Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Phoenix
I Colvin, in his article titled “Yes, You Can Raise Prices”, dis-
cusses how a few smart companies are raising prices in the
recession, and he provides a matrix to explain how compa-
nies use this tool to create different
value propositions in which price will
cost any more. Dr. Theophilus Dreux will tell you this, and much
more. It is because of this imperative that ABR has asked Dr.
Dreux, the founder of Trilogy Customer C.A.R.E. Academy, to
dust off his revolutionary customer care
programme, and to allow us to pass on his
play greater or lesser roles. He cites pearls of wisdom to our readers in seri-
price sensitivity and other factors, but alised form. Even though this programme
forgets to mention the most important was written in 1992, it is still as relevant
differentiator of all – customer service. today as the day it was written. In actual
Take a look at this matrix fact, taking into account our current eco-
nomic distress, it is the most relevant it
He places products according to their can ever be, even if it was written in 1929.
necessity and uniqueness (interestingly, Sound principles and pure philosophic
Colgate toothpaste is obviously a very wisdom simply do not age. Federal-
strong brand in America). Poor old air Mogul Aftermarket, a company which
travel seems to have no room to ascribes to the philosophy that excellent
manoeuvre, but this is simply not true. customer service can significantly differ-
I always choose 1Time over SAA, not entiate a company from its competitors,
because of the price, but because of the is sponsoring this customer care series,
vastly different attitudes of the cabin and we look forward to Federal-Mogul
crews. It is in the realm of customer Aftermarket benefiting from its associa-
care where any company, whether they tion with such a superb programme, and
sell toasters or brake pads, or provide services such as banking or a big thank you to them for making it possible for ABR to pass
telecommunication, can introduce elements that make the cus- on this wonderful collaboration to our readers and the automo-
tomer come back panting for more, irrespective of the price. It is tive industry. To all who heed the advice of the programme, take
in times like these that customer care becomes of cardinal impor- it to heart. Learn from it, and benefit. It may be the survival of
tance; even though it should always be of cardinal importance! the fittest, as we face the latest evolutionary test. The customer
And in times like these, if there is little price difference between care article is on page 42, and it would also be instructive to go
your product and your competitors, but your service levels are far to page 84, to see what Sparepro is doing to enhance its customer
superior, then the swing in market share will be enormous. The care credentials.
www.abrbuzz.co.za
ABR’s new website is up and running. The test phase is over, and our readers can now look forward to a website that
is updated daily with the latest news and views. And our latest magazine is on the web, in its entirety, and if you
want to go back to read an old article, it is all there in the archives. All part of our commitment to customer service,
and the reason why Automotive Business Review is the most respected and well read automotive aftermarket
publication in South Africa, and by default the most influential by far .
April 2009 3
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:07 AM Page 6
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:07 AM Page 7
Contents
19 38 52
The publisher and contributors have done their best to ensure the accuracy of the articles and cannot accept responsibility for any loss or inconvenience sus-
tained by any reader as a result of information or advice in Automotive Business Review. The information provided and opinions expressed in this publica-
tion 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 Intelli-Driving Editor Mather, Peter Published by: Advertising Sales:
Graham Erasmus Eugene Herbert McCleery, Roger Trilogy Publishing Marlene Erasmus
083 709 8184 082 941 3785 Twine, Tony 082 837 2668
Wilde, Fingal Peter Mather
Commercial Vehicle Correspondents 082 456 8479
Editor Beeton, Frank Werner Kolver
Alwyn Viljoen Borlz, Baron Claude 012 654 2745
082 458 9332 Burford, Adrian
Keeg, Howard
5
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:07 AM Page 8
77 81 84
46 Automechanika Overview
AIDC Quiz
Euroquip News
Kapico
Robert Bosch
Top Class Topics
Capricorn Insights
Car Care
8 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:07 AM Page 11
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:07 AM Page 12
10 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:07 AM Page 13
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:07 AM Page 14
12 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:07 AM Page 15
Industry Update
Motor Industry Shows Faith in South Africa
In the space of less than ten working days, ABR attended three
functions, whereby three multinationals reaffirmed their
commitment to South Africa.
irst up to the plate was Dr. Hans- Next it was Tata’s turn. Accordion
April 2009 13
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:07 AM Page 16
Volvo Cars upgraded state-of- again accounted for the largest number of com- 3 000 and 4 000 respondents and covers 12
plaints (11, 1%), followed by clutches (8, 8%), makes of truck available on the local market.
the-art emissions laboratory - engines (8%) and cooling systems (7, 2%). For Not only was Hino top of the list in terms of the
further information please call the Motor combined customer satisfaction monitor, with a
for reducing fuel consumption Industry Ombudsman of SA on (012) 841- score of 92,39%, but it was also the best per-
and CO2 emissions 2945. You can also visit the Ombudsman’s web former in both the sales (94,37%) and service
site at www.miosa.co.za, to view the full report (91,03%) categories. It placed second, marginal-
One of the world's most advanced emission lab- ly behind Mercedes-Benz, in the parts section
oratories is Volvo Cars' important tool in the (92,78%), although Hino had the lowest per-
quest for lower fuel consumption and reduced
Chevrolet extends LPG centage of dissatisfied customers in the latter
section. Only eight of the 12 truck makes in the
carbon dioxide emissions. The upgraded emis- portfolio throughout survey had overall ratings that exceeded the
sions laboratory was used when developing all
DRIVe models - updated engine mapping and Europe national average of just over 85%.
rolling resistance were tested and confirmed.
The emission laboratory is used for develop- In 2009, Chevrolet will further expand its LPG
ment testing in all stages of the vehicle develop- product range throughout Europe. Switzerland,
NISSAN’S LOCALISATION
ment process, when for instance the engine Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, PROGRAMME GIVES HOPE
parameters have been optimised for reducing Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and
emissions. The result is verified by performing a Spain will offer LPG-versions in addition to TO EMBATTLED SUPPLIERS
test in the emission laboratory, and this process the regular petrol and diesel range. It is
is repeated until optimal results are obtained. Chevrolet’s strategy to offer LPG versions for Nissan South Africa (Nissan SA) is committed
its entire product line-up. This will include the to working closely with its local supply base to
brand-new Chevrolet Cruze, which will hit the assist both parties weather the economic storm
More consumers turn to European dealer showrooms in May 2009. An which has severely affected the automotive
LPG version of the Cruze will be launched industry nationally and globally. Senior
Ombudsman shortly after the launch. LPG (Liquefied General Manager of Purchasing, Dave
Petroleum Gas), also known as Autogas in Cameron, says of Nissan’s localisation pro-
Complaints handled by the Motor Industry some markets, is widely available: In Europe, gramme that the local supply of parts and
Ombudsman during 2008 escalated in value to more than 10 million LPG-powered vehicles materials remains a key component in the pro-
more than R109 million, or 18, 5 percent, over are on the road, including 2.6 million in duction of Nissan vehicles assembled in South
the figure of R92 million in 2007. The Poland alone. There are over 20,000 LPG fuel Africa. As such he remains confident that if
Ombudsman’s Annual Report for 2008 states stations throughout Europe. Apart from reduc- Nissan and suppliers work together to fight the
that this rise in value was accompanied by an ing emissions, LPG also offers financial bene- adverse conditions in which they currently find
increase of 15, 2 percent to 17 039 in the fits through the tax advantages it enjoys in themselves, the local supply industry has the
number of complaints lodged with the many countries. In Germany, for example, the opportunity to grow. “It’s not a question of
Ombudsman’s office. The increase in the num- tax privileges will remain in force at least until hoping to survive but of putting appropriate
ber of complaints was largely due to damage December 31, 2018. plans in place to ensure immediate survival as
caused by external factors such the increasing well as a state of readiness as and when the
congestion of the country’s roads, ongoing turnaround happens,” says Cameron, currently
major road works, and the general deteriora- HINO TOPS SA TRUCK CUS- on a three-year secondment from Nissan
tion of roads, all of which have greatly con- Europe. Cameron says that although produc-
tributed to vehicle breakdowns. It is heartening TOMER SERVICE MONITOR tion volumes are depressed and profitability is
to see, says the Ombudsman, that complaints further affected by the strengthening of the
in most instances did not originate from prod- The Hino (formerly Toyota Trucks) dealer net- yen, the main drivers for localisation remain,
uct defects but rather from these external fac- work has come out as the dominant truck distri- namely the high cost of duty tariffs on import-
tors. Consumers also played their role in con- bution and after sales force in South Africa ed products and shipping over long distances.
