AUTOCARE 2018 COLLISION REPAIR STREAM PROGRAM REVEALED

Australia’s premier convention for the repair, service and parts sectors of the Australian automotive industry, Autocare 2018, is set to be a must-attend event for the nation’s crash repairers, with the Collision Repair stream of the convention including a vast array of outstanding key note speakers and educators. The convention will be held on May 4 and 5, 2018 at the Sydney International Convention Centre.

Organised by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), Autocare 2018 is presented by Diamond sponsor Repco and Platinum sponsor I-CAR. These companies are joined by industry leaders such as SAPE, Lowbake and iBodyshop together with over 80 Silver and Bronze Autocare 2018 partners.

The AAAA is delighted to announce that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Chairman, Rod Sims, will provide the opening keynote address at Autocare 2018. The ACCC Chairman’s address will outline the major findings and recommendations arising from their market study into the new car retailing industry and its implications for the Australian automotive aftermarket industry, including their recommendation to introduce a mandatory data sharing scheme in Australia.

Autocare 2018 will also welcome the United States based Director of Industry Technical Relations from I-CAR, Jason Bartanen, who will provide a detailed presentation on Collision Repair Technology. Bartanen will share his extensive knowledge on the changing nature of materials being used in automotive vehicle construction, along with the impact of driver assistance systems among other important issues. He will also provide an educated insight into where the collision repair industry is likely to be by 2023.

Stephen O’Brien from DNS Technologies will present a keynote session which will provide tips to help you get off the business treadmill by looking outside the square and identifying where improvements can be made to the poor cousin of investment and advancement in body shop – the office.

Nikki Gerling, the Automotive Aftermarket General Manager of Bosch Australia and New Zealand will address the future of mobility in an address titled ‘Electrified. Connected. Automated’.

A number of informative panels have also been assembled for the Collision Repair stream of Autocare 2018. These panel discussions will provide the collision repairers of Australia with access to some of the most influential identities of the industry.

These include a Global OEM panel looking at the impact of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems which will provide attendees with an understanding of how this technology is inter-connected within the vehicle, the importance of correct diagnoses and recalibration, along with how this all relates to approved repair procedures.

There will also be a separate panel of OEMs, Suppliers and I-CAR looking at the use of materials that were once considered exotic such as stronger and lighter steel, aluminium and composites which have now found their way into the mass-market. This workshop will discuss the impact these materials have on the need for ongoing training and development of technicians and the necessity to follow recommended repair techniques.

Senior representatives from a range of global automotive coatings companies will discuss Advancements in Refinish Coatings Technology and their impact on the application and drying processes.

A panel of insurers and industry associations will debate the perennial question on Choice of Repairer as they attempt to separate fact from fiction and provide greater clarity to not only the repairer, but also the car owner.

A panel of industry consolidators will discuss the trend towards consolidation in the industry. While this continues to be one of the more controversial issues in the industry, this workshop is designed to provide a forum for the sharing of views to demystify the impact this has on the industry and bring some reality back to the discussion.

Also included in the Autocare 2018 program is a Panel of Developers and Future Leaders, who will discuss the Talent Gap and what the industry is doing to reignite the passion for what has become a strong and professional industry.

Australia’s pre-eminent provider of industry training programs, I-CAR, along with being a Diamond Autocare Convention partner, has an integral involvement in the Collision Repair stream of this education-led industry event, together with many more major suppliers.

I-CAR will be joined by several of the collision repair industry’s biggest names, including Lowbake Australia who will have their portable spray booth in operation, demonstrating their long-term commitment to the development of the industry. They will also be providing live demonstrations of refinishing technology at the venue’s unique outdoor deck display area.

A who’s who of the collision repair industry will also have trade display areas at Autocare 2018, including 1Q1, Axalta Coating Systems, Bodyline Imports (Autolac), Car-O-Liner Australia, Dent Wizard Tools, DNS Technology, Fix Auto Australia, GPI Automotive Products, Henkel Australia, Kemppi Welding Machines, Nippon Paints, Quotimation, Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Sydney Automotive Paints & Equipment, Thatcham-Escribe, Truflow Spray Booths, Valspar Automotive Australia and many more.

