MTA WA MOTOR May 2021

There are very few opportunities throughout the year at which we can stop, recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions that are made by the automotive industry here in Western Australia.

AUTOMOTIVE EXCELLENCE AWARDED With

MTA WA CEO Stephen Moir

One of those opportunities occurred on May 1 when the Motor Trade Association of WA held the Automotive Excellence Awards at the Crown Towers, where 470 Automotive CEOs, business owners, staff, apprentices, preapprentices and special guests gathered on what was a spectacular evening.

The MTA WA was honoured to have the Premier, the Hon Mark McGowan MLA and Mrs McGowan as our very special guests on the evening and those attending enjoyed the opportunity to meet the Premier and hopefully, grab a selfie or two.

In his address, The Premier demonstrated that he had a clear understanding of the value of the automotive industry and the challenges that we are facing, particularly when it comes to skills shortages. The majority of his time was spent engaging with the attendees, and I know that this was greatly appreciate by all.

The Premier has consistently shown a very strong commitment to the automotive industry and we greatly appreciate and thank him for his attendance at the Awards.

This year’s awards were the largest held to date, with over 100 nominations received across the fourteen categories. This edition of MOTOR highlights the winners and I want to offer my congratulations to all finalists and winners on their achievements.

I also want to encourage all members to consider nominating for the Awards in 2022. Many of this year’s finalists are using their success as part of their advertising and promotion program, particularly across their social media.

I would also like to thank those members and their staff who attended on the evening. When we consider the concern that was generated by two new COVID cases, and the imposition of mandatory mask-wearing, the attendance of 470 was a great achievement.

It’s time we talked about

THE FUTURE.

There are very few weeks that go by that we don’t read in the media about the future of motoring and expressions of frustration about the apparent slow take up of electric cars by the Australian public.

Within this discussion is the myriad of reasons as to why Australian motorists are not taking up electric cars with range anxiety, lack of choice, pricing and a lack of infrastructure given as the key reasons behind this.

There are also calls for Governments, both State and Federal to do more to provide incentives to increase the rate of take up.

The MTA WA strongly supports the take-up of new powertrain technologies, including electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles; however, it is essential when discussing key issues such as taxpayer-funded incentives and infrastructure, that we have an informed discussion that allows for appropriate responses to be developed. This is particularly relevant for Governments considering legislative measures to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles.

A good example of poorly thought out policy was the announcement by the then opposition leader Bill

Shorten, in the lead up to the 2019 Federal Election, that by 2030, 50% of new vehicle sales would be electric. Whilst noble in its intent, the logistics surrounding this type of growth, including in ensuring that we have an electricity grid that can cope with that number of vehicles, always called into question its feasibility and only served to strengthen the questions around issues with electric vehicles.

Electric Australia

So, let’s look at the situation in Australia so far.

In 2020, 6,900 electric vehicles were sold in Australia, representing .07% of new car sales for the year. Over half of these were Teslas priced between $70,000 through to over $140,000.

There are 28 different models available in the Australian market, with 8 of these priced under $65,000.

Australia is a marketplace where there is a preference for larger, family orientated vehicles and we see this in the sales, particularly of SUVs. We also are a country of motorists who enjoy trips into the country, packing the two kids, a dog and supplies for a week and heading off to our holiday destination, most often over 200 kms away in as quick a time as possible.

When we look at models that meet the size and use criterion, the electric offerings become scarce and generally sit above the $100,000 price point, placing them out of reach of most motoring families. That said, research undertaken by the Electric Vehicle Council has shown that 56% of consumers would consider buying an electric vehicle as their next car. The same survey also showed that 68% of consumers want governments to provide both more public charging infrastructure and subsidies to reduce the cost of buying an electric vehicle. Australians are not averse to adopting green technology, with Australia having the highest per capita uptake of roof top solar in the world but we also have one of the lowest uptakes for electric vehicles in developed countries.

European answer

We only need to look towards Europe for the answer to this problem.

Europe is steaming ahead in the growth of electric vehicles and there are three broad reasons behind this. The European market has in excess of 180 different models currently available with this increasing to 214 in 2021. In the United Kingdom, there are 32 models priced between

WHEN WE LOOK AT MODELS THAT MEET THE SIZE AND USE CRITERION FOR AUSTRALIAN MOTORING, THE ELECTRIC OFFERINGS BECOME SCARCE AND GENERALLY SIT ABOVE THE $100,000 PRICE POINT

IT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT EUROPE’S LARGEST VEHICLE

MANUFACTURER, VOLKSWAGEN, HAVE NOT ONLY SAID THAT IT WILL SHIP EVs TO AUSTRALIA IF THE GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES MANDATORY CARBON TARGETS BACKED UP BY FINES, IT HAS LIKENED AUSTRALIA’S CURRENT EV POLICY TO THOSE OF A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY.

$30,000 to $60,000. So, choice and affordability are both less of a barrier than they are here in Australia. It can also be argued that EVs are better suited to large urban areas where the total kilometres travelled are relatively low when compared to Australia. One report estimated that the average electric car in Europe would travel less than 40 kilometres in a day, which means that they don’t need recharging every night. No opportunity

The lack of available, affordable and attractive models means that consumers don’t get the opportunity to even consider the option of an electric vehicle, regardless of the level of demand for these vehicles. Manufacturers are simply failing to supply the Australian market, and there is a need for government intervention to address this, which brings us to the second reason behind the EU’s growth in EVs.

The European Union, like many other countries, has mandatory carbon targets for manufacturers that come with significant fines for breaches. These targets for manufacturers are based on their average emissions for all the cars sold over each year. So, if a manufacturer wants to continue to produce ICE vehicles, it needs to also sell enough EVs to offset the fines through carbon credits.

The EU’s current target is 95 grams of CO2 per kilometre. An average small four-cylinder vehicle will produce anywhere between 100 to 130 grams of CO2 per kilometre and with the current rules imposing fines of $150 per gram in excess of the target of 95 grams. Therefore, manufacturers face substantial fines if they can’t offset these with carbon credits awarded for producing EVs and as a result, we get an incentive for manufacturers to do just that.

Each electric vehicle sold within the EU represents thousands of dollars in carbon credits and it therefore stands to reason that manufacturers will push as many EVs into that market as possible based purely on financial reasoning.

Australia not only doesn’t have CO2 vehicle emissions targets, it hasn’t shown any interest in changing this position and as a result it would not appear that manufacturers will be attracted to import EVs to Australia in the same numbers as other markets.

We all know that Australia no longer has a car manufacturing industry but that does not stop the Government from looking to implement a similar legislative response to that of the EU and other countries. In fact, 80% of new car markets around the world have some form of CO2 standards in place and this leads to the question as to why Australia has not.

Import uncertainty

The lack of any form of direction from the Federal Government is causing manufacturers to hold off making decisions about importing vehicles into Australia due to the uncertainty.

