goautonews 540
DESCRIPTION
GoAutonews 540TRANSCRIPT
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com ADVERTISE: Steve Butcher Ph: 0419 562 110 [email protected]
July 14, 2010 No. 540
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Australia’s No.1 Automotive Industry Journal 70,000 Readers Weekly
Light bulbLight bulb
The lights are not just on but are blazing at Hyundai as the new i20 hits town
By TERRY MARTINON TRACK for 80,000-plus sales in
Australia this year, Hyundai today launched
arguably its most important new vehicle –
the Indian-built i20 – which will eventually
take over from the Getz as one of its biggest-
selling models.
Pricing the i20 from a competitive
$14,990 (plus on-road costs) for the three-
door opener, Hyundai Motor Co Australia
has, as expected, positioned the light-
sized car upstream of the $13,990 Getz,
providing for a smooth run-out of the latter
in the coming months and room for the
smaller sub-light i10 – a second Indian-
sourced model for the South Korean brand
that is expected to be launched here early
next year.
Just as the i30 small car has overtaken
the still-strong-selling Getz over the past
12-18 months as the company’s number-
one model in Australia, the i20 is crucial to
HMCA’s quest to become one of the top-
three car companies in Australia, with the
fastest-growing mainstream brand having
targeted a market share of around 10 per
cent by 2012.
After another record month in June, in
which it sold more than 8000 cars to take
fourth position from Mazda to sit behind
market leaders Toyota, Holden and Ford,
Hyundai has recorded more than 42,000
sales for the fi rst six months of 2010 to be
41.5 per cent ahead of the same period in
2009 – a year in which it defi ed the economic
downturn to lift sales 39 per cent on the
previous year when the market overall fell
more than seven per cent.
This year’s fi rst-half result is Hyundai’s
best, and represents an eight per cent share
of the new-vehicle market – just 0.1 per cent
behind Mazda, 1.3 per cent shy of Ford, and
1.4 per cent more than where Hyundai was
at the same point last year.
As GoAuto has documented, recently
released new-generation models in the ix35
compact SUV and i45 medium sedan will,
with the i20, fuel further growth, along with
more all-new models due to be launched in
2011 – i10, the redesigned Accent ( ‘i15’)
and Elantra (‘i35’), and the Accent-sized
Veloster (aka the ‘i25 Coupe’).
This is to say little about various new
model derivatives, such as wagons, diesels
and petrol-electric hybrids – or a mini SUV,
medium and large coupes, an all-new large
sedan and, further down the track, even a
one-tonne utility.
But for now our focus is trained on the
i20, which as anticipated has arrived in
Australia in three-door and fi ve-door body
styles, with a 1.4-litre petrol four-cylinder
engine powering both versions at the entry
level (now known as Active) and a 1.6-litre
available in mid-series (Elite, from $18,490)
and high-series (Premium, from $21,490)
fi ve-door model variants.Continued next page
PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPrePrePrePrePrePrePrePrePrePrePrerePrePrePrePrePrePrePPPrePrPreerePrePrPrePrePPrePPrerPrerPPrePPP miumiumiummiumiumiumiumiumiumiumiumiumiumiumiumiumiumiumiummiumiumiumiumiumiiuimimimmimimmmiumm mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
PORSCHE REINVENTS ITS CAYENNE SUV
- page 3
July 14, 2010 Page 2
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
PUBLISHER: John MellorEDITOR: Terry Martin MANAGING EDITOR: Marton PettendyJOURNALISTS: Byron Mathioudakis, James Stanford Philip Lord, David HassallPRODUCTION: Luc Britten, Gavin van Langenberg Haitham RazaguiSUB-EDITOR: Ron HammertonProduced by GoAutoMedia: Ph: (03) 9598 6477 [email protected]
ADVERTISE: Steve Butcher Ph: 0419 562 110 [email protected]
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Congratulations to Crichton and his team at Neil Buckby Motors Launceston for winning the Mercedes-Benz Provincial/Rural Dealer of the Year for 2009. Auto-IT is proud to provide the Dealer Management System that powers your business.
[email protected] www.auto-it.com.au+61 3 9349 3062
Pictured - Ben Newman, General Sales Manager (left) and Crichton Lewis, DP.
Continued from previous pageA fi ve-speed manual is standard across the
range, with a four-speed ‘HiVec’ automatic
transmission adding $2000. The fi ve-door
version of the Active adds $1000 onto the
RRP, starting at $15,990, while metallic/
mica paint is a further $320.
As we have reported, HMCA has also
received Australian Design Rule certifi cation
for a diesel i20: a 66kW/220Nm 1.4-litre
turbo-diesel.
However, as expected, diesel i20 variants
– which also include an 85kW/260Nm 1.6-
litre CRDi in Europe – have not materialised
at launch and are likely to only join the
line-up at a later stage on the basis of
customer demand.
Of particular interest with the i20 is the
level of standard equipment, and whether
the car has arrived with a features list that
improves markedly upon the retiring Getz,
production of which ends in South Korea
in October.
In short, the answer is yes, but side and
curtain airbags are still unavailable on
baseline (Active) variants – even as an
option to match rival entry models such as
the Mazda2 – which forces safety-conscious
customers to either forgo these features or
move to the Elite or Premium grade where
they are fi tted standard.
Otherwise, the safety list across the range
runs to dual front airbags, front seatbelt
pretensioners (with load limiters), seatbelt
reminders and height-adjustable head
restraints for all fi ve occupants, electronic
stability and traction control, and four-wheel
disc brakes (256/262mm
diameter front/rear) with
ABS, EBD and brake assist.
There is no sign of cruise
control but, other than that,
no real shortage of comfort
and convenience items
across the range, with most
boxes ticked.
Consider the standard
inclusion of air-conditioning, remote central
locking, an alarm, electric windows, electric
mirrors (fi ve-door only), MP3/WMA/CD
stereo (with USB/iPod connectivity and
auxiliary input jack), tilt/reach-adjustable
steering, height-adjustable driver’s seat, a
cooling function in the glove compartment,
metallic paint on the dash stack, and 15-inch
wheels on 185/60-section tyres – including
a full-size spare.
Moving to Elite adds front foglights, two
extra speakers (to six), a trip computer,
leather-clad steering wheel (with remote
audio controls), leather-wrapped gearshift,
alloy wheels (replacing steel wheels on
Active) and extra storage facilities, such as
a bag hook and luggage net.
The Premium grade swaps black cloth
trim for part-leather seats (black with red
piping) and a leather-covered driver’s seat
armrest, and adds climate-control air-con,
front maplights, and 16-inch alloys on
195/50 rubber.
While GoAuto will publish its drive
assessment online from tomorrow afternoon,
the design, engineering
and packaging work that
has gone into the German-
designed i20 look, in
total, to be a considerable
improvement over the Getz.
For starters, European
NCAP testing has provided
it with a maximum fi ve-
star safety rating (with side
and curtain airbags fi tted), which makes it
among the best performers in its class. The
Getz managed four stars when fi tted with
optional side airbags.
It is also built from an all-new platform,
riding on a longer 2525mm wheelbase (up
70mm) and offering small increases in
length (up 115mm to 3940mm) and width
(up 45mm to 1710mm), while overall height
falls 5mm to 1490mm. The front/rear wheel
track measures 1500/1503mm.
Maximum luggage volume for both body
styles is 295 litres with the 60/40 split-fold
rear seat portions up, extending to around
1060 litres with them folded.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
PRICING:Active 1.4 3-dr $14,990
Active 1.4 3-dr (a) $16,990
Active 1.4 5-dr $15,990
Active 1.4 5-dr (a) $17,990
Elite 1.6 5-dr $18,490
Elite 1.6 5-dr (a) $20,490
Premium 1.6 5-dr $21,490
Premium 1.6 5-dr (a) $23,490
Light bulbLight bulb
Elite
July 14, 2010 Page 3
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Over 600 satisfi ed customers, nationwide
Greatly reduced admin & support costs
Fully customisable Microsoft® program
No ongoing software upgrade charges
Unrivalled CRM/database marketing
Proactive sales, service & parts prospecting
For more information please contactMARK HENDERSON(Managing Director)
[email protected]< Click here >
MOTOR SOLUTIONS – SUPPORTING DEALERS FOR OVER 20 YEARS
FINALLY... A DMS with proven Microsoft® Functionality!
VEHICLESERVICING
PARTS & INVENTORY
ACCOUNTS &ADMINISTRATION
MANAGEMENTREPORTING
PROSPECTINGCAMPAIGNS
LEADMANAGEMENT
DATABASEMARKETING
F & I /AFTER MARKET
Investors confi dent in EV car-maker’s future as share fl oat takes off
World wiseWorld wise
By MATHIEU RAUDONIKISPORSCHE has pulled a rabbit out of a hat by
building a bigger and stiffer yet lighter, more
fuel effi cient and even smaller-appearing
second-generation Cayenne SUV.
The improved fuel effi ciency comes
from a range of technologies including a
hybrid drivetrain option, new eight-speed
transmission, updated engines and weight
reduction measures throughout.
The Cayenne S Hybrid – the German
sportscar company’s fi rst model to use
its parallel hybrid powertrain – might be
the big news, but the Cayenne Diesel is
still the fuel miser champion, bettering the
hybrid, 7.8L/100km to 8.2L/100km.
The E2 Cayenne S Hybrid, S V8 and Turbo
variants were launched in Australia this week,
with the low-spec Cayenne (V6 petrol) and
Cayenne Diesel models to follow in August.
The Cayenne S Hybrid is not just about
fuel consumption. It still wears the Porsche
badge, so performance is still a priority.
The hybrid version covers the 0-100km/h
dash in 6.5 seconds, which betters the
petrol V6’s 7.5 seconds and V6 diesel’s 7.8.
However, it trails the V8 S’s 5.9 and the
earth-shattering V8 Turbo’s 4.7 seconds.
Even without electric aids, the 4.8-litre
petrol V8 Cayenne S returns impressive
11.1L/100km fuel consumption, the Turbo
12.2L/100km and the Cayenne
3.6-liter V6 10.4L/100km for
the manual gearbox and 11.2
for the auto.
These are Australian fuel
fi gures measured at Euro 4
specifi cation. These fi gures are
down from 13.9, 14.9, and 12.9L/100km for
each model respectively, indicating that the
extra efforts of the engineers were well spent.
Trying to get the best of both worlds with
the Cayenne Hybrid comes at a hefty cost,
as it attracts a $12,000 premium over the
Cayenne S or $55,500 over the Diesel.
Choosing the diesel model is a cheaper
way to save fuel, but equipment levels in
the Hybrid are much closer to those of the S
than the lower specifi cation Diesel.
To give the Hybrid its combination of
effi ciency and performance, Porsche has
employed a 3.0-litre supercharged V6
direct-injection petrol engine that produces
245kW and 440Nm.
It is supplemented by a single
37kW/300Nm electric motor
mounted in between the petrol
engine and the transmission.
Combined, they make 279kW
at 5500rpm and 580Nm from
an astounding 1000rpm.
