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Stephen Collins appointed COO of BYD Australia | Autotalk Australia
BYD has announced the appointment of Stephen Collins as its new chief operating officer for Australia, effective immediately. Collins brings two decades of senior leadership experience to the role, having previously held executive positions at Honda and Nissan. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Honda Australia for more than ten
Blackhall awarded OAM for service to automotive industry | Autotalk Australia
AADA chair David Blackhall has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of his service to the automotive industry, capping a distinguished career spanning more than five decades.Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) chief executive James Voortman says the industry is “so pleased” to see Blackhall’s lifelong contribution formally acknowledged.“David has
Agostino recognised with OAM for service to motor trades and community | Autotalk Australia
The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) has congratulated former chair Frank Agostino on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the automotive industry and the wider community.Announced in the King’s Birthday Honours on June 10, the recognition celebrates Agostino’s long-standing contribution to the national motor trades sector
Apple expands CarPlay capabilities and digital car key support | Autotalk Australia
Apple has announced a major upgrade to its in-vehicle systems with the rollout of iOS 26, introducing new CarPlay features and expanding support for digital car keys across more vehicle brands. The updates were unveiled at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference and are set to roll out globally later this year. CarPlay gets smarter and
Zeekr and Driva partner on digital novated leasing for EVs | Autotalk Australia
Electric vehicle brand Zeekr has partnered with digital leasing provider Driva to offer online novated leasing options for customers in Australia. The collaboration, which went live on June 5, integrates Driva’s leasing platform into the Zeekr website, allowing eligible buyers to access pre-tax salary packaging for vehicle and running costs. Under current fringe benefits tax (FBT)
Jaguar farewells F-PACE SVR with 575 Ultimate Edition for Australia | Autotalk Australia
Jaguar is marking 90 years of design and performance innovation with a limited-run F-PACE SVR, ahead of its transition to an all-electric future. The new F-PACE SVR 575 Ultimate Edition will be the final variant of the high-performance SUV offered in Australia, with 60 examples to be produced for the local market. Powered by Jaguar’s 5.0-litre
Eagers Automotive sells McMillan Shakespeare stake for $61.6m | Autotalk Australia
Eagers Automotive and its subsidiary AP Group have sold their entire 5.7% holding in McMillan Shakespeare, ceasing to be substantial shareholders in the ASX-listed novated leasing and fleet management provider. A notice filed with the Australian Securities Exchange confirms the divestment of 3.98 million shares on June 3, 2025, generating approximately A$61.6 million at an
Kia Australia launches in-house finance brand with Hyundai Capital | Autotalk Australia
Kia Australia has launched a new captive finance brand, Kia Finance, in partnership with Hyundai Capital Australia, aimed at supporting both personal and business buyers with tailored loan products through its national dealer network. The new offering includes flexible finance options, personalised interest rates, and access to Kia’s Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) product, branded as
EOFY and budget pressures reshaping Australian vehicle buying habits | Autotalk Australia
Rising cost-of-living pressures and the lure of end-of-financial-year (EOFY) deals are reshaping how Australians approach vehicle purchases, according to the latest Consumer Sentiment Report from carsales. The report highlights a significant trend towards delayed decision-making and budget-conscious choices, with 31% of buyers intending to wait for early or peak EOFY offers, while a further 10%
Autocare 2025 to offer free trade show in Brisbane | Autotalk Australia
Autocare 2025 will return to Brisbane on June 20-21, offering a free trade show for automotive professionals alongside its established training programs for technicians, apprentices and workshop operators. The event, held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, will feature more than 120 exhibitors. Attendees will be able to see a wide range of tools,
The June 2025 issue of AutoTalk Australia is ready to download | Autotalk Australia
The June 2025 issue of AutoTalk Australia is now available for download. We report that Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has recently celebrated the achievements of its top-performing dealers for 2024 at a gala dinner held following the Brisbane Truck Show. BYD Australia and New Zealand has announced it will take over local distribution of its
Scania delivers first battery electric truck for Total Logistics Solutions | Autotalk Australia
Total Logistics Solutions (TLS) has added a battery electric truck to its fleet, taking delivery of a Scania 25 P fitted with a 10-pallet curtainsider body and powered tailgate. The vehicle was delivered by Scania Laverton’s new vehicle account manager Travis Damianopoulos, who coordinated with local bodybuilder Austruck for the body fit-out and Attards for
JAX Tyres & Auto brings back breast cancer campaign | Autotalk Australia
JAX Tyres & Auto is again showing its support for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) with the return of its Put a Cap on Breast Cancer campaign—aiming to raise awareness and funds for vital breast cancer research. Launched in 2023, the initiative has already raised close to $30,000, contributing to NBCF’s mission of achieving Zero Deaths
Customer demand driving fleet sustainability decisions – Teletrac Navman | Autotalk Australia
