Official Mouthpiece of

30 Logan’s Run
34 Breakfast at The Palace
40 Refloating Atlantis
45 Iron Men of Thabazimbi
50 It’s time to Act
54 Deep Purple
 The Phoenix

Training – the Lifeblood

of our Industry
In the May 2010 issue of Automotive Business Review, our AAMA Alert page
focused on training and resources, and asked whether we were facing an
impending crisis. This was going to be the subject of the Phoenix for the
May issue, but an unexpected tragedy in the automotive aftermarket bumped
this story off the editorial page. After doing the right and proper thing,
we now return to this subject.

I
t would not be hyperbolic to say that training is the
lifeblood of the automotive industry, from the OEMs
down to the workshop on the corner. Even the DIY fanat-
ic requires training, and this should be one of the top pri-
orities of our industry. This shall be the mantra of ABR for
the foreseeable future – training, training, and more train-
ing is required at all levels of our industry, and we shall cover this
subject from all angles, without fear or favour. ABR has the full
backing of AAMA (Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturers
Association) in this endeavour, and they are quite happy for us to
acknowledge all and sundry who are contributing to the upskilling
of our workforce. Thus, our AAMA Alert on page 14 recognises
and salutes the contribution of Nissan South Africa to the training
effort, with an article from our newest contributor, Alison McCrae.

To recap, as we stated in last month’s issue, the priorities for our

industry, particularly for the aftermarket, are:

• Attracting young school leavers and turning them into skilled

technicians at all levels
• Keeping these people in the industry, and ensuring that they
stay up to speed with technological advances
• Upskilling the existing pool of technicians, and ensuring that
this valuable resource stays relevant in today’s fast changing
world
Whilst there is a significant backlog in achieving these priorities,
there are many positive stories. Many companies in the automotive
industry are already on the high road of training, with centres of
training excellence dotted around the country. ABR intends to
uncover these gems, and to parade these efforts via the printed and
digital medium of our publication. We need to create a groundswell
of replication, with the support of industry and government. Every
single automotive business has to caught up in this net, because our
very existence will soon depend on training and the resources allo-
cated to it. ABR shall be part of this revolution. It is both our duty
and our privilege, as South Africa’s leading and most influential
automotive aftermarket publication, to be at the forefront of pub-
licising and promoting training and development. Our country’s
reputation is on the line, so we will brook no negative thoughts.
2 June
Another critical aspect that contributes to South Africa’s image in
the automotive world revolves around innovation. When it comes
to innovation, invention, discovery, and original thought, South
Africa has traditionally punched well above its fighting weight. We
have a formidable reputation to uphold, so it was heartening for
ABR to discover a marvellous jewel in the crown of automotive
innovation in Boksburg, of all places. Alfred Teves Brake Systems
(Pty) Ltd have been quietly working away on a revolutionary uni-
versal performance brake caliper, which will come as a godsend to
the owners of hot hatches in this country.
ABR has been aware of this project since last year, but was sworn to
silence until Ate was good and ready to announce their success
story. The time is now ripe, and ABR is indeed proud to scoop this
story, and to place this precious prize on our front cover. Read all
about this wonderful bit of southern ingenuity on page 18.
For the latest news on the Automotive
Industry, make sure to visit
w w w. a b r b u z z . c o . z a
2010
 Contents

28 19 61

34 67
2 The Phoenix 45 e-CAR
6 What’s the Buzz 46 Intelli-Driving
12 AIDC Quiz 47 Spirit of Safety
14 AAMA Alert 48 Customer C.A.R.E.
18 A Shining Halo 50 Consumer Protection Act
22 Personal Profile 51 Tyre Talk
24 Bakkie Beat 52 Diamond Dialogues
26 Auto Topical 54 Capricorn Insights
28 Hyundai Kia Motors Update 58 The Golden Triangle
30 Frankly Speaking 60 Vehicle Launch
32 Life Goes on 64 Partinform
34 Tony’s Take 72 Industry Innovations
36 The Chery Story 73 Midas Sport
40 Weighty Issues 74 LUK INA Sport
42 Burford on Brands 75 Fast Wheels
43 Industry Update 76 The Last Writes
44 Tyre Safety

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

Publishing Editor Hogg, Gilbert Editorial Office Design and Reproduction

Graham Erasmus Keeg, Howard 81 Alma Road, Wendywood j. Kraft Information Design cc
Cell: 083 709 8184 McCleery, Roger Tel: 27 11 656 2198 Tel: 012 997 6946
McCrae, Alison Fax: 27 11 802 3979 Fax: 012 997 6987
Editors at Large Twine, Tony E-mail: bigheart@iafrica.com E-mail: jackie@kraftinfo.co.za
Alwyn Viljoen Wilde, Fingal Website: www.abrbuzz.co.za
Paul Collings Printing
Published by Subscriptions and Data Business Print Centre, Pretoria
Intelli-Driving Editor Trilogy Publishing Management
Eugene Herbert Trilogy Trading & Promotion
Advertising Sales P O Box 69
Correspondents Marlene Erasmus Wendywood 2144 Official Mouthpiece of
Beeton, Frank Cell: 082 837 2668 Tel: 27 11 802 6020
Borlz, Baron Claude E-mail: bigheart2@iafrica.com Fax: 27 11 802 3979
Burford, Adrian Graham Hudson-Lamb E-mail: bigheart2@iafrica.com
Foster, Gavin Cell: 083 325 4146
Gamble, Austin E-mail: bigheart3@iafrica.com

4 Photo Credits: Quickpics • Motorpic • Cover photo: Graham Lamb

 What’s the Buzz?

Volkswagen AutoPavilion hits 200 000 visitors

One lucky person was taken by surprise on the 28th April 2010 when she unknow-
ingly became the 200 000th visitor to the AutoPavilion – Volkswagen of South Africa’s
popular heritage centre. Also known as the “Place of cars and legends,” it is still the
only automobile discovery centre on the continent and only the fifth in the world.
A happy Ms Avril Muller from Uitenhage, who celebrated her 26th birthday the day
before (27 April), received a R1 000 gift voucher to spend in the AutoPavilion bou-
tique. Volkswagen opened the doors of this architectural masterpiece in March 2004,
investing millions in creating a unique museum to capture Volkswagen’s heritage.
Since then, school groups, students, foreign and local tourists have been arriving in
droves. On average around 3 000 visitors a month came to enjoy the nostalgia, high
technology and edutainment the AutoPavilion offers. Combined with a fascinating
factory tour twice a day, it has became one of Uitenhage’s most popular tourist attrac-
tions and a ‘must see’ for all car enthusiasts.

A Volvo car ride CHANGE DRIVING

STYLE TO SUPPORT
can ease allergies
GREEN CAMPAIGN
As wonderful as the spring is for many
Tyre maker Bridgestone SA has reminded
people, it is also sheer torture for others.
South African drivers that they can reduce
A person suffering from asthma or aller-
their motoring costs and the environmental
gy has few sanctuaries during the pollen
impact of motoring substantially by make
season. However, a ride in a Volvo car
just a few small changes in their driving
may make life easier. "The filters we fit
style. Bridgestone SA Public Relations
to clean the passenger compartment air
Manager, Mandy Lovell, said that the environmental impact of vehicles happens in three
also remove the particles that cause
main phases. “The first phase is the design and manufacture of the car, the second phase is
allergies. A ride in a car can actually
the vehicle’s normal service life and the final phase is where the vehicle is scrapped or
make breathing easier for many suffer-
recycled,” she explained. “The FIA’s Bridgestone-sponsored international Make Cars Green
ers when the problem becomes acute,"
project aims to address all three of these phases by reminding motorists of ten simple points
says Andreas Andersson, manager of
to reduce the environmental impact and cost of motoring,” she added. “The first tip, Buy
allergy-optimised car interiors at Volvo
Green, is highly significant – motor manufacturers build the cars consumers want, and it’s
Cars. The filters that clean the air have
up to each of us to create a demand for more environmentally conscious vehicles,” she
two functions - one blocks particles and
explained. Other tips in the Make Cars Green campaign include advice on driving style, such
the other is impregnated with active
as accelerating gently and keeping a more constant speed, as well as maintaining correct tyre
carbon, which neutralises gases. The air
pressures. Journey planning, to reduce excess emissions caused by losing one’s way, is
in the car's passenger compartment is
another issue addressed by the campaign.
monitored by an air quality system that
measures the amount of gases in the Motorists are also advised to offset their CO2 emissions. This can be done in many ways,
incoming air. Well before the levels get from planting trees to installing roof insulation to reduce energy requirements, or even
too high, the air intake to the passenger opting for solar water heating instead of an electric geyser. “The full list of tips, as well as other
compartment is shut entirely automati- useful information, can be found on www.makecarsgreen.com,“ Lovell said. “Each one of us
cally without any input from the driver. can play a role in reducing the impact of motoring on our environment,” she concluded.

KenKen 6 x 6
How to Play:
Like Sudoku, even though difficulty may vary from puzzle to puzzle, the rules for
playing KenKen are fairly simple:
For a 3 x 3 puzzle, fill in with the numbers 1-6.
• Do not repeat a number in any row or column.
• The numbers in each heavily outlined set of squares, called cages, must combine (in any
order) to produce the target number in the top corner of the cage using the mathematical
operation indicated.
• Cages with just one box should be filled in with the target number in the top corner.
• A number can be repeated within a cage as long as it is not in the same row or
column. Answer on page 76

6 June 2010
 What’s the Buzz?

IMPERIAL Logistics awarded new

BMW contract in Germany
Gillhuber Logistik Group, a 100% subsidiary of IMPERIAL Logistics International’s
business unit, Panopa Logistiek has been awarded the management of external
warehousing and interplant transport for long-term customer and renowned car
manufacturer, BMW. The additional services will see IMPERIAL Logistics overseeing
1 000 deliveries daily, utilising up to 200 trucks to all BMW Bavarian locations and
its Leipzig plant.

Volkswagen of South Africa in THUMBS UP FOR PHAKISA

record-breaking export
In a first for Volkswagen of South Africa and the seaport of Port Elizabeth, the
biggest single vehicle shipment ever - 2 600 New Polo’s and Cross Polo’s - left
the harbour on 30 April 2010. The Morning Cello spent 21 days at sea on its
voyage to Emden in northwestern Germany. From Emden, the vehicles are des-
tined for the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, Germany, Italy, France,
Austria, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Belgium, Portugal and the Canary Islands.
Motorsport South Africa (MSA), the controlling body of motorsport
in the country, conducted a very satisfactory circuit inspection in
early May 2010 at the 4,24km Phakisa Freeway in the Free State, host
of 6 World Motorcycle Grands Prix. Two circuit inspectors, George
Portman and Piet Swanepoel, gave the circuit the thumbs up and it is
all systems go for the rest of the motorsport season’s national, region-
al and club championships. The Protour with national, regional and
club categories took place on 22 May with spectacular classes such as
the Shelby Can Am’s, Midas/Investchem Formula Ford’s, Red Square
Kawasaki ZX10R Masters, Goldwagen Challenge, Altech GT
Challenge and the Altech Porsche Club 924. The scheduled WesBank
Super Series will take place on 14 August. The Grand Prix road course
was designed in conjunction with officials of the FIM in the late
1990’s. It is 12m wide throughout and has 14 turns, five left and nine
right-hand. Although the straights are relatively short, the circuit has
no chicanes, which makes for a fast and flowing ride. On his first visit
to the circuit in late 1999, Alex Barros rated the fast right-hander at
the end of the back straight as the best in Grand Prix bike racing!
After taking to 500cc crown in the 2001 South African MotoGP,
Valentino Rossi said "I love this place - it is one of the most demand-
ing racetracks in the world, and you have to be brave to win here."

Tenneco Aftermarket Europe Wins Top Trade Award

Tenneco (manufacturer of Monroe® and Rancho® shock absorbers in South Africa), has been named ADI
Supplier of the Year 2009 for outstanding performance in supplying the European aftermarket with Monroe®
ride control and Walker® emission control products. The award was made during ADI’s recent annual
convention. ADI (Autodistribution International), is a wholesale aftermarket trade group comprising 19 national partners who represent 500
automotive wholesale businesses and a network of more than 2,000 wholesale outlets in over 26 countries. More than 40 international suppliers were
judged in its annual award event. Tenneco scored well in all ten of the judging criteria and achieved first overall position in product know-how,
R&D and innovation and full international range categories. Other categories included OE quality; distribution; logistics and availability; marketing;
advertising, promotions and training support.

10 June 2010
 AIDC Quiz

by Roger McCleery

Roger McCleery asks the questions

See how many of these 20 Questions you can answer.
1. Who made a hot sports car called Fair Lady?

2. Who is the reigning South African Rally Champion?

3. What was the biggest selling passenger car in South Africa in March?

4. What make of bakkie holds the 72-hour record for diesels?

5. At what speed?

6. What is Nampo?

7. Who produces the motor sport programme Rapid Motion?

8. Name four things that Deneysville in the Free State is famous for.

9. BMW made a three-wheeled car called a what?

10. What Nationality was Bruce McLaren – founder of McLaren cars?

11. Who was the first Formula 1 Champion in 1950 in an Alfa Romeo 159?

12. Who built the first Japanese car factory in Europe?

13. Name a South African who designed Ducati motorcycles.

14. What does MSA stand for?

15. The first Morris Minor prototype at Earls Court was called a what?

16. Who is the youngest Formula 1 Champion so far?

17. What was the capacity of the 2-stroke engine used in the 3-wheeled Messerschmitt Kabin Roller KR200?

18. What German car was manufactured in New York?

19. What country first introduced one-way streets?

20. What World F1 Champion died of a heart attack at the wheel of a BMW M5 at the Bathurst Raceway outside Sydney?

Answers on page 75

12 June 2010

AAMA Salutes Training Initiatives
Nissan goes the extra mile!
In a heartfelt ceremony on 7 May 2010 at Nissan’s manufacturing plant in Rosslyn,
a total of eight engines were handed over to two Gauteng-based Further Education
and Training Colleges. This being one of the many examples of Nissan’s commitment to
helping communities nationwide.
W
hile recycling these engines could put a few extra
bucks in the their piggy bank – Nissan first
starting donating engines to colleges a few years
back. The programme started in 2007 when
engines were handed over to 15 higher learning institutions in
Gauteng, Limpopo and North West provinces. The objective was
to assist the process in ensuring that students not only obtain a
thorough theoretical knowledge through their course, but also
have the opportunity to apply that knowledge in a practical
situation. Tshwane North College and the Tshwane University of
Technology were the proud beneficiaries of the engines, and stu-
dents as well as staff were delighted to receive them.
Approximately 90 students will benefit from the engines during
this study year – 35 TNC Rosslyn Campus motor mechanic stu-
dents and more than 60 TUT Pretoria Campus students who are
studying thermodynamics (incorporating engine testing) as part
of a mechanical engineering course. General Affairs Manager,
Wonga Mesatywa said, “The manufacturing industry, not
least the automotive sector, continues to
experience a shortage of
Nissan SA’s GM of Corporate and General Affairs
Wonga Mesatywa (left) handing over engines to TNC principal
Steve Gerber (centre) and TNC learnership lecturer
Adam Coertzen (right)
14
ALERT
by Alison McCrae
critical skills. This is an obvious concern for Nissan SA and our
counterparts. Not only do we need to attract more students to
automotive-related disciplines, but we also need to provide the
tools for enhanced learning. We believe that the engines will be a
vital hands-on aid for students at all of the FET colleges to which
we have donated.”
Clearly, Nissan is well aware of the skills shortage we are experi-
encing in the South African motor industry, and are doing their
bit to combat this problem. The understanding being that
students need to fully experience their chosen course, through
theory and applying this theory in order to enjoy it, at the same
time reinforcing their new found knowledge. Nissan also stress
that graduates and students need support from the industry – this
is where their many graduate programmes come into play, giving
future industry professionals the support and guidance they need
when starting out. Currently their Learnership Programme is
accommodating 225 learners – of whom 50 are disabled. College
representatives Professor Mbarawa and Steve Gerber expressed
their gratitude, “We are grateful that Nissan SA has seen fit to
embark on, and continue, an initiative that will benefit students
at our respective colleges, as well as the automotive
industry at large. It is especially important if
government is to reach targeted growth rates,
already affected by the global recession.”
As part of a socially responsible corporate strategy,
Nissan are involved in many other ventures with
the same sentiment as their Engine Handover ini-
tiative. An example of this is the Nissan Mobile Eye
Clinic in KwaZulu Natal. Nissan converted a car
into a mobile eye clinic where underprivileged chil-
dren can get their eyes tested and sorted out, helping
them perform well at school, instead of dropping out
at an early age because they cannot keep up. As well as
helping communities, Nissan has also gone green and
are doing their bit for the environment. In 2005 Nissan
embarked on an environmental/education programme
involving old billboard ad material. Disabled children
from the north of Jo’burg embarked on this initiative,
making bags out of recycled billboard material. These bags
when then given to rural school children to carry their
books in, replacing the plastic bags they normally use in any
weather. Leaving us feeling all warm and fuzzy, we would
like to say well done to Nissan, and keep up the good work!
We all know our country needs as many good Samaritans as
possible…
June 2010
 What’s
LAUNCH OF NEW
A new electronic RAM catalogue has been
introduced featuring the entire range of RAM
belts, hoses and miscellaneous products, which
is being well received by Distributors and
Workshop owners alike. The new “Electrolog”
offers users an alternative to the traditional hard
copy catalogue.
User-friendly: All products and specifica-
tions can be found in the same catalogue,
therefore, using the catalogue is far less time-
consuming. Users can access information at the
click of a button and search for our products
and their applications by simply entering a
RAM number, an item category or a vehicle
type.
the Buzz?
ELECTRONIC CATALOGUE
Regular Updates: The electronic catalogue
offers quicker and simpler notification about
new products, specifications and other technical
information, as it is updated regularly, i.e. the
User has access to current data at all times.
Easy Access: The electronic catalogue is
available online 24/7. Users can access the nec-
essary information whenever they need to, with-
out having to cart around numerous catalogues.
Users are also able to print specific pages per-
taining to the parts that they require informa-
tion on.
Backed up by Good Service: The
Automotive Division of Veyance Technologies
Africa, or RAM, want to stress the importance
of fitting dependable, quality Goodyear-
branded parts that have been tried and tested
under the harshest conditions. The Goodyear
Brand offers peace of mind, backed up by
quality service to match and the RAM Team
remains committed to providing the levels of
quality and service that have always set us apart
from our competitors. We believe it is our duty
to provide a solution rather than simply to
supply a product.
RAM is the automotive division of Veyance
Technologies Africa, a specialist company that
manufactures and sources quality Goodyear
Engineered Products. For more information on
RAM products visit www.ramauto.co.za

Federal-Mogul Extends Its Range of Powder

Metallurgy Materials For Bushings and Guides
Federal-Mogul Corporation is extending its materials range for bushings and guides designed specifically for use
at the very high temperatures increasingly found in turbochargers and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) components. Turbocharging is already almost
universal on diesel engines and will become even more common in gasoline applications as engineers improve fuel consumption and emissions by
designing downsized engines that have higher specific outputs. The new materials will allow Federal-Mogul to produce components that meet the very
tough durability targets imposed by the increasingly severe conditions seen in this new generation of downsized, low CO2 engines. To achieve enhanced
performance characteristics required by its customers, Federal-Mogul is using Powder Metallurgy (PM) techniques in which components are
manufactured by sintering a blend of powdered metals. The many advantages of PM pressing and sintering include reduced machining and an ability
to precisely tailor the composition of the material to match the performance characteristics required for the component. “Federal-Mogul is among the
first to develop a range of materials specifically for the requirements of the fast-growing automotive turbocharger and high-performance EGR markets,”
said Rainer Jueckstock, Federal-Mogul senior vice president of Powertrain Energy.

