Baby Bimmer gets big long legs
BMW’s stylish little i3 electric city car will get half as much range again under new specs. The i3s with long-anticipated range improvements will be rolling on Euro streets within three months.
Commercials still lag behind 2015
The latest March truck sales data released by the Truck Industry Council (TIC) indicate marginal growth across all truck segments. According to TIC figures, the heavy-duty sector continued on its long slow crawl back with 795 new registrations in March, following 671 in February and 438 in January.
Infiniti arrives in ACT
As Infiniti dealers have sprung up around Australia, the ACT has been left high and dry. But the brand has announced a dealership will open next month with a full complement of service, technical and after-sales care.
ADR changes cut truck trade red tape
The Australian government has introduced amendments to the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) to cut red tape, a move which should benefit the trucking industry. Minister for major projects, territories and local government Paul Fletcher said the changes would improve transport efficiency.
Trucks, SUVs double Ford’s net income
Global truck love and the unstoppable SUV have seen Ford Motor Co’s net income for the first quarter more than double.
Wicked campers ruled offensive
Controversial campervan company Wicked has been forced to clean up its act. The graffiti-styled paintwork is arguably offensive enough, but the submission of campers to the Classifications Office as seen an offence committed against the Films, Videos and Publications Classification Act 1993.
Minicar madness drove efficiency data
Japan’s unique minivehicles are a good option for those who aren’t sold on size. Small 660cc engines, cheap to buy, lower regulatory costs and, of course, fuel efficiency make the vehicle popular.
Risky rethink for Japan’s parts supply
When Toyota pioneered the ‘Just in Time’ production philosophy, Japanese car manufacturers thought it was a near-perfect system. But after the massive earthquake five years ago crippled parts of the supply chain, the automotive foodchain simply fell apart.
Engine imports hid meth worth millions
Crate engines from California had a lot more under their rockers than forged piston. A total of 13 engines, imported by Australian Jared Brown, contained crystal meth with a street value of A$60m (NZ$66m).
Actros bundles half a million clicks
Mercedes-Benz Trucks is giving Actros buyers a half-million kilometre service plan. Free scheduled servicing for the truck expires after five years, if it doesn’t tick over the 500,000km milestone.