JOWETT MOTOR GROUP OPENS THIRD BMW DEALERSHIP · The Ford Transit, the Mercedes-Benz Vito, and the...

1 MARCH 2021Australia

THE AUSTRALIAN VEHICLE DEALER’S NEWS SOURCE

MARCH 2021 .COM.AU

JOWETT MOTOR GROUP OPENS THIRD BMW DEALERSHIP

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THORNTON TAKES THE WHEEL AT EAGERS

AUTOMOTIVE

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THE DEALERSHIPOF THE FUTURE?

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ROBERT BARRYEDITOR AUTOTALK

HELLO THERE,

ANCAP’s decision to crash test the Mitsubishi Express Van and release a zero-star rating has created friction in the

Australian automotive industry.

This vehicle started life as the 2014 Renault Trafic, and it was also marketed as the Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro (2014-2018), the Fiat Talento (2016-2020), and the Nissan NV300 in Europe as well as more recently the Mitsubishi Express.

The Renault/Nissan/Mitsubishi models are built at the Sandouville plant in France, and the Opel/Vauxhall models were built in the UK at Luton before those brands were acquired by PSA and are now part of Stellantis.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) was the first body to come out and question why ANCAP had spent so much time and effort on retesting a vehicle which it’s partner Euro NCAP had given a three-star rating in 2015.

FCAI boss Tony Weber says Euro NCAP and ANCAP supposedly work in harmony and he felt that two different results for essentially the same van is going to place confusion in the marketplace and was not a good use of taxpayer dollars.

That’s one argument, but its 2021 and the level of the playing field has changed, and what was relevant in 2015 is no longer.

Earlier this year Euro NCAP reassessed all light commercial vans in its marketplace by developing dedicated test and assessment protocols looking into the safety assist performance of these vans.

The Ford Transit, the Mercedes-Benz Vito, and the Volkswagen Transporter all received a Gold rating for safety assist performance. The Ford Transit Custom, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the Volkswagen Crafter and the Peugeot Expert all received a Silver rating for safety assist performance.

A Bronze rating went to the Fiat Ducato, and the Iveco Daily, but the Renault Master and Trafic received a safety assist performance rating of Not Recommended from Euro NCAP.

The facts speak for themselves, while the brand claims to be Europe’s most popular light commercial vehicle range, Renault has got some work to do on making these vans safer or replace them with new models that will meet or better the standards set down by Euro NCAP.

It is going to be interesting to watch how the market reacts to this new zero-star rating and how it affects the performance of the Renault Trafic and Mitsubishi Express in the new and used vehicle sectors.

Enjoy your reading this month.

Best regards

Robert BarryEDITOR AUTOTALK

EDITORIALTALK

3MARCH 2021 Australia

Eagers Automotive Limited has appointed Keith Thornton as its new chief executive officer

taking the reins from Martin Ward who held the position for more than 16 years

Thornton has been with the company for 18 years and became Eagers' chief operating officer in 2017.

Ward will transition to a new role as advisor to the board and chief executive officer.

In his new role, Ward will have responsibility for the company’s $470m portfolio of owned properties, its substantial portfolio of leased real estate and strategic investments such as the Brisbane Airport Auto Mall development.

Eagers Automotive says Ward will continue to play a valuable role advising the board and providing counsel to Thornton, ensuring a smooth handover, while retaining a major shareholding.

“The board places the utmost importance on managing succession, particularly at the CEO level, and has great confidence that this model will protect the interests of shareholders and support the continued trajectory of the business over the long term,” Eagers Automotive chairman Tim Crommelin says.

“In Keith we have appointed a proven leader with an unrivalled understanding of the business, its strategy and a clear vision for the future. He is incredibly well respected

across both the company and industry alike, and importantly, has played a pivotal role in shaping and executing the company’s strategy over many years,” Crommelin says.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to sincerely thank Martin Ward for his outstanding contribution as both CEO and managing director over 16 years. Under Martin’s exemplary leadership, he has built Eagers Automotive into a true powerhouse of automotive retail.

“ In the last 18 months alone, Martin has led a transformational merger, navigated a once in 100-year pandemic and steered the company through major structural and cyclical headwinds, all while delivering remarkable shareholder returns. As demonstrated by today’s financial results, he leaves the CEO role with our business in a formidable position and with a highly experienced leadership team,” he says.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead this iconic 108-year-old Queensland company. I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Martin since 2005 – he is someone I admire enormously as a leader, mentor and colleague and we are fortunate that he will continue with Eagers in an advisory capacity,” Thornton says.

“I look forward to building on the strong relationships we have with our stakeholders and accelerating our current momentum in executing our Next100 strategy. We remain

committed to leading the industry during a time of great transformation and utilising our unique size, scale and position to ensure we can continue to outperform for all of our stakeholders in a sustainable way.”

“Keith has played a pivotal role in Eagers’ growth over almost two decades, joining in 2002. As COO he has been one of the key architects and drivers of our Next100 strategy and I am delighted to pass over the reins to such a hard-working and capable leader whom I respect greatly. I look forward to continuing to unlock value for our shareholders, especially within the Eagers property portfolio and in my new advisory role,” Ward says.

EAGERS APPOINTS THORNTON AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

MARTIN WARD

KEITH THORNTON

NEWSTALK


DEALERTALK

THE DEALERSHIP OF THE FUTURE?

According to Richard Dicello the challenges of 2020 drove Australian automotive dealers

to be more nimble in conducting business, in particular, how they approach customers now and in the future.

Dicello says the digitalisation of dealer listings, resources and test drive offerings accelerated more quickly as COVID-19 impacted Australia.

“We believe that dealerships are really in a good place, particularly the rise of the virtual showroom, which we support them through both of our sites, utilising our online marketplace, for listings, engaging with customers through SMS, and the ability to use email, phone calls, and map reveals,” Dicello says.

“Customers are really keen to understand where dealers are located. That's a really key part of the buying process. And we believe the dealers with these strategies in place are well set up for the future,” he says.

In spite of rapid digitalisation Dicello believes that the physical dealership still has an important role to play in the car buying process.

“Any period of change and disruption gives dealers a chance to relook at their own business model. We've seen two OEMs introducing the agency model, but from the 'Connect with the New Digital Car Buyer' research that we've conducted both before and during the pandemic, the one thing that comes out really loudly is the customer's expectation around being able to still touch and feel the car, and also to have an experience when they enter the dealership,” he says.

“I think that's still a really critical part of the buying process. And of course, we play a significant role there, whether it be through education, to the ability to see the stock that's available.

“I've got no doubt dealers would be looking at every opportunity they can to rationalise. But I still think there's a need for that physical dealership presence in this country, particularly in the immediate future, and even looking into the medium term,” he says.

Dicello also points out that research shows that while customers are more inclined to drive further to get a good deal on a new car, they are however less inclined to travel any significant distance to get their car serviced.

“It's really important that dealers still have a physical presence available for the customers to be able to service their cars. The more sites dealers have within their prime marketing areas, the more chance they've got of capturing that servicing market,” he says.

Dicello says the convenience factor is important to customers who need a car serviced at least once a year, maybe twice. They want to drop it off on the way to work, and pick it up after work, particularly in the major cities where traffic congestion can be a problem.

Another disruption to the future dealership model are direct online sales from manufacturer to consumer, such as the arrival in Australia of evdirect.com.au which will sell the Chinese brand of BYD electric vehicles directly to new car buyers from July onwards.

Dicello says other car manufacturers are also trialling such initiatives but he reckons the human touch is still needed.

“It is an opportunity to trial a new sales model and there might be some learnings for dealers. Any time we can learn and adapt and move forward is a good thing for the industry and I think we should embrace it and take the learnings,” he says.

But Dicello says research still shows that that interaction between the consumer and the dealer, particularly the sales person, is vitally important.

“From a dealership perspective in this country, the one thing they can continue to focus on is making sure that first point of contact when the consumer walks into the dealership is at or above expectation.

