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SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com ADVERTISE: Steve Butcher Ph: 0419 562 110 ads@mellor.net
May 9, 2012 No. 629
GoAuto News
John Mellors
Australias No.1 Automotive Industry Journal 70,000 Readers Weekly
THE NEW CASTROL PROFESSIONAL RANGE IS NOW
BETTER THAN EVER. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE.
Bound for the USA
Rampant dollar relegates Holden-built Chevy SS to niche export role for now
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By RON HAMMERTON
GM HOLDENS planned Chevrolet
sports sedan export program to North
America is expected to yield only
small volumes, at least while the high
Australian dollar is strangling the trans-
Pacic vehicle export trade.
Although still to be ofcially
conrmed, GM sources have indicated
to GoAuto that the much-rumoured
Commodore-based Chevrolet SS
(SuperSport) is a goer for the United
States and Canada.
However, with the landed cost in
California likely to be higher than ideal,
the vehicle is set to play only a niche
role in Chevrolets model line-up.
Any big llip for Holden exports
was publicly ruled out by Holden chief
nancial ofcer George Kapitelli this
week when he told journalists during
the companys 2011 nancial results
announcement: While we see export
continuing and having a role, we dont
expect export sales to signicantly
grow into the future.
The AUD-USD exchange rate was
sitting at 1.02 cents yesterday, and while
that is down from its highs of about 1.08
in February, Holden will be hoping for
further easing in the Aussie against the
greenback between now and the start of
shipments, probably next year.
Ofcially, Holden and its American
parent company are keeping the
announcement of the vehicle export
program under wraps, although
American magazines and blogs are
awash with reports of the rear-drive
V8 sedan and potential Ute and
Sportwagon in Chevrolet showrooms
from 2013 as a 2014 model.
The high-performance sedan is set
to carry the bow-tie brands hopes in
the 2013 NASCAR series, with the
company saying the racecar replacing
the Chevrolet Impala as GMs weapon
of choice in Americas most popular
form of motorsport will wear an all-
new nameplate.
GM last month registered the SS
name with the US Patent and Trademark
Ofce, while the US Autoblog
reports that GMs in-car satellite
communication service, OnStar, has
already listed a 2014 SS Performance
model on its list of compatible cars.
The Chevrolet SS will be shipped
from Holdens Elizabeth plant in
South Australia to the US alongside
the Holden-made Chevrolet Caprice
Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) based on
the long-wheelbase Holden Caprice
and tted out for North American
security forces.
Exchange rate pressures on the PPV
export program have limited sales since
deliveries started 12 months ago, with a
total of 1422 Caprice PPVs registered
in the US over the past year.
Continued next page
DRIVEN
NEW BENZ SUV
IS A CLASS ACT
May 9, 2012 Page 2
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John Mellors
Bound for the USA
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PUBLISHER: John Mellor
EDITOR: Terry Martin
MANAGING EDITOR: Ron Hammerton
JOURNALISTS: Haitham Razagui, Mike Costello,
Byron Mathioudakis, James Stanford
PRODUCTION: Luc Britten
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GoAuto News
John Mellors
Continued from previous page
However, the Caprice PPV notched
up one of its best sales months in April,
with 174 deliveries as Chevrolet lled
outstanding orders from police forces in
the US, equating to an annualised sales
rate of about 2000 units.
Last year, Holden exported 12,068
vehicles to the US, Middle East, New
Zealand, South Africa and Brazil, and
while that represented a 54.3 per cent
increase on 2010 levels, it was well
short of 2007 when Holden shipped
more than 36,000 units to overseas
markets, including the Middle East.
Despite the prospect of small
numbers, Holden and Chevrolet are
pressing ahead with the civilian version
of the Commodore, the Chevrolet SS,
which effectively replaces the ill-fated
Pontiac G8, a Commodore-based sedan
that was skittled by the global nancial
crisis and GMs slide into chapter
11 bankruptcy that signed the death
warrant of the Pontiac brand.
Mr Kapitelli said domestic demand
remained the priority for Holden.
We are always looking for (export)
opportunities, he said. That fact is
the high Australian dollar makes it very
difcult to realise those opportunities.
It was pleasing that year on year,
we were able to grow exports by above
50 per cent (in 2011), but in reality, we
focus the business to predominantly
focus on domestic demand.
So while we see export continuing
and having a role, we dont expect
export sales to signicantly grow into
the future.
US magazine Car and Driver says
the Caprice SS due next year will ride
on the current Holden-developed Zeta
platform that already underpins the
Commodore, Caprice and Canadian-
built Chevrolet Camaro.
It says, however, that the Chevrolet
SS will migrate to a new, lighter version
of the platform when it arrives in 2015.
That lightweight chassis will also
carry Holdens new-generation VF
Commodore and related Caprice for
Australian customers, thanks to a light-
weighting program funded in part by the
Australian government under its now-
defunct Green Car Innovation Fund.
Car and Driver suggests that
production of the Chevrolet SS and
Caprice PPV will then shift to North
America, but Holden has ofcially
ruled that out, saying North American
production of any of these vehicles has
never been considered.
Unconrmed reports say the
Chevrolet SS will be powered not
by the Gen 4 6.0-litre V8 used in the
Commodore SS but by the 6.2-litre LS3
V8 as tted to Holden Special Vehicles
ClubSport R8 and Maloo, as well as
the Aussie-made UK export model, the
Vauxhall VXR8.
Although power rating speculation
varies, most reports say the Chevrolet
SS will have at least 400 horsepower
(298kW) 28kW more than the
Commodore SS.
Car and Driver speculates the engine
will be same 317kW tune as the unit
used in the Camaro SS muscle-car.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Holden remains in black next page
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
May 9, 2012 Page 3
GoAuto News
John Mellors
AUTOMOTIVE PERSONNEL
INTERNATIONAL
DRIVING THE MOTOR INDUSTRY Worldwide Recruitment
info@automotivepersonnel.com.au www.automotivepersonnel.com.au
Suite 211, Level 2 / 80 William Street, East Sydney, NSW 2011 Phone 02 9331 3477
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Cruze helps Holden to an
$89.7 million prot after
government funding of...
Holden remains in black
Jobs go at CMI but Campbelleld workers safe for now due to increased orders
By HAITHAM RAZAGUI
THE receiver of stricken Ford
component supplier CMI Industrial,
the collapse of which resulted in
Ford temporarily halting Falcon and
Territory production late last month,
announced the lay-off of 44 workers
last week.
None of the redundancies took
place at CMIs Campbelleld site that
supplies Ford.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers
Union (AMWU) told GoAuto that plans
to sack 10 employees there have been put
on hold due to increased orders.
Ford-appointed receivers McGrathNicol
said the redundancies were made at CMIs
Ballarat site, which makes metal clips and
fasteners, and its West Footscray metal
forging facility.
McGrathNicols decision to lay off
workers during the administration
period, before the company is
liquidated, has proved controversial
as it can delay Government Employee
Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme
(GEERS) payments to workers.
At worst, the move could render
sacked employees ineligible for the
payments if CMI is not eventually
liquidated.
By RON HAMMERTON
GM HOLDEN has recorded its second
successive annual prot, thanks to its
successful locally made Cruze small
car, cost reduction and Australian
taxpayers.
The 2011 after-tax result of $89.7
million announced on Monday was
identical to federal government
assistance dished out to the local
car-maker under the Automotive
Transformation Scheme (ATS) last
year.
Putting the matching gures down
to coincidence, the company said it
was too simplistic to say that it would
have only broken even without the
$89.7 million in co-investment funding
from Canberra, adding that the scheme
required Holden to tip in a considerable
investment in local product and
manufacturing programs.
The prot in the year ending
December 31 represented a 20 per cent
decline on the 2010 result, when GM
Holden stormed back into the black
with a $112 million prot its rst
positive return after ve years of red
ink with accumulated losses of $576
million.
The latest prot was made on
consolidated revenue of $4.3 billion,
slightly down on 2010s $4.4 million
a decline blamed on a slip in sales of
Holdens locally made large car, the
Commodore, and stock shortages of
some imported models.
Describing the result as solid, GM
Holden chief nancial ofcer George
Kapitelli attributed the prot to the
success of the locally assembled Cruze
small car and a leaner cost structure.
Mr Kapitelli told journalists that the
Cruze manufacturing operation was
protable, but more importantly helped
to make Holdens local manufacturing
business sustainable.
Continued next page
Cruze
May 9, 2012 Page 4
GoAuto News
John Mellors
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Put yourself
i n the picture.
By RON HAMMERTON
NORTH American car buyers saved
the day for General Motors in the rst
quarter of this year, helping to drive
a $US1 billion ($A973b) quarterly
global prot against strong nancial
headwinds in Europe.
GMs worldwide sales volumes
and revenue were both up, but the
celebration was sullied by the results
from GM Europe, which racked up
a $US256 million ($A249m) loss,
compared with a break-even result in
the same period last year.
The bleak European result made
worse by a $590 million goodwill
impairment charge related to worker
pensions helped to drag the GM
global result down from $3.2 billion
last year.
GMs European vehicle sales
mainly Opel and Vauxhall cars fell
eight per cent compared with Q1 last
year, while GM revenue in the region
fell from $6.8 billion to $5.5 billion,
falling behind the revenue produced
by the China-driven GM International
Operations (GMIO) for the rst time.
