Second Afrimold in Gauteng next month

The second staging of the AfriMold tooling, die & mould making exhibition will be taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 27-29 September 2011. The event’s organisers have already confirmed participation by a diverse range of exhibitors from the UK, Germany, France, Switzerland, Korea, India, and of course SA, as well as many more. The show is affiliated to Euro- Mold - one of the most respected exhibitions of its type in Germany, and which was introduced to the market in 1994. According to exhibition Managing Director, Ron MacLarty, significant opportunities are beginning to open up for the SA Tooling, Die & Mould Making industries, following the success of the first exhibition last year. “The recent DieMold India exhibition in Chennai was a real eye-opener for South Africans. India has more work than it can cope with and industries there are struggling to get parts and components. I see this as a huge opportunity for the South African industry, as we should be supplying India with mould components and services rather than trying to supply an already crowded market in Europe. In these circumstances, visitors from India to AfriMold will be of great importance to the local tooling, die & mould making industries.” The call for papers for the Afri- Mold conference, entitled Tooling Technologies 2011 and Beyond, has seen a strong response and has full support from the Toolmaking Association of South Africa (TASA). One of the latter’s major objectives is to encourage more students and apprentices to train and become involved in the industry, and the organisation has already achieved great success on this front through the TDM Powered programme. The programme was launched last year in partnership with the National Tooling Initiative and the DTI, and will see the 200 students participating in the programme at the AfriMold event. “The conference is going to play a significant role in imparting knowledge and specialist information to the various industries. I believe it will have a positive impact and assist in finding a way to overcome the shortage of skilled engineers and tool & die makers,” added MacLarty. “Sales of stands are progressing well and the exhibition is definitely attracting more international attention.” For more information visit the show website www.afrimold.co.za

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The Business of Plugging In

The 2010 introduction of mass market plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) in the US marked a significant milestone for the automotive industry and electric utility sector. The question now is: ‘How will the two industries move forward from early adoption to mass market acceptance?’ The third ‘The Business of Plugging In’ conference hopes to help the industry answer that question and many more, from 11-13 October in Dearborn, Michigan in the US. The three-day event will gather representatives from utility companies, automotive manufacturers and suppliers, investors, regulators, researchers and more to discuss global strategy for the long-term growth and continued success of the market. “Following last year’s launch of the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf, there is now a need for the industry to examine the successes and failures of PEVs and uncover what lies on the road ahead,” said Brett Smith, Conference Chair, Centre for Automotive Research, the host of the event. For more information visit www.bpiconference.com.

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Tyrexpo 2012

Tyrexpo 2012 is already gearing up for what promises to be a not-tobe-
missed event for the SA tyre and equipment sector. The show will
take place from 6-8 March 2012 in Johannesburg, and its organisers recently
announced some of the major industry players that have confirmed
their participation in the show. These include Tyrecor, Tubestone and
Hofmann Megaplan.
Tyrecor Managing Director Charl de Villiers comments: “The Tyrecor brand
has grown tremendously in Southern Africa over the past two years and we
will definitely make use of the next show to further boost our presence in
the market. We have since added more exciting new products to our everexpanding
range of Infinity tyres, which will be showcased next year.” He
adds: “As in the past, the show gives us the opportunity to meet our loyal
customers and also new customers throughout Africa.”
As MD of wheel service specialist Hofmann Megaplan, David Barendse,
explains: “This is an important show for us to be able to demonstrate the
latest developments in the wheel service equipment market. The sector is
becoming increasingly sophisticated as it looks to provide efficient solutions
for developments in tyre and wheel technology, such as larger wheel
sizes and run-flat technology.
The biannual event launched in 2004, and has since established itself as a
key event for domestic and international suppliers specialising in tyre and
equipment manufacturing, distribution, retailing, servicing and repair.
Visit www.eci-international.com for more details and information.

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SAAW Conference this month

The next South African Automotive Week is only set for next year, but the associated SAAW Conference will take place later this month, and promises a ‘green’ focus. The conference aims to bring local industry “to a common understanding of the future direction, scope, speed, opportunities and pitfalls of the global green economy on automotive manufacturing,” and in doing so will overview a number of ‘green’ case studies. Some of the key topics under discussion for the event will include: ‘The present and future of manufacturing’, ‘Who will control the drivetrain?’ and ‘New ways of doing business – how do we read the signs and respond?’ In addition, it will allow attendees the option of registering for site visits to ELIDZ, Mercedes Benz SA, a photovoltaic cell factory and the Makana bio-fuel project, among others. The conference – themed ‘Green Machines: Opportunity & Risks for the SA Auto Industry’ - takes place between the 25 and 26 August 2011 in East London. For more information or to book your place, email: saaw@inkanyezi.co.za, or call 0861 101 475.

