GoAutoNews

John Mellor’s 

GoAuto News 

June 27, 2012 Australia’s No.1 Automotive Industry Journal No. 636 70,000 Readers Weekly 

DIGITAL IMAGE: Luc Britten 

 

 

THE NEW CASTROL PROFESSIONAL RANGE IS NOW 

BETTER THAN EVER. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE. 

An 

Opel’s big guns 

All-new cabrio, Mokka SUV set to bolster Opel line-up as fi rst wave nears shore 

By RON HAMMERTON 

OPEL’S mysterious “completely new 

convertible” is on the wish-list of the 

fl edgling Australian arm of General 

Motors’ European brand that is set to 

nail up its shingle in Australia via a 

17-dealer retail network in September. 

As well, the new Corsa-based 

Mokka compact SUV – an upmarket 

twin of the Trax destined for Holden 

showrooms – is also expected to 

eventually join the starting line-up that 

has been confi rmed as the Corsa light 

hatchback, facelifted Astra small car, 

scorching three-door Astra GTC and 

fl agship Insignia mid-sizer. 

The cars will go on sale through an 

initial network of standalone dealerships 

in all state capitals and Canberra, with 

more outlets to come in regional cities 

next year. 

Secrecy surrounds the sports 

convertible that is likely to provide 

a glamorous halo for the Opel brand 

across the world, including Australia, 

where the German-based company is 

set to take on fellow European brands 

such as Volkswagen, Peugeot, Citroen 

and Renault. 

European reports suggest the cabrio 

will sit on a combination of Astra and 

Insignia underpinnings, and will be 

revealed at the Paris motor show in 

September – around the same time 

that Opel fi res up its Australian sales 

operation. 

Last year, Opel’s then vice-president 

of corporate and product planning, 

Frank Weber, told Australian journalists 

that the convertible would not be a 

simple chop-top, but a cabriolet with its 

own style. 

He also indicated the car would be 

bigger than the Astra, saying: “If you 

do four seats, and you are spending 

that money for open air, I think the car 

should be positioned between Astra and 

mid-sized (models). It is not just an 

Astra or Insignia convertible.” 

In his recently outlined growth 

An A art rt rtis is ist’ t’ t’s s im impr pr pres es essi si s on of f th the ne new w 

co conv co c nv nver nv n er erti er erti ti tibl ti tibl bl b bl blee wi with wi w th the he h he Mok M 

ok okka ka k SUV UV 

strategy for the still-brittle Germanbased 

company, Opel CEO Karl- 

Friedrich Stracke described the sportscar 

as a “completely new convertible”. 

Speaking with GoAuto ahead 

of the Australian dealer network 

announcement, Opel Australia 

founding managing director Bill Mott 

called the car “an interesting vehicle”, 

but said Opel was not ready to disclose 

further details. 

Mr Mott indicated that Opel Australia 

was interested in adding the car to its 

line-up. 

“If it comes to fruition, we would 

look at raising our hand for it,” he said. 

Continued next page 

GIANT 31-PAGE ISSUE! 

EXCLUSIVE 

Opel’s Aussie dealers 

OVERSEAS DRIVES 

Volvo V40 

Volvo S60 Polestar 

Porsche Cayenne GTS 

LOCAL LAUNCHES 

Lexus RX 

Honda Civic hatch 

Hyundai i40, i20 

Isuzu D-Max 

AND MUCH MORE... 

SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com ADVERTISE: Steve Butcher Ph: 0419 562 110 ads@mellor.net


GoAuto News 

Opel’s big guns 

Continued from previous page 

The car is likely to be a spiritual 

successor for the Opel GT, which debuted 

in 1968 as a two-door sports coupe based 

on the Opel Kadett small car. 

The last Opel GT was the short-lived 

2007 model based on the Saturn Sky and 

built alongside it in the United States. 

That car was killed off at the height of 

the global fi nancial crisis, along with the 

Saturn brand and the factory that made it. 

The new vehicle will be a European 

affair, perhaps with a spin-off for American 

and Chinese customers as a Buick. 

Mr Mott said his team was working on 

a business plan for the Mokka compact 

SUV which was unveiled at the Geneva 

motor show in March and is just now 

rolling into European showrooms. 

“We would love to have it,” he said. “We 

do not have it confi rmed, but obviously it 

is a booming segment in Australia. 

“We think it is an excellent-looking 

product, an excellently designed 


GoAuto News 

PUBLISHER: John Mellor 

EDITOR: Terry Martin 

MANAGING EDITOR: Ron Hammerton 

JOURNALISTS: Haitham Razagui, Mike Costello, 

Byron Mathioudakis, James Stanford 

PRODUCTION: Luc Britten, Ian James 

SUB-EDITOR: David Hassall 

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Tim Nicholson 

Produced by GoAutoMedia: Ph: (03) 9598 6477 

newsroom@mellor.net 

ADVERTISE: Steve Butcher 

Ph: 0419 562 110 ads@mellor.net 

SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com 

Switching dealer systems 

can seem scary at fi rst. 

But the benefi ts are enjoyed long 

after the fear is forgotten. 

product, and we are working to secure 

it, but we can’t confi rm it.” 

Left-hand-drive Mokka test vehicles 

have been seen at Holden’s Lang Lang 

proving ground, possibly as part of 

Holden Engineering’s role in calibrating 

the chassis for the related Chevrolet/ 

Holden Trax or to tune the Opel 

version’s suspension for Australian 

conditions. 

The Mokka – based on the same GM 

Gamma II platform as the Barina and 

Corsa – is being launched in Europe 

with three four-cylinder engines – the 

1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine that also 

sits under the bonnet of the Holden 

Cruze, a 1.6-litre normally aspirated 

petrol, and a 1.7-litre turbo-diesel. 

The vehicle is being produced in 

South Korea and shipped around the 

world, including North America where 

it is to be known as the Buick Encore. 

Mr Mott confi rmed that the Spanishbuilt 

Meriva small MPV, with its rearhinged 

back doors, was unlikely to 

make the boat to Australia – much to 

his regret. 

Talk to us today. sales@auto-it.com.au | 03 9349 3062 


June 27, 2012 Page 2 

Opel Mokka testing in Australia 

“Frankly, we have looked it and at 

present we don’t plan to bring it,” he said. 

“That’s causing some personal anguish 

because I think it is a great representation 

of the things coming of Opel.” 

However, the bigger Zafi ra is more 

likely to make the cut and head Down 

Under for another attempt at the 

compact people-mover segment. 

“Zafi ra, now in its third generation, 

is an excellent product – better suited 

to Australia (than Meriva) – and we are 

looking at that closely,” he said. 

Mr Mott said the jury was still out on 

the forthcoming mini-car, called Adam, 

for this market. 

“We have not made a decision either 

way,” he said. 

“It would be diffi cult – it relies very 

much on personalisation, and with the 

transit time (from Europe) it is diffi cult to 

make that equation work, so we will have 

to have more discussion with our dealers 

on that potential as we get closer.” 

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE 

Opel names retail network – next page


GoAuto News 

AUTOMOTIVE PERSONNEL 

INTERNATIONAL 

DRIVING THE MOTOR INDUSTRY – Worldwide Recruitment 


June 27, 2012 Page 3 

Opel names retail network 

Only two Holden dealers 

in Opel’s launch network 

as luxury retailers step up 

EXCLUSIVE 


OPEL will kick off its retail assault 

in Australia in September with a 

17-dealer chain of metropolitan 

standalone sites. 

Only two of the debut dealers for 

General Motors’ European brand – 

Brisbane’s AP Eagers and Sydney’s 

Alto Group – have Holden outlets. 

As well, only one of those dealers 

handled the ill-fated GM Premium 

Brands franchises Saab and Hummer, 

which bit the dust in the global fi nancial 

crisis, leaving many Holden dealers 

rueing their involvement. 

Instead, at least half of the initial 17 

dealers handle German prestige brands 

such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Audi. 

Quality Japanese brands such 

as Honda and Subaru are also 

well represented among the multifranchised 

dealerships that have 

committed to either new or extensively 

renovated showrooms for GM’s 

German brand that will open with 

three main models – the Corsa light 

hatchback, Astra small car – including 

the high-performance Astra GTC – and 

Insignia mid-sized sedan. 

So far, the network extends to capital 

cities in all six states and the Australian 

Capital Territory, as well as Geelong in 

Victoria. 

The company today embarks on 

a search for six more dealerships in 

major provincial centres to expand the 

footprint in 2013, mainly in Queensland 

and New South Wales in larger cities 

such as Townsville, Cairns, Toowoomba 

and Wollongong. 

Smaller rural centres will follow, but 

not until later, probably 2014. 

Opel Australia managing director Bill 

Mott told GoAuto that his company had 

received 200 expressions of interest 

from dealers across Australia. 

“Our objective going in was to have 

between 15 and 20 dealers nationally, 

and one of the objectives was also 

to have dealers in every state and 

every capital, to truly have national 

representation,” he said. 

“We were looking for very strong 

partners who were willing to invest and 

who shared our vision of the potential 

of this brand within Australia.” 

EMPLOYERS – We have Quality Management Candidates ready to drive your Business. 

Mr Mott, who is working with a staff 

of 15 out of Holden’s Melbourne head 

offi ce, said the vast majority of the 

dealers who replied to its advertisement 

in GoAutoNews had gone the extra step 

to enter into discussions with Opel. 

“We ended up with a process of 

reviewing and evaluating the list and 

were left with 17 dealers that we will 

launch with,” he said. 

“That gives me the objective of having 

at least one in each state capital, so we 

will have true national representation.” 

Mr Mott, who was Opel’s group 

marketing manager for mini and small 

cars at its headquarters in Russelsheim 

until his appointment as founding chief 

of Opel Australia last year, said the 

applicants had included a “considerable 

amount” of Holden dealers, but that the 

criteria for selection was based simply 

on the proposal from each dealer. 

FULL STORY, DEALER LIST: CLICK HERE 

‘An accessible brand’ – next page 

CRAIG WARREN 

0417 248 884 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER 

Our client requires the services of an experienced automotive Fleet/Finance sales professional to drive growth and manage their existing client base. 

DEALER PRINCIPAL 

Large, privately-owned Dealer Group requires a successful General Manager or dynamic General Sales Manager looking to become a Dealer Principal. 

SERVICE MANAGER Prestige 

Our client requires the services of an experienced Prestige Brand Service Manager or an Assistant Manager ready to build a long-term career. 

BROOKE JONES 

0438 533 699 

craig@automotivepersonnel.com.au(02) 

AUTOMOTIVE PERSONNEL


GoAuto News 

‘An accessible brand’ 

GM’s German brand Opel 

promises Euro appeal and 

value pricing from launch 


OPEL Australia plans to take the fi ght 

up to the likes of Volkswagen and 

Peugeot by offering better-value cars 

with more affordable pricing and extra 

features. 

The aggressive stance by General 

Motors’ European brand was 

foreshadowed by Opel Australia 

founding managing director 

Bill Mott when announcing the 

new-look 17-dealer Opel sales 

network that will launch the 

initial three-model range across 

Australia in September. 

Previously offered as part of 

the Holden range, Opel vehicles 

will now be sold down a separate 

sales channel under Opel badges for the 

fi rst time, sitting above the Holden line. 

Mr Mott said Opel intended to be one 

of the premier mainstream European 

manufacturers in the Australian market. 

He named European importers 

Volkswagen, Peugeot, Citroen and 

 

 

Bill Mott 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Renault as major rivals, adding that Opel 

would not be pitched as a premium brand. 

“We are a German engineering brand 

but we are an accessible brand,” he 

said. “We don’t see ourselves as 

a premium brand as such.” 

Mr Mott said Opel would use 

value as its point of difference 

against the middling European 

competitors. 

“We intend to price ourselves 

where have got a price and 

equipment advantage that is 

quite compelling to the customer,” he 

said. 