16 June 2010
 The Fink
Letters to the Editor
Win a Midas Voucher
The FINK is looking for letters to the Editor. The more the mer-
rier, and the more thought provoking of these shall find their way
The Schaeffler Group into ABR. The best letter will win a Midas voucher to the value
is among the top five
of R500. So get out those pens and write to:
leaders in innovation
The Fink
With 1,146 registered patents, the Schaeffler Group ranks fifth in
P O Box 102
the German Patent and Trademark Office’s list of patent applicants
that is published annually. In this list, 747 patents are for new prod-
Wendywood
ucts from Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG with its 2144
brands INA and FAG and 399 patents are from the Schaeffler Or Fax 0866 579 289
brand LuK. You will find more information at: www.dpma.de. This Or email:bigheart@iafrica.com
means that among the new applications for patents by the The judges decision, no matter how one eyed they are,
Schaeffler Group, important developments such as the world’s first
will be final.
electrohydraulic valve control system UniAir (developed and
manufactured by INA), FAG’s pioneering wheel bearing concept
with face spline or LuK’s dry double clutch are now protected by
patents. Important components for the hybridisation of motor
vehicles as well as the dual mass flywheel with centrifugal pendu-
lum-type absorber, which is a further product innovation for the
drive train vibration damper in production for 25 years, are among
the patents included in the time period relevant for the publication.
All these elements play a role in reducing fuel consumption and
CO2 emissions.

June 2010 17
 Cover Feature

A Shining Halo – South Africa’s Very

Own Universal Performance Caliper
South Africans are well known for their inventive capabilities, with inventions as
diverse as the Kreepy Krauly swimming pool cleaner and the dolos (a cleverly
designed concrete block which protects harbour walls). It therefore comes as no
surprise to learn that a revolutionary automotive product has been slowly incuba-
ting in the industrial heartland of Boksburg. A product which will be a boon to the
young guns who have souped up their hot hatches, but have now found that their
standard brakes are no longer up to the challenge. This product is a universal
performance caliper, developed specifically for smaller cars and bakkies.

T
his invention has echoes of the Oscar winning Forrest
Gump movie, mimicking the theme of a small boy
breaking the bonds of conformity and convention, and
beating the odds to become a national hero and mov-
ing the nation. The difference is that whereas Forrest Gump got
rid of his calipers to reach his potential, this new invention is a
caliper which will allow boy races to reach their potential. It will
not be “Run, Forrest, Run!” - rather “Drive, Forrest, Drive!” - and
for those fitting the caliper, life will indeed be a box of chocolates,
with the guarantee that each chocolate will have caramel and nuts.
producing technical drawings for the machine shop”. Gus and his
team are also satisfied that Andrew and Jamie gained much dur-
ing their sojourn at Ate. “We believe that they learnt a lot about
how to apply theory in practice. We also managed to pass on our
knowledge and experience on materials, manufacturing and
machining capabilities, which budding engineers normally give
short thrift to in their youthful exuberance. This reduced the time
frame significantly, and allowed for the project to be completed in
an acceptable period.” The result was an excellent prototype
model which got the students high grades for their project.

“Drive,
Forrest,
Drive!”
The seeds of the Universal
Performance Caliper, which
Alfred Teves Brake Systems
(Pty) Ltd (Ate) plans to
market under the saintly
name “Halo”, were sown
during November/ Decem-
ber 2008 in the research and development facilities of Ate. Two
University of Witwatersrand Bachelor of Science students, major-
ing in Mechanical Engineering, were doing their year end vaca-
tion project in practical design. Andrew Becker and Jamie Bentley
had chosen to design a universal caliper for the VW Citi Golf and
the Opel Corsa, and their university moderator had tasked them
with not only designing this caliper as a theoretical exercise, but
to approach the design as realistically as possible. Thus, the end
result would not only have to pass a hypothetical standard, but it
would also need to pass muster in the real world. This is where the
facilities at Ate and the expertise of its engineers became invalu-
able. Gus van der Leij, Manager: Product Engineering at Ate, says
that “Ate’s upgraded CAD facilities helped significantly in the
design capabilities stage, and we could also assist the students in
Wits University students Andrew Becker
and Jamie Bentley
The prototype model was far from the finished article, but Ate did
see an opportunity, so it set about perfecting the Halo, and
preparing it for the market. Ate set high standards for the Halo –
it was enhanced to meet the highest OE specs, and it had to pass
the most stringent tests, including durability tests, burst pressure
tests, seal tests, etc., and only once these tests had been passed
with flying colours, was Ate satisfied. The market potential is big,
as many motorists in South Africa are modifying their Citi Golfs,
Corsas, Tazz’s, Nissan 1400 bakkies, and the like. The modifica-
tions are all good and well, but the increased horsepower and
improved handling characteristics that come with these modifica-
tions require better braking performance. On the open road safe-
ty becomes an issue, and when these pocket rockets are used on
the racetrack, if you cannot slow down sufficiently into the cor-
ners, your speed down the straight becomes a moot point.
Thus the new Halo caliper can serve many purposes.

18 June 2010
The Halo will be available in three colours (gold, blue and black),
and may be purchased as a single unit for those with a mechani-
cal bent, or as a bolt-on kit, with full and detailed fitment instruc-
tions, plus brackets, bolts and hoses to accommodate a wide range
of non-standard rims. Ate is making sure that the Halo customer
gets the real deal, with a locally made brake pad freely available.
This brake pad is uniquely designed and developed for use with
the Halo, and it has a braking compound specifically formulated
for high performance. The Ate Premium Disc, which is drilled
and grooved, and compatible with the Ate pads, will also be avail-
able. The spares for the caliper are also locally made, so availa-
bility and price will never be an issue.

The Halo for Citi Golfs and Corsas will be available from July
2010, and this will progress to a wider range in the coming
months, with the eventual aim to cover the majority of small vehi-
cles. Even bigger cars may be accommodated in the not too dis-
tant future. The true uniqueness of the Halo is that it is aimed at
the lower end of the performance market and is affordable. It
allows for the general motorist, the boy racer, the classic car afi-
cionado, and many more, to upgrade his/her vehicle’s braking
capability without breaking the bank. Norman Bull, Aftermarket
Director at Ate, says that “the Halo will contribute significantly to
road safety, and will also allow car proud motorists to upgrade
their vehicles from both a safety and cosmetic angle. The colour
The Ate guys have made a good fist of the project, and with the
options will also allow for pimping the ride. We look forward to
fixed caliper Halo, the future looks bright. Left to right, Mike
seeing many small car owners accentuating their mags with a Halo
Basiak, OE and AM Product Development Manager; Norman
caliper”. Norman has also revealed that there will be export
Bull, Aftermarket Director; and Gus van der Leij, Manager:
opportunities for the Halo. Enquiries from the UK and France are
Product Engineering
already coming in.

June 2010 19
 Cover Feature
Ate’s Motorsport Initiatives
Ate is actively involved in providing braking solutions for the
motorsport fraternity. If you see an Ate sticker on a racing vehicle,
you can be assured that the vehicle is fitted with Ate brakes.

Examples of Ate’s success are:

Formula Ford Champion Robbie Wolk

The South
African designed
Lotus
Millennium
Seven Replica has
seriously good
braking, and is
attractive to boot,
thanks to Ate

Off Road Champion Giel Nel

History of Alfred Teves Brake Systems (Pty) Ltd

A
lfred Teves Brake Systems (Pty) Ltd became a subsidiary
of Metindustrial (Proprietary) Limited in July 2009,
and is thus part of the dynamic Metair Group. Based in
Boksburg since 1968, Alfred Teves Brake Systems has a
rich history and heritage of innovation and technical excellence.
Originally a subsidiary of Alfred Teves Germany, the South
African operation moved to its current manufacturing facility in
1977, with its first contract for brake calipers and brake hose
acquired from Mercedes-Benz, and later diversifying to master
cylinders and boosters for Ford South Africa. Today Ate brake sys-
tems are original equipment on BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz,
Opel, Toyota and Volkswagen. Internationally, Alfred Teves is a
global giant, with all major motor manufacturers utilising their Some of the many awards Ate has received over the years
brake product. Established in Germany in 1906 with the express
purpose of developing brake systems for automobiles, Ate has
acquired a series of development milestones and automotive
achievements in its storied history. The first Ate Lockheed brake
system was fitted to an Adler Standard in 1926, and within 50
years Ate brake systems had been fitted to over 45 million vehicles
worldwide. The South African operation leveraged off this
strength, garnering contracts and awards from both the original
equipment manufacturers and aftermarket customers. Alfred
Ate has a strong focus on the automotive aftermarket and with its
Teves Brake Systems (Pty) Ltd gained its independence in 2005
technical expertise in-house, it has developed specific formula-
when it concluded a management buyout, and four years later it
tions for specific applications, often exceeding OEM specifica-
became part of the Metair Group, via its acquisition by
tions, for a wide range of passenger and commercial vehicles, from
Metindustrial.
the Citi Golf to the Mercedes-Benz Actros. Its local development
Alfred Teves Brake Systems’ manufacturing capability includes: for the OEMs includes the complete braking system for the VW
• Machining; including turning, milling, broaching and grind- Citi Golf and the Toyota Hi-Ace. Ate covers a wide range of prod-
ing uct, including fist and fixed calipers, boosters, brake drums, brake
• Plating, including zinc and soft chrome plating, and salt spray hoses, wheel cylinders, master cylinders, brake pads, brake discs
corrosion testing and brake shoes. Important quality accreditations received by Ate
• A friction plant, covering brake pad manufacture and brake are the Din En ISO 14001 (Environmental Management
shoe bonding Systems) and the ISO-TS 16949:2002 (Quality Management
• Metrology, utilising both conventional and computerised 3 D Systems), which encompasses a wide range of ancillary quality
measuring awards.

20 June 2010
 Personal
Q&A GORDON ODGERS
by Roger McCleery
If you think motor spares in South Africa or after-market parts and accessories needed
by motorists, you think Midas. They have branches and Franchisees everywhere.
Another South African motor man who has been in business all his life and has been
driving and expanding Midas for the last twelve years, is their enthusiastic and hands-on
CEO, Gordon Odgers.
WHEN DID THE MOTOR BUSI-
NESS ALL START FOR YOU?
Basically 1990, when I joined the automo-
tive component and manufacturing side of
the Dorbyl Group. After Ieaving school I
went to Wits for my B.Com and then my
CA, serving my articles with Price
Waterhouse. Later on I did my business-
man’s MBA at UCLA in the USA. Work
wise I was with Price Waterhouse, then
Premier Milling as Accountant at Head
Office before joining the mining people,
Baker Hughes, as Financial Director.
It was there that I moved from Accounting
to Marketing & Sales both SA and
International. After that I left the Mining
Industry and moved to the Dorbyl Group
at TOSA (Tube Division) which was
merged with the Barlow Tube Division in
order to remain sustainable. I was retained
in Dorbyl and moved to the Automotive
Component Manufacturing Division for
three years. At this time Dorbyl acquired a
34% stake in Midas and I was promoted to
CEO in 1997.
This is when I took over the running of
Midas with a big job to get it right. They
were deep in the red and owed the banks a
huge amount of money coupled with
unhappy franchisees and suppliers.
DID YOU HAVE A GOOD TEAM
TO TAKE ON THIS MASSIVE JOB?
We have had a great team all these years.
They have stayed with me for a long time.
We set about setting the company straight
and expanding the business.
MIDAS WASN’T REALLY DOR-
BYL’S TYPE OF BUSINESS.
No. So in 2002 we did a management buy-
out and from then on it was all progress.
HOW MANY BRANCHES HAVE
YOU GOT NOW?
11 branches in all the main cities and 400
Midas franchise dealers throughout South
Africa and the neighbouring states.
22
profile
CEO OF MIDAS
TURNOVER UP?
We are around R3bn at present with great
customer loyalty.
FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT?
Yes. Our business of selling parts and com-
ponents and accessories only starts to look
up in the main after vehicles have been on
the road for four years. So the current
recession hasn’t hit us as much as some
other businesses in the country as we
lag the boom of new car sales from 2004 –
2006.
AND YOUR SHAREHOLDING
NOW?
We have had a unique Shareholding that
has included management, empowerment
and our key customers. We did under-
stand, however, that to move to the next
level would require a value-adding, hands-
off Big Brother. Imperial Holdings and
their CEO, Hubert Brody, approached me
towards the end of 2008. We did a deal
over a 6 a.m. breakfast at my house, culmi-
nating in Imperial taking a majority stake
in December 2009. We have been able to
retain our unique Shareholding which is
also seen by Imperial as key.
WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU AT 57
YEARS?
The deal was that I must stay on board and
then hand over in time to our COO,
Warren Espinoza, who has been groomed
for the job, and our first class team in
2011. I have total faith in my colleagues.
LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES WITH
IMPERIAL?
As the biggest motor group in the
Southern Hemisphere, there is a lot of syn-
ergy and possibilities to do business within
the group. Always, I must add – and this is
their policy – if your product pricing and
back-up is up to the job.
YOU CAN’T RETIRE AT 57?
My forte is acquiring and setting up busi-
nesses and making them operate profitably
with happy people who enjoy their work.
I like to strategise and organise. Imperial
has lots of opportunities and I like their
growth approach of doing that and making
it happen.
WHAT SCHOOL DID YOU GO TO?
Highlands North.
SPORTS
I loved all sports. Tennis, hockey, rugby,
golf and soccer. I actually played for
Germiston Callies Colts when I was at
school. My father, who was an engineer,
was the captain at Callies when they played
in the NFL – great days.
Golf I love and have played all over the
world. Ireland is next on my list with 12 of
my buddies. We have been playing as a
group for years. I was also the President of
Kensington Golf Club in Johannesburg.
CARS?
Love them. I have got a couple of Porsches.
I also love Harleys as well and am a 50%
share-holder in Harley Davidson in
Rivonia.
MARRIED?
Between us we have five children, four of
whom are married all around the world.
It’s just how it is in South Africa at the
moment.
June 2010
 Bakkie Beat
Isuzu 72 Hour Challenge
rs
General Mototook
South Africae horns
the bull by nthd went
T
he theory was simple; GM’s
in April a Record bakkies would demolish all
on a World e with the world time and distance
breaking spre d
records for three-litre diesel
their Isuzu aiensel pickups up to 72 hours and 10000 km
Chevrolet d set by Toyota’s Hilux pickups in 2003,
bakkies. and establish inaugural records in the
new 2,5l and 1,6-2l diesel pickup
TER
GAVIN FOteSk for
classes. The reality was a little more
complex – just pitching up with a
was at Gero2 Hour couple of bakkies and a stopwatch
the Isuzu 7 ge. wouldn’t work. There were more
Challen than fifty drivers to be housed, fed
and transported to and from the
track throughout the three days.
There were 60 new tyres to be
acquired and stockpiled, and 12000
litres of diesel to be on hand for the
vehicles, with a couple of hundred
more litres required for the genera-
tors. There were medics to be
recruited and looked after, and
Motorsport South Africa had to be
on site to monitor proceedings and
certify everything as above board.
A team of technicians needed to
refuel each of the seven bakkies every
150 minutes for three days and nights,
check the tyres and replace them if
necessary, check engine oil and the
general state of affairs under the
bonnet, and hasten the new driver
into the cab and send him on his
way as soon as the car was ready to
go, usually just over a minute after
the previous driver pulled into the
pits. There were toilets to be
cleaned, stiff muscles to be mas-
saged, and 4000 meals to be
cooked over the five days
the General Motors circus
was in town at Gerotek.
The vehicles were essentially
dead standard. “The only
modifications allowed before-
24
by Gavin Foster
hand were that we could change wheel alignment to suit the oval
track with its banking, and we could modify the fuel tank
breathers to allow faster refuelling,” says General Motors vehicle
engineering manager Rob Deas. Keeping a load of spare parts on
hand was not as much of an issue as you would think. “We could
only replace things considered as consumables,” says Robs. “Oil,
tyres, filters and things like that. Other parts, things like radiators,
could only be replaced if they were damaged in an accident.
Because our bakkies service intervals are 15,000 km we didn’t
need to change oil and filters during the event, and the vehicles
used no oil at all so we didn’t have to replace any.”
The start was marked by a tremendous opening of the heavens
just as the dancing girls got really warmed up, and the gods
marked the end of the 72 hour marathon by unleashing an
impressive salvo of hail onto the celebrating drivers, engineers and
guests 20 minutes after the finish. Neither of these climatic inter-
ventions affected the results, though. All in all, between the main
72 hour attempt in April and the 24 hour test run (monitored by
MSA) a few months earlier, Isuzu took 60 World Records –
15 each in the 2 litre, 2,5 litre and 3 litre diesel pickup classes,
plus the overall record previously held by the petrol Toyota. The
bakkies performed faultlessly, with the only problem being an
airlock that delayed refuelling by a few seconds in the second of
the 3 litre vehicles, and a worn shock absorber in the same car that
made its presence felt towards the end of the event. Average speeds
over the 72 Hours were astounding, considering that these are
diesel bakkies. The KB300 averaged 170 km/h, while the less
powerful KB250 managed to 159,661 km/g for the three days –
that was just half a km/h slower then the old absolute record set
by the Toyota petrol pickup. The joker in the pack, though was
the Chevrolet (nee Opel) Corsa 1,7DTi that maintained an aver-
age speed of 154,12 km/h for 72 hours, including pitstops. The
gutsy little pickup set an inaugural class record, and actually broke
Toyota’s old three-litre diesel distance record by 72 km with an
average speed that was 1 km/h faster.
June 2010
 Auto Topical

