Melbourne Exhibition Centre • 19 - Australian Automotive ...

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET ASSOCIATION
www.pbr.com.au/findapart
www.pbr.com.au/buyapart
www.pbr.com.au/findamechanic
Melbourne Exhibition Centre • 19 - 21 June 2003
• Engine Reconditioning
• Accessories
• Exhausts
• Car Care
OCTOBER 2002
www.pbr.com.au

ABOUT THE COVER
President’s & Executive
Director’s Report....................4
Calendar ..............................50
New Members .....................50
REGULAR
DEPARTMENTS
NEWS ..................................10
INTERNATIONAL NEWS .......11
PRODUCTS...........................13
RETAIL ................................49
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES ..52
TRADE TALK
LUCAS DISC PADS ...................18
REMAKING THE PERFECT SEAL...43
19
MTAA SUPER
-positive returns
in a negative year
EXPANDING
THE BRAND
17
Delphi explains its
plans for the
Australian market.
BENDIX CONTINUES
RANGE UPGRADE
With the launch of its
all-new Advance pad,
the Bendix plant is 52
working flat out.
60
OCTOBER 2002
FEATURES
6
PBR, established in 1927 as Paton's Brake Replacements, has grown
to a global supplier of light weight brake components and systems to
Automotive Manufacturers & Aftermarket Distributors around the
globe. New products and services for the Aftermarket include, web
site facilities of Findapart (Catalogue), Buyapart (Part Stockists) and
Findamechanic (Workshops).
150 EXHIBITORS &
POWERING AHEAD
2002 AAAA AWARDS
TO INDUSTRY
14
Special
Feature
29
CAR
ACCESSORIES
ENGINE52
RECONDITIONING
41
CONTENTS
Executive Editor Kim Elliott
Editor
Derek Pickard, Tel 0419 388 075
Advertising Manager
Janene Gooding, Big Red Advertising,
Tel 61 3 5862 3090
Production & Design
Brigid Fraser, Tel 61 3 9596 2285
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket
magazine is the official publication of the
Australian Automotive Aftermarket
Association (AAAA).
Published by
The Australian Automotive
Aftermarket Association
Suite 11 622 Ferntree Gully Road
Mulgrave Vic 3170
ABN 23 002 271 454
Telephone (03) 9561 7044 Fax (03) 9561 7066
email: info@aaaa.com.au web:
www.aaaa.com.au
All material appearing in Australian Automotive Aftermarket magazine
is copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly forbidden
without prior written consent. Contribution: Freelance contribution
and submissions are welcomed by this magazine. No responsibility
is accepted for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and
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.

150 EXHIBITORS & POWERING AHEAD
This is the automotive
aftermarket event of
2003. Almost four
months following its launch
the AAAA TRADE SHOW
2003 is now over 80%
committed and has more
than 150 companies
exhibiting the latest parts,
accessories, tools and
equipment. Take a look at
our latest list of exhibitors
on the following page.
The third week in June next year
will mark the most comprehensive
event for the automotive
aftermarket industry. The AAAA TRADE
SHOW 2003 will bring together manufacturers,
suppliers and retailers
through both the trade show and a
number of associated events.
“Our motto from the beginning has
been FOR the industry BY the industry.
In keeping with this we are developing
a program in conjunction with a number
of major industry groups that will
provide value to all sectors of the industry.”
Said Kim Elliott, Executive Director
of AAAA.
In addition to the events organised
with our supporting associations, the
annual Awards to Industry Banquet will
be held during the trade show as well
as the New Product Awards Breakfast.
Returning in 2003 will also be the AAAA
International Retail Conference taking
place the day prior to show opening at
the Melbourne Convention Centre.
More details for these and additional
events will be advised as they become
available.
The AAAA TRADE SHOW 2003 to be
held from 19-21 June 2003 at the
Melbourne Exhibition Centre is getting
stronger by the day. Can your business
afford to miss it? With only a few stands
remaining, time is running out.
