Warracknabeal Herald » Motoring

All new Veloster Turbo heats up Hyundai’s crossover

superadmin — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:04:13 +0000

The Hyundai Veloster‘s unique design and exceptional package has become an instant success in Australia and now the naturally aspirated Veloster range is joined by the all-new Veloster SR Turbocharged version delivering enhanced levels of performance and specification.
Designed at Hyundai’s Namyang R&D Centre in Korea, the Veloster range challenges conventional sports car design theories with the introduction of the game-changing 2+1 door concept, which offers a unique forward-hinged third door located on the passenger side for easy rear-seat access with a single door on the driver’s side.
The Veloster SR Turbo adds some spice to the affordable sports car market. Powered by the all-new Gamma 1.6-litre four-cylinder twin-scroll Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDI) engine, the Veloster SR Turbo delivers 46 percent more peak power (150 kW @ 6000 rpm) and 60% more maximum torque (265Nm @ 1750 – 4500 rpm) than the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre GDI engine found in the Veloster and Veloster + models. The Veloster SR Turbo is available with the option of a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed automatic transmission, the latter fitted with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
With manufacturer’s list pricing starting at $31,990, the Veloster SR Turbo balances performance and practicality with affordability.
2+1 door concept
The Veloster range combines the style of a coupe and the functionality of a hatchback, while incorporating an additional kerb-side door. Hyundai’s unique design implements a conventionally hinged rear (third) door on the kerb-side of the Veloster, providing safe and ready access to the surprisingly spacious rear seats. The kerb-side rear door handle is hidden to maintain an uncompromised visual flow.
Styling
Veloster SR Turbo takes the unique design concept one step further with sports inspired exterior modifications, providing a more potent visual identity. The front, dominated by a large hexagonal grille is balanced with round front fog lamps and projector beam headlamps with daytime running lights, making an aggressive statement. It also features 18” alloy wheels with chrome inserts, married to low profile tyres, bookend distinctive sculpted side skirts.
In-cabin environment
The Veloster SR Turbo’s powerful exterior is echoed in its cabin treatment. The centre console stack, finished with a modern metallic look, becomes the focal point and houses the latest in multimedia technology, providing an exceptional entertainment experience from its multi-functional 7-inch LCD touchscreen.
The new seating trim includes leather/leatherette front sports bucket seating featuring a distinctive turbo-embroidered embellishment, with power driver’s seat incorporating lumbar support to ensure outstanding levels of comfort.
Meanwhile driver and passenger comfort is enhanced with height adjustable front active head restraints, height adjustable rear head restraints and climate control air conditioning.
The Supervision instrument cluster, features Hyundai’s signature blue back-lighting, provides greater clarity for the driver while a large centre display provides a plethora of vehicle operation and trip information, including trip computer with instant and average fuel consumption, distance to empty, trip distance, average speed, elapsed time readout and tyre pressure monitoring system.
All driver management systems, including audio, phone, trip computer and cruise control, are operated with steering wheel mounted finger-tip convenience. Paddle-shift transmission controls, for enthusiasts who enjoy sport-style manual gear selection, are standard on the automatic variant.
A striking two-piece panorama glass roof features in the Veloster SR Turbo’s light and airy interior cabin.
7” entertainment
Encompassing the latest in multimedia technology, the Veloster SR Turbo delivers a premium in-car entertainment experience from its multi-functional and easy to use 7” LCD touchscreen.
The Veloster SR Turbo introduces Hyundai’s state-of-the-art satellite navigation system. Incorporating SUNA live traffic updates, lane guidance, junction views, speed limits, speed warnings and camera alerts, the system allows the driver to take command of the road and enjoy driving.
The premium audio system incorporates an in-dash MP3 CD player and AM/FM radio tuner, four speakers, a centre speaker, two tweeters and a subwoofer all powered by an external amplifier.
Engine performance
The cleverly integrated twin-scroll turbine housing and exhaust manifold, when combined with direct injection, results in near-instantaneous power delivery, minimal turbo lag, and usable low-end torque from the 1.6-litre four-cylinder twin-scroll Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDI) engine.
A twin-scroll turbo recovers even more energy from the exhaust than a single-scroll turbocharger, due to a divided manifold. The twin-scroll design separates the cylinders whose exhaust gas pulses interfere with each other, resulting in improved pressure distribution in the exhaust ports and a more efficient delivery of exhaust gas energy to the turbocharger’s turbine.
The twin-scroll turbocharger design has several other advantages over traditional, single-scroll turbocharging systems.
The Veloster’s twin-scroll turbo has superior handling of exhaust gas separation at the turbine leading to improved low-end torque and faster transient torque response.
The Veloster SR Turbo delivers 46% more peak power (150 kW @ 6000 rpm) and 60% more maximum torque (265Nm @ 1750 – 4500 rpm) than the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre GDI engine found in the Veloster and Veloster + models.
Transmissions
Veloster SR Turbo is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission, with both transmissions being developed in-house by Hyundai.
The six-speed automatic transmission option with steering wheel mounted paddle shifter controls is used in place of the naturally aspirated Veloster’s dual clutch transmission. This is due to the increased torque output from the 1.6-litre T-GDI engine. The Veloster SR Turbo’s automatic transmission has been carefully mapped to ensure rapid acceleration from standstill and fast, smooth changes on the move.
Braking
The Veloster SR Turbo braking performance has been increased, thanks to a 20mm increase in the diameter of the front brake discs (to 300 mm) and a 5mm increase in width, with four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), including Brake Assist to provide maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to automatically adjust the braking force between front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions.
• CONT. PAGE 11

