News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Life
Culture & Art
Hobbies
News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Culture & Art
Hobbies
Autotalk - News for Australian Automotive Dealers Autotalk - Automotive
6 | Follower
Consumer sentiment survey shows evolving buyer behaviour | Autotalk Australia
Carsale’s latest consumer sentiment survey reveals that despite rising consumer confidence across the automotive industry, buyer behaviour continues to evolve in response to economic conditions and shifting priorities. “Nearly half of all car buyers surveyed told us they’ve had to adjust their budgets due to cost-of-living pressures,” Carsales spokesperson Rafael Constantinou says. Interestingly, for the
Jowett Motor Group opening two new Geely dealerships | Autotalk Australia
Jowett Motor Group (JMG) is adding two new Geely dealerships to its growing franchise network. This expansion further strengthens JMG’s commitment to offering customers dynamic and innovative vehicles and services while enhancing its presence in the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market. Geely, one of China’s largest and most renowned automotive manufacturers, has seen impressive
Collecting Cars announces local Coffee Run events | Autotalk Australia
The Collecting Cars online global marketplace has announced its first event in Australia in 2025. Melbourne will kick-start this year’s Collecting Cars event series with a Coffee Run at Calder Park Raceway on Sunday, February 23. Victorian car fans can expect a repeat of last year’s massive turnout of collector cars with a large number
Sydney ‘Everything Electric’ show March 7-9 | Autotalk Australia
The third Everything Electric expo in Sydney on March 7-9 this year is set to be the largest yet, say organisers. An unprecedented range of electric mobility from e-bikes to boats, and automotive brands from Audi to Zeekr will be on display at the Sydney Showground, along with 7500 test drives, they say. “We're particularly
LDV Mifa people mover gains new eight-seat option | Autotalk Australia
The LDV Mifa range has grown to four models for the 2025 line-up with a new eight-seat variant. All variants are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (160kW/360Nm) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels. The revised LDV Mifa line-up will arrive in Australian showrooms this month. “Value is significant
Renault Duster confirmed for Australia | Autotalk Australia
The new Renault Duster small SUV has been confirmed for Australia and it will be available in local showrooms from the second half of 2025. “The Renault brand has a rich history in Australia, and we are proud to announce Duster will be part of our next chapter as we continue to bring unique vehicles
New Nissan 10-year warranty to drive service back to dealers | Autotalk Australia
Nissan Australia has introduced a new 10-year, 300,000km warranty program to drive service business to its national dealer network. Under its MORE ownership program, the service-activated 10-year, 300,000km warranty with roadside assistance on all models was effective from January 1, 2025. The warranty is offered in addition to the five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty on new Nissans.
NZ sees Hilux overtake Ranger in January’s new vehicle market | Autotalk Australia
New Zealand’s new passenger vehicle registrations held steady year-on-year in January 2025, but there was a noticeable decline in the commercial segment. Passenger vehicle registrations totalled 8059 units in January 2025, a slight decline of 0.7% compared to January 2024’s 8116 units. However, several brands and models stood out for their strong performance. Toyota maintained
AGL acquires Everty | Autotalk Australia
AGL Energy has acquired Australian-owned EV software platform Everty. Everty delivers comprehensive, full-service charging and energy management solutions for EVs. The Everty platform connects to EV charging stations and will be available to commercial customers, such as large property groups, fleet owners, public parking and landlords. It allows customers to monitor EV charging usage, maintenance,
Joseph to lead Honda Australia as McMahon heads to NZ | Autotalk Australia
American Honda vice president Mr Jay Joseph has been named chief executive and director of Honda Australia, succeeding Mr Yoshitaka Okamoto in his previous role. The move comes as Ms Carolyn McMahon, the current vice president and director of Honda Australia, has been appointed president of Honda New Zealand, effective April 1, 2025. Honda New Zealand's current
South Australian company develops V2G capability for Mitsubishi PHEV owners | Autotalk Australia
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has collaborated with South Australian EV charging specialists V2Grid Australia to access its newly developed CHAdeMO bi-directional charger, enabling vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities for Mitsubishi PHEV owners. This technology is the first Australian-developed bi-directional charger available to the market. It provides the enabling hardware for existing Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross PHEV
Pottinger announces retirement from Volkswagen Group Australia | Autotalk Australia
Volkswagen Group Australia corporate communications general manager and executive leadership team member Paul Pottinger has announced his retirement after nearly nine years of service. Pottinger announced his retirement on February 28 at the company’s first town hall meeting for 2025. He says that after 40 years in the workforce, he wishes to join his wife
Cox Automotive: ten factors that will impact the 2025 new vehicle market | Autotalk Australia
The 2025 Cox Automotive Industry Outlook believes ten overwhelming themes will shape the Australian new vehicle in the next twelve months, and it will again be a market of two halves as in 2024. The first factor will be an oversupply of vehicles, which will lead to excess inventory, increased market day supply (MDS), and
