FUTURE TECH
Changes happen at warp-speed when it comes to vehicles, the materials used in constructing them, their design, colour and the technology going into them for safety as well as infotainment purposes. Future Tech keeps you up-to-date with some of the up-coming trends and the latest solutions.
TRADE BARRIERS FOR EUROPE OR FIGHT BACK ON THE CARDS
Andrew takes us through the move towards even better vehicle design, which usually takes years but promises a future of longer life parts. The object is to reduce energy use in both the original manufactured ‘new’ vehicle as well as parts for service or repair, in order to survive today.
MANUFACTURERS RUNNING HARD TO GO NOWHERE FAST
With loads of product variation, leading to more difficult-to-get special parts due to lower production volumes – as well in Europe – product support ceasing five years after the last production of a model. The issues show up in trim items, unique panels, and all the parts typically used in collision repair.
AI CERTAINTY AND THE FUTURE
Those who seek profit and only see everyone else as a route to that profit, will invest in ever more complex ‘machines. The investors won’t care what the machine does as long as profit is delivered. Is this AI at its best? See what Andrew Marsh has to say.
GREY, BLUE, GREEN; THE COLOURS OF HYDROGEN
There are few economic ways to allow a wind turbine or solar farm to produce energy and store it. One route is batteries, which are expensive or another way is to use the otherwise wasted power to create pure hydrogen – ‘green’ hydrogen, to indicate it is made with renewable power.
DISTRESS AT RENAULT-NISSAN ALLIANCE AND AT FORD IN EUROPE
South Africa is in a better place, given most of the world is not following the European ‘BEV or else’ path to oblivion. Parts supply situation remains relatively strong due to domestic manufacturing. Literally the European losses will be gains for South Africa.
CAN GOOGLE AND QUALCOMM TAKE OVER THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY?
From mergers to new companies focussing on electric and internal combustion engines, it’s a labyrinth of chaos as motor manufacturers wheel and deal. Digital partners have been added too and regular suppliers have become integral suppliers. Quite possibly the tail is wagging the dog, but everyone remains silent.
THE SOUNDS OF VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS FIGHTING BACK
Are electric vehicles the best and only way? Is there not a need for one of the world’s largest employers not to make profit? Why should vehicles and transport be devoid of any pleasure, especially the great sound of an engine to get the juices flowing?
LI-ION BATTERIES: SIZE DOES MATTER
What happens if an electric vehicle’s battery is damaged during an accident? What if the battery damage is enough to initiate thermal runaway? If batteries do catch fire they will burn for days inside your work shop and are highly toxic in enclosed spaces – very dangerous!
THE TRUTH ABOUT PARTS SHORTAGES
One of the markers of the Covid-19 pandemic was the scale of misleading information and indeed downright lies that were punted around by major individuals, companies and even governments. It has become very hard indeed to cut through the fog of ‘stories’ and click bait to understand objectively what is
DRIVEN
With three motoring-journalists on our staff, we are able to test drive and review some of the latest models available on our roads as well as attend the latest model launches.
TRAINING
Knowledge is power. Training is key to up-skilling repairers as models launch onto our local roads faster than we can count. We also need to grow new talent into the collision repair industry. Courses are available to help and organisations are in place to train - this information is in Industry Index.
CLASSIC CARS & RESTORATIONS
Classic cars are the next big investment. As such the sector of restoration is growing in the realms of collision repair and it’s definitely the “sexier” side of the business. There are many opportunities to create exotic special-builds as well as keep timeless beauties in mint condition.
classic corner & resoration
Classic cars are the next big investment. As such the sector of restoration is growing in the realms of collision repair and it’s definitely the “sexier” side of the business. There are many opportunities to create exotic special-builds as well as keep timeless beauties in mint condition.
TRAINING
Knowledge is power. Keeping up-to-date with the latest techniques and technology is extremely important.Training is key to up-skilling repairers as models launch onto our local roads, as well as bringing new talent into the collision repair industry. Courses are available to help, organisations are in place to train and we have other helpful information that may crop-up when fixing the cars of now, and those that are still to come.
DRIVEN
With three motoring-journalists on our staff, we are able to test drive and review some of the latest models available on our roads as well as attend the latest model launches.