flict situations during the year by not comply- according to Scott Byers’ Comparative
ing with service schedules, warranty terms and Customer Satisfaction Monitor (CCSM) for the
conditions, failing to honour monthly instal- fourth quarter of 2008. This detailed, quarterly
ments and in some cases purposely or uncon- survey of the local truck market by the Scott
sciously abusing their vehicles. Poor service Byers Network is based on replies from between
14 March 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:07 AM Page 17
n these uncertain economic times where costs are being cut and budgets stretched, industrial giant Imperial Holdings has taken the bold deci-
I sion to invest almost R2 million in a unique Leadership Development Programme to uplift its staff and drive transformation. The objective of
the programme is to provide high-quality training to staff in order to develop quality managers within the group. The 64 initial candidates for
the programme, of whom 66% are black, have been selected from a pool of high-potential middle managers, representing an array of brands with-
in the Imperial stable. The Programme will also promote transformation within the Imperial group. The training will provide specialised skills and
knowledge within the motor industry, including business orientation, financial management and budgeting, stock management, sales management,
service management and parts management. A substantial portion of the programme will focus on effective management of people and the devel-
opment of leadership skills, which are currently lacking within the retail motor industry. The programme will be presented in a modular manner
and will run over a 12 month period. What really sets this programme apart from similar initiatives within the industry is that all the lecturers
come from within the Imperial Holdings group, effectively ensuring that candidates have access to a wealth of relevant knowledge and experience
April 2009 15
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:07 AM Page 18
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:07 AM Page 19
Cover Story
Molten glass inside the furnace where the temperature is around 1450º Celsius
n 1897, Jacobs & Dandor was founded as a glass merchant 1920’s, placed orders with Plate Glass for laminated windscreens,
April 2009 17
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 20
Cover Story
windscreen of three to six months to meet these specifications. Group has invested R1,6 billion over the past three years alone in
Stewart points out that the local SABS standards are nowhere upgrading its production facilities, most of this investment in the
near the much more stringent OE specifications, which allows automotive glass side, which makes Shatterprufe’s manufacturing
manufacturers east of Tibet to reverse engineer these windscreens, facilities equivalent to the best in Europe and Japan. Shatterprufe
and to sell these windscreens into the aftermarket as SABS has invested around R50 million in plant each year for the past
approved, but in no way are these windscreens equivalent to the fifteen years to ensure that it employs the latest technologies.
original, in terms of inherent quality, shape, fit and safety. Stewart
stresses the quality aspect, “Quality is the be all and end all of all Shatterprufe’s refusal to cut corners makes good business sense.
our endeavours. The PG Group strives to have quality right Stewart Jennings says that in the long run a commitment to qual-
through the system – from the finest raw materials through to the ity actually saves money, and it ensures a company’s future.
meticulous manufacture of the windscreen and a zero defect He points out that with every new OE model, the quality require-
approach, through to the PG Glass fitment side and the ments are being ratcheted up, which places Shatterprufe in good
polyurethane bonding materials used. We only use the very best. stead, as it is geared up for the challenges. With only the best
It is simply not negotiable. It is based on these facts that I can say capital equipment sourced from the USA, Europe and Japan,
categorically that Shatterprufe windscreens are 100% safe. Can export orders are streaming in, with 44% of Shatterprufe’s
the other suppliers of glass say this? It is just not good enough to production going to the global aftermarket. This in the face of
be 90% safe. When that guinea fowl hits your windscreen at 120 significantly cheaper product available from the East, which begs
km/h and your life is at stake, that 10% margin of error is just not the question, “Are South Africans not as safety conscious as
worth it!” It is this philosophy that is behind the fact that the PG the rest of the world?”
Double glazed windows for Gautrain – benefits include security, PFG’s world class float lines produce over 210 000 tons of quality
safety and noise reduction flat glass per annum
18 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 21
Cover Story
April 2009 19
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 22
Cover Story
The PG Group is South Africa’s leading integrated glass business. Group companies man-
ufacture, distribute and install high-performance automotive and building glass.
Established in Cape Town in 1897 as a glass merchant, the company has grown into a sig-
nificant global player with substantial interests in 17 countries. When it unbundled in
1999, the PG Group became a private company, as part of the international PGSI Group.
The Group generates revenues of R3 billion a year.
April 2009
20
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 23
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 24
Auto Topical
A
could be to segment assemblers, and even more so the vehicle like export credit certificates which
the South African importers, as quite as high a priority for DTI could discount until industry
motor sector conceptu- assistance as other sub-sectors of the auto- needs to repurchase them
ally into four distinct motive manufacturing industry. It is well
• Potential to switch any existing OE
areas. The manufac- established that many of the vehicle assem-
emphasis replacement markets within
turing side of the sector bly parent companies are reeling under the
global supply networks.
consists of component production and cosh of the global recession, but their
vehicle assembly. The retail side of the South African subsidiaries are possibly the Whatever format any assistance might
industry splits into new vehicle sales and best placed to sustain themselves relative to take, be it for the component end of the
then the vehicle servicing, repair and other areas of the domestic motor sector. sector or even more broadly, it seems high-
maintenance and the host of activities that ly unlikely that it will try to replicate the
support these automotive businesses. The Which leaves the component manufactur- lemming-like charge of the US Seventh
motor retail trade has clearly been under ing sub-sector as the single most likely can- Cavalry with huge amounts of cash being
increasing pressure since late 2006, when didate for survival assistance. Both domes- doled out into a potentially bottomless pit.
vehicle unit sales began an initially slow, tic and export demand for components, We must expect more targeted cash flow
but then a rapidly accelerating fall. particularly those feeding original equip- assistance, which will not require the tax
Dealerships have closed or been consoli- ment as opposed to replacement markets, payer in Kayalitsha to contribute to the
dated within larger groups. In some have collapsed over the past nine months, future survival of decades of historically
instances, where some decidedly fragile often leaving the component manufactur- curious policies.
looking import operations were estab- ers with high inventories of unusable raw
lished during the 2003-2006 boom peri- and semi-processed materials, which were But supporting the back end of the pro-
od, with inadequate business financing bought before commodity prices began duction column in the form of component
and little or no experience of dealing with tumbling in the third quarter of 2008. suppliers without any attempt at rescuing
original equipment suppliers thousands of With strangled demand for components, final demand for their products calls up
kilometres away, badges and enterprises both balance sheets and income statements the specter of Say’s Law, which suggests
have simply disappeared. The after-mar- have tipped alarmingly. The following fac- that supply creates its own demand. The
ket quadrant of the sector remains relative- tors could influence the DTI to look after Great Depression of the 1930’s disproved
ly resilient, catering for a still expanding the local component manufacturers first: this 17th Century theory once and for all,
vehicle parque which is inevitably less and it appears self destructive to revisit it.
cyclical than the new vehicle sales end of • Generally high local equity ownership
The DTI will struggle to bring about a
the sector. amongst component manufacturers
rapid rescue to levels of final demand in
• Exaggerated inventory impacts the fur- the local automotive sector, and has no
As will be noted later, it is important never ther back along any supply chain that chance whatsoever of influencing the glob-
to lose sight of the final demand end of the one looks, during any downturn in al demand. While some rescue remedies
automotive production column, but let us final demand may be more appropriate than others, the
think of the double-edged manufacturing magic medicine cure will need to be care-
side for the moment. Vehicle assemblers • Relatively high labour: value added
ful of the same precipice awaiting the
in South Africa are nowadays totally ratios and employment levels within
thundering hooves of the US Seventh
owned by foreign parents, as opposed to the sector
Cavalry, its central bank and its tax payers.
the mix of local and foreign ownership • Closest proximity to upstream raw
interests that existed as recently as a decade material suppliers eg mining and other
ago. One may therefore not be too sur- manufacturing sub-sectors.
22 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 25
To join the fastest growing workshop network in South Africa and to add a new dimension to your business,
contact Wilfried Langenbach at 0860 003 227
(0860 00 ECAR)
April 2009 23
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 26
ast year the brand sold 356 000 vehicles worldwide and results in the car’s first attempt at the Total Economy Run. In the
24 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 27
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 28
Vehicle EvaluATION
Crisp, modern styling gives the Chev Aveo a marginal edge in the styling stakes Driver ergonomics are well looked after
hese thoughts came to mind as I was test driving the This is a symptom of the malady now facing the South African
26 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 29
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 30
Frankly Speaking
Heads or Tails?
Over the past several months, I have been reading and writing, almost
continuously, about the unfolding drama surrounding the world’s motor
manufacturers. This process continues, as there is still no clear sign
by Frank Beeton
that circumstances in the global financial universe are moving in any
positive direction, and the outlook for even some of the largest and most
powerful vehicle manufacturers is far from rosy. Inevitably, there is continuous
speculation over their prospects for survival, with new rumours appearing, almost on
a daily basis, of potential mergers, acquisitions and sell-offs. Of course, many of
these are flights of fancy, but they still add colour and, in some cases, a sense of
desperation, to the broader saga.
s a commentator and ana- parts of their corporate anatomies in order the last available ounce of critical mass out
A
lyst, I often feel compelled to enhance long-term viability. The recent of every available market. This has led to
to make predictions, but dissolution of several extremely large and the creation of innumerable “cross-over”
to predict the demise or powerful families has proved that the market niches, and the encouragement of
survival of companies that banding together of well-known brands, individual geographic and demographic
turn more money over in with highly disparate cultures, does not markets to indulge their specific prefer-
a year than the Gross Domestic Products always work out. Nevertheless, there seems ences. Why should it be necessary, for
of small countries can be a risky business. I to be a fairly substantial number of corpo- example, to have a completely separate
have no doubt that some rationalisation rate decision makers still embracing the model range in the US market to that sold
will take place in the ranks of vehicle man- principle of Mergers and Acquisitions in in Europe, and then even more unique
ufacturers. Many of these entities were their quest for “critical mass”. Much of this product line-ups in Japan and Australia?
already engaged in restructuring and prof- philosophy is driven by the extremely high There can be no doubt that some of these
it restoration programmes well before the cost of compliance with ever more strin- products do not contribute to the bottom
onset of the Sub-Prime crisis, and the cur- gent international environmental and safe- line, and will have to go. There is also a
rently prevailing market conditions are not ty regulation, but it is critical to select fun- possibility that manufacturers will revisit
helpful in the progressing of these plans. damentally viable targets and partners, their world marketing footprint, and re-
Orderly business restructuring needs stable rather than trying to transform them, once evaluate the potential profitability of each
markets, because fundamental changes to they are in the “family”. export market. It will not be surprising if
large corporate structures and cultures some recent high profile efforts at interna-
demand time, a great deal of money, and, Interestingly enough, the Chinese tionalizing certain brands fall away.
