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GoAuto Newsroom

John Mellor's
e
GoAuto
M arch 8, 2006
-news
No.No.
326180
DIGITAL IMAGE: Chris Harris
Simply red
The curtain went up, and the covers came off, at the Geneva
motor show last week to reveal some breathtaking new vehicles
– including the most powerful Ferrari road car of all time
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M A R C H 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 2
THIS WEEK IN E-NEWS
Toyota set for more growth – page 7
Kia takes a new course – page 9
Mitsubishi 380 claws back – page 10
Barina safety debate continues – page 11
Yaris swallows Commodore – page 12
Strong returns to Ford design – page 13
GM sells Suzuki share – page 14
HSV confirms VXR hot hatch – page 14
FERRARI 599 GTB FIORANO
NEW models from the House of the Prancing Horse are always something
to celebrate, and the 599 GTB Fiorano unveiled in Geneva last week is no
exception.
Named in honour of Ferrari’s famous test track, the Fiorano is a replacement
for the 550/575 series introduced a decade ago and takes the mantle of being
the most powerful production Ferrari ever built. The front mid-engine twoseater delivers stunning performance courtesy of a 6.0-litre V12 – the same
engine that powered the Enzo supercar – punching out 462kW (620hp) at
7600rpm and 608Nm at 5600rpm.
Ferrari claims the Pininfarina-designed Fiorano can sprint from 0-100 km/h
in 3.7 seconds and on to a top speed of more than 330km/h. The V12 is
paired with a new-generation “F1-SuperFast” transmission, and with the aid
of all-aluminium chassis and bodywork hands the Fiorano a power-to-weight
ratio of less than 2.6kg/hp.
Among the new chassis developments is a new F1-TRAC stability control
system, which Ferrari explains “continually monitors the speed of both front
and rear wheels and features predictive software that estimates the maximum
available grip in advance, compares this information with the vehicle
dynamics model stored in the control system, and adjusts its reactions to suit,
optimising traction by modulating power delivery”. The result is a claimed
20 per cent increase in acceleration compared to a traditional
traction and stability control system.
The Fiorano also uses “magnetorheological” fluid
in the shock absorbers, with viscosity modified via
an electronically controlled magnetic field. Ferrari
claims these react more quickly than conventional
electronic dampers.
The car’s styling borrows cues of past Ferraris,
mixing the narrow headlights of the four-seater
612 Scaglietti with the bonnet power bulge
inspired by the Enzo. The windscreen is heavily
curved and deep, leading to a sweeping roofline
that flows to the rear via twin buttresses, down to
the recessed circular tail-lights.
PAGANI ZONDA ROADSTER F
THE $1.3 million Zonda has made a name for itself in Australia as the
most expensive and exclusive sports car on the market. Well, now there’s
something else in the Zonda range for prospective owners – and the rest of
us – to aspire owning: the roofless F.
Billed by Pagani as “the new jewel in the Zonda family”, the hand-built
F (for “Fangio”, no less) will be limited to 25 units and features
a carbon fibre and cloth roof removable in a few seconds.
Considering the already extensive use of lightweight
materials for the chassis, bodywork and interior, the
Roadster tips the scales at just 1230kg. This translates
to a power-to-weight ratio of 1.89kg/hp (for the
Clubsport version), with propulsion coming from
the Mercedes AMG-sourced 484kW/780Nm 7.3litre V12. The two-seater is claimed to be able to
Peugeot 207
hit 200km/h in just 9.8 seconds and has a top speed of more than 300km/h.
Inside, the snug cabin features lashings of carbon fibre, soft leather and
polished aluminium highlights. Even the instrument cluster has been crafted
with the precision of a watchmaker.
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M A R C H 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 3
RENAULT CLIOSPORT
RENAULT has taken the covers off its new Clio RenaultSport
hatchback, which, in a first for a small car of this ilk, has a
Formula One-style rear air diffuser. It also has extractor vents
in the front wings.
Due on sale in Australia early in 2007, the
hot little Clio is powered by a 2.0litre 16-valve four-cylinder
engine with continuously
variable valve timing.
It outputs 147kW
at
7250rpm
and 215Nm at
5550rpm and,
in combination
with
the
standard
close-ratio six-
speed manual gearbox, races from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.9
seconds.
The suspension has been tuned for handling with a doubleaxis strut system up front and a stronger, 25 per cent stiffer
torsion beam rear. It has a longer wheelbase than the standard
car, wider front and rear track, 17-inch alloys and a highperformance Brembo brake package comprising 312mm
diameter cross-drilled front discs and 300mm rear discs.
The Clio III’s distinctive look has been enhanced by bumpermounted air intakes, side skirts, wheel-arch blisters that are
42mm wider than the standard car and body-coloured bumpers
and mouldings. Inside there are hip-hugging sports leather
seats, aluminium pedals and a leather-clad steering wheel. The
rev counter incorporates a gearchange indicator light, while the
numerals get bigger as the needle gets closer to the 7500rpm
redline. The spare tyre has been replaced by two aerosols so the
rear floor can accommodate the twin-rear exhausts.
AUDI A6 ALLROAD
THOSE expecting a fresh interpretation of Audi’s A6 wagon-based Allroad
4WD will be disappointed at this all-new model unveiled at Geneva, which
relies heavily on the styling themes of the old version.
In Europe, four direct-injection engines will be available: two petrol and
two diesels. The petrol duo comprise a 188kW 3.2 FSI V6 and 257kW 4.2 FSI
V8. FSI technology increases the power and efficiency of both powerplants.
The V6 turbo-diesels are the latest common-rail injection engines and
develop 132kW in the 2.7-litre variant and 171kW in the 3.0-litre. Power is
transmitted by a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic
with a sequential-manual shift mode.
