VACC News

February 2018

Benefit from apprentice mentoring boost

VACC can now offer automotive business owners with first or second year apprentices free mentoring services, as part of a new Federal Government funded industry mentoring program. Providing face to face encouragement and mentoring can help improve apprentice retention rates. If your business could benefit from additional support get
in touch.

Best Unsung Hero – Woman in Small Business

This category acknowledges the often overlooked contribution made by women working in automotive small businesses (less than 20 employees). The nominee will be either a partner, director or senior staff member who has demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment to the business. They will be integral to its operations and have contributed to the achievement of exceptional results. This category is proudly sponsored by VACC's Women in Automotive network, whose mandate is to support and raise the profile of women working in the automotive industry.

Benefitting from VACC's centenary

VACC turns 100 on 20 September this year. It’s a great milestone, so why not benefit by leveraging the goodwill it creates? Download your free VACC Centenary logo and use it on your website, social media channels and other business assets and reap the rewards of your association with this known and trusted brand. 

VACC Industry Awards applications closing soon

Time is running out to get your application in for the 2018 VACC Industry Awards. Entries close on 28 March so you had better get moving. If ever there was a time to win an award, it’s in VACC’s centennial year. Finalists will be honoured at the VIA Gala Presentation evening on 23 June at Crown Palladium, Melbourne. Tickets to attend will be available for purchase online in mid-February.

Flexible rego now available

The State Government’s decision to back VACC’s call for flexible vehicle registration came into effect on 1 January. This is a major win for motorists who are currently required to find over $800 every year for a one-off payment. Now, they will have the option of paying every three or six months, or remain paying annually. This also puts Victorian LMCTs on a level playing field with interstate competitors when advertising prices.

Old-time memories

 

The Chamber is on the lookout for important VACC memorabilia that can be displayed during this year’s centennial festivities. Do you have a great VACC artefact laying around? How about an old member sign from decades gone by? What about an award or certificate that's taking up space in your workshop? If so, get in touch and we may take it off your hands. With thanks, of course.

Have your cake and eat it too

 

With RACV Insurance instituting a premium rise for motorists wishing to have choice of repairer as part of their insurance cover, now is the time for your business to step up and get involved in a VACC initiative to counteract this negative trend. Body Repair Division members can elect to become part of a collective willing to cover the premium gap, in the interests of bringing business to their door. Participating businesses will be promoted to the Victorian community.

Help at hand

You only have a few weeks to apply for the 2018 VACC Industry Awards. Daunted? Don’t be. VACC has plenty of support on hand to make the process as straightforward as possible. Contact VIA Assist on 9829 1222 or vaccawards@vacc.com.au to get started. There’s also a helpful ‘how to apply’ online tutorial that guides you through the application process. Start your application today.

Here's some direction

Directions in Australia’s Automotive Industry provides detailed insight into the condition of this country’s auto industry and what lies ahead for your business. Produced by the VACC Research Unit, information on all industry sectors and the trends that will affect them is included. VACC members can purchase the report at a heavily discounted price.

Having an issue?

Fair access to vehicle repair information is essential to the aftermarket sector. If you believe restrictions placed on authorised dealers by manufacturers are unfairly impacting on your business, report it. Evidence collected will be assessed against the agreed principles of the access to service and repair agreement and brought to the attention of the signatories.

EVs and road usage

With the uptake of EVs set to increase dramatically over the next decade, what will happen to fuel excise and who will pay for our roads? VACC Executive Director, Geoff Gwilym says the planning process should be well advanced by now.

It's a date!

With 2018 still fresh, you’ll need to get yourself organised. In honour of VACC’s centenary year, the 2018 Motor Trades Diary features ‘100 years of great cars’ with Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Hispano-Suiza, Holden, Nissan, Brabham, Chevrolet, Ford, Porsche and Jaguar included. The cover features a cannot-miss orange Chrysler R/T Charger. Buy your collector’s item today.

Power savings

Are you paying too much for your electricity bills? VACC’s Electricity Buying Group is now open and available to all members. Click below and follow the prompts to submit your bill for prompt quotation. You never know, you could save big. Now that's a bright idea!