GM posts $US1b prot
in Q1, despite Euro woes
Holden in black
Local car-makers face tough
economic conditions with the high
Australian dollar, higher prices and
disruption in the local supply base
and increasing competition and
segmentation in the market, he said.
After the nancial crisis we reshaped
our business to improve structural cost,
reduce our reliance on exports and
bring the Cruze into local production
so we could continue to make cars in
Australia. Now around 60 per cent of
our Australian sales are Australian-
made cars, this is a great result.
Were running our business
responsibly and sustainably for the
long-term. Were making a strategic
contribution to Australia, were
committed to advanced manufacturing
in this country and were committed
to creating new opportunities for
suppliers.
Mr Kapitelli said Holden faced
headwinds in the form of the high
Australia dollar that gave importers an
advantage and disadvantaged exporters.
He said Holden was also challenged
by a lack of stability in its supplier base,
with a number of parts-makers ghting
for survival.
Mr Kapitelli said Holden was working
with suppliers to develop a more
robust supply chain, not just for local
manufacturing but for exports as well.
More reports page 10-11, 23
Cruze production
May 9, 2012 Page 5
GoAuto News
John Mellors
District Parts & Service Manager
Kia Motors is one of the worlds fastest growing motor vehicle
manufacturers represented in over 172 countries across the
globe. With a Dealer Network of over 120, and its commitment
to the long-term future and continuous growth of the brand in
Australia, an exciting opportunity has arisen reporting to the
Regional Manager, Eastern Region, based in the Head Offce
at Homebush, NSW.
This integral role will present the successful candidate with many
diverse challenges in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Some of your key responsibilities will include:
Customer Service and Technical Support.
Parts and Accessories Sales.
Inventory Control and Warranty.
To be successful for this role you will have the following skills
and experience:
Qualifcations in a Technical discipline.
Experience in a wholesale or retail automotive environment.
Strong communication skills and business acumen.
Ability to converse with stakeholders across all business
functions.
Establishing effective relationships with Dealers in both Metro
and Rural regions.
Profcient in Microsoft Offce.
Valid current drivers license.
Kia offers a competitive salary and all relevant tools-of-trade;
laptop, mobile and fully-maintained car.
Global automotive brand Homebush-based
If this sounds like something you would be interested in please send your current resum and cover letter
to email: opportunities@kia.com.au. For conhdential enquiries contact Human Resources on (02) 9701 1700.
Applications close Friday 18th May 2012. NO AGENCIES PLEASE
Atention Afer Sale Proeionals!
Swedish brand set to take
another big leap forward
with new V40 hatchback
Volvo makes its mark
By RON HAMMERTON
VOLVO says generational change
and not just in its showroom range
is erasing its damaging bloody Volvo
driver image in Australia.
Volvo Car Australia managing
director Matt Braid said its research
showed younger Australian motorists
had fewer hang-ups with Volvo, judging
the company on the mechanical merits
of its products, not the brand image
that was often considered staid by older
drivers who had not experienced the
latest Volvo range.
He said Volvos upcoming all-new
luxury hatchback, the V40, would help
to attract even more younger customers
into Volvo showrooms, accelerating the
overall appeal of the Swedish car-maker.
Mr Braid revealed that one in every
two potential customers who test-
drove a Volvo ended up buying one a
conversion rate that he said was at the
upper end in the industry.
Customers who put their bums on
the seats are very pleasantly surprised,
he said.
Mr Braid said the unwarranted
image of Volvo as an old persons car
was peculiar to Australia, and was
perpetuated by the media.
He said the new mid-size S60 sedan
and Volvos luxury SUVs the XC60,
XC90 and XC70 had helped to dispel
the myth of boring Volvos.
This elevation of the Volvo image
would continue with the new V40 a
competitor for entry-level European
cars such as the BMW 1 Series, Audi
A3 and upcoming Mercedes-Benz
A-class which he described as a true
luxury hatchback.
Mr Braid said he expected V40 to have a
high conquest rate, drawing a new clientele
looking to either step up from, for example,
Japanese cars, or down from larger luxury
vehicles of other European brands.
He said this would have a positive
effect on Volvos image while also
providing Volvo with a new generation
of drivers willing to step up through the
range over time.
But Mr Braid said Volvo was not
making huge predictions for V40 sales,
saying the new model would add volume
and help us grow, but not massively.
We are conservative about the extent
of the growth, he said, adding that the
market segment facing the V40 was
tough, with a lot of fresh entrants.
V40
V40
May 9, 2012 Page 6
GoAuto News
John Mellors
DISTRICT AFTER SALES MANAGER
AUSTRALIAS NO. 1 CAR COMPANY
FANTASTIC CAREER OPPORTUNITY
ADELAIDE LOCATION
Toyota, Australias leading car manufacturer, currently has an exciting opportunity in our Adelaide ofce in the role
of District After Sales Manager. Working with our Regional After Sales & Operations Manager and our After Sales
team, you will be able to use your superior negotiation skills, communication skills and analytical ability to achieve
Toyota sales objectives, including targeted volume, service market share, customer satisfaction, and dealership
proftability. Your keen eye for detail, dedication to continuous improvement, and outside of the boxthinking will
be assets in supporting and adding value to the After Sales team and our dealer network.
Key responsibilities:
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Please send your resum to: sydneyrecruitment@toyota.com.au. Closing date 25th May 2012.
Big slice of sales growth
to come via downsizers
and new compact models
Mercedes maps out future
By HAITHAM RAZAGUI
MERCEDES-BENZ expects sales in
Australia to grow over the next ve years
as it introduces a range of new compact
models that it says will eventually
account for about a third of its volume.
Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacic
product manager Gordon Jones told
GoAuto at the launch of the new-
generation M-Class SUV last week that
sales will climb as the brands focus
shifts from traditionally large luxury
vehicles to more affordable products
with lower running costs.
Our range had been predominantly
skewed to high-displacement, high-
output engines, so there is growth in an
emphasis on having a more balanced
portfolio of products, he said.
The compact car families are where
our growth is going to come from. It
will certainly account for a third of our
volume in the long term.
Mercedes will also target downsizers
who require smaller, more efcient cars
but are not willing to downgrade on
technology, luxury or performance.
People dont want to compromise
their standards, said Mr Jones. They
understand they might have to cut
down to size, but they dont want to
compromise on performance, so while
the engines and vehicles are perhaps
downsizing, the performance and
interiors are not.
The new products will be spawned
from the MFA platform that underpins
the latest B-Class and upcoming
A-Class, starting with the coupe-styled
CLA compact sedan previewed by the
CLC concept at the Beijing motor show
last month.
The CLA is expected to launch in
Australia shortly after the A-Class in
the rst quarter of next year.
Mr Jones conrmed a new crossover
to take on the popular Audi Q3 and
BMW X1 dubbed GLC is also on
the way and expected to arrive in 2014.
There is something similar to a GLC
on the platform, he said. It is a little
further out, but it does exist.
In addition to the A-Class, B-Class,
CLA and GLC, other potential uses for
the MFA platform include a shooting
brake wagon and a sub-SLK roadster
or coupe.
Mr Jones spoke of the challenges of
increasing sales in a mature, relatively
stable market like Australia, where
growth requires pinching conquest
sales from other brands.
Smarts time is coming next page
CLC concept
A-Class
May 9, 2012 Page 7
GoAuto News
John Mellors
ARFA SA[FS MAPAEFR
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Electric Smart and other
future models bode well
for Benz mini-car brand
Smarts time is coming
By HAITHAM RAZAGUI
MERCEDES-BENZ Australia/Pacic
remains committed to the Smart micro-
car brand, even though it has registered
just 44 sales this year down 40.5 per
cent
The company says Smarts time in
Australia is fast approaching due to
increased city congestion and greater
public acceptance of smaller cars
and is talking with its German head
ofce about an all-electric version for
Australian sale.
Speaking at last weeks M-class SUV
launch, Mercedes-Benz Aust/Pac senior
manager of corporate communications
David McCarthy admitted the brands
sole offering in this market, the ForTwo,
had struggled against the Australian
preference for larger cars, as well as a
relatively high price (from $19,990 plus
on-road costs).
He also cited the limitations of its two-
seater conguration, ride quality issues
and theoretical parking advantages that
seldom apply in real-world scenarios
as reasons why it did not sell in higher
numbers.
Mr McCarthy added that because
of Smarts distinctive nature, public
awareness was already high, so
increasing the local marketing spend
was unlikely to provide worthwhile
return on investment.
As well, requests to the factory for
more production slots would require
long-term planning.
However, he did not accept the
argument that decent sales of sub-light
cars such as the Suzuki Alto and Holden
Barina Spark suggested Australians
were turning on to the city-car idea,
suggesting customer decisions to buy
those cars were more about price.
He said the Smarts premium pricing
reected its status as a thoroughly
engineered product, and while reducing
its standard specication could
potentially cut about $2500 from the
entry price, that is not what we are
about.
We are satised with current Smart
volume, he said, adding that the
upcoming products were not limited to
a replacement for the ForTwo.
Smart ED
May 9, 2012 Page 8
GoAuto News
John Mellors
Fleet Risk Seminar
Fleet operators and managers, attend a free seminar to learn
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Mercedes to lure more customers into its M-Class SUV with superior new model
Class action
By HAITHAM RAZAGUI
MERCEDES-BENZ ofcially
launched its third-generation M-Class
luxury SUV in Australia last week,
with a frugal, sharply priced new four-
cylinder diesel entry-level variant,
generous levels of standard equipment
and dramatically reduced fuel
consumption across the range.
