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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,
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
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
Chery confirms two new utes for Australia, more NEVs | Autotalk Australia
Chery International president Mr Zhang Guibing says the Chinese manufacturer will develop two new utes with New Energy Vehicle (NEV) technology for the Australian market. But they will not be related to the Himla double-cab ute launched at Auto Shanghai. The company is also poised to offer more New Energy Vehicles (NEV) from the third
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
Nissan Australia celebrates five years of Premcar Warrior program | Autotalk Australia
Nissan Australia's Warrior by Premcar program is marking more than five years of delivering remanufactured vehicles for Australian customers. While the Warrior program – including the Navara SL Warrior, the Navara PRO-4X Warrior and the Patrol Warrior – speak for themselves, the partnership has also delivered some incredible statistics as Australia's local manufacturing industry continues
Ford confirms Transit Custom EV and PHEV arrival | Autotalk Australia
Ford Australia has confirmed pricing and specifications on the new MY 2025.75 E-Transit Custom and Transit Custom PHEV, ahead of first deliveries starting in the third quarter of 2025.The addition of PHEV and E-Transit variants further bolsters the current Transit Custom portfolio, offering small business and fleet operators choices to suit their needs.Four variants will be available,
Nissan unveils first PHEV as a ute for China | Autotalk Australia
Nissan has launched a new plug-in hybrid double-cab ute in China, which can deliver up to 135km of pure electric driving. The Frontier Pro PHEV ute made its debut at Auto Shanghai 2025, and represents the second of nine New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) Nissan plans to launch in China by summer 2027. It is Nissan’s
MG Motor launches rear-wheel drive Cyberster | Autotalk Australia
MG Motor has launched a new 77kWh rear-wheel drive variant of the Cyberster in the Australian and New Zealand markets. Joining the existing 77kWh AWD model, the additional variant is now available to order and priced from $99,900 (MSRP). Designed to celebrate 100 years of MG vehicles, the Cyberster combines the heritage of MG’s famous
Chery sees robots as a future income source for dealers | Autotalk Australia
On April 26, Chery International president, Mr Zhang Guibing, hosted the AiMOGA Mornine Robot global delivery ceremony at the brand’s head office in Wuhu, announcing the availability of more than 220 units ready for work. The event marked the start of a global trial and study of the AiMOGA mornine robots as they were presented to
Team Australia 7th in Omoda C5 PHEV endurance marathon | Autotalk Australia
In real-world conditions during a two-day endurance marathon from Shanghai to Wuhu, Team Australia realised a total driving range of 1177km for the Omoda C5 PHEV, which is due to arrive in the country in late 2025. Nine teams of media from eight markets competed in the Super Hybrid marathon to equal or better the
Chery debuts Himla ute series at Auto Shanghai | Autotalk Australia
Chery unveiled a double-cab ute from its new Himla series on April 23, among a plethora of product announcements at the Shanghai Auto Show. Alongside the global premiere of the Himla series, the Chinese brand also introduced its new Tiggo 9 SUV flagship powered by its new Chery Super Hybrid system. A Tiggo 7 CHS
Stellantis appoints new MD for Australia and New Zealand | Autotalk Australia
Stellantis has appointed Mike Tsesmelis as managing director, Australia and New Zealand, responsible for overseeing operations across the Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Abarth, and Leapmotor brands. Tsesmelis has commenced in the role and succeeds Michael Filazzola, who joined Stellantis in 2023 to lead local growth initiatives and the launch of Leapmotor. Nirmal Nair, senior
Limited-volume Lexus LBX Morizo RR lands in Australia | Autotalk Australia
The Lexus LBX Morizo RR has arrived in Australian dealerships, and it will be built in limited volume, priced at $76,490 excluding on-road costs. The Morizo RR arrival brings the number of LBX grades to three as Lexus continues to expand its range to meet diverse customer needs. The compact SUV’s introduction in March 2024
EVC welcomes bipartisan support for EV discount | Autotalk Australia
The Australian Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) says bipartisan support for the electric vehicle discount will continue to benefit local motorists.Both major parties have confirmed the discount through support for the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for electric vehicles, with the Liberal Leader Peter Dutton committing to retain it should the Coalition be elected at the
Used car sales surge in March in spite of listings slump | Autotalk Australia
The March 2025 edition of the Automotive Insights Report (AIR), powered by data from AutoGrab, reveals a 14.8% increase in used car sales, with 200,566 vehicles changing hands nationally. This comes even as total active listings declined by 4.7%, reflecting tightening supply across most states, according to the Australian Automotive Dealers Association (AADA). As usual,
Improved safety performance of commercial vans pleases ANCAP | Autotalk Australia