“We are really looking to put 

together a package that really speaks to 

customers and has them considering our 

brand.” 

Mr Mott declined to put a date on 


June 27, 2012 Page 4 

Astra GTC 

when the Opel head offi ce’s stated 

target of 15,000 sales a year in Australia 

would be achieved. 

“That was the very aggressive target 

given to us by management – that was a 

long-term target,” he said. 

“I can only say that we are on track 

to meet our objectives. There’s no 

timeframe. It will take us some time to 

get there.” 

The 15,000 target was quoted to 

GoAuto last year by GM Europe CEO 

Karl-Friedrich Stracke at the Frankfurt 

motor show. 

“It’s 15,000 to start from and then we 

want to go from there,” said Mr Stracke 

when asked how many vehicle sales he 

expected from Australia. 

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE


GoAuto News 

Volvo to hold off on vital 

V40 launch until early in 

2013 so T5 can top series 

At tradingpost.com.au we are committed to helping grow your business by 

• Promoting your brand alongside your inventory 

• Building and promoting your own web and mobile sites 

• Listing your Tradingpost stock on your website 

• Helping to deliver more buyers to your business 

Call 1300 699 608 to find out why it’s better with branding. 

Wil il i l D DDavison 

– Tradin di gpo p st Rac Racing ing 

Winn Winner er e – 201 20 2 Clipsa psa psal 500 

Winner – 201 2012 2 Tasman man mania ia C CChall 

hall hallenge 

Winn W er – 2012 2 ITM 

M 400, 4 

NZ 

Winner – 2012 2 Tr Tradin adi gpos os ost t Perth 

Chal Cha len en enge 

Winn inner r – 2012 Ph Philli Ph illi illip IIslan 

and n 30 300 


V40 to blast off with T5 

By RON HAMMERTON in ITALY 

VOLVO has chosen to delay the 

Australian debut of its all-new 

premium small car, the V40, by about 

two months so it can launch with the 

full range, including a range-topping 

performance fl agship that will go headto-head 

with hot hatches like Audi’s S3, 

Volkswagen’s Golf R and the Renault 

Megane RS250. 

Packing 187kW of power and 

370Nm of torque from a fi ve-cylinder 

engine tuned by Swedish race team 

Polestar, the yet-to-be-seen V40 T5 

will lob in Europe later this year before 

joining the boat to Australia for the 

range launch in February. 

Other models in the V40 range from 

launch will be the 1.6-litre D2 diesel 

entry model, 2.0-litre D4 diesel and T4 

fi ve-cylinder petrol. 

Collectively, the V40 range will 

provide a new benchmark in smallcar 

safety, boasting the world-fi rst 

pedestrian airbag that pops from 

between the bonnet and windscreen 

to cushion the head of a pedestrian 

in a collision, as well as an upgraded 

version of Volvo’s pioneering City Safe 

anti-collision technology and pedestrian 

detection system that automatically 

brakes to prevent more serious injury to 

wayward walkers. 

The V40 will be built for global 

markets only in a fi ve-door hatchback 

style, although insiders say there is a 

chance of a sedan for China where the 

three-box designs are more popular. 

At the European V40 launch in Italy 

last week, Volvo was keeping its powder 

dry on the V40 T5 that will not only take 

the fi ght up to existing hot hatches from 

rivals but also the upcoming Mercedes- 

Benz A-Class that reverts to a standard 

hatch design this time around, and a 

June 27, 2012 Page 5 

new front-wheel-drive BMW model to 

be revealed at the Paris motor show in 

September. 

The V40 T5 will be armed with 

the same turbocharged fi ve-cylinder 

engine that graces the current Volvo 

C30 and S40 fl agship models, but with 

more power courtesy of Volvo’s racing 

partner Polestar Performance. 

The hot V40s will get an engine 

management chip developed by Polestar 

to help take engine performance from 

169kW to 187kW – just 1kW short of 

Volkswagen Group’s 188kW 2.0-litre 

TFSI engine in the Audi S3 Sportback 

and Golf R, but with more torque 

(370Nm versus 330Nm). 


Marvellous little V – next page


GoAuto News 

The Australian Automobile Dealers Association presents the 

2012 AADA NATIONAL DEALER CONVENTION 

Marriott Ma Hotel & Resort, Surfers Paradise QLD 

WWednesday 

5 – Friday 7 September 2012 

Register online at www.aadaconvention.com.au 


Marvellous little V 

June 27, 2012 Page 6 

GoAuto takes a fi rst drive in Volvo’s clever, hi-tech and super-safe all-new V40 

By RON HAMMERTON in ITALY 

VOLVO’S all-new mainstream 

premium hatchback, the V40, will 

shoulder the Swedish company’s 

Australian small-car market aspirations 

when it arrives in February, just after 

three existing small Volvo models are 

shown the door. 

Volvo Car Australia (VCA) has 

confi rmed that the current entry-level 

model, the funky three-door C30 

hatch, will go out of production at the 

end of this year, along with the more 

conservative S40 small sedan and 

related V50 wagon. 

Although the super-safe V40 is not 

a direct replacement for any of those 

except in price, it will fi ll the resultant 

void below the S60 mid-sized sedan 

and V60 wagon, entering the Australian 

market in February with a sub-$40,000 

starting price. 

The Belgian-built fi ve-seater will be 

pitched against the likes of the Audi A3, 

BMW 1 Series, VW Golf and – from 

early next year – the all-new front-drive 

Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback in an 

increasingly crowded and competitive 

premium compact car market. 

The V40 can be expected to undercut 

the Audi A3, which starts at $41,300, 

and the 1 Series that just slips under the 

$40K mark. 

PROFITABILITYFIRST 

YOUR ALLIED INDUSTRY SUPPORTING PARTNERS 

VCA hopes to sell between 500 and 

1000 V40s in Australia in the fi rst full 

year, but even at those volumes, it 

might not displace the XC60 medium 

SUV as the brand’s most popular 

vehicle Down Under. 

The V40 line-up will have only one 

body style – fi ve-door hatchback – 

armed with an all-turbo engine line-up 

at launch (two petrol and two diesel), all 

driving through the front wheels. 

The engines will range from a frugal 

1.6-litre turbo-diesel capable of a 

Prius-beating 3.6 litres per 100km fuel 

economy and CO2 output of just 94 

grams per kilometre, to a fi ery 187kW 

fi ve-cylinder turbo-petrol range leader 

that will take on the likes of the Audi 

S3, Volkswagen Golf R and Renault 

Megane RS250. 


REGISTER 

ONLINE NOW! 

Registering online is quick, 

easy and secure! Visit 

www.aadaconvention.com.au 

to book your place today!


GoAuto News 

Marvellous little V 


To be called T5, the auto-only twowheel-drive 

V40 fl agship is said to be 

capable of laying down a 6.5-second 

time for the 0-100km/h sprint, thanks to 

some technological tricks supplied by 

Volvo race team Polestar. On paper, it 

looks set to put a few cats among the 

European GTI pigeons. 

Surprisingly, no four-cylinder petrol 

model will be offered in Australia, at 

least in the short term. 

While the high-output 187kW 2.5-litre 

fi ve-cylinder T5 will claim the glory, the 

downsized 2.0-litre version, called T4, 

is likely to be one of the biggest-selling 

models, making do with a handy 132kW 

of power and 300Nm of torque. 

Ultimately, a new family of Volvodesigned 

four-cylinder engines is likely 

to fi nd a home in the V40 – as well as 

all other Volvo models – once the new 

We go the distance. 

powerplants arrive in 2014. 

Right now, all V40 variants will get a 

world-fi rst pedestrian airbag that pops out 

from between the bonnet and windscreen 

– a technology that is likely to be applied 

to other Volvo models in time. 

As well, the V40 gets the latest version 

of Volvo’s City Safety crash mitigation 

technology that can now work at up to 

50km/h, instead of the previous 30km/h 

on models such as the XC60 SUV and 

S60 sedan. 

A vast array of other safety 

technologies, including a pedestrian 

detection and auto brake system, lane 

keeping alert, blind spot warning 

system and autonomous braking, have 

all been engineered for the V40, which 

deep down shares a platform with the 

Ford Focus in a hangover from the days 

when Volvo was a Blue Oval subsidiary. 


June 27, 2012 Page 7 

However, VCA managing director 

Matt Braid told GoAuto that his 

company was still to decide which of 

these safety technologies will be made 

available in Australia, and whether 

they would be applied as standard 

equipment, options or grouped in 

optional packs. 

He also said pricing would not be 

decided until closer to launch, with 

Volvo keeping a close eye on the 

competition in the meantime. 

Collectively, the new safety 

technologies make the V40 arguably 

the world’s safest small car, but much 

of the engineering focus has been on 

its dynamic ability and refi nement, 

which are both world class. 


Volvo’s Pole dancer – next page 

Esanda understands dealers. For over 50 years we’ve been helping dealers sell more 

vehicles and keep their customers satisfied. 

Thanks to your support we now serve over 650 dealers nationwide, financing hundreds 

of cars every day. It’s a great partnership that stands the test of time. 

esanda.com


GoAuto News 

Volvo’s Pole dancer 

S60 Polestar still a work 

in progress, but fi rst taste 

of ‘Leno’ sedan is sweet 

By RON HAMMERTON in SWEDEN 

AMERICAN night show host Jay Leno 

is believed to be the mystery buyer 

of Volvo S60 Polestar number one, 

slamming down $US300,000 for the 

warts-and-all prototype built by Volvo’s 

racing partner and tuning specialist, 

Polestar Performance. 

The Californian-based car fan and 

multi-millionaire asked to buy the 

development mule for the proposed 

hardcore S60 sports sedan after driving 

Polestar’s previous effort, the oneoff 

Volvo C30 Polestar, built by the 

Swedish company in 2010. 

Although Polestar has declined to 

disclose the name of the buyer of the 

374kW S60 Polestar – still offi cially 

designated a concept for now – Leno is 

known to have driven the C30 Polestar 

and confessed enthusiasm for Polestar 

in a viral internet video. 

He will have to wait until later this 

year to collect the 300km/h Volvo, which 

might give Polestar engineers time to 

iron out some of the wrinkles of the 

prototype, which is a work in progress. 

Clutch problems disrupted a 

scheduled drive day for Australian 

journalists at Volvo’s test track in 

Gothenburg, Sweden, last week, fi rstly 

delaying the start of the session when 

a clutch had to be replaced after a 

heavy workload of demonstration runs 

by Polestar race drivers at a Swedish 

race meeting the previous weekend, 

and then cutting the session short when 

the clutch gave out again before all the 

journalists had had a turn. 

The session was designed to give the 

media, including GoAuto, a taste of the 

proposed Polestar-enhanced S60, on the 

understanding that the car was far from 

production ready. 

Polestar is still talking with Volvo 

Cars about the production future of the 


June 27, 2012 Page 8 

vehicle, which is based on the 3.0-litre 

six-cylinder T6 S60 AWD mid-sized 

sedan that usually develops 224kW of 

power from the standard turbo six. 

Polestar Performance managing 

director Hans Baath revealed that the 

engine could have delivered about 

450kW, but Polestar had kept it to 

374kW in the interests of driveability. 

Even as it is, the huge Garret 

turbocharger that comes on like a 

hurricane as revs climb might end up 

being scaled back to a smaller unit 

that Mr Baath said would still generate 

374kW but with less turbo lag. 

Under the bonnet, a massive inlet 

duct that draws cool air from in front 

of the radiator feeds the air via the 

turbo into an equally large custommade 

inlet manifold and then into the 

race-modifi ed engine with reshaped 

cylinder heads and stronger, forged 

steel conrods. 


We’ll drive them in. 

They’ll drive them out. 

In a variety of media, millions of 

Australian car-buyers turn to Drive 

for trusted advice every day. 

