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Feb 16, 2011 No. 568

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

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

NEW CASTROL GTXPROFESSIONAL

SUPERIOR SLUDGE PROTECTION

Back on S’ong

New ute, mid-size SUV to join Korando as SsangYong hits

the comeback trail Down Under

AUDI’S LEAN, MEAN DIESEL LIMOUSINE

- page 15

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By RON HAMMERTONTHE near-dormant SsangYong brand is set

for a major revival in Australia, with at least

two more new models to join the all-new

Korando compact SUV on sale through an

expanded dealer network by 2013.

A new ute and medium-sized SUV are

locked in, while a small sedan and hatchback

and a LandCruiser-sized four-wheel drive

are also on the cards if the new owner of the

South Korean company, India’s Mahindra and

Mahindra, ticks the boxes for designs that are

already waiting on the shelf in Seoul.

The transition of SsangYong from court-

controlled receivership to Mahindra ownership

is scheduled for next month, just as SsangYong

unveils the next chapter in its product-led

recovery, the 2012 SUT (Sports Utility Truck)

concept ute, at the Geneva motor show.

The re-skinned ute – a replacement for the

brand’s top-selling model, the Actyon Sports ute,

in Australia in 2010 – is expected to get the same

European-developed Euro 5-compliant 129kW

2.0-litre diesel engine as the just-launched 2011

Korando, although tuned to achieve maximum

torque lower in the rev range.

With a new interior and entirely fresh

sheetmetal over its rugged ladder chassis,

the redesigned Actyon Sports is due to

roll off the car carriers from South Korea

and into Australian showrooms in the fi rst

quarter of 2012.

About a year after that, SsangYong has

committed to a new medium-sized SUV

– codenamed D200 – to replace both the

compact Kyron and mid-sized Rexton

SUVs in a move designed to rationalise the

confused range while elevating sales from

current low levels.

Beyond that, all further new models

will depend on the direction dictated by

Mahindra, which has already stated that it

wishes to keep the Mahindra and SsangYong

brands separate.

This year, importer Sime Darby

SsangYong is looking for a Korando-led

recovery to expand SsangYong sales in

Australia by up to 150 per cent, from 2010’s

1119 to about 2600-2800 units.

This would take the brand back to the

volumes it was achieving in 2005, when the

previous Korando and the Musso SUV were

still in production and before the Korean

company staggered and fell.

Loaded with the aforementioned new

turbo-diesel engine and a fi ve-year warranty,

Korando is expected to make up about half

of all SsangYong sales in 2010 – about 170

a month – although Sime Darby concedes

stock will be tight initially as the global

rollout of the new, car-like small SUV ramps

up in South Korea, the UK and elsewhere.

Sime Darby, the Malaysian-based

conglomerate that took on the Australian

franchise for SsangYong in late 2008, and its

26 surviving dealers are also having for wait

several weeks for the arrival of Korandos

fi tted with the Australian designed and

engineered six-speed automatic transmission,

while a petrol engine is also a year away.

A diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, as

shown with the Korando-previewing C200

concept, could also emerge down the track.Continued next page

SUTSSUTSUT

KorKorKK ddKorKorKorKorKorKKooKoK andandandandananannnn ooooo

Feb 16, 2011 Page 2

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Back on S’ongBack on S’ong

We can help you.We’ve been improving dealership performance and effi ciency across Australia for 30 years.Let us show you what we can do for you.

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Continued from previous pageSime Darby Motor Group Australia

managing director Rob Dommerson told

GoAuto that the promise of new models

with broad appeal had helped his company

and the dealer network to keep the faith

during the dark days of SsangYong’s

Chapter 11-style receivership after previous

owner Shanghai Automotive Industry

Corporation (SAIC) walked out in response

to a destructive union factory sit-in over

proposed workforce cuts in 2009.

“We wouldn’t be here unless they

(SsangYong’s management under receivership)

hadn’t given us the inside story and let us

know what was happening,” he said.

“The fi rst thing is always product, and the

reason we took on SsangYong in the fi rst place

was the integrity of the product, the quality.

“The consistency of Rexton and Stavic

and so on has been outstanding, and if they

keep that up, there is no reason they can’t

get into the mainstream.

“There is no reason why, once we get

through the baggage of the past two years –

and the product is going to take us through

that – that the brand couldn’t be in a very

strong position.”

Mr Dommerson said SsangYong chief

operating offi cer and vice-president of

global marketing JS Choi made a fl ying visit

to Australia for the Korando dealer launch

last week, delivering a reassuring message

about the upcoming-model plans and the

future under Mahindra.

He said Mr Choi said the SsangYong brand

and management would remain Korean, with

Mahindra providing fi nancial support for

development of new SsangYong models.

Mr Dommerson, who described the

Mahindra takeover of SsangYong as the

deal of the century, said he envisaged an

opportunity for Australia in right-hand-

drive SsangYong models made in India at

Mahindra factories.

“If the product quality is good – and it will

be – it could be good for us as well,” he said.

“Stavic and Rexton will be built down

there for the Indian market, probably CKD’d

(built from completely knocked down kits

from Korea). Whether they badge that as

SsangYong or whether they badge that as

Mahindra, that’s up to them.

“I think they will probably keep it as

SsangYong, as that seems to be the way they

are thinking – to keep them separate.”

Mr Dommerson said he had seen

concepts of new passenger cars developed

by SsangYong before the troubles started

in Korea two years ago.

He said it would be up to Mahindra to

decide if those cars and other new models

– including a bigger version of the Rexton

four-wheel drive – would get the go-ahead.

“We have seen some concepts, but

everything was pretty much shelved over the

last two years,” he said. “It really depends

what Mahindra wants to do and where they

see the brand going.

“But I think as a global player, if they

need to be there, they will take us past SUVs

(to passenger cars).

“They have the production capacity – they

have 250,000 slots (in the South Korean

factory) and they did only 80,000 last year.”

Sime Darby SsangYong general manager

and director Jeff Barber told GoAuto that

the SsangYong dealer network had declined

from about 45 to about 25 outlets as a result

of the SsangYong fi nancial diffi culties and

the global fi nancial crisis.

He said competitors had been only

too happy to point out SsangYong’s

troubled situation to potential customers,

impacting sales.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREKorando can do – next page

SUT concept

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Australia’s No.1Motor Industry Specialist

“hire the right staff... give them the best tools... motivate and train them!”

SsangYong’s reborn Korando arrives with Euro 5 diesel and $26K opening price

Korando can doBy RON HAMMERTON

SSANGYONG’S Korando nameplate has

returned to Australian showrooms with a

bang, not only displaying unprecedented

good taste in styling for the quirky Korean

company but an equally attractive starting

price for the all-diesel range – $26,311 or

$27,990 driveaway – making it the cheapest

diesel in the compact SUV class by a

whopping $5690 on list price.

Available in both two- and all-wheel-drive

drive confi gurations with a choice of six-speed

manual and – soon – true-blue Aussie-made

six-speed automatic, the three-model fi ve-door

Korando range has been priced and equipped

to light a fi re under both the SsangYong brand

and the entire compact SUV market.

And from early next year, importer Sime

Darby expects to throw a little more fuel on

the blaze by introducing a 2.0-litre petrol

model, at an even cheaper price.

The fi rst new SsangYong in three

years, the thoroughly modern Korando’s

arrival in the fastest growing segment in

the Australian auto market marks a new

beginning globally for the marque that has

battled its way out of receivership with

the help of its new owner, Indian ute and

tractor maker Mahindra and Mahindra.

Released of its baggage, SsangYong is

revving up its range, with the Korando to be

followed by a new Actyon Sports ute that is

about to be unveiled in concept form at next

month’s Geneva motor show before its sales

release in early 2012.

The all-new fourth-generation Korando

owes nothing except the badge to the

rudimentary body-on-frame Korandos of

old that were discontinued in 2006.

Similar in size to the Hyundai ix35 at

4410mm long and 1830mm wide, the

reborn Korando gets a car-style monocoque

platform – a fi rst for a SsangYong SUV – and

equally up-to-the-minute Euro 5-compliant

129kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder

engine across the range.

Designed by Italian master Giorgetto

Giugiaro whose Italdesign concept for the

vehicle was unveiled as the SsangYong C200

at the 2008 Paris motor show, the Korando

has been a long time coming – so long that

many observers wondered if it would ever

make it, such was the shaky fi nancial state of

the Korean car-maker after previous owner

SAIC – the Chinese auto giant – walked out

in disgust over union mayhem in 2008.

Tasked with putting the marque back

on track globally, the Korando pitches

SsangYong into direct competition with

the likes of Hyundai and Kia, whose own

compact SUVs, the ix35 and Sportage,

have made major inroads into a sales arena

dominated by Japanese models.

Australia is the fi rst right-hand-drive

market to get Korando – although it is

also said to be rolling out to UK dealers as

we write – and even before South Korean

customers can get their hands on one.Continued next page

Feb 16, 2011 Page 4

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Korando can doKorando can doContinued from previous page

For Australia, it will be available in three

specifi cations – S, SX and SPR – although

the top-shelf auto-only SPR has been

held over until late March when the new

automatic transmission designed and built

in Australia by Albury’s Drivetrain Systems

International comes on stream.

As many potential customers might see

SsangYong as damaged goods – struggling

sales here over the past few years speak

volumes – Sime Darby and SsangYong

Motor had no choice but to go in hard with

this model to get people to give the brand

another chance.

The two-wheel-drive Korando S base model

is being launched at $26,311 plus on-roads

or $27,990 driveaway. The current cheapest

diesel compact SUV is the Mitsubishi ASX

1.8-litre AWD manual at

$31,970.

Like all Korandos, the S

can be optioned with the auto

transmission when it arrives

in a few weeks – something

none of the diesel Japanese

competitors can offer.

While SsangYong’s Korean rivals,

Hyundai and Kia, both offer an auto diesel,

they do not offer a manual. Neither do they

offer a two-wheel-drive variant, with their

diesels coming only in AWD auto form

at $35,490, giving SsangYong’s cheapest

diesel a $9000 head start.

The Korando models step up in $4000

increments, with the mid-range AWD SX

manual at $30,311 (auto $2500 extra) and

the auto-only SPR all-wheel-drive topping

the range at $36,811.

All come with a fi ve-year,

100,000km warranty – a

bonus that was sprung just

last week by head offi ce on

the local importer who had

prepared all the brochures

announcing a three-year term.

Price is only part of the SsangYong value

equation, as the newest kid on the SUV block

is not only well specifi ed but armed with

some surprisingly sophisticated technology.

This starts with the new e-XDi200 diesel

engine that SsangYong says was designed

in Europe.

Armed with 129kW of power at 4000rpm

and 360Nm of torque between 2000 and

3000rpm, the diesel can propel the 1672kg

fi ve-seater from 0-100km/h in 10 seconds.

Fuel consumption ranges from 6.1L/100km

for the 2WD manual variant to 7.5L/100km

for the heavier AWD automatic version. CO2

emissions range from just 159g/km in 2WD

manual guise to 199g/km for the auto AWD.

Among the hi-tech features of the diesel

engine are its electronically controlled

variable geometry turbocharger to cut turbo

lag and a close-coupled combined diesel

oxidation catalyst and particulate fi lter.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

PRICING:S 2WD $26,311

S 2WD (a) $28,811

SX AWD $30,311

SX AWD (a) $32,811

SPR AWD (a) $36,811

Te lephone: (02) 9957 4182Emai l : aust ra l ia@cour land .com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH GEDDES PARKER & PARTNERS

As a result of internal promotion, our client Hyundai Motor Company Australia is seeking a National Parts Manager to lead the national Parts & Accessories team and to liaise with Regional General Managers and their Aftersales team on national programs and priorities.

