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R E F I N I S H E R
THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY
Edition 212 November- December 2020
FUTURE CLASSIC CORNER
DODGE CHARGER
TECH
BLACKSTONETEK MAROUNS BUY OUT
IN THIS ISSUE
CRA UPDATE
UPDATE
s s
KINSEY REPORT
NEW PRODUCTS
s s
SALVAGE GENIE
Contents
November - December 2020
12
CRA
Confront Work Steering 8
GLASURIT COLOUR TREATMENT
Blackstonetek 12
8 PLASTICS, GOLD OF THE FUTURE
Andrew Marsh 20
34 MAROUNS GROUP
Return to Stand Alone Status 24
SALVAGE GENIE
34
22 Solutions for Abandoned Cars
DID YOU HEAR?
44
56 70
Roger McCleery
KINSEY REPORT 2020
Increasing Parts Costs 52
MOBIHEL HELIOS
Range Launched 66
Cover
BMW iX
Contents:
Advanced AWD carries
the Mazda CX30 across
Kazakhstan 3
R E F I N I S H E R 3
RUNNING OUT OF ROAD By Ian Groat
and Claire Macfie
OPINION PIECE
THAT WAS THE COVID YEAR THAT WAS
F
or over 35 years we have been system is wriggling with a whole new chapter your attitude and your business, then decide
travelling far and wide to produce this of business challenges. where to improve.
publication. Not once did we think It looks like we are going blind in the game Hope and vision are indeed powerful
that an invisible virus would throw a of poker in the cycle of business and we can’t tools and never more needed than right
rock into the pool of business which has see our cards. So inevitably we will have to now. Try this on for size. Earlier this year the
produced so many ripples in the body shop do all we can to adapt and survive as the Nationwide Accident Repair Centre network
arena. With a degree of hindsight in view, it’s business of making a difference or a profit lies of 75 insurer owned body shops went into
quite clear that the view of the dark tunnel before one and all of us, in a nation where liquidation in the UK.
of Covid-19 doesn’t show a great amount of business interest levels will at least remain The first point is that due to this not being
light at the end of all this manmade health low until the end of 2021, and where now the first time this has happened to NARC,
hazard at present. With local unemployment inflation appears to be under control. That’s you would think insurers would stick to
running at an all-time high and a greedy good news. insurance and leave body shops to manage
government with tax revenues falling over Perhaps business has become a bit like themselves, but no.
20% short on projected tax income, the planting trees and knowing full well that you Secondly, Michael Wilmhurst, a former
Reserve Bank now estimates a full return will never be able to sit in their shade. This finance guru from Tom Walkinshaw Racing
to pre-Covid levels of business will only be may start us on a road to understanding the (TWR), got backing from Carlisle LLC – a U.S.
seen in 2023. So, the prevalence of bad news true meaning of life. hedge fund – offered a pre-pack deal on the
is set to continue for some time. Wishing you all a great break and enjoy life former Nationwide group to try and save jobs.
Thankfully, however, everybody seems to its fullest. Have a good one, Ian. Carlisle wasn’t of this opinion and wanted to
to be getting used to work levels currently The year that is.... strip the company and recover some return.
seen at around 40% of pre-Christmas normal In a year that has defied all logic and In a unique decision, the courts agreed with
levels of collision repair. Our insurers, who continues to do so, how have you faired on a Mr Wilmhurst. Reddie Northgate, a vehicle
are in essence commercial risk bankers, are personal and business level? What steps have lease/hire company is now the proud owner
adjusting to a pandemic that moved the you put into place that can help you or have of 75 body shops for £11 million. Just think
needle of risk. Let’s hope this will lead to a you stayed with your head in the sand and in about the real estate value alone! What great
more balanced approach to the collision complete denial, running yourself ragged with vision in such tough times.
repair side of their operations. exhaustion trying to stay afloat? Of course, it remains to be seen if Reddie
It’s fair to say that body shops who have The business of business is people and Northgate have the appetite or cash to make
now endured many challenges like vehicle no matter where you are in the pecking this body shop network fly. Perhaps a top
technology, materials change and skills order, from the person who cleans the shop echelon of 30 or so shops should be worked
shortages to name but a few, are now faced through to the director, all serve an important on first. I wait with great interest to see how
with a rampant roll out of new health issues role that is delivered with attitude. There this develops. The point is that you need to
to contend with. So too does the trade is a saying that “Attitude determines your train your eye and “gut” to see opportunity.
supply chain in its entirety that we depend on. altitude.” So why not go out on a crazy limb Your education, self-empowerment, attitude
Of course, we will see the inevitable and fill yourself with hope and implement the and mindset are things that no one can take
slowdown being driven by more unrealistic vision that is in your heart and mind? away from you. Continue to keep an open
trade union demands as they have watched Get guidance from a mentor, life coach mind for opportunity, collaboration and
the currency fall by yet another 16% this year or even a great friend who you can bounce networking. You never know where the road
against a basket of foreign currencies. The ideas off of and set goals for plans ahead. With might take you.
only upside on the horizon is that everyone’s such unsure and unchartered waters, have a Wherever you find yourself this festive
contributed an extra 2.2% VAT tax this year. six-month plan, a year and a five-year focus – season, take the time to catch your breath,
So, as the government wrestles with rampant but always remain flexible. Take a good look reflect and even celebrate that fact that
corruption problems, the free enterprise at your strengths and weaknesses in yourself, you’re still in it to win it! A victory indeed.
The views expressed in articles
in Automotive Refinisher are
those of the authors and
shall not be construed to
R E F I N I S H E R
represent those of the Editor
or the Publisher. Accordingly,
Automotive Refinisher accepts
Telephone: +27 (0)11 949 4091 IN ASSOCIATION WITH no responsibility for claims and
statements made by advertisers
Facsimile: +27 (0)11 252 6844 and independent columnists.
Email: claire@autoref.co.za Further, the appearance of
UNITED KINGDOM advertisements herein does
Website: www.autoref.co.za not necessarily indicate the
Publisher: Ian Groat; enquiries@autoref.co.za approval by Automotive
Refinisher for the product and/
Editor: Claire Macfie; claire@autoref.co.za or service advertised. Material
may not be reproduced in
Accounts: Val Groat; enquiries@autoref.co.za any form without the written
Photojournalist: Jay Groat; jay@autoref.co.za consent of the Publisher.