With expert and consumer reviews 

for over 500 cars a year, Drive is able 

to help influence your customers on their 

journey to finding the right car. 

Make sure you’re here, when they are.


GoAuto News 

Volvo’s Pole dancer 


The engine is mated with a Volvo 

six-speed manual gearbox, which 

is a departure from the standard car 

that is equipped with an automatic 

transmission. 

Polestar has had to engineer the 

manual gearbox solution from scratch 

for the development vehicle, and clearly 

needs more time to come up with a 

production-ready clutch arrangement 

capable of handling a thrashing from 

the 575 Newton-metres of torque. 

Behind the steering wheel, the driver 

can feel the extra-long clutch throw on 

take-off. After that, not a lot happens 

for a few thousand engine revs as turbo 

pressure builds. 

From about 5000rpm, the S60 

Polestar goes off like a Saturn rocket, 

as peak torque arrives at 5500rpm and 

peak power at 6500rpm. 

In no time, an array of coloured 

lights is refl ected onto the windscreen 

as a head-up display turns from green 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to yellow to red, telling the driver to 

change up before the rev limiter cuts in 

at 7100rpm. 

On the short Volvo demonstration 

track, we spent most of the lap in third 

gear, carving through a series of tightish 

corners that required diligence due 

to a mix of cambers and the proximity 

of trees and embankments. 

We were supposed to have two laps, 

but on entering the 200-metre-long 

straight for the fi rst time, we went to 


June 27, 2012 Page 9 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

grab fourth gear and instead found a 

box of neutrals as the clutch failed. 

Ultimately we found third gear 

again and cruised back to the parking 

area where Volvo Polestar works race 

driver Robert Dahlgren confi rmed 

the worst about the clutch condition – 

which he said had never been an issue 

in the development of the car until the 

previous 24 hours. 



GoAuto News 

www.grantthornton.com.au 

©2012 Grant Thornton Australia. All rights reserved. Grant Thornton International and the member 

fi rms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered independently by member fi rms. 


June 27, 2012 Page 10 

Cayenne GTS is the sportiest, most ‘emotional’ SUV Porsche has ever produced 

By JAMES STANFORD in AUSTRIA 

PORSCHE has unleashed the sportiest 

Cayenne yet in the form of the GTS. 

The GTS is not the fastest Cayenne 

in a straight line, but it is the most 

agile and the most “emotional”, 

according to Porsche. 

While the brutally powerful V8 

Cayenne Turbo is quicker in a straight 

line, the naturally aspirated V8 GTS 

is more of a driver’s car with fi rmer 

suspension, a lower ride height and an 

engine tuned for excitement. 

The Cayenne GTS will arrive in 

Australia in September with a $164,900 

pricetag, which places it $13,600 above 

the V8 Cayenne S. 

Need advice to drive growth in your business? 

Meet Grant Th ornton’s national team of advisers specialising in the needs of dealerships. 

Adelaide 

Dale Ryan 

T +61 8 8372 6535 

Brisbane 

Graham Killer 

T +61 7 3222 0384 

Fever pitch 

Porsche Cars Australia expects the 

GTS to account for 20 per cent of 

Cayenne sales and argues it is well 

worth the premium because, in addition 

to the improved performance, the cost 

of its extra features adds up to $20,000. 

The GTS features a 4.8-litre petrol 

V8, which is almost identical to the unit 

in the Cayenne S, so it features direct 

injection and four overhead camshafts 

Melbourne 

Matthew Hingeley 

T +61 3 8320 2168 

Perth 

Kim Hayman 

T +61 8 9480 2096 

controlling four valves per cylinder. 

In the Cayenne S, this engine generates 

294kW and 500Nm, but Porsche 

engineers fi tted more aggressive intake 

camshafts to get the engine to breathe 

a little better in the GTS, resulting in 

15kW more power at 309kW, while 

torque is up by 15Nm to 515Nm. 

These are handy increases, but 

the substantial bulk of the Cayenne 

(2085kg in GTS form) limits their 

impact, with just 0.2 seconds shaved 

off its 0-100km/h sprint time. Still, 

no-one could accuse it of being slow 

given the GTS completes the dash in 

just 5.7 seconds. 


Sydney 

Max Perry 

T +61 2 9286 5736


GoAuto News 

Fever pitch 


It certainly feels like you’re riding a 

rocket when you mash the accelerator 

and the engine starts sending the power 

through the eight-speed automatic 

transmission and on to all four wheels. 

While the world’s automotive 

industry is largely moving away from 

naturally aspirated engines, the GTS V8 

highlights why it will be sad to see them 

go as it delivers power instantly, with 

no turbo lag, and it keeps coming as the 

engine speed increases. 

The V8 Cayenne Turbo might have 

awesome force, but the GTS driver can 

back off and roll back on the accelerator 

without delay. 

Its offi cial fuel consumption fi gure 

is 10.7 litres per 100km, although this 

blew out on our test drive in Austria, 

running at around 18L/100km. This 

drive was best described as spirited, so 

the GTS will certainly use less fuel in 

normal conditions. 

The GTS uses a tweaked version of 

the ZF eight-speed torque-converter 

automatic, which was chosen for the 

entire Cayenne range due to its smooth 

and quiet shifts, and it works perfectly 

well when left in drive. 

When it comes to sporty driving, 

the ZF falls short in comparison to the 

dual-clutch PDK used in most other 

Porsche models. Even with the GTSspecifi 

c modifi cations, the changes can 

seem slower than you might expect for 

such a sporty model, especially on the 

downshifts. 

The slower shifts stand out partly 

because of the engine performance, 

but also because of how well the 

GTS handles. 

The ride height was dropped by 20mm 

compared to Cayenne S to lower the 

centre of gravity and improve handling. 

This reduces its off-road capability, 

but Porsche argues very few Cayennes 

make it off the gravel anyway. 

Porsche has also introduced new 

two-stage hydraulic subframe and 


RENAULT. AN OPPORTUNITY MADE FOR YOU. 

PASSIONATE ABOUT CARS? KEEN TO ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER WITH A DYNAMIC, INTERNATIONAL BRAND? 

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A PRODUCT COORDINATOR TO JOIN OUR EXCEPTIONAL MARKETING TEAM. 

Reporting to the Product Planning Manager, we’ll look to you for first class insight 

and research across our passenger and commercial vehicle range. 

With responsibility for conducting market and customer analysis, development 

of program proposals and the delivery of end-to-end product cycle requirements, 

you’ll be helping us shape the Renault product line in Australia. 

GETTING TO KNOW US: 

Renault has a long history of innovation and pioneering spirit. Our philosophy is simple: design 

with the driver in mind. It’s this people-centric approach that ensures our cars deliver the most 

enjoyable driving experience possible. Since 2001, we have shown our strong commitment 

and strategy towards making Renault a brand for every Australian, accessible yet distinctive 

within the local automotive landscape. 

Apply by emailing your CV to Louise Lamond at llamond@nexthire.com.au 

For enquiries please call us on 03 8256 6521. 

DRIVE THE CHANGE 

June 27, 2012 Page 11 

wishbone mounts, which are used in the 

Mercedes-Benz S-Class and aid body 

control while helping maintain comfort 

when the vehicle is not being pushed. 

The front track has grown by 30mm 

and the rear is 70mm wider, with 

colour-coded wheelarch extensions 

added to make it all legal. 

Porsche fi ts 20-inch alloy wheels 

as standard, while 21-inch rims are 

available as an option. 

All Australian Cayennes, including the 

GTS, will be fi tted with air suspension, 

which allows for fi ve different height 

levels and works with the electronically 

controlled shock absorbers (Porsche 

Active Suspension Management). 


Porsche ‘atmo’ V8 threat – page 13 

YOUR CAPABILITIES: 

> Tertiary qualifications in Commerce/Business or equivalent 

level of experience 

> Skilled in analytics with good attention to detail 

> Practiced in integrating product marketing initiatives to 

achieve marketing objectives 

> Understanding of basic financial management 

> Proven Excel expertise (can produce automatic pivot tables, 

charts, VBA programming and macros) 

> Exceptional communication skills and team-working ethic 

> Experience in the automotive industry will be welcomed, 

but is not essential

Monica is happiest when 

she is helping others… 

Monica 

Parts Distribution 

Team Leader 

…especially our parts warehousing 

and distribution customers 

As an added bonus, Monica and the rest of the AutoNexus team are also 

making people happy through raising funds as part of our partnership with 

Camp Quality. Let us help keep your customers happy with over 99% DIFOT… 

exactly the way you’d expect. 

See how our strong systems, solid processes and experienced, passionate 

team can help your business run smoothly. Call us now on 1800 650 134, 

email us at solutions@autonexus.com.au or visit www.autonexus.com.au


GoAuto News 

PUBLIC CONSULTATION 


Porsche ‘atmo’ V8 threat 

Engineering chief says 

future ‘not decided’ for 

Porsche’s non-turbo V8 

By JAMES STANFORD in AUSTRIA 

THE Cayenne GTS could be the last 

Porsche produced with a naturally 

aspirated V8 engine. 

A senior Porsche engineer has 

revealed that the future of the non-turbo 

V8 engine is anything but certain. 

Asked whether the naturally 

aspirated V8 had a future at his 

company, Porsche engine engineering 

manager Arno Bogl said: “There is a 

chance, but it is not decided yet. 

“Maybe we have the V8 aspirated 

engine or maybe not; it’s not decided.” 

Mr Bogl was tight-lipped when 

it came to details, but GoAuto 

understands the facelifted Panamera 

will indicate whether Porsche is 

sticking with the naturally aspirated 

V8 or switching to a smaller 

turbocharged unit. 

The most likely replacement engine 

for the 4.8-litre V8, which serves in 

both the Panamera and Cayenne, is a 

twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 that is 

currently being readied, according to 

reports from Europe. 

This unique Porsche turbo six is 

expected to be fi tted to a range-topping 

version of the Macan compact SUV, 

June 27, 2012 Page 13 

AUTOMOTIVE NEW MARKETS INITIATIVE 

The Automotive New Markets Initiative (ANMI) is a $35 million initiative that will assist the automotive industry develop new business 

opportunities domestically and internationally. The initiative will run over four years commencing in 2012–13 and has three key elements: 

Automotive New Markets Program (ANMP) 

Business Capability Support 

Automotive Envoy and Automotive Supplier Advocate 

due late next year, and is a contender 

to replace the non-turbo V8 in the 

Cayenne and Panamera. 

The naturally aspirated directinjection 

V8 has just been given a mild 

upgrade with camshaft revisions, in 

order to produce 309kW and 515Nm 

for the Cayenne GTS. 

Even though it is not the most 

powerful Cayenne – that honour goes to 

the Cayenne Turbo – Porsche describes 

the GTS as the most ‘emotional’, 

emphasising the excitement generated 

by a non-turbo V8 engine. 

“The naturally aspirated engine has 

the fast response; this is only (achieved) 

with naturally aspirated (engines),” said 

Mr Bogl when asked about the pros and 

cons of the ‘atmo’ V8. 

“The disadvantage is the 

consumption.” 

Mr Bogl said heading down the 

popular path of turbocharging had its 

The draft ANMP framework is available for public comment and can be accessed on: 

Porsche V8 

benefi ts, including reduced weight. 

“You can also make the downsize, 

smaller engines with the same output. 

The centre of gravity is lower, the 

consumption is lower,” he said. 

There is a chance the V8 engine could 

live on alongside a smaller turbocharged 

engine, such as the 3.0-litre twinturbo, 

playing on the emotion Porsche 

emphasised when presenting the 

Cayenne GTS. 

“Maybe we have both, it could 

depend on the model,” said Mr Bogl. 


MACAN SUV TO FEATURE HI-PO 

ENGINE EXCLUSIVE TO PORSCHE 

CLICK HERE 

http://www.innovation.gov.au/anmi 

http://www.dbi.vic.gov.au/ 

http://www.southaustralia.biz/article/view/1173 

Public comment is invited on the draft framework and can be sent to anmp@innovation.gov.au. 