ANCAP Safety has welcomed improved safety results for four commercial vans currently on sale in the Australian market The LDV Deliver 7 and the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo have achieved a Platinum rating. The updated Renault Trafic and Peugeot Expert each take a step higher, with a Gold rating – up from the Silver gradings held by the predecessor vehicles. ANCAP’s Commercial Van Safety Comparison assesses
Opinion: New reforms offer hope for small automotive businesses | Autotalk Australia
The Albanese Government has shared further details on its expanded measures to address unfair trading practices and correct power imbalances impacting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Australia. Key to these reforms is the extension of Unfair Contract Terms and Unfair Trading Practices protections to all businesses regulated under the Franchising Code of Conduct. This
EVs dominate World Car of the Year Awards | Autotalk Australia
Unsurprisingly, electric vehicle winners have dominated the 2025 World Car of the Year Awards. The Kia EV3 was the overall winner of the 2025 World Car of the Year. It is the second consecutive World Car of the Year win for Kia and the third World Car of the Year win overall. The Kia EV9
Kia Australia confirms Tasman Ute grades and retail prices | Autotalk Australia
Kia Australia has confirmed pricing for its Tasman double-cab ute, with pre-orders now open ahead of its arrival at dealerships in July. The Tasman range starts $42,990 RRP for the S 4x2 trim and tops out at $74,990 RRP for the X-Pro 4x4 which was engineered for enhanced off-road performance characteristics. “The Tasman is by
Time to align vehicle safety standards with Europe? | Autotalk Australia
The Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) is urging the Australian Government to urgently strengthen vehicle safety regulations, warning that outdated standards are putting lives at risk. While Europe has embraced world-leading safety technologies, it says Australians are being left behind and are driving cars that would not be allowed on European roads. “Every year,
Omoda Jaecoo announces new product offensive | Autotalk Australia
In the lead-up to the 2025 Shanghai International Automobile Exhibition on April 23, Omoda Jaecoo has announced the debut of further new energy vehicles (NEV) including the C7 SHS, C5 SHS, and J5 BEV. Furthermore, it will unveil the all-new Omoda C3 compact SUV at a media event in Wuhu on April 26. The SHS
Fair Trading returns more than $11.8 million to QLD consumers | Autotalk Australia
The Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) says the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) finalised 21,150 consumer complaints in 2024. Motor vehicle-related complaints made up 4350 cases - around 20% of all complaints - and ranked among the top five reported issues. The OFT’s intervention has resulted in more than $11.8 million returned to consumers,
Toyota’s flagship Tundra Platinum arriving in dealerships in May | Autotalk Australia
Toyota Australia’s Tundra pick-up range is set to grow with the addition of the flagship Platinum grade, which arrives in local showrooms in May. Priced from $172,990 plus on-road costs, the Platinum completes the Tundra range, joining the Limited grade which is available from dealerships from $155,990 plus on-road costs. The Tundra Platinum builds on
Chery confirms 19 future hybrid models | Autotalk Australia
Chery recently held an event in Wuhu, Anhui, China to launch the brand’s latest global hybrid technology, known as "Chery Super Hybrid (CSH)" system. It confirmed the introduction of 19 new hybrid models across HEV, PHEV, and REEV categories in 2025. This includes the SUV TIGGO range (7, 8 and 9), which will be revealed
Melbourne Motor Show to return in 2026 | Autotalk Australia
Following the success of the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show (MMS) which was attended by more than 45,000 guests on April 5 and 6, organisers say the event will return in 2026. According to the organisers, in 2026 the MMS will expand to a three-day-long event with a reimagined floor plan using all 20 halls of
AAA: Not all hybrids deliver expected fuel savings | Autotalk Australia
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) says analysis of testing in real-world conditions shows not all hybrids deliver expected fuel savings, and motorists should not expect all hybrid vehicles to perform the same. AAA’s Real-World Testing Program has tested both the hybrid and internal combustion engine (ICE) variants of eight popular vehicle models. The Real-World Testing
Subaru Australia wins yet another customer-driven accolade | Autotalk Australia
Subaru Australia has been awarded the Major Car Manufacturer of the Year trophy in the 2024 Roy Morgan Annual Customer Satisfaction Awards. The accolade is based on comprehensive, independently collected customer satisfaction data. Subaru Australia’s ownership experience general manager Mark Robinson, accepted the award on behalf of the brand at a Gala evening on April
Tesla opens new superchargers at Moonee Beach, NSW. | Autotalk Australia
Tesla Charging says it has opened a new 15-stall V4 supercharging site at Moonee Beach in New South Wales. The EV chargers pack up to 250KW and are compatible with CCS2 charging so are available to non-Tesla EVs. Tesla Charging has more information.