There is absolutely no doubt that if the Federal Government were to follow the lead of other countries in establishing CO2 emission targets we would see an increase in the number of EVs being imported.

It is interesting to note that Europe’s largest vehicle manufacturer, Volkswagen, have not only said that it will ship EVs to Australia if the Government introduces mandatory carbon targets backed up by fines,

it has likened Australia’s current EV policy to those of a third world country. Finally, we come to the issue of government subsidies for charging infrastructure and incentives to assist consumers to purchase an EV. It is no surprise that when surveyed, consumers want greater investment by Government in recharging facilities and incentives to assist in the purchase of an electric vehicle.

Charging infrastructure

The arguments for public charging infrastructure are interesting given that one of the key barriers to buying an EV is the lack of public charging infrastructure and yet it is estimated that about 90% of all charging is done at home. If there were to be investments by governments into infrastructure, I would suggest that bolstering our electricity grid to enable more three-phase rapid charge units to be installed in homes may be a better longer-term investment than installing public charging facilities.

It also stands to reason that as the uptake in EVs grows, so to will the business case for private investors to move into the EV charging space, and I think this is where governments need to exercise caution. It is not the role of governments to invest taxpayer funds to build charging facilities that encourage the uptake of EVs based on environmental arguments when those same governments in Australia preside over an electricity grid that is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Australia’s

electricity generation is dominated by fossil fuels, with coal accounting for approximately 75 per cent, and gas 16 per cent.

Compare this to Norway, where over 90% of their electricity generation is sourced from renewable energy, including hydro, wind and solar. So rather than investing in charging stations, the Government would be better placed to focus on moving our outdated power generation across to rentable energy as a genuine attempt to address climate change concerns. So in conclusion, there is no doubt that Australian consumers will increase their take-up of electric vehicles if there is greater choice with more affordable models. This will only occur if the Federal Government

reviews its position in relation to the introduction of CO2 emission targets for manufacturers to offset the emissions of their conventional fleet. We also need a review of the electricity grid to ensure that a larger numbers of EVs can plug into rapid charge 3 phase home units without consequences affecting the ability for the grid to deliver consistent power supply. The automotive industry is fast approaching a period of massive change with the introduction of new technologies and changing consumer behaviour and it is essential that industry and government worked together to ensure that this transition occurs efficiently.

IT IS NOT THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENTS TO INVEST TAXPAYER FUNDS TO BUILD CHARGING FACILITIES THAT ENCOURAGE THE UPTAKE OF EVS BASED ON ENVIRONMENTAL ARGUMENTS WHEN THOSE SAME GOVERNMENTS IN AUSTRALIA PRESIDE OVER AN ELECTRICITY GRID THAT IS HEAVILY RELIANT ON FOSSIL FUELS.

Even as potential COVID restrictions loomed, nothing was going to dampen the enthusiasm and energy when the automotive industry and the Premier of Western Australia celebrated the many achievements of our State’s best automotive businesses and people.

The feeling of optimism within the Crown Towers Ballrooms on Saturday 1st May 2021 was undeniable as industry leaders, employees and valued business partners gathered to celebrate their achievements in what must be one of the most extraordinary periods in our lifetime. COVID may have cast a cloud, but there was no evidence of this as the names of finalists and winners were announced during the evening. The optimism that the automotive industry has demonstrated over the past 15 months was amplified on what was a terrific evening, and notably, the largest event ever staged by the Motor Trade Association of WA.

The Automotive Excellence Awards for 2021 was the first opportunity for the industry to gather and celebrate their achievements since the COVID crisis commenced and the who’s who of the industry were in the room at Crown on the 1st of May. Our thanks go to our Diamond Sponsor, Capricorn Society, whose valued support helped make this event the success that it was, The MTA WA and Capricorn have a long and successful partnership and work tirelessly to assist our members to achieve success.

In what is great recognition of the importance of the

automotive industry, the Premier, the Hon Mark McGowan MLA was our special guest and he, along with Mrs Sarah McGowan mingled freely with guests throughout the evening, allowing unprecedented access for our members to the Premier. There is no doubt that the Premier felt at ease and enjoyed the opportunity to talk to so many members on the night and have the occasional “selfie” taken.

The ballroom at Crown Towers was the perfect venue for such a significant event and guests were not disappointed with the comfort and quality of the service provided.

A Story of Success: Ceremony Highlights Master of Ceremonies, 6PR’s Oliver Peterson again welcomed returning guests and those new to the fanfare of the ceremony. With an extensive finalist list comprising some of the most inspiring and accomplished members of the automotive industry, Oliver kept the evening moving at a sharp pace and the MTA WA thanks him for again agreeing to be our MC for this event.

Proceedings commenced with the impactful brand stories of the MTA WA and Capricorn, with Capricorn CEO of Automotive, Bradley

Gannon expanding on his vision for the future of the industry.

Establishing the framework for continued collaboration and support for members, Mr Gannon emphasised that this journey is never one that is taken alone and that organisations such as the MTA WA and Capricorn will continue to collaborate with members and work to further their opportunities to grow.

In keeping with the focus on future certainty and growth, MTA WA President Ray Mountney outlined his philosophy for a prosperous industry across the entirety of the State as a long-term regional business owner and operator – regional businesses are at the heart of Ray’s ambition for sustained industry success. Ray stressed that whilst the resources sector takes much of the credit for the economic prosperity of the State and country, the role that the automotive sector plays should never be taken for granted. It is the automotive sector that sells, services, repairs, recycles, transports and builds the vehicles that keep this great State rolling and without it, we stop.

In his introduction to the Premier, MTA WA Group CEO Stephen Moir highlighted the fact that the Premier is now

the most popular politician of any party in our history, leaving luminaries such as Bob Hawke and John Howard in his shadow. But at the core of who the Premier is, he emphasised that it is his down to earth and goodhumoured approach that sets him apart and makes him so popular across all age groups.

The welcome provided by the guests in attendance demonstrated clearly the respect and affection for which the Premier is held.

The Premier has successfully navigated WA through the COVID crisis and also has won a State election during the pandemic so he was not short on topics to speak too.

That said, he delighted the audience with stories about his relationships with his numerous cars, including one instance where he borrowed a navy vehicle only to have it stolen in Subiaco the same day. The premier did recognise the significance of the automotive industry and talked about key issues such as the skills shortage and the importance of training.

It needs to be remembered that the Premier was dealing with a further potential breakout of COVID cases the afternoon of the event, and it is not only commendable that he attended, but also a great recognition of the value

of the automotive industry and the MTA WA and I know that all in attendance valued his presence.

This set the scene to recognise the high achievers of the last year and the people and businesses that are the reason for the Automotive Excellence Awards, the Finalists.

A field defined by perseverance: The Awards

Across the 14 categories for which businesses and individuals could nominate, it was immediately apparent that the people and trading names that comprised the finalist list were anything but ordinary.

Every finalist has a story, a mission or a milestone that made them incredibly worthy of the Finalist status.