The convention also includes a gala dinner, live training and technical demonstrations along with a special outdoor feature car display. The AAAA anticipates that over 3,000 automotive professionals will attend the combined two-day formal Convention Program, free trade display and onsite activities. All of this makes Autocare 2018 an education, networking and business development event that should not be missed.

According to Stuart Charity, Executive Director of the AAAA, the peak national body representing the $14 billion Australian automotive aftermarket industry, the scope and structure of Autocare 2018’s Collision Repair stream of presenters and panels is truly impressive.

“The bumper Autocare 2018 schedule of key note presentations and collision repair industry sector focussed speakers combines outstanding global and local expertise with specific focus on market research, customer trends and emerging technologies to ensure that attendees learn from their experiences and gain the knowledge required to position their businesses to prosper in the future,” Mr Charity stated.

“We are delighted to have assembled such a strong group of industry, business and research identities for the inaugural Autocare Convention in Sydney next May, which should not be missed for those who seek a long and successful future in the Australian collision repair industry,” He added.

Attendees are encouraged to register early to attend the Collision Repair stream of the event across both days at the Early Bird reduced cost of $200 (inc GST) per delegate, or you may select to attend one day of the convention at the cost of $110 (inc GST) per delegate for registrations made by midnight on March 15, 2018. Following that date the standard registration rates are $240 (incl GST) for two days and $135 (inc GST) for one day.

The full Autocare 2018 Convention event and program information, online registration, secure payment portal and accommodation booking service can be viewed at www.autocare.org.au.

Australia’s car parks become Christmas battlefields

National insurer Youi is urging Australia’s motorists to take extra care in car parks and to extend courtesy to all other drivers during the busiest shopping period of the year.

Youi CEO Frank Costigan said: “As shopping centre car parks across the nation become increasingly busy and congested with many making the year-end dash to the store, it’s likely there will be increased numbers of collisions as drivers look for that elusive parking space.”

“Car parks are notorious places for collisions. Our research showed 14 percent of all motor insurance claims occurred while cars were parked with an average cost of each claim over $2,000. Unfortunately, many drivers returning to their cars often find it damaged and the offender has not left their contact details. Youi research revealed the offender did not leave their details in a shocking one-third (33 percent) of all parked car claims.”

“Unfamiliar car parks can be difficult places to safely navigate and when combined with large numbers of stressed-out drivers looking for scarce available spaces it’s a perfect scenario for increased numbers of collisions. The intense competition for space often means drivers try to squeeze into tight spots. People trying to get out of their car also often knock their door into other vehicles, with many cars baring the trademark nick on the side.”

“Worse still, manoeuvring in and out of a narrow space can result in a costly bingle. Youi is urging motorists to minimise the risk of damage to their cars this Christmas by taking note of our tips to avoid car park collisions,” said Mr Costigan.

Help improve the quality of training in Australia’s automotive sector

PwC’s Skills for Australia is working on an exciting project to help better prepare those interested to become vehicle body repair estimators and they are looking for industry feedback to contribute to their work.

Following months of consultation, Skills for Australia has developed draft training products aimed to address skills gaps in existing training for vehicle body repair estimators. Now members of the public have been invited to review these products and provide their feedback.

To contribute to this project, simply visit the Skills for Australia website and download the draft training products. Then email your comments to info@skillsforaustralia.com or arrange a time to speak with a member of the team.

Feedback on the draft training products in the scope of this project will be open until Thursday 21 December 2017. PwC’s Skills for Australia operates as a Skills Service Organisation, and is responsible for the vocational qualifications and training packages in the automotive industry.

Working with Industry Reference Committees made up of members with experience and expertise covering the entire Australian automotive industry, Skills for Australia’s role is to ensure that training packages reflect the needs of employers and students.

