Winter 2010

Gates recently released 3 NEW Idler Part Numbers & 4 NEW Tensioner Part Numbers into the range, covering 8 various applications, whilst also identifying an additional 12 NEW applications from our existing DriveAlign range. New applications include: Mitsubishi Magna, Holden Commodore, Toyota Landcruiser and Toyota RAV4.

Carmakers will find it more difficult to insist on where cars are repaired and which spare parts are used under new rules unveiled recently by European Union regulators. Under the new rules, carmakers will no longer be able to make warranties conditional on having an oil change or other car services take place only in authorised garages.

Handset manufacturer Nokia has released a new technology it hopes will be adopted as an industry standard for connecting smartphones with vehicles.

The VACC (Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce), MTA-Queensland, MTA-NSW and TACC (Tasmania), have broken away from the national motor trades body, MTAA. This has led to a new national representative body, AAIA (Australian Automotive Industry Association) being established.

OK, one reason for writing a story that starts with the description of the new lithium-ion battery now available in some Porsche models is that we get to run a picture of a Porsche, a feature no automotive-focus magazine should be without. Otherwise, it becomes a bit like a magazine about bikinis illustrated with nothing but Venn diagrams.

The 2010 National Apprentice of the Year Program is an initiative of the APA Journal and was launched at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Association Expo in Sydney last year. The companies that supported the event through sponsorships include Australian Apprentice Advantage, BOSCH, Force Tools Australia and Darren Morgan Racing (DMR). Nominations were received from around the country and throughout the year, eleven apprentices where profiled but only three where short-listed for the award. These finalists included Miskle, Bryan Chan and David Slade.

The time of electric power steering has finally come. Not that it hasn’t been here before. Electric steering has been available in production cars since the launch of the Honda NSX in 1990. Honda followed this up with a similar system in the Honda S2000 in 1999. BMW introduced its first electric system on the Z4 in 2002, and added an electric “active steering” system to its 5-series in 2003.

Demand planning could be defined as the art of getting the right stock to the right store at the right time. It ain’t easy, as any retailer will tell you, but new tools and methodologies make it easier to get the mix of supply and demand right.

Effective point-of-sale systems for auto parts retailers using cloud computing

Autumn 2010

December 1, 2009 - One of the world’s most successful automotive aftermarket sales companies, Hella Australia, has entered into a sales agency agreement with Mann and Hummel to market the premier quality Mann Filter engine, oil, air, cabin and fuel filters to the aftermarket.

The south west Victorian city of Warnambool now has an ABS thanks to two local mechanics who both realized the opportunity and acted to create their own business. And those two local tradesmen have every reason to smile with the business taking off in just the first six months since opening the doors.

From the city driver to the most serious off road adventurer, there is a CouplerTec system to suit every four wheel drive and SUV (sports utility vehicle) owners requirements. One system does not suit all. This is because not every vehicle is the same size, and neither is it exposed to the same environment for the same period of time. This range of CouplerTec Electronic Rust Protection Systems offers a higher level of performance than that of the 2WD Systems, these systems are designed to create and maintain the electrostatic field required to protect your four wheel drive vehicle even when exposed to the harshest of environments.

By Nirma Ledford Automechanika Shanghai is organized by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) and the China National Automotive Industry Corporation. It is one of the 13 global Automechanika Fairs held in Asia, Europe, North America, South Africa and Africa. Undoubtedly Messe Frankfurt hosts the best Automotive Parts, Equipment and Services Supplier Trade Fairs in the world. The Automechanika brand continues to attract key industry players & quality visitors to their shows.

Summer 2009/2010

December 1, 2009 - One of the world’s most successful automotive aftermarket sales companies, Hella Australia, has entered into a sales agency agreement with Mann and Hummel to market the premier quality Mann Filter engine, oil, air, cabin and fuel filters to the aftermarket.

PWR have a sustained history supplying Radiators to race teams in the V8 Supercar Series. PWR’s race heritage has made it possible to design products specifically for racing, as PWR owner Kees Weel states “the Weel family are true racers therefore we know what racers expect from us as we are in the game”. PWR designs specific radiators for each V8 race team so that the product delivered will meet the individual race team’s requirements.

by Dayman Steptoe Most of us throw a cheap battery in the 4WD, zip around for a couple of years, then begrudgingly replace it with the first one available when the old lead-box goes into arrest and flat-lines one cold morning.

