TThird model deadlinehird model deadline · underpinnings in the engine-bay area. Speaking last...
Transcript of TThird model deadlinehird model deadline · underpinnings in the engine-bay area. Speaking last...
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Dec 12, 2012 No. 660
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Australia’s No.1 Automotive Industry Journal 70,000 Readers Weekly
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Third model deadlineThird model deadlineRAV4 in frame for local production as Toyota confi rms case for third model line
DIG
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By BARRY PARKTOYOTA Australia is expected to
decide as early as next year which new
model it will add to its Altona-based
production line.
Several sources confi rmed to GoAuto
last week that a business case for a third
model to be added to the car-maker’s
line alongside the Camry and Camry
Hybrid mid-size cars and Aurion large
sedan would be fi nished in time for a
decision either next year or in 2014.
That comes on top of a senior Toyota
manager confi rming the company was
prepared to invest more money in its
Australian operations.
Toyota Australia has long expressed a
desire to add another model to beef up
production numbers and add diversity.
The all-new RAV4 unveiled two
weeks ago at the Los Angeles motor
show will use the same 2.5-litre four-
cylinder engine as the Camry, and
is understood to share many Camry
underpinnings in the engine-bay area.
Speaking last Thursday at the offi cial
launch of Australian production of the
2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that will
power both the Camry and Camry
Hybrid, Toyota Motor Corporation
senior managing offi cer Seiichi Sudo
said the company was still keen to
invest in its Altona operations.
Asked if the withdrawal of federal
funding from the car-making industry
would hurt Toyota’s prospects
here, Mr Sudo said the company’s
relationship with the government was
still important.
“We continue to watch (what the
federal government) is doing and
continue to look for opportunities,”
he said. “We are looking at more
investment in Australia.”
The Altona plant’s executive director
of management and purchasing, Chris
Harrod, said the $330 million engine
plant was the fi rst step in a string
of investments the company was
pouring into its Australian car-making
operations.
“This (engine plant) investment has
been secured by our performance here,
and we’re studying, looking at what
sort of products we can launch here in
Australia,” Mr Harrod said.
“I guess the key thing for us at the
moment is trying to understand from
a customer’s point of view, what sort
of model we should build here in
Australia.
Continued next page
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Toyota Australia switcheson $331m engine plant
By RON HAMMERTONMORE than two years after it was
announced amid controversy over
federal government handouts, Toyota
Australia’s new four-cylinder engine
plant has opened at its Altona factory
in Melbourne’s west.
The $331 million plant – which was
secured with a $63 million federal
contribution from the now-defunct Green
Car Innovation Fund – will build about
108,000 2.5-litre engines for the locally
built Camry and Camry Hybrid, as well
as for export to Thailand and Malaysia.
When it was announced in 2010, the
government co-contribution handout
was criticised by opposition industry
spokesperson Sophie Mirabella who
said the government was “frittering
money away”.
Last Thursday, prime minister Julia
Gillard and Victorian premier Ted
Baillieu attended the ceremony at the
factory, which was racked by industrial
action and forced redundancies earlier
this year.
Toyota Australia president and CEO
Max Yasuda said the offi cial opening
was a proud day for the Australian car
industry and testament to the company’s
“team members” who helped secure
the new engine plant investment.
“This is a great day for Toyota
Australia,” Mr Yasuda said. “The
offi cial opening of the new engine
plant is part of our overall mission to
transform our operations and build a
more sustainable business.”
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Third model deadlineThird model deadline
Continued from previous page“One of the things that we’re studying
is that we currently build Camry and
Aurion here in Australia, and what other
products can we possibly build here.”
Mr Harrod said Camry and Aurion
would continue to be built alongside
the third model, believed to be a
compact soft-roader with a higher profi t
margin than a small hatchback, and
that the extra model would help build
Toyota’s Australian manufacturing to a
“sustainable level”.
“Whatever we choose to do is
something that has to be profi table,” Mr
Harrod said.
Toyota aims to raise the number of cars
it makes at its Altona plant to more than
100,000 a year, well above the break-
even cut-off of about 80,000 cars a year.
The new engine plant is expected to
produce 108,000 engines a year at the rate
of 9000 a month, with about 15 per cent
of the four-cylinder powerplants rolling
off the line destined for Camry Hybrids.
However, not all those engines
are destined for the engine bays of
Australian-built cars. According to
Toyota, another 15 per cent of the
Atkinson-cycle hybrid engines are
destined for Thai-built Camry Hybrid
models, as well as a new export market
for Australia – Malaysia – from January
next year when production ramps up to
full capacity.
The Australian-built engine is offi cially
rated at 5.2 litres per 100km in hybrid
form when mated to its imported electric
motor and batteries, with the straight
petrol motor rated at 7.8L/100km.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Altona engine production
Dec 12, 2012 Page 3
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Top 10 Brands in NovPos Brand Sales % Share
1 Toyota 19,312 19.6
2 Holden 10,354 10.5
3 Mazda 8732 8.9
4 Ford 8529 8.7
5 Hyundai 7756 7.9
6 Nissan 7006 7.1
7 Mitsubishi 5008 5.1
8 VW 4370 4.4
9 Honda 4005 4.1
10 Subaru 3212 3.3
Source: VFACTS, December 2012
Car sales pass one-millionmark in record time aftermassive November result
A million reasons to smileA million reasons to smile
By RON HAMMERTONAUSTRALIAN new-vehicle sales have
blasted past the one-million mark with a
full month of 2013 to go, propelled by
record November registrations.
It is the fi rst time the industry has
achieved one million sales by the end
of November, busting the previous best
11-month tally of 963,732 set before the
global fi nancial crisis in 2007.
Vehicle sales are up 9.8 per cent on last
year, to 1,016,605 vehicles, and well on
track for the biggest annual haul in history
of about 1,120,000, offi cial VFACTS
fi gures released last week show.
Although other economic indicators in
Australia are pointed down, resulting in
lowered interest rates last week, the car
industry shifted a November-best 98,347
cars, SUVs, utes and trucks last month.
New key models and heavy-duty
marketing campaigns – including cut-
price fi nance – are helping to drive the
market to new heights.
Long-time market leader Toyota
crunched all comers, aided by the
arrival of its all-new Corolla small
car that zoomed to the top of the sales
ladder in its fi rst month on sale here.
Corolla’s 4190 sales tally is short
of its one-month record of 5912 in
June 2006, but up 12.3 per cent on its
November 2011 performance.
It outsold its arch-rival and Australia’s
top-selling car for the year to date, the
Mazda3, which achieved 3703 sales last
month to take second place.
Toyota had three cars in the top four
sellers for the month, with Corolla being
joined by the evergreen HiLux (3403
units) in third place, and its locally
made Camry (3145) in fourth spot.
Camry again was the best-selling
Australian-built model, with Holden’s
Commodore slipping a further 5.3 per
cent, to 2659 units last month.
Toyota’s November sales reached
19,312 vehicles, up 10.8 per cent on the
corresponding month last year, and it is
now running 18.6 per higher year to date.
Toyota Australia executive director
of sales and marketing Matthew
Callachor said the latest results
confi rmed the industry would achieve
a record full-year total.
“If sales over the next four weeks
merely match those in December last
year at 82,459 new vehicles, then the
2012 total will be tantalisingly close to
1.1 million,” he said.
“Signifi cant demand has been
generated through strong competition,
enticing offers, a healthy supply of
vehicles and low interest rates that are
continuing to fall.”
Mr Callachor said the industry's
previous sales record was 1.05 million
in 2007, followed by million-plus totals
in 2008 and the past two years.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREMore reports – next page
Corolla
Dec 12, 2012 Page 4
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US auto market on trackto crack 14 million units
By MIKE COSTELLOTHE United States is poised to record
its strongest full year of auto sales
since the global fi nancial crisis, with
November sales up 15 per cent to 1.14
million – the best result in fi ve years.
Annual sales sit at 13.14 million with
just one month to go, up 14 per cent on
the same time last year, and are expected
to fi nish the year around 14.4 million.
US sales averaged 16.8 million
between 2000 and 2007, dropped to
13.2 million in 2008 and bottomed-out
to 10.6 million in 2009.
The strong November fi gure has
been attributed to renewed buyer
confi dence in the economy and a
rebound from October’s Hurricane
Sandy, which hit America’s east
coast and led to a glut of postponed
purchases.
Among the biggest movers were the
BMW Group and Honda (both up 39
per cent, with the latter clocking up a
monthly record) and the Volkswagen
Group (up 31 per cent).
GM was again the country’s top-
selling brand with 186,505 sales across
its Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC
brands, but its growth was well below
the market average at 3.0 per cent.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
NZ set for 100KNZ set for 100K
Kiwi car market remains on course for 100,000 sales
NZ Top 10 Brands in NovPos Brand Sales % Share
1 Toyota 1768 20.6
2 Holden 854 10.0
3 Ford 827 9.6
4 Hyundai 638 7.4
5 Mazda 597 7.0
6 Nissan 534 6.2
7 Suzuki 411 4.8
8 Mitsubishi 387 4.5
9 VW 386 4.5
10 Honda 312 3.6
Source: NZ MIA, December 2012
By JACQUI MADELIN in NEW ZEALAND
NEW Zealand could crack the 100,000
new-vehicle sales barrier by the end of
this year, sending the fi nal tally into six
fi gures for the fi rst time since 2007.
Sales lifted 17.1 per cent to 8581 units
in November over the same month last
year, with passenger car registrations up
14.9 per cent to 6484 and commercial
vehicles up 24.5 per cent to 2097.
This takes the 2012 tally after 11 months
to 93,044 – 70,769 cars and 22,275
commercials – and sales in December are
expected to exceed 7000 units.
NZ Motor Industry Association CEO
Perry Kerr said he was confi dent sales
will reach 100,000 by the end of the
year, a fi gure that has not been achieved
since the GFC.
Used import vehicle sales rose 3.5 per
cent in November, to 7517 units.