Automotive Refinisher is
Assistant: Nataschja Ferreira; enquiries@autoref.co.za AUSTRALIA dedicated to servicing the
Technical Guru: Andrew Marsh business interests of the
MEDIA PARTNER collision repair industry.
autorefsa @AutoRefZA autorefza
4 R E F I N I S H E R
NEWS FEED
THE LIGHTSTONE
CONFIDENCE INDICATOR
T
he automotive industry will take more than a year to 72% of respondents say business would need more than 9 months
recover from the negative impact of Covid-19 and to recover from the impact of Covid-19, while 59% of OEMs and
the lockdowns. That’s according to more than 2 600 56% of ‘other’ anticipate recovery would take more than a year.
respondents across the motor industry who participated Respondents feel the factors most likely to positively impact future
in the Lightstone Confidence Indicator in September. Lightstone is activity include:
a trusted advisor to the automotive industry and the Confidence • Removal of Lockdown restriction (18%)
Indicator surveyed OEMs, dealerships and MBRs. • Optimism that the financial position of consumers will improve
The survey results reflect how positive activity levels increased (10,7%)
to 5,1% versus 4,1% in August. Predictions for the upcoming 3-6 • Optimism that business volumes will improve (9,5%)
months have also improved to the highest level since June this year. The survey results are available monthly and additionally to auto
“While respondents feel more positive about the future with business specific results, also include measuring the Covid-19 impact on finance
gradually improving, the overall sentiment is that the market is still and liquidity, workforce, operations and supply chain, and strategy and
quiet as consumers are struggling financially, banks are not approving brand as well as how businesses have adapted to the new digital way
financed deals and the activity received from insurance companies is of working.
low,” says Lightstone’s Mark Groch.
1 IN 3 OWNERS TOYOTA FUEL PUMP
WILL NOT PAY FOR RECALLS
REPAIRS
T
oyota, is adding 1.5 million U.S. vehicles
to recalls from early this year to fix fuel
pumps that can fail and cause engines
N
to stall. The company says the latest
ew research from Assurant has shown that the cosmetic appearance of a car recall brings the total to 5.8 million Toyota and
is important to almost all owners, but just over a third (36%) would not use a Lexus brand vehicles that need to be repaired
professional repairer to rectify damage to their vehicle.The main issue reported worldwide.
by survey respondents was cost, with almost half (46%) saying they thought The recall affects more than 40 models in
a professional repairer would be too expensive. Some 23% of those surveyed said that the U.S. dating to the 2013 model year, covering
they did not want to claim for cosmetic damage on their motor insurance. The figure much of the Toyota and Lexus model line-up.
of those not wanting to claim on motor insurance rises to 39% for people who have a Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the fuel
standalone policy, and was 30% for those who bought through hire purchase.This might be pumps at no cost to customers.
due to motor insurer excess payments, which could make a scratch or dent to a vehicle Toyota began recalling the vehicles in January
“too expensive” to repair.Instead of hiring a professional to help with cosmetic damage, with about 700 000 and added 1.2 million in
a quarter (24%) of car owners would attempt DIY, and 12% would simply do nothing if March. The company said that it didn’t recall all
the vehicle was still driveable.Only around half of those surveyed were aware that specific the vehicles at once because it was monitoring
insurance policies exist to cover the cost of cosmetic damage, with the figure even lower data and investigating to see if vehicles outside
among those aged 55-plus. However, three quarters said that they would be interested in the scope of the original recalls would experience
a cosmetic product when presented with the idea. the same problem.
EchoMBR AWARDS
ANNOUNCED
T
he Lightstone EchoMBR Awards
have been delivered. We would
like to congratulate the est overall
winners as voted for by their
customer service index.
1 Cannings
2 Autotrust
3 Park Panelbeaters
4 Greenstone Auto Body
5 Cranbourne Panelbeaters
6 Bruno’s Panelbeaters
7 Giorgio Express Auto Body Repairs
8 Liversage Panelbeaters
9 Mossel Bay Panelbeaters
10 KE Erasmus Panebeaters
Use the link here to read more about the
Award and other categories such as most
likely to be recommended and friendlist staff
etc:
https://chi.bra2hmail.com/index.php/
campaigns/ht735dyt7702d/web-version/
ps370a74m065d/
R E F I N I S H E R
5
CRA NEWS
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
WORK STEERING, FOR
BETTER OR WORSE?
by Steve Kessel,
CRA operations director
A
t the core of many problems It is clear from a simple check, such as the fine print detail. On almost all insurance
experienced in the Collision Repair the customer satisfaction rating on Google contracts there is a clause that states they can
Industry is the fact that insurers Maps, that not all MBR’s give the same quality do almost as they please once the vehicle is
have disowned consumers of their of repair and service to consumers. The in an accident, acting on the owner’s behalf. In
freedom to select a Motor Body Repairer question therefore begs to be asked why a way they take ownership of the damaged
(MBR) of their choice. insurers often insist on using repairers that unit.
Instead they have sold the consumer’s rank amongst the lowest in the industry and This clause should be prohibited
rights to entrench their position of dominance are content to subject customers and their completely in insurance contracts for it
in the industry. The outcome gives them the costly vehicles to this? compromises the three major consumer
power to decide if a repairer will receive This tendency is confirmed by the number rights - service quality, affordable pricing and
work or not. of vehicles that have to be re-worked by a the right of repair choice. It is quite clear that
In a recent communication we note an second repairer to achieve the desired quality. these contentious and onerous clauses need
Insurer claiming they have the right, as per This questions the integrity and consistent to be focused on by the repair trade right
their contract with the client, “to decide how application of systems used by insurers to now.
we will indemnify the client, and decide which direct work allocation in the industry. It is time for a big change in insurance
supplier we use to do the repairs. This is a In line with this disregard for policyholder with their blatant work steering against their
practice that most insurers in South Africa satisfaction, we note through discussion with process partnerships that operate on the
are following. Our responsibility to our client personnel from various Insurers, who interact basis of “free enterprise” where a meritocracy
is thus to put them in the same position as with our CRA members face to face on a is supposed to be the golden rule of business.
what they were before their incident.” daily basis, that they are challenged with the Insurers argue that they need to be able
The problem is however, that insurance dissatisfaction on repair outcome that has to direct their spend to meet BBBEE targets,
companies do not have the ability to put the increased exponentially. However senior but with over 63% of CRA members already
consumer “in the same position they were management fail to rectify this unnecessary more than 51% black owned, this should no
before the incident”, neither do insurers admin and related burdens by minimising longer limit consumer choice.
