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Mitsubishi Reports Growth in Imported Sales During 2008

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has reported strong growth of their imported vehicle line-up during 2008, with a jump in sales of over 2,900 vehicles – an increase of 5.5 per cent over the previous year. This growth is an impressive achievement, particularly given the current economic and market environment, and the decision undertaken by the company to switch to full-line importing early in the 2008 calendar year. President and chief executive officer of MMAL, Robert McEniry...

2008 New Vehicle Sales Provide a Positive Start to 2009

Australian Automobile Dealers Association, Victoria (AADA-Vic) and VACC are encouraged by today’s release of the 2008 new vehicle sales figures. For the second year running, and only the second time ever, Australians bought more than one million new vehicles during a calendar year. Official VFACTS figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show that 1,012,164 passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were sold in 2008. “This is positive news for the...

Mazda's Finishes 2008 On a Record High

Mazda Australia retailed 79,826 new vehicles in 2008, eclipsing the previous record of 77,734 set in 2007. Mazda retained its position as Australia's fourth biggest automotive brand and best-selling full-line importer with a 7.9 per cent share of the new vehicle market (up from 7.4pc in 2007). Mazda's 0.5pc market share growth was the one of the highest posted by a top-ten brand. Mazda ended 2008 with a new December benchmark (6,641 retails, 8.7pc share) and tightened its grip on fourth...

Subaru Sails Past 11th Record

Subaru achieved a remarkable annual milestone of 11 consecutive years of record sales, according to official VFACTS figures released today. Sales of 38,492 Subarus have distinguished the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive company in a difficult market where many competitors are in decline. Subaru sales for 2008 were up 0.1 per cent in an industry that dropped 3.6 per cent. Subaru's core strength was underlined by the success of new generation Forester, which regained its position as the...

Sixth Straight Sales Record for Suzuki

Suzuki continues to be a shining star in the Australian automotive market after recording its sixth successive increase in annual sales. Suzuki sold 1730 vehicles in December, boosting its total sales for the year to 22,523. The record sales figure was a 4.4 increase on what was a record 2007 result, and continued the company’s remarkable run of six straight years of increased sales. Since 2004 the company has more than tripled retail sales to cement its reputation as one of the...

Porsche to Take Over More Than 50% of Volkswagen

Porsche Automobil Holding SE, Stuttgart, purchased further ordinary shares in Volkswagen AG, Wolfsburg, and will increase its holding to 50.76 per cent of all ordinary voting shares in Volkswagen. As a result of passing the threshold of 50 per cent Porsche will acquire indirect control over Scania AB, Södertälje, and is required by Swedish law to launch a mandatory offer for the truck manufacturer. The Stuttgart-domiciled company is not bound by pre-acquisition prices and is only obliged to...

Hyundai 2008 Sales Results

Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker and part of the world’s fifth largest auto manufacturer, posted a 6.9 percent increase in its 2008 global sales, mainly due to strong demand for its cars in emerging markets. Overseas sales, including exports from Korea and sales from the company’s overseas plants increased 11.8 percent to 2,210,715 units in 2008, up from 1,977,042 units a year earlier. Domestic sales in 2008 fell 8.7 percent to 570,962 units from 625,275 units in...

Audi World's First Led Headlights

The order book opened in Britain for the V10 engined Audi R8 this month (1 January) and with it the German car manufacturer demonstrated another element of its pioneering Vorsprung durch Technik technology. The range-topping R8 is the first car in the world to be equipped with all-LED (light emitting diode) headlamps. For the first time the high intensity diodes have been used for low beam and high beam settings, as well as for daytime running lights and indicators, intensifying the sports...

Ford Self Parking System Announced

Ford's new ‘active park assist' makes Parallel parking a Breeze for Lincoln MKT and MKS owners The often stressful and frustrating task of parallel parking soon will be as easy as pressing a button for owners of the Lincoln MKS flagship sedan and all-new Lincoln MKT seven-passenger luxury crossover, thanks to an exclusive new technology from Ford Motor Company called Active Park Assist. Available in mid-2009 as an option on the 2010 Lincoln MKS sedan and new Lincoln MKT crossover, Active...

Tata to pump £670m into Jaguar Land Rover

Tata, the Indian-based company that owns Jaguar Land Rover, may have to pump at least £670 million into the ailing car brands to revive them, and is looking at ways to raise the cash. The sum is far higher than the ‘tens of millions’ Tata had recently suggested might be enough. The cash would also be in addition to any financial aid Jaguar Land Rover may receive from the UK Government, which is now unlikely until the New Year.

Buy a car and get one free says Citroen dealer

A Citroen car dealer is offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on one of its new models in a desperate bid to attract customers affected by the recession. Roger Sixsmith, who owns Central Garage in Newport on the Isle of Wight, is giving customers a Citroen C1 Vibe worth £6,000 when they buy a top-of-the-range Citroen C4 Picasso Lounge, which costs £23,995.

Durham rejects congestion charge extension

Plans to build a new relief road for Durham and extend its existing congestion charge are to be put on hold. The announcement follows a two-year study into options for addressing traffic management problems in and around the city centre. The Durham City congestion charge was the first to be introduced in the UK in October 2002. Durham County Council leader Simon Henig said the construction of a northern relief road and widening the catchment area of the current road-charging scheme ‘will...

Vauxhall looks for pay cuts and four-day week

Vauxhall has started talks with trade unions over pay cuts and the possible introduction of a four-day week. A spokesman said: “We are in discussions with unions about how we can cut structural costs. There’s a whole range of things on the table, from company shift patterns, to pay cuts to getting rid of bonus payments; 2009 is going to be extremely challenging.

Tata to inject cash into ailing Jaguar Land Rover

Indian industrial conglomerate Tata is to inject ‘tens of millions’ of pounds into Jaguar Land Rover to prevent an immediate cashflow crisis, while the Government continues to discuss a possible taxpayer bailout. Tata’s cash injection has brought the Government breathing space to respond to Jaguar Land Rover demands for multi-billion loan guarantees. The Times says that Tata’s decision came after Prime Minister Gordon Brown had decided to intervene to prevent the collapse of the carmaker...

Toyota predicts first loss in 71 years

Japan’s biggest carmaker Toyota has forecast its first annual loss in 71 years due to plummeting sales and a surge in the value of the yen. The firm said it expected a loss of 150 billion yen (£1.1bn) in yearly operating profits - from its core operations. The carmaker recorded an operating profit of 2.27 trillion yen last year. Toyota said it still expected to make a profit on a net level for the year ended March but has cut its forecast sharply to 50bn yen, down from a previous estimate...

Volvo Maps Driver Behaviour as Part of EU Research Project

A fleet of 100 Volvo V70 and XC70 vehicles will take part in a three-year European Union research project called EuroFOT (Field Operational Tests) enabling Volvo Cars to monitor the behaviour of drivers and their reaction to complex traffic situations. The initiative involves 28 partners from the automotive industry and academia, including the SAFER research centre at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, which will help assess the data collated by the Volvos taking part in...

Aston Martin Designs Bus

Aston Martin has entered a competition to re-design the Routemaster for the streets of London and have come out on top. Both Aston Martin and Capoco Design Ltd share first place in a competition with over 700 other entries. The competition was organised by the Transport for London, Boris Johnson; the Mayor of London said, "When I launched the competition, I asked for stylish and imaginative designs which would resonate with Londoners."

Mercedes-Benz delivers 1.5 million current E-Class units

Mercedes-Benz has delivered 1.5 million units of the current E-Class series to customers since the model’s market launch six years ago. “The current E-Class and its predecessor models have been the ‘heart’ of Mercedes-Benz for more than 60 years now,” says Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. “With its typical brand attributes that include safety, comfort, innovation, economy, and quality, the E-Class has delighted around 12 million customers...

Ford's comments on approved bailout plan

Ford Motor Company said today that it welcomes action by the Administration to provide emergency funding for General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC. “As we told Congress, Ford is in a different position. We do not face a near-term liquidity issue, and we are not seeking short-term financial assistance from the government,” Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally said. “But all of us at Ford appreciate the prudent step the Administration has taken to address the near-term liquidity issues of GM...

Chrysler approved bailout plan

Chrysler LLC Chairman and CEO Bob Nardelli said on behalf of the men and women of Chrysler and its extended enterprise, that he would like to thank the Administration and Treasury for their confidence in the Company.

GM approved bailout plan

GM says: We appreciate the President extending a financial bridge at this most critical time for the U.S. auto industry and our nation's economy. This action helps to preserve many jobs, and supports the continued operation of GM and the many suppliers, dealers and small businesses across the country that depend on us.

Toyota Australia Closes its TRD Division

Toyota Australia has announced it's closing its TRD performance brand. TRD will cease from March 31, 2009. The decision has been made as a result of an on-going review of the vehicle conversion activity. The review's conclusion has been amplified by the world economic downturn and the need to achieve significant operational efficiencies. "Toyota has a responsibility to ensure its core business activities, and the people who rely on them, are protected for the long...

2009 Ford Fiesta sales in UK

Nearly 11,500 new Ford Fiesta models have been snapped up in the UK in just 77 days since it went on sale on 1st October – and with more than 9,000 going to retail customers. That equates to almost 80 per cent – a substantial increase on the normal retail rate of 60 per cent. The Zetec model remains the most popular, taking 51 per cent of sales. Zetec models have been introduced with a £500 customer saving and free Bluetooth. The most popular color has been Panther Black (21 per cent)...

There'll always be people crazy enough to buy a Ferrari!

Speaking at the annual Ferrari end of year media conference, Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo has said that while other car makers saw profits and sales plummet in 2008, Ferrari has ignored the trend and recorded its best ever year for sales, earnings, profits and achievements in motorsport. “Enzo Ferrari said to me in the 1970’s fuel crisis we'd always find 1,500 people crazy enough to buy a Ferrari. Adjusting the numbers for 2009, I think that we'll continue to find 6,000 people crazy...

Skoda Auto Opens New Technology Centre

Skoda Auto's brand new technology centre has been officially opened today in Mladá Boleslav by Volkswagen AG BOD Chairman Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn and Skoda Auto's BOD Chairman Reinhard Jung, and Dr. Eckhard Scholz, BOD Member for Technological Development. By completing the construction of the new centre, Skoda Auto has reinforced its development position across the VW Group. The Company has invested CZK $1.159 billion to create 300 new jobs, primarily for mechanical and electrical...

Volvo Technology Helps Drivers Avoid Accidents with Pedestrians

Volvo Cars will introduce the next generation of preventative safety technology in the Volvo S60 Concept being unveiled at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next month. Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and pedestrian detection reacts when a pedestrian walks out in front of a car. The system will activate the car's full braking power if the driver does not respond to the danger. This groundbreaking innovation will be a key feature of the all-new Volvo S60...

BMW M Sales Increase Despite Difficult Market Environment

BMW M GmbH has increased sales by over 50 per cent compared to last year, despite the current difficulties in the market environment. A significant increase in sales compared to last year has resulted in 22,340 vehicles being sold worldwide as of November 2008. This means that BMW M GmbH has exceeded the previous year’s equivalent figures (14,092 units) by over 50 per cent.

Mitsubishi Announce Vehicle, Technology Collaboration with Proton

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today the signing of a contract with Malaysia's major automobile manufacturer, Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd (PONSB)*1, covering the technology for, as well as the development and production of, a new PROTON vehicle. In addition, the contract will grant a license to the Malaysian automaker to manufacture a new Mitsubishi vehicle based product.

Jeremy Clarkson says No to Big 3 bailout

The ever outspoken Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson isn’t one to hold back saying what he feels and in the past has often given a mouthful to American made cars. However in recent times we’ve seen a change of heart as he’s grown fond of some of the meanest muscle cars to come out of the USA, for example the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and the Cadillac CTS-V.

Toyota Australia to Increase Prices from 1st of January

Toyota Australia has advised its dealers that new-vehicle recommended retail prices will increase from 1 January 2009 due to adverse currency movements. Price increases will average 2.4 per cent or about $900 across the range with variations by model and by grade. The recommended retail prices of Toyota's smallest car, Yaris, will rise by up to $800 with most models increasing $500.

Audi: LED Technology & Light Design

Audi was the first automobile manufacturer to recognise the potential of revolutionary LED lighting technology and then incorporate it during development of its vehicles. The brand with the four rings has since acquired a technological edge putting it years ahead of the competition, and is a key driver of this innovation. Crucial for the exterior design: Not only during the day but also at night, all Audi models are recognisable at a glance thanks to LED daytime running lights. And each Audi...

Ford looking to sell Volvo

Ford has publicly announced for the first time that it would like to sell Volvo. The news, which has been rumoured for a while now, came out in Ford’s latest strategic review which they need to take to US Congress tomorrow with the aim of receiving much need funding from the $25 billion government aid package.

Aston Martin Announces Cutbacks

Aston Martin and its Trade Union partners have today begun consultation on a range of cutbacks to reflect the current downturn in the world economy and the corresponding fall in car sales. It is hoped to do this by minimising the impact on employees as far as possible, but the possibility of up to 300 permanent and a similar number of temporary job losses cannot be ruled out.

New Porsche Museum in Stuttgart opens 31 January 2009

In the new Porsche Museum, the final preparations are being made for the opening on Saturday, 31 January 2009. At last, now that the scaffolding has been removed, it is possible to see to the full extent the bold architecture of the building, opposite the head office premises of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG in Zuffenhausen; the famous suburb of Stuttgart, in Germany, that has since 1950 been the home of Porsche. The 5,600 square metres of exhibition space are supported on just three so-called...

Bentley's Power on Ice Programme

Bentley will host an extraordinary driving experience in February and March 2009 …with the remote snowscape of Finland as a backdrop. Harnessing the power of 560 horses on a surface of pure ice. It may seem like a contradiction in terms, but in actual fact these two elements form the basis of a truly unique driving experience. The British luxury car manufacturer Bentley is offering its customers and any other interested parties the trip of a lifetime in the far north of Europe. And not for...

Credit Crisis, New Car Dealers Call for Leadership from Government

The Australian Automobile Dealer Association (Vic), the new car division of VACC, is calling on the Federal Government for decisive leadership, and action, to secure a solution to the dealer finance crisis. The AADA (Vic) is urging Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and Treasurer, Wayne Swan, to realise the gravity of the situation and the potential for large scale job losses should a solution not be found. “The time has come for a decisive lead from the Federal Government on this crisis,” VACC...

Ford Engine Plant in Geelong to Stay

Ford Australia’s Geelong Engine Plant, which currently employs 400 people, will remain open post-2010 and continue producing the company’s iconic in-line six-cylinder engine, which will now be engineered for Euro IV compatibility. Ford will invest $21 million in plant and equipment for continued use post-2010, as well as invest in considerable engineering development of the I6 engine to ensure compliance with stringent Euro IV emissions standards. This adds to the $200 million that the...

Ford Reduces Stake in Mazda

Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) has announced today that Mazda and several of its strategic business partners will acquire a part of Ford Motor Company’s (Ford) shares in Mazda through market trading. As a result, the ratio of Ford’s ownership of Mazda stock will be reduced from 33.4 percent to just over 13 percent, with the new agreement allowing the two companies to continue their strategic relationship that spans nearly 30 years. “The sale of Mazda shares by our partner, Ford, will not...

GETRAG seeks Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

GETRAG Transmission Manufacturing LLC (GTM LLC) has filed for protection under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code for its Tipton, Indiana facility. The GTM LLC facility in Tipton was being constructed for the sole purpose of manufacturing dual clutch transmissions for Chrysler LLC (Chrysler). This action is a direct result of a recent termination by Chrysler of contractual agreements related to the construction and operation of a dual clutch transmission manufacturing facility...

Video: What happens if the Domestic Auto Industry Collapses?

From plants to parks. From dealerships to driveways. From gas stations to grocery stores. What happens in the automotive industry affects each and every one of us. In fact, the collapse of the U.S.-based auto industry wouldn't just impact the more than 239,000 Americans directly employed by the Big Three. One out of every 10 people in America is employed in a service that is related to the U.S. auto industry. If a plant closes, so does its suppliers, the local stores, the hot dog vendors, and...

General Motors Sell Suzuki Shares

Suzuki Motor Corporation made an announcement today concerning the sale of Suzuki shares by General Motors Corporation with a mutual agreement to continue the implementation and expansion of the business relationship between the companies. Suzuki and GM have maintained a constructive business relationship that dates back to August 1981. The companies have agreed to be committed to continue promoting and implementing not only our existing projects, including development collaboration on...

Nissan to Introduce Ultra-Low Precious Metal Catalyst

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd announced it will introduce its ultra-low precious metal catalyst on the new Cube*1, to be launched on 19 November. The breakthrough catalyst, a world’s first, utilises half the amount of precious metals compared with conventional catalysts. Of the world’s precious metals reserve, a high percentage of platinum (50%) and rhodium (80%) are used in the automotive industry as catalysts. In conventional catalysts, the high temperatures within the catalyst cause the...

VACC Welcomes the End of the National Fuelwatch Scheme

As a long standing opponent of a national Fuelwatch scheme, VACC is pleased the proposal has been rejected. The legislation has been defeated in the Senate. “While the Government may decide to re-introduce the proposed scheme at a later date, for now, the message is clear. Fuelwatch is finished,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase said. “This is a victory for common sense. The national Fuelwatch scheme was flawed from the outset. It would not have saved motorists money. In fact,...

Honda Demonstrates Life Saving Motorcycle Technology

Honda has reinforced its commitment to road safety by revealing a motorcycle to car communication system to help reduce accidents. Industry research at the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium in Germany has shown that the majority of accidents involving motorcycles are caused by perception failures. Honda’s new system aims to significantly reduce these incidents. Both the causes and the consequences of motorcycle accidents are different to those involving only cars, as the majority of...

Nissan Employs Nuclear Physics to Study Engine Lubrication

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd and the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) today announced that they have jointly developed a neutron imaging system that has provided the world’s first precise visualisation of oil flow in an engine operating at high speed. Combining neutron radiography to visualise through lightweight metals with high-speed imaging technology*1 to capture dynamic events, the imaging system gives researchers an unprecedented chance to study the behaviour of lubricating oil*2 as it...

Ford Australia Response to New Car Plan

The Federal Government's new automotive industry policy arrangements announced today will provide a strong framework to support the continued transition of Australia's automotive manufacturing industry. While it is clear that the automotive industry in Australia and around the globe will continue to face unprecedented challenges as a direct result of ongoing economic volatility, Ford Australia believes that the new transitional assistance arrangements announced today will support the future...

5 Star EuroNCAP Impossible without ESC

Today, Euro NCAP moves closer to its vision “for safer cars” with the release of details about the scoring behind the organisation’s new car safety rating. With the implementation of the new rating scheduled for 2009, vehicles tested by Euro NCAP from this date will undergo a much tougher and more comprehensive assessment. Euro NCAP also reveals its high ambitions for manufacturers: without ESC, the achievement of five stars will no longer be possible. Euro NCAP’s new scheme will see the...

Suzuki Sales Soar in Australia Despite Financial Difficulties

Suzuki Australia sold 2042 vehicles in October 2008 making it the best October on record for the company. “Suzuki has clearly defied the market trend and is running well ahead of the overall industry. “Year on year, Suzuki sales are up nearly seven per cent, while the total market is in decline. “With new models like Alto and Kizashi coming on stream in the next 18 months Suzuki is set to continue to be one of the fastest growing brands in the country,” said Devers. Yearly sales to...

American Vehicle Sales

We've recently visited Amercian Vehicle Sales in Rowville, Victoria to test-drive a number of American SUV’s and full size pickups. General Manager James Hill greeted us, whose family has been running the specialised conversion business for over fifteen years. The company is firmly in the GM corner of the ring of the GM vs Ford fight so don’t bother looking for any blue oval product here. The team rightfully claims to be true leaders in Australia for converting Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer and...

Volkswagen Increases Operating Profit by 15% in the First 9 Months

The Volkswagen Group increased its deliveries, sales revenue and profit in the first nine months of the current fiscal year despite the adverse macroeconomic environment and the worsening financial crisis. Operating profit improved significantly by 15% to €4.9 billion. At €3.7 billion, Europe's largest automobile manufacturer exceeded its prior-year profit after tax by 28.5%. "Volkswagen has performed well so far in a difficult environment. With its young and environmentally friendly model...

Surf's Up this Summer for Mazda and Serena Brooke

Mazda is gearing up for a summer of surfing and sun with Aussie surfing star Serena Brooke. Serena Brooke joins the ranks of respected, high-profile Australians such as radio star Andy Lee and Olympic gold medallist Michael Klim as a Mazda Ambassador. Indisputably one of the hottest and most radical female surfers, Serena Brooke on the planet, Brooke is currently rated in the top ten female surfers in the world on a competitive basis. Gold Coast-based Brooke has cut a swathe through...

Piaggio brands lead Aussie Scooter Market

According to recently released FCAI industry data (September 2008 YTD), scooter sales continue to soar in Australia. The Italian scooter giant, Piaggio, continues to be the number one choice for scooters in Australia with almost 23% share of the market with the three distinctive Piaggio, Vespa and Gilera brands.

Video: Top Gear Australia

For all our overseas readers (and any Australians that were sleeping under a rock) who missed the initial episode of Top Gear Australia on Monday night here’s a video of the first two minutes just to let you know what you missed out on.

Toyota Announces World First Rear Window Airbag

TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today that it has developed an SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) rear window curtain shield airbag—the world's first*—to protect rear passengers' heads in the event of a rear-end collision. The innovative airbag deploys from the roof lining above the rear window in the form of a curtain-like barrier. Together with the headrests, the airbag minimizes impact to the head from a colliding vehicle or parts of the hit vehicle, thus helping to reduce the...

Blue Light gets green light for November - (Australia)

Yamaha Motor Australia is once again pleased to be the naming rights sponsor of the annual Blue Light Rally. The Victoria Police Motors Sports Club trail ride has been running the Noojee-based rally for over 30 years and during this time the Blue Light has cemented its position asthe largest off road participatory event in Australia.

Crash Avoidance Robotic Car Inspired by Flight of the Bumblebee

What better way to advance the development of crash prevention technology than to mimic some of the best proponents of collision avoidance in the natural world? Bees. In a surprising project that will be unveiled at CEATEC, the humble bumblebee has given engineers at Nissan Motor Co.’s Advanced Technology Center a strategic hint at how to design the next generation of crash-avoidance systems. Based on joint research with the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at Japan’s...

Aston Martin Nurburgring Test Centre - Open For Business

The Aston Martin Nürburgring Test Centre – initially unveiled in May – is now fully operational as a base for development and durability testing of Aston Martin prototypes and for customer events. In a further expansion of its Nürburgring activities, Aston Martin has also extended its relationship with the famous circuit by taking on a new display showroom and VIP business lounge in the new Nürburgring trackside development due for completion in June 2009. At a recent exclusive track day...

Locusts to help Volvo

To most of us the Swedish car brands have always been renowned for making the safest cars in the world. To stay ahead of the competition they seem to have employed the services of the humble locust to help with research of a new collision avoidance safety system. “Imagine you are a locust in a swarm of locusts flying over a field trying to find food. There is almost chaos in the swarm but no traffic rules. Still the individual locusts are able to avoid collusions. They are really masters...

Could there be a New Maserati on the Way?

The Maserati global website is running this teaser leading up to next months Paris Motor Show. They announce “We are going to surprise you” and “Find out more on 2nd October”. Viewers are than asked to vote on a number of choices on what they think Masearti has planned. Apart from ‘A New Car’, we like ‘A New Advertising Campaign’ and ‘A New Testimonial’. It appears the team from Modena, Italy has a sense of humour. As Oct 2nd is the kick off to the Paris Show, it’s most likely Maserati...

GM’s Saab relationship

Over the last decade much has been written on the way General Motors has ran its prestige Euro brand Saab. And unfortunately for both GM and Saab hardly any of it has been praiseworthy. The latest piece comes from journalist Ben Whitworth at Car Magazine. Here’s an extract… “It’s an absolute travesty the way GM has systematically marginalised Saab, endlessly tarnishing its once shining image and depriving it of lifeline investment while ploughing money into crass and jingoistic nasties...

World record jump on Yamaha YZ 85 - (Australia)

Australian FMX prodigy to attempt world record jump on Yamaha YZ 85. Grand Slam International (GSI) today announced that Australia's youngest freestyle motocross world record holder Tyrone Gilks, will attempt a new 200ft world record jump on 23rd October 2008 at an abandoned air strip near Newcastle.

GM Says No To Superbowl XLIII Advertising

When you’re trying to cut expenses by US$10 billion dollars, even the fun stuff has to go. After many years of advertising during the Superbowl, General Motors have confirmed that they will pull advertising from next February’s XLIII game. In the past GM is reported to have spent over US$70 million in advertising on game day. The folks at egmcartech have reminded us of a classic General Motors advertisement shown during the 2007 Superbowl. Take a look for yourself

New AU Ford Boss Announced - (Australia)

Following on from last months shock resignation of Ford Australia’s President and CEO Bill Osborne, who has decided to take up a role outside of the auto industry, comes the announcement that his replacement has been found.

Hummer H1 Spotted in Melbourne Suburbia

Any Aussie car fan should appreciate this and I know we all see our fair share of cool imports and modified cars, and if you want to share them feel free to send in your pics. On our way to dropping off a press car we were eclipsed by a huge object, only to discover a rare Hummer H1 overtaking us. Originally used in the American Military during Operation Desert Storm, a road-going civilised version with the badge H1 was launched in 1992. This 'earth-mover' has made its way to our red...

Moto Express Wash Coming Near You?

This sure isn’t something we thought we’d ever see. An American company called ‘Motor Express Wash’ is claiming to have invented the first and only fully automated motorcycle wash system.

Honda's New Multi View Camera System - (Global)

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it has developed a multi-view camera system which displays views from multiple wide-angle CCD cameras on the vehicle’s navigation screen to reduce blind spots, support smooth parallel or garage parking, and support comfortable and safe driving in a 3-way intersection where there is limited visibility or on narrow roads. This new multi-view camera system will be applied first to the all-new Odyssey which is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in October of this...

Honda Develops World's First Driver-Side i-SRS Airbag System - (Global)

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it has developed the world's first driver-side i-SRS airbag system that continuously stages the volume of airbag-inflating gas, thereby combining enhanced occupant protection with reduced occupant impact. Honda plans to implement the new continuously staged inflation i-SRS airbag system on the driver's side of the Life minicar to be released in Japan in November 2008.

Why Is This Dealership So Popular?

No this Fiat Dealer is not named, owned or endorsed by Gordon Ramsay, but if Mr. Ramsay wanted to buy a Fiat Punto, I know where he would buy it from. In a small town in Brazil, Fiat has opened a dealership with what might seem a blasphemous and offensive name. Employees of a Fiat dealer in Brazil are astounded as to why so many tourists stop by to take photos. I can tell you it’s certainly not because of a Punto or 500 parked out the front, rather the name of this dealer. The word...

Yamaha R1 powered Golf Cart

This is definitely not your average way to get around 18-holes of Golf on a Sunday morning with the boys. But geez it be would fun.

Tata to Reduce Emissions of Jaguar and Land Rover - (India)

Tata Motors is initiating measures to reduce emissions from Jaguar and Land Rover to meet the stricter emission norms that are expected to come into force across the European Union from 2012. Measures include use of more efficient engines, reducing weight, getting in better driveability and bringing down resistances. The company intends to spend £700 million to develop and implement new environmental technologies and introduce new manufacturing materials.

Tesla Motors $250 Million Production Facility - (USA)

Tesla Motors Inc. plans to build a $250 million facility to manufacture a zero-emission luxury sedan in the heart of Silicon Valley. The nation’s leading all-electric car company will also relocate its corporate headquarters and research and development efforts to a consolidated campus in San Jose, Calif.

F1 Ace takes his wife on a Hot Lap - (Global)

Former F1 ace Riccardo Patrese looks like he’s having the fun of his life as he takes his wife for a hot lap of a racetrack in a Honda Civic Type R. We won’t say anything else. Just watch the video…

GM to open China Design Centre - (Global)

On the day of the 100th birthday celebrations for General Motors, the company has announced that GM will establish a $250million research centre in China. Nick Reilly, GM’s Asia-Pacific boss, has confirmed the centre will work on projects for GM worldwide. 1,500 engineers and scientists are expected to be employed at the new facility focusing on hybrid engine technology. GM already sell hybrid vehicles in China and is expected to increase the number of models available as a result of...

Porsche Increases Its VW Stake to 35.14 per cent - (Global)

Porsche Automobil Holding SE, Stuttgart, acquired a further 4.89 per cent of the Volkswagen ordinary shares on Tuesday, 16 September. As a result, the total stake in the Wolfsburg-based car manufacturer now amounts to 35.14 per cent of the voting rights. This step ensures that Porsche has a lasting majority at the VW annual general meeting. Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking, Chief Executive Officer of Porsche, said: “Our goal continues to be to increase our stake in Volkswagen to more than 50 per cent....

Bosch Parking Assistant - Stress-Free Parking - (Global)

In the face of increasing traffic congestion, less parking spaces available, and rising demands for driving convenience, the Bosch parking assistant makes day-to-day driving much easier, by taking the stress out of parking. This new Bosch system uses ultrasonic sensors to precisely measure parking spaces, and then moves the car into a space without drivers having to steer the vehicle themselves. As fast as parking with an experienced driver, the Bosch parking assistant is now available for...

Happy 100th Anniversary GM! - (Global)

General Motors is only hours away from celebrating its 100th anniversary and will be kicking it off in style by unveiling the Chevrolet Volt on the main stage. The celebrations are being held at the stunning GM Renaissance Centre, a group of seven interconnected skyscrapers in Detroit, Michigan. We’ll be bringing you the photos of the Volt unveil as the launch gets underway.

Second Porsche Dealership in Melbourne - (Australia)

Porsche Australia has begun construction of its second dealership for Melbourne Victoria, located on Nepean Highway Brighton positioned amongst other car dealerships. The only other dealer in Victoria is located on Victoria Parade, Collingwood. Showroom and servicing is located on the ground floor with head office upstairs. Since 2006, Porsche sales in Australia have grown exponentially therefore requiring a presence in Melbourne’s South Eastern suburbs. Amongst the new Porsche dealer...

2009 Tokyo Motor Show - (Japan)

Yes, it’s still 403 days away but with such a fun piece of advertising we couldn’t resist posting it anyway. Always an impressive event, we’re looking forward to next years 2009 Tokyo Motor Show already.

Top Gear Launch - (Australia)

"It was hummers, helicopters and hotlaps as SBS unveiled its hosts - Charlie Cox, Warren Brown and Steve Pizzati and the exciting line up for the launch of Top Gear Australia. Launching Sept 29." Sounds very exciting! The hugely anticipated launch is nearing closer and closer and with it; a brief outline of what’s to come.

Hummers Used in Melbourne to Curb Street Violence - (Australia)

After a weekend of intoxicated violence that left a 24 year old Melbourne male on life support, Victoria Police are resorting to other methods to send their message. Victoria Police have announced the 24 year old male has died. This has left the State Government and Victoria Police fuming after recent efforts to reduce street violence in Melbourne's CBD. The controversial 2am lockout proved to be ineffective; therefore Police Assistant Commissioner Gary Jamieson is hoping to introduce a new...

Maserati is Sexually Arousing - (Global)

New clinical research has revealed that 100 per cent of woman tested are sexually aroused by the sound of a Maserati, with the roar of the Italian legend’s V8 engine producing a primal, sexual response. Participants of the clinical study were exposed to a recording of various super-car engines being revved. They listened to the roaring engines of a Maserati, a Lamborghini and a Ferrari; and they were also exposed to a recording of a Volkswagen Polo, to ensure a fair comparison of arousal was...

Australian International Motor Show 2008 - (Australia)

With sales of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) continuing to boom, this year's Australian International Motor Show will offer the growing legion of SUV fans two new and distinctly different debut interpretations of the trend.

All Citroens Lead to Rome!

Every four years the Citroenista, the most passionate fans of the Citroën marque, gather to celebrate their love of everything Citroën and this year the venue was Rome, with 16,000 spectators watching 2,457 cars on the track, 1500 on display and another 6,000 brought to the event by their owners, which was held at the Vallelunga race track, 32 km north of Rome.

Surf's up for the Hyundai iLoad - (Australia)

Between 17th and 23rd August the Hyundai iLoad helped handle the logistics at the 2008 Oxbow Australian Longboarding Titles held at Port Macquarie's surrounding beaches.

Hyundai and the Queensland Roar kick goals for football in Redcliffe - (Australia)

The Peninsula Power Football Club accepted a cheque from Hyundai Motor Company Australia, after being selected by the Queensland Roar as the recipient of the Hyundai's 'Goals for Grassroots' program.

Mitsubishi Motors Announces Production, Sales And Export Figures For July 2008 - (Global)

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today announced global production, as well as domestic sales and export figures for July 2008.

Mitsubishi’s “Magnificent Seven” Home From Beijing Olympics - (Australia)

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has welcomed home their “Magnificent Seven”, the seven young athletes the automotive importer sponsored during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Nissan Australia Partners With Three Leading Australian Universities To Support The Next Generation...

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility program, Nissan Australia has partnered with three leading Australian universities to provide financial support to the next generation of industrial designers.

Ferrari Races Ahead of Porsche - (Australia)

Ferrari is not only beating Porsche on the race track – Ferrari beat Porsche in the classic Spa 24 race at the weekend (2-3 August 2008) and the F430 dominates the FIA GT2 World Championship – but the Italian legend is also beating the Germans in Australian car showrooms, with Ferrari out selling the Porsche 911 in July, according to figures revealed today (5 August 2008) by VFACTS.

Hyundai and the Newcastle Jets Kick Goals for Junior Football in Maitland - (Australia)

Maitland Junior Football club accepted a cheque from Hyundai Motor Company Australia, after being selected by the Newcastle Jets as the recipient of the Hyundai’s ‘Goals for Grassroots’ program.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Announces Financial Results for FY2007/08 - (Australia)

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced financial results for the period covering 1st April 2007 to 31st March 2008, highlights of which include a 44.2 per cent improvement over the previous fiscal year’s fiscal result (excluding extraordinary costs) and a $150 million turnaround in net current assets.

Ford President Bill Osborne Resigns - (Australia)

John Parker, Ford Motor Company Executive Vice President of Asia Pacific and Africa, today announced that Ford Australia President Bill Osborne has elected to leave the company, effective September. Osborne will relocate back to North America to take up a position outside the automotive industry. His replacement will be announced in due course.

Mitsubishi’s Sally McLellan Wins Silver in Beijing - (Australia)

Last night an elated Sally McLellan claimed the silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles in one of the most memorable moments of this Olympic Games for Australians.

Mercedes-Benz Autobody: First-Class Care for Stars with the Bends - (Australia)

Mercedes-Benz today announced the opening of a new factory-authorised paint and panel repair workshop. Located in Port Melbourne, Mercedes-Benz Autobody will commence business from August this year, and will provide first-class paint and panel repairs to both Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and vans.

Daimler at the 2008 International Commercial Vehicle Show: Green Light for Environmental...

Specific answers to the questions of today, prospects for the world of tomorrow: the commercial-vehicle brands of Daimler AG will be presented more attractively than ever before on four stands at the 2008 International Commercial Vehicle Show.

Chrysler LLC Announces Executive Retirement - (Global)

Chrysler LLC today announced that Trevor M. Creed, Senior Vice President - Design has stated his intention to retire August 31, 2008. The company also announced two executive appointments.

Volvo to introduce new systems for alerting tired drivers - (Australia)

Volvo Car Australia will introduce Driver Alert Control, a world first in passenger cars that seeks to alert the driver to lapses in concentration, along with its Lane Departure Warning system from October 2008 as part of its MY09 model line-up.

Kia Motors posts 24.1% increase in July global sales - (Australia)

Kia Motors Corporation has announced global sales (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) of passenger cars, recreation vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles totalling 122,230 in July 2008, representing a 24.1% year-on-year increase.

Spring Fashion Week to Visit Melbourne’s Home of Automotive Style and Luxury - (Australia)

Australia’s Victorian capital will be alive with activity next month when Melbourne Spring Fashion Week opens, and it will all start in one of the fashion capital’s most unique and stylish settings: Mercedes-Benz Melbourne.

Conspiracy Theorists Rejoice - (Global)

When the developers of the latest edition of Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Conspiracy video game went looking for a fast and agile get-away car, they turned naturally enough to MINI.

Mitsubishi Puts Sally Leaps and Bounds Ahead of the Olympic Competition - (Australia)

Athletic superstar Sally McLellan is on the road to Olympic glory, and Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) is behind her all the way with the announcement of an individual sponsorship agreement.

Score Yourself the 700,000th Hyundai - (Australia)

In celebration of achieving 700,000 sales last month, Hyundai is giving football fans who attend a Hyundai A-League match* during the first 3 rounds of the 2008/09 season the opportunity to win a Hyundai i30 SR 2.0 litre petrol 5 speed manual car.

Honda Australia 2007/08 Financial Results - (Australia)

Honda Australia Pty Ltd has recorded a consolidated profit of $82 million after related income tax expense on revenue of $1.95 billion for the financial year ended March 31, 2008.

Mercedes-Benz to introduce Attention Assist into series production in spring 2009 - (Global)

Accident researchers at Mercedes-Benz are acutely aware of the danger in nodding off at the wheel (the "one-second nap"). In the view of these specialists, long holiday journeys without intermediate breaks involve a high risk of overtiredness, whose signs drivers often fail to notice in time. For this reason Mercedes-Benz has developed the innovative driver support system Attention Assist. This is able to recognise driver fatigue at an early stage, and warn the driver that a break is...

Hyundai Supports Local Football Clubs - (Australia)

Hyundai has announced that it is continuing its support of the ‘Goals For Grassroots’ Hyundai A-League football program. The program is designed to help football within local communities.

MINI Clubman Rickshaw for Beijing - (Australia)

A very special MINI vehicle is providing passengers with an unforgettable driving experience of a most unusual type. Locals and visitors to the games alike can move smoothly through the busy traffic in the Asian capital in a MINI Rickshaw made specially for Beijing – a typical MINI experience.

ADIA in Talks to Purchase Major Stake in Daimler - (Global)

Reports by the German car magazine Focus says that the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), which owns a large stake in Citigroup, has now shown interest in Daimler. Currently Kuwait is the only major stakeholder in Daimler with a share of 7.6% and plans on increasing that share percentage in the company shortly.

Mitsubishi Get Into the Team Spirit with Erin - (Australia)

Australian Women’s Basketball point guard Erin Phillips, with support from Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL), is set to slam dunk Olympic Gold in Beijing with the announcement of an individual sponsorship agreement.

Hyundai Gives to Help Save Lives from Australia’s No.1 Killer - (Australia)

Each year, the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI) holds a Gala fundraising dinner as a tribute to the life and achievements of the late Dr Victor Chang, one of the pioneers of modern heart transplantation.

Green Water, Green Car - (Global)

The world renowned FIJI Water chose Hyundai’s i30 to provide the transport during their recent launch of the world’s first carbon negative bottled water.

Mitsubishi Helps Katie Get on Track for Beijing Olympics - (Australia)

Cyclist Katie Mactier will now be able to spend some time travelling on four wheels instead of two, thanks to individual sponsorship from Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL).

Lotus introduces ‘Safe and Sound' Hybrid - (Global)

Lotus Engineering, the world renowned automotive consultancy division of Lotus, has developed technologies to synthesise external sound on electric and hybrid vehicles to counteract the growing concern these ‘quiet’ vehicles pose to pedestrians and cyclists. A simulation of a real engine sound is used on the ‘Safe & Sound’ Hybrid technology demonstrator vehicle, making it instantly recognisable that the vehicle is in motion.

Ford FG Falcon Australia's First 5-Star Car - (Australia)

The petrol FG Falcon sedan range was awarded the maximum five-star safety rating with a total score of 34.6 points (out of a possible 37 points), giving it the highest score ever recorded by a locally-produced car in Australia by a significant margin.

Mazda Bullish in Bear Market – New Sales Target: 82,000 - (Australia)

Mazda Australia is bucking the trend in a softening economy and revising its full year sales goal upwards by 2.5 percent.

Mitsubishi Rides The Gunbarrel For Charity - (Australia)

Deemed the “Gunbarrel Highway Challenge”, the fund-raising project saw the courageous staff, students and parents of the Illawarra region school embarked on an arduous bicycle ride along the Gunbarrel Highway, all in the name of education.

Mazda’s Economical Baby Drives Record July - (Australia)

Strong sales of Mazda Australia’s economical baby Mazda2 have snared the company a new July record, retailing a benchmark 6,508 new cars.

Mitsubishi’s Imported Sales Show Solid Growth in 2008 - (Australia)

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) today announced sales results for July, with a total of 4,277 vehicles sold during the month. Compared to July 2007, this figure represents a slight drop in vehicle sales, due in the main part to limited availability of some popular product lines.

Drive the New Lotus Evora on Playstation 3 - (Global)

In a hi-tech twist, Lotus fans will find it easier to test-drive the brand new Evora than ever before, thanks to the car’s inclusion in a special demo of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue™ on PlayStation3.

Nissan's "Collision Free" Prototype - (Japan)

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has unveiled an All-Around Collision Free prototype incorporating two all-new technologies – Side Collision Prevention (SCP) and Back-up Collision Prevention (BCP). Incorporating the available Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems, this latest prototype vehicle further extends Nissan’s “Safety Shield” concept to help protect the vehicle and its occupants from potential risks coming from multiple directions.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) should be fitted for all vehicles - (Australia)

Australia’s leading vehicle safety organisation, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), supported the Federal Government’s announcement it is moving to have the leading-edge safety technology, Electronic Stability Control, fitted as standard on all new Australian cars.

Mazda Jumps to Record July - (Australia)

Mazda Australia has set a new sales record for the month of July, retailing a benchmark 6,508 vehicles.

Mitsubishi Helps Steve Rise to the Challenge of Beijing Olympics - (Australia)

As corporate partners to the Australian Olympic Committee, Mitsubishi is deepening their commitment to Australia’s sporting future by supporting seven of Australia’s most promising athletes in the lead up to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Steve Hooker is one of the athletes supported by MMAL on his journey to the Olympics and, according to Steve, that support is very welcome.

Green Light for Olympics: Volkswagen Pavilion Now Ready - (Global)

The Volkswagen Showcase on the “Olympic Green” is now ready to welcome guests to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. As the exclusive Automobile Partner of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 2008 Olympic Games (BOCOG) and national sponsor, Volkswagen Group China has already handed over 5,000 vehicles, all complying with the Euro IV emissions standard, as logistic support for athletes, the media and Olympic guests. Furthermore, Volkswagen is providing a fleet of very low-emission,...

Mitsubishi Helps Kenrick Monk Make a Splash in Beijing - (Australia)

Kenrick Monk is an imposing poolside competitor with plenty of power pushing him toward Olympic glory. Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) is now offering Kenrick a different kind of power to drive him to gold with an individual sponsorship agreement.