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July 27, 2011 No. 591

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

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

PROTECTION FROM THE MOMENT YOU TURN THE KEY.

Aurion risesAurion risesToyota Australia set to take fresh aim at Commodore, Falcon with all-new Aurion

INSIDEBENTLEY’S NEW

FLAGSHIP DRIVEN

By MARTON PETTENDYFIRST images of Toyota’s crucial new

‘premium Camry’ for China and Japan have

surfaced, providing an accurate preview

of the next-generation Aurion with which

Toyota Australia will again take aim at

Holden’s Commodore and Ford’s Falcon.

Toyota’s new global Camry was presented

to dealers last month in its largest market

– North America – and has also been seen

in leaked images and an offi cial teaser

video hosted by Toyota Motor Corporation

president Akio Toyoda.

Due on sale in Australia in November,

Toyota’s seventh-generation Camry –

codenamed 050A – is expected to be publicly

revealed soon in the US, where it will replace

North America’s top-selling passenger car.

Production of Toyota Australia’s next

Camry, which grows only slightly in size

but will feature a bolder new front end

with sharper headlights, will begin at the

Altona plant in suburban Melbourne in

September or October.

As GoAuto has reported, it will be

produced with imported engines for the fi rst

12 months, until Toyota’s new AR-series

2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine comes

online from October 2012 at the company’s

upgraded Victorian engine plant, which was

partly funded by a $63 million federal Green

Car Innovation Fund grant.

Now, however, fi rst images of the slightly

larger premium Camry have emerged ahead

of the fl agship Toyota model’s offi cial reveal

in Japan, revealing what Australia’s next

Aurion will look like when it goes on sale

here in March or April.

Toyota Australia spokesman Mike Breen

told GoAuto the premium Camry – which for

this generation will replace the global Camry

in Japan, where earthquake-related production

issues have delayed its debut from July to

September 3 – was “pretty close” to the Aurion

due for release here in nine months.

The top-shelf Camry/Aurion has long

been sold as a larger and more luxurious

model in preference to the smaller global

Camry in Asian markets including China,

Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia,

Singapore and Vietnam.

However, Australia will continue to be the

only market in which the smaller global Camry

and the larger premium Camry are both sold.

The leaked premium Camry images depict

the hybrid version for Japan, where all Camry

models will be powered by the same 2.5-litre

petrol-electric drivetrain that will debut locally

in the new Camry Hybrid, which is due for

Australian production by year’s end ahead of a

local release in February or March.

Australia’s Aurion therefore will not wear

the Japanese Camry hybrid’s more heavily

chromed grille with blue Toyota logo, or its

rear ‘Hybrid Synergy Drive’ badge.

Based on inside information and offi cial

brochure images that fi rst appeared in

Japan’s Holiday Auto magazine before

being published online by Brazilian website

Noticias Automotivas, this exclusive

rendering shows the next Aurion will again

share most of the Camry’s body design,

including its roof, glasshouse and doors.Continued next page

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July 27, 2011 Page 2

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Aurion risesAurion rises

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PUBLISHER: John MellorEDITOR: Terry Martin MANAGING EDITOR: Marton PettendyJOURNALISTS: Ron Hammerton, Haitham Razagui Byron Mathioudakis, James Stanford PRODUCTION: Luc BrittenSUB-EDITOR: David HassallEDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Mike CostelloProduced by GoAutoMedia: Ph: (03) 9598 6477 newsroom@mellor.net

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Industry minister urges closer auto ties with IndiaBy TERRY MARTIN

FEDERAL industry minister Kim Carr

urged closer co-operation between the

Australian and Indian automotive industries

during a trip to India this week.

Aiming to strengthen ties between

Australian parts suppliers in particular and

Indian car-makers including Mahindra &

Mahindra and Tata Motors, Senator Carr

said building co-operation between the

rapidly growing Indian car industry and

Australian fi rms “will create new export

opportunities and help secure the ongoing

strength of the Australian auto industry”.

“India is an extremely promising market for

many Australian fi rms – Indian car sales over

the past six years have grown by more than 130

per cent to a total of about 3.2 million vehicles,”

he said. “The Indian automotive industry wants

to develop more vehicle design, manufacturing

processes and low emission technologies,

and Australia is well placed to provide these

innovative products and technologies.”

As well as meeting with Mahindra and

Tata Motors, Senator Carr will hold talks with

Samvardhana Motherson Refl ectec (SMR),

the parent company of South Australian-

based SMR Automotive Australia.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Continued from previous pageAgain, Aurion will be visually differentiated

from Camry primarily by fresh sheetmetal

forward of the A-pillar and rear of the C-pillar,

plus a new grille and larger bumpers, resulting

in longer overhangs at both ends.

Echoing its more upmarket interior –

which will feature an all-new dashboard

design – the Aurion will feature slimmer,

more angular versions of the current model’s

rectangular headlights rather than the next

Camry’s less conservative new headlights

with scalloped lower edges.

According to leaked information from

Japan, the Aurion will be just 10mm longer

overall at 4825mm, 5mm wider at 1825mm

and the same height at 1470mm. Wheelbase

remains unchanged at 2775mm, but rear

legroom is said to have increased by 15mm.

No offi cial dimensions have been revealed

for the global Camry, which will also

continue to ride on a 2775mm wheelbase,

but if it grows substantially from the current

model’s 4815mm overall, it will be virtually

the same length as the Aurion.

Either way, Australia’s ‘mid-size’ Camry

and ‘large’ Aurion will continue to be

mechanically differentiated by their front-

wheel drive powertrains.

The Aurion will remain powered

exclusively by a circa-200kW 3.5-litre

DOHC petrol V6 (2GR-FE), with the Camry

again offered only with four-cylinder petrol

and petrol-electric hybrid drivetrains.

Offi cial dealer data shows Japan’s new

Camry (Aurion) hybrid will return fuel

consumption of 26.5km per litre (3.8 litres

per 100km) under that nation’s generous

fuel economy standard. (Prius consumption

is quoted at 38km/L or 2.63L/100km in

Japan, versus 3.9L/100km in Australia).

However, given North America’s current

Lexus HS250h hybrid – which employs the

current Camry Hybrid’s 2.4-litre hybrid drive

system – returns 23km/L (4.25L/100km), the

new 2.5-litre Camry Hybrid should also be

about 15 per cent more effi cient than before.

The current Camry Hybrid returns

6.0L/100km, according to Australia’s ADR

81/02 consumption standard, so expect next

year’s new Camry Hybrid to return about

5.1L/100km.

Toyota says fuel consumption of the

standard Camry will improve by 4.5 per cent,

cutting the current Camry’s combined fuel

consumption from 8.8 to about 8.5L/100km,

while CO2 emissions are expected to be cut

by a similar amount, from 208 grams per

kilometre to below 200g/km.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREMore reports – page 21, 22

All-new Camry (digital image)

July 27, 2011 Page 3

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info@motorsolutions.com.au • 1300 511 243 • www.motorsolutions.com.au

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motor staff• senior management• sales & administration• parts & service• permanent & temp• profi ling & induction

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

Hi-tech twin-turbo engine ensures Bentley’s all-newlimo is an effortless drive

Mulsanne masterstroke Mulsanne masterstroke

By JACQUI MADELIN in the UKWHEN Bentley’s Mulsanne replaced its

venerable Arnage predecessor, it had to

deliver the same gravitas and sense of

history, combined with modern technology

and performance.

So there is a brand-new body, sat atop a

new platform with a new engine that just

happens to opt for the traditional 6.7-litre

V8 format as its ancestor.

Bentley says the torque delivery required

of its range-topping car called for a similar

engine format to the outgoing unit to

provide the fl avour and soundtrack buyers

expect, but that the basic building blocks

are all new, and all aimed at maximum

torque, refi nement and effi ciency – hence

the introduction of electro-mechanically

controlled cam phasing and variable

displacement.

Bentley’s regional co-ordinator for South-

East Asia and Australia, Ian Churchill, said

seven Mulsannes – each priced from $662,000

– have been sold in Australia already, with a

total of 14 expected this year.

“To put these fi gures in context, Australasia

is roughly one per cent of global Bentley sales

(but) with a production of 800 Mulsannes per

year we will comfortably exceed the eight

units this would suggest,” he said.

“This is quite exciting for us as it clearly

demonstrates that, despite the distance from

Crewe, our customers do in fact understand

and appreciate all that Mulsanne represents

in its standing at the pinnacle of the Bentley

product portfolio.”

At the car’s heart is a powerplant

developed by Bentley at Crewe to meet EU5

legislation and cut fuel consumption and

emissions, at the same time feeling more

powerful and delivering a lighter car.

The new engine remains a 90-degree twin-

turbo V8 with a dual-plane crankshaft, single

camshaft and pushrod-operated valvetrain. It

features a cylinder deactivation system that

Bentley says cuts CO2 emissions by around

19 per cent during “real world usage”.

Engine outputs are rated at 377kW of

power at 4200rpm and a massive 1020Nm

of torque (now peaking at 1750rpm instead

of 3250), which is 4kW and 20Nm more

than the Arnage respectively.

This new engine is mated to an eight-

speed automatic transmission co-developed

with ZF that is shared with Audi’s A8,

with software and calibration designed for

Mulsanne and driving the rear wheels.

Bentley replaced the Arnage hydraulic

suspension with a newly-developed air

suspension set-up allied to the double-

wishbone front and multi-link rear, with

infi nitely variable twin-tube dampers

developed with Continental. It also shares

components like the air springs with the A8.

The 5.6-metre Mulsanne is 175mm longer,

26mm wider and 6mm taller than the Arnage

T, yet at 2585kg is 25kg lighter and now

capable of accelerating from zero to 100km/h

in 5.3 seconds, half a second quicker than the

T, en route to a top speed of 296km/h.

Bentley claims the car uses 15 per cent

less fuel – the Mulsanne consuming a

claimed 16.9L/100km combined, while

emitting 393g/km of CO2.

Inside the completely overhauled cabin,

you sit within a ring of fi ne wood, the highly

polished hand-cut veneer with 20 coats of

lacquer taking fi ve hours to apply and four

days to cure, laid over solid wood.Continued next page

July 27, 2011 Page 4

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Mulsanne masterstroke Mulsanne masterstroke Continued from previous page

Hand-stitched high-quality leather

throughout comes from Alpine cows –

they meet fewer biting insects and wooden

fencing is less damaging to skin than barbed

wire – and the skins are tanned near Milan

using a traditional process that delivers the

‘right’ smell.

Bulls-eye air vents and knurled organ-stop

controls remain, yet this is also a modern

car, with a bigger instrument display in front

of the driver and a multi-media interface

and screen to access the satellite-navigation,

telephone, radio and other media.

There is also a 60GB hard drive, voice

control for major systems, an optional

20-speaker 2200W sound system and even

an iPod drawer that is as fi nely-wrought as

the rest of the car.

Our test car was fi nished in cream leather

and blonde wood, and was standard apart from

the sound system, so it came with 20-inch

wheels, ESC, ABS, traction control, hill hold

and ventilated disc brakes (400x38mm up

front and 370x30mm at the rear).

Extensive features include heated door

mirrors with reverse-dip, puddle lamps, keyless

entry, soft-close doors, 12-way adjustable

seats with massage function and park distance

control – vital in such a large car.