have the ability to control this. The task negative satisfaction experiences and allow The selective application of BBBEE by
rests squarely on the shoulders of the MBR for the best quality. insurers has blurred the lines between
establishments. This is achieved through Why would an industry on a broad base transformation and enrichment to the
consistent compliance with strict standards show so little respect for their customers extent that we believe their true objective is
by qualified journeymen in properly equipped in terms of the basic right of choice, while completely based on false pretence.
and accredited repair facilities. splashing millions of Rands on advertising to Several insurers also appear to be stuck
Total reliance is therefore placed on the demonstrate their customer satisfaction focus in volume-based agreements where the
MBR’s, but the desired outcome is distorted at the lowest premiums, but without respect economic downturn due to Covid-19 has
by draconian direction of spend policies and for the policyholder rights? Have the public made it a huge challenge to meet committed
methodologies, often to the detriment of a become so complacent with this image of volumes, to the extent that they are now
major portion of repairer establishments. legitimacy portrayed by insurance companies forced into direction of accident damaged
We should also own up to the fact that that we no longer read the small print until vehicles outside of the policyholder local
accident repairs are not comparable to say it is too late? It harks back to the romance community.
routine maintenance on vehicles. The vehicle of smoking portrayed by the cigarette The honourable Minister Patel from the
safety and quality of the repair are far more advertisements of the past. DTI urged support for local business in
reliant on the expert skills, care and even the The root cause of the outright usurping his addressed gazette of 12 May 2020 for
ethics of the MBR. of a consumer’s rights lies in the devil of applying rules with the move to level 3 at that
stage. Alas, this plea has fallen on deaf ears
and the economic activity has almost ground
to a halt at some repairers, forcing businesses
to close or retrench and affecting thousands
of people in the process.
We ask the question if it is even legal in
terms of the Consumer Protection Act to
commit other people’s assets (customer’s
vehicles) to such a process, as in its very
nature it deprives the consumers of their
right to choose and should therefore be
prohibited.
Customer choice and satisfaction needs
to be re-established as the centre of our
focus as it should ultimately allow those that
can do the job best, to get the job done!
8 R E F I N I S H E R
LOCAL UPDATE
OPINION
SA AUTO INDUSTRY
HIGHLIGHTS THE SOCIAL
AND EMPLOYMENT COST
OF INNOVATION by Bianca I Chigbu
and Prof FH Nehwevha
I
n South Africa, local operations of international motor What automation means for workers
manufacturing companies must constantly innovate to meet Though robots have eased the process of labour, their increasing
global demands and offer competitive value. The way work is use stagnates the population of workers on the shop floor, paint
done is constantly changing. floor, body shop and assembly line.
The current technologies adopted in the workplace are ever The decisions that resulted in the reallocation of many
smarter than those that went before. autoworkers from the body shop and paint shop to the assembly
This trend, driven by economic forces, does not always lead line are almost irreversible. One worker said: “If you have to
to social improvements. Automation and the use of robots in look at the traditional press line, you would have an average of
manufacturing, combined with new working methods and systems, 20 operators. Now you only need four operators just to pack
can have negative social impacts on workers. the parts. So, 16 workers are reduced by introducing five robots.
Job automation in South Africa The affected workers are moved to other departments within the
There has been an increase in technology in South Africa’s industry for now.”
automobile sector since 2003. Most of the work in vehicle Growth in the automobile industry does not create more jobs
manufacturing has been automated, which makes manufacturing for people. Where automation does create jobs, it is mostly in
easier, faster, and more productive. More units of cars are produced managing the technology. It doesn’t create work for existing skills.
daily. Companies used to manufacture only 20 units of cars hourly. This creates the threat of a rising unemployment rate, which
Now they are manufacturing over 100 units an hour using the was at 30.1% in the first quarter of 2020. That, in turn, contributes
same number of autoworkers. to South Africa’s position among the most unequal countries in
Our study of the industry found that automation is well the world.
advanced. The sector’s body shop is fully automated. The paint Driving forces
shop is 80% automated. There is about 20% technology utilisation The adoption of technologies can relieve workers from
in the car assembly line. And logistics is making a lot more use of strenuous tasks and boost productivity but will most likely also
machines than ever before. relieve workers of their jobs entirely.
These percentages are an indicator of how workers have lost As an initiative to boost productivity and save costs, the global
the contest with technology in the industry. Many workers are auto industry expects thousands of job losses with an estimation
being deskilled: they no longer fully use their skills to do their job, of 234 000 jobs cut by 2030 in Germany, 12 000 job cuts by Ford
because robots do most of the work. The remaining workers are in Europe by the end of 2020, and 2 000 job losses in India by the
being reshuffled to assembly lines likely to be automated with end of 2020.
time. This increase in job automation and deskilling can cause We noted in our research that the capacity of the auto workers’
some workers to lose their jobs because their skills have been trade union, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa,
substituted by machines. to collectively restructure the auto sector with management and
We gathered data through in-depth interviews with 30 benefit all stakeholders is weakened due to the coercive control of
participants, drawn from three automobile companies. They the management and top-down labour arrangement.
included managers, autoworkers and workers’ representatives. Innovation is the driving force of consumers and this is what
Our interviews with management revealed that management management responds to. But instead of valuing innovation above
does not necessarily prefer machines over human workers. But all else, industrial policy makers should seriously examine how far
in order for the product to compete, they have to consider it can boost the human condition before it becomes a problem
production capacity, quality and workplace economics. by contributing to job losses, employment uncertainty, deskilling
Where they intend to introduce machines, it is not to take over and inequality.
the jobs of the workers but because some tasks require the use The solutions would be to retain existing jobs, increase job
of machines. For example, one cannot expect workers to lift a car opportunities, revamp industrial policy, reduce the rate of task
while another person is working underneath it. A machine can do allocation to technologies, and make the automobile sector’s
that without endangering the workers. production process more labour intensive than capital intensive.
Still, management said that if given the chance, they would The state, car companies, unions, workers, consumers and
replace more workers with machines as robots perform more society in general all have a role to play in effecting meaningful
tasks efficiently and boost productivity without the need for economic change and employment reform that is sustainable for
negotiation. all.
10 R E F I N I S H E RPRODUCT PROFILE
T
he new Mix & Match online store is already changing the
LOCAL INNOVATION way that South African repair professionals are buying
their refinish essentials. The new web store features over
REFINISH ESSENTIALS a thousand items from the world’s leading brands, with
new products and brands being added on a daily basis.
DELIVERED STRAIGHT
Outstanding customer service has been at the cornerstone of
the Mix & Match business model. For over 40 years the Durban-
based company has delighted customers across the country with
TO YOUR DOOR! the right mix of premium and value-brand products at unbeatable
prices.
