Feb 3, 2016 No. 811

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Stepping upMazda takes aim at the top end of town as new-generation CX-9 SUV draws near

New CX-9 in Colorado this week

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISin COLORADO

MAZDA Australia is counting on expanding the CX-9’s customer base beyond mainstream brands when the second-generation version of the large SUV launches mid-year with a more contemporary design, premium interior, improved driveability and reduced fuel consumption.

Unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show last November, the all-new seven-seat CX-9 was presented at a Mazda i-Activ All Wheel Drive demonstration event in Colorado this week, but inclement weather put the brakes on our first drive of the new model.

Speaking with GoAuto at the event, Mazda Australia sales director Vinesh Bhindi revealed that the CX-9 – the brand’s most important model launch this year – is ready to face up to a new breed of competitors.

Boosted by sizeable gains in showroom appeal, Mr Bhindi said he believes the newcomer will help bridge

the perception gap between mainstream and premium SUV manufacturers in the eyes of consumers.

“The new CX-9 is very important to Mazda’s SUV portfolio, as it now has the potential to attract buyers from the luxury segments, while giving existing customers the opportunity to upgrade into something better,” he said.

“As the final Mazda to come with the Kodo design language and full suite of SkyActiv technologies, it completes the SkyActiv rollout for this generation of passenger vehicles, first started by the CX-5 in 2012.

“So we can leverage all the progress in technologies and design that SkyActiv brings, to offer something truly exciting

within the seven-seater SUV sphere.”While Mazda is adamant that no

diesel engine is under development for the CX-9 due to the lack of global demand, Mr Bhindi said he was confident the (still-to-be-confirmed) fuel economy gains achieved as a result of the new 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine – coupled with weight savings of up to 130kg, depending on the variant – will attract buyers who previously might have otherwise gone for a diesel-powered rival.

Continued next page

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Continued from previous page“We believe the significantly reduced

consumption will make up for the lack of diesel,” he said. “We believe that the new turbo-petrol engine will be class-leading in terms of fuel economy and efficiency. So even though it is not on offer in CX-9, we are confident that the lack of diesel will not create any shortcomings or obstacles for the CX-9.”

The last turbocharged petrol Mazda was the CX-7 SUV, sold between 2006 and 2012. Featuring a 175kW/350Nm 2.3-litre DISI direct-injection four-cylinder unit also found in the sporty Mazda6 MPS, the CX-7 was slightly larger than the top-selling CX-5 and could accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds, but was scuppered by its high 11.5L/100km average fuel consumption.

While Mr Bhindi said it is too early to talk pricing and specification, he confirmed that Mazda will not offer a stripped-out ‘Neo’-style sub-$40,000

range-opener to take on entry-level rivals such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Holden Captiva 7.

Instead, the new CX-9 will most likely mirror the current model’s positioning at the bottom end of the range, which kicks off from $43,770 plus on-road costs for the two-wheel-drive Classic.

New safety and driver-assist technologies are also expected to push the AWD flagship significantly beyond the $61,680 mark that the Grand Touring AWD variant currently occupies.

Mr Bhindi would not be drawn on Mazda’s revised sales targets, and the extent to which the company planned to bridge the sales gap between the current CX-9 – which managed 3384 sales last year – and the segment-leading Toyota Prado (15,255) and Kluger (13,955).

Other key rivals include the Captiva 7 (10,239 sales last year), Santa Fe (6760) and Nissan’s Pathfinder (6433). Offered in five- as well as seven-seat configurations, the Australian-built Ford Territory recorded 8902 registrations in

2015, and will be replaced by a fully imported new model at some point after local production has ended.

The new CX-9 will be especially well placed to take advantage of the Territory’s demise, particularly as fleets move toward user-chooser options where drivers can pick a vehicle in much the same way as private buyers.

“Obviously we hope the new CX-9 performs better in this segment as a result of its upgrades and new technologies it receives,” Mr Bhindi said. “But again, it is way too early to say.”

The new CX-9’s i-Activ on-demand all-wheel-drive system is identical to the one used in the CX-5, and even uses the same basic hardware as Mazda’s previous AWD set-up that dates back to the original Mazda6 of 2002 – and sold in Australia in the Mazda6 MPS, CX-7 and CX-9 AWD variants – but within a completely redesigned housing structure that is upwards of 25kg lighter overall.

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Local ATV-maker Tomcarset for huge year as sales,models and team expand

‘Going gangbusters’

THE growth of Australian off-road vehicle-builder Tomcar is continuing with record sales, a new line-up, an expanded development centre, a growing national retail network and an all-new consumer website that goes live this week.

Since the creation of Tomcar Australia 10 years ago, the start-up manufacturer of compact all-terrain vehicles has been steadily gaining traction with local industry, agriculture and private customers, but 2016 is shaping up to be a milestone year.

With a three-month waiting list, the company is experiencing its longest lead times to date and has this week stopped taking orders while it addresses the production constraints.

However, Tomcar Australia co-founder and CEO David Brim told GoAuto in an exclusive interview this week that the company is growing to meet the demand.

“We have been selling record numbers: a record January, record November and December,” he said.

“Any car ordered today, there is a three-month waiting list, but we are looking at doubling production. We need to be careful with supply chain

and long lead-time items.”A twofold increase at the

Oakleigh South factory in Melbourne’s south-east would ensure four Tomcar ATVs roll out of the production facility per week – an achievement made possible by the company’s flexible and scalable

manufacturing processes, according to Mr Brim.

But increasing output is only part of Tomcar’s expansion strategy, he said, and the boosted production line would be supported by a growing sales, engineering and production team.

“We are growing. We hired a new engineer, we are hiring a few more mechanics in the next few months, we’ve just hired a new sales director, the factory team is going gangbusters,” he said.

Tomcar is not stopping there and for

the continued expansion of the team, the company is seeking a financial investor through global accounting specialist PwC.

“We are currently working with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) doing a capital raise. We are looking for someone who loves cars and appreciates what we are doing. We are being quite selective because we want someone who can add something to the table,” Mr Brim said.

“That money will be used to grow our sales and support team. All we need is human beings. I don’t need millions of dollars’ worth of robots.”

The growing team will be accommodated at Tomcar’s new larger development centre in Moorabbin, Victoria, where the evolving line-up of go-anywhere vehicles are being designed and tested.

In addition to the growing Melbourne-based team and dealers around the country, Tomcar has also signed its first automotive dealer outlet.

Continued next page

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Continued from previous page“We’ve just signed Claridge Holden

to be our dealer in South Australia. They are very progressive. They are a second-generation Holden dealer, South Australia is going through a shift with Holden and they are looking to support Australian manufacturing. They get what we are trying to do.”

The Holden dealership will offer a bricks-and-mortar centre for Tomcar customers in South Australia as well as representing the brand among agricultural communities at various shows around the state.

“Adelaide is a big country town, so with them we are going to all the farming shows. They are a traditional dealer but you can still go to the website and buy the car directly from us and have it delivered to South Australia or buy through them. The price is the same,” Mr Brim said.

Since the range of TM2 two-seaters, TM4 four-seaters and TM5 utes went on sale, customers have been able to order via the Tomcar website and as part of the company expansion and restructure, tomcar.com.au has been relaunched.

As well as details about the introduction of five new variants to the

Tomcar range, the new website employs the services of another Melbourne start-up company LeadChat, which provides real-time chat-box-style assistance with a human operator.

While the agricultural community remains the company’s core customer base, Tomcar is branching out into other markets including a greater focus on recreational users and military clients.

“Of the top 10 pastoral companies in Australia, we’ve sold to six of them so we are becoming the vehicle of choice for the agricultural community. People are getting fed up with machines that break, are made of plastic and aren’t made here,” Mr Brim said.

Farming customers are being targeted with a new Pro Farmer variant, recreational customers are being offered

an Adventurer version, while a highly specialised Mil Spec Tomcar is now on offer to civilian owners and armed forces alike.

“The main purpose of a (Mil Spec) Tomcar is special ops. They are designed to be strategically dropped behind enemy lines with a small crew, do a mission and get back. They do secret things,” Mr Brim said.

“We’ve been speaking to them (Australian armed forces) for years. We have had a number of trials and they’re really excited about it but even if I had sold some I wouldn’t be able to tell you about it. We are talking to a number of defence forces in the region.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERETomcar broadens range – next page

Tomcar demonstration

‘Going gangbusters’

Feb 3, 2016 Page 5

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Five new model variants,more firepower added toAussie-built ATV line-up

Tomcar broadens range

By DANIEL GARDNERMELBOURNE-BASED all-terrain vehicle manufacturer Tomcar has broadened its range of hardcore off-roaders, with a choice of five new variants added to the original line-up of three core models, including a new military-spec version.

As before, the all-Australian-made range is still comprised of the TM2 two-seater, TM4 four-seater and TM5 ute-based models, but in response to feedback from Tomcar owners, selected versions are now available with a more specialised set of equipment.