The Allroad is 4930mm long and sits on a
wheelbase of 2830mm, with room enough
for five passengers and luggage space that
expands up to 1660 litres. The load area
has a variety of intelligent stowage ideas
while Audi claims the interior conveys an
ambience of “elegant sportiness”.
As before, the key to the Allroad’s offroad ability is its quattro permanent 4WD
system and height-adjustable adaptive air suspension. The suspension offers
five height modes, including two specific off-road settings. The car’s ESP
system has been developed especially to cope with off-road demands. Audi
Australia expects the Allroad to arrive early next year, with pricing and
specifications yet to be confirmed.
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M A R C H 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 4
CHRYSLER 300C SRT-8 TOURING
THE standard version of Chrysler’s 300C Touring wagon is set to arrive Down Under
later this year – and now Chrysler Australia executives are keen to bolster the range in
2007 with the new 317kW SRT version unveiled at Geneva.
With a 6.1-litre HEMI V8 engine, performance-tuned suspension and Brembo
brakes, the SRT-8 Touring not only looks the part but has the performance to match.
To get the extra performance, engine breathing was increased with new high-flow
cylinder heads, a specially designed intake manifold, performance camshafts and
improved exhaust headers. The twin exhausts are also routed through a largerdiameter 70mm exhaust system (up by 10 per cent) with 90mm chrome tailpipes.
SRT engineers increased the V8’s peak engine speed to 5800rpm from 5400rpm. The
SRT8 Touring connects with the road via a new wheel-and-tyre assembly consisting
of 20-inch alloy SRT performance wheels. Up front, there are 360mm ventilated disc
brakes with 350mm ventilated discs at the rear.
Before the SRT-8 version arrives, Chrysler will offer the 300C Touring with a 3.5litre V6, 5.7-litre HEMI V8 and 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine.
HONDA CIVIC TYPE-R
THERE is every to reason to be excited by the Civic Type R concept unveiled at Geneva, now that Honda
Australia has the Euro hatchback model in its sights. This is just a logical extension … we hope.
The Type R “concept” borrows its 150kW 2.0-litre i-VTEC naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine
from the previous model but wraps it in a stylish three-door body based on the five-door Civic sold in
Europe. Details were thin on the ground at Geneva, but it will be built alongside the Civic five-door
range at Honda’s UK plant in Swindon. Sales commence early 2007 in Europe, a couple of months
after the standard Civic three-door hits the streets over there.
MAZDA3
ALTHOUGH all eyes were trained on the new Mazda3 MPS turbo, the Japanese manufacturer also chose
Geneva to unveil its facelifted Mazda3 sedan and hatch.
Minor tweaks to the front enhance the car’s already popular looks with a deeper air intake on the sedan
to mimic the Mazda6, as well as revised foglights, alloy wheels and improved aerodynamics. The Mazda3’s
MZR 2.0-litre engine now features sequential valve timing and an electronic throttle, boosting
power and torque. The 2.3-litre engine that powers the popular SP23 models also gets an
electronic throttle. A six-speed manual or five-speed automatic will be offered on the SP23
sedan and hatch. Overall, comfort has also been significantly upgraded with more insulation
against road noise, revised tyres and reduced suspension vibration.
The Mazda3 MPS and the updated Mazda3 range will arrive in Australia during the second
half of the year. Specification and pricing will be confirmed closer to launch.
Customer Connect Manager
• Niche Vehicle Role
• Maintain High Level Satisfaction
a
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This company has been designing and producing performance vehicles for more than a decade. They continually set and exceed new benchmarks
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You will be responsible for managing all internal processes and resolve all issues relating to customer satisfaction; identify and communicate product
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For further information, please contact Kim Dempsey on (03) 9683 5218
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M A R C H 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 5
LOREMO LS
FROM some angles the Loremo 2+2 coupe looks suspiciously like a Porsche 911, but the innovative German car-maker Loremo
AG has another message – economy.
The Loremo comes with a fuel-busting claim of 1.5L/100km – 157 mpg in the old scale – and the company, founded in 2000
by three Bavarians, is planning to bring its cars into low-volume production.
A key to its low fuel figure is a 95kg lightweight steel chassis, a patented super-strong linear cell structure. Thermoplastic
body panels are light, weatherproof and scratch-resistant. It substitutes the classical paint with a
thin film, in the colour of the car, during the manufacturing process. The makers claim the
car can travel from Munich to Rome, a distance of more than 1000km, on one 20-litre
tank of fuel. Advanced aerodynamics achieve a drag coefficient of 0.20Cd.
Power is courtesy of a 15kW two-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that gives
the car a top speed of 160km/h and a sluggish 0-100km/h
time of 20 seconds.
Inside, the spartan interior design does away
with unnecessary fittings and its two-ply plastic
construction does not need any additional
finishing. Alcantara trim and hi-tech fabrics are
used inside, while air-conditioning, an on-board
computer (with navigation) and an MP3 player
are optional.
At only 3840mm long and 1360mm wide the
Loremo is a true mini. Production is expected to
start next year with prices from under $30,000.
BERTONE SUAGNA
BASED on the Fiat Grande Punto, the Bertone Suagna concept interprets
the theme of the coupe-cabriolet with “aggressive elegance”. In the metal,
this emerges – according to Bertone – via a low front end, arching waistline
and high, muscular rear end treatment, matched for visual effect with 18-inch
alloys.
The Suagna has a completely retractable two-piece hardtop, joining a
growing list of four-seater hardtop cabrios surfacing in Europe. The roof system
was jointly developed by Pininfarina and German convertible roof specialist
Car Top Systems. It can be raised or lowered in less than 30 seconds. The rear
window of the roof can also be lowered separately without opening the roof to
enhance the open-air feel. Also, with the roof down, the rear window can be
raised separately to operate as a windbreaker.
The name comes from the adjective “suagna” which, in Piedmontese dialect,
means a job done painstakingly, paying scrupulous attention to every detail.
