As this year draws to a close, it would be all too easy to reflect on 2021 as yet another year we would all like to forget. Perhaps some are thinking it was like “Déjà vu all over again” or that every day was Groundhog Day. However, we thought we would highlight some of extraordinary things our industry delivered in 2021 to round out the year.
The year kicked off with a whole raft of competitions that really did wet our appetites. Ford Trade Club members had the opportunity to win a 2021 Ford Ranger FX4 MAX, while BMW provided Trade Club members the opportunity to showcase their BMW or MINI in the 2022 Trade Club calendar. The BMW & MINI Trade Club also ran a Win a BMW R nineT Roadster competition, GM gave their Trade Club members the chance to win TribUTE, a reimagined VE series 2 SS-V Holden ute, Saint Gobain launched the Norton PREP IT! Apprenticeship Competition and PPG completed the national Colour Matching Competition.
There were also awards a-plenty throughout the year, beginning with the Kangan Institute’s Industry Excellence Awards, the introduction of another four Future Leaders of the Industry, Capricorn’s Rising Stars and, of course, our Lifetime Achievement Awards. WorldSkills Australia was able to complete the national competition, with the gold medals for both Autobody Repair and Refinishing being awarded to Future Leaders of the Industry. We also recognised four Movers and Shakers of the Industry and four Entrepreneurial Women in Automotive throughout the year.
Last, but not least were the great car events that took place in COVID-safe environments, beginning with All Ford Day in Geelong, followed by Summernats Slam and the Hot Rod and Custom Show in Sydney, the inaugural Rockynats in Rockhampton and, of course, Red CentreNATS in Alice Springs. In the December issue we reported on the SEMA Show directly from Las Vegas, as US automotive events came back to life with the largest show since the pandemic began.
[quote size=”large” title=”- Josephine McFadries, Digital Editor”] So, as we come to the end of yet another year we will never forget, Joe and I, together with our team of correspondents and consultants once again thank you all for your support and wish everyone a safe and happy festive season, and we look forward to bringing you all the “news, views and information” in 2022.” [/quote]