june 4, 2008 50,000 readers weekly no. 436 kkorean orean ... · have argued that we did not include...
TRANSCRIPT
John Mellor's Australia’s Number One Automotive Industry Journal
June 4, 2008 50,000 READERS WEEKLY
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.mellor.net
No. 436
GoAuto News
ADVERTISE: Steve Butcher Ph: 0419 562 110 [email protected]
Korean Korean starstar
Hyundai’s i30 becomes the fi rst Korean car to score a fi ve-star ANCAP rating
By DAVID HASSALLTHE continuing advancement of the
South Korean motor industry this week
took another crucial step forward with the
Hyundai i30 gaining the fi rst fi ve-star crash
rating for a Korean-built car in Australia.
No Australian-built car has yet achieved a
fi ve-star rating, with most of the top-scoring
cars to date being built in Europe or Japan.
Mitsubishi’s Lancer has also been awarded
fi ve stars in the latest results announced
overnight under the Australasian New Car
Assessment Program (ANCAP), giving the
Adelaide-based company a welcome shot in
the arm as it establishes itself as a full-line
importer.
Base models of both the Hyundai i30 and
Mitsubishi Lancer, however, are rated at only
four stars because they are not fi tted with
curtain airbags as standard. In the case of
the base i30, the lack of standard electronic
stability control (ESC) also prevents it from
scoring fi ve stars.
While the top i30 SR model (priced from
$26,490) comes with both ESC and curtain
airbags as standard, they cost an extra $1100
on the entry-level SX ($18,990), while the mid-
range SLX ($23,490) has ESC but not curtain
airbags, which cost $800 on their own.
Michael Case, chief engineer of the
RACV, which is a partner in ANCAP,
acknowledged that there was an argument
in favour of rating only base versions rather
than better-equipped fl agship models, but
saw more benefi ts under the current regime.
“There is an argument for that, but at
the same time it’s good for people to know
about the performance of all of the models
and be able to make a choice,” Mr Case told
GoAuto. “If we just rated the base model
four stars and didn’t comment about how
the airbag version performed then people
wouldn’t know that it is that much better.
“Hopefully it encourages consumers to
buy a version that has the curtain airbags so
they’ve got fi ve-star performance, and we’d
also like to see Hyundai make the curtain
airbags standard in all models (of the i30).”
Mr Case said it was signifi cant that a
Korean car had achieved a fi ve-star rating
and noted that it came about as a direct
result of pressure on the parent company by
Hyundai Motor Co Australia (HMCA).
Originally, the i30 had only a four-star
rating but HMCA recognised that the only
thing preventing it from achieving fi ve stars
was the driver-side knee protection and
convinced the factory to change the outer
surfaces of the lower dash on the production
line in Korea.
“I think with i30 it’s a real step forward
to be the fi rst fi ve-star result for a Korean
product,” said Mr Case.
“In the past, Korean products have
been criticised for not being up to their
competition in areas of assessment, but I
think they have targeted key things in safety
and environment and certainly have got the
people and the facilities within their parent
company to be able to do these things.
“I think the challenge here was to convince
the factory that this was required for the
Australian market. They’re very active in
the fl eet market and many fl eet companies
are setting a minimum requirement on
safety performance of at least four stars on
ANCAP, and ideally fi ve stars.
“If you want to be in the fl eet market you
need to have that level of safety performance
and it’s an area where the Korean-sourced
cars haven’t been before. So, not only do
you have them at the required four-star
level, they’re (now) at the higher fi ve-star
level, which fl eets will give preference to,
so there are some marketing advantages to
them achieving this as well as demonstrating
that they can do the same thing as their
competition from other parts of the world,
including Japan.Continued next page
AUDI’S A3 ‘E’ DIESEL TARGETS HYBRIDS
- page 11
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Continued from previous page“That work (on knee protection) was
initiated by Hyundai Australia. They know
the importance of achieving fi ve stars in the
local market and they knew their product
was capable of doing that. They just had
this technical issue to overcome and worked
closely with their parent company in Korea
to make the modifi cations necessary to
achieve fi ve stars. They have now done that
and that’s a real achievement for Hyundai.
“I think it’s really signifi cant because it
demonstrates their ability to do it. Hyundai
is a signifi cant player, the sixth-largest
vehicle manufacturer in the world, and has
demonstrated that they can build cars with
fi ve-star safety.
“If they can do it with the i30, there’s
absolutely no reason why Hyundai can’t
progressively achieve fi ve-star performance
for all of their other products. It’s just a matter
of committing themselves to progressively
designing their vehicles to do it. You can’t
change an existing design easily, but the real
opportunity is on new models. I’m hoping it
will be the start of other Hyundai products
that also get fi ve stars.
“That will also create some competition
in Korea with their main competitor, which
is GM-Daewoo, and hopefully they will also
be able to get to this level. They’re a little
further behind.
“One of their products sold here is the
Holden Barina, which only scored two stars
and that’s a long way off the minimum level of
four stars, but one of their other products sold
here as the Holden Epica just managed four
stars, so they’re catching up and they will want
to do the same thing that Hyundai are doing.”
Mr Case said that GM Daewoo is the
worst of the Korean manufacturers in terms
of crash safety.
“GM Daewoo, with the Barina being
tested here and the two-star result, have
taken it on board to signifi cantly improve
the performance of their products and I
know that they’re working towards that.
“I understand that there will be an
upgraded version of the Barina coming soon
and we’ll be looking to test that and fi nd out
fi rst-hand what improvements they’ve made.
And they know we’re going to do that.”
The appointment 18 months ago of
product engineer Hee-Loong Wong was
one of the key factors in Hyundai Australia
achieving the fi ve-star raring for the i30.
Mr Woong previously worked for Subaru
Australia and was responsible for that
company achieving fi ve-star ANCAP ratings
for its entire model line-up.
HMCA director of sales and marketing
Kevin McCann said that the fi ve-star rating
was very important for the company as it
seeks to raise its profi le above the previous
“cheap and cheerful” image.
“For an up-and-coming brand like
Hyundai, we are continually striving to prove
that our cars are at least as well-engineered,
at least as quality-built and at least as safe as
all of the major players, so this type of result
for us is evidence of that and it gives us the
ability to communicate to the market much
more confi dently,” said Mr McCann.
“There’s an understanding now that we
are a global automotive concern and we
have the ability to build cars that meet the
same customer requirements as the best of
the other global concerns.”
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Continued from previous page“That work (on knee protection) was
nitiated by Hyundai Australia They know
Korean starKorean star
FORD has won a fi ve-star crash rating for its new Kuga compact SUV following the latest round of Euro NCAP testing.
The Kuga is strongly tipped to come to Australia in the near future and may ultimately be built here as it is based on the Focus platform and Ford Australia is considering all Focus variants for local production here from 2011.
Five stars for adult occupant protection were also awarded to the new Audi A4, which is already on sale here, and the Skoda Superb large car that is scheduled for local release in the second quarter of 2009.
The Australian NCAP organisation is expected to assess these cars in local
specifi cation before confi rming their fi ve-star status, with ESC and curtain airbags being required for the top rating.
Seat’s Ibiza supermini, which would be a starter in Australia if the VW-owned brand is launched here, also scored fi ve stars while four stars were awarded to the little Hyundai i10 (undecided for Australia), Citroen Berlingo van and Volkswagen T5 people-mover.
All seven vehicles scored four stars for child protection, but Euro NCAP warned that child safety was being compromised by widespread poor child restraint installation or weak fi tment of the harness on the child.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Ford Kuga earns fi ve stars from Euro NCAP
Mitsubishi Lancer
GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 3
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By PHILIP LORD and MARTON PETTENDYTHE GoAutoNews investigation last
week into the growing disparity in price
between petrol and diesel fuel, and how it
affects the time taken to repay the cost of
diesel passenger cars versus petrol cars, has
attracted a strong response from readers in
favour of diesel vehicles.
While the story deliberately dealt only
with the impact of increased diesel prices and
the dramatic direct impact it has on the time it
takes to repay the initial outlay, many readers
have argued that we did not include important
factors such as the resale value or servicing
costs of diesel vehicles – and that there are
some diesels that do not cost any more than
an equivalent petrol version to buy.
Diesel cars sold in Australia that are also
offered as a petrol generally
cost extra. As a rule, the diesel
passenger car price premium is
between $1000 and $4000. Only
six diesel models carry the same
price as the petrol version, with
two actually being cheaper (the
Volkswagen Passat and Eos).
Our examples last week used
a generous annual distance
of 20,000km, but according to the latest
Australian Bureau of Statistics publication,
Survey of Motor Vehicle Use, the average
annual mileage for the Australian vehicle
fl eet is 14,600km.
This average includes the articulated
truck average annual distance of 88,300km,
meaning that the private Australian car
travels even less than 14,600km.
Using the 14,600km fi gure, the time to pay
off the estimated diesel premium on the sticker
price will take much longer than our estimates
last week – which in the 2010 Falcon’s case is
23 years at current fuel prices.
If diesel rises to $1.94 and petrol stays the
same price, in our example using a diesel
Falcon the diesel advantage would be
nullifi ed and the initial cost penalty
would not be returned by better fuel
effi ciency.
Clearly a diesel purchase decision
is not all about money, but if that
is the reason behind buying one, at
present it is a tenuous position.
However, an LPG conversion
is far more clear-cut, as illustrated
in the Falcon example (see page
six), where the LPG vehicle price
premium pays for itself in just over
one year. In Western Australia, it will
take even less time due to a further
$1000 state government subsidy. In
the ACT, LPG cars have a 20 per
cent concession in registration costs.
While LPG is also subject to
rising prices (and the phasing in
of a federal government tax from
2011), the government subsidy on the
installation and the competitively low
emissions of LPG (of all emissions,
including CO2) clearly make LPG a
viable option.Continued next page
GoAutoNews, May 28, 2008
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GoAuto study attracts big response - and leads to this further look into the diesel ‘advantage’
* RON (Rated Octane Number): 91 (regular unleaded), 95 or higher (premium unleaded).
