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SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com ADVERTISE: Steve Butcher Ph: 0419 562 110 [email protected]
Mar 24, 2010 No. 524
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Australia’s No.1 Automotive Industry Journal 70,000 Readers Weekly
By MARTON PETTENDYGM HOLDEN has made a bold move to
become a leader in ethanol-fuelled vehicles
in Australia, revealing details of a plan to
join forces with the Victorian government,
US bio-fuels leader Coskata, Caltex, Veolia
Environmental Services and other partners
to develop Australia’s fi rst plant to make
ethanol from garbage.
Melbourne is the likely site for the plant,
which will use GM partner Coskata’s
ground-breaking technology to produce more
than 200 million litres of ethanol a year from
household rubbish and building waste for
E85 automotive fuel – a blend of up to 85 per
cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol.
With its E85-ethanol fl ex-fuel Commodore
due to hit the streets this year, Holden and its
consortium partners also have committed to
establishing a national ethanol fuel network
to fuel it.
As part of General Motors’ plan to take
a “leadership position” on ethanol, Holden
confi rmed in December 2008 it would
produce the E85-compatible Commodore
this year, and revealed it was in negotiations
with US bio-fuel producer and GM partner
Coskata to establish the fi rst cellulostic
ethanol facility outside North America.
News of the consortium was announced
inadvertently on GM’s global media website
on Monday (March 22), before an offi cial
media announcement by Holden and the
Victorian government could be arranged. A
joint press conference to announce Holden’s
ambitious E85 plan is now expected to take
place today (March 24).
Holden says the newly-formed group
will investigate the viability of establishing
Australia’s fi rst second-generation ethanol
plant capable of turning materials such as
household rubbish and agricultural and
building waste into ethanol.
It continues to forecast that ethanol-
fuelled vehicles – powered by a dedicated
new version of the direct-injection SIDI
V6 that debuted in the MY10 Commodore
– could replace up to 30 per cent of petrol-
powered Commodores.
Meantime, Coskata maintains its renewable
ethanol-from-garbage has the potential to
reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by
up to 84 per cent compared with regular petrol
– without impacting the availability or price
of global food crops, thereby eliminating
the food-for-fuel controversy that plagues
traditional ethanol production.
Most of Australia’s ethanol is produced from
waste streams of the industrial production of
wheat starch, sorghum and molasses, which
are derived from grains and sugarcane.
In a high-profi le promotion for E85,
V8 Supercars run on the blend made by
Queensland producer CSR.
Continued next page
GMH emerges as major force behind Aussie ethanol plant and national E85 network
Holden bio-fuel bidHolden bio-fuel bid
MORE MUSCLE FOR NAVARA
- page 18
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Mar 24, 2010 Page 2
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
PUBLISHER: John MellorEDITOR: Terry Martin MANAGING EDITOR: Marton PettendyJOURNALISTS: Byron Mathioudakis, James Stanford Philip Lord, David HassallPRODUCTION & GRAPHICS: Chris Harris, Luc BrittenSUB-EDITOR: Ron HammertonNEW MODEL DIARY: Lou PaolinoProduced by GoAutoMedia: Ph: (03) 9598 6477 [email protected]
ADVERTISE: Steve Butcher Ph: 0419 562 110 [email protected]
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Coskata ethanol lab
Holden bio-fuel bidHolden bio-fuel bid
Congratulations to Crichton and his team at Neil Buckby Motors Launceston for winning the Mercedes Benz Provincial/Rural Dealer of the Year for 2009. Auto-IT is proud to provide the Dealer Management System that powers your business.
[email protected] www.auto-it.com.au+61 3 9349 3062
Pictured - Ben Newman, General Sales Manager (left) and Crichton Lewis, DP.
Continued from previous pageHowever, rather than relying on one
primary source of feedstock, the Coskata
plant being proposed for Victoria will
produce ethanol from a variety of sources,
including wood biomass, agricultural waste,
construction waste and even household
garbage, in a process generally referred to
as second-generation ethanol production.
“At Coskata, we don’t make fuel from
food crops – we use sources like municipal
waste that have reached the end of their
lifecycle and turn them into renewable
energy, which leads to a net positive effect
for the environment,” said Coskata’s chief
marketing offi cer Wes Bolsen.
At the same time, Holden and Caltex
have announced an agreement to install
E85 pumps in 30 metropolitan and regional
service stations by July 1, 2010, increasing
to 100 by July 2011.
So far only a handful of pumps around
Australia offer the ethanol-blended
alternative fuel commonly known as E85,
which is a mixture of up to 85 per cent
ethanol and 15 per cent regular petrol –
unlike the commonly available E10, which
is only 10 per cent ethanol.
Former GM subsidiary Saab was a pioneer
of E85-capable new vehicles in Australia
and since GM and Holden announced their
ethanol push Volvo and even Bentley have
confi rmed plans to offer a full range of E85-
ready models.
GM, which invested heavily in Coskata
when it took an undisclosed equity share
of the biology-based ethanol producer in
January 2008, believes it has the premier
technology to rapidly commercialise and
distribute ethanol fuel worldwide.
Coskata claims it can produce ethanol
for less than $US1 per gallon from almost
any carbon-containing feedstock, while
using only one litre of water for each litre
of ethanol produced and returning 7.7 times
as much energy as is used in the production
process.
Ethanol-blended fuel is used in vehicles
in Brazil, Sweden and the US, where around
eight million fl ex-fuel vehicles are on the
road. GM has already produced more than
3.5 million of them and, along with Ford and
Chrysler, has committed to making 50 per
cent of its new-model fl eet fl ex-fuel capable
by 2012. The number of E85 GM models
has expanded from 11 in 2008 to 15 in 2009,
while GM this year launches its fi rst E85
model, the Chevrolet HHR FlexFuel.
Holden’s energy and environment director
Richard Marshall reiterated Holden’s promise
to introduce Australia’s fi rst locally produced
fl ex-fuel vehicle, capable of running on the
high-ethanol fuel, later this year.
“This will add to our broad range of
EcoLine vehicles that use alternative fuel or
fuel-saving technology, further contributing
to Holden’s energy diversity strategy,” he
said.
Mr Marshall said the organisations in the
consortium – which also includes Mitsui
– were committed to sustainable motoring
through the development of renewable fuels
that reduced greenhouse gas emissions and
improved energy security.
“Our vision is that this breakthrough
technology will cut Australia’s dependence
on petrol by up to 30 per cent and make a
major contribution to sustainable motoring
and greenhouse gas reduction,” he said.
“We’ve always said we’d take a leadership
position on bio-fuels, and provide the
vehicles to do that.
“We’re committed to having locally built
Holden cars capable of running on E85 in
the market by 2010.
“It’s about designing and engineering
vehicles for Australians, built by Australians,
using Australian fuel alternatives.”
Caltex’s commitment to E85, meantime,
represents a turnaround from the Australian
petroleum industry’s position in mid-2008,
when BP, Mobil and Shell told GoAuto they
had no plans to offer E85 fuel at any of their
Australian outlets.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREMore reports – page 6, 9
Mar 24, 2010 Page 3
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Australia to be one of 19 global destinations for McLaren’s cracking new supercar
McLaren targets OzMcLaren targets Oz
1300 666 [email protected]
Experience the Motor Industry’s most popular ‘CRM’ <Click Here> to request information
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‘DMS’Interface
By MARTON PETTENDYMcLAREN has confi rmed Australia will be
one of 19 nations to receive its bristling new
MP4-12C supercar, which McLaren chief
Ron Dennis has pledged will be the fastest
car money can buy, supported by the highest
build quality, residual values and aftersales
support from any car manufacturer.
Full details of the ground-breaking new
McLaren, and the global retail network that
will sell it, were released last week in the
UK, following a media conference at the
British marque’s Woking headquarters.
While negotiations with local distributors
continue, Australia will be home to at least
one of 35 dedicated retail outlets globally for
the 12C. The initial list of McLaren dealers
– distilled from more than 500 applications –
will be announced in the fi rst half of this year.
MP4-12C production starts at the
McLaren Technology Centre late this year
ahead of fi rst deliveries in the fi rst half of
2011 when McLaren Automotive plans to
deliver up to 1000 examples.
But the company’s long-term strategy is
to sell a full “range of around 4000 high-
performance sportscars” by the middle of
the decade, representing between three and
four per cent of the global market.
Nevertheless, managing director Anthony
Sheriff claims McLaren will not become a
volume manufacturer. “We do not want the
volumes of our rivals – we want exclusivity,”
he said.
First 12C customer cars are due to land
in European countries including the UK,
Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, France
and Belgium, which are expected to account
for 30 to 40 per cent of sales.
The same proportion of sales are
forecast to go to North America, which is
next on the phased distribution schedule,
followed by South Africa and Middle East
states including Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar,
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, while the Asia
Pacifi c (Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and
Australia) will be last in line and is also
expected to attract 10 to 20 per cent of
customers.
McLaren says cars will be available
to order within three months, with 1600
“expressions of interest to purchase” already
logged on the company’s website (www.
mclarenautomotive.com), following the
12C’s world debut at the Frankfurt
motor show last September.
We covered the 12C’s outstanding
technical details in depth following
its Frankfurt debut last year, but
latest fi gures claim its minimum
dry weight of around 1300kg and
442kW/600Nm Ricardo-developed
twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre 90-degree V8
– which spins to 8500rpm and delivers
80 per cent of peak torque between 2000
and 6500rpm – will deliver a quarter-mile
(400-metre) sprint in “around 11 seconds”,
0-200km/h acceleration in less than 10
seconds and a top speed of more than
200mph (322km/h).
While that is in the same ballpark of direct
rivals such as Porsche’s new (368kW/700Nm
turbo-six) 911 Turbo and the upcoming
Ferrari 458 Italia and Mercedes-Benz SLS
AMG super-coupes, both of which pack a
circa-420kW V8, McLaren says the MP4’s
average CO2 emissions will be less than 300
grams per kilometre.
The 458 and SLS emit 307 and 314g/km
respectively, while the 911 Turbo sets new
benchmarks at 268g/km with its optional
seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic
transmission. A seven-speed dual-clutch
gearbox will drive the rear wheels of the
McLaren, which is built on a carbon-fi bre
‘MonoCell’ monocoque chassis and will be
lighter than the 1485kg 458, 1570kg 911
Turbo and 1620kg SLS.
Other vital statistics of the mid-engined
12C two-seater, which has a wheelbase
of 2670mm and measures 4507mm long,
1908mm wide and 1199mm high, are a 100-
0km/h stopping distance of just 30 metres
or seven car lengths and front/rear weight
distribution of 43/57.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREMP4-12C
Mar 24, 2010 Page 4
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Here comes TeslaHere comes TeslaTesla Motors to launch Roadster EV in Sydney as early as September
Jardine Lloyd Thompson Pty Ltd ABN 69 009 098 864 AFS Licence 226827 Level 17, 607 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Vic, 3000 Tel (03) 9613 1415 www.jlta.com.au 0600_10
One of our clients had around 300 vehicles severely damaged in the recent Melbourne Storms.
5 working days later, a settlement figure was agreed and the dealer was able to start selling their stock again. That’s 5 working days to finalise a major claim. How did you go?
We had the gaps covered for our client and they received compensation for things your broker may not even have thought about.
