GoAutonews

John Mellor's
April 11, 2007
Seoul mates
Korean show uncovers Holden’s latest export deal - and crucial cars for Oz
By TERRY MARTIN
GM HOLDEN has signed another multimillion-dollar
export deal, resurrecting a
program with GM Daewoo in South Korea
with the 2008 L4X prestige sedan shown in
near-production form at last week’s Seoul
Motor Show.
Providing some respite for Holden amid the
continuing domestic slump of Australian-built
large-car sales – and at a time when exporters
are hurting under the strongest Australian
dollar in more than a decade – the lucrative
deal involves several thousand left-hand
drive vehicles per annum based on the longwheelbase
WM Caprice.
Exact numbers are still to be confi rmed, but
Holden this week indicated that these would
be in excess of the circa-2000 shipped to South
Korea as a (WL-based) Daewoo Statesman in
2005. The L4X is also believed to be the fi rst
of a number of new export vehicles for Holden
in the region, with China poised to announce
a Holden-based vehicle to replace the Buick
Royaum next year.
Australia’s Number One Automotive Industry Journal
GoAuto
news
No. 380
As GM’s global product development vicechairman
Bob Lutz refused to comment in
New York last week on GoAuto’s report that
Holden was not developing a V12 engine
for Cadillac – and would not elaborate on
other potential Holden export deals to the US
– Holden chairman Denny Mooney described
the L4X program as “another example of
General Motors’ ability to leverage its global
resources to satisfy a local market need”.
“GM Daewoo and its customers will benefi t
from GM Holden’s acknowledged expertise
in developing and manufacturing rear-wheel
drive vehicles,” Mr Mooney said. “With our
new VE and WM ranges, we designed and
engineered them to appeal to both local and
overseas markets.
“We are starting to see the returns from
that with our Australian-built cars currently
being exported to every continent except
Antarctica.
“Exports of cars and engines continue to
be a core component of GM Holden’s future
strategy for growth, and today’s confi rmation
The Holden-built Daewoo L4X with
(inset, clockwise from top left) the
Kia KND-4, Renault QMX, Hyundai
Veloster and SsangYong Wz
of new exports to Korea further expands our
growing presence in overseas markets.”
As well as being assembled in Australia, the
L4X will use the Port Melbourne-constructed
195kW 3.6-litre “High Output” Alloytec V6.
However, it will also be fi tted with equipment
currently unavailable on Australian models,
including power-operated rear seats (with a
back massage function), power rear-window
curtains, roller blinds and a rearview camera.
While the world’s motoring attention was
trained on the New York International Auto
Show late last week – particularly on Subaru’s
new Impreza and facelifted Tribeca, the Lexus
LX570 and Jeep’s new Cherokee and revised
Grand Cherokee – across the North Pacifi c
Ocean in Seoul there were a number of other
important new vehicles.
Continued next page
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John Mellor's
GoAutonews
Small wonders
Holden in the frame for
more global work as Lutz
confi rms small RWD ‘study’
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS in NEW YORK
GM HOLDEN’S rear-wheel drive expertise
could be broadened to include a new range of
small cars for General Motors’ brands.
GM’s global product development vicechairman
Bob Lutz told GoAuto at the New
York International Auto Show last week that
the company was looking closely at a compact
rear-wheel drive architecture that would
underpin a range of new models.
“We are studying a smaller rear-wheel drive
architecture – someplace between BMW 1 and
BMW 3,” he told GoAuto. “But we’ve made
no decision on that yet.”
According to Mr Lutz, it was also too early
to speculate on who would be in charge of
developing such a vehicle – if it were given
the green light – although he did not rule out
Australia being a candidate.
“Since we haven’t made a decision to do
the architecture it would be conjecture to try
Continued from previous page
Among them was the Daewoo G2X
roadster – an Opel GT-based rear-drive
convertible that uses a 194kW/353Nm 2.0litre
direct-injection turbocharged engine
– believed to be under consideration for
Australia. Renault-Samsung also showed
the Korean-built version (dubbed QMX, or
Quest Motoring Xperience) of its forthcoming
Koleos SUV. South Korea is almost certain
to be the production source for Renault in
Australia.
Hyundai gave us another pointer to its
next-generation Tiburon sports coupe in
the form of the Veloster (codenamed HND-
3), along with a station wagon version of
its forthcoming Elantra small-medium car
(known as the FD overseas), and a new-
to fi gure out who would do it – if we did it at
all,” he said.
One thing for certain is that the current VE/
Zeta rear-wheel drive architecture cannot lend
itself to a small-car application as economically
as Mr Lutz would like.
“It never works when you take a large
architecture and try to make it smaller because
it always winds up being too costly and too
heavy,” Mr Lutz said. “There is some inherent
cost and weight that you can’t take out when
you do the shrinking process. It would be a
clean sheet of paper fresh car.”
A small rear-wheel drive platform could
generation H-1 van – a vehicle of particular
interest given that Hyundai is now preparing
to introduce a range of light commercial
vehicles in Australia.
In production from August, the H-1 will be
available overseas in various passenger and
commercial van confi gurations and will use a
Euro IV-compliant 2.5-litre CRDi turbo-diesel
engine or a 2.4-litre “Theta” petrol engine. A
Euro III-compliant version of the diesel will
also be sold in certain export markets.
Sister brand Kia unveiled the KND-4
SUV concept, which is a “bold hint” at how
future Kia compact SUV models will look.
The question is whether Hyundai will also
use the same design, as is currently the
case with the Kia Sportage/Hyundai Tucson
clones. A 2.2-litre VGT diesel engine in the
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A PRIL 11, 2007 Page 2
Bob Lutz in New York last week
underscore a whole series of General Motors’
vehicles worldwide, from a Lexus IS250
rival from Cadillac, to a three- and fi ve-door
hatchback Saab that would combat the Audi
A3 and Volvo C30.
The architecture could also serve as a basis
for the much-rumoured Holden Torana midsized
sedan.
Mr Lutz did hint that the concept was
advanced enough within General Motors to have
its own identity. “We call it Global Small Rear-
Wheel Drive – although one of our executive
calls it ‘Global Small-Wheel Drive’ … but don’t
let the designers hear that!” he said.
Seoul show uncovers Holden export deal and Korean cars bound for Australia
KND-4 drives all four wheels via the latest
version of Hyundai-Kia’s “Active Torque
Transfer” system.
And not to be outdone, SsangYong showed
its Wz fl agship sedan – another contender
for Australian release and, thankfully, a
marked departure from the “shark’s mouth”
styling which has dominated new-generation
vehicles such as the Actyon SUV and ute.