Reporting to the Director Aftersales, you will be responsible for achieving national Parts & Accessories KPIs, developing and growing all segments of the Hyundai Parts & Accessories business, as well as ensuring the quality of parts and material purchased and negotiating contracts.

You will have strong automotive industry experience with an extensive background in Parts, strong people management and relationship building skills; you will also be a team player with a proven “can-do” attitude.

This is a unique opportunity to join Hyundai in a senior role.

To discuss in confi dence, contact Ross Geddes or email your resumé quoting Ref No. COU159.

National Parts Manager

Opportunity to be part of a phenomenal growth story

NORTH RYDE BASED

Feb 16, 2011 Page 5

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About us:We are a fully owned subsidiary of a US$2 Billion company that is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. We have over 100 dealers throughout Australia and New Zealand. Our products are known to be some of the best in the markets in which we operate.

About the Position:The position of RDM (NSW/ACT) reports directly to the National Sales Manager and is responsible for some of our biggest markets. This is a unique opportunity to truly have a signifi cant impact on a major business. The package is the type that you’d expect to be able to attract the best in the business. The position is home offi ce based with signifi cant travel required.

About You:You will be an experienced channel manager who is familiar with operating in a dealer / franchise environment. More than this – you are able to demonstrate that you have managed signifi cant changes to a dealer channel. You will be a great retailer as you have probably managed or owned a retail

operation. You will understand the difference between being a wholesale order taker to being a retail champion. You will also understand the power of brand management.You will be able to demonstrate that you have the interpersonal skills to infl uence, lead and direct independent dealers to desired outcomes. You will be part of our vision moving forward and be empowered to transform our vision into operational reality.

How You Get Our Attention:Provide us with an introductory letter and resume (<6 pages) featuring specifi c and measurable examples relating to the experience and skills that we have listed.

Reply by Monday 28th February 2011 to: au.resumes@polarisind.com

Retail Development Manager (NSW/ACT)

Mazda’s top-selling small car will be fi rst to feature SkyActiv tech in Australia

Mazda3 Sky hookMazda3 Sky hook

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISMAZDA has confi rmed that its ground-

breaking new SkyActiv engine and

transmission fuel-saving technology will

debut in its facelifted Mazda3 later this year.

The rollout will gather pace from 2012 with

the arrival of the SkyActiv CX-7 replacement,

which will debut at next month’s Geneva

motor show as the Minagi concept, as well as

the third-generation mid-sized Mazda6.

As well as the new engines and gearboxes,

the latter two will embrace the full SkyActiv

chassis and body technologies, making the

most of lower weight and higher safety,

rigidity and aerodynamic properties to

signifi cantly improve effi ciencies, safety

and driving pleasure alike.

Touted under the ‘Sustainable Zoom-Zoom’

banner, the next Mazda6 Diesel – fi tted with

the new Sky-D four-cylinder unit – achieves

an average fuel consumption of 4.2 litres per

100km and a carbon dioxide emissions rating

of 112g/km from a 130kW/420Nm 2.2-litre

four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.

Mazda says this is an example of its

commitment to reducing fuel consumption

of its entire fl eet by 30 per cent between

2008 and 2015.

Further aiding such effi ciencies will be

the stepped adoption of new technology

under Mazda’s ‘Building Block Strategy’

regime, beginning with i-Stop idle-stop to cut

emissions, as well as regenerative braking.

Hybrid electric vehicles – using Toyota’s

Hybrid Synergy Drive system – will come later.

All the mainstream production vehicles

will be “organised” around a common

architecture concept as well as a fl exible

manufacturing process known as

‘Monotsukuri Innovation’, which – through

the diversifi cation and commonisation

of components and processes – allows

for the deployment of “high-grade, high-

performance technologies over a wider

range of vehicle models as well as the

ability to respond to customer demand more

quickly,” according to Mazda.

In the interests of affordability and

competitiveness, Mazda says it made the

decision in 2007 not to go down the expensive

downsizing/forced induction path like many

other car-makers such as Volkswagen (TSI

tech) and Ford (EcoBoost).

Nevertheless, effi ciencies have been

gained, Mazda claims, led by the change

of compression ratio of both the petrol and

diesel engine to 14:1, although petrol engines

in Australia will not achieve such high

compression due to fuel variability here.

Typically, petrol engines are about 10:1,

while diesels often exceed 17:1.

Two closely related families of petrol and

diesel engines are coming on line.

In both SkyActiv-G direct-injection petrol

and SkyActiv-D diesel guises, the ‘medium’

engines for smaller vehicles will be torque-

limited to 270Nm, while the ‘large’ units will be

capable of 460Nm, for bigger cars and SUVs.

The SkyActiv-G will be as small as 1.3

litres for the next-gen Mazda2 (2013) while

a 1.6-litre SkyActiv-D is thought to be in

the pipeline.Continued next page

Mazda3

Feb 16, 2011 Page 6

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By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISMAZDA’S new-generation powertrain,

chassis and body technology collectively

known as SkyActiv might be one of its

largest, expensive and most time-consuming

undertakings in the company’s 80-year

history, but it also has given rise to new

opportunities in established vehicle classes.

Every model in Mazda’s artillery will

undergo revolutionary changes to make the

Japanese brand more competitive globally,

from a new suspension system mooted for

the diminutive Mazda2 to a rethink for the

largest SUV.

Case in point is a complete rethink for

the CX-7 replacement, which will move

the fi ve-seater crossover wagon away from

the compact and medium SUV segments it

has straddled since 2006 due to its larger

Mazda6-based underpinnings.

A Mazda insider suggested the Minagi

concept to be shown in Geneva on March

1 will form the basis for a smaller yet

roomier successor.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Mazda rethinks its crossover strategy

Minagi

Mazda3 Sky hook

Continued from previous pageCompared with today’s heavier MZR-CD

diesel, fuel economy improves 20 per cent,

while responses are smoother and more

linear from low to medium speeds (helping

here is the adoption of twin turbochargers,

where one small and one large turbo are

operated according to driving conditions),

and engine speeds increase from about

4500rpm to 5200rpm.

Consequently, SkyActiv-D engines also

meet all stringent exhaust gas emissions

regulations without the need for expensive

after-treatment technology such as the urea

selective catalytic reduction device fi tted to

the current CX-7 diesel, which counteracts

nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions but adds

about $1000 to the price of the vehicle.

Mazda powertrain manager Susumu

Niinai said the target of the diesel was to

achieve economy of a petrol car from two

classes down.

In the SkyActiv-G petrol engines, fuel

consumption falls 15 per cent compared

with the current MZR equivalent while

offering 15 per cent higher torque in the

low and mid ranges.

Cutting ‘knocking’ (abnormal

combustion) issues was a priority, since it

causes signifi cant torque drops. Reducing

weight and friction were further aims, while

the implementation of multi-hole piezo

injectors aid cold-start performance and

help to eliminate misfi ring.

Besides the compression ratio advances,

Mazda says all SkyActiv engines address

other typical internal combustion engine

ineffi ciencies such as exhaust, cooling,

pumping and mechanical losses.

The introduction of a new 4-2-1 exhaust

manifold design also assists effi ciency

signifi cantly, as it impacts potentially

prohibitive temperature rates.

FULL STORY AND PROTOTYPE DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

Mazda6 ‘Sky mule’

Feb 16, 2011 Page 7

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A D

aim

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rand

Marketing Opportunities at Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacifi c Pty LtdMercedes-Benz Australia/Pacifi c Pty Ltd was recognised as the number one premium brand in the Australian passenger car market in 2010, the best on record. As recognition of our achievement, Mercedes-Benz Cars for MBAuP was announced as the winner of the Global Market of the Year for 2010, surpassing even the growing automotive market in China.

We are looking for three dynamic and experienced individuals to help us in our continued success through 2011.

OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:

Relationship Marketing Manager (12 month contract)Develop and lead our national Relationship Marketing strategies, concepts and activities and integrate them into the overall Marketing mix. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, forward-thinking team player who can manage our business units below the line to create meaningful customer communications.

Campaign Coordinator – Retail ProgramsWork across a range of brands and diverse marketing projects to support the entire MBAuP dealer network from passenger cars, to trucks and vans. As the successful candidate, you will be driven to achieve and deliver results with experience in campaign management particularly working closely with creative and media agencies, POS suppliers, printers and online retail platforms.

Corporate Communications & Event Marketing CoordinatorAssist in the planning and implementation of various media activities such as new vehicle press launches for external communications to media and all products and fi nance. Working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, you will have a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude and the ability to conduct yourself in a confi dent and professional manner.

To view these career opportunities online, please click here or visit www.mercedes-benz.com.au/careers

Applications can be sent confi dentially via email to: human_resources@daimler.com by close of business, Friday 25th February 2011.

Kia comes clean on its redesigned Rio hatch as Geneva debut draws near

Sweetness in lightSweetness in light

By MIKE COSTELLOKIA has taken the wraps off its highly

anticipated next-generation Rio light car ahead

of its world premiere at the Geneva motor

show on March 1 and an expected Australian

release in the third quarter of this year.

The latest in an array of stylish new

products from the Korean manufacturer

will feature a continuation of the brand’s

distinctive new styling theme, spearheaded

by former Audi designer Peter Schreyer.

It has a variation of the now-familiar

signature ‘pinched’ grille design, bringing

the car into line with much of Kia’s new

range. The large, angular headlamps and a

prominent ‘wedge’ running along the doors

accentuate the premium look of the car.

The new Rio will be available globally in

both three- and fi ve-door hatch body styles

as well as a sedan variant, though at this

stage it is unknown if all of these will be

available here. Kia says the newly designed

interior will feature improved quality and a

more expensive feel.

It will be lower and wider than the model

it is set to replace, giving the car a more

aggressive stance. The wheelbase will be

70mm longer, promising more legroom, and

cargo capacity will be bigger in both sedan

(390 litres) and hatch versions (292 litres).

While local powertrains are not yet

confi rmed, the Rio will be available

internationally with six engines ranging

from a 51.5kW 1.1-litre diesel to a 103kW

1.6-litre petrol.

Kia’s director of overseas marketing, Soon-

Nam Lee, said the new model is stylistically a

big step forward for the brand.

“The Rio has always been successful and

with this new incarnation we have a car

which is extremely attractive, that people

will want to buy for its looks,” he said.

The current Rio is by far Kia’s top-selling

model in Australia, with 9052 sold last year.

Internationally Kia has sold more than

860,000 Rios since the model was launched

in 2005. The South Korean brand has enjoyed

strong sales growth both domestically and

internationally so far this year, with its

Australian results up 12.7 per cent year-on-

year in January.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Feb 16, 2011 Page 8

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At last, Mercedes-Benz creates a C-class Coupe to rival BMW’s 3 Series

Here comes C Coupe

By MARTON PETTENDYMERCEDES-BENZ will mark its 125th year

of business by releasing its most direct rival for

BMW’s almost 30-year-old 3 Series Coupe.

Revealed two weeks ahead of its global

debut at the Geneva motor show on March

1, the all-new C-class Coupe hits European

showrooms in June before going on sale in

Australia alongside the facelifted C-class

sedan in mid-2011.

Just as the E-class Coupe and Cabriolet

effectively replaced hard- and soft-top

versions of the CLK respectively last year,

the C-class Coupe will this year supersede

the CLC-class hatchback, priced higher

than the entry-level CLC 200K ($51,600)

to compete directly with BMW’s 3 Series

Coupe range, which opens with the 320d

Coupe ($66,500).