In addition to tempting customers
away from traditional rivals such as
the BMW X5 and Lexus RX, Mercedes
hopes the $81,400 (plus on-road
costs) starting price will attract buyers
considering high-spec luxury SUVs
from the next size down a segment in
which it does not compete.
Mercedes-Benz Australia/
Pacic senior manager of corporate
communications David McCarthy told
GoAuto the new M-Class offered the
luxury of space and presents customers
with an option that shows they do not
have to downsize in order to achieve a
lower price, better fuel economy (yet
higher performance) and attractive
equipment levels.
While the aim is to increase sales
volumes at around 180 units a month
the long-term average is about 60 fewer
than the X5 Mr McCarthy said supply
would be an issue until later in the year
due to M-Class popularity overseas.
We are starting four months behind
the eight ball because we havent had
stock, he said.
The two volume sellers introduced
to Australia rst, the four-cylinder
diesel ML250 BlueTec and V6 diesel
ML350 BlueTec, are expected to
account for 80 per cent of volume.
Next most popular should be the
V6 petrol ML350 BlueEfciency, due
to arrive by the end of May, while the
agship V8-powered ML63 AMG
arrives in June, followed by the less
powerful V8 ML500 in late September.
In addition to the lower starting price
(the ML250 is $4380 less expensive than
the outgoing ML300 CDI), which comes
courtesy of a powerful yet economical
four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, Benz
has shufed pricing of the ve variants.
V6 petrol and diesel engines continue
to occupy the mid-spec ML350 variants,
now both identically specied and priced
higher at $99,000 plus on-road costs
(the petrol previously cost $89,365 and
the diesel was $92,425) but Mercedes
claims extra equipment worth around
$11,000 makes up for the difference.
Two downsized, turbocharged V8s
replace the naturally aspirated units in
the top-spec models, the ML500 (down
$13,995 to $119,900) and the ML63
AMG (up $2085 to $177,900).
Continued next page
PRICING:
ML250 BlueTec (a) $81,400
ML350 BlueTec (a) $99,000
ML350 BlueEfciency (a) $99,000
ML500 (a) $119,900
ML63 AMG (a) $177,900
ML350
ML250 BlueTec
May 9, 2012 Page 9
GoAuto News
John Mellors
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We go the distance.
Class action
The new entry level means Mercedes
now undercuts arch-rival BMWs X5 by
$10,700 and places the M-Class within
snifng distance of customers tempted
by high-end variants of the smaller Audi
Q5 and BMW X3 while being roughly
level with the Lexus RX350.
Perhaps even those looking at the top
end of Volkswagens Touareg or Jeeps
popular Grand Cherokee ranges will
be interested the US-built M-Class
shares some underpinnings with the
latter as both began development before
Benzs tie-up with Chrysler turned sour.
Benz says the extra equipment
on the entry-level model represents
around $9500 of extra value over its
predecessor.
A long equipment list includes
standard satellite-navigation, self-
parking (enabled by the switch to electric
power steering) and comprehensive
multimedia equipment, while the frugal
new four-cylinder diesel gives little
away in performance terms to the V6
oil-burner it replaces.
Although lacking two cylinders and
850cc of capacity compared with the
engine it replaces, peak power of 150kW
and torque of 500Nm match the old unit,
but it is peakier, with a narrower torque
band, reected in a 0-100km/h seven
tenths slower at 9.0 seconds.
Combined-cycle fuel consumption
of 6.4 litres per 100km is not to be
sniffed at though, bringing luxury car
tax savings and a big improvement
over the old ML300 CDIs 9.5L/100km
while offering a theoretical tank range
of about 1450km.
Benz claims to have worked hard
to improve renement on the new
M-Class, particularly with the four-
cylinder, and has applied vibration-
reducing technologies to the engine and
transmission.
The safety spec is high, with nine
airbags, brakes that dry themselves in
the wet, tyre pressure loss warning,
driver fatigue detection, the pre-safe
accident prediction system and a full
complement of electronic stability,
traction and braking aids.
DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE
ML250 BlueTec
ML250
May 9, 2012 Page 10
GoAuto News
John Mellors
:HUHOD\LQJDUPIRXQGDWLRQ
IURPWKHEULFNVWKDWRWKHUV
DUHWKURZLQJDWXV
&RQWDFWVHUYLFHV#FDUVJXLGHFRPDX
Toyota and Mazda on top
of auto market in April as
Aussie large cars struggle
Imports crunch local cars
Top 10 Brands in April
Pos Brand Sales % Share
1 Toyota 16,568 20.9
2 Mazda 7681 9.7
3 Holden 7589 9.6
4 Hyundai 7017 8.9
5 Ford 6306 8.0
6 Nissan 4686 5.9
7 VW 3798 4.8
8 Mitsubishi 3748 4.7
9 Subaru 3003 3.8
10 Kia 2505 3.2
Source: VFACTS, May 2012
By RON HAMMERTON
LOCAL car-makers Holden and Ford
were relegated to third and fth place
respectively in the Australian new-
vehicle market last month as Japanese
motor companies Toyota and Mazda
exed their showroom muscle.
As expected, top full-line importer
Mazda ousted Holden from second place
in the sales rankings 7681 sales to 7589
as Holdens one-time best-selling large
car, the Commodore, suffered one of its
worst sales months on record, ofcial
VFACTS sales gures show.
Holdens Commodore achieved
just 2248 sales, down 26.9 per cent
on the corresponding month last year,
contributing to a continuing slide in the
large-car segment, which is now down
23.2 per cent year to date.
The Commodores previous
worst monthly performance
was 2170 sales in January this
year, but January is when eet
sales are at their lowest ebb each year.
The one-time king of the road
could manage just fth place in April,
again falling behind its locally made
stablemate, the Cruze (2315 sales).
Holdens position was made worse by
an absence of Colorado stock ahead of
the local launch of its next-generation
Thai-built ute next month.
Holden can at least console itself that
Commodore sales looked respectable
compared with rival Fords Falcon,
which stumbled to 1009 sales down
30.7 per cent on April last year as
the launch of Fords new four-cylinder
EcoBoost Falcon variant came too late
in the month to save the big Ford from
one of its worst monthly efforts.
A wave of imports pushed
overall April sales up 6.6 per
cent to 74,214 vehicles, with
most of the drive again coming
from SUVs (up 27.8 per cent).
Market leader Toyota came roaring
back with large gains in its imported
vehicle sales, particularly its HiLux
ute that recovered from recent Thai
ood-impacted shortages to become
the nations top-seller in April with
a whopping 3565 sales 560 units
ahead of the next best, the Mazda3
(3005 units).
Continued next page
VFACTS
WRAP
Toyota HiLux
May 9, 2012 Page 11
GoAuto News
John Mellors
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Imports crunch local cars
The Toyota surge propelled the
Japanese giant to 16,568 sales for the
month, up 21.1 per cent on the same
month last year, giving it a 20.9 per cent
share of the market more than the next
two biggest car companies, Mazda and
Holden, combined.
However, its new locally made
Camry and Aurion failed to light a re
under its sales performance, up just 1.6
per cent and 0.3 per cent respectively to
1602 and 629 units.
Fords local Territory helped to save
the day for the Blue Oval brand, with
sales of the recently upgraded SUV up
almost 80 per cent on April last year
to 1076 units more than the Falcon
sedan on which it is based.
Overall Ford sales were down just 2.5
per cent on April 2011, to 6306 units,
but that was only good enough for fth
place, behind Toyota, Mazda, Holden
and Hyundai.
On a monthly basis, Mazda had its best
April, and has now climbed from fourth
place to second in three months, mainly
on the back of its hot-selling new medium
SUV, the CX-5, which topped 1400 sales
in its second full month of sales.
The CX-5 last month was the best-
selling medium SUV on the market,
out-pointing the Subaru Forester (989
sales) and Nissan X-Trail (957).
Overall Mazda April sales were up
21 per cent to 7681 units, giving the
importer a 9.7 per cent market share.
Year to date, Mazda still trails second-
placed Holden, which is now sitting on
10.8 per cent, compared with Mazdas 10.1
per cent, but continues to close the gap.
South Korean brand Hyundai eased up
slightly in April sales, to 7017 vehicles
and fourth place in the rankings, ahead
of Fords 6306 sales, which is now
running fth in year to date, with a
four-month market share of 7.8 per cent
down 1.2 percentage points.
The biggest winner among the top
10 brands last month was Volkswagen,
which ousted Mitsubishi from seventh
spot with a 25.3 per cent jump in
monthly sales volume, to 3798 units.
While sales of VWs top-seller, the
Golf, slipped 48 per cent, the leeway
was more than made up by a huge 460
per cent leap in Tiguan sales, to 846
units, Amarok 4x4 (up 542 per cent)
and Jetta (up 160 per cent).
Mitsubishi was the biggest loser last
month, with sales sliding 29 per cent to just
3748 units. All models in the Mitsubishi
range showed red ink on the sales sheet.
Rethinking large page 23
VW Jetta
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May 9, 2012 Page 13
GoAuto News
John Mellors
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THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE
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US market returns
to pre-GFC levels
By DAVID HASSALL
THE new-vehicle market in the United
States is well on the road to recovery,
hitting levels in the rst four months
of 2012 not seen since the GFC, with
total industry sales up 10.3 per cent.
