- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

Apr 30, 2014 No. 725

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Australia’s No.1 Automotive Industry Journal 70,000 Readers Weekly

L U B R I C A N T S .

T E C H N O L O G Y.

P E O P L E .

fuchs.com.au

Glass’s - The Auto Specification and Residual Value Specialists

EXCLUSIVEBy MIKE COSTELLO

Ateco empire set to expand with Chinese LDV vans expected to join stable soon

Ateco set for LDV

AUSTRALIAN motor vehicle distributor Ateco Automotive is set to grow its portfolio of Chinese brands and enter the light-commercial van market in one fell swoop by acquiring the distribution rights to LDV and its V80 Cargo range from current importer WMC.

The expected addition of LDV to Sydney-based Ateco’s stable, potentially as soon as June 1 this year, will come swiftly after its acquisition of Foton Utes from Queensland-based FAA Automotive Australia at the beginning of April, should it progress as expected.

LDV is a subsidiary of the massive government-backed Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation

(SAIC), which also owns the rights to fellow British brand MG, which is distributed here on a small scale in Sydney by Australia Longwell Motor (ALM).

LDV was formerly known as Leyland Daf Vehicles and based in the UK, but was purchased by SAIC in 2009.

A source close to the matter told GoAuto the deal to move LDV distribution from Sydney-based WMC Group to Ateco would be signed off on May 16 and take effect on June 1.

Neither distributor was prepared to comment when approached by GoAuto this week.

WMC Group chief executive Neil Bamford said: “I cannot make a comment at the moment, I hope you understand.”

Meantime, Ateco’s PR consultant for Asian brands Daniel Cotterill said he was “simply not in a position to comment on that at all”.

In addition to Foton utilities and trucks

– the truck business has operated as a separate division since October 2012 – Ateco is responsible for Great Wall’s cheaper and smaller V-series utes.

Winning the rights to LDV, the only mainstream Chinese vans imported to Australia, would bolster Ateco’s commercial stocks beyond these utes and into Australia’s commercial van market, starting with the diesel-powered V80 that went on sale nationally under WMC in January 2013.

WMC has an Australian network of 20 LDV dealers in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia. It also currently imports Chinese-made Higer buses.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE Chery concepts impress – next page

INSIDEREDESIGNED CRUZEEMERGES IN CHINA

Apr 30, 2014 Page 2

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Meet some of the family.

Mobile Apps from Australia’s fastest growing DMS. | auto-it.com.au

SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

PUBLISHER: John MellorEDITOR: Terry Martin MANAGING EDITOR: Mike CostelloJOURNALISTS: Barry Park, Tim Nicholson, Ron Hammerton, Byron Mathioudakis, Ian Porter PRODUCTION: Luc Britten, Ian JamesEDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Daniel GardnerProduced by GoAutoMedia: Ph: (03) 9598 6477 newsroom@goautomedia.net

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Early setbacks no barrierto bright future as Atecoconfident in Chery brand

By HAITHAM RAZAGUICHERY’S shaky start in Australia has not diminished the optimism of importer Ateco Automotive, which is keeping a firm eye on a bright future for one of this country’s pioneering Chinese car brands.

Two concepts unveiled at last week’s Beijing motor show – the sleek Alpha sedan and Beta SUV – demonstrate the gathering pace of Chery’s design-led product revolution that is aimed at increasing its appeal in western markets.

The brand is already China’s largest car exporter and Ateco’s Asian brands PR consultant Daniel Cotterill told GoAuto this deep-set international focus is the

main driver of confidence that Chery will eventually deliver success in Australia.

“We keep a very close eye on the Chinese automotive industry and there is all sorts of potential there – but to the best of our knowledge of the major domestic players, Chery has got the best chance (of Australian success) given they are focused on export sales,” he said.

“Chery have been at the forefront of China’s automotive exports from the start so they have that view of the world that they would like to succeed.”

Mr Cotterill said the idea of quitting – as General Motors’ European brand Opel did here after just a year – never crossed the minds of either Ateco or Chery.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

CHERY LOOKS TO SANOW that it can sell cars in Victoria, Chinese brand Chery is already looking to South Australia, a market previously isolated by Chery’s absence in the neighbouring state and sheer distance from west coast population centres.

Melbourne already has five suburban dealers in Cranbourne, Footscray, Frankston, Mentone and Preston, with regional centres Bairnsdale, Shepparton and Wodonga also up and running.

Mildura, Bendigo and Ballarat will open consecutively in coming weeks and months, bringing the total number of outlets to 11 by July.

Asian brands PR consultant for Chery importer Ateco Automotive, Daniel Cotterill, told GoAuto the company would like to have two dealers in Adelaide and three in South Australian regional centres.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Chery concepts impress

Alpha

Beta

Apr 30, 2014 Page 3

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

02 9331 3477Search Automotive Personnel & Follow us now on Contact Craig Warren on 0417248884

AUTOMOTIVE PERSONNELInternational

GENERAL SALES MANAGERExperienced Sales Manager required for dual

franchise operation. This opportunity will suit a career minded person looking for long term senior management promotion potential. 11 day fortnight, every 2nd saturday

and every sunday off!!NSW - Central West

ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGERWe seek an experienced Service Advisor with the

motivation and skills to maximise profitability to step up the this assistant manager role. This large privately owned

group support, mentor and promote from within where ever possible. Fabulous career potential!

Sydney

www.automotivepersonnel.com.au@AutoJobsAus

Contact Brooke Jones on 0438533699

Career Opportunities

Pik-Up price cuts kick in asIndian brand aims for localretail, model range growth

Mahindra looks ahead

By MIKE COSTELLOMAHINDRA Australia’s decision last week to slash the entry price of its utilitarian Pik-Up utility range to $18,990 driveaway was the first step in a plan to boost sales by broadening its local range, increasing its dealer network and adding new-generation global models from early 2016.

According to Mahindra Automotive Australia (MAA) national manager Mahesh Kaskar, the factory-backed distributor has a medium-term plan to increase its local presence firstly by introducing an automatic version of its struggling XUV500 SUV, likely before year’s end.

Meantime, the company will also look to increase its dealer network from about 30 to 50 sites, with a particular focus on improving its presence in South Australia and Western Australia.

“To be very honest with you it (Australia) is one of the most competitive markets in the world, and a brand like us without the complete product range and which, I’d say, is

still a non-name for most Australians, is the biggest challenge, first of all to convince them about Mahindra and the products,” said Mr Kaskar.

The network boost will set the company up to handle a new generation of the Pik-Up due here in 2016. This new Pik-Up, far from being a utilitarian farm-friendly special, will be a global design pitched firmly at western markets, potentially with a five-star safety rating.

“I can only make a statement that next Pik-Up will be in a true sense a global pick-up with all the safety and features … to a global standard,” said Mr Kaskar.

Furthermore, Mahindra is understood to be investing significant sums in developing a spate of new products to be built at a new plant near Tamil Nadu, commencing with a small SUV to rival the Ford EcoSport, codenamed S101.

Other models in the pipeline include a mid-sized SUV codenamed U101, a global MPV codenamed W202 and a

P601 light truck. When asked if Mahindra’s local

subsidiary planned to introduce some of these vehicles in the mid-term, Mr Kaskar said “for sure”.

“Right now we’re working in getting (XUV) 500 in auto version, but having said that, there is a totally different product platform Mahindra is getting ready that we will be launching, but before that we’re taking new dealers we’re getting onboard to India to showcase products for Australia.

“Basically we’re handicapped not having an auto, because 90 per cent of industry is auto, we are actually with that new product getting into mainstream SUV segment.

“Basically the whole idea is to become a little more aggressive, because the whole industry is getting very aggressive and we thought in order to differentiate us … we needed to be a little different,” he said.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

XUV500

Pik-Up

Apr 30, 2014 Page 4

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Please forward your written application and resumé by Friday 16th May 2014. Applications will be treated in strictest confidence and should be forwarded to the General Manager HR, Suzuki Australia Pty Ltd, PO Box 84, Laverton Vic 3028. Or via email: hr@suzuki.com.au

DiStRict SeRVice MAnAGeRSuzuki AuStrAliA is an importer and distributor of Suzuki products in the Australian market. Our continued growth has created an opportunity for an enthusiastic and customer focused individual to service our Western/Central region dealer network in the role of Automobile District Service Manager, based in Perth.

this role reports to the Service Operations Manager and is responsible for assisting the Suzuki dealer network to achieve defined objectives in all areas of fixed operations, facilitating high levels of customer satisfaction and retention, and recommending and coordinating marketing initiatives. You will also manage the warranty process and report on quality control.

the successful applicant will have sound technical skills, a background in the automotive business (comparable role), and a broad understanding of professionally run Dealer’s Service Operations. Experience gained in fixed operations (e.g. Service or Spare Parts) will be beneficial but is not a prerequisite. You will hold a current trade certificate, be an excellent communicator, PC literate, and be able to work with limited supervision. A current, valid driver’s license is required.