“The research that we conducted in 2019 shows consumers are still concerned about making the right choice when they walk into a dealership, and up to 20% of them still change their mind, right at the front at that decision point.

“So there's still a significant role for the dealer, in particular, the salesperson, making sure the consumer feels comfortable making their decision,” he says.

RICHARD DICELLO - SALES DIRECTOR, GUMTREE AUSTRALIA AND AUTOTRADER.

Dealer Sales Director - Gumtree Cars and Autotrader Richard Dicello says while digitalisation and direct online sales have changed the way Australian consumers buy new vehicles, people still want the experience of visiting a physical dealership.


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The 44th dealership in the BMW Group Australian national retail network, Berwick BMW opened in

late December 2020 after construction began in May.

Operated by Jowett Motor Group (JMG), Berwick is the group's third BMW dealership, joining Waverley BMW which it opened in 2013, and South Yarra BMW which it acquired from the Autopact Group last year.

JMG says in spite of construction taking place during Melbourne’s lockdown, the tireless work by the dealer principal, general manager and the dealership team meant that the sales, service and parts departments at Berwick BMW were open to customers on its first day of operation, December 21.

Waverley BMW dealer principal Brett Jakes is also overseeing Berwick BMW and last year JMG appointed another experienced industry executive Neil Phillips as the new dealership's general manager.

Jakes has more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry and more than eight years as a BMW dealer principal.

Phillips previously worked for Inchcape Australia for more than 15 years, starting in used vehicle sales management, moving up to new

vehicle sales management, and was formerly the general manager of three Subaru dealerships as well as a member of the group's F&I leadership team.

The Berwick dealership’s footprint has space for up to 80 new and used vehicles with a substantial servicing department, and more than 30 staff – which is another figure expected to grow.

JMG announced its intention to build the new dealership in late 2019 with company founder and chief executive officer Tony Jowett saying it would offer a first class experience for new

customers as well as an alternative location for current customers who live in and around Berwick.

Jowett says he was excited by the opportunity to build a substantial BMW presence in the south eastern corridor of greater Melbourne.

“We want to be heavily involved in the local community, supporting the people who we hope will be supporting us,” Jowett says.

Located along the Princes Highway, the purpose-built Berwick BMW complex is found at 6 Coventry Road in the Narre Warren 3805 postcode.

JOWETT MOTOR GROUP OPENS THIRD BMW

DEALERSHIP IN BERWICK

DEALERTALK

to page 7...


In the 2016 census, 35% of the working population of the local area did more than 40 hours per week, 72% of employed people drove a car to work, 52% of families had children, 47% of homes were mortgaged and 42% had two cars.

But nearly 10% of household income was more than $3000 gross per week, and 16% earned less than $650.

Inspite of what is commonly understood to be a lower socio-economic region of Melbourne, there is still a strong potential customer base ready for some competition – Mercedes-Benz is already in the same geographic pocket.

When plans for the new BMW Berwick dealership were announced in late 2019, dealer principal Brett Jakes told GoAuto that the launch timing of the new facility was perfect.

At the time Jakes said the BMW brand

was well positioned for growth and he was confident the company would get good business out of Berwick.

“We see the need for strong service and used car sales as the business builds its new car clientele,” Jakes says.

Jakes said he estimated BMW Berwick will comfortably get 20 cars a day in for servicing and will eventually match the BMW Waverley workshop numbers of around 70 vehicles per day.

BMW Berwick sits in the same prime

marketing area as BMW Waverley but Jakes told GoAuto that it’s not an open point.

He said when BMW Waverley was opened by the Group it was designed as the main dealership but JMG then saw the opportunity to expand the reach of its prime marketing area by opening a second BMW dealership in Berwick.

DEALERTALK

...from page 6

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NEWSTALK

As the long-term trend towards electric vehicles (EVs) continues to solidify, consumer anxiety amid the pandemic around the world may be shifting

automotive priorities towards familiarity and affordability.

According to Deloitte’s 2021 Global Automotive Consumer Study (which covers 23 countries, including Australia), 70% of Australian consumers are still looking for a traditional internal combustion engine for their next vehicle.

The report explores opinions regarding a variety of issues impacting the global automotive sector, including implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumer perceptions, the development of advanced technologies and impact of digital automotive retail platforms.

Key points from the survey of more than 1000 Australian consumers include:

• 70% expect to focus on petrol/diesel for their next vehicle, compared to 18% for hybrid electric, and 4% for battery electric

• A cost/price premium (28%) and a lack of charging infrastructure (22%) are the greatest concerns regarding all-battery-powered electric vehicles

• 79% still expect to purchase their next vehicle the ‘traditional’ way – in-person, compared to virtually

• 61% would still prefer to interact with an authorised dealer

• 60% are also open to virtual servicing, as long as it free.

CONSUMER INTEREST IN EVS “There’s not a shadow of a doubt that, particularly with stricter carbon emission regulations on the nearer horizon, the motor vehicle torch is slowly being passed from internal combustion to electric,” Deloitte Australia Automotive Co-Leader Lee Peters says.

“Awareness amongst Australian consumers of, and interest in, all-electric, or at the very least hybrid, is certainly there, and is growing. But, no differently to elsewhere around the world, Australians still require greater assurance around issues such as mileage, robust charging infrastructure rollouts and affordability of the electric segment.

“Unlike in some other markets, COVID doesn’t appear to have played a particular role in exacerbating apprehension around the purchase of EVs. Rather, in a country where we often need to travel long distances, we shouldn’t be surprised that issues such as range, price and charging opportunities are front of mind, and influencing purchasing choices to largely stay with the technology we all know,” Peters says.

THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL AUTO SERVICES

“Unlike many other retail sectors that have seen a wholesale shift to online buying, purchasing a vehicle remains a largely face-to-face experience for many consumers around the world, and certainly here in Australia, Deloitte Australia Automotive Co-Leader Dale McCauley says.

“However, some people are increasingly looking for a virtual sale experience to maximise convenience, speed and ease of use, and sometimes to avoid the dealer experience all together.

“Australian dealers have shown they are open to change on the sales experience front in recent years, but with so many consumer transactions now available online, it’s a matter of time before this extends more and more into the auto space.

“Certain aspects of the buying process remain difficult to digitise, so the in-person experience will remain with us for some time. People still want to see, touch, and smell, and drive a vehicle before they buy it.

“Will there be virtual vehicle sales in the future? Absolutely, but we don’t need to write off the in-person experience just yet, as most consumers still want it going forward. And as demand for virtual transactions grows, this will likely result in a more complicated, and potentially costly, set of consumer expectations for dealers to meet,” McCauley says.

CONSUMERS DETOUR TOWARDS TRADITIONAL PLATFORMS

LEE PETERS

DALE MCAULEY

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NEWSTALK

A former Aston Martin Melbourne and Zagame Automotive brand manager and one of Australia’s

largest private car collectors have launched an online auction platform for enthusiast road cars, race cars, motorbikes and numberplates.

Trading Garage was born from the frustration the two business partners and their clients experienced with other market offerings for buying and selling enthusiast vehicles.

Co-founder and managing director David Nankervis says the market for enthusiast cars is continuing to skyrocket in Australia, so Trading Garage offers an experience that puts the buyer and seller at the centre of its business model.

“We offer greater trust through verified and image-rich listings. Buyers and sellers are individually verified for added security,” Nankervis says.

“We are focused on an important customer niche that often feels their needs are not met by major auction houses and listing sites where volume is king – and information about the buyer and seller is often vague.

“Through my previous work, customers told me they wished for a trusted and

easier way to connect with like-minded buyers and sellers. Trading Garage is the way forward for this segment and the early interest we’ve had from both sellers and buyers demonstrates demand for our platform.

“Trading Garage combines customer service with technology to provide enthusiasts with an alternative to trade-in, consignment and online listing options that can cause frustrations for buyers and sellers.

