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Vale – Warren Smith

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

Warren Smith was a much loved and long serving member of the Victorian Dealer community and will be missed by many. After taking over the business following the tragic death of his father in 1960, Warren went on to build the Dealership, into one of the largest in Victoria. Renamed to Garry and Warren Smith in 1969, the business now represents multiple franchises in metropolitan Melbourne and through its shareholdings with Dealers in country Victoria.

Warren was widely regarded as a leader and innovator and dedicated many years to making the industry better for all through his role on Dealer committees and the Board of Management at the VACC.

Our condolences go to the Smith family and to Dale and Leigh Smith who continue to run the Dealership.

Vale – Adrian Brien

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

It is with sadness that we received the news that Adrian Brien, a valued member of the industry, passed away in early February.

With Adrian Brien Ford, he established one of Adelaide’s oldest and most respected Ford dealerships, located in St Marys since 1971. Starting off with Ford only, he later took on further franchises including Honda, Hyundai, Jeep and Chrysler.

For more than 25 years, Adrian was a long-time member of the Ford National Dealer Council (FNDC) and also chaired the organisation for several years. At the time, he was the longest serving Chairman on the FNDC in the world.

He and his fellow Ford Dealers represented the brand during its vintage years, including the years when Ford gained market leadership from General Motors Holden in the early 1980s.

Adrian will be missed. Our thoughts are with his wife Therese, son Marc and his three daughters, Julie, Andrea, and Lisa.

2021 OAM Receipients

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

We are proud that this year, two Dealers have been awarded an Order of Australia medal for their service to their community. It highlights the important role Dealers play in their community, not only as employers but also as sponsors and supporters of charity.

We congratulate Gregory Lauchlan Sanderson, Founder and Owner of Sandersons Motors, who has been awarded an OAM for his service to the community through philanthropic and fundraising roles. Amongst others, Mr Sanderson provided Smart Cars for the Community Outreach Medical Emergency Team (COMET). He is also a supporter of several fundraising bodies and events.

Our best wishes also go to Norman Samual Burton, managing director and owner of Maitland and Port Stephens Toyota and the Burton Automotive Group of businesses, who too has been recognised for his service to the community. Mr Burton has been a philanthropic supporter of events and organisations such as Surfest, Hunter Academy of Sport, Bay Area Board Riders, Maitland Rugby League, Maitland Soccer Club, Merewether Surf Club, Steamfest, Maitland Region Society of Artists and Cancer Council. He is also patron of East Maitland RSL Sub-Branch and East Maitland Rotary Club.

Automotive Dealer Issue 33

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

The quarterly updated and published December edition of the Automotive Dealer Magazine is now available and can be accessed online.

This edition is packed with news and features providing crucial information and opinions on key issues impacting Dealer organisations and profitability.

Download your copy today.

Download Magazine

AADA 2020 Moving Forward

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

AADA 2020 Moving Forward is just days away. Join us next Tuesday 10 & Wednesday 11 November for our first virtual convention event that will provide franchised dealers with a full and comprehensive program for every leader inside a dealership. Tailored sessions for service, used cars, digital marketing and HR will headline a comprehensive schedule of presentations. The AADA Workshop program includes 34 engaging sessions that will enlighten dealership managers in a market that needs to be looking to innovation and reinvention. The AADA Expo will provide dealers with a substantial display of the latest products and services from Australia and around the world.

AADA 2020 Moving Forward is FREE for dealership personnel and a modest fee of $159 for allied industries for a two day full pass. Register your team at www.aadaconvention.com.au and be a part of AADA 2020 Moving Forward.

Register Here

Window Tinting Information for Victoria

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

The Window Film Association of Australia and New Zealand (WFAANZ)  have provided us with a fact sheet explaining VLT (visible light transmission) regulations for window tints in Victoria. The fact sheet covers frequently asked questions and can help Dealers to clearly explain i.e. VLT limits, windscreens, privacy glass and reflectance to customers. The fact sheet can be downloaded below and more info is available on the VIC Roads website.