Advanced safety technology
The Veloster SR Turbo achieves the maximum 5-star ANCAP safety rating to ensure maximum protection for occupants.
Active safety is augmented with the use of Hyundai’s innovative Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, which integrates the Motor Driven Power System (MDPS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the Traction Control System (TCS) to provide enhanced directional stability.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist System (BAS) are also standard.
The Veloster SR Turbo features a full host of advanced passive safety features; including six airbags as standard; including driver and front passenger, driver and front passenger side (thorax) and full-length curtain airbags, height adjustable front active head restraints, load limiters and height adjustable front seat belts.
For parking with safety and ease, the Veloster SR Turbo is fitted as standard with a reverse camera built into the tailgate handle. Images from the camera are relayed into the 7” centre console LCD screen for the driver’s convenience.
A rear park assist system is standard on the Veloster SR Turbo. It operates when parking or manoeuvring the vehicle in confined spaces. Parking sensors mounted on the rear bumper enhance safety by sounding an audible alarm when an obstacle is detected.
The Veloster SR Turbo is protected by a security system which includes; central locking, engine immobiliser, Hyundai Active Locking Operation (HALO) including speed sensing auto door locking, auto-door unlock and inside door unlock function, impact sensing door unlock system and keyless entry with alarm.
Warranty and roadside assistance
The all-new Veloster SR Turbo comes with Australia’s first 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, which is fully transferrable to subsequent owners, helping protect the Veloster SR Turbo’s resale value.
Outstanding peace of mind is further assured through the provision of up to 7-years complimentary roadside assist via Hyundai iCare.
The stunning new ‘pocket rocket’, Veloster is now on display at Morrow Hyundai. Take a look at it and see if you can con the sales team into a test drive, it will be worth your while.

• Morrow Motor Group’s Gavin Morrow highlights the new Veloster SR Turbo’s panorama roof which is on display now.

Business as usual for new owner

superadmin — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:05:05 +0000

AFTER working in the same premises for more than 20 years as an employee, Bill McFarline has now taken ownership of Brunt Truck Repairs.
As of November 1 Mr McFarline took over the business from Gary Brunt who had successfully operated it for more than 20 years.
Mr McFarline started working at the company when it was situated in Jamouneau-st before the new shed was built on the Henty-Hwy.
Offering truck repairs on all types of trucks and trailers, they are also parts and service dealers for Western Star, Man, Scania and Caterpillar.
Mr McFarline said they offer electronic engine communication and diagnostics repairs to all trucks.
With a team of four fully qualified mechanics and a second year apprentice, no job is too big or small for the team to deal with.
They offer a full range of truck and trailer parts and, if they don’t have the item in stock, it can be ordered and is usually delivered overnight.
Mr McFarline said Gary Brunt wanted to thank all his valued clients for their support during his many years in business.
Located on the corner of Henty-Hwy and Gardiner-st Mr McFarline said nothing would change for Brunt Truck Repair customers: “It will be business as usual for all our valued clients”.

