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Autotalk - News for Australian Automotive Dealers Autotalk - Automotive
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The September issue of AutoTalk Australia is ready to download | Autotalk Australia
In this issue, LSH-Auto Australia has relaunched the now EV-only smart brand at its Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. The used car market tightened in July with rising sales and falling listings, but the stock level of used cars in dealerships has hit a record high, according to Cox Automotive Australia. Retiring director
Cox launches new and improved Radius website platform | Autotalk Australia
ACox Automotive Australia (CAA) has launched a new and improved website platform called Radius, offering OEMs, franchisees and used car dealers a secure and conversion-focused showcase for their business. The Radius rebrand builds on CAA’s experience making and supporting websites for automotive businesses, with a rebuilt platform and a redesigned user experience using the latest
Toyota RAV4 scores 2024 best-selling hat-trick in August | Autotalk Australia
The Toyota RAV4 has achieved its highest monthly sales in the model’s 30-year history, making it Australia’s best-selling vehicle for August. It is the third time the RAV4 has been Australia’s best-selling vehicle this year and the fifth time overall. In August, 6712 of the Toyota mid-size SUVs were delivered to customers, of which almost
Ineos Automotive opens orders for Grenadier Quartermaster cab chassis | Autotalk Australia
Ineos Automotive is now taking orders for the Grenadier Quartermaster cab chassis, which is available with trays equipped by Australian manufacturer Norweld. It offers a limited-time $7,000 contribution to the first wave of customers placing deposits. Prospective owners are encouraged to enquire with their local retailer immediately. The Grenadier Quartermaster cab chassis costs $102,000, excluding
BYD New Zealand responds to Australian speculation on Shark pricing | Autotalk Australia
The head of BYD in New Zealand has responded to speculation around the price of the new Shark ute in Australia. Australian website CarExpert.com.au reported that the Shark had been listed on a government fleet website at $68,000 plus on-road costs. BYD’s Australian distributor, EV Direct, has not confirmed the price, indicating it will be revealed in
Strong demand for new cars in August, excluding battery-electrics | Autotalk Australia
Australia recorded 98,328 new vehicle sales in August 2024, making it the second-best August result. FCAI chief executive Tony Weber says this was a good result despite August 2024 being down by 10.6% from last year’s August number. “This is a positive result in historical terms, with August 2024 recording the second-highest August ever in
JMG acquires Audi Centre Canberra and 4×4 Canberra Ineos Grenadier | Autotalk Australia
The Jowett Motor Group (JMG) will acquire Audi Centre Canberra and 4x4 Canberra Ineos Grenadier on October 1, 2024. The acquisition will further expand JMG’s prestige operations in the nation’s capital, following the September 2 acquisition of the Canberra BMW group. Audi Centre Canberra has been a family-owned business operated by Richard Rolfe Motors Pty
MG Motor Australia launches all-new HS mid-size SUV family | Autotalk Australia
MG Motor Australia has launched its all-new mid-size HS SUV for the Australian market. The ICE version will be followed by a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The standard HS SUV, powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine and backed by a dual-clutch transmission, will arrive in showrooms in September 2024. The soon-to-be-released HS PHEV
Volkswagen confirms ID. Buzz prices | Autotalk Australia
Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz will go on sale in Australia before Christmas, priced from $79,990 for the ID. Buzz Cargo van and $87,990 for the ID. Buzz people mover. The brand’s new halo range is priced under the $91,387 threshold for Australia’s Luxury Car Tax (LCT), so Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles director Ryan Davies anticipates the almost 7000
Premcar adds global defence brand to roll call | Autotalk Australia
For more than 25 years, Australian manufacturer Premcar has engineered, enhanced and electrified products for several automotive marques. The Victorian engineering company has added a global defence brand to its roll call of clients. With assistance from the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), Premcar embarked on a $1.53 million program to engineer and enhance the
ANCAP awards five-star safety rating to JAC T9 dual cab ute | Autotalk Australia
ANCAP Safety has awarded a five-star safety rating to the new JAC T9 dual cab ute. In physical crash tests, the JAC T9 scored full points for protection of the driver in the full width frontal, side impact, far side impact, and whiplash tests. Adequate results were shown for protection of the driver’s chest in
First MY25 Polestar 2 shipment arrives in Australia | Autotalk Australia
The first shipment of MY25 Polestar 2 variants has arrived in Australia with more standard equipment, new exterior colours, new wheel designs, interior improvements and below the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) pricing ($91,387 for “fuel efficient” vehicles 2024-2025 financial year), says Polestar. The Polestar 2 MY25 range starts from $62,400 for the Standard range Single
Toyota Australia launches new C-HR with unique jewellery collaboration | Autotalk Australia
To mark the launch of the new C-HR SUV, Toyota has partnered with Australian jewellery designer Millie Savage and Heart in Diamond to create a capsule collection made from vehicle parts. Savage has turned parts of what was once a Toyota C-HR into a collection of nine rings, one necklace, one bracelet, a pair of