Toyota comfortably topped the new-
vehicle sales table in November, up 15
per cent to 1768 for a 20.6 per cent share
of the total market, with Holden second
(up 4.1 per cent to 854) and Ford third
(down 10.1 per cent to 827).
Toyota NZ sales and operations
manager Steve Prangnell said Yaris
outsold Suzuki Swift for the fi rst time,
thanks in part to government orders,
while Corolla was boosted by the
introduction of the new-generation
model and HiLux is on its way to being
the number-one light truck in NZ for
the 30th year now that the impact of the
Thai fl oods is over.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE Honda Civic
Yaris
Dec 12, 2012 Page 5
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Season’s Greetings
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Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season, from all of us at Deloitte Motor Industry Services
Grant Cameron Partner [email protected]
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Former Holden and HSVtop executive to pull nopunches in tell-all book
Crennan to ‘tell allCrennan to ‘tell all’’
By RON HAMMERTONONE of Australia’s most prominent
motor industry and motorsport
executives is promising a tell-all
biographical account of his 50 years in
the game, including an insider’s view of
some of the most explosive chapters in
Holden history.
John Crennan, who joined GM
Holden 50 years ago on Monday
(December 10) and went on to found
Holden Special Vehicles and Holden
Racing Team with British entrepreneur
and racing driver Tom Walkinshaw,
says the manuscript of the book titled
‘50 Years of Holden, 1962-2013’, is 70
per cent written, having taken
about 600 hours thus far.
The book’s subtitle –
People, Personalities, Politics
and Poor Performances – indicates the
book will pull no punches, with Mr
Crennan promising: “Like the way I
work, I don’t sit on the fence.”
Mr Crennan promises to cover
the Holden bust-up with racing icon
Peter Brock, the subsequent founding
of HSV, driver Craig Lowndes’
controversial departure from HRT,
Tom Walkinshaw’s business collapse,
and racing champion Mark Skaife’s
skirmish with Mr Walkinshaw over
the HRT ownership in the book due
out next year.
But the book also promises to be
uncomfortable reading at both Holden
and HSV, with Mr Crennan saying he
will outline why he believes
Holden has crumbled from
50 per cent market share to
about 10 per cent today – and
tarnished its brand image along the way
– and why “the ‘special’ seems to be
lost from Holden Special Vehicles”.
Mr Crennan worked at Holden from
1962 to 1987, rising to become the
national marketing manager before
becoming the founding managing
director of HSV in 1987 in the wake of
the Brock sacking, which meant the end
of the Brock’s alliance with Holden on
the Holden Dealer Team performance-
car division and racing arm.
Mr Crennan guided HSV and HRT
for 20 years until he ‘retired’ in 2007,
although he remained active as an auto
industry consultant and, more publicly,
chairman and chief executive of Kelly
Racing in V8 Supercars.
Kelly Racing has just formally
ended its relationship with Holden
and offi cially taken up with new
V8 Supercar entrant Nissan – 50
years after Mr Crennan started
work at Holden’s Fishermans Bend
headquarters in Melbourne.
Mr Crennan said he has been having
trouble fi nding the time to work on the
book, which he had planned to release
on the anniversary this week.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
John Crennan
Dec 12, 2012 Page 6
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Chinese giant SAIC inks deal for Thai production of right-hand-drive MGs
Thai MGs for AustraliaThai MGs for Australia
By RON HAMMERTONBRITISH-DESIGNED cars made
in Thailand by a Chinese company
are expected to land in Australia as
soon as 2014 after China’s biggest
motor company, Shanghai Automotive
Industry Corporation (SAIC), last
week signed a joint-venture agreement
to build MG cars in the South-east
Asian country.
Australia has been named as a key
export market for the right-hand-drive
MG range to be manufactured at a plant
operated jointly by SAIC Motor and
Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Group
(CP Group).
The new partners announced the
deal in Bangkok, with SAIC taking a
controlling 51 per cent and CP Group
the remainder.
The factory is expected to be
completed by 2014 with an initial
capacity of 50,000 cars a year,
eventually growing to 200,000.
The Australian distributor for MG
Cars is yet to be announced, but
GoAuto understands that British-
owned Inchcape – importer of Subaru
cars in Australia – has been mentioned
in dispatches.
Inchcape group communications
director Ken Lee said from London: “We
don’t comment on media speculation.”
The famous British marque was
acquired by SAIC when it absorbed
Chinese rival Nanjing Automobile Group
that had bought up the remnants of the
dying MG Rover company in 2005.
SAIC set about rebuilding the
brand, using MG’s British design and
engineering team in Birmingham to
design fresh models such as the MG6
mid-sized sedan, MG5 small car and
MG3 light car.
These models are all built in China,
with some packs of parts shipped to
the UK for assembly for Britain where
MG is raising the profi le of the MG6 by
racing it in the British touring car series.
News of the Thai enterprise surfaced
in May this year when The Bangkok Post
quoted CP Group chairman Thanakorn
Seriburi as saying his company and SAIC
were working on a feasibility study for
a joint-venture factory to make at least
50,000 cars a year in Thailand.
Mr Seriburi said the study should be
completed by the fourth quarter of this
year.
CP Group – a sprawling company
that makes products as diverse as
agricultural machinery and pet food
– already has a joint venture with
SAIC, making more than a million
motorcycles a year in China under the
Dayang brand.
Those motorcycles might also be
in contention for Thai production,
according to The Bangkok Post.
The Thai-built cars are expected
to be shipped to right-hand-drive
markets around region, including New
Zealand where importer British Motor
Distributors has the MG sales rights.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
MG6
Dec 12, 2012 Page 7
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We’ll drive them in. They’ll drive them out.
In a variety of media, millions of Australian car-buyers turn to Drive for trusted advice every day.
With expert and consumer reviews for over 500 cars a year, Drive is able to help influence your customers on their journey to finding the right car.
Make sure you’re here, when they are.
Benz looks to dominatekey market segments as model rollout continues
Mercedes growth planMercedes growth plan
WHAT’S COMING:A-Class March 2013
GL-Class May 2013
E-Class sedan/wagon Mid-2013
S-Class Q4 2013
E-Class coupe/cabrio Late 2013
A45 AMG H2 2013
CLA (compact sedan) H2 2013
GLA (compact SUV) 2014
GLK (mid-size SUV) 2014
C-Class 2014
By HAITHAM RAZAGUIMERCEDES-BENZ Cars Australia
will have a record sales year in 2012
and is confi dent of another in 2013, but
is focusing on leading individual market
segments rather than toppling arch-rival
BMW for overall volume.
A hectic launch schedule of at least
six new models – including the vital
all-new A-Class hatch and heavily
facelifted E-Class – plus new variants
of existing models will also keep
showrooms buzzing.
Mercedes will beat its 2010 record
of 18,272 passenger cars and SUVs
this year despite constrained supply of
the B-Class hatch and M-Class SUV,
including at least two months of zero
supply early in the year as stock of the
outgoing models dried up.
Topping the segment for mid-size cars
priced over $60,000 for the sixth year
running is the C-Class sedan and wagon
with 5970 units to the end of November,
representing growth of 4.9 per cent
despite an ageing model and the arrival of
BMW’s all-new 3 Series earlier this year.
Incredibly, the C-Class has become
the second-best-selling mid-sizer in
Australia after the Toyota Camry,
heading the just-replaced Mazda6
(5947 units).
Despite the supply squeeze, 2520
M-Class SUVs have been sold, coming
close to toppling the BMW X5 (2553
units) that traditionally occupies top spot
among large SUVs over $70,000.
Another supply-constrained car, the
B-Class, is also close behind its BMW
rival, with 1717 units to the 1 Series’ 1806.
The E-Class coupe and cabriolet have
a dominant 22.9 per cent share of the
segment for sportscars over $80,000,
while 673 sales of the SLK roadster
mean it comprehensively outsells the
BMW Z4 (115 units) and Audi TT (264
units) for sportscars under $80K.
In upper-large SUVs over $100,000,
the gargantuan GL-Class has a 44
per cent share, selling almost twice
as many as the Lexus LX and Range
Rover Vogue.
Mercedes-Benz Australia managing
director Horst von Sanden said the
company is happy with its performance
in what has been a challenging year in
which it has worked hard against low
consumer confi dence and “a high level
of aggression in the marketplace”.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREAMG on the double – next page
A-Class
Dec 12, 2012 Page 8
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Ser ious about Succe s s ®www.moorestephens.com.au
John Gavljak, Brett Fowler and the entire Moore Stephens automotive team would like to wish our clients
A safe and happy festive seasonWe look forward to talking with you in the new year
Brett Fowler, Partner John Gavljak, Partner Moore Stephens (Melbourne) Moore Stephens (Sydney)0418 187 759 0499 773 881 [email protected] [email protected]
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Mercedes predicts hugegrowth in AMG sales asCLA45 shown in testing
AMG on the doubleAMG on the double
By HAITHAM RAZAGUIMERCEDES-BENZ is expecting to at
least double Australian sales volume of
high-performance AMG models in the
near future.
Australia’s position as the world’s
strongest AMG market on a per-capita
basis and a cascade of new products
– including more affordable, smaller
four-cylinder cars – could mean sales
soar to 2500 units annually.
Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacifi c
(MBA) managing director Horst von
Sanden said 2012 is already guaranteed
to be a record year for AMG in this
country, with sales beyond 1100 units.
Mr von Sanden said there has been
a 50 per cent increase in sales of its
most popular model, the C63, and the
new ML63 SUV has overtaken the
E63 as second most popular breathed-
on Benz.
However, that could change once the
heavily facelifted E-Class and hot E63
variants arrive in Australia next year.
An AMG version of the all-new GL-
Class seven-seat SUV will also rumble
into town in 2013.
But it is the all-wheel-drive A45
that will arrive in the second half
of next year with a 245kW/400Nm
four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and
expected $80,000 pricetag that will be
the driving force for sales growth.
