AM MAGAZINE SHELL - Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine

REGULAR DEPARTMENTS 

AAAA Report..............................6 

Calendar & New Members ...........7 

News.........................................8 

Hot Staff .................................10 

Products..................................22 

SPECIAL FEATURE 

HR Matters ..............................32 

Retail......................................33 

Trade Talk................................41 

4WD .......................................79 

PRTC ......................................80 

42 

New! The Automotive Aftermarket goes online ....................................34 

MEMBER FEATURES 

Bright lights ....................................................................................30 

Narva unveils word class catalogue 

Put a lid on it ..................................................................................42 

Building a successful business in replacement radiator caps 

FEATURES 

45 

Disengage and stop..........................................................................45 

Taking a closer look at brakes and clutches 

Additives and cleaners .....................................................................66 

Enhancing fuel and keeping your vehicle clean with the latest auto chemicals 

Light up your life .............................................................................72 

Adding more spark to the industry with auto electrical and lighting 

72 

The right tools .................................................................................82 

Making sure you have the best equipment for the job 

ABOUT THE COVER 

Just released, the new 2008 Narva Catalogue is once 

again set to be a market leading publication. The vast 

array of new products and impressive presentation is 

sure to excite all readers and invigorate sales for all 

businesses associated with the Narva brand. 

82 

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transparencies. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the AAAA. All statements made, although based on information believed to be 

reliable and accurate, cannot be guaranteed and no fault or liability can be accepted for error or omission. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any 

advertisement and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material.

AAAA REPORT 

April 2008 

Andrew Schram 

President 

Stuart Charity 

Executive Director 

It’s been a turbulent start to 2008 for the 

Australian automotive Industry with the February 5 

announcement by Mitsubishi that it will close its 

Tonsley Park manufacturing plant at the end of 

March closely followed by the February 12 

announcement that Australia’s largest aftermarket 

parts distribution company National Parts was 

placed into voluntary administration. 

While the Mitsubishi announcement was not 

unexpected following poor sales of the 380, this 

development will have far wider implications for the 

industry than the 930 Mitsubishi workers that will 

be made redundant over the coming weeks. While 

production volumes of the 380 were extremely low 

and represented around three percent of local 

vehicle production, the “knock on” effect for the 

component supplier base will be significant. Tens 

of millions of dollars in R&D and product 

development for the 380 will now need to be written 

off by suppliers already battling declining demand 

for Australian built vehicles, “cost down” pressures 

from the vehicle manufacturers, a high Australian 

dollar and skills shortages. 

Likewise the developments at National Parts will 

have flow on implications for the independent 

aftermarket that go far beyond the impact to the 

300 employees and their families directly affected 

by the closure. Exactly what this impact will be is 

likely to be determined to some degree by the 

outcome from the sale of the assets of the business 

and retention of title claims by suppliers to National 

Parts. As AAAM went to press Autobarn announced 

the purchase of the AutoPro branding and network 

of independently owned businesses (see story on 

page eight). This is a welcome development and 

provides a clear direction forward for the AutoPro 

store owners and staff that were left in limbo 

following the closure. It is still too early to 

determine the effect that the National Parts closure 

will have on the hundreds of resellers and retailers 

that relied on them for supply of product as well as 

the many suppliers to National Parts that have lost 

a key avenue to market. 

Turbulent times! 

The one clear message is that conditions have 

never been tougher for all participants in the 

industry and it is in this context that the AAAA 

welcomed the announcement on 14 February by the 

Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and 

Research Senator Kim Carr of a comprehensive 

review of Australia’s Automotive Industry. The 

objective of the review will be to assess the current 

challenges facing the industry and to come up with 

initiatives to overcome barriers to success and to 

identify and maximise new opportunities. 

Former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks will head 

the Review and will provide an Interim Report to 

Government on 31 March 2008. He will then 

release an issues paper and invite public 

submissions by 14 May 2008, with a final report 

completed by 31 July 2008. 

The AAAA will be preparing a submission on 

behalf of our members to this review focusing on 

the following key areas: 

• The eligibility criteria of the current $2.8 Billion 

Automotive Competitiveness and Investment 

Scheme (ACIS) – which currently excludes the 

majority of independent aftermarket 

manufacturers from assistance; 

• The impact of tariff reductions (including Free 

Trade Agreements) as well as the barriers to entry 

in our key export markets; 

• The impact of skills shortages, changing 

consumer preferences, exchange rates and petrol 

prices; 

• The need for Federal Government support to 

assist the industry access global supply chains 

and export markets. 

AAAA members will be invited to provide input 

into this submission via an online survey during 

March however if you require any additional 

information or wish to provide further input please 

contact Stuart Charity in the AAAA National Office 

on 03 9561 7044. 

We will keep you updated via this column on any 

outcomes from this critical industry review. 

AAAA 

Suite 5 622 Ferntree Gully Road 

Mulgrave Vic 3170 

Ph: 03 9561 7044 Fax: 03 9561 7066 

email: info@aaaa.com.au 

www.aaaa.com.au 

NSW Office 

Box 693 Penrith BC 

Penrith NSW 2751 

Ph: 0407 866 671 Fax: 02 4731 5671 

Email: grahame@aaaa.com.au 

Stuart Charity 


execdir@aaaa.com.au 

PRESIDENT Mr Andrew Schram (VIC) – Burson Automotive P/L 

Ph: 03 9914 5555 Fax: 03 9914 5544 

VICE PRESIDENT Mr Peter Hein (VIC) – NGK Spark Plug (Australia) Pty Ltd 

Ph: 03 9730 4900 Fax: 03 9730 4990 

SECRETARY Mr Greg Barker (VIC) – RSP Australia Pty Ltd 

Ph: 03 9305 4000 Fax: 03 9305 3520 

TREASURER Mr Peter Martin (VIC) – Hella Australia Pty Ltd 

Ph: 03 9581 9333 Fax: 03 9584 1741 

DIRECTORS 

Mr Peter Armstrong (NSW) – Independent Brake Supplies P/L 

Ph: 02 9892 4004 Fax: 02 9892 2897 

Mr Ray Brown (VIC) – Davies, Craig Pty Ltd 

Ph: 03 9369 1234 Fax: 03 9369 3456 

COMMITTEE 

Mr Wayne Bryant (VIC) - Repco Pty Ltd 

Ph: 03 9566 5444 Fax: 03 9562 5227 

Mr David Fraser (WA) – Capricorn Society 

Ph: 08 6250 9500 Fax: 08 6250 9576 

Mr Roger Lassen (SA) – Tenneco 

Ph: 08 8374 5222 Fax: 08 8276 1653 

Mr Bob Pattison (VIC) – GUD Automotive Pty Ltd 

Ph: 03 9243 3333 Fax: 03 9243 3366 

Mr Geoff Rosenbaum (NSW) – Motospecs - Drivetech 

Ph: 02 9847 5724 Fax: 02 9847 5757 

Mr Graham Scudamore-Smith (QLD) – Fulcrum Suspensions 

Ph: 07 3892 9000 Fax: 07 3892 1526 

6 AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E A P R I L 2 0 0 8 www.aaaa.com.au

AAAA 

Advanced Engine Management Pty Ltd 

PO Box 594 BAYSWATER VIC 3153 

Ph: 03 9761 3161 Fax: 03 9761 3162 

ARK Corporation Pty Ltd 

8 Smoothy Place ARNDELL PARK NSW 2148 

Ph: 02 9678 9036 Fax: 02 9678 9011 

Beeps Auto Parts & Accessories Pty Ltd 

95 Breen Street BENDIGO VIC 3550 

Ph: 03 5442 5555 Fax: 03 5442 6500 

Cargroomers Cleaning Supplies 

PO Box 6067 YATALA QLD 4207 

Ph: 07 3807 7583 Fax: 07 3807 7473 

ChassisSim Technologies 

9 Harriet Street 

MARRICKVILLE NSW 2204 

Dynamic Test Systems Australia Pty Ltd 

PO Box 4181 

DANDENONG SOUTH VIC 3164 

Ph: 03 9768 2415 Fax: 03 9768 2459 

IP Plastics 

80 Maribyrnong Street FOOTSCRAY VIC 3011 

Ph: 03 9687 2622 Fax: 03 9687 4443 

Lee & D’arcy P/L 

PO Box 3264 NORMAN PARK QLD 4170 

Ph: 07 3857 5322 Fax: 07 3357 1748 

Mettam’s Mufflers 

PO Box 632 MORLEY WA 6943 

Ph: 08 9275 4691 Fax: 08 9275 9318 

Australian Automotive 

Aftermarket Association Ltd 

Suite 5, 622 Ferntree Gully Rd 

Mulgrave Victoria 3170 

Ph: 03 9561 7044 Fax: 03 9561 7066 

email: info@aaaa.com.au 


Aftermarket Magazine 

is a member of the 

Circulations Audit Board. 

PUBLISHER – 

Stuart Charity, 



Aftermarket Association 

New Members 

Midland Towbars 

“Unit 2, 30 - 36 James Street” 

BELLEVUE WA 6056 

Ph: 08 9250 1230 Fax: 08 9250 7322 

Opposite Lock Redcliffe 

PO Box 2248 REDCLIFFE NORTH QLD 4020 

Ph: 07 3283 1566 Fax: 07 3283 1866 

Ovens Valley Parts Centre 

1/34 Churchill Avenue BRIGHT VIC 3741 

Ph: 03 5755 5122 Fax: 03 5755 5144 

Pacer Auto Products Pty Ltd 

1 Highgate Street AUBURN NSW 2144 

Ph: 02 9647 2041 Fax: 02 9647 2043 

RaceParts Australia P/L 

PO Box 4636 LOGANHOLME QLD 4129 

Ph: 07 3807 6870 Fax: 07 3807 6404 

Sunbury Exhaust & Performance Centre 

32 Station Street SUNBURY VIC 3429 

Ph: 03 9744 3837 Fax: 03 9740 3804 

Super Power Exhaust and Auto Parts 

45 Eaglehawk Road BENDIGO VIC 3550 

Ph: 03 5443 5332 Fax: 03 5443 6733 

Suspension Technology Australia 

PO Box 900 YASS NSW 2582 

Ph: 02 6226 6447 Fax: 02 6226 6448 

AAAA MEMBERSHIP 

Application forms can be obtained from: 

Tuspeed 

PO Box 24 PASCOE VALE SOUTH VIC 3044 

Ph: 03 9354 4449 Fax: 03 9354 0451 

Or online at: www.aaaa.com.au 

The financial year of the Association 

is from 1st July to 30th June, 

with pro-rata fees applicable from 

December each year. 

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket magazine is the official publication 

of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA). 

Published by 

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association 

ABN 23 002 271 454 

Suite 5 622 Ferntree Gully Road Mulgrave Vic 3170 

Ph: 03 9561 7044 Fax 03 9561 7066 email: info@aaaa.com.au 

NSW Office 

Box 693 Penrith BC Penrith NSW 2751 

Ph: 0407 866 671 Fax: 02 4731 5671 Email: info@aaaa.com.au 

EDITORIAL – Allan Edwards, Pole Position Productions Tel 61 3 9331 2608 

ADVERTISING MANAGER – Janene Champion, Champion Ads Tel 61 3 5862 3090 

PRODUCTION & DESIGN – Brigid Fraser, Possprint Tel 61 3 9505 0121 

Calendar 2008 

Taipei AMPA 

9-12 April 

Taipei World Trade Centre Nangang Exhibition Hall 

www.taipeiampa.com.tw 

Aftermarket Autoparts & 

Tuning International Trade Fair (AAITF) 

15-20 April 

Pazhou, Guangzhou, China 

www.aaitf.org 

Thailand Auto Parts & 

Accessories 2008 (TAPA) 

23-27 April 

Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre 

www.thaitradefair.com 

Hong Kong International 

Auto Parts and Accessories Fair 

28 April-1 May 

AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong 

www.hkautopartsfair.com 

Automechanika Middle East 

1-3 June 

Dubai International Convention 

and Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE 

www.automechanika.messefrankfurt.com 

Automechanika Canada 

19-21 June 

International Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 

www.automechnikacanada.ca 

Automechanika Frankfurt 

16-21 September 

Frankfurt, Germany 

www.automechanika.messefrankfurt.com 

Korea Autoparts & Accessories Show 

22-25 October 

Kintex, Seoul, Korea 

www.koaashow.com 

APRA “International Big R Show” 

1-3 November 

The Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada 

www.apra.org 

AAPEX Show 

4-6 November 

Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, Navada, USA 

www.aapexshow.com/ 

SEMA Show 

4-7 November 

Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Navada, USA 

www.semashow.com 

NACE 

6-8 November 

Las Vegas, USA 

www.naceexpo.com 

AU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E A P R I L 2 0 0 8 7

NEWS 

ANNOUNCING 

THE EXIDE CLUB 

Interested in greater service levels and winning big 

prizes? Join the club. The Exide Club that is. 

Just by becoming members, trade customers are 

in the running for instant giveaways and prize 

draws. Plus they get access to Exide’s brand new 

one-stop-shop ‘mobile battery fleet’, providing 

unrivalled service and technical support on the 

spot. These purpose-built vehicles act as an 

inventory on the move, providing drop offs, pickups, 

point of sale displays, and emergency deliveries. 

Exide Batteries are backed by a worldwide 

commitment to performance and technology. They 

have been supplying the best battery solutions for 

many years, and now come with this fully charged 

invitation to earn some serious rewards. 

Simply purchase more Exide product to receive 

greater rewards and the opportunity to win prizes 

including home entertainment, electrical goods and 

travel. This year, loyal members will have the 

chance to be trackside at the Gold Coast Indy 

2008! All this for simply buying direct and saving 

money. The simplicity of the Program benefits all 

resellers, including independent operators. Sell 

more = win more. That’s direct. 

Exide’s industry-leading and comprehensive Full 

Service Package is available to all members. Join 

the Exide Club today – it’s the fast track to success. 

Call 1800 800 811 to speak to the friendly Exide team. 

AIRBAG MAN 

GAINS 

APPROVAL 

Airbag Man has been awarded AS/NZS ISO 

9001/2000 approval. 

“We are committed to maintaining a quality 

system designed to satisfy and exceed the 

requirements of the standard and we support all 

staff,” Managing Director, Richard Clamp, said. 

“We actively encourage all our business 

partners to provide feedback regarding our 

products and services. This allows us to maintain 

our philosophy of constant improvement. 

“It is a policy of Airbag Man to be fair and 

ethical in our business activities and to ensure 

outstanding customer service and satisfaction at 

all times. 

“We encourage achievement amongst our 

employees and are committed to providing safe 

work environments, practices and techniques.” 

AUTOBARN BUYS 

AUTOPRO 

Autobarn has purchased the 

Autopro marketing group from 

the embattled National Parts Pty. 

Ltd. 

National Parts was placed in 

Voluntary Administration in February 

this year. 

Accountants Craig Shepard and 

Leanne Chesser of KordaMentha 

were appointed by the Directors of 

National Parts as Voluntary 

Administrators of the independent 

wholesaler pursuant to Section 

436A of the Corporations Act. 

Due to the financial position of 

National Parts, it ceased trading 

immediately and all staff members 

were stood down pending a possible 

sale of the business. 

The Administrators immediately 

placed National Parts and the 

Autopro marketing group on the 

market. 

Advertisements were placed in 

the Financial Review on the day 

after the Voluntary Administrators 

were appointed. 

While there remains no news on 

National Parts Pty. Ltd. itself, one of 

its biggest assets, the Autopro 

marketing group, has been 

purchased by Autobarn Pty. Ltd. 

It is believed the Autobarn 

hierarchy recently held a meeting 

with the independent owners of the 

144 Autopro-branded stores to 

inform them of its future plans, 

though details of that meeting have 

not been made public. 

The purchase price for Autopro 

also remains undisclosed. 

Established in 1982, Autopro 

was Australia's largest automotive 

marketing group 

It was a national marketing 

program operated by National Parts. 

Autobarn is Australia's largest 

franchise retailer of automotive 

aftermarket accessories with just 

over 90 stores. 

Autobarn began when nine major 

Victorian specialist auto parts and 

accessories retailers got together 

and formed a co-operative. 

Seven years later that cooperative 

became the foundation of 

the Autobarn franchise system. In 

1991, Autobarn began franchising 

its stores. 

The acquisition of Autopro 

will give Autobarn even more 

purchasing power and will 

better equip it to 

challenge its rivals 

One of the original nine store 

owners, Garry Dumbrell, is now 

Managing Director of Autobarn Pty. 

Ltd. 

The acquisition of Autopro will 

give Autobarn even more purchasing 

power and will even better equip it 

to challenge its rivals. 


NEWS 

GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES 

REVIEW OF AUTOMOTIVE 

INDUSTRY 

The Minister for Innovation, Industry, 

Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, 

today announced a comprehensive review of 

Australia's automotive industry to be 

conducted by Mr Steve Bracks. 

The establishment of the review recognises 

the importance of the industry and reflects 

the Government's determination to ensure its 

long-term viability and sustainability. 

"The automotive industry is strategically 

vital to Australia in terms of employment, 

exports and innovation," Senator Carr said. 

"The environment our vehicle and 

component makers operate in has changed 

dramatically over the last ten years, but the 

previous government was asleep at the wheel. 

"What is now needed is a full, open and 

frank assessment of the challenges currently 

facing the sector. 

"This review will be about working with the 

industry to overcome barriers to success and 

to identify and take advantage of new 

opportunities," Senator Carr said. 

"The review will particularly consider the 

impact of global concern about climate 

change on the industry and the impact of 

changing consumer vehicle preferences. This 

will help to inform the implementation of the 

Government's $500 million Green Car 

Innovation Fund. 

"The future of the industry is dependent 

on attracting investment, building up skills, 

encouraging research and development and 

ensuring that government programs are 

effective and efficient. The Automotive 

Competitiveness and Investment Scheme is 

an important element of government policy. 

The review will assist laying down a new set of 

principles to make the industry sustainable 

into the future," Senator Carr said. 

Mr Bracks will be supported by an expert 

panel, comprising: 

• Mr Tim Harcourt (Chief Economist, 

Australian Trade Commission); 

• Mr Peter Upton (former CEO, Federation 

of Automotive Products Manufacturers); 

• Dr Elizabeth Webster (Principal Research 

Fellow, Melbourne Institute of Applied 

Economic and Social Research); and 

• Mr Nixon Apple (Industry and Investment 

Policy Adviser, ACTU). 

Sitting fees for panel members will be set 

according to standard Remuneration Tribunal 

scales. 

Senator Carr said Mr Bracks had 

established an enviable track record as 

Premier of Victoria, where he provided strong 

leadership on innovation issues and worked 

tirelessly to encourage research excellence 

and to facilitate closer ties between the 

scientific and research communities. 

"Steve Bracks' extensive international 

experience means he is ideally suited to sort 

the wheat from the chaff in this very complex 

area. 

"The Australian Government is pleased to 

secure the services of such a well respected 

figure who is so knowledgeable and 

passionate about innovation policy," Senator 

Carr said. 

The automotive industry is 

strategically vital to Australia 

in terms of employment, 

exports and innovation. 

The review will consult widely with 

stakeholders and will be calling for public 

submissions. It will provide an interim report 

to the Government by 31 March 2008, with a 

final report to be completed by 31 July 2008. 

The automotive review will take place 

concurrently with the recently announced 

review of Australia's national innovation 

system and will have regard to the issues 

raised in that review. 

The Government will separately request 

the Productivity Commission to undertake 

modelling on economy-wide effects of future 

assistance options. The Commission's 

modelling will be released publicly to inform 

the panel's examination of the industry, public 

debate, and the Government's deliberations 

in this area. 

For more information, visit the Department of 

Innovation, Industry, Science and Research's 

automotive review page 

www.innovation.gov.au/automotivereview 

LUCKY 

WINNERS GO 

STRAIGHT 

FOR 

MONROE 

The Go Straight for Monroe promotion 

has been run and won, with 20 lucky 

winners taking home a Garman GPS unit 

valued at $549. 

The promotion, a joint initiative 

between Kmart Tyre and Auto Service 

(KTAS) and Monroe, required 

participants to purchase and have 

installed a set of four Monroe shock 

absorbers, struts or cartridges at any 

KTAS store between November 19 2007 

and January 19 2008. 

"Both KTAS and Monroe are 

committed to safety - and this promotion 

ensured we were able to give consumers 

an incentive to put their safety first 

through replacing their shocks," 

Tenneco's Aftermarket Director, Roger 

Lassen, said. 

"We had an excellent customer 

response to the promotion and the 20 

winners are thrilled with their prizes - not 

only has their vehicles ride control and 

feel improved, they now have a 

navigation system to help them find their 

way around town!" said Keith Richardson, 

National Merchandise Manager for KTAS. 

Winners came from a variety of KTAS 

stores across Australia, with Redbank 

(QLD) and Tuggeranong (ACT) recording 

not one, but two winners. 

Other winners came from stores 

including Morayfield (QLD), Wollongong 

(NSW), Greensborough (VIC), and 

Joondalup (WA). 

Tenneco is one of the world's largest 

producers and marketers of ride control 

and exhausts systems and products. 

Tenneco manufactures products under 

the Monroe, Walker and Lukey brands at 

its facilities in Clovelly Park and 

O'Sullivan's Beach, Adelaide. 

Kmart Tyre & Auto Service is 

Australia's largest automotive service, 

repair, and tyre retailer with over 260 

service centres and 1200 employees 

nationally. 


NEWS 

HOT STAFF 

I-CAR AUSTRALIA 

ANNOUNCES NEW 

BOARD MEMBERS 

Following the continuing expansion 

and development of the I-CAR program 

across Australia the Board of I-CAR at its 

December meeting approved the 

appointment of two additional members. 

I-CAR Australia CEO Richard Pratt 

announced the appointment of Mr Paul 

Galea, Director of Sales and Marketing 

Refinish – PPG Industries, and Mr David 

Brown, Head of Claims and Assessing and 

Product and Underwriting – IAG, to join 

the seven Inaugural Board Members. 

Mr Pratt said: “both these gentlemen 

join the Board as representatives of their 

particular industry segments and bring to 

the Board of I-CAR additional 

management skills which will only 

enhance what is already an experienced 

Board, managing this rapidly developing 

program. They have both established 

quality reputations for their commitment 

to the industry.” 

“Mr Brown and Mr Galea played an 

important role in encouraging the 

establishment of the I-CAR Licence in 

Australia and have been at the forefront 

of their companies focus on increased 

levels of professionalism and reform 

across the entire industry,” he continued. 

“Their appointment, for a period of two 

years was approved in accordance with 

the organisation’s By-Laws. Such is the 

expansion and the potential of the I-CAR 

program, the Board is also considering 

additional appointees to represent the 

education and research facilities as well 

as the motor vehicle manufacturers.” 

I-CAR is an industry based not-forprofit 

organisation, which focuses on 

delivering post qualification skills 

enhancement education, training and 

information. 

Its vision is that: “Every person in the 

collision industry, current and future, has 

the necessary knowledge and skills 

relevant to their position to achieve a 

complete and safe repair.” 

For further information, contact 

I-CAR Australia CEO Richard Pratt on 

0418 735 847. 

GREENFLEET 

CONGRATULATES 

PEUGEOT FOR NEW 

EMISSION RECORDS 

According to Greenfleet, Peugeot 

should be applauded for its latest 

super fuel-efficient Peugeot 308 HDi 

following its record-breaking low-carbon 

emission 14,580km drive around 

Australia. 

John and Helen Taylor drove around 

Australia in their Peugeot 308 HDi, 

breaking two Guinness World Records – 

“Round Australia Diesel Economy World 

Record”, and the overall “Round 

Australia World Fuel Economy Record” 

(subject to final Guinness World Record 

confirmation) – and completed their trip 

yesterday when they returned to 

Melbourne. 

