Category: News

No comments

2019 NEW CAR SALES DOWN

  By

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has released new vehicle sales results for calendar year 2019. A total of 1,062,867 new vehicles were recorded as sold, a 7.8 per cent decrease on full year 2018. The 2019 figure of 1,062,867 is the lowest annual sales result reported in VFACTS since 2011. On a monthly basis, 84,239 new vehicle sales were recorded for December 2019, a decrease of 3.8 per cent from December 2018. Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI, commented at the release of the sales results. “Regarding… Read more

No comments

RAM TRUCKS SUCCESS DOWNUNDER

  By ,

The 5000th RAM truck has rolled off the production line in Melbourne. The Granite Crystal grey 1500 V8 Hemi Laramie is one of the team that has the brilliant catchline of, “Eat utes for breakfast”. The very American RAM range is very varied; light duty (1500) and heavy duty (3500 and 2500). They can tow anything from 3.5 tonnes up to 6.9 tonnes. “This is truly an Australian automotive success story,” says Neville Crichton CNZM, Executive Chairman of the Ateco Group and originator of the idea to convert left-hand drive… Read more

No comments

BMW Z4 M40i GETS MORE POWER – NO PRICE INCREASE

  By ,

BMW Australia has ramped up the performance of its Z4 M40i roadster by announcing a 35kW increase to the power output of its 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine. The increase means the Z4 M40i can now accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.1 seconds, an improvement of four tenths of a second over the previous model. It also now aligns the Z4 M40i with fellow M Performance models M340i xDrive, X3 M40i and X4 M40i, which feature the 285kW version of the famed BMW TwinPower Turbo straight six powerplant. The powertrain… Read more

No comments

MAZDA UPDATES MX-5

  By ,

An updated Mazda MX-5 will go on sale in Australia in early 2020. However changes are relatively minor, with an emphasis on the interior. There are revisions to interior materials with RF GT models getting Burgundy Nappa leather punctuated with a light grey stitch to create a more luxurious cabin atmosphere. Across other parts of the range, both Tan and Black leather options have also been revised, adding perforations that give a sporty texture and boost to comfort. The GT range also gets stainless steel scuff plates to minimise damage… Read more

No comments

SAFETY TIPS FOR ATVs AND SSVs

  By

Christmas holidays are often an opportunity to visit friends and family on properties around the country – properties where ATVs and SSVs are used as versatile farm machinery. The temptation for younger riders to take these vehicles for a spin can sometimes be too much – and have fatal results. That’s why the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) is urging parents to observe the known safety practices when operating ATVs and SSVs these holidays. It is especially important to supervise younger riders and ensure they only ride age appropriate… Read more

No comments

MORE RECALLS OF TAKATA AIRBAGS

  By

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has received notification that an additional 78,000 vehicles on Australian roads may be fitted with faulty Takata airbags. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has advised vehicle manufacturers that these faulty airbags may have been installed in early-model Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Eunos (Mazda), Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Toyota vehicles manufactured between 1996 and 2000. These airbags can cause serious injury or death to vehicle occupants. Owners of affected vehicles are advised to immediately contact their dealer or brand. Anyone who owns one… Read more

No comments

PORSCHE MACAN GTS IS ON ITS WAY

  By ,

The new Porsche Macan GTS is available to order now. It is priced from $109,700 and will arrive in Australia in the first quarter of 2020. The 2.9-litre V6 bi-turbo engine delivers 280 kW (380 hp) – an increase of 15 kW (20 hp) compared with the predecessor model. The maximum torque of 520 Nm (plus 20 Nm) is available over a wide range from 1,750 to 5,000 rpm. Combined with the newly adapted PDK dual-clutch transmission and the optional Sport Chrono package, the Macan GTS can accelerate from zero… Read more

No comments

CALL FOR MOTORISTS TO USE NEW ‘MEGA ROADSIDE REST AREAS’

  By
NTI General Manager Janelle Greene and truck driver Kevin Treble

Motorists, particularly those towing caravans, are being urged to be smart about how they share roadside rest stops with trucks this Christmas holiday season. New statistics released today by Australia’s leading transport and logistics insurer, NTI, show 83 per cent of fatigue-related accidents involving trucks in the lead up to Christmas last year happened between 10pm and 6am despite only one-sixth of the country’s freight being moved during those hours. NTI’s General Manager Janelle Greene said over-crowding at rest areas was a major problem in managing fatigue at this time… Read more

No comments

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV GETS MORE GRUNT

  By ,

Mitsubishi Australia has given its PHEV (plug in hybrid vehicle) a larger petrol engine, revised its suspension and improved infotainment features. A 2.4-litre petrol engine with 94kW of power at 4500rpm and 199Nm at 4500rpm, has replaced the 2.0-litre (was 2.0L 87kW/186Nm). Maximum power output from the two electric motors, front motor 60kW, rear motor 70kW, remains unchanged. Maximum torque front 137 Nm, rear 195 Nm. Increased maximum generator output 80 kW. Increased drive battery capacity 13.8kWh from 12 kWh. Potential electric driving range up to 54km (approx. 7 hours… Read more

No comments

2020 FORD TRANSIT: MAJOR UPGRADES

  By ,

Ford Transit has been extensively upgraded for 2020, with refreshed styling, infotainment and advanced driver assist technology. The exterior has been given a surprisingly stylish upgrade, with a more prominent three-bar grille, new headlamps and front bumper. Inside, Transit has a new dash that includes updated instruments and new control panels as well as a full-colour SYNC 3 touchscreen. Replacing the previous 6.5-inch display, the new screen is a prominent, easy to read 8.0-inch colour unit. The Transit vans feature a standard full-colour reversing camera as well as front and… Read more