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1,334 articles

Holden Cruze adds features, reduces retail price

Holden has added features across the entire Cruze model line-up while reducing the recommended retail pricing for the entire range, with a starting price of $19,490.A realigned model line-up sees the Equipe replace the entry level CD, adding front foglamps, sports grille, 17” alloy wheels and rear park-assist as standard features to the most affordable Cruze model.CDX gains additional premium features including keyless entry with push-button start and a reverse camera.

MINI Paceman here

The new MINI Paceman has landed in Australia, priced from $35,900 for the entry-level model, and $44,100 for the S Variant.Built on the compact SUV platform originally created for the MINI Countryman, the Paceman is the seventh model in the MINI family.

Car repairers fined – dealers inspected

Kempsey, NSW, vehicle mechanics have been put on notice by NSW Fair Trading commissioner Rod Stowe, following the detection of non-compliant practices in half the businesses inspected.“Of the 16 motor vehicle repairers inspected, 8 were found to be deficient in their compliance in one way or another,” says Stowe.“While some breaches were only minor, in a number of cases Fair Trading uncovered businesses operating without licences and others permitting employees without the relevant qualifications to undertake repairs.

Judge blasts police over dealer theft case

A supreme court judge has criticised police misconduct in an investigation into the theft of more than $80,000 in cash and cheques from a North-West Coast car dealer.Kathryn Anne Woodberry, 39, was found guilty in November of stealing the money from her Devonport employer Gowans Motors and was jailed for nine months.It can now be revealed that in a pre-trial hearing, supreme court justice Alan Blow ruled critical evidence to be inadmissible because investigating officers had broken the law.

Annlyn Motors wins Volvo ‘dealer of the year’

Family-owned Annlyn Motors in Penrith, NSW, has been awarded Volvo Australia’s 'dealer of the year' for 2012.This is the third time Annlyn Motors has picked up the coveted award, adding to their wins in 2008 and 2011.Other winners on the night included: •    After-sales dealer of the year – Altitude Volvo Cars •    Highest customer experience monitor – Altitude Volvo Cars •    Highest PMA new vehicle market share – Allan McKay Autos •    Highest new vehicle sale volume – Melbourne City Volvo “If it was a shock last year, it’s an even greater shock this year,” says John Dunn, of Annlyn Motors.“To achieve such a prestigious award doesn’t come easily and requires hard work and commitment from the entire team.

Whole country riding sales wave

All states saw healthy sales growth during February, with the month seeing a total of 90,218 vehicles sold, up 5.2% on the previous year. New South Wales led the charge with a total of 27,427, up 1041 or 3.9%. Year-to-date sales of 53,621 are up 6.4%.

Light commercials lead February sales charge

Three of Australia’s top five selling vehicles in February 2013 were light commercials, according to official VFACTS data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).February 2013 sales of 90,218 passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were up 5.2% or 4495 vehicles on February 2012, with year to date sales 8.1% higher than the same period in 2012.

VACC calls on ACCC to thoroughly investigate fuel retailing

Following on from the MTA SA's support of an ACCC investigation into supermarket fuel offers, the VACC have also declared their strong support.“In 2003, when Coles entered the fuel retail sector, the VACC said consumers could end up paying more for groceries and in the long-term petrol competition could weaken.

BRZ buyers surprise Subaru

Sales of Subaru’s BRZ sports coupe have revealed some departures from the brand’s traditional sales trends.Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia are proving exceptionally strong markets for BRZ, selling well above the usual Subaru ratios.Victoria accounts for 17% of BRZ sales, compared to the average Subaru figure of 12% across all other models.

Renault stretches Kangoo LCV

Renault Australia is providing even more value for light commercial van buyers with the debut of its long wheelbase Maxi model in 2013. A new short wheelbase manual transmission petrol model joins the Kangoo range, bringing the entry pricing down to $20,990.