CATEGORY DIESEL PETROL DISPARITYLight RRP L/100km Resale CO2 RRP L/100km Resale CO2 RON* RRP +/- Citroen C3 3dr (1.6 HDi vs 1.6 Exclusive) $23,990 4.4 N/A 118 $21,990 6.2 59% 148 95 $2,000Fiat 500 Pop 3dr (1.3 JTD vs 1.4) $25,990 4.2 N/A 110 $24,990 6 N/A 140 95 $1,000Fiat Punto Sport 3dr (1.9 JTD vs 1.4 Turbo) $27,990 5.5 57% 145 $25,990 5.7 N/A 134 95 $2,000Fiat Punto Dynamic 5dr (1.3 JTD vs 1.4) $23,990 4.4 59% 116 $19,990 5.9 61% 139 95 $4,000Peugeot 207 XT 5dr (1.6 HDi vs 1.6) $27,990 4.8 64% 126 $24,990 6.1 64% 145 95 $3,000VW Polo 5dr (1.9 TDI vs 1.6) $22,990 5 62% 135 $19,990 7.1 62% 169 98 $3,000
Small RRP L/100km Resale CO2 RRP L/100km Resale CO2 RON* RRP +/- Citroen C4 SX (1.6 HDi vs 1.6) $29,990 4.8 57% 128 $25,990 7.1 57% 169 95 $4,000Dodge Caliber SX (2.0 CRD vs 1.8) $28,990 6.1 N/A 159 $24,990 7.4 59% 175 91 $4,000Fiat Ritmo Emotion (1.9 JTD vs 1.4 T-Jet) $33,490 5.6 N/A 149 $29,990 7.1 N/A 167 95 $3,500Ford Focus hatch (2.0 TDCi vs 2.0 LX) $27,990 5.6 N/A 148 $23,990 7.1 N/A 170 91 $4,000Holden Astra hatch CDX (1.9 CDTi vs 1.8) $28,990 5.7 60% 151 $25,990 7.4 60% 177 91 $3,000Holden Astra wagon CDX auto (1.9 CDTi vs 1.8) $32,490 7.1 60% 189 $29,490 7.9 60% 189 91 $3,000Hyundai i30 SX (1.6 CRDi vs 2.0) $21,490 4.7 59% 125 $18,990 7.2 56% 170 91 $2,500Hyundai i30 SLX auto (1.6 CRDi vs 2.0) $25,990 6 N/A 159 $23,490 7.6 54% 182 91 $2,500Mazda3 Maxx Sport / Diesel (2.0 TDi vs 2.0) $29,500 6 N/A 160 $25,500 8.2 64% 194 91 $4,000Peugeot 307 XS (1.6 HDi vs 1.6) $29,990 5 61% 130 $25,490 7.4 61% 174 95 $4,500Peugeot 308 XS (1.6 HDi vs 1.6) $29,990 4.9 N/A 130 $25,990 6.7 N/A 159 95 $4,000Renault Megane II Exp sedan (1.9 dCi vs 2.0) $27,990 5.8 53% 154 $24,990 8.2 50% 196 95 $3,000Skoda Roomster (1.9 TDI vs 1.6) $28,990 5.5 N/A 145 $26,990 7.2 N/A 172 95 $2,000VW Golf Edition (1.9 TDI vs 1.6) $27,990 5.5 62% 149 $25,490 7.5 62% 180 98 $2,500VW Beetle (1.9 TDI vs 1.6) $28,490 5.5 62% 149 $25,990 7.7 60% 185 98 $2,500
DIESEL vs PETROLSimilarly specifi ed passenger cars compared on retail price, fuel economy, resale value, emissions rating
Small
Light
th l t t l l h 14 600k
GoAutoNews, May 28, 2008GoAutoNews, May 28, 2008
GoAuto study attracts big response and leadsto this further look into the diesel ‘advantage’
Diesel doubts continueDiesel doubts continue
GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 4
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Diesel doubts continueDiesel doubts continue
CATEGORY DIESEL PETROL DISPARITYMedium RRP L/100km Resale CO2 RRP L/100km Resale CO2 RON* RRP +/- Citroen C5 SX sedan auto (2.0 HDi vs 2.0)** $49,990 7.1 53% 186 $39,990 8.6 54% 206 95 $10,000Ford Mondeo Zetec auto (2.0 TDCi vs 2.3) $37,990 7.3 N/A 193 $34,990 9.5 N/A 227 91 $3,000Hyundai Sonata sedan (2.0 CRDi vs 2.4) $30,490 6 TBA TBA $27,990 8 54% TBA 91 $2,500Peugeot 407 ST sedan (2.2 HDi vs 2.0) $42,990 5.9 59% 155 $41,990 9 59% 214 95 $1,000Peugeot 407 SV sedan auto (2.7 HDi vs 3.0) $61,990 8.4 59% 223 $55,990 9.8 59% 233 95 $6,000Skoda Octavia Elegance (2.0 TDI vs 1.8) $33,490 5.7 N/A 150 $30,990 7.7 N/A 184 95 $2,500VW Jetta (2.0 TDI vs 2.0 FSI) $35,490 5.8 59% 157 $32,990 8.2 59% 197 98 $2,500VW Passat sedan auto (2.0 TDI vs 2.0 TFSI)*** $42,490 6.6 55% 175 $44,990 8.7 55% 207 98 -$2,500VW Passat wagon auto (2.0 TDI vs 2.0 TFSI)*** $44,990 6.7 55% 177 $46,990 9 55% 215 98 -$2,000
Large RRP L/100km Resale CO2 RRP L/100km Resale CO2 RON* RRP +/- n/a n/a n/a n/a
Sport RRP L/100km Resale CO2 RRP L/100km Resale CO2 RON* RRP +/- Saab 9-3 Convertible Vector (1.9 TiD vs 2.0) $72,100 6.3 N/A 166 $69,600 8.5 N/A 203 91 $2,500VW Eos (2.0 TDI vs 2.0 TFSI) $47,990 6 69% 158 $49,990 8.4 69% 200 98 -$2,000
People-movers RRP L/100km Resale CO2 RRP L/100km Resale CO2 RON* RRP +/- Chrysler Grand Voyager LX auto (2.8 CRD vs 3.8) $59,990 9.3 N/A 247 $56,990 12.3 N/A 302 91 $3,000Citroen C4 Grand Picasso auto (2.0 HDi vs 2.0)**** $39,990 5.9 N/A 155 $39,990 8.9 N/A 211 98 $0VW Caddy Life (1.9 TDI vs 1.6) $32,990 6.2 56% 167 $28,990 8.4 56% 199 98 $4,000
VW Passat sedan auto (2.0 TDI vs 2.0 TFSI)*** $42,490 6.6 55% 175 $44,990 8.7 55% 207 98 -$2,500VW Passat wagon auto (2.0 TDI vs 2.0 TFSI)*** $44,990 6.7 55% 177 $46,990 9 55% 215 98 -$2,000
VW Eos (2.0 TDI vs 2.0 TFSI) $47,990 6 69% 158 $49,990 8.4 69% 200 98 -$2,000
Citroen C4 Grand Picasso auto (2.0 HDi vs 2.0)**** $39,990 5.9 N/A 155 $39,990 8.9 N/A 211 98 $0
* RON (Rated Octane Number): 91 (regular unleaded), 95 or higher (premium unleaded).** Citroen C5 SX diesel model price discrepancy is due to additional features over petrol equivalent, including six-speed auto (over four-speed), park distance control, Xenon headlights, power front seats.*** VW Passat 2.0 TDI refers to 103kW version, not 125kW version which retails from $44,990 - the same as 2.0 TFSI.**** Citroen Picasso 2.0 HDI special offer extended for June. Regular RRP price $4000 more expensive than petrol equivalent.
Medium
Large
Sport
People-movers
Continued from previous pageIt comes as no surprise that LPG Australia
claims that there are a growing number of
compact SUV and small-car owners wanting
to convert to LPG.
Making it diffi cult to analyse the economic
benefi ts of diesel is the fact that no-one really
knows what diesel prices will do next.
Speaking to GoAuto last week,
Volkswagen Group Australia managing
director Jutta Dierks was under no illusions
about the impact of rising diesel prices. “If
it goes on like this, it defi nitely will have
an impact,” she said. “I think everybody is
concerned that petrol and diesel prices are
going up.”
Caltex Australia government affairs
manger Frank Tottham told GoAuto that there
were confl icting factors at play but insisted
diesel would continue to fuel growth in Asia.
“Diesel demand is growing. It tends to say
that over time there will be more pressure on
diesel prices over petrol prices,” he said.
Mr Tottham said that a new large export
refi nery due to open India later this year
should see improved supply of diesel fuel
and thus possibly see an amelioration of
recent diesel price hikes in Australia. But
he added: “The truth is, we don’t generally
know where oil prices are going to go.”
Fuel prices aside, diesels
generally sell for more than
petrol equivalents, but that
does not mean they have
better resale value.
Senior manager of prestige
and general vehicles at Pickles
Auctions Nick Taylor told
GoAuto this week that while
“the market is a bit tough at the
moment … diesels are always
making more (than petrols).”
Mr Taylor said that while
diesel passenger car resale
values were not clearly better
than petrol (as is the case
with commercial vehicles
and 4WDs), those that have
a proven track record in the
market still do well, such
as the Volkswagen Golf.
“Golfs typically get $1000 to
$2000 more than the petrol
equivalent,” he said.
Continued next page
GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 5
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Diesel doubts continueDiesel doubts continue
CATEGORY DIESEL PETROL DISPARITYPrestige/Luxury RRP L/100km Resale CO2 RRP L/100km Resale CO2 RON* RRP +/- Alfa Romeo 147 5dr (1.9 JTD vs 2.0) $39,990 5.8 54% 157 $37,490 8.9 51% 211 95 $2,500Alfa Romeo 159 sedan (1.9 JTD vs 2.2 JTS) $48,990 6 55% 159 $49,990 9.4 55% 221 95 -$1,000Alfa Romeo 159 wagon (1.9 JTD vs 2.2 JTS) $51,990 6 55% 159 $52,990 9.5 55% 224 95 -$1,000Audi A3 5dr Sportback Amb (2.0 TDI vs 1.8T)***** $48,500 6 59% 161 $44,900 8.1 N/A 193 98 $3,600Audi A3 Sportback Att. (1.6 TDIe man vs 1.6 auto) $38,990 4.5 N/A 119 $37,200 8.1 59% 193 98 $1,790Audi A4 sedan auto (2.0 TDI vs 2.0) $57,700 6.4 N/A 170 $50,450 8 N/A 192 98 $7,250Audi A4 sedan quattro auto (3.0 TDI vs 3.2 V6) $86,700 8.4 N/A 226 $86,700 10.8 N/A 258 98 $0Audi A6 sedan quattro auto (3.0 TDI vs 3.2 V6) $104,800 8.5 52% 229 $103,200 11.1 48% 265 98 $1,600BMW 3 Series sedan auto (320d vs 320i) $54,100 6 63% 160 $51,000 7.9 63% 189 98 $3,100BMW 5 Series sedan auto (520d vs 523i) $79,990 6.1 61% 162 $84,900 9.3 61% 224 98 -$4,910BMW 5 Series sedan auto (530d vs 530i) $115,000 7.5 60% 200 $113,500 9.3 58% 224 98 $1,500Chrysler 300C sedan auto (3.0 CRD vs 3.5 V6) $57,990 8.2 59% 216 $53,990 11 59% 260 95 $4,000Chrysler 300C Touring auto (3.0 CRD vs 3.5 V6) $60,990 8.3 59% 220 $56,990 11.2 59% 265 95 $4,000Citroen C6 sedan auto (2.7 HDi vs 3.0 V6) $108,750 8.7 46% 230 $102,000 11.2 51% 266 95 $6,750Jaguar X-Type LE sedan auto (2.2D vs 2.1) $55,490 6.9 57% 184 $53,990 10 57% 239 95 $1,500Jaguar XF sedan auto (2.7 V6D vs 3.0 V6) $105,500 7.5 N/A 199 $105,500 10.5 N/A 249 95 $0Mercedes-Benz B-class hatch (180 CDI vs 2.0) $45,800 5.8 62% 151 $45,800 7.4 62% 176 98 $0M-B C-class Classic sedan auto (220 CDI vs 200K) $61,300 6.7 70% 177 $57,090 8.2 67% 195 95 $4,210M-B C-class Classic wagon auto (220 CDI vs 200K) $63,100 6.8 N/A N/A $58,890 8.3 N/A N/A 95 $4,210M-B E-class Eleg sedan auto (280 CDI vs 280) $103,500 7.5 58% 199 $101,500 9.7 57% 232 95 $2,000M-B E-class Eleg sedan auto (280 CDI vs 280) $109,500 7.6 58% 202 $107,500 10 58% 239 95 $2,000M-B S-class sedan auto (320 CDI vs 350) $190,900 8.3 N/A 220 $190,900 10.2 59% 242 95 $0M-B R-class wagon auto (320 CDI vs 350) $95,100 9.3 61% 246 $92,100 11.6 61% 274 95 $3,000Saab 9-3 Vector wagon (1.9 TiD vs 2.0) $54,900 6.2 N/A 163 $52,400 8.5 N/A 203 91 $2,500Volvo C30 hatch auto (T5 vs D5) $43,950 6.9 N/A 182 $43,950 9 56% 228 95 $0
Continued from previous pageA Golf diesel costs $2500 more to buy
new than a petrol, so its resale return is
not dollar for dollar, although its resale
obviously reduces the payback period of the
initial outlay. As refl ected in the resale values
by industry valuer Redbook, diesels do not
generally have any better retained value on
their new purchase price than a petrol. They
are worth more money as a used vehicle, but
cost more to buy new.