More than half of fleet operators say customer expectations are playing a key role in their shift to cleaner energy solutions, according to new research released by Teletrac Navman. The company’s Mobilising the Future of Fleets Report: 2025 Energy Edition found that 63% of fleets now cite customer demand as a leading influence in their
Ultra-rare hybrid Ferrari SF90 Stradale hits salvage auction | Autotalk Australia
A 2022 Ferrari SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano — one of the most powerful Ferraris ever built — has come up for auction in Australia via salvage platform fastSalvage LUX, presenting a rare opportunity for collectors. Offered on behalf of a major insurer, the vehicle is currently listed through Autorola’s Australian platform and is located in
Toyota Australia adds instant valuation feature to online portal | Autotalk Australia
Toyota Australia’s online customer portal has reached its 100,000th user registration less than a year since launching in September 2024. The Toyota Go portal provides customers with a range of rewards and discounts, along with secure and safe access to vehicle and ownership information. Toyota Australia aims to continually improve the features and personalisation of
IAL celebrates 12 years of dealership management program | Autotalk Australia
More than 70 dealership professionals have graduated from the Isuzu Dealership Management Program (IDMP), which was set up 12 years ago by Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL). The IDMP equips dealership leaders with the advanced skills needed to drive performance across the Isuzu dealer network. IAL has delivered the IDMP to current and emerging dealer principals,
Revamped MY25 Renault Trafic arrives in time for EOFY sales | Autotalk Australia
The revamped MY25 Renault Trafic van is arriving in dealerships just in time for the end of the financial year (EOFY) because the brand says June is historically the biggest month of the year for light commercial vehicle sales. The Renault Trafic has been given a safety boost – earning a Gold Star Commercial Van
Manheim hosting prestige auction for QLD wholesale car dealership | Autotalk Australia
Manheim Australia is broadening its services for the automotive sector by taking its platform directly to vendors for speciality events. The company will demonstrate its remote in-person and online simulcast auction capabilities at an upcoming Prestige and Classic Vehicle Auction to be held in Brisbane, in conjunction with a local wholesale car dealership, Tough Automotive.
Isuzu Ute Australia announces board leadership changes | Autotalk Australia
Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) has announced leadership changes for the organisation’s board of directors, effective June 1, 2025. Director Koichiro Yoshida has departed after seven years of leading the sales, marketing and network development divisions, and he is set to return to Mitsubishi Corporation Headquarters in Japan. Director Ryosuke (Roy) Takeishi, will transition from his
Stellantis appoints 25-year veteran as new chief executive | Autotalk Australia
The Stellantis board of directors has unanimously selected Antonio Filosa, a 25-year company veteran, as its new chief executive officer Filosa’s appointment followed a search process of internal and external candidates, undertaken by a special board committee, led by executive chairman John Elkann. Stellantis will now hold an extraordinary shareholder meeting for Filosa to be
KGM SsangYong rebranding as KGM Australia, launching new Acyton | Autotalk Australia
Following the example of other export markets for the South Korean brand, from June 1, 2025, KGM SsangYong will become known as KGM Australia. The distribution company will also introduce the new Actyon SUV to the Australian market on that date, which is the first vehicle to be designed and fully developed under the KGM
Collecting Cars announces inaugural Queensland coffee run events | Autotalk Australia
Collecting Cars has announced its inaugural coffee run events in Queensland which are free to attend for visitors and people who wish to display their classic or collectable vehicle. The first Collecting Cars coffee run will take place on June 21, 2025 at HOTA (Home of the Arts) on the Gold Coast, where the carpark will
Expanded Mitsubishi Triton range scores five-star ANCAP rating | Autotalk Australia
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has confirmed its entire Triton Utility range has achieved the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, tested to the latest protocols. The five-star rating is now applicable to all Triton grades including the recently-announced Dual Cab Chassis, Club Cab Pickup and Cab Chassis, and Single Cab Chassis variants. The Mitsubishi Triton
Alpine performance brand to return to Australia | Autotalk Australia
The Alpine A390 high-performance electric car has been unveiled in Europe overnight – and it is coming to Australia. Group Renault’s performance brand will return to Australia after a four-year hiatus, starting with the sleek Alpine A390 fastback. The last time Alpine was sold in Australia was from 2018 to 2022. “We are proud to
Jaecoo announces partnership with 2025 Ironman Oceania Triathlon Series | Autotalk Australia
Chinese SUV brand Jaecoo has announced a national partnership with the Ironman Oceania Triathlon Series for 2025. The brand has been appointed as the official motor vehicle partner and official supplier across all six races in the series, set to take place across Australia from May through December 2025. This partnership marks another milestone for
BYD Australia to take over local distribution | Autotalk Australia
BYD Australia has announced it will assume direct control over vehicle distribution operations nationwide from July 2025, effectively ending EVDirect's role as the distributor one year earlier than scheduled. This decision marks a major strategic shift for the Chinese electric vehicle giant, aimed at improving logistics efficiency and strengthening its market presence in Australia. EVDirect
