VASA is busily readying the first series of member-exclusive SightGlass Tech bulletins for their launch at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo in Melbourne, which will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from April 16th to April 18th. A lot of teamwork is going into producing this fantastic, ever expanding resource, including physical testing of … Continue reading Video: SightGlass Tech sneak preview
THE Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo, to be held in Melbourne from April 16th to 18th, is now just weeks away and promising to be a rich source of innovation, inspiration and education for visitors and exhibitors alike. A new products showcase will deliver the innovation aspect, with an area dedicated to all the best market … Continue reading Countdown to Auto Aftermarket Expo
A COURT case in Perth, Western Australia, provides a stark reminder of where exactly the buck stops when technicians or workshops are found to be negligent – and just how long these things take to get to court. Mechanic Paul De Beaux was fined $3000 plus $690 costs for “failing to ensure a gas installation … Continue reading Court case a reminder to stay away from HC refrigerant
Electric dreams without the look-at-me eco-warrior styling AUDI has come a long way in recent years, meaning dull-driving, rough-riding models are more the exception than the rule these days. For me, the most intriguing Audi is not one of the loony labrador-lugging RS wagons or even the raunchy R8 rocketship, it’s one of the German … Continue reading Quick drive in the Audi A3 e-tron
HISTORY was made on 15 December 2014 with the signing of an agreement that guarantees Australian independent repairers access to equivalent levels of service and repair information as dealership workshops. By ensuring the availability of information is not a barrier of entry to the automotive service and repair market, the agreement brings Australia into line … Continue reading Service and repair data sharing agreement signed
VASA members who are also members of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) are invited to enter the revamped and expanded biannual AAAA Awards competition that will conclude at the 2015 Automotive Aftermarket Expo in Melbourne next April. If your business involves manufacturing, re-manufacturing, wholesaling, distribution, mechanical repair and modification or parts, accessories, tools, equipment … Continue reading Australian Auto Aftermarket Awards back in 2015
AUSTRALIA’S Department of Environment has commissioned a study into end-of-life vehicles as a follow-up to its probe into end-of-life refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. Findings will feed into the upcoming Ozone Acts review and hopefully lead to better management of refrigerant in end-of-life vehicles both as statutory write-offs and in wrecking yards. Continue reading Department of Environment study into end-of-life vehicles
IF YOU thought the switch from R134a to R1234yf is the single biggest technical challenge the automotive air conditioning industry has to cope with in coming years, think again. Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler, which has rejected R1234yf on safety grounds, confirmed to VASA eNews that it is aiming to have systems using carbon dioxide refrigerant … Continue reading Multiple refrigerants inevitable in automotive
HYDROGEN as a fuel is becoming an increasingly serious prospect in the automotive industry, judging by Hyundai’s decision to import a hydrogen-powered ix35 to Australia this month and the number of hydrogen cars displayed at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show. The annual LA show traditionally has a green theme and this year was no … Continue reading Get ready for the hydrogen powered car
THE Federal Government’s Emissions Reduction Fund that replaces the Carbon Tax has passed Senate, but under conditions set by the Palmer United Party that an emissions trading scheme – a potential Carbon Tax mark II – remains on the table and the Climate Change Authority is retained. Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt said the $2.55 … Continue reading ERF green light keeps emissions trading scheme