Motor Sector GDP

by Tony Twine contribution declines in 2009
A
fter putting in a rather surprising
gain in its contribution to the total
value added by the South African
Economy during 2008, mainly on
the back of a sharply improving international
trade performance that year, the South
African motor sector’s contribution to the
country’s total gross domestic product shrank
from a level of 7.3% in 2008 (the second
highest annual contribution on record) to a
level of 5.9% in 2009. This level was back to
those contributed by the sector a decade ear-
lier, but there is some intuitive comfort in the
decline when one considers that it occurred in
the third successive year of sharply declining domestic sales
volumes of original equipment, and in a global automotive envi-
ronment that was, in effect buying its way out of trouble with host
government’s money. The total value added within an economy is
referred to as its gross domestic product, or GDP. Value added
and turnover by a sector or industry are not quite the same thing,
with value added invariable being smaller than the quantum for
turnover. This is because a sector will usually buy inputs from
other sectors, and those other sectors will rightfully claim the value
that they have added in processing the products concerned. The
mining sector extracts the iron ore and the steel sector processes it
before selling it to the automotive sector to press sections or cast
shapes, which is where the motor sector begins to add value.
sector during 2009,
Likewise, international trade also has to be brought into account
gains by this side
in considering the value added concept. While sales of imported
of the domestic auto-
goods form part of turnover, they reduce the amount of domestic
motive sector having
value added contained within the value of the turnover. Exports
been principally res-
are not counted within domestic turnover, but certainly do form
ponsible for the
part of the domestic value added by any sector producing such
growth in the overall
exports, including the automotive sector.
automotive sector’s
GDP contribution
The estimates of automotive sector value added are made annual-
during 2008.
ly by Econometrix during April each year, when all the data
components for the previous year become available. Data is assem-
By mid-2010 reco-
bled from Statistics SA publications on Retail Sales by the motor
veries in retail sales
sector, SA Reserve Bank Gross Domestic Product statistics, and
activities and vehicle
ongoing compilations of automotive international trade data
exports were already
assembled by Dr. Norman Lamprecht, nowadays at NAAMSA,
hinting that the recov-
but who used to manage such statistics at DTI in a previous pro-
ery in the motor sec-
fessional incarnation. During 2009, the decline in the sector’s
tor’s contribution to
GDP contribution was split across its manufacturing activities,
the country’s GDP
which lost 1.0 percentage points, vehicle and component
under way and the
importers which lost 0.16 percentage points, and retailers and
GDP share could be expected to return to levels closer to the
after market participants which lost 0.23 percentage points of con-
preceding decade’s average of 6.7%. The recovery in the GDP
tribution to the country’s total GDP. The decline of secondary
contributions by the automotive sector would not be restricted to
sector automotive production around the world, of which South
parts of the sector concentrating on original equipment sales,
Africa has had an increase in share since the advent of the MIDP
but would include the value added portions of used vehicle sales,
in 1995, can easily be seen in the substantial loss of GDP contri-
aftermarket sales and sales of accessories.
bution of the manufacturing side of the domestic automotive
26 June 2010
 Update

Hyundai-Kia Official Vehicle Handover

Ceremony Kick Starts the 2010 FIFA World
Cup Transport Capability
With the 2010 FIFA World Cup almost upon us, the most important piece of the
transport jigsaw puzzle was put in place on the afternoon of the 20th May 2010
at Soccer City in Johannesburg, with the official vehicle handover ceremony of
the stunning Hyundai and Kia vehicle fleets. The Hyundai and Kia vehicles will
form the backbone of the transport requirements for the teams, officials, dele-
gates and official VIP visitors, thus ensuring the smooth and efficient mobility of
these key people. “Today’s important vehicle handover sees the final logistical
plans for 2010 being put into place,” said Alan Ross, CEO of Hyundai Automotive
South Africa, Hyundai’s local distributor.

S
peeches were made by FIFA Secretary General, Jerôme
Vàlcke; FIFA LOC CEO, Dr. Danny Jordaan; Senior
Vice-President of Hyundai Motor Company, Sean Kim;
CEO of Hyundai South Africa, Alan Ross; Director of the
Overseas Marketing Group for Kia Motors Corporation, Soon-
Nam Lee, and CEO of Kia Motors South Africa, Ray Levin.
Guests of honour were the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea,
Mr. Hansoo Kim, and his wife. Hyundai Motor handed over 609
passenger cars/vans and 32 Hyundai Universe Express Noble
luxury coaches, whilst the Kia fleet comprises 207 vehicles,
including the all new Sorento SUV, the Soul urban crossover
vehicle and the spacious Carnival MPV, plus Kia liveried buses.
Back up support for these vehicles will be huge. Hyundai will
operate a 24 hour emergency office and 80 Hyundai mechanical
staff will be on standby throughout the games at the ten stadia in
the nine locations. Kia has developed a Technical Support
Campaign to support their fleet of VIK vehicles, the support
coming in the form of a 24 hour roadside assistance programme
utilising a toll free number and a team of dedicated technicians
per host city venue. Proud as punch: Alan Ross, CEO of Hyundai South
Africa; and Manny Da Canha, CEO of Associated Motor
Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company acquired the Holdings and Chairman of Hyundai South Africa.
older Kia Motors Corporation along the way, and today the weather the recent economic crisis, and to actually grow unit sales
Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group is the world’s fourth largest in 2009. This position of strength has been built on the five
automaker, and is the only mass car producer that managed to pillars of quality, speed, aggression, innovation and investment.

28 June 2010
 Update
A good example of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group approach
is its football sponsorship. Hyundai sees football sponsorship as a
core element of its marketing strategy and as a key way of com-
municating and connecting emotionally with football fans.
Through its football sponsorship, Hyundai aims to position itself
as a dynamic automotive brand. At the handover ceremony, Mr.
Sean S.H. Kim, Senior Vice President of Hyundai Motor’s
Marketing Division, said “We are proud to partner with FIFA
during this historic football event. The opportunity to provide
VIP transport at this momentous tournament gives us the high
visibility we need in Africa and the world to raise awareness of our
brand and products.” Soon-Nam Lee, Director of the Overseas
Marketing Group, Kia Motors Corporation, added “Kia Motors
is delighted to play an important part in the upcoming World
Cup in South Africa. Being involved actively in football market-
ing is an integral part of our vision to become a formidable play-
er on the global automotive stage. We have made a strategic effort
to boost our young and energetic brand identity by ramping up
our presence in major sports sponsorships and to elevate Kia’s
global brand awareness to the next level.” Kia differentiates itself
from Hyundai by promoting Kia as a maker of quality vehicles for
the young-at-heart.

Be There With Hyundai

As one of the six FIFA top partners, Hyundai Motor Company announced national team slogans on May 17th, selected through online
voting on the FIFA.com website from April 26 to May 10 – these slogans will be part of the decoration of the 32 national team buses.

32 Winning Team Slogans of ‘Be There with Hyundai’ Programme

Country Slogan in English
Algeria Star and crescent with one goal: Victory!
Argentina Last stop: Glory
Australia Dare to Dream, Advance Australia
Brazil The whole of Brazil is in here!
Cameroon The Indomitable Lions are back
Chile Red is the blood of my heart, Chile will be Champion
Cote D Ivoire Elephants, let's fight for victory!
Denmark All you need is a Danish team and a dream
England Playing with Pride and Glory
France All together for a new dream in blue
Germany On the road to get the Cup!
Ghana The Hope of Africa
Greece Greece is everywhere!
Honduras One Country, One passion, 5 Stars in the heart
Italy Italian Azzurro on African sky
Japan The Samurai spirit never dies! Victory for Japan!
Korea DRP 1966 again! Victory for DPR of Korea!
Mexico It is time for a new champion!
Netherlands Don't fear the big five, fear the Orange eleven
New Zealand Kickin’ it Kiwi Style
Nigeria Super Eagles super fan united we stand
Paraguay The Guarani lion roars in South Africa!
Portugal One dream, one purpose… Portugal victorious!
Republic of Korea The Shouts of Reds, United Republic of Korea
Serbia Play with the heart, lead with a smile!
Slovakia Shake the green field: Go Slovakia!
Slovenia With eleven brave hearts to the end
South Africa One nation, proudly united under one rainbow
Spain Hope is my road, victory my destiny
Switzerland C’mon Switzerland!
Uruguay The sun shines upon us. Go Uruguay!
USA Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Victory!

June 2010 29
 Frankly Speaking

Logan’s Run
This is the twentieth edition of Frankly Speaking, and I would like to use the
by Frank Beeton
opportunity to revisit the subject that I discussed in the very first column
of this series. I must admit to having been thoroughly fascinated by the
development of Renault’s Logan theme, and this is mainly because I respect
business icons who are prepared to step “out of the box” and pioneer new directions. All
too often, motor manufacturers just keep on dishing up “more of the same”, and limiting
their so-called innovations to some fairly predictable cross-breed combinations of their
established designs. In recent years, however, we have seen two good examples of diver-
gent thinking in the form of Tata’s Nano, and the aforementioned Logan. The logic behind
the Nano was probably the more radical, reflecting intent to mobilise a whole new
category of vehicle buyers. It is still far too early to gauge the success, or otherwise,
of that project, even though India is probably the most logical place on Earth to
develop such a concept, so we will leave our follow-up assessment of Ratan Tata’s dream
to a later date, and stick with Logan for the time being.

J
ust to recap, Logan first emerged into the public gaze,
as Renault’s project X90, in 2004. Like the Nano, it was
reputedly the brainchild of a CEO, in this case the soon-to-
retire president of Renault, Louis Schweitzer. According to the
official “story”, he reasoned that the best way to provide emerging
markets with affordable cars was not to go on building obsolete
designs indefinitely, but rather to design value and acceptable
quality into something new and unique, using the leverage with-
in his group to meet a target price initially set at € 5000. As was
the case with the Nano, the pricing target was subsequently found
to be slightly ambitious, but it was an important reference point
for Renault’s engineers, who were set the task of converting
Monsieur Schweitzer’s mental picture into sheet metal.
Subsequently, higher-specification upgraded models have also
been added to the catalogue, priced considerably higher than the
initial target.
The initial result was a fairly good-looking, and surprisingly large,
three-box, four-door sedan, based on Renault’s Clio/Modus “B”
Platform. Closer examination revealed a modern design, based on
digital techniques, which included unibody construction, trans-
verse front-mounted engine and 5-speed transaxle, front wheel-
drive, McPherson strut front, and coil sprung torsion beam rear
suspensions, and front-wheel disc brakes. Cost savings were
achieved through the absence of power steering, anti-lock brakes,
electric window lifts, comprehensive soundproofing, complicated
electronic driver aids and air conditioning from the basic ‘pack-
age”, and the use of as many carry-over components as possible
from its more sophisticated group cousins.
The Logan family of products is now being marketed under sev-
eral different nameplates in various parts of the world. In Europe,
where the Renault marque has a vast footprint, the Dacia badge,
reflecting the main Romanian production and development loca-
tion, is used. This also discourages perceptions that these vehicles
are less pricey alternatives to Renault’s mainstream products.
Overseas, local marketing strategies dictate the nameplate used,
which adds Renault, Mahindra Renault, and Nissan to the list of
possibilities. This multiple branding strategy brings expectations
of global quality standards to the range, to its potential benefit.
In accordance with the overall strategy for the carline, hatchback,
pickup, van, station wagon and Sports Utility spinoffs from the
basic design have emerged, with the van, wagon and pick-up
models using the longer-wheelbase B0 version of the platform.
Production has been established in Romania, India, Russia, South
Africa, Brazil, Iran, Colombia and Morocco, and, in addition to
the original 1,4 and 1,6-litre 4-cylinder petrol engines, Logan
derivatives are also now powered by a 1,5-litre diesel and, in some
markets, by LPG-fuelled engines.
Another interesting development is the recent launch of the Dacia
Duster compact off-roader variant. This is to be made available in
both 4x2 and 4x4 versions, weighing in at 1160 kg and 1250 kg
respectively. The front suspension uses an uprated version of the
standard Logan layout, while the rear has a flexible H-beam (on
4x2 variants) with multi-arm location. Power options include a
1,6-litre, 110 hp petrol engine, or a 1,5-litre diesel with outputs
of 85 or 110 hp, driving through a six-speed manual transmission
with a short first ratio, eliminating the need for a transfer gearbox.
The 4x4 version employs three modes, “Auto” when the front/rear
torque split is controlled automatically, “Lock” when the all-
wheel-drive is electronically locked in, and “2WD” when the
front wheels only are driven
Has Logan been a success? Total sales volumes of 1,8 million units
since 2004 are not overly spectacular, but it must be remembered
that these have been mostly incremental sales, and as far as can be
judged, have not just cut the established Renault/Nissan market-
ing cake into smaller slices. One interesting case in point has been
the use of the Logan long-wheelbase platform in South Africa to
create the successor to Nissan’s almost legendary and extremely
long-lived 1400 pickup. Despite some initial outcries in public
fora, the product has been well received, proving that the option
of indefinite life extension for ancient products is not viable. Even
though the Renault/Nissan Alliance has now chosen to enter into
a product and technology-sharing relationship with Daimler AG,
it may yet find that the benefits of “alternative” product
directions, typified by the Logan family, are the most effective
means of advancing up the global manufacturer rankings.

30 June 2010
 Life Goes On

Never the Twain

by Austin Gamble
Shall Meet?
Two recent events, coincidentally on the same day, 4th May 2010, confirmed that the
motor industry is on the mend, both globally and locally. The first event was Ford’s
quarterly media breakfast, and the second event was the launch of the Hyundai ix35.
The presentations of the respective local CEO’s, Jeffery Nemeth and Alan Ross, made
one realise that times may still be tough and the environment extremely competitive, but
the automotive industry is truly an exciting industry to be in.