Given that even oil industry experts do
not know what diesel fuel prices will do, it
is not a given that diesel resales will remain
equal to petrols. It could go either way.
Short-term servicing costs have come
down for diesels, as the more frequent oil-
change intervals of older-generation diesels
have been extended.
Synthetic oils and cleaner-burning diesel
fuel has helped here, too, but fi gures from
Holden, BMW and Volvo
received by GoAuto this week
all point to a slightly more
expensive servicing schedule
for diesel models over petrols.
Those who can take
immediate advantage of the
diesel’s better fuel consumption
are the wealthy. Most diesels
that cost no more than a petrol
are expensive luxury cars.
The new Jaguar XF is an
example, with both petrol
and diesel V6s priced from
$105,500. The 2.7D saves
around $11 a week (or $584 a
year) over an XF 3.0 V6 petrol
(which requires expensive
premium unleaded, at around
$1.67 per litre, which reduces
the effect of the high price of
diesel).
While diesels produce less
CO2 than petrols (199g/km
versus 249g/km for the Jaguar
example above) that does not
mean they emit less pollution.
Continued next page
* RON (Rated Octane Number): 91 (regular unleaded), 95 or higher (premium unleaded).***** Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 Ambition auto model only, in comparison to TDIe manual. Also note spec variations make Audi variants diffi cult to directly compare, in particular A8. Note: All transmissions manual unless otherwise stated.Sources: RJ Pound Systems May 2008, Green Vehicle Guide, Glass’s Guide, Red Book (resale fi gures, based over three years), Wheels magazine.
Alfa Romeo 159 sedan (1.9 JTD vs 2.2 JTS) $48,990 6 55% 159 $49,990 9.4 55% 221 95 -$1,000Alfa Romeo 159 wagon (1.9 JTD vs 2.2 JTS) $51,990 6 55% 159 $52,990 9.5 55% 224 95 -$1,000
Audi A4 sedan quattro auto (3.0 TDI vs 3.2 V6) $86,700 8.4 N/A 226 $86,700 10.8 N/A 258 98 $0
BMW 5 Series sedan auto (520d vs 523i) $79,990 6.1 61% 162 $84,900 9.3 61% 224 98 -$4,910
Jaguar XF sedan auto (2.7 V6D vs 3.0 V6) $105,500 7.5 N/A 199 $105,500 10.5 N/A 249 95 $0Mercedes-Benz B-class hatch (180 CDI vs 2.0) $45,800 5.8 62% 151 $45,800 7.4 62% 176 98 $0
M-B S-class sedan auto (320 CDI vs 350) $190,900 8.3 N/A 220 $190,900 10.2 59% 242 95 $0
Volvo C30 hatch auto (T5 vs D5) $43,950 6.9 N/A 182 $43,950 9 56% 228 95 $0
Prestige/Luxury
GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 6
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FORD PERFORMANCE VEHICLES
www.ga lv inrowley.com.auE x e c u t i v e R e c r u i t m e n t a n d S e l e c t i o n
Please contact our Recruitment Partner, Galvin-Rowley Executive for further information. Telephone enquiries to Joelle Blackburn on 03 9510 5918, applications can be sent to: [email protected]
FORD PERFORMANCE VEHICLESSALES REPORTING & PLANNING ANALYST
As the result of an internal promotion, Ford Performance Vehicles is seeking a talented and highly motivated Sales Reporting & Planning Analyst to joint their Sales & Marketing team. Reporting to the Sales Operations Manager this role
will be responsible for a range of analytical activities to support the reporting and planning functions of the business. Qualified
in a business related discipline and highly skilled in data analysis and reporting you will need to demonstrate
superior MS Excel and Access skills. As a key player in our small and dynamic group you will experience a fun and challenging environment as well as strong career development. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual looking to develop their career with an iconic Australian brand.
Continued from previous pageAny diesel engine’s particulate and
nitrogen oxides emissions are much higher
than a petrol engine, and are linked to
respiratory and heart disease and cancer.
This raises an intractable problem for
advocates of diesel – the diesel’s higher risk
to human health.
The Australian federal government, in its
National Pollution Index, rates oxides of
nitrogen as the number one risk to human
health, with particulate matter seven on the
list of 90 substances.
The savings at the pump of ‘clean’ diesels
may also be lost when the sensitive diesel
fuel system is fi lled with bad quality fuel.
A diesel injector pump failure due to
contaminated fuel is an expensive fi x.
Management from the all-diesel SsangYong
brand last year noted as part of its ‘no bio-
diesel’ campaign that the cost to overhaul an
injector pump after contaminated fuel had
passed though it was around $5000.
The economic advantages of running
a diesel 4WD or commercial vehicle is
more clear-cut – particularly
in instances where the petrol
alternative is usually a large-
displacement engine that can
consume nearly twice the amount
of a diesel alternative in heavy load
conditions such as towing or stop-
start traffi c. The superior torque
peak and delivery of a diesel
also makes the diesel a clear-cut
winner in such instances.
Meanwhile, the problem central
to this whole debate – the cost of
energy – will not go away.
Well-documented issues
regarding the developing world’s
massive increase in energy use
and that of peak oil – never mind
the global-warming issue – are putting paid
to the possibility of a status quo or a return
to cheap fuel.
Name your poison: petrol, diesel or LPG.
All are only going to get more expensive, but
as it stands the most persuasive argument is
for LPG. It makes economic sense in most
instances and produces less greenhouse
gases than petrol or diesel.
Of course, petrol-electric hybrids like
Toyota’s Prius and Honda’s Civic Hybrid
also are strong on the environment and air-
pollution fronts, simply because they burn
less fuel and therefore emit less greenhouse
gases. The same applies for a forthcoming
generation of diesel hybrids from European
makers, although their risk to human health
will of course be greater than petrol hybrids.
There is little doubt, given recent history,
that fuelling a car will only become more
expensive, whatever it is. Just don’t take
it as read that the silver bullet to rising
car running costs and escalating problems
with the environment and air pollution is
inscribed with the word ‘diesel’.Watch diesel stock – next page
* Diesel fuel price at which diesel model no longer at an economic advantage, if petrol price stayed at $1.57 ** Does not take into account resale fi gures
Vehicle XT Petrol XT E-Gas XT Diesel XT DieselPrice $36,490 $37,890 $40,490 $40,490Fuel Petrol LPG Diesel DieselTransmission 4a 4a TBA TBA Power 195kW 156kW TBA TBA Torque 391Nm 370Nm TBA TBA Average L/100km 10.5 15.5 8.5 8.5Fuel cost/L $1.57 $0.65 $1.80 $1.94*Average km/Year 14,600 14,600 14,600 14,600Fuel cost/Year $2406.81 $1468.69 $2233.80 $2407.54Vehicle price difference - $1400 $4000 $4000Fuel advantage per year - $938.02 $173.01 -$0.73Break even point (Years)** - 1.49 23.12 0
THE DIESEL ‘ADVANTAGE’ Ford Falcon petrol, LPG and diesel compared
Continued from previous pageAny diesel engine’s particulate and
Diesel doubts continueDiesel doubts continue
GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 7
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ZUPPS – DRIVE YOUR CAREER
Part of Australia’s largest motor retailer, AHG Group, Zupps have been a Queensland icon for 60 years. With ten vehicle dealerships and three truck centres as well as a large parts distribution network, we employ approximately 800 staff throughout Queensland.
Due to continuous company growth, we have two exciting career opportunities available:
BRANCH MANAGER: BurleighThis key management role will have you responsible for achieving business objectives and driving business expansion, providing leadership to the dealership in all its activities and developing and maintaining a culture which achieves and produces excellence. You must have outstanding leadership ability, business planning skills as well as exceptional customer service and communication skills. Previous experience in a senior management position within the automotive industry is essential. You will also need to demonstrate experience in change management and strategic planning principles.
Please send your application to:Dee Bendo, Human Resources Officer, 1310 Logan Road, Mt Gravatt, QLD 4122. Telephone: (07) 3877 0000. Email: [email protected]
SALES MANAGER – Used Vehicles: AspleyThe successful candidate will be responsible for sales management and leading and motivating employees to effectively achieve targets. You will have considerable sales experience in the automotive industry, possess exceptional leadership and management skills and be highly organised with great interpersonal skills.
Please send your application to:John Mills, Dealer Principal, 1454 Gympie Road, Aspley QLD. Telephone: (07) 3246 8000. Email: [email protected]
Zupps offers:• Excellent remuneration package including fully maintained company vehicle.• 5 day working week.• Above industry salary and commission structures.• Career path, training and development opportunities.• Flexible and friendly work environment.
This is an excellent opportunity for you to further your career with Australia’s largest automotive retailer.
ZUPPS CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
COMMENT by JOHN MELLORCAR dealers and fl eet managers should be
having a hard look at the diesel used cars
and fl eet vehicles they hold and the potential
impact a loss of resale value might have on
their operations.
Last week, the lead story in GoAutoNews
showed that the advantage of buying a diesel
car is being rapidly eroded – and in some
cases has been eroded by the huge price
gap that is building up between the price of
unleaded petrol and the price of diesel fuel.
The price differential is now becoming so
great that the better fuel economy of a diesel
vehicle is getting to the point where it is no
longer enough to counter the higher price of
diesel fuel.
Add in the premium price buyers pay for
the diesel car and buying a diesel for those
trying to save money is becoming marginal
if not fruitless.
Many readers pointed out to GoAuto that
we did not take into account the higher resale
value of diesel cars in our calculations. This
indicates that the prevailing view in the
industry is that diesel cars will continue to
retain their premium prices as used cars. But
that premium resale value only exists today.
If diesel fuel prices stay so high – and the
potential for the differential to get worse, not
better, is high – then the current higher resale
value of diesel used cars could disappear
(possibly very quickly) once people realise
the money-in-the-pocket advantage of diesel
is disappearing or it goes altogether.
So there is a very strong likelihood that
premium prices for diesel used cars is going
to erode very quickly.
Therefore, dealers should look at quitting
diesel cars from current used car stock
through dynamic pricing action of their
internet stock listings and make sure future
trade-in valuations on diesel cars they are
taking into the used car stock going forward
will better refl ect the potential for a lower
price premium for diesel used cars.
If this action leads to a loss of value of
used diesel vehicles, please blame those
responsible for Australia being reliant
on imported diesel fuel at a time when
demand in Asia was always going to surge
dramatically. And blame those in power in
the industry and in government who have
ignored LP Gas – the best fuel alternative for
the Australian motorists and for protecting
the hip pockets of “working families”.
