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Kia launches ‘accessibly priced’ EV3 | Autotalk Australia

Kia Australia has further expanded its electric vehicle line-up with the EV3 small SUV, now available in dealerships. According to Kia, the EV3 has been designed from the ground up to be a no-compromise EV and brings standard and long-range electrified power to the small SUV segment. The Kia EV3 range opens with a $47,600

PHEV sales boomed in March, but battery electric sales slowed | Autotalk Australia

Australians purchased 108,606 new vehicles during March, a decrease of 0.9% on the same period in 2024, which was the best March result yet recorded by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. Sales of Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) during March were up 380% from the same period in 2024, reflecting the impact of the removal

GWM celebrates best monthly and quarterly result yet | Autotalk Australia

GWM has achieved its best monthly and quarterly sales performance yet, setting new records to reinforce its position as one of Australia’s leading automotive brands. According to VFACTS national sales data, GWM delivered 4393 vehicles in March 2025, securing a 4% share of the Australian market and achieving 8th position. This result marks a 5.3%

Melbourne Motor Show sells out Saturday GA tickets | Autotalk Australia

Patrons have snapped up all of the general admission tickets for the first day of the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show, April 5. Melburnian and Australian motoring enthusiasts have shown their passion and enthusiasm by snapping up 30,000 tickets in pre-sales. Limited GA tickets remain for the Sunday, April 6 show day and the business lounge.

First Drive: Tank 300 Lux diesel | Autotalk Australia

GWM Australia and New Zealand are expanding the Tank 300 lineup with the introduction of a new turbo-diesel variant for people who want three-tonne towing capacity. The distributor recently hosted a media drive day in which outlets such as Autotalk were able to experience the on and off-road capabilities of the vehicle driving from Tullamarine

Ford Australia marks its centenary with “History in the Making” event | Autotalk Australia

One hundred years ago on March 31, 1925, the Ford Motor Company of Australia Pty Ltd was founded in Geelong, Victoria. The story of how Ford Australia came into being, started in 1923 when North American Ford executives visited Australia to seek out a base to set up an operation to direct all Ford activities

S&P Global Mobility announces new regional team appointments | Autotalk Australia

S&P Global Mobility has appointed Peadar Walsh as general manager, Mobility - Australia and New Zealand, and Ian Bennett as a business development specialist. Both will play critical roles in driving strategic growth and enhancing S&P Global Mobility’s presence and service to customers in the region. Walsh joins S&P Global Mobility from JATO Dynamics, where

CKD Automotive to open Genesis Castle Hill dealership mid-year | Autotalk Australia

The retail expansion of the Genesis brand continues its momentum with the opening of Genesis Castle Hill set for mid-year. Genesis Castle Hill will become the first Genesis agency in Australia, in a partnership with CKD Automotive. The new dealership on Castle Hill’s Victoria Avenue will be the first north-west Sydney location and the third

Kiwi new car sales rebound, commercial decline continues | Autotalk Australia

Registrations of new passenger vehicles across the Tasman Sea in New Zealand increased by 11.4% to 8426 units in March 2025, up from 7561 in the previous corresponding period (PCP). Toyota led the Kiwi new passenger vehicle market with 1711 registrations, which was an 8% improvement from the PCP figure of 1584 units. It was

Rowan steps down from Volvo Cars, board reappoints Samuelsson | Autotalk Australia

After a three-year tenure, Jim Rowan stepped down from his role as Volvo Cars president and chief executive on March 31, 2025, and he has also resigned from the board of directors effective immediately. The Volvo Cars board of directors has reappointed Håkan Samuelsson as president and chief executive for a two-year term, starting April

MG Motor to present five new models at Melbourne Motor Show | Autotalk Australia

MG Motor Australia will unveil five brand-new vehicles set to hit Australian roads, debuting in a reveal at the Melbourne Motor Show on the weekend of April 5-6. This unveiling marks a significant moment for MG in Australia. Moving into a range of new vehicle segments, MG seeks to continue to build on its position

Ballarat Isuzu takes Dealer of the Year trifecta | Autotalk Australia

Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) recently held its Dealer of the Year Awards in Melbourne, which are judged not only on new vehicle sales but all facets of a dealer business, including customer care, staff training, inventory management, service support and parts supply. Each focus area has an award, with a combination score accounting for the

Read promoted to managing director Inchcape Australasia | Autotalk Australia

Inchcape Australasia has appointed Blair Read as its new managing director effective April 1, 2025. He will continue to drive growth and continued success in Australia and New Zealand across its portfolio of distribution, retail, fulfilment and financial services, including its brand representation for Subaru, Peugeot, LDV, KGM, Deepal (Changan Auto) and Foton. Read has