In addition to the greater choice, the 1.0-litre petrol engine has been upgraded to a more efficient 1.1-litre unit sourced from Chinese automotive giant Chery, which has inflated the cost of spark ignition variants. With only a slight increase in capacity, the new engine has almost doubled the power.

All three Tomcar models are still available with the 1.4-litre Kohler four-cylinder diesel, which produces 26kW/84Nm and adds $2000 to the ticket price, while the outgoing 1.0-litre

petrol delivers 41kW.Kicking off the 2016 range is the

Tomcar Raw, which is minimally equipped to allow customers to modify the relatively blank canvas to their own specifications. Prices start from $28,000 delivered but from that point owners can either perform their own modifications or choose from a range of about 40 Tomcar options.

According to Tomcar, the pricing is approximate and may vary depending on individual requirements and specifications.

In the middle of the range are the Adventurer and Pro Farmer variants priced from $32,000 apiece.

While the manufacturer has always traditionally focused on hard-working commercial vehicles, the Adventurer is

its foray into a recreational model, and has features such as an electric winch that can be moved from the front of the vehicle to the rear.

As the name suggests, the Pro Farmer is aimed at the brand’s most popular audience and includes hundreds of modifications developed in consultation with existing owners.

Tomcar Australia co-founder and CEO David Brim told GoAuto this week that each time an agricultural user highlights a way to improve the operation of a Tomcar, the company raises an engineering project. The Pro Farmer is a result of numerous cases over many years of field testing.

“The Pro farmer is what we have learned over the years of working intimately with our customers. The relationships we have with our customers are remarkable, as is the feedback,” he said.

Another area not yet explored is racing, but the company is now also dipping its toe in to competition cars with the Outback Racer variant.

FULL STORY, PRICING: CLICK HERE

Mil Spec

Mining Spec prototype Adventurer

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Belgian entrepreneur inAustralia for high-leveltalks over plant’s future

Hope for Holden plant

By TIM NICHOLSONTHE man who wants to save GM Holden’s South Australian production facility is in Australia this week for discussions with federal and state politicians in an attempt to garner support for his ambitious plans.

Belgian entrepreneur Guido Dumarey, owner of the Punch Group, has previously flagged his interest in taking over Holden’s Elizabeth plant once General Motors closes it down late next year, with the plan being to continue producing the Commodore and potentially save hundreds of jobs.

Speaking on ABC radio this week, South Australian independent senator Nick Xenophon said Mr Dumarey’s return to Australia could be seen as a positive step.

“Guido Dumarey does have a track record of turning businesses around and he wouldn’t be on his third visit in Australia in four months unless he was serious about the proposal,” Mr Xenophon said.

It is not the first time Mr Dumarey

has tried to save a General Motors plant from closing its doors.

The automotive giant had planned to shut its factory in Strasbourg, France, in 2014, but Mr Dumarey rescued the operation, saving about 1000 jobs – which has since grown to 1350. The plant now produces transmissions for tech giant ZF that are fitted to a range of vehicles, including BMWs.

Senator Xenophon said that saving the Elizabeth plant was a big task, but added that government assistance would help.

“It’s still a big call. It took him five years to negotiate the deal for Strasbourg in France; he has only really got five months this time around. But I think

with a bit of help from Commonwealth and state governments it is possible.”

Federal industry minister Christopher Pyne confirmed that he would be meeting with Mr Dumarey in Adelaide this week to discuss the Holden plant’s future.

“I am hopeful,” he told radio station 5AA in Adelaide. “It would be wrong to raise people’s expectations to the extent that they grieve the second time for the loss of a car-maker in South Australia, but I am hopeful that Guido Dumarey and his Punch Corporation can successfully negotiate with General Motors in Detroit, which is out of our hands to an extent.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREOpel’s Aussie-built GT – next page

Nick Xenophon

Guido Dumarey launches ZF 8HP50 production in Strasbourg

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Holden-crafted concept set to fire up fresh push for global GM sportscar

Opel’s Aussie-built GT

By RON HAMMERTONOPEL’S pocket-rocket GT sportscar concept has been revealed in images shot in Australia ahead of its public debut at the Geneva motor show next month.

The photographs – with a background featuring Melbourne’s distinctive skyline, GM Holden’s carpark and even part of the old Fishermens Bend factory – indicate the little 2+2 coupe was indeed fabricated at GM Australia Design’s workshop, as GoAuto tipped last month.

Opel later confirmed that the concept had been built at Holden – one of just two fabrication workshops in the GM world capable of building such a rolling prototype.

In this case, the design was done in Germany by an Opel team led by GM vice-president of Design Europe, Mark Adams, before Holden took it to reality.

The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe is, according to GM, a design study, with no firm plans for production. However, the company is not ruling out

a production version that – should it get the green light – almost certainly would be sold across GM sister brands Opel, Vauxhall, Buick and Holden.

It would follow in the wheel tracks of two previous Opel GTs, including the Kadett-based GT that was revealed in concept form at the 1965 Frankfurt motor show before going into production from 1968 to 1974.

Said Opel Group CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann: “We are taking the next step towards even more emotion and driving pleasure with the Opel GT concept.

“The GT concept shows what Opel stands for now. We are confident, ambitious, innovative and we want to win over more customers with every new car.”

One thing is for certain: the Opel GT is not the V8-powered rear-wheel-drive sportscar promised to Holden fans by GM International president Stefan Jacoby.

Similar in size and weight to Alfa Romeo’s 4C, the GT concept is powered by a diminutive 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine lifted from small Opels such as the Adam, Corsa and Astra.

The engine – making 107kW of power and 205Nm of torque – is mounted under the bonnet but behind the front axle line for optimum centre of gravity.

Like a true sports coupe, the engine drives the rear axle via a six-speed sequential gearbox and mechanical diff lock. The transmission is operated by steering wheel shift paddles.

Weighing less than 1000kg, the GT concept is said to be capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in less than eight seconds and on to a top speed of 215km/h.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERELight mood – page 30

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Toyota set for mid-yearlaunch of petrol-electrichatchback Down Under

Corolla hybrid coming

By TIM NICHOLSONTOYOTA has announced that it will add a petrol-electric hybrid version of the Corolla hatch to its Australian line-up in the middle of the year.

The green machine will bring Toyota’s hybrid count to five models in Australia and follows the Prius – due to arrive in fourth-generation guise next month – as well as the Prius C and V and the Australian-built Camry Hybrid.

The Japanese car-maker says the Corolla Hybrid will consume “around one-third less fuel” than the

standard petrol-powered Corolla hatch when combined with an automatic transmission, and while Toyota has not provided the official combined-cycle fuel figure, it should average about 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

Pricing and specification is yet to be announced, but Toyota Australia said the hybrid hatch will be offered in one “well-specified” grade, indicating that it could carry a price premium over other versions of the car.

Some of the standard features include dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, bi-LED headlights, Toyota Link connectivity and satellite navigation.

Powering the Corolla Hybrid hatch is a 73kW/142Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder VVT-i engine matched with a 650V

60kW electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery for a total system output of 100kW.

It will also feature an electric-vehicle mode that means the Corolla can be driven for up to two kilometres at speeds up to 45km/h in electric-only mode, depending on the battery charge.

The low fuel consumption will ensure the Corolla Hybrid competes with a number of small-capacity diesel and petrol rivals including the Volkswagen Golf 110TDI that sips 4.6L/100km and the Hyundai i30 CRDi that consumes between 4.6-4.9L/100km depending on the spec.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERERace-spec 86 coupe – page 34

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No hybrid model near forKorean brand in Australiaas Meredith studies FCEV

By TIM NICHOLSONKIA Motors Australia (KMAu) is mulling the best strategy to introduce alternative powertrain technology to its line-up, with the company’s chief operating officer Damien Meredith declaring a preference for hydrogen fuel-cell power.

The car-maker’s parent company, Hyundai Motor Group, has developed a hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain that is currently in service in the ix35 Fuel Cell model that sells in limited numbers in parts of the United States and Europe.

Late last year Kia announced plans to increase its eco-car line-up from four to 11 models by 2020, kicking off with the forthcoming Niro crossover that

will be built using the company’s first “dedicated eco-car platform” and using a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.

Kia also announced plans to mass-produce a new fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) for global markets, with a target of building 1000 units per year that is expected to rise as demand for the alternative technology increases.

In Australia, Kia is without an alternative powertrain option, with the car-maker passing on the Optima Hybrid due to expected low take-up, while announcing in November that it had “no plans for hybrids or full

electrics at this stage”.Speaking at the Sportage media

launch in country Victoria late last month, Mr Meredith said he believes the company will eventually introduce alternative powertrains in Australia, and that changes in legislation would help push that along.