Greenfleet’s CEO Sara Gipton said 

John and Helen Taylor’s record was a 

fantastic achievement – at just 90g CO2- 

e/km travelled (national average is 285g 

CO2-e/km) and showed what a difference 

driving the right vehicle – very well, could 

make. 

“This achievement is approximately 

one-third of the Australian average 

passenger vehicle emissions per km 

travelled,” Ms Gipton said. 

“The car was driven carrying two people 

and their luggage and even surpassed the 

results achieved by any commercially 

available vehicle in the Greenfleet Class of the 

2007 World Solar Challenge. 

If everyone in Australia could 

drive just one-third more 

‘carbon efficiently’ than our 

current average... we could 

collectively reduce Australia’s 

total greenhouse emissions 

“If everyone in Australia could drive just 

one-third more ‘carbon efficiently’ than our 

current average (generating only 190g CO2- 

e/km travelled), assuming total km’s remain 

constant, we could collectively reduce 

Australia’s total greenhouse emissions from 

passenger vehicles by approximately 15 CO2- 

e megatonnes,” she said. 

Since 1990, greenhouse emissions from 

Australia’s passenger vehicles have grown by 

25 per cent. 

“Changing the way we drive and what we 

drive can make a significant contribution to 

achieving aggressive greenhouse gas 

reduction targets as proposed recently in the 

Interim Garnaut report,” Ms Gipton said. 

“To achieve the proposed greenhouse 

targets (min 60 per cent reduction) – we all 

need to drive as well as the Taylors.” 

Greenfleet makes the act of reducing the 

impact of the greenhouse gases as simple as 

possible. 

“Greenfleet encourages organisations and 

individuals to reduce the greenhouse gases 

they make and then offset or counterbalance 

their remaining emissions via Greenfleet’s 

forest restoration program,” Ms Gipton said. 

“Greenfleet’s forests do much more for the 

environment than just take carbon from the 

atmosphere and lock it away. 

“Our biodiverse approach means we plant 

a wide variety of native trees as permanent 

forests that help to reduce salinity and soil 

erosion and provide essential habitat for 

native wildlife,” Ms Gipton said. 

For more information about Greenfleet call 

1800 032 999, email info@greenfleet.com.au, 

or visit www.greenfleet.com.au 


NEWS 

THE 40-YEAR SUCCESS STORY IN 

COOLING TECHNOLOGY 

Australia’s innovative cooling specialist, Davies Craig, is 

celebrating its 40th anniversary. What started as a small 

innovative cooling fan designer and manufacturer in Port Melbourne 

is now a leading maker with a huge line-up and a global market 

from its new factory in Altona. 

Melbourne-based Davies Craig has not only taken its wellestablished 

cooling fans to the world but has added a range of 

transmission coolers, electric motors, fan clutches, thermal switches 

and more recently its electric water pumps on which it holds world 

patents. 

The ability to develop and produce durable, high quality and 

smart products, which deliver realistic solutions, has resulted in the 

company’s achievement with the multi-award winning Electric Water 

Pump. This all-new concept is now made in two sizes with full 

electronic management and is a sales success in many countries. 

Customers range from Formula One Grand Prix teams to many 

mainstream applications and individual performance improvements. 

With BMW using an electric water pump for 

its current 3 series and claiming a fuel saving of 

3.5 percent, and with the rocketing price of oil, 

soon al new cars will have such a pump. The 

forecast for Europe alone is 15,000 pumps a 

day by 2010. 

“When my family started this business 40 

years ago, electric fans on cars were unheard of 

and were not fitted as standard until the late 

1980s,” Davies Craig’s Richard Davies said. 

It has been long hard 

road developing such a range 

but being part of a success story 

makes it all worthwhile 

“With more efficient electric fans to suit 

Australia’s harsh temperatures, they couldn’t 

have imagined how the brand would grow to 

become respected around the world for 

reliability and long life. 

“Today when I travel to shows around the 

world and enjoy the kind of success that has 

come from all the hard work our team has put it, 

I never forget our home-base and our many loyal 

customers who have been with us over the 

years,” Mr Davies said. 

“It has been long hard road developing such 

a range but being part of a success story makes 

it all worthwhile. Definitely a case of deepest 

thanks to all our many customers with the 

message that this team has got a lot more to 

come yet. And watch this space.” 

For more information visit 

www.daviescraig.com.au 


NEWS 

CLUTCH INDUSTRIES 

SPONSORS DRIFT 

AUSTRALIA 

Clutch Industries Pty Ltd and Drift 

Australia have announced a major 

sponsorship for the 2008 series. 

Kevin Holmes, General Manager of Sales 

and Marketing for Clutch Industries said: 

“This is an important agreement for Clutch 

Industries Pty Ltd, expanding our racing 

programs into the exciting Drift categories”. 

The sponsorship is designed to achieve 

three benefits: 

• Reward high-performing teams in both 

Drift Australia and Super Drift events. 

• Advance clutch technology and the 

application of the new technology into 

racing and street programs. 

• Highlight the CI Performance Brand in 

the market. 

As with all CI’s race programs and 

performance development, this series 

affords the organisation an opportunity to 

test and develop products in high-stress 

situations. 

CI Performance is the umbrella brand 

utilised by Clutch Industries Pty Ltd to 

market its performance clutch program. A 

program which incorporates RPM street 

performance clutch systems, 4Terrain 4WD 

performance clutch kits, as well as track 

series racing products and lightened 

flywheels. 

In announcing the agreement, Wayne 

Boatwright from Drift Australia said: “Its 

great to have a company like Clutch 

Industries supporting the category. The 

company brings technical expertise, an 

advanced engineering and testing capability 

TRW’s new advertising campaign in 

Australia reflects their global message 

emphasizing the importance of safety in 

driving. 

The consumer will often focus on the 

number of air-bags or the structure of a 

vehicle when considering its safety, overlooking 

the safety critical components 

such as brakes. 

TRW is working to improve consumer 

on shore and, as a manufacturer, CI can 

respond faster than anyone to the demands 

of race teams. It’s a great step forward for 

drift racing in Australia.” 

Holmes went on the say that “Clutch 

Industries Pty Ltd is the only organization in 

Australia with a full suite of design, 

development and test facilities. When 

people get serious with performance, they 

get our technical division involved – it gives 

them an edge”. 

What most people don’t realize 

is that Clutch Industries has 

been working behind the 

scenes in drift racing for years 

What most people don’t realize is that 

Clutch Industries has been working behind 

the scenes in drift racing for years, 

including building alliances internationally, 

in preparation for this commitment. 

“While we are not at liberty to discuss 

propriety work conducted in racing 

programs, I can tell you that CI 

Performance will be the new standard and 

that this standard will be employed in the 

street versions available to the public.” 

The CI performance brand of 

performance clutch products has quickly 

become one of the nations most popular 

performance range. 

NEW TRW ADVERTISING 

CAMPAIGN REFLECTS 

GLOBAL ‘SAFETY’ MESSAGE 

knowledge when it comes to choosing 

parts, and aims to support the trade in 

helping pass the message on. 

TRW is a global leader in the 

manufacture of safety critical components 

for original equipment and the 

aftermarket. Using the finest materials 

and manufacturing processes, you can 

have complete confidence in the quality 

of every TRW part. 

MAJOR 

UPGRADE FOR 

MUARC DRIVING 

SIMULATOR 

The Monash University Accident 

Research Centre (MUARC) will 

conduct a major upgrade to its most 

advanced driving simulator to make it one 

of the best in the world. 

The upgrade will be carried out by 

Australian technology company Sydac 

and will include significant improvements 

to the simulator’s technical capabilities, 

computer technology and driving 

simulation reality. 

As part of the upgrade, GM Holden is 

donating a new Holden Commodore VE. 

MUARC director Professor Rod 

McClure said the simulator, located at 

MUARC’s Clayton headquarters, was 

already the biggest and most advanced in 

Australia and the upgrade would make it 

among the most sophisticated simulators 

in the world. 

“When the simulator upgrade is 

completed later this year, we can start 

collecting more detailed data on the 

behaviour of Australian drivers than ever 

before,” Professor McClure said. 

“The upgrade will further support 

MUARC’s reputation as the largest and 

most influential injury prevention centre 

in the Southern Hemisphere.” 

The simulator was developed in 

1994 by Victoria’s Transport Accident 

Commission and donated to MUARC in 

1998. Over the past 14 years, simulator 

data has played a major role in road 

safety initiatives in key areas including 

young driver training programs, driver 

distraction, drugs and alcohol, invehicle 

design, and vision impairment 

studies. 

Sydac was established in 1988. Its 

leading edge simulation and scientific 

modelling techniques are now used to 

provide training and operational 

simulators, decision support systems, and 

design and analysis tools across the 

transport, resources and defence sectors. 

The simulator upgrade comes after 

MUARC last month acquired one of the 

world’s most advanced portable driving 

simulators, the EF-X. 


NEWS 

ABS TO MAKE 2008 A BIG GROWTH YEAR 

The Auto Brake Service (ABS) is poised to 

make 2008 a big growth year with the 

expansion of outlets nationally. The group, 

which has been operating for 25 years, now 

has put the framework in place for a big 

push to attract new members. 

Now consisting of 45 stores nationally, 

the chain is a combination of company and 

franchised outlets, which have a strong 

position servicing both trade and consumers. 

Within the 45-strong line-up, four truck 

specialists are included. 

“What is really important here is not just 

the number of stores we’ve put together but 

the way ABS sales have grown superbly over 

the last 25 years because of the successful 

total system we have developed,” ABS’s 

National Franchise Services Manager, Rob 

Higgs, said. 

“We not only provide a top brand but a 

proven system with a successful track 

record. 

And it is this successful system, which 

we are now taking to the market to attract 

more franchise operators. 

“Our system is all about support, supply 

and warehousing with the emphasis on what 

works for individual businesses. We see good 

growth opportunities still to be had in the 

area of vehicle servicing – both major and 

minor as well as log bookwork. And this is 

on top of brake opportunities, which are 

coming from continuing new brake 

technologies. Trade parts – especially in 

regional areas – are also an area where much 

growth can be had. 

“The many aspects of the ABS approach 

has been fine tuned over the years to meet 

the changes of this industry. We now have 

the hardware and software for the location, 

facility, operator and brand. And that 

includes the information flow, planning, 

quality, people and service, which work with 

our marketing, operations and training. It is 

very much a case of us having a system for 

each system,” Mr Higgs said. 

“With good support from our well 

resourced head office, this group continues 

to prove good business and our track record 

is excellent. But we’re not standing still and 

Robb Higg 

the next stage in our business plan is to 

become bigger with the right sites and best 

people.” 

For more information ring Robb Higgs 

03 8369 1312 

AUSTRALIANS CAN SAVE 25 MILLION TONNES 

IN CARBON EMISSIONS ANNUALLY 

Drivers can put their foot down on harmful 

greenhouse gas emissions and significantly 

increase fuel efficiency with the new Mtech 

Fuel Saver solution launched in February at the 

Melbourne International Motorshow. 

Independent research published in 

November 2007 by Associate Professor Peter 

Dingle from Murdoch University, School of 

Environmental Science (Division of Science 

and Engineering) verifies 10 years of research 

and scientific testing on the Mtech Fuel Saver 

device. 

Mtech Fuel Saver uses patented nanotechnology 

that is non-intrusive to the engine 

and can be fitted to vehicles of all shapes and 

sizes and fuel tank capacities, whether they are 

running petrol, diesel or LPG fuel. 

Mtech Australia commissioned 

independent testing by Orbital Corporation 

Limited in accordance with Australian Design 

Rule 79/01, Emission Control for Light 

Vehicles. 

Mtech Fuel Saver helps save precious 

dollars with more than 15 percent fuel savings 

reported from independent tests, depending on 

the vehicle type. The Orbital test conducted in 

October 2007 demonstrated that there is a 

reduction of 23 percent in greenhouse gas 

emissions. 

“This could equate to a possible saving of 

around 25 million tonnes CO-e per year if 

applied to the Australian fleet” Associate 

Professor Dingle commented, adding that the 

statistics and research are compelling. 

There are more than 14 million 

registered vehicles travelling 

over 2 billion kilometres per 

year in Australia 

“There are more than 14 million registered 

vehicles travelling over 2 billion kilometres per 

year in Australia. This rate is growing and as it 

does, so do the pollutants that result,” he said. 

“Mechanical based technology 

improvements are incapable of offsetting this 

rise, which are being caused by the desire for 

heavy, powerful passenger vehicles, an aging 

fleet, lack of alternate transport options and 

increased travelling distances. 

“What is needed is a realistic, affordable 

and scientifically proven solution to reduce 

greenhouse gas emissions. Mtech is one such 

solution for all vehicle sizes,” Dingle stated. 

Mtech Australia CEO, David Bignold said: 

“Reducing personal greenhouse gas emissions 

and fuel consumption is now within easy reach 

of all Australians as prices start at $299 plus 

installation.” 

The Mtech Fuel Saver has been tested on 

more than 300 vehicles over the past three 

years. 

With 14.4 percent of Australia’s current 

greenhouse emissions attributed to transport, 

Mtech provides a clear option for all 

Australians to reduce carbon emissions for the 

remainder of their vehicles life. 

Mtech has more than 300 professional 

installers located around Australia. As an easy 

to purchase product from auto-retailers, Mtech 

is installed quickly in under an hour. 

For more information on Mtech visit 

www.mtechsaver.com.au 


NEWS 

NEW TECHNOLOGY TO STUDY OLDER DRIVERS 

With the number of drivers aged 65 and over 

set to more than double on Australian roads 

in the next 30 years, Monash University accident 

researchers will use one of the world’s most 

advanced portable driving simulators – the first 

of its kind in Australia – to test older drivers. 

The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science 

and Research, Senator Kim Carr, today launched 

the new driving simulator, the EF-X, recently 

acquired by the Monash University Accident 

Research Centre (MUARC). 

Professor Brian Fildes, MUARC Chair of Road 

Safety, said state-of-the-art 3D visuals created an 

exceptionally detailed driving simulation, which 

replicated the full range of driving conditions 

including night, rain, fog and bright sunlight. 

“The EF-X strengthens our researchers’ ability 

to go into the community and collect large 

amounts of detailed, reliable data on the 

behaviour of Australian drivers. Its arrival 

represents an important new era in safety 

research.” 

Professor Fildes said the first major project 

would focus on drivers aged 65 and over – whose 

numbers are set to more than double on 

Australian roads in the next 30 years. 

Older drivers would undergo an eight-minute 

simulated drive testing their skills in a range of 

situations known to challenge some older drivers, 

including merging, major intersections, right 

turns and avoiding sudden obstacles. Younger 

drivers will also be invited to complete the 

simulated drive so the performance of different 

age groups can be compared. 

... understanding older drivers was 

crucial for determining how roads, 

cars, training programs, in-car 

technologies and government 

policies could make roads as safe 

as possible for all road users. 

MUARC Senior Research Fellow, Dr Judith 

Charlton, said understanding the behaviour of 

older drivers was crucial for determining how 

roads, cars, training programs, in-car technologies 

and government policies could make Australian 

roads as safe as possible for all road users. 

The older-driver study is being funded by the 

AutoCRC (Auto Cooperative Research Centre) in 

association with Monash University and GM 

Holden. 

The simulator will be rotated between two 

major Melbourne dealerships – Barloworld 

Holden in Glen Waverley and John Collins Holden 

in Mornington – throughout 2008. Any licensed 

drivers can take part in the study. 

Richard Marshall, GM Holden's Director of 

Innovation, said he was excited to be working 

with MUARC on such a valuable study. 

“Australia has an ageing population and it's 

essential to invest in understanding how older 

drivers perceive and respond to potential 

hazards,” Mr Marshall said. 

“There's no doubt our focus at GM Holden has 

expanded to include accident avoidance as well 

as continuing to improve passenger safety if an 

accident occurs. With powerful research tools 

such as this EF-X simulator, we're confident this 

will assist us to develop potentially life-saving 

technologies, features and vehicle design 

solutions. This project reinforces GM Holden's 

and MUARC's commitment to real world safety.” 


NEWS 

AUSTRALIAN CLUTCH 

SERVICES IS BORN 

The 2007 Telstra SA Business of the Year, 

Adelaide Clutch Services launched its new 

company name Australian Clutch Services on 

Friday February 15. This change in name 

recognises the growth and success of the 

company and reflects its movement from a 

local supplier to a major player in the world 

auto market. 

Australian Clutch Services has all the key 

attributes of a successful exporter. 

From its beginning, the company has 

understood the need to continually innovate 

– it has listened to the market and has 

developed new products to meet the market’s 

demands. 

Australian Clutch is continually seeking 

new markets. The company participates in 

the major trade shows such as Automechanica 

in Germany for the auto aftermarket. This has 

enabled the company to extend its reach and 

find new distributors as well as servicing its 

existing ones. 

And importantly, Australian Clutch 

Services has recognised the commitment that 

exporting requires – by dedicating the 

necessary resources, both financial and 

people, to developing and growing export 

sales. 

Exporting is not easy – it requires time; its 

costs and there are risks – and no more so in 

today’s global automotive market. 

Australian Clutch Services is meeting 

these challenges and it was fitting that the 

company was recognised last year with 

receiving the SA Telstra Business of the Year 

Award. 

The Launch on Friday February 15 was 

officiated by Austrade State Manager, Patricia 

Moessinger, and celebrated by over 140 

automotive industry guests from South 

Australia and interstate. 

MACKAY READY 

FOR NEW FALCON 

Mackay is gearing up for the supply of 

components for the 2008 Ford model 

soon to go into production at Ford’s Melbourne 

plant. 

As with all OE projects of this nature, 

Mackay commences working with the OEM 

several years in advance of the scheduled 

vehicle release date. 

In the case of the new Ford model (code 

named Orion) Mackay and Ford engineering 

have worked closely to develop approximately 

30 various part numbers including hoses and 

other moulded items for this new model. 

Mackay’s roots with OEM business go back 

to the origin of the Australian motor vehicle 

industry. Mackay was one of the few 

pioneering manufacturing companies 

supplying OEM products to the first Australian 

built car by GM Holden back in 1948. 

Mackay continues to be a key supplier to 

this important industry, involved in the 

design, development and manufacturing of 

components for all tiers of the OEM supply 

chain. The development of new materials and 

engineering solutions for complex 

applications is a particular strength of the 

company and is also an important part of the 

ongoing success of Mackay Consolidated 

Industries Pty Ltd. 

Servicing the OEM sector requires that 

high standards be met in all facets of the 

business. Mackay has an enviable reputation 

for meeting the strict specifications and 

quality standards demanded by OEM 

customers. 

As is mandatory for OEM business, 

Mackay is quality accredited to ISO/TS16949 

quality standards. 

DNA DEBUTS 

AT TOKYO 

AUTO SALON 

2008 

Australian custom paint manufacturer 

DNA Genetically Modified Paints recently 

launched its premium range of custom 

paints and specialty finishes into the 

Japanese market. 

DNA showcased its paints and custom 

products with its newly appointed Japanese 

Distributor AIWA. 

DNA Marketing Manager, Scott Ferguson, 

and professional Australian airbrush artist 

Daniel Power of Power Studios 

(www.airbrushpower.com) travelled to the 

Tokyo show to help AIWA promote the 

extensive range of DNA products. 

Airbrush artists, custom painters and car 

enthusiasts were all impressed. 

The AIWA Auto Salon booth was 

continually flooded with large numbers of 

interested show visitors. 

Products of particular interest were the 

DNA metal FlakeZ and Candy ColorZ. 

To keep the crowds entertained Mr Power 

had a range of his artwork displayed on the 

booth, each of which were painted using 

DNA paints. As if that wasn't enough, Mr 

Power was also doing live body art 

airbrushing at the Show on no less than six 

Japanese models. 

DNA and AIWA were excited by the 

overwhelming response that the DNA product 

range received from the Japanese market. 

AIWA Director, Mr Akiyama, said that he 

sees no reason why DNA won't soon be a big 

name in the Japanese custom painting 

market. 

To see the cars, girls, artwork or other 

Auto Salon images, visit the DNA website: 

www.dna-paints.com and click on the Auto 

Salon Tokyo 2008 image to view the picture 

gallery. 

DNA paints are manufactured in 

Melbourne Australia and the company is a 

fully Australian-owned company. 


NEWS 

REPCO’S ENGINE MANAGEMENT 

COMPONENT TRIAL OFFER 

In continually striving to ensure that 

Australia's automotive repairers are best 

equipped and supported in the repair and 

diagnosis of modern vehicle engines, Repco 

has introduced a trial offer based system for 

the supply and fitment of premium quality 

Injectronics electronic engine management 

components. 

Repco and Injectronics offer a three-stage 

package for the ordering and fitment of 

electronic engine components to suit most 

popular Ford, Holden and Mitsubishi fuel 

injected engines. These products include 

ABS Units, Engine Control Units and Engine 

Management System components. 

As several problems in modern engines 

can be caused by any one of the various on 

board electronic systems, Repco recognises 

that repairers can waste a great deal of time 

and money on replacing the incorrect 

electronic component in seeking to rectify an 

intermittent or difficult to diagnose problem. 

In the past, this would mean the repairer 

Autocaps Australia Pty. Ltd. trading as CPC Auto Components and 

CPC Performance are delighted to announce the acquisition of 

E. T. Performance Products as from March 11, 2008. 

CPC Auto Components has embarked on a new plan to achieve 

rapid growth in the booming auto accessory market and the purchase 

of E. T. Performance Products will be an integral part of that growth 

strategy. 

E. T. Performance Products is an Australian Company with a strong 

21-year reputation for manufacturing and distributing high 

performance parts in Australia. 

Their impressive list of brands includes: 

• High Energy Automotive Components-diverse range of performance 

related accessories; 

• High Energy Oil Pans-best selling high performance oil pans in 

Australia; 

• High Energy Kooltube- Heat Protection Products-biggest selling 

range in Australia; 

• SS Inductions, Cold Air Kits-best selling late model range of cold 

air kits; 

• Turbosmart-best selling range of Turbocharger accessories; 

• TurboXS-great new range of turbo accessories including intercoolers 

exhausts systems, boost controllers, blow off valves and silicone 

hose; 

• Hybrid Intercoolers; 

• Saber Intercoolers; 

• Eagle Ignition Leads; 

• Redline Performance Products. 

Sales Manager for CPC Darryl Richards stated: “The Purchase of 

ET Performance fits perfectly with our Companies strategy going 

would have to purchase the components 

regardless of whether these components 

actually rectified the problem, resulting in 

headaches with returns or worse still, 

damaging a newly purchased component. 

Repco recognises that repairers 

can waste a great deal of time 

and money on replacing the 

incorrect electronic component 

in seeking to rectify an 

intermittent or difficult 

to diagnose problem 

To provide the maximum level of support 

to automotive repairers as engines become 

more sophisticated with the use of electronic 

management systems, this offer includes the 

supply of premium quality Australian remanufactured 

electronic management 

components on a trial basis should the 

component not solve the specific problem. 

Once the repairer has purchased the 

Injectronics remanufactured product from 

Repco and it does not solve the problem 

immediately, the customer receives a full 

credit and is charged trial fee of $85 plus 

freight, instead of the full purchase cost. A 

toll free technical support service (1300 308 

060) and technical bulletin is also offered. 

According to Repco Category Manager, 

Peter Volpi: "This is a unique offer from 

Repco to automotive repairers that displays 

our understanding of the challenges involved 

in resolving electronic engine management 

problems. This trial offer enables repairers to 

diagnose problems with confidence, knowing 

that they are not committed to purchasing 

expensive electronic system components 

unless they actually solve the problem at 

hand. The repairer is also able to return the 

product, provided it is not physically 

damaged, and is given a refund – even if it is 

burned out – for no more than the trial fee 

and freight costs." 

CPC ACQUIRES E.T. PERFORMANCE 

forward in becoming a dominant player in the ever growing Dress up 

and Performance Market”. 

