Black hole - GoAutoMedia

Transcription

Australia’s Number One Automotive Industry Journal
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
May 28, 2008
No. 435
50,000 READERS WEEKLY
Melbourne
pump this
week
Black hole
Value of diesel
di
l cars under
d intense
i
scrutiny
i as fuel
f l prices
i
soar
By MARTON PETT
PETTENDY
TENDY
THE increasing disparity between
tween petrol and
diesel pump prices due to soaring demand for
diesel fuel in Asia has dramatically increased
the length of time it takes to recoup the extra
cost of purchasing diesel cars, a GoAuto
investigation has revealed.
The retail price of diesel in Sydney last week
reached $1.80 per litre – up to 35 cents more
than unleaded petrol at the same sites – and
experts predict the recent earthquake in China
could further increase the demand for diesel
there and therefore its retail price here.
The soaring cost of diesel, which has on
average increased more than 17 per cent so
far this year – far outstripping petrol but still
well below the international benchmark diesel
price rise of 40 per cent in Australian dollars in
2008 – has also attracted the attention of petrol
commissioner Pat Walker.
Last year, sales of petrol passenger cars to
business purchasers rose by more than 88 per
cent and sales to private buyers increased by
almost 63 per cent. Sales of diesel passenger
cars to private buyers have risen more than 50
per cent so far this year while private petrol car
sales have dropped by five per cent.
In February, BMW predicted that diesel
models could comprise up to 80 per cent of its
sales within five years and SsangYong has this
year repositioned its brand to offer an all-diesel
range. Data provided exclusively to GoAuto by
JATO Dynamics reveals that many European
% Diesel Sales 2003 v 2007
60%
2003
50%
2007
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
I
T
T
T
E
Z R
B
O
N
EO GEN OE ME SAA ODG BEN SLE AUL AUD RKE
A
UG WA ITR RO
D ES- HRY REN
E
M
C
P KS
L
FA
ED C
L
TA
AL
RC
VO
TO
ME
Source: JATO
brands are more reliant on diesel car sales than
ever. Peugeot increased its mix of diesel vehicle
sales from about 11 per cent in 2003 to more
than 52 per cent last year, while Volkswagen
went from just over a one per cent share of diesel
sales in 2003 to 46.5 per cent in 2007. Others,
including Alfa Romeo, Saab, Dodge, Chrysler
and Renault, have increased their diesel sales
mix from zero in 2003 to more than 30, 27, 16,
13 and 13 per cent respectively.
Diesel vehicles remain a tiny proportion of
overall new passenger car sales in Australia,
but that could soon change with news last week
that Holden has committed to producing a diesel
Commodore within two years, joining Ford which
last month confirmed to GoAuto that it plans to
offer diesel versions of both its homegrown
Territory and Falcon models from 2010.
2010
This time 12 months ago the wholesale
diesel
$121.83
di l price
i was $121
83 and
d unleaded
l d d petrol
t l
cost $127.73 wholesale, making diesel roughly
six cents cheaper than petrol a year ago.
Based on the current wholesale price
disparity between petrol and diesel of 23 cents
per litre and an average annual mileage of
20,000km, it will take BMW 320d drivers more
than eight years to pay off their car’s $3100
higher purchase price over the equivalent 320i,
while the Hyundai i30 diesel’s $3500 price
premium over its petrol sibling will take more
than 11 years to recoup.
Calculated on a $4000 price premium over
the equivalent petrol version and an ADR81/01
average fuel consumption estimate of 8.5 litres
per 100km (compared with 10.8L/100km for the
petrol), it will take buyers of the forthcoming
Commodore diesel more than 12 years to pay
off their diesel investment. Twelve years!
Before the rapid diesel price hikes that
began about a year ago, Ford predicted a diesel
version of its Falcon would take between three
and five years to offset its extra cost. Using the
same formula, a Falcon diesel could take an
extra 17 years to pay for itself on current diesel
prices. Let us repeat: 17 years.
Continued next page
VOLKSWAGEN ENTERS
VOL
COMPACT SUV FRAY
C
- page 14
=bWiiÊiÅJ^[7kjeIf[Y_\_YWj_ed
WdZH[i_ZkWbLWbk[If[Y_Wb_iji
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.goautomedia.com
ADVERTISE: Steve Butcher Ph: 0419 562 110 [email protected]
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 2
Black hole
Continued from previous page
The figures are much worse when calculated
on the average retail price differential between
petroll and
diesell off about
d di
b 30 cents nationally,
i ll llett
alone the 35-cent disparity seen at some outlets
in Sydney last week. In those cases, the diesel
purchase price premium pay-back period is
beyond 30 years for the oil-burning Commodore
and more than 40 years for the Falcon.
The RACV’s government relations manager
David Cumming told GoAuto this week that
the widening gap between petrol and diesel
prices was a direct result of booming demand
for diesel in Asia, and the fact that Australian
crude oil prices were linked to the Tapas crude
oil price in Singapore.
“For 25 years the two (petrol and diesel) were
on (price) parity or diesel was slightly below it
and demand for diesel in Asia is the only reason
we pay a premium now,” he said.
“The disparity has come about purely
because diesel operates on the same market
price in Singapore – the defined product price.
Asia runs on diesel and China and India’s
demand for diesel is immense. Unleaded is
almost a by-product in Singapore.”
He said the price premium for diesel was
expected by some quarters to continue to climb.
“I’m led to believe there’s a supply and
demand imbalance in Asia for diesel which
leads to a premium being paid in Australia.
There’s a view that in the wake of the
earthquake they may even consume more
diesel, because the only way they’re going to
be able to get electricity into those devastated
areas is with diesel engines,” he said.
Mr Cumming said the diesel price hike,
which has also been exacerbated by stockpiling
by major Chinese refiners ahead of the Olympic
Games, was bad news for both current owners
of diesel vehicles and customers of new and
upcoming diesel passenger models, many of
which have or will become available because
of increased demand and improved Australian
diesel fuel quality standards.
“And of course the timing couldn’t be
worse – just when all these new diesel-engined
passenger cars are starting to come to Australia.
“People can communicate with us via our
website and I had more than 20 complaints last
week from diesel people. Nearly all of them
are saying they’re considering selling their
car, but I don’t know if their car is going to be
worth very much,” he said.
Mr Cumming said that last week’s $139 price
exercise
GoAuto diesel/petrol fuel studyy exerc
BMW 3 Series:
Ford Falcon XT:
Vehicle
320i
320d
Price
$53,600 $56,700
Fuel Type
Petrol
Diesel
Transmission
6-speed auto
Power
115kW
125kW
Torque
200Nm
340Nm
Average L/100km
8.1
6.0
Fuel cost/L
$1.57
$1.80
Average km/Year
20,000
20,000
Fuel cost/Year
$2543.40 $2160
Vehicle price difference $3100
Fuel advantage per year $383.40
Break even point (years)* 8.09
Vehicle
XT Falcon XT E-gas
Price
$36,490 $37,890
Fuel Type
Petrol
LPG
Transmission
4-speed auto
Power
195kW
156kW
Torque
391Nm
370Nm
Average L/100km
10.5
15.5
Fuel cost/L
$1.57
$0.65
Average km/Year
20,000
20,000
Fuel cost/Year
$3297
$2011.90
Holden Omega:
Vehicle
Omega
Omega
Price
$36,790 $40,690
Fuel Type
Petrol
LPG
Transmission
4-speed auto
Power
180kW
175kW
Torque
330Nm
325Nm
Average L/100km
10.8
16.0
Fuel cost/L
$1.57
$0.65
Average km/Year
20,000
20,000
Fuel cost/Year
$3391.20 $2076.80
Falcon XT
$40,490
Diesel
TBA
TBA
TBA
8.5
$1.80
20,000
$3060
$4000
$237
16.88
Hyundai i30 SX:
Omega
$40,790
Diesel
TBA
TBA
TBA
8.5
$1.80
20,000
$3060
$4000
$331.20
12.08
Vehicle
i30 SX
i30 CRD
Price
$18,990 $21,490
Fuel Type
Petrol
Diesel
Transmission
4-speed auto
Power
105kW
85kW
Torque
186Nm
255Nm
Average L/100km
7.6
6.0
Fuel cost/L
$1.57
$1.80
Average km/Year
20,000
20,000
Fuel cost/Year
$2386.40 $2160
Notes: * Based on initial cost. Falcon and Commodore diesel retail price is based on a $4000 premium over the petrol variant.
Falcon and Commodore diesel consumption is estimated at an average of 8.5L/100km
high for Tapas crude oil in Singapore, which
has since reduced to $127, would not flow
through to pump prices for a month or so, but
he was reluctant to join in recent predictions of
$2.00-per-litre petrol by the end of this year.
“I’ve never put my head out that far.
I’m prepared to do it on a fortnightly-byfortnightly basis. Anybody that’s prepared to
go out there and say $2.00 by the end of the
year is a very game man. These prices are not
about supply and demand. This is purely what
the speculators have got out of the US dollar. It
appears to be a bit of a game now, to see how
far they can push it,” he said.
“Where are we going with diesel? No doubt
$1.90 in the foreseeable future is possible.”
Mr Cumming said he had no problem with
retail fuel prices, with the Melbourne fuel
market taking an average profit margin of just
four cents per litre at the moment, and reiterated
the fact that only a very small percentage of
diesel is sold to private motorists.
“That’s why there is no competition over
the board price for diesel, because all the big
boys either buy it bulk on contract or long-term
tender. In many cases they probably would
have hedged their costs anyway – they might
have a fixed-term contract for 12 months and
may well be buying at last year’s price right
now.”
But he again took aim at federal government
inaction on what the RACV has long described
as a tax on a tax: the 10 per cent GST surcharge
on top of the 38.1 CPL federal government
(petrol and diesel) fuel excise. Once again the
latter applies only to private motorists, with
trucks over 4.2 tonnes paying only 19.6 cents
a litre excise plus GST, and farmers, miners,
railways, forestry workers and the like all
paying no excise or gaining a tax rebate.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
LPG advantage grows – next page
Powerful software to grow your dealership.
Dealer Management Systems
[email protected] | www.auto-it.com.au | +61 3 9349 3062
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 3
LPG advantage grows
LPG offers ‘immense’
savings over diesel
and petrol per annum
By MARTON PETTENDY
THE price of diesel may be soaring ahead
of both petrol and LPG, but based on an
average price of 65 CPL, LPG-powered
versions of both the current FG Falcon
and VE Commodore still take just one and
three years respectively to negate their
higher purchase prices – before the federal
government’s LPG vehicle subsidy is
factored in.
The latter provides a $2000 rebate for
private motorists who convert a petrolpowered vehicle to run on LPG Autogas and
$1000 for a new LPG vehicle. More than
125,000 private motorists have converted
their vehicles or bought new LPG-powered
vehicles with the help of the government
grants since the scheme was introduced in
August 2006.
LPG Australia last week said the savings
offered by LPG vehicles have never been
greater, with Autogas retail prices remaining
at least 90 cents lower than last week’s new
record petrol price of $1.60 per litre. Last
month the national average ULP price was
$142.9 per litre, compared to 66.3 cents for
Autogas.
“While LPG is not immune from price
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
PUBLISHER: John Mellor
EDITOR: Terry Martin
MANAGING EDITOR: Marton Pettendy
JOURNALISTS: David Hassall, Philip Lord,
Byron Mathioudakis, James Stanford
PRODUCTION AND GRAPHICS:
Chris Harris, Luc Britten
SUB-EDITORS: Katrina Webb, Georgia O'Connell
NEW MODEL DIARY: Lou Paolino
PRODUCED BY GOAUTOMEDIA:
Ph: (03) 9598 6477
[email protected]
ADVERTISING MANAGER: Steve Butcher
Ph: 0419 562 110
[email protected]
SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.mellor.net
Phil Westlake
fluctuations caused by world oil markets,
Autogas typically sells for less than half
the price per litre of ULP petrol. Over the
course of a calendar year it clearly offers
an immense savings advantage,” said LPG
Australia industry development manager
Phil Westlake.
“If you are spending $80 per week on
petrol now, you’ll be spending $40 or less
on Autogas. That’s $40 per week that stays
in your back pocket.
“Even without a $2000 grant, a motorist
who converts a six-cylinder engine to run
on Autogas will recover their conversion
investment in under two years – assuming
they travel 25,000km per year and their
conversion cost $3000.
“Factoring in a $2000 grant towards
th conversion, you would recover the
the
co
conversion
cost in only seven months,”
said Mr Westlake, who added that the LPG
automotive industry has reacted quickly to
develop LPG conversion kits for models
like Toyota’s Corolla, Nissan’s X-Trail and
