MTAiQ is Australia’s first automotive innovation hub developed by the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland).

MTAiQ is a subsidiary of MTA Queensland and therefore exists to benefit members. The primary focus of the hub is to assist and support member businesses with the digital disruption occurring across industry and to bring awareness of new products that are entering the market.

Dr Brett Dale, Group CEO said, “With the onslaught of technological change affecting the automotive industry, it is imperative that MTAiQ brings start-ups and automotive disruptors to the attention of members. By creating opportunities for MTA Queensland members to ‘get on board’ with innovative technology that is transforming the automotive sectors, we are providing the much-needed connection between business, apps and software, and the emergence of advanced technology in the products they sell. This could represent an opportunity for members to tap into alternate revenue streams.”

Another significant role for MTAiQ is to educate. Whilst new software and apps are often perceived as competition, they should be viewed as an opportunity that may bring a new customer base. These are new customers that will go to an actual competitor business if members are not in that online space.

“Understanding the full potential of so-called disruptors is critical to the future of our members and remaining informed is key.

“MTAiQ’s role is not to endorse or encourage members to purchase, but rather to provide that connection and education for members to make their own informed decision about online presence opportunities and its impact on their business,” said Dr Dale.

Clients of MTAiQ are constantly developing new software and apps, and often hold launch events open exclusively to MTA Queensland members. Members are strongly encouraged to attend these events to gain an early understanding of the product. Often clients provide substantial savings and discounts for MTA Queensland members, and this presents another great incentive to get ahead of real competition.

MTAiQ client Auto Guru have provided an opportunity for MTA Queensland members to join the platform. This app is being widely promoted on billboards and TV with a fabulous advertising campaign that will benefit businesses who are subscribed. They have actively sought to collaborate with MTA Queensland to ensure members get a premium feature and are not distant from a customer’s choice when choosing a repairer from the online platform. Under these arrangements, the reputation and reviews are fundamental to the platform’s operation and the selection of a business will be determined by those factors and pricing to a lesser degree. The review system allows for subscribers to be competitive based on their star rating. We encourage members to be fully informed about new opportunities to avoid ‘missing out’ on a new customer base, which requires very little effort.

Another opportunity was recently presented to the Service Station and Convenience Store Association of Queensland (SSCSAQ) division, the Refueler app. This is a mutually beneficial platform for buyers and sellers of fuel. Refueler also offers exclusive MTA Queensland member benefits.

“Many of the start-ups and disruptors working within the innovation hub have products that may present financial benefits for members in various divisions. We recommend and encourage divisional members to attend launch events and stay at the forefront of change,” said Kathy Winkcup, General Manager for MTAiQ.

“It would be tragic for businesses to experience a “taxi-style” disruption because they were not informed about opportunities to engage new business. Members are encouraged to attend events to hear about new products and their benefits to business. Indeed, the opportunities keep coming and many are exciting and require an open-minded approach to our ever-changing industry.”

26 Oct 2018