Although the CLC wears front-end styling

from the latest W204 C-class sedan of 2008,

it dates back to the W203 C-class-based

Sport Coupe fi rst seen in 2002, but remains

relatively popular in Australia.

Like the outgoing CLC, the stylish new

two-door four-seater – which rides on

the latest C-class chassis – is identical to

the latest C-class sedan at the front and

features all-new sheetmetal and glass from

the windscreen backwards, plus a booted

luggage compartment augmented by twin

folding rear seats.

With the windscreen itself also angled

‘faster’ than that of the four-door C-class,

Mercedes’ sleek new coupe is 41mm lower

and features a short rear overhang, an

upswept rear beltline, narrow C-pillar and

a long roof above a glasshouse that extends

beyond the rear axle.

First seen – at least partially – alongside

the forthcoming SLS convertible in a

Mercedes-Benz TV commercial during

North America’s Super Bowl last

week, the new entry-level two-

door will be aimed at successful

35-to-45-year-olds.

“By extending the C-class

portfolio, we are consciously

targeting new customers,” said

Mercedes-Benz Cars sales and

marketing chief Joachim Schmidt.

“The new model is youthful, stylish

and dynamic. What we are offering

is an exceptionally sporty way to enter the

world of the Mercedes-Benz coupe.”

In Europe, the C-class Coupe will be

powered by fi ve direct-injection engines,

each matched as standard with a fuel-saving

idle-stop function, while the German luxury

brand’s usual array of driver assistance

systems will be joined by the new internet-

capable telematics system that debuted in

the facelifted C-class sedan and wagon at

the Detroit show in January.

There was no offi cial announcement

of a rival for BMW’s iconic M3 Coupe or

the Audi RS5 – expected in the form of a

C63 AMG Coupe powered by the same

336kW/600Nm 6.2-litre V8 as the C63

sedan – but Benz has confi rmed a similar

engine line-up as the C-class sedan.

The range comprises three petrol

engines and two diesels – each classed

as BlueEffi ciency units – while all

automatic variants will receive the car-

maker’s upgraded 7G-Tronic seven-speed

transmission, which will be standard in the

petrol-powered C250 CGI and C350 CGI.

Assisted in Europe by ‘BlueDirect’ fuel

injection technology, the latter is – for now –

the fl agship of the range, offering 225kW of

power and 370Nm of torque while returning

average fuel consumption of 6.8L/100km.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Feb 16, 2011 Page 9

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LOWER YOUR ENGINE’S CHOLESTEROL.SUPERIOR SLUDGE PROTECTION.Just like cholesterol, sludge build-up caused by everyday driving clogs important engine parts, even in well-maintained vehicles. This black, tar-like substance could result in poor fuel economy, decreased engine performance and in some cases even engine seizure.Castrol GTX Professional has passed the API’s toughest sludge tests and is proven toprovide 50% superior engine protection. Don’t pay the price of ignoring sludge.

LOOK AFTER YOUR ENGINE’S HEALTH WITH CASTROL GTX PROFESSIONAL.

NEW CASTROL GTX PROFESSIONALSUPERIOR SLUDGE PROTECTION

BMW reveals a striking, hi-tech roadster concept ahead of Swiss premiere

Connect the dotsConnect the dots

By HAITHAM RAZAGUIBMW is planning four world-fi rsts for its

stand at next month’s Geneva motor show,

including a technology-packed roadster

concept, a 1 Series EV and super-effi cient

diesel 3 Series.

It will also debut the recently announced

four-cylinder turbo-powered X1 xDrive28i

and X1 M Sport package.

Generating the most interest will be the

Vision ConnectedDrive concept, a roadster

littered with clues as to the design direction

BMW is taking for its next generation of

products and demonstrating the Munich-

based brand’s thinking in the area of how

cars react with their environment and

communicate with their occupants.

The ConnectedDrive system features a

ground-up redevelopment of the traditional

instrument pack and constantly monitors the

car’s environment using cameras, sensors,

antennae, inputs from the driver and the

inbuilt navigation system.

In acknowledgement of the sea of

information this system makes available to

the driver, the BMW concept automatically

prioritises information by layering the

‘Minority Report’-style three-dimensional

head-up information display.

For example, if the navigation system

needs to inform the driver of an upcoming

turn, this information is prioritised by

placing other details, such as current

speed, into the background where they

remain visible.

The technology also involves the

passenger, who gets his/her own display

to become co-driver by planning journey

routes before forwarding the information to

the driver’s screen.

The concept’s styling previews BMW’s

next shift in design language and drops

strong hints at the look of future BMW

roadsters, with its long bonnet, purposeful

proportions and elegant surfacing most

likely to make production reality.

Also expected to be seen on the road in

the near future is the front-end styling, which

carries over from the Vision Effi cientDynamics

hybrid supercar, including the shark-nose

profi le, ultra-wide interpretation of BMW’s

kidney grille, gaping lower air vents and

menacing deep-set headlights. The upswept

corners of the tail-lights also mimic those of

the Vision ED.

Less likely to make production are the

side doors, which echo those of the classic

Z1 roadster of the late 1980s in that they

open by descending into the bodywork,

enabling the car to be driven with the doors

open for a truly open-air feeling.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Feb 16, 2011 Page 10

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Esfl ow sportscar concept for Geneva combines the electrifi ed Leaf with 370Z

Nissan fl ow chartNissan fl ow chart

By TERRY MARTIN NISSAN has signalled its intention to remain

in the mainstream when it comes to electric

vehicles, unveiling the fi rst images and

details of a purposeful and “pure” electric

sportscar concept that blends its Leaf EV

with the 370Z.

To make its world premiere at the Geneva

motor show on March 1, the so-called Esfl ow

is a rear-wheel-drive two-seater coupe that

borrows technology from the Leaf – including

the same laminated lithium-ion batteries – but

packs in far more performance.

Specifi cations are still scarce at this stage,

although Nissan claims the Esfl ow – which

has an electric motor in each rear wheel – can

accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than fi ve

seconds, and can remain on the road without

requiring a recharge for more than 240km.

The Leaf is powered by an 80kW/280Nm

electric motor and is claimed to have a real-

world driving range of 160km. Nissan has

not provided offi cial acceleration fi gures.

No specifi c outputs have been provided

for the Esfl ow, but Nissan says the electric

motors are designed to independently

control the left and right rear wheels, which

in turns optimises torque and maximises

power regeneration.

The battery packs are mounted low on the

vehicle along the axis of the front and rear

wheels to centralise the mass of the car and

provide good weight distribution.

They are also used to demonstrate how the

Esfl ow was created from the ground up as

an EV – not an existing combustion-engined

vehicle adapted to run on electricity, “but

a sportscar that’s been designed from the

outset as a zero emission vehicle”.

Nissan says this means that its designers

had “free rein to place the powertrain and

batteries in the optimum positions to benefi t

the car’s handling and performance and

enhancing the thrill of driving”.

“Power cells are incorporated in such a

way that they benefi t Esfl ow’s strength and

poise, not detract from them,” the company

says. “Indeed, unlike a conventional fuel tank,

batteries do not get lighter as they provide

energy, so the car’s weight distribution

remains constant throughout a drive.”

The car is built using an aluminium

chassis that incorporates rollbars into the

structure behind the seats. The powertrain

is simply described as employing “the

same technologies” as those installed in the

Nissan Leaf (“tuned to offer a sporty driving

experience”), while the striking bodywork is

made from composite materials.

With the body, Nissan’s designers point

to “hints of classic and contemporary”

sportscars with aspects such as the long

bonnet, steeply raked (and wraparound,

for unobstructed visibility) windscreen, a

compact cabin that positions the occupants

at the car’s centre of gravity, and fl ared

wheelarches housing large six-spoke wheels

(with blue carbon inserts) wrapped in ultra-

low-profi le tyres.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Welcome calls

Brochure requests

Test drive requests

General enquiries

Data cleansing

Social media

SE

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Infi niti eyes BMW 1 Series with all-new entry-level hatchback conceptBy MARTON PETTENDY

INFINITI has revealed the fi rst tangible

evidence of its intention to create a direct

competitor for compact luxury cars such

as BMW’s 1 Series, Audi’s A3 and the

upcoming Lexus CT200h hybrid by

revealing the small Etherea hatchback

concept ahead of its world debut at the

Geneva motor show on March 1.

Nissan has confi rmed its luxury brand

will be launched in Australia by late next

year or in early 2013, by which time the

Etherea concept should have evolved into

a fully fl edged production model positioned

below Infi niti’s current range-opener, the

BMW 3 Series-sized G Line.

It is not clear whether the ‘G’ sedan, coupe

and convertible – Infi niti Performance Line

(IPL) versions of which became available

last year in Europe to rival BMW’s M3 and

Mercedes-Benz’s C63 AMG – will arrive

here in current or next-generation guise,

but Infi niti’s Australian range should also

comprise the newer BMW 5 Series-sized M

sedan, the EX medium SUV and QX large

SUV models.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Etherea

Esfl ow

Feb 16, 2011 Page 11

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

There is also the ability to acquire equity in some of these

dealerships for the right candidate.

The successful applicant will have:

• Proven experience as a Sales Manager/General Manager

• Be highly motivated

• Strong management skills

• Proven ability to meet and exceed

the standards of the franchises.

Suitable applicants can submit their resumes to:

dealerprincipal@live.com.au

Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Stylish mini-SUV concept shows new model niche and design direction for Renault

Renault Captur-vatesRenault Captur-vates

By DAVID HASSALLRENAULT has unveiled its latest concept

vehicle – a stylish new take on the SUV

theme – ahead of next month’s unveiling at

the Geneva motor show.

And the company says that the front-

wheel-drive Captur concept car is not

just a styling exercise, but “previews a

forthcoming road car”.

It looks to be related to sister company

Nissan’s Juke, which was launched globally last

year but has yet to be confi rmed for Australia.

While Renault’s previous show car – the

two-seater DeZir coupe that starred at the

Paris show last October – was inspired by the

passion of falling in love, the French company

has taken the next stage of the human lifecycle

as its theme for the Captur SUV, that of two

people exploring the world around them.

Sharing a similar nose treatment and

scissor-lift doors with the sleek coupe, the

Captur is similarly striking, with voluptuous

curves and a convertible roof.

It is powered by a 1.6-litre twin-turbocharged

diesel engine developed by Renault as part of

its objective of being Europe’s leading auto-

maker on CO2 emissions.

This new ‘Energy dCi 160’ engine

produces 118kW of power and 380Nm of

torque from as low as 1750rpm, pushing the

Captur from 0-100km/h in 8.0 seconds while

delivering emissions of just 99g/km when

paired with a dual-clutch transmission.

Renault is also heralding a new mechanical

self-locking differential called RX2, which

it claims improves traction at low speeds

by transferring up to 100 per cent of the

engine’s torque to the front wheel with the

most grip in the event of losing traction.

Captur also marks the debut of what

Renault calls its ‘Visio-system’,

which uses a forward-facing

camera mounted at the top of

the windscreen to provide driver-

assistance functions.

Captur was created under the direction of

the company’s highly regarded Dutch design

chief Laurens Van den Acker, who left

Mazda less than two years ago to create a

new styling direction for the French brand.

He said the “simple, sensuous and warm”

style demonstrated by both the DeZir and

Captur would be progressively extended to

future Renault car designs.

