2000 Media ReleasesJump To | |
Dec 00 - Towing Out Of Trouble This SummerIf you are towing the boat, caravan or camping trailer to the beach this summer, here are a few handy hints to keep you out of trouble, courtesy of New Zealand’s leading towbar manufacturer Best Bars.With more than 19 years in business, Best Bars has built up a huge dossier on what it takes to tow safely, according to Managing Director Michael Parker. “Most people don’t tow the boat, caravan or trailer every week and there is potential for all sorts of problems and disasters to crop up, which can really spoil a holiday or day out. Often, the problems can be prevented if people only took the time to go through a simple check procedure before they head away.” says Mr Parker. Here are the Best Bars top ten tips for a safer towing trip this summer: Mr Parker says if people are unsure about the condition of their towbar or trailer connection get expert advice before venturing onto the road. Finally, Best Bars advises people to have plenty of help available when attaching and unhitching the trailer or caravan to the towing vehicle – especially for guiding the back of the vehicle to the hitch and man-handling it onto the towbar. Have a safe towing summer. << BACK TO TOP >> | |
Oct 00 - Acclaim For One Size DeckA cost-saving idea for simplifying the design of cargo decks for light trucks could earn substantial export orders for an Auckland company. Instead of custom-building decks for individual models, Best Bars Limited has designed a single size that fits all one-tonne cab/chassis commercial vehicles.The ‘one-size-fits-all’ cargo deck is already proving a winner with New Zealand customers, gaining dozens of orders since it was launched in the middle of the year. Now Best Bars is eyeing markets further afield and has already shipped products to Australia for evaluation. “It was one of those middle-of-the-night inspirations that seemed like a good idea and turned out to be just that,” says Michael Parker, Managing Director of Best Bars Limited, New Zealand’s leading manufacturer of towbars. The deck is designed with universal mounting points to accommodate different attachments to suit individual vehicles. All decks are made the same size, featuring drop sides and tailgate. They utilise the same steel and timber construction for added strength. This means that all parts can be prefabricated in advance and the deck can be assembled on a production line to keep costs down. Best Bars has already taken over a building next to its existing factory in Manurewa to set up a production line for the new cargo deck and is employing more staff. The new cargo deck also has other advantages because it can be shipped and stored flat, thus taking up much less room than conventional decks when in transit or storage. It can also be customised by stockists or customers in their own premises, with a range of different headboard options available from the factory. Mr Parker says Best Bars is already talking to new vehicle companies in New Zealand to offer the ‘one-size-fits-all’ cargo deck as original equipment on light trucks and utilities sold in this country. He believes the concept is ripe for export. “It has two things in its favour – the universal fitting and folding flat for shipping and those attributes are very appealing in many markets. The reaction to our evaluation products in Australia has been good and we are working on fine tuning some areas to suit their needs,” adds Mr Parker. Best Bars recently won a number of business awards for innovation and manufacturing and with the new deck venture it now employs more than 60 people throughout New Zealand. << BACK TO TOP >> | |
Sept 00 - Tow Warning for Japanese CarsOwners of Used Imported Japanese cars are being warned against using their vehicles for towing.The majority of cars made for the domestic Japanese market are not designed to have tow bars fitted because towing is relatively unknown in that country, says Michael Parker, Managing Director of New Zealand’s leading towbar manufacturer. In New Zealand, however, towing is very popular and a large percentage of owners have had a towbar fitted to their vehicle. However, without the required strengthening in the rear chassis, a car fitted with a towbar and used for towing could risk damage and in extreme circumstances this could cause the trailer to detach. "It is a problem that is not widely recognised and is something my company is very concerned about," says Mr Parker. "We have had used Japanese imports come in to our fitting workshops and found that a towbar designed for a New Zealand new vehicle will fit, but the strength of the vehicle where it mounts, is not the same, so some modification is needed to enable the vehicle to tow to its capacity. "I am concerned that these vehicles could be fitted with towbars elsewhere and their owners will not realise the potential danger. Some owners may be tempted to fit a towbar themselves." Mr Parker says new cars supplied from Japan and other countries to markets like New Zealand come with additional supports to cater for towbar mounts. These supports are missing in some used Japanese imported cars, yet Mr Parker says he has seen a number of these vehicles driving around with towbars fitted. In some cases it is possible to weld or bolt on reinforcing bars to which the towbar is attached. But Mr Parker fears that in many cases the bars are mounted directly onto thin body panels, which are not designed to take the weight and forces exerted by towing. "Flexing panels can experience