The Training Packages that cover the automotive sector include:
• AUR Automotive Retail, Service and Repair
• AUM Automotive Manufacturing

If you are interested in the work PwC’s Skills for Australia is doing, and would like to be kept up to date on new projects in your area of expertise, you can follow them on Linkedin or subscribe to their mailing list, https://www.skillsforaustralia.com/.

Glasurit hosts 2017 apprentice graduation event

The 2017 Glasurit EDUCATE graduates received their graduation certificate and class of 2017 jacket in a ceremony held at the Glasurit Refinish Competence Centre. With four graduates in 2017, the successful program continues to provide the body shop repair industry with qualified apprentices who go on to become valued spray technicians. James Green, Glasurit Trainer for BASF Australia Ltd presented the graduates with their certificates and awarded three of the apprentices with awards for their outstanding work and attitude.

Encouragement was awarded to Liangen (Scotty) Wen from Dah Cheong Smash repairs. “Scotty is enthusiastic and always asks questions to ensure he is following the correct process” said Green, “he takes pride in his work and is always the first apprentice at the centre and the last one to leave.”

Joshua Baldacchino from Canterbury BMW was awarded Recognition of Achievement, “Josh has a high skill level and is very particular about the work he does” said Green, “he takes pride and care with his work and has a calm approach. He is well liked by his peers and his great attitude at the Glasurit Refinish Competence Centre is reflected at the company he works for”.

In 2017 the Glasurit EDUCATE apprentices have practised their skills on vehicles instead of shells, enabling them to give the full customer service experience when refinishing a vehicle. “This year the apprentice’s application skills were already high, so we focussed on taking pride in their workplace, and as always had a strong emphasis on safety. With the live work there was a strong focus on efficiency, time management and ownership of process and the final product” said Green. “The most rewarding skill to me is the attitude of the Glasurit EDUCATE apprentices and the confidence that they take back to their places of employment”.

Prospects in automotive refinishing are broad, and apprentices could find themselves working in the future as body shop managers, at an OEM or as technical representative, colour designer or teacher. “BASF is committed to supporting careers in the automotive industry. We aim to attract talented, ambitious people and give them the skills and processes needed to be successful in today’s increasingly sophisticated and competitive industry,” said David Handcock, Technical Sales Support Manager at BASF.

Jason Trewin, OEM & Operations Co-ordinator for I-CAR Australia, awarded the graduating students with a certificate to recognise the training that each apprentice has undertaken. This certificate is recognised by the industry, insurers and repairers and will be maintained if each apprentice continues their education in the industry.

Since the introduction of the Glasurit EDUCATE program 60 students have entered the program with 30 graduates. The education at a premium facility with a premium brand has contributed to the success of students competing at the recent Regional WorldSkills event. Three of the top four winners were a part of the Glasurit EDUCATE program. The winner of the Regional Worldskills event, Maxine from Gemini Campbelltown, won the vehicle painting challenge at the Sydney West Region WorldSkills Competition and now goes on to compete at the National WorldSkills competition in Sydney in 2018.

For more information about Glasurit EDUCATE contact James Green, Glasurit Trainer on (02) 8787 0656.

ACCC Final Report delivers a major win for consumers and their choice of repairer

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) warmly welcomes the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Final Report into the new car retailing industry.

Following the detailed recommendations made in the ACCC’s draft report which was released in August, the ACCC’s Final Report recommends a mandatory scheme that will compel all car companies operating in Australia to share the same repair and service information that they currently share with their dealerships, with independent repairers on fair and reasonable commercial terms.

“To say that we are delighted with this outcome would be a major understatement,” AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity stated. “This is a David and Goliath story. A group of small independent repairers spread throughout the country with limited political skill and very limited resources, took on the might of the multinational car companies. The car industry leveraged their financial, lobbying and marketing power to criticise the skill and credentials of our industry, telling Government that all vehicle repair and service information was being made available but independent repairers didn’t have the skills to use it. The ACCC has refuted those claims and the evidence supports our seven-year Choice of Repairer campaign.”