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MAN on a hybrid drive

MAN Truck & Bus recently announced that it is consolidating all its R&D activities in the field of hybrid technology, at its newly created Centre of Competence. As Bernd Maierhofer, Director of R&D and Purchasing explains: “We are convinced that hybrid technology will play a fundamental role in the future of all commercial-vehicle segments, from the city bus to the longhaul truck, in the continued increase of efficiency and conservation of resources, thus smoothing the path to E-mobility. The new Centre of Competence will concentrate on hybrid technology from research right up to series production in the various product segments.” The new centre will also form the interface between the heavy duty automaker and its partners and suppliers as well as to further experts, such as universities. The company launched its first seriesproduction commercial vehicle with serial hybrid drive late last year, and believes that the introduction of hybrid drives for commercial vehicles is a major challenge for all manufacturers, due to users’ vastly different requirement profiles.

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A severe case of trucking ‘acronymia’

There’s no doubt the digital age has introduced a language of its own. The problem is, it’s bound up in acronyms that are coming fast from different directions and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs – here’s the first one.) One of the prime acronym inventors, WABCO, even publishes an acronym table in six languages with close on 50 terms that range from 4W ETC – 4 Wheel Electronic Transmission Control – through to VCS – Vario Compact System. It’s an alphabet soup of note! The 2005 January/February issue of Auto Engineering & Spares carried an article ‘Safety & operating acronyms need standards’ and six years down the line, the views in that article remain valid: ‘ in the world of vehicle electronic management systems…acronymic terminology is accelerating to create a Tower of Babel effect for vehicle specifications.’ But now we have the CPA (Consumer Protection Act) in place from 1 April 2011 and this covers product interpretation as viewed by a reasonable man. The danger, it would seem, comes from implied promises.

According to Advocate James Clark: “It is advised that product and service providers must, as far as possible, stay away from implied trade descriptions, as they are susceptible to the reasonable man’s interpretation and imagination as well as to those entity’s that may have a warped imagination. The negative of the implied will always be prone to interpretation beyond and far from the actually implied trade descriptions supplied by the product and/or service provider.” A good example is, what is offered by ABS? Does EBS – Electronic Brake System – include ABS or is this the other way around? And how far does ESC – Electronic Stability Control – extend over EBS and ABS? Is ASR – Anti-Spin Regulation and more aptly described as Acceleration Skid Control – part of an EBS or ESC package? Apparently ATC – Automatic Traction Control – is the acronym used in the USA for ASR while ETC is Electronic Traction Control, and how does this interface with ASR and ATC? But an EPS is an Electro-Pneumatic Gearshift, just when you thought that you were getting the hang of it. It’s all very confusing.


An acronym one sees more often in conjunction with Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS), is EBD. The term in Wikipedia is defined as follows: ‘Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD or EBFD), Electronic brake-force limitation (EBL) is an automobile brake technology that automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle’s brakes, based on road conditions, speed, loading, etc. Always coupled with ABS, EBD can apply more or less braking pressure to each wheel in order to maximize stopping power while maintaining vehicular control. Typically, the front end carries the most weight and EBD distributes less braking pressure to the rear brakes, so the rear brakes do not lock up and cause a skid. In some systems, EBD distributes more braking pressure at the rear brakes during initial brake application before the effects of weight transfer become apparent.’ I am staring at an ExHCV (over 16t GVM truck) OEM brochure that offers ACC – Adaptive Cruise Control. The promo-blurb states that ACC ‘helps the driver to keep a safe distance in front by automatically operating in sequence the engine brake, the Intarder and the service brake’ – does this mean that ABS and ESP are all part of the ACC? Eishhh! And it won’t stabilise.

Rapid advances in software and hardware will mean even more technology that must be summarised in three or four letters. Each truck OEM also tries to brand for exclusivity – after all, strategic marketing is about differentiation and who wants their model line-up plastered with exactly the same acronyms as their competitors? It’s not just a South African problem, it’s an international issue. After six years the appeal in 2005 January/February issue of Auto Engineering & Spares still rings true: ‘It’s time that standards authorities took control of this situation and developed an acronym lexicon that has universal acceptance so we know what we are getting in passenger vehicles or trucks.” Perhaps the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) can step up to the plate. In the meantime, vehicle dealers better make sure that their sales people are not offering more than the acronym can support.