• SERVE: Bill McFarline took over ownership of Brunt Truck Repairs on November 1 and looks forward to continuing to serve customers he has been working with for 20 years.

Field days, first look at new Mazda CX-5 – try it for size

superadmin — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 23:55:51 +0000

Mazda’s presence in the SUV segment began in 2001 with the launch of the highly successful Tribute. It quickly became a favourite with Australian buyers snapping up nearly 35,000 in seven years.
The next Mazda challenger in the segment was the CX-7. Launched in late 2006, the CX-7 was a sportier proposition than the Tribute but also continued to offer the flexibility SUV buyers were looking for. A facelift in 2009 heralded the introduction of two new engines and this further increased the demand for the CX-7 with it rising to become one of Australia’s best selling compact SUV’s in the last years of its lifecycle.
The all new CX-5 builds on these nameplates but does so, as its name suggests, as a totally new vehicle from the ground up. Being the first Mazda to adopt the company’s “Soul of Motion” design theme, the CX-5’s new front face with its powerful and well proportioned stance is perhaps one of its most noticeable traits.
The CX-5’s qualities are, however, much more than just good looks with new SKYACTIV technology adopted throughout. New petrol and diesel engines, new manual and automatic transmissions, new body and chassis all contribute to class-leading dynamics, fuel efficiency and safety.
Offering a mix of style, safety and value, the CX-5 presents buyers with a compelling choice and is expected to become one of Australia’s leading SUVs.
The Mazda CX-5 will be the first new entrant into the newly-classified medium SUV segment and with SUV buyers typically requiring ample space for a wide variety of uses, Mazda has designed the CX-5 to fit perfectly with busy lifestyles.
An overall length of 4,540mm and an overall width of 1,840mm ensures that the CX-5 offers an appropriate combination of passenger comfort and luggage space.
Rear seat passengers will experience an increase in legroom of 72mm over the popular CX-7 while headroom and cargo volume have also increased.
The footprint of the all-new CX-5 is larger than first impressions might suggest with its overall dimensions of 8.4sqm being bigger than Australia’s four best-selling compact SUVs of 2011.
With the CX-5 being built on an entirely new platform designed to incorporate Mazda’s new SKYACTIV technology, smarter interior packaging and sharp exterior design is complemented by improved fuel efficiency and enhanced driving dynamics from new petrol and diesel engines, new manual and automatic transmissions, lighter chassis and a stronger body.
Available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the new CX-5 range will provide the right alternative whether it’s for city driving or weekends away in the country.
All-New CX-5 Range
With three grade models available, Maxx, Maxx Sport and Grand Touring, buyers have a wide choice while the combination of the new SKYACTIV-Chassis and SKYACTIV-body makes for a more nimble driving experience but also provides improved safety, and every model across the CX-5 range comes standard with the highest level of safety features including six SRS Airbags, DSC, ABS, EBD, plus reverse camera.
Solid, mature interior design reflects the CX-5’s refined sportiness while new lightweight seats deliver superb support and grip along with outstanding long-distance comfort, optimised wheelbase of 2,700 mm enables a spacious cabin in which four adults can relax and travel in comfort.
The rear cargo space is designed with minimal protrusions and with a volume of 403 litres (up to tonneau cover) and expandable to 1,560 litres of flat cargo space with rear seats folded and low liftgate and large boot opening for easy loading.
It boasts generous stowage capacity, including a large open space in the centre console and pockets in the trim of each door able to hold a 1-litre bottle.
Equipment
High-connectivity infotainment features include a 5.8-inch touchscreen positioned above the centre console in an ergonomic high position, – USB and Bluetooth connections as well as iPod playback (incl. onscreen music information) and AUX jack as standard, and features a Mazda satellite navigation system based on TomTom technology with live updates and premium 9-speaker BOSE surround sound system designed exclusively for the CX-5.
The all new CX-5 also features improved climate control system, which Mazda claim to be one of the best cooling systems in class despite reduced weight and power requirements, and a fully integrated rear view camera is fitted across all models.
Powertrains
Mazda’s all-new range of high-efficiency SKYACTIV powertrains includes two new engines and two new transmissions. All come standard with Mazda’s advanced i-stop system while the 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G direct injection petrol engine features a 13:1 compression ratio, specially designed 4-2-1 exhaust system and compatibility with regular unleaded fuel.
Output for the petrol version is FWD: 114kW @ 6,000rpm & 200Nm at 4,000rpm and AWD is 113kW @ 6,000rpm & 198Nm at 4,000rpm
Fuel consumption (combined), FWD is 6.4 litres per 100km & 149 g/km (MT) / 148 g/km (AT) while AWD is 6.9 litres per 100km & 160 g/km (AT)
The 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D common-rail diesel features a 14:1 compression ratio (world’s lowest) with a two-stage turbocharger while output of the diesel AWD is 129kW @ 4,500 rpm & 420Nm at 2,000 rpm. Fuel consumption (combined) AWD is 5.7 litres per 100km & 149 g/km
Safety
Availability of advanced active safety equipment includes several firsts for the segment in Australia with lane departure warning (LDW) system which alerts driver of unintended lane changes and a blind spot monitoring (BSM) system which detects and warns the driver of cars approaching from behind in adjacent lanes
Another first is the beam control system (HBC) automatically changes between high and low beam to avoid blinding other motorists.
Marketing
Mazda’s new CX-5 is not about wanting an off-roader; but about seeking the perfect balance between functionality (but not too big), dynamic style and fun to drive characteristics. From their knowledge of the rest of the market, they expect there will be a trade-off when they buy a compact SUV – space and function versus “driveability”, fuel economy and good looks.
The CX-5 provides an appealing proposition without any compromise.