Interestingly, GM used the New York show
as the theatre to point to its forthcoming
new-generation Daewoo-designed and
Korean-built micro cars. The Chevrolet Beat,
Groove and Trax concepts are expected to
condense into a new Matiz hatchback and
derivatives, which are also prospects for sale
in Australia as entrants below, or alongside,
the Daewoo-built Barina.
Phone: +61 3 9349 3062 | E-mail: sales@auto-it.com.au www.auto-it.com.au
Produced by GoAuto Newsroom:
Ph: (03) 9598 6477 PO Box 18, Sandringham VIC 3191 PUBLISHER: John Mellor

John Mellor's
GoAutonews
Doors open
Promising future ahead
for Ford Australia as
Fields, Mays talk it up
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS in NEW YORK
FORD Australia is playing an increasingly
important role in global design and engineering
for the American auto giant, according to the
Ford Motor Company’s design chief J Mays
and its Americas president Mark Fields.
Speaking to GoAuto at the New York
International Auto Show last week, the two Ford
heavyweights both talked up the international
signifi cance of the Australian operation.
While Mr Mays said Ford’s Melbournebased
design team was working closely with
the Blue Oval’s European design centre
in Cologne, Germany, shaping the nextgeneration
of vehicles worldwide, Mr Fields
revealed that rear-wheel drive architecture
could be returning to American Fords within
the next fi ve years.
“I’d say that we are looking at that very, very
closely,” Mr Fields said, adding that Australia
could also be involved in engineering larger,
crossover-style SUVs (such as the nextgeneration
Territory) for North America.
“Yeah, potentially,” he said. “I won’t rule
out anything.”
In more general terms, he emphasised that
FoMoCo needed to make better use of outposts
such as Australia.
‘ Doing the common things
uncommonly well’
A PRIL 11, 2007 Page 3
Subaru Australia has carved an enviable position in the marketplace, completing 9 years of successive sales growth. During that
time the Subaru brand has become synonymous with automotive excellence, innovation and success. Subaru (Aust) Pty Limited has
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Regional Sales Manager – Southern
Parts and Accessories Division
From left: J Mays, Mark Fields and CEO Alan Mulally at the New York Auto Show
“We have to leverage our global assets
better, particularly our engineering. I can’t get
into specifi cs about what or where, but clearly
Australia has huge capabilities and we need to
take advantage of that globally,” he said.
“I’ve been down (to Melbourne) a lot, and
I am familiar with the facilities, and there are
a lot of people going back and forth, and we
are doing a lot of work with Broadmeadows
right now for South America, which involves
the compact pick-up truck (T6, due to replace
the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50).”
Meanwhile, Mr Mays said that he had given
Ford of Europe’s design director Martin Smith
“the reign to bring in a lot of the next-generation
of designs from Ford Australia and Asia-Pacifi c,
so there will be infl uences there”.
He also confi rmed that there were tangible
design similarities between the new mid-sized
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Mondeo and the next-generation Falcon, both of
which will be on sale in Australia during 2008.
“There are (Mondeo) infl uences with the
new Falcon, although it is a little bit too early
for me to be talking about that,” Mr Mays said.
“You will not see exactly the same car, but I
think you will see that it came out of the same
thinking. It’s about as much as I can tell you at
the moment.”
Mr Mays added that Ford’s European and
Australasian design studios – the latter under
the infl uence of American Scott Strong – would
continue to forge stronger links.
“As we get into the next generation of
product, we have a mindset that we are going
to drive all Fords – in Asia-Pacifi c and Europe
– a little bit more towards each other,” he said.
“We are spending a lot more time down there in
Melbourne than we were even two years ago.”
EDITOR: Terry Martin MANAGING EDITOR: Marton Pettendy JOURNALISTS: Byron Mathioudakis, James Stanford, Tim Britten, David Hassall
PRODUCTION AND GRAPHICS: Chris Harris, Luc Britten SUB-EDITORS: Katrina Webb, Georgia O'Connell NEW MODEL DIARY: Lou Paolino

John Mellor's
GoAutonews
Cruiser emerges
All-new LX570 reveals
Toyota’s thinly disguised
LandCruiser 200-Series
By MARTON PETTENDY
SUBTRACT the jewellery and you are looking
at Toyota’s crucial new LandCruiser.
Yes, the next-generation version of the
world’s most successful full-size off-roader
has emerged ahead of its official local (and
global) launch in November in Australia, one
of the globe’s largest markets for the iconic
hardcore SUV.
The first glimpse of the redesigned 200-
Series, as the replacement for the current 100-
Series will be known, was provided late last
week, when Toyota’s luxury division Lexus
gave the redesigned LX570 its global debut at
the New York International Auto Show.
Despite officially appearing ahead of the allnew
vehicle upon which it is based, the new
luxury SUV flagship from Lexus will not go
on sale Down Under until early 2008 – at least
three months after the new 200.
According to Lexus, the third-generation LX
will bring more technology, more power, more
safety, more luxury, more space and more on- and
off-road capability than the LX470 it replaces.
As the name suggests, the 2008 LX570
will be powered by a new 5.7-litre V8,
which is also expected to be available in the
new LandCruiser – alongside a warmed-up
version of Toyota’s first ever turbo-diesel V8,
which went on sale in the facelifted 70-Series
workhorse range this month.
The Cruiser ute’s new 4.5-litre commonrail
direct-injection intercooled turbo-diesel
V8 delivers 151kW and 430Nm of torque in
the 70-Series (23.7 and 13.1 per cent more
power and torque respectively than the 4.2litre
straight-six diesel it replaced), but it is
believed a twin-turbo version will produce up
to 200kW and 650Nm for the 200-Series.
To keep the top-shelf Lexus SUV exclusive,
at least initially, the new Cruiser wagon is
expected to continue with an upgraded version
of the current model’s 4.7-litre V8. In the
LX570, however, the new petrol V8 offers a
beefy 284kW and more than 540Nm of torque.
As previously reported, and now confirmed
by Lexus, the next-generation LX (and therefore
the 200-Series) will come with a sophisticated
new six-speed sequential-shift
automatic transmission that is
“designed and built for large
tasks”.
Lexus says the new LX
will have a vastly improved
towing capacity, of around
3900kg, while an all-new
chassis, full-time 4WD and
suspension systems will be
fully electronically controlled.
As previously reported,
Toyota will debut a new
www.mellor.net
A P R I L 11, 2007 Page 4
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adjustable damping system on both the LX
and 200, developed by West Australian
company Kinetic. While the 200-Series is
set to get unique suspension components, the
all-independent LX570 is claimed to raise the
bar both on-road and off via a new four-wheel
electro-hydraulic suspension system that
comprises Active Height Control (AHC) and
Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS).
Lexus says the system employs a valve at
each corner, linked by a master valve, to react to
road surfaces and to the actions of the opposing
(20-inch) wheels. The result is claimed to be
a 30 per cent reduction in detected bodyroll
and the ability to quickly raise and lower the
vehicle by around 50mm during entry/exit.