“I think we will. Two things: one is I think every automotive organisation in the world is obliged environmentally to do something, and I think we are,” he said.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Kia mulls eco options

Optima Hybrid (front) and Soul EV (right) with Kia alternative fuel prototypes

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BMW Australia bossstudies 1 Series sedan

By NEIL DOWLINGBMW Group Australia has signalled its desire to add the 1 Series sedan that is currently being developed in China to its stable of passenger cars.

The front-drive sedan, based on the UKL platform, appeared as the BMW Compact Concept Sedan at the Guangzhou motor show in November last year.

The baby sedan, which competes with the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3 sedans, remains officially a concept, but BMW Group Australia managing director Marc Werner put a more positive spin on it, saying “it’s something we are looking at”.

“We can see the successes of the UKL segment because this is the fastest-growing passenger car segment,” he said. “There is certainly more room for passenger car derivatives and call it the 1 Series sedan or the 2 Series sedan, we have shown concepts and this is something we are currently looking at.

“I believe that if that car was available as a right-hand-drive vehicle then it would certainly make sense to launch that car in Australia.”

Mr Werner said that even though the sedan was a concept, BMW had already discussed its market potential.

It is also the subject of spy photographs in China and Europe, confirming that the car has progressed beyond stage decoration at a motor show.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

BMW plugs in

Two new plug-in hybrids here soon, others to come330e

By NEIL DOWLINGBMW Group Australia has plugged itself in to rolling out a comprehensive electric-car portfolio that expands this year with two new plug-in hybrids and a distinct change to dealership showrooms.

The X5 xDrive40e and 3 Series-based 330e will be the next BMW plug-in hybrids for Australia, following the current i8 and i3 REX, when they arrive in the second quarter of this year.

But they are likely to be joined by two more in 2017, including a 7 Series variant and a plug-in version of the 2 Series Active Tourer.

BMW Group Australia managing director Marc Werner said the decision to offer plug-in hybrids was part of the German car-maker’s global electrification program and was sparked by a series of customer focus groups in Australia.

“We have done some product clinics and customer clinics before we decided to launch these products on to the Australian market,” he said. “The initial response was so overwhelming that we decided that, yes, we would go ahead and

launch this to the Australian consumer.”Mr Werner said the plug-in hybrid

range would continue to expand in Australia as the company developed new models.

“The strategy of the BMW Group is to move ahead with the electrification of the entire product portfolio so there will be further products to come,” he said.

“Coming in the second quarter of this year is the 40e (X5) and the same time, the 30e (3 Series).

We will use these cars as the opportunity to further expand the i technology into our dealer network and then make a distinction on the showroom floor.

“The i range (i3 and i8) and the plug-in hybrids have the same technology so they will have their own place in the showroom.”

Mr Werner indicated that two more plug-in hybrid models would follow but would not specify details. He also said BMW would not confirm the development of a third i model, rumoured to be an i6 crossover.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE‘Their first BMW’ – page 15

Marc Werner

Feb 3, 2016 Page 11

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Trademark cover for MSXmoniker here as overseasreports talk up ‘baby NSX’

Honda locks on to ‘MSX’

By RON HAMMERTONHONDA has the bases covered for the MSX nameplate in Australia should the badge be applied to the rumoured baby NSX sports coupe as speculated in recent European press reports.

While Honda reportedly has just applied for the MSX trademark for motor vehicles in Europe, the Japanese company already has a hold on the name in Australia for both motorcycles and motor vehicles.

According to IP Australia, Honda Motor Company applied for MSX registration in Australia in August 2012, and it came into effect in March 2013 for “motorcycles, vehicles, apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water; and parts and fittings for the above-mentioned goods”.

At the time, the registration might have been prompted by Honda’s motorcycle division, which has a motorcycle called

MSX125 – commonly known as a monkey bike – sold in some markets around the world. In the United States, it is the Honda Grom.

The bike never made it to Australia, except as a grey import, but the trademark registration stands until 2022.

In Europe, Honda apparently also registered the MSX name for motorcycles in 2012, but only now has added motor vehicle trademark cover, prompting the speculation that Honda head office wants the name for a four-wheel application.

Rumours of a downsized NSX have swirled since last year when a report by Britain’s AutoExpress suggested Honda was close to giving the green light for a spiritual successor to the Honda S2000 from 2018.

While the S2000 was a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive convertible, the new model is tipped to be a mid-engined hybrid coupe to sit in the Honda range between the new NSX supercar and tiny Japanese S660 sports coupe,

perhaps as an Alfa Romeo 4C or Porsche Cayman competitor.

More fuel was thrown on the speculation fire recently when a Dutch newspaper published alleged United States patent drawings of a Honda sports coupe looking somewhat like the NSX, but with a different nose and tail.

And other reports have suggested the new Honda coupe will employ the same new-generation 1.5-litre turbo engine as the Civic, along with two electric motors.

In the latest 10th-generation Civic that is due to touch down in Australia in sedan form from mid-2016, the 1.5-litre engine develops 150kW and 260Nm.

As we have seen with NSX, the addition of electric motors could raise the performance to wicked status.

The British-made Civic Type R hatch – yet to be confirmed for Australia – will get a 2.0-litre turbo producing 230kW and 400Nm, but so far there are no reports of the coupe receiving this engine.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

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Feb 3, 2016 Page 12

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Porsche confirms switchto force-fed 4-cyl powerfor ‘718-series’ roadster

Turbo four for Boxster

By DANIEL GARDNERPORSCHE has confirmed that its Boxster roadster will drop two cylinders from its horizontally opposed six-cylinder engines, opting instead for turbocharged flat-four powertrains.

Kicking off from $113,100 plus on-road costs, the new 718-series Boxster is powered by a 220kW 2.0-litre turbo engine which replaces the previous 2.7-litre naturally aspirated six-cylinder, while the $143,400 Boxster S gets a 2.5-litre version producing 257kW in place of the 3.2-litre flat six.

The upgraded series, which includes subtly evolved styling for the sports convertible, will make its official public debut at the Geneva motor show next month ahead of a local arrival about mid-2016.

Despite the downsize, power is up for both variants with an extra 25kW each, while torque has also increased by 100Nm to 380Nm for the 2.0-litre and another 60Nm to 420Nm for the S.

Acceleration has also improved with the Boxster reaching 100km/h from

standstill in 4.7 seconds – 0.8 seconds faster than its predecessor when fitted with the company’s PDK automatic transmission and Sport Chrono Package.

With the same equipment, the Boxster S does the dash in 4.2 seconds – 0.6 seconds quicker than the six-cylinder version.

With a sturdy hairnet, Boxster owners can crack a top speed of 275km/h – or 10km/h faster when in the Boxster S.

Porsche says the loss of two cylinders is in the name of efficiency and emissions reduction, and when combined with PDK

has resulted in entry-level versions using a litre less fuel per 100km at 6.9L/100km, while the Boxster S is 0.9L/100km less thirsty at 7.3L/100km.

These official European combined-cycle figures rise to 7.4L/100km and 8.1L/100km respectively when paired with the standard six-speed manual gearbox.

CO2 emissions have fallen to between 168g/km and 158g/km for the more affordable version or between 184g/km and 167g/km for the S.

While the model continues to use the Boxster name, its numbering system typical to all Porsche models has taken a deviation, breaking the 98-prefix of

the previous three generations for the new 718 code.

Porsche says the shift is a nod to the Targa Florio and Le Mans-conquering 718s of the 1950s and 1960s, which was the last car from the high-performance marque to use a flat-four engine.

Both versions of 718 Boxster will be offered as either a standard six-speed manual or with the PDK six-speed dual-clutch transmission, although pricing for the automatic has not yet been provided. Optioning the auto in the current 981 Boxster adds $5300 to the asking price.

The new Boxster has a sharper and sportier chassis, according to the manufacturer, with an optional Porsche Active Suspension Management system that allows the ride height to be lowered 10mm on the standard model or an additional 10mm when fitted to the Boxster S.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

PRICING:Boxster $113,100 Boxster S $143,400

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Mercedes-Benz Toorak, 11 Carters Avenue, Toorak, VIC. Tel 03 8825 5000, www.mbtoorak.com.au

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Jaguar Australia upbeatas 322km/h SVR coupe,convertible break cover

All set for F-Type SVR

By DANIEL GARDNERJAGUAR will give Australian fans who missed out on the ultra-exclusive F-Type Project 7 a second chance to experience the ultimate in F-Type performance, with the first series-production Jaguar to emerge from its Special Vehicle Operations skunkworks coming Down Under in the third quarter of 2016.

Available as either convertible or coupe, the F-Type SVR will introduce a “lighter, faster and more powerful” variant of the two-seater Jag, positioned above the current F-Type R flagship, with a dizzying maximum speed of 322km/h.

Little information and only a handful of images have been released ahead of the SVR’s official public debut at the Geneva motor show next month, but Jaguar Land Rover special operations manager John Edwards has hinted at its potency.

“The result is a 200mph, all-weather supercar that you can drive every day – we even made a convertible version so that enthusiasts can revel in the sound from the new titanium exhaust system,” he said.