Please do not blame GoAuto.
t d i l ti di l th
COMMENT by JOHN MELLORCAR dealers and fl eet managers should be
h i h d l k h di l d
Many readers pointed out to GoAuto that
we did not take into account the higher resale
l f di l i l l i Thi
Watch diesel stockWatch diesel stock
GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 8
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By MARTON PETTENDYTHE Rudd government’s controversial
luxury car tax (LCT) increase has passed the
House of Representatives and will now be
debated in the Senate immediately prior to
its proposed introduction on July 1.
In his May budget federal treasurer Wayne
Swan increased the LCT, paid on the portion
of a car’s sale price over $57,123, from the
current 25 per cent to 33 per cent – calculated
after the 10 per cent GST has already been
added to the price – for vehicles delivered
after July 1.
A report in The Australian newspaper
on May 28 claimed the government had
backfl ipped on its proposed new $555
million LCT, which has been criticised by
all major luxury car brands, by referring it to
a review of the tax system being conducted
by treasury secretary Ken Henry.
However, having passed the House of
Representatives, the new LCT bill will now
be debated in the Senate, where the Federal
Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI)
will lobby for it to be debated before being
referred to an inquiry.
“The legislation has passed the House of
Representatives but what we are pushing
for is that there is the opportunity when it
comes to the Senate the week after next to
refer that legislation for a proper inquiry,”
FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar
told GoAuto this week. “This measure was
announced with no consultation for industry,
for motorists, for other stakeholders and
there are affected groups out there.
“One of the issues that did come out of
the debate in the House of Representatives
is that there was considerable focus on the
impact that this has particularly on four-
wheel drive products which are targeted to
rural and regional communities and there is
a signifi cant impact there.
“That’s one of the issues that we think
desperately needs to be looked at in more
detail to ensure that people who live in those
areas, where that kind of vehicle –whether it
be a Patrol or a LandCruiser or whatever – is
not a luxury, but a necessity.”
The current LCT threshold is already
lower than the least-expensive version of
Toyota’s 200 Series LandCruiser wagon,
which is priced at $69,990, and the cheapest
LandCruiser Troop Carrier ($60,490). The
only LandCruisers currently priced below
the LCT cut-off are the 70 Series Workmate
wagon ($54,490) and the cab-chassis utility
range ($53,990 to $56,990).
“Our research shows that there is every
likelihood that if the current trends continue
almost every vehicle in the LandCruiser
range will be captured by this tax certainly
within 10 years,” said Mr McKellar.
“Much of the advances in technology
enter through those (luxury) segments in the
market and the last thing we want to do is
penalise innovation, whether it be in terms
of environmental performance or safety.
“We want the Senate to pause and have a
look at those issues. We want to give people in
the industry the opportunity to put their case.
The government did not take the time or trouble
to actually ask some of these questions before
it came out and announced this measure.
“The bill to introduce the rate increase was
introduced to the House of Representatives
and the government of course has the
majority in the house, so they have passed
the legislation through there.
“It now comes to the Senate in just under
two weeks’ time. The Senate, however, is a
different creature. The government does not
have the majority in the Senate and if it is
going to secure passage of this legislation it
needs the support of the Senate.
“What we are arguing is that the opposition
and the independents in the Senate have the
power to stop this legislation at that point
and to ask some questions about it, and
that’s what we’re asking them to do.”
Mr McKellar said the FCAI’s long-
standing position remained to abolish the
LCT altogether, but that because the Senate
does not have the power to do so, it should
be referred to the Australian tax review that
begins next month but does not report to
government until the end of 2009.
“Our position is that the tax should be
abolished – that’s been our long-standing
position. But for that to occur, you would
need the support of the government at the
end of the day.
“The Senate has the power to review
the legislation that is now put forward by
the government to increase the rate. We
will be putting forward the case that this
legislation is fl awed, that it has unintended
consequences and that it should at the very
least be amended.”
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
t ti “Th bill t i t d th t i
FCAI continues to fi ght against luxury car tax increase as bill
reaches the federal upper house
LCT hike hits SenateLCT hike hits Senate
LLandCruiser
GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 9
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Budget, planning and strategy days
Our database of over 1,200 dealers indicates that the market has changed in the quarter ended March 2008. You may have already set your budget for the year ahead but have you factored in recent changes?
At Deloitte Motor Industry we have the right mix of retail and fi nancial expertise to make sure:
1. Your budget refl ects the most recent Industry data and trends.
2. You are strategic in the way you budget.
3. You are budgeting for benchmark performance and in line with best practice.
4. Your budgeting process drives management performance.
AM_Syd_05/08_034997
For more information please contact:
Dale McCauley DirectorDeloitte Motor Industry Servicese-mail: [email protected]: +61 (0) 7 3208 7212
Have you adjusted your Budget for FY2009?
Rolls-Royce reveals fi rst images of its new ‘baby’ - the sub-$500,000 RR4
By MARTON PETTENDYROLLS-ROYCE has revealed the fi rst images
of its new entry-level model line codenamed
the RR4, the engineering development
program for which is fully underway.
Signed off in 2007, the RR4’s more
dynamic and youthful exterior design was
revealed last week in the UK via two styling
sketches that clearly show a radically low-
slung four-door sedan with Rolls-trademark
long bonnet, super-short overhangs and an
impossibly narrow daylight opening beneath
a sleek, near-fl at roofl ine.
The as-yet-unnamed fourth new-
generation model to be developed by the
historic British brand under BMW ownership
follows the Phantom sedan, convertible and
coupe, which has entered production after it
appeared at Geneva in March.
Smaller and more affordable than the
V12-powered Phantom sedan, which carries
a $915,000 sticker price here, the “baby”
Roller is expected to be priced between
$400,000 and $500,000 when it goes on sale
globally in 2010.
The RR4 will be built on a separate new
production line to the Phantom model series
at Rolls-Royce’s “completely reconfi gured”
Goodwood manufacturing facility, which
will also feature extended paint, wood and
leather shops and next year adds a second
shift as full production gears up.
It could also be built at Rolls-Royce’s
refurbished Sussex plant and is expected to
sire a model family similar to the Phantom’s.
Rolls-Royce has confi rmed the initial sedan
version will be powered by a new engine,
unique to the brand.
“Effortless performance and standard-
setting levels of comfort and effi ciency,
executed with the utmost care and attention,
remain fundamentals of Rolls-Royce
design,” said chief Rolls-Royce designer
Ian Cameron.
“The RR4 has a more informal
presence than the Phantom models with
a greater emphasis on driving. In design
terms this is expressed through its slightly
smaller dimensions and more organic form,
yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It
is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce
in every sense.”
The RR4 will be positioned as the next
step up from BMW’s own 7 Series sedan
fl agship, which itself will be replaced by
a new model to appear at the Paris motor
show in October.
Rolls-Royce says its newest model –
which will not be as large as the 5834mm-
long, 2550kg Phantom, but will not be
compact either – will fi ll a vacant luxury-
market niche between the Phantom family
and Bentley’s model range.
Aimed at a larger, younger audience than
the Phantom sedan, which is itself expected
to be replaced in 2013, the RR4 is anticipated
to further reduce the average age of Rolls-
Royce customers, which has dropped by
more than 10 years to the high-40s since the
Phantom was released in 2003.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Rolls-Royce reveals fi rst mages of its new ‘baby’
RR4 set to roarRR4 set to roar
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GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 10
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More fromMore from Red Book collects around 230 items of specification data for every vehicle that comes onto the market. Photos too. Standard & Optional equipment as well.
Talk with Colin Baird (03) 9328 1255 or Michaela Donovan (02) 9310 7622
ooooouuuuuunnnnnnndddddd cccccaaaaatttttiiiiiiooooonnnnn ddddaatttaaa tttttt ccccccoooooommmmmeeeeesss oooootttttooooosss tttttooooooooo..
The pricing authority for over
Specifications Red Book collects around 230 items of specification data for every vehicle that comes onto the market. Photos too. Standard & Optional equipment as well.
Bigger engine headlines mid-life upgrade for ‘entry level’ V8 Vantage
By DAVID HASSALLONE of the most desirable cars in the world
is to be made even more desirable with the
imminent introduction of an upgraded Aston
Martin V8 Vantage with a bigger engine.
To be introduced in the third quarter,
the entry-level Aston – if such a term is
applicable to a car that starts at $245,000
in Australia – looks much the same but gets
some signifi cant technical improvements.
Top of the list is an increase in engine
capacity from 4.3 litres to 4.7 litres by
increasing the bore and stroke from 89mm x
86mm to a perfectly square 91mm x 91mm,
giving a displacement of 4735cc.
Power output consequently increases by
11 per cent to 313kW at 7000rpm while
torque goes up 15 per cent to 470Nm at
5750rpm, providing a 0-100km/h time of 4.8
seconds (0.2 seconds faster than the current
car) and a top speed of 288km/h with the
optional and revised Sportshift sequential
semi-auto transmission.
Combined European fuel economy and
CO2 emissions are improved by 13 per
cent with the Sportshift transmission, which
benefi ts from revised software and a revised
clutch and fl ywheel that reduces weight by
0.5kg.
As well as hill-descent detection, the
rear-mounted Sportshift unit now also takes
inputs from the steering wheel, enabling the
current gear to be held when cornering.
Increasing the cylinder bore has been
facilitated by a move to cylinder liners that
are pressed into the alloy block, allowing a
thinner liner than was possible with the cast-
in design of the 4.3-litre engine.
A new forged steel crankshaft incorporates
new holes in the counterweights for reduced
rotating mass and improved inter-bay
breathing, while the dry sump lubrication
system includes a new sump casting with
oil pick-up points moved from the front and
rear to the sides of the sump.
Modifi ed cylinder heads get bigger
intake ports and valves (up from 34.9mm to
35.9mm) while the intake manifold has also
been modifi ed to match the new porting to
optimise airfl ow.
The other major area of improvement is
the suspension, with the aim of improving
body control for better handling while at
the same time improving low-speed ride
quality.
A number of the
components originally
introduced on the Vantage
Roadster are carried over
to the Coupe, including
revised upper damper
mountings and bump
stops. Bilstein low-friction
dampers have been fi tted
as standard and the spring
rates have been stiffened
by 11 per cent at the front
and fi ve per cent at the rear.
Steering geometry is also modifi ed to
improve steering feel, while the front lower
suspension arm compliance bushes are
stiffened by 22 per cent to provide enhanced
steering response and handling.
Apart from new 19-inch wheels, the
exterior is unchanged, but the interior features
a new diecast zinc alloy centre console,
revised switchgear and the introduction of a
DBS-style ECU (made from glass, stainless
steel and polycarbonate) in place of a key.
Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez introduced
the upgraded 2009 V8 Vantage Coupe and
Roadster and said it was an important mid-
cycle upgrade to a model that fi rst grabbed
headlines when it appeared as a concept at
the 2003 Detroit motor show and two years
later in production form at Geneva.
Since then, 10,000 Vantages have been
hand-built at Aston Martin’s plant at Gaydon
in Warwickshire, England.
“Continued development and evolution
of our unique VH (Vertical-Horizontal)
architecture has brought even higher levels
of refi nement and dynamic performance to
our whole range,” said Dr Bez. “With the
new 4.7-litre engine and associated changes,
we have taken the V8 Vantage to new levels
of performance to produce an even more
desirable sports car.