“Trading Garage puts each listing in front of qualified buyers that don’t need to be searching for your specific make and model to know your listing exists,” Nankervis says.

The detailed listings are created by professional photographers, automotive writers and sales professionals. Trading Garage provides a platform that caters to the specific needs of enthusiast buyers, supplying the confidence to purchase without the need to physically inspect, but also to take the hassle away from the seller.

Race cars and numberplates also feature prominently on Trading Garage. Each listing is given the same attention to detail by a team that knows the industry from back to front.

Trading Garage offers its services at no cost to sellers. There are no listing fees and all sellers receive 100% of the final auction price. Buyers are charged a 6% buyer’s premium on a winning bid for using the platform, with a minimum of $500 for registration plates and $1,000 minimum for vehicles – up to a $10,000 maximum.

To protect bidders and to ensure a fair playing field when bidding, Trading Garage has a two-minute extension on all auctions when a bid is placed in the last two minutes. Listings will be live for 14 days.

“We’re launching with a Lamborghini Diablo SV-R (one of only 31 ever produced globally), HSV GTS-R W1 (Build number #099 of 300) and BMW M4 DTM (one of only 10 Australian delivered cars). When you visit tradinggarage.com you will see our listings sit at the front of the site, they’re not hidden behind layers of search windows,“ Nankervis says.

Trading Garage also aims to educate buyers with model specific buyer guides that relate to the Australian market and ownership experiences within Australia.

FORMER BRAND MANAGER LAUNCHES ONLINE AUCTION PLATFORM FOR CAR ENTHUSIASTS


DEALERTALK

PARTNERSHIP OFFERS DEALERSHIPS A BETTER VIEW OF THEIR LEAD FLOW

Podium, the customer messaging platform for businesses, has announced a new integration

with AdTorque Edge’s single-view lead attribution platform, ALICE.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with such a forward-thinking business as Podium,” says AdTorque Edge managing director, Gavin Cox.

“Like us, Podium truly understand the unique needs of today's dealers, and have a genuine desire to provide a tool to the auto industry that makes it easier for the every-day salesperson to maximise their conversion opportunities.”

Podium’s interaction management tools allow dealerships to manage and respond to all of their messages, from Google, their website, SMS and more, through one platform.

With Podium’s Webchat function, dealerships can capture and convert leads while they're on their website with an easy-to-use button that connects them to their leads through text.

The new integration will allow dealerships to push leads from Podium

into ALICE, providing a seamless experience for dealerships and cutting down on manual data entry.

The data presented in ALICE, along with its lead matching capabilities allow dealerships to make more informed decisions about future marketing activity, sell more cars and generate greater profit.

“The integration between Podium and ALICE is one of the most significant advantages we’ve been able to offer our automotive customers to date,” Podium Australian country manager Dave Scheine says.

“The additional ease and visibility this offers dealerships will allow them to track and grow the sources of their most valuable leads and manage their full customer journey, from first interaction, to vehicle purchase and beyond.”

Early users of the integration have already found Podium’s Webchat is their highest source for test drives and cars sold.

One dealership already getting great results from the integration is Alto Blacktown.

“ALICE has been a game-changer for our business, with its real-time reporting on campaigns and leads matching functionality that enables us to clearly understand our marketing ROI.” said Alto Blacktown general manager Jason Wood says.

“Podium delivers us one of our main lead sources with its Webchat tool – particularly for out-of-hours enquiries. Using it has highlighted the importance of us being able to communicate directly with our customers online and on their own terms.

“Being able to log into ALICE each day and see all our Podium chats as well as our other leads in the one place is fantastic, as it saves the team so much time and hassle and presents us with data that is clear and easy to understand.”

To learn more about the partnership or to arrange an integration demonstration visit try.podium.com/adtorqueedge/


NEWSTALK

KIA AUSTRALIA DEALERS PILOTING CARTELUX AD TECHNOLOGY

In a global first for the Kia brand, the Australian dealership network will be part of pilot program of a

centralised digital marketing solution using Cartelux ad technology.

Cartelux says it technology allows Kia Australia to drive local innovation by simplifying and automating the ad creation, approval and media buying process.

According to Cartelux the technology enables dynamic personalisation of creative assets by each Australian dealership, while delivering a consistent brand campaign for Kia.

“For us, achieving success in the digital age is a joint journey involving Kia and our Dealers. The Cartelux platform offers an entirely new playground allowing better marketing alignment across national and local tiers through scalable video and data consolidation,” Kia Australia digital marketing manager Nikolas Souliotis.

This enables us to see consumers through the same lens and drive better results and greater efficiencies – it’s the future of performance-driven retail marketing,” he says.

“Kia is always innovating and has been looking for simple ways to create dealer ad content at scale. By working with Cartelux we have been able to provide a new way for Kia to create engaging video content for its dealers,” Google global lead for Kia Randy Han says.

“Kia is one of the world’s most innovative and fastest growing brands” says Cartelux global geberal manager Patrick Doble.

“The program for Kia will commence with providing digital video advertising, which geo-targets campaigns based on the dealers primary marketing area. The second phase will expand to include digital display and search,” he says.

Initially adopted by the automotive

industry, the need to solve video on a global scale has seen Cartelux secure several new multinational clients across a range of verticals.

Cartelux says it is enabling national

sales companies and their local area marketers to leverage the power of scalable video on a local, regional or global scale.

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NEWSTALK

More than 90% of new vehicles purchased in Australia are financed according to asset

finance platform Nodifi.com.au, representing more than $36 billion of annual lending.

The 1500 new car dealers representing more than 2600 outlets in Australia only have, on average, 30% finance penetration says Nodifi.

It says 60% of the new vehicle lending is being written by finance brokers, an authorised deposit taking institution (ADI), or a non-ADI lender, or through a finance lease or similar arrangement.

“There is a huge opportunity in the Australian market for new vehicle dealers to grow their finance penetration, and Nodifi has the access to lending as well as the technology and specialist staff to help them achieve this,” Nodifi national sales manager Alex Bodriagin says.

“We want to make it easier for new vehicle dealers to get lending for their customers, and we have access to more than 40 finance providers including the four major banks,” Bodriagin says.

Nodifi has its own in-house credit and settlement teams, so if a dealership’s business manager is unavailable or on leave, then any member of staff can submit the vehicle finance application.

"We recognise dealer pain points around having access to a business manager at all times - juggling RDOs, annual leave, natural attrition can leave dealers short,” Bodriagin says.

“That’s why we offer a virtual business manager process, ensuring no disruption to the car sale process should the dealership’s business manager not be available,” says Bodriagin.

Another unique feature of Nodifi is if the application is declined by the captive finance company, it can automatically be resubmitted to other lenders for approval via an API driven integration to expedite and streamline the customer experience.

According to Nodifi, new vehicle dealerships with arrangements with asset finance aggregators such as itself naturally have a higher finance penetration in contrast to those that simply have floorplan financiers.

Based on 100 dealership sales per month and an average of finance commissions (excludes service, aftercare, insurances), Nodifi says a 5% increase in finance penetration will bring in an additional $14,000 per month and a 15% increase in finance penetration will bring in an additional $42,000 per month.

“In other words, by financing five more cars per month, this could deliver an additional $14,000 and up to an extra $42,000 on the basis of an additional 15 vehicle sales per month,” Bodriagin says.

Bodriagin says with simple tweaks to current business operations dealerships can capitalise on the lucrative vehicle finance market with the right mindset and approach.

“The team at Nodifi can provide dealers with assistance on how to scale finance operations, in a bid to increase finance penetration and generate additional revenue,” he says.

DEALERSHIPS ARE MISSING OUT ON 60% OF NEW VEHICLE FINANCE

ADAM SAWICKI (LEFT) DEALER PRINCIPAL BAY CITY AUTO GROUPALEX BODRIAGIN (RIGHT) NATIONAL SALES MANAGER NODIFI


The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) is welcoming the appointment of Bruce Billson

as the new Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.