Honda’s CR-V. Sales of small cars and small
SUVs have increased 6.8 and 5.8 per cent
respectively after the first four months of
2008.
GoAuto exclusively reported in March
that leading Australian automotive engineer
Dr Laurie Sparke advocated increased
use of LPG (for passenger, SUV and light
commercial vehicles) and CNG (for longhaul road transport vehicles) in Australia to
reduce the country’s dependence on foreign
oil and to reduce harmful emissions.
GM last week announced it would launch
a Hungarian-built 110kW/210Nm 1.6-litre
compressed natural gas (CNG) turbocharged
four-cylinder engine in Europe’s Opel Zafira
mini-MPV and other vehicles from next
year, which could mark the beginning of a
trend towards gas-powered small-cars.
In Australia last week, GM Asia Pacific
president Nick Reilly described vehicles
compatible with a range of alternative fuels
– LPG, CNG and 85 per cent ethanol-blend
petrol – as “priorities”, with hybrid and
diesel powertrains following soon after.
“In terms of speed, the quickest thing
that we can do is alternative fuels such
as LPG, CNG and E85 – those would be
our priorities,” he said. “Certainly, diesel
we already have in several of our cars in
Australia. We don’t yet have a diesel in the
Commodore but that will come, and, as for
hybrids, we will introduce hybrids in the
next couple of years.” He said diesel would
be introduced at about the same time.
Given Ford’s and now Holden’s stated
desire to produce small cars in Australia,
locally produced LPG versions could
provide a double-edged sword to fight both
rising diesel prices and global warming.
Double your Sales and
Service Opportunities &
Spend Nothing Extra?
Sounds too good to be believed? Contact us today and let us show you how!
1300 666 562
info@ motorsolutions.com.au
www.motorsolutions.com.au
Your Total Opportunity
Management Specialist
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 4
Isuzu D-Max attack
Isuzu Ute Australia set
for D-Max ute launch as
retail network takes shape
By MARTON PETTENDY
MITSUBISHI Corporation has registered
a company called Isuzu Ute Australia to
manage the import and distribution in
Australia later this year of the Isuzu D-Max
utility, first details of which will soon be
officially released.
As GoAuto revealed exclusively in early
March, Holden has lost the rights to continue
to apply the long-running Rodeo model
nameplate to the light commercial vehicle
built for it by Isuzu in Thailand, following
the formal separation between Isuzu and
Holden’s parent company General Motors.
Holden will relaunch the Rodeo as the
Colorado in July via a cosmetically facelifted
model that is now on sale in Thailand as the
Chevrolet Colorado. Featuring a new front
bumper and interior trim, it will swap the
Chev bow-tie logo on its grille for Holden’s
lion mascot.
As previously reported, Mitsubishi
Corporation is Japan’s largest publicly
listed company and has interests in many
industries globally, including Isuzu Motors
Limited (IML) and Mitsubishi Motors
Corporation (MMC) in Japan.
Via its new subsidiary Isuzu Ute Australia
(IUA), it is now establishing an Australian
D-Max
dealer network of up to 50 retail outlets
to sell the Isuzu D-Max, as it is known
in markets outside Australia. The new
company is separate to both Isuzu’s existing
commercial truck operation here, Isuzu
Australia Limited (IAL), and Mitsubishi
Motors Australia Limited (MMAL).
GoAuto has learned that a number of
Mitsubishi Corp executives, led by IUA
general manager Hitoshi Kono and a senior
Isuzu Thailand official, are responsible for
the marketing and distribution of the Isuzubadged D-Max to be sold here, but when
contacted by GoAuto this week they remain
tight-lipped about details of the vehicle,
exactly when it will be launched, who will
sell it and IUA’s sales aspirations.
Once Australia’s top-selling LCV,
Holden’s Rodeo claimed 12.7 per cent
share of Australia’s 4x2 pick-up/cab-chassis
market segment in 2007 with 8978 sales
(down 14.2 per cent on 2006), making it the
fourth best seller behind Toyota’s HiLux,
Ford’s Falcon Ute and Holden’s own
Commodore-based Ute.
In 4x4 guise, the current fifth-generation
(RA-series) Rodeo found 9428 Australian
homes last year (up 18.1 per cent on 2006)
for an 11.4 per cent share of 4x4 pick-up/
cab-chassis sales, ranking it behind the
HiLux, Nissan’s Navara and Mitsubishi’s
Triton.
IUA spokesman Richard Power confirmed
that a range of D-Max variants would
be launched in late 2008, but would not
confirm what engines, drivetrains or body
configurations will be made available.
Continued next page
PRODUCT MANAGER –
After Sales
The After Sales division of Nissan is key to our Australian business. We are
seeking an outstanding Product Manager to continue the success of this
industry leading division.
Reporting to the Manager for Sales and Marketing, this national role will
give you ownership of three critical portfolios within After Sales. Working
closely with internal and external stakeholders, you will develop and execute
a range of marketing programs that maximise sales growth through the
dealer network channel. This hands-on role will see you working with dealer
network Parts & Service departments, external trade customers, insurance
companies, Nissan suppliers and a range of creative agencies.
Tertiary qualified in Business or Marketing, you will demonstrate a
track record of excellence in product management. To stand out in this
dynamic environment demands exceptional skills in product marketing,
communication, networking and negotiation coupled with a history of
growing new revenue streams. Commercial and strategic thinking, business
analysis and cross-functional persuasion are cornerstones to your success.
Applications close on Wednesday 4th June 2008.
Apply confidentially to Andy Williams at Lloyd Morgan
on (03) 9683 5233 or E: [email protected]
Alternatively, visit www.lloydmorgan.com.au
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
M AY 2 8,
8 , 2 0 08
0 8 Page 5
Isuzu D-Max
ute attack
“There will be a range, but I won’t go
into any more details than that,” he said.
“We don’t want to say anything more about
the vehicle or its launch timing at this stage
because as soon as we broadcast it there are
other operators in the market that will seek
to spoil it.
“I have no comment on future product.
You’ll have to come to the launch to find
out.”
Mr Power told GoAuto an announcement
on the IUA management team and dealer
network was imminent.
“It won’t be too long before we go public
with something, but at the moment we just
want to put a few more pegs in the ground
before we announce anything,” he said.
“So we’re in the process and we have
signed some up but it’s an ongoing process
and (Hitoshi) Kono-san is very much
involved in that.
“There’s really nothing much to report.
We’re just beavering away getting ready
for a launch late in the year, hiring people,
going through the motions to set up the
systems for importing the vehicles and the
accessories and so on.
“I will put out a release soon on
appointments and those sorts of things –
we’re just not ready yet.
Don’t really want to say
how many dealers we’ve
signed up yet, but we’ll
be aiming for a selectt
number, probably less than
50, of existing dealers thatt
would welcome a lightt
commercial entry and thatt
are complementary to the
D-Max product.”
Mr Power said that some existing Isuzu
commercial dealers would be appointed
to retail the D-Max in Australia and it was
possible the D-Max could be sold alongside
one of its direct competitors in Mitsubishi’s
Triton – despite the fact it is manufactured,
imported and distributed by two of its
subsidiaries.
Asked whether Mitsubishi Corp had issued
a directive not to appoint Mitsubishi dealers
to sell the D-Max, Mr Power said: “Not
necessarily. I think we’d prefer to go with
people who are not directly competitive, but
that’s not always the case.
“It just depends on who’s viewed as
being the best choice that’s available to
us and its location. It’s possible (that the
D-Max and Triton could be sold at the same
dealership).”
GoAutoNews, March 5, 2008
The nucleus of IUA began in Melbourne,
where IAL is based, before moving to
Brisbane city in January while suitable
premises were found with enough land for
car parking, service space and offices for
backroom logistics.
IUA was officially registered as a
company with the Australian Securities &
Investments Commission on February 6,
and its head office is still in the process of
being established in the Brisbane suburb of
Eagle Farm.
“We’re up and running now, doing the
backroom stuff,” said Mr Power. “But there
are still no land lines, there is building works
in progress and it’s pretty rough and ready.
We can’t even take a photo of the front of
the building yet.”
Sales Executive – Alphabet Fleet Services
Alphabet Fleet Services is a member of the worldwide financial services division of the BMW Group.
Offering a full range of fleet management solutions to corporate multiple vehicle operators, the Group also
provides retail vehicle finance, capital, inventory and Insurance Premium Funding facilities.
An outstanding opportunity now exists for a commercially astute and experienced Sales Executive to apply
for this position. Based in Melbourne, and reporting to the Alphabet Fleet Services Manager, the Sales
Executive’s role involves achieving sales targets by acquiring new customers through concentration on
corporate organisations requiring funding and management for their company fleet, and/or an employee
benefit salary packaging scheme.
The role will suit an individual with exceptional communication skills and a proven track record in developing
effective business relationships. With strong sales and negotiation skills, you will be a self starter who thrives
on achieving results through working closely with corporate businesses.
Essentially, you understand the importance of delivering value added service to build these relationships,
and utilizing your business acumen to assist corporate entities reach their desired fleet business outcomes.
A tertiary qualification in a business related discipline and experience with corporate fleet sales is
highly desirable.
An outstanding business relationship building capability and sales record is essential
to secure this position.
Applications will be treated with strict confidence.
Apply online at: http:www.onetest.com.au/bmwfinance/ap19387
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 6
Sticker shock
ANCAP pushes for crash
ratings to be displayed
on every new vehicle
By PHILIP LORD
HOW well a new vehicle protects its
occupants and pedestrians in a crash will soon
be displayed on every new car’s windscreen,
if the Australian New Car Assessment
Programme (ANCAP) gets its way.
ANCAP chairman Lauchlan McIntosh
has told GoAuto that such a proposal had
already been submitted to state ministers for
consideration. “We have a proposal to put
labels on the cars with star ratings and that
was announced at the May meeting of the
Australian Transport Council (ATC),” he said.
The ATC’s May meeting agenda included
looking at investigation of the national ‘stars
on cars’ program to provide consumers with
safety ratings on new light vehicles (in
consultation with industry). The outcome of
the meeting has not yet been announced.
Mr McIntosh said the star ratings would
ideally be affixed to the windscreen on the
same sticker as the existing mandated fuel
consumption ratings.
Last year, the US federal government made
it mandatory to have safety ratings on all
new cars at the point of sale. Manufacturers
do the testing and supply the information.
ANCAP
has
already
approached
manufacturers to give them labels or tags to be
fitted voluntarily to their new cars. So far, only
Subaru has taken up the offer of fitting the tags
to all its new vehicles.
All Subaru cars have the highest rating
possible – five stars. Not all manufacturers
do so well. “No-one wants to sell a threestar car,” Mr McIntosh said.
The safety advocate believes that it is not
in everybody’s nature to want to research a
new car’s crashworthiness. “People, when
they buy a car, don’t want to know about
having a crash,” Mr McIntosh said, adding
that although buyers might not wish to linger
on the subject of a new car’s crashworthiness,
certain realities must be addressed.
“The reality is crashes do happen,
other people cause crashes and you don’t
necessarily need to be injured.
“So crashworthiness of the car is a very
important factor. There is a big difference in
the relative crashworthiness of cars, and we
tend to overlook it.
“NCAP is an excellence standard.
There’s the ADR (Australian Design Rule),
everybody has to pass that, but some cars
perform better than that base standard, and
people should know that.”
ADR 73/00, which requires data on an