“The V8 Vantage is now the most
successful Aston Martin in our history and
we are confi dent these changes will continue
its appeal and driving enjoyment for both
new and existing customers.”
Bigger engine headlines mid-life upgrade for
Ad-Vantage AstonAd-Vantage Aston
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A3 TDIe aims A3 TDIe aims at Priusat Prius
THE NEW FORCE IN MOTOR INDUSTRY ACCOUNTING
QLD Rich & Co Ph: 07 3229 0080 Vindico Partners Ph: 07 3225 3500
NSW / ACT Auswild & Co Ph: 02 9588 5511
VIC LSA Partners Ph: 03 9830 6466 Colledge’s (Aust) Ph: 03 9851 6500
SA / NT George Pantahos Ph: 08 8223 7649 Graham Tull Ph: 08 8223 1988
Auto Team Australia is a group of professional accountants with extensive, individual motor industry experience.
Through our network of offices we service both single location operators and major multi-site national dealerships.
www.autoteamaustralia.com.auSPECIALIST ACCOUNTANTS SERVICING DEALERS NATIONALLY
– ANNUAL AUDIT TIME – Get a FREE independent second
opinion on your annual audit.
By JAMES STANFORDAUDI Australia has introduced a diesel-
powered small car with fuel economy
that rivals the Toyota Prius petrol-electric
hybrid car. The A3 Sportback TDIe is not a
revolutionary concept, but uses a series of
small modifi cations that help it save fuel.
Its offi cial fuel economy fi gure of
4.5L/100km is just 0.1L higher than the
Prius, and while the Toyota is leaner in stop-
start driving, Audi claims the eco-oriented
A3 uses less fuel in higher-speed driving
conditions.
Audi demonstrated this in the World
Solar Challenge late last year, recording an
average fuel economy fi gure of 3.3L/100km
in the cross-country drive, beaten only by a
diesel-powered Hyundai i30.
The new A3 TDIe is priced from $38,900,
slotting in above the $37,200 entry-level
model variant.
It runs the VW-Audi Group’s 1.9-litre
turbo-diesel engine, which is not currently
used in any other Audi model in Australia.
Available in Australia in the Volkswagen
Golf and Skoda’s Octavia and Roomster, the
four-cylinder diesel features direct-injection
and a variable geometry turbo, and produces
77kW at 4000rpm and 250Nm at 1900rpm.
This compares to the more expensive
2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine available in
other Audi/VW Group models that produces
125kW and 350Nm.
The A3e is no performance car, taking
11.7 seconds to accelerate from 0-100km/h
– which is faster than the 1.6 petrol A3,
which takes 13.2 seconds.
The A3e is only available with a fi ve-speed
manual gearbox. Audi engineers have made
some small changes to the transmission in
order to save some fuel. It runs higher third
and fi fth gears in order to put less load on
the engine at higher speeds.
Audi has also introduced a
system that helps the driver save
fuel by indicating which gear they
should be in. This information is
shown in the information display
in the middle of the instrument
cluster. The A3e also features a
modifi ed engine control unit that
has been tuned for economy over
responsiveness.
Audi has also concentrated on
non-powertrain changes in order to reduce
the TDIe’s fuel consumption. The company
has selected Michelin tyres with ultra-low
rolling resistance, thanks to their tread
design and the use of Silica. The wheels
have also come in for attention, with Audi
fi tting the A3e with steel wheels and plastic
wheel covers that run an aerodynamically
effi cient design with no spokes as such.
The special model also runs lower
riding suspension in order to improve the
aerodynamics.
It all contributes to an offi cial fuel economy
average, using the ADR 81/01 formula,
of 4.5L/100km – a rate that can enable the
A3 TDIe to cover 1200km on a single tank.
The car’s CO2 emissions rating is 119g/km,
which compares to 104g/km for the Prius.
For the record, the Audi e-car version
uses eight per cent less fuel than the regular
1.9 TDI A3, which is sold in markets other
than Australia.
Break down the fi gures and you can see
where the A3e shines. It uses a respectable
5.8L/100km in the city-driving sector of the
fuel economy test, which is good, but sips just
3.8L/100km on the country-driving cycle.
That is quite amazing given that apart
from the fuel-saving measures mentioned,
the A3 TDIe is just like other A3 models. It is
4292mm long, 1765mm wide and 1423mm
tall, tipping the scales at 1320kg.
Continued page 19
Audi’s new diesel Sportback matches Toyota’s hybrid for real-world economy
GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 12
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Hyundai launches a diesel Sonata, offering a claimed 6.0L/100km
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By JAMES STANFORDHYUNDAI has broadened its economy
push with the launch this week of its second
diesel-powered passenger car – the Sonata
– in Australia.
Hyundai Motor Co Australia (HMCA)
executives have been pleasantly surprised
by the success of the diesel i30 hatch, with
about half of i30 customers selecting the oil-
burner over the petrol variant.
HMCA is not expecting diesel to be quite
so strong when it comes to the Sonata, but
is tipping the new engine to account for 40
per cent of sales for the mid-sizer despite a
$2500 premium over its petrol sibling.
Hyundai has dropped the 3.3-litre
‘Lambda’ V6 petrol engine in order to make
way for the turbo-diesel. It continues to
offer the 2.4-litre ‘Theta II’ four-cylinder
petrol engine.
While the i30’s diesel engine
is built with economy rather than
noise suppression in mind, the
2.0-litre turbo-diesel unit now
available for the Sonata is a more
refi ned powerplant.
It is also remarkably
economical, recording a
combined cycle fuel economy fi gure of
just 6.0L/100km when using the standard
manual gearbox.
The four-cylinder diesel uses common-
rail direct injection and a variable geometry
turbocharger for smoother torque delivery.
Peak power stands at 110kW, but as is the
case with diesel engines, it is the torque that
really counts. Maximum torque is 305Nm,
available from 1800rpm to 2500rpm.
This is a different engine to the
114kW/343Nm 2.2-litre diesel available in
the Santa Fe SUV, and which will soon to
be dropped into the Grandeur large car (see
next page).
In addition to the six-speed manual
gearbox, the Sonata diesel is available with
an optional ($2000) four-speed automatic.
The auto version is thirstier than its diesel
sibling, recording a combined cycle fi gure
of 7.0L/100km.
This compares to the four-
cylinder petrol Sonata, which
uses 8.0L/100km with a manual
and 8.4L/100km with an
automatic.
The 2.4-litre four-cylinder
petrol engine has been given a
mild upgrade for the 2008 model
introduction and now has variable timing for
both the intake and exhaust camshafts, rather
than just for the intake cam. It also benefi ts
from a new variable induction system. The
engine produces 127kW at 6000rpm and
225kW at 4000rpm.
The manual petrol model kicks off the
Sonata range at $27,990 in SLX trim, while the
diesel SLX manual costs $30,490. Hyundai
offers an Elite version of the petrol Sonata
at $34,990 and the diesel at $36,990. These
models come standard with an automatic.
Standard safety gear across the range
includes electronic stability control, traction
control, ABS brakes, front, side and curtain
airbags and front anti-whiplash headrests
and three rear headrests.
Other features include air-conditioning,
electric windows, cruise control, a trip
computer, split-fold rear seat, and a single-
disc CD sound system that also features an
auxiliary audio plug for MP3 devices, a
USB drive and iPod compatibility.
The base models include 16-inch wheels
and a full-size spare wheel. Stepping up to
the Elite model adds 17-inch alloys, reverse
parking sensors, premium CD sound, a more
extensive trip computer, electric front-seat
adjustment, body-coloured doorhandles,
leather seat trim and climate control.
Hyundai has made some minor exterior
changes to the Sonata that you would be
hard-pressed to pick. They include revised
front and rear bumpers, headlights and
foglights, a redesigned grille and the addition
of side chrome strips.
The interior has also been altered slightly
with a new information display and other
minor modifi cations.
Hyundai has also revised the Sonata’s
suspension damping to better account for
Australian roads.
DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HEREGrandeur diesel, too – next page
Hyundai launches a diesel Sonata, offering
Sonata in blackSonata in black
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PRICING:SLX $27,990SLX (a) $29,990SLX CRDi $30,490SLX CRDi (a) $32,490Elite (a) $34,490Elite CRDi (a) $36,990
GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 13
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☎
8
Hyundai to offer a diesel Grandeur, complete with free latex gloves!
By JAMES STANFORDHYUNDAI Motor Co Australia (HMCA)
has given its struggling Grandeur large car
a vote of confi dence by fi tting it with a new
diesel engine.
Despite selling an average of just 15 units
a month, HMCA has decided to expand the
Grandeur range with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel
engine variant, to be released in the last
quarter of this year.
It will join the 3.8-litre petrol V6 that delivers
194kW and 348Nm of torque. The diesel falls
short in the power stakes with 114kW, but
produces a similar amount of torque with a
peak fi gure of 343Nm.
While the petrol-powered
Grandeur uses 10.8L/100km,
the new diesel model uses just
7.9L/100km. A fi ve-speed automatic is the
only transmission choice for both the petrol
and diesel models.
The 2.2-litre diesel is a four-cylinder using
common-rail direct injection and a variable
geometry turbocharger. It is the same engine
that powers the Santa Fe CRDi.
The Grandeur diesel will be priced from
$41,990, which represents a $2000 premium
over the petrol V6 model.
As a result of the diesel addition, Hyundai
will pare back the V6 petrol Grandeur range
from two models to one. The new petrol
model has the same level of specifi cation as
the diesel model, which will be determined
closer to launch.
The Grandeur will also receive a
mild interior and exterior upgrade,
although the changes are not easy
to pick. There will be new 17-inch
alloy wheels, a new chrome grille, chrome
inserts for bumpers, new bodyside mouldings
and new wing mirrors with side repeaters.
The cabin will feature new metal and
woodgrain trim inserts and a new-look
instrument cluster. A new display screen with
bright blue lighting for the sound system
and dual-zone climate controls will also be
introduced, matching the instrument cluster.
The sound system will also be upgraded
and feature a regular auxiliary jack as well
as a new USB port which allows owners to
play music straight off a memory stick. In
addition, a special plug in the armrest will
allow iPod navigation via the sound system
controls. HMCA will also throw in a 1GB
memory stick for those owners who may not
be used to the technology.
Diesel customers also get a free box of
latex gloves to protect them from greasy
diesel pumps.
HMCA chief executive Steve Yeo
admitted the Grandeur had been performing
below expectations. He said the model had
been hit by the declining interest in large
cars, but also admitted Hyundai had not
invested as much as it could in promoting
the vehicle.
Mr Yeo said Hyundai Australia found it
hard to invest more money in marketing the
Grandeur given that it represents a small
part of its overall sales.
PRICING:V6 (a) $39,990CRDi (a) $41,990
Hyundai to offer a diesel Grandeur, complete
Grandeur diesel, tooGrandeur diesel, too
GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 14
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Who is driving your business?Ensure the right people are driving your business
Administration & Office SupportSales & MarketingAccounting & FinanceHuman ResourcesManagementPurchasing
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Bridge Consulting | Automotive Recruitment
By DAVID HASSALLKIA Motors has confi rmed that it will retain
the name ‘Soul’ from its concept cars when
it starts selling a new SUV-styled small car
globally later this year.
The new Korean-built hatchback is
expected to come to Australia in about
March 2009, priced from about $21,000.