“Andrew Holdsworth and key members of his team have been 

retained to help us implement rapid growth strategies, and a number 

of new product ranges and marketing innovations will be released over 

the next 18 months,” he continued. 

“We will continue to Trade the business as ET Performance. This 

will be an exciting time for CPC and both its current and future new 

customers. We look forward to working with you to help build sales in 

this exciting market segment.” 

For more information visit: www.cpcauto.com.au or 

www.etperformance.com.au 


NEWS 

NEW PROGRAM TO 

SKILL SMALL CAR 

COMPONENT SUPPLIERS 

The Minister for Small 

Business, Joe Helper recently 

launched C21 Challenge – a 

program to boost the skills and 

capabilities of small component 

suppliers in Victoria’s 

automotive sector. 

Launching C21 Challenge at 

the Melbourne Motor Show, Mr 

Helper said the program would 

provide training in practical 

business skills to 50 car parts 

businesses over six months. 

“Toyota approached me last 

year to discuss how we could 

work together to upgrade skills 

in parts supply businesses, 

particularly those earliest in the 

supply chain,” Mr Helper said. 

The Minister for Small Business, Joe Helper, 

at the Melbourne Motor Show. 

“Since then a lot of work has been done to jointly develop the C21 

Challenge program to improve efficiencies in car parts suppliers, with 

lasting benefits for the entire automotive sector. 

“This is an excellent example of the Brumby Government working with 

small and large businesses to develop real and practical solutions.” 

Mr Helper said the Brumby Government would contribute up to $1 

million to train an initial group of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers in practical 

business skills such as negotiating techniques, strategic business 

planning, manufacturing efficiency and workforce planning. 

“Too often small businesses are too busy to stop and assess their own 

business,” Mr Helper said. 

“This is especially true in the automotive component sector, which has 

recently come under increasing pressure.” 

Mr Helper said Victoria’s automotive industry employed around 35,000 

people and contributed $2.8 billion per year to exports. 

“We recognise that there are challenges from the impact of global 

competition on the automotive sector,” Mr Helper said. 

“This has a flow-on effect to suppliers, who face pressures to achieve 

international best practice while keeping costs down.” 

Participants will have individual access to consultants to give advice 

on improvements – industry experts have been selected for their in-depth 

knowledge and will provide access to the latest business methods and 

processes to enhance performance. 

The six point program focuses on: 

• a strategic review of participants designed to identify current status and 

possible actions 

• a production planning program to include lean manufacturing 

assistance 

• workforce planning 

• mentoring 

• negotiation skills 

• automotive industry forums and networking events. 

For more information about the C21 Challenge visit www.business.vic.gov.au/C21 

or call the Victorian Business Line on ph. 13 22 15 

LUNDS READY TO 

FILL NATIONAL 

PARTS VOID 

Following the acquisition of High Performance 

Products in December 2007, Shantex is integrating 

High Performance Products with its existing parts 

distribution business, Lunds 4WD. 

Lunds 4WD has been operating since 1974 and is 

an importer/wholesaler of auto parts and accessories 

with suppliers in Japan, Taiwan, China, and India. 

There are some 450 resellers of the Lunds products, 

including Croc Country Spares and Taipan Auto Parts 

across Australia, as well as major clients in Indonesia, 

Papua New Guinea, and South Africa. 

High Performance Products (HPP), has been 

operating a succesful parts distribution and logistics 

business since 1991 and in December 2007 was 

purchased by Shantex Pty Ltd. 

HPP is a distributor of name brand auto industry 

products to some 1000 some resellers around 

Australia. 

Effective from the March 2008, HPPLunds will be 

combining its existing distribution network, comprising 

of warehouses in: Coopers Plains, Brisbane; Earlville, 

Cairns; and Kings Park, Sydney. 

HPPLunds will also open a distribution centre in 

Thornbury, Melbourne on April 1. 

In addition to the new warehouse HPPLunds has 

recently announced the introduction of a number of 

new product lines, including NARVA, Monroe and 

Robert Bosch. 

These new product lines will compliment the 

existing HPPLunds distribution lines, which include 

Red Ranger, Gates, Top Gun, Redline and many more. 

Now with a full compliment of brands and a 

national distribution network, HPPLunds is well suited 

to service the auto aftermarket parts and accessories 

industry Australia wide. 

HPPLunds general manager Col Craig said even 

with the recent closure of National Parts putting a 

strain on parts supplies, HPPLunds is well set to assist 

displaced National Parts Customers. 

“These new arrangements will put HPPLunds at the 

forefront of supplying the Australian Automotive 

Aftermarket industry with their needs,” Mr Craig said. 

With integrated warehousing, a new distribution 

centre operating out of Melbourne from April, and a 

stack of great new product lines, HPPLunds is in a 

unique position to comprehensively service the market 

and be there for its current and future customers. 

For more information call 07 3722 1122 or email 

melanie.craig@shantex.com 


NEWS 

ROADSAFE PAJA - 

NEW COMPONENTS MANUALS 

The long awaited Roadsafe & O.E.M. Products Manuals 

are now available from Roadsafe PAJA. 

Roadsafe PAJA takes pleasure in presenting 

this latest manual, incorporating over 12 

months of work, and culminating in 

the first major steering and 

suspension catalogue revision in 

over 4 years. 

The entire steering and 

suspension product databases from 

both Roadsafe and PAJA have been 

combined and cross-referenced. 

Featuring over 2700 individual lines in 

both our Roadsafe & O.E.M. Products ranges, 

plus an additional 700 individual lines in our 

‘555’ Sankei Industry Co. Ltd., Japan brand, we 

believe that our steering and suspension line-up is 

the most comprehensive in Australia, with continued 

part number development as needs are identified. 

This new catalogue will surely be the industry 

benchmark when it comes to Steering & Suspension 

listings. 

Roadsafe PAJA, together with our parent company 

Camelot Design Industries Group Pty. Ltd., is the major supplier 

With fewer players in the parts distribution market following 

recent developments, R.P. Wallis is perfectly placed to grow 

its business. 

R.P. Wallis is hoping to expand its customer base, as it is the 

perfect partner for any reseller looking for a new option. 

R.P. Wallis Wholesale has operated in the aftermarket 

automotive industry for the last 46 years. 

The company is a privately owned independent parts 

distributor and has built up a name that is both extremely well 

known and respected. 

R.P. Wallis was started in 1963 and was the first company in 

Australia to import and distribute the Gates range of hoses and 

belts (including the Green-stripe range) on a national basis. 

For many years the name R.P. Wallis has been inextricably 

linked with both rubber hosing and belting, as well as Filtration 

Products. 

R.P. Wallis Wholesale has been a delivery partner for the 

Fleetguard filtration, and exhaust range of products for the past 

eight years. This is a relationship that the company is particularly 

proud of, and for which a large proportion of company resources 

is expended, in terms of consistently developing and expanding. 

It is safe to say that the name R.P. Wallis Wholesale is now 

synonymous with both Fleetguard’s Filtration and Exhaust range 

of products. 

R.P. Wallis currently carries an extensive range of Fleetguard 

of steering and suspension components to the Australian 

market. As a consequence, our part numbers are the most 

widely used in Australia. For the convenience of users of 

the new manual we have also included known 

alternative numbers for many applications. 

Adding numerous parts photographs and 

suspension set-up illustrations to assist in 

identifying ‘difficult’ components has further 

enhanced the manual. 

Featuring specific pages on our 

supplementary lines, customers are 

able to easily identify fast moving 

Sway Bar Links and Link Pins, 

Adjustable Panhard Rods, 

Rubber Dust Boots, Suspension 

Arms and Stub Axles. In addition to 

a huge variety of new ‘tools’ specifically 

related to the fitting and removing of 

steering & suspension parts. 

The manual has been prepared in both the 

Roadsafe and OEM Products design to suit customermarketing 

requirements. 

For further information contact Roadsafe on 1300 651 551 

R.P WALLIS LOOKS TO 

INCREASE BUSINESS 

Filtration plus associated hardware. In addition, a comprehensive 

range of Fleetguard Exhaust product is kept on hand. 

Gates industrial product lines are stocked as well as Flexfabs’ 

range of silicon hosing which it has a sole distributorship for, and 

distributes nationally. R.P. Wallis also carries the Ideal and Breeze 

clamp range. 

R.P. Wallis is hoping to expand its customer 

base, as it is the perfect partner for 

any reseller looking for a new option 

In the last three years R.P. Wallis Wholesale has moved into 

lubrication products, and tools. This has had the effect of further 

increasing the value package that is able to be offered to current 

and potential customers. All product sold is only of the highest 

quality. 

R.P. Wallis has maximized its position as a distributor in the 

automotive market, by creating a niche in which it is extremely 

successful. This has been achieved by offering a value package in 

terms of parts availability, technical expertise, superior quality, 

competitive pricing, and service excellence that cannot be beaten. 


NEWS 

NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN 

SKILLS COMPETITION LAUNCHED 

Sachs Masters 2008 to showcase skill levels and recognize excellence in the 

Australian automotive repair industry. 

ZF Australia Pacific is proud to support the first Australian team-based 

automotive technicians’ skills competition to take place in July 2008. 

Together with the University of Ballarat (TAFE Division), the BMW 

National Training Centre and the VACC, SACHS Masters 2008 plans to 

unearth Australia’s most talented automotive technicians to take part in 

this challenging team-based competition. 

Each team will comprise of three members, Certificate 3 (or 

equivalent) qualified with at least one year’s post-trade experience, 

currently working in the automotive servicing and repair industry. The 

minimum age for entrants is 22. 

The start of the SACHS Masters 2008 competition will be in the form 

of an online assessment to test teams’ knowledge. Finals will be held 

from July 24 to 26, 2008 at the state of the art BMW National Training 

Gippsland Group Training has been recognised as a leading 

Registered Training Organisation with One Gold Star Ratings 

for its automotive courses at three of its campuses: Korumburra; 

Education Precinct; and AV Bentleigh. 

The Star Ratings Scheme is administered by The Institute for 

Trade Skills Excellence and recognises excellence in trade skills 

training among TAFE’s and Registered Training Organisations. 

Phil Backman, Training Manager of Gippsland Group Training, 

said that receiving the One Gold Star rating was recognition of the 

high quality of teaching delivered. 

“The recognition we have received validates our position as a 

leading choice in training for the automotive industry sector” Said 

Mr Backman. 

The Star Rating Scheme identifies the very best training 

providers across all industries to enable employers, career 

counsellors, potential students, and parents to distinguish 

excellence in trade training by evaluating training providers. 

Industry areas within Registered Training Organisations which 

apply receive either a: One Gold Star; Two Gold Star; or Three 

Centre in Melbourne. Members of the automotive trade are welcome to 

witness this highly unique skills competition and to take part in daily 

fringe activities such as presentations, product talks and information 

sessions from TAFE, Government and event sponsors. 

The winner of the SACHS Masters 2008 will be presented with a 

cash prize of $10,000 and the inaugural SACHS Masters trophy. The 

runner-up team will receive $7,500 cash, and a further three consolation 

prizes of BMW driver training days will be awarded. 

ZF Australia Pacific General Manager Klaus Hahn believes that this 

national competition will highlight the highly talented technicians that 

are coming through the ranks in the ever growing Australian automotive 

servicing and repair industry. 

“We are delighted to be a major sponsor of this unique national 

automotive technician skills competition. SACHS Masters 2008 is a proactive 

event that links ZF Australia Pacific, a leader in ride control, drive 

system and chassis products, to the leading automotive technicians in 

the country. We look forward to a very successful and highly challenging 

national competition that will showcase the ZF Group’s technology and 

expertise while supporting and motivating the Australian aftermarket,” 

Mr Hahn said. 

The 2008 SACHS Masters competition is supported by the Institute 

of Automotive Mechanical Engineers (IAME), the Australian Automotive 

Aftermarket Association (AAAA), World Skills Australia, Wurth and SPX 

Valley Forge. 

For registration details visit www.sachsmasters.com 

GIPPSLAND GROUP TRAINING 

RECOGNISED FOR EXCELLENCE 

IN AUTOMOTIVE 

Gold Star Rating to indicate that they have achieved excellent 

results for their students. 

The Star Rating Scheme focuses on the following eight areas 

of skill shortage: 

• Automotive 

• Building and Construction 

• Electrical 

• Hospitality and Personal Services 

• Manufacturing 

• Metals and Engineering 

• Mineral Resources 

• Rural and Farming 

Evaluations are carried out against three broad criteria that 

were developed in partnership with the industry. 

The evaluation process includes an initial self evaluation by 

the relevant faculty or school, followed by a site visit to schools 

or faculties who demonstrate potential to achieve a One Gold Star, 

Two Gold Star or Three Gold Star rating. 


PRODUCTS 

New temperature 

achievements with 

Wurth silicone 

Europe’s top auto chemical specialist, Wurth, has 

released an upgraded hi-temperature automotive 

silicone available in both tube and cartridge. 

Silicone Special 250 is a top-of-therange 

product where trade users can be 

confident it will handle all the workshop 

jobs. This cold vulcanising silicone 

excellent adhesive rubber is non-gaseous 

and has the ability to bridge large uneven 

surfaces. It boasts a line-up of real 

advantages, which include: 

• Permanent sealing for engine oil 

sumps, water pumps, radiators, crank 

cases etc.; 

• Excellent sealing for the many body 

jobs where vibration-proof sealing is 

needed in welded seams; 

• Oxygen sensor safe; 

• Temperature resistance to 250 degrees 

long term and 300 degrees short term; 

• A colour range, which includes red, 

grey and black. 

Wurth 

Silicon 

Special 250 

– now in 

cartridges 

and tubes. 

“Wurth Silicone Special 250 is now 

available in 70ml tubes and 310ml 

cartridges,” Wurth’s John Tsakoumangos 

said. 

“And they both have the same 

excellent product performance with the 

way the trade appreciates its ability for 

quick skin strength formulation. 

“This really is a one-stop sealer for all 

those many exhaust, oil and water jobs in 

the workshop,” Mr Tsakoumangos said. 

For more information contact Wurth on local 

call 1300 65 77 65 or www.wurth.com.au 

Valvoline gives worn engines the royal flush 

Today, many vehicles are subjected to extended oil drain intervals that often exceed original 

equipment manufactures’ recommendations. Whilst many OEMs recommend oil drain intervals 

of 10,000 to15,000 kilometres, these recommendations are subject to a specific set of driving 

conditions. 

The problem is that most motorists don’t adhere to these criteria and are unaware that 

their normal driving habits often 

constitute what OEMs refer to as 

‘harsh driving conditions’. In 

these cases service intervals are 

usually halved. 

Intermediate services are 

required if a vehicle is regularly 

operated under any or all of the 

following conditions: 

• Extensive idling and/or lowspeed 

driving for long 

distances; 

• Repeated short trips where the 

engine does not reach normal 

operating temperature; 

• Extended high-speed driving 

under heavy load in high 

temperatures; 

• Towing caravans, trailers or 

boats; 

• Extended stop-start driving; 

• Operating on rough, dusty or 

loose surfaced roads. 

A good percentage of vehicles 

on the road today drive under 

one or more of the above 

conditions, particularly when you 

consider that extensive idling, 

repeated short trips and stopstart 

driving are commonplace in 

regular city traffic. 

One of the biggest 

consequences of motorists not 

Many vehicles are subjected to 

extended oil drain intervals that 

often exceed original equipment 

manufacturers’ recommendations 

getting their vehicle serviced at the correct interval is the build up of excessive 

amounts of soot and sludge in the engine. 

To properly clean an engine before adding new motor oil, Valvoline recommend the 

use of an engine flush. The light base oils used in Valvoline Engine Flush are formulated 

to carry the special dispersant and detergent additives that actively clean deposits in the 

engine. 

Valvoline Engine Flush is an advanced non-solvent formulation. 

“Solvent based engine flushes can do a great job, but they have a propensity to 

damage seals and gaskets if they are left in too long”, Regional Technical Manager, Ed 

Kopinski, said. 

“The problem is that many people leave the product in for an extended time hoping 

that it will improve the result”, Mr Kopinski continued. 

“By developing a non-solvent engine flush, we have minimised the chances of this 

occurring. The other major benefit of a non-solvent engine flush is that it cleans in a 

gentle and controlled fashion. Many products containing harsh solvents have a tendency 

to remove large chunks of deposits all at once. The problem is that these chunk scan 

get stuck in the lifter gallery causing a multitude of engine problems.” 

Valvoline’s advanced non-solvent formulation not only minimises the risk of harming 

seals and gasket materials, it also safely dissolves sludge and cleans engines to improve 

oil circulation, free sticky valves and lifters and reduce the deposits that rob the engine 

of power. 


PRODUCTS 

Keep your 

workshop clean 

with Tidy Trays 

Tidy Trays is an innovative 

automotive accessories and 

environmental supply company 

that has products that are not 

only cost and time effective, but 

also assist in maintaining a 

clean work place. 

With Water Authorities and Councils now visiting businesses, 

chemical sites, golf and bowling clubs on a more regular basis, 

the need for Tidy Tray products have become essential in adhering 

to environmental regulations. 

Bunding trays are available in either, one, two, three or four 

drum configuration at an affordable cost and a metal stand can 

be an optional extra All bunding meets EPA standards. 

The Tidy Tray products such as the Tip & Run for coolant and 

oil drops and the drip tray range have become the norm in many 

workshops and service centres. 

To view all the Tidy Tray products visit www.tidytrays.com.au 

Haigh’s new 

Sunland 

dashmats 

range 

Haigh Australia has released a 

brand new catalogue for its 

top-selling range of Sunland 

dashmats. The 2008 edition 

showcases their enormous 

range of fully moulded 

dashmats made from their 

exclusive ‘Protex 3’ material. 

The catalogue contains a 

comprehensive range of 

models and caters for both 

local & imported vehicles. You’ll find extensive model information as 

well as details of their highly popular monogram & logo service, which 

has adds a new dimension for retailers and consumers. Customers have 

the opportunity to personalise their dashmat with logos and 

monogramming and it can all be designed with the help of an 

interactive website. The new catalogue is just part of Haigh’s ongoing 

marketing strategy for dashmats and it ties in well with the website 

located at www.dashmats.com.au. The site is updated daily with new 

model releases and product information. Sunland is the “Original and 

Best” fully moulded dashmat on the market today. Made right here in 

Australia all Sunland dashmats carry a lifetime warranty. 

Contact Haigh Australia on 07 3713 9345 for more details. 


PRODUCTS 

Stant and Stant SuperStat 

thermostats by Gates 

Gates now has added an additional 26 Stant 

Thermostat and 44 Stant SuperStat 

applications into its extensive range. These 

new applications cover vehicles including 

Ford Focus, Ford Fairlane, Toyota Landcruiser, 

Ford Falcon and Peugeot 405. 

With Stant thermostats you can be 

assured you are getting OE quality, 

performance and security. 

The heart of the Stant brand thermostat 

is the ELAC heat motor. The unique 

properties of the heat motor result in a 

consistent and precise response to the 

cooling system's needs. This is achieved 

through the use of a precisely formulated, 

thermally expansive wax fill that is 

calibrated to operate within OEM 

requirements. 

Unlike conventional thermostats that 

continually open and close to achieve the 

proper operation temperature and flood the 

engine with coolant, the Stant SuperStat 

thermostat has a patented V-notch, non 

linear design that reduces cycling by 

precisely metering the amount of 

coolant needed. The V-notches 

provide a small initial flow. As the 

engine heats up, the V-notches 

gradually open wider, metering coolant 

released into the system until the 

desired engine temperature is 

reached. 

The benefits of proper engine 

temperature control are: 

• Efficient engine operation; 

• Prolonged engine life; 

• Reduced oil consumption; 

• Improved fuel economy; 

• Improved emissions. 

The Stant Thermostats and SuperStats 

product and application coverage increases 

your opportunities to grow your sales. 

It's no wonder Stant is the original 

equipment choice of many auto 

manufacturers. Visit the Gates Australia 

website (www.gatesaustralia.com.au) to use 

the new Gates Online Catalogue, which lists 

all the most up-to-date application and part 

number information available, for all Gates 

product ranges. 

Alternatively, for your copy of the Stant 

Thermostat Catalogue (Part Number: 496- 

2048), contact Priscilla Robb on 

probb@gates.com. 

If you require any further information, 

please contact your Stant Stockiest, or 

contact Gates Australia Customer Service 

on 03 9797 9688 


PRODUCTS 

Pfitzner performance 

gearboxes surpass limitations! 

The Pfitzner product has gained an enviable reputation, 

internationally and domestically, as a tough, reliable and near 

unbreakable high performance gearbox. 

It has had an outstanding year with on track successes 

such as winning the control gearbox contract for the entire 

V8 Tourer field in New Zealand, to John Shepard from the 

USA running the first 7.6 second quarter mile pass on one 

of its Mitsubishi EVO1-3 drag sets, making him the fastest 

four wheel drive four cylinder on earth. 

It has a comprehensive range of high performance gearsets 

for race, rally, drag and drift applications. 

The dog engagement design allows 

clutchless shifting and 

instantaneous gear selection 

Its latest offering is a Tremec T56, Helically Cut, Dog 

Engagement Gear-set, which is a direct fit into the six-speed 

Tremec T56 gearbox as fitted to late model LS1 and LS2 

Holden Commodore V8s. PPG offers a first to fourth set with 

a stock fifth and sixth. 

This set is designed as a drag racing set with power 

potential of over 1300hp. The dog engagement design 

allows clutchless shifting and instantaneous gear selection. 

Priced at $6600 plus GST this represents exceptional value 

in terms of reliability and performance. 

For more information on the complete range of PPG gears, 

call 08 8285 2933 or visit www.ppgearbox.com.au 


PRODUCTS 

Next generation vehicle protection system 

Rojone has released the next generation vehicle 

protection system, EziTrak Micro Vehicle 

Security and Tracking System. This new release 

has been specifically designed as a more 

compact unit, using less power but offering 

customers increased features and greater 

suitability for all vehicles. 

EziTrak Micro is an Australian designed 

and manufactured monitoring, protection and 

GPS tracking system giving car and vehicle 

owners personalised, self-monitoring of their 

vehicle. This early warning anti-theft device 

is interactive and has no monthly or annual 

monitoring fees. 

The EziTrak Micro is half the size of 

previous models, measuring only 80 mm (L) 

x 61 mm (W) x 35 mm (H). This makes it 

ideal for use in motorbikes plus plant 

machinery. The outer casing has a low sheen 

black finish, which makes it even harder for 

thieves to locate, and the unit comes 

complete with an internal vibration sensor. 

The EziTrak Micro is specifically designed 

to have a very low power consumption; in 

deep sleep mode, this is as low as 1 

milliamp. The unit comes standard with an 

internal trickle-charged backup NIMH 

battery. 

The internal phone module in the EziTrak 

Micro is the latest available and is 

compatible with all phone networks, meaning 

the EziTrak Micro can be used with any GSM 

system in the world. 

The EziTrak Micro offers remote 

immobilisation capability, when the ignition 

is off. This complies with the relevant 

Australian and international standards. 

The EziTrak Micro has an internal Black 

Box Recorder logging speed, position, time 

and date from 1-255 hours, as often as once 

per second. Particularly of use to fleet 

operators, the EziTrak Micro can now email 

the contents of the black box to an email 

address where the information can be 

downloaded and played back on a PC moving 

map display. 

Vehicle owners can now control the 

sensitivity of the vibration sensor with the 

new EziTrak Micro; this will reduce false 

alarms. Once set, the EziTrak Micro will need 


PRODUCTS 

to sense movement for, say, 20 continuous 

seconds before it calls the vehicle owner to 

advise of a disturbance. 

With EziTrak Micro, you are completely in 

control of the security of your car, with 

commands protected by your personal PIN 

code. Interaction with EziTrak Micro is 

typically done by selecting menu options over 

the phone (mobile phone or landline). This 

menu allows you to remotely immobilise the 

engine, lock and unlock the doors, check on 

your vehicle anytime, and obtain a status 

report including location to within 6 metres. 

