Articles by Neil Dowling

The brand now turns into an all-electric car company with its focus on the Chinese market. The Swede was sold overnight for an undisclosed sum. Buyers are a consortium of Chinese and Japanese environmental technology companies. It will retain its Saab nameplate - but lose its circular logo - and come under the ownership of National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB (NEVS) that is 51 per cent owned by Hong Kong alternative energy group National Modern Energy Holdings and 49 per cent by Sun Investment LLC of Japan. NEVS made a massive investment in Saab, buying out the company that owns the production facility in Trollhattan, purchasing the Phoenix platform that is designed to replace the 9-5, the intellectual property rights to the 9-3, the tools, manufacturing plant and test and laboratory facilities. Saab Automobile Parts AB, as well as intellectual property rights for the Saab 9-5, ow ned by General Motors, are not included in the purchase agreement. Receivers for the bankrupt Saab say the deal was cash. NEVS chairman Karl-Erling Trogen says: "In approximately 18 months, we plan to introduce our first electric vehicle based on Saab 9-3 technologies and a new technology electric powertrain." The company has quietly engineered and developed the first of its electric vehicle in China and Japan. The first model to be developed will be based on the current Saab 9-3, which will be modified for electric drive using advanced EV technology from Japan. It is expected to be launched in early 2014. NEVS CEO Kai Johan Jiang says the work will now continue at Trollhattan. Mr Jiang is also the owner and founder of National Modern Energy Holdings. The company says that marketing and sales of its first car will be global, with an initial focus on China, projected to be the largest and most important EV market. "China is investing heavily in developing the EV market, which is a key driver for the ongoing technology shift to reduce dependence on fossil fuels," says Mr Jiang. "The Chinese can increasingly afford cars. However, the global oil supply would not suffice if they all buy petroleum-fueled vehicles. "Chinese customers demand a premium electric vehicle, which we will be able to offer by acquiring Saab Automobile in Trollhattan." NEVS says its recruitment of the management team and key positions is in progress. As of last night, about 75 people have received emp loyment offers.  

The diesel-hybrid coupe - an un-named development of the decade-old 1L (for 1.0 litres/100km) concept - is capable of less than 1 litres/100km (260mpg) yet can top 160km/h. The refined version of the one-cylinder diesel-hybrid XL1 now has a two-cylinder diesel mated to an electric motor and has batteries that are charged both while driving and via a plug-in cord. Volkswagen last year showed the third version of the XL1 at the Qatar motor show. It was later caught testing the coupe in cold weather and this month was spotted in Spain for its warm-weather tests. It is a further development of the 2011 XL1 concept that is a two-seater, and has its origins in the tandem-seat, single-cylinder 1L of 2002 that weighed just 290kg and claimed an astonishing 0.99 L/100km. Volkswagen updated the concept in 2009 as the L1 which retained the tandem seating but added a two-cylinder engine, effectively a Golf 1.6-litre turbo-diesel cut in half then mated to a 10.4kW electric motor. It had a top speed of 160km/h, accelerated to 100km/h in 14.3 seconds and had emissions of 39g/km CO2. The latest XL1 is different again, now a plug-in hybrid that achieves 0.9 L/100km (260mpg) and CO2 emissions of 24g/km. The 800cc, two-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is rated at 35kW/121Nm and the electric motor at 20kW/100Nm. The two powerplants work together or separately and the XL1 can travel up to 35km on electric power alone. Its length and width are similar to the Polo - 3970mm long and 1682mm wide - but it is only 1184mm high. Volkswagen says the 2011 model has a governed top speed of 158km/h and accelerates to 100km/h in 11.9 seconds. In February, Volkswagen said it intended to build a limited series of XL1s starting in 2013.  

