By MARTON PETTENDY

BRACE yourself for new-model mania at

Toyota in 2007.

Just as arch-rival GM Holden enters a

holding pattern until its all-new VE Ute

joins the Korean-sourced Epica mid-sizer on

sale here late next year, Toyota Australia is

preparing to roll out a procession of redesigned

and repowered models that it hopes will

continue the brand’s Australian market

dominance beyond this decade.

Not content with selling more

passenger cars, more commercials and

more vehicles, period, than any other

brand this year – to claim the industry’s

coveted “triple crown” for the fi rst

time (Holden was the last to do it, in

1978) – Toyota intends to become the

nation’s top-selling car brand for the

fi fth consecutive year in 2007.

VFACTS fi gures released this week show

that with a month of sales remaining, 196,200

vehicle sales so far in 2006 (up from 184,397 to

November 2005) gives Toyota an unassailable

22.2 per cent market share – up from 20.3 per

cent last year and a whole seven market share

points ahead of Holden. The company now

hopes to sell a total of 215,000 Toyotas (up from

the original target of 208,000) and 7200 Lexus

models (up from a forecast of 6500) this year.

By 2010, however, Toyota hopes to snare

an ambitious 25 per cent of Australia’s mature

new-vehicle market by selling 250,000 cars

and commercials in Australia.

That is what the world’s third-largest and

most profi table car-maker requires from its

Australian subsidiary to help it achieve TMC’s

target of capturing 15 per cent of the world’s

motor vehicle market by 2010 – when the

company hopes to sell 10 million vehicles,

including no fewer than a million hybrid cars.

While an Australian-built petrol-electric car

will not be part of the new-model rollout in this

decade, the Altona-built Camry mid-

sizer and the Aurion large sedan will be

joined by a range of new small, high-

performance, SUV, commercial and

luxury models by this time next year.

“(Ten million annual sales) will

come on the back of new product

– and from the growth markets, which

we refer to as BRICS: Brazil, Russia,

India, China,” Toyota Australia’s

senior executive director for sales and marketing,

David Buttner, told GoAuto. “In 2005 globally

Toyota sold seven million vehicles, so that’s

another three million additional vehicles we’ve

got to build annually to achieve that.

“To sell that volume, we’ve got to build

an additional 500,000 vehicles annually. The

biggest plants in the world can build about

500,000 annually and the average is about

250,000, so that’s two new plants we’ve got to

build annually between now and 2010.”

One of the fi rst cabs off the new-Toyota rank

in 2007 will be a six-cylinder Tarago, powered

by a variation of the 3.5-litre DOHC V6 that

produces 200kW in the Aurion sedan, with

which it will also share its six-speed automatic.

The fi rst of three models to receive the all-alloy

VVT-i V6 in 2007, the more potent Tarago mates

eight-seat fl exibility with V6 power for the fi rst

time. Expect the Tarago V6 to knock the socks

off the garden-variety fourth-generation Tarago

(125kW/224Nm 2.4-litre) four released here

in March, as well as Honda’s equally popular

Odyssey. Toyota expects up to 100 sales per

month, despite the fact pricing will open well

beyond the $50,000 mark.

Sharing the same 3.5 V6, 6A transmission

and front-drive layout – and still offering seating

for seven – will be a new entry-level version

of Toyota’s bolder second-generation Kluger,

priced from the mid-$30,000s. Both the 2WD

and AWD versions of the redesigned Kluger

SUV are due on sale here mid-year, following

the all-new Camry-based model’s global debut

at the Detroit motor show in January.

“We need the 4x2 sales,” Mr Buttner

admitted. “We’ve left that segment to others

for far too long.”

Pioneered by its most direct rival in Ford’s

top-selling Territory, Kluger II’s 2WD/AWD

model strategy will not be replicated by other

medium SUVs like Holden’s Captiva and

Mitsubishi’s new Outlander. Continued next page

Watch Watch out!out!Not content with 2006 market leadership, Toyota Australia is planning a massive 2007 - and 250,000 annual sales by 2010

MORE V8 POWER AND A V6 FOR

CAYENNE!- page 6

David Buttner

December 6, 2006

GoAutoJohn Mellor's Australia’s Number One Automotive Industry Journal

news

SUBSCRIBE: www.mellor.net ADVERTISE: Steve Butcher Ph: 0419 562 110

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DECEMBER 6, 2006 Page 2

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Continued from previous page

While that gives the Japanese-built Kluger

extra potential market coverage, the 4x2’s higher

import duty (10%, versus 5% for the 4x4) negates

the cheaper variant’s cost savings for Toyota.

So expect Toyota to shrink its profi t margins

to attract the sales volume it needs to establish

Kluger in the Territory-dominated segment.

“If you introduce a 4x2 Kluger, you attract

a lot of people who don’t need a 4x4 at all

– ever,” Toyota Australia product planning

manager Doug Soden told GoAuto. “They

want a fl exible vehicle. The SUV market is

basically the wagon for people who didn’t want

wagons. That’s why there’s no Camry wagon –

because the global wagon market has virtually

disappeared. People are buying a RAV instead

of a Corolla wagon globally, and here they’re

buying a Kluger instead of a Camry wagon.”

Hot on the new Kluger’s heels will be a

cracking V6 version of the third-generation

RAV4 launched here in February. Already on sale

in the US, where it is also available in 2WD guise,

the six-speed auto-

equipped RAV4 V6

will become the fourth

model in Toyota’s

range to offer 3.5-litre

V6 power.

Expect a seven-

seat version to rival

Outlander (and

Kluger) – but not

initially. “(A seven-

seat variant) is a very

easy thing to do,” Mr

Sodenn said. “The third row is a decision we

can make at the very fi nal moment. We don’t

need to commit just yet.”

Another all-new release for 2007 will be

Toyota’s 10th-generation Corolla, due here

in both uniquely designed sedan and hatch

bodystyles in April. Already on sale in Japan

under its new global model moniker, Auris – a

name TMCA has managed to talk its parent out

of using in Australia – the all-new Corolla will

bring new engines, including a redesigned 1.8-

litre four-cylinder.

Toyota could spring a surprise by releasing

the fi rst ever turbo-diesel Corolla from the

new model’s launch, but whenever it comes

(chairman emeritus John Conomos has

confi rmed Corolla will defi nitely offer diesel

power within this model generation) it is not

expected to set Corolla sales ablaze.

“We’re working

pretty hard on the

turbo-diesel,” said

Mr Soden. “It will be

interesting, but in my

capacity as planning

manager I’m still not

convinced that turbo-

diesel in passenger

vehicles is a very

good way to go.”

Diesel power will

certainly be at the

forefront of Toyota’s mind when it offers a

taste-test of a bullocking new V8 turbo-diesel,

which is destined to power Toyota’s 100-

Series LandCruiser replacement here by late

2007 – but will fi rst debut in the upgraded and

expanded 70-Series LandCruiser workhorse

range set for release here before June. GoAuto

sources indicate a 195kW/620Nm single-

turbo version destined for Toyota’s US-market

Tundra pickup will power the updated leaf-

sprung 70-Series models here.

Apart from the decades-old 79-Series

cab-chassis ute and the iconic two-door 78-

Series Troop Carrier (which will continue in

three- six- and 11-seat confi gurations), Toyota

will introduce an all-new 76-Series wagon

derivative for the fi rst time – complete with

fi ve doors, fi ve seats, a lower roof than Troopy

and a wider body than 100-Series wagon.