The three-mode Drive Dynamics system

lets you opt for ‘Bentley’, sport or comfort,

but you can also customise the damper

settings and the steering tuning.

During GoAuto’s UK drive – which took

us from Crewe, west into Wales via narrow

English lanes, as well as dual carriageways

and a short stretch of motorway – we found

the standard ‘Bentley’ setting the best

compromise, with comfort supplying too

much bodyroll, while sport, with its harder

dampers and lower ride height, is less than

ideal in such a car.

But in ‘Bentley’ mode the level of body

control is outstanding – certainly this car

is more capable of handling diffi cult road

surfaces and tight corners, being more

accurate and even fun to drive than anything

this size has a right to be.

The rather high riding position gives you

a good view of the road around and makes

the car easy to place, which was fortunate

given some of the narrow English lanes.

Except when parking, the Mulsanne always

felt smaller and more wieldy than expected.

The Mulsanne supplied a ‘Jekyll and

Hyde’ driving experience courtesy of that

impressive body control from a car otherwise

oozing laid-back luxury.

Vigorous acceleration was delivered

alongside a suitably muffl ed soundtrack

and the sort of effortlessness that suggests

you won’t need the steering wheel-mounted

paddles to change gear.

Clearly, Bentley has succeeded in taking

its fl agship into the modern world, without

compromising the effortless performance

and luxury its buyers expect.

July 27, 2011 Page 5

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

The Crick Auto Group is a successful, growing and progressive privately owned business operating primarily in South East QLD. Located in the heart of the beautiful Sunshine Coast, our Maroochydore and Noosa Dealerships

are seeking expressions of interest for several positions.

If you are interested in making a change please email your resume and cover letter, stating the position you are interested in, to rebecca.williams@cricks.com.au

For more information about the Crick Auto Group visit cricks.com.au

Used Vehicle Manager/Valuer – MaroochydoreWe require an experienced, autonomous individual responsible for the day-to-day running of a 35-40 car a month retail facility as well as the

valuing and wholesale for a very large multi-franchise operation. If you have a strong track record in used vehicle sales management but seek a coastal lifestyle then this role may be for you. The successful candidate

will be offered a salary package well in excess of $100K per annum.

New & Used Sales Consultants – Maroochydore & Noosa

With 26 sales roles to fi ll over these two dealerships, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a successful organisation and live in

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fi nancially and offer you the scope to progress within the company.

Seven-speed manual fornew-gen 911 as Porschebegins show countdown

Next 911 breaks coverNext 911 breaks cover

Honda’s all-new CR-V emerges in concept form ahead of 2012 Australian launchBy MARTON PETTENDY

HONDA has released an image of its fi rst

all-new CR-V since 2006, confi rming the

fourth-generation compact SUV will go on

sale in North America by the end of this year

ahead of its Australian launch next year.

The ‘CR-V Concept’ will make its public

debut at the Orange County International Auto

Show in Anaheim, California, in September,

so it is likely the production version will bow

at the Los Angeles show in November.

Dressed in a chunkier new interpretation of

the current model’s distinctive exterior design,

the CR-V concept appears to be production-

ready except, perhaps, for its oversized alloy

wheels, gloss black underbody cladding and

dark-tinted headlights.

Although the next CR-V’s rear end

cannot be seen, it is clear it will continue

to feature the current model’s trademark

vertical tail-light concept, which like the

vehicle’s bolder front end should also take

on a more aggressive demeanour.

Likewise, the 2012 CR-V’s interior remains

concealed behind blacked-out glass, but Honda

says it will offer more space than before, along

with a lower fl oor in the rear storage area.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

By MARTON PETTENDYPORSCHE’S next-generation 911 has

broken cover in an offi cially sanctioned

video, confi rming key technical details of

the all-new 991-codenamed model ahead of

its global reveal at the Frankfurt motor show

in September.

Both coupe and cabriolet versions of

Porsche’s redesigned two-door sportscar

fl agship – at least until the plug-in 918

Spyder hybrid and a coupe version of the

next Panamera arrive – can be seen wearing

only partial disguise in a 1:22 video shot by

Tangent Vector during fi nal 991 prototype

validation testing in South Africa recently.

The Porsche-approved video combines

with a fl urry of recent spy shots and a

handful of ‘fi rst drive’ reports from selected

media outlets invited as passengers on the

recent pre-production development drive

provide a valuable insight into the look and

mechanical make-up of what Porsche says is

the fi rst completely new 911 in 48 years.

Due on sale in Australia in early 2012

following its global launch in the US

in November, the 991 911 conceals its

signifi cantly longer wheelbase under a sleek

new body that is unmistakably 911 but

features a number of subtle design changes.

Biggest visual difference is the 991’s

pointier front end and more pronounced

headlight ‘turrets’, continuing the existing

997’s move away from the radical bluff-

nosed, stylised-headlight 996-series of 1998 –

the fi rst liquid-cooled 911 – and back towards

the original ‘bug-eyed’ 911 of 1963.

Although two-thirds of its ‘substantial’ (but

still secret) extra overall length is said to be

contained behind the driver, the 2+2-seat 911

will effectively remain a two-seater, but wider

wheel tracks and a wheelbase that is reported

to have been stretched by as much as 100mm

should liberate signifi cantly more cabin space.

Despite the bigger body, which also

features wing mirrors mounted directly

to the doors rather than on an assembly at

the base of the A-pillars, the new 911 is

said to be the fi rst built almost exclusively

from aluminium, reducing overall weight

by “dozens of kilos”, according to Britain’s

Autocar.

Weight distribution should also be

improved by shorter overhangs and a

reported repositioning of the 911’s rear-

mounted fl at-six engine further towards

the centre of the car, which should help

maintain the most iconic Porsche model’s

agility despite its larger footprint.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

991-series 911 video still

July 27, 2011 Page 6

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All-new non-turbo V8 with cylinder shut-off for Benz’s next SLK55

Natural way for SLKNatural way for SLK

By MARTON PETTENDYMERCEDES-BENZ has confi rmed

the fl agship of its third-generation SLK

roadster range will be powered by a

naturally aspirated version of the twin-

turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 that will do duty

in other AMG models.

Hence, the top-shelf compact convertible,

which will make its global debut at the

Frankfurt motor show in September before

arriving in Australian dealerships in the

fi rst quarter of next year, will continue to

be known as the SLK55 AMG, rather than

falling into line with all other AMGs by

adopting a ‘63’ badge.

Bearing no relationship to the naturally

aspirated 5.5-litre V8 that powers Mercedes’

E500, S500 and ML500 models, the new

M152-codenamed engine of the same

capacity adopts a new variable-displacement

system developed by Mercedes-AMG.

According to Mercedes, the combination

of direct petrol injection and AMG

cylinder management allows the 2012

SLK55 to deliver the fuel consumption of

a four-cylinder while remaining the only

V8-powered roadster in its segment.

The non-turbo 5.5-litre V8, which revs

to 7200rpm, produces 310kW at 6800rpm

and 540Nm of torque from 4500rpm,

making it 45kW more powerful and 30Nm

more muscular than the 265kW/510Nm

supercharged 5.4-litre V8 it replaces in the

previous SLK55 AMG.

At the same time, the twin-turbo V8’s

standard idle-stop system and an alternator

that only engages during engine overrun

or braking combine with the new AMG

cylinder management system helps reduce

fuel consumption by 3.5 litres per 100km, to

just 8.5L/100km (NEDC provisional). CO2

emissions are also reduced by about 30 per

cent, to just 199 grams per kilometre.

AMG says its new cylinder shut-down

system – similar to the Chrysler 5.7-litre

HEMI V8’s Multi-Displacement System and

the Active Fuel Management technology

employed by Holden’s 6.0-litre Commodore

V8 – disables two or four cylinders to save

fuel in low-load situations at engine speeds

between 800rpm and 3600rpm, and can

switch from four-cylinder to eight-cylinder

mode in just 30 milliseconds.

It also claims the new all-aluminium

V8 – which features 12.6:1 compression,

aluminium pistons, carbon-coated piston

rings, cast-in Silitec cylinder liners, fully

variable valve timing and a variable exhaust

system that gradually opens internal baffl es

above 2000rpm to produce a louder and

sportier exhaust note much like HSV’s

bi-modal exhaust system – still offers

230Nm of torque in four-cylinder mode.Continued next page

July 27, 2011 Page 7

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

China’s Number 1 vehicle manufacturer is seeking a General Manager to drive

the business forward in Australia. This is an outstanding opportunity for an

individual with a proven track record in the distribution of motor vehicles.

Foton is launching in November with a full range of petrol and diesel pick-up

utilities in all variations. Next year sees the release of the van and SUVs and in

2013 we will release our range of cars.

We want you to build a team that will maximise the opportunity and distribute

the first vehicle range released from China that is purpose-built for Western

markets. Foton’s range of vehicles will use the world’s best drivetrain, engine

and safety components. Importantly, you will need to create a motivated

dealer network from the list of dealers who have already expressed interest.

Lay the foundations for a future power in the Australian automotive industry.

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GENERAL MANAGERYOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY LIKE THIS.

Natural way for SLKNatural way for SLKContinued from previous page

The new 5.461-litre M152 V8 comes with

the same oversquare (98.0 x 90.5mm bore

x stroke) cylinder dimensions as the biturbo

M157 V8 that debuted last year in the CL63

AMG as the fi rst evidence of Mercedes’

‘AMG Performance 2015’ strategy, but

weighs slightly less at 187kg dry.

New features include revised intake air

ducting, new cylinder heads, a modifi ed

valve drive, adapted oil supply system and

an optimised crankcase.

Naturally, however, shedding the twin-

turbo set-up of the M157 – which powers

the CL63, CLS63 and S63 AMGs in

Australia and will be seen here in the

facelifted C63 AMG sedan and wagon (but

not the C63 AMG coupe) in September, and

the upgraded E63 sedan in November – also

reduces performance.

In other AMG models the biturbo M157

replaces the M156 6.2-litre naturally

aspirated V8 and produces between

386kW/700Nm and 420kW/900Nm with

an optional Performance Package – some

110kW and some 360Nm more than the

2012 SLK55 AMG’s non-turbo engine.

Mercedes-AMG says it produced more

than 68,000 M156 V8s since 2005 – setting

a new record for AMG, which dates back to

1967 – with the 6.2-litre engine developing

as much as 386kW and 630Nm.

In the upcoming C63 AMG Coupe, it

delivers 358kW in Performance form, while

AMG’s 6.2-litre V8 also continues in dry-

sump M159 guise in the 420kW/650Nm SLS

AMG super-coupe, the roadster derivative

of which goes on sale next year.

Debuting in 2001, the previous SLK55’s

blown V8 was another milestone in the

history of AMG. Codenamed M113 K,

it developed up to 428kW and 800Nm,

while the SLR McLaren’s M155 version

appeared in 2003 with outputs of 478kW

and 820Nm.