Kia Motors Australia spokesman Jonathan
Fletcher said he expected pricing to be in “the
low 20s” but that specifi cations have not yet
been fi nalised, with the engine choice being
between 2.0-litre petrol and diesel units.
Having shown a number of concepts since
2005, Kia will reveal the fi nal production
Soul at the Paris motor show in early
October.
The Kia Soul started as a crossover
off-roader with four-wheel drive but has
developed into a more conventional small
fi ve-door hatch, though still with tall and
boxy SUV styling.
Nevertheless, it has stayed true to the
profi le of the original concept and retained
its prominent fl ared wheelarches set close to
each corner, although the original concept
car’s wraparound windscreen and rear-
hinged ‘suicide’ rear doors have predictably
been left on the cutting-room fl oor.
The fi rst Soul concept was created by
Kia’s California and Korea design studios
and appeared at the Detroit motor show in
January 2006. It was in turn based on the
Mesa concept from the same show a year
earlier, which was penned at Kia’s European
design centre under the guidance of design
chief Peter Schreyer.
At this year’s Geneva show, Kia showed
three more concepts – called Soul Burner,
Soul Searcher and Soul Diva – that were
penned by Gregory Guillaume in Europe and
are understood to be close to the production
version.
Mr Guillaume said the all-new car defi es
classifi cation and will encourage customers
to build an emotional bond with what the
company describes as “a rebellious new
car”, which will offer a high degree of
personalisation through options, colours and
accessories when it goes into production in
September.
“Because the new Kia Soul is not a
replacement for an existing vehicle and is
destined to play a unique role within the Kia
global line-up, it can be a bit of a rebel,”
he said. “The trio of Geneva concepts were
appetisers for the new model introduction at
Paris, and you can be certain that the new
Kia Soul model will retain the core DNA of
the three exciting concepts.”
At Geneva, Kia did not reveal any
mechanical details of its new car, which is
aimed specifi cally at boosting European sales
to young urban buyers, but it will only have
front-wheel drive and will accommodate
fi ve people.
The tall stance and wheel-at-each-corner
style are said to create generous interior
space, while the Soul is also believed to
incorporate a number of clever packing
features designed to appeal to active young
urban dwellers.
“Reaction from the media and public to
the three Soul concept cars fi rst unveiled
at the Geneva Show in March, and shown
subsequently at other international events,
has been overwhelmingly positive,” said
Kia senior executive vice-president Hyoung-
Keun Lee.
“This reaction, plus the fact that both
physically and emotionally the Soul concept
cars are so closely related to the new Kia
Soul production car, made it a natural choice
to retain this evocative name.
“The Soul concept cars reveal a whole
new fun side to Kia. They signal that our
new Kia Soul production model is poised to
defy conventions and offer buyers a world of
possibilities for expressing their personality.
“This new model will reach out to new
groups of consumers, appealing especially
to the young and young-at-heart – whatever
their age.”
Kia marks its SoulKia marks its Soul
Korean car-maker confi rms Soul as the name for its all-new SUV-styled small car
GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 15
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Automotive Photography and Inventory Distribution
ph: 1300 11 22 34 email: [email protected]
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND “CLICKS”...
automotive photographers
Financial Controller
Motor Dealership
An exciting opportunity exists in an award winning
boutique motor dealership situated in the inner
Melbourne suburb of Brighton. The dealership is a
dynamic family owned business looking for someone
of a like mind to join their team. Ideally, you will have
experience in the motor industry and will be able
to lead the finance and administration teams. This
position reports directly to the Dealer Principal.
Duties include:
– Overseeing and managing the financial well
being of the Dealership
– Manage cashflow requirements
including floorplan
– Maintain an accurate set of accounts which will
facilitate the timely production of trading results
– Monitor all costs and payments
– Ensure all statutory returns are completed
and assist the Dealer Principal with the
administration of the Dealership
– Plan, direct, monitor and control the activities
of the Administration Department
– Recruit, manage and train an efficient
administration staff
The ideal candidate will have:
– Significant experience in an administrative
role with substantial time in an automotive
dealership
– Thorough knowledge in the areas of tax, cashflow,
cost accounting and financial accounting
– Tertiary qualifications in accounting and CPA
or CA highly desirable
– Strong time management, organisational and
communication skills, good at delegating
– Highly computer literate and strong computer
skills in Microsoft Office
– Experience with motor industry based
accounting systems
To apply for this position please send your resume
© 2008 Fordham Nominees Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
By MARTON PETTENDYHOLDEN added a fourth diesel model to its
range on June 1, when a single oil-burning
version of the Astra wagon became available
at $32,490 – $3000 more than the similarly
specifi ed petrol version.
Like the six-speed automatic Astra diesel
hatch, the auto-only Astra CDTi Wagon is
powered by a 1.9-litre turbocharged four-
cylinder diesel engine that produces 88kW
at 3500rpm and 280Nm at 2000rpm –
unlike the manual Astra diesel hatch, which
develops 110kW and 320Nm.
It returns ADR 81/01 combined fuel
consumption of 7.1L/100km.
Standard features include 16-inch alloy
wheels, foglights, cruise control and semi-
automatic climate-control, while safety
equipment comprises stability/traction
control plus ABS (with EBD and brake
assist) and six airbags including full-length
side curtains.
“The Astra CDTi Wagon will appeal to
customers in search of something a little
roomier as well as a vehicle that offers
outstanding performance, combined with
great fuel economy and safety,” said GM
Holden’s director of marketing Philip Brook.
The diesel Astra wagon is available in
six exterior paint colours, four of which
are metallic hues that cost an extra $360:
Casablanca White, Power Red, Star
Silver Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic,
Pannacotta Metallic and Metro Metallic.
Holden says that more than 218,725 Astras
have been sold in Australia to date, making
the European-designed and -built GM small
car Holden’s second most popular nameplate
(behind Commodore) and Australia’s best-
selling imported European vehicle last year.
JUST weeks after releasing similar limited-edition versions of its Captiva, Rodeo, Astra and Commodore models to celebrate six decades in business this year, Holden has produced the value-added VE Calais V 60th Anniversary Special Edition.
On sale now in both V6 and V8 automatic
guises, priced from $56,790 and $61,790 respectively, the latest Holden special costs an extra $2500 but is distinguished by 19-inch ‘SuperSport’ alloy wheels, chrome-surround exterior doorhandles, an electric sunroof and a ‘60th anniversary’ rear badge.
Inside, the commemorative Calais V also scores an Onyx/Light Urban trim combination, alloy-faced pedals, silver highlights on leather steering-wheel spokes and 60th anniversary fl oor mats. It is available in just three metallic colours: Karma (teal), Evoke (dark grey) and Phantom (black). – MARTON PETTENDY
New Astra oilerNew Astra oiler
Holden applies 60th Anniversary treatment to Calais
GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 16
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Sailor
The Stillwell Motor Group now celebrates its 10th year as a successful second-generation family busi-ness owning and operating multiple retail sites in Melbourne for BMW, Volvo, Ford and Nissan. Having a reputation for outstanding service to their loyal customers and providing career opportunities to over 500 management and staff, the Group is highly regarded as a leader of automotive best practice and delivering results for the manufacturers’ that it represents.
The role of Chief Operating Officer will report directly to the CEO and there is future potential for this new position to grow further. In addition to the following attributes - the successful COO will be evolving the business everyday to build on best practice, and inspire a team of over 500 staff to ask how can we do it better?
Senior management expertise in a retail dealership environment as a successful CEO, COO, Dealer Principal or General Manager.
Evidence of excellent relationships with all stake-holders in a multi site business.
A track record of consistently coaching executives, managers and staff to continuously improve bench-mark performance.
A highly competitive remuneration package will be negotiated in accordance with the level of responsi-bility and commitment requirement of this position.
Initial telephone enquiries are welcomed to Derek Hale on 0419 329 009.
Applications to Derek Hale and Associates are to be forwarded via email to [email protected] by Wed June 12th.
Chief Operating Officer -
MelbourneBy MARTON PETTENDY
ATECO Automotive has confi rmed it is in
discussions with at least one other Chinese
vehicle manufacturer besides Chery, which it
has confi rmed will be launched in Australia
in mid-2009 via three models, following
a Fairfax media report this week that said
Great Wall Motors (GWM) would also be
represented here within 12 months.
“Ateco Automotive has been talking to
a number of Chinese car and commercial
vehicle manufacturers,” Ateco spokesperson
Edward Rowe told GoAuto this week.
“(But) until a defi nitive distribution
agreement is signed, such as that already in
place with Chery, we are unable to confi rm or
deny the names or details of the companies
with which we are having discussions – other
than to say these discussions are ongoing.”
GoAuto has learned from dealer sources
that Great Wall, which produces a range
of vehicles including small hatchbacks
and people-movers but describes itself as
“China’s largest maker of SUVs and pick-
up trucks”, is likely to fi rst become available
in Australia via a range of commercial
utilities.
Meantime, Ateco preparations for next
year’s Chery brand launch continue apace,
with ADR homologation of the three models
previously reported (A1, A5 and Tiggo)
currently the subject of “almost hourly”
discussions between Ateco and Chery, and
“a continuous stream” of interested dealers
from Australia and New Zealand.
Ateco has not confi rmed Chery’s presence
at the 2009 Melbourne motor show and will
not reveal how many dealers it has signed up
so far because “the franchise appointment
process is quite lengthy”, but says it remains
on target for a mid-2009 launch.
“We are very happy with the quality of
dealers we’ve had discussions with, which
cover the full range in terms of both size and
geographical spread,” said Mr Rowe. “We
are confi dent all Australian homologation
requirements will be achieved in time for
our mid-2009 launch.”
Read more: Chinese cars a year away
B MARTON PETTENDY i A li i f i l
China’s Great Wall could be coming Down Under
Deer
WWWWWinWinWinWinWingleglegleglegll
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GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 17
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R36 Tiguan would add sizzle to Volkswagen’s new SUV - but is still TBC
By PHILIP LORDVOLKSWAGEN Group Australia (VGA)
wants to inject more excitement into its
range with a roll-out of new R-branded
performance models, including a sizzling –
but still-to-be-confi rmed – R36 version of
its new Tiguan compact SUV.
With the Tiguan fresh off the boat with
a diesel engine only, and talk of a 12-to-
18-month waiting list for upcoming petrol
versions, VGA managing director Jutta
Dierks told GoAuto last week that she had
a strategy in mind to keep the new SUV in
demand.
Ms Dierks said that the way to
keep buyers interested after the
initial wave of interest was to offer
alternatives that target the emotions
of buyers. One such model is an as-
yet-unscheduled Tiguan R36.
“There is no plan to bring it (an
R36 Tiguan) in, but I do think it’s a
defi nite possibility,” she said. “It is a car that
would be a perfect fi t for us – it would be
really nice.”
Ms Dierks added that other Tiguan model
variants are already homologated and would
probably arrive fi rst. The ‘Track and Field’
28-degree approach angle Tiguan – a name
that will not be used in Australia – and a
front-wheel drive Tiguan are both for later
consideration, depending on how strong
demand remains for existing models.
“Usually you do this later in the lifecycle,”
she said. “As long as we grow and
grow, there is no need to bring
these in. If we want to grow it
further, and production capacity
has grown and cars are available,
we can make a decision to bring
these in.”
Ms Dierks said that 2010 was
the likely introduction date, but as
these variants have already been approved
for Australia “if a lot of people say ‘we want
it’, we can act very quickly”.
