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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
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)
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
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
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
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
VACC warns unregistered commercial e-bikes are flouting existing law | Autotalk Australia
The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) is calling on both State and Federal Governments to urgently enforce existing national laws that regulate electric bikes (e-bikes), as growing numbers of unregistered, high-powered models are being used in commercial operations across Melbourne. Despite the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 already providing a framework for what constitutes
JAX Tyres & Auto opens new store in Butler, WA | Autotalk Australia
JAX Tyres & Auto has opened a new store in Butler, Western Australia, the third in the state. This latest store will further strengthen JAX Tyres & Auto’s presence in Western Australia and reinforces the brand’s broader commitment to delivering high-quality automotive services to customers nationwide. As the company continues to grow, each new location
Driving towards a cure for Motor Neurone Disease | Autotalk Australia
Transport and logistics specialist insurance provider, NTI, has launched another national fundraiser for Motor Neurone Disease research. NTI has raffled seven trucks since 2017 raising more than 2.5 million dollars for the NTI Research Grant, in the hope of helping find a cure for the disease which claims the life of two Australians every day.
AAAA calls for broader right to repair action | Autotalk Australia
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has welcomed the reappointment of Dr Andrew Leigh as Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, calling it a strong signal that the Albanese Government will continue its leadership on Right to Repair reform. The AAAA, which led the decade-long campaign for the Motor Vehicle Information Scheme (MVIS), says
MG Motor launches orders for the new 7-seat QS SUV | Autotalk Australia
MG Motor Australia has announced that orders are now open for the MG QS, a 7-seat SUV MG recently unveiled at the Melbourne Motor Show. The QS is available in two variants. With an introductory pricing offer, the QS Excite is available from $46,990 Drive Away, and the QS Essence is available from $50,990 Drive
Co-Op Toyota Hobart wins 10th Metro Dealer of the Year award | Autotalk Australia
Toyota Motor Company Australia (TMCA) recently hosted the Toyota Southern Region (VIC and TAS) Dealer of the Year awards. Led by dealer principal Grant Costelloe, Co-Op Toyota Hobart won its tenth consecutive Metropolitan Dealer of the Year award. This was marked was marked by a total of nine Excellence awards over a range of fields:
LSH Auto donates fifth Mercedes-Benz van to Street Side Medics | Autotalk Australia
The Street Side Medics organisation has commenced a second Melbourne-based free clinic for the homeless adding St Kilda to the Melbourne city centre clinic, launched in September of last year. The new clinic was made possible by LSH Auto’s ongoing donation of Mercedes-Benz vans to be fitted as mobile medical facilities. The Mercedes-Benz retail group
Novated leasing now available at BMW Group Australia dealerships | Autotalk Australia
Salary packaging provider, Smart, has partnered with BMW Financial Services, the captive finance arm of BMW Group Australia, to make novated leasing easier, more accessible, and more convenient for both employees and employers. In an first for both organisations, customers can now complete the entire novated leasing process directly through BMW dealerships. From selecting a
Used vehicle market remains resilient amid seasonal slowdown | Autotalk Australia
The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), in partnership with AutoGrab, have released the April 2025 Automotive Insights Report, highlighting a seasonal softening in the used car market driven by April’s run of public holidays – and a marked rise in dealer market share compared to the same time last year. The Ford Ranger was the most
Isuzu presents immersive experience at 2025 Brisbane Truck Show | Autotalk Australia
Isuzu Trucks will display nine all-new models as part of its presence at this year's Brisbane Truck Show, taking place from May 15-18 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. The event will cover the full range of the new 2025 Isuzu model line-up, which includes variants for the light, medium, and heavy-duty market segments. Visitors
New toolkit to help local councils drive EV adoption | Autotalk Australia
The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has partnered with the City of Ryde to launch a guide to help local councils lead the transition to electric vehicles and support uptake in their communities. The Electric Vehicle Resource Pack for Local Governments is now available online, offering the latest practical tools and guidance to assist Australia’s local
Mitsubishi, Foxtron sign EV deal for Australia and NZ | Autotalk Australia
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Taiwanese electric vehicle manufacturer Foxtron Vehicle Technologies to supply a new model for the Oceania market from 2026. The vehicle, to be developed by Foxtron and manufactured in Taiwan by Yulon Motor, will be introduced as an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) model under the
Gumtree to make NZ appearance through NZME deal? | Autotalk Australia
Australian listings operator Gumtree is set to bring its Carsguide brand to New Zealand in a partnership with local media company NZME. The publicly-listed media company, which owns the NZ Herald, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Gumtree Group aimed at leveraging Gumtree’s existing automotive brands—Gumtree Cars, Carsguide, and Autotrader—and its
BMW Group maintains first quarter profitability expectations | Autotalk Australia
In the first quarter of 2025, the BMW Group delivered 586,117 premium vehicles to customers (-1.4%). More than a quarter of these were electrified (26.9%), with fully-electric vehicles once again showing significant sales growth of +32.4%. The EBIT margin in the Automotive Segment – one of the company’s key profit indicators – stood at 6.9%, placing it at the
Newspress ceremony raises nearly $15k for Drive Against Depression | Autotalk Australia