While AMG’s 6.0-litre biturbo V12 engine

also continues in the top-end S65, SL65 and

CL65 AMGs, GoAuto understands the twin-

turbo M157 V8 could not be packaged in the

sleek new SLK, which made its Australian

debut at this month’s Melbourne motor show

before garden-variety four-cylinder and six-

cylinder versions arrive here in August with

a $10,000 starting price cut to $82,900.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREBenz Black magic – next page

SLK350

July 27, 2011 Page 8

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

By MARTON PETTENDYDAIMLER has announced it will invest

more than $US2 billion to produce the next-

generation Mercedes-Benz C-class and

GL-class in the US alongside the redesigned

M-class, the fi rst customer version of which

rolled off the line on July 20.

The German luxury vehicle giant used a

special ‘Job 1’ line-off ceremony for the new

M-class at its Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama to

confi rm plans, fi rst announced in late 2009,

to build its volume-selling C-class in North

America for the fi rst time from 2014.

The southern US factory opened in

February 1997 as exclusive global producer

of the M-class, before the larger seven-seat

GL-class SUV and R-class people-mover

models were added.

Mercedes’ larger yet sleeker third-

generation M-class will come to Australia,

where the facelifted C-class range has just

been launched, from the US by the second

quarter of 2012.

There was no mention of a successor for

the R-class, but besides Alabama and its

Bremen ‘centre of excellence’ in Germany,

the next-generation C-class will also be

produced in Daimler’s East London plant

in South Africa and by Beijing Benz

Automotive Co (BBAC) in China.

Last year, Daimler’s Tuscaloosa factory

produced more than 125,000 M, GL and

R-class vehicles.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Mercedes commits tonew GL via US plans

2012 M-class

Benz Black magicBenz Black magic

By RON HAMMERTONMERCEDES-BENZ has unwrapped its

most powerful C-class, the 380kW C63

AMG Coupe Black Series, gazumping the

‘standard’ 336kW C63 AMG Coupe before it

has even arrived in Australian showrooms.

The M3-smashing Black Series – capable

of the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.2 seconds

– is set to appear in the fl esh at the Frankfurt

motor show in September before touching

down in Australian showrooms in the second

quarter of 2012.

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacifi c is yet to

determine price and number of vehicles to

be allocated to local dealers, but that has not

deterred would-be customers from forming

a queue for the track-ready muscle machine,

attracted by rumours out of Europe.

Mercedes-Benz Aust/Pac corporate

communications manager Jerry Stamoulis

told GoAuto that, while production of the

Black Series would be limited, Australia

was likely to get a larger slice than many

markets because of the popularity of AMG

models in this market.

“Already dealers are taking inquiries on

C63 Black because there have been a lot of

spy shots and rumours and so on,” he said.

“We have some more information and images

now, and when it gets announced in Frankfurt

we will know a little bit more again.

“From there we will start working with

the factory on some of the fi ner details and

then come up with a number.

“Regardless of what the demand is, we will

be aiming for quite a high number because

of the popularity of C63 in Australia.”

Last year, Australian customers snapped

up about 1000 AMG vehicles, about half of

them C63s.

Mr Stamoulis said Black Series pricing

was not yet known and would be partly

dependent on production volumes in

Germany.

“We don’t know the numbers globally,”

he said. “If there are more, it could be a little

bit more competitive, and if it is less, then

the price might be a little higher.”

The C63 AMG Black Series – the fourth

to wear AMG’s ultimate performance tag

since the SLK55 AMG Black Series was

launched in 2006 – packs an extra 44kW of

power over the standard C63 AMG Coupe,

which is due to go on sale in Australia in

September along with the AMG-enhanced

C-class sedan and estate.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

380kW C63 Black is the most powerful C-class ever

2011 AADA NATIONALDEALER CONVENTION THURSDAY 18 - SUNDAY 21 AUGUST GRAND HYATT HOTEL, MELBOURNE

www.aadaconvention.com.au

THE FEATURE DAY INTERNATIONAL GUEST SPEAKER AT THEJeff SacksDON’T

MISS

1) The Automotive General Manager’s Game Plan

2) Financial Management & Service Management Basics

4 FANTASTIC

SESSIONS

3) Managing Service

4) Parts & Used Vehicle Management

July 27, 2011 Page 9

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

the next level.

Contact us email: info@au.thewg.com tel: (03) 9862 3200

resource automotive formerly known as martec automotive.

A complete dealer solution.

insurance Extended Warranty Asset Protection Credit Protection

training Accredited training Soft skill training

consulting Customer retention Grow the bottom line

Expert offers tips on howto source top used cars as US dealer stock dwindles

Spotlight on used carsSpotlight on used cars

By JOHN MELLORAMERICAN car dealers are resorting to

innovative techniques for fi nding cars for

sale in the face of stock shortages of new

vehicles sourced from Japan and a massive

shortage of used cars due to the recession.

According to one of the world’s leading

experts of the management of dealership

operations, Jeff Sacks, US dealers are also

facing stronger competition for stock from

independent used car operators and from

private-to-private sales over the internet.

Mr Sacks is the featured speaker at next

month’s 2011 AADA National Dealer

Convention to be held at the Grand Hyatt

hotel in Melbourne from August 18 to 21.

Mr Sacks, who conducts standing-room-

only sessions at NADA conventions in

the US, will present over a full day the

successful management lore that he and

his dealership clients have developed in the

real-time running of dealerships over

the past 30 years.

In an exclusive interview with

GoAuto, he was commenting on the

market in the United States, where

the depressed demand for new cars

in the recession has led to a shortfall

in used vehicle stock of millions of

vehicles over the past three years.

Some estimates put the shortfall

of used car supply at up to 15 million

vehicles and this was leading dealers to seek

alternative ways to secure stock.

The problem for dealers is being exacerbated

by the shortage of supply from Japanese car-

makers due to the earthquake and tsunami,

which is further delaying the level of traded

used vehicles available for dealer stock.

Mr Sacks said the dealers who were facing

shortages of new car stock have no alternative

but to look at used cars to drive sales revenues.

“People still have to drive, so dealers are

looking at used cars, although unfortunately

used car prices are going up and there is a

shortage. So it has become a little tougher,”

he said.

But Mr Sacks told GoAuto there were a

number of very good used car business models

that would make sure dealers were

“on the money and executing well”.

These included:Rush to marketThis means improving the cycle

time from when the car is acquired

to when it is listed online in dealer

stock.

“Everyone talks about getting

their reconditioning times down

and I don’t disagree with that. I can

improve my reconditioning times but, even

so, until the car is on the internet it is not

for sale. The actual sales cycle time is from

the time of acquisition to the time it is on

the internet.

“So some of our dealers are taking

traded cars and, before sending them off

for reconditioning, they are detailing and

photographing them and putting them on

the internet immediately.

“Obviously reconditioning has to be

very structured because (if you have

listed the car) you cannot keep the car in

reconditioning for more than 48 to 72 hours.

To do that you surround the reconditioning

with a pay plan that makes sure it is never

longer than 72 hours.”

Selling older carsMr Sacks said that quality and durability

improvements are leading many dealers

short of used car stock to keep traded cars

that have higher mileage of up to 160,000km

and take them into stock.

“We used to pass these cars on to

wholesalers and let them make a living but

now we are saying: ‘Hold on, if they are

making a living from these cars then why

can’t we?’”

He said this allowed dealers to take an

F&I opportunity, although higher mileage

cars are tough to get covered with extended

warranty and buyers tend to be more

fi nancially challenged.

“So the F&I income is going to be a little

slimmer, although you can make money on

reconditioning which you did not do before.”Continued next page

Jeff Sacks

Harlem Auto Mall. New York

July 27, 2011 Page 10

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Spotlight on used carsSpotlight on used cars

Mazda US ‘Retail Revolution Center’

Continued from previous pageBuying centresMr Sacks said some dealers were opening

up and promoting buying centres:

signposted areas set aside at the dealership

for appraising cars.

“Dealers put prices on cars presented by

owners with the prices being good for a few

days. They are a good source of cars.

“The key message is that you do not have

to sell your car yourself, you don’t have to

buy another car from us and we will buy the

car from you if you think we have come up

with a fair price.”

He said that sales staffs are actively

combing the private listings on the web for

saleable used cars, calling the sellers and

offering them instant cash for their cars.

“Many people see this as a convenient way

to sell rather than go through the process of

selling the car to strangers online. So that is

another shortcut to good cars.

“We also have dealers here who are

offering service customers a 10 per cent

discount on the price of their service if they

take a test drive, particularly if the owner is

driving a desirable used car for stock.

“They calculate the equity the customer

has in the car they are bringing in for service

and show them that a new or newer car will

cost them less per month than what they are

paying now.

“So we are really doing a lot of things to

acquire used cars.”

Mr Sacks said that used cars were now

more market driven because of the internet

and that it was now imperative to drive stock

turns by continuously monitoring the price

of each and every used car.

“We are constantly transferring them into

a different price bucket or price strata to

bring them into the price range of a new set

of buyers.”

He said dealers were effectively

conducting a Dutch auction where they were

progressively lowering prices until they hit

the market for that car.

“That is all driven by the market pricing

and the ageing of the automobile,” he said.

“We have very strict ageing policies on

our motor cars. When it gets to 60 days it

has to go. But that does not mean we will

wholesale a car only when hits 60 days; we

will wholesale a car at 15 days if we deem it

not to have had enough activity.”

He said that dealers were working the

used car side of the business more than

before the onset of online selling and they

were far more analytical and empirical and

less “seat of pants” and regretful: “Why did

I buy that car?”

Mr Sacks’ one-day session on Friday,

August 19 can be purchased separately

from the four-day convention program. For more details, go to

http://www.aadaconvention.com.au

Jaguar Land Rover is the ultimate destination for anyone wanting a career in the automotive industry, or simply for anyone wishing to work for a progressive and highly regarded global organisation.

This role requires business forecasting and modelling by drawing on and interpreting market intelligence along with analysis of the business environment. The capturing of data, development of reports and their subsequent analysis are central to supporting management decisions on the business going forward.

Responsibilities will include:• Develop decision supporting and analytical reports targeting the

growth of the company and the identi cation of opportunities or potential issues requiring management focus.

• Prepare modelling and analysis required to support Forecasting and Sales Volume Planning.

• Collect and analyse data to deliver regular reports (daily, weekly, monthly) on sales, stock, planning, forecasting and other ad hoc reports to all management levels within the company in an accurate and timely fashion.

• Prepare speci c Dealer sales performance reports.• Formulate target setting reports and related analysis.• Prepare stock control management reports.• Provide assistance to other members of the Jaguar Land Rover

Sales and Distribution team as required.

The successful applicant will have the following:• Tertiary quali cations, or equivalent business experience.• Advanced Excel/Database skills.• Analytical ability to understand the relationship between retail,

wholesale, stock and production, and make decisions accordingly.• Experience in sales analysis and reporting is essential, with

automotive industry experience preferred.• Strong numeracy skills, with a high level of attention to detail.• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to clearly present and interpret information to different

levels of management with appropriate detail.• Ability to be exible, to prioritise and to handle multiple tasks

within strict deadlines.• Be proactive and willing to suggest and deliver new solutions

and ef ciency improvements.

Sales Planning & Reporting AnalystNORTH RYDE LOCATION • EXCELLENT REMUNERATION PACKAGE

If you are looking to join an organisation with strong leadership, segment-leading products and progressive luxury brands, please apply now. Send your application to: careers@jaguarlandrover.com. Include "JLR SALES ANALYST" in the Subject of your email. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 5th August 2011.

