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Guarding the Ramparts Taking its Toll Thunda & Lightning Ssang Song Blue the Chinese Tsunami A String of Firsts

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Phoenix

Guarding the Ramparts

The automotive aftermarket industry is a vibrant and highly competitive segment of the South African economy, and it provides many hues of colour to the palette of our extraordinary landscape. This has not always been the case. Prior to 1994 the component manufacturers were living in a world of their own, comfortably cossetted in a cocoon of economic sanctions, draconian anti-dumping legislation, protective tariffs, geographical isolation, and all the good things that uncompetitive companies love. Many of the stalwarts in the industry still yearn longingly for the good old days, but hide their feelings behind an exterior of bluster and bombast. Fortunately, the new generation coming through have never experienced this nirvana like state, so they accept the new dynamic with varying levels of equanimity.
he floodgates of global competition were opened marginally in 1994, but a honeymoon period ensued as the world came to terms with a democratic and open South Africa, and it was with tentative steps that the big boys re-entered our country. Everyone was still in awe of the political miracle and this gave the local companies the breathing space to get their houses in order. Some took advantage of this, and some lagged behind in coming to terms with the new order. The past decade, however, has seen a dramatic change in the competitive landscape, as the world rediscovered Africa and the big dragon from the East came prowling and spitting fire. The new world order meant that normal service was never going to be resumed, and the time had come to fight fire with fire. One of the institutions that was dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century was the Partinform Component Manufacturers Association. Originally conceived in 1986, in the words of Paul Williams, who served as Chairman of the Association from 1994 to 1998, as a creation of good comradeship and the mutual sharing of costs for trade evenings, this association needed a shake-up, and the coming of age was signed and sealed in November 2008 with the formation of the Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturers Association (AAMA). Malcolm Perrie, the first Chairman of AAMA, did not mince his words at the announcement of the formation of AAMA, We have formalised the old boy tea club known as Partinform into the Automotive Manufacturers Association or AAMA for short. A line had been drawn in the sand, and two years on ABR revisits this subject, and takes an in-depth look at what has transpired in the past 24 months. Go to page 10 to read all about AAMA and Partinform.

There is no doubt that AAMA and Partinform play an important role in guarding the local ramparts, and the jury is still out as to how effective they have been. But it is early days, and the battle to win the hearts and minds of the automotive aftermarket at retail and fitment level will be an on-going saga. The battle revolves around quality branded product versus cheap imports, and the paramount issues are safety and affordability. On the one side, the ethics and morality of the whitebox importers are in question, and on the other side the proponents cite issues such as free trade, protectionism reflexes, uncompetitive manufacturing, and too much emphasis on the profit motive. There is also no doubt that the implementation of the Consumer Protection Act in April 2011 will bring a whole new ball game to the table, and that those dabbling in poor quality product will bear the brunt of this act. There are many uncertainties, but time will tell as to how this will all pan out. The only constant will be the reporting of ABR, South Africas premier automotive aftermarket publication. ABR has developed a formidable reputation for its words in action style of reporting, and this reputation shall be reinforced and fiercely guarded in the coming years. We also have a duty to guard the ramparts of professional and responsible journalism, and to ensure that our blighted industry recovers the sound tenets of morality and ethical behaviour.

Happy New Year to our readers, loyal advertisers and our growing band of supporters.

Whilst this issue of ABR is jam packed with information, our monthly contribution cannot do justice to the wealth of information available on a daily basis, so dont forget to get your daily fix on our website. Make sure that you make regular visits to www.abrbuzz.co.za

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2 6 10 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 47 50 52 55

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56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 77 79 86 90 91 92 93 94 95 Customer C.A.R.E. Vehicle Evaluation Spare A Thought Training Titans Workshop Concepts Product Update e-CAR Top Class Topics Capricorn Insights Industry Update Quality Awards Rally Awards Alfa Romeo Wilde Things Our Earth Midas Sport Student Racing fast Wheels The Fink The Last Writes

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The Phoenix Whats the Buzz Slaying the Dragon Personal Profile Intelli-Driving AAMA Alert Tonys Take / Auto Topical Personal Profile Frankly Speaking Taxi Talk Weighty Issues Foton Functionality Life Goes On AIDC Quiz Burford on Brands An Iconic Brand Innovation Industry News Show Time Tyre Safety

The publisher and contributors have done their best to ensure the accuracy of the articles and cannot accept responsibility for any loss or inconvenience sustained by any reader as a result of information or advice in Automotive Business Review. The information provided and opinions expressed in this publication are provided in good faith and do not necessaraly represent the opinion of the publisher. No article may be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission from the publisher, except for the quotation of brief passages in reviews.

Publishing Editor Graham Erasmus Cell: 083 709 8184 Editors at Large Alwyn Viljoen Paul Collings Intelli-Driving Editor Eugene Herbert Correspondents Beeton, Frank Borlz, Baron Claude Burford, Adrian Foster, Gavin Gamble, Austin Horn, Gerhard

Hogg, Gilbert Keeg, Howard McCleery, Roger Phitidis, Pavlo Twine, Tony Wilde, Fingal Published by Trilogy Publishing Advertising Sales Marlene Erasmus Cell: 082 837 2668 E-mail: bigheart2@iafrica.com

Editorial Office 81 Alma Road, Wendywood Tel: 27 11 656 2198 Fax: 27 11 802 3979 E-mail: bigheart@iafrica.com Website: www.abrbuzz.co.za Subscriptions and Data Management Trilogy Trading & Promotion P O Box 69 Wendywood 2144 Tel: 27 11 802 6020 Fax: 27 11 802 3979 E-mail: bigheart2@iafrica.com

Design and Reproduction Jackie Kraft Tel: 012 997 6946 Fax: 012 997 6987 E-mail: jackie@kraftinfo.co.za Printing Business Print Centre, Pretoria

Photo Credits: Quickpics Motorpics

Official Mouthpiece of

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Fiat goes Stateside with the 500
Fiat made its comeback to the North American market at the Los Angeles International Auto Show with the new 500, a statement of style and "Made in Italy technological innovation, the heir of a model that became legendary as a veritable icon of motoring. "The Fiat 500 has always been the right car at the right time," stated Laura Soave, manager of the Fiat brand in North America. "With the new Fiat 500 a truly exclusive car in one of the most rapidly growing segments in North America is being introduced. It offers prestigious Italian design, value and efficiency, all smartly calibrated for our market." The Fiat 500 satisfies the new generations of Americans who want a captivating, customised, ecologically sustainable and technologically advanced vehicle that reflects their image. "Like the historic model, the new Fiat 500 redefines the concept of transportation and gives a new sense to expression and individual opportunities," Soave added. "At a time when America is returning to simplicity with renewed attention focused on the environment, the new car identifies with the current minimalist bent and offers an advanced and eco-sustainable technology enveloped by an aura of top quality, precision and style

Uitenhage built Volkswagen Polo Wins Japan Import Car of the Year award
The New Polo, manufactured at Volkswagen Group South Africas plant in Uitenhage, has won the prestigious Japan Import Car of the Year 2010-2011 award. The vehicle also scooped the runner-up prize in the closely-fought Japan Car of the Year 2010-2011 competition, narrowly losing out by only nine points to Hondas CR-Z. Third position went to the Suzuki Swift. The judges described the award-winning Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI as having a high quality interior and exterior plus good fuel economy and powertrain. The car was also praised for offering no compromise on safety equipment. Volkswagen Group South Africa commenced the export of the New Polo to Right Hand Drive countries around the world last year. By year-end, 19 000 New Polos had been exported to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Cyprus and Malta. The win completes a hat-trick for the New Polo, which already carries the titles of European and World Car of the Year. Last month it was also announced as a finalist in the 2011 WesBank sponsored South African Car of the Year competition.

Answers on p32

Volkswagen Group Japan President and CEO Gerry Dorizas accepts the Japan Import of the Year award from the Chairperson of the Car of the Year Japan Executive Committee - Masami Miyoshi Instructions: Fill in the grid so that each row, each column, and each 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

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TAG YOUR VALUABLES FOR ADDED PEACE OF MIND

The old adage finders keepers, losers weepers is about to lose its relevance with the introduction of Reward-If-Found, a unique tagging system that benefits the person who has lost a valuable item, as well as for the person who finds it. Reward-If-Found allows you to tag your valuables such as cellular phones, laptops, wallets, keys, MP3 players, travel bags and suitcases for added peace of mind. And, if found, the finder stands in line to be rewarded for his or her honesty.

For more information, visit www.reward-if-found.co.za or call 0860carrot (227768).

NEW INLAND HOME FOR YAMAHA ANNOUNCED

After much thought and planning the new home for Yamaha, to be known as Bidvests World of Yamaha, will be ready for occupation in December 2010 with the official opening scheduled for March 2011. Situated in Marlboro, Sandton alongside the M1 freeway and neighbouring another Bidvest company, Burchmores, Bidvests World of Yamaha will become the domain of all Yamaha divisions located in Gauteng, including music, audio visual, power products, motorcycles and intelligent machinery. The marine division will have a stronger regional presence at the new premises although the marketing head office will remain in KZN together with accounting and finance and the national distribution centre for Yamaha motor products and parts. The fantastic new building which is currently under construction will be handed over to Yamaha on 15 December 2010, and over and above housing the inland marketing and administrative offices for Yamaha, will also feature a 200 seat theatre, coffee bar, and a full retail store.

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AAMA and Partinform Slaying the Dragon

AAMA (Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturers Association) has a key role to play in protecting the interests of South African automotive aftermarket manufacturers. The formation of AAMA in November 2008 came about because many specific needs of the automotive aftermarket were not being met by bodies such as NAACAM and the RMI, and the need to bring South Africa more into line with international trends and practices. Whilst Partinform, the marketing arm of AAMA, already established and operating since 1986, was fulfilling its role of informing the grass roots level of the aftermarket, other important needs were being left on the back burner, and urgent action was necessary. This is what spurred the founding companies into action. The safety of South African motorists, and their families, was at stake, as many underperforming and sometimes downright dangerous parts were flooding into the country, and someone had to take a stand.

he Consumer Protection Bill, when it takes effect in April 2011, and more importantly, when it is enforced, will prove a boon to those who play the game fairly and squarely, and it will become an albatross around the neck for those who dabble in shoddy product and shady practices. However, this bill was still in the planning stages in late 2008, and other priorities needed to be addressed, so AAMA was necessary then, and necessary today. Malcolm Perrie, Managing Director of Federal-Mogul Aftermarket, and the first Chairman of AAMA, explained at the time of AAMAs formation that the time was ripe for the formalisation of Partinform into a far more powerful institution, and further elucidating that whilst all the founding members of AAMA are also members of NAACAM and/or the RMI,

in many cases it was a situation of being a square peg in a round hole. NAACAM is primarily an OEM focused body, whereas the RMI is a retailed focused organisation. Both do a good job in their respective areas of expertise and focus, and the AAMA members intend to continue to leverage off the strengths of these important bodies, but in many cases the specific interests of aftermarket manufacturers are nor being catered for. To this end, he added, AAMA did not intend to duplicate what NAACAM and the RMI do, but rather to focus on what they do not do, or do not do well. Thus the intention was for AAMA to complement the offerings of these bodies, and to service the unique interests of the aftermarket manufacturers in four specific areas:

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inward and outward logistics; customs management, and the need to lobby strongly on commodity prices. At its formative stage, AAMA consisted of thirteen founding members, all who had been accepted on their credentials as being existing Partinform members. For future members, the process was, and is, more structured, with an application form to be completed by aspiring members. The entry requirements stipulate that members must be local manufacturers whose route to market is through the traditional channels, and not via vertically integrated distribution. Agents need not apply, as equity in the brand will be a prerequisite. AAMA now stands at eighteen members, with five new members having joined in 2009 and 2010.

1. Strategic Input: A focus on government lobbying and the presenting of a united front, for the good of the local aftermarket industry, and for the good of the country. AAMAs voice to be heard at the legislative level, and standards, test procedures, and very importantly, enforcement, to be of the highest priority. Good enforcement with no legislation, and vice versa, good legislation with no enforcement, means very little. 2. Training Support: The establishment of a training academy to serve the interests of the local aftermarket industry, spreading the training net as wide as possible, whilst pooling resources to create training teams that deliver cost effectively. Important issues such as product training and the full understanding of MERSETA requirements to get attention. However, training will be product specific, which may not necessarily comply with MERSETA requirements 3. Partinform: The venerable Partinform format to continue, promoting local brands and passing on the vital message of quality and safety to all corners of the country via the tried and tested mini-trade show formula getting face to face with the end users and retail shop employees in the rural areas and emerging markets. A focus on educating the industry on the different quality levels of life and limb parts, and the how, why and what behind parts availability and technical support, to play an increasingly important part of Partinform. And, of course, the Consumer Protection Bill, which will have an enormous impact on the industry, to be sliced and diced at every available opportunity. 4. Supply Chain Sustainability: A huge opportunity exists in the area of supply chain management and improvement, via a combined approach to areas of common interest. There is tremendous wastage in supply chain costs in many areas:

The inaugural AAMA Executive has stood the test of time, with all still serving in their vital roles: Malcolm Perrie, Chairman; Murray Long; Norman Bull; Colin Murphy, Partinform chairman. This picture was taken at AAMAs inaugural meeting on 21 January 2009.

The Objectives of the Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturers Association are:

(i) promote, protect and encourage the general and collective interests and image of the members engaged mainly or substantially as brand owners in the manufacturing sector supplying the Automotive Aftermarket; protect the brand value of members operating within the South African Automotive Industry aftermarket; provide a forum for members to meet with a view to promoting and protecting the interests of the members of the association; promote employee training and training accreditation within the automotive aftermarket and to facilitate the establishment and administration of a joint training facility in the automobile aftermarket parts industry; promote and protect the interests of members, customers and the public by ensuring that proper standards of quality, service and ethical trading conditions are maintained by its members; (vi) jointly promote members brands and products in the Southern African market by facilitating trade shows and similar marketing activities; engage the relevant Industry Bodies in trade, labour, legislative and other matters affecting members and, as desirable, to promote, support or oppose any proposed legislative or other measures affecting thee interests of members collectively;

(vii)

(ii) (iii)

(iv)

(viii) promote and disseminate to members and the authorities any information of value and use to them; (xi) (xii) print, publish or advertise in any news media, periodical, book or leaflet that the Association may think desirable; do all such other things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the objects above specified.

(v)

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Winning the Hearts and Minds of the Retailing and Fitment Industry
The recent American mid-term elections were effectively a vote of confidence in the Democratic Party, and a rating by the American voter on how Barack Obama and his Democrats; who were in the majority in Congress, the Senate, and at Governor level; had governed the country for the past two years. The score card was not good, and after the votes were counted, the Democrats had lost their majority in the House, had a vastly reduced majority in the Senate, and were no longer king of the hill in the Governors mansions. And Barack Obama was licking his wounds.
wo years ago, the mood was entirely different, with hopes of change and Yes, We Can resonating from Seattle to Miami. The problem was that No, They Didnt, and delivery did not match rhetoric. And as they say, in politics a week is a long time, and the struggle to win the hearts and minds of the people is an on-going one, and performance is demanded from the politicians (well, in America, anyway). Partinform, the marketing arm of AAMA, is also involved in a struggle to win the hearts and minds of their constituency, which is the automotive aftermarket. And part of that struggle can at times look like an election campaign. The only difference is that the automotive aftermarket doesnt vote once every two to four or five years the automotive aftermarket; comprising thousands of retail outlets, workshops and fitment centres across South Africa, and millions of motorists; votes every day of the year, and their voting booths are the parts counters of wholesalers and spares shops and the fitment bays of workshops. Thus, electioneering is a daily function, and the odds are high. At stake are the roadworthiness of 10 million vehicles, and tens of thousands of motorists lives, and countless number of jobs. Partinform represents the good guys, i.e. the local automotive aftermarket manufacturers who offer quality, safety, reliability, back-up and all the good things associated with branded product, and ranged against them are a motley crew of importers and scavengers who offer white box product, counterfeit parts, and very little after sales care. At face value, it should be no contest, but the motley lot do have one powerful electioneering tool, and that is the enticing lure of low prices. It is akin to the politician promising jobs for all, or lower taxes, without having the faintest chance of delivering. But whereas the voters get a second bite of the cherry after the failure of promises, many times the poor motorist does not get a second chance, because he is either dead or permanently disabled, thanks to him voting for low prices, without knowing the potential consequences.

In an emerging market such as South Africa, with high levels of unemployment and many unskilled workers earning low wages, the lure of cheap product at low prices is a siren call that is difficult to resist. The local manufacturers are not giving up without a fight though, and are using the Partinform Trade Show format to fight fire with fire. They are taking their show to all corners of South Africa, and focusing on the emerging market in South Africa. Partinform is a form of electioneering, in that there is a lot of razzmatazz, music, videos, infotainment, quiz shows, exciting prizes (the big winner of the night gets to drive a Ferrari around Zwartkops Raceway), question and answer sessions, and free food and drink. Fortunately, there are no long speeches, and no kissing of babies. During 2010, Partinform visited George, Umtata, Gaborone (Botswana), Witbank, Newcastle, Polokwane, Rustenburg, and on a wet evening on 9 November 2010, it rounded off the year by pitching its electioneering tent at the MTN Expo Centre, Nasrec, Soweto. ABR, as the official mouthpiece of Partinform, has attended all of the events, and has closely observed how the invitees and attendees have reacted positively to a diet of information, interaction and technical advice. Each event attracts anything from a couple of hundred to five hundred sales and technical personnel, which translates into a couple of thousand hearts and minds that are reached each year. Not an enormous number, but Partinform is slowly but surely getting its message across, and those who get the message all become Partinform ambassadors who spread the good news via word of mouth. The Soweto function was the biggest Partinform of the year, attracting some 450 visitors, and ABR, as per normal, was there to take in the atmosphere, the sights and sounds, to pass on the essence of the evening to its readers. This essence we have distilled into two distinct groups; the political parties, i.e. the 17 stands representing the manufacturers; and the constituency, i.e. the 450 visitors representing the automotive aftermarket.

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The Political Parties

The 18 stands represent the cream of the crop of the South African automotive aftermarket: Alfred Teves Brake Systems, Bosch, Brake Hose & Component Supplies, Control Instruments, Federal-Mogul, First National Battery, Fram Filters, Goodyear RAM, GUD Filters, Holts, HCO, Loctite, Monroe Shock Absorbers, Sabat Batteries, Safeline Brakes, Schaeffler South Africa, SKF, and Willard Batteries.
he Partinform Partys Speaker of the House is Colin Murphy, aka Chairman of Partinform. Colin does the glad handing at the Partinform functions, warming up the crowds. He is more gerrymander than filibuster, as his objective is to rearrange the boundaries of the aftermarket, in favour of quality branded products. He does not delay and keeps it short and sweet, focusing on the Partinform Partys core message. The message is simple the products on display are all designed and developed to do a specific job; effectively, efficiently, and reliably. They will also fit properly, something that may not be necessary to point out, but a fact that is important to the fitters and technicians, as inferior parts sometimes do have dimensional issues. Dimensional shortcomings do not just have fitting issues, they can cause premature failure, and even more seriously they can cause damage to other products, with severe consequential implications. Colin also points out that the

He assures them that the sacrifice was always worth it, because the superior part does its job for years and years whereas an inferior part often doesnt do the job, and definitely does not last. The safety factor is also brought into play, and which person in their right mind is going to fit anything that will endanger their familys lives. Colin finishes off a rousing speech with the big issue of the day, the impending Consumer Protection Act. This act is going to have an enormous impact on the automotive aftermarket, with the consumer given the right to go after anyone in the supply chain if a product does not perform to specification, and far more importantly, responsibility for consequential damage and even death and disability will be laid at the retailers door. After this sombre warning, the mood turns lighter and the fun begins. A light-hearted quiz show based on the facts available at all the stands is held, and contestants are drawn out of a hat (just being

products on display have all been manufactured to acceptable international standards, another area where cheap imported product falls badly short. Once the facts have been clearly laid out, Colin moves to the more emotive issues of affordability and false economy. He bonds with his constituents by telling them that he has also been in a situation where he could not afford to replace a part because he simply did not have the money, and the dilemma faced of either fitting a cheaper product, or by sacrificing something else to get the car back on the road in impeccable condition.

there is the qualification to participate), and the first four contestants who get the answers right, pick a lady with a briefcase, and then it is all up to another lady Lady Luck. All of the briefcases hold a significant prize, but one briefcase holds the ace a day at the races! More accurately, a day at the Zwartkops Raceway in Pretoria, and a master class in Ferrari Racing, conducted by Forza Racing, all expenses paid. In addition, other lucky draws are held, with prizes galore.

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The Political Parties

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The Constituency
The constituency of Soweto is broad and diverse, and the visitors to the show were from Soweto and beyond, and from far and wide, from Carletonville, Vereeniging, Alberton and Randburg, to name a few. They were all there to soak in the knowledge to be gleaned from the manufacturers. They came with high expectations, and did not go away disappointed. ABR spoke to a broad spectrum of the visitors, and the response from them all was very similar. They wanted to know what was new on the market, they wanted to update themselves on technical improvements and innovations, they needed to see range expansions, and they all had a need to stay one step ahead of their competitors. Partinform was the place to satisfy all these aspirations.

Magic Motors has seven branches in Johannesburg. The guys from Orphiton were there in force. ABR gleaned from Riaz Valley (Sales), Sandra Kulilishika (Sales), and Ricky Pillay (Manager) that their magic was the belief in best quality, even though they operated in price conscious markets.

Simon Molefe, a technician from Automax Vereeniging, was on the prowl for information, and he confirmed that he picked up a lot.

Tawanda Mabuku, Malvern Ndlovu, Moses Mnkandla from Gearmont Automotive; and Joseph Sefiti from Sefiti Fitment Centre, play a key role in keeping the vehicles in Soweto roadworthy. Knowledge is the key was their reason for attending, and the good folk of Soweto can breathe a sigh of relief that they have these guys in their midst.

