Australian prime minister opens VACC House
The new VACC House was officially opened on April 5 by Australian prime minister Scott Morrison and the ceremony was attended by members of the automotive industry, VACC directors, members, and staff.
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CARS24 delivers used vehicles by air
To celebrate the launch of its free seven-day (or less) delivery service to customers in metropolitan Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane from April 4, CARS24 took to the air in a novel departure.
Emissions mandate drove NZ’s record March sales
The New Zealand governments mandated emissions standard which came into force on April 1, drove record registrations of new vehicles and imported used vehicles as buyers and dealers raced to meet the March 31 deadline to avoid paying Clean Car fees.
GR Corolla will give rivals a run for their money
Toyota Australia says the forthcoming GR Corolla will have the performance and handling to match several well-known rival hot hatches when it arrives in the final quarter of 2022.
Honda Australia launching HR-V on April 19
In the lead up to the official national launch and marketing activities on April 19, Honda Australia has confirmed pricing and specification of the all-new HR-V which are live on its website and customer experience portal.
Canberra acquisition will expand Eagers national dealership footprint
Eagers Automotive wants to expand its national footprint by acquiring the Canberra dealership assets of Janrule Pty Ltd from it’s major shareholder, WFM Motors Pty Ltd, for $205 million. The parties signed a non-binding agreement as the deal is subject to OEM and landlord consent as well as shareholder approval because WFM executive chairman Nick Politis, also sits on the board of Eagers Automotive. Brands represented by Janrule Automotive Group include (Canberra)Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen, Jeep, Lexus, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Volvo and GMSV situated in Belconnen, Fyshwick, Phillip and Gungahlin. The dealerships operate across 10 owned properties and three commercially leased sites. According to Eagers Automotive, Janrule Automotive Group has an annual turnover of $450 million and the 400 employees will remain with the business ensuring a smooth transition for customers, staff and OEM partners. Eagers Automotive chief executive Keith Thornton says the ACT is a key strategic region and has long been identified by Eagers Automotive as an opportunity to grow its national footprint. “The acquisition of this group marks an entry point into this region for Eagers Automotive which offers immediate scale and scope for future growth.
New car dealers call for structural tax reform
Australia’s franchised new car dealers have welcomed the Federal Budget’s provision of fuel tax relief but are calling on the Government to commit to structural tax reform in the automotive industry.“While today’s Budget responds to the current cost-of-living pressures being experienced by so many car owners, we desperately need a national plan for the major changes facing the automotive industry,” Australian Automotive Dealers Association chief executive James Voortman says.
Ford Australia confirms the return of right-hand drive F-150
Ford Australia has announced that the F-150 will be joining its line-up in right-hand drive for the first time in almost three decades, ending years of speculation that the nameplate would be returning down under, with the first models hitting showrooms in mid-2023.
FCAI releases voluntary emissions standard result
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has released the 2021 results of the industry led voluntary emissions standard. It was established in 2020 in the absence of a Federally led and mandated emissions target for Australia’s transport sector.
VGA boss wants mandated CO2 target
Newly elected Electric Vehicle Council board member and Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) managing director Paul Sansom says he will campaign for a nationally mandated CO2 target and EV charging capability in new residential and commercial buildings. "Electric Vehicles are the form of personal mobility to meet the demands of urbanisation, sustainability and digitalisation – the three prevailing and irrevocable mega trends of life in our time," Sansom says.
