Mar 2, 2016 No. 815

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

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

Master blasterAwesome 1103kW Bugatti Chiron set to rewrite the record books for a lucky few

By RON HAMMERTONWITH the power of 11 Toyota Corollas, the world’s most powerful production car, the Bugatti Chiron, was this week unveiled at the Geneva motor show in Switzerland – where it has stopped the motoring world in its tracks.

Just 500 of the Veyron successors will be built at Bugatti’s Molsheim factory in France, with about a third of them already spoken for at a European price of €2.4 million ($A3.66 million).

Current Bugatti owners are getting priority, with one customer reportedly ordering a neat half dozen of the hypercars sight unseen. That is about €14.4 million ($A22m) worth, minus a fleet discount, of course.

And no, it will not be built in right-hand drive, so like the sole Bugatti Veyron brought into Australia by a Melbourne enthusiast, it cannot be registered here.

First deliveries are expected in the third quarter of this year, at the rate of about one a week.

Packing 1103kW of power and 1600Nm of torque from its quad-turbo 8.0-litre W16 engine, the Chiron is said to be able to hit 100km/h from standstill in “less than 2.5 seconds”, despite weighing a tick under two tonnes.

But safety advocates can rest easy: the Chiron’s top speed has been electronically limited to a mere 420km/h – short of the world-record 431km/h set by the most powerful version of the Veyron, the 883kW Super Sport.

Of course, that does not mean that Bugatti will not switch off the speed nanny and have another crack at a new world speed record for a production car, which it says it has every intention

of doing at some point. After all, the speedo goes up to 500km/h.

Unveiling the new Chiron at a special media event ahead of the show, which opened last night (March 1, Australian time), Bugatti Automobile president Wolfgang Duerheimer indicated that Bugatti set out to smash records with the latest model.

“It is part of human nature to cross boundaries and set new records – to run 100 metres faster than ever before, to fly even further into space and to enter new realms,” he said.

Continued next page

KEY ACQUISITIONCox buys Dealer SolutionsHOLDEN INSIGHTSSecret Alpha conceptDesign centre flat outLang Lang upgradeEnd of line for CruzePunch rescue bid fails

LOCAL LAUNCHESAudi A4Hyundai ElantraLexus GS FSubaru ForesterSubaru LibertySubaru OutbackVW Passat Alltrack

IN THIS ISSUE

AND MUCH MORE...

Mar 2, 2016 Page 2

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Master blaster

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

David Cassels Greg Johnstone Simon Logan Stephen Crawford Tony Groves Joe Camilleri

We empower your business to grow.

SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

PUBLISHER: John MellorEDITOR: Terry Martin MANAGING EDITOR: Tim NicholsonJOURNALISTS: Daniel Gardner, Ron Hammerton,Byron Mathioudakis, Ian Porter, Tim RobsonPRODUCTION: Haitham Razagui, Tung NguyenEDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Robbie WallisProduced by GoAutoMedia: Ph: (03) 9598 6477 newsroom@goautomedia.net

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Continued from previous page“This striving is also our driving

force at Bugatti.”Bugatti claims every Chiron will

make money for parent company Volkswagen Group, unlike the Veyron which reportedly cost VW a large wedge of cash for every one sold over its 10-year reign as the world’s pre-eminent road car.

Sitting on an all-new, race-car-style carbon-fibre platform with a honeycomb floor, the Chiron is bigger in every dimension than the Veyron, although the wheelbase of 2711mm is just one millimetre longer than before. Overall length is a 4544mm – 82mm longer than its predecessor – and width is 40mm greater, at 2038mm.

The massive mid-mounted engine that resembles two V8s line astern is carried over from the Veyron, but it gets four larger turbochargers that blow sequentially – two at up to 3800rpm and

then all four.Other changes include a carbon-

fibre inlet and an all-new titanium exhaust system that feeds the exhaust gases through no fewer than six catalytic converters.

Peak torque is reached at a mere 2000rpm and continues all the way to 6000rpm, just as the power is peaking at 6700rpm.

That is good enough to take the Chiron and its white-knuckle occupants from a standing start to 200km/h in 6.4 seconds – about the same time a handy family sedan reaches 100km/h.

The Chiron distributes all that grunt to the tarmac via an upgraded seven-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system that this time has an electronically controlled multi-plate central clutch for variable distribution between the front and back axles.

Michelin was called in to custom-make the 285/30 ZR20 front and 355/25 ZR21 rear tyres.

If the driver wishes – and is brave enough – those tyres can be torn up

by billionaire hoons in short order by selecting drift mode.

Regular driving modes cater for driving up to 380km/h, but to ensure the driver is absolutely certain he or she wants the full 400-plus experience, Bugatti requires them to stop and insert a special Speed Key. This lowers the active rear wing to improve straight-line speed, but of course reduces downforce – a move that requires careful consideration.

The air suspension has active adjustment according to speed and driving style, along with five-mode variable ride height adjustment. This includes a lift mode to avoid scraping that expensive front splitter.

Steering is now electro-mechanical in the modern fashion.

The Chiron gets bigger carbon-ceramic brake discs – 420mm on the front and 400mm at the rear – with eight-piston front and six-piston rear callipers.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Mar 2, 2016 Page 3

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

www.automotivepersonnel.com.au

Brooke Jones 0438 533 699

brooke@automotivepersonnel.com.au craig@automotivepersonnel.com.au

02 9331 3477Search Automotive Personnel & Follow us now on @AutoJobsAus

Craig Warren0417 248 884

THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS

The person we seek will demonstrate a successful career in senior management providing financial guidance and assistance to the Dealer Principal and Department Managers.

Your communication and mentoring skills will result in harmony and productivity amongst the administration team. Please send your Resume in Confidence to Craig Warren.

GROUP FINANCIAL CONTROLLER - AUTOMOTIVE

located in a lifestyle location in Sydney.Group Financial Controller required for an Industry leading Automotive Group

Email: craig@automotivepersonnel.com.au Mobile: 0417 248884

C-Class Cabrio

All-new Mercedes soft-top due here in final quarter

McLaren’s $406,800570GT is on its way

By TUNG NGUYENBRITISH supercar marque McLaren has revealed its most practical and refined supercar yet, the 570GT, at the Geneva motor show this week ahead of its Australian launch in the fourth quarter of the year.

The third model to be revealed as part of McLaren’s entry-level Sport Series range, the 570GT has the same underpinnings as its 570S and 540C siblings and will cost $406,800 plus on-roads when it arrives here.

According to McLaren, the 570GT is its “most refined and road-biased McLaren yet” and is “designed with a focus on day-to-day useability and long-distance comfort”.

Although the 570GT is built on the same carbon-fibre chassis and MonoCell II technology as the 570S, McLaren’s latest supercar features a distinct silhouette thanks to a new body style aimed at increasing practicality.

A new storage compartment over the mid-mounted engine, dubbed the Touring Deck, is accessed via a new glass hatch that features lightweight noise-absorbing materials to decrease noise, vibration and harshness.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

By DANIEL GARDNERMERCEDES-BENZ has revealed another member of the C-Class-based family, with the soft-top cabriolet rolling out at the Geneva motor show this week to join its sedan, coupe, wagon and GLC SUV brethren.

As expected, the C-Class Cabriolet shares many of its proportions, features and equipment with the C-Class Coupe that was revealed at the Frankfurt motor show last year, but among a handful of deviations, breaks from the tin-top tradition starting with a folding fabric roof.

Europe will first see the convertible C-Class in Mercedes showrooms in summer this year, but Australia will have to wait a little longer, with the

first examples expected at the end of the year – just in time for the southern hemisphere summer.

In standard trim, the soft-top is supplied in basic black, but for extra cash, Mercedes will fit a multi-layer acoustic version for “significantly” reduced wind and driving noise, and in a choice of brown, blue, red or black.

The roof is said to be “based on the S-Class” and stows in less than 20 seconds while moving at speeds of up to 50km/h, and Mercedes is particularly proud of its compact design, which occupies only 75 litres of space, reducing boot volume from 350L to 285L when the roof is open.

Internal and external dimensions differ little from the coupe, with overall height rising 4mm, front headroom reduced by a negligible 4mm, while rear passengers get an extra 12mm of headroom.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

C-CLASS COUPE JUST FOR STARTERS ASBITURBO V6 C43 EMERGES: CLICK HERE

Go to GoAuto.com.au for ongoingGeneva show coverage this week

Mar 2, 2016 Page 4

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

If you’re not a current Manheim member, log on to manheim.com.au to register today.

Daniel O’Brien M: 0407 349 060 E: daniel.obrien@manheim.com.au Kate Stapley M: 0408 330 917 E: kate.stapley@manheim.com.au

144 Moorebank Ave, MOOREBANK

For auction listings manheim.com.au

SYDNEY MEGA AUCTIONExclusive Dealer Only Auction 100+ FleetPartners Vehicles

PASSENGER & COMMERCIALTHU 10 MAR 10:30AM AEDT

End of lease Passenger & Commercial vehicles featuring:• Full service history• Quality range of vehicles• Vehicles in good condition• Most vehicles offered for the first timeBe there early for a light breakfast from 9.30am or bid online via Simulcast.

manheim.com.au

Mystery Alpha concept was built at Holden butstill under lock and key

Holden’s secret concept

By RON HAMMERTONA SECRET concept car called Alpha was prepared at General Motors Australia Design’s skunkworks in Melbourne a few years ago but remains under wraps.

The name of the mystery vehicle came to light during a rare tour by journalists of the facility next to GM Holden’s Australian headquarters at Fishermens Bend where the car was listed in a wall-mounted honour roll of the 30 or so concept and show vehicles built there since the current workshop was opened in 2003.

The Alpha name suggests a link with GM’s Alpha rear-wheel-drive platform that underpins recent high-end performance and luxury cars such as the 2013 Cadillac ATS, 2014 Cadillac CTS

and 2016 Chevrolet Camaro.The striking American-designed two-

door Buick Avista concept coupe that won many hearts at this year’s Detroit motor show is also said to have been built on the Alpha global platform developed in the United States.

GM Australia Design executives are tight-lipped about the Alpha concept, saying only that it was built for GM internal purposes and had not been shown publicly anywhere.

Apparently developed “a number of years ago”, before GM’s decision to shut Australian car manufacturing, the vehicle invites speculation that it might have been Holden’s stillborn vision for a next-generation Commodore and related Chevrolet SS after the current range is retired in 2017, or perhaps an Australian pitch for the new-generation Camaro.

Interestingly, the Alpha vehicle appears to have been built by the Australian team in the high-security

centre immediately after it built the first draft of the award-winning Buick Avenir concept.

Originally simply called Flagship, as in Buick Flagship, the first version of this Australian-designed Avenir large sedan concept was built by the shortcut method of fibreglass panels.