AHC also lowers the LX by around 25mm
at the front and 12mm at the rear at highway
speeds, as well as automatically raising it by
around 75mm when low-range is selected
(via new push-button controls, rather than the
traditional second gearlever). The new 570 will
also feature a new Crawl Control feature for
increased throttle control on rough surfaces,
plus a multi-terrain ABS system.
Standard safety equipment will include 10
airbags (including twin front kneebags, secondrow
side bags and third-row side curtains),
stability/traction control, active front head
restraints, second-row seatbelt pretensioners
and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.
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John Mellor's
GoAutonews
Cruiser emerges
Continued from previous page
In the US, the LX570 also comes with fourzone
climate-control, a nine-speaker sound
system, parking sensors, puddle lights, a
powered tailgate, a power-sliding second-row
seat with a 40/20/40 split, a powered third-row
seat, powered front-seat cushion extenders,
Bluetooth-compatible satellite navigation, a
keyless start system, active headlights with
washers, leather trim and woodgrain highlights.
Lexus Intuitive Park Assist includes a blind
corner monitor that operates via cameras in
the grille and under the passenger side mirror,
while a segment-fi rst pre-collision system
comprises adaptive cruise control and the
Lexus Link telematics system.
Other new options will include a 19-speaker
Mark Levinson sound system that comprises
an in-built iPod-style hard-drive capable of
storing up to 2000 songs, a rear entertainment
system with nine-inch screen, semi-aniline
leather interior trim, a cool box in the front
centre console, illuminated scuff plates, a
unique wheel fi nish, a Smart Card key and
Bubinga wood trim.
No weight or fuel consumption fi gures have
been issued, however it is likely that kerb
www.mellor.net
A PRIL 11, 2007 Page 5
weight will increase from the current model’s
already bulky 2525kg, thanks to the range of
new technologies that lurk within the familiarly
boxy but rounder-nosed LX/200 bodyshell.
Setting the LX apart from its next-gen
LandCruiser donor truck are chrome-plated
door-handles, bodyside mouldings and grille,
plus large projector headlights and snug-fi tting
running boards.

John Mellor's
GoAutonews
Jeep ’k ’kee ee turns
Bigger Cherokee and
refreshed Grand are
unveiled in New York
By MARTON PETTENDY
JEEP came out with all guns blazing at the
New York International Auto Show last week
by revealing a redesigned version of the midsized
Cherokee and a facelifted iteration of its
fl agship Grand Cherokee luxury SUV.
The revised Grand brings an upgraded 4.7litre
entry-level V8 and new features, some
of which will not be available when launched
here late this year. The all-new Cherokee lands
Down Under in the fi rst quarter of 2008.
As GoAuto revealed last week, the
overhauled Cherokee (known as the Liberty
in the US) is based on a new, bigger platform
borrowed from sister company Dodge and its
new Nitro SUV, which also donated its new
independent front suspension, fi ve-link rear
suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.
While the new suspension and steering
systems are claimed to improve on-road ride
and handling, the new Cherokee’s off-road
ability is also said to be enhanced via the US
availability of two four-wheel drive systems:
part-time Command-Trac and the new fulltime
Selec-Trac II system – both of which are
claimed to be “Jeep trail rated”.
Cherokee’s 3.7-litre SOHC V6 gets the same
upgrade as Nitro and now delivers slightly
more power (157kW) and torque (319Nm).
Fuel consumption is claimed to have improved.
Cherokee continues with four-speed auto and
Grand Cherokee
www.mellor.net
A PRIL 11, 2007 Page 6
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Tailored solutions for:
Vehicle Sales & Marketing
Vehicle Distribution
Service Workshop
Warranty
Parts Forecasting
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Parts Sales & Distribution
Dealer Portal
Financials
six-speed manual transmissions.
Though details are scarce, Jeep claims
both cargo space and seat comfort have been
improved, most likely along similar lines to
Nitro. Other improvements over the current
Cherokee, which was released in 2002, include
a tyre-pressure monitoring system and a worldfi
rst “Sky Slider full-open canvas roof”.
New Cherokee options will include remote
starting, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats/
mirrors and express up/down windows. Two
Cherokee specifi cations will be offered (Sport
and Limited), both of which will offer standard
ESP stability/traction control with Electronic
Roll Mitigation, ABS and brake assist.
Also borrowed from Nitro (and other
Dodge models) is the 2008 Cherokee’s MyGig
Multimedia Infotainment System, which
integrates audio, navigation, entertainment and
hands-free communication systems via a touch
screen or voice commands to operate the 20gigabyte
hard-drive.
Outside, the 2008 Cherokee appears to
have returned to the square shape of the
current model’s predecessor.
Offi cially, it “takes on
a more rugged, classic
Jeep look that is sure to
captivate the attention
of current Jeep Liberty
owners and broaden its
consumer appeal”.
IBS Automotive
customers include:
Audi
General Motors
Kia
Subaru
Peugeot
Volkswagen
For more information, call
IBS Automotive
Tel +61 2 8875 9000
or click here
www.ibsautomotive.com
Cherokee
Meantime, the 2008 Grand Cherokee brings
a new version of Jeep’s trusty 4.7-litre V8,
which now offers 30 per cent more power
(227kW), 10 per cent more torque (453Nm) and
improved fuel consumption and refi nement.
It will join four other engines in the 2008
Grand Cherokee line-up, which Jeep says is the
only SUV range to offer fi ve different engines.
The 4.7 remains standard on the Limited
grade, which is also available with 3.0litre
turbo-diesel V6 and 5.7-litre HEMI V8
engines, while a 3.7-litre V6 is standard on the
base Laredo. The 6.1-litre HEMI V8 remains
reserved for the SRT8.
The revised 4.7 borrows the HEMI V8’s
cylinder heads and now features two sparkplugs
per cylinder, increased compression, improved
port fl ow, new camshafts and a new valve-lash
adjuster system. Along with a smoother idle,
a revised induction system, lighter-weight
piston/conrod assembly, lower accessory
drive speed and electronic throttle control are
claimed to further improve refi nement.
The 2008 Grand Cherokee will also be
available with the SIRIUS Backseat TV option,
which displays three children’s TV channels via
an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two
small roof-mounted antennas. SIRIUS Satellite
Radio can also be heard and, when in park,
the updated Grand Cherokee’s optional front
MyGig screen will also display TV programs.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

John Mellor's
GoAutonews
Jeep ’k ’kee ee turns
Bigger Cherokee and
refreshed Grand are
unveiled in New York
By MARTON PETTENDY
JEEP came out with all guns blazing at the
New York International Auto Show last week
by revealing a redesigned version of the midsized
Cherokee and a facelifted iteration of its
fl agship Grand Cherokee luxury SUV.