EziTrak Micro offers security, control, GPS 

tracking and emergency notification for a 

single one-off cost to personal vehicle owners 

and fleet owners. 

The EziTrak Micro vehicle monitoring, 

protection and tracking system is available 

direct from Rojone or from selected specialists. 

Recommended retail price is under $1,000 

(AUD) plus installation. The only additional 

requirement is a GSM SIM card from your 

preferred network provider. Mapping software 

and GPRS access are optional extras. 

For more information visit www.ezitrak.com.au 

Haigh releases new product catalogue 

Haigh Australia has released its 2008 product 

catalogue, which showcases its enormous range 

of quality automotive products and accessories. 

The catalogue not only illustrates the 

diversity of its range, but also the depth within 

each of the product categories, something 

Haigh has been well known for decades. 

Product direction remains predominantly 

automotive however the company continues 

to ‘dip its toe’ into other markets such as 

Marine, Camping and Leisure with great 

success. 

Haigh still continues to dominate the dashmat market with its best-selling range 

of Sunland-branded dashboard protectors and its growing Protective Plastics 

business is setting sales records each and every month. 

Customers are benefiting from Haigh’s excellent supply rates and competitive 

pricing, according to National Marketing Manager Mike Smith. 

He stressed that there are many more surprises in store for customers during 

2008. 

“We want to give our customers the opportunity to buy new and exciting products 

each and every month,” he said. 

If you haven’t received your copy of their new product catalogue then please call 

Haigh on 07 3713 9345 or contact your State Sales Manager 


PRODUCTS 

Harrop releases VE V8 cold air induction kits 

Harrop Engineering has released its new VE V8 cold air induction kits. 

After many hours of exhaustive research, development and testing Harrop Engineering 

claims to have produced the most effective OE appearance cold air intake system available 

to suit the VE Commodore V8. 

Features include: 

• Original Equipment appearance; 

• Typically 10kw gain in power without recalibration when compared with standard factory 

assembly; 

• Greater gains when combined with a custom PCM recalibration; 

• Increased low down torque; 

• Crisp sharp throttle response; 

• Greater fuel economy; 

• Reduced inlet air temperatures; 

• Easy fitment with DIY installation guide included. 

For more information call 03 9474 0900, email sales@harrop.com.au, or visit www.harrop.com.au 

Eagle-eyed readers would have noticed in our March edition that the wrong picture was used to illustrate the article on 

page 37 titled ‘The Legend Continues’ which talked about the Harrop supercharger range. The above picture is the one that 

should have accompanied the article. Apologies to anyone who may have been confused. Harrop Engineering now has 

three versions of superchargers available to suit all Commodore LS1/2 and L76/98 powered variants to meet customers 

specific state of tune. This includes the HH112 & HH122 5.5 Generation units and the latest four lobe HTV2300 for the 

ultimate in supercharger performance. 

Narva takes the tension 

out of Suzi coils 

To meet strong 

customer demand 

for differing types 

of electrical ‘Suzi’ 

coils, Narva has 

released a new 

Australian made 

European style coil range 

catering for a more open coil 

structure traditionally found on European trucks. 

The new “Euro Coil’ range is manufactured to Narva’s 

demanding specifications. Each incorporates a larger diameter coil 

design to reduce cable sag coupled with a lightweight insulation, 

retaining excellent retraction memory with greater flexibility overall. 

Whilst retaining the popular USA ‘Suzi’ cables in the range, 

including the extra heavy duty cables, four new cables have been 

introduced into the Narva program catering for cables with and 

without plugs with short and long tails. 

“Our ‘Euro Coil’ reduced tension cables place less strain on the 

plugs and are ideal for use with the commonly used Po-Go sticks,” 

said George Davies, Narva Marketing Manager. 

The new coils are manufactured from Polyamide 11 and 12, 7 

core 4mm, recoiling to very short length for ease of storage when 

not in use. 

New Narva ‘Euro Coil’ electrical Suzi coils are available from 

Narva automotive and transport outlets throughout Australia. 

For further information call Brown & Watson International Pty Ltd on 

03 9730 6000 or National Toll Free on 1800 113 443. 


PRODUCTS 

Chicago pneumatic wrenches 

available from Repco 

Repco brings two new high quality workshop products to the market 

that are amongst the most advanced cordless tool products ever 

produced. 

Repco introduces two Chicago Pneumatic heavy-duty cordless 

impact wrenches to its vast workshop tool range this month. 

Available in 3/8 inch or 1/2-inch drive, 12 Volt or 19 Volt versions, 

these outstanding cordless impact wrenches are a must-have 

addition for any 

automotive workshop. 

The advantages of 

the CP8738AL 3/8- 

inch cordless impact wrench 

are many. It has a total weight 

of just 1.6kg and length of 

170mm. This product also 

features a built-in LED work 

light, comfortable rubber grip, 

one handed forward and 

reverse selection feature and a feather touch teasing trigger. The 

battery pack is over moulded with rubber to reduce the possibility 

of damage. This Chicago Pneumatic product from Repco 

compares favourably against other cordless impact products 

currently available, developing a tough 129Nm of Torque, with a 

free speed of 2400RPM. 

The CP8748AL ½-inch cordless impact wrench is the 

industry's strongest 

cordless impact 

wrench, delivering an 

impressive 575 Nm of 

Torque with a free speed of 

1950 RPM and weighing in at 

3kg. Its features include 

replaceable carbon brushes, 

comfortable rubber grip, 

protective rubber covered 

battery pack, one hand forward 

The CP8738AL 

3/8-inch cordless 

impact wrench 

features a total 

weight of just 

1.6kg and length 

of 170mm. 

The industry's 

strongest cordless 

impact wrench, 

the CP8748AL 

(1/2 inch) is 

available now 

from Repco. 

and reverse selection feature and a feather touch teasing trigger. 

Both of these new Chicago Pneumatic cordless impact 

wrenches are sold by Repco with two quality Li-Ion batteries, 

which are light weight, provide 2.4 Amp hours of constant power 

throughout the charge and are ecologically friendly. Batteries can 

be accessed via an easy-release button and their design has been 

shaped to allow better access to wheel wells and tight areas. 

The handy built-in LED work lamp on the 3/8-inch version can 

be illuminated before the tool is started, allowing the user to find 

the work before starting it, thereby avoiding any damage through 

misplacement to wheels, vehicles or parts. 

Chicago Pneumatic is a long established and well-respected 

innovator and manufacturer of pneumatic workshop tools. Its 

commitment to the market is to deliver the lightest, smallest, 

most durable, efficient, technically advanced and ergonomic 

range in the trade, which is why Repco is delighted to offer these 

products to its valued trade customers. 

Inspect the Chicago Pneumatic cordless impact wrench range 

at your local Repco store. 


AAAA MEMBER FEATURE 

OUTSTANDING 2008 NARVA 

CATALOGUE RELEASED 

Those destined to receive a copy 

of the high quality 2008-2010 

Narva Automotive Lighting and 

Electrical Catalogue could not 

help to be impressed at its ease 

of use and attractive colourful 

and practical layout. 

Within its almost 400 pages it contains a 

wealth of information, valuable to retailers, 

wholesalers, resellers, vehicle repairers, vehicle 

manufacturers, transport operators, mining 

operations, in fact anyone operating vehicles and equipment. It 

is an outstanding achievement by the Narva team and must 

surely be Australasia’s most comprehensive catalogue in 

automotive lighting and electrical products. 

With the previous catalogue Narva introduced the slogan 

‘Safety through Technology’ and this latest edition follows that 

theme. Advanced developments, particularly in the field of L.E.D 

Within its almost 400 pages it contains a 

wealth of information valuable to retailers, 

wholesalers, resellers, vehicle repairers, 

vehicle manufacturers, transport 

operators, mining operations... 

and H.I.D lighting, have in many cases reduced costs of 

production and provided many more ways of creating enhanced 

performance, reliability and safety. 

More than 700 new products appear and impact every 

category throughout this extensive catalogue. Here are just some 

of the highlights: The driving and fog lamp section features a 

world release with the new Ultima 225 range , which has been 

developed by Narva in partnership with a leading Swedish 

automotive design and lighting manufacturer. The new styling 

and performance of these lamps is already having an impact on 

the world market. Then there is the all new Extreme range 

designed by competitors in the Baja 1000 desert race coupled 

with Australian engineering and design input to bring an entirely 

new concept in driving lamp construction. 

Work lamps for every application are covered with new L.E.D 

and H.I.D options providing improved light patterns and output 

for greater safety. L.E.D strobes and L.E.D light bars combine high 

powered L.E.D’s with smart electronics to offer selected flash 

patterns and high levels of reliability. 

Performance globes delivering 80 percent more light with 20 

percent whiter light that results in 100 percent more vision – the 

‘Blue Power’ will lead the performance globe market. ‘Truckstar’ 

and ‘Platinum’ are just some of the new globe developments also 

on offer. With H.I.D technology continuing to advance, the latest 



German made Gen five ballast and D1 

globes are now available offering higher 

performance and faster ignition than the 

original D2 technology. 

High quality Ignition switches offering 

performance, reliability and value with style 

are listed in a complete new range along 

with battery master switches. The new 

rotary battery master switches, ideal for 

boats, 4WD vehicles and industrial 

machinery, can be used independently 

or banked together to create a central 

control for dual battery systems, each 

offering greater security. 

Narva’s interior lighting range has 

been greatly increased as a 

direct result of utilising the latest 

high intensity L.E.D technology. New 

lamps for buses, refrigerated 

transport vehicles and boats are 

now available plus an extensive range of 

courtesy lamps, awning lamps and 

fluorescents for recreational vehicles. 

As leaders in L.E.D road 

lighting it is not surprising the section 

on L.E.D Truck and Trailer lighting covers 

some 36 pages of listings. Included in 

this category is the latest Model 33 

side indicator lamp, a unique lamp , which 

meets the difficult requirements of ADR6 

category five and six. Models 34 and 36 

trailer lamps modelled on the footprint of 

Australasia’s most popular incandescent 

Narva’s interior lighting range has been 

greatly increased as a direct result of 

utilising the latest high intensity L.E.D technology. 

lamps are also featured. These popular lamps 

use just eight L.E.D’s to provide performance 

with economical pricing. The entire L.E.D 

range in this section is covered by an amazing 

Narva five-year warranty. 

The 2008 Narva catalogue provides a great 

read, many surprises and most importantly 

it’s a valuable reference guide and sales tool 

that will be of value to any automotive and 

transport business. 

For further information contact 

Narva on 03 9730 6000 


HR MATTERS 

FAMILY FRIENDLY POLICIES FOR 

EMPLOYEES WITHOUT CHILDREN 

With an increasing emphasise on family friendly policies in the workplace it 

is time to consider how well structured your policy is. For example, does the 

policy focus only on employees with children and childcare responsibilities? 

David Wilkinson 

AAAA Industrial, Relations Manager 

Phone 02 8448 3211 Fax 02 9993 9709 

Email hr@aaaa.com.au 

If it does, consider how your employees 

without these responsibilities may be feeling. 

It could be that they feel disadvantaged and 

ignored. 

A balanced work and family program 

should include elements that provide choices 

for all employees, not just a select group. 

The benefit to your organisation in achieving 

an effective balance between work and 

personal life for employees is a happier and 

more effective workforce. Organisations with 

effective policies report benefits including: 

• increased productivity; 

• reduced stress; 

• improved morale and commitment; 

• reduced lateness and absenteeism; 

• increased staff retention; and 

• increased ability to attract and recruit new 

staff. 

The following are some options and ideas 

for work practices that can help employees 

lead better balanced lives. 

FLEXIBLE HOURS 

Flexible working hours allows employees 

to work an agreed number of hours, spread 

over a set period of time. Employees are able 

to work the hours they choose while enabling 

the organisation to function effectively. 

REGULAR PART-TIME WORK 

Regular part-time work allows employees 

to reduce their working hours in order to take 

care of family or other responsibilities, while 

maintaining an income. 

JOB-SHARING 

Job-sharing is a voluntary arrangement in 

which two or more people share one full-time 

job, each working part-time on a regular, 

ongoing basis. There can be advantages for 

employers because there is more than one 

staff member trained in the job. 

HOME-BASED WORK 

Home-based work (also known as 

teleworking or telecommuting) enables 

employees to spend part of their working time 

at home on a temporary or permanent basis. 

FLEXIBLE LEAVE ARRANGEMENTS 

Flexible leave arrangements include a 

number of measures to assist employees to 

respond to family emergencies, to provide 

care for a family member who is ill or to assist 

employees provide care for children in school 

holidays. 

These include: 

• personal/carer's leave entitlements ; 

• 48/52 leave without pay model where an 

employee is granted four weeks leave 

without pay in the year and by spreading 

48 weeks' pay over a working year the 

employee receives pay for the whole year 

at a slightly reduced rate; 

• more flexible use of annual leave; and 

• make up time and time off in lieu 

including through formal flexitime 

arrangements. 

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION YOU REALLY WANT TO ASK? 

For more information and assistance phone: AAAA HR Hotline on 02 8448 3211 or e-mail hr@aaaa.com.au 

The material contained in this publication is general comment and is not intended as advice on any particular matter. No reader should act or fail to act on the basis 

of any material contained herein. The material contained in this publication should not be relied on as a substitute for legal or professional advice on any particular 

matter. Wentworth Human Resources Pty Limited (the publishers), the editor and the authors expressly disclaim all and any liability to any persons whatsoever in 

respect of anything done or omitted to be done by any such person in reliance whether in whole or in part upon any of the contents of this publication. Without limiting 

the generality of this disclaimer, no author or editor shall have any responsibility for any other author or editor. 

© Wentworth Human Resources Pty Ltd 2008 

A happy staff is a productive staff: keeping all workers happy – regardless of their age, sex or background – is 

paramount to continue running a successful business. 

CAREER BREAK SCHEMES 

Career break schemes allow an 

employee to negotiate a fixed period of 

time away from the workplace to undertake 

study or tend to private commitments, 

while returning to a job at the end of the 

period. This allows employers to retain 

skilled staff who might otherwise have 

been forced to leave their place of 

employment. 

ELDER CARE PROVISIONS 

Employers can offer their workers a 

range of elder care measures, which allow 

employees to balance their family 

responsibilities more easily. 

Before acting on any of the information 

in the above article, please contact David, 

Jill, Amanda or any of the friendly team at 

the AAAA HR Advisory Service. 

Before acting on any of the information in the 

above article, please contact David, Jill, 

Amanda or any of the friendly team at the 

AAAA HR Advisory Service on: 

phone: 1300 232 462, fax: 02 9993 9709, 

or email: hrhotline@ada.org.au 

The ADA HR Advisory Service is available from 

8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. The 

answer could be just a phone call away! 


RETAIL 

REPCO POWERS AHEAD IN RETAIL 

Australia’s largest retail reseller and supplier of automotive parts and accessories 

aggressively maintains and develops its leadership status both in the trade and retail sectors 

using strategic planning developed by listening and responding to their trade and retail 

customers needs 

With sales in excess of $900 million and 

employing over 4,000 staff across almost 

400 stores in Australia and New Zealand, the 

Repco Corporation continues to face 

determined competition on the retail front, 

which is mainly price-driven as opposed to 

quality product and service focussed. 

Repco constantly strives to be 

Australasia's preferred supplier of aftermarket 

vehicle parts, tools and accessories. To 

achieve this, the company’s commitment to 

its retail customers has reflected that which 

has made Repco the institution that it is 

amongst the automotive trade. Providing 

quality vehicle parts, solutions and 

accessories, in order to constantly deliver 

superior value to the company’s valued 

customers. 

This means searching Australia and the 

world to find the best products to meet the 

needs of our long-term retail customers that 

includes emphasis on the Do It Yourselfers 

along with the Do It For Me sector of the 

retail automotive marketplace. 

To ensure that Repco is at the front of 

mind of with Australian automotive product 

consumers, the company aggressively targets 

various segments of the market. A striking 

example of this is Repco’s well-structured 

and aggressively implemented performance 

car enthusiast marketing strategy. 

After extensive research and range 

development, Repco further cemented its 

position and dedication to the performance 

aftermarket with the release of the inaugural 

Repco Performance Guide in 2006. The 

highly anticipated second edition was 

recently released to wide acclaim setting a 

new benchmark in the industry. In an 

innovative break from the norm, Repco staff 

and customers’ cars were featured 

throughout the publication. The much 

sought-after front cover” was the result of a 

nationwide competition to find Australia’s 

hottest performance car and featured a 

double page spread, professional studio 

photo shoot and travel, supported by 

exposure in all of the top performance car 

magazines as the Repco Performance 

Catalogue Front Cover Car. 

Locating and continuing to take the lead 

sponsor role at events like the Repco 

Easternats ensure that the ever growing 

performance car enthusiast market is acutely 

aware that Repco has arguably the best range 

of premium quality high performance hard 

parts and accessories, from a an unrivalled 

nationwide store network. Repco links 

directly with the passion and excitement of 

the performance car enthusiast market – one 

of Australia’s most lucrative automotive 

aftermarket business sectors, through event 

sponsorships, linking consumer based 

competitions and sales promotions with this 

major event. 

Continuing to link its rich and unique 

motor racing heritage to today’s consumer, 

the famous Repco Brabham BT19, 

responsible for securing Sir Jack Brabham’s 

Formula One World Championship titles, has 

been loaned to the new Australian Sports 

Museum at the MCG. This consumer targeted 

concept ensures that sports fans, who may 

also happen to be motorists of all ages, are 

reminded of Repco’s long and incredibly 

successful motor racing history as an engine 

manufacturer and parts supplier – the latter 

that continues successfully to this day. 

Another retail market segment that Repco 

has successfully pursued is the constantly 

growing and diversifying 4 Wheel Drive 

marketplace. Repco is the only national 

automotive retailer to have taken part in all 

three major national 4WD Exhibitions during 

2007/8, pledging its commitment to this very 

important segment of the consumer market. 

Repco’s presence at these shows has 

generated significant increases in sales of 

Repco’s own Maxi-Trac range of quality 4WD 

accessories, but more importantly these 

shows have served to link Repco as a 4WD 

destination among many thousands of 4WD 

owners across Australia. The distribution of 

thousands of discount vouchers at these 

events to be redeemed at Repco stores 

following each show has drawn many new 

customers to Repco for their 4WD needs. In 

many cases it is the situation of making the 

customer aware that they have a significant 

choice for 4WD parts and accessories with 

Repco, available across the nation. 

In appealing to the broad motorist 

consumer base, Repco is always emphasising 

the company’s unique value proposition. 

Repco has over 175,000 aftermarket parts 

available. 


ON-LINE FEATURE 

Fulcrum releases new Parts 

Plus Online system 

Fulcrum Suspensions launched its new online parts interpreter and 

ordering system ‘Parts Plus’ in December 2007. With lots of useful 

customer feedback flowing in over the first few months, Fulcrum have 

already made several improvements to the new system, increasing its 

efficiency and making it more user friendly for customers. 

With over 8,000 part images currently in the system, along with other 

helpful product data such as part dimensions, the Parts Plus system helps 

customers best select the most suitable product for their needs. Parts Plus 

offers Fulcrum’s customers enhanced functionality and benefits to make 

life easier, including: 

• Ability to look up the availability of parts throughout all of Fulcrum’s 

Branches; 

• Photos together with technical information, to help ensure customers 

choose the correct part; 

• The ability to save ‘Quick Orders’ of commonly ordered items, which can 

then be adjusted during the day before orders are sent; 

• ‘Order History’ functionality, which allows web orders to be looked up 

and their status to be viewed; 

• A ‘Favourites’ 

option lets fast 

moving part 

numbers be 

stored for easy 

future use; 

• Ability to download price lists from a ‘Price Export’ function; 

• A Parts Interpreter catalogue for over 15,000 vehicles, with the ability to 

apply filters such as part number or vehicle make/model, enabling 

customer to find their required parts more easily. Vehicles are constantly 

being added to this catalogue to increase its applicability. 

One of the advantages of the Parts Plus system is that Fulcrum customers 

are able to place orders whenever they like - whether it’s inside or outside 

of normal business hours, customers can view Fulcrum’s stock on hand with 

their correct buying price applied and place orders. Once customers have 

placed an order and it enters Fulcrum’s invoicing system, parts are 

automatically held aside for each order to guarantee supply. Parts Plus also 

offers customers the ability to track orders from order placing through to 

invoicing stage. 

Customers with an active Fulcrum Suspensions account are able to apply 

for access to the Parts Plus online system. If you currently have an account 

with Fulcrum but don’t have Parts Plus set up, you can contact your local 

Fulcrum Territory Manager or Paul Carlsson at Fulcrum’s Moorooka Head 

Office on 07 3892 9000. 

Four-wheeled online 

future has arrived 

iSeek, iShop, iReceive – CoolDrive’s 

eCommerce solution shines a light 

on what’s ahead in the automotive 

parts industry. 

It’s been a couple of years in development and 

caused a few sleepless nights for their web 

developers, but this month CoolDrive were finally 

able to launch iSeek, their revolutionary new webbased 

search facility and eCatalogue. 

The new facility combines hundreds of thousands 

of pieces of information about parts, vehicle 

applications, specifications and cross references 

numbers into one easy to search database. And, the 

facility is freely available to the automotive trade 

without the need for application forms and user logins. 

“Having spent a fair amount of time running 

workshops, I know the way workshops are often 

presented with information, and how hard it is 

sometimes to quickly identify the right part,” National 

Marketing Manager, Tim Grimes, said. 

“For years now we’ve had the industry leading A/C 

paper catalogue, and now we’ve got the best 

eCatalogue available.” 

It’s been a couple of years in 

development and caused a few 

sleepless nights for web developers 

iSeek allows users to find parts by filtering 

information using any combination of OE or competitor 

part numbers, vehicle information and part details. 

Fuzzy logic built into the search engine even 

compensates when users have only part of a part 

number. All parts available at CoolDrive are accessible 

on iSeek, and images are available for over 10,000 

parts listed. 

“Better still, iSeek interfaces fully with iShop, 

CoolDrive’s fully functioned eCommerce facility. This 

means users can search for the part they need, check 

pricing and availability at their local CoolDrive branch, 

and order the goods for immediate delivery. Twentyfour 

hours a day, seven days a week and the process is 

simple – iSeek, iShop, I receive!” Mr Grimes said. 

With in excess of a quarter of a million records and 

quickly growing, iSeek is set to become the number 

one electronic reference for the automotive cooling, air 

conditioning and electrical industries. 

To find iSeek, simply log on to www.cooldrive.com.au, 

or go to the Jayair, Jaylec or Jayrad websites. 



Penrite has the right 

oil for the job 

What engine oil do you put in a DB9 2006 Austin Martin, or a 2000 NL diesel 

Mitsubishi Pajero? 

There is a Penrite oil 

formulated for every type of 

automotive application you could 

possibly think of but how do you 

find out what is the 

recommended lubricants for a 

specific vehicle? 

What would you use in the 

gear box, power steering, the diff 

or the engine? 

Penrite has made it easy and 

put all the information online at 

your fingertips. 

Penrite online has literally 

thousands of makes and models listed in 

its oil recommendation guide that makes 

getting the right lubricant recommendation 

as easy as clicking a mouse. 

Cars, trucks, motor cycles, construction 

and agriculture, vintage, veteran and 

classic, they are all there at 

your fingertips to make life easy 

at the workshop or on the sales 

floor. 

And don’t get it wrong! 

Using the wrong lubricant can 

result in voiding warranties, 

component damage or even 

total component failure. 

Don’t guess, a quick check 

on line at penriteoil.com can 

make you the expert and 

ensure you have another 

satisfied customer. 