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Safer driving

Late last month, Heavy Commercial Vehicle Underwriting Managers sent a release to the automotive media, reminding us of some of the key tips to keeping drivers safe on the roads. The tips are by no means new, but they offer some basic rules that are all too often glossed over, to the detriment of all road users. They include: don’t drink (or drug) and drive; stay hydrated – drink lots of water; make frequent stops to eat healthily and stretch; buckle up at all times; limit speed to 80km/h; reduce speed in wet weather, turn on headlights and increase following distance; and finally, check tyres and regularly service your vehicle. The release also highlighted an Arrive Alive web page that show the most dangerous stretches of SA roads, by province, and with sobering crash statistics per section – arrivealive.co.za/document/hazardousroutes. pdf. The company provides free in-cab driver training for its policy holders which is aimed at equipping drivers to react appropriately to hazardous situations.

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Bosch celebrates production milestones

In our last issue, we covered the Bosch international press briefing, where the company unveiled its strategy for development over the next few years. In the same month, Bosch also celebrated two production milestones: the manufacture of 25 million HDEV5-series fuel injectors and five million HDP-line high pressure pumps within its ‘Gasoline Systems’ business division. Both products went into largescale series production in 2006, with the HDP line first featured in GM’s Ecotec engine, while the HDEV5 series was initially applied in PSA/BMW’s Prince engine. The company produces high-pressure pumps and fuel injectors at its lead plants in Nuremberg and Bamberg (both in Germany) as well as in Turkey and China. The high-pressure pumps and fuel injectors are part of its Motronic Electric Engine Management system, which - combined with turbocharging - reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of internal-combustion engines with petrol direct injection, by 15%. With increasing focus from automakers on engine downsizing, the company believes the international market for petrol direct injection systems will only rise. “Bosch expects the share of gasoline direct injection to triple by 2015, to 18% of global car production,” says Dr. Rolf Bulander, President of the Gasoline Systems division. The HDEV5 high-pressure injection valve works by virtue of up to seven individually positioned injection holes that enable the spray pattern to be adapted to each engine. The highpressure injection valve and pump are designed for system pressures of up to 200 bar, yet remain compact and light, weighing in at just 780 grams. The use of stainless steel means that the current components of the petrol direct injection system are designed for worldwide use and thus for great fuelquality tolerance.

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New ESR makes even non premium vehicles safer

Delphi Automotive’s electronically scanning radar (ESR) was recently added to the European Ford Focus line-up, enabling Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, and thus widening the range of vehicle segments offering advanced safety features. Ford claims that it is the first vehicle manufacturer to go beyond offering advanced features on only its premium vehicles, and extend the benefits of ESR to a broader market. ESR uses proven solid state technology to help automakers offer an adaptive cruise control system that not only enhances safety and convenience, but is affordable to more buyers. The system boasts long-range coverage that provides accurate range and speed data with effective object discrimination, enabling audible driver warnings when there is potential for a collision. The system also pre-charges the brakes so that they react more quickly when engaged. Earlier solutions made use of multiple- beam radars with mechanical scanning or several fixed, overlapping beams to attain the required view. Unlike mechanically scanning radars, electronically scanning radars have no moving parts, resulting in improved performance. Another benefit of the new system is its small size - the complete radar module, including electronics and mounting features, is just 173.7 x 90.2 x 49.2 millimetres. “By offering this innovative product on the Focus, a whole new segment of drivers will benefit from the safety advantages of Delphi’s ESR,” said Diedrich von Behr, Managing Director of Delphi’s Electronic Controls product business unit in Europe. Despite its promise to benefit a wider range of drivers however, South Africans will not be enjoying it anytime soon. The technology is at present only available in Europe, the US and Asia.

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Some stabilisation at last

In July, TransUnion Auto Information Solutions released their latest Vehicle Pricing Index (VPI), which is published quarterly and measures the year-onyear price inflation of a market weighted basket of new and used vehicles. The latest report held some good news for browbeaten consumers, indicating that new and used car inflation remained behind the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the second quarter (Q2) of this year. The VPI puts new car inflation at 4% for the period April – June 2011, marginally up from 3.7% in the first three months of the year. At the same time, used car price inflation slowed from 3.4% in the first quarter of the year to 3.1% in Q2 - the slowest rate of increase since 2009, when used car price deflation was a regular occurrence. The CPI on the other hand climbed to 4.6% in May from 4.2% the month prior. At the time of the report’s release, June CPI statistics had not been released. Mike von Höne, TransUnion CEO, explained that despite the disruption of the Japanese vehicle manufacturing sector following the earthquakes and tsunami, this had no impact on local new vehicle sales or pricing. He continued: “There have been some delays in component availability, which affected local manufacturers’ ability to produce new vehicles, but this situation is not expected to continue for much longer.” The report does however see continued pressure on the used vehicle market, thanks in large part to the drop in new vehicle sales in 2009 and 2010. This resulted in lowered numbers of one and two-year-old models available for resale. Concurrently, new car inflation rates have fallen from over 10% in 2009 to under 5% last year and into the first half of 2011. This resulted in a narrowing of the price gap between new and used cars. As von Höne explains: “The shortage of quality, late model used cars on the market, combined with the many excellent ‘deals’ that are available from manufacturers on new cars, has led to declining demand for used vehicles.” It was for this reason that the ratio of used to new cars financed has dropped from 1.95 used cars for every new car financed in Q1 this year, to just 1.63. Despite this, the number of used vehicles financed in Q2 was up 24% from Q1.