Billson has been appointed for a five-year term commencing on March 11, 2021.

“Bruce Billson is a former Commonwealth Small Business Minister and has a good understanding of the challenges facing small and family businesses across Australia,” AADA chief executive officer James Voortman says.

“We are confident that Mr Billson will

be a strong advocate for small and family business, including more than 3000 dealerships which employ more than 60,000 people,” he says.

“Mr Billson was instrumental in extending unfair contract term protections to small businesses and we look forward to working with him to ensure these protections are fit for purpose.

“He has a good understanding of the automotive sector, having played a central role in working with all of the key industry bodies on advancing the sharing of service and repair information,” he said.

“On behalf of all of Australia’s new car dealers, I would like to thank the outgoing and inaugural Ombudsman, Ms Kate Carnell AO.

"Ms Carnell did an outstanding job at establishing the Ombudsman’s office and she was incredibly supportive of efforts to address the power imbalance between dealers and manufacturers," Voortman says.

BRUCE BILLSON

Australia’s BYD electric vehicle distributor Nexport has announced it will be selling the

cars direct to consumers through its new online sales platform; evdirect.com.au.

Nexport managing director Luke Todd says through evdirect.com.au, the organisation will deliver the cars directly from the factory to the buyer.

Todd says allowing customers to research and compare the electric vehicles online will allow them to make a decision without having to visit a dealership.

“We will have a whole magnitude of electric vehicles in one place for customers to compare,” Todd says.

“We’re going to be bringing down the costs of electric vehicles dramatically. It will be more cost effective to purchase from an online platform than to go to a dealer, and the whole experience of having to deal with salespeople and so forth,” he says.

BYD says it is planning to launch pre-sales of its passenger cars in the Australian and New Zealand markets in July 2021 with Nexport.

Nexport Pty Ltd signed an agreement

with BYD Auto Industry Co., Ltd (BYD) on February 12, to partner in the R&D and distribution of the next generation of BYD electric passenger vehicles in Australia and New Zealand.

The agreement heralds in a new era of BYD venturing outside China with their passenger car range, with a trusted strategic partner.

On February 12 Todd told Channel 9 that the two partners want to offer affordable high quality cars at the right price point to consumers in Australia and New Zealand, and vehicles would retail from A$50,000

and have a driving range of up to 600km.

The two partners say that each will make engineering and capital investment in the R&D of the electric vehicles. It will combine the strengths of both companies to deliver the ideal products for customer needs, primarily aimed at delivering high quality electric vehicles at a price parity point to internal combustion engine vehicles.

BYD has not yet indicated what EV models would be released here.

ONLINE EV SALES PLATFORM CUTS OUT DEALERS

DEALERS WELCOME NEWLY APPOINTED SMALL BUSINESS OMBUDSMAN


FIRST CAR DEALERSHIP TO OPEN IN AN AUSTRALIAN SHOPPING CENTRE?

Eagers Automotive has signed a deal with AMP Capital to open a new car dealership offering

sales and service facilities inside the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre in Brisbane’s inner west.

The two partners say the AutoMall West which is expected to open December 2021 will be the first of its kind in Australia.

It’s expected there will be at least eight new car brands represented in the Auto Mall at opening – including Porsche Centre Brisbane – with other participating automotive brands to be confirmed.

The AutoMall West at Indooroopilly will comprise a 12-bay rooftop ‘Quick Service’ facility, with a customer drop-off and pick-up within the existing shopping centre car park.

The service will be underpinned by an express-service online booking system – allowing customers to nominate the two-hour period in the day that best suits them.

Directly below the service bay – and within the shopping centre proper – will be 2400 square metres of brand-new car sales showroom. The space has been designed by Sydney-based Public Design Group and will blend seamlessly with the shops around it and even feature a children’s playground and fully-functioning café.

Test drives of new vehicles will

be conducted from the AutoMall. Customers will be able to order and take delivery of new cars from the comfort of VIP delivery bays.

“The AutoMall West at Indooroopilly is the perfect complement to the AutoMall BNE – which we’re building next to the expanded Brisbane Airport,” Eagers Automotive COO Keith Thornton says.

“We know that what customers are looking for in a car shopping experience has changed. By bringing our car sales operation into the familiarity of a shopping centre environment, we’re simply modernising our offering. It’s an Australian first that we couldn’t be more excited about,”

he says.

AMP Capital executive Marco Ettorre says the partnership with Eagers Automotive is an example of how AMP Capital is responding to customer feedback and the changing nature of shopping centres.

“We know from our research that customers are seeking a broader offer beyond the traditional retail mix when visiting their local shopping centre. The AutoMall West at Indooroopilly is just one of the new usages that we are creating that customers will come to expect in the shopping centre of the future,” Ettore says.

NEWSTALK

MARCO ETTORE (AMP CAPITAL) AND KEITH THORNTON (EAGERS AUTOMOTIVE)


Dutch national Renault Australia managing director Anouk Poelmann is returning to her

home country where she will become the new Renault Netherlands general manager from April 1.

On the same day, the Sydney-based Ateco Group will become the official distributor of Renault passenger and commercial vehicles in Australia.

In a statement in Dutch, Groupe Renault says Poelmann’s new appointment is a part of the Renaulution strategic plan and the development towards a new organisation of the group by brand.

Poelmann was appointed Renault Australia managing director in April 2019, following her tenure as PSA Australia managing director.

Previously Poelmann was vice-president sales and marketing at the PAG group (Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover) in Moscow and managing director of Volvo in Switzerland.

Groupe Renault says Poelmann’s new appointment completes the new Dutch leadership as set up by the European organisation.

“Anouk joins us at an important moment because of the strengthening of our European structure and the design of Renault Netherlands as a stand-alone market. With her extensive experience and proven leadership capabilities, Anouk is of utmost importance in this new phase of our organisation,” Renault brand cluster Europe and Maghreb vice president sales and operations Guillaume Josselin says.

Jérôme Pannaud who is the current managing director Renault Benelux will be appointed as Renault Belgium Luxembourg general manager as of April 1, 2021. Pending the arrival of Anouk Poelmann, Pannaud will also fulfil the ad-interim position

of general manager of Renault Netherlands until April 1.

Poelmann holds an MBA in Business, Finance, Commercial Economics from Erasmus University in Rotterdam.

PREMIUM BRAND ALTERNATIVE?

According to the Dutch press release under her leadership, Renault transformed and grew into a premium alternative to existing volume brands in the Australian market.

The Koleos mid-size SUV is Renault Australia’s best-selling model, with more than 2533 units sold in 2019, and 2408 in 2020.

Renault’s other volume seller in Australia is the mid-size Trafic commercial van, which garnered 1935 sales in 2019, and 1701 sales in 2020.

But overall sales have slipped for the brand from a high of 11,525 units in 2015 to a total of 6094 new vehicle sales in 2020. However, Renault Australia claimed this was a strong result in a difficult year of trading.

No doubt another 6000 vehicle sales a year will appeal to a independent distributor such as the Ateco Group but the question remains if it can rebuild the French brand back to more than 10,000 units annually as happened between 2015 and 2018.

Ateco Group owner Neville Crichton says his company has a strong track record in successfully building and managing world-renowned automotive brands locally.

He says the distribution deal with Groupe Renault enabled the Renault brand to stay in Australia and allow its customers to continue enjoying the same high levels of service they have come to expect from one of the world’s leading automotive brands.

The Ateco Group is the official distributor of Maserati in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. It

is also the distributor of LDV and RAM Trucks in Australia, and in New Zealand it distributes the Alfa-Romeo, Chrysler, Fiat, Jeep, and RAM Truck brands.

In Australia the Ateco Group has previously been the official distributor for Audi (1998 to 1991), Alfa-Romeo (1998-2012), Chery (2011-2018), Citroen (1993-2013), Great Wall (2009-2016), Ferrari (2005-2013), Foton (2013-2017), Kia (2000-2006), Ssangyong (2012-2018), Suzuki (1985-200), and Volkswagen (1998-1991).