Isn’t it time you found out what JLT can do for you?
Emma Coppin 03 9613 1454 [email protected] Fowler 03 9613 1413 [email protected]
How did your dealership survive the recent Melbourne Hail Storm?
By TERRY MARTINTESLA Motors has revealed it is on track
to begin selling its high-performance all-
electric Roadster from a showroom in
Sydney this year, pending fi nal Australian
homologation.
While several Australians are expecting
delivery of the Roadster – now being built
in right-hand drive – in the coming months
after placing orders directly through the
niche American manufacturer and its
London sales outlet, GoAuto has learned
that Tesla Motors is close to launching a
sales and service centre on Australian soil.
Although sales volumes will be small for
the Lotus Elise-based Roadster, which in
the UK starts from £86,950 ($A144,200),
Tesla aims to establish a signifi cant presence
here once it broadens its model range and
manufacturing base with the introduction
of the seven-seat Model S, which hits the
streets in the US in 2011 and will retail for
around half the price of the Roadster.
Orders are well underway in the US for the
Model S, which is priced from $US49,900
($54,580) – half that of the $US101,500
Roadster – and will be built in both left-
and right-hand drive from a new plant in
southern California.
The Roadster is built at the Lotus plant
in Hethel, England, although powertrain
installation and fi nal assembly is in Menlo
Park, California.
Note that US pricing takes into account
a $US7500 tax credit for consumers – an
incentive that the Australian car industry is
urging the federal government to emulate if
electric vehicles are to become viable here.
Tesla Motors’ European spokesperson
Rachel Konrad has confi rmed to GoAuto that
the company has appointed a general manager
for Australian operations – Rudi Tuisk – who
is an Australian but has been working for
Tesla in both the US and Europe.
Ms Konrad said Mr Tuisk is in California
working on the details of the Australian
launch, with further information expected in
the coming weeks.
“We are currently well into the process
of getting the car homologated – that is,
approved for sale, meeting or exceeding all
crash test and other safety standards – in
Australia,” Ms Konrad told GoAuto.
“We are aiming for launch of sales later
this year, possibly fall (Spring), but we
cannot be more specifi c at this time. We
plan to open a store in Sydney but are not
yet discussing exact timing or location.”
Former vehicle systems engineer for Tesla
Motors and now senior research fellow for
renewable transport at Curtin University in
WA, Andrew Simpson, told GoAuto that
Tesla was confi dent it could establish a
viable Australian business and that its retail
operations here would be built along the
same lines as in the US and Europe.
Tesla has showrooms and galleries in
London, Munich, Monaco, California’s Silicon
Valley and Los Angeles, Colorado, New York,
Seattle, Chicago and South Florida.
“Tesla’s distribution model is that they
own their own dealerships. They retain full
control of their showrooms and they set up
what they call Tesla ‘stores’ in many of their
markets,” Dr Simpson said.
“When they are going into a market where
they think they are going to get particularly
high demand, they will set up a Tesla store
there, which provides a showroom and a
convenient place for support of customers.”
After delivering about 1000 Roadsters
to customers in no fewer than 43 US states
and 23 countries since production started
in 2008, Tesla announced last month that
right-hand drive production of the vehicle
was underway.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Roadster
Mar 24, 2010 Page 5
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
We installed the Autopilot system in our four dealerships a year ago and with twelve individual franchises it has given us greater information
and control over the Finance and Aftermarket departments, subsequently increasing our yearly result.
For example, in our Newcastle dealerships it enabled us to increase the fi nance income by $273 PVR and the Aftermarket by $323 PVR.
That has certainly enhanced the bottom line.
Lindsay Trotter is a Director of Trotter Automotive Group and an 11 time Holden Grand Master Dealer.
For more info or to book a demonstration, go to:
www.autopilotonline.com.au
The essential Management Tool to increase your fi nance and aftermarket sales.
Lindsay Trotter
‘ ‘
Independent fi nance and aft ermarket departmental specialists
Rukus laid bareRukus laid bareRukus specs emerge as Toyota Australia’s next model is seen via Scion
By MARTON PETTENDYTHIS is what the Toyota Rukus will look like
when it goes on sale in Australia in June.
As revealed by the teaser shot Toyota
issued two weeks ago when it announced
the fi rst addition to its Australian model
range in seven years, the so-called Rukus
will essentially be a Toyota-badged version
of the xB ‘urban utility vehicle’ sold in
North America by the Japanese giant’s US
youth brand, Scion.
Scion revealed its 2011 xB in the US last
week, when it emerged with same new front
bumper as seen in Toyota Australia’s tightly
cropped preview image of the Rukus, as
well as a range of cosmetic and convenience
upgrades.
However, GoAuto can reveal the Rukus
will be available in two specifi cations in
Australia – both powered by a 123kW
version of the 118kW/220Nm 2.4-litre
DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder petrol engine
that drives the xB.
While the xB is also available as a fi ve-
speed manual, Australia’s Rukus will be a
four-speed automatic proposition only.
Other versions of the same 2AZ-series
2.4 petrol four also power Australia’s
Camry, which offers lower outputs of
118kW/218Nm and can be had with a
fi ve-speed auto, plus the slightly higher-
performance Avensis (118kW/221Nm),
Tarago and RAV4 (125kW/224Nm).
Due to enter production for Australia
in Japan in March, the front-wheel drive
compact fi ve-door wagon – which is also
sold in Japan as the Corolla Rumion – rides
on the same 2600mm wheelbase as the
Corolla upon which it is based and measures
4260mm long – 15mm longer than the
Corolla hatch.
Like the Corolla, the Rukus is 1760mm
wide but stands a whole 130mm taller than
the fi ve-door Corolla at 1645mm. Other
vital statistics GoAuto can confi rm are a
base kerb weight of 1365kg, 275x25mm
ventilated front brake discs, 279x10mm
solid rear discs and a towing capacity of just
500kg – braked or unbraked.
Both Rukus models will come standard
with twin front, side and curtain airbags, ABS
brakes, air-conditioning, power windows and
mirrors, remote central locking and 16x6.5-
inch wheels with 205/55-section tyres.
However, the premium version within
Australia’s two-variant Rukus line-up is
likely to refl ect that of the Japanese Rumion,
which is available with both a 1.5-litre and
1.8-litre petrol engine.
As the ‘1.8S Aerotourer’ name suggests,
the fl agship Rumion is powered by a 1.8-litre
petrol engine similar to that in the Corolla,
mated exclusively to a continuously variable
transmission (CVT).
In Japan, the top-shelf Rumion, which was
upgraded in December via a front, rear and
interior nip and tuck and is also available
in all-wheel drive guise, is fi tted with alloy
wheels, a bodykit and leather trim.
Toyota Australia could follow suit by
offering the premium Rukus with those and
other more luxurious items like a sunroof,
Bluetooth connectivity and a more upmarket
sound system.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREMore reports – page 20
Scion xB
Mar 24, 2010 Page 6
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
The Devereux ShowThe Devereux ShowGM’s Middle East chief and e-Business specialist takes the reins at Holden
THALES Australia is a premier provider of systems, products and services in the defence, security and civil markets worldwide.
Currently operating from 35 sites throughout Australia, Thales believes that teamwork and customer service are key values.
Thales is seeking to recruit applicants who want to develop their skills and grow a dynamic company.
Our Bendigo site (Protected Mobility Systems), in regional Victoria, has a strong focus on the design and manufacture of the
Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles and other variants. We are currently looking for a number of experienced engineers to
join our busy team for challenging project work.
• ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING TEAM LEADER – 1 x permanent role
• SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER – 1 x permanent role
• SENIOR PROJECT ENGINEERS – a number of contract roles available
• SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERS – a number of contract roles available
• CAD DRAFTING/DESIGN WITH PRO/ENGINEER – a number of contract roles available
To be considered for these opportunities you must have strong experience working within the automotive or defence industry.
Whilst our headquarters are located in Bendigo, Victoria, we also operate out of satellite sites in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING OPPORTUNITIES
These positions are available for an immediate start!
For further information please contact Marj Glazebrook on (03) 8630 4134
or email your resumé directly to [email protected]
By TERRY MARTINGENERAL Motors’ chairman and
managing director of the Middle East region
Mike Devereux has become the new head of
Holden in Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Devereux’s position is effective
immediately and comes three weeks after
GM Holden announced that former chairman
and managing director Alan Batey had been
hired as Chevrolet’s US vice-president of
sales and service.
Mr Batey followed his predecessor,
Mark Reuss, to GM headquarters in the
US after eight months at the helm of
Holden. Mr Reuss is now president of GM
North America.
Combining an engineering background
with extensive sales and marketing
experience, particularly in e-Business, Mr
Devereux, 44, has relocated from Dubai
to Melbourne and will report to GM’s
international operations president Tim Lee.
His experience in the Middle East is
already being viewed as a signifi cant
opportunity for Holden to improve its
export numbers to the region, which have
plummeted in recent years.
Speaking to GoAuto in January, Mr
Devereux said he expected around 5000
Holden-based vehicles to be sold in the
Middle East in 2010 – around the same
number as 2009 – although Mr Batey
said at the time that the company was not
banking on many export sales to the region
this year.
In 2006, Holden shipped more than
31,000 cars to the Middle East.
Mr Devereux has led GM’s Middle
Eastern operations since November 2008
and retained the position in July last year
when former international operations chief
(and now Opel chief executive) Nick Reilly
announced a leaner leadership structure for
GM outside of North America.
With that shake-up, Mr Reuss left for
North America and Mr Batey, who has also
served for GM in the Middle East during his
career, became Holden’s new chairman.
Mr Devereux is now the fi fth boss of the
Australian car manufacturer in less than
three years.
In a statement, Mr Lee said Mr Devereux’s
“diverse, global experience and passion for
cars made him ideally suited to lead Holden
in Australia and New Zealand”.
“Recent leaders such as Mark Reuss and
Alan Batey have set a very high benchmark
in dedication to the people and products that
defi ne the famous Holden brand – and Mike
will be no exception,” Mr Lee said.
“Coupled with an absolute passion for
cars, Mike brings rare experience across
almost every area of the automotive
business including manufacturing, product
development and senior management roles
in GM’s international operations, marketing,
sales and aftersales including the then newly
formed e-Business group.
“Mike’s most recent outstanding work
in the Middle East, which has traditionally
been an important export market for Holden,
makes him a strong advocate for his new
home and the historical brand even before
he steps on Australian soil,” he said.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREUp Close on Personnel – page 24-25
Mike Devereux
Mar 24, 2010 Page 7
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
District Aftersales Manager NSW
Honda has a fantastic opportunity available as a District Aftersales Manager located in its Sydney of ce. Working as part of a Honda team, you will be responsible for achieving the company’s business objectives, ensuring sustainable sales growth as well the maximisation of customer retention.
As District Aftersales Manager you will provide support to the NSW/ACT Honda dealer network for both the Parts and Service departments.Working in partnership with an assigned group of Honda dealers your primary responsibilities will include:• Review, monitor and motivate dealers to achieve high level of customer satisfaction and retention.• Ensure a high level of dealer ‘Fix Right First Time’ is achieved and maintained.• Monitor, analyse and support all aspects of Honda parts sales with a strong focus on achieving set targets.• Ensure all administrative tasks and targets assigned are met in an accurate and timely manner.