July 27, 2011 Page 11

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Ford’s EcoLPi system looks set to run in localinline-six beyond 2016

LPG bolsters I6 futureLPG bolsters I6 future

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISFORD has given its strongest indication yet

that the lifespan of its venerable Australian-

built inline-six engine will extend beyond

2016 and meet the forthcoming Euro

5 emissions standard, following the

development of the EcoLPi system just

launched in the FG Falcon.

Speaking to GoAuto at the EcoLPi launch

in Melbourne last week, Ford Australia’s

powertrain engineering manager Pritika

Maharaj said the new LPG system was

designed to be in service “beyond Euro 4” –

the current standard, which brought an end

to the previous E-Gas system last year – as

circumstances dictate.

While she would not comment on the

life expectancy of the Geelong-made I6

in future Falcon and Territory models, Ms

Maharaj said there was little point in Ford

Australia investing heavily in the Euro

4-compliant EcoLPi system if it was to be

replaced before long.

Ford Australia also confi rmed last week

that the EcoLPi system was compatible

with higher-tech engines, including direct-

injection units like the EcoBoost V6, which

could replace the I6 later this decade and bring

an end to local Ford engine production.

“You have to ask why Ford would bother

developing the LPi engine that was ‘beyond

Euro 4’ if it wasn’t going to have a future,”

Ms Maharaj said.

The federal government announced last

month that from November 1, 2016, all new

vehicles in Australia must comply with Euro

5 emissions requirements, while stricter

Euro 6 regulations come in for all new cars

sold from July 1, 2018.

‘Core Euro 5’ measures will also be

introduced from November 1, 2013, although

these will apply to cars, SUVs and light trucks

new to the market from that date.

Ford Australia public affairs director

Sinead McAlary told GoAuto in June that

while the I6 in all its iterations can be

engineered for Euro 5, “signifi cant time and

resources would be required to do so”.

“One of the advantages of the regulatory

timing we have received is that we actually

have the time now to work through all the

options to determine if that is the right

course of action to take,” she said.

Integral to Ford’s planning will be the switch

to a new-generation Falcon around the same

time as ‘full Euro 5’ takes effect in 2016.

The ‘E8’ platform underpinning the

current Falcon and Territory reaches the end

of its life in 2016, with Australia adopting

a new-generation global large-car platform

under the ‘One Ford’ philosophy.

To form the basis of Ford’s future Mondeo,

Taurus and mid-sized SUV replacements for

the Territory and (eventually) US-market

Explorer, the new platform is expected to

use transverse-mounted engines such as a

derivative of the 3.5-litre direct-injection

EcoBoost V6, and drive either the front or all

four wheels depending on the application.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREEcoLPi: the verdict – page 13

EcoLPi

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To arrange a demonstrationor for pricing please visitwww.karcher.com.auor phone us on 1800 675 714

Add value across diverse areas of the retail and wholesale business

Apply highly developed skills and knowledge

The Dealer Business Manager is the key interface between Mazda and our Dealer networks. This role will see you developing strong working relationships with Dealers in all areas of their business, monitoring Dealer performance and working with Dealers to plan and implement collaborative business solutions.

You will also provide marketing and business planning support and assist Dealers to fulfill our Corporate Identification requirements, build their product and business knowledge and implement strategic business programs at the Dealer level.

Based at Kingsgrove, this role reports directly to the NSW State Manager. Regional travel and interstate travel may be required. Tertiary qualifications in the areas of business, marketing or commerce are essential. You will be able to demonstrate strong communication and relationship building skills, have excellent time management and a flair for analyzing business performance. Experience in the automotive industry may be advantageous.

To apply, send your resume and a covering letter or email to:

careers@mazda.com.au

quoting the reference NSW-DBM-01 in the subject line by 12 August 2011

The Field Manager Technical will work with Dealer service teams to resolve technical issues and with Mazda’s Customer Services team to negotiate outstanding customer resolutions. You will also assist in the assessment and validation of warranty claims and assist Dealer service teams to build their technical capacity, through training and mentoring.

Reporting directly to the QLD State Manger, the role is based in Salisbury in Brisbane’s southern suburbs. Regional travel within QLD will be required.

Applicants should be qualified in a relevant automotive trade or as an automotive engineer. You will need to demonstrate strong communication skills and have an analytical and systematic approach to finding solutions.

To apply, send your resume and a covering letter or email to:

careers@mazda.com.au

quoting the reference QL-FMT-03 in the subject line by 12 August 2011

July 27, 2011 Page 13

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Deloitte Motor Industry Services Celebrate with usIn October our prestigious Academy of Excellence (AOE) program will celebrate its 1000th participant.

The AOE program is a four day program for dealer principals and general managers, aimed at extending financial, operational and strategic knowledge

Join the 1000th celebration and enrol in October’s course 4th – 7th to receive a 25% discount to our AOE – Part 2 to be launched in 2011.

Register now to reserve a position in the upcoming AOE at www.eprofitfocus.com.au or otherwise please contact Kerry O’Neill directly.

Dale McCauleyPartnerTel: +61 (0) 2 9322 7277dmccauley@deloitte.com.au

Kerry O’NeillAccount DirectorTel: +61 (0) 2 9322 3651keoneill@deloitte.com.au

Is Ford Australia’s new LPG system better thanthe petrol I6? Read on...

EcoLPi: the verdictEcoLPi: the verdict

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISAUTOMOTIVELY speaking, Germany is

renowned for its engineering prowess, Italy

owns great design, and exquisite quality is

what Japan is all about.

But none of those produce a vehicle on

the cutting edge of liquefi ed petroleum

gas (LPG) performance, effi ciency and

driveability like Australia.

And Ford is in the vanguard with its new

EcoLPi system. It is no exaggeration to say

that this is the new dawn for LPG.

Let’s begin with the car – a 2011 FG

Falcon in either XT, XR6, G6 or G6E four-

door sedan or XL, R6 and XR6 utility style

– that blows away any preconceptions about

LPG thanks to ‘liquid phase injection’ (LPi).

Basically, the old style of LPG – as

in the previous Falcon E-Gas system –

converted the LPG to a vapour at the

combustion process.

Not a bad way of doing it, but the

drop in power and torque (to 156kW and

370Nm respectively), relatively high fuel

consumption (14.9L/100km), compromised

driveability and four-speed rather than

ZF six-speed auto gearbox meant that the

regular 195kW/391Nm 4.0-litre I6 petrol

engine that spawned the LPG was arguably

a better bet in almost every way.

Only cheap LPG – 66 cents per litre

compared with $1.39/L for ULP (Ford’s

fi gures: Australian national average January

to June 2011) kept the old car selling.

From today, the EcoLPi system treats LPG

in a completely different manner. By keeping

it a liquid right through to the combustion

process, and incorporating new hardware

specifi cally designed by Orbital and other

fi rms, the resulting boost in performance (to

198kW and 409Nm) now eclipses that of the

existing I6 on regular ULP.

Better still, consumption falls from the

old E-Gas’ 14.9L/100km to 12.5L/100km

(still not matching the ULP I6’s 9.9L/100km,

though, because LPG possesses a lower

energy density despite its higher octane),

while carbon emissions plummet from 240g/

km (and the ULP I6’s 236g/km) to 203g/km

– yes, LPG contains fewer hydrocarbons than

ULP, so that’s why its fuel consumption fi gure

can be higher while the CO2 rating is lower.

On paper, this means – again, according to

Ford fi gures – that over a 20,000km annual

driving cycle between an ULP I6 and EcoLPi

at the aforementioned bowser prices, the

$2500 premium that EcoLPi incurs will be

paid back in 23.5 weeks thanks to the $2000

federal government rebate and the fact that

LPG will cost $1102 less at $1650 and 2500

litres than 1980 litres of ULP at $2752.

To highlight the point, Ford last week

assembled a group of journalists on a track

after about 150km of urban and rural driving

in a number of new FG EcoLPi sedans, and

asked each one to identify which was the LPG

car between a pair of new but disguised XR6

Falcons following a sprint race and test lap.

Of course, your GoAuto correspondent

listened intently for your benefi t throughout

the press conference and so rightly fi gured

out that the quicker and marginally more

effortless vehicle was the EcoLPi car –

proving Ford’s point under its controlled

conditions that not only does LPG no

longer hinder a Falcon’s performance – it

actually improves it while being cheaper

– and increasingly so over time – than a

petrol equivalent.Continued next page

July 27, 2011 Page 14

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

BMW Sydney

The UltimateDriving Machine

SalesFinanceServiceParts

BMW Sydney, one of Australia’s largest BMW Automotive dealerships requires an experienced New Vehicle Sales Consultant.

With excellent facilities, comprehensive support and exciting product range, excellent income opportunities exist for those willing to excel in the position of New Vehicle Sales Consultant.

To be successful in this role you will be able to demonstrate the following:• Minimum 3 years experience in a similar automotive sales role –

prestige sales experience preferred.• A history of success in prior roles.• Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written.• Customer focused with strong negotiation skills.• The ability to work in a team environment.• Excellent organisational skills.• Maintain a thorough knowledge of all current products.• NSW drivers licence.

If you are satis ed you can meet all the above requirements, are looking for a challenging career with BMW Sydney and want to be a part of our success, please forward your resumé and cover letter to our HR Coordinator at: careers@bmwsydney.com.au

NEW VEHICLE SALES CONSULTANT

Continued from previous pagePoint proven, Ford, but hardly anybody

who buys an LPG car is going to go racing

in it, are they?

Or are they? You see, the point is that

the ‘P’ in EcoLPi can just as well stand for

‘performance’ instead of ‘plodding’.

From inside the car – unless they are

hiding in the considerably shallower boot

(464 litres versus 535 – and even less if

buyers opt to turf out the can of goo for a

space-saver or $250-extra full-sized spare

wheel; Ford ought to consider run-fl at tyres)

– LPG-haters will not tell the difference,

like we couldn’t. We promise.

One of the challenges that the EcoLPi

engineers had to solve was hot-weather

starting, so the moment the Falcon is

unlocked the electronics ‘wake up’, while

pulling the doorhandle primes the system,

so the maximum delay from the one-crank

start regime is four seconds. That’s virtually

petrol I6 levels of ignition time, or slightly

lengthier, but the point is that’s all you

might notice as one of the LPG’s differing

operating characteristics.

On the move in both the G6E and XR6

we sampled, we defy anybody not to be

impressed by the smoothness and willingness

of the EcoLPi. Torque aplenty, combined

with that superb ZF six-speeder, makes for an

impressive low-speed driving experience.

Feathering the throttle results in the usual

Falcon forward surge, but in the LPG car from

about 2800rpm the response is perceptibly

stronger and more determined – so much so

that you can back off a bit and just ride the

wave of motion, without having to visit the

slightly harsh top-end rev range that has long

been part of the I6 engine experience.

Or, in other words, on those lovely rural

Victorian roads, we prefer the way the

EcoLPi drives to a 91 RON ULP Falcon.

Sitting on marginally different wheel and

suspension settings to clear some height

for the tanks below that smaller boot fl oor,

both FG EcoLPi G6E and XR6 examples

reaffi rm why Ford Australia’s dynamic

engineers are among the best in the world.