According to Ms Dierks, VGA has already
discovered that R-rated Volkswagens work
well to freshen up an existing model line,
including Volkswagen’s bete noir (in terms
of sales fi gures, at least), the Touareg.
“Later in the lifecycle of the car, coming
with a R version would give us emotion –
look at the Touareg R50. People talk about
it and want it. Close to 20 per cent at the
moment (of Touareg sales) are for the R50.”
Waiting for such a vehicle does not appear
to bother buyers, either. Ms Dierks said: “It
is an individually built car; we advise them
that they have to wait, that we will keep
them informed.”
The Passat R36 is about to be released to
dealers this month and has attracted a lot of
interest, according to Ms Dierks.
“We had a customer night at the Brisbane
launch (in March). We thought R36 was
a niche car. We invited customers – we
thought we’d get 80 – and we got 180. They
were really seriously interested people, who
knew more about the cars than some of my
guys on the stand.”GoAuto Green – page 19
R36 Tiguan would add sizzle to Volkswagen’s
‘A perfect fi t’‘A perfect fi t’
VOLKSWAGEN Group Australia (VGA) managing director Jutta Dierks has admitted that the Golf-based Jetta small-medium sedan is not selling as well as the company had expected, and the reason is because it does not have a distinctive appeal.
“Jetta is getting a bit tough,” Ms Dierks told GoAuto last week. “We don’t have an R-line model, we don’t have a R36 or something for Jetta. We are just looking for more emotion around that car. It’s really a workhorse – it delivers everything – but it lacks a bit of emotion.”
Other than an R-line, VGA is investigating a range of possibilities to make the Jetta more appealing, including a station wagon variant.
“We are still talking about (bringing a wagon
version in),” she said. “That could be a chance to give it a bit more emotion.”
A replacement for the slow-selling Bora, the Jetta was introduced in February 2006, and while a much-better seller than its predecessor – Ms Dierks described the Bora’s sales performance as “embarrassing” at the Jetta’s launch – the new model has not set the charts alight.
It managed 339 sales a month in 2007, and to the end of April was recording 192 sales a month.
VW admits an emotional rescue is needed for its slow-selling Jetta
European Tiguan R-Line
Othe than an R line VGA is in estigating a
Jetta estate
Jutta Dierks tJutta Dierks
WWHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES, ANOTHER ONE OPENS.Have you exceeded sales expectations in your current role?Are you passionate about representing one of the world’s most exciting automotive brands?
Motorline MINI Garage operates from its specifically designed showroom on Brisbane’s Southsideand we are looking for an outgoing and dedicated individual to join our sales team. You must be individual and as unique as the MINI brand itself. To begin your MINI adventure, pleasesend your CV to: [email protected] by 31st May 2008.
LET’S MINI.
MMOTORLINE MINI GARAGEExit 23, M1 Motorway, Daisy Hill www.motorline.minigarage.com.au PH: (07) 3290 7000
GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 18
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PRESTIGE VEHICLE SALES PROFESSIONAL
Melbourne City Land Rover, located in the exciting Docklands, requires a highly motivated and professional individual to compliment it’s already well established and successful sales team.
This city location along with modern technologies, constant training and some of the most exciting vehicles on the market has made Melbourne City Land Rover one of the top performing Land Rover dealerships in the country.
To apply for this position you must have previous sales experience with a proven track record – not necessarily in the motor industry – exceptional customer service experience with great communication skills and a strong desire and determination to be the best.
The successful applicant will be rewarded with great working conditions, including a 5-day week, weekly retainer, generous commissions and monthly bonuses, along with a fully maintained company vehicle or car allowance.
If you think you have what it takes then either forward your resume via email or call Jeremy Benford to arrange a confidential interview on (03) 9684 1000. Email: [email protected]
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By DAVID HASSALLBRITISH racing and performance car
specialist Prodrive – the company behind Ford
Performance Vehicles – has waved its magic
wand over the gorgeous Alfa Romeo Brera to
give it the dynamic ability to match its looks.
However, with the initial production run
limited to 500, the Alfa Romeo Brera S has
been produced specifi cally for the British
market and is not expected to be sold in
Australia.
Prodrive, which is run by former Honda
F1 team boss David Richards and also
operates Aston Martin’s sportscar program
and Subaru’s world rally team, re-engineered
the standard car and will oversee production
of the 500 units at Alfa’s UK import centre.
Prodrive’s fi rst objective was to reduce
the car’s roll and pitch, which was achieved
by fi tting Eibach springs that are 50 per cent
stiffer than standard and gas-fi lled monotube
Bilstein shock absorbers. The geometry has
also been altered and the car lowered by
10mm at both ends.
New lightweight 19-inch alloy
wheels inspired by those on the Alfa 8C
Competitizione have been fi tted, not only for
cosmetic appeal but as part of an unsprung
weight-reduction campaign. The wheels
wear Pirelli P-Zero Nero tyres.
Other weight-saving measures include the
adoption of hollow anti-rollbars and factory-
supplied aluminium suspension components.
The result is a 100kg reduction for the
3.2-litre V6-engined model while the
2.2-litre four-cylinder is 35kg lighter.
Prodrive project leader Peter Cambridge
said that the result of the engineering program
is “a car that ‘shrinks’ around the driver and
delivers all the fun and engagement of a sports
car driving experience on A- and B-roads,
yet on motorways offers a compliant and
composed ride. Our painstaking work with
the spring set-up controls exactly how much
the car pitches and rolls with every lump,
bump, camber and pothole on our roads,”
he said. “Then we developed the dampers to
control the rate at which the springs respond.
Once we were satisfi ed with that, we set
about really affecting the feel and response
of the steering to inspire confi dence.”
Although the engines are unchanged,
the lighter overall weight sees 0-100km/h
acceleration times marginally reduced to
8.6 seconds for the four-cylinder and 7.0
seconds for the V6.
Inside, the Brera S features black leather
seats with red stitching, with matching
dashboard fascia, door panels, steering
wheel and gearlever. The centre console and
instruments are also faced in a dark fi nish.
There are, of course, the requisite drilled
aluminium foot pedals, while the headrest
recess houses a limited-edition Brera S
aluminium plate featuring the Italian and
British fl ags.
Prodrive-tuned Alfa coupe not on Aussie agenda
Brera S red lightBrera S red light
GoAuto Green is brought to you by Custom Fleet
Custom FleetPart of GE Commercial Finance
GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 19
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Environmental credibility and lean-sipping models help VW secure lucrative fl eet deals
Drive Lightly with Custom Fleet.To find out how to reduce your fleet’s carbon footprint, call Custom Fleet on 1800 812 681.
By PHILIP LORDVOLKSWAGEN Group Australia (VGA)
has won additional fl eet contracts for its
passenger cars from companies which have
decided to do business with car companies
that have a good environmental policy
rather than a policy of simply offering
cheap cars.
“(These are) corporate customers who
want to be seen as more environmentally
responsible,” VGA managing director Jutta
Dierks told GoAuto last week.
Woolworths is the most recent addition
to the list of fl eet customers who have
bought Volkswagens, joining Linfox, Pink
Hygiene Solutions, Rentokil Pest Control,
Kea mobile homes and German company
Linde.
According to VGA, Woolworths and
other fl eet customers are ticking items on
the Volkswagen passenger-car menu for
fi eld managers and the like. In the case of
the supermarket giant, the fl eet deal
is for 3000 Passats and Jettas.
Ms Dierks said VGA had not
been actively pursuing fl eet
business because the company did
not see value in trying to compete
in the cut-throat business for little
or no margin.
“We are very reluctant to chase
fl eets,” she said. “We don’t give presents
away because we don’t need to at the
moment.” Ms Dierks said the fl eet contract
business simply fell in Volkswagen’s lap.
“They come and ask,” she said, adding
that she believes the motivation had as much
to do with Volkswagen’s environmental
record as a company, as the fuel effi ciency
of the cars themselves.
Ms Dierks said one company in particular
had requested specifi c details about
Volkswagen’s environmental position
globally.
She expressed her surprise at winning
the Woolworths deal as well as how easily
fl eets in general had adapted to small-
medium European four-cylinder cars after
a diet of large Australian six-cylinder cars.
“I was worried after they came from
Falcons and Commodores into a smaller
car that they wouldn’t like it,” she said.
“But actually the opposite is true.”
VGA’s other most recent contract was
for 40 New Beetles and 80 Transporter
T5 Cab Chassis vehicles for Pink Hygiene
Solutions.
Continued from page 11It offers 370 litres of boot space, which is
the same as all other A3 models as there is no battery pack to reduce the practicality as is the case in a hybrid. The A3 TDIe also retains the 60/40 split-fold seat design which expands cargo capacity to an impressive 1100 litres with the rear seats down.
It comes standard with a full suite of safety gear including front side and side curtain airbags, traction control, electronic stability control and ABS brakes with brake assist.
Inside, there is dual-zone climate control, a single-disc CD sound system, head restraints for all fi ve seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Surprisingly for a model from a prestige brand like Audi, cruise control is not standard
and costs an extra $750. Picking one with metallic paint adds a hefty $1300. Other options include $800 rear parking sensors, a $300 front armrest, leather trim for $2900 and a sunroof at $2950.
Despite its impressive effi ciency, Audi is not expecting big sales from the A3 TDIe, which was introduced to the public at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney last October.
Going on orders placed since the show, Audi is calculating it will sell just fi ve a month.
Audi Australia says it will introduce some of the fuel-saving elements into other models in the future.
DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE
Environmental credibility and lean-sipping models help VW secure lucrative fl eet deals
Fleet fi llipFleet fi llip
Audi takes aim at Toyota’s Prius hybrid with its A3 TDIe Sportback
onalnalnalnalalalaalalal
and costs an extra $750 Picking one with
Volkswagen Sustainability Report 2007/08
GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 20
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By MARTON PETTENDYSBS has fi nally announced the hosts for this
year’s new Top Gear Australia television
series, the Antipodean spin-off of the BBC’s
super-successful motoring show headed by
the irreverent Jeremy Clarkson.
Expatriate Aussie commentator Charlie
Cox, cartoonist Warren Brown and advanced
driving instructor Steve Pizzati have been
chosen from an Australia-wide talent quest,
which attracted a claimed 4000 applicants,
as the Australian show’s answer to Clarkson
and co-hosts James May and Richard
Hammond, with “an Aussie cousin” for The
Stig also confi rmed.
SBS says the trio of motoring larrikins
– presented at a lavish invitation-only
function at Sydney’s Ferrari and Maserati
dealership, Italia Motori, on Wednesday
night (May 28) – was selected after months
of interviews and screen tests.
Charlie Cox was a broadcast journalist
with a number of Sydney radio stations
before continuing his career in the UK,
where he also won a number of British car
racing titles and survived a spectacular crash
before becoming a presenter and motorsport
commentator for the BBC. Mr Cox is the
director of six media companies in the UK
and Australia including DMG Radio, and
his colourful commentary is heard on BBC
MotoGP telecasts.
Award-winning cartoonist Warren Brown
has a regular automotive newspaper column in
Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph, and combined
his loves of history and motoring by fulfi lling
a plan to retrace a 1907 raid from Peking to
Paris in 100-year-old cars, which was aired
by SBS. The automotive adventurer has a
small collection of historic cars, including two
1920s fi re engines, a WWII jeep, a 1925 Bean
motor car and an armoured vehicle.