Its much-awaited and totally overhauled D-Max overnight received only a four-star crash rating by Euro-NCAP, the independent testing centre in Europe that is similar to the Australian ANCAP centre. The Holden Colorado, once a clone of the Isuzu D-Max ute, last month received a five-star crash rating by ANCAP - a top rating that immediately makes it eligible for use by the huge business in mining companies and their suppliers. These clients are less likely to buy a four-star vehicle. Isuzu Ute Australia spokesman Dave Harding says the D-Max is yet to receive an ANCAP rating. He dismisses the notion that a Euro-NCAP rating directly relates to an ANCAP rating. "The Volkswagen Amarok ute received a four-star rating by Euro-NCAP and yet a five-star rating by ANCAP,'' he says. "In fact, we outscored Amarok's 84 points out of 100 by getting 86 points. So we are hopeful of a five-star figure in Australia.'' Mr Harding says the fact that the Colorado has a five-star rating augers well for Isuzu. "But it also shows that they are no longer the same vehicle,'' he says. In announcing the results, Euro-NCAP says vehicle now must comply with "recently-introduced, tougher test process''. Though rated only with four stars, the D-Max scored very well on points. Isuzu in the UK says: "It received 83 points in the adult occupant category, scoring maximum points for the protection it provides in the side-barrier test, thanks to its new, stronger, longer and wider chassis compared to its predecessor.'' "Euro-NCAP also praised the front and rear head restraints for providing good protection against whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision. "The Electronic Stability Programme, and front seatbelt reminder system - both standard across the range - contributed to the pick-up's joint class-leading score of 7 1 in the safety-assist category. In the child occupant category, the new pick-up scored 67.''  In Australia, the D-Max's safety features include Anti-skid Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Brake Assist (BA) and six airbags.

Three German companies have fallen over this month. The latest to fall is German specialist supercar maker Gumpert, this week in the hands of administrators who consider the marque well placed for revival. Gumpert, founded by former Audi Sport director Roland Gumpert in 2004, built the impressive $500,000-plus Audi-powered coupe, Apollo. The company's fate follows the closure earlier this month of sister German companies Melkus and Artega. Melkus filed for bankruptcy citing poor sales volumes for its Volkswagen Golf GTI-powered mid-engined coupe, the RS2000. The company has origins in East Germany in 1959. Artega was closed by its owners, Mexican-based investment company Tresalia Capital that also owns Corona brewery. It made a Volkswagen V6-engined coupe, the Artega GT.