metal fatigue and fail causing the towbar to come off," warns Mr Parker. Best Bars has designed a testing machine that replicates the towing forces on a vehicle fitted with a towbar. A test carried out on a towbar fitted to a used Japanese imported car showed serious flexing problems, resulting in extensive panel damage. Every towbar designed by Best Bars is put through the testing machine before being release on to the market. Mr Parker says the problem highlights the need for the New Zealand towbar safety standard that was drawn up in the mid-1990s to be given teeth and backed by legislation. Currently the standard is voluntary and anyone can make or fit a towbar without any knowledge, experience or training. Mr Parker is pressing for all new towbar fitments to pass an initial inspection and to be included in regular Warrant of Fitness checks. << BACK TO TOP >> | |
August 2000Two unique pieces of technology are helping to boost the business of award-winning New Zealand towbar and bullbar manufacturer Best Bars Limited. Best Bars has just installed the first computer controlled plasma-cutter of its type in Australasia, at its factory in Manurewa to cut profiles from sheet steel.The company is already benefiting from this investment through the increased accuracy and cleaner cut of steel profiles for towbars and other products, not to mention savings of up to 25% on steel use because the machine memorises scrap and can call it up for subsequent jobs. The French-made, Air Liquide plasma-cutter delivers such a quality cut, the steel requires no additional processing to produce the final profile. The machine can also be programmed for a whole month of work in advance and will then organise the nesting and production schedules for greatest efficiency. “The plasma-cutter is not only making a better product, it is cutting costs, which means we can be more competitive,” says Michael Parker, Managing Director of Best Bars, a winner of three awards in the recent Manukau Business Awards, including one for innovation. The innovation that Mr Parker is most proud of is the use of touch screen technology to maximise utilisation of their 65 staff. As there was no “off the shelf” software available, Best Bars commissioned GEAC computers to build the software. Since entering operation a few months ago, the system is already being credited with lifting productivity by 20% and giving staff increased control over their work day. Outwardly there is little sign of this change in the factory, save for four computers equipped with touch screens, which all production staff use to record and manage their daily work schedules. Mr Parker explains: “Few manufacturers in New Zealand have an instant comparison between standard and actual processing times. Yet, it is vital to have this knowledge because it is the key to knowing what your real costs are, which is especially important when quoting for export jobs. We worked with GEAC to build a tracking system that allows all staff to manage their own work loads and each section of the factory to keep a watch on production and down-time, all by touching the computer screen.” Mr Parker says he was surprised at how readily the staff took to the system and how each person has grown to accept more responsibility for their roles within the organisation. This is helped by the provision of bonus payments for meeting what Mr Parker terms “standard times” or achieving target production levels. The system also helps track problems and inefficiencies in the factory, enabling Best Bars to concentrate on improving these areas. Mr Parker says: “We’re very pleased with the software and the results we have achieved in such a short time.” Best Bars is the leading designer and manufacturer of towbars and bullbars in New Zealand, well recognised for its innovation over the years, including the development of a special machine to test towbar designs on a vehicle. << BACK TO TOP >> |
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Jul 00 - Safety Standards Drawn Up For BullbarsNew Zealand motorists will soon be able to identify safe bullbars to fit to their vehicles. After more than two years of research and study by a trans-Tasman industry group, a series of rules governing the safe design and manufacture of bullbars have been drawn up and released as a draft standard for public comment.One New Zealander who had a hand in compiling the draft says the standard will make a significant contribution to road safety on both sides of the Tasman once it is fully accepted. Michael Parker, Managing Director of leading towbar and bullbar manufacturer Best Bars Limited, says the rules and testing regime set out in the draft answer criticism levelled at bullbars and will drive sub-standard and unsafe bullbar designs from the market. "The design, manufacture and fitting of vehicle bullbars is a very complex subject and we have been under enormous pressure to come up with a solution or face the prospect of having a blanket ban on bullbars,"says Mr Parker. Those involved in the industry recognised that there were some issues about various bullbar designs regarding the safety of pedestrians hit by a bullbar-equipped vehicle and also in the proper deployment of front airbags if such a vehicle was involved in a head-on crash. To ban bullbars outright was not an option, because it would affect so many people who require bullbars to protect their vehicles, such as farmers, forestry contractors, building contractors, off-road recreational drivers and so on. Together with fellow industry people in