This role is also responsible for ensuring dealers meet and exceed targets, including extended warranty targets. You will also be required to arrange and administer all NSW/ACT meetings including summits, brie ng nights and new model releases.
Critical to this role will be your ability to develop ongoing working relationships with the Dealership Principal and all dealer staff, hence excellent interpersonal skills are essential. You will also need to demonstrate strong in uencing and negotiation skills.
The ideal candidate will have a mechanical trade certi cation with dealership experience in service, parts and frontline. Excellent Microsoft of ce suite skills are required. An attractive remuneration package is offered inclusive of a fully maintained vehicle.
If you believe you meet the requirements and have the ambition to succeed in this role, send your application now, quoting reference #170310A to: Human Resources, Honda Australia, Locked Bag 95, Tullamarine VIC 3043. OR e-mail: [email protected]
Applications close Wednesday 31st March 2010.
– Fantastic Career Opportunity– Attractive salary package including
fully maintained Honda vehicle
Honda Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer www.honda.com.au
RACV backs Better PlaceRACV backs Better PlaceVictorian auto club tips $2 million into electric car infrastructure outfi t
By JAMES STANFORDTHE giant Royal Automobile Club of
Victoria (RACV) is making a $2 million
investment in electric vehicle (EV) service
provider Better Place Australia.
The news comes after two-year-old Better
Place announced it had raised $25 million in
initial funding for infrastructure it plans to
begin rolling out around Australia late next
year.
Other Australian investors include Lend
Lease and Canberra-based energy provider
ActewAGL.
Earlier this year, the San Francisco-based
Better Place parent company announced it
had raised $US350 million of new equity
fi nancing from a group of investors including
the HSBC Group.
Talking up its planned electric charge
and battery swap network at last week’s
Australasian Fleet Managers Association
conference in Melbourne, Better Place
Australia CEO and former Victorian Labor
politician, Evan Thornley, spoke of swelling
support for his operation.
“There is something very big happening
out there and that is why that volume of
money from in many cases very sophisticated
and conservative investors is moving very
quickly,” he said.
RACV general manager of public policy
Brian Negus said the RACV was forming
what it calls a “forward-looking” partnership
with Better Place.
“This strategic investment in the Better
Place project is a demonstration of RACV’s
commitment to sustainable transport
technologies,” he said.
Mr Negus said its tie-up with Better Place
would include the provision of charge spot
installations at RACV properties, roadside
assistance services as well as insurance cover
for EVs and joint marketing activities.
While the widespread adoption of EVs in
Australia is expected to lag behind Europe,
Japan and the US due to the lack of any
federal government incentives for imported
electric vehicles, Better Place says it will
have the infrastructure in place regardless of
how many EVs will be able to use it.
“It is important to understand that this
opportunity will happen faster in Australia
than other parts of the world,” Mr Thornley
said.
“We at Better Place are rolling out our
infrastructure.
“The fi rst country is Israel, which will
have a full charge network up and running
by mid 2011.
“We will follow shortly after that in
Denmark and our third national charge
network anywhere in the world will be here
in Australia.”
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREUp close with Leaf – page 23
Mar 24, 2010 Page 8
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Bruce Lynton has been established on the Gold Coast since 1974 and is Australia’s longest serving BMW dealer.
In February 2008 Bruce Lynton was awarded the 2007 BMW Dealer Trophy.
This is your opportunity to join an award-winning,
dynamic team.
BRUCE LYNTON. BMW since 1974.
Due to expansion we are seeking a Senior Service Advisor to contribute to our strategic purpose and assist in the planning, leading, monitoring and delivery of Premium Customer Service.
The candidate we are seeking for this role will:
• Have previous dealership experience at a senior level; • While carrying out the role of SSA accept responsibility of actively
assisting an experienced team of service advisors;• Demonstrate excellent communication and customer focus skills
to achieve/exceed Customer Service benchmarks;• Be capable of meeting tight timelines through excellent time
management and administration skills;
• Possess excellent problem solving skills which will allow you to achieve/exceed departmental targets while working within a QMA framework;
• Show attention to detail; and• Have extensive experience with R&R/Eranet.
If you enjoy the challenges and success of being an integral member of a successful service team and believe you have what it takes to succeed in this position, please forward your application to:Elizabeth Prokop, Human Resources [email protected]
Applications close 31st March 2010. Candidates will be contacted within 2 weeks.
SENIOR SERVICE ADVISOR
Bruce Lynton 82-84 Nerang Street, Southport QLD 4215www.brucelynton.com
Bruce LyntonBMW since 1974
Mazda miracle workerMazda miracle workerSuper-frugal Sky diesel engine could see Mazda6 return Prius-like economy
By MARTON PETTENDYTHIS month’s upgraded Mazda6 range
includes a more fuel-effi cient diesel
hatch version that reduces average fuel
consumption to a Toyota Camry Hybrid-
beating 5.9L/100km, but the next-generation
Six could approach Prius levels of economy
by returning as little as 4.0L/100km.
Due to emerge globally in 2012, the
redesigned Mazda6 will combine turbo-
diesel power with an automatic transmission
for the fi rst time, when it debuts the
Japanese’s brand’s next-generation Sky-D
clean-diesel engine with its new Sky-Drive
six-speed automatic transmission.
Mazda has promised to reduce the
weight of its next-generation
models by an average of 100kg,
as part of its commitment to
reduce its corporate average
fuel consumption by 30 per cent
between 2008 and 2015.
Revealed at the Tokyo motor
show last October, the Sky-D engine
is claimed to reduce fuel consumption by
20 per cent over the current engine, which
delivers 132kW and 400Nm of torque in the
2010 Mazda6.
The current manual-only Six diesel
returns 5.9L/100km in the hatch and
6.0L/100km in the wagon.
However, the Sky-D engine, which
incorporates two-stage turbochargers, a
low-friction engine block and piezo-electric
injectors, will be combined with regenerative
braking and the same ‘i-stop’ idle-stop
system that emerged on the Mazda Kiyora
concept at the 2008 Paris motor show.
That concept was powered by a new
super-low-emissions 1.3-litre four-cylinder
petrol engine that returned average fuel
consumption of just 3.1L/100km
and CO2 emissions of less than
90g/km, bettering the Prius.
Said to deliver 15 per cent better
fuel consumption than Mazda’s
current 2.0-litre petrol engine, the
1.3 DI turbo four is also claimed to match the
effi ciency of the outgoing 2.2-litre turbo-diesel
that powers the current Mazda3 and Mazda6.
It represents the fi rst of Mazda’s new-
generation Sky-G petrol engines that could
debut in the next-generation Mazda2 in
2011, before going on sale here in 2012.
While the replacement for the 2.2 MZR-CD
is said to be 20 per cent more effi cient, Mazda
claims its idle-stop system can reduce fuel
use by up to 15 per cent, while the new six-
speed auto is claimed to be responsible for a
fi ve per cent economy increase.
Autocar cites Mazda sources as saying the
next Mazda6 could return CO2 emissions
as low as 105g/km – down from a current
154g/km.
While that is more than the 89g/km CO2
output of the Prius hybrid, which Toyota
points out produces fewer harmful gases
including NOx, it is signifi cantly less than
the Camry Hybrid (142g/km).
Based on the current Mazda6 hatch’s
average of 5.9L/100km, a similar reduction
in fuel economy could see the next-gen Six
average drop to as little as 4.0L/100km.
Currently, the most fuel-effi cient car on
the Australian market is Ford’s pint-sized,
diesel-powered Fiesta Econetic manual, at
3.7L/100km.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Sky-D
Mazda6
Mar 24, 2010 Page 9
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
GM tests new-generation fuel cell system ahead of 2015 commercial launch
Fuel cell breakthroughFuel cell breakthrough
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UK government provides $1 billion in green loan guarantees for Ford, Nissan and GMBy TERRY MARTIN
THE British government has handed out more
than £650 million ($A1.07 billion) in loan
guarantees in the past week to Ford, Nissan
and General Motors in an attempt to shore-up
the manufacturing industry in the UK.
After securing a £360 million ($A592m)
loan guarantee under the UK government’s
automotive assistance program, the Ford
Motor Co announced last week it would
invest £1.5 billion ($A2.5b) in its UK
manufacturing plants and R&D facilities
over the next fi ve years.
The British backing comes after Ford
applied to the European Investment Bank
(EIB) for a £450 million ($A740m) loan
covering research, development and
manufacture of low-CO2 technology for
cars and light commercial vehicles.
Nissan, meanwhile, announced it would
include its Sunderland plant in the UK
as one of its three global manufacturing
locations – the others are Japan and the US
– for its Leaf electric vehicle, which is due
to enter production in 2013.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
By TERRY MARTINGENERAL Motors claims to be on track to
begin commercial production of hydrogen
fuel-cell vehicles by 2015, announcing last
week that it is testing a ‘production-intent’
system that can be packaged under the
bonnet in the same space as a traditional
four-cylinder engine.
The system is said to be half the size, about
100kg lighter and uses about a third less
platinum than the Chevrolet Equinox fuel-
cell electric vehicle (FCEV), a prototype
GM has been testing in the Project Driveway
demonstration and evaluation program since
late 2007.
The lighter weight and compact
dimensions will enable the US auto giant
– which has invested more than $US1.5
billion ($A1.6b) into hydrogen fuel-cell
technology – to package the zero-emissions
powertrain into any number of vehicles,
from compact hatches to small and large
sedans and crossover vehicles.
The system is expected to be used initially
in medium to large vehicles, with smaller
models likely to come on stream toward the
end of the decade.
GM said it had simplifi ed hardware
mechanisation to achieve the smaller system
packaging, which in turn will enable it to
“reduce cost, simplify manufacturing and
improve durability”.
GoAuto drove the Equinox FCEV SUV
in January 2008 and discovered that GM’s
fi rst-generation fuel-cell propulsion system
– using its fourth-generation fuel-cell stack
– felt close for production.
The Equinox FCEV was also designed
to meet or exceed all applicable US federal
vehicle safety standards – including
hydrogen storage and operation.
A signifi cant sticking point remains the
lack of a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure
in the US and elsewhere – a problem GM
has attempted to confront with the claim that
just $US200 million ($A219m) is all that is
needed by each US city to provide hydrogen
dispensers at 3.6km intervals.
As GoAuto has reported, in the longer-
term GM has estimated that $US15 billion
($A16.4b) would be required to service the
fi rst million FCEVs in the top 100 urban
areas in the US. This would cover more than
200,000km of highway.
Some 120 prototype Equinox FCEVs have
been in service in the US, driven largely
by government agencies and celebrities,
in what has been described as the world’s
largest automotive fuel-cell market test.
Project Driveway is now being wound
down, but according to the executive
director of GM’s Global Fuel Cell Activities,
Charles Freese, the vehicles in the program
have been “very important” in providing the
basis for the new-generation system.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Equinox FCEV
Ford UK
Mar 24, 2010 Page 10
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Complex US lease deal for fi rst Lexus supercar will not run in Australia
LF-A the hard wayLF-A the hard way
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By MARTON PETTENDYLEXUS has announced a complex two-year
lease deal in the US for its fi rst fully fl edged
supercar in an attempt to prevent customers
profi teering by on-selling the exclusive
412kW V10-engined carbon-framed coupe,
just 500 examples of which will be built
from this December.
