Briefs
QBE Insurance to start trials of realestic times and rates
NSW Motor Traders Association has said QBE is inviting its network repairers to start participating in a realistic times and rates trial (RTAR).
To participate in this first stage, QBE network repairers can submit their labour rates at nsw.motorrepairers@qbe.com.
MTA senior manager divisional services, Greg Preston, said the MTA endorses this step by QBE to move towards an RTAR system.
"The MTA encourages QBE recommended repairers to support the QBE as it initiates this trial," he said.
The MTA has also reported that GIO/Suncorp will be trialling RTAR in the Liverpool area.
I-Car welcomes Downtown Toyota as a sustaining member
I-Car Australia CEO Richard Pratt has announced that leading Brisbane based dealership Downtown Toyota had joined I-CAR as a Sustaining Member.
Pratt said Downtown Toyota has had the reputation of being very proactive in providing Toyota quality parts, technical information and hands-on support to the collision repair industry along the east coast.
"Downtown's parts manager, Colin Hackett, is well known in the industry. His passion for the Toyota product and the industry overall is well known. Downtown Toyota has some exciting plans in place which will further enhance its reputation," Pratt said.
"In supporting I-CAR, Downtown Toyota joins an esteemed group of industry leaders and, in fact, becomes the first dealership spare parts organisation to share the vision."
Meguiar's acquires MotorEx
As part of the Meguiar's Australia 20th Birthday celebrations this year, the company has announce that after seven years as naming rights sponsor, it has acquired Sydney's largest and most prestigious motoring enthusiast event, MotorEx.
"We wanted to secure the long term future of MotorEx for the motoring community and build on its success," said Bruce Morrison, Meguiar's managing director.
Meguiar's is involved with more than 160 motoring events around Australia each year including Summernats, Victorian, Queensland and WA Hot Rod & Street Machine and SA's Extreme Horse Power.
The operations and event management will remain with Exhibitions and Trade Fairs (ETF) and new July dates for the weekend of the 24 and 25 July, 2010, are confirmed at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.
Workplace safety guide
With the financial cost of workplace bullying estimated to be as much as $36 billion each year, Pro-Visual Publishing is urging employers in the body repairers industry to implement preventative measures with this year's Body Repairers Guide to Workplace Safety.
The high cost of workplace bullying can arise from indirect expenditure, such as absenteeism, labour turnover, loss of productivity and legal costs.
The guide details the effects of bullying and provides employers and managers with actions to maintain a safe and healthy workplace for employees.
"The Body Repairers Guide to Workplace Safety is a useful safety resource that can be displayed in the workshop for all to see," said the Motor Trade Association of Australia.
"The guide provides owners, managers and employees with up-todate information and practical advice on dealing with bullying in the workplace, flammable hazards, as well as young workers' safety, something that is key to the Motor Trade Association."
Contact Pro-Visual Publishing on (02) 8272 2611 or see www.provisual.com.au
De Beer training
De Beer Refinish Colour Course - 3 day
19, 20 & 21 July
22, 23 & 24 November
De Beer Refinish Water base - 2 day
21 & 22 June
18 & 19 October
De Beer Refinish Advanced - 2 day
19 & 20 April
16 & 17 August
De Beer Refinish Fleet - 2 day
17 & 18 May
13 & 14 September
Deletion of DuPont Refinish lead formulas
DuPont Refinish has deleted all lead-containing colour formulas from its colour tools such as CDs and websites.
Removing colour formulas containing what are now long-obsolete tinters will also avoid possible customer confusion.
If a distributor or end-user does have any residual stock of lead-containing paint, and wants to continue to have access to lead-containing colour formulas, DuPont recommend they retain their current colour formula CD.
For more information about the deletion of DuPont Refinish lead formulas, complete our online enquiry form or speak to your DuPont Refinish Distributor.
The government prohibited the manufacture and import of automotive and industrial paints containing lead on 1 January 2009.
Rees killed in freak addicent
Car-O-Liner Queensland manager Bob Rees has been killed in a freak accident.
Car-O-Liner managing director, Julie Thomas, posted the following on the company's web site.
"It is with abject grief that we notify you of the untimely death of our Queensland Manager Bob Rees.
"Bob was fatally injured in a freak accident today (16 February, 2010).
"I am sure you will join us in our condolences to Bob?s wife and young family, his extended family, his workmates and all who were privileged to know him.
"Here at Car-O-Liner we are like a family and losing Bob is like losing a family member."
Rees lived on the Gold Coast and was well known and respected in the industry in Queensland.
He worked as a panelbeater for 12 years before joining Car-O-Liner where he worked for 11 years.