Distribution of most of those former Ateco managed brands in Australia has been subsequently taken over by the parent manufacturer.

However, Groupe Renault was the first parent company to withdraw from Australian distribution and contract the wholesale franchise operation to the Ateco Group.

NEWSTALK

RENAULT AUSTRALIA MD RETURNING HOME

NEVILLE CRICHTON

ANOUK POELMANN


Peugeot has a new logo, again using its traditional lion’s head motif, but this time mounted on

a heraldic shield.

Peugeot calls the new emblem its coat of arms, and it will appear on cars, dealerships, general goods, and the company’s websites.

It’s the 11th logo in the history of the French manufacturer which calls itself “the world's oldest surviving automotive brand.”

It was founded in the 1800s as a tool and kitchen equipment maker and later became a bicycle and motor vehicle manufacturer.

Peugeot says the current logo, launched in 2010, “needed to change to crown the brand's move upmarket.”

Now part of the Stellantis group after the merger of its parent company PSA and Fiat Chrysler, Peugeot will usher in a new range of cars this year, led by the new generation 308. It says zero-carbon mobility is at the heart of its strategy for a sustainable future.

It also plans to accelerate its international growth, “exporting French style and know-how as well as French elegance.”

Peugeot says the logo is part of a new era for the brand. It’s aligning vehicles, dealerships, associated products, websites, communications, and signage in “a single, coherent and cross-functional system.” The website and dealerships complement each other.

The website becomes part of an "online dealership" experience, allowing customers to do online everything they would normally do at the point of sale.

Dealerships themselves will become “a place for an even more human, even more visual and even more educational experience.”

“The objective is to experience the acceleration of the energy transition in concrete terms, to discover new mobility options and new

technologies.”

Peugeot is starting its first brand campaign in 10 years, The Lions of our Time, which is designed to engage Peugeot customers and people who aren’t.

The campaign “celebrates today’s Lions of all ages, culture and backgrounds. These Lions of our Time who are no longer so much in search of power or money, but more in a quest for quality time.”

Through the brand campaign, Peugeot says it aims to “empower customers to own their most valuable asset: their time. The brand aims at turning time into quality time, an enriching experience.”

It is launching a new lifestyle collection: “simple, attractive and quality clothing, leather goods, fashion accessories, electronic accessories, tableware, stationery, packaging, and miniatures.

As an innovative high-end generalist brand, Peugeot proposes an unboring experience both online, onboard vehicles and in its dealerships,” the company says.

NEWSTALK

NEW PEUGEOT LOGO REFLECTS MOVE UPMARKET


Australasian car subscription provider Loopit reached a milestone of 6000 cars on its

platform – with more than 1000 cars added in January 2021.

It is forecasting a rise in car subscriptions around the country in 2021, as customers become increasingly wary of taking on new debt in the wake of the pandemic, aligning with predictions from Forbes that car subscription is set to become one of the top global automotive trends for 2021.

Loopit says it has experienced tremendous growth since first launching in early 2019 because it allows consumers to ‘subscribe to drive’ any car at their local dealership for an affordable recurring payment.

The business now has cars available in all Australian states, and is also partnering with New Zealand-based vehicle distributor and retailer The Giltrap Group, as well as rental car company SIXT.

“It is an enormous achievement to reach 6000 cars across the network in such a short space of time, and in spite of the stock shortages currently being experienced across the automotive industry,” Loopit co-founder and managing director Michael Higgins says.

“This growth has been underpinned by a surge in consumer demand for car subscription, and those dealerships that have embraced the subscription model are now reaping the rewards with an influx of new customers,” he says.

According to Higgins, unlike Loopit, OEM subscription programs from BMW and Audi have struggled to find success in their respective markets.

He says this was not a reflection on the viability of subscription but an example of some OEMs failing to realise the expertise needed to build a successful program - without experience in the subscription market, their pricing and models didn’t target the right consumers.

“Our existing partners have recognised that being able to operate a subscription program efficiently and at scale is critical to success. Many

OEM and dealership providers that attempt to launch their own internal solutions don't anticipate the nuances of car subscription and the level of administration that is required. To succeed, they need an experienced partner with a purpose-built solution,” Higgins says.

“By largely automating the administration process and making this more efficient, Loopit allows OEMs, dealerships and rental companies to concentrate on delivering an exceptional customer experience.

Based on the current performance of the automotive industry and our first-hand experience, we’re forecasting that car subscription will continue to rise on the back of increasing consumer demand and wider availability,” Higgins says.

Loopit allows dealers and manufacturers to offer their customers a completely new ‘subscribe to drive’ option alongside traditional sales and finance options. Loopit’s cloud-based end-to-end software solution allows existing car dealerships, car brands and other companies to offer car subscription through a lucrative recurring revenue business model. Vehicles range from budget models right up to electric cars and luxury

models.

Most of Loopit’s revenue comes from established OEMs, car dealerships and emerging car subscription providers which pay a percentage of the value of each recurring subscription placed by customers, plus a fixed fee.

Car subscription services such as HelloCars have been increasing in popularity amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with consumers looking for a more flexible alternative to traditional car ownership. Over the lockdown period, Loopit saw a massive 52% increase in enquiries from dealerships wanting to integrate subscriptions into their business.

The Loopit platform provides car dealerships, OEMs and emerging car subscription providers with "subscription in a box," including the software, training and services needed to offer car subscription to customers simply and easily. With Loopit integrated onto their websites, dealer partners simply need to select cars from their stock to make available for subscription. Customers can then browse through the website, choose the car they want and subscribe online.

NEWSTALK

LOOPIT PREDICTS GREATER CAR SUBSCRIPTION UPTAKE IN 2021

LOOPIT CO-FOUNDERS PAUL AND MICHAEL HIGGINS


CarsGuide Labs has partnered with Mitsubishi and media agency, Wavemaker, to launch virtual road

trips encouraging Australians to travel this year and support small regional businesses.

The project expands the capability of CarsGuide Labs’ 3D visualisation product creating two road trips to highlight the attributes of both the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Eclipse Cross.

The project was brought about following analysis from CarsGuide Labs which showed that search volumes for ‘road trips’ was at an all-time high.

After analysing Google search trends, CarsGuide Labs discovered that on average road trip searches had increased by 104% year on year and key searches like ‘The Ultimate Australian Road Trip’ saw an increase of 529% in June 2020.

CarsGuide Labs journalists took a Mitsubishi vehicle on the road visiting small regional businesses and highlighting areas of interest throughout NSW. Each story included 3D visualisations of the vehicles at landmarks visited so that audiences can immerse themselves in each location. To achieve this each road trip was supported by video content, a road trip map graphic and articles to create an

immersive lifestyle experience.

A component of the project was to also shine a light on Australian small regional businesses. After a year that included bushfires, flooding and COVID-19, the majority of businesses in regional Australia have been affected with demand for goods, services and cash flow significantly reduced.

With this in mind, each road trip included a spotlight on regional businesses which included Lake Conjola Cabins, Region X Kayak Hire, Silkman Wines and Hunter Valley Bicycle Rentals.

“As a business, Mitsubishi is constantly looking for new ways to engage our audience. It is important to us that we are able to break through the noise in the market and we spend a lot of time analysing trends to ensure we have activity which will prove genuinely valuable to our audience,” Mitsubishi Motors Australia chief executive officer Shaun Westcott says.

“As a company, we also wanted to continue to support small businesses by creating a campaign which provided travel inspiration while promoting the quality and desirability of regional Australia,” Westcott says.

“Mitsubishi is consistently leaning into technology to deliver an ever-more engaging customer experience, and

support Australians. Responding to the growth in searches for Road Trips in Australia, Mitsubishi, in partnership with CarsGuide Labs have put the spotlight on local businesses and encouraged Australians to get out and explore our own backyard, Wavemaker chief executive officer Peter Vogel says.