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How to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act

A fire or explosion can be a very traumatic and costly experience, and every employer must realise that it could happen at any time, due to usage and storage of flammable liquid, smoking, cartons, paper, electrical overload etc. All of which can usually be predicted by an onsite Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment. Whilst there are many different emergencies that can occur, OHS service providers are able to advise businesses based on one of the most common of them all – that being fire. In terms of the requirements for the SA ‘Emergency Evacuation Plan and procedure’ a company’s plan must be available and visible, and the proper information signage (as per South African National Standards ) must be affixed in visible areas to easily guide staff, contractors and visitors to safety. Of course before you can make it available, you have to ensure that you actually have a plan in the first place. Here are some tips on how to put your business’ Emergency and Evacuation Plan together: Step 1: Draw a plan of your building, floor, and /or work area and identify all of the evacuation routes with arrows.

Identify on the drawing, the Assembly Point, where all employees, visitors and contractors must assemble should they need to evacuate. Step 2: Draw up a simple 6, 7 or 8 step procedure, which must be affixed to the wall below the chart, identifying the method of raising the alarm, calling the emergency services, roll call, etc. Here is an example of such a procedure: 1) If you notice a flame, first attempt to extinguish it using the nearest fire extinguisher or, If you notice a flame, alert the trained fire fighter on the premises. 2) If the flames become unmanageable, raise the alarm. (It is important to note that you should have trained fire fighters, and a fire alarm on the premises) Step 3: Ensure you have enough fire extinguishers, and affix the proper red signage to identify the location of the fire extinguishers, keeping a 1 square metre area in front of it unobstructed at all times, so that you can reach the fire extinguisher when needed.


Put up the correct green and white emergency escape signage on the wall above the doors that form part of the plan, and ensure that the signs are visible from all work stations and in passages, showing the direction of the emergency exit. Step 4: Identify on the plan (revert back to step 1) the type and number of fire extinguishers and their exact location. Step 5: Attach the plan and procedures to notice boards, reception areas and at visible points around the building, so that everyone can see what the plan looks like. Step 6: Train all of your employees on the site specific plan, and hold a practice drill (practice drills should be held annually). The employees should know what the alarm sounds like, otherwise they will think it is the siren for tea time, lunch and so forth, and not realise that it is an emergency. Evaluate the results, and discuss any non adherences to the plan with your Health and Safety Committee. Step 7: Test your fire alarm regularly. For more solutions and assistance with ensuring you have correct procedures and comply with the national OHS Act, find a specialist OHS service provider who can guide you through the process. Take action today – waiting can spell disaster.

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What that traffic jam just cost you

Last month, traffic and navigation provider, TomTom, released its 2011 South African Traffic Survey results, which found that traffic jams are far more than simply a nuisance in SA. According to the report, SA companies lose billions of Rands every year, thanks to time wastage and demotivation caused by sitting in traffic. It found that 78% of the 3.8 million drivers on Johannesburg roads experience ‘severe traffic jams’ everyday on their work commute. Of these, 10% are forced to cancel meetings, and in excess of 40% are late for work, while 75% of this group experienced “high levels of stress during time spent in traffic.” Across the country, 25% of drivers experience 45 minutes or more time in traffic. Not surprisingly, Gautengers have it worse. The report found that 33% of drivers in Gauteng experience at least 45 minutes of traffic. Companies lost around R 1.1 Billion per month due to time wasted in traffic on a daily basis Using this data, the researchers calculated that companies lose R291.00 per employee per month, due to time wasted in traffic on a daily basis - around R1.1 Billion per month*. But its not just the time out of the office that is problematic. The report found that workers exposed to traffic on a daily basis, experience a 64% increase in general stress levels. Respondents surveyed rated ‘hatred’ as their most experienced emotion during a period of being stuck in a traffic jam (28%), which was followed by ‘irritation or frustration’ (14%) and ‘tension or stress’ (13%). And, depending on your gender, you might be more at risk of feeling stressed by traffic. Independent tests quoted by TomTom, measured physiological stress markers in participants’ saliva, to determine gender differences in traffic related stress. Interestingly, women suffered an 8.7% increase in stress from driving in traffic, whilst men suffered a staggering increase of 60%. In the same tests, 67% of women and 50% of men reported not feeling stressed 20 minutes after driving in traffic, when physiologically, they still were stressed. The research goes on to suggest that the effects of long-term exposure to stress chemicals include suppressed immune function, raised blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels. All of which points to unhappy employees and could impact on future health – meaning more sick days. The study also found that in order to deal with traffic-induced stress, drivers have developed a number of coping strategies. 82% of drivers surveyed listen to music, whilst 21% talk to other passengers in order to pass the time and ease the tension. And coping strategies vary by country and gender. The Americans (38%) and the Swedish (39%) tend to talk on the phone to make better use of their time, whilst the Dutch prefer to comfort eat (14%). English speakers in general, prefer to sing to themselves to reduce stress (US: 20%, UK: 19% and SA: 16%). And then there is the environmental cost. When respondents were asked what they thought the environmental impact would be if traffic was reduced by 15%, researchers found that: 96% of drivers thought this would have a positive effect and reduce air pollution; 81% thought this would have a positive effect on noise pollution and 74% of drivers thought it would have a positive effect on global warming. So how can all of this research help you? TomTom believes that with its products and services that allow realtime traffic information updates, drivers can avoid jams as far as possible. The collective effort of multiple drivers doing so, they explain: “will be able to help roads flow more effectively, reducing the journey times for all commuters.” The 2011 TomTom Traffic Survey includes the participation of 962 respondents over the age of 18, all of whom currently live in South Africa. The results were accumulated over the months of November 2010 to January 2011.