The electric motor is fuelled by a 288-volt
nickel-metal hydride battery under the fl oor of
the cargo area. This reduces the cargo volume
of the Hybrid to 580 litres (1690 litres with
rear seats folded), down from 670 litres on
the other models (1780 litres with rear seats
folded, 1705 litres for Cayenne Turbo).Continued next page
PRICING:V6 petrol (a) $103,500
V6 diesel (a) $104,500
S V8 (a) $147,900
S Hybrid (a) $159,900
Turbo (a) $239,900
Performance still rules, but eco matters are now at the core of Porsche’s SUV
July 14, 2010 Page 4
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Business Development Manager - QLDBMW Group Financial Services and Alphera Financial Services are part of the
worldwide financial services division of the BMW Group.
Offering a full range of finance and insurance products to prestige vehicle owners,
the company also provides wholesale and capital loan facilities to the dealer
networks.
An outstanding opportunity now exists for a commercially astute and experienced
automotive financial services professional to apply for the position of Business
Development Manager.
Based in Queensland and working from a home office, the Business Development
Manager’s role involves monitoring, analysing and reporting individual dealer
performance; conducting training on products, systems and procedures both in
dealerships and at national training conferences, monitoring market competition and
liaising with national sales company Regional Managers.
Reporting to both the General Manager BMW Brands Finance and General Manager
Alphera Financial Services, the Business Development Manager is responsible for
managing dealer networks throughout QLD. The role will suit an individual with
exceptional communication skills and a proven track record in developing effective
business relationships. With strong analytical skills, you will be a self starter who
thrives on achieving results through working closely with Dealer Principals and
Business Managers within retail dealerships. Essentially, you understand the
importance of delivering value added service to build these relationships, and utilizing
your business acumen to assist dealer’ reach desired business outcomes.
An attractive remuneration package which reflects the importance of this position will
be offered. Please email your CV to [email protected] or contact
Jodie Paige on 03 9264 4008 for further information
BMW GroupFInancial Services
The Ultimate Driving Machine
World wiseWorld wiseContinued from previous page
To maintain the performance standards
expected of Porsche, the Hybrid operates
in parallel with the petrol engine to give
greater acceleration.
The parallel hybrid system also allows
what Porsche calls ‘sailing mode’ – where
the petrol engine is switched off and
disconnected from the drivetrain under
light throttle applications at speeds up to
156km/h, with the Cayenne maintaining
speed on the electric motor alone.
A fuel-saving idle-stop system switches
off the engine when it is not needed,
instantly restarting it when the brake pedal
is released. Operational pressure in the
automatic transmission is maintained when
the engine is switched off in this mode by
electric pumps so that there is no lag in the
vehicle taking off once it restarts.
Bar the manual transmission V6 model,
the entire Cayenne range benefi ts from the
idle-stop technology, as well as a radical
weight-loss program.
Doing away with the low-range transfer
case and switching to lightweight driveshafts
shed some of the weight, while the use of
aluminium in both the suspension and body
take off further kilos.
The measures shaved more than 30kg off
the drivetrain and 111kg off the body, while
even items such as the optional panoramic
sunroof have lost weight, 13kg in this case.
In the case of the Turbo, weight has been
sliced by 185kg.
The Cayenne’s new body is bigger – 48mm
longer, 11mm wider and 6mm higher overall
and it rides on a 40mm longer wheelbase –
yet clever design gives the new Cayenne a
smaller, more athletic appearance. It is an
all-new body yet unmistakably a Cayenne.
The Cayenne models are best distinguished
from the front where the V8 and Hybrid
models get black air intakes at the
side as opposed to the body colour
on the Cayenne and Cayenne Diesel.
The Cayenne Turbo stands out as
the high performance model with a
unique centre air intake and a more
distinctive ‘Powerdome’.
The longer wheelbase has allowed
a bigger interior with more legroom for
the rear-seat occupants, and this seat is
also adjustable for position and angle.
The design of the seats, dash and console
are all-new to give the Cayenne a more
contemporary sporting look.
The eight-speed Tiptronic ZF transmission
now used across the range in lieu of the old six-
speeder also helps reduce fuel consumption.
The auto transmission is optional on the
base-model Cayenne, which has a six-speed
manual gearbox as standard.
Without the low-range transfer case, E2
Cayennes have two different drive systems,
while all models have a new traction
management system with switchable off-
road muscle to make the most of grip in
any conditions.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREFor drive impressions, go to
www.GoAuto.com.au from Thursday
July 14, 2010 Page 5
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
2010 AADA NATIONALDEALER CONVENTIONSEPTEMBER 9-12 2010
THE AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION PRESENTS
RACV ROYAL PINES RESORT, GOLD COAST, QLD, AUSTRALIA
www.aadaconvention.com.auEnquiries: 03 9576 9944 or [email protected]
meet the challenge in an evolving industry
AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
INFORMATION SERVICES
KevinPanozza
Featuring:
SALESFORCEFOUNDER
Transforming CustomerExperience in the
New Market Place
industrydaythursdayis
X5 evenX5 evenbetterbetter
By MATHIEU RAUDONIKISBMW’S X5 has been a favourite among the
luxury SUV set since its launch in Australia
in 2000 and since then it has spawned a
family of SUV siblings in the X3, X6 and,
most recently, the X1.
Some 27,219 X5s have been registered
here to June 2010, continuing its record
as the country’s top-selling luxury SUV
for the past seven years. The second-
generation X5, launched in 2007, cemented
its position at the top as fresh competition
from new models vied for a slice of the
lucrative pie.
Just as the original E53 X5 received a
midlife facelift four years into its tenure, the
MkII E70 X5 now benefi ts from a host of
upgrades after a similar period. The range
continues with four variants in the standard
line-up, supplemented by the sports-
orientated X5 M at the head of the range.
The X5 remains a luxurious, road-oriented
SUV and the upgrades take that further as
BMW aims to increase the sporting appeal
and elegant style of the model.
Entry to the hallowed X5 club has gone
up almost $5500 in price due to the deletion
of the xDrive30i petrol variant, which
previously served as the entry model. The
new starting price is $92,100 and for that
you get the X5 xDrive30d.
The single-turbo diesel 3.0-litre xDrive30d
produces 173kW and 520Nm, up 7kW and
20Nm from the old model, but delivers
a signifi cant 15 per cent improvement in
fuel consumption over the older model at
7.4L/100km. CO2 emissions
are also reduced from 231g/
km to 195g/km.
Much of the decrease in
fuel use comes from the
application of a new eight-
speed automatic transmission from ZF that
is now standard across the X5 range. On
its own, the ZF8HP – ironically, the same
transmission recently introduced to X5
competitors in the new Touareg, Cayenne
and Range Rover TDV8, and set to come
on the upgraded Audi Q7 – is claimed to
improve fuel consumption by up to 11 per
cent.
The xDrive30d might be the entry-
level but it does not fall short on standard
equipment, which includes 18-inch alloy
wheels, leather trim, Servotronic power
steering, brake energy regeneration, diesel
particulate fi lter, front head and side airbags,
active head restraints, an iDrive controller,
Bluetooth phone connectivity, an electronic
park brake, rain-sensing wipers, automatic
headlights, hill descent control and electronic
stability and traction control.
Around 85 per cent of xDrive30d buyers
choose accessory packages to spec up
their vehicles and the
Executive Package has
been exclusively created
for this model. It adds a
rearview camera with ‘top
view’, anti-dazzle interior/
exterior mirrors, power seat adjustment and
Professional navigation to the equipment
list. These options would normally add
$9400 to the purchase price but bought as a
package they cost $7000.
Without the xDrive30i in the range, the
petrol X5 line-up now starts at more than
$100,000, with the xDrive35i priced at
$103,900. While the six-cylinder engine
retains its 3.0-litre capacity the XDrive35i uses
twin turbochargers to boost power to 225kW
and torque to 400Nm – up from the non-
turbocharged engine’s 200kW and 315Nm.Continued next page
PRICING:xDrive30d (a) $92,100
xDrive35i (a) $103,900
xDrive40d Sport (a) $113,300
xDrive50i Sport (a) $133,400
BMW’s top-shelf SUV picks up more petrol and diesel power, and a fuel-saving eight-speed auto
xxxxxxxxDrxDrxDrxDrxDrxDrDxDrxDrDxDrDxDxDDrDDDrxDrx riveiveiveiveiveiveiveiveveveeiveveveiveve40d40d40d40d40d40d40d40d40d40d40d4040d40d0040d4040dd Sp SpSp Sp Sp Sp Sp Sp Spp Spp SpSS Sp SpSpS ortortortortortorortortortortortortoortoortoo
July 14, 2010 Page 6
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
X5 even betterX5 even betterContinued from previous page
The result is a drop of 1.3 seconds – to
6.8 seconds – for the 0-100km/h dash, while
at the same time reducing fuel consumption
from 11.7 to 10.1L/100km.
Next step up is the second diesel-engined
X5, the X5 xDrive40d Sport, at $113,300. The
Sport designation indicates that the ‘Sport’
package, which is optional on xDrive30d and
xDrive35i models, comes standard.
The Sport package includes a choice of
two new alloy wheel designs, a sports leather
steering wheel, BMW Individual anthracite
roof lining and fi rmer sports suspension. The
sports suspension can be deleted at no extra
cost and this is often preferred on Australia’s
less than smooth roads, on which BMW’s
already fi rm suspension and run-fl at tyres
can feel harsh.
The xDrive40d Sport replaces the
xDrive35d in the range and its 3.0-litre
twin-turbo direct-injection diesel engine has
been tweaked to deliver 15kW and 20Nm
more than the previous model. That puts it
at 225kW and a thumping 600Nm of torque;
enough to propel the X5 to 100km/h in just
6.6 seconds – down from 7.0 seconds. Also
down is fuel consumption, to 7.5L/100km –
a drop of 15 per cent.
As in previous iterations, the range-topping
X5 is powered by a V8 petrol engine, but the
4.8-litre V8 of the xDrive48i is gone and in
its place is a smaller-capacity 4.4-litre twin-
turbocharged V8 engine from the X6.
The X5 xDrive50i Sport, to use its full
title, benefi ts from an extra 39kW and
an incredible 125Nm of boost to deliver
0-100km/h acceleration in just 5.5 seconds.
Peak fi gures are 300kW and 600Nm, while
maximum torque is available from just
1750rpm through to 4500rpm.
Fuel consumption for the V8 remains
unchanged at 12.5L/100km, indicating that
the twin-turbocharged 4.4 engine is thirstier
than the naturally aspirated 4.8, but is helped
out by the new eight-speed transmission.
As indicated by the nomenclature, the X5
xDrive50i Sport has the Sports pack as
standard, but in this case self-levelling rear
suspension is also included.
Pricey options can add considerable
expense to many European vehicles and the
X5 does not escape this phenomenon. BMW
has bundled many popular options together
and made them available as packages to make
tailoring the vehicle simpler and less costly.