Due shortly afterwards will be the
CLA45 version of Benz’s new coupe-
styled compact sedan, also due in
the latter half of 2013 and teased in
a series of offi cial spy shots posted
on the Mercedes-AMG Facebook site
last week.
Mr von Sanden said the arrival of
these vehicles means MBA is “pretty
confi dent without exaggeration that in
the near future our AMG volume will
double if not more”.
“With the A45 we enter into the AMG
segment with a pricetag where people
who so far could only dream about
AMG can actually afford one and we
believe many of them will try to buy
one,” he said.
“We will continue to focus on AMG
because the market loves AMG and
secondly it helps us to keep our brand
fresh and aggressive, and last but not
least it is pretty good business for us.”
In addition to buying more AMG
products per capita than anywhere else,
the Australian appetite for the fruits
of Affalterbach places this country
between fi fth and sixth in the global
league table for overall volume.
For comparison, Australia holds
13th position in the world for standard
Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.
Speaking with GoAuto at a Mercedes-
Benz event prior to the Sydney motor
show in October, MBA senior product
and sales planning manager Volker
Schneider said Australian customers
would “rather buy a C63 or E63 than an
S-Class if they had the money”.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREMore reports – page 18-20
CLA45 prototype
Dec 12, 2012 Page 9
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
BMW exposes new coupeahead of Detroit show andconfi rms 4 Series moniker
3 Series Coupe to the 43 Series Coupe to the 4
By RON HAMMERTONTHE BMW 3 Series Coupe is dead –
long live the 4 Series.
The German company last week
confi rmed one of the worst-kept secrets
in the motor industry when it revealed
its new 4 Series Coupe in concept
form ahead of its public showing at the
Detroit motor show in January.
The design – which will also spawn
a two-door, four-seat convertible and
four-door Gran Coupe at a later date – is
believed to be faithful to the production
version, give or take a few twirls.
Based on past launches, we can expect
the convertible to be revealed at the
Frankfurt motor show late in the year
ahead of a showroom debut in 2014.
The fourth-generation coupe is
again based on the 3 Series platform,
sharing the same 2810mm wheelbase
as the sixth-generation sedan that was
launched in Australia early this year,
but gets greater styling differentiation
to set it apart from its cooking cousin.
BMW’s decision to remove the coupe
and convertible from the 3 Series range
is in line with its policy of standalone
nomenclature for its sporty models that
started with the 8 Series and 6 Series.
Next cab off the rank is expected to
be the 2 Series, removing the 1 Series
Coupe and Convertible from the current
entry-level model range next time
around.
The 4 Series is expected to go into
production in the fi rst half of 2013 and
arrive in Australia around July.
No powertrain or performance
details have been announced for the 4
Series ahead of the Detroit show, but
expect a similar range of engines to the
sedan, including a blistering M4 from
about 2014.
BMW Australia is yet to decide if it
will include a diesel in the new range,
as it tends to lend itself to the new-
generation TwinPower petrol four-
cylinder engines and turbo inline sixes.
Transmissions will be the eight-speed
ZF automatic that is now universal
across the range and a six-speed manual.
As BMW points out, the new coupe
is bigger in most dimensions than the
current model, but so is the new 3 Series.
Interestingly, the coupe is 17mm
longer than the sedan, at 4641mm,
15mm wider (1826mm) and 67mm
lower (1362mm).
The effect is a more road-hugging
stance, planted on big 20-inch wheels.
The extra width has been applied around
the rear haunches to accommodate a
wide rear track.
The biggest visual difference to the
current generation is the air opening
under the bumper, with gaping scoops
towards the sides, surrounded by
metallic edging.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Dec 12, 2012 Page 10
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Sime Darby - with career opportunities as diverse as
the companies we represent.
Driving your future forwardwww.simedarbymotors.com.au/careers
Expressions of InterestJoining the Sime Darby group of companies means you are part of a global group that employs more than 120,000 people in over 20 countries. In Australia, you’ll be part of an organisation of 200 people representing the sought after brands of Peugeot as the national importer, Porsche as a prestige retailer and Corefleet providing the mining industry’s needs for quality rental vehicles. With over 30 automotive brands under the Sime Darby Motors group of companies across Asia-Pacific, we are continuously seeking new opportunities to grow our businesses. Sime Darby Motors Group (Australia) is looking to expand our business in Sydney within the European brand sector for wholesale distribution. We are seeking expressions of interests within the following roles :
National Sales Manager (Job Code: 7549)Product Manager (Job Code: 7551)Distribution & Logistics Coordinator (Job Code: 7552)Events Manager (Job Code: 7553)PR & Communications Executive (Job Code: 7687)
We are looking for people who are passionate and enthusiastic about developing a career in the automotive industry. Please register your interest to be considered for any of the above positions once they become available.
For more information about this role, and to apply, visit the below website and search for the relevant Job Code .
Hybrid, coupe set to fl eshout new IS range as Lexusconfi rms Detroit premiere
Motown debut for Lexus ISMotown debut for Lexus IS
By RON HAMMERTONLEXUS has confi rmed it will reveal the
all-new 2013 Lexus IS at the Detroit
motor show in January.
At launch, the new model – based
on the current GS platform and with
styling from the LF-CC concept shown
in coupe form at the Paris motor show –
will come in V6 petrol and, for the fi rst
time in IS, four-cylinder hybrid formats.
Called IS250 and IS300h respectively,
these models are sure to be joined by
sporty F Sport and hot IS F variants,
along with a second-generation cabrio
and – in another IS fi rst – two-door
coupe form.
If Lexus follows its usual launch
strategy, the IS should hit the streets
of the United States and Japan within
months of its Detroit debut, and land in
Australia about the middle of 2013.
Lexus has already started its publicity
machine ahead of the global debut of its
mass-selling model and BMW 3 Series
competitor, giving selected motoring
journalists a drive of prototypes in
California after the recent motor show
in Los Angeles.
Reports from those drives suggest
the hybrid will be powered by a new
2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle
engine, hooked up to an electric motor
driving the rear wheels.
Unlike the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the
IS is expected to get a D-4S dual fuel-
injection system – both direct and port –
as employed on the Toyota 86 sportscar
and other high-performance models,
enhancing both power and emissions.
And like other Lexus hybrids, it
will drive the wheels through a set of
planetary gears that act like a mechanical
continuously variable transmission.
Britain’s Autocar says the hybrid
can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in
about 6.9 seconds.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
IS prototype
Dec 12, 2012 Page 11
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Career Opportunities with Snap-on Equipment
2 Regional Equipment ManagersSnap-on is seeking two Regional Equipment Managers to manage and develop the Equipment business and contribute to planning, strategy development and execution. Experience in sales and distribution channel management, plus automotive industry and technical product knowledge is required. The positions will ideally be based in New South Wales, Victoria or Queensland, however, other locations would be considered.
Technical and Training Manager This new position will provide technical support and training to a network of distributors, service agents, OEMs and customers for Snap-on’s range of undercar equipment, including wheel aligners, wheel balancers and tyre changers. This role will be based in Sydney with national responsibilities.
To apply, please send your resume and covering letter to [email protected]
www.snapontools.com.au
R
Australian hopes high asJaguar prioritises sub-XFsmall luxury car program
Cat brand’s compact focusCat brand’s compact focus
By RON HAMMERTONJAGUAR Australia is hanging out
for the next all-new model from the
British marque’s development team –
a sub-XF small luxury car to take on
the likes of the BMW 3 Series and
Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Although no timing or technical details
have been given for the Jaguar cub, the
company has confi rmed in England that
the smallest Jaguar is its main priority
now that it has the F-Type on the way to
showrooms from next year.
Jaguar Australia brand manager Mark
Eedle said at last week’s 2013
XF Australian market launch in
Sydney that a smaller addition to
the line-up would be welcomed
by the Australian Jaguar team and
its dealers.
He said he could imagine
“something to bring in the
younger crowd” to Jaguar
showrooms, perhaps in the mould of
the RD6 concept shown by Jaguar at the
Frankfurt motor show in 2003.
Mr Eedle might have given a clue to
the fi nal design of the new model when
he said: “I would not want it to be a
conventional three-box saloon – we
have enough of them already.
“If we do do a smaller car, we should
uphold Jaguar’s position of pushing the
boundaries.”
Mr Eedle said Jaguar was “obviously
looking at the options” for the
new model.
“We haven’t said what we are
doing, but we have said we are
looking at it,” he said.
Mr Eedle said it would make
sense to derive more than one
body style off a new platform,
but that Jaguar would be
unlikely to turn out as many models
as some of its rivals.
“We don’t do everything,” he said.
“We do a couple of things really well.
“I would like to think we would do
multiple models, but not as many as
other people.”
Britain’s Autocar last week quoted
Jaguar global brand director Adrian
Hallmark as saying a new Jaguar small
car was a bigger priority than a crossover.
“A crossover would make more noise
for us than a saloon, but we already have
SUVs in the company and we’re not in
a rush to add to that,” Mr Hallmark is
reported to have said, apparently referring
to the wide range of SUVs produced by
Jaguar sister company Land Rover.
Mr Hallmark indicated the small car
would come in a variety of styles and
powertrains, saying: “You have to be
fl exible in that segment.”
While the RD6 concept revealed by
Jaguar almost a decade ago looked like
a scaled-down S-Type from the front, it
was a fi ve-door hatchback.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
RD6 concept
Mark Eedle
You won’t believe the difference. Either will your customers.
The Permagard Group is a global leader in developing surface coatings that are applied to high value assets such as
commercial aircraft, yachts and top marque automobiles.
Permagard is engineered and manufactured in France specifically to protect and prolong the life of the painted surface
and improve asset performance. Using state of the art manufacturing technology, Permagard laboratories develop and
commercialise highly durable protective coatings for paint, polyurethane topcoats and gel coats.
The coatings form a unique plasticised barrier against environmental attack and natural aging. The coat effectively becomes
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Airbus, Dassault, Sunseeker and BMW.
Before.
After.
Dec 12, 2012 Page 13
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
With over 5,000 vehicle conversions per year, whichever one of our team members is looking after your fleet conversions you can be confident that things will be done right and on time… exactly the way you’d expect them to.