The 3D visualisations enable people to immerse themselves in the locations while also gaining a virtual experience of the Mitsubishi vehicles,” Vogel says.

“In an age of information overload it is important to create experiences which seduce and serve an audience. By analysing search trends, we’re able to pinpoint topics of interest for our audience but the real engagement comes from delivering content in a manner that is useful and engaging,” Head of CarsGuide Labs Tim Flattery says.

We have had huge success with our 3D visualisation technology as it enables us to deliver real world experiences to an audience, something that has proven to be particularly useful in both the automotive and travel industry where being able to visualise something is key to building people’s excitement,” Flattery says.

VIRTUAL ROAD TRIPS HELP AUSSIES HITTING THE ROAD THIS SUMMER

NEWSTALK


Australian brake manufacturer Bendix has commenced a series of initiatives with a

strong environmental approach to the business to reduce emissions.

Its parent company FMP Group (Australia) Pty Ltd has signed up with Greenfleet, a not-for-profit environmental organisation, to offset 170 company and employee vehicles by restoring Australian and New Zealand forests.

Greenfleet is Australia’s first carbon offset provider and since 1997 the organisation has planted 9.6 million trees, creating more than 500 biodiverse forests in Australia and New Zealand which are protected for 100 years and have offset more than 3.5 million tonnes of CO2-e.

It is currently working with more than 400 organisations, many of which have been offsetting carbon emissions for over 10 years.

Using the Full Carbon Accounting Model (FullCAM), developed by CSIRO and approved by the then Australian Department of the Environment, the organisation ensures the carbon uptake of each forest at each planting site.

Greenfleet forests are legally protected on-title for up to 100 years from land clearing, harvesting and construction, even if the land is sold. In cases of natural disaster such as fire, floods and drought, or damage from browsing animals or pests, the trees are replaced or planted in other areas.

To provide the right foundation for a complex forest to ultimately emerge in each bio-region, the plantings include a range of trees including locally adaptive species in any planting to ensure resilient forests will thrive and flourish. After any planting, regular checks are made especially during the establishment phase to check on the health and growth rate of the trees.

“We’re thrilled to have FMP Group join our network of supporters. By partnering with Greenfleet, the group is taking practical climate action with lasting environmental benefits. The native forests we’re planting to offset FMP’s vehicle emissions will be legally protected for up to 100 years,” says Greenfleet chief executive officer Wayne Wescott.

“FMP are offsetting hundreds of tonnes of CO2 emissions, but they’re also enabling ecosystem restoration right

here in Australia. This means conserving biodiversity and creating habitat for our critically endangered native wildlife” Westcott adds.

The move by Bendix/FMP Group involves its many employees thus ensuring the greatest impact on carbon emission reduction is achieved and is just one of many initiatives being introduced by the company to protect the environment.

“As an environmentally conscious company, the FMP Group is initiating a series of projects to reduce carbon emissions and the Greenfleet approach has allowed us to not only counter our fleet vehicle emissions but to also include the many vehicles owned by our employees,” FMP Group general manager George Kyriakopoulos says.

The company is dedicated to creating a better environment for future generations and with Greenfleet we join with a number of other major corporate conscious national and international companies in this objective,” Kyriakopoulos says.

BENDIX INITIATIVES TO REDUCE EMISSIONS

AFTERMARKET


Burson Auto Parts achieves a milestone in 2021 with the trade supplier of parts, tools,

equipment and accessories celebrating its 50th Anniversary of operations.

Trade customers across the country can look forward to being a major part of the company’s celebrations through a number of promotions and events throughout 2021.

The year of celebration is already underway with the Burson Auto Parts 50th Anniversary $50,000 giveaway. All trade account customers are eligible to take part with one entry gained for every $50K worth of purchases made all year to December 2021.

In addition, trade account customers who purchase specific supplier product as promoted during the year (no minimum spend) will be automatically entered into the draw to win a randomly selected $1,000 Visa Gift Card every week through to December 20, 2021.

To ensure that the hard working and dedicated Burson Auto Parts team members are rewarded for their efforts

during 2021, a 50th anniversary Team Member of the Month award will be presented to the highest performing staff member located in each of the 12 regions nationwide. A $500 cash prize and a memento certificate will be presented to the winner each month.

According to Anthony Hughes, Burson Auto Parts general manager – marketing, no stone has been left unturned to make 2021 a year of celebration and continued growth.

“We wanted to ensure that we could celebrate our 50th Anniversary together with our loyal trade customers and all of our team members throughout the entire year. These promotions will ensure that this is exactly what we will be doing,” Hughes says.

“It is particularly good to emerge from the challenges of 2020 and head straight into a major year of celebration all the way through to December to mark such a major milestone for our company,” Hughes says.

Burson Auto Parts was established in 1971 by company founders Garry

Johnson and Ron Burgoine, initially selling parts from their car boots and cash vans to service stations and automotive workshops across Melbourne.

The first Burson Auto Parts store was opened in Braybrook (Victoria) in 1978. The company grew gradually to 25 stores across Victoria and New South Wales by 1996 and to 50 stores by 2004.

Burson Auto Parts had expanded into South Australia by 2006 and Queensland by 2008. Existing store acquisitions and greenfield establishments followed across the Australian Eastern Seaboard, Western Australia and in Tasmania during the following years.

It reached the milestone of 100 company owned and operated stores in 2012. Burson Auto Parts now has 194 stores operating across every state and territory in Australia and will reach 200 stores during its 50th Anniversary year in 2021.

BURSON AUTO PARTS CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY

AFTERMARKET


Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has revealed the all-new Outlander SUV on Amazon Live,

making it the first passenger vehicles to be launched on the global platform.

MMC says the all-new fourth-generation Outlander SUV will go on sale in North America in April 2021, with the Australian and New Zealand markets to follow later in the year.

In three generations of Outlander more than 2.6 million units have been sold around the world, including Australian sales volume of 167,575 vehicles.

The 2021 Outlander has been developed with a “Bold Stride” design concept with a next generation Dynamic Shield front face, bold proportions, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

It has a newly developed platform and 2.5-litre petrol engine, updated electronically-controlled 4WD and S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) system, and newly developed drive mode selector.

The daytime running lights and turn signals were positioned in the upper part and given a thin, sharp shape to improve their visibility for oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. The headlights were placed beneath them toward the outside to illuminate the road more brightly.

The cabin space features an enhanced feeling of quality and convenience through a high-quality interior, comfortable three-row seven seats, liquid crystal meter displays, and a new wireless smartphone charging function says MMC.

The seats can be flexibly arranged with multiple configurations to suit the number of passengers and their luggage. The second-row seats have a sliding and reclining function, as well as a 4:2:4 split division, allowing two adult passengers to comfortably sit in the second row even when carrying long items such as skis.

Space for storing smartphones is provided in the centre console tray, centre console side pockets, driver's seat back pocket, and quarter trim pockets. The centre console tray also has a wireless phone charging function (15W) that charges smartphones when placed on it. USB charging ports Types C and A are provided.

The Outlander is equipped with a Bose premium 10 speaker sound system. Combining large door woofers with dual subwoofers provides powerful deep bass and a high-quality sound like a live performance says MMC.

A front centre airbag for the driver's seat and side airbags for the second-row seats are standard equipment, and a total of 11 airbags are installed. In case of a side collision, the front centre airbag deploys between the driver's seat and front passenger seat.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) supports driving operation by maintaining the distance between vehicles and keeping the vehicle in the centre of the lane.

Vehicles equipped with navigation link system can read the speed signs to automatically change the set speed and utilise the navigation map information to automatically adjust the vehicle speed to that appropriate for curves and forks in expressways and other situations. To reduce troublesome setting operations while driving in heavy traffic, the vehicle can automatically move forward within about 30 seconds after stopping.

The newly developed 2.5L gasoline engine improves maximum output by 8.9% and fuel efficiency (WLTC mode) by 2.6% over the previous model. An eight-speed sport mode CVT is used for the transmission.

