers will receive a fair offer for every vehicle they wish to sell from an approved panel of buyers. As CEO Mike von Hne explains, the no-fee, Guaranteed Minimum Offer benefit is aimed at helping TradeXchange sellers trade with confidence, and means that they will receive an offer for every vehicle they load onto the site, even if no bids are received. Dealers can now load their trade units, fleet vehicles or even those 90-day vehicles that are approaching overage on TradeXchange with an accurate description of the vehicles condition - and guarantee a sale, he says. For more information visit the website: www.tradexchange.co.za
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Supplier Pooling On The Cards

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Supplier Pooling On The Cards

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EDITOR CLARE RUTKIEWICZ

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New Alpha catalogue

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The latest global news

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Valid September/ October, 2011

Steering Angle Sensor Calibration Tool

To reset steering wheel position & active headlights.

(Including Land Rover Ride-Height Preset function)

Wheel Balancers for Trucks & Cars

SolusPro Diagnostic Scan Tool

On Car Brake lathe

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Equipment Supplier of the year 2009 & 2010

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Synovate Quality Awards 2011

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More efficient designs means less CO2

Ekurhuleni Metro open for business

10-26'' Wheel Repair Machine, includes press, lathe and polisher

eTraining for Hi-Q

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RMI condemns proposed Western Cape tolls

COETZ TECHNOLOGIES (PTY) LTD

Supplier pooling on the cards

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Nissan SA in bid for new bakkie

ch638 pia taxi advert .pdf

Offering the largest range of automotive parts in Sub-Saharan Africa

For The Widest Range In Vehicle Specific Taxi Parts

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PSH hosts head office visit

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100% electric Nissan LEAF

Will SA ever catch up and be 'Green'?

Absa announced recently that it had launched Green Vehicle Finance

GM Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle

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CLS - easy on the eye and on fuel