Mr Charity also believes that time is of the essence to act on the recommendations contained in the report. “The Government has the independent umpire’s verdict which contains clear evidence of anti-competitive behaviour. They now need to act quickly to protect consumer choice and competition in the automotive repair and service industry. There is no reason for any delay as this recommendation has been a long time coming. It has been five years since the Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council (CCAC) recommended that the Government consider the introduction of a mandatory code for data sharing. Finally, after an exhaustive 18-month review, the ACCC has recommended government intervention in the form of a mandatory scheme, so it is now time to act,” Mr Charity stated.

“Australia’s 17 million car owners and more than 20,000 independent automotive repairers deserve better than the current situation that finds the car manufacturers routinely and deliberately preventing consumers from exercising choice and their consumer legal rights,” he concluded.

The ACCC’s Final Report has also recognised the key role that third-party data aggregators play in supporting all make and model repairers and has included this important sector into their recommended mandatory scheme. The adoption by government of the ACCC recommendations will provide a level playing field and help to secure the future of over 20,000 Australian independent automotive repairers that consumers trust to service and maintain their cars daily all over the country.

The real congratulations for achieving this long-awaited recommendation from Australia’s peak competition umpire belong to the AAAA members. These businesses took on the might of the multi-national car industry and provided evidence to the ACCC of instances where vital repair data was being withheld. They also invited local Members of Parliament into their workshops to witness first-hand the impact that lack of data access has on their ability to compete and provide competition and choice for their customers.

Australia’s independent repairers, their staff and their customers all shared in this journey and this achievement belongs to them. The ACCC’s Final Report findings are testament to their tenacity and their commitment to our industry. More importantly, the ACCC’s Final Report findings detail their commitment to their customers – Australian car owners, who have suffered the most as a direct result of the withholding of service and repair information.

The ACCC Final Report also outlines the power imbalance between the car manufacturers and their franchise dealers, supporting further examination into this relationship and its impact on consumer outcomes. “We also believe that there an argument for ensuring a transparent and fair relationship between the car manufacturers and their dealers. We have always stated that the dealers are the “meat in the sandwich” in much of this debate, with the car companies dictating the dealership business model,” Mr Charity stated.

“We believe that the key to great consumer outcomes is to have both dealers and independent repairers on a level playing field, competing for customers on their merits. The Choice of Repairer campaign has never been about bashing dealerships and if they also need a fairer deal, the AAAA would fully support that,” He added.

The AAAA sincerely thanks its members for their outstanding efforts and dedication to doing the best they possibly can for their customers on the Choice of Repairer campaign journey. The AAAA also wishes to thank the ACCC for their thorough investigative work into our industry, which now will ultimately achieve the outcome that was always its main goal – to best protect the people who are affected the most by the lack of a mandatory scheme for data sharing in the automotive repair sector, Australia’s 17 million car owners.

The complete ACCC Final Report into New Car Retailing can be viewed at:
https://www.accc.gov.au/about-us/market-studies/new-car-retailing-industry-market-study/final-report

Youi provides NSW motorists with CTP Green Slip option

Youi Insurance will provide New South Wales’ 4.6 million motorists a further option for the purchase of their Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme Green Slips, by introducing a CTP offer to provide customers with a one-stop-shop for CTP and Motor insurance.

Commencing our ability to assist with CTP insurance comes after the introduction earlier this month of the new insurance scheme in NSW. Under the new scheme anyone injured in a road accident will receive benefits regardless of fault and defined benefits will provide all those injured with payments for medical treatment and care, while common-law entitlements will be retained for the most seriously injured.
Youi CEO Frank Costigan said: “By allowing Youi to assist with your CTP we can ensure you receive awesome service through dedicated specialist CTP call centre support staff”.

