Motor Trader Dec 18 / Jan 19

that would grow to become Pro Motorcycles
and include eight dealership locations.
Today, after concluding an agreement with
the Team Moto motorcycle dealership
group, Pro Motorcycles comprises two
dealerships – one in Brisbane and another
on the Sunshine Coast.
A young and energetic leader,
Mr Peterson’s election heralds a new era
for MTA Queensland – one marked not
only by an understanding of the changing
nature of the industry, but of the need for
the association to adapt to those changes
so it can successfully continue its role as
an industry peak body and voice for
its members.
“Considering the disruption that is
coming the industry’s way, and which
we can feel the beginnings of now, MTA
Queensland‘s role is more important than
it has ever been,” said Mr Peterson.
“MTA Queensland is there when you need
it, offers great services and support and,
through education and communication, is
preparing for that disruption. An example
of this is the development of training
packages so that apprenticeship training
Dr Brett Dale, CEO of MTA Queensland; David Fraser,
former Chairman; Paul Peterson; and Nathan Luu
of the MTAiQ Innovation Hub check out the
frame of the proposed Pegasus Flying Car
keeps up to speed with advancements
such as electric vehicles.”
MTA Queensland’s move - through
initiatives such as the MTAiQ innovation
hub - to engage in the technological and
innovation culture that underpins the
developments within the industry was, said
Mr Peterson, critical to the future of the
industry and the association. That future,
he said, could mean significant changes
within the association’s divisional structure.
“To be involved in innovation now is
extremely important,” he said. “Being
proactive opens doors and allows us to talk
to and work with government and other
like-minded businesses and organisations
as the industry evolves.
“A result of that evolution may be a
change in the MTA Queensland’s divisions.
For example, the service station division
may become the ‘service station and
renewable power’ division; the rental
division may evolve and incorporate the
ride-sharing vehicle sector; and as electric
vehicles become more popular, perhaps
there will be an EV division within AADA
Qld. We really don’t know where we will be
in 10 years, but we do know that times are
changing and we will change accordingly.”
With more than 20 years of service
to MTA Queensland and its members,
Mr Peterson said it was an honour to
become chairman, to take over from the
association’s longest-serving leader, David
Fraser, and to lead MTA Queensland as a
new era for the industry begins to take hold.
“It's a big job, and to follow David, who
is highly respected and did such excellent
work through some very challenging times,
means there are big shoes to fill,” he said.
“But I feel I have a lot to offer and I am very
proud to have been elected as chairman.
“I am proud of MTA Queensland, of its
history and where it now sits, and I am
excited to be a part of it as the industry evolves.
“Change is coming. We need to embrace
it and move into the future investing wisely
and delivering for our members.”
December 2018/January 2019 Motor Trader | 73
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