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Autotalk - News for Australian Automotive Dealers Autotalk - Automotive
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Utes dominate as new car market holds strong | Autotalk Australia
New vehicle sales across Australia totalled 122,509 units in June 2025, marking a 2.4% increase over the same month in 2024. According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), this brings the year-to-date total to 608,811 new vehicles, demonstrating the strength and resilience of the automotive sector in spite of ongoing economic pressures. FCAI
MTAA critical of draft insurance and repair code | Autotalk Australia
The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) has concluded its consultation process on proposed changes to the MVIRI Code of Conduct. MTAA says the draft Code, which is being reviewed jointly with the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), risks reinforcing insurer dominance and failing to resolve long-standing concerns about fairness and transparency in the claims
EV interest rebounds in Australia but brand dynamics are shifting | Autotalk Australia
Electric vehicle (EV) interest in Australia has increased for the first time in more than three years, according to the latest carsales EV Consumer Survey. The proportion of car buyers considering an EV rose from 30% in November 2024 to 37% in May 2025, reflecting a modest but notable shift in consumer sentiment. While EV
Treasury review of Right to Repair law | Autotalk Australia
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has welcomed a formal review by Treasury into the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme (MVIS), which took effect in July 2022. The law is Australia’s first legislated Right to Repair framework for the automotive sector and is designed to support fair access to repair information. AAAA
RedBook launches VIN-level factory options identification tool | Autotalk Australia
RedBook Australia has launched a new VIN-specific vehicle lookup tool that enables users to identify factory-fitted options for individual vehicles using authorised manufacturer data.Developed in partnership with S&P Global Mobility and supported by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), the new tool draws on data provided by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to improve transparency
MG Motor Australia announces FY26 warranty program and price freeze | Autotalk Australia
MG Motor Australia has launched its Financial Year 2026 Warranty Program, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to delivering vehicles backed by one of the most generous warranties in the Australian automotive market. From July 1, 2025, all newly registered MG vehicles will benefit from a refreshed warranty offering designed to give Australian drivers value, more confidence,
Buyers found for the majority of Peter Stevens Motorcycles business | Autotalk Australia
The administrators of Peter Stevens Motorcycles, KordaMentha report that majority of the company’s retail network will be acquired by new owners after a brisk and competitive sale process. The Joe Rascal Group, led by James Tonna and Barry Fitzpatrick, will acquire Harley Heaven Dandenong, Harley Heaven Ringwood, Harley Heaven Melbourne and Peter Stevens Ducati South Melbourne.
IUA launches new finance and insurance solutions | Autotalk Australia
Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) has unveiled Isuzu Ute Finance and Isuzu Ute Insurance—two new services designed to make vehicle ownership simpler, affordable, and flexible for customers. Whether it’s financing a new vehicle or protecting it with comprehensive insurance, Isuzu Ute customers can now access tailored solutions built specifically for the needs of D-Max and MU-X drivers. Isuzu Ute
FCAI: Government not making EV transition viable | Autotalk Australia
The debit and credit regime of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) begins July 1, marking one of the biggest changes to the Australian motoring landscape in a century according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI). Vehicle manufacturers will be held accountable for the emissions profile of the vehicles they supply to the
Renault Australia opens order books for Duster SUV | Autotalk Australia
Order books for the new Renault Duster have officially opened in Australia and the first shipment of vehicles is due in showrooms this month. Prices and specifications across the range have been confirmed and customers are now able to place an order via the Renault Australia website or their nearest Renault showroom. The Duster will
Cadillac introduces Connected Services to Australian and New Zealand markets | Autotalk Australia
Cadillac will introduce its suite of Connected Services to customers in Australia and New Zealand from late 2025, marking another step in its rollout of electric vehicles across both markets. The new digital platform will be available in the Cadillac LYRIQ, which is already on sale, and in upcoming models including the smaller Cadillac OPTIQ
ACT should reconsider removing EV duty concession says EVC | Autotalk Australia
The ACT Government’s decision to remove the Territory’s motor vehicle duty concession for electric vehicles risks significantly slowing the Territory’s EV uptake and should be reconsidered, according to the Electric Vehicle Council.A policy shift set to take effect from September 1, 2025, which will see all new zero-emission vehicle transactions attract a minimum duty rate
Four new European models deliver five-star safety | Autotalk Australia
ANCAP has awarded five-star safety ratings to four models from European brands – the Polestar 3, Volkswagen Tiguan, Volkswagen Multivan, and Audi A5. From the family-focused SUV to the people mover; the stylish sedan to the electrified SUV, each of these models have achieved robust scores in each of the four key areas of ANCAP
Tasmanian automotive sector outlines priorities ahead of state election | Autotalk Australia
The Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (TACC) has called on all political parties to back the state’s automotive sector through targeted government support, releasing a pre-election submission that outlines critical infrastructure, training, and regulatory needs. The submission sets out 18 recommendations across five core areas: workforce development, road safety, insurance reform, low-emissions transition planning, and
In spite of tariffs, Chinese brands double European market share | Autotalk Australia
