List of Australian Car Clubs and Specialists, New Car Releases and Owners' Car Reviews for Aussie motoring enthusiasts
Toyota has just released figures that indicate that in the first quarter of this year it sold 2.3 million vehicles worldwide. That figure put’s it about 900,000 vehicles ahead of General Motors. Interestingly in Toyota’s home market – in Japan – it’s suffering just as much as Japanese manufacturers. In China – the world’s biggest […]
by Stuart Livesey Another parts manufacturer is in trouble and the flow-on could see Ford close its Melbourne plants on Monday if the problem is not resolved. Coughlan and Russell Engineering has gone into administration and a dispute over $1.85 million in entitlements has led to the standing down of 49 workers. Coughlan and Russell […]
by Stuart Livesey It’s hard to believe that a General Motors brand would ever think of building a compact car like these but it’s been hard for Chevrolet to ignore the dollars that one segment of the market are prepared to spend on cars of this size. So at the New York motor show Chevrolet […]
by Stuart Livesey Motoring shows here in Australia can be a little bit of a let down. You can wander around and look … and some might even let you touch … but no one does what Jeep does in the US. The New York Motor show is is on as a I write this […]
by Stuart Livesey VW unveiled the restyled Touareg at the New York Motor Show today and plans to have it in the showrooms by late in the northern spring. The new Touareg has had a face lift that’s designed to blend it more into the VW family. Other changes to the body include a redesigned […]
Kia Motors Corporation is staging the world premiere of its all-new KND-4 concept car today (Thursday) at the Seoul International Motor Show. Designed to reassert Kia’s credentials as a leading brand in the 4×4 and RV vehicle sectors, the new SUV concept car projects a dynamic, powerful character and exudes a strong sense of individuality. […]
In the mad rush to install LPG tanks that has been sweeping Australia it seems that some mistakes may have been made. 13,500 LPG tanks installed in vehicles between November 2006 and February 2007 have been identified as having the potential to leak. Axiom brand hand taps fitted to LPG tanks fitted to APA tanks […]
by Stuart Livesey The idea of building concept cars has been around for many decades. You know how it goes, build something really way out that looks and goes like a rocket but when it comes to production time turn out something that’s not going to make waves and not going to make all that […]
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries says the results of testing to establish the suitability of ethanol-blended petrol in motor vehicles has confirmed the accuracy of the information on the FCAI’s website. The testing program, commissioned by the Australian Government and conducted by engineering firm Orbital Australia, focused on older vehicles listed by the FCAI […]
… but Toyota takes the flag again this month. The Australian automotive industry has shaken off the effects of last year’s petrol price volatility and interest rate rises to post an all-time record sales total for the month of February. Official VFACTS retail figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries show that […]
MG – that classic British sports car – is now owned by Nanjing Automotive and built in China.
It’s a car jack in case you didn’t know. If you have bought one of those then the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission would like you to return it to the point of purchase and obtain a refund. The Federal Court has ordered that the jack be recalled because testing has shown that the jack […]
by Stuart Livesey Consumer Reports is a US based expert, indepenent, non profit organisation not unlike our Australian Consumers Association so when they do their annual report on the best and worst cars it’s well worth a look … unless you happen to be Mercedes Benz. If you happen to be Mercedes Benz then the […]
… and still going strong by Stuart Livesey This is a Mini Moke (built back in the days when no one would have dreamed of a German car maker buying out a British manufacturer) – about 1.2 litres under the bonnet – runs on the smell of an oily rag and has to be around […]
by Stuart Livesey Before winter arrives Kia plans on having the Kia Rondo available in Australia. If you don’t quite recognise the model name then think Kia Carens in overseas markets and you’re right on the button. Overseas the Kia Carens comes in a variety of equipment levels and is available in either 2 litre […]
Perhaps I’m showing my age but I can remember back to a time when we were told that Japanese cars were so cheap because the workers on the production line back in Japan were poorly paid. A quick glance at a new story in the auto section of Business Week Online might seem to confirm […]
by Stuart Livesey Starting in 1986 Ford began purchasing shares in Aston Martin and currently has complete control of the company. However Ford is now in financial difficulties and has decided to sell off Aston Martin in an attempt to raise some much needed cash. It was announced today that Ford has now sold Aston […]
The Australian automotive industry has shaken off the effects of last year’s petrol price volatility and interest rate rises to post an all-time record sales total for the month of February. Official VFACTS retail figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries show that 83,740 motor vehicles were sold last month; an increase […]
What do all these have in common here in Australia? by Stuart Livesey Since the beginning of March they’ve all issued recalls on vehicles and the recalls have all had to do with the braking system. Toyota has issued the biggest recall of vehicles and it’s safe to say that this recall would have to […]
by Stuart Livesey Despite some heavy advertising campaigns Kia continues to not live up to its potential in the new car market in Australia. Kia’s share of the market currently wanders between 1.8% and 2.1% but things might improve for Kia if they were to bring these three models into the country. Two are based […]