gen-f gts laid bare
TRANSCRIPT
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com ADVERTISE: Steve Butcher Ph: 0419 562 110 [email protected]
May 8, 2013 No. 677
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
Gen-F GTS laid bareHSV’s benchmark-setting 430kW supercharged V8 flagship caught in action
AUSTRALIA’S most powerful homegrown production car in history – HSV’s supercharged Gen-F GTS – has been sprung undisguised in these spy shots ahead of its official unveiling on May 15.
The news comes as GoAuto sources indicate that Holden is preparing to announce a sub-$35,000 starting price for its crucial new VF Commodore later this week.
Ensuring an adequate supply of air for cooling and combustion in the monstrous 430kW/740Nm 6.2-litre supercharged LSA engine under the bonnet of the GTS is a letterbox-like vent above the numberplate and a gaping lower air intake.
The size and position of the letterbox
intake is consistent with openings in the camouflage of an HSV prototype spotted by GoAuto last October, which all but confirmed the Holden hot-shop was working on a supercharged model as it emitted the whine of a supercharger under acceleration.
Further fresh air is supplied by side intakes, across which are LED daytime running light strips but no front foglights to get in the way of the breeze.
Of course, there is HSV’s trademark nostril-style grille between the standard VF Commodore headlights, completing an aggressive front-end look that perfectly complements the angry ‘furrowed brow’ of the VF’s sculpted aluminium bonnet.
Presumably the cost of adding vents to the new aluminium bonnet – as per the outgoing E-Series 3 vehicles – was too high, or they did not look right due to the curvaceous new design.
On the subject of vents, the VF’s non-functional ‘gills’ behind the front wheels
are carried over to HSV models – again probably due to the cost of creating custom aluminium guards – but with a gloss-black finish rather than chrome.
Around the back things are understood to be tamer than HSV originally planned, as sources suggest the slimline black rear wing seen here was chosen due to downforce from the intended large wing causing the VF’s aluminium bootlid to flex at high speed.
This time around, HSV sedans will share the shape and positioning of standard VF tail-lights – but with a fancier LED design and black outer trim.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
IN THIS ISSUE
AND MUCH MORE...
EXCLUSIVE REPORTAussie to reshape BAICOVERSEAS DRIVEMegane GT220 Estate
LOCAL LAUNCHESAudi SQ5 TDIHonda AccordPeugeot RCZ
EXCLUSIVEBy HAITHAM RAZAGUI
May 8, 2013 Page 2
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Switching dealer systems can seem scary at fi rst.
But the benefi ts are enjoyed long after the fear is forgotten.
Talk to us today. [email protected] | 03 9349 3062
EXCLUSIVEBy TERRY MARTIN
Top international designguru Peter Arcadipane istaking BAIC into new era
Australia’s leading light
RENOWNED Australian car designer Peter Arcadipane has moved to BAIC Motor and will lead the Chinese automotive giant into a new era by sculpting a full range of world-standard luxury vehicles.
After two years in Shenzhen designing an all-new electric vehicle for Denza, a joint venture between Daimler and China’s BYD, Mr Arcadipane has revealed exclusively to GoAuto that he has now moved north to Beijing to become director of design for BAIC, having been
headhunted by the majority state-owned auto-maker to transform its model range to compete with luxury brands such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
The man who styled the acclaimed Mercedes CL and CLS coupes, not to mention the original M-Class, the still-celebrated Mad Max Interceptor movie car and hundreds of other vehicles over a career spanning more than three decades, heads an international team of more than 130 designers at a state-of-the-art new research and development facility.
He has arrived at BAIC Motor, the passenger car unit of the Beijing Automotive Group, just as Daimler has agreed to take a 12 per cent shareholding in the company and as the Chinese car-maker prepares to launch an initial public offering in Hong Kong by early 2014.
Its unveiling of the Concept 900 at last month’s Shanghai auto show, a stunning show car developed by Italian design house Fioravanti, has also succeeded in bringing BAIC back into
the international spotlight. While Mr Arcadipane did not rule
out some design elements flowing from the 900 into the production models he is now creating, and said collaboration with Fioravanti and other design houses may continue, BAIC’s new design boss emphasised that the primary task now was to knuckle down and design a new family of world-class vehicles “with sophisticated styling and great proportions” that the company wants in the marketplace as soon as possible.
Mindful that short timeframes could put pressure on the design team – and in other Chinese brands has led to products that are ‘safe’ and all-too-familiar – the straight-talking Australian has made it clear that BAIC has given him enough time and resources to develop a clear and “carefully controlled” corporate identity.
This will then translate into a collection of cars that have a “pure DNA” and specific elements and components that are easily recognisable on the road.
Continued next pageSUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
PUBLISHER: John MellorEDITOR: Terry Martin MANAGING EDITOR: Mike CostelloJOURNALISTS: Barry Park, Tim Nicholson, Byron Mathioudakis, Haitham Razagui, Ian Porter PRODUCTION: Luc Britten, Ian JamesEDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Daniel GardnerProduced by GoAutoMedia: Ph: (03) 9598 6477 [email protected]
ADVERTISE: Steve Butcher Ph: 0419 562 110 [email protected]
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Concept 900
May 8, 2013 Page 3
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
www.automotivepersonnel.com.au
Professionalism, Integrity & Confidentiality for 20 years
AUTOMOTIVE PERSONNELInternational
02 9331 3477
Automotive Personnel International welcomes
Diane WattDiane Watt joins Automotive Personnel International with over 20 years experience in the Australian Automotive Market. Diane’s experience extends to sales, finance and dealership training. Diane is a natural relationship builder and with a database of thousands of active candidates she has really hit the ground running. We are confident that Diane will be a great support to both our business and yours!
[email protected] 0401 666 667
Continued from previous page“The overview from the company
is that they want to go upmarket and they want to develop cars that are appealing to people who may be only looking at BMWs and Audis and Mercedes,” he said.
“If you want to compete with those cars you have to basically bring along a product that will compete with them on all levels – on engineering, on design, on quality, on features. And of course these days, styling is so important; if the styling works for the customer, then sometimes they will forgive some of the other elements if it’s not up to the same level.
“So design is very important, and that’s where BAIC and myself, I think we are pretty much on the same wavelength that we want to do cars that will compete with all the big boys.”
GoAuto understands that a new rear-wheel-drive medium-large passenger sedan with Daimler underpinnings is among the first of these future models, and that entrants in all the key segments in the world’s biggest automotive market – including crossovers/SUVs – are part of the brief.
“The basic plan is to do a lot of products,” Mr Arcadipane said. “Any brand that wants to go upmarket and increase volume and profits, you have to more or less go in a lot of the very key segments.
“There are segments that you don’t have to be in, where perhaps the volume
is very, very small, and there are segments where you must be in,” he said, pointing to highly popular long-wheelbase versions
of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 as “classic examples”.
“We’re flat out, we’re trying to do things as quickly as possible, because the marketplace in China is very big and it’s growing still very strongly and it will for a number of years.
“You know, there’s the quick and the dead – there’s no time to waste and plenty of opportunities if you come in quick with a quality product that happens to have styling that people like. So (it’s) all systems go.”
Asked if SUVs were in the mix, he said: “The answer to that is very easy: they have to be.
“General SUVs, and in particular soft SUVs and crossovers, are big news in China, so, really, everyone has to be there whether they like it or not.”
The expat Australian is adamant the
models to emerge from his studio will not have a distinctly ‘Chinese’ look but a sophisticated ‘international’ feel that, in turn, will not be shoehorned into a particular region, be it Germany, France, Italy or America.
“Many people keep pushing this thing that ‘we must do Chinese design’ but what has actually been proven by the customer is that in China, the majority of people that are buying new cars, and especially people that are buying the more expensive cars, are preferring an international look,” he said.
“You can have influences, of course. It’s always good to have an influence from the local area where you’re selling in, but the proof of the pudding is that most Chinese people are buying BMWs, Audis, Mercedes, Jaguars, Volvos, Lexus, Cadillacs and all these sorts of things, and they prefer that.”
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Australia’s leading light
Peter Arcadipane
Concept 500
May 8, 2013 Page 4
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Fusion Business College is Australia’s leading automotive-focused Registered Training Organisation (RTO), and we are seeking expressions of interest from highly qualified candidates residing in NSW, VIC and QLD for the delivery of innovative training and consulting solutions in automotive sales and service.
BUSINESS COLLEGEA division of Fusion Business Solutions
Call Tim McGrath on 1300 807 177 for a confidential discussion.