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M A R C H 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 6
LAND ROVER e-TERRAIN
LAND Rover was still working on its new Freelander, which prevent for the long-awaited new small 4WD from making a
public appearance, so the Ford-owned 4WD brand gave an insight into its environmental commitment through the e-Terrain.
Although it looks like a skeleton, the e-Terrain highlights real-world solutions Land Rover expects to incorporate into its
line-up over the next few years with efficient technologies that enhance on- and off-road performance. Among the targets are
a 30 per cent improvement in fuel economy and new technologies to reduce emissions to about 150g/km CO2 on a vehicle
the size of the Freelander.
Land Rover claims the e-Terrain combines mechanical and electrical advances to make gains in areas ranging from
transmission function to cooling efficiency, and from battery power management to power steering
efficiency – all without compromising off-road capability. “The e-Terrain technologies are
practical, feasible, real-world solutions,” said Land Rover managing director (and former
Ford Australia marketing chief) Matthew Taylor.
Over the past nine years, Land Rover’s emissions output has –
according to the maker – fallen 13 per cent, compared with the motor
industry’s overall average improvement of 9.7 per cent.
E-Terrain also showcases an integrated electric rear-axle drive,
bio-diesel capability, electric power steering, and integrated startergenerator. The sophisticated rear-axle drive – used in conjunction
with the integrated starter-generator – improves both urban emissions
and off-road ability. Off-road, the IERAD can provide additional
torque, as required. It also allows electric-powered “traffic creep”
and low-speed acceleration up to 32km/h, without restarting the
engine, benefiting fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
DACIA LOGAN STEPPE
DACIA has unveiled its inaugural show car produced by Renault Design, developed on the theme of snow
sports. Called the Logan Steppe, the five-seater wagon features sturdy body parts and tech-feel fabrics
and sporty materials inside to capture its 4WD application.
Derived directly from Logan, the car has 17-inch alloy wheels, pronounced grille and
front-end design with wrap-around bumpers and protective sills. Other features
include Xenon headlights, symmetrical rear doors, roof-mounted spotlights and a
roof storage system built into the roof. Despite its 1780mm height, the Steppe’s
proportions are well balanced.
The interior is roomy, with highlights including an MP3 player and DVD
screens in the back of the front headrests. Video editing equipment is housed
in one of the rear doors with a monitor for a detailed review of the afternoon’s
action on the ski slopes (or elsewhere). The Steppe is 4470mm long but has a
boot capacity of 1.7 cubic metres.
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Volkswagen Concept A
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M A R C H 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 7
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Z
Boring - but best
Toyota aims to build 200,000 cars a year in Australia
cost, quality and customer satisfaction at the same
TOYOTA Motor Corporation Australia (TMCA) time, which is almost impossible.”
Mr Conomos said the need for a third product
executive chairman John Conomos is aiming to
lift Toyota’s vehicle production in Australia to an line was alleviated by Toyota Motor Corporation’s
ambitious annual total of 200,000 vehicles via a approval to manufacture up to 140,000 vehicles
annually from 2006.
third model line at its Altona plant in Melbourne.
He added that a third model would
However, he has conceded that such
only follow the success of Aurion,
an increase – a rise of 60,000 vehicles
which he admits he is nervous about and
a year – is predicated on the success
describes as Toyota’s “last chance with
of the forthcoming Aurion large car,
a six-cylinder car”.
which by his own admission is “a very
“Aurion has to be successful and
bold risk by both TMC and TMCA”.
profitable before we can make further
Once in full production, July’s alldecisions. We won (approval to build
new Camry and November’s Aurion
Aurion) after 15 years but we haven’t
are expected to lift annual production
sold a car yet.”
at Altona from about 110,000 units last
Mr Conomos made it clear that
year to 140,000, 24,000 of which will John Conomos
Toyota was far from deciding exactly
be Aurions.
Mr Conomos told GoAuto last week that the what form a possible third model would take,
annual production capacity could readily be but a crossover-type vehicle appears to be the
expanded to 150,000, and his personal ambition frontrunner.
“At the moment there is no approval for a
was to produce 200,000 vehicles a year with three
third model line,” he said. “We’ve talked about a
model lines.
“The plan is for 140,000 with two models lines crossover but that’s not decided. We don’t know
and we have approval to increase production to the future trend of SUVs but that’s why we’re
150,000 if pushed,” he said. “But a third model studying it very carefully.
“It’s too early to call the future of SUVs, sedans
line would make 200,000 possible – that’s my
or large cars. Trying to predict that is what every
personal goal.
“I think we have the potential, but it requires CEO is doing right now.
By MARTON PETTENDY
massive courage and to continuously improve
Continued next page
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ENGINE BETTER THAN MOBIL 1.
THERE ARE MORE THAN 20 PATENTS ON ITS
SUPERSYN™ ANTI-WEAR TECHNOLOGY.
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M A R C H 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 8
Boring - but best
Continued from previous page
“Holden tried and failed to build a crossover
(Adventra) from its most successful vehicle ever.”
Mr Conomos said that because exports play a
pivotal role, Toyota Australia’s fiercest competitor
was not GM Holden or Ford, but Toyota itself.
“TMC decided to produce cars for China
themselves, so there will be no Chinese exports
(for Aurion). And China’s labour cost is onenineteenth of ours,” he said.
“Every day the game changes. A third model
line won’t be decided until a business case can
be made – when we have a product that meets the
requirements of an emerging market not just in
Australia, but in Indonesia, the Philippines...
“We couldn’t build a car just for Australia – those
days are gone. We first need to understand what our
and other markets will want in 10 to 15 years.
“It could be a crossover between a number of
things: sportscar, SUV, sedan, hybrid.
“We have to sell cars
to fill Altona’s capacity.