offset frontal impact, is based a 56km/h
impact. The ANCAP offset barrier crash test
occurs at 64km/h. ANCAP no longer does
full-frontal collision tests, as it believes the
offset impact gives more useful information.
Mr McIntosh suggested that the ADR was
the low bar to hurdle. “One star could get
though the ADRs,” he said. “The question
then is, what is the percentage difference
(between a one-star rating and a five-star
rating)? Probably a 50 per cent chance of no
serious injury in a five-star car compared to
a one-star car – a huge improvement.”
ESC ‘hard to mandate’ – next page
Custom Fleet
Part of GE Commercial Finance
Looking for a new opportunity?
GE Commercial Finance is one of the world’s leading non-bank
lenders and a major growth engine for GE globally. As one of the
world’s leading brands and most admired companies, GE provides
unmatched learning and career development opportunities within
the diverse GE businesses.
Custom Fleet is part of GE Commercial Finance, one of the world’s
leading automotive financial services and fleet management
companies, supporting a fleet in excess of 1.5 million vehicles in
22 countries.
Custom Fleet is seeking talented people interested in new
opportunities in the Fleet Leasing and Management industry.
Below are just some of the exciting employment opportunities
at Custom Fleet based in North Ryde, NSW.
• Residual Value Analyst (Job # 816647)
The role of the Residual Value Analyst is to support key
functions within the Trade Services area in relation to asset
management and managing residual risk.
• Tenders Consultant (Job #819472)
In this role you will collate information from internal and
external resources and prepare tender documents. You will
also provide general administrative support.
If you have the relevant skills and experience for any of these
roles within Custom Fleet, or if you are interested in a career
with GE please go to www.gecareers.com
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 7
ESC ‘hard to mandate’
ESC mandate no simple
task, with definition issue
one of several to resolve
By PHILIP LORD
ANCAP chairman Lauchlan McIntosh has
warned that mandating the introduction of
electronic stability control (ESC) could be
a time-consuming process with a number of
complexities.
“To mandate it requires a national
approach, and it requires a regulatory impact
statement. It will require a lot of work to do
that,” he told GoAuto last week.
Subject to the Bracks review into the car
industry, as well as international approval
of a suitable technical standard for ESC,
the federal government will consider
undertaking a regulation impact statement
for the development of a specific Australian
Design Rule mandating the life-saving
technology.
This would also take into account
the Council of Australian Federation’s
intention to progressively require safety
technologies as a condition of registration in
new passenger vehicles manufactured after
December 31, 2010.
Mr McIntosh said that the Australian
government was about to begin working
with Working Group 29 at the UN to develop
an international standard for ESC.
Working Group 29 has already applied
itself to developing a standard for ESC on
Porsche 911 Turbo
commercial vehicles but avoided specifying
a performance test and instead proposed to
set design and functional requirements to be
demonstrated by manufacturers.
Mr McIntosh said that one problem was
defining ESC given the various marketing
names used to describe the technology.
“What is ESC, if you want to mandate it?
Is it ESP, is it ESC, whatever else someone
else wants to call it?” he asked.
There are more than 20 different names
given to stability control technology by
vehicle manufacturers, from PSM (Porsche
Stability Management) to VSA (Vehicle
Stability Assist).
According to Mr McIntosh, the other
major problem facing legislators is how to
test ESC. “What is the performance test for
ESC? That’s difficult in itself.”
He said that despite the problems with
making the technology mandatory, there
were other avenues already being taken
by ANCAP to encourage and promote the
fitment of ESC.
“We can say that, like we did last year,
where you can’t get a five-star (ANCAP
rating) unless you have ESC. And maybe we’ll
make some other changes, and we can do that
fairly quickly. You don’t have to wait until
everybody in the world has tested something
(to modify ANCAP ratings),” he said.
Mr McIntosh added that the crucial point
was not about setting a regulatory standard,
but showing the difference in performance
above the standard.
“Things like ESC, well, (ANCAP is
saying) ‘This is the better product, and you
can choose not to buy it.’”
YOU’VE GOT THE WORKSHOP BUT
CAN’T GET THE TECHNICIANS
Your workshop is booked out for weeks and the no-shows are making
a bad situation worse. The skills shortage is real!
With one call, Beautiful Fast Cars will provide the solution to your Dealership’s
skills shortage, your workshop’s productivity and restoring your bottom line
right now for a premium of around $6 per billable hour.
Like to know more? Call Steve Crouch on 0438 533 811 or email
[email protected] and get your workshop skills shortage fixed
once and for all.
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 8
FPV turbo blow
FPV’s F6 hero car could
retire mid-2010 with
transition from I6 to V6
By JAMES STANFORD
FORD Performance Vehicles (FPV) will be
without its series-leading turbocharged F6
model from mid-2010.
The tuning house has just launched the
storming F6 turbo, which sets new standards
in Australian six-cylinder performance, belting
out 310kW and 565Nm from just 1950rpm.
Ford Australia will cease production of
its Geelong-built in-line six cylinder which
FPV uses as the basis for its F6 powerplant
just before the Euro IV emissions standard
comes into force in July 2010.
A senior FPV source has told GoAuto
that FPV will not have a replacement
engine ready by the time production of the
Australian I6 winds up.
The lack of a replacement engine means
the F6 model will be put on ice.
Asked whether FPV would stockpile
some I6-powered F6 cars before production
ceased, the source said: “No, when it’s over,
it’s over.”
While it is expected FPV will in time
develop an extreme version of the twin-turbo
version of the imported Duratec EcoBoost
V6 for an F6 replacement, it is not yet clear
when it will appear.
There is also some concern as to whether
FPV F6
an FPV version of this engine would be able
to produce the same whopping torque of the
existing F6 I6.
Ford Australia has expressed confidence
it will have an engine to match the
characteristics of the Turbo I6 that currently
serves in the XR6 Turbo, but will not discuss
what form the powerplant will take.
The twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 is expected
to be introduced in the US next year, making
its first appearance in the Lincoln MKS, and
is likely to be made available for Australia
at some stage, but it might not be until
mid-2010.
Ford Australia already faces a hectic
schedule for the 2010 model year and is
currently working on packaging the 3.5-litre
petrol Duratec V6, which will replace the
locally made I6, in both the Falcon and
Territory. It is also working on installation
work of the new turbo-diesel V6 engine in
both those cars for release mid-2010.
Furthermore, there is a strong likelihood
Ford Australia will also replace the ageing
5.4-litre Boss V8 with a 5.0-litre directinjection V8 in time for the new regulations
in 2010. A naturally aspirated version of
the new V8 is slated to make its debut in
performance versions of the Jaguar XF and
XK next year and is expected to power the
Ford Mustang.
There is also a supercharged version of the
same engine that could be used for the FPV
GT models, although the local go-fast outfit
is keeping its cards very close to its chest.
Continued next page
SALES CAREER IN AUTO INDUSTRY
Thomson Ford is the cornerstone dealership of Western Region Automotive Group. We are
a full service dealership with profitable new and used car, spare parts and service centre
operations, and across the company we place a strong emphasis on community and local
business support.
Ford’s new injection of exciting models – including Ford Europe’s Fiesta XR4, Focus XR5
and Mondeo, combined with arguably the best ever Australian built vehicle, the New FG
Falcon – has sparked the need for Thomson Ford to find a sales professional who is career
driven and experienced in the automotive industry.
Thomson Ford is one of Sydney’s leading Ford dealerships. Our Brand Retail showroom is
state-of-the-art and is located in the ‘Centre of Sydney’, at Church Street Parramatta in the
famous Auto Alley precinct. The area also boasts Westfield Shopping Centre, which has
over 20 million customers passing through its doors every year. With the bustling town of
Parramatta comes plenty of walk-in sales opportunities for our team.
We have recognised the need to strengthen our sales team and further our philosophy of
providing our PMA and surrounding suburbs with the best level of service and volume of
product available. If you possess the skills and professionalism to join our team, please
come and experience it for yourself. The management at Thomson Ford has a strong belief
in loyalty and a supportive team atmosphere.
The successful applicant will possess qualities including: excellent communication skills and
phone manner, proven track record in car sales, credibility with past employers, excellent
team management, intermediate computer skills and willingness to learn new systems. Our
dealership is a close group within a large family of successful brands. If you are ready for a
busy yet exciting stage in your sales career, apply now for your chance to join us.
All applications will be honoured with the utmost discretion. Contact: Trevor Paterson,
General Sales Manager on (02) 9635 7466 or [email protected]
Thomson Ford are positioned
‘Smack Bang In The Centre Of Sydney’.
www.thomsonford.com.au/employment
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 9
FPV turbo blow
While refusing to discuss the specifications
of its next-generation V8, FPV is confident
the powerplant will have the necessary
power and torque to more than match
whatever HSV introduces.
“We will be in a very strong position,”
said the FPV source.
The big advantage of the new Ford V8
engines is that they will arrive ready to run
in the cars, which will save Ford and FPV a
lot of money.
Currently, the Boss V8 used for the XR8
and GT models are essentially hand-built
with imported and local components, adding
considerable time and cost to the process.
In other engine-related news, Ford
Australia may not upgrade the six-cylinder
engine in its Territory before 2010.
The big SUV will be given a facelift late
F6 (left) and
EcoBoost V6
this year or in early 2009 and was expected
to take on the I6 mechanical upgrades of the
FG program that include a new cylinder head
and intake manifold as well as a substantially
upgraded turbo engine and new five-speed
automatic transmission.
While the Territory will still be given
a new nose, and possibly a fresh interior,
Ford Australia Falcon and Territory vehicle
line director Russell Christophers has told
GoAuto that the SUV’s engine may not
necessarily be upgraded at the same time.
While it seems odd that Ford Australia
would build two types of I6 engine, preFG and post-FG, that is exactly what is
happening as the company is continuing to
produce the pre-FG I6 for BF MkIII Falcon
wagon and all LPG-equipped Falcons.
If this is the case, the Territory would go
straight to the new V6 engine in mid-2010.
$"3&&30110356/*5:
.BSLFUJOH$PPSEJOBUPS
4FSWJDF1BSUT#VTJOFTT6OJU
"OFYDFMMFOUPQQPSUVOJUZIBTCFFOQSFTFOUFEGPSBOFOUIVTJBTUJDBOETVJUBCMZRVBMJ¾FE.BSLFUJOH$PPSEJOBUPSUPKPJOPVS4FSWJDF
1BSUT#VTJOFTT6OJUMPDBUFEBU.VMHSBWF8PSLJOHXJUIJOUIF$PNNFSDJBM7FIJDMF$7
1BSUT.BSLFUJOHUFBNUIFTVDDFTTGVMBQQMJDBOU
XJMMCFSFTQPOTJCMFGPSDPPSEJOBUJOHBSBOHFPGPQFSBUJPOBMBDUJWJUJFTUPPQUJNJTFNBSLFUTIBSFXJUIBWJFXUPUIFBDIJFWFNFOUPG
WPMVNFBOEQSP¾UHPBMT
3FQPSUJOHUPUIF$74BMFT.BSLFUJOH.BOBHFSZPVSLFZSFTQPOTJCJMJUJFTXJMMCF
5PEFWFMPQDPPSEJOBUFBOETVQQPSUBSBOHFPG4FSWJDF1BSUT.BSLFUJOHBDUJWJUJFTGPSUIF$PNNFSDJBM7FIJDMFCSBOET
JODMVEJOH"MMJBODF
5PDPPSEJOBUFXJUIFYUFSOBMTUBLFIPMEFST/BUJPOBM&WFOUTJODMVEJOH5SBEF'BJS&YIJCJUJPOT5SVDL4IPXTBOE/BUJPOBM'PSVNT
$PPSEJOBUJPOPGCVTJOFTTSFQPSUJOHEFTJHOFEUPBTTJTUJOBDDFMFSBUJOHHSPXUIBOENBYJNJTJOHSFUVSOPOJOWFTUNFOU
$PMMBCPSBUFXJUIEFBMFSBOETVQQMJFSOFUXPSLTUPFOTVSFXFQSPBDUJWFMZEFMJWFSDPNQFUJUJWFMZQSJDFEQSPEVDUTBOETFSWJDFT
.POJUPSBOESFQPSUPODPNQFUJUPSNBSLFUJOHBDUJWJUJFTJODMVEJOHUIFBOBMZTJTPGQSPEVDUBOEQSJDJOHTUSBUFHJFT
"TTJTUJOHJOUIFEFWFMPQNFOUPGSFMBUJPOTIJQTXJUICPUIJOUFSOBMBOEFYUFSOBMDVTUPNFST
5IFTVDDFTTGVMBQQMJDBOUXJMMCFFOUIVTJBTUJDUFBNPSJFOUFEBOEQPTTFTTTUSPOHDVTUPNFSSFMBUJPOTIJQNBOBHFNFOUTLJMMT"LFZ