Sales & Service Trainers
Renault to fire its hot RS-tweaked GT220 Estate first in Megane wagon assault
Locked and loaded
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS in FRANCE
RENAULT’S ageing Megane range will be boosted later this month by the surprise arrival of the GT220 Estate.
Priced from $36,990 plus on-road costs, the high-performance turbocharged wagon with Renault Sport tweaks will beat the regular K95-series naturally aspirated version due in July by a few weeks.
Australia and Japan are the only right-hand-drive markets in the world to receive the GT220 Estate, as a 200-unit limited-edition special. If demand is there, more will be imported at a later date.
Essentially an RS ‘Sport’ chassis vehicle with a detuned version of the long-serving ‘F4R’ 2.0-litre engine found in the Megane RS265 Cup, the front wheels are driven via a six-speed manual gearbox. No automatic transmission will be made available.
Power and torque outputs are rated at 162kW from 4750rpm to 6500rpm, and 340Nm from 2400rpm to 3500rpm
respectively, compared to the RS265’s 198kW and 360Nm peaks. This translates to a 100km/h dash from standstill in 7.6 seconds, on the way to a 240km/h top speed.
Conversely, the GT220 Estate is also the company’s first Australian-bound model with automatic engine idle-stop technology (dubbed ‘Auto Stop’ in Renault-speak), to help bring the average fuel consumption figure down to 7.3 litres per 100km. The carbon dioxide emissions average is 169 grams per kilometre.
Roomier than the hatchback, the wagon sits on a 63mm longer wheelbase (2703mm), with length, width and height measurements coming
in at 4567/1804/1494mm. Boot volume varies from 486 litres to 1516L with the split/fold rear seats laid flat. A full-sized spare wheel is located under the cargo floor.
Renault Sport provides a tuned MacPherson front and torsion beam rear suspension set-up in the form of specific springs and dampers as well as a thicker anti-roll bar.
The electric-powered rack and pinion steering system also comes in for a recalibration, while larger 320x28mm ventilated front disc brakes and 260x8mm solid rear rotors are fitted. All four wheels are shod with 225/40 R18 tyres.
Standard features include automatic wipers/headlights, electronic stability control with Hill Assist, a ‘performance monitor’, rear parking sensors, roof racks, dual-zone climate control, daytime running lights, cruise control with speed limiter, foglights, and the aforementioned idle-stop system.
Continued next page
May 8, 2013 Page 5
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
• Support our Dealers in achieving sustainable business and brand growth
• Add value across diverse areas of the retail and wholesale business
Mazda QLD/NT and SA/Tasmania offices are home to a dedicated team working with highly performing Dealer networks to achieve mutual business objectives. The Dealer Business Manager (DBM) position is the key interface between Mazda and our Dealer network, and is tasked with:• Developing strong working
relationships with Dealers in all areas of their business, including sales (new and used), service and parts
• Monitoring Dealer performance against KPIs and working with Dealers to plan and implement collaborative business solutions
• Supporting Dealers in areas of marketing, business planning, retailing and supply
• Helping Dealers to fulfill our Corporate Identification requirements
• Assisting Dealer teams build their product and business knowledge
• Implementing strategic business programs at the Dealer level
The roles report to the respective State Manager. Regional travel with
the home state will be required and interstate travel may be required from time to time.Queensland Position: The Queensland role is based in Eight Mile Plains in Brisbane’s south.South Australia Position: The South Australia role is based in Rose Park in Adelaide’s east.Applicants should be qualified with a suitable business, marketing or commerce degree. The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate strong communication and relationship building skills, have excellent time management and a flair for analysing business performance. Experience in the automotive industry is not required, but may be advantageous.To apply, send your resume and a covering letter or email to: [email protected] quoting the referencesQLD-DBM-01 in the subject line by Friday, 17 May, 2013 (Queensland position)SA-DBM-01 in the subject line by Friday, 17 May, 2013 (South Australia position)
dealer
business
managers
(QLD &
SA)
Locked and loadedContinued from previous page
About 70 per cent of sales are expected to be made up of the $41,990 Premium Pack edition, which costs $5000 extra and brings leather trim, satellite navigation, a lane-departure warning system, front parking sensors, a reversing camera, bi-Xenon headlights and a sunroof.
It does, however, lose the dash-mounted RS monitor because of the GPS system.
Built in the same Palencia plant in Spain as the Megane RS265 (as opposed to the X38-series hatch which has been sourced from Bursa, Turkey, since 2010), the GT220 Estate was developed primarily for Western European markets such as Switzerland, Germany and Austria.
Renault is confident there are plenty of buyers aching for hot-hatch performance and handling but who cannot cope with the three-door-only body style of the Megane RS265, or need more space than
what a Ford Focus ST or Volkswagen Golf GTI can offer.
Enter the GT220 Estate. Besides giving the pocket rockets a run for their money, it may even steal sales from wagons as disparate as the Skoda Octavia RS, Opel Astra Select Tourer 1.6T, Volkswagen Golf and Holden Commodore SV6 Sportwagon.
On a brief blast between Renault Sport’s Parisian HQ and the RS/Alpine manufacturing site in Dieppe some 200km away, we had a chance to find out.
The existing Megane may be almost
five years old abroad, but the wagon is new to Australia, so has the advantage of being the new kid on the block Down Under.
Adding the blacked-out 18-inch alloys, subtle bodykit, lowered suspension and subtle detail jewellery across the nose, the handsome GT220 Estate certainly succeeds in achieving a purposeful appearance.
However, the cabin is beginning to betray its years, despite a ‘Collection 2012’ update late last year.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
May 8, 2013 Page 6
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Available in Hardcopy or Online in PDF Format!Black & White Data Book 2013
• Extensiveexportandimportstatistics
• Australianandglobalmarketsummaries
• Fuelandoilindustrystatistics
SeeinsidepagesofGoAuto
GISBWDB13B
THE OFFICIAL AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
• All2013motoringandmotorsportevents
• Adirectoryofautomotiveindustrybodies,researchestablishmentsandengineeringconsultants
HARDCOPY
$149.60Includes GST & Postage
PDF$99.00
Includes GST
4t
3
h3
THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
Prices are up as Honda’s ‘US’ sedan enters a smaller, more advanced generation
Accord ascension
By MIKE COSTELLO in NEW ZEALAND
HONDA Australia says its ninth-generation Accord sedan is better in almost every department than before, but the company will make buyers pay for the privilege, with price increases of between $3300 and $4700 over the previous model.
Pricing will kick off at $31,490 plus on-road costs for the base VTi (up $3300), while the mid-range VTi-S (a new addition) will be $33,990. The VTi-L will start at $41,490 (up $4000), and the flagship V6 L will top out the range at $51,990 ($4700 more than before).
We are across the Tasman in New Zealand this week to drive the fully redesigned version, just short of one month before it officially goes on sale across Honda’s Australian dealer network.
Not to be confused with the Accord Euro, which Honda will still sell concurrently and is aimed at a younger
and edgier clientele (Australia is one of few markets to do this), the regular new Accord – which is designed in the US and built in Thailand – offers better economy than the previous version, and a longer list of standard features.
It is 75mm shorter than the old one, too, but Honda claims more cabin space in the rear and more cargo volume in the boot, and better “cabin craftsmanship” as well. The sound-cancelling Active Noise Control system premiered in the luxurious Legend is also standard.
While forebears have been pitched as rivals for the large-segment Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon and Toyota Aurion, Honda now says the smaller
new Accord will give it a one-two punch (alongside the Euro) against mid-sized rivals – the Mazda6 is named specifically.
In fact, GoAuto understands the company is attempting to convince industry guide VFACTS to reclassify the Accord as a medium-sized car, not a large car like the previous version, thereby making it a direct competitor to the Mazda, as well as the Ford Mondeo – at least in industry parlance.
The company has also chosen the new Accord as the testing ground for several high-end active safety features never before used on its models Down Under.
All variants bar the entry level will get Honda’s LaneWatch Blind Spot Monitoring, which feeds footage from the passenger-side blind-spot through to the central screen, while higher level versions come with lane assist, autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control.
Continued next page
May 8, 2013 Page 7
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
DRIVE CUSTOMER CONVENIENCE AND BUILD LOYALTY 24/7
Mad
e
in A
ustra
lia
Call: 1800 810 103Email: [email protected]
www.superservice.com
TO GET STARTED WITH A
FREE DEALERSHIP TRIAL
Imagine if there was a service your dealership provided where
customers could actually book appointments and get quotes any
day of the week and anytime of the day, without the assistance of
your service staff ?
Welcome to a new era where your dealership never closes and you
sell service 24/7 – NO PHONE CALLS, NO QUESTIONS, NO DELAYS.