With their new online store, it now even easier for body
shops, refinishers and DIY enthusiasts to buy their refinish needs
with the click of a mouse. Our customers are already benefitting
greatly from the convenience and cost-savings of buying their
refinish products with the click of a button. Orders are packed
on the same day and the convenience of courier-delivery right to
your door adds up to additional savings in both time and money.
To find out more, please call +27(0)31 465 1511, email
sales@mixandmatch.co.za or simply visit www.mixandmatch.co.za
R E F I N I S H E R 11COATINGS NEWS BLACKSTONETEK story by Claire Macfie
WHAT’S HOT?
BLACKSTONETEK Brad Anassis (left),
is seen with Sean
GETS GLASURIT
Armstrong (middle)
and Wayne Botes
from BASF Coatings.
COLOUR
TREATMENT
F
or those Star Wars fans, we first had our introduction to the their airdry additive. “The old process saw two layers of clear coat
word carbon when Han Solo was carbon frozen. Since then the on the wheel, then off to the prep bay for sanding and if needed, it
word has been mystified alongside a high-tech image and for would be painted again. This was a two- to three-day process and
good reason. Carbon fibre delivers immense strength but at a sometimes once the packaging had been done and tape removed at
highly reduced weight. This is why Blackstonetek (BST) have used it to the product’s final destination there was damage and residue left from
create the most beautiful and hard-wearing wheels, fuel tanks, swing the tape,” said Sean.
arms, fairings and custom-built components for iconic motorcycle and “With the Glasurit range, the wheel goes straight into the booth
automotive brands. and is painted once. If there is polishing required it happens before
In 2002, after returning from Europe, Gary Turner – a former being packaged on the same day and it’s ready to ship. There is no
European motorcycle racing contender – and Terry Anneke, a damage or residue once the wheel is unpacked either. Productivity has
Microsoft marketing guru, decided to partner up and create the best been greatly increased due to time and cost savings.”
carbon fibre products in the world. Over 30 000 wheels have been Glasurit 923-610 doesn’t need flash-off time and has a short
shipped since then. They use Aerospace FAR25 qualified materials drying time in the oven at 60°C and also boasts outstanding drying
used by NASA and Formula 1 which make their wheels the lightest properties at 40°C and at room temperature. It is efficient as it
in the business. shortens process times and lowers energy costs too.
Brad Anassis, himself a local racing legend, is at the forefront of Feedback from America on samples recently sent with regards
BST Marketing, based in North Riding, Johannesburg. At their 100 000 to colour and finish suggests; “Whatever you are doing in South
square feet facility they employ over 70 people to keep up production Africa, keep on doing it. We want to roll this procedure out globally!”
with two spray booths on site. They also manufacture most of the Excellent feedback for all involved for sure.
components that go into the wheels like the hubs, fasteners, spacers, There are now coloured options in their carbon fibre range which
sleeves, seals, components for air valves, sprockets and sprocket is truly striking. The colour enhances the carbon fibre aesthetic while
carriers. giving them a funky look and feel. You can now customise your set of
The BST team have recently partnered with BASF Coatings. Sean wheels with ink colour finishes in blue, green, red, orange, gold or black
Armstrong; sales manager Johannesburg BASF Coatings, and Wayne to make them even more striking.There are also options of a standard
Botes; senior technical sales consultant BASF Coatings, have been gloss finish, satin finish and matt finish so the choice is up to you.
testing different products to see how efficient they can make the The team at BST have an immense passion for racing that drives
painting process at BST. Their results have been a faster drying time them. This enthusiasm is what allows them to be excellent at what
and a high gloss finish thanks to the Glasurit 923-610 clear coat and they do.
12 R E F I N I S H E RTimes and procedures have been decreased while quality of the finished product has become clearly evident with the help of Glasurit’s products and processes. R E F I N I S H E R 13
TRAINING UPDATE
ASK OOM FRIK
REVISED GRANTS
FOR 2021
A
s this is my last article for Automotive Refinisher for 2020, You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, just upgrade and improve on
I want to wish you all a well-deserved rest, a real Christmas something that has been tried and tested for many years?”
feast and much better economic growth and possibilities Please make sure that the Company’s SDF (primary and
for 2021. secondary) is registered on the NSDMS. Also ensure that the
I am bringing you some good news before the end of an interesting Company’s Workplace Approval has been activated on the NSDMS
and challenging 2020. The Department for Higher Education and for both trades.
Training has revised the grant amount for apprenticeship training for The first 12 Vehicle Damage Quantifier candidates have completed
2021. The revised amount per new artisan apprentice enrolled is their training at IT-C. They received access to the EISA with a SOR
now R206 290. It used to be approximately R167 000, so that’s an being issued to each one and will hopefully complete the Final
increase of R39 290 per learner. This means that if you employ two Summative Assessment early in 2021. Currently they are at Santam
apprentices, you will receive over R400 000 into your bank account and Telesure to complete their internships.
to pay your learners and train them well. There are huge tax and BEE Potential RPL-VDQ candidates for 2021, estimators for body
benefits involved too. shops and assessors of Insurance companies, that would like to attain
IT-C now have a dedicated person to help you with all of your this qualification, should contact me or the IT-C office directly so that
paperwork and progress on your apprentices – you don’t even have the necessary application documentation can be sent to you. This
to worry about the administration. We will take care of this for you qualification was developed after much initial investigative work. It was
from start to finish! Let’s start helping generate more income for our decided to focus on the United States, England and Australia because
body shops and training at the same time. It’s definitely a win-win of the availability of information and international comparability.
situation for all involved. For the approval programme of the OEM’s, or to be on an
In 2021, please apply for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Insurance panel, the body shop has to employ a qualified panel beater
grant to cover the costs for a panel beater, spray painter or vehicle and a qualified spray painter. Nobody worries about if the body shop
damage quantifier. This grant includes pre-assessment, gap training and has a qualified estimator. I am of the opinion that a quality repair
trade testing (where applicable). process starts with the compilation of the quote, and therefore the
The Legacy Qualifications for panel beating and spray painting will VDQ qualification is of vital importance.
be ending in 2023 (CBMT Courses).The revised grant amount includes Feel free to give me a call on (012) 379 8684 or drop me a mail
both trades. I am still of the opinion that the organised profession at: info@it-c.co.za
(CRA and SAMBRA) should revisit the idea of implementing the Groetnis, Oom Frik.
newly developed qualifications for panel beaters and spray painters.