A competitive remuneration package including company car will be offered.

Redesigned small car hitsBeijing but no debut hereuntil after factory closure

By MIKE COSTELLOCHEVROLET officially revealed the next-generation Cruze small sedan at the Beijing motor show last week, in its Chinese specification at least.

The official unveiling came weeks after undisguised images of the car leaked onto the web, prompting a flurry of questions as to whether this was the overdue western-market model. In short, not quite.

In a somewhat confusing decision, General Motors has, as previously reported, also revealed a mild update of the ageing current-generation Cruze at this month’s New York motor show, designed to tide over its Chevrolet dealers until the western version of the new model arrives later in 2015.

This version will be tweaked to suit

western tastes, with “differentiated variants”, as GM terms them, to be produced for different markets. These markets will not include Europe, with GM this year withdrawing Chevrolet from the continent to focus solely on Opel.

Of course, the current Cruze is one of two vehicle lines produced by Holden in Australia at its Elizabeth plant. But with that factory to close its doors by the end of 2017, it does not make economic sense to produce the new-generation car locally.

As reported last week, Holden will instead soldier on producing the current, soon-to-be-replaced version for another two-and-a-half years.

The new-shape Cruze could be sold concurrently – Holden has previously offered two generations of both the Barina and Astra at the same time – or not be imported to Australia at all until 2018, by which time it will have been on US roads for well over two years.

As we reported earlier this month, the next-generation Cruze could be sourced from Thailand, with the South-East Asian nation continuing to offer huge incentives for global automotive players to build more vehicles there, most notably with highly economical next-generation engines.

In addition, GM Thailand last month announced plans to build a new Chevrolet model in a major investment to turn its Thai operation into a “strategic hub for global exports”.

Based on GM’s Gamma 2 platform, the new Cruze – both the western and Chinese versions – will use downsized new-generation Ecotec engines, including a 110kW/235Nm 1.4-litre turbocharged unit matched to a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE It’s a long way to the top – page 21

DOCUMENTS REVEAL HOLDEN PLANSPRIOR TO PULL-OUT: CLICK HERE

China’s all-new Cruze

Apr 30, 2014 Page 5

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

General ManaGer – aftersales• Senior Executive Position • Homebush based

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please email your current resumé and a covering letter to: opportunities@kia.com.au for enquiries contact Human resources on (02) 9701 1700. applications close friday 9th May 2014. no agencies please.

‘Move your Career up a gear with Kia’

KIa Motors is one of the world’s fastest growing motor vehicle manufacturers, represented in over 172 countries across the globe. Committed to the long-term future and continuous growth of the brand in australia, we are seeking an experienced and dedicated General Manager for our aftersales Department.

The successful candidate will effectively manage a professional, multi-faceted customer service facility, incorporating both face-to-face and call centre operations, ensuring high quality customer service.

Some of the responsibilities will include:

• Monitor service standards and procedures to ensure that they remain up to date and reflect Kia standards.

• Lead, develop and motivate staff to maintain a high quality level of service delivery to all Kia customers.

• Manage warranty and technical department/team.• Review and analyse data on Customer Service activities and

conduct regular benchmarking.

• Manage regulatory compliance.• Develop and manage in conjunction with Parts & Accessories,

Service and Marketing, initiatives for promoting KIA genuine parts and accessories and service programs.

The successful candidate will have the following attributes:

• Minimum 10 years management experience in an Aftersales role within the Auto industry (or similar) corporate office.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to liaise with all levels of management, staff, dealers, and third parties.

• Expert level proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint and SAP software.• Excellent data analysis and problem solving skills.• Highly customer focused.• Must be Team oriented and self-motivated.

Top full importer preparesfor battle when ‘Big 3’ exitshakes up new-car market

Martin Benders

By BARRY PARKTHE exit of Ford, Holden and Toyota from local manufacturing by late 2017 could create a sales bonanza for other car-makers, according to Mazda Australia managing director Martin Benders.

Chief of Australia’s largest full-line vehicle importer, Mr Benders said that rather than create new opportunities for brands switching to full-importer status, the loss of the ‘buy Australian’ mandate of many fleet operators would switch the focus to user-choosers - non fleet-based leaseholders who make their own choice as to what car they drive.

“The (Australian market) dynamic will change (after 2017), because a lot of the fleet business side of things will change as there won’t be factories to feed,” Mr Benders said.

“But in the end, you’re going to get market leadership with the right product that suits the market.

“What product do they not have now that’s suddenly going to change the dynamics from their perspective?”

Mr Benders said the three remaining car-makers had to change something

significantly between now and the end of local manufacturing to earn market share.

“What additional product are they going to add?” he asked.

“I’m not aware of any. Part of their (Holden’s) volume comes out of Commodore, so that won’t be there anymore.

“What are they going to replace that (volume) with? And where does Commodore sell mainly to now – the fleets.

“Are they going to be able to import

a North American model to replace that and still do the fleet business the same way?

“You know, they’re the questions I’m asking myself, and I don’t know the answer to that.

“All I can do is look at what happened to Nissan, and what happened to Mitsubishi after they changed to importers.

“There’s a period of time when everything’s disrupted, as they’ve got to adjust themselves from a local manufacturer to an importer, and it doesn’t matter how good you are, it’s very difficult to do.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREMore reports – next page

Mazda set to pounce

Mazda6

Apr 30, 2014 Page 6

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Approved applicants only. Lending criteria applies. Liberty Financial Pty Ltd ABN 55 077 248 983 Australian Credit Licence 286596.

Dealers do a great job selling cars, Liberty wants to help you sell more.Our super flexible and open minded approach means even more happy customers.Helping you complete more sales, experience the Liberty Difference.

Call us today on 1300 888 311www.liberty.com.au

Mazda sees more profitsahead after record result

By BARRY PARKMAZDA has achieved its biggest-ever full-year profit result – and once again, it is in part due to Australia’s strong sales performance.

The Japanese car-maker has posted a ¥182 billion ($A1.9 billion) pre-tax full-year result for the financial year ending March 31, based on an eight per cent rise in worldwide sales to 1.33 million units.

However, last financial year’s record result is already paling when compared with the blinder Mazda expects this financial year, with pre-tax earnings predicted to hit ¥210 billion based on sales that are anticipated to grow to 1.42 million units, a 12 per cent increase over last year’s result.

According to the car-maker, its standout performer globally was the new third-generation Mazda3 small car, which launched in Australia early this year.

The financial report says demand for the Mazda3 in the car-maker’s home port “far exceeded the target”, while sales of particularly the diesel-engined CX-5 SUV and the Mazda6 mid-size car remained strong in Japan.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Echoes of first-generation MX-5 in 2015 model: HallBy BARRY PARK

HOLDING on to core philosophies in a changing world has helped the MX-5 evolve into the sportscar it is today, according to the man behind the idea of creating the original two-seat roadster for Mazda.

Bob Hall, who along with Kenichi Yamamoto helped develop the idea of a small, rear-wheel-drive roadster as a feeder into Mazda’s larger, rotary-engined rear-drive sportscars, said its sales momentum was enough to convince the Japanese car-maker the concept was working for it.

“I had no doubt in my mind it would go two generations,” Mr Hall told GoAuto shortly after the chassis for what will become the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 was unveiled at this month’s New York auto show.

“I knew from the first quarter of ’91, I knew damn well that this product was going to go, and they’ll have a

second one.“The original plan was interesting

because the second-generation car would have been launched in four years, but Mazda had some problems

because of the bubble economy bursting and they realised really quick they didn’t need to do it.

“That helped, because the idea of putting a sportscar on a four-year platform cycle is moderately insane.

“It’s fine for your C-segment models, it’s fine for your

D-segment models, but you don’t need to for the MX-5.”

Instead, the MX-5 evolved slowly, spawning just three generations over 25 years, cutting down the cost of each model cycle.

“My general approach was, if they get generation two right, or even borderline, it could go for three,” he said.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Bob Hall

Artist’s impression of 2015 MX-5

True colours

Mazda3

Au

toG

uid

e.co

m

Apr 30, 2014 Page 7

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Made for each other. Why risk the long-term reliability of your Toyota?