Renault describes the crossover concept

vehicle as having the fundamental design

language introduced on the DeZir concept

car, but with a more technical dimension –

“more functional but still highly sensuous”.

Exterior designer Julio Lozano said the

main sources of inspiration were athletes

and radical sports, with the aim of creating

fl uid curves to evoke movement and

lightness while also displaying powerful

and muscular all-terrain cues.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Foton is looking for people who want to work with a dominant Chinese brand and create a success story. Foton Pick-up trucks are specified to suit the market and priced as only we can. We believe Foton Pick-ups have the ingredients for building a highly successful brand. But, we need both good Dealers and people who can help us fulfil our ambitions. For interested Dealers, this is a greenfields opportunity to establish a brand that has massive potential in the Australian market place. We are also looking for Sales, Parts, and Dealer Development professionals who can display a

track record of initiative, being able to run with ground level opportunities, and who strive to achieve growth. For industry professionals who believe this opportunity may suit their skill sets, Foton represents a chance to create and build a genuinely significant brand in Australia.

Please identify your area of interest on the cover of your application and email it to info@fotonpickup.com.au.

All applications will be treated in strictest confidence.

WHAT WILL YOU DO WHEN CHINA’S LARGEST

COMMERCIALVEHICLE BRANDCOMES CALLING?

Feb 16, 2011 Page 13

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

A D

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Doncaster: 835 Doncaster Road, Tel: 03 8848 1266. Burwood: 42 Burwood Highway, Tel: 03 8831 5188. www.mbsilverstar.com.auDoncaster: 835 Doncaster Road, Tel: 03 8848 1266. Burwood: 42 Burwood Highway, Tel: 03 8831 5188. www.mbsilverstar.com.au

Are you prepared to start at the top and stay there?Customer Relations Manager – Silver Star MotorsSilver Star Motors is seeking a shining new star to join our successful team. The position of Customer Relations Manager – Sales/Leads is a crucial link in the chain, managing all customer phone and internet enquiries and in turn providing support to the sales team.

The successful candidate will have:• Previous sales experience (automotive preferred) or

telemarketing experience.• Excellent phone manner.• Excellent customer service skills.• A passion for luxury automobiles and Mercedes-Benz.

Duties:• Answer all inbound phone and internet enquiries.• Book sales appointments on behalf of the sales team.• Customer database management.• No cold calling required.

This position is Monday to Friday 8:30am – 6pm.

If this sounds like you, please email your cover letter and resumé to: mbempolyment@silverstarmotors.com.au

New Car Sales Executives (Two) – Silver Star Motors Due to continued growth, Silver Star Motors is seeking two (2) shining new stars to join our successful sales team.

The successful applicants will have: • A successful sales history in the retail automotive industry. • A passion for luxury automobiles. • Immaculate presentation, confi dent and self-motivated. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Exceptional customer service skills. • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Multilingual candidates (English/Cantonese/Mandarin) are invited to apply. An attractive retainer and commission package is on offer including a fully-maintained company vehicle.

If this sounds like you, please email your cover letter and resumé to: mbemployment@silverstarmotors.com.au

Swift S-Concept previews a more sporting version of Suzuki’s all-new light car

Swift Sport watchSwift Sport watch

By MARTON PETTENDYSUZUKI has provided a hint of what to expect

from a replacement for its superseded Swift

Sport by revealing a computer-generated

image of the Swift S-Concept, which has

now been confi rmed to make its world debut

at the Geneva motor show on March 1.

Not to be confused with the Swift R

concept, which appeared at the 2010 Beijing

motor show last April and was based on

the previous-generation Swift, the Swift S

concept for Geneva is of course based on the

redesigned AZ Swift released in Australia

earlier this month.

More details of the concept are due to

emerge at Geneva, but for now Suzuki

says only that “a more sporty and exciting”

design theme is refl ected by a look in which

sportiness has been added to the Swift’s

stylish design.

“In line with Suzuki’s brand philosophy

of delivering excitement, the overall

development concept was to create a

premium sport compact with uncompromised

performance,” the company said.

While the expanded fourth-generation

fi ve-door hatchback range comprises three

model grades powered by a new 1.4-litre

engine, the replacement for the outgoing

Swift Sport (which packs a more powerful

1.6-litre engine) is widely tipped to employ

a force-fed engine – possibly courtesy of

Suzuki’s new industrial ally, Volkswagen.

Last priced at $23,990, the outgoing Swift

Sport was one of Australia’s few remaining

affordable hot hatches, with 92kW and

148Nm available from its 1.6-litre four.

If the S-Concept is anything to go by, the

new Swift Sport will address criticisms the

latest Swift – which will not be available

here with the 1.2-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel

and all-wheel drivetrains on offer overseas –

looks too similar to the model it replaces.

Although it is not as pumped up as the

Concept R, from what we can see in the

dimly-lit teaser image the S-badged show

car features a prominent high-mounted

tailgate spoiler, aggressive front bumper and

grille and heavily fl ared wheelarches.

The Mk4 Swift, which features a class-

leading seven airbags and electronic stability

control as standard, was recently awarded a

maximum fi ve-star ANCAP safety rating.

Joining it in the fi ve-star safety club is the

revised 2011 Kizashi, which now features

a driver’s knee airbag and audible front

seatbelt reminders, in addition to the six

airbags and ESC that were standard since

Suzuki launched its fi rst mid-size sedan in

Australia last year.

Feb 16, 2011 Page 14

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

RELIABILITY IS EVERYTHING

Unwavering customer and stakeholder focus has driven our 20 years of market leadership. This challenging, responsible and autonomous opportunity is sure to stretch your technical and business acumen.

You will make a vital contribution to our continued success, by focusing on delivering excellence in customer satisfaction and dealer performance.

Day-to-day you’ll enjoy:• Sensibly applying warranty guidelines to ensure all parties get satisfaction• Analyse dealer service operational and nancial performance• Coach, lead and in uence dealer staff to maximise performance • Resolution of technical issues that are escalated• Building and facilitating relationships, internally and externally

With signi cant authority and autonomy you’ll be expected to make decisions, use your judgement to meet strategic objectives. Challenges sure to stretch you include commercial and technical issues and the dynamics of working with a large and diverse group of stakeholders.

You are a clear thinker and excellent communicator. You build effective relationships and nd workable solutions to complex issues. You’ll appreciate how critical our trucks are to our customers and get results when they are needed. Maturity, initiative, resilience, trade qualifications and/or degree coupled with technical and commercial exposure is mandatory.

SERVICE MANAGER – WA/SA/NT• PERTH BASED • CIRCA $100K • BUSINESS AND TECHNICAL FOCUS

Great culture, supportive leadership, career opportunities that only an OEM can offer and industry best bene ts apply. Apply now email: bbarker@inventra.com.au or call Blair Barker with con dential questions prior to applying on (03) 9836 2211.

ZL1 ’charges inZL1 ’charges in

GM unveils a 410kW supercharged V8 Camaro

By HAITHAM RAZAGUITHE Blue Oval will boost its green

credentials when it launches a super-

frugal Mondeo variant at Geneva next

month, where it also plans to whip the

sheets off a “groundbreaking” all-new

vehicle – but is remaining tight-lipped

about what that might be.

Speculation abounds that the mystery

model will be a Fiesta-derived SUV or

MPV based on the Iosis Max concept from

the 2009 Geneva show. If rumours of the

‘B-Max’ prove to be true, the new car

will replace Europe’s ancient Ford Fusion

crossover, which is based on the previous-

generation Fiesta.

Ford also plans to carry on its green

theme from Detroit at the Swiss show, using

the event to demonstrate to Europeans its

progress in the development of relevant,

eco-friendly vehicles.

The low-CO2 Mondeo Econetic was fi rst

unveiled at last year’s Paris show and will

make its world debut in production form

alongside some of Ford’s other green offerings,

including an all-electric Transit Connect van

and European debuts of the Focus Electric

and C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid people-

mover. At Paris, Ford said it was targeting

fuel consumption lower than 4.3L/100km and

CO2 emissions of 115g/km for the Mondeo

Econetic, achieved using an 85kW 1.6-litre

TDCi diesel engine with idle-stop.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREBlue Oval’s green shoots – page 24

Mondeo Econetic joins Blue Oval’s green parade

By RON HAMMERTONA SUPERCHARGED 6.2-litre V8

Camaro packing 410kW of power has

been previewed at the Chicago motor show

ahead of a 2012 launch.

Called the ZL1 in homage to an iconic

Camaro racing engine of the same name in the

1960s, the fastest offi cial Camaro ever built

is powered by General Motors’ blown LSA

engine that made its debut in supercharged

form in the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V.

Apart from 96 more kilowatts than the

standard V8 Camaro, the top-shelf coupe will

also be beefed up in critical areas, including the

chassis, transmission and rear axle assembly.

Styling has also been enhanced to

match the increased grunt, creating a new

performance benchmark for the American

muscle car’s fi fth generation, which was

designed and engineered in Australia on

Holden’s Zeta platform.

While Holden has ruled out the Camaro

for Australia, at least in this generation, it is

less clear if the supercharged version of the

6.2-litre LS3 V8 will make it to Australia

under the bonnet of a future Holden Special

Vehicles (HSV) model to counter rival

Ford Performance Vehicles’ (FPV) locally

developed supercharged ‘Miami’ 5.0-litre V8.

Holden’s offi cial hot shop has taken

regular updates of GM’s LS engines in the

past, and while it is not commenting on

future model plans, it has not ruled it out.

The Camaro is based on the same rear-

drive platform as the HSV E-Series, meaning

much of the engineering work required to

transplant the blown engine into the Zeta

chassis could already be complete.

HSV’s most powerful engine currently is

the normally aspirated 325kW/550Nm 6.2-

litre LS2 as used in the GTS and Grange.

In the blue corner, FPV’s locally

developed supercharged version of Ford’s

5.0-litre Coyote engine for its GT range

develops 335kW and 575Nm.

FPV has said there is more performance

where that came from, but whether it could pull

410kW out of a 5.0-litre engine to match GM’s

new blown small-block V8 is debatable.

While the LSA V8 from GM is impressive,

its power still falls short of the 460kW

produced by HSV sister company Walkinshaw

Performance’s similar supercharged V8 in its

Commodore-based WP Series II.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE Mondeo Econetic

Feb 16, 2011 Page 15

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Northside Star 120-124 Pacific Highway, Hornsby NSW, 2077 Tel (02) 9487 4344 www.mbnorthsidestar.com.au ML21348

Sales ConsultantNorthside Star is seeking an experienced sales consultant for our Mercedes-Benz dealership, to sell new and used vehicles as well as Commercial’s. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a brand known for its prestige and status.

You will need to be a driven sales consultant with a strong customer service orientation and motivated to maximise all opportunities. A track record of proactive prospecting and lead generation with a background in target based roles is preferred.

Previous vehicle sales experience is preferred.

On offer is a remuneration package with excellent incentives, on going training, professional development and a stable work environment. If you believe you have the drive and experience to excel, then we want to hear from you.

Email your resume to: shanna@northsidestar.com.au

Put yourself inthe picture.A

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Limo range now opens from $188K with 3.0 TDI as top-line 4.2 diesel also arrives

A8 down to 188

By HAITHAM RAZAGUIAUDI Australia has increased the engine

choice and lowered the price of entry to

its all-alloy A8 luxury limo range with the

introduction of two diesel variants alongside

its petrol V8.

All engines are now also available with

the long-wheelbase option for the fi rst

time in Audi’s all-alloy fl agship range that

now opens at $188,000 for the 3.0-litre

TDI base model.

