WHAT’S HOT
The latest in what’s happening in the South African market of collision repair is featured in What’s Hot. Keep up-to-date with new products, training developments, technical know-how and much more.
MERCEDES-BENZ MAXIMUM TRANSPARENCY
Mercedes-Benz are able to shoot 1 000 images per second with their Ultrashort X-ray technology, during a crash test. With over 900 crash tests done a year by them, they take safety very seriously and have now opened up a whole new world for repair unseen until now.
HURRICANE EQUIPMENT’S TRAINING CENTRE A HIVE OF ACTIVITY
Hurricane Equipment’s training facility situated in Centurion garnered significant attention as industry professionals congregated for their quarterly SAEFAR meetings and to explore the company’s extensive range of products tailored for the collision repair sector.
VEHICLE MANUFACTURER POWER PLAY
The wonderful world of vehicle manufacturers is under massive pressure to change, driven by legislation, consumer choices and international trading. The collision repairers are down stream of this, and the increasing chaos will have quite an effect, eventually.
PASSION FOR SPEED
A record entry was seen at this years’ “Passion for Speed” historic Formula One contingent. It was a memorable meeting with a packed race card that started before 8 am and continued well into the evening at Zwarkops Raceway, Pretoria.
ROGER HOUGHTON LOOKS BACK ON HIS JOURNEY WITH FORD
Roger Houghton’s fascination with Ford began in his early years, in the 1950s and ’60s, due to his interest in cars in general, and motorsport in particular. A long journey and passion for the brand has ensued.
MASTERING WHATSAPP INTEGRATION A PRACTICAL GUIDE
WhatsApp Business integration within Panel Beater Directory offers a powerful tool for shops to enhance customer communications, streamline their operations, and even boost marketing efforts. Here’s how to unlock its full potential.
SUZUKI PLANNING TO MAKE FLYING CARS WITH SKYDRIVE
Suzuki, the Japanese carmaker said it had reached an agreement with SkyDrive to make “flying cars”. The companies will use a Suzuki Group factory in central Japan to make electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and aim to begin production by around spring next year
COULD VEHICLE WEIGHT BE WORKING AGAINST CRASH SAFETY?
Leading European safety accreditor Euro NCAP has flagged the possibility that bigger and heavier cars are compromising safety for other road users and potentially leading to worse crashes.
EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY FROM BUZZWORD TO TRANSFORMATIVE BUSINESS MODEL
Sustainability used to be a buzzword that appeared in annual reports. It now translates into robust, transformative business models that reside at the core of operations, aligns fully with strategy, and ensures marketplace differentiation. If there was any doubt that shift had taken place, the tale of the tape clearly tells the story.
CALCULATE PAINT QUOTATION VALUES ACCURATELY WITH PAINTWIZZ
As a result of over three years of research and development by expert body shop owners, the PaintWizz system can accurately calculate the paint volumes required to coat specific vehicle parts in line with actual repair operations. This system will deliver a much more modernised form of quoting for paint repairs.
TOYOTA SOMI 2024
The state of the motor industry in South Africa was spotlighted at the annual media get-together and the market situation was explained as well as the challenges in parts availability due to South Africa’s port problems. Despite this, Toyota will continue to advance and feature many new drivetrain derivatives.
PPG LAUNCHES PPG DP7000 AIR DRYER PRIMER AND D8177 RAPID PERFORMANCE CLEARCOAT
PPG has launched PPG DP7000 Air-Dry Primer and a range of dedicated ancillaries across automotive refinish markets. The availability of these energy saving products doesn’t ask you to choose between sustainability or quality and performance, but offers energy savings, speed and easy-to-use products with a superior finish.
SAGOLA EXPAND DEALER BASE IN SOUTH AFRICA THROUGH SHERWIN-WILLIAMS DISTRIBUTION
Sagola announced new opportunities through a national distribution footprint supported by Sherwin-Williams appointed distributors and their multiple other partnerships in and around South Africa. They have experienced a marked increase with the popular DeBeer and Octoral refinish systems, and now have decided to include the Sagola range into their customer offerings.
CRA FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE SKILLS TRAINING WITH THE C3 ACADEMY
The CRA have partnered with C3 Academy, which is an accredited training centre, as they have an excellent track record and a passionate team. They truly care about each learner, have an exact knowledge about the collision repair industry, and are as driven to see the industry succeed.