Viking Motors are the golden highway for parts in Armadale. They have yet to miss a Partinform in Johannesburg, which keeps them one step ahead. Their specific reason for the latest visit was to get an update on parts for the latest vehicles. Vish Ramdas (Owner), Neo Bereng (Sales), Asanda Gwetgon (Admin), Lawrence Sambo (Manager), and Paterson Jembe (Sales), were part of the reconnaissance team.

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The Constituency
Not all the visitors were there just to learn. Deon van Schalkwyk of Stromberg Systems was touting his electronic monitoring system. He was as busy as a bee and evaluated the show as great.

Three wise men from the east were following the Partinform star to Soweto. Gert Geldenhuys (Logistics), Andre Berry (Director), and Andrew Hele (Sales) from Carletonville Midas where amazed what you pick up in a couple of hours. This knowledge will be put to good use, and Carletonville workshops can look forward to invaluable advice. Andre did concede that the chance to drive a Ferrari was a strong incentive to make the visit. The star of the show was the racing Ferrari. Here four Michael Schumacher wannabes get up close and personal, while in the background Colin Murphy, Chairman of Partinform, gives the lowdown to a budding petrolhead.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, so after all the information gathering, the quiz show and lucky draws provided for light diversion. The big winner of the night was Sharon Pillay of RMS Auto Spares Lenasia. She got the Forza Ferrari Driving Experience to add to a great show, and the A to Z of parts information.

The other contestants did not go away empty handed. Here are the winners with their prizes.

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RETAILER OF THE SHOW

t each Partinform, the manufacturers get a chance to nominate and vote for the Retailer of the Show. It is a democratic process, with one vote per manufacturer, and the criteria for the vote are attendance, enthusiasm, quality of questions, attitude towards quality, and feedback from regional representatives. The Soweto Show provided the most diverse range of votes of all the Partinform shows in 2010, which is most probably an indication of the size and diversity of Soweto and its surrounds. AutoZone Alrode got four votes, and Main Reef Midas got three votes, with single votes from the rest. ABR visited AutoZone Alrode in Bosworth Street the next day to find out what makes them tick. Manager Shahiem Hartley was out on an errand, so we took the opportunity to talk to the staff. The answer was unanimous, We dont carry rubbish! And we can provide the top brands or our house brands, depending on the needs of the customer Which is heartening, because AutoZone Alrode services a wide area comprising many taxis and small fleets. Their custom comes from Thokoza, Khatlehong, Vosloorus, Alrode and Alberton, and as many of these areas are impoverished and a haven for African refugees, Alrode AutoZone prides itself in being The committed AutoZone Alrode team: Fiona Sithole (Admin), Lionel able to talk to their customers in their home languages, with Zulu, Chithray (Sales), Wilson Ramokotla (Sales), Nobuhle Masina (Sales), Zaytoon Noorgat (Receiving), Buselaphi Nkosi Sotho, and Shona being the lingua franca most used. The service (Image), David Morake (Front of Store), and Yusuf (Popeye) provided includes technical advice, fitment tips, and even a fitEdwards (Stores). ment centre nearby if the need arises.

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A Day at the Races

Thursday, 25 November 2010, saw the culmination of a years effort. All the quiz show winners of the eight Partinform Trade Shows held during 2010; at George, Umtata, Gaborone, Witbank, Newcastle, Polokwane, Rustenburg and Soweto; together with invited guests from the industry, assembled at the Zwartkops International Raceway just outside Pretoria, to participate in the Ferrari Racing Experience, conducted by Forza Racing. A day of speed and excitement, as the guests were treated to hot laps, which is the closest thing to real racing that they will ever experience, and the chance to actually drive one of the Ferrari 360 Challenger racing cars, at full blast, around the track. ABR, the official mouthpiece of AAMA and Partinform, was there to take in the white hot action.
he day was a fun event, but of course Partinform is about far more than zooming around a race track, and ABR wanted to know from two high profile and influential gentlemen, Jeff Osborne, CEO of the RMI, and Roland Bosse, Merchandising Executive at AutoZone, what they thought about the Partinform premise. Jeff says that Partinform is a critical forum. There is a huge need to protect consumers interests, and to focus on areas around safety critical parts. There is a plethora of cheap and nasty product coming into our country, and we should salute and applaud those right minded parts companies that operate at the top end of the market. Partinform plays a critical watchdog role, which has benefits for the consumer and road safety. The RMI is horrified at what is available in the lower end of the parts market as these parts are dangerous to say the least. We have been lobbying for 12 months compulsory roadworthy tests for a long time, and I am happy to say that a task team is now in place, and that these tests have been accepted in principle by the Minister. This will bring us to internationally accepted norms, and will be in line with Partinform and RMI objectives. The much anticipated Consumer Protection Act will also have an impact on the

parts landscape, as the consumer doesnt want to deal with fly by night operations, and prefers to deal with organisations allied to the RMI and Partinform. Roland concurs, AutoZone fully supports the Partinform concept, as it is vital that the parts resellers, fitters, and indeed the general public are educated on the benefits of quality parts. AutoZone is one of the big players who are importing quality parts to be resold under house brands, and these parts undergo stringent technical tests before even being considered for release to the market and the mobility consumer. In actual fact, we are even importing parts from factories that are OE approved, and this is the extent to our commitment to the concept that Partinform promotes. We welcome the CPA, as there is a distinct disparity between responsible companies house brand programmes and the cheap and nasty product being imported by less civic minded organisations. My mandate as Merchandising Executive is simple acquire good value quality product across the spectrum; well-known brands for the quality conscious high end market, to value for money quality product for the price conscious lower end of the market. Both gentlemen are also unanimous that there are no incredible bargains in the parts market, in that if the price seems too good to be true, it is too good to be true.

as the Networking w day e th of r de or

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ver die, they Old racers ne down .... simply slow

Bosse, Merchandising ry organisation); and Roland vable and an experience ust Ind tor Mo tail (Re I Osborne, CEO of the RM it was absolutely unbelie Two of the invitees were Jeff roughly enjoyed the day and Roland told ABR that me; he spoke to me through all the corners, and eso tho aw ey s Th instructor wa of professional racing Executive at AutoZone. experienced it yourself. My ve you ich changes ones perception ess wh unl , e, nce crib erie des exp to me eso ! But it was fun. aw tion an tra as that is difficult it cen con ing e nutes of this intens Jeff concurred, describ mi . al 15 d ion nce fess erie pro y exp y ver s onl wa I he sical demands are high, and drivers. The mental and phy

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Personal

profile

Q&A

EWALD FAULSTICH

DIRECTOR OF THE AUTOMOTIVE DIVISION OF ROBERT BOSCH Robert Bosch, the worlds largest supplier of automotive components, has been in existence worldwide for 124 years. Friedrich Hoppert Trading was appointed in 1906 as the 1st official representative for Bosch in South Africa Bosch followed by TESUCO and the Diesel-Electric Organisation in the early 1950s. Robert Bosch South Africa (Pty) Ltd. was established in 1965.

osch is the undisputed leader in Diesel Fuel Injection technology and top of the market with many respected and trusted components for Gasoline Systems, Rotating Machines (Starters, Alternators, Spares), Spark Plugs, Braking Systems, Wiper Systems, Comfort Electronics, Batteries, Lighting Technology, Diagnostic and Information Systems. The long established Bosch factory in Brits manufactures starter motors, alternators, wiper motors and linkages, ECUs and brake callipers for virtually all OEM manufacturers in South Africa as well as for export business. Director of the Automotive Division of Robert Bosch SA is an experienced and well travelled Bosch man, Ewald Faulstich (52). Your area of business? All countries south of the equator with the exception of some selected French speaking countries. How long have you been with Bosch? 25 years. I started in the Automotive Aftermarket (AA) Headquarters in Karlsruhe as a management trainee after completing my studies. After 2 years I was transferred to the sales office in Munich as a Key Account Manager for the Bosch distributors in Bavaria. In early 1990 I was off to Leipzig to develop the Bosch automotive business in the former East Germany. Between early 1991 and 1994 I was in Thailand to develop the automotive business of the newly established subsidiary Robert Bosch Thailand with market responsibilities for Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar. After Thailand I assumed sales and marketing responsibilities for the largest Bosch distributor in Berlin until 1998 before moving on to Stuttgart to head up world-wide sales for a specific Bosch product line. How many countries have you been to? I have just visited the 111th country. Where did you go to school? In the small 2000 people village called Hilders, about 140 kms north east of Frankfurt. I went to Junior School there and then to Fulda about 30 kms away for High School followed by 15 months of service in the German Army. After this I worked 2 years as a trade assistant for a large trading company in Cologne. Between 1980 and 1985 I studied economics at the Phillips University in Marburg achieving an Economics Degree Summa Cum Laude.

Proud of this achievement, I decided to take a 10 months sabbatical hitch-hiking tour throughout North America visiting 42 states (incl. Alaska) of the United States and 6 provinces of Canada before entering the real business world at Bosch. Sports at school? Swimming, volleyball, track and field, especially Soccer. I played football for 20 years as a centre forward. I still participate with some old friends in an international football tournament over Easter in Bangkok. My other love in which I also competed was skiing. What did you want to do at school? Be an Archaeologist, digging up dinosaurs, which was a big interest of mine at the time. My father wanted me to be secure and join a Bank. Mentor in your life? Definitely my parents, who taught me to appreciate the basics of life, to honour people and their talents, and to save.
December

Also Dr. Konrad, CEO of the Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Division. He has since retired but we remain good friends. He was my best manager ever and I follow his principles. What will you do when you retire? There are still some years to go and still so much to be achieved, so I havent thought about it in detail. Perfect would be to find a new employer that allows me six months working and six months travelling. Hobbies? I love football, skiing, mountain cycling and rough 4x4 off road tours. I also love golf, but I cant master this game as a good friend of mine would like me to. I try to stay fit as much as possible by doing regular gym exercises. What do you think of South Africa? To provide a diplomatic answer: It is the second best place in the world (without me knowing what would be the best place) and I have loved every minute of being here.
2010 / January 2011

22

Intelli-Driving

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Insuring your Childs Car

A first car is a rite of passage for many young South Africans; however, the high accident rate among this age bracket due to a lack of driving experience and inability to handle high pressure situations, means that insurance companies are often required to levy higher premiums on these drivers.
tudies have shown that young drivers between the ages of 16 to 21 are 10 times more likely to be involved in an accident than those aged between30 to 59. Some newlyqualified, young drivers may even be forced to pay up to three times more than an experienced driver for their car insurance. According to Christelle Fourie, Managing Director of MUA Insurance Acceptances, this is a problem many parents are confronted with as they decide how best to insure their children on the road. Many parents opt to simply put their children onto their own insurance policies and pay the premium for them. However, we have seen a number of cases where children who are well into their thirties are still on their parents policies and continue to have their premium paid.

While this is an honourable approach, the reality is that by doing this, parents can end up impacting on their own claims history and their children are encouraged to delay taking responsibility for themselves. It is best to let children take out their own insurance cover as soon as they acquire their first car even if this proves to be an expensive exercise at the outset. The younger someone begins with a good claims record, the sooner they will be able to erase the additional loading charged due to age. Fourie says that even if some parents choose to pay the premium on their childs policy, it is important to begin encouraging them to start building their own insurance records from a young age, and to pay the correct risk premiums so they can start taking

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Intelli-Driving
responsibility for the costs of running a motor vehicle. She says if young people find the costs too high then it may be an idea to combine their motor and home policy, as the majority of insurance companies offer reduced car insurance premiums if the policy is accompanied by household contents insurance. Some insurers will also offer a premium discount if the insured chooses an additional voluntary excess, so it may be better for parents to assist their children by funding the voluntary excess during the early years of insurance instead of placing them on their own policy. Fourie says another method that may not keep premiums down, but can be used as a personal risk management tool by parents to minimise the likelihood of their child being involved in an accident, is to install a tracking device. This enables parents to monitor not only where their childrens cars are at any time of the day or night but also exactly how fast they are driving. Many people are not aware of the benefits of using a tracking device from a safety perspective, however, it can be an effective tool through which to determine not only where your child is driving but also to encourage responsible driving behaviour. Given the alarmingly high accident rate in this country, this is perhaps the most important to parents in South Africa, concludes Fourie.

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ALERT
AAMA CREATES AWARENESS OF THE ISSUES OF THE DAY

Taking its Toll

In July 2008 the road to hell started for Gauteng motorists, with the beginning of the GFIP (Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project). The mission by Sanral (South African National Roads Agency Limited) was to foist ORT (open-road tolling) on the unsuspecting Gauteng motorist under the guise of the user pays philosophy. Never mind that the user pays all the time, anyway.
t has now been two and a half years of roadwork madness and traffic chaos, as the somnambulant Sanral has subjected the Gauteng road users to levels of stress that would fell a bull elephant. And another four months of mayhem awaits us, as Sanral eventually gets to the end of its snail pace endeavours. One wag has even suggested that if Sanral had been commissioned to build the Pyramids, many Pharaohs would have gone insane, and today we would be sitting with incomplete structures and some interesting sarcophagi. But even when the roads are eventually opened in their pristine glory, the suffering will continue in a new form, from dangerous roads and gridlock to financial rape and administrative congestion. Straddling the freeways will be 42 alien creatures known as gantries, technologically equipped to wrest those Rands from each vehicle as they go from gantry to gantry, bleeding financially through the ether. No one disputes the fact that improvements to the freeways are necessary, but it is the creeping and slow plucking of the golden goose that gets ones gander up. Alex van Niekerk, Sanrals Project Manager for the GFIP, in his role of the Grim Reaper, is talking about charges of 65c/km for passenger vehicles, and R3,50/km for heavy commercial vehicles. The rationale behind these charges have never been fully explained, but one does get a feeling that officials far removed from reality do tend to play fast and loose with other peoples money, and that financial models are more like computer games than thinking through the implications. Once these officials remove their heads from the sand, they may have to face up to the implications for motorists and the transport industry, and far more seriously, the knock-on effects on the consumer and the economy.

ABR trolled through the internet to get pertinent comments, and Rob HandfieldJones of www.driving.co.za appears to be the most vociferous and the most lucid when he looks at the aspect of affordability. What Sanral has done with the GFIP is equivalent to the motor manufacturers saying Rob, from next April, the only car on the market will be a Ferrari. We know you love its features, styling, road holding and power, so its worth paying the price for it. And I will say Thank you, thats marvellous, I cant wait to drive my new Ferrari, but theres just one problem I dont earn enough to buy a Ferrari. This is the problem Sanral is refusing to address affordability. Handfield-Jones is particularly concerned about the small transporters and small service businesses. Many will go bankrupt. The larger ones will simply add the cost to their bill he explains. Another organisation that is strongly opposed to the innovative ways the powers to be find revenue sources is the RFA (Road Freight Association). Gavin Kelly, RFA Technical and Operations Manager and spokesperson for the RFA says, We are already contributing towards road maintenance by the

way of the fuel levy, licence fees and income tax. Where does this money go? It is definitely not used to the benefit of the road users from whom it is collected. Government continues to target motorists and truckers as an easy source of revenue for its road infrastructure development plans. Automobile Association spokesperson Gary Ronald predicts that, rather than pay these toll fees, many motorists will resort to the back roads, causing a new dynamic, Theyll find the shortest possible route which can be used. From a safety perspective and a town management perspective, this has massive implications for the economy. The government is quick to say lets have a toll fee on a particular road, rather than looking at it as an absolute last resort. What happens to the freight transport using the highways in Gauteng delivering our bread and milk? All those extra costs are going to be passed on to the consumer. AAMA joins the call for moderation in the pricing structure of toll fees. It is concerned that the burden will be too much for business and too much for the private motorist. The traditional method of funding road works, from the general fiscus and the road levy, is still available. Where is this money going to? The CO2 tax has also recently been introduced, why not use this for road improvements? It is clear that the government is focusing far too narrowly on the increasingly tightly squeezed motorist, and new ways of generating tax revenue must be sought. We leave the last word to Rob Handfield-Jones, who must be commended for publicly exposing the moral flaws of argument. Over and above his frank assessment of the toll fees as daylight robbery, he concludes that the tolling idea is merely about extracting as much money as possible from existing taxpayers instead of broadening the existing tax base.

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Tony's

Take

Auto

Topical

by Tony Twine, Senior Economist, Director Econometrix (Pty) Ltd

2010 and 2011 Economic Raleigh skills will beat F1

increases than in 2009 in the face of a contracting demand for labour. This resulted in recurring strikes in the stressed labour environment. The list of strikes that impacted to a greater or lesser extend on both the South African economy and its motor sector, included the municipal workers strike in April, the Transnet Strike in May, the vehicle assemblers strike in August, the prolonged public servants strike of late July and August, the component manufacturers, tyre industry and RMI strike in September. Ostensibly, all these trade union actions were connected with pay demands the columns in ABR at the time wondered whether they were more strategic than tactical. Rising government debt for the foreseeable future will re-stoke the flames of its interest burden, leaving a lower proportion of expenditure available for items like government pay packets in years to come, so why not hold government employers to ransom while the going is still firm? After months of public speculation and expectation management by Eskom, the National Energy Regulator, granted the parastatal three successive annual price increases averaging around 25%pa. Renewed focus on energy efficiency emerged, amplified by the introduction of carbon dioxide emissions taxation on

As we cast an imagined eye over the events of the past year, and begin to contemplate what 2011 might hold for the economies of the world, South Africa, and the motor sectors at home and abroad, the sharpest memories of the year about to end all have overtones of defiance, contradiction and gaps developing between experiences which have previously seemed to be more co-ordinated than we have found them this year.

n International economic terms, the global recovery from the recession of late 2008 and the first half of 2009 clawed its way along a treacherous upward slope during the year, with successive measures of world activity appearing to take alternate steps forwards and backwards, creating only a modest positive growth bias over the year. OECD growth for 2010, estimated during October, put World GDP growth at 0.5% in real terms. This included Chinese and Indian growth at between 8 and 10%, with Brazilian GDP growing at 7.5%, despite that latter county having the strongest currency of all nations during the year.

For the greater part of the year, there was a rush to abandon the US Dollar as a reserve currency, with the greenback retreating against both major and minor currencies and Dollar prices of commodities rocketing during the year. The Worlds second largest reserve currency, the Euro, came under pressure, as the debt outlooks for countries in the European Unions olive belt, plus Ireland, drew increasing distrust the pigs from George Orwells Animal Farm seemed to come to life in the form of the PIGIS (Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Italy and Spain) showing increasing probabilities of debt default. Although they collectively account for only 15% of the EUs GDP, their National debt accumulates to 40% of the total debt of the Union.

The Euro trembled and shook on two occasions during the second and fourth quarters of 2010. Despite the dampening of the impact of the renewed boom in commodity prices of the stronger Rand, the South African economy saw the negative GDP growth rate of -1.8% for 2009 reverse and double to levels expected to be at or just below 3% during 2010. However, the much anticipated restoration of employment levels, which had been heavily hit during the recession, failed to materialise. One of the biggest contradictions of economic behaviour of the year emerged, with organised labour demanding much higher wage

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By the last days of 2010, three major scenario variables were beginning to crystallise as being important for the outlook for 2011. These were the highly interrelated prospects for the Rand, domestic inflation rates and interest rates. Forecasts for the growth of the Worlds real economy were clustered around levels not vastly different to those of 2010, with the same deep divide between growth rates for emerging markets like those for Chindia and Brazil at upwards of 7.5%, and the G7 group at closer to 2% for 2011. The external value of the Rand remains entirely hostage to capital flows, which are subject to global economic and geo-political expectations. The massive inflows which have strengthened the currency since early 2009 could switch around at the drop of a hat, weakening the Rand, boosting inflation and forcing a change of direction for interest rates in South Africa.

passenger cars effective from 1st September. This latest tax, which will probably be elevated and extended in years to come, was set to raise an estimated R2.2bn per year, suspiciously close to the expenditure budget on the automotive investment scheme (AIS) during its first year of existence, details of which were announced by the DTI soon after the World Cup Soccer Tournament. The combination of strike activity, the Soccer Tournament, and the carbons emission tax all presented as a veritable mine field for even the shortest of short term forecasts of vehicle market sizes during the year. These complications were overlaid on a major recovery in passenger vehicle sales during the first quarter, with business buyers clearly dominating the upswing which had simply failed to gain any decent momentum during the first half of 2009. By June, it was clear that the vehicle rental industry had finished its fleet preparations for the World Cup by

A creditable performance by the National team, who were playing as the second lowest ranked participant in the tournament, helped lift the national mood as well. It had been feared that the local economy might cave in on itself after the final whistle of SWC 2010, but it merely reverted to the very patchy performance that it had displayed between mid-2009 and March 2010. Hardest hit after the tournament appears to have been the building and construction sector, where a gap between projects that had to be finished ahead of the soccer, and those planned to take over in terms of leading economic growth, emerged. Once again, Governments capacity to translate plans and budget into activity on the ground, particularly in terms of infrastructure creation and service delivery, were roundly criticised, not the least by executive government itself. A seven Minister cabinet reshuffle was announced at the beginning of November,

March, and car sales quietened for a short while before being spurred on by the pre-emptive buying ahead of the emissions tax. Truck and bus sales, particularly at the extra heavy end of the truck mass spectrum, took off like a rocket during 2010, following a contrastingly dismal performance during 2009. The financial institutions were clearly in a more expansive mood in terms of financing rigs with price tags of between R1 and R2 million than they had been in 2009. Soccer World Cup 2010 turned out to be a blissfully successful in staging and marketing terms, particularly when viewed against the global economic backdrop that was very much still down on its uppers by the middle of the year. The tourism avalanche that many had expected prior to the events of mid-2008, did not materialise, but the stadiums were full, the visitors happy and a relaxed atmosphere descended upon the locals after initial suspicions, even amongst the most optimistic observers, of some kind of embarrassing organisational or delivery failure evaporating early on during the monthlong festivities.
December 2010 /

with President Jacob Zuma using the opportunity to underline his demands for quicker and deeper delivery actions. A major variance of opinion between motor sector exporters and importers developed to a pitch during the year, concerning the apparent strength of the Rand. Importers and their consumers benefitted from descending rates of price increases, following a fairly murderous year in this respect during 2009. Exporters, and suppliers to local OEMs who had moved towards larger proportions of imported units, complained vociferously about shrinking rand revenues and increased competition from imports, and beat a renewed by much used track to the doors of the DTI, National Treasury and the Reserve Bank in an attempt to get those institutions to weaken the Rand. Little thought appeared to be given to the fact that the real economies of many automotive export destinations were so down and out that their reduced demand levels were having a much bigger impact on export performances than was the often blamed apparent strength of the currency.

