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July 14, 2010 No. 540

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Australia’s No.1 Automotive Industry Journal 70,000 Readers Weekly

Light bulbLight bulb

The lights are not just on but are blazing at Hyundai as the new i20 hits town

By TERRY MARTINON TRACK for 80,000-plus sales in

Australia this year, Hyundai today launched

arguably its most important new vehicle –

the Indian-built i20 – which will eventually

take over from the Getz as one of its biggest-

selling models.

Pricing the i20 from a competitive

$14,990 (plus on-road costs) for the three-

door opener, Hyundai Motor Co Australia

has, as expected, positioned the light-

sized car upstream of the $13,990 Getz,

providing for a smooth run-out of the latter

in the coming months and room for the

smaller sub-light i10 – a second Indian-

sourced model for the South Korean brand

that is expected to be launched here early

next year.

Just as the i30 small car has overtaken

the still-strong-selling Getz over the past

12-18 months as the company’s number-

one model in Australia, the i20 is crucial to

HMCA’s quest to become one of the top-

three car companies in Australia, with the

fastest-growing mainstream brand having

targeted a market share of around 10 per

cent by 2012.

After another record month in June, in

which it sold more than 8000 cars to take

fourth position from Mazda to sit behind

market leaders Toyota, Holden and Ford,

Hyundai has recorded more than 42,000

sales for the fi rst six months of 2010 to be

41.5 per cent ahead of the same period in

2009 – a year in which it defi ed the economic

downturn to lift sales 39 per cent on the

previous year when the market overall fell

more than seven per cent.

This year’s fi rst-half result is Hyundai’s

best, and represents an eight per cent share

of the new-vehicle market – just 0.1 per cent

behind Mazda, 1.3 per cent shy of Ford, and

1.4 per cent more than where Hyundai was

at the same point last year.

As GoAuto has documented, recently

released new-generation models in the ix35

compact SUV and i45 medium sedan will,

with the i20, fuel further growth, along with

more all-new models due to be launched in

2011 – i10, the redesigned Accent ( ‘i15’)

and Elantra (‘i35’), and the Accent-sized

Veloster (aka the ‘i25 Coupe’).

This is to say little about various new

model derivatives, such as wagons, diesels

and petrol-electric hybrids – or a mini SUV,

medium and large coupes, an all-new large

sedan and, further down the track, even a

one-tonne utility.

But for now our focus is trained on the

i20, which as anticipated has arrived in

Australia in three-door and fi ve-door body

styles, with a 1.4-litre petrol four-cylinder

engine powering both versions at the entry

level (now known as Active) and a 1.6-litre

available in mid-series (Elite, from $18,490)

and high-series (Premium, from $21,490)

fi ve-door model variants.Continued next page

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PORSCHE REINVENTS ITS CAYENNE SUV

- page 3

July 14, 2010 Page 2

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PUBLISHER: John MellorEDITOR: Terry Martin MANAGING EDITOR: Marton PettendyJOURNALISTS: Byron Mathioudakis, James Stanford Philip Lord, David HassallPRODUCTION: Luc Britten, Gavin van Langenberg Haitham RazaguiSUB-EDITOR: Ron HammertonProduced by GoAutoMedia: Ph: (03) 9598 6477 newsroom@mellor.net

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Congratulations to Crichton and his team at Neil Buckby Motors Launceston for winning the Mercedes-Benz Provincial/Rural Dealer of the Year for 2009. Auto-IT is proud to provide the Dealer Management System that powers your business.

sales@auto-it.com.au www.auto-it.com.au+61 3 9349 3062

Pictured - Ben Newman, General Sales Manager (left) and Crichton Lewis, DP.

Continued from previous pageA fi ve-speed manual is standard across the

range, with a four-speed ‘HiVec’ automatic

transmission adding $2000. The fi ve-door

version of the Active adds $1000 onto the

RRP, starting at $15,990, while metallic/

mica paint is a further $320.

As we have reported, HMCA has also

received Australian Design Rule certifi cation

for a diesel i20: a 66kW/220Nm 1.4-litre

turbo-diesel.

However, as expected, diesel i20 variants

– which also include an 85kW/260Nm 1.6-

litre CRDi in Europe – have not materialised

at launch and are likely to only join the

line-up at a later stage on the basis of

customer demand.

Of particular interest with the i20 is the

level of standard equipment, and whether

the car has arrived with a features list that

improves markedly upon the retiring Getz,

production of which ends in South Korea

in October.

In short, the answer is yes, but side and

curtain airbags are still unavailable on

baseline (Active) variants – even as an

option to match rival entry models such as

the Mazda2 – which forces safety-conscious

customers to either forgo these features or

move to the Elite or Premium grade where

they are fi tted standard.

Otherwise, the safety list across the range

runs to dual front airbags, front seatbelt

pretensioners (with load limiters), seatbelt

reminders and height-adjustable head

restraints for all fi ve occupants, electronic

stability and traction control, and four-wheel

disc brakes (256/262mm

diameter front/rear) with

ABS, EBD and brake assist.

There is no sign of cruise

control but, other than that,

no real shortage of comfort

and convenience items

across the range, with most

boxes ticked.

Consider the standard

inclusion of air-conditioning, remote central

locking, an alarm, electric windows, electric

mirrors (fi ve-door only), MP3/WMA/CD

stereo (with USB/iPod connectivity and

auxiliary input jack), tilt/reach-adjustable

steering, height-adjustable driver’s seat, a

cooling function in the glove compartment,

metallic paint on the dash stack, and 15-inch

wheels on 185/60-section tyres – including

a full-size spare.

Moving to Elite adds front foglights, two

extra speakers (to six), a trip computer,

leather-clad steering wheel (with remote

audio controls), leather-wrapped gearshift,

alloy wheels (replacing steel wheels on

Active) and extra storage facilities, such as

a bag hook and luggage net.

The Premium grade swaps black cloth

trim for part-leather seats (black with red

piping) and a leather-covered driver’s seat

armrest, and adds climate-control air-con,

front maplights, and 16-inch alloys on

195/50 rubber.

While GoAuto will publish its drive

assessment online from tomorrow afternoon,

the design, engineering

and packaging work that

has gone into the German-

designed i20 look, in

total, to be a considerable

improvement over the Getz.

For starters, European

NCAP testing has provided

it with a maximum fi ve-

star safety rating (with side

and curtain airbags fi tted), which makes it

among the best performers in its class. The

Getz managed four stars when fi tted with

optional side airbags.

It is also built from an all-new platform,

riding on a longer 2525mm wheelbase (up

70mm) and offering small increases in

length (up 115mm to 3940mm) and width

(up 45mm to 1710mm), while overall height

falls 5mm to 1490mm. The front/rear wheel

track measures 1500/1503mm.

Maximum luggage volume for both body

styles is 295 litres with the 60/40 split-fold

rear seat portions up, extending to around

1060 litres with them folded.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

PRICING:Active 1.4 3-dr $14,990

Active 1.4 3-dr (a) $16,990

Active 1.4 5-dr $15,990

Active 1.4 5-dr (a) $17,990

Elite 1.6 5-dr $18,490

Elite 1.6 5-dr (a) $20,490

Premium 1.6 5-dr $21,490

Premium 1.6 5-dr (a) $23,490

Light bulbLight bulb

Elite

July 14, 2010 Page 3

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

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By MATHIEU RAUDONIKISPORSCHE has pulled a rabbit out of a hat by

building a bigger and stiffer yet lighter, more

fuel effi cient and even smaller-appearing

second-generation Cayenne SUV.

The improved fuel effi ciency comes

from a range of technologies including a

hybrid drivetrain option, new eight-speed

transmission, updated engines and weight

reduction measures throughout.

The Cayenne S Hybrid – the German

sportscar company’s fi rst model to use

its parallel hybrid powertrain – might be

the big news, but the Cayenne Diesel is

still the fuel miser champion, bettering the

hybrid, 7.8L/100km to 8.2L/100km.

The E2 Cayenne S Hybrid, S V8 and Turbo

variants were launched in Australia this week,

with the low-spec Cayenne (V6 petrol) and

Cayenne Diesel models to follow in August.

The Cayenne S Hybrid is not just about

fuel consumption. It still wears the Porsche

badge, so performance is still a priority.

The hybrid version covers the 0-100km/h

dash in 6.5 seconds, which betters the

petrol V6’s 7.5 seconds and V6 diesel’s 7.8.

However, it trails the V8 S’s 5.9 and the

earth-shattering V8 Turbo’s 4.7 seconds.

Even without electric aids, the 4.8-litre

petrol V8 Cayenne S returns impressive

11.1L/100km fuel consumption, the Turbo

12.2L/100km and the Cayenne

3.6-liter V6 10.4L/100km for

the manual gearbox and 11.2

for the auto.

These are Australian fuel

fi gures measured at Euro 4

specifi cation. These fi gures are

down from 13.9, 14.9, and 12.9L/100km for

each model respectively, indicating that the

extra efforts of the engineers were well spent.

Trying to get the best of both worlds with

the Cayenne Hybrid comes at a hefty cost,

as it attracts a $12,000 premium over the

Cayenne S or $55,500 over the Diesel.

Choosing the diesel model is a cheaper

way to save fuel, but equipment levels in

the Hybrid are much closer to those of the S

than the lower specifi cation Diesel.

To give the Hybrid its combination of

effi ciency and performance, Porsche has

employed a 3.0-litre supercharged V6

direct-injection petrol engine that produces

245kW and 440Nm.

It is supplemented by a single

37kW/300Nm electric motor

mounted in between the petrol

engine and the transmission.

Combined, they make 279kW

at 5500rpm and 580Nm from

an astounding 1000rpm.

The electric motor is fuelled by a 288-volt

nickel-metal hydride battery under the fl oor of

the cargo area. This reduces the cargo volume

of the Hybrid to 580 litres (1690 litres with

rear seats folded), down from 670 litres on

the other models (1780 litres with rear seats

folded, 1705 litres for Cayenne Turbo).Continued next page

PRICING:V6 petrol (a) $103,500

V6 diesel (a) $104,500

S V8 (a) $147,900

S Hybrid (a) $159,900

Turbo (a) $239,900

Performance still rules, but eco matters are now at the core of Porsche’s SUV

July 14, 2010 Page 4

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Business Development Manager - QLDBMW Group Financial Services and Alphera Financial Services are part of the

worldwide financial services division of the BMW Group.