The revised Grand brings an upgraded 4.7litre
entry-level V8 and new features, some
of which will not be available when launched
here late this year. The all-new Cherokee lands
Down Under in the fi rst quarter of 2008.
As GoAuto revealed last week, the
overhauled Cherokee (known as the Liberty
in the US) is based on a new, bigger platform
borrowed from sister company Dodge and its
new Nitro SUV, which also donated its new
independent front suspension, fi ve-link rear
suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.
While the new suspension and steering
systems are claimed to improve on-road ride
and handling, the new Cherokee’s off-road
ability is also said to be enhanced via the US
availability of two four-wheel drive systems:
part-time Command-Trac and the new fulltime
Selec-Trac II system – both of which are
claimed to be “Jeep trail rated”.
Cherokee’s 3.7-litre SOHC V6 gets the same
upgrade as Nitro and now delivers slightly
more power (157kW) and torque (319Nm).
Fuel consumption is claimed to have improved.
Cherokee continues with four-speed auto and
Grand Cherokee
www.mellor.net
A PRIL 11, 2007 Page 6
Software that drives the automotive industry
IBS Automotive (formerly known as IDS Enterprise Systems) is the leading global
supplier of Automotive Sales, Marketing, Logistics and Aftersales solutions.
Tailored solutions for:
Vehicle Sales & Marketing
Vehicle Distribution
Service Workshop
Warranty
Parts Forecasting
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Parts Sales & Distribution
Dealer Portal
Financials
six-speed manual transmissions.
Though details are scarce, Jeep claims
both cargo space and seat comfort have been
improved, most likely along similar lines to
Nitro. Other improvements over the current
Cherokee, which was released in 2002, include
a tyre-pressure monitoring system and a worldfi
rst “Sky Slider full-open canvas roof”.
New Cherokee options will include remote
starting, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats/
mirrors and express up/down windows. Two
Cherokee specifi cations will be offered (Sport
and Limited), both of which will offer standard
ESP stability/traction control with Electronic
Roll Mitigation, ABS and brake assist.
Also borrowed from Nitro (and other
Dodge models) is the 2008 Cherokee’s MyGig
Multimedia Infotainment System, which
integrates audio, navigation, entertainment and
hands-free communication systems via a touch
screen or voice commands to operate the 20gigabyte
hard-drive.
Outside, the 2008 Cherokee appears to
have returned to the square shape of the
current model’s predecessor.
Offi cially, it “takes on
a more rugged, classic
Jeep look that is sure to
captivate the attention
of current Jeep Liberty
owners and broaden its
consumer appeal”.
IBS Automotive
customers include:
Audi
General Motors
Kia
Subaru
Peugeot
Volkswagen
For more information, call
IBS Automotive
Tel +61 2 8875 9000
or click here
www.ibsautomotive.com
Cherokee
Meantime, the 2008 Grand Cherokee brings
a new version of Jeep’s trusty 4.7-litre V8,
which now offers 30 per cent more power
(227kW), 10 per cent more torque (453Nm) and
improved fuel consumption and refi nement.
It will join four other engines in the 2008
Grand Cherokee line-up, which Jeep says is the
only SUV range to offer fi ve different engines.
The 4.7 remains standard on the Limited
grade, which is also available with 3.0litre
turbo-diesel V6 and 5.7-litre HEMI V8
engines, while a 3.7-litre V6 is standard on the
base Laredo. The 6.1-litre HEMI V8 remains
reserved for the SRT8.
The revised 4.7 borrows the HEMI V8’s
cylinder heads and now features two sparkplugs
per cylinder, increased compression, improved
port fl ow, new camshafts and a new valve-lash
adjuster system. Along with a smoother idle,
a revised induction system, lighter-weight
piston/conrod assembly, lower accessory
drive speed and electronic throttle control are
claimed to further improve refi nement.
The 2008 Grand Cherokee will also be
available with the SIRIUS Backseat TV option,
which displays three children’s TV channels via
an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two
small roof-mounted antennas. SIRIUS Satellite
Radio can also be heard and, when in park,
the updated Grand Cherokee’s optional front
MyGig screen will also display TV programs.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

John Mellor's
GoAutonews
Impreza reborn
Subaru explains its
change in direction
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS in NEW YORK
BREAKING the old styling mould, improving
dynamics and refi nement, and luring more
European small-car buyers – while still
retaining a boxer engine and all-wheel drive
– are the cornerstones of Subaru’s thirdgeneration
Impreza.
Unveiled last week at the New York
International Auto Show, the iconic Japanese
small-car is a massive departure from its 1992
and 2000 predecessors. It is also Subaru’s most
conservative design since the fi nal Leone series
from 1984 to 1992.
Australian hatchback sales commence in
September, with the sedan due a year after that,
due to production capacity limitations.
Known as the ZR1-series, the latest
Impreza sits on an all-new platform featuring
a variation of the Liberty’s MacPherson strut
WRX
www.mellor.net
A PRIL 11, 2007 Page 8
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front suspension set-up, along with a double
wishbone rear set-up that is more sophisticated
and compact than the current model’s multilink
struts arrangement.
Subaru Australia refuses to confi rm the engine
line-up, however choices are likely to be a
development of the current 2.0R’s 118kW/186Nm
2.0-litre twin-cam four-cylinder boxer unit, as
well as WRX’s 169kW/320Nm 2.5-litre twincam
turbo boxer powerplant. American-spec
WRXs now produce 167kW and 306Nm.
It is unclear whether Australian Imprezas
will also offer the normally aspirated
127kW/230Nm 2.5-litre single-cam boxer
engine offered in the US as its riposte to
Mazda’s successful 3 SP23.
The project general manager of Subaru’s
product and portfolio planning division Akihide
Takeuchi said work commenced “fi ve or six
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years ago” and that fi ve in-house body designs
were considered, with the second proposal,
described as being somewhere in-between bold
and conservative, getting the guernsey.
Despite offi cial denials, BMW’s 1 Series
proved infl uential, along with the Volkswagen
Golf and Audi A3, according to a Subaru insider,
refl ecting the company’s European aspirations.
As does the fact that, initially, the Impreza
was going to be rationalised down to the
single fi ve-door hatchback bodystyle more
favoured by Europeans, thus abolishing both
the “Sportswagon” look of the earlier series,
as well as the four-door sedan variant that has
existed since the beginning.
However, with more Americans moving to
smaller vehicles, Subaru changed its mind well
into the Impreza 3’s gestation period.
Continued next page
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John Mellor's
GoAutonews
Impreza reborn
Continued from previous page
The Sportswagon look was also abandoned
to improve the Impreza’s dynamic abilities,
since shorter rear overhangs improve weight
distribution and handling characteristics.