With that capability, the SVR smashes the F-Type R’s top end by 22km/h, suggesting it has significantly more poke than the ‘standard’ 404kW 5.0-litre supercharged V8, and could even trump the Project 7 power, which also tops out at 300km/h.

Just 10 of the 250 strictly limited Project 7s came to Australia, but Jaguar Land Rover Australia senior public affairs executive James Scrimshaw told GoAuto that the new F-Type range-topper would not be built in such limited numbers.

“From day one with Project 7, they

were only going to make so many cars, but this will be an ongoing model like Range Rover Sport SVR,” he said.

Mr Scrimshaw explained that exact local timing, pricing and specification were still being finalised, and that availability here would be dictated by global demand.

“Every single market, no matter what car company around the world, works on a market equation based on what each market delivers,” he said. “The same will be for us.

“It all depends on supply and demand around the world so that question is too early to answer. Until it goes round the motor shows and people put in their global requests, that’s when they can work out how many they can make.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

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Prestige brand targets mainstream buyers with X1 sDrive models, from $49,900

‘Their first BMW’

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISBMW Group Australia is confident that the majority of buyers for the just-released front-wheel-drive sDrive versions of its X1 compact SUV will be new to the brand.

The second-generation crossover arrived in all-wheel-drive xDrive guise in October last year, introducing new UKL Mini-based underpinnings, also shared with the 2 Series Active Tourer, to the range.

Despite the arrival of the entry-level sDrive versions, the German prestige car-maker says it will be able to sustain the rich model mix ratio that sees a higher percentage of buyers choosing the top-line xDrive variants, compared with the previous model.

Speaking with GoAuto at the launch of the sDrive18d and sDrive20i variants in Melbourne last week, BMW Group

Australia head of product and market planning Shawn Ticehurst revealed that upwards of two-thirds of second-generation X1 customers have migrated over from other brands, with the vast majority coming from non-premium manufacturers such as Mazda.

“(With the complete range in place) the new X1 plays a key role in bringing a lot of people in who are new to BMW,” he said. “This will be their first BMW.

“And we expect the sDrive to bring in people from mainstream brands, there is no doubt about that, and it will be their first premium car. It will bring in people

with younger families, who we probably missed in the past with the old X1.”

With only one in 10 purchases of the previous model being made up of the xDrive version, Mr Ticehurst said BMW has “bookended” the second-generation X1 with significantly more appeal and profitability, given the top-spec models are generally the biggest money-spinners.

“The mix should be about 60 per cent sDrive and 40 per cent xDrive and that’s a big switch compared to what we did with the old X1,” he said. “It was 90 per cent sDrive. It did skew a little too much towards the sDrive.

“But I still think the xDrive25i will continue to be a big player in X1. It’s become so much stronger and it’s really got the potential to be the best-seller in the range – and it might just be.”

Continued next page

PRICING:sDrive18d (a) $49,900 sDrive20i (a) $51,600 xDrive20d (a) $56,500 xDrive25i (a) $59,900

sDrive20i

Feb 3, 2016 Page 16

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‘Their first BMW’Continued from previous page

Mr Ticehurst said the new X1’s richer model mix is indicative of the premium compact SUV segment’s acceptance of the crossover, suggesting it is proof that BMW got it right the second time around despite going front-wheel drive.

“It shows a lot of buyer confidence in the market. People aren’t just going for an entry-level car – they’re going for the right car for them,” he said.

Whether the X1’s growing popularity might come at the cost of X3 sales is unknown, although BMW hopes that the two SUVs will complement rather than compete against each other.

The X3 has doubled the X1’s sales rate over the past couple of years, with 2806 X3 registrations recorded in 2015 versus 1391 X1 units.

“I can’t say we’ve seen any (sales substitution) yet, and probably won’t see a lot of it,” Mr Ticehurst said. “The X3 buyer wants that bigger car, and they possibly want that X3 badge and everything that comes with that, so we haven’t seen any cannibalisation yet. The X1 seems to be bringing in a whole

new market for BMW… while the X3 gets more repeat buyers.

“They do certainly have the potential to be a lot closer than they’ve been in the past, and with the X1 being so new and off to such a strong start, there’s certainly the potential to be (the better seller). But the X5 is still our biggest-selling single model, and I don’t see the X1 upsetting that spot… it’s been so strong for so long.”

Despite the potentially damaging effect inflicted by the Volkswagen Group’s ongoing emissions-cheating scandal, the diesel is set to continue as the more popular fuel choice, with just over 20 per cent of buyers expected to pick the base sDrive18d.

Kicking off from $49,900 plus on-road costs, the F48-series sDrive18d has reached the market $400 above the price announced late last year, and about

$3500 over the previous E84 sDrive equivalent, although the company says there is thousands of dollars’ worth of extra standard equipment to compensate.

“The diesel market still seems to be strong,” Mr Ticehurst said. “In (the premium compact SUV) market, people are still buying more diesel than petrol, though we might see a switch in the future. So the 18d will still be slightly higher volume than the 20i.”

If consumer sentiment does start swinging in the petrol version’s favour, BMW may consider a cheaper X1 petrol than the sDrive20i (from $51,600 plus on-roads), such as the sDrive18i sold elsewhere.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

Conquest model – page 18

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Deloitte Motor Industry Services 2016 industry overviewPre-registrations are now open.

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318i nameplate is back inBMW’s Aussie stable with$54,900 3-cylinder sedan

Conquest model

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISBMW has released the first three-cylinder 3 Series in Australia with conservative sales expectations as it assesses consumer reactions to a mid-sized sedan powered by a downsized turbocharged drivetrain.

Wearing the venerable but long-dormant 318i moniker to add some familiarity as well as performance expectation to the new engine technology, the new model replaces the previous 316i (which had four-cylinder turbo power) in Australia as the German prestige brand’s entry-level four-door sedan.

Starting from $54,900 plus on-road costs, the 318i is part of the 3 Series facelift introduced late last year, bringing new-look headlights, bumpers and tail-lights, improved cabin materials and a range of upgraded technology.

According to BMW Group Australia head of product and market planning

Shawn Ticehurst, the 318i should account for about 15 per cent of overall 3 Series sales, with the majority of buyers spending more for the performance, technology and luxury features that the 330i provides.

“The 318i has the potential to be a big conquest model for us, though the 330i will still be the volume seller just like the 328i was before the facelift,” he told GoAuto at the launch of the new three-cylinder variant in Victoria last week.

“The 318i is a nice way for people to step up into the 3 Series, but it won’t be (the 3 Series range) best-seller … the 318i has a badge that a lot of people are going to know and associate with, and with such a heritage is going to heighten people’s awareness of this car.”

Behind the familiar but restyled nose of the F30 318i is the smallest engine yet offered in the 3 Series’ 40-year history in Australia.

Part of the TwinPower modular powertrains that also encompass the new four- and six-cylinder units available in the range, this Euro 6-compliant

1.5-litre three-pot turbo-petrol engine is basically the same as found in the UKL transverse platform vehicles such as the 2 Series Active Tourer and Mini Hatch, 5-door and Clubman.

Here in its first rear-drive application, the 1.5-litre delivers 100kW of power and 220Nm of torque. Mated to a ZF-supplied eight-speed automatic transmission, it propels the sedan to 100km/h from standstill in 9.1 seconds, while averaging 5.4 litres per 100km in combined-cycle fuel consumption and 126g/km for CO2 emissions.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

X4 diesel muscle – page 20

PRICING:318i (a) $54,900 320i (a) $61,900 320d (a) $63,800 320i Touring (a) $65,300 330i (a) $69,900 330i Touring (a) $73,300 340i (a) $89,900

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Feb 3, 2016 Page 20

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Your opportunity to shine.New Car Sales Executives – Mercedes-Benz MelbourneDue to unprecedented growth of our business, Mercedes-Benz Melbourne currently requires additional Sales Executives to join our existing team of dynamic sales professionals.

Mercedes-Benz Melbourne is a factory-owned retail dealership offering Melbourne’s ultimate Mercedes-Benz experience. As such you will be expected to deliver on this promise in your role as a Sales Executive. Naturally, there will also be a clear expectation that the successful candidates will achieve mutually agreed targets on a consistent basis.

The successful candidates will have a strong customer focus, with a pro-active attitude and the ability to create a positive working environment. You will display professionalism when managing customer concerns whilst maintaining an unwavering commitment to Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific policies and procedures. Your relationship building and customer service skills are second to none.

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Gutsier xDrive35d slotsinto BMW’s X4 range as$89,900 flagship model

X4 diesel muscle

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISBMW Group Australia has released an upgraded version of its surprise-hit X4 diesel all-wheel-drive crossover, with more performance and features to help offset a sizeable $6000 price increase.