FMFNFOUPGUIFSPMFJTDPOUJOVPVTJOUFSBDUJPOXJUIFYUFSOBMTUBLFIPMEFSTJOBEEJUJPOUPJOUFSOBMCVTJOFTTVOJUTUIFSFGPSFSFRVJSJOH
TUSPOHDPNNVOJDBUJPOTLJMMTDPNQMFNFOUFECZBOFGGFDUJWFOFHPUJBUJPOBOEBOBMZUJDBMBCJMJUZ'BNJMJBSJUZXJUIUIFDVSSFOU$PNNFSDJBM
7FIJDMFJOEVTUSZDPNCJOFEXJUIBOJOEFQUILOPXMFEHFPGEFBMFSPQFSBUJPOTXPVMECFIJHIMZCFOF¾DJBM5IFTVDDFTTGVMDBOEJEBUFXJMM
BMTPQSFGFSBCMZIBWFDPNQMFUFEBEFHSFFJO#VTJOFTT.BSLFUJOH
*GZPVDPOTJEFSZPVSTFMGTVJUBCMZFYQFSJFODFEGPSUIJTQPTJUJPOQMFBTFGPSXBSEZPVSBQQMJDBUJPOMFUUFSBOESFTVNFUP
,FMMJF5BOPTWJBIVNBO@SFTPVSDFT!EBJNMFSDPNCZDMPTFPGCVTJOFTT'SJEBZUI+VOF
8FBSFBO&RVBM0QQPSUVOJUZ&NQMPZFSXJUIBUPUBMMZTNPLFGSFFXPSLFOWJSPONFOU
XXXNFSDFEFTCFO[DPNBV
GoAuto news
Green Jazz fest
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 10
DIG
D
GIT
ITA
TA
T
AL IMA
MAG
M
AG
A
GE:
E Ch
Ch
hrriis
s Har
Harrris
riiis
s
John Mellor's
Honda takes its hybrid
program a step further with
a super-green light car
By DAVID HASSALL
GLOBAL Honda chief Takeo Fukui
announced at his mid-year press conference
in Tokyo last week that the Japanese
company would build a hybrid version of its
Jazz light car by 2015.
By that time, the company hopes problems
associated with the development of lighter
and more efficient lithium-ion batteries will
have been resolved, making smaller hybrid
cars more viable.
A new and simplified petrol-electric hybrid
drive system will be installed into the Jazz
when the second-generation model, which has
not yet been released in Australia, is replaced.
The Jazz will be Honda’s fourth hybrid
model after the Civic (already in the market
and due for replacement by 2012), a new
dedicated small-car rival to the Toyota Prius
to be released in early 2009 and a sporty
coupe based on the CR-Z concept car that
will go on sale in 2010.
No car-maker currently offers a hybrid in
the light-car segment and most believe that
it makes no sense because these cars are
already so fuel-efficient and it is harder to
absorb the extra cost associated with hybrid
in cheaper cars.
However, as senior Honda executives told
All-new Jazz
GoAutoo in Europe recently, its “alternative
ain” policy differs greatly from other
drivetrain”
car-makers.
While Toyota, General Motors and
Chrysler are using hybrid drivelines in
larger cars and SUVs to not only improve
fuel economy but also performance, Honda
has determined that hybrid is for small cars
and diesel engines are for large vehicles.
The cut-off for Honda is the Civic –
which, uniquely, will get both hybrid and
diesel power.
Honda is pushing the green theme hard
and clearly sees the Jazz (or Fit, as it is
known in most other markets) Hybrid as an
economy and low-emission leader.
“The Fit has great fuel efficiency to begin
with, and if you put in a hybrid, it’s going to
get even better,” Mr Fukui said at the news
conference. “So, with crude oil prices going
up this much, I think a Fit hybrid is now
starting to make sense.”
Next year’s hybrid small car is expected to
be based on the sleek FCX Clarity hydrogen
fuel cell vehicle that will be leased to about
200 selected customers over the next three
years in the US and Japan, with deliveries
starting next month.
Honda Motor Co executive chief engineer
Kenzo Suzuki told GoAuto in Austria three
weeks ago that production of the 2009
hybrid car is scheduled for 200,000 units a
year – four times that of the Civic Hybrid.
To meet this demand, Honda is expanding
its Suzuka motor production facility in Japan
with a new line that will increase capacity
from 70,000 engines a year to 250,000 by
the end of this year.
Mr Suzuki also said that it would be
cheaper than the Civic, which already enjoys
a $4410 price advantage over the Prius in
Australia, so the new car could be the first
hybrid with real volume potential.
Continued next page
EXPERIENCED ENGINEERS
Customer Quality, Vehicle Development, Body Exterior
Are you looking for a company that’s as
passionate about vehicle design as you are?
One that appreciates creativity and technical
excellence as much as you do?
Where you will work with world leaders in
automotive engineering?
You’ve found it at Toyota Technical
Center, Australia!
We have opportunities available for Engineering
candidates in the following streams:
• Customer Quality Engineer –
Voice of the Customer
Tackle early detection and resolution of field
quality issues
• Vehicle Development Engineer
Look at designs and decide on counter measures
• Body Exterior Engineer
Turn concepts into head turning reality
Interested? Then make your career move to
www.toyotatech.com.au, click on ‘The Future’
tab and click on ‘Apply for a Job’.
All selection interviews will be
conducted by our recruitment partner,
Australia Wide Personnel.
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 11
Green Jazz fest
FCX Clarity
He said that hybrid costs would be
saved by reducing the use of rare metals,
simplifying the total systems as well as
the electronics, and the additional volume
lowering unit cost.
By the time the Jazz hybrid is released in
2015, Honda expects to be selling 500,000
hybrid-powered vehicles a year, but Toyota
plans to be selling one million annually
within the next few years.
Mr Fukui said that the price premium for
the Jazz hybrid would have to be less than
$2000 over the price of a petrol model.
Despite the lop-sided ‘battle’ between
the Prius and Civic Hybrid, as well as the
volume projections, Mr Fukui does not
intend for Honda to play second fiddle to
its Japanese rival.
“We’re not that interested in comparing
ourselves with Toyota, but I don’t think
we’re going to come in as second runner to
them,” he said.
Although a number of car-makers are
hopeful of having lithium-ion batteries
to market as early as 2010, Mr Fukui
confirmed that the industry has still to
resolve some safety hurdles, let alone cost
barriers.
Lithium-ion batteries have been
responsible for the successful downsizing
of laptop computers and mobile phones in
recent years, as well as longer charge life,
but they are prone to overheating and, in
extreme cases, bursting into flames. This
would obviously be a more catastrophic
event in the case of a car full of people than
with a laptop or mobile phone.
As Mr Suzuki told GoAuto: “We need to
work on the technology. The batteries need
to be improved a lot.”
Next year’s Honda hybrid small car will
rely on proven but heavier nickel-metal
hydride batteries, as used on all existing
hybrid vehicles around the world.
Like the FCX Clarity (and the Prius), it
will have five doors and carry five people.
Nissan hybrid delay – page 22
Prius tops one million
THE car that has successfully become the
byword for ‘hybrid’ around the world – the Toyota
Prius – has reached a significant milestone by
passing the one million sales mark.
Sometimes derided as a victory for
marketing hype over substance, the Prius
has nevertheless succeeded in being the
poster buy for the concept of environmental
responsibility and innovation by the
automotive industry in the face of growing
concern over global warming.
Toyota sold its one-millionth Prius last
month, with most (590,000) going to the
North American market. Australian buyers
account for about 9300 sales since the
model was released here in October 2001 –
four years after it was launched in Japan.
With a string of awards and enormous
publicity generated by well-meaning celebrities
wanting to be seen on the right side of political
correctness, Prius sales have been on a steep
growth curve for the past decade.
It took more than eight years to reach
500,000 sales, but only another two years to
double that mark.
Last year’s global total of 281,265
represented a 52 per cent growth over 2006
and a ten-fold increase over the 28,083
Series 1 Prius vehicles sold in 2002.
Toyota launched the second-generation
Prius in 2003 and that car, with its greatly
improved drive system, cleaned up both
North American and European car of the year
awards in 2004.
Despite the claimed economy and
emissions advantages, Toyota has not
produced another hybrid-powered economy
car and now uses hybrid technology as a
performance booster for vehicles as big as
the Lexus LS600h luxury saloon and the
RX400h SUV.
– DAVID HASSALL
Sales Opportunities
‘Rev up your Sales Career with Kia’
Sales Operations Manager
– Join a Global Player
Kia is part of the sixth biggest automotive manufacturing
group in the world building over 1.3 million vehicles per
year across 14 plants in 9 countries which are sold and
serviced in 160 countries.
– Join a Leading Thinker
Kia’s ongoing investment into research and development
with centres in Germany, Japan and the US continues
to attract the finest automotive experts in the world.
Area Sales Manager, NSW
Area Sales / Fleet Manager, VIC
– Join Australia’s Drive to Succeed
Following the 2006 establishment of a fully factory
owned subsidiary in Australia, Kia has consolidated a
commitment to continuous growth with introduction of
a 5 year warranty, new and exciting product and the
support of the dealer network.
Kia now seeks to attract experienced Sales professionals
to work within the family; you could be one of them!
If you’re looking for an opportunity within a fast paced and ever changing environment; you are a team player with an
unwavering focus to achieve, we want to hear from you.
Telephone (02) 9701 1730 or (02) 9701 1731 to discuss your interest further and please send a current resume to
Human Resources at: [email protected]
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
Club TT set
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 12
AWD Clubsport TT close
to production as Audi
ll out llatest iiteration
i
rolls
By DAVID HASSALL
AUDI is preparing to put its outrageous
TT clubsport quattro into production after
previewing a road-ready version to the
Audi faithful at last weekend’s Wörthersee
Festival in Austria.
Showing the car alongside the A3 clubsport
quattro we revealed last week, Audi said that
“small-series production of this model cannot
be ruled out”, but there is little doubt that the
hardcore topless TT is ready to roll.
At the same event last year, which brings
together Audi and VW enthusiasts, the
company showed the first speedster-like TT
clubsport quattro as a true concept, but the
latest version has clearly been productionised.
Whereas the original concept had no
doorhandles, F1-style mirrors and a tiny screen
with almost nonexistent A-pillars, the 2008
model arrives with normal TT doorhandles
and mirrors, a higher screen and rollbars,
bigger headlights, a number plate panel across
the grille and – most importantly – a proper
load-bearing A-pillar that would provide some
real-world roll-over protection.
The original speedster-style fairings
behind the rollbars have also been tamed
down and made production-ready, while the
interior has similarly been refined with more
user-friendly instrumentation and, notably, a
proper gearshift.
Although the clubsport quattro retains
the 2007 concept car’s distinctive orange
highlights, which contrast with the largely
black upholstery, the designers have further
lightened the interior feel by adding more
brushed aluminium features in the style of
modern Audis.
One thing that has not changed over the
past year is the outstanding performance of
the turbocharged 2.0-litre TFSI petrol fourcylinder engine, which Audi promises still
breaks the magic 300 horsepower (225kW)
barrier. With the boost screwed up, the
engine management computer programmed
for performance, a new intake manifold
and a free-flow exhaust system designed
to produce “a powerful racing sound” from
the twin oval tailpipes, the engine produces
almost 40kW more than the same engine
fitted to the Audi S3 hot hatch.
This impressive power output is fed
to all four wheels through Audi’s quattro
permanent all-wheel drive system via its
familiar six-speed S-tronic sequential dualclutch transmission, which provides faster
changes than a conventional manual gearbox
whether left in auto mode or by using manual
changes via the central gearshift or steeringwheel paddles.
Braking power is provided by big 340mm
ventilated discs up front and 310mm at the
rear – a package that comes straight off the
new TTS model.
Heavily pumped-up wheelarches house
polished 9 x 19-inch alloy wheels shod with
255/35 tyres that produce a 66mm wider
track than the standard TT.
The rear bumper incorporates a diffuser
to provide some aerodynamic down force at
speed, assisted by a pop-up rear spoiler.
Scirocco stunner – next page
INTELLIGENT
MOLECULES
FOR ACTIVE
AND
CONTINUOUS
PROTECTION
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 13
Scirocco stunner
VW applies full-house
racetrack treatment to
Scirocco sports hatch
By MARTON PETTENDY
THE Australian future of Volkswagen’s
bristling new Scirocco sports hatch remains
undecided, but that has not stopped a wild
new concept version dubbed the GT24
