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2019

Trade Shows, Trade Shows, Trade Shows

AMR 2020 To Feature Even More International Participation

Auto Maintenance & Repair Expo (AMR) will return next spring from 15-18 March 2020 at Beijing’s New China International Exhibition Centre. Spanning across the 120,000 square metres of the venue’s eight exhibition halls, more than 1300 overseas and domestic exhibitors are expected to participate in the AMR 2020 fair.

In recent years, aftermarket has become one of the main sources of profit in the automotive supply chain. Show organisers says the market value of the global automotive aftermarket expects to see annual growth of three per cent, surging from the current €800 billion to €1200 billion by 2030. In terms of car ownership, the number of vehicles on the road has already reached 250 million in China, with more reports saying the current automotive aftermarket is already valued at ¥1300 billion. By 2025, its market value will grow further by 55 per cent, therefore holding infinite business opportunities for the automotive aftermarket.

Over the past 37 years, AMR organisers say the show has served the Chinese automotive aftermarket by continuing to evolve and grow along the drastic changes in the market, sitting on the driving seat in China’s automotive repair and maintenance industry as it flourishes and becomes more international. Putting the equipment, tools and consumables of repair and maintenance and car care at its core, consistently integrating the latest industry trends and extensive resources, AMR organisers says the show is able to gather quality and professional industry buyers at the fair, which is now recognised as a top trading platform to facilitate sourcing and helping foreign enterprises expand into Chinese and Asian markets.

To further heighten the fair experience and sourcing efficiency, AMR 2020 is set to have a more strategic hall plan in order to highlight the latest products and dedicated services in each sector. Hall allocation will enhance business matching efficiency and the experience for both buyers and exhibitors. For example, there will be specific zones including mechanical, collision, tyre repair, car wash and car care, testing and diagnostics, and repair tools in the Repair & Maintenance sector to better match buyer needs.

Elsewhere, in order to keep up with rising industry trends, the 2020 edition will introduce extensive resources for tyre, lubricant, car care, washing and customising, commercial vehicle, chain stores, emergency roadside assistance, integration of production, and education by hosting concurrent events and special zones.

Numerous sectors will further expand into featured zones, including:

  • The Parts and Components hall, will highlight the latest replacement parts, auto components, supply chain, customising and auto electronics.
  • The Lubricant zone, which will present all kinds of lubricant and oil products for automotive use: engine oil, diesel oil, base oil, engine lubricant oil, transmission fluid, cleaning oil and many other maintenance accessories.
  • The Commercial Vehicle zone, which will bring together prominent brands offering auto parts and components for the aftermarket. The zone will showcase a variety of repair and maintenance products and services for commercial vehicles.
  • The Car care, Washing and Customising zone, which will focus on showcasing products for car washing, car beauty and customising. Numerous live demonstrations will also be carried out in the zone.

According to show organisers, recent market research stated that the repair and maintenance sector in China has big potential as it is now one of the world’s biggest automotive aftermarkets after 20 years of rapid development. In fact, it is the second largest sector and occupies 20 per cent of the Chinese automotive aftermarket. AMR staff say the show establishes a bridge for foreign enterprises to expand their business into China’s automotive market, bringing in more choices and business opportunities to local dealers and customers.

With the global sales network of Messe Frankfurt, AMR 2020 will go further to “bring forward an international market”. In terms of overseas exhibitors, the list has expanded to more than 100 companies in the show portfolio, among which are several overseas pavilions from different countries and regions:

  • The German pavilion first debuted at AMR 2019 with huge success. It will return to the fair in the 2020 edition with an even bigger exhibition space of over 300 square metres. The pavilion will present the latest repair and maintenance products and services from over 30 German companies and brands.
  • The Malaysia pavilion will debut at AMR 2020.
  • The Taiwan pavilion will greatly extend participation from the previous edition.
  • More international exhibitors from Egypt, France, Greece, Indonesia, Japan, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand and the USA are being organised.

In addition, organisers say the level of international participation at AMR 2020 can again be seen in the composition of visitors and buyers, with the fair welcoming first-time buyer groups from Australia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kazan in Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

To better service these local and overseas participants, there will be more than 30 fringe programme events organised during the three-day fair. Highlights are expected to include the 2nd Automotive Aftermarket Awards for China’s Top Chain Brands, Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket Annual Meeting, the Rising Terminal Conference 2020, Tyre Marketing Summit, LubTop 2019 Award, National Parts Dealer Conference, China Auto Beauty Championships, the 5th Auto Diagnostics Master Finals, Green Repair and Maintenance Industry Forum, China Aftermarket “Northwest Day” Special Event, AMR 2020 China Aftermarket Crossover Banquet, the Integration of Production and Education Forum, and many more.