Toyota Genuine Motor Oils (TGMO) feature a unique formulation specifically designed and tested by Toyota for application across the entire vehicle range.

A Toyota-approved blend of base oils and additives provides optimum vehicle performance, improved engine responsiveness and superior engine cleanliness.

Premium TGMO products represent the latest in synthetic lubricant performance to meet the needs of Toyota’s most sophisticated engine technology.

For more information on Toyota Genuine Motor Oil speak to your Toyota Dealer or visit: www.toyota.com.au/motoroil.

toyota.com.au

Being in Australia is ‘right’as Infiniti works on globalbrand expansion: Bartsch

By BARRY PARKINFINITI must have a foothold in Australia if it truly wants to call itself a global brand, according to one of the luxury car-maker’s most senior executives.

Michael Bartsch, an Australian-born former sales and marketing executive for GM Holden, Hyundai and Porsche Cars Australia who is now vice-president of Infiniti Americas, said the Japanese luxury brand had to invest here despite the market’s tough conditions.

He said a slow start for the brand since its launch here in late 2012 was “symptomatic” of the Australian market, which was one of the toughest worldwide.

“It is so oversubscribed that there are more brands in Australia than anywhere else in the world – you have all the Chinese brands, all the Korean

brands, the Indian brands,” Mr Bartsch said while speaking with GoAuto in New York last week.

“The fundamental problem with Australia is it is just simply over-supplied – too many brands, too fractured – and it’s got nothing to do with whether the product is suited to the Australian market.”

However, Mr Bartsch said for brands such as Infiniti, what suited the US market was also a

good fit for Australian buyers.“The demographics, the thinking, the

mindset – the Australian and American markets are so similar,” he said.

Since its launch in Australia, Infiniti has struggled to attract buyers to the brand in significant numbers, despite big price cuts

across its showroom in September last year aimed at boosting lacklustre sales.

In 2013, in its first full year of sales, Infiniti only managed to attract 304 new-car buyers to the brand, compared with almost 7000 for its more established Japanese luxury car rival, Lexus.

In the first three months of this year, Infiniti has managed only 93 sales compared with Lexus’ 1722.

However, the brand has recently introduced its new Q50 in diesel and hybrid guise, with a traditional turbo-petrol version to follow, and also plans to add new models including the more city-friendly Q30 hatchback – as well as its soft-roader spin-off – to help build sales.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREInfiniti halo models – page 24

Michael Bartsch

Q50

Infiniti hangs tough

Apr 30, 2014 Page 8

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see www.deloitte.com/au/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited and its member firms.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

© 2014 Deloitte Motor Industry Services Pty Ltd

Dealership Benchmarks Key operational performance indicators 2014

eProfitFocus Hotline Tel: 1300 784 511eProfitFocus@deloitte.com.au

Deloitte Motor Industry Services’ 2014 Dealership Benchmarks have been released. These benchmarks represent the top performing dealers across Australia.

For information on understanding the measures and how you compare click here to go to the dealer guide.

To download a complete copy of the 2014 Benchmarks click here.

Next Nissan Navara set to spawn new rugged SUV

Nissan BladeGlider, IDxon cards for production

By RON HAMMERTONNISSAN’S groundbreaking BladeGlider electric sportscar and retro-styled IDx coupe could both become a reality if Nissan planning chief Andy Palmer gets his way for a four-pronged assault on the excitement vehicle market.

Speaking at this month’s New York motor show where Nissan unveiled its new Murano crossover vehicle, Mr Palmer said he wanted to see Nissan’s sportscar heroes – GT-R and ‘Z’ – joined by the vastly different BladeGlider and IDx to cater for a broader range of customers who wanted a fun machine but did not necessarily want or perhaps could not afford one of the existing cars.

The executive vice-president of the Japanese company said the BladeGlider was important for Nissan’s future as it saw electric cars as the “end game” for the car industry anyway.

“In my mind, there is a sort of eco-space there for sportscars,” he said.

“You have the GT-R, to be the fast and furious sportscar, you have the next generation of the Z which is more classical, you have the IDx which is very much aimed at being what sportscars were when I was a lad – the bad boy that you could afford and have fun (in).”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

By RON HAMMERTONTHE all-new Nissan Navara that is just weeks away from its global reveal is set to spawn a rugged new SUV wagon to fill a gap vacated by the Pathfinder, according to Nissan executive vice-president Andy Palmer.

The new Navara-based vehicle – a Thai-built competitor for the Australian-developed Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Challenger, Isuzu MU-X and Holden Colorado 7, among others – will effectively replace the old and discontinued Pathfinder wagon that was built on the Navara’s truck-style underpinnings.

The latest Pathfinder – launched in 2013 – is built in America on a car-style

monocoque architecture shared with Murano and Maxima, thus saving both weight and fuel while delivering a more sophisticated driving experience.

But Nissan appears to believe there is still a need for a tough-guy wagon for tough conditions, especially in south-east Asia and developing countries where roads can be haphazard and loads heavy.

Mr Palmer, who calls the shots on new Nissan and Infiniti models, told Australian journalists at this month’s New York auto show – where the Japanese company pulled the covers from its new Murano crossover – that another SUV based on the new-generation Navara “would be logical”, adding jokingly: “That’s rhetorical, by the way.”

As GoAuto reported recently, Nissan is building a new factory in Thailand to manufacture the new-generation Navara for global markets, with the new vehicle expected to land in Australian showrooms from late this year or early 2015.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE‘Self-cleaning car’ – page 20

NISSAN TARGETS CHINESE YOUTHWITH LANNIA CONCEPT: CLICK HERE

‘Logical’ step

Current Pathfinder

BladeGlider

Apr 30, 2014 Page 9

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Service AfterSAleS SpeciAliSt

– Melbourne based– Truck MarkeT leader for 25 years– business and Technical focus

Isuzu is the Australian market leader, with a reputation for reliability, service and innovation achieved by producing an extensive range of high quality and robust trucks supported by our superior customer service.

Your challenge will be to drive the continued development of the National Aftersales – services and support Product range. Leveraging a depth of experience in a service environment you’ll work alongside operators, dealers and other specialists to further refine the Products and the administration that underpins it.

Day-to-day you’ll enjoy:• using your expertise to analyse complex service, warranty and operator

details to refine and develop new aftersales offers.• Measure and report effectiveness of aftersales programs for all stakeholders.

www.isuzu.com.au

• Promote and increase the profile of the service Aftersales with marketing campaigns, training, etc.

• supervise the continued development of robust administration systems to support the programs.

• Collaborating with other specialists in parts, marketing, engineering, finance.

You are a clear thinker, with a genuine depth of technical expertise relating to high value capital machinery aftersales, including service plans, extended warranty, etc, (ideally including advanced diesels). What differentiates you is initiative, maturity, interpersonal skills, credibility, resilience and ability to develop meaningful ‘win-win’ relationships at all levels. Trade or degree qualifications coupled with significant technical and commercial experience in the industry are essential.

Great company culture, supportive leadership, and industry best benefits apply. (subsidised car lease, significant super, phone, laptop, etc). Flexibility to travel regularly is an essential requirement. Apply now to email bbarker@inventra.com.au or call Blair on 0409 318 234 with confidential questions prior to applying.

Porsche returns to 4-cylpower with base Macanbut no dice for Australia

By TERRY MARTINPORSCHE unveiled a four-cylinder version of its all-new Macan compact SUV at the Beijing motor show last week, the first model from the German sportscar brand to rely on just four cylinders since the 968 from the mid-1990s.

While overseas reports indicate that mature markets such as the UK are in line to receive the new entry-level Macan – powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 174kW – Porsche Cars Australia public relations director Paul Ellis has confirmed to GoAuto that it remains off the agenda for release here.

“It’s for a few Asian markets only – certainly not on the radar for Australia,” Mr Ellis said.

The Macan touches down here in June with three six-cylinder petrol and diesel models available from launch:

the 190kW 3.0-litre S Diesel priced from $84,900 plus on-road costs; the 250kW 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol S from $87,200; and the range-topping 294kW 3.6-litre Turbo from $122,900.

The four-cylinder engine in Macan is understood to be parent company Volkswagen’s familiar ‘EA888’ 2.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged unit that is used across a wide range of models in the VW, Audi, Skoda and Seat brand stables.

