Talking Business with Mark and John

In this engaging and insightful video, we sit down with Dr. Imogen Reid, a prominent voice in the automotive industry, to discuss the crucial topic of gender diversity and its impact within the sector. Dr. Reid, who is part of the VACC (Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce), sheds light on the pressing need for increased female representation in the auto industry. Throughout our conversation, we delve into various aspects, starting with an overview of the current state of gender diversity in different sectors of the automotive industry. Dr. Reid provides valuable insights into the state of affairs in Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), dealerships, and the aftermarket, highlighting the disappointing lack of progress over the past two decades. We explore the underlying reasons behind this stagnancy, aiming to uncover the obstacles that prevent greater female participation. By analysing the industry's dynamics and culture, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that need to be overcome to achieve a more balanced workforce. Looking ahead, we also delve into the potential solutions and opportunities for increased female representation in the auto industry. Dr. Reid offers her expert perspective on the areas where the greatest potential for growth lies and how we can tap into these opportunities to uplift the numbers of women in the field. Furthermore, Dr. Reid provides practical insights on attracting and retaining more women in the automotive industry. By exploring strategies to create an inclusive and supportive environment, she highlights the positive impact this can have on a company's bottom line. Her expertise in this area is invaluable, as she shares best practices and actionable steps that organizations can take to foster gender diversity and drive success. Join us for this thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Imogen Reid as we explore the importance of gender diversity in the automotive industry, the challenges it faces, and the strategies to create a more inclusive and thriving future. Together, let's unlock the potential for change and progress in this dynamic and vital sector.

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Welcome to the first podcast of season three, where we delve into the world of automotive fleet business development. In this episode, we discuss the importance of continuing to canvass automotive fleets, even during vehicle supply shortages. As businesses adjust to the new normal post-Covid, Mark shares his insights on the state of the automotive fleet business pre and post-Covid. He emphasizes the importance of having meaningful conversations with customers and understanding their problems before offering a solution. Mark also provides valuable tips on the type of questions to ask automotive fleet customers to get the right information and what to do before even arriving at the customer. To engage with customers in today's business environment, we explore the type of tools and techniques available to a fleet consultant. We delve into strategies for developing relationships with customers in both virtual and in-person meetings, including tips for engaging effectively in zoom meetings. Our discussion concludes with a look towards the future, as Mark explores the approach to automotive fleets going forward. Overall, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead in the fast-changing world of automotive fleet business development. Don't miss out on valuable insights and ideas that can help you succeed in this important industry.

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Electric vehicles offer an exciting opportunity for Australia to reduce emissions and transition to more sustainable transport. However, there are several challenges in adopting EVs at scale in Australia. In this video, we discuss the key challenges around EVs in Australia and what is needed to support their rollout. Australia lags other leading markets like Norway in providing incentives and infrastructure for EVs. Norway offers generous tax exemptions and rebates for EVs, as well as having built an extensive public charging network. The Australian government needs to provide stronger incentives like tax rebates, registration fee waivers and increased investment in charging infrastructure to drive EV uptake. Battery technology and costs are also improving rapidly. New lithium-ion batteries can provide over 400km of range on a single charge and battery costs have declined by over 80% in the last decade. Continued advancement in battery tech will make EVs more affordable and practical for most Australian drivers. Public charging infrastructure is still lacking in Australia but expanding quickly. New ultra-fast charging can provide over 400km of range in 15 minutes. Widespread fast charging will eliminate range anxiety and allow EVs to meet the needs of most motorists. The upfront cost of EVs remains higher than comparable petrol or diesel vehicles, though lower running costs can offset this over the lifetime of the vehicle. Stronger government incentives and rebates are needed in Australia to improve the affordability and total cost of ownership of EVs. EVs present an opportunity for Australia to benefit economically and environmentally. With the right policies and incentives, Australia can accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and reap the rewards of a greener transport system. Overall, the future looks bright for electric vehicles in Australia if key challenges around policy, infrastructure and technology can be addressed.