RACV calls for number plate anti-theft screw mandate | Autotalk Australia

The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) is calling on the Victorian Government to require new and second-hand vehicle dealerships to install number plates with anti-theft screws. This requirement could be phased in, starting with standard number plates. The Victorian Crime Statistics Agency reveals a ten-year high in the number plate thefts, with almost 27,000

RedBook Inspect launches Roadworthy marketplace | Autotalk Australia

RedBook Inspect, a national provider of vehicle inspections and part of carsales, has launched its new Roadworthy marketplace of trusted third-party inspection providers. This initiative was developed to make roadworthy and safety checks more accessible and convenient for car buyers and sellers across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia. The launch of the

Trump slaps 25% tariff on imported vehicles | Autotalk Australia

US President Donald Trump has announced sweeping new tariffs on imported vehicles and automotive parts, citing a growing threat to US national security. In a proclamation issued on March 26, Trump invoked Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act to impose a 25% tariff on imported passenger vehicles and light trucks — including sedans, SUVs,

AAA wants more transparency around road funding decisions | Autotalk Australia

The Australian Automobile Association welcomes the Federal Budget road investment of more than $10 billion per annum over the next four years. However, the AAA is calling for greater transparency over road spending decision-making and the abolition of redundant taxes that are adding to transport costs. The 2025-26 Budget increased road investment by 2.5% over

CAR Group appoints Craig Fraser as carsales managing director | Autotalk Australia

CAR Group has appointed Craig Fraser as the new carsales managing director, following the departure of Paul Barlow from the business. Fraser will also join CAR Group’s Global Leadership Team. Barlow was a member of the carsales leadership team for 15 years and worked in many areas of the company, most recently as leader of

IM Presented by MG Motor to debut at Melbourne Motor Show | Autotalk Australia

MG Motor Australia is launching two models from the Chinese luxury electric car brand IM in the local market. The brand will be known in this market as IM presented by MG Motor, and will make its public debut at the upcoming Melbourne Motor Show. The IM5, also known as the IM L6 sedan in

AADA welcomes budget measures for franchised new vehicle retailers | Autotalk Australia

The Australian Automotive Dealers Association has welcomed the release of the 2025-26 Federal Budget. “Tonight’s Budget measures to extend protections from Unfair Trading Practices and Unfair Contract Terms to all Automotive Franchised New Car and Truck Dealers will go some way to address the power imbalance between Dealers and vehicle manufacturers,” says AADA chief executive

Next Collecting Cars Coffee Run coming to Sydney  | Autotalk Australia

Collecting Cars, the online platform for the sale of classic, performance and collectible cars, is conducting its next Coffee Run car show in Sydney on March 30, 2025. Enthusiasts can enjoy a memorable Sunday morning when hundreds of special cars from the greatest brands gather at Randwick racecourse from 8:00 A.M. Fans can expect the

Bunbury Subaru wins the 2024 Retailer of the Year award | Autotalk Australia

Subaru Australia recently unveiled the winners of its 2024 Retailer of the Year awards at its National Retailer of the Year celebration. The annual awards program recognises members of the Subaru Retail network who have demonstrated outstanding customer service, commitment to the brand, and outstanding performance across their entire business operations. For the second time,

Evos and FKK to produce EV chargers | Autotalk Australia

Brisbane’s EV charging and energy management startup Evos has signed a licensing agreement with Japanese manufacturer FKK to produce EV chargers for sale in Japan, Southeast Asia and other high-growth markets including India. The deal ensures Evos can expand into a new high-growth market and provide a product suitable for Japanese customers. Evos specialises in

GWM hires former Holden engineer to head local tuning program | Autotalk Australia

Following the announcement that GWM is to embark on a local tuning and engineering program, prominent ride and handling expert, Rob Trubiani will join the company as Product Engineering Manager. He joins GWM with nearly 25 years of Australian automotive engineering experience. For many years, Trubiani was a lead development engineer specialising in areas including brake,

Nissan delivers 250,000th Patrol to the Australian market | Autotalk Australia

The Nissan Patrol has recorded its 250,000th Australian delivery, an achievement made possible by its buyer’s love for travel, towing and adventure. But while the Patrol has left an indelible mark on Australia, so too has Australia left its mark on the Patrol, according to Nissan Oceania. The model’s enduring popularity in this country has

Zeekr opens Sydney City showroom | Autotalk Australia

Premium electric vehicle brand, Zeekr, officially opened its Sydney City showroom with a launch event for industry leaders, media, and VIP clients. Guests enjoyed champagne, canapes and entertainment alongside a first look at the Zeekr X, Zeekr 009, and the unveiling of the highly anticipated Zeekr 7X. Since its Australian debut in October 2024, Zeekr