The 1984cc engine produces its 174kW maximum power at 5000-6800rpm, while peak torque of 350Nm is available from 1500-4500rpm.

Driving through the PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and ‘active all-wheel-drive’ system, Porsche claims the

turbo-petrol four can send the 1770kg (unladen) base Macan from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds.

In-gear acceleration from 80-120km/h is said to be 5.1 seconds, with top speed 223km/h.

Official combined-cycle fuel economy for the Chinese market is listed as 7.2 to 7.5 litres per 100km.

“After launches of the Macan S, Macan S Diesel and Macan Turbo models, the introduction of the Macan represents a logical extension of the Porsche model line-up, positioning an efficient entry-level model on the Chinese market,” the company said.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Macan four-pot emerges

Apr 30, 2014 Page 10

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Warranty ManagerAs the Australian subsidiary for the iconic Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands, Fiat Chrysler Group is undergoing a significant transformation with inspirational models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee creating increased demand and sales.Due to this exciting growth period Fiat Chrysler are currently seeking an experienced Warranty Manager for a unique opportunity within the after Sales function. reporting to the Senior Manager aftersales and managing a small team, this role holds end-to-end responsibility for the Warranty department.This is a great opportunity to focus on the efficiency and delivery of the Warranty department through identifying improvement opportunities. Responsible for developing dealership action plans to improve warranty processing, liaising with international warranty departments and developing effective training plans with the team are all key elements to this role.The successful candidate will have a strong Warranty background, preferably within an automotive manufacturing environment, with the ability to lead and develop a small team to achieve set targets. Analytically focused with a strong business acumen and proven leadership skills are essential.If you have the drive, ability and the desire to take on a new challenge then Don’t Hold Back! Please send your application to genaea.pink@chrysler.com. Applications close Friday 9th May 2014.

Coupe crossover conceptfrom Mercedes heralds atwo-pronged SUV assault

By HAITHAM RAZAGUIMERCEDES-BENZ is set to belatedly follow arch-rival BMW and start introducing a range of coupe-styled SUVs, starting with an X6 competitor previewed by the Concept Coupe SUV.

The imposing crossover, initially seen at the annual Daimler shareholders’ meeting earlier this month, was unveiled in full at the Beijing motor show last week.

It heralds Mercedes’ intention to add breadth – and height – to its successful range of four-door coupes, which began with the E-Class-based CLS in 2004 and now includes the CLS Shooting Brake wagon and entry-level front-drive CLA.

Mercedes says the compact GLA crossover “has already translated the suggestion of a coupe-like design idiom into an SUV format” – a direction the Concept Coupe SUV “fully brings to perfection”.

As a result, Benz plans to dissect

its SUV range, with the GLA, GLK, M-Class, GL-Class and G-Class occupying the versatile “off-road line” and vehicles like the Concept Coupe SUV creating a new dynamic and sporty “on-road line”.

Daimler AG chairman and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Dieter Zetsche said the company differentiates itself from competitors in the coupe-SUV field by using a “thoroughly sporty coupe” as a starting point, then adding the company’s “comprehensive off-road expertise”.

To this end is the use of air suspension to provide either comfort, dynamic handling or off-road ability depending on driver-selected settings, while under

the bonnet a bi-turbo V6 engine drives all four wheels via Mercedes’ latest nine-speed automatic transmission.

The concept’s styling is completely distinct from any other Mercedes SUV but draws from the bluff-nosed design of the A-Class, CLA and GLA while adding a large dose of aggression.

Consistent with recent trends in German luxury car design, the menacing front end is offset by a more elegant tail end with its softly rounded rear windscreen, slim LED lights and uncluttered surfaces that make way for a neatly integrated lip spoiler.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Fresh Benz SUV attack

Apr 30, 2014 Page 11

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

DEALER DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – NSWToyota Financial Services can offer you the opportunity to work with a high profile brand in a progressive growth environment.

Our Toyota Insurance team is seeking to appoint a Dealer Development Manager based at our Head Office in St Leonards, NSW.

You will be energetic and passionate about delivering service to some of Toyota Financial Services’ key dealership accounts. Specifically this will involve account managing the insurance and warranty portfolio where you support, train and develop dealership staff to increase the size of the portfolio. Another key aspect of the role will be to monitor overall F&I performance (in conjunction with Dealer Account Managers) and identify sales strategy improvements.

We need your experience and proven track record in sales and account management. You will have at least 2 years automotive experience in a Business Manager / Sales Manager role, hold first class presentation skills and preferably have demonstrated training facilitation experience.

If you were to join Toyota Financial Services you will be joining a member of the Toyota Group of Companies and a leading provider of motor vehicle finance and related financial services. If you are keen to join an organisation that recognises people who add value to the business, please send your application by Wednesday 30th April 2008 to:

Sue Jolly, Human Resources. Phone: (02) 9430 0321 Email: hrrecruit@toyota.com.au

A division of Toyota Finance Australia Limited ABN 48 002 435 181.

ToyoTa Finance is expanding its insurance team to support our network of Dealers due to significant growth. These newly created roles have been developed to take us to the next level of performance. With a comprehensive range of commercial and retail insurance and warranty solutions, coupled with market-leading finance product offerings, these newly created roles will be working with one of Australia’s leading vehicle finance corporations. We have a unique culture, business practices and work approaches that make Toyota Financial Services such a successful company.We are seeking to appoint these positions on a permanent fulltime basis in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. The role involves both metro and regional intrastate travel across your region and some interstate travel.Reporting to the Regional Sales Manager, your responsibilities will include:• Meeting and exceeding the annual Regional Sales insurance targets and results. • Supporting the regional sales team to develop and implement strategies to support achievement to plan and align to our national plans.To ensure your success in this role, ideally you will have:• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Business Development Manager or Sales Manager within a motor dealer insurance provider (highly desirable).• Comprehensive understanding of Insurance and Finance products within Automotive dealerships (essential).• Qualifications relating to insurance (preferred).In return, you will receive great benefits such as our car benefit, to ensure you can drive a new Toyota for less. Financial support for relevant study and/or joining professional associations and networks to ensure you have a clear perspective of best practices in the market. In addition you will receive work life balance initiatives including paid parental leave.Successful candidates will be required to undergo background verification checks prior to commencement of employment.If you are keen to join an organisation that recognises people who add value to the business and this is the role you’ve been looking for, then please apply now to Human Resources, Toyota Financial Services, by email: hrrecruit@toyota.com.au

SaleS Development managerS – Insurance• Newly created role • Attractive salary and incentives • Fully maintained tool of trade vehicle provided

‘Future luxury’ show car previews the redesigned7 Series due late in 2015

By HAITHAM RAZAGUIBMW has previewed its next-generation 7 Series with the Vision Future Luxury concept presented at the Beijing motor show last week.

Contrary to speculation that the concept would point to a mooted new 9 Series flagship, overseas reports confirm it is a sneak peek at a replacement for the ageing 7 Series limousine, which will be replaced late next year.

Taking obvious styling cues from the one-off Pininfarina-penned Gran Lusso coupe concept unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este car show in Italy 11 months ago, the Vision Future Luxury contrasts bold, bluff surfaces with swooping curves and elegantly slim head- and tail-lights.

Striking similarities include the oversized kidney grille flanked by comparatively tiny headlights, the two-tone alloy wheel design, the fastback-like rake of the rear windscreen and

large twin exhaust outlets integrated with the rear bumper.

But where the Vision Future Luxury goes further is the series of air ducts along its sides.

Whereas the Gran Lusso featured vents behind the front wheels like a Jaguar XFR-S or VF Commodore, the Vision Future Luxury bathes these in chrome, which extends like an underscore along a recess on the sills before disappearing into air intakes on the rear doors.

The conclusion of these air channels emerge to book-end the car’s rear, where unlike the Gran Lusso, complex surfaces clash in a way not seen on a BMW since design boss Chris Bangle departed.

While luxury flagships are designed to make a statement on the outside, it is the inside where each manufacturer’s definition of luxury is explored, and BMW has clearly taken some inspiration from its Rolls-Royce subsidiary while remaining true to its German heritage.

Like a Rolls-Royce, entry for those who wish to be driven is via rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors but, crucially, the B-pillar is integrated with the front seat supports and extends across the cabin’s width, housing twin rear-seat entertainment screens.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREMid-life upgrade for X3 – page 18

BMW’s 7 Series ‘vision’

We’re looking for someone who can not only sell sand to a surferbut can tell you the first name (and dog’s name) of every one they’ve sold it to.

Dealers wanted.