Our job is to sell cars in a
market where everyone’s
laying off. So we’re growing
and recruiting, but remain
circumspect and cautious.”
Mr Conomos said a hybrid version of the
forthcoming Camry would not eventuate.
“The world is clamouring for a Camry hybrid
right now, but how many would we sell? Who’ll
buy it over a Prius? Can we sustain the volume?
We can’t answer those questions and to tool up
and gear up suppliers without knowing that ...
Sadly, it won’t happen in this generation.”
Toyota was market leader in Australia last
year without a representative in the lucrative but
shrinking large-car segment, but Mr Conomos
remains cautious about Aurion’s success.
Aurion
“We take a long-term view that we want to be
part of the large-car market. Aurion is the answer
to the way we can be part of it. We don’t set out to
be a V8 Supercar – we aren’t that arrogant. (But)
we’ll be boringly the best.”
Officially, TMCA hopes to increase total sales
from last year’s 202,817 to 250,000 by 2010,
including up to 80,000 exports – up from 69,000
last year – as part of TMC’s Global 15 plan, which
aims to achieve a 15 per cent world market share.
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In order to achieve these objectives, Dealers need the buy-in,
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As a result, Horwath has spent the last 12 months developing
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M A R C H 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 9
Seoul search
Factory backing gives
Kia renewed vigour in
its quest for sales
By NEIL McDONALD
DESPITE a softening market this year and
increasing market segmentation, the new factorybacked operation of Kia Motors Australia (KMA)
has ambitious plans to double sales to 50,000
units annually by 2010.
This year it aims to lift sales to 30,000, up
almost 5000 over 2005. Last year Kia, under
Ateco Automotive, sold 25,293 cars to achieve a
2.6 per cent market share.
Operational since March 1, the new company
aims to achieve growth through new model variants
and the possible addition of the Picanto light car
and next-generation Carens people-mover.
It wants to offer more than one variant of each of
its models, including the addition of “safety packs”
of curtain airbags and ABS brakes, as well as the
possible addition of diesel 4WDs and a two-wheel
drive Sportage.
KMA general manager of marketing Bill
Gillespie said he was aiming for two, and possibly
three model variants, and that a 1.4-litre engine
may be added to the Rio line-up.
“You may see that the current Rio may move
up and another come in under it,” he said. “You
just can’t compete in the Australian market with
just one grade.”
Mr Gillespie also said that future Kias, including
the Sorento, would have a strong Australian input
for suspension tuning. The current Sorento uses a
softer North American tune.
He said the Picanto also presented opportunity
Facelifted Sorento
Picanto
for the company for a low-cost entrant. The 1.1A breakdown of Kia’s sales forecast maintains
litre light hatch develops 48kW at 5500rpm and that the Rio and Cerato will remain the volume
97Nm at 2800rpm and has been acclaimed as one players this year, selling an anticipated 8000 each.
of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in Europe,
In July, the Magentis four-cylinder and V6
achieving a 4.9L/100km combined fuel cycle.
large sedan will replace the Optima.
KMA’s chief operating officer Steve Lotter,
As its key rivals are the Hyundai Sonata,
a veteran of 30 years’ automotive experience Mitsubishi 380 and Toyota Camry, Kia has set
(mostly with Toyota), said Kia’s
a conservative sales target
cheap-and-cheerful days were WHAT’S COMING: for 2006 of 1000 vehicles,
over but the company would Carnival SWB
June including the runout Optima.
maintain its value position. He Magentis large car
The eight-seater Carnival
July
said there would also be greater Cerato facelift
short-wheelbase model joins
Oct
differentiation between Hyundai Sorento facelift
the Grand Carnival in June,
Oct
and Kia products over the next Rio hatch 1.4
with a sales forecast of 5000
Dec
few years as Kia moved to create Sportage 2WD
a year. The company expects
Dec
its own identity.
Carens people-mover 2007 to maintain the Carnival short“The reality now is that the Picanto
2007 wheelbase’s $29,990 price
Korean product, in a quality sense,
point.
is as good as anything on the market,” he said. “I
The Sportage, which has been affected by supply
think what’s really been lagging isn’t the reality, shortages, is expected to hit its straps this year
the perception has been lagging the reality.
with a forecast of 3600. More model variants are
“I think with the Kia brand we’ve got to ensure expected with 2WD and diesel engine offerings.
that the perception catches up with the reality.”
The Sorento will remain under $35,000 but from
Mr Lotter said the car-maker’s brand identity August gains a facelift that includes a new interior.
was to build “exciting and enabling” A diesel powerplant is also being considered.
products. “We must get Kia on to more
The 2.5-litre 16-valve CRDi develops 104kW
people’s shopping lists,” he said.
at 3800rpm and 320Nm from 2000rpm. With the
Kia vehicles currently share vehicle departure of the Pregio, the company’s K2700 light
hardware and design elements with truck remains its sole commercial vehicle.
parent Hyundai but Kia’s future design,
If KMA achieves its 50,000 target by 2010
as outlined by the C’eed concept car this will deliver five per cent of the total market
at Geneva, pointed to a new direction, and give the importer “the mass to be a critical
according to Mr Lotter. However, player”, according to Mr Lotter. Ateco has been
there are no plans to share back-room instrumental in growing volumes for the brand
logistics, warehousing and systems since it took over from Itochu in 2000, when Kia
locally between the pair, he said.
sold 9000 vehicles.
Australia’s own Automotive Data Service
An all Australian Company
Red Book's continued
contact Colin Baird
success is due to sophisticated,
03 9328 1255
Johnphone
Mellor's
comprehensive research.
mobile 0418 327 602
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M A R C H 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 10
380 claws
back
VFACTS
WRAP
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS
SALES of the Mitsubishi 380 large sedan
increased 41 per cent last month as Australia’s
large-car segment continued to fall compared to
last year, according to VFACTS figures released
last week.
Benefiting from the 380 LE limited-edition
introduced from the second week in February,
Mitsubishi recorded 1011 sales of its new large
car – its best result since the Magna replacement’s
first full month on sale last November, but well
down on the 2500 monthly units the company has
said it needs to achieve to survive as an Australian
manufacturer.
Mitsubishi Australia now claims it will take
some time for 380 sales to reach “an acceptable
level and role within the total model range”.
President and CEO Rob McEniry said he was
cautiously optimistic that the 380 LE’s retail
impact and fleet penetration were still gathering
sales momentum.
“I am looking forward to the next couple
of months as we get the full effect of the LE
campaign and also fleet sales continue to kick in,”
he said.
The large-car segment as a whole clawed back
3.2 percentage points over January’s alarming
12.3 per cent share, however the year-to-date
figure of 14.0 per cent is well below 16.4 per cent
achieved at the same point last year.
Holden Commodore sales of 4787 units slid
almost 19 per cent to within just 39 units of the
Nissan Tiida
Mitsubishi 380
Ford Falcon’s slightly improved 4743 tally. Holden
CEO Denny Mooney told GoAuto last month that,
on the eve of the VE Commodore, it was figures
like these that keep him awake at night.
Holden Barina sales should please him though,
with its 1369 sales almost catching the Hyundai
Getz’s 1409 tally (down from January’s strong
1906 total), although Toyota’s ruling Yaris with
1757 sales – though slipping from 1833 – is proof
that the change from Echo has been seamless.
Suzuki Swift (858), Kia Rio (661) and VW’s
refreshed Polo (110) have also shown good
progress.
Small-car sales may have been up in February
but down on the same time in 2005, however their
market share increased to 21.8 per cent against
last year’s 20.9 overall. With 3396 Toyota Corolla,
2577 Mazda3 and 1646 Holden Astra sales, this
triumvirate accounted for almost half of all new
small-car sales under $40,000.
Nissan must be concerned with only 708 Tiida
cars finding homes in its February debut month.
Running at around half of those projected, it is
also 384 units down on February 2005’s 1420
Pulsar total even with the 328 Pulsars sold last
month included.
Holden’s small-car share dropped 2.1 per
cent
month-onmonth despite the
new Viva’s arrival,
Ford’s Focus is up
slightly, while the
Honda Civic’s 4.7
per cent share – up
from 2.8 in February
2005 – is impressive
considering the new
model’s on-sale date
was February 23.
Medium cars below $55,000 tripped to 7.1
per cent of the total passenger car market (down
from 7.7), with the recently revamped Hyundai
Sonata and new VW Jetta being the only sunny
spots here. Meanwhile, in the Medium $55K-plus
sector money talks because the more-affordable
Alfa 156, Saab 9-3 and Volvo S40/V50 duo all
increased their sales.
And so does fresh metal, since the BMW
E90 3 Series, Lexus IS250 and the Audi A4 all
increased their market share. Chrysler’s 130
300C sales outdid Ford’s Fairlane but not the
256-selling Holden Statesman/Caprice, while the
new Mercedes S-class’ 41-unit result topped the
$100K-plus Upper Large dominion.
Toyota is dominating both SUV Compact and
SUV Large sales with its RAV4 and LandCruiser
respectively. Ford’s reigning Territory gained sales
in February but is down almost 25 per cent yearon-year in the medium SUV sector, with Toyota’s
Kluger and Prado also recording similar drops.
With passenger vehicle and SUV sales down
4.3 and 13 per cent respectively, only the lighttruck segment grew year-on-year in February. Star
performances here came from Toyota’s refreshed
HiLux ute and HiAce van models, Holden’s
Crewman and the golden-oldies Mitsubishi
Triton and Nissan D22 Navara. Reflecting fuel
price concerns, while the rear-drive Falcon and
Commodore utes continue their slide, the V
Triton and 4x2 Ford Courier picked up some of
their slack.
At 77,466, overall new-vehicle sales were
down 3695 units (or 4.6 per cent) on February
2005’s record 81,141. Yet last month’s tally was
still the second-best February total ever. The
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries still
predicts 980,000 sales for 2006, which would
about match the record 2005 result.
Great prices paid for quality used Subarus.
Subaru Interactive @ Docklands
FPA1881R
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M A R C H 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 11
Accountant
Financial
Controller
Large Sydney metro dealership
A multi franchised, $130million
turnover motor dealership including
luxury franchises requires a motivated,
self-starter to manage and take
responsibility of all internal accounting,
management and reporting functions
including annual statutory
requirements.
The successful applicant will report
directly to the Managing Director
and will be part of the Executive
Management Team.
Strong computer and exceptional
communication skills are required.
The successful applicant needs to
understand and interpret key ratios
and benchmarks with a view to
contributing to the efficiency and
profitability of the business. CPA or CA
qualifications and industry experience
will be viewed as an advantage.
An attractive 6 figure salary package
will be offered to the right candidate
including a motor vehicle.
Email or written applications in strict
confidence detailing your relevant
experience should be forwarded to:
Mr David Cowper
Horwath Motor Industry Services
GPO Box 1455, Sydney, NSW, 2001
[email protected]
Safety stress
Toyota Yaris
By MARTON PETTENDY
TOYOTA Australia refused to wade into the
Barina sedan safety debate at the launch of the
most direct rival for Holden’s controversial new
light car last week, but conceded safety will be the
cornerstone of the marketing campaign for its allnew Yaris sedan.
Designed and manufactured in Japan, Yaris is
one of the few light cars – known as “superminis”
in Europe – to achieve a five-star crash test rating
from the crash safety authority Euro NCAP.
Holden launched its representative for the
emerging light-sedan category last month in the
shape of its first ever Barina sedan, sourced from
GM Daewoo in South Korea.