At the end of 2010, the inflation and interest rate outlook looked very positive for the first part of 2011 at least, even though local economic participants as diverse as organised labour and mining and manufacturing equity owners kept badgering for a weaker Rand. As one American commentator has put it, this is our Dollar and your problem! The South African economy will be part of the ongoing stabilisation and re-assessment of global economic and political pecking orders during 2011. It seems unlikely; therefore, that real growth locally will shoot the lights out, probably escalating from 3% to about 3.5% in 2011, with an accompanying modest gain in new vehicle sales. But we need to watch out for what many have been pleading for during 2010, namely weaker exchange rates for the Rand, which could bring about higher inflation and a quick upturn in the interest rate cycle, in an environment in which government borrowing is likely to revert to a crowding out of private sector opportunities, even with a strong Rand.

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Personal

profile

Q&A

BRAM VAN DER REEP

MD OF VOLVO CAR, SOUTH AFRICA

Stability has returned to Volvo Cars South Africa since their recent smooth divorce from Ford. Now with new parents, Geely, Volvo South Africa is now a 100% stand alone motor company in this country run by Volvo people and an enthusiastic team.
olvo established itself in South Africa in the late 50s as a supplier of solidly built, quality, premium brand cars. After using various Volvo distributors over the years, Ford bought Volvo in 1998 and in 2000 there was a further marriage to the Premier Automotive Group of Ford. Then, in August 2010 Volvo Cars was bought by Geely. This purchase brings to Geely a strong Volvo reputation for quality, technology, styling, and of course, safety, which Volvo virtually pioneered.The man at the helm of Volvo Cars in South Africa who steered the company through a difficult time is experienced hands-on motor man from the Netherlands, Bram van der Reep (58). WHERE DOES VOLVO GO FROM HERE? From a dealer network perspective, we have consolidated our position in South Africa. With 22 solid dealers in all the major centres, as well as one in Namibia and one in Botswana, we will only increase our organisation when it is viable for a new dealer and ourselves. Competence training is ongoing and will be intensified when we move to our brilliant new offices early next year. Our parts warehouse in Rosslyn achieves 95% of all parts at first pick consistently which is tops for the motor industry. Our cars are sold in the premium sector of the market and here we want to increase our market share, not only with our current range, but with new cars such as the all-new Volvo S60 and the V60, which is on the way. Our styling is evolving as you can clearly see with models such as the XC60 and our new S60. It is looking very good for us. YOU HAVE BEEN A VOLVO MAN ALL YOUR LIFE? Yes. After leaving high school in Boxtel in the South of the Netherlands where I was strongest in language and economics, I did my 16 months compulsory military training in the artillery and then went on to graduate in Marketing in Eindhoven and in Utrecht in Business Management. Actually what I wanted to do throughout school was to be a fighter-jet pilot but my eyes werent up to scratch. In 1973 I joined Volvo in the Sales Promotion Department in the centre of the Netherlands and worked there until 1980, when I accepted a challenge from Fiat to help re-establish their brand in the Netherlands. I loved Italy, the Italians and their culture. But they tend to do things very differently, and sometimes the culture clash became a bit overbearing. 1983 saw me back at Volvo where I have stayed ever since. First as District Manager for the Netherlands, then Sales Manager, and then Director of Sales and Dealer Operations. DID YOU MOVE OUTSIDE THE NETHERLANDS MUCH? Yes. From 1992 I was responsible for the Belgian market, which was a very enjoyable time. The multi-cultural working conditions and language challenges were a great learning opportunity for me.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY MENTORS OR PEOPLE WHO HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE OR THAT YOU HAVE LOOKED UP TO? From a business perspective: our Chief Financial Officer in the Netherlands, who was a go-getter, and super-entrepreneurial for a financial man. He was always positive and showed me how to improve things step by step. He had a talent for balancing costs and potential revenue. One of the most respected human beings: Nelson Mandela, who had the utmost ability to forgive and start reconstructing his country. His norevenge attitude is something that very few leaders display. Amazing! In terms of leadership I remember writing a thesis on Ian Smith (Rhodesia currently Zimbabwe) a long time ago. His presidency was characterised by hatred and the refusal to accept other cultures into his government. To me this was an early example of how NOT to lead. The lesson I learnt is that talent management should always come first, regardless of origin or background. MARRIED? To Tania, who does brilliant charity work here in South Africa. She is not sitting on the couch waiting for me to come home. Our daughters and grandkids unfortunately live overseas. WHAT LANGUAGES DO YOU SPEAK BESIDES HOLLANDS AND FREIZELAND FROM THE NORTHERN PART OF HOLLAND? English, German and French. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU RETIRE? I havent really thought about it. Too early for that. First I would like to finish the job that we need to do here in South Africa for Volvo and improve our market share in the country. Maybe take up another challenge in automotive? I would like to put something back into the motor industry, maybe as a consultant. Then I would like to retire, play golf and play 'grand dad' as well and either settle down in George in the Southern Cape, or near Barcelona in Spain?

AND THEN? In 1997 it was back to the Netherlands to restructure the dealer network we reduced the numbers of dealership owners (not dealerships themselves) to a great extent. But we got sales up to 20 000 cars per annum and had a 4.5% share of the total market and 15% share of the premium segment, where we operate. It was a great example that we (Volvo) were stronger than all the other premium brands. WHEN DID YOU COME TO SOUTH AFRICA? Volvo wanted a senior person in this country with the purpose of revitalising the brand here and to make the people believe once again in the bright future of Volvo. I firmly believe in the health of the brand moving forward and always try to energise people to make that happen. After a look-see I came here in 2008 to accept the challenge. I must say, despite the turbulent times we have lived through, we have built up a great team in Volvo and in the dealer network. SPORTS? I love tennis and golf, of which the latter has become a disease with me since I started playing 4 years ago. OTHER INTERESTS AT SCHOOL? Flying and cars. December

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Frankly

Speaking

by Frank Beeton

A Japanese Helping Hand

Cortinas and rear-drive Escorts, and Fords market share also started taking strain. Eventually, Ford also departed from SA, with its local interests being nominally looked after by Anglo Americans SAMCOR, but when Ford returned officially in 1994, its fortunes in South Africa were heavily dependent on product sourced from Japanese affiliate, Mazda. To recap, Fords relationship with Mazda started in 1979 when the American company purchased a 25% shareholding, before increasing this to 33,4% in 1996. Two years ago, the stake was reduced to 13%, which then subsequently became 11% when Mazda re-arranged its share structure. Rumours currently abroad suggest that Ford wants to cut it further to 3%, as part of its One Ford global strategy. GMs relationship with Isuzu, on the other hand, had started in 1971 with a 34% buy-in, and after subsequently increasing to 49%, was subject to numerous realignments, before finally ending in 2006 when the residual 7,9% stake was sold off. While there is clearly little room for sentiment in big business, it is interesting to ponder on the direction that the fortunes of these two American manufacturers might have taken without very considerable levels of Japanese influence. That countrys vehicle builders have shown the world how to mass produce highly sophisticated products, while, at the same time making them affordable and, most importantly, reliable. Japanese manufacturing philosophy has permeated the industrial universe, and from a South African perspective, it appears that disinvestment and disengagement is not a fair outcome for present and erstwhile Japanese partners. But, with less than 0,5% of the worlds vehicle market, who are we to judge?

This is the last Frankly Speaking column that will appear in this magazine. Before everyone races off in search of sackcloth and ashes, or possibly a bottle of champagne, however, let me assure you that a) Im not going anywhere, and b) it is to be replaced by something essentially similar, but under a different masthead.
ack in 2001, I started a fortnightly e-mail newsletter subscription service called AUTO ALERT which may be known to some readers. Its raison detre was to provide motor industry and related management with intelligence and comment about global developments and trends in their field of professional activity. Ten years later, the time has come to change the way in which AUTO ALERT is circulated, and I am deeply thankful to the editor of Automotive Business Review for providing this opportunity. The area of overlap between this column and the newsletter is clearly discernable, so, henceforth AUTO ALERT will take the form of a monthly column in this magazine. The mix will remain very similar, with possibly a little more emphasis on current news to which I will add my analysis and opinion. I hope you will enjoy it. For my final Frankly Speaking, I want to tackle an issue that will clearly illustrate the reason why providing comment on the global motor industry from a South African perspective has sometimes been tricky, to say the least. As many of you will know, I spent most of the Nineteen-Eighties working for General Motors. Those days were difficult ones for GM in South Africa, because its previous strategyl of combining German (Opel) and Australian (Holden) platforms with locally-manufactured large displacement engines, so successful in the 1970s, bombed just at the same time that political pressure was mounting against the Corporations continued presence in this country. The huge investment that had been made in a local engine plant that could only produce gas guzzlers was clearly nullified, and the South African market moved swiftly away from GMs passenger products, to the detriment of their market share. To its credit, GM did not abandon South Africa, its plant or its dealers, and its perseverance was greatly facilitated by a wonderful little vehicle called the Isuzu KB bakkie. Originally introduced, somewhat tentatively, as the Chev LUV, it only really took off after assuming its real name, and gaining a diesel derivative which rapidly became the first choice of the SA farming community. Regular sales of more than 1 000 units per month sustained GM and its local dealers until, under the new Delta Motor Corporation banner and local ownership, Opel-badged cars started taking a more substantial chunk of the local market from the late 1980s. On the other side of town (Port Elizabeth), the Ford Motor Company was experiencing similar political pressure, but retaining a better share of the local car business. Then, the arrival of the Sierra marked a more radical product direction which disturbed South Africas long-standing love affair with the likes of V6

Answer
from page 6

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The wheels keep turning with Sabat Batteries

P

SABAT Batteries has continued its ongoing relationship with the Quadriplegic Association of South Africa (QASA), sponsoring all members who use power wheelchairs with a pair of batteries per annum to keep them moving and mobile. Sabat Batteries has a great relationship with QASA, largely thanks to their incredibly vibrant and energetic Director, Ari Seirlis whose mission it is to assist people with mobility impairments to lead independent lives.
roviding mobility to someone improves the quality of life for the individual and their entire family. In gaining mobility, people are given an opportunity to integrate themselves into society by attending school, going to work, and becoming a part of the community. Recipients are not the only ones whose lives are altered by the presence of a wheelchair. By a physically disabled person gaining increased mobility, human resources, be it from family or friends, are being freed for both employment and education. The motors in electric wheelchairs are powered by either a wet or dry cell battery. The batteries in electric wheel chairs are sealed or very low maintenance batteries, also referred to as sealed lead acid batteries (SLA). Wheelchair batteries can be charged overnight using an external electrical source like a charger, or during the daytime hours when not in use so that they can be used whenever necessary.

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Taxi

Talk

Brandhouse no House Brand

In 2004 brandhouse initiated the Number One Taxi Driver Campaign, to enhance road safety by addressing the interesting driving behaviour of taxi drivers and inculcating good driving habits amongst this extraordinary driving subset. A bridge too far, you may say, but this campaign has gained traction, and the 2010 competition saw 1 440 drivers being tested, and assessed.

n unusual initiative from a company that houses brands such as Smirnoff, Johnny Walker, J&B, Bells, Windhoek, Heineken, Captain Morgan, and the like, you may say, but maybe not so unusual considering that liquor companies actually need to demonstrate their commitment to promoting responsible consumption, whilst also looking to the social upliftment of taxi drivers and their commuters. Supporting the brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign are a number of high prole institutions and companies. Toyota is a The Toyota Advanced Driving Academy utilised the P-drive system during the sponsor, and Arrive Alive and the Road Transport final stages. The system is easy to use and as a result of its varied range of uses will revolutionise road safety training at all levels. Management Corporation (RTMC), agencies within the Department of Transport, endorse and support the campaign. National and provincial endorsements come from the Minister of Transport and provincial MECs for Public Transport, Roads and Works.

The drivers are selected by the RTMC and Taxi Associations, and evaluated by the Toyota Advanced Driving Academy (TAD), with the assessments based on the K53 theory test, and the practical side devised by TAD. After the adjudication process, and the test scores being added up, the top two competitors from each district advance to the regional finals. The regional finals for 2010, held in October, identified the provincial winners, and these top guns battled it out in November, with the final winner coming out of a gruelling process, which culminated at the Zwartkops Raceway skid pan on Thursday 11 November. The winner, Raymond Ngomane of Sabie, Mpumalanga, drove away in the new 2.5 D-4D Toyota Sesfikele taxi, worth R291 500. This diesel powered taxi delivers all that a taxi driver desires more power, lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and low noise levels. Already available at Toyota dealers nationwide, the D-4D Toyota Sesfikele has the tried and tested 2.5 turbo diesel engine, which utilises common rail injection and a turbo charger to deliver 75 kW at 3 600 rpm and 260 Nm of toque in a wide band between 1 600 rpm and 2 400 rpm. Offering the same level of specification as its petrol powered sibling, the diesel powered Sesfikele also benefits from an exterior upgrade on its lights, front bumper and grille, whilst from a safety angle the range now also has dual front airbags as standard equipment.

The new Sesfikele on display during the final day of testing

A taxi driver goes through his paces on the Zwartkops Raceway skidpan.

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weighty

issues

by Frank Beeton

JACKS VISION TAKES SHAPE.NEARLY!

Jack Webster left very deep footprints in South Africas road transport industry. He first came to this country from his native Yorkshire in 1937, ostensibly on a three-year contract, but he stayed for the rest of his life. In 1950 he took employment with that other famous Jack of the local truck and bus industry, JH Plane, to start a trailer manufacturing operation, and the die was cast. When Jack Webster passed away on 3rd October, 2007, he had given more than half a century of his life to road transport in South Africa, building trailers, developing truck specifications, lecturing students, and, perhaps most significantly, consulting to the Department of Transport on road transport legislation.
uring his career, Jack made many presentations to gatherings of road transport people. Always acerbic, yet intensely humorous, Jack would use these platforms to ride his particular hobby horses. One of these was the concept of designated routes, where vehicles, larger and heavier than the regulated norm, would be authorised to carry vast quantities of freight on specially nominated roads between the major centres. Unfortunately, this vision could not realised in his lifetime, mainly because in the latter years, the standard of compliance with, and enforcement of, road traffic legislation in South Africa had fallen to pathetically low levels, and the very existence of our national road network, once an object of pride, had come under severe threat. However, in this generally depressing local scenario, there are the first faint traces of light. Back in 2007, a concept vehicle combination, consisting of a 6x4 rigid freight carrier coupled to an overlength four-axled drawbar trailer, entered forestry operation in kwaZulu Natal. Based on an Australian model where Performance-Based Standards vehicles, exceeding generally enforced legal maxima, are authorised to operate on designated routes under special permits, the South African CSIR developed proposals for a local Smart Truck PBS equivalent, initially focussing on the requirements of the agricultural sector, and, more specifically, timber and sugar cane extraction. In the KZN test application, an average 19% improvement in payload, and a 13% fuel saving per ton delivered were demonstrated, while the vehicle proved not to pose any increased dynamic conflict with other road users, or any additional detrimental impact on the road infrastructure. Further potential benefits in the reduced absolute number of vehicles utilised, and lower volumes of cumulative greenhouse gas emissions, were also claimed. After an initial 21 month period of evaluation with the prototype, a further 15 permits were issued for vehicles operating over designated routes into SAPPIs Saiccor mill in Umkomaas. Subsequently, the number of PBS permits has reportedly been increased to 30, with Mondi and its haulage contractors also entering the PBS community. An integral component of this system is operator accreditation to the industry-led Road Transport Management System self-regulation doctrine, with mandatory

annual audits being performed to ensure that the good practice demanded by the RTMS is not being compromised. Presently, this system is only operating in KZN, but the Department of Transport there is proactively soliciting buy-in from other provinces. Barloworld Logistics is reported to be seeking authority to operate dedicated general freight PBS vehicles on the Durban-Johannesburg N3 linehaul, which will require approvals from each of the four provinces whose territories will be traversed. The parties involved in this exercise, which include RTMS-accredited transport operators, vehicle and trailer manufacturers, the CSIR, consultants, and the KZN DoT, clearly embrace a national vision for the PBS philosophy, but the national DoT has only reportedly indicated support in principle, up until now. This, unfortunately, reinforces the perception that the national department is too busy floating in the woolly clouds of fantasy, with high speed trains and other equally radical proposals, to recognise that road transport is, and will remain, the countrys most important transportation mode for many years ahead, and that its productive utilisation is the only way in which meaningful economic growth can be maintained. While there is nothing wrong with planning for a long-term future with a more costeffective modal split, which may well include greater utilisation the rail option if it can deliver an acceptable service level, policy must reflect the realities of the present to avoid the type of uncertainty which recently surrounded the vexed question of high cube containers. The PBS/RTMS solution fits very neatly with Jack Websters vision of dedicated routes. Whereas his priority was long-distance intercity transport, the origin of the Smart Truck concept in the agricultural sector may appear to have been slightly perverse, but the general principles remain create a vehicle specifically for a particular task, recognising that the particular environment in which it will operate will generate opportunities for specification fine-tuning outside of the conventional legislative box, without any incremental impact on other road users and the road itself. The downstream benefits of greater productivity/fewer vehicles, less fuel consumed, self-regulated legal compliance and environmental conservation make it all worthwhile. Well done, Uncle Jack, you had it right all along!

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2010

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2011

Foton a New Name for Functionality

Thunda and Lightning

by Howard Keeg

Strike Twice

The Foton range of Thunda single-and double-cab pick-ups was launched in October 2010, and it is already making a noise in the local market. This is the second time that Foton has made the eardrums reverberate, having already made an impact in August 2007 when it entered the South African market with a range of minibus taxis and panel vans. Now the market is buzzing again with the lure of affordable functionality.
he tough Thunda pick-ups, with attractive styling and a high level of standard equipment, are aimed at a wide spectrum of local buyers, being well suited for both commercial and recreational use. All the models are competitive in terms of both price and specifications, with the one-ton workhorse single cab priced at R99 950, and the value-for-money DNA continuing up the range to the wellappointed double cabs. The Thunda models are rated to carry a payload of 930kg on the single cabs and 800kg on the double cabs, in a roomy load box. Torsion bars are used for the independent front suspension with five-blade leaf springs at the rear. With a choice of petrol or diesel engines, all developed to provide strong pulling power together with low fuel consumption, whilst driving the rear wheels through a five-speed gearbox, the Thundas are ideal for those looking for more grunt for their money. The complete Foton Thunda range has power steering, while there are three specification levels Basic (V), Comfort (CV) and Luxury (XV). The petrol single cab is available with V or CV specification, while the diesel single cab is available only in the CV trim and equipment level. The double cab petrol is available in the CV Level and the diesel in the highest specification level (XV). The (V) model comes standard with: Fabric seats, Power steering, Rear fog lamp, Steel wheel rims, whilst the (CV) models come standard with: Air-conditioning, Electric Windows, Adjustable steering column, Central lock (remote lock), Alarm, Rear sliding window, Electric mirrors, Alloy wheel rims (both Single and Double Cabs have their own unique alloy rims), Electric windows, ABS & EBD (only Double Cab CV & XV model), Reverse park distance control (Double Cab CV & XV

model), and Radio/CD Player. The XV models take the already impressive functionality to heights of comfort with Leatherette seats. The vehicles will initially be sold through 15 dealers, with more sales outlets to be added over the next few months, giving countrywide coverage. Servicing will be provided by specially trained technicians. All models are covered by a three-year/ 100 000km warranty and the double cabs have a standard 3 year/ 75 000km (petrol model) and 3 years/70 000km (diesel model) service plan, which is an optional extra on the single cabs. The first service, at 5 000km, is free and includes an oil change and 15-point check. Service intervals are every 10 000km/1 year for the diesels and every 15 000km/1 year for the petrol derivatives. Price increases affecting pick-ups in South Africa have been in the region of 30% over the past 24 months, which has tended to make even workhorse one ton pick-up models far less affordable. Brett Soso, Managing Director of AAD, believes that the well-priced and sturdy Foton Thunda range will be welcomed by South African motorists and small businesses as being both functional and affordable. The options available to the thrifty and wise are: Foton Thunda single cab petrol V Foton Thunda single cab petrol CV Foton Thunda single cab diesel CV R 99 950 R119 950 R139 950

Foton Thunda double cab petrol CV R159 950 Foton Thunda double cab diesel XV R179 950
December 2010 / January 2011

38

Foton a New Name for Functionality

Foton a Global Powerhouse

ommercial vehicles are the core focus of Foton and it has been the leading truck manufacturer in China for the past five years. It is now the second largest commercial vehicle maker in the world after Daimler AG, of Germany. These two companies signed a joint venture agreement on July 16, 2010, after eight years of negotiation. The ceremony was witnessed by German Prime Minister Angela Merkel and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jlabao, which signifies the importance of this undertaking. To put this marriage in perspective, consider that Daimler is the largest truck manufacturer in the world with extensive global operations and immense resources, particularly in the area of advanced technology. The German-based company is going to assist Foton in upgrading its product line-up and improving all aspects of its manufacturing, marketing and dealer representation operations. Foton, as the biggest group of its kind in China, has advantages in terms of cost control and local management. Together the two companies see their attributes as complementing each other. Foton sold more than 600 000 commercial vehicles in 2009 which was a record, and records are sure to continue to be broken. It is now dedicating itself to global development. It operates 16 manufacturing and assembly plants in China and cur-

rently has factories in a six in foreign countries Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Mexico with another five factories under construction outside China. Foton employs more than 28 000 people worldwide, with no fewer than 2 600 working in its crucial and forward-thinking research and development centres. Foton already exports to 90 countries and is in its third developmental stage, which is globalisation. Annual sales have grown rapidly from 26 030 units in 1996 to more than 600 000 last year. Annual sales have exceeded those of the previous year every year except for 2005 and its growth has been the quickest of any motor company in China with an average compound increase of more than 20% a year. Fotons vision is to become a major automotive group offering a comprehensive range of products by 2020, with a combination of attractive styling, advanced technology and a caring attitude towards the environment. Annual production and sales are set to reach 4 000 000 units with a turnover of US$400-billion, which will place the Chinese company among the worlds top 12 vehicle manufacturers. South Africa is set to play a key role in the global growth of Foton, which is very well positioned to provide South Africans with a new and welcome level of choice for future transport needs, as it will continue expanding its range of offerings on the local market.