BATHURST PREPARATION With the calendar now so compact, Bathurst is almost treated like any other event. It carried the same points as any other round and therefore has the same importance.

Spring is in the air. Unfortunately this means so too are the pollens. Bosch cabin filters can prevent these pollens and other harmful pollutants from entering the vehicle interior through its heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC).

RAPTORTM (Rapid Automotive Performance Simulator) is a mature and robust MATLAB®/Simulink® application program that allows simulation in a virtual environment for vehicle optimization, performance, fuel economy, emissions, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) analysis. RAPTORTM can accurately model vehicles ranging from scooters to class-8 trucks for both on and off-road applications, whether conventional, electric, electric hybrid, or hydraulic hybrid. To efficiently simulate this broad range of vehicles, mathematical descriptions of vehicle components are assembled in RAPTORTM and simulated under user-specified driving schedules.

The skills shortage is hitting everyone hard, and the Automotive industry is no exception. Major skills are required by the modern parts interpreter to assist in streamlining business processes and build on succession options to handle retirement strategies.

Automechanika Shanghai, Asia’s largest trade fair for the automotive parts, components and aftermarket industry will take place 9 – 11 December 2009 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, China.

Automechanika Shanghai, Asia’s largest trade fair for the automotive parts, components and aftermarket industry, held from 9 – 11 December 2009 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, China attracted a record number of exhibitors and visitors for its fifth edition.

Spring 2009

It’s that simple. Any good Bushie will take their hat off to Warn as they withhold a well earnt reputation for quality, durability and the reliability that we often need here in Australia. At the end of the day the proof is in the pudding: Aussies use more Warn winches than any other country in the world.

You think you are the only one who doesn’t like meetings—then ask your team members what they think!

An important part of a race weekend is being able to offer sponsors and VIP guests a behind the scenes look at how SBR operates at a race event. With 15 rounds, both international and domestic over the 2009 V8 Supercar season the logistical side of the business requires a great deal of planning and preparation.

Each team utilises different approaches to tuning the car. However, there is typically a common thread that it involves including a working relationship between the driver and his engineering staff, namely the race engineer and data engineer.

Winter Edition 2009

At Automechanika Malaysia, I gained some insight into the largest automotive manufacturer in the country, Proton, currently holding the number two position for new car sales with the largest number of vehicles on Malaysian roads, reports Nirma Ledford.

Despite the world economic downturn, the sixth edition of Automechanika Malaysia held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 25 - 28 March 2009, did not fail to disappoint, as attendees came ready to explore business opportunities & build and strengthen partnerships.

Most cars built before 1986 were designed to run on leaded petrol and have engines with soft exhaust valve seats. Abnormal exhaust valve seat recession (VSR) can occur when these vehicles are operated on unleaded fuel. This is because lead, in addition to providing octane improvement, also acts as a solid lubricant between the exhaust valve and the soft exhaust valve seat, preventing the valve from recessing into the cylinder head.

The Bosch Automotive Aftermarket team is very proud to have been presented with the Bronze award in the coveted “Marketing Excellence” category, presented at the official Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association Industry Awards dinner on the 2nd April 2009.

When Parveen Batish, director of GM premium brands exclaimed that the availability of E85 was only the tip of the iceberg, he was right. In Australia V8 Supercars chairman Tony Cochrane highlighted that a sub-committee headed by Larry Perkins and Ross Stone will look into the use of E85 in the 2009 V8 Supercars series. He said the move to E85 was an extension of the V8 Racing Green program in which 15,000 trees are planted each year to offset carbon emissions from the sport’s 15 events.

Autumn 2009

The field of Psychology is a means of knowledge. It is basically the science of our personalities with regard to perception, emotion, cognition, behavior and the individual and collective unconscious.

Without a doubt the single biggest barrier to high performance tuning is detonation. Detonation (also called knock, knocking or spark knock, pinking or pinging) in spark-ignition internal combustion engines occurs when combustion of the air/fuel mixture in the cylinder starts off correctly in response to ignition by the spark plug, but one or more pockets of air/fuel mixture explode outside the envelope of the normal combustion front.

The new High Performance and Racing Division of TMD Friction brings together TMD Friction and BT Bremsen-Technik, two of the most highly respected names in braking, in a unique partnership for performance and innovation. For more than 100 years, since the very beginnings of the automotive industry, the Mintex and Pagid brands have represented the very best in friction for production vehicles as well as performance cars and they have achieved unprecedented success on the track.