from being unveiled in front of VW fans at
Austria’s annual Wörthersee Festival.
The reveal of the Scirocco GT24 Concept,
which looks as potent as its “race-tuned”
225kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI engine
should make it, came as three race-prepared,
factory-entered Sciroccos prepared for last
weekend’s Nurburgring 24-hour race.
First seen in concept guise at the 2006 Paris
motor show (as the Alfa Brera-style Iroc show
car) before making its production debut at the
Geneva show in March, the Scirocco goes on
sale in the major right-hand drive UK market
in late August but is yet to be confirmed for
sale by Volkswagen Group Australia.
The model that revives a nameplate not
seen for 16 years may not grace local VW
showrooms for the same reason it will not
be sold in the US: because it poses too much
of a threat to sales of volume-selling models
like the Golf GTI and R32.
To be available in Europe with the choice
of 90kW FSI, 110kW 1.4-litre TSI and
147kW/280Nm 2.0-litre FSI engines, and
either six-speed manual or DSG transmissions,
the Golf/Eos-based front-drive Scirocco fourseater may also eventually become available
with V6 power.
The Scirocco GT24 is claimed to be
more than just a styling exercise. Based
on the Scirocco racer, its kerb weight has
been trimmed by some 178kg, to 1120kg,
by Volkswagen Motorsport in Hanover,
Germany.
Painted Volkswagen Racing Blue, the
GT24 is not just lighter, but 227mm longer
Succession Planning
Sustainable success
Succession planning in a motor dealership is a challenging and rewarding
process. The transition involves modelling a dealership’s management,
financial, taxation and corporate structures to reflect the family’s personal
and business goals.
With substantial wealth transfers anticipated over the next 10 years, the key
to long-term survival for companies affected by these transfers will be a clear
and early focus on the importance of strategic succession planning. It’s seldom
too soon to start so speak to a Deloitte Motor Industry Services advisor today.
For more info go to www.eprofitfocus.com
or contact John Flynn [email protected]
and 61mm wider to accommodate its wider
wheel tracks. It is also 75mm lower and
rides on adjustable race dampers and 18-inch
lightweight alloy racing wheels wrapped
around 362mm front (and 255mm rear) racing
brake discs gripped by six-piston callipers.
Inside the rollcaged GT24 cabin there are
two front Recaro bucket seats with five-point
racing harnesses, a unique steering wheel,
an electronic display, a fire extinguisher and
a carbon-fibre panel housing toggle switches
for ABS settings and other electrical and
ventilation systems.
At last year’s Wörthersee Festival,
Volkswagen unveiled the wildest, fastest Golf
the world had ever seen – the GTI W12-650,
complete with a mid-mounted 650hp
(477kW) 6.0-litre 48-valve W12 engine.
Gravel grazer – next page
Read more: Scirocco no Oz shoe-in
Read more: Monster 12-cylinder Golf
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 14
Gravel
grazer
Volkswagen enters the
compact SUV segment with
its ultra-competitive Tiguan
By PHILIP LORD
VOLKSWAGEN Group Australia (VGA)
has launched a compact SUV wagon to add
some European spice to the highly competitive
segment dominated by Japanese and Korean
manufacturers and to provide an understudy
for its premium SUV, the Touareg.
The Tiguan joins one of the biggest single
segments in the Australian new-vehicle market
and, like its competitors, the tough gravel of
the school’s soccer field carpark could be as
much off-roading as most will see.
The compact SUV segment accounted
for almost one in every two SUVs sold
and eight per cent of the total new-vehicle
market in 2007.
With the segment dominated by the
Japanese brands, Volkswagen has chosen
an aggressive approach to pricing. It was
expected early on that the Tiguan would open
at a premium price – more than $40,000 – but
instead the compact German all-wheel drive
will arrive at a price starting at $33,990, only
$2000 to $3000 more than the entry-level
versions of the Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail,
Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4.
VGA managing director Jutta Dierks said
at the Caddy Maxi launch in Sydney recently
that the company would sell every Tiguan
it can get this year, with supply limited
because of international demand.
Only the diesel 103 TDI will be available
at launch, with the two remaining (petrol)
models – the 125 FSI and 147 FSI –
scheduled to arrive late in the year.
The Tiguan is based on the Golf V platform
and its driveline consists of a
standard six-speed manual
or optional DSG automated
manual (standard on 147
TSI) hooked up to a 4Motion
Haldex-clutch AWD system.
The front suspension is
MacPherson strut and at
the rear there is a four-link
independent set-up. The
entry-level model is the 125
TSI, which uses the petrol
turbocharged 2.0-litre Golf
7aVX`L]îZ9ViV7dd`'%%-
engine that develops 125kW at 4300rpm
and 280Nm at 1700-4200rpm.
The 125 TSI manual consumes
9.1L/100km (DSG: 10.1L/100km) and
burns 218g/km in C02 (DSG: 240g/km).
The 0-100km/h sprint time is 8.2 seconds
(DSG: 9.2 seconds).
The 103 TDI has the 2.0-litre turbodiesel that develops 103kW at 4200rpm and
320Nm at 1750-2500rpm. Fuel consumption
for the 103 TDI six-speed manual is quoted
as 7.4L/100km and C02 at 195g/km (DSG:
7.9L/100km and 209g/km). The 103 TDI
manual accelerates to 100km/h in 10.5
seconds (DSG: 10.7 seconds).
The 147 TSI is the top-of-the-range model
using the engine found in the Golf GTI, with
maximum outputs of 147kW at 5100rpm and
280Nm at 1700-5000rpm. It combines with
the DSG transmission only. The 147 TSI
consumes 101L/100km, emits 240g/km of
C02 and accelerates to 100km/h in the same
time as a 125 TSI manual (8.2 seconds).
Both petrol engines require 98 RON
premium unleaded and the fuel tank capacity
is 64 litres for all Tiguan models.
The Tiguan is able to tow 750kg unbraked
and 2000kg braked with a towball download
maximum of 100kg. It also has a roof load
capacity of 100kg.
Continued next page
WXb[_d^WhZYefoeh
WlW_b
CDL edb_d[_dF:<\ehcWj
J^[e\\_Y_WbWkjecej_l[_dZkijhoZ_h[Yjeho
7ckij\eh[l[hoed[_dj^[Wkjecej_l[WdZh[bWj[Z_dZkijh_[i$
Dcan
#%%
..
UÊ 6cVcVanh^hd[XjggZciVcY]^hidg^XVa
UÊ 8dbegZ]Zch^kZY^gZXidgnd[XdbedcZci
kZ]^XaZhVaZhVcYegdYjXi^dc[^\jgZh
VcYheZX^VakZ]^XaZbVcj[VXijgZgh
UÊ >cYZei]a^hi^c\hd[XVg!Wjh!igjX`VcY
UÊ Je"id"YViZ[aZZi[^cVcXZVcY
bdidgXnXaZbVcj[VXijgZgh!Y^hig^Wjidgh
bVcV\ZbZciXdciVXiYZiVâh
VcY^bedgiZgh
I]ZbdhiXdbegZ]Zch^kZVjidbdi^kZ^cYjhignY^gZXidgnVkVâVWaZ#
#
§
I[[X
I[[XWYafW][e\=e7kje
[dgZî]ZgE9;dg
]VgYXdenWdd`
IdiVa^cXajYZh
<HIEdhiV\Z
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
Gravel grazer
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 15
The Tiguan has scored a five-star Euro
NCAP adult occupant protection rating,
with four stars for child safety and two stars
for pedestrian protection.
The rear seat is split 60/40 and can be
adjusted 160mm fore-aft, while the seatback
has a recline function. This allows for more
rear legroom or cargo space as required. The
cargo capacity with seats up is 395 litres,
and up to 1510 litres volume and 650kg
payload with the rear seats folded.
The standard equipment list is extensive.
The 125 TSI and 103 TDI feature ABS rear and rear side windows, 17-inch alloy
brakes (with EBD and brake assist), stability wheels, front foglights, chrome-painted
control, front, side and curtain airbags, grille/roof rails, dual-zone climate-control
16-inch alloy wheels, semi-automatic air- air-conditioning, a tyre-pressure warning
conditioning, leather-bound multifunction system, foldable front passenger seat and
steering wheel, cruise control, electronic folding tables on the rear of the front seats.
park brake with hill-hold function, and an
An interesting technical highlight is the
eight-speaker MP3-compatible CD stereo. Tiguan’s optional Park Assist. This system
The Tiguan also has height adjustment when activated will steer the Tiguan into a
for front seats and the centre
car space in a reverse parallel
PRICING:
front armrest, heated electric
parking manoeuvre, the driver
125 TSI
$33,990
side mirrors, power windows,
simply operating the foot
125 TSI (a)
$36,290
remote central locking and
controls to modulate speed.
103 TDI
$35,990
roof rails.
Once the driver takes hold of
103 TDI (a)
$38,290
The 147 TSI is fitted with
the steering wheel the system is
147 TSI (a)
$42,990
sports front seats with lumbar
deactivated.
support, six-disc CD changer with
ith touch
t h
While
Whil perhaps
h
not quite as good as lowscreen, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing range gearing, the Tiguan six-speed manual
windscreen wipers, auto-dimming rear- can be idled at 1000rpm with a vehicle
vision mirror, auto-on headlights (with speed of 6.69km/h. An off-road option pack
coming/leaving home function), tinted is offered that, perhaps like a simplified
version of Land Rover’s Terrain Response,
alters the throttle response, enhances traction
control response, allows more lock-up of the
ABS braking for better bite through on loose
gravel surfaces and activates hill-descent
control.
Other options include bi-Xenon headlights
with dynamic cornering lights, leather
upholstery with electrically adjustable
driver’s seat, an electrically operated
panoramic glass sunroof and Volkswagen’s
new RNS510 satellite navigation system
with rear-view camera.
Colours include Candy White, Reflex
Silver Metallic, Deep Black Pearl Effect,
Wild Cherry Red Metallic, Catalina Blue
Metallic, Silver Leaf Metallic and Mountain
Grey Metallic. The pearlescent and metallic
paint colours are at extra cost.
For drive impressions, go to
www.goauto.com.au from this Thursday.
Business Peformance Groups
Growth for your dealership
Business Performance Groups are widely recognised as an essential element
of profit improvement. BDO Kendalls and Martec have joined forces to
deliver a Distinctively different choice in Business Performance Groups.
BDO Kendalls’ specialised consulting and business expertise are combined
with Martec’s experience and resources to offer a forum with the following
benefits:
t
t
t
t
Superior benchmarking techniques focusing on industry standards
An independent offering promoting diversity in outlook and experience
Facilitators with deep operational experience
Emphasis on comittment and accountability
Allow BDO Kendalls and Martec to enrich your Business Performance Group
experience and assist in driving your dealership’s performance to a higher
platform.
1300 138 991
www.bdo.com.au
For further information, please contact Des Young at BDO Kendalls on
03 8320 2308 or Tom Cullen at Martec on 03 9862 3205.
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 16
Skyline, Infiniti stall
Hope fades for Skyline
in Oz as Nissan refuses
to ‘devalue’ Infiniti brand
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS
NISSAN Australia is unlikely to be granted
access to the V36 Skyline model series.
The large rear-wheel drive range, released
in North America as the Infiniti G35 sedan
in October 2006 and Infiniti G37 coupe
10 months later, has so far been denied to
Australia for two reasons.
The first is that right-hand drive production is
only now being ramped up in Japan. Secondly,
Nissan in Japan is insisting on only marketing
the V36 as an Infiniti G outside of Japan.
This presents problems for Nissan
Australia, which has indicated that it is not
yet ready to commit to launching the Lexusrivalling brand in this country.
“Nissan will not allow the G to be badged
as anything other than an Infiniti outside
of Japan,” said a company spokesman.
“And this includes Australia. Doing so will
devalue the Infiniti brand globally.”
The fact that the model range is now
beginning to age means that a decision from
Japan must be made quickly. Otherwise,
the V36 will be too far into its lifecycle to
be considered effective enough against the
ever-improving German competition that it
was designed to rival.
Currently, the Skyline/G35 uses Nissan’s
renowned VQ35 3.5-litre petrol V6
producing 236kW of power at 6800rpm and
358Nm of torque at 4800rpm. The standard
six-speed manual can be discarded for an
G35 sedan
G37 coupe
optional five-speed automatic gearbox.
Expect the sedan to score the G37 Coupe’s
VQ37VHR 3.7-litre V6, delivering power and
torque outputs rated at 245kW at 7000rpm
and 363Nm at 5200rpm respectively.
While the coupe is currently fitted with a
five-speed automatic gearbox, a new sevenspeed automatic from Nissan subsidiary
JATCO (Japanese Automatic Transmission
Company) is believed to be in the pipeline
for the car in the not-too-distant future. A sixspeed manual transmission is also available.
The V36 Skyline sits on Nissan’s
E-platform architecture – formally known