BetterFleet geared for Australian EV expansion | Autotalk Australia

BetterFleet secured the final close of its Series A funding round, totalling $23.7 million (US$15m), as it continues to deploy its software to help fleets make cost-effective transitions to efficient, sustainable vehicles. The tech start-up BetterFleet was born in Australia in 2016 and developed its product there before taking that innovation to the world, successfully

Job uncertainty, skills gap costing Australia $3.5 billion a year | Autotalk Australia

School-leaver job uncertainty and the widening skills gap is costing the Australian economy billions of dollars every year, according to a new report by Year13 and HEDx. The report, which highlights the challenges faced by students in post-school transition, found that school-leaver job uncertainty has a significant economic knock-on effect across the value chain. This

Robust result for Porsche in challenging environment | Autotalk Australia

Porsche AG says it ended the 2024 financial year with a robust result in a challenging environment. The tense market situation in China, the delayed global ramp-up of electromobility and disruptions in the supplier network had an impact on earnings and return on sales.Group sales revenue was 40.1 billion euros, a single percentage point below

New car and truck dealers welcome stronger franchise protections | Autotalk Australia

The Federal Government has committed to extending protections against unfair trading practices and unfair contract terms to all franchisees, including Australian new car and truck Dealers. It has also committed to prioritising work to ensure compliance with the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard at the point of sale, rather than the point of import. The Australian

MTAA: Franchise reform changes the game | Autotalk Australia

The Motor Trades Association says the Federal Government’s announcement to strengthen the Franchising Code of Conduct and extend Unfair Contract Terms and Unfair Trading Practices to all businesses regulated under the Code, is a game changer. Now it includes businesses selling new motor vehicles, motorcycles, farm machinery and tractors as well as franchised motor vehicle

ANCAP launches Choose Safety advertising campaign | Autotalk Australia

ANCAP’s new advertising campaign is calling on all Australians to choose safety.Launching nationally this week, a series of campaign advertisements are being rolled out to remind Australians to stop, think about, and check the ANCAP safety rating of their car or that of a family member, loved one, or friend.“There are many in the community

Zagame brings unique Brabus 800 to Melbourne Motor Show | Autotalk Australia

Known globally for its enhanced high-performance Mercedes-Benz vehicles and partnership with the smart automotive brand, German tuning house, Brabus has appointed Zagame Automotive to carry out its customisation process in Australia. The two partners will reveal a one-off Brabus 800 SOMO (Sondermodelle) at the Melbourne Motor Show (April 5 to 6) at the Melbourne Convention

All Energy Australia returns to Melbourne October | Autotalk Australia

Clean energy event All Energy Australia is at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre October 29-30, 2025. A new dedicated EV Technology and Infrastructure Zone is included this year, expected to cater to industry professionals, including EV product managers, infrastructure engineers, battery engineers, electricians, electrical engineers, EV policy analysts, consultants, and senior managers. The 2024

Renault 5 Turbo 3E deliveries confirmed for 2027 | Autotalk Australia

Renault has confirmed that only 1980 units of the two-seat 5 Turbo 3E will be available for markets in Europe, the Middle East, Japan and Australia. Customers will be able to choose their number when they order. Reservations will open in the coming weeks, and the first deliveries will take place in 2027. A modern,

Australia wins two categories at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars 2024 regional dealer awards | Autotalk Australia

Two Rolls-Rolls Motor Cars (RRMC) dealer partners in Australia have brought home trophies from the APAC regional awards recently held in Japan on March 6. The awards celebrate the individual dealer partners outstanding performance in a number of categories connected to business objectives, brand communications and customer service. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Brisbane was commended for

VACC: Accident towing fee structure threatens industry viability | Autotalk Australia

The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has responded to the Essential Services Commission’s (ESC) draft decision on accident towing, storage and salvage fees with a submission addressing concerns about the proposed fee structure. In its submission, the VACC outlines several factors it believes should be considered in determining appropriate fees for accident towing services

Mixed industry reaction to extended unfair trading practice protections | Autotalk Australia

There has been a mixed industry reaction to the Albanese Government announcement regarding the extension of unfair trading protections to small businesses. The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) says the government’s commitment to levelling the playing field offers additional safeguards for small businesses that frequently struggle against unilateral changes to supply terms, restrictive contracts,

CadillacSales&Customer ExperienceM anager–NZ | Autotalk Australia

BMW Group Australia celebrates award-winning dealer network | Autotalk Australia

BMW Group celebrated its 49 dealers at an award ceremony in Sydney, recognising their performance in 2024, which secured BMW as the best-selling premium automotive brand in Australia for the second consecutive year. Jean-Philippe Parain, Senior Vice-President of Sales Region Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, travelled to attend the ceremony to acknowledge and