These hand-held powerhouses start life as an ever-reliable impact wrench chosen from the wide range of SP Air airtools. The compact body of a ¾” impact gun is chosen as the donor unit. Both existing and new components are used in the three-day build process, with Master Technicians stripping the donor gun down to individual parts and inspecting it at the SP workshop in Brisbane.

Australian Federal Law sets forth requirements for warranties and contains a number of provisions to prevent vehicle manufacturers, dealers and others from unjustly denying warranty coverage. With regard to aftermarket parts, the spirit of the law is that warranty coverage cannot be denied simply because such parts are present on the vehicle, or have been used. The warranty coverage can be denied only if the aftermarket part caused the malfunction or damage for which warranty coverage is sought. Disputes in this area usually boil down to arguments over facts and technical opinions, rather than arguments over interpretations of the law.

By Nirma Ledford: Mr. Cho Chee Seng is the president of the Malaysian Automotive Workshop Owners Association. Mr. Seng joined me for a brief discussion on sustainability, his views on training and the industry. A member since 1996, Mr. Seng has been the president since 2000. The association is responsible for representing and protecting the interest of its 2,700 members from the repair/service and collision repair sectors. I asked Mr. Seng to share insight on what he believes will assist his members succeed in the current economic climate.

December 2008/January 2009

Holden’s VE Commodore, overall is a fantastic new design from the earlier model and suspension platform. Although with the wide customer demographic, this comes with some compromises from vehicle handling dynamics to component quality. This is good news for an enthusiast as there is a lot of potential for improvements on top of good underpinnings.

High Country 4x4 is a family owned business operating for 2 years. Our store services the Mansfield district and specialises in Automotive and 4WD parts and Accessories, Heavy Industrial Equipment, Oils and Lubricants, Second-hand parts and filters, ranging from small vehicles to Truck and Agricultural Equipment. Our New line of stock in store now is Truck Parts and Accessories.

With the myriad of models, shapes and makes of today’s automobiles and the high cost of labour involved, the introduction of leading technology is now a matter of fact for professional smash repair operations.

You only need to drive Australia’s highways to discover the impact LED Lighting has had on the vehicle lighting market, now more than ever the consumer is embracing the benefits of LED Lighting. AP-LED gives your store the opportunity to claim its rightful slice of this growth market, the key to capturing sales is the AP-LED merchandiser program. Feedback from store level has proven that the consumer when provided with the opportunity to see these lights “lit up” quickly make the transition from “I really should get some of these” to an actual purchase.

October 2008

Primarily known for their work in automotives, these days Harrop Engineering works with a very diverse product line including; railways, mining, medical instrument parts, defense and hi-fi components. Harrop manufactured automotive products include a diverse range of superchargers, brake upgrades, traction control products for passenger vehicles and 4WD’s, inlet manifolds and suspension components, plus many more.

Bridging the Electronic Divide The APA Journal spoke to Mr Desmond Tan, Automotive Marketing Manager, Fujitsu a few weeks ago and we were graciously received by a few others from the company as well, including Tiew Le – Fujitsu Corporate Communications Executive and Sri and Ahjay Rai from Porter Novelli, who was mediating the teleconference.

By Dayman Steptoe Although many a good bushman – no doubt more experienced than myself - has advised and written on this topic before, the fundamental pillars of safe travel in remote country always stand firm, and unchanged. Much of the knowledge passed around has arisen as a consequence of the misfortune of others, lack of insight, or sometimes just a little confusion between base and apex.

August/September 2008

Hankook Tyre is a leading global tyre manufacturer and a rising force in the global automotive world with an ever-increasing reputation for quality and innovation.

All the things that make your car go Vroom. Doesn't matter whether it goes under the bonnet, under the car or on the wheel!

Competition Systems are a small motor sport electronic provider, specializing primarily in motor sports but providing service and parts to also the occasional road car.

Like most absent-minded people I've also experienced leaving the car headlights on all day while I was at work and when I got out to the parking lot after a really late shift you can imagine my frustration when I tried starting the car with a dead battery.

Durst has a long history of providing equipment designed for performance, durability and economy, as evidenced by the current product range, covering Auto Electrical Test Benches, Ignition System Analysers, Battery Load Testers, Electronic Regulator Testers, Battery Chargers and Load Banks as well as high performance Multimeters, Oscilloscopes and other Computer Safe Testers that are such an important addition to today's workshops.