TECHNOLOGY Tradiebot
AR TECHNOLOGY
TO ASSIST SPRAY
PAINTERS
A
R and and VR-enabled automotive “The SprayVIS system is the most expensive and time-consuming exercise with
parts and maintenance competitive VR training solution on the limited reach and exposure. With SprayVIS,
manufacturer, Tradiebot, has market, priced at $10 000 U.S., it is an all- any location can become a virtual training
announced the launch of SprayVIS. in-one early training solution for the spray- centre,” said Marlow.
Designed to assist tradespeople to painting industry,” he said. Developed over the past 18 months,
develop their skills at automotive spray Already, the technology has been trialled SprayVIS allow for an immersive and
painting. at career events and industry expos and interactive training experience, and those
The VR platform, developed and has broken down the barriers to children who undertake the programme are
manufactured in Australia, is designed to be engaging with spray painting. provided with real-time feedback. According
Generation Y and Z friendly, and to grow “Previously, this would not have been to a statement from Tradiebot, the unique
interest in the trades as a pathway for future possible, those who wanted to try spray- spray gun controller replicates the real-life
careers. painting as a trade would have been experience of spray painting.
The system has been designed to be required to visit a designated site that had The platform also offers opportunities
competitive on cost, and ready to use a spray booth, utilise protective gear, have for sponsorship for businesses that are in the
at almost any training facility, highlighted a trainer onsite and use real paint in order automotive industry.
Tradiebot director of engineering and to experience the skill and determine if it is
operational technology, Kristan Marlow. the career path for them. This would be an
14 R E F I N I S H E RBUSINESS UPDATE
BUSINESS
RESEARCH UPDATE
NEWS
REAL RESEARCH DIVULGES
GREAT LOCAL BRAND BREAKDOWN
R
eal Research have been monitoring the auto repair refinish the proverbial spanner into the motor body repair refinish market.
(auto paint) sector in South Africa since 2014. From 2014- Over 85% of the national car parc is out of warranty leading to an
2018 the competitive market insights were exclusive to a increased attention and awareness of non-warranty value refinish
global refinish brand, so information release was restricted. brands flooding the market. The current and future downturn of
Late 2019 into early 2020, Real Research decided to build a new new vehicle sales will affect this market for over a few years still. The
master database of 2000 plus motor body repairers and conduct increased financial strain placed on drivers will lead to more “driveable
new market research to update the market insights. The new damaged vehicles”.
database was geo-coded to street level. Manufacturer and insurance “The refinish market is already highly competitive with the bigger
approvals were sourced and added to the database. brands trying to hold onto their market share but opening the doors
Refinish brands collected (anecdotal) from the research were for smaller brands to gain a foothold.The refinish brands that will grow
linked to the master database. Vehicle throughput and average spend in this tight economy, will be the brands that offer best-in-class price,
was sourced from the research and added to the database. Open quality and service, have a robust route to market strategy, are able
text commentary from the research was also mined for a deeper to represent the repairer at manufacturer, insurance and group levels
understanding of the market. The primary goal of the research was and lastly, are hungry for new business, no matter the size of the client.”
to create a line of sight into the refinish and general suppliers to the Real Research is a strategic research consultancy specialising in
motor body repairer market. The raw database is the building block market analysis, competitor understanding and business growth. If
for customer, brand, price and route to market insights and strategies you have a product you want to bring or thinking of bringing to the
for both refinish and other products supplying to this market. There South African or African market, Real Research and their strategic
was a high level of feedback in this exercise and revealed great brand partners have a direct line-of-sight into many industries and can assist
breakdown in the local market. you on “Where to Play and How to Win”. Contact Justin at justins@
Justin Swanepoel from Real Research states “Covid-19 has thrown realresearch.co.za or take a look at www.realresearch.co.za
16 R E F I N I S H E REnjoy the recognition
you deserve.
The Collision Repairers Association (CRA) has evolved as an organisation with passion, understanding and the will to provide
results to our esteemed members from the basis of being a voice to the collision repair industry. We employ consultants and
are associated with people suitably qualified in all aspects of collision repair and related business management skills with high
integrity and willing to offer their support to ensuring the success of your facilities.
Our objectives are issues the proactive body shop owner does not really have the time to concentrate on to ensure the
optimisation of their business. As with any Association annual membership fees are payable to cover administration costs and
our membership is based on grading status. We provide an on-line E Procure business data profile of members to support
recognition for independent role players in every area of activity in the collision repair industry.
S A F E T Y T H R O U G H S TA N D A R D S
Call us now on 0861 726 272 or visit us online at www.crasa.org.zaFUTURE TECH
SUSTAINABILITY
PLASTICS:
THE GOLD
OF THE FUTURE
by Andrew Marsh
Just look at what is behind the bumper
skin, which is also made from ‘plastic.’
W
e’re surrounded by the most valuable engineering Fibre reinforced thermoset plastics – not so common now, but
material of the century, and yet it has such a low have been used in the past for selected skin panels and reinforcements.
‘value’ some countries do not even collect it after Again, the only effective recycling is to grind it up and use as a filler for
the first use. This is the modern scourge; China other applications.
likes to point this out as an ‘issue of the West’ when in reality the When the fibre has a higher value, especially as a woven fabric such
consumption of polymers is racing away all over the globe. as Kevlar or carbon fibre, there is a drive to recycle – but effectively
Take a visit to the supermarket… Count how many metres you until the first thermo plastic reinforced with carbon fibre appeared in
can walk before seeing or touching something made from plastic.Then 2018, this was all but impossible.
consider, in a weekly shop, how many items are wrapped in ‘cheap’ There is a complication, though. Where a single polymer is used,
plastic film or are in plastic containers. Then try and eliminate plastic. then there is a possibility to extract thermoplastics for recycling. Usually
This is even harder than eliminating added sugar from our diet. For customers of the recycled material demand the polymer is identical
vehicles, components are frequently wrapped in plastic, and made and of the same colour – which means most possible recycling is
from plastic too. rejected. The plastics industry, however, likes to make endless special
What becomes of ‘plastic’? Most of it goes into holes in the ground formulations, and components made from multiple polymers – which
(Europe) or gets sent to an unsuspecting nation who then find the often effectively become un-recyclable. A good example of this is heat
containers which were offered around the world to be shipped to resistant disposable cups. There are two layers of papers, a way based
the Far East for almost nothing, are full of plastic waste. Unsurprisingly, or polymer coating on the inner face and a polymer between the two
many countries who used to receive such waste have stopped layers of paper. The result? Yes – you guessed – it makes no economic
imports, but still the mountain of debris builds up day-by-day. sense to separate the components.