All three trucks will come exclusively with a

fi ve-speed manual transmission and part-time

4WD system.

Mated to a six-speed Aisin automatic gearbox,

an even more powerful twin-turbo version of

the 70-Series’ yet-to-appear 4.5-litre diesel V8

will emerge in the LandCruiser 200-Series, as

the 100-Series replacement will be known. With

more than 200kW and 650Nm of torque on tap,

the standard 200-Series diesel engine will make

the 4.2-litre straight-six diesel in the current

100-Series look positively anaemic, but a more

powerful 5.0-litre-plus V8 – up from 4.7 and

possibly featuring direct-injection – will also

power the next-generation Cruiser.

Snapped during testing recently in the Middle

East, the 200 body will be slightly larger but

remains bolted to a full ladder chassis with

all-coil suspension, comprising double front

wishbones and a live rear axle to maintain rock-

hopping ability. It will also debut a version of

the Australian-developed Kinetic Dynamic

Suspension System (KDSS) already offered

with the US-only Lexus GX470 (Prado).Continued page 4

Aurion Sports Concept

WHAT’S COMING:Tarago V6 FebAurion TRD MarCorolla sedan/hatch AprilLandCruiser 76-Series 5D wagon MayLandCruiser 78-Series Troop Carrier MayLandCruiser 79-Series Cab-Chassis MayKluger SUV (2WD/AWD) JulyRAV4 V6 AugHiLux TRD OctLandCruiser 200-Series wagon Oct

Produced by GoAuto Newsroom: Ph: (03) 9598 6477 PO Box 18, Sandringham VIC 3191 PUBLISHER: John Mellor

GoAutonewswww.mellor.net

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Lexus prepares to launch a high-performance brand

F division loomsF division loomsBy MARTON PETTENDY

A STONKING V8-powered IS sedan will mark

the Toyota luxury division’s opening challenge

to the likes of BMW’s M and Mercedes-Benz’s

AMG high-performance brands from 2008.

Offi cially named IS-F but also known as the

IS500, the high-performance version of the

IS250 launched here in November 2005 should

be powered by either a version of the LS600hL

hybrid’s 317kW 5.0-litre V8 or the LS460’s

280kW/500Nm 4.6-litre V8 – mated to the new

Lexus fl agship’s world-fi rst eight-speed auto.

While Lexus will fi nally

introduce its redesigned

LS460 in June, a month

before the long-wheelbase

LS600hL hybrid arrives

here, the M3 and C63 AMG-

rivalling IS-F is expected to

debut at the Detroit motor

show in January.

It will feature cylinder-

head tuning by Yamaha,

braking hardware from

Brembo and, possibly, the option of the all-

wheel drive system already available for IS

overseas. A hybrid version is also part of the

IS-F plan.

Expect hi-po F versions of the GS sedan

and IS coupe-convertible, which should appear

by 2009, to follow. Like the IS500, expect

availability to be strictly limited and for pricing

to undercut direct rivals from BMW and Benz.

The 2008 Detroit show host

the debut of a redesigned LX

luxury SUV fl agship, based

on the all-new 200-Series

LandCruiser but offering

greater differentiation than

the current LX470 does. It’s

due here by February 2008,

powered by a bigger new V8.

The 228kW/375Nm 3.5-litre

V6 IS350 and 130kW/200Nm

turbo-diesel IS220d will not

appear here next year, but could emerge in 2008.

Further afi eld, Lexus will rollout a production

version of its LF-A supercar concept, plus an

IS-based compact SUV to slot beneath the

RX350.

WHAT’S COMING:LS460 SWB sedan Jun 2007LS600hL LWB sedan Jul 2007LX SUV redesign Feb 2008IS-F sedan 2008IS350 sedan 2008IS220d sedan 2008IS coupe-cabrio 2009LF-A coupe 2009Compact SUV 2010

US IS350

WATCH OUT!Continued from page 2

Bookending all this will be two locally fettled TRD (Toyota Racing Development) models. The supercharged version of the front-drive Aurion was previewed by the Aurion Sports Concept at the Sydney motor show in October and will make its production debut at the Melbourne show in March.

While it will aim at the likes of Commodore SS and Falcon XR8/XR6 Turbo, the HiLux TRD, which is expected to be powered by a version of the Aurion TRD’s 240kW-plus blown V6, hopes to rival the likes of SS and XR utes when it debuts at next year’s Sydney show. Corolla and Yaris-based TRD variants should follow in 2008.

More reports next week

EDITOR: Terry Martin MANAGING EDITOR: Marton Pettendy JOURNALISTS: Neil McDonald, Byron Mathioudakis, Tim Britten PRODUCTION: Chris Harris, Luc Britten

www.mellor.net

DECEMBER 6, 2006 Page 5

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonews

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VFACTS

WRAP

By NEIL McDONALD and MARTON PETTENDY

WITH Toyota’s market dominance for the

year all but sewn up courtesy of a 61,190-

vehicle sales lead to November, all interest has

swung to the performance of its key rivals, GM

Holden and Ford.

As the year winds up, Holden will claim

the number two with Ford secure in third, but

their fortunes have been dented by the arrival

of several newcomers and the continuing

downturn in the large-car segment.

To November, Ford’s overall market share is

down from 13.1 per cent last year to 12.1 per

cent, following slower November sales of both

Falcon (3447 sales versus 5064 for the same

month last year) and Territory (1339 v 2224

– 40 per cent down).

It is a similar story at Holden, whose market

share to November has shrunk from 17.8 per

cent last year to just 15.2 per cent in 2006.

Commodore sales remain well down on 2005

levels, with 5238 sold in November – down 0.7

per cent from 5276 in November 2005.

Holden’s new Captiva SUV contributed 554

sales in November, for a year-to-date total of

947, while Astra and Vectra sales plummeted

last month.

But while Ford and Holden sales were

down 19.8 and 11.5 per cent respectively last

month, Toyota experienced a 13.5 per cent lift

in November, when it sold 20,247 vehicles

for the month – 7500 more than

its nearest rival, Holden.

Holden Special Vehicles

had a solid month with 515

sales last month, a new record

for the high-performance car

company.

“This is an outstanding result and further

confi rmation of the impact the new E Series

range is having on the Australian and New

Zealand markets,” said HSV managing director

Phil Harding.

“Nearly 70 per cent of November retail

deliveries were for the new Clubsport R8, GTS

and Senator Signature models, and we also

recorded very strong sales of the HSV VXR in

November,” he said.

With almost 1000 HSV deliveries in the past

two months, the company should fi nish 2006

strongly with more than 3500 sales.

HSV’s arch-rival Ford Performance Vehicles

sold 199 vehicles in November to post its

second record sales month in succession. With

1998 sedans and utes sold so far this year, FPV

has already beaten its all-time annual sales

record of 1930.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Toyota shirks large-carand SUV downturn to continue its dominance

HSV GTS

DECEMBER 6, 2006 Page 6

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonews

Bigger V8s for Cayenne - and a VW-sourced V6

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By TERRY MARTIN

PORSCHE has moved to quell any dispute

over its leadership in the performance SUV

stakes with its facelifted Cayenne, which was

revealed this week ahead of its Australian

release in March.

Power and performance are the main

ingredients with the revised SUV, courtesy

of direct fuel injection, bigger-displacement

engines and higher outputs – and, we should

add, a claimed (but as yet unspecifi ed) reduction

of fuel consumption by up to eight per cent.