Furthermore, Subaru realised that small-car
buyers generally do not need that much luggage
space, and that the hatchback’s cargo area is
suffi cient for most buyers’ requirements.
Finally, achieving more harmonious
proportions factored heavily in the decision
to go hatchback. No three-door (or two-door
sedan/coupe) variants are planned.
Existing Impreza owners may lament the
adoption of fully framed door windows, but the
need to reduce wind noise and manufacturing
complexity ‘sealed’ the fate for the old frameless
set-up. Another upshot is wider-opening doors.
ORIX0155eNEWS
Key Accounts Officer
Do you have a passion for providing top quality customer
service and a proven ability to effectively manage and
meet customer expectations in a professional manner?
Reporting to the Key Accounts Executive, you’ll build
effective client relationships and successfully manage
a portfolio of Corporate Fleet clients. The ability to
provide the highest levels of customer service by
proactively managing your portfolio and providing timely
and efficient responses to all requests is vital. Fleet or
finance experience is preferred but not essential.
Customer Relations Officer
Do you pride yourself on building strong, effective
client relationships and top quality customer service?
Reporting to the Customer Relations Executive,
you’ll manage a portfolio of Business Fleet clients.
The succesful candidate will have strong relationship
building skills, sound planning, organisational
and problem solving skills and strong computer
literacy. Fleet or finance experience preferred but
not essential.
Surprisingly, Subaru
Australia’s research reveals
that the WRX buyer’s average
age is 40 years plus, supporting
calls to tone-down the current
model’s aggressive styling.
In fact, the WRX’s meeker
visage will be met by a
correspondingly wilder STi
version, due out by December.
Expect big, blistered
wheelarches that barely contain fat wheels
and rubber, a wider and lower stance, and far
wilder spoilers, diffusers and scoops making
up the STi’s bodykit, to distinguish the ZR1
Impreza’s high-performance fl agship. Power
and torque fi gures are expected to eclipse
today’s 206kW/292Nm tally from a revised 2.5-
Become a driving force.
www.mellor.net
A PRIL 11, 2007 Page 9
litre turbo-charged four-cylinder boxer engine.
Perhaps the most astounding thing about the
latest Impreza, however, is that an even fussier
grille than the item used on the production
model was planned.
Read more: Impreza goes mainstream
Tri, then Tri again – next page
At ORIX we go the extra mile not because we have to but because we can. We’re looking for like-minded
individuals to join one of Australia’s most innovative, experienced fleet management teams. We employ over 400
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Sales Co-ordinator (NSW or VIC)
Are you a dynamic, results oriented individual who can
successfully mix achievement with quality service?
Reporting to the Marketing Manager and based in
either Sydney or Melbourne, your primary focus
is to assist our Sales Managers in developing and
sustaining new fleet business. Creative thinking and
excellent communication skills are essential as you’ll
be preparing proposals, tender responses, quotes
and presentations. Strong planning, organisational
and problem solving skills are also vital. Fleet or finance
experience is preferred but not essential.
For further information or to apply for any of the
positions listed above visit www.orix.com.au/
career/vacancies.html or email your application
to careers1@orix.com.au
FLEET MANAGEMENT & LEASING TRUCK & TRAILER RENTAL www.orix.com.au
2.5i

John Mellor's
GoAutonews
Tri, then Tri again
Subaru realises the fi rst
one was ‘on the nose’
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS in NEW YORK
SUBARU’S early facelift of its controversial
US-built Tribeca SUV is a clear indication of
the Japanese company’s new, more mainstream
focus.
Due in Australia in the fi rst
quarter of next year, the Tribeca
Series II represents a surprisingly
thorough revamp for a model
that is a little over two years old
abroad, and only a few months
into its Australian career.
By the time the facelifted model arrives, the
Tribeca will have barely been on our market for
15 months. The reason is simple: polarising design
is out, as Subaru seeks to gain a greater foothold
in key markets like the US and Australia.
Sales of the outgoing model struggled to
match their initial volume targets from the
outset.
A Subaru America spokesman summed
up the Tribeca’s troubles: “We wanted a less
polarising design (because) not enough people
liked it. We listened, and redesigned the front
and rear. We addressed engine performance
issues, improved fuel consumption and
implemented third-row seat access from both
sides of the vehicle.”
Gearbox and suspension modifi cations are
also part of the SUV’s revamp.
From the A-pillar forward, and the rear doors
back, the Tribeca is fresh sheetmetal. However,
whether it is strictly new is another matter.
Before Subaru dissolved its capital alliance
with General Motors in October 2005, it was
going to supply GM’s Swedish arm Saab with
a variation of the American-made Tribeca.
Industry observers suggest that Subaru may
have simply switched to using the design that
was going to differentiate the Tribeca from the
aborted Saab 9-7 SUV, although Subaru denies
this. The only item that a Subaru insider would
admit came from the Saab version is the new
alloy wheel design.
However, GoAuto has learned that, apart
from the Tribeca’s rectangular grille, what
we are seeing on the MY08 Tribeca is “pretty
www.mellor.net
A PRIL 11, 2007 Page 10
The new Tribeca (above) and the old
much” pure Saab. People who had seen the
result claim that the Saab 9-7 was actually
more attractive than its donor vehicle.
Ironically, both the Japanese and Swedish
SUVs were going to have an aircraft-inspired
winged motif forming part of the grille.
Future Tribeca editions may also gain
Subaru’s recently announced diesel engine.
Believed to be of about 2.5 litres in size,
it features a horizontally opposed “boxer”
cylinder design. Subaru says this layout
is especially well suited to turbo-diesel
applications because the boxer’s compact
design allows a low centre of gravity, while its
inherent rotational balance reduces vibration.
The Tribeca diesel is not expected to be
available in Australia before 2009.
Subaru Australia chairman Trevor Amery
said the Tribeca’s revisions prove that the
company listens to constructive criticism. “We
react quickly to feedback,” he said.
WE’RE BACK!
IT’S MORE THAN
JUST RACING.
IT’S CONTINUOUS
PERFORMANCE.

John Mellor's
GoAutonews
H3 to expand
No, it’s not getting bigger. But
Holden’s Hummer range looks
set to grow with V8, diesel and
ethanol power - and a ute!
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS in INDIANA
HOLDEN’S Hummer H3 plans will expand
from late 2008 or early 2009 to include a petrol
V8 and turbo-diesel applications.
At least one extra bodystyle is also expected
to arrive, in the guise of a still-secret four-door
crew-cab-style utility (known as an SUT Sport
Utility Truck in Hummer-speak), as well as
the possibility of a more traditional two-door
short-cab ute.
All will join the South
African-built fi ve-cylinder
petrol H3 SUV model lineup
announced in February
and available from July in
Australia.