“We’re receiving over 1,000 CTP enquiries a month and combining this with the introduction of the new scheme we saw this as a great opportunity to better service the needs of NSW customers. Our ability to offer CTP both over the phone and digitally will provide NSW customers with greater convenience particularly for our existing motor customers. Lower prices will be available for drivers who have nil demerit points, dependent on the type of car as well as the age of the car and the owner,” Mr Costigan added.

“NSW motorists taking out a CTP Green Slip through Youi will also gain access to the YouiRewards program where half the value of the premium is provided in the form of YouiDollars, to save everyday with our partners. Our research showed there was an opportunity to better serve our customers who were contacting us looking for CTP cover, while also delivering opportunities to cross-sell in the highly competitive NSW motor insurance market,” Mr Costigan concluded.

46 OUTSTANDING CAPRICORN MEMBER EVENTS IN 2017

Australasia’s largest automotive parts and business essentials buying group, Capricorn, has capped off another busy year of social events with a series of their sold-out exclusive Gala Dinner and Tradeshows held across Australia and New Zealand.

These annual events continue to be the social highlight of the year for Capricorn Members across Australia and New Zealand. They are held at prestigious venues in each major city to cater for the vast number of Members who take part. The five-star evening is very limited in formalities but high on social interaction, fun and first-class entertainment that is provided by an event MC, nationally renowned comedian and superb live music. A total of 4,480 attendees enjoyed the various Capricorn Gala Dinner and Tradeshows across Auckland, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, the Gold Coast and Perth. The Perth dinner surpassed 1,100 attendees with Melbourne and the Gold Coast events at over 900 attendees each.

The tradeshow component enables business interaction in a fun, informal and highly social atmosphere between Capricorn’s Preferred Suppliers and Members. Conducted during the afternoon prior to the major Capricorn Gala Dinner, the tradeshows have grown significantly over recent years with an average of 50 exhibitors, providing attendees with Bonus Reward Point giveaways, new product demonstrations, interactive experiences such as a Formula One racing simulator and a host of great prizes. The Melbourne, Adelaide and Gold Coast events even had several classic, modified and motor racing vehicles on display.

In addition to the annual Gala Dinner and Tradeshows, Capricorn hosts several other events throughout the year, all designed to bring like-minded Members together in enjoyable atmospheres. These events place faces-to-names, while also enabling Members to keep up to date on the latest industry news from Capricorn and its Preferred Suppliers.

There is an event almost every week across Australia and New Zealand ranging from the Gala Dinner and Tradeshows, BBQs, Golf Days, Lunch and Learns along with playing host at the Clipsal 500 Supercars in Adelaide each year.

In a tradition that has continued across the four-and-a-half-decade history of Capricorn, the biennial Capricorn Conventions also bring Capricorn Members together in various fantastic world locations and the 2018 convention is set to be Capricorn’s best yet. Capricorn will be taking a total of 750 attendees to their 2018 Convention, the first ever to be held in Europe. They will be heading to Salou in Spain from May 13 to 20 for what is sure to be an unforgettable Capricorn Convention.

According to Capricorn Group CEO, Greg Wall, the success of Capricorn’s range of social Member events continues to exceed all expectations. “The best way to describe Capricorn’s schedule of social Member events each year is that they are the glue that contributes significantly to keeping our cooperative structure strong. These events encourage networking both with our suppliers but also amongst themselves, with the major focus being to have a great time together. We are delighted with the constant increase in popularity of our social events and look forward to conducting more, headed by our sold-out Capricorn Convention in Spain,” Mr Wall stated.

Online Guide: Standox launches Standopedia

Standox provides a new resource – Standopedia – that is a wealth of tips and advice on car paint repairs for professional refinishers.

Useful tips for everyday refinish work: Standopedia is the new online guide from Standox aimed at both young and experienced professional refinishers. Visitors to the site will find technical information as well as valuable expertise on specialist topics related to the refinish process, such as the repair of special colours or the application of new products.