Offering a full range of finance and insurance products to prestige vehicle owners,

the company also provides wholesale and capital loan facilities to the dealer

networks.

An outstanding opportunity now exists for a commercially astute and experienced

automotive financial services professional to apply for the position of Business

Development Manager.

Based in Queensland and working from a home office, the Business Development

Manager’s role involves monitoring, analysing and reporting individual dealer

performance; conducting training on products, systems and procedures both in

dealerships and at national training conferences, monitoring market competition and

liaising with national sales company Regional Managers.

Reporting to both the General Manager BMW Brands Finance and General Manager

Alphera Financial Services, the Business Development Manager is responsible for

managing dealer networks throughout QLD. The role will suit an individual with

exceptional communication skills and a proven track record in developing effective

business relationships. With strong analytical skills, you will be a self starter who

thrives on achieving results through working closely with Dealer Principals and

Business Managers within retail dealerships. Essentially, you understand the

importance of delivering value added service to build these relationships, and utilizing

your business acumen to assist dealer’ reach desired business outcomes.

An attractive remuneration package which reflects the importance of this position will

be offered. Please email your CV to Jodie.paige@bmwfinance.com.au or contact

Jodie Paige on 03 9264 4008 for further information

BMW GroupFInancial Services

The Ultimate Driving Machine

World wiseWorld wiseContinued from previous page

To maintain the performance standards

expected of Porsche, the Hybrid operates

in parallel with the petrol engine to give

greater acceleration.

The parallel hybrid system also allows

what Porsche calls ‘sailing mode’ – where

the petrol engine is switched off and

disconnected from the drivetrain under

light throttle applications at speeds up to

156km/h, with the Cayenne maintaining

speed on the electric motor alone.

A fuel-saving idle-stop system switches

off the engine when it is not needed,

instantly restarting it when the brake pedal

is released. Operational pressure in the

automatic transmission is maintained when

the engine is switched off in this mode by

electric pumps so that there is no lag in the

vehicle taking off once it restarts.

Bar the manual transmission V6 model,

the entire Cayenne range benefi ts from the

idle-stop technology, as well as a radical

weight-loss program.

Doing away with the low-range transfer

case and switching to lightweight driveshafts

shed some of the weight, while the use of

aluminium in both the suspension and body

take off further kilos.

The measures shaved more than 30kg off

the drivetrain and 111kg off the body, while

even items such as the optional panoramic

sunroof have lost weight, 13kg in this case.

In the case of the Turbo, weight has been

sliced by 185kg.

The Cayenne’s new body is bigger – 48mm

longer, 11mm wider and 6mm higher overall

and it rides on a 40mm longer wheelbase –

yet clever design gives the new Cayenne a

smaller, more athletic appearance. It is an

all-new body yet unmistakably a Cayenne.

The Cayenne models are best distinguished

from the front where the V8 and Hybrid

models get black air intakes at the

side as opposed to the body colour

on the Cayenne and Cayenne Diesel.

The Cayenne Turbo stands out as

the high performance model with a

unique centre air intake and a more

distinctive ‘Powerdome’.

The longer wheelbase has allowed

a bigger interior with more legroom for

the rear-seat occupants, and this seat is

also adjustable for position and angle.

The design of the seats, dash and console

are all-new to give the Cayenne a more

contemporary sporting look.

The eight-speed Tiptronic ZF transmission

now used across the range in lieu of the old six-

speeder also helps reduce fuel consumption.

The auto transmission is optional on the

base-model Cayenne, which has a six-speed

manual gearbox as standard.

Without the low-range transfer case, E2

Cayennes have two different drive systems,

while all models have a new traction

management system with switchable off-

road muscle to make the most of grip in

any conditions.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREFor drive impressions, go to

www.GoAuto.com.au from Thursday

July 14, 2010 Page 5

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

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X5 evenX5 evenbetterbetter

By MATHIEU RAUDONIKISBMW’S X5 has been a favourite among the

luxury SUV set since its launch in Australia

in 2000 and since then it has spawned a

family of SUV siblings in the X3, X6 and,

most recently, the X1.

Some 27,219 X5s have been registered

here to June 2010, continuing its record

as the country’s top-selling luxury SUV

for the past seven years. The second-

generation X5, launched in 2007, cemented

its position at the top as fresh competition

from new models vied for a slice of the

lucrative pie.

Just as the original E53 X5 received a

midlife facelift four years into its tenure, the

MkII E70 X5 now benefi ts from a host of

upgrades after a similar period. The range

continues with four variants in the standard

line-up, supplemented by the sports-

orientated X5 M at the head of the range.

The X5 remains a luxurious, road-oriented

SUV and the upgrades take that further as

BMW aims to increase the sporting appeal

and elegant style of the model.

Entry to the hallowed X5 club has gone

up almost $5500 in price due to the deletion

of the xDrive30i petrol variant, which

previously served as the entry model. The

new starting price is $92,100 and for that

you get the X5 xDrive30d.

The single-turbo diesel 3.0-litre xDrive30d

produces 173kW and 520Nm, up 7kW and

20Nm from the old model, but delivers

a signifi cant 15 per cent improvement in

fuel consumption over the older model at

7.4L/100km. CO2 emissions

are also reduced from 231g/

km to 195g/km.

Much of the decrease in

fuel use comes from the

application of a new eight-

speed automatic transmission from ZF that

is now standard across the X5 range. On

its own, the ZF8HP – ironically, the same

transmission recently introduced to X5

competitors in the new Touareg, Cayenne

and Range Rover TDV8, and set to come

on the upgraded Audi Q7 – is claimed to

improve fuel consumption by up to 11 per

cent.

The xDrive30d might be the entry-

level but it does not fall short on standard

equipment, which includes 18-inch alloy

wheels, leather trim, Servotronic power

steering, brake energy regeneration, diesel

particulate fi lter, front head and side airbags,

active head restraints, an iDrive controller,

Bluetooth phone connectivity, an electronic

park brake, rain-sensing wipers, automatic

headlights, hill descent control and electronic

stability and traction control.

Around 85 per cent of xDrive30d buyers

choose accessory packages to spec up

their vehicles and the

Executive Package has

been exclusively created

for this model. It adds a

rearview camera with ‘top

view’, anti-dazzle interior/

exterior mirrors, power seat adjustment and

Professional navigation to the equipment

list. These options would normally add

$9400 to the purchase price but bought as a

package they cost $7000.

Without the xDrive30i in the range, the

petrol X5 line-up now starts at more than

$100,000, with the xDrive35i priced at

$103,900. While the six-cylinder engine

retains its 3.0-litre capacity the XDrive35i uses

twin turbochargers to boost power to 225kW

and torque to 400Nm – up from the non-

turbocharged engine’s 200kW and 315Nm.Continued next page

PRICING:xDrive30d (a) $92,100

xDrive35i (a) $103,900

xDrive40d Sport (a) $113,300

xDrive50i Sport (a) $133,400

BMW’s top-shelf SUV picks up more petrol and diesel power, and a fuel-saving eight-speed auto

xxxxxxxxDrxDrxDrxDrxDrxDrDxDrxDrDxDrDxDxDDrDDDrxDrx riveiveiveiveiveiveiveiveveveeiveveveiveve40d40d40d40d40d40d40d40d40d40d40d4040d40d0040d4040dd Sp SpSp Sp Sp Sp Sp Sp Spp Spp SpSS Sp SpSpS ortortortortortorortortortortortortoortoortoo

July 14, 2010 Page 6

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X5 even betterX5 even betterContinued from previous page

The result is a drop of 1.3 seconds – to

6.8 seconds – for the 0-100km/h dash, while

at the same time reducing fuel consumption

from 11.7 to 10.1L/100km.

Next step up is the second diesel-engined

X5, the X5 xDrive40d Sport, at $113,300. The

Sport designation indicates that the ‘Sport’

package, which is optional on xDrive30d and

xDrive35i models, comes standard.

The Sport package includes a choice of

two new alloy wheel designs, a sports leather

steering wheel, BMW Individual anthracite

roof lining and fi rmer sports suspension. The

sports suspension can be deleted at no extra

cost and this is often preferred on Australia’s

less than smooth roads, on which BMW’s

already fi rm suspension and run-fl at tyres

can feel harsh.

The xDrive40d Sport replaces the

xDrive35d in the range and its 3.0-litre

twin-turbo direct-injection diesel engine has

been tweaked to deliver 15kW and 20Nm

more than the previous model. That puts it

at 225kW and a thumping 600Nm of torque;

enough to propel the X5 to 100km/h in just

6.6 seconds – down from 7.0 seconds. Also

down is fuel consumption, to 7.5L/100km –

a drop of 15 per cent.

As in previous iterations, the range-topping

X5 is powered by a V8 petrol engine, but the

4.8-litre V8 of the xDrive48i is gone and in

its place is a smaller-capacity 4.4-litre twin-

turbocharged V8 engine from the X6.

The X5 xDrive50i Sport, to use its full

title, benefi ts from an extra 39kW and

an incredible 125Nm of boost to deliver

0-100km/h acceleration in just 5.5 seconds.

Peak fi gures are 300kW and 600Nm, while

maximum torque is available from just

1750rpm through to 4500rpm.

Fuel consumption for the V8 remains

unchanged at 12.5L/100km, indicating that

the twin-turbocharged 4.4 engine is thirstier

than the naturally aspirated 4.8, but is helped

out by the new eight-speed transmission.

As indicated by the nomenclature, the X5

xDrive50i Sport has the Sports pack as

standard, but in this case self-levelling rear

suspension is also included.

Pricey options can add considerable

expense to many European vehicles and the

X5 does not escape this phenomenon. BMW

has bundled many popular options together

and made them available as packages to make

tailoring the vehicle simpler and less costly.