With thousands of automotive businesses in operation and eligible for nomination, the mere shortlisting as a Finalist is a commendation worthy of praise. Deservedly so, as the lengths to which the Finalists went to achieve success in the face of a pandemic and economic uncertainty exceeds braveness, it represents absolute dedication.

As is always the case, only 14 nominees could be awarded as category ‘Winners’, and they are listed in the adjacent table, in order of their presentation.

A new era, envisaged with optimism

The 2nd of May marked the first AFL WA Derby between the Eagles and the Dockers and so it was fitting that the event had Will Schofield and Hayden Ballantyne talk with Oliver Peterson about the big game and to take questions from the audience.

As an industry, we are now very well aware that conditions can change rapidly and that we must adapt to this changing environment.

The list of finalists and winners are great testament to businesses and individuals who have been successful in meeting these challenges and these awards are a small part of recognising their success.

As the event came to a close with the dancefloor-filling sounds of Murphy’s Lore, it was equally the beginning of a new, refreshed and hopeful industry era that the Automotive Excellence Awards poignantly captured the spirit of.

The MTA WA is incredibly proud and thankful to be able to host and recognise such businesses and guests and extends an enormous thank you to all persons and businesses involved in its success.

2022 is set to elevate the competition even higher as businesses and individuals propel themselves toward industry greatness.

2021 New Car Dealer of the Year

Perth City Prestige

With new car dealerships featuring a dazzling number of alternative variations on the theme of getting from point A to point B, complete with the potentially confusing marketing information, it’s no wonder customers may feel overwhelmed when looking for a new car.

Matching the client to the car rather than matching any available stock to the client is a major point of difference for Perth City Prestige, a family-owned and run business comprising of Perth City Subaru, Perth City Skoda, Perth City Citroen and Perth City Peugeot.

It is a fitting reward that this personalised approach, designed to help the customer select the right vehicle for them, has resulted in Perth City Prestige being named the 2021 New Car Dealer of Year.

Interestingly, Perth City Prestige have taken some of their client satisfaction cues from sectors outside of the automotive industry, including hotels, airlines and other high-end customer focused environments.

Dealer Principle John Nossiter very strongly believes the customer

experience starts before a person even sets foot into the showroom.

“We’ve invested extensively in targeted marketing initiatives such as digital test drives, social media interactions and television advertising that clearly defines who we are, our values and the exceptional ultrapersonalised attention customers can expect from our staff,” John explained.

“We concentrate on intensive training and development of staff to ensure they can ‘hand select’ models and variants so as to assist the customer in choosing the ‘right’ vehicle for their needs.

“By consolidating choice and having knowledgeable staff, we find that clients are very relaxed and comfortable and actually spend more at the time of sale by truly individualising their vehicle choice from the extensive accessory range on offer,” he said.

In an industry first, Perth City Prestige has taken the concept of personalised vehicle matching to the next level with a unique offering to potential customers.

“One of the services we are very proud to lead the

industry in is sending staff and multiple models of vehicles to clients’ homes so they can conduct a test drive and model comparison in their particular neighbourhood,” John said.

“It’s like having the convenience of the dealership at the end of your street.

“While we are the number one dealership in Perth for Peugeot, Skoda and Citroen, as well as one of Australia’s leading Subaru dealers, we focus on ensuring the scale and size of our business will never outgrow our wish to look after our private and fleet buyers on that very personal level,” he said.

After sales practices

are also designed to keep customers feeling special and important. Follow-ups to ensure a purchase is suiting the client’s lifestyle are regularly conducted and feedback ensures the service department can be responsive to any needs.

The huge number of outstanding testimonials from satisfied clients is further proof that the group has taken customer service to a new level. As New Car Dealer of the Year, Perth City Prestige can be extremely proud their unique approach to customer service is highly valued not only by clients, but also the industry they represent so admirably.

Service Fitting Supply

Experienced

2021 Commercial Vehicle Business of the Year

Catalano Truck & Equipment

2021 Host Employer of the Year

First Class Automotives

Taking on young apprentices can be likened to adopting a son or daughter – developing a good working relationship and a positive environment that creates the right level of camaraderie and support is key to making the “family” a cohesive and functioning unit.

First Class Automotives have quite obviously worked out the right formula, employing a staggering 26 apprentices over the last 25 years, four currently, and as such the business is an extremely worthy recipient of this year’s Host Employer of the Year Award.

The Burswood-based business was established in 1994 by Nigel Oborne and Peter Brooks and specialises in the service and repair of

European vehicles.

However their journey prior to coming together has in part contributed to their appreciation of the importance of the apprenticeship program.

Peter began his career in the automotive industry in 1985 and was awarded an Apprentice of the Year Award in 1987 while working at Shell Alexander Park, the same year Nigel began his apprenticeship with a company specialising in the restoration of European cars. So when the two came together and established a business aimed at the discerning European vehicle owner wishing to entrust their cars’ maintenance and servicing to a qualified

and passionate mechanic, engaging apprentices was always going to be part of the plan.

“There are so many benefits to being a Host Employer,” Nigel explains.

“Our apprentices vastly improve the productivity of our business as they are very competent in completing a number of tasks without constant assistance, especially when it comes to the servicing of cars, meaning more jobs can pass through the workshop within the same day,” he said.

Nigel and Peter are full of praise for the MTA WA’s Automotive Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Group Training (GTO) program.

“AIT makes the process of finding and employing apprentices simple and straightforward. They are also very supportive, offer help and advice when needed and make it extremely easy to enter the apprentices’ hours each week,” Nigel said.

“Our apprentices employed through AIT have always been motivated, enthusiastic and willing to learn and have proved to be invaluable to First Class Automotives in regard to helping to meet the demands of the business and greatly increasing productivity,” he said.

The benefit is obviously two-fold. First Class Automotives considers training to be a cornerstone of their business and, with over 30 years industry experience each, Nigel and Peter offer daily on-the-job training.

“We have developed a number of procedures and checklists to help our apprentices improve the efficiency and accuracy of their work, which in turn helps to avoid making costly mistakes,” Nigel explains.

As a BOSCH Car Service workshop, apprentices also become skilled in BOSCH’s suite of training and technical courses as well as other numerous training opportunities including courses offered by AIT.

First Class Automotives also conduct regular monthly meetings with all staff to discuss their training level and any requirements or concerns, with a high emphasis placed on occupational health and safety.

From being two young apprentices just starting their journey in our industry to being awarded Host Employer of the Year is a massive accolade for both Nigel and Peter and their dedication to ensuring we train tomorrow’s outstanding mechanics.

It’s a simple but true adage that a happy customer is a returning customer. However, in a competitive business world it can be the small things that can mean the difference between just a satisfied customer and keeping that support for life.

Catalano Truck and Equipment, the 2021 Commercial Vehicle Business of the Year award winner, have been doing the small things right since the family-owned business put their name front and centre of a small truck sales and servicing enterprise in 2009.