And if you require any further advice, 

recommendation or information, 

Penrite is always happy to talk to you 

on 03 9801 0877 or simply email 

penrite@penrite.com.au 



New Exide website is go for 

transportation 

Exide’s expanded new website can be found at www.exide.com.au and accessed by hitting the 

Go button for Transportation. 

Exide has raised the level of auto aftermarket websites with the its newly 

upgraded site now functioning on www.exide.com.au The on-line facility has 

just been upgraded to make it both easier and quicker to use as well as 

ensuring all normal trade enquiries are fully handled. Users simply get online 

and hit the “Go” button for “Transportation” to access the total Exide auto 

aftermarket information. 

From the home page, 

users can select from topics 

of Product, Fitment, Battery 

Care, About Us, Dealer Net 

and Contact Us for all the 

information and direct 

service the trade needs. The 

Product selection not only 

lists the established new 

Exide has raised the level 

of auto aftermarket 

websites with the its newly 

upgraded site 

range of Extra, Endurance Plus, Endurance, Low Maintenance, 4x4 Light Truck and 

Extreme, but also gives access to the sub-sections of H.D Tractor & Equipment, 

Marine, Orbital, Deep Cycle, Motorcycle/ATV/PWC and Spec Sheets. 

“We’ve invested in this total upgrade of our site to make it both quicker and easier 

for the trade as well as ensuring the information is kept full and up-to-date,” Denis 

Dwyer of Exide Technologies said. 

“And the big news for what is now on-line is the expansion of the Fitment Guide 

to include all new models, including the many small volume imports into New 

Zealand. 

“The other big inclusion is the way our newly expanded product range is now 

detailed for all the trade to benefit. It enables them to back-up our expanded range 

of batteries for many applications to get extra sales. Nearly all customers need 

batteries for their other vehicles, which can include everything from Golf Buggies to 

Scissors Lifts to Mini-fork Lifts, Motorcycles and all manner of Marine. And we’ve got 

both the battery ranges with their correct the listings. 

“Definitely a case of Exide continuing to back the trade to build their businesses,” 

Mr Dwyer said. 

Online 

performance 

for brakes 

Searching for product just 

got a whole lot easier 

A lot of brake product web sites only 

allow you to find what you are looking 

for to suit a particular vehicle or by 

part number. 

Performance Friction Brakes has just 

released its brand new ‘Order Online Site’ 

that allows you to Find by ‘Measurement’. 

In the motor sport industry, brake 

requirements are more often based on 

measurement. Customers require a disc 

rotor and pad combined thickness to fit 

into a particular caliper, disc rotor outside 

diameter to fit into a particular wheel arch 

space, or a pad swept depth to fit a certain 

disc face. We feel this search facility will 

be just as useful to the street customer. 

Performance Friction Brakes’ ‘Find by 

Vehicle’ option allows customers to find all 

brake pads and disc rotors available to suit 

their vehicle. 

This option can also be used by the 

‘club racer’ who is looking for a new 

disc/pad combination to suit their original 

equipment (OE) caliper. 

The Performance Friction range of 

products extends to more than just 

passenger vehicle. It includes light and 

heavy duty commercial vehicles, offhighway 

(mining) equipment, motorcycles 

and other powersport vehicles. 

Customers who know their Performance 

Friction product code, can make use of the 

‘Find by Product Code’ option. 

They simply need to enter the product 

code and search. This option will also 

allow customers to enter another 

manufacturer’s product code and, 

providing Performance Friction Brakes has 

a cross-reference for it, the site will find a 

Performance Friction product to suit the 

customer’s requirements. 

And, if customers cannot find anything 

using any one of the search options, they 

can send an email and let Performance 

Friction Brakes do the searching for them. 

For more information visit 

www.performancefrictionbrakes.com.au 



Bendix goes online 

Parts, News, Tips, Problem solving – it all clicks into 

place at www.bendix.com.au 

Bendix has invested heavily in its website to provide brake fitters and parts 

stockists with useful information at the click of a mouse. 

A key feature is the Online Catalogue, 

which has become an important day-to-day 

tool for many automotive repair & parts 

businesses, offering speed and convenience 

in providing the latest and most accurate 

vehicle brake pad fitment information. 

It only takes a couple of clicks to select 

the make, model and variant of a vehicle – 

you can then view the pad or shoe drawing 

and specifications on screen. You can even 

download a PDF image of the pad at 100% 

actual size. 

If you have a pad and are not sure what 

it fits, just key the reference number into 

the Online Catalogue, click on the “Find” 

button. It couldn’t be easier. 

But the site is much more than a 

catalogue. Check out everything you need 

to know about brakes, brake fitting, problem 

solving, selecting the right brake pad for 

various applications and vehicles as well as 

details on the complete Bendix range of 

pads and shoes. 

Can’t find your nearest Bendix stockist? 

the website has that covered too. Just key in 

your suburb or postcode to bring up the 

nearest locations and, if required, you can 

display a map showing directions. There’s 

also comprehensive list of training events 

planned for 2008. If you’re interested in 

how Bendix can help you save time and 

money, these training nights are well worth 

attending. Check out the dates and 

locations then click on the appropriate link 

to register to attend. 

BENDIX B-MAIL – 

GET THE LATEST NEWS FIRST 

It also makes sense to register for Bendix 

b-mail, the electronic Bendix newsletter. It’s 

packed with the latest news, technical tips 

and updates on new vehicle references, 

motorsport events and even school holiday 

dates. 

To get you motivated, Bendix is offering 

scratch tickets for first 500 new registrants. 

So reach for that mouse right now…you 

might earn a little extra cash. 

Go to www.bendix.com.au or for more 

information free-call the Bendix Brake 

Advice Centre on 1800 819 666 (8am-5pm 

Monday to Friday EST) or e-mail us at: 

brakeadvicecentre@bendix.com.au 

Xtremely Impressive 

Hot on the back of its award-winning website, 

Xtreme Clutch has just released what it claims 

as the best performance clutch website in the 

world. 

According to Xtreme, the latest 

www.xtremeclutch.com.au website is packed full of 

vibrant imagery, informative and relevant technical 

information, as well as a comprehensive and easily 

navigated catalogue section. 

The flash animations in each of the drift, drag, 

rally and street sections reflect up to the minute 

technology and leading edge marketing, says 

Xtreme. 

A knowledge base, searchable catalogue and 

distributor locator are all integrated into the site. 

Check out www.xtremeclutch.com.au 



Automotive Aftermarket’s online makeover 

Australian Automotive Aftermarket magazine’s website has been improved to 

make it cleaner and easier to navigate around. 

excitement in the automotive aftermarket 

industry, and it just made sense to extend 

that makeover to the magazine’s web 

page,” AAAA Executive Director, Stuart 

Charity, said. 

“We have some very exciting plans for 

both the magazine and its website in the 

future. 

There is little doubt 

that the online 

element of the magazine 

will become more 

important as web-based 

publications become 

more popular. 

The latest copy of Australian Automotive 

Aftermarket (ital) magazine is available as 

a downloadable PDF, as is the Media 

Guide, which is a valuable resource for 

potential advertisers and those members 

wishing to make a contribution to the 

magazine. 

“We have been gradually introducing 

changes to Automotive Aftermarket (ital) 

magazine to reflect the professionalism and 

“There is little doubt that the online 

element of the magazine will become more 

important as web-based publications 

become more popular. As usual at AAAA, 

we want to be the leader when it comes to 

introducing new products and technologies 

for the benefit of our members,” Mr Charity 

said. 

To check out the redesigned website visit 

www.aftermarket.com.au 


TRADE TALK 

WORKING WITH 

BRAIDED BRAKE 

HOSE 

At the risk of stating the obvious – stainless steel 

braided brake hoses are not like rubber brake hoses. 

One of the reasons why braided hoses are more 

efficient for high performance braking is because 

they are designed to resist expansion under high 

pressure. 

By their very design they are stiffer and the braided stainless 

steel outer coating is subject to “kinking” if over bent during 

fitment or service. 

Something we see from time to time is where a performance 

caliper has been partially removed to change the disc pads. On 

PBR designed pin-sliding brake calipers it is common practice 

to remove one of the guide pins and swing the caliper out of 

the way to access the pads (ref. fig1). 

But if a braided hose is fitted, swinging the caliper up can 

cause the hose to permanently kink (ref. fig2). This has two 

significant effects on the hose’s functionality. Firstly, it will alter 

Figure 2 

The correct way to overcome this issue 

is to remove both guide pins when 

replacing the disc pads and support 

the weight of the caliper 

the way in which the hose responds during operational 

movement such as steering and suspension travel. Secondly, 

it creates a weak point in the hose, which will eventually 

cause the braided casing to fracture. 

The correct way to overcome this issue is to remove both 

guide pins when replacing the disc pads and support the 

weight of the caliper so that the hose remains in a comfortably 

flexed configuration. 

Some installers may be tempted to remove the brake hose 

from the rear of the caliper and then swing it out of the way 

as normal. However this will then necessitate that the brake 

system is bled which ultimately makes the job of changing 

disc pads much slower than it needs to be. 

Figure 1 

This ‘Brake Tip’ was brought to you by PBR’s Brake Talk. To obtain 

a regular copy of this specialist brake publication contact PBR on 

1300 369 727 

This is the first in a series of ‘Brake Tips’ that will appear in future 

editions of Australian Automotive Aftermarket magazine. 



A FUTURE IN 

AUSSIE-MADE 

AFTERMARKET 

Autocaps Australia has recently added 

aftermarket auto performance products 

specialist, ET Performance, to its stable of 

companies, which already included CPC Auto 

Components and Preslite Drive Technologies. 

Autocaps Australia completed the purchase of ET 

Performance in March and is now hoping to develop it as its 

performance products division. 

ET Performance will continue to operate as a separate 

entity from CPC and Preslite, and the division will be headed 

by former owner, Andrew Holdsworth, who will work closely 

with CPC Auto Components Sales and Marketing Manger, 

Darryl Richards, to grow the business. 

Mr Richards sees the acquisition of ET Performance as a 

major part of the progress of the overall organisation. 

“The importance of the acquisition of ET Performance fits 

into our strategy of growth going forward,” he said. 

He believes the performance sector will be the growth area 

of the automotive aftermarket, which is supported by a 

number of recent studies on the industry. 

“Being from a racing background myself, I decided a couple 

of years ago that we needed to get into the dress-up or the 

boy racer market,” Mr Richards said. 

“There was some dollars there to be had, so I started the 

name CPC Performance and we developed coloured radiator 

caps and aluminium billet radiator caps as a good growth 

stage for this business. 

“However, after discussions with the executive 

Andrew Holdsworth (left) and Darryl Richards will continue to grow 

ET Performance’s High Energy brand. 

management, we made the decision to go out and try to find 

a (performance products) business. It was better to acquire a 

business than to try to start from scratch.” 

That search led Mr Richards to discussions with Mr 

Holdsworth. 

“During the initial stages he wasn’t looking at selling, but 

was looking for some sort of partnership and it progressed 

from a partnership to an acquisition,” Mr Richards explained. 

“We are more than delighted that CPC Performance will 

now be a product range of ET Performance. 

“And I believe that we can grow ET Performance to be one 

of the dominant players in this performance market.” 

Mr Holdsworth said he could see that he needed to join 

forces with a bigger partner to continue to thrive in a market 

that is becoming more competitive every day and one that is 

coming under constant pressure from the import market. 

“When I was approached by Darryl we started talking 

about investing for the future and we saw some growth 

Autocaps Australia prides itself on its loyalty to its staff. 



opportunities to work together and to develop a lot of new 

products as well,” Mr Holdsworth explained. 

“From my point of view I am delighted to be involved with 

CPC, especially with their reputation; they are a very solid 

financial company and it really secures the future of ET 

Performance and I’m really excited to be working with Darryl 

and the General Manager (Paul Rowe, pictured in the middle 

of Mr Holdsworth and Mr Richards in the photograph to the 

right). 

“We have a lot of things in development. Things that we 

maybe wouldn’t have been able to afford to develop in the 

past; we can now go and fast-track those programs. 

“After all of these years and all of these companies 

producing new parts, you would probably think ‘well what 

else is there left to event’, but there is plenty of opportunity 

to develop new product and we are very excited about that 

possibility. 

“These days in business it is often a case of the big get 

bigger and the small get smaller, and that was in the back of 

my mind when I started talking to Darryl. 

“This is my chance to make my business a bigger business. 

It means better service to our customers as well as a larger 

product range and faster growth, so this is our chance to really 

make sure we get bigger. 

“There are people out there who are not going to make it 

over the next few years. It is going to be pretty tough and we 

are now not going to be the ones falling over; I think our 

competitors will be worried and not us.” 

CPC Auto Components 

CPC Auto Components began life as a toy manufacturer in 

the early 1930s. Holden approached it in 1939 to develop the 

first radiator cap for its FJ/FX. 

The business still manufactures OE fuel caps for Holden and 

Ford. It has more recently diversified into producing cigarette 

lighter and power sockets and fuel system valves to the OEs. 

However, it is the aftermarket side of the business where Mr 

Richards believes the major growth will come from. 

“CPC has always been known as the radiator people in the 

aftermarket. We are strong in that and we are strong in fuel 

caps; we do have oil caps and we have now added thermostats 

to complement the range as well,” he explained. 

CPC is also looking to expand into new product areas, such 

as wiper blades and hose clamps. 

ET Performance 

Mr Holdswoth began ET Performance in 1986. 

“My own background was in design. I had ambitions to be 

a car designer many years ago and then I started working in 

the parts industry as a bit of a fill in between jobs, but I fell in 

love with selling racing car parts and dealing with racing 

teams,” he explained. 

ET Performance had some good growth during its 22 years 

of independent operation, which included the development 

of its own in-house brand, High Energy, and it has also 

exclusively marketed other brands including Turbo XS and SS 

Inductions. 

Mr Holdsworth is also convinced that the performance 

sector has a strong future. 

“The performance scene is still a very exciting one,” he said. 

“The choice that you have now as a consumer wishing to 

buy a performance car is astounding. All of the enthusiasts 

want to play with those cars and add their own adjustments. 

The performance market is alive and well.” 

Mr Holdsworth believes another factor that will drive the 

performance aftermarket is high fuel prices as most of the 

products help to make a vehicle more fuel-efficient. 

I fell in love with selling 

racing car parts and 

dealing with racing teams 

Preslite Drive Technologies 

Preslite Drive Technologies is best known in the 

automotive industry as a manufacturer of wiper motors. 

Preslite used to supply most car manufacturers in Australia 

with wiper motors until it went broke in 2001. 

Autocaps Australia acquired Preslite and converted its 

wiper motors into garage door motors. 

“We are now the largest manufacturer of garage motors 

in Australia,” Mr Richards said. 

“They are basically still a wiper motor; we have just 



reconfigured them to fit the garage door and all of the big 

players in the industrial industry have come on with us. 

“That has been a good sideline business for us for a 

business that could have fallen over.” 

Preslite still supplies Holden and IVECO with wiper 

motors. It also exports wiper motors to the US, where is 

supplies John Deer Tractors. 

“They have an actual wiper blade that is six foot three 

inches long and in the winter month when it freezes the 

actual blades get stuck to the glass and our wiper motor is 

the only one in the world that can break it off the screen 

without burning the motor out,” Mr Richards explained. 

Made in Australia 

Autocaps Australia is proving that you can still survive as 

a manufacturer in this country. 

“The reality of the market is that people try to buy 

Australian made where they can but it all gets down to price 

in the end,” Mr Richards said. 

“We have to make sure that our production facility is 

state-of-the-art (to keep costs low) and that the products 

we are bringing out are of equal quality or better. 

Autocaps is also extremely loyal to its staff. 

“At the end of the day it is the staff who have made 

money for the company over many years. This company 

could have shut down the local manufacturing many times, 

but the charter is for us to do whatever we have to as 

management to keep it competitive while manufacturing in 

Australia,” Mr Richards said. 

“There is a lot of pressure on poor old Australian 

manufacturing with imports and people coming in and 

taking parts of your market from you. We have been able to 

remain competitive so far and we aim to continue to do so.” 

Ninety percent of Autocaps’ workforce is female because 

they are generally faster with their hands in assembling 

parts. 

“We have got a lady here who has been with us for 50 

years; she is 72 and doesn’t want to retire. As much as we 

want her to enjoy her life, she wants to stay here and we are 

not going to throw her out the door because she is an asset 

to us because of her knowledge.” 

CPC Auto Components is known in the automotive aftermarket 

for its radiator caps. 

Its obvious that even Mr Richards sees himself as more 

than just an employee of the company, but as a valued 

member of a strong team. 

“I just love what I do,” he said. 

“I have been in this game now since 1978 when I started 

as a Repco apprentice; but this business pumps through my 

veins!” 

Autocaps Australia has added 

ET Performance to its stable 

and continues to thrive in a 

tough environment 

Room for expansion 

The group of Autocaps Australia companies is expanding 

rapidly and acquiring Preslites Drive Technologies (see other 

article) allowed the organization to move from its Fairfield 

headquarters into the much bigger Preslite buildings in 

Reservoir. 

“We have a couple of plants and we also have a parcel of 

land out the side that we currently use as a car park that 

could be used to build up other business on,” Mr Richards 

said. 

“Even with ET Performance I can see that down the track 

we are going to need a showroom that might have a sevenday-a-week 

shop in it. There is a lot of progression plans in 

place.” 

Mr Richards also indicated that ET Performance might not 

be the last acquisition that Autocaps Australia makes. 

“At the end of the day, if we find any other businesses 

that we think will fit, we will look at them as an acquisition. 

We are going to grow into a fairly substantial business 

within the next 12 months.” 


BRAKE & CLUTCH FEATURE 

Liquid-Levers were the first people to 

introduce the principle of “High 

volume/Low pressure” bleeding many years 

ago and has now been adopted worldwide 

and now the Liquid-Levers #SBB-4 

continues to employ this principle. 

Redesigned, more compact, portable and 

offering many more adaptors. 

The method of operation remains the 

same “Why change perfection”? the new 

brake fluid is stored in a purpose built 

internal container and employs a patented 

hydrophoric filtering system to ensure that 

it remains moisture free. The fluid is 

delivered to the vehicles’ master cylinder 

via a special adjustable high capacity 

12Volt electric pump at whatever pressure 

is specified by the vehicles’ manufacturer. 

Sturdy non-drip connectors allow changing 

of bleed caps without the problem of fluid 

spillage onto the vehicles’ paintwork or 

workshop floor. 

Clutches in commercial vehicles have 

traditionally been bled in reverse, which 

Brake and Clutch Bleeding 

‘Done the simple way’ 

The Liquid-Levers brake and clutch bleeding system is the complete solution to bleeding the modern 

hydraulic brake system. It incorporates technology never before available and enables the professional 

operator to safely and effortlessly evacuate and replenish the vehicles’ system in the shortest possible time. 

can cause contamination of the master 

cylinder with dirty fluid being forced 

upwards from the bleed nipple, the Liquid- 

Levers brake bleeder will give consistently 

good results when used to pressurise the 

clutch hydraulic system and bleed from the 

nipple in the vast majority of commercial 

vehicles. 

Liquid-Levers U.K has 

recently announced the 

appointed of Tool 

Solutions as its Australian 

distributor 

The #SBB-4 is a fast single operator 

unit, with a 4 litre capacity and is already 

standard equipment used by Peugeot, 

BMW, Renault, VW and Mercedes and soon 

to be adopted by other vehicle 

manufactures. 

Brake Fluid Safety Meter 

Liquid-Levers, market leaders in brake 

fluid testing technology, have introduced a 

new generation of brake fluid safety meters 

that are unbeatable in accuracy, safety and 

cost effectiveness. Powered by 12V (from 

the vehicles battery), the new meters are 

user-friendly and designed to comply to the 

most stringent of vehicle manufacturers 

legislation. Easy to use, just press the test 

button and leave, after approx. 10 seconds 

you can see the boiling point and therefore 

the condition of the fluid. 

Unlike other brake fluid safety meters, 

the Liquid-Levers meter does NOT boil the 

fluid, instead it uses a unique and 

sophisticated software to calculate the 

boiling point of the test fluid from 

information obtained during its non-boiling 

heating cycle. The method used by other 

brake fluid meters means they need to boil 

the fluid and therefore change the 

chemical structure of the fluid and likely 

to create solids which may find their way 

into the vehicles braking system. The 

purpose of testing the vehicles’ brake fluid 

in the first place is to determine its safety 

for continued use not to make it more 

dangerous than it may have already. 

Australian Distributor Appointment 

Liquid-Levers U.K has recently 

announced the appointed of Tool Solutions 

as its Australian distributor for its brake 

servicing and hydraulic suspension pump 

specialised equipment. 

Frank Ferrin the proprietor of Tool 

Solutions has some 30 years experience in 

association with major hand tool and 

specialised equipment suppliers in 

providing exactly what the industry needs 

and includes some considerable time spent 

with Neway Tool Sales who coincidently 

were the previous distributors for Liquid- 

Levers in Australia. 

For more information call 

02 9753 5494, email 

toolsolutions@optusnet.com, or 

visit www.toolsolutionsonline.com.au 



Keeping cooler for longer in 

hardworking vehicles 

Bendix Heavy Duty brake pads are proving to be real winners in the 

hilly areas around Perth. 

Designed to work under heavy loads and 

at high temperatures, Bendix Heavy Duty 

consistently performs when fitted on load 

carrying work vehicles, courier vans in stopstart 

traffic and for towing boats, horse floats, 

caravans and trailers. Brake fitters in Perth 

have reported noticeable improvements in 

wear and performance over all-purpose pads 

depending on driving style, application and 

conditions. 

Mark Wilson, who owns M. Wilson’s Auto 

Service Centre at Walliston, has been 

impressed by the performance and wear rate 

of Bendix Heavy Duty pads. 

“We use them because we live in the hills 

outside Perth. Regular brake pads can wear a 

bit quickly in certain applications,” he said. 

One customer Jeff, a taxi driver and owner 

has achieved remarkable mileage out of his 

pads. 

“We replaced the first rotors after he had 

done 350,000 km. We change the brake 

pads before they are down too low so the 

surface temperature doesn’t increase too 

much. If you keep the maintenance up and 

don’t let the brake pads get down too low, 

you generally get better mileage out of your 

discs and your pads,” Mark explained. 

He said that he recommended Bendix 

Heavy Duty pads to customers after assessing 

the vehicle, its use and the way people drive. 

Eddie Worsnop of A Grade Mechanical 

Services at Roleystone said the 

steep hills around Perth make 

Bendix Heavy Duty pads the 

first choice even for 

regular cars. 

“I select Heavy Duty 

for most vehicles as first 

preference mainly 

Bendix Heavy Duty 

consistently performs 

when fitted on load 

carrying work vehicles 

because I’m up in the hills in Perth - and 

there’s one particular hill that a lot of 

customers of mine use called Canning Mills 

Road East. 

“They obviously ride the brakes all the 

way down. It’s a bit of a killer that hill. Brake 

fade with ordinary pads was never normally 

an issue but over heating and rapid wear, that 

sort of stuff was always an issue,” he said. 

“You might as well stick something proper 

on in the beginning – that’s my motto,” he 

claimed. 

Proven technology 

Bendix Applications 

Engineer, Tim Paton, 

said the compound used 

in Heavy Duty pads was 

originally sourced 

through the Bendix 

global network from an 

OE application in the 

US. 

The pads were then 

developed for Australian 

use on the Bendix 

dynamometer at Ballarat and 

exhaustively road tested. 

“Bendix Heavy Duty is a 

brake pad designed to run at 

high temperatures in vehicles carrying 

loads or making lots of stops in heavy 

traffic. 

“At the same, the challenge was to 

provide positive high temperature 

performance without unnecessary rotor 

wear. “The friction material lasts a long 

time, up to twice as long as typical brake 

pads. Heavy Duty pads just go on and on – 

they just don’t seem to wear out,” he said. 