DISCOVER UNPARALLELLED EXCELLENCE WITH BASF’S
In a breakthrough moment for automotive refinishing in South Africa, BASF Coatings Services, is set to launch its highly anticipated Glasurit 100 Line. This cutting-edge product range promises to redefine industry standards, offering advanced technology and superior quality finishes. It is also gearing up to provide extensive training.
INTRODUCING INDASA MIXING SYSTEM
The INDASA Group have launched a new professional mixing system, designed to transform paint application in the body shop. The INDASA Mixing System (IMS) marks the company’s inaugural entry into the spray booth. It is designed with efficiency in mind and optimises material flow and ensures consistent paint transfer.
BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES ARE NOT THE SILVER BULLET
Research in the US has shown that emission savings from battery electric vehicles might be overestimated. It seems that for some or other reason EV owners drive less than they did when driving a car with an internal combustion engine (ICE). A factor affecting drivers of BEVs is a lack of a reliable charging infrastructure.
PANELBEATER DIRECTORY – UNLEASHING A DECADE OF SUCCESS
Panelbeater Directory, is a one-stop information system for all things panel beating. They have proudly helped countless panel shops across South Africa connect with new customers and achieve their business goals over the last decade. They have also developed three new directories.
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES – FACT OR FANTASY?
Andrew Marsh delves into the evolution of ADAS to full autonomy The engineering that is going on across the autonomous vehicle community is astounding, but all of the systems are prototypes.
He also questions how the manufacturers and repairers feature in this, as well as the flow of data needed for these vehicles.
SPIES HECKER MATT CLEAR SPECIAL PROCESS STEP-BY-STEP
With the matt finish trend still very popular with car manufacturers and car owners alike, Spies Hecker has created a process for its best-in-class Permacron® Matt Clear System, based on Axalta technology, to repair these notoriously tricky finishes. Matt finishes are growing in popularity with a range of gloss levels.
DESTRUCTIVE WELD TESTING
In the collision repair industry, destructive weld testing is a crucial quality control procedure, carrying significant weight, for body shop managers and technicians, as it directly impacts the safety and structural integrity of repaired vehicles. It’s about ensuring that the weld settings and techniques are up to par before they’re applied.
COLLISION REPAIRERS CAN EXPECT EXPANDING MIX OF MATERIALS IN VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION
Familiarising yourself with the variety of materials used will be critical for shops with no particular vehicle material likely to dominate. It will become more challenging to repair any car that comes into the shop. Repairers will have to familiarise themselves with OEM repair procedures and the variety materials used.
FROM AC TO ZAGATO
The Lancaster Insurance Classic Car Show at the NEC near Birmingham, UK, had thousands of eager enthusiasts straining at the leash to be first into their motoring paradise, all waiting for the six enormous halls to open, each jam packed with everything classic car, restoration workshops, seminars and much more.
RARE METAL SHORTAGES COULD SLAM BRAKES ON ELECTRIFICATION
Electrification and digitalisation are leading to a steady increase in the need for critical metals in the global vehicle car parc. Moreover, only a small proportion of the metals are currently recycled from end-of-life vehicles. The most sought after are dysprosium, neodymium, manganese and niobium are of great economic importance.
A NEW WORLD ORDER
The last three years have been tough, and the immediate future looks tough, too. The global automotive industry is bursting with innovation, heightened by the dualled rate of new product introduction. This affects almost every aspect of the vehicle, where only the cheapest will escape the changes.; an unprecedented time.
GAV LAUNCHES NEW 5000 SERIES PROFESSIONAL BLOWING GUNS
The team at GAV have recently introduced a new 5000 series of blowing guns with a lever to allow for airflow adjustment. It is easy to handle thanks to the ergonomic grip and soft touch material inserts. This helps reduce fatigue and hand injuries caused by repetitive movements for the end-user.
THE REAL BODY SHOP OF THE FUTURE
With increasing numbers of vehicles being electric or battery electric vehicles we need to rethink our shop layouts so that anyone in any part of the operation will have at least 20 or 30 second run to the nearest exit. Perhaps even moving out towards large open flat space.
WAE TECHNOLOGIES LAUNCHES ULTRA-HIGH PERFORMANCE HYDROGEN FUEL CELL
The ultra-high performance hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle platform – EVRh – has been developed to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen (H2) powered powertrain systems through implementation in a high- performance vehicle application. The EVRh combines WAE’s extensive vehicle and powertrain engineering experience alongside for end users to have zero tailpipe emissions driving.
