September 2016

Uncategorized

Official opening of Car-O-Liner Asia – Pacific Training centre

More than 50 guests and Car-O-Liner employees attended the official opening of their new Asia-Pacific Training Centre in Bangkok. The new training centre features all of the Car-O-Liner product range with lots of room for practical training and also classroom and conference rooms onsite.

 

Per Madsen and Car-O-Liner CEO Mikael Jonson welcomed everyone to the training centre with distributors and their staff from all over the Asia-Pacific region joining the Car-O-Liner team on the day followed by a networking dinner in the evening.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Team Car-O-Liner

Editor: There will be full coverage of the opening in the November issue of The National Collision Repairer alongside an interview with Car-O-Liner CEO Mikael Jonson. 

 Uncategorized

Expo seminars address key workshop business issues

Educational seminars are a popular and heavily booked part of the Collision Repair Expo, because they directly address the issues challenging collision repair workshop businesses.

crelogomHosted by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the Collision Repair Expo will be held from Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 April 2017 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Seminars will be offered on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 April with separate seminar programs designed for the mechanical repair and collision repair workshop sectors. The underlying seminar theme will be how technology will soon dominate almost every aspect of the automotive service and repair industry. Specific seminar themes were selected following qualitative research among aftermarket businesses across Australia.

These themes will offer you solutions to vital business concerns, including:

  • Critical update by President of I-CAR International.
  • Finding and keeping top people.
  • The technology challenges of repairing modern vehicles.
  • Rapidly evolving fault finding modes and the impacts of OEM Telematics.
  • Plus much more!

aaaastuartcharityTop talent to deliver top topics :AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity said the Collision Repair Expo seminars will be delivered by top Australian and international automotive experts. “Our Seminar Program Coordinator Colin Bockman has consulted with collision repair industry experts to define the ideal format. He has identified star problem solving presenters to share their knowledge and experience,” said Stuart Charity. “Their seminar content will give you practical information and tips you can use immediately in your business to improve bottom line performance. “To ensure seminar delegates can access specific information from presenters, in a number of seminars Q and A sessions will feature. This facility varies due to the individual format of each seminar. “This seminar program is only one way in which the Expo will deliver value to Australia’s collision repair workshop businesses. In addition, the Expo presents the latest products and technology, and three days of networking and business development opportunities,” said Stuart Charity.

To attend the Collision Repair Expo seminars of your choice, visit http://www.collisionrepair.com.au/. Select the sessions you want to attend and register on line. Due to the popularity of the Expo Seminar Program, you must register in advance.

EDITOR: Trade Shows that offer a seminar/education package are always successful and this move by AAAA to expand on what has previously been on offer is just what attendees will appreciate. I look forward to more information coming through prior to the Expo-it is a must attend event-see you there!

 Uncategorized

FIX AUTO AUSTRALIA APPOINTS TERRY FEEHAN AS HEAD OF BUSINESS

Fix Auto World President and CEO Steve Leal announces the appointment of Terry Feehan as Head of Business for Fix Auto Australia, effective immediately.    In his role, Feehan will be responsible for overseeing Fix Auto’s Australian operations, growing the organization’s team, supporting the network and building relationships with suppliers to help establish Fix Auto as a dominant player in the Australian collision repair market. “I am very excited about joining Fix Auto. The Fix Auto model benefits independent repairers who want to grow and create opportunity by joining their peers in a recognised, respected and successful national repairer group,” says Feehan. “It is my goal and that of my Australian team to work with repairers, suppliers and work providers to build Fix Auto Australia into a network based on honesty, integrity and full focus on the customer.” Prior to Fix Auto, Feehan worked for over 18 years as General Manager of Sydney Automotive Paints & Equipment (SAPE) Group. His long-standing career at SAPE has allowed him to gather important industry knowledge that will make him an instrumental asset in the deployment of Fix Auto in Australia. Steve Leal, President and CEO of Fix Auto World, adds: “Terry is a seasoned industry professional and his extensive experience will be key in ensuring our growth and cementing our position as leading collision repair network in Australia.” Just two weeks after announcing Steve Taylor’s nomination to the role of National Operations Manager for Fix Auto Australia, Feehan’s arrival reinforces Fix Auto’s commitment to building a strong national collision repair franchise network. Fix Auto Australia has also recently identified the first members of its network. To find out more about Fix Auto Australia, visit www.fixauto.com.
2014---TERRY-FEEHAN

 

Terry Feehan

 Uncategorized

New CEO for MTA NSW

The MTA NSW Executive Board has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Stavros Yallouridis, who took up the position on 19th September. Stavros grew up in Melbourne where his father owned mechanical workshops and service station outlets and this is where he learnt his trade as a motor mechanic.

spiros
Stavros Yallouridis

In later years Stavros moved to Greece where he held various positions working for the Fiat Group and the Alfa Romeo Group from 1992 till 2003. In 2003 Stavros took up the position of Managing Director of BMW in Greece. He returned to Australia in 2009 to become the Managing Director of BMW Australia. He served in this position until 2010.