December

2010

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2011

39

Life

Goes

On

An Exhilarating Ride
by Austin Gamble

Jeffery Nemeth, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company Southern Africa, says that during the darkest days in 2009, Alan Mullaly, Ford Motor Companys CEO and President, used to exhort his executive team by reminding them that the ride back up is going to be exhilarating. These have proven to be prophetic words, because barely a year later Ford is in the throes of exhilarating.

his pearl was revealed during Jeffery Nemeths quarterly update to the media on 2 November 2010 at the Johannesburg Country Club in Woodmead, Johannesburg. Third quarter results for Ford have indeed been exhilarating. In actual fact, the 2010 3rd quarter results have been the best 3rd quarter results in the 108 year history of Ford. Things are going swimmingly, and Nemeth, borrowing once again from Mullaly, says that the only danger now facing Ford is complacency. Complacency is a natural by-product of success, but it is clear that Ford does not intend to fall into this hubristic hole. They are clearly going to continue to focus on quality, customer satisfaction, great products and an appreciation of the new dynamics facing a global automotive company. No longer is North America the biggest market for Ford. The Asia Pacific Africa area is now the biggest market by far, followed by Europe, and trailing in at third is the Americas. Henry Ford would have been licking his lips, and offering black cars to all and sundry!

Jeffery Nemeth, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa

Intriguingly, Fords resurgence has been on the back of the North American market, but the folks from Dearborn are grounded enough to know that the future lies in emerging markets. To tap into this vast market, Ford needs money for investment, and fortunately Ford is sitting on a pile of money. At the end of September 2010, Ford had US$23,6 billion in gross cash, and over US$30 billion in liquidity. As Jeffery Nemeth puts it, in 2010 we have been churning out free cash flow. This money is not going to sit idle, as it will be needed for restructuring to facilitate growth and to grasp opportunities. Money is being thrown at the East a new engine manufacturing plant in the south western city of Chongqing in China, a joint venture with Mazda in Thailand to build the T6, plans to launch eight new

vehicles in India to name a few. As Nemeth points out, greater Asia houses half the worlds population, who are rapidly being urbanised and middleclassed, which translates into huge opportunities. Not that the Western World is being treated as a poor cousin. Ford are no longer issuing pink slips, and are employing again in the USA. The only difference is that circumspection is the watchword. The huge gorilla in the room, UAW, is now on a leash, and with health care and pension obligations paid off,

Ford can once again get back to the knitting in its home market. The Paris Motor Show was an ideal platform for Ford to roll out its five top-hats on the Focus platform, with plans for another five on this very versatile launching pad, which has 75% to 80% global commonality. A turnaround of note, and no wonder that Alan Mullaly is now being mentioned in the same breath as Steve Jobs, and that Ford is being called the Apple of the automotive industry.

At the same function, Tony Twine gave us a peep into 2011. Here are some of his predictions: CPI cycle to bottom out at the end of 2010 Interest rate cycle to begin upward phase in 2nd Quarter of 2011 2011 shall see a weaker Rand New vehicle sales are back on the long term trend line, so expect unit sales to increase by 3 to 5% in 2011 >3,5 ton Gross Vehicle Mass commercial vehicle market will grow significantly in 2011

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AIDC

Quiz

by Roger McCleery

Roger McCleery asks the questions

See how many of these 20 Questions you can answer.
1. Name the South African driver and navigator Rally Champions for 2010. 2. Who won the Knysna Hillclimb in 2010? 3. How old is he? 4. What South African won the Super Rok World Karting Championship in Italy in October? 5. Who is the youngest ever Wesbank V8 Champion in SA? 6. Where do you find the famous corner called Cocobana? 7. What motor company has introduced a model called a Zen ? 8. What Aeronautics and Weapon Company made a Formula 1 car? 9. How many Maserati brothers were there? 10. Who was known in motorcycle racing as Fast Freddie ? 11. What does name Volvo mean in Latin? 12. What was the first motor car imported into SA? 13. What was the first model number for the Porsche 911? 14. Name two British sports cars that used a wooden chassis. 15. What size was the engine of the first Ferrari made in 1947? 16. What company owns Rolls Royce? 17. What company owns Bentley? 18. Name a tyre company that used to manufacture motorcycles. 19. What company owns Volvo? 20. What nationality was Ayrton Senna?

Answers on page 93
42
December 2010 / January 2011

Burford

on

Brands

Ssang Song Blue

by Adrian Burford

If SsangYong has a claim to fame, youd have to say it is as the manufacturer of some of the most unattractive four wheeled machines ever. For example, the Stavic (or Rodius in some markets), is so fearsomely ugly that you cant help but want to vomit on first acquaintance. After that, you invariably want to laugh.
respected car designers in the world, and also head of the transportation design school at Londons Royal College of Art. Go figure. SsangYong will however continue to operate as an independent company, but I hope for the sake of success the Indians (and Mahindra isnt big on style either) at least insist on them getting rid of the styling department. With an ownership record as complex as a Chinese puzzle, it isnt going to be easy knowing exactly what youre buying. What we can confirm is that it all started off in the early 1960s with a company named Hadonghwan, which made jeep type vehicles for the US military. In the mid-70s it evolved to become Dong-A (no kidding) Motors which was taken over by SsangYong (which means twin dragons) in the mid80s. It gets more complicated but suffice to say that SsangYong Motor and the companies from which it was ultimately formed have been in the business of making vehicles largely SUVs since 1964. Thats almost 50 yearsthey shouldve got it right by now. And maybe they have. The latest Korando, recently unveiled, is almost good-looking and light years away from the horrors that have come before. It is also apparently far more car-like than its namesake, eschewing low-range gearing and aiming itself squarely at the likes of the Hyundai iX35 and Nissan Qashqai. That prospect should keep the 19 South African dealers, and distributor Associated Motor Holdings (which owns three outlets), clinging on hopefully for the future to arrive sooner rather than later.

uite why anyone would buy one is a mystery, but the company has found a ready market in the twilight world of undertakers, though I fear even the dead would cringe in embarrassment if they knew they were being taken to their final resting place in a hearse so devoid of visual appeal. The Stavic is the worst offender, but few of the offerings from this Korean fringe brand have any chance of finding a home in the Louvre. SsangYong was one of the first names to pop up locally as sanctions lifted in the early 1990s, arriving with the Musso, an affordably-priced SUV in a time period when cheap SUVs were few and far between and there was plenty of pent-up demand. The Mussos calling-card was its Mercedes-Benz engine and gearbox (as part of a technology agreement inked in 1991), which went a long way to assuaging the concerns of the public regarding this unknown newcomer. With a banner in the windscreen proclaiming Powered by Mercedes-Benz, SsangYong got off to a good start. Mussos were soon plentiful and even if the interior was crummy and the assembly suspect, they gave people a real in to the 4x4 scene. Since then, queer design has been SsangYongs trademark and it hasnt got any better (or worse, depending on your point of view) in the last 15-odd (very odd) years.The man responsible for the Musso was Ken Greenley, at the time one of the most

In the Musso he apparently set out to combine station wagon styling with the highriding chunkiness of a 4x4. He threw in some curve balls, like a deep front spoiler which wouldnt have looked out of place on a sports car (and compromised the approach angle), a rear spoiler (unknown on SUVs in those days) and a pronounced kick in the waistline to go with the wedgeshaped profile. Greenley, incidentally, was also responsible for the Stavic. Strange styling and strange names go hand in hand it seems: Musso, Korando, Stavic/Rodius, Kyron, Actyon and Rexton are just some of them. No wonder sales fell, culminating in the company declaring itself bankrupt at the beginning of last year, and while being propped up by the banks has been looking for a suitor. As this issue went to print, the knight in shining armour was confirmed as Indias Mahindra & Mahindra, which bought 70 percent of its Far Eastern neighbour.

Whats

the

Buzz?

Almost 80% of SA motorists frequently commit traffic offenses

The findings of a recent survey conducted by BP Ultimate and the South African Automobile Association (AA) reveals that a staggering 76% of drivers on SA roads commit traffic offences on a daily basis. Commenting on the findings, Dr Lawrence Barit, one of SAs foremost road safety analysts says that after drunk driving and fatigue, offences like skipping orange or red lights, not obeying yield signs and the disobeying of other road signs could be said to be the third largest cause of deaths on SA roads. Drivers dont realise the accumulative effect that millions of small offences has on safety on SA roads. It is imperative for drivers to obey the rules of the road that are put in place to prevent accidents. The governments planned demerit system will drastically reduce these infringements. The success of the Demerit Point System has been documented in countries such as Spain, where the system came into force in 2006. The percentage of casualties had decreased by 11% in the first two years of its implementation. Glenda Zvenyika, Marketing Communications Manager at BP says, Its surprising to see just how many drivers make these offences. Through our partnerships with organisations like Stay Alert Stay Alive and the AA we are fully committed to creating awareness around safer driving, and thereby make driving a safer mode of travel in SA.BP and the AA will be running a safety awareness campaign through forecourts during the 2010 festive season.

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the

Buzz

Worn Shock Absorbers are Dangerous and Potentially Life-Threatening

Little is known about the role shock absorbers play in the safety of your vehicle, and even less about what makes a worn shock absorber a danger to you as a driver. Shock absorbers are filled with oil, which hydraulically dampen the suspension and prevent the wheels from bouncing. Due to this action, tyre-to-road contact is maintained over bumps and undulations. This in turn allows control of the vehicle to be maintained. An oil leak through damage or age can affect the performance of a shock absorber. This severely detracts from the shock absorbers ability to perform, and wheel bounce may start occurring. In an old shock absorber the valves and seals wear and the resistance values drop off. If the shock is leaking oil This message courtesy of then you need to replace shocks immediately because the less oil in a shock, the less resistance there is through the valves, and the performance of the shock absorber is therefore affected.

BRIDGESTONE ADVISES ON TRIP PREPARATION

Ensure your tyres are ready for the holiday season. Thats the message from Bridgestone South Africa as the country nears the Christmas holidays. Tyrerelated breakdowns are usually avoidable with a bit of planning beforehand, said Bridgestone Public Relations Manager, Mandy Lovell, Nobody wants to start or end their holiday stranded with a puncture on a hot, deserted road, Motorists are advised to inspect every tyre, wheel and rim on their vehicles ahead of the holiday season. First, check each tyres condition. Any cuts, cracks or missing chunks in the tyre may make it illegal or unsafe, she said. While youre at it, check that the wheel nuts or bolts are securely fastened. She also advised motorists to check for missing tyre valve caps which could allow dust into the valve, and to ensure that no grease or oil was leaking from the wheel hub. Apart from damaging the tyre, leaked oil and grease could be a sign of wheel bearing problems. Also check each tyre to ensure that the tread depth is sufficient for the holiday trip she advised. Tyre pressures should be set to the manufacturers recommended pressures with a reliable gauge, and the spare wheel should not be neglected in the pre-holiday check. Lovell also advised motorists driving cars not fitted with run-flat tyres to ensure they kept a can of tyre sealant in the boot.

Singer Katie Melua is Opels New Brand Ambassador

Singer/songwriter Katie Melua, one of the worlds top music stars, is Opels new brand ambassador. Collaboration between the artist and the automaker will coincide with the singers 50-city European concert tour in 2011. Young talent and Opels involvement in the music and entertainment industry play a decisive role in the companys strategy to re-energize the brand and strengthen its position in its core markets. We are thrilled to be working with Katie Melua, who is a remarkable person and fantastic artist. We are very pleased that she will be one of the faces of our brand in the future, says Alain Visser, Vice President, Opel Sales, Marketing and Aftersales. The key brand values in our strategy are innovation, dynamics and emotional design as well as consistent environmental awareness and social responsibility.

An

Iconic

Brand

MCCARTHY CELEBRATES CENTENARY OF SERVICE TO CUSTOMERS IN SA

The McCarthy Motor Group, which is now a division of the Bidvest Group Limited, is celebrating a unique achievement this year in that it has been serving its customers in South Africa for 100 years.
This is a special milestone that we are very proud of, particularly as it was achieved over a period that included two World Wars, the Great Depression, huge political changes in South Africa and a roller coaster of economic highs and lows, commented the CEO of McCarthy, Brand Pretorius. Despite this challenging environment McCarthy has thrived for most of its 100-year history and at one stage was the largest motor retail group in the world in terms of the number of its dealerships and annual vehicle sales. The resilience of McCarthy was tested many times and the fact that we are not only still in existence, but also very well positioned for further growth is a tribute to the efforts and strategies of numerous people spanning many generations. Most importantly this milestone is the result of a continuous focus on our customers to ensure they always enjoy the highest levels of satisfaction in their dealings with McCarthy. McCarthy has developed a reputation as an innovator - never afraid to invest in ground-breaking practices or venture into uncharted waters. Since its founding the company has had the benefit of outstanding leaders and strong management teams who applied strategies that were someto break with the prevailing practice of vehicle retailers only representing one franchise because they proved that they could be trusted to do their very best for each of the franchises concerned, while honouring confidentialities. The history of McCarthy is one of many exhilarating highs, but also some heartbreaking lows, including a period when the business was technically insolvent and needed a consortium of eight banks to bail it out. Its resilience and longevity has been underpinned by a set of guiding principles and values. Although not always formalised, these can be observed from the way it has gone about its business. They include a dedication to outstanding customer service, relationships based on mutual trust and respect, fairness, openness and transparency. McCarthy has also harnessed the positives in diversity and encouraged participation and teamwork at all levels while striving to achieve excellence. The ultimate objective has always been to be the customers first choice provider of quality, service and value in all the markets in which the McCarthy business units operate.

times considered bold and often unconventional, but most often proved successful and set new trends in the industry. For instance, imagine the levels of persuasion and tenacity that must have been required to get many, fiercely competitive motor manufacturers to permit a single retail organisation to sell all their respective products, even if it was through separate dealerships. In the end Justin and later Brian McCarthy persuaded manufacturers

BRAND PRETORIUS STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL BUSINESS SECTOR PLAYING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN CREATING BETTER SA FOR ALL
The business sector in South Africa needs to play an increasingly important and participative role in creating a better future for all South Africans if the country is to flourish in the future, according to the CEO of the McCarthy automotive retailing group, Brand Pretorius.
peaking at the annual awards banquet of the Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut in Vanderbijlpark, he said an excellent example of this type of cooperation is the golden triangle that exists in some successful developing countries with government, business and civil society working together towards common visions and goals. Here, in South Africa, we should also add the labour unions to the equation, said Pretorius. It is important that the various stakeholders accept co-responsibility for the creation of a better future for all South Africans. Pretorius believes there are seven priorities that must be addressed for the business sector to not only make a major impact on the future development of South Africa and its people, but also to improve the image of business in the country. We are still seen by many today as selfish capitalists who are not genuinely concerned about the broader social issues, explained Pretorius. We have some way to go to position ourselves as part of the solution

and therefore cannot afford to behave like capitalists in New York of London. We need to be capitalists with a social conscience. The seven priorities identified by Brand Pretorius for the business sector are: Promoting a positive vision for the future of our country. Be ambassadors. Embrace change. Accept the necessity to transform. Build our businesses on sound principles and values. Develop our human capital to the best of our ability. Develop the transformational leaders of tomorrow as everything rises and falls on leadership. Be socially responsible. Most importantly, develop world class businesses that can create jobs, generate wealth and achieve success on a sustainable basis. Concluding his address the automotive
December

executive said that business must assist Government in its efforts to eradicate inequality and poverty through encouraging sustained economic development that will create more employment and thereby undermine the platform of the countrys major enemy, which is crime. We are living in the era of the ultimate challenges, but also the ultimate opportunities, said Pretorius. It is up to us in the business sector to make the real South Africa work so we can create the miracle we hoped for in 1994. The business sector is co-responsible for the creation of a better future. Obviously government should also play its rightful role and sort out, as a matter of great priority, its own shortcomings and deficiencies. Where else can one have such a challenging but fulfilling life? From every perspective our country engages us. Never-ending change, an abundance of opportunities and almost overwhelming needs. A place where one can always fulfil the essence of human purpose, namely, to make a difference!
2010 / January 2011

46

Innovation

Nissan Technology Square:

Innovation for Sustainable Mobility
Nissans global technology roadshow, focusing predominantly on environmental technologies and the companys flagship electric vehicle, LEAF, arrived in South Africa in October. Nissan Technology Square, a joint Nissan Motor Company Limited (Nissan) and Nissan South Africa (Nissan SA) initiative was on view in Sandton City, Johannesburg between 22 and 30 October 2010, providing a glimpse of some of the advanced technologies that are a defining feature of many of the companys vehicles.
issan SAs Managing Director Mike Whitfield says that, The Nissan Technology Square is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the innovative technologies that are the hallmark of our brand. Our Japan-based Nissan Advanced Technology Centre (NATC) is dedicated to the development of four strategic fields of technology improvement and innovation safety, environment, vehicle performance and on-board comfort and the Technology Square is an excellent platform on which to present a selection of these to a wide audience.

cialisation of South Africas electric car, including manufacture, infrastructure development and public education on its use and benefits. Whitfield says that Nissans commitment to become a leader in zero emission stems from a belief that we are more than a car company, we are in fact a citizen of society with a responsibility towards developing sustainable mobility for future generations and engaging in activities that protect and preserve the environment.

Attracting interest from a variety of quarters including government, tertiary institutions, the automotive industry and general public, the Nissan Technology Square comprises information sessions, demonstrations and interactive displays. While a number of safety and environmental technologies were on show, emphasis was on Nissans environmentally-friendly electric vehicle, a quarter-scale model of the Nissan LEAF, the worlds first affordable zero-emission car that was launched in Japan last year. The fiveseater LEAF, capable of a driving range of more than 160 km on one full charge, is the first of an envisaged line of electric vehicles. Due for release towards the end of this year in Europe, Japan and the United States, Nissan SA has every confidence that collaborative talks with key stakeholders on the possible introduction of the lithium-ion battery-powered vehicle in South Africa will continue with renewed vigour, following the unveiling by the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) earlier this year of its 2010-2013 Industrial Policy Plan, which advocates the commerDecember 2010 / January 2011

And while zero emission is the ultimate goal, technologies contributing to reduced emissions on current Nissan vehicles are being pursued. The diesel engine in NP200 and Qashqai, both of which were on display at the Nissan Technology Square, benefit from technology that significantly reduce emissions and improve fuel economy. Nissans Vision 2015 is introducing more than 15 new technologies each year, with development efficiency having more than tripled at present compared to 2005. Supporting this vision, Nissans global Green Programme aims to minimise the environmental impacts caused by the manufacture and use of vehicles, while the Safety vision aims to reduce fatalities and serious injuries by half compared to 1995.

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BP Launches R40m High-Tech Fuels Lab in South Africa

On 25th October 2010, BP celebrated the opening of a new cutting-edge Fuels Technology Centre in Johannesburg (one of only four BP Technology Centres in the world) which will further boost the companys ability to provide differentiated fuels in the South African market.
he launch of the centre is part of the oil majors longterm investment strategy into the country which is viewed as a key growth market. Over the past year alone BP has spent more than R500m on growing its forecourt infrastructure, expanding fuels delivery capability and optimising refining in SA. Speaking at the launch, Sipho Maseko Chief Executive Officer of BP Southern Africa said, We want SA consumers to have access to BPs best available fuel technology and the centre will ensure that the fuels developed for the local market remain unparalleled in quality and performance. It will also help deliver capable fuel scientists and technologists to work in this highly specialised field and provides unique opportunities for industry to work closer with academic institutions and motoring bodies, such as the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa.

BP is the only oil company to date which is able to quantify its fuel economy claim and is solely recommended by the Automobile Association of South Africa, which speaks volumes. The centres high-tech facility incorporates a state-of-the-art fuels quality testing lab, as well as a customer engagement and staff training facility in order to provide differentiated fuels for the South African market.

As South Africas leading fuel brand, the establishment of this centre will be instrumental in ensuring standards are maintained, and will be the home of BP fuels developed specifically to suit the South African market. Tufan Erginbilgic, BPs Chief Operating Officer, Refining & Marketing said that Launching a fuels technology centre of this magnitude is a major investment in any country and it again demonstrates the BP Groups continued commitment to South Africa. The South African Centre will operate under a similar model as those in Germany and the US, focusing on quality assurance, technical service and marketing support for the local market. The level of scientific and technical support at BP and our access to expertise around the world will enable us to develop fuels which continue to set BP apart.

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Time

by Howard Keeg

Relevance of Trade Shows an Insiders Perspective - Part two

double storey so that they can utilise the expensive space better, but with our cheaper rates in South Africa, single storey is the way to go. My message to exhibitors is to be imaginative, and dont overspend on the construction of the stand! H.K. In other words, box clever. P.O. Yes, and put your money into the merchandising display. And keep it simple. Then youll get a tremendous return on investment. The Frankfurt Automechanika is a global show, whereas Automechanika South Africa is a regional show, so approach it accordingly. H.K. Does going on the show impact other marketing spend? P.O. Definitely not. The show only comes around every two years, and with our floor space available at very reasonable rates, even a small company can take a 20 m stand, and use this space very cost effectively. So cost effectively, that they will have more than enough marketing budget left over to leverage off the show with other marketing initiatives. H.K. Such as advertising in South Africas premier automotive aftermarket publication? P.O. You said it, not me. But now that you mention it, please tell your readers that Automechanika South Africa will be held from 9 to 12 March next year be there, either as an exhibitor or a visitor. H.K. I just need to do the Howard thing and thank you for your time.