With many members of the Catalano family involved in the day-to-day running of the business, and all other staff members considered as part of the family, the friendly, personal attention that can only come from a truly invested workforce differentiates this business from its competitors.

“We believe our business is successful due to the personalised experience each and every customer receives,” Managing Director Daniel Catalano explained.

“We know our customers by name, not by a number, and we remember their truck which means we continue to build a personal relationship with each client, doing everything we can to ensure they have a positive experience when dealing with our team and using our services,” he said.

Fitting in with customers’ schedules is another Catalano priority.

“We know that some customers are unable to get

their trucks to us during working hours as that can jeopardise their income so we offer after hours or Saturday servicing,” Daniel said.

“We also recently got on board with Openpay, as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a decline in business for some customers and the service now, pay later model eliminates that unwanted stress and ensures there is no reason for having a potentially unsafe vehicle on the road,” he said.

Aside from servicing, Catalano’s are well known for sales of used trucks and trailers.

The personalised service a customer can expect to receive from the sales staff is again second to none.

With new stock continually becoming available, the sales team constantly update customers on any trucks that may match their specific needs.

A innovation initiated by sales manager Dylan Catalano during the upheaval of the last 12 months was an

initial “virtual viewing” of stock, on top of the emailing of brochures and relevant information to interested potential new owners.

And in line with fitting in with the customer’s schedule, Catalano’s also offer after hours and Saturday viewings as well as a National Warranty on all used trucks.

From an industry perspective, Catalano’s has always been a strong supporter of young people curious about the automotive industry as a career path. Currently two high school students are engaged in an on-going one-day a week placement, with one of the them recently announcing

his intention to pursue a career as a heavy diesel mechanic.

With the COVID pandemic forcing many major companies to stand down apprentices, Catalano’s took a proactive approach and, in addition to their existing program, re-employed a third year apprentice to ensure he finished his training. The sustained growth of the business has clearly been the result of Daniel and his team making sure they get the small details right as well as ticking the big boxes and as such Catalano Truck and Equipment are very worthy recipients of the Commercial Vehicle Business of the Year 2021 award.

AUTOMOTIVE EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2021 / MOTOR

It might sound like an advertising slogan, but when Westside Auto Wholesale say they have a vehicle to suit all lifestyles, budgets and preference, you’d be hard pushed to argue.

With over 2,200 vehicles of all makes, models and price points under the one enormous roof at their Bentley showroom at any one time, Westside Auto proudly lay claim to being the largest independent single site used car dealership in Western Australia – and possibly the country.

And they can now add the 2021 Used Car Dealer of the Year to the many accolades the business has received over the decades.

Reasons for their success are many and varied, but an unwavering focus on outstanding customer service is the backbone upon

which the business is built.

“We aim to give our customers a stress-free car buying experience and one of the ways we ensure this is our ‘best price first’ fixed pricing philosophy,” explained Dealer Principle at Westside Auto, Bob Fowler.

“People find this approach refreshing and we know they appreciate the honest approach by the large number of returning and referred customers,” he said.

“We have also established a Client Contact Centre, with 11 dedicated employees, operating seven days a week from 7am to 10pm to answer all customer enquires.

“Complementing this is the number of licenced customer service attendants at the showroom, over and above our 25 salespeople, allowing us to showcase cars at customers’ houses

or place of work at a time convenient to them,” Bob said.

All vehicles are extensively workshop tested and serviced prior to appearing on the showroom floor in the flesh and in multiple highly detailed photographs on the Westside Auto Wholesale website, the only source of advertising for the business.

“We sell an average of 1,000 vehicles per month and with such high turnovers and internet-only marketing, the resulting lower margins mean we can offer customers a better deal,” Bob said. The dealership was the first in Western Australia to embrace the concept of internet-only promotion and to improve the quality and speed of delivery of the photographic showcase of vehicles, Westside have invested in a state-of-the-art photo booth, imported from the USA.

‘Project Paperless’ is a further innovation requiring significant investment over the past 12 months in software and systems in order to achieve the goal of a totally paperless dealership by 2023. And continuing the green theme is the deployment of solar panels in order to reduce electricity consumption by half.

It all adds up to a dealership continually on the front foot to deliver customers the best deal on a huge range of used vehicles and that’s what makes Westside Auto Wholesale a deserved winner of the Used Car Dealer of the Year 2021.

With Openpay you get paid right away, while your customers get more time to pay with up to 6 months*. No interest. No hassle. Just smart, simple and flexible payment plans. Openpay is available across a range of automotive specialities across Australia, including wheels, servicing, exhausts, dental, retail, home improvement and more.

Download the Openpay app Sign up and check your approved spending limit Create a plan, customise your terms and get more time to pay

• Potential to increase customer average spend by 40-100%

• Increase customer conversion and loyalty

• Virtually no risk to the business

515 451

• Enhance customer experience with seamless payments

• Bring forward deferred service work, and attract new customers

2021 Motorcycle Dealer of the Year

The Honda Shop

When a business can celebrate over 40 years selling and servicing a particular marque of motorcycle, there can be no doubt that the people behind its success are just as loyal, proud and passionate as the community of riders they serve.

And this is certainly the case when it comes to The Honda Shop in Midland, the very worthy winners of the 2021 Motorcycle Dealer of the Year.

Starting from a small shop at the base of Greenmount Hill in 1978, The Honda Shop is now the biggest Honda dealership in Western Australia and the leading dealer for the range of Honda power products in Australia. Featuring Western Australia’s largest range of Honda products under the one roof, from the current range of motorcycles bearing the Japanese manufacturer’s famous brand through to leaf blowers, and everything in between, The Honda Shop is THAT one-stop shop.

However, it is not just the size and scale of the business that makes it the ‘go to’ place for Honda products. Familyowned and run, there is a genuine love of the Honda brand and all management and staff are passionate owners and riders, just like their customers.

With a desire to be not

just the best Honda dealer, but the best motorcycle dealer in WA, one of the cornerstones of the business is the importance placed on matching the right bike to the rider. With this in mind, The Honda Shop lay claim to the largest fleet of Honda demonstration bikes in the State.

“With so many decades experience, our competitive edge is knowing our product and our customers and providing a level of service that only a small and passionate family-run dealership can,” said owner and Director Eddie Peters.

“We love that our sales staff are friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely excited by the Honda product and this is borne out by our sales figures of new bikes as well as the success of our service, parts and accessories department,” he said.

Employing only factorytrained staff and technicians, the service department is well versed in the cutting edge technology built into every Honda motorcycle and regular training ensures the team is ready to tackle anything from regular scheduled servicing through to full engine rebuilds.

It almost goes without saying that their range of genuine parts and accessories is huge, but as a

business with a 40-plus year history, The Honda Shop stocks many hard to get parts for older bikes as well.

And even though the internet was not even a concept 40 years ago, The Honda Shop now offers customers the ability to browse the huge catalogue of genuine Honda parts on offer, both old and new, simply by entering the year and model of a bike on their website.