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There are endless arguments overwho does the best fleet conversions.
Danny, Horacio or John?
Luxury wagon due herelate next year can reach100km/h in 3.9 seconds
Audi’s wild RS6 AvantAudi’s wild RS6 Avant
By MIKE COSTELLOAUDI has unleashed a lighter and faster
new-generation RS6 Avant, capable
of a blistering 0-100km/h dash of 3.9
seconds, ahead of its Australian launch
in late 2013.
Pitched as an everyday supercar,
the third-generation RS6 combines
wagon practicality – 1680 litres of
storage with the back seats folded –
with eye-watering acceleration and
an autobahn-conquering 305km/h top
speed (provided the 250km/h electronic
limiter is switched off).
The Ingolstadt marque’s latest uber-
wagon packs a more potent version of
Audi’s familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
engine with 412kW of power between
5700 and 6700rpm and 700Nm of
torque between 1750 and 5500rpm.
This is 14kW less but 50Nm more
than the mighty 5.0-litre V10 used in
the previous model sold in Australia
between October 2008 and 2010 from
$260,114 plus on-roads, but a weight
loss in the order of 100kg has trimmed
the standing sprint time by seven tenths,
down from 4.6 seconds.
Australian pricing and specifi cations for
the new RS6 will have to wait until closer
to launch late next year, but its addition
will give Audi’s local arm a two-pronged
RS wagon attack, with the smaller RS4
Avant set for launch in early 2013.
That 3.9-second sprint time means the
RS6 is not only eight tenths faster than
the RS4, but 0.5 seconds quicker than
BMW’s similarly sized and equally
powerful M5 sedan.
The lighter kerb weight stems from
greater use of weight-saving materials
like aluminium (20 per cent in total),
and also brings claimed benefi ts to
handling and fuel consumption. The
new model uses a claimed 9.8 litres per
100km – down from 14L/100km on its
thirstier predecessor.
As with other applications of the
TFSI engine in less-powerful models
like the S6 and S7, fuel-conserving
features including idle-stop and cylinder
deactivation are fi tted as standard. The
latter shuts down the inlet and exhaust
valves, starving four of the engine’s
eight cylinders.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Dec 12, 2012 Page 14
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
• New and used vehicle values & specifications for passenger, commercial, motorcycle, marine & caravan dating back to 1960
• Over 70,000 vehicle year lines
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For more information call Glass’s on (03) 9663 3009 Fax: (03) 9663 3049 Email: [email protected] Visit our website: www.glassguide.com.au
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AE
2
Mitsubishi looks to snare 1000 sales a month withsofter-focused, economical and more refi ned SUV
Outlander on Outlander on the prowlthe prowl
PRICING:2.0 ES 2WD $28,990
2.0 ES 2WD (a) $31,240
2.0 LS 2WD (a) $34,990
2.4 ES 4WD (a) $33,990
2.4 LS 4WD (a) $38,990
2.2 Diesel LS 4WD (a) $40,990
2.4 Aspire 4WD (a) $43,490
2.2 Diesel Aspire 4WD (a) $45,490
By MIKE COSTELLOMITSUBISHI Motors Australia
Limited says substantial improvements
to fuel economy and cabin refi nement
– plus a marginally sharper new
starting price – will help drive its new-
generation Outlander to record sales
and return it to the
pointy end of the
compact SUV sales
charts.
The new third-
generation model
was launched to the
media this week,
with a starting price
of $28,990 plus on-
road costs for the front-drive ES petrol
– $350 lower than before but tempered
by a less powerful 2.0-litre engine – and
diesel availability for the fi rst time.
Again available with seven seats when
sold in all-wheel-drive guise – unusual
for the segment – the new model is said
to address common complaints against
the old model by softening the cabin
plastics and dampening noise, vibration
and harshness levels inside.
At this week’s launch – which comes
three weeks after the car began arriving
in showrooms and almost two months
after local pricing was announced –
the company said it
would target 1000
sales a month for the
new model, up more
than 30 per cent
on the superseded
model.
These fi gures
would not only give
MMAL a potent
one-two punch at the smaller end of the
SUV market – with the Outlander to
sell alongside the smaller and recently
facelifted ASX – but would also be
crucial to the company’s goal of growing
its overall sales by 20 per cent in 2013.
After a disappointing year that has
seen sales drop 2.8 per cent to 54,786 to
the end of November – in a market up
9.8 per cent and set to break the existing
annual record – the company this week
said it was aiming to grow annual sales
to around 72,000 next year.
This will be aided by not only the new
Outlander, but also the Mirage light car
due in the fi rst quarter, which is expected
to add “at least” several hundred sales per
month to the tally after its Colt predecessor
was discontinued earlier this year.
The new Outlander arrives amid a
barrage of activity from rival brands
in the hotly contested compact SUV
market, with the imminent local release
of all-new contenders including the
fourth-generation Subaru Forester and
latest Toyota RAV4 in February.
Mazda is also gearing up to offer
a more powerful 2.5-litre SkyActiv
petrol version of its popular CX-5
early next year, while Honda lobbed
its new CR-V last month priced $1500
lower than the Mitsubishi.
Continued page 16
THE DOMINELLI GROUP is a family-owned automotive business and a trusted name in the community
since 1969. We owe our success to our valued customers and our committed team, many of whom
have been with us for more than 30 years.
(5) franchises consisting of Ford, Mazda, Nissan,
Suzuki, and a new Peugeot dealership just opened.
During the next 12 months we plan to develop two state-of-the-art multi-storey dealerships in the
St George and Sutherland areas at an investment of over $40 million to house many of our existing
brands along with some exciting new franchises.
quality professional staff we will need to see our group grow to sales of over 4,000 units per annum
whilst servicing the needs of over 30,000 customers per annum.
We invite applications from both experienced motor industry professionals and those wishing
> BUSINESS Manager > USED CAR SALES Consultants x 2
> NEW CAR Manager > SALES Trainees x 2
> USED CAR Manager > REGISTRATIONS Clerk
> NEW CAR SALES Consultants x 8 > ASSISTANT Accountant
> ASSISTANT SALES Manager – New & Used x 2
The successful applicants will enjoy rewarding remuneration packages commensurate with the roles,
and the opportunity to advance within the group as we grow in the coming years.
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with the position being applied for named in the subject area. Applications close 4 January, 2013.
SKY’sthe limit!The
Dominelli Group Dealership concept.
Dec 12, 2012 Page 16
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Outlander on the prowlOutlander on the prowlContinued from page 14
While front-drive Outlander models
are powered by a 110kW/195Nm
2.0-litre petrol engine, all-wheel-drive
models come with a largely carried-over
124kW/220Nm 2.4-litre MIVEC petrol
unit (actually 1kW and 6Nm down on
the old one) or a 110kW/360Nm turbo-
diesel engine.
The newly developed oil-burner,
which will replace the 169kW/291Nm
3.0-litre V6 petrol, consumes a
claimed 5.8 litres of diesel per 100km
(0.1L/100km more than the Mazda
CX-5 diesel but almost half that of the
V6), matched exclusively to a six-speed
automatic transmission and AWD.
The entry-level 2.0-litre petrol
engine’s fuel consumption is rated at
6.6L/100km when paired with a CVT
(continuously variable transmission) auto
or 7.0L/100km with a fi ve-speed manual.
The 2.4-litre engine that lives on for
AWD variants is only available with
the CVT and consumes 7.5L/100km
– almost 17 per cent better than the
outgoing model’s 9.0L/100km.
Mitsubishi attributes the improved
fuel consumption to the new Outlander’s
lighter 1610kg kerb weight, improved
aerodynamics and a new Eco Drive
Assistant system that more effi ciently
runs the engine, air-conditioning and
AWD systems while encouraging an
effi cient driving style through a point-
scoring system.
MMAL will add a segment-fi rst
plug-in petrol-electric hybrid option
to the local range in mid-2013. This
powertrain is capable of a range in
excess of 880km, consuming as little as
1.6L/100km.
Neither the diesel engine nor a seven-
seat confi guration will be offered with
two-wheel drive, because MMAL
believes there will be insuffi cient demand.
Furthermore, despite being available in
Europe, the company has not established
what it deems a viable business case for
a fuel-saving idle-stop system, citing
higher running costs associated with the
pricier batteries required to handle the
loads put through them.
All Outlanders will come with seven
airbags, rear parking sensors and hill-
start assist.
This week ANCAP announced the
expected fi ve-star safety rating for all
Outlander models.
Flagship Aspire variants can be
specifi ed with a $5500 option pack that
includes autonomous emergency braking
and an adaptive cruise control system
that works down to low speeds for more
relaxed driving in slow-moving traffi c.
Boot space is 477 litres, expanding
to 1608 litres with the rear two rows of
seats folded. This is substantially down
on the 597L/1691L that could fi t in the
old model, and is due largely to the
raised cargo fl oor.
Standard equipment includes climate
control, cruise control, Bluetooth phone
and audio streaming, voice control,
auto-folding door mirrors, leather trim
on the gearknob and the tilt/reach-
adjustable multi-function steering
wheel, a six-speaker audio system, an
immobiliser, security alarm and 16-inch
steel wheels with full-size spare.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE
Dec 12, 2012 Page 17
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Design, tech overhaul for Mazda’s seven-seat SUV, now priced from $44,525
CX-9 starts freshCX-9 starts fresh
Powered by Op2ma
Improving team performance
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1/83 Greenhill RoadWayville, SA 5034www.revuu.comSydney Melbourne Adelaide Perth
PRICING:Classic FWD (a) $44,525
Luxury FWD (a) $52,980
Luxury AWD (a) $57,480
Grand Touring AWD (a) $63,828
By HAITHAM RAZAGUIMAZDA has offi cially launched the
facelifted CX-9 seven-seat SUV onto
the Australian market following its
world debut at the Sydney motor show
in October.