Finally, Steve Pizzati is an advanced
driving instructor and race driver for Porsche
Australia and is part of the International
Audi driver training team in Melbourne.
A self-proclaimed ‘gun for hire’, he is the
youngest of the Top Gear trio and has a love
of science, freelance automotive journalism
and fast cars.
Top Gear Australia, which will screen
on SBS after the Beijing Olympics in
September, is the fi rst instalment of a
global roll-out of the BBC Worldwide
franchise. The series will be produced by
Freehand Productions, BBC Worldwide’s
Australasian partner.
The Top Gear TV show, which is already
seen by audiences in more than 120 nations
worldwide, is not to be confused with, but
is closely related to, a new magazine of the
same name to be published from June 30 by
ACP Magazines and BBC Magazines in a
50/50 joint-venture partnership.
ACP has announced three senior editorial
appointments for the Top Gear Australia
magazine, with former ACP magazine
editor Ewen Page appointed editor-in-
chief, Sunday Telegraph journalist Steve
Corby named editor and Motor magazine
editor Tim Robson enlisted to the role of
production editor.
As the fi rst of what is expected to produce
a number of joint BBC-ACP magazine
titles, it is believed a large number of the
Top Gear Australia magazine’s pages will
be borrowed from the 22 licensed editions
published internationally, which are sold in
40 territories globally – including in China,
India, Greece and The Netherlands. The
fi rst international Top Gear magazine was
launched in the Middle East in 1998.
ACP Magazines, which also has Wheels
and Motor in its stable, is Australia’s largest
magazine publishing house, while BBC
Magazines is the UK’s third-largest media
publishing company.
A third Australian production related to,
and seeking to cash in on, the Top Gear
name is a proposed roadshow that hopes to
emulate the success of the “live motoring
theatre” events hosted by Mr Clarkson in
the UK and now South Africa.
As previously reported, show organisers
have put the extravaganza on hold until
Mr Clarkson’s personal appearance can be
guaranteed, and following a response from
Australian car companies that was claimed
to be strong enough to stage at least three
events in major Australian capital cities
rather than a single, one-off show.
The Australian Top Gear TV show
represents SBS’s latest effort to attract for
the fi rst time a capital city audience of more
than one million viewers for a non-sporting
production.
FULL STORY: CLICK HEREMore personnel – next page
AUSSIE TOP GEAR SHOW AND MAGAZINE TAKE SHAPE
youngest of the Top Gear trio and has a love 40 territories globally including in China
From left: Charlie Cox, Warren Brown and Steve Pizzati
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GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 21
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ATECO Automotive has appointed PR fi rm
Map and Page to represent Maserati (Australia
and New Zealand) and Fiat (Australia).
According to a statement released this
week, Ateco wanted to expand its presence
with “premium lifestyle media and develop
targeted experiential marketing programs”
alongside its auto media presence managed
by Ateco PR manager Edward Rowe.
“This is the fi rst time Maserati and Fiat
have engaged an external public relations
agency. Our objective is to expand the
awareness of the unique offering of both of
these Italian models,” said Maserati and Fiat
general manager Edward Butler.
A wholly owned subsidiary of Macquarie
Radio Network, Map and Page (a.k.a. MAP)
attracted the attention of media watchers late
last year when the Litmus Digital “banner
brand” was created to combine the digital
capabilities of Macquarie Digital, MAP
and video production fi rm Pixel Mill Films.
Litmus Digital is headed up by MAP director
Antonia O’Neill, and although Maserati and
Fiat are clients of MAP rather than Litmus,
Ms O’Neill – who is the key automotive
contact at MAP – told GoAuto this week
that the company’s PR strategy would draw
heavily on digital
communications tools,
particularly for Fiat.
“Edward Rowe
will remain the key
point of contact for
automotive media
for both Maserati
and Fiat,” she said.
“Our brief is to
extend awareness amongst other media and
create experiential marketing programs for
customers and prospective customers of
Maserati and Fiat.”
Antonia O’Neill
Customer solutions to drive your business
The customer contact specialists for the automotive industry.• Customer loyalty initiatives• Concern resolution• Customer retention/acquisition programs• Market research
Contact us on 03 8627 6153 or [email protected]
AS IT completed the acquisition of Jaguar
Land Rover (JLR) from the Ford Motor
Company this week, Tata Motors confi rmed
that acting chief executive David Smith
would become CEO for the two brands.
The chief fi nancial offi cer for JLR since
March and a Ford veteran who has worked
in various fi nance and strategy positions
over the past 25 years, Mr Smith took the
helm of the two British brands after the
death of Geoff Polites on April 20. Before
retuning to JLR, Mr Smith was director of
fi nance and strategy for Ford of Europe
and the Premier Automotive Group.
As announced on March 26, Tata Motors
purchased JLR from Ford for $US2.3
billion in an all-cash transaction and on
a cash-free, debt-free basis. Ford has
contributed about $US600 million to JLR
pension plans.
FORMER Holden
media relations
manager Jason Laird
has returned to Australia
to replace Alison Terry
as executive director of
corporate affairs.
The position became
effective this week
and saw Mr Laird
returning from Shanghai, China, where
since December 2006 he worked as GM
Asia Pacifi c’s associate director of product
communications and corporate affairs. In
this role he was responsible for leading all
product and corporate communications for
GM in the Asia Pacifi c region.
In his new position, Mr Laird has become
a member of the GM Holden ‘senior
leadership team’ but does not take a seat at
the GM Holden boardroom table. He has
remained a member of the GM Asia Pacifi c
communications strategy board.
The corporate communications department
Mr Laird now oversees has undergone
substantial change in recent weeks with the
resignation of Ms Terry last month and news
in late May that GM Premium Brands (Saab,
Hummer, Cadillac) communications manager
Emily Perry will be moving to Torino, Italy,
as GM Powertrain Europe’s new director
of communications. Her position becomes
effective August 1.
Mr Laird is charged with fi lling vacant
positions or reorganising the department,
accounting for the return of Brodie
McClellan from New Zealand (where
she has been Holden NZ corporate affairs
manager for the past three years) at
the beginning of this month, and Maya
Donevska from maternity leave in July.
He must also account for the departure of
national media fl eet co-ordinator Simone
Stella, who is leaving at the beginning of
July to go backpacking overseas.
Dieter Lehmann, who had moved from
corporate affairs to become Cadillac brand
marketing manager, has also announced his
resignation and leaves at the beginning of
this month.
In a further move at Fishermens Bend,
Holden’s national manager of government
relations and public policy Samantha Read
has become an associate director.
David Smith (centre) with Tata Motors chairman Ratan N Tata (right) and Ford
of Europe boss Lewis Booth
F
m
m
h
t
a
c
e
Antonia O’Neill
Jason Laird
TATA NAMES SMITH AS JAGUAR LAND ROVER CEO
LAIRD TO RESHAPE HOLDEN CORPORATE AFFAIRS
ATECO MAPS OUT PR PLAN FOR MASERATI, FIAT
GoAuto News June 4, 2008 Page 22
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RX-8 TRIO COMING SOONMAZDA Australia has confi rmed its
facelifted RX-8 sportscar, which will be
released here in July, will come in three
different versions – headed by a fl agship GT
variant that will feature unique sports-tuned
Bilstein suspension and lightweight 19-inch
alloy wheels.
“A wide range of modifi cations” will
also be applied across the range to the
Renesis rotary engine, which delivered
177kW and 211Nm in six-speed manual
guise (141kW/220Nm as a four-speed auto)
before new noise regulations nobbled its
peak power fi gure to 170kW in 2006.
January’s new-look manual-only 40th
Anniversary RX-8 limited-edition, all 200
examples of which have now been sold,
produces 170kW/211Nm and will form
the basis of the RX-8 facelift, including a
Urethane foam-fi lled front bumper cross-
member that is claimed to improve steering
turn-in and ride quality.
GoAuto understands that while the RX-8
13B rotary’s peak power fi gure will not
change, its maximum torque number will
increase as part of changes to improve the
driveability of the world’s only four-door
rotary sportscar.
More than 170,000 examples have been
sold globally since 2003.
SLK PRICING HOLDS FIRMDELIVERIES of the facelifted Mercedes-
Benz SLK Roadster begin this month,
with effectively no price increase over
the outgoing model. However, the re-
introduction of a six-speed manual gearbox
has reduced the entry price point by $3120
over the previous auto-only model.
Prices now start from $86,780 for the
15kW more-powerful supercharged 1.8-litre
four-cylinder SLK200 Kompressor model
(plus $3120 for a fi ve-speed automatic). With
the SLK280 being dropped, the SLK350 is
now the only mid-range model and is priced
from $112,380 (plus $3520 for a seven-speed
auto) with its 3.5-litre V6 up 24kW, while the
range-topping SLK55 AMG’s 5.4-litre V8
engine is unchanged and comes only with the
seven-speed auto, from $164,900.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
HARDER-CORE WRANGLERCHRYSLER Australia has announced a host
of new standard equipment for its redesigned
Jeep Wrangler, turbo-diesel CRD versions of
which are now also available with a number
of hardcore off-road features in response to
customer demand.
Despite selling in record numbers since
its March 2007 launch here, a host of new
standard additions for the 2008 model year
Wrangler 4WD includes a tyre-pressure
warning light, 17-inch alloy wheels and
a new colour dubbed Detonator Yellow
available for all variants.
Further, Unlimited versions now come
with an 85-litre fuel tank, a 3.73:1 axle ratio
replaces the shorter 4.10:1 fi nal drive ratio
on automatic variants, the 2.8-litre CRD
automatic now offers 460Nm of torque
(CRD manuals remain unchanged at 410Nm)
and a “Dual Top” roof becomes standard on
Rubicon and Rubicon Unlimited versions (in
which the axle ratio remains unchanged).
Now available as an option on all diesel
Wranglers is the “CRD off-road group”,
which costs an extra $3000 and comprises a
rear differential lock, 3.73 axle ratio (manual
and automatic) and an electronic front anti-
rollbar disconnect function.
FULL PRICING: CLICK HERE
SSANGYONG TRADE TALKSSSANGYONG has slashed the admission
price of its Sports Dual Cab utility range by
$4000 with an entry-level workhorse version
called the Tradie – available only in white.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
WITH well over 100,000 examples sold in Australia since 1997, Subaru cannot afford to get its bread-and-butter Forester wrong. So, for the third-generation, Impreza-based PF3-series model, out go the frameless doors and quirky styling and in comes an all-new body, platform and interior, with signifi cant increases in safety, space, refi nement and features. Plus there’s more performance and fuel economy on offer. But the compact SUV competition hasn’t been standing still either, so how does the new base model X stand? And – in its quest for greater mainstream acceptance – has the latest Forester lost too much of its offbeat appeal?
GoAuto’s latest car review www.goauto.com.au
Subaru Forester X fi ve-door wagon
It just works.Get us working for you. Become a Carsales dealer 1300 308 690
CAR REVIEW: CLICK HERE
JUNE:Audi A5 3.2 quattroBMW M3 M-DCTHolden Astra wagon dieselHolden Astra 60th Anniversary editionHolden Calais V 60th Anniversary editionHonda Accord Euro sedanHyundai Sonata dieselMercedes-Benz M-class Edition 10Mercedes-Benz SL faceliftMercedes-Benz SLK faceliftRenault Laguna diesel hatchSaab 9-3 Aero TTiDToyota Yaris Rush edition
New model diary: CLICK HERE
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y
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RX 8 TRIO COMING SOON