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The “ideal” customer-focused employee

I was in a retailer recently and was once again amused by the framed picture of the ‘Employee of the Month’. How many times do retailers use this as a ‘motivational tool’ for their employees – as opposed to a genuine award? I can just imagine management chatting amongst themselves trying to remember who hasn’t received the award: “Let’s give it to Fred this month - it will make him happy.” I’m sure it will – but what about the consumer, will it make him happy? I am all for staff awards, appraisals and incentives, but as long as it is for all the right reasons. In a service environment, staff need to be customer focused – not nosing for an award! I recently spoke at a conference for a chain of supermarkets that give discounts to pensioners on a specific day of the week. “Why that particular day?” I asked, to which the response was that it was the quietest day of the week! So for whose benefit are we giving pensioners a discount? Do we ask all the local retirement villages and old age homes if that day suits them? Probably not. Another chain of retailers whom I had the pleasure to address, have invested in a Customer Service Liaison Officer for each branch. This is a brilliant idea; except that this employee seems to be the store’s best kept secret.

He or she is rarely seen on the shop floor. I also noticed that these employees are often about a generation younger than the average shopper, posing the question. ‘Do you really know what I want?’ So what are the characteristics of an “ideal” customer-focused employee? Who are the best people to let loose on your customers? Who makes the best customer service employee? It’s probably naïve to try to make a list of characteristics, because there is nobody in the world that will ever match the description. But maybe the following checklist will help.


Which of your employees can: • List at least ten specific reasons why it is so important to “delight” customers? • Tell the difference between a delighted customer versus a satisfied one? • Explain what leads to customer loyalty, and understands that highly satisfied customers are not always loyal, while some unhappy customers can be loyal? • List at least two good reasons why having unhappy customers is not always a bad thing? • Define every single moment of truth for which he or she is responsible, and is clear about what customers like, and dislike, about these moments of truth? • List at least five clear ways in which your business differentiates itself from your competitors to delight customers? • Define and describe at least ten different expectations of service delivery which your customers probably hold, and use to evaluate their service contact • List at least ten reasons why customers get upset, based on complaints recently received? • List the reasons why your customers quit your business, and approximately what % of customers quit for each reason? • Effectively and successfully deal with customer complaints, and knows exactly how to behave to calm someone who is upset AND keep themselves calm when things are getting tough, and when other people get abusive? • Come up with a list of new and innovative ways for adding value to the customer’s experiences in your business. Staff should be employed based on their attitude and personality, as opposed to only selecting candidates due to previous experience and skills. Skills can be taught – but try teaching attitude and personality – it’s easier to herd cats! So what you ideally need are staff that can demonstrate at least two thirds of the following attributes: • Assertive, self-confident, tactful and firm, rather than aggressive • Good listener and great empathy skills • Forgiving even when attacked, but not weak, can laugh off personal insults, and handle stress effectively • Friendly, polite, respectful and courteous demeanor • Cheerful and enthusiastic, and a good sense of humour • Able to stay focused on problems • Happy to compromise rather than win • Persuasive, and can sell advantages • A sense of fairness and justice • Can balance a few balls in the air • See that doing the right thing is more important than being right • Can easily see an innovative “third option” • Efficient and responsive. How many of these are present in your business? 