After posting the best rst quarter
since 2008, sales rose 2.3 per cent in
April, putting the US market on track
for 14.4 million sales this year.
Chrysler and Toyota recorded the
best results of the major brands in
April gaining 20.0 per cent and 11.6
per cent respectively while Ford and
General Motors both lost ground over
the same month last year.
Toyotas recovery one year on from
the Japanese tsunami appears to have
come at the expense of Ford and GM,
which had gained market share while
the Japanese giant struggled with
supply shortages on top of safety recall
dramas, according to trade-in data
from auto industry research company
Edmunds.
Star performers for Toyota included
the new Camry, which jumped 20.9 per
cent, and Prius, which doubled with
the addition of the Prius C and Prius
V variants. Sales of the hybrid models
reached 25,168 for the month not so
far behind the 36,820 for Camry.
NZ sales up
Kiwi new-car market climbs 26 per cent in April
By JACQUI MADELIN in NEW ZEALAND
NEW Zealands new-vehicle market
predictably grew considerably in April
compared with the same month in 2011,
which had been the rst to be impacted
by the March 11 Japanese
earthquake and tsunami.
After growing by 10 per cent
in the rst quarter, new-vehicle
sales rose 25.6 per cent in April to 7048
units, with passenger-car registrations
up 27.5 per cent to 5430 and commercial
vehicles up 19.7 per cent to 1618.
Used import sales were down by 4.4
per cent to 6107 units, continuing the
expected slowdown resulting from new
emissions regulations that took hold in
January.
The Ford Ranger was Aprils top-
selling vehicle with 279 registrations,
just ahead of the Toyota HiLux
(278), Suzuki Swift (228),
Toyota Corolla (218) and
Nissan Navara (214).
NZ Motor Industry Association chief
executive ofcer Perry Kerr said the
April result conrmed that the market
is stronger than forecast at the start of
the year.
Toyota again topped the market, up
34.8 per cent to 1205 sales for a 17.1
per cent share as it continues to recover
numbers after last years natural
disasters.
Ford rose 18.4 per cent for second
place with 825 sales, while stock
shortages of the ix35 kept third-placed
Hyundais rise down to 18.5 per cent,
ending its run of ahead-of-trend growth.
Holden was up some 45 per cent, but
fell just 12 vehicles short of Hyundai,
while Mazda was boosted by 179 sales
of the newly launched CX-5 to nish
the month in fth, up 22.6 per cent.
NZ Top 10 Brands in April
Pos Brand Sales % Share
1 Toyota 1205 17.1
2 Ford 825 11.7
3 Hyundai 582 8.3
4 Holden 570 8.1
5 Mazda 537 7.6
6 Nissan 460 6.5
7 Suzuki 421 6.0
8 Mitsubishi 371 5.3
9 Honda 311 4.4
10 VW 264 3.7
Source: NZ MIA, May 2012
NZ SALES
WRAP
RRRRa Ra Ra Rang ng ng ger er err
Prius V
May 9, 2012 Page 14
GoAuto News
John Mellors
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One Of The MUST HAVE iPhone & iPad Apps For 2012 One Of The MUST HAVE iPhone & iPad Apps For 2012
Car sector applauds move
to drop Geelong hub plan
and revitalise Melbourne
Webb Dock to redevelop
By DAVID HASSALL
THE Victorian government has decided
against shifting the states car shipment
hub to Geelong, instead opting to
redevelop the existing Webb Dock West
in the Port of Melbourne.
Car importers are believed to have
been opposed to the proposed move to
Geelong, the states second-largest port,
which was the subject of a feasibility
study announced in February last year.
Ports minister Denis Napthine said last
week the department of transport had
explored the potential of shifting the car
trade to Geelong but found signicant
issues with the lack of availability of
suitable land, concerns regarding the
shipping channel and considerable
opposition from automotive industry
stakeholders.
The automotive industry raised
a number of serious concerns that
would have adversely affected their
operations, said Dr Napthine.
These concerns include the lack of
suitable land at the Port of Geelong
which is required to conduct pre-
delivery inspections on imported
vehicles as well as to consolidate and
prepare vehicles for export.
Access to the shipping channel also
proved to be an issue with ships facing
delays due to restrictions in windy
conditions, coupled with the fact the
channel is one-way.
The automotive industry made it
clear that their preference was to relocate
to a new location at Webb Dock where
there is sufcient land and round-the-
clock access for shipping lines.
Opposition spokesman Tim Pallas did
not argue the merits of the decision, but
accused the government of giving false
hope to Geelong, where the move was
to have injected $200 million into the
economy and created 1000 jobs.
The Federal Chamber of Automotive
Industries (FCAI) welcomed the
decision to consolidate the automotive
import and export trade by relocating
it within the Port of Melbourne to the
newly redeveloped Webb Dock West.
FCAI chief executive Ian Chalmers
said in a statement that it demonstrated
the Victorian governments willingness
to nd a solution to the relocation of the
automotive trade which best met the
needs of car importers while providing
benets to the Victorian community.
Webb Dock, including Webb Dock
West, will be redeveloped at a cost of
$1.2 billion, creating more than 2500
jobs, as outlined in the state budget
handed down last week.
Meanwhile, the Victorian Automobile
Chamber of Commerce (VACC), which
represents more than 5000 retail,
service and repair business owners,
described the budget as responsible
and restrained.
VACC executive director David
Purchase said it would encourage small
business.
Small business condence in
Victoria is at low ebb and business
owners are feeling the pinch in an
environment best described as patchy,
said Mr Purchase.
The Victorian government needed to
demonstrate to small business owners
that it is committed to doing what it can
to assist small businesses succeed. Our
rst impression is that small business
will be encouraged by this budget.
Toyota Camry exports
May 9, 2012 Page 15
GoAuto News
John Mellors
URGENT VACANCY
sydney . canberra . brisbane
www.automotivestaff.com.au
Group New Car Manager - Canberra
An experienced & energetic Group New Car Manager is required to join a high volume
multi-franchise dealership with 5 major brands in a prime Canberra location. The
ability to mentor, motivate & lead a team is a major component of this position.
Previous experience in a similar role within a high volume dealership is essential, as
is the ability to demonstrate a stable employment history. You will report directly to
the General Manager and be responsible for volume, gross, customer satisfaction,
marketing and expenses of both the New Car Franchises and Fleet Operation.
On offer is:
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Applicants need only apply, if able to give a long term commitment.
To discuss this role in condence contact
Mark Palmay at markp@automotivestaff.com.au or call 0406 996 894
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QLD 0435 741 002
Ron Grant
Fords top-selling model
in Australia Focus set
to spring from new plant
Focus shifts to Thailand
Circa-$30K Maxus V80 is set to become Australias cheapest mid-sized diesel van
By RON HAMMERTON
FORD Motor Company ofcially
opened a new $450 million factory in
Thailand last week that is set to supply
Fords top-selling car in Australia
in 2012, the Focus, as well as related
vehicles such as the new-generation
Kuga.
Supplies of Focus bound for
Australian showrooms are set to switch
from Saarlouis in Germany to Thailand
by September, although the car is
expected to be fundamentally the same
as the current ve-door hatch and sedan
range that was introduced last August.
The move allows Ford to take
advantage of Australias free-trade
agreement with Thailand, which will
slice ve per cent from the landed cost
of the vehicle, while also shortening
the supply line.
The new Ford Thailand Manufacturing
plant will have a production capacity
of 150,000 vehicles a year, boosting
annual Thai Ford production to 445,000
vehicles.
Ford Australia already sources its
Australian-developed Ranger utility
from Thailand, where it is produced
for global markets alongside the related
Mazda BT-50 in a Ford-Mazda joint-
venture AutoAlliance plant that is also
set to get a $27 million expansion to lift
production by 20,000 units a year.
The AutoAlliance operation also
produces the Ford Fiesta for Australia,
alongside the similar Mazda2 light car
that initially was shipped to Australia
before Mazda Australia switched its
sourcing back to Japan due to supply
constraints in Thailand.
By RON HAMMERTON
CHINESE vehicle importer WMC
Group has predicted a starting price
of about $30,000 for its seven-model
Maxus V80 van range from Chinas
biggest motor manufacturer, Shanghai
Automotive Industry Corporation
(SAIC).
This is expected to make the entry-level
short-wheelbase standard-roof cargo van
at least $4000 cheaper than most rival
diesel vans such as the Hyundai iLoad,
Toyota HiAce, Ford Transit, Renault
Trac and VW Transporter.
The Maxus brand will be launched in
a 25-dealer network across Australia in
October, with a cab-chassis light truck
range to follow.
WMC Group managing director
Jason Pecotic said he expected Maxus
V80 passenger van variants to start in
the low to mid-$30,000s, again well
below rival minibuses.
He said all Maxus vans would not
only match the specication levels
of major rivals but add extras such as
alloy wheels and foglights.
All Maxus vans will be front-wheel
drive, with a 100kW/330Nm 2.5-litre
four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.
Ford Thai plant opening
V80
May 9, 2012 Page 16
GoAuto News
John Mellors
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Sydney y Melbourne
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Programmes for Manufacturers, Dealers and Financiers
High-series models with
diesel, wagon in mix on
Renault Australia menu
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS
RENAULT is contemplating importing
a sub-Renaultsport range of Megane
GT models to Australia within the next
12 months, to compete directly with
the successful Volkswagen Golf and
Peugeot 308.