In the November 2010 issue of ABR, Howard Keeg (HK) spoke to Philip Otto (PO) of Dogan Trading to get an insiders perspective of trade shows. The discussion looked at the high number of Chinese manufacturers and traders exhibiting at these shows, and the options available to local manufacturers. In this follow-up interview, the discussion moves to alternatives facing exhibitors.
H.K. We ended off the last interview with your point that local manufacturers need to be at Automechanika South Africa next March, on the premise that not to be there would allow the Chinese free reign. You also mentioned that issues such as the Consumer Protection Act need to be brought to the attention of exhibition visitors, and that the ramifications thereof need to be debated. The exhibition is just such a place to initiate this debate. P.O. Yes. It is a tragedy that if one gets a marketing degree, that exhibitions are not part of the syllabus. Exhibitions should be part of the mix, as they are an important element, and if used properly can be an extremely effective marketing tool. An exhibition is the marketing tool where you can actually speak face to face with your customers. All the others, be it TV ads, print ads, radio ads, mailers, etc. are basically one way communication. H.K. Good point, but what about the cost. Arent exhibitions expensive? Ive heard many companies comment that their return on investment on shows is not what it should be, and Ive heard horror stories about the large amounts of money spent by exhibitors. P.O. Im glad that you mentioned this, because there is a misperception out there that exhibitions are expensive. In actual fact, the cost of floor space is relatively low, particularly in South Africa. The horror stories that you refer to are all about the cost of stand construction. Some companies do go crazy, and it is not necessary. There are cheaper ways of utilising space

without negatively affecting the merchandising message, or the image of the stand. The Americans are very good at this. They spend less than half the amount on stand construction than their European counterparts. South Africa can learn from this. H.K. This sounds good. Can you give an example as to how they cut the cost of construction? P.O. Double storeys are costly! Floor space may be expensive in Germany, but it is much cheaper in South Africa. At Automechanika Frankfurt they tend to go

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Automechanika Reflects Global Market Trends

The importance of the second Automechanika South Africa trade fair to be held from 9 to 12 March 2011 at the MTN Expo Centre, Nasrec, was signified by the presence of two high profile guests at the launch in Johannesburg on Tuesday 9 November 2010.
tephan Kurzawski and Michael Johannes of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, both in new roles in the organisation, had flown over specifically to attend the launch, which puts into perspective how the South African event is viewed from the top floor at Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1. Stephan Kurzawski has moved on from his custodianship role of the Automechanika brand, and is now the Senior Vice President of Messe Frankfurt responsible for Consumer Goods & Sales. Michael Johannes, who has extensive experience in all aspects of the trade fair sector, is moving seamlessly into the brand management role in his new position as Vice President, Brand Manager Automechanika. He sees trade fairs as good barometers of global market trends. The 14 Automechanika trade fairs for the automotive aftermarket, which are staged in 13 countries around the world, are mirror images of these markets and accurate indicators of changes and trends, he said at the launch. The South African event is one of these barometers, and Messe Frankfurt, together with the local exhibitors and trade associations, is looking for sustained growth in the medium term, and Johannes added that we were impressed with the inaugural event held in 2008, and we see sustained growth as not simply increasing the number of exhibitors and visitors, but rather growing business for exhibitors and making more opportunities for effective interaction between exhibitors and visitors. One of the global trends that is exercising the minds of the automotive aftermarket industry from Detroit to Munich and from Leamington Spa to Rosslyn, is the emergence of China as a dominant force in the price sensitive segment of the market. Cheap imports, dumping, and fly by night operations have always been a factor in the
December 2010 /

Philip Otto of Dogan Trading, local organiser of Automechanika South Africa, is flanked by Michael Johannes and Stephan Kurzawski, displaying their new found enthusiasm for the Springbok rugby team. parts market, and easily handled, but the new dynamic is a sustained export drive from the many public private partnerships in China, and an immense marketing effort, sanctioned and supported by the Chinese state. Naturally, trade shows across the globe provide wonderful fodder for these newly minted capitalists. And, since world trade is todays accepted currency of economic growth, cemented by the Marrakesh Agreement in 1994 and the establishment of the WTO in 1995, it is effectively against international law to practice protectionism, unless under specifically defined parameters and multi and bilateral agreements. Thus organisations such as Messe Frankfurt are between a rock and a hard place when they organise exhibitions, whether in Frankfurt, Shanghai or Johannesburg, as they have to satisfy local interests, regional interests and
2011

the global community, all under the watchful eye of the WTO and the local regulators. They simply have to open the doors to everyone. And this is what the exhibitors and visitors want. Thus, Messe Frankfurt are not shy about the number of countries that are represented at their shows. They literally shout out the numbersfrom the rooftops, and with good reason. For example, the recent Automechanika in Frankfurt attracted 4 486 exhibitors from 76 countries, with 81% from outside Germany, and 155 000 visitors from a record 181 countries. These facts are worn as a badge of honour by Messe Frankfurt, because they indicate the successful nature of the show, i.e. truly an international melting pot of commerce and trade. Continued on p54

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t was on this premise that when ABR had the opportunity to interview Stephan Kurzawski during his visit, that we took the opportunity with both hands. We, of course, broached the subject of China. Stephan has most probably been asked this question many times, so his response was both spontaneous and rehearsed. Either way, his description was spot on. The Chinese tsunami is coming. There can be no debate on this. The only question for a business in the automotive aftermarket is, where will you be when it comes? On the beach, or on the hill? For the true entrepreneurs out there, maybe the answer should be on a surfboard. The tsunami metaphor is absolutely appropriate, because it encapsulates both the fact and the alternatives. And as Michael Johannes put it in his address at the launch, all that an Automechanika trade fair does is to mirror global market trends. Stephan Kurzawski says that he can play the policeman role, but only to a limited extent. Competition laws in Germany, and indeed South Africa, make it wellnigh impossible to refuse access to an exhibition simply on the basis of nationality or region. Stephan tells us that because of the demand from exhibitors at the Frankfurt show, even the 305 000 m2 of space is not enough, so Automechanika is effectively a monopoly during the period of the show, because only if youve booked and been accepted, can you exhibit. It is because of this, and because of Germanys strong competition laws, that Messe Frankfurt has had to introduce a verifiable application process, and to introduce a rotation policy on stand allocation. When a new client applies for space, Messe Frankfurt investigates the clients website, and even procures physical samples of the product to be displayed, to ensure that the client is legitimate, and most importantly, that the

Time

Continued from p53

Facing up to the Chinese Tsunami

the Carnegie Hall. Get it wrong, and you have Hak Hom Blokkies in the Royal Hotel in a minor town. The point that Stephan is at pains to get across, is that an automotive trade show represents a microcosm of the industry, and is a mirror of the market, and the reflection, whether perfect or imperfect, is a reflection of the market. ABR was also interested to find out the reason for Germanys strong resurgence after the recent economic meltdown. Kurzawski attributes the recovery to Germanys focus on quality and brands. He says that during the tough times, people tend to go back to the basics, and to look for quality products and trusted brands that give them security and confidence. Germany could thus take advantage of decades of engineering excellence and is leading Europe out of the economic nightmare of 2008 and 2009, with high export growth and record levels of low unemployment. The automotive aftermarket is doing well and never went through the pain that the new vehicle market experienced, simply because people had to keep their cars on the road. 2010 is now seeing the automotive industry recovering, and the South African automotive aftermarket can take the message from their German counterparts. Put faith in your brand, put faith in your product, and tell the market about your strengths. Messe Frankfurt is 800 years old, and centuries of brand building and delivering on the promise has stood them in good stead. Stephan encourages South Africans to follow this lead, and to use the Automechanika platform and to spread the message of quality, brands, trust, security, and safety. He concludes by pointing out that trade shows are made by the industry, and by the exhibitors and visitors. His parting shot is We have a hall, use it!

Stephan Kurzawski Senior Vice President Messe Frankfurt product does not fall foul of intellectual property rights. In actual fact, Stephan tells us that Messe Frankfurt was the first exhibition company worldwide to launch an initiative against brand and product piracy, known as Messe Frankfurt against Copying. Moreover, it has incorporated a product piracy clause into its General Terms & Conditions, banned the taking of photographs and offers assistance in the uncompromising enforcement of intellectual property rights, thus creating a fair business environment in which imitators do not stand a chance. And, of course, he adds, that this policy is not just on automotive products, it also applies to other products, specifically textiles. Stephan Kurzawski loves his metaphors, because he goes on to explain that for an exhibition to be successful, it has to be like an orchestra playing a symphony, with a perfect balance of strings, brass, wind instruments, percussion, and even a choral element, and let us not forget the piano. For an automotive aftermarket show, this means a good balance of parts and systems, repair & maintenance, accessories & tuning, etc., big stands, small stands, high tech, low tech, and of course, a healthy global mix. Get this right, and you have a rousing performance of Bachs Symphony in G minor at

MANY NEW INITIATIVES TO BE PART OF 2011 AUTOMECHANIKA SA PROGRAMME

Next years Automechanika South Africa, to be held at the MTN Expo Centre, Nasrec, from March 9-12, will introduce many new initiatives as well as continuing with proven projects such as the Innovation Awards that proved very popular at the inaugural trade fair at this venue in 2009. Importantly a lot of attention is being paid to upskilling and training as the shortage of skilled workers is a major challenge in the automotive industry. These activities will involve a skills competition organised by the Merseta in conjunction with the Retail Motor Industry organisation (RMI), Midas will be promoting its e-learning and learnerships programmes, while Bosch will be offering a number of job opportunities in conjunction with Merseta as well as hosting a technology demonstration centre with its associated brands. Achievement awards an Aftermarket Marketer of the Year, an Aftermarket Entrepreneur of the Year, Trade and Technical Writer of the Year, Motoring Photographer of the Year and awards for environmental (Green) achievements. The Proudly South African showcase, which proved very popular at the 2009 show, will be expanded substantially to include component manufacturers as well as local makers of specialist cars. There will also be a number of important conferences and workshops during the four days of the show. The RMI conference will cover the new Consumer Protection and Companies Acts, franchising, skills development and compulsory vehicle and emissions testing, plus joint conventions for members of the Motor Industry Workshop association (MIWA). Engine Remanufacturing Association (ERA) and the SA Diesel Fuel Injection Association (SADFIA), as well as a separate meeting for ACD franchisees, which is a network of independent workshops. The SA Motor and Body Repairers' Association (SAMBRA) is having a conference, while the Tyre Dealers and Fitment Centre Association (TDAFA) will have an executive committee meeting as well as a road show event. Members of the SA Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA) will be given feedback on the latest dealer satisfaction survey. More info on www.automechanikasa .co.za

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C

and Their Contribution to Safety in Motoring www.bridgestone.co.za

It is usual for us at this time of the year, to remind our readers what we have been talking about during the previous months, by summarising all the articles. This year we will place our trust in your memories, and hope you dont need reminding. In this, our final piece for 2010, we are going to take a light hearted look at peoples stupidity with tyres. Its a frightening fact that people just dont understand tyres and the instances we are about to share with you, underline this fact better than anything else. The really frightening thing is that these are true stories, as unbelievable as they may seem,
onversation overheard between lady driver and petrol attendant: Madam, your back tyre has got a puncture. Lady alights from the car in a flurry and rushes around to peer indignantly at the stricken rubber thing. How did that happen? She asks this in a way which leaves the confused attendant feeling that he is somehow to blame. He shrugs defensively while they both stare accusingly at the tyre which obstinately refuses to re-inflate itself. Im late already the lady says in a loud irritated voice, can I still drive with it like that? Eeehh. no Maam, it is too flat. The lady glares at the inconsiderate tyre which is ruining her day, and thoughtfully makes the most astounding statement to the attendant. So I suppose every time that flat part comes around it will bump badly. At which the attendants mouth falls open and the three gents at the pump next to her burst into uncontrollable guffaws.

Insisting always on buying the top model of Mercedes S class cars, one gent never bought new tyres. Why waste money on stuff which wears out so fast? He had arranged that his local scrap yard would keep tyres of his size from written off cars for him. He was also well known for the record time he could get to his construction site in Witbank from his office in Alberton. But he really proved what hes made of when, on being discharged from the hospital he went straight to his lawyers office to sue the makers of the (second hand accident damaged) tyre which had blown out at 180km/h just outside Delmas. His fury knew no bounds when the tyre company refused to reimburse him. A young executive in his range topping Audi A4 fitted with after market 19 inch rims and ultra low profile tyres. His claim to the stupid prize revolves around his habit of bleeding some air out of his tyres at every fuel stop on a long trip. Why? Well as the tyres built up heat he could feel the ride getting harder. So every time he stops for fuel he improves the ride by making the tyres softer. So he may not have much grey matter between his ears, but he can certainly brag about the sensitivity of his behind on the seat. Talk about the princess and the pea? The interesting question is what he thought about his flat tyres the morning after a long trip.

This lady deserves a prize. Never before, in all one hundred years of the car, has anyone proven more conclusively that they shouldnt have a licence. Then there was the farmer who proudly told his neighbour of his new plan to save tyres on his market truck. He had fitted 900-20 tyres to the inner rear dual wheels, and left the original 1100-20s on the outer wheels. This wise and intelligent fellow truly believed that when the truck was empty the inner tyres would be off the ground, thereby saving mileage, and when it was fully loaded they would be on the ground assisting the outer tyres to carry the load. Can you believe this guy?

One just cannot credit peoples behaviour when it comes to the treatment of their tyres. Theres no logic, thought or understanding in their actions. What it proves though is that they need to be educated about tyres. Their actions and treatment of these safety critical items will ultimately lead to catastrophe. Which is why Bridgestone will continue educating motorists on the importance of tyres and the maintenance thereof. Best Wishes for a Happy Festive Season and a wonderful New Year to you all. Please drive carefully over the silly season and remember, one of these fools is on the same piece of road at the same time as you are. Drive Safe!!

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Customer C.A.R.E. Programme

sponsored by Federal-Mogul

MODULE EIGHTEEN

Motivational Techniques
Modules 14 to 17 dealt with the Hut System, and the reason we dwelled on this aspect for so long is no fluke. The prime reason for the Hut System is that everyone feels part of the company, and more importantly, everyone feels part of the decision-making processes relating to their job functions. This makes for MOTIVATION, which is the most powerful tool with which you can empower your staff.
here are many other motivational techniques available to you, and there have been many books written about this subject. To find out more about these techniques, all you have to do is to take a short walk to your nearest library, but the Hut System is my bet, because it has proved itself in practice. I wish to discuss just one motivational technique, which is extremely powerful, but does not seem to be the flavour of the month amongst South African companies. And I cannot understand why, considering the benefits? The benefits are enormous people will have a feeling of ownership, absenteeism will drop, pilferage will be drastically reduced, staff morale will climb, productivity will reach new heights, and many other good things will occur, all to the benefit of the company. This simple motivational technique is called shareholding. All it requires is for you to convince the shareholders to allow the employees to participate in a shareholding scheme. It does not have to be drastic an allocation of 10% of the shares will be strong motivational medicine for the entire workforce. We are not talking just about money here we are talking about ownership, and owning a bit of yourself and a bit of your efforts. The checks and balances that need to be implemented I leave to you JUST DO IT!

DISCUSSION POINTS
1. Can you think of a more powerful force than motivation? Discuss. 2. Apart from the Hut System, and employee shareholding, think up three more motivational techniques that you could implement in your company. 3. Ponder the reasons why companies do not like to give shareholding to their employees. 4. Thinking laterally, describe an alternative system of giving employees ownership of their functions, and direct reward for their efforts.

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Evaluation

Living in the Lap of Luxury

by Marquis de Sade aka Gerhard Horn

Dear reader. You might think it impossible that the Marquis himself sat down with quill in hand to produce this work of journalistic perfection, but allow me to comfort your feeble mind. This aristocrat never died, in fact, the rumours of my death were greatly exaggerated.
It turns out that Hyundai claimed the redefining of luxury. Not a brand one normally associates with such things, but I have been known to be wrong in the past. Let us start with the obvious observations. The curvaceous styling reminded me of this one immoral lass I met in the streets of London once, but in a good way. One would have to look very far to find a more attractive proposition for the money. This beautiful theme continues on the inside contact between you and said company. Unfortunately there would not be much time for frolicking between destinations as it is quite a fast steed. I'm told by the men at Hyundai that there be 180 horses beneath the hood, or if you prefer, 131kW. The 2.4 litre engine also generates 228Nm of torque, which I'm told by the esteemed editor, is enough. Your generation seems to be fixated on some sort of dioxides, so I'm kindly obliged to tell you that a figure of 195g/km is given. This magnificent engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, as one would expect in a luxury vehicle. If one is feeling more hastily inclined, one can use the paddles behind the wheel to rush things along. The editor unfortunately informs me that this great swapper of cogs is one of the reasons for the high cost in fuel. Not that I mind, I am a rich aristocrat after all, but the rest of you might struggle to cope with the heavy consumption. At between 12 and 14 litres per 100km it guzzles petrol faster than I can sip down a well aged brandy. That says a lot. Another trusted source also informs me that this consumption will go down as the engine loosens up. So my dear peasant people, don't be too wary to take it for a ride.

any people claim that I, the great revolutionary, was struck by a bout of insanity. As they used to say in France; insanity is in the eye of the beholder and unfortunately for me, the beholder was battling a bad case of the loonies himself. Those damned peasants called me crooked for wanting a life of luxury. If a comfortable living is a sin you should lock me up, I said. So they did...

I chose to resurface once again when, in the middle of my favourite soap, appeared an advertisement claiming to redefine luxury. I decided that these people were much too arrogant for my liking. This Marquis is the purveyor of everything luxurious and I shall be the judge of all redefining in the sector, thank you very much. My chambermaid thought it unsafe to exit my quarters, but I told her that insanity is no longer a problem in the modern world. These day a bent mind is in actual fact a necessity for anyone claiming to be a ruler of man. Just look at Julius Malema for heavens sake.

where everything is marvellous to the touch. Hyundai has taken an old school approach to luxury. It feels a bit like my own quarters back in France. A mix of soft materials, leather and soft lighting. Any master of seduction would be proud to transport a beautiful lass to exotic destinations in this chariot. While travelling one soon realises that much attention has been paid to deliver a eerily quiet cabin. One need not shout in the direction of the passenger for they can already hear you in hushed tones. The ride is smooth and makes for uninterrupted eye
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The Sonata is indeed a fair trade. For a relatively small amount of gold coins you get a very capable chariot. Much cheaper than those cheeky Germans charge for theirs. Here's the thing though; it doesn't feel cheaper than them. Methinks that Hyundai has given them a good thorough kicking. It is indeed luxury redefined. Sonata 2.4 GLS AT R 279 900

Sonata 2.4 GLS AT Exec R 299 900

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Revamped Hyundai Parts Distribution Centre Opens its Doors

On Friday 29 October 2010, Hyundai Automotive South Africa invited a group of journalists to a tour of its parts distribution centre. ABR, being South Africas premier automotive aftermarket publication, and the official mouthpiece of AAMA (Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturers Association) and Partinform (AAMAs marketing arm), was there like a shot. The tour was not well attended, but for those who bothered to attend, well worth it.

ean Fenn, Hyundai SAs Parts Distribution Centre General Manager, jokingly said at the beginning of his presentation that parts is as exciting as watching paint dry on a wall. Maybe he is right, and maybe this is why the response to the tour was not so good, but for those in the know, the aftermarket is the most dynamic segment of the automotive industry. It may not be as glamorous as a glitzy vehicle launch, but parts availability is a critical element in keeping the 10 million vehicles in South Africa on the road, and the quality of parts is a vital aspect in keeping those vehicles roadworthy and safe. And, a little known fact is that parts sales is by far the most profitable activity for an OEM. Okay, the OEM has to put the vehicles on the road, and in sufficient numbers and get to an average age well over five years, before the parts cash machine gets rolling, but once this investment has been completed and the hard yards done, its party time. Just ask organisations like Midas and AutoZone what they think of ten year old bangers they are a veritable goldmine! The rationale for the tour was multi-faceted, and the invitation was phrased as such; Hyundai vehicle parts the misconceptions and strategic reality; looking at waiting periods for parts, the grey parts issues, the costs of parts, the quality of OEM vs. pirate, and aspects such as the regulation, importation and the differing factors in the ability to manage parts effectively. Hyundai also has the added burden of having to provide each and every part required if one of its vehicles is in an accident, and not having the luxury of cherry picking the fast movers. A big job indeed, if one takes into account the estimated 180 000 Hyundais on the road currently (from 1995 to 2010), and growing by the day. To go into all the aspects would require many articles, so ABR is going to approach this in the same way as eating an elephant one mouthful at a time. So watch out for these articles in 2011.

The revamped Hyundai Parts Distribution Centre was officially opened by Hubert Brody, CEO of Imperial Holdings, on 26 October 2010. This 10 000 m2 centre with 6 600 m2 operational space has a picking capacity of 1 750 lines per day, and currently has a first pick rate of 94%.

Sean Fenn, Parts Distribution Centre General Manager, explains how a part is picked.
December 2010 / January 2011

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Technical Education is the Key

Jacky Li, CEO of Launch Technologies S.A. (Pty) Ltd says that Chinas phenomenal economic growth of 10% per annum since the 1980s has been based on education. He adds that this is the key to South Africas future, and he identifies technical education as the focal point, and particularly in the rural areas.
his was the gist of Jacky Lis speech at the official handover of four Launch Injector Cleaners / Testers worth over R100 000 to the Limpopo Business Support Agency (LIBSA) at the Lwamondo Training Centre in Thohoyandou, Limpopo on Wednesday, 27 October 2010. These four machines are destined for the four technical training centres in Limpopo, situated at Polokwane (Seshego Training Centre), Tzaneen (Nkowankowa Training Centre), Giyani (Giyani Training Centre), and Thohoyandou (Lwamondo Training Centre), and will be utilised in assisting students in acquiring indepth knowledge of injector technology and to allow students to study electronic injector systems in petrol engines. Jackie Li emphasised that technology is the future, and that training centres need up to date equipment to allow for hands-on training. Launch Technologies is in an ideal situation to address these needs, being a leader in diagnostic and workshop equipment, and

in a position to supply these technical training centres with practical equipment at special prices. Hans Coetzee, Launch Technologies Marketing/Training Manager, adds that practical training aids are critical in skills development, and that cut-away engines, running engines, electronic and electrical layouts together with interactive modules are sorely needed at these centres, and that he would welcome other companies getting involved in doing something for the future. Launch Technologies has specifically identified rural training centres as being the most in need, thus the tie-up with LIBSA and the support of this agency with equipment at discounted prices, donations and theoretical and practical training for the trainers and lecturers. ABR made a special trip to Thohoyandou to cover this event and used the opportunity to talk to Albert Moloto, General Manager of Training & Development at the four training centres.