Welcome to Superservice Connect™, the most powerful and
convenient online appointment system with VIN-precise quoting.
Full integration with Superservice Menus™
Accord ascensionContinued from previous page
Completing the picture is a lighter new MacPherson strut suspension set-up in place of the old double wishbone arrangement, bringing the Accord up to speed with rivals, plus a stiffer body to improve both dynamics and NVH levels – the latter already an Accord strongpoint.
Under the bonnet is a reworked version of either the familiar 2.4-litre VTEC four-cylinder or 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, with 85 per cent of sales projected to be the entry four-pot.
The more popular of the two engines produces 129kW of power at 6200rpm (actually 4kW less than before) and 225Nm of torque at 4000rpm, and is once again matched to a five-speed automatic as standard. Fuel consumption has been trimmed to 7.9 litres per 100km on entry versions.
The flagship variant will again be powered by a single overhead cam V6, now with 206kW of power at 6200rpm (up 4kW) and 339Nm of torque at 4900rpm, matched to a six-speed auto.
Fuel consumption is down seven per cent to 9.2L/100km.
Again, the six-cylinder version gets fuel-saving cylinder deactivation, but
while the previous unit could run on three, four or six cylinders, the new model runs on either three or six. Honda claims it has beefed up the car’s responses under
three-cylinder impetus, thus negating the need for an extra mode.
Honda has previously told us it was also considering the petrol-electric hybrid version available overseas, but there is no confirmation of any potential launch timing.
Honda believes all this will be sufficient to snag about 300 Accord sales per month once it hits dealers in June – the company has averaged around 250 units this year with the outgoing version while on an incentivised run-out.
The base $31,490 VTi model includes as standard an eight-inch display with a reversing camera, daytime running lights, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth and USB connections, steering wheel controls and 16-inch alloy wheels (with full-size spare).
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE For drive impressions, go to
GoAuto.com.au from this afternoon
PRICING:VTi (a) $31,490VTi-S (a) $33,990VTi-L (a) $41,490VTi-L ADAS (a) $44,990V6 L (a) $51,990
May 8, 2013 Page 8
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
TCO
1123
NEED A SMART KEY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM?EziKey Management System will save you money. Our traceable, user friendly vehicle key tracking system ensures:
Call Robert Bevilacqua to book your FREE consultation
1300 744 005www.ezikey.com
• Highly secure FINGERPRINT & LICENCE scan technology• Integrated with most Dealer Management Systems • Full reporting functionality and accountability• Insurance company compliant• Cut administration expenses by 40%• Eliminate infringement notice costs• Ability to track all type of keys• Eliminate manual registers and double handling • Save money on lost key replacement• Instant vehicle reconciliation• Track personal use of vehicles
Wall Mount Unit: 71 key capacity.Also available in 24 key Kiosk Units. • SAVE MONEY • GAIN CONTROL • STRESS LESS
Sleek Peugeot RCZ coupe restyled, more expensive with upgrade now on sale
‘New ID’ for RCZ
By BARRY PARKHOW much would you pay for a nose job? Peugeot reckons the going price is about $4000, and is pinning the future of its sleek, svelte RCZ coupe on it.
The French brand has officially rolled out the restyled version of its 2+2 coupe, saying that while the list price before on-road costs has risen to $58,990 for all three versions, it now carries an extra $5800 worth of equipment – and a nod to black being the new “in” colour – to offset it.
Anyway, as any premium clothing brand will tell you, draping yourself in the latest fashion is always going to cost a little more. And besides, it’s still about $10,000 less from what Peugeot believes is its closest natural competitor, Audi’s more upmarket – and more premium – TT coupe.
Peugeot has argued that the latest RCZ has gained a “distinctive new identity” three years on from the coupe’s introduction to the Australian market that cannot be labelled a simple facelift, but in reality it is.
From the front, buyers will notice a difference from the old model. The now-Xenon headlights framed in titanium-look trim are reshaped, losing their sharp-pointed leading edge for a softer look, and the slightly slab-look, chrome-lined grille with its vertical foglights has gone.
The front is now more conservative – almost understated – and includes a higher-set matte-black grille offset by a lower airdam running in a slash below it, trimmed in LED daytime running lights.
The standard chrome roof-arches are gone, replaced with black versions that, along with the heavily tinted windows and double-bubble rear glass, give the impression that there’s a distinct nothingness above the heavily sculpted side profile with its bulbous rear wheelarches.
Inside those arches sit now-standard 19-inch rims sporting thin strips of Continental ContiSportContact rubber. Continuing the black theme, the brake callipers sitting inside those wheels are, you guessed it, fashionably black.
From the rear, everything looks the
same. It even still sports the small spoiler that pops out from its housing behind the rear window, raising to a jaunty 19-degree angle at speeds above 85km/h, and a more rakish 34 degrees well in excess of Australia’s speed limits.
Mechanically, the RCZ is a carry-over of the previous generation. That means it uses the same turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine
mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, or a 2.0-litre diesel four-pot mated exclusively to the manual gearbox.
Both drivetrains are sourced from Peugeot’s tie-in with BMW-owned British brand Mini. The sophisticated petrol engine’s outputs remain at 147kW of power and 275Nm on a diet of premium unleaded fuel for the manual version, falling to 115kW/240Nm for the auto version, while the diesel produces 120kW/340Nm.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HEREBold Peugeot program – next page
PRICING:1.6 147kW $58,990 1.6 115kW (a) $58,9902.0 HDi $58,990
May 8, 2013 Page 9
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Ser ious about Succe s s ®www.moorestephens.com.au
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. Moore Stephens is a network of independent firms which are independent members of Moore Stephens International limited – members in principal cities throughout the world.
Brett Fowler, Partner John Gavljak, Partner Moore Stephens (Melbourne) Moore Stephens (Sydney)0418 187 759 0499 773 881 [email protected] [email protected]
Contact John or Brett to arrange a time to discuss.
Moore Stephens Automotive NewsletterAutumn 2013 Edition Out NowClick here to sign up to this key industry publication. Featured in the autumn edition: • Dealerships of the future• FBT for Automotive Retailers 2013• March 2013 Quarter Automotive Sales Update
Short-term lease deals for208, including GTi, said tobe first for premium brand
Bold Peugeot program
By BARRY PARKPEUGEOT is about to give Australian drivers the chance to jump behind the wheel of its 208 GTi hot hatch – and swap for a new one after just a couple of years.
The French car-maker has confirmed the soon-to-arrive $29,990 GTi, powered by a 147kW 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, will be included in its current finance offer that guarantees a buy-back price in as early as two years.
The deal will be offered across the 208 range, the car-maker says, and customers will be able to keep the car at the end of the agreed period, or hand it back for a new one.
In return, buyers must – among other things – pay a monthly rate that can include all servicing costs, ensure the GTi is brought into a workshop at the appropriate intervals, keep it clean, neat and without major wear to the tyres, and agree to drive no more than a set distance each year.
Peugeot Automobiles Australia general manager Bill Gillespie said the finance offer was another first for
a premium car brand in Australia, but was not designed as a means of driving up sales.
“We’ve not really made this leasing deal as a sales tool,” Mr Gillespie said.
“It’s really a tool for anyone who has issues with the residual value of European cars.”
Under the deal, the Peugeot-badged vehicle will be inspected by a dealership four months before the lease expires, with the customer then given an opportunity to fix any problems before the handover takes place.
Mr Gillespie said Peugeot’s two- or three-year deal reflected how long many Peugeot owners held on to their vehicles.
“Peugeot owners flip through their cars that frequently now,” he said.
“We have a very high customer retention rate, with about 85 per cent of
Peugeot owners buying another Peugeot.“We’re hoping with this deal that we
will get customers in through the door that may have not considered a Peugeot before, and hang on to the brand.”
Mr Gillespie said Peugeot was also trying to shake off an undeserved image that European cars were less reliable than other vehicles.
“I don’t know of any more issues with Peugeot-badged cars than Toyota has with the Camry. Peugeot’s cars are no worse than the reputation of any other brand,” he said. “The Camry’s residuals are very poor compared with Peugeot’s, so we’re trying to get around that by offering buyers the opportunity to drive it and pay one monthly fee, and at the end of the deal we buy it back from them for an agreed price.”
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
208 GTi
THE OFFICIAL AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
Key features include:
Priority order form/Tax invoice - Glass Black & White Data Book 2013 5 Easy ways to order
Please send me ___ copies of the hardcopy book(s) Please set me up to recive___PDF(s)
� Enclosed is my cheque/money order or debit my credit card for $___________
Priority Hotline (03) 9663 3009Have your credit card details handy
between 8:30am and 5:00pm
Facsimile (03) 9663 3049With your credit card details
Mail Complete this form and send to:
Glass’s Information Services
48 La Trobe St Melbourne VIC 3000
Websitewww.glassguide.com.au
� Visa � Mastercard � AMEX � Diners
(Payments made by AMEX or Diners will incur a 3% surcharge)
Card No. Expiry Date
Mr/Mrs/Ms Signature
Company Name A.B.N.