The new 4.2-litre diesel V8 and the

similar-sized petrol V8 that was launched

with the new-generation A8 in mid-2010

are now both $234,500 – an increase of

$8600 for the petrol.

Available with only the 3.0-litre diesel in

the previous-generation A8, a 130mm longer

wheelbase version that provides greater rear

seat space and luxury – including electric

rear blinds, vanity mirrors and heated seats

on V8 models – is now offered with all

engine choices for an extra $11,900 on the

V6 and $14,700 for the V8s.

Audi says the arrival of stretched A8s

helps level the playing fi eld in the top-

end German limo sector and is vital for

competing in the fl eet limousine market.

The Ingolstadt-based manufacturer claims

the short-wheelbase 3.0-litre entry-level

variant consumes an average of just 6.6

litres of diesel per 100km and can haul its

1840kg mass from standstill to 100km/h in

6.1 seconds before topping out at a governed

250km/h. With a CO2 rating of 176g/km icing

the cake, these are class-leading fi gures.

The closest spec-sheet competitor is the also

aluminium-bodied Jaguar XJ diesel, which

despite being 44kg lighter, bettering the A8’s

peak power by 18kW and its torque output by

50Nm, reaches the 100km/h benchmark three

tenths of a second later and produces eight

more grams of CO2 per kilometre. The big

Jaguar is also $18,800 more expensive.

In fact, Audi’s fl agship undercuts its least

expensive rival, the BMW 730d, by $14,600 –

enough change to buy a new Micra, tick a few

option boxes or pay for most of the $16,950

Bang & Olufsen sound system upgrade.

On the other hand, for customers

who want to buy a car that has no direct

competitor, Audi now offers an update to

the twin-turbo diesel V8 that powered half

of all Australian-delivered A8s before the

previous model was discontinued.

Offering a higher standard specifi cation

than the V6 and packing Audi’s tweaked

4.2-litre diesel engine, which made its

Australian debut last September in the Q7

SUV, the 1995kg fl agship diesel delivers

a whopping 800Nm of torque to the road

through its quattro drivetrain.Continued next page

Feb 16, 2011 Page 16

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Fixed Opera ons Sales - QLD

• Automotive Experience in either the Parts or

Service departments, preferably at management

level and;

• 3 years of successful experience in Business to

Business sales

• Have a good understanding of either ERA/ERAnet

or DealerPRO

• Ability to work autonomously as well as being a

team player

• Strong time management and planning skills

• Ability to interact with all levels of management

• Must hold a current driver’s licence & passport

To be successful you will have:

• Managing strong business rela onships to ensure long

term rela onships

• Working closely with a high-powered team of consul ng

and technical sta

• Consul ng with dealers to understand their challenges

and needs

• Recommending the right solu on from a suite of products

and services with a view to improving produc vity,

e ciency & pro tability

• Construc ng proposals, accurately es ma ng the likely

return, presenta on of solu ons and nego a on of

contracts at DP level.

• Travelling to customer sites within QLD, NT & PNG

In this role your du es will include:

Pentana Solu ons is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Due to expansion and exci ng new product innova ons, the Specialty Sales division of Pentana Solu ons is looking to employ a Senior Sales Consultant – Fixed Opera ons for the QLD & NT markets. With our broad/diverse motor industry experience, we are seeking a true sales professional with a solid understanding of Fixed Opera ons metrics and asolu on sales skill set to bring value to our customers and increase penetra on of our related products and services.

pentanasolu ons.com

If you seek a challenging role in a dynamic company where providing excep onal customer service

is the key to your success, forward your resume to careers@pentanasolu ons.com

A8 down to 188A8 down to 188Continued from previous page

With 258kW on tap, the sprint to 100km/h

is dispatched in 5.5 seconds. Although the

petrol V8 reaches 100km/h half a second

quicker, real-world, mid-range performance

of the diesel is higher.

Owners of the V8 diesel can warm their tyres

without warming the planet, as the performance

is achieved while generating 199g/km of CO2

and consuming 7.6L/100km. To put this into

perspective, an automatic petrol Ford Focus

emits 194g/km and returns 8.2L/100km.

The 4.2 TDI’s nearest equivalent, in that

it offers green credentials and all-wheel

drive, is the $243,814 Lexus 600hL eco-

barge but even with hybrid

technology, it falls well

short of the Audi’s CO2,

fuel consumption and

performance fi gures.

Other than the petrol-

electric Lexus, luxury V8

diesel options are limited to

Range Rover and Audi Q7 SUVs.

The 4.2 petrol’s price increase helps Audi

Australia offer the 4.2 diesel A8 at the same

price with an equal specifi cation, absorbing

the €2000 spec-for-spec price difference

that exists in Europe.

For the time being, the V8s represent

Audi’s fl agship models and there are no

plans to import the W12-engined variant to

Australia. However, the S8 – rumoured to

pack a twin-turbo petrol V8 – is likely to

make it Down Under.

The latest A8’s 3.0 TDI’s fuel consumption

is reduced by up to 22 per cent

over the equivalent previous-

generation A8. Apart from

being redesigned from

the ground up to improve

manufacturing tolerances

and reduce internal friction,

additional fuel-saving

touches such as idle-stop, deceleration energy

recuperation and a water-cooled alternator

(which Audi says reduces fuel consumption

by 0.1L/100km alone) are applied.

Thermal management ensures that friction

losses are minimised after a cold start by

disconnecting the engine from its cooling

system to ensure the lubricating oil warms

up quickly, then once the engine coolant is

hot enough, using it (via a heat exchanger)

to warm the transmission oil.

The standard eight-speed ZF automatic

transmission also contributes heavily to

fuel savings, with its low internal friction

and wide spread of ratios providing a six

per cent reduction in consumption while

improving acceleration.

Audi claims that the A8 is the sportiest car

in its class and fi ts a sport differential, which

dynamically distributes forces between the

rear wheels, as standard on the 4.2 TDI.

The special diff, which is reinforced to

withstand the diesel V8’s considerable force,

directs torque to the outside wheel in a bend

and can react in just 100 milliseconds, making

it quicker than the electronic stability control.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HEREAudi still in fast lane – next page

PRICING:3.0 TDI (a) $188,000

3.0 TDI LWB (a) $199,900

4.2 TDI (a) $234,500

4.2 FSI (a) $234,500

4.2 TDI LWB (a) $249,200

4.2 FSI LWB (a) $249,200

Feb 16, 2011 Page 17

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Northside Star 120-124 Pacific Highway, Hornsby NSW, 2077 Tel (02) 9487 4344 www.mbnorthsidestar.com.au ML21348

Service ReceptionistNorthside Star is Sydney’s newest Mercedes-Benz dealer located on Sydney’s Upper Northshore. We require the assistance of an experienced Service Receptionist in our expanding service operation.

The ideal candidate for the position will be an enthusiastic and well presented person with excellent telephone, people and organisational skills. Maintaining a high level of client satisfaction will be of the utmost importance in this role. Reynolds and Reynolds experience would be an advantage.

If you have a proven track record in a similar role and are ready to join a family owned dealership striving to be the best we offer you on going training, professional development & a stable work environment. If you believe you have the drive and experience to excel, then we want to hear from you.

Email your resume to: darrenw@northsidestar.com.au

Put yourself inthe picture.A

Dai

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Strong sales and stream of new models continue for Audi on Aussie soil

Audi still in fast laneAudi still in fast lane

By HAITHAM RAZAGUIAUDI is the only premium player in

the Australian market to have enjoyed

consistent yearly double-digit percentage

growth since 2005 and the Ingolstadt-based

manufacturer’s Australian outpost shows no

signs of slowing down this year, with a full

12 months of A1 sales, the local launch of

all-new A7 Sportback and redesigned A6

models and an expanded A8 range expected

to drive volume even higher.

The A7 Sportback – Audi’s answer to

the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Maserati

Quattroporte – is confi rmed for Australian

release in March with a two-engine opening

line-up comprising a 220kW 3.0-litre

supercharged petrol V6 and 180kW 3.0-litre

twin-turbo V6 diesel, both driving all four

wheels through Audi’s S-tronic seven-speed

dual-clutch transmission.

As GoAuto has reported, the A6 sedan

– which will make its local debut at the

Australian International Motor Show in

Melbourne in July before hitting showrooms

– will be powered by the same engines as the

A7 with the additional choice of a 150kW

2.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol V6. All A6

and A7 launch engines will come equipped

with fuel-saving idle-stop technology.

Around the same time as the A6 launch,

Audi will plug a gap in the A1’s range with the

debut of a 1.6-litre diesel variant offering Prius-

beating fuel consumption of 3.8L/100km and

sub-100g/km CO2 emissions.

Audi Australia product planning general

manager John Roberts told GoAuto at the

A8 TDI launch last week that it was “a

case of when rather than if” the A8 range

will receive a hot S8 variant, most likely

powered by a twin-turbo petrol V8 that will

also go into the next RS6 in a downsizing

exercise to replace the Lamborghini-derived

V10 fi tted to previous-generation models.

Asked if these models will make it

Down Under, Mr Roberts replied: “When

you look at the S model strategy, the model

line, it’s a yes”.

Looking further ahead, Mr Roberts cited

a 2012 arrival in Australia for Audi’s BMW

X1-rivalling Q3 SUV but in contradiction

to previous reports, an Australian release

of the hybrid Q5 – which is yet to be

confi rmed for right-hand drive production

– now looks shaky.

“It is a case of if we can get it,” said Mr

Roberts.

Unfortunately for hot Audi fans, the RS3

defi nitely will not be coming to Australia

either. Audi Australia says it has been

released too late in the donor A3’s product

cycle and would sell in insuffi cient volumes

for it to justify the investment in ADR

approval fees.

“The RS3 won’t be coming to Australia

in its current generation,” Audi spokesman

Sean Poppitt told GoAuto.

“There is a specifi c ADR regulation that

applies only in Japan and Australia that at

present the RS3 does not meet. With the

current A3 being relatively late into its

model cycle, it does not make any sense

to re-engineer the car for a small-volume

market such as Australia.”

The company is aiming for a success-breeds-

success approach by encouraging investment

by dealers to take the brand further.

Speaking at the launch of the A8 TDI

range, Audi Australia managing director

Uwe Hagen said: “We were able with this

growth rate to convince our dealer network

to invest into the brand so more or less we

have a completely new network and the

dealer network has invested $220 million

into the future.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREQ3

A7 Sportback

Feb 16, 2011 Page 18

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

NEW CAR SALES MANAGERThis is an opportunity to join Heartland Motors

in developing a strong and successful sales

team as we move forward and become

a leading Hyundai dealership.

SENIOR NEW CAR SALESThis is an opportunity to be part of an award-

winning brand story and provides you with a

range of desirable new cars for the future,

and the support of Heartland Motors.

SENIOR USED CAR SALESThis is an opportunity to develop your

career in automotive sales. Heartland Motors’

access to quality used-cars means you will

be well supported and rewarded.

Heartland Motors is a third generation family-owned and operated business situated in Western Sydney – the “Heartland”

of our target demographic. Heartland now trades in 9 brands through 11 locations following the acquisition of Cumberland

Hyundai Blacktown. We are a driven and successful team looking for some key players to join our new business.

To apply for any of these positions, please send a resumé with a covering letter to: careers@heartland.com.au

Cumberland Hyundai Blacktown

Stonking 4.4 twin-turbo TDV8 Vogue is the most effi cient

Range Rover ever

Diesel diamond Diesel diamond in Voguein Vogue

By MATHIEU RAUDONIKISTHE 2011 Range Rover Vogue has arrived

in Australia with a cleaner, more powerful

and more effi cient turbo-diesel V8 and

greater refi nement.