The show’s seamless business matchmaking services will also offer targeted business interactions with an “enhanced” sourcing efficiency, according to organisers.

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Main News

Win Tickets To Summernats 33

Summernats, the annual motoring event held at Exhibition Park, Canberra is coming back next year, and BodyShop News is giving you the chance to win free tickets.

Summernats 33 will be held from 2 to 5 January, 2020. The four-day festival attracts more than 100,000 people from Australia and around the world, featuring more than 2000 cars along with a great music line-up comprised of Airbourne, Bliss n Eso, Macarthur’s own Kerser and Aussie music legend Shannon Noll.

Besides the many reveals, there’s a whole lot of high-speed activities including burnouts, motorkhana, Honk Ya Horn, Go To Whoa and more.

BodyShop News has eight tickets to giveaway to Summernats 33! For your chance to win one of the tickets, simply email us at [email protected] and answer the following question: When will Summernats 2020 be held?

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Trade Shows, Trade Shows

The 11th Edition Of INAPA Coming Soon

The 11th edition of INAPA will return to JIExpo in Jakarta from 18-20 March 2020 with more than 15,000 attendees and 1000 exhibiting companies. In 2019, INAPA become the biggest annual meeting place for automotive aftermarket players in ASEAN.

Indonesia has set an ambitious target on the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) with 2.1 million electric motorcycles and 2200 electric cars expected to take the road by 2025. The Indonesian government has set fiscal incentives, such as import tariff incentives for battery-based EVs and their supporting technology and materials, as well as value-added tax deductions and tax incentives for imported goods related to investments in the EV industry.

INAPA 2020 will focus on EVs, technologies, components and EV manufacturing solutions (EVMS). Organisers feel the show will present an opportunity to feature the latest trend and technology for EVMS including battery, electrical powertrains, components, IT systems, material, equipment and services.

Organisers say that the Indonesian automotive industry has become an important pillar of the country’s manufacturing sector as many of the world’s well known car companies have reopened manufacturing plants or expanded production capacity.

Indonesia is one of the largest automotive markets according to Static Indonesia, with over 135 million vehicles in operation in 2017.

You can find more information at www.inapa-exhibition.net or www.ev-indonesia.net.

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Business, Business, Business

Axalta Receives 2018 Masters Of Quality Supplier Award

Axalta Coating Systems hosted a ceremony where the company accepted the Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) 2018 Masters of Quality Supplier award.

The award honours top suppliers of components and services to Freightliner Trucks and Western Star brand trucks and recognises outstanding suppliers that have received high scores based on their quality, delivery, technology and cost performance as measured on a balanced scorecard basis. Axalta says such suppliers demonstrate dedication to continuous improvement of the quality of their products, support to DTNA and overall performance.

“It’s a great day of celebration for our employees as we recognise their incredible contributions for this prestigious award,” said Joseph Wood, Axalta Vice President-Commercial Transportation Coatings. “Daimler’s recognition is a great honour for the entire Axalta team. This award acknowledges our commitment to our customers, to providing exceptional service and support, and to offering outstanding products. We look forward to continuing this tremendous relationship with Daimler Trucks North America.”

“It is with the commitment and support of all our suppliers that we can provide our customers with the quality, service and highest levels of product innovations in the industry,” said Jeff Allen, SVP of Operations and Specialty Vehicles for Daimler Trucks North America. “We are pleased to recognise the 45 Masters of Quality award recipients who have excelled in their commitment to excellence, and we appreciate their continued partnership.”

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Main News, Main News, Main News

Tradiebot Develops VR Spray Painting Simulator

Tradiebot has announced a virtual reality (VR) spray painting training simulator called SprayVIS, developed and manufactured in Australia. The software, developed over 18 months, is aimed at next generation tradespeople to hone their skills without needing to be on-site.

SprayVIS was made with video games, portable computing and VR in mind to appeal to the younger generation to promote trades while stimulating their interests. Users are placed in realistic virtual environments and exposed to simulated training scenarios, while receiving real-time feedback and ongoing progress tracking. Tradiebot says that its software is one of the most technologically advanced, cost-effective and compact systems on the market in the spray painting industry, providing a new perspective in delivering training using immersive virtual environments. The company added that SprayVIS also delivers sponsorship opportunities for businesses in the industry to promote spray painting as a career choice for the next generation.

The simulator is housed in a compact travel case and comes with a specialised spray gun controller, which replicates the feel, weight and ergonomics of a real spray gun. It also uses an industry standard air hose and is fitted with adjustable weights which simulate the mass of virtual paint.