Address State Postcode
Phone ( ) Fax( ) E-mail
For more information call Glass’s on (03) 9663 3009Visit our website: www.glassguide.com.au
• In depth listings of car, bus, truck, motorcycle, marine and caravan manufacturers, distributers and importers
• Comprehensive directory of component and special vehicle manufacturers
• An analysis of current and historical sales and production figures
• A directory of automotive industry bodies, research establishments and engineering consultants
• Up to date fleet finance and management contact details
• Australian and global market summaries
• All 2013 motoring and motor sport events
• Extensive export and import statistics
• Fuel and oil industry statistics
• Available in hardcopy or online in PDF format
A must for everyone in theautomotive and related
industriesOrder your copies now!
HARDCOPY $149.60
Includes GST & Postage
PDF $99.00 Includes GST
Black & White Data Book 2013
4t
3
h3
THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
GISBWDB13C
May 8, 2013 Page 11
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
POSITIONS VACANTWe have multiple positions available across Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane.
• General Sales Manager• New Car Sales Manager• Fleet Sales Manager• Service Manager
SYDNEY
CANBERRA
BRISBANE
w w w. a u t o m o t i v e s t a f f . c o m . a u33520
Jessica GoodmanNSW 0422 101 604
Mark PalmayNSW/ACT 0406 996 894
Ron GrantQLD 0435 741 002
Bobi PetkovskiNSW/ACT 0412 687 063
• New & Used Car Sales Consultant• Aftermarket Car Care Consultant• Stock Controller• Service Advisor
Audi’s awesome SQ5 TDI is the world’s fastest diesel SUV, priced from $89,400
Like no other
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISAUDI has at last launched the fastest diesel-powered SUV in Australia, and for that matter the world – the SQ5 TDI.
Starting from $89,400 plus on-road costs – somewhat less than anticipated – it is also the first ‘S’-badged SUV in the Ingolstadt-based company’s artillery, and not the last if the newcomer proves a success.
The lower entry point is due to luxury car tax breaks for vehicles that use no more than 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres on their combined fuel use figure.
Although the SQ5 TDI will sprint to 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds and is electronically limited to 250km/h, it is still capable of officially averaging a combined 6.8L/100km.
Additionally, 60 value-added ‘Launch Edition’ models have been allocated to Australian buyers, featuring gear
normally reserved for the options list for an extra $14,730 on top of the regular SQ5 TDI price.
It brings 21-inch five-star twin-spoke alloy wheels, Audi’s three-mode dynamic steering, Bang and Olufsen audio with digital radio, heated front and rear seats, extra aluminium trim, a luggage rail system, automatic high beam dipper, ‘Carbon Atlas’ inlays, a partition net, alarm and tinted windows.
The bundle is a sizeable saving compared with the price of individual options and, as they were built about a
month before regular Australian SQ5 TDI production started, cuts delivery time to weeks, not months.
However, most of the limited-run cars are already sold.
Buoyed by unusually high uptake of the more expensive 3.0-litre supercharged petrol and turbo-diesel V6 models, Audi expects the SQ5 TDI flagship will account for as many as three out of every 10 Q5s sold in Australia.
Audi will offer a single high-performance model for the time being, significantly undercutting BMW’s larger rival sport/luxury SUV diesel offerings, the X5 M50d (from $147,500 plus on-roads) and X6 M50d ($157,500).
Although both use three turbochargers with an inline six-cylinder engine, the Audi shades each for performance.
Continued next page
May 8, 2013 Page 12
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
HEALTH CHECKS MAXIMISE
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION & PROFITS
Superservice Triage™ is an online service selling
solution that maximises upsell service acceptance
and increases customer satisfaction. It merges
VIN-precise OE information, technician vehicle
health check, and customer sales psychology
to transform the service sales process. It fosters
customer involvement, awareness and a sense
of “being in control of the situation,” from
which they can make informed decisions
about their vehicle’s servicing.
Mad
e
in A
ustra
lia
Full integration with Superservice Menus™
Call: 1800 810 103Email: [email protected]
www.superservice.com
TO GET STARTED WITH A
FREE DEALERSHIP TRIAL
Like no otherContinued from previous page
At the heart of the SQ5 TDI is a variation of the 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 introduced in the A6 and A7 Sportback earlier this year.
Displacing 2967cc and using common-rail and direct-injection technology, the engine delivers 230kW of power between 3900 and 4500rpm, and 650Nm of torque from 1450 to 2800rpm.
As with all Q5s, it uses Audi’s full-time quattro all-wheel-drive system. The transmission is a traditional torque converter automatic with eight gears, as Audi’s current line-up of dual-clutch automatic gearboxes was not deemed strong enough to handle the forces generated.
To help cap fuel use, the German car-maker’s engineers optimised the SQ5 TDI’s thermal management, fitted idle-stop technology, a brake energy recovery system and a regulated oil pump.
For owners more interested in pace, Audi has wrought a number of changes underneath, including a stiffer sports suspension with modified springs and dampers, a 30mm drop in ride height and 255/45 20-inch tyres. Wider tracks
and bigger brake discs are also fitted.As with the A6 and A7 Sportback
models, the exhaust system includes a sound actuator that amplifies the V6 engine’s noise to give it a sportier, less diesel-like note.
Compared with regular Q5s, a grey single-frame grille fitted with a number of horizontal, rather than vertical, bars identify the SQ5 TDI.
The bars are repeated on the redesigned bumper’s lower air intakes, while a subtle bodykit with side sills, traditional performance-model aluminium-look mirror housings, roof-mounted spoiler and elliptical quad tailpipes complete the go-fast effect.
Black hues predominate inside with
sports seats finished in Nappa leather and Alcantara material, and brushed aluminium trim on the dashboard, console and doors.
Standard features include Audi’s more advanced audio and navigation system, a reversing camera, flat-bottomed steering wheel, tyre-pressure monitors and electric adjustment with memory settings for the front seats and exterior mirrors.
A full five-seater, the newcomer’s luggage capacity is rated at 580 litres, or 1560 litres with the three-way split/fold and sliding rear seats pushed down.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE
Can’t afford to keep your customers waiting due to late or incorrect parts? With our strong systems, solid processes and experienced and dedicated parts distribution team, we are proud to deliver in full and on time more than 99% of the time… exactly the way you’d expect.
Take a closer look at our parts warehousing and distribution capabilities and see how we can help your business run smoothly and keep your customers happy.
Call us now on 1800 650 134, email us at [email protected] or visit www.autonexus.com.au
MonicaMichelleRakesh
Monica is very proud of her parts team
achieving over 99% DIFOT
So are we!
Mi
May 8, 2013 Page 14
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
An outstanding opportunity exists for a suitably qualified applicant to head up our well respected family owned multi franchise dealership in the Southern Highlands.
Reporting to the Group Managing Director this position calls for an outstanding hands on professional with the appropriate experience to manage, motivate and mentor the dealerships team to achieve and exceed Franchise performance targets and group benchmark performance.
The right candidate will need to demonstrate a variety of attributes required to be successful in this role including:
• Proven senior management experience in new and used vehicle sales.• A strong understanding of fixed operations and overall dealership operations.• A passion for delivering results over and above expectations.• Ability to consider and interpret financial results of dealership.• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.• Training, coaching and mentoring skills.• Exceptional communication & leadership skills.• To achieve excellent standards of customer satisfaction through our
customer based culture.• Promote and represent the dealership with the local community.• Strong business acumen
Dealer PrinciPalSouthern Highlands nSW, Multi Franchise Dealership
An extremely competitive remuneration package is available to the right candidate. If you believe you have the credentials required, apply today with a covering letter and resume in the strictest confidence to:
Mr Greg Ball Email: [email protected] Phone: 0418 236 023
Porsche unveils new 911Turbo twins with 412kWfor S and 3.1s 0-100km/h
911 Turbo tears in
By MIKE COSTELLOPORSCHE will unleash the vicious new-generation 911 Turbo, and its even more extreme Turbo S sibling, on Australia by early 2014.
The new model seen here for the first time is larger, faster, more powerful and packs more race-bred technology than ever before, and is poised to leap straight to the top of the 911 range.
But prospective buyers who like to shift their own gears will be disappointed, because unlike 911 Turbos of yore, no manual gearbox will be offered.