As well as the Sports and Executive

packages already mentioned, an M Sport

package is available on all four models. It

adds a deeper front bumper, 20-inch alloy

wheels and V8-style exhaust tips on all

engine variants. Sports suspension is also a

part of the M Sport package, but again it can

be deleted if a softer ride is preferred over

more dynamic handling.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

M5 preview – page 18

xDrive40d Sport

xDrive50i Sport

Alias Digital ModellerHolden Special Vehicles have been at the forefront of designing and developing Australiaʼs favourite performance vehicles for over twenty years. We are seeking an experienced Alias Digital Modeller to join our highly motivated Design team. Our purpose built Design Studio is located at head office, based in Clayton.

As part of this small close-knit studio team, you will be involved in all aspects of the surface development of all our exterior and interior components, often working at a challenging pace. We require a person who is confident surfacing accurately to scan data as well as being able to create quicker sketch models and work to stringent deadlines.

A minimum of two years experience in Autodesk Alias Surface Studio and the ability to work autonomously and at times under pressure is required. Previous Automotive A class surfacing experience will be an advantage.

Your opinions, new ideas and creativity will be highly valued. We realise that our people are the key to our continued success, and as such you will be rewarded with an excellent salary package.

All applications should include a full resumé with a one page summary of relevant skills, and should be emailed to the attention of the Human Resource Manager at: hr.relations@hsv.com.au by close of business Friday 30th July 2010.

hsv.com.au

July 14, 2010 Page 7

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The Automotive Dealer Management (ADM) program is run in conjunction with the University of Melbourne. This a high level intensive and practical program aimed at aspiring dealership ‘leaders’ or current DP’s wishing to refocus their efforts.

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Top CatTop Cat

By JOHN CRAWFORDJAGUAR’S new XJ sedan has landed

Down Under with a fresh look, blistering

performance and higher pricing than

originally announced last year.

The fl agship Jaguar sedan has been

conservatively tasked with selling just 120

vehicles a year – well below the volumes of

the XJ in its heyday of the 1960s and 1970s.

But Jaguar Australia hopes the XJ will

boost the whole Jaguar brand in Australia

with its halo, building on the aura produced

by the smaller XF that arrived last year.

Jaguar design chief Ian Callum’s bold – some

might say controversial – design eschews the

conventional lines of its predecessor, featuring

a sweeping, teardrop profi le with almost coupe-

like style. Its shape suggests hatchback, but

under the boot lid is a huge 520-litre space.

At the other end, four engine choices start

with a 202kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel

and continue with three versions of the third-

generation AJ petrol 5.0-litre V8 – a normally

aspirated unit producing 283kW, and two

supercharged versions, producing 346kW

and 375kW.

The latter is the performance champion,

sprinting from zero to 100km/h in 4.7

seconds, outpacing all but the 6.0-litre V12

versions of the Benz S-class and BMW

760Li (both 4.6 seconds).

Naturally, the diesel carries the big

Jaguar’s green credentials with a combined

fuel economy rating of 7.0 litres per 100km.

This betters both the Mercedes S350 CDI

(7.7L/100km) and BMW 730d (7.2L/100km).

The XJ oil-burner’s claimed 0-100km/h

acceleration is also impressive for a 3.0-litre

diesel limo, at 6.4 seconds, compared with

the diesel Mercedes’ 7.3 and BMW’s 7.2.

All Jaguar XJ models share a ZF connect-

by-wire six-speed auto transmission, with

steering column paddles for manual-style

cog-swapping. The driver can override the

automatic transmission at any point or fl ick

the transmission controller in S mode for

Sport which allows for manual shifting and

will not change up before the driver is ready.

The traditional automatic transmission

selector has been replaced by a chrome

JaguarDrive rotary selector that pops from

the centre console.

The XJ makes extensive use of aluminium,

magnesium and high-tensile steel to keep the

weight down to just 1755kg for the lightest

model – undercutting the lightest BMW 7

Series by almost 100kg and the lightest

Benz S-class by 55kg.Continued next page

PRICING:3.0D SWB Premium Luxury (a) $198,800

3.0D LWB Premium Luxury (a) $206,800

5.0 V8 SWB Premium Luxury (a) $251,000

5.0 V8 LWB Premium Luxury (a) $259,000

5.0 V8 SWB Portfolio (a) $274,800

5.0 S/C SWB Portfolio (a) $311,000

5.0 S/C SWB Supersport (a) $354,800

5.0 S/C LWB Supersport (a) $367,800

XJ fl agship arrives with hot performance and a new look to rev Jaguar’s image

July 14, 2010 Page 8

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Mercedes-Benz is seeking a dynamic individual to lead the Product team in delivering a high level of service and outcomes.

Responsible for supporting the sales & marketing function, the role includes development & implementation of van product and pricing strategies, meeting market share and profit goals & day to day operations managing a small team.

Some of your key responsibilities include:

Managing vehicle ordering/production/planning, reporting and analysis, design and delivery of product training activities. Feasibility studies on new product strategies, inventory monitoring and leading the Product Review Steering Committee.

To be successful in this position you will need to demonstrate a high level of organisational ability, acute attention to detail and well developed communication skills. You will need a flexible ‘can do’ attitude and initiative, coupled with a ‘hands on’ approach. You will be a key member of the team’s success, so drive and enthusiasm are essential.

You will preferably have a thorough understanding of the automotive industry but most importantly, we are seeking a passionate individual who is not afraid to take responsibility and deliver outstanding outcomes. Ideally, you will also be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, SAP, Cognos & POLK systems.

Sound like you? Please forward your application to human_resources@daimler.com no later than close of business Thursday 22nd July 2010.

Plan to succeed!Product & Sales Planning Manager – Mercedes-Benz Vans

Top CatTop CatContinued from previous page

A faster steering rack from the smaller XF

model sharpens on-road response, as does a

selectable ‘dynamic mode’ that instantly

sharpens the throttle response, increases the

weight of the steering system and fi rms up

the damping.

Available in three trim levels – Premium

Luxury, Portfolio and Supersports – the XJ

range comes in standard wheelbase or a

125mm-stretched long-wheelbase model for

a more specious rear compartment, along

with more expansive rear doors for easier

entry and exit.

The V6D opens the pricing at $198,800

in short-wheelbase Premium Luxury form,

with the longer version costing an extra

$8000 but $5000 more than was announced

by Jaguar Australia in September last year.

These XJ diesel prices are right on top

of the BMW 730d but some $16,000 more

affordable than the Benz diesel S-class.

The lowest-priced petrol V8s start at

$251,000 and $259,000 for the standard and

long-wheelbase cars respectively. This makes

the XJ Jaguars around $23,000 and $32,000

cheaper than their natural BMW competitors,

the twin-turbo V8 750i and 750iL.

The S-class Mercedes V8 models are

almost $43,000 (500S) and $53,000 (500L)

more expensive than the V8 Jaguar XJs.

Jaguar Australia has positioned two standard-

wheelbase Portfolio mid-range models up

against the Porsche Panamera ($275,000)

and the Maserati Quattroporte ($286,000).

Equipped with either the 5.0-litre naturally

aspirated V8 or supercharged V8, these models

meet those competitors on equal ground.

The entry-level Premium Luxury

models include all the goodies you expect

– navigation, premium sound, leather,

proper wood and grunt.

The Supersports versions – due in

August – gain Aniline leather seats, leather

headlining, leather trim on upper fascia,

purple fl ock-lined glovebox, interior mood

lighting and supercharged performance.

All models share a hi-tech 12.3-inch TFT

high-defi nition display for the instruments.

Instead of traditional gauges, information is

presented digitally in three rings.

There is also an innovative dual-view

eight-inch touch-screen that can project

DVD movies or television programs to the

passenger, while the driver views vehicle

functions or follows satellite-navigation.

Audio purists can opt for a 1200w audio

system developed exclusively for the range

by Bowers & Wilkins.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

July 14, 2010 Page 9

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Single-cab, petrol engine details emerge as VW’s one-tonner draws closer

Amarok fi lls outAmarok fi lls out

By JAMES STANFORD in SOUTH AFRICAA CRUCIAL single-cab version will join

the all-new Volkswagen Amarok ute line-up

just months after it is launched in dual-cab

guise in Australia.

GoAuto can also reveal a 2.0-litre

turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine

will also be added to the range at some stage

next year, alongside two diesel engines,

widening the appeal of Volkswagen’s fi rst

commercial ute.

The lack of an automatic transmission

is looming as the only gap in the Amarok

product line-up. Volkswagen Australia has

confi rmed an all-important auto gearbox

is being developed, but cannot provide an

estimate of when it will be introduced.

Volkswagen Australia is also yet to confi rm

the actual launch date of the Amarok ute, but

will show the hugely important model at this

October’s Australian International Motor

Show in Sydney.

There is a chance the Amarok will go on

sale locally before the end of the year, in line

with the original plan, but it is more likely

that the vehicle will be introduced early next

year, given strong demand for it in South

America where it is made in Argentina.

At launch, the Amarok range will consist

of just the four-door crew-cab available with

two different 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesels.

The entry-level engine will be a single-

turbo unit with 90kW and 340Nm, while the

twin-turbo diesel, which is also available in

the T5 Transporter van, generates a more

respectable 120kW and 400Nm.

Volkswagen previously has been reluctant

to discuss details of the petrol engine it is

planning for the Amarok, but key information

was revealed to GoAuto by Volkswagen

South Africa during a press event for the

right-hand drive Amarok.

The single-turbo TSI petrol engine will

generate 118kW and 300Nm. The fuel

consumption fi gure comes in at 9.9 litres

per 100km. Like the two diesel variants,

the petrol will be paired with a six-speed

manual gearbox.

While the petrol engine was primarily

developed for South America, in particular

Brazil where it will be adapted to run high

concentrations of ethanol, Volkswagen

Australia has confi rmed it will take the

engine at some stage next year.

Volkswagen Australia has confi rmed it also

will take the single-cab version of the Amarok

as soon as it is available, sometime in 2011.

Volkswagen South Africa, the fi rst division

to introduce a right-hand drive version of

the Amarok, plans to launch the crew-cab

Amarok this October before introducing the

single-cab variant in April next year.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

July 14, 2010 Page 10

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Australian importers eye expansion into trucks via China’s booming industry

Chinese ute, truck pushChinese ute, truck push

GREAT WALL UTE GONEGREAT Wall Motors importer Ateco

Automotive has quietly dropped the slow-

selling, Chinese-made SA220 ute from its

range in Australia.