June/July 2008

When I decided to invest in a Toyota 4Runner for a magazine project, my partner thought I was raving mad. She looked at me stunned and continued to make subtle hints every time we passed a petrol pump at how high the price of petrol was, not to mention the lack of space parking the monster in a unit.

A quick chat with Derek Hermenn of Force Tools Australia and immediately you realise that efficiency is the key in his book of organisational directives. We spoke very briefly but at the same time covered a vast array of product showcases, partnerships and synergies that are being formed with them.

In 1996 a successful group of repairers and accountants had an idea - to create a network of like minded, innovative repairers sharing common goals.

The Pedders Suspension Sports Ryder brand has been synonymous with high performance dampers for decades. Pedders Sports Ryder shock absorbers and struts combine the most advanced technology with Pedders’ renowned expertise in the fine tuning of damping rates for superior handling.

Toyota has upgraded its RAV4 range with a package of active and passive safety features, as well as new technology and comfort features.

Over the past ten years, SS Inductions has developed a number of high quality vehicle enhancing products such as Engine Covers, Computer Covers, Gauge Holders and Rear Window Air Deflector Fins which although outside their core business, have all performed well in the market.

An oxygen sensor detects the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas and sends a signal to the engine computer (ECM), which adjusts the air/fuel mixture to the optimal level. Too much oxygen in the exhaust gases indicates a lean mixture, which can cause performance problems, including misfires. Too little oxygen indicates a rich mixture, which wastes fuel and results in excess emissions. Either condition can shorten the life of the expensive catalytic converter.

In just its second successful year, the Rare Spares “Legend” Award has already established itself as an industry favourite for both recipients and those involved in the motoring enthusiasts market.

Proex is Australians leading exhaust wholesaler distributing its Redback brand of products along with various other products.

In 1972 Quinlans Auto Spares was established by Alby Quinlan, Robert Howell, and Colin McHale. Over the last 36 years Quinlans have serviced the border area of Albury Wodonga and surrounding districts.

April/May

Thailand International Trade Fair for Automotive Parts, Equipment and Service Suppliers 6 - 9 March 2008

Sydney, Australia, Feb. 1, 2008— Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) today announced that Triple Eight Race Engineering Australia (Triple Eight Australia) has been named as the Autodesk Inventor of the Month for January 2008.

When it comes to a tyre manufacturer Just 5 km/h can make a difference between holding a corner and going out of control. You have to keep this in mind when buying a tyre in the future. But then again how can we keep abreast with the changes or advancements in the tyre world.

The motor vehicle; personal or for business, is an integral part of today’s society and has contributed to the development and prosperity of Victoria, along with the whole of Australia. Unfortunately, motor vehicles are known to produce adverse environmental impacts, particularly in urban areas. One of these impacts is road traffic noise, and is a growing source of concern for the community.

Hanover, March 2008. Continental's comprehensive range of SUV tyres has been further expanded again this season. The leading German tyre manufacturer now carries no fewer than six summer tyre models for 4x4 vehicles. Many 4x4 manufacturers, including Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes, Porsche and Volkswagen, have already issued original equipment releases. Continental has 60 new sizes for 4x4 cars, SUVs and crossovers this year, with releases issued for speeds of up to 300 km/h.

While off the weather-beaten trail, you always tend to wonder whether or not your tyres could withstand the onslaught of agate edged rocks or loose gravel or endless kilometres notched up while driving in the bush. Tyre pressure is something a lot of people fail to give any importance or consideration to in this day and age of digital advancements. In the end.

In 2008 Ultima’s impressive range of shock absorbers continues to expand with new applications now available unique to Ultima.

February

If you want to see and feel an improvement, look no further than a Nolathane Swaybar. We are performance handling specialists. Our products are engineered from the ground up, tested and proven.

Historical new heights have been reached in China’s automotive industry and China is now the second largest automotive market in the world.

Harnessing the force of two high-performance and innovative companies in the top tier of the global automotive supplier industry, Hanover-based Continental AG heads into a new era after closing the deal for acquisition of Siemens VDO Automotive AG.

November

Welcome to the final issue of APA Journal for 2007. I can't believe how quickly this year has past, and how many positive changes APA has made in such a short time. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our past editor – Nicole Azzopardi, for all of her hard work this year.

