Taxpayer funding of Australian car makers
The Australian taxpayer has forked out $4.47 billion to keep the vehicle industry going over the past 12 years.This table shows where the money went:
AHG posts bumper profit
Automotive Holdings Group (AHG) is reporting a bumper $66.8 million annual net profit, a rise of 31.9%.The result is driven by record revenues of $4.28 billion from the company's automotive and logistics arms during a financial year that saw it pick up Toll Refrigerated, Coffey Ford, Newcastle and Brisbane Trucks, Bayside and Peninsula Motor Groups, and McMillan Toyota dealerships.“In 'automotive', we’ve had strong performances from our established dealerships while developing additional greenfield sites and integrating recent acquisitions, all of which provide significant future upside,” says Bronte Howson, AHG managing director.
Potentially fatal risks from vehicle hoists
Workshops and dealerships are being warned to immediately stop using Radum branded two- post vehicle hoists sold Australia-wide between 2009 and 2012.Radum has recalled all two-post hoists as they pose two potentially fatal risks of crushing or electrocuting users.The recall applies to the model numbers DTP607F, DTP609F and DTP609G with 415v or 240v motors and anyone with access to these hoists has been warned to immediately stop using the hoist and contact the company.
Perth dealer fined $40,000
A company operating a car dealership in Rockingham, and its sole director, have been ordered to pay more than $40,000 in fines and costs after misleading a client over the sale of a caravan on consignment.
Renault launches LCV assault
Renault has expanding its reach into the upper end of the light commercial market, with the introduction of three new 4.5-tonne cab/chassis Master variants, priced from $45,490.The move comes on the back of the brand's surge in demand for its light commercial range with year-to-date sales of 1067 up 70% on the 628 sold during the same period last year.“Now with the arrival of the Master Cab/Chassis range we have the ability to reach into new sectors of the LCV market, particularly the construction and agriculture industries, food transport, councils and authorities, as well as providing a strong and comfortable workhorse for tradesmen who need a large capacity tray and excellent towing abilities," says Lyndon Healey, Renault LCV brand manager.
Hyundai launches i30 SR
Hyundai Australia has added a sports orientated SR model to its popular new-generation i30 small car range, priced from $27,990.
Prototype Mazda3 hits Australian roads
The first Australian-spec, right-hand drive all-new Mazda3 has arrived in the country and is undergoing final local testing before production for the Australian market starts in the coming months.Keen-eyed motorists around Melbourne may have seen the 2.5 litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine equipped, high-grade Mazda3 sedan in 'soul red' being put through its paces over the past week.The early arrival of the prototype sedan, ahead of its early 2014 launch, has been warmly welcomed by Mazda Australia and it will be involved in a number of pre-launch activities in the coming months - including ongoing test drives and accessories planning.
VACC fights changes to roadworthy inspections
Last month the Victorian Government launched the consultation paper, 'Streamlining Victoria’s Roadworthiness System'.Intended to cut 'red tape,' the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) considers the proposed new system to water down safety checks and is campaigning to preserve the current roadworthy inspection system.
Data is king for dealerships
Data is king in today's modern world of marketing - just ask Coles and Woolworths why they provide their loyalty programs.
Cerato scores in crash tests – Accord misses
Honda's Accord has come up short in the latest ANCAP test results, released today, while the Kia Cerato has come out on top.