The 2.2-litre four-door ute became

the cheapest dual-cab workhorse on the

market when it was launched at $19,990

driveaway alongside its more advanced,

better-equipped but pricier sibling, the

V240, in June 2009.

Just a year later, dealers are running out

the remnants of SA220 stock and focusing

sales attention on the in-demand 2.4-litre

V240 range, which was expanded last

month with a single-cab model priced

from just $17,990.

Great Wall spokesman Daniel Cotterill

said the decision to delete the SA220

from the range was taken locally for

commercial reasons.

“It was our decision to drop it,” he

said. “It never quite lived up to its sales

potential, so we decided to let it go.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

By RON HAMMERTONTHE Chinese automotive invasion is set to

step up a gear with at least two Australian

distributors considering expansion into

trucks made in the world’s biggest and

fastest-growing motor market.

Vehicles ranging from utilities to eight-

tonne trucks are under consideration from

a number of Chinese manufacturers, one of

which is sending a representative to discuss

Australian market potential in August.

So far, Chinese imports have been restricted

to a pair of utilities and an SUV from Great

Wall Motors, with a fl ock of passenger cars in

the pipeline from Chery and Geely.

But Australian vehicle importers Ateco

Automotive and Chinese Automotive

Distributors (CAD) have confi rmed to

GoAuto that they are considering importing

Chinese trucks.

Ateco, which pioneered Chinese vehicle

sales in Australia last year with its Great

Wall ute and SUV range, says it is keeping its

eyes open for opportunities in all segments

of the Chinese motor industry.

Spokesman Daniel Cotterill said that

included commercial vehicles, but it was too

early to be specifi c.

“We are interested in a range of things

from China, and I think it would be fair say,

commercial vehicles,” he said.

“We have got a guy who actively pursues

things in China all the time. He is the guy

that oversaw the getting of Great Wall

here, and I know for a fact he is up to his

elbows getting Chery here. I am not privy to

everything he does, but I know that he is up

and down from there all the time.”

Perth-based CAD says it is already in

talks with Chinese truck-makers with a

view to expanding into commercial vehicles

alongside its Geely passenger car business

that is due to hit the Australian market in

about September or October.

Owner John Hughes – a West Australian

businessman and major car dealer in Perth

– said he travelled to China last month to

speak with truck companies, visiting “six

different cities in six days”.

“We are not restricting ourselves to purely

passenger cars, nor are we restricting ourselves

to SUVs and pick-ups,” he said. “We have got

one man coming to visit us in the fi rst week of

August, and they make pick-ups and SUVs.”

Mr Hughes declined to name the company,

but said it was only one of several he had made

contact with. “We are talking to a number of

utility manufacturers and we are talking with

two or three manufacturers of light trucks up

to 3.5 GVM (gross vehicle mass), and some

that make up to six or eight tonnes,” he said.

The light-to-medium truck market

in Australia is dominated by Japanese

manufacturers. The hotly contested delivery

truck segment – 3.5-7.5 tonne GVM –

accounts for about 12,000 sales a year, with

Isuzu’s N-Series, Mitsubishi Fuso Canter

and Toyota’s Hino brand the main players.

China’s rapidly expanding truck industry –

driven by at least 30 manufacturers – is one of

the biggest in the world, accounting for almost

four million of the 13.8 million vehicles sold

in the market that overtook the United States

as the world’s biggest last year.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

JAC ute

SA220

July 14, 2010 Page 11

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Former Holden designer Phil Zmood looks back on a beaut 37-year career

Back in ZmoodBack in Zmood

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By IAN PORTERMELBOURNE’S RMIT University is set

to honour one of its successful past students,

former Holden chief designer Phillip Zmood,

with an exhibition of his design sketches that

include some of Holden’s iconic models.

Mr Zmood became the fi rst Australian

to be appointed Holden chief designer in a

37-year career with GM design, infl uencing

or having a hand in the design of 75 per cent

of all Holdens, including Toranas, Monaros

and Commodores.

He had a big hand in the HQ series, which

was brought down by the 1970s oil shocks,

and was chief designer for Holden’s answer

to the same problem, the Torana.

Setting a precedent others would follow,

Zmood got the call to work in Europe and,

later in his career, the United States.

The exhibition at the Melbourne Museum,

from Friday, July 16 to Sunday, August 8,

traces his work from sketches he did as a

student at RMIT – where he studied in the

1960s – to his Holden designs.

Mr Zmood was about to throw out

the works, which include production

drawings, when someone suggested he

donate them to the RMIT, where he was a

course advisor for 15 years.

The grandson of Russian immigrants who

landed in Melbourne in 1910, Mr Zmood was

directed towards a tertiary qualifi cation.

“My parents were very keen on education,”

he said in an interview with GoAuto this

week. “They couldn’t pass on a fortune, but

they could give me an education, which they

saw as the fi rst rung on the ladder.”

He attended the Caulfi eld Technical

School before studying industrial design at

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology,

now RMIT University.

“I kept entering a British car design

contest and one year I won it with a design

for a sportscar,” he said.

“(The Gannet 1000) was about

the size of an MG but had a rotary

engine over the rear wheels and a

folding metal roof.”

This prompted some coverage

in a daily paper and was part of a

portfolio which led to an offer of

work from Holden, which was

not immediately accepted.

He fi nally got over his

suspicions about big companies

and took up the offer, right at

the time GM was gearing up

Holden to play a large role in the region.

“They were making 300,000 cars then –

treble what they do today – and Detroit had

a big vision for Australia,” he said.

“An American named Joe Schemansky

was appointed the fi rst design director and

he built what is still the design centre, at a

time when there was only a fraction of the

work they do now.”

But it was clear he was expected to

work hard.

“At my fi rst interview, I was asked whether

I minded working overtime. It turned out we

mostly worked to 9pm three nights a week

and most Saturdays.

“My wife reckons I used to go to work on

Tuesday and come home on Thursday.”

When he reported for duty, he was shown

into a large room furnished with a single desk.

“Just draw cars” was his instruction, and he

duly covered the walls with exotic renderings.

He started out on small items. He

remembers doing the Holden badge that went

onto the HR grille, but was soon involved in

the ground-breaking HK range, which saw

the introduction of Australia’s most loved

two-door, the Monaro. Zmood did some

wheel covers and badges for that range.Continued page 13

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July 14, 2010 Page 13

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

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Continued from page 11In the late 1960s he was a contributor to

the HQ series – he is still a fan of tail-lights

in the bumper bar – but it was when he was

appointed chief designer in the Torana studio

in 1969 – still only in his late 20s – that he

came to the fore.

The GTR-X concept coupe he designed

broke cover in 1970, just as the XU-1 sports

model started tearing up the racetracks. The

Torana was a big hit, even the thirsty six-

cylinder models.

The GTR-X – many thought it should

have been named the XU-2 – was the most

beautiful thing ever designed in Australia

and the show car GMH built wowed crowds

wherever it went.

“GM could see the small Japanese cars

coming and the Torana was the model

designed to meet the competition,” Mr

Zmood said.

“It didn’t have the same economy or

packaging, but the LH model gave Australia

its fi rst hatchback.”

That hatchback later also performed

well on the racetracks as the V8-engined

A9X model.

A two-year stint at Opel starting in 1978

was abruptly cut short after about a year

when Zmood was recalled to be assistant to

the design director Leo Pruneau.

“We had to work on the VK and VL

Commodores, which we saw as the survival

cars for GMH.”

The company was almost bankrupt as the

Ford Falcon had been dominating the sales

charts after the oil crises abated. GMH was

in big fi nancial trouble, Zmood said.

“I remember being told at the time, we had

to make a success of the VL or we would be

looking for another job.”

They inserted an extra window behind

the C-pillar to give it a six-window

glasshouse and make it look bigger in

comparison with the Falcon.

The VL model fi nally ditched the old

Holden straight six and was replaced with a

sophisticated Nissan I6.

“That really took off,” Mr Zmood said.

“The VK and the VL were the turning point

for the company.”

In 1983, Mr Zmood became the fi rst

Australian to be appointed director of Holden

design and held the position until 1995.

The company’s return to fi nancial

health – built on rear-wheel-drive large

cars – caught the attention of people in the

Detroit head offi ce.

GM was trying to bring its various

subsidiaries closer in to the centre and, as

part of this, Holden was asked to design and

build a concept car for Buick, which became

the XP2000 of 1995.

Soon after, Mr Zmood was asked to live

in Detroit and be Holden’s representative

in the various global programs in which

Australia had an interest. In fact, he also

represented the other non-American

subsidiaries such as Opel.

“That was the start of the global rear-wheel

drive program. All of a sudden we had gone

from being considered colonial nobodies to

‘we really respect what you guys have done

because you were able to turn around your

fortunes’,” he said.

The global RWD program sees Holden

at the centre of GM’s development and

engineering of rear-wheel-drive cars, most

notably the development of the current

Camaro sports coupe range.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Back in ZmoodBack in Zmood

Phil Zmood

July 14, 2010 Page 14

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY CHAIN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM — ELEMENT 3

APPLICATIONS NOW OPENApplications are now being accepted for the Australian Government’s Automotive Supply Chain Development Program (ASCDP) — Element 3

The ASCDP is providing $20 million to 2012–13 to assist the automotive components sector enhance its capabilities and better integrate into local and global supply chains.

Element 3 of the program is designed to support Tier 1 suppliers to Motor Vehicle Producers to implement development strategies for their own suppliers and other businesses further down the supply chain and assist them to more effectively identify and secure emerging opportunities.

Applications close 7 August 2010 with successful applicants being notifi ed in the third quarter of 2010.

For further information please refer to the Information for Applicants document on the Department’s website at www.innovation.gov.au or contact the Automotive Policy Section, Manufacturing Division, Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research on +612 6213 7088 or +612 6213 7785 or by email to ascdp@innovation.gov.au.

LY CHAIN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM — ELEMENT 3

Mercedes uncovers its all-electric SLS ahead of 2013 market launch

SLS E-Cell risesSLS E-Cell rises

By TERRY MARTINTRUE to its word, Mercedes-Benz has

unveiled a near-production version of its all-

electric SLS AMG supercar as the German

manufacturer works towards a 2013 market

introduction.

Now dubbed the E-Cell, the eco version

of the latest-generation gullwing is being

developed under the ‘AMG Performance

2015’ strategy and has arrived in built-up

form after the chassis was unveiled at the

Frankfurt motor show last September.

In April, Mercedes-AMG chairman and

managing director Volker Mornhinweg – who

has since moved on to become the head of

Mercedes’ vans unit – told GoAuto that it was

preparing to show the all-electric supercar in

near-production form as engineering and

development work continued full-steam

ahead, with a full production version expected

on sale in 2013.

Now, the German performance division

has obliged, revealing the SLS AMG

E-Cell in working prototype form – and

fi nished in unique fl uorescent ‘AMG

lumilectric magno’ paintwork.

“The gullwing offers the prospect of a

possible small series production run and

at the same time refl ects the innovative

strength and development competence of

the AMG performance brand,” the company

said in a statement.

Mr Mornhinweg’s replacement, Ola

Kaellenius, who offi cially took the reins this

month, added: “It is our goal to continually

reduce the fuel consumption and emissions

of new models in the coming years, while

at the same time enhancing the core brand

value of performance.”

This SLS-based model rollout will begin in

Australia next month as fi rst deliveries of the

$464,000, conventional-engine SLS

arrive here, satisfying an order bank

that is now at 52 units from a total

2010 allocation of 70 cars.

Mercedes-Benz Australia/

Pacifi c has advised that a similar

allocation is expected for 2011.

The fi rst model designed

completely in-house by Mercedes-

AMG, the SLS is also still expected

to spawn a convertible, while a

smaller derivative dubbed the ‘baby SLS’

is widely anticipated to enter production

around 2013, sans gullwing doors and

drawing its power from the new direct-

injection V8 engine family which includes

twin-turbocharged 4.7-litre M278 and 5.5-

litre M157 versions.

As GoAuto has reported, the SLS is

powered by a 420kW/650Nm dry-sump

version of AMG’s exclusive 6.2-litre V8,

which drives the rear wheels through a

seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual

transaxle. It propels the super-coupe from

0-100km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds, on its

way to a top speed of 317km/h.

Fuel economy is rated at 13.2L/100km,

while its offi cial CO2 emissions output is

308g/km.

The zero-emissions E-Cell, on the

other hand, uses four electric motors

positioned near the wheels, with one

transmission per axle transmitting the

power. The combined peak power output

is, as outlined at Frankfurt last year,

392kW, while maximum torque is 880Nm

“available virtually from a standstill”.Continued page 22

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell

High-voltage batteries

Power electronics

Gearbox

Single wheel drive, 2 electric motors per axle

July 14, 2010 Page 15

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

This respected global automotive company has enjoyed market leadership for many years. Admired for innovation, quality, customer satisfaction and being environmentally responsible, this fi rm continues to set the industry benchmark.

COMMERCIAL ANALYST• Global OEM

• Port Melbourne• $80k plus package neg.

You will make a crucial contribution to vehicle forecasting and business planning of the organisation. Day to day you will have responsibility for the following inputs to the planning cycle:• Macro economic analysis.• Market intelligence and competitor SWOT.• Develop and present economic and vehicle forecast.• Sales and market share data analysis and reporting at numerous levels.• Establish dealer network objectives, review performance and implement solutions.

Your ability to use data to ‘drill down’ into detailed commercial issues and identify trends will be vital, as is the ability to implement practical solutions to drive change throughout the organisation. Equally important is your understanding of practical market dynamics and relevance of macro economic factors and government policy.

You will be a key link in the organisation and provide data and analysis to all internal levels and the dealer network. Your ability to develop and sustain close relationships will be based on your credibility, initiative and interpersonal style.

The successful applicant will have at a minimum:• 5 years post graduation (EcoBus/Accounting) business experience.• Advanced computer skills with strengths in Excel (Analytics, pivot tables, VBA). • Excellent report preparation skills with an eye for detail.• Experience in a capital equipment or automotive multinational head offi ce

would be a distinct advantage.• Willingness to travel interstate (approx 6 times per year).

A fabulous work culture, supportive leadership and excellent benefi ts. (Subsidised car lease, signifi cant super, phone and laptop).

Apply now email bbarker@inventra.com.au or call Blair Barker on (03) 9836 2211 with confidential questions prior to applying.

By TERRY MARTINMERCEDES-BENZ has moved to

strengthen its position in the specialist

military vehicle market, unveiling a new

armoured model based on its G-class

wagon at the 2010 Eurosatory expo – the

world’s premier land warfare exhibition –

in Paris recently.

Dubbed the 6.X, the diesel-powered

light armoured patrol vehicle (LAPV) was

developed in collaboration with global

defence supplier EADS and extends on

the current LAPV 5.4 – also based on the

G-Wagen – with higher degrees of agility,

protection and carrying capacity.

These include a 1.3-tonne payload,

approach and departure angles of 50 and

45 degrees respectively, and a full steel

body with ballistic protection.

The latter incorporates a modular

armoured plate system that includes a

mine-defl ector plate on the fl oor of the

vehicle and enables damaged plates to be

removed quickly and replaced with new or

extra plates.

Off-road performance is also enhanced

with the fi tment of variable-lift front and

rear coil-over air shock absorbers which

are adjustable on the fl y and enable the

ground clearance of the 6.X to be raised as

high as 450mm.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Brooklands beastBrooklands beast

By RON HAMMERTONNOT content with the stonking performance

delivered by AMG-modifi ed models,

Mercedes-Benz’s British arm has established

a hot shop to turn up the heat even higher.

The fi rst treat from Mercedes-Benz UK’s

Special Products division – appropriately

based at historic Brooklands – is the DR520

which made its public debut at this month’s

Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Based on the AMG-tuned C63 sedan and

estate, the DR520 is so-named because it

packs 520 horsepower, or 388kW, which

is 52kW more than the ‘standard’ C63 sold

in Australia.

Torque from the 6.2-litre V8 is up 50Nm,

to 650Nm, helping the blistering Benz from

zero to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds – 0.4 seconds

quicker than the C63.

While none of the limited-edition DR520

sedan and estates are destined for Australian

showrooms, GoAuto understands that the

chances are good that Mercedes-Benz

Australia might pull the covers off its own

AMG special edition later this year, perhaps

at the Australian International Motor Show

in Sydney in October.

Last year, the importer unveiled an

‘Edition 63’ version of the high-performance

sedan, but that car retained the C63’s

standard 336kW/600Nm engine and seven-

speed automatic transmission.

Along with a styling package, Edition 63

modifi cations included an AMG differential

with 40 per cent more locking effect and

DTM-style 19-inch alloy wheels.

The DR520, however, gets more

performance courtesy of forged pistons,

newly developed connecting rods and a

revised crankshaft from AMG’s Performance

Pack Plus.

AMG’s high-performance braking system

with red callipers is standard, along with an

AMG carbon-fi bre rear spoiler on the sedan.

Available in black or white matt paint,

the DR520 also gets Titanium-fi nish alloy

wheels and grille.

Inside, the seats, dash and door linings are

trimmed with a combination of leather and

Alcantara with red or white contrast stitching,

while the AMG steering wheel is also wrapped

in a mix of leather and Alcantara.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

British Benz sports division builds a bonzer C63

Mercedes unveils a new military-issue G-class

6.X

July 14, 2010 Page 16

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Bentley uses Goodwood to show off Continental Supersports Convertible

Soft-top SuperstarSoft-top Superstar

The Miedecke Motor Group is one of Port Macquarie’s largest mul -franchise dealerships, servicing the Mid North NSW Coast for over 30 years.

At Miedecke Motors we go the extra mile to ensure that a customer’s rst visit is de nitely not their last, and we endeavour to build a community

feeling amongst our sta and customers. Our growing business now requires an addi onal business manager and two sales professionals looking for

a work challenge with career advancement opportuni es and the bonus of a great place to live.

BUSINESS MANAGER Repor ng to the Dealer principal, you will ensure that every opportunity is made to meet targets through the provision of nance and insurance

products to customers and clients whilst ensuring that high levels of customer service and regulatory requirements are met and maintained.

We are interested in receiving applica ons from candidates who have successfully completed and gained accredita on in PS 146 requirements and

while it is desirable that you have further studies in nance and insurance, it is not essen al.

GROUP FLEET SALESAn experienced eet sales professional to service exis ng Fleet customers and grow the Fleet business across the group and its many franchise brands,

which include Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, Jeep and Kia.

NEW CAR SALESAn experienced new car sales professional is required to join our Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Mercedes-Benz sales team and further develop our

ongoing sales success.

The successful applicants for these posi ons will have proven records of success in their relevant elds and be able to demonstrate a focus on

customer service. Generous remunera on packages are available based on experience. Applica ons treated in strictest con dence. Please indicate

the desired posi on in your covering le er and send resumés to the dealer principal Andrew Miedecke on email: amiedecke@miedecke.com.au

MOTOR VEHICLE SALES Port Macquarie

By HAITHAM RAZAGUIBENTLEY used the UK’s Goodwood

Festival of Speed on July 2-3 to stage the

fi rst public demonstration of its crushing

Continental Supersports Convertible,

of which nine are already spoken for in

Australia ahead of its arrival here in October

– despite its $531,716 pricetag.

Reprising a proven formula, fi ve-times Le

Mans winner and motor racing veteran Derek

Bell put the 2395kg, 463kW drophead through

its paces in front of the Goodwood audience.

At last year’s festival, Bell treated onlookers

as he thrashed a battleship grey Supersports

Coupe, which is 155kg lighter than the

convertible, up Goodwood’s famous hill.

Bentley, which prefers to “produce

one less car than demand” to maintain

exclusivity and has not allocated a

maximum number of Supersports to be

delivered Down Under, has since sold 12

examples of the top-shelf version of the

Continental Coupe in New Zealand and

Australia, where it costs $506,397.

The Crewe-based, Volkswagen-owned

luxury car-maker has sold a total of 25 models

across its range in Australia alone this year

so far – up 39 per cent on the fi rst six months

of 2009 – and has presold its local allocation

of up to 10 examples of its new Mulsanne

fl agship limousine, which will top the range

by September at $695,000.