WELDER’S GUIDE TO PSYCHOSOCIAL WELL-BEING AND WORKPLACE SAFETY
Psychological and psychosocial hazards are factors that can lead to increased levels of stress and discomfort in the workplace. These can have serious repercussions on employees’ mental health. Psychosocial conditions can be less evident and trickier to identify.
THATCHAM BEV BOMBSELL REPORT HITS HEADLINES
Much of the motor industry is yet to start to adapt to the challenges ahead and the implications remain unquantified on repair capacity, training and skills, the cost, and the lifetime sustainability of BEVs. Despite this, the motor insurance industry is already seeing BEV’s performing differently in the market.
ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION – A CURE FOR THE SKILLS SHORTAGE
In an era marked by a widening gap in skills and talent within the collision repair industry, a challenge emerges in attracting the necessary workforce to cope with the escalating evolution of vehicle technology and a surge in collision claims. The skills shortage is expected to continue in the future.
ENHANCING VEHICLE SAFETY WITH TECHNOLOGY
The testing and performance protocols used in the Euro NCAP are regularly updated to reflect technological advancements in vehicles to ensure they represent the latest and highest safety standards. Emphasis is placed on the responsiveness of active safety equipment such as RADAR and LiDAR technology for vulnerable road users.
WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT EV SERVICE COULD HURT YOUR BUSINESS
A lot of the scepticism was generated by people who did not understand the technology. They feared ICE cars and trucks would kill pedestrians, and there were not enough places to buy gasoline. The same scepticism is being cast on battery electric vehicles (BEV) during the 21st century.
RETURNING A VEHICLE TO PRE-ACCIDENT CONDITION AND THE KEY USE OF ADHESIVES
The use of adhesives has increased dramatically in recent times, and it’s changed vehicle construction, improving strength and durability but how to ensure it remains that way even after collision repairs? With the correct understanding and application during vehicle repair, it is a relatively easy material to work with.
A NEW TRANSPARENCY DRIVE FOR VEHICLE SALVAGE
Various stakeholders met to form a collaborative approach to the rampant increases being seen in vehicle salvage rates across South Africa. Once again it’s the customer who is left high and dry with these very low write-off rates implemented. It’s a short term view of business for all.
TRAINING DEVELOPMENTS AT A GLANCE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Training in South Africa is becoming multi-faceted to address the needs of the market, from short courses through to reaching the more rural areas where workers are being qualified as they already have the experience.
ALL NEW COLORSYSTEM FOR BMW
The new BMW ColorSystem is a sustainable and simple system developed by Axalta. Curing times are incredible and will allow you to create far more throughput with very little baking needed – if any. Tweaking your mindset and processes is what will need to happen to reap the full benefits.
SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN THE SA AUTOMOTIVE REFINISH MARKET
BASF Coatings Services, through its Glasurit brand, is actively promoting awareness of sustainability in the local industry. The focus is to steer the market towards utilising sustainable paint solutions. As part of this initiative, BASF Coatings Services has introduced the Glasurit Recognised Sustainable Partner programme.
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.
HURRICANE EQUIPMENT WELCOME SARTA MEETINGS
The South African Repair and Towing Association’s (SARTA) held their third quarterly meeting at Hurricane Equipment’s showroom in Centurion. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with their vast product range that they have hand-picked for the collision repair industry.
STAYING AHEAD OF THE GAME
Winclo Panelbeaters have expanded their business operations to three stand-alone rectification body shops. One for major body repairs, a second for small area repair and their own assessment centre. They use a host of equipment and reliable advice from Celette SA to keep them ahead of the pack in the business.
PPG TRANSFORMS MAMELODI HIGH SCHOOL
New Paint for a New Start initiative is part of PPG’s COLOURFUL COMMUNITIES® programme. The company recently completed a R1.5-million refurbishment at Mamelodi High School in Pretoria. The local project brought together more than 80 South African volunteers, including PPG employees, customers, suppliers and schoolteachers.
SPOT WELDERS – THE BEST INVESTMENT YOU CAN MAKE
Comparing Squeeze-Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Mig welding, you see that STRSW improved the repairer’s ability to duplicate the factory build process in many ways, adding tremendous value to the industry.
CHALLENGER AND AUTO TECH PAINTS FORGING AHEAD IN REFINISH
The team at Auto Tech Paints have seen an increasing demand for better automotive colour matching with quality finishes at a value price. This is what Challenger – a refinish brand from Axalta – offers their clients, while exceeding expectations on all fronts.