as the FR-L FM (Front-engine, Rearwheel drive, Large, Front Mid-ship) – that
underpins the 350Z, as well as every other
Infiniti model that is not the truck-based
QX SUV. Nissans using it also include the
oddball Stagea wagon.
Meanwhile, the V36 Skyline range is
spearheading a European rollout of the
Infiniti brand from October this year.
It is expected to take about two years, and
also include the EX and FX luxury SUVs
(think BMW X3- and X5-sized vehicles), as
well as the M full-sized sedan.
According to Infiniti spokesman
Wayne Bruce, there have
been more than 500
changes wrought upon
the V36 Skyline in its
transition from American
sports sedan contender to
BMW 5 Series rival in Europe.
These include revised suspension for
improved steering and handling responses,
larger brakes, an upgraded cabin presentation
that sees thicker carpet, higher-grade leather,
improved seats and new door seals, plus
headlight washers and redesigned wipers for
more effective high-speed performance.
However, with no diesel or smaller
vehicles in a range consisting of petrolpowered V6 and V8 models, Infiniti is not
expecting huge volume in Europe from the
outset. The “accessible market share” (as
Mr Bruce puts it) is only 4.4 per cent.
The former issue will be resolved when
Nissan – via alliance partner Renault
– engineers a new 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel tuned to deliver around 200kW and
550Nm.
Whether European-bound Infiniti models
also score the new hybrid drivetrain being
devised specifically for North America and
Japan remains to be seen.
Mr Bruce is confident that Infiniti will
find a ready market regardless, pointing to
the 2000-plus FX SUV grey imports across
Western Europe over the last few years –
putting that vehicle just behind the Ford
Mustang in popularity.
Further down the track, more new
models will arrive. These are expected to
be a smaller sedan and crossover, as well
as a hatchback and the G37 Convertible
announced in Nissan’s mid-term business
plan last week.
“Mr Ghosn has only given us one chance
to do it right,” Mr Bruce said.
Nissan’s turn – next page
Internet Sales Training with the Industry Experts
•
•
•
•
Qualified experts in Internet Sales Training
Proven practices to streamline Internet processes
Established techniques to improve closing ratios for online enquiry
General workshops or tailored solutions to meet the needs of your business
Call today on 03 9093 8744 email [email protected]
or visit datamotive.com.au.
Proudly part of the Carsales Network
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 17
Nissan’s turn
‘360’ showcases brilliant new models from Nissan - but not all will come here
GT-R, ensured that journalists willing to
dig would find plenty to write about –
particularly as the event only happens once
every four years.
It took Nissan and two event organisations
more than 10 months to put the extravaganza
together, with around 30 cars imported
from Japan and 30 from the US. All will be
returned at the end of the month.
On the surface, the timing may not seem
so good for Nissan to be showcasing its
latest hardware. The so-called 370Z is still
six months away from being unveiled, as is
the next-generation Cube, while the vitally
important K13-series Micra is still at least a
year away from its international launch.
Yet ‘360’ symbolised the end of one era
and the beginning of another for Nissan.
On May 13, the company announced its
Nissan GT 2020 five-year business plan.
‘G’ meaning Growth and ‘T’ meaning Trust,
the GT is a blueprint for the period
commencing April 1, 2008. It outlines a
number of “corporate commitments” and
“business breakthroughs” that cover all
aspects from running the company under
quality leadership to Nissan’s desire to
be ahead with electric vehicles (EVs).
The latter forms part of a 60 all-new
m
model rollout strategy and a promise to
Nissan chief
introduce 15 new technologies every
in
Carlos Ghosn
year from 2009, while shareholders will
ye
COMMENT by BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS
NISSAN’S massive ‘360’ media showcase
staged in Portugal this month was a turn in
more ways than one, heralding the end of
one era and the start of another.
It was only the second such event that the
company had organised, but it will not be
the last.
The raw figures and the logistics were
astounding – about 650 journalists from
around the world, spread out into four waves
covering a period of a month, in a resort
location, with up to 95 vehicles to sample
and an entire showcase of technology (fresh
and upcoming) to digest, in the space of two
frenetic days for each lot.
Unusually free access to cars, trucks and
senior Nissan executives and engineers,
involving a variety of driving locations
including a few dazzling laps on the famous
Estoril racetrack in this year’s white-hot
be expecting five per cent revenue growth
on average over the next five years.
Nissan GT 2020 replaces the three-year
“Value-Up” business plan implemented in
April 2005, which, after the “Nissan 180”
revival plan of the early 2000s, aimed to
reach 4.2 million units by the end of the
fiscal year 2007, maintain near industryleading operating profit margin levels
while returning 20 per cent on investment,
and oversee 28 all-new Nissan and
Infiniti models, with the latter rolled out
internationally by April 2008.
While almost 3.8 million annual sales
and no Infiniti in Europe or Australia as
yet suggests that Value-Up was devised in
more optimistic times, an undeterred Nissan
at 360 remained bullish about its plans and
growth in a forum open to discussion.
Hence this was perfectly realised as far
as the timing of the event in Portugal was
concerned.
Furthermore, no mainstream car-maker
with as many disparate products as Nissan
has had the nerve to allow journalists to
scrutinise their vehicles in such a way.
And nobody could come away less than
totally impressed with the sheer magnitude
of the performance and value of the GT-R,
or the cheeky, feel-good user-friendliness
and charm of the Cube.
Continued next page
D[mL?DLWb_ZWj_edI[hl_Y[
OEK;DJ;H
=[jj^[YWhÊiZ[jW_bih_]^j\hecj^[ijWhjJ^[i[fheXb[ciWh[demiebl[Z
>Wl_d]l[^_Yb[_Z[dj_ÓYWj_edfheXb[ci5
?dWYYkhWj[Z[iYh_fj_edi_doekhZWjWXWi[5
:WjWYedl[hi_edfheXb[ci5
I[hl_Y[Z[l[bef[Zif[Y_ÓYWbbo\ehE;Ci":[Wb[hi"
<b[[j"<_dWdY[WdZ?dikhWdY[?dZkijh_[i
I_cfbofhel_Z[j^[O[WhWdZYecfb[j[L?D"\eh
lWb_ZWj_edWdZl[^_Yb[Z[iYh_fj_ediedoekhioij[c¾
E]dcZ/%(.++((%%.:bVâ/c^X`#VYVb^Y^h5\aVhh\j^YZ#Xdb#Vj
E]dcZ/%(--+++&)):bVâ/XgV^\ThX]Zg5eda`#Xdb#Vj
mmm$]bWii]k_Z[$Yec$Wkqmmm$feba$Yec$Wk
O[Wh0'%%*
L?D0?=BB8A.+*%+8'%,+*,
L?DL7B?:7J?EDE99KHI
VcYHiVcYVgYKKH9ViV;^ZaYh
VgZhjeea^ZYidndjghnhiZb
RETURN:
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
Nissan’s turn
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 18
GoAuto is confident, after driving the
racy Micra 1.6-litre SR, that Nissan is an
economy-car Titan that will deliver on
the promise of a fuller range come Micra
revamp time in 2010 or thereabouts. And
that, properly specified and priced, the next
Murano will overcome the current vehicle’s
shortfalls to be a force in the medium SUV
segment.
However, from an Australian perspective,
we left with more questions than answers
about the vehicles denied to Nissan’s
Antipodean outpost.
Has Nissan completely forgotten Skyline’s
history and goodwill with Australian
consumers?
Not only would Toyota love this sort of
reputation for its Aurion or lower Lexus
models, Ford and Holden could have trouble
selling up-spec Falcons and Commodores
against the 3.5-litre sedan and sensuous
3.7-litre coupe versions. The Skyline is that
good. Whispers of a 3.0-litre V6 diesel only
serve to whet our appetite more.
The Skyline also served as a vivid contrast
to the next-generation Teana/Maxima –
while much improved in the cabin, drivetrain
department and features list departments –
has challenging styling that suggests it will
be aimed more to the Hyundai Grandeur set
than Honda Accord Euro buyers.
Teasing journalists with the much more
evocatively styled US-market 2009 Maxima
further served to confound us about the
GT-R
Teana/Maxima’s role in Australia.
Why is there no turbo-diesel in the Dualis
yet? And is the Note – a real sleeper among
small cars, with its excellent packaging,
quality driving capabilities and striking
design detailing – not deemed good enough
for a combined light- and small-car segment
that nudged one-quarter of a million units
last year?
Conversely, after driving the US-market
Sentra small-car and Altima mid-sized
offerings, we see the maligned Tiida in a
much better light. And we are not going to
miss the off-road X-Terra SUV or Titan fullsized pick-up truck.
As for Infiniti, perhaps Nissan is cautious
about launching another premium/luxury
brand into Australia after all the challenges
of getting Renault off the ground. We don’t
really need another luxury SUV like the X3sized EX or X5-chasing FX – certainly not
before Nissan rolls out the coming diesel
and hybrid versions.
We think Nissan missed a trick not
allowing journalists to drive an electric
vehicle prototype.
General Motors couldn’t be more
impatient for Australians to sample its zeroemission SUVs in Detroit last January,
and the resulting coverage applauding this
one-time American dinosaur’s future vision
should not be overlooked – especially as EV
leadership is Nissan’s new mantra.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of
Australia’s first modern exposure to Nissan,
when a pair of Datsun 1000s were sent
to, and won their sub-1000cc class in, the
Mobilgas Around Australia Trial – opening
the door for Japan to use Australia as a
litmus test for international markets from
the 1960s onwards.
If the Nissan 360 showed us anything, it is
that the company is ambitious and prepared
to take on the challenges of the future – but
it really needs to remember the past and be
more flexible to ensure that the path forward
doesn’t involve a 180.
Nissan hybrid delay – page 22
Make the winning move
with Autoline
Autoline is one of the world’s most successful dealer
management systems and has earned extensive recognition
from many car and commercial vehicle manufacturers.
Does your current DMS tick all the boxes?
Autoline is a Windows based fully integrated
DMS tool set
Autoline delivers best customer service through a
powerful centralised CRM
Autoline uses a SINGLE server to deploy over
multi-company, multi-branch, multi-franchise
Autoline allows you to fax, email or SMS from any
point in the system
Autoline displays important data on screen REAL TIME
For further information please contact Grahame McCann
on Freecall 1800 663 273 or [email protected]
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 19
‘Logical choice’
Benz boss argues case for
station wagons, despite
threat to luxury SUV sales
By PHILIP LORD
THE managing director of Mercedes-Benz
Australia is confident that the car-based
two-wheel drive wagon may finally see a
renaissance as the popularity of large SUVs
wanes in accordance with rising fuel
costs and issues relating to CO2
emissions.
“Wagons are very good
looking cars these days,
also they do make a lot
of sense, especially in
the (market’s) need for a
wagon, that so far has
been pushed heavily
towards SUVs,” Horst von
Sanden told GoAuto at the launch of the
new-generation C-class Estate last week.
Mercedes-Benz offers two passengercar station wagons: the C-class and E-class
Estates. It also offers two SUV wagons, the
ML-class and GL-class, with the GLK-class
compact SUV also due in 2010.
Mr von Sanden said that many buyers
still want practicality but were questioning
whether a SUV is what they really need.
“The time is now to go back to ‘what do
I really need? I don’t need to compromise
on design, shape, I get everything that I get
from a SUV (in a wagon) – except of course
the off-road ability’ – but that’s what only
a very low percentage of out SUV buyers
need, realistically,” he said.
“What they need is a very versatile car,
for all their activities, leisure activities,
family activities, and we can do all of that
with a wagon as we can a SUV.”
Mr von Sanden admitted that the SUV’s
days were not quite over yet, with the
take-up of 2WD passenger car wagons not
experiencing an upward surge.
“It has been so far very low, it’s far
below 10 per cent,” he conceded. “It has
to do still with that image of wagons as a
C200K Estate (left) with ML320 CDI
tradesman’s car. Certainly with the change
in design philosophy with our designers
turning wagons into real lifestyle cars, that
will certainly change.”
The C-class wagon launched emulates the
C-class sedan with its option of Avantgarde
and Elegance trim lines that dispense with
the Classic’s traditional Mercedes grille and
three-pointed star on the bonnet for a more
stylish grille and other features. At the top
of the C-class Estate range is a 6.2-litre V8