Visit: gumtree.com.au/dealers

Click here to hear how Gumtree works for Dealers

Apr 30, 2014 Page 13

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Competitive Tailored Insurance and Warranty Solutions.

www.virginiasurety.com.au 1300 309 940

Virginia Surety Company is a premier provider of a comprehensive range of insurance and warranty solutions to manufacturers and dealers in over 30 countries.

Our programs are designed to promote retention and brand loyalty in a competitive market.

We implement profitable and innovative solutions that deliver results. Providing assurance of global experience, underwriting expertise and a strong customer focus.

Looking for additional revenue? Talk to us about our customised, profitable solutions.

Local knowledge. Global expertise.

Contact Virginia Surety Company today to discusshow we can implement a solution that offers additional revenue whilst providing your customers with exceptional value.

Click here for more information

Head of VW powertrainconfirms production forwild 294kW Golf: report

Green light for R 400

By HAITHAM RAZAGUIRARELY does a Volkswagen get cross-shopped with an AMG Mercedes, but with the Golf R 400 concept unveiled at the Beijing motor show last week this could well happen.

Especially as according to Car and Driver, Volkswagen’s global head of powertrain development Heinz-Jakob Neusser confirmed the 294kW/450Nm all-wheel-drive uber hatch will become production reality.

Extracting that much power and torque from the standard R’s aluminium-block 2.0-litre EA888 four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine gives VW bragging rights over AMG, which in the conceptually similar A45 equals the Golf for torque but is 29kW down on power from its 2.0-litre turbo four.

The only production four-cylinder

cars to beat the Golf’s specific output have been some limited-run ‘FQ400’ versions of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution – the latest of which was boosted to 300kW and 525Nm.

Even then, the FQ400 Evos were not strictly production cars but factory-approved specials fettled by third-party hot-shops, while VW’s own R GmbH skunkworks did all the R 400 work in-haus.

Considering both the standard Golf R that launched in Australia earlier this month and the 2010 MkVI version both copped reduced engine outputs over European versions due to our hot climate, a potential Oz-bound R 400 could be similarly hobbled.

From a standing start the R 400 leaves the $75,000 A45 AMG for dead when fitted with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with its

claimed 3.9-second 0-100km/h time seven tenths swifter than the Benz.

Keep the throttle planted and the hot VW will charge all the way to an electronically limited 280km/h, while the A45’s governor calls time at 270km/h – if the right option box is ticked, which it is as standard for Australia.

Apart from a few fluorescent highlights, Volkswagen opted for a subtle ‘Silver Flake’ colour scheme with the R 400 concept that camouflages extensive body modifications over the standard Golf R.

But bulging wheelarch extensions that make an RS Audi look shy add 40mm of width to the car and sit low over the 19-inch wheels.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE Volkswagen’s ‘Jetta CC’ – next page

Apr 30, 2014 Page 14

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

CFO – Brisbane Dealership GroupBartons – A family owned, Multi Franchised Automotive Dealership on the Southside of Brisbane have significantly expanded over the last 12 months whereby a new position has been created for a Chief Financial Officer. In their 69th year of business, representing the brands of Holden, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Sti and Hyundai, over two locations the two Directors, Doug Barton and Mark Beitz, are looking to take operations to the “next level”. With turnover in excess of $100M and 120 staff, they are seeking a ‘unique’ individual, preferably with automotive experience to maximise the returns of this highly successful business.

Key Responsibilities & Pre-Requisites• FormalQualificationstosupportthisrole(CPA,CABachelorBusiness/Accounting)

• ManagementofadministrativeteamincDealershipAccountant/PropertyManager,Office Manager, HR Manager, 2 Asst Accountants and Administrative Clerks.

• Strongcommunicationskills–demonstratedabilitywithinanadministrativeteamand management group

• Provenabilitytoeffectchangesinprocess/proceduresandDealershipFinancialPerformance.

• Identifyprofitopportunities

• MotorIndustryandPentanaexperiencepreferredbutnotessential

The Successful Candidate:You will need to possess the extraordinary ability to be a great communicator and also have genuine interestto“lookfurther”intothedetailsofdealershipoperations.WorkingalongsidetheDealerPrincipalyou must have the ability to design and implement changes.

Based at our Wynnum Dealership, this is an excellent opportunity for a Financial Controller looking for the “nextstep”intheircareer.WithasimplestructureoftwoDirectors(oneofwhichistheDP),thepositionwill be entrusted with running the financial side of the Dealership.

Only driven individuals, with an extremely high work ethic who possess the above listed attributes, need apply.

RemunerationAn attractive package will be negotiated with the successful applicant including a healthy base salary, bonus/commission,companyvehicle.Theidealapplicantwillearnwellinexcessof$100kandmayevenbe considered for financial ownership interests in the future.

AllapplicationsshouldbesenttotheBartonsHRManager-marked“Private&Confidential”viaemailhr@bartons.net.au.AlternativelyyoucancontacttheHRManager–TanyaHibbardon33967777.

Bartons www.bartons.net.au – Family Owned and Operated since 1945

CFO Chief Financial Officer

VW uncovers a potentialCLA rival with sleek NMCsub-Passat CC contender

By MIKE COSTELLOVOLKSWAGEN is testing the waters as it looks at ways to produce a sexier and sportier five-seat alternative to its mid-sized Jetta sedan.

The company last week tore the covers from the New Midsize Coupe (NMC) concept car at Auto China in Beijing. As Volkswagen’s biggest market, and one that prefers sedans, China would naturally serve as the epicentre of demand for such a vehicle.

Volkswagen refers to the NMC as a preview of a “sports sedan positioned below the Passat”, meaning it could conceptually serve as a shrunken Passat CC four-door ‘coupe’, even if its production-ready styling eschews that car’s swooping roofline in favour Skoda-esque edginess.

Mercedes-Benz has enjoyed significant sales success with its A-Class-based CLA sedan derivative, which is stylistically a shrunken version of its segment-defining CLS.

Nominally a concept vehicle created with the aim of stirring debate and public feedback, the NMC nevertheless looks ready for the road.

Assisting any decision to run such a vehicle down its production line – potentially in both China and the Mexican plant that produces the Jetta for the US and

other western markets – is Volkswagen’s modular vehicle front- and all-wheel-drive architecture known as the ‘MQB’.

Already underpinning the VW Golf, Skoda Octavia and Audi A3, among many others either in production or development, the MQB also lies beneath the NMC. Reflecting the flexibility of the platform, the NMC is shorter than a Jetta and yet wider than a Passat, lending the car its sporting stance.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Volkswagen’s ‘Jetta CC’

Give Your Service Revenue a Lift

Finally, inspection-based selling that’s fast, profitable and measurable.

“�Superservice�Triage�is�a�profit�generator.�You�sell�more.�

It’s�not�just�labour�sales,�it’s�also�parts�and�tyres,�and�

it�helps�us�sell�across�a�number�of�departments.”

—David Sheldrake, Aftersales Director

» Maximise hours per RO by identifying and selling additional repairs

» Increase workshop traffic by proactively following up on “declined work”

www.superservice.com/trial1800 810 103sales@superservice.com

youtube.com/superservicesolution

MADE

IN A

USTRALIA

The only vehicle inspection tool that integrates with the powerful Superservice Menus™ repair data.

LEADERS IN PARTS AND SERVICE SOLUTIONS FOR 24 YEARS.

MK

1390

Apr 30, 2014 Page 16

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

118,828Test Drives

NoPaperwork

Contact us today for an extended free trial1300 317 401 testdrive@dealerdrive.com.au dealerdrive.com.au

TM

Suzuki’s iV-4 conceptpoints to reborn Vitara

By HAITHAM RAZAGUISUZUKI will introduce a replacement to its tiny, ageing and characterful Jimny off-roader by the end of this year – but it is not the iV-4 concept that debuted at Frankfurt in September and resurfaced in Beijing last week.

The production iV-4 will slot between the Jimny and Grand Vitara and is hoped to debut in Europe later this year – probably at the Paris show – and arrive in Australian showrooms in the second quarter of 2015.

Suzuki Australia communications manager Andrew Ellis told GoAuto the Jimny replacement is coming later this year.

“Jimny replacement is coming later this year … iV-4 is bigger than Jimny,” he said. “Going on what I’ve seen … I would say it is between Jimny and Grand Vitara.”