Bentley attributes its Australian sales

success to its investment in new models

and a nod to environmental issues with

the FlexFuel system it pioneered with the

Supersports models, which enables its

vehicles to run on petrol, E85 bio-ethanol or

any mixture of the two.

Able to detect the fuel blend and adjust

the engine mapping to suit, Bentley’s

FlexFuel technology is being rolled out to

all models in the 2011 Continental range

and all Bentley vehicles by 2012.

Internal fuel system and engine

components are also upgraded for

compatibility with E85, the use of which

Bentley claims reduces CO2 emissions

“from well to wheel” by up to 70 per cent.

As GoAuto has reported, standard kit on

the Supersports Convertible, which made

its global debut at the Geneva motor show

in March, is comprehensive and includes

lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels and carbon-

ceramic brakes as part of the performance-

oriented, weight-saving package.

Australian buyers can expect to lay out

a whopping extra $51,000 (more than the

cost of a brand-new SS Commodore) for

satin paint, $4018 for a metallic dark grey-

coloured hood and $1894 for power boot

opening and closing.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDerek Bell

July 14, 2010 Page 17

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Here is your opportunity to establish yourself in the motor industry at the centre of Sydney’s retail hub, Parramatta.

Four dynamic new car brands will be marketed from state-of-the-art facilities, delivering customers new levels of service and satisfaction.

The following positions are now available to the right people:

This is a rare opportunity to establish yourself at the launch of this new dealership.

To apply, please send your resume including covering letter to: hr@grandmotors.com.au DL26331

By MARTON PETTENDYIT WAS only a matter of time before Audi

blessed its new R8 Spyder super-roadster with

the orchestral 4.2-litre FSI direct-injection

V8 from the mid-engined R8 Coupe.

The good news is Audi has now not only

done so, but wound up its peak power output

by a further 7kW to 316kW, while retaining

the coupe’s 430Nm of torque – enough to

accelerate the heavier Spyder to 100km/h

in a claimed 4.8 seconds and top speed

of 299km/h in both manual and R-tronic

sequential manual transmission guises.

The bad news, however, is that Audi

Australia is yet to decide whether to make

the topless R8 V8 available here alongside

the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro fl agship,

which will be released in September at an

estimated price of around $400,000.

That would make the V10-engined R8

Spyder Audi’s most expensive model in

Australia, eclipsing both the R8 Coupe

5.2 FSI quattro, which currently tops the

range at $347,500 and the outgoing A8 6.0

quattro LWB limousine ($331,300).

It would also mean that, if imported,

the R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro would cost

about $321,000 here.

Of course, the V8 Spyder comes with

the same electro-hydraulically operated

soft-top as the V10 Spyder, as well as the

same aluminium and carbon-fi bre body

and the same hi-tech features including

LED headlights and seatbelt microphone.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Aston voilAston voila!a!

By MARTON PETTENDYASTON Martin has revealed an even

more exclusive iteration of its Porsche

911-rivalling V8 Vantage Coupe and

Roadster, this time dubbed the N420 and

featuring a range of aero, suspension and

weight-reduction upgrades.

The N420 follows in the footsteps of the

special-edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007 and

will enter production this month before fi rst

UK deliveries take place in August, but is not

yet offi cially confi rmed for Australian release.

Aston has set a UK price of £96,995

($A167,900) for the N420 Coupe manual,

which after freight costs and import taxes

equates to an Australian price of around

$285,000 – about $35,000 more than the

standard V8 Vantage, which opens the Aston

range at $250,358 plus on-road costs here.

As the fi rst images show, the motorsport-

themed N420, which is said to draw its

inspiration from the company’s numerous

Nurburgring 24-Hour campaigns, will come

with the option of Aston Martin’s exclusive

new ‘Race Collection’ exterior paint colour

range with contrasting hues for a range of

components including the grille surround.

Aston Martin debuted the upcoming

Rapide four-door in this year’s Nurburgring

endurance race, but in 2006 a team of

company employees led by CEO Dr Ulrich

Bez drove the near-standard V8 Vantage to

fourth place class fi nish and 24th overall

from a fi eld of more than 200 motorsport-

homologated cars.

Included in the N420’s unique colour

palette is the ‘Rose’ yellow of the original

Nurburgring racer, along with ‘Kermit’

green, ‘Elwood’ blue and the traditional

Aston Martin Racing green, while the black

and white example in the images wears

‘Asia Cup’ livery.

It is under the skin, however, where most

of the N420’s upgrades lie. Based not on the

fl agship 6.0-litre V12-engined Vantage but

the V8-powered ‘base’ model, it runs the

same 313kW/470Nm 4.7-litre V8 but comes

with a new sports exhaust system to deliver

“a suitably rousing soundtrack”.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

316kW 4.2 V8 forAudi’s R8 Spyder

As if the V8 Vantage wasn’t special enough already...

July 14, 2010 Page 18

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Australia’s LARGEST selling Toyota dealer is seeking a motivated individual for the following position:

NEW VEHICLE SALES MANAGER – KEDRON DEALERSHIPThis is a fantastic opportunity for an outstanding Sales Manager with a proven track record to manage our No. 1 selling Toyota branch at Kedron. To be successful, you will need to posses strong leadership and management skills, be results and customer focused and be able to lead your team to achieve extraordinary results.

A generous remuneration package is on offer that rewards excellence.

If you are interested in this position, please contact Kylie Edmonds on 07 3361 0052 or email your CV to hr@scifleet.com.au.

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• A family owned and operated local business, servicing South East QLD for over 30 years.• Australia’s largest selling Toyota dealership and 15th largest dealer globally.• The success of the business has been built on a strong focus to customer satisfaction and a team of motivated employees.• Over 400 staff employed across multiple dealerships and franchises throughout South East QLD.• Our vision projects well into the future with continual growth across our three brands; Toyota, Lexus & Hino.• Sci-Fleet Motors is an equal opportunity employer and provides a discrimination free workplace.

Visit www.scifleet.com.au

AN OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST SUCCESSFUL TOYOTA FRANCHISES?

ABOUT US

M Sport bodykit offersa clue to BMW’s newtwin-turbo super-sedan

M5 previewM5 preview

By MARTON PETTENDYTHE fi nal example of BMW’s current

E60 M5 sedan has been produced and its

successor is about 12 months away from

emerging in Europe, ahead of an Australian

release in early 2012.

In the meantime, BMW has provided a

preview of what to expect at least visually

from the fi fth-generation M5, which will

come with an even higher performance

version of the twin-turbo V8 that powers the

X5 and X6 M models, by revealing a new 5

Series M Sports Package.

The M Sports pack for both the sixth-

generation (F10) 5 Series sedan, which went

on sale here in June, and redesigned 5 Series

Touring, which arrives here in October, has

been confi rmed for release in Australia, with

production commencing in September.

Developed by BMW M GmbH, the newest

M kit comprises M sports suspension, an M

sports bodykit, 18-inch double-spoke M

alloy wheels and the option of 19-inch M

alloys and an M rear spoiler for the sedan.

Inside, the M-look Fives get Alcantara/

fabric seat upholstery with contrasting

seams and M badging, a leather-clad M

steering wheel, BMW Individual anthracite

headlining and M aluminium hexagon

interior trim highlights.

While the outgoing M5, which was

available in Europe in both sedan and wagon

body styles, was powered by a Formula

One-style 5.0-litre V10, its replacement has

been confi rmed to receive a development of

the twin-turbo 4.4-litre direct-injection V8

in BMW’s M-badged SUVs.

With gob-smacking outputs of

408kW/680Nm – well up on the

300kW/600Nm outputs of the same engine

in the X5 and X6 xDrive50i – the X5/X6

M engine already easily out-performs the

current M5’s 373kW/520Nm.

Of course, like the current V8-powered

M3 and M versions of the 2000kg-plus X5

and X6, we are happy to report the force-fed

V8 will break another BMW promise – this

time by abandoning the high-revving engine

concept of the current V10, which can spin

well beyond 8000rpm.

M division chief Dr Kay Segler has

confi rmed the M5’s return to the brawny,

stump-pulling ways of the naturally

aspirated 4.9-litre V8 in the previous E39

M5, reiterating BMW’s stance that it is “not

bound by dogma” by claiming the new M5

will come with a split personality to suit all

drivers, at all times.

Dr Segler told Germany’s AutoBild

magazine at the Nurburgring 24-hour last

month that the E60 would be BMW’s last

V10 M5, and that direct-injection twin-

turbo technology could reduce the M5’s fuel

consumption by 25 per cent.

“I can now confi rm the current 10-cylinder

engine will be replaced by an eight-

cylinder engine,” he said. “You will fi nd the

philosophy of ‘two cars in one’ explicitly in

this vehicle (the M5).

“The vehicle will offer (the best of) both

worlds: for normal everyday driving and for

use as a racecar at the push of a button …

and it will demonstrate that in the second

half of 2011.”

AutoBild speculates the next M5, which

should also be joined at the other end of the

5 Series scale by a petrol-electric hybrid

version – previewed at Geneva in March by

the 5 Series ActiveHybrid concept – could

offer in excess of 600hp or about 450kW.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

July 14, 2010 Page 19

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Norris Motor Group VolkswagenVisit www.nmg.com.au

Ph: 07 3023 4900. 282 Gympie Rd, Kedron

Volkswagen Professionals Positions Vacant.

NVW153809_0710

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To arrange a confidential interview, please contact jrowe@nmg.com.au.

Norris Motor Group is an equal opportunity employer.

• Fleet Salesperson - Mon - Fri Stock Controller Rego Clerk • •

The Norris Motor Group has been in operation for 25 years and is one of Queensland’s most successfully operated motor dealer groups. Now that Norris Motor Group Volkswagen, Brisbane’s newest Northside Volkswagen dealer has opened, we are looking for a range of positions to be filled. We offer a highly competitive salary package plus a generous commission/bonus structure. Successful applicants will be working in our new state-of-the-art facility in Kedron.

508 looks great508 looks great

Peugeot combines 407 and 607 to create the sleek new 508 large car familyBy TERRY MARTIN

PEUGEOT has unveiled the production

version of its new-generation 508, revealing

images overnight of its new large car family

that replaces both the 407 mid-sizer and the

larger 607.