Starting from $89,900 plus on-road costs, the new xDrive35d variant replaces the xDrive30d and ups power and torque by 40kW and 70Nm to 230kW and 630Nm respectively, thanks to a revised version of its 3.0-litre TwinPower straight-six turbo-diesel, driving all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Along with a 0.6-second improvement over the 30d’s 5.8s 0-100km/h acceleration, the new powerplant also manages to sip slightly less fuel, dropping 0.1 litres per 100km on the

combined cycle to 6.0L/100km.Among the equipment boosts are

keyless entry/start, DAB+ digital radio, 16-speaker Harmon Kardon audio upgrade, BMW’s ConnectedDrive real-time information system, Dynamic Damper Control, internet connectivity and 20-inch M light alloy wheels.

These are on top of the continuing driver assistance technologies including cruise control with braking function, front and rear Park Distance Control and a reversing camera with Surround View.

The xDrive35d also comes standard with the M Sport package that includes the M Aerodynamics pack, M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, and Nevada leather upholstery.

According to BMW Group Australia head of product and market planning

Shawn Ticehurst, an enthusiastic early buyer response could see the xDrive35d overtaking the xDrive20d as the best-selling X4 variant.

“The confidence in the car since its recent launch has been so strong,” he said. “The 20d will probably continue to be the biggest seller, but it could well change (to the xDrive35d). The momentum behind it in this early stage has been very strong.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

PRICING:xDrive20i (a) $71,100 xDrive20d (a) $74,900 xDrive35i (a) $89,300 xDrive35d (a) $89,900

Feb 3, 2016 Page 21

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Full throttle for Jeep butbrakes on Alfa Romeo inFCA’s 5-year model plan

New FCA business plan

By RON HAMMERTONFIAT Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) plans to almost double Jeep sales in the next three years while at the same time reining in the hectic new-model release schedule for Alfa Romeo.

It also is set to discontinue some Chrysler and Dodge small and medium cars, potentially replacing them with products from another manufacturer.

Describing Jeep as the bedrock of FCA’s new five-year business plan announced last week, the company revealed a Jeep sales target of two million vehicles by 2018 – up from last year’s record 1.2 million Jeeps.

FCA is banking on the world’s thirst for SUVs to gain pace in an environment of low fuel prices as it expands production of the iconic off-roaders around the world.

The Jeep plan not only includes a born-again Wagoneer and all-new ute but also a new-generation lightweight Wrangler, eventually with alternative

powertrains including diesel, mild hybrid and full hybrid.

The new Wrangler is due in about 2017, but the new powertrains will be introduced at intervals between 2018 and about 2023.

To cope with the planned rush for Jeeps, FCA is planning to shuffle its American factories, scrapping some struggling passenger models such as the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart to make room.

FCA has already announced a six-week closure of the Michigan plant that builds the Chrysler 200 due to a whopping 148-day backlog of stock.

According to FCA CEO Sergio

Marchionne, the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart will be “allowed to run their course” – a euphemism for letting them die after this generation.

Some of these doomed Chrysler products look set to be replaced with vehicles drawn from another manufacturer, with FCA saying it plans to “solidify partnering opportunities to maintain market presence in compact and mid-sized sedan segments”.

The company currently has a deal with Mazda to share the Japanese company’s MX-5 as the new Fiat 124 Spider.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

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Feb 3, 2016 Page 22

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www.mb3point.com.au sales@3point.com.au

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Production line for iconic4WD stops after long runbut nameplate to live on

Lights out for Defender

By DANIEL GARDNERLAND Rover has turned out the lights on its Defender production line for the final time, bringing to a close a 68-year production run of its most recognisable model, but while a replacement is yet to be spoken of in any detail, the nameplate will live on.

The model has enjoyed a consistent loyal following around the world from fans that appreciate its form-follows-function looks and almost unrivalled all-terrain ability, however the axe of ever-tightening crash safety standards has finally fallen on the iconic wagon.

And if you were hoping to snap up one of the final Landies Down Under then you are months too late, with all of the last Australian-allocation cars

spoken for weeks ago.“There wouldn’t be one that you

could put your name on anymore,” said Land Rover Australia senior public relations executive James Scrimshaw. “We stopped ordering them mid-last year so the last ones will be coming through. People had to order their cars many, many months ago.”

Those customers who were quick enough on the draw are in with a chance to take delivery of a piece of Land Rover history, with the company confirming that the last day of operation produced

two Defenders that are destined to come to Australia, although which state they are heading to is not known.

Mr Scrimshaw explained that there had been a spike in sales after the company announced the end of the Defender line, with fans trying to secure the last examples.

“Sales have been in the 80s and 90s for the last three months with people getting in and getting the last cars, but the story is over now it’s all finished,” he said.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Feb 3, 2016 Page 23

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Jaguar Land Rover is the ultimate destination for anyone wanting a career in the automotive industry, or simply for anyone wishing to work for a progressive and globally regarded organisation. Two exciting opportunities are now currently available for:

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Aftersales Development Coordinator Reporting to the Commercial Manager, you will drive aftersales commercial functions in order to deliver revenue targets and meet corporate objectives. The commercial function is a ‘business within the business’ and affords scope and responsibility for the end-to-end delivery of aftersales programs.

Responsibilities will include:• Work with Ad Agencies to deliver tactical marketing campaigns

to improve service retention and parts and accessories sales.• Implement accessories volume planning based on market

research and data analysis.• Maintain the Jaguar and Land Rover websites for all aftersales

information and facilitate the central distribution of all aftersales communications to the Dealer network.

To be successful in this role you will need:• Advanced Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Powerpoint, essential.• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, essential.• Experience working with agencies and third parties, desirable.• Marketing experience, desirable.

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Supermodel based on hotUrus concept creates jobsahead of 2018 production

Lambo tools up for SUV

By TIM NICHOLSONLAMBORGHINI will ramp up its workforce over the coming months in preparation for production of the Urus SUV at its Sant’Agata Bolognese factory.

The Italian supercar-maker said last week that it had hired 150 assembly line workers, technicians and specialists over the past year, on open-ended contracts, for the Urus project, while a further 500 are expected to be employed in the coming years.

In the past five years, Lamborghini says it has hired more than 600 new employees for its Italian operation and its total workforce now stands at 1300.

Automobili Lamborghini president and CEO Stephan Winkelmann said the

Urus would ensure sustainable growth for the car-maker, and highlighted the investment in its workforce.

“Lamborghini is experiencing strong, steady growth in sales and also in its workforce,” he said. “We are getting ready for groundbreaking changes with the introduction of our third model in 2018, which points to stable, sustainable growth for our company.

“This is why our investments in human resources are more important than ever, as we continue to focus on excellence and continuous improvements in this new phase of the company’s future.”

The company said in a release that

the recruitment drive supports the development of the Urus “super-sports SUV” that is set to “take the company into a new era”.

To make room for production of the Urus, the company will almost double the size of the manufacturing facility from 80,000 square metres to 150,000 square metres.

The company’s first crossover will launch globally in 2018 and is likely to be based on the concept of the same name that made its debut at the 2012 Beijing motor show.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Sant’Agata Bolognese production

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Porsche New Car Sales Manager Porsche Centre Parramatta

Joining the Sime Darby group of companies means you are part of a global group that employs more than 120,000 people in over 20 countries.An exciting opportunity has become available at Porsche Centre Parramatta for an enthusiastic, motivated and dynamic Management professional to represent and become part of one of the most iconic automotive brands in the world as a New Car Sales Manager. Relocating midyear to a multi-level state of the art facility, this opportunity will provide you scope to demonstrate your management skills and ability to deliver the Porsche experience. After record growth in 2015, this trend will continue with 3 major new model launches scheduled for this year.This role is crucial to the success of the dealership so experience within a role of a similar scope is essential. As New Car Sales Manager, your key responsibilities will include but will not be limited to: • Leading the sales team to reach and over achieve targets• Exceed customer expectations by delivering exceptional service and professionalism • Working with the General Manager to control the acquisition of stock and maintaining the required inventory levelsThe ideal candidate will possess: • Proven experience and success in a Management position within the retail automotive industry• Be customer focused and possess the ability to build relationships• Have exceptional attention to detail• Excellent time management skillsIf you believe you ‘tick all the boxes’ then we want to hear from you.For more information about this role and to apply, visit the below website and search for Job Code 20920.

Sime Darby - with career opportunities as diverse as the companies we represent.

Driving your future forward www.simedarbymotors.com.au/careers

Ferrari develops focused$15,750 handling optionfor California T roadster

‘HS’ pack for Cali T

By STUART MARTINANOTHER string has been added to the already successful bow of Ferrari’s top-seller in Australia, the California T, with the Handling Speciale (HS) option pack set to debut at the upcoming Geneva motor show.

The twin-turbo V8 California T is now available for order with the new HS option, which is offered for an additional $15,750 over and above the cost of the standard version that retails for $409,888 plus on-road costs.