That concept was shipped to Detroit where GM design vice-president Ed Welburn – who had commissioned the Avenir from the Australian design team – was so taken by it that he ordered a full-blown operational show car for display at the 2015 Detroit show.

That second Avenir was then fabricated in the Melbourne facility which is one of only two such workshops in the GM world that can build a driveable concept from the ground up. The other is in Detroit.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREHolden design flat out – next page

Buick Avenir concept in production at Holden

Avenir concept production

Mar 2, 2016 Page 5

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

THE NO1 CHOICE FOR CAREERSWith over 20 years industry experience

Total Staff Solutions are the trusted

names in automotive recruitment. Visit

our website today to find out how we

can help you find the perfect position.

1300 749 819 www.totalstaffsolutions.co

FLEET SALES EXECUTIVE CBD / Easter Suburbs | Mainstream BrandSalary $$ Attractive Remuneration PackageHigh volume mainstream brand needs an experienced Fleet Sales Executive to focus on smaller to medium size business opportunities.

PRESTIGE USED CAR SALES MANAGERNorth Shore / Central Coast | Modern Working ConditionsSalary $$ Attractive Neg Remuneration PackagePrestige Used Car Sales Manager is required for a high end luxury brand. Strong leadership skills.

CLICK NOW TO REGISTER

FOR MORETOP JOBS!

Global design projectskeep coming for GMHstyling team: Ferlazzo

Holden design flat out

By RON HAMMERTONHOLDEN-BASED General Motors Australia Design is working to capacity on up to three production vehicle projects and at least one concept car for GM at any given time, says design director Richard Ferlazzo.

Speaking at the Melbourne studios where he showed journalists a rare glimpse inside the inner sanctum, Mr Ferlazzo confessed the studio sometimes had to turn down offers of work from GM sister brands.

“I suppose I shouldn’t say that, but we have plenty to do,” he said.

The continuing success story of the 140-strong design team – responsible for award-winning concepts such as the Buick Avenir that starred at the Detroit motor show last year – is in stark contrast with the manufacturing fortunes at Holden which are heading for termination late next year.

The design centre includes GM’s only fully fledged concept car fabrication workshop outside of Detroit, capable of turning a design from data into a rolling, fully operational vehicle for a major international motor show.

Mr Ferlazzo can be excused for having a soft spot for the fabrication centre as this was where his FJ Holden-inspired Efijy concept – a car that still draws crowds wherever it goes – was born in one of the earliest projects in the current centre after it opened in 2003.

He said the fabrication operation was a key part of GM Australia Design, helping to maintain a critical mass for the whole design studio.

“It is an important part of our business and I will fight to keep it forever,” he said.

So far, the workshop team of 12 has built about 30 concepts and show cars, including GM’s star car at this week’s Geneva motor show, the Opel GT sports coupe concept.

Before that, the team turned out the concept for GM’s first all-electric series-production car, the Chevrolet Bolt, which shared the Detroit show limelight with the Avenir last year.

Holden’s concept car pedigree dates back to 1969 when it crafted the wedge-shaped Holden Hurricane concept sportscar that left Melbourne motor show attendees gob-smacked that year.

Mr Ferlazzo said if a concept car was

both designed and built in Melbourne, like the Avenir, it could take 12 months “without interruptions”.

Such a vehicle could cost $3-4 million, he said.

Smaller projects – usually those based on a production vehicle – could take about four months and cost substantially less.

Mr Ferlazzo said the Australian design operation had reached its peak staffing

level of about 180 people when it was developing cars such as the VE Commodore for local manufacture in parallel with important ground-up overseas vehicles such as the Camaro.

He said the current level of 140 designers, clay modellers, digital modellers, design engineers, fabricators and related staff at Holden was still historically high, and rated as one of the biggest industrial design centres in Australia.

The Australian operation is part of GM International Operations – the “other bits” zone outside the three big ones: the Americas, Europe and China.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERELang Lang investment – next page

Richard Ferlazzo

Opel GT

Mar 2, 2016 Page 6

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

W W W . I V E C O . C O M . A U

N E W D E A L E R S

INVITATION FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

SEEKING WORLD CLASS DEALERS FOR AWARD-WINNING VEHICLES

Iveco Trucks Australia is part of the global commercial vehicle and industrial powerhouse, CNH Industrial. Locally, Iveco is strengthened with an Australian manufacturing facility in Victoria and an expanding National Dealer Network of over 45 branches and 300+ employees across the country. It’s with this on-going success and growth that Iveco is offering Authorised Dealership opportunities for the award-winning Iveco Daily – 2015 International Truck of the Year. Partnering with Iveco is placing your name next to one of the top global leaders in the transport industry.

To register your expression of interest email:Matteo Gambaro, Network Development Manager, Iveco Trucks Australia at networkdevelopment@au.iveco.com or visit www.iveco.com.au/dealer-opportunity

Renovation rescue signals long-term future for GMHproving ground in Victoria

Lang Lang investment

By RON HAMMERTONBACK from a near-death experience in 2013, Holden’s Lang Lang proving ground is to get a 60th-birthday makeover in an apparent vote of confidence in the future of Australian car engineering by parent company General Motors.

The multi-million-dollar overhaul will include a new emissions testing lab and bitumen resealing works for the massive circular 4.7km high-speed banked loop, both of which are critical to vehicle powertrain calibration work at the 877-hectare facility.

Built for the proving ground’s opening in 1957, the loop is believed to have been last resealed in 1992 at a cost of $1.2 million.

Although there is no suggestion that the American auto giant will revive the ground-up vehicle development role that GM Holden once held, the work to address deterioration at the ageing but still-valuable car test facility in Victoria means it can at least see a future for Holden Engineering’s contribution to global GM products.

GM announced in late 2013 that

the proving ground and associated engineering operation would be closed along with Holden’s factories in South Australia and Victoria in the wake of the American parent company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the global financial crisis.

But in May 2014, GM International president Stefan Jacoby announced a reprieve for the proving ground, about an hour’s drive south-east of Melbourne, although 50 of the 150 staff based there would be made redundant.

Many of the workers let go were test drivers employed to rack up thousands of kilometres in durability testing – a function mostly associated with local vehicle development – and mechanics who maintained those cars.

Many Holden insiders hope that Australia, with its skilful automotive engineering workforce, will regain a larger role in GM’s vehicle development program over time.

Holden’s once formidable array of engineering skills have been dissipated with the dismissal of 700 engineers who produced locally developed vehicles for Australian manufacture, but the remaining team of about 200 engineers and technicians spread between Lang Lang and Holden’s Port Melbourne engineering centre still provide services for global sister brands such as Opel and Chevrolet, as well as doing local chassis tuning for Australian conditions.

One of the major remaining operations is powertrain calibration – a skill honed at Holden since the days of local Family 2 four-cylinder engine production and export program in the 1980s.

GM last year announced that powertrain calibration testing for global models will be done at the proving ground.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREEnd of line for Cruze – next page

Mar 2, 2016 Page 7

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Trivett Classic 40 - 52 Church Street, Parramatta. Tel 9841 8880. trivettclassicbmw.com.au MD579

SEEKING THE ULTIMATE PROFESSIONAL.Trivett Classic, a 2015 BMW Trophy winner for excellence in professionalism, presentation and performance, has a long legacy of outstanding customer delivery in the premium segment of the automotive market. Following phenomenal growth in pre-owned sales during the past couple of years, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially astute Pre-Owned Manager to lead and motivate the sales team.

The successful candidate will have a long track record of successful performance managing pre-owned teams, of optimising sales opportunities and generating repeat business through providing world class customer service. You will also be known for your inspiring leadership. In joining Trivett, you will be part of Inchcape, the biggest global automotive player and have the opportunity to grow your career. You will also enjoy an attractive remunerations and benefits package and be part a business that prides itself on market leading performance and excellence.

If you are interested in taking this fantastic opportunity, please apply for the role at trivett.com.au/careers or alternatively call Matthew Tunstall (General Sales Manager) on 0414 600 065 or Mark Bartlett (General Manager Human Resources) on 0412 012 495.

Trivett Classic SalesFinanceServicePartsAccessoriesLifestyle

Holden to quit small-carproduction in October asAstra hatch draws near

End of line for Cruze

By TIM NICHOLSONGM HOLDEN will end Australian production of its Cruze small-car range in October, a year before the Commodore ceases production, as the car-maker pushes on with the wind-down of its local manufacturing operations.

The announcement by Holden was not unexpected, with the arrival later this year of the all-new European-built Astra hatch range, followed by the launch of the related Korean-built next-generation Cruze sedan.

Slowing sales and the impact on the company’s financial position are also potential factors in the decision to end production of the ageing small car.

The introduction later this year of stricter Euro 5 emissions regulations that impact the Euro 4 Cruze and its Commodore stablemate may have also

played a part, although Holden was granted a short-term exemption from the latest regulations.

Holden confirmed that the wind-down of Cruze production would not impact the Commodore sedan and Sportwagon that will continue to be produced at the Elizabeth plant in South Australia until the end of 2017.

The car-maker said in a statement that the eventual cessation of Cruze production “has been openly discussed in weekly staff meetings and forums at the Elizabeth factory”.

A Holden spokesperson said the company could not confirm the number of staff impacted by the early exit of the Australian-built Cruze as it was in the process of “undertaking production studies and analysis to determine future production numbers”.

The spokesperson said that while some employees will leave Holden

prior to the end of Cruze production, the majority would finish up on the last day the car rolls down the Elizabeth production line.

GM Holden managing director and chairman Mark Bernhard highlighted the company’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for its workers to other employment opportunities.

“I want to acknowledge first and foremost the impact the end of local manufacturing has on people, and their families, across the country and throughout the industry,” he said.

“Our people remain our number-one priority. As I’ve said since the first day I took up this role last year, my most important job is to support our people and I want to reaffirm that commitment to helping them wherever we can.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREHolden plant bid fails – next page

Cruze production

Cruze production

Mar 2, 2016 Page 8

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

LEADERS IN PARTS AND SERVICE SELLING SYSTEMS

CAPTURE1Add photo and video evidence to vehicle inspection reports.

SHARE2 Send customers a digital report and estimate for self-authorisation.

SELL3 Raise sales conversions and improve customer satisfication (CSI).

CAPTURE MORE SALESWITH THE POWER OF PHOTO AND VIDEO RECOMMENDATIONS

www.superservice.com

1800 810 103service@infomedia.com.au

Build trust and improve customer satisfaction

Visual evidence of repair recommendations makes your customers feel in control of their service experience, and makes it easier for you to explain the repair, required, parts, labour and price.

Decision by GM, Punchto abandon rescue dealbrings anger, confusion

Holden plant bid fails

By IAN PORTERGENERAL Motors has announced that the Punch Corporation proposal to keep Holden’s assembly plant in Elizabeth, South Australia, in operation after production ceases in 2017 will not go ahead.