Environmental concerns might not have been on the agenda 40 years ago either but The Honda Shop has certainly embraced them in 2021, proudly becoming the first Green Stamp accredited motorcycle dealership in WA.

Along with the installation of a 5Kw solar panel system

2021 Body Repairer of the Year

Bert Bennett Panel Centre

Paint and panel runs in the blood of the Bennett family.

(Honda panels, of course), their carbon footprint is further reduced with an emphasis on the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle.

A great example of this is the replacement of 258 fluorescent tubes on the showroom floor with LED lighting – an environmental triumph that uses 50 percent less energy.

Whether it’s a desire to help the environment, a genuine commitment to providing the very best bike for a customer’s lifestyle or a wish to find that hard to source classic Honda part, the team at The Honda Shop are willing to go the extra mile – which makes them very much the 2021 Motorcycle Dealer of the Year.

Proudly sporting the name of Bert Bennett Snr, the Osborne Park business, now in its 61st year of operation, welcomed the third generation of Bennetts in 2021 with the appointment of Bert Snr’s grandson as a panel beating apprentice.

And this year also sees Bert Bennett Panel Centre recognised for its ongoing outstanding accident repair work, taking out the Body Repairer of the Year Award.

Since Bert Bennett Snr established the business in a Osborne Park unit in 1960, employing one panel beater and one spray painter, the concern has gone from strength to strength. The original workshop at 14 Ruse Street is now part of a five unit panel shop employing nine panel beaters, six spray painters, a general manager and three administration officers.

Overseen by Bert Bennett Jnr since the completion of his apprenticeship in 1997, this physical growth is testament to the quality of workmanship as well as an ongoing commitment to improvements in customer service delivery.

One look at the testimonials from satisfied customers on their website clearly illustrates that the desire to go above and beyond what is expected to ensure a client’s experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible is not only a key to success, but greatly appreciated.

“Many of our customers have never made a claim before and can be a little overwhelmed by the whole process,” Bert Bennett Jnr explains.

“We try to ensure that a client is without their vehicle for the least amount of time as possible and that when we have finished our job, we have exceeded their expectations, both in terms of the result and the experience,” he said. In order to limit the time a customer is without their vehicle, Bert Bennett Panel Centre has introduced many time-saving organising structures into the day-to-

day running of the shop.

The “rapid repair” system fast tracks smaller repair jobs while a gas-fired infrared low bake oven paint booth can dry small parts and single panels in just 10 minutes.

Another initiative is the restructuring of the parts division whereby every repair job is allocated a dedicated trolley which remains with each individual vehicle from start to finish, eliminating time wasted searching for parts and allowing parts not used to be credited back to the supplier the day the repair is completed. This sort of innovation

also extends to limiting their impact on the environment.

Awarded a “Green Stamp” by the MTA, the shop only uses water-based paints, is mostly powered by solar panels and, most recently, has installed a waste water treatment system.

As a family run panel and paint shop, a major priority is looking after their loyal staff, most of whom have been with the company for over 10 years.

“It’s simple,” Bert says. “ We believe that if we look after our staff then they will look after our clients.” And it is the satisfied clients that have ensured Bert Bennett Panel Centre is a proud and worthy recipient of the 2021 Body Repairer of the Year Award.

2021 Recreational Vehicle Business Of The Year

RV Solutions WA Automotive Excellence Awards

Three and a half short years ago Scott Earley and Jason Lamb began a journey to become the best caravan sales and repair outlet in Australia with the launch of a part-time mobile repair business.

Never losing sight of their long-term goal, their incredible dedication and hard work has resulted in phenomenal growth.

RV Solutions WA now the State’s largest caravan repair business and Australia’s leading food van builder.

Importantly, growth has not come at the expense of the initial personalised service that set them apart but rather because of this single minded determination to exceed customers’ expectations.

“We focus on delighting our customers to the point where they confidently refer our services to others and return for future work,” Scott said.

“Our business has three main pillars of strength – experience, value for money and creating a genuine connection – all aimed at giving the customer an outstanding end product,” he explained.

“We place great importance on building trust and being authentic so that customers find working with us to be seemless and easy.

“We know we’re not the cheapest in the business, but we always try to ensure that customers leave with a feeling that ultimately they got more

than what they paid for by surprising them with additional services such as free detailing.

“And finally we have become known in the industry for building ongoing relationships with customers so that we are instantly their ‘go to’ caravan people,” Scott said.

Now employing 22 staff, the team of people Scott and Jason have built around them are the best in business with extensive experience in caravan manufacturing and repairs, cabinet making, spray painting and mechanical engineering.

“With the customers’ experience always at the forefront, our business procedures centre around giving staff autonomy and accountability while at the same working together as a team, including cross checking each other’s work,” Scott said.

At the end of the day, this methodology is to ensure all projects are completed to the RV Solutions standard – ‘beyond our customer’s expectations’.

RV Solutions are not only the leading repairer of caravans in WA, but also major player in new caravan sales with exclusive distribution rights for a number of quality brands.

“We have over 250 years

of combined experience, both as avid travellers and repairers, and as such we are in the unique position of being able to share our knowledge and experience to educate buyers in making an informed decision,” Scott said.

With a mandate of offering cost-effective solutions without compromising quality, RV Solutions have created a number of educational videos, some of which have registered over 22,000 views, regularly hold information seminars at local clubs and encourage customers to tour their facility to witness first hand the processes involved in repair and maintenance.

“With an increase in recreational touring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pre-purchase inspections have increased by over 400 percent this financial year and we are proud to say we have saved over 50 people from buying sub-standard vehicles after discovering

major faults on caravans they would otherwise have purchased,” Scott said.

One very specialised niche in the market that RV Solutions have almost made their own is the restoration and refurbishment of vintage caravans, either for recreational purposes or for use as food trucks.

To date the team have restored 16 vintage caravans, stripping each one back to its frame before meticulously rebuilding each component to the highest quality. Featuring the ongoing work and the before and after photographic evidence on social media has proved to be a very worthwhile marketing tool.

And if further proof were needed to illustrate that RV Solutions WA are

AUTOMOTIVE EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2021 / MOTOR

2021 Regional Business of the Year Great Southern Towing

Regional Members seem to consistently demonstrate remarkably progressive customer service practices and have a way of showcasing human compassion at its best. That’s because regional businesses don’t serve customers, they serve their communities. All of this year’s Regional Business of the Year finalists had deeply rooted connections to their community and a willingness to serve selflessly. Of those, Great Southern Towing stood out for capturing the essence of what regional businesses offer their communities.

Great Southern Towing is led by husband and wife duo Stuart and Sarah Brindley. The working couple has built a business based on serving the community. The ‘Great Southern’ community is not a small neighbourhood either, spanning 39,007km². From the most basic of roadside assistance to horrific regional fatalities, Great Southern Towing has been a 24/7

towing, vehicle transport, recovery and roadside assistance service since 2004, as well as proud MTA WA Members.