Insulayer 

A significant feature of Heavy Duty pads 

is the insulating layer between the pad and 

the backing plate. 

“The purpose of brakes is to transform 

kinetic energy into heat. The insulation 

layer inhibits the transfer of heat to the 

backing plate to stop heat damaging the 

caliper,” Tim said. 

The Insulayer assists the adhesion of 

friction material to the backing plate and 

prevents heat transfer which stops brake 

fluid from boiling and ensures a positive 

pedal feel at high operating temperatures. 

Titanium Stripe 

Another important and cost saving 

feature to the fitter is that Bendix Heavy 

Duty pads now also have the Bendix 

Titanium Stripe which means no beddingin, 

less down time and improved customer 

satisfaction. With the Titanium Stripe you 

get instant pedal feel from the first stop. 

There are currently over 300 references 

available covering the majority of Passenger 

and Light Commercial applications. 

The graph shows that under heavy duty conditions where the brakes get hot and 

stay hot, all-purpose pads wear quickly and Bendix Heavy Duty doesn't. 

To make sure you have the right pad to suit 

your vehicle and application contact the 

Brake Advice Centre on 1800 819 666 or 

visit our on-line catalogue at 

www.bendix.com.au. 



CI releases new 

clutch system 

It’s not often you will find an R & D Laboratory 

sliding sideways at 160 kilometers an hour, but 

that’s exactly where you will find one of Clutch 

Industries most productive Labs. 

“The Drift Racer is a precision driver operating in a completely different 

zone to most. The discipline involves speed, angle, sideways drifts, quick 

shifts, precision, timing, and competitive battles – all of which create one of 

the best laboratories for the development of clutch technology. That’s why 

Clutch Industries announced a major sponsorship of Drift racing at the start 

of 2008,” Marketing Manager for Clutch Industries, Kevin Holmes, said 

The collaboration between Clutch Industries, Drift Australia and Super 

Drift as well as a number of the race teams, has now led to the release of 

a new range of clutch kits, and a new brand ‘Drift Series’ clutch. 

“The know-how and data built up through high-level race support has 

been fed back into the research and development process to create a new 

benchmark in performance clutches,” Engineering Manager for Clutch 

Industries, Damian Bibby, said. 

“If these clutch kits were aircraft they would be Raptor Jet Fighters – 

the most advanced weapons of their type on the planet.” 

Power and torque are harnessed for enthusiasts in a way that enhances 

the driving experience and delivers excellent control, strong performance, 

reliability and above all results. The new Drift Series clutch range from CI 

Performance provides a truly professional option for high performance 

drivers. 

Features developed with the specific requirements of enthusiasts in 

mind include: 

• Machined aluminum cover assembly incorporating a specially-designed 

diaphragm spring system; 

• Single, twin, triple and quad configurations; 

• Choice between damped clutch plates, solid clutch plates and floating 

carbon discs; 

• Chrome molybdenum steel flywheels that deliver ultra-light weight and 

lower inertia. 

The Drift Series range offers a system that supports driving, competition 

and enjoyment. As a commercial package it offers distributors what Clutch 

Industries believes to be one of the most marketable performance clutch 

systems ever produced. 

Drift Series is produced by the Factory Team – CI Performance, the 

high performance division of Clutch Industries. 

For more information contact Clutch Industries on 1300 369 787 



Exedy joins the AutoPartners program 

Exedy joined the AutoPartners on 1st February 2008. Members of the Auto Partners program can now 

earn points for purchases of Exedy clutch kits which can be redeemed on any one of a wide range of 

products. 

Collect barcodes and earn 

generous AutoPartners 

points on clutch kits for the 

following applications: 

• O.E.M replacement Kits 

for standard passenger, 

light; commercial and 

4WD vehicles; 

• Sports Tuff; 

• Exedy Racing Clutch; 

• Safari Tuff; 

• Agri Tuff; 

• Truck Tuff. 

Exedy Australia claims to 

be the world leading manufacturer of drivetrain components 

and the largest original equipment manufacturer for Japanese 

vehicles which means only high quality genuine parts are 

used, guaranteeing correct fit and function. The full Exedy 

Choose TRW brake pads – you’ll be glad you did 

As a leading developer of brake safety technology, TRW is quite sure that brake pad performance is 

paramount to safety. 

Friction material needs to be able to 

perform as well on the tenth stop as it did on 

the first and friction levels need to be as 

stable at the beginning of a brake pads life 

cycle as they are at the end. 

Every TRW friction material is tested up 

to 700ºC (and beyond). As well as extensive 

laboratory testing, the TRW Alpine test is 

especially challenging. A family size sedan is 

put into neutral and ‘driven’ down a steep 

mountain road in the Alps. Without gears, 

the brakes become the most important speed 

control on the vehicle. Temperatures are 

measured when the car reaches the bottom of 

the hill and then the test is repeated. TRW 

will not released a friction material until it 

consistently passes this grueling test. 

So why do we need brake pads that 

perform in Australia? It is not just traveling 

at speed or down hills that lead to hot brakes. 

Freeway driving can lead to braking 

temperatures of over 500ºC. Fully loaded 

vehicles or towing also increases the load on 

the brakes and leads to higher temperatures. 

Traffic jams, with their stop/start nature also 

produce high braking temperatures, 

especially since the brakes don’t get a 

chance to cool down and just get hotter and 

hotter with each stop. It becomes clear that 

whilst Australia doesn’t have the high speed 

driving of some European countries, it is still 

product is available online at 

www.exedy.com.au and includes links to 

product information and important fitting 

instructions. 

You can contact your nearest Exedy 

office on 1300 366 592. 

AutoPartners is a free rewards program 

for automotive workshops, designed to 

reward workshop members for their loyalty. 

AutoPartners is backed by some of the 

biggest, well known and respected brands 

who hold the number one position in nearly 

every category they participate in. 

Membership is free. 

For more details on the AutoPartners visit 

www.autopartners.com.au or contact them on 1300 650 048. 

of vital importance that brakes perform at 

high temperatures. 

Don’t compromise on safety when it 

comes to choosing your brakes – choose TRW 

every time. 



Concentric slave cylinders 

Today, clutch activation is almost exclusively ensured by hydraulic release systems where two types 

prevail: semi-hydraulic and Concentric slave cylinders (CSC) release mechanisms. On some CV models, 

hydraulic-pneumatic systems are alternatively used. CSC systems have undergone continuous further 

development in the past years, mainly as far as design and materials are concerned. But caution: More 

and more minor-quality copied versions of hydraulic release systems are turning up on the market. 

The CSC system outperforms the semi-hydraulic system in a 

number of aspects: the lever connecting the slave cylinder with 

the release bearing is not required; instead a hydraulic cylinder 

with integrated release bearing is used. It is located in the clutch 

housing positioned centrally on the clutch driven plate hub and 

the diaphragm spring. This set-up requires fewer system 

components than the conventional system which in turn 

facilitates installation. In addition, the hydraulic line connecting 

the master cylinder with the clutch pedal can be arranged in the 

engine compartment at the mechanics own discretion. 

Rubber materials on the advance 

There are two basic CSC designs: the pulled and pushed type 

with the latter being more widely-used, on PCs even almost 

exclusively. To date, release systems are mainly made from metal, 

either forged or diecast manufactured, and found predominately 

in the CV segment. One of its disadvantages is however that this 

When installing a CSC, ensure that the plane surface of the thrust 

bearing points to the clutch. 

type requires time and cost-intensive postprocessing, such as 

impregnating and anodizing. For this reason, there is an 

increasing trend towards injection moulding for PC parts, which 

are completely made from rubber using fibreglass-reinforced 

thermoplastic resin. The material specifications are persuasive: 

High resistance to temperature and good compatibility with 

hydraulic fluids and other substances complemented by reduced 

weight while functionality and durability of the body are similar 

to metal parts. Additionally, rubber-made bodies are easier to 

manufacture and require significantly less post-processing. 

Check the thrust bearing for correct seating in the CSC. 

The CSC is bled via the bleeder valve on the clutch cable or 

via the pipe. While previous designs had separate hoses for 

intake and bleeding, the most recent CSC generation has only 

one hose. This helps to safe space and cuts costs. The type of 



CSC connection is defined by the space 

available in the clutch housing. Besides 

the typical two- and three-point 

attachments, today, also four-point and 

the rarely used single-point attachment 

are more widely used. 

Copied parts: no bargain! 

An increasing number of non-genuine 

CSC is introduced to the spare parts 

market. The low cost design though bears 

a high risk. Since the materials used do 

not comply with OEM and aftermarket 

This set-up requires fewer system components 

than the conventional system which in turn 

facilitates installation. 

Today's generation of CSC assemblies 

are usually not repaired any more, but 

completely replaced which is normally 

cheaper for the car owner. But caution: 

This is not as easy at it may seem! It is 

mandatory to observe the fitting 

instructions to avoid any damage to the 

CSC caused by improper handling. No 

warranty will be accepted for parts 

damaged due to incorrect installation. 

standards, the parts may fail. Tests of 

copied parts have shown that softening 

agents in the rubber material or residual 

dirt in the parts themselves can 

contaminate the brake fluid which can 

lead to the failure of the clutch activation 

or even the brake system. 

Furthermore, the minor quality 

materials are less resistant to heat or cold 

which in turn causes the system to leak. 

Due to excessive shrinking and expansion, 

Fitting instructions—give it a thought! 

the part’s geometries do not comply with 

the critical-to-function dimensions, which 

in turn is detrimental to the clutch 

performance or the shifting ability of the 

transmission. 

For further information call 02 8977 1038, 

or email LuK-AS.au@Schaeffller.com 



Tube 

Straightener 

Do you flare tubes in your 

business? 

Do you waste valuable time 

attempting to make a tube look straight 

by hand? 

Does your customer look at the end 

result and just shake his head? 

BrakeQuip Australia has developed a 

tool to help you make every tube as 

‘straight as an arrow’. 

Suitable for brake, clutch, fuel or any 

purpose annealed steel tube measuring 

between 3/16” and 1/2” in diameter – 

even stainless steel tube! 

If your business works with tubes, this 

tool is a must for your workshop. 

The BrakeQuip Tube Straightener is 

very easy to use and is made with high 

quality components. With its striking 

blue anodized body, it can be held in the 

vice or bench mounted permanently by 

its mounting bracket. 

By feeding the tube into the 

straightener and pulling the tube back 

and forth, the screw adjustment 

mechanism on top will get you to the 

desired level of straightness real fast. The 

tube easily glides through the unit thanks 

to its high quality roller bearing guides. 

This terrific time saving tool can be 

purchased from your local BrakeQuip 

Brake Hose Manufacturing Specialist 

Reseller. 

Call BrakeQuip on: 03 8586 2500 for 

your nearest reseller. 

Four-wheel-drive 

clutch technology 

Xtreme Outback’s close bonds 

with motorsport technology has 

given them the edge in developing 

performance clutch technology for 

your off-road, SUV or 4WD 

vehicle. Xtreme claims it has the 

largest range of heavy duty 

upgrade kits, which feature 

premium facing materials and 

high-strength castings. Xtreme 

says you will be likely to find a 

product to suit whatever 

application you may have. 

Drivability is one of the 

biggest concerns in 

this market 

Driveability is one of the biggest concerns in this market, and Xtreme claims it leads 

the competition in terms of giving you the best increases in torque and load capacity, with 

minimal compromises in ease-of-use. 

Xtreme Outback also custom builds clutches for your competition off-road vehicle, 

which it says offer massive increases in torque and heat capacity. 

As one of Australia’s leading supplier and manufacturer of real performance clutch 

systems, Xtreme Outback claims it has the largest range of clutches and performance 

flywheels available for off-road, SUV and 4WD applications. 

According to Xtreme, its Outback clutch range has been developed by globally sourcing 

the best products for each unique application and the range is continually being increased 

to suit the rapidly growing performance SUV market. New facing materials are continually 

being tested and developed to obtain the optimum performance. 

Xtreme Outback also provides a repair service to all clutch products it sells, and takes 

pleasure in repairing and upgrading other brand clutches. 

Xtreme Outback has manufacturing and remanufacturing facilities enabling testing 

and production of various types of clutches from 140mm to 430mm. 

Xtreme Outback freight nationwide daily and can arrange overnight or road express 

delivery. 

Phone 1800 CLUTCH (258824) for price and availability on any clutch product or visit 

www.xtremeoutback.com.au for more information. 


New ‘Street Upgrade’ 

packages 

Since the early 1980s, Performance Friction has been 

developing braking systems for the motor sport 

industry. 

Research and development has seen the evolution of Carbon Metallic 

pads, three separate patents for our computer vision based machining 

process, our floating Direct Drive attachment system and advanced slot 

pattern. Whether it is for track or for street, Performance Friction is 

dedicated to manufacturing the absolute best brakes on the market. All 

of our products are produced in our South Carolina factory and are put 

through a minimum of 28 inspection processes to ensure a consistent 

level of quality (TS16949) and meet environmental standards 

(ISO14001). 

Due to customer demand for a quality street upgrade for their road 

vehicles, Performance Friction now brings their expertise to the street. We 

have released Street Upgrade Kits, custom engineered and manufactured 

for each application. We will even custom paint your calipers at no extra 

cost. Kits are for front or rear and each kit includes calipers, disc rotors, 

pads, hats, attachment hardware, brackets and hoses. All you need to 

bolt them on. 

Calipers are of race proven two-piece billet or monobloc construction 

to reduce caliper deflection and are available in a two-piston two-pad, up 

to four-piston four-pad combinations. And, you can have them custom 

painted at no additional charge. 

Discs Rotors use the patented Direct Drive V2 attachment system. 

The relatively new two-piece system allows for radial and axial thermal 

expansion of the disc without being constrained by the hub. This, along 

with a combination of breakthrough proprietary technologies reduces 

vibration, eliminates noise and enhances rotor life. 

Pads are Carbon Metallic and will provide you with the optimum 

performance combination – quiet operation, increased stopping power, 

less pad wear, low dusting and fade-free performance. The metallic 

elements in our pads dramatically improve braking. Carbon provides 

stability at elevated temperatures, making the pad less likely to deform 

and deteriorate 

At Performance Friction, we don’t copy OE, we make it better! 



Ferodo: a 

pedigree you 

can count on 

Ferodo Premier Brake Pads don’t 

just meet Regulation 90 

requirements – they exceed them 

by setting new benchmarks in 

safety and performance for all 

vehicle braking systems. 

While many manufacturers rely on just a 

few friction materials, Premier Brake Pads 

feature over 50 formulations to fully comply 

with original equipment homologation 

standards. 

Through the use of industry-leading 

materials technology Premier Brake Pads 

offer superior surface resistance in all 

weather conditions and outstanding water 

recovery characteristics. 

Ferodo delivers on safety like no other. In 

recent tests undertaken in the UK, Premier 

Brake Pads achieved average stopping 

distances of up to a remarkable 23 meters 

earlier than a leading competitor. 

Other key benefits of Premier Brake Pads 

include a minimal bedding-in period and 

reduced disc wear; and for greater driver and 

passenger comfort, Premier Brake Pads 

feature enhanced noise reduction 

technology. 

When it comes to installation Ferodo 

makes it easy for repairers to do their job by 

offering products that have been developed 

to precisely match every vehicle’s braking 

system with full ABS, TCS, EBD and ASC 

compatibility. 

But what else would you expect from a 

company with a pedigree as strong as 

Ferodo’s? 

Established in 1897 in the UK, Ferodo 

was the first company in the world to entirely 

dedicate itself to the design and 

manufacture of friction products. 

Since this time, Ferodo has continued to 

make its presence felt by customising brake 

pads to suit vehicles manufactured in every 

country, from high performance racing to 

family sedans, 4WDs to light commercials. 

For more information about specifying or 

installing Ferodo Premier Brake Pads call 

1300 FERODO (1300 337 636). 

Sensational new protex 

discs a hot seller 

Australian Truck & Auto Parts (ATAP) has continued to expand its 

Protex range by releasing a sure-fire seller in the form of a range 

of coloured grooved and drilled performance discs. 

Called Groove, this value-for-money 

performance product features eight 

grooves where both the hub and the 

grooves are coated with black acrylic 

silicone to both lift appearance and 

prevent corrosion. Additionally, the high 

quality discs boast reduced run-out 

from precision machining. They are 

available in both solid and vented discs 

forms. 

The top model, called Ultra Street, 

is immediately visibly different in being 

both grooved and drilled with the hubs 

and additional machining coloured 

bright red. These feature-refined 

metallurgy incorporating molybdenum, 

precision CNC accuracy, advanced 

cooling pillar system, superior strength 

for longer life and the same hitemperature 

acrylic silicone colouring. 

Again, they are available in both solid 

and vented. 

“Because everyone who sees these 

new discs with their radically improved 

presentation is impressed, this is a 

sure-fire winner,” ATAP’s Anthony 

Goerke said. 

“Not only do the grooves and 

drillings give better performance, but 

both ranges are precision made of top 

quality material for longer life. 

Not only do the grooves 

and drillings give better 

performance, but both 

ranges are precision 

made of top quality 

material for longer life 

“Currently, the range is for 

Commodore, Falcon, early Holden HQ 

to WB, as well as Subaru WRX and 

Liberty. But we intend to grow the 

applications, as the market requires it. 

“Groove and Ultra Street have all 

that matters to be a winner in today’s 

competitive market,” Mr Goerke 

said. 

Contact your local ATAP warehouse. 



Brembo local fitment added to Australia’s 

largest rotor range 

Australian Truck and Auto Parts (ATAP) continues to build on its biggest-in-Australia rotor range with the 

announcement that the company has added to it prestigious Brembo rotor range. Better still, this top 

Brembo brand is available with local fitments for Commodore and Falcon. 

The ATAP rotor line-up now boasts the huge number of Protex 

and the recently announced Ultra Street and Grooverotors in 

addition to these new Brembo references which puts the huge 

stock of ATAP ahead of anything else in Australia. 

“Not only do we cover well over 95 percent of the local car park, 

but we do it with real advantages in price, performance and 

presentation,” ATAP’s Anthony Goerke said. 

“The bottom line includes having over 1500 unique references 

which cover many thousands of fitments. As good as it gets. 

“What we’ve developed is not just another white box or 

rebadged product range, but one which is backed by consistent 

high quality and is good enough to be given the Protex and Brembo 

branding, extensive marketing and national support. ATAP is now 

a real one-stop shop for all rotors,” Mr Goerke said. 

Protex and Brembo rotors are covered by a 12-month/20,000 

kilometre warranty. 

For more information contact your local ATAP warehouse. 

Brembo rotors now join Australia’s biggest rotor range stock for 

Falcon and Commodore in ATAP warehouses. 

Mining boom boosts performance brakes 

A Perth brake shop has said that the mining boom has helped to boost the aftermarket brakes industry. 

“The mining boom has attracted males aged between 20 and 

30 years who have high disposable incomes and an appreciation 

of performance cars, so there has been a surge in the uptake of 

late model Falcons and Commodores,” General Manager of Perth 

Brake Parts, Graham Harvey, said. 

According to Mr Harvey, owners of high performance vehicles 

such as HSV and Ford Tickfords are further enhancing their 

engines, so robust and effective brake systems incorporating the 

latest technology are essential. 

“If you’ve got the ‘go’ you also need the ‘whoa’,” he said. 

Mr Harvey recommends the new PBR Performance M-Series 

brake system, which the very latest pad-per-piston technology. 

“There’s nothing comparable on the market so this is a very 

exciting industry development,” he said. 

The M-Series system draws its DNA from a brake system 

developed to stop the high speed Z06 Corvette – dubbed by GM 

as the fastest Corvette ever built. 

The kits are virtually a DIY proposition with everything supplied 

in the kit to undertake the transformation professionally. 

The brake system is designed and developed in Australia, 

featuring six-piston aluminium mono-block front 

callipers and four-piston aluminium mono-block rear 

calipers all mounted over massive two-piece slotted 

disc rotors. The 20-disc pads stopping this system are 

equipped with a specially formulated high fade 

resistant performance friction formulation. 

Pedal feel and response time is greatly improved 

through a combination of increased calliper stiffness and 

high performance stainless steel braided hose lines. 

“We’re expecting a protracted spike in sales of 

brake upgrade kits as owners flock to adopt these new 

systems which are available nationally,” Mr Harvey 

concluded. 

Perth Brake Parts is a leader in brake parts supply 

and a member of the Allomak group of companies. 



In addition to a sales team, the 

Keysborough location includes 

administration and product management as 

well as a production area that produces the 

Sports Tuff range of performance products 

together with the ability to recondition 

almost any clutch. The NSW office and 

warehouse is located at Arndell Park near 

Eastern Creek Raceway and the Queensland 

office and warehouse is located at Eagle 

Farm approximately 15 minutes south of 

the Brisbane airport. Having three 

warehouses strategically located together 

with a large distributor network of clutch 

specialists allows Exedy to cater for the 

requirements of our customers throughout 

Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific 

Islands. 

Its team of professionals is experienced 

and skilled in all things clutch. Exedy’s 

senior employees each have up to 40 years 

experience in the industry and are 

complemented by a group of young and 

enthusiastic sales and production 

employees to form the most complete and 

knowledgeable team in the market today. 

This knowledge base is further augmented 

through our membership of the global 

Exedy group, enabling it to draw on the 

resources and know-how of a multi-billion 

Exedy takes on local clutch market 

Exedy Australia was created in 1995 when global drivetrain component manufacturing giant Exedy 

Corporation decided to distribute its products directly into the Australian and New Zealand markets. The 

company has grown to over 50 employees in three offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Exedy’s 

head office is in Keysborough, Victoria. 

dollar manufacturing powerhouse to deliver 

world-leading design and production knowhow, 

OEM standard quality as well as local 

knowledge, instant stock availability and 

direct delivery to our customers. 

Being a one-product company 

specialising in clutches for manual 

transmissions, Exedy recognises that it is 

important that is able to supply the total 

package for all makes and models of cars 

available in Australia. Its OEM heritage sees 

it manufacturing the OEM clutch for more 

vehicles on Australian roads than any other 

manufacturer, so it has a great head start 

in terms of product development. Its 

extensive range is detailed in its marketleading 

catalogue as well as an online 

catalogue which is available on the Exedy 

website (www.exedy.com.au). 

Its extensive range 

is detailed in its 

market-leading catalogue 

as well as an online 

catalogue which is 

available on the 

Exedy website 

Its catalogues include an application 

listing as well as technical and other 

information designed to assist customers 

in choosing the right clutch and installing 

it correctly the first time. 

Over time, Exedy has progressively 

introduced its performance range of 

clutches – comprising Sports Tuff, Safari 

Tuff, as well as the world-renowned Exedy 

Racing Clutch. 

Exedy Sports Tuff clutch range is 



designed for lightly tuned performance 

vehicles and includes heavy duty cover 

assemblies (increased clamp load) as well 

as clutch discs with either standard 

organic, button or cushioned button 

friction materials. All of the customisations 

to produce its increasingly popular Sports 

Tuff clutch range for the Australian and 

New Zealand markets are done at its own 

production facility in Keysborough. 

The Safari Tuff clutch range is for 

Exedy Sports Tuff 

clutch range is 

designed for 

lightly tuned 

performance vehicles 

performance 4x4 applications and includes 

strengthened cover assemblies with 

nodular iron pressure plate castings as well 

as premium quality friction materials. The 

Exedy Racing Clutch range of products is 

one of the premium high-end products 

designed for drag, drift, street and racing 

vehicles generating high levels of 

horsepower. 

EXEDY AND AUTOPARTNERS 

Exedy joined the AutoPartners program 

on 1st February 2008. AutoPartners is a 

free rewards program for automotive 

workshops, designed to reward workshop 

members for their loyalty. AutoPartners is 

backed by some of the biggest, well known 

and respected brands that hold the number 

one position in nearly every category they 

participate in. 