Instead, a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission becomes the sole option.
Power comes from a 383kW bi-turbo version of the familiar 3.8-litre flat-six – up from 368kW on the previous version. The even harder S gets 412kW, compared to its predecessor’s 390kW.
The standard ‘sound symposer’ is said to intensify the driving experience by feeding the turbo engine’s induction sounds to the passenger compartment via a dedicated speaker.
Typically, it may not have the stylistic
flair of an Italian supercar, but it sure has the pace. The regular Turbo accelerates from zero to 100km/h in as little as 3.2 seconds, while the S does the dash in 3.1s. Top speed is 318km/h.
Features such as automatic engine idle-stop, plus the more frugal PDK, cut fuel use by a claimed 16 per cent. Porsche says 9.7 litres per 100km on the combined cycle is achievable.
Again, power is sent to all four wheels via a new AWD system with electronic multi-plate coupling and water cooling that helps it direct more torque to the front wheels if required.
Other features include active rear-wheel steering, as seen on the normally aspirated 911 GT3 track-racer unveiled in March and also due here by early 2014 at the latest.
A new active anti-roll system, dynamic engine mounts and ceramic brakes help the Turbo S lap the northern loop of
Germany’s famed Nurburgring in “well under” 7 minutes and 30 seconds.
But whether it can match the Nissan GT-R’s controversial 7:19.1 time is less clear – this figure previously sparked a bitter war of words between the German marque and its Japanese rival.
A three-stage extendible front spoiler and a three-position moveable rear wing improve downforce, in tandem with the new anti-roll system.
Stylistically, the rear haunches are 28mm wider than the regular Carrera 4’s already widened body (compared to the previous model), and the Turbo gets unique forged 20-inch wheels with central hub locks.
The Turbo S gains new full-LED headlights that feature four-point daytime running lights and dynamic, camera-based main beam control.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Turbo S
Every day, the JATO team works in more than 50 countries to source over 1,200 items of vehicle data, providing consistent, comparable information on all makes and models. Our customers include automotive manufacturers and importers, vehicle finance and leasing companies, web portals and a wide range of organisations within the automotive and agricultural sectors. The business in the Australian and New Zealand market has grown by fifty percent in the last twelve months and is positioned to continue that growth with an expansion driven by new offerings in new segments.
We are currently recruiting a KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER to grow and deliver new business sales of JATO’s solutions and maximise revenue potential from existing accounts by identifying and delivering genuine ‘value-add’ to our clients. We require an experienced astute business developer with a well-defined and honed skill set.
Candidates should be highly self-motivated, self-disciplined and able to work from home. Regular and frequent travel within Australia and New Zealand may be required, including occasional nights away from home. You must be free to live and work within Australia without an additional work permit or visa and have a suitable home office environment from which to work along with full Australian drivers’ licence and a reliable motor vehicle.
Responsibilities include:■ Development and management of sales pipeline across
dedicated accounts and market sectors to deliver annual sales targets and deliver monthly revenue.
■ Effective management of key local and international accounts to achieve contract renewals and identify and develop new business opportunities.
■ Sales planning and forecasting.■ Identify performance shortfalls and implement corrective
action.■ Improvement of customer satisfaction.
Essential attributes and skills to effectively fulfil the role are:■ High-achiever with a proven consultative sales approach, able
to listen and understand the business needs of our client base and develop and deliver a convincing commercial, value-driven proposition.
■ A clear and demonstrable understanding of the OEM and Retail Automotive sales and marketing segment along with related analytical, product planning and working processes within the automotive industry, especially at manufacturer and importer level is of key importance.
■ Sound knowledge of the Australia and New Zealand car and light commercial markets and a clear understanding of vehicle specifications and volumes terminology are a must.
■ New business sales and major account management skills are essential.
■ Lateral thinker with imagination, vision, energy and commitment, with total credibility dealing with customers up to board level.
■ A dedication to the provision of top-level customer service/relationship management.
■ Highly effective interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
■ High-level PC skills including knowledge and very high proficiency in the use of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office and ideally Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
■ Practical working knowledge of JATO proprietary solutions will be well regarded.
■ Ability to work remotely with a high level of self-reliance is absolutely a must.
■ Clear problem solving skills.■ Ability to deal with complex concepts with a high level of
competence.
KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER
JATO provides competitive remuneration and excellent commission potential.
If this opportunity is of interest, please submit a CV and covering letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role to our Recruitment Partner, Emma Sweet from Nexthire at [email protected] or (03) 8256 6561.
■ SYDNEY
■ HOME BASED
■ CAREER OPPORTUNITY
JATO Dynamics Ltd is the leading supplier of automotive business intelligence delivering the world’s most complete, accurate and up-to-date databases of vehicle prices and specifications, industry news including incentives information, total cost of ownership, sales and registrations data.
May 8, 2013 Page 16
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Are you reAdy to organiseit ?
For a presentation please call Mark Degenhardt on 0412 847 172 or 02 9262 7357. Email: [email protected] www.organiseit.com.au
Auswild & Co“ When we decided to go paperless, we looked at a few options before settling on organiseit. We have had no regrets. Organiseit should be your choice!”
Vincent Choy, Managing Director, Auswild & Co
The P
aperless off ce solution that gets you organised.
Jaguar sharpens claws ofall-new Boxster fighter asAugust launch draws near
F-Type to launch at $139K
By MIKE COSTELLOJAGUAR Australia has announced a Boxster-baiting starting price of $139,000 (plus on-road costs) for its new F-Type two-seater roadster.
Three variants will be offered when local deliveries commence around August, each with serious claws courtesy of a trio of supercharged V6 or V8 petrol powertrains.
As such, Jaguar calls the F-Type its “first full-blooded sportscar in 50 years”, with sharper edges and more driver focus than the larger – and $74,000 more expensive – XK boulevard cruiser.
The starting price is also lower than expected, with the company seemingly capitalising on the favourable exchange rate Australia has with the UK – Jaguar’s manufacturing base.
Entry $139,000 versions are powered by a 250kW/450Nm supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, with a zero to 100km/h time of 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 260km/h.
This compares with 232kW and 360Nm for the new Porsche Boxster S – seemingly its closest rival – which recently scored a $6800 price cut, bringing the German roadster’s starting point down to $126,500.
Commanding a $32,400 premium
over the base variant is the $171,400 F-Type S, which is powered by a more potent version of the same engine producing 280kW/460Nm, enough to complete the 0-100km/h dash in 4.9s.
A further $30,900 obtains the flagship $202,300 364kW/625Nm supercharged
V8 S which, with a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.3s and a top speed of 300km/h, has genuine supercar pace.
It is also $26,600 cheaper than the entry-level version
of Porsche’s flagship 911 Carrera cabriolet range.
All variants get free scheduled servicing for the first three years or 100,000km – whichever comes first.
Each engine comes with automatic idle-stop, and claimed combined fuel
consumption figures of 9.0 litres per 100km, 9.1L/100km and 11.1L/100km respectively.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed ‘quickshift’ automatic transmission with manual override via the centre console selector or steering wheel paddles. No manual gearbox is offered.
Being a Jaguar Land Rover product, the F-Type’s architecture is largely comprised of aluminium – JLR is an industry leader in the deployment of this lightweight material.
However, with a kerb weight of 1597kg in its lightest guise, the F-Type is still almost 300kg heavier than the Boxster, and nearly 150kg heavier than the larger 911 cabrio.
At 4470mm long, 1308mm high and 2042mm wide (with mirrors), the F-Type stands about mid-way between a Boxster and 911, and is 504mm shorter than its Jag XK cousin, although with boot space of almost 200L, it is similarly practical for cargo.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
PRICING:Base (a) $139,000S (a) $171,400V8 S (a) $202,300
May 8, 2013 Page 17
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Aggressive pricing movehands Nissan small hatcha sub-$19,000 head start
Pulsar hatch from $18,990
By BARRY PARKNISSAN has sharpened its pencil for the return of its Pulsar hatch, announcing a Korean car-beating $18,990 pricetag at entry level ahead of its showroom arrival next month.
The hatch also reintroduces the SSS badge for the first time in seven years, with the 140kW 1.6-litre turbocharged model priced from $29,240 for those favouring a six-speed manual version.
Nissan has priced the hatch $1000 lower than the sedan version introduced earlier this year.
Its price undercuts the current small-car market leader, the $20,330 Mazda3 sedan and hatch, Holden’s freshly repackaged $19,490 Cruze sedan and hatch, Toyota’s still shiny-new $19,990 Corolla hatch and Hyundai’s $20,990 i30 hatch.