The best of Australia’s motoring media industry were lauded and awarded in a night of celebrations in Sydney at the 2025 Newspress Australia Awards. More than 200 people attended the ceremony, held in the Boronia Ballroom at the Intercontinental Hotel Sydney. Judged by an expert team, the awards were handed out to journalists, photographers and
MTAA welcomes governments consideration of LCT abolition | Autotalk Australia
The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) welcomes the Australian Government's consideration of abolishing the $5.2 billion luxury car tax (LCT) as part of negotiations for a free trade agreement with the European Union. The proposed removal of the 33% tax on vehicles above the thresholds of $91,387 for fuel-efficient vehicles and $80,567 for other
Drive crowned 2025 Newspress Media Outlet of the Year | Autotalk Australia
Drive has won the Media Outlet of the Year accolade at the 2025 Newspress Australia Awards night ceremony held in Sydney. In addition to winning this title, the team at Drive won three additional awards plus were finalists in several other categories at the Australian motoring industry’s night of nights. Journalist Ethan Cardinal won the
The May 2025 issue of Autotalk Australia is ready to download | Autotalk Australia
In this issue, editor Robert Barry reports on a marathon drive from Shanghai to Wuhu in an OmodaC7 PHEV, which is due to arrive in Australia in thefourth quarter of 2025. Barry also visited Chery International headquarters in Wuhu to view the new Tiggo SUV products which will arrive in the third quarter of this
The May 2025 issue of Autotalk Australia is ready to download | Autotalk Australia
In this issue, editor Robert Barry reports on a marathon drive from Shanghai to Wuhu in an OmodaC7 PHEV, which is due to arrive in Australia in thefourth quarter of 2025. Barry also visited Chery International headquarters in Wuhu to view the new Tiggo SUV products which will arrive in the third quarter of this
Toyota Hilux tops slowing new car market in April 2025 | Autotalk Australia
More than 90,614 new vehicles were sold to Australian customers in April 2025 which was a 6.8% decrease on the same period in 2024. The Toyota Hilux was Australia’s top selling vehicle with sales of 4121 followed by the Ford Ranger (4031), Toyota RAV4 (3808), Ford Everest (2234) and Toyota Prado (2233). Toyota was the
Soitaridis appointed head of IAL Engineering Services division | Autotalk Australia
Following a shake-up of its engineering services to meet growing customer demand and navigate vehicle compliance, product development and homologation engineering, Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has appointed Nicholas Soitaridis, as the department’s head. Since joining IAL in 2016, Soitaridis has held several roles within the engineering and product development space, spanning both the truck division
Industry welcomes more protection for roadside assistance providers and customers | Autotalk Australia
The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and the Royal Automobile Club Victoria (RACV) have welcomed the government’s expansion of road rule 79A to include the protection of emergency roadside workers, tow truck drivers, and their customers. The expanded road rule 79A will require motorists to slow down to 40 km/h when passing stationary or
Creating a unified national voice for Australian franchised dealers | Autotalk Australia
The Motor Trade Association of Western Australia (MTA WA), the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC), and the Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (TACC) have agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), further strengthening cooperation between state, territory, and national organisations representing automotive franchised dealers. This new
Kiwi new car market continues to cool down | Autotalk Australia
The new car market in New Zealand saw registrations drop yet again in April 2025, with year-on-year and month-on-month declines reflecting a broader market cooling. While traditional leaders held their ground, some brands — including MG and Mitsubishi — made notable gains. Kiwi passenger car registrations in April totalled 6091 units, down from 6119 in
Aussies divided on discounted car insurance for EV drivers | Autotalk Australia
With electric vehicle (EV) sales in Australia slowing, new research from Money.com.au reveals nearly a quarter of Australians (23%) believe car insurers should offer additional discounts or incentives to EV drivers to help boost uptake. Nearly a third of Aussies (31%) only support this if it's backed by data showing EVs are cheaper to repair or
MTA NSW welcomes MDRR consultation | Autotalk Australia
The Motor Traders' Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW) welcomes the start of public consultation on the draft Motor Dealers and Repairers Regulation (MDRR), which will run until May 30, 2025. The current MDRR is due to expire on September 1, 2025, so this consultation will help shape regulations that govern buying, selling, and
AAA: Road safety strategy failures warrant funding reform | Autotalk Australia
New data from the Australian Automobile Association shows Australia’s 10-year national policy blueprint for road safety is failing to arrest a sharp rise in road deaths, which have increased by 17& since its inception four years ago. It is calling for safety ratings on roads to be published with road funding announcements to assure Australians
Japan may suffer greatest impact from US tariffs | Autotalk Australia
Despite the 90-day suspension for negotiations, analytics company GlobalData says the 25% tariff imposed by the US government on all foreign cars and automotive parts entering the country will have far-reaching implications for OEMs. According to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), more than 30% of Japanese car exports were directed to the US in
Hyundai N EV rapid charging station unveiled at Sydney Motorsport Park | Autotalk Australia
Hyundai’s N EV rapid charging station at Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) has been officially opened as part of a five-year partnership. The EV chargers are available to all SMSP track-goers, no matter the brand of vehicle they drive, says Hyundai. “We are proud to be the official electric vehicle partner of Sydney’s premier motorsport facility,
Industry bodies slam Coalition U-turn on EV discount | Autotalk Australia
The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) says the Opposition’s U-turn on the electric car discount that’s making EVs affordable is a major blow to Australian buyers. The National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association (NALSPA) says the wind-back doesn’t align with the Coalition’s election promises.On April 21, the Opposition Leader indicated there were no proposals to