above all, predictable cash flows. Some Government is also pursuing a plan to
flexibility will be injected by the urgency rationalise its own young, and highly Then there is the headlong rush towards
of the situation, but it will still not be pos- diversified industry. The initial, modest, technological innovation. The level of
sible to make wholesale cuts in facilities, target is reportedly to reduce the number electronic wizardry found in to-day’s pop-
personnel, social commitments or model of manufacturers from twelve into ten, but ular car models is truly amazing, without
ranges overnight. Short of a miraculous there will be many people outside China even considering their more expensive
turnaround in present market conditions, hoping that the process eventually cuts larger brethren. It is significant that some
some manufacturers are bound to just run much deeper. Anybody who has tried to manufacturers have recently adopted a
out of cash, and time, too fast to survive as fathom who builds what in China, and has counter-cyclical approach by introducing
stand-alone players. This will most likely wrestled with the alternative product new models which are deliberately basic,
lead to them taking refuge in some form of names used in the export market, will con- and several steps back from the established
bankruptcy protection, leading to radical cur. There also seems to be a good chance norm. The industry will watch with
restructuring, outright closure, or absorp- that Chinese manufacturers will snap up interest to see how the Tata Nanos,
tion by more viable competitors. one or more of the brands being hived off Renault Logans and their ilk are accepted
by the global giants. In recent years, there by world markets if the current economic
Even those manufacturers and groups that has been a huge proliferation of new mod- environment prevails for any extended
survive intact, are likely to shed selected els from global brands, as they try to milk period of time.
28 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 31
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 32
[
T
he truck driver tends to be
blamed for all manner of ills,
which may be an easy cop out
for management, but Séan
says this allocation of blame is simplistic,
and does not really address the core of
the problem. In a perfect world, yes, the
driver should ensure that his truck is not
overloaded, he should give regular and
informed feedback on the roadworthi-
There are many other
ways to wring savings out
of your transport costs,
each small step leading to
a giant leap in getting
your costs per kilometre
[ can expect anything from 800 000km to
well over 1 000 000km. With four times
the life of the standard shock, world class
shock absorbers will give you savings
merely by its lifespan, but additional sav-
ings will accrue over the life of the truck
via the performance of the shocks. By
keeping the tyres on the road under all
conditions with no bounce, and by the
constant damping effect, excellent shocks
ness of the truck, he should drive his improve tyre wear, reduce fuel consump-
truck as solicitously and efficiently as more into line with inter- tion, and the better handling and less
possible, and of course he should play national figures. sway contribute significantly to enhanc-
sheriff when it comes to protecting the ing the safety of the rig and driver. Apart
rig against misdemeanours such as fuel from the desired lower cost per kilome-
theft. Unfortunately, the world is not Séan says that operators must not just tre, ancillary benefits will be lower war-
perfect, and South Africa has more stop there. There are many other ways to ranty rates, less downtime, less stress for
imperfections than average. One of these wring savings out of your transport costs, the driver, and a far happier accountant.
imperfections is the propensity for oper- each small step leading to a giant leap in The good news for the fleet operator
ators to overload both truck and driver. getting your costs per kilometre more with a wide variety of heavy vehicles is
The consequences are inefficiency and into line with international figures. Séan that KONI has a full range of shocks for
higher costs. Overloading of a truck has refers to Kenworth Trucks, a unit of passenger vehicle, bus, truck, trailer and
mechanical and associated chickens com- truck conglomerate Paccar in America. military applications, all specifically
ing home to roost, whereas overloading Merely by reducing the drag on the mud designed for the task at hand. And their
of a driver creates even more dire prob- flaps via a simple trimming and tapering versatility knows no bounds, they are
lems. An overloaded driver goes into sur- procedure, Kenworth managed to reduce even involved in Formula One racing.
vival mode, with motivation, enthusi- a typical truck’s annual fuel bill by Another big bonus is that the shocks are
asm, propriety, and most importantly, US$400 (over R4 000). For a couple of adjustable, with a unique setting for each
“ownership” of the truck becoming the hundred trucks in a fleet, that translates vehicle, and they are fully serviceable.
major casualties. To get the driver to be into close to a million Rand! And by
part of the management team, Séan says, other simple aerodynamic tweaks, the Thus it makes sense to adopt mainte-
the operator should equip his drivers savings will mount up. Another lucrative nance plans beyond the norm. With the
with the correct training, the appropriate area worth improving is the shock right tools and some smart moves, you
procedures, and the right tools, which absorbers. Underperforming shock can reduce the risks of high costs and
includes anti-siphoning devices. absorbers affect many areas – tyres, safe- damage to your vehicles. As Séan loves to
Empowering the driver will result in ty, fuel efficiency, etc. The standard say, “Enhance and Deter!”. He’ll be back
improved fuel consumption, feedback on shock absorbers that come with a new with more tough love in the next issue of
technical problems (allied to a strict truck will give you anything from 150 ABR.
maintenance regime), less downtime and 000km to 300 000km of life, depending
yes, less fuel theft! Thus relatively small on road conditions and driving skills. By
measures produce big savings. fitting above average shock absorbers you
30 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 33
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 34
Tony’s take
Privatising Profit –
by Tony Twine Socialising Losses
World political, economic and financial leaders are struggling to establish some kind
of pattern and set of rules that will help their economies claw their way out of the
ever deepening and darkening pit into which they have toppled since the middle of
2008. There seems to be an economic theory for every occasion at the moment, and
traditional lines of thinking that may have previously been expected from particular
political quarters are becoming increasingly difficult to predict as time goes on.
fter the collapse of Soviet that the benefits of socialism can only grow es that inevitably builds up during
32 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 35
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 36
weighty issues
t would be easy to blame the nent upgrade. Transnet experiences cles that make up this segment are mainly
I
recent loss of momentum in this enough difficulty in managing these, so used for long-distance linehaul or con-
market on the Global financial there is little prospect of rail haulage mak- struction-related duties, both of which
crisis. However, this needs to be ing a comeback in the broader arena, any- should be direct beneficiaries of the fixed
placed into perspective against the time soon. Political rhetoric notwithstand- investment-related activities which are
background of the local economic ing, road transport will continue to pro- said, by most analysts, to dominate the
framework. During his recent Budget vide the backbone of South Africa’s econo- local economy.
speech, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel my for the foreseeable future.
gave assurances that the government’s While this has been going on, there has
R787 billion infrastructure development It is also significant that several metropoli- been some reawakening of the entry-level
plan would still roll out. Of this, R50,9 tan projects for the implementation of Bus Medium Commercial Vehicle segment
billion has been earmarked for specific Rapid Transit schemes are starting to take (3,5 to 8,5 ton GVM), whose constituents
transport-related expenditure including shape. Johannesburg has placed orders for are mainly involved in the local delivery of
taxi recapitalization, bus subsidies, freeway 143 BRT units, and the acquisition Fast Moving Consumer Goods, or operat-
improvements, and maintenance on non- processes for similar schemes in Cape ing as medium to long-distance taxis. The
toll roads. Other public and private invest- Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban are economic outlook says that consumer
ment will go into facilities supporting the gaining momentum. In addition, state- activity is still on the wane, with very little
Confederations Cup and 2010 Soccer owned operator Autopax will receive near- growth in prospect over the next few years.
World Cup, Gautrain, ESKOM upgrades ly 1500 additional vehicles to ensure that So why are MCV sales picking up?
and the shopping mall revamps that seem SWC 2010 is adequately provided with
to be popping up everywhere. coaches to move players, officials and spec- It now appears more likely that the ills in
tators around its manifold venues. the truck market relate more directly to an
There is hardly anything that happens in extremely difficult financing environment
South Africa that does not require inputs Under these circumstances, it is difficult to for prospective vehicle buyers, and the
from road transport. Ever since road understand why truck manufacturers and somewhat understandable reluctance of
haulage was progressively deregulated from suppliers have been so bearish over suppliers to drive the market with ade-
the late nineteen-eighties, rail transport prospects for the 2009 truck market. A quate and appropriate supplies, given that
has played a diminishing role in moving survey carried out by the media among extra heavies can be priced at well over a
goods and commodities to and from ports industry management at the end of 2008 million rand per copy. The macro econom-
of entry, factories, warehouses and points elicited an average total market of just less ics suggest that the latent demand remains
of sale. There are two dedicated “single than 28 500 units, which suggests a year- in place, but if the suppliers don’t believe
purpose” railways in South Africa – the on-year decline of nearly 18%. It has also this, as suggested by the market forecasts
Richards Bay coal line, and the Sishen- been puzzling that the recent downturn in quoted above, and trim their inventories
Saldanha iron ore corridor. Criticism of truck sales has been felt, most keenly, in accordingly, the reduced volumes can easi-
the former’s inability to cope with the ton- the top-end Extra Heavy Commercial ly become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
nage demand appears regularly in the Vehicle segment (Gross Vehicle Mass rat-
media, and the latter is due for an immi- ings over 16,5 tons). The multi-axled vehi-
34 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 37
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 38
and Their
by Marcus Haw
Tyres Contribution to
Safety in Motoring
As promised in the last issue, we are going to have a closer look at tyres and their
life span, while in service on light delivery trucks. We will discuss the vans used for
so many varying types of operations in S.A. like the Mercedes Sprinters, Iveco Turbo-
Dailys, VW Transporters and Toyota Quantums and many others which pass us by each
day on the roads and highways.