For the 4WD model, electronically-controlled 4WD incorporating a hydraulic clutch driven by an electric motor is used in the centre-coupling device that conducts front and rear torque distribution. The front and rear wheels can be strongly restrained from when the vehicle is stopped, so the rear wheel drive force is generated at the moment of start off to provide a powerful sensation befitting a 4WD. This in particular generates power under severe conditions, such as starting off uphill on frozen roads.

The 4WD model is equipped with an

improved S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system. The Brake AYC (Active Yaw Control) is adopted on the rear wheels as well, making it possible to provide front and rear wheel distributed control. Sensors detect the steering angle, yaw rate, driving torque, brake pressure, wheel speed, and other factors to continuously and correctly identify driver operation and vehicle status.

When turning, the Brake AYC optimises the difference in drive force and braking force among the front and rear, right and left wheels to improve tyre gripping ability to allow the driver to steer as desired. In the 2WD model, Brake AYC for front and rear wheel distributed control was also employed to achieve integrated control with ASC (Active Stability Control) and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to maintain driving stability on a variety of road surfaces.

There are six modes for 4WD models and five modes for 2WD models. The mode selector in the centre console can be used to select the drive mode for choosing the road situation and Eco mode for choosing the operation style.

OUTLANDER FIRST CAR TO DEBUT LIVE ON AMAZON

SHOWROOM


SHOWROOM

APRIL DEALERSHIP ARRIVAL FOR NEW ŠKODA OCTAVIA

The all-new A8 series Škoda Octavia will arrive in dealerships from late April 2020 with

recommended retail pricing from $30,390 for the entry level Ambition sedan to $49,090 for the range topping RS Wagon.

Škoda Australia says the Octavia has been the brands stalwart since the A6 generation was introduced to the market in 2007.

For most of its eight-year life cycle the previous A7 generation of Octavia was the brands best-selling car in Australia, and globally more then 2.4 million units were sold.

The new Octavia 110TSI Ambition and Style are powered by a 1.4-litre four cylinder turbo petrol engine 110kW/250Nm (5.7 sedan, 5.9L/100km Wagon combined) mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with electronic differential lock.

The new Octavia RS is powered by a 2-litre four cylinder turbo petrol engine 180kW/370Nm (6.8L/100km

combined) mated to a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox and electronic front axle inter wheel lock

Škoda Australia says the A8 Octavia series introduces a number of firsts for this model line including 10-inch infotainment screen with touch slider, and the newest version of Virtual Cockpit.

In addition the new A8 Octavia introduces head up display, wireless Apple Car play and Android auto, shift by wire driving, LED Matrix headlights, LED fog and taillights, traffic jam assist, emergency assist and as many as 10 airbags.

The brand says the exterior and interior design treatments of the new car series are a clear step in the direction of European prestige brands but considerably greater value is offered.

According to Škoda Australia the great majority Australian customers select one or more option packages with their new vehicle, and more standard

equipment has been included in each variant.

It says the Octavia Ambition has more equipment as standard over the previous equivalent A7 model to the value of $6250.

RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICING

Octavia 110TSI Ambition sedan $30,390

Octavia 110TSI Ambition wagon $31,690

Octavia 110TSI Style sedan $34,890

Octavia 110TSI Style wagon $36,190

Octavia RS sedan $47,790

Octavia RS wagon $49,090

All new Škoda vehicles come with a five year/unlimited km warranty.


Audi says the new Q5 mid-size luxury SUV offers more intelligent features than the predecessor

model as well as a new user interface, advanced engine technology and an outstanding list of equipment.

The new Q5 is characterised by the latest Audi design language with a completely refreshed exterior design. New LED headlights are a standard feature on the Q5. World-first digital OLED tail lights debut as an option. This technology displays a unique warning signal to drivers within a two-metre proximity of the rear of the Q5, by creating a choreographed sequence of flashing lights.

Inside the cabin, the new Q5 offers seamless integration of the Audi smartphone interface via Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Unique displays in the standard Audi virtual cockpit plus provide information for the driver, enhanced by the new 10.1-inch high-resolution MMI touch display. With its 1,540 x 720 pixel resolution, the display is seamlessly integrated into the dashboard says Audi.Additional features include Audi phone box light with the convenience of wireless charging for mobile phones (with Qi standard) and two simultaneous Bluetooth connections, Digital DAB+ radio and 4 USB outlets (two in the rear).

The new Q5 line-up will consist of two TDI drivetrains and one TFSI engine, available in five model variations: Q5 40 TDI quattro, Q5 45 TFSI quattro, Q5 40 TDI quattro Sport, Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport and Q5 50 TDI quattro S line.

The new Q5 engine range is enhanced with Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology for performance and efficiency. The Q5 40 TDI and 45 TFSI are equipped with a seven-speed S tiptronic, directing power to the road via quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 50 TDI comes fitted with an eight-speed tiptronic and a quattro system that features a self-locking centre

differential.

The Q5 40 TDI entry model, is endowed with an additional 10kW over its predecessor for peak power of 150kW and 400Nm of torque. Fuel efficiency of 5.4 litres /100 km in combination with the standard 70 litre fuel tank, provides a theoretical range of 1250 km. The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine ensures the 0-100km/h sprint is despatched in 7.6 seconds, reaching a top speed of 222 km/h. The new 12V MHEV engine is equipped with twin-dosing Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), with double AdBlue injection.

The Q5 45 TFSI models are powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine also with 12V MHEV, producing 183kW and 370Nm of torque, reaching 100km/h in 6.3 seconds.

The 50 TDI engine is the performance model in the range; boasting a 3.0-litre, V6 engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology (MHEV), producing 210kW/620Nm and sprinting to 100km/h from rest in 5.7 seconds.

The luggage compartment can store up to 520 litres (1,520 litres with the backrests folded flat). The rear seat can be split 40:20:40 and optionally slides fore/aft to create additional luggage space or legroom.

Safety features include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, attention assist to mitigate lapsing concentration, eight airbags, side assist, active lane assist, exit warning system, hill descent control, cross traffic assist rear, parking system plus with reversing camera, tyre pressure monitor and pre-sense rear. The Q5 40 TDI and 45 TFSI Sport model variants are further enhanced with 20-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof. Additional equipment includes, sport front seats (with heating, driver memory), adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go, collision avoidance assist, turn assist, 360-degree camera, park assist and Audi sound system (10 speakers, 180

Watts including subwoofer).

The new 50 TDI S line is equipped with an intuitive electrically adjustable steering column, boasting memory and easy entry functions and a head-up display as standard.

It also features the S line exterior design package, which includes a Honeycomb pattern grille in titanium black, front bumper design with trapezoid elements on each end with matt aluminium silver inserts, illuminated door sill trims with S lettering and a rear diffuser with selenite silver trim.

The new Audi Q5 model range is offered with the comprehensive Audi five-year service plan package, priced at $2,720 for the TFSI models or $3,160 for the TDI models.A limited number of Q5 Launch Editions will be available, equipped with metallic paint, 20-inch bi-colour alloy wheels, black exterior styling package with black roof rails, carbon exterior mirrors, privacy glass, and leather upholstery in a choice of black or rock grey with contrasting stitching.

In addition the launch edition Q5 will feature extended upholstery package including door armrests and lower centre console in artificial leather with contrasting stitching, illuminated front door sill trims and a colour ambient lighting package.

The new Audi Q5 is manufactured at the Audi San José Chiapa site in Mexico.

NEW-LOOK AUDI Q5 ARRIVES IN AUSTRALIA

MANUFACTURER LIST PRICING

Q5 40 TDI quattro 150kW $68,900

Q5 45 TFSI quattro 183kW $69,600

Q5 40 TDI quattro Sport 150kW $74,900

Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport 183kW $76,600

Q5 40 TDI quattro Launch Edition

150kW $78,300

Q5 45 TFSI quattro Launch Edition

183kW $80,800

Q5 50 TDI quattro S line 210kW $89,600

SHOWROOMSHOWROOM


TOP 10 BRANDS

1. TOYOTA 18,375

2. MAZDA 8322

3. HYUNDAI 6252

4. MITSUBISHI 6202

5. KIA 5871

HILUX LEADS GROWTH IN NEW VEHICLE SALES

The Toyota Hilux remained Australia’s best-selling new vehicle in February 2021

outselling the second-placed Ford Ranger by 1908 units.