Members of the AutoPartners program 

can now earn points for purchases of Exedy 

clutch kits, which can be redeemed on any 

one of a wide range of products. For more 

details on the AutoPartners visit 

www.autopartners.com.au or contact them 

on 1300 650 048. 

The full Exedy product catalogue is 

available online at www.exedy.com.au and 

includes links to product information and 

important fitting instructions. 

To find your nearest distributor please 

contact Exedy toll-free on 1300 366 592 

or visit www.exedy.com.au 



Iveco hits the 

brakes 

Iveco Trucks Australia has 

purchased a Dyno Dynamics brake 

tester. The state-of-the-art machine 

was installed at the company’s 

Dandenong (Victoria) factory 

recently. 

Repco for clutch parts 

Repco is the destination for the full range of Clutch Industries 

(CI) Performance Clutch systems. 

The brake tester enables thorough testing of 

modern anti-lock braking systems (ABS) in a 

matter of minutes. 

Data from sensors, which monitor braking 

force, pedal pressure and wheel speed, is fed to 

the computerised control system that graphs 

performance against accepted standards. 

Kenworth Trucks also owns a Dyno Dynamics 

brake tester. 

Whether the application is for V8’s, 

4WD’s or performance imports, Repco 

has a CI clutch system to suit your 

needs. 

Clutch Industries now supply clutch 

systems to the V8 Ute motor racing 

series, along with the Formula Ford 

Championship and the Drift Australia 

series, so finding a proven high 

performance clutch for your pride and 

joy has never been easier. 

Also available from Repco is the 

RPM clutch system range. This 

provides the customer with a choice of 

clutch plate, from a street or towing 

upgrade, through to a racing 

specification clutch. 

4Terrain systems for the real 4WD 

enthusiast that offer a high torque 

capacity while retaining good pedal feel 

with fine modulation control. 

The Drift Series is for the customer 

looking for a high performance single to 

quad plate clutch ideal for track work 

and drifting. 

Repco also offers specially 

designed complete clutch systems 

including flywheel, for Subaru 

WRX, Ford XR8, GT & GT-P, 

Holden Gen111 and a twin plate 

system for the BA XR6Turbo. 

Enquire at your local Repco store 

for a clutch system to suit any 

application or performance 

requirement. 

For more information contact Clutch 

Industries on 1300 369 787 

O.E.M. Automotive takes on local brake market 

O.E.M. Automotive started to introduce disc rotors to the 

local market from May 2007. 

Following a successful AAAA Trade Show last June, O.E.M. 

Automotive realized that making good quality products is the priority 

to gaining a slice of the Australian market. The manufacturer of its 

disc rotors and brake pads is an OEM supplier in China with QS9000 

and TS/16949 certifications. Quality control is guaranteed with 

state-of-the-art processes and production facilities. It also makes 

use of an independent friction material laboratory with advanced inhouse 

testing equipments such as Brake Dynamometer, Chaser 

Tester and Shear Tester. 

O.E.M Automotive supplies more than 300 disc pads and stocks 

over 100 popular discs in its Moorabbin warehouse. 

For more information call 03 9555 2467. 


CHEMICALS 

Fuelling Australia’s future 

Looking to the US to crystal-ball into our fuel market 

The Australian fuel market has a lot of similarities to the North American fuel market. Understanding what is happening in North 

America can sometimes help in predicting the trend in the Australian market. Wynn’s USA reported the following in August 

2006 which is still valid today. 

• Petrol: Will continue to be the dominant fuel 

in North America for the foreseeable future. 

• Diesel: Beginning June 1, 2006 ULSD (ultralow 

sulphur diesel) began production in North 

America and by September will be the only onroad 

diesel fuel available. This ULSD will have 

15 ppm maximum sulphur, which will enable 

the use of exhaust devices such as particulate 

traps, catalytic converters and urea injection 

systems to product “clean” diesel exhaust as 

well as the traditional diesel advantages of high 

fuel economy, high performance and high 

durability (when compared to petrol engines). 

• Biodiesel: Vegetable based fuel or mixture with 

diesel fuel that can power most diesel engines. 

• E85 (85% ethanol and 15% petrol): So called 

“flex fuel” vehicles from Ford, GM and 

DaimlerChrysler can use this fuel or petrol or 

any mixture of the two, as the engines contain 

sensors to determine fuel makeup and also 

contain fuel rails, pumps and injectors 

modified from normal petrol engines to use 

such fuel mixtures. Increased use of this fuel 

is being pushed by the agricultural lobby in the 

US as ethanol is produced from grain, and as 

such is renewable and benefits the farm 

industry. Lower sulphur will affect fuel 

lubricity and possibly provide additional 

incentives for lubricity additive containing 

products such as Wynn’s Spitfire ® Diesel Fuel 

Treatment with Cetane Improver to protect 

diesel injectors. 

• CNG (compressed natural gas) and LNG (liquefied 

natural gas): Very low emission fuels that can 

only be used in engines specifically designed 

for their use. Popular in fleets (taxis and 

government agencies) as the fuel is not readily 

available to the public via a widespread 

distribution infrastructure. 

• Hydrogen: Can be used either in fuel cells (to 

directly power an electric motor) or internal 

combustion engines as a clean burning fuel. 

Will require a widespread infrastructure of high 

pressure hydrogen refuelling stations before 

widespread use. Currently the only hydrogen 

refuelling stations are in Washington D.C. and 

California and are used for small test fleets. 

Wynn’s Australia manufactures specific petrol 

and diesel fuel additives, both to clean-up or keep 

fuel systems clean and to provide performance or 

fuel physical property improvements. 

• Wynn’s Spitfire Diesel Fuel Treatment’s newly 

released formulation is suitable for use in 

biodiesel & Diesel fuelled engines and provide 

similar benefits to both engines, including a 

Cetane improver. 

• Wynn’s Spitfire Petrol Treatment & Wynn’s 

Spitfire Injector Cleaner is suitable for use in 

E85 and other flex-fuel mixtures of alcohol and 

petrol and provide similar benefits to their use 

in petrol engines. 

• Wynn’s does not recommend the use of any 

Wynn’s fuel products in CNG/LNG engines with 

the exception of Air Intake Cleaner through the 

throttle body. These are extremely clean 

burning fuels. 

• Wynn’s does not recommend the use of any 

Wynn’s fuel products in either internal 

combustion hydrogen engines or any fuel cell 

powered vehicles. 

Wynn’s Spitfire octane boost 

is an exclusively formulated 

double-duty non-leaded fuel 

additive for petrol engines 

Wynn’s Spitfire octane boost is an exclusively 

formulated double-duty non-leaded fuel additive 

for petrol engines, that increases the octane 

number of any grade of petrol used, and provides 

valve seat recession protection. 

Petrol engine pinging causes severe damage to 

an engine. Prolonged pinging and detonation can 

cause loss of power, poor fuel economy, engine 

overheating, and worst of all, severe engine 

damage such as hammered bearings or melted 

pistons. One cannot always tell that a vehicle is 

suffering pinging or detonation. Inaudible 

detonation can be impossible to detect by ear. 

Dynometer tests show that inaudible detonations 

will cause loss of horsepower and loss of ring 

sealing. 

These problems became obvious when super 

leaded petrol had its octane rating reduced as a 

result of intense lobbying by community groups to 

have the lead levels lowered. Also these problems 

are not limited to leaded petrol. Many later model 

cars running on either unleaded or premium 

unleaded fuel suffer both audible and inaudible 

detonation. 

Late model cars with knock sensors can retard 


CHEMICALS 

their spark advance and inject additional 

petrol to suppress detonation, but this 

reduces power and increases fuel 

consumption. 

Wynn’s Spitfire Octane Boost will 

overcome these engine knocking problems 

with whatever grade of petrol is used. 

Lead was more than an octane enhancer, 

it was a lubricant too. And when that 

lubricating protection was part of every 

tankful of leaded petrol, most passenger 

vehicles were engineered with “softer” less 

wear-resistant valve-seats. 

To test the effectiveness 

of Wynn’s Spitfire Octane 

Boost on Research 

Octane Number various 

grades of petrol 

were treated at 

different dose rates 

Today, some of those older “lead-age” 

cars are still on the road. But with the loss 

of lead lubrication, their exhaust valves can 

stick to the valve seating – pulling away 

small metal particles that oxidise and, in 

turn, wear away more and more of the 

seating every time the valve closes. 

Wear of the valve seating – or valve-seat 

recession (VSR) can lead to increased 

exhaust emissions, poor idling, and a loss of 

power. And since precise valve-to-seat 

contact is needed for proper valve cooling, 

VSR can also result in valve burning and in 

rare cases, - catastrophic engine failure. 

To test the effectiveness of Wynn’s 

Spitfire Octane Boost on Research Octane 

Number (RON), various grades of petrol 

were treated at different dose rates. 

The untreated and treated grades of 

petrol were evaluated and tested to the 

Standard ASTM D 2699. 

The results are as follows: 

The 

complete 

cleaning 

solution 

Septone Products has been 

manufacturing chemicals 

suited to the automotive 

industry since 1943 and 

have both the knowledge and 

experience when it comes to 

automotive detailing. 

Armour Cologne protects and 

rejuvenates leather, vinyl, 

rubber, acrylics and plastics and 

will leave a pleasant, lingering 

deodorant. 

Carpet & Interior Cleaner is a 

foaming carpet and upholstery 

spot cleaner which effectively 

removes stains from grease, oil, 

soft drinks, coffee, milk, sauces, 

lipstick, pet stains and more. It 

is safe to use on velour, leather, 

vinyl, seat belts, mats and 

plastic trim. 

Glass Cleaner removes 

smears, finger marks, smog, 

tobacco tar residues and other 

soil deposits. It is safe on OEM 

tinted windows, will leave a 

sparkling streak-free finish and 

is ideal for cleaning chrome and 

stainless steel surfaces. 

Tyre and Bumper Shine 

revives and beauties by restoring 

natural feel and colour. It 

removes scuff marks and dries to a 

clear protective film. It is ideal 

for use on tyres, mud flaps, 

bumpers, mouldings, louvers 

and vinyl rooftops. 

Wheel and Tyre Cleaner 

removes road grime and brake 

dust from most types of wheels. 

It is safe on polished and 

unpolished alloy, chrome, clear 

coated, factory painted, 

anodised, steel wheels and hub caps. 

All of these products are available in a convenient 

750mL trigger pack with Armour Cologne also available 

in 300mL. 

Septone is a 100% Australian owned company. 

For more information call 07 3390 5044 

or visit www.septone.com.au 


CHEMICALS 

Rost Off Plus now in rust-dissolving packs 

Europe’s top auto chemical specialist, Wurth, has released an upgraded rust-dissolver/penatrine called Rost Off Plus which has 

been developed from the previously very successful Rost Off - which was the benchmark for fighting rusted nuts and bolts 

across many industries. 

Rost Off Plus not only offers 

high performance rust dissolving 

abilities, but also does so with 

additional lubrication properties. 

This is achieved with the 

upgrading of the base miner oil 

with a new organic molybdenum 

compound. 

Together they quickly penetrate 

through a strong capillary action 

and provide effective lubrication; 

the product can even be used as 

good cutting oil when drilling. 

Additionally, good corrosion 

protection is also achieved 

ensuring Rost Off Plus can be 

used to spray metals to prevent 

corrosion. 

Rost Off Plus is free from 

silicone, resins and acids, has only 

a mild odour and is compatible 

with rubber and plastics. 

To match the new performance 

it is available in a 300ml aerosol 

pack, a five-litre container and a 

20-litre container. A rost off 

labelled, heavy-duty, one litre 

professional pump bottle is also 

available. 

“This is a first class example of 

the way Wurth stays ahead of its 

competition,” a Wurth 

spokesperson said. 

“We don’t just sit on a top 

product and maybe wait for the 

competition to catch up, but 

continually develop for further 

refinements. These advantages are 

then passed on to our customers.” 

For more information contact 

Wurth on local call 

1300 65 77 65 or 

visit www.wurth.com.au 

Septone goes for bulk market 

Septone Products has released a number of its popular lines in 5L, 20L and 200L bulk packs. 

Car Shampoo is non-toxic, non-caustic and is biodegradable. It 

contains no harsh detergents and yet is highly effective in cleaning 

all dirt, dust, mud, road grime, oil, exhaust soot and insect build 

up. 

Pink Magic is a concentrated, biodegradable, ammoniated liquid 

cleaner recommended for the cleaning of upholstery, vinyl, plastic, 

paintwork, glass (including windscreens and mirrors), and most 

washable surfaces. 

Ripper will perform in many vehicle cleaning and commercial 

cleaning applications. 

Uses include degreasing engine bays, removal of dirt and road 

grime, removal of insects from bumpers and bull bars and general 

cleaning of vinyl, plastic and rubber. 

Ripper exhibits excellent performance in almost any application. 

Degrease It is a quick break, water based degreaser formulated 

to remove heavy deposits of grease, oil, dirt and grime from 

machinery, engines, concrete floors and most badly soiled 

substrates. 

C-Thru may be safely used on glass windows, windscreens, 

mirrors, whitegoods, laminated surfaces, chrome and stainless steel 

surfaces, ceramic tiles and porcelain. 

It leaves a sparkling, streak-free finish. 

Armour Cologne protects, revives and beautifies leather, vinyl, 

rubber, acrylics and plastics by restoring the natural shine, feel and 

colour of the original material. 

New Rost Off Plus is available in three packs: 

handy aerosol or in five and 20-litre containers. 

Wash & Wax cleans off heavy road 

grime and adds a protective wax 

coating in one operation, leaving the 

vehicle shiny and protecting the 

owner's investment. Wash & Wax 

contains a blend of powerful cleaning 

agents and wax, along with a specialty 

additive, which promotes wax adhesion 

to the paint surface and aids in water 

repellence and beading. 

Hygloss is a water-based gloss finish 

tyre paint designed for application by brush to tyres, mudflaps 

and rubber bumpers. It exhibits excellent opacity and coverage, 

and hides paint over-spray from refinish operations. The non-tacky 

formulation ensures that Hy-Gloss shows negligible dirt pick-up, 

and the product keeps tyres looking good for longer. Hy-Gloss 

dries to a water resistant finish. 

Magic Shine protects, revives and beautifies leather, vinyl, 

rubber and plastics by producing a deep wet-look long life gloss 

that restores the natural shine, feel and colour of the original 

material. 

Septone is a 100 percent Australian-owned company. 

For more information call 07 3390 5044 or visit 

www.septone.com.au 


CHEMICALS 

Keeping ahead in the Automatic 

Transmission Fluid industry 

Although not recent news to people involved in the Automatic Transmission Fluid 

(ATF) industry, some significant and dramatic changes in the ATF industry have 

recently happened which affect the transmission service product offerings. 

The two major industry ATF changes 

are as follows: 

• Effective January 2007 all licensing 

agreements for Dexron III have ceased, 

rendering this product obsolete at OEM 

level. General Motors has already 

begun using Dexron VI as factory fill 

(2005+ model years) and 

recommended service fill, including 

back service to all prior Dexron 

applications. Please note that all older 

GM vehicles can and will be service 

filled with Dexron VI. 

• Effective July 2006, Ford ceased 

issuing new Mercon licensing 

agreements, and effective July 2007, 

this product has officially been made 

obsolete. Ford has begun using 

Mercon V as factory fill and 

recommended service fill, including 

aftermarket treatments will then be used 

in multi-vehicle applications to provide an 

appropriate service fill ATF. 

As of today the following common OEM 

specific ATF’s exist: 

• Dexron III (Licensing agreements 

ended 31/12/06); 

• Dexron VI (Factory fill and 

recommended service fill for 2005+ 

model years); 

• Mercon (No new approvals after 

30/6/06, obsolete 30/6/07); 

• Mercon V (Now recommended for all 

former Mercon applications except SP); 

• Mercon SP (Current ATF for Ford 

5R110 & 6RXX transmissions); 

• Chrysler ATF+3 (Sales ended 31/3/06); 

• Chrysler ATF+4 (Now recommended for 

all Chrysler applications); 

• Toyota Type T-IV; 

Wynn’s Supreme Auto Trans Treatment does not convert 

one fluid into another, but can provide an appropriate 

service fill fluid when added to an appropriate base ATF 

for vehicles requiring highly friction modified ATF’s 

back service to all Mercon applications 

with the exception of Mercon SP. 

Please note that all older FORD 

vehicles can and will be service filled 

with Mercon V. 

The new Dexron VI specification does 

not overlap the Mercon V specification as 

previous specifications of the former fluids 

did, so there will be no de facto 

“universal” ATF based on these fluids. 

Currently Dexron III/Mercon ATF with an 

appropriate aftermarket treatment (such 

as Wynn’s Transmission Treatment) is used 

to provide appropriate service fill fluids for 

multiple vehicles whose OEM’s specify a 

highly friction modified ATF. It is our 

opinion that the new de facto “universal” 

ATF will become Mercon V after Dexron III 

and Mercon largely disappear in the 

future. Mercon V with appropriate 

• Honda Z-1; 

• NissanMatic D; 

• NissanMatic J; 

• Hyundai SPIII; 

• Toyota WS; 

• Mitsubishi Diamond SP. 

There are many suppliers marketing 

ATF’s with multiple OEM capability, 

Pennzoil’s Multi-Vehicle ATF for example, 

however, this product data sheet lists 

meeting only the Dexron III, Mercon, 

MerconV and Allison C-4 specifications, 

although it is stated that this fluid is 

suitable for many additional vehicles, 

including those with specific OEM 

specified fluids. This is also the case with 

other brands of multi-vehicle ATF’s, with 

such fluids likely moving to Mercon V as a 

base fluid in the future. As such, there 

will continue to be a significant market for 

aftermarket treatments to lessen the 

inventory impact for service locations 

otherwise having the need to stock most 

or all of the ATF’s on the above list. 

Wynn’s expects that Mercon V will be 

the base ATF of the future and that the 

addition of Wynn’s Supreme Auto Trans 

Treatment will continue to be extremely 

popular for use in producing replacement 

fluids for many OEM applications 

recommending highly friction modified 

synthetic or semi-synthetic ATF’s. 

Wynn’s Supreme Auto Trans Treatment 

does not convert one fluid into another, 

but can provide an appropriate service fill 

fluid when added to an appropriate base 

ATF for vehicles requiring highly friction 

modified ATF’s. In addition, the use of 

Wynn’s Supreme Auto Trans Treatments 

will help to: 

• Eliminate shudder & fluid related 

shifting problems; 

• Enhance low temperature fluid 

properties; 

• Reduce wear and lubricate internal 

components. 


AUTO ELEC & LIGHTING 

Narva’s popular truck light 

available with single L.E.D. 

The rapid development in L.E.D technology has allowed the 

popular Narva round rear truck lamp to be produced with a 

single high performance L.E.D for multi-voltage applications. 

Using just one of the latest technology LED’s, the new generation 

Narva Model 44 lamp achieves full compliance to ADR regulations. The 

result of this development is significantly lower cost replacements with 

the added advantage of multi-voltage applications of 10 to 30 Volts. 

Glow 

bright with 

extensive 

range 

Australian Auto 

Accessories (AAA) has 

available an extensive 

range of automotive LED 

lights for interior and exterior use. 

These lights have been painstakingly researched, tested, 

and chosen for their extra long life and superior brightness. 

These comprise a quality line of neon, including Vegas 

Glow Ultrabrights, which are up to 10 times brighter than 

regular neon. 

AAA also has LED and neon under car lighting for show 

car use – brands include Vegas Glow and 3A Racing. 

Two ranges of quartz halogen globes are currently in stock 

– Euro and Mtec. Both of these globes are made to high 

quality standards and provide supreme brightness and 

longevity. 

Another popular product available is the Cal Custom 

chrome mini starters and chrome alternators for hot-rod, 

street machine and custom car use. 

AAA also stocks 20 circuit wire harnesses and power 

window kits. 

Constructed of virtually unbreakable polycarbonate, sonically sealed 

and hard wired, the new lamp provides the ultimate retro-fit replacement 

with low replacement outlay and virtually no on-going costs. 

Using just one of the latest technology LED’s, 

the new generation Narva Model 44 lamp 

achieves full compliance to ADR regulations 

The new Model 44 lamps become direct replacements for the popular 

earlier Model 40 round lamps and come with the amazing five-year 

Narva L.E.D warranty. 

Available from leading automotive and trucking outlets the new Narva 

lamps complete with Vinyl Grommet are marketed under Part No 94440 

in Amber Rear Direction and Part No. 94444 Rear Stop/Tail 

applications. 

For more information call Brown & Watson International on 03 9730 6000 

or National Toll Free 1800 113 443. 

For more information call 03 9845 0800, 

email australianauto@a1.com.au or visit 

www.australianauto.com.au or www.3aracing.com.au 



Better visibility for bus drivers and truckers 

Osram claims it is the first manufacturer in the world to offer 

truckers and bus drivers headlight lamps that shine up to 100 

percent more light on the road ahead than conventional lamps. 

The new Truckstar headlight lamps from trucks and buses will 

therefore make a significant contribution to road safety. Thanks to 

new filament technology, the lamps will also last almost twice as 

long. 

Problems with truck and bus lights are right at the top of the 

league table for faults. This means that professional drivers are 

running the risk, particularly at night, of being involved in serious 

accidents or being the cause of accidents. 24V Truckstar lamps 

significantly improve visibility on the roads at night. 

This is thanks to single-coil technology. The light is no longer 

produced by a coiled coil but from a new coil similar to the ones 

in all 12V headlight lamps. The benefits of this newly developed 

light source are almost twice the life, good vibration resistance and 

The new Truckstar headlight lamps from 

trucks and buses will therefore make a 

significant contribution to road safety 

Osram claims its 24V headlight lamps provide better visibility for bus drivers and 

truckers. The new Osram Truckstar headlight lamps for trucks and buses offer a service 

life and output that are up to 100 percent greater than conventional light sources. 

up to 100 percent more light 50 to 100 metres in front of the 

vehicle. 

Headlight manufacturers will therefore be able to offer original 

equipment with performance usually associated only with 12V 

systems. 

The long life of these lamps extend replacement intervals and 

save costs on replacement lamps. Truckstar lamps are available 

now in H7, H1, H3 and H4 versions. H11 types are in preparation. 



Innovation for your engine and vehicle 

THE AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS MARKET 

The need for electronics in motor vehicles has grown considerably in 

recent years to meet increasingly stringent pollution control standards, 

increasingly demanding safety and comfort requirements and new 

technical constraints: more corrosive oils, higher temperatures, vibrations 

that affect functions, and ever more electronic devices involving a risk of 

electromagnetic incompatibility. 

As a result, all car manufacturers seek reliable and robust solutions 

capable of meeting these new expectations while also improving 

performance and cutting costs. They need to better control the 

management of batteries and energy-hungry engine peripherals. In 

parallel, they are bringing into widespread use of the active safety 

functions implemented on the chassis and brake pedals and systems, 

which improve comfort while automatically adapting to different situations. 

They therefore need systems capable of delivering ever more precise 

engine control, ever more reliable ignition at lower costs, ever shorter 

injection response times, ever more supple transmission and better 

management of battery Energy. 

Market expectations are therefore boundless, as is the need to equip 

cars with electronic systems, which is why the automotive electronics 

market is currently expanding so rapidly, much faster than the electronics 

market and car market as a whole. According to forecasts, this market is 

expected to grow by 7 percent a year worldwide, doubling in size over the 

next decade. In terms of value, the proportion of electronics in cars is also 

growing: electronics are expected to make up 30 percent of the value of 

a vehicle by 2008. 

ENGINE MANAGEMENT 

Camshaft and crankshaft sensors 

These provide absolute data on the position of the crankshaft and 

camshaft. They are used to synchronize the engine when starting, to 

control injection and ignition and to control the camshaft phase timing for 

variable camshaft engines (VVT – variable valve timing). 