The closing date for submissions is 5 PM AEST, Thursday 28 June 2012. For queries about the ANMP and to subscribe to ANMP email 

updates, please send your details to anmp@innovation.gov.au.


GoAuto News 

By HAITHAM RAZAGUI 

ENTRY to a new Lexus luxury SUV has 

become almost $13,000 less expensive 

with the addition of a front-drive, fourcylinder, 

single-specifi cation RX270 

base model to the Japanese brand’s 

facelifted RX range. 

Priced at $69,990 plus on-road costs, 

the RX270 is just $4500 more than the 

top-spec Kluger from parent company 

Toyota, widening the appeal of what 

is already Lexus’ second-best-selling 

model after the IS sedan. 

In addition, price cuts across the board 

mean the petrol-electric hybrid RX450h 

variant – down $6888 to $82,900 – now 

costs just $176 more than the outgoing 

entry-level RX350 Prestige. 

Lexus says the hybrid price drop has 

been made possible by the increase in 

worldwide hybrid vehicle sales leading 

to the reduced cost of components. 

The Prestige specifi cation level has 

been usurped by Luxury to bring the 

RX in line with the rest of its Lexus 

stablemates, and in petrol V6-powered 

RX350 form is $4914 less expensive at 

$77,900. 

Just as Mercedes-Benz aimed to 

do with a four-cylinder version of 

its recently launched new M-Class, 

the RX270 enables Lexus to at least 

compete on price with the likes of 

Deloitte Motor Industry Services 

Our website is your valuable resource 

www.eprofitfocus.com 

The Industry’s resource library at your finger tips, free of charge: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and accounting tips. 

For more information contact: 

Danny Rezek 


Managing Director 

Tel: +61 2 9322 3889 

email: drezek@deloitte.com.au 

June 27, 2012 Page 14 

Lexus transforms SUV with four-pot, front-drive RX270, F Sport lines and more 

PRICING: 

RX270 (a) $69,990 

RX350 Luxury (a) $77,900 

RX350 F Sport (a) $85,900 

RX350 Sports Luxury (a) $94,400 

RX450h Luxury (a) $82,900 

RX450h F Sport (a) $89,900 

RX450h Sports Luxury (a) $100,900 

RX to the four 

 

Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited © 2012 Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. 

RX270 

Audi’s Q5 (from $62,200) and the 

BMW X3 (from $59,500) in the absence 

of a smaller SUV in its range. 

However, the hybrid RX450h now 

compares well with the entry-level Benz 

SUV, as the new lower pricing of the 

rapid (0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds) yet fueleffi 

cient (6.3L/100km) Lexus pitches it 

just $1500 higher than ML250 BlueTec. 

By comparison, the Mercedes is 

powered by a 150kW/500Nm fourcylinder 

diesel engine that manages 

0-100km/h in a less impressive 9.0 

seconds and consumes 6.4L/100km. 

Lexus Australia chief executive Tony 

Cramb said customers have long been 

enquiring about a “smaller SUV suited 

to city driving” and described the new 

RX270 as providing “the space they 

need with the power they require”. 

Continued page 16

Opel Australia 

DEALERSHIP PHASE TWO APPLICATIONS 

PREFERRED DEALERSHIP LOCATIONS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are interested in learning more and registering your interest, please contact: 

Jim McAteer: Dealer Network Development Manager 

Email: james.mcateer@gm.com 

Phone: (03) 9647 1962


GoAuto News 

RX to the four 

Continued from page 14 

Revised styling featuring subtle 

cues marking out each variant and the 

‘spindle grille’ design language that 

made its Australian showroom debut 

on the new GS sedan in April clothes a 

stiffer structure. 

RX becomes the fourth model to 

receive the more aggressive, harderedged 

F Sport grade after the IS sedan, 

CT hybrid hatch and GS luxury sedan. 

On the RX, F Sport includes Yamahadeveloped 

suspension upgrades, a 

larger, more sculpted-looking front 

bumper with mesh on the air intakes 

and exaggerated ‘spindle grille’, darkchrome 

19-inch alloy wheels with lowprofile 

tyres, sporty interior trim (with 

dark silver highlights) and F Sport 

branding. 

RX350 F Sport variants also get 

paddle-shifters for manually swapping 

cogs on the six-speed auto. 

Interior changes across the range 

include ergonomic improvements such 

as reduced clutter, increased spacing 

and clearer labelling for the switchgear, 

the latest iteration of Lexus’ mouse-like 

Remote Touch infotainment system 

controller, a wider-opening lid for the 

centre console storage bin, and relocated 

USB/auxiliary inputs for the upgraded 

satellite-navigation and audio systems. 

A larger multi-function display in the 

instrument panel is designed for better 

visibility and the hybrid system display 

that replaces the rev-counter on the 

RX450h has been updated to provide 

extra information. 

Standard equipment across the range 

includes an updated hard-drive satnav 

unit with SUNA traffic updates, 

12-speaker sound system with DAB+ 

digital radio, Bluetooth streaming and 

USB/aux inputs for iPod integration, 

automatic headlights and wipers, 

climate-control air-conditioning, a 

reversing camera, eight-way electric 

seats, a powered tailgate, voice 

control, rear privacy glass, 18-inch 

General Sales Manager 

Are you looking for a lifestyle change? Kerry’s Automotive Group has the answer! 

As a member of the Dealership Executive Management Team, the General Sales Manager of 

Kerry’s Automotive Group will be responsible for the planning, direction, monitoring and 

control of all activities associated with the Vehicle Sales Departments and their Managers 

(Holden, HSV, Jeep Chrysler Dodge, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Nissan and Used Cars); as well as 

oversee the Finance - Insurance Department and Aftercare Department, whilst ensuring the 

achievement of all Manufacturer’s and Dealership targets and benchmarks. 

The General Sales Manager is required to ensure positive capacity building and networking, 

whilst maintaining effective communication with all Manufacturers, the Dealer Principal and 

reporting personnel. As the General Sales Manager you will also need to provide a dynamic, 

productive and secure working environment for all personnel, ensuring a high level of quality 

Customer Service and Customer Satisfaction as well as the overall Kerry’s Experience. 

- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com 

June 27, 2012 Page 16 

RX350 

alloy wheels and metallic paint. 

Range-wide standard safety kit runs 

to 10 airbags (including knee bags 

for both front occupants), active head 

restraints and seatbelt pretensioners 

with load limiters. 

Onboard safety technologies include 

ESC, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce 

distribution, brake assist and hillstart 

assist, and speed-sensitive electric 

power steering that automatically 

assists the driver when vehicle stability 

is compromised. 

F Sport and Sports Luxury variants 

come with adaptive cruise control, which 

includes a pre-collision safety system. 


For drive impressions, go to 

GoAuto.com.au from this afternoon 

Kerry’s Automotive Group is an equal opportunity employer, 

and values an inclusive and diverse workforce. 

Contact the Human Resources Manager on 

(08) 8980 8085 or email hr@kerrys.com.au 

for a Job Profile and Selection Criteria. 

Applications should include a Cover Letter, 

response to Selection Criteria and a 

Current Resume; with details of 

3 Professional Referees. 

Applications close 

Monday, 9 July 2012 

Apply Now 

Kerry’s Automotive Group is a progressive locally family owned and operated business, which is the BIGGEST Automotive Dealership within the Northern Territory.


GoAuto News 


The Comeback Kid 

Car Leather 

Italian car leather 

Pantera 

Command Centre 

June 27, 2012 Page 17 

Honda ‘takes up the fi ght’ in the small-hatch segment with new Civic fi ve-door 

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS 

HONDA is fi nally on a more even 

footing in the fi ercely competitive 

small-car segment against rivals such 

as the Mazda3 following the launch of 

the latest Civic hatch, ending more than 

six years with only a mainstream sedan. 

Launched this week from 

$22,650 “to take up the fi ght 

in the small hatch market”, 

the ninth-generation fi vedoor 

FK-series model from 

Britain will sell alongside the 

American-inspired – though Japanesebuilt 

until Thai-produced cars come 

back on stream soon – four-door sedan 

released four months ago. 

The entry model is $7340 cheaper 

than the outgoing sporty Si manual 

hatch that was more of a niche model. 

Along with more favourable currency 

exchange rates and sharper negotiation 

PRICING: 

VTi-S $22,650 

VTi-S (a) $24,950 

VTi-L (a) $29,990 

DESIGN 

YOUR OWN 

SEATS 

tactics, Honda Australia achieved the 

lower pricing by taking a scalpel to the 

Si hatch’s standard specifi cation list. 

Consequently, while the base car 

includes six airbags and electronic 

stability control for a fi ve-star ANCAP 

safety rating, as well as a hill-hold 

device, climate-control airconditioning, 

alloy wheels 

and even tyre pressure 

sensors, buyers must choose 

the auto-only VTi-L to get 

cruise control. 

The VTi-L also scores dual-zone 

climate-control, a reversing camera, 

leather upholstery, heated front seats, 

audio streaming, larger wheels, 

automatic headlights, foglights and 

rain-sensing wipers. 

However, integrated satellitenavigation 

is not available. 

Nevertheless, Honda says the Civic 

Complete replacement 

rear view mirror which 

includes: Reversing 

Camera, Inbuilt GPS, 

Handsfree Bluetooth and 

MP3 Player. 

ADR 

COMPLIANCE 

hatch features signifi cant improvements 

in refi nement, safety, effi ciency, 

driveability and perceived quality, 

despite enclosing the small-car stalwart 

in a similar – though more slippery 

at 0.30Cd – cab-forward silhouette as 

before. 

With a one-box ‘monoform’ shape, 

hidden rear doorhandles and glassy 

rounded rump, the hatch’s styling is 

– like the chassis underneath – very 

much an evolution of the striking 2006 

original, yet every body panel is new. 

The nose has a blacked-out mask with 

bigger headlights, grille and bumper, 

the rocketship-shaped doorhandles 

are gone and the higher tail-lights are 

larger for a more “sophisticated” look 

in response to criticism from existing 

Civic owners, who also succeeded in 

getting a rear windscreen wiper at last. 


Hardtop 

Canopies 

The most stylish looking 

Nissan Navara Hardtop 

Canopy on the market. 

3YR/100,000 

WARRANTY 

www.alphalineauto.com.au or 1300 726 837


GoAuto News 

The Comeback Kid 


Vision is improved thanks to lower 

rear hatch glass, thinner pillars and 

exterior mirrors with wider lenses. 

There were also customer calls for 

improved ride and handling capabilities, 

noise suppression, performance, 

economy and environmental 

credentials, while retaining bold looks. 

The new model is 30mm longer, 20mm 

lower and 10mm wider than before, but 

the wheelbase is 30mm shorter while 

front and rear tracks are quite a bit wider, 

so overall cabin volume is unaffected. 

Driving the front wheels via either a 

revised six-speed manual or carryover 

fi ve-speed auto is a redevelopment of 

the old model’s 1.8-litre single-cam 

16-valve four-cylinder petrol engine 

with variable valve timing. 

Now said to be signifi cantly quieter 

and smoother, it delivers 104kW of 

power at 6500rpm (1kW and 200rpm 

more than before), and 174Nm of 

torque at 4300rpm (same output but at 

100rpm less), thanks to changes to the 

intake system. 

Fuel consumption and carbon dioxide 

emissions fall by around 10 per cent, 

resulting in a respective combined 

average rating of 6.1 litres per 100 

kilometres (auto: 6.5L/100km) and 146 

grams per kilometre (auto: 155g/km). 

An ‘ECO Assist’ feature alters the 

speedometer’s colour illumination from 

blue to green according to how the driver 

is operating the accelerator and braking, 

encouraging more frugal habits. 

The manual features a shift indicator 

for optimised gearchanges and the 

driver can also press the ‘ECON’ button 

on the fascia to allow the car to select 

the thriftiest throttle, engine and air-con 

settings. Honda says the differences can 

be in the vicinity of 15 per cent. 

New to the hatch is a hill-start assist 

function that holds the car for about a 

second after releasing the brake for 

smoother take-off on inclines. 

While the sedan has a multi-link rear 

suspension, the hatch once again has a 


June 27, 2012 Page 18 

Sales Consultants – New and Used Vehicles 

The Black Auto Group operates motor vehicle dealerships throughout Regional Queensland, South West Queensland, 

the Darling Downs, Central Queensland and New South Wales. 

Multiple vacancies currently exist for Sales Consultants at Black Auto branches including Dalby, Chinchilla, Oakey, 

Roma, Warwick, Longreach and Emerald. 

These roles involve the sale, processing and delivery of new and used vehicles. 

Applicants should demonstrate previous experience in a sales or customer service role. Prior experience in the 

motor vehicle industry would be especially advantageous. Applicants should also be computer literate, work well in 

a team environment, be committed to customer service and have the ability to manage budgets and sales targets. 

The Black Auto Group offers employment security, ongoing training, attractive remuneration and generous 

superannuation. If you are energetic, professional, committed to delivering excellent service and looking for a 

fantastic opportunity to work with one of Queensland’s leading motor vehicle dealerships apply today. 

Contact: russell.edwards@blacktoyota.com.au 

blacktoyota.com.au 

torsion beam rear axle to improve overall 

interior packaging and allow for the 

fi tment of Jazz-like ‘Magic’ rear seats 

that fold down deep and fl ush with the 

cargo fl oor. With the fuel tank located 

under the front seats, no C-segment rival 

can match its versatility. 

To quell vibration and noise 

transmission, the rear dampers feature 

fl uid-fi lled compliance bushings, a 

technology borrowed from the Legend 

luxury car. 

Honda has adopted electric power for 

the rack and pinion steering over hydraulic, 

with a more direct steering ratio. 

The dashboard is angled more 

towards the driver, with a swoopier 

and more integrated design featuring 

sportier analogue dials. 


For drive impressions, go to 

GoAuto.com.au from this afternoon


GoAuto News 

i40 sedan hits town 

Hyundai’s value-laden 

i40 sedan reaches local 

showrooms, from $30K 


HYUNDAI’S i40 sedan is now on sale 

in Australia, priced from $29,990 plus 

on-road costs and undercutting rivals 

like the Toyota Camry, Mazda6, Honda 

Accord Euro, Subaru Liberty, Kia 

Optima and Ford Mondeo by at least 

$500 while offering generous levels of 

standard equipment. 

The larger, US-style i45 (from 

$26,990) continues 

alongside the sportier, 

Euro-centric i40 sedan 

and Tourer wagon, 

completing Hyundai’s 

two-pronged approach 

in the mid-size segment, 

much as Honda 

simultaneously offers 

both the Accord and 

Accord Euro sedans. 

Hyundai has priced the i40 sedan 

$2500 cheaper than the wagon across 

entry-level Active, mid-spec Elite and 

fl agship Premium variants. 

Sell F&I products and get your 

reports wherever, whenever. 

Finance Accelerator (Australia's proven F&I sales and reporting 

system) is now accessible on iPads, iPhones, and all smart devices 

so you can conduct business from just about anywhere, anytime. 

Call 1300 807 177 for more information! www.op2ma.com 

A division of Fusion Business Solutions 


June 27, 2012 Page 19 

Modernised styling, improved effi ciency and more onboard tech for Hyundai i20 


HYUNDAI’S facelifted i20 light 

car has just arrived in Australian 

showrooms, featuring extra equipment 

and improved effi ciency to go with the 

application of the South Korean brand’s 

‘fl uidic sculpture’ design language and 

an interior refresh in return for a rangewide 

$100 increase to the list price. 

Now starting from $15,590 plus onroad 

costs for the three-door manual 

PRICING: 

Active petrol $29,990 

Active petrol (a) $31,990 

Active diesel $32,590 

Active diesel (a) $34,590 

Elite petrol (a) $36,990 

Elite diesel (a) $39,590 

Premium petrol (a) $41,990 

Premium diesel (a) $44,590 

For now, the sedan is better specifi ed 

with standard front and rear parking 

sensors across the range and higherspec 

Elite and Premium models gaining 

goodies like satellite-navigation and a 

reversing camera. 

Although not confi rmed, 

GoAuto expects the i40 

wagon’s specifi cation 

to fall into line with the 

sedan once existing stocks 

are depleted (and Hyundai 

says incentives are being 

offered to speed up this 

process) and a running 

change is likely to be applied in the next 

couple of months. 

Other than the i45 and Suzuki Kizashi 

(from $28,490), the only mid-size 

rivals to signifi cantly undercut the i40 

Active entry-level variant, Hyundai’s 

updated entry-level contender gains 

a trip computer, electrically folding 

door mirrors and one-touch lanechange 

indicators. 

sedan are the Volkswagen Jetta (from 

$26,490) and Skoda Octavia ($26,990), 

while a driveaway price of $32,990 for 

a Citroen C5 runs the Hyundai close. 

The engine and transmission 

combinations are shared between i40 

sedan and wagon, with a 130kW/213Nm 

2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine 

consuming as little as 6.8 litres of fuel 

per 100km on the combined cycle with 

the six-speed manual. 

Hyundai charges a $2600 premium 

(compared with $2000 extra on the 

wagon) for the 100kW/330Nm 1.7-litre 

diesel, which has a claimed combined 

fuel consumption fi gure of 4.7L/100km 

when paired with a manual transmission to 

provide a theoretical 1500km tank range. 


Fuel effi ciency is improved due to a 

manual transmission upgrade from fi ve 

to six speeds, plus the move to variablerate 

electric power steering, which 

also enables the fi tment of Hyundai’s 

vehicle stability management, which 

automatically assists the driver with 

counter-steering if understeer or 

oversteer are detected. 

FULL STORY, PRICING: CLICK HERE 

INTEGRATED WITH 

PENTANA SOLUTIONS


GoAuto News 

Redefi ning D-Max 

High spec and top value 

at core of Isuzu’s crucial 

new utility, from $27,200 

By DAVID HASSALL 

ISUZU Ute Australia has launched its 

all-new D-Max one-tonne utility with 

improved comfort, safety, performance 

and transmissions, priced from $27,200 

plus on-road costs. 

The company claims its new ute 

– which offi cially goes on sale from 

July 2 to coincide with a catchy new 

TV advertisement – is generally less 

expensive than its mainstream rivals. 

It will be available in fi ve specifi cation 

levels, including a new range-topper, 

and three body confi gurations, with 

the addition of a space-cab body with 

reverse-opening ‘wing’ rear doors. 

The entry-level 4x2 single cab-chassis 

SX model is $210 more expensive than 

the cheapest version of the related 

Holden Colorado – the DX model 

with a 2.5-litre engine – but the more 

comparable Colorado with a 2.8-litre 

engine is priced $790 higher. 

Isuzu has added a new LS-Terrain 4x4 

crew-cab variant as its fl agship to cater 

for the growing lifestyle ute market and 

claims it will account for between 15 and 

20 per cent of Australian sales, which are 

expected to reach 8000 units by the end 

of this year – a 5.8 per cent increase on 

2011 – and 10,000 next year. 

MotorOne 

This new LS-Terrain four-wheeldrive 

fl agship is priced at $49,500 with 

a new fi ve-speed manual transmission 

or $51,700 with a new fi ve-speed auto, 

undercutting the Colorado LTZ by a few 

hundred dollars while adding satellitenavigation 

(featuring 10,000 built-in 

off-road destinations), leather seats and 

a reversing camera (none of which are 

available on the Colorado) plus roof rails 

and electric driver’s seat adjustment. 

Isuzu Ute Australia managing director 

Yasuhiro Takeuchi said it made him 

“very sad” to hear people talk about the 

previous D-Max as simply a Colorado 

or Rodeo copy, but believes the new 

model is suffi ciently different to shake 

that tag and prove “that is not true”. 

The new D-Max – the fi rst new 

ute from Isuzu in a decade – was codeveloped 

with former partner General 


June 27, 2012 Page 20 

Motors and therefore is largely similar 

to the new Colorado, but with a number 

of signifi cant differences – the front-end 

styling, the engine and both the manual 

and automatic transmissions. 

It will be sold alongside the outgoing 

models for the next few months as 

Isuzu has plenty of remaining stock, 

having been careful not to leave its 

dealers without a vehicle to sell in the 

changeover as the D-Max is the only 

model Isuzu Ute sells in Australia. 

Power from the Euro 4-compliant 

3.0-litre turbo-diesel fi tted across 

the range has been lifted 10kW over 

the superseded model to 130kW at 

3600rpm as a result of signifi cant 

changes, including a new combustion 

chamber design and intake manifold. 

Torque rises 20Nm to 380Nm, peaking 

between 1800rpm and 3000rpm (2800rpm 

with the automatic transmission), which 

the company claims makes it more than a 

match for the statistically superior 470Nm 

from the Colorado’s Fiat-derived unit. 

FULL STORY, PRICING: CLICK HERE 

DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE 

Isuzu wagon trail – next page 

MANAGE YOUR MISSED AFTERMARKET OPPORTUNITIES 

AND BOOST YOUR AFTERMARKET PROFIT WITH A 

CALL CENTRE SUPPORT 

CAR CARE CONSULTANT 

Experienced, trained and very capable call centre operators to manage all 

customer car care leads assigned that may have slipped through the net whether 

not attempted, not introduced or simply missed pre or post delivery. Call Centre 

Car Care Support, it’s a perfect addition, alternative or solution. 

For ALL enquiries and further information email carcaresupport@motorone.com or call (03) 8809 2854


GoAuto News 

Isuzu wagon trail 

Japan gives ‘verbal commitment’ to offer SUV here 


ISUZU head offi ce has given its Australian 

subsidiary a verbal commitment it will 

produce an Australian-specifi cation 

version of the next-generation MU-7 – a 

seven-seater SUV based on the D-Max 

one-tonne utility that will hit local 

showrooms next week. 

The new Thai-built Pathfi nder-style 

SUV would provide Isuzu Ute Australia 

(IUA) with a much-desired second 

model to sell alongside the increasingly 

popular pick-up. 

Australia is Isuzu’s second-largest 

market outside Japan after Thailand and 

consequently has a strong voice within 

head offi ce. 

IUA sales and dealer operations manager 

Paul Vuko told GoAuto he was “fi ghting 

hard” to get the new-generation MU-7 – 

which is likely to get a more interesting 

model name if it does come here. 

He said a second model was essential 

to the survival of the company, which has 

grown rapidly in Australia since it broke 

away from General Motors in 2008. 

The current MU-7 is essentially a 

Thailand-only model – it was introduced 

Need to know Australia’s automotive industry & market? 

YEARBOOK 2012 

Your one-stop guide to all aspects of our market and 

industry from Australian Automotive Intelligence - 

Australia’s automotive sector specialists. 

ORDER YOUR COPY NOW 

visit www.aaintelligence.com.au for more information 

Current MU MU-7 

in 2004 and is also sold in some smaller 

Asian markets – and will continue to 

be sold there for some time because 

the forthcoming replacement was only 

recently signed-off by the engineers in 

Thailand, where it is built alongside the 

D-Max, but only for the domestic market. 

“We’ve been given a verbal agreement 

that they want to do it for us and I’m 

confi dent it will happen,” Mr Vuko told us. 

“They’ve done all the engineering 

for the Thai market, but they need to 

do more work for our market to have it 

released for Australia.” 

Mr Vuko said the work was required 

to meet Australian Design Rules, and 

did not involve major engineering 

issues because the car was already a 

right-hand-drive model. 