FORD CELEBRATES 100 YEARS IN SOUTH AFRICA
One hundred years in South Africa is what Ford Motor Company are celebrating with a R5.2 billion investment at the Silverton Assembly Plant for the new Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).
TIME WARP JAG
This 1969 Jaguar E-Type has had one owner and has never been restored or repainted. The unique patina of its original Opalescent Golden Sand colour tells a great many tales of its life over the past 50-something years.
WHAT REPAIRERS AND INSURERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EV FIRES
Vehicles are safe until something goes wrong. Diesel and petrol vehicles have their own set of issues, but electric vehicles present a brand-new ball game. Vehicle assessors must understand what is involved to ensure that they and others, are safe at work.
GRINDING IT OUT
Parts price increases, overall costs for accident repair and low profitability for body shops globally comes under the spotlight with Steve Kessel, Operations Director, CRA.
SAINT-GOBAIN SURFACE SOLUTIONS; PIONEERING EXCELLENCE
Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions now offer Norton Abrasives, Norton Tape Solutions, Farécla and OneBond under one roof, for all collision repair needs and more. These are all powerhouse brands united under one umbrella.
SAGOLA’S GLOBAL EXPANSION CONTINUES
Sagola has a had a great year with expansion in the South African and South American markets. Their products ensure that repair costs are driven down while their products remain excellent in quality.
ONE FINE DAY
Watching a private collection of over 30 aircraft from 1910 to 1945 in Old Warden Bedforshire in the UK on a sunny summer’s evening is as good as it gets to stroll down memory lane for publisher Ian Groat, who is embracing growing old (dis)gracefully.
HUGE PARTS SHORTAGES FOR LANDROVER JAGUAR
Approximately 10 000 Jaguar and Land Rovers are off the road in the UK due to parts shortage. This is due to a new global parts logistics centre – a one million-square-foot site – as well as changing parts suppliers. What a mess.
THE MAGIC OF HYDROGEN
Roger Houghton recently had the opportunity of being intimately involved with a project to demonstrate a mobility hydrogen ecosystem. In other words, to show how hydrogen can be used conveniently in a car. This event was one of the highlights of Smarter Mobility Africa, an exhibition held in Midrand, Gauteng.
INTRODUcING RHYNOGRIP MESH LINE FROM INDASA
The INDASA Group have announced their new Rhynogrip Mesh Line abrasives range. The benefits of Mesh Line abrasives are that the open mesh structure prevents clogging, and its enhanced extraction system keeps dust contaminants out, keeping it safer for an end-user.
SPRAYWORLD; THE LEGACY LIVES ON
Sprayworld is run by Carmine Rudman, and they supply ancillary products, spray guns, polishes and more for the local market. She has a long family history in the business and a great working knowledge of the industry.
STANDOX 1-K ALLROUND PRIMER SURFACE AEROSOL
A new 1K-Allround Primer Surfacer from Standox has been introduced. It is suitable for use on bare metal and gives good corrosion protection. Application is very easy to use with good spray-ability and flow. It delivers high filling power with easy sanding.
CAMERA’S, CAMERA’S EVERYWHERE
The manufacturers of AI dashcams and outside cameras say the big advantage over older camera systems is their ability to detect movement of pedestrians and drivers and capture high-quality images while avoiding irrelevant information. Notification, Analysis and Risk Assessment (NARA) will dramatically change how vehicle camera footage is assessed.
DRIVING THE INDUSTRY INTO THE FUTURE
South African Auto Week was hosted by Naamsa at Gallagher Conference centre in Gauteng and looked at proper planning for the implementation of all transactions to cleaner energy technologies. Ensuring communities have clean and secure energy was a subject on its own.
INSURERS AT A PROFESSIONAL CROSS ROADS, BUT REACH COMMON GROUND
There was a united front at a recent cross-industry conference as low vehicle write-off rates came under the spotlight as they are affecting collision repair volumes badly. This is a global problem in a topsy-turvey world we live in where the customer isn’t winning in this scenario
EU-MADE EVS WILL COST MORE IN UK BECAUSE OF BREXIT RULES
Vehicle prices may rise significantly before January next year for European made vehicles for UK buyers and visa-versa. The new rule says that EVs need to have 45% EU or UK content from next year and manufacturers are not even close to achieving this.