Sea-life, plastic straws and reality So, we turn to the Social Media celebrity, the plastic straw. Made
The major issue is ‘plastic’ is covered in a huge array of polymers, famous by Dear Sir David Attenborough during one of his many
which broadly fall into four categories: programmes about wildlife and the impact of humans, it became very
• Thermo plastics – these will melt given enough heat. political. How simple! Ban the plastic straws! However, the paper-
• Thermoset plastics – the polymer cross links during the based replacements are... unrecyclable. Land fill, here we come.
manufacturing curing process, which means the only way to undo this Messing about with plastic straws is typical political fodder – high
is to grind up the material and use it as a filler for other applications. profile, almost no impact and does not address a primary source of
Fibre-reinforced thermo plastics – frequently used for automotive marine pollution. It would seem plastics in the ocean come from at
structural parts such as boot lids, tail gates and front panels. Because least two sources: Waste dumped at sea, and commercial fishing.
of the fibre content, which is usually short chopped glass fibre, it is ‘Burn Baby Burn’ (MoTown, 1976)
not economically viable to extract the polymer. So, the usual recycling What’s is the best solution? Well, unless we can be sure the
process is the same as for thermoplastics.
20 R E F I N I S H E Rcomponent isn’t possible to save (3D printing, anyone), that it is made (348 400 tonnes per year)
from an identifiable single polymer, that it is not reinforced, and joins a mainly from food wrappings,
pile of waste made from the same materials, we should burn it. Take a from one country of 67 million
look at the Audi A3 MQB Evo headlight assembly, and see how many people.
parts are made from ‘plastic’. Nearly the whole assembly is made from Gold!
various polymers, each selected for the best performance in its first In the short term for South
life with nominal thought for the life afterwards. Africa, there is a source of
Of course, releasing the oil-derived energy cannot be done on an energy which is difficult to
open fire or even a commercial furnace. There are costs to clean the collect – but is otherwise free.
flue gas, so removing most of the toxic elements. But otherwise, this There is a cost to process it,
is the most practical way to yield a positive use for what is regarded and little point to just burn it
today as a cheap material. without some sort of payback.
This approach gets around the continuous drive for first use So, that means local generation
formulations which then effectively make recycling on an economically of electricity from plastic waste.
viable scale for second use almost impossible. Where such recycling This would require investment,
does occur it is at source from a manufacturing plant, where defective but it is right up the UN’s
parts are removed in bulk, where the formulation is identical and the agenda and so should attract
second life user can process the otherwise scrap material. international funding.
That does not apply to a body shop. Sure, we have enough plastic In another century, people will not believe what we did with
film to wrap the building and throw away tiny clips by the hundred plastic. By then, as with gold mining spoil, technology and increased
each month. To channel this into a robust recycling system is very price which makes what is deemed today to be unviable, profitable.
difficult – and not really viable. What could be better than to persuade This could be the time to buy up otherwise worthless land fill sites
the company taking away the waste to invest in a special incinerator, in Europe and North America, with a view to mine them in a few
where the heat from the burn is used to generate power? Perhaps decades for the energy trapped inside.
I’m dreaming. By then, of course, the polymer industry will either have reverted to
Tellingly, here in the UK where, like most of Europe, we think we a smaller number of polymers or come up with clever ways to extract
are ‘green’ because the waste is collected but we have no idea where them from products. Indeed, our whole approach will be different,
it goes, the process I’ve outlined already is not underway. There are a where broken parts find their way into a second life rather than into
few waste disposal companies that have bought special incinerators the land or sea. Finally, ‘plastic’ will become valued as it should be – the
for plastics, knowing that commercial customers already pay quite high most amazing, flexible and durable material known to mankind.
A
fees to take waste away and the tax to bury it in the ground is rising. uto Industry Consulting is an independent provider
However, there is no energy strategy, no policy on energy nor political of technical information to the global collision repair
will to speed this development up to encompass the 0.1 kg of plastic industry via EziMethods, our online collision repair
waste every single UK inhabitant throws away every week. methods system. For more information please visit
That’s around 6 700 tonnes of low-grade plastic waste per week the website: www. ezimethods.com
2020 Audi A3 headlight assembly.
Lots of electronics, and ‘plastic’ too.
R E F I N I S H E R
21INDUSTRY NEWS by Ian Groat
WHAT’S HOT?
ADAS
TECHNOLOGY:
NEW TERRAIN
A
s new legislation on Advanced Driver Assistance Safety ADAS technology would hold an expensive legal claim from the
(ADAS) in vehicles in adopted in Europe, Thatcham insured driver if they are killed in a road accident.
have unveiled IIR for safe repair of ADAS in vehicles. The So, if you don’t want to go to court, we need to play a pivotal
development by motor manufacturers with ever more role in the local implementation of the Thatcham approach to a
complex to repair vehicles filled with ADAS safety components has safe process of repair. It is a welcome piece of repair guidance and
received important guidance with the publication of the insurance a positive step in ensuring responsible accident repair standards
establishment and body repair trade consultation process or much for ADAS.
needed clarity on the safe repair of these vehicles. The IIR - the detail
The IIR code of practice came in to effect as the vehicle The IIR confirms that inspection, realignment and calibration
population which is already in excess of 4.5 million vehicles in requirements must be considered in all situations where any of the
the UK market alone. This figure is set to grow exponentially with following in included within the procedure:
the inclusion of driver assistance technology cascading down the ADAS sensors
market body platform even to the entry level units. Parts likely to affect the operation and functionality of ADAS
The new recommended procedures for the correct calibration sensors
of the systems themselves has become a long-standing challenge to • Vehicle geometry
the automotive repair industry as sensor calibration requirements The IIR will deliver clarity to body shops who need a
vary greatly from one vehicle to another. standardised approach to repairing ADAS. The goal is for ADAS
However, now no matter what model is being fixed it’s become reinstatement to become business as usual, presenting no greater
essential that manufacturers technical specification are fully met to challenge than fitting a new wheel.
reinstate a repair to its pre-accident state of functionality with no The requirements establish the key steps repairers must follow
compromise performance. to ensure that ADAS continues to function as they did pre-
ADAS - The South African approach accident, including:
As usual in our dysfunctional state of body repairs, while some • Identifying the presence, or not, of ADAS on the vehicle and
insurers are hesitant to pay for the reinstatement of ADAS systems, ensuring this is recorded.
others are refusing to pay for recalibration of the driver assistance • Completing all relevant inspection, realignment and calibration
systems. It could be coming from a general level of ignorance by activities as detailed within the repair procedures.
some brokers who just don’t get the point that the small print in • Ensuring that calibration results confirm that the sensors
most insurance contracts say that the vehicle must be repaired are functioning within the vehicle manufacturer’s technical
to its pre-accident level of performance and that includes the specification.