In 2004, Stuart and Sarah started with just a pink 1968 F350 pickup truck. Fast forward to 2021 and they have grown to own and operate a fleet of 12 trucks as well as commissioning the construction of a brand new semi-tilt truck through Freightmore Transport.

Stuart and Sarah have devoted their lives to their work, literally. A drink at the pub is a rarity, holidays are almost a pipe dream, and there isn’t much time to be unwell. Great Southern Towing is busiest when the regional roads are at their most active, which is generally holidays. It’s not just Stuart and Sarah working around the clock. All of their staff are on call to assist the Great Southern region 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.

Since Great Southern Towing commenced operations in 2004, the growth of successful relationships has seen the team build up an excellent working association with external stakeholders, contractors, and customers all over Western Australia. The combination of family values and the desire to assist as many people as even the biggest of businesses has been the driving factor for the hard-earned success of Great Southern Towing. Unfortunately, when their customers need Great Southern Towing the most, it is at the toughest of times. Being stranded in a regional

It all starts with spirit.

area or involved in a regional collision is especially confronting for the people involved – particularly in the event of a fatality. So when positive feedback and endorsements from WA’s largest road and emergency organisations get back to the team, they are very proud to undertake the work they do. Education and community involvement has amassed an enormous amount of testimonials, certificates of recognition and thank you letters from the Great Southern region. Proactively assisting with the training and demonstrations undertaken by emergency services is but one of the community education initiatives conducted by Great Southern Towing.

By taking a preventative approach, Stuart and Sarah are actively investing in assisting emergency services to reduce traffic accidents and increase awareness about the risks of country driving and fatigue/alcohol/ drug driving.

Great Southern Towing underscores what WA appreciates in regional businesses and continue to grow their brand with the intention of better serving their regional district. This makes Great Southern Towing a very worthy winner of Regional Business of the Year for 2021.

AUTOMOTIVE EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2021 / MOTOR

2021 Off-road Business of the Year

Core Offroad

It’s all well and good having total faith in your product and its ability to deliver above and beyond expectation. However, the acid test is how well the product performs in the hands of the end user.

Of all the sectors making up the automotive industry, offroad 4WD enthusiasts will inevitably bring about one of the hardest tests for a new product. Core Offroad have passed with distinction and as such, it is no surprise that this new enterprise is the 2021 Off-Road Vehicle Business of the Year.

The Core Offroad story begins like many successful enthusiast driven ventures –an on-going involvement in 4WD touring, a strong belief that offroad adventuring products could be better and a desire to break the mould when it came to design and production.

The end result is a successful new 4x4 onestop shop creating custom designed canopies and camper trailers, as well as a myriad of innovative accessories, for a market that was just crying out for such an enterprise.

It is incredible to think that in a little over 12 months since opening its doors, and notwithstanding the world changing challenges of the past year, Core Offroad has grown from the original four enthusiasts to a staff of 15. Success clearly comes from not only having an excellent product, previously unseen

in the marketplace, but in being able to customise that product to suit the unique and individual requirements of each and every customer.

The Phoenix Canopy range is made from a HDPE (high density polyethylene) product known as Kings Starboard – an extremely strong, slightly flexible material with excellent insulation properties.

Developing a revolutionary manufacturing process to use HDPE in this application has resulted is a world first patented method of welding the plastic to suit the particular requirements of the canopy design. Seamless corners and near invisible continuous welds, insuring optimum strength, are a standout innovation unique to Core Offroad.

Further to this, the canopies are lighter, stronger, do not rot or fade and have very little shape memory which not only offers some protection from impacts and bumps in extreme driving conditions but also limits fatique in crucial high stress areas.

“Core Offroad’s aim is to be not just a one stop shop, but to be different and try things that others think are too hard,” owner Jimmy Egan said.

“The majority of our designs come from customers searching for something that doesn’t exist or from our own experience

with products that aren’t good enough,” he said.

“Having the client involved in the design process of their own canopy and witnessing their reaction when they can see the finished product being built with 3D computer modeling is extremely satifying.

“We offer everything you could possibly think of, including the kitchen sink, as part of a custom build and we do our best work at the point other companies simply say ‘it’s too hard’,” Jimmy explained.

Modifications include a revolutionary pull-out kitchen design, audio systems, lighting, roof top tents, gas hot water systems, water filtration systems

as well as the traditional bull bars and suspension upgrades.

Not only that, Core also offers ready to roll “New Car Turn-key Packages”, including the 4WD of choice, customized to the unique requirements of the client, and delivered anywhere in Australia.

While the Core Offroad brand is very young, it utilises the combined knowledge of its production, design and construction team to create a new benchmark for the 4WD industry. With new and innovative products also on the drawing board, it won’t be the last time this group of enthuiasts take home a major award.

THE AUSTRALIAN TOOL COMPANY TAKING QUALITY TOOLS TO THE World

2021 Apprentice of the Year

Zachary Randolph

As a third-year Apprentice at Mindarie Workshop & Auto Electrical, Zachary Randolph has had the opportunity to prove himself as a very worthy recipient of the Apprentice of the Year Award for 2021. Having developed a passion for vehicle servicing after purchasing and working on his first-ever car, Zach has never looked back.

Finding a job is daunting enough following school, let alone finding a career that the student is passionate about. That’s why Zach was fortunate to have found his true passion within his chosen career path of automotive repair. Zach made the decision to undertake a PreApprenticeship through the Automotive Institute of Technology, which fed him into the Apprenticeship Program.

It helps when you are well supported by family, with the Randolph’s having a strong connection to the automotive industry themselves. The other family that have adopted Zachary during working hours is the team at Mindarie Workshop & Auto Electrical. Being an award-winning business that has received accolades from the likes of the City of Wanneroo Business Association, it stands to reason that Zach’s awardwinning attitude fitted in perfectly at his workplace.

David Durrant, the Director of Mindarie Workshop & Auto Electrical, recalled that “His [Zachary] eagerness to learn was apparent on the first day of the job” and that Zach is an “invaluable part of the team”.

Zachary competed within a field of highly motivated finalists. What elevated him to winner’s status was his approach to his work

When school students were in the workplace as part of a school placement, Zach not only supervised them but endeavoured to provide them with the best advice and demonstration of what life as a technician is really about.

and his willingness to lead, even at such an early phase of his career. As would be expected from a winning candidate, a fantastic work ethic, attention to detail and dependability all came as standard when Zach commenced his apprenticeship. What stands out is his determination to assist others and lead when presented with the opportunity.

When school students were in the workplace as part of a school placement, Zach not only supervised them but endeavoured to provide them with the best advice and demonstration of what life as a technician is really about. Zach aimed not to discourage, nor to make the role look overly glamorous, but to achieve one simple goal – to give the students the best insight into what

their future career would look like and allow them to identify if it suited their strengths.

Further demonstrating his mature approach to his position, Zach has been described as highly communicative and a pleasure to work with by his peers and customers alike.