Industry calls for a balanced approach to apprentice support | Autotalk Australia
The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) urges the Federal Government to expand its targeted $10,000 construction apprenticeship bonus. Instead, it advocates for a comprehensive approach to supporting skills development in all essential trades identified as having shortages. "While we welcome government initiatives to boost apprenticeship numbers, we need a strategy that strengthens Australia's entire
AAAA welcomes government support for dealer and repairer EV charging infrastructure | Autotalk Australia
An industry body has welcomed the Federal Government’s launch of the $40 million DRIVEN charger rebate stream, which will support EV charging infrastructure at car dealerships and independent repairers. The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) chief executive Stuart Charity says the grant program is a game changer for independent automotive repairers. The grant, part of the
Five-star ANCAP safety rating for Deepal S07 battery electric SUV | Autotalk Australia
The Deepal S07 battery electric SUV manufactured by Changan Automobile has recently launched in the Australian market and has also received a five-star ANCAP safety rating. It scored 95% for Adult Occupant Protection, matching the Toyota Camry as the top scorer for its physical protection and safe restraint of adult occupants against the current 2023-2025 criteria. To
Delvecchio to lead Electric Vehicle Council | Autotalk Australia
Julie Delvecchio has been appointed the new Electric Vehicle Council chief executive. She replaces inaugural chief executive Behyad Jafari, who stepped down in mid-2024, and interim chief executive Samantha Johnson, the former managing director of Polestar Australia. Delvecchio brings extensive expertise in energy and transport in Australia and has more than two decades of senior leadership experience
TR Group opens a new branch in Albury, NSW | Autotalk Australia
TR Group, a specialist in the short-term hire and leasing of trucks and trailers, has recently expanded its nationwide network by opening a new branch in Albury, on the border of New South Wales and Victoria. The new branch is in the middle of the busy Albury/Wodonga region, and TR Group understands the region's wide-ranging
Drive achieves highest monthly audience yet | Autotalk Australia
According to Ipsos iris audience data for December 2024, Drive.com.au has achieved its highest monthly audience result over the last 12 months. This result coincides with the launch of Drive NUSED, Drive’s platform for new and quality used cars for sale, which went live in early December. In December 2024, over 3.2 million Australians visited
JET Charge raises $72m to step up EV transition | Autotalk Australia
Melbourne-based JET Charge has raised $72 million of capital as it steps up its mission to take Australasia from EV charging pilots to infrastructure at scale. The equity investment was led by Mirova, an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers, through its Mirova Energy Transition Fund 6 (MET6), along with backing from the Clean Energy Finance
Solitaire Automotive Group opens Polestar Adelaide Space | Autotalk Australia
Polestar has expanded its retail presence to South Australia for the first time since launching in 2022. The Polestar Adelaide Space, operated by Solitaire Automotive Group, debuts due to significant demand from South Australian buyers to experience Polestar’s range of electric cars. The new location is part of Polestar’s transition to a more active retail
Mazda6 Zoom-Zooms into Australian automotive history | Autotalk Australia
After 22 years of local sales, the Mazda6 will bow out of the Australian market as Mazda Australia focuses on electrified powertrains in its local product line-up. Production of the Mazda6 for Australia has now ceased, with remaining stock now available in the national retail network. Nearly 150,000 examples of the Mazda6 Sedan and Wagon
Deepal expands retail network in Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth | Autotalk Australia
Deepal Australia has expanded its retailer network by opening three new showrooms and service centres in Perth City, Adelaide and Brisbane. Jarvis Deepal at 190 West Terrace, Adelaide, opened for business this week, and Perth City Deepal at 137/165 Albany Highway, Victoria Park, will open at the end of January. Brisbane Deepal at Unit 2/75
Flagship Genesis Sydney showcase to officially open on January 29 | Autotalk Australia
Genesis is set to open its most significant retail space in Australia by unveiling a new flagship Genesis Sydney showcase on Parramatta Road in North Strathfield. The facility's opening will be celebrated with a cocktail party for customers and guests on January 29, attended by Global Head of Genesis Mike Song, motor racing legend, and
Dunn appointed BMW Motorrad Australia general manager | Autotalk Australia
The BMW Group promoted Steven Dunn to the BMW Motorrad Australia general manager role, effective January 1, 2025. It follows a historic milestone in 2024 for BMW Motorrad Australia, which sold 3,549 motorcycles, its best result yet. Dunn brings 30 years of automotive industry experience to his new role. After spending two decades at Nissan
Kett to succeed Takesue as GWM ANZ chief operating officer | Autotalk Australia
GWM Australian and New Zealand has confirmed that experienced automotive executive John Kett will succeed Hidesuke Takesuke as chief operating officer on February 3, 2025. Takesue will retire from the company after seven years of service. During that time, he helped guide GWM to a top-10 market position. Kett arrives at GWM with 35 years
Grenadier production resumes at Ineo Automotive’s Hambach plant | Autotalk Australia
