July/August - MTA

Collision Industry I-CAR Information Evening
The MTA with the support
of Stillwell Ford and
Sikkens Automotive Refinish
presented an information
evening for the collision
repairers, featuring keynote
speaker Richard Pratt CEO of
I-CAR Australia.
Over 30 members attended
the evening that also featured
speakers from Sikkens Auto
Refinish and 3M Australia.
Stephen Read from Sikkens
Automotive Refinish gave
members an up-to-date picture
of the refinishing market
world-wide and new products
being released by Sikkens.
These products already meet the
tough environmental standards
required in Europe and many
other markets around the world.
These environmental
requirements will of course be
introduced into Australia over
the next 1-2 years. With that
in mind Sikkens have chosen
to introduce their water-based
products into the Australian
market now.
Ian Hodson from 3M Australia
provided members with a
rundown of sanding materials,
including their composition and
details of their different grades
and abilities, while also advising
on the best way to achieve the
best finish.
Members then broke for food
and refreshments with a fantastic
spread put on by the great guys
at Stillwell Ford. After the break
keynote speaker Richard Pratt
presented members with an
incite into the industry current
and future.
Richard Pratt’s address was
outstanding giving members a
look into what will be a massive
learning curve for the industry.
The presentation featured the
change from mild strength steel
to ultra high strength steels from
the late 90s to current day.
Mr Pratt presented a dilemma
for repairers, with the question
being asked ‘what car has what
steel and where?’. As featured
on the night the current Corolla
and Camry are constructed
completely differently and the
use of different strength steels
in different areas of the vehicle,
which surprised many attending
the evening.
Richard Pratt reinforced the
“Vehicle manufacturers change their
method of construction and method of
repair constantly and the industry is
nowhere near ready.”
message that all repairers must
realise, the old ways are gone.
Vehicle manufacturers change
their method of construction
and method of repair constantly
and the industry is nowhere near
ready.
As repairers we are looked
at as the expert in repair but
we are being left behind and
the industry urgently needs to
upskill and train their staff, it is
an investment in your business
and your staff.
The MTA of South Australia
is a proud sponsor of this not for
profit organisation, which is also
supported by Sikkens.
The Collision Repair
Committee and the MTA would
like to thank Rob Hayward,
Dealer Principal of Stillwell
Ford, and Trevor Cash, General
Parts Manager of Stillwell Ford,
for the fantastic support and
assistance with this event.
For further information on
I-CAR courses log onto the
MTA website or contact Peter
McMahon at the MTA
Tel 8291 2000.
MTA-SA BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
• PRESIDENT: Colin Clark – Southern Vales Tyre & Battery Service Pty Ltd
(McLaren Vale)
• VICE PRESIDENT: Neville Gibb – Gibb & Sons Pty Ltd ( Jamestown)
• PAST PRESIDENT: Frank Agostino – Agostino Group (Adelaide)
• TREASURER: Theo Kruys
• MEMBER’S REPRESENTATIVE: John Zulian – Keswick Crash Repairs (Keswick)
• TRADE REPRESENTATIVE ON EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Clive Polley – Independent Components (Dry Creek)
• TRADE REPRESENTATIVE ON EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Danny Shane – South Coast Auto Repairs (Port Elliott)
AADA (SA): Marc Cheney – Eurocars (Fullarton)
Auto Dismantlers: George Papillo – Just Commodore Spares (Thebarton)
Auto Repair & Engineering: Brian Weeks – Western Auto Repairs (Torrensville)
Collision Repair Specialists: Brenton Abbott – Fleurieu Crash (Victor Harbor)
Farm Machinery Dealers: Colin Butcher – Eastern Eyre Machinery (Arno Bay)
MIASA: George Bolton – Geo Bolton & Associates Pty Ltd (Richmond)
Service Stations: Theo Kruys – Mobil (Adelaide)
Towing Services: Harold Shipp – Shipp Bros (Keswick)
Central Zone (Murray Bridge & Hills): Roger Paech – Paech Motors (Oakbank)
Lower Eyre: Robert Duns - Duns Bros (Pt Lincoln)
Lower North Zone: Dale John – Ucal Pty Ltd (Tanunda)
Riverland Zone (Mallee & Riverland):
John Rowley – Caltex Yamba Roadhouse (Renmark)
South Eastern Zone (Mt Gambier & Upper SE):
Peter Roberts – O G Roberts & Co (Mt Gambier)
Southern Zone (Kangaroo Island & South Division):
Danny Shane – South Coast Auto Repairs (Port Elliott)
CVIA (SA): Clive Polley – Independent Components (Dry Creek)
30 motor tradewww.mta-sa.asn.au