B
oth gentlemen were batting for
their respective teams, and both
had their corporate hats firmly
on their heads, but the message
was clear and simple – if you have your act
together, even in today’s’ tough climate,
you will do well. Ford’s 2010 first quarter
results showed profitability in all their des-
ignated regions, with North America
emerging as the shining star. The ONE
FORD; One team, One Plan, One Goal
strategy is indeed proving to be a cash and
profits turbo machine. Globally,
Ford achieved a pre-tax profit of US$2
billion, a US$4 billion turnaround
against the first quarter of 2009.
Jeffery Nemeth
The Financial Services division had an
amazing quarter, assisted by improving
residual values which allowed for
improved trading profits and a reduction
in bad debts provisions. The interest bur-
den of US$492 billion is still enough to
make an accountant’s eyes water, but with
a US$25 billion war chest, Ford now has
the ability to make investments across the
globe, and South Africa has been part of
this largesse, with the recent announce-
ment of a R3 billion investment at
Struandale and Silverton. With Ford,
Lincoln and Mercury cars now achieving
the highest customer satisfaction rates in
America, there is indeed a Ford in many a
motorist’s future, as confirmed by a US
market share of 16,6%, on the back of
Fusion, F150, Taurus and Focus sales.
Ford is also rapidly bringing down the
ratio of SUV and trucks to passenger vehi-
cles. In 2005 it was 70/30, today it is
60/40, and the goal is 50/50. Who says
you can’t make money on small cars?
Locally, Ford is not doing as well as its
counterparts in Europe and America, but
that is more through conservative fore-
casting than market sentiment. The
worldwide demand for the Fiesta is also
not helping the local cause, but Jacques
Brent, V.P. for Sales and Marketing, says
that the second quarter should be better
with improved supply.
Hyundai is an even bigger success story,
having been the only mass producer to
beat the odds in 2009, and starting 2010
at a frenetic pace. Alan Ross told the
journos at the ix35 launch that the success
of Hyundai (which incidentally means
modern in Korean) is based on the five
pillars of quality, speed, aggression, inno-
vation and investment. Quite a contrast to
the valued Korean concept of KIBUN,
which roughly translates into inner peace,
soul, or good mood. But somehow
Hyundai manages to pull off this contra-
diction, because gone are the days of a
“cheap and nasty” brand that Hyundai
candidly took into America during its first
foray into a world dominated by Detroit.
“Now it is on the verge of becoming aspi-
rational” is how Alex Taylor III describes
the brand in a recent Fortune magazine
cover feature. The seeds for this remark-
able change of image were planted in
2000 when Chung Mong-Koo took over
as Chairman of Hyundai, and he decreed
that the yin of volume and the yang of
quality would be inverted to the yin of
quality and the yang of volume. Thus
quality became a cross-functional respon-
sibility of immense importance, and each
and every Hyundai factory across the
globe is now literally monitored every sec-
ond of the day from a vast IT kingdom on
the 22nd floor of Hyundai’s headquarters
in Seoul. It may sound like Big Brother,
but consider this – in 2001 Hyundai was
rated 32nd out of 37 brands in the J.D.
Power Quality Ratings in America. Today
it rates 4th, and has the highest rating of
all the mass market brands. Hyundai also
ranks 4th globally in the big league of
automotive manufacturers, and it is the
fastest growing automaker by far. It uses
its home market as its springboard, where
it enjoys a frightening 80% market share.
In 2009, Hyundai produced 5,2 million
motor vehicles, and its target for 2012 is
6,5 million units. With an R&D invest-
ment of US$9,55 billion in 2009, and
most probably even more in
succeeding years, Hyundai will change its
entire product line over the next four
years. As Alan Ross says, “impossible
targets are the way they do business”.
Thus the latest buzzword is GQ 3-3-5-5,
which is to be number 3 on the JD Power
Actual Quality ratings in three years time,
and fifth on the J.D. Power Perceived
Quality rating in five years time. In South
Africa, it is all hands to the pump, as the
target of 10% market share is relentlessly
pursued, on the back of a huge investment
in advertising around the 2010 FIFA
World Cup, which is “creating unprece-
dented awareness of the Hyundai brand in
South Africa”.
Alan Ross

32 June 2010
 the Buzz
DRIVING TIPS WHILST IN SOUTH AFRICA
Avis is pleased to be of service to all self drive visitors to South Africa
and have listed a few helpful driving tips to take note of before getting
behind the wheel.
• Consult a map or hire a GPS device before you start driving
• Familiarise yourself with your vehicle (indicators, windscreen
wipers etc) before you get going
• Always carry a valid driver’s licence when you are driving
• Always drive on the left hand side of the road.
• Always wear your seatbelt
• Never talk on a mobile phone without using a hands-free kit – In
South Africa, there are hefty traffic violation fines for this offence
• Drinking and driving is prohibited and strict fines or even impris-
onment will apply
• The permissible limit for alcohol consumption is about one glass
of wine for the average women and 1.5 glasses for the average or
large man
• Road signals will indicate the speed limit, but generally speed
limits are 120kph on the open road and 100kph on smaller roads
and between 60 km/h and 80 km/h in towns and residential areas
• Speeding is strictly enforced and fines are high
• Drivers take it in turns to move off at a four-way stop
• Drivers need to give way to pedestrians when turning left or right
at a green robot
• Also keep language nuances in mind – in South Africa we stop at
robots (traffic lights), we fill up our cars with petrol (gasoline), we
put luggage in our boots (trunks) and our engines are under our
cars’ bonnets (hoods).
• For personal safety, keep doors locked and windows up to avoid
criminal activity such as “smash and grabs” at traffic lights.
• Never leave valuables and luggage visible to pedestrians.
• Keep your car locked when you’re not using it and always lock
valuables in the boot, only if necessary.
• Do not stop at a tourist site if no-one else is present.
• When going out, especially at night, safety in numbers is always
advisable.
• Please note when refuelling, that Avis cars all take High Octane
Unleaded Petrol and only our Minibuses (people carriers) and 4x4
Double Cab vehicles use Diesel.
• In South Africa, fuel prices are regulated and Avis only charges the
normal pump price for fuel used. There is also NO refuelling fee
applied by Avis.

ECO DRIVING TIPS

Please consider the environment by reducing fuel consumption and
carbon emissions in the following ways:

• Change into the highest appropriate gear as quickly as you can.

Revving the engine in low gear consumes large amounts of fuel.
• Maintain a steady speed using the highest gear possible. It’s the
most fuel efficient way to drive.
• Driving at 120 kph uses up to 10% more fuel than driving at
100 kph.
• Don’t warm up the engine for too long prior to driving to save fuel
and produce less carbon emissions.
• Minimise use of air-conditioning to reduce fuel consumption.

Avis wishes you a safe and

pleasurable journey in our
beautiful country.
 Tony’s
Breakfast at the Palace
by Tony Twine,
Senior Economist,
Director –
Econometrix (Pty)
Ltd
T
he butler nudged the Corgi
out of the way with a deft
flick of his spatted left foot,
sending it sliding along the
shiny marble floor. He
approached the breakfast
table, which was littered with newspapers
in which almost all the front page headlines
mentioned the country Greece, and solici-
tously asked Prince Philip, Duke of
Edinburgh, “any more nectar, your Grace,
ambrosia perhaps?”
The Prince grunted indeterminately, and
addressed his wife. “Bad show over in
Athens, old thing,” he said, “isn’t there any-
thing we can do to bail them out?”
“We have been wondering about that our-
selves,” she replied, replacing the lid on the
marmalade pot that bore the picture of a
small bear in a duffle coat and wellington
boots. “But, with you coming from the
place, I don’t see how we can do it without
appearing to be nepotistic.”
“Nepos is the Latin word for nephew or
grandson,” responded Philip, “not the
Greek word.”
“Hoi poloi would scarcely know the differ-
ence,” mused Elizabeth. “It says here in the
Times that George Papandreou, the prime
minister, was firstly elected MP in 1981
with PASOK, the party led by his father,
Andreas, and has been included in
numerous cabinets under either his father
or Kostas Simitis, his uncle. The Greeks
might not have originated the word, but
they certainly seem to have got the hang
of it.”
“And the Greek word for Greek is the same
as the Latin word for Greek, so I suppose
that we had better not do anything too
directly,” said Philip as he searched for a
new line of approach.
34
Take
“I was looking at the figures while we were
stuck up at Balmoral under that ghastly ash
cloud last week and we would have to
liquidate the remainder of the real estate in
Manhattan to make even the smallest dent
in the debt up which they have run,” she
replied, with the inflection suggesting that
this might be a desirable point at which to
end the discussion.
“Could we not perhaps get your govern-
ment chappies to see what they could do?”
suggested Philip, apparently unperturbed.
“What about that fellow who was high up
in the Chancellery, Gordon somebody-
or-other?” “Alas,” remembered the Queen,
“he is not in a position to help anybody
anymore!”
The Corgi scampered and skidded out
of the way as Prince Andrew entered the
Breakfast Room with a cheery “good morn-
ing Mater, good morning Pater,” and took
up a seat at the breakfast table, unwrapping
a napkin.
“Now there’s an idea!” said Philip excitedly.
“I remember reading a magazine interview
with that economist chappie, what was his
name, o, that’s it, Milton Friedman. Seeing
you like this,” he said, nodding towards
Andrew, “reminded me. He used to talk
about dropping money from a helicopter,
and the benefit that it would have for those
who managed to take it to the shops
first. Can you still fly one of those navy
helicopters, Andrew?” “Yes, I can,”
answered Andrew, “but why don’t you ask
your grandson, William? He is qualified,
you know?”
“And there we are, back at the definition of
nepos,” said the Queen. “Friedman also
warned that people who arrived at the
shops to spend the money that they had
picked up later than the first wave of
beneficiaries to reach the shops, would find
little left by the first wave, and anything
that was left, would be more expensive than
before the money had landed.”
“Perhaps we could arrange for the old lady
of Threadneedle Street to gently persuade
the Iranians to lend the Greek government
some of those oil Dollars that the press
used to write about, we could offer to
back-off on the nuclear proliferation debate
just a tad,” mumbled Philip, thinking
aloud rather than making a statement.
“Can you imagine the loan agreement?”
asked the Queen, “it would look like the
collected laws of the Greeks and Persians,
besides, it would make the Turks, who
would feel caught between two new allies,
very uncomfortable indeed.”
Prince Andrew, slightly more attuned to
international trade finance, asked, “Is there
nothing that we could perhaps lend to
them, instead of giving it to them that
might look a little better than a direct
bail-out?”
Philips face brightened. “That’s it!” he said
enthusiastically to the butler. “Get me the
curator of the British Museum on the
telephone line immediately!”
Elizabeth pondered for a moment, then
rose quickly to her feet. “No! I forbid it”
she snapped.
“What is it?” said Andrew, mystified.
“Returning the Elgin Marbles,” answered
the Queen, “it simply will not do!”
“O, bugger!” sighed Prince Philip. “I had
begun believing that we had only borrowed
them.”
• George Papandreou, the Greek prime
minister, was firstly elected MP in 1981 with
PASOK, the party led by his father, Andreas,
and has been included in numerous cabinets
under either his father or Kostas Simitis.
June 2010
 the Buzz

ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, GO!

The trumpeting sounds of the Vuvuzela filled the Tiger Wheel & Tyre auditorium at this year’s
Fitters’ Competition 2010. South Africa’s leading fitment specialists travelled to the Birchwood
Hotel in Johannesburg on Sunday 09 May to compete for the honour of being named the fastest
Tiger Wheel & Tyre. Fifteen teams were chosen from the 71Tiger Wheel & Tyre stores around the
country. As part of the fun, the finalists represented various countries across the globe, making for
a highly spirited and electric atmosphere with over 500 cheering supporters rooting for their
favourite stores. The task at hand was a challenging one: drive a specially designated car onto the
ramp, take off all four wheels, strip them, put new tyres on, balance all four of them and then put
them back on the vehicle – all this to be done in a record-breaking time of under five minutes.

Bridgestone Named 2009 Supplier of the Year by Boeing

The Bridgestone Corporation has been named a 2009 Supplier of the Year (SOY) by the Boeing
Company. Bridgestone was one of fourteen companies honoured for exceptional commitment to
excellence in working with Boeing. This is the first time that Bridgestone has received the title.
Bridgestone was selected from an elite group of among more than 12,000 active Boeing suppli-
ers in nearly 100 countries around the world. This selection was based on stringent performance
criteria for quality, delivery performance, cost, environmental initiatives, customer service and
technical expertise. The award ceremony was held on April 13, in Seattle, Washington, in the
United States.

June 2010
 A series of articles on the rise of the Chery automobile

Chery and Messi unite

to create a ‘power team’!
The definite highlight at the Beijing motor Show this year was the announcement made
by China’s biggest domestic auto brand Chery that, football super-star Mr Lionel
Messi himself, will be the new face of the brand. Talk about the ultimate ‘power team’!

T
he volcanic ash hovering over Europe may have curtailed some Western guests and exhibitors plans to visiting the
2010 Beijing Motor Show, but that didn’t stop the event from being a huge global success. China officially became
the biggest car market in the world in 2009 – and domestic brand Chery has been riding the wave of success to
the fullest extent.

Chery exports to 70 developing countries and spokesman Jin Yibo said the company hopes to double exports this year to
100 000 vehicles. Very exciting news from Chery was the announcement at the Beijing Motor Show that they have offi-
cially signed world famous football hero Lionel Messi as the new face of Chery.

With the World Cup around the corner, even the non-football enthusiast is sure to have at least heard his name by now.
The Barcelona forward is Fifa’s World Player of the Year and has become a shining star in the football world.

“Messi is the best footballer in the world, and thus makes a great ambassador to represent our premium Riich brand,” said
Jin Yibo. Messi will also undoubtedly benefit from this partnership. He will surely get more exposure and his income will
surely improve. That’s what tends to happen when two powerful brands join forces.

“Having a recognised face to promote its brand will make a big impact
on Chery’s business in foreign markets,” said Liu LIxi, an analyst with
Northeast Securities Co. in Shanghai. “It’s a smart move because those
unfamiliar with Chinese cars need a famous ambassador to develop an
initial interest.”

And we couldn’t agree more!

With the build up to the much anticipated Fifa World Cup we are sure
to see more and more of Messi and Chery! After a fabulous winning year
last year Messi was quoted as saying,”Now, all I need is the World Cup
in South Africa!”

Well, we will all be watching with baited breathe Mr Messi. You bring
the skills, we’ll bring the vuvuzelas.
36 June 2010
 weighty issues

Refloating Atlantis?
Back in the late 1970’s the South African government of the day was
by Frank Beeton aggressively pursuing its universally unpopular Apartheid policy.
As a result of increasing censure from the country’s main trading
partners, it was busy with a strategy of protecting “strategic industries”,
particularly those that were critical to the prosecution of the Border War. Many of these
were directly related to the production and procurement of weapons, but the local
manufacture of automotive diesel engines was one slightly less predictable “beneficiary”
of this policy. The logic behind this decision was clearly based on the necessity to secure
the supply of motive power for military transport, but to increase the viability of the
venture, all commercial vehicles equivalent to to-day’s medium, heavy and extra heavy
categories (including buses) were drawn into the “protective” net.

T
he policy duly manifested in the
form of Atlantis Diesel Engines.
A factory was established on the
Cape West Coast, and, after a
bidding process, manufacturing licences
were obtained from Daimler Benz and
Perkins. By 1982, legislation ensured that
all designated commercial vehicles coming
off local production lines were powered by
ADE engines. While the ADE products
were found to be acceptable from technical
and quality viewpoints, most truck and bus
suppliers present in SA had been faced with
costly re-engineering of their vehicles
to accept these engines. Not surprisingly,
several decided to opt out, figuring that this
sort of investment to retain a marginal
share of a highly competitive market
running at just 0,5% of the world volume
could not be justified. In the final analysis,
only five brands stayed to contest the
market with Mercedes-Benz and MAN,
who had suffered less disruption to their
standard world product specifications than
most competitors. The end result was that
South Africa ended up with what were,
arguably, the world’s most expensive trucks.
The high degree of driveline standardisa-
tion was welcomed by many operators,
but the price that they were paying for this
perceived benefit added to the country’s
general level of global uncompetitiveness.
Fortunately, this situation prevailed for
only slightly more than a decade, and by
1994, the first democratic elections were
taking place, and truck and bus manufac-
turers had started returning, in numbers, to
a considerably less dictatorial South Africa.
We were, it seemed, back in the Global
Village, and able to benefit from the
natural flow of technology and competi-
tion, and more normal levels of vehicle
pricing.
However, starting in 1993, the First World
had commenced with the regulating of
vehicle emissions. This process has
advanced progressively, and has had a
major impact on diesel engine design and
operation. Some of the technologies that
have been introduced as a direct or indirect
result of emissions regulation, and accom-
panying low-sulphur diesel fuel, include an
almost universal switch to turbocharged/
intercooled aspiration, catalytic reduction
with urea injection into the exhaust system,
exhaust gas recirculation through the
combustion process, extremely high
pressure fuel injection using common-rail
delivery systems, and electronic engine
management. As this process has advanced,
it has worked its way progressively deeper
into fundamental engine design, making
the selective deletion of the technology less
feasible.
South Africa, in the interim, has staggered
hesitatingly along the emissions highway,
finally reaching Euro 2 enforcement at the
beginning of 2010. By way of comparison,
Europe is already three stages ahead, and
will move even further ahead in 2014.
Most of the world’s significant commercial
vehicle markets are aligned with Europe, or
racing to catch up with the First World
pacesetters. Unfortunately, South Africa is
precluded from participating fully in this
race by the unavailability of the appropriate
level of “clean” diesel fuel, in adequate
quantities, from its refineries. At time of
writing, there is no definitive deadline by
which the bulk of our diesel fuel will
advance beyond Euro 2 compatibility.
The problem that this creates for commer-
cial vehicle suppliers is that they must
supply SA with old fashioned engine
technology compatible with local fuel
quality. The further that SA falls behind the
rest of the world, the more potentially
expensive this realignment of technical
specifications becomes. Remember, we are
only around 0,5% of the world market
volume.
There is a distinct danger that some manu-
facturers may decide the cost of local par-
ticipation is too high (sounds familiar?),
while others may look for alternative
engine supply from manufacturers who can
justify the expense of maintaining the avail-
ability of “old tech”. This will require
extensive re-engineering of products to
accept “foreign” engines, which comes at a
cost (also sounds familiar!)
While it is highly unlikely that Atlantis
Diesel Engines will rise, like a Phoenix
from the ashes, to save SA truck suppliers
with unlimited supplies of archaic engines,
there are remarkable similarities, for
totally different reasons, between the
situation prevailing in the early 1980’s and
the scenario threatening to develop on the
other side of 2010. Inevitably, transport
operators will end up footing the bill for
any special adaptations that have to be
made to vehicles, and with SA’s huge
dependence on road transport, this will
find its way into the broader economy.
There is a very strong case for SA to get its
fuel supply house in order, sooner rather
than later, and this will bring related
benefits to the environmental cause, while,
at the same time, taking some of the
sting out of the upcoming, and arguably
unjustified, CO2 tax on light vehicles.
The time for procrastination has ended!