For more information contact the
Trade Show Organiser Australian
Exhibitions & Conferences Pty Ltd
T 03 9654 773 E aaaa@aec.net.au
For the latest updates log onto
www.aaaa.com.au
• Melbourne Exhibition Centre • 19 - 21 June 2003
FOUNDATION EXHIBITORS
PEDDERS SHOCK ABSORBER
SERVICE
For over 50 years, this family-based
company has been an importer, manufacturer,
wholesaler and retailer. The
national coverage of outlets now
numbers over 100 with 90% being franchised.
The products include shock
absorbers, coil springs, power steering,
rubber and polyurethane bushes,
chassis and steering components, leaf
springs and torsion bars.
The brand names are Pedders No
Bull, Sports Ryder, Trak Ryder and Load
Ryder.
Contact Mark Pedder 03 9706 3500
ROADSAFE (NSW)
Incorporated in 1990, Roadsafe
(NSW) is an independently owned
importer and wholesaler of automotive
parts. The company specialises in
water pumps and shock absorbers
including KYB which is the world’s
largest manufacturer of OE shock
absorbers.
The products include: shock
absorbers, water pumps, steering and
suspension, polyurethane bushes, gasket
kits, universal joints, cv boots, steering
rack boots, hose clamps, brake
pads, brake and clutch pedal pads,
thermostat housings, engine mounts,
bulk hose and rack ends. Most are
packaged under the Roadsafe brand.
Contact Jerry Lenstra 02 9688 4400
ROADSAFE AUTOMOTIVE
PRODUCTS
Roadsafe Automotive Products
operating in Vic/Tas specialises in boot
kits, suspension and undercar and is
an importer, distributor and wholesaler
from its head office in Doveton, in
Melbourne’s outer south east.
The products include: shock
absorbers, water pumps, steering and
suspension, polyurethane bushes, gasket
kits, universal joints, cv boots, steering
rack boots, hose clamps, brake
pads, brake and clutch pedal pads,
thermostat housings, engine mounts,
bulk hose and rack ends. Most are
packaged under the Roadsafe brand.
Contact Colin Smith 1300 651 551
ROADSAFE AUTOMOTIVE
PRODUCTS QLD
Roadsafe Automotive Products
QLD is an importer and manufacturer
specialising in brake and clutch.
Products include: shock absorbers,
water pumps, steering & suspension,
polyurethane bushes, gasket kits, universal
joints, cv boots, steering rack boots,
hose clamps, brake pads, brake & clutch
pedal pads, thermostat housings, engine
mounts, bulk hose & rack ends. Most are
packaged under the Roadsafe brand.
Contact Sandra Robinson
07 3275 1433
RSP AUSTRALIA
RSP Australia has been a supplier
for over 25 years and today is a manufacturer
as well as an established
importer, distributor and wholesaler.
The factory facility produces pressed
metal panels and prototype work.
National distribution for filters, rubber,
weatherstrips and restoration parts
under the brands of Rare Spares,
Pongpara Rubber, PCR and PCH.
Contact Greg Barker 03 9305 4000
3 AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2002

FOUNDATION EXHIBITORS
SIEMENS VDO AUTOMOTIVE
The VDO mission is to work with customers
in satisfying consumer needs by
providing automotive products that are
world-class in quality, performance, reliability
and value.
The products include: instruments,
gauges, alarms, immobilisers, cruise
controls, warning systems, control systems,
pressure senders, sensors, senders
and entertainment systems.
Contact Phil Crosby 03 9450 3258
SIKA AUSTRALIA
Sika is the largest global supplier of
polyurethane sealants and adhesives for
the aftermarket. The product use
includes: panel bonding, general sealing,
windscreen replacement, underbody
coating protection, anti-stone chip
coating and internal cavity protection.
The products are Sikaflex 227, 252,
260, 529, Sikatack Drive, Sikaguard 551,
552 and 554.