yres are subjected to as many dif- Where is it written down? Hopefully these during the week days. Tyre safety is
which need consideration. it with 599kgs and drive it at 199km/h The van has other serious factors to take
everything is well within limits. Wrong! into account as well. Let’s look at these
One, is that these vans are capable of some Nothing can operate that close to all it’s now.
serious speed. The tyres they are fitted with limits and be expected to last. A tyre
as standard are capable of the speeds the always has high expectations placed on it, Loads: As with bakkies, the versatility of
vans are capable of, but here lies two prob- but realistic thinking is what is needed. the van in service is what makes it so use-
lems. One is that when the vehicles are The above “rule” should always be borne ful and therefore popular. It is also what
loaded to their full capacity, and high in mind. determines the life and safety of their tyres.
speeds are maintained for long distances, The loads can vary from steel fabrications
the tyres are placed under severe stress. The second consideration comes when to polystyrene fast food holders; from
These vans are also capable of maintaining tyres get replaced. Most often price gets in motor cycles to clothing, and from flower
high speeds on their trips up and down hill the way as with the bakkie tyres, and spec- arrangements, to a variety of parcel deliver-
all day. We recently noted one such van on ifications are forgotten. There has also ies. The list is endless. The one common
the N12 highway to Witbank. It was easy been a growing “fashion” where these vehi- factor, is that usually, the loads are con-
to see that it was heavily loaded as the sus- cles are bought for use as part time recre- stantly diminishing. The tyres build up
pension was riding really low, but at no ational vehicles, often fitted with alloy heat while loaded, increasing the inflation
stage, did the driver reduce his speed below wheels and high performance tyres. They pressure. Then on the empty return trips
130km/h. Even if those tyres were correct- are then loaded to the hilt with quad and the tyres are pounded to death as explained
ly inflated, they were suffering. Load and dirt bike equipment, or boats and jet-skis in the last issue. The high speeds generally
speed at the same time are killers. While and their equipment, along with trailers maintained by the drivers of these vehicles,
the tyres are designed to carry the load, etc. This really puts the vans performance make sure the heat is retained, especially
and do the speed, it is never recommended to the test. Factory tyre specs aren’t even under the belt pack. This ensures that the
they do both at the same time. The rule is considered on these vehicles, and very integrity of bond between tyre body and
the higher the speed, the lower the load, often, these vehicles are part of a fleet, the belt package stays constantly under
and to carry a real load, one should reduce which are used in one way over the week- stress. This weakens over time and increas-
the speed. But who tells the users this? ends and are then back delivering goods es the potential for separation. A danger-
36 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 39
ous condition, which could end where the the routes their vans use, and take special
tyre throws its belt package away endan- notice of the roads and yards at the end of
gering both those in the vehicle and those the highways. These are problem areas spe-
following it. The tyre also becomes cific to vans, but all the other problems
extremely susceptible to impact damage, mentioned with bakkies are applicable as
and overall, its life expectation will be well, especially inflation pressures. These
diminished. So again apart from the dan- vehicles need careful management.
gers involved, company costs go through
the roof. One last thing regarding loads; Then we get to the light trucks. Those
the load areas of these vans are big square trucks which transport up to about 4 tons
closed boxes. Bakkie’s loads are often lim- of bread, pharmaceutical products, pet
ited by the fact that they are open, or when food, office equipment and so many other
covered with a canopy, the area is greatly products. These vehicles fall into that high
reduced. The van has a huge load area all risk to tyres area in a big way. Let’s take a
the way to it’s roof and is often loaded all brief look at their specific problem areas. www.bridgestone.co.za
the way to the roof, believe it or not. High Firstly, they are most commonly used in
loads equal high sway where this plays and around cities, as well as between cities.
havoc with tyres. As the vehicle sways from This means stop/start driving all day.
side to side, the tyres take the strain. Heat Braking forces one moment, transferring
is generated very quickly adding to the of power the next. Load transfer front to
speed and load woes already being suf- rear, and rear to front all the time. The tyre
fered. These vans are extremely versatile, body is flexing and generating heat, and
useful and efficient transport tools, but the tread is taking all the forces. Tread life
must be correctly managed or they can is never very good with these vehicles
become extremely expensive on tyres. because of the stop start conditions. But
working under extreme conditions all the
while these conditions do affect the casing,
time, but again the impression is that their
Roads: Most of these vehicles run highway the real damage to the casing is not due to
conditions are fine since they are in-town
routes, so the impression is that roads are the stopping and starting. These vehicles
operators. Wrong! Very wrong! These vehi-
not a concern. This is a dangerous impres- are usually fitted with a load body, and
cles are extremely hard on tyres, and there-
sion and needs to be seriously thought these can vary greatly. Bread vehicles for
fore extremely expensive to run.
through. Highways are the reason that the example have an insulated body, while
high speeds can be maintained, which as supermarket and pharmaceutical vehicles
We discussed high loads earlier, and the
explained is a major problem in the life of are either refrigerated or insulated. Other
sway they induce. Some of these trucks
tyres. But also remember, that at the end of product movers are just plain panel type
also have very high load bodies and can be
every highway route are less well main- bodies. It is often found that these bodies
loaded from bottom to top irrespective of
tained roads which take the van to it’s are heavy enough to almost equal the vehi-
what they are carrying. This affects the side
delivery point. These roads are most com- cles designed GVM. Once they are loaded
sway, and plays havoc with the stop/start
monly full of repairs, varying aggregate, many are over the designed load limits. So
front and rear load transfers.
potholes and are usually rutted from the we have vehicles with a hard operational
constant use by heavy vehicles. After the profile, running at their load limits, and
In the next issue, we will discuss ways to
high speeds, and consequential heat of the very often, having extremely harsh under-
reduce tyre costs with these high risk vehi-
highways, the tyres are more susceptible to foot conditions, when deliveries take place
cles, by managing the concerning areas.
damage than at any other time, and these in the townships. In many of these places
Until then, inspect your tyre condition
roads become a real danger in themselves. the roads are either in serious disrepair, or
regularly!
It is advisable that fleet controllers know don’t even exist. So these light trucks are
April 2009
37
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 40
Personal profile
The motor industry in South Africa is full of good motormen who know the business.
People who are all rounders and who can weather the current crisis, as they are
hands on people. Such a person is 48-year-old Phonnie Cilliers, who has headed up
Tata In South Africa since the brand was introduced here in 2005.
Roger McCleery spoke to him.
WHERE DID YOU GO FROM HOW DID YOU ENJOY YOUR OVER- At Free State University it was rugby. Now
THERE? SEAS STINT? I just love rugby, play golf and am running
in the Two Oceans Marathon.
After six months in Kimberley I moved Brilliant. Good to meet other people in
over to Bloemfontein Multi-Franchises other markets. MARRIED?
where for 18 months we sold Kia,
WHY DIDN’T YOU STAY? 26 happy years to Annetjie. We have two
Daihatsu, Renault and Daewoo. I was there
beautiful daughters. The elder one,
for 18 months when Brand Pretorius, one Simple. Manny da Canha said in 2005 he Monette, is studying for her B.Com
of my mentors in the motor industry who wanted me back in South Africa to head up Accounting at Tukkies. Elizna is in High
is the CEO of McCarthys, offered me the Tata, which AMH had just signed up with School
job of running Audi Centre in Menlyn. I the Indians.
must have been doing an alright job. WHEN YOU RETIRE?
Because soon after that, Manny da Canha, HAS THIS BEEN A SUCCESS?
who has also been a main influence in my I must stay active. I have learned to be
Well, we have sold 42 000 LCV and cars street-wise in this motor business and
motor industry career, said he needed a with great back-up from the factory in
General Manager to market Renault. would like to pass on all these experiences
India. It is tough now, but with the right to others to help make them successful.
WAS THIS A GOOD MOVE? range of vehicles we have, which are right
for the times, we are here for the long haul
Well for three years we went places big and will probably see an upward trend
time. So much so that I was given a five- sometime late in 2010.
April 2009
38
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 41
Lux Lite
ince my last article I’ve decided to Today I’m focusing on one area of business • Has your sales person developed a net-
•
•
•
Firstly how are you selling?
Does your sales person still cold call?
What percentage of calls does it take
to convert to an order?
work of like-minded sales profession-
als?
• Can your sales person stand up and
deliver a digital power point presenta-
tion?
• Can your sales person develop their
own power point presentations for
advice and information that very often we
• How much time are your sales people prospects?
become more confused and this creates
spending on fruitless activities? • Can your sales person stand and deliv-
analysis paralysis. My goal over the rest of
• Is your sales person educating your er a motivational talk on your indus-
the year is to help simplify this and stick to
customer or simply selling? try?
one guiding principle repeated throughout
• Do you have communication every If you would like to know more and wish
all aspects of life and business. Simply put,
week with your customers? you could have answered differently,
Ken Blanchard in his recent book “Know
• What is your relationship with your then go to my web site www.s2p.co.za
Can Do” refers to this as the less-more phi-
customers? and join my mailing list indicating the
losophy. He also refers to the fact that in
• Is your sales person an order taker or a area you’ve identified and I will mail you
order to apply anything we need to utilise
genuine sales professional? a free preview of my s2p in selling pro-
repetition hence I’m using the practice
• Can your sales person generate his/her gram. Have fun and look forward to
theme which by its very nature is repetition
own prospects for the business? hearing from you. Visit www.s2p.co.za or
of application. So much has been written
• Has your sales person branded contact peter @s2p.co.za to register for
on the theory of motivating people and yet
him/herself in your specialist area of my monthly newsletters or telephone
if we adopt one simple principle to perfect
business? 082 456 8479 for more details.
our practice the results of applied action
change are amazing.