40 June 2010
 Burford on
Fine Italian
by Adrian Burford
Automobile, Tony
Fiat, like Italy, never seems able to quite get its act together. The country has aver-
aged a government a year – more or less – since World War Two and some of their
politicians make ours looks like amateurs when it comes to maximising the personal
benefits which can come with being in a position of influence...
K
eeping track of what goes on with Fiat
requires the mind of a litigation
lawyer, the patience of a saint, and
Barry Hilton’s sense of humour.
It is remarkable that it has survived for
more than 110 years.
The brand goes back to 1899, mak-
ing it a true automotive pioneer.
In1908 Fiat Automobile was found-
ed in the United States but for a cen-
tury it hasn’t made an impact in the
world’s most important car market
(China excluded). That might finally
change and now with a 20 percent stake in
Chrysler - or Chrysler Group LLC to be
pedantic - hopes are high that they’ll be able to
leverage this to sink their teeth into the North
American market. Which they didn’t get right in a five-year
liaison with General Motors.
Fiat’s history is tied to the Agnelli dynasty. Giovanni was one of
the founders and played an important role for 50 years. His
grandson, Gianni, headed the company from 1966 to 1996. Italy
loved them and their cars: at one stage Fiat had almost 90 percent
of the home market.
But as any motoring marketing man worth his salt will tell you,
it is all about the product and today few people buy cars because
of loyalty or heritage (not in the mass market at any rate). Now it
has to be at the right price, and it has to start first time 999 times
out of a thousand.
Unfortunately that’s been Fiat’s downfall. For every good car
they’ve built they’ve also built a howler, and when they’ve built
good ones they’ve marketed them badly – at least locally.
South African fans get all nostalgic when they talk about cars like
the 850, 124 and 131 (especially the unique to SA 131 Racing),
but were they any good or are they just seeing the past through
rose-tinted spectacles?
Fiat’s presence goes back to before the First World War but it only
became a serious player in the mid 1960s when a plant was
opened in Rosslyn and production of the 124, 125 and 128
42
Brands
began. About 10 000 were sold in 1970 but five years
later that was down by 25 percent – largely thanks
to the quality and reliability of the emerging
Japanese brands.
By 1980, sales had plunged to about
5 000 and Fiat shut down its passenger
car operations and left the country
towards the end of the year – leaving
Alfa Romeo (which it would acquire
in 1986) to struggle on as the only
Italian brand in South Africa.
It took 10 years for Fiat to come back
and then it was thanks to Automakers,
Nissan’s holding company here. In a savvy
move, they started building the Uno under
licence and rapidly proved that the market needed a
cheap small car. The butt of many jokes (Why do South
African men like the Uno? Because they can drive with an arm
out each window) it was successful enough to change the face of
the market.
In the middle of 1998 Fiat Auto South Africa was formed to han-
dle importation and distribution of both Fiat and Alfa, as well as
overseeing the manufacture of Palio, Siena and Strada half-tonner
by Nissan. Local production was terminated in 2008 however,
with Fiat SA now operating exclusively as an importer.
The current Fiat line-up comprises the recently realigned 500
range (this spunky boutique hatch was undermined by its steep
pricing when launched two years ago), the underrated Grande
Punto, handsome and capable Bravo and the fun and affordable
(albeit aging) Panda. There’s also the Linea for those who want a
compact sedan and the Multipla for MPV families. In addition,
there’s a range of light commercials.
So can Fiat make the cut on the Southern tip of Africa, and get
back to the halcyon days of the late 1960s and early 1970s,
despite intense competition in the compact, sub-compact and
supermini sectors not only from the Japanese but also the Koreans
(not to mention the French)? Forty years ago a Fiat was almost an
automatic choice if you wanted an affordable small car which was
also fun to drive, and the marketing gurus need to work on
reigniting that passion if they are to succeed.
June 2010
Industry Update
SKF’s Xtra Belt Series
SKF are proud to introduce the newest
additions to their power transmission
family of high quality products.

S
KF Xtra power belts are designed to deliver up to 40%
more power than standard wrapped belts. These belts
will not only cut costs but more importantly extend the
service life of existing applications. An increased service life
and less downtime equal less cost! Varma Parag, SKF Platform
Manager, Power Transmission, explains the advantages, “The
Xtra power belts are homogeneous and have a coordinated
integration of the belt, flank and the pulley groove. They
reduce pulley groove wear due to optimised cover fabric and
offer up to 97% drive efficiency. They are also oil and heat
resistant and have an antistatic cover. You only have to worry
about one-shot tensioning, and there is no need to re-tension
the belts after the initial run in period. They also have
improved smooth running behaviour, low vibration levels and
offer good resistance to shock loads”. Tension members for
the Xtra power belts are of polyester and specially treated pro-
viding high tension loads and low elongation. A fibre filled
compound above and below the tension members allows the
belts to carry higher dynamic loadings with no compromise of
flexibility and full support of tension cords. The cover fabric
provides excellent wear an abrasion resistance while also pro-
viding excellent bending strength. The SKF Xtra power belts
further supplement the existing Power transmission range and
support SKF’s strategy to offer value added products to it’s
customers.

MAZDA: 90 YEARS STRONG

Ninety years ago a spirit was born. The passion-
ate spirit of a company that always challenges the status
quo, and an unorthodox spirit driven by a desire to do
things differently. It's the spirit of the unconventional.
This year Mazda celebrates nine decades of inspirational
advancements by people, who dared to be innovators, who
were uncompromising in their approach to revolutionary
design and engineering. “Many people view Mazda as a
young brand,” explains Doreen Mashinini, Mazda
Marketing Manager. “But in truth Mazda has a seasoned
heritage. The company has a legacy of breaking new
ground and leading innovations in the fields of aerody-
namics and engineering. The brand's success with rotary
engine technology is an example of the cutting edge
advancements pioneered by Mazda.”

June 2010
 Tyres
As promised last month, we are going to look at using tyres
and Their Contribution
to Safety in Motoring
www.bridgestone.co.za
within their designed parameters.
B
ut this is only one small part of it as tyres are designed
with function in mind. This we have stated many times
before. And while tyres are generally a compromise of
designed needs, it is still logical that there would be lim-
its within these compromises. Equally logical is that as with any
product, exceeding the limits of its’ designed capability will
ultimately shorten its productive life. This is a mostly overlooked
fact by all users, and it is neglected due to a lack of understanding
and education. So, let’s educate some more.
Let’s look at the functions of the tread. The tread performs the
basic functions of transmitting power to move the vehicle, stop-
ping power and directional grip. These are basic for all motor vehi-
cles. However there are different needs even in these basic func-
tions for different vehicles and even for different applications of
similar vehicles. Even passenger cars have different needs: your
average family runabout needs tread which gives average high
speed ability, suitable braking power and safe and predictable
handling and grip. Obviously safe wet condition ability is required
and it is expected to provide a long service life. Your high perform-
ance executive sedan requires a tyre to give extra high performance
ability, very responsive handling, be quiet and comfortable and
have high reserves of braking power. Extreme wet performance and
good looks are important, while long life is less so. Sports vehicles
forgo everything for handling responsiveness and braking power.
Tyre life is almost an afterthought, so important are the other
features.
In heavy commercial vehicles, tread life is ultra important to con-
tain costs. Then there are traction tyres for the drive axles, steer
tyres which must be responsive to lateral input and trailing tyres
which must give long life load ability and braking power. The lat-
ter is probably overkill in this country since most trailers braking
systems are questionable to say the least. However to the tyre
designer, braking power in the tread design of all truck tyres is a
high priority. Then you have all the vehicles in between which
need to have bits of all the above requirements. Tread design is an
extremely complicated art perfected over the decades to suit all
requirements.
44
Marcus Haw
But it is for the user to know his requirements and buy the correct
tyres with the right tread designs for his application and use cor-
rectly if he wants the tyre to give him the best results. An example
of this is how many long distance HCVs use high traction type
tyres on their drive axles. They never need the type of traction
those tyres are capable of since they are never in low traction con-
ditions. Sure, the traction tyres are proving excellent in braking
qualities, but the question remains; are they really necessary? There
is a big possibility that if they used highway, steer tyres throughout
the rig there would be significant cost reductions overall in the
long term.
Consider the following; all tyres could be rotated to all positions,
stock holdings would be drastically reduced, spare tyres would be
reduced, the high initial cost of the traction type drive axle tyre
would be averted and there are many more possible arguments in
this context. The one possible negative for example is that of going
down Van Reenens pass in the snow, one could need more braking
grip on the drive tyres for the retarders to work at their best. If
speeds are kept down to suit the conditions, this argument dies.
And with the amount of accidents this sector achieves in those
conditions with current tread choice it is a moot point anyway.
The real point is the question; are they using the correct tread
designs for their applications? Well the jury is
still out but it remains common practice.
The tread of the tyre is what gives it
it’s working life. Wrong tread in the
wrong application and the tyre will
perform poorly.
The intermediate group, those in the
light to light-heavy commercial sector are
equally subjected to a large choice of tread
designs, and are equally guilty of not doing their home work
properly. Those local delivery trucks that spend most of their time
in stop start traffic and short distance work need a different tread
design to those which are running long distances on highways at
higher average speeds. Those which have gravel roads to travel have
different requirements again. Each of these circumstances could
mean that you as the fleet operator could be using your tyres
outside of, or at least at the edge of their designed parameters.
If you are, you are losing out on potential tyre life and ultimate
performance. You will also be compromising the safety of your
staff and vehicles. Look into it and if unsure give us a shout and
we will advise and assist.
Until next time Think Safety, Think Tyre Safety
June 2010
Iron Men of Thabazimbi
South Africans tend to be descriptive when naming their geographical places.
They do not use names such as Winterborne Herringston, Swadlincote, or
Upper Slaughter, although on second thoughts Upper Slaughter could be
horribly descriptive. The folk south of the Limpopo tend to stick to the
basics – Table Mountain cannot be missed if one is in Cape Town, Platberg
just outside Harrismith is understandably flat, the Vaal River is indeed vaal,
and the Crocodile River once did teem with crocodiles. And the less said
about the Gatberg the better. Therefore, it comes as no surprise to learn
that the town of Thabazimbi lies at the foot of the Ysterberg. Both names
mean mountain of iron in the local vernaculars. No prizes for guessing that
Thabazimbi is at the centre of one of the biggest iron mining areas in the
world. The area is rich in platinum as well, so one could say that the area is
geologically blessed. The disgraced Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli even
took a bet that the metallic powers of the mountain could be passed on to
his charges in 2003, when he took them for a leisurely stroll in the area.

R
udolf Straeuli may have been on to something, because
they do breed them tough in Thabazimbi, and three of
the iron men of the town are Kallie, Japie, and Kalla
Stassen, who tend to the town’s auto electrical needs at
Thaba Auto Electric cc in, you guessed it, Vanadium Street. Kallie
may also have psychic powers, because when in 1989 he purchased
the property where Thaba Auto Electrical now stands, it was mere-
ly as an investment. Kalla was at the time plant foreman at Kumba
Iron Ore, and little did he know that his son Japie would set the
world alight as an apprentice auto electrician at his cousin’s auto
electrical business in Marble Hall. Japie qualified in record time,
and with the top marks in the country, so dad Kallie provided the
capital in 1998 for Thaba Auto Electrical cc, and today the
business is the most advanced diagnostic workshop in
Thabazimbi, providing world class service during the day and
excellent after hours break down service when required, all built
around the genius of Japie Stassen. Word of mouth is a powerful
advertising medium in the rural areas, so Thaba Auto Electrical is
well known throughout the area, and even does sub-contracting
work for OES dealerships from the surrounding towns.
part of the research. e-CAR provided him with everything he
needed – technology updates, technical training, Bosch back-up,
product support (Thaba Auto Electrical sources quality branded
parts at competitive prices from nearby Diesel-Electric Brits), and
a national image. Kallie, wife Hester, and sons Japie and Kalla, also
following in the family’s auto electrical tradition, plus the other
members of the Thaba Auto Electrical team, have found their
bigger family in e-CAR. They are very happy, and they like the
e-CAR people, a fact which counts for a lot in today’s hard
business climate. The iron men of Thabazimbi are on a roll.
Mix a moti-
vated team
with the latest
technology
and you have
an unbeatable
combination.

Despite all these advantages, Kallie knew that there was something
missing, and that something was the need to stay ahead of the
technology curve, and to be part of a bigger family. Independent
workshops today face a tough challenge in keeping up with
technology, so Kallie did his homework and researched all the
options. His research led him to e-CAR, South Africa’s fastest
growing workshop network. Kallie’s cousin, Marius Stassen, at
Marble Auto Electrical, had also joined e-CAR, and his advice was

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

June 2010 45
 Intelli-Driving

Driver charged with Murder

by Eugene Herbert
of Child Occupant
This heading is designed to get your attention. And it surely has! To put your mind at
rest, this has not occurred as yet and in many persons minds the likelihood of it
occurring are miniscule. But then again who imagined that a volcano would erupt over
Iceland causing a no fly zone over most of Europe.

I
n a long list of “pet hates”, one that stands out prominently is that of drivers –
usually parents - who allow children to, at best, sit unrestrained in the rear of the
vehicle or, at worst, to move around freely, even standing in the front of a moving
vehicle. One can almost understand and accept that an adult can choose – even though its
illegal – not to wear a seat belt, but how a parent can act in such an irresponsible manner is
way beyond the realm of sanity. In speaking at seminars, particularly the ones which ‘moth-
ers to be’ are present, there is always expressions of horror when told of the dangers of loose
objects flying around a motor vehicle. This horror is further exacerbated when they learn that:

• Objects, such as a child, if unrestrained, will on sudden and immediate stopping of a

vehicle hit what is in front of it (usually the dashboard) with a mass 30 times its normal
weight. In real terms a 20 kg infant will hit whatever is in front of it at about 600 kg.

On reflection this also calls into question the wisdom of well meaning parents who “share”
a seat belt with a child. Can one imagine the forces exerted on the fragile body of an infant
as adult body weighing 60 to 80 kgs is increased to almost 2 tons?

What can be done to change this is extremely complex and fraught with all sorts of
challenges. Who on occasion has “intervened” and suggested that it was unsafe to transport
children in that manner? Feedback from other persons suggests that most “perpetrators”
react angrily and resent any interference in their ‘domestic’ affairs.

Code of conduct
In reflecting on this it appears that of the options available the most positive way would be
to introduce a code of conduct for Parents – similar to the teen driving contract – and which
drivers can subscribe to. Our intention is to provide interested parties with a one pager to
which they will pledge their compliance. The added benefit of which is that one could hand
a parent such a document. Handing the document would, to some extent, obviate the need
to engage in conversation with an “offender”. In addition parents could offer this “code of
conduct” to schools to share with parents. Let us lead by example and encourage those who
do conduct themselves properly a word of commendation.

46 June 2010
 Spirit of Safety

The Importance of Careful Driving

by the Stig (Serious Traffic Investigating Guru)
A very interesting e-mail crossed the desk of Automotive Business Review’s Intelli-
Driving Editor this past month and it makes for fascinating reading. It is also a salu-
tary reminder as to why it is incumbent on every single road user to drive carefully and
responsibly. It is actually a civic duty, and if everyone heeded this call, this could
reduce traffic accidents considerably, and increase the country’s productivity levels.

T
he e-mail came courtesy of an article in the London
Daily Mail, about research done in the United
Kingdom about the cause of “phantom” traffic jams.
This research goes a long way in explaining those mys-
terious hold ups that seem to come and go without any apparent
cause. It appears that just ONE driver can cause chaos for hours.
This is in the UK, where most of the drivers are legitimately
licensed, and most of the drivers on the road can actually drive!
South Africa has a much higher percentage of bad drivers, so our
problem is more severe, and thus the onus is on the good drivers
(you and me?) to lead by example. Whilst we cannot solve the
problem as individuals, we can collectively reduce the problem.
Firstly, by not contributing or adding to the chaos, and secondly
by showing restraint and responsibility that will hopefully be
noticed by the bad boys and over time become a self-fulfilling
change of attitude.
Dr. Eddie Wilson, from the University of Bristol in England, says
that, under the right conditions, one individual’s bad driving
could create “a traffic tsunami as far as 80km away”. By analysing
driving behaviour on a 16km stretch of the M42, which is one of
Britain’s busiest stretches of highway (our equivalent would be the
N1 stretch from the Buccleuch interchange to the Brakfontein
interchange), Wilson and his team of researchers found that most
congestion was caused by nothing more than sharp braking,
unnecessary lane changes and trucks overtaking one another.
We quote from the article, “under the right conditions, any one
of these innocuous events could create the ‘perfect storm’ which
could lead to the aforesaid traffic chaos”. It is the small things
such as a car’s lane change that cause all the vehicles around it to
slow down slightly. This is magnified exponentially as each
vehicle behind the initial culprit slows down a little more. This
process creates “stop-and-go” waves in which huge sections of
highway traffic slows down to a crawl – all because of the action
of a SINGLE individual. As Wilson explains, “One error can usu-
ally be absorbed by the surrounding vehicles but if others are
forced to swerve, brake or change lanes suddenly this has a ripple
effect”. Now you know why when after driving through an
unexplained traffic jam you are suddenly confronted by open
road, which you tackle with zest while shaking your head in
disbelief.
As Ripley would say, unbelievable, but true. ABR wants to know
what the its readers think about this – send your comments to the
editor at bigheart@iafrica.com. We’ve got a nice prize for the
best letter.

June 2010 47
 Customer C.A.R.E. Programme
– sponsored by Federal-Mogul

MODULE TWELVE – THE FORMALISATION STAGE

We are now into phase two of transforming your company into a customer care machine,
which is the Customer C.A.R.E. formalisation stage. We use as our model, the fictional
company, WECARE (Pty) Ltd., importing and marketing ECSTASY seat covers. To formalise
our approach to customer c.a.r.e. we need to define the prime activities of the company
and to structure the customer c.a.r.e. approach around these activities.