As well as the Sports and Executive
packages already mentioned, an M Sport
package is available on all four models. It
adds a deeper front bumper, 20-inch alloy
wheels and V8-style exhaust tips on all
engine variants. Sports suspension is also a
part of the M Sport package, but again it can
be deleted if a softer ride is preferred over
more dynamic handling.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE
M5 preview – page 18
xDrive40d Sport
xDrive50i Sport
Alias Digital ModellerHolden Special Vehicles have been at the forefront of designing and developing Australiaʼs favourite performance vehicles for over twenty years. We are seeking an experienced Alias Digital Modeller to join our highly motivated Design team. Our purpose built Design Studio is located at head office, based in Clayton.
As part of this small close-knit studio team, you will be involved in all aspects of the surface development of all our exterior and interior components, often working at a challenging pace. We require a person who is confident surfacing accurately to scan data as well as being able to create quicker sketch models and work to stringent deadlines.
A minimum of two years experience in Autodesk Alias Surface Studio and the ability to work autonomously and at times under pressure is required. Previous Automotive A class surfacing experience will be an advantage.
Your opinions, new ideas and creativity will be highly valued. We realise that our people are the key to our continued success, and as such you will be rewarded with an excellent salary package.
All applications should include a full resumé with a one page summary of relevant skills, and should be emailed to the attention of the Human Resource Manager at: [email protected] by close of business Friday 30th July 2010.
hsv.com.au
July 14, 2010 Page 7
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
The Automotive Dealer Management (ADM) program is run in conjunction with the University of Melbourne. This a high level intensive and practical program aimed at aspiring dealership ‘leaders’ or current DP’s wishing to refocus their efforts.
Highlights include:
focused management facilitation
Certificate in Automotive Dealer Management issued by the University of Melbourne
designed to accommodate current and future Dealership
not withstanding the potential envisaged as a result of successfully completing this program.
Participants will receive focused tuition and coaching from
throughput and customer satisfaction
| | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.sewells.com.au
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS...
If you believe the Sewells DLP or ADM programs will be the cornerstone of your personal and business development and would like more information, including a comprehensive brochure, then please contact us.
DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT DEALERSHIP MANAGEMENT
Top CatTop Cat
By JOHN CRAWFORDJAGUAR’S new XJ sedan has landed
Down Under with a fresh look, blistering
performance and higher pricing than
originally announced last year.
The fl agship Jaguar sedan has been
conservatively tasked with selling just 120
vehicles a year – well below the volumes of
the XJ in its heyday of the 1960s and 1970s.
But Jaguar Australia hopes the XJ will
boost the whole Jaguar brand in Australia
with its halo, building on the aura produced
by the smaller XF that arrived last year.
Jaguar design chief Ian Callum’s bold – some
might say controversial – design eschews the
conventional lines of its predecessor, featuring
a sweeping, teardrop profi le with almost coupe-
like style. Its shape suggests hatchback, but
under the boot lid is a huge 520-litre space.
At the other end, four engine choices start
with a 202kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel
and continue with three versions of the third-
generation AJ petrol 5.0-litre V8 – a normally
aspirated unit producing 283kW, and two
supercharged versions, producing 346kW
and 375kW.
The latter is the performance champion,
sprinting from zero to 100km/h in 4.7
seconds, outpacing all but the 6.0-litre V12
versions of the Benz S-class and BMW
760Li (both 4.6 seconds).
Naturally, the diesel carries the big
Jaguar’s green credentials with a combined
fuel economy rating of 7.0 litres per 100km.
This betters both the Mercedes S350 CDI
(7.7L/100km) and BMW 730d (7.2L/100km).
The XJ oil-burner’s claimed 0-100km/h
acceleration is also impressive for a 3.0-litre
diesel limo, at 6.4 seconds, compared with
the diesel Mercedes’ 7.3 and BMW’s 7.2.
All Jaguar XJ models share a ZF connect-
by-wire six-speed auto transmission, with
steering column paddles for manual-style
cog-swapping. The driver can override the
automatic transmission at any point or fl ick
the transmission controller in S mode for
Sport which allows for manual shifting and
will not change up before the driver is ready.
The traditional automatic transmission
selector has been replaced by a chrome
JaguarDrive rotary selector that pops from
the centre console.
The XJ makes extensive use of aluminium,
magnesium and high-tensile steel to keep the
weight down to just 1755kg for the lightest
model – undercutting the lightest BMW 7
Series by almost 100kg and the lightest
Benz S-class by 55kg.Continued next page
PRICING:3.0D SWB Premium Luxury (a) $198,800
3.0D LWB Premium Luxury (a) $206,800
5.0 V8 SWB Premium Luxury (a) $251,000
5.0 V8 LWB Premium Luxury (a) $259,000
5.0 V8 SWB Portfolio (a) $274,800
5.0 S/C SWB Portfolio (a) $311,000
5.0 S/C SWB Supersport (a) $354,800
5.0 S/C LWB Supersport (a) $367,800
XJ fl agship arrives with hot performance and a new look to rev Jaguar’s image
July 14, 2010 Page 8
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Mercedes-Benz is seeking a dynamic individual to lead the Product team in delivering a high level of service and outcomes.
Responsible for supporting the sales & marketing function, the role includes development & implementation of van product and pricing strategies, meeting market share and profit goals & day to day operations managing a small team.
Some of your key responsibilities include:
Managing vehicle ordering/production/planning, reporting and analysis, design and delivery of product training activities. Feasibility studies on new product strategies, inventory monitoring and leading the Product Review Steering Committee.
To be successful in this position you will need to demonstrate a high level of organisational ability, acute attention to detail and well developed communication skills. You will need a flexible ‘can do’ attitude and initiative, coupled with a ‘hands on’ approach. You will be a key member of the team’s success, so drive and enthusiasm are essential.
You will preferably have a thorough understanding of the automotive industry but most importantly, we are seeking a passionate individual who is not afraid to take responsibility and deliver outstanding outcomes. Ideally, you will also be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, SAP, Cognos & POLK systems.
Sound like you? Please forward your application to [email protected] no later than close of business Thursday 22nd July 2010.
Plan to succeed!Product & Sales Planning Manager – Mercedes-Benz Vans
Top CatTop CatContinued from previous page
A faster steering rack from the smaller XF
model sharpens on-road response, as does a
selectable ‘dynamic mode’ that instantly
sharpens the throttle response, increases the
weight of the steering system and fi rms up
the damping.
Available in three trim levels – Premium
Luxury, Portfolio and Supersports – the XJ
range comes in standard wheelbase or a
125mm-stretched long-wheelbase model for
a more specious rear compartment, along
with more expansive rear doors for easier
entry and exit.
The V6D opens the pricing at $198,800
in short-wheelbase Premium Luxury form,
with the longer version costing an extra
$8000 but $5000 more than was announced
by Jaguar Australia in September last year.
These XJ diesel prices are right on top
of the BMW 730d but some $16,000 more
affordable than the Benz diesel S-class.
The lowest-priced petrol V8s start at
$251,000 and $259,000 for the standard and
long-wheelbase cars respectively. This makes
the XJ Jaguars around $23,000 and $32,000
cheaper than their natural BMW competitors,
the twin-turbo V8 750i and 750iL.
The S-class Mercedes V8 models are
almost $43,000 (500S) and $53,000 (500L)
more expensive than the V8 Jaguar XJs.
Jaguar Australia has positioned two standard-
wheelbase Portfolio mid-range models up
against the Porsche Panamera ($275,000)
and the Maserati Quattroporte ($286,000).
Equipped with either the 5.0-litre naturally
aspirated V8 or supercharged V8, these models
meet those competitors on equal ground.
The entry-level Premium Luxury
models include all the goodies you expect
– navigation, premium sound, leather,
proper wood and grunt.
The Supersports versions – due in
August – gain Aniline leather seats, leather
headlining, leather trim on upper fascia,
purple fl ock-lined glovebox, interior mood
lighting and supercharged performance.
All models share a hi-tech 12.3-inch TFT
high-defi nition display for the instruments.
Instead of traditional gauges, information is
presented digitally in three rings.
There is also an innovative dual-view
eight-inch touch-screen that can project
DVD movies or television programs to the
passenger, while the driver views vehicle
functions or follows satellite-navigation.
Audio purists can opt for a 1200w audio
system developed exclusively for the range
by Bowers & Wilkins.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE
July 14, 2010 Page 9
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Single-cab, petrol engine details emerge as VW’s one-tonner draws closer
Amarok fi lls outAmarok fi lls out
By JAMES STANFORD in SOUTH AFRICAA CRUCIAL single-cab version will join
the all-new Volkswagen Amarok ute line-up
just months after it is launched in dual-cab
guise in Australia.
GoAuto can also reveal a 2.0-litre
turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine
will also be added to the range at some stage
next year, alongside two diesel engines,
widening the appeal of Volkswagen’s fi rst
commercial ute.
The lack of an automatic transmission
is looming as the only gap in the Amarok
product line-up. Volkswagen Australia has
confi rmed an all-important auto gearbox
is being developed, but cannot provide an
estimate of when it will be introduced.
Volkswagen Australia is also yet to confi rm
the actual launch date of the Amarok ute, but
will show the hugely important model at this
October’s Australian International Motor
Show in Sydney.
There is a chance the Amarok will go on
sale locally before the end of the year, in line
with the original plan, but it is more likely
that the vehicle will be introduced early next
year, given strong demand for it in South
America where it is made in Argentina.
At launch, the Amarok range will consist
of just the four-door crew-cab available with
two different 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesels.
The entry-level engine will be a single-
turbo unit with 90kW and 340Nm, while the
twin-turbo diesel, which is also available in
the T5 Transporter van, generates a more
respectable 120kW and 400Nm.
Volkswagen previously has been reluctant
to discuss details of the petrol engine it is
planning for the Amarok, but key information
was revealed to GoAuto by Volkswagen
South Africa during a press event for the
right-hand drive Amarok.
The single-turbo TSI petrol engine will
generate 118kW and 300Nm. The fuel
consumption fi gure comes in at 9.9 litres
per 100km. Like the two diesel variants,
the petrol will be paired with a six-speed
manual gearbox.
While the petrol engine was primarily
developed for South America, in particular
Brazil where it will be adapted to run high
concentrations of ethanol, Volkswagen
Australia has confi rmed it will take the
engine at some stage next year.
Volkswagen Australia has confi rmed it also
will take the single-cab version of the Amarok
as soon as it is available, sometime in 2011.
Volkswagen South Africa, the fi rst division
to introduce a right-hand drive version of
the Amarok, plans to launch the crew-cab
Amarok this October before introducing the
single-cab variant in April next year.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
July 14, 2010 Page 10
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Australian importers eye expansion into trucks via China’s booming industry
Chinese ute, truck pushChinese ute, truck push
GREAT WALL UTE GONEGREAT Wall Motors importer Ateco
Automotive has quietly dropped the slow-
selling, Chinese-made SA220 ute from its
range in Australia.
The 2.2-litre four-door ute became
the cheapest dual-cab workhorse on the
market when it was launched at $19,990
driveaway alongside its more advanced,
better-equipped but pricier sibling, the
V240, in June 2009.
Just a year later, dealers are running out
the remnants of SA220 stock and focusing
sales attention on the in-demand 2.4-litre
V240 range, which was expanded last
month with a single-cab model priced
from just $17,990.