The V8 was unveiled last week at the New
York International Auto Show, on the back
of the Australian media’s fi rst-drive of the
existing fi ve-cylinder H3 in Indiana.
Dubbed the Alpha, the H3 V8 uses a
variation of General Motors’ GEN-III cast
aluminium, overhead valve, two-valves-percylinder
family of engines. In this application,
it is a compact 5.3-litre unit developing 224kW
of power at 5200rpm and 438Nm of torque at
4000rpm.
In contrast, a 3.7-litre inline fi ve-cylinder
petrol engine producing 180kW at 5600rpm and
328Nm at 4600rpm powers the existing H3.
Both engines use GM’s Hydra-Matic 4L60-
PRICING:
H3 $51,990
H3 (a) $53,990
H3 Adventure $57,990
H3 Adventure (a) $59,990
H3 Luxury (a) $59,990
E four-speed automatic transmission, driving a
two-speed electronically controlled full-time
4WD system.
For now, the 3.7’s fi ve-speed manual
gearbox – the fi rst Hummer to offer one – is
not available in the V8.
GM claims the H3 Alpha V8 will sprint
to 100km/h from standstill in around eight
seconds. No V8 fuel consumption fi gures have
been divulged, but the fi vecylinder
models return between
13.7 and 14.5L/100km in the
ADR81/01 offi cial combined
average results.
Compared to the fi vecylinder
models, the V8’s
2721kg towing capacity increases by more
than 33 per cent.
In order to install the V8, Hummer modifi ed
the H3’s engine compartment, engine mounts,
ladder chassis frame and front differential casing,
while the suspension’s torsion bar rates and shock
absorber rates have also been modifi ed.
A diesel also fi gures strongly in the H3’s
future. GM is keeping quiet about it for now,
but a development of the 2.0-litre commonrail
four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit developed
between GM DAT and VM Motori and
launched recently in the Holden Captiva is
thought to be the most viable proposition.
Speculation suggests that the Captiva’s
www.mellor.net
A PRIL 11, 2007 Page 11
engine can be enlarged to 2.2 or even 2.5 litres
in capacity.
Future H3 developments also point to E85
ethanol-powered versions, along with the
implementation of bio-diesel engine technology.
When it comes to engines, the H3’s Achilles
Heel is the size of its engine bay, since the
stubby nose design so important in preserving
the original HMMWV – or “Humvee” –
military vehicle’s lines precludes the fi tment of
bulky engines.
In fact, its current inline fi ve-cylinder engine,
originally devised for use in an aborted Chevrolet
van, was the only credible engine that would fi t.
It is a development of GM’s Atlas inline sixcylinder
engine found in some US Chevy trucks
– but with a cylinder lopped off it.
Launched in America in early 2005, the H3 is
built off existing General Motors Corporation
(GMC) componentry, using much of the
platform belonging to the latest iteration of the
GMC Canyon/Chevrolet Colorado mediumsized
pick-up truck, launched in 2004.
Around 56,000 were sold the US in 2006,
compared to 14,000 of Hummer’s larger, more
expensive H2 SUV. The latter is loosely based
on the full-sized GMC Suburban truck.
Currently the US accounts for the lion’s share
of H3 production, with only 12 per cent exported
– mainly to Europe and the Middle East.
Continued next page
H3 Alpha

John Mellor's
GoAutonews
H3 to expand
Continued from previous page
Hummer hopes that total sales outside
of North America will exceed 25 per cent
within the next few years. Holden expects
to sell around 750 H3s in its fi rst full year of
availability in Australia, with this number
rising when further models come on line.
In fact, GM says it has been surprised by the
number of internet enquiries for all its Hummer
models – at least 20 per cent have connected to
sales, according to Hummer’s general manager
Martin Walsh.
In Australia, Holden claims it already holds
200 fi rm orders for the H3.
As previously reported, the H3 will be
available in three models – base, Adventure
and Luxury – with the hardcore Adventure
adding an electronic rear differential lock, off-
road suspension and a shorter low-range ratio
of 4.03:1.
The H3 employs a torsion bar front/leaf rear
suspension set-up, powered rack and pinion
steering, 216mm of ground clearance, 60 per
cent grade capability, 40 per cent side slope
capability and a 610mm fording depth.
www.mellor.net
A PRIL 11, 2007 Page 12
“Be part of the future of Australian Motoring”
TMI Pacific P/L is a newly formed Automotive Importer and Distributor for
Mahindra motor vehicles in Australia.
The new Mahindra Pik-Up will launch mid-2007, and TMI Pacific is now looking for
Senior Executives to assist in the development and growth of the business.
• Chief Executive Officer
• National Service Manager
• Dealer Development Manager
Holden claims that the H3’s size, weight and
fuel consumption are “comparable” with other
mid-sized SUVs such as the Toyota Prado,
Nissan Pathfi nder and Mitsubishi Pajero.
For drive impressions, go to
www.goauto.com.au from this afternoon.
Read more: Hummer here in July
The release of Mahindra Motor vehicles in Australia presents an exciting opportunity to build a brand and
will expand the Australian retail motor industry. TMI Pacific is looking to appoint zealous, enthusiastic and
capable motor professionals to ensure success and to grow a passionate team throughout its development
phase.
A demonstrated commitment to succeed and excellent business acumen are essential, as is a proven track
record in your field. As a dedicated self-starter who thrives on achieving results and developing business
process, you will help to ensure success and grow with the business. Automotive experience is preferable,
as is a suitable level of education.
If you have a passion for all things Automotive, plus a high level of enthusiasm and a strong work ethic,
please email your CV and letter of interest: employment@tmipacific.com.au
About The Mahindra Group
The US$4 billion* Mahindra Group is among the top 10 industrial houses in India. Mahindra & Mahindra is the only Indian company
among the top five tractor manufacturers in the world and is the market leader in multi-utility vehicles in India. The Group has a leading
presence in key sectors of the Indian economy, including trade and financial services (Mahindra Intertrade, Mahindra & Mahindra Financial
Services Ltd.), automotive components, information technology & telecom (Tech Mahindra, Bristlecone), and infrastructure development
(Mahindra GESCO, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd., Mahindra World City). With over 60 years of manufacturing experience,
the Mahindra Group has built a strong base in technology, engineering, marketing and distribution which are key in its evolution as a customer-centric
organisation. The Group employs over 40,000 people and has several state-of-the-art facilities in India and overseas. The
Mahindra Group has ambitious global aspirations and has a presence in five continents. M&M has entered into partnerships with international
companies like Renault SA, France, and International Truck and Engine Corporation, USA. Forbes has ranked the Mahindra Group
in its Top 200 list of the World’s Most Reputable Companies and in the Top 10 list of Most Reputable Indian companies.