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 42
Diamond Dialogues
Editorial
Partnership
Giel Steyn
In this series of articles ABR discusses with Giel Steyn of Grandmark International the four significant factors that should be
taken into account when purchasing automotive parts - Technology, Quality, Safety and Value for Money. These four
characteristics are inter-related, and each cannot stand on their own, and together they become a motorist's best friend. Similarly, diamonds
are also judged on four characteristics, known as the “four c's” - carat, clarity, colour and cut; and of course, diamonds are a girl's best friend.
Grandmark International, as a distributor of automotive parts, is keenly aware of the need to source only the best in Technology, Quality,
Safety and Value for Money, and therefore it is appropriate that this series of articles is titled Diamond Dialogues.
irstly, what exactly is quality? his own pound’s worth with a quote that If we applied this idea strictly, then “pirate”
F
Diamond Dialogues has cov- he uses frequently when discussing quality; could be both good and bad product,
ered this subject in quite “It is an immutable law in business that because it is generally well known that
some detail, but Giel wants words are words, explanations are explana- many components in motor vehicles are
us to look at it from another tions, promises are promises – but only not manufactured by the OEMs. They are
angle, and he refers us to Jim performance is reality”. However, what has manufactured for OEMs and supplied to
Wade, director of Advanced Training and really exercised Giel is not the definition of them by component manufacturers, who
the driving force behind the UK based quality, but rather the subject of pirate quite often participate in the design and
Business Improvement Network. In the parts, and the misconceptions around this development phase, as they are in effect
August 2005 edition of qw, Jim bemoans frequently abused term. Giel is concerned the specialist in their specific area of
the use of words that are bandied about by that perfectly good product gets tagged expertise and have the research and devel-
quality professionals when discussing qual- with the “pirate part” label, in many cases opment facilities to become the senior
ity. Phrases such as “exceeding customer very undeservedly so. partner in getting to a final product that
satisfaction”, “fit for purpose”, conforming satisfies the requirements.
to requirements”, “world-class”, “zero Before we look at what is pirate part, we
defects”, “right first time, every time” all need to identify what exactly is original In reality, OEMs are no longer solely man-
sound wonderful, but in effect meaning- and what exactly is genuine. For the formal ufacturers, they are assemblers. In an iron-
less in the real world. Everyone just wants definitions, Giel goes to the Collins ic twist, and taking this line of thinking to
to get on with business, to humble the Concise English Dictionary. Collins both its logical and illogical conclusion,
competition, to cut costs, retain staff, get defines original as 1) the characteristics then the pendulum has swung 180 degrees
to grips with the latest technology, and all that something had when it first existed; from Henry Ford’s days. From the sublime
those good things that face business on a and 2) not copied, origin, source, first to the ridiculous, so we shall banish the
daily basis, and they do not have the time copy, model that from which anything is term “pirate” from this discussion. And to
or the inclination to play with words. To translated or copied. Genuine is described put this particular argument to bed, we
address this smorgasbord of indulgences, thus 1) something that is genuine, is real leave the last words to Giel. “If it looks like
the American Society for Quality went for and exactly what it appears to be; and 2) a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like
a little more accuracy but still rather belonging to the original stock, real, pure, a duck, it is a duck”; which means that if it
wishy-washy with “a subjective term for true. Giel’s contention is that OEM parts looks genuine, and it performs to the
which each person has their own defini- as well as alternative replacement parts required specification, then it is a genuine
tion”. both qualify as original and genuine. He replacement part.
laments the often incorrect belief that the
Jim Wade is having nothing of this, and he only “true” genuine product is parts that Now that Giel has well and truly put the
attempts to close the debate with “in any are packaged under the vehicle manufac- original vs. genuine debate to bed, in the
organisation, at any one time, quality is turer’s label, and that anything packaged in next issue we shall concentrate on the
precisely defined by the organisation’s cur- another brand would be classified as other misunderstood term, “counterfeit”.
rent measurable objectives”. Giel puts in “pirate”.
40 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 43
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 44
Customer C.A.R.E
42 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 45
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 46
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 47
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 48
18 – 21 March 2009
It all started in Frankfurt in 1971 with the first Automechanika Trade Fair, created
by a twist of fate with the cancellation of the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. This can-
cellation was as a result of a crisis in the motor vehicle industry, and whilst
serendipity cannot be fingered as the reason for the Automechanika show eventually
finding its way to South Africa, it is ironical that the show was held in the midst of
another industry crisis – and this time it is the mother of all crises.
outh Africans are resilient, and tough, and we
46 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 49
Brand Pretorius (CEO McCarthy Further significant rationalisation is customer retention. The advice from
Group) – Survival in these Times: A needed, as metropolitan dealers need a Brand is doses of tough love and spoon-
Franchise Dealer Perspective higher volume throughput. The conse- fuls of sugar to help the medicine go
quence is going to be job losses. To ease down. He says that we have no option
The industry is in a perfect storm, with
this haemorrhaging Brand Pretorius is but to stay optimistic and upbeat. We
vehicle sales down 50% on its 2006 peak,
appealing for partnerships between must hold on to longer term visions and
and investments and capacity are based
OEMs, importers and dealers. To give objectives. Self management skills
on these 2006 numbers. The situation is
constructive assistance to dealers, the become key priorities, and don’t compro-
unique and fundamental change is
OEMs need to become more pragmatic mise on your ethics. Make discipline a
required. It takes time, but restructuring,
and to compromise on unrealistic stan- way of life, and make tough calls early.
refocusing and a different emphasis is
dards. Dealers need more favourable Watch cash flow like a hawk and protect
now called for. Very high fixed costs, pri-
business terms, margin restoration on key relationships. Keep talented people
marily long term lease obligations, are
vehicles, parts and service, and they also and become an inspirational leader.
forcing many dealers to hang in there,
need to optimise supplementary income. Easier said than done, but definitely not
resulting in high discounts, special
With an implosion at dealer level, the impossible. Brand’s core message is that
schemes, stress selling, and a myriad of
long term consequences for the brands, to there is still hope, and he expects an over-
other ways to get product to move. This
paraphrase many erstwhile leaders, are all improvement in South Africa’s envi-
has resulted in net margins on new vehi-
too ghastly to contemplate. Thus the ronment in the last quarter of 2009.
cles to drop as low as 1,3%. The good
focus has to be on reducing asset levels, Hang in there as “these times shall also
news is that used vehicles are starting to
aggressive cost cutting, productivity pass”.
rebound, and parts and service divisions
increases, a higher level of after sales con-
are showing growth.
tribution, and a fanatical approach to
April 2009 47
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 50
Stewart Jennings (President NAACAM) cases have non South Africans at the helm. micro level, we need more conviction
– Into 2010 and Beyond: An Industry The South African government, particu- from the OEMs to support the local
Perspective larly the treasury, does not understand the industry, particularly from the OEM lead-
challenges, importance and needs of the ership and NAAMSA. We also need a lev-
The current financial crisis is having a sig-
manufacturing sector, which makes up elling of the playing fields vis a vis global-
nificant impact, and the component
16,5% of GDP. We have inappropriate isation, and a weakening of the Rand to
industry is more vulnerable than new car
policies for a developing country, no free increase the viability of the component
dealerships and certainly more vulnerable
labour market (and the most expensive industry. Short term bridging finance is
than the OEMs. It faces all the challenges
labour in the world), the threat of defla- also required, and appropriate protection
of the manufacturing sector, whilst being
tion and stagflation, and South African against dumping, etc. Strong lobbying
vulnerable to OEM strategies and whims.
component manufacturers are particularly from the local manufacturing centre is an
All OEMs in SA are 100% foreign owned
vulnerable on short term working capital. imperative, and the current crisis could be
and globalisation strategies predominate.
What is needed is aggressive interest rate the catalyst for a much needed new eco-
Thus, whilst over 80% of the cost of
cuts, a focus on the unemployed and a nomic vision on manufacturing and vehi-
motor vehicles is in components, the pro-
focus in manufacturing, tourism and small cle production. Perhaps the component
curement functions are influenced and
enterprise building activities. The afore- industry will take the lead out of necessity.
controlled from offshore, and in many
said is in the national interest. More on a
Petro Kruger (RMI Road Safety Foundation) – International Call for a Decade of Road Safety
Road deaths are a global epidemic which is being ignored by global leaders. Make Roads Safe is an international campaign to put
road traffic injuries on the G8 and UN sustainable development agendas, led by a coalition of road safety and public health organ-
isations. The aim is to procure US$300 million for an action plan to improve road safety in developing countries, and to halve the
projected increase in road deaths by 2020. Concomitant to this is to ensure that at least 10% of development budgets for road infra-
structure provided by the World Bank and other major lenders and donors are dedicated to road safety. Why do we need interna-
tional action? Road traffic crashes kill more than 3 000 people, including 500 children, every day, with many more injuries. More
than 85% of these casualties (and 96% of child deaths) occur in low and middle income countries, with pedestrians and breadwin-
ners bearing the brunt. By 2015 road crashes will be the leading cause of premature death and yet international efforts to combat
this scourge commands only a tiny fraction of resources deployed to fight malaria, etc. South Africa is no exception, with more than
15 000 people killed per annum, or 42 per day.