Contact Joanne Mannion 02 9725 1145
SPECIALTY AUTOMOTIVE
PRODUCTS
Specialty Automotive Products is an
importer, manufacturer and wholesaler
of auto accessories. The range
includes lowering blocks, driving light
brackets, paint and chemicals, wheel
covers, number plate covers, tools and
accessories. These are marketed under
the Superx, Victor and Classic brands.
Contact Geoff Ward 02 9718 7776
TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE
Tenneco is a global manufacturer
and the world’s largest producer of
ride control products and exhaust systems.
Monroe Australia is the market leader
and manufactures shock absorbers to
suit over 57% of vehicles on Australian
roads.
Walker leads the Australian exhaust
market with a range of products including
Lukey Performance Exhaust.
Contact Phil Mason 08 8374 5222
TRICO PRODUCTS
Trico is a leading manufacturer and
distributor of screen wiping equipment.
The brands are Trico, Nu-Vision and Total
Vision Screenwash.
The company’s Springvale, Victoria,
facilities enable research into new products
due to the fully equipped laboratories
and computer aided design.
Products include: wiper arms, blades
and refills, switches, pumps, jets and
valves, and windscreen washer additive
in 500 ml, 5 lt and 20 lt.
Contact Glen O’Brien 03 9271 3288
TURNER ENTERPRISES
Turner Enterprises is an importer, service
specialist and wholesaler. Among
the company’s specialities is the reconditioning
of driveshafts and steering
components.
Turner supplies CVs and rack ends
from its two offices in New South Wales
and Victoria.
Contact Elaine Turner 02 9905 0574
TOOLS ON
SHOW
Kincrome’s decision to exhibit at the
show was made easy by the forecasts
of the quality and quantity of
the visitors. This is a show not to be
missed.
The company’s intention at the show
is to further strengthen its business with
the automotive industry by lifting the
sales from its extensive tool ranges.
Director of Operations, Justin
Burgoine, says: “We see ourselves as
the market leader in automotive,
industrial and hardware hand tools.
We’re continually making innovations
in the hand tool industry and will continue
to do so. Our presence in the
AAAA Trade Show will further advance
our position and ensure we continue
our long-standing relationship with the
automotive industry.”
Kincrome will be exhibiting a large
number of products across its entire
portfolio. Brands including Kincrome
Professional Quality Tools, Supatool
Premium, Chrome Tech, Finkal,
Frost and Caar will all be on display.
Visitors will be able to view the
latest products, ask about specific
product information and find out
all about the latest promotions.
The company is proud to be
involved with the AAAA Trade
Show 2003 and looks forward to
continuing its relationship with both
distributors and users.
AUTOTECNICA
READY
Melbourne-based Autotecnica Imports
is looking forward to displaying its new
expanded range at the show.
Managing director, Tony Vita, says his business
has been low profile while building, but it is
now of sufficient size to promote itself to the
national audience the show will deliver.
“We’re now ready to show our full range of
wares. We’ve got a great platform in products
and service to clients who
will be very impressed by what
they see.
“I’m confident the forecast
numbers who attend the show
will deliver increased business
for our company. Autotecnica
has the exciting products
which are in growing demand
with consumers everywhere.
We will do well.” He said.
Left: Tony Vita
AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2002 4

K&H IN FIJI
K
&H Master Distributors and senior executives
from all States of Australia attended
the K&H Surface Technologies conference at
the Sheraton Fiji Resort in August. The itinerary
was a balance between business review and
best practice topics as well as a social program
for the delegates and their partners.
PBR SELLS CLUTCH
PBR Australia has sold its clutch business to a
consortium which includes former employee
Chris Hatton. Called Clutch Industries, the new
business is based in PBR’s former clutch plant at
Thomastown, Victoria. Included in the transfer
is the PBR clutch staff, the Sydney manufacturing
and distribution, and the Queensland distribution
and sales. They have all moved with
the new ownership.
Photographed are the K&H executives (left
to right): John McVann, Jason Dickens, Ian
Lidstone, Geoff Grose and Michael Tuyau.