He said progress on the project had been 

on hold for at least six months because of 

last year’s Thai fl oods and also because the 

engineer contracted by Isuzu Ute Australia 

to oversee ADR compliance had been so 

busy working on the vital D-Max program 

leading up to the local launch. 


CD or HARDCOPY 

OVER 130 COMPANY PROFILES 


June 27, 2012 Page 21 

Colorado 7 to address 

Holden ‘Achilles heel’ 

By MIKE COSTELLO 

and HAITHAM RAZAGUI 

HOLDEN will address the “Achilles 

heel” of its product line-up when it 

releases the seven-seat Colorado 7 

SUV around the start of next year, 

according to chairman and managing 

director Mike Devereux. 

First examples of the heavy-duty 

off-roader, which is based on the 

new Colorado ute range launched in 

Australia this month, are now rolling 

off the production line in Thailand – 

where it is badged as the Chevrolet 

Trailblazer. 

The vehicle is almost certain to 

make its Australian public debut at 

the Sydney motor show in October, 

and will hit local showrooms in either 

December or January. 

Holden executive director of sales 

and marketing John Elsworth told 

GoAuto that the fi nal arrival date of 

the SUV will be decided by the dealer 

network, who may want to hold out 

for 2013 compliance plates to help 

resale values down the line. 

The Colorado 7 will be pitched against 

fellow body-on-frame off-roaders like 

the Mitsubishi Challenger and Ford’s 

forthcoming Ranger-based T6 wagon, 

and will be Holden’s fi rst foray into the 

hardcore off-road sector since the demise 

of the Isuzu-sourced Jackaroo in 2004. 


Trailblazer/Colorado 7 

UNIQUE DATA 

YEARBOOK 

2012 

Australian Automotive Intelligence 

11th EDITION 

OVER 300 PAGES 

INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS


GoAuto News 

TCO1112 


Fast track for new Rapid 

All-new Skoda small car 

due by mid-2013 as case 

for Yeti 90TSI stacks up 


SKODA has released the fi rst offi cial 

pictures of its new Rapid, revealing the 

small liftback that will be unleashed 

onto the Australian market by the 

middle of next year to provide the 

company with a rival for the Ford Focus 

and Mazda3. 

The Rapid, which will make its global 

public debut at the Paris motor show 

in September, will slot into Skoda’s 

Australian range between the Fabia 

light car and the mid-sized Octavia, 

which will itself be replaced Down 

Under with a new, substantially larger 

model later in 2013. 

Skoda’s positioning of the Rapid 

makes it a crucial model for the fastgrowing 

Czech company – sales of 

which are up 106.9 per cent year-todate 

– considering almost one in four 

June 27, 2012 Page 22 

Skoda ensures adequate supplies of Fabia RS – and looks to Mini for inspiration 


SKODA Australia believes it has 

secured enough supply of the newly 

released RS hot hatch to avoid the 

lengthy waiting lists that have beset 

parent company Volkswagen with its 

Polo GTI pocket rocket. 

Since its launch in November 2010, 

buyers of the acclaimed Polo GTI have 

been forced to endure waiting lists 

of up to nine months due to a dearth 

of all vehicles sold in Australia this 

year belong to the small-car segment, 

making it the country’s most popular by 

some margin. 

The brand-new model will form 

just one part of Skoda’s assault on 

Australia’s small-car market, as the 

company is also likely to add another 

front-drive variant of its Yeti compact 

SUV alongside the existing $26,290 

77TSI at some point this year, probably 

in more powerful 90TSI guise. 

Director of Skoda Australia Matthew 

Wiesner told GoAuto last week that 

there was scope to introduce the extra 

of international supply. Even now, 

18 months after launch, Volkswagen 

Australia says GTI buyers are still 

NEED A SMART KEY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM? 

EziKey Management System will save 

you money. Our traceable, user friendly 

vehicle key tracking system ensures: 

• Highly secure FINGERPRINT & LICENCE scan technology 

• Integrated with most Dealer Management Systems 

• Full reporting functionality and accountability 

• Insurance company compliant 

• SAVE MONEY 

• Cut administration expenses by 40% • GAIN CONTROL 

• Eliminate infringement notice costs • STRESS LESS 

Call Robert Bevilacqua 

to book your 

FREE consultation 

1300 744 005 

www.ezikey.com 

front-drive Yeti variant, and that the 

90TSI sold in Europe – which uses the 

90kW/200Nm 1.4-litre turbo-petrol 

engine from the Octavia – was “the 

obvious option”. 

Mr Wiesner said the Yeti, of which 

407 units have sold year-to-date, had 

not yet grown in popularity as hoped, 

and that the company had to focus 

more on cheaper front-drive options, 

which are increasingly being seen as 

competitors for traditional small cars 

on price and space. 


waiting up to six months. 

While the Polo is based on a newer 

platform, the Fabia RS shares many 

components with the baby Volkswagen 

including its peppy 132kW/250Nm 

‘twincharged’ (turbocharged and 

supercharged) 1.4-litre petrol engine 

and seven-speed DSG semi-automatic 

transmission. 


Rapid 

See our demonstration at the 

AADA CONVENTION 

SEPTEMBER 5-7 2012, 

QUEENSLAND


GoAuto News 

Vanquish reveal 

All-new $473K Aston fl agship due here late 2012 

By TIM NICHOLSON 

ICONIC British car-maker Aston 

Martin has revealed the next generation 

of its fl agship Vanquish sportscar 

ahead of a scheduled Australian debut 

in late 2012, when it will arrive with a 

$473,340 pricetag. 

The Vanquish has a top speed of 

295km/h and can race from 0-100km/h 

in 4.1 seconds, a tenth quicker than 

the old model that sold in Australia 

between 2003 and 2007 and was around 

$110,000 more expensive. 

Aston Martin marketing and 

communications manager for Asia 

Pacifi c, Marcel Fabris, told GoAuto the 

new Vanquish will become the brand’s 

new hero car, “sitting at the pinnacle of 

our production car range”. 

He confi rmed that customers are now 

able to place orders with their local 

Aston Martin dealer, with fi rst deliveries 

commencing at the end of this year. 

The new Vanquish maintains Aston 

Martin’s signature style, albeit updated 

to refl ect the future design direction of 

the company. 

Sleeker than the model it replaces, 

the Vanquish takes its cues from the 

muscular One-77 supercar as well as the 

Seeking motor dealership Financial Controller ... 

A well established multi motor franchise 

dealer in the Melbourne south eastern 

(bayside) suburbs requires the services 

of a qualified accountant to fill the role 

of dealership Financial Controller. 

Reporting to the Managing Director the 

role responsibilities include: 

slightly more sedate DB9 and Rapide. 

Although it maintains the familiar 

Aston Martin shape, the Vanquish 

adds new touches such as an integrated 

spoiler, or in Aston-speak, an ‘aero 

duct’ on the bootlid, which the company 

says is designed to “counteract lift at the 

car’s rear end when travelling at speed”. 

Built on the latest version of Aston’s 

VH (vertical horizontal) architecture, 

the Vanquish makes use of materials 

such as bonded aluminium and carbonfi 

bre components, improving overall 

rigidity by 25 per cent over the outgoing 

model while reducing weight. 

Hand-built in Cologne, Germany, 

the naturally aspirated 6.0-litre 

V12 engine – mated to a six-speed 

automatic gearbox – is carried over 

from the previous model but has been 

signifi cantly tweaked to maximise 

performance, resulting in a leap in peak 

power from 380kW to 421kW. 

These performance fi gures will 

make the Vanquish the most powerful 

production Aston Martin available, not 

including the strictly limited – and now 

sold-out – One-77 supercar. 


– Planning, monitoring and controlling the activities 

of the administration functions 

– Preparing monthly dealership financial statements 

– Reviewing/analysing departmental performance 

– Ensuring adherence to all statutory 

tax requirements 

– Liaising with the dealership financiers and advisors 

Please forward your application to: David Buckley, Partner, Fordham Motor Dealer Services 

GPO Box 4369, Melbourne Victoria 3001, E. dbuckley@fordhamgroup.com.au 

Fordham Business Advisors Pty Ltd ABN 77 140 981 853. Fordham Business Advisors is part of the Perpetual Group. 


June 27, 2012 Page 23 

Bentley unveils cracking 

329km/h Conti GT Speed 


BENTLEY has just announced its 

fastest mainstream model yet, the 

Continental GT Speed coupe, which 

packs the same 460kW of power and 

800Nm of torque as the hardcore 

Supersports variants that are based on 

the previous car. 

The new-generation GT Speed 

will make its public debut at this 

week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed 

in Britain, with Finnish former rally 

world champion Juha Kankkunen, Le 

Mans racer Guy Smith and veteran 

racer Derek Bell behind the wheel of 

a pre-production model. 

The brutal 6.0-litre twinturbocharged 

W12 engine sends power 

to all four wheels through a new ZF 

eight-speed automatic transmission, 

resulting in 0-100km/h acceleration 

of just 4.2 seconds on the way to a 

Supersports-matching 329km/h top 

speed – although the Supersports is 

quicker to triple digits at 3.9 seconds. 

Despite the tweaked engine of the 

GT Speed having a power and torque 

advantage of 37kW and 100Nm over 

the standard Continental, which tops 

out at 318km/h and reaches 100km/h 

four tenths later, the new transmission 

is claimed to aid a 12 per cent 

improvement in fuel consumption and 

CO2 emissions. 


We are seeking an energetic and enthusiastic 

person with Pentana DMS computer experience 

who wants to make a major contribution to the 

operation of a metropolitan dealership. 

A salary package, commensurate to the position 

will be negotiated with the successful applicant. 

motor dealer services


GoAuto News 


Toyota posts $32.6m loss 

Third successive loss for 

Toyota Australia in wake 

of natural events, job cuts 


TOYOTA Australia has announced its 

third successive after-tax operating loss, 

posting a defi cit of $32.6 million for the 

fi nancial year ending March 31, 2012. 

The Japanese company last week 

attributed the loss to natural disasters in 

Thailand and Japan that crippled supply 

of parts and vehicles for much of the year, 

unfavourable exchange rates on its export 

programs, intense market competition 

and the cost of raw materials. 

The annual fi nancial result also 

factors in the one-off costs associated 

with the termination of 350 staff from 

its Altona manufacturing plant, which 

was announced in January this year. 

Total revenue for 2011/12 was $7.25 

billion (down from $8.27 billion the 

previous fi nancial year), while domestic 

retail volume of Toyota and Lexus 

combined was down 16 per cent to 

187,328 deliveries (217,365 in 2010/11). 

Despite this sharp drop in sales, the 

company still comfortably topped 

June 27, 2012 Page 24 

Nissan and Toyota to cut back on Japanese production, despite global strength 


NISSAN will scale back production in 

Japan by 15 per cent from next month 

in response to high labour costs and the 

impact of the strong yen on exports. 

The decision from Japan’s second- 

largest car-maker will see domestic 

annual output fall from 1.35 million 

vehicles to 1.15 million, with the 

company expecting to produce 1.22 

million units by the end of this fi nancial 

the overall sales charts in Australia in 

2011. Sales have rebounded across the 

board so far this year thanks largely 

to improved supply, with deliveries up 

16.2 per cent. 

Toyota said the Japanese earthquake 

in March and the Thai fl oods in October 

had an “unprecedented impact”, and 

were collectively to blame for a net $1 

billion fall in sales over the previous 

fi nancial year. 

Toyota Australia president and 

CEO Max Yasuda said that, while the 

company could not control external 

factors like natural disasters or the 

strong Australian dollar, it had taken 

steps to become more sustainable by 

making the company’s workforce 

“leaner”. 

Nissan’s Oppama plant 

year on March 31, 2013. 