Great Wall spokesman Daniel Cotterill
said the decision to delete the SA220
from the range was taken locally for
commercial reasons.
“It was our decision to drop it,” he
said. “It never quite lived up to its sales
potential, so we decided to let it go.”
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
By RON HAMMERTONTHE Chinese automotive invasion is set to
step up a gear with at least two Australian
distributors considering expansion into
trucks made in the world’s biggest and
fastest-growing motor market.
Vehicles ranging from utilities to eight-
tonne trucks are under consideration from
a number of Chinese manufacturers, one of
which is sending a representative to discuss
Australian market potential in August.
So far, Chinese imports have been restricted
to a pair of utilities and an SUV from Great
Wall Motors, with a fl ock of passenger cars in
the pipeline from Chery and Geely.
But Australian vehicle importers Ateco
Automotive and Chinese Automotive
Distributors (CAD) have confi rmed to
GoAuto that they are considering importing
Chinese trucks.
Ateco, which pioneered Chinese vehicle
sales in Australia last year with its Great
Wall ute and SUV range, says it is keeping its
eyes open for opportunities in all segments
of the Chinese motor industry.
Spokesman Daniel Cotterill said that
included commercial vehicles, but it was too
early to be specifi c.
“We are interested in a range of things
from China, and I think it would be fair say,
commercial vehicles,” he said.
“We have got a guy who actively pursues
things in China all the time. He is the guy
that oversaw the getting of Great Wall
here, and I know for a fact he is up to his
elbows getting Chery here. I am not privy to
everything he does, but I know that he is up
and down from there all the time.”
Perth-based CAD says it is already in
talks with Chinese truck-makers with a
view to expanding into commercial vehicles
alongside its Geely passenger car business
that is due to hit the Australian market in
about September or October.
Owner John Hughes – a West Australian
businessman and major car dealer in Perth
– said he travelled to China last month to
speak with truck companies, visiting “six
different cities in six days”.
“We are not restricting ourselves to purely
passenger cars, nor are we restricting ourselves
to SUVs and pick-ups,” he said. “We have got
one man coming to visit us in the fi rst week of
August, and they make pick-ups and SUVs.”
Mr Hughes declined to name the company,
but said it was only one of several he had made
contact with. “We are talking to a number of
utility manufacturers and we are talking with
two or three manufacturers of light trucks up
to 3.5 GVM (gross vehicle mass), and some
that make up to six or eight tonnes,” he said.
The light-to-medium truck market
in Australia is dominated by Japanese
manufacturers. The hotly contested delivery
truck segment – 3.5-7.5 tonne GVM –
accounts for about 12,000 sales a year, with
Isuzu’s N-Series, Mitsubishi Fuso Canter
and Toyota’s Hino brand the main players.
China’s rapidly expanding truck industry –
driven by at least 30 manufacturers – is one of
the biggest in the world, accounting for almost
four million of the 13.8 million vehicles sold
in the market that overtook the United States
as the world’s biggest last year.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
JAC ute
SA220
July 14, 2010 Page 11
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Former Holden designer Phil Zmood looks back on a beaut 37-year career
Back in ZmoodBack in Zmood
Call Geoff Day in Sales on 0431 701 350 www.titandms.com.au
$75 per screen/month
plus$7.50 GSTJoin the growing number of Dealerships across Australia
who have proven that there is an alternative.
Upgrade your DMS and SLASH your IT bills by up to 50% – upgrading is easier than you think!
Are you being held captive by your current DMS provider? Titan DMS offers a way out.
By IAN PORTERMELBOURNE’S RMIT University is set
to honour one of its successful past students,
former Holden chief designer Phillip Zmood,
with an exhibition of his design sketches that
include some of Holden’s iconic models.
Mr Zmood became the fi rst Australian
to be appointed Holden chief designer in a
37-year career with GM design, infl uencing
or having a hand in the design of 75 per cent
of all Holdens, including Toranas, Monaros
and Commodores.
He had a big hand in the HQ series, which
was brought down by the 1970s oil shocks,
and was chief designer for Holden’s answer
to the same problem, the Torana.
Setting a precedent others would follow,
Zmood got the call to work in Europe and,
later in his career, the United States.
The exhibition at the Melbourne Museum,
from Friday, July 16 to Sunday, August 8,
traces his work from sketches he did as a
student at RMIT – where he studied in the
1960s – to his Holden designs.
Mr Zmood was about to throw out
the works, which include production
drawings, when someone suggested he
donate them to the RMIT, where he was a
course advisor for 15 years.
The grandson of Russian immigrants who
landed in Melbourne in 1910, Mr Zmood was
directed towards a tertiary qualifi cation.
“My parents were very keen on education,”
he said in an interview with GoAuto this
week. “They couldn’t pass on a fortune, but
they could give me an education, which they
saw as the fi rst rung on the ladder.”
He attended the Caulfi eld Technical
School before studying industrial design at
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology,
now RMIT University.
“I kept entering a British car design
contest and one year I won it with a design
for a sportscar,” he said.
“(The Gannet 1000) was about
the size of an MG but had a rotary
engine over the rear wheels and a
folding metal roof.”
This prompted some coverage
in a daily paper and was part of a
portfolio which led to an offer of
work from Holden, which was
not immediately accepted.
He fi nally got over his
suspicions about big companies
and took up the offer, right at
the time GM was gearing up
Holden to play a large role in the region.
“They were making 300,000 cars then –
treble what they do today – and Detroit had
a big vision for Australia,” he said.
“An American named Joe Schemansky
was appointed the fi rst design director and
he built what is still the design centre, at a
time when there was only a fraction of the
work they do now.”
But it was clear he was expected to
work hard.
“At my fi rst interview, I was asked whether
I minded working overtime. It turned out we
mostly worked to 9pm three nights a week
and most Saturdays.
“My wife reckons I used to go to work on
Tuesday and come home on Thursday.”
When he reported for duty, he was shown
into a large room furnished with a single desk.
“Just draw cars” was his instruction, and he
duly covered the walls with exotic renderings.
He started out on small items. He
remembers doing the Holden badge that went
onto the HR grille, but was soon involved in
the ground-breaking HK range, which saw
the introduction of Australia’s most loved
two-door, the Monaro. Zmood did some
wheel covers and badges for that range.Continued page 13
Fairfield: 415 Heidelberg Road, Tel: 9489 7777. Kew: 128 Denmark Street, Tel: 9853 6669 www.mb3point.com.au LMCT433 3 POINTMOTORS
New & Pre-Owned Cars & Vans Sales Executives- A successful sales history in the retail automotive industry- Passion for luxury automobiles- Immaculate presentation, confident and self motivated- Excellent verbal and written communication skills- Exceptional customer service skills- Ability to thrive in a fast paced environment- Attractive retainer and commission package on offerwith fully maintained company vehicle
Customer Relations Officer- Maintain and maximise customer database opportunities- Manage customer follow-up calls and SMS processes- Analyse customer satisfaction data and providerecommendations for improvement
- Focus on exceeding customer expectations- Contribute to dealership customer service anddatabase targets
- Experience with customer relations in a dealershipcapacity will be highly regarded
- Attractive remuneration package is on offer whereperformance is rewarded
Apprentice Technicians- Inspired by automotive- Enthusiastic team player with a can-do attitude- Have attention to detail and be highly adaptable- High level of personal commitment and strong work ethic
Parts Storeman- Locate parts, control credit returns, check incominggoods, pick and despatch orders
- Highly organised and efficient with attention to detail- Computer literate and ability to work autonomously- Experience in the Automotive Industry, Stock Controlor a Technical background will be highly regarded
- Attractive remuneration structure where performanceis rewarded
IT Support- Ability to maintain IT servers with experience inmulti-site networking
- Provide IT help desk for all dealership staff- Develop and maintain dealership management system- Ordering and maintenance of hardware and software- Experience with dealership management systems andAuto IT/UNIT’s an advantage
- Attractive remuneration structure is on offer withflexible part-time hours
Fully Qualified Automotive Technicians- Strong mechanical, technical and diagnostic skills- A solid track record of performance- High level of personal commitment and strong work ethic- Experience with Mercedes-Benz passenger carswill be highly regarded
Shining Stars Wanted.
A D
aim
ler B
rand
3 Point Motors, a shining star in the Mercedes-Benz dealer network with locations inFairfield and Kew, is now under new management and due to strong growth andexpansion of dealership facilities, requires the following shining stars:
All candidates are required to hold a current Victorian Drivers Licence. Confidential applications with a covering lettercan be emailed to our Chief Executive, Dealer Principal, Sam Curtis at: [email protected]
July 14, 2010 Page 13
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
eAUCTIONSReal-time auctions by Europe’s leading eAuctioneer gives you guaranteed auction fever.
Autorola eAuctions gives sellers and buyers of motor vehicles a timely, cost effective and convenient remarketing platform. Tailored to any size of eet or auction volume. It is your eet and with Autorola you decide how, when and to whom you offer your cars.
Now also Weekly Fleet, Lease & Rental Trade Auctions open to registered trade buyers. Trade-only. Log-on to www.autorola.com.au to register and join the auction crowd online now!
For more information, please call Andrew Sorensen on 0430 906 697 or email [email protected]
Trade-only auctions | No set-up cost | Free registration | Buy/sell faster | Access 24/7 | OEM | Fleet | Lease | Rental | Dealer
www.autorola.com.au
Continued from page 11In the late 1960s he was a contributor to
the HQ series – he is still a fan of tail-lights
in the bumper bar – but it was when he was
appointed chief designer in the Torana studio
in 1969 – still only in his late 20s – that he
came to the fore.
The GTR-X concept coupe he designed
broke cover in 1970, just as the XU-1 sports
model started tearing up the racetracks. The
Torana was a big hit, even the thirsty six-
cylinder models.
The GTR-X – many thought it should
have been named the XU-2 – was the most
beautiful thing ever designed in Australia
and the show car GMH built wowed crowds
wherever it went.
“GM could see the small Japanese cars
coming and the Torana was the model
designed to meet the competition,” Mr
Zmood said.
“It didn’t have the same economy or
packaging, but the LH model gave Australia
its fi rst hatchback.”
That hatchback later also performed
well on the racetracks as the V8-engined
A9X model.
A two-year stint at Opel starting in 1978
was abruptly cut short after about a year
when Zmood was recalled to be assistant to
the design director Leo Pruneau.
“We had to work on the VK and VL
Commodores, which we saw as the survival
cars for GMH.”
The company was almost bankrupt as the
Ford Falcon had been dominating the sales
charts after the oil crises abated. GMH was
in big fi nancial trouble, Zmood said.
“I remember being told at the time, we had
to make a success of the VL or we would be
looking for another job.”
They inserted an extra window behind
the C-pillar to give it a six-window
glasshouse and make it look bigger in
comparison with the Falcon.
The VL model fi nally ditched the old
Holden straight six and was replaced with a
sophisticated Nissan I6.
“That really took off,” Mr Zmood said.
“The VK and the VL were the turning point
for the company.”
In 1983, Mr Zmood became the fi rst
Australian to be appointed director of Holden
design and held the position until 1995.