*(Annualised for current fiscal)

John Mellor's
GoAutonews
By DAVID HASSALL
BMW Australia has introduced the fi nal body
variant of its highly successful current model 3
Series with the launch of its fourth-generation
convertible.
More than a quarter of a million units on
from the fi rst drop-top in 1986 (and following
generations in 1993 and 2000), the E93 model
is a signifi cant step forward in replacing the
previous fabric roof with a three-section steel
roof that folds away into the top of the boot.
Two models are now available in Australia –
the 2.5-litre 325i priced from $94,900 and the
3.0-litre twin-turbo 335i priced from $121,500
with a standard six-speed manual gearbox. A
six-speed automatic transmission with manual
sequential shift is an extra $2600.
Specifi cations and equipment levels are the
same as the equivalent 3 Series coupe models,
which are about $13,000 cheaper.
The 325i features ABS, stability control,
traction control, cruise control, foglamps,
rear-parking sensors, rain sensors, auto airconditioning,
six CD-changer, auto-dipping
mirror, onboard computer, multi-function
steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated
power front seats and satellite navigation.
As well as the more powerful engine, the
335i gets bigger 18-inch alloy wheels, active
headlights, parking sensors front and rear, hifi
speakers, front sports seats, electric lumbar
adjustment on both sides, and an upgraded satnav
system with a 22cm screen (versus 16cm
in the 325i), TV and voice recognition.
BMW Australia expects that, initially at
least, the more expensive 335i will account for
the majority of sales (about 60 per cent).
Although the company will not project
www.mellor.net
A PRIL 11, 2007 Page 13
3CC sets
the pace
BMW creates another benchmark
in class - this time with the
steel-roofed 3 Series convertible
sales volumes because of supply constraints
– the 335i waiting list already extends to the
end of the year – it is confi dent of maintaining
leadership in the luxury convertible market.
Built in Munich alongside the coupe,
the 325i is powered by the regular 2.5-litre
aluminium-magnesium straight-six engine
from the 3 Series range. This engine develops
160kW of power at 6500rpm and 250Nm of
torque at between 2750rpm and 4000rpm,
pushing the drop-top from 0-100km/h in 7.8
seconds, or 8.4 seconds with the auto.
Already seen in the sedan and coupe, the
3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine in the 335i
cranks out 225kW at 5800rpm and some
400Nm across a huge rev-range of 1300rpm to
5000rpm. The 335i does the standing 0-100km/
h run in 5.8 seconds (6.0 seconds auto).
Continued next page
On the track, on the road, and in your
dealership, Mobil 1 is the name that
stands for performance.

John Mellor's
GoAutonews
3CC sets the pace
Continued from previous page
Combined fuel consumption for the 325i is
8.9L/100km (auto: 9.2L), and 9.9L/100km for
the 335i with either transmission.
There are no plans to offer four-cylinder or
turbo-diesel engine variants in the convertible.
Introducing a retractable hard-top has
enabled the designers to include BMW’s
signature “Hofmeister kick” in the C-pillar for
the fi rst time in a convertible, as well as making
the side windows 30 per cent larger, to the
benefi t of rear seat passengers in particular.
The roof itself is made by roof specialist
Edscha in Germany and retracts in 22 seconds,
then closes in 23 seconds, activated by either
a centre console button or the key remote
control.
Boot space is naturally compromised with
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the roof stored away, reducing cargo volume
from 350 litres to 210 litres, but a standard
through-loading system into the back seat area
provides added fl exibility.
Access to the boot is
aided by a function that
allows the roof to halfopen
(in 10 seconds).
Torsional stiffness
has been increased by
50 per cent with the roof down
over the third-generation 3 Series
convertible, according to BMW.
Weight distribution is 50:50 and
the centre of gravity is said to be
slightly lower than the coupe’s.
Safety features include pop-up
rollover bars located behind the rear
seats that activate in the event of a
PRICING:
325i $94,900
325i (a) $97,500
335i $121,500
335i (a) $124,100
Victoria John Flynn, Grant Cameron & Murray Peck Ph: +61 (0) 3 9208 7015
Queensland David Cowper, Terry Giffin & Michael Richter Ph: +61 (0) 7 3308 7217
SA/NT/TAS Henry Veronese Ph: +61 (0) 8 8407 7236
WA Wayne Pearson Ph: +61 (0) 8 9365 7015
NSW Stavroula Papadatos, John Flynn & David Cowper Ph: +61 (0) 2 9322 3577
NZ Gavin Sebire Ph: +64 (0) 4 721 677
Asia Wayne Pearson & Danny Rezek Ph: +61 (0) 2 9322 3889
www.mellor.net
A PRIL 11, 2007 Page 14
rollover when the roof is down, along with a
strengthened A-pillar.
Dual front airbags are standard, along with
head-thorax side airbags that are built into the
front seat (as are the pretensioner
seatbelts).
BMW’s controversial iDrive
system has been further simplifi ed.
It has eight direct-access
“favourites” buttons on the dash
that can be programmed for favourite radio
stations, regularly dialled phone numbers or
navigation destinations.
The standard leather upholstery employs
innovative “SunRefl ective Technology” that
claims to refl ect infrared radiation from direct
sunlight, resulting in the seats being 20-degrees
Celsius cooler than conventional leather.
DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

John Mellor's
GoAutonews
All-time record!
By MARTON PETTENDY
AUSTRALIAN new-car buyers voted with
their feet in March when an all-time sales
record for the month was set.
According to motor industry statistician
VFACTS, some 94,392 new cars, trucks and
buses were sold last month – up 8.3 per cent on
the same month last year.
The fi gure combines with a rebounding
large-car sales segment and the continued
growth of small-car sales to make the fi rst
three months of 2007 the best fi rst-quarter
sales result on record.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries
(FCAI) fi gures show an unprecedented 255,068
vehicles were sold in the fi rst quarter of this
year – up 20,463 or 8.7 per cent on the fi rst
quarter of 2006 and more than 18,000 units
ahead of the previous best fi rst-quarter sales
number of 237,000, set in 2005.
Seasonally adjusted, the Aussie market
remains well on target to break the magic
million mark this year, and in doing so set a
new sales record by bettering the 2005 result of
988,269. However, FCAI chief executive Peter
Sturrock continues to forecast a 2007 sales
total of 970,000.
“By any measure it’s a remarkably strong
start to the year and one that has probably taken
Up Up Up Close Close Close on on on Personnel
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MULALLY TAKES HOME $34.5 MILLION
FORD Motor Co chief executive Alan Mulally
received $US28.18 million ($A34.5 million)
compensation in 2006, including an $US18.5 million
($A22.7 million) bonus, according to news agency
Reuters. Ford disclosed in an annual proxy last week
that Mr Mulally, who replaced Bill Ford as CEO in
September, was awarded a $US7.5 million hiring
bonus and $US11 million to offset the compensation Alan Mulally
he gave up for ending his tenure as chief of Boeing’s commercial
plane division. According to the report, he also received four million
share options. Ford Americas president Mark Fields was awarded
total compensation of $US5.57 million last year while chief fi nancial
offi cer Don Leclair secured $4.4 million.