From July 2012 until September 2013 he was the Director of Sales and Marketing, Australia and New Zealand for the Iveco Fiat Group. Stavros headed up the Iveco Trucks Division until December 2014, when this was eventually taken over and is now known as CNH Industrial.

“As you can see, Stavros has had extensive experience in the automotive industry in both Greece and Australia. I am sure now that Stavros has taken up his new position he will be eager to meet with our entire member and customer base,” said Vice President, David Keats.

“The Executive Board looks forward to working closely with Stavros and wish him all the best in his new position.”

Editor: We wish Stavros every success with MTA NSW.

 Uncategorized

Compass Claims Charity Golf Day 2016, in Association with Jaguar Land Rover

Compass Claims and Jaguar Land Rover are proud to be hosting the 4th annual Charity Golf Day in support of The Day of Difference on the 7th of October 2016 at Bonnie Doon Golf Club in Pagewood, NSW.

This year’s event is hosted by legendary Australian Cricketer and media personality, Michael Slater with special guests ex PGA tour pro and MasterChef contestant Lucas Parsons, and radio personality Terry Kennedy from the Big Sports Breakfast.

Past years have seen attendance of up to 120 players on the day from within the automotive industry who have helped raise over $140,000 for the charity. This year is looking to surpass previous years with more players and great prizes to be won. Sponsorships are nearly sold out with under a month to go.

All money raised for the event is donated to the Day of Difference Foundation in support of families with critically injured children.

James Frape, Managing Director at Compass Claims comments, “As we enter our 4th Annual Charity Golf Day we are delighted to announce Jaguar Land Rover as our major sponsor this year. On the back of 3 wonderful events that have raised in excess of $140,000, we only have 4 teams left that can participate this year so we urge everyone to get in quick before we sell out. There are only 3 ½ weeks to go and we are eagerly awaiting another tremendous day at Bonnie Doon golf course raising money for a wonderful cause. ”

If you would like to attend the event or interested in more information, please email marketing@compasscorp.com.au

James Frape and Michael Slater
James Frape and Michael Slater
 Uncategorized

Automechanika Chicago, NACE sign letter of intent to combine forces in 2017

Automechanika Chicago, the largest US trade show dedicated to high-end technical and management-related training for automotive collision and service repair shops, along with NACE (the International Autobody Congress & Exposition), the premiere event for the US collision repair industry, have signed a letter of intent to combine forces starting in 2017.

The co-production between Automechanika Chicago and NACE will create a unified stage using NACE’s strong relationships within the collision and OE community combined with Automechanika Chicago’s global strength throughout the automotive aftermarket. Working in collaboration, the two entities will create an unprecedented partnership focused on training and product discovery for the automotive technicians, shop owners and parts distributors. A combined Automechanika Chicago and NACE show will take place July 26-29, 2017 in Chicago.

“We are extremely pleased with this alliance. The industry has been asking for this and we listened. By combining the expertise of two undisputed market leaders, Automechanika Chicago and NACE, we are confident of our ability to offer a comprehensive platform for companies interested in reaching collision and mechanical repair shops en masse,” stated Dennis Smith, President and CEO, Messe Frankfurt North America.

Automechanika Chicago produced its inaugural show in April of 2015 in partnership with UBM, formerly Advanstar Communications, training more than 2,000 technicians and shop owners. NACE has served the automotive repair and collision market for more than 30 years. The strong commitment to the automotive industry by each of these groups solidifies the combined position to exceed the demands of the market.

“By combining resources, this collaboration will provide the market with a unique opportunity to connect each segment of the industry, thus serving the entire automotive collision and service repair audience,” said Dan Risley, President and Executive Director of the Automotive Service Association (ASA).”

“This partnership is a real opportunity for shop owners, managers and technicians to connect at an event tailored to them by groups that understand their training needs and the real-world repair issues they face,” said UBM Automotive VP & GM Jim Savas.

For more information, visit: www.AutomechanikaChicago.com or www.ASAshop.org.

Dan Risley, third from left, makes an announcement in Frankfurt, Germany, today that Automechanika and NACE have signed a letter of intent to combine forces in 2017.
Dan Risley, third from left, makes an announcement in Frankfurt, Germany,that Automechanika and NACE have signed a letter of intent to combine forces in 2017.

 

 Uncategorized

After 18 years with SAPE Terry Feehan is moving on.