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Gear up for regulated waste management

The Govt. Gazette No. 34417 dated 1 July 2011 carries draft waste classification and management regulations to give effect to the Waste Act, 59/2008. The latter was passed in March 2009 and promulgated in July 2009. It’s the standard 30-day window of invitation to submit written comments or objections. But just to get your attention, let’s start with punishment listed under paragraph 14 – ‘Offences and penalties’: • Imprisonment for a period not exceeding 15 years • An appropriate fine • Both a fine and imprisonment So who is going to be involved in all this regulation of rubbish? The ROSE Foundation leads the charge, ROSE being Recovery of Oil Saves the Environment. According to a presentation delivered to the SA Institute of Tribology by ROSE Foundation CEO, Raj Lochan, a ‘Waste Generator’ in terms of the Act is anyone who generates more than 20kg of waste per day. Judging by loaded skips with used oil filters and other harmful waste standing around truck workshops, it’s easy to reach a daily 20kg target.

The ROSE Foundation heads the used lube recovery charge and estimates South Africa generates approximately 120 million litres of used oil a year. Info on its website states that around 80 to 90 million litres are being recovered for recycling. At least 30 to 40 million litres – 25% to 33% - are however, unaccounted for! One litre of used oil can pollute one million litres of water, so the multiplying effect is horrendous. Oil contaminated waste comes under scrutiny in the new Act too – its an area in which we have all been too casual. Empty oil and grease containers are often heaped alongside used filters and oil rags. But now the Regulations will require us to start classifying and streaming waste.

Lochan points out: “A ‘Waste Generator’ must keep accurate and up to date records of the management of the waste they generate, and which must reflect classification of the wastes and the quantity of each waste generated, expressed in tons per month. In addition, the records must contain the quantities of each waste that has either been re-used, recycled, recovered, treated or disposed of and where, and by whom, each waste was re-used, recycled, recovered, treated or disposed of. Records must be retained for a period of at least 5 (five) years and made available to the Department upon request.” And how are we going to classify waste? The Regulations refer to SANS 10234 - Globally Harmonized System of classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS) – and safety data sheets where waste must be classified within 90 days of generation. There’s also a ‘Waste Manifest System’ where all waste generators, transporters and managers must retain copies of the waste manifest documentation for a period of at least 5 (five) years.

This legislation is not confined to waste generators – the solid waste transport segment is also drawn into the net of compliance. Lochan reports: “There are also timelines and limits. All wastes previously classified must be re-classified and assessed within two (2) years. Waste not classified to be disposed to landfill, must be re-classified and assessed within ninety (90) days” Someone in the organisation will have a new job description, or the task may require a separate portfolio and assigned responsibility. This will require assessment and training and sounds like an opportunity for a whole new consulting industry to give advice to confused truckers and everyone else entrenched in the culture of throwing waste on the ‘big heap’.


It all sounds onerous, but being green is not a ‘waste’ of time. Legislation is not the problem – it’s the lack of will to enforce the law that’s a problem and destroys our environment. The law sets you free, but only if one respects this - and judging from the way minibus taxis drive, get serviced and kill people, there’s little respect for the law. That’s why the ROSE Foundation is a success story – it’s self-regulatory and requires no enforcement. But if Raj Lochan and his team – NORA, The National Oil Recycling Association – want to collect the missing 40 million litres of used oil, then they will need the law and enforcement. Let’s have this piece of legislation and start the process. Acknowledgement and reference sources: SA Institute of Tribology - Used Oil Management in a Regulatory Environment – Rose Foundation Presentation 5 July 2011 ROSE Foundation: www.rosefoundation.org. za DEA Websites:www.sawic.org.za, www.sawis.org.za, www.wastepolicy.co.za

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How much do batteries cost your business?

Batteries are not something that most workshops spend that much time worrying about, but the replacement of batteries can seriously cut into a business’ profits. The average dealer buys 5 replacement batteries per month, at an average cost of R750 per battery, which amounts to around R3500 per month. Looking long term, that adds up to a whopping R42000 per annum. Of course the better you look after a battery, the better it will serve you - making proactive and preventative battery management an essential workshop process. The 3 main causes of shortened battery life are: 1 sulphating due to undercharged batteries 2 acid stratification due to deeply discharged batteries 3 drying out and harmful overcharging which ‘boils off’ battery fluids Vehicle electronics have come a long way in recent years, resulting in higher demands being placed on batteries – even when a vehicle is parked. At the same time, modern batteries have greater requirements themselves, such as modern chargers and charging methods. A 3 Amp charger of today is the equivalent to a 10 Amp charger of a few years ago - and those chargers of the past used more power than current technology requires. Ctek offers a truly modern product to keep up with the current demands, by offering a charger with a patented 8-step charging system.