TRIDON COOLING CATALOGUE
INTERNATIONAL
HOT GOSSIP
A strange report in the European press insists
Volkswagen Australia is funding a UK-based
AC Cars move to transfer some production
to the island of Malta. Volkswagen Australia
has not commented.
Delphi in the US has teamed with the Saturn
Corporation to market the latest in rear seat
entertainment.
Hella has been working with Mercedes in
Europe to develop a new headlamp system
that swivels its direction with the steering.
Ceramic composite brakes are now becoming
an OE option for top performing
European cars. Porsche quote $13,000 to
upgrade its 911T and Carrera 4S.
VDO has successfully launched in Europe
what is described as a “funky information
display” which is used in place of conventional
instruments and warning lights.
36 volt systems are coming. With most new
vehicles reliant on electrics to power many
functions, car makers are now actively working
to switch from 12 to 36 volts. The gain is
in emissions, fuel economy and performance.
Toyota, Audi and BMW already have prototypes
on the road.
Tridon has released its 2002/2003
Cooling Products Catalogue
which contains the aftermarket
range of: engine thermostats, thermostat
gaskets, thermo fan switches
and radiator caps
The new look full colour catalogue
contains 100 pages and claims
to have the most up to date application
list in the market covering late
model vehicles as well as technical
drawings and product and packaging
information. The specific details
of the sections are:
• Thermostats & Gaskets
• Thermo Fan Switches
• Radiator Caps
Contact 1300 362 263.
Hatton says there will be no significant
changes in the short term including the use the
PBR Clutch brand name.
PBR Australia’s Director of Sales &
Marketing, Peter Culley, says the sale was in line
with the company’s policy of divesting itself of
non-core business. It allows PBR to concentrate
on brake design, manufacturing and technology.
(PBR made its last OE clutch in 2001.)
AUTOMECHANIKA
IN ASIA
Messe Frankfurt is promoting its upcoming
events in Asia. Firstly, there are two
in China: Auto South China at Guangzhou in
December and Automechanika China at
Beijing next March. Automechanika Asia is set
for 12-15 November in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia. The contact details are email
auto@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com and fax
+ 852 2598 8771.
And for those interested in visiting the
Beijing event, the German-Australian
Chamber of Commerce is organising a trip
from 15-17 March 2003. The contact is Doris
Schnyder on 02 8296 0455.
KOREAN TRADE
In September, the Korean Trade
Commissioner to Melbourne, Sam Kim
returned to Seoul after three years during
which much has been accomplished for
Korean and Australian trade and investment
relations. Over this period he and his associates
at the Korea Trade & Investment
Promotion Agency (KOTRA) in Melbourne
have provided assistance to many local companies
exploring Korean trade or investment
opportunities.
Of particular significance over this three
Maxistop has a new Sales Manager, Peter
Hewson (ex-AutoPro BDM).
Delphi now has a Customer Newsletter
which is bi-monthly and provides a snapshot
of the company’s activities.
Fulcrum is also active with a newsletter
called The Fulcrum Bulletin. The new edition
explains why Fulcrum Northside has
opened new premises in Stafford on
Brisbane’s north.
John Taylor is an Australian who sets driving
distance records. His latest entry into
the Guinness Book of Records is for the
longest distance on a single tank of fuel.
Driving from Melbourne to Rockhampton,
his Peugeot 406 turbo diesel covered 2348
km.
Toyota’s new Camry range includes body
kits fitted as standard.
Latest figures show that 82% of all stolen
cars in Australia are located. Unfortunately,
the research does not detail the condition
when recovered.
Ford are to build a special tissue box holder
into the console of future models.
Dealers as well as supermarkets will sell
that size of tissue box.
UBP & CTS
PARTNERSHIP
Custom Technology Solutions (CTS)
has announced a partnership with
Universal Brake Parts (UBP) in the US to
provide the brake parts manufacturer
with a data warehouse application
designed to manage inventory control
issues. CTS’s data warehouse, Datacast,
provides an Oracle-based decision support
system for manufacturers, warehouse
distributors and service dealer
groups, helping to integrate the entire
automotive supply chain.
year period has been the progressive development
and expansion of bilateral trade
between Korea and Australia into new sectors
of the economy. During this period two
way trade between Australia and Korea
increased significantly.
AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2002 5

2002 AAAA AWARDS
Over 200 people gathered in the River Room in Melbourne’s
Crown Casino in August for the presentation of the 2002 AAAA
Awards to Industry. Eleven categories were presented at Gold,
Silver and Bronze
BEST RETAIL CATALOGUE
GOLD Car Toys - Car Accessories 2001-2002
SILVER Repco - Christmas Cheers
BRONZE Repco - Motoring & Touring
BEST TRADE CATALOGUE
GOLD - Hella Australia
SILVER GUD Manufacturing - Ryco Filters
BRONZE Motospecs - Kelpro
Engine Mounts Catalogue
level. Additionally,
$3000 was raised for
Canteen (teenagers
with cancer charity).
Susie Hancock
(Canteen).
BEST PRINT MEDIA ADVERTISEMENT
GOLD Bendix Mintex -
Great brakes are no accident
SILVER Nulon Products Australia - Coolant Ad
BRONZE GUD Manufacturing - Ryco Filters
BEST RADIO COMMERCIAL
GOLD Pedders Suspension -
Praise The Lord For Trak Ryder
SILVER Pedders Suspension - Sounds Like
BRONZE Pedders Suspension - Safety Drifter
BEST T V COMMERCIAL
GOLD Auto Pro Mildura
SILVER Pedders Suspension - Bull Slalom
BRONZE Monroe Australia -
Monroe Consumer Promotion
Grant Murray (Matson) receives the award
from Chris Jarvis (Shell). Grant has worked
at Matson Automotive as a Sales Consultant
since June 2000 and was recently promoted
to State Sales Consultant. He holds qualifications
as a motor mechanic with a number
of post trade qualifications and is currently
undertaking a Marketing Diploma at TAFE.
Grant has shown an outstanding commitment
to the community, particularly in the
scouts for the past 22 years. He is also
involved in a range of motor sport events.
BEST WEBSITE
GOLD GUD Manufacturing
SILVER Bendix Mintex
BRONZE Tyrepliers Engineering
EXCELLENCE IN MARKETING OPEN
GOLD Monroe Australia
SILVER Repco - Team Repco
BRONZE GUD Manufacturing Co
Roger Gerny (GUD) receives the
award from Steven Gibbs (Delphi).
EXCELLENCE IN MARKETING – SMALL BUSINESS
GOLD Autobarn Cairns
EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING – OPEN
GOLD GUD Manufacturing Co.
SILVER Disc Brakes Australia
BRONZE Monroe Australia
Sean Babbage (Fulcrum) receives the
award from Steven Gibbs (Delphi).
EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING – SMALL BUSINESS
GOLD Fulcrum Suspensions
KIM AUNGER YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARD
Grant Murray – Matson Automotive
OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO INDUSTRY
No Award Presented
6 AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2002
Peter Allen (Tenneco) receives the
award from Peter Culley (PBR).

TO INDUSTRY
TO INDUSTRY
Top award winners (left to right): Scott Pedder (Pedders),
Peter Fox (Autobarn), Roger Gerny (GUD), Grant Murray (Matson),
Sean Babbage (Fulcrum), Terry Fitzgerald (Hella),
Peter Allen (Tenneco) and John Kazanas (Bendix).
Peter Fox (Autobarn, right)
receives the award from
Peter Culley (PBR).
Roger Gerny (GUD, right)
receives the award from
Peter Hein (NGK).
Scott Pedder (Pedders,
right) receives the award
from Peter Hein (NGK).
Andrew Glavich (Hella)
receives the award from
Peter Hein (NGK).