Lovely steering, beautiful poise, cosseting

ride on the Goodyear 235/50 R17 rubber –

we were reminded why the Falcon is such

an underrated over-achiever amongst family

cars, especially for the price.

Obviously, we will need more time behind

the wheel of an EcoLPi to really see how

the car runs in day-to-day urban nightmare

traffi c scenarios.

But we can tell you pretty much with hand-

on-heart that Ford Australia’s LPG program has

far exceeded our expectations for driveability,

performance, refi nement and integration.

Notwithstanding the smaller (but still

manageably practical unless you opt for the

full-sized spare) boot, as well as the often

variable experience of actually having to fi ll

the tank with LPG, we cannot understand

why you wouldn’t choose this model over

the standard petrol-engined Falcon.

If there was justice in this world, the FG’s

fortunes would turn around right now as

families who feel forced to switch to a smaller

four-cylinder car to save fuel and cut some

CO2 now have a true real-world alternative.

After all, Ford’s claim that the EcoLPi

offers Fiesta-segment light car running

costs in a Falcon package is quite a

compelling argument.

We are converted. No other car-building

country in the world right now offers a better

and more integrated LPG driving experience

than Australia.

EcoLPi: the verdictEcoLPi: the verdict

FORD LPG SALES OUTLOOK: CLICK HERE

July 27, 2011 Page 15

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

CAD DESIGNERS

To apply, please send your resumé and covering letter outlining relevant experience to theattention of Karly McNeil on email: recruitment@prodrive-asiapacific.com

PRODRIVE is the world’s leading independent motorsport business, as well as a world leader in advanced automotive technology with a track record of constant achievement. In Australia, Prodrive works with a number of diff erent vehicle manufacturers, including Ford Performance Vehicles, of which it is a joint venture partner.

Prodrive Australia is currently seeking experienced CAD Designers to fi ll challenging and fast-paced roles in the Prodrive team, based in Campbellfi eld, Victoria.

Candidates will need to demonstrate profi ciency in 3D and 2D design, as well as demonstrating suitable experience in one or more of the following areas:

• POWERTRAIN DESIGN • CHASSIS DESIGN • BODY AND TRIM DESIGN

CATIA V5 knowledge and experience is essential, as well as mechanical aptitude, project management skills, and the ability to work autonomously. A Mechanical Engineering or Product Design qualifi cation, or equivalent experience is essential.

LPG set to return to localwagon as GMH developsnew Commodore gas tank

Holden’s big LPG plansHolden’s big LPG plans

By RON HAMMERTONA NEW dedicated LPG system for Holden’s

Commodore range will dispense with the

conventional space-sapping boot-mounted

tank, not only paving the way for a return

to LPG in the Sportwagon but potentially

giving sedan and ute models a cargo

advantage over Ford’s new EcoLPi Falcon

and aftermarket systems.

The Holden Eco-branded system – mostly

engineered in-house – is set to get a tank tucked

under the back of the car when it replaces the

current dual-fuel system in the New Year.

Insiders say the new LPG Commodores will

lose no boot space, unlike

Ford’s just-released Falcon

EcoLPi sedan, which has a

shallower boot than petrol

models but also loses the full-size spare wheel

as standard equipment.

Although Holden is yet to spell out details

of its system, GoAuto understands it will

retain gaseous multi-point injection, unlike

the Orbital liquid injection system adopted

by Ford for the Falcon and Holden Special

Vehicles (HSV) for its E3 range.

Again available only with the Port

Melbourne-made 3.6-litre V6, the dedicated

system tuned only for LPG instead of the

compromised set-up for both petrol and LPG

will generate more power and torque than the

current 175kW/318Nm petrol/LPG engine.

However, it is unclear if the new

LPG Commodores will challenge the

198kW/409Nm outputs Ford has extracted

from its 4.0-litre EcoLPi engine, which

became an option across the Falcon range

this month.

Holden also is expected to bin the old

four-speed automatic transmission – a

hangover from the previous-

generation Commodore –

and step up to a six-speed

auto to bring it in line with

other Commodore models and match Ford’s

step up to a ZF six-speed self-shifter for its

EcoLPi range.

The improved transmission will not only

bring the LPG Commodore into the 21st

century in terms of driveability but also

improve fuel economy from the current 13.4

litres per 100km and perhaps match the new

EcoLPi Falcon XT’s 12.5L/100km.

The current Holden LPG engine – available

only on the entry-level Omega and mid-range

Berlina – is based on the original Alloytec 3.6-

litre V6 introduced in dual-fuel form on the

previous-generation VZ Commodore in 2005.

Back then, the system was also available

in the Commodore wagon, thanks to a donut-

shaped LPG tank that took the place of the

spare wheel under the cargo fl oor. The spare

wheel was instead mounted against one side

of the luggage compartment.

The original petrol tank was also retained,

with the engine capable of switching

between the two fuels for fl exibility and

extended range.

With the arrival of the VE model in

2006, the same dual-fuel engine continued

in LPG Commodore sedans and utes that

also retained the traditional cylindrical steel

LPG tank in the sedan’s boot and ute’s rear

tray – but LPG was discontinued in the new

Sportwagon due to packaging issues.

Now, Holden and its LPG tank supplier

appear to have engineered a solution with

a gas tank mounted under the back of

the Commodore, using the space usually

occupied by the petrol tank and apparently

without encroaching on boot space.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Berlina Sportwagon

July 27, 2011 Page 16

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Peugeot Australia studies case for Malaysian-built 408 sedan to be sold here

Malaysian 408 routeMalaysian 408 route

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISPEUGEOT is assessing the viability of

producing the 408 sedan in right-hand drive

form for export from Malaysia to other RHD

countries including Australia.

The 308-based 408 is a left-hand-drive-

only model for the time being, but could be

produced in RHD guise if there is enough

demand from nations like Australia, New

Zealand, South Africa and Japan.

Manufactured since early 2010 at the

Dongfeng Motor plant at Wuhan in Hubei

province in China as well as in Argentina,

the 408 has been designed to serve Asian,

Latin American and Eastern European

markets that prefer sedans to hatchbacks.

Essentially a booted 308 but with a body

and wheelbase that is 404mm and 100mm

longer respectively, the 408 is offered in

1.6 and 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine

guises, as well as with a 1.6-litre HDi turbo-

diesel for South American customers.

According to Peugeot Automobiles

Australia general manager Ken Thomas,

a decision will be made by the end of this

year, with Malaysian Peugeot distributor

Nasim set to build the 408 in that country in

the near future.

The company already assembles variants

of the 308 at its plant in Gurun.

If the 408 gets the RHD green light, it could

be available in Australia by late 2012, when it

would serve as a replacement for the outgoing

407 sedan in the company’s local line-up.

The deal would see Nasim receive

partially assembled 408s from PSA Peugeot

Citroen’s partner in China, before RHD

assembly was completed in Malaysia for

export across the ASEAN region.

In January 2010, the French car-maker

proclaimed Malaysia as the centre of its

Asia-Pacifi c hub (excluding China).

“The genesis of the 408 was essentially

out of the Asian markets because the Asian

markets essentially like their motor cars

with a boot, and so the 408 was created out

of that idea,” Mr Thomas told GoAuto.

“The wheelbase is a little longer than the

308’s, with more room in the back seat and

a bigger boot as well as a specifi cation level

that is quite high, so it’s not an entry-level

car, and there is slightly different design

with its own nose cone and so forth.

“But the process we are following at the

moment is that we will have to negotiate

Australian Design Rules in terms of its

compliance for Australia, and we’re in the

middle of that at the moment.

“Towards the end of the year we will be

in clearer air in terms of saying if the 408 is

going to happen for Australia.

“Primarily, 408 is built for a LHD market

… so for us to justify RHD production for

Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and

Japan, it obviously requires a great deal of

analysis and testing.

“But I think it will probably happen because

there is a lot of interest for the 408 in Malaysia.

The company there is saying there is a real

void in the market for a medium-sized three-

box car. They’ve done a lot of testing, and they

think they can do quite signifi cant volumes in

Malaysia, and they’re a RHD market.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERECase for ‘108’ – next page

July 27, 2011 Page 17

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By TERRY MARTINA MERGER between Fiat and Chrysler is

now anticipated after the Italian auto giant

last week took a majority shareholding in

Chrysler Group LLC by purchasing the US

treasury’s six per cent stake and the Canadian

government’s 1.5 per cent holding.

These were the last remaining US and

Canadian taxpayer interests in Chrysler

and now hand Fiat a 53.5 per cent share

in the Detroit car-maker – a stake that will

increase to 58.5 per cent later this year when

Fiat exercises its right to a further fi ve per

cent in return for putting into production a

fuel-effi cient car for Chrysler.

In a statement released on July 21, Fiat

said it had paid $US500 million for the

US government’s remaining stake and

$US125m for Canada’s share, and had

also paid the US treasury a further $75m

– $15m of which goes to Canada – for the

option of purchasing the remaining share in

Chrysler held by the United Auto Workers’

healthcare trust VEBA.

In a separate statement, the US treasury

highlighted how quickly it had untied its

multi-billion-dollar bailout of Chrysler,

which enabled the company to exit chapter 11

bankruptcy under Fiat control two years ago.

“With today’s closing, the US

government has exited its investment

in Chrysler at least six years earlier than

expected,” said assistant secretary for

fi nancial stability, Tim Massad.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Fiat takes majority share in ChryslerCase for ‘108’Case for ‘108’

Peugeot puts hand up for sub-208 micro to sell hereBy BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS

PEUGEOT Australia is investigating the

viability of a sub-B-segment hatch to slot in

beneath the forthcoming 208 after that car

arrives in the second half of next year.

Dubbed the 108 and due in Europe

from 2013 at the earliest, it would be a

replacement for the highly successful 107

series that dates back to 2005.

Like that car, the 108 will be produced

at a dedicated site at Kolin in the Czech

Republic with sister brand Citroen and

partner Toyota, which offer versions of the

107 as the C1 and Aygo respectively.

If given the green light for Australia, the

baby Peugeot will compete against the likes

of the expected Volkswagen Up, as well

as the established Suzuki Alto and Holden

Barina Spark.

The segment is also set to see the Kia

Picanto in the not-too-distant future, while

Skoda’s version of the Up is also under

consideration for Australia.

A decision is anticipated shortly, as Peugeot

Automobiles Australia will have to decide if

it will homologate the 108 for this country.

Three years ago, the existing 107 was

under consideration for sale Down Under,

but the cost and resources of meeting the

various Australian Design Rule processes

back then, combined with specifi cation

issues (including no automatic transmission

availability) and limited supply due to

consistently high demand in Europe, forced

PAA to put its baby-car plans aside.

Toyota did the majority of the Aygo/107/

C1 development after it and PSA Peugeot

Citroen announced the B-Zero program at

the 2002 Geneva motor show.

Sitting on a 2340mm wheelbase and with

a length of 3430mm, the 107 is considerably

smaller than its 207 sibling and is powered

by a choice of a Toyota-derived 1.0-litre

three-cylinder petrol engine or PSA 1.4-

litre turbo-diesel, driving the front wheels

via a fi ve-speed manual or automated

manual gearbox.

But the 108 will probably grow a little and

gain a range of new-generation convenience

and safety items to stay competitive in the

hotly contested sub-B class in Europe.