The company’s return to fi nancial
health – built on rear-wheel-drive large
cars – caught the attention of people in the
Detroit head offi ce.
GM was trying to bring its various
subsidiaries closer in to the centre and, as
part of this, Holden was asked to design and
build a concept car for Buick, which became
the XP2000 of 1995.
Soon after, Mr Zmood was asked to live
in Detroit and be Holden’s representative
in the various global programs in which
Australia had an interest. In fact, he also
represented the other non-American
subsidiaries such as Opel.
“That was the start of the global rear-wheel
drive program. All of a sudden we had gone
from being considered colonial nobodies to
‘we really respect what you guys have done
because you were able to turn around your
fortunes’,” he said.
The global RWD program sees Holden
at the centre of GM’s development and
engineering of rear-wheel-drive cars, most
notably the development of the current
Camaro sports coupe range.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Back in ZmoodBack in Zmood
Phil Zmood
July 14, 2010 Page 14
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY CHAIN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM — ELEMENT 3
APPLICATIONS NOW OPENApplications are now being accepted for the Australian Government’s Automotive Supply Chain Development Program (ASCDP) — Element 3
The ASCDP is providing $20 million to 2012–13 to assist the automotive components sector enhance its capabilities and better integrate into local and global supply chains.
Element 3 of the program is designed to support Tier 1 suppliers to Motor Vehicle Producers to implement development strategies for their own suppliers and other businesses further down the supply chain and assist them to more effectively identify and secure emerging opportunities.
Applications close 7 August 2010 with successful applicants being notifi ed in the third quarter of 2010.
For further information please refer to the Information for Applicants document on the Department’s website at www.innovation.gov.au or contact the Automotive Policy Section, Manufacturing Division, Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research on +612 6213 7088 or +612 6213 7785 or by email to [email protected].
LY CHAIN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM — ELEMENT 3
Mercedes uncovers its all-electric SLS ahead of 2013 market launch
SLS E-Cell risesSLS E-Cell rises
By TERRY MARTINTRUE to its word, Mercedes-Benz has
unveiled a near-production version of its all-
electric SLS AMG supercar as the German
manufacturer works towards a 2013 market
introduction.
Now dubbed the E-Cell, the eco version
of the latest-generation gullwing is being
developed under the ‘AMG Performance
2015’ strategy and has arrived in built-up
form after the chassis was unveiled at the
Frankfurt motor show last September.
In April, Mercedes-AMG chairman and
managing director Volker Mornhinweg – who
has since moved on to become the head of
Mercedes’ vans unit – told GoAuto that it was
preparing to show the all-electric supercar in
near-production form as engineering and
development work continued full-steam
ahead, with a full production version expected
on sale in 2013.
Now, the German performance division
has obliged, revealing the SLS AMG
E-Cell in working prototype form – and
fi nished in unique fl uorescent ‘AMG
lumilectric magno’ paintwork.
“The gullwing offers the prospect of a
possible small series production run and
at the same time refl ects the innovative
strength and development competence of
the AMG performance brand,” the company
said in a statement.
Mr Mornhinweg’s replacement, Ola
Kaellenius, who offi cially took the reins this
month, added: “It is our goal to continually
reduce the fuel consumption and emissions
of new models in the coming years, while
at the same time enhancing the core brand
value of performance.”
This SLS-based model rollout will begin in
Australia next month as fi rst deliveries of the
$464,000, conventional-engine SLS
arrive here, satisfying an order bank
that is now at 52 units from a total
2010 allocation of 70 cars.
Mercedes-Benz Australia/
Pacifi c has advised that a similar
allocation is expected for 2011.
The fi rst model designed
completely in-house by Mercedes-
AMG, the SLS is also still expected
to spawn a convertible, while a
smaller derivative dubbed the ‘baby SLS’
is widely anticipated to enter production
around 2013, sans gullwing doors and
drawing its power from the new direct-
injection V8 engine family which includes
twin-turbocharged 4.7-litre M278 and 5.5-
litre M157 versions.
As GoAuto has reported, the SLS is
powered by a 420kW/650Nm dry-sump
version of AMG’s exclusive 6.2-litre V8,
which drives the rear wheels through a
seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual
transaxle. It propels the super-coupe from
0-100km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds, on its
way to a top speed of 317km/h.
Fuel economy is rated at 13.2L/100km,
while its offi cial CO2 emissions output is
308g/km.
The zero-emissions E-Cell, on the
other hand, uses four electric motors
positioned near the wheels, with one
transmission per axle transmitting the
power. The combined peak power output
is, as outlined at Frankfurt last year,
392kW, while maximum torque is 880Nm
“available virtually from a standstill”.Continued page 22
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell
High-voltage batteries
Power electronics
Gearbox
Single wheel drive, 2 electric motors per axle
July 14, 2010 Page 15
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
This respected global automotive company has enjoyed market leadership for many years. Admired for innovation, quality, customer satisfaction and being environmentally responsible, this fi rm continues to set the industry benchmark.
COMMERCIAL ANALYST• Global OEM
• Port Melbourne• $80k plus package neg.
You will make a crucial contribution to vehicle forecasting and business planning of the organisation. Day to day you will have responsibility for the following inputs to the planning cycle:• Macro economic analysis.• Market intelligence and competitor SWOT.• Develop and present economic and vehicle forecast.• Sales and market share data analysis and reporting at numerous levels.• Establish dealer network objectives, review performance and implement solutions.
Your ability to use data to ‘drill down’ into detailed commercial issues and identify trends will be vital, as is the ability to implement practical solutions to drive change throughout the organisation. Equally important is your understanding of practical market dynamics and relevance of macro economic factors and government policy.
You will be a key link in the organisation and provide data and analysis to all internal levels and the dealer network. Your ability to develop and sustain close relationships will be based on your credibility, initiative and interpersonal style.
The successful applicant will have at a minimum:• 5 years post graduation (EcoBus/Accounting) business experience.• Advanced computer skills with strengths in Excel (Analytics, pivot tables, VBA). • Excellent report preparation skills with an eye for detail.• Experience in a capital equipment or automotive multinational head offi ce
would be a distinct advantage.• Willingness to travel interstate (approx 6 times per year).
A fabulous work culture, supportive leadership and excellent benefi ts. (Subsidised car lease, signifi cant super, phone and laptop).
Apply now email [email protected] or call Blair Barker on (03) 9836 2211 with confidential questions prior to applying.
By TERRY MARTINMERCEDES-BENZ has moved to
strengthen its position in the specialist
military vehicle market, unveiling a new
armoured model based on its G-class
wagon at the 2010 Eurosatory expo – the
world’s premier land warfare exhibition –
in Paris recently.
Dubbed the 6.X, the diesel-powered
light armoured patrol vehicle (LAPV) was
developed in collaboration with global
defence supplier EADS and extends on
the current LAPV 5.4 – also based on the
G-Wagen – with higher degrees of agility,
protection and carrying capacity.
These include a 1.3-tonne payload,
approach and departure angles of 50 and
45 degrees respectively, and a full steel
body with ballistic protection.
The latter incorporates a modular
armoured plate system that includes a
mine-defl ector plate on the fl oor of the
vehicle and enables damaged plates to be
removed quickly and replaced with new or
extra plates.
Off-road performance is also enhanced
with the fi tment of variable-lift front and
rear coil-over air shock absorbers which
are adjustable on the fl y and enable the
ground clearance of the 6.X to be raised as
high as 450mm.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Brooklands beastBrooklands beast
By RON HAMMERTONNOT content with the stonking performance
delivered by AMG-modifi ed models,
Mercedes-Benz’s British arm has established
a hot shop to turn up the heat even higher.
The fi rst treat from Mercedes-Benz UK’s
Special Products division – appropriately
based at historic Brooklands – is the DR520
which made its public debut at this month’s
Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Based on the AMG-tuned C63 sedan and
estate, the DR520 is so-named because it
packs 520 horsepower, or 388kW, which
is 52kW more than the ‘standard’ C63 sold
in Australia.
Torque from the 6.2-litre V8 is up 50Nm,
to 650Nm, helping the blistering Benz from
zero to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds – 0.4 seconds
quicker than the C63.
While none of the limited-edition DR520
sedan and estates are destined for Australian
showrooms, GoAuto understands that the
chances are good that Mercedes-Benz
Australia might pull the covers off its own
AMG special edition later this year, perhaps
at the Australian International Motor Show
in Sydney in October.
Last year, the importer unveiled an
‘Edition 63’ version of the high-performance
sedan, but that car retained the C63’s
standard 336kW/600Nm engine and seven-
speed automatic transmission.
Along with a styling package, Edition 63
modifi cations included an AMG differential
with 40 per cent more locking effect and
DTM-style 19-inch alloy wheels.
The DR520, however, gets more
performance courtesy of forged pistons,
newly developed connecting rods and a
revised crankshaft from AMG’s Performance
Pack Plus.
AMG’s high-performance braking system
with red callipers is standard, along with an
AMG carbon-fi bre rear spoiler on the sedan.
Available in black or white matt paint,
the DR520 also gets Titanium-fi nish alloy
wheels and grille.
Inside, the seats, dash and door linings are
trimmed with a combination of leather and
Alcantara with red or white contrast stitching,
while the AMG steering wheel is also wrapped
in a mix of leather and Alcantara.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
British Benz sports division builds a bonzer C63
Mercedes unveils a new military-issue G-class
6.X
July 14, 2010 Page 16
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Bentley uses Goodwood to show off Continental Supersports Convertible
Soft-top SuperstarSoft-top Superstar
The Miedecke Motor Group is one of Port Macquarie’s largest mul -franchise dealerships, servicing the Mid North NSW Coast for over 30 years.
At Miedecke Motors we go the extra mile to ensure that a customer’s rst visit is de nitely not their last, and we endeavour to build a community
feeling amongst our sta and customers. Our growing business now requires an addi onal business manager and two sales professionals looking for
a work challenge with career advancement opportuni es and the bonus of a great place to live.
BUSINESS MANAGER Repor ng to the Dealer principal, you will ensure that every opportunity is made to meet targets through the provision of nance and insurance
products to customers and clients whilst ensuring that high levels of customer service and regulatory requirements are met and maintained.
We are interested in receiving applica ons from candidates who have successfully completed and gained accredita on in PS 146 requirements and
while it is desirable that you have further studies in nance and insurance, it is not essen al.
GROUP FLEET SALESAn experienced eet sales professional to service exis ng Fleet customers and grow the Fleet business across the group and its many franchise brands,
which include Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, Jeep and Kia.
NEW CAR SALESAn experienced new car sales professional is required to join our Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Mercedes-Benz sales team and further develop our
ongoing sales success.
The successful applicants for these posi ons will have proven records of success in their relevant elds and be able to demonstrate a focus on
customer service. Generous remunera on packages are available based on experience. Applica ons treated in strictest con dence. Please indicate
the desired posi on in your covering le er and send resumés to the dealer principal Andrew Miedecke on email: [email protected]
MOTOR VEHICLE SALES Port Macquarie
By HAITHAM RAZAGUIBENTLEY used the UK’s Goodwood
Festival of Speed on July 2-3 to stage the
fi rst public demonstration of its crushing
Continental Supersports Convertible,
of which nine are already spoken for in
Australia ahead of its arrival here in October
– despite its $531,716 pricetag.