ADAS component. This plus a general lack in understanding of In addition, repair procedures should clearly identify if inspection,
the complexity of where we are heading to with this technology. realignment and calibration are required and why, repairs must be
Manufacturers are adding ADAS to their entry level models to carried out by a “currently competent person”, and fully verifiable
differentiate them from the rest of the market so there is no and auditable records should be produced, with a copy provided
escaping the future. to the owner of the vehicle and/or the work provider.
Overall the repair of these critical safety systems now seem As features like Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane
to need to be taken much more seriously by both insurers and Keeping Systems become more and more common, continuing
body shop repairers. The consequences of incurring a secondary with a disparate approach to ADAS repair is at best inefficient and
accident where a client can claim compensation for negligence or at worst a threat to road safety.
failure of any professional repair centre to correctly reinstate the
22 R E F I N I S H E Rwww.celette.co.za info@celette.co.za Tel: 011 334 1875/6
LOCAL UPDATE
From left to right, back row:
Noel van der Berg, Marouns
COO; Jason Jurams, commercial
director; Azeez Choonara, sales
director; Alan Cotton, sales and
WHAT’S HOT? marketing director Plascon; Grant
Walter, Marouns technical director;
MAROUNS GROUP RETURNS
Bobby Bhugwandin, procurement
director Plascon; Kenny Mokoka,
CFO Plascon. Seated; Salim Ally
TO STAND ALONE STATUS Buckus (left), Marouns CEO and
Prejay Lalla, Kansai Plascon CEO.
I
n a a watershed deal Kansai Plascon have products and brands that will enhance and The company’s technical director, Grant
sold off their interest in the Marouns Group complement the Kansai Plascon brand. Walter is confident that with their solid
to a new management team marking Some of the brands that customers can team of trade supply experts on board and
the company’s return to independent to look forward to are Standox from Axalta, over 200 employees who are committed to
operational status. MasterMix and Acryline, along with the making the group successful, the new Intercity
The new company, which is fully BEE company’s newly introduced brands Mobihel SA brand will become a driving force in the
compliant, will trade under the name Intercity and Colomix. The company will also continue industry.
SA. with their exclusive imported ranges, Dinatrol, “As with all important business decisions,
CEO of Intercity SA, Salim Ally Buckus, says Indasa Abrasives, SAIMA Spray Booths and we intend working closely with all our
that the new management team brings to the Cartar Vehicle Lifting Solutions. suppliers, clients, partners and employees to
company a market focused approach to take The company intends growing their make the process as smooth as possible. The
on the changing landscape of the collision “one-stop shop” philosophy that their loyal takeover has commenced and was finalised
repair market industry. “I’m excited about customers have come to expect from them. at the beginning of November 2020. In the
the venture and look forward to developing When asked about one of the new brands, meantime, all our customers will continue
greater efficiencies and increasing our market Mobihel, Azeez said: “Our initial launch of the to receive the same high quality service and
share.” says Ally Buckus. Mobihel refinish system is complete with products which they have come to expect.”
The new directors are Salim Ally Buckus state-of-the-art colouristics and offers ease concluded, Salim.
(CEO), Noel van der Berg (CFO), Jason Jurams of use in any paint shop.This, we feel, in a new Currently there are eight Intercity SA
(commercial director), Azeez Choonara era where the market is looking increasingly stores, located in Johannesburg, Benoni,
(sales director), and Grant Walter (technical at value pricing plus a top level of overall Midrand, Pretoria, Vereeniging, Bloemfontein,
director) who, between them, have over 100 finished paint job, will put our new Helios Durban and Cape Town.
collective years of successful engagement in range at the top of the choice list right now.”
the aftermarket trade operation within South
Africa.
Prejay Lalla, CEO of Kansai Plascon,
headed up the signing ceremony saying that
the company was embarking on a new era
of management and would undoubtedly
be able to become much more agile with
a management team equipped and able to
react faster to ever changing market dynamics,
as a result of the pandemic. He said, “The
lockdown in South Africa this year hasn’t
made it easy for any business, but thankfully
the market has improved in the third quarter
of this year.”
The acquisition was facilitated by Ahmed
Amla, Chartered Accountant and partner
at AE Consulting, together with Fathima
Lockhat, Attorney and partner at Shaukat
Karim and Company.
The new company will be launching Prejay Lalla (right) CEO of Kansai Plascon, officiated at the
with great offers and some exciting new signing of the new management handover. Salim Ally Buckus,
will become the Marouns Group CEO in the new structure.
24 R E F I N I S H E RMastermix
Production Kit
Special All prices are
net plus VAT.
While stocks last.
Previously Marouns Master Mix Hardener
PTK 203
R450 per 5 litres MasterMix 2K
White PTK 1
Mastermix
R450 per 5 litres
Clearcoat PTK 10
R450 per 5 litres
Imported Platimum body
filler PSK 11 3.75 kg Dinitrol Microplast 2kg
Dinitrol Supersoft 3kg R299 Body Filler DINOL620-02
Body Filler DINOL6010-003TI
R130
R320
Indasa Rhynogrip Dust-Free
Discs P40 - P500 R190 Rhynowet Sheets
Rhynalox Production Rolls P180-P1200 R160
Call for price
For over 40 years the Marouns Group, now Intercity, have been a trusted body shop supply partner. Our track record
of outstanding service and technical process excellence has surpassed our competitors and it is now time to offer our
loyal customers cost effective special offers to continue the savings we have become famous for.