C63 AMG Estate, which will be on sale in
September.
Mr von Sanden believes the introduction
of the new C-class Estate will sow the seeds
of change in buyer’s tastes.
“We get very positive feedback, and
good enquiry already for C-class wagon, so
obviously in that smaller segment there is
strong demand for these versatile cars, and our
dealers are very optimistic in their outlook of
the C-class wagon in the Australian market,”
he said. “I am sure that with the C-class
wagon we will be able to get out of the 10 per
cent mark, of total sales of C-class.
“The more people that get into those cars,
the more acceptance there will be in the
market. It always takes a number of cars on
the road before they really make an impact,
and people really accept it on a broader base.
“There was a fair bit of hostile comment
in the press about SUVs in general – you
know, ‘Do we need such big cars? Are
they safe? The reversing problem’ – which
certainly many, many manufacturers resolve
today with reversing cameras.
“But I think there is a bit of a hostile
feeling in society in general and whether
that is justified or not doesn’t really matter.
Perception is reality. Therefore I think some
people today think twice, ‘Do I really need
a SUV, and do I expose myself to potential
criticism from neighbours, friends or the
public?’ And if that happens, I think a wagon
is the logical choice.”
As for cannibalising sales with the SUV
wagons also available in the Mercedes-Benz
showroom, Mr von Sanden said: “For us it is
about giving customers choice.”
Mercedes-Benz SUVs have declined in
year-to-date sales over the same period last
year, with the total of GL-class and MLclass sales reaching just under 1000 units to
the end of April last year. This year, the total
is 650 vehicles, the ML-class particularly hit
hard with sales down 37 per cent.
Mercedes-Benz expects to sell 300
C-class Estates to the end of this year, and
500 in 2009.
More reports – page 24
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND “CLICKS”...
automotive photographers
Automotive Photography and Inventory Distribution
ph: 1300 11 22 34 email: [email protected]
John Mellor's
%
GoAuto news
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 20
Road to zero
RISING
INTEREST
RATES
Now is the time to
review your dealership
valuation and
restructure plans,
and any associated
borrowings.
Don’t delay!
For independent expert
advice on dealership
value and restructure
planning, please call
Ken personally.
N b t
Norber
Nor
Reithofer
wit
ihX
X6
6
hybrid
hyb
rid
BMW eco moves include hybrid, emissions-free EV
By MARTON PETTENDY
Ken Rich – Director
Office: (07) 3229 0080
Ken Rich: 0418 152 254
[email protected]
www.richandco.com.au
‘When Experience Counts’
Rich & Co Pty
Accountants and Business Advisors
BMW has revealed it will decide this year
whether to build its first electric vehicle,
via a new future-drive skunkworks dubbed
“project i”.
The news was announced by BMW
AG chairman Dr Norbert Reithofer at the
company’s 88th annual general meeting
(AGM) in Munich on May 8, when he
also reiterated the production futures of six
additional new models.
“Later this year, we will decide about
building an electric car,” said Dr Reithofer.
“Today, modern lithium-ion batteries would
allow for the combination of an electric
drivetrain and sheer driving pleasure. Due
to the limited reach, such vehicles would be
most suitable to urban traffic.
“New drive concepts are handled by a
new organisational unit called “project
i”, which is our think tank for completely
new, sustainable mobility concepts. This is
climate protection BMW-style.
“When it comes to traditional combustion
engines, there are limits to what physics can do,
even for our engineers. It won’t be possible to
take this progress further only by implementing
new technologies. And obviously, we must not
lose track of costs here either.
“Climate protection may not be an excuse
for stricter regulation or the enforcement
of a country’s industrial politics interests.
A reduction of carbon emissions has to be
achieved for both small and large cars.
“The premium manufacturers will not be
able to make up for savings potential in the
mass segment left untapped. The mass market
comprises 90 per cent of all vehicles sold. The
premium market has a share of 10 per cent of
new car registrations worldwide,” he said.
Dr Reithofer said BMW needed a zeroemissions vehicle (ZEV) to meet future
legislation in California, and suggested a
range of electric micro-models could emerge
to service “mega-cities” of more than 10
million people – fuelling further speculation
of a fourth model line for BMW AG.
“With cities all around the world expanding
into mega-cities, there is the risk of
permanent traffic gridlock. Since 2006, more
people have been living in urban than in rural
environments. And the number of people
moving into cities is continuing to grow.
Today, China already has close to 100 cities
with more than one million inhabitants.
Continued next page
Chief Operating Officer - Melbourne
The Stillwell Motor Group now celebrates its 10th year
as a successful second-generation family business
owning and operating multiple retail sites in Melbourne
for BMW, Volvo, Ford and Nissan. Having a reputation
for outstanding service to their loyal customers and
providing career opportunities to over 500 management
and staff, the Group is highly regarded as a leader of
automotive best practice and delivering results for the
manufacturers’ that it represents.
the business everyday to build on best practice, and
inspire a team of over 500 staff to ask how can we
do it better?
The role of Chief Operating Officer will report directly
to the CEO and there is future potential for this new
position to grow further. In addition to the following attributes - the successful COO will be evolving
A track record of consistently coaching executives,
managers and staff to continuously improve benchmark
performance.
Senior management expertise in a retail dealership
environment as a successful CEO, COO, Dealer Principal
or General Manager.
Evidence of excellent relationships with all stakeholders
in a multi site business.
A highly competitive remuneration package will be
negotiated in accordance with the level of responsibility
and commitment requirement of this position.
Initial telephone enquiries are welcomed to Derek
Hale on 0419 329 009.
Applications to Derek Hale and Associates are to be
forwarded via email to [email protected] by
Wed June 12th.
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
Need To Refuel
Your Service
Operations?
We offer a wide
range of Dealership
support services
to drive your
business to where
it needs to go.
For further information
on Service, Warranty
and Customer
Satisfaction support
contact us on
(03) 9862 3205 or email
[email protected]
martec automotive
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 21
Road to zero
X6 hybrid
while it is something Los Angeles does not
“In 1950, there were only two cities with really have to worry about. In Beijing, on
more than 10 million inhabitants in the the other hand, the worst problem is air
world. Today, there are more than 20 such pollution. So it is unlikely that there will be
mega-cities, only four of these, by the way, a standard solution for big cities.”
BMW has already staked a claim on
in the industrialized world.
According to forecasts, the Greater Tokyo hydrogen as its long-term sustainable
Area will be home to over 36 million people mobility solution for zero-emissions
g with a fleet of 100 Hydrogen 7 cars
motoring
by 2015.
“entrusted to politicians,
“What this shows is
WHAT’S COMING:
business leaders and
the size and population
E82 125i/135i Coupe
May
artists”.
density of these urban
E88 125/335i Convertible May
But on its way to mass
areas is threatening to
E92 M3 Coupe M-DCT
July
production
of
either
turn individual mobility
E71 X6 xDrive35i/35d
Aug
hydrogen-combustion or
into an absurdity. The
E91 M3 Convertible
Dec
fully electric vehicles,
average speed in the
E90 M3 Sedan
Dec
E71 X6 xDrive50i
Dec
BMW will join in the
Greater Tokyo Area is
F01/F02 735i/750i
Mar 2009 hybrid race with next
already down to 15km/h.
E71 X6 hybrid
2009
year’s
petrol-electric
At that speed, you mightt
F01/F02 735d
Dec 2009 version of the X6.
as well take the bike.
All-new CS/GT four-door 2009
First previewed by
“There is good reason
New Z4 (Z2)
2010
the “BMW Concept X6
for me to tell you that Japan
New 5 Series (F10/F11)
2011
ActiveHybrid” at the 2007
is BMW Group’s secondd
All-new sedan concept
2011
Frankfurt motor show, the
most important market in
All-new X1
2011
X6 hybrid will be the first
Asia, outdone only by the
New X3 (F25)
2012
evidence of the company’s
Chinese markets China,
Hong Kong and Taiwan. So it is important to joint-venture with General Motors and archus that Tokyo residents do not go by bike but rival Daimler to co-develop a fully-fledged
continue to drive our cars.
two-mode hybrid drivetrain.
“What is more, mega-cities are very
“Today, it is the public perception to
different from one another. While Los understand hybrid as the magic bullet to
Angeles will have a population of almost solve the problem of carbon emissions in
18 million people on 14,000sq-km in 2015, road traffic. I have to say that the advertising
Seoul will have 25 million inhabitants on campaign launched by our colleagues from
Toyota caused quite a stir,” said Dr Reithofer.
only 4400sq-km.
“Lack of space is a major issue in Seoul,
Au
stra
lia n A u
tomoti
ve Intel
l i gencce
e
ustr
alian
uto
mot ive
Intelligen
Specialists on the Australian automotive market and industry
YEARBOOK
the most comprehensive data source
on the Australian automotive industry
2008
ORDER YOUR COPY NOW
visit www.aaintelligence.com.au for more information and details on how to order.
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
Custom Fleet
Part of GE Commercial Finance
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 22
GoAuto Green is brought
to you by Custom Fleet
Nissan hybrid delay
Infiniti red light for
Australia rules out
Nissan hybrid for now
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS
AKIS
NISSAN is to roll out a petrol-electric
trol-electric
hybrid system in some of its
ts vehicles,
starting from 2010.
However, as the hybrid technology
logy is
arket
initially slated for Nissan’s upmarket
Infiniti brand, the likelihood is slim
that Australian buyers will seee it
for a number of years, as Nissan
ssan
is coy about any plans for Infiniti in
Australia.
Nevertheless, beyond the 2010 Infiniti,
we can expect to see the all-new hybrid
technology rolled out into future Nissan
and Renault models that will make it to
Australia, according to one Nissan source.
The Nissan hybrid system is still under
wraps, but GoAuto can reveal that it is a
less complicated system than Toyota’s, not
relying on a special continuously variable
transmission (CVT).
According to Nissan senior vice-president
and general manager for powertrain
engineering Yo Usuba, the company’s
hybrid system will employ an existing fully
automatic gearbox.
“Nissan uses a conventional automatic
gearbox for a more direct feel,” he revealed
to GoAuto at the Nissan 360 global drive
event in Portugal.
The most likely automatic will be the
new seven-speed transmission that Nissan
has been developing with specialists
JATCO (Japanese Automatic Transmission
Company), a subsidiary of Nissan.
Mr Usuba also revealed that while
Nissan is taking charge of developing
hybrid technologies for the US and Japan,
alliance partner Renault will oversee diesel
Altima Hybrid
or E
urope.
development ffor
Europe.
“Diesel is better for European tastes, but
in the United States and Japan, because
of traffic jams, hybrid is better for fuel
economy,” he said. “Plus, Europeans like
manual transmission and diesels more.”
Improved efficiencies, regeneration of
kinetic energy through braking, and the
CO2-reducing start-stop technologies
are some of the other benefits Mr Usuba
associates with Nissan’s hybrid system.
However, he stopped short of revealing
what Nissan’s fuel consumption or CO2
targets were. “I cannot yet tell you what
these are,” Mr Usuba said.
The 2010 Infiniti will not be the
company’s first hybrid. In 2000 Nissan
became just the third manufacturer behind
Toyota and Honda (with the two-seater
Insight) to introduce a hybrid system, with
100 examples of the Almera Tino miniMPV built in Japan.
And in late 2006, Nissan released the Altima
Hybrid using hybrid and CVT technology
purchased from rival Toyota. Ironically, this
US-market mid-sized sedan combats the
Camry Hybrid in America, as well as the
Honda Accord Hybrid.
Nissan, like most other manufacturers,
h been left reeling by Toyota’s initiative
had
w the Prius.
with
However, Mr Usuba says that Nissan’s