• FIELD DAYS FIRST: Visitors to the Wimmera Field Days had the first opportunity to view the all new Mazda CX-5 at the Morrow Mazda site. The first Mazda CX-5 has been sold to a Warracknabeal client. The Morrow Mazda team of Rachael Toddman, Gavin Morrow and Noel Zerbst proudly display their much awaited new arrival just in time for the field days.

TAC seatbelt campaign wins 40 years on

superadmin — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 23:31:01 +0000

A Transport Accident Commission campaign, which reminded Victorians about the importance of wearing a seatbelt, has won an Australasian Sponsorship Award.
Announced in Sydney recently, the Seatbelts Campaign was honoured in the Best Cause-Related Sponsorship category.
The campaign, which ran in August last year and concluded with the AFL’s Road Safety Round, marked the 40 th anniversary of the introduction of compulsory seatbelts in Victoria.
The TAC designed the campaign to increase compliance, save lives, and reinforce the importance to both drivers and passengers of wearing a seatbelt at all times.
Essendon Football Club’s ruckman David Hille was the face of the campaign, which also saw his team, Melbourne Victory, TAC Cup and VFL teams change their traditional playing strips for the first time to feature a seatbelt.
Mr Hille and Melbourne Victory star Adrian Leijer also featured in advertising, where the key message was; “Belt up or suffer the pain”.
TAC Senior Manager of Road Safety and Marketing, John Thompson, was thrilled to win the national award and hoped the campaign resonated with all Victorian motorists.
“While it is always pleasing to be recognised, what’s more important for us is that Victorians saw this campaign and remembered to wear their seatbelt,” Mr Thompson.
“We designed this campaign to highlight the success of the seatbelt legislation, honour the Victorians who introduced it, and recognise the impact it has made in saving thousands of lives”, he said.
Research shows in the event of a crash, wearing a seatbelt reduces the probability of being killed by 40-50 percent for drivers and front seat passengers, and 25 percent for rear seat passengers.
“But still, a quarter of drivers and passengers killed in Victoria each year are not restrained properly, that’s about 50 people per year,” Mr Thompson said.
In addition to the involvement of the AFL, A-League, AFL Victoria and TAC Cup, during the campaign the TAC re-ran three memorable seatbelt commercials on television and produced broadcast and print advertisements which featured the line “40 years’ ago, something clicked.”
To win the award, the TAC beat three other finalists including the National Australia Bank, NRMA, and South Australia’s Motor Accident Commission.