The failure of the proposal to progress has been met with scorn and scepticism by some government and industry figures.

A joint statement from GM Holden and Punch Corporation released late on Friday said the two companies undertook a “detailed global evaluation” of the proposal before determining it would not proceed.

“Both parties concluded that a viable business model was not possible for this case. Therefore, the proposal will not be taken forward,” the statement read.

“The challenges to domestic automotive manufacturing in Australia – lack of scale, high production costs, supply base contraction and increasing

market fragmentation – persist and cannot be overcome for this business case.

“In particular, the wind-down of the supply base following the manufacturing exit of the three existing car-makers, and the critical production mass they represent, is insurmountable.

“GM thanks Punch Corporation for their proposal. GM will continue to consider Punch Corporation, along with other interested parties, to participate in the sale process of the Elizabeth plant and assets after GM ceases local manufacturing.

“Punch Corporation will continue to pursue other business opportunities in the Australian automotive sector.”

Both industry minister Christopher

Pyne and one of his predecessors, Senator Kim Carr, expressed doubt about the claim that GM and Punch had completed a “detailed global evaluation” of the proposal before pulling the pin, while the local parts industry was irate about being made the scapegoat for the decision.

“What I think about it isn’t printable,” Federation of Automotive Products Manufacturers (FAPM) manager Tom Chappell told GoAuto on Sunday night.

“They’ve got their own reasons for not doing it, but the supply chain is not one of them. I was pissed off when I read that.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Elizabeth plant

Mar 2, 2016 Page 9

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

GraysOnline in partnership with Hilco Industrial provide Automotive EquipmentManufacturers with turn-key asset management, including valuations

and global disposal strategiesSell your manufacturing equipment through GraysOnline & Hilco Industrial and gain access to global buyers for local assets.

For more information, please contact Paul Rittman P: +61 410 082 579 E: paulr@grays.com.au

www.graysonline.com

Services provided include:

• Equipment Valuations• Flexible Disposal Solutions• International Brokerage• Asset Redeployment• Negotiated Sales• Auctions• Complete Project and OH&S Management Services

Land remediation, otherprocesses at Ford’s localplant sites ‘to take years’

‘A multi-year process’

VW EMISSIONS RECALLVOLKSWAGEN Group Australia has kicked off the recall for vehicles impacted by the ongoing diesel emissions cheating scandal, with the Amarok utility the first model to be called back in.

The company announced this week that 8694 Amaroks were impacted by what it termed “the global emissions matter”, while other affected models will follow in the coming months.

The fix involves a software upgrade at a Volkswagen dealer that should take no longer than half an hour. Owners will not be charged.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

By RON HAMMERTONFORD Australia says the process of selling off its Australian manufacturing sites is expected to take several years, with properties housing the Victorian factories at Broadmeadows and Geelong unlikely to change hands before 2019.

The company, which is set to bring a halt to its local vehicle production in October this year, says remediation work on the factory sites needs to be considered, along with a raft of other factors, before any property sale can be negotiated.

Dismissing a rumour on Melbourne radio that an Indian motor company might be in line to take over the Broadmeadows assembly plant where Ford currently builds Falcon and Territory, Ford Australia communications and public affairs director Wes Sherwood told GoAuto that the sale process and negotiations with prospective buyers had not yet started, and would not begin until after vehicle production had concluded.

“At the moment, we are focusing on production for the rest of this year,” he said. “The sale process is unlikely to start before next year, and I expect it will be a multi-year process.”

Mr Sherwood said that at a guess, sales of land packages might be completed in “2019-ish”.

Having housed a heavy manufacturing

plant since 1960, the Broadmeadows site needs to be audited for potential soil pollution from contaminants such as oil and metals, and if found to be present, removed and the land rehabilitated.

The Geelong site has been a worksite even longer, having started automotive production with the T-Model Ford in 1925.

Not all the property will be sold off, with Ford Asia-Pacific’s vehicle development operation retaining large chunks of the Broadmeadows and Geelong sites.

At Broadmeadows, the current design centre will remain, while the former Ford Australia headquarters office building is being renovated to house some of the 1000 or so engineers working on multiple global projects for Ford Motor Company.

The administration, sales, marketing and public affairs have all been moved to a new office in the inner Melbourne suburb of Richmond.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE Amarok

Mar 2, 2016 Page 10

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Contact our local agent or meet him at NADA 2016NICK HOWARD - PH. 0433 329 228nick@broadwayequipment.com broadwayequipment.com

Julian Newton - Dealer Principal - City Holden Adelaide

“ WE RUN 100 CARS THROUGH OURWASH EVERY DAY AND GET THE SAME

BRILLIANT RESULTS EVERYTIME”

Click Play to Learn More

Audi’s all-important new-generation A4 range reaches Australia, from $55,500

A4 arrives

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISAUDI has launched its crucial ninth-generation A4 range in Australia in downsized four-cylinder turbo-only guise for now, dropping slow-selling variants such as the V6 diesel as it prepares to rein in the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz’s best-selling C-Class.

To help achieve this goal, the larger yet lighter and significantly more efficient four-door sedan is the first of a wider family of models based on the B9-generation architecture arriving this year, with the Avant wagon following in April, the S4 performance versions coming in the third quarter and the Allroad crossover here by December.

While snaring just 15 per cent of buyers in the previous iteration, the Avant might do better this time around. In Germany it takes upwards of 65 per cent of total sales.

Additional A4-based spin-offs include the second-generation Q5 SUV set for an early 2017 release after a Paris motor show debut in October, with the

five-door A5 Sportback and two-door Coupe and Cabriolet also expected to surface not long afterwards.

Designed at Audi’s Ingolstadt HQ some four years ago under the watchful eye of (then) design chief Wolfgang Egger, the A4 shares no body panels with its predecessor, although the basic silhouette – which is sleeker and more aerodynamic at 0.27Cd in Australian-spec sedan guise, thanks partly to extensive underbody cladding – takes an evolutionary path.

Among the biggest visual changes are the flatter and wider signature single-frame grille, plus arrowhead-style headlights, clamshell bonnet with four ridges, “tornado line” dual side crease,

integrated boot-lip spoiler and tapered rear graphics.

According to Audi Australia product planning manager Peter Strudwicke, the conservative approach to the A4’s design evolution will not hinder sales.

“I don’t think it’s necessarily an issue,” he told GoAuto at the launch of the A4 in Canberra last week. “The A3 is a great example, with critics saying that it looked too much like its predecessor. But it’s selling at record numbers and we have difficulty keeping up with demand

“I think Audi buyers recognise the quality – and the big thing is to get people to drive the car at dealerships – it’s all about experiencing the car.”

Manual gearboxes are no longer available, meaning the A4 range kicks off from $55,500 plus on-road costs for the new 110kW/250Nm 1.4 TFSI with S-tronic dual-clutch transmission, which replaces the 125kW/320Nm 1.8 TFSI with Multitronic continuously variable transmission.

Continued next page

2.0 TFSI quattro

2.0 TFSI quattro

Mar 2, 2016 Page 11

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

ACQUIRE AND RETAIN MORE CUSTOMERS WITH A PROVEN LIFECYCLE TOUCHPOINT SOLUTION

Call us today on 1300 837 327

Click here to find out how.

A4 arrivesContinued from previous page

The result is the smallest engine ever offered in A4 history – as well as its four generations of 80 and Fox predecessors – but the move will not hinder the base version’s chances of success, according to Mr Strudwicke.

“The previous version was offered with a 1.4-litre model in Europe, but at the time we didn’t think it was suitable for Australia,” he said.

“But our new 1.4 TFSI is much more powerful, and only slightly slower to 100km/h than the old 1.8. And even the BMW 318i now has a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine … so we expect it to account for about 15 per cent of volume.”

The engine in question is the 1.4-litre four-cylinder direct-injection turbo-petrol unit with variable valve lift tech, producing its 110kW of power from 5000-6000rpm and the 250Nm peak torque from 1500-3500rpm, and driving the front wheels via a seven-speed DCT.

Weighing in at 1375kg – some 95kg less than the previous 1.8 TFSI – the 1.4 TFSI S-tronic can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds (just 0.2s slower than the 1.8) on its way to a 210km/h top speed, yet also return fuel economy of 5.5L/100km and CO2

emissions of 126g/km.Far more popular – to the tune of

about 35 per cent apiece, according to Mr Strudwicke’s calculations – will be the $60,900 2.0 TFSI Ultra S-tronic and $69,900 quattro all-wheel-drive petrol-powered duo.

In the former, tipping the scales at 1405kg, the 2.0-litre EA888 engine delivers 140kW from 4200-6000rpm and 320Nm from 1450-4200rpm, resulting in 7.3s to 100km/h, a 238km/h V-max, 5.3L/100km economy and 119g/km of CO2 emissions.

A hefty 105kg is the price paid for choosing to go quattro, along with a 1.0L/100km and 25g/km penalty, but the extra oomph – 185kW from 5000-6000rpm and 370Nm from 1600-4500rpm – means faster acceleration from rest to 100km/h (5.8s) and an electronically limited 250km/h top speed.

The diesel flagship of the A4 range at launch is the $66,900 2.0 TDI quattro that Audi expects 10 per cent of buyers to choose. Its direct-injection common-rail single-turbo engine is untainted

by the Volkswagen Group emissions scandal in this application, and pumps out 140kW from 3800-4200rpm and 400Nm from 1750-3000rpm.

Acceleration from 0-100km/h is completed in 7.2s, top speed is 235km/h and fuel use and emissions are rated at 4.6L/100km and 121g/km respectively.

Averaged out, the B9 sedan is 65kg lighter than the B8 released in 2008, and that is due to the series switching to Audi’s vaunted new MLB (Modular Longitudinal Matrix) platform.

Lighter yet stronger than before, the A4 is 25mm longer at 4726mm, 16mm wider at 1842mm, but exactly the same height at 1427mm. Along with a 12mm wheelbase stretch, the bigger footprint translates to 24mm more front headroom, 11mm more shoulder space and 23mm extra rear legroom, giving the A4 the biggest cabin in its class.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

PRICING:1.4 TFSI (a) $55,500 2.0 TFSI (a) $60,9002.0 TDI quattro (a) $66,900 2.0 TFSI quattro (a) $69,900

2.0 TFSI

2.0 TFSI

Mar 2, 2016 Page 12

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

EXECUTIVE SEARCH – THE DIFFERENCE –

COURLAND AUTOMOTIVE is an international specialist automotive Executive Search network established in London in 1991, providing a single source of exceptional people to ensure the continuing success of your automotive business.

Operating in Australia since 2003, Courland Automotive has earned the reputation as the pre-eminent provider of Executive Search services to the automotive industry across Australia.