Lexus swamps the cabin with technology - but makes it easy to understand. The problem with modern electronics is that the onion layers of technology can bring tears to your eyes.It's brilliant stuff and you'll feel justified in forking our lots of money for a car that has more thinking power than a university Arts freshman, but it can leave you crying in frustration.Understanding the complexity of a high-end car's features, and being able to master it, is proven a burden on the very people who fall into the “lots of money” category.That's where a 15-year-old grandchild - or a car that makes all the mumbo-jumbo so easy to figure out - comes in handy. With the Lexus, you don't need grandkids.VALUELexus - apparently a corruption of Luxury Exports to the US - aims itself at more long-standing prestige rivals and though there's similarity in concept, no competitor ladens models with so much eye-watering gadgets.On a value-for-money scale, Lexus wins. The features list is enormous and you don't have to fork out for the $93,900 Sports Luxury version here. Rather, look at the $77,400 Luxury model.If you have no need for driving exhilaration and intend only to stay within the city limits, even the four-cylinder RX270 - same stuff, different drivetrain, less money - makes sense.The intensity of the Sports Luxury tested here runs from Mark Levison 15-speaker surround sound, Head-Up display and virtual-camera navigation, to voice-command functions, a traffic management service and pre-collision technology.DESIGNThe basic 2011 wagon remains beneath restyled sheet metal and a bolder, spindle-shaped family grille. It's the grille that defines the 2012 model but look closer and there's new headlight with daytime running lamps. Inside is a cleaner look, some new trim, a redesigned centre console and a steering wheel that bears some relationship to the one in Lexus' neat LFA sports car.Whoopee. The central touch controller - virtually a computer mouse for left-handed drivers - is improved and though there's a lot of information beneath its button, it's logical and easy to use. The leather and wood-trimmed RX350 is generous in cabin space and the 40/20/40 split rear seat and electric tailgate are handy inclusions.TECHNOLOGYElectronics win the day here. The voice control means hands-free access to the phone, navigation and audio. Bluetooth has audio streaming and automatic phonebook transfer. There's live traffic alerts and congestion avoidance advice, USB back-up and transfer, hard-disc drive navigation and cockpit-view mapping that artificially positions the camera above and behind the vehicle.Mechanically, the body is stiffer (simply, 24 more spot welds) while the engine remains the Toyota-Lexus 3.5-litre V6 with 204kW/346Nm. The engine has quieter mounts and an electrically-operated induction system that alters the tube length to maximise torque. The drive system is part-time all-wheel drive, picking up the rear wheels when needed by engaging an electro-magnetic coupling in the rear differential housing. An AWD-Lock button maximises grip up to 40km/h.SAFETYLots of news here. The RX350 gets features including the radar cruise function within a pre-collision system, 10 airbags, the Lexus VDIM umbrella that comprises electronic stability and traction control, brake assist, co-operative steering and brakeforce distribution.The Sports Luxury adds the latest-generation head-up display (a digital speedo projected onto the windscreen), side monitor (to detect passing cars) and clearance and parking sensors. There's also a reverse camera with an overlaid guide, adaptive front lighting that turns into corners, and hill-assist.The spare tyre is a space-saver.DRIVINGI fear the words “electric-assist steering” as much as lying awake at night worrying about the bed bugs biting. But Lexus has played the game well. The steering feel is a bit gooey and vague at low speeds but feels almost positive when cruising.It's no Porsche but it's sensibly weighted for the Lexus type of owner. Power is adequate with the hallmark being on smoothness and quietness rather than acceleration. That said, pressed hard and the 2-plus tonne RX350 can surprise.Its handling is fine and though I'd like more feel in the steering, again it suits its market. SUVs and corners have rarely been best friends and the RX350 doesn't break the creed. Comfort is excellent and will beat many sedans hands down. Its features and its comfort make it an enjoyable wagon. But it's big and can be awkward to park.VERDICTBetter than before but though technically a smart car, begs the question that is it all too much for most buyers?Lexus RX350 Sports Luxury Price: $93,900 Warranty: 4 years/100,000km, roadside assistResale: 56 per centService Interval: 6 months/10,000kmSafety: 10 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TCCrash rating: 5 starsEngine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol, 204kW/346NmTransmission: 6-speed auto; AWDThirst: 10.8L/100km; 95RON; 254g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.8m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.7m (H)Weight: 2085kgSpare: Space-saver