Taking performance to new heights

superadmin — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 23:30:36 +0000

Mazda has released details of the powertrain line-up for the All-New BT-50 demonstrating that it will be one of the most powerful utilities ever to hit Australian showrooms … and is due to be released in two weeks time.
Two new advanced diesel engines, both offering significant increases in power and torque with improved fuel efficiency, will ensure the All-New Mazda BT-50 has the grunt to handle even the toughest tasks.
The headline act for the All-New BT-50 range is the new MZ-CD 3.2 litre diesel engine, in-line 5-cylinder configuration, delivering a massive 470Nm of torque and 147kW of power. This represents a 24 percent increase in torque while power is up by 28 percent over the current BT-50’s 3.0 litre diesel engine.
The adoption of a new high-pressure fuel system combined with advanced turbocharging ensures the 3.2 litre diesel engine delivers a more refined and responsive drive.
These refinements also help to ensure that the new MZ-CD 3.2 litre diesel will be more fuel eficient than the 3.0 litre diesel engine it replaces.
The new 3.2 litre engine will be mated to a choice of new six-speed transmissions, in either manual or automatic guise. Both new transmissions have been developed to exhibit low levels of noise, vibration and harshness making for a smoother and quieter ride.
Also joining the All-New BT-50 line-up is a new MZ-CD 2.2 litre diesel engine which has been designed to further improve efficiency while delivering an impressive 375 Nm of torque and 110 kW of power. When compared with the current BT-50’s 2.5 litre diesel engine, this represents a 14 per cent increase in torque and a 5 percent increase in power. Fuel economy is also improved.
Both new powertrains have been developed to ensure the All-New BT-50 delivers towing capacities never before seen on this type of vehicle. The 3.2 litre engine with either manual or automatic transmission will be capable of towing up to a huge 3350kg, delivering a 350kg increase over the current model.
The 2.2 litre engine offers a highly competitive 2,500kg maximum towing capacity, an increase of 250kg over the current 2.5 litre model.
Morrow Mazda dealer principal, Gavin Morrow said: “Utility buyers demand performance from their vehicle and there’s no doubt that the All-New BT-50’s new range of advanced diesel engines will provide just that. Not only will these engines make for a more refined and responsive driving experience but customers will really notice the benefit during common scenarios such as towing or driving with heavy loads.”

• SHOW CHAT: Morrow Motors representative Wade Morrow chats with A & P Society president Ken Goodwin about the forthcoming release of the all new Mazda BT50 at last week’s Warracknabeal Show.

Big race meeting planned after long break

superadmin — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 05:38:15 +0000

Wimmera Offstreet Drag Racing Club is currently gearing up for its first dedicated drag race meeting in nearly 18 months.
Due to the home of the drag club racetrack, the Warracknabeal Aerodrome being dedicated to aerial spraying of locusts last October, and hence being unable to be used for racing the meeting had to be cancelled.
This year the club has hosted a number of successful burnout competitions, so the September drag race meeting will be the first to be run for quite some time.
Club president Brendan Rosser said, “competitors have been getting anxious to race for quite a while (including myself) so we expect to see some pretty enthusiastic competition and quite a few cars from across the state, if the weather is kind to us.”
“We’ve been doing quite a bit of track preparation and equipment work, preparing the racing launch pad to be as sticky as possible for super fast launches and have rectified a few transition bumps to give maximum traction possible. We certainly hope to see lots of competitors in all classes from four and six cylinder, turbo’s and v8’s out to win on the day,” Mr Rosser said.
“From a spectator point of view the meeting being held a little earlier on September 18, and we hope therefore that the weather won’t be overly hot for either the racers or the spectators as we had seen some meetings where the ambient temperature was over 45c. We’ll have plenty of seating available on the grandstand and the event is fully catered with plenty to see and do for all concerned, Mr Rosser said.
“We aim to cater for the whole family and make entry prices and catering as affordable as possible. It really is quite a spectacle to see high performance race-cars smoking them off the line over the eight mile race distance, and if that isn’t enough there will also be a burnout competitions at the end of the day after the racing is finished,” he said.
Wimmera Offstreet Drag Racing members conduct a number of events during the year, including burnout out comps, club days and test-n-tune days with funds raised assisting children and their families suffering from cancer with accommodation, transport and other needs during treatment.
Competitors can enter in advance by contacting the numbers advertised or go to the club website at www.wimmeradrags.com.au

• BOUNCER: This super high performance V8 powered, Ford Escort certainly suffered a fair degree of torque twist in the chassis during the last drags meet.