To discuss how we can assist your organisation with your next executive appointment, contact David Parker on + 61 2 9957 4182 or visit us at www.courland.com

Lexus’ long-anticipated high-performance GS F sedan arrives, from $148,800

GS F storms in

By DANIEL DeGASPERILEXUS’ first GS F sedan has launched in Australia priced from $148,800 plus on-road costs, undercutting its key rivals by tens of thousands of dollars.

Its debut marks the first time Lexus will compete in the full-sized sports sedan segment and the GS F is only the fourth vehicle to emerge from the Japanese luxury brand’s F performance division – following the superseded IS F compact sedan, LF-A supercar and the current RC F coupe.

The GS F costs less than the Audi S6 ($169,510) and BMW M5 Pure Edition ($185,000), a duo of sedan competitors with vastly different characteristics ranging between executive-express luxury and sports respectively.

For this reason, Lexus Australia head of product planning Mark Dobson struggles to find a natural competitor for the GS F.

“It’s hard to pick what you’re comparing against,” he told GoAuto at the national media launch of the GS F in

Adelaide last week.“First of all you start with price, so you

go okay, the car costs $148,000 – how far away from that price up or down do you go and still call it a competitor? If you take other competitive models around that price, there are other competitors – BMW, Audi – who have models in that price range, but then you look at what (equipment) you’re getting.”

Standard equipment on the GS F is extensive, and includes a sunroof, keyless entry/start, 12.3-inch colour display with satellite navigation and concierge services, 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, colour head-up display, tri-zone climate control, heated leather-clad steering wheel, front and rear heated seats with leather/Alcantara trim and power rear sunshade.

Safety equipment includes 10 airbags, pre-collision warning system, active cruise control, blind-spot monitor, lane-keep assist and adaptive automatic high beam.

“The competitors go one way with

the type of engine they put in and the styling, and Lexus goes another way, and we’re trying to attract a different style,” Mr Dobson added.

The GS F uses a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine producing 351kW of power at 7100rpm and 530Nm of torque between 4800rpm and 5600rpm. It has a redline of 7300rpm and an eight-speed automatic is the only transmission available. The 1825kg sedan can race from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds.

The S6 and M5 Pure Edition utilise downsized turbocharged V8 engines to achieve 4.4s and 4.2s 0-100km/h claims respectively.

If forced to pick a rival, Mr Dobson said: “I’d have to say it’s the Audi A6.”

However, he said he believes the GS F is a four-door alternative to the RC F compact coupe launched last year.

“In other particular models we can definitely pitch against one car, but I’d say this car (GS F) is benchmarked on the RC F,” Mr Dobson said.

Continued next page

Mar 2, 2016 Page 13

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Career OpportunitiesA career with Honda is a career with an innovative, award-winning automotive brand with an international presence in almost 200 countries. We focus on investing in people and systems for future growth and offer a professional, engaging work environment.

DIGITAL SPECIALISTAs Digital Marketing specialist, you will play a crucial role in the ongoing development and optimisation of Honda’s digital ecosystem. With the power of the Adobe Marketing Cloud, you’ll have cutting-edge tools at your disposal, and work directly with the Digital leads of the creative and media agencies to develop a content and traffic strategy. Ideally you will have:• 5+ years’ experience in a similar digital/online marketing role. • Strong understanding of PPC, Programmatic and SEO.• Proven track record in project management and delivery.• Understanding of analytics tools such as Google Webmaster.• Ability to identify and learn from best-in-class digital experiences.• Understanding of CRM process.• Experience with Adobe Marketing Cloud preferred.

BRAND MARKETING MANAGERAs Brand Marketing Manager, your focus will be on inviting people to fall in love with the Honda brand all over again. You will be responsible for brand and retail strategy and communications, along with Honda’s digital ecosystem through the use of the Adobe Marketing Cloud. Ideally you will have:• 5+ years’ experience as a brand marketing manager or similar. • Exceptional strategic skills in both brand development and

communications execution.• Proven track record in project management and delivery.• Capabilities in setting clear KPIs and developing plans to deliver

against them.• Ability to lead content development that delivers engagement.• Experience with Adobe Marketing Cloud preferred.

Attractive remuneration packages are offered inclusive of a fully-maintained vehicle. To apply for either of the above positions, please email your resumé with a covering letter to careers@honda.com.au. Honda is an equal opportunity employer. No agencies please.

GS F storms inContinued from previous page

“They built the RC F and then said, ‘Now, we’re going to make this four-door sedan (and) what do we want to make it like for performance? Well, okay, let’s benchmark the RC F.’”

Newly appointed Lexus Australia chief executive officer Peter McGregor added that he considered the Lexus F buyer to be an “enthusiast driver”.

“The reason we offer the two vehicles, the RC coupe and the GS sedan, is because some people prefer to have that in a two-door version with a shorter wheelbase, and some people prefer to have it in a four-door sedan that has the ability to take five people – or four people in comfort – with a good amount of luggage room as well,” he said.

“So it can serve both purposes in the GS F for the enthusiast driver.”

Mr Dobson said he believes the

GS F will also act as an aspirational vehicle for “people who want to make a statement – I love ‘natural aspiration’ for example”. He also said that many former buyers of an HSV product may “absolutely” look at buying a GS F.

“At our drive day we had an HSV as a competitor car,” Mr Dobson said. “Maybe there are a few people who aren’t loyalists.”

Lexus said it expects sales volume for the GS F of 30 units per year, however Mr Dobson confirmed that 26 had already been pre-sold.

“We thought 30 per year (but) it looks like it’s going to smash our conservative prediction,” he said.

Compared with the four-year-old GS sedan, the GS F increases the use of high-tensile steel and adds underfloor structural bracing to improve torsional rigidity. The multi-link front and rear suspension are revised with ZF Sachs fixed dampers, new springs and stabiliser bar, and forged aluminium control arms to reduce weight.

Driver-selectable modes include Eco, Normal, Sport S and Sport S+ that alter parameters for the electro-mechanical steering, throttle and transmission response and engine output.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

Gtechniq Platinum featuresIn 2004, scientists at Gtechniq created a superior line of products aimed at perfecting all car surfaces. Over the past 10 years, these products have been continually improved to provide a range that outshines and outlasts the competition.

Our line of surface preparation and protection products are designed to clean, polish and protect all automotive exteriors in a way no traditional wax applications can match.

The Gtechniq Platinum range includes composite ceramic coatings, leather/vinyl protection, fabric/carpet protection.

Unprotected

without Platinum protection

Industrialfallout & dirt

UV Rays Acidrain

Detergent

Protected

with Platinum protection

Industrialfallout & dirt

UV Rays Acidrain

Detergent

Contact Phil Ward 0414 991 419

ToTal Surface ProTecTion

Gtechniq was born out of pure science, the love of cars and the desire to create the best car care products, with a focus on protective coatings – the cornerstone of our success.

LIfetIme WARRAnty

Official supplier:

PlatinumexcluSive To auTomoTive dealerS

Play the video below

exclusive to automotive dealers

national lifetime warranty

nano composite coating

Scientifically proven

extreme durability

interior protection includes Biocote

Protects against uv light, bird and bat droppings, acid rain, tree sap, bug splatter as well as road grime

Mar 2, 2016 Page 15

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Live happily ever aftermarket! Call us today on 02 9891 0026 www.motorcaregroup.com.au

Increase your Aftermarketbottom line *C

ondi

tions

App

ly.

3 Strong dealer testimonials3 Manufactured by Global leaders3 Efficient sales process3 Proven track recordCall now to experience the difference...

Ask usabout ourMONEYBACK*

Guarantee

New Passat Alltrack adds extra dimension to VW’s off-road stable, from $49,290

On track

By STUART MARTINVOLKSWAGEN has continued its rollout of Passat variants in Australia, with the launch of the all-new high-riding Alltrack – priced from $49,290 plus on-road costs – part of the company’s renewed focus on SUVs and crossovers.

At the vehicle’s launch in New South Wales last week, Volkswagen Group Australia passenger vehicles product manager Glenn Reid said the balance was shifting towards SUVs, but Golf was still the German brand’s top-seller by some margin.

“We’re trying to bring more SUVs to the market,” he said. “Tiguan comes out later in the year … (and) we’re also looking at filling the smaller end of the market.”

The latter was previewed by an all-new T-Cross Breeze concept at the Geneva motor show this week.

Upgrades to the connectivity and safety features lists of the new Passat Alltrack are accompanied by a boost in power and torque, but not at the expense

of fuel economy.“We’ve kept the price rise ($1000)

minimal but have put so much gear into it, (especially) the active safety features,” Mr Reid said. “It’s a much bigger car too; I think we can sway some buyers.”

The new Alltrack is powered by the EA288 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (with an updated turbo) offering 140kW at 3500-4000rpm and 400Nm from 1750-3000rpm, increases of 15kW and 50Nm respectively.

Combined-cycle fuel consumption is listed at 5.4 litres per 100km, down from the previous model’s 6.3L/100km thanks to the presence of automatic

engine idle-stop and brake energy recuperation systems. It also retains the AdBlue-based selective catalyst reduction emissions system of the regular Passat to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx).

Furthermore, the six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission has a coasting function that is part of the Alltrack’s Eco drive mode, as well as a model-specific off-road mode that changes the electronic traction and throttle systems.

Off-road mode also automatically engages the variable-speed hill descent control, which can run from 5-30km/h and is adjustable using the accelerator.

Predominantly driving the front wheels, the new Alltrack brings the rear axle into play with the latest-generation 4Motion Haldex all-wheel-drive system, with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that can send almost 100 per cent to the rear as required.

Continued next page

Mar 2, 2016 Page 16

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

GENERAL MANAGER, SPRINGWOOD JAGUAR LAND ROVER

James Frizelle’s Automotive Group has a long standing history of success, now entering our 31st year of trade. Over the years, our success has been driven by our ability to steer development opportunities and identify great leaders who can drive our growth. Our most recent success is the development of a $30 million flagship dealership precinct in Springwood, extending our brand portfolio to include premium luxury brands Jaguar and Land Rover.

The Jaguar Land Rover brands believe in excellence in motion, they reimagine the expected and reimagine the accepted. The Frizelle Group has the resources, people and passion for something beyond excellence to be achieved. We’re seeking a leader with the skills, talents and experience to be part of the Jaguar Land Rover journey and to make their team part of this vision.

Our Springwood Jaguar Land Rover Dealership is a jewel within an impressive automotive portfolio, affording its new leader an opportunity to showcase their skills across the industry and form part of one of Queensland’s most victorious automotive leadership teams. Opportunities to spearhead such prestigious brands across a greenfield site are rare, and will be sure to elevate your profile beyond the automotive industry. You will further enjoy an impressive compensation and benefits package. To apply, follow the below link or call 07 55838845 for more detail. https://jamesfrizelles.expr3ss.com/?j=234&s=15&ppt=bbd9965b

TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• A sound understanding of dealership operations, f inancials and industry benchmarks from GM level.

