Responding to email enquiry: How long is too long?
One of the most pressing questions among dealerships is how long is too long when it comes to replying to email enquiry?
Preparing for a Microsoft audit
Have you been contacted by a company called Accordo, claiming to be conducting a 'software asset management review' on behalf of Microsoft.In Australia, Microsoft outsource their software license auditing to Accordo.
Nissan sets autonomous drive benchmarks
Nissan has announced that the company will be ready with multiple, commercially-viable autonomous drive vehicles by 2020.They say the company’s engineers have been carrying out intensive research on the technology for years, alongside teams from the world’s top universities, including MIT, Stanford, Oxford, Carnegie Mellon and the University of Tokyo.Work is already underway in Japan to build a dedicated autonomous driving proving ground, to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2014.
Proton’s all-new hatchback Australia bound
Proton has unveiled the latest member of its next-generation models, the Suprima S hatchback in Malaysia.“We are looking forward to introducing the Proton Suprima S in Australia and are very confident its styling, features and safety will appeal to buyers looking for excellent value in the hotly-contested small car segment," says Billy Falconer, Proton Australia general manage sales and marketing"Suprima S receives features never seen before in a Proton, including the Proton 'infotainment' with android-based operating system, rear LED light guides, daytime running lights (DRL), hill-hold assist, park assist with front parking sensors and a 7-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation system.
2014 Evolution from $56,990
Mitsubishi's new Lancer Evolution is now on sale, priced from $56,990.Powered by Mitsubishi’s inter-cooled turbo-charged 2.0-litre DOHC MIVEC engine, the Evolution generates a massive 217kW of power at 6,500 rpm and 366Nm of torque at 3500 rpm, offering peak performance and superb handling in all conditions.The Evolution line up is available in two variants, the entry level five-speed manual or the higher specified MR with twin clutch sport shift transmission (TC-SST).
Jaguar 2014 XJ pricing announced
“The 2014 XJ represents the summit of Jaguar’s luxury saloon range,” says Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar global brand director.2014 model year XJ line-up arrives here in December.
Fiesta ST to include emergency assistance system
The new Fiesta ST will be the only B-segment hatchback in Australia to offer a potentially life-saving emergency assistance system when it goes on sale from this Sunday, September 1.Emergency assistance is a vehicle-based, no-cost, non-subscription call-for-help system that is already available in more than 5,000,000 Ford vehicles globally, providing owners peace of mind when travelling.“We’re really excited about this technology as it provides real peace of mind for our customers,” says Bob Graziano, Ford Australia president and CEO.
Volvo launches V40 Cross Country
Volvo's V40 Cross Country is now available from $47,990, bringing contemporary Scandinavian design to a compact hatch market.“Volvo is undergoing a rapid change in its model line-up and the V40 Cross Country is the latest addition,” says Matt Braid, managing director Volvo Australia.“There is a clear distinction between our XC and Cross Country models.
Hughes to exit Mazda Australia
David Hughes, currently Mazda Australia’s West Australian state manager, has been selected to set up a new national sales company for Mazda in South Africa after an agreement that will see the end of the current Mazda-Ford distribution partnership there in about 12 months.As the latest of a number of Mazda Australia executives chosen to fill key international roles by Mazda Motor Corporation, Hughes’ work to establish the new national sales company begins immediately.Expected to utilise many of the systems and processes that have been successful for Mazda Australia, Hughes will spend the next 12 months building a solid foundation on which to grow the Mazda brand in South Africa.
Car financiers to refund more than $15 million
More than 30,000 car owners will be paid back over $15 million following an Australian Securities and Investment (ASIC) review into the financing of tyre and rim insurance premiums.The National Credit Code (NCC) allows the financing of premiums for only one year – as it believes the financing of car insurance premiums for more than a year can lead to customers paying undue interest on premiums and being unfairly locked into longer contracts with one insurer.ASIC’s industry-wide review found improper financing of tyre and rim insurance premiums by some of Australia's largest car financiers.