John Kazanas (Bendix)
receives the award from
Peter Hein (NGK)
Retiring AAAA President
Peter Armstrong and retiring
councillor Paul Gould receive
certificates of appreciation
from new President John Scott
AUSTRALIAN OWNED AND OPERATED
Auto Expressions Pty Limited
Suite 95, Level 26
222 – 228 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000
Ph: 02 9743 4348 Fax: 02 9261 4662
www.autoexpressions.com.au

NEW HPX DRIVES
ADVANTAGES
HPX Australia is the name of the new
company formed by the combination
of HM Headers and Perry Exhaust.
It commenced business in July and all
operations are now at the former Perry
site in Hallam in Melbourne’s outer
south east.
HPX Australia operates out of the
Perry site in Hallam.
The new business is privately owned,
employs 32 people and is worth over $6
million in annual sales.
These two exhaust specialists boast
over 30 years each in experience and
they both have an excellent reputation
for quality products. Both have established
OE outlets with HSV, Tickford and
Mitsubishi Ralliart.
General Manager, Danny Williams,
says “This is now an excellent business
in a perfect position to expand.
Currently we’re selling around 50 percent
to OE and 50% to the aftermarket.
“In both markets we’re respected for
our quality products. That’s good but
it’s the aftermarket which is where we’re
going for the growth. We’re the leading
performance exhaust specialist because
of expertise in design and manufacturing
and we’re now pushing that message
for more sales.
“Our performance systems really
work. For example, our Power Pack bolt
on system for the Commodore SS V8
not only does just that, bolts on with no
fuss, but it raises the output
from the stock 225 kW to
around 256 kW. And the noise
increase is only to 89 dB but
the character of
lovely.
the note is
“Better still, we’re the leading
experts in the use of stainless
performance exhausts.
We’ve perfected a special stainless
grade that is imported by
us which does all the right
things as well as selling at a
very attractive price.
“Far too few performance exhaust
makers have QS9000 quality accreditation
like us and virtually no one can
boast our R&D engineering skills.
“With this product line-up and our
distribution, we can now promote the
advantages of our products and be sure
of good results.
“Initially, we’re targeting the middle
sports market. What I mean by that is
take the Commodore SS V8 as an
example. It can be confidently predicted
that around 10% of those cars will
have a performance exhaust fitted during
their lifetime. Right now, we’re only
getting about 1% of that. We should be
getting a lot more because our products
for those cars are superior. Now
we’re in the right position to go after
it.” Williams said.
CATS FROM HUMEX
Humex Exhausts now has a full range of catalytic converters for European cars
at what the company says are very attractive prices. These are described as
large body designs with good flow characteristics.
The company also offers the service of a two day turnaround in the manufacturing
of any cat converter to suit a European or Japanese car.
Contact 02 6040 4640.
HI-TECH
EXPANDS
Hi-Tech Headers of North
Sunshine, Victoria, has increased
its range of direct-fit headers. The
company says this design is now
favoured by the trade because of the
reduced fitting time and labour
costs.
Val Carr insists the improvement
over other products is the result of a
comprehensive design upgrade. This
includes the head mounts, flanges to
cats, and the method of building the
flexible joints, where required. (Cats
are also available.)
The latest line-up includes new
releases to suit Lancer, Corolla, Hilux,
Landcruiser and Rodeo.
Of particular interest, Carr says, is
the recently released tuned 6 cylinder
Falcon system. This gives stronger
torque in the mid-range as well as
bottom end throttle response.
Also new is the company’s system
of heat-proof finish now applied to all
products. This paint is good for 1200
degrees and it ensures lasting protection.
Hi-Tech is making the paint available
in spray cans soon.
Contact 03 9312 5066.
AUSTRIAN
STAINLESS
When talking of top-grade exhaust
systems, the Austrian Remus
product line-up is regarded as about
the best. The stainless steel pipes
and mufflers are all designed as dedicated
systems to individual models
for maximum performance and ease
of fitting.
Distributor, All-Ex of Melbourne,
insists a big benefit is the quality of
the sporting exhaust note which has
become a major selling feature.
Contact 03 9752 3700.
AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2002 8