All variants now get standard
Bluetooth streaming and USB
connectivity, satellite navigation is
included on all but the entry-level
Classic variant, and the fl agship Grand
Touring gains a raft of new safety and
driver assistance technology, though at
a price.
Entry to the range has increased by
$100 to $44,525 plus on-road costs
for the front-drive Classic, but further
up the range a hike of $1255 has been
applied to mid-spec Luxury variants
in front-drive ($52,980) and all-wheel
drive ($57,480) guises while the top-
fl ight AWD Grand Touring is $2223
more expensive at $63,828.
However, Mazda argues that the
Luxury model, now equipped with
standard sat-nav, is $1345 less expensive
compared with the outgoing model with
the navigation option box ticked.
Bringing the CX-9 into line with
the smaller CX-5 SUV and just-
launched Mazda6 mid-sizer is revised
exterior styling that refl ects Mazda’s
‘Kodo’ design language, comprising
redesigned grille, bumpers, headlights
and tail-lights.
Interior changes are more subtle, with
a more upmarket
feel achieved by
Bordeaux-coloured
trim strips on the
centre console
complemented by
coloured stitching
on new suede door trims, an upgraded
fi nish on the instruments, a redesigned
gear selector and smoother leather for the
steering wheel.
An upgraded infotainment system,
claimed to be more user-friendly,
features voice control and the Bluetooth
streaming system enables the driver to
control a connected audio device via
buttons on the steering wheel.
The CX-9’s hands-free telephony
feature has been enhanced with better
noise suppression and a 1000-entry
contacts database with simpler voice-
controlled call initiation and speed-dial
function.
A new TomTom satellite-navigation
system, previously optional but now
standard on mid-range Luxury models,
can accurately calculate journey times
based on historical data, display road and
traffi c conditions,
and receive map and
software updates via
an SD memory card.
Technology takes
a leap forward on
the Grand Touring
fl agship variant, which in addition to
the new LED daytime running lights
and keyless entry/start, gains automatic
high beam, blind-spot monitoring, lane
departure warning, forward collision
warning and rear parking sensors.
As before, FWD-only Classic
variants come with a reversing camera,
three-zone climate control, automatic
headlights and wipers, 18-inch wheels,
six airbags and a full complement of
electronic traction, stability and braking
aids plus roll stability control.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE For drive impressions, go to
GoAuto.com.au from this afternoon
Dec 12, 2012 Page 18
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Our specialists provide a wide range of fi nancial and consulting services to the automotive sector throughout Australia including:• Benchmarking• Budgeting• Business planning and strategy• Dealership acquisitions and sales• Executive recruitment• Franchise applications• Fraud reviews
• Incentive pay plans• Liquidity reviews• Operational reviews• Succession & estate planning• Tax reviews• Training• Valuations.
SPECIFICAUTOMOTIVE EXPERTISE
Distinctively different – it’s how we see you1300 138 991 bdo.com.au
Four-cylinder diesel seesCLS Shooting Brake startfrom $129K Down Under
Mercedes’ Shooting starMercedes’ Shooting star
PRICING:CLS250 CDI (a) $129,000
CLS350 (a) $173,000
By HAITHAM RAZAGUIMERCEDES-BENZ has launched
the CLS Shooting Brake wagon into
Australian showrooms with a starting
price of $129,000 plus on-road costs
– $30,200 cheaper than the swoopy
coupe-styled sedan on which it is based.
The price difference comes courtesy
of the entry-level CLS250 CDI Shooting
Brake, powered by an effi cient 2.1-litre
four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine
that brings luxury car tax benefi ts.
A shorter standard equipment list
compared with the base CLS sedan
also keeps costs down,
with the Harman
Kardon sound system,
TV tuner, Thermotronic
three-zone climate-control system
and LED headlights all consigned to
the options list.
CLS sedans start with a 3.0-litre
diesel V6 in the $159,200 CLS350 CDI
but will be available in the new entry-
level specifi cation from January.
Given the $173,000 petrol V6 CLS350
Shooting Brake commands an $8930
premium over the equivalent sedan,
entry to the CLS range is expected to
drop towards the $120,000 mark when
the four-cylinder diesel variant arrives.
Hot V8-powered AMG variants –
other than the four exclusive CLS63
AMG ‘Edition 1’ cars that arrived along
with the fi rst Shooting Brake shipment –
will launch here around March, expected
to cost in the region of $270,000.
Compared with the CLS sedan,
Shooting Brakes come
standard with AMG
styling including 19-
inch alloy wheels, twin
trapezoidal tailpipes, AMG single-
louvre grille, sports suspension,
stainless-steel pedals, a sports steering
wheel and carpet mats.
Wagon-exclusive practicality features
comprise an automatic tailgate, self-
levelling rear suspension, a load cover
and cargo net.
A three-seater rear bench and extra
rear headroom also create more
practicality than the sedan, as does the
1550-litre maximum luggage capacity.
Technology highlights of the CLS250
CDI include satellite navigation with
SUNA traffi c updates and a voice-
controlled Comand APS infotainment
system with internet access, 10GB
music storage, Bluetooth phone and
audio streaming and inputs for USB,
SD memory cards and auxiliary audio.
Self-parking, climate control and
cruise control are standard, as are self-
dimming mirrors, leather upholstery,
a glass sunroof, ambient lighting and
electric front seat adjustment with
memory.
The 150kW/500Nm diesel engine
comes with idle-stop, drives the rear
wheels through a seven-speed automatic
transmission to deliver 0-100km/h in
7.8 seconds, and consumes 5.5 litres of
fuel per 100km on the combined cycle.
Petrol V6-powered CLS350 Shooting
Brakes are better equipped than the
sedan equivalent, packing a driver
assistance technology pack with
adaptive cruise control, autonomous
braking, blind-spot monitoring and
lane-keeping assistance.
Keyless entry/start and DAB+ digital
radio reception are also included.
Like the sedan equivalent, Harman
Kardon premium sound system,
digital TV tuner, three-zone climate
control, adaptive LED headlights
and nano-ceramic metallic paint are
standard equipment.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HEREB-Class bahn-stormer – next page
Dec 12, 2012 Page 19
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
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Mercedes-Benz launches155kW B250 hero model,priced just under $50,000
B-Class bahn-stormerB-Class bahn-stormer
PRICING:B180 (a) $39,900
B200 (a) $44,900
B200 CDI (a) $44,900
B250 (a) $49,500
By HAITHAM RAZAGUIMERCEDES-BENZ has launched the
high-performance B-Class B250 fl agship
in Australia, capable of a hot-hatch-like
6.8-second sprint to 100km/h and priced
from $49,500 plus on-road costs.
Benz has also added extra equipment
– including making a reversing camera
standard across the B-Class range – in
return for a $950 price rise on B180 and
B200 variants.
The B250’s turbocharged, direct-
injection 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
engine punches 155kW of peak power
and 350Nm of torque to the front
wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch
automatic transmission.
It matches the Golf GTI on power
and delivers 20Nm more grunt than
the all-wheel-drive Golf R it competes
with on price.
For comparison, BMW’s $45,700
125i produces 160kW and 310Nm but
the traction advantage of rear-wheel
drive and a quick-shifting eight-speed
automatic transmission enable it to hit
100km/h four tenths of a second faster
than the Benz.
The Benz, BMW and VW all
consume 95 RON premium unleaded,
with the 125i most frugal at 6.4 litres
per 100km, followed by the B250
(6.5L/100km) and Golf
GTI (7.7L/100km).
Mercedes has given the
B250 a menacing look
with a gloss-black and
chrome two-louvre grille,
dechromed bumpers, rear privacy glass,
black exterior mirrors, LED strip daytime
running lights and twin exhaust outlets.
Lowered suspension helps the black-
and-silver fi ve-spoke 18-inch alloy
wheels fi ll the arches, behind which
are drilled brake discs clamped by
Mercedes-Benz-branded callipers.
Finishing off the look are bi-Xenon
headlights with washer jets, along
with LED tail-lights, while the interior
features a perforated leather sports
steering wheel, stainless-steel pedals
and black roof lining.
Mercedes has also applied its Direct
Steer system, featuring variable
assistance and ratio, to refl ect the
B250’s sporty personality.
Lifting the entry-level B180 are
seven-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels
borrowed from the B200 and replacing
the outgoing 16-inch 10-spoke items.
A reversing camera –
previously a $590 option
– is now standard, and
Benz has upgraded the
self-parking system to
help the driver exit a tight
space, while the front foglights have
been replaced by circular LED daytime
running lights.
For customers to achieve the B250’s
look, they can apply the $1490 Sports
option pack, $990 Night pack and $618
bi-Xenon headlights option.
Despite the all-new model being
launched in April this year, B-Class
sales are down 19.8 per cent to the
end of November with 1717 leaving
showrooms compared with 2142 units
sold in the same period of 2011.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE
More Sport for C Coupe – next page
Dec 12, 2012 Page 20
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
PRODRIVE is a world leader in advanced automotive technology. Prodrive works with a number of vehicle manufacturers across the Asia Pacific region to deliver exciting and successful automotive engineering programs. We are currently seeking an experienced Chassis Engineer to fill a challenging and rewarding team role, based at Campbellfield, Victoria.
As Chassis Engineer you will be responsible for delivering chassis engineering programs for various customers in the Asia Pacific region. To be successful you will demonstrate at least 5-years experience in objective and subjective vehicle dynamics evaluations, tuning of springs, dampers, anti-roll bars and suspension bushes to meet vehicle dynamics targets.Knowledge and experience in using mechanical simulation software would be a significant advantage. Candidates must be prepared to travel overseas for short assignments to meet program requirements.
AUTOMOTIVE CHASSIS ENGINEER
To apply confidentially, please send your resumé and a cover letter outlining relevant experience to email: [email protected]
AMG-developed C250 Sport pack arrives amidC-Class Coupe upgrade
More Sport for C CoupeMore Sport for C Coupe
PRICING:C180 (a) $59,900
C250 (a) $70,400
C250 CDI (a) $71,900
C350 (a) $99,900
C63 AMG (a) $157,900
By HAITHAM RAZAGUIAMG enthusiasts without the requisite
funds for a full-blown V8 Benz can
now go part way to satisfying their lust
with the Affalterbach-developed $8150
Sport upgrade pack, available on the
four-cylinder C250 Coupe.