IAL celebrates its elite dealership team members | Autotalk Australia
Following the launch of its all-new model range at the Brisbane Truck Show, Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) hosted its Team Elite Gala Awards dinner. Parts, service, and sales representatives from dealerships nationwide gathered at Brisbane’s Customs House to recognise the achievements of the Team Elite program. Now in its 22nd year, the program promotes excellence in
BYD Australia and New Zealand appoints Kate Hornstein as chief marketing officer | Autotalk Australia
BYD Australia and New Zealand has confirmed that Kate Hornstein has been appointed as the company’s chief market officer as it transitions to a fully factory-backed distribution model. Throughout her time as head of marketing at EVDIRECT, Hornstein has been instrumental in shaping BYD’s presence in Australia from day one. Hornstein has helped BYD become one
NSW investment in EV chargers hailed | Autotalk Australia
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has welcomed the Minns Government’s announcement of a $16.1 million investment in 246 new fast and ultra-fast EV charging stations across New South Wales. The investment, supported by more than $25 million in private capital, is a positive step towards ensuring charging infrastructure keeps pace with rising EV
New sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 arriving in the first half of 2026 | Autotalk Australia
Toyota has unveiled its all-new RAV4 SUV, introducing more safety and multimedia technologies, a new-look exterior and interior design and advanced hybrid powertrain solutions. The sixth-generation RAV4 will become the first Toyota offered in Australia with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, offering 2WD or AWD arrangements and targeting up to 100km of electric-only driving range.
BEV, ICE sales fall as hybrids and plug-ins accelerate | Autotalk Australia
Quarterly sales of electric vehicles fell to their lowest levels in two years in the March quarter amid a decline in overall vehicle sales and a sharp increase in sales of conventional hybrids and plug-in hybrids, according to the Australian Automobile Association (AAA). The AAA’s quarterly EV Index shows Australians bought 17,914 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
Critical automotive infrastructure missing from Victorian State Budget | Autotalk Australia
The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) is concerned that the 2025-26 State Budget failed to deliver electric vehicle infrastructure and small business support despite the Government's ambitious 2030 EV targets. It says that while the absence of new motor vehicle taxes provides temporary relief, the Budget represents a missed opportunity to future-proof Victoria's automotive
Fazzino takes the chair at Amotiv as Billings retires | Autotalk Australia
Amotiv Limited has announced the retirement of Graeme Billings as board chair and appointment of James Fazzino as non-executive director and chair-elect under its Board renewal process. Fazzino will commence as a non-executive director of Amotiv from August 1, 2025 and as Graeme Billings’ successor as chair following the AGM when Billings retires. Fazzino is
RACV recommends OBD port lock to combat rising vehicle theft | Autotalk Australia
The Royal Automobile Club Victoria (RACV) is alerting owners and motorists to a rising trend in car thefts using on-board diagnostics (OBD) ports. Thieves are increasingly using electronic devices to access vehicles via their OBD ports, enabling them to start and steal cars without the owner's key. Victoria Police data has shown that 20% of
ID. Buzz Cargo for Schindler Lifts Australia | Autotalk Australia
The first five new ID. Buzz Cargo battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have been delivered to Schindler Lifts Australia. The designer, manufacturer and installer of elevators, escalators and moving walkways is targeting 15% of its fleet as BEVs, and the five vans will be placed in all major capital cities, at first on a trial basis
JAX Tyres & Auto receives 2025 FCA award nomination | Autotalk Australia
JAX Tyres & Auto has been nominated for the Franchisor of the Year category at the 2025 Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) industry awards. It follows recent accolades for the business, including being named CX Team of the Year at the 2025 CX Awards, while customer experience executive manager Nicola Rose was also nominated for
Suzuki Queensland celebrates successful ‘Jimniacs’ hub intiative | Autotalk Australia
More than six months ago, Suzuki Queensland created a customer engagement platform to celebrate the cult status of its Jimny 4x4 across the state following a 106% increase in year-to-date sales. The Suzuki automotive distributor for Queensland and the Northern Rivers region in NSW says it created the “Jimniacs” Hub to foster a greater sense of
Peter Stevens Motorcycles appoints voluntary administrators | Autotalk Australia
Craig Shepard, Michael Korda and Andrew Knight of Korda Mentha Restructuring have been appointed voluntary administrators of motorcycle retailer Peter Stevens Motorcycles (‘Peter Stevens’). Established in 1970, Peter Stevens is one of the biggest motorcycle retailers in Australia, with 15 dealerships across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. Its business includes new
Proposed alliance threatens future of independent motoring club insurance | Autotalk Australia
The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) has condemned Insurance Australia Group’s (IAG) proposed strategic alliance with RAC WA, warning that this move—alongside proposed acquisitions of RACQ and RAA Insurance—marks the beginning of the end for locally owned, motoring club-based insurance in Australia. If approved by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the proposed