Priced significantly lower than the $17,690 Yaris
sedan at $14,490, Barina sedan’s donor vehicle, the
Chevrolet-badged Aveo, achieved a dismal two-star
ENCAP crash rating two weeks ago.
But Toyota was unwilling to enter into a
discussion on the notchback Barina’s safety
record, and backed up Holden’s official policy of
objecting to ENCAP’s crash-test procedures.
“I’d just remind everybody that NCAP is a
measure, which is outside the ADRs (Australian
Horwath Motor Industry Services Pty Limited is an
independent practice. Other independent Horwath practices
operate in each of the nation’s financial centres.
"EWFSUJTJOHSBUFBQQMJFTUP(P"VUPFOFXT2VBSUFS1BHF
Chevrolet Aveo
John Mellor's
Design Rules),” said Toyota Australia executive
chairman John Conomos. “Cars must meet ADRs
or they can’t come into the country. Whether it’s
a small car or a large luxury car, it must pass the
ADR test.
“ENCAP has its own set of values, and the fact
it (Barina) didn’t do very well could conjure up
in the minds of some that it’s not safe. But that’s
incorrect: the car meets ADRs.
“Whether it meets the standards set down by
ENCAP, in whichever part of the world they test,
whatever car they test, in which conditions they
test, which specification they test … all those are
unknown factors. “Keep it in perspective: cars that
come into this country must meet ADRs. Don’t
confuse it with ENCAP ratings which in this
country the industry doesn’t recognise.”
Toyota did, however, stress the built-in safety
of all its models, and admitted safety is and will
continue to be emphasised in the marketing
campaign for Toyota’s newest light-car entrant.
“We’re very mindful of these issues and, yes,
we’ll be pushing the safety message (of Yaris)
very strongly – because it is in fact the safest
vehicle you can get in the category. It’s obviously
a unique selling point,” Mr Conomos said.
“One of our fundamentals is GOA (Global
Outstanding Assessment), a policy by which
every one of our cars strives to establish standards
way above those in any part of the world for every
model. We’re not driven by ENCAP – although
we do take notice of it – but we do establish
standards that are up to and in some cases ahead
of ENCAP performance.”
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M A R C H 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 12
Boot scooter
Toyota claims its new
light sedan has a bigger
boot than a Commodore
By MARTON PETTENDY
TOYOTA has added a sedan variant to the allnew Yaris hatch range it released Down Under
in October, and it is a sign of the times that the
Japanese brand’s newest light car is as big and as
powerful as the venerable EH Holden.
Priced from $17,690 ($19,190 for the auto), the
single-model Yaris YRS four-door is considerably
larger than the similarly equipped, mid-range
YRS five-door hatch, yet is $300 cheaper.
Australia’s top-selling car brand claims the
booted Yaris – which is also as big as the current
Corolla sedan – will bridge the gap between the
light- and small-car categories. As such, Toyota
admits the largest Yaris will steal sales from
Toyota’s own Corolla, which is $2160 more
expensive in entry-level sedan guise and will be
replaced by a larger new model next year.
Designed in Japan but offering the same crisp,
edgy styling first seen on the European-styled
hatch, the five-speed manual and four-speed auto
sedan brings the number of Yaris model variants
to 14.
Toyota Australia claims the sedan’s key
attributes are safety, space and value for money.
As with the Yaris hatch, which comprises
three and five-door YR, YRS and YRX variants
starting at $14,990, a $750 safety pack will be
available with the sedan, comprising front side
and full-length side curtain airbags for a total of
six. However, the safety option will not include the
hatch’s world-first (for a light car) kneebag, which 6.1L/100km for the manual (6.7L/100km auto)
is said to be redundant because of the sedan’s – less than Barina sedan (6.9L/100km manual),
different dashboard shape.
which employs a larger 1.6-litre engine that
Powered by the same 80kW/141Nm 1.5-litre delivers less power (76kW) but more torque
16-valve DOHC VVT-i four-cylinder engine as (145Nm).
the YRS and YRX hatch, the YRS sedan measures
As with the hatch, Yaris sedan employs
4300mm long (120mm longer than Echo sedan), new seats, steering, brakes and suspension.
1690mm wide (30mm wider), 1460mm high MacPherson struts with lower L-arms reside
(50mm lower) and has wheel tracks
up front, ahead of a new trailing
PRICING:
of 1470mm (front, up 30mm) and
torsion beam rear suspension with
1460mm (rear, up 40mm).
YRS 1.5
$17,690 toe-control bush. Steering is via the
Its 2550mm wheelbase is 70mm YRS 1.5 (a) $19,190 same electrically power-assisted
longer than the Barina sedan’s,
rack-and-pinion system.
90mm longer than the Yaris hatch’s and 180mm
There are ventilated 255mm front brake discs,
longer than the Echo sedan’s, while its 0.26Cd while the rear wheels make do with drums.
drag coefficient is one point better than the Yaris Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force
hatch’s.
distribution and brake assist are standard. Steel
Despite the longer wheelbase, its 9.8m turning 15 x 5.5-inch wheels, semi-concealed behind sixcircle is the same as the Echo sedan’s while its spoke plastic wheel covers, are shod with 185/60
interior couple distance (measured between front R15 tyres.
and rear hip points) is longer
Reflecting YRS hatch specifications, standard
than the Corolla sedan’s at
equipment includes twin front airbags, five three905mm. Interestingly, the
point seatbelts, air-conditioning, power windows,
Yaris sedan offers a 475a height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel,
litre boot – 11 litres bigger
four-speaker CD/MP3 sound system, powered
than in the Echo sedan (464
wing mirrors, multiple storage compartments,
litres), 75 litres bigger than
Barina sedan (400 litres) twin vanity mirrors and a full-size spare wheel.
The sedan adds a 60/40-split folding rear
and 10 litres bigger than
Holden’s Commodore (465 seat and centrally located analogue instruments
(instead of digital).
litres).