The SSS pricing compares to $26,490 for the Holden Cruze SRi-V, powered by a 132kW 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, also mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
Value-driven Malaysian car-maker Proton is the only brand in the segment to undercut the Pulsar, with its Gen2 hatchback priced from $16,990 driveaway. The Gen2 will be
discontinued later this year to make way for a hatch version of the new Preve (from $18,990 d/a).
Despite only going on sale in January, Nissan’s sedan has made its way into Australia’s top 10, and in March knocked the Holden Commodore out of the list of best-sellers for the first time in more than three decades.
However, while sedan buyers are limited to Nissan’s 96kW/174Nm 1.8-litre engine, hatch buyers can opt for the
same 1.8-litre unit or the more exciting turbocharged 140kW/240Nm 1.6.
Adding a continuously variable transmission costs an extra $2250 for the two 1.8-litre models in the line-up, and $2500 for the two 1.6-litre variants.
On paper, the hatch’s list of equipment is not as miserly as the low price would suggest.
The standard equipment list on the entry-level ST powered by the 1.8-litre
engine runs to cloth seat trim, power windows, air-conditioning, cruise control, four-speaker audio with an auxiliary port and steering wheel-mounted controls, a Bluetooth phone connection and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Stepping up to the $3500 more expensive ST-L keeps the same engine and gearbox options but adds a six-speaker audio system with a USB port, a colour screen on the centre console, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, upgraded cloth upholstery and a centre armrest for rear passengers.
Outside, it gains front foglights and a subtle rear lip spoiler.
Customers preferring the extra poke of the 1.6-litre turbo under the bonnet can step up to the ST-S, which adds an extra $2500 to the bottom line. The alloy rims also step up to 17 inches.
However, most of the buzz will be around the return of the SSS badge.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Nissan takes further action on Leaf EV as pricing falls to $39,990 driveawayBy MIKE COSTELLO
NISSAN is looking to add some charge to Australia’s flat-lining electric vehicle market after slashing the price of its Leaf EV for the second time in five months.
The pioneering pure-electric runabout is now available to private buyers for just $39,990 driveaway, down from $46,990.
This latest price cut follows a circa-$8000 discount introduced last December, meaning the Leaf is about $15,000 cheaper now than at launch in June last year.
The Japanese company says the new price point – $20,000 less than the Holden Volt plug-in hybrid – is
intended to “broaden the appeal” of electric cars by grabbing the attention of buyers “who might have been put off by the comparatively higher purchase price typically associated”.
Nissan will sweeten the deal with a special repayment plan, charging $85 per week with a low comparison rate of 1.9 per cent over three years – provided customers shell out a $10,000 deposit.
“Nissan has taken a number of pioneering steps with the Leaf electric car,” said Nissan Australia managing director and CEO Bill Peffer.
“This is an exceptional car and we are keen to make it more appealing to Australian new-car buyers.
“I encourage anyone considering a small car to drive a Nissan Leaf first, especially if you live in an urban area. First-time drivers of the Nissan Leaf are surprised by its fun-to-drive nature and owners never seem to grow tired of not having to buy petrol.”
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
PRICING:ST $18,990 ST (a) $21,240 ST-L $22,490 ST-L (a) $24,740 ST-S $24,990 ST-S (a) $27,490 SSS $29,240 SSS (a) $31,740
May 8, 2013 Page 18
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Top two spots for Toyotamodels in April as Aussiecars continue to struggle
Corolla out in front
Top 10 Brands in AprilPos Brand Sales % Share
1 Toyota 16,902 19.9
2 Holden 7994 9.4
3 Mazda 7833 9.2
4 Hyundai 7315 8.6
5 Ford 6828 8.0
6 Mitsubishi 5456 6.4
7 Nissan 5104 6.0
8 Volkswagen 4584 5.4
9 Honda 3168 3.7
10 Subaru 2553 3.0
Source: VFACTS, May 2013
By BARRY PARKTOYOTA has taken out the top two places in Australia’s new-car sales race in April, with the Corolla small car and HiLux work ute finding more buyers than any other vehicle on sale.
With 3504 sales, Corolla was easily Australia’s best-selling vehicle in April. Toyota’s HiLux trade ute, meanwhile, recorded an equally strong month, posting 2932 sales and pushing March’s best-seller, the Mazda3, down to third spot with 2842 sales.
“Toyota dealers continue to report strong demand for (Corolla and HiLux), which is encouraging as we enter what is traditionally our two strongest
months of the year,” said Toyota Australia executive director of sales and marketing Matthew Callachor.
Ford’s Territory was the only locally made car to make significant inroads on the Australian market, but sales of its Falcon slumped to new lows, the latest sales figures show.
The gloomy news for local producers comes as the market bounced almost eight per cent compared with April last year, and full importer Mazda lost more ground to local car-maker Holden but held on to second spot behind Toyota in the overall sales race year-to-date.
VFACTS sales data for the month of April, released last week, shows the Territory was able to increase sales by more than 17 per cent compared with the same month last year, with 1206 units of the family SUV rolling out of Ford showrooms.
Meanwhile, the Falcon large car slumped to just 717 sales, an almost 30 per cent fall compared with April last year.
The news was not good for other locally made brands, either. Toyota’s
mid-size Camry held its own, raising monthly sales by less than 1 per cent in a market that fell more than 4 per cent compared with April last year, to 1617, but the Aurion continued to feel the pinch in the large-car segment, falling more than 25 per cent to 469 units.
Holden’s Commodore dropped outside the list of the top 10 best-selling cars for the second month in a row, with only 1515 new registrations recorded for April. This is more than 32 per cent down on sales for the same month last year.
Holden director of product launch communications, Craig Cheetham, told GoAuto that stocks of the Commodore had almost run out as the large car hit its final month of production.
“The run-out of VE has been extremely successful, and remaining supplies of the previous model are now extremely limited,” Mr Cheetham said.
The car-maker is due to introduce its redesigned VF Commodore to Australian showrooms next month.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Detroit’s Big 3 car-makers all in black after first quarter, but profits are slimmerBy HAITHAM RAZAGUI
DETROIT’S big three global car-makers all turned in healthy profits during the first quarter of 2013, but all reported lower figures than for the same period last year.
Ford’s highest North American first-quarter profit in more than a decade contributed to an overall pre-tax profit of $US2.1 billion ($A2.05 billion) for the first quarter – its 15th consecutive quarter in the black.
But compared with the same period last year, Ford’s figure was down $US147 million (or 6.41 per cent), with the difference described as
“more than explained by Europe and South America”.
Across town, General Motors reported first-quarter earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of $US1.8 billion, down 18 per cent, with a 12.5 per cent drop in North American EBIT to $US1.4 billion despite global increases in market share and sales volume.
Chrysler Group profit also dropped, with the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) down 24.2 per cent to just shy of $US1.05 billion, partially due to lower vehicle shipments caused by production lulls in preparation for new product launches.
Ford’s North American profit rose 16.9 per cent to a record $US2.4 billion, the highest since at least 2000, when the region became a separate business unit, with an operating margin of 11 per cent compared with the company’s global average of 5.2 per cent.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Ford HQ
Corolla
May 8, 2013 Page 19
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
VW puts a lid on business costs with capped-price servicing across LCV rangeBy BARRY PARK
VOLKSWAGEN has introduced capped-price servicing across its range after announcing last week that commercial vehicles will be included in its offer.
All vehicles sold since January 1 this year will have cover for 90,000 kilometres or six years, which according to the German manufacturer is the most generous deal by any European commercial vehicle brand on the Australian market.
Crafter van owners get capped-price servicing for up to 180,000km or six years.
“A scheduled service in the Volkswagen capped-price service program includes the regular replacement of oil filters, engine oil and sump plug washer at each service interval, as well as the standard replacement of the air filter (at 45,000 and 90,000km) and spark plugs (every 60,000km),” Volkswagen said in a
statement announcing the program.“Volkswagen commercial vehicle
customers will now benefit from the security of a comprehensive aftersales package of capped-price servicing, a three-year/unlimited-kilometre Volkswagen warranty and three-year Volkswagen roadside assist.”
Volkswagen has made it a priority to improve its customer service program in response to a poor showing in the 2012 customer service survey, as well as growing dissatisfaction with its outsourced customer services program.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Auto industry welcomesfederal move on ESC buttiming is a factor for FCAI
Action on ESC for LCVs
By TERRY MARTINLEADING motor vehicle industry representatives have welcomed the federal government’s move to make electronic stability control mandatory on all light commercial vehicles, which will bring vans, utes and light trucks into line with passenger cars and SUVs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA), Society of Automotive Engineers – Australasia (SAE-A) and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) are among the industry bodies to support the regulatory change, however the FCAI will urge for an extension of about 12 months to the proposed implementation date of 2015 for new models and 2016 for all LCVs on the market.