The brand’s ‘1Pay’ 24-month US lease
program requires the upfront payment of
24 monthly instalments of $US12,398.44
($A13,524) – totalling $US297,562.56
($A324,581) worth of payments – before
lessees can drive ‘their’ LF-A home.
Those who wish to then purchase the
LF-A after two years may do so following a
further payment of $US93,750 ($A102,263),
bringing the total price to $US391,312.56
($A426,843) – about $US16,000 ($A17,453)
more than the LF-A’s offi cial $US375,000
($A409,050) base list price announced by
Lexus USA in February.
Further complicating the deal and
perhaps deterring many wealthy American
buyers from leasing or owning the LF-A,
potential lessees and purchasers must fi rst
be selected by Lexus, before being required
to put up an initial $US10,000 ($A10,901)
deposit within 10 days of being chosen,
before being subjected to the fi rst of two
credit checks and asked to pay a further
$US50,000 ($A54,504) deposit.
Of course, LF-A drivers will still also be hit
with the usual additional on-road costs in the
US, including tax, title, licence, registration
and a $US700 ($A763) “acquisition fee”,
before having to wait up to nine months for
delivery.
The good news is that despite being a
lease-only proposition for the fi rst two
years, all LF-As will be built to order from
a list of three major specifi cation groups and
10 standard exterior paint colours.
Those that choose from a further 20 special
colour options – including the $US3000
($A3270) ‘Passionate Pink’ – will wait
even longer for delivery. A ‘matte’ exterior
paint colour is also available, at $US20,000
($A21,796).
Thankfully, Lexus Australia says a similar
arrangement is unlikely to be established
here when local distribution plans for the fi ve
LF-As allocated to Australia are announced
in about two weeks. It previously announced
a potential pricetag of up to $750,000 for the
LF-A in Australia.
“Given the nature of the Australian market
and the number of cars involved, we expect
our process to be far simpler than it is in
the US,” Lexus Australia spokesman Tyson
Bowen told GoAuto.
As we have reported, Lexus Australia has
investigated a number of retail options for the
limited-edition LF-A, including the possibility
that all fi ve examples end up as promotional
vehicles in dealer showrooms, before being
sold to members of the public as used cars.
Last week Lexus also announced it would
enter two production LF-As in the Nurburgring
24 Hours endurance race over May 13-16, via
Gazoo Racing, piloted by ‘Toyota master test
driver’ Hiromu Naruse and including three
further Japanese and three German drivers.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
LF-A
Mar 24, 2010 Page 11
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Our client, Percepta, has been appointed to work on behalf of a Global Prestige Vehicle brand, and is looking to employ Customer Care Consultants in their customer care centre, based in Botany (NSW). If you have a passion for the automotive industry, this is an excellent career opportunity.
Being the first point of contact for customer enquiries, you will have demonstrated experience in a customer - focused role, and be able to work in a collaborative team environment. The successful candidates will join a new dynamic team, who are committed to customer service excellence.
If you are looking to join a growing, prestigious global brand, please email your resume to [email protected]
MELBOURNE SYDNEY BRISBANE PERTH
CUSTOMER CARE CONSULTANTS
www.blue-tongue.com.au
Niche British sportscar brand launches bigger and better roadster range
Caterham Seven heavenCaterham Seven heaven
By MARTON PETTENDYCATERHAM Cars Australia has released
a revised, expanded and signifi cantly more
affordable 2010 sportscar range, headlined
by three new 2.0-litre versions of Britain’s
retro roadster.
The largest range of new Caterham Seven
sportscars ever available here now includes
four models that benefi t from the stronger
Australian dollar and reduced federal import
duty, lowering the price of
admission to the bespoke
brand to $64,900.
Now available for $4950
less than the SVR 120 model
it replaces, the entry-level
2010 Caterham Seven Roadsport SV 120
continues to run a 1.6-litre Ford Sigma
engine.
Aimed at the budget-conscious enthusiast,
the SV 120 comes with a fi ve-speed manual
gearbox, De Dion rear suspension and the
same 14-inch wheel and 185/60-14 Avon
tyre combination as the more powerful
Roadsport SV 175 model.
The latter opens the new 2.0-litre line-
up at $82,950 and is based on the outgoing
SVR 200 model, which previously cost
$119,000, making it a staggering $36,050
less expensive than before.
Caterham says the
SV 175’s new 2.0-litre
engine, developed in close
collaboration with Ford in
the UK, is far less costly
than the expensive, hand-built 2.3-litre
Cosworth engine in the former SVR 200 and
CSR 200 models.
The latter previously topped the Seven
range at $129,000, but that honour now goes
to the 2010 CSR 175, which costs $33,470
less at $95,530.
Positioned between the two new 2.0-litre
Sevens and also priced under $100,000
at $92,530 is the new racetrack-focused
Superlight SV R300, which has never been
available in Australia before.
While the SV R300 and CSR 175 lack
the standard weather protection equipment,
heater, heated windscreen, cloth trim and
padded armrests of the road-oriented (SV
120 and SV 175) Roadsport variants, all
four models are based on the latest Seven’s
longer and wider SV chassis.
However, the two top-shelf Sevens
employ coil-over-spring damper units and
an adjustable front anti-rollbar, with the
CSR sharing the 254mm ventilated front
disc brakes with the SV 175 and SV R300
but adding larger 254mm solid rear discs –
as opposed to the 230mm solid discs used
on the De Dion rear suspension models.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
PRICING:Roadsport SV 120 $64,900
Roadsport SV 175 $82,950
Superlight SV R300 $92,530
CSR 175 $95,530
Superlight SV R300
dealer
business
manager
(nsw
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Add value across diverse areas of the retail and wholesale business
Mar 24, 2010 Page 13
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
BMW on front footBMW on front footBMW offi cially confi rms plan to build a front-drive model using Mini as basis
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By MARTON PETTENDYAFTER years of singing the virtues of its
exclusively rear-wheel drive cars, BMW
has confi rmed speculation it will produce a
front-drive BMW model, based on the third-
generation Mini platform.
Revealed by BMW chairman Norbert
Reithofer at the company’s annual fi nancial
press conference in Munich last week, the
news represents the third broken promise
by the Bavarian brand in recent years, after
vowing that it would not build a V8-powered
M3 or turbocharged M models.
Dr Reithofer said the second-generation
(F20) 1 Series – which will replace BMW’s
smallest current model in 2011 – will
continue to break the mainstream mould by
being one of the world’s few small cars on a
rear-drive chassis.
But he confi rmed that BMW will also
create a more direct rival for the likes of
Audi’s A3 and the Mercedes-Benz A-class,
which offer better interior packaging but
inferior steering and handling compared
to the 1 Series, by delivering a range of
front- and all-wheel drive BMW-badged
small cars.
The additional BMW model is widely
expected to adopt the 0 Series nameplate
and should be in addition to the all-electric
‘Megacity’ vehicle, which is being developed
by BMW’s ‘Project i’ skunkworks and will
debut under a “sub-brand” from BMW by
the middle of this decade.
“In the future we will launch more Mini
and BMW models and variants – also in the
small-car segment,” said Dr Reithofer. “This
segment is expected to grow further and we
will take advantage of this opportunity.
“We are exploring the possibility of
developing a joint architecture for the front-
wheel and four-wheel drive systems of these
cars. In other words, there will be front-
wheel drive BMWs in the smaller vehicle
classes in the future.”
European reports suggest BMW’s new
shared platform, which should spawn the
‘0 Series’ in 2013 and the next Mini in
2014, is capable of underpinning vehicles
measuring between 3.8 metres (slightly
longer than the Mini hatch) and 4.3 metres
– slightly shorter than the current 1 Series,
which emerged in 2004.
According to reports from Europe, the
new small model family could comprise
up to 20 distinct derivatives – including
replacements for both BMW’s current
E81 three-door hatch (not sold here),
E82 coupe, E87 fi ve-door hatch and E88
convertible, plus Mini’s three-door Cooper
hatch, fi ve-door Clubman wagon, two-
door Cabrio convertible and upcoming
Countryman crossover.
While the move will help reduce
the company’s corporate average fuel
consumption and CO2 emissions, the BMW
chief indicated an all-new front/AWD model
family is also expected to boost profi ts in the
world’s growing compact and sub-compact
market segments.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE3 Series value hike – next page
Mini Cooper
Mar 24, 2010 Page 14
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
‘TwinPower’ turbo turns up in the BMW 3 Series as part of 2010 upgrade
3 Series value hike3 Series value hike
INVITATION TO CLOSED TENDER
McGrath Liverpool would like to invite you to our Closed Tender every Tuesday from 8.30am to 4.30pm at
McGrath Mitsubishi Liverpool, 375 Hume Highway (Cnr Christie St), Liverpool 2170Phone: 02 9600 5555
For more information please contact Trevor Ward on 0418 276 611 or 9600 5555
Please proceed to the back of the Mitsubishi showroom upon your arrival for commencement of the Closed Tender at 8.30am sharp.
DL20306
By TERRY MARTINBMW has upgraded its volume-selling 3
Series sedan and wagon line-up, adding
fresh features and enhancing value across
the range, and introducing new model
variant names to refl ect the change.
Effective from March production and due
in Australian showrooms later in the second
quarter, the revised 3 Series information
was released last week as Mercedes-Benz
launched its enhanced C-class range for the
2010 model year.
The biggest change centres on the 335i
sedan and Touring (wagon), which have
picked up the 3.0-litre
‘TwinPower’ twin-scroll
single-turbo inline six-
cylinder petrol engine – a
replacement for the current
twin-turbo unit but one
that produces the same
225kW/400Nm power and
torque outputs, with lower
fuel consumption (now
below 9L/100km) and
emissions.
Already seen in Australia
on the recently launched 5
Series GT, this engine will be
introduced on a host of forthcoming models
this year, including the new-generation 5
Series sedan and wagon, upgraded X5 SUV,
3 Series Coupe and Convertible and the 1
Series compact.
Pricing for the 335i sedan and wagon will
increase $3000 to $110,800 and $115,200
respectively (plus statutory and dealer
charges), and will carry the M Sport label to
refl ect the standard inclusion of the M Sport
package, currently offered as an option.
The pack includes a special aerodynamic
package, M light-alloy wheels, M Sport
suspension, sports seats
and an M leather steering
wheel.
In turn, BMW has created
an M Sport Innovations
Package – a combination
of the current M Sport and
Innovations option packs
– for the upgraded series,
which will be available on
all sedan and wagon variants
below the 335i, including,
for the fi rst time, the 330d.
In addition to the usual
M Sport features, the extra
equipment includes bi-Xenon headlights
(with washers), High-Beam Assist and
Navigation Business, while the 325i adds
electric folding/anti-dazzle wing mirrors
to the list and uses Navigation System
Professional and Voice Control.
For the 330d, the package adds adaptive
headlights and a Harmon Kardon stereo.
Pack pricing ranges from $8700 to $8900,
depending on the variant.
At the entry level, BMW has introduced
the ‘Lifestyle’ moniker for the four-cylinder
320i, 320d Executive and six-cylinder 323i,
all of which pick up new features valued at
up to $3000 for an increase of $800 to each
respective recommended retail price.