The Grenadier and Quartermaster 4x4 vehicle production has resumed at the Ineos Automotive plant in Hambach, France. Production was halted after a critical seat supplier became insolvent, but Ineos Automotive says the issue has since been resolved. However, nothing has been quiet during the shutdown. With smart ForTwo production ending earlier in 2024, the defunct
Ateco group dealers report strong enquiry for Renault Captur | Autotalk Australia
The Australian Renault distributor, Ateco Group, has confirmed that the Renault Captur light SUV is returning to the market after a brief hiatus in transitioning from the old to the new model. The MY25 Renault Captur is due in Australian showrooms in the second half of this year. Pricing and specifications will be announced closer
JAX Tyres & Auto executive manager nominated for CX award | Autotalk Australia
JAX Tyres & Auto customer experience executive manager Nicola Rose has been nominated as a finalist for the CX Leader of the Year category at Inside Retail’s Retailer Awards 2025. Under her leadership, JAX Tyres & Auto has implemented innovative initiatives such as the Voice of the Customer program and the You Said, We Did
Autocare 2025 hosts three international diagnostic experts for training program | Autotalk Australia
Autocare 2025, Australia’s largest event for technicians and workshop owners, will showcase three international automotive trainers. Hosted by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) and sponsored by mycar Tyre & Auto, this convention will take place on 20-21 June 2025 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC). Three U.S.-based trainers—Brandon Steckler, Keith Perkins, and
New generation Mitsubishi ASX to arrive in Australian showrooms in 2025 | Autotalk Australia
Mitsubishi Motors Australia (MMAL) says a new-generation ASX will join the Outlander, Outlander PHEV and Triton in dealer showrooms in 2025. However, the current ASX, Eclipse Cross, Eclipse Cross PHEV, and Pajero Sport models have ended production for this market due to updated Australian Design Rules being implemented on March 1, 2025. “This is not
Port industrial action delaying new vehicle arrivals | Autotalk Australia
Strikes by Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) stevedores over increased pay demands are delaying the arrival of new vehicles in Australia. According to Drive news editor Alex Misoyannis, more than 12 vessels with up to 36,000 vehicles on board are waiting off the Australian coast. The vessels have been delayed by industrial action between the
The January 2025 issue of AutoTalk Australia is ready to download | Autotalk Australia
Australian new vehicle sales rose 0.03% in 2024 to 1,220,607 units, receiving a subdued reaction from the automotive distribution industry. An oversupply of new vehicles to the market in 2025 is expected to have a spillover effect on the used car market, with the average days-to-sell figure expected to grow from the current 48.7 days.
Suzuki Jimny still offers the best residuals in the used car market | Autotalk Australia
Following months of oversupply, the Australian used car market saw a 3.8% drop in December 2024 to 322,532 listings. The Automotive Industry Report (AIR), compiled monthly by AutoGrab and the Australian Automotive Dealers Association (AADA), said the December market favoured buyers. Sales declined significantly, by 8.1%, to 181,724 units. The Ford Ranger remains Australia’s best-selling used
VACC appoints Peter Jones as new chief executive | Autotalk Australia
The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has appointed Peter Jones as its new chief executive from February 2025. Jones brings 30 years of leadership experience in the automotive and finance industries, including expertise in operational management, strategic innovation, and stakeholder engagement. He graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds qualifications in
Maurice Blackburn takes transmission class action against GM | Autotalk Australia
Law firm Maurice Blackburn has filed a class action lawsuit in the Federal Court of Australia against General Motors Australia and New Zealand for defective transmission systems in specific models of its now-defunct Holden brand. Maurice Blackburn said on January 8, 2025, that the lawsuit covers people who bought specific Holden vehicle models from January
Ickx returning to Bathurst in Genesis concept | Autotalk Australia
Motor racing legend and six-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Jacky Ickx will return to Australia’s Mount Panorama circuit this year for the first time since winning the Bathurst 1000 in 1977. Ickx, 80, will be driving the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta concept car for a few demo laps around the 6.2 km circuit ahead
Third consecutive top-ten finish for Isuzu Ute Australia | Autotalk Australia
Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) has finished 2024 in 8th place overall in the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) official sales figures for new vehicles in Australia. It’s the highest ranking yet for the Japanese marque and the third consecutive top-ten finish. With a record total of 48,172 vehicles sold, IUA achieved a year-on-year increase of
Australian motorcycle and OHV sales declined 1.8% in 2024 | Autotalk Australia
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) reports 94,224 motorcycles and OHVs (Off-Highway Vehicles) were delivered to Australian customers in 2024, a decrease of 1.8% on the 2023 result. Off-road motorcycles recorded 41,178 units, experiencing a 2.6% increase, and road motorcycles recorded a 2.4% decrease to 34,266 units. Scooters declined 22.5% to 4,752. In the
EV Direct announces $29,990 Dolphin Essential EV | Autotalk Australia
EV Direct managing director Luke Todd has confirmed on social media that the company will market an Essential version of the BYD Dolphin EV priced from $29,990 plus on-road costs. Todd says that being the first EV brand to break the $30,000 price tag is a major milestone. He says EV Direct, in partnership with