With the extra handling prowess for the top-selling convertible GT, the total price is $425,638, plus costs, and first deliveries in Australia are expected in the third quarter.

According to Ferrari Australasia,

70 per cent of California T buyers are new to the breed, which was key to the brand’s sales success in Australia last year.

The Italian sportscar-maker recorded 167 new-vehicle sales last year, a 47.8 per cent increase over the 113 Ferraris sold in Australia during 2014, itself a 6.6 per cent rise on 2013.

According to Ferrari, the Handling Speciale pack offers specific calibrations particularly when the wheel-mounted Manettino dial has been rotated to Sport mode.

Changes have been made to the adaptive magnetorheological damper

settings and the springs have been stiffened up, which Ferrari admits has “marginally” reduced ride comfort.

Spring rates at the front are 16 per cent stiffer, while the rears have tightened up by 19 per cent, which has reduced pitch and roll, according to Ferrari.

The gearshift and damper controls in Sport mode have both been modified for faster and “sportier” gear engagement on upshifts and downshifts, as well as revisions to the F1-Trac stability control system for better rough road and corner exit traction.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

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DeLorean DMC-12 to rollagain with a new engineafter revision to US laws

Back in production

By DANIEL GARDNERDELOREAN has made it back to the future following a change to the United States Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act, which will allow the iconic DMC-12 to return to production after a 33-year hiatus.

When the original DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) went into receivership in 1982, the company’s assets, including the name, were acquired by a separate company that started renovating original factory-built cars with the extensive parts archive, but regulations prevented it producing ‘new’ cars.

Under previous National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulation, DMC was subjected to the same hefty compliances of larger mass-

produced brands, ruling out ‘new’ car production, but a revision to the laws in December last year has slackened the leash on smaller car-makers.

According to the new regulatory structure, companies producing a limited number of vehicles that “resemble the appearance of cars produced 25 years ago or more” are now less heavily scrutinised, creating a business case for the DMC-12.

While it is understood the company has enough original parts to build hundreds of new DeLoreans, the cars will have to comply with standards set by organisations such as the Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The DeLorean’s original 2.8-litre V6 produced a meagre 97kW and would struggle to meet today’s strict standards, which has spurred DMC to look for a more efficient, cleaner and powerful powerplant.

“The new law allows the low-volume vehicle manufacturer to meet the standards by installing an engine and emissions equipment produced by another auto-maker (GM, Ford, etc),” DeLorean said.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

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Hatchback and Cabrio tooffer 1.2-litre 3-cyl turbowith six-speed automatic

DS3 booster shot

By RON HAMMERTONCITROEN Australia wondered why one of the brightest colours on the palette for its upcoming C4 Cactus compact crossover – Hello Yellow – was not getting top billing in pre-orders from Victorian customers as it was in most other states.

Then it dawned on the sales and marketing team that yellow is the predominant colour of Victoria’s taxi fleet.

The state-by-state colour breakdown for Cactus – on a low number of orders by industry standards – is just one of the interesting sideshows for Citroen Australia as it delves into the brave new world of selling cars ahead of launch.

Commanding just 0.1 per cent of the Australian market, the French brand has rarely had the luxury of a vehicle that has had customers willing to slap

down deposits without first sitting behind the wheel.

By contrast, Ford Australia sold 4000 Mustangs – its whole first year’s supply – before the first shipload had docked in December.

But now the quirky Citroen C4 Cactus, with its knock-resistant Airbump body padding and simple-chic interior, has drawn a small but steady stream of potential buyers since pricing was announced in October ahead of its showroom release this March.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

All-new C4 Cactus proves to be a bright spot for Citroen

By TIM NICHOLSONPSA Peugeot Citroen’s new premium arm, DS, will introduce a new three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and a much-needed automatic transmission to its funky DS3 Hatchback and Cabrio range as part of a 2016 model year update.

The revised DS3 will arrive in Australian Citroen/DS showrooms in the fourth quarter, revitalising the model that was cut to just one four-cylinder variant with a manual transmission last year.

Australian specifications are yet to be announced by DS distributor Sime Darby Motors Group, but buyers will likely be able to choose from the existing 212kW/240Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine matched with a six-speed manual gearbox, and the new 81kW/205Nm 1.2-litre three-pot exclusively with a six-speed auto.

The latter is already found in the Peugeot 208 light car, the updated Citroen C4 hatch and the forthcoming C4 Cactus crossover, albeit paired with a manual gearbox.

Sime Darby’s decision to drop the

four-speed automatic from the DS3 line-up last year appears to have had an impact on sales, with just 71 DS3s finding homes in 2015, representing a 47 per cent dip over its 2014 sales.

Sime Darby Motors Group PR and communications manager Tyson Bowen told GoAuto that the distributor was comfortable not offering the four-speed auto from the April 2015 facelift as a more suitable transmission was waiting in the wings.

“We planned for the lack of an automatic,” he said. “We could have taken the four-speed as we said at launch but we knew bringing that in for a short-term solution when there was potentially something else coming wouldn’t have really helped in the long run.

“Without an automatic you can draw your own conclusions, but yes there are people that will only consider that style of transmission. The 1.2 auto will be a very welcome addition for us.”

The 1.2-litre three-pot consumes 4.6 litres of fuel per 100km on the European combined cycle in Hatchback guise and 4.9L/100km for the Cabrio.

DS will also offer a DS3 Performance variant in Europe, powered by a 154kW/300Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, the same unit found under the bonnet of the Peugeot 208 GTi.

While the Performance is yet to be confirmed for the Australian line-up, Mr Bowen said the company was keen to add it to its roster, given the high take-up of go-fast models Down Under.

“Australian customers love sporting models,” he said. “Anything with a hint of performance and they are definitely more interested than normal. It is something that we definitely have to consider. And then it comes down to the business case that we are working through now.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

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Parts sector stalwart Colin Peters, retail group legend Vern Wheatley recognised

Australia Day honours

By TERRY MARTINFORMER Castalloy managing director Colin Peters and former Automotive Holdings Group (AHG) chairman Vern Wheatley were recognised for their services to the automotive industry in the 2016 Australia Day Honours last week.

Mr Peters was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), primarily for his years of service to the automotive manufacturing sector and professional industry associations, while Mr Wheatley received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the automotive industry.

Still heavily involved in the South Australian business community as honorary chairman of the state’s Industry Leaders Fund, Mr Peters was entrenched in the automotive industry for some four decades, joining Castalloy in 1962 and rising to chief operating officer – a position he held for 20 years – and later managing director from 1999 to 2002, when he retired.

During that period, Castalloy grew from a small aluminium parts supplier in Adelaide to a major international operation with plants in Adelaide, Albury and Auckland turning over

$600 million a year with some 2500 employees, although the company (which had become part of the Ion Group) hit upon financial difficulties a couple of years after Mr Peters’ retirement.

While at Castalloy, Mr Peters was national vice-president of the Federation of Automotive Products Manufacturers (FAPM) for five years and a board member for some two decades.

He was also the FAPM’s South Australian state president for many years, chairman

of the South Australian Automotive Industry Advisory Board, a member of Austrade’s Automotive Export Advisory Board and chairman of the Group Training Scheme Board of the Engineering Employers Association of South Australia (EEASA).

In retirement, Mr Peters served as EEASA president from 2004 to 2009,

having spent 15 years on the committee of management. He has also been a director of Workcover Corporation of SA, a board member of Business SA and sat on the board of the Ai Group for many years.

His involvement in the Industry Leaders Fund, which offers grants of up to $50,000 to help those with industry leadership potential, came when the entity was developed following the transfer of the apprentice training activities of the EEASA training scheme to the Ai Group in 2009.

He was elected inaugural chairman, a position he still holds, and remains passionate about providing opportunities for people in South Australia, which along with Victoria has been hit hardest by the forthcoming closure of the three local car manufacturers – Ford, which closes in October, and Toyota and Holden next year.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Vern Wheatley

Colin Peters

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By JOHN MELLOR

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POPULAR Queensland Holden dealer Mark Crampton has sold his portfolio of dealerships in Toowoomba, Hervey Bay and Maryborough to AP Eagers, Australia’s second largest dealer group, for an estimated $30 million in shares and cash.

The group includes West Star Motors and Toowoomba Holden representing the Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Peugeot, Citroen, Performax, HSV and Holden brands along with Port City Autos representing the Holden, Subaru, Chrysler Jeep Dodge, and Isuzu Trucks brands in the Maryborough/Hervey Bay area of Queensland.

Mr Crampton, who has been in the car business for more than 30 years, has built up the prized franchise portfolio around the core Toowoomba Holden & HSV dealership business which he bought from AP Eagers in 1993 after seven years as a senior executive of the Zupps motor group.

The transaction is being funded with the issue of one million AP Eagers shares plus cash from available funds and existing debt facilities. Eagers shares are presently trading at around $12 each.

The purchase price includes goodwill, estimated net assets and transaction costs but does not include cost of inventory.