This year has seen Greg Murphy and Jason Richards drive along side each other for Tasman Motorsport in an exciting driver partnership. Jason has been with Tasman since 2004 and Greg joined him this season in the teams' aggressive attempt at winning the coveted V8 title, assisted by two brand new VE Commodores.

Extensive research among exhibitors and visitors has led to the development of a business strategy to make the Australian Auto Trade Fair (AATF) the premier event in the Australasian automotive industry calendar.

September/October

There is much debate about India's long-term economic growth path, with some predicting that its economy will be the third largest in the world by 2032.

Auto Brake Service (ABS) reports its national annual conference at ClubMed on Lindeman Island was a huge success. Called Good to Great, the event attracted delegates from throughout Australia.

Exide Australia's decision to pump close to $7 million into the upgrade of their local manufacturing facilities is set to change the way the battery giant is seen in the region.

Complementing Australia's most extensive range of emergency lighting, Narva has released Euromax Mini-Bar range to meet the ever growing demand for low profile rotating and strobe emergency lighting.

Goal-setting is crucial to the success of any business, but is particularly important for entrepreneurs who can become distracted with multiple priorities. Goals direct actions, give you something to aim for, and can serve as a yardstick for measuring your business' success.

With rocketing fuel prices and inner city parking restrictions the squeeze on 4WD has begun.

July/August

For many, Friday night at the drags is a perfect night out and for clever aftermarket sponsors it's a perfect way to cash in.

With the average business owner aged between 50 and 59, most of whom are planning to retire within ten years, far too few have any idea of how they will exit. According to the Family Business Australia, Deakin, KPMG study 2006, 67 percent of business owners do not have a succession plan.

Fast-growing all-Australian filter manufacturer Micro Fresh Filters hits the road.

May/June

Many businesses, including those in the automotive industry, have realised their skilled employees are getting older on average. Business owners worry about how they will cope with current customer demand let alone allow for growth of their business

Love it or hate it, the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement is up and running but what does it mean for your bottom line? APA hones in on motor racing components importer Raceparts Australia and hands out a few aftermarket tips on doing business in the Land of the Free.

Family Business Australia's Philippa Taylor talks shop.

March/April

New Bendix 4WD disc brake pads are purpose designed for 4WD and SUV applications and are right at home around town or off the beaten track.

With new technology developing at break neck speed, retail big boy Autopro steps up to the mark with an advertising tool set to take the meaning of independence to a new level.

Shock absorber specialists Powerdown are soon to once again head O/S for Automechanika Asia.

January/February

With an aim to hone in more on female buying power, Supercheap Auto has launched its first store, located in the traditional female stomping ground – the shopping mall.

Top V8 supercar driver Jason Bright talks about family arguments, Ford Performance Racing and finally living his dream - driving for his own team. Drop Cap please Leaving Ford as one of the hottest men in racing to drive for his own smaller scale outfit, Britek Motorsport was always going to take guts. The Bathurst-winning driver recently walked away from the motor racing giant in favour of making sure his own team hits the top 10. Please put above on facing page to save space if necessary It's a bold move, but Jason Bright is a bold man. Having come up through the ranks the hard way, door knocking for funds in the rural town of Victoria's Newborough to get off the ground, the 33-year-old knows a thing or two about starting from nothing. But from going to Calder and Sandown as a five-year-old with his race mad father, Bright quickly got the fever – and it's never left. “I would have liked to have got into go- k carts at seven but we didn't have the money for it back then,” Bright said. “W

Top V8 supercar driver Jason Bright talks about family arguments, Ford Performance Racing and finally living his dream - driving for his own team.

He's the man with the legendary jingle and the business tenacity of a bulldog, Bob Jane talks about Peter Brock and the building of an automotive empire.

November

The Maverick He's the man with the legendary jingle and the business tenacity of a bulldog, Bob Jane talks about Peter Brock and the building of an automotive empire.

From high school drop-out to top retail performer, Autobarn's youngest franchise owner is now setting his sights on turning his own success into a new lease of life for sick children in Nepal.

September/October 2006

Organised criminals continue to expose the trade to police scrutiny with a steady influx of stolen car parts into the legitimate supply chain.

It's been tipped to save motorists up to $40 bucks at the bowser, but how will the hype translate into dollars on the workshop floor?

A new Supatool storage system from the Kincrome Group is the ideal solution for the tidy garage or workshop.

July/August 2006

National Parts, Australia's largest automotive aftermarket wholesaler, has moved to ensure its business is always operating with the latest world trends by signing a strategic development alliance with the leading U.S. Automotive Distribution Network.