Ray McMartin CEO of the SAPE Group has stated that after 18 wonderful years working with him, Terry has decided to move on and take up the position of Head of Business Fix Auto in Australia. ”Earlier this year Terry felt that he needed a new challenge and with our knowledge the opportunity arose to take on this new position with Fix Auto, said McMartin.  “In August 2016 Terry decided that the time was right for him to move on and I personally thank him for all the great times we have shared working together and gaining inspiration from each other. I know one thing for certain and that is if anyone can put Fix Auto together in Australia, Terry Feehan can.

“Terry will be sadly missed by all his peers at the SAPE Group as they have all thoroughly enjoyed working alongside him and gaining valuable knowledge from his many years of experience in the collision repair industry.”

“While it is with much regret that Terry will be leaving the SAPE Group it is always rewarding to see people fulfil their careers and take on new challenges in their working life,” concluded McMartin.

Editor: We wish Terry Feehan every success in his new role and also continued success to SAPE and the team.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Terry Feehan (left) and Ray McMartin at SEMA 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncategorized

GM FORUM A BIG HIT IN BRISBANE

The first of the new GM Forum’s for 2016 was held in Brisbane on the evening of 1st September at a packed venue with many attendees standing at the back of the room to hear from many industry specialists.

Damian Cahill from GM handled the MC duties for the evening as well as making two presentations on the GM vision for the future and their aim to work with all parties to ensure that customers’ vehicles are repaired correctly and back on the road as soon as possible.

Artur Candido, Body Structures Specialist talked about the new 2017 Colorado and the many new safety features and metals included and how and where to get the required repair information. He also gave many examples of improperly repaired vehicles and why they were improper repairs. As always his presentation was a mixture of important information mixed with some humour and appreciated by the audience.

Steve Curtis then made an excellent presentation on safety features in general and added to this with many videos as examples of why it is so important to have sensors and other technological additions to the modern vehicle fitted correctly.

John McCoy-Lancaster who writes a regular column for The National Collision Repairer magazine then took to centre stage with a very illuminating interview with Kris Goos from AAA Racing, one of the most successful Supercar teams for 2016 who had the audience hanging on every word with stories of what it takes to separate his team from others and some insight into how their drivers think and act. This was new segment for the GM Forum and certainly a big hit with the attendees as witnessed at the end of the evening with Kris surrounded by repairers asking him a lot of questions!

After a short break Darryle Browne from PPG Industries Australia discussed what will be coming soon in vehicle refinish and made very valid points on why training for everyone in the shop has to be ongoing.

I-CAR CEO, Mark Czvitkovits finished up the evening with examples of how training instead of being looked upon as a cost really delivers a ROI (Return On Investment). The percentage increase in efficiency and profit shown in shops that really embrace change and training were a message to all attendees to look at training in a new light.

It was then left to Damian Cahill to thank the audience for attending and to draw out the prizes for the evening with Brant McNully being the lucky winner of the trip to the GM plant in Adelaide. Other prizes included I-CAR course vouchers and special limited edition GM collections of commemorative stamps and coins.

Editor: For the more than 150 who attended the evening it certainly proved to be worthwhile. Each year the GM Forum represents unbelievable value for anyone in the industry to attend-and it is free! Why would you not go along? Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth residents still have the opportunity to attend. Log onto:

http:www.eventbrite.com.au/o/gm-holden-4501770339

 

 

 Uncategorized

Fix Auto Australia announces appointment of National Operations Manager

Fix Auto Australia has announced the appointment of Steve Taylor as National Operations Manager, effective immediately.

Fix Auto World has recently announced that it has identified the collision repair shops that will form Fix Auto Australia’s initial network, and is planning on announcing the official launch of the network in early 2017. Taylor is the first member of the Fix Auto Australia team to be publicly announced, and his appointment underscores Fix Auto’s commitment to deliver consistent quality and results in the Australian collision repair market and is set to help ensure operational excellence and growth for Fix Auto in Australia.

“Entering the Australian market is an exciting opportunity that can only succeed with the right team to support it,” says David Lingham, Global Strategic Development for Fix Auto World. “We are pleased to welcome Steve on board and look forward to working with him.”

Steve Leal, President and CEO of Fix Auto World, adds: “Steve is highly experienced and knowledgeable, and will play a key role in ensuring the success of Fix Auto Australia’s franchise members, as they embrace change and adapt to the future of the collision repair industry.”

Steve Leal
Steve Leal

 

Taylor has a proven track record and years of experience in the collision repair industry, namely as Operations Manager for Extreme Dents and Manager for Capital Smarts Repairs. He possesses knowledge both on the operations and sales sides of the business, which is sure to prove a valuable asset for Fix Auto.

For more information on Fix Auto Australia, please visit www.fixauto.com.