Mr Crampton will retain the group’s property holdings which he built up over the past 15 years in a long-term strategy to expand his dealer footprint and upgrade facilities. He recently completed new facilities for Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Peugeot, Citroen and a used car operation which now takes up an entire city block and completely redeveloped Toowoomba Holden. In Hervey Bay he has just built a new Jeep dealership and expanded his used car operations.

The group employs a total of 170 staff with a turnover of about $130 million from 3000 vehicle sales a year – 2000 new and 1000 used. Eagers says that it expects earnings before tax of at least $6 million a year.

In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange, Eagers said that Mr Crampton “has developed an extremely well-managed dealership operation achieving above-benchmark returns”. Eagers said that Mr Crampton was “one of the top-performing regional dealers” for a number of the franchises he represents.

Eagers said that the business “will continue to thrive under its decentralised

management structure”. While Mr Crampton will be stepping back from the business, his son Ross will continue and other dealer principals, senior management and staff of the Crampton group will continue in their roles.

Mark Crampton has been part of the automotive industry for over 25 years and has been actively involved in a number of committees in roles including chairman of the Queensland Provincial Holden Dealer Group, member of Holden’s Forward Product and National Marketing Committees and chairman of the Australian Holden Dealer Council.

Toowoomba Holden & HSV has received numerous awards including the Holden Grand Masters from 1994 to 1998 and 10 times from 2001 to 2014. Toowoomba Holden & HSV was named the National #1 Selling Dealer of New Cars in November 2013.

AP Eagers told the ASX: “This acquisition will enhance AP Eagers’ strong presence in the south-west Queensland region, which was established with the acquisition of the Black Toyota group in 2014. It also provides an opportunity for further expansion in the growing Hervey Bay region.”

Continued next page

Mark Crampton sells Toowoomba group to AP Eagers in estimated $30m deal

Eagers expansion rolls on

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High property costs claimanother scalp as City Fordin Melbourne CBD closes

Ford icon closes

By NEIL DOWLINGand JOHN MELLOR

PremiumGoAutoNews

ONE of Melbourne’s iconic inner-city dealerships, City Ford, has closed its doors to selling Ford new vehicles with the signs coming down from the Elizabeth Street showroom this week.

Existing customers will not be affected as rival Ford dealer Hugh Bayford has bought City Ford’s service and parts operation and will continue to offer an inner-city service centre.

City Ford, owned by the Smith Group in Adelaide, was caught between the high cost of inner-city rents and Ford’s decline in market share from 20 per cent when City Ford was a thriving business to just six per cent market share today.

But Ford’s share of the vehicle parc remains strong, hence the decision to continue to cover the service and parts side of the Ford retail business.

Mr Bayford told GoAutoNews Premium that the lease of the land in Elizabeth Street, which is owned by the

University of Melbourne, was going to be lost because the rent was too high, the vehicle sales side was not making any money and it suited Ford to take the opportunity to rationalise its Melbourne retail network.

He said that new rented premises in nearby Arden Street were currently being renovated to host the service and parts operations. They have a month before the university takes back the dealership.

It is the fourth Melbourne Ford dealer to close or be relocated within about five years. Those no longer trading include Strapp Ford that had two premises and closed in November 2014, Duhig Ford which became Essendon Ford in 2010, and Stillwell Ford in Kew which closed around 2010.

Industry consultant Wayne Pearson said he believes it has been at least 15 years since a CBD dealership has been viable in Melbourne or Sydney.

“We are now facing the second wave

as the relocations from 15 years ago on the city fringe (about 3-5km from the GPO) are now not viable and are being sold off and redeveloped,” he said.

“The reality is the 10km concentric circle from the CBD of Sydney and Melbourne is in no way viable for the normal profitable operations of a car dealership.

“This will only get more difficult as pressure increases on urban density and environmental factors make the dealerships unwanted occupants.”

Mr Bayford said that Bayford Ford’s operations now have a footprint that runs from Epping and Bundoora all the way into the city. But he said there was no question about continuing to maintain a new-car showroom.

“The market is so competitive that the gross profits on new cars are almost non-existent. Trying to run a showroom in the city is getting very hard (because of the rent),” he said.

Continued from previous pageAP Eagers group operations manager

Keith Thornton said the Black and Crampton purchases “were not a deliberate move into this part of Queensland”.

“We bought the Black’s group because it was a good business and we had an existing DP within our business from the area who is highly regarded. We appointed him to go out and effectively

replace Craig Black. So it made sense. It was a great business,” he said.

“And while country Queensland has been a bit tight with toughening trading conditions with the drought and resources coming off, we are amazed at how strong that business is and how resilient that business has been. It just shows how good businesses out in the west are always going to be able to trade even in tough times.

“Blacks is very heavy with Toyota and was predominantly Toyota in that area. With Toyota’s market share it makes the businesses almost bulletproof because Toyota has a huge following in the country and a huge back end as well.

“So the Blacks business was a unique purchase in its own right. It was not a strategic move to be in the country but then once we had Black, and once we saw how it was trading, when the Crampton’s Group popped up there was some logic to it. But it is not a strategic move into that part of Queensland.

“So basically we are not deliberately trying to target certain areas, we are basically taking the opportunities when they arise and when they make good sense,” Mr Thornton said.

Mark Crampton sells Queensland auto group to AP Eagers in estimated $30m deal

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Suzuki CelerioSuzuki’s Celerio has taken some flak for its name, which evokes images of root vegetables and replaces the Alto moniker, but let’s not judge a book by its cover. After a delayed launch prompted by a safety recall, we jumped into the Celerio to see if it offers more than a low-cost method of getting from A to B.

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Light mood

Holden shows off new Spark ahead of April launchBy TIM NICHOLSON

GM HOLDEN has officially lifted the lid on its all-new Spark micro-car that will go on sale in Australia in April with “class-leading” safety and technology features.

As GoAuto reported a year ago, the Spark has benefited from Holden engineering input in developing the suspension and ride and handling tuning, both in Australia and in South Korea where the model will be built.

Holden says the Spark is set to “shake up the micro-car segment” thanks to the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard across the range.

While some players in the light-car segment such as the Skoda Fabia offer the connectivity features, the Spark is the first car among the sub-light set – which includes the Mitsubishi Mirage, Suzuki Celerio, Nissan Micra and Fiat 500 – to offer the systems.

Holden director of vehicle performance Ian Butler said the suspension, steering and ride and handling development conducted on Australian soil by Holden engineers has helped ensure it is perfectly suited to local conditions.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

MAHINDRA XUV AEROMAHINDRA is set to reveal a new Euro-style SUV-coupe concept, the XUV Aero, at the Delhi motor show, which opens in India this week.

The five-door liftback – with flamboyant styling seemingly inspired by BMW’s X6 – is presumably based on Mahindra’s mid-sized XUV500 and perhaps foreshadows a new Mahindra flagship.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

ASTON TESTING HEREASTON Martin has confirmed to GoAuto that a pre-production prototype, likely its upcoming DB11 supercar, is currently in Australia, where it is expected to undergo hot-weather stress testing.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

SKODA’S ‘BIG’ TEASESKODA has teased a “big” reveal on its Czech Republic Facebook page that is likely to be the long-anticipated large SUV that it will share with sister brand Volkswagen.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

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Feb 3, 2016 Page 31

By TIM NICHOLSONMANY mainstream car-makers are relying heavily on the popularity of their SUV line-up to counter drop-offs in sales of their passenger car offerings, according to official VFACTS figures.

Passenger car sales have been in decline for years as SUVs become the vehicle of choice for an ever-increasing number of Australian consumers, but the 2015 sales figures show just how many brands have lost sales from traditional passenger models to the high-riding wagons.

In 2005, just 18 per cent of all vehicles sold in Australia were SUVs compared with 62 per cent for passenger cars. Last year, 35 per cent of purchases went the way of SUVs, while passenger cars made up 45 per cent of the 1,155,408 overall sales in the market.

Given the increased focus on SUV development by mainstream and premium car-makers, it is just a matter of time before SUVs overtake passenger cars in the annual sales race. In fact, if the current rate of growth continues, SUVs could be the highest-selling category by the end of 2018.

Some mainstream brands are relying on their SUV sales to prop up their overall monthly and annual tallies, and this is particularly evident when looking at the results of Mitsubishi

and Nissan, which finished fifth and seventh place respectively last year.

Mitsubishi has struggled with its passenger car line-up for years and now counts the Mirage light hatch and sedan and the nearly nine-year-old Lancer small car as its only passenger car offerings.

Back in 2008 – the year that Mitsubishi discontinued its 380 mid-size sedan with the closure of its Australian manufacturing operations – the triple-diamond brand shifted 60,692 units and about half (27,322) were for passenger models like the 380, Colt, Lancer and Grandis MPV.

Last year the company sold 71,743 vehicles, of which 13,681, or 20 per cent, went to the Lancer and Mirage, while 32,724 were SUVs such as the ASX, Outlander and Pajero, and the remaining 25,338 were for the Triton utility.