Regulations for for window tints can be quite confusing as they differ from state to state. “In July 2018 the Victorian Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2009 included a revision of the visible light transmission (VLT) allowance for Victorian light vehicles. Providing a compliant rear vision mirror is fitted to both sides of the vehicle, tinters can apply aftermarket film to the rear windows and back window to achieve 20% VLT.  This amendment aligns with model law maintained by the National Transport Commission. This only affects windows behind the driver, the VLT limit of the two front wind up windows remains at 35% VLT. Since this revision, all Australian States and Territories now have the same VLT regulations except the Northern Territory, which allows 15% VLT on rear windows,” explains Ally Cronan, President of the Window Film Association of Australia and New Zealand (WFAANZ).

DOWNLOAD FACTSHEET

2020 Federal Budget

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

The Federal Budget 2020-21 handed down this week, is an important step in driving the recovery in the automotive industry and the wider economy. The Government is encouraging businesses to invest and employ more people while bringing forward tax cuts.

Disappointingly, import tariffs and the luxury car taxes remain unchanged, though tariffs are scheduled to reduce significantly in 2022-23.

For more information download AADA’s 2020-21 Budget Briefing paper which provides a summary and brief explanation of the measures that are relevant for Dealers or visit the Government’s Budget Website.

AADA 2020-21 BUDGET BRIEFING

Automotive Dealer Issue 32

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

The quarterly updated and published July edition of the Automotive Dealer Magazine is now available and can be accessed online.

This edition is packed with news and features providing crucial information and opinions on key issues impacting Dealer organisations and profitability.

Download your copy today.

DOWNLOAD MAGAZINE

End of Year Funding for Women’s Leadership Development Available

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

End of year funding grants are currently available to women who work in the automotive sector to support their participation in a professional development program.

The fee support opportunity provides a scholarship of up to $5,000 for women to take part in one of three leadership courses.

The grants have been provisioned for use by women right across the country, with a specific focus on the automotive sector, but must be allocated by the end of 2020. The programs are suitable for junior managers right through to executive level women.

Expressions of Interest are being sourced until 4th December (unless allocated prior).

REGISTER HERE

Please join us at AADA 2020 Moving Forward

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

The COVID-19 pandemic has made large gatherings such as the annual AADA National Dealer Convention & Expo impossible to hold at this time, but that doesn’t mean AADA is not still going to provide an event for Dealers to learn from industry leaders and experts, and explore the latest strategies, products and services to drive their dealerships into the future.

It might feel like things are at a standstill at the moment, but in business as in life, we must keep moving forward, and that is the theme of the new virtual AADA Convention & Expo event to be held on Tuesday 10 & Wednesday 11 November 2020.

“AADA 2020 Moving Forward” is a totally online event – free for dealership personnel and with a modest fee for allied and other industry delegates – that will provide Dealers with all the benefits of our traditional annual Convention & Expo.

This unique and important event will deliver two days of elective activity for franchised dealership management in all key areas of operations, featuring live sessions and engaging content delivered by key industry speakers. Featured sessions will include discussion on COVID-19 business dynamics, franchise relations, the online environment, the pre-owned market, and an examination of the factors that connect with consumers in today’s digital world.

Designed to meet the challenges of today’s business and market circumstances, the “AADA 2020 Moving Forward” schedule of sessions covers all corners of the franchised Dealer business and the advocacy issues facing our industry. The schedule of events ensures that dealership leaders are able to select the sessions that cover their area of responsibility and interest, covering all bases and aspects of dealership operations.

The program will also include the Annual General Meeting of the Australian Automotive Dealer Association.

Now, and moving forward, consumers are utilising the convenience, time-saving, and wide range of options provided in the online environment. “AADA 2020 Moving Forward” provides Dealers and their staff with a golden opportunity, at no cost, with no travel, and minimal time invested, to take advantage of those conditions to benefit themselves, their staff and their dealerships, and come to grips with the new business paradigm.

There is no going back. There is only Moving Forward.

 

 

 

*Event registration is complimentary for Dealership attendees only.