LSH Auto hosts smart brand launch in Brisbane | Autotalk Australia
On August 28, Mercedes-Benz dealer LSH Auto hosted the official launch of the smart electric vehicle brand in Australia at a media gathering at its Breakfast Creek dealership in Brisbane. The new smart #1 and smart #3 EV SUVs are now available for sale and delivery in Australia. Both are available in Pro+, Premium, and
Isuzu Trucks and Isuzu Power Solutions heading to AFAC 2024 | Autotalk Australia
Isuzu Trucks and Isuzu Power Solutions will be among the many OEMS attending the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authority Council (AFAC) conference, running 3-6 September 2024 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. The 2024 exhibition will showcase the latest services, technologies, and solutions. Isuzu Australia will be at stand 388. IAL National Fleet Sales Manager Grant
Chevrolet Silverado passes muster; exceeds 10,000 sales | Autotalk Australia
According to General Motors Australia and New Zealand, the Chevrolet Silverado, first launched in 1998, is one of the USA's most popular full-size pickup trucks. In the past 25 years, Silverado sales in the US have eclipsed 14 million units, establishing it as a towing and off-road machine. Since its local launch in late 2020
Ford Motor Company appoints Willing as Head of Design | Autotalk Australia
The Ford Motor Company has appointed Australian Todd Willing as its new Head of Design, effective August 27, 2024. Willing has worked for the Ford Motor Company since 2003 and will now lead the design for Ford and Lincoln brand vehicles worldwide. He replaced Anthony Lo, who departed the brand in May. Willing was previously
Honda co-founder’s endowment commemorated 50 years later | Autotalk Australia
The International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences (IATSS) will hold an event on September 19, 2024, at Toranomon Hills Forum in Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan, to commemorate its 50th anniversary of foundation. The IATSS was established on September 17, 1974, with an endowment from Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa, the co-founders of Honda Motor Co.,
Mazda Australia rekindles Zoom-Zoom brand mantra | Autotalk Australia
Mazda Australia is releasing a new spin on its Zoom-Zoom brand mantra for 2024. First established by Mazda Corporation globally in 2004, Zoom-Zoom communicated the ‘emotion of motion’ first experienced as a child and captured the hearts of Australians at a pivotal time for the Mazda brand locally. Headlining the rollout is an all-new brand
EVX grows Polecharger network | Autotalk Australia
The EVX Polecharger network is being expanded across New South Wales. EVX says it’s adding 77 new EVX Polecharger sites soon, which encompasses more than 154 charging points. The focus is on strategically placing chargers where they’re needed most, such as in high-density living areas, business districts, community hubs, public transport nodes, and regional and
Heggie joins Melbourne Motor Show executive team | Autotalk Australia
The former head of operations for CarSales, Matt Heggie, has joined the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show executive team as the commercial partnerships consultant. Heggie brings over 20 years of experience in automotive classifieds sales and operations. Working through News Corp, Heggie worked as sales manager of CarsGuide and in various leadership roles encompassing automotive, retail,
WA woman wins 2024 Capricorn Rising Stars Apprentice of the Year award | Autotalk Australia
Western Australian Megan Toia has been announced as the 2024 Capricorn Rising Stars Apprentice of the Year. The second-year apprentice works for Capricorn member business Badgingarra Motors in Badgingarra (about 200 kilometres north of Perth). She was selected from a talented field of more than 300 apprentice nominations from Capricorn member businesses. The multiple rounds
Right to disconnect commenced August 26 | Autotalk Australia
The Fair Work Ombudsman reminds employers and employees that the new right to disconnect for non-small businesses commenced on August 26. The right to disconnect is a change to the Fair Work Act as part of the new Closing Loopholes laws. Employees of non-small businesses (a business employing 15 or more employees) now have the right to
SuperCheap Auto launches new ANZ trade customer websites | Autotalk Australia
Supercheap Auto has just launched two new brand-new purpose-built websites targeting automotive trade businesses in Australia and New Zealand. “The Supercheap Auto Trade websites are one of the most important initiatives we have undertaken, and the public launch is an extraordinary moment for us,” Supercheap Auto managing director Benjamin Ward says. “We have spent several years researching
Farizon SuperVan EV for Australian roads | Autotalk Australia
Geely Holdings’ commercial vehicle brand Farizon has its electric “SuperVan” approved for Australian roads. The Farizon SuperVan is expected soon in the Australian market. It’s likely to have a 2000kg braked towing capacity and be listed as a “goods vehicle”, says The Driven.io. The SuperVan was earlier reported being tested in Australia, indicating it will
Despite economic headwinds, RPM reports positive FY24 results | Autotalk Australia
Automotive Aftermarket giant RPM Automotive Group Limited has released its unaudited results for the twelve months ended June 30, 2024 (FY24). RPM generated $121 million in FY24, an increase of 3.7% on the prior corresponding period (PCP). This growth was bolstered by ongoing operational efficiencies and scale across the four divisions, resulting in an increase
MG S5 SUV leaked | Autotalk Australia