Reprising a proven formula, fi ve-times Le
Mans winner and motor racing veteran Derek
Bell put the 2395kg, 463kW drophead through
its paces in front of the Goodwood audience.
At last year’s festival, Bell treated onlookers
as he thrashed a battleship grey Supersports
Coupe, which is 155kg lighter than the
convertible, up Goodwood’s famous hill.
Bentley, which prefers to “produce
one less car than demand” to maintain
exclusivity and has not allocated a
maximum number of Supersports to be
delivered Down Under, has since sold 12
examples of the top-shelf version of the
Continental Coupe in New Zealand and
Australia, where it costs $506,397.
The Crewe-based, Volkswagen-owned
luxury car-maker has sold a total of 25 models
across its range in Australia alone this year
so far – up 39 per cent on the fi rst six months
of 2009 – and has presold its local allocation
of up to 10 examples of its new Mulsanne
fl agship limousine, which will top the range
by September at $695,000.
Bentley attributes its Australian sales
success to its investment in new models
and a nod to environmental issues with
the FlexFuel system it pioneered with the
Supersports models, which enables its
vehicles to run on petrol, E85 bio-ethanol or
any mixture of the two.
Able to detect the fuel blend and adjust
the engine mapping to suit, Bentley’s
FlexFuel technology is being rolled out to
all models in the 2011 Continental range
and all Bentley vehicles by 2012.
Internal fuel system and engine
components are also upgraded for
compatibility with E85, the use of which
Bentley claims reduces CO2 emissions
“from well to wheel” by up to 70 per cent.
As GoAuto has reported, standard kit on
the Supersports Convertible, which made
its global debut at the Geneva motor show
in March, is comprehensive and includes
lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels and carbon-
ceramic brakes as part of the performance-
oriented, weight-saving package.
Australian buyers can expect to lay out
a whopping extra $51,000 (more than the
cost of a brand-new SS Commodore) for
satin paint, $4018 for a metallic dark grey-
coloured hood and $1894 for power boot
opening and closing.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDerek Bell
July 14, 2010 Page 17
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Here is your opportunity to establish yourself in the motor industry at the centre of Sydney’s retail hub, Parramatta.
Four dynamic new car brands will be marketed from state-of-the-art facilities, delivering customers new levels of service and satisfaction.
The following positions are now available to the right people:
This is a rare opportunity to establish yourself at the launch of this new dealership.
To apply, please send your resume including covering letter to: [email protected] DL26331
By MARTON PETTENDYIT WAS only a matter of time before Audi
blessed its new R8 Spyder super-roadster with
the orchestral 4.2-litre FSI direct-injection
V8 from the mid-engined R8 Coupe.
The good news is Audi has now not only
done so, but wound up its peak power output
by a further 7kW to 316kW, while retaining
the coupe’s 430Nm of torque – enough to
accelerate the heavier Spyder to 100km/h
in a claimed 4.8 seconds and top speed
of 299km/h in both manual and R-tronic
sequential manual transmission guises.
The bad news, however, is that Audi
Australia is yet to decide whether to make
the topless R8 V8 available here alongside
the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro fl agship,
which will be released in September at an
estimated price of around $400,000.
That would make the V10-engined R8
Spyder Audi’s most expensive model in
Australia, eclipsing both the R8 Coupe
5.2 FSI quattro, which currently tops the
range at $347,500 and the outgoing A8 6.0
quattro LWB limousine ($331,300).
It would also mean that, if imported,
the R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro would cost
about $321,000 here.
Of course, the V8 Spyder comes with
the same electro-hydraulically operated
soft-top as the V10 Spyder, as well as the
same aluminium and carbon-fi bre body
and the same hi-tech features including
LED headlights and seatbelt microphone.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Aston voilAston voila!a!
By MARTON PETTENDYASTON Martin has revealed an even
more exclusive iteration of its Porsche
911-rivalling V8 Vantage Coupe and
Roadster, this time dubbed the N420 and
featuring a range of aero, suspension and
weight-reduction upgrades.
The N420 follows in the footsteps of the
special-edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007 and
will enter production this month before fi rst
UK deliveries take place in August, but is not
yet offi cially confi rmed for Australian release.
Aston has set a UK price of £96,995
($A167,900) for the N420 Coupe manual,
which after freight costs and import taxes
equates to an Australian price of around
$285,000 – about $35,000 more than the
standard V8 Vantage, which opens the Aston
range at $250,358 plus on-road costs here.
As the fi rst images show, the motorsport-
themed N420, which is said to draw its
inspiration from the company’s numerous
Nurburgring 24-Hour campaigns, will come
with the option of Aston Martin’s exclusive
new ‘Race Collection’ exterior paint colour
range with contrasting hues for a range of
components including the grille surround.
Aston Martin debuted the upcoming
Rapide four-door in this year’s Nurburgring
endurance race, but in 2006 a team of
company employees led by CEO Dr Ulrich
Bez drove the near-standard V8 Vantage to
fourth place class fi nish and 24th overall
from a fi eld of more than 200 motorsport-
homologated cars.
Included in the N420’s unique colour
palette is the ‘Rose’ yellow of the original
Nurburgring racer, along with ‘Kermit’
green, ‘Elwood’ blue and the traditional
Aston Martin Racing green, while the black
and white example in the images wears
‘Asia Cup’ livery.
It is under the skin, however, where most
of the N420’s upgrades lie. Based not on the
fl agship 6.0-litre V12-engined Vantage but
the V8-powered ‘base’ model, it runs the
same 313kW/470Nm 4.7-litre V8 but comes
with a new sports exhaust system to deliver
“a suitably rousing soundtrack”.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
316kW 4.2 V8 forAudi’s R8 Spyder
As if the V8 Vantage wasn’t special enough already...
July 14, 2010 Page 18
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Australia’s LARGEST selling Toyota dealer is seeking a motivated individual for the following position:
NEW VEHICLE SALES MANAGER – KEDRON DEALERSHIPThis is a fantastic opportunity for an outstanding Sales Manager with a proven track record to manage our No. 1 selling Toyota branch at Kedron. To be successful, you will need to posses strong leadership and management skills, be results and customer focused and be able to lead your team to achieve extraordinary results.
A generous remuneration package is on offer that rewards excellence.
If you are interested in this position, please contact Kylie Edmonds on 07 3361 0052 or email your CV to [email protected].
Sci-Fleet Toyota. Totally Toyota.
• A family owned and operated local business, servicing South East QLD for over 30 years.• Australia’s largest selling Toyota dealership and 15th largest dealer globally.• The success of the business has been built on a strong focus to customer satisfaction and a team of motivated employees.• Over 400 staff employed across multiple dealerships and franchises throughout South East QLD.• Our vision projects well into the future with continual growth across our three brands; Toyota, Lexus & Hino.• Sci-Fleet Motors is an equal opportunity employer and provides a discrimination free workplace.
Visit www.scifleet.com.au
AN OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST SUCCESSFUL TOYOTA FRANCHISES?
ABOUT US
M Sport bodykit offersa clue to BMW’s newtwin-turbo super-sedan
M5 previewM5 preview
By MARTON PETTENDYTHE fi nal example of BMW’s current
E60 M5 sedan has been produced and its
successor is about 12 months away from
emerging in Europe, ahead of an Australian
release in early 2012.
In the meantime, BMW has provided a
preview of what to expect at least visually
from the fi fth-generation M5, which will
come with an even higher performance
version of the twin-turbo V8 that powers the
X5 and X6 M models, by revealing a new 5
Series M Sports Package.
The M Sports pack for both the sixth-
generation (F10) 5 Series sedan, which went
on sale here in June, and redesigned 5 Series
Touring, which arrives here in October, has
been confi rmed for release in Australia, with
production commencing in September.
Developed by BMW M GmbH, the newest
M kit comprises M sports suspension, an M
sports bodykit, 18-inch double-spoke M
alloy wheels and the option of 19-inch M
alloys and an M rear spoiler for the sedan.
Inside, the M-look Fives get Alcantara/
fabric seat upholstery with contrasting
seams and M badging, a leather-clad M
steering wheel, BMW Individual anthracite
headlining and M aluminium hexagon
interior trim highlights.
While the outgoing M5, which was
available in Europe in both sedan and wagon
body styles, was powered by a Formula
One-style 5.0-litre V10, its replacement has
been confi rmed to receive a development of
the twin-turbo 4.4-litre direct-injection V8
in BMW’s M-badged SUVs.
With gob-smacking outputs of
408kW/680Nm – well up on the
300kW/600Nm outputs of the same engine
in the X5 and X6 xDrive50i – the X5/X6
M engine already easily out-performs the
current M5’s 373kW/520Nm.
Of course, like the current V8-powered
M3 and M versions of the 2000kg-plus X5
and X6, we are happy to report the force-fed
V8 will break another BMW promise – this
time by abandoning the high-revving engine
concept of the current V10, which can spin
well beyond 8000rpm.
M division chief Dr Kay Segler has
confi rmed the M5’s return to the brawny,
stump-pulling ways of the naturally
aspirated 4.9-litre V8 in the previous E39
M5, reiterating BMW’s stance that it is “not
bound by dogma” by claiming the new M5
will come with a split personality to suit all
drivers, at all times.
Dr Segler told Germany’s AutoBild
magazine at the Nurburgring 24-hour last
month that the E60 would be BMW’s last
V10 M5, and that direct-injection twin-
turbo technology could reduce the M5’s fuel
consumption by 25 per cent.
“I can now confi rm the current 10-cylinder
engine will be replaced by an eight-
cylinder engine,” he said. “You will fi nd the
philosophy of ‘two cars in one’ explicitly in
this vehicle (the M5).
“The vehicle will offer (the best of) both
worlds: for normal everyday driving and for
use as a racecar at the push of a button …
and it will demonstrate that in the second
half of 2011.”
AutoBild speculates the next M5, which
should also be joined at the other end of the
5 Series scale by a petrol-electric hybrid
version – previewed at Geneva in March by
the 5 Series ActiveHybrid concept – could
offer in excess of 600hp or about 450kW.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
July 14, 2010 Page 19
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
Norris Motor Group VolkswagenVisit www.nmg.com.au
Ph: 07 3023 4900. 282 Gympie Rd, Kedron
Volkswagen Professionals Positions Vacant.
NVW153809_0710
Applicants should possess above average communication skills and dealership experience, although we will consider associated industry experience from the right applicant. Self-motivation is a key attribute that we require for this position. This is your chance to ‘drive your career’ to the next level.
To arrange a confidential interview, please contact [email protected].
Norris Motor Group is an equal opportunity employer.
• Fleet Salesperson - Mon - Fri Stock Controller Rego Clerk • •
The Norris Motor Group has been in operation for 25 years and is one of Queensland’s most successfully operated motor dealer groups. Now that Norris Motor Group Volkswagen, Brisbane’s newest Northside Volkswagen dealer has opened, we are looking for a range of positions to be filled. We offer a highly competitive salary package plus a generous commission/bonus structure. Successful applicants will be working in our new state-of-the-art facility in Kedron.