Development of new sensors for variable valve timing systems, which 

measure valve opening times with the greatest accuracy, contribute to 

further improving engine performance: better starting torque, more torque 

at low speeds, more power, less pollution and reduced consumption. 

Sensing systems with trigger wheel 

This system, including the sensor and its metallic or magnetic trigger 

wheel, is designed for crankshaft and camshaft applications, provides 

greater precision than conventional systems while being lighter and 

requiring less space. Electricfil Automotive also offers engine sealing 

functions and engines or timing gears. 



Temperature sensors 

These measure the temperature of water and oil in the engine. Compatible 

with all types of ECU, these sensors benefit from the expertise of dedicated 

project teams working in close partnership with the suppliers of sensitive parts 

(CTN-CTP-PT). 

IGNITION SYSTEM 

Ignition coils with integrated leads 

Developed thanks to our know-how of ignition cable and coil technologies, 

this original concept integrates the ignition leads and coil to make the product 

more reliable and optimize the power and voltage used while at the same time 

reducing the weight, volume and overall cost of the function. Adaptable to a 

wide range of engine environments, it represents the twofold advantage of 

flexibility and simplicity. 

Integrated ignition coils unit 

This ignition offers key advantages in terms of ergonomics: the compactness 

of the function, simultaneous spark plug connections, easily automated 

mounting directly on the engine cylinder head and reduced voltage loss. By 

incorporating the electronic power control and phase detection functions into 

its coils, Electricfil Automotive simplifies the overall function and optimizes 

reliability and design at the best cost. 

Actuators for the fuel injection system 

Located at the heart of common rail injectors, the actuator is the active part 

of the injection process. Robust, reliable and efficient, the electromagnetic 

technology used is highly competitive compared with competing technologies. 

Compliant with the Euro 4 and 5 standards, Electricfil Automotive's actuators 

are broadly establishing themselves on the market thanks to the lower noise 

levels and fuel consumption they provide for diesel engines, thereby 

contributing to protecting the environment. 

This ignition offers key advantages in terms of 

ergonomics: the compactness of the function, 

simultaneous spark plug connections, easily 

automated mounting directly on the engine 

cylinder head and reduced voltage loss 

TRANSMISSION 

Speed sensors 

These sensors measure the gearbox input and output speed and the turbine 

speed for automatic gearboxes. These robust sensors measure speed with the 

greatest reliability, even though the rotating part is highly unstable and 

subjected to high-amplitude vibrations. In normal conditions, these phenomena 

alter detection. Moreover, they measure transmission speed and direction of 

rotation, providing greater comfort when starting and driving, by implementing 

"hill holder" starter assistance strategies and assistance for the gear engagement 

system in staged gearboxes. 

Position sensors 

Encoded position sensors are used to measure the position of the speed 

selector (P, R, N, D, L). The data transmitted by the sensor to the computer tells 

the latter which mode the driver has selected, thereby allowing it to control the 

gear-changing, clutch and hand-brake mechanisms. 

As for analogue position sensors, which detect the movement or a magnetic 

or metallic part, they are used to measure position in gearboxes and clutches, 

thereby controlling gear engagement and the movement of electronic gearbox 

actuators. 


FEATURE 

Innovation for your engine and vehicle - continued 


These sensors measure water and oil temperature 

in the gearbox. Adapted to all types of ECU, they benefit 

from the expertise of dedicated project teams working 

in close partnership with the suppliers of sensitive parts 

(CTN-CTP-PT). 

Multifunctional sensors 

Used in DCT4 gearboxes these sensors, in addition 

to controlling speed, also detect overheated gearboxes 

and instantly reduce engine power output. 

Mecatronics modules 

The multi-sensor mecatronics module (or Sensor 

Cluster) is a complete system integrating several sensors 

measuring all transmission-related parameters. Some 

actuators may also be incorporated into this module. 

Future developments are moving towards 

communication on a multiplexed bus. The sensor cluster 

mecatronics module makes for a more compact gearbox, 

lower fuel consumption and enhanced driver comfort. 

By reducing the number of components, this module 

makes for better reliability and maintainability, cuts the 

cost of interconnecting various parts and simplifies 

assembly. 

Vehicle dynamics 

Position sensors 

Analog position sensors, which detect the movement 

of a magnetic or metallic part, are used to measure 

position in chassis. Typical applications include 

measuring body height (suspension), brake position and 

controlling electro-hydraulic actuators for active chassis. 

Encoded speed sensors 

The new generation of intelligent sensors, which are 

interfaced with the ECU via multiplexed buses, provide 

decisive improvements, in particular for anti-theft 

security. 

Car equipment manufacturer, Electricfil Automotive is an 

international independent group that is family-run on a human 

scale and is creative, flexible and reactive. 

Electricfil Automotive designs, produces and markets 

electromagnetic and electronic equipment for the Powertrain for 

car and automotive equipment manufacturers’ world-wide. The 

Powertrain business currently represents 90 percent of Electricfil 

Automotive's turnover. 

Electricfil Automotive thus supplies the main functions 

enhancing engine performance, cutting fuel consumption and 

improving passenger comfort while at the same time cutting 

costs: engine management, ignition, injection, transmission, 

energy, passenger compartment, temperature etc. 

Electricfil's solutions include sensors, actuators, detection 

systems, ignition coils with integrated leads, integrated ignition 

units and mecatronics modules and are recognised for their 

performance and reliability. 

PASSENGER COMPARTMENT 


Electricfil Automotive produces a range of temperature 

sensors for numerous applications: air conditioning control 

(evaporator, blown air) and exterior air control. They also 

measure battery temperature in hybrid vehicles. Adapted to 

all types of ECU, these sensors benefit from the expertise of 

dedicated project teams working in close partnership with 

the suppliers of sensitive parts (CTN-CTP-PT). 

FORTHCOMING PRODUCTS 

Battery management systems 

The system performs predictive battery diagnoses based 

on electrical and thermal measurements. It issues a battery 

failure warning, thereby guaranteeing fault-free vehicle startup. 

The system can be used to check the battery charge 

status of hybrid vehicles. Electricfil Automotive also 

develops a current sensor and an intelligent circuit-breaker, 

which cuts the power off in case of abnormal consumption, 

short-circuits or accidents: the safety cut-off feature. 

Actuators 

The linear actuator, an interface between the ECU and 

the mechanical process, transforms an electric command 

set-point into mechanical stress, which in turn generates 

linear displacement. It works on an electromagnetic 

technology principle. This actuator has a better response 

time than hydraulic and pneumatic actuators. Very compact 

and having few moving parts, Electricfil Automotive linear 

actuators are robust and reliable, function with a simple 

electric control and consume little power. Incorporated into 

a complete module with the power and control electronics, 

they offer an efficient solution for controlling alternative 

linear displacements. Typical applications for these 

actuators include turbo valves, gear and transmission 

sequencing, opening and closing valves etc. 

For further information contact Electricfil on 03 9335 5505 

ELECTRICFIL SOLUTIONS FOCUSED ON AUTOMOTIVE INTELLIGENCE 

Furthermore, Bougicord, the aftermarket division of the 

Electricfil Group, offers a complete range of advanced solutions 

optimizing car performance: ignition systems, sensors for engine 

management, temperature and air conditioning sensors, wires & 

cables and components. 

Bougicord distributes both the entire range of genuine parts 

manufactured by the group and products specially developed for 

its own markets. 

Electricfil Automotive thus has unequalled expertise in the 

field of engine performance optimization and an innovative 

capacity that places the group among the key top players in 

automotive electronics. 

By way of example, Electricfil Automotive produces around 30 

million sensors and has more than 25 ramp-up of new systems 

every year, and 150 million engine speed sensors designed and 

produced by Electricfil Automotive are currently on the road 

worldwide. 


4WD 

NEW ARB WINCH BULL BAR 

FOR HOLDEN RODEO 

Owners of late model Rodeos can now benefit from 

superior vehicle protection with the release of a new ARB 

winch bull bar. 

Featuring a revolutionary splayed upright design to complement 

the Rodeo’s unique looks, the winch bar also incorporates ARB’s 

acclaimed five fold design for enormous strength, SRS air bag 

compatibility, twin Hi-Lift jacking points and recessed indicators. 

The original recovery points are also retained, further increasing 

the bar’s versatility in off road situations. 

Months of engineering were spent designing a bull bar that 

incorporates splayed uprights and wings to suit the Rodeo’s unique 

sloped headlights and front panels. The optimum fit also ensures 

the approach angle is most favourable for those heading off road. 

Suitable for both winch and non winch applications, the bar is 

finished a satin black powder coat and comes with the additional 

options of colour coding and provision for IPF driving lights. 

ARB has a vast array of other accessories designed for the 

Rodeo, including rear step tow bars, canopies, sport lids, ARB Air 

Lockers, and Old Man Emu suspension systems. 

For further information and a full product list, please visit your 

nearest stockist or contact us on 03 9761 6622. 

TJM DELIVERS LAND ROVER 

DEFENDER SNORKEL 

TJM has just released the new TJM Airtec Snorkel to suit the 

07-plus Land Rover Defender. 

This new snorkel is designed to compliment the look of the 

vehicle while offering some practical benifits. 

Here’s four great reasons to fit a TJM Airtec Snorkel: 

• Fitting a TJM Airtec Snorkel means the air supply is drawn 

from roof level providing cooler and cleaner air to the 

engine; 

• Because the air supply is drawn from roof level, dust is not 

as thick and plentiful as in the engine bay or inner guard. 

This will help extend the life of the air cleaner element, 

therefore reducing the wear of vital components; 

• With the positively sealed TJM Airtec Snorkel, well above 

water level, you can expect worry-free water crossings; 

• When driving along the open road, the TJM Airtec Snorkel 

creates what’s known as a ram air effect, that has often 

been found to increase engine performance. 


email info@tjm.com.au, or visit www.tjm.com.au 

JEEP XGS SUSPENSION UPGRADES 

Never happy to rest on its laurels, TJM’s experienced XGS Suspension team have released a range of improved shock 

absorbers to suit the popular TJ Wrangler and XJ Cherokee. 

TJM has found that Jeep models are 

becoming more and more popular for 

long-range touring as the price of second 

hand vehicles comes down. TJM 

recognised that its XGS range for these 

vehicles wasn't initially designed to 

handle this type of touring work and went 

back to the drawing board. TJM’s new 

range of XGS Big Body Shockies are 

especially designed with a larger Oil/Gas 

Capacity to help reduce fade over 

extended periods of offroad work and 

general corregation. Jeep owners should 

be happy to find increases both in the 

level of safety for the occupants and the 

amount of kms an owner can expect to get 

out of their suspension. 

TJM has been designing and 

manufacturing a full range of Suspension 

components for over 20 years. If you want 

good advice and great suspension, our 

staff at your local TJM store can help you 

today. 


email info@tjm.com.au, or visit 

www.tjm.com.au 


PRTC 

GULF WESTERN RETURN TO V8 SUPERCARS 

Penrith based Gulf Western Oil, a name previously synonymous with V8 Supercar racing will return to the Fujitsu Development Series 

this year after today announcing a naming rights deal with local David Sieders and the Sieders Racing camp. 

Back with a familiar flame design livery, Sieders’ new Gulf Western 

Ford is similar to that of the original Dale Brede piloted Gulf Western 

Falcon that finished second in the 2002 V8 Supercar Development Series 

Championship. 

Launching the new partnership today at Sydney’s Oran Park, David 

Sieders was quick to welcome Gulf Western back into the V8 Supercar 

arena. 

“We feel quite honoured that Gulf Western have put their faith in our 

team for their return back into V8 Supercars. As a sponsor, they have had 

a swag of previous achievements in V8 Supercars and to know that Ben 

[Vicary, Gulf Western MD] and his team feel we can continue that success 

is really rewarding,” Mr Sieders said. 

Mr Sieders, who has earned himself a solid reputation after working his 

way into the V8 Supercar Development Series through Formula Ford, is 

ready to make a big splash in the 2008 season. 

“We had a reasonable season last year in the Development Series but 

now that we have the increased budget and the support of a naming rights 

sponsor, I can’t wait to see what we can do in 2008. For most of my career 

I have known that given the right opportunity I could do really well and I 

think this year will be when it all comes together,” Mr Sieders explained. 

“The Development Series is such a competitive category now, so I 

don’t want to make any big statements on where we will finish the season 

but we are quietly confident we’re going to do well,” Sieders concluded. 

For Gulf Western Oil, a return to V8 Supercars has been looming for a 

few years but sourcing the right team with the right driver has been the 

first priority. 

“The reality is that no motorsport in the country gives you the bang for 

your buck like V8 Supercars, that’s why we are delighted to be involved 

again,” Gulf Western’s Managing Director, Ben Vicary, said. 

“We are very impressed with David and the whole Sieders Racing 

outfit. Just like Gulf Western Oil, they are a strong family unit and also 

have similar values and interests, and we think it’s areas like these that 

can make all the difference in a business partnership like sponsorship. 

“Gulf Western has continued to grow substantially over the past few 

years to the point that we are now the largest Australian owned lubricant 

company. We see our return back into V8 Supercars as the way to keep the 

momentum going, not only with our brand but with our thousands of loyal 

customers,” Mr Vicary concluded. 

KYB JOINS WITH JACK DANIEL’S RACING 

In motor sport, almost every issue provides for heated debate, but 

it’s hard to dispute that the 2008 V8 Supercar championship is 

certain to be one hell of a battle. 

One of the teams that many have earmarked for success in 2008 is 

Jack Daniel’s Racing. Following the recent signing of Todd Kelly, one of 

the sports most respected drivers, the team recently announced that 

they’d be joining forces with KYB Shock Absorbers. 

Having signed a three-year sponsorship deal with Jack Daniel’s 

Racing, the KYB brand name is destined to become synonymous in 

Australia with performance and reliability, attributes that have always 

been considered a cornerstone at Larry Perkins outfit. 

“We’re very excited about having KYB on board,” said Larry at the 

team’s season launch recently. “They’re a quality product and we’re sure 

that this will signal the start of a long relationship that will help increase 

brand recognition and provide unique marketing opportunities for the 

guys at KYB.” 

KYB Shock Absorbers are distributed in Australia by NGK Spark Plugs 

(Australia) Pty. Ltd. Although KYB are the world’s largest supplier of 

original equipment suspension, and have been developing hydraulic 

technology since 1919, the decision to distribute under the NGK Spark 

Plug banner was only made a few short years ago. 

“In terms of the market we operate in, we see V8 Supercars as 

providing the perfect fit for us to build the KYB brand,” associate director 

sales, NGK Spark Plugs (Australia) Pty. Ltd., Peter Hein, said. 

The guys at NGK have been long time supporters of V8 Supercars 

and the NGK brand has been a feature on the headlights of the Holden 

Racing Team cars for more than 15 years. 

“We have really been successful at leveraging off the brand 

recognition that being associated with a topline team creates,” Mr Hein 

said. “And we’re sure that with the signing of Todd, that the Jack Daniel’s 

cars will be running at the front of the pack.” 

KYB produce a range of shock absorbers for every application from 

the family car to 4WD and sport high performance shocks with leading 

edge technology. 

This makes KYB a one stop shop for all your shock absorber 

requirements. 

For more information or to contact NGK Sparkplugs (Australia) Pty. Ltd. 

visit www.kyb.com.au 


CAPITAL EQUIPMENT 

MACNAUGHT INKS DICK JOHNSON RACING V8 

SUPERCAR DEAL 

Lubrication and fluid 

management specialist 

Macnaught is going V8 

Supercar racing this year 

with the Dick Johnson 

team. 

The partnership began in a low-key way 

last year – Dick Johnson Racing used 

Macnaught equipment extensively in the 

workshop and at race meetings – and now 

the team's two Falcons feature Macnaught's 

well-known logo on their side mirrors. 

Macnaught signage will also be on DJR's 

transporters as well as inside the team's 

pitlane garage throughout the 2008 V8 

Supercar Championship. 

Naturally, Macnaught will continue to be 

DJR's official provider of lubrication 

equipment, M-Series flow meters, and 

Retracta water and air hose reels. 

Macnaught CEO Peter Macnaught said 

that he was proud to be associated with a 

Although operating in Australia for 20 years, 

Snap-on’s global experience, gained over more 

than 80 years, is continually demonstrated by 

its increasing range of innovative products. This 

year at the Conference, Snap-on showcased 

new products and also launched new support 

and training programmes for their franchisees 

“One of the keys to ensuring longevity in the 

franchising business is to constantly strive to 

improve and refine programmes and show 

support for franchisees. One of the biggest 

mistakes an established group like ours can 

make after 20 years is to become complacent. 

The market is continually changing and our aim 

is to be one step ahead,” Snap-on National 

Franchise Manager, Nick Hudson, said. 

Over the last 20 years the business has 

grown to 127 franchisees in Australia and New 

Zealand. With some franchisees owning 

motor racing team that has much in 

common with his own organisation. 

"Macnaught and DJR are both proudly 

Australian, with long and successful 

histories in their respective fields," he said. 

"This year we're celebrating our 60th 

SNAP-ON FRANCHISE GROUP 

CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN OZ 

Leading franchisor Snap-on Tools has kick started its 20th 

year in Australia and New Zealand with over 140 franchisees 

attending their recent national Annual Franchise Conference 

held in Perth. 

multiple mobile stores, Snap-on can proudly 

count 150 Snap-on mobile stores on the road. 

The National Snap-on Tools Franchisee 

Awards were also announced at the 

conference. New Franchisee of the Year was 

awarded to, David Warren, of Wagga Wagga, 

who has recorded outstanding achievements in 

the first 18 months of operating his franchise, 

including his operation of four mobile Snap-on 

stores 

Another highlight of the conference was the 

Snap-on Tools 20 year anniversary gala dinner. 

“In 2008, Snap-on Tools plans to continue 

to expand its network across all areas of 

Australia and New Zealand. We have more 

customers than we can service and there are 

great opportunities for new franchisees. It is 

an exciting time for the franchise industry and 

automotive service industry,” Mr Hudson said. 

anniversary, making us Australia's longestestablished 

lubrication equipment supplier, 

while DJR is one of the country's longestestablished 

teams, with countless race wins 

and titles over the past 40 years. 

"A partnership between us just seemed 

a natural and logical fit." 

Mr Macnaught said he looked forward to 

growing the relationship with DJR, as it had 

done for the past 12 months, and wished 

the team every success on the track in 

2008. 

Dick Johnson said he 

was pleased to confirm the 

team's ongoing partnership 

with Macnaught 

Dick Johnson said he was pleased to 

confirm the team's ongoing partnership with 

Macnaught, and was looking forward to a 

long-term association with the Australianbased 

manufacturer. 

"Our partnership with Macnaught began 

last year, and I'm pleased to welcome them 

on board with the team again in 2008", he 

said. 

"The team uses Macnaught products, 

both at the racetrack and at our workshop 

complex. 

"Their products play an important part in 

the daily activities of the team, and we look 

forward to continuing the relationship with 

them for a long time to come," Mr Johnson 

concluded. 



ALIGN YOUR BUSINESSES BANK BALANCE 

Coda acquires national distribution of John Bean, Hofmann and Heshbon equipment 

Coda Products recently announced a new distribution agreement between Coda and the 

master importers of John Bean Aligners, Hofmann wheel balancers and tyre changers 

and Heshbon hoists. 

National distribution rights for all of the aforementioned products 

were put in place last year. 

Coda claims this strategic alliance will provide a very vital link in 

the delivery and service of these world famous products to Australian 

clients. 

Coda Products is a progressive, 18 year-old, Australian company 

specialising in the design, manufacture and distribution of 

innovative automotive diagnostic equipment including: full engine 

analysis systems, scopes, gas benches, scan tools, wheel aligners, 

balancers, tyre changers, side-slip meters and shock absorber 

testers. 

As Coda Products operates its own fully functional automotive 

repair centre, all of its tools and equipment have a sound foundation 

born in the practical environment of the competitive automotive 

repair industry. 

The addition of the JBC and Hofmann Range is a perfect fit to 

the recent expansion Coda Products has implemented to cover all 

JBC Arago V3D Wheel Aligner. 

facets of the automotive repair industry including the wheel and 

tyre service industry with its own Coda brand Side-Slip Meter and 

Coda Shock Absorber Tester. 

The problem of cost of equipment versus return on investment 

has always been a sticking point with modern PC-based wheel 

alignment machines. It is hard to justify an investment of 

$35,000.00 plus, when wheel alignments are expected to be 

performed so cheaply by the motoring public, however the speed 

and accuracy of the John Bean 3D aligners changes this. These 

extremely reliable machines offer some of the best value for dollar 

investment for all workshop and tyre outlet operators. 

“The primary thrust of this change of direction has been to put 

profitability back into workshops that invest in wheel service 

equipment,” National Sales and Marketing Manager of Coda 

Products, Clive Ward, said. 

For more information call 02 4962 2575 or 

Clive Ward on 0428 493 430. 



ABI FOR ALL YOUR WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT 

Australian Bulk Imports (ABI) is an importer and 

distributor of workshop equipment, toolboxes and ATV 

vehicles. 

ABI, which has been established for 33 

years, imports and distributes aluminium, 

galvanized and stainless steel tool boxes; air 

tools, compressors and accessories; trailers and 

jockey wheels; petrol engines and generators; 

sandblasters; workshop equipment; engine 

stands; parts washers; shop presses; 

scaffolding; steel kit form shelving; 4WD 

winches and equipment; lathes and drill 

presses; general accessories; go karts and ATV 

vehicles; bench grinders; measuring tools and 

laser levels; and much more. 

Two products that have sold extremely well 

are its multi-purpose mobile scaffolding and 

heavy-duty steel shelving. These products come 

in kit form and are great for the home 

handyman, workshops, offices and larger 

industry. 

The scaffolding base unit is tested to 

Australian Standard AS/NZ 1576.1:1995 and 

is 1680L x 740W x 180H. Accessories 

available include heavy-duty guardrails and 

heavy-duty outriggers. 

The heavy-duty steel shelving units are 

available in two different sizes. The larger unit 

measures 1800L x 600W x 1800H. The unit 

features a hammertone finish with wire mesh 

shelving and each shelf can hold up to 900kg 

with the unit gross weight being 90kg. The 

smaller unit measures 1200L x 450W x 1800H 

and also features a hammertone finish, with 

adjustable melamine shelves. Each shelf holds 

up to 680kg and the unit gross weight is 59kg. 

Both shelving products come flat packed. 

All of the ABI range has very attractive profit 

margins. ABI is currently looking for stockists, 

distributors and agents in Australia and New 

Zealand. 

BUSINESS INVESTING IN NEW TECHNOLOGY 

Drive Safe, 

Caboolture's 

specialist 

undercar centre 

has yet again 

invested in the 

latest technology. 

For further information or to view our product range 

call 08 9791 9966, visit www.abimports.com.au or email 

sales@abimports.com.au 

“This week we have had 

installed by Coda Products, the 

very latest, New Generation, 3D 

camera, wheel alignment 

measurement system,” owner 

Kevin Hayes explained. 

“In my opinion the John 

Bean Ultra, provides the highest 

level of accuracy and diagnostic 

measurements currently 

available”. 

Mr Hayes, who has over 40 

years experience as an 

Automotive Technician, has 

lived and worked in the 

Caboolture area since 1978 and has owned and operated Drive Safe, 

Brakes-Shocks and Springs Centre in its current location of 35 Morayfield 

Rd for the last six years. In this time, Mr Hayes says he has seen every 

type of suspension system. Every vehicle has its own unique setting 

needed to provide the client with the smoothest ride and increased tyre 

life. A Properly wheel aligned vehicle is easier to drive, as the driver isn't 

required to make constant corrections to stay on course, another bonus 

is reduced fuel consumption, as the tyres are not scrubbing sideways 

when set correctly. 

“We don't sell Tyres, We save them” and this equipment is going to 

help us to provide the best alignments possible,” Mr Hayes said.

AM MAGAZINE SHELL - Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine

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