A
s stated in the previous module,
the ECSTASY product is
revolutionary, and is still in its
infancy with regard to product
development, refinement and improve-
ment. The technical role is therefore sig-
nificant. Whilst WECARE (Pty) Ltd. is
a fictional company, it is based on a com-
pany with which I worked closely, and I
can vouch for the activities and structures
that we are going to discuss.
RULE # 1: GET EMPLOYEES
INVOLVED FROM DAY ONE
Please do not make the mistake that so
many organisations make. Do not take
your top management to an idyllic,
remote resort, and return two weeks later,
sun-tanned and refreshed, to foist some
grand sounding mission statement on the
peasants. Get every single employee
involved from day one. You may have an
idea of which activities are the important
ones, but do not reveal these to the
employees. Let them come up with the
prime activities, and you will find that
they will not stray far from what you have
originally in mind. If you have more than
your fair share of lateral thinkers in your
organisation, you might get a surplus of
innovative approaches, but give them their
heads, and only play a facilitator role when
necessary.
Under your guidance, you will get the nec-
essary outline, and you may even get some
insightful surprises. I can also guarantee
that you will learn some things about your
organisation of which you were not aware,
and your perceptions of your employees
will change, hopefully positively and
hopefully dramatically. The most impor-
tant point of this exercise is that everyone
feels part of the process. The recommend-
ed route is to have an initial meeting with
all managers and supervisors to outline the
project, and then to allow them to have
their own follow-up meetings with their
staff members, and for them to report
back with their findings. All the input
must then be distilled, and reviewed, util-
ising the process of follow-up meetings. If
this requires three, four, or even more
meetings, so be it. When there is general
agreement, the final outcome should be
announced at a big function, with every-
one attending if possible. This all depends
on the size of your organisation - just use
your imagination.
KEY ACTIVITIES
The end result of the process for
WECARE (Pty) Ltd. was the
following:
1. TECHNICAL
2. LOGISTICS
3. SALES
4. FIELDWORK
5. PERSONNEL
6. ADMINISTRATION
7. MARKETING
These were decided as the 7 KEY ACTIV-
ITIES of the organisation, and very
importantly, as decided by the employees,
they are listed in the order of IMPOR-
TANCE, with one important rider. This
rider we shall discuss in module 13.
DISCUSSION POINTS
1. Most organisations have very
impressive mission statements,
and visions, and values, etc.
Do you know your organisa-
tion’s dream collection? And
how they were compiled?
And do they contribute to the
customer c.a.r.e. culture in your
organisation? Discuss.
2. Is it dishonest to not reveal
your organisational thoughts to
your employees?
3. What are the advantages and
disadvantages of having lateral
thinkers in your organisation?
4. Make use of your lateral
thinking abilities, and come
up with an innovative way of
announcing, to all the staff,
the final outcome of your
organisation’s brain-storming
sessions.

48 June 2010
 Consumer Protection Act
ABR brings you a series of articles on the Consumer Protection Act.

It’s time to act…

If you are not already aware, the Consumer Protection Act comes into play this year
October. This means serious business for everyone in the industry and as much as we
would like to ignore it, it is in your very best interests to be prepared… by Alison McCrae

T
he act was signed on 24 April It is basically putting the power back into other party involved, as well as any injury
2009 and gave us all 12 – 18 the consumers’ hands by giving them the sustained. This may sound preposterous
months for compliance. We as means to stand up against poor service of but it is indeed fact. However, you can
South Africans tend to procras- any kind. protect yourself and your business. You
tinate when it comes to abiding by rules, just need to make sure you have all the
especially those handed down to us by information and take the necessary steps.
government. This act is however very seri-
ous as it is not only the law that will come Some pointers…
after you if you default, but the consumer. • Consumers will have the right to
inspect the product before purchase.
Before the introduction of the act,
This makes shrink-wrapped products
consumer protection was largely unregu-
or sealed product packaging a bit of a
lated and most consumers were at a disad-
problem. Make sure your packaging
vantage when it came to poor products
allows for parts being accessible for
and service. It is absolutely imperative that
inspection to avoid hassles later.
every person has an adequate understand-
ing of what the act entails and how to be
prepared for the implications. All staff
members should be trained and educated
as to the clauses in the act. This will avoid
product liability issues that may arise
within the motor industry. In the wise What is the most
words of Mary Poppins, let’s start at the
beginning… important change
brought about by
So, why was the
the CPA?
act created in the
The CPA introduces a no-fault liability
first place? system supply chain, meaning that the • If you have fixed term agreements with
consumer will merely have to show that your customers you may be required to
The act will promote and advance the
he bought the faulty product from the sup- give them notice prior to the expiry of
social and economic welfare of consumers.
plier, or received inadequate warnings or the fixed term. This could place an
It will protect consumers against mislead-
improper labeling to be able to sue for administrative burden on you so it is
ing advertising, marketing and fraudulent
liability. So, if Mr Joe Bloggs has an acci- best to be prepared for that.
schemes, as well as cover them against any
damage or injury caused by poor quality dent because he bought a faulty part from
your company, you can be held liable for • All sale agreements and your advertise-
parts purchased from a company.
all damages incurred including that of the ments must be placed in plain English.

50 June 2010
 Tyre Talk

Environment under threat! by Alison McCrae

RMI vs. SATRP…

Which plan will address the tyre waste
management crisis effectively?
We are all well aware that in today’s times we owe it not only to ourselves, but to
future generations to become environmentally conscious. Our planet is under huge
threat from various sources, and if we as its inhabitants don’t wake up and start
doing our bit, there might not be much of it left for our youth to occupy.
Tyre waste is rapidly becoming a huge problem in South Africa. The main concern that the RMI plan addresses is that the SATRP
Rubber does not biodegrade and becomes harmful as it ages. plan measures the tyre waste to be managed purely by tyres sold.
Burning the tyre waste completely defeats the objective as the air This excludes reject tyres produced and not sold, as well as tyres
pollution caused is horrendous. imported.

So what do we do?
There are two plans devised at the moment to eradicate the tyre
waste in an effective, environmentally-friendly manner. The
SATRP plan, and the opposing plan being made up of the
TDAFA and TIA under the RMI Waste Tyre Management Plan.
The RMI plan seeks to address the faults found in the SATRP
plan, and have been in communication with the Department of
Environmental Affairs with regard to this.
I’m sure we can all agree that the plan to rid our environment of
these waste tyres needs to be one hundred percent foolproof in
order to be effective. We can’t afford the implementation of a
faulty plan, running the risk of damaging the environment
further.
The RMI plan also extends itself to a large opportunity for job
creation, which the SATRP plan misses completely. Where the
RMI plan will create many jobs per site, the SATRP plan will in
fact create unemployment.
As far as pricing is concerned the SATRP plan suggests that the
same price will be charged for all tyres, despite the size of the tyre.
The RMI plan states that the pricing should be measured in
accordance to kilograms. Therefore an 18 inch tyre will not cost
the same in Green Fees as a 13 inch tyre, which would clearly
be unfair.
These issues are just the tip of the iceberg in this extremely
relevant debate as to which plan will best service the needs of the
communities and the environment. We plan to bring you all the
facts and developments in detail, so look out for the next article.

June 2010 51
 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 dis-
tributor 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.

Grandmark – Lighting the Way

In the previous issue of ABR, Giel Steyn gave us an appetising peek at TYC automotive
lamps, with his reference to the Consumer Protection Act, and how TYC lamps meet
the requirements of high quality product and world class accreditation.

N
ow for the main course. In Grandmark International can proudly
tandem with the rapid tech- announce that this is the third SABS Mark
nological advances of the that they have acquired, and that a fourth
motor vehicle, automotive one is imminent. Grandmark is a true
lamps have evolved significantly over the champion of quality, and shall continue to
past twenty to thirty years. No longer are improve their quality and accreditation
PA. The
lamps simply a functional product on a profile in all respects.
pr ov ed by the highly rated CAis a non-
motor car. They are complicated and TYC is ap otive Parts Associ
ation
of
sophisticated parts, with many compo- Certified Automtion that certifies the qualityirs.
profit orga ni sa llision re pa
nents, having to accommodate technolog- automotive path rts used for co qu ality standards
at pa rts meet
ical progress in the arena of globes, reflec- CAPA en su re s
nt materials, er and corrosion
m po ne body
tors, and electronic adjusters. Descriptive for fit , co
an d pr ovid es consum s, auto justers
resistance rance ad
terms such as cornering lamps, daytime ibutors and insu e
shops, part distrive method for evaluating thal
running lamps, halogen, non-halogen,
with an ob je ct eir fu nc tion
ed parts and th by
xenon, neon, LEDs, variable intensity and quality of certifisimilar parts manufactured
automatic headlights, which were exotic equivale nc y to
panies.
things thirty years ago, are now in com- automotive com
mon usage. The days of old sealed beams,
which were basically swimming pool
lights, are numbered. The modern auto-
motive lamp has now become part of the
lines and styling of a motor vehicle, and
has become integral to the shape of the
body. Quality, performance and design are
non-negotiable, and the enforcement of
..
quality control is much more complicated. The old .
Grandmark International’s policy on qual-
ity prompted them to go for the TYC
brand, because of their extensive role as an
OEM supplier and the recently acquired
new
SABS accreditation. The big advantage of
acquiring a Mark versus merely meeting
...and the
the compulsory regulations for a part is
that a major component of the processes to
acquire a Mark is the need to ensure that
the manufacturer must be ISO approved,
and this involves an annual inspection to
verify compliance with ISO standards.

52 June 2010
 Insights

Deep Purple
The seed for Capricorn Society Limited was germinated in 1974 after 12 service
station managers, all part of the Golden Fleece fuel station network in Western
Australia, got together for a couple of cold beers in a pub in Perth. The discussion
turned to how dependent they were on the big boys and their vulnerability to their
whims in both supply and pricing. The name of the beer was appropriate; “Swan” became
a talisman for these brave men, who over the next few decades, took their future in
their own hands and turned an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan. The original
grouping was known as Group 11, and it was the catalyst for today’s multinational
Capricorn Society Limited.

T
oday, Capricorn is one of the largest independent automotive
parts buying groups in the southern hemisphere, providing
services to the entire automotive service and repair industry in
Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of South Africa.
From a light purple in 1974, Capricorn is now a deep purple, and is the
smoke on the water between the three southern nations, acting as
a critical intermediary in the automotive value chain by facilitating strate-
gic partnerships between its members and leading automotive suppliers,
and operating under the seven international principles of co-operation –
Voluntary and Open Membership; Democratic Member Control;
Member Economic Participation; Autonomy and Independence;
Education, Training and Information; Co-operation Among Co-opera-
tives; and Concern for Community.

The idea behind Capricorn is simple – it’s all based on people working
together, for the mutual benefit of all. This philosophy was on display in
living colour, from mulberry to heliotrope, at Capricorn’s annual purple
bash on 1st May 2010 at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg,
Gauteng. The “year-end” function, which normally takes place in
November each year, was postponed last year, due to the economic crisis,
and is an example of the co-operative approach. Rob Mildenhall, outgo-
ing Business Development Manager for South Africa, explained at the
time of the postponement, “Capricorn is a pragmatic organisation that is
not scared to take tough decisions for the good of the whole. We have
decided to postpone our year end function to April/May 2010, as we
realise that 2009 has been a tough year, and this has put pressure on our
suppliers and partners. 2010 will see growth return, and as our combined
hard work bears fruit, we shall have our function to celebrate this fact.”

Trent Bartlett, CEO and David Fraser, and General Manager Automotive
respectively of Capricorn, had flown across the pond to share the
moment with the South African suppliers and members, and in his
address to the assembled purple people, Trent Bartlett gave the good news
that the Capricorn Society continues to grow strongly, and that interna-
tional research has shown that co-operatives across the globe have contin-
ued to thrive despite the recent financial crisis, which is testament to the
sound business model on which co-operatives are based. He added that
the co-operative concept survives through the loyalty and steadfastness of
its members, and the critical support of the preferred suppliers. Both the
members and suppliers are responsible for the growth of the society, and

www.capricorn.com.au

54 June 2010
 Insights
Trent paid homage to the South African suppliers who had recog-
nised the importance of Capricorn from its inception in South
Africa, and gave it their full support. He singled out Peter Granat,
the recently deceased CEO of AutoZone, and Brand Pretorius, the
CEO of McCarthy, as two of the key supporters from day one.

As at 31 December 2009 Capricorn had in excess of 12,000

members, having achieved 3% growth in Australia, 10% growth in
New Zealand, and a 15% decline in South Africa. The reason for
the decline in membership numbers in South Africa is because of
the introduction last year of the Capital Secure credit model, which
meant that some members chose not to remain part of Capricorn.
This has reduced the numbers temporarily, but on the positive side
it has put the South African leg of the co-operative on a firmer
financial base, and creates stronger sustainability and impetus for
profitable growth in the future. Trent thanked the members and
suppliers for their support during this changeover, and he made
particular reference to the loyalty and commitment of Capricorn’s
South African team. The SA team today consists of André
Changuion, Sales Manager South Africa; Johan Nel, Area Manager
Inland Areas; Lleana Kaiser-Phillips, Area Manager Coastal
Seaboard; Helen Viviers, Credit Office; and Amy Joubert,
Administration Officer. Of particular significance was the fact that
despite the 15% reduction in members, the South African turnover
figures, at the end of last December, were only down marginally
(1.8%), an indication of the wisdom of the introduction of Capital
Secure. This bodes well for the future, and with the worst of the
financial crisis behind us, Trent sees great things in the coming
years. The South African Capricorn members can also look forward
to the launch of additional Capricorn Financial Service products
later this year, once the requirements of the National Credit
Agreement Act have been addressed.

In an emotional moment, Trent Bartlett thanked Rob Mildenhall

for helping establish Capricorn in South Africa in 2001, and his
special and unique contribution to the industry. Rob had accepted
the challenge of Business Development Manager for South Africa,
and displayed guts and a leap of faith in moving from the
relative comfort of an established corporate environment, and had
succeeded admirably. Rob had now accepted a position down
under, and once again he would be doing a pioneering role for
Capricorn on the east coast of Australia, establishing and growing
panel business for Capricorn. The South African members need
not be anxious, because the baton is being passed to a Capricorn
stalwart, André Changuion, who has been promoted to Sales
Manager for South Africa. André was Capricorn’s second South
African appointment, so he knows the ropes and has supported
Rob Mildenhall these past nine years. An indication of André’s
standing in Capricorn is the fact that he was recently recognised as
the employee of the month across the three Capricorn countries.

Trent concluded his address by lauding the loyalty and commit-

ment of the members and suppliers, and repeated the mantra that
Capricorn is their other business, and that there is strength in
numbers and that it is all about developing small businesses, which
are the backbone of every economy in the world. He reminded
everyone that 2011 will be the 10th anniversary of Capricorn
South Africa, and that everyone should gird their loins for one big
Purple Bash.

www.capricorn.com.au

June 2010 55
 Insights

T
he Retail Motor Industry organisation owes a huge
debt of gratitude to Rob Mildenhall. Over the past
couple of decades he has played an important role in
this organisation, and was a proactive member, office
holder and enthusiastic participant in all its facets.
Over the years he has done duty as MIWA President,
Chairman of the RMI Business Chamber, served on the RMI Exco and
RMI Board, was a key participant in the Business making Forum, and
much more. The RMI used the opportunity of the annual Dinner and
Display Event to present to Rob a watch and citation. Jeff Osborne,
CEO of the RMI, made the presentation, and he praised Rob for “his
great passion, candid opinions, and impeccable ethics”. Jeff said that it
was a privilege and honour to serve beside Rob in the organisation, and
that he felt an immense sense of loss with Rob’s move to Australia, and
that South Africa’s loss is indeed Australia’s gain.

I
t has become a tradition at Capricorn’s annual do to acknowledge the new entrants to the Million
Rand Club. The club is growing, and this year the suppliers who were available to collect their
awards were Mercedes Benz Life Style Centre Menlyn; Audi East Rand Mall; Imcomex;
Barloworld Amstrong Selby; and Chrysler Jeep Dodge Menlyn. Here they are seeing collecting
their awards from Trent Bartlett, David Fraser and André Changuion. Two suppliers that could
not attend and will receive their awards later, were Macs Automotive and TSE Bigmax.

T
here was one final
twist to the evening.
André Changuion
interrupted the main
course by toasting
Rob Mildenhall with
sparkling wine in sparkling glasses.
The entertainment for the evening was Rob took the mike and acknowledged
provided by Abbott & Crabb, an the debt he owed to all in the room,
extremely talented and amusing duo. for such a wonderfully fulfilling nine
years, and for the knowledge that he
gained during this time. When he
took the job in 2001, he took it upon
himself to get to know every single
member and supplier personally,
and whilst this became a close to
impossible task, he stuck gainfully to
his commitment. Rob thanked David
Fraser and Trent Bartlett for their
support and backing, and he ended
off by acknowledging his dedicated
South African team.

To join Capricorn Society Limited call André Changuion

on 083 287 3498 or e-mail him at
andre.changuion@capricorn.coop or visit their website on
www.capricorn.com.au

56 June 2010
 Robert Bosch
A series of articles on the versatile FSA 720/740/754 series

The Golden Triangle

– KTS, ESI[tronic], and FSA
From Start to Finish
Last month, ABR spoke to Carlo du Plessis of Cencar, Centurion, a Robert Bosch
Service Centre, about the 2004 VW Golf III 1600i that had to be towed into his work-
shop because of its stubborn refusal to start. In his important role as an automotive
technician, Carlo’s job is to fix these problems, from start to finish. With a VW that
refuses to start, Carlo’s mission is simple; to make it start.

C
arlo, in his emergency role as a “vehicle para-
medic”, and in his medium to long term role
as a “vehicle general practitioner”, and his
intervention role as a “vehicle surgeon”, relies
heavily on the Bosch Golden Triangle – the
KTS Compact Control Unit Diagnostic
Tester, the ESI[tronic] Service Information System, and the
FSA Engine Management System. With these three pieces of
equipment and software, together with his technical training
and analytical skills developed through his “internship” at top
class workshops, Carlo is confident that he can fulfil the gold-
en triangle of “medical” needs, and to solve any mechanical,
diagnostic or electrical problem.

