Articles by Mark Hinchliffe

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show. And the Buick Encore small crossover unveiled this week at the Detroit motor show could be among those new models. Holden boss Mike Devereux admits that there is an obvious SUV hole in their product line-up. "We need to expand our SUV line-up in Australia," he says. "One of the things that holds us back is we don't have a huge SUV line-up and that's an understatement. We'll have a couple of SUVs in the next couple of years." One of these new SUVs could be a Holdenised version of the Buick Encore. It's a luxury, 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder, five-seater SUV somewhere between the size of a Toyota RAV-4 and a Nissan Dualis. "This is a segment buster," says Devereux. "It's in between compact and sub-compact SUV. I've sat in mules of this architecture and it's the right size. "People are downsizing; up-classing but downsizing. With a smaller vehicle you can afford more luxury. "We're seeing younger people who want all the luxury stuff but don't have kids yet and don't need size yet. Most people see small as cheap but this is busting that myth. "It's a pretty cool vehicle." Devereux's enthusiasm for the Encore will hinge on GM making right-hand-drive versions for other markets, but he's optimistic. "If you think about global architecture, which this is, it is highly unlikely that GM would make just one car," Devereux says. "This is a global product." Buick global design chief Ed Wellburn describes it as "Buick through and through. We strove for grace and beauty," he says. "It's the right size for the time, satisfying many customers' desires to simply their life and be more efficient." The design is not as fussy as previous Buicks with an elegant "waterfall" grille, portholes and just the right amount of chrome accents. Inside, it's luxurious, not ostentatious, with plenty of premium materials. Wellburn says the cabin is quiet, aided by an active noise-cancellation system not unlike those used in Bose headphones. Devereux is guarded about committing to such technology. On the safety side, the Encore has 10 airbags, 60 per cent high steel in the chassis, lane departure warning and forward collision alert. It arrives in US showrooms this time next year. When and if it arrives in Australia is yet to be seen. Buick is a little-known brand in Australia. But it's big business in China. Last year, GM sold about one million vehicles in China and half of them were Buicks. While Buick was sold in Australia several decades ago, it is mainly known among car collectors and movie fans who would have seen large-bodied sedans such as the Riviera wallowing around in film and TV chase scenes. It's America's oldest active marque with "horseless-carriage" origins back to 1899. It was known as a big, luxury brand for mature people, sitting slightly under the Cadillac in status. Holden boss Mike Devereux says the brand has evolved over the years. "It used to be for older buyers but now it's got relevance to younger people," he says.

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show.The sound system in the all-new Mercedes-Benz SL features two massive bass speakers  in the front footwell that are mounted into the aluminium chassis for maximum bass output. Benz boss Dieter Zetsche describes the sports car as "a concert hall on wheels". With up to 12 speakers and a 900-watt optional Bang & Olufsen sound system, it is bound to blow the opposition away. The new SL will arrive in Australia before the end of the year and, according to local Mercedes spokesman David McCarthy, there will be "little or no change" (in price). The current model ranges in price from $242,780 to $519,250. McCarthy says we will get a full four-vehicle range of V6 and V8, plus AMG V8 and V12, but there will be no diesel or four-cylinder models. The oldest car in the Mercedes-Benz family is the first mass-production model to feature a chassis and body made almost entirely of lightweight aluminium. At 140kg less than the previous model it truly is deserving of the SL name which stands for "super lightweight" and began in the 1950s with a tubular steel frame. The folding hard-top roof is 15kg lighter and made mainly of magnesium while the only steel is in strategic positions such as around the windscreen for crash protection. The chassis is also 20 per cent stiffer, making it more agile. While the sports car has not yet been crash tested, SL boss Uwe Erntsberger believes it will earn a maximum five stars. Carbon fibre was also considered for the frame and body, but were not considered suitable in front and rear crash structures, he says. However, he confirms the AMG versions will have some carbon fibre parts such as the boot lid. Erntsberger says the aluminium structure technology will find its way into other Benz models, starting with the 2014 E-Class which will be about 200kg lighter. He says the frame has not been engineered for electric powertrains, "but hybrid is possible, but not yet tested". The weight saving shows up in better fuel economy, lower emissions and claimed improved agility. The new V8 may be 80cc smaller at 4663cc, but the biturbo has 12 per cent more power (320kW) and 32 per cent more torque (699Nm), yet fuel economy is improved thanks in part to a stop-start function and an optimised seven-speed static transmission. Benz boss Dieter Zetsche says the V8 has the power of a V12 but the economy of a V6. He says the SL will continue the model's 60-year tradition of being a benchmark for the brand. The new SL is also a tour de force of technology with a system that detects weary drivers, an optional "Magic Sky" glass roof that turns from clear to opaque at the touch of a button, automatic boot opening and closing with the wave of a hand, internet connectivity and a wiper/washer system that won't wet the driver and passenger.There is even an option that heats the rubber blades and water to remove ice. But it's that FrontBass speaker system that will blow many away. It is standard with the six-speaker base audio system, as well as the optional 600-watt Harman Kardon system or flagship B&O. Other car manufacturers have used the spare tyre as bass resonators or packed in massive cargo-stealing boxes to maximize the bass, but this system makes clever use of the hollow sections of the chassis to act as resonating chambers for the woofers. Erntsberger says a good audio system is a "very important factor for buyers, particularly AMG". To further improve the audio experience, designers have reduced the wind noise by reducing the aerodynamic drag coefficient to 0.27 and improving the rear mesh screen which deploys electronically.Mercedes-Benz SLPrices: from $242,780 to $519,250Body: 2-seater coupeEngines: V6, V8 and V12 biturboTransmission: 7-speed auto, RWD