Australia, I was invited to join the study and represent New Zealand interests and help devise a practical solution, which we did. The draft standard, which has been compiled with the assistance of Standards New Zealand and Standards Australia, covers a range of issues. These include acceptable designs that are ‘pedestrian friendly’, use of agreed materials in construction and an outline of test procedures to ensure that a bullbar is fully compatible with the low-speed operation of a vehicle’s front airbags. Mr Parker says that research conducted by the joint industry body indicated that some bullbar designs actually improved the safety of pedestrians struck by a bullbar-equipped vehicle. This surprised safety officials in both countries, who believed that any bullbar design would increase the likelihood of injury, adds Mr Parker. Once the standard comes into effect, all bullbars will not only have to meet a prescribed safe design, they will also have to undergo a crash test on a vehicle to ensure that they do not affect low-speed deployment of front airbags. The test is likely to be conducted in Australia and all bullbar manufacturers will have to submit their products for testing and approval – bullbars will only be sanctioned for the vehicle on which they have been tested. Mr Parker says this is likely to increase the cost of a new bullbar, but it is a price that consumers should be prepared to pay for increased safety. << BACK TO TOP >> | |
May 00 - First For Mobile FittingNew Zealand’s first mobile towbar and bullbar fitting service has been launched in Auckland. The service, which takes the fitment of towbars, bullbars and other auto accessories, such as roof racks and canopies to the customer’s door, will save time and hassle for vehicle owners.It has been launched by Best Bars Limited, the largest towbar manufacturer and supplier in New Zealand and is available to private vehicle owners, businesses and car dealerships. Mobile TowBars operates from a specially adapted, self-contained Fiat Ducato Maxi van which is equipped with fitting tools and carries a wide range of products to cater for customers’ on-the-spot needs. Michael Parker, Managing Director of Best Bars Limited, sees it as the future of towbar and bullbar fitting. "The convenience factor of having someone come to you with this service rather than having to travel to a workshop and then wait or arrange transport back to home or work, is a major advantage" says Mr Parker. Vehicle owners can have a towbar, bullbar or roof rack fitted while they are at work or home, without the inconvenience or loss of time or the possibility of damage if the vehicle is picked up and delivered by a towbar fitter. We have already had excellent feedback from businesses and car dealerships and we think it will catch on with the public as well. As a manufacturer we can cater for all types of cars and light commercial vehicles, from genuine equipment for new vehicles to tailored systems for older vehicles. Mr Parker says Mobile TowBars offers a same-day service because it carries most products while on the road or they can easily be sourced through Best Bars’ fast, efficient delivery system. The Ducato van has its own power source to enable the technician to work independently in the field. As well as fitting towbars, bullbars and roof racks, the service will also include deck liners and canopies for utes, towbar-mounted bike racks and luggage/dog guards for station wagons and vans. All products and workmanship is fully guaranteed by Best Bars Limited. The Mobile TowBars service covers metropolitan Auckland, from Whangaparaoa to Pukekohe. The contact phone number for Mobile TowBars is 0800 BARS 2 U (0800 227728). << BACK TO TOP >> | |
Apr 00 - First To Meet LTSA "Approved Manufacturer" StatusBest Bars has become the first towbar manufacturer in New Zealand to be given approved manufacturer status. This is a new scheme being developed by the Land Transport Safety Authority to raise the standard of towbar manufacture in New Zealand.All towbars manufacturers should go through a certification process with the Land Transport Safety Authority and Best Bars has paved the way for the rest of the industry. It is part of a move to ensure high standards in towbar design and production, underlining the safety of the product. Poor towbars have been highlighted as contributing factors in some road accidents involving vehicles and trailers/caravans. Michael Parker, Managing Director of Best Bars Limited, says the achievement is a milestone for his company and a confidence boost for customers. "We have always considered ourselves a leader and an innovator in the industry, but most importantly we are a strong believer in maintaining high standards,"says Mr Parker. That is why we developed our own in-house "patented" towbar testing machine for testing towbars on the vehicle, so that our customers can be sure they meet national and international safety guidelines. Best Bars has also attainted ISO9001 registration for its production processes and every welder employed by the company has met the required certification level NZS 4711. Best Bars moved quickly to obtain this high standard of towbar manufacture as it produces "genuine part" towbars for all the major motor companies, with the exception of Mitsubishi. Aftermarket customers also benefit, including those who use the company’s mobile fitting service in Auckland and Wellington. << BACK TO TOP >> | |