• Demonstrated experience in sales and customer service, encompassing all aspects of dealership operations, including leading and managing a team.

• Highly motivated with a passion for success, and an ability to get the most out of yourself and your team every day.

• Exposure to greenfield sites and premium offerings a distinct advantage.

On trackContinued from previous page

According to VW, the power distribution to all four wheels is activated even before slip occurs, which almost entirely eliminates any loss of traction.

The AWD system also has electronic differential locks within the electronic stability control system that will send drive away from a spinning wheel, as well as braking the inside wheel during faster cornering to deliver improved handling.

Towing capacity has risen 400kg to a braked maximum of 2200kg – although a 90kg ball download is unchanged – but the vehicle weight has fallen 33kg to 1671kg; around half of that weight loss has come from changing the underbody protection from steel to plastic.

Overall length is reduced from

4881mm to 4777mm, with a 12mm increase in width to 1832mm, while height has dropped 44mm to 1506mm.

In line with the width increase, the front track has grown 34mm to 1580mm but rear track has increased only 18mm to 1563mm.

Despite the slightly shorter overall length the wheelbase has increased 80mm to 2791mm; a rear load space of 639 litres, rising to 1769L when the rear seats are folded, is an improvement of 49L and 53L respectively.

The Alltrack’s full-size alloy spare is thought to be the difference from the current Passat’s 650/1780L load space.

The cargo area offers an impressive interior length of 1172mm up to the upright rear seats and 2018mm

of interior length up to the back of the front seats. With convenience and practicality in mind, the Passat Alltrack also provides owners with a luggage partition net, shopping bag and load restraint hooks, interior illumination and a 12V socket in the boot.

The Alltrack’s clearance has also risen from the outgoing car’s 165mm to 174mm, or 27.5mm higher than the front-wheel-drive Passat wagon, with an Alltrack-specific front grille and foglights, wheelarch mouldings, badging and flared side sills further differentiating it from the front-drive wagon.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

1300 363 368 www.hyundai-forklifts.com.au

MOVING YOU FURTHER

HYUNDAI FORKLIFT

ADVANTAGE

Contact your local dealer to find out about Hyundai Forklift Advantage which provides an extended factory 3 year / 3,000 hour warranty and a major components warranty of 3 years / 10,000 hours.

· Extended Warranty· National Service Network· Guaranteed Future Value

Mar 2, 2016 Page 18

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

1300 66 11 33dealersolutions.com.au

FIND OUT MORE

ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGES

COMPLIANT WEBSITES

PREFERRED PROVIDER

AVAILABLE NOW!

Local engineering boosts new Hyundai Elantra but overseas demand to clip sales

Tailor made

By TIM NICHOLSONHYUNDAI’S sixth-generation Elantra sedan has arrived on Australian shores with a trimmed-down line-up and new powertrains, but expected supply constraints could hamper its sales this year.

The popularity of the Elantra in other markets could hinder its growth in Australia, according to Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) chief operating officer Scott Grant.

“We expect that this year we will be supply limited,” he told journalists at

the Elantra media launch in Tasmania last week. “We don’t really have a firm plan at the moment. It’s in its early stages. They sell in excess of 220,000 to 250,000 Elantras in the US. It’s considerable in Korea as well.

“So in year one we expect the car will be quite popular we think, but how many we can get to I am not quite sure. We have about 1000 right now on launch stock; where we go from there I am not sure.”

Mr Grant said he did not think the Elantra could match or exceed its record 2015 haul of 8346 sales, based on the compact sedan’s early global demand.

“I don’t think so, no. It is launching right now all over the globe. We expect the car to be in demand. There are quite a lot of pre-sales, particularly in the United States.”

The new Elantra will be offered in

two specifications – base Active and mid-spec Elite – while the previous range-topping Platinum has been dropped.

It will, however, get a flagship SR variant later this year, powered by Hyundai’ s 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol

engine matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (see separate story).

A new 2.0-litre four-cylinder ‘Nu’

naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering 112kW/192Nm replaces the previous 110kW/178Nm 1.8-litre MPi unit, matched with either a six-speed manual gearbox or automatic transmission in the Active, or just the auto in the Elite.

HMCA says just 15 per cent of sales are expected to swing to the manual, with the Active capturing 70 per cent of all Elantra sales.

Continued next page

PRICING:Active $21,490Active (a) $23,790Elite (a) $26,490

Active

Elite

Mar 2, 2016 Page 19

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Established in 2009, Australian and European Automotive Services has become the choice of discerning clients looking for top mechanical expertise to service their automotive investment. Located on the beautiful NSW mid-north coast, this modern, well-equipped Automotive Service workshop is the ONLY mechanical workshop in the area and is situated directly opposite a major Shopping Centre and University. The site offers plenty of parking and future expansion potential.The business has a good lease in place with the landlord willing to extend the term. Easy to run, it would suit a Dealer looking for a good earner or a Service Manager/Mechanic seeking a solid and successful business with growth assured.Please contact Peter Cordell on 02 6581 4573 or admin@australianeuropeanautomotive.com.au

• AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOP• EUROPEAN SPECIALISTS • 3000+ REGULAR CLIENTS

FOR SALE

Tailor madeContinued from previous page

Pricing has marginally increased for the entry Active, which is offered from $21,490 plus on-road costs in manual guise, or $23,790 for the auto, representing a $500 lift over the previous model.

The Elite starts at $26,490, which is a $400 drop compared with the old model.

Metallic paint is a $495 option and there is only one non-metallic colour available.

As with most recent Hyundais, the Elantra has benefited from intensive ride and handling testing and tuning conducted in Australia.

“Our aim with the car was to develop exceptional ride comfort first and foremost, and we tested across every road surface we could find,” said HMCA senior manager of product planning Andrew Tuitahi.

“Damper testing alone was a month-long process involving short-test urban

loops with potholes, speed bumps and other everyday driving challenges. We also carried out extensive testing on twisty mountain roads, often involving mid-corner bumps, course-chip routes, freeway and highway work, and on country roads, including gravel roads.”

The company says the chassis development team conducted 48 drive tests as it analysed 15 different sets of front dampers and 34 sets of rear dampers, the results of which were processed by motorsport suspension guru David Potter.

The latest-generation Elantra has a new suspension design, with the front strut including a new subframe with improved geometry for better noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels.

New bushings on the front subframe and bigger bushes on the lower control

arm also help NVH, according to HMCA. At the rear is a redesigned torsion

beam set-up with upright, longer dampers – compared with the previous model’s diagonally mounted dampers – and repositioned coil springs.

Hyundai says the Elantra chassis is made from 53 per cent ultra-high-tensile steel – up from 21 per cent on the previous model – ensuring 29.5 per cent stiffer torsional rigidity and 25.3 per cent better bending strength.

Interestingly, the larger engine has meant an increase in official fuel consumption, up from 6.6 litres per 100km in manual guise to 7.1L/100km, while the auto lifts from 7.1L/100km to 7.2L/100km.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

Hot Elantra SR turbo coming in second half of yearBy TIM NICHOLSON

HYUNDAI will inject some spice into its sixth-generation Elantra small car range later this year, with the arrival of a turbocharged SR version locked in for Australia.

Touching down in the second half of 2016, the Elantra will mark the fourth SR variant in the Hyundai range, following the Veloster Turbo with which it shares an engine, and the warmed-over naturally aspirated i30 and Accent SR.

Powering the Elantra SR will be the 150kW 1.6-litre four-cylinder GDi turbocharged petrol engine that is also found under the bonnet of the force-fed Veloster and Kia’s recently departed Pro_cee’d GT, matched with a six-speed manual gearbox or optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Pricing is yet to be announced,

but it will almost certainly come at a premium over the just-launched range-topping Elite that is priced at $26,490 plus on-roads, and will become the flagship now that the Premium spec has been dropped for the sixth-generation model.

It could line up in price against the Veloster SR Turbo which ranges from $29,990 to $32,490, depending on the transmission choice.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

LOCAL CHASSIS TEAM MAKES BIGGAINS WITH ELANTRA: CLICK HERE

Elite

Active

Mar 2, 2016 Page 20

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Drive Your Dealership’s Profitability Join an Independent Dealer GroupDrive your business to achieve operational excellence in all areas of the dealership. Group members challenge each other to improve performance, and have access to industry data and best practice.

For more information click here

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. © 2015 Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Rohan MeyerTel: +61 433 977 641

Pricing holds firm as Subaru introduces sharper, quieter, safer, fresh-faced SUV

Forester boost

By DANIEL GARDNERSUBARU has upgraded the model it says started the SUV revolution, with new safety and comfort gear, light styling tweaks and locally developed chassis tune – without a bump to pricing – for the 2016 Forester launched last week.

Still starting at $29,990 plus on-road costs for the 2.0i-L manual, the Forester facelift brings a new re-sculpted front bumper to all but the top-spec XT variants, a new-look grille, headlights with C-shaped LED daytime running lights and fresh foglight surrounds for the higher-end versions.

At the back end, the update is limited to a new tail-light design, which incorporates C-shaped LED lighting to match the new headlight design.

For 2.5i-S, XT and XT Premium variants, the Forester also now has “steering responsive” LED headlights to focus the whiter beam around corners as the wheels are turned.

A new Sepia Bronze Metallic paint option and new 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheel designs complete the exterior revamp.

While all variants except 2.0i-L and 2.5i-L Foresters get the company’s acclaimed EyeSight stereoscopic camera safety tech, Subaru says it will respond to customer demand for a more accessible version with a new EyeSight Special Edition on the way soon.

On the inside the Forester offers a more comfortable place for occupants with enhancements made to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels, such as quilting on door trims, thicker seat cushioning and window glass, and padding added to either end of the instrument panel.

A more aerodynamic wheel design and engine under-body panelling cuts turbulence to reduce wind noise, as well as increasing fuel efficiency.

Continued next page

PRICING:2.0i-L $29,990 2.5i-L (a) $32,990 2.5i-S (a) $39,490 2.0D-L $33,490 2.0D-L (a) $35,490 2.0D-S $39,490 2.0D-S (a) $41,490 2.0XT (a) $40,990 2.0XT Premium (a) $47,990

Mar 2, 2016 Page 21

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

ThaT’s how many aRE DIsCaRDED In aUsTRaLIa EaCh yEaR.*THIS IS WHAT 50 MILLION TYRES LOOK LIKE.

*Volume based on Equivalent Passenger Units (EPUs). an EPU is standard passenger car tyre. Full EPU Ratio Tables available at www.tyrestewardship.org.au

If you want your old tyres recycled in the most environmentally sustainable way, only deal with Tyre stewardship accredited suppliers. Look for this logo or go to our website to find out who they are. www.tyrestewardship.org.au

TRP

TSA0

009

Forester boostContinued from previous page

Subaru estimates the NVH reduction to be in the region of five per cent, helped further by a retune of the Forester’s chassis which at the same time has improved handling and road manners, the company says.