The VW Golf ’s non-starting is just such a problem, and Carlo

knows that if broken down logically, there are just three things
that either make a petrol engine run, or conversely, that stops a
petrol engine from running: fuel; compression; spark. Last
month we looked on as he did the battery check, the fuse check,
and the error code procedure with the KTS. He had also con-
firmed that there was power supply to the ECU, and he used the
FSA to confirm that each cylinder had acceptable compression.
The investigation continues – now Carlo focuses on fuel supply.
Carlo first checks the voltage supply to the fuel pump. It needs
to meet the required 12,5 volts, and does, so next step is to
bypass the fuel pump relay, utilising the
toggle switch, taking out the feed pipe from the fuel rail, and
using a bucket to collect the fuel, switching on for at least
15 seconds. This is known as the Delivery Test, checking if the
pump is delivering fuel. The fuel gushes into the bucket, thus
passing the test with flying colours. Next in line comes the fuel
pressure test, which can be checked by using a fuel pressure
gauge, or using the FSA, but do remember to put the relay back.
To do this test, you need to crank the engine, and the gauge has
Carlo du Plessis using his trusty FSA to do a back probe on the injectors. to go up to between 2,0 and 2,4 bars, and needs to hold this for
at least a minute. Once again the Golf passes the test.

The sleuthing continues. Next in line is a back probe into the injectors using Channel One of the FSA. The scope pattern confirms that
the injectors are opening and closing, so with deerstalker hat firmly in place, Carlo continues his investigation. Next issue of ABR, we
shall watch as Carlo goes to the Spark – not the Chev, but the spark as generated by the spark plugs.

58 June 2010
 Vehicle Launch

An i Generation Vehicle
for the Me Generation
by Howard Keeg
Hyundai are on a roll, and their i generation of vehicles are
leading the charge. The latest i for me is the ix35, a very good
replacement for the long in the tooth Tucson. Better in all
aspects, Hyundai Automotive South Africa are expecting sales
of 400 per month, versus the 270 achieved with the Tucson.

L
aunched to the media in
early May 2010 at the still to be officially
opened Legend Golf and Safari Resort, which provided a
stunning African backdrop to the ultra-modern Korean car,
the ix35’s combination of good looks, safety features, performance,
fuel consumption, accessories and price threatens to make a signifi-
cant impact in the increasingly important crossover utility vehicle
segment. With prices starting at just R239 900 for the base 2,0 litre
GL 4x2 5-speed petrol version, and ratcheting up to R369 900 for
the flagship R2,0 litre CRDi 4x4 GLS automatic, which has all the
bells and whistles, the finicky consumer is well taken care of. Not
that the base model is a bare bones model; definitely not.

When the engineers got their brief, Hyundai decreed that the dis-
tinctly hatchback proportions of the Tucson was no longer modern
(and Hyundai means modern in Korean, so the decree was appro-
priate), and the result is a sleek, low-line one-box shape. Hyundai’s
pr speak does not spare the metaphors when describing the shape;
telling us that “this new "fluidic" design language breaks new
ground and finds confident expression in the sweeping, gently
curved lines which flow rearward and provide a level of athleticism
not typically associated with this class of vehicle.” Wow, Usiah Bolt
wouldn’t mind being described as such! Hyundai’s Director of
Marketing Stanley Anderson, is a little more businesslike when he
says that “the iX35, which replaces our popular Tucson, is another
manifestation of the rapid progress which the Hyundai brand con-
tinues to make. We are confident it will do the same in the impor-
tant compact lifestyle vehicle segment as the i10, i20 and i30 hatch-
backs have done in the segments in which they compete.” The dis-
tinctive hexagonal grille previewed on the ix-onic concept revealed
at the 2009 Geneva Auto Salon is going to be the key design feature
that will identify the family of future Hyundai products

The good old days of Hyundai engineers having to rely on

Mitsubishi engines are also a faint memory, as Hyundai’s World
Engine - the largest petrol engine programme in the world – is now
at Theta-II stage. South Africans will have the option of the 2,0-litre
and 2,4 four cylinder versions - all-aluminium multi valve engines
with variable valve timing on both the inlet and exhaust camshafts,
plus a two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS) which enables switch-
ing between long and short intake manifold lengths, improving per-
formance and low-end torque, and much better fuel consumption.

My latest experiences with diesel engines have really turned me into

a diesel fan, and the latest Hyundai’s ‘R’ diesel engine family is no
Ready to take on the 4 x 4 trail.
exception, benefiting from the third generation common rail system

60 June 2010
 Vehicle Launch
developed by Bosch whose piezo-electric injectors deliver
fuel at 1800 bar pressure, providing an unprecedented
degree of accuracy and control, and no turbo lag whatso-
ever. Emissions and fuel consumption are as expected
with the modern diesel engine, very good – the six-speed
manual consuming just 6.4 litres of 50 ppm diesel per
100 km while emitting a mere 170 grams of CO2. Please
note that the 50 ppm requirement is non negotiable, so
those who stay in areas still in the darker ages have to
settle for the petrol engined versions. Come on the fuel
industry – get your act together!

I would need much more space to go into all the techni-

cal advances of this vehicle, so all I’m going to say is that
for those of us who consider themselves part of the me
generation, the i generation is made for us.

The extreme 19th hole at the Legends Golf and Safari Resort is set
high up on the impressive Hanglip Mountain, and it is the longest
Par 3 in the world and is accessible only by an exhilarating heli-
copter ride. Golfers are invited to tee-off from the edge of the
mountain in an attempt to hit a hole-in-one on the 19th located
at the bottom of the cliff. A hole-in-one will earn the lucky golfer
US$1m. The green is in the shape of Africa, and Hyundai must
have hoped that no golf balls hit their cars from such a height.

the Buzz

Alfa Romeo chooses Uma

Thurman to launch the Giulietta
Famous actress Uma Thurman and William Shakespeare's verses
- "We are such stuff as dreams are made on" - are featuring in the
advertising campaign that will be revealing the multi-faceted
soul of the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The star of Pulp Fiction
and Kill Bill, who combines an ice-cold, untainted image with
aggressiveness, bravery, dynamism and beauty, epitomises the
various souls of Giulietta, a car that knows how to be agile in the
toughest situations and comfortable on everyday roads. This is
the merit of the new "Compact" architecture. Using sophisticat-
ed suspension technical solutions, a dual-pinion active steering,
Jimny celebrates 40
giant-killing years
top-quality materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing tech-
nologies, the Giulietta achieves excellent levels of on-board com-
fort, dynamic features and safety (both active and passive).

S
ome vehicles never grow old, even if they’ve notched up decades of trusty
service. One of the best examples of this ageless phenomenon is the Suzuki
Jimny.The indestructible midget celebrates four decades of giant-killing
greatness this year. There have been five generations of the much-lauded
compact 4x4 since the launch of the original Jimny in 1970, with global sales now
topping more than 2,5-million units. Huge successes can have tiny beginnings.
In 1970, the first Jimny was powered by a tiny two-cylinder, two-stroke engine with
a capacity of jut 359 cc and a maximum output of only 18,5 kW. Today, those sta-
tistics seem almost ludicrous, but that didn’t stop the first Jimny, dubbed the LJ10,
from being successfully launched in Japan. This first Jimny had a soft-top roof with
zip-down canvas doors, and seating for only three, as the space behind the driver’s
seat was occupied by the spare wheel. It was a very basic vehicle, with safety and
convenience features noticeable only by their absence.

June 2010 61
1 June 2010
 Partinform

Sandstone Ridge
Witbank is named after the white sandstone ridge on which it is situated, on the high
elevation plateaus of Mpumalanga. Renamed eMalahleni (place of coal) in 2006,
Witbank and its sister city Middelburg are bang in the middle of vast coal deposits,
which feed a massive mining industry and many power stations and a steel mill.

W
itbank and Middelburg combine to form a
significant urban oasis on the planes of this
acid rain region, which provides rich pickings
for the automotive aftermarket, and thus it
was no surprise to find the Partinform
Automotive Trade Show making its way on the evening of May
11th 2010 to the Cultural Centre in the imaginatively named
Mandela Avenue (the replacement names are so creative!!).
Partinform is also creative, carrying the message of branded qual-
ity product to all the corners of southern Africa, and allowing the
information starved automotive aftermarket in these areas to meet
the manufacturers and to have one on one sessions on product
information, technical queries, and matters of general interest.
Colin Murphy, Chairman of Partinform, told the 120 high qual-
ity attendees, who represent the cream of the local crop of the
automotive aftermarket, that Partinform is made up of manufac-
turers with “ ‘n goeie agtergrond”, i.e. an impeccable pedigree
which translates into quality in all its facets. Colin continued,
“Quality is not just product quality. Quality also means original
equipment contracts, aftermarket service, availability, after sales
service, warranty support, technical back-up, range development,
technological advancements, genuine parts, and all the good
things associated with companies who are proud of their brands
and are prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to back up these
brands”. Colin also told the enraptured audience that “many
motorists are keeping their cars longer. This does not mean that
they are not looking after their cars. In actual fact most motorists
are looking after their cars better than before, so they look for
quality orientated spares shops and workshops, who have quali-
fied salesman and qualified technicians, and who can advise them
on branded quality product. These spare shops and workshops
also have a name to protect, and the best way to protect this name
is to rely 100% on well known brands, and to avoid white box
product like the plague.”

64 June 2010
Colin Murphy also made reference to the new elephant in the
room, which is the CPA (Consumer Protection Act). The CPA,
when it comes into full effect in October 2010, will really set the
cat amongst the pigeons. The cat is the consumer, and its sharp
claws will be the legal eagles looking for an unsuspecting mouse
in the field. The pigeon pie will made up from those who deal in
inferior/counterfeit/unknown brands. What this alliterative and
metaphorical blast means is that the law will make mincemeat
(there we go again) of the retailers who dabble in “Fong Kong”
product, because the CPA makes no distinction between fitters,
retailers, wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, middle men,
agents, whoever, when it looks for culprits. All will be responsi-
ble, and the easy target is going to be the retailer and fitter,
because they are on the front line. No longer will “Honest Joe’s
Spares Shop” be able to pass the buck, and just replace when con-
fronted by an angry customer. Honest Joe and the middle men
will need to trace the part back to the original manufacturer to get
redress. If Honest Joe cannot do that, his nether regions will be
on the line, because the sanctions will be extremely tough,
covering consequential damage as well. The solution – only deal
with reputable suppliers who deal with reputable manufacturers.
The ultimate solution – look for product that comes from local
manufacturers, who will give the best support. It is as simple as
that. And don’t think that the CPA will be handled as ineffective-
ly as other crime in this country. As Colin told the audience,
“Moenie dink dat ons het nie die mannekrag om die wet te pas
nie” – this is effectively a unique consumer law based on
Canadian jurisprudence which gives the consumer the teeth, and
June 2010
teeth like a Rottweiler. Our ineffectual law enforcement palookas
will play a small ancillary role in administering the bite.
Rob Stone, Group Sales Manager for Filpro (Pty) Ltd, urged the
attendees to also look at their loyalty to the country. He pointed
out that Partinform represents manufacturers that have invested
heavily in South Africa. Rob said that, “over and above manufac-
turing facilities, the Partinform members have also invested in
other infrastructure and personnel, covering aspects such as
inventory back-up, after sales support, technical backup, range
development, and the like.” Rob added that these organisations
have also spent significant amounts on brand development, and
are continuing to invest heavily in their brands through market-
ing activities such as above and below the line advertising, prod-
uct support and related activities. He contrasted this approach to
the purveyors and hawkers of “Fong Kong” product, whose sole
investment is in a couple of containers packed with white box
product, and who operate from a small office with a
telephone/fax line, and an exotic e-mail address. ABR supports
these sentiments wholeheartedly, and welcomes the commitment
of the local manufacturers to their brands, and particularly their
commitment to keeping these brands highly visible through the
medium of the local media; another imperative for patriotic man-
ufacturers. This is how a brand’s integrity and longevity is assured,
and an investment in brand advertising is a subliminal vote of
confidence in your own brand, and a declaration that South
Africans need to communicate their strengths strongly via their
own brethren, to support each other, and vitally a clarion call and
affirmation that “local is lekker”.
65
 The Witbank manne were
there to learn. ABR spoke
to some of them:

Lenn Lutter, Manager of Always Towing in Witbank, was very impressed

with the overall setup of the show and found it greatly beneficial from a net-
working point of view. He said, ‘This is a great opportunity to meet people
in the industry and get to know the various products available. For people
who are stuck behind a desk and don’t get the chance to network, this show
is a must.” In pic with Lenn: Hermanus Viviers (Account Manager), Marius
Viviers (Owner)

Thavi Aromogum of Mecca Motorspares in

Witbank found the various catalogues avail-
able very useful, especially with a representa-
tive from the companies on hand to answer
any questions. He said, ‘The show provides
great business opportunities, as well as prod-
uct information which is invaluable. It is an
excellent platform for networking and meet-
ing people in the industry.”

Typhus Mongala of
Diesel Electric Witbank
was very glad to finally Shakeel Mohameed of Hassens Motors in
put faces to the names Witbank liked the fact that the show
of his customers and brought the big industry players together in
suppliers. ‘It’s great to a convenient environment. ‘The show is fan-
finally meet the people tastic in that it is easy to make contacts and
I deal with on a daily meet important people from the industry.
basis face-to-face. This Business opportunities are readily available
show is also a fantastic as well as product information. I would like
place to create new to see more catalogues though!’ he said.
business and make new
contacts.’ said Typhus.

66 June 2010
 There are many winners at the Partinform shows, with None greater than the opportunity to drive a Ferrari racing car at the
many great prizes. Partinform Forza Racing Driving Experience at the Zwartkops Race
Track in Pretoria on 25 November 2010. An ecstatic Michael Ferreira
of Battery Centre celebrates the opening of the lucky suitcase.

Retailer of the Year Competition

T
he Partinform committee introduced a new inno-
vation at the Umtata show in March this year –
the Retailer of the Show and at the end of the year
the Retailer of the Year, judged by the members of
Partinform. The carrot awaiting the overall win-
ner at the end of the year will be a Forza Racing
Driving Experience in November. The criteria includes image,
store layout, professionalism, product support, customer relations,
attitude towards quality, commitment to “doing the right thing”,
and the key element, the retailer’s approach to branded quality
product vis a vis white box product, and his support of the
Partinform show. The winners to date are Buffalo Midas Umtata
and Motovac Gaborone. Joining them from Witbank will be
Witbank Midas Parts Centre, which received a close to unanimous
vote of all but two at the Witbank show. Definitely not a hung par-
liament! ABR spoke to Herman Coetzee, the Manager of Witbank
Midas, who had brought many of his customers along to partake
of the knowledge transfer available at the show. Herman is
Witbank born and bred, so he knows his customers intimately.
And it is his customer orientation that puts him in a league of his
own. He confidently assured ABR that if we asked any of his cus-
tomers at the show if they were happy with the service provided by
Witbank Midas, that the answer would be in the affirmative, and
we are pleased to report that we could not find any evidence to the
contrary. Herman’s formula for success is based on branded quali-
ty product, garnished with superb after sales service. Herman is
also enthusiastic about the impending Consumer Protection Act.
He welcomes this act, because “it will sort out the bad boys”. The
bad boys he is referring to are those who dabble in product of
dubious quality and of unknown origin. Herman also pointed out
that Witbank Midas is part of a larger group of seven Midas stores,
owned by Eddie Moss, another native of Witbank. Eddie has two
Midas stores in Witbank (the other being a satellite store, Stadium
Midas, serving Witbank’s emerging market), two stores in
Middelburg (Middelburg Midas and a satellite store, Mountain
View Midas), two in Pretoria, and one in Bella Bella (Warmbaths).
All these stores subscribe to the same philosophies of Witbank
Midas, so it is heartening to know that the gospel of branded qual-
ity product is being spread far and wide.

Herman Coetzee with colleagues

Alfred Gustafson and Nico de
Bruyn at the Witbank Partinform

June 2010 67
 A New Face

A
BR came across a new face at the Witbank
Partinform. He is Jacques van der Lely, the
newly appointed National Marketing and
Sales Manager of Safeline Brakes (Pty) Ltd.
Jacques began his braking career on the 3rd May
2010, and so the Witbank show was his first
Partinform experience, but definitely not the last, as
there are still four Partinform shows to go for 2010 –
the FIFA World Cup will first be allowed to take over
South Africa in June and July, then it will be back to
the serious business of quality branded parts -
Newcastle on 17 August 2010, Polokwane on
21 September 2010, Rustenburg on 19 October
2010, and finally Soweto on 9 November 2010. The
grand finale for Partinform will be the all day Forza
Ferrari Racing Experience shindig at Zwartkops
Pretoria on 25 November 2010, when all the prize
winners from the various shows, plus the Retailer of
the Year, plus three lucky ABR readers, will show their
prowess in the red and yellow beasts from Maranello.

LOOK OUT FOR THE NEXT PARTINFORM IN YOUR AREA:

Newcastle 17 August 2010 Rustenburg 19 October 2010
Polokwane 21 September 2010 Soweto 9 November 2010

C o m p e t i t i o n C o r n e r
To win a Forza Ferrari Racing Experience on 25 November 2010 at Zwartkops,
all expenses paid, all you need to do is answer these three simple questions, and
fax to 086 6579 289 or e-mail bigheart@iafrica.com:
1. Which store was the Retailer of the Show at the Witbank Partinform?