An All-Time Record for Hyundai

superadmin — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:45:56 +0000

Hyundai Motor Company Australia has recorded its best-ever monthly sales result since the company was founded in September 2003.
Hyundai finished in fifth position overall with 8,534 sales achieving a market share of 8.9%. The sales result saw an increase of 6 percent June 2011 v. June 2010 in a market which was down -12 percent over the same period.
In passenger car sales, HMCA ranked third for the month with 6,253 vehicles sold and a market share of 11.5%.
In another all-time record month, ix35 posted its best-ever monthly sales result since launching, with 1,162 vehicles sold. i45 ranked in third place in the medium segment with 513 sales; and the run-out Getz again achieved second position in the light car segment with 1,524 units sold. iMax finished the month with 192 units sold.
Meanwhile, the multi-award winning Hyundai iLoad van range once again placed first in the van segment with its best-ever monthly sales result since launching for both the month with 705 units sold and year-to-date with 3,265 units sold. iLoad achieved a market share of 30.3% in June.
“Hyundai’s growth in the Australian automotive market and particularly in the passenger car market demonstrates consumers’ desire for affordable, stylish, safe and quality focused vehicles,” said Gavin Morrow, from Morrow Hyundai. “We hope to see this growth maintained with the upcoming launch of our all-new models, Accent and i40 Tourer over the coming few months.”
Overall sales figures show Hyundai Motor Company has seen an overall increase in global sales of 12.3 percent rising from 313,579 in June 2010 to 352.255 in June 2011. Its domestic sales also increased by 22.9 from June 2011 to June 2010.

• WINNER: Morrow Hyundai dealer principal, Gavin Morrow shows Brim residents Bill Murray and Paul Basenden the new Hyundai iX35 at last weeks Mallee Machinery Field Days. Hyundai have achieved an all time outstanding sales record for the last year with their range.

Cox’s develop and extend

superadmin — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:10:42 +0000

Warracknabeal based automotive service centre SP and AJ Cox Mechanical Repairs have just extended their service capabilities with the appointment of two highly qualified and experienced automotive technicians.
Former Warracknabeal resident David Evans 32, has returned to the fold joining Shane and Angie Cox and their team this week while another experienced technician from Sri Lanka, Hiran Fernando 30 (Affectionately known as Harry) will join the team shortly.
Mr Cox said, “I’m delighted to able to engage two such highly experienced technicians to our team and believe they will add to our service and repair capabilities quite substantially.”
The Cox’s also have expansion plans in mind for the extension of their service area in the near future to enable them to cater more effectively for the their increased capabilities.
David Evans born and bred in Warracknabeal, the son of Tom and Bernadette Evans, entered the automotive service industry as an apprentice at Hopetoun Motors where he gained extensive experience working with both Holden and Toyota for over seven years.
He then transferred to Melbourne City Motors working with Hyundai and Kia for nearly three years before joining Wilson and Bolton gaining experience with Holden again as well as Mitsubishi and Honda until just recently.
Mr Cox said, “ David has an extensive knowledge of the industry and brings with him a wealth of experience, he has had dozens of apprentices train under his guidance and is also a member of the Holden Technicians Guild.”
Soon to arrive at Cox’s service centre is another highly experienced technician from Sri Lanka.
Hiran Fernando after emigrating from Sri Lanka has worked in Melbourne for the last four and a half years with and automotive engineering and service centre.
Mr Fernando will bring his wife Sweeni with him when they relocate to Warracknabeal and Sweeni will also be seeking employment with a background in retailing.
Angie Cox said, “Hiran will bring with him experience with light commercial and four wheel drive vehicles and engine and transmission skills. He has good qualifications with a certificate three in automotive and mechanical service as well as a certificate four in business management.”
“We are now in the midst of growing our business and together with planned extensions to our service centre have been upgrading much of our specialty equipment and service tools including a recent upgrade to our specialty engine management system (ECU) “Scantool.”
“Of course with this sort of experience we can competently service and repair all makes and models and can perform factory scheduled servicing. We are also accredited RACV agents and licensed LeasePlan, Caltex Star Fleet and V/Line agents for the district as well,” Mr Cox said.
“I believe the addition of our two new technicians will be a valuable advancement to our business and will be of great assistance to our truck and tractor, heavy vehicle service team as well”, Mr Cox said.