Its Netherlands-based parent company Spyker today announced a joint venture with China's Youngman Automobile to build Saab-based cars and an SUV in China. Spyker says it will form two joint ventures with Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile Company (Youngman) to build vehicles. Youngman will take a 29.9 per cent share in Spyker. Saab Australia spokesperson Gill Martin says “nothing official” has come out of the Swedish offices of Saab.  “We have nothing to say until we get a statement from Saab,” she says. Readers with some interest in the crumbling Saab will remember Youngman as being one of the original Chinese companies that Spyker turned to for finance when it was trying to revive Saab after its exit from General Motors. But GM thwarted any Chinese involvement, fearing its technology would be used by Youngman. That led to the Youngman deal collapsing and, in December 2011, Saab being declared bankrupt. Now, Spyker and Youngman plan to develop cars based on the Saab Phoenix platform - which was shown as a concept at the 2011 Geneva motor show - which is licensed to Youngman. This platform is not related to any GM technology. The new deal aims to see Youngman hold 80 per cent of company owning the Phoenix platform, with the remainder owned by Spyker. The pair will also develop an SUV based on the six-year-old D8 Peking-to-Paris concept, shown at the 2006 Geneva show. The D8 is to launch at the end of 2014 with a price tag of $250,000. In a statement overnight, Spyker said Youngman would invest 25 million Euros ($30 million) in the project, granting it 75 per cent of the shares, while Spyker would contribute the technology and retain 25 per cent of the shares. In addition to the two joint ventures, Youngman will pay $8 million for a 29.9 per cent equity stake in Spyker and make a shareholder loan of $4 million to the Dutch carmaker. And to further cloudy the waters, while this is going on Spyker is embroiled in a $3 billion lawsuit against GM over the demise of Saab. And we're not finished yet. Youngman hasn't sat still, last month receiving its (Chinese) local government approval to buy German bus maker Viseon Bus. Youngman will buy 74.9 per cent of Viseon for $1.2 million. Viseon, from Pilsting in Germany, posted a loss of $2.8 million on revenue of $38 million last year. Youngman will invest $3.6 million in the German bus maker and loan $7.3 million to shareholders and the company. Youngman's primary business is the manufacture of buses. It also makes small cars.  

Australia could be a dumping ground for cut-price European cars. Turmoil in European car plants as production plunges because of a weakening economy are making car makers turn their attention to marketing in more stable countries. Like Australia. But while the move would threaten the existing hierarchy dominated by Japanese and Korean manufacturers - and further erode the share of local makers - it could prove a bonanza for Australia's new car buyers. Desperate to maintain production, European factories are looking for new markets for its cars - many not previously available here - that may come at bargain prices. Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce executive director David Purchase warns that overseas manufacturers may flood our market with unwanted vehicles. “‘There would be more consumer choice and increased competition would result in lower prices,'' he says. ‘But there's a big difference between the benefit of greater consumer choice and lower prices, and dumping.'' He says that over exposure, or “dumping”', would be an issue for dealers in Australia.  “The local retail automotive industry is currently buoyant but a sudden increase of imports would cause instability. “Dealers would be put under pressure and they would be wary of investing heavily in land, stock and equipment for new stand-alone franchise sites, in case the brand fails or is short lived.'' Opel this week says it will halt production for 20 days and cut the hours of workers at two of its four German plants - which make the Astra and Insignia - in response to a drop in demand for cars in Europe. “The European car market is declining substantially,'' Opel says in a statement.  The high Australian dollar, which favours imports yet punishes exports, will ensure European cars will be very competitively priced in our market. One likely candidate is a small car from Kia. The company this week in Europe launched a wagon version of its small-size Cee'd car. This model is sold throughout Europe including the right-hand drive UK market. Kia Australia won't confirm plans to import the Cee'd but a spokesman did concede that “no new idea is off the table''. Cee'd is built at Kia's factory in Slovakia and is made alongside the Sportage for European markets. The Cee'd Sportswagon - which is noted for its large 1642-litre rear cargo area - follows the launch in Europe of a five-door hatch. The Slovakian factory will debut a three-door Pro-cee'd model at the Paris motor show ahead of its 2013 launch. This coupe includes a turbocharged version - using the same 150kW/265Nm engine as the Hyundai Veloster Turbo - to compete with the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Opel Astra GTC. The sums are being done on these models to see if they make a business case for Australia. That's not all - Kia and Hyundai plants in Korea can't make enough diesel engines to supply markets such as Australia but they may now come from Europe.  The two Korean-based companies are not alone. Opel, which is slowing production in line with falling demand and is under pressure to close a factory, this month started selling its cars in Australia. Car makers could look at European-made product and - for perhaps the first time - consider them for the Australian market. Ford makes most of its cars in Europe and may be able to either increase volume or lower the prices while Honda makes the Civic and CR-V SUV in the UK. Toyota also makes the Camry-sized Avensis wagon in the UK and exports it to Japan, and makes diesel engines and the Yaris small-car in France. Australia currently doesn't market the Avensis and gets its Yaris from Japan.  But with the favourable currency rates and the need to boost - or maintain - production levels in Europe, the UK could be the source for some Toyota models and components. Nissan has the UK's biggest car plant, making the Note, Invitation, Dualis and electric Leaf. It also makes the batteries for the Leaf and three-capacity petrol engines - 1.4, 1.6 and 2-litre. In Europe, most major brands saw sales decline in July. Opel's registrations were down nearly 19 per cent; Citroen sales fell by 23 per cent; Peugeot was down 21 per cent and Fiat dropped 16 per cent. Market leader, VW Group, had 1.5 per cent fewer registrations while Ford was down 4 per cent. Hyundai sales rose 19 per cent and sister brand Kia was up 53 per cent.  