Joining the V8-powered Cayenne S and

Cayenne Turbo will be an “entry level” six-

cylinder model – the Cayenne – which, in a

fi rst for Porsche in Australia,

sends the starting price below

$100,000. To $94,700, in fact.

The Cayenne S now starts

from $134,500 (up $4600) and

the Turbo climbs to $215,200 –

up from $207,100. There is no S version of the

Turbo for now, by virtue of the fact that power

and torque on the incoming standard Turbo has

grown closer to the current Turbo S.

Rather than using an iteration of its acclaimed

boxer six, the Cayenne relies on a Volkswagen-

sourced 3.6-litre V6 – as seen in the Passat R36

that debuted at last week’s Essen motor show

– which in this case develops 213kW of power

and 385Nm of torque. Paired with a six-speed

Tiptronic automatic transmission as standard,

the V6 enables acceleration from 0-100km/h

in a claimed 8.5 seconds. Top speed for the

Cayenne six is 227km/h.

The most impressive numbers are found in

the V8s. The natural-breathing

V8 has increased from 4.5 to 4.8

litres and, with the added benefi t

of direct injection and “VarioCam

Plus” valve control, produces

283kW (up 33kW) and 500Nm

(up 80Nm). On the road, the engine modifi cations

shave 0.4 seconds off the 0-100km/h time – now

down to 6.8 seconds – and allow the maximum

speed to climb 8km/h to 250km/h.

Also now out to 4.8 litres, the twin-

turbocharged version of the V8 produces 368kW

(up 37Nm) and 700Nm (also up 80Nm), which

translates to 0-100km/h acceleration of 5.1

seconds (down from 5.6 seconds) and a 275km/

h top speed (up from 266km/h). By comparison,

the current $241,000 4.5-litre Turbo S – now in

run-out – produces 383kW and 720Nm.

Both the Cayenne and Cayenne S can be

ordered with a six-speed manual gearbox,

which is claimed to reduce the 0-100km/h time

to 8.1 and 6.6 seconds respectively.

Porsche’s “dynamic chassis control” system

debuts on the SUV, while air suspension and

the “active suspension management” system

will be fi tted standard to the V8s and be

available as an option on the V6.

All models will feature Porsche’s “traction

management” permanent 4WD system, which

distributes torque 38:62 front/rear in normal

conditions, but via a multi-disc clutch can direct

up to 100 per cent to either end. A “stability

management” system, which includes brake

assist and off-road ABS, will also be standard

across the range.

PRICING:Cayenne $94,700Cayenne S $134,500Cayenne Turbo $215,200

DECEMBER 6, 2006 Page 7

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonews

On the track, on the road, and in your

dealership, Mobil 1 is the name that

stands for performance.

By JOHN MELLOR

THE introduction of the Skoda brand into

Australia looks increasingly certain following

the endorsement of the move by the head of the

VW brand worldwide, Dr Michael Kern.

Speaking exclusively to GoAuto during a

fl ying visit to review VW Australia’s operations

late last month, Dr Kern said: “The window of

opportunity is open now.”

His view was also strongly endorsed by VW

Group Australia (VGA) managing director

Jutta Dierks, who said the Australian market

would never be in a better position to add the

brand than it was now.

At the same time, Ms Dierks

virtually ruled out any chance of

the launch of the Seat brand locally.

She said it was “very safe to assume

that we do not want to do Seat” in

Australia.

“We do very nicely with VW,” she

said. “We could probably come in

with another brand (Skoda) but after

that we should concentrate on what

we are good at.

“Seat is not on the agenda … If we bring

another brand in it will defi nitely be Skoda.”

She said the Skoda decision had not been

made but would most likely be known in the

next month.

“If I was the one making the decision I

would say the timing is right now because the

market is still in very good shape. And you see

what Fiat is doing. They are coming in

with one model and it will do nicely.

They are doing it step-by-step.

“So the market is obviously open and

still able to embrace a new brand. So if

I was making the decision, I would say

that if we want to do it then let us do it

now. If the market is still able to take in

another brand, don’t wait.

“It is all about timing. You can do

whatever you like but (if you leave it too long)

what is the point if the market can no longer

cope with it,” she said.

“Defi nitely there is a chance for Skoda.

It has been here before. Not very well done.

Independent importers with a niche brand that

was not really treated very nicely.”

Ms Dierks said Skoda worldwide separates

itself from VW “by offering good value at a good

price. It is always just a bit bigger than a VW. For

example an Octavia is bigger than a Golf but not

normally as expensive in most markets”.

“If you sharpen the profi le of the Skoda

brand here there is defi nitely room for both

Skoda and VW.

“So I would love to see the brand here quite

soon.”

VGA expects to launch with the Octavia

medium-sized car and the Roomster small

car, a Scout version of which was released at

last week’s Bologna motor show. The Scout

has “off-road” visual elements such as large

amounts of plastic body cladding.

VW board member gives nod to Czech brand in Oz - but no sign-off yet

Roomster Scout

Michael Kern

Skoda door openSkoda door open

DECEMBER 6, 2006 Page 8

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonews

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By MARTON PETTENDY

AUSTRALIA’S fi rst dedicated new Fiat

dealership became a reality last month and

the number of Fiat Cars outlets is expected to

double within two years.

Since the Punto’s release in July, Fiat’s

passenger-car retail outlets have occupied

space within the 22 dealerships for Alfa

Romeo – another Ateco Automotive brand in

Australia – but all that is expected to change

by late 2008, when sales of the new 500 micro-

car, the last of Fiat’s three core models to go

on sale, are in full swing.

“The 500 will trigger dealership

appointments and begin the unhooking

of Fiat from Alfa Romeo,” said general

manager for Fiat cars in Australia

David Stone.

While regional Alfa/Fiat dealerships

will continue to be shop-in-shop

arrangements, metropolitan cities and

major provincial centres like Geelong,

the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast,

Rockhampton and Townsville will

offer separate outlets for both brands.

Penrith (NSW) was the fi rst to do so and

will be followed by Dandenong (Vic) in

January, while Springwood (Qld) is expected

to be the third.

Once the short-term Alfa and Fiat new

model rollout has been completed, Mr Stone

said the Alfa dealer network would

swell from 22 to 28 or 30, while the

number of Fiat outlets will grow to

between 35 and 40, including co-

dealerships.

“Fiat has to be able to grow

and cannot be strangled by Alfa

Romeo,” said Mr Stone, who added

that the number of Holden, Ford

and Mitsubishi dealers expressing

interest in the Fiat franchise was encouraging.

“Dealers are interested in Fiat because

they’re not one of 200 or so.”

Fiat Cars president Luca de Meo told

GoAuto that although Alfa Romeo and Fiat

models complemented each other, sales

volume was required to give Fiat adequate

retail attention – and more dealership space

was required to introduce more new models.

“We don’t have enough space in the

showrooms, but until we achieve a certain

level of volume the dealers will not dedicate

us a salesman or square metres,” he said.

“We need to do things one after the other,

so we’ll start with the Punto, then we’ll have

the Bravo and then the Cinquecento. There are

many others that we actually have to consider

for import here – but only when we have the

right set-up from an organisational point of

view to handle everything.”