This means the baby 4x4, which falls foul of Victoria’s mandatory electronic stability control requirements, should soon return to showrooms in the southern state – but what form the Jimny replacement will take remains to be seen.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

‘We’d love it’

Suzuki Australia keen on Alivio small sedan conceptBy HAITHAM RAZAGUI

THIS subtle sedan from Suzuki could represent a rosy future for the Japanese brand’s Australian operation by filling a Corolla-sized gap in its line-up – if the model becomes available to this market.

Premiered at the Beijing motor show last week, the Alivio concept points to an upcoming SX4 sedan replacement, without the quirky jacked-up stance and related gravel road ability.

Initially, Suzuki’s priority is to get the small sedan established in the Chinese and Indian markets, for which the Alivio is primarily targeted.

The brand desires a repeat of its Indian success story – where it dominates with a 40 per cent market share – by mopping up middle-class customers in China.

But as soon as the production Alivio becomes available to world markets, Suzuki Australia will be elbowing its way to the front of the queue, according to local communications manager Andrew Ellis.

“We like the look of it, the size is right and the moment they say ‘are you interested’, we will be jumping at the

opportunity,” he said. “We’d love to have it … obviously

for this market it would be perfect, it definitely hits the sweet spot (in the popular small-car segment).”

While the Suzuki S-Cross SUV replaces the SX4 hatch, the Alivio makes a more logical SX4 sedan replacement – the niche model was discontinued more than a year ago – as booted variants accounted for less than 15 per cent of SX4 sales.

Disappointing sales of the S-Cross have prompted two price cuts since the Dualis rival’s Australian launch in December, and the smaller SX4 stablemate it is supposed to replace continues to occupy showroom space until stocks run out.

Taking the Authentics sedan concept from last year’s Shanghai show closer to its production conclusion, the Alivio will start rolling out of joint-venture Chongqing Changan Suzuki Automobile factories later this year.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE iV-4

Mercedes-Benz Sydney, 43-47 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria, NSW. Tel 02 9697 7777, www.mbsydney.com.au

General Sales Manager

Mercedes-Benz Sydney has an exciting opportunity for an experienced sales management professional to join our Alexandria dealership and oversee all new, pre-owned and vans sales activity. This senior leadership role will be responsible for strategically managing all sales related activity to ensure the efficient and profitable operation of the sales department, while striving to meet customer satisfaction standards and maximising growth opportunities.

Reporting to the Dealer Principal the key responsibilities of this role will include:

• General day-to-day management and strategic oversight of all sales activity;• Leadership and mentoring a team of experienced Sales Managers;• Creating sales strategies to generate maximum dealership exposure in the designated primary marketing

area (“PMA”);• Efficiently managing the sales department’s financial segments, including budgets and expenses;• Creating and maintaining systems to control the vehicles sales process from the initial point of customer

contact through to vehicle delivery;• Managing the dealership’s total vehicle inventory, ensuring excessive holding costs are not incurred;• Maintaining regular customer contact, ensuring satisfaction is maintained and opportunities for growing

the business are maximised;• Achievement of sales targets for each sales department within the dealership; and• Leading department staff by example in terms of work practices, ethics and general conduct.

To be successful in this role you will need to have extensive sales management experience in a retail sales operation. A strong customer focus and the ability to create a positive working environment through motivating and developing staff will be pivotal to your success in this role.

If you consider yourself suitably experienced for this position, please forward a cover letter and resumé via email to human_resources@daimler.com by close of business on Monday 5 May 2014.

Mercedes-Benz Sydney

Apr 30, 2014 Page 18

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Please write to Philip Blewitt, Network Development Manager, Private Mail Bag 6, Campbellfield VIC 3061, or email pblewit1@ford.com by May 2.

expressions of interest - fordsydney’s north sideWe’re seeking expressions of interest to develop a Ford presence on Sydney’s North Side.

Ford is a vibrant and iconic brand with a bright future. We need people who can help us Go Further in everything we do. It begins with exacting design, cutting-edge technology and rigorous safety standards. And it ends with exceptional customer service.

We are looking for the right business partners to manage customer needs in areas like St Leonards, Chatswood, Pennant Hills and Hornsby. If you have top automotive credentials and the passion to drive one of Australia’s best recognised brands forward, register your interest today.

Mid-life upgrade for X3Still no RWD model at X3entry level as BMW addsequipment, raises prices

By MIKE COSTELLOBMW Australia will launch a mid-life update of its X3 compact SUV in June this year, bringing more standard equipment and a revised diesel engine option in exchange for price increases of up to $1900.

With X3 sales down 22.3 per cent this year to 632 units, the BMW has ceded ground to the rival Audi Q5 (781) and top-selling Range Rover Evoque (798). It still remains BMW’s third-most-popular model behind the 3 Series and X5.

The German company’s local arm will no doubt hope this freshening will give the SUV a boost.

“These additional styling upgrades complement the vehicle’s dynamic on- and off-road capability, and the increased value – up to $6000 of extra standard equipment in some models – makes the X3 a more attractive proposition than ever before,” said BMW Group Australia general manager of marketing Toni Andreevski.

The price of entry is now $60,900

plus on-road costs for the carryover 135kW/270Nm xDrive20i, a jump of $1900. The base diesel xDrive20d climbs $1300 to $64,400.

In return, both get additional standard equipment including bi-Xenon headlights, paddle-shifters, redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels and a new ‘xLine’ styling package.

This is in addition to range-wide updates including a bolder kidney

grille design, new twin circular headlight units, updated front and rear bumpers, new LED side indicator lights, new glossy black cabin inserts and new leather upholstery.

The xDrive20d also gets a reworked all-aluminium 2.0-litre turbo-diesel

engine with an increased boost pressure of 2000 bar, pushing outputs to 140kW and 400Nm (up 5kW and 20Nm), cutting 0-100km/h acceleration by four tenths to 8.1s, and fuel consumption to 5.2 litres per 100km (down 0.4L).

Further up the range, the 180kW/350Nm xDrive28i climbs from $73,000 to $73,400, and the range-topping 190kW/560Nm xDrive30d diesel climbs $900 to $77,400.

Both these versions gain equipment including a ‘sports’ automatic transmission with paddles, a 360-degree surround-view camera, a 12-speaker sound system and new 19-inch alloy wheels.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE More reports – page 20

PRICING:xDrive20i (a) $60,900 xDrive20d (a) $64,400 xDrive28i (a) $73,400 xDrive30d (a) $77,400

Apr 30, 2014 Page 19

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Midwest sales Manager

located in beautiful geraldton by the sea, Midwest auto group is a multi-franchise car dealership delivering nissan, Honda, Ford and Hyundai. we are seeking a true passionate car enthusiast and natural leader to lead a vibrant sales team. This is a great opportunity to join a team that has a high volume of traffic flow creating great opportunities. A superior support structure is in place to ensure you succeed.The ideal candidate will need to demonstrate the following:• Experienced in car sales (essential).• Possess exceptional communication skills.• A passion for customer service.• Positive attitude.• A drive to succeed.

• Experience in managing a team.• Professional and well presented.• A sales license.• Current Driver’s license.• Police clearance.

In return we will reward you with an exciting role, a competitive salary including a generous monthly bonus structure, maintained company vehicle and a great opportunity to be part of an exciting team.If you’re considering moving to Geraldton, ask us about assistance with relocation costs.

Are you looking for a change of lifestyle? Time for a seachange?

DAvE PArsons, General Manager, MidWest Auto GroupEmail: dave@midwestautos.com.au Ph: 08 9938 0500 / 0408 428 136

SQ5 SUV sales success amotivating factor for upto $17K cut from S4, S5

Audi slashes S-car prices

By MIKE COSTELLOAUDI Australia has slashed the price of its high-performance S4 and S5 models by as much as $17,000 in response to the sales success of the more affordable SQ5 sports SUV launched this time last year.

The new pricing structure sees the S5 cabriolet drop $17,000 to $129,000 plus on-road costs, and its S5 coupe and Sportback five-door sibling fall $16,400 to $119,000. In addition, the S4 sedan and Avant wagon each drop $14,900 to $105,000 and $108,500 respectively.

This revised pricing brings Audi’s second-tier hot petrol models – they sit below the RS range in the performance pantheon – closer to the rampaging twin-turbo-diesel SQ5, which is selling its proverbial socks off thanks to razor-sharp pricing of $89,400.

Audi’s price cuts will help the Ingolstadt marque’s Australian arm continue the monumental sales growth it has enjoyed with its S, RS and R8 models over the past 18 months. Its sports line grew 172 per cent in 2013, and is up a staggering 400 per cent again in 2014.