“What an exciting training tool SprayVIS is, providing a new perspective on how early training can be delivered to the next generation of spray painters and enable us to stimulate interest in the spray painting field like never before,” said Dr Kristan Marlow, Tradiebot Director of Engineering and Operational Technology. “The SprayVIS system is the most competitive VR training solution on the market, priced at US$10,000. It is an all-in-one early training solution for the spray painting industry.

“SprayVIS has been a huge success with the students during our testing periods at career events and industry expos, with participant lines reaching up to 30 kids, waiting to try their hand at the skill of spray painting. Previously, this would not have been possible – those who wanted to try spray painting as a trade would have been required to visit a designated site that had a spray booth, utilise protective gear, have a trainer on-site and use real paint in order to experience the skill and determine if it is the career path for them. This would be an expensive and time-consuming exercise with limited reach and exposure. With SprayVIS, any location can become a virtual training centre. A win-win for all.”

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Business

Hyundai Australia Appoints Jun Heo As CEO

Hyundai Motor Company Australia has appointed Jun Heo as CEO. Heo joins the Australian division from Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, where he was Department Head for the India and Asia Pacific region.

Heo first joined HMC in 2000 and has worked in the United States, Mexico and India. He replaces previous CEO JW Lee, who has been assigned a new international markets role based at HMC headquarters.

“I am proud and honoured to join Hyundai Motor Company Australia as Chief Executive Officer,” said Heo. “For market share, brand history and the popularity of models across the portfolio, Hyundai Australia is seen as one of our company’s most successful markets globally.

“We will continue to play a key role as we develop our organisation as part of HMC’s global strategy. I look forward to working with the Australian team as we challenge the market in the future, through a dedication to progress, customer care and world-beating products.”

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Technology - Products, Technology - Products, Technology - Products

Hyundai Develops Enhanced Cabin Noise Dampening Technology

Hyundai Motor Group says it has developed a world-first Road Noise Active Noise Control (RANC) system. The new system dramatically reduces noise within the cabin of a vehicle.

RANC builds on the company’s current Active Noise Control (ANC) technology, which actively reduces noise by emitting sound waves inverted to incoming noise. ANC analyses the in-cabin sound to decrease engine and road noise, as opposed to the passive method of blocking noise through sound insulation.

Existing insulation methods involved insulation materials and dynamic dampers which increased weight and failed to block all buzzing infrasound. In contrast, ANC utilises much lighter parts like microphones and controllers to control the noise and reduces infrasound more efficiently.

Current ANC technology is limited by noise measurement and analysis technology, which is only able to be utilised when the noise is constant and the occurrence of the noise predictable. The new RANC can significantly improve quietness within the cabin by analysing various types of noise in real-time and produce inverted sound waves. It can process different types of road noises such as resonant sounds created between tyres and wheels or rumble sounds coming up from the road.

RANC uses an acceleration sensor to calculate the vibration from the road to the car, with the control computer taking 0.002 seconds to analyse the road noise and produce an inverted sound wave. The microphone constantly monitors the road noise cancellation status and sends the information to the digital signal processor (DSP).

Hyundai Motor Group said RANC was able to reduce in-cabin noise by 3dB – roughly half the noise compared to without RANC – potentially decreasing the amount of unsprung weight in a vehicle and utilising fewer sound-insulating parts and dampers.

The conglomerate has completed Korean and American patent applications for the location of sensors and the signal selection method – core RANC technologies. It added that RANC will first appear in an upcoming Genesis model.

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Motoring News, Motoring News, Motoring News

WRC Rally Australia 2019 Cancelled Amid Bushfires

Kennards Hire Rally Australia and the final round of the 2019 FIA World Rally Championship will be cancelled due to serious bushfires that continue to affect much of the northern part of the state of New South Wales (NSW).

The cancellation comes after extensive consultation with the NSW Government, the international motor sports governing body FIA, emergency services and the local community.

NSW is experiencing its worst ever bushfire conditions, which have resulted in the declaration of a State of Emergency, a state-wide total fire ban and conditions in some regions being described as “catastrophic”.

“Considering the best interests and safety of everyone involved in the rally, and of course the wider community, it is not appropriate to conduct the rally,” said Andrew Papadopoulos, Event Chairman.

Papadopoulos said the cancellation was the only course available, considering the safety of the more than 1000 people involved as officials, competitors and in support roles.

“Our thoughts are with the NSW community, especially the people who have lost loved ones, livelihoods and homes as a result of the fires in northern NSW, and we thank the Rally community for your support and understanding.”