Fiat moves to separate from Alfa Romeo as it expands retail network

Split decisionSplit decision

Brighton, Vic

David Stone

DECEMBER 6, 2006 Page 9

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonewsTHE Los Angeles auto show is no longer considered a lacklustre curtain- raiser for the main event at Detroit. Last week it was the stage for 20 world premieres, not to mention a dozen or so North American debuts. NEIL McDONALD reports on the highlights

VOLKSWAGEN TIGUANALTHOUGH not due to go on sale in Europe

until late next year, Volkswagen used the LA

show to unveil its compact 4x4, the Concept

Tiguan. The smaller sibling to the Touareg

SUV is expected to arrive in Australia in the

fi rst half of 2008.

At 4400mm long, 1850mm wide and

1690mm high, it is very similar in size to the

Touran compact MPV (4400mm, 1800mm,

1600m), which is not sold here. The Concept

Tiguan’s corporate face and profi le is

immediately recognisable as a VW. The dark-

anodised metallic grille contrasts with the body

colour, while a grid pattern and two dominant

cross fi ns to the left and right of the Volkswagen

roundel complete the look. Another feature

is the Tiguan’s tyre design. Developed by

Continental, the 19-inch prototype tyres

have an orange radial stripe beneath the tyre

profi le that matches the car’s paint colour. The

colour is right through the rubber as a “baked

in” component of the tyre’s casing. The eye-

catching anthracite-coloured alloy rims are

likely to feature in the production vehicle.

At the rear, the lights look similar to the Eos

and Passat, while the steeply sloping tailgate

extends down to the bumper.

Inside, the cabin’s black, silver and

orange trim mirrors the exterior colours.

There is room for fi ve passengers

with a sliding rear seat while

a panoramic sunroof adds

to the impression of space

inside. Under the bonnet, the

Tiguan uses a new Bluetec

diesel engine, co-developed

with Audi and Mercedes-

Benz. Bluetec employs a

modular concept of different systems to reduce

emissions signifi cantly, particularly nitrogen

oxides. Using a NOx storage catalyst, nitrogen

oxides are cut by up to 90 per cent over existing

diesels. This clean TDI also complies with the

world’s strictest emissions standards.

FORD MUSTANG GIUGIAROTHIS is what you get when you combine the creative talents of

Italdesign-Giugiaro and the sleek Ford Mustang: The Mustang by

Giugiaro. Italdesign styling director Fabrizio Giugiaro said the concept

was a perfect vehicle to express the rawness of Ford’s muscle car. “When

we saw the new Mustang, we knew two things; it was the best we’d seen

since the original and we had to get our hands on,” he said.

The Mustang is a one-of-a-kind concept powered by Ford Racing

Technologies. FRT added a supercharger to the Mustang’s 4.6-litre

V8, lifting power from 225kW to 372kW, while the chassis has been

stiffened and a sports-tuned suspension and 20-inch alloys added. The

car is also 25mm lower. Visually, the one-off Mustang is more compact

than the production car, thanks to a reduction of the rear overhang and

a signature Giugiaro touch of tapering the rear angles on the car. The

concept is 30mm wider than the standard car at the front and 80mm

wider at the rear. Inside there is an expanse of horse hide-covered seats.

On the outside a single curved glass panel bridges the windscreen and

rear window. Produced by Solutia of Detroit, the panel is made from a

special type of crystal that fi lters out 100 per cent of UV rays

while providing an unfettered view. The doors are hinged at

the base of the A-pillar and fl ip up vertically at the touch

of a button.

At the back, the tail-lights are in three separate

elements, as found on the 1964 Mustang, but

reinterpreted into a more dramatic arrow shape that

links to the louvre panels, which replace the rear side

windows. It is the fi rst time the Italian coachbuilder

has done a car for the LA show.

Apart from the Mustang, Ford showed off the 2008

Escape, including a hybrid model.

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MAZDA NAGAREWE SAW the preview sketch – now take a look

at the Nagare in the metal. A Japanese word

meaning “fl ow”, Nagare (pronounced na-ga-

reh) signals a fresh design direction for future

Mazdas and is the fi rst of a series of concept

cars Mazda will showcase over the next 12

months at the Detroit, Geneva and Tokyo

motor shows.

Under the direction of Mazda’s new global

design director, Laurens van den Acker, the

Nagare – which the company considers to be the

embodiment of motion with its wave-like

headlights, side panels and

tail-lights – looks at where

Mazda design may be

by 2020. Mazda’s North

American Operations’

director of design Franz

von Holzhausen said the

idea of the Nagare was

to enhance and intensify

Mazda’s driving spirit while redefi ning a car’s

basic proportions. “Mazda doesn’t produce

concept cars to spin its wheels,” he said. “We

simply do not create pure fl ights of fantasy. We

develop these ideas to demonstrate what we

really intend to build and sell.”

Access to the four-seater is via two double-

length doors that hinge forward and up. The driver

is centrally located, like a single-seat sports racer.

Since the driver is positioned under the highest

portion of the roof, there is ample headroom with

a comfortably reclined backrest while there is

room in the back for three passengers. The car

is powered by a hydrogen-fuelled rotary engine,

the same engine that powers a group of RX-8

experimental cars in Japan.

CHRYSLER SEBRING CABRIOTHE Chrysler Group used Los Angeles to preview its new Chrysler Sebring Cabrio,

which will be launched in Australia late next year. Available in the US with either

a folding soft-top or metal folding hard-top, Australia is tipped to get the metal

hard-top. Prices are expected to start from below $57,000 when the four-seater

goes on sale, aiming at the full size 9-3 Saab cabrio, Audi A4 cabrio and BMW 3

Series cabrio offerings. The retractable hard-top folds into three sections and stows

in less than 30 seconds. The electric roof features a remote control operation from

the key fob, standard powered tonneau cover and automatic locking. Right-hand

drive models are expected to be available with a 140kW/259Nm 2.7-litre V6 with

six-speed automatic gearbox. A 104kW/310Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with

six-speed manual will also be available.

HYUNDAI HELLIONLOOKING more like an army vehicle than a

4WD, the two-door Hyundai Hellion’s concept

explores how new organic structural forms

could look on future Hyundai SUVs.

Visually, the 4WD has a wide stance with

piercing headlights angled towards a bold

grille with a prominent bonnet scoop and

exposed latches to access the engine bay. The

windscreen is steeply raked to provide a sportier

look. Front and rear bumpers are fi nished in a

darker, durable wrinkle-fi nish paint supported

by aluminium skid plates. At the back, the bold

design theme continues with the tail-lights

fl owing from the greenhouse, dual exhausts and

wheel fl ares cantilevered off the rear quarter

glass. A camoufl age-patterned canvas soft-top

roof adds individuality. The exterior is fi nished

in Dakar Gold paint with 20-inch two-piece

alloys coated in Tefl on to resist build-up of the

elements.

Inside, the cabin boasts

satellite navigation, wireless

internet, and an overhead

console housing a drop-

down LCD entertainment

system for rear-seat

passengers. Again the

camoufl age pattern is used

inside for the race-inspired

sports seats. Seat-mounted

“backpacks” can be accessed

via push-button releases.

The seats themselves are

also equipped with in-car

water bottles. A removable,

refi llable reservoir inside

each seat replaces the common cupholder. A

pump-assisted tube is attached to each seat to

allow all passengers to get a drink on the move.

The car is powered by a 175kW/450Nm 3.0-

litre V6 common-rail turbo-diesel mated to a

six-speed shift-by-wire automatic. Electronic

stability control and adaptive cruise control are

also evident.

DECEMBER 6, 2006 Page 11

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HONDA REMIX, STEP BUSHONDA unveiled two concepts in LA: the Remix small sport concept and the Step Bus. The

Remix gives some clues as to what the new two-seater CR-X sports coupe could look like. It

features a wrap-around canopy that adds a fi ghter-jet feel to the driving experience. The small

coupe is the result of Honda’s advanced design studio in Southern California. Although a pure

design concept, the car follows Honda’s in-house requirements of being front-wheel drive, with

a VVT-i four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual gearbox.

The quirky light green metallic fi ve-passenger Step Bus is a completely different genre,

representing the ultimate expression of

Honda packaging with a mid-engine design

and a fully maximised and quickly adaptable

interior. The highly confi gurable, hi-tech interior is aimed at city folk, with its sliding front

doors for tight spaces, a cavernous interior and next-generation satellite navigation system.

“Following the traditional Honda theme of ‘man maximum, machine minimum’, the Step Bus

seeks to create the largest possible interior with the smallest possible exterior,” said American

Honda Motor Co senior vice-president John Mendel. Not surprisingly, the Step Bus was the

result of Honda’s Wako design centre in Saitama prefecture, Japan. Purely a styling concept, the

vehicle uses a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive platform with a small displacement engine.

HONDA’S US prestige brand Acura

claims it unveiled the Advanced Sedan

Concept to illustrate its commitment to

modern design and cutting-edge style

– but it has also got the auto world

talking about a forthcoming large-

displacement engine. The concept

is billed as Honda’s

purest expression

of advanced

design, performance and luxury,

highlighted by its powerful, wide stance

and deeply sculpted surfaces. According

to Honda, “the primary goal of this design

study was to create a sophisticated, refi ned

sedan with a mysterious presence”.

The concept’s generous exterior

proportions suggest that a large, powerful

engine – at least a V8 – lurks beneath the

surface. The exterior exhibits a strong US-

inspired look, with chunky wheel-arches

contributing a muscular look, along with

a slimline window area. Although ultra-

modern in its design, the concept retains

the classic silhouette associated with a

fl agship sedan. Low to the ground, the

concept is anchored by large 22-inch

front and 23-inch rear wheels which are

mounted to custom billet-machined,

polished aluminium wheels. Powerful

brake discs and callipers accent the

wheels and large ducts direct cooling air

to the components. The roof is constructed

entirely of tinted glass. The bonnet is

accented with pronounced character

lines that culminate in the aggressive

fi ve-sided grille, which contributes to the

sedan’s bold presence. The commanding

grille is made from polished aluminium

and features a cut crystal Acura emblem.

The narrow headlights also double as

air intakes and are positioned low on the

bumper. At the back the car has a fl ush-

mounted rear bumper, dual exhausts and

high-mounted jewelled tail-lights pushed

out to the edge of the bumper.

ACURA ADVANCED SEDAN

Remix

Step Bus

DECEMBER 6, 2006 Page 12

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SATURN VUE HYBRIDGENERAL Motors plans to build a plug-in

hybrid version of its Saturn Vue, joining the

Green Line range of hybrids it has planned

over the next three years. In addition to plug-in

capabilities and the modifi ed two-mode hybrid

system, the Saturn Vue hybrid – the equivalent

of Holden’s Captiva Maxx – will feature lithium

ion battery technology, two interior permanent

magnet motors and GM’s 3.6-litre V6 direct-

injection petrol engine. The car-maker believes

the plug-in hybrid has the potential to achieve

double the fuel effi ciency of any current SUV.

GM chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner said

work had already started on the car but it would

not be on sale for several years. “I can’t give

you a production date for our plug-in hybrid

today. But I can tell you that this is a top priority

program for GM,” he said.

A plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle

differs from non-plug-in hybrid-electric

vehicles by offering extended electric-

only propulsion, additional battery

capacity and the ability to be recharged

from an external power outlet.

The Saturn Vue hybrid is expected

to offer electric-only propulsion for

more than 20km. At higher speeds or

when conditions demand it, such as

brisk acceleration, a combination of engine

and electric power or engine power only will

propel the car. When the vehicle is parked,

the battery can be recharged using a common

household exterior 110-volt US plug-in outlet.

The Saturn Vue front-wheel drive is currently

available as a belt-alternator starter hybrid.

Next year, GM hybrids will expand to the

Saturn Aura Green Line and Chevrolet Malibu

front-wheel-drive sedans, as well as Chevrolet

Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs. Rear-

wheel and four-wheel drive will be offered.

In 2008, the two-mode hybrid system will

be offered in the Cadillac Escalade SUV and

the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra crew

cab full-size pickups.

CALLAWAY C16THE name “Callaway” is familiar to fans of Holden Special Vehicles,

and the underpinnings are recognisable as a Chevrolet Corvette. With

the two combined, the Callaway C16 unveiled in LA last week takes

performance into the super-car league.

The headline act is a supercharged version of the familiar 6.0-litre

LS2 V8 engine, which in this case develops 460kW at 6200rpm and

794Nm at 4750rpm. Driving through a six-speed manual gearbox, it can

propel the coupe from 0-60mph (96.5km/h) in a blistering 3.3 seconds

and devour the quarter mile in 10.9 seconds. Top speed is 331km/h. The

C16 also features unique Z-rated Yokohama AdvanSport tyres – 295/30-

series R19s at the front and 345/25R20 sat the rear – and adjustable

Eibach coil-over suspension with compression and rebound

adjustment for either road or track.

The C16 was drawn by designer Paul Deutschman, who is

described as the architect of the Callaway “look” – from the

300km/h Sledgehammer and C4-based Le Mans race cars

to the C7, the C12 and now the C16. The car’s handcrafted

bodywork replaces every panel of the standard Corvette. Inside,

the C16 cockpit is completely retooled in

German leather and Alcantara with Recaro race

seats and a choice of harnesses. Doorsill panels,

the steering wheel and the passenger dash area

also carry signature Callaway badging. Each C16 is numbered with a

build plaque, as each will be built to order. It will sell in North America for

$US119,865 ($A151,000).

BUICK ENCLAVETRYING to break free from its image as an “old man’s brand”, Buick used

golfer Tiger Woods to introduce its fi rst luxury crossover SUV – the Enclave.

Built on an all-new “crossover” platform, the Enclave is powered by a 205kW

3.6-litre VVT V6, although a V8 will also be offered when it goes on sale in

the US next year. The six-seater Enclave will be available in either front-wheel

or all-wheel drive, mated to a six-speed automatic. The vehicle also boasts

other peace-of-mind features such as active headlights, rear parking assistance

and reversing camera, an electronic stability control system and GM’s OnStar

navigation system. The interior features lashings of leather, aluminium and

wood utilised in curved or rounded elements, like the dashboard, recalling the

style of classic Buick models. The vehicle’s second- and third-row seats can

also be folded fl at for a long load area.

DECEMBER 6, 2006 Page 13

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

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SHARP pricing, an increased payload capacity,

better performance, improved economy and a

refreshed interior herald the main attractions of

Mazda’s new BT-50.

The Japanese company has re-skinned its

Thai-built light truck inside and out to make it

seem as new as the Toyota HiLux, Nissan D40

Navara and Mitsubishi Triton competition,

when in reality much that lies underneath are

tried-and-tested bits from the eight-year-old B-

series Bravo.