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Welcome to our video interview with Adiba Fattah, a PHD researcher from the University of Sunshine Coast. Adiba is conducting a research project on the evaluation of the franchise model in the Australian automotive industry. In her study, Adiba is focusing on several key aspects. Firstly, she is investigating the social exchange dynamics and the power and control dynamics between the dealer and the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) within the franchise model. She aims to gain a deeper understanding of how these dynamics impact the overall relationship between the two parties. Additionally, Adiba is examining various elements within the franchise relationship. She is particularly interested in exploring the influence of senior management rotation, the level of support provided by the OEM to the dealer, the effectiveness of warranty programs and diagnostic information, as well as the impact of key performance indicator (KPI) programs. Furthermore, Adiba will be reviewing the Australian regulations pertaining to the automotive industry and how they are perceived and interpreted by both dealers and OEMs. Understanding these regulations and their implications is crucial in comprehending the dynamics of the franchise model in Australia. Contractual requirements are also a significant area of focus for Adiba. She will be analyzing the operation manuals, policy, and procedures that govern the relationship between the dealer and the OEM. This examination will provide valuable insights into the expectations and obligations of both parties. In addition to these key topics, Adiba will be exploring the effectiveness of field teams, the reaction of dealers to legal reforms, and the role and effectiveness of dealer councils. These aspects play a crucial role in shaping the overall functioning of the franchise model in the Australian automotive industry. Through her extensive research, Adiba aims to shed light on the various aspects of the franchise model and provide valuable insights for both dealers and OEMs. Her work will contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics within the Australian automotive industry and potentially lead to improvements in the franchise model. Stay tuned for more updates on Adiba's research project. If you would like to participate in the research project you can contact: A Fattah PHD Researcher email: [email protected]

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Human resources and recruitment are more important than ever in today's fast-changing business landscape. In this video, Dean Courtenay of Quadrant People Resources shares his insights on these critical topics. Dean outlines the services Quadrant offers, from recruiting and executive search to HR support. He discusses the impact of the pandemic on hiring - the shift to virtual interviews, challenges in onboarding remote workers, and new approaches needed to find talent during lockdown. Looking ahead, Dean explores how isolation has affected the global talent pool and what that means for recruitment going forward. He delves into common mistakes organizations make, like moving too quickly or having unrealistic expectations. Dean explains the high costs of making the wrong hire and emphasizes the need for a strategic, thoughtful process. What does a good recruitment plan include? Dean advises focusing on culture fit, defining clear requirements, and maximizing your employer brand. He shares tips for structuring an efficient, effective hiring process that yields the best candidates. With Dean's decades of HR and recruiting experience, he provides valuable perspective for any company looking to optimize their human capital.

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The future of the automotive aftersales workshop is becoming increasingly intelligent and automated thanks to advances in rugged hardware and software solutions. In this video, Russell Younghusband from Getac discusses how artificial intelligence and automation are transforming the workshop. Getac provides ruggedized hardware designed for harsh workshop environments. Their devices can withstand drops, spills, and heavy use under and around vehicles. With a full shift battery life, technicians have computing power that can go wherever the work does. On the software side, solutions deliver business intelligence and AI to streamline operations. Technicians have instant access to schematics, wiring diagrams, digital job cards, and parts inventory. Electronic vehicle health checks and diagnostics are automated. All of this provides an integrated platform for managing the workshop more strategically. AI and automation handle many of the mundane tasks, freeing up staff to focus on high-value work. The days of paper systems, clocking in the corner, and manual vehicle checks are over. Now health checks, diagnostics, and more are performed on rugged devices and synced to the cloud. Workshop management has an intelligent system to oversee planning, scheduling, and optimization. Instead of fighting fires, managers have insights and tools to improve the business. The future of the aftersales workshop is connected, intelligent, and automated. With rugged hardware, software, and AI, facilities can boost productivity, reduce costs, and deliver a superior customer experience. The technologies may be advanced, but they are designed to simplify operations and make life easier for technicians and managers. The automotive workshop is getting smarter, and the benefits are huge.

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In this enlightening video, we have the privilege of speaking with Howard Gerwin, a seasoned expert from RKLAB AG, as he delves into the fascinating realm of engines and fuels. Join us as we explore the challenges faced by the industry in meeting emissions requirements and the exciting potential for improving CO2 and NOx emissions. Howard takes us on a comprehensive journey through the various fuels and engine applications where their utilization makes the most sense. He eloquently explains how these fuels can be optimized for different engine types and applications, ultimately resulting in significant emissions reductions and a positive impact on the environment. Furthermore, he emphasizes the critical importance of understanding the full cycle of fuel production, from well to wheel, in order to make informed decisions about our future energy sources. Prepare to be amazed as Howard delves into the intricacies of a wide range of fuels, including EV's, Hydrogen, LPG, Compressed Natural Gas, Ammonia, Methanol/Ethanol, Bio diesel, Alcohol E10 E15 E85, Flexi fuel, and Renewable Diesel. He carefully examines the unique challenges each of these fuels faces when applied to passenger cars, trucks, long-distance haulage, marine vessels, railways, and even specific vehicle usages such as parcel delivery, school buses, and garbage removal. In a thought-provoking twist, he also touches upon the potential role of nuclear power, highlighting short-term opportunities that may not be entirely green. Furthermore, Howard enlightens us about some ground breaking technologies developed by industry leaders such as Clear Flame and Neste Oil. These innovations hold immense promise for the future of engines and fuels, offering exciting possibilities for further reducing emissions and enhancing sustainability. Join us in this professional and insightful video as we gain a deeper understanding of the future of engines and fuels. Howard Gerwin's expertise and passion for the subject will leave you inspired and hopeful for a cleaner, greener future.