The Australian engineering team has fettled the suspension with different damper and spring rates, as well as introducing new mounting bushes to hone the Forester’s handling for local roads and conditions.

Rear suspension geometry has been redesigned for better straight-line stability.

A new steering box has reduced the Forester’s rack ratio down from 15.5:1 to 14:1 for greater feel and reduced turns from lock to lock, but also reduces felt vibrations, says Subaru.

The XT Premium has been treated

to Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) torque vectoring, which applies inside wheel brake force in fast cornering to mitigate understeer.

As far as the rest of the Forester’s specification goes, it is business as usual with the powertrain and variant line-up unchanged.

The base 2.0i-L Forester is available only with a six-speed manual gearbox and 2.0-litre horizontally opposed petrol engine, producing 110kW/198Nm and driving all four wheels via Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.

Fuel consumption is the best of the petrol Foresters, with 7.2 litres consumed per 100km on the official combined cycle.

Moving up to the 2.5i-L and 2.5i-S

brings an extra 0.5L of capacity to the naturally aspirated boxer-four engine and a corresponding 126kW/235Nm. The 2.5-litre is only available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and burns through 8.1L/100km.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

Liberty, Outback upgrade – next page

SUBARU RETURNS TO AUSTRALIANRALLY CHAMPIONSHIP: CLICK HERE

XT

XT Premium

Mar 2, 2016 Page 22

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

• Cost-effective, engineered Hail Storm solutions.• Designs suitable for small, medium and large facilities.• Minimum yard disruption time during construction.• 10 year Product Warranty applies to Canopies. Automotive industry testimonials at Netprocanopies.comFor further information please call Justin on 0419 700 017 or 1300 638 776. Email Justin@netprocanopies.com or visit us at www.netprocanopies.com

HAIL INSURANCEThe Netpro Canopies Way

WATCH TIME LAPSE VIDEO

SUPER FAST INSTALL

AUSTRALIA-WIDE INSTALLATION

All Subaru Outback auto variants pick up EyeSight,Liberty gains Vision Assist

Liberty, Outback upgrade

By DANIEL GARDNERONE year after the new-generation Outback and Liberty twins were launched, Subaru Australia has introduced an early update that brings extra safety equipment to all but the manual diesel Outback, plus a local suspension tune for Liberty.

Previously, only higher-specification Outbacks offered the EyeSight advanced stereoscopic camera technology, but in response to customer demand the Japanese car-maker is now offering the system on all Outback variants bar the manual 2.0D.

The closely related Liberty has been equipped with the system in all three variants since launch, but to boost its safety stature in line with the Outback, the sedan range now has ‘Vision Assist’ as standard on 2.5i Premium and the flagship 3.6R.

For all but the entry 2.5i, the Liberty now has blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assistance, auto-dimming rearview mirror, headlight high-beam assistant and rear cross-traffic alert as standard.

With the EyeSight system, all equipped

models have the added safety net of adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking and steering assistance for avoiding collisions, lane-departure warning and front vehicle alert, which prompts the driver if he or she has failed to notice the car ahead pulling away.

The Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) has been made standard on all Libertys, which flashes the hazard lights when the braking system detects an abrupt application of brakes.

In addition to the safety boost, the Liberty has also benefited from chassis tuning from the Subaru Australia engineering team, which has fettled the suspension for a more compliant ride on Australia’s unique terrain, without compromising dynamic qualities.

The development team formulated a unique combination of damper and spring settings, which has “improved roll, pitch, dive and float control” for a flatter feel

through corners and faster settling of the suspension over rougher surfaces.

Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels have also improved with the local work, says Subaru, resulting

in a more comfortable cabin for occupants whether tackling tougher terrain or faster road routes.

With the extra equipment, pricing for all but the entry-level variants has increased between $500 and $1500.

Kicking off the Outback range is the 2.5i that is furnished with a continuously

variable transmission (CVT) for an unchanged $35,990 plus on-road costs, but its more handsomely equipped Premium equivalent now costs $500 more at $41,990.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

More reports – page 25, 28

PRICING:Outback2.5i (a) $35,990 2.5i Premium (a) $41,9902.0D $36,4902.0D (a) $38,4902.0D Premium $42,9902.0D Premium (a) $44,9903.6R (a) $48,490Liberty2.5i (a) $29,990 2.5i Premium (a) $35,9903.6R (a) $42,490

Outback 2.0D Premium

Liberty 3.6R

Mar 2, 2016 Page 23

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

The successful applicants will have:

• Previous experience in a similar role within the Motor Industry.• Track record of success in your team reaching KPI’s. • Excellent communication and interpersonal relationship skills.• Staff leadership and ability to mentor.• Strong negotiation skills.

On offer is:

• Generous remuneration package.• Professional, modern, working environment.• Supportive team atmosphere.• Ongoing professional training.• Career development prospects within the Group.

If you believe you have the right attributes to become part of our team, please send your resumé with a covering letter to Mitchell Merry via email: mitchellm@parramattamotorgroup.com.au Applications treated in strictest confidence.

PARRAMATTA MOTOR GROUP is currently seeking an experienced New Car Sales professional with a passion for leading a sales team and being responsible for their ongoing success. This role will suit a Retail Manager or a strong Assistant New Car Sales Manager ready to take the next step in their career.

NEW CAR SALES MANAGER

Foot down

Honda president announces major company changes

By TERRY MARTINLAMBORGHINI has named former Ferrari Formula One team boss Stefano Domenicali as its incoming CEO, replacing long-serving company chief Stephan Winkelmann on March 15.

Mr Domenicali, 50, has worked for Lamborghini sister brand Audi – all part of the Volkswagen Group – since November 2014, serving as vice-president for new business initiatives.

In turn, Mr Winkelmann, 51, who has overseen the Italian supercar marque as president and CEO since 2005, will become chief executive of Audi’s performance division, quattro GmbH.

Joining Lamborghini after rising through the ranks of the Fiat Group, Mr Winkelmann is credited with more than doubling Lamborghini’s sales over the past decade – passing 3000 units for the first time last year (to 3245), including 84 in Australia – and more than tripling turnover.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Ex-Ferrari F1 chief to head Lamborghini

By RON HAMMERTONHONDA Motor Company president and CEO Takahiro Hachigo has put a broom through the company, announcing major changes to top management and company structure to streamline operations and regain the Honda mojo.

To take effect on the first day of the Japanese financial year, April 1, the shake-up includes a new vehicle development structure to simplify a system that he said had become too complex and demanding.

Mr Hachigo – a one-time chassis engineer who took the top role at Japan’s third-biggest motor company a year ago amid a flurry of safety recalls and product introduction hiccups – also announced that Honda would put plug-in hybrid cars at the core of its electrified vehicle program, incorporating such powertrains in at least one variant of all major

models, including an all-new model due out in the United States in 2018.

Outlining the changes at a press conference last week in Tokyo, Mr Hachigo said model-development processes at Honda had grown increasingly complex, resulting in increased man-hours and a heavier workload for those involved.

He said he had begun to see organisational issues such as unclear responsibilities and insufficient delegation that could “seriously harm the driving force behind Honda’s creativity”.

“We will establish a structure where development teams at the spot can concentrate on creating automobiles and focus on the development of one whole vehicle as one product under a consistent concept,” he said.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Takahiro Hachigo

Stefano Domenicali (left) and Stephan Winkelmann

Mar 2, 2016 Page 24

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Purchase to provide Cox with platform to roll outnew services in Aust/NZ

Cox buys Dealer Solutions

By JOHN MELLOR

PremiumGoAutoNews

THE largest automotive services company in the world, the US-based Cox Automotive which operates in Australia and New Zealand through its Manheim division, has purchased leading online dealer services company Dealer Solutions from its founder Chris Vening.

The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, was announced yesterday. It will provide Cox Automotive with a platform from which to expand its products and services in Australasia in addition to Dealer Solutions’ existing suite of services.

The move means both Manheim and Dealer Solutions can combine forces with a portfolio of services for dealers, manufacturers, fleet managers, vehicle sellers and the overall automotive industry.

The acquisition heralds the retirement of Chris Vening while his long-standing lieutenant and chief operating officer, Damian Jones, who has been with Dealer Solutions since 1999, will take over as CEO.

Manheim Australia and New Zealand CEO Campbell Jones told GoAuto that the purchase was “a great fit” for Cox Automotive in the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Mr Jones said Cox was attracted to Dealer Solutions “because they are a business that is really highly regarded in the automotive industry built on the right sort of foundations over many years by Chris Vening”.

“We felt that they were a perfect fit in the way they support the motor dealers in the market from a retailing point of view as well as the wonderful work they are doing for the OEMs,” he said.

“We really felt that there was a strong fit from a Manheim point of view but particularly from a Cox Automotive

point of view with the Cox Automotive ecosystem they have developed globally and the enormous number of different types of products and services they offer all participants in the auto industry around the world.

“We see Dealer Solutions as a wonderful way of bringing some of those products to Australia,” he said.

“So we will be supporting the Dealer Solutions business which is full of great people. That is one thing that has really impressed us – the wonderful people within the business and certainly the leadership and the executive team.

“This gives us great confidence that we are bringing a fantastic business with the right culture into the family. It is a very people-focused business and, if you get the people part right, a lot of what we want to do will follow suit. So we could not be more excited,” Mr Jones said.

GoAuto understands that Cox

Automotive had been thinking about the deal for a long time and began seriously discussing the purchase with Dealer Solutions about 12 months ago.

Cox Automotive International executive vice-president John Bailey said that the investment by Cox Automotive was a “vote of confidence” in the Australasian motor industry.

“Cox Automotive has identified Australia and New Zealand as growth markets and, as a sign of our confidence in Manheim, Dealer Solutions and our people, have made this significant investment in the future growth of our group of companies,” he said.

Mr Bailey added that Chris Vening had made “an outstanding contribution to the automotive sector through his ownership of Dealer Solutions”.

“Chris should be very proud of his achievements and we wish him all the best for the future. I would also like to thank him for his work in making this deal come to fruition,” he said.

Mr Jones said the existing dealer customer base of Dealer Solutions and its potential for growth was a very big attraction in the purchase.

“They are north of 30 per cent of motor dealers in this market with some 3000-plus individual dealerships using Dealer Solutions in one form or another,” he said.

Continued next page

“Chris Vening has made an outstanding contribution to the automotive sector through his ownership of Dealer Solutions” - John

Bailey, executive vice-president, Cox Automotive

International

Chris Vening (centre), the founder of Dealer Solutions, has sold his company to Cox Automotive and is retiring. Damian Jones (right) has

been appointed the CEO of Dealer Solutions. He will report to Campbell Jones (left), the CEO of Manheim Australia and New Zealand.