Chinese manufacturers more than doubled their share of the European car market in May 2025, accounting for 5.9% of total new vehicle registrations, up from 2.9% in the same month last year, according to data from JATO Dynamics. The rapid growth came in spite of the European Union’s decision to impose tariffs on Chinese-made electric
Australians cautious on EVs and autonomy amid rising car costs | Autotalk Australia
Australia’s growing mobility demands are under pressure from cost-of-living constraints, slow uptake of electric vehicles, and caution around autonomous technology, according to the 2025 mycar Mobility Index. Now in its second year, the nationwide survey of more than 2000 vehicle owners highlights emerging challenges and evolving sentiment across transport technologies, car ownership habits, and the
Draft code fails to address power imbalance between insurers and repairers | Autotalk Australia
The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has submitted a response to the draft 2025 Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry (MVIRI) Code of Conduct, rejecting the proposed code as “not fit for purpose.” In its submission, the VACC states that the draft code fails to address the power imbalances between insurers and repairers, disregards
ADAS code aims to guide calibration practices in Australian workshops | Autotalk Australia
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has introduced a national Industry Code of Conduct for the calibration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), aimed at providing guidance to repairers on managing a growing area of vehicle safety responsibility.Developed by the Automotive Repairers Council of Australia (ARCA) and launched at Autocare 2025, the new code is
Autocare 2025 focuses on training, repair readiness and industry standards | Autotalk Australia
Autocare 2025 brought together automotive professionals from across Australia for two days of training, technical insights and industry discussion at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on June 20-21.Hosted by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the event included business and technical training programs, a trade show with more than 120 exhibitors, and the launch
South Australia introduces tougher penalties for illegal trading | Autotalk Australia
South Australia has significantly increased penalties for car dealers found engaging in deceptive practices, including odometer tampering and operating without a licence. Under new legislation passed this week, individuals caught winding back odometers now face fines of up to $150,000, or up to two years’ imprisonment. Repeat offences carry even harsher consequences. Penalties for unlicensed
Editorially-led awards cover 20 categories including utes, EVs and family SUVs | Autotalk Australia
CarExpert.com.au has launched its inaugural CarExpert Choice Awards, highlighting standout new vehicles across 20 categories relevant to Australian car buyers. Each award is based on reviews carried out by CarExpert’s editorial team over the past year, with vehicles assessed against their direct competition and current market trends. The focus is on buyer-relevant criteria such as practicality,
Young Australians prioritise research and affordability in car buying | Autotalk Australia
New data from the latest Consumer Sentiment Report by carsales highlights key differences in how Australians aged 16–21 approach the car-buying process compared with older age groups. According to the findings, 81% of visitors aged 16–21 used the carsales platform to research vehicles—considerably higher than the 61% of those aged over 21. This group was
IAL delivers national dealership training for MY25 model line-up | Autotalk Australia
Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) is conducting a national training programme for its dealership network following the launch of its MY25 model range at the Brisbane Truck Show. Led by National Sales Training Manager Tim Richardson, the programme is designed to ensure dealership staff across sales, parts, service and support teams are well-versed in the technical
Used car sales rebound in May as EV interest surges | Autotalk Australia
Used vehicle sales across Australia rebounded in May 2025, with a 5.4% increase to 192,692 units sold, according to the latest Automotive Insights Report (AIR), produced by the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) in partnership with AutoGrab.The report also noted a 5.2% increase in listings, reflecting a steady balance between supply and demand in the
ACCC ruling raises alarm over insurance sector consolidation | Autotalk Australia
The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) has raised fresh concerns about growing consolidation in the insurance sector following the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) approval of Allianz’s acquisition of RAA Insurance Holdings.This latest decision follows the ACCC’s earlier approval in May of Insurance Australia Group’s (IAG) acquisition of RACQ Insurance, marking the second
FCAI welcomes new QFleet emission reduction strategy | Autotalk Australia
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) says the Queensland Government’s new QFleet Vehicle Emissions Reduction Strategy 2025-2030 is a balanced and realistic approach to decarbonising the state’s transport fleet. Unlike prescriptive targets that mandate specific technologies, this strategy focuses on reducing total fleet emissions while recognising the need for operational flexibility across Queensland’s decentralised
Renault Group announces de Meo’s departure | Autotalk Australia
After leading the Renault Group for more than five years, chief executive Luca de Meo has decided to step down and pursue new challenges outside the automotive sector. The Board of Directors, convened by its Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard, expressed their gratitude to de Meo for the turnaround and transformation of Renault Group and accepted that
NVES compliance could cost dealers up to $2.1 billion | Autotalk Australia
The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) is warning that the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) could impose up to $2.1 billion in costs on dealerships between 2025 and 2029, depending on how vehicle manufacturers meet their emissions targets.An analysis conducted by the Centre for International Economics (CIE) for the AADA outlines four compliance scenarios, ranging
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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,
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%
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
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