2. What does CPA stand for?

3. Which quality brand features on the front cover of this month’s edition of ABR?

Name and Surname: __________________________________________________________________________________

Company: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Position: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Postal Address:_______________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Tel. no’s:_____________________________________________________________________________________

e-mail address:________________________________________________________________________________________

68 June 2010
 Industry
Tenneco has always been at the forefront of developing
advanced ride control technologies and adding new
dimensions to performance and very importantly,
safety. And off-road is no exception. Monroe’s
research and engineering team has developed the best
shock absorbers for 4 x 4 vehicles, perfectly adapted to
the off road drivers’ needs. The innovative design of
this special shock absorber offers you the freedom of
driving your 4x4 wherever you want to go…
MyRide Tuning
System and Wireless
Controller – the
recipient of an
award from the
Specialty
Equipment Market
Association
(SEMA)’
Rancho is at the forefront
of designing technologies
that the enthusiast
demands... even if it is
completely cutting edge as
was previously with
Rancho's all new
RS9000XL Pro-Series
never seen in the industry
72
Innovations
Leaders in off-
road technology
OFF-ROADING WITH RANCHO
MyRide illustrates Rancho's commitment to developing products that
maximise the enthusiast’s experience on-or off-road."
Rancho’s all new RS9000X Pro-Series shock absorbers is seen to be the
ultimate formula for off-road, providing a more consistent performance
over a longer period. The standard tri-tube 9-way adjustable RS9000XL
series without the remote reservoir is available as a stock item in South
Africa.
Noted as the industry's first company to introduce adjustable shock
absorbers, Rancho launched the Rancho MyRide Tuning System in its
RS9000XL and QuickLIFT shock absorbers, which include a combina-
tion of Rancho innovations, like a patented tri-tube, mono-flow design
and oil flow metering system Wireless Controller. Designed for a wide-
range of driver profiles, from the casual truck enthusiast to the dedicated
off-roader, the new Rancho MyRide Tuning System makes it easy for any
driver to adjust the ride from firm to soft and anywhere in between, mak-
ing ride control simple and precise.
The Wireless Controller includes a variety of one-touch presets, including
Highway, Sport, Tow/Haul, Off-Road, and a driver-determined MyRide,
which allows the owner to set his own preferred ride setting and save it for
future use.
Benefits of MyRide in brief:
• Operates on an RF band width to avoid interruption
• Is water-resistant
• Has a range of operation up to 16 metres
• Backlit screen with power saver mode and readily available battery
power.
• Replacement controllers with easy to operate lynch cable also
available.
• Easily installed and requires no programming
• Replacement controllers with easy to operate synch cable also available
For more information about Rancho suspensions, shocks and other
components, visit www.gorancho.com or contact Tenneco South Africa on
011 574 5603, or email to plutz@tenneco.com
Available from Midas / AutoZone / Hi-Q / Supa Quick / AutoQuip /
Kwikfit / Speedy
Once again, the combination of advanced technology and innovation has
made Monroe the suspension solution provider for the automotive
aftermarket.
Please note: We can supply Rancho full suspensions from the USA ie,
springs, shackles, bushings, tie rods, torsion bars etc. Please contact us
on (011) 574 5603 for these special orders.
www.monroe.co.za
June 2010

Formula for Success
A series of articles on Midas motorsport initiatives in 2010
To win a championship, whether it is national or international, requires
talent, dedication, passion, commitment, and sacrifice. Just ask Graeme
Smith. Thus it was no surprise to discover at the Zwartkops Raceway on the
morning of Saturday, 15th May 2010, six times National Champion Robbie
Wolk hard at work, practising in his Midas Sport Formula Ford, and
preparing for the next Protour event at Phakisa the following Saturday.
R
obbie Wolk has won the S.A. Karting
Championships three times, and he has bagged
the Formula Ford Championship another three
times, in 2004, 2005, and 2008. And the 2010
championship is in his sights, with the added
incentive of being invited to the Formula Ford
Festival at Brands Hatch, England, in October 2010. Robbie got
his taste for speed at an early age, roaring around East London’s
dirt tracks at five years old in a Pee Wee 50cc two stroke mini bike,
until his mom put a stop to it. But the racing bug had bitten, and
with his family being house friends with the Schekters, his fate was
sealed. Robbie progressed to karting, and by the age of 15 had
three SA championships under his belt. Formula Ford beckoned,
and apart from a brief sojourn in production cars in 2006 and
2007, racing BMWs and Mini Coopers, Robbie has been a
dedicated follower and participant in this enthralling entry level
single-seater formula.
Formula Ford was created in the UK in 1966 with the intention
to provide an affordable form of single-seater racing, and its
longevity and popularity is testament to its success in this endeav-
our. The cars in this formula originally ran on road tyres and used
road gearboxes, but today are far more sophisticated, using full
racing suspension setups but not allowing wings for aerodynamic
down force, and specifying a steel space-frame chassis. Thus top
speeds are high, with lower cornering speeds, which guarantees
exciting racing. In South Africa, Formula Ford has two classes. The
entry level class uses an1800cc 16 valve Zectec engine, whereas the
top guns use the lighter and more powerful 1600cc DOHC 16
June 2010
Midas Sport
valve Duratec engine, improving lap speed times by over a second.
Robbie Wolk says that whilst Formula Ford has produced
champions such as David Coulthard, Jenson Button, Emerson
Fittipaldi and Jody Scheckter, he does not have greater ambitions.
It is very difficult for South African racers to progress to the
bigger formulas internationally, so Robbie accepts that he is one of
the older racers in the South African series, at the ripe old age of
24. He approaches his racing as a hobby, and apart from some golf
in his spare time, Formula Ford is his sport. He is also extremely
grateful to Ian Schofield of Invest Chem for Ian’s commitment to
keeping the formula alive in South Africa, and he is ecstatic that
Midas is back in motor sport. Midas is the sponsor of the Formula
Ford Series for 2010. Robbie says that “It’s great to have Midas
back in the fold. It is important for automotive parts companies to
be involved in the sponsorship of motor racing. Formula Ford is
particularly relevant, as its parts are locally sourced. Single-seater
racing is also the purest from of racing, and as it is a nursery for
talented youngsters, Midas is contributing to the development of
the sport”.
The 2010 Midas Formula Ford Championship is very competitive
this year, with 18 entrants and three former champions competing
for the big prize. The Formula Ford Festival awaits the champion,
and Robbie is confident that he will be taking the flight to
Heathrow. He is leading the local championship, and he hopes to
have the chance to improve on his 2005 showing at Brands Hatch,
which was a credible 3rd spot in the semi-finals, and an impressive
5th position going into the final lap of the finals.
Robbie Wolk takes a break from practice
at the Zwartkops Raceway.
73
 Sport

FIA World Touring Car Championship:

Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket, Technical
Partner of BMW Motorsport
With 22 exciting races in 11 countries on four continents, the 2010 World Touring
Car Championship (WTCC) once again offers motorsport at its very best. And
Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket is onboard. After its debut as official sponsor of
Team BMW in the 2004 European Touring Championship (ETCC) and several years as
official partner of BMW in the FIA WTCC, the Aftermarket specialist is now technical
partner for BMW Motorsport for the first time in this year’s championship series.
Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket is prominently displayed with its company brands
LuK and INA on the 280 PS BMW 320si WTCC, the overalls of its pilots and team
clothing.

The BMW 320si WTCC front spoiler with

partnership logos of the brands LuK and INA –
Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket,
Technical Partner of BMW
Motorsport.

Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket, Technical Partner of BMW

Motorsport, with pilots Andy Priaulx (left) and Augusto Farfus (right).

L
ast year’s championship series achieved record popularity among motorsport fans with 75 television networks broadcasting
to more than 430 million viewers in over 160 countries. This year’s WTCC sponsorship gives Schaeffler Automotive
Aftermarket an outstanding opportunity to further strengthen customer relations and industry contacts, while underscoring
its commitment to the international motorsport scene – with its company brands LuK as clutch and transmission specialist;
and INA as specialist for engine, transmission and chassis components, as well as for rolling bearings.

This season, Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus are competing for points and podium honours together for the first time as pilots for the
BMW Team RBM. WTCC race events are held on a single weekend and consist of two racing sessions. The top eight finishers of the
first session begin the second session of the weekend in reversed order. Points are awarded in a way analogous to Formula 1 (25, 18, 15,
12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1).

This year’s BMW 320si WTCC model is the latest in a long line of highly successful 3-series racing models with decades of touring
victories. Prior to this season, BMW has won a total of 24 European and seven world touring car championships. The BMW 320si
WTCC was developed out of a special edition BMW 320si. Like the production model, the motorsport version is powered by a
high-performance 2-litre inline four-cylinder engine.

After the season kicked-off in Curibita, Brazil, the next WTCC races were held on 2 May 2010 in Marrakech (Morocco).
A complete racing schedule, results, team information as well as a comprehensive service area with picture gallery is available at
www.schaeffler-aftermarket.de/races.

74 June 2010
 Fast Wheels
F1 Fans Wishes soon to be Number One
After years of producing fairly boring, dreary, predictable motor
races, Formula 1 from its supremo Bernie Ecclestone down to team
owners, sponsors and drivers are realising something. If they want
to hold onto TV audiences, circuit audiences worldwide on a Sunday
by Roger McCleery afternoon, their show has to improve.
T
he Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona brought this home,
as did Bahrain. Monaco, which has been special since
1928 with all the beautiful people in attendance, yachts
in the harbour and the coastline on the South of France
on view, is always expected to be a procession. It was
again this year with the first six cars staying line astern throughout the
70 laps, despite the safety car coming out four times. Highlights were
spectacular crashes and Alonso coming from his start in the pit road,
right up through the field to 7th spot at the end. Valencia in June and
the Hungaroring in August will be a procession. Boring. With pass-
ing only in the pits or at pit stop time. The pole position driver will
win if he makes it to the first corner in the lead. Different tyre com-
pounds that have to be used, the introduction of compulsory pit stops
and other rules, like drive-through penalties, are not the answer. All
FIA controlled racing in the world is fairly predictable because rules
are made by engineers or people at the factory, and not by marketing
people. An engineering committee met two years ago to improve pass-
ing in F1. We have seen the result. Processions - unless it rains, when
the cars are neutralised and the entire team gets involved in the racing.
Look, technology is one thing and Formula 1 oozes it and lives on the
edge of the ultimate – they can do anything with these cars today but
its benefits must be, certainly in Formula 1, to entertain the people
who watch it at great cost. Who cares whether a lap-top computer can
set up your car from the pits. The American Champ cars pass. They
pass at Indy. In Nascar where they enjoy the biggest crowd in the
world all from one country, passing is constant. Our Formula Ford
and Formula Vee single seater races in South Africa are probably the
best racing we have with the results undecided until the flag. Two
wheelers, by the way, particularly the World Superbikes, show the way
and produce the best racing on the planet. Maybe it is not as well pro-
moted as Formula 1, which is well known. But it supplies the goods.
Constant, exciting entertainment. So F1 jack up. You are supposed to
be the number one motor sport in the world. Your processions make
people believe that all motor sport is like that. It isn’t. Qualifying is
probably the best spectacle we have in F1 racing as far as excitement
goes. Make the wings smaller, or a standard size, as the Americans do
for either oval or road races. Let the teams design their own cars.
Gordon Murray said this a long time ago. Give them the maximum
length, height and width and let them get on with it. There are some
fantastic designers around. Pull the stickers off the current cars and
they all look the same other than for the odd wing or two. Maybe even
make engines free. If you want to use turbos or big capacity engines or
tiny ones, that is up to you. It would be amazing what these guys could
come up with. Let them have as many pit stops as they like at any
time, or not at all. Pit stops don’t add to the excitement. They just
mess up any potential dice. If penalties have to be given out for an
infringement advise the team during the race as they used to do.
Answers
1. Nissan 7. Jan Hartzer
2. Hergen Fekken 8. South Africa’s
3. Volkswagen Polo (a) First Motorcycle Museum
4. Isuzu (b) International Airport
5. 170 km/h (c) Host biggest Yacht Race in
6. The biggest agricultural the world
show in South Africa held in (d) Biggest collection of differ-
Bothaville ent birds
June 2010
Tell them they have been penalised so that they can something about
it before the end. Don’t have drivers driving through the pit area and
ruining a good race for the public. If you come halfway around the
world to see any driver in action, you would be fairly upset if he was
taken out of the running through some little thing like crossing a
white line etc. Increase the Formula 1 field and have qualifying to
decide the ideal number. How can a world championship be a world
championship when it is a closed shop only to people who have
€100m to get in and it is not even run on every continent - no USA
or Africa. Some of the positives from the 2010 Formula 1 season is we
have had four different winners at six GP’s so far. There is new found
speed and handling of the Adrian Newey designed Red Bulls. He used
to design cars for McLaren. We have more teams going for a win with
McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes Benz. Some of the others are
closing in. Force India, Renault and Williams Sauber Ferrari (strange
sounding name that), Toro Rosso, Virgin, Lotus and HRT have some
way to go. Young drivers also coming to the fore. Bruno Senna has
been in a bum car. Alguersuari at only 20 shows that he is one of the
best as is 22 year old Sebastian Buemi. The 26 year old Russian, Petrov,
shows promise. Who would have thought we would ever have a
Russian in Formula 1? 23 year old Sebastian Vettel is a champion-
elect. With Nico Rosberg (25) another top driver. Michael
Schumacher getting more seat time as predicated needs a car that suits
his style of driving. But he is getting on the pace and is much happi-
er. Still it is unbelievable to think what he has done at 41 years, after
being out of racing for three years. Besides the talk of how to get the
Formula 1 act jacked up, is another question.Who is going to provide
tyres in 2011? Bridgestone have completed their series contract and
have done it well. Grand Prix Racing would like them to remain
because teams are used to their rubber and how to set up their cars.
So big talks are going on behind the scenes to keep them in place.
Bernie, it has been said, would even buy tyres from the tyre people and
then sell them to the teams. As many as 6 separate bids from tyre mak-
ers have been received by the FIA and the Formula 1 Committee has
to decide soon. Michelin wants to supply the rubber but only for half
the field. They also want to sell the tyres @ €3m per year per team.
They would like to see 18 inch wheels but have changed their minds
back to 13 inches as used at present. Cooper / Avon staked their claim
as well. Pirelli want it as sole suppliers, while Kumho from Korea
would do wonders for the racing, Korea and their Company.
The decision is expected soon.
Now it is off to Turkey with its high speed corners and heavy
braking areas, and then on to Montreal Canada for Round 8.
From page 12
9. Isetta 16. Lewis Hamilton
10. New Zealand 17. 191 cc
11. Giuseppe Farina 18. Daimler
12. Nissan in Sunderland in the 19. France
United Kingdom 20. Denny Hulme
13. Pierre Terblanche
14. Motorsport South Africa
15. The Mosquito
75
 The Last Writes by Baron Claude Borlz

“For our more discerning readers .....”

Here is some hope for anyone over 60 ............
As we get older we sometimes begin to doubt our ability to "make a difference" in the world. It is at these times that our hopes are
boosted by the remarkable achievements of other "seniors" who have found the courage to take on challenges that would make many
of us wither. Harold Schlumberg is such a person. “I've often been asked, 'What do you old folks do now that you're retired'? Well,
I'm fortunate to have a chemical engineering background, and one of the things I enjoy most is turning beer, wine, and other alcoholic
beverages into urine.

Afrikaans as a language is still evolving. It has to create

words every day. Here are some examples:
Body language: Karkaskletter Pimp: Hoerherder
Blind date: Steekproef Kaalvoet: Kalahari-nikes
Boere G-string: John Deertrekker Crash helmet: Kletterkappie
Breakdown: Kroktrok Quickie: Kommetjie
Bicycle: Draadkameel Maagwerkings: Drupdrol
Boffin: Komper-Pomper Menstruasie: Steekweerder
Aftree: Kierieverlof Morning glorie: Uriene Monster
Call girl: Roepkoek Onderhoud: Kierie Belasting
Cockteaser: Morswors Premature ejaculation: Skietverdriet
Cycle pants: Voëlverklikker Sales rep: Kommissiekabouter; koopseblief
Entrepreneur: Inisiatiefdief Ski pants: Sellulietsokkies
Face-lift: Hysbakkies Toilet skoonmakers: Drolpatrol
Fart: Holtoeter VIGS: Kiskoors

This is very old, but still worth bringing out every now and then for a laugh:
1. Pat Glenn, weightlifting commenta-
tor – "And this is Gregoriava from
Bulgaria. I saw her snatch this morning
and it was amazing!"
2. New Zealand Rugby Commentator -
"Andrew Mehrtens loves it when Daryl
Gibson comes inside of him."
3. Ted Walsh - Horse Racing
Commentator - "This is really a lovely
horse. I once rode her mother."
4. Harry Carpenter at the Oxford-
Cambridge boat race 1977 - "Ah, isn't
that nice. The wife of the Cambridge
President is kissing the Cox of the
Oxford crew."
5. USPGA Commentator - "One of the
reasons Arnie (Arnold Palmer) is play-
ing so well is that, before each tee shot,
his wife takes out his balls and kisses
them ..... Oh my god!!!!! What have I
just said?!!!!"
6. Carenza Lewis about finding food in
the Middle Ages on 'Time Team Live'
said: "You'd eat beaver if you could get
it."
7. A female news anchor who, the day
after it was supposed to have snowed
and didn't, turned to the weatherman
and asked, "So Bob, where's that eight
inches you promised me last night?" And finally, some words of wisdom
Not only did HE have to leave the set, for those companies wondering why
but half the crew did too, because they they’re not growing:
were laughing so hard!
8. Steve Ryder covering the US Masters: The man who stops
"Ballesteros felt much better today
after a 69 yesterday."
advertising to save
9. Clair Frisby talking about a jumbo hot money is like the man
dog on Look North said: "There's
nothing like a big hot sausage inside who stops the clock to
you on a cold night like this." save time.
10. Mike Hallett discussing missed snook-
er shots on Sky Sports: "Stephen
Hendry jumps on Steve Davis's misses
every chance he gets."
Answer from page 6
11. Michael Buerk on watching Phillipa
Forrester cuddle up to a male
astronomer for warmth during BBC1's
UKeclipse coverage remarked: They
seem cold out there, they're rubbing
each other and he's only come in his
shorts."
12. Ken Brown commentating on golfer
Nick Faldo and his caddie Fanny
Sunneson lining-up shots at the
Scottish Open: "Some weeks Nick likes
to use Fanny, other weeks he prefers to
do it by himself."

76 June 2010