Total sales of new motorcycles, ATVs and scooters reached 115,488 last year, an increase of 5.4% (5930 units) over the 2011 figure. According to official figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), the road motorcycle segment continued to drive growth, increasing 12.6% to 43,539 units for the year.
ŠKODA Australia will appoint Michael Irmer to lead the ŠKODA team, effective March 1. Irmer returns to Australia from his most recent position at Volkswagen AG in Wolfsburg, Germany, where he has been responsible for product and price planning for the China and ASEAN markets.
Audi has added further function to the A5 and A7 Sportback by making five-seats standard across the range. Customers also benefit from additional equipment, while the A7 Sportback now boasts more power and torque.
Uwe Hagen, Audi MD, will officially leave Australia tomorrow, January 15, returning to Germany to recover from a motorcycle accident last year. He has held the top job at Audi Australia since early 2010, and remains a senior executive. A successor will be announced shortly.
Edward Lee, chief executive officer, Hyundai Australia (HMCA), has been promoted to head of Hyundai's international sales division, based in Korea. Chul-hwan (Charlie) Kim, head of overseas marketing, has replaced Lee, effective today, Monday, January 14. Kim has previously held Hyundai roles in India and America.
As forecast, the new vehicle market again stormed past the million mark in sales in 2012, with a final figure of 1,112,032 - 103,595 vehicle sales or 10.3% ahead of the same period in 2011. The passenger market at 576,855 vehicles is up by 17,541 vehicle sales (3.1%).
Holden’s Volt has joined the ranks of one of Australia’s largest corporations, with leading telecommunications company Telstra recruiting the vehicle to its fleet.Telstra today took possession of the highly decorated electric vehicle, the first of four to join its fleet, during a handover ceremony at Holden’s Volt Charging Station in Fishermans Bend, Victoria.It marks the first time that an electric car has been used by Telstra as a company vehicle.
The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) says the future of independent smash repairers in Australia is in doubt. Hundreds of small automotive smash repair businesses have been informed, by their insurance company partners, that they are set to lose their preferred repairer status.
Dealers and repairers have been warned to lift their game after inspectors uncovered 107 breaches of the law in NSW's Southern Tablelands. Fair Trading officers inspected 82 businesses in Goulburn, Yass and Gunning last month and found breaches by 14 traders.
Jeep's new 2013 Wrangler Overland will be available from dealers before Christmas, priced from $42,500 - and adding new levels of comfort and convenience to the off-roader.This new variant offers increased levels of comfort and convenience to the four-wheel drive, with standard features including a media centre and navigation, reversing camera, leather upholstery and automatic headlights.Outside, premium refinements such as new 18-inch polished sparkle silver alloys with Bridgestone Dueler tyres, and body-coloured flares and hard top will appeal to the urban traveller and off‐road adventurer alike.