Koura is preparing to introduce its R444A refrigerant as a long-awaited replacement for R1234yf in the United States automotive aftermarket. Initially developed over a decade ago as an alternative to R134a in vehicle air-conditioning systems, R444A will now be offered as a compatible and more affordable alternative to R1234yf. Like YF, R444A caries an A2L … Continue reading New R1234yf alternative to launch in US
VASA member TAFE Queensland is now offering the Certificate III in Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology apprenticeship, making Queensland the second state in Australia to provide apprenticeships focused on electrified vehicles. Emphasising the significance of equipping the automotive workforce with essential skills to meet increasing demand for EV maintenance and repair, TAFE Queensland CEO John Tucker … Continue reading Queensland TAFE’s EV training and apprenticeships off to a flying start
The Society of Automotive Engineers – Australasia (SAE-A) is now accepting assessment applications for Victoria’s Professional Engineers Registration Scheme (PERS). This approval was granted by the Business Licencing Authority (BLA), specifically in mechanical engineering. Victoria’s new mandatory registration scheme aims to ensure that engineers providing professional engineering services in the state of Victoria, or services … Continue reading SAE-A taking assessment applications for Victoria’s mandatory PERS ticket
Refrigerant manufacturer Honeywell, which co-developed R1234yf with Chemours, has filed an application with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeking approval for the use of YF as a retrofit refrigerant in R134a systems. This step, previously considered unlikely due to YF’s A2L mild flammability rating, was motivated by growing concern about the availability and … Continue reading R1234yf retrofits coming after all?
Australia is taking a step towards a greener future with the recent agreement between ReNu Energy subsidiary Countrywide Hydrogen and the Walkinshaw Automotive Group. Continue reading Walkinshaw partners with Countrywide Hydrogen plans for fuel cell truck conversion and production
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