“It’s on the wish-list,” confi rmed PAA

general manager Ken Thomas.

“(The existing 107) wasn’t homologated

for Australia from the very beginning – not

that it couldn’t be, but it costs money. Plus

we couldn’t get an allocation of stock. The

timing was not right.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE US Fiat 500

10101071070111111111101010710701071071071070710710107107010710711071071071070

July 27, 2011 Page 18

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MY2012 Santa Fe turnsup in Korea as Hyundaiprepares for local launch

Santa Fe heads uptownSanta Fe heads uptown

By MARTON PETTENDYHYUNDAI has confi rmed the facelifted

MY2012 Santa Fe recently released in Korea

will soon also become available in Australia.

The 2012 model year upgrade for Hyundai’s

medium SUV contender comprises a number

of cosmetic enhancements both inside and

out, led by the addition of silver ‘slid plates’

for the front and rear bumpers.

Designed to take the Santa Fe more

upmarket, the refreshed seven-seat crossover

also features a new chromed grille with

‘fl oating’ Hyundai badge, revised headlights,

high-gloss black (instead of silver) roof rails

and, on premium versions, new machined-

face 18-inch fi ve-spoke alloy wheels.

Inside, top-shelf MY12 Santa Fe models

will also receive new suede leather seat trim

and fresh woodgrain centre stack and trim

highlights, plus the option of a heated steering

wheel, ventilated front seats and a new

satellite-navigation system with USB video

playback functionality.

As part of Hyundai’s desire to give its

mid-size crossover a more premium feel, all

upgraded Santa Fe variants should receive

leather seat upholstery, keyless entry and

starting, and remote-controlled power-

folding mirrors.

No mechanical changes are part of the

MY12 upgrade, which will follow last

month’s release of $1000-cheaper front-

wheel drive Santa Fe variants that also

brought V6 petrol power to the menu of

Hyundai’s seven-seat family wagon.

While the Santa Fe is also available

with a 2.0-litre diesel engine in Korea,

the previously all-AWD Australian

line-up became exclusively (2.2-litre

R-Series) diesel-powered when a major

midlife makeover was launched here in

November 2009.

Prior to that, the vastly superior second-

generation Santa Fe – fi rst released in

Australia in May 2006 – was also available

with 2.7-litre and, briefl y, 3.3-litre V6 petrol

engines, the latter in 2WD-only guise.

The 2012 Santa Fe has been launched with

signifi cant price reductions in Korea despite

its more upmarket features, but it remains

to be seen whether similar price cuts will be

applied in Australia, where the 2WD 3.5-

litre V6 SLX now opens the Santa Fe range

at $36,990 plus on-road costs.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Hyundai’s MY12 Sonata could herald fresh tweaks for i45 in AustraliaBy MARTON PETTENDY

THE short but busy life of Hyundai’s latest

medium sedan continues apace with the

release in Korea of an upgraded 2012 model

year Sonata, which could provide a glimpse

of what to expect for Australia’s i45.

Hyundai Motor Company Australia has

advised the MY2012 Sonata, released in

Korea on July 11, is a domestic market model

only and does not herald any changes for its

i45 in Australia for the foreseeable future.

However, it is likely that a number of

the MY12 Sonata’s new technologies will

eventually also be seen on Australia’s i45,

which was fi rst launched here in May 2010

before an MY11 version replaced it just fi ve

months later in October with revised suspension

following negative steering and ride quality

assessments by some media outlets.

In Korea, the Sonata’s cosmetic upgrade

brings a mildly revised grille design, subtle

new wing mirror styling, optional new 18-inch

multi-spoke alloy wheels and LED tail-lights

apparently inspired by the Sonata Hybrid’s.

Inside, there are higher-quality cabin

materials, revised trim options, a chilled

glovebox, LED reading lights and extra

standard features across the range.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

July 27, 2011 Page 19

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PERFORMANCE CONSULTING

New models, fresh lookand targeted campaigns set to push sales past 3K

Skoda set to expandSkoda set to expand

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISSKODA has revealed that its value-pricing

proposition is now in full swing as it strives

to steal sales from the established Japanese

and South Korean brands at the lower end of

the new-car market.

The fresh (to Australia) Fabia light car is just

the fi rst salvo fi red against the likes of Mazda

and Kia, with the long-awaited Yeti compact

SUV and the return of the Roomster wagon set

to expose the Czech brand to new consumers

in two of the more popular segments in this

country over the next 12 months.

Skoda Group Australia unveiled a revised

corporate logo and livery at the Australian

International Motor Show in Melbourne

earlier this month.

Company head Matthew Wiesner also

revealed to GoAuto plans to increase

Skoda’s current 55 per cent representation

of the new passenger and SUV market to

about 80 per cent by 2014, on the back of a

completely revamped model range.

As well as doubling sales from about 1650

annually to over 3000 by the end of 2012,

Skoda expects its newcomers to attract a far

greater proportion of younger and female

buyers.

Currently the ageing Octavia and offbeat

Superb have managed to carve a small

niche for themselves in the premium end of

their respective medium and large markets,

predominantly with an older demographic.

Besides the long-awaited Yeti due in

September, which Mr Wiesner expects will

easily become the top-selling Skoda in this

country, the Roomster will return in the

New Year with revised styling, a 1.2

TSI four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine

and DSG dual-clutch transmission as

standard, for about $25,000.

DSG, wagon and RS 132 TSI

performance versions of the

upcoming Fabia should also help

the VW Polo-based baby fulfi l its

potential as a versatile and interesting

light-car contender.

Even bigger news will be the release of

what may be Skoda’s most important model

to date for Australia – a four-door sedan and

elongated fi ve-door liftback in the mould of

the Mazda3.

Due to be unveiled in concept car form

at this year’s Frankfurt motor show in

September, with Australian sales slated from

about mid-2013 at the latest, the production

version of the still-secret Skoda small car

will probably leverage platform technology

from the next-generation Volkswagen Golf.

The company’s Vision D concept car

displayed at this year’s Geneva motor show

is thought to be a close approximation of

what the styling will be like – although the

overall proportions are expected to change.

Like the Octavia and Superb, the as-yet

unnamed C-segment player is designed

to provide class-leading passenger space,

practicality, standout styling and a high value

quotient within its segment structure to

help differentiate it from competition

from outside as well as within the

Volkswagen group of brands.

By the middle of this decade, the

next-generation – and well-overdue

– Octavia will arrive, growing in size

to refl ect its newfound positioning

against rivals such as the Ford

Mondeo while providing enough

breathing space for the C-segment small car.

Intriguingly, the smallest VW Group

vehicle to date – the VW Up – is also expected

to spawn a Skoda version and will be under

serious consideration for Australia.

Head of international sales Christian

Wiegel – who was also in Melbourne to

present the company’s new-look branding

and line-up – told us the so-called Skoda

“City Car” will present a unique opportunity

for the company to seize young car buyers.

“If it becomes available, we would like to

do it for sure,” he said. “We think Australia

is very urbanised and so it would be good to

get in early with a car like that, to help us

build and lead that market.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Matthew Wiesner

Yeti

Fabia Monte Carlo

July 27, 2011 Page 20

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Reborn Korean brand setto roll out production ute, new concepts in Frankfurt

Showtime for SsangYongShowtime for SsangYong

By RON HAMMERTONBORN-AGAIN South Korean motor

company SsangYong Motor will open a

window on its future at the Frankfurt motor

show in September when it pulls the covers

from a number of concept cars and the

production version of its new-generation ute to

replace the Actyon Sports, codenamed SUT1.

The concepts are likely to include more

Korando-based models, including another

electric concept, and possibly a fi ve-seat

range-extender hybrid vehicle smaller than

the Korando – as mooted by the company at

the Geneva motor show in March.

Although nothing is confi rmed, other show

candidates might be a big brother for the

Korando, a medium SUV codenamed D200

that is destined to replace both the Rexton and

Kyron in 2013, a range of small hatchback

and sedan passenger cars – possibly based on

the same architecture as the range-extender

hybrid car – or even a full-sized 4WD to

compete with the Toyota LandCruiser.

All of the above vehicles are known to have

been fl oating around the SsangYong future-

model holding pen awaiting a decision by

new owner Mahindra and Mahindra since

the Indian company rescued the bankrupt

Korean manufacturer by acquiring a 70 per

cent stake in March this year.

Only the SUT1 ute has been confi rmed for

Australia, with SsangYong importer Sime

Darby telling GoAuto that it would arrive

in local showrooms to replace the Actyon

Sports in the fi rst quarter of 2012.

The dual-cab fi ve-seat SUT1 – standing

for Sports Utility Truck – will join a raft of

new and revised entrants in the Australian

ute market, including a fl ock of Chinese-

made contenders from manufacturers such

as ZX Auto and Foton.

A number of names are said to be under

consideration for the new ute, which Sime

Darby says will not only have a new diesel

powertrain but deliver a much improved

driving experience.

The SUT1 was revealed in concept form

at Geneva, with SsangYong confi rming that

the new vehicle would retain the rugged

body-on-frame construction of the Actyon

Sports but gain the Korando’s new 2.0-litre

four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual

and automatic transmissions – the latter

designed and made by Australia’s Drivetrain

Systems International (DSI).

The Euro 5-compliant common-rail

diesel engine will be retuned for the SUT1

to deliver more of its 360Nm of peak torque

lower in the rev range, at the expense of

top-end power, down from 129kW in the

Korando to 114kW in the SUT1.

However, this is still an improvement over

the 104kW/310Nm of the current diesel in

the Actyon.

Also improved will be the ute’s

environmental footprint, with CO2 emissions

down from 212 grams per kilometre to 193g/

km in 2WD manual form. The new 4WD

variant is said to achieve about 198g/km.

News of the Frankfurt new-model push

by SsangYong this year surfaced in a media

release announcing a new UK distributor for

the brand, Bassadone Automotive Group.

The new importer said it expected

SsangYong to use Frankfurt to “showcase

a number of new-model concepts, while

SUT1, the sports utility pick up shown in

concept form at Geneva will also be seen in

market-ready form”.

It added: “In addition to the current model

line-up, SsangYong is actively working on

a number of new products, including range

extensions to Korando as well as an electric

vehicle. The fi rst of these will be seen at the

Frankfurt motor show in September.”

SsangYong has already shown two

electric vehicles based on the Korando at

South Korean motor shows – the Pure EV at

the 2010 Busan motor show and the KEV2

at the 2011 Seoul show in April.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

SUT1

KEV2

July 27, 2011 Page 21

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Aussie launch timing still unclear as Toyota’s latestYaris kicks off in Europe

Waiting for YarisWaiting for Yaris

Toyota sticks with hybrid agenda here, despite US EVs

By HAITHAM RAZAGUITOYOTA in the UK has announced pricing,

specifi cations and engine line-up for the

larger, more powerful but lighter and more

economical third-generation Yaris light

car months ahead of the model’s delayed

Australian launch.

With production underway in Europe, fi rst

deliveries of the redesigned three- and fi ve-

door Yaris range will reach UK customers in

September – as was planned for the Australian

market until it became clear that earthquake

and tsunami-related troubles would cause

delays at Toyota’s Nagakusa factory in Japan.