David Powels (President NAAMSA) – inflation has consistently been below the are a staggering 40 to 50% less competi-
The South African Automotive CPI rate since 1995. Quality has also tive than China. India, Mexico and
Industry – Where have we come from? improved dramatically, with improve- Eastern Europe are also extremely com-
Where are we going? ments in faults reported down by over petitive manufacturing bases. The “Silver
50%. Investment in the industry has Bullets” needed to survive in the medium
South Africa is still a minnow in the vehi- soared, and profits have been reinvested. to long term are:
cle production stakes, producing a mere Productivity has also improved, with 14,7
0,7% of global production. We simply do units per employee in 2008 versus 9,4 in • Local content levels need to increase
not have the scale or critical mass to make 1997. Employment levels have stabilised from below 40% to above 70%
a difference. The dynamics of global vehi- and exports have soared, for both fully • Average volumes per platform
cle manufacture are also changing. built up vehicles and components. The to increase to 75 000 to
Established markets are stagnating, whilst balance of payment situation has also 100 000 units p.a.
India and China are accelerating. South improved, with the automotive industry
Africa’s position is basically of its own trade deficit down to R5 billion in 2008, • Supplier competitiveness to improve
making. The inefficiencies of the industry compared to a R13 billion deficit in to Western European levels, at least
came out of the history of the local con- 1995. GDP share has also increased. • A major industrialisation strategy is
tent programme. Phase One to Phase What cannot be ignored is that if the required in the supply industry
Five were primarily weight based, with country had no automotive industry the
the focus on value only shifting with • APDP as well as IDC to improve
implications would be significant. The
Phase Six in 1989. The MIDP radically their support levels for this strategy
five goals of the MIDP have been met,
overhauled the programme in 1995, with some more significantly than others. • Productivity to improve dramatically
the resultant benefits of 59 brands and However, we cannot rest on our laurels. – to over 30 cars per employee per
1336 models available to the consumer in Using the Western European cost index annum
2009, vs. 17 and 102 respectively in as our base, South Africa is still over 20%
• Massive investment needed in train-
1994. The consumer has also had the less competitive than the established
ing and skills development
benefits of keener pricing. With the manufacturing bases in Europe, and we
exception of 2000/2001, vehicle price
48 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 51
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 52
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 53
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 54
ABR shall monitor the progress on these action plans, and shall
report back regularly on this progress.
Never let it be said that accountants cannot be creative. The table Ed’s Note: I really believe this workshop came a few months too late. It
display at KPMG’s presentation at Automechanika on the 20th would have been much better to have workshopped on how to avoid
March had many messages. It warned us to tread carefully, as retrenchments. My suggestion? Everyone goes on a three day work week,
times were blooming hard. Like the Proteas, we have our ups and and EVERYONE, including the CEO, takes the commensurate pay cut.
downs, but we must take a leaf out of Churchill’s words, “If you’re Yes, I know there are hurdles and legalities, but with enough will, these can
going through hell, put the rubber on the road and keep going!” be overcome. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, and just
The sunflower indicates that there are sunny times ahead, even imagine, if everyone bites the bullet, how strong and cohesive the team will
be when the good times return.
though you may have left an ear behind.
52 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 55
2009 Mikar
Conference
Supplier of the Year – PARTQUIP Member of the Year – PART-MAN Chairman’s Award – Fred Nasser
ust a stone’s throw away from the Johannesburg Expo offered an attractive alternative to those with an entrepreneurial
H
Automechanika included the
new Monroe® Quick-Strut and
Maxlift ranges included in the
2009 / 2010 Monroe® catalogue,
expanded Magnum truck and
bus and Rancho shock and kit ranges, the Rancho
MyRide remote wireless shock absorber adjustment
controller available as a special order, and the test
marketing of the innovative Monroe SafeCheck
shock absorber wear indicator. “WE bring the bene-
fits of our OE advanced technologies and expertise
to the aftermarket business”, said Megan Naiker,
Tenneco Ride Country Manager, Southern Africa.
“We continuously offer new product lines, services
and support to our customers, positioning Monroe
as a genuine ‘solution provider’”.
April 2009 53
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 56
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 57
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 58
udges singled out 27 stands from a total of 421 displays for gold or silver awards at a prize giving ceremony held at the end of
J the inaugural Automechanika South Africa automotive trade show. Representatives of 21 of these companies were presented with
gold awards and six displays qualified for silver awards. Although there was no overall award, the managing director of the organ-
ising company, Dogan Trading, Pula Dippenaar, said it would have gone to the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) display
which was “outstanding: in every aspect in which an exhibition stand is evaluated”. Award winners included: Africa Truck Parts and
Wheels; Beissbarth South Africa; Bosal Afrika; Control Instruments Automotive; Diesel Electric; Federal-Mogul; Marouns Auto Paint;
MICROMega Holdings; Robert Bosch South Africa; Tenneco-Monroe Shock Absorbers
56 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 59
RMI Activities
The RMI and their constituent associations were active at the Automechanika with many
initiatives. ABR went behind the scenes to give our readers some titbits:
The TDAFA (Tyre Dealers and Fitment Association) held a roadshow meeting on the 19th
March, whereby national chairman Herman Erdmann gave an update of the association and
its objectives. This roadshow will visit the entire country, including Durban, East London,
Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein and Kimberley, and is hosted by Chemvulc. The keynote pres-
entation was an enlightening and realistic overview of South Africa’s current dynamics, by
Frans Cronje of the South African Institute of Race Relations. He pointed the way forward
and the recipe for alleviating poverty, as practiced by many successful emerging economies:
1. Remarkably effective government
2. Effective public education system
Frans Cronje of the SAIRR 3. Removal of constraints of free flow of capital
4. Removal of labour constraints
Ferose Oaten, president of the RMI, concluded proceedings with an impassioned plea for the RMI members to confront and address
the current realities, and to canvas strongly for periodic testing of vehicles, specifically around tyres, brakes and electrical systems. This
would not only benefit the industry, but it would also contribute significantly to road safety.
German
Ambassador
Entertains
Automechanika
Guests
To mark the occasion of the first Automechanika in
South Africa, the German Ambassador, Dieter W.
Influential guests at the Haller, held an evening function at his residence in
function included Jeff Waterkloof, Pretoria, on Thursday, 19th March 2009.
Osborne, CEO of the He reiterated to the invited guests Germany’s acknowl-
RMI; Dieter W. Haller, edgement of the economic importance of South
German Ambassador to
South Africa; Edward Africa, as Africa’s largest economy, and as a valued
Smith, managing director trading partner of the Federal Republic of Germany.
of Trysome; Detlef Braun, The role that German companies have played in the
management board mem- South African automotive industry, in particular, pro-
ber, Messe Frankfurt; and vides a rich and storied tapestry on which to ruminate
Philip Otto, director,
Dogan Trading. and celebrate.
Sarah Lindsey, project manager, Messe Frankfurt with Dr. Ann-Katrin Nolte, press
officer, Messe Frankfurt.
April 2009 57
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 60
G presentation of the Gold Award was made by the vice president, Automechanika
Messe Frankfurt from Germany, Stephan Kurzawski, to Goodyear’s regional man-
ager: Gauteng, Bernie Andrews. The winning product is the new Max Tyre
Technology that delivers tangible cost savings and improved efficiencies for truck owners, as well
as increased safety and performance. In terms of environmental considerations the technology
provides a substantial reduction in fuel consumption, lessens harmful emissions and landfill
waste. Lower rolling resistance, better braking capability in the wet, less noise, pollution, better
operation efficiency, greater load capacity and longer tyres life are some of the claims made of
the company’s long haul range of Marathon LHS II (long haul steer) and LHD II (long haul
driver) truck tyres, which results in lower cost per kilometre. The Regional RHS II (regional
haul steer) and Regional RHD II (regional haul driver) tyre range – aimed at the largest sector
in South Africa’s truck tyre market – are said to offer similar benefits for shorter haul operations.
All these new generation tyres utilise Duraseal technology, which enables a punctured tyre to
repair itself and remain serviceable until it is retreaded. The result is less downtime and
improved safety.
58 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 61
AIDC Quiz
by Roger McCleery
Roger McCleery
asks the questions
See how many of these 20 Questions you can answer.
1. Name the man who holds the World Land Speed Record.
2. What is the name of the new rocket-powered record breaker soon to be used to break the current World Land Speed Record?
3. Where in South Africa is it hoped that this rocket-powered car will break the current land speed record?
4. What do the letters ‘DB’ in the Aston Martin nomenclature stand for?
8. Name two South African who have won their home Grands Prix?
11. What is the Nationality of the founder of the Lagonda Motor Company in Middlesex in England?
12. The nicknames ‘Escargot’ and ’Umbrella on Wheels’ was given to what make of car?
13. The original Honda 50cc 8-valve twin cylinder grand prix motorcycle that had a reputed top speed of 200 kmh used what
method of braking on the front wheel?
15. The 2008 WesBank Series in South Africa was won with a car sponsored by a Bearing Company. Name it.
16. Name the Bridgestone SAGMJ Motor Sportsman of the year 2008.
17. Three tuning forks are the badge of what motorcycle company?
18. Name the top three manufacturers that sold most cars in February 2009.
20. What did this company make before they manufactured Jaguars?
Answers on p75
April 2009 59
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:08 AM Page 62
Euroquip News
Euroquip at Automechanika
The Euroquip stand at Automechanika proved to be popular, and Prakash Bhagwan,
director at Euroquip, commented that the quality of visitor was very high. The
Euroquip stand also had an international flavour, with Davide Giovanardi, commer-
cial manager at OCAP S.p.A., Italy, attending at the stand to discuss OCAP product
with interested parties.