Mercedes-Benz Australia has also
tweaked the specifi cation of most C-Class
coupe variants, with additional equipment
and price hikes of up to $1300.
Exclusively available on petrol and
diesel versions of the C250 Coupe, the
Sport pack Mercedes-Benz announced
at the Sydney motor show in October
applies tweaks to brakes, suspension,
engine and transmission, in addition to a
sporty cosmetic overhaul inside and out.
The AMG-tuned lowered sports
suspension has modifi ed bearings and
camber settings for sharper handling,
complemented by speed-sensitive
sports steering and bigger brakes.
A sports exhaust with sound
generator adds emotional appeal, as
do engine and transmission software
tweaks that sharpen throttle response,
simulate double-declutching, blip the
throttle on downchanges and swap
cogs more quickly.
However, engine power and torque
remains at 150kW/310Nm for the petrol
and 150kW/500Nm with the diesel, so the
pack is more about having extra fun with
the available power than boosting output.
It stands out as
something special with
its gloss-black 18-inch
AMG alloy wheels,
black exterior mirrors, an
AMG bodykit with mesh
air intakes, a rear spoiler,
black grille with dual chrome louvres
and Sport exterior badges.
Inside are AMG sports seats in black
Artico synthetic leather and microfi bre
upholstery, a fl at-bottomed sports
steering wheel with paddle shifters,
stainless steel pedals, aluminium-look
gearlever, red seatbelts, red stitching
throughout the interior, black roof
lining and red-edged AMG fl oor mats.
Buyers who want the show but not
the go – or like the look but neither of
the C250 engine choices – can opt for
the new AMG Sports Package, priced
between $4150 and $5500 depending
on which variant it is applied to.
Meanwhile, the entry-level C180
gains a new Becker Map Pilot satellite-
navigation system and fuel-saving idle-
stop technology in return for a $1300
price hike, to $59,900 plus on-road costs.
Petrol and diesel C250
variants and above now
come with electric driver’s
seat adjustment but no
change to the $70,400
(petrol) or $71,900
(diesel) price.
The V6 petrol C350 has gone up $500
to $99,900 and the V8-powered C63
AMG fl agship now comes $1000 more
expensive at $157,900.
C-Class Coupe sales are up 148 per
cent to the end of November with 2154
units sold, making it the brand’s third
best-selling model after the C-Class
sedan/wagon and M-Class SUV.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE
Dec 12, 2012 Page 21
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
PRICING:GT Premium Coupe (a) $75,900
S Premium Coupe (a) $83,500
S Premium Convertible (a) $87,900
Infi niti stable expands with high-class, sporting G37 Coupe and Convertible
G force twinsG force twins
Wholesale ClearanceTHRIFTY in the Northern Territory has approximately 200 vehicles for wholesale clearance over
the next 8 weeks. Models represented in the clearance include:
By RON HAMMERTONESTABLISHED luxury car brands
have some extra competition in the mid-
size two-door coupe and convertible
league from this month with the arrival
of Infi niti’s G37 range in Australia,
albeit only in Sydney, Melbourne and
Brisbane for now.
The likes of Audi’s A5, Mercedes-
Benz’s C-Class Coupe, the Lexus
IS250C and BMW’s
3 Series Coupe and
Convertible (to be
called the 4 Series in
the next generation
due next year) all are in the crosshairs
of the newcomer.
This G37 Coupe is more than half
way through its model cycle, having
been launched overseas in 2008. The
drop-top followed in 2009, but both
were refreshed in 2011.
In the United States – Infi niti’s
biggest and most established market by
far – a G-series sedan is also offered,
but because an all-new four-door model
is in the pipeline for launch next year,
Infi niti Cars Australia decided to forgo
that variant until the new generation
becomes available in late 2013.
Despite their age, the G37 Coupe
and Convertible both have a couple
of years to run before the next two-
door models are spun off the new ‘G’
platform by Infi niti – Nissan’s answer
to Toyota’s Lexus.
The G37 is Infi niti’s third model
range in Australia,
lobbing three months
after the brand
made its debut in
September with the
M sedan – a BMW 5 Series and Lexus
GS competitor in V6 petrol, diesel and
hybrid fl avours – and FX large SUV.
Speaking at the G37 media launch,
Nissan Australia managing director Bill
Peffer – whose company is responsible
for launching Infi niti here – said
Infi niti was not a “me-too” luxury
brand, attempting to shadow European
competitors.
He said Infi niti was set apart by its
distinctive Japanese design language,
customer focus – which includes pick-
up and drop off of customer cars for
servicing – and what he described as
“Japanese hospitality”.
Mr Peffer said that, despite the
crowded nature of the Australian car
market, Infi niti could fi nd a foothold for
cars such as the G37.
“We think we have some white space
for this car,” he said.
So far, Infi niti has opened only two
stores to date – in Sydney and Brisbane
– with Melbourne to follow in February.
Adelaide and Perth are about a year
away, with smaller markets to be added
to the sales network beyond that.
Although the Melbourne showroom
in Brighton is under construction,
buyers can still get a test drive from the
local dealer with a phone call.
Underneath, the two-door Infi niti
G37 is closely related to Nissan’s 370Z
sportscar, sharing the front chunk of its
front-engine, rear-drive platform and
the acclaimed VQ-series 3.7-litre V6
and other mechanicals.
Continued next page
Dec 12, 2012 Page 22
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
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Japanese luxury brand’sall-new Melbourne retail centre to open early 2013
Infi niti’s southern lightInfi niti’s southern light
High-class, sporting G37 two-door twins reach Australia, priced from $75,900Continued from previous page
Because the G37 is a 2+2 four-seater
– the 370Z has just two seats – and
is designed to appeal to luxury-car
buyers, it sits on a stretched version
of the modular platform and has an
entirely different body.
The G37 Coupe comes in two
specifi cation levels – GT Premium
at $75,900 (plus on-road costs) and
sportier S Premium at $83,500.
The convertible version, with its folding
three-piece metal roof, comes in just one
variant – top-level S Premium, at $87,900.
However, customers can elect to add a
red-leather interior for an extra $2000.
All G37 models come with a single
powertrain – a 235kW/360Nm variant
of the widely used V6, making it a little
less powerful and torquey than version
in the 245kW/363Nm 370Z.
Although a six-speed manual gearbox
is available in G37 in the US, Infi niti
has elected to stick with the seven-
speed torque-converter automatic
across all G37 models here.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE
By RON HAMMERTONWORK has started on Infi niti Cars
Australia’s third dealership, with the
Melbourne retail showroom and service
centre scheduled to open its doors at the
end of February.
The former Peugeot site in the high-
profi le Nepean Highway ‘golden mile’
dealership strip in Brighton has been
gutted in readiness for the fi t-out for
large Victorian vehicle retail group
Preston Motors.
Infi niti dealerships have already opened
in Sydney and Brisbane, with the latter
beginning full on-site sales at the Fortitude
Valley showroom only last weekend.
Melbourne sales have already started
behind the scenes, with Infi niti Brighton
staff answering calls and offering test
drives to prospective customers.
Infi niti planned to start operations
in the three east-coast capitals as
close as possible to the target on-sale
date of September.
Rollout plans in the southern capital
hit a speed hump earlier this year when
original signing, Penfold Group, handed
back the Melbourne franchise.
Rival Preston Motors stepped into the
breach, but the delay meant Melbourne
was without a retail site when the brand
– Nissan’s answer to Toyota’s Lexus –
went live in September with stocks of
Japanese-made FX large SUVs and M
mid-size sedans.
To the end of November, 76 Infi nitis
have been registered locally, and that
includes an initial batch of 12 Infi niti
G37 Coupes and Convertibles that were
added to the line-up last week.
Infi niti Cars Australia general
manager Kevin Snell said his
company planned to begin talking with
prospective dealers in Adelaide and
Perth in the fi rst quarter of 2013, with
the objective of fi nalising representation
in those cities by the end of the year.
He said that if customers in South
Australia and Western Australia wanted
to buy a vehicle from an east-coast
dealership in the interim, Infi niti would
arrange service by fl ying a trained Infi niti
technician interstate to do the work.
Mr Snell said the next priority after
Adelaide and Perth would be large regional
centres such as the Gold Coast, Newcastle
and Canberra, along with second
dealerships in Sydney and Melbourne.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Dec 12, 2012 Page 23
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Sub-$20K Civic HatchSub-$20K Civic Hatch
Small Honda now $20,000 cheaper than 2009 model
BARTONS MITSUBISHI ARE SEEKING THE SERVICES OF ANEXPERIENCED NEW MITSUBISHI SALES MANAGER.
3396 7777www.bartons.net.au BBG_182125
Experience is not required specifi cally within Mitsubishi but must be as an Automotive New Vehicle Sales Manager. This is an extremely rare opportunity within Bartons as this position has been occupied by internal staff/promotions now for over 10 years.
Bartons Mitsubishi are a family owned business and have now operated for over 66 years. Located on the Southside of Brisbane the dealership is multi-franchised along with Holden and Used Cars. With the distinction of being the Number One for customer service in Brisbane, the dealership has a very customer focused culture and is fortunate to have a very stable, loyal and long serving sales team.
The ideal candidate must be both customer and results driven and who is seeking an opportunity to work within a family business culture. They will also enjoy the benefi t of being able to work directly with the Dealer Principal to grow the business in both Retail and Fleet. Bartons enjoy a market share in their PMA consistently above 12% with Mitsubishi and eagerly await the release of many new products over the coming 12 months.
Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and consist of retainer, commission, bonuses, superannuation and company supplied vehicle. (The Bartons Dealership closes on Saturdays at 3:00 pm and does not trade on most public holidays).