Toyota Australia public relations manager

Mike Breen told GoAuto the company

is expecting the Yaris to arrive here in

the fourth quarter – about a year after its

Japanese launch.

“We don’t want to put a stick in the ground

or we might build up expectations that we

can’t deliver on,” he said.

Mr Breen said Toyota was still to confi rm

exact timing.

Because the European Yaris is

manufactured at Toyota’s Valenciennes

factory in France, it is not subject to the

same delays.

UK pricing pitches the new Yaris – which

has been criticised in the British market

for being highly priced – from £11,170

($A16,727), a £440 ($A659) increase for

the base model, equivalent to $1737 more

expensive than the entry price currently

asked of Australians.

Mr Breen said it is still too early to

comment on Australian pricing. “Price

negotiations tend to go on until a week

before we do the launch,” he said. “We’re

always seeking a better price.”

Bigger but 30kg lighter and more

aerodynamic with revised engines and a

new ‘Multidrive S’ continuously variable

transmission (CVT) – with paddle-shift

manual override providing seven simulated

gear ratios – the new Yaris promises to offer

fuel and CO2 savings over its predecessor.

The Australian engine and specifi cation

line-up has not yet been announced but Mr

Breen confi rmed that the 1.5-litre engine

will live on and that there will be “some”

engine upgrades.

Japanese specifi cation sheets show the

1.5-litre engine to be available with the new

CVT automatic – which is bound to provide

fuel economy and emissions benefi ts over

the outgoing equivalent’s 6.7 litres per

100 kilometres and 160 grams of CO2 per

kilometre – but do not provide details of

whether there are any changes to the current

engine’s 80kW/141Nm outputs.

Almost a certainty for Australia is the

revised 1.3-litre petrol engine, which gets

dual variable valve control to lift peak power

and torque outputs to 72kW and 125Nm

respectively, an increase of 9kW and 4Nm

over the outgoing model.

Toyota claims the 1.3 petrol returns fuel

economy of 5.0L/100km and produces 118g/

km of CO2 when mated to the CVT automatic.

Some markets save even more fuel with the

fi tment of an idle-stop system but this variant

is not destined Down Under.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREMore reports – next page

By RON HAMMERTONTOYOTA Australia has no plans to

introduce the electric RAV4 EV or any

other pure-electric car in its current fi ve-

year plan.

As well, the Prius PHV (plug-in hybrid

vehicle) currently being trialled in Australia

is still under evaluation and not yet

confi rmed for sale in this market.

The RAV4 EV – developed jointly by

Toyota and EV partner Tesla Motors – has

been confi rmed for public sale in the United

States next year.

Despite reports that the battery-powered

RAV4 would be marketed only to fl eet and

car-sharing programs in the US, Toyota

Motor Sales USA has reconfi rmed that the

RAV4 EV will be offered for general sale.

It has also announced that it will offer an

all-electric version of its new Scion iQ city

runabout to fl eets and sharing programs

in the US from 2012, some months after

the introduction of the petrol version that

arrives in showrooms on the US west coast

this October ahead of a wider rollout.

But neither of these full-electric vehicles

are planned for Australia, according to

Toyota Australia public relations manager

Mike Breen.

“We are always looking at new models

to introduce, but we have no plans for

any electric vehicle, at least not in the

foreseeable future,” he said.

Mr Breen said Toyota did its product

planning fi ve years out, and that plan did

not include any pure EV.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

RAV4 EV

July 27, 2011 Page 22

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

FLEET SALES CONSULTANTQueensland’s largest Hyundai Dealer, a part of the James Frizelle’s Automotive Group, has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Fleet Sales Consultant. The potential is virtually endless with this brand and the scope of the role will cover 2 PMA’s.

Based out of Southport this position will also cover Tweed Heads, sourcing and prospecting new clients as well as strengthen the relationships we already have with well established clients.

You will need:Previous experience from a similar roleAn outgoing personality and lots of energy!Excellent communication and relationship building skillsProven prospecting ability and systems for fleet salesThe ability to work collaboratively with a New Vehicle Sales TeamWell refined sales and negotiation skills to close the dealThe personal drive to ensure customer satisfaction always meets expectationsA highly tuned focus on profit and sales objectivesBe eager to earn!!

If you are looking for the next big challenge in your career, them please email your cover letter and resume to:

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McKenzie25673

AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

Toyota’s iQ mini-cartakes on America via youthful Scion brand

Scion in US iQ testScion in US iQ test

Toyota details its latest life-saving safety technology

By HAITHAM RAZAGUITOYOTA’S diminutive iQ micro-car will

go on sale on the United States’ west coast

from October, wearing the Japanese giant’s

youth-oriented Scion branding as previewed

at last year’s New York motor show.

Pitched as a ‘premium micro-subcompact’,

the vehicle has touches consistent with the

Scion brand’s intended Gen-Y (or even Z)

audience, including racy-looking options

such as 16-inch alloys, lowered suspension,

front foglights, a rear spoiler and silver

exterior trim mouldings.

Pioneer-branded audio systems with outputs

for external amplifi ers and subwoofers add

further doof-doof street-cred.

Scion, which encourages customers

to customise their vehicles, also issued

photos of a body-kitted iQ, hinting at

the possibilities available through the

application of aftermarket accessories.

The iQ remains off the agenda for

Australia, with Toyota consistently

maintaining that no business case could be

made for the car, at least while it is built

only in high-cost manufacturing countries

such as Japan.

The 2985mm long iQ – claimed to be the

world’s smallest four-seater – will be priced

from $US15,265, making it the brand’s least

expensive model by $US565 in a range

where no model has a starting price above

$US19,000.

It will be rolled out across the rest

of the US from early next year, offered

exclusively with a 69kW 1.3-litre four-

cylinder petrol engine and continuously

variable transmission.

Compared with the fi ve-star (Euro NCAP)

European-market iQ, which has nine airbags

including one to protect the rear occupants

who sit close to the rear windscreen, the

US model gains a passenger knee-bag and

driver seat cushion airbag – bringing the

airbag count to 11.

The standard audio system, unlike

Europe’s sleek dash-top integrated CD

player, is a retro-looking, Pioneer-branded

160-watt CD-radio with Bluetooth and USB

connectivity, four standard speakers and

RCA output jacks for customers who want

to install their own subwoofer.

The unit is upgradable to a 200-watt

version with 5.8-inch touch-screen, internet

radio (when connected to an iPhone

through Bluetooth) and six RCA outputs for

additional amplifi ers and subwoofers.

The top-line infotainment system has a

seven-inch touch-screen, satellite-navigation

and a DVD player.

All three audio devices have steering

wheel controls, three pre-set equaliser

settings and can automatically vary the

sound volume according to road speed.

Toyota is hoping to target trendy city-

dwelling young drivers with the iQ, its

11 airbags as much a sales device as a

safety device.

Scion vice-president Jack Hollis said:

“The iQ is the fourth vehicle in the (Scion)

family, and it will defi ne the premium micro-

subcompact segment as the choice for new

urbanites who want clever transportation

without a sacrifi ce in style or new features.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

By RON HAMMERTONA COLLISION avoidance system that

not only automatically brakes the car

but also steers away from trouble, and

a steering wheel that can detect a driver

heart attack, are among safety technologies

foreshadowed by Toyota at its safety testing

facility near Mount Fuji, Japan.

The Japanese giant is keen to show that

it can mix it with the best on life-saving

equipment advances as it seeks to repair

its bruised reputation after a rash of safety

recalls over the past two years.

However, Toyota gave no timetable for

the introduction of any of the systems, nor

any indication of what models they might

fi rst appear on.

The company showed off systems

designed to avoid rear-end, pedestrian and

lane-departure collisions – most of which

have surfaced in one form or another

at other companies such as Volvo and

Mercedes-Benz.

But Toyota said the systems were being

developed to detect a broad range of

obstacles, including approaching vehicles,

and initiate avoidance measures, including

steering changes to “navigate a safe route”.

Obstacles, including pedestrians, are

detected by a combination of radar and

stereo cameras – apparently in the same way

as Volvo’s pioneering system on its S60.

Infrared beams enhance visibility at night.

Toyota said it hoped to commercialise its

emergency-response technology that can

detect cardiovascular irregularity through

sensors on the steering wheel.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Toyota crash test

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July 27, 2011 Page 23

Aussie owners rate Volvoand Renault best in latestMorgan satisfaction study

By MIKE COSTELLOVOLVO and Renault drivers are the

most satisfi ed owners of European cars in

Australia, according to Roy Morgan’s latest

Automotive Currency Report.

The survey, in which Citroen and Saab

owners emerged the least satisfi ed, asked

2805 drivers of European cars Down

Under how satisfi ed or dissatisfi ed they

were with their car, inviting fi ve responses

ranging between ‘very satisfi ed’ and ‘very

dissatisfi ed’.

Conducted in the 12 months to March

2011, the study found 94 per cent of

Volvo and Renault drivers were either

very satisfi ed or fairly satisfi ed with their

ownership experience.

This fi gure was four points higher than the

overall average of 90 per cent achieved by

11 European car brands from fi ve different

countries, including Germany, Sweden,

France, Italy and the UK.

The fi ndings represent a marginal

improvement for both companies over the

previous survey conducted in 2005-06, with

Volvo jumping from equal fourth place (92

per cent) and Renault moving from equal

second (93 per cent).

The overall average of all European

manufacturers is down two percentage

points from the results of this previous

study, with Mercedes-Benz (third place

with 93 per cent satisfaction) the only other

car-maker to make gains over the period.

Another French company, Peugeot, was

the fourth best performing brand with 92

per cent (down from 93 per cent), while

previous winner Audi fell to fi fth place with

a 91 per cent satisfaction rating (previously

95 per cent).

The lone Italian contender, Alfa Romeo,

joined Audi on 91 per cent satisfaction

(down from 93 per cent), while German giant

Volkswagen matched the overall average of

90 per cent (down from 91 per cent).

Fellow German brand BMW and Indian-

owned Land Rover registered below-

average satisfaction ratings of 89 per cent

(both down from 92 per cent previously).

Rounding out the fi eld were French car-

maker Citroen and beleaguered Swedish

company Saab – which only recently

recommenced Australian sales – with

satisfaction ratings of 82 per cent.

This represented a drop of 10 per cent

for Citroen from its 2006 result, while

Saab also fared the worst of the 11 brands

in the previous study with an 87 per cent

satisfaction rating fi ve years ago.

The cars in the survey relate to existing

owners and are not restricted to recent

purchases, meaning the test features a wide

array of vehicles. All drivers involved in the

study were aged 18 or over.

The report estimated that there are

currently 14.9 million drivers on Australian

roads, approximately one million of whom

sit behind the wheel of a European car.

This fi gure represents an increase of

45 per cent over the fi ve years since the

previous Roy Morgan report on the same

subject, which took place between April

2005 and March 2006.

Roy Morgan’s industry communications

director Norman Morris said that vehicle

satisfaction ratings are one of the main drivers

of brand loyalty and are therefore an important

statistic for manufacturers to be aware of.