CAP is a private limited company founded in 1975, pension leverages with integrated ball joint. OCAP has been
KAPICO
Allied Nippon
Allied Nippon, a well known global producer, manufactures
brake pads & brake shoes and is a professionally run joint
venture created to produce an internationally accepted quali-
ty brake pad par excellence, utilising technology developed by
JBI (Japan Brake Industrial Co. Ltd. Tokyo), the friction
product division of Hitachi. Kapico has acquired the exclusive
distribution rights for southern Africa for Allied Nippon
brake pads, and intends to position this high quality product
For the global range of vehicles, all the in the premium segment of the market, at very competitive
Allied Nippon brake pads have the prices, giving the South African automotive aftermarket
e-mark and conform to SABS access to a good range at good quality and good prices.
specifications.
Rubrex
Kapico has also exclusive distribution rights in southern Africa for Rubrex, a flagship brand
of Allied Autotech International which has successfully claimed a major share of the world’s
automotive aftermarket in rubber products. The range is extensive, covering engine
mountings, gearbox mountings, strut mountings, exhaust hangars, centre bearing assem-
blies, rubber bushes, suspension and spring bushes, all types of rubber hoses, and steering
and CV boots.
Loozen LN-04
Loozen LN-04 is a multi purpose penetrant and lubricant, and is avail-
able in 480ml and 220ml tins. The 480ml tin is the largest available on
the market, and Kapico is launching the 220ml tin at a very attractive
price. Also available is a range of car care products, comprising dashboard
sprays, air fresheners (in 11 flavours), tyre polish and car shampoos. These
products come from Oman, and everyone knows that the Land of Arabia
is famous for its perfumes, so these products have centuries of tradition.
Kapico is looking
for distributors in
Free state, Eastern
Cape, Northern
Cape, Mpumalanga,
North West and
Limpopo provinces
and also in neigh-
bouring countries
in Sub Saharan
African region.
Contact Rajan
Krishnamoorthi at
27 11 870 4300
Rajan Krishnamoorthi, Operations Director of Kapico South Africa, with for more details.
Mr. Lalit Handa, a member of the founding family, and a visitor to the
stand, “Champ” of Chamb’s Tyres
62 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 65
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 66
Robert BOSCH
ompact, complete, and mobile. troubleshooting, maintenance and service plexer, which is controlled via the
64 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 67
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 68
66 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 69
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 70
Insights
Kevin Clausner, Sales Development The Capricorn team with Kevin Clausner on the Autodata stand
Director. Autodata
BR spoke to Kevin Clausner, makes. Autodata’s reputation and reliability dent workshop needs. Comprehensive cov-
Car care
This was the first Liquimoly prod- The Liquimoly team on duty when ABR visited: Melicia Labuschagne , Sal Vatore Coniglio, Karin
uct – more on this in future editions Heijboer, Peter Baumann, Danie Correia, Alexander Macketanz
of ABR
lobalisation is a word that splits people into two the 640 million cars in the world, Ernst Prost views 500 million
70 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 73
Wilde Things
who is now kaal and sonder huis. Talking as to how to solve this problem. If I had a
about kaal, one Joost van der Westhuizen dollar for every time I have logged a com-
springs to mind, socks and all. The question plaint, or every reference no. that has been
is, can he take the heat, or must he drum up issued by the call centre, I would give
support from you and the huis genoot. The Warren Buffet a run for his money. I must
Cheetahs rugby side, did I hear? Or Oscar know every Telkom technician by name,
Pissedtorius, who could not drink Canada and the parade of unqualified lampoonists
dry, so he went for a wet Vaal dam. And goes on and on, but no one in any position
please, no jokes about hollow prostheses. If of authority will talk to me. The excuse is
Robert Mugabe was South African, it would always the rain. I have a solution. Let us
be no contest, and his eulogy would be an get technicians from some first world
amazing grace. Or maybe something inani- country (maybe the UK is a good one, as
mate like potholes, or out of order robots. they do get a lot of rain) and let them fix
t is not for me to pass judge- up our telecommunications infrastructure
I
ment. My role is to poke fun at All of the above have tried strenuously to whilst also training the local lampoonists.
any and every thing that stands take the national lampoon title, but the Who knows, within a year or so, we may
in my way, without fear or one that takes the cake, the icing, the have ADSL lines that actually work, and a
favour. To be chosen as South sprinkles, the cake tin and even the whole country that becomes far more productive.
Africa’s National Lampoon will bakery has to be Telkom. I must admit that Don’t get me wrong, I am a rabid patriot.
require an immense faux pas I am biased, but then I don’t think I’m
capability, and a truly breath- alone. Telkom, through decades of I love this country and all its faults. I love
taking ability to cock up monumentally and monopolistic dominance and recently its unique characteristics – I could not live
consistently. Sounds pretty elementary, but years of bureaucratic bungling and govern- without koeksusters, melktert, vetkoek,
when you get down to thinking about it, ment ineptitude, has cast itself in stone as brandy and coke, Highveld thunder-
the competition is wide spread and intense, royal game, and it behaves accordingly. storms, Noot vir Noot (okay, maybe I’m
and the candidates simply line up and pile taking it too far), the Mighty Elephants
up. In no specific order, I will mention just I have been struggling with this headless (okay, I have taken it too far), Patricia de
a few. I will most probably miss many behemoth for many years now, and it is Lille, and many more. And there’s even the
deserving folk and/or institutions, but this simply impossible to get them to accept Gautrain to look forward to. But, please,
is just a preamble to an already chosen spe- that it is normal business practice to sup- can’t someone do something about
cial one. You may compile your own list ply a service that is being paid for. My Telkom!
which will be far more comprehensive than problem is the ADSL service that I suppos-
mine, and have your own lampooning fun. edly receive. Yes, I get it, intermittently, I am technically challenged and unin-
but when the day comes that I have clean formed about recent developments, so
So here goes my pathetic attempt, in a wild pure ADSL for just 24 hours on the trot, I maybe there is something better around
and unstructured manner. I’ll start with will celebrate like there is no tomorrow. the corner, and Telkom could soon be an
dear old Jacob Zuma, our home grown My IT consultant, my internet service unpleasant memory. One can but hope. In
AIDS specialist, and plumbing expert, and provider, my modem supplier are all in the interim, eish, eish and more eish!!!!
God forbid, soon to be leader. Then, what unison when identifying where the prob-
lem lies. It is a faulty connection at the Editor’s Note: This column was received
about the electrifying Eskom, or the high- before the release of Shabir Shaik.
flying SAA. Not forgetting Carl Niehaus, exchange, but the only entity that can do
anything about it seems blissfully unaware
April 2009 71
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 74
Update
Over and above the advantage of AutoZone being a one-stop shop for
auto electricians, the AutoZone pit crew is available for free expert fit-
ment advice, from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week, at 0800 200 993.
AutoZone provides quality and peace of mind, and when it comes to
auto electrical product; it has the Subban name behind it.
72 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 75
April 2009 73
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 76
This time saving inspection tool is great for engine work, air
conditioners, under-dash work, suspension and transmission
work. It is simple to use with a single on / off button and a bat-
tery indicator. It has a convenient thumb control for LED light Phone 031 569 7643 or 082 551 5388
74 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 77
ANSWERS ANSWERS
1. Wing Commodore Andy Green. 11. American.
2. Blood Hound. 12. Citroën 2CV
3. Verneukpan. 13. A calliper brake working on the rim just like a bicycle.
4. David Brown. 14. Pollsmor – on the site of the current jail.
5. Alfa Romeo – see it in the museum in Arese. 15. Team Timken
6. Anonima Lombardi Fabbrica Automobili. 16. Tyler Rattray – World 250 Moto-Cross Champion.
7. 25 years. 17. Yamaha.
8. Jody Scheckter and Buller Meyer – both from East London. 18. Toyota, Volkswagen and Ford.
9. Peter du Toit. 19. William Lyons.
10. 375cc. Final engine was 602cc. 20. Sidecars.
April 2009 75
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 78
Engine Remanufacturing
76
April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 79
Guild News
Tyla Rattray and Roger
McCleery honoured
Tyla Rattray, who became the third South African in 16 years to win a
motocross world championship, taking the hotly contested MX2 title in
2008 in a season that included a round in Nelspruit, South Africa, is the
2008 Bridgestone/Guild of Motoring Journalists Motor Sportsman of the
Year. Three other motor sportsmen were nominated for the prestigious
award, which was first won in 1964 and has been sponsored by Bridgestone
for the past 16 years. They were Hennie Groenewald, winner of the WesBank
V8 Supercars championship for the third year in succession; Graeme Nathan,
overall Bridgestone Production Car Champion in a class B SEAT Leon
Cupra; and Leeroy Poulter, who won both the European Rotax Max
Challenge DD2 championship and the Rotax Max Challenge DD2 World
Final at La Conca in Italy. Winner of the Colin Watling Award for special
achievement in motor sport by someone other than a competitor was Roger
McCleery, doyen of South Africa’s motor sport commentators and radio
motoring presenters, for his long and tireless contribution to local motor rac-
ing. To most South African fans he is the voice of local motor racing and his
always-enthusiastic delivery makes him a great ambassador for the sport. Also
nominated for the Colin Watling Award were Brian Cook, the driving force
behind the long-running WesBank V8 championship for 25 years; Neil
Curtis of The Kart Shoppe, a former kart racer, for his contribution to the
development of karting in South Africa; and the Kyalami Marshals’
Association, whose members not only voluntarily perform their duties at
Kyalami but also at motor sport events around the country.
hosted by competition
sponsor WesBank,
was attended by the
who’s who of the
South African motor-
ing industry.