These features are 17-inch light-alloy
wheels, door sill inserts (with ‘Edition’
motif), the Chrome Line Exterior package
and a chrome-fi nished decorative bar in the
lower front bumper.
Pricing starts from $55,300 for the 320i
Lifestyle sedan, climbing to $59,100 for the
320d Lifestyle and 323i Lifestyle.
At the mid-range, the 325i and 330d
now carry ‘Exclusive’ identifi cation,
which includes star-spoke 17-inch light-
alloy wheels, the same door sill inserts
and chrome detailing from the ‘Lifestyle’
models, higher-grade interior trim and, on
the Touring, an aluminium satin fi nish for
the roof rails.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
PRICING:Sedan320i Lifestyle (a) $55,300
320d Lifestyle (a) $59,100
323i Lifestyle (a) $59,100
325i Exclusive (a) $76,150
330d Exclusive (a) $90,150
335i M Sport (a) $110,800
M3 (a) $145,000
Touring320i Lifestyle (a) $58,500
320d Lifestyle (a) $62,300
323i Lifestyle (a) $63,300
335i M Sport (a) $115,200
Mar 24, 2010 Page 15
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
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D1
‘R’ rules at VW‘R’ rules at VWVW follows Benz and BMW in establishing a special sports subsidiary
By RON HAMMERTONBMW has its M, Mercedes-Benz chose
AMG, and now Volkswagen has gone for R.
Europe’s biggest car-maker has created
a new subsidiary, Volkswagen R GmbH, to
develop pumped-up sports variants of VW
models under a single R badge umbrella to
capture some of the same aura enjoyed by
its rivals’ exclusive performance arms.
The fi rst of these top-shelf VW vehicles
to head Down Under will be the Golf R, in
mid-year.
In making the shift to a standalone hot-
shop operation – fi rst mooted when the
Golf R appeared at last year’s Frankfurt
motor show – VW has also simplifi ed the
model designation of its hot-shot models by
removing the fi gures representing the engine
size, as in Golf R32 (for 3.2-litre).
At the same time, it more clearly sets
VW’s range-topping high-performance
models apart from the more prosaic vehicles
in the range.
While R variants will still be turned out from
the same production lines as conventional
models, they will be designed, engineered
and marketed by the new company’s own
staff of 350 based in Warmenau, near VW’s
Wolfsburg headquarters.
The new subsidiary will also develop
VW’s softer sports packages, marketed
under the R Line brand, as well as luxury
Volkswagen Exclusive accessories.
Volkswagen R general manager Ulrich
Riestenpatt gt. Richter said the R-cars
would contribute to the “emotionalisation”
and growth of VW.
“The company’s name, Volkswagen R
GmbH, responds to the increased global
demand for individualised vehicles with
contemporary sportiness and exclusivity,”
he said. “The sporty positioning will be
refl ected more intensely in the program of
Volkswagen R in the mid- and long-term.”
Since the demise of the Golf R32 with the
superseded Mark V Golf range, only two
R-branded VW models have been sold in
Australia – the 3.6-litre direct-injected V6
Passat R36 and the stonking 5.0-litre V10
diesel Touareg R50.
That will change with the arrival of the
Golf R32’s successor, the AWD Golf R.
The engine will be downsized from the
previous generation’s 3.2-litre V6 to a high-
performance turbocharged direct-injection
EA113 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder petrol
four-cylinder with 188kW of power and
about 350Nm of torque.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREBig strides for T5 – next page
Walkinshaw supercharges humble Holden wagon into 450kW ‘Superwagon’By MARTON PETTENDY
IT IS billed as Australia’s most powerful
wagon and claimed to crack 100km/h in less
than fi ve seconds, making it just as quick but
even more commodious than BMW’s wacky
X6 M or the Porsche Cayenne Turbo.
And with a blown 450kW/770Nm 6.0-
litre Chevrolet V8 motivating it, we’re not
about to argue.
Meet the latest creation from Melbourne
tuning house Walkinshaw Performance,
based on Holden’s Pontiac G8-look SS-V
Sportwagon Special Edition: the WP
‘Superwagon’.
Built to showcase a new go-fast product
line-up aimed directly at Holden customers,
the Superwagon comes with performance
upgrades now available for the entire
V8-powered VE Commodore sedan, wagon,
ute, Statesman and Caprice model range.
The highlight is a red-fi nished WP190
Supercharger kit that extracts up to 450kW
of power and a wholesome 770Nm of torque
from Holden’s 6.0-litre Gen 4 Chevrolet V8 –
and comes standard with a no-cost drivetrain
warranty, extending for the balance of Holden’s
three-year/100,000km new-car warranty.
Developed by the Clayton-based
aftermarket company of global motorsport
baron Tom Walkinshaw, who owns Holden
Special Vehicles, the VE Superwagon and
its Holden-specifi c performance parts
follow the release last month of WP’s HSV-
based ‘E2 Supercar’.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Golf R
Mar 24, 2010 Page 16
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
VW improves economy, safety and choice in T5 Transporter and Caravelle
Big strides for T5Big strides for T5
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISVOLKSWAGEN is striving to steal
sales from the Toyota HiAce, Hyundai
iLoad and Mercedes-Benz Vito with its
comprehensively revamped, TDI diesel-
only T5 GP-series Transporter commercial
vehicle range.
This is despite the cessation of the
previous entry-level van – the $30,490
MY09 Transporter 2.0-litre petrol – for a
new diesel-powered model costing $6000
more.
No problem, Volkswagen says, since the
latest T5s introduce a segment-fi rst TDI/
DSG dual-clutch ‘automatic’ combination
option (that is $2000 cheaper than the
previous diesel auto), improved payload
capacities (by up to 19 per cent), standard
stability control and available head and
thorax airbags, among a host of new features
and/or options.
More power for the money, leaner fuel
consumption, cleaner engines, improved
safety and better driveability are further
aspects of the new Transporter deal.
But Volkswagen’s 2010 T5 manifesto is
multifaceted since it also involves a renewed
assault on the people-mover market against
the likes of Toyota’s HiAce Bus and Tarago
and the Chrysler Grand Voyager.
So the $49,990 T5 Caravelle newcomer
includes nine seats, TDI, DSG and the
LWB (long-wheelbase) body to tempt
airport/hotel/patient transfer buyers, while
the more luxuriously equipped seven-
seater Multivan TDI DSG – also from a
tenner under $50,000 – has families as
well as private hire vehicle operators in its
crosshairs. Both models are thousands of
dollars beneath their respective equivalent
predecessors.
In total, there are around 48 T5 variants
available right now – down from about 60,
with the Caravelle being cut to just the one
model while the old Crewvan variants have
been discontinued.
The Transporter van is the volume seller,
offered in two wheelbase lengths (3000mm
and 3400mm), three roof heights, front-
wheel or 4MOTION all-wheel drive, fi ve
engine/gearbox combos, bucket or bench
seating confi gurations, single or twin
sliding side doors, and lift-up or barn-style
tailgates, among other permutations.
Along with the T5 people-movers, it is
made in Hanover, Germany – in contrast
to the Transporter Dual Cab Chassis range
– priced from $44,990 to $48,490 – that is
manufactured at the same Polish site as the
smaller Caddy series.
On all models, every body panel forward
of the B-pillar has been redesigned, giving
the T5 GP a Golf/Polo-like face. This means
that the front fenders, headlights, bonnet,
grille, bumper and exterior mirrors (with an
integrated radio antenna) are new. Restyled
tail-lights are also included.
A redesigned dash, steering wheel,
climate controls, audio panel, fabrics, trim
and colours give the interior of the six-year-
old T5 a more up-to-date appearance.
Depending on the model, a host of new
or updated options give a more car-like
experience, including an ‘infotainment’
screen, satellite-navigation, foglights with
a cornering action, cruise control, alloy
wheels, metallic paint, body-coloured
bumpers, parking radar with rearview
camera availability and a side blind-spot
warning system.
FULL STORY, PRICING: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HEREVW’s LCV aspirations – next page
Transporter
Caravelle
Mar 24, 2010 Page 17
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Amarok crew-cab and 2011 Caddy to join T5 in concerted LCV push
VW’s LCV aspirationsVW’s LCV aspirations
TOYOTA D E A L E R S H I P S – I N D I ACEO / PRESIDENT / GM
A Professionally Managed and Diversi ed Group in India, seeks a Pro t Centre Head with a proven successful track record to manage its Toyota Dealerships.
The position is responsible for both Top and Bottom Line and will require implementation of necessary systems and ef ciencies to ensure that the Business Plans are in line with the Management Vision.
The successful candidate will have good communication skills and must have had at least 10 years experience as Operations Head of ‘3S’ Dealerships across multiple locations, while international exposure will be highly regarded.
Salary and Expat Bene ts will be the best of industry standards. Candidates will be shortlisted via video conference before a nal interview in Australia / India.
Interested applicants are invited to send their CV to [email protected] by 31st March 2010.
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISA TRIO of commercial vehicle newcomers
could elevate Australia to top-fi ve status
in Volkswagen global commercial vehicle
sales within a few years, according to VW
Commercial Vehicles director Philip Clark.
The newly re-engineered Transporter
van and Dual Cab Chassis models, now
on sale along with their closely related
people-mover sister models the Caravelle
and Multivan, will be joined by the much-
anticipated Amarok one-tonne pick-up and
redesigned Caddy compact van in VW’s
commercial vehicle sales ascension.
Volkswagen says the T5’s signifi cantly
improved performance, economy, emissions,
safety and equipment levels to go with the
sharper pricing against rivals from Toyota
(HiAce), Hyundai (iLoad), Mercedes-Benz
(Vito) and Chrysler (Grand Voyager) should
boost the range’s popularity, but ultimately
it will only mean incremental increases at
best for the series.
Sales are expected to top about 2500 in
a full year of the T5 update, up from last
year’s 1860-odd units.
The real sales driver for Volkswagen’s
commercial vehicle division in Australia
will be the Amarok light truck range, since it
will thrust the German company into a hotly
contested segment that accounts for about
150,000 units each year.
Its most popular combatants – the Toyota
HiLux and Nissan Navara – regularly
gatecrash the overall new-vehicle bestsellers
listings. In fact, the latter is its maker’s
number-one volume model in Australia by
a factor of about two-to-one.
Volkswagen refuses to talk about its
aspirations for the Amarok, which is due in
October, but its importance to the marque
means that – after South American countries
such Argentina, where it is built – Australia
will probably be one of the pick-up truck’s
biggest customers.
As GoAuto reported after our fi rst
drive late last year, the Amarok shares
many drivetrain components with the T5
Transporter, and will initially arrive as a
dual-cab utility offering diesel power, a
manual gearbox and a choice of rear- or
all-wheel drive confi gurations. Single-
cab, petrol and DSG/automatic models are
earmarked to arrive in or after 2011.
Also expected next year is the release of
the comprehensively redesigned Volkswagen
Caddy.
About 2100 Caddys were sold in Australia
last year, putting it ahead of the T5 and third
in overall van sales behind the HiAce and
iLoad. It has remained unchanged since its
arrival in Australia in early 2006.