At the official handover ceremony, left to right, Hans Coetzee, Marketing Manager, Launch Technologies SA; Albert Moloto, General Manager, Training & Development, LIBSA; JR Khosa, Senior Manager, Technical Training, LIBSA; Reginald Mpe, CEO LIBSA; Jacky Li, CEO Launch Technologies; Greg Coetzee, Technical Support, Launch Technologies SA.

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Albert told ABR that the four centres currently focus on practical training, Over and above product support, Launch Technologies also provides in-house training and theoretical tuition on its covering technical (automotive, carpentry, electrical, welding, bricklaying, and plumbing), business skills, agricultural, and driver training. The training equipment. Here Greg Coetzee explains a theoretical point to the facilitators. is basically post school and post college practical and relevant hands-on training that reinforces the theoretical training the students have previously been exposed to. The tuition is in English, and a small commitment fee is charged, which means that funding is critical to the sustainability of these centres. It is for this reason that whilst LIBSA falls under Limpopos Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, it is both a parastatal and a Section 21 company to allow for sponsorships from philanthropic sources. Albert said that there is a dire need for old engines, and various vehicle parts for hands-on training, and has appealed to the companies in the automotive industry who are in a position to help, to assist in this regard. Those who would like to assist can contact him at molotor@libsa.co.za.

The training of students requires committed and well trained facilitators. From left to right are the automotive facilitators of the four training centres: Moses Moagi, Lwamondo, Venda; Moses Zitha, Giyani, Giyani; Emmanuel Lekalakala, Nkowankowa, Tzaneen; and Elias Rasimphi, Seshego, Polokwane.

Jacky Li and Reginald Mpe, CEOs of Launch Technologies SA and LIBSA respectively, shake hands on a partnership in training and technology. In his address, Reginald Mpe told the delegates that the philosophy of LIBSA is one of long term relationships, and that LIBSAs mission is to empower the most disadvantaged communities, and to make a difference to the skills of the ordinary person in the street.

LIBSAs marketing team: Victor Moshoeshoe, Manager Marketing and Communications, with Kholofelo Motlharo, Stakeholder Relationship Officer.

The Lwamondo Training Centre in Thohoyandou is well equipped with Launch workshop equipment. Seen here in one of the automotive training areas is Hans Coetzee, Marketing Manager, Launch Technologies SA; and Donald Mafela, Training Manager of the Centre.
December 2010 / January 2011

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Workshop

Concepts

Performer 2000 gets the AutoCrew Seal of Approval

In the August 2010 issue of ABR our cover feature looked at the two AutoCrew trailblazers; Performer 2000 in Randpark Ridge, and Auto M in Springs. We promised to give updates on these pioneers, and this resulted in a follow up in the September 2010 issue covering the official opening of Auto M on 4 August 2010, which marked the entry of AutoCrew into Africa. Now we give an update on Performer 2000.
shley Pillay, Workshop Manager of Performer 2000, situated on the corner of Beyers Naude Drive and Eastwood Road, took over the workshop management role in September 2010, and this appointment has turned out to be an inspired move by owner Gideon Brits. The combination of new management and a new and exciting brand has done wonders for Performer 2000. The good folk of Randpark Ridge are finding out that the AutoCrew name equates to service excellence, competitive prices, technical expertise, customer care and overall satisfaction. The legendary Bosch name has added weight to this combination, and the volume of work going through the workshop is significantly up against the pre-AutoCrew days. The secret of success, according to Ashley and his committed team, is going the extra mile on each and every repair job, big or small. The team can handle mechanical and electrical repairs on any make of vehicle with a high level of expertise, delivering on the promise of the best service in the west.

Gideon Brits, Owner of Performer 2000.

The team that delivers on the AutoCrew promise: Front left to right; Nico Blom, Khumbu Masuku, Veron Mabitsela, Lestone Kambeu. Back; Paul Pienaar, Ashley Pillay, and Michael Tophan. For those with eagle eyes who may have noticed the Datsun 140Y on the hoist behind the dream team, there is an interesting story attached. This Datsun is a family heirloom, which needs to be restored to its original glory. The family has been extremely fastidious in selecting the workshop that will be trusted to do the mechanical repairs, and the AutoCrew team from Randpark Ridge has got the nod. From Land Rovers to Datsuns, and Mercedes-Benz to Mazda, Performer 2000 will do you proud.

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Product

Update

Tenneco Supplies Suspension for VW Amarok, International Pick-up of the Year 2011 and Finalist in the Car of the Year South Africa
Tenneco, one of the biggest Original Equipment suppliers globally is the exclusive emission and ride control supplier for the Volkswagen Amarok, which was named the International Pick-Up Truck of the Year 2011 at the Hanover Truck Show (IAA), and is also a finalist in the South African 2011 WesBank / SAGMJ Car of The Year. The first production versions of the Amarok were used as official support vehicles for the 2010 Dakar Rally, testing the robustness of the suspension and providing valuable field data as the vehicles travelled 9,000 km through Argentina and Chile.

enneco, the manufacturers of Monroe and Rancho shock absorbers in South Africa, has 14 engineering and technical centres globally developing innovative new technologies. These are produced in Tenneco's 80 manufacturing or Just in Time (JIT) plants. Gregg Sherrill, chairman and CEO, Tenneco says, VW is one of our largest global customers and we are proud to be the exclusive emission and ride control supplier for the exciting new Amarok. Our presence on this vehicle showcases the strength of our technologies as well as our global engineering and manufacturing capabilities. Tenneco has been at the forefront of developing advanced ride control technologies, adding new dimensions to performance and safety, for close on one hundred years. The engineering and technological centres fine tune product design and development cycles through the use of a broad range of advanced development tools, including computer-based virtual development of full systems, virtual prototyping, virtual manufacturing, and virtual tuning in the ride engineering centres. According to VW, the Amarok sets new standards in its class by combining the robustness of a pickup truck with innovative technology, high safety standards and top values in fuel efficiency, stability and comfort. Tenneco are not only enjoying market leader status overseas, but they have also shown a massive increase in market share in South Africa over the

last twelve months. Philip Lutz, Marketing Manager Aftermarket Ride Control Southern Africa, says, Carrying shocks for imported vehicles is becoming more and more important for distributors. It is not surprising that with the depth of Tennecos technological expertise and its covering of such a wide range of vehicles that Monroe is able to offer applications for 90% of South Africas car parc - particularly the newer, imported models. All the products are manufactured to SABS standards, and are ISO TS16949, ISO14001 & OHSAS18001 compliant. Tenneco also has top ratings from all the local motor manufacturers such as VW = VDA6, Ford = Q, Nissan = ASES & GM = quality systems approved. We are suspension solution providers, says Lutz, supplying Shocks, Mounting Kits, Protection Kits, Gas stays, springs, as well as Steering and suspension components such as tie-rod ends, wishbones, power pumps etc. We also supply Emission Control products including catalytic converters and Diesel Particulate filters. Apart from the manufacturers of the Amorok, Monroe is the Original Equipment supplier to the following blue chip companies globally: GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Toyota Motor Company, Nissan Motor Company and BMW and Truck manufacturer, NAVISTAR.
December 2010 / January 2011

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Better than the South

Phalaborwa, which means better than the south, got its name from the Sotho tribes who moved to the area some 1600 years ago. They had nomadically made their way from the south, and obviously took a liking to the lowveld, with its warm winters and abundant game. This seal of approval is endorsed by Thys Taljaard, who did his own trek from Vereeniging in the south in 1972, to establish Phalaborwa Auto Electronics.
hys had been running a radio and air conditioning business in Vereeniging, and had been encouraged to move to Phalaborwa by his brother-in-law, who was running Pietersburg Auto Electronics in Pietersburg, a sister town in the Northern Transvaal, as it was known in those days. Four years later, Thys had the bit between his teeth, and he bought out his brother-in-law to become the sole owner of Phalaborwa Auto Electronics. Today, the business stands as a beacon of stability and service at the self-same address of 12 Mansveld Street Phalaborwa, with one notable exception. That notable exception is e-CAR. Despite having an established business, which was well known amongst the locals, and having a loyal base of clientele, Thys knew that his company had one ingredient missing, and this ingredient could not just be bought over the counter. This ingredient was IMAGE, and when he was introduced to the e-CAR concept in 2004, Thys knew that he was on to a winner. Having previously been a Bosch agent, Thys knew the power of prestige, and in November 2004 he signed up as one of the first e-CARs in the country. The effect of this change was immediate, and e-CAR gave his business a boost from day one. Suddenly, a moderately active workshop became very busy, and soon the yard was lined up with cars waiting for their famed e-CAR service. Six years later, the effect remains incredibly powerful. So powerful, in fact, that despite the business been known as Phalaborwa Auto Electronics for over 30 years prior to taking on the e-CAR signage, today it is simply known as e-CAR. The adoption of the e-CAR name by the townsfolk of Phalaborwa is an immense affirmation of the power of advertising, and

e-CAR Phalaborwa is a strong family business Alwyn Goldschagg, Annette Taljaard, Thys Taljaard and Johan Taljaard make a formidable team confirmation of the power of an appealing and easily remembered name. Thys says, when it comes to e-CAR, I love the name, the image, the professionalism, the package, and the advertising and promotional support that we get from Wilfried Langenbach and his committed team at head office. He also gets the latest workshop and diagnostic equipment from Bosch, who back this up with technical training, and he is happy with the parts availability, service and competitive prices he receives from Diesel-Electric Polokwane on all the top automotive parts brands. Thus, despite being at the end of the tar road at the gateway to the Kruger Park, Phalaborwa Auto Electronics, better known simply as e-CAR, is a vibrant hive of activity, under the eagle eye of Thys Taljaard and his talented team of management and staff members, numbering 13 in total. No wonder that Phalaborwa Auto Electronics always end up tops in the AA Quality Audits, taking top spot in 2006, 2008 and 2010 (for 2010 they got 100%!)

The good folk of Phalaborwa know where to go for advice, parts and service

Vehicles lined up for their e-CAR pampering

To join the fastest growing workshop network in South Africa and to add a new dimension to your business, contact Wilfried Langenbach at 086 000 3227 (086 000 ECAR)

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Whats the Buzz? SOUTH AFRICAN IDOL ELVIS Elvis Blue, Idols winner Dean Stoneley, WINS BRAND NEW FORD FIGO and FMCSA Vice President for
3 November 2010 Ford saw off ecstatic South African Idol winner, Elvis, as he took to the road in his brand new Ford Figo after winning the sixth season of the show. Elvis received a 1.4 Trend model in the Figos signature colour, Colorado Red, as part of his prize package, courtesy of Ford, one of the sponsors of this years Idols. The car comes with one year insurance, a full maintenance plan, a navigation system and most importantly for the singing sensation, an iPod. Ford also awarded the winner with an additional R250 000 cash prize, which was matched by another R250 000 from MNet. In a first in Idols history, Elvis split his prize money with runner up Lloyd Cele. Lucky fan Jacqueline van der Walt won the viewers competition on the night and also received a new Figo 1.4 Trend, much to the delight of the crowd.

Marketing, Sales & Service.

BMW Group builds mobility of the future

It was the star of the Frankfurt international motor show IAA in 2009: a four-seater sports car with charismatic design, fascinating performance figures and unsurpassed efficiency, powered by BMW ActiveHybrid technology and presented under the title BMW Vision EfficientDynamics. The concept study BMW Vision EfficientDynamics represents the future of driving pleasure. Since its world premiere at the IAA 2009 it has received several awards

The mobility of the future is under construction in Leipzig. The BMW Group is expanding its plant in Leipzig to make it the first location in Germany equipped to handle the large-scale production of zero-emission electric cars. In the period up to 2013, around 400 million will be invested at the plant in new buildings and machinery for the production of the Megacity Vehicle (MCV). Some 800 jobs will be created in the process.

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Top

Class

Topics

TopClass MD, Richard Pinard

Timken Training on Tap

A boon to the automotive professional and the DIY fanatic. Go to www.tcauto.co.za and be informed! An example of the Timken Training application

Today, practically every company on the planet has a website. These websites vary from the basic one pager with rudimentary information, to the wildly elaborate with more information than anyone can handle. Irrespective of size, functionality is the key to an effective website and in many instances small companies with limited IT budgets outperform the big boys who tend to throw money at a project, but with very little thought about the rationale behind the expenditure, and the needs and requirements of the user. This was uppermost in the mind when Top Class Automotive revamped its website. The revamp has been pleasing, and were sure that anyone using this website will like the look and feel, and most importantly, the speed and utility.
ebsites are at the forefront of the information revolution, and from an automotive perspective one of the most important elements of information that can be provided on a website is technical information, and to be more specific, technical training. This was the raison detre behind the revamped Top Class Automotive website, and we trust that the visitors to this site will be delighted at what they find, both in content and functionality. The most radical departure from the old website is the soon to be launched On-Line Shop and the Timken Technical Training facility. More on the On-Line Shop in future issues of ABR, but for now we will focus on the Timken Technical Training facility, which is a mere click away for anyone with access to the internet. It is literally Timken Training on Tap! This function on the Top Class Automotive website provides you with training and resources to further your knowledge about Timken automotive and heavy duty products and services. This programme is designed to be user-friendly so that you can obtain the information you need quickly and easily. This site is also searchable. The Navigation Controls, located at the top of the screen, are the gears to put you in motion. It works similar to a DVD player's remote control but has been 'hot-rodded' with several extra features.

The buttons in your browser will work as they normally do, but using the built-in Navigation Controls allows you complete and precise control to navigate this website, whereas the browser buttons will not.

On the menu are Hubs, Tapered Bearings, Seals, Needle & Cylinder Bearings, Ball Bearings, and Lubricants. Each section gives the basics, troubleshooting tips, informative downloads, literature, a glossary, features and benefits, removal and installation instructions, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

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Capricorns NEW logo and Promise!!

Many of ABRs eagle eyed readers spotted the new Capricorn ad in our November 2010 issue, and some have called to enquire about the rationale behind the its just easier slogan. To give some heft to this wonderful by-line, ABR lifts an edited version of the Capricorn Update from the August 2010 Special Edition of ignition, Capricorns in-house publication.

Message from Trent Bartlett, Capricorn Society Limited Chief Executive Officer:
Capricorn its just easier We celebrate our new promise to members, suppliers and affiliates. Capricorn is working harder to assist you in every way we can assist you, so that its just easier! Over many years Capricorn members have told us that they joined Capricorn because its just easier to get instant credit with hundreds of suppliers; its just easier to do and pay their account with just one statement; its just easier to find suppliers in the Purple Pages; its just easier to call Capricorn and get a real person to help solve any issues. Similarly our suppliers have said its just easier to be with Capricorn and market to hundreds of their prospects in one go; its just easier to get paid on time and not chase late accounts; its just easier to create special promotions; its just easier to target selected business types. Yet lately, as we expand our products and services into a wider range of financial and technology services, we have to comply with various regulations, ensure complete compliance to all laws and assess and manage better any commercial risks, we have found the paperwork and processes have become harder. So our challenge, and hence the new promise, is that we will do more of that paperwork, do more at our end to make everything as easy as possible for you. Where permissible we will pre-fill forms, we will do business over the phone, we will personally visit and assist you; our Capricorn mandate is to look closely at our process and find ways so, for you, its just easier! If you have any area of business with Capricorn that you find complex, please let me know personally and Ill focus our team on making it easier. Thats a promise.

Making it Easier Member Statements

After a long and frustrating week in the workshop the last thing you want to do is to spend time sorting through mountains of invoices, accounts, and paperwork, figuring out who needs to be paid and when. This is where Capricorn comes in to make life easier for you, our member. For all parts and services purchased via Capricorns extensive preferred supplier network in any month you get one consolidated statement. You get that statement mailed to you early each month, but you can also download a copy (sorted in date order, or by supplier order) from the Capricorn website. As confirmed in Capricorn surveys, members like you stated that the simplified monthly statements saved them time and resources in their accounting departments; making bill payments so much easier. As a result you have more time to focus on the other important areas of running your business and improving overall productivity. Read what these members have to say about member statements: It saves us so much time and admin costs through getting everything on the one statement First Class Automotives (Australia) We love it! Its so easy, one statement with all the information you need. It saves us so much time Motortech 4x4 (New Zealand) It really does help us so much having the one account Kokstad Wheel Alignment (South Africa) There you have it Simplified member statement, just another way Capricorn is making it easier for the member.

To join Capricorn Society Limited call Andr Changuion on 083 287 3498 or e-mail him at andre.changuion@capricorn.coop or visit their website on www.capricorn.com.au
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Industry

Update

Many Highlights at the 2010 Diesel-Electric Convention

The 2010 Diesel-Electric Convention, held at The Royal Elephant & Conference Centre on Friday 26 November 2010, was highlighted by many milestones, with the annual Gala Awards Ceremony replete with significant achievements and emotional goodbyes.

he choice of venue was appropriate, as the big elephant in the room was Robert Bosch, the company that initially developed and controlled the Diesel-Electric organisation. Today, the DieselElectric organisation is a network of independently owned, Bosch contract partners and franchise holders, but at its core, the Diesel-Electric network ensures the sufficient supply of Bosch products to the Southern African market. The organisation also supplies the needs of the southern African automotive market for components, parts, equipment and information technologies, especially to the partner workshop networks like e-Car, Bosch Services and Auto Crew, general bumper-to-bumper repair workshops and specialist repairers, garages, fleet operators, franchise dealers, as well as retail and wholesale parts stores.

The rising young stars .. the DE Convention was an opportunity to announce the promotion of three young Turks to general management positions. From left to right, Gary Kaiser, Sales; Lilian Hansen, Workshop Concepts; Johan de Waal, Logistics.

There were plenty awards at the convention, too many to mention. ABR gives our readers some of the awards highlights:

Two stalwarts at Robert Bosch SA, Uli Janz and Brian Craig, attended their last DE Convention, having reached mandatory retirement age. Diesel-Electric focuses its operations in the automotive fields of electrical, electronics, gasoline and diesel fuel injection, as well as general safety and service lines. To this end Diesel-Electric supports, distributes and represents not only Bosch Automotive Products but also a wide range of prestigious automotive component brands such as ATE, Beru, Ferodo, Gabriel, GUD, Hella, NGK, Osram, Ram, Sachs, Valvoline, VDO, Zexel and many others.

The long service award for 40 years as a Diesel-Electric went to DE Vaal.

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Diesel-Electric is also deeply engaged in the Bosch Diagnostics Concept. This is a modular workshop support package, comprising the supply and distribution of an extensive range of test and other workshop equipment, the comprehensive Bosch Technical Information Software systems, as well as the partnering, supporting and promoting of the Bosch Technical Training programme and the Bosch Technical Hotline. Ewald Faulstich, Automotive Aftermarket Director South Africa, reminded the delegates that Boschs brand, Invented for Life, represents tradition and modernity; a world leading technology company; social and environmental responsibility; innovation, customer orientation, entrepreneurial flair; global presence; and a market leading position. Expanding on the brand theme, he said that consumers buy on the concept of trust, and that on this premise the Diesel-Electric organisation is in a good place. He emphasised that brand management is a journey and that the destination is not just adequacy but supremacy, even though for a good organisation this destination is never reached, because the goal post will always move just beyond the absolute achievement. Bosch builds its brand DNA on its well-known House of Orientation rules, with a razor sharp focus on five areas of excellence: Logistics Management Workshop Concepts Technical Support Services Operational Efficiency Relationship Management

Update

Ewald predicted that the dynamics of the aftermarket will change significantly in the foreseeable future, with the OEMs focusing more and more on the four to eight year car parc, and older, moving from the current peaceful co-existence between OES and IAM, to predatory competition. This battleground will be fought on a battlefield comprising the two important factors of technical competence and soft business skills. The modern customer wants constant and clear communication, whilst the modern vehicle is going high-tech. Fortunately for the DieselElectric organisation, Bosch is at the forefront of technical advancements. With regard to the customer, who is now called a mobility user, the soft skills of the organisation needs to be attended to, as Diesel-Electric, together with other large distributors, has the important role of being the gatekeeper of the industry.

Diesel-Electric of the Year 2009 A category DE Rand

Diesel-Electric of the Decade 2000 to 2010, for annual growth of 30% per annum, a market share of 33% vs. 18% average, and the strong promotion of the e-CAR concept DE Namibia Diesel-Electric of the Year 2009 B category DE Welkom

The emotional moment of the evening was the retirement of Uli Janz, after 47 years with the Bosch organisation, 40 years of which were with Robert Bosch SA.