The official combined
fuel consumption figure is
LOSING
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For drive impressions, go to
www.goauto.com.au from this Friday.
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M A R C H 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 13
UP CLOSE on PERSONNEL
brought to you by Motor
Staff
SCOTT Strong has returned to Ford Australia to
resume his post as the head of design, following
Simon Butterworth’s move back to the United
Kingdom to rejoin Ford’s Premier Automotive
Group.
Mr Strong, who is best known for
resuscitating the Falcon with the AUII/III
series and designing the subsequent BA series,
has returned from Detroit where he has been
working in a variety of roles and influencing
several vehicles including the Freestyle, Ford
500, Fusion and Mercury Milan.
Mr Strong moved to Detroit early in 2001 at
the request of Ford’s global design chief J Mays
and the head of global product development
Richard Parry-Jones. He had completed two
years of his (minimum) three-year contract in
Australia, an early termination that dismayed
many at Ford Australia including former
president Geoff Polites.
“(J Mays) sees Australia as an
enormous training ground for your
high-priority talent as it’s one of the
few places in the world where you get
the whole box and dice and you are
far enough away to be able to exert
your influence,” Mr Polites said at the
time.
The move back to the Australian
“training ground” is an interesting
one. As design director for Ford Asia
Pacific and Africa, Mr Strong, 54,
will have responsibility for programs
based out of Australia as well as
overall responsibility for CAF Design
in China, FAP design in Ford’s Hiroshima
studio and a leadership role in the Shanghai
auto shows.
Blue Oval to the bone, Mr Strong had spent
more than 15 years designing Ford cars such as
the Cougar, Focus, Ka and the original Mondeo
NISSAN ADDS NEW TIER
KIA NAMES PR CHIEF
STOOKE MOVES TO HUMMER
ATTEMPTING
to
overcome sliding sales,
Nissan Australia has
appointed an executive
with experience at Ford
as its general manager
of marketing and public
relations.
A statement issued
this week said that Ross
Booth comes to the
newly formed position
after holding executive
Ross Booth
and marketing positions
with subsidiaries of the Ford Motor Co.
He will be responsible for product planning,
marketing strategy and public relations at
Nissan Australia, with the heads of these three
areas (Michael Hayes, Lynn Blake and Lenore
Fletcher respectively) reporting to him rather
than directly to managing director and CEO
Shinya Hannya.
As the auto sector boomed last year, Nissan
sales dropped more than 7600 units over 2004 to
56,000 for the year. VFACTS figures also show
that for the first two months of this year, Nissan’s
sales are down 1000 units year-to-date compared
to last year.
JONATHAN Fletcher
has been appointed
the public relations
manager for Kia Motors
Australia. Mr Fletcher
has 20 years’ experience
in public relations,
including
experience
in the automotive,
industrial, technology
and government sectors.
He joins Kia after
managing his own PR
Jonathan Fletcher
consultancy.
Before that he worked for IBM and NCR and
held several senior PR roles across Australia,
New Zealand and South-East Asia. During the
1990s he worked for the Project Group and
worked on automotive clients such as Toyota,
Lexus, Castrol and Yokohama.
GM
HOLDEN
sales and marketing
executive
Megan
Stooke, on assignment
in the United States
since last May, has been
appointed as director
of marketing for GM’s
Hummer brand. She
replaces Liz Vanzura,
who has become global
marketing director for
Megan Stooke
Cadillac.
Ms Stooke left her position as Holden’s
director of sales to assume a role with Chevrolet,
and was most recently the director of advertising
and sales promotion for that brand.
The Melbournian started her career with
Holden in 1995, holding various sales and
marketing positions, including export director
and marketing director. In her new role she
will report to divisional general manager for
Hummer, Martin Walsh. Her replacement has
not yet been named.
STRONG DESIGNS ON FORD
MANNY HEADS SAE-A
THE Society of Automotive Engineers
(Australasia)
has
appointed
Manny
Stamatopoulos as its new executive director,
effective March 20. He has had 20 years’
experience in corporate relations and sales, most
recently with AGL has a national sales executive.
Scott Strong
before arriving in Australia in January 1999
with the intent to sculpt the BA Falcon. But his
brief soon changed to “fix the car now”.
In other people news at Ford Australia, Ray
Price has been named as the company’s new
racing manager.
If you have any car industry personnel
announcements, please email them to
Terry Martin at [email protected].
Australia’s No1 Recruitment Specialist
Professional Career Advice
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M A R C H 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 14
GoAuto latest road test
Subaru Impreza WRX sedan
SUBARU has wheeled out a new-look Impreza to locally debut its new, aircraft-inspired corporate
face. That you may take or leave, but there’s also something else within the new WRX version
that sounds potentially exciting – a huge bump in engine capacity from 2.0 to 2.5 litres.
How, you ask, does that affect the performance? Stunningly perhaps? Not quite.
In fact according to Subaru’s figures it actually accelerates slower to 100km/h.
Given it’s got the same super-low final drive ratio and a reasonable
torque increase, how can that be so? Can’t explain really, except to
say the latest WRX does seem a little more tractable and a little more
responsive in the gears. Given that, the new WRX appears to have
decided it will leave the all-out performance thing to the hard-edged
STi version – which also gets a 2.5-litre engine, but more substantial
power and torque increases.
ROAD TEST: CLICK HERE
GM SELLS SUZUKI SHARE
GENERAL Motors was in the process of selling
17.4 per cent of its 20.4 per cent stake in Suzuki as
GoAuto went to press, raising about $US2 billion
in cash from the sale “to enhance the strength of
GM’s balance sheet and liquidity position”.
Overseas reports indicate that Suzuki will keep
its 11 per cent stake in GM Daewoo in South
Korea and that Suzuki and GM will continue jointventure projects and shared production initiatives.