Using chassis developed by Renault
Sport Technologies makers of the Clio
RS200 and Megane RS250 the GT series
is designed to be the softer luxury agship
level of the French small-car range.
In Europe, where the GT has been
available since 2010, the model grade
features across all existing third-
generation Megane body styles, including
the CC coupe-cabriolet, wagon, three-
door coupe and ve-door hatch.
A wagon range is thought to be
on Renault Australias wish-list and
would mark a rst for the Megane in
this country.
In Europe, the GT is available
in two 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
specications the TCe 180 petrol,
which produces 132kW of power and
300Nm of torque for a 0-100km/h
sprint time of 7.8 seconds with the
standard six-speed manual gearbox;
and the DCi diesel, which musters
110kW/360Nm with a six-speed
automatic, or 118kW/380Nm with a
six-speed manual.
While the diesels are slower than
the petrol GT models to 100km/h
8.5 seconds for the manual and 9.2 for
the auto they have an advantage in
terms of fuel consumption, returning
5.9L/100km (manual) and 6.6L/100km
(auto) to beat the petrol variants
7.6L/100km decisively.
Pricing in Europe suggests that
Renault Australia would have to position
the expected volume-selling Megane GT
ve-door hatch around $35,000, to leave
some space for the RS250 Cup, which
kicks off from $41,990.
Tellingly, the GT cars miss out
on Renaultsports performance
hub independent steering axis front
suspension, as well as a limited slip
differential, but feature specically
calibrated dampers, RS-derived rear
bump stops and the same 296mm
ventilated front discs and 260mm solid
rear discs as the RS250.
Megane GT on cards
Renault-Nissan to take control of Russias biggest car-maker in $750m deal
By RON HAMMERTON
THE Russian company that brought
you the Lada Niva and Lada Samara
in the 1980s and 1990s is about to
fall under the spell of the Renault-
Nissan Alliance, which will acquire
a controlling stake of more than 50
per cent in Russias biggest motor
company, Avtovaz, by 2014.
The French-Japanese conglomerate
has held a 25 per cent share of Avtovaz
since 2008 when the Russian company
almost collapsed in the global nancial
crisis, but now it has agreed to up the
ante in a joint venture with state-owned
Russian Technologies to take over the
huge operation with the intention of
accelerating production to 1.4 million
within two years.
Including Lada Avtovazs major
brand the alliance holds a 33 per
cent share of the burgeoning Russian
market, which is expected to overtake
Germany as Europes biggest vehicle
market by 2014.
Last year, Russian vehicle sales
reached 2.65 million units and is
expected the reach 2.9 million this
year, thanks to a rapidly expanding
middle class.
CLIO RS ADDITIONS: CLICK HERE
Lada Granta
Megane GT
May 9, 2012 Page 17
GoAuto News
John Mellors
We are the market leader in our eld and are
experiencing a sustained period of growth in a
growing market. We know our success comes
from our dedicated and enthusiastic staff who
work together to deliver exceptional customer
focused outcomes. As we continue to grow, we
need to add to our talented and successful team.
Were about never resting on our laurels.
Were about your learning, growing and getting
better. Were about making sure your work is
challenging and rewarding. Were all about
being the place people love to work.
are you a vehicle sales manager looking to take the next step?
ready to move up to your new role and share in our success? take a lead role
in our vehicle sales team, managing internal and external relationships.
We understand and value you as an individual and
provide a workplace that encourages you to be
who you are. Having fun at work is important to us
and we hold a range of corporate and social events
throughout the year.
You will enjoy added benets including a personal
development allowance, income protection and
access to salary packaging.
Sounds like you? Want to know more?
Go to www.nlc.com.au/career-opportunities/
for more details and how to apply.
X3 an all-turbo affair
as new 28i hits town
By MIKE COSTELLO
BMW Australia has dropped the six-
cylinder petrol engine from its X3
xDrive28i and replaced it with a faster,
more frugal (but pricier) turbocharged
four-cylinder unit while retaining the
same badges.
The addition of the new engine
already found in the Z4 roadster,
3 Series and 5 Series sedans, and
possibly the smaller X1 later this year
means the popular premium SUV
range is now all-turbo.
While power output is down (180kW
compared to 190kW for the inline-
six), torque is up by 40Nm to 350Nm
between 1250 and 4800rpm, while
0-100km/h acceleration is two-tenths
of a second faster at 6.7 seconds.
As before, the 28i is matched to
a standard eight-speed automatic
transmission with Steptronic manual
mode.
Like the rest of the engine range,
the xDrive28i now comes with a fuel-
saving idle-stop function, which helps
bring claimed petrol consumption
down by a substantial 1.5 litres per
100km to 7.5L/100km.
FULL STORY, PRICING: CLICK HERE
X1 power lines
New diesel, petrol engines on agenda for BMW SUV
By DAVID HASSALL
BMW Australia is working towards
introducing a new turbo-diesel engine
and a pair of turbocharged petrol engines
when it launches a revised X1 compact
SUV range in October this year.
The German car-makers latest
eight-speed Steptronic automatic
transmission is also expected to become
available as an option to the standard
six-speed manual in the X1, replacing
the existing six-speed auto.
A new twin-turbo version of the
companys existing 2.0-litre diesel
which already powers the 23d variant
in Australia was last week revealed
in Europe as the 25d, which will be the
top model in the mainly diesel X1 range
over there.
The new engine lifts power over the
23d by 13kW to 163kW and torque
by 50Nm to 450Nm, with drive going
exclusively through all four wheels.
BMW says the smaller of the two
turbochargers, which features variable
geometry technology, is responsible
for low-rev response, with peak torque
available from just 1500rpm, while the
larger turbo is concerned with higher-
rev output, resulting in 0-100km/h
performance of 6.8 seconds 0.5
seconds faster than the 23d.
This new xDrive25ds model goes on
sale in the UK from July and could come
to Australia, although the local division
is concerned about the relatively low
take-up of top-end diesel variants.
On the petrol side, however, the
high-output version of BMWs familiar
TwinPower 2.0-litre turbocharged
four-cylinder which has a twin-scroll
single turbocharger, not twin turbos as
the name might suggest is likely to
come here as the xDrive28i, replacing
the 25i variant that was discontinued in
January.
The 28i has been available overseas
for a year and the engine is already
available in a number of other BMW
models in Australia.
May 9, 2012 Page 18
GoAuto News
John Mellors
Westco Motors Cairns is a family owned and operated business, we operate with the
Nissan, Mazda, Volkswagen and BMW franchises. We are seeking an experienced Service
Manager for our main workshop. We operate with 18 productive staff and 8 support staff.
Our business is growing and we have signicant expansion plans for the future.
This is a serious opportunity for the right person to further their career, join our dynamic
team in exceptional work conditions and be rewarded with salary a package, (negotiable
based on experience) and provision of a fully maintained vehicle.
Service Manager
For more information please contact General
Manager Chris Lukosius on (07)40 444 111 or
to apply email chris.lukosius@westco.net.au and
provide an up to date resume, along with a cover
letter outlining your experience and why you are
the right person for this role.
All applications will be treated with the strictest
condence.
More than 250 orders in
for hot Grand Cherokee
ahead of August launch
Jeep SRT8 in demand
Australia waits as Subaru UK sets identical price for BRZ as Toyota 86 twin
By MIKE COSTELLO
SUBARU has announced its highly
anticipated BRZ coupe will wear an
identical starting price to its Toyota 86
twin in the UK market.
Subarus version of the rear-drive
sportscar had been expected to
command a slight premium over the
Toyota.
The BRZ will be available in the UK
at launch in two specication levels
base SE and agship SE Lux, with
prices starting at 24,995 ($A39,200).
This is around 1500 ($A2350)
more than the UK price of the Mazda
MX-5 hard-top, which retails in
Australia from $47,200.
Subaru Australia national corporate
affairs manager David Rowley told
GoAuto last week that a decision on
local BRZ pricing remained some
way off, with the local launch not
scheduled until the third quarter of
this year some months after Toyotas
launch of the 86 in June.
By MIKE COSTELLO
CHRYSLER Group Australia (CGA)
management will be the only ones
driving the hotly anticipated new Jeep
Grand Cherokee SRT8 for now, with a
stock shortage from the US pushing the
arrival date back until August.
Originally set to launch Down Under
this month, the company will now
have to make do with the handful of
evaluation vehicles that are currently
doing the rounds on Australian roads
ahead of its wider release 18 months
after the new-generation Grand
Cherokee was launched here.
The delay also means the hottest
Grand Cherokee will now arrive one
month after the SRT8 version of the all-
new Chrysler 300C, which remains on
track to launch in July alongside the rest
of the 300C sedan range.
CGA director of corporate affairs
Lenore Fletcher told GoAuto that
the company would still receive the
production allocation it had requested,
despite the delay.
There is a little bit of a delay, which
is a little disappointing, she said.
Nonetheless were very excited to
be getting it. The silver lining is that
it points to the demand there is for it
around the world.
CGA said it will receive 25 per cent
of global SRT8 allocation, equating to
around 1000 per year, and has already
taken more than 250 orders.
The sporty SUV is powered by a
ferocious 6.4-litre Hemi V8 petrol with
351kW of power and 630Nm of torque,
enough to accelerate the 2350kg wagon
from zero to 97km/h (60mph) in just 4.8
seconds a time more akin to high-end
sportscars than big American SUVs.