If this position interests you, please send your resume in confi dence directly to the Dealer Principal - [email protected]
Slow Malibu sales prompt‘early’ upgrade from GM
By TIM NICHOLSONCHEVROLET’S mid-size Malibu,
which will launch in Australia next year
wearing Holden badges, is set to receive
a midlife update by the end of 2013, just
18 months after its release in the US.
The Malibu refresh comes after poor
early media reviews and disappointing
sales of the mid-size contender that
will be Holden’s replacement for the
Korean-built Epica.
The Australian-market Malibu
revealed in July will feature a different
front-end design to that of the US
version, with Holden opting for a similar
open grille to that of the local Cruze,
while the Chevrolet maintains the two-
piece grille used on most of its models.
Holden has yet to advise GoAuto
whether the Australian-spec Malibu
will include the latest updates.
General Motors engineers are
reportedly rushing to complete the
Malibu mid-cycle refresh, as GM CEO
Dan Akerson confi rmed the update to
US industry journal Automotive News
last week.
“We are going to do a mid-cycle
enhancement, not dramatic, by this
time next year,” he said.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
By RON HAMMERTONHONDA has halved the price of entry
to its Civic Hatch range in just three
years, with the latest round of rollbacks
of $3000 or more making the British-
made fi ve-door small car’s list price one
of the cheapest in its class at $19,250
(or $22,650 driveaway).
The move downmarket is paying
dividends in the showroom, with Civic
sales up 62 per cent for the fi rst 11
months of this year and topping 1560
sales in November – up 250 per cent on
the same month last year, and its best
monthly sales since June 2008.
In 2009, the most affordable previous-
generation Civic Hatch in Australia, the
upmarket Si manual, had a list price of
$39,790 (plus on-road costs).
Through price and specifi cation cuts,
the cost has been progressively reduced
since then, chopped to $32,290 in
November 2010 and then to $29,990,
before the arrival of the all-new model in
June this year at $22,650 for the lower-
specifi ed Civic Hatch VTi-S manual.
Honda last month slashed $3400 from
that price as part of its annual clearance
across its model range, even though the
Civic Hatch has been on the market less
than six months.
This brought the price of the Civic VTi-S
hatch down from $22,650 to $19,250, and
the top-level VTi-L automatic down from
$29,990 to $26,990.
Honda has now confi rmed that the
sale price has become the permanent
list price, at least until the arrival of an
updated 2013 model in the fi rst half of
next year.
The 2012 hatchback VTi-S manual is
now cheaper than rivals such as the top-
selling Mazda3 Neo Hatch ($20,330), new
Toyota Corolla Ascent manual ($19,990),
Hyundai i30 Active Hatch ($20,990) and
Holden Cruze CD Hatch ($21,490).
Honda Australia spokesman Lindsay
Smalley told GoAuto that the 2013
model would bring equipment changes,
likely resulting in a price realignment.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE Malibu
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto InBrief
John Mellor’s
Dec 12, 2012 Page 24
THE (slightly) faster Fiesta is back! Based on the German-made WS rather than the Thai-built WT models, the Metal not only reintroduces reach-adjustable steering and soft-touch dashboards to Ford’s fab light car, it adds a sprinkling of extra performance and spicier dynamics, in a well-equipped value package.
Ford Fiesta Metal 3-dr hatch
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
GoAuto’s latest car review www.GoAuto.com.au
A slice of AstonA slice of Aston
Italian fi rm wins 37.5 per cent stake in Aston MartinBy HAITHAM RAZAGUI
FORMER Ducati owner
Investindustrial, an Italian private
equity fund, has secured a 37.5 per cent
stake in British sportscar brand Aston
Martin for £150 million ($A230m).
A parts and technology-sharing
arrangement with Mercedes-Benz
performance arm AMG was mooted as
part of the Investindustrial deal but was
not mentioned in the announcement,
and there are now confl icting reports
over whether it will happen.
As reported last month, Indian
conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra
had offered Aston’s Kuwaiti majority
shareholder, Investment Dar, a larger
sum than Investindustrial and was
tipped to win the two-way investment
battle for up to a 50 per cent stake.
However, Investindustrial’s
experience with turning around
premium motorcycle brand Ducati,
which it sold to Volkswagen Group
luxury brand Audi for $US1.1 billion
($A1.05b) in April, along with the
unconfi rmed AMG link, was thought to
be more benefi cial than cold hard cash.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
LEAF FALLS TO $47K D/ANISSAN Australia has slashed the
driveaway price of its all-electric
Leaf by more than $8000 and added a
number of cut-price fi nance options to
move the current model ahead of the
expected launch of a lighter and more
effi cient new version next year.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
PAJERO BOOSTER SHOTMITSUBISHI has shuffl ed its long-
standing Pajero large SUV range in
Australia, deleting the entry-level GL
and replacing the mid-range GLS model
with a new GLX-R variant.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
LATEST ANCAP RESULTSA QUARTET of SUVs and a French
hatch have been awarded the maximum
fi ve-star crash safety rating in the latest
round of ANCAP testing.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
NO FIVE-DOOR FIESTA STFORD has announced that its much-
anticipated German-built Fiesta ST hot
hatch will be available in Australia only as
a three-door when it hits local showrooms
around the third quarter of 2013.
The company had been weighing up
whether it could offer the Mexican-built
US-market fi ve-door version – revealed
in Los Angeles last month – considering
the vast majority of light vehicle sales
here are fi ve-door models.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
THIS is our fi nal issue of GoAutoNews
for 2012, and time for us to again
thank our valued readers, subscribers,
advertisers and affi liates – all of
whom have continued to provide great
support to Australia’s number one
automotive industry journal.
Our fi rst issue back is scheduled
for the week commencing Sunday,
January 13.
In the meantime, keep an eye on
GoAuto.com.au for the latest news
and reviews.
– TERRY MARTIN, Editor
THAT TIME OF YEAR...
To apply, please send your application including a current resumé, quoting the job reference and preferred location, to the HR Business Partner via email: [email protected] or for a
www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au
love that career
NEW YEAR, NEW CAREER?
MITSUBISHI MOTORSof new models being introduced, including the all new Mirage and the new Outlander PHEV with its state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid technology, we’re boosting our people power with new
Regional Aftersales Manager – 2 New Roles in NSW & VIC
In this key new role for the business, you will lead and develop a team of Parts and Service Managers that deliver a high level of business and technical support and develop a regional network that achieves our business objectives.
technical and business improvement skills to develop a regional strategy and lead their team to achieve success. Job Reference #GA109
– 5 New Roles in SA, VIC, NSW, QLD & WAReporting to the Regional Aftersales Manager, your focus will be to facilitate the successful parts and
for parts and accessories sales, service business growth, product improvement, customer satisfaction and warranty cost control. You will have a good grasp of the Aftersales business with experience in Dealer parts and service operations. Your strong technical skills combined with analytical, problem solving and business process improvement skills will be key to your success in this role. Job Reference #GA110
Area Sales Managers – NSW & VIC
Reporting to the Regional Sales Manager, you will be responsible for facilitating the successful new car
and ensure sales objectives are achieved through the communication and implementation of sales and marketing activities to dealers, assisting them to drive sales. You will be an experienced sales professional, with strong presentation abilities, excellent written and verbal communication combined with strong relationship building skills. Job Reference #GA111
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GoAuto Market Insight
John Mellor’s
GoAuto Market Insight – brought to you by Dealer Solutions
DealerSolutions
Means Performance.
Dec 12, 2012 Page 26
By TIM NICHOLSON and TERRY MARTIN
SUBARU Australia has ruled out
offering an entry-level two-wheel-
drive version of its fourth-generation
Forester to chase sales when it arrives
in local showrooms from February 1
next year, conceding it will not return
to the top of the SUV sales tree.
Forester has fallen from the number-
one position it held in 2008 and 2010,
placing fourth this year to date in the
competitive and crowded compact
SUV segment (or ‘mid-size’ as now
classifi ed by VFACTS).
At the recent preview of the all-new
Forester in Canberra, Subaru Australia
managing director Nick Senior said he
does not expect the popular SUV to
regain its title as the top-selling mid-
size SUV in Australia.
“I don’t really see a lot of change
because everyone ahead of us has a
two-wheel drive,” he said. “We can’t
compete in that.
“Our job is to try and maintain
leadership of the all-wheel-drive
segment of that category to try and
increase sales. There is no two-wheel
drive and no thoughts of 2WD; in fact,
there is not even a 2WD model available.
“Our future lies in all-wheel drive.
Our customers want us to talk about
AWD more. That’s where the focus is
moving forward.”
Subaru has sold 10,605 Foresters to
the end of November and is trailing the
Nissan X-Trail (15,007 sales), Mazda
CX-5 (14,355) and Toyota RAV4
(12,862), a new generation of which
will be launched within months.
The segment has also seen new recent
releases with Honda’s latest CR-V and the
third-generation Mitsubishi Outlander.
Outlander, CR-V and the three
models ahead of Forester in sales all
offer entry-level 2WD variants, with
the CR-V starting at $27,490 and
Outlander kicking off from $28,990.
Although pricing for the Forester will
not be released until early next year,
Subaru will fi nd it diffi cult to compete
with these entry-level prices.
Mr Senior acknowledges the
challenge of competing with cheaper
2WD models, but remains upbeat about
the prospects of the new Forester.
“We are still the number-one-selling
all-wheel-drive medium SUV in Australia
and there is still volume in AWD only,”
he said. “And with this car and some of
the features we are introducing, there is
potential to increase that volume.”
While the Subaru chief is looking for
improved sales with the new Forester,
he told GoAuto at the Sydney motor
show in October that the brand as
whole in 2013 would not repeat the
growth it has achieved this year on the
back of the new XV crossover.