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We talk with Howard Gerwin, an expert in diesel engine technology, to gain a deeper understanding of how diesel engines work and the latest innovations to improve emissions and combat climate change. Howard explains the VW diesel emissions scandal in 2015 and the challenges VW faced. He provides an in-depth look at technologies like catalytic converters, exhaust gas recirculation or EGR, selective catalytic reduction or SCR, and Diesel Exhaust Fluid or AdBlue and how they work to reduce emissions. With over 380 million diesel engines in use today, retrofitting existing engines is key to significantly reducing emissions and slowing climate change. The RK injector is an exciting new technology that could revolutionize diesel engines, especially for marine vessels, trains, backup generators, and construction equipment. Its ability to be retrofitted into existing engines could have a major impact on global warming. Howard shares details on Euro 6 and U.S. emissions standards and discusses nitrogen oxide or NOx and particulate emissions in detail. He explains current solutions like catalytic converters, particulate filters, EGR, AdBlue, and common rail diesel injection. He provides a deep dive into blue flame combustion technology and how to improve combustion efficiency. Howard points out the high costs of reducing emissions after combustion and the benefits of optimizing the combustion process itself. Overall, this interview gives us valuable insights into the current state of diesel technology, emissions regulations, and innovative new solutions to improve the environmental friendliness of diesel engines. With retrofitting and new technologies, diesel can play an important role in a sustainable future.

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This video provides an in-depth discussion on the challenges and considerations around electric vehicles and their environmental impact. We start by investigating the scarcity of rare earth metals required for electric vehicle batteries and the environmental damage caused by mining these metals. While electric vehicles are marketed as “zero emissions,” this only refers to emissions from the tailpipe. The overall emissions generated to manufacture and power electric vehicles can still be significant. A blended solution of renewable energy sources may be needed to truly reduce emissions. Charging electric vehicles also currently requires a lifestyle change for owners. Charging stations are not yet as widespread as gas stations, charging takes hours instead of minutes, and owners need to carefully plan longer trips. However, continued infrastructure investment aims to improve this over time. For potential buyers, an electric vehicle purchase is quite different from a standard internal combustion engine vehicle. You need to understand your driving needs, available charging options, and how the technology may improve in coming years. While Australia currently lags in electric vehicle adoption, growth in this market looks promising if costs continue to decrease and charging networks expand. Electric vehicles are an important step toward reducing emissions and mitigating climate change, but they are not a silver bullet. We explore the environmental pros and cons of this new technology in depth so individuals and policymakers can make the most informed choices. Overall, transitioning to more sustainable transportation and renewable energy will require a multi-pronged approach. The analysis in this video takes an evidence-based, balanced perspective on this complex issue. We aim to educate viewers and advance the public discussion on how to best reduce emissions in the transportation sector. Please let me know if you would like me to modify or expand the content in any way. I am happy to refine and improve it further.

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This week we sit down with Silvio Barbisan, an automotive enthusiast and proud member of the Monaro Car Club. Silvio discusses what fuels his passion for muscle cars, especially the iconic Holden Monaro. Silvio currently owns 10 Holden and Monaro vehicles, a collection that has evolved over many years. His interest in cars started at a young age and grew into a lifelong hobby and community. Silvio talks about his anger and disappointment when Holden stopped producing cars in Australia. For enthusiasts like Silvio, certain car brands become deeply connected to memories and identity. Silvio highlights some of his favourite Monaro models, including his HG GTS Monaro. For Silvio, muscle cars represent power, performance, and nostalgia. He provides advice for burgeoning car enthusiasts and what to consider when buying a classic car. Silvio’s story shows that being an automotive enthusiast is about more than just vehicles - it’s about community, shared interests, and nostalgia. His passion for Australian muscle cars, especially the Monaro, runs deep and has persisted for decades. Overall, Silvio gives us insight into what fuels a lifelong enthusiast's dedication to a brand and model.

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