CGA expects it will bolster the already
strong growth Jeep has experienced in
Australia this year.
May 9, 2012 Page 19
GoAuto News
John Mellors
Distinctively different its how we see you
AUDIT TAX ADVISORY
ONLINE PRESENCE
INCREASES PROFITABILITY
Dealership prots not just about the numbers
Latest research conrms that 90% of car buyers use the internet to determine
purchase decisions. However, the focus on state of the art facilities has taken
priority over online tools which bring the customers to the dealership in the
rst instance.
At BDO we are not just about the numbers we take a whole of business
approach to our advice. Visit bdo.com.au/dealershipprots for further details
regarding the importance of an online presence.
Australia looks on as Kia
launches K9 in Korea
i30 wagon out
Euro production rules out new i30cw for Australia
By MIKE COSTELLO
HYUNDAI Australia will drop the i30
wagon from its line-up when it launches
the redesigned, second-generation model
in hatch-only guise later this month.
The Korean car-maker rst showed
the German-designed, new-generation
i30 wagon at the Geneva motor show
in February this year, and it was widely
expected to arrive here several months
after the hatch.
While the current i30cw model has
been sourced from South Korea since
2009, the new-generation wagon will
only be manufactured at the companys
Nosovice plant in the Czech Republic.
Hyundai said this rules the wagon out
of contention for the Australian market,
even though the Czech plant will
produce the new model in right-hand-
drive conguration for the UK market.
The current wagon variant is a popular
choice among buyers, accounting for 20
per cent of the i30s 8817 total sales this
year, making it far-and-away Australias
most popular small wagon.
Its absence from showrooms will leave
pricier Euros like the Volkswagen Golf
and Peugeot 308 as the only remaining
small wagons available in Australia at
least until Holden enters the fray in early
2013 with the Cruze wagon, which also
premiered at the Geneva show.
Holden will import the Cruze
wagon from GM Korea initially, but
is considering putting it into local
production at its Elizabeth plant
alongside the sedan and hatch variants.
Hyundai Australia senior manager
of public relations Ben Hershman told
GoAuto it would rely on other models in
its range to cover for the loss of the wagon.
Its something we have to work into
our product strategy, and were very
fortunate that we have ix35 available
to us as an alternative product, and also
the i40 Tourer, he said.
Mr Hershman said the car-maker had
enough stock of the current wagon to
full outstanding customer and eet
interest over the next few months.
While the current i30cw retails from
$22,090 plus on-road costs $1500
more than the equivalent 2.0 SX
hatchback the entry-level front-drive
ix35 small SUV costs $26,990, with the
larger and more premium i40 Tourer
wagon starting at $32,490.
By MIKE COSTELLO
KIA has opened the order books for
its K9 agship in its home market of
South Korea, edging the car-maker
towards the luxury-car segment for
the rst time.
Featuring styling clearly inspired
by the Maserati Quattroporte, the K9
is the fast-growing Korean companys
rst rear-wheel-drive sedan.
The K9 will spearhead Kias
K-series sedan range, which includes
the Optima (called K5 in Korea) and
Cadenza (K7).
The car will be introduced with a
different name in a number of key
overseas markets during the nal
quarter of this year, but its left-hand-
drive-only conguration leaves it out
of the running for Australia.
Kia has not identied which LHD
markets it will specically target, but
it is expected to hit Asian markets
such as China rst, before heading to
Europe.
Kia chief design ofcer and former
Audi designer Peter Schreyer said the
K9 is a clear signal of our intention
and determination to compete head-
to-head with the European luxury
brands.
At 5090mm long, 1900mm wide
and 1490mm high, the K9 is about the
same size as both the Mercedes-Benz
S-Class and BMW 7 Series.
May 9, 2012 Page 20
GoAuto News
John Mellors
GENERAL MANAGER
JOWETT MOTOR GROUP MELBOURNE
One of Melbournes most progressive multi-franchise
organisations is seeking a General Manager to operate
one of its premium brand, high volume dealerships.
Reporting exclusively to the Managing Director, this
challenging position calls for an outstanding, dedicated
hands-on professional, with appropriate dealership ex-
perience, along with the vision, air and knowledge to
manage, motivate and mentor our dynamic dealership
staff to achieve monthly performance objectives.
Candidates will need to demonstrate a history of
success in terms of sales volume, prot generation,
leadership and customer satisfaction. An attractive
remuneration package, commensurate with experi-
ence, standing and ability will be negotiated with the
successful candidate.
The Jowett Motor Group is an equal opportunity
employer, with a mission to establish its own, unique
culture in automotive retailing and accordingly, seeks
the best, most talented people available.
Interested persons should email their resumes with a
covering letter to tjowett@jmgpl.com.au. All resumes
will be treated in the strictest condence.
LMCT8953 JMG5147JH
Honda Accord becomes
sole sub-$30K large car
in post-ood sales drive
Accord from $28,190
Sharper pricing, cosmetic tweaks and more renement for Honda City light car
By MIKE COSTELLO
HONDA Australia has cut $500 from
the price of its City light-car line-up as
part of a facelift that also brings a range
of cosmetic tweaks both inside and out.
The range continues to be available in
two specication levels VTi and VTi-L
with both receiving a new chrome
grille with subtly different front and rear
bumpers and redesigned brake lights.
A new Sparkling Brown Metallic paint
colour has also been added to the range.
Inside, both variants pick up a
new glowing-blue speedometer,
aluminium-look inserts and luxurious
feel seat fabric.
Noise, vibration and harshness
(NVH) levels are also said to be better
than before, courtesy of thicker window
glass and enhanced oor carpets.
The entry VTi model gets a new
micro antenna while the VTi-L adds
new-look 16-inch alloy wheels and
chrome treatment on the audio and
climate controls.
FULL STORY, PRICING: CLICK HERE
By RON HAMMERTON
HONDA Australia has taken the axe to
the pricing of its Thai-built Accord as it
prepares to effectively relaunch the larger
of its two Accord variants after months
without fresh stock due to the ood
devastation of Hondas factory in Thailand.
Prices have been chopped by up to 13
per cent, as the importer looks forward
to receiving shiploads of Accords from
the refurbished plant next month.
The biggest price cut $4300 has
been made to the entry-level Accord
VTi, which drops from
$32,490 to $28,190 (plus
on-road costs), or $29,990
driveaway.
This makes the 2.4-litre
four-cylinder Accord the only model
in the large-car segment to be priced
under $30,000, with Nissans 2.5-litre
Maxima 250 ST-L the next lowest at
$33,990.
It also makes the Accord VTi cheaper
than the smaller Accord Euro, which
starts at $30,340 for the Standard model.
The price of the mid-range Accord
VTi-L has been chopped $2800, to
$37,190, while the agship V6 automatic
takes a $2700 price cut, to $47,290.
However, customers will have to wait
until next month for delivery and may be
limited in their choice of colours.
The latest price cuts
follow similar moves with
Civic and City pricing
over the past few months
as Honda ghts to retain
sales volume and share after struggling
with a severe lack of stock due to back-to-
back natural disasters in 2011.
Honda Australia corporate spokesman
Lindsay Smalley told GoAuto that
Honda was looking to aggressively lift
Accord sales volumes when stocks of
the model begin to ow next month.
In June 2011, Honda announced a
return to our strong value-for-money
position in the highly competitive
Australian market, he said.
We have realigned our pricing and
added specication upgrades across most
of our range over the past eight months.
Our focus is now on the Honda
Accord, as stock becomes available again
from our reopened factory in Thailand.
Honda has repositioned pricing
on the Accord range as we look to
aggressively lift volume of this model.
Hondas strategy is to always provide
our customers with excellent product at
an excellent price and this new pricing
is in line with this strategy.
PRICING:
VTi (a) $28,190
VTi-L Nav (a) $37,190
V6 (a) $47,290
May 9, 2012 Page 21
GoAuto News
John Mellors
FOR SALE
MULTI-FRANCHISE
REGIONAL VICTORIA
DEALERSHIP
An opportunity to acquire an
established automotive dealership
in Victorias Western District.
Enjoys 21.5% Market Share.
Strong back-end Systems.
Genuine Growth opportunities.
Quality lifestyle in a strong
and vibrant community.
:RXOGVXLWUVWWLPH'3
Interested parties can request a CA.
BRENDAN BROOKER
P: (03) 9830 6466
E: brendan@
lsapartners.com.au
FOR SALE
Last roll of dice for Tiida
via Series 4 as mix also
changes for Micra, Dualis
Nissan small change
Nissan to offer wild Juke R on build-to-order basis
By MIKE COSTELLO
NISSAN has given the green light to
a limited production run of its mad
Juke R concept a small SUV with
the chassis and drivetrain from the all-
wheel-drive GT-R supercar.
The car was originally conceived as
a one-off experiment by a small group
of Nissan Europe engineers, with the
aim of gauging public reaction to a
sporty Juke variant.
It was expected that any production
version to hit the streets would be a
saner, toned-down version, but the
production Juke R has turned out to
be more powerful than the original
British-built concept.
Underneath its snubby nose lurks
the upgraded engine from the latest
GT-R producing 404kW of power
and 628Nm of torque whereas the
original had the 357kW/558Nm unit
from the 2010 model.
Power is channelled to the road via
the GTRs advanced AWD system and
its rear-mounted six-speed dual-clutch
transmission.