According to a report from the 

Nikkei business daily, the company will 

suspend production at one of its two 

production lines at the Oppama factory, 

86 

“We have had to make immediate 

change during recent months and adjust 

our manufacturing workforce,” he 

said. “This was an extremely diffi cult 

decision to make but was absolutely 

critical if we want to strengthen our 

foundation and grow in the future. 

“We also announced a company-wide 

review of all of our operations aimed at 

transforming Toyota Australia.” 

Mr Yasuda said that while the strong 

Australian currency would continue to 

have an impact on local operations, the 

company was aiming for an improved 

performance this year, with a range of 

new product offerings expected to help 

the company back into the black. 


which produces models including the 

Note and current Tiida. 

The announcement from Nissan 

came just one day after the country’s 

biggest car-maker – Toyota – said that 

it would cut domestic production by 

more than 10 per cent from current 

levels to about 3.2 million units 

annually by 2014. 


Job Listing & Screening Service 

Specialist screening service included: 

• Seek 

• CareerOne 

• MyCareer 

• Jobs.com.au 

• Plus more! 

ONE FEE, NOTHING ELSE TO PAY - YOUR VACANCY ON-LINE FOR ONLY $ 399 

For more information, please call 1800 -176 - 316 or www.autos4u.com.au 

+ GST


GoAuto News 

Car industry welcomes 

move to almost double 

Victorian port capacity 

Wish you 

were here! 

Did your 2011 - 2012 

results let you down? 

Profit maximisation 

Performance management 

www.citywideconsulting.com.au 


$400m Webb Dock boost 


THE Victorian government has 

announced a $400 million investment 

by the Port of Melbourne Corporation 

that will almost double the vehicle 

import/export capacity of Webb Dock, 

to more than 600,000 vehicles per year. 

The Federal Chamber of Automotive 

Industries (FCAI) has welcomed the 

funding – which is in addition to the $1.2 

billion Port Melbourne redevelopment 

plan announced in April – but the 

Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) 

has reservations about the implications 

of combining the two. 

One of the MUA’s criticisms 

surrounds an increased traffi c load on 

the Westgate Freeway from extra truck 

movement caused by the expanded 

container and automotive shipment 

facilities – which will sit alongside a 

new residential development – and the 

lack of planned rail links to Melbourne’s 

expanding western suburbs. 

However, Victorian minister for ports 

Denis Napthine said part of the Webb 

Dock plan is to create space for all 

pre-delivery inspections (PDI) to take 

place on-site rather than in the western 

suburbs as they are now. 

“At the moment, about 60 per cent 

of all imported vehicles are trucked 

across the West Gate (bridge) for PDI 

processing in the western suburbs, 

with about a third of these vehicles 

then returned across the West Gate 

a second time for delivery to eastern 

Victoria,” he said. 

“By consolidating all PDI at the 

Webb Dock site and utilising the new 

terminal’s direct access to the M1 

(West Gate freeway), this project will 

create effi ciencies for the industry and 

encourage further investment from the 

private sector.” 

Webb Dock receives imported cars 

from all over the world, as well as 

taking shipments of Australian-built 

Toyota Camry and Aurion sedans 

bound for export to international 

markets like the Middle East. 

June 27, 2012 Page 25 

ANCAP announces tougher test regime from 2017 


THE fi rst annual update to Australasian 

crash safety authority ANCAP’s 

roadmap has been published, with the 

goalposts to be moved in 2017 as a way 

of ensuring higher levels of safety in 

relatively low-performing cars scoring 

one, two or three stars. 

In 2017 all-round three-point seatbelts 

and front seatbelt reminders will become 

mandatory across all star ratings and 

light commercial vehicles with a second 

row of fi xed seats will require top-tether 

child seat anchorages. 

Front-side head-protecting airbags 

(such as the curtain variety) must be 

fi tted to achieve a two-star rating, while 

‘marginal’ roof strength, ‘acceptable’ 

pedestrian and whiplash protection 

plus the fi tment of emergency brake 

assist will become the minimum for a 

three-star rating. 

Webb Dock 

In a statement, the FCAI said the 

automotive industry is “looking 

forward to providing input to the 

project to ensure that a focus on cost 

effi ciency is prevalent while delivering 

a state-of-the-art facility in Australia’s 

automotive capital”. 

“The welcome decision demonstrates 

the Victorian government’s willingness 

to fi nd a solution to the automotive 

trade which best met the needs of 

vehicle importers and exporters while 

providing benefi ts to the Victorian 

community.” 

Victorian premier Ted Baillieu 

said the Webb Dock expansion, in 

combination with the planned new 

container terminal and expanded 

capacity at Swanston Dock, will create 

1100 direct jobs and secure many more 

across the state. 


Seatbelt reminders for rear seats, 

which become a fi ve-star requirement 

in 2014, will be a prerequisite for a 

four-star rating in 2017. 

The original ANCAP roadmap outlined 

the progressively more demanding 

minimum requirements for each star 

rating that would be applied for vehicles 

released between 2011 and 2016. 

While the minimum frontal offset, 

side impact and pole test scores remain 

unchanged from 2011 onwards, from 

this year ANCAP has started tightening 

the screws on pedestrian safety, 

whiplash protection and roof strength. 



GoAuto InBrief 

Mazda’s MX-5 GT 

Track-focused 153kW roadster to storm Goodwood 


MAZDA is set to produce a hot trackfocused 

version of its iconic MX-5 

sportscar in limited numbers, but the 

British-modifi ed car may not come to 

Australia. 

Presented as the Mazda MX-5 GT 

Concept with a view to assessing 

customer interest, the modifi ed roadster 

will debut this weekend at the famed 

Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. 

British race engineering company 

Jota Sport, which regularly races cars at 

Le Mans, has squeezed another 35kW 

from the standard MX-5’s 2.0-litre fourcylinder 

petrol engine, taking it from 

118kW to some 153kW using lessons 

learned from its UK race program. 

The exhaust note has been enhanced 

by the fi tment of a sports exhaust system 

with a central twin tailpipe. 

BUSINESS FOR SALE 

WORK FROM HOME! 

Established in 2009, Online Car Brokers Pty 

Ltd has been saving its clients both time and 

money by sourcing their brand new vehicles 

through its nation-wide tender system. 

Work full time or scale it back to supplement your 

income. You get to dictate your work/life balance! 

• Fully developed systems & procedures 

• Hundreds of dealership contacts 

• Templates and forms for streamlining 

• Established national 1300 number 

• Professionally developed website 

• Option on South Melbourne office 

• Developed lead generation streams 

• Strong client base 

• Drive brand new cars 

Contact BEN ZACHARIAH at 

benz@onlinecarbrokers.com 

or phone 0402 839 390 

www.onlinecarbrokers.com 

Jota Sport has retained the standard 

six-speed manual gearbox. 

Suspension has been uprated to 

improve handling and is adjustable 

for different track conditions, while 

aerodynamic assistance is provided 

by a carbon-fi bre front splitter, a rear 

diffuser and a boot spoiler. 

Racing-style Recaro seats have been 

fi tted to hold the occupants against 

the extra side forces and the interior 

also features a number of carbon-fi bre 

enhancements that help reduce weight. 

With a view to customers looking to 

buy such a car for track use, the MX-5 

GT Concept is equipped with “road 

slicks” and body-coloured – orange in 

the case of the concept car – rollover 

bars behind the seats. 



June 27, 2012 Page 26 

GoAuto’s latest car review www.GoAuto.com.au 

Hyundai Veloster + Coupe 

FOR about the same price as a mid-specced Mazda3, buyers can 

choose an array of Veloster models from Hyundai, complete with 

head-turning styling and the novelty of three doors plus a hatchback. 

Not for the wallfl ower, this Korean front-driver is a welcome addition 

to the moribund sporty coupe market, offering distinctive design, 

practical packaging, and undeniable value for money. Tested in 

up-spec Veloster + guise, it is a dynamic drive to boot, but a bit 

more oomph wouldn’t go astray. 

Chevrolet Cruze 

US CRUZE FIRE RECALL 

GM HOLDEN is assessing the 

potential for engine compartment 

fi res in Cruze sedans sold in Australia 

following a recall by its Chevrolet 

counterpart in North America. 


BMW FINANCE REFUNDS 

BMW Finance will issue refunds totalling 

$1,392,667 to 2466 customers who have 

taken out three-year tyre and wheel rim 

insurance policies for their cars. 


NEW CITROEN SEDANS 

CITROEN is boosting its push into 

developing markets with two new small 

sedans, the C-Elysee and the C4 L – but 

both will be left-hand-drive only and 

therefore not on the cards for Australia. 

China was the target for Citroen’s 

sedan version of the original C4, which 

was launched in 2006, and the two new 

entries are a direct response to the global 

small sedan market having grown to 

more than 20 million units in 2011. 


CITROEN C3, DS3 RECALL: CLICK HERE 


GoAutoWords 

GoAutoWords: Now with photo 

gallery slide shows automatically 

sent to your own dealer website. 

Your customers can now view a 

slide show of your new model cars 

on your site from the day the 

cars are launched! 

HOW IT WORKS 

Dealers: Make ke 

your website the 

information focus 

for your customers 

GoAutoWords sends its dealer customers the latest new model stories tailored only to 

the brands they sell right into dealers’ own websites. 

We do this by cleverly inserting simple code into dealers’ sites. The code drives 

GoAuto’s proprietary dealer publishing engine which displays GoAuto new model 

articles and pictures within the dealer’s site itself. 

The service includes a full navigation system by make and model as well as 

illustrated story lists for your customers to choose from. 

The system is totally automated. Set and forget. 

Now with 

picture gallery 

slide show! 

Your customers can graze through our stories about the cars you sell and run through 

the extensive gallery of pictures of these cars - without leaving the dealer site. 

$495 per brand per year +$49.50 GST 

* You only pay by brand. You do not pay extra for each of your outlets and you do not pay extra for each of your websites. 

Call Sally Mellor to arrange a demonstration Ph: 0425 700 904 

Click to download PDF brochure


GoAuto Market Insight 

Lexus tops initial quality 

study as multimedia tech 

remains a sticking point 

By TERRY MARTIN 

AS THE American motor industry 

moves into a recession-shrugging 

higher gear, the authoritative JD Power 

and Associates Initial Quality Study 

(IQS) has found the overall quality 

of vehicles sold in the US to have 

improved almost fi ve per cent for the 

2012 model year. 

The industry average of 102 

problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) 

encountered in the fi rst 90 days of 

ownership is down from 107 PP100 last 

year and represents the third successive 

improvement and the biggest single 

leap since 2009, when the PP100 rating 

fell 10 points from 118 to 108. 

Although there are some worrying 

signs for individual brands, study 

results released last week indicate 

that the global auto industry, as 

demonstrated by new vehicles sold in 

the US, is churning out higher quality 

cars than ever before, with year-on-year 

gains in most areas of initial quality. 

However, there is one notable 

exception: audio, entertainment and 

navigation problems have increased 

eight per cent from last year. 

According to JD Power, this marks 

the deepening of a recent trend as car 

manufacturers introduce increasingly 

sophisticated multimedia systems – 

rapidly installing new technology such 

as voice recognition on mainstream 

models – and owners subsequently 

GoAuto Market Insight – brought 

to you by Dealer Solutions 

Quality rises, but... 

Problems per 100 vehicles 

200 

180 

160 

140 

120 

1000 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

report related problems. 

Indeed, problems in this category 

have increased 45 per cent since 2006, 

while other categories have seen 

problems reduce by an average of 24 

per cent. 

Factory-fi tted hands-free devices 

are the biggest area of concern, with 

owner-reported problems (such as not 

recognising commands) increasing 137 

per cent over the past four years. 

“As smartphones become ubiquitous 

in the lives of consumers and are evermore 

sophisticated, expectations about 

the complementary technologies being 

offered in new models will only get 

higher,” said JD Power and Associates 

vice-president of global automotive, 

David Sargent. 