Nissan’s sales are also now heavily skewed towards SUV models in Australia, with just 11,880, or 18 per cent

of its 2015 total of 66,062 vehicles, going to its line-up of hatches and sedans.

Its strong range of SUVs that includes its top-selling model, the X-Trail, as well as the Qashqai, Pathfinder, Juke and Patrol, chalked up more than 39,000 sales in 2015, enough to place third in overall SUV sales behind Toyota and Mazda.

In 2005, when Nissan sold just shy of 60,000 units for the year, about a third of those were passenger car models.

Just three of the top-10 brands in 2015 recorded a lift in sales of passenger cars – Toyota, Subaru and Volkswagen.

Strong results for the Golf, Jetta and Polo last year kept VW’s head above water with a 15.4 per cent lift in passenger car sales, even in the face of the ongoing diesel emissions scandal that broke in September. Of VW’s 2015 total of 60,225 SUV, passenger and light-commercial sales, 38,727 were passenger cars.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Counting heavily on SUVsStrong SUV sales last yearoffset weaker demand inmarket for passenger cars

2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 20150

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

700,000Source: VFACTS

Passenger cars SUVs

Passenger car and SUV sales 2005-2015

2006 2008 2010 2012 2014

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By TIM NICHOLSONVOLKSWAGEN Group CEO Matthias Mueller says the automotive giant is using the recent diesel emissions scandal as a way to shift its focus to developing more sustainable powertrain technology.

Speaking at the VW Group New Year reception in Brussels last week, Mr Mueller said the company would focus on sustainability in relation to products, strategy and management “more than ever before”.

He also reiterated the company’s plan to introduce about 20 additional models with electric or plug-in hybrid powertrains by 2020 as part of its concentration on green technology.

Mr Mueller said the diesel emissions scandal that broke in September and has impacted about 11 million cars from the VW, Audi, Skoda and Seat brands, has forced a shift in focus, adding that it would result in improvements to the company.

“We are using the current crisis to fundamentally realign the group,” he said. “I strongly feel we now have the chance to build a new and better Volkswagen.”

With a number of governments and organisations, including the French Homologation Authority, doing their own emissions testing, Mr Mueller announced that VW would have its emissions results “checked and certified” by external and independent testers in the future.

Vehicles will also be randomly tested under “real driving conditions”, according to Mr Mueller.

“We hope this will help to win back trust,” he said.

“The industry-wide discrepancies between the official test results and actual consumption are no longer accepted and no longer acceptable. We need to break new ground here.”

A fix for the emissions cheat device has been agreed to and retrofitting the 8.5 million affected vehicles in

Europe was to start last week, Mr Mueller said.

“We will manage the recall in the most customer-friendly and best possible way,” he said.

In his address, Mr Mueller also called on industrial companies and policy-makers to work more closely on the future of mobility to ensure that the European Union takes the lead in areas of automotive technology, infrastructure and legislation.

“We must not leave this playing field to Silicon Valley,” he said.

“The efforts of our industry alone won’t be enough. We need to work together to make sure that Europe remains innovative and competitive as an industrial location in a rapidly changing world.

“A true breakthrough for electric mobility will only be achieved if politics, society and authorities work together more closely.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

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John Mellor’s

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GoAuto Personnel – brought to you by Motor Staff

Feb 3, 2016 Page 33

DALE GILSON REPLACES NATALIE ROBERTS AS SAE-A CHIEF EXECUTIVEBy TERRY MARTIN

THE former chief executive of Motorcycling Australia, Dale Gilson, has been appointed CEO of the Society of Automotive Engineers – Australasia (SAE-A).

SAE-A president Adrian Feeney said Natalie Roberts had decided to step down as CEO after almost three years in the job, opening the path for Mr Gilson who brings considerable experience in not-for-profit organisations to the role.

His appointment comes at a critical time for the industry as the three local car manufacturers – Ford, Holden and Toyota – all realign their businesses as national sales companies

with the closure of their Australian production facilities over the next two years, although Ford in particular

is maintaining a significant vehicle development operation.

Despite making engineering cutbacks, Holden announced in September last year that it would retain its Port Melbourne-based

Powertrain Engineering and Calibration department beyond the closure of its manufacturing operations in 2017, and will set up a new Advanced Vehicle Development team.

As well as serving as CEO of Motorcycling Australia – a position he held for 14 months before resigning

in August last year – Mr Gilson has worked in a variety of senior sporting industry roles over more than a decade

including head of Speedway Australia for almost five years (July 2009 to March 2014), Four Wheel Drive Victoria (two years) and Table Tennis Victoria (three years).

He also spent two years as marketing and sponsorship manager for Netball Victoria,

while earlier in his career Mr Gilson worked in the technology industry in sales, marketing and management positions. This included seven years as general manager of Specialty Business Systems.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Dale Gilson Natalie Roberts

HEAVY TECH FOCUS AT RACV AS NEIL TAYLOR SIGNS ON AS NEW CEOBy TERRY MARTIN

THE Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) has announced that former head of Greyhound buses in Australia, Neil Taylor, will join the motoring club as managing director and CEO, effective March 1.

Replacing Colin Jordan, who leaves the organisation after 15 years in the job, Mr Taylor is described as bringing “a strong track record of leadership and active engagement with members, customers, stakeholders and staff” to the position.

He spent four years at Greyhound Australia, stepping down late last year, and has previous experience as managing director and CEO of

Queensland Sugar Limited (2009-2011), chief executive of Hi-Fert (2005-2009) – a joint venture fertiliser distribution operation between Elders

and Landmark, which was subsequently purchased by the Impact Fertiliser Group in 2011 – and marketing manager of CSR (2003-2005).

Prior to that he spent 13 years with BP, working in Australia, the UK, Japan and Belgium primarily in sales, marketing

and logistics roles, before rising to manager of the Middle East and South Asia region, based in Dubai.

“The sectors in which RACV operates are undergoing rapid and accelerating change,” Mr Taylor said.

“I believe that this provides

opportunities for RACV to grow and innovate, particularly in creating further member value through the use of technology across all areas of the business.

“I am fortunate to inherit a strong company which has an absolute focus on, and commitment to, its 2.1 million loyal members.”

RACV president and chairman Kevin White highlighted Mr Taylor’s work at Greyhound and his focus on people, customer service and technology. He said he was instrumental in building Greyhound into a company “highly regarded for its innovation and use of digital applications to connect with customers”.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Neil Taylor

Australia’s

RecruiterNo.1

AutomotiveGeorge Hennessy Managing Director

careers@motorsta�.com.au1300 666 562 www.motorsta�.com.au

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GoAuto New Car Diary

John Mellor’s

Feb 3, 2016 Page 34

GoAuto New Car Diary – brought to you by CarsGuide

FEBLAUNCH

FULL NEW CAR DIARY: CLICK HERE

After reinvigorating the brand back in 2008, Jaguar’s XF finally gets an all-new replacement, underpinned by the same aluminium architecture as its smaller XE mid-size sibling.

Audi A4

Fiat 500

Hyundai Elantra

Infiniti Q70

Iveco Daily 4x4

Jaguar XF

Lexus GS F

Peugeot 308 GTi

Porsche 911

Subaru Forester

Subaru Liberty/Outback

VW Passat Alltrack

It’s all change for Hyundai’s Elantra sedan in February, with the Korean-built small car arriving with a new platform that it will share with the next i30, and a more efficient 2.0-litre petrol powertrain.

Race-spec 86 coupe for Toyota’s ‘grassroots initiative’ to cost less than $70,000By TIM NICHOLSON

TOYOTA has announced a sub-$70,000 price for its race-ready 86 sportscar, which has been developed to participate in the Toyota 86 Racing Series that kicks off this year.

The race package has been approved by the Confederation of Australian Motorsport (CAMS) and is available to purchase through Neal Bates Motorsport (NBM).

According to Toyota, four-times Australian rally champion and brand ambassador Neal Bates developed the kit in collaboration with a number of specialists to ensure the mandatory race package was “affordable, fast and durable”.

Included in the kit is an adjustable front and rear coil-over damping system produced by Queensland-based MCA, which is owned and run by motorsport identity and

“suspension guru” Murray Coote.The kit gets upgraded brakes over the

standard 86 versions with larger rotors – 330mm up front and 316mm at the rear – AP racing callipers that are four-piston at the front and two-piston at the rear, and 18-inch OZ Asfalto alloy rims.

A Toyota Racing Development (TRD) engine oil cooler has been fitted to the 86 and the exhaust is custom-made, while a specific locked Motec M150 Electronic

Control Unit (ECU) can be swapped between cars to ensure “parity on engine management”, according to Toyota.

Further additions include a unique rear spoiler, throttle stop and baffled sump pan for less than $25,000.

Mr Bates said the kit will benefit drivers of all ages and help them further develop their skills.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

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