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show. The German manufacturer has unveiled two BlueTEC hybrid E-Class models at the Detroit motor show. The Mercedes-Benz E300 diesel is claimed to achieve economy of 4.2L/100km and will be released mid-year in Europe. McCarthy says we are likely to get the car, but not this year. The other is the E400 V6 petrol model with 6L/100km. It will be released in the US first in mid-year, but is unlikely to come down under, says McCarthy. The E300 is powered by a 150kW/500Nm four-cylinder engine with an electric motor producing 20kW of power and 249Nm of torque. The more powerful E400 produces 225kW and 379Nm, but McCarthy says the fuel economy advantage over the E250CDI does not warrant its inclusion in the Australian line-up.  Both models feature stop-start and a "sailing" function which switches off the combustion engine while cruising along the highway at a steady speed.

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show. Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman David McCarthy says several four-seater products being developed with Nissan and Renault would be suitable for Australia, but they are not due until 2014.  "We continue to support Smart because people love it," he says. "We're maintaining our interest in the brand to take it out of the hands of the grey importers.  "We're also investigating bringing in the second generation of the electric Smart, but only in small numbers; half a dozen or so just to trial."  However, he's not too keen on the Smart two-seater urban pick-up concept unveiled at the Detroit motor show this week.  Smart boss Annette Winkler described the "for-us" as "the perfect pick-up for the city".  The awkward two-seater features a tray in the rear that fits two bicycles and the show car had a Smart electric ebike in the back.  The 55kW/130Nm three-cylinder engine has been made in a joint venture with Mitsubishi.

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show.A big screen above the Audi stage linked into their representative at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas where the German company will highlight it's Audi Connect technology. CEO Rupert Stadler says the technology includes a wi-fi hot spot that allows the sat nav to use Google Earth with Street View. Users will also be able to do hands-free Google searches and a heads-up display will provide for a swipe function similar to that used on iPads to turn the "page". There were also cars in the Audi stage including the updated A4 and S4, and a concept Q3 Vail to promote the launch of the small SUV on the American market. The Vail is basically a tarted-up Q3 with 20-inch wheels, lower body cladding and an aluminium bash plate underneath. Audi lags behind its German counterparts in the US but seems to be making good inroads with its diesel engines. Stadler says they now account for one in three of all SUVs sold.

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show. Chevrolet launched the Sonic RS at the Detroit motor show and Holden boss Mike Devereux likes what he sees. "It wouldn't be a bad idea," he says about the turbo Sonic -- which is the US name for the Barina.  "We would be dumb not to look at it." The Sonic RS has a 1.4L turbo engine with 102kW of power, fog lamps, 17-inch wheels, sport exhaust, four-wheel discs, lower and stiffer suspension, a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel and aluminium pedals. The Chevrolet stand also featured an electric Spark bound for the US next year. Devereux was guarded about introducing it to Australia. "We will see how we go with the Volt first," he says referring to the hybrid Volt which is driven by an electric motor with a small petrol engine to charge the battery and increase range. It is due in Australia later this year and follows some controversy in the US where it burst into flames several days after being crash tested. Devereux says the issue has recently been resolved with "a bit of steel added to the coolant area". He says the battery also needs to be "de-powered" after a crash. Futuristic concept cars aimed at the youth market could also make their way to the Australian International Motor Show. The Tru 140S and Code 130R show cars were produced to gain feedback from young motorists and will displayed at automotive shows around the world. Devereux did not rule out bringing them to Australia. The rear-wheel-drive Code 130R even looks like the Aussies Race Cars which are scaled-down versions of V8 Supercars. Former Holden boss and now GM president of North America, Mark Reuss, says the show cars are part of a "new family of small and compact cars" aimed at the youth market. Chevrolet senior manager of global marketing, John McFarland, says the challenging youth market represents 40 per cent of potential car buyers. However, he points out that they have grown up in a digital age, can barely remember life before Facebook and 54 per cent would rather be on a social network than driving. "They are disinterested in car brands," he says. "A car is like an ugly boyfriend; as soon as something better comes along it's out the door," he says.