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A PRIL 11, 2007 Page 15
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even the optimists in our industry slightly by
surprise,” he said. “Consumers appear to have
shaken off any lingering concerns about fuel
prices and interest rates and have responded
enthusiastically to the intensely competitive
prices being offered in dealerships.”
As in February, the volume-selling large-car
segment again contributed to the healthy March
result by being 4.7 per cent up compared to
the same month in 2007 – the second positive
result after months of declining sales.
Holden recorded the best Commodore sales
fi gures since the redesigned VE sedan was
launched last September, with 5752 sales easily
returning it to “most popular model” status after
being dethroned on a number of occasions last
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NEW DAIMLER CHAIRMAN
Toyota Aurion
year by Toyota’s Corolla small car.
That is up from the record 5544 sold last
month and gives Holden a 44 per cent share of
the big-six segment both in March and year-todate
(versus 40.7% YTD in 2006). Commodore
sales were up 11.3 per cent in March, and up
9.3 per cent so far this year.
Toyota’s Aurion also sold strongly, with the
2037 examples sold (up from 1817 in February)
representing 15.6 per cent of the category in
March. YTD, a total of 4979 Aurion sales gives
Toyota a 14.8 per cent share of the segment.
In between was Ford’s Falcon, which slipped
further behind 2006 levels by attracting just
3249 buyers in March for a 24.9 per cent share.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
AT ITS Annual Meeting last week, DaimlerChrysler
elected Manfred Bischoff as its new chairman with
immediate effect. Also elected as the new chairman
of DaimlerChrysler’s presidential committee,
Dr Bischoff is the chairman of the board of the
European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company
(EADS) and at DCX he succeeds Hilmar Kopper,
who leaves the supervisory board after 17 years.
The company also elected Deutsche Bank
chairman Clemens Borsig as a new member of its
supervisory board.
VFACTS
WRAP
Manfred
Bischoff
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email them to Terry Martin at
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John Mellor's
GoAutonews
www.mellor.net
A PRIL 11, 2007 Page 16
GoAuto’s latest car review www.goauto.com.au
M3 IN FULL GLORY
THERE was both good and bad news contained
in the latest M3 information released by BMW
late last week.
As expected, when it appears in the metal at
Frankfurt in September, the production version
of the fourth-generation M3 super-coupe will be
a direct lift of the wild, bespoke-styled concept
that appeared at the Geneva motor show in
March. As the fi rst pictures of the production
car show, the next-generation M3 will therefore
feature a carbon fi bre-reinforced plastic (CFP)
roof, radically fl ared front and rear quarter
panels (the former with now-trademark go-fast
venting) and a bonnet comprising both twin air
inlets and a prominent power dome.
As previously revealed, the M3’s M5/M6
V10-derived 4.0-litre V8 delivers 309kW at
8300rpm and 400Nm of torque at 3900rpm
– fi gures that are identical to Audi’s RS4 super
sedan and wagon. If there is any bad news, it
is that kerb weight rises by 130kg to 1655kg
as a result of the bigger coupe body, extra
equipment and superior crashworthiness – and
despite the fact the new V8 weighs 15kg less
than the current M3’s straight-six.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Audi S6 sedan
LAMBORGHINI cohabits with Audi to create the new S6 model – one of two new sedans
bearing the 5.2-litre V10 engine and the most potent of the current “6” series. The Audi
S6 weighs two tonnes and is priced at almost $200,000, but it’s possible still to say
you get a fair return for your money with a unique combination of surging
performance and restrained luxury that is in direct contrast with the other
German V10 muscle-car, the BMW M5. The Audi focuses more on blending
high performance with luxury than the focused BMW, and is nowhere near
as blatantly rapid. But, at the same time, there’s not too much around that
challenges the all-wheel drive S6 sedan for on-road supremacy. It’s the
seriously fast luxury car for the driver who leans towards introversion.
ROAD TEST: CLICK HERE
Launch Pad
brought to you by
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BMW 3 Series Convertible
Holden Astra range
Holden Epica sedan range
Jaguar XKR range
Lexus LS460 sedan
SsangYong Actyon SUV
SsangYong Actyon Sports utility
SsangYong Rexton SUV
New model diary: CLICK HERE
BMW 3 Series convertible
KERKORIAN WEIGHS IN
Holden Epica
US BILLIONAIRE Kirk Kerkorian emerged
as the new frontrunner in ongoing negotiations
to purchase the Chrysler Group when his
investment arm Tracinda Corporation made a
$US4.5 billion cash offer to DaimlerChrysler
last week.
The offer is believed to be lower than a
competing bid from Canadian car-parts supplier
Magna International (worth an estimated
$US4.7 billion), however Mr Kerkorian – who
failed in his quest to purchase Chrysler in 1995,
prior to its merger with Daimler-Benz – has
also offered an appealing ownership stake with
the United Auto Workers union.
“The economics of the automotive industry
have become brutal, particularly in Chrysler’s
principal market, North America,” Tracinda
said in a statement. “Consequently, we believe
the only realistic plan for Chrysler is one in
which all the parties share equitably.”
At least two other private equity groups also
remain in negotiations with DaimlerChrysler.
IBS, AUTO-IT COMBINE
IBS Asia Pacifi c and Auto-IT have formed a
“business alliance” to broaden their range of IT
solutions for the Australian automotive sector.
According to the companies, the partnership
will allow IBS – which is a global supply chain
software provider – to extend its reach beyond
OEM and distributor clientele through to the
dealership marketplace. For Auto-IT, which
is the second-largest dealer management
solutions supplier in Australia, it will provide
an opportunity to offer distributor-owned
dealerships a “seamless view of the entire
supply chain from manufacturer to user”.
The alliance will lead to links between dealer
management systems and the IT systems at
distributors.
KLUGER IN THE BAG
TOYOTA Australia’s all-new Kluger will have
seven airbags fi tted across the range when it
hits the streets in August.
To be offered with either 2WD or 4WD,
the medium-sized SUV will have side-curtain
airbags (with a rollover sensor) for all three
rows, along with a driver’s knee airbag and
dual front and front-side airbags. Kluger II
will also be the fi rst Toyota vehicle in Australia
with active head restraints, and will have a
pedestrian-friendly bonnet.
Other features confi rmed across the
forthcoming Kluger range include a reversing
camera, stability and traction control, “Hillstart
Assist Control” and ABS with electronic
brake-force distribution and brake assist. AWD
models will also come standard with “Downhill
Assist Control”.
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