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VASA president Brett Meads is presenting a three-part TaT webinar series called Essential Mobile AC Principles, with a substantial discount for VASA members. The first part, Heat exchange and change of state has already taken place but part two (Sub-cooling and super-heating in an AC system) and part three (A multi-refrigerant fleet) respectively take place Continue reading Still time to catch Brett Meads webinars

Supermarket chain Woolworths has placed an order for 25 Foton T5 electric refrigerated trucks and two more made by SAIC to start electrifying its groceries home delivery fleet in Sydney, operating out of the Mascot and Caringbah Customer Fulfilment Centres as they have the required charging infrastructure. The Chinese-made Foton and SAIC trucks are fitted Continue reading E-trucks make Woolies the ‘green’ grocer

Cement Australia has been awarded a grant from the $5 million Commercial Sector Innovation Fund (CSIF) to lease 24 batteries and equip six diesel prime movers in its Melbourne fleet with electric drivetrains and batteries, giving them a range of more than 200 kilometres on a single charge. The company has been pioneering the use Continue reading More electric trucks for Cement Australia

Toyota has partnered with mining equipment manufacturer Komatsu to develop an autonomous light vehicle (ALV) based on the HiLux ute and specifically designed for mining operations, with the first trial at an operational mine site starting early next year. Komatsu’s Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) will be adapted for the HiLux, comprising advanced sensors, cameras, radar, Continue reading Self-driving HiLux heads to the mines

In response to the critical skills shortage in the automotive industry, The Motor Traders’ Association of NSW (MTA NSW) is calling on the NSW government to explore alternative options for apprenticeship training. Despite low unemployment rates, the industry continues to face a severe shortage of skilled workers, making immediate government action crucial. The NSW Treasurer’s Continue reading MTA NSW looks beyond apprenticeships

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) and its Auto Innovation Centre (AIC) facility are gearing up for the electric vehicle (EV) revolution with the launch of a new initiative in collaboration with the Victorian Government’s ZEV Commercial Sector Innovation Fund. As part of this collaboration, a Ford F-150 Lightning electric ute – the only commercially Continue reading AIC readying aftermarket EV support

Zenvo Automotive, the Danish hypercar maker known for its aerodynamically striking vehicles such as the TSR-S, which featured an innovative pivoting centripetal wing, recently revealed its collaboration with Mahle’s powertrain division to develop a bespoke V12 engine that promises to be the most powerful road-going V12 ever created. At the heart of the Zenvo Aurora Continue reading Bonkers V12 quad turbo hybrid!

A coalition of automotive industry leaders in New Zealand and the AAAA have joined forces to push for NZ to introduce mandatory automotive repair information-sharing laws similar to those now in force in Australia. The NZ Choice of Repairer campaign is aiming to raise awareness and garner support for this matter with New Zealand’s parliament Continue reading Choice of Repairer campaign goes to NZ

This year’s New Zealand OEX Grant Hand training takes place from September 23-26 September in Auckland and September 29-October 2 in Christchurch. Courses on offer comprise Fundamentals of Automotive Air-conditioning (basic course), Analysis of Automotive Air-conditioning Systems (advanced diagnostic course) and Earthmoving & Agricultural Air-conditioning Systems. All courses cost $NZ595 + GST and run for Continue reading Upcoming OEX Grant Hand training in NZ

EPA HQ

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a reduction target for HFC refrigerants, aiming for a 40 per cent decrease below historic levels from 2024 to 2028. This EPA regulation aligns with the goals of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which seeks to reduce HFC production and consumption by 85 per cent Continue reading USA Commits to 40 per cent HFC cut between 2024 and 2028