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Quality

Awards

Mercedes-Benz and Toyota Shine in Synovate Quality Awards 2010

The Synovate Quality Awards 2010 were announced on 15 November 2010 at Synovates Bryanston Headquarters at Wrigley Field, The Campus, and the two clear winners were Mercedes-Benz and Toyota. Of the 16 vehicle segment awards, Toyota took eight top places, and Mercedes-Benz four.
his study is the largest survey of its kind in South Africa and forms part of Synovates Syndicated Automotive Research a study into the quality of sales and service transactions as well as product quality. This study collectively talks to 55 000 South African vehicle consumers on average each year. Respondents are interviewed three months after purchasing their vehicles to ascertain which, if any, problems have been encountered during the first few months of ownership. The score is calculated as problems per 100 vehicles. A lower score equates to a better results in Synovates PP100 study explains Andries Lombaard, Client Services Director at Synovate. MercedesBenzs best score (for the A-Class) is at an incredibly low 14 PP100 meaning that out of 10 vehicles of this model, at least 8 are completely problem-free, even from the smallest squeak or rattle. The good news is that the vehicle market as a whole has performed very well and problems per 100 vehicles have decreased dramatically over the last decade, from 182 problems per 100 vehicles in 2001 to 81 problems per 100 vehicles this year. The industry average has been consistently improving over the years and the manufacturers are reaching a standard that has never been seen before. This rate of improvement is going to be difficult to sustain, but based on past performance, vehicle owners are very likely to continue to benefit from fewer and fewer quality problems states Lombaard. "Looking across the segments squeaks and rattles are by far the most common problem, followed by issues with electronically operated items. Lombaard points out. This is compared to a low count of mechanical and performance problems. What this means is that vehicles are very reliable from a mechanical point of view and that other issues that do not

necessarily impact on the basic reliability of vehicles are becoming more important to consumers." So the next time your grandfather tells you that they dont make cars like they used to, take a badly fitting panel from his 1956 Fleetfoot and shove it up his corroded tailpipe. Looking at the stats, the Mercedes-Benz A Class was the top performer by far, but other vehicles with phenomenally low faults, fewer than 40 PP100, were the Volvo S40, the Mercedes-Benz M Class, the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz E Class.

From a value for money perspective, the Toyota Yaris T1 with 41 PP100 was also an exceptional score. So there you have it, and the vehicle manufacturers can be very proud of their efforts. However, when one realises that the following brands were not part of the survey, for various reasons, you also understand that the survey is not complete, by far: Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac, Chana, Chery, Citron, Ferrari, Foton, Geely, Gonow, GWM, Hafei, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lotus, Mahindra, Maserati, Meiya, Porsche, Proton, Saab, Smart, Subaru, Suzuki and Tata. Another feather in Mercedes-Benz cap was the discretionary Platinum Award awarded to them for Exceptional Quality Over Time.

Christina Aguelira also has only 14 PP100 that is why she chooses the A-Class

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Rally

Awards

SA Rally Championship Class Winner Awards Dinner

After a frenetic year, with its usual share of blood, sweat and tears, the curtain came down on a dramatic year at the Awards Dinner for the prestigious Sasol SA Rally Championship on Saturday 13 November 2010 at the Theatre on the Track in Kyalami, Midrand.
ll the class winners and runners-up were acknowledged at the awards ceremony, and ABRs Howard Keeg was there to mingle with the prize winners and to get a sense of what such an evening means to both winners and losers. Judging by the tales of derring-do and the hardships endured, as well as the ultimate triumph for some, and the trials and tribulations for both participants and officials, it was heartening to see that the competitive edge had been put aside for the evening, and that both winners and losers had come together for a relaxed year end bash. Willie du Plessis, President of the SA Rally Commission, and Maurice Radebe, Managing Director of Sasol Oil, were there to hand out the awards, and Vusi Cwane, General Manager Sales & Marketing Sasol Oil, gave the keynote address, reminding the audience that Sasol has had a relationship with motorsport since 1962, and are committed to taking rallying to the less traditional areas. He also challenged other sponsors to get involved in this endeavour.

A
Class A5 Class A6 Class A7

The awards presented were for all the rally classes in 2010:
Winners
Ashley Haig-Smith and Hilton Auffray Megan Verlaque and Oliver Verlaque Leeroy Poulter and Henry Dearlove Gugu Zulu and Cindi Harding Joos Stassen and Danie Stassen Enzo Kuun and Guy Hodgson Class N3

Runners-up
Morne Janse van Rensburg and Derek Jacobs Robson Maganezi and Willem Hugo Craig Trott and Robbie Coetzee van Aardt Schoeman and Chris de Wet Mike Nathan and Etienne Lourens Johnny Gemmell and Drew Sturrock

Class N4 Class S2000

Johnny Gemmell accepted the S2000 runners-up award from Willie du Plessis and Maurice Radebe

Guy Hodgson did the honours for the major award of the evening
December 2010 / January 2011

Some of the ecstatic winners

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Update

MISA
natural consequence of this initiative was the creation of a Woman of the Year Award, to give specific and tangible recognition to the women who balance family life and a career with active community involvement. The attributes that the judges put great store on were inner strength, power, and respect. Added to this would be a positive impact on the people with whom she interacts. In short, not exactly a wonder woman, but a person who believes in herself, committed to her work and family life, while at the same time making a difference in her community. To quote Leah Casselman, former President of OPSEU (Ontario Public Service Employees Union), What is at the heart of a leader is

Woman of the Year 2010

The five regional finalists were present at a special gala event at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg on Thursday 11 November 2010, to see who was going to walk away with the inaugural MISA Woman of the Year title. Ryk Neethling, one of South Africas swimming legends, was there to present the awards, and the Honourable Minister of Economic Development, Ebrahim Patel, gave the keynote speech, which ended with a rousing call for South Africa to start a journey with a firm belief and a national consensus, and to position itself to take advantage of new technologies and to create jobs around the governments vision of five million new jobs in the next decade, otherwise unemployment will create a crisis for our democracy.

In 2009 the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) established a Womens Forum to promote the interests of the thousands of women who work and build careers in the South African retail motor sector. The forum also identified the needs to educate, empower and support women in this sector.

Two trade union stalwarts greet each other warmly that we have the opportunity to make a difference in peoples lives. That chance doesnt come along very often. Its an important and a rare privilege. Its something to take seriously, but also to enjoy.

Ryk Neethling handed over the finalists certificates to:

Eastern Cape: Ranette Muller of TAVCOR Motor Group, George

Natal: Kogivethi Govender of McCarthy Toyota, Mobeni The MISA Woman of the Year for 2010 is Northern/Highvelds Ansie van Rhyn of Mercedes Benz, Rosebank. She is flanked by Dana de Villiers, MISA CEO, and Minister Ebrahim Patel

Free State/Northern Cape: Lorraine van Zyl of Magnis Trucks, Bloemfontein

Western Province: Jacqueline Daya of Audi Claremont

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Alfa

Romeo

A Century of Style
After 100 years of motoring evolution and stylish chic, the all-new Alfa Giulietta took pride of place at the glass-domed Alfa Romeo Centenary display at Melrose Arch Piazza, Johannesburg, when it was unveiled on Wednesday evening, 17 November 2010.

haring the stage with seven of its iconic predecessors: ranging from a 1982 Giulietta 1.8 to an extremely rare 1959 Giulietta Sprint Speciale (Low Nose), the new Giulietta is the culmination of over a half of century of extrovert styling, racy appeal, attractive looks and accessible pricing. The latest incarnation has Alfa Romeos D.N.A. (Dynamic, Normal or All-Weather) selector, Electronic Q2 differential and the VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) system. The new Giulietta range comprises three turbocharged petrol engines (all Euro 5 compliant) with complementary high levels of kit: 1.4 TBi Progression 88kW @ 5000rpm /206Nm @ 1750rpm; MultiAir 1.4 TBi Distinctive 125kW @ 5500rpm/ 250Nm @ 2500rpm; and the 1750 TBi Quadrifoglio Verde 173kW @ 5500rpm/340Nm @ 1900rpm. Other goodies include Start&Stop technology, Blue&Me communication, DST (Dynamic Steering Torque) system, and the brand-new Pre-Fill system, which alerts the braking system that the accelerator pedal has been released, to decrease intervention time and consequently braking distance. Pricing starts at R243 000 (incl. Vat and Emissions Tax) for the 1.4 TBi Progression, with the 125kW MultiAir 1.4 TBi Distinctive coming in at R279 900, and the flagship 173kW 1750 TBi Quadrifoglio Verde will set you back R330 275. But enough of the words, and feast your eyes on these beauties.
December 2010 / January 2011

addition and the new ily m fa e th to

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Update

FEDERAL MOGUL 2010 ROADSHOW HIGHLIGHTS NEW TECHNOLOGY

Leading vehicle component manufacturer, Federal Mogul, hosted its 2010 Road Show from 26 October to 11 November countrywide, informing industry partners, customers and media representatives of the latest company developments and offering participants a glimpse of new products and future growth plans.
rading in 38 African countries, Federal Mogul recognises the current growth opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa and is investigating local markets to ensure the companys product offering matches market demands. Global markets seem to have evolved into three main segments the original equipment (OE) replacement premium brand, the affordable mid-range and the low-cost repair entry level, says Chris Hillier, Sales and Marketing Director for Africa, Federal Mogul. In line with these industry developments, the company has strengthened its focus on developing products that cover a wide range of applications. We will in future be introducing various new product lines and will continue to improve service across the board, promises Hillier.

Branding and information was readily available

Chris Hillier, Sales and Marketing Director - Africa (left) and Malcolm Perrie, Managing Director, Federal Mogul South Africa, at one of the road shows where Federal Mogul announced the re-branding of some of its products and the expansion of its product range to stakeholders.

At this years road show, Federal Mogul announced the re-branding of some of its products, as well as the expansion of its range by four new products. The two new additions to the AE range are valve guides and timing belts. Providing higher oil retention, lower friction and extended lifespan, the new AE sintered valve guides are laser etched, not stamp rolled, and are manufactured to a dimensional tolerance of 0.01mm. Including multi-ribbed V-belts (MVB), single-ribbed V-belts (SVB) and timing belts (TB), Federal Moguls AE belts are

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Industry
manufactured with curved teeth that are stronger, quieter and longer lasting, thanks to the latest production technology. More information on these can be found in the new product catalogues available from the company. The latest symmetric Champion Universal wiper blade design ensures a better fit to modern curved windscreens and ranges from 330mm to 650mm in steps of 25mm. These wiper blades are now manufactured with composite links and a main metal bridge, which is galvanised, epoxy painted and then polyester powder coated for protection against rust, explains Hillier. In the same category, Champion flat blades also offer excellent windscreen contact, plus multi-connector applications and retrofitting for older vehicles. Improved aerodynamics result in outstanding high-speed performance and a patented simple Bayonet safety connection system provides 100% security against blade loss. The final Federal Mogul launch discussed at this years road show was the re-branding of Ferodo brake pads as the new Ferodo Premier range. These top-of-the-line brake pads are specially designed in-house for vehicle manufacturers and then directly transferred to the aftermarket. The pads offer the shortest stopping distances for peace of mind, as well as extended durability and minimum brake noise for enhanced driver comfort. Hillier says: There are numerous other range extensions planned. Our main goal is to continue making advanced global vehicle technology available to the South African market.

Update

Industry partners, customers and media representatives were brought up to speed on the latest company developments and offerings by Federal Mogul at its annual countrywide road shows. Staff members also attended the road show at Emperors Palace.

What is a road show without some light hearted humour in this case provided by No. 23, who wowed the audience
December 2010 / January 2011

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Industry

Update

From Kitchen to Workshop

UPP (United Power Purchasing) has an interesting history. Established in 1969 by J.L. Steenkamp under the name Impala Indent Agencies, which remains the name of UPPs indent clearing company, UPP began life as a high quality crockery and cutlery supplier, before dabbling in the export of used executive vehicles, primarily German marques, to Hong Kong, before eventually finding the perfect niche as an importer of high quality, competitively prices workshop tools. The name United Power Purchasing denotes the combined purchasing power of the retailers who began to place orders in the late 1980s, when UPP initially started with drop shipments, and the cumulative effect of these orders was significant enough to give UPP negotiating clout with the suppliers. The commitment and loyalty shown to the retailers by UPP in the early days played a big part in its success, and this commitment not to supply the major stores remains today, and UPP continues to build on its strong relationship with the retailing fraternity.
he secret of success, says Russell Steenkamp, Managing Director of UPP, is an extensive range of workshop quality tools, as opposed to DIY quality, at competitive prices, with the added value of knowledge and expertise built up over the past 40 years. UPPs many fact finding trips over the years has allowed it to establish two brands. It is the sole importer of the wellknown King Tony range of professional automotive tools, and it also has its inhouse brand, Micro-Tec, which is a second line of professional quality workshop tools. The knowledge and expertise that Russell refers to is the ability to find the source, i.e. the factories of potential suppliers, and to visit these factories and to watch the process of manufacturing, and to identify the manufacturers with the ability and capability to produce a consistently high quality. That is why all products under the Micro-Tec brand come from companies with ISO9001 and 9002 certification, which assures consistency. This commitment to quality has stood UPP in good stead, and it is now a name to be reckoned with in the workshop equipment industry. It is renowned for its aftersales back-up, and its no quibble warranty policy, and the many workshops around South Africa know that UPPs range of tools is extensive, in both King Tony and Micro-Tec brands. UPP has three outlets in South Africa. Its head office and main branch is in Olifantsfontein, Gauteng, with other branches in Durban and Cape Town, and it has a strict policy of only selling to retail stores. The good news is that UPP intends to extend its range in 2011, and the workshop fraternity can look forward to exciting news in the coming months.

Open Day

On the weekend of 6/7th November, UPP held its open day at its main branch in Olifantsfontein, whereby its customers could visit, partake of food and drink in a great environment, and take advantage of holiday specials.

The highly motivated UPP team were on hand to make the day a special day.

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Product

Update

Halogen, LED or Xenon Lights

New Auxiliary Driving Lamp and Working Lights from Bosch to Suit Every Need and Use
Robust, all-round work lamp using proven halogen technology Xenon work lamp with increased light output Maintenance-free LED work lamp with low power consumption New halogen auxiliary driving lamp for optimum road illumination Bosch has upgraded its range of products with the addition of a new halogen auxiliary driving lamp as well as new work lamps with flood and spot beam, optionally equipped with a conventional halogen light, high-performance LEDs or Xenon light. With three different lamp technologies to choose from, Bosch is able to offer a range of high-quality products in every price bracket and performance class. All lamps are supplied with a complete assembly set for retrofitting. The robust work lamps from Bosch are used primarily in agriculture and forestry as well as in the construction industry. They are also frequently used in vehicles owned by municipal bodies. Halogen Work Lamps The halogen work lamps are suitable for every area of application. Designed for protection class IP6K9K they have a stainless steel bracket and are particularly robust and weather-resistant. The halogen work lamps are available with a flood light beam for wide shortrange illumination and with a bundled spot light beam for longrange illumination. LED Technology in Work Lamps for a Long Service Life The new LED work lamps from Bosch are above all characterised by their long service life, high vibration-resistance and low power consumption. The flood light beam version is equipped with six high-performance LEDs that illuminate a wide, short-range work area with a very even daylight effect. The spot light beam version is designed for optimum illumination of more distant work areas. This bundled light is generated by seven high-performance LEDs. The LED work lamps are maintenance-free and with no bulb replacement required, the higher purchase price soon pays for itself. Powerful Auxiliary Driving Lamp with an Attractive Design Xenon Work Lamps with 40 Percent More Light Output The new Xenon working light Pilot X 45Wis now available on the market. Upgraded to 45 watts, the Pilot X 45W boasts around 40 percent more light than its 35-watt predecessor. The Xenon working light is particularly compact in terms of design and is characterized by daylight-effect light distribution over a wide area. With its robust housing and IPX4 protection classification, the Pilot X 45W is extremely weather-proof. A halogen auxiliary driving lamp is a further addition to the Bosch range. It offers very wide, even light distribution, thereby ensuring optimum road illumination. At the same time, the high-beam light with its robust plastic housing and high-quality chrome ring makes for an impressive design. The nine-inch auxiliary lamp is fitted mainly in heavy-duty trucks across most of Europe. In Scandinavia, however, a seven-inch version of the powerful auxiliary lamp is a popular choice with passenger car drivers.
December 2010 / January 2011

84

Intelli-Driving

Something for every TomTom, DickDick, and HarryHarry

On a wet 18th November 2010, at the Maxis restaurant overlooking the NI at New Road, Midrand, TomTom, the worlds leading provider of location and navigation solutions, announced the availability of its high-end GO 1000 LIVE device, packed with hot new features, super-fast routing and an intelligent screen.
The brand new GO 1000 range is the future of driving, says Joost Jetten, Vice President, Sales Sub Sahara Africa. From the finger-friendly touch screen and slick magnetic mount to speedier route calculation and our richest maps yet, these super satnav devices will get drivers to their destination faster, safer and smarter than ever before. This is TomToms first device to feature the capacitive Fluid Touch screen. Drivers can pinch to zoom in and out of maps, or scroll through menus with the tips of their fingers; the screen responds intelligently and sensitively to even the lightest touch. This, coupled with an improved user interface, makes for an interactive navigation experience. The TomTom GO 1000 range also features TomToms newest mount design, the Easy Click magnetic mount, which makes docking and undocking easier than ever before. Drivers simply hold their GO device against the mount and it glides effortlessly into place, so they can start their journey even faster. And thats not all: thanks to a powerful, super-fast computer processor, drivers will enjoy speedier route calculation, while IQ Routes uses real speed data collected from millions of users to calculate accurate travel and arrival times. Plus every device comes with new, richer upto-date maps of Southern Africa (10 Southern African maps) as well as superior and award-winning TomTom HD Traffic with real-time updates every two minutes. The TomTom GO 1000 LIVE, including one year of LIVE Services for free, will be available from all retail stores nationwide, for R 3999.00. The LIVE Services subscription will cost R499.00 for the second year. TomTom has also recently published its Traffic Manifesto, outlining how TomTom drivers hold the key to reducing traffic congestion for themselves and every driver around them. The TomTom Traffic Manifesto states that if 10% of people drive with the TomTom HD Traffic system, a
December 2010 /

real-time collective effect will be created, making roads flow more efficiently and reducing journey times for all. The Manifesto outlines TomToms mission - to reduce traffic congestion for everyone. It presents four key action areas, designed to accelerate mass adoption of intelligent route guidance systems. TomTom will continue to Joost Jetten, TomToms Vice President Sales Sub Saharan Africa, with Aki Anastasiou, Radio 702s traffic guru, at the launch of the GO 1000 Live. work with individuals, businesses, organisations and governments to see the full scope of its plans become a reality. The four commitments are: to encourage and inspire people to play a role in reducing traffic congestion; to increase the availability of TomTom HD Traffic; to lead the continuous improvement of traffic and route guidance technology; and to bring together key traffic stakeholders to share ideas and drive actions forward. We know that traffic congestion is not going to disappear completely, but we can do something significant to reduce it today, says Jetten. Were embarking on this mission because we love driving and hate traffic, and know that millions of drivers around the world feel this way too. We genuinely believe that TomTom has a role to play in helping to reduce traffic congestion in countries all over the world.

This is a feature that ABR loves you can be part of the speed trap identification squad get enough motorists doing this and we may force the metro cops to go from revenue collecting mode to traffic law enforcement mode. Do South Africa a favour!
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WIlde

Things

by Fingal Wilde

Is there a Doctor in the House?

When we have health issues, we visit the doctors rooms. When our car needs some gentle loving care, we visit an automotive service centre, where the technicians play the role of car doctor. Both doctor and technician fulfil a vital role in the health of the community, and the health of the nations car and people parc. And both charge for their professional services. That, I am afraid, is where the similarity ends.

vs
et me explain. A colleague of mine recently had severe backache, so she took herself off to her regular GP. He was, unfortunately, as useful as a screen door on a submarine, so she went a little higher, and visited a specialist, i.e. an orthopaedic surgeon. After a raft of expensive X-Rays, outrageously expensive MRI scans, pricey cortisone injections, and multiple visits of physician head scratching (all charged for at twice the medical aid rate), the specialist eventually threw in the towel and had to admit that despite his years and years of training at top medical schools, he could neither diagnose the problem nor alleviate the pain. Next step was a motley crew of chiropractors, physiotherapists, even alternative wackos such as acupuncturists, and all to no avail. A scary state of affairs, but even scarier, at R18 age restriction level, was that each and every one of these clowns, from GP to specialist to acupuncturist, all displayed amazing levels of proficiency and efficiency in producing a bill, and astronomical levels of performance in collecting payment. Now, close your eyes and imagine these self-same quacks taking their ailing vehicles (normally executive German sedans retailing north of R800 000) to an automotive workshop, and

after many hours of diagnostic tests and on the road checks, for the technician to admit that he cannot solve the problem. A bit farfetched, I know, because automotive technicians always find the problem. But hypothetically, imagine this situation coming to pass, and imagine the outrage that will pursue if the technician had the temerity to produce a bill for thousands of Rands for his time and effort. Not for solving the problem, but the time he took in the useless quest. An explosion akin to Vesuvius venting its spleen would follow, liberally laced with snide remarks about the technicians competence, professionalism, diagnostic skills, and whatever else that would come to mind during the tirade. And the result will be an unhappy doctor, and an unpaid technician. Versus the previous scenario, which resulted in an unhappy patient and a well-padded wallet for the non-performing doctor. All I can say, with tears in my eyes, is that automotive technicians are the true unsung heroes of our society, whilst our medicos are the sultans of non-performing swine.

Whats

the

Buzz?

Volvo Cars starts development of fuel cells to extend the electric car's operating range
Volvo Cars is now taking the next step towards next-generation electric car technology. Backed by research support from the Swedish Energy Agency the company is initiating development of a fuel cell that can extend the electric car's operating range without any carbon dioxide emissions. The aim is to have two prototype chassis based on the Volvo C30 DRIVe Electric ready for testing in everyday traffic in 2012. Volvo Cars is working together with the company Powercell Sweden AB on this project. The technology generates electricity completely without any emissions of carbon oxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and particles. Due to the highly efficient process, emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) are significantly reduced compared with a conventional vehicle. The end products are electricity, water and a small amount of carbon dioxide.

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Its Pole Position for SKF Sponsorship of Auby Boyz Race Team
SKF South Africa has been a proud sponsor of the highly successful Auby Boyz Race Team since 2009 and this winning partnership remains in the driving seat, going from success to success in the 2010 race season.