As an apprentice, many see the role as a ‘back of house’ position, whereas Zach has taken ownership of his responsibilities and the need for him to undertake the same attitudes of those more senior.

Even after work hours, Zach can’t be stopped from lending a helping hand. Assisting a mate who has a keen, and expensive, interest in drifting, Zach is always there to provide repairs and assistance within the scope of his ability and skills. As

anyone who has attended motorsport as an assisting crew member knows, that side of the fence is all effort and very little glory.

As an Automotive Institute of Technology student at the MTA WA, Zach has been recognised by the training staff as a very focused and self-reliant student with a clear passion for his training. Even his interest in environmental management practices are not typical of a third-year apprentice, and it certainly helps when his employer is a Green Stamp certified workshop. Zachary Randolph has earned the title of Apprentice of the Year 2021 because he takes on the responsibilities of someone much more advanced in their career whilst trying to encourage the next generation of apprentices.

Win-win. It might not work in footy, but it’s the only way we play.

We’ve always understood the strength of partnerships that work for everyone. It’s what has underpinned the success of our Members and Preferred Suppliers since day one. Join the team and you can share in that same success.

2021 Pre-Apprentice of the Year

Madeline Varcoe

Madeline Varcoe is an example of how big impacts can be made at the earliest stages of any career. With her caring disposition and dedicated approach to learning, Madeline has earned recognition by excelling in her desire to learn automotive servicing skills.

It’s likely that Madeline’s interest in automotive derived from her interest in cars from a young age.

Madeline said that “This PreApprenticeship inspires me to continue in the industry every day”. Undertaking training from a perspective of inspiration rather than necessity is an incredibly positive outlook and speaks to Madeline’s nature as a person.

“I know for a fact that I will want to pursue this as my career, pushing me more and more every day to achieve the best I can and beyond,” Madeline said. Such words would normally be attributed to an Olympian or a highperformance businessperson. These are, in fact, the words of a forward-thinking young

woman and proof that she has a passion for today and a vision for tomorrow, which in itself is a rarity at most stages of a career, let alone at the beginning.

Madeline identifies patience, teamwork, communication skills and problem-solving as the skills that she has developed the most during her PreApprenticeship. All of those skills are transferable and clearly have impacted Madeline’s broader life, with ever-growing confidence noted by her Trainer, Ange Joyce-Fay.

Ange is passionate about young talent, particularly in a male-dominated industry. As such, Madeline has evolved to become an enthusiastic mentee, willing to understand and implement the necessary skills to succeed in the field.

As Madeline completes Year 12, it’s apparent that she has what it takes to become a graduate of significance. She is a person who uses passion as fuel and hardships as motivation to create an even better tomorrow.

Candidates ought not to be assessed on age, but it

2021 Automotive Repairer of the Year Euro Technik

Pride and passion are two words bandied about a lot in the automotive repair world. However, in the case of Euro Technik those words define the very culture that has seen the workshop awarded the 2021 Automotive Repairer of the Year.

Interestingly the Euro Technik definition of ‘best customer service’ is multifaceted and ranges from the welcoming modern reception areas for clients through to ensuring the health and wellbeing of their highly valued staff.

is hard to overlook the fact that Madeline’s philosophies would be considered noble even for someone twice her age. The fact that Trainers and future co-workers will be left with an inspiring impression is the most meaningful contribution a candidate can make to their industry. Madeline will undoubtedly leave many positive impressions as she progresses through her very promising career.

The MTA WA’s Automotive Institute of Technology and her classmates alike all commend Madeline for her accomplishments and the ultimate recognition as PreApprentice of the Year for 2021. As Madeline proceeds into apprenticeship status, it’s anticipated that she’ll be a beloved member of any automotive repair business. Success will come with time, and in the words of Madeline, “As well as communication and effective teamwork, this industry needs patience, as you are continuously problemsolving.” Such patience will be Madeline’s strength.

As a leading service provider for European vehicle brands in Western Australia, the Euro Technik team pride themselves on delivering the best customer service experience possible for their discerning clients. It’s a recipe for success as the brand continues to go from strength to strength with the original North Fremantle premises now complimented by a second workshop in Nedlands.

Surgically clean workshop floors, quality loan cars, highly experienced technicians trained to clearly communicate with clients as well as the very latest in tooling ensures that Euro Technik meet that goal of providing the very best in customer service.

All repairs, from specialised engine and transmission builds through to diagnosing and rectifying complex electrical issues, are

carried out in-house with pride taken in undertaking the “difficult” jobs other repairers either won’t or can’t do. Again their approach is multi-faceted – investing heavily in the correct tooling and the latest diagnostic equipment, including complete ADAS calibration kits, and complimenting this with specialised training courses and two internal in-house training days per month. All staff attend at least one external training course per year with knowledge gained shared with other team members.

As well as training, the management team at Euro Technik also place a high focus on ensuring their highly trained technicians have access to all the resources required to work on modern European vehicles, including workshop manuals, wiring diagrams, manufacturer diagnostic tools and over 420 carefully catalogued and stored specialist tools. While all of this is great news for the owners of the vehicles Euro Technik looks after, it also ensures a high retention of the engaged and

happy staff members. With a focus on teamwork as opposed to individual performance, Euro Technik has invested in their staff in a unique and ultimately rewarding way, both on a personal and business level.

Staff personality profiling, allowing team strengths and weaknesses to be discovered and analysed, has resulted in a number of training and team building exercises to be developed, improving internal and external communication, staff engagement and cementing the knowledge that people are the most important aspect to the business.

And in line with Euro Technik’s value of “pursue growth and learning”, a recent initiative is the rollout of an employee assistance program which anonymously provides all staff and immediate family members to a range of support services including metal health, nutrition, exercise, career redirection, financial advice and more.

At the end of the day, it all results in great customer service – and a well deserved place on the winner’s list in the Automotive Excellence Awards 2021.

2021 Women in Automotive

Paige

Gregson

There can be no doubt that the perception of the automotive industry as primarily a male dominated world is changing. A case in point is the inclusion of the “Women in Automotive” gong in this year’s MTAWA Automotive Excellence Awards.

The inaugural winner of this award, Paige Gregson, had already excelled in her chosen career as a vehicle spray painter. She began her apprenticeship with Peter Wilkinson and Co in 2016 before a downturn in business resulted in her completing her qualifications with Gino’s Panel and Paint.

Her friendly personality, ability to learn quickly and a willingness to always go the extra mile to ensure outstanding results was not lost on Wilkinson’s Managing Director, Mike Wilkinson.

“Paige is a clear example of why we must continue to train young people and why the MTA’s Group Training Organisation needs to be supported by the industry,” Mike said.

“Paige is obviously going to be managing a body shop

one day and we need young people like her to remain in our industry to keep it strong and viable,” he said.

Fast forward to the beginning of 2020 and, following medical advice, Paige made the decision to move in a new direction.

