With SUVs and utes continuing to lead Australia’s sales charts, ANCAP has confirmed five-star ratings for three important passenger car and people mover models – the Skoda Superb, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the new hybrid Kia Carnival.
Australia’s automotive industry delivered 86,878 vehicles during February 2023 - a 1.8% increase (1538 units) on the same period in 2022 (85,340) during the same number of selling days (24), making 64.1 vehicle sales per day. “This is the best February result since 2019.
Hyundai Motors and Kia appear set to report significant financial wins at the close of its latest financial year, while on the other side of the isle Mazda has confirmed losses in its first quarter.
Kia has confirmed a recall for Cerato models from the 2022 model year, with a total of 1694 vehicles affected. The recall is not a mechanical one. Instead it concerns the vehicle jack.
The recently updated Kia Sportage has earned ANCAP’s top safety rating; the safety body confirming a 5 star performance for the family SUV earlier this week.
There are fears that an ongoing truck strike in South Korea could cause vehicle supply delays for the likes of Hyundai and Kia. Truckers have been striking in the region since late last week, in protest of the rising cost of petrol.
About 6.5 million EVs sold worldwide in 2021 - up 109% on 2020, says technology market analyst Canalys. The total global car market grew just 4% in 2021 as it struggled with COVID-19 restrictions and chip shortages, EV sales representing 9% of all passenger car sales in 2021.
Local pricing for one of the most highly anticipated new vehicles of the year has been confirmed. When it arrives in showrooms Kia’s first dedicated battery electric vehicle, the EV6, will start at $67,990.
Kia debuted its electric EV6 and presented keys for 130 cars – including 10 EV6 models – ahead of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne starting January 17 at the Kia Arena.