GoAutoNews Premium: Coming Soon. The business pages of GoAutoNews

Mar 2, 2016 Page 25

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Shopping centre car sales attract new customers for Melbourne Docklands site

Subaru’s ‘pop-up’ success

Continued from previous page“So they have very good penetration,

especially in Queensland and northern NSW. So we think there is a very significant opportunity for them to achieve that penetration in the rest of NSW and in Victoria.”

Mr Jones said that Dealer Solutions has a number of products that are well supported by the car industry in Australia.

“But when we look to the Cox Automotive family of products globally there are businesses such as vAuto (a new and used car inventory management system), HomeNet (which extracts inventory from dealer

systems and publishes it online) and Haystak Digital Marketing which uses advanced bid strategies to optimise dealer stock listings to attract online car buyers.

“The fundamentals are that we really want to assist the motor dealer world with the right data and information to help them maximise their opportunities in retailing cars and speed of processing their vehicles through their businesses and speed of taking their vehicles to market with data aggregation links to third-party websites and so on.

“Our challenge will be making sure that we don’t overload the Dealer Solutions guys. They already have a

wonderful pipeline of products under development which they are bringing to the market and really for us it is a matter of helping them to accelerate their innovation and development,” he said.

Damian Jones said the synergies between the two companies would benefit customers and fuel business growth.

“Work has already commenced on how we will best collaborate and not only maintain our excellent levels of customer service at Dealer Solutions and Manheim, but build, strengthen and collectively improve our customer-focused approach,” he said.

By NEIL DOWLING

PremiumGoAutoNews

BUSY shopping-centre traffic and low-cost rent are turning conventional car dealership methods on their heads as an experiment by Subaru Australia reports unexpectedly high sales.

Its ‘pop-up’ outlet in Victoria’s Pacific Werribee shopping centre, 32 kilometres west of Melbourne, is now selling more than 30 cars a month which is equal to many outer-city dealerships.

GoAuto understands sales have been as high as 42 cars in a month.

Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior told GoAutoNews Premium that success in Werribee was encouraging the importer to roll out more such stores in other markets.

“It won’t replace dealerships but I think it’s where the future is and this won’t be our last,” he said.

“This pop-up has been selling in excess of 30 cars a month and that’s 30 cars we normally wouldn’t have sold.”

One of the concept’s biggest attractions is its cost.

“A conventional small dealership in

the area probably means you’d be lucky to get change from, say, $10 million,” Mr Senior said.

“But if you take away the bricks and mortar of a car dealership, there’s a huge difference in cost. It’s tying up tens of millions of dollars in a dealership for 30 cars a month which a pop-up can do for a fraction of that cost.”

But Mr Senior insists that while the shopping centre location was effective, it was not for every district and did not suit every shopping centre. It also needs the administrative backup of a dealer network.

Subaru Melbourne, operator of the Docklands dealership and one of the retail arms of national Subaru distributor Inchcape, is behind the Werribee shop.

It drove the pop-up concept after

being unable to find a suitable location for a planned outlet in the growth area of Werribee and Hoppers Crossing.

“Subaru Melbourne had been looking at potential property for some time and was unable to source something suitable,” said Mr Senior.

“The idea, as a temporary measure, was a pop-up at the Pacific Werribee shopping centre that we kicked off towards the end of last year.”

Mr Senior said the concept had been successful “but it’s probably been a more interesting learning exercise”.

“It’s certainly a different environment to a car dealership,” he said.

According to Mr Senior, a large dealership selling 100 cars a month would probably see 5000 people as floor traffic.

Continued next page

Dealer Solutions acquisition to provide Cox with platform to expand in Australasia

GoAutoNews Premium: Coming Soon. The business pages of GoAutoNews

Mar 2, 2016 Page 26

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Regent consolidation seesrental firm land 3 Broomefranchises as PMG takes 1

Broome dealer moves

Continued from previous page“In a shopping centre, you are

exposing yourself to potentially millions of people over a 12-month period,” he said. “That’s interesting.”

Mr Senior said the Werribee case proved a lot of preconceived ideas about selling cars at shopping centres were wrong.

“For example, we were told that people wouldn’t buy cars at a shopping centre,” he said.

“It’s certainly not traditional to go to a shopping centre to buy a car. So some things have to change.

“At Werribee we have demonstrator cars in the carpark for prospective buyers.

“A lot of people think that you just put a car on show at the shopping centre with a salesperson for a couple of hours a week. That’s never going to work.

“If you treat it as a car dealership but in a shop location – that’s where the future is.”

Aside from the fact it may not work in every area, Mr Senior said the

concept has other downsides.“In our experience we acknowledge

that there’s no service on site,” he said. “It’s a shopfront. The working hours

are shop working hours compared with car dealerships which have longer trading in Victoria twice a week, and are open on Sundays.

“In the shopping centre you have a landlord so you have to abide by certain conditions, including the opening hours, and you have to be considerate of other shop owners.

“It won’t work in all conditions and it won’t replace dealerships but we recognise that this model is part of the future.

“But there’s more upside than downside and the most important thing for me has been our learning from it.”

Mr Senior said Subaru has a reputation for “doing things a bit different”.

“We have BRZ and STI for sale online,” he said.

“Working with Subaru Melbourne – and this is not Subaru Australia, this is

Subaru Melbourne retail – we thought, ‘Let’s try it.’

“We’re very happy that it’s been successful. It won’t be the last.

“We’ll look closely at opportunities in the future. If a dealer came to us and said, ‘How about this?’ then we can tap into our learnings with Werribee.”

Subaru is not alone in profiting from the pop-up concept. Infiniti Australia has a pop-up on the Gold Coast that is trading successfully.

It previously had three – Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne – and is considering expanding the concept.

The Infiniti Australia idea has led to Infiniti in Europe embracing the concept, starting with a prefab 28-square-metre building in Bristol, England, to showcase the upcoming Q30 hatchback.

Infiniti plans 11 more centres that will be temporarily established across Europe.

They will work in collaboration with Infiniti dealers that will provide staffing, arrange test drives and complete orders.

GoAutoNews Premium: Coming Soon. Brought to you by

By NEIL DOWLING

PremiumGoAutoNews

PERTH-BASED car rental company Pilbara Car and Truck Rental has made a foray into the retail auto sector for the first time by snapping up three car franchises in Broome from automotive company Regent Motor Group.

Regent Motor Group sold four of its franchises at two locations in Broome as part of a reassessment of its dealership portfolio.

Pilbara Car and Truck Rental, headed by entrepreneur Brian Brennan, has a rental car, truck and bus fleet of more than 1000 vehicles and operates in key Western Australian centres.

Mr Brennan bought Regent’s

Kia, Ford and Mitsubishi stores and the fourth, Nissan, was sold to the expanding Pilbara Motor Group (PMG). PMG now has four franchises in Broome, adding Nissan to its Toyota, Holden and Hyundai businesses.

Regent Motor Group principal Tyson Sutton told GoAutoNews Premium that the businesses were sold because they were too small and too remote to operate effectively.

Mr Sutton last August bought 70

per cent of WA’s sole BMW and Mini dealership, Auto Classic, which has two outlets in Perth. His group also has the sole BMW motorcycle dealership.

The Regent Motor Group operates 14 franchises and 21 showrooms in WA and the Northern Territory. This includes the Darwin-based business, which has Audi, Porsche and Subaru franchises that Mr Sutton said he has no intention of selling.

Subaru pop-up outlets will not replace dealers, but brand’s first ‘won’t be our last’

Broome NissanSource: Google

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto InBrief

John Mellor’s

Mar 2, 2016 Page 27

www.GoAuto.com.au

Range Rover Sport SVRWhile previous versions of the Range Rover Sport struggled to live up to the third part of its title, the first model from Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations has scattered the cats with this belligerent all-terrain weapon. Stupendously rapid, the SVR leaves no doubt as to its intent, with street presence and matching mechanical force.

GoAuto’s latest car review

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

V40 update

New Thor’s hammer LED headlights for Volvo V40By RON HAMMERTON

AFTER doing the hard yards for three years, Volvo’s entry-level V40 hatch has been given a pull-through that includes new headlights incorporating the Swedish company’s new visual signature – LED daytime driving lights in the shape of Nordic god Thor’s hammer.

The changes, which also apply to the crossover V40 Cross Country, are expected to reach Australian showrooms in the third quarter of this year.

Although minor, the visual changes help bring the V40 into line with Volvo’s new styling direction that made its debut on the company’s latest flagship models, the XC90 and forthcoming S90 and V90 twins.

The V40 gets a new-look grille with the more pronounced Volvo iron-mark

badge and revised meshes, depending on the variant.

Announcing the facelift, Volvo Car Group senior vice-president of sales, marketing and customer service Bjorn Annwall said the V40 was the best-selling Volvo model in Europe and the second-most popular Volvo model globally.

“With the updates for model year 2017, we make this already very successful model even more attractive to customers in the segment,” he said.

A range of new colours – some taken from newer Volvo models – and alloy wheels are available, along with an optional black interior headliner for the first time.

The only mechanical change comes in the form of low-rolling-resistance tyres that help cut CO2 emissions of the 1.6-litre diesel D2 engine with manual gearbox to 89 grams per kilometre.

The ‘Volvo on Call’ phone app that allows V40 owners to use their smartphone to operate a range of functions also has been improved, gaining Microsoft Band 2 for voice control of certain features when using Windows 10-based phones.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

INFINITI DEALER MOVESJAPANESE luxury car-maker Infiniti’s busy start to 2016 continues with the expansion of its dealer network that adds a second retail centre in Sydney and a service centre in Adelaide.

Infiniti Centre Castle Hill in north-western Sydney will commence operations under the massive Automotive Holdings Group (AHG), with sales set to kick off from next month.

Early operations will take place at the Castle Hill dealership of sister brand Nissan, with AHG planning to establish a dedicated Infiniti showroom soon.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

PHANTOM SWANSONGROLLS-ROYCE has announced it will end production of its 13-year-old Phantom flagship late this year as it ramps up development of the eighth-generation version that will roll out of its Goodwood factory in 2018.

The BMW-owned ultra-luxury brand also confirmed that the Phantom Coupe and Drophead Coupe will not be renewed when the new model arrives.

To celebrate the end of the Phantom VII’s lifecycle, Rolls announced it would offer a special-edition version of the Coupe and Drophead Coupe, dubbed Zenith, that will be limited to 50 worldwide.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Zenith

XXXXXX

XXX XXXVOLVO WORKS ON TRUE KEYLESS CAR

OPERATION VIA PHONE APP: 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.

Mar 2, 2016 Page 28

By DANIEL GARDNERQUIET achiever Subaru has set itself up to be one of the most stable brands in the Australian automotive market with small but consistent year-on-year growth, a fat-free range of Australian-focused vehicles and growing recognition from parent company Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI).

Unlike many mainstream brands, the sales of each of Subaru’s seven models are governed not by how many customers can be lured into showrooms but by worldwide production constraints, creating a “one too few” business model which reduces inventory costs and boosts exclusivity as a by-product.

