Category: On the Street

New figures released has shown the US has experienced yet another year of aftermarket spending growth, this one will be their 17th consecutive year in a row. Despite the looming US economy currently getting flushed down the toilet at a rate of knots, an unprecedented $38.11 billion had been spent on after products posting a 3.78% increase on the previous year.

SEMA Vice President of Market Research and Information Jim Spoonhower had commented on the 41 page report and noticed that the increase was not as big as most were expecting.

“As we look over the recorded history of industry numbers, we find only three periods of soft sales growth,” said Spoonhower.

“The first was in 1991, when the industry was hit doubly hard by a soft economy and the first Gulf War. The second came 10 years later in 2001 when the industry saw an increase of less than 4%. We’re now entering our third period of soft sales, with an increase of 3.78%—a smaller increase compared to what the industry is used to.”

While America seems to being hit hardest by their dwindling economy, it’s the Australian vehicle laws which will be effecting Australian aftermarket industry growth. Tighter restrictions of exhaust noise limits and P-plate vehicle restrictions are sending shockwaves through aftermarket retail and fitting outlets causing many workshops to simply shut shop and walk away.

Category: Weird and Wacky

A honeymooning couple has embarked on a journey around Australia in their trusty diesel Landcruiser, but this is no ordinary trip. The Landercruiser, which is started on regular diesel is promptly switched over to an alternative fuel source once things warm up a little. The alternative fuel source? Used cooking oil!

The couple claim that 180 litres of uses cooking oil can get about 900km of driving out of the old girl, but it is a little difficult in getting locals to hand over used cooking oil.

"Haven't had any problems with the car at all, it runs just as good on veg oil as it does on diesel," said honeymooner Gerald Mimmo.

"The challenge is collecting the oil, a lot of people say no, you've just got to keep going," he said.
"People just might be skeptical and not sure — if someone off the street asked them for oil, they're wondering what are these people really filling?"

The couple plan to make it back to Sydney by Christmas to celebrate the journey with family but for now the next stop is Sapphire to collect a HF radio for communications out in the bush. If only they made 98RON premium cooking oil…

Category: On the Street

The VACC has acknowledged the increasing price of petrol is based on a world wide oil market, but they have stated a few areas to tackle that if done immediately, will ad some relief at the pump for road going users.

The first area of attack is the competition, or lack of it, amongst oil companies. The “Comfortable oligopoly” as the ACCC puts it, is a key area which needs to be addressed and broken. Independent service stations cannot buy fuel at fair and competitive prices at the Terminal Gate (TGP) and are placed solely in the hands of the oil companies. The TGP must be based on current and correct data and be made available to public. VACC has suspected in the past that imported fuel from Singapore was based on 95RON rather than the correct 91RON, scaling the price up even further.

Adding to an increased monopoly among local sellers is predatory pricing attempts put forth by oil companies through their supermarket partners. This practice is further scaling smaller fuel outlets out and increasing the monopoly made by the oil companies. The VACC also suggests that the shopper docket con must be exposed through the use of media to make buyers beware the so called ‘savings’ do not exist.

“World parity pricing must be reviewed” according to the VACC. Market speculators are believed to be responsible for pushing crude oil into record prices and parity pricing structure must be investigated.

“VACC is concerned that there are few answers coming from Canberra. Where then, motorists might ask, is a considered resolution going to come from?” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.

“While VACC acknowledges that the prime reason for rampant pump prices is the rising cost of oil on world markets, there are certain obvious measures, which if taken immediately, would go some way to reducing costs for road-users,” he said.

“VACC agrees with the Prime Minister’s assertion that there is “no silver bullet” to solve the high fuel prices. However, we can’t simply throw our hands up.

“Australians, Australian business, and the economy, relies very heavily on road transport. We must take some creative solutions if the price of fuel is not to cripple the country.”

Category: Ford News

FPV have announced the new appointment of Anthony Botta to fresh role of Sales Operation Manager.

Rod Barrett, FPV’s General Manager, is pleased at the new role and is positive Anthony will move FPV into exciting new territory.

“I am delighted to welcome Anthony as the new Sales Operation Manager of FPV. This appointment reflects FPV’s commitment to further development of its Sales strategy. Anthony brings to the position a wealth of expertise at a key point in FPV’s evolution.”