Nevertheless, Mazda does not see this as a

disadvantage, setting the BT-50’s pricing from

a highly competitive $20,990 (as a promotional

launch price) to lure the trade and rural buyers

it expects will appreciate the value-for-money

equation the BT-50 offers, along with its

proven reliability.

Recommended retail pricing starts from

$23,255 and does not include air-conditioning,

which is another $1862.

“A signifi cant and serious upgrade, with new

drivetrains and lots of attention to dynamics” is

how Mazda describes the Bravo’s transition to

BT-50. The company is also aiming to lift sales

of the 4x4 models in a growing sub-segment,

from the B-series’ 45 per cent mix to at least

50/50 parity with the 4x2.

As before, three body types are available: a

two-door Single Cab with two or three seats;

a ‘Freestyle’ Cab (offering back-hinged, B-

pillar-less rear doors) offering four (2+2) seats;

and a conventional four-door, fi ve-seater Dual

Cab style.

As a re-skin of the Bravo, no model variant

offers any signifi cant increase in interior space

although the body has been stretched 70mm and

the door panels are 30mm taller than before. The

cargo box walls sit 60mm higher. The Single Cab

model has an above-average 2400mm accessory

alloy tray capacity, while the 1410kg load limit is

a 30kg improvement over the Bravo.

The new one-piece plastic nose cone

incorporates the familiar Mazda grille,

bumper, headlights and foglights (if

fi tted). The 4x4 models also add front

and rear wheelarch fl ares that Mazda

calls “overfenders”.

At the heart of the new Mazda light

truck range is a pair of common-rail twin-

cam 16-valve turbo-diesel four-cylinder

engines, dubbed MZR-CD. Compliant

with the Euro IV emissions standard,

both engines feature a variable geometry

turbocharger and a large intercooler for

increased engine effi ciency.

Mazda claims it has also paid considerable

attention to improving the performance of the BT-

50’s cooling system, since buyers demand their

work trucks to perform in a vast array of weather,

altitudinal and environmental conditions. The

MZR-CD is also 1.5 decibels quieter than the old

MZ-DE diesel found in the Bravo.

In the base Single Cab Chassis 4x2, a 2.5-

litre 2499cc unit produces 105kW of power at

3500rpm and 330Nm of torque at 1800rpm.

The outgoing Bravo’s 2.5-litre single-cam

eight-valve unit mustered 82kW and 271Nm.

Fuel consumption plummets 14.4 per cent,

from 9.7L/100km to 8.3L/100km, the 0-100km/

h sprint time is claimed to take 10.4 seconds,

while the 2.5L’s braked towing capacity rises

from 1800kg to 2250kg.

In all other BT-50s, a 3.0-litre 2953cc

version delivers 115kW at 3200rpm and

380Nm at 1800rpm – fi gures that eclipse the

Ford Explorer-derived 154kW/323Nm V6

petrol found in the Bravo. Speaking of which,

no petrol engines will be offered for now.

Both diesels send torque to the rear or four

wheels via a fi ve-speed manual fl oor-shift

gearbox, which has been signifi cantly upgraded

for use in the BT-50, or a fi ve-speed automatic

option on top-end 3.0-litre models.Continued next page

Second skinSecond skinMazda’s reskinned ‘Bravo’ arrives Down Under, priced from $20,990!

DECEMBER 6, 2006 Page 14

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Continued from previous page

Equipped with remote freewheeling hub-

lock mechanisms, the manuals come with

a manual 4WD transfer case shift lever,

for 2L 2WD to 4H 4WD High, 4L 4WD

Low and Neutral drive modes. It is all done

electronically and ‘on-the-fl y’ on automatic

models.

A limited-slip differential is standard on all

4x4 models.

Mazda has carried over the Bravo’s ladder-

frame construction, underpinned by double

wishbone front suspension and a rear leaf-

spring set-up, but with a number of upgrades.

Larger shock absorbers are employed, along

with longer (to 1320mm) leaf springs, for a

better ride quality than before, while revisions

to the hydraulically powered steering system

aim at improving feedback and feel.

A sturdier brake feel has been achieved as

a result of changes to the system, although

the ventilated front disc and rear drum layout

remains as before.

Mazda has redesigned the dashboard to

mimic its passenger cars’ efforts, as evidenced

by the rounded outer vents, silver-look trim

inserts, audio system interface, and tri-dialled

instrumentation binnacle.

Other cabin changes include seats that are

now 43mm taller in their backrests and have

thicker sides and new internals for greater

comfort, while the rear seat in the Dual Cab

has a more angled backrest.

Dual front airbags are standard

(although the farmer-focused 4x4 Single

Cab model can be ordered without them),

along with pre-tensioner seatbelts, an

immobiliser, a tilt-adjustable steering

wheel, remote central locking, a slide-

out drawer above the glovebox, various

other storage facilities, a radio/CD/MP3

player, a 12V DC outlet, and variable

intermittent wipers.

Among the options are a new-

design canopy, ‘sports’ bar and airbag-

compatible bullbar. ABS brakes are

available on all 3.0-litre models and are

standard on the SDX.For drive impressions, go to

www.goauto.com.au from this Thursday.

PRICING:4x2 2.5LSingle Cab Chassis (bench seat) DX $23,255Single Cab Chassis (bucket seat) DX $23,4804x2 3.0LFreestyle Cab Chassis DX $30,850Freestyle Cab Utility DX+ $32,220Dual Cab Utility DX $33,0204x4 3.0LSingle Cab Chassis (bench seat) DX $31,975Single Cab Chassis (bucket seat) DX $32,200Freestyle Cab Chassis DX+ $36,980Freestyle Cab Utility DX+ $38,350Freestyle Cab Utility SDX $42,750Dual Cab Utility DX $39,150Dual Cab Utility SDX $43,550Dual Cab Utility SDX (a) $45,550

Second skinSecond skin

DECEMBER 6, 2006 Page 15

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By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS

WITH the release of its all-new CX-7 last

month, Mazda Australia has revealed a

new SUV strategy to maintain growth and

prosperity in Australia.

Priced from $39,910, the four-cylinder CX-7

– which is classifi ed as a compact SUV even

though it is longer and wider than typical car-

based rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 – has

slotted above the continuing four-cylinder and

V6 Tribute 4WD range.

In the near future Mazda is expected to

introduce Tribute versions that undercut the

$34,990 list price that the current base model

starts at.

Mazda will maintain up to a $10,000 or so

price gap between the CX-7 and Tribute, which

is possible due to several factors including

the more favourable exchange rates that the

Tribute has enjoyed since production switched

from Japan to Taiwan when the facelifted

model arrived in the middle of this year.

“The CX-7 will attract a different type of

buyer to the Tribute,” said Mazda Australia

marketing manager Martin Benders, adding that

the older vehicle had a more utilitarian appeal.

The company also predicts that Tribute

buyers, attracted by its keen low-$30,000

pricing, will gravitate towards the base four-

cylinder model rather than the 3.0-litre V6s

that have traditionally made up the lion’s share

of sales.

Just how long the 2001-vintage Tribute lives

on a tightly held secret within Mazda, but its

replacement should carry the CX-5 nameplate

when it is fi nally unveiled, probably within the

next 12 to 18 months.

In a reversal of current trends, this vehicle

is expected to be smaller than its predecessor,

in order to eliminate the uncomfortable size

similarities that now exist between the Tribute

and the CX-7.

Another reason why the CX-5 will be smaller

concerns its chances of making an impact in

Europe, where buyers there overwhelmingly

prefer more compact SUVs than the Tribute.

In fact, both the Tribute and its fraternal

twin, Ford’s Escape/Maverick, have failed

to fi nd an adequate customer base in Europe,

especially in SUV-favouring Britain, due to

their relatively large size.

Mazda is expected to be developing the

CX-5 off the C1-plus platform, and it

may even share more than a little

hardware with the new-

generation Land Rover

Freelander that was

unveiled in Paris

in September – and

shown in Sydney

a few weeks later

ahead of its mid-2007

Australian debut.

For some time now, the rumour mill has

been suggesting that Mazda’s strategy with the

Tribute replacement calls for a more capable

off-roader than the resolutely on-road biased

CX-7, so the Freelander II connection seems

natural.

At the other end of the SUV scale, Mazda

is set to maintain a smaller price differential

between the CX-7 and the recently announced

CX-9. Due in early 2008, the seven-seater SUV

should retail from about $45,000 to $55,000.

It will be classifi ed as a medium-sized SUV,

and will be Mazda’s true competitor to vehicles

such as the Subaru Tribeca, Ford Territory and

upcoming Hyundai Veracruz.

As GoAuto has revealed, Mazda will

re-engineer the CX-9 for right-hand drive

production exclusively for Australia.

Among other things, the vehicle’s child-seat

restraints must be modifi ed in order to meet the

stringent Australian Design Rules in this area.

The CX-9 is considerably larger than the

CX-7, coming in at 5071mm long, versus

4680mm. Motivation comes courtesy of a

joint Mazda/Ford 3.5-litre V6 (with variable

valve timing) delivering 186kW and 325Nm.

It is mated to an Aisin six-speed ‘Activematic’

automatic gearbox.

It is unclear whether Mazda’s active torque-

split AWD system will be the sole drive format

on offer in Australia, since the CX-9 – like the

CX-7 – is also to be sold in the US in front-

wheel drive guise. Continued next page

SUV missionSUV missionMazda plans blanket SUV coverage in Australia by 2009

Tribute

CX-9

DECEMBER 6, 2006 Page 16

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonews

General Sales ManagerJAMES FRIZELLE’S

AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

GOLD COAST QUEENSLAND

James Frizelle’s Automotive Group is the

Gold Coast’s largest dealership representing

10 franchises, spanning 4 locations from

Southport to Lismore.

An outstanding opportunity exists at our

head offi ce in Southport for an industry

experienced General Sales Manager to

oversee 5 of our major franchises including

Mazda, Hyundai, Audi, Volkswagen, and

Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, as well as our Used

Car division.

Applicants must have a proven track record

in a similar management role that would allow

them to lead, manage, train and expand this

exciting multi-franchise operation.

With further development plans underway, this

is an exceptional opportunity for a candidate

of the highest calibre and experience. The

Remuneration Package is industry leading and

will include a relocation package for the right

applicant, if required.

Applications will be treated in the

strictest confi dence and should be

forwarded including resume to:

Mr Brett Frizelle, Dealer Principal

James Frizelle’s Automotive Group

PO Box 1687, Southport QLD 4215

bfrizelle@jamesfrizelles.com.auB80692

SUV missionSUV mission

To fi nd out how Superservice Menus can maximise the performance To fi nd out how Superservice Menus can maximise the performance

of your service department emailof your service department email ssm@infomedia.com.au or callor call 1800 810 103.

Watch the SSM Commodore Watch the SSM Commodore compete in the V8 Supercar compete in the V8 Supercar Series Grand Finale!Series Grand Finale!

Jason RichardsSSM Commodore

Round 13 Phillip Island

Continued from previous page

Mazda claims it already rejected the front-

drive CX-7 on the grounds that the 4WD

import duty savings that the AWD version

enjoys means that any price saving between the

two would be “next to negligible.”

Like the CX-7, the CX-9’s front suspension

set-up is a MacPherson strut-type coil-sprung,

with a multi-link confi guration employed at the

rear. However, despite their extremely similar

styling and proportions, the

CX-9 is built off an entirely

different platform to the

CX-7. The new-generation

MPV people-mover, unveiled

recently in Japan, serves as the

big SUV’s base.

On the subject of the MPV, Mazda rejected

this third-generation model for Australia for

the CX-9, believing that the market for seven-

seater 4WD wagons is larger than that for

seven-seater people-movers.

Meanwhile, the CX-7 may become available

with the six-speed manual gearbox earmarked

for European consumption.

“We may put our hand up for it,” Mazda

Australia managing director Doug Dickson

told GoAuto last week.

Pumping out 190kW/380Nm, the 2.3-litre

DISI turbo-charged four-cylinder engine from

the Mazda3 and 6 MPS models has a 15kW

and 30Nm upgrade in power and torque

respectively. According to CX-7 program

manager Shunsuke Kawasaki, the lower torque

availability of the less powerful engine better

suits the automatic gearbox.

In the future, a small capacity V6 petrol

engine of between 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre

confi guration may also become available.

Conversely, a 2.2-litre four-cylinder common-

rail turbo-diesel unit may

also make it into the sleek

SUV, as well as the CX-9.

Mazda has deemed the

existing 105kW/360Nm

MZR-CD 2.0-litre engine,

as found in the newly released Mazda6 Diesel,

as insuffi ciently powerful for the CX-7 as a

result of its 300kg-plus weight defi cit compared

to the ‘6.’

Mazda is acutely aware that raising its SUV

profi le in Australia over the next three years is

vital if it is to raise its market share.

Currently it has about 6.8 per cent of the total

new-car market here. With around 66,000 sales

predicted by year’s end, this makes Mazda our

biggest-selling importer.

“If Mazda is to grow, it needs to get into

the SUV market,” Mr Benders said. “It is the

second biggest segment after small cars.”

WHAT’S COMING:CX-7 medium SUV DecCX-9 large SUV Mar 2008CX-5 compact SUV 2008

CX-7

DECEMBER 6, 2006 Page 17

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonews

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Sales • Service • Parts • Admin

Up Close on PersonnelUp Close on PersonnelUp Close on PersonnelUp Close on PersonnelUp Close on PersonnelUp Close on PersonnelUp Close on PersonnelUp Close on PersonnelUp Close on PersonnelUp Close on Personnel motor staffsales•service•parts•adminBrought to you by Motor Staff - The Motor Industry’s No1 Recruitment Specialist

We have people interested in

buying and selling dealerships now.

Horwath Motor Industry Services

specialise in Buy/Sells of dealerships

and have a significant database of

potential opportunities in Australia

and New Zealand.

We can help you in your search

for a buyer or a seller, along with

assisting you in every step of

the process.

For further information contact

John Gavljak or Wayne Pearson

on 1800 332 077.

Do you wantto buy or sell a

dealership?

BMW OZ NAMES NEW BOSSBMW Group will relocate

its Middle East managing

director Guenther

Seemann to Australia

early next year, following

the announcement last

week that he will replace

Franz Sauter as the head

of BMW Group Australia.

Mr Seemann, 48, will take

up the position on February 14.

A BMW employee since 1987, Mr Seemann

has been the managing director of BMW

Group Middle East since January 2004. He is

a former managing director of BMW Group

Greater China and general manager of sales

operations for BMW Group Asia.

Dr Sauter is moving to Munich to take up a

position in “quality management and customer

care” within BMW’s global sales department.

MAKIN HEADS VACCMELBOURNE car dealer

Perce Makin was last week

elected as the new Victorian

Automobile Chamber

of Commerce (VACC)

president. In a statement

issued after the vote was

taken at the VACC’s annual

general meeting, Mr Maki said: “It is our role

as VACC to show leadership and to assist our

members to remain profi table, and to grow

and prosper long into the future.

“We also need to involve government,

regulators, and the community in the dialogue

we are having about small business and the

future for our industry sector.”

Mr Makin has worked in the car industry

since joining the family garage at Burgundy

Street, Heidelberg, in 1951. In the 1960s he

joined brother-in-law Barney Luby forming

Makin and Luby Motors, and over the years

has represented a number of European and

Asian brands including Volkswagen, Audi,

Fiat, Lancia, Subaru, Honda, Daihatsu and

Hyundai.

OLSSON TO RETIREVOLVO Cars chairman and

chief marketing offi cer for

the Ford Motor Company,

Hans-Olov Olsson, will

retire at the end of the year.

Mr Olsson’s replacement

at Volvo will be Lewis

Booth, who will continue in

his role as executive vice-

president of Ford of Europe and the Premier

Automotive Group. A new marketing chief at

Ford is still to be announced.

The Swedish-born Mr Olsson, 64, is a former

CEO and president of Volvo Cars and has

worked for the Ford-owned brand since 1966,

when he began his career as a systems engineer

responsible for production, control, logistics

and procurement for Volvo cars and trucks.

VW BRUSSELS REPRIEVE A WEEK after Volkswagen announced it

would shed 3400 jobs when it terminated Golf

production in Belgium, the European auto giant

declared that it would produce the forthcoming

Audi A1 entry-level model at the Brussels

plant. Forced into crisis talks with the Belgium

government last week after workers went on

strike in protest and halted production, VW

management said it “could ensure employment

for up to 3000 people at the site” when A1

production commenced in 2009.

GM JOB CUTS TO CONTINUEGENERAL Motors will continue its program

of job cuts and plant closures in 2007, reducing

costs by around $US9 billion ($A11.4 billion)

which would be on a par with cuts made this

year. According to a Reuters report last week,

GM chief executive Rick Wagoner was quoted

in a Business Week magazine interview as

saying that GM would press for further cost

reductions early next year when it began contract

negotiations with the United Auto Workers

union. The world’s biggest car manufacturer is

attempting to cut structural costs from 34 per

cent of revenue to 25 per cent.

Guenther Seemann

Perce Makin

Hans-Olov Olsson

DECEMBER 6, 2006 Page 18

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonews

AJAX UPDATEWHILE union representatives were holding

out hope earlier this week that a deal with an

Indian consortium could save Ajax Engineered

Fasteners, GM Holden and Ford were in

negotiations with Australian and overseas parts

suppliers to sure-up supply for the rest of this

year and beyond. Both car manufacturers were

confi dent that new contracts would soon be in

place and stand-downs at their assembly plants

averted. A Holden spokesman told GoAuto

that the company planned to source “80 to 90

per cent” of parts from Australian companies.

“Where they are sourced overseas that will

be due to the fact that identical or similar

parts are already being used in GM programs

elsewhere around the world, so that means we

are sourcing a small number of parts from the

US, Europe and Brazil,” he said.

PACIFICA BOSCH NODAUSTRALIAN brake components

manufacturer Pacifi ca Group has supported

a takeover bid from German auto parts giant

Bosch after it increased its offer 15 per cent

late last month to $535 million, or $2.20 cash

per share. Although eight per cent lower than

a takeover offer from Bosch earlier this year

(which Pacifi ca rejected), the Pacifi ca board

has this time recommended that shareholders

accept the latest deal “in the absence of

a superior offer”. An independent expert

report has also deemed the offer, which is

scheduled to close on December 18, as “fair

and reasonable”. Bosch said the takeover

would ensure Pacifi ca’s future, which will

be a comfort for shareholders and employees

considering large-vehicle sales have softened

in Australia and the US.

BROCK TORANA: $500,000THE famous 1973 Holden Torana XU1 that

Peter Brock drove to his maiden Australian

Touring Car title has sold for $500,000 to a

private enthusiast. The Melbourne construction

company owner had previously seen the car

in storage and made an offer for the car. A

feature at the Peter Brock Sandown tribute in

September, the car was owned by the family of

former Holden Dealer Team engine builder Ian

Tate and was rebuilt to original specifi cations

and 1973 racing livery. The Torana, which

fi nished on the podium in all eight of its

championship outings, is also famous for the

1973 Bathurst race, when it fi nished second in

the hands of Brock and Doug Chivas despite

Chivas being forced to push it along pitlane

after running out of fuel.

REYNOLDS EXPANDSAUSTRALIA’S leading supplier of IT dealer

management systems (DMS), Reynolds &

Reynolds, has purchased the DMS business of

Infomedia for an undisclosed sum. The move

means that Reynolds will add 368 dealers to its

client base. Infomedia operated AutoLedgers

and NOVA DMSs.

All staff and customers from these businesses

will be rolled into Reynolds.

Reynolds & Reynolds CEO Steve Kloss said

that his company would continue to operate

AutoLedgers and NOVA and that Infomedia

customers would not have to migrate to

Reynolds systems. He said that AutoLedgers

and NOVA users would get access to Reynolds

products which would be wrapped around their

current systems.

Under the deal, Reynolds will also buy

parts and service data from Infomedia to be

integrated into Reynolds DMS products.

Infomedia is one of the world’s leading

suppliers of parts catalogue and service data.

It has about two thirds of the parts catalogue

business in Australia.

HORWATH GOES TO BDOIN THE wake of the move by Horwath Sydney

and Horwath Motor Industry Services to

merge with Deloitte, Horwath Melbourne has

announced that it will merge with BDO.

The merger is scheduled to take place in the

New Year. It will bring the combined fi rm to

over 140 directors, around 1200 staff and an

estimated turnover of about $180 million for

the full 2007 year.

Earlier this year BDO Melbourne merged

with Deloitte.

Chrysler 300C HEMI V8 wagon

We sell a car every 3 minutes.We sell a car every 3 minutes.

FAMILIARITY fails to breed contempt with Chrysler’s 300C. Even though the extroverted American has been on sale here now for a little more than a year, it still retains the

confi dent aggressiveness that startled Australians when it was originally launched. And the new Touring station wagon version is just as startling to look at. To all of the brassy appeal of the sedan, the 300C Touring adds more versatility in a luggage area that is surprisingly large considering the custom-car roof chop and pillar box side windows. Lounging room for fi ve, big, comfy seats and a standard equipment list that is consistent with its surprise-package status, the Chrysler 300C Touring is a king among station wagons.

GoAuto’s latest road test www.goauto.com.au

DECEMBER:Audi S6 sedanAudi S8 sedanAudi TT coupeBentley Arnage rangeBentley Continental GTC convertibleBMW X3 SUVMazda BT-50 utilityMazda CX-7 SUV rangeMercedes-Benz GL-class SUV rangeMitsubishi Outlander SUVToyota Prado SUV rangePorsche 911 Targa4 coupePorsche 911 GT3 coupe Volvo C70 coupe-convertible

New model diary: CLICK HERE

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