Do you buy a second hand Commodore for $25,000 or a new Mazda 3 Neo automatic for $22,330 plus on-road costs?

It looks the same, drives the same but by removing its 4WD system Suzuki will save buyers a massive $4500. This is the first time Suzuki has removed its 4WD system from its five-door Grand Vitara wagon and reflects a growing trend for buyers wanting the look and versatility of a 4WD, without the need to go off the road. The 2WD versions now account for almost half of all 4WD sales. Suzuki Australia general manager Tony Devers says it's in response to customer demand. “In the past couple of years the proliferation of 2WD models has maintained SUVs as the fastest growing segment in the market; not just in Australia but around the world,” he says. Suzuki will brand its new wagon version as the Urban. Prices start at $26,990 drive away. This compares with the 4WD version at $31,490. It will only be available with a 2.4-litre petrol engine and a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. A diesel model is not being considered at this stage. The Urban competes with 2WD versions of SUVs such as the Nissan Dualis, Jeep Patriot, Kia Sportage, Hyundai ix35 and Volkswagen Tiguan. But the Suzuki is the only one to feature rear-wheel drive. The others are front-wheel drive. Devers says it makes the Grand Vitara Urban a logical choice for customers wanting a 2WD but still looking to tow. It retains the Grand Vitara 4WD's towing capacity of 1850kg.  

Chrysler, the parent company of Jeep and owned by Fiat Group, this week finished production of the 11-year-old Cherokee in the US and in June 2013, starts making its replacement. The next Cherokee will be a “softer” vehicle based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta platform - a layout that is also used to create the Dodge Dart hatchback - and will be made both as a front-wheel drive and a 4WD. It will come with the option of a world-first nine-speed automatic transmission and a new V6 engine. Until then, enthusiasts have a chance to buy the last of Jeep's hardcore mid-size 4WD.  “We will still receive shipments (of the current Cherokee) for the next few months and expect to sell through to mid-2013,” says Chrysler Australia public affairs manager Lenore Fletcher. Jeep is not discussing the look of the Cherokee's replacement. “We haven't said anything about that yet,” she says. “Mike Manley (Jeep's global chief) was in Australia recently to discuss the design concept but it's too early to talk about details.” But Carsguide has been informed that the new Cherokee - called Liberty in the US but to revert globally to Cherokee - will have a restyled Dart/Giulietta body. It will also become a single-body car-like construction, replacing the body-on-frame design of the current 4WD. Drivetrain will be the Fiat-derived 136kW/235Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol or possibly a smaller version of Chrysler's successful V6 petrol Pentastar engine. There is no talk of a diesel engine but as sources are based in the US, which is not a diesel market, it's likely oilburners will be available and made by a Fiat company. More than 50 per cent of Jeep's smaller Patriot and Compass models are sold in the US as front-wheel drive versions. Jeep says that is too big to ignore, hence the option of a cheaper 2013 Cherokee with 2WD as well as an all-wheel drive for adventure-seekers. The end of the Cherokee also spells the death of its sister, the Dodge Nitro. Chrysler is phasing out the Dodge name and says there will be no replacement for the Nitro.