“Auto-makers and suppliers 

are working hard to meet those 

expectations with systems intended 

to make the driving experience 

Never waste a dollar of your marketing 

budget again! 

When it comes to increasing sales, information is power. 

1300 4 DEALERS 


Dealer 

Solutions 

Means Performance. 

June 27, 2012 Page 28 

Initial Quality Industry Average 1998-2012 

1998 

1999 

2000 

2001 

2002 

2003 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

Sour Source: ce: JD Power P Power 

and d Ass Associa ociates. i tes. N Not Nott e: S SSt 

tudy d was red d esig i ned d i in 2 22006 

006. 

safer, more convenient and more 

entertaining. However, the most 

innovative technology in the world will 

quickly create dissatisfaction if owners 

can’t get it to work.” 

Mr Sargent said more than 80 per 

cent of consumers surveyed for this 

year’s study indicated their vehicle had 

some form of hands-free technology. 

Lexus topped the IQS overall brand 

rankings for the second year in a row 

with 73 problems per 100 vehicles – 

the same number as last year – with 

Porsche, which has been at or near the 

top of the table for many years, sharing 

second position on 75 PP100 with 

Jaguar. 

Signifi cantly, Jaguar posted the biggest 

improvement in the study, reducing 

problems by a whopping 39 PP100 to 

move from 20th position last year. 


Performance for your dealership. Contact Dealer Solutions today. 1300 66 11 33 

www.dealersolutions.com.au


GoAuto Green 

Green issues in the auto world 

GoAuto o GGreen 

reen is brought 

to you by by y Better 

Place 

Sporting Leaf agenda 

Nissan studies case for 

sportier variant of Leaf 

EV with 2014 upgrade 


NISSAN is set to offer a more driveroriented 

Leaf variant when the expected 

facelift arrives in about two years. 

Speaking to GoAuto at the launch 

of the long-awaited EV in Sydney last 

week, the company’s product planning 

and strategy boss, Francois Bancon, 

revealed that a sporty version is on the 

agenda. 

This would provide the ability for 

the driver to manually alter the feel 

and response of the electronically 

controlled throttle and steering 

systems, and perhaps the spring and 

damper rates. 

Mr Bancon said that, while most 

Leaf owners were “very happy” with 

the car, Nissan has received some 

feedback from Japan, North America and 

Europe suggesting a sharper and better 

performing alternative for keener drivers. 

Along with minor alterations to 

the appearance and interior, the 

2014 update is believed to include 

signifi cant improvements to battery 

effi ciency for greater range and 

upgrades to the EV’s communications 

and media interfaces. 

“Of course, we can do more steering 

feel – it would cost nothing; it is all in 

the tuning – but we have targeted the 

mainstream with this car,” said Mr 

Bancon. 

“People who buy the Leaf are not 

necessarily sportscar people (but) some 

people would like to have something 

that is a bit more responsive in terms of 


June 27, 2012 Page 29 

performance and feeling. 

“Now that may be an improvement 

we put into the Leaf some time in 

the future, maybe in doing different 

versions that you can tune by yourself. 

It is an idea which is (being looked 

at) and it is something that is possible 

(with an EV) compared to an internal 

combustion engine car. 

“It is just a set of software. You can 

do it with the electric steering and the 

throttle response; you can modulate 

the torque because everything is 

electronically controlled with this car.” 


Nissan admits ‘greater need to make a design statement’ with next-generation Leaf 


NISSAN is working on a signifi cantly 

bolder Leaf for the next-generation 

vehicle, promising more audacious 

styling inside and out, as well as 

improved packaging, to match a 

massive step forward in technology. 

Due in about 2017, the second version 

of the pioneering electric vehicle from 

Japan will espouse a more futuristic 

design, Nissan promises. 

Current Leaf 

The company believes that 

consumers by then should be more 

familiar with – and have a far wider 

choice of – EVs and will therefore 

GOING ELECTRIC, MADE EASY 

Charging your electric fl eet 

with Better Place makes 

sense for you, your company 

and the environment. 

We are the only electric car infrastructure provider to support 

all forms of range extension, including battery switching. And 

because we only use 100% renewable energy across our network, 

Better Place makes a true zero emissions electric fl eet possible. 

Call our dedicated fl eet team today for more information, 

or visit www.betterplace.com.au 

If you have any queries, please contact Sarah Cox on (03) 8679 0800 

or email your query to fl eetsales@betterplace.com.au 

Leaf Nismo concept 

expect more than just electrifi cation 

to keep them interested in the next 

Leaf. 

To that end, the next-generation 

version will break away from the twobox 

body shape, which dates back to 

the need to package the classic frontmounted 

internal combustion engine 

and drivetrain. 


ASK US 

ABOUT OUR 

NISSAN LEAF 

PACKAGES


GoAuto Personnel 

GoAuto Personnel – brought 

to you by Motor Staff 

If you have any car industry personnel 

announcements, please email them to 

Terry Martin at tmartin@mellor.net 


June 27, 2012 Page 30 

SMITH TO REPLACE STOLFO AT HOLDEN AMID GM GLOBAL DESIGN RESHUFFLE 


ANDREW Smith will return to 

Holden’s Port Melbourne headquarters 

as design director on August 1, 

replacing Tony Stolfo, who had been in 

the role since 2004 before leaving the 

company this month. 

Meanwhile, the wider General 

Motors design world is undergoing an 

overhaul of its organisational structure, 

with several executives moving brands 

– and countries – in a bid to strengthen 

each brand’s design language. 

Australian-born Mr Smith is a 20year 

GM veteran who started at Holden 

in 1992 and will leave his role as 

managing director of architecture and 

advanced design, based in the South 

Korean capital Seoul, where he moved 

two years ago. 

Mr Smith will report to 

executive director of GM 

International Operations 

(GMIO) design, Mike Simcoe, 

a former Holden design director 

who returned to Australia early 

last year to take up his current 

role after six years in the US. 

Since leaving Holden in 

2005, Mr Smith spent fi ve years at 

GM’s design headquarters in Detroit, 

where he held several senior design 

positions including director of interior 

design, director of advanced design and 

director of architecture strategy before 

his move to South Korea. 

The experience Mr Smith gained 

with global vehicle architectures 

places him well to lead the design of 

the next-generation global vehicles 

that Holden will be building locally 

in the second half of this decade, as 

well as the program to develop cars 

Australia’s No.1 

Mike Simcoe 

for the Chinese market. 

Holden external communications 

director Emily Perry would not confi rm 

whether Mr Smith will be leading the 

design of the new Holden products, 

explaining that the 

company’s design and 

engineering workload 

is divided up based on 

the requirements of 

programs for Holden 

and the new Chinese 

projects announced in 

April. 

Mr Smith said he draws inspiration 

from the experiences and opportunities 

he encountered during his overseas 

assignments. 

“I’m excited to be back in Australia 

leading such an experienced team at 

Holden. I see my role as integral in 

driving global collaboration for future 

product development and ensuring 

Holden vehicles continue to evolve 

and meet the needs of our customers 

into the future,” he said. 

During his time at Holden, Mr 

Smith was responsible for the VU 

ute’s exterior design plus the Sandman 

and Utester concepts before leading 

the interior design of the 

VE Commodore and WM 

Statesman/Caprice. 

While in the US he led the 

‘Small Premium’ project for 

Buick and during his time in 

South Korea he was responsible 

for the well-received Chevrolet 

Miray concept that was 

displayed at the 2011 Seoul motor show. 

His predecessor at Holden, Mr 

Stolfo, also joined the company in 1992 

and worked on the VT Commodore 

before becoming senior designer with 

responsibility for interior styling. 

He was later appointed assistant 

chief designer, before progressing to 

chief designer overseeing the VY and 

VZ Commodore. 

Mr Stolfo is understood to be now 

working as a freelance designer. 


Recruitment Specialist Anne Taylor George Hennessy Mara Nogarotto 

salesservicepartsadmin 

– Established 1992 – 

1300 666 562 

Les Land 

Angela Pirrone 

Tony Stolfo 

Doug Tame 

Andrew Smith 

SEEKING 

QUALITY STAFF? 

www.motorstaff.com.au 

“Our Recruitment Specialists take the stress out of hiring the Best People for your business”


GoAuto New Car Diary 

LAUNCH 

JUN 

STOP 

GUESSING 

Call (03) 8488 8307 or 

Visit www.datamotive.com.au 

GoAuto New Car Diary – brought 

to you by carsales.com.au 

Audi A1 Sportback/A4/S3 update ► 

Audi A6 Avant 

BMW X6 

Holden Colorado 

Honda Civic Hatch ► 

Isuzu D-Max 

Lexus RX 

Mahindra XUV500 

Nissan Leaf 

Porsche Boxster ► 

Skoda Fabia/Roomster 

Toyota 86 

GET YOUR VEHICLE POPULATION 

REPORT TODAY AND... 


June 27, 2012 Page 31 

Audi is poised to refresh its Australian 

line-up with an updated version of its sporty 

S3 hatch, a midlife facelift for the A4 range 

and a new fi ve-door A1 Sportback. 

Honda’s ninth-generation, British-built Civic 

hatch arrives this week with improved fuel 

effi ciency and a reduced price to take on 

sales champs Mazda3 and Ford Focus. 

A new lighter and more fuel-effi cient 

Porsche Boxster has arrived in Australia 

with a muscular new look that is sure to 

appeal to buyers in the market for a droptop 

performance car. 

FULL NEW CAR DIARY: CLICK HERE 

Mercedes locks in white-hot all-wheel-drive A45 AMG hatch for late-2013 local debut 


MERCEDES-BENZ will introduce 

a scorching all-wheel-drive AMG 

version of its new A-Class fi ve-door 

hatch in Australia by the end of 2013, 

priced as low as $80,000. 

The German company has confi rmed 

the hardcore version of its smallest 

vehicle will be called the A45 AMG, 

and will be powered by a 2.0-litre 

turbo-petrol engine with a torque fi gure 

“signifi cantly above” 400Nm. 

Further details are scarce, and the 

image on this page is a regular A250 

with an AMG bodykit, but Mercedes- 

Benz has said it will tear the covers 

from the fi nal production model in 

the fi rst quarter of 2013, indicating 

a potential world public debut at the 

Geneva motor show on March 7. 

Before it launches the AMG headline 

A250 

act here, Mercedes-Benz Australia/ 

Pacifi c will release the rest of its 

A-Class hatch range in the fi rst quarter 

of next year, with prices starting around 

$35,000 for the base A180. 

The initial A-Class range will also 

include an ‘engineered by AMG’ A250 

Sport to be powered by a 155kW directinjection 

turbocharged four-cylinder 

petrol engine that will be pitched 

against the Volkswagen Golf GTI and 

BMW 125i. 

The full-fat A45 AMG – the fi rst 

of its kind in the company’s 45-year 

history – will line up squarely against 

arch-rival BMW’s 235kW/450Nm 

turbocharged six-cylinder M135i hot 

hatch, which has been confi rmed for 

Australia and is due to lob at the end 

of this year. 

The AMG 2.0-litre turbo-petrol 

engine should go close to matching 

the outputs of the larger BMW engine, 

meaning a zero to 100km/h sprint time 

around the 5.0-second mark (as with 

the Beemer) should be on the cards. 

The force-fed engine will be mated 

to a Speedshift seven-speed dual-clutch 

automatic transmission with paddle 

shifters. There is no offi cial word on a 

manual version. 


Supported by Australian State road traffic authorities, 2012 

DataMotive PARC/VOR (Vehicles on Road) Data comprises 

comprehensive registration data cleansed with RedBook 

vehicle information and matched to TecDoc Ktyp vehicle codes. 

 

 

 

 

Now Matched with 

RedBook.com.au 

and TecDoc 

Ktyp codes

GoAutoNews

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?