Hiran Fernando and Shane Cox

[caption id="attachment_642" align="alignnone" width="335" caption="Shane Cox and david evans"][/caption]

Smorgasbord of motoring muscle in action

superadmin — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 03:23:56 +0000

Ford Mustang and FPR GTO, Porsche, Audi, Nissan GTR, BMW, Fraser Clubman hill climber, Lancer EVO, Subaru WRX, many of the great racing Marques were at the Warracknabeal Aerodrome on Sunday to play.
Hosted by the Wimmera Offstreet Drag Racing Club for lunch, 45 cars and well over 100 competitors and marshals arrived at the club’s race track to participate in a series of hot competitions based around the WOSDRC launch pad, eighth mile drag strip and the aerodrome runway proper.
Competition was on for young and old as the competitors took the event seriously enough to be torturing tyres, squealing under high speed cornering and braking during the various competitions.
Drivers, assisted by their navigators, raced against other teams in timed events which included a “Go to Whoa” where racers left from a standing start on the launch pad to reach the maximum speed before slamming on the brakes and stopping at a defined point to win.
They competed in a slalom type circuit event for the best time to win. They then went on to race through the finals to win points for the day which are then tallied for the overall and class winners on their arrival this weekend at the Adelaide Clipsal V8 supercar championships.
The competitors attended the Horsham Car and Bike Show in Horsham on Saturday night and Sunday morning prior to attending Warracknabeal and then headed off to Portland Drag raceway. On their way they plan to travel and compete in autotests on the way through Millicent and Coonawarra , Tailem Bend, Tanunda to Mallala raceway and on to Adelaide.

• NECK AND NECK: Peter Mackie and navigator Alyson Eigner urge their Fraser Clubman ahead on the drag raceway in the Whoa to Go competition.

Biogas author to visit the Wimmera

superadmin — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 23:23:54 +0000

BIOGAS is the original clean burning gas made from kitchen scraps and farm waste, a simple and cost effective process that’s used in many countries around the world, particularly where the cost of propane gas has been prohibitive.
Thanks to the growing demand in renewable energy, it is now receiving a resurgence of interest in Australia.
In recognition of this growing demand, author David House will be hosted by Yarrock Oils’, Steven Hobbs.
“Mr House is the American author of the internationally acclaimed book, ‘The Complete Biogas Handbook’,” Mr Hobbs said.
“He will be running a Biogas workshop in Kaniva and attending the Wimmera Machinery Field Days to promote Biogas through a series of workshops and presentations,” he said.
Mr House is well know for his diverse background, with experience in computers, IT, medical devices and alternative energy, such as Biogas and wind power generation.
A published author and social activist, Mr House has more than 30 years of experience and is highly regarded in his field, travelling extensively, lecturing and teaching a variety of subjects in more than 20 countries.
Mr House will be available at the Yarrock Oil stand at the WMFD and will host a free one-hour presentation at the Wimmera Business Centre from 7.30-9pm on the Wednesday evening.
Interested participants can register online to reserve a seat. Seating is limited and will be allocated on a “first come basis”.
After this, Mr House will conduct a two day Biogas weekend workshop at the Kaniva Shire Hall on March 5-6.
Saturday will consist of several lectures, from a basic introduction right through to the design, construction and production of Biogas.
On Sunday, all participants will put their knowledge to use, and build their own small Biogas producer to take home and use.
The comprehensive two day course includes morning and afternoon tea, lunch, a copy of “The complete Biogas handbook”, CD, including additional information and digester designs, and the digester kit.
The cost of the two-day workshop is $330.
Places are limited and interested participants are urged to book now for this not to be missed workshop.
Alternatively, residents who do not wish to make their own Biogas producer, can just attend the Saturday workshop with tickets priced at $66 which includes morning and afternoon tea plus lunch.
Books, including CD and digester kits, can then be purchased separately at the Saturday workshop if required.
For further information and to register your interest, please visit www.bebio energy.com/biogas.
Yarrock Oils will also be launching the solar assist cold press oilseed expeller by German oil-press manufacturer Egon Keller at the WMFD.
This Australian variant of the P0020 oil mill is fitted with the latest energy efficient, inverter powered driveline, delivering up to 20 per cent more torque and reducing energy consumption by a massive 50 per cent.
Electricity generated by the solar panels can reduce the overall electrical demand of the expeller by a further 30 per cent, making this one of the most energy efficient oilseed expellers on the market.