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia.But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show.Hyundai announced at the Detroit motor show that their Sonata hybrid will feature the automotive industry's first lithium-polymer battery.  But wait for it ... they are offering a lifetime replacement guarantee. That takes away one of the major hurdles to buying an electric or hybrid car; the expense and finite life of the battery. However Hyundai Australia spokesman Stephen Howard says there are no plans to introduce hybrids here as they are by produced in left-hand drive. Hyundai also announced at the show that the lithium-polymer battery would be well suited to the Elantra electric prototype they are working on.

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia.But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show.Ford came out boxing with their new-look mid-sized car in the Joe Louis arena next to the Detroit motor show. In the US it's called a Fusion, but everywhere else it's a Mondeo. But from the bleachers of the arena it looked more like a Camry.On closer inspection there are design elements that distinguish it from the Toyota such as a rather ugly grooved bonnet similar to the Chrysler Sebring.Ford product vice-president Derrick Kuzak says the new Fusion (Mondeo) will come with "the broadest selection of engines in the range".That includes two "ecoboost" direct-injection turbo engines, a two-litre with all-wheel drive and a 1.6L with highway fuel economy of 6.3L/100km and a six-speed transmission.There will also be a hybrid with a claimed economy of 5L/100km and a plug-in hybrid that tops 100mpg or 2.35L/100km.Ford Australia spokesperson Sinead Phipps would not confirm any engine variants."The Mondeo will be revealed in Europe in a few months and is still some time away from production," she says. "It will go on sale in Europe first and is most likely at least 12 to 18 months away for us."The American model will also come with a lane-departure warning system which is available now in Australia in the Titanium model.It also features the MyFord Touch infotainment system developed with Microsoft.Phipps says the technology is only available in the US but will be rolled out in Europe in the next 12 to 18 months, followed by the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia.Henry Ford grandson Bill told media at the Detroit motor show that the company was working on a host of hi-tech features such as electrics, hybrids, keys that allow parents to monitor their children's driving behaviour and advanced infotainment systems in association with Apple and Google.He said they had also doubled their investment on wireless communication technology between vehicles to "shorten driving time and reduce crashes".Ford boss Alan Mulally says there is a host of new product coming."This will be our most aggressive year for new vehicles," he says.Included are five new eclectic vehicles in North America this year, plus new models in all but the light car class, as well as a new light truck.Mulally says this will create 12,000 new jobs by end of the year in the US and 3000 in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show.After all, last April 1, BMW circulated information about a pick-up. Well, this isn't April and this is no April Fool's Day joke; Smart is launching an urban pick-up called the "for-us". Smart boss Annette Winkler described it at the Detroit motor show as "the perfect pick-up for the city". The awkward two-seater features a tray in the rear that fits two bicycles and the show car had a Smart ebike in the back which is an electric bike. The 55kW/130Nm three-cylinder engine has been made in a joint venture with Mitsubishi. Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman David McCarthy says "it's not for us", but suggests there are some new four-seater products being developed with Nissan and Renault that would be "much more suitable".They are not expected until 2014. "We continue to support Smart because people love it," "We're maintaining our interest in the brand to take it out of the hands of the grey importers. "We're also investigating bringing in the second generation of the electric Smart, but only in small numbers; half a dozen or so just to trial."

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show. After 60 years of super lightweight (SL) sports cars, the latest SL is made almost entirely of aluminum and weighs 140kg less than before. The weight saving shows up in better fuel economy, lower emissions and claimed improved agility.  It will arrive in Australia before the end of the first half of this year with a 4.6-lite biturbo, direct-injection V8 engine with 320kW of power and 699Nm of torque.  There will also be a V6, plus AMG V8 and V12 models, all with biturbo power. Benz boss Dieter Zetsche says it will continue the 60-year audition of being a "benchmark" for the brand.  The new SL is also a tour de force of technology with a system that detects weary drivers, a chassis that acts as a boom box bass enhancer for the audio system, a folding hard top that turns from clear to opaque and a wiper system that won't wet the driver and passenger. There is even an option that heats the rubber blades and water to remove ice from the windscreen. Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman David McCarthy confirms that despite the extra expense of the aluminium body and chassis, plus the extra technology, there will be "little or no change" (in price).  Mercedes-Benz also showed two BlueTEC hybrid E Class models. The E300 diesel is claimed to achieve economy of 4.2l/100km and will be released mid year in Europe. McCarthy says we are likely to get the car, but not this year.  The other is the E400 petrol model with 6L/100km. It will be released in US first in mid year, but is unlikely to come down under, says McCarthy.