Last year, Audi grew its performance range with the addition of the SQ5, RS5 cabriolet, RS6 Avant and S3 hatch. This year, the S8, RS7, S3 sedan and RSQ3 have either joined the line-up, or will join soon.

Despite the previous high (by comparison) pricing, sales of the S4 and S5 models are up 475 per cent this year.

Dealers have been aware of the price cuts since January, and have been able to pass them on to customers before last week’s

official announcement, Audi says. This largely accounts for the five-fold sales growth.

While the SQ5 packs a potent 230kW/650Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel V6, the S4 and S5 range is powered by a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine with 245kW and 440Nm, the latter available between 2200 and 5900rpm.

All come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system.

In a statement released last week, Audi Australia managing director Andrew Doyle intimated the sharp SQ5 pricing had forced the company’s hand, with the gap between the hot SUV and the less practical S4 and S5 too stark.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

PRICING:S4 Sedan 3.0 TFSI quattro (a) $105,000S4 Avant 3.0 TFSI quattro (a) $108,500S5 Coupe 3.0 TFSI quattro (a) $119,000S5 Sportback 3.0 TFSI quattro (a) $119,000S5 Cabriolet 3.0 TFSI quattro (a) $129,000

S4 Avant

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto InBrief

John Mellor’s

Apr 30, 2014 Page 20

Skoda’s Octavia has always been a bit of a segment-defier.Based on the Golf small car, closer to a Mazda6 in size and priced somewhere in between, the Czech alternative has attracted a small but loyal clientele in its short lifespan here. Now there is a new one, again available as a sedan and a wagon, but now sporting lower prices - especially at entry point - and bringing to the table all the outstanding characteristics intrinsic to the Mk7 Golf with which it shares its innovative ‘MQB’ architecture.

Skoda Octavia Elegance 132 TSI

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

GoAuto’s latest car review www.GoAuto.com.au

RECALL HITS PRADO: CLICK HERE

The Tony White Group is a large privately owned motor dealership group. The Group consists of 13 dealerships and represents 26 car franchises. Spanning the Eastern Australian States from Cairns to Melbourne at 18 different locations, the group sells in excess of 22,000 new and used motor vehicles and employs over 850 people.Due to our continued growth we are now seeking an experienced Group Finance Business Manager to help further develop and grow our business. This person will mentor, oversee and train where necessary, the 30+ Business Managers currently in the Group. The position will be based in Brisbane but monthly travel to selected dealerships within the Group will be required.The candidate must have prior experience within the car Finance and Insurance area and have a history of high achievement. You will possess excellent communication and sales skills, a keen eye for detail and be self-motivated. You will get all the support to make this role a success and a very attractive remuneration package will be negotiated with the ideal applicant.Resumés can be forwarded by email to jobs@tonywhitegroup.com.au

Group Finance Business Manager

‘SELF-CLEANING’ CARNISSAN is testing a new kind of automotive paint that repels water and oils, leading the Japanese car-maker to refer to its prototype as the “world’s first self-cleaning car”.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

It’s no joke, but this tough Paceman ute is a one-offBy MIKE COSTELLO

MINI has released images of a truly one-off rough-and-ready ute called the Paceman Adventure that looks ready for a bout of continent-hopping.

No, this is not a belated month-late April Fools’ Day prank but rather the handiwork of a team of Mini apprentices and their instructors in Germany.

Based on the 135kW all-wheel-drive Cooper S ALL4 version of the Paceman, the Adventure features modified suspension giving extra ground clearance and better departure angles, a snorkel, off-road tyres and roof-mounted spotlights.

The refabricated body retains the front

portion of the two-door Paceman, but sees the gawky rear passenger area ditched in favour of a checker-plate steel tub.

In addition, the roof-mounted racks can hold a full-sized spare wheel, and the package is finished in black and Jungle Green paintwork.

However, those buyers who see potential here for a European reimagining of the beloved Subaru Brumby, hold the phone – Mini has no plans to make it, relegating it to the concept scrapheap alongside the likes of its Rocketman supermini from 2011.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

BMW AD COMPLAINTBMW has fallen foul of Australia’s advertising watchdog for showing cinema-goers vision of its 2 Series coupe slipping and sliding about in the middle of a desert.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

WELL CONNECTEDBMW drivers no longer need a mobile phone to access internet-based applications while on the move, thanks to a permanently installed extra-cost SIM card in all ConnectedDrive-equipped vehicles.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

A Mini ute!

BOLWELL FACTORY FIRE: CLICK HERE

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto Market Insight

John Mellor’s

GoAuto Market Insight – brought to you by Dealer Solutions

DealerSolutions

Means Performance.

Apr 30, 2014 Page 21

By TERRY MARTINHOLDEN has a huge task ahead of it as it embarks on an ambitious plan to overtake Toyota and reclaim motor vehicle sales market leadership in Australia by the end of the decade.

New chairman and managing director Gerry Dorizas believes the lion brand needs only a 15 per cent share of the new-vehicle market to achieve this goal, and has declared his intention to the reach the target despite the company not having locally built vehicles from late 2017.

This means no unique rear-drive Australian Commodore as we know it, no replacements in sight for derivatives such as the Holden Ute and Caprice long-wheelbase sedan, and none of the kudos and benefits that come with the territory as a local manufacturer.

The latter include government and private fleet purchasing policies that require Australian-made cars to be given precedence over imports, and the individual buyer loyalty and favouritism that stem from its Australian heritage and ‘Made in Australia’ status.

Holden lost market leadership to Toyota in 2003 – after a two-year reign – and since then has never come close to regaining top position. Its market share has steadily eroded from a 21.6 per cent peak in 2002 (with 178,392 sales) to less than 10 per cent last year (9.9), when

new registrations slipped to 112,059. Toyota stole market leadership from

Ford in 1998, and although Holden had the upper hand in 1999 and 2001/02, the Japanese brand enjoyed a share of between 20 and 24 per cent from 2003 until the devastating Japanese earthquake and tsunami, and Thai flood disaster, in 2011 curtailed its market share and sales volume to 18 per cent and 181,624 units respectively.

Up until then, Toyota had routinely posted more than 200,000 sales a year, climbing as high as 238,983 units in 2008 for a 23.6 per cent market share.

While Mr Dorizas is adamant 15 per cent will be enough for leadership given new entrants and increasing competitiveness in the market, Toyota Australia – as recently as last year, albeit prior to its decision to follow Holden and Ford in pulling out of local

car manufacturing – has made clear its intention to secure a 25 per cent share.

Since 2011, Toyota has clawed back sales to well beyond 200,000 – it posted 218,176 and 214,630 in 2012 and 2013 respectively – and although its share has recovered since the 2011 natural disasters, the brand has not returned past 20 per cent, managing 19.6 and 18.9 per cent over the period.

Giving Mr Dorizas confidence is the fact that Holden’s market share has risen to 10.3 per cent after the first quarter of this year – compared to Toyota’s 18.1 per cent – although the American General Motors subsidiary’s sales increase is entirely down to the doomed Adelaide-built Commodore and Caprice, and just one other model: the Colorado ute produced in Thailand.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

GMH has huge task aheadof it to overtake Toyota asmarket leader in Australia

It’s a long way to the topHolden vs Toyota

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

Sale

s

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

% s

hare

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Holden sales Toyota sales Holden share Toyota share

Australian sales and market share 1998-2013

Source: VFACTS

Time for a changeTime for a changeDealerlogic Accounting for used car dealers makes tax easy

FinD Out MOreFinD Out MOre

1300 66 11 33

www.dealersolutions.com.au

Green issues in the auto worldGoAuto Green

John Mellor’s

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto Green – brought to you by Titan DMS

Apr 30, 2014 Page 22

By TERRY MARTINDAIMLER AG’s highly anticipated new electric vehicle for China, the Denza, which was designed in the early stages by Australian Peter Arcadipane, made its world premiere in production guise at the Beijing motor show last week ahead of its showroom release in September.

The first model to spring from a 50:50 joint venture forged in 2010 between Daimler and one of China’s biggest car-makers, BYD, the Denza EV is billed as “the safest, most reliable and most convenient electric vehicle” to be designed, engineered and built in China, and is considered a key plank in Daimler’s strategy to improve its standing in the world’s biggest auto market.

The long-wheelbase small sedan arrives exactly two years after the concept designed by Mr Arcadipane, who as previously reported is now director of design for BAIC, emerged at the Beijing show, and is expected to spawn a family of electrified models that could eventually be exported and sold to western markets such as Australia.