Armed with 700Nm of torque, the 4.4-

litre V8 powering the 2.5-tonne behemoth

drinks just 9.4 litres of diesel per 100km,

making the big-bore diesel the most effi cient

‘Rangie’ ever.

The arrival of the fresh Range Rover

line-up – the last facelift of the current

third generation before an all-new model

descends in 2012 – signals the start of a big

year for the Indian-owned (Tata), English-

built Land Rover brand in this country,

which last week also launched a new Land

Rover Freelander ahead of the debut of the

Range Rover Evoque compact SUV that is

expected to become the premium range’s

volume selling model.

The Range Rover Vogue will continue to

be sold in Australia with a choice of three

engines – a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre petrol

V8, a supercharged version of that engine and

a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged diesel V8.

It is the latter that has received the most

attention in this update for 2011.

The 2011 TDV8 comes with a price increase

of around $5000 over the previous 3.6 TDV8,

depending on which of the three specifi cation

levels are chosen, while the petrol V8 and

V8 supercharged variants only rise by a few

hundred dollars across the spec range.

The TDV8 engine was introduced to the

then already fi ve-year-old, third-generation

Range Rover back in 2007 when it replaced

the BMW inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel.

Back then, it was a 3.6-litre 90-degree V8

– developed exclusively for Range Rover –

and did not lack for anything.

But in the quest for greater effi ciency

and reduced emissions, Land Rover has

increased the capacity, dialled back the tune

and introduced a host of new technologies,

some of which have been derived from the

3.0-litre TDV6 that was already starting to

encroach on the 3.6-litre V8’s performance,

with 180kW and 600Nm.

The new TDV8 was fi rst shown in

Europe mid-2010, slated exclusively for

the Vogue, not for the Range Rover Sport

like the 3.6 original.

It arrives here in the 2011 Vogue where

it produces 230kW and 700Nm from its 4.4

litres, the larger capacity achieved with both

a larger bore and longer stroke over the 3.6.

More signifi cant than the power and

torque increases is the reduction in fuel

use and emissions. Diesel consumption is

down 18.5 per cent to 9.4L/100km, making

the TDV8 Vogue the most fuel-effi cient

Range Rover ever.Continued next page

Feb 16, 2011 Page 19

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Commonwealth Motors Holden are seeking an experienced Assistant Parts Manager to join our busy Canberra dealership. To be successful in this position you will have a proven record in Parts Management with previous Holden experience. In this exciting and challenging role you will be primarily responsible for:

• Driving parts sales growth and customer service;• Working in conjunction with end customers and other departments to maximise sales opportunities;• Maximising the parts department profitability without compromising customer service, satisfaction or retention;• Ability to identify and develop new market opportunities;• Managing and coaching parts interpreters to take the parts business to the next level; • Providing professional & timely customer service to internal & external customers at all times.

The successful candidate will have excellent communication and planning skills, a demonstrated ability to communicate both over the telephone and in face to face situations and a passion for delivering high quality customer service. This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly regarded organisation which takes a genuine passion in the development of its people. If you have drive, ability and the desire to be an important and key part of our parts team, then we would like to hear from you.

Please apply to Graham Pryce, Parts Manager by sending your resume and cover letter via email to grahamp@commotors.com.au.

All applications are treated confidentially.

Assistant Parts Manager HOLDEN

commotors.com.au

Diesel diamond in VogueDiesel diamond in VogueContinued from previous page

CO2 emissions are down 14 per cent,

from 294g/km to 253g/km, even though

the TDV8 Vogue tips the scales at between

2580 and 2810kg.

The 4.4 TDV8 has a lower specifi c output

than the 3.6 and this ‘lower’ state of tune

reduces harmful NOx emissions.

The engine’s twin turbochargers are set

up in a parallel sequential system just like

those on the 3.0-litre TDV6 of the Discovery

4. In this confi guration, a medium-sized,

variable-geometry turbocharger works

alone to force air into the engine under

normal driving conditions.

When the engine revs climb beyond

2400rpm, valves in the exhaust manifold open

to allow fl ow to a

smaller, secondary

turbo that spins up

to speed in just

20 milliseconds

to give full boost

from the pair of

turbochargers in

just 180 milliseconds with no evidence of lag.

The smaller turbocharger is not in use

when not required, thus improving engine

effi ciency by reducing pumping losses.

New ceramic-tipped glow plugs heat

up twice as fast as the traditional steel tips,

allowing instant start up in normal temperature

conditions. They are more durable too,

allowing them to be kept on longer after

start-up to help burn fuel more effi ciently in a

cold engine. They can also be activated more

regularly for the same reason.

Other improvements to enhance effi ciency

and reduce emissions include eight-hole

piezo-actuated fuel injectors – up from

seven-hole on the 3.0 TDV6 – exhaust

gas recirculation, low ash engine oil, a

smart electrical

charging system

and a low-loss

engine ancillaries

drive belt.

The most

signifi cant factor

contributing to

reduced fuel consumption is the all-new

eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF.

The 8HP70 transmission is one of the

few available that are able to cope with the

TDV8’s massive 700Nm torque while the

eight speeds offer closer gear ratios over a

wider spread to keep the engine at its most

effi cient operating revs.

At idle, the transmission disengages 70

per cent of the drive to reduce load on the

engine, using what Land Rover is calling

Transmission Idle Control. On take-off,

the torque converter locks up at lower road

speeds further reducing losses by using all

the engine drive to propel the vehicle.

Control of the eight-speed transmission is

via a rotary dial for selecting Park, Reverse,

Neutral, Drive or Sport modes. This does

away with the traditional shift lever while

manual gear shifting is available by using

paddle levers behind the steering wheel.

The drive selector dial mounts fl ush in

the console but rises when the ignition

is switched on, a la Jaguar. The Terrain

Response dial has been replaced with a

rocker switch further back on the console to

avoid confusion between controls.

This advanced transmission is the fi rst

eight-speed unit ever to be fi tted to a Land

Rover vehicle and is available only behind

the TDV8 engine. The two petrol V8

engines retain the long-serving but still slick

six-speed 6HP28 ZF unit.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

Luxo Rangie with iPads – next page

PRICING:TDV8 Vogue (a) $160,500

TDV8 Vogue Luxury (a) $184,200

TDV8 Vogue Autobiography (a) $212,500

V8 Vogue (a) $158,100

V8 Vogue S/C A’biography (a) $230,000

V8 Vogue S/C A’biography Black (a) $239,700

Feb 16, 2011 Page 20

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Luxo Rangie is world’s fi rst iPad-equipped vehicleBy MIKE COSTELLO

FRESH from the release of its revamped

Range Rover Vogue line-up in Australia,

Land Rover has announced it will reveal

its most luxurious Range Rover ever at the

Geneva motor show on March 1.

Called the Ultimate Edition, the special

model features a handcrafted interior using

extra-soft leather and ‘kalahari’ wood

inserts, as well as super yacht-inspired teak

fl oorboards in the loading area.

Land Rover has also teamed up with Apple,

fi tting iPad tablet computers behind the front

headrests as standard in what the brand

describes as a world fi rst for the car industry.

The redesigned back seats also gain

a machined aluminium laptop table and

drinks chiller, leading the car-maker to

call the Ultimate Edition the “defi nitive

chauffeur vehicle”.

Other distinguishing features include two

new exterior colours dubbed Roussillon

Red or Otago Stone, along with a ‘dark

atlas’ grille and side vents and unique

20-inch alloy wheels.

The running gear is taken straight from

the latest Range Rover Vogue range, with

the new 230kW/700Nm 4.4-litre turbo-

diesel V8 or the 375kW/625Nm 5.0-litre

supercharged petrol V8 available, both with

the new eight-speed ZF automatic.

Land Rover claims the turbo-diesel

variant will hustle from 0-100km/h in 7.5

seconds, while the supercharged petrol

Range Rover manages to get the gargantuan

SUV from 0-100km/h in just 5.9 seconds.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Envision IT - AutolineSupporting the Best

Tel: (03) 9886 7322Email: autoline@EnvisionIT.com.au

Web: www.EnvisionIT.com.au

The World’s most successful DMS

Are you looking fora better DMS, good support andEthical Vendor that doesn’t cost

a fortune?When it comes to running your dealership, you need vendors who are as much interested in

reducing your costs and increasing profitability. They are

not difficult to find, really!

Upgraded interior and diesel idle-stop among changes for iconic 4WD

Wrangler revisitedWrangler revisited

By HAITHAM RAZAGUIEVOLUTION of Jeep’s Wrangler has taken

another forward step, with an upgraded

interior and the availability of idle-stop on

a more powerful and effi cient diesel engine

headlining 2011’s updates to the popular

off-roader range, which is now on sale in

Australia priced from $32,000 (up $410) for

the two-door and $36,000 (up $10) for the

longer four-door Unlimited.

Jeep has taken the Wrangler’s cockpit

upmarket, replacing the utilitarian set-

square styling with a chunky, curvaceous

but still rugged-looking design featuring

silver-coloured highlights, chrome-ringed

instruments and fewer areas of exposed

metalwork while allen-key bolt-heads remain

deliberately visible around the cabin.

The improved cabin ergonomics include

a redesigned, leather-bound steering wheel

that now hosts a set of buttons for the

audio, cruise control and optional Bluetooth

functions. Larger rear windows improve

visibility for customers choosing the

‘Freedom’ three-piece hard-top roof option.

Jeep says touch surfaces such as armrests

are improved, with the centre armrest now

featuring a lockable storage compartment. It

also claims the interior is quieter than before,

thanks to improved acoustic deadening.

While the top-selling 3.8-litre V6 petrol

engine choice remains unchanged, the 2.8-

litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel increases in

power from 130kW to 147kW at 3600rpm,

receives a 10Nm torque boost to 410Nm

from 2200 to 2600rpm and now complies

with EU5 emissions regulations.

The just-released new Grand Cherokee’s

fi ve-speed automatic transmission is also

available with the diesel (the V6 retains the

old four-speed auto) and, when fi tted, the

diesel’s torque output is raised again to a

muscular peak of 460Nm, delivered between

1600 and 2600rpm.

The diesel Wrangler now offers “fuel

economy that would raise the eyebrows of

many hatchback owners,” said Chrysler

Australia senior manager for marketing and

corporate communications, Dean Bonthorne.

The diesel’s combined fuel consumption

fi gure of 7.1L/100km is achieved with

the help of idle-stop technology but this

feature is only available when paired

with the six-speed manual transmission

exclusive to the four-door Wrangler

Unlimited Sport.

Other than the aforementioned larger

windows on the hard-top, subtle exterior

changes are limited to the black windscreen

border which now includes Jeep’s fi ve-bar

grille motif at the top-centre and a small

silhouette of a Wrangler climbing over rocks

at the bottom corner.

Standard equipment includes multi-stage

driver and front passenger airbags, ABS,

ESC with brake assist, traction control,

electronic roll mitigation and brake locking

differentials, immobiliser, air-conditioning,

six-speaker CD/radio with DVD, MP3 and

external audio jack.

FULL STORY, PRICING: CLICK HERE

Sport Unlimited

Feb 16, 2011 Page 21

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

VW Polo economy run raises fl ood relief fundsBy BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS

VOLKSWAGEN Group Australia (VGA)

raised $3280 for the Queensland fl ood

relief courtesy of an economy challenge

conducted in Melbourne last week.