As a result, Mr Clark said, the Polish-
built Golf V-derived series will undergo a
similar transition to its big brother towards
the end of 2010 in Europe to bring it up
to date with a wave of similarly sized
newcomers such as the second-generation
Renault Kangoo and Citroen Berlingo, as
well as the Peugeot Partner.
This means a switch from the old 1.9-litre
PD Pumpe Duse TDI four-cylinder turbo-
diesel engine to the latest common-rail direct-
injection units of either 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre
capacities (they are both closely related
powerplants). Petrol units of about 1.4 litres
are also thought to be in the pipeline, along
with the long-awaited incorporation of the
DSG on both varieties of engines.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Amarok
Caddy
Mar 24, 2010 Page 18
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Muscular 140kW/450Nm diesel takes Nissan’s big ute to the top of the heap
Group Finance & Insurance ManagerA rare and superlative opportunity exists to join KEEMA Automotive Group
in the newly created role of Group Finance and Insurance Manager.
You will lead a team of seven Business Managers and will have a demonstrated commitment to, and understanding of, the sale of the full range of F&I product offerings, fundamental KPI’s associated
with Finance and Insurance, and Motor Vehicle Dealership sales process.
Experience in Motor Vehicle Dealership Finance and Insurance, Sales Management, Banking or Finance would be highly regarded, as would tertiary quali cations, and a passion for people.
Keema’s unique, participative culture, top brands, facilities and locations provide a fantastic atmosphere in which to succeed.
To apply for this exciting Career position, please email your details and resumé
in the strictest con dence to: [email protected]
By JAMES STANFORDA SIGNIFICANT diesel engine upgrade
is the key to a facelift for the Nissan D40
Navara crew-cab ST-X.
The family-friendly ute has also been
given a new nose and fresh interior, while
the diesel version adds key safety features
such as electronic stability control and side
and curtain airbags.
Nissan has also added a signifi cant number
of standard comfort features.
As a result, prices have increased by
between $2070 on the petrol version and
$3130 on the diesel model, rising to $47,990
and $50,990 respectively.
The changes will not affect the current
D22 Navara (the old model
that sells alongside the D40)
or the D40 king-cab model.
The new vehicle – revealed
at this month’s Geneva motor
show – will arrive in local
dealerships in June along with the revised
Pathfi nder wagon.
The D40 crew-cab does not look a whole
lot different to the existing vehicle from
a distance, but quite a bit has changed,
including the bonnet, headlights, grille and
front bumper, giving the popular commercial
vehicle a fresher appearance.
The new bumpers help to increase ground
clearance by 9mm to 228mm, while the
approach and departure angles (30 degrees
front and 24 degrees departure) have also
improved.
New 17-inch wheels replace the 16-inch
alloys of the existing model, while new
wing mirrors with built-in indicators fold in
at the touch of a button.
The cabin comes in for the most important
design changes, with a redesigned dashboard,
centre console and doors. New seat and door
trims get a modern fabric to
replace the existing material
that can be traced back to the
original X-Trail SUV.
A new satin metallic-look
centre console cover, new
switchgear, chrome fi nishes, new plastic
surfaces and the door trims now feature
fewer plastic surfaces and more fabric.
The interior gets dual-zone climate-
control, as well as an upgraded sound
system with a six-CD stacker, speed-sensing
volume and Bluetooth connectivity.
A new fi ve-function trip computer has
distance to empty, average speed, journey
time, fuel economy and trip meter as well as
an exterior temperature display.
Other additions include variable
intermittent windscreen wipers with speed
sensor and steering wheel controls for the
audio and Bluetooth system.
The 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine remains
unchanged, producing 198kW and 385Nm,
with an offi cial fuel consumption fi gure of
13.6 litres per 100km.
The real news is the revised 2.5-litre four-
cylinder diesel which produces 11 per cent
more power for a total of 140kW and 12 per
cent more torque for a total of 450Nm.
That means the Navara diesel now has
class-leading levels of both power and
torque.
This was achieved with new cylinder
heads featuring parallel ports, a new variable
nozzle turbo with electric control and an
increase in the direct injection pressure from
1800 bar to 2000 bar.
Diesel fuel consumption has been reduced
13 per cent for the manual with a new
average fuel use fi gure of just 8.5L/100km
(auto: 9.0L/100km).
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREFor drive impressions, go to
www.GoAuto.com.au from ThursdayMore reports – page 19, 23
PRICING:ST-X Petrol $47,990
ST-X Petrol (a) $50,240
ST-X Diesel $50,990
ST-X Diesel (a) $53,240
Navara torques toughNavara torques tough
Mar 24, 2010 Page 19
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Diesel engine for Nissan mid-size SUV in Europe prompts Australian study
Nissan mulls Murano dCiNissan mulls Murano dCi
By RON HAMMERTONNISSAN Australia is considering a diesel
engine addition to its Murano SUV range
now that such a variant has been slated for
sale in Europe from September.
The 2.5-litre YD25 engine – the same
upgraded dCi turbo four-cylinder diesel
that is about to make its Australian debut
in the newly facelifted Navara ute in
May – would provide an alternative to
the acclaimed VQ35 3.5-litre petrol V6
that has powered the Murano through two
generations, albeit with revisions.
Nissan’s head of corporate
communications Jeff Fisher told GoAuto
last week that the company had no formal
plans to import the diesel version, but
local product planners were assessing the
vehicle’s potential for Australian sale.
“It would make an interesting supplement
to the range, but we don’t have the same
intense need for a diesel as some markets,”
he said.
Developing 140kW
of power and 450Nm
of torque, the revised
four-cylinder diesel
engine will slide into the
upgraded D40 Navara
range, which could also
eventually receive a new
3.0-litre V6 diesel engine
borrowed from Nissan’s partner Renault.
For Murano, however, Nissan has opted
for the smaller and more effi cient four-pot
unit that is primarily aimed at Europe and the
UK where diesel engines are paramount.
While the diesel’s power would be no
match for the Murano’s sweet-spinning
petrol V6 – 140kW versus 191kW – the
diesel out-punches the bigger powerplant in
torque, 450Nm to 336Nm.
A fuel economy gain could also be
expected. The manual Navara diesel is said
to achieve 8.5L/100km, while the auto-only
Murano petrol V6 is rated at 10.9L/100km.
The revised YD25 diesel, which surfaced
when Nissan pulled the wraps off the
facelifted Navara at the recent Geneva
motor show, has 11 per cent more power and
torque than the previous diesel unit. Changes
to the engine include a new direct-injection
system which operates at
2000 bar, up from 1800 bar,
for fi ner fuel atomisation and
better combustion.
A new cylinder head
with parallel ports increases
the swirl effi ciency of
the combustion process,
smoothing the intake and
exhaust fl ow, while a new
variable nozzle turbo (VNT) with electric
control rather than the previous hydraulic
system is said to give quicker response.
A diesel particle fi lter (DPF) helps Murano
to achieve Euro 5 emission standards.
In the European Murano, the diesel engine
will be offered exclusively with a six-speed
automatic transmission.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
MORE FOR MURANONISSAN has upgraded the standard
specifi cations of its Murano, just days
after announcing the availability of diesel
power for its luxury mid-size crossover in
Europe for the fi rst time.
The Japanese maker says it is in no
hurry to add the oil-burning variant Down
Under, and has taken the opportunity to
increase Murano prices in tandem with the
latest upgrade.
The Murano now opens at $46,490 for
the entry-level ST automatic (up $500),
which gains a Bluetooth phone system
with steering wheel-mounted controls,
plus the Nissan Intelligent Key push-
button starting system formerly exclusive
to the top-shelf Ti.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
YD25
Mar 24, 2010 Page 20
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US reliability study shows Toyota still rates highly
ESC now standard across Corolla range, but sedan misses out on other gear
ESC for Corolla sedanESC for Corolla sedan
By MARTON PETTENDYTOYOTA’S vehicle stability control (VSC)
system is now standard across the four-door
Corolla sedan range, bringing it in line with
many of its key rivals and the upgraded fi ve-
door Corolla hatchback line-up released last
November.
However, while fi rst examples of the
safer small sedan entered production in
Japan in December and are now available
at Australian Toyota dealerships, the entry-
level Corolla Ascent sedan misses out on
the front-side airbags now fi tted as standard
across the hatch range.
Nor does the 2010 Corolla sedan score
the revised front and rear-end styling that
distinguishes the 2010 Corolla hatch, which
unlike the sedan now also comes standard
at base level with Bluetooth and USB
connectivity and a new steering wheel with
multi-information switch.
There are no price increases associated
with the addition of ESC, which was already
standard in the Corolla Conquest hatch and
sedan, Levin ZR hatch and Ultima sedan.
Previously, Toyota’s VSC stability and
TRC traction control systems were available
as an option on base Corolla Ascent hatch/
sedan and Levin SX hatch models, as part
of a $1500 advanced safety pack that also
comprised front-side, side curtain and
driver’s knee airbags.
As with the 2010 hatch, the safety pack for
the Corolla sedan now costs $500 on Ascent
models and is standard from Conquest and
Ultima level.
While it no longer includes ESC, the
safety pack continues to comprise side
curtain airbags, a driver’s knee airbag and,
in the case of the sedan, front-side airbags,
which are standard on all hatches.
Toyota Australia advises the four-door
Corolla will receive “some” cosmetic upgrades
from late in the second quarter of this year, but
the sedan looks set to continue with an inferior
base safety specifi cation to the hatch.
Australia’s version of Corolla – the
world’s top-selling car with more than 35
million sold worldwide – has been fully
imported from Japan since 2000, the fi rst
year in which the Corolla became Australia’s
most popular small car.
About 1.1 million Corollas have been
sold in Australia, accounting for 22 per cent
of all Toyota sales. The Corolla recorded
its 10th straight year as the segment leader
here last year, when 39,013 examples were
purchased, making it Toyota’s best-selling
model in 2009.
It was Australia’s best-selling vehicle bar
none last July, August and October, but so far
this year has been outsold by the Mazda3.
Meantime, Toyota last week also
announced a new range of genuine
accessories for its new Camry Hybrid,
including an anti-theft locknut for its
standard alloy wheels, headlight covers,
bonnet protector, seat covers, 60kg roof
racks, front parking sensors and a FollowMe
in-dash navigation and multimedia system,
regular and slimline weathershields and a
low-profi le rear spoiler.
By RON HAMMERTONTOYOTA’S embattled American operation
received a glimmer of good news when it and
its luxury Lexus arm were named in the top
six car brands for dependability in America,
despite ongoing question marks over vehicle
safety and an international recall involving
more than eight million vehicles.
The hybrid Prius – subject of a highly
publicised unintentional acceleration claim in
California recently – was lauded as the most
reliable compact car in the survey of three-
year-old cars by JD Power and Associates.
Three other Toyota vehicles topped their
class – Highlander (Kluger) and Sequoia
SUVs and Tundra large pick-up – in the
annual survey of 52,000 vehicle owners
done late last year, as Toyota’s safety
dramas began to gain national headlines
across North America.
A possible recall of 1.2 million American-
made Corolla and Matrix vehicles is the
latest drama on the agenda after reports of
engine stalling due to faulty electronics.
As well, American news outlets carried
colourful reports of a California Highway
Patrol (CHiP) offi cer’s account of an
incident in which a “runaway” Prius driven
by a 61-year-old real estate agent accelerated
to more than 140km/h, prompting the driver
to call 911 emergency.