There is no definitive Australian schedule, although BYD is among the companies with which Ateco Automotive has held discussions in recent years about importing vehicles here.

Daimler says its “proven production philosophy and quality control methods” have been implemented at BYD’s production facility in Shenzen, and that its vehicle development program focused heavily on safety engineering.

Electronic stability control and at least six airbags are fitted standard, and the EV has also received a maximum five-star safety rating from the Chinese NCAP crash-test authority.

“Denza is the first complete vehicle that Daimler has developed together with BYD outside of Germany and it is undoubtedly one key pillar of Daimler’s electric vehicle strategy in China,” said Daimler AG’s global research and

development chief Thomas Weber.“No compromises have been made

to design and develop, in China, an all-electric car that raises the bar in its segment.

“We assure our Chinese customers the highest standards of safety, paired with maximum convenience, outstanding reliability and unique driving fun as part of a superior overall concept.”

The Denza EV packs in a large 47.5kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery and an electric motor that produces 86kW of power and 290Nm of torque. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 150km/h and an excellent driving range of up to 300km.

According to Daimler, the typical Denza owner will only need to recharge the vehicle twice a week, given that the average daily driving distance in China is 50-80km a day.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Daimler-BYD’s productionEV model remains faithful to Aussie designer’s vision

www.titandms.com.auBRISBANE : +61 07 3166 9907 - PERTH : +61 08 6467 7714 - SYDNEY : +61 02 9016 4139

Call us today

Get more DMS, and pay lessLet us show you how

Denza EV ready to roll

GoAuto Personnel

John Mellor’s

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto Personnel – brought to you by Motor Staff

Apr 30, 2014 Page 23

GILLESPIE TAKES ON TRUCKIN’ ROLE AS HINO NAMES TOP DEALERS FOR 2013By TERRY MARTIN

FORMER Peugeot Automobiles Australia general manager Bill Gillespie has joined Toyota’s truck brand Hino Motor Sales Australia as divisional manager of brand and franchise development.

The experienced motor industry executive, who is a former director of sales and marketing at Kia Motors Australia and also previously worked with Hino chairman and CEO Steve Lotter at Toyota Australia, is part of a restructured senior management team at the truck company.

His appointment follows the recent departure of former product strategy, marketing and customer care divisional manager Alex Stewart, who – as GoAuto has reported – has moved to rival Foton Trucks Australia (part of Ateco

Automotive) as its new general manager.According to Hino, Mr Gillespie’s

role is an amalgamation of dealer development, aftersales management, corporate brand development, marketing and customer care duties.

At the same time, Hino Australia’s Daniel Petrovski has been promoted to manager of product strategy – his fifth promotion at the company in seven years of service, having started as a strategic sales

co-ordinator in 2006 and most recently serving as product planning manager.

He also has five years’ experience in product strategy with Volvo Trucks Australia.

Mr Petrovski’s new role at Hino incorporates all product planning and strategies, engineering, development

and homologation, which requires him to work closely with Hino headquarters in Japan and local third-party suppliers.

Mr Gillespie left Peugeot in October last year after Sime Darby Motors Group Australia consolidated the roles

of general manager for both Peugeot and Citroen, with Citroen chief John Startari taking on the additional responsibility of Peugeot.

As well as being the sales chief at Kia, Mr Gillespie has also worked as eastern region manager (NSW/ACT)

for Nissan Australia, central region manager for Toyota Australia, senior manager for Daihatsu Australia (also part of the Toyota empire) and franchise development manager (NSW/ACT) for Toyota Australia.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

www.motorstaff.com.au

Australia’s No.1 Automotive Recruitment Specialists

sales•service•parts•admin

Having problems finding that key employee?• Australia’s best selection of qualified applicants

• Free SEEK & Web listing, screening/reference checking

• Discreet ‘under-performing’ staff replacement service

• No fee payable unless applicant found and placed

• 3 month replacement guarantee if placement unsuitable

George Hennessy

National Recruitment Manager

1300 666 562

Daniel PetrovskiBill Gillespie

SWITCH RECALL CRISIS SPARKS GLOBAL ENGINEERING RESTRUCTURE AT GMBy TERRY MARTIN

GENERAL Motors has restructured its global vehicle engineering division and current chief John Calabrese has elected to retire as the US auto giant works to improve its operations and restore public confidence in the wake of its current ignition switch recall crisis.

GM’s engineering division will be split into two organisations: global product integrity, headed by global chassis engineering chief Ken Morris; and global vehicle components and subsystems, which becomes the responsibility of GM Europe powertrain engineering boss Ken Kelzer.

Former GM Holden chairman and now executive vice-president of global product development, purchasing and supply chain, Mark Reuss, said the

move will deliver “more consistent performance across vehicle programs and address functional safety and compliance in its vehicles”.

“A vehicle is a collection of 30,000 individual parts,” Mr

Reuss said. “Fully integrating those parts into cohesive systems with industry-leading quality and safety is key in this customer-driven business.”

As GoAuto has reported, GM is

working to rebuild customers’ trust in the company, and limit the damage to its reputation, in the wake of an ignition switch recall affecting around 2.6 million

small cars and reportedly linked to 13 deaths in North America.

The company has dramatically increased its focus on safety since the recall was announced in February – at least 10 years after the company first became aware of the problem, which can affect the safe operation of the

car’s airbag systems – and has launched an internal investigation into its failure to recall the faulty ignition switch sooner.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Ken Morris Ken Kelzer

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto New Car Diary

John Mellor’s

GoAuto New Car Diary – brought to you by carsales.com.au

Apr 30, 2014 Page 24

APRLAUNCH

FULL NEW CAR DIARY: CLICK HERE

OUT BUYOUT SELLOUT SMART

“Dealer websites are extremely important, especially in the later stages of the buying journey.”Ipsos Study – Auto Futures: The Journey to Vehicle Ownership

Find out how you can optimise your website and attract more buyers to your dealership.

Call: 1300 041 177 Email: dealer@carsales.com.au

Infiniti prepares to launch halo models in ‘credible’ high-performance sub-brandBy BARRY PARK

INFINITI says it will spin off its own performance sub-brand in an attempt to build itself a technology showcase across a range of future products.

Launching the Infiniti Eau Rouge mid-size sedan concept at this month’s New York auto show, Infiniti Americas vice-president Michael Bartsch said the luxury offshoot of Japanese car-maker Nissan would soon have its own sub-brand to rival the likes of Audi’s S, BMW’s M and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG – although what letters it would wear was still being decided.

“So you can reasonably expect that you would have a performance variant of numerous models within the product portfolio,” Mr Bartsch said.

“A premium brand needs to have that sort of depth in order to be able to create the halo effects and the anchor and credibility of the currency of your technology and the design providence, and all that.

“Certainly you have to have credibility in the performance area.”

As well as a performance sub-brand, Infiniti is planning a rapid expansion as part of a shift away from Nissan’s control as it plays catch-up with Toyota’s luxury offshoot, Lexus.

In October last year, Infiniti split from Nissan to become a standalone brand for the first time in its 25-year history – a point of difference that Mr Bartsch said had hurt Infiniti’s market share in the past.

“The next three years within Infiniti it’s very much a transition stage,” he said.

“One of the problems Infiniti had when you think that Infiniti and Lexus launched in the US at the same time 25 years ago, and the difference between Lexus and Infiniti was that Lexus was launched as an independent brand right

from the get-go, and Infiniti was always a brand that was a sub-product of Nissan.

“And that’s ... not been optimal (for Infiniti) in terms of brand identity or brand independence and design independence.”

He said buyers could soon expect “more independent, free thinking” from the luxury car brand.

According to Mr Bartsch, Infiniti will reinvent itself over the next three years, rolling out the city-sized Q30 hatchback – due on sale either late next year or early in 2016 – and Q30-based SUV, and at the higher end of the market a technology-laden rival to Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class.

“The Q30 is a world car, and it will be an important part of our mix,” Mr Bartsch said. “It will represent a fairly important incremental step for us in volume.

“That will also push us into the luxury small crossover area, and that is the fastest-growing segment in the market in the US, so it’s an important car for us.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Eau Rouge

Renault launches its sports-flavoured Clio GT this week, offering a high-performance look with a regular engine – the familiar 88kW 1.2-litre turbo-petrol with a six-speed DCT.

Lexus CT200h

Maserati Quattroporte S

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Mini Cooper hatch

Nissan X-Trail

Renault Clio GT ►

Subaru WRX STI

Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance

Volkswagen Golf R