Adding to the $100,000 donation VGA

made to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal

in Queensland last month, the economy run

involved members of the automotive press

attempting to drive as far from Tullamarine

airport as possible on a litre of diesel.

The cars used were standard-specifi cation

$22,350 Polo TDI Comfortlines fi tted with

a 66kW/230Nm 1.6-litre common-rail four-

cylinder turbo-diesel engine and mated to a

fi ve-speed manual transmission.

To encourage participants to eke out

every last kilometre, Volkswagen Australia

promised participants that it would donate

$10 for every kilometre the 1115kg Polo

TDI drove on the litre of diesel.

However, the $3280 total raised would

have been around one-third higher if the

trio of magazine journalists who had

promised to attend the Polo economy

charity challenge showed up.

Of the nine participants, it was GoAuto’s

representative who managed to travel the

furthest, achieving 47.2km, to average just

2.1 litres per 100km. The next best result

was 44km, representing an average of

2.3L/100km.

GoAuto thus raised the most money, at

$472. Achieving 47.2km from one litre of

fuel gives the Polo TDI a theoretical range

of 2124km from a 45-litre tank. The offi cial

average combined fi gure is 4.7L/100km.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

RETAIL SALES MANAGERNew Vehicles

To keep pace with our expanding customer base we require an experienced retail sales manager to work in one of our most valued franchises. McGrath Mazda Liverpool is part of AHG, Australia’s largest automotive dealer group.

We are looking for an honest, dependable, customer minded sales manager to assist in maintaining our superior levels of customer contact. To be successful in this role you must have at least 2 years managerial experience in a similar high volume role, possess strong communication skills, a dependable nature and be driven to further develop your existing sales & leadership skills in a competitive setting.

A very rewarding remuneration package will be available to the successful applicant.

Please email your resume toToby Hughes at McGrath Liverpool:

thughes@acmcgrath.com.au or for a discreet discussion please call Toby on: 9600 5555

Hot 500 Esseesse looms as Fiat fi nally confi rms Abarth brand launch here

Abarth for AustraliaAbarth for Australia

By MARTON PETTENDYFIAT’S cracking little Abarth 500 Esseesse

has emerged as a small but signifi cant ray

of sunshine for the fl edgling Italian brand

in Australia.

The hottest version of the European car-

maker’s diminutive born-again ‘bambino’ has

fi nally been confi rmed for local release in mid-

March, when full pricing and specifi cations for

the Abarth-badged 500 will be announced.

The Abarth 500 Esseesse has been

available in Europe as an aftermarket

package exclusively through Abarth

dealerships since 2008, but will become a

standard model in the Australian range.

It will be available in Australia via single

Abarth dealers in Sydney, Melbourne,

Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, although Fiat

dealers across the nation will be able to

provide servicing and parts.

Powered by a 117kW/230Nm version

of the regular Abarth 500’s 99kW/206Nm

turbocharged 1.4-litre engine, Australia’s

fi rst Abarth model will join the 1.4 Sport as

the second variant in Australia’s slimmed

down 500 range, which no longer comprises

base 1.2 Pop, 1.3 JTD diesel or top-shelf

Lounge model grades.

While Europe’s Abarth 500C convertible

is at least 12 months away from local

showrooms, Abarth versions of Fiat’s larger

Punto and Ritmo hatchbacks will not be seen

here until the standard models are reintroduced

with an automatic transmission option, which

is currently not available to Australian Fiat

distributor Ateco Automotive.

Apart from the Scudo and Ducato

commercial vans, the 500 1.4 Sport ($24,990)

remains the only Fiat vehicle available in

Australia following the discontinuation of the

Punto and Ritmo last year, when local dealers

sold eight Puntos and just one Ritmo.

Fiat sold only 1363 vehicles in Australia

last year – including 857 versions of the top-

selling Ducato and 344 versions of the 500

– representing a 29 per cent decline on 2009

numbers.

The 500 Esseesse is claimed to sprint to

100km/h in 7.4 seconds – not quite as quick

as Europe’s 147kW racetrack-only version –

on its way to a 211km/h top speed, yet fuel

consumption increases only marginally from

6.3L/100km in the standard 74kW/131Nm

500 1.4 Sport, to 6.5L/100km.

It will come standard with 284x22mm

cross-drilled and ventilated front brake discs,

ventilated 240x11mm rear discs and unique

17x7.0-inch alloy wheels with 205/40 ZR17

Pirelli P-Zero tyres.

There is also a lower ride height, fi rmer

springs, tyre pressure sensors, “esseesse”

bonnet and tailgate badging, and a unique

key cover.

General manager for Fiat and Abarth in

Australia, Andrei Zaitzev, blamed strong

demand in Europe for the Abarth 500’s

delayed arrival Down Under.

“The Abarth 500 has been a remarkable

success in Europe and it has become

‘the’ small car to be seen in right across

Europe,” he said.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Polo TDI

Feb 16, 2011 Page 22

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Toyota electronic throttle cleared of acceleration glitchBy RON HAMMERTON

UNITED States road safety authorities

have given Toyota’s electronic throttle

system a clean bill of health after an

unprecedented 10-month investigation

into claims of unintended acceleration on

American roads.

The US National Highway Traffi c

Safety Administration (NHTSA) enlisted

engineers from the National Space and

Aeronautical Administration (NASA) in

the investigation into the potential for

electrical interference or software glitches

as a potential cause for the problem.

Sticking throttle pedals and moving fl oor

mats that could entrap accelerator pedals

remain the only known safety defects to

cause unintended acceleration in Toyota’s

range of cars and light trucks in the US,

where Toyota recalled eight million vehicles

to address the issues.

Globally, Toyota has recalled 18 million

vehicles since 2009.

So far, the company has paid $US48.8

million in fi nes to US authorities, and also

is still facing a number of lawsuits.

As a bonus of the NHTSA investigation,

NASA has come up with a range of

suggestions on how to make cars safer,

using techniques from the aeronautical and

space industries.

NHTSA has promised to consider the

proposals, which include robust fail-safe

systems that can protect against ‘two-fault’

problems and diagnostic codes that can

convey safety-critical information to drivers.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

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Car sector on front foot as both sides of federal politics see funding cuts

Attack on Canberra raidersAttack on Canberra raiders

By RON HAMMERTONTHE Australian motor industry returned

fi re at both sides of politics last week as

Labor and Liberal leaders lined up to take

slices out of automotive manufacturing and

research assistance programs to help pay for

Queensland’s fl ood reconstruction.

On Monday night, Federal Chamber of

Automotive Industries (FCAI) president

Mike Devereux – who is also chairman and

managing director of GM Holden – wrote

to prime minister Julia Gillard expressing

the industry’s disappointment at the federal

government’s decision last month to axe the

Green Car Innovation Fund (GCIF).

On Tuesday night, FCAI chief executive

Andrew McKellar teed off against opposition

leader Tony Abbott for his proposal to

hack $500 million out of the Automotive

Transformation Scheme (ATS) that started

just six weeks ago.

The industry believes both proposals put

the local automotive manufacturing industry

at risk by jeopardising future investment by

the Big Three companies and parts-makers.

They want both sides of politics to examine

the long-term consequences of the cuts, which

they say tilt the balance of manufacturing

programs in favour of other countries.

At the heart of the issue is the breaking

of agreements and resultant snapping of

trust between the global head offi ces of the

companies and Canberra.

The GCIF and ATS were both part of the

Rudd Labor government’s $6.2 billion ‘New

Car Plan for a Greener Future’ that was

trumpeted as securing the long-term future

of the local industry after the 2008 inquiry

headed by former Victorian Labor premier

Steve Bracks.

At the time, prime minister Kevin Rudd

invited the Australian CEOs of the three

car-makers to the Lodge in Canberra and

asked for letters from the head offi ces of

all three companies promising to commit to

Australian manufacturing.

In return for industry assistance, the car-

makers agreed to cop a range of reforms,

including tariff cuts that have reduced

protection to fi ve per cent (and to zero for

products from Thailand, which has a free-

trade agreement with Australia).

The industry is angry that the Gillard

government has broken that agreement

by knifi ng the GCIF to siphon off $429

million to fl ood reconstruction in what the

companies regard as a move that could cause

major long-term pain in Victoria and South

Australia – the auto industry heartland – to

fi x a short-term problem in Queensland.

On Thursday, following a meeting with

prime minister Julia Gillard and industry

and innovation minister Kim Carr, the

FCAI issued a statement which said that

the industry “has been reassured by the

guarantee from the Australian Government

that it will not seek further reductions in

support to the industry”.

“The vehicle manufacturers and

component suppliers can be reassured

by the confi rmation from the Australian

Government that no further policy changes

will be made,” Mr McKellar said.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Holden Elizabeth production

Sienna

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John Mellor’s

Feb 16, 2011 Page 23

Utes to play key role in determining Holden and Ford’s production future

By TERRY MARTINTHE attention on the Australian car industry

remains as strong as ever this year, with

crucial new model releases from all three

local manufacturers amid continuing

discussions at their respective head offi ces

overseas about the future direction of their

vehicles and manufacturing operations here.

This is heightened by the sales

performance of their Australian-built

models, most notably the crucial big-

volume sedans (and in Holden’s case,

wagon), which all recorded awful results in

the fi rst month of this year.

As GoAuto has reported, Ford’s Falcon

slumped 50 per cent to a record low 1157

sales, Holden’s Commodore fell 18.4 per

cent to 2645 units, and Toyota’s Camry

(1057) and Aurion (654) also took hits of

12.0 and 25.1 per cent respectively.

Holden’s Caprice was also down 40.8 per cent

with just 61 new registrations for the month.

Of course, this is only the fi rst month of

the year, but it comes off another negative

year for large Australian-built passenger cars

– despite the industry returning to a million-

unit market. Only Holden managed a positive

result, thanks to the new VE Series II.

(The mid-sized Camry was the best of the

lot, up 20 per cent last year.)

Many factors will be weighing on the

minds of the decision-makers in Japan and

the United States – profi tability, expenditure,

exports and so on – not just of the core models

being built here, but the sales performance

and future prospects of vehicles that are

based on the same platform.

These include Ford’s Territory SUV and,

crucially for both Ford and Holden, the

passenger car-based two-door utilities.

Utes are easily overlooked in the

context of how well Ford and Holden are

travelling in local manufacturing terms,

but the rise and fall of their sales over the

past decade is signifi cant.

As imported one-tonne utilities go from

strength to strength, the Australian-built

two-door utes have fallen steadily in the past

fi ve years to the point where the substantial

growth experienced in the early years of this

new millennium has been all but wiped out.

Ford has been hit the hardest with the

Falcon Ute, but management is expecting a

turnaround in sales fortune – for both utility

and sedan – when the Blue Oval moves to

a new-generation LPG system in the third

quarter of this year.

A lack of supply of cars fi tted with the

current dedicated-LPG system – which

makes up around 50 per cent of Falcon Ute

sales – is being blamed for the current dent

in overall Falcon sales volume.

The Falcon Ute’s 479 sales last month

was on an even keel compared with the

government tax incentive-fuelled January

2010, but the bigger picture is much bleaker.

As any effect of the tax breaks wore off

last year, so too did sales, and Ford fi nished

2010 with just 9099 new ute registrations –

down 25.3 per cent for the year and marking

the fi rst time the workhorse has fallen below

10,000 sales for more than a decade, the last

time being 1998.