Subaru sales are up 16.6 per cent this
year on 37,194 units, and if it performs
as well in December as it did last month
(with 3212 new registrations, 33.6 per
cent ahead of November last year), the
brand will break its all-time record of
40,025 units achieved in 2010.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
No plan for 4x2 Forester as Subaru sees its overallgrowth easing next year
Forester to hold fi rmForester to hold fi rmSubaru’s Top 3 Models in 2012
Forester XV Impreza
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov0
200
400
600
800
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Green issues in the auto worldGoAuto Green
John Mellor’s
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto Green is brought to you by Better Place
Dec 12, 2012 Page 27
GoAuto Go reen is broughtto you by Bey tter Place
By MIKE COSTELLO in LAKIA Australia says it would not offer
the Optima Hybrid sedan here even if it
were to be made available in right-hand
drive, sparing Toyota competition for
its locally made petrol-electric Camry.
While Kia’s local arm admits it
would be a good look to offer an
environmentally friendly version of
the sharply styled family sedan, it
also claims the low uptake of hybrid
vehicles in Australia makes it an
impractical addition.
This is despite a growth in hybrid
sales of almost 50 per cent in Australia
this year, largely on the back of a wave
of new or facelifted models such as the
Toyota Prius C and Prius V, Lexus GS
and RX, and Honda Civic Hybrid.
The Optima Hybrid joins the potent
US-market Optima Turbo and the
supply-constrained Optima turbo-
diesel sold in Europe as non-starters
for the Australian market, something
Kia Australia public relations manager
Kevin Hepworth chalks up to local
attitudes toward petrol-electric cars.
“Politically, it would be good to
have one of the eco range in the
country, but practically it’s way down
the scale,” he said.
“Hybrid cars in Australia are not big
sellers, people don’t want to buy them
and they don’t want to pay a premium
to be seen to be green.”
The fast-growing Korean car-
maker’s fi rst hybrid model commands a
premium of at least $US4500 in North
America, which, when extrapolated to
local pricing, suggests Kia would have
had to consider a starting price close to
$40,000.
In the US, the Optima Hybrid goes
up against an array of rivals including
the Camry, Ford Fusion hybrid and
the Sonata/i45 hybrid from parent
company Hyundai.
Incentives including dedicated driving
lanes, as well as a general propensity to
steer clear of frugal European diesels,
make hybrid cars more popular in the
US than in Australia.
GoAuto grabbed the keys to a US-
specifi cation model on a recent trip to the
Los Angeles motor show, taking a quick
spin in North America’s greenest state to
see just what we’re missing out on.
For our money, the Optima is far
and away the sharpest looker in the
hybrid sedan race. We seldom discuss
subjective vehicle styling, but the edgy
design has been widely acknowledged
as a key factor in turning around
Kia’s fortunes and changing brand
perceptions since it fi rst appeared more
than two years ago.
Mechanical details for the US-spec
Optima Hybrid we drove closely
resemble those of the hybrid Sonata
(which Australia also misses out on),
with a 30kW/205Nm electric motor
combining with an Atkinson-cycle
2.4-litre petrol engine producing
124kW/209Nm.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
GoAuto takes a drive ofmid-size Kia hybrid butno launch agenda for Oz
A greener OptimaA greener Optima
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GoAuto Personnel
John Mellor’s
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto Personnel – brought to you by Motor Staff
Dec 12, 2012 Page 28
ADVOCACY ROLE FOR ANGOVE AS HOLDEN, FUTURIS CHIEFS JOIN LEADERS GROUP
By TERRY MARTINTHE federal government has appointed
former Ford executive William
Angove to the newly created position
of ‘Automotive Supplier Advocate’,
whose key initial role is to develop an
action plan to increase fl eet purchases
of Australian-made cars.
A former president of Ford Motor
Indonesia and 32-year veteran of Ford
Australia and Ford Asia-Pacifi c, Mr
Angove will work in consultation with
local car manufacturers, fl eet managers,
and state and local government
agencies to boost sales of Australian-
made vehicles.
He will also assist small and
medium-sized enterprises in the auto
sector “grow, diversify and compete in
new markets” and work in conjunction
with automotive envoys John Conomos
and Steve Bracks “to identify potential
international markets and customers”.
In a statement, federal industry and
innovation minister Greg Combet
said the government appointed a
car industry expert “who knows the
Asian market, understands the supply
chain and appreciates the quality and
environmental performance of our
locally made vehicles”.
Mr Angove’s appointment is part
of the $35 million ‘Automotive New
Markets Initiative’ announced in
August.
As GoAuto has reported, the fi rst
round of grants under this initiative,
which is a joint program between
the federal government and car-
manufacturing states Victoria and
South Australia, were handed down late
last month, with $6.5 million spread
across 10 companies.
In a separate
announcement last
week, GM Holden
chairman and
managing director
Mike Devereux and
Futuris Automotive
Group chairman
Bruce Griffi ths will join the Gillard
government’s new ‘Manufacturing
Leaders Group’ charged with helping
Australian manufacturing “seize the
opportunities of the Asian century”.
Chaired by Boeing Australia and
South Pacifi c president Ian Thomas,
the 22-member Manufacturing Leaders
Group includes representatives from
business, union and research fi elds
and was established in response to
recommendations made earlier this
year by a manufacturing taskforce set
up by prime minister Julia Gillard.
According to Mr Combet, the group
will “provide strategic advice to
government; build better links between
industry, the research sector and
government; and promote improved
capabilities to build more competitive
fi rms and workplaces”.
“The leaders group will focus
on major productivity challenges
such as building high-performance
workplaces and engage with other
parts of the economy such as capital
markets and the mining, resources,
construction and research sectors,”
Mr Combet said.
The minister said the group would
bring together members with a range
of expertise to advise the government
on policy settings “to ensure Australian
manufacturing takes advantage of
opportunities in Asia and other markets”.
ACTU secretary Dave Oliver has
been named deputy chairman, while
other members include Hofmann
Engineering managing director Erich
Hofmann, Australian Industry Group
chief executive Innes Willox, AMWU
national secretary Paul Bastian and
CSIRO CEO Megan Clark.
Ex-offi cio member is the department
of industry’s manufacturing division
head, Mike Lawson.
Mr Devereux’s appointment to the
group came a week after he urged
bipartisan support for the Australian car
manufacturing industry, and called on
the Tony Abbott-led federal opposition
to commit to the auto sector before next
year’s federal election – or risk losing it.
“I believe 2013 will be the year that
Australia decides whether it wants an
auto industry or not,” Mr Devereux said.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
William Angove
CORRECTION: Last week’s article
on the future of the Ford Falcon
said the 2014 model had received
$103 million in government
funding, which is incorrect. This
is the total investment, the bulk of
which is being paid for by Ford,
and includes $34m in federal funds
and a smaller, undisclosed amount
from the Victorian government.
Similarly, the $232m upgrade for
the Falcon EcoBoost and EcoLPi
models, and the Territory diesel,
was the full investment, of which
around $42m came from taxpayers.
Australia’s No.1
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GoAuto New Car Diary
John Mellor’s
GoAuto New Car Diary – brought to you by carsales.com.au
Dec 12, 2012 Page 29
DECLAUNCH
FULL NEW CAR DIARY: CLICK HERE
Audi Q5 ►
Infi niti G cabrio
Infi niti G coupe
Jaguar XF MY2013
Mazda6
Mazda CX-9
A midlife facelift of Audi’s popular Q5 SUV comes with improved performance and effi ciency across all fi ve engine choices, extra onboard technology and a subtle styling update that bring the grille, air intakes and lighting up-to-date with Audi’s latest corporate look.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Volvo Cars to invest $10.6 billion in next-generation vehicle platforms, enginesBy MIKE COSTELLO
VOLVO Cars will pump $US11 billion
($A10.6b) into its next-generation
vehicle platforms and engines, plus the
manufacturing facilities that produce
them, by the end of 2015.
The money will be spent developing
the company’s much-publicised
Scalable Product Architecture (SPA)
and its new range of four-cylinder
engines, which will underpin and
propel most future Volvo models
starting with the all-new XC90 SUV
due in late 2014.
And while Volvo was bought from
Ford by Chinese brand Geely in
2010, the company claims half of this
massive investment will be spent in
improving infrastructure in its home
market of Sweden.
This investment in its home market
includes upgrades and expansions to
Swedish plants and the creation of a
new body shop in Gothenburg, and will
represent one of Sweden’s largest ever
industrial investments.
SPA is designed to reduce complexity
by promoting the use of modular
platforms that can be stretched or
shrunk to accommodate various
model lines, thereby cutting costs and
allowing nearly all Volvo models to be
built on the same production line.
The modern architecture will
feature around 90 per cent brand-new
components from launch under the
new XC90, and extensive use of high-
tensile steel and lightweight materials
like aluminium will also lead to
weight savings of between 100kg and
150kg per car.
As reported, the future internal-
combustion engine range dubbed
Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA) will
comprise solely of newly developed
lightweight four-cylinder petrol and
diesel engines with fewer moving parts
and greater fuel effi ciency.
These engines will be up to 90kg
lighter and 35 per cent more frugal
than current Volvo powertrains and are
built to accommodate hybridisation
or the brand’s fl ywheel-based kinetic
energy recovery system (KERS),
which redistributes braking energy to
the driveline.
A new eight-speed automatic gearbox
will feature alongside these engines.
This architecture and engine
range debuted under the Concept
You at the Frankfurt motor show in
September, which previews the next-
generation S80 sedan fl agship that
could be badged S90 due to its larger
dimensions.
Other SPA recipients will be the
replacements for today’s V70 and
XC70 due in 2015, as well as the next-
generation XC60 SUV, S60 sedan and
V60 wagon models set for launch in the
latter half of this decade.
Other possible projects include
a third-generation C70 coupe/
convertible expected in about 2014,
plus a redesigned C30 light car.
According to Volvo Cars senior vice-
president of research and development
Peter Mertens, SPA and VEA will
free the company from any links to
previous owner Ford. One of the last
new Volvos developed under Blue Oval
ownership, the V40 small car, will hit
local showrooms in early 2013.
“SPA makes us technologically
independent, without any link
whatsoever to our previous owner,”
said Mr Mertens.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Concept You