well-publicised financial crisis of the latter
1990s and its subsequent recovery plan
after Renault bailed it out, precluded any
development of a hybrid system beyond the
Tino experiment.
Still, Nissan felt that it could not let the
Altima fall behind in the crucial mid-sized
sedan segment against Camry and Accord,
so it struck the Toyota deal for the 2007
model year Altima – but only in the states
of California, New York, Massachusetts,
Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine
and New Jersey.
When the first production-ready petrolelectric hybrid was unveiled at the 1997
Tokyo motor show, few people could have
foreseen its rapid adoption by consumers
around the globe, to the point where Toyota
has become synonymous with hybrids,
selling more than one million Prius cars to
date (see story on page 11).
With its coming hybrid as well as electric
vehicle models, Nissan feels it can finally
regain the initiative from Toyota.
“Nissan desperately wants to become
synonymous with zero-emissions vehicles,”
a Nissan spokesman said.
Drive Lightly with
Custom Fleet.
To find out how to reduce your
fleet’s carbon footprint, call
Custom Fleet on 1800 812 681.
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 23
Up
Up Close
Close on
on Personnel
Personnel
Brought to you by Motor Staff - The Motor Industry’s No1 Recruitment Specialist
motor staff
sales•service•parts•admin
BENTLEY CASTS A CLOSER EYE ON THE ANTIPODES
By TERRY MARTIN
BENTLEY Motors has created a new
regional head office for Australia and New
Zealand, decentralising its Singapore-based
Asia-Pacific operations to become closer to
specific markets in the region.
Although
the
Volkswagen-owned
British luxury marque is operating out of
the Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA)
headquarters in Botany, Sydney, Bentley
Motors regional manager Ed Striebig told
GoAuto this week that these were for
“reasons of practicality” with no reporting
structure into VGA.
“The operational management for the
region has now been, if you like, devolved
out into the various markets,” Mr Striebig
explained, adding that in addition to the
new team Down Under an office had been
established in Beijing, China, and in South
Korea (handling that market and South-East
Asian markets such as Taiwan, Thailand,
Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore).
“We’re a lot closer to the markets now in
terms of operational management and also in
planning and delivering marketing activities.
“The benefit is in proximity to the actual
marketplace and the ability to operate
either within the same time zone or within
reason of the same time zone, to minimise
obviously travel time and just to be in a
position to spend more time with the dealers,
understanding their businesses better
and developing with them more tailored
marketing activities and
plans for their local areas,”
he said.
Having worked for
Bentley Motors for the
past eight years in the UK,
most recently as franchise
manager, Mr Striebig is
responsible for operational
and strategic management
of this region which includes
d ddealer
l and
d
media relations, and sales and marketing.
He reports to Bentley’s Asia-Pacific chief
Tim Mackinlay, who has responsibility for
China, Japan, SE Asia and Australasia and in
turn reports to worldwide operations director
Geoff Dowding – the former managing
director of a number of key Bentley regions
(including the UK, Europe, Middle East and
Africa), who last year had his role expanded
further to include the US and Asia.
The Australian regional office comprises
Mr Striebig, aftersales and technical
manager Geoff Wright (who has moved
from VGA) and regional co-ordinator Ian
Churchill. It has not been established as
a separate legal entity – Bentley Motors
Australia, for example – but is simply
operating as an office of Bentley Motors
Limited in the UK.
Bentley currently has six dealerships in
Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the
Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth) and two in
New Zealand (Auckland and Christchurch).
Ed Striebig (centre) with Ian
Churchill (left) and Geoff Wright
Mr Striebig
dent Bentley
i bi said
id hhe was confi
fid
l
would maintain its current sales performance
– it sold a record 138 in 2007 – with the
limited-issue (550 worldwide) $660,000
Brooklands coupe launched earlier this
year (the first of two cars ordered to date in
Australia, and two in New Zealand, being
delivered next month) and the 2009 Model
Year range of Continental models, the first of
which should reach showrooms in October.
“We are confident that launch is going
to go well for us, and then it’s a question
really about the logistics of how many cars
we will actually get into the region before
the end of the year,” Mr Striebig said. “We
will always strive to build one less car than
demand worldwide. We did have a record
year last year – we produced and sold just
over 10,000 cars – we have no plans at this
stage to increase that beyond that figure, and
depending on the demand that is generated
here in the marketplace, there is no issue
with supply to satisfy that demand. Our
challenge is in generating the demand.”
POLITES SUCCESSOR COULD BE NAMED NEXT WEEK
OVERSEAS reports have this week
indicated that Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)
plans to name its new chief executive as
early as June 2, following the death of
Australian CEO Geoff Polites on April 20.
Chief financial officer David Smith has
been the company’s acting CEO.
Industry journal Automotive News cited
an unnamed “senior company official” as
confirming that an announcement was soon
to be made, although it is not known whether
or not the incoming CEO will be an internal
appointment. New JLR owner Tata – which
will finalise its purchase from Ford by the end
of next month – has indicated that it wants to
keep the current management team at both
British brands, but Ford-managed positions
are likely to go. Automotive News has also
reported that JLR is recruiting externally for
several senior roles, including director of
global marketing communications, European
head of sales and marketing, and manager of
central retail operations.
Meanwhile, former Land Rover managing
director (and former Ford Australia sales
and marketing vice-president) Matthew
Taylor has been named as the incoming
CEO of JCB Global Sales, the UK-based
global heavy industry company he has
worked for since April 2006.
) " ## ""&
) "#
%#$"('!"
) "#$$ #
) #%"!##
%#$"( $$#
) "#$!!$$#
) "($"&
) '!"$#%"!"$ ) "# $(#$
If you have any car industry personnel
announcements, please email them to
Terry Martin at TMARTIN MELLORNET
John Mellor's
GoAuto news
M AY 2 8 , 2 0 0 8 Page 24
GoAuto’s latest car review
www.goauto.com.au
Citroen C3 1.6 HDi five-door hatch
CITROEN offers a brilliant Prius alternative – but this isn’t quite it. The C3 1.6 HDi might astound you
with excellent fuel economy and impressively low emissions – and for some of people, these are
reasons enough to buy. You might also be seduced by lovely styling (still, after all these
years), or revel in the sheer individuality of driving an offbeat French car. But this baby is
now one of the very senior light-car offerings, reflected in the generally tight packaging,
patchy interior presentation and dull driving experience. The price makes the C3 no
steal either. We suggest stretching to the gorgeous C4 diesels, or hanging out for this
car’s not-too-distant replacement instead.
CAR REVIEW: CLICK HERE
GM SCRAPS RWD WORK
TOUGH forthcoming fuel economy laws
in the US have persuaded General Motors
to scrap a Holden-led program developing
future large rear-drive sedans for Chevrolet
and Buick, according to a GM source quoted
in an Automotive News report this week.
The source told the US industry journal
that “serious fuel economy issues” forced
the development program, which included
the Chevrolet Impala due around 2011, to
be scrapped. Another source reportedly said
that no other large-car programs underway
would be shelved. Federal fuel consumption
laws in the US unveiled last month mandate
a 40 per cent increase in economy by 2020,
with a 25 per cent improvement to be
achieved in the 2011-2015 model years.
Launch Pad
brought to you by
MAY:
Audi A3 1.9 TDIe hatch
BMW 1 Series convertible
Ford FG ute range
FPV FG sedan/ute range
HSV LS3 V8 sedan/ute range
Mazda2 three-door hatch
Mercedes-Benz C-class Estate
Mercedes-Benz S320 CDI sedan
Mitsubishi Triton 2WD diesel
Nissan Navara D40 King Cab
Proton Persona sedan
Volkswagen Tiguan SUV
FG Ute
C-class Estate
Tiguan
New model diary: CLICK HERE
RENAULT last weekend wheeled out a sleek
new coupe version of its new-generation
mid-size Laguna in the south of France –
well ahead of its scheduled appearance at
the Paris motor show in early October.
Powered by two new V6 petrol and diesel
engines, the Coupe is closely based on a
concept car that featured at the Frankfurt
motor show last September.
BENZ BIRTHDAY BASHER
C AND S INSPIRE E
THE
new-generation
Mercedes-Benz
E-class, due to be shown officially for the
first time at the Paris motor show in October,
will share more than a passing resemblance
to the C-class.
The new E-class will also be marketed in
a similar fashion to the C-class, with more
‘sporty’ front-end treatments for Elegance
and Avantgarde compared to a more
traditional Classic model. A Mercedes-Benz
spokesman told GoAuto last week that the
exterior styling is an amalgam of S-class and
C-class design cues: “Think new C-class,
think S-class, and you’ll be close to the
money.” New diesel and petrol engines will
appear in the new E-class, due in Australia
in the third quarter of 2009, with AMG
variants to arrive before Christmas 2009.
LAGUNA COUPE OUT
DIESEL FOR 9-3 AERO
SAAB has introduced a 1.9-litre twinturbocharged diesel engine into its broad
local 9-3 range that considerably ups the
performance over the single-turbo model.
Priced from $62,600, the 9-3 Aero TTiD
is the first diesel-powered model to get the
Swedish company’s performance ‘Aero’
model name. It is claimed to have comparable
performance with the petrol-engined Aero
model, which has a 188kW/350Nm 2.8-litre
V6 turbo and is priced at $70,600, but has
an average fuel consumption figure of just
5.7L/100km versus 10.6L/100km for the
petrol V6T. FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
THE second-highest selling model in
Mercedes-Benz Australia’s line-up – the big
M-class SUV – arrived here almost 10 years
ago and to celebrate the company is selling a
special edition that could save buyers more
than $12,000. Although priced from $91,100
for the 350 Edition 10 (a premium of $2000
over the standard ML350), M-B Australia
claims the 10th anniversary model contains
more than $14,000 worth of extra features.
In case you missed it...
Yaris Rushes in
Satria fuel deal
Impreza WRC
$11 million Ferrari
Impreza WRC
Stop advertising. Start selling.
7aVX`L]îZ9ViV7dd`'%%7dd`'%%-
CDL
WlW_bWXb[_d^WhZYefoeh
edb_d[_dF:<\ehcWj
J^[ceijYecfh[^[di_l[
Wkjecej_l[_dZkijhoZ_h[Yjeho
@Zn[ZVijgZh^cXajYZ/
>cYZei]a^hi^c\hd[XVg!Wjh!igjX`VcYbdidgXnXaZ
bVcj[VXijgZgh!Y^hig^WjidghVcY^bedgiZgh
8dbegZ]Zch^kZY^gZXidgnd[XdbedcZciVcYheZX^Va
kZ]^XaZbVcj[VXijgZgh
6cVcVanh^hd[XjggZciVcY]^hidg^XVahVaZhVcY
egdYjXi^dc[^\jgZh
JeidYViZ[aZZi[^cVcXZVcYbVcV\ZbZci
XdciVXiYZiVâh
;jZaVcYdâ^cYjhignhiVi^hi^Xh
Dc
an..
#%%
[dgZî]Zg]VgYXdenWdd`dgE9;
IdiVa^cXajYZh<HIEdhiV\Z
6Y^gZXidgnd[Vjidbdi^kZ^cYjhignWdY^Zh!gZhZVgX]
ZhiVWa^h]bZcihVcYZc\^cZZg^c\XdchjaiVcih
6jhigVa^VcVcY\adWVabVg`ZihjbbVg^Zh
6aa'%%-bdidg^c\VcYbdidghedgiZkZcih
:miZch^kZZmedgiVcY^bedgihiVi^hi^Xh
EhZ[hoekhYef_[idem CdbdgZZcYaZhhhZVgX]^c\
7ckij\eh[l[hoed[_dj^[Wkjecej_l[WdZh[bWj[Z_dZkijh_[i$
✂
Eg^dgîndgYZg[dgb$IVm^ckd^XZÄ<aVhhÉh7aVX`L]îZ9ViV7dd`'%%-
*:VhnlVnh iddgYZg
✓EaZVhZi^X`
NZh!eaZVhZhZcYbZTTTTXde^Zhd[i]Z]VgYXdenWdd`h
❏
NZh!eaZVhZhZibZjeidgZXZ^kZTTTTE9;h Fh_eh_jo>ejb_d[
&)/,,))&&/
:cXadhZY^hbnX]ZfjZ$bdcZndgYZgdgYZWîbnXgZYîXVgY[dg
❏
K^hV ❏ BVhiZgXVgY
8VgYCd
❏
9^cZgh8ajW
❏
6bZm6bZmHZXjgîncd#
=VkZndjgXgZYîXVgY
YZiVâh]VcYnWZilZZc
-#(%VbVcY*#%%eb
<WYi_c_b[&)/,,))&*/
Lî]ndjgXgZYîXVgY
YZiVâh')]djghVYVn
:me^gn9ViZ
Bg$Bgh$BhH^\cVijgZ
8dbeVcnCVbZIîaZ
CW_b
8dbeaZiZi]^h[dgb
VcYhZcYid/
<aVhhÉh>c[dgbVi^dcHZgk^XZh
)-AVIgdWZHigZZi!
BZaWdjgcZK>8#(%%%
6YYgZhh
;cW_b
\aVhhdgYZgh5\aVhh\j^YZ#Xdb#Vj
HiViZEdhiXdYZE]dcZ;Vm
M[Xi_j[
lll#\aVhh\j^YZ#Xdb#Vj
;dgbdgZ^c[dgbVi^dcXVaa<aVhhÉhdc&)/,,))&&/
K^hîdjglZWhîZ/mmm$]bWii]k_Z[$Yec$Wk

Black hole - GoAutoMedia

Transcription

Similar documents

nissan nissan - Catalyst Outdoor

King Windward Nissan, HI

MY12 LEAF: ALG Repositioning - Center for Automotive Research

Mobile users click here to view a static version of

2006 Country Coach 530 Intrigue

Nissan Owner First Award of Excellence Newsletter

HOP placemat layout.indd

Douglas TBL200E – Electric Towbarless Tug

The Best for Less. Much Less.

Print Flyer