Retail prices in the Australian battery aftermarket were more than keeping pace with inflation prior to recent world price hikes in lead, according to new research.

Carryboy Australia has invested in its Melbourne distribution centre to lift both its quality and range to give national customers the very best products in the quickest time to its distribution network throughout Australia.

May/June 2006

It seems the time has finally come... After 12 years, 72 issues (I think) and countless product launches, trade shows and deadlines, I'm moving on.

Australia's annual motorsport industry showcase, the Australian Motorsport Show (AMS) will return next year following its acquisition by the Showtime Group.

March/April 2006

Super Cheap Auto Racing has acquired the services of gun steerer Cameron McConville for its tilt at this year's V8 Supercar Championship.

If there's a common theme to the calls we receive here at the APA Journal bunker, it's along the lines of `Who makes a particular ball-joint/sensor/brake-pad/whatever and where do I find them?'.

January/February 2006

I don't know about you, but when I was a lad messing about with old cars (as you did) I could never get past the first weekend without fiddling with something under the bonnet.

For all the latest news in the Auto Parts Industry!

Bombshell of the month for January was the news that Super Cheap Auto's chief executive and managing director, Bob Thorn, is leaving.

November/December 2005

Plenty of folks out there are struggling to find the silver lining in the current phenomenon of fuel prices. But I think I might have found one.

While petrol prices seem to be hurting sales of big locally-made cars, it looks like Toyota might be weathering the storm a bit better.

Mazda is really Talking Turkey with its extended range of Genuine Competitive Crash Program Parts.

Two of the best-known names in Australian tyre retailing have joined forces.

September/October 2005

I got the chance recently to have a squizz through Mitsubishi Australia's production plant at Tonsley Park in Adelaide.

Is there perhaps someone in your family or circle of friends who just doesn't get parallel parking?

July/August 2005

Breaking into a market segment from scratch is never the easiest thing to do.

All the latest news in the Auto Parts & Accessories aftermarket.

Billed as a fast-track to business success, the inaugural Thailand Auto Parts and Accessories 2005 (TAPA 2005) will be held this year from September 14 to 18.

ACL has sold its Repco Brabham BT19 Formula 1 racing car and associated spares and memorabilia to Repco.

May/June 2005

KC Tools are designed for the professional, motor mechanic engineering specialist and farmer.

Sydney's darling Harbour is a classy place with plenty of glitz on show, but the recent Australian Automotive Trades Fair was every bit as flashy as its venue.

Toyota's $47 million technical center is now up and running, with the company claiming it's Australia's most advanced automotive design engineering facility.

March/April 2005

Can it really be that governments are waking up to the fact that motorists have had enough of their cash-cow status through speeding fines?

Mazda is really Talking Turkey with its extended range of Genuine Competitive Crash Program Parts.

Septone Products has released a new range of heat resistant paints for engine touch-ups and re-sprays, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 650 degrees-C.

January/February 2005

An era has come to an end. Even in an industry that is constantly changing and evolving, the news that Dyno Dave Bennett had sold his Perfectune business...

By now you should have received your copy of the new Edition 8 Nolathane catalogue. The latest book from Nolathane continues to focus on alignment correction...

All the latest current and relevant news in the Automotive Aftermarket industry.

The ACL Group has announced a review of its options as its shareholders decide what to do with the company that recently sold...

November/December 2004

Pro Quip International has obtained a Federal Court order restraining an importer from promoting, distributing or selling in Australia a particular type of jerry can from China.

ACL has dropped a bombshell by announcing that it has stepped out of the joint-venture production facility it established with Mahle just two years ago.

Mazda Australia is offering body repairers the chance to gobble up their share of $42,000 worth of indulgence at any of the Hyatt group's seven hotels and resorts Australia-wide.

September/October 2004

If you haven't seen an IMAX 3-D film yet, you're missing out.

A long-term family-owned business, Super Cheap Auto, has listed on the Australian Stock Exchange ending 30 years as a private company.

KC Tools recently teamed up with Barnes High Performance Racing as its tool supplier for the 2004-2005 race season.

July/August 2004

In late breaking news...

National Parts has expanded its service with the addition of two key staff.

A well planned and executed incentive program can produce major benefits for retailers or wholesalers...

This year's Australian Automotive Trade Fair held back in May at Darling Harbour in Sydney attracted 145 exhibitors in two halls.