“Standopedia is an online guide that provides you with all the technical expertise needed to help you achieve the best possible repair for your customer,” said John Nettleton, Axalta Product and Colour Manager for Australia and New Zealand. “It provides qualified, invaluable expert knowledge on different paint topics not only for newcomers, but also to seasoned professionals looking to update their skills.”

Sharing knowledge and expertise has a long tradition at Standox. For almost 20 years, the global refinish brand has provided refinishers with easy to understand, clearly presented practical tips and extensive expertise in refinishing in the form of its Standothek guides.

“Standopedia is a great, contemporary addition to the support we provide to our refinishers,” says Nettleton. The online guide can be found under the Service menu on the Standox homepage or at www.standox.com.au/standopedia.

Fix Auto signs historic agreement in China

Fix Auto announces the signing of a partnership agreement between Fix Auto China and the People’s Insurance Company of China (PICC). The collaborative agreement was formally announced during a signing ceremony held at Fix Auto China’s first annual national conference in Suzhou on November 27-28. In attendance were approximately 200 delegates, including notable guests Fix Auto World President Steve Leal, CAMRA Vice-Secretary Fengling Wang and Curie Chen, President of Fuyao International Holdings.

One year after the launch of Fix Auto China’s initial network of 78 locations in December 2016, the brand has doubled its footprint, now standing at 156 independently-owned collision repair franchise locations across the country. This strategic cooperative agreement, by which PICC recognizes Fix Auto as a national network and Fix Auto commits to delivering standard repair service, quality and rates, is the first of its kind for Fix Auto China. This partnership is an important preliminary step in developing a formal direct repair program with PICC, which could include referrals to Fix Auto locations.

Founded in Beijing in 1949 and handling approximately 20 million automotive claims annually, PICC is China’s largest provider of casualty insurance and has an extensive history of delivering client-centric insurance services to the Chinese population. “Our national strategic cooperation agreement with Fix Auto China includes policy sales, claims and the future development of a DRP in China. I am convinced that the collaboration between Fix Auto China and PICC will bring a new era for the development of the automotive aftermarket.” said Zhang Haibo, General Manager, Auto Insurance Department at PICC, who co-signed the agreement with Frank Liu, CEO of Fix Auto China.

“Fix Auto and PICC share a culture based on quality service and customer focus and we are proud to enter in this partnership with them,” said Mr Liu, “we believe our model and high standards of quality and ethics make this agreement a natural fit and we look forward to growing our partnership with PICC over time.”

Fix Auto World President Steve Leal concluded: “This is a pivotal moment for Fix Auto’s development in China. This strategic agreement with the nation’s largest insurance provider not only underscores Fix Auto’s promise to grow strong insurance partnerships for its network through operational consistency, but places Fix Auto in a position to deliver reliable service to even more customers in China. Congratulations to Fix Auto China on this significant achievement.”

For more information on People’s Insurance Company of China, please visit their website: http://www.picc.com.cn/html0/folder/0/4295-1.htm

‘Olivia Green’ Mustang raises $70,000 for charity

This epic, one-of-a-kind Ford Mustang GT has an ecstatic new owner and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre has received around $70,000 in much needed funds thanks to the Bayford Group, Tickford and PPG. The innovative charity initiative was part of the 100th Anniversary celebrations for Melbourne automotive group and PPG Platinum distributor, the Bayford Group, and saw a brand-new Mustang tricked up with features including Tickford wheels and suspension, an upgraded leather interior and powertrain enhancements.

To cap off the awesome specification list, it also received a complete PPG repaint. PPG Territory Managers, Daniel Barbosa and Rowan Kenny, formulated the unique ‘Olivia Green’ colour and the highly detailed paint job was completed by Bell Collision Repairs in Preston, Melbourne. After handing it over to Austin Health, the sensational machine was raffled to raise approximately $70,000 which will go towards helping patients live better with cancer and defeat it via world class treatment, integrated research, leading clinical trials and tailored wellness programs.