A new battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV from MG has been leaked online ahead of its Australian launch next year. Called the MG S5 in China, it is reported to be similar to the MG4 hatchback and is expected to launch in Australia in 2025 with a reveal planned later in 2024. Carsales.com.au says it
ANCAP questions safety differences in Honda and Suzuki models sold in Australia | Autotalk Australia
ANCAP Safety has released safety ratings for the Honda CR-V and ZR-V and selected Civic variants. It is drawing attention to specification differences that can impact the safety of Australian road users. A five-star ANCAP safety rating for the e: HEV (hybrid) variant of the Honda Civic sold in Australia has been confirmed. This rating remains in line
Australia Post gets 175 UBCO e-motorbikes | Autotalk Australia
UBCO is providing Australia Post with a new fleet of 175 lightweight, zero emission, all-electric motorbikes. The collaboration follows an extensive trial of UBCO’s vehicles in key Australian states, including testing across a range of urban and rural terrains and allowing UBCO to work closely with delivery workers to design a vehicle to meet their
IAL Trade Mate program targets SME ABN holders | Autotalk Australia
Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) says its Trade Mate loyalty program, run in partnership with Qantas Business Rewards, is targeted to benefit small—to medium-enterprise ABN holders. Trade Mate members can earn one Qantas Point for each dollar spent on eligible parts and accessories. Qantas Points earned for business can be used towards flights, hotels, car hire, or
Australia Institute slams large pick-up truck LCT loophole | Autotalk Australia
According to a new report from the Australia Institute, tax breaks for sizeable American pick-up trucks cost Australians more than $250 million in foregone revenue in 2023. It says a loophole in Australia’s tax law effectively subsidises vehicles such as the Ram and Chevrolet pick-up trucks by avoiding the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) that other
SME growth aspirations on hold as revenues slide | Autotalk Australia
The latest edition of Fifth Quadrant’s SME Sentiment Tracker shows ongoing downward pressure on revenues, with 40% of businesses reporting lower revenues than 12 months earlier. This is a significant increase from the 29% reported in February. The most significant declines are observed in the distribution, retail, production, and construction sectors, highlighting the widespread impact on sectors
Uber to close car share business in Australia | Autotalk Australia
Uber Australia will close down its carshare business after acquiring the Car Next Door start-up for $105 million in 2022. The Australian Financial Review reports that Uber Carshare boss Will Davies did not respond to its request for comment, and an Uber spokesperson declined to comment. According to the AFR, Uber is not the first
Will July’s used car price spike will be temporary? | Autotalk Australia
Moody’s Analytics has just published a new report on Australian used-vehicle prices, and it believes the July price spike in used cars will be temporary. After falling for three consecutive months, the report says July brought a reversal with a price increase in the light vehicle segment. However, while lighter vehicles showed strength, the price of
OEM cultivates the next generation of automotive professionals | Autotalk Australia
ANissan Australia recently invited around 40 Victorian youth to its head office as an introduction to its award-winning Nissan Mentored Apprenticeship Program (NISSMAP). It was an opportunity for the youth to gain insights into a career in automotive through NISSMAP while also spending time with vehicles such as the Nissan GT-R, Nissan Z, and Nissan
FCAI submits to Net Zero Consultation Roadmap | Autotalk Australia
According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), a mix of technology, taxation, and infrastructure development must be the primary elements of Government planning for the pathway to net zero emissions from the light vehicle sector. These recommendations form part of the FCAI submission in response to the Commonwealth Government’s Transport and Infrastructure Net
Fourth quarter Australian deliveries for Polestar 4 | Autotalk Australia
Swedish electric performance car brand Polestar has delivered the first Polestar 4 SUV coupes in Europe as it expands from a one- to three-car lineup. With Polestar 2, Polestar 3 and now Polestar 4 on European roads, the brand continues to grow its offering with Polestar 4 customer deliveries in Australia and North America expected
The RACV opens its new Geelong store | Autotalk Australia
AThe RACV officially opened its new Geelong store at 81 Malop Street on August 19. It says the new location will allow members and customers to access the full range of RACV products and services and a travel agency. The RACV Travel and Experience partners include Australian Pacific Touring (APT), Scenic, Intrepid, and Princess. RACV
Zeekr confirms Australian launch timetable | Autotalk Australia
AThe Geely-owned Zeekr brand of luxury electric vehicles recently unveiled its compact Zeekr X compact SUV in Sydney. It will be the first of two models introduced to the Australian market this year. Following the Zeekr X, the company plans to launch the Zeekr 009, a pure-electric luxury MPV, by the end of 2024. Zeekr
Autosports to acquire Stillwell Motor Group for $55m | Autotalk Australia
Autosports Group has entered into an agreement to acquire the Stillwell Motor Group (which includes the BMW, BMW Motorrad, Mini, Volvo, MG, and Ducati brands in Victoria) for about $55 million. Completion is expected in October 2024, says Autosports Group. The Stillwell Motor Group business will be held by Autosports Group’s wholly owned subsidiary ASG