508 looks great508 looks great
Peugeot combines 407 and 607 to create the sleek new 508 large car familyBy TERRY MARTIN
PEUGEOT has unveiled the production
version of its new-generation 508, revealing
images overnight of its new large car family
that replaces both the 407 mid-sizer and the
larger 607.
To be offi cially unveiled at the Paris motor
show in September, the fi nal product remains
faithful to the ‘5 by Peugeot’ concept shown
at Geneva in March and is now due on sale
here next year in both sedan and SW station
wagon body styles.
A Peugeot Automobiles Australia (PAA)
spokesperson has confi rmed that a third
quarter release is likely, with a range of
petrol and diesel engines expected, the
latter including PSA Peugeot-Citroen’s new
e-HDi engine idle-stop technology.
Further down the track, the company’s
Hybrid4 diesel-electric AWD system will
be employed.
The ‘5 by Peugeot’ was shown with
Hybrid4 technology seen in the diesel-
electric 3008 – that is, a front-mounted
122kW 2.0-litre HDi FAP diesel engine
and a rear-mounted 28kW electric motor.
As well as all-wheel drive, the arrangement
hands the vehicle a peak output of 150kW
and a sub-100g/km CO2 emissions rating.
This power and CO2 output were also
confi rmed this week for the production
hybrid 508.
As GoAuto has reported, the sleek and
heavily sculpted model carries Peugeot’s
latest design ethos – fi rst introduced on the
SR1 concept car – and is considered a crucial
model in expanding the French manufacturer’s
sales in fast-growing markets such as China,
all the while remaining relevant in Europe
and other traditional strongholds.
The 508 is based on the PSA Group’s
Platform 3 which underpins the 407 and the
Citroen C5/C6, and has arrived, in sedan
form, with an overall length of 4790mm –
about 100mm longer than the 407 but some
80mm shorter than the 607, the last examples
of which rolled off the production line last
month. (It was discontinued in Australia in
June 2008.)
Peugeot has confi rmed that the wagon
version of the 508 is 4810mm long. However,
other key measurements and specifi cations
are still under wraps.
Production commences early in 2011 and
will be split between China and France,
with the source for Australian models still
to be confi rmed. PAA said negotiations
were continuing, but the Rennes factory in
France was expected to supply Australian-
spec vehicles.
In a statement, Peugeot said the 507
combined “a stylish and strong design with
cutting-edge technology”.
“Quality, purity and effi ciency have
been the watchwords that have guided the
Peugeot designers and engineers during the
creation of the 508,” the company said.
“The stylish exterior design is elegant and
timeless and full of ‘French chic’, equally
at home in Paris or London. The interior
of the car combines hi-tech with the use of
high quality materials and every detail has
been chosen to offer indisputable perceived
quality, both visually and to the touch.”
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
July 14, 2010 Page 20
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
A beautifully presented self-contained holiday apartment close to Cable Beach at Blue Seas Resort is now for sale. This property is the benchmark for well-built, low maintenance accommodation and is a proven earner in the market. Rarely offered, this apartment is fully equipped with quality ttings, high ceilings and accommodation for 4 people. Holiday yourself
when in Broome or rent it out nightly via the onsite managers.
Invest in BroomeHoliday at Cable Beach
a Rare OpportunityFor full property details please contact Tony Hutchinson on phone (08) 9192 1677, mobile 0418 938 198 or email: [email protected]
By MARTON PETTENDYIT WAS revealed at the Geneva motor show
in March and now Fiat has fi tted its new two-
cylinder TwinAir engine into the diminutive
500 in Italy, but not for Australia.
Designed specifi cally to meet CO2
emissions limits within Europe’s carbon-
based tax regime, which has so far not been
replicated in Australia, Ateco says the hi-tech
new two-pot is too expensive to replace the
500’s entry-level engines in Australia.
They include the 51kW/102Nm 1.2-litre
four-cylinder petrol engine that powers the
base 500 1.2 Pop manual, which opens the
Australian range at $22,990 driveaway,
and the 74kW/131Nm 1.4-litre petrol four,
which costs $24,990 driveaway in the 500
1.4 Pop Dualogic.
Designed by Fiat Powertrain
Technologies (FPT), Italy’s newest engine
combines a version of Fiat’s patented
MultiAir induction system with a new
downsized 875cc twin-cylinder engine in
the born-again 500, the 500,000th example
of which rolled off the Fiat Auto plant at
Tychy in Poland in late March.
The result is the Fiat 500 TwinAir,
powered by a turbocharged inline twin-
cylinder engine mounted transversely up
front, which delivers a claimed 62.5kW
of power at 5500rpm (more than the 500’s
current 1.2 but less than the 1.4) and 145Nm
of torque at 1900rpm – enough to top both
of the 500’s current petrol engines.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
ForTwo tweaksForTwo tweaks
By TERRY MARTINDAIMLER has announced an upgrade for
its Smart ForTwo Coupe and Cabrio ahead
of their debut at the Paris motor show in
September and expected Australian release
late this year.
While the German manufacturer continues
to work with Renault on an all-new shared
micro-car platform – with the fi rst models
from this partnership due to hit the streets in
2012/13 – the midlife makeover for the second-
generation 451-series ForTwo introduces a
host of minor improvements as competition
intensifi es from both traditional and left-fi eld
rivals in the ultra-compact car segment.
Included among the changes are new
exterior colours, cabin enhancements
and tweaks to the Mitsubishi-sourced
1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine –
in both naturally aspirated micro hybrid
drive (MHD) and turbocharged form –
that improve the rear-engine/rear-drive
ForTwo’s environmental credentials.
According to Mercedes, “detailed work on
the engine control unit and exhaust system” of
the 52kW/92Nm MHD unit results in a fuel
consumption fall from 4.4L/100km to 4.2 on
the combined cycle, while CO2 emissions
drop below 100g/km – from 105 to 97 grams.
The 62kW/120Nm turbocharged triple
also benefi ts from ECU and exhaust work,
with its CO2 output falling 2g/km to 114. Its
fuel consumption remains at 4.9L/100km.
The higher-performance Brabus version
also gains a power increase to 75kW (up
3kW), with no penalties on the eco front
as a result, although this model is currently
unavailable in Australia.
Buyers will, however, have the ability
with the general upgrade to order features
previously restricted to the Brabus, such as
daytime running lights. Three new 15-inch
alloy wheel designs will also be introduced.
Other changes, which are designed to
give the ForTwo “a completely new face”,
include a new matt light green colour option
and fresh opportunities for custom paintwork
such as a body-coloured front spoiler, side
skirts and rear apron.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Fiat slots two-potturbo into 500 mini
Brabus
Daimler’s Smart series receives a midlife makeover
July 14, 2010 Page 21
GoAuto Market Insight is brought to you by Dealer Solutions
GoAuto Market Insight
John Mellor’s
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
Luxury car sector returns to form post-downturn as new-model demand rises
Recovery Rolls onRecovery Rolls on
By MARTON PETTENDYTHEY say there is no better economic
barometer than sales of luxury cars and right
now buyers of premium vehicles – especially
at the very top end of the market – are taking
their chequebooks and marching back into
glass-walled car showrooms in earnest.
Rolls-Royce last week announced
production at its Goodwood factory
was running at record levels, with an
unprecedented 15 cars a day emerging from
the English plant that built more than 300
Rollers last month alone.
RR said record demand continues for
both the million-dollar Phantom – the fi rst
new model to emerge under BMW control
since January 2003 – and its smaller sibling,
the Ghost, the fi rst two examples of which
were delivered in Australia in June.
Globally, both models are now sold
out until at least September (the Phantom
until October), following a fourfold sales
increase last month and a staggering 200
per cent sales surge during the fi rst half of
this year, driven mainly by demand in the
Asia Pacifi c region, including China.
Rolls-Royce sales have been
correspondingly strong in Australia, where
seven cars have been snapped up in the fi rst
half of this year – up 16.7 per cent on the
fi rst six months of 2009. The Australian
Rolls-Royce importer is holding no fewer
than 34 Ghost orders and expects to deliver
22 vehicles in the next six months. It says
the average spend on options for the Ghost,
on top of its driveaway price of $645,000, is
between $60,000 and $90,000.
Fellow British super-luxury brand
Bentley is also in big demand, having sold
virtually all examples of the upcoming
new Mulsanne fl agship ($695,000) it was
allocated for this year, as well as nine of
the cracking new Supersports Convertible,
which will top the Continental range here in
October at $531,716. Bentley’s Australian
sales are up a huge 39 per cent so far this
year, with four cars sold last month for a
2010 total of no fewer than 25 cars.
Not all the mega-luxury brands are
soaring, however. Daimler’s Maybach
brand attracted just one buyer during all
of last year – two fewer than in 2008 –
refl ecting a global sales slump that has led to
speculation the Mercedes-Benz stablemate
was under threat of extinction.
Just 119 Maybachs were sold in the US
last year – less than half the number sold
there in the brand’s halcyon year of 2004
(244), but rumour has it Daimler remains
committed to its answer to Rolls-Royce and
is planning at least three all-new models,
including two smaller sedans and a super-
SUV based on the GL-class.
Aston Martin, which has experienced a
24.4 per cent Australian sales surge in 2010
with 56 cars sold including eight last month,
is understood to be in talks with Daimler to
also use the GL as the basis of a new uber-
off-roader to rekindle its Lagonda brand.
And they are not the only luxury brands
developing all-new models.
Maserati, which sold 15 cars here in June
and 74 in the fi rst six months of the year
(up 15.6 per cent), has sold most of its 2010
allocation of this month’s new GranCabrio
($338,000) and is planning an all-new four-
seat sportscar to position below next year’s
redesigned Quattroporte.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Australian luxury car sales (July 2009 - June 2010)
-10
-20
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Source: VFACTS
Ch
ang
e (%
)
www.dealersolutions.com.au 1300 66 11 33
WEBSITE I NVENTORY
Want better website sales performance?
Let us tune up your search engines.
Jeff Sakellaris Mark Butler
July 14, 2010 Page 22Green issues in the auto world
GoAuto Green is brought to you by Custom Fleet
GoAuto Green
John Mellor’s
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
By MARTON PETTENDYBUDDING Taiwanese car-maker Luxgen
has launched what it claims is the world’s
fi rst seven-passenger electric vehicle, the
MPV EV+.
First seen in concept form in March, after
Luxgen’s initial excursion outside Taiwan
to the 10th Dubai motor show in late
December when the upcoming Luxgen7
SUV was also unveiled, the all-electric
luxury people-mover is unlikely to be seen
on Australian roads.
A spokesman for Luxgen told GoAuto the
two-year-old vehicle brand is yet to formulate
a launch plan for Australia, with initial targets
outside mainland South East Asia including
the Middle East, China and Russia.
Based on the emerging Asian brand’s
fi rst self-designed model, the Luxgen7
MPV, the EV version’s fl oor-mounted
lithium-ion battery pack is said to offer a
zero-emissions driving range of more than
300km – much more than most all-electric
vehicles – albeit at a constant 40km/h.