But with increasing demand for Subaru vehicles Down Under, FHI is assisting the Australian business with a gradual drip-feed of more units each year, contributing to a rock-solid slow-and-steady growth strategy.

Last year, the Japanese brand broke its 16th annual sales record in 18 years, recording 43,600 sales and taking market share up from 3.6 to 3.8 per cent, and if the trend continues, Subaru will pass 44,000 units here in 2016.

The steady, almost linear rise is in stark contrast to some key rivals including Honda which grew to a peak of 60,529 in 2007 before meandering

through peaks and troughs to a total of 40,100 last year.

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi may have totalled overall higher sales for the 10 years to 2015 and a net upward trend, but it too has not matched the outright consistency of Subaru’s performance over the period.

Speaking at the launch of the updated Outback, Liberty and Forester last week, Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior told GoAuto that Subaru’s consistent performance in an ever-changing market could be attributed to the perseverance with one core strategy.

“We see ourselves as a brand with small, sustainable growth; we don’t expect to see huge volume increases, but year-on-year growth, as we have been achieving, is the strategy,” he said.

“As an industry, over the last couple of decades there has been a convenience of over-supply. People walk in, buy a car and can drive away with it in 24 hours, but that is very

expensive and there has been over-supply. The industry has tilted a little bit back to where dealers’ stock levels are much better than they were two or three years ago.

“We finished last year at 43,600; if we can grow by about another 1000 units … 44,500 is probably where we would like to be. I’m confident we will be able to source that.”

Global production is being ramped up to cope with worldwide demand, but with all Australian supply coming from Japan only, a large allocation boost would only be possible through a significant Japanese production increase.

Mr Senior explained that the company’s strong performance was not going unnoticed by FHI and global allocation was slowly shifting in Australia’s favour, with special products and greater supply on the way to bolster further growth.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Subaru holds firmSteady path stems fromconsistent sales growth,solid supply, tight range

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 20150

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

Subaru, Honda and Mitsubishi sales 2005-2015

Source: VFACTS

Mitsubishi

Honda

Subaru

HELPING DEALERS SINCE 1992DIGITAL STRATEGY

WEBSITESINVENTORY MANAGEMENT

LEAD MANAGEMENTPHOTOGRAPHY

DEALERSHIP SOFTWARE

FIND OUT MORE1300 66 11 33 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

Mar 2, 2016 Page 29

By DANIEL GARDNERBMW Group Australia is confident that the uptake and interest in its range of i-branded vehicles will continue to grow alongside the expanding line-up of plug-in hybrids, but says a marked increase will not happen until the federal government introduces ownership incentives.

Although the 7 Series and 3 Series ActiveHybrid models are no longer available, BMW continues to offer the low-volume i3 and i8 models and is building a fresh alternative-energy assault with the 330e and X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrids due in May.

Accompanying these models is a new strategy to attract potential customers to the i-brand including an expanding dealer network and more PHEVs on the way, but BMW wants the federal government to do its part to encourage Australians into greener cars.

BMW Group Australia CEO Marc Werner said the company was committed to alternative energy, but said a vote of confidence in the form

of new legislation would be the tipping point for hybrids and electric vehicles in Australia.

“At the moment we have six exclusive BMW i-dealers and we want to more than double that within the next six months,” he said.

“That’s a very clear strategy going forward but it’s not only that, we are pushing the dealer network extension, but we are also having intensive discussions with the Australian government about how to bring incentives as well as new legislation into this country.”

With the blossoming i-brand range, Mr Werner said he believes the success of all hybrid and electric vehicles relied on a combination of good product choice and ease of ownership,

comparing Australia’s commitment to the most enthusiastic nations.

“If I draw a parallel to other markets, be it Norway, California or even the Netherlands or Switzerland, it’s a really sustainable demand. In particular, in Europe where they are going to 99 grams (per kilometre) in CO2 emissions by 2020, we see an increase in demand on BMW i3, which is fantastic.

“I think we have the best and most sustainable set-up when it comes to our products.

“What we have seen in other markets, and I think this will come to Australia sooner or later, is that the minute there are incentives from the government, we will attract further customers – additional,” he said.

BMW Group Australia corporate communications general manager Lenore Fletcher repeated Mr Werner’s insight into overseas markets, referring to research that identifies buyer behaviour when offered incentives.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Luxury brand pushes forlocal eco-car incentives,plans i-dealer expansion

BMW’s green agenda

i3

X5 xDrive40e 330e

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

GoAuto Personnel

John Mellor’s

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto Personnel – brought to you by Motor Staff

Mar 2, 2016 Page 30

TOP 2015 DEALERS FOR FERRARI, MERC, BMW, MINI, VW, RENAULT, HONDABy TERRY MARTIN

A HOST of car companies have celebrated the achievements of their retail network and individual dealership staff in 2015, with Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Mini, Volkswagen, Renault and Honda among those to stage awards presentation ceremonies over the past week.

Barbagallo Ferrari in Perth was named 2015 Ferrari Australasia Dealer of the Year, chosen from the

Italian supercar brand’s six official dealers in Australia and New Zealand in a program that has been running since the factory took control of local distribution in 2013.

Ferrari Australasia chief executive Herbert Appleroth said the selection criteria is based on the “highest achievement in 36 areas including customer satisfaction, workshop utilisation, proactive customer engagement through marketing

activities and quality of aftersales throughout the year”.

Under the leadership of dealer principal Alf Barbagallo, the WA dealership also took out the aftersales category and shared the limelight in the sales discipline with Ferrari Maserati Sydney and Melbourne’s Zagame Ferrari.

Ferrari’s marketing DOTY award went to Ferrari Maserati Sydney.

Mercedes-Benz Toowong in Brisbane won the luxury market leader’s coveted Metropolitan Dealer of the Year award, with dealer principal Angus Young and his team recognised for delivering “a year of exceptional customer service”.

The dealership also won the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Financial DOTY award.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREBarbagallo Ferrari’s Tony Sanfilippo and Emanuele Pavone

Mercedes-Benz Toowong team with M-B Aust/Pac management

FCA NAMES TOP 2015 DEALERS FOR CHRYSLER, DODGE & JEEP, FIAT/ALFABy TERRY MARTIN

FIAT Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia announced its top-performing retailers for 2015 across the Italian-American auto group at a Dealer of the Year awards presentation in Sydney late last month.

Among the Chrysler Jeep Dodge (CJD) network, Crick’s in Mount Gravatt, Queensland, was named DOTY for the ‘Metro A’ area, Knox CJD in Ferntree Gully in Melbourne’s outer-east took out ‘Metro B’, while

Dwyers CJD in Bairnsdale, Victoria, took out ‘Category C’ which covers regional areas.

Fiat Alfa Romeo DOTY awards went to Zagame in Richmond in inner-city Melbourne (Metro A), while the Caroline Springs Fiat-Alfa dealership, located west of Melbourne, won the Metro B award and Gulson’s in Fyshwick, Canberra, took out Category C.

A Fiat Professional national DOTY award was also presented to Welshpool Fiat Professional from Western Australia.

As with other DOTY awards, dealerships are assessed on various aspects of the business, including sales, parts and service, and customer care feedback.

FCA Australia president and CEO Pat Dougherty said the result was

“almost too close to call” in each category and highlighted the efforts of the entire network during 2015 – a year in which all brands in the stable, with the exception of Fiat Professional, experienced a downturn in overall sales.

The company also took significant steps during the year to address its processes and staffing in relation to handling customer enquiries and complaints, following an investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

“While there can only be one winner in each category, in most areas this was a result almost too close to call, and I’d like to take a minute to thank every one of our dealerships for their dedication and hard work,” Mr Dougherty said.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREPat Dougherty (left) with Crick’s CJD dealer principal Ryan Harding

Australia’s

RecruiterNo.1

AutomotiveGeorge Hennessy Managing Director

careers@motorsta�.com.au1300 666 562 www.motorsta�.com.au

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto New Car Diary

John Mellor’s

Mar 2, 2016 Page 31

GoAuto New Car Diary – brought to you by CarsGuide

MARLAUNCH FULL NEW CAR DIARY: CLICK HEREAudi Q7

Bentley Bentayga

BMW 750i and 750iL

Citroen C4 Cactus

Ford Falcon Sprint

Holden Spark

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Toyota Prius

Toyota’s fourth-gen Prius hybrid goes on sale in March, sporting lighter architecture and fuel economy that is expected to be about a 15 per cent improvement over the outgoing model.

Australia waits as Lotus lets its 306kW lightweight Evora Sport 410 off the leashBy ROBBIE WALLIS

BRITISH sportscar-maker Lotus has released the hottest-ever version of its top-spec Evora, dubbed the Sport 410, that can race from zero to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds.

An increase in engine output along with reduced weight and the introduction of high-performance components combine to make the 410 – which is still to be confirmed for Australia – the lightest and fastest Evora to date.

The 410 gets its name from the 410hp (306kW) power output from the supercharged Toyota-sourced V6 engine shared with the standard Evora S and the Exige.

The output of the 410, which produces maximum torque of 410Nm, represents a 48kW/10Nm increase over the Evora S and Evora S IPS, and 8kW up on the Evora Sport 400, a similar Lotus concept revealed ahead of last year’s Geneva show.

Other improvements include a sizeable reduction in weight, with the Evora 410 emerging 70kg (or five per cent) lighter – at 1325kg – than the Evora 400, which itself was 22kg

lighter than the Evora S.The performance upgrades are

evident on the racetrack, with the Evora 410 reportedly lapping the company’s test track at Hethel, England, three seconds faster than the 400.

Remove the twists and turns of the racetrack, and the 410 can complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.1 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 300km/h.

Weight reduction is due in part to the liberal application of carbon-fibre throughout the car, which includes the front splitter, roof panel, tailgate and rear diffuser as well as race-derived Alcantara-trimmed carbon-fibre sports seats and a revised front access panel.

The weight drop has forced a

recalibration of the suspension, and according to Lotus “handling is sharper, along with better body and roll control”. Ride height has also been reduced 5mm over the Evora 400.

The manual gearbox in the Evora 410 features a low-inertia flywheel and a Torsen-type limited-slip differential. An automatic gearbox with paddle shifters is available as an option.

An additional feature is Lotus’ Dynamic Performance Management (DPM) system, which offers Sport and Race settings. Selecting either increases throttle response, lowers traction slip thresholds and removes understeer recognition.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Control all the adson your listings.Our new Platinum Package gives you control over the ads on your listing and gives you access to 100% of finance enquiries. All this capped at $39.95 for the lifetime of the listing. Smart listings with CarsGuide puts the power in your hands.

Call our Dealer Customer Service team on 1300 662 133 to find out more.

MAKE YOUR COMPETITI

ON

DISAPPEAR