During a joint meeting of the National Bulk Tanker Association (NBTA) and the Australian Road Transport Suppliers Association (ARTSA) at Melbourne’s Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE), ARTSA Chairman Peter Hart has stressed the importance of standing together as one to prepare for a challenging future.
“It’s important to represent the industry’s point of view and keep in touch with the relevant authorities,” Hart said in his opening speech. “I believe that organisations like the NBTA and ARTSA are the right forum to do so.”
Held at the $100 million facility in Melbourne’s Docklands area, the meeting’s main focus was discussing the future of the local heavy vehicle industry by evaluating regulatory changes, road safety improvements, new technologies and productivity opportunities.
After a tour of the world-class facility – including a presentation of a $6 million truck dyno – attendees from around Australia were given the opportunity to experience McColl’s new driver simulator first hand and attend a mini-class on braking and suspension hosted by SAF-Holland, who committed to sponsor ACE’s Trailer Suspension and Brake Competency Area in early 2012.
“As a global leader in the design of modern trailing equipment we have the capabilities and resources to ensure the facility has state of the art products to train tomorrow’s leaders,” said Nick Stavrakis, Managing Director of SAF-Holland Australia. “It is important to us that specialist training facilities such as the ACE offer students a professional, hands-on training environment.”
In addition, Michelin’s Peter Heatley also hosted a “tyre talk” to discuss the latest in tyre technology, fuel consumption and regulations – a topic that has recently taken centre stage due to increasing cost awareness in the fleet sector.
Because of the unique atmosphere of the location and the strong technical focus, this year’s Technical & Maintenance Conference (TMC) will also be held at ACE, Peter Hart announced. “ACE is positioned to become the largest and most advanced automotive training facility in the Southern Hemisphere so we think this is an appropriate choice,” he said.
Based in Docklands, Victoria, ACE can cater for a diverse selection of apprenticeships, specialising in the truck, trailer, auto, marine and motorcycle industry. The new facility has the capacity to accommodate up to 500 students and can boast the latest technology and interactive training methods to ensure that students understand both the fundamentals of old and new technology.
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