Mar 00 - Helping Team NZ Celebrate SuccessRussell Coutts and his America’s Cup team mates were able to celebrate their success in style in the victory parades around the country thanks to some smart work by Toyota and Best Bars.Toyota, which is one of the key five sponsors of Team New Zealand, earmarked a fleet of Hi Lux utes for a possible parade just before the start of the final races. But Toyota needed the vehicles equipped with bullbars and behind-the-cab sports bars and time was running out as the Kiwis cleaned out Prada in five straight races on the water. The job was entrusted to Best Bars, which was just completing its second batch of equipment for the New Zealand Army’s fleet of Holden Rodeos bound for peace keeping duties in East Timor. "Toyota saw how quickly we were able to turn around the Army contract and asked if we could accommodate their 20 vehicles – no problem, we told them,"says Michael Parker, Managing Director of Best Bars Limited. While bullbars and runningboards were for the protection of the vehicles, the tray-mounted sports bars were designed for Team New Zealand members standing in the back of each Hi Lux to hold on to whilst the vehicle was in motion. The sports bars can be used by future owners to mount spot lights or act as a light frame for carrying ladders and scaffolding. The bullbars are designed by Best Bars to complement the crash safety features of the Toyota. Runningboards provide access to roof racks and minimise paint damage caused by stones and road grime.These accessories are available as "genuine parts" through local Toyota dealers. Mr Parker says Best Bars is proud to have been trusted with this and other special vehicle projects, carried out in association with Toyota New Zealand Best Bars is New Zealand’s leading manufacturer of towbar, bullbar and runningboard systems for cars and light commercial vehicles. << BACK TO TOP >> | |
Feb 00 - Guide To Good TowingSummer is the time of year when New Zealanders love to tow things behind their cars or four-wheel-drives. But many people dread that tricky manoeuvre right at the start – hitching the trailer to the vehicle. And with good reason.There’s an art to hitching up a trailer, caravan or horse float to a vehicle, says Best Bars, New Zealand’s leading manufacturer of tow bars. Get it wrong and you could end up with a nasty dent in the bumper or bodywork as the heavy trailer develops a mind of its own and goes off in all directions. Worse still you could end up with an injury in the process. That needn’t happen if you fit a handy little device known as the Bumper Guard, says Michael Parker, Managing Director of Best Bars. "Sometimes people can run into problems trying to hitch up to the tow bar when on uneven or sloping ground, which makes it hard to control the trailer, caravan or horse float,"says Mr Parker. "If the trailer gets away from you it will run into the back of the towing vehicle and it could inflict a nasty injury if you don’t get out of the way fast enough." "The ideal way is to anchor the trailer and manoeuvre the vehicle up to the hitch, but that also has its problems." That’s why Mr Parker recommends the Bumper Guard for those who have a problem hitching. His company has been making Bumper Guards for almost as long as it has been manufacturing towbars and he says that many people still don’t recognise their value. The Bumper Guard is a V-shaped steel barrier that is fixed onto the towbar, just behind the towball. It acts like a shroud, guiding the hitch onto the towball and protecting the vehicle’s bumper and bodywork at the same time. Most vehicle towbars can accept a tow guide or shield and they definitely take the hitch out of hitching up. << BACK TO TOP >> | |
Jan 00 - Best Bars Proves Better For NZ ArmyThe New Zealand Army was so impressed when towbar and bullbar manufacturer Best Bars Ltd recently pulled out the stops to get 30 vehicles ready for peace-keeping duties in East Timor, it has contracted the company to do another 85.Best Bars is equipping the Army’s newly acquired fleet of Holden Rodeo diesel four-wheel-drive vehicles with bullbars, towbars designed for both standard ball and UN pintle couplings, a special load carrying canopy, tray liner, fire extinguisher and extended axle breathers for driving in rivers. The first vehicles will arrive at the Best Bars factory in Manurewa shortly to begin the conversion and the remainder will be completed by the end of February. Michael Parker, Managing Director of Best Bars, says: "We surprised everyone when we showed just how quickly and professionally we could do the job on the peacekeeping vehicles. The first five were on a boat bound for Darwin within two days and the rest went directly to East Timor shortly afterwards. We had most of our production staff working to meet the deadline and not only did we succeed in that respect, we also achieved a rigorous standard of quality, which impressed the Army enough for them to come back and ask us to convert a larger fleet." The Holden Rodeo 4x4s, supplied through Holden New Zealand, are painted white and form part of a planned non-military re-equipment programme specified by the Government to make better use of its budget. Best Bars is the largest and most progressive manufacturer and supplier of towbars, bullbars and related equipment in New Zealand. The company has designed its own patented towbar-testing machine to ensure that its products are manufactured to suit the demands placed on them. The majority of new car companies in New Zealand use towbars made by Best Bars and there is also a mobile fitting service in the Auckland and Wellington areas. << BACK TO TOP >> | |