Nissan has not revealed the 0-100km/h
acceleration time for the production
Juke R, but the extra power should
make it even faster than the concept,
which was claimed to complete the
sprint in just 3.7 seconds. Top speed is
listed at 260km/h.
By MIKE COSTELLO
NISSAN Australia has increased
pricing by $1000 across its slow-selling
Tiida small-car line-up, around eight
months before it is due to be replaced
by the reborn Pulsar.
The ambitious company which
aims to supplant Mazda as Australias
number-one full-line importer by
March 31 next year has also added
$500 to several members of its Micra
light-car range.
GoAuto understands the price hike
across the Thai-built Tiida range comes
as part of a Series 4 upgrade, although
it is unclear if this has been offset by
additional standard features or other
forms of value-adding.
Pricing for both the Tiida ve-door
hatch and sedan now kicks off at $18,990
for the ST and $22,990 for the higher-
specied Ti, plus on-road costs. The
optional four-speed automatic (standard
on the Ti sedan) adds a further $2500.
While it has increased the list price,
Nissan Australia is currently offering
the Tiida ST at a driveaway price of
$18,990 for a limited time.
Tiida sales are up 13.3 per cent
in the rst four months of this year,
but with just 1437 sales it remains a
relative minnow in its segment, which
is dominated by the Mazda3, Toyota
Corolla, Holden Cruze
and Hyundai i30.
Nissan Australia
expects the new Pulsar
sedan and hatch range to
substantially close the gap
when it begins a staggered
rollout from early next year, returning
it to the lofty heights of its popular
predecessors.
Interestingly, the $500 price increase
on Micra only applies to ve-speed
manual versions, meaning the optional
automatic transmission now commands
only a $1500 premium.
With increases of up to 3.8 per cent,
the Micra line-up now starts at $13,490
for the base ST three-cylinder variant,
while the ST-L is now $15,490 and the
Ti starts from $17,490.
Before the increases, the Indonesian-
sourced Micra was one of only four
sub-$13,000 models in Australia the
others being the Chery
J1, Holden Barina Spark
and Suzuki Alto.
Micra sales are also
up year-on-year, this
time by 23.5 per cent to
3027 units, although it
dropped 39 per cent in April over the
same month last year, to only 380.
While it trails well behind the overall
light segment-leading Mazda2 and
Toyota Yaris, the Micra continues
to outpoint its rivals at the bargain-
basement end of the segment, with the
Alto recording 963 sales, Barina Spark
629 and Chery J1 only 203.
PRICING:
ST sedan/hatch $18,990
ST sedan/hatch (a) $21,240
Ti hatch $22,990
Ti sedan (a) $24,240
Ti hatch (a) $25,240
May 9, 2012 Page 22
GoAuto InBrief
John Mellors
GoAutos latest car review www.GoAuto.com.au
Volkswagen Tiguan 118TSI
VOLKSWAGEN introduced a front-drive, entry-level variant of its
class-leading Tiguan compact SUV along with a comprehensive
midlife facelift in October 2011, heralding a $5500 drop in the
cost of entry. The base Tiguan comes with VWs twin-charged
118kW/240Nm 118TSI petrol engine for punchy power, while
standard idle-stop and the lack of an all-wheel-drive systems
weight and friction reduce the penalty at the pumps. On paper there
is little to mark the Tiguan down and this base model represents a
classy German alternative to the Asian competition.
A successful and long-established NSW
coastal dealership is now available for sale.
This multi-franchise dealership currently
sells between 90 and 100 new and used
vehicles per month, and is supported by a
strong service and parts operation driving
$25m turnover per annum.
Premises are modern and well-maintained
(Factory-approved)PDNLQJWKLVYHU\SURWDEOH
dealership suitable for a Business Investor
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For initial discussion, please phone mobile
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DEALERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
N
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O
A
S
T
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SALE
TOP VICTORIAN DEALER
OUR report last week on Innitis east-
coast dealer network included a claim
from Penfold Motors, which is published
on its website, that it is Victorias highest-
volume dealer for Holden and Mazda.
However, Max Kirwan has thrown
his hat into the ring, providing ofcial
gures from Mazda Australia that show
his Preston dealership as the brands top
Victorian retail outlet year to date (to
the end of April 2012), as well as for the
full year in 2010 and 2011.
RAV EV reveal
Toyotas electric SUV to be a niche US-only model
By DAVID HASSALL
TOYOTA unveiled its all-electric
production vehicle, the RAV4 EV, in Los
Angeles this week, with a retail pricetag
almost double that of the brands top-
specied petrol-engined RAV4.
Toyota has priced the fully
equipped front-wheel-drive RAV4 EV
at $US49,800 ($A48,800) whereas the
top-spec FWD V6-engined Limited
automatic model sells for $US27,250
($A26,700).
It will go on sale in California in
about four months, but is not scheduled
for Australia.
The Japanese car-maker claims the
electric version equals or exceeds the
driving performance, dynamics and
cargo capacity of the V6-engined RAV4.
Although it weighs about 215kg
more, the extra weight is located down
low, delivering what a Toyota executive
described as an even better driving
experience that would dramatically
change your thinking regarding EV
performance.
Toyota claims the vehicles
aerodynamic drag gure of 0.30Cd is
the best for any SUV in the world.
The EVs highly anticipated
introduction at the 26th annual
Electric Vehicle Symposium at the LA
Convention Centre comes less than two
years after Toyota bought into California-
based electric-car-maker Tesla Motors to
fast-track its way into the EV market.
GOAUTOS MONTHLY CAR MAGAZINE OUT NOW
DOWNLOAD FOR FREE: CLICK HERE
SIMPSON ON PATROL
NISSAN Australia has announced the
Simpson 50th Anniversary Edition
Patrol, a special version based on the
current-generation ST variant and now
in showrooms.
READ MORE:
ACTiV STRIKES AGAIN
TOP AUDI EXPERIENCE
GoAuto Market Insight
John Mellors
May 9, 2012 Page 23
GoAuto Market Insight brought
to you by Dealer Solutions
Dealer
Solutions
Means Performance.
By TERRY MARTIN
AS SIGNIFICANT new models
hit the market, and new taxpayer-
supported investments are made to
keep Australian car manufacturing
alive, the monthly sales gures
continue to dent the long-term
prospects of locally built large cars
at least as we know them today.
New-vehicle registration statistics
released last week by the Federal
Chamber of Automotive Industries
(FCAI) show yet another fall in the
large-car segment, down 25.4 per cent
in April to account for just 5.2 per cent
of the entire market.
For the year to date, large cars below
$70,000 have now fallen 23.2 per cent,
on the back of the three Australian-built
nameplates all plunging more than 20
per cent.
Fords Falcon is down 25.4 per cent
(plummeting 30.7 per cent last month
with just 1009 sales, fewer than the
Territory SUV), Holdens Commodore
is 22.8 per cent in arrears (down
26.9 per cent in April on 2248 sales,
again behind the Cruze small car)
and Toyotas Aurion has fallen 20.8
per cent, despite an even-par 0.3 per
cent rise (629 units) last month with
registrations of the redesigned model
kicking in.
Although Cruze sales dropped 10.3
per cent last month and sales of the
medium-sized Toyota Camry were up
just 1.6 per cent, their respective YTD
increases of 4.9 and 17.0 per cent are
at least heading in the right direction in
market segments that are bigger than
the once-dominant large cars.
Yes, even medium-sized cars up
19.8 per cent YTD in the sub-$60K class
have outsold large cars throughout
this year in a segment showing strong
growth potential, which is one of the
reasons Holden has signalled it will
downsize after the 2013 VF series with
its next-generation Commodore.
Toyota has also spoken of its rm
intention to build another all-new
Camry that would take it into next decade,
leaving Ford as the only other local
car-maker still to give a manufacturing
commitment beyond 2016 and the
current platform underpinning Falcon
sedan/ute and Territory.
So the spotlight remains on Australian-
built large cars, which last month
brought the long-awaited four-cylinder
Falcon and new-generation Camry-
based Aurion, following Holdens rst
dedicated-LPG Commodore/Caprice in
February and, late last year, Fords FGII
Falcon series upgrade.
The Blue Ovals much-vaunted
EcoLPi LPG Falcon was launched in
July last year almost a year ago but
has not arrested the downturn in Falcon
sales.
LPG supplier issues have reportedly
played a part here, but Ford and Holden
management will be clearly dismayed
at the apparent lack of buyer interest
in their respective new LPG models,
which have required major investments
and offer clear benets for motorists.
Aussie large cars still in
spotlight as sales remain
low, sector plans change
Rethinking large
Large and Medium Car Sales April 2011-onwards
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
5500
6000
6500
7000
7500
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr
2011 2012
Medium cars
under $60,000
Large cars
under $70,000
Sour Source: ce: VFAC VFACTS TS
S
a
l
e
s
71% of car shoppers
are SEARCHING online.
Is your inventory appearing in
search results?*
Automated Google AdWords (AGA) is a unique
online marketing solution that automatically creates
ads for every vehicle you have for sale. AGA places
those ads into Google and sends customers directly
to the vehicle they want to buy!