There were 4808 Hilux sales, followed by 2900 Ranger sales.

Toyota also took third, fourth, and fifth place on the new vehicle sales charts with 2750 RAV4 sales, 2521 Landcruiser sales and 2427 Corolla sales.

A total of 83,977 vehicles were sold in February 2021, across the period, up 5.1% on February 2020 sales when 79,940 vehicles were sold. This positive result was reflected across all states and territories other than Victoria (down 8.7%), Tasmania (down 3.9%) and the ACT (down 38.3%) compared to February 2020. Year to date sales of 163,643 vehicles is up 7.9% on the same period in 2020.

SUV sales continued to dominate the market with sales of 42,651 vehicles and representing 50.8% of the total market for February 2021. Light commercial vehicle sales represented 23% (19,326) and passenger vehicles 22.9% (19,194).

February sales reflected the continued shift in preference by consumers away from passenger vehicles with sales falling 15.3% in February 2021 compared to sales in February 2020. Sales of SUVs were up 8.6% and sales of light commercials were up 24.3%.

The growth in the market in February was driven by purchasers classified as private buyers within the VFACTS system, with sales in February to private buyers up 15.8% over February 2020. Business purchasers were down 4% and government down 13.8%.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) chief executive Tony Weber says the result showed that confidence was continuing to grow in the market.

“During the past four months we have seen an increase of 10.6% in new vehicles and this has been reflected with strong growth in NSW, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory in February 2021.

“The sales reduction in Victoria can be attributed to the COVID-19 restrictions that were put in place during the month.

“We remain confident that this trend of growth will continue in an environment where business operating conditions continue to normalise,” he says.

Toyota was the leading brand in February with sales of 18,375 vehicles (21.9% of the market), followed by Mazda with 8322 (9.9%), Hyundai with 6252 (7.4%), Mitsubishi with 6202 (7.4%) and Kia with 5871 (7%).

TOYOTA HILUX

TOP 10 FEBRUARY


TOP 10 BRANDS

6. FORD 4712

7. NISSAN 3824

8. MG 3017

9. VOLKSWAGEN 3009

10. SUBARU 2639

1. Toyota Hilux

3718

3. Mitsubishi Triton

1560

6. Mazda BT-50

1015

2. Ford Ranger

2603

5. Toyota Landcruiser

1195

4. Isuzu Ute D-Max

1280

7. Nissan Navarra

756

8. Volkswagen Amarok 690

9. LDV T60

517

1. Mitsubishi ASX

1489

3. MG ZS

1302

6. Mazda CX-30

881

2. Hyundai Kona

1323

5. Nissan Qashqai

1027

4. Kia Seltos

1068

7. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

841

8. Toyota C-HR

773

9. Honda HR-V

620

4X4 UTES SUV SMALL <$40K

10. GWM Ute

31710. Subaru XV

575

TOP 10 FEBRUARY


Electrics continue to do well across nearly all categories in the latest new vehicle sales figures for

February 2021 released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

Hydrogen is included in the statistics for the first time – revealed in the popular SUV segment with 20 for the past month compared with none for February 2020, probably showing the introduction of Hyundai’s Nexo hydrogen-fuelled vehicle.And hybrids appear to have taken a back seat in the February figures – even showing a small decline in the passenger vehicle market, going from 2357 in 2020 down to 2303 in 2021 (minus 2.3%) and dropping from 4270 to 4124 (minus 3.4%) in YTD totals.

The same segment saw electrics climb from 86 in February 2020 to 119 during the past month (up 38.4%) and from 165 to 197 (19.4%) in year-to-date (YTD) comparisons.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) went from 28 to 36 (28.6%) in February comparisons, and from 59 to 68 (15.3%) in YTD.

The passenger market showed a decline in petrol vehicle sales while diesel had a slight surge.

Electrics improved in the SUV segment, going from 60 in February 2020 to 139 for the month just gone – up 131.7%, and improving in YTD comparisons by rising from 97 to 352 (262.9%).

PHEVs went from 92 in February last year to 149 last month (62%) and from 149 to 275 (84.6%) in YTD comparisons.

Also in the SUV sector, hybrids rose a little from 2546 to 2713 (6.6%) in the monthly comparisons and from 4018 to 5456 (35.8%) in YTD totals.

In the light commercial vehicle segment, electrics declined fractionally from six in February 2020 to four last month, and from 10 to nine in YTD comparisons, perhaps reflecting the lack of suitable options in that category.The FCAI says 83,977 vehicles were sold in February 2021, up 5.1% on February 2020 sales when 79,940 vehicles sold.

February sales reflected the continued shift in preference by consumers away from passenger vehicles with sales falling 15.3% in February 2021 compared to sales in February 2020. Sales of SUVs were up 8.6% and sales of light commercials were up 24.3%.

Meanwhile, the Electric Vehicle Council says Australian electric car sales are stagnant at a time when the rest of the world is hitting the accelerator hard.

In 2020, there were 6900 electric cars sold in Australia, a 2.7% increase from the 6718 sold in 2019 - the 2020 figures showing electric cars accounting for

0.7% of total Australian car sales, the council says.

By comparison, EVs in the EU increased their market share from 3.8% in 2019 to 10.2% in 2020. In the UK, it was 3.1% in 2019 against 10.7% in 2020.In California, market share went from 7.6% to 8.1%. And in Norway, it rose from 56% in 2019 to 75% in 2020.

The “baffling Australian anomaly” needs to end, EVC chief executive Behyad Jafari says.

"Australian drivers are ready to join the exciting global electric car transition, but our politicians are yanking the handbrake," he explains.

"There's simply no sugar-coating it at this point – Australia has marked itself out as a uniquely hostile market to

electric vehicles.

"We have no targets, no significant incentives, no fuel efficiency standards – and in Victoria we even have a new tax on non-emitting vehicles.”

Jafari says the good news is that given Australia's abundant natural advantages, it would only take a handful of small changes from government to get the nation back on track.

Nikkei Asia also points to lacklustre EV sales in Australia and minimal commitment from the federal government, saying Australia may be a key supplier of EV battery minerals but it is bucking the soaring demand globally for EVs.

EVs’ PUBLIC POPULARITY UNDIMINISHED

HYUNDAI NEXO HYDROGEN VEHICLES AWAIT DELIVERY.

ELECTRICS ARE GAINING GROUND, VOLVO’S NEW C40 EV SURE TO BE A HIT.

ELECTRIC, PHEV AND HYBRID SALES FEBRUARY 2021

Month YTD Variance +/- Vol. & %

Total Market 2021 2020 2021 2020 MTH YTD MTH YTD

ELECTRICPassenger Private 119 86 197 165 33 32 38.4% 19.4%SUV Private 139 60 352 97 79 255 131.7% 262.9%Light Commercial Non-Private 4 6 9 10 -2 -1 -33.3% -10.0%

Sub Total 262 152 558 272 110 286 72.4% 105.1%HYBRID

Passenger Private 2,303 2,357 4,124 4,270 -54 -146 -2.3% -3.4%SUV Private 2,713 2,546 5,456 4,018 167 1,438 6.6% 35.8%Sub Total 5,016 4,903 9,580 8,288 113 1,292 2.3% 15.6%

PHEVPassenger Private 36 28 68 59 8 9 28.6% 15.3%SUV Private 126 57 126 57 69 69 121.1% 121.1%Sub Total 162 85 194 116 77 78 90.6% 67.2%

TOTAL 5,440 5,140 10,332 8,560 300 1,772 5.8% 20.7%

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