The offi cial report by the CHiP offi cer,
Todd Neibert, appears to back up claims that
the driver was standing on the brake trying
to stop the Prius, saying he saw the driver
arching his back as he presumably pressed
on the brake pedal and that the car’s brake
lights were lit as it accelerated up a hill on
the San Diego freeway at high speed.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Prius
Mar 24, 2010 Page 21
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
GGGGraGraGrarandnd nd nnd CheCheeCheerokrokrokrokeeeeee
Redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee to be the fi rst to feature Pentastar V6
Pentastar attractionPentastar attraction
By MARTON PETTENDYCHRYSLER has announced key details of
the new Pentastar V6 that will make its debut
in the entry-level version of Jeep’s next-
generation Grand Cherokee, which goes on
sale in Australia in January next year.
Claimed to be the most advanced
six-cylinder engine in Chrysler Group
Powertrain history, the 3.6-litre petrol and
E85 ethanol-compatible V6 is expected to
account for more than one-third of Chrysler’s
total engine output.
Chrysler has also confi rmed that future
versions of the fl ex-fuel V6, which is
forecast to contribute to an overall fuel
economy improvement of more than 25
per cent for the company, will benefi t from
technologies accessed as part of Chrysler’s
alliance with Fiat, including turbocharging,
direct-injection and Multiair.
The number-three US car-maker says the
new Pentastar V6 will ultimately replace
seven Chrysler group V6 engines. Apart
from the Grand Cherokee’s, these are likely
to include the similar 3.7-litre V6 in the
current Jeep Cherokee and Dodge Nitro, the
3.8-litre V6 in the Jeep Wrangler and
Chrysler Voyager, the 3.5-litre V6 in
the 300C and – eventually
– the 2.7-litre V6 in the
Chrysler Sebring, Dodge
Avenger and Journey.
“First offered in the all-
new 2011 Jeep Grand
Cherokee, launching
(May) this year in the
United States, our all-new
Pentastar V6 engine allows
increased fl exibility to apply new
technologies and enables signifi cant
cost savings for the company by
substituting previous generation V6
engines,” said Chrysler Group LLC senior
vice-president of powertrain, Paolo Ferrero.
The oversquare, all-alloy Pentastar
V6 displaces 3.6 litres via a 96mm bore
and 83mm stroke and in the 2011 Grand
Cherokee, which emerged at the 2009 New
York motor show, will deliver 216kW at
6350rpm and 353Nm of torque at 4300rpm.
Chrysler says that is 38 per cent more
power and 11 per cent more torque than its
predecessor, while the Pentastar V6 is also
said to use 11 per cent less fuel.
By way of further comparison, the 3.7 V6
that powers Australia’s Nitro and Cherokee
offers just 151kW/314Nm, while the 3.8 V6
delivers 142kW/305Nm in the Voyager and
146kW/315Nm in the Wrangler. Holden’s
3.6-litre direct-injection V6 produces
210kW and 350Nm.
Chrysler says that thanks to its narrow
included valve angle and high-fl ow intake
and exhaust ports, more than 90 per cent
of peak torque is available between 1800
and 6350rpm, “providing customers with
outstanding driveability and responsiveness,
without the need for premium fuel”.
In its most basic guise it comes with multi-
point port fuel-injection, revs to 7200rpm
and can run on either E85
or regular petrol with an
octane rating of just 87
RON.
Chrysler says it
benchmarked the
industry’s leading engines
to set functional targets
for its new V6, which is
claimed to represent “an
ideal integration of select
technologies that deliver
exceptional refi nement, fuel
effi ciency and performance”.
Comprising a high-pressure die-
cast aluminium cylinder-block and semi-
permanent mould aluminium cylinder-head,
the 24-valve 60-degree V6 features double
overhead camshafts with roller fi nger
followers, hydraulic lash adjusters and dual
independent cam-torque actuated phasers.
According to Chrysler, the engine’s
advanced oil-fi lter system eliminates oil spills
and contains an incinerable fi lter element for
more effi cient disposal than typical oil fi lters,
while long-life spark plugs and a high-energy
coil-on-plug ignition system are designed to
reduce maintenance costs.
“Our engineers synthesised the best
combination of design features and
technologies to create a V6 engine that will
exceed customer needs,” said Chrysler Group
vice-president of engine and electrifi ed
propulsion systems engineering, Bob Lee.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
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Pentastar V6
Mar 24, 2010 Page 22
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Navistar hitches its trailer to Caterpillar for new Cat truck marque in Australia
Truck market heats upTruck market heats up
By JAMES STANFORDAMERICAN construction and mining
equipment specialist Caterpillar is joining
with United States truck-maker Navistar to
produce a new truck line in Australia.
Interestingly, the new trucks will be called
Caterpillars and will launch here mid-year.
The Cat trucks will be rolled out in several
other markets, but Australia will be fi rst.
Caterpillar has been producing on-
road truck engines for a long time, and its
construction gear and dump trucks mean
they are well respected in Australia.
Now it is using its strong brand image
to launch this new set of trucks in a new
global tie-up with Navistar, the owner of
the International truck brand, which was
formerly known as International Harvester.
Iveco has been producing International
trucks in Australia since the local arm of
International Harvester collapsed in the
early 1980s, but will cease production and
wind up sales part way through next year. It
will continue to offer parts and support for
those trucks.
The new Navistar/Caterpillar tie-up
will not produce International trucks in
the short term and the brand may never be
used again here.
Iveco’s Australian division, part of the
Fiat group, will miss out on some local
production volume as a result. It sold 199
Internationals last year and 406 in 2008.
The new Cat trucks
will use imported
Navistar cabs and
axles and Cat engines, sourcing other
components locally and assembling them at
its existing Tullamarine plant.
Two heavy-duty trucks will be rolled
out fi rst – a CT610 which will be rated
for 19-metre applications for a capacity
of 57 tonnes and a CT630 which will be
used for B-double on-highway road train
applications and available as a 72-tonne and
90-tonne capable truck.
For now, the trucks will run Cat engines
but these will need to be replaced when
Euro 5 emission rules come into place on
January 1, 2011. Cat will not upgrade its
own heavy-duty road engines to meet the
new standard and will instead use Navistar-
sourced engines in its new trucks.
It is an interesting time for a new player
to enter the Australian truck market.
While it had been growing steadily, the
new-truck market, and in particular heavy
truck sales, tailed off
in late 2008 and nose-
dived last year as
the global fi nancial crisis hit the transport
industry.
There are signs of recovery, in line with
the economy in general, but it will be a
while until sales return to 2008 levels.
The big question mark affecting the Cat
operation relates to reliability.
The Australian market is one of the
toughest in the world with operators running
more kilometres with heavier loads on
rougher roads than almost anywhere else.
This is basically a truck-breaker. Cat
says it has already been testing its trucks on
Australian roads and is confi dent they will be
able to handle the tough local conditions.
In an industry that depends on reliability,
this will be crucial to the brand’s future here.
Un
its
(th
ou
san
ds)
Heavy Trucks Sales (15,001kg-plus GVM)
2006 2007 2008 2009
10
9
8
12
11
14
13
15
16
www.dealersolutions.com.au 1300 66 11 33
LEAD MANAGEMENT
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Cara Wiese Mark Butler
Source: VFACTSSource: VFACTS
Navistar TranStar
Mar 24, 2010 Page 23Green issues in the auto world
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John Mellor’s
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Nissan vows to introduce the all-electric Leaf as an affordable car in its class
By PHILIP LORDIT MAY seem a pie-in-the-sky fantasy now,
but the day when you can drive home, plug
in your car for an electricity recharge and
then drive for up to 160km the next day is
only two years away if Nissan Australia’s
plans for its small electric vehicle (EV), the
Leaf, come to fruition.
Production of the Leaf will begin in
Oppama, Japan, later this year, followed
by Smyrna, Tennessee, in 2012, and
Sunderland, in the UK, in early 2013.
And despite rumours to the contrary, the
Leaf will not have a quick-change, drop-out
battery as promoted by recharge company
Better Place, instead using a conventional
permanent rechargeable battery, at least
initially.
Nissan recently held a media workshop
in Sydney, in part to explain the technology
of its new EV that is expected to arrive in
Australia next year for fl eet trials and then
go on sale in 2012.
Not only did Nissan’s senior EV staff
from Japan address the media, but also the
NSW energy minister John Robertson and
Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore. The
latter said the City of Sydney planned to
install its fi rst public recharge point at the
end of this year.
The fi ve-seater Leaf hatch will be
positioned as a premium model in the
small-car market dominated by the likes of
the Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla.
Nissan says it believes it can sell the
Leaf at a reasonable, comparable price
with these vehicles, even though its senior
vice-president of global planning, Andy
Palmer, says the EV cost about 50 per cent
more to develop than a convention internal-
combustion car.
“We want this to cost you no more than
say a Golf or a Toyota would cost you in the
C-segment today,” Dr Palmer said.
The Leaf is within the loosely defi ned
spectrum of the small-car class, at 4445mm
long, 1770mm wide and 1550mm high. This
makes the Nissan EV about 100mm taller
than the Mazda3 but within millimetres for
length and width.
The Leaf is also longer and slightly taller
than another popular seller in the class, the
Corolla hatch.
GoAuto was not given the opportunity to
drive the Leaf, but we did get the chance to
sit in a pre-production car and were given a
demonstration of its IT capabilities.
Also, while Nissan has not released a full
technical run-down on the as-yet unreleased
Leaf, the company fl eshed more of the
previously fragmented information on its
features and how the new vehicle works,
courtesy of Nissan’s general manager of
technology and marketing, Kazuhiko Doi.
As Mr Doi explained, the Leaf will have
a mobile telephone link, allowing various
functions such as cabin climate and charging
times to be controlled via the internet and
mobile phone.
“It is the most interesting part for
customers of the Leaf. The Leaf will have
24-hours connection from a mobile,” he
said. “The customer can start the heating
or air-conditioning from a mobile at home
or offi ce, and also receive updates on when
new charging stations are added.”
The cabin was trimmed in a pale beige
that should have made the Leaf feel light
and airy, but the Nissan EV seemed smaller
inside than expected. The dashboard’s LED
display showed information such as battery
range via a scroll-through menu.
The rear seat space was acceptable rather
than cavernous for the small class, but the
cargo space under the hatch was a neat,
squared off and relatively big area.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
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Leaf
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John Mellor’s
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EX-HYUNDAI SALES AND MARKETING CHIEF LOOKS TO BRIGHT FUTURE AHEADBy TERRY MARTIN
ONE of Australia’s leading automotive
executives, Kevin McCann, is relocating from
Sydney to Melbourne and plans to establish
himself as a consultant to the car industry.
Mr McCann oversaw Hyundai’s massive
rise in market share and sales in Australia
from 2007, including a 39.2 per sales
increase last year (to more than 63,000)
amid the global fi nancial crisis, but made
a shock departure from the factory-owned
subsidiary on December 29.
No reasons were given for his sudden
exit, while last month a Hyundai Motor
Co Australia (HMCA) spokesman only
elaborated to the extent that the South
Korean manufacturer had undertaken a
“global restructure” and “the role of sales and
marketing was relinquished” in Australia.
