Toyota exports new engines
Toyota Australia has started exporting its new locally-built, four-cylinder engines to Thailand and Malaysia. This is the first time Toyota Australia has sold stand-alone engines to the two markets.
Mazda/Fiat Roadster agreement signed.
Following an earlier announcement in May last year, Mazda and Fiat have announced the signing of a 'final agreement' which will see Mazda produce an open-top, two-seater sports car for Fiat’s Alfa Romeo brand at its Hiroshima plant, starting from 2015.The new Alfa Romeo roadster will be developed for the global market, and will be based on the architecture of the next generation Mazda MX-5.The agreement foresees both Mazda and Fiat developing two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific roadsters, featuring rear-wheel drive.
Three vehicles score 5-stars in new safety standards
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) today released 5-star safety ratings for the new Subaru Forester, Volvo V40 and Opel Corsa - as the new year sees the safety rating hurdles raised.
New managing director appointed for Audi Australia
AUDI AG has appointed Andrew Doyle as the new managing director of Audi Australia after Uwe Hagen returned to Germany to recover from a motorcycle accident last year.Doyle, an Australian citizen, is currently the Director of Audi in Ireland, a position he has held since January 2011.Prior to his role as head of Audi in Ireland, Doyle was General Manager Sales at Audi Australia from July 2005 until December 2010.
Holden confirms Commodore demise?
While it has been on the cards for some time, Holden have confirmed the Commodore will reach the end of the line in late 2016.Speaking at the Detroit motor show, Holden managing director Mike Devereux says the company has a plan to put a second vehicle type into production alongside the Cruze before 2017.While details are guarded, the vehicle will likely be built on a medium-size, four-cylinder, front-drive platform.
Confidence jumps
Consumer confidence has jumped 5.7 points in a week to 124, the highest figure in two years and 7.4pts higher than this time last year. The rise, according to Roy Morgan, is driven by increasing optimism about personal finances, and buying of major household items.
Auto Outback ‘oiler’
Subaru has confirmed it will add its first automatic transmission diesel to its range when it launches the model year 2013 Outback 2.0 turbo diesel in March. The Outback 2.0D will feature Subaru’s newest 'lineartronic' continuously variable transmission (CVT), joining the six-speed manual variants.
Mini releases Paceman details
The MINI Paceman will be launched with the Cooper and Cooper S models, priced from $35,900 and $44,100 respectively.
ACCC opposes Carsales acquisition of Trading Post
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says it will oppose the proposed acquisition by Carsales.com of assets associated with Trading Post from Telstra.
Victorian traders fined
Two unlicensed traders spent Christmas a little lighter in the pocket following fines for crimes under the Motor Car Traders Act.