April 2009 77
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 80
Partinform
78 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 81
Partinform
n display are the ATE brake pads with different formulations for differ-
Fram ’s diesel filtration medium
has evolved significantly over the past few
O ent applications, developed to handle the specific requirements for each
vehicle, i.e. load carry, size of vehicle, power output, etc. And specifical-
ly for the different uses of these vehicles, such as normal use, or taxi use, or
years. Cellulose was fine in the days of yore, bakkies that are used in a commercial environment, translating into a
when diesel engines did the donkey work and combination of safety and durability, giving better costs
definitely did not win le Mans. Now, with per braking kilometre. With the prolifera-
highly sophisticated power plants, tolerances tion of new entry vehicles,
Ate pads can also
are critical and combined with the high pres-
improve the braking of
sures from the fuel pumps, diesel has to be these emerging vehicles
clean to the nth degree. Pore size is now so and the life of the pads.
fine, that a hybrid synthetic/cellulose medium With one specific example,
that is fused together is now required (as dis- Ate claims to have replaced
played by Rob Stone) – this is the medium of the original with Ate, and to
have increased the life of
choice worldwide for most diesel fuel filters.
the pads from 6 000km to
30 000km!
April 2009 79
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 82
Partinform
80 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 83
Partinform
Competition Corner
Frik Nel of Frik Nel Motors reacts ecstatically when
he realises that the stainless steel briefcase held by his
lady of choice contains the magical picture – Frik will
be attending the Forza Racing Ferrari Track
Experience in November 2009, courtesy of
Partinform. All Frik had to do was to affirm that SKF
supplies top shock mount kits, and that got him into
the draw. The next winner could be you – just make
sure that you attend the next Partinform in your area:
Springs/Brakpan Tuesday 12th May 2009;
Bloemfontein Wednesday 17th June 2009; Durban
Tuesday 21st July 2009; Klerksdorp Tuesday 8th
September 2009; Port Elizabeth Tuesday 13th
October 2009; White River Tuesday 10th November
2009. And if you are a reader of ABR, you also have
a chance to win a Forza Racing Ferrari Track
Experience. All you have to do is answer these three
simple questions:
1. Ferodo and Champion products are now available in one box. Name the products.
3. Partinform falls under the umbrella of AAMA, of which Malcolm Perrie is chairman. Who is the chairman of Partinform?
Send your answers to fax 086 6579 289 or e-mail bigheart@iafrica.com with the following details:
Company: ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Position: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Postal Address:_______________________________________________________________________________________
e-mail address:________________________________________________________________________________________
April 2009 81
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 84
1 2
The operator identifies the correct end fittings and cuts the
brake hose to the required length. Fittings and brake hose
Customer brings in old or damaged brake hose as a
must be from the same manufacturer to ensure compat-
sample.
ibility.
3 4
Crimp end fittings to the rubber brake hose using Measure crimped, sleeve section of the end fitting to ensure
approved crimping equipment, to the correct crimp speci- it meets the correct specification.
fication.
5 6
The operator must conduct the specified tests and record
the results on the relevant test certificate.. Supply your customer with the new “OE Quality” brake
hose. The time taken to assemble this brake hose is
+/- 5 minutes.
82 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 85
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 86
Industry Update
atrick bemoans the traditional relationships that many were encouraged to work as a team, and were incentivised
84 April 2009
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 87
Fast Wheels
2009 F1 SEASON
by Roger McCleery UNDER WAY AT LAST
y the time you read this, the way, if the field has dropped below 18 chief peddler and sorter outer of cars. He is
B
2009 Formula 1 Season will starters, Max was going to fill the field backed up at times by his Brazilian team-
have got under way in with upgraded F2 cars. In reality this is not mate, Nelson Piquet. Alonso could be the
Melbourne. For Formula 1 a bad idea and why not do it anyway, and champ at the end of this year.
fans, March 29th could not maybe make a customer car available as
have come fast enough after well. Toyota has to do well. Thank heavens they
a break of five months give or take a week didn’t pull out like Honda. Jarno Trulli is
or two. Thankfully the Summer GP, or With all that behind us, what can we now more than a hot shoe qualifier. Timo
Silly Season as they call it, is over. First expect in 2009? Rory Byrne headed up the Glock is going to surprise everyone now he
came the signing up of drivers and all the team that decided on the aerodynamic and is deeply into Formula 1. New signing,
rumours surrounding that . Then once the slick tyre package in an effort to make GP Swiss Sebastian Buemi and American
limited official testing was under way just cars able to pass each other easier. Lap Champ. Car champion, Frenchman
about all teams posted the fastest time at times he said would be about 2 seconds a Sebastian Bourdais, (there are a lot of
one time or another using the new lap slower although you wouldn’t really Sebastians in Formula 1) are in the Torro
Bridgestone slick tyres. notice that. I have never known GP cars Rosso team with Ferrari power. Don’t
over the last 50 years to ever go slower, underestimate them. Sebastian Vettel, the
One never knows what compounds of whatever the rules say. With less turbu- German has moved over to the Red Bull
tyres are actually being used or the fuel lence behind the 2009 set up and with a Renault powered cars with Mark Webber.
load that they are carrying which can make look that we all have to get used to, will it The Aussie is recovering from a broken leg
a huge difference to lap times. Anyway it is improve passing? We will see. A1 GP cars after falling off his mountain bike. Vettel
good to keep the opposition guessing until and other single seaters from other formu- is another real talent with a great attitude.
Round 1 arrives. At the beginning of las with smaller wings, pass and re-pass
March only 18 cars were in the line-up. each other with relative ease I don’t know about the Williams Team.
Anything under this number, according to From top of the pile to being a struggler
FIA Rules, says that races cannot be part of For those using the KERS (Kinetic Energy down in the pack in just a few years. Nico
the World Championship. Recovery System) they will find more Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima are two
power to call on from time to time at the goers of note and have proved it.
Honda pulled out at the end of December touch of a button. This is from the heat Williams – its funny to be saying that -
after 50 years in GP Motor Sport citing generated by the back wheels under brak- could be the dark horse of the whole show.
dropping vehicles sales worldwide (true). ing. Don’t ask me how it works, but they Let’s hope they get their slice of the action.
This gave the entire F1 circus a wake-up say it does. Williams and Toyota are not We have mentioned the Brawn GP team
call. First to start seriously cutting costs as using this system yet. Now about the with regular runners, Jenson Button and
outlined by Max Moseley, boss man of the teams and their prospects. Funnily Rubens Barricello, who with the right car
FIA, and secondly to try and get a buyer enough, just about all the teams are in with could be up front and could cause a real
for the Honda Team with its latest 2009 a chance – some of course more than oth- shake-up of F1. Force India – like Brawn –
car already developed and ready to go. ers. World Champion, Lewis Hamilton have now Mercedes Benz power and two
Also it was to try and keep the specialised with his MBE from the Queen safe in the talented pilots, Adrian Sutil and Giancarlo
manpower that make up this GP team back pocket of his overalls, must start as Fisicella – a former World Karting
under top F1 racing man, Ross Brawn, favourite. Kovalainen, his teammate I am Champion. After months of doubt,
together. Brawn of course engineered sure is going to play wingman, in the new Formula 1 GP is starting to come togeth-
Michael Schumacher to seven world titles McLaren, which hasn’t exactly set the er. True form will be seen in a few races
in Bennetons and Ferraris. Both have now world alight so far. Don’t be fooled. They time when the teams get back to Europe in
happened. Costs certainly have started to do this every year. May after their Far East Tour to start using
drop and Ross Brawn has bought the the new bits they are developing all the
Honda Team and all its assets. The vehicles Ferrari have tested well and are set to go time.
are now called Brawn GP 001 Cars. with their star team. Kimi Raikkonen fell
Whether Ross got the team for free from off his mountain bike I believe. He has had
Honda or on long-term credit, or financed less seat time to that enjoyed by Filipe
partly by Bernie Ecclestone, or whatever – Massa. By Race 2 these two teams - Enjoy!
who cares – they are in the line-up with McLaren and Ferrari - will start slugging it
Nic Fry as CEO or MD. Good news is out again on all circuits. BMW are going
that Jenson Button on his debut on his to do well. Their driver line up of Pole,
first drive was right on the pace with his Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfield – not
new V8 Mercedes Benz engine, which are the best of mates they say – have settled in
being used only this year. Three teams have and have both got contracts. But wait
this power bolted behind the driver – there are others. Renault mainly because
McLaren, Brawn and Force India. By the they have Spaniard, Fernando Alonso as
April 2009 85
ABR April 2009:Layout 1 3/31/09 8:09 AM Page 88
Voted Best Joke in Ireland 2007 sitting in church beside me wife.' 'Oh, that is very nice indeed,
John!' Mary said. The next day, Mary ran into one of John's
John O'Reilly hoisted his beer and said, 'Here's to spending drinking buddies on the street corner. The man chuckled leer-
the rest of me life!, between the legs of me wife!' That won him ingly and said, 'John won the prize the other night at the pub
the top prize at the pub for the best toast of the night! He went with a toast about you, Mary.' She said, 'Aye, he told me, and
home and told his wife, Mary, 'I won the prize for the Best I was a bit surprised myself. You know, he's only been there
toast of the night.' She said, 'Aye, did ye now. And what was twice in the last four years. Once he fell asleep, and the other
your toast?' John said, 'Here's to spending the rest of me life, time I had to pull him by the ears to make him come.'