To be offi cially unveiled at the Paris motor

show in September, the fi nal product remains

faithful to the ‘5 by Peugeot’ concept shown

at Geneva in March and is now due on sale

here next year in both sedan and SW station

wagon body styles.

A Peugeot Automobiles Australia (PAA)

spokesperson has confi rmed that a third

quarter release is likely, with a range of

petrol and diesel engines expected, the

latter including PSA Peugeot-Citroen’s new

e-HDi engine idle-stop technology.

Further down the track, the company’s

Hybrid4 diesel-electric AWD system will

be employed.

The ‘5 by Peugeot’ was shown with

Hybrid4 technology seen in the diesel-

electric 3008 – that is, a front-mounted

122kW 2.0-litre HDi FAP diesel engine

and a rear-mounted 28kW electric motor.

As well as all-wheel drive, the arrangement

hands the vehicle a peak output of 150kW

and a sub-100g/km CO2 emissions rating.

This power and CO2 output were also

confi rmed this week for the production

hybrid 508.

As GoAuto has reported, the sleek and

heavily sculpted model carries Peugeot’s

latest design ethos – fi rst introduced on the

SR1 concept car – and is considered a crucial

model in expanding the French manufacturer’s

sales in fast-growing markets such as China,

all the while remaining relevant in Europe

and other traditional strongholds.

The 508 is based on the PSA Group’s

Platform 3 which underpins the 407 and the

Citroen C5/C6, and has arrived, in sedan

form, with an overall length of 4790mm –

about 100mm longer than the 407 but some

80mm shorter than the 607, the last examples

of which rolled off the production line last

month. (It was discontinued in Australia in

June 2008.)

Peugeot has confi rmed that the wagon

version of the 508 is 4810mm long. However,

other key measurements and specifi cations

are still under wraps.

Production commences early in 2011 and

will be split between China and France,

with the source for Australian models still

to be confi rmed. PAA said negotiations

were continuing, but the Rennes factory in

France was expected to supply Australian-

spec vehicles.

In a statement, Peugeot said the 507

combined “a stylish and strong design with

cutting-edge technology”.

“Quality, purity and effi ciency have

been the watchwords that have guided the

Peugeot designers and engineers during the

creation of the 508,” the company said.

“The stylish exterior design is elegant and

timeless and full of ‘French chic’, equally

at home in Paris or London. The interior

of the car combines hi-tech with the use of

high quality materials and every detail has

been chosen to offer indisputable perceived

quality, both visually and to the touch.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

July 14, 2010 Page 20

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A beautifully presented self-contained holiday apartment close to Cable Beach at Blue Seas Resort is now for sale. This property is the benchmark for well-built, low maintenance accommodation and is a proven earner in the market. Rarely offered, this apartment is fully equipped with quality ttings, high ceilings and accommodation for 4 people. Holiday yourself

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Invest in BroomeHoliday at Cable Beach

a Rare OpportunityFor full property details please contact Tony Hutchinson on phone (08) 9192 1677, mobile 0418 938 198 or email: tony@hutchrealestate.com.au

By MARTON PETTENDYIT WAS revealed at the Geneva motor show

in March and now Fiat has fi tted its new two-

cylinder TwinAir engine into the diminutive

500 in Italy, but not for Australia.

Designed specifi cally to meet CO2

emissions limits within Europe’s carbon-

based tax regime, which has so far not been

replicated in Australia, Ateco says the hi-tech

new two-pot is too expensive to replace the

500’s entry-level engines in Australia.

They include the 51kW/102Nm 1.2-litre

four-cylinder petrol engine that powers the

base 500 1.2 Pop manual, which opens the

Australian range at $22,990 driveaway,

and the 74kW/131Nm 1.4-litre petrol four,

which costs $24,990 driveaway in the 500

1.4 Pop Dualogic.

Designed by Fiat Powertrain

Technologies (FPT), Italy’s newest engine

combines a version of Fiat’s patented

MultiAir induction system with a new

downsized 875cc twin-cylinder engine in

the born-again 500, the 500,000th example

of which rolled off the Fiat Auto plant at

Tychy in Poland in late March.

The result is the Fiat 500 TwinAir,

powered by a turbocharged inline twin-

cylinder engine mounted transversely up

front, which delivers a claimed 62.5kW

of power at 5500rpm (more than the 500’s

current 1.2 but less than the 1.4) and 145Nm

of torque at 1900rpm – enough to top both

of the 500’s current petrol engines.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

ForTwo tweaksForTwo tweaks

By TERRY MARTINDAIMLER has announced an upgrade for

its Smart ForTwo Coupe and Cabrio ahead

of their debut at the Paris motor show in

September and expected Australian release

late this year.

While the German manufacturer continues

to work with Renault on an all-new shared

micro-car platform – with the fi rst models

from this partnership due to hit the streets in

2012/13 – the midlife makeover for the second-

generation 451-series ForTwo introduces a

host of minor improvements as competition

intensifi es from both traditional and left-fi eld

rivals in the ultra-compact car segment.

Included among the changes are new

exterior colours, cabin enhancements

and tweaks to the Mitsubishi-sourced

1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine –

in both naturally aspirated micro hybrid

drive (MHD) and turbocharged form –

that improve the rear-engine/rear-drive

ForTwo’s environmental credentials.

According to Mercedes, “detailed work on

the engine control unit and exhaust system” of

the 52kW/92Nm MHD unit results in a fuel

consumption fall from 4.4L/100km to 4.2 on

the combined cycle, while CO2 emissions

drop below 100g/km – from 105 to 97 grams.

The 62kW/120Nm turbocharged triple

also benefi ts from ECU and exhaust work,

with its CO2 output falling 2g/km to 114. Its

fuel consumption remains at 4.9L/100km.

The higher-performance Brabus version

also gains a power increase to 75kW (up

3kW), with no penalties on the eco front

as a result, although this model is currently

unavailable in Australia.

Buyers will, however, have the ability

with the general upgrade to order features

previously restricted to the Brabus, such as

daytime running lights. Three new 15-inch

alloy wheel designs will also be introduced.

Other changes, which are designed to

give the ForTwo “a completely new face”,

include a new matt light green colour option

and fresh opportunities for custom paintwork

such as a body-coloured front spoiler, side

skirts and rear apron.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Fiat slots two-potturbo into 500 mini

Brabus

Daimler’s Smart series receives a midlife makeover

July 14, 2010 Page 21

GoAuto Market Insight is brought to you by Dealer Solutions

GoAuto Market Insight

John Mellor’s

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Luxury car sector returns to form post-downturn as new-model demand rises

Recovery Rolls onRecovery Rolls on

By MARTON PETTENDYTHEY say there is no better economic

barometer than sales of luxury cars and right

now buyers of premium vehicles – especially

at the very top end of the market – are taking

their chequebooks and marching back into

glass-walled car showrooms in earnest.

Rolls-Royce last week announced

production at its Goodwood factory

was running at record levels, with an

unprecedented 15 cars a day emerging from

the English plant that built more than 300

Rollers last month alone.

RR said record demand continues for

both the million-dollar Phantom – the fi rst

new model to emerge under BMW control

since January 2003 – and its smaller sibling,

the Ghost, the fi rst two examples of which

were delivered in Australia in June.

Globally, both models are now sold

out until at least September (the Phantom

until October), following a fourfold sales

increase last month and a staggering 200

per cent sales surge during the fi rst half of

this year, driven mainly by demand in the

Asia Pacifi c region, including China.

Rolls-Royce sales have been

correspondingly strong in Australia, where

seven cars have been snapped up in the fi rst

half of this year – up 16.7 per cent on the

fi rst six months of 2009. The Australian

Rolls-Royce importer is holding no fewer

than 34 Ghost orders and expects to deliver

22 vehicles in the next six months. It says

the average spend on options for the Ghost,

on top of its driveaway price of $645,000, is

between $60,000 and $90,000.

Fellow British super-luxury brand

Bentley is also in big demand, having sold

virtually all examples of the upcoming

new Mulsanne fl agship ($695,000) it was

allocated for this year, as well as nine of

the cracking new Supersports Convertible,

which will top the Continental range here in

October at $531,716. Bentley’s Australian

sales are up a huge 39 per cent so far this

year, with four cars sold last month for a

2010 total of no fewer than 25 cars.

Not all the mega-luxury brands are

soaring, however. Daimler’s Maybach

brand attracted just one buyer during all

of last year – two fewer than in 2008 –

refl ecting a global sales slump that has led to

speculation the Mercedes-Benz stablemate

was under threat of extinction.

Just 119 Maybachs were sold in the US

last year – less than half the number sold

there in the brand’s halcyon year of 2004

(244), but rumour has it Daimler remains

committed to its answer to Rolls-Royce and

is planning at least three all-new models,

including two smaller sedans and a super-

SUV based on the GL-class.

Aston Martin, which has experienced a

24.4 per cent Australian sales surge in 2010

with 56 cars sold including eight last month,

is understood to be in talks with Daimler to

also use the GL as the basis of a new uber-

off-roader to rekindle its Lagonda brand.

And they are not the only luxury brands

developing all-new models.

Maserati, which sold 15 cars here in June

and 74 in the fi rst six months of the year

(up 15.6 per cent), has sold most of its 2010

allocation of this month’s new GranCabrio

($338,000) and is planning an all-new four-

seat sportscar to position below next year’s

redesigned Quattroporte.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Australian luxury car sales (July 2009 - June 2010)

-10

-20

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Source: VFACTS

Ch

ang

e (%

)

www.dealersolutions.com.au 1300 66 11 33

WEBSITE I NVENTORY

Want better website sales performance?

Let us tune up your search engines.

Jeff Sakellaris Mark Butler

July 14, 2010 Page 22Green issues in the auto world

GoAuto Green is brought to you by Custom Fleet

GoAuto Green

John Mellor’s

SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

By MARTON PETTENDYBUDDING Taiwanese car-maker Luxgen

has launched what it claims is the world’s

fi rst seven-passenger electric vehicle, the

MPV EV+.

First seen in concept form in March, after

Luxgen’s initial excursion outside Taiwan

to the 10th Dubai motor show in late

December when the upcoming Luxgen7

SUV was also unveiled, the all-electric

luxury people-mover is unlikely to be seen

on Australian roads.