Brandon Auby on his way to winning the WesBank Super Series 2010 Championship
Brandon Auby, by clinching the WesBank Super Series 2010 Championship in his ELT International Jaguar, makes him the youngest driver ever to win this event. The Auby name, with sons, Marc, Jimmy and Brandon, and father, Deon, has been synonymous with motor racing for many years, having won so many prestigious titles in their illustrious careers. The race cars are maintained in-house at ELT and SKF is responsible of all the bearing components. SKF, as a knowledge engineering company, combines technical know-how with product superiority to offer automotive rotating equipment solutions and play an active supporting role in motor sport both locally and internationally. Commenting on the Auby Boyz success, SKF South Africa, Automotive Manager, Marchant Taylor, says that this sponsorship has been a win-win situation for everyone. From the get go our approach to sponsorship has been to become functionally and technologically involved and to actively participate rather than to just throw money at it. We have stuck to our policy and it is paying dividends. Brandon and Deon are enjoying a phenomenal 2010 season. According to the Auby Boyz, they are now seeing and benefitting from the long term benefits that they predicted a year ago would result from the SKF sponsorship. With over a century of experience in rotating equipment, the quality and reliability of SKF products are unquestionable. The SKF Team has given us tremendous support offering the full package - technology, product, assistance and advice and we have peace of mind knowing that we can count on them. Last year we placed our trust and confidence in SKF and it has certainly paid off. SKF is delivering and the proof of the pudding lies in the fact that our cars are consistently reliable and this is what wins championships. It all comes down to the old adage To finish first, first you must finish, comments Deon Auby. We deliver reliability through engineering and we will assist the Auby Boyz Race Team with more than just bearings. We will provide superior quality products by utilising all five SKFs platforms, bearings and units, seals, lubrication solutions, mechatronics and mechanical and reliability engineering services. Our main focus is to provide solutions to improve performance and reliability and we will be with the Auby Boyz all the way to solve problems as they occur. SKF is extremely proud of the partnership and believe that this new sponsorship will be a winner for both the Auby Boyz and SKF, concludes Taylor.

Hot off the Press

Brandons efforts earned him a seat in the MotorZone Chev Lumina in the International Superstar Series at Kyalami on the 26/28 November 2010, alongside team-mate Johnny Herbert, former Formula One driver and Le Mans 24 hour winner December 2010 / January 2011

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Our

Earth

The Incredible Efficiency of the Two Door Rocket Stove

Anyone who doesnt yet know that our planet is under stress because of the profligate ways of the species on top of the pecking order, i.e. you and me and those other six billion homo sapiens with the carbon footprint of many volcanoes; has probably been in a coma for a couple of decades.
he onus is on each and every one of us to do something about it. The ideal situation would be for us to go back to our hunter gatherer ways, but then it would mean that 80% of us would have to move on to a higher plane for this to be sustainable, and the remaining 20% would need to forego their carbon creating habits. Simply not on, Im afraid. Well, not yet, anyway. So, second prize is for us all to contribute in some way. Corporations are taking the lead, and some high profile individuals are also doing their thing, but what does the average Joe do? For those us who enjoy a potjie, the 2 door stove is a very good start. The Rocket Stove is a wood or charcoal burning cooking stove that was developed for developing economies. It is easy to construct, with low-cost materials, and these low-mass stoves are designed to burn small pieces of wood very efficiently. Cooking is done on top of a short insulated chimney, and in the very poor areas, the stoves are typically constructed out of trash: tin cans, old stovepipes, etc. A metal skirt around the pot is used to help hold heat in, increasing the efficiency. For fuel, Rocket Stoves use branches, twigs, small wood scraps, or just about any small combustible material. The pieces of wood or other material burn at their tips, increasing combustion efficiency, creating a very hot fire, and eliminating smoke. The low-mass stove body and insulated chimney assure that the heat goes into the cooking pot, not into the stove. Rocket stoves can save enormous amounts of fuel, cooking complete meals while using very few resources. However, an interesting phenomenon has arisen, and that is the rise of the 2-door stove in all markets. No doubt the bunny huggers love it, but it is also a very clean way to do a potjie, even though this was not the original use for this stove. You can

g very stove in action, usin The StoveTec 2 door g practically no smoke in little fuel and emitt

Six briquettes, a sm all piece of firelighter , and a scrap of paper cooks dinner for eight...

use wood, charcoal, pine cones, corn cobs, and you leave no ash, and because of its incredible efficiency, the carbon footprint is a fraction of what youll normally leave. The Global Alliance has recently announced the launch of a programme to get clean stoves into 100 million homes by 2020, because these stoves have the ability to save lives, reduce climate change and decrease deforestation, but of course sufficient scale is needed. So get onto the bandwagon, and do your thing. Contact Restio Energy (Pty) Ltd - www.restio.co.za; 021 850 0771; admin@restio.co.za for more info.
December

re s, but that leaves mo It does take four hour this. for time

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Midas

Sport

A series of articles on Midas motorsport initiatives in 2010

A Magical Year for Midas Motorsport

When Midas made a decision in late 2009 to re-enter motorsport sponsorship, it was with circumspection and reflection, which resulted in a structured approach, eschewing high profile and expensive projects. The result was sponsorships spread across the spectrum, with support for many drivers. Production Cars, the Protour, Formula Ford, the Clubman Series, Historicals, Oval Track, Motocross, Regional Rallying, Modified Saloons, and even Bass Fishing got the nod, recognising the lifestyle element of the Midas Shops.
he result has been a magical year of Midas sponsorship, with many highlights, and a couple of lows, but overall the objectives as set by Stefan le Roux, Midas Franchise, Marketing and Commercial Vehicle Director, were met. Stefan said at the outset that we need to recognise our leadership role in the automotive aftermarket and to participate in motorsport and related activities across the country, and by so doing Midas will be putting something back for our customers and our franchisees in a structured and responsible manner. ABR gives a pictorial overview of some of the action and some of the heroes: A Midas Motorsport Plymouth Fury driven by Hennie Groenewald thrills the crowds at Zwartkops Raceway Pic acknowledgement: Dave Hastie, Classic & Performance Car Africa

Robbie Wolk was in a class of his own in the Midas Formula Ford championship, claiming the title with many races to spare

Adrian Zaugg made a cameo appearance in the Midas Sport Lotus Exige

Richard Pinard and his Subaru STI at the last race of the season at Kyalami on 28 November the foray by Midas into Production Cars has been a roller coaster of emotions and 2011 promises to be just as exciting

Pic acknowledgement: David Ledbitter

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Student

Racing

A String of Firsts
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Universitys FORMULA STUDENT Racing Team has claimed a string of firsts this past year: FIRST South African University to successfully run a FORMULA STUDENT racing project FIRST South African University to DESIGN a complete Formula Student racing car from scratch FIRST South African University to BUILD a Formula Student racing car FIRST South African University to RACE a Formula Student racing car FIRST South African University to COMPETE in the KNYSNA HILLCLIMB race (22-24 Oct 2010)

NMMU Racing First!

fter more than two years of determined effort by a dedicated team of students NMMU Racing became the first South African University team to design, build and race a Formula Student car! NMMU Racing participated in the Knysna Hillclimb race 22-24 October, as a precursor to the Formula Student Germany competition in August 2011. We were met with a great deal of enthusiasm by the organisers of the Hillclimb, who provided us with a free entry into the race. The Knysna Hillclimb, was an ideal testing ground for our vehicle, while providing the opportunity of displaying our Formula Student car to the South African As the race weekend drew closer, the pace of work escalated to the point where the team worked through many nights resolving component and assembly issues.

On the Saturday morning of the race, the car was wheeled out into the street for the first test drive, and after starting the engine, the vehicle slowly rolled down the road under its own power for the first time, followed by shouts of excitement and tears of joy and relief! We arrived at the Hillclimb race full of enthusiasm and after com-peting registration, had to undergo scrutineering, to check the safety aspects of the vehicle. Some concerns were raised by the organisers, but they agreed to let us drive the course at a moderate pace. Our turn eventually arrived and the vehicle burst into life at the starting line, completing the 2km course without incident. There was a great deal of interest shown in the vehicle by fellow competitors and spectators, who were very impressed with the fact that the car was entirely designed and built by the students themselves. With many obstacles to overcome, there were times then the team felt overwhelmed by the challenge, but through sheer de-termination and teamwork, we were able to meet our objective of competing in the Knysna Hill-climb race, thereby becoming the first South African University to successfully design and build a Formula Student racing car!

Other lastminute challenges included new laser cut brake discs manufactured the day be-fore the race, while the exhaust system, which was handbuilt by Graham from Coker Race Products in Cape Town, was person-ally delivered to the team in Knysna on Saturday morning! A frame covering was fitted in lieu of a full vehicle body, which was not ready in time, allowing us to display our team and sponsors logos on the vehicle.

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Fast

Wheels

F1 Title goes to Worlds Fastest Combo

by Roger McCleery

Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Renault) pulled the F1 World Title out of the bag at the 19th and final race of the 2010 season at Abu Dhabi. This was his 5th GP win of the season.
Merc. No chance. Unsportingly he gave Petrov the finger after the race and his body language appeared to basically blame Petrov for not letting him through. Webber had a rotten race following Alonso and was basically out of it from the start. But well done to the cool drink company, Red Bull, their cars and top drivers. One thing that is almost overlooked is the design of the Red Bull cars, which are built in Milton Keynes in England on behalf of the Austrian Red Bull owner, Dietrich Maleschitz. The designer is Adrian Newey, who has taken Williams and McLaren, and now Red Bull, to world championships. You see him in the pit lane each Grand Prix, quietly going about his business. He is a genius. The other thing is that not too many people, including the French, make a fuss of French engineering. Renault engines came home 1st and 3rd, 8th and 13th in the World Championship and took the Manufacturers Title. Renault has won 9 Formula 1 Constructors Championships 7 of them customer teams using their engines. 130 GP wins have come their way since 1979 when they got into GP racing. Lotus are going to use Renault engines next year as well. Bridgestone, the worlds largest rubber company, has bowed out of Formula 1 racing after coming on the scene in 1997. They enjoyed 176 wins. Pirelli is taking over as the sole supplier, and will be doing some intensive testing before the season gets going in March 2011. 2010 will go down as one of the most dramatic and exciting years of F1 racing on some of the best, and also some of the worst, most boring circuits in the world. The last time 4 drivers went into the final round with a chance of winning was in 1956 with Fangio, Moss, Behra and Pete Collins. To win the championship, Fangio took over Collins car during the Grand Prix to win the race and the title. Talk about team instructions. Imagine if that happened today. Roll on March 2011.

ot only is the German assassin the youngest driver at 23 to win the world championship, but he is undoubtedly the fastest combination of car and driver on any GP circuit. He can win in the dry and definitely in the wet, as Monza 2009 proved when he took his maiden GP win. He also brings a happy smiling face to GP racing and not those miseries we had on the podium, like Senna and Prost, when their personal spat was at its height. Coming into the final GP at Abu Dhabi, Vettel was 14 points behind the leader, Fernando Alonso in the Ferrari, and 7 points behind his teammate, Mark Webber. I dont think anybody gave him a chance of making up those points with that sort of competition ahead of him. Vettel led Webber home in Brazil and didnt let him through to win. People thought this was selfish and not a good team decision as this would have put Webber just a single point behind Alonso. Red Bull said there were no team instructions, the drivers must go for it themselves. And that is what happened. Vettel was brilliant throughout the weekend. Pole position, he led from the start and was never headed to the flag and the World Championship. Behind him Hamilton with an outside chance of taking the title, was putting on the pressure throughout, Button had passed Alonso off the line and this helped to put paid to any chances Ferrari had of winning. Alonso had Webber on his tail waiting to pounce through all 55 laps. The safety car was sent out at the end of lap 1 when Michael Schumacher spun and Liuzzi mounted his car and nearly took Schumachers head off with his left front wheel. The safety car also brought a herd of cars into the pits to get rid of the hard tyres for the softer stickier compounds. This mixed things up a bit and when the scheduled pit stops started to happen around lap 15, those who had not changed tyres during the safety car period over 4 laps lost out. Particularly Alonso, who slotted in 7th behind the flying Renault of Russian, Petrov. He couldnt pass him and his championship chances were basically gone. Even on this wide circuit with the longest straight, passing was impossible except in the pits, as is fairly normal in GP racing. If he wanted to finish in 4th position and take the title, he still had to pass Petrov, Kubica in his Renault, and Rosberg in the

Answers
1. Enzo Kuun and Guy Hodgson 2. Geoff Mortimer (South Africas best all-round sportsman) 3. 74 (amazing) 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Wesley Orr Brandon Auby (18 2010) East London GP Circuit Toyota (Yaris) Matra 4 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. American Freddie Spencer Roll Benz Velo 901 Marcos and Morgan 1.5 litre V12 75 kW 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

From page 42
BMW VW Bridgestone Geely - China Brazilian

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THe

Fink

Letters to the Editor

ABR receives letters to the editor from various sources, and whilst most of these letters are naturally automotive related, many are diverse in both content and approach. We do take notice of the letters that criticise our spelling or our grammar (yes, folks, people cut into their busy schedules to take the trouble to point out our foibles), and we take seriously those who point out factual errors, even though nine times out of ten we are correct in the first place. The point is, we do appreciate the feedback that we receive, even if it is not exactly what we are looking for. It is for this reason that this month the R500 Midas voucher goes to Mrs M. Ellis from Cape Town, who has knocked on our door quite a few times this year. We give an abridged version of her latest letter:

Dear Fink, With reference to the AIDC Quiz on page 28 of your November 2010 issue, question no.3 asks which South African car manufacturer has its own museum. The answers on page 94 give Volkswagen in Uitenhage as the answer to this question. This is partly correct, but I would like to point out that Mercedes-Benz in East London definitely has its own museum, and I am sure that the other manufacturers also have their own museums in one way or the other. Please ask Mr McCleery to be more precise with his research in future. I do love quizzes and puzzles so I request that your publication expands its quiz and puzzle sections, and over and above the AIDC quiz and the Sudoku puzzles, why not give us a bit of culture, such as a music quiz. And I do mean music as in classical, and not the noise that we get today that passes for music. To assist you, I attach a little quiz that I compiled, and if your readers enjoy this, I will be only too happy to provide further quizzes. Yours in Culture Mrs M. Ellis Muizenberg Editors Comment Thanks for this Mrs Ellis. I do not disagree with you that ABR, and indeed the automotive industry needs a dose of culture. We currently rely on our correspondent Fingal Wilde to provide this, and all he does is go off on political tangents, for which I receive abusive calls. Thus, because it is Xmas time, and I am well known as being unafraid to go out on a limb, I am willing to print this quiz, and to see what reaction we receive. It is clear that you know your classical music, and I detect in your letter that you do like to harp on issues, and that you could be highly strung, which means that you are prone to violins. You also beat your own drum, which is another kettle of fish. Since you come from Cape Town, it would not surprise me that you also have a liking for wind instruments. The quiz may be a mountain to climb for our regular readers, but to give them something to do over the Xmas break, here it is (I am a little embarrassed to admit that I got only five correct, and my head hurt for hours after the attempt whereas with the AIDC automotive quiz I regularly get 14, 15, even 18 once, which I suppose makes me more petrolhead than egghead). Since Im Methodist, Question 4 was a doddle. This is a clue to our readers. And another clue, question 7 is a peach. With further embarrassment, I can also tell our readers that the answer to no. 19 is definitely not Alfred Hitchcock. And for those who didnt know, Chopin was not a Canadian lumberjack, and I am not going down the road of commenting on Felix Mendelssohns sisters name. Im sure that there are some of ABRs readers who will nail this quiz, so anyone who gets over 15, please tell me. Classical Music Quiz No. 1 (compiled by Mrs M. Ellis from Muizenberg, Cape Town): 1. How many Hungarian Rhapsodies did Liszt write? 2. Which heroic tenor was known as The Great Dane? 3. Which composer, besides Puccini, wrote an opera called La Boheme? 4. Who wrote Hark The Heralds Angels Sing? 5. What was Clara Schumanns maiden name? 6. Which two American tenors were brothers in law? 7. Which Australian soprano had a dessert named after her? 8. Who was the first tenor to be recorded? 9. Who wrote the Minute Waltz? 10. Who wrote the libretto for Verdis La Traviata? 11. Who wrote the opera The Fair Lady of Perth? 12. Who was known as the American Caruso? 13. Gustav Holst wrote a suite for orchestra based on astrological associations. What is it called? 14. What was the music which Mozart, at age 14. Wrote down after a single hearing? 15. What are the dances from Borodins Prince Igor called? 16. Who wrote the Cornish Rhapsody? 17. Felix Mendelssohns sister was also a composer. What was her name? 18. For which film did Richard Addinsell write The Warsaw Concerto? 19. Who wrote the opera Psyche in 1671? 20. Which soprano, whose name rhymes with gorgeous, starred in the film The Great Waltz? Answers on page 96.

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2011

Win a Midas Voucher

The FINK is looking for letters to the Editor. The more the merrier, and the more thought provoking of these shall find their way into ABR. The best letter will win a Midas voucher to the value of R500. So get out those pens and write to: The Fink P O Box 102 Wendywood, 2144 Or Fax 0866 579 289 Or email:bigheart@iafrica.com The judges decision, no matter how one-eyed they are, will be final.

The

Last

Writes

by Baron Claude Borlz

For our more discerning readers .....

Golf Balls Dont you just love the Irish?

A man entered the bus with both of his front pockets full of golf balls and sat down next to a beautiful (you guessed it) blonde. The puzzled blonde kept looking at him and his bulging pockets. Finally, after many such glances from her, he said, "Its golf balls." Nevertheless, the blonde continued to look at him for a very long time, deeply thinking about what he had said. After several minutes, not being able to contain her curiosity any longer, she asked, "Does it hurt as much as tennis elbow?" Paddy shouts frantically into the phone "My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart!" "Is this her first child?" asks the Doctor. "No", shouts Paddy, "this is her husband!" Paddy was driving home, drunk as a skunk, suddenly he has to swerve to avoid a tree, then another, then another. A cop car pulls him over as he veers about all over the road. Paddy tells the cop about all the trees in the road. Cop says "For goodness sake Paddy, that's your air freshener swinging about!" An old Irish farmer's dog goes missing and he's inconsolable. His wife says "Why don't you put an advert in the paper?" He does, but two weeks later the dog is still missing. "What did you put in the paper?" his wife asks. "Here boy" he replies.

The Power of a Good Makeup Artist

Game Park S ecurity in Sou Africa has bee th n Out Sourced

es Woods h r e g i T ld o d Poor he does, an damned iff he doesnt. I damned i from a reader, is received th caption, Dont with the arse! Dont look r look at he her arse! at

He Just Can

t Win

December

2010

January

2011

95

The

Last

Writes

by Baron Claude Borlz

For our more discerning readers .....

Turning O ver a New Leaf nun, ba

A Picture is worth a

thousand words

loves to say that a Our esteemed editor ousand words. He picture is worth a th much like the says it many times, fellow alongside. obsessive compulsive that fits the bill. But there is a picture er of Grayston and I took it on the corn and it is a great Rivonia in Sandton, ty and established metaphor. The migh erica being McDonalds from Am inese buildings. dwarfed by new Ch
Question: What is a bastard exactly?* Quite often we ask ourselves hard to answer questions, like, "What is a bastard?" In the photo attached, the guy on the right is a member of a bomb squad in the middle of a deactivation. The guy behind him, well, he's a bastard.

dly needing to use the re The place w stroom, walke as hopping w d into a loca ith music an l Hooters. once in a wh d loud conve ile "the lights rsation and ev would turn of go out, the p ery f." Each time lace would er the lights wou upt into chee saw the nun ld rs. However, , the room w tender, and as when the reve ent dead sile ked, "May I lle rs nt. She walke please use th but I should d up to the e restroom? warn you that barThe bartend th ere is a statu a fig leaf." "W er replied, "OK e of a naked ell, in that ca , man in there se, I'll just lo tender showed wearing only ok the other the nun to th w ay ," sa e id back of the re back out, an the nun. So th staurant. Aft d the whole e barer a few min place stopped round of app utes, she cam just long enou lause! She w e gh to give th ent to the ba Why did they e nun a loud rtender and applaud for m said, "Sir, I d e just because know you're on't underst I went to the one of us," sa and. restroom?" "W id th you, but, I st e ba rt en ell, now they d er, "Would yo ill don't und u like a drin erstand," said tender, "every k?" "No than the puzzled n time someon k un. "You see, e lifts the fig " laughed the leaf on that st ba ratue, the ligh ts go out.

MENTAL HOSPITAL PHONE MENU

Hello and thank you for calling The State Mental Hospital. Please select from the following options menu: If you are obsessive-compulsive, press 1 repeatedly. If you are co-dependent, please ask someone to press 2 for you. If you have multiple personalities, press 3, 4, 5 and 6. If you are paranoid, we know who you are and what you want, stay on the line so we can trace your call. If you are delusional, press 7 and your call will be forwarded to the Mother Ship. If you are schizophrenic, listen carefully and a little voice will tell you which number to press. If you are manic-depressive, hang up. It doesn't matter which number you press, nothing will make you happy anyway. If you are dyslexic, press 9-6-9-6. If you are bipolar, please leave a message after the beep or before the beep or after the beep, but please wait for the beep. If you have short-term memory loss, press 9. If you have short-term memory loss, press 9. If you have short-term memory loss, press 9. If you have low self-esteem, please hang up. Our operators are too busy to talk with you. If you are menopausal, put the gun down, hang up, turn on the fan, lie down and cry. You won't be crazy forever.

Answers: Classical Music Quiz No. 1 1. 20 (19 were published, 1 went unpublished). 2. Lauritz Melchoir. 3. Leoncavello. 4. Charles Wesley.

5. Wieck. 6. Richard Tucker and Jan Peerce. 7. Nellie Melba. 8. Enrico Caruso. 9. Chopin.

10. Piave. 11. Bizet. 12. Mario Lanza. 13. The Planets. 14. The Miserere by Gregorio Allegri.
December 2010

15. The Polovtsian Dances. 16. Hubert Bath. 17. Fanny. 18. Dangerous Moonlight. 19. Jean-Baptiste Lully. 20. Miliza Korjus.
/ January 2011

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