Back then, thanks to the new-generation AU

series, Ford managed to increase its ute sales

from less than 7000 units to almost 10,500 in

1999, before jumping to almost 14,000 sales in

2000. It continued to climb steadily during the

fi rst years of the new millennium with 17,000

sales in 2001, almost 18,000 the following

year, then to more than 20,200 by 2003.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Ute sales under pressureUte sales under pressure

0

5000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Ford Falcon Ute v Holden Ute 2000-2010

Falcon Ute Holden Ute

SourSource:ce: VFACVFACTSTS

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Feb 16, 2011 Page 24Green issues in the auto world

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By MARTON PETTENDYHYBRID versions of the all-new Focus and

next-generation Escape might be the next

models to emerge from Ford’s ambitious

vehicle electrifi cation strategy.

Ford committed to introducing fi ve

part- or full-electric vehicles by 2013 at

the Detroit motor show in January, where

the fi rst three made their debut in the shape

of the Focus Electric, C-Max Energi and

C-Max Hybrid.

The Blue Oval has not revealed which

model will be next to receive its modular

hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full-electric

powertrain technologies, each of which – in

theory – could be applied to all 10 of the

models Ford will eventually produce from

the all-new global C-segment platform that

underpins the new Focus.

They include fi ve-door hatchback, four-

door sedan and long-wheelbase wagon

versions of the MkIII Focus that goes on

sale here in the third quarter, a replacement

for the current Escape and Kuga compact

SUVs, fi ve- and seven-seat versions of the

C-Max people-mover and the successor for

Ford’s Transit Connect small van, although

Ford says a three-door coupe version of the

Focus – dubbed Capri and rumoured to be a

direct rival for Opel’s Astra Coupe – is not

in its compact car plans.

While the production version of the Focus

Electric – Ford’s fi rst full-electric passenger

vehicle – made its global debut as at the

Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas

a few days earlier, the C-Max Hybrid and

C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid premiered

at Detroit alongside the Vertrek concept,

which previews the next-generation Escape

that goes on sale in the US late this year and

in Australia late next year.

The new Focus is already in production

at Saarlouis (Germany) and Ford’s Wayne

plant in Michigan, and will come on stream

by 2012 from Russia, China and Thailand,

which is likely to eventually

become the source for Australia’s

Focus and Escape.

While the current Escape is

made in Kansas City for the US

and in Taiwan for Australia (and

the Kuga is made for Europe in

Saarlouis), the replacement for all

three models – based heavily on

the Vertrek concept – will enter

production at Ford’s F-Series truck plant in

Louisville, Kentucky, later this year.

Production of the Focus Electric

and both versions of the petrol-electric

C-Max, including Ford’s fi rst-ever

‘range-extending’ plug-in hybrid electric

vehicle (PHEV), will start late this year

in Michigan before all three models are

launched in North America in 2012 and in

Europe in 2013.

Ford has promised to release at least one

other unnamed hybrid model in the near-

term and, although Ford will not confi rm it,

GoAuto expects that vehicle to be based on

the new Focus, with a hybrid version of the

next Escape/Kuga likely to follow.

Ford’s global public relations chief Mark

Shermer told GoAuto the company was only

willing to talk about announced products.

“We haven’t announced any further

electrifi ed vehicles yet, but stand by,” he said.

Ford is also yet to commit to an electrifi ed

vehicle rollout in the Asia-Pacifi c region –

including Australia – but Ford Australia

public affairs director Sinead McAlary says

it is only a matter of time.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Australia on ‘hy’ alert as Focus and Escape hybrids thought to be in the works

Blue Oval’s green shootsBlue Oval’s green shoots

Focus Electric

C-Max Hybrid

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TWO senior Ford Australia executives have

swapped jobs in a shake up in the company’s

sales and marketing department.

General sales manager Stephen Kruk has

been appointed general manager of Ford’s

customer service division (FCSD), replacing

Andrew Birkic who now fi lls the sales role.

As well as the company’s customer

call centre, FCSD includes Ford’s service

engineering division (including technical

training), parts warehouse and distribution.

Both will continue to report to Ford

Australia’s vice-president of marketing,

sales and service Beth Donovan.

Ford public affairs director Sinead

McAlary said the switch was designed to

give both executives broader experience.

“The move is a normal part of our executive

development process where senior execs gain

experience in a number of different aspects

of the company,” she said. “Both Stephen

and Andrew are long-time Ford employees

who have previously worked in a variety of

roles within marketing, sales and service.”

In January, Ford sales were down 4.7 per

cent on mixed results of its models, with the

biggest hit being taken by the Falcon large car

– down 50.1 per cent compared with January

last year. Ford’s market share in January was

8.7 per cent, putting it behind Mazda (9.8

per cent), as well as long-time rivals Toyota

(20.1) and Holden (11.4 per cent).

Feb 16, 2011 Page 25GoAuto Personnel

John Mellor’s

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MICHAEL MARTENS TO LEAD GOODYEAR IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALANDBy TERRY MARTIN

GOODYEAR Tire & Rubber Co

has announced the appointment

of Michael Martens as managing

director of Goodyear and Dunlop

Tyres in Australia and New

Zealand, effective March 1.

To be based in Melbourne, Mr

Martens is currently managing

director for Goodyear North

Asia and vice-president of Asia Pacifi c

OTR (Off The Road). He will continue

to report to the company’s Asia Pacifi c

president Pierre Cohade.

Mr Martens replaces Judith

Swales, who will leave Goodyear

“in order to pursue her interest

of holding non-executive board

positions in Australia”. Ms Swales

joined Goodyear Aust/NZ in

September 2005 as vice-president

of retail, rising to managing director

and CEO in 2007.

Mr Martens has worked for Goodyear for

more than 25 years in various fi nance and

general management positions, with the last

11 years spent in the Asia Pacifi c region.

In a statement, Mr Cohade said: “Mike

has been pivotal in taking our China business

to new heights and anticipating well the

challenges and opportunities that come with

China’s rapid auto boom.

“Mike’s proven leadership and experience

in both mature and emerging markets

within Asia Pacifi c make him an ideal fi t for

this position. Australia/NZ is critical to our

region’s growth strategy and I’m confi dent

that Goodyear will enjoy further success

under Mike’s leadership.”

Michael Martens

LOTUS ENGINEERING EXPANSIONBASKING in the glow of three

consecutive years of growth, Lotus

Engineering has announced the

appointment of two new managers

and plans to recruit a further 400

engineers by 2015 as part of its plan

to sell more third-party engineering

services in China and Europe.

Hui Zhang joined the British

sportscar brand’s engineering arm

as general manager for China operations

in September. Lotus said he brings to the

company “specifi c expertise in the European

and Chinese automotive industries”.

Mr Zhang, whose achievements include

generating growth for Lotus Engineering

in China, comes to the company after more

than fi ve years with the Chinese arm of

automotive technology fi rm Kiekert, which

produces vehicle door latching systems and

pioneered electric central locking

in the 1970s.

Meanwhile, Martin Elbs

joined Lotus Engineering at

the beginning of February as

head of sales for Europe. His

responsibilities include growing

the company’s consultancy

business in mainland Europe

and managing the opening of its

new offi ce in Germany.

Lotus Engineering director Robert

Hentschel said the appointments reinforce

the company’s commitment to its external

clients. “We will also increase R&D in

our four core competencies and expand

our global presence with new offi ces in

Germany and California,” he said.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Robert Hentschel

IN RESPONSE to an announcement

published in this column last week of

Mark Roach’s appointment as dealer

principal at Hunter Holden in Ryde,

NSW, GM Holden notifi ed its metro

NSW dealers that the appointment is still

subject to offi cial franchise approval and

until fi nal approval is made by Holden,

Hunter Holden owner Adam Kaplan

offi cially remains dealer principal.

Mr Roach confi rmed his appointment

to GoAuto as dealer principal prior to last

week’s issue. He has this week told us that

he has signed an employment contract as

dealer principal with Mr Kaplan and Mr

Kaplan has confi rmed with GoAuto that

Mr Roach is now acting in the capacity of

dealer principal on a day-to-day basis.

FORD JOB SWITCH

HUNTER HOLDEN

Feb 16, 2011 Page 26

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

Kia Cerato Si 5-dr hatch

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE FULL STORY: CLICK HEREFULL STORY: CLICK HERE

CAYENNE PRICE RISEPORSCHE Cars Australia has announced

price increases, effective from January 1, for

the second-generation Cayenne launched

here last July.

Buyers of the range-topping Cayenne

Turbo will be the most heavily impacted,

with a $5100 price slug taking the top-shelf

Porsche SUV’s price to $245,000.

Entry-level V6 petrol and diesel models

are now $500 more expensive, bringing the

least expensive Cayenne’s price to $104,000,

while the Cayenne Diesel retains its $1000

price premium at $105,000.

In between, the V8-powered Cayenne S

price increases by $800 to $148,700, while

Porsche’s fi rst petrol-electric model – the

Cayenne S Hybrid – now costs an extra

$900 at $160,800.

Porsche says the price increases, which

are not accompanied by an increase in

specifi cation but do not affect any other

models, come as a result of increased price

pressure from Stuttgart.

Sales of the MkII Cayenne were up a

healthy 53.8 per cent last month, when PCA

sold 100 examples to snare a 5.1 per cent

slice of Australia’s luxury SUV segment.

LEXUS ’RING MASTERTHE ultra-exclusive ‘Nurburgring’ edition

of the V10-engined Lexus LFA supercar

will make its public debut at the Geneva

show next month – almost a year after it was

fi rst announced.

As GoAuto originally reported, just 50 of

the 500 lucky LFA buyers worldwide will be

eligible for the track-focused Nurburgring

option pack that boosts the front-mounted

4.8-litre engine’s power (by 7kW to 419kW),

improves handling and tweaks the supercar’s

aerodynamics to increase downforce.

GENESIS V8 UPGRADEHYUNDAI has released full offi cial details

of the beefy new 5.0-litre ‘Tau’ V8 that will

power North America’s 2012 Genesis sedan,

which remains unconfi rmed for right-hand

drive production and is therefore still off-

limits to Australians.

As GoAuto reported in November, the

Korean auto giant’s most powerful engine

ever will be available in the US this year in

the large Genesis luxury sedan, which also

will be the benefi ciary of an upgraded 3.8-

litre ‘Lambda’ V6 offering 15 per cent more

power with lower fuel consumption and

CO2 emissions.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

MILESTONE FOR MX-5MAZDA has announced a special edition of

its record-breaking MX-5 to go on sale in

Australia, with tweaks to the styling and a

new Bilstein-tuned suspension.

The special edition, limited to 200 units,

was announced just days after the iconic

Japanese sportscar again rewrote the

sportscar production record books, topping

900,000 units.

KIA is on a roll this year with the arrival of its third new model, the Cerato Hatchback, to join the sedan and Koup with not only a new body style but also signifi cant upgrades that will also appear on the rest of the range early in 2011. These include new six-speed transmissions, local suspension tune and NVH refi nements. Kia hopes the Hatchback will open the door to 50 per cent of small-car buyers who will not buy a sedan, and that the transmission and suspension refi nements will help to remove the remnants of the cheap and cheerful tag still adhering to the Korean badge. FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

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February:Audi A8 3.0 and 4.2 TDIHolden Captiva faceliftLand Rover 11MY FreelanderLand Rover 11MY Range Rover VogueMercedes-Benz Vito redesignMercedes-Benz S63 AMGMercedes-Benz S350 BlueTecSsangYong Korando redesignSubaru MY11 ForesterSubaru Forester S-EditionSuzuki Swift redesignVolkswagen Amarok

New model diary: CLICK HERESuzuki Swift

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