A spokesman for Luxgen told GoAuto the

two-year-old vehicle brand is yet to formulate

a launch plan for Australia, with initial targets

outside mainland South East Asia including

the Middle East, China and Russia.

Based on the emerging Asian brand’s

fi rst self-designed model, the Luxgen7

MPV, the EV version’s fl oor-mounted

lithium-ion battery pack is said to offer a

zero-emissions driving range of more than

300km – much more than most all-electric

vehicles – albeit at a constant 40km/h.

Other noteworthy statistics include

claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in a

respectable 8.6 seconds and a top speed

of 145km/h.

No fresh details have been announced for

the plug-in seven-seater, two fresh images

of which have now been issued, but Luxgen

says the MPV EV+ delivers outstanding

and unparalleled EV performance and is

now ready for mass production.

“While the majority of vehicles worldwide

are still consuming none-renewable fossil

fuel, Luxgen, which started the research and

development of electric vehicle technology

years in advance, has launched the world’s

fi rst seven-passenger EV,” the company said.

“EV could be seen as the only option that

generates no carbon emissions and delivers

eco-friendly clean power when comparing

with other fuel technologies such as LPG

and hybrid power.

“Drastic climate changes are largely

the result of industrial activities and

have rapidly become the biggest threat to

humanity. However, the full impact has not

been fully grasped by the policy-makers

and the general public.

“To take initiative in corporate social

responsibility and further accomplishing

the prospect of environmental protection,

Luxgen offers a perfect choice for those

visionaries with intention to contribute their

part in protecting the environment.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Luxgen launches electric seven-seat people-mover, but Australia not in frame

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Mercedes-AMG uncovers SLS E-Cell prototype ahead of 2013 series productionContinued from page 14

Acceleration from 0-100km/h has now

been confi rmed at 4.0 seconds – just shy of

the regular model – and Mercedes promises

no interruption of tractive power with the

spontaneous torque build-up and “confi dent

power delivery”.

Driving dynamics are also “guaranteed”

to be “at the highest level” with the all-

wheel drive arrangement.

The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery is

described as a modular unit with an energy

content of 48kWh and capacity of 40Ah.

In order to optimise weight distribution

and keep the centre of gravity low, battery

modules are located in various locations,

including in front of the fi rewall, in the

centre tunnel and behind the seats.

The battery unit comprises 324 lithium-

ion polymer cells, which have a maximum

electric load capacity of 480kW – said

to be the “absolute best value in the

automotive sector”.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

By RON HAMMERTONVOLKSWAGEN has tightened its grip on

Porsche by appointing one of its own, VW

Group product strategy expert Matthias

Muller, as chief executive of Porsche

AG, replacing 20-year Porsche veteran

Michael Macht who now becomes head of

Volkswagen Group production.

Mr Muller, 57, worked closely with VW

CEO Martin Winterkorn at Audi before

joining him at Volkswagen to oversee the

group’s new-model rollout three years ago.

From October 1, Mr Muller will become

CEO of Porsche AG – the Stuttgart-based

sportscar arm of Porsche Automobil

Holding SE.

Mr Macht, 49, replaced Porsche CEO

Wendelin Wiedeking after the collapse of

Porsche’s bid to take over VW last year.

He now will head to Wolfsburg to oversee

VW Group production – an area in which he

has considerable experience, having fi lled

this role for Porsche for a decade until his

call to the top job to steady the ship in the

middle of the global fi nancial crisis storm

that doomed Mr Wiedeking’s grand plan

and allowed VW to turn the tables.

Mr Macht will replace VW’s current

production chief, Jochem Heizmann, who

will head up a new VW truck group that

now includes Scania AB and MAN SE.

European observers suggest

that Mr Muller’s appointment to

Porsche signals a push by VW

to hasten Porsche’s integration

into VW to facilitate its model

expansion, particularly into

smaller, more fuel-effi cient

cars that can share technology

with other VW Group models,

particularly those of Audi.

Mr Muller is well versed in

current and future models across

the group, and is expected to bring

that expertise to bear at Porsche as

it sets out to double sales to 150,000 units.

Porsche AG supervisory board chairman

Wolfgang Porsche said Mr Muller would

guarantee that Porsche would not only

maintain but expand its top position.

He praised outgoing CEO Mr Macht,

saying he had taken over the leadership of

Porsche AG in a crucial period.

“Through his skill and many years of

experience within the Porsche Group, he

has succeeded in re-stabilising the company

within a short time, placing our operations

on a strong and solid foundation,” he said.

VW’s Mr Winterkorn said: “Michael

Macht is an acknowledged production

expert. As chairman of the board of

management of Porsche AG, he has made

a key contribution to the envisaged union

of Porsche and Volkswagen over the past

year.

“Under his management, Porsche

has been successfully established as an

independent brand in the Volkswagen

Group’s multi-brand network.”

As part of the new deal, Mr Macht gets

a seat on the VW Group AG board from

where he will oversee all of the group’s

plants worldwide as it aims to overtake

Toyota to become the world’s number one

motor vehicle manufacturer by 2018.

VW owns 49.9 per cent of Porsche AG,

and plans to complete a full merger by 2011.

VOLKSWAGEN PRODUCT CHIEF MOVES INTO DRIVER’S SEAT AT PORSCHE

VALE BILL WELLWOOD

SHANNONS has

paid tribute to one

of its longest-serving

team members,

master auctioneer

Bill Wellwood, who

died from cancer on

July 5.

Mr Wellwood

worked for Shannons

for around 25 years, bringing down the

gavel on more than 6000 vehicles in some

3700 vehicle and charity auctions. He

sold a huge array of vehicles and general

automotive items, from horse-drawn carts

and homemade ultra-light aircraft to cars

raced by Sir Jack Brabham. He also helped

raise millions of dollars for charity.

Shannons’ national auction manager

Christophe Boribon said: “Bill Wellwood

was a larger than life character who

touched so many lives. The fun, banter and

excitement he brought to every auction

were legendary.”

In a tribute last week, Shannons said Mr

Wellwood trained as a motor mechanic and

became an auctioneer “by accident” when

he stood-in for the role at a fundraising night

for his local cricket club. He apparently

acquired his trademark striped coat, top hat

and bow tie from an op-shop early in his

career to overcome pre-auction nerves.

A car enthusiast who owned a 1950

front-drive Citroen Big Six, Mr Wellwood

was also a patron of the Melbourne-based

Vintage Drivers’ Club.

July 14, 2010 Page 23GoAuto Personnel

John Mellor’s

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Bill Wellwood

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

Toyota LandCruiser Prado ZR 3-dr wagon

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

FT-86 G FOR SYDNEYTOYOTA will display its FT-86 G sportscar

concept at the Australian International

Motor Show in Sydney this October – the

fi rst time the rear-drive coupe has been

seen outside Japan.

Co-developed with Subaru which is

supplying components such as the car’s

Impreza-derived boxer turbo engine, the

‘Subarota’ coupe is expected to reach

production as a successor to the Celica.

The hot “G” designated version of the

FT-86, with a larger air intake, carbon-fi bre

wing and twin centre-exit exhausts, debuted

at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January.

As GoAuto has reported, Toyota said

that the concept’s sporting enhancements

were designed to showcase a new range

of G Sports conversion components that

will be made available from its Japanese

dealerships this year.

Along with models such as the Rukus, the

sports models are designed to inject fl air into

the Japanese fi rm’s range.

Toyota Australia’s senior executive

director for sales and marketing David

Buttner said: “The FT-86 G sports concept

points to a next-generation Toyota sportscar

that will bring a new level of excitement to

our showrooms and customers.”

Launch Padbrought to you by

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July:BMW X5 Jaguar XJPorsche CayenneHyundai i20Mitsubishi ASX

New model diary: CLICK HEREMitsubishi ASX

BMW X5

THE market for mainstream mid-size three-door 4WDs is not large, as long-wheelbase wagons have long curried favour as the default family wagon. The Toyota Prado three-door presents a familiar if curtailed silhouette, but the new abbreviated version of the Toyota mid-size 4WD isn’t going to sell in anything like the numbers of its fi ve-door sibling. Toyota knows this, hoping the three-door ticks along with just suffi cient sales to justify importing it. Is the Prado three-door good enough in its own right to keep its place in the local Toyota line-up?

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

BBMW X5

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“Our results continue to improve due to thequality leads generated by carsales.”

Neville Barton - Southgate Holden, SA.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARYFORD’S Falcon hit the big ‘Five-Oh’ two

weeks ago and now Australians have been

offered generous incentives to join its 50th

birthday party.

Huge savings of more than $5000 – on top

of driveaway prices for all models – have

been announced for the six 50th Anniversary

models that will begin rolling into Ford

dealerships nationwide from late this week.

Factoring in on-road costs and an array

of extra standard equipment, Ford claims

the collectible 50th Anniversary Falcon

range will add between $9516 and $12,199

of extra value for buyers.

The XR50 sedan which opens the 50th

Anniversary range starts from just $36,950

driveaway, including all statutory and

dealer delivery costs.

HOLDEN UTE RECALLGM HOLDEN has recalled 34,432 current-

model VE Holden Utes to fi x tailgates that

can be jarred open if hit from the inside

with suffi cient force by an unsecured load.

In the biggest recall by any manufacturer in

Australia this year, Holden is writing to owners

of all of its Commodore-based workhorses

built since the model was launched in October

2007, asking them to return their vehicle to their

Holden dealer to have the tailgate latch fi xed.

Holden says the “precautionary” recall

follows recent incidents involving two

customer vehicles.

Holden warranty engineering, customer

satisfaction and quality director Craig

Porritt said the likelihood of a tailgate

becoming unlatched was low.

“But we will always err on the side of

caution and administer a recall to ensure

customer satisfaction and safety,” he said.

“Until the fi x can be made to each vehicle,

we ask our customers to continue to secure

loose items in the cargo tray as recommended

in the owner’s manual and use a Holden

tonneau cover where possible to prevent the

condition from occurring.”

MORE SAFETY RECALLS: HONDA CIVIC SEDAN MERC SPRINTER, SSANGYONG ACTYON

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE