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Administrator

1,334 articles

Taskforce to drive Ford jobs

Victorian premier Denis Napthine will lead a special taskforce to generate new job opportunities for workers and communities affected by last week's Ford bombshell announcement of an end to Australian manufacturing.The taskforce will take action to diversify economies, build confidence and encourage investment in Geelong and the northern metropolitan area of Melbourne.It is a new measure in addition to the $52 million joint Commonwealth and state government jobs package announced yesterday.

New telematics industry forum established

Transport Certification Australia Limited (TCA) will establish a telematics industry group to provide a consultative forum between TCA and the telematics industry on current and emerging issues of interest to the transport sector.A government-owned body, TCA was established in recognition of the growing transport challenges facing Australia, and the role that telematics and intelligent technologies can play in driving the reform agenda.

Reform of taxi industry

Victoria's taxi industry is set for the biggest overhaul in its history, improving service for customers and working conditions for drivers, premier Denis Napthine and minister for public transport, Terry Mulder announced today.Premier Napthine says the reforms will revive the industry and help restore public confidence in taxi services.He adds the government is supporting the majority of the recommendations of the comprehensive taxi industry inquiry report.

RAV4 diesel pushes sales for Toyota

Toyota says the introduction of a diesel variant to its new RAV4 range has led to a sales surge that has exceeded the company's expectations.RAV4 variants fitted with Toyota's 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine have accounted for almost 30% of the new model's total sales, compared with the long term forecast of 20%.The diesel is available in all-wheel drive (AWD) only and has been responsible for almost half of the new RAV4's AWD sales - 46%.

Permanent ban for vehicle financier and insurance broker

The Australian Securities and Investment Commission has permanently banned Keith Son, director of VIP Fleet Pty Ltd, from engaging in credit activities and providing financial services.An ASIC investigation found Son engaged in dishonest conduct.VIP Fleet was a Sydney-based motor vehicle financier and insurance broker.

New Audi A3 Sportback on sale

The new third-generation Audi A3 Sportback has arrived in Australia, priced from $35,600.Andrew Doyle, Audi Australia’s managing director, says the new A3 Sportback is of tremendous strategic importance to the company."The new A3 range will be a key sales driver for Audi as we head toward our goal of becoming the number one premium brand in Australia.

Rare number plates for auction

More than thirty rare limited release number plates will go under the hammer on Thursday, June 6 in this year's number plate auction by Evans Clarke, national auctioneers.The auction is an opportunity for investors, car enthusiasts and collectors to secure a piece of South Australian motoring history and complete their vehicle.It will feature 30 numeric number plates from the original series, with 32 in total available, issued from 1906 to 1966.

Ford manufacturing closure ‘a wakeup call’

The closure of Ford Australia's Geelong and Broadmeadows manufacturing plants in 2016 is another warning for Australian manufacturing says the Society of Automotive Engineers - Australasia. Society executive director Geoff Pearson welcomed Ford's continued commitment to the 1000-strong Australian-based product development team.

New regional manager for Aston Martin

Aston Martin has appointed Kevin Wall as regional manager for Australia and New Zealand, based in Sydney.Wall joins Aston Martin from Ferrari Australia and New Zealand, where he held the position of general manager for eight years.