With a genuine love of the automotive industry and a solid grounding in body repair and painting, she was the ideal candidate for an administrative assistant position at Maddington Smash Repairs.

Darren Templeton, the owner of Maddington Smash Repairs, takes up the story.

“With a single-minded drive and attention to detail second to none, she quickly learnt the many and varied processes we deal with on a daily basis. This is no small task with insurers and fleet providers having unique multiple systems she had to understand,” he said.

“Having quickly mastered this challenge, she then approached me about learning to estimate, completing several I-CAR courses in her own time and working back to learn the

complexities of estimating and the systems and frameworks involved.”

Her willingness to take on more and varied roles has seen her rise to the position of Workshop Co-ordinator for Maddington Smash, in charge of work scheduling, parts procurement, quality control and liaison with both clients and insurers.

“Paige’s experience as a qualified spray painter gives her the ability and confidence to speak to the trades people and the office staff in our business with authority,” Darren said.

“She is also universally respected by all our work

providers, especially the mostly male insurance assessors, which is no small feat given the short time she has been with us.

“Paige is such a valuable asset to our business due to her appetite for learning, her loyalty, her people skills and an ability to laugh at herself.

“Perhaps her best attribute is that she leads by example in everything she does and, as such, she is an absolutely incredible female role model,” Darren said.

Aside from the outstanding dedication to her chosen profession, there is also a personal back story, further illustrating just what an exceptional role model Paige is, both to her colleagues and the wider community.

Paige has recently become the full-time guardian of her 10 year old brother Bailey, is the President of the Maddington Junior Football Club and shares her cheerleading skills, training and teaching twice a week.

And if that wasn’t enough, she also keeps her spray painting skills in check, helping out on friends’ projects in her spare time on the weekends.

Congratulations Paige Gregson – a truly inspirational and deserving winner of the Women in Automotive Award 2021.

Are

Are you ge tting the most out of your

Membership?

MTA WA members have access to a Commonwealth Bank Relationship Manager who can arrange for you to receive information on:

MTA WA members have access to a Commonwealth Bank Relationship Manager who can arrange for you to receive information on:

• Everyday banking solutions including business accounts and eftpos terminals.

Everyday banking solutions including business accounts and eftpos terminals.

• For your eftpos – a Commonwealth Bank Relationship Manager can provide information on the Least Cost Routing options.

• For your eftpos – a Commonwealth Bank Relationship Manager can provide information on the Least Cost Routing options.

• Funding options including Business Credit Cards, Car and Equipment Finance and Business Loans.

• Funding options including Business Credit Cards, Car and Equipment Finance and Business Loans.

• These solutions may help you manage cash flow and expand your business.

These solutions may help you manage cash flow and expand your business.

To find out how Commonwealth Bank can help your business move forward, contact MTA WA on (08) 9233 9800 or email enquiries@mtawa.com.au and they’ll put you in touch with a Commonwealth Bank Relationship Manager.

To find out how Commonwealth Bank can help your business move forward, contact MTA WA on (08) 9233 9800 or email enquiries@mtawa.com.au and they’ll put you in touch with a Commonwealth Bank Relationship Manager.

2021 Innovative Business of the Year

Core Offroad

The team at Core Offroad, the 2021 winners of the Innovative Business of the Year award, must have had the dictionary open at the word ‘innovation’ when the devoted 4WD fanatics started to formulate their ideas to make venturing off the beaten track safer, easier and more fun.

The definition of innovation as the development and application of ideas that improve the way things are done or what can be achieved totally encapsulates what Rockingham-based Core Offroad have achieved in the short 12 months they have been in business.

The story, however, begins several years earlier with a group friends collectively believing there was a market for better designed and manufactured, highly durable off-road accessories, particularly when it came to canopies, rooftop tents and camper trailers.

The team had a number of strict criteria they wished to meet to ensure their products would surpass the best of the best, both from a design perspective and the all important the fit for task “toughness”.

After much product research, the team settled

on a HDPE (high density polyethylene) product known as Kings Starboard to build their range of canopies. While HDPE met the requirements of extreme strength, flexibility and excellent insulation properties, the problem of actually finding a way of using this material to fabricate their unique designs required considerable innovative research and development.

The result is a world first patented method of welding the plastic to suit the particular requirements of the canopy design. Seamless corners and near invisible continuous welds, insuring optimum strength, are a standout innovation unique to Core Offroad.

Further to this, Core Offroad canopies are lighter, stronger, do not rot or fade and have very little shape memory which not only offers some protection from impacts and bumps in extreme driving conditions but also limits fatique in crucial high stress areas.

“The process of building a canopy from HDPE is much faster than traditional aluminum,” Core owner Jimmy Egan explains.

“The complete side panels and doors of a canopy can be cut using a CNC overhead router in a matter of hours while our patented weld process then allows us to fold the flat sheets into the required shape and size to fit together,” he said. Aside from improved strength over a tack welded aluminium canopy frame, this innovation means a process which might normally take weeks is now achieved in just days. The continued refining of methods over the past 12 months has seen production output increase from one canopy per month to four.

Not only is there a considerable cost saving in the Core process, but the associated weight reduction achieved using HDPE as the primary construction material of canopies allows Core Offroad to innovate in other areas.

A seemingly endless range of electrical componentry and custom additions – some indulgent – can be incorporated into a Core canopy including refrigerators, audio systems, ovens, lighting systems and more.

“From wanting to produce a product that will withstand the most extreme conditions to make our own adventure trips better, this journey has evolved into something that all off-roaders can benefit from,” Jimmy said.

The passion and determination of this young team to continue to innovate and develop the highest quality products for the 4WD industry makes Core Offroad very worthy winners of the Innovative Business of the Year.

It’s been a triumphant year for the

Plan

ahead for licence renewals

When it comes time to renew your occupational licence, Consumer Protection is reminding industry to avoid leaving applications until the last minute given it may take up to a month to receive national police checks from third-party providers. With police checks being valid for up to three months, you can start the process of obtaining one at least two months before submitting your complete licensing application to us. To ensure you always have a valid certificate, you should allow sufficient time for your complete application to be processed before your licence expires.

To help reduce any potential delays with national police checks, we recommend using one of the 26 approved providers – the list for which is available on our website.

New video addresses CANCELLED CONTRACTS

A new video has been released by Consumer Protection to educate buyers about the pre-estimated liquidated damages they could be liable to pay if they change their mind after signing a contract to buy a vehicle.

The video explains that while a dealership may be entitled to charge up to 15 per cent of the contract’s value when a contract is cancelled, the amount must reflect only what they think they’ll lose as a result of the deal falling through.

Advice given to consumers in the video may also serve as a reminder to dealers about their obligations when it comes to charging pre-estimated liquid damages, including that they must be able to demonstrate how the amount has been calculated.

Circumstances in which the dealer cannot charge a fee are also outlined, such as when a buyer can’t meet their obligations under the contract (ie. being unable to obtain finance). With Commissioner for

Automotive Excellence Awards