Celebrating 40 Years of Refinish Excellence
Johannesburg (011) 216 0600 Pretoria (012) 327 6133
Midrand (011) 312 2767 Durban (031) 208 3221
Benoni (011) 420 2700 Bloemfontein (051) 430 0960
Vereeniging (016) 455 4423 Cape Town (021) 510 8250DRIVEN NEW HYUNDAI GRAND i10
K
eeping the i10 story on song is no easy feat in a crowded Not to be left out, the interiors have been tweaked a bit with
line up in the entry level car market. In contrast to many upmarket red stitched mock leather and bucket-type front seats
others in pandemic mode, Hyundai are currently enduring, on Fluid models. State-of-the-art touch screens deliver Apple
the company in South Africa continue to buck the trend Infotainment and android car play options. The driver experience on
with an increased market share of 2.1%. They are motoring along the road sees the Grand i10 a comfortable place to be with its larger
globally to occupy fifth spot. Hyundai are driven by a continuous push seats, side bolsters and a practical 60/40 split on the rear bench seat.
on model development that offer quality vehicles with extended Plus, points on keyless entry as well as a host of safety built in
warranties in place. equipment, ABS, EBD and Rear Park Assist control all add up to fair
Hyundai have sold over 50 000 i10’s since its introduction in value when viewed against its rivals.
2014 and with the one model plant in Chennai, India producing over Hyundai have introduced two main engine derivatives 1.2 litre
one million units. The new i10 has been re-engineered from start to and 1.0 litre. The latter has a 3 cylinder motor where the others
finish with a redesigned exterior plus a new stylish interior for driver are 4-cylnder units that range in power from 49kW up to 61kW. A
comfort and ease of use. With a host of offerings on offer the i10 smooth five-speed gearbox moves the lightweight 935kg body up to
motion motor features a unique three-cylinder engine while the up- speed very nicely.
specification Fluid shows a higher specification version. Prices start at R191 900 for the model range and go up to the
Like many small cars it’s upsized a fraction with a boost of 40mm Grand i10 Motion MT, 1,2c Fluid AT at R256 900. Consumers who
extra length along with a more stylish Hyundai family face. The new grumble about the cost of cars need to remember approximately
grille now has DRL lights built into its new face. All this is coupled half the new car costs are down to government taxes charged, which
to a better all-round driver experience – helped by a slimmer new is outrageous, to say the least.
C pillar. It comes in seven colour derivatives including a black roof
option – in red or white.
DRIVEN
NEW GRAND i10
UPMARKET AND FULLY FEATURED
28 R E F I N I S H E RINDUSTRY NEWSS
PAINT TIPS
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR VEHICLE
PAINTWORK AFTERCARE
W
e cannot prevent external factors including humidity, new condition) can be removed with high-gloss polish. Apply the mild
changes in temperature, sunlight, road salt, industrial polish to the cleaned paintwork and leave to dry.
gases, bird droppings and tree sap from attacking a • Remove with soft chamois leather or cotton wool. Afterwards, it is
car’s coating. Without regular adequate paintwork advisable to apply a high-gloss hard wax to preserve the shine.
aftercare, the gloss will soon fade, and the coating will lose its Points to keep in mind for aftercare of older
resistance to external influences. The answer to this problem is paintwork
adequate paintwork maintenance with aftercare products to preserve • After washing and drying, older or severely worn paintwork should
the value of the car’s coating. be pre-treated with finish cleaner.
Good preparation and optimal surface drying • Soak a soft cloth or cotton wool in finish cleaner and rub into
• Before polishing or waxing the coating of a car, it is essential that it the paintwork section by section, using a circular motion. The cotton
should first be washed thoroughly. wool or cloth may assume the colour of the paint as dirt particles and
• Never use polish or wax in full sunlight, as the warm surface of the weathering products are removed.
paintwork is more sensitive and therefore more difficult to work on. After this intensive cleaning, it is essential to apply a high-gloss hard
• New, fresh refinish paint should be cleaned carefully with clean wax.
water only (no additives) for the first four to six weeks. In addition to regular care, we recommend examining the
• It takes this long for the paint film to cure fully and for residual paintwork each year before winter sets in, to establish any stone chips
solvent to escape from the paint. Once the paint has cured, all types of or other paint damage, and have it repaired if necessary. This is the
cleaning may be used (car wash, high-pressure cleaning, etc.) only reliable way to prevent damage from spreading.
How to polish your vehicle properly
• Slight haze on the paintwork (for example, on vehicles in near-
WHAT’S HOT?
HOW TOYOTA MADE
MONEY DURING
COVID-19 by Lance Branquinho
A
ll car companies have endured near number was 74% down, but Toyota managed It derived a great deal of profit from very
catastrophic trading conditions for to do what most of its rivals could not: remain simple ladder frame vehicles such as Hilux,
the Q2 of 2020. From April to profitable during Q2. For the Japanese auto Fortuner and the Land Cruiser range. These
June the global health pandemic industry, which was weak entering 2020, the rugged products were cheaper to design and
disabled manufacturing and shipping, while series of global Covid-19 lockdowns proved build, than those hybridised and fully electric
dealerships were unable to trade freely. This impossible to negotiate. Honda and Nissan vehicles Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and VW
ushered in an unprecedented period of both posted losses during Q2. were having to develop.
staggered activity for the automotive industry, Luxury vehicle brands with the potential The recent surge in R&D costs,
the consequences of which were only being to harvest huge margins on lower overall unit compounded by a few months of virtually
reported now. sales, could not match Toyota’s profitability evaporated revenue, had been a nightmare
As the world’s largest car companies and cost management. BMW and Mercedes- risk scenario for most car companies.
started reporting their consolidated earnings Benz recorded Q2 losses of R13.5 billion and As Toyota transitions into the immediate
for Q2 of 2020, a disturbing pattern of losses R37 billion, both rather significant numbers post-Covid world with far healthier financials
was confirmed. Although not unexpected, for two of the world’s most outstanding car than many of its German rivals, what does
they framed which brands were in a healthier companies. that mean for customers and product?
financial position – and would be best Not getting drained by EV costs Those German and Japanese car
positioned to deliver on future product How did Toyota manage to turn a profit companies which made losses in Q2 were
development commitments. when all of its most significant rivals fell into at risk of having to rationalise future product
Despite prevailing trading conditions being a loss? The Japanese company had a lower development. This might not influence
disastrous, Toyota had amazingly managed to burden of R&D development, compared core models but could trim niche products
remain profitable. The Japanese auto giant’s to Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and VW. All dramatically over the next few years.
most credible rival, in both scale and breadth those German car industry champions were In comparison, Toyota followers can
of product, was VW. And for the Germans, now having to contend with hugely expensive expect a very linear and consistent product
2020 had been brutal, tipping the VW Group electric vehicle architecture development, development and launch schedule for the
into an overall R30 billion loss. complex battery chemistries and the coding next few years. The Japanese company would
By contrast, Toyota delivered a profit of unfamiliar drive systems. certainly weather lockdown better than most.
of R25 billion. Measured year-on-year, that Toyota had been typically conservative.
30 R E F I N I S H E RYou can also read