Ticketholders, officials, volunteers and the community can contact Rally Australia for more information at 02 6648 4972 or [email protected].

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Business, Business, Business

Penske Buys Indy Speedway, IndyCar Series

Roger Penske has announced that he will purchase the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the IndyCar Series and multiple other subsidiaries such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway Productions. Expected to close in early January, the deal will see Penske become the fourth owner of the 110-year old track.

“It’s bittersweet,” said Tony George, Chairman of Hulman & Co, the current owner. “But very exciting because we know we’re passing the torch to an individual who has created the organisation that is not only dynamic but ideally suited, I think, to take over the stewardship, a corporation that is family-involved much like ours, but with a track record that is really without compare.”

There are no management changes planned for now, but members of a board to oversee operations will be announced when the deal closes. Penske declined to share the value of the transaction, but said he planned to invest capital into the property.

“It was a great business opportunity for us to grow it to the next level,” Penske said. “We say, ‘Can this be the entertainment capital, not only the racing capital of the world, but the entertainment capital of the world in Indiana?’”

Penske said he plans to walk the entire facility and then start developing with stakeholders a list of top 10 priorities to improve the racetrack, grow the IndyCar Series and attract other events, including from NASCAR and Formula 1. Attracting a third car manufacturing partner is also a priority, according to Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co.

Penske addressed concerns on the new ownership of the racing series and his racing presenting a conflict of interest, saying he expects he will take more time away from the pit stand, while the sanctioning body of IndyCar will be a separate company.

“I understand the integrity, and there’s got to be a bright line,” Penske said. “To me, I know what my job is and hopefully we have enough credibility with everyone, and we can be sure that is not a conflict.”

In the past, Penske has also expressed an interest in seeing guaranteed spots for IndyCar regulars in the Indianapolis 500, saying that it’s something that could be discussed in the future.

“Some of the excitement’s been in the past that we wanted some people to come in the race. We also understand people who commit to the entire season and take this series around the country, around the world potentially, we need to make sure they’re taken care of. I think it’s a debate, but at this point, I wouldn’t comment one way or the other.”

Penske’s race team celebrated its 50th anniversary of first competing at Indianapolis this year. The team also holds the achievement of most wins in Indianapolis 500 history with 18 victories.

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Main News

Lowndes Reveals Project Monaro Prize Car

Craig Lowndes has revealed the completed Project Monaro at Holden HQ in Port Melbourne. The unique Monaro was created over five months and soon a Holden customer will be able to win the prize car.

“I wish I could take it home myself actually,” said Lowndes. “It really is a one-of-a-kind Holden Monaro, and it drives incredibly well. How awesome is this car? It is seriously something special and it sounds great! I’ve had an absolute ball driving this around.”

The prize car has a specially developed Panorama Blue Suede paint which was formulated by PPG, while the LS1 V8 engine has been hand-rebuilt by Maurice Fabietti, who runs the ACDelco Pro Slammer Monaro drag racing team. Also added was a Chevrolet Performance camshaft from Eagle Auto and some cylinder head finessing. A US specification GTO exhaust system deals with the spent fumes and adds a rumble. The additional engine output is managed by a heavy-duty rework of the original transmission to GM global specifications.

The big coupe was fitted with AP Racing brakes and the suspension was improved by Sachs Performance in conjunction with Triple Eight Race Engineering, with the latest Bridgestone high performance S007A tyres also fitted. The bespoke bonnet scoops, front splitter, fuel filler door and a lip spoiler were all devised by Holden Design department and implemented by HP-EVOK3D 3D Printing Solutions.

The interior was entirely refreshed by Auto Image Interiors, with finishing touches like unique badges, build plates and wheel centre treatments, which were all created as one-off parts by long term Holden supplier LNI.

Holden’s lead Performance Engineer, Rob Trubiani, has been responsible for the way Holden vehicles drive and handle for the past 23 years. He has been refining and fine-tuning the Project Monaro and has taken it through a mix of the Holden Proving Ground tests to ensure everything is working as it should.

“Some of the tests we put Project Monaro through were similar to the tests our talented engineers put the original V2 Monaros through almost 20 years ago,” said Trubiani. “It’s a great car to drive and someone is going to be very lucky when they win it.”

Holden has documented the build of Project Monaro in a series of videos hosted by Craig Lowndes. You can watch the final instalment here.

To enter to win the Project Monaro, visit a Holden dealer service department or purchase Holden Genuine or ACDelco parts. The competition is open until 31 March 2020. Terms and conditions apply – see acdelco.com.au/offers for full details.

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