Australian testing ramps up for MG U9 | Autotalk Australia
Following its global reveal at the Melbourne Motor Show, MG Motor Australia is taking the U9 on a significant road trip around the country to support its local tuning for Australia. From Broome to Penguin, Albany to Cooktown, MG Motor Australia will conduct thousands of kilometres of real-world testing to ensure the MG U9 meets
New Volkswagen Transporter confirmed for 2025 Australian arrival | Autotalk Australia
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has confirmed the all-new Transporter Van will arrive in 2025, in short wheelbase and long wheelbase 3/2 seater configurations. Diesel and battery electric vehicle (BEV) variants will arrive in the third quarter of 2025, with a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) following in the second quarter of 2026. All versions of the
Used EV buyers surge ahead while dealers dither | Autotalk Australia
According to the fifth and latest issue of the Pickles quarterly automotive reports, private buyers rather than dealers are driving momentum in the Australian used electric vehicle market. The report covers the first quarter of 2025 and shows that used EVs are no longer a fringe interest. Demand is strong, battery performance is holding up,
Isuzu dealer principal notches up half-century | Autotalk Australia
In an industry defined by rapid change and growth, few can claim to have witnessed the transformation of the Australian truck market such as Gary Melrose. This year, Melrose marks 50 years with Gilbert & Roach Isuzu in New South Wales. Melrose joined Gilbert & Roach on Parramatta Rd in Homebush as a 16-year-old apprentice
Nissan supports artist Emmanuel Kelly during Coldplay tour | Autotalk Australia
Nissan supported artist Emmanuel Kelly during his performances as a supporting act for Coldplay's recent Australia and New Zealand tour dates for Music of the Spheres World Tour. Kelly made history late last year by supporting Coldplay, one of the world's biggest bands, as a differently-abled artist. Nissan provided Kelly with Nissan X-Trail SUVs across Melbourne,
Detroit more exposed to tariffs than Germany and Japan | Autotalk Australia
Last week, the US announced the imposition of tariffs on global imports, leaving the automotive industry facing another challenge. This follows other industry-wide issues, namely falling demand for foreign vehicles in China and stifled growth and regulatory pressures in European markets. “The rollout of these tariffs is yet another problem for the industry to navigate.
Bridgestone debutants win 2024 National Store of the Year Award | Autotalk Australia
Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto has named its 2024 National Store of the Year as well as the top stores in each region, based on the company’s store benchmarking program called DRIVE. Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto Tapping, owned and run by Dale and Angela Barclay, claimed the Store of Year title in their first full
The April 2025 issue of Autotalk Australia is ready to download | Autotalk Australia
This month the automotive brand’s dealer of the year season continues, with BMW Group Australia, Isuzu Trucks, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Skoda, and Subaru all hosting award ceremonies for their top performers. There has been mixed industry reaction to the Albanese Government announcement regarding the extension of unfair trading protections to small businesses. Ford celebrated its
Melbourne Motor Show hosts JAC Hunter PHEV global premiere | Autotalk Australia
JAC Motors revealed the Hunter plug-in hybrid Dual-Cab 4X4 Ute to the world at the Melbourne Motor Show. Set to arrive in Australian showrooms in 2026, the Hunter will be JAC’s most powerful and technologically advanced production vehicle when series production commences later this year. This plug-in hybrid petrol-electric utility combines an efficient all-new 2.0-litre