There is no word yet on whether GM will also sell
its 12 per cent stake in Isuzu Motors.
GM-TOYOTA FCV DEAL OFF
GENERAL Motors will terminate its jointresearch programs on fuel-cell vehicles and
related technology with Toyota at the end of this
month.
According to overseas reports the world’s two
Altica
largest car-makers have, in turn, agreed to extend
current co-operation agreements on safety and
emissions-reducing technology for another two
years.
HSV CONFIRMS HOT VXR
HOLDEN Special Vehicles used last week’s
Brisbane motor show to confirm the OPC-tuned
Astra VXR will officially join its line-up this
year.
Released in Europe late last year, the AH Astrabased VXR’s 176kW turbocharged four-cylinder
makes it a direct rival for Ford’s forthcoming
(May) $35,990 166kW Focus XR5. HSV said
the VXR would be sold in “extremely limited”
numbers and retail “under $43,000”.
PREGIO VAN EXITS
KIA’S expanded production of its Sportage
4WD wagon in Korea has forced the axing of the
Pregio van, one of the company’s best sellers in
Australia.
However, one of the first points of business
for Kia Motors Australia’s chief operating
officer Steve Lotter is to find a replacement. “We
obviously have to plug that hole,” he said. A new
van has not been ruled out in the long-term.
LAUNCH PAD
MARCH:
Ford Fiesta Zetec upgrade
Proton Savvy
Toyota Tarago redesign
Toyota Yaris sedan
Volkswagen Passat redesign
New model diary: CLICK HERE
AUDI AIMS HIGHER
AUDI has forecast a minimum 10 per cent growth
in sales volume in Australia this year, following a
30 per cent rise (to 4800 units) in 2005.
Speaking at the Brisbane motor show last
week, Audi Australia’s general manager (sales)
Andrew Doyle said the company would achieve
this by introducing at least one new turbo-diesel
model variant in every major product line as part
of 10 new models and variants it will launch in
total this year. The main arrivals will be the RS4
sedan (May), Q7 4WD (September) and the RS4
Avant (final quarter).
COROLLA DOWN, NOT OUT
THE 1.8-litre engine powering Toyota’s topselling Corolla has been detuned, dropping from
100kW of power and 171Nm of torque to 93kW
and 161Nm. A Toyota Australia spokesperson said
this week that the changes were necessary in order
to comply with tougher emissions regulations in
force from January 1. They affect models built
from October 2005. No other changes have been
made to the car, other than prices rising – the range
now starts from $19,850. Despite the changes, and
the fact that a key selling point has gone, Toyota
is having no trouble selling the Corolla – 3395
rolled out of showrooms last month alone.
SHOW RECORDS
MORE than 25,000 visitors packed the Brisbane
Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday
– 8000 more than the Brisbane motor show’s
previous one-day record. Organisers expect the
2006 event, which ends this Sunday, to top last
year’s total attendance record of 128,000.
Last month’s Melbourne motor show attracted
a near-record 228,292 visitors. Vehicle sales were
outstanding, with at least one exhibitor selling
more than $3 million worth of cars.
According to organisers, Rolls-Royce sold four
cars and generated another six leads, Bentley took
its first of five Azure orders within 15 minutes
of the show’s opening, Maybach is now talking
with six customers for its new 57S model and
Australia’s first $1.3 million Pagani Zonda sale is
expected soon.
SUBARU SPECIALS
SPECIAL-EDITION cars just keep on coming
from Subaru Australia, which over the past week
has introduced an Impreza 2.0R Luxury model
variant and a duotone Outback.
Priced from $31,690 and available in either
sedan or wagon and manual or automatic form,
the Impreza has a claimed $4500 worth of extras
for $1700 over the recommended retail price. It is
offered only in orange, and includes leather trim
and a sunroof.
Meanwhile, the duotone Outback will be
available with three colour combos – white over
grey, blue over grey and black over grey. Pricing
starts from $37,990 for the 2.5-litre model and
$46,490 for the 3.0 auto.
NEW TRITON NEARS
MITSUBISHI Australia used Friday’s Brisbane
motor show opening to display the all-new Triton
it revealed in Melbourne, but this time confirmed
VOLVO’S BIG YEAR
it would be released in dual-cab guise mid-year,
VOLVO has confirmed 2006 will be one of its with 3.2-litre turbo-diesel and 3.5-litre petrol
biggest years for new-model activity in Australia. power.
The Swedish brand’s redesigned C70 coupeAlong with a manual-transmission Colt (which
convertible appeared in Brisbane and goes on sale arrives around June priced from around $16,990),
here in August. The brand’s all-new S80 flagship Mitsubishi’s mini-car range will be bolstered by
sedan is due on sale here in October, while a 1.5-litre and turbocharged versions of the Colt
DEALERS OF THE YEAR
facelifted XC90 4WD (possibly with a V8 engine 2+2 cabriolet around August, followed by the
John Mellor's
HONDA
Australia has named Eastern Honda of option) is slated for a late 2006 release. Volvo’s Allan Heaphy-tuned Colt Super Ralliart Turbo.
C30 compact 4WD will be a mid-2007
Doncaster (Vic) as its 2005 Dealer of the Year,
while all-new
Mitsubishi
also restated
its desiregroup
to offer the
by GoAuto Newsroom, Australia’s most innovative
automotive
publishing
GoAuto -news is produced
the Chrysler Group has handed its 2005 DOTY Australian arrival following its production debut quirky “i” micro-car. It features a mid-mounted
Phone:
(03)
9598
6477
E-mail:
[email protected]
Advertising
manager:
Steve
Butcher
–
Ph:
0419
at September’s Paris motor show.
award to Adelaide City Chrysler Jeep (SA).
660cc turbo that drives the rear wheels.562 110
e

GoAuto Newsroom

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