Toyota Australia has sold its 200,000th LandCruiser Prado, the only vehicle in its segment to reach the 'double ton.'Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing, Matthew Callachor, says the milestone signifies the loyal following amassed by Prado since it arrived here in 1996."Prado was Australia's top-selling large SUV in 2012 with sales jumping more than 57% to a record 17,045 deliveries," says Callachor.
Hyundai Australia will extend its ix35 range with the addition of the diesel 2.0-litre R-series CRDi engine to the SE line-up.Complementing the existing 2WD SE model, the AWD diesel variant will offer drivers seeking economy and power a viable alternative while retaining the raft of comfort and convenience features that make the ix35 a premium offering.The 2.0L R-series CRDi turbo engine is one of the most powerful diesel engines in its class with 135kW @ 4000 rpm while delivering 392Nm @ 1800-2500 rpm, providing acceleration and agility with combined fuel economy of just 7.5 L/100km+.
Multinational car dealer Inchcape posted a better-than-expected 10% rise in full-year profit, helped by strong growth in Asia - and Australia - and a robust performance in Britain.It forecasts growth in the period ahead, with 70% of its group profit now coming from Asia Pacific and emerging markets, such as Australia.The London-based firm, which sells and distributes cars for manufacturers such as Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and BMW in 26 countries, reported 2012 pretax profit of AU$364 million, up from $331.15 million a year earlier, on sales 4.4% up at $8.87 billion.
Pricing for Ford's new Kuga has been released, with the entry level model costing $27,990 (manufacturers list price).Ford say the new SUV is the centrepiece of their strategy to expand into one of the fastest-growing segments by offering a range of high-tech features.These technologies include: - Segment-first voice-activated Ford 'sync' connectivity with segment-first emergency assistance- Ford’s all-wheel drive system, including torque vectoring differentials- Hands-free tailgate- Standard 'ecoboost' petrol engine and TDCi turbo-diesel Three models are available – Ambiente, Trend and Titanium.The powertrain choices are: 1.6-litre 'ecoboost' engine 2.0-litre Duratorq turbo-diesel In the Ford Kuga, petrol engine fuel consumption has been reduced by 25% and diesel engine fuel consumption by 10%, compared to the previous-generation Ford Kuga.The new 1.6-litre 'ecoboost' petrol engine is available in two states of tune – 110 kW / 240 Nm and 134 kW / 240 Nm.
Automotive Holdings Group (AHG) has announced a record net profit after tax of $38.5 million for the six months to December 31, 2012 - with the automotive retail segment the start performer.Revenue for the automotive retail segment in the first half of the financial year was up 15.4% to a record $1.775 billion.AHG managing director Howson says the result reflected solid growth in the company’s automotive and logistics divisions.
Queensland drivers are risking hefty fines and endangering themselves and other road users by incorrectly positioning their sat-nav devices, warns the state’s peak motoring body, RACQ.RACQ’s Joel Tucker says it is illegal to position GPS devices in places that obstruct driver vision.“Incorrect positioning of your sat-nav or GPS device could cost you a fine in excess of $250,” he says.
The Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania celebrates its 90th anniversary on 23 March. Ninety years ago, in 1923, a Hobart café witnessed a meeting of motoring enthusiasts keen to support the new freedom opened up to Tasmanians by the motor car. Today, the RACT has some 190,000 members.
Car buyers in Australia are increasingly using mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets to research purchases, according to a new report.The Australian Automotive Report, from consumer researcher Nielsen, found the use of smartphones had doubled during 2012 to account for 29% of devices used in the decision-making process, while that of tablets had risen fivefold to 26%.The main digital touchpoints, however, continue to be laptops and desktops, at 64% and 62% respectively of research interactions.
VACC executive director, David Purchase, has told automotive and industry leaders that governments should be given a license to intervene in the business sector.Purchase told more than 200 guests at the biennial VACC President’s Dinner that ‘responsible market intervention by governments’ would reap economic and social benefits, even if it meant some ‘inefficient’ small businesses were allowed to survive.He says that he does not subscribe to the mantra that the market place should always decide.
The managing director of Daimler Commercial Vehicles Australia/Pacific, Kolja Rebstock, has announced a new appointment to the executive team.“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Justin Whitford to the position of general manager, Mercedes-Benz bus and coach,” says Rebstock.