“This is an excellent result for Volvo,

who has also decreased their total driver

dissatisfaction fi gure over the same

timeframe,” he said. “Also doing well is

niche importer Renault, moving from equal

second overall in 2006 to now sit equal with

Volvo in top spot.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

European satisfactionEuropean satisfaction

Average Volvo Renault Merc-Benz

Peugeot Audi Alfa VW BMW Land Rover

Citroen Saab70%

75%

80%

85%

90%

95%

100%

2006 2011

SourSource:ce: RoyRoy MorgMorgan San Singlingle Soe Sourceurce (Au (Aust)st)

European Importer Satisfaction

1300 66 11 33

www.dealersolutions.com.au

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July 27, 2011 Page 24Green issues in the auto world

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By RON HAMMERTONGENERAL Motors is about to embark on

a world-fi rst trial of smart-grid electric car

charging in real-world conditions, using

its OnStar telematics system to connect

hundreds of Chevrolet Volts with power

companies to manage the fl ow of electricity.

Starting in the next few weeks, the system

will use mobile phone technology to allow

the electricity suppliers to monitor charging

of the Volt’s lithium-ion batteries and – with

the permission of the owners – potentially

adjust the fl ow of electricity according to

demand on the grid.

Smart charging is seen as an essential step

towards automotive electrifi cation, managing

peak load on the grid and increasing energy

effi ciency. Drivers will get a reduced

electricity tariff in return for allowing their

cars to be monitored by the power company.

GM says the pilot program will involve

employees of regional utility companies,

with vital data being collected on vehicle

use and charging patterns ahead of a

potential wider rollout of the system.

With customer permission, the overall

charge levels of each Volt, as well as

charging history – by time and location –

will be provided via OnStar to the utility

company without the vehicle having to be

connected to a charging station.

GM says this will help the electricity company

forecast demand, set rates and determine the

best locations for charging infrastructure.

The utility will also be able to actively

manage EV charging for those who opt

into the service. The utility can then reduce

peak loads by offering discounts or other

incentives to encourage drivers to charge

their EVs when overall electricity demand is

lowest, typically in the early morning hours.

OnStar vice-president of planning and

business development Nick Pudar said:

“Through this pilot we will see real-time

results on how intelligent energy management

can maximise EV charging effi ciency and

minimise the electric bill for EV drivers.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

World-fi rst smart-chargepilot program set to rollwith GM’s US Volt fl eet

Volt charges aheadVolt charges ahead

Top Australian gearbox engineer believes future EVs should shift up a gearBy IAN PORTER

LEADING Australian transmission

engineer Ric Tamba believes that future

electric vehicles should be developed

with two-speed rather than one-speed

transmissions.

While he concedes that electric car designers

have so far chosen to demonstrate the

exceptional torque characteristics of electric

motors by using only one forward gear, Mr

Tamba claims he has proven that having two

forward gears will improve acceleration for

the same amount of electricity and could also

help keep costs down.

“We have done some tests on the Mini,

comparing the 88kW petrol model to an

electric version fi tted with an 88kW electric

motor,” he told GoAuto after addressing

an AutoCRC technical conference in

Melbourne earlier this month.

“With a single-speed transmission, the

electric Mini was slower. But when we

installed a two-speed gearbox, it was much

faster than the petrol model.

“We then installed a 70kW electric motor,

and the single-speed version was slower

again. When fi tted with the two-speed

transmission this car was, of course, slower

than the 88kW car with two speeds (but) it

was still faster than the petrol car.”

Mr Tamba said this meant car-makers

could save money by using a smaller

electric motor and batteries.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

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July 27, 2011 Page 25GoAuto Personnel

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JAGUAR LAND ROVER APPOINTS ASIA-PACIFIC AFTERSALES DIRECTORBy HAITHAM RAZAGUI

JAGUAR Land Rover (JLR) Australia has

appointed Cameron Mitchell to the newly-

created role of After Sales Director – Asia-

Pacifi c, starting August 1.

Responsible for identifying Asia-

Pacifi c-specifi c market requirements and

conditions, Scottish-born Mr Mitchell

will help develop and implement a global

customer service strategy and business plan

in the Asia-Pacifi c region.

A 15-year JLR/Ford Premier Automotive

Group (PAG) veteran, Mr Mitchell has more

than 25 years’ experience in retail, product

development and customer

services, including time

working as a business

development manager for

PAG in Japan.

Having variously worked

for JLR/PAG as a parts

supply manager, vehicle

line manager and warranty

operations manager, Mr

Cameron has built up a detailed knowledge

of warranty operations, parts supply and

logistics processes, plus extensive experience

in ‘dealer facing technical roles’.

Educated to Masters level in

manufacturing, management and technology

and with a diploma in automotive

engineering management, Mr Mitchell

spent six years as a vehicle technician in

his early career, including Porsche racecar

preparation for British specialist Autofarm.

Under JLR’s new regional structure

announced in December last year, Mr

Mitchell will report to Jaguar Land Rover

Asia-Pacifi c managing director David

Blackhall. Mr Mitchell and his family will

move to Sydney from their home near JLR’s

global headquarters in Gaydon.

Cameron Mitchell

By TERRY MARTINGERMAN parts supplier ZF

Friedrichshafen AG has named Stefan

Sommer as its incoming chief executive,

succeeding Hans-Georg Haerter who will

retire at the end of April next year.

Dr Sommer, 48, worked for Continental

AG for a decade before

joining ZF in 2008 as head

of the suspension division

of subsidiary ZF Sachs AG.

In October 2010, he was

appointed to the ZF board,

with responsibility for

supply chain management

and purchasing.

In recent months Dr

Sommer has also overseen

the global company’s strategic restructuring

program. He will become deputy CEO on

January 1, 2012, while the 66-year-old

Mr Haerter – who recently prolonged his

contract, due to expire at the end of this

year – will gradually hand over the business

before retiring on April 30.

ZF supervisory board chairman Giorgio

Behr said the move “does not mean a real

changeover”.

“On the contrary, it is a clear sign of

continuity,” he said. “Stefan Sommer

contributes his profound knowledge of the

supplier industry which he gained from diverse

top management functions at Conti and ZF.”

Mr Haerter said he was pleased with the

succession strategy, particularly given Dr

Sommer’s work in electro-mobility.

“As head of materials management of

ZF Friedrichshafen AG, he knows about

the market conditions of

the strategically important

topics of lightweight

design and electro-

mobility,” he said.

Dr Sommer studied

mechanical engineering

and in 1994 joined ITT

Automotive Europe

GmbH in Frankfurt as a

development engineer.

He moved to Continental in 1997 and was

initially responsible for the development

of electronics and sensors at Continental

Automotive Systems in Hannover.

In 2000, he became head of development

for electronic pneumatic suspension systems,

and three years later switched to Continental

Temic in Ingolstadt, where he was head of the

occupant protection systems department.

In 2005, Dr Sommer transferred to

Continental Automotive Systems in Frankfurt,

where he managed electronic brake systems

until moving to ZF in mid-2008.

VOLKSWAGEN has reassigned Seat

design director Luc Donckerwolke as

head of advanced design for the entire

Volkswagen Group, effective August 1.

Reporting to global design chief Walter

de Silva, Mr Donckerwolke, 46, brings 19

years’ design experience with VW and its

subsidiaries to the role,

including head of design

at Seat (2005-2011) and

Lamborghini (2003-

2005).

The move will see

Mr Donckerwolke turn

out new concepts for

the Volkswagen Group,

reshaping the future

look of vehicles from

the European auto giant as he has done

in recent years with Seat – as seen in the

2008 Seat Bocanegra and 2007 Seat Tribu

– and which he did with Lamborghini with

models such as the Gallardo.

Mr Donckerwolke joined VW in 1992

and subsequently moved between the

Audi and Skoda brands over the next six

years, rising to become studio director at

Ingolstadt before being appointed design

project manager at Lamborghini in 1998.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

ZF NAMES SOMMER AS INCOMING CEO

Stefan Sommer

Hans-GeorgHaerter

VW DESIGN MOVES

Luc Donckerwolke

For more information please call 1300 666 562 or visit www.motorstaff.com.au

Australia’s No.1

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for your business.”

Motor Recruitment Specialist

George Hennessy

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July 27, 2011 Page 26

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

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

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4T MultiAir 5-dr hatch

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

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

NEW INFINITI JX TEASEINFINITI has released a fourth teaser shot of its

forthcoming JX seven-seat SUV, confi rming

that it will adopt the quirky ‘crescent cut’

C-pillar treatment previewed by the brand’s

recent Essence and Etherea concepts.

The new image, taken from the rear three-

quarter, emphasises the unusually shaped

rear window and pillar and the pronounced

wedged side sills, styling features fi rst

indicated by a rough sketch of the JX

released in April.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

DO YOU fancy a spacious and stylish hatch with a bit of luxury but don’t care to join the hordes of up-spec Mazda3 and VW Golf drivers out there? Believe it or not, your Alfa Romeo dealer may have just the (super) model you’re looking for, for the Giulietta is a grown-up go-kart with verve and style to spare. It’s too soon to make a reliability call of course, but on the strength of its packaging, driveability and effi ciency, this Italian makes for an unexpectedly capable sub-$40K contender.

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NAVARA ST-X RECALLNISSAN is recalling more than 29,000 Navara

ST-X dual-cab utes in Australia over a potential

issue that could cause cracks to form in the

outer spokes of their alloy wheels.

VOLVO BOOSTS XC60VOLVO has given its top-selling XC60 SUV

more equipment, greater safety, broader

range and improved diesel performance and

effi ciency for the 2012 model year, just four

months after its 2011 XC60 shake-up.

Prices also have been hiked, but Volvo Car

Australia says the rises are more than offset

by improvements in standard equipment that

now includes a rearvision camera, power-

operated tailgate and upgraded multi-media

systems on all models.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

SAAB SAGA ROLLS ONSAAB Automobile is pressing ahead

with plans to make cars in China, even

as eight Scandinavian suppliers enlist

Sweden’s Debt Enforcement Agency to

collect unpaid bills from the troubled car-

maker whose four-month-long production

shutdown is now set to roll on to at least

the end of August.

Cash-strapped Saab has blamed the latest

production delay at its Trollhattan plant on

the industry-wide summer break, saying

certain key parts-makers could not supply

in time for Saab to resume production on

August 9 as previously scheduled.

ALL SET FOR LEXUS GSLEXUS has announced it will reveal its

highly anticipated fourth-generation GS sedan

on August 18 at the famed Pebble Beach

Concours d’Elegance in the United States.

Based on the LF-Gh concept car that

appeared at the recent Melbourne motor

show, the new large Lexus sedan will be

revealed in GS350 form – fi tted with a

new 3.5-litre V6 engine driving through a

six-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid

version is expected to follow soon after at the

Frankfurt motor show in mid-September.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

BMW, AUDI ON TRACKAFTER an 18-year hiatus, BMW will return

to the European Deutsche Tourenwagen-

Meisterschaft (DTM) race series next year

with an M3 Coupe-styled racecar.

The Bavarian marque’s comeback means

touring car fans will once more be able to enjoy

the spectacle of the big three German premium

brands in a three-way battle on bitumen.

Co-founder of AMG and chairman of

DTM’s umbrella organisation ITR eV, Hans

Werner Aufrecht, said: “I am personally

looking forward to again seeing the three

premium brands of Audi, BMW and

Mercedes-Benz competing against each

other on the racetrack. Our fans have waited

a long time for this.”

LF-Gh