FCAI technical director James Hurnall told GoAuto that while the FCAI supported fitting the proven life-saving safety technology to LCVs (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass), the industry would need at least until the end of 2015 for it to undertake the necessary certification processes required with the proposed changes to Australian Design Rules.
“The FCAI and the industry support fitting ESC as it’s an important safety system,” he said.
“Obviously, the industry has been
responding to this and fitting it in the absence of regulation – as we did with passenger cars previously.
“(But) I don’t think that’s a practical timeframe to actually undertake the administrative processes with the certification.”
Mr Hurnall said that even if a vehicle had ESC fitted, the vehicle manufacturer would still be required to go through the process of gaining regulatory approval.
“Once the design rule is gazetted, (we need) to ensure we have sufficient time so the company can undertake certification with the government,” he said, adding that this usually took around two years. “The beginning of 2015 would not be practical.”
In announcing the proposed changes, and calling for submissions from interested parties (until June 26), federal road safety minister Catherine King said the government also planned to make brake assist systems standard in passenger cars, SUVs and LCVs in the same timeframe.
It is also currently consulting “relevant parties” on a proposal for mandatory anti-lock braking systems on heavy vehicles.
“Each year over 200 pedestrians and cyclists die on Australian roads and many more are seriously injured,” Ms King said.
“Mandating vehicle technology that helps drivers to avoid collisions is an effective way to make our roads safer for all users and will further bolster the government’s efforts under the National Road Safety Strategy, aimed at reducing deaths and injuries on Australia’s roads.”
Current regulations require ESC to be fitted to all new passenger cars and SUVs, although models currently on the market still have until November this year to install an ESC system.
The majority of light commercials sold in Australia do not have ESC fitted, however the market is responding.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREGovernment in ‘control’ – page 21
Ranger
Crafter (left) and Transporter
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto InBrief
John Mellor’s
May 8, 2013 Page 20
GoAuto’s latest car review www.GoAuto.com.au
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe SportsWith the current-generation MX-5 now eight years old, we wonder if the Mazda’s recent late-life facelift is enough to keep it top of the pops until a successor arrives in 2014. Our week behind the wheel reminded us that few cars have the purity of the MX-5, and few handle with such aplomb and dexterity. But the flagship version tested here costs more than $50,000, meaning the MX-5 is no longer the bargain it once was.
For Sale
Expressions of interest are invited to secure a portion of, or wholly acquire, an established North Brisbane dealership.• Family Owned and Operated• Multi-Franchised• Recently Upgraded Facilities• Property Purchase opportunity
available to the right applicantInterested parties will be required to sign and be bound by a standard confidentiality agreement.
For further details, please contact our appointed selling agent Anne Ruyl on phone 07 5591 1977 or 0411 150 723. Email: [email protected]
Purchase OPtiOns available
Vehicle Dealership
SUZUKI CAP NOW ONTHE latest car-maker to join Australia’s capped-price servicing movement is Suzuki, which has introduced a five-year scheme on all new car purchases from May 1.
Exceptions include diesel-powered Grand Vitara SUVs and cars purchased in Queensland and northern New South Wales, where a separate distributor handles Suzuki sales.
Scheduled servicing for the Alto and Swift light car is capped at $199, with the 24-month/40,000km and 48-month/80,000km intervals at $289.
The cost of maintaining larger models including the SX4 small car, Kizashi mid-size sedan and APV van are capped at $249, with the 24-month/40,000km and 48-month/80,000km intervals costing $295.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Power station
Jeep Cherokee in line for wireless recharge pad
By BARRY PARKJEEP is looking at clever in-car technology that will allow owners to recharge mobile devices while they drive – all without wires.
Fiat Chrysler Australia director of corporate affairs Karla Leach told GoAuto that the US-based car-maker was investigating if the recharge pad technology – where users simply need to lay a device down to top up the battery – was compatible with mobile devices sold here.
“We’re investigating the compatibility of this system with Australian devices,”
Ms Leach told GoAuto. “The devices need a special case, and we need to investigate if those cases work with the devices on sale here. We don’t want to take the technology in and find out later that it doesn’t work with them.”
The system will soon roll out in US versions of Jeep’s all-new Cherokee SUV, which will feature a recharging hotspot in the middle of the centre console.
The system is already available on the Dodge Dart as a $US200 option. However, one limitation is that the device will need to have a special backplate or battery cover that allows it to work with the recharger.
“Once we understand its compatibility with devices and its features, we will look at it as a standard feature on the Cherokee,” Ms Leach said.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDart
END OF FINANCIAL YEAR DEALS: ► CITROEN ► RENAULT ► HONDA ► VOLVO ► MITSUBISHI
LATEST RECALLS: CLICK HERE
Alto
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto Market Insight
John Mellor’s
GoAuto Market Insight – brought to you by Dealer Solutions
DealerSolutions
Means Performance.
May 8, 2013 Page 21
By TERRY MARTINTHE federal government has calculated that the introduction of legislation requiring mandatory fitment of electronic stability control in light commercial vehicles could save dozens of lives and generate up to $145 million more in net benefits compared to non-regulatory options.
The results of a cost-benefit analysis undertaken as part of a regulation impact statement (RIS) on the control of LCV stability were central to the department of infrastructure and transport recommending that laws are passed to make the life-saving technology standard on LCVs from 2016, bringing them into line with passenger cars and SUVs.
While vehicle manufacturers selling LCVs have responded to increasing Australian market demand for ESC, driven largely by trade and fleet operators and organisations representing private motorists, less than half of all LCVs sold here (45 per cent) are fitted with the technology.
This marks a huge climb from only 8.3 per cent in 2010, but with expectations that it will take the industry until at least 2020 before 99 per cent of LCVs are fitted with ESC under a voluntary system, the federal government is now working to achieve a 100 per cent
fitment rate in a shorter timeframe.The department explored a range
of options, including taking no action, conducting user information campaigns, revising government fleet purchasing practices and initiating a code of practice, but found that only regulation under the ‘Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989’ would guarantee industry-wide fitment and ensure ongoing provision of ESC in new vehicles.
The cost-benefit analysis also found that regulation generated the highest net benefits of the options examined as well as the highest number of lives saved, at $79 million and 29 respectively over a 15-year regulation period.
“This shows that ESC has the potential to make a difference even over a short period of increased fitment rates,” the department says in the RIS.
In comparison, a targeted user information campaign was found to
offer net benefits of up to $48 million and 17 lives saved, while an advertising campaign was deemed to provide a loss of $66 million and save only 10 lives.
While the case for regulation may seem counter-intuitive given the increased voluntary fitment of ESC and industry targets of 99 per cent by the end of the decade, the department makes the point in its RIS that there are often “advantages to intervening through regulation, even at high voluntary rates, such as when a technology offers significant benefits that have been proven in real-world conditions”.
It also says: “There can be no guarantee that the other options would deliver an enduring result. Changing economic pressures, or the entry of new players into the market, could see a shift away from the current move to provide ESC-equipped LCVs.”
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
More lives saved and netbenefits higher with lawsrequiring ESC on all LCVs
Government in ‘control’
2013
2015
2017
2019
2021
2023
2025
2027
2029
2031
2033
2035
2037
2039
2041
2043
2045
2047
2049
2051
2053
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
Benefits
Costs (average)
Source: ‘Regulation Impact Statement for the Control of Light Commercial Vehicle Stability’, Department of Infrastructure and Transport, 2013
Legislation requiring mandatory ESC for LCVsUndiscounted benefits and costs over time
2055
$ m
illio
n
1300 66 11 33
www.dealersolutions.com.au
A new automated solution to create videos of your
Your videos will be shown in Google and YouTube, easily shared via social networking and are viewable on all devices including iPhone and iPad
VideoPromote your inventory with the biggest video search engine today
inventory and share them online using
Green issues in the auto worldGoAuto Green
John Mellor’s
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto Green – brought to you by Titan DMS
May 8, 2013 Page 22
By MIKE COSTELLOTHE Californian company behind the Chinese-made Coda electric car filed for bankruptcy protection last week and will now focus on energy storage outside the automotive industry.
Coda Holdings filed a voluntary petition last Wednesday with the District of Delaware under Chapter 11 – the section of US bankruptcy law that allows the debtor to retain control of its operations.
Accordingly, the company signalled its intention to exit the automotive sector and direct its full focus to its energy storage arm, Coda Energy, which it created two years ago.
