Author: Haitham Razagui

There is no doubt that refrigerant-based thermal management of electrified drive systems and batteries will place those with strong knowledge and skills in mobile air-conditioning and auto-electrical systems at the forefront of the sector in years to come. The accelerating adoption of this thermal control method for critical systems in vehicles also highlights the importance Continue reading Precise refrigerant charge essential to maximise EV range: Study

ASA welcomes the upcoming replacement of controversial Unit of Competency AURETU005 “Retrofit and modify air conditioning and HVAC systems” as part of a broader update to the Automotive Retail, Service and Repair (AUR) Training Package due to concerns raised by this organisation and other industry groups. Continue reading Common sense prevails in change to HC retrofit requirements within AUR Training Package

The Australian Federal Government has announced plans that will enable tradespeople with a state government occupational licence could have their licence automatically recognised in all states and territories from 1 January 2021. It is proposed that individual tradespeople with an occupational licence in one Australian jurisdiction will automatically be able to take equivalent work in Continue reading Automatic cross-border trades licensing recognition finally on the horizon for Australia

Christopher Mullett

Transport industry publisher and journalist Christopher Mullett unexpectedly passed away this month due to complications from routine surgery. He founded the Motoring Matters Magazine Group, which operates the successful PowerTorque and Delivery titles, aimed respectively at the heavy truck and light commercial vehicle sectors. ECOcar magazine was also among the Motoring Maters stable for 20 Continue reading Vale Christopher Mullett: Publisher and journalist

The below information applies to businesses in metropolitan Melbourne areas affected by the Stage 4 lockdown. It has been interpreted from publicly available information and advice compiled by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA). Please call Business Victoria on 13 22 15 if unsure about your situation. Note: Full COVID-19 resources in the VASA members Continue reading Stage 4 lockdown advice for automotive businesses in Melbourne

JobKeeper Payment

The Australian Government’s JobKeeper support package has been extended to March 28 2021, with a few catches, while the Apprentice Wage Subsidy has been extended and broadened to include medium-sized businesses with up to 199 employees. JobKeeper eligibility tests requiring businesses to demonstrate ongoing impacts to their turnover will continue each quarter and the payouts Continue reading Australian Government updates support packages from September 2020 onwards

The New South Wales Government is inviting submissions into its review of the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act that regulates the state’s automotive industry. In addition to providing a regulatory framework for motor dealers, recyclers, repairers and related trades plus standards of conduct and obligations for licensees, the Act contains compliance and enforcement mechanisms and Continue reading NSW workshops invited to provide feedback on Motor Dealers and Repairers Act review

Driver wearing mask

Those venturing out of home in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire face a $200 fine for not wearing a protective mask. This includes employees in the workplace unless a lawful exemption or reason applies. Advice from the Victorian government is that employers ensure their employees wear face coverings while they are working, unless lawfully exempt. Continue reading Masks mandatory in Melbourne & Mitchell Shire: Your obligations in the workplace

AAAA Autocare

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has cancelled this year’s Autocare 2020 event, which was to take place during late October at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. AAAA had already postponed the event from June to October due to the COVID-19 outbreak but ongoing safety concerns and travel impacts forced the association to pull the Continue reading Autocare Brisbane cancelled