This means not only more efficient charging, but also ensures that charging is carried out correctly, preventing early failure of the battery. The range of chargers is ideal for maintaining and charging the diverse, maintenance-free, lead-acid technologies currently available. Vehicle alternators alone may not be able to satisfactorily re-charge the battery, especially if a vehicle is only being driven short distances every day. Ctek boasts a 3 in 1 service - it systematically reconditions, services and charges. What this means for the car dealer or fleet owner, is a radically reduced number of monthly replacement batteries. As a result, the unit will often pay for itself in 1-2 months. The Ctek range of battery chargers boast greater safety for users thanks to its foolproof connection, its being spark proof and reverse polarity protected. There is also no need for the battery to be disconnected. It also boasts greater safety for vehicles, as the units regulate voltage to protect sensitive electronic and audio equipment. The chargers provide fully automatic charging, maintenance and battery care. The patented desulphation function revives drained batteries and extends battery life, while float/pulse charging allows ‘set and forget’ for months at a time without harming the battery. All commercial Ctek Battery chargers carry a 2 year warranty. The range includes: MXS10-10 Amp 12volt charger, MXS25 25 Amp 12 volt charger, MXT14 (14 Amp) 24 Volt charger and recently released, the all new MXTS70 - an extremely powerful industrial model suitable for the heavy duty trucking, mining and military markets.

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Discovery Insure Hosts New Consultant, Rory Byrne

Kansai appeals Commission condition Kansai announced recently that it has requested the Competition Tribunal to reconsider the divestiture condition imposed by the Competition Commission earlier this year – in essence appealing the Commission’s decision. The Japanese paint manufacturer attempted a hostile takeover of local company Freeworld Coatings’s Automotive Paints Division earlier this year. The appeal will however be limited to the divestiture condition only and does not affect any of the public interest conditions. The appeal is based on the company’s belief that the manner in which the Commission imposed this structural remedy was flawed, and that it did not fully appreciate the underlying characteristics of the automotive coatings market. The company believes that the divestiture condition may have a negative impact on the broader business of Freeworld and its wider stakeholders.

Kansai has also applied for interim relief to suspend the condition, pending the outcome of the appeal. If the interim relief is granted, no further steps will be taken by Freeworld to divest of its automotive coatings business until the outcome of the appeal is known, a process that is anticipated to take 3 to 5 months to complete. Discovery Insure have partnered with Rory Byrne - current consultant to, and ex Chief Designer on, the Ferrari Formula 1 team - as a consultant on its new package. Byrne will be part of the team analysing the telematics generated by the DQ-Track system. This system provides telemetry that measures a driver’s behavioural characteristics, such as acceleration, braking, cornering, speed vs speed limits and so forth, whilst operating the vehicle. This data can then be analysed by the actuaries and engineers to provide key measures, which are weighted and applied to the points system that then effects the insured driver’s portion of their cash-back bonuses.

According to Anton Ossip, CEO of Discovery Insure, this history of driver characteristics will not result in penalities to the insured, unless it applies to a specific claim incident. When queried, he also said that in instances where the insured regularly operated different vehicles, the DQ systems would be fitted to the various vehicles in order to monitor each driving event. Following the brief welcome by Ossip, guests were then treated to a face to face interview with Byrne. He provided some interesting insight into the world of Formula 1, the teams and drivers, having worked at both Benneton and Ferrari amongst others, with the likes of the late Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet and Michael Schumacher, to name but a few. When asked who he thought was the currently the best F1 driver, Byrne replied that in F1, 80% of any success was attributable to the car and 20% to the driver, however he believes that currently Alonso, Hamilton and Vettel stand out from the rest. Byrne also explained how safety technology and parameters originally implemented in F1, have been mirrored in our modern road vehicles, helping make the vehicles safer to operate. The interview concluded with an open question forum and lunch. 

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PPG takes over Ducol Coatings

In June, New York stock exchange-listed PPG Industries
announced that it had acquired Krugersdorp based Ducol
Coatings, an importer and distributor of PPG’s automotive
refinish products in the SA market since 2003.
Formed in 1990, Ducol Coatings has operations in both SA
and Namibia. As John Outcalt, PPG VP, Automotive Refinish
explains: “PPG now will be able to directly serve customers
in the region with our high-quality, innovative automotive refinish
products and our customer service, technical support
and training programmes.”
He said that it will continue to use the Ducol brand, as well
as Ducol Coatings’ former franchisee and distributor network,
giving it access to a solid, proven distribution network
in the growing South African and surrounding markets.