May/June 2004

If you've been to Britain, you can't have missed the giant Comma brand of lubricants, chemicals and car care products.

It was only a matter of time before the world's big car-makers started to get really serious about hybrid technology.

According to Nulon, the world is going red. More specifically...

For the latest news and views for May and June read the good oil.

March/April 2004

For news and views on the Auto Parts and Accessories market.

Users of the 2003 Monroe Ride Control Catalogue can now upgrade the electronic version of the catalogue...

Effective though they may be, when you think about it, old fashioned pyrotechnic flares have a few problems.

Sugar-cane growers in Queensland are up in arms, the Australian film and TV industry is still worried about its survival...

January/February 2004

If you've ever wondered how urethane suspension bushes got their reputation for being too firm for streets use...

For news and views on the Auto Parts & Accessories market.

Toyota dealerships have been hosting a wave of information nights aimed squarely at women.

Now here's a statistic to ponder: Almost every second new car sold in Western Europe right now is diesel powered.

November/December 2003

Hella Australia is hailing the recent radical changes to its distribution arrangements as the reason for...

For the latest news around the country in the Auto Parts and Accessories market.

Bendix has a new promotion running this month while stocks last called the Bendix Advance 4+1 Offer.

Think Michelin, you think tyres, right?

September/October 2003

For the good oil on what's happening in the Auto Parts and Accessories market.

National Parts has announced a $10 million investment in South Australia.

Here's the first pic of Davies Craig's $4.5 million, all-new facility in Altona North, in Melbourne.

Also, Midas is offering young indigenous Australians a chance to apply for traineeships within the organisation.

July/August 2003

Read The Good Oil for the latest and most relevant news in the Automotive Aftermarket Industry.

If ever you needed proof that cars in general and sports cars in particular have come a long way, you need look no further than...

More than 6500 trade visitors went through the doors of the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre...

May/June 2003

The KYB range of shock absorbers has a new Australian distributor...

The most up to date and relevant news in the industry!

Philips Automotive Lighting recently appointed Invision Sales as its exclusive Australasian distributor...

Mar/Apr 2003

For all of the latest and relevant news in the Auto Parts and Accessories industry.

Brown and Watson has acquired the Projecta brand and has big plans for the range of battery chargers, jumper starters, booster cables and other battery-related accessories.

In this month's bombshell, Super Cheap Auto has announced it has signed a heads of agreement to purchase the Marlows and Rocca Brothers chains from Perth-based Marlows Limited.

Jan/Feb 2003

One of the most respected names in the braking industry has undergone an identity change.

It seems the original really is best sometimes, and in that spirit, the Automotive Parts Group has changed its name to Repco Limited.

In the dying days of last year, Winplus Australia announced the acquisition of Tetrosyl Limited's Australian operation.

Super Cheap Auot is trying a new twist on in-store promotion by being the first retailer to have its own live in-store radio network.

Nov/Dec 2002

Well, this time, here's the complete list of who won what.

Paul Marinelli travelled straight from the racetrack at the Queensland 500 to Automechanika in Frankfurt with loads of energy to spare thanks to the comfort of British Airways Club World.

Sept/Oct 2002

The release of the Delphi-branded compressor range takes the operation one step closer to achieving full family branding of its air conditioning components.

The trade show war continues to hot up with the AAAA releasing more details of its Melbourne show for next year.

Tetrosyl has a new Queensland state representative.

July/Aug 2002

After 17 years in the top job where he saw his company grow into the major retailer that it is today, Amos Bush has decided to retire from Autobarn.

The AAAA has released details of its go-it-alone trade show following the split last year with previous organiser, Neil Thomas' operation.

May/June 2002

The APG has unloaded its wholesale operation, CarParts Distribution.

Export or die: It's been the buzz phrase for more than a few years now, but here's a great way to potentially get the ball rolling.

Mar/Apr 2002

Hella Australia and Osram Australia have announced a strategic alliance.

Delphi's Energy and Chassis Systems in the Melbourne suburb of Clayton has been recommended for registration to ISO 14001 environmental specification.

Jan/Feb 2002

Nov/Dec 01

Sept/Oct 2001

July/ Aug 2001

Magnat and Phase Linear are two new audio brands from Europe that are being distributed by Brian Nichols & Associates.

May/June 2001

Mar/Apr 2001

Jan/Feb 2001