Coda Energy applies technology it used in cars to build lithium-ion batteries for utilities and building operators to store power.
This process is intended to enable the company to complete a sale within 45 days, release a business plan and emerge from bankruptcy in a stronger position outside automotive.
If granted approval from the courts, a consortium of lenders will step in to keep Coda Energy afloat throughout the restructure, and later buy it for a reported $US25 million ($A24.4 million). The company says it will also seek to “monetise”, or sell, its existing automotive business assets to settle debts.
Coda Holdings chief executive Phil
Murtaugh said the proposed move away from cars and into energy storage represented to “best opportunity” for the company.
“After concluding a comprehensive review of our strategic options, the board of directors, management team and senior lending group have concluded that focusing on the company’s energy storage business presents the best opportunity moving forward,” he said.
News of Coda’s exit from EVs came three weeks after luxury plug-in hybrid start-up Fisker Automotive shed 75 per cent of its workforce – having not produced a car since July 2012.
Around the same time, a third Californian EV start-up, Elon Musk’s Tesla Motors, came under fire after reportedly encouraging some customers to pay up-front for cars before build so it could turn a profit – the first in its 10-year history.
Continuing with the theme, US battery providers A123 and Ener1 Inc also sought bankruptcy protection inside the past 12 months. A123
has since been acquired by Chinese corporation Wanxiang.
As GoAuto has reported, Coda started production of its electric sedan in November 2011.
Based on the Pininfarina-designed Chinese Hafei Saibao sedan – which is in turn based on a 1990s Mitsubishi Lancer – the Coda EV used a 333-volt 33.8kWh lithium-ion battery, with a range as high as 241km.
But GoAuto believes Coda sold just 100 units in the US throughout the car’s life, which was priced from $US39,900 (or $US37,200 in California with its $US2500 rebate). The car was criticised for its bland styling, while its short history also included a recall due to faulty airbags.
Coda raised more than $US300 million in private funding over its life, but withdrew a request for $US334 million in US government loans in April 2012 – unlike Tesla and Fisker, both of which received backing.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
American EV brand filesfor bankruptcy and seesfuture outside car sector
End of EV road for Coda
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
May 8, 2013 Page 23
If you have any car industry personnel announcements, please email them to
Terry Martin at [email protected]
NEW CHALLENGE FOR DENNIS AS CAT TRUCKS SALES AND MARKETING CHIEFBy TERRY MARTIN
NC2 Australia has announced the appointment of Kevin Dennis as general manager of sales and marketing for Cat Trucks Australia and New Zealand.
Filling the position made vacant when Jeff Tyzack left the company late last year after almost three years in the role, Mr Dennis brings more than 30 years’ experience in the international heavy transport industry.
Most recently he was the Victorian and Tasmanian state manager for MTU Detroit Diesel Australia, having previously worked as group manager of off-highway markets and market development manager (construction/industrial and rail) for the company.
Mr Dennis has also served as director of international truck sales and service
for Daimler Trucks North America, responsible for the global sales and product support of Freightliner, Western
Star and Sterling truck brands and Detroit Diesel engines for the German manufacturer’s North American operations.
Earlier in his career, Mr Dennis was a director of DieselMotor Russia (a joint venture between Detroit Diesel and Chimex Group) for four
years, having already spent almost 18 years working for Detroit Diesel in the US, South Africa and the UK.
NC2 was initially a joint venture between US truck brand Navistar and Caterpillar, but is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Navistar.
The company manufactures Cat-branded trucks under licence from Caterpillar in Australia, and is a “private
label” designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pick-up truck, van and SUV markets.
Cat Trucks managing director for Australia and New Zealand, Bill Fulton, described Mr Dennis as “ideally suited to help lead Cat Trucks as we continue to grow our business in this region”.
“Kevin has more than 30 years’ experience across four continents in the global truck and engine business, and has demonstrated a strong track record of success with growth initiatives,” he said.
“We are excited to welcome Kevin to our team.”
The company said Mr Dennis’ responsibilities will include sales and marketing, strategy development, business planning and execution. He will also help shape product planning based on market requirements.
Kevin Dennis
Australia’s No.1
www.motorstaff.com.au
Australia’s No.1
“Our Recruitment Specialists take the stress out of hiring the Best People for your business”
Recruitment Specialistsales•service•parts•admin
Seeking quality Staff?
– established 1992 –
1300 666 562
• Australia’s largest database of qualified applicants (receptionists to Dealer Principals)
• Australia’s largest choice of automotive positions (sales, service, parts and administration)
• Australia’s most professional, ethical and comprehensive recruitment service
• Servicing the Australian Motor Industry for over 20 years
ISUZU RESTRUCTURE SEES HARBISON LEAD DEALER AND FLEET SALES TEAMSBy TERRY MARTIN
ISUZU Australia Limited (IAL) recently announced the promotion of Andrew Harbison as national sales manager, a new role that involves overseeing both the dealer sales and fleet sales teams for the Japanese truck brand.
Mr Harbison has more than 20 years’ experience in automotive sales. Before the latest restructure, which places a single manager in charge of the company’s entire sales operations, he served for six years as national dealer sales manager. Prior to that, he was IAL’s Queensland zone sales manager.
In conjunction, Les Spaltman steps up from his previous role as New South
Wales dealer sales manager to national fleet sales manager.
Mr Spaltman has more than 25 years’ experience in the industry, and has worked for IAL since 2011. He previously spent almost 10 years with Daimler in both service and sales executive positions.
Mr Harbison said the restructure would “provide additional sales opportunities
for Isuzu while ensuring customers receive even better support”.
“IAL is constantly looking for ways to establish best practice systems,” Mr Harbison said.
“While IAL will maintains a separate fleet team and there continues to be a
national fleet sales manager, from an operational and coordination perspective it made good sense to have one person
ultimately responsible for all sales.
“This new structure will enhance and strengthen the IAL sales team and provide a more collaborative approach with the dealer network.
“We’re confident that the new structure will work well and better serve the requirements of Isuzu customers – both retail and fleet – into the future.”
Les SpaltmanAndrew Harbison
- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto New Car Diary
John Mellor’s
GoAuto New Car Diary – brought to you by carsales.com.au
May 8, 2013 Page 24
MAYLAUNCH
FULL NEW CAR DIARY: CLICK HERE
Improve customer aquisition on your website
For a personalised demonstration Phone: 1300 041 977 | Email: [email protected]
Value My Trade in is a unique dealership website application to help capture trade-in details of visitors to your website and manage them in Autogate
Generate more enquiries for your business all while providing additional service to your customers
By HAITHAM RAZAGUIWHAT looks like an official image of the next-generation S-Class limousine has put a leak in the Mercedes-Benz drip-feed of information, providing an accurate glimpse of its exterior styling.
Benz has an official reveal event lined up for May 15, when full images and details are expected to be revealed, and the luxury model will arrive in Australia before the end of this year.
According to French website blogautomobile, the image was grabbed from an official Mercedes website, with other reports pointing to it originating from Benz’s Austrian arm.
Mercedes-Benz Australia corporate communications senior manager David McCarthy thought it unlikely that Stuttgart would release an official image set early in response to the leak.
He could not comment on whether the leaked image – which looks like a brochure shot – was official as the Australian operation had not yet received photos.
The S-Class bears a close family resemblance with the much smaller CLA, key similarities being the headlights and scalloping on its flanks.
Just like the CLA250 Sport and CLA45 AMG, the sporty looking S-Class variant pictured has flared air intakes and a kinked lip spoiler on the front bumper, while the airy multi-spoke alloy wheel design also looks similar.
But stating the car’s luxury intent is a large, prominent grille with thick chrome outer edge similar to the recently facelifted E-Class.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
All-new Mercedes S-Class limo in view after internet leak
Advanced safety tech and more interior space – despite more compact dimensions – come in return for higher pricing on Honda’s latest Accord.
Audi A3 Sportback ►
Holden VF Commodore
Honda Accord
Peugeot RCZ
Porsche Cayman
By BARRY PARKFORD says it will sit and wait to see what technology rolls out before introducing its first electric car to the Australian market.
The car-maker’s European division last week rolled out a prototype Fiesta city car featuring low-cost in-wheel electric motors.
The eWheelDrive system, developed in partnership with German engineering company Schaeffler, produces a staggering 700Nm of torque – about the same as a high-performance twin-turbocharged V8 – almost from idle.
The electric motors’ compact packaging, which allows them to fit inside the Fiesta’s rear wheels, also means more scope is available for the car-maker to shrink the size of a two-seater version of the electric vehicle to about that of a Smart Fortwo.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
No local spark as Fiestamoves into eWheelDrive