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AER-O-NEWS

A great example of quality meeting the latest in technology and design, is Aer-O-Cure’s new installation at Value Truck, part of Value Logistics Limited in Isando. The new turnkey project boasts state of the art equipment and the latest in truck spraybooth design, which includes innovative roller shutter doors for the drive-through truck booth. Some of the highlights of the new commercial vehicle bodyshop include a complete Aer-O-Cure 18m truck drivethrough combination spraybooth oven; a separate Aer-O-Cure waterbourne combination spraybooth oven, with integrated Aer-O-Mix paint mixing room; and five Aer-O-Prep Truck specific preparation bays, complete with under floor extraction and overhead vacuum system – all custom built for trucks. In addition, there are two complete standard Aer-O-Prep vehicle and small parts preparation bays. The latter feature computerised overhead infrared and dry flattening vacuum systems for small parts. The panelbeating area features a Car-O-Liner BR5500 bench rack, complete with Car-O-Vision electronic measuring system. The new shop also decided to include a compressor system, complete with airlines and droppers. Walter Lenaerts, MD of Aer-O-Cure is proud to have partnered with Value Truck in commisioning this leading heavy duty vehicle repair centre.

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A&M Launch Flagship Refinish Range

In early July, A&M Abrasives launched their flagship refinish products to the industry, with a dinner function at The Johannesburg Country Club. The trade and press were introduced to the company and its products by Marketing Manager, Bev Dicks, who welcomed the attendees and officially opened the proceedings. She highlighted the company’s commitment to partnering with various suppliers, both locally and globally, to ensure that their customers have access to leading brands and available technology. Guests were then entertained and further enlightened about the range and launch specials, by Azeez Choonara, A&M’s National Sales Manager and renowned industry personality. Brent Strydom, Klingspor National Sales Manager, reviewed the wide range of abrasive products available to the South African market, and reiterated his company’s support to the industry through A&M Abrasives. HB Body’s newly appointed National Technical Manager, Momcillo Srvic is another recognizable face in the local industry, and he too gave an overview of his company and its extensive array of products. With quality brands and anchor support from Kapci Coatings, Klingspor Abrasive Technology and HB Body auto refinishing products, the A&M Abrasives team, are confident they can deliver the right product, at the right price, to the trade.

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NAPA breaks new ground by transcending R1 billion in turnover in 2010/2011

The National Automobile Parts Association (NAPA) celebrated a milestone event this year by exceeding R1 Billion in turnover for its 2010/11 financial year. Consider that NAPA, with its 110 members in South Africa and Namibia, achieved this in purchases from the Association’s 54 suppliers in the fast moving parts sector, the huge volumes achieved can be appreciated. NAPA was founded in 1976 with only 12 members and a handful of suppliers, and experienced zero to hero growth in just 34 years to become an important and established Division of the Imperialheld MIDAS Group. All expectations are that the Association will continue on its track record of stable growth, remaining a significant contributor to Group earnings. It isn’t everyone who can lay claim to have been part of a highly successful enterprise right from ground zero, and then leading it from strength to strength through three and a half decades. Such a man is Rolf Gudegast, wellknown professional in the replacement parts sector who immigrated to South Africa from Germany in the mid-sixties. He joined the MIDAS Group in 1976, and together with Derek Riley, identified a procurement opportunity in the replacement parts sector. NAPA was founded to service and expand on this opportunity, and the rest as they say is history.

Currently serving as Chairman of the Association, Gudegast explained the Association’s early days: “When we started the Company with the 12 initial members, our main product line supplied through NAPA was protective sheepskin seat covers for cars, which, you may recall, was very fashionable and popular in the replacement parts market in those years.” “The concept we brought to market was an innovation in the supply chain and whilst we encountered opposition from many quarters to our concept of bulk procurement, the benefits to members, as well as suppliers, soon became evident.” According to Gudegast, early success with the implementation of the business model soon resulted in acceptance of the value proposition in the industry, and set NAPA on a steady growth course.


The achievement of breaching the R1 Billion mark, especially in an environment where industry trading conditions are tough and competition is really stiff, bears testimony to the loyalty of NAPA member. “This is made possible by excellent service delivery by our suppliers and the passion and dedication of our young and dynamic management team, now led by Managing Director Megan Naiker.” Asked what he would single out as a key factor in the success story of NAPA, Gudegast responded without hesitation: “Building and managing relationships and maintaining quality communication with our members and suppliers. It is the foundation on which our business is built.” These principles are widely recognised as critical success factors for any business, but are not always afforded the attention they deserve.

Gudegast insists that NAPA’s business culture is built around these principles as tenets of the way they do business without compromise.” I believe that this has been a major contributing factor in the exceptional level of member loyalty experienced by NAPA. Long may that continue!” And what about the future? “We are confident that NAPA will continue on its growth path into the future”, he says. “We already have members in Namibia and elsewhere in Southern Africa and have identified significant opportunities for growth in the SADEC and East African Regions which we are addressing at present. We believe that these initiatives will be important factors in underpinning our expansion efforts going forward.”

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