*2011 Path to Purchase: New Insights on Todays Auto Shopper by John Ross, Shopper Sciences, & EVP, Media Brands
ADWORDS
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May 9, 2012 Page 24 Green issues in the auto world
GoAuto Green
John Mellors
GoAuto Green is brought
to you by Better Place
GoAuto G o reen is brought
to you by Be y tter Place
By DAVID HASSALL
A NEW consortium established in
Germany and headed by BMW is
exploring ways of making small
electric cars of the future much more
affordable and as safe as conventional
petrol-powered city cars.
BMW is taking the lead resulting
in the adoption of the BMW-style
name of Visio.M for the project but is
working with the Technical University
of Munich (TUM) as a scientic
partner, along with cross-town rival
Daimler and other engineers to advance
the cause of electric cars.
The consortium aims to produce a
concept city car with 15kW of power
and a maximum kerb weight of just
400kg without the battery, while
meeting the same safety standards as
conventional petrol-powered cars.
It will start working with a prototype
electric vehicle called MUTE, which
was developed by 200 people across 20
departments of the Munich university
and was revealed at last years
Frankfurt motor show.
MUTE weighed 500kg, including
the batteries, thanks to a vehicle frame
made of aluminium and a chassis made
of a carbon-bre-reinforced plastic.
It had a 4kWh zinc-air range-extender
located at the front of the vehicle, a
10kWh lithium-ion battery pack (with a
breglass-reinforced housing for crash
protection) and a 15kW electric motor,
providing a range of at least 100km and
a top speed of 120km/h.
The Visio.M consortium plans
to use this vehicle to explore
innovations and new technologies
for vehicle safety, propulsion, energy
storage and operational concepts, for
implementation under the framework
requirements of large-scale production.
Funding of 10.8 million ($A13.8
million) has been secured from the
German ministry for education and
research.
Other German industrial partners in
the venture include safety outt Autoliv,
the Federal Highway Research Institute
(BAST), Continental tyres, power
company E.ON, design company Hyve,
transport analysts InnoZ, mapping
experts Intermap Technologies,
lithium-ion battery specialists LION
Smart, drivetrain specialists Neumayer
Tekfor, and electronics giants Siemens
and Texas Instruments.
BMW said that while EVs powered
by electricity from renewable energy
sources are an attractive option for
urban areas, previous approaches have
led to vehicles that are too heavy and
too expensive or do not meet mass-
market safety requirements.
On the way to mass production
of electric vehicles, there are still
signicant technological hurdles to
overcome, said the Munich-based
company in a statement this week.
Previous small electric vehicles
offer only a minimum level of vehicle
safety and therefore are not mass-
marketable (while EVs) that were
derived from gasoline-powered models
are usually too heavy and require large
and expensive batteries.
German auto giants join
forces to advance cause
of battery-powered cars
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MOTOR INDUSTRY ACCOUNTANTS FIND NEW HOME
By JOHN MELLOR
FORMER Horwath and BDO motor
industry accounting luminaries Brett
Fowler and John Gavljak have moved
to Moore Stephens Australasia in the
wake of the March discontinuation of
the BDO NSW and BDO Victorian
franchises by BDO International.
According to BDO International, the
BDO franchises were cut adrift because
the two rms were not making enough
progress in preparations for integration
of the Melbourne and Sydney practices
and this was deemed to impact on
BDO Internationals plans for global
integration.
The cancellation of the franchises
left the motor industry consulting
divisions of BDO NSW and BDO
Victoria without a home.
Mr Fowler and Mr Gavljak will be
joined at Moore Stephens by their
motor industry teams from BDO.
Mr Fowler and Mr Gavljak each
bring roughly 20 years experience
in accounting advice to car retailers,
manufacturers and distributors, nance
companies and industry associations.
Mr Fowler told GoAuto that from his
teams point of view it was business
as usual with their motor industry
clients.
The motor industry services divisions
of BDO NSW and Victoria were set
up in the early 2000s when Horwath
partners based in Sydney elected to
move the rm across to Deloitte to
form Deloitte Motor Industry Services.
A number of motor industry
specialists at Horwath elected not to
join Deloitte and set up under the BDO
franchise.
NEW AUDI SALES CHIEF NEW AUDI SALES CHIEF
Mark
Kebblewhite
JORDAN JOINS NISSAN AUSTRALIA PR TEAM
May 9, 2012 Page 25
GoAuto Personnel
John Mellors
GoAuto Personnel brought
to you by Motor Staff
If you have any car industry personnel
announcements, please email them to
Terry Martin at tmartin@mellor.net
VALE BRYAN HANRAHAN
By TERRY MARTIN
FORMER Australian motoring and
motorsport writer and author Bryan
Hanrahan died on April 27 after a long
illness. He was 88.
Born in the UK in 1923, Mr
Hanrahan became one of Australias
leading motoring writers over a career
spanning four decades, working for a
range of newspapers and magazines
in the early 1950s before joining The
Herald in Melbourne in 1956.
He rose to motoring editor in 1967
succeeding Chris de
Fraga, who moved to
The Age and served
at The Herald until
1989, when he retired
with wife Barbara to
Tathra in New South
Wales.
The couple relocated
to Sydney in recent years.
During his career, Mr Hanrahan also
wrote and edited a number of books
including Motor Racing the Australian
Way (1972), Bikes and Bikies (1974)
and In Praise of Australias Veteran
and Vintage Cars (1989).
He fought for the British Army
during World War II and was reportedly
one of the rst Allied soldiers to y into
Singapore by parachute after the
Japanese surrender in 1945.
A private cremation was held for Mr
Hanrahan in Sydney last week.
(Editors note: Thanks to Motor
Book World for assistance in sourcing
a photograph.)
Bryan Hanrahan
www.motorstaff.com.au
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By TERRY MARTIN
AUDI Australia has appointed
experienced automotive sales
executive Mark Kebblewhite as
general manager of sales, lling the
vacancy created when Carlos Santos
left the company earlier this year.
Mr Kebblewhite
has spent the past
seven years at
Hyundai Motor
Co Australia, most
recently as regional
sales manager. He
also has more than a
decades experience in
the motor retail sector,
including brand manager for Volkswagen
at Denlo Group in Parramatta.
Meanwhile, Mr Santos has returned
to Volkswagen Group Australia
as general manager of business
development. He was in the top sales
position at Audi for just over a year,
having moved from his role as national
sales manager at Volkswagen.
CHRIS Jordan recently joined Nissan
Australia as press and PR supervisor,
replacing Colette Black who has
moved to the marketing department.
Mr Jordan was previously a senior
client manager at PR rm BAM
Media, working for the past three
years as communications manager
for Kelly Racing the V8 Supercars
team with which Nissan has struck a
deal to race its forthcoming Altima
sedan from next year.
May 9, 2012 Page 26
GoAuto New Car Diary
John Mellors
GoAuto New Car Diary brought
to you by carsales.com.au
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Citroen cuts C5 baseline
to $32,990 driveaway
By DAVID HASSALL
CITROEN has effectively slashed
more than $5000 from the price of its
turbocharged Citroen C5 Attraction
less than three months after it was
released in Australia, introducing a
driveaway price of just $32,990 for a
limited time.
This represents a saving of $3000
on the retail price, plus at least another
$2000 in on-road costs.
There is no change to the price of
the diesel-engined C5 Attraction HDi,
which remains at $37,990 plus on-
road costs.
Less than two years ago, the entry
level for the C5 range was $49,990
plus ORCs.
The Attraction specication was
introduced in February as a new entry
level for the French car-makers mid-
size sedan and was priced $3500 below
the Seduction level that previously led
the C5 line-up.
All-new mainstream model in works at Aston Martin
By DAVID HASSALL
ASTON Martin is creating a new
standalone two-door model line that
will debut in little more than a year
in time to celebrate the famed British
marques 100th birthday.
Although it will be based on Aston
Martins familiar front-engined VH
platform and be powered by the same
5.9-litre V12 tted to most of its existing
models, the new car will apparently not
be the expected replacement for either
the DBS or the aging DB9.
It is expected to be unveiled later
this year, possibly at the Paris motor
show in September, ahead of its 2013
introduction.
Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez told
British magazine Auto Express the
new model would be an addition to the
existing line-up.
This will be an entirely new model,
said Dr Bez. We have to do something
remarkable to mark our centenary.
It wont be a DB9 with a Centenary
Edition badge and it wont be a limited
edition like the One-77 supercar. This
will be a mainstream Aston.
Aston Martin head of design Marek
Reichmann is reportedly putting the nal
touches to the Centenary model, which
is expected to feature an aggressive front
bumper, a ventilated hood and LED-
infused headlights and tail-lights.
Spy shots of the car testing in Europe
indicate it will be a slightly sharper-
edged variation on the usual Aston
Martin theme, as displayed by its other
two-door, front-engined models, the
Vantage, DB9 and Virage.
Auto Express said Dr Bez dismissed
those who have criticised the similarity
of recent Astons and called for more
radical designs.
The best cars stand the test of
time, he said. You need evolution in
design, not constant change. Look at the
Porsche 911.
Reports out of Europe suggest that
the V12 engine which produces
350kW in the four-door Rapide, 365kW
in the Virage and 380kW in the Vantage
and DB9 will be tuned to deliver more
than 400kW for the new Centenary
model, driving through a six-speed
manual gearbox or Astons new seven-
speed Sportshift II auto.
This could be enough to make the
new model the companys rst capable
of accelerating from 0-100km/h in
four seconds or less. The fastest Aston
currently is the Vantage V12 at 4.2
seconds.
C5 Attraction

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