Mr McCann declined to comment on the
reasons behind his departure when GoAuto
contacted him last week, but said he had
fi elded a number of job offers from other
automotive companies and was currently
working as an adviser to the industry.
“Once in Melbourne, I’ll be looking
forward to resettling myself into some other
role in the industry,” he said.
“In the meantime, I’ve got some advisory
work to do for a couple of companies. I
can’t name them, because some of the work
I’m doing is quite confi dential, but they are
automotive import companies.
“And if that all works out, I’ll probably
contemplate a future as some kind of
consultant to the automotive industry in
terms of business set-up, new business
acquisition, and so on.
“The types of roles that I’ve had (in the
past) are few and far between, and you have
to be fairly patient for the right one to come
up. I’ve had a couple of offers, but they were
in Sydney and I’m taking the opportunity of
this break to move to Melbourne, which is
really where I prefer to live, anyway.”
Mr McCann’s sales and marketing role
at HMCA was fi lled by two new directors.
Marketing general manager Oliver Mann
became director of marketing, while sales
and operations general manager Damien
Meredith was promoted to director of sales.
A company spokesperson told GoAuto
at the time: “HMCA has undergone an
executive-level restructure as part of the
company’s global organisation standards
and business needs to meet the demands of
the company in coming years.
“As such, the role of director of sales and
marketing has been relinquished, and Mr
Kevin McCann has left the company.”
In February, HMCA denied accusations
posted on Twitter that Mr McCann’s departure
was related to Hyundai’s failure to pay a
promised bonus for reaching 60,000 sales.
HMCA chief executive Edward Lee said:
“I don’t think that (accusation) is true. I
gave the promised bonus to him, he has a
KPI (key performance indicator) bonus and
I paid everything.”
A spokesperson added: “The company
is growing globally, there is a global
restructure out there. As part of setting
the company up for the future and making
sure it is sustainable, the role of sales and
marketing was relinquished by Kevin –
Kevin left the company and the company
thanks Kevin for all his hard work.”
Mr McCann has more than 30 years’
experience in the global automotive
industry and was appointed HMCA sales
and marketing director in April 2007.
As GoAuto has reported, Mr McCann was
previously executive vice-president of the
Volkswagen brand at the FAW-Volkswagen
joint-venture sales company in China, where
he played an integral role in a company-wide
(and dealer-wide) reorganisation that saw
VW’s Chinese sales increase by 35 per cent
to 276,000 vehicles in 2006.
That same year VW was the third best-
selling brand in China with a 7.3 per cent
market share. Mr McCann also oversaw
a lift in VW’s customer sales satisfaction
ranking in China from 10th to third.
He joined the Australian automotive
industry in 1979 before being engaged by
Audi AG in 1995 to establish sales and
marketing operations in several Asian
markets.
He led the establishment of the Audi
brand in China, and as managing director
of the Volkswagen Group for South East
Asia and the Pacifi c, he helped defi ne a new
strategic direction in the region.
Paul Newton George Hennessy
Sharon Hunter
Anne Taylor
Mara Nogarotto Doug Tame
Don’t be caught short... talk with us today and prepare yourself for tomorrow!
Has your dealership been running too lean during the last few months?Now that the economy has turned the corner, it is important that you have suffi cient staff to take full advantage as business improves. Remember how diffi cult it was, not so very long ago, to fi nd good staff? So now is the time to hire the experienced personnel you need before someone else does!
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Time to bolster your Dealership Team?
Former HMCA sales and marketing director Kevin McCann (right) presents the 2009 AFL
Player of the Year award to Chris Judd
Mar 24, 2010 Page 25GoAuto Personnel
John Mellor’s
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HONDA AUSTRALIA NAMES MATSUZAWA AS NEW CEO
SILVERSTONE VOLVO’S DEALER OF THE YEAR
AUTO ANALYST MOGER TO JOIN ACXIOM
NEW ROLE FOR PHIL SCOTT
By MARTON PETTENDYHONDA has announced the appointment
of Satoshi Matsuzawa as the new managing
director and CEO of its Australian
operations, effective from April 1.
Mr Matsuzawa was previously the
general manager of Honda’s Overseas
Operations offi ce, with responsibility for
car and motorcycle operations for the Asia
Oceania region, which includes Australia.
He replaces Honda Australia’s current
MD and CEO, Yasuhide Mizuno, who has
been appointed president of Dongfeng
Honda Automobile Co Ltd (DHA), based in
Wuhan Province, China.
A mechanical engineer who started his
career with Honda in 1982 in its R&D
centre, Mr Matsuzawa moved to Honda’s
North Carolina operations in 1996 before
transferring back to Honda’s Asaka offi ce
in Japan in 2001, when he undertook the
role of ‘block manager’ within the product
planning department of Honda’s power
products division.
Mr Matsuzawa was promoted in 2004
to the position of general manager of
Honda’s product planning offi ce, before
becoming general manager of business
planning in 2005.
While Lindsay Smalley remains Honda
Australia senior director, Mr Mizuno will head
to China exactly three years after replacing
Toshio Iwamoto, who was promoted to Honda
ICVS Singapore on April 1, 2007.
Mr Mizuno, who was
the president of Honda
Malaysia for three
years before coming to
Australia, will preside over
a joint-venture company
formed in China between
Honda Motor Company
and Dongfeng Motor
Corporation in 2003.
The Dongfeng Honda plant produces
the CR-V, Civic and Accord Euro-
based Spirior vehicles, which along with
imported models are available through
about 250 dealers in China.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
VOLVO Car Australia (VCA) has presented
its 2009 Dealer of the Year award to
Silverstone Volvo in Doncaster, Victoria.
In announcing the winner at a gala event
in Sydney last week, VCA managing director
Alan Desselss said the team at Silverstone
excelled across all areas of the business,
including sales, aftersales, training, customer
service and brand representation.
Its win was all the more signifi cant with
Silverstone having experienced a fi re at its
premises during the year. As well battling
the challenging trading diffi culties due to
the economic downturn, Silverstone also
had to contend with renovations at its
Doncaster site.
Silverstone also won Volvo’s aftersales
top achiever award.
Other award winners included Trivett
Volvo in Alexandria, NSW, for highest sales
volume, and Allan Mackay Volvo from Moss
Vale, NSW, for highest PMA market share.
JEREMY Moger, the Australian managing
director of demographics and auto market
analysis specialist Urban Science, is leaving
the company after nearly 15 years.
Mr Moger will join marketing services
and database integration specialist Acxiom
Australia, where he will look after Acxiom’s
automotive clients. Dale Jones, a former
vice-president of Ford Asia Pacifi c who
is these days regional director of Urban
Science, will take over Mr Moger’s role
until a replacement is appointed.
PHIL Scott, who many long-standing motor
industry executives will remember for his
fearless, hard-hitting commentary as the
editor of Wheels magazine and motoring
editor of the Sydney Sun-Herald, is to head
up ACP Magazines’ Australian consumer
and custom titles as group publishing
director.
In a career spanning more than 30 years
at ACP and Fairfax, where he rose to
managing editor of the Sydney Morning
Herald, Mr Scott rejoined ACP in 2002 as
group publisher of men’s lifestyle titles,
including the numerous car magazines in
the stable.
Alan Desselss (right) with Silverstone Volvo dealer principal Tony Nuccitelli
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Satoshi Matsuzawa
Mar 24, 2010 Page 26
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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
MARCH:Audi A4 TDIeAudi A4/A5 with stop-startMazda6 faceliftVolkswagen Transporter upgradeRenault Sport Clio 200Mercedes-Benz E-class Cabriolet
New model diary: CLICK HERE
GoAuto’s latest car review www.GoAuto.com.au
Ford Fiesta Econetic fi ve-door hatchUNLESS you do not have electricity in your home, it would be diffi cult to avoid Ford’s blanket
advertising for the superior-to-Prius average fuel consumption of its new Fiesta Econetic. Relying on a frugal diesel to achieve excellent economy as well as low CO2 fi gures, the German-built fi ve-door hatch makes for a practical, affordable and enjoyable eco runabout, as well as a stylish one. But is the Econetic really the best Fiesta you can buy?
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FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
NEW WIDE-BODY WRXSUBARU has revealed a tough new wide-
body version of its iconic Impreza WRX sedan
and hatch, which could lead to a long-awaited
four-door version of the hardcore STi itself.
The facelifted STi-look WRX – which
appears to differ only slightly from the
current STi hatch – was revealed yesterday
ahead of its offi cial world public debut at the
New York motor show on April 1.
The aggressive new STi-sourced
bodywork and wider wheel tracks, which
apply only to the WRX version of the
latest Impreza sedan and hatch, effectively
amounts to a midlife makeover for the
turbocharged Impreza models.
Both the MY11 Impreza WRX sedan and
hatch have been confi rmed for release in
Australia late this year, in an effort to further
differentiate the turbocharged WRX (and
STi) from garden-variety Impreza variants.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
IMPREZA ‘WHEEL DEAL’SUBARU Australia has announced the
release of a limited-edition ‘wheel deal’
Impreza RS hatchback, which comes with
sports alloy wheels from its turbocharged
WRX stablemate. Only 300 examples of the
upgraded RS have been produced and are
now on sale, priced at $29,980 – $990 more
than the regular Impreza RS hatch.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
BMW POLICE POWERTHE previously unidentifi ed diesel engine
that will power the dedicated Carbon E7 law-
enforcement vehicle that will vie directly with
Ford’s new Taurus-based Police Interceptor
and Holden’s Commodore-based Caprice
Police Patrol Vehicle has been revealed as an
oil-burning 3.0-litre straight six from BMW.
The BMW Group has announced a
major order from Indiana-based start-up
police car-maker Carbon Motors to supply
more than 240,000 diesel engines for the
E7 interceptor, which enters production
in 2012 – after the Caprice PPV in early
2011 and Ford’s Crown Victoria police car
replacement late next year.
The deal – which extends to the supply of
cooling, exhaust and automatic transmission
systems – was signed at a ceremony in
Washington DC this week.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
LOCAL TRIBECA RECALLSUBARU has recalled 639 versions
of its 2010 Tribeca SUV in Australia,
due to the potential for the front doors
on some examples to unlatch and open
unexpectedly.
Announced last Friday (March 19),
the recall comes as a result of potential
interference between the front door latch
cables and the front door window regulators
when the windows are operated.
Subaru will write to owners of all affected
vehicles – those with chassis numbers
between 027035 and 028070 – asking them
to bring the vehicle to any authorised Subaru
dealer for inspection and rectifi cation.
HONDA RECALLS ODYSSEYHONDA has confi rmed that Australia will
not be affected by a recall of about 344,000
examples of the company’s Odyssey people-
mover in North America.
Combined with 68,000 versions of the
Element SUV, the recall includes a total of
about 412,000 Honda vehicles in the US.
Model-year 2007 and 2008 versions of both
models have been recalled after complaints
of soft brake pedal feel from customers, who
also reported that brake pedals had dropped
closer to the fl oor over time.
According to Honda Motor Co, air could
enter the unit that controls the braking and
stability system in some vehicles, which
may result in the “soft brake pedal” or “low
brake pedal” after months or years.
US Honda spokesman Chris Martin told
Reuters that several crashes and three minor
injuries related to the problem had been
reported to the National Highway Traffi c
Safety Administration.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
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