Other noteworthy statistics include
claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in a
respectable 8.6 seconds and a top speed
of 145km/h.
No fresh details have been announced for
the plug-in seven-seater, two fresh images
of which have now been issued, but Luxgen
says the MPV EV+ delivers outstanding
and unparalleled EV performance and is
now ready for mass production.
“While the majority of vehicles worldwide
are still consuming none-renewable fossil
fuel, Luxgen, which started the research and
development of electric vehicle technology
years in advance, has launched the world’s
fi rst seven-passenger EV,” the company said.
“EV could be seen as the only option that
generates no carbon emissions and delivers
eco-friendly clean power when comparing
with other fuel technologies such as LPG
and hybrid power.
“Drastic climate changes are largely
the result of industrial activities and
have rapidly become the biggest threat to
humanity. However, the full impact has not
been fully grasped by the policy-makers
and the general public.
“To take initiative in corporate social
responsibility and further accomplishing
the prospect of environmental protection,
Luxgen offers a perfect choice for those
visionaries with intention to contribute their
part in protecting the environment.”
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Luxgen launches electric seven-seat people-mover, but Australia not in frame
Taiwan’s MPV EVTaiwan’s MPV EV
Fleet Card delivers Flexibility, Control and Value Access to over 6,500 participating multi-branded fuel outlets. Access to over 10,000 motor dealerships & repair and maintenance outlets. All fleet related transactions consolidated in one monthly invoice – online. Provides access to Fleet Card ordering, graphical reporting and invoicing online Gold Fleet Card’s repair authorisation service ensures control over repairs and maintenance.
Access to all of this for one monthly fee per Fleet Card.Sounds too good to be true? Click here or call Custom Fleet on 1800 812 681.
Mercedes-AMG uncovers SLS E-Cell prototype ahead of 2013 series productionContinued from page 14
Acceleration from 0-100km/h has now
been confi rmed at 4.0 seconds – just shy of
the regular model – and Mercedes promises
no interruption of tractive power with the
spontaneous torque build-up and “confi dent
power delivery”.
Driving dynamics are also “guaranteed”
to be “at the highest level” with the all-
wheel drive arrangement.
The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery is
described as a modular unit with an energy
content of 48kWh and capacity of 40Ah.
In order to optimise weight distribution
and keep the centre of gravity low, battery
modules are located in various locations,
including in front of the fi rewall, in the
centre tunnel and behind the seats.
The battery unit comprises 324 lithium-
ion polymer cells, which have a maximum
electric load capacity of 480kW – said
to be the “absolute best value in the
automotive sector”.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
By RON HAMMERTONVOLKSWAGEN has tightened its grip on
Porsche by appointing one of its own, VW
Group product strategy expert Matthias
Muller, as chief executive of Porsche
AG, replacing 20-year Porsche veteran
Michael Macht who now becomes head of
Volkswagen Group production.
Mr Muller, 57, worked closely with VW
CEO Martin Winterkorn at Audi before
joining him at Volkswagen to oversee the
group’s new-model rollout three years ago.
From October 1, Mr Muller will become
CEO of Porsche AG – the Stuttgart-based
sportscar arm of Porsche Automobil
Holding SE.
Mr Macht, 49, replaced Porsche CEO
Wendelin Wiedeking after the collapse of
Porsche’s bid to take over VW last year.
He now will head to Wolfsburg to oversee
VW Group production – an area in which he
has considerable experience, having fi lled
this role for Porsche for a decade until his
call to the top job to steady the ship in the
middle of the global fi nancial crisis storm
that doomed Mr Wiedeking’s grand plan
and allowed VW to turn the tables.
Mr Macht will replace VW’s current
production chief, Jochem Heizmann, who
will head up a new VW truck group that
now includes Scania AB and MAN SE.
European observers suggest
that Mr Muller’s appointment to
Porsche signals a push by VW
to hasten Porsche’s integration
into VW to facilitate its model
expansion, particularly into
smaller, more fuel-effi cient
cars that can share technology
with other VW Group models,
particularly those of Audi.
Mr Muller is well versed in
current and future models across
the group, and is expected to bring
that expertise to bear at Porsche as
it sets out to double sales to 150,000 units.
Porsche AG supervisory board chairman
Wolfgang Porsche said Mr Muller would
guarantee that Porsche would not only
maintain but expand its top position.
He praised outgoing CEO Mr Macht,
saying he had taken over the leadership of
Porsche AG in a crucial period.
“Through his skill and many years of
experience within the Porsche Group, he
has succeeded in re-stabilising the company
within a short time, placing our operations
on a strong and solid foundation,” he said.
VW’s Mr Winterkorn said: “Michael
Macht is an acknowledged production
expert. As chairman of the board of
management of Porsche AG, he has made
a key contribution to the envisaged union
of Porsche and Volkswagen over the past
year.
“Under his management, Porsche
has been successfully established as an
independent brand in the Volkswagen
Group’s multi-brand network.”
As part of the new deal, Mr Macht gets
a seat on the VW Group AG board from
where he will oversee all of the group’s
plants worldwide as it aims to overtake
Toyota to become the world’s number one
motor vehicle manufacturer by 2018.
VW owns 49.9 per cent of Porsche AG,
and plans to complete a full merger by 2011.
VOLKSWAGEN PRODUCT CHIEF MOVES INTO DRIVER’S SEAT AT PORSCHE
VALE BILL WELLWOOD
SHANNONS has
paid tribute to one
of its longest-serving
team members,
master auctioneer
Bill Wellwood, who
died from cancer on
July 5.
Mr Wellwood
worked for Shannons
for around 25 years, bringing down the
gavel on more than 6000 vehicles in some
3700 vehicle and charity auctions. He
sold a huge array of vehicles and general
automotive items, from horse-drawn carts
and homemade ultra-light aircraft to cars
raced by Sir Jack Brabham. He also helped
raise millions of dollars for charity.
Shannons’ national auction manager
Christophe Boribon said: “Bill Wellwood
was a larger than life character who
touched so many lives. The fun, banter and
excitement he brought to every auction
were legendary.”
In a tribute last week, Shannons said Mr
Wellwood trained as a motor mechanic and
became an auctioneer “by accident” when
he stood-in for the role at a fundraising night
for his local cricket club. He apparently
acquired his trademark striped coat, top hat
and bow tie from an op-shop early in his
career to overcome pre-auction nerves.
A car enthusiast who owned a 1950
front-drive Citroen Big Six, Mr Wellwood
was also a patron of the Melbourne-based
Vintage Drivers’ Club.
July 14, 2010 Page 23GoAuto Personnel
John Mellor’s
Brought to you by Motor Staff – Australia’s Largest Supplier of Qualifi ed Applicants
UP CLOSE ON PERSONNEL
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
If you have any car industry personnel announcements, please email them to
Terry Martin at [email protected]
Bill Wellwood
1300 666 562 • www.motorstaff.com.au
Paul NewtonGeorge Hennessy Sharon HunterAnne Taylor Mara NogarottoDoug Tame
If we don’t have the employee you require then no-one does!
permanent placements • temporary assignments • psychological profi linginduction procedures • job descriptions • performance benchmarking
Australia’sLargestSupplier of QualifiedApplicants
Matthias Muller
July 14, 2010 Page 24
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com
GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s
GoAuto’s latest car review www.GoAuto.com.au
Toyota LandCruiser Prado ZR 3-dr wagon
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
FT-86 G FOR SYDNEYTOYOTA will display its FT-86 G sportscar
concept at the Australian International
Motor Show in Sydney this October – the
fi rst time the rear-drive coupe has been
seen outside Japan.
Co-developed with Subaru which is
supplying components such as the car’s
Impreza-derived boxer turbo engine, the
‘Subarota’ coupe is expected to reach
production as a successor to the Celica.
The hot “G” designated version of the
FT-86, with a larger air intake, carbon-fi bre
wing and twin centre-exit exhausts, debuted
at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January.
As GoAuto has reported, Toyota said
that the concept’s sporting enhancements
were designed to showcase a new range
of G Sports conversion components that
will be made available from its Japanese
dealerships this year.
Along with models such as the Rukus, the
sports models are designed to inject fl air into
the Japanese fi rm’s range.
Toyota Australia’s senior executive
director for sales and marketing David
Buttner said: “The FT-86 G sports concept
points to a next-generation Toyota sportscar
that will bring a new level of excitement to
our showrooms and customers.”
Launch Padbrought to you by
Australia’s No.1 because it works!
July:BMW X5 Jaguar XJPorsche CayenneHyundai i20Mitsubishi ASX
New model diary: CLICK HEREMitsubishi ASX
BMW X5
THE market for mainstream mid-size three-door 4WDs is not large, as long-wheelbase wagons have long curried favour as the default family wagon. The Toyota Prado three-door presents a familiar if curtailed silhouette, but the new abbreviated version of the Toyota mid-size 4WD isn’t going to sell in anything like the numbers of its fi ve-door sibling. Toyota knows this, hoping the three-door ticks along with just suffi cient sales to justify importing it. Is the Prado three-door good enough in its own right to keep its place in the local Toyota line-up?
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
BBMW X5
Find out why it works for Neville.Call us on 1300 728 800
“Our results continue to improve due to thequality leads generated by carsales.”
Neville Barton - Southgate Holden, SA.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARYFORD’S Falcon hit the big ‘Five-Oh’ two
weeks ago and now Australians have been
offered generous incentives to join its 50th
birthday party.
Huge savings of more than $5000 – on top
of driveaway prices for all models – have
been announced for the six 50th Anniversary
models that will begin rolling into Ford
dealerships nationwide from late this week.
Factoring in on-road costs and an array
of extra standard equipment, Ford claims
the collectible 50th Anniversary Falcon
range will add between $9516 and $12,199
of extra value for buyers.
The XR50 sedan which opens the 50th
Anniversary range starts from just $36,950
driveaway, including all statutory and
dealer delivery costs.
HOLDEN UTE RECALLGM HOLDEN has recalled 34,432 current-
model VE Holden Utes to fi x tailgates that
can be jarred open if hit from the inside
with suffi cient force by an unsecured load.
In the biggest recall by any manufacturer in
Australia this year, Holden is writing to owners
of all of its Commodore-based workhorses
built since the model was launched in October
2007, asking them to return their vehicle to their
Holden dealer to have the tailgate latch fi xed.
Holden says the “precautionary” recall
follows recent incidents involving two
customer vehicles.
Holden warranty engineering, customer
satisfaction and quality director Craig
Porritt said the likelihood of a tailgate
becoming unlatched was low.
“But we will always err on the side of
caution and administer a recall to ensure
customer satisfaction and safety,” he said.
“Until the fi x can be made to each vehicle,
we ask our customers to continue to secure
loose items in the cargo tray as recommended
in the owner’s manual and use a Holden
tonneau cover where possible to prevent the
condition from occurring.”
MORE SAFETY RECALLS: HONDA CIVIC SEDAN MERC SPRINTER, SSANGYONG ACTYON
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE