Articles by Neil McDonald

With fellow Swedish brand Saab tettering on the edge locally, Volvo Car Australia managing director, Alan Desselss, reckons the Volvo name could lure them across to the new C70 convertible.  "There is a good opportunity for us to go after ex-Saab convertible owners," Desselss says."Clearly there is a market that is open."  Local Saab sales have tanked with only one car sold so far this year as the product pipeline from Europe froze.Despite the company being saved from extinction by Dutch sportscar maker, Spyker, local dealers have watched buyers desert showrooms.  With the newest C70 S and T5 convertibles now arriving at Volvo dealers, Desselss is keen to snare sales from anywhere.The opener starts at $59,950 S with the range topper turbo T5 at $69,950.  Both the normally aspirated and turbo C70's use Volvo's five-cylinder petrol engines in 2.4 and 2.5-litre capacities.  The S develops 125kW/230Nm and the T5 169kW/320Nm.Although there are no plans for a four cylinder C70, Desselss says he would not rule it out in the future, saying such a model could help lower the entry price into the C70.  Volvo has already previewed a new-generation 149kW/300Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection four cylinder that will be rolled out in Europe in the S80, V70 and XC60.The engine is also destined for the new S60, which arrives in local showrooms later this year.  With the Saab 9-3 convertible effectively out of the picture, the C70 counts as its direct Euro rivals the Volkswagen Eos, BMW 1 Series convertible and Audi A3 convertible.

THE Kompressor is kaput.  In a drive to more efficient engines, Mercedes-Benz has dropped the volume-selling supercharged Kompressor engine from its refreshed C-Class sedan and wagon lineup. It remains in the SLK and CLC sports coupe, but as the next-generation models arrive the German carmaker is expected to move to

Suzuki Australia and tyre supplier Goodyear were quick to repond after reports from concerned owners over problems sourcing replacement rubber for the Alto's 14-inch rims.  A shipment of 155/65R14 tyres arrived on April 28 and another 120 tyres are due this week.Suzuki Australia spokesman, Andrew Ellis, admitted there was a shortfall of spare tyres in the country.  "The issue is that we are changing over to a new tyre, an eco version, and the shortfall has happened in the changeover," Ellis says.If any owners still have problems with replacements Suzuki will supply a wheel and tyre from one of its own vehicles.  The new low rolling resistence "eco" tyre, similar to the one fitted to the Ford Fiesta EcoNetic, delivers marginally better fuel economy.Ellis says with the new tyres fitted, the 50kW three-cylinder Alto's combined fuel economy drops .1 of a litre to 4.7 litres/100km.  Apart from the Swift, the Alto is one of the company's success stories.  Demand has exceeded supply but the company expects more shipments soon.Despite the Alto's success, the five-year old Swift is still the company's most consistent seller.  A new, larger Swift is in the pipeline for launch next year.It is expected to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September.  In Europe a range of petrol and diesel engines are planned, from a 1.3-, 1.5- and 1.6-litre petrol fours to a Fiat-sourced 1.3 common-rail diesel.

With Toyota and Nissan planning two-wheel drive versions of their popular RAV4 and X-Trail, Subaru Australia boss, Nick Senior, is adamant the Forester and Outback will not join them.  Despite a trend to two-wheel drive off-roaders Subaru "will remain firmly with symmetrical all-wheel drive", he says.Senior describes the current crop of pretend off-roaders as TUVs - Toy Utility Vehicles.  However, stripping out expensive all-wheel drive hardware can save as much as $3000 and help lower fuel consumption and emissions.Some front-wheel drive compact off-roaders, like the Nissan Dualis, are now outselling their all-wheel drive cousins.  Toyota will add a front-drive RAV4 this week to join the front-drive Kluger and Nissan is planning a front-drive X-Trail later this year.Both will save weight and improve fuel economy.  The front-drive RAV4 is tipped to be about 100kg lighter and the X-Trail is lose a similar amount of weight.Nissan Australia boss, Dan Thompson, is confident the front driver X-Trail will help expand its appeal.  "You only have look at the success of Hyundai with its Tucson City," he says.Both the RAV4 and X-Trail are expected to be available for under $30,000.  Thompson says that many buyers appreciate the higher driving position of an off-roader but do not necessarily need all-wheel drive.He is aiming to repeat the success of the company's front drive Dualis, which now accounts for 80 per cent of all Dualis sales.  When it was launched it was available only as an all-wheel drive and sales were sluggish. Apart from the RAV4 and X-Trail, Honda is looking at its options for the CR-V.  Honda spokesman, Mark Higgins, says the company may consider a front drive CR-V "but it would have to have a significant price advantage to make sense".The CR-V is mostly front-wheel drive but uses a "real-time" all-wheel drive system in off-road conditions.  After Subaru Australia went all-wheel drive back in 1998 it has never looked back.  The move helped it become the third biggest Subaru market globally after Japan and the United States. Faux front-drive off-roadersHolden Captiva 5Mazda CX7Kia SportageHyundai ix35Renault KoleosNissan DualisToyota Kluger

Owners of Volkswagen Golfs fitted with 118 TSI engines are being asked to have their engines checked out.  The problem also affects Jetta models using the same engine. Although not a recall, Volkswagen Australia this week issued a "service campaign" on 6690 locally delivered Golfs and Jettas fitted with the high-tech

Small car sales were up more than 40 per cent last month as the industry tracks to a bumper one million-plus sales year. Budget buys continue to dominate, filling out seven of the top 10 sales spots in April.South Korean importer Hyundai was one of the stars, recording 16 consecutive months of month-on-month sales growth. Its sales are up 65 per cent this year. Hyundai's budget sub-$15,000 Getz and i30 hatch, which starts around $20,300, are the big sellers. Spokesman, Stephen Howard, said more buyers are chasing value for money with small cars. "And that's our whole philosophy," he said.Toyota's HiLux ute was the No1 seller last month, beating the Holden Commodore by just 254 cars. Despite the popularity of the workman's ute, the home-grown Holden remains the country's top selling family sedan. More than 14,500 Commodores have been sold this year.Solid sales delivered the second highest April result on record. Figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries show that 81,401 vehicles were sold last month, up 27 per cent on the same month in 2009. FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar said most segments were strong."It is certainly very encouraging and shows the competition between the brands is intense," he said. "But challenges still remain."McKellar warns that interest rate increases could dampen demand in coming months. "However, the industry is hopeful that they are now at a level where further increases will be more difficult to justify," he said.Toyota holds on to its top selling position with a market share of 20.5 per cent. Holden is in second spot with 12.2 per cent and Ford third with 10.1 per cent. This year-to-date, 333,228 vehicles have been sold.Top 10 sellers1 Toyota HiLux 34192 Holden Commodore 31653 Mazda3 30794 Toyota Corolla 28295 Ford Falcon 27636 Holden Cruze 25147 Hyundai i30 24838 Hyundai Getz 21929 Mitsubishi Lancer 191210 Toyota Yaris 1799

The latest car company boss to join the chorus for low or zero emission cars is the new head of GM-Holden, Mike Devereux. In his first speech as Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries president, Devereux said reducing harmful emissions remained one of the biggest challenges facing carmakers."It's fair to say that the world is excited by the roll out of low-emission vehicles such as hybrids, pure electric vehicles, extended range vehicles and alternative fuels," he said. "In a few years time the Australian automotive industry could be a transformed landscape. But there is a need for the industry and government to work hand-in-hand."Devereux warned guests at the annual FCAI dinner last night that without incentives, consumer acceptance for these vehicles would be tough."In Australia at the moment it's difficult for the respective brands to mount a valid business case for these vehicles when many other countries are already offering large incentives to consumers who buy these low-emission vehicles," he said.Norway currently leads the world with no taxes on electric cars and free parking.Devereux said success with these cars would only come through a partnership with governments and customers. He said there was no silver bullet. "In Australia we need to work with the Federal Government to continue and accelerate the progress that has been achieved to date," he said. "I note that carbon dioxide emissions from new cars here are at a record low of 218.5 grams of CO2 per kilometre. This is almost a 20 per cent decrease in seven years and while that's good, we still have a long way to go."GM-Holden plans to introduce its Volt electric/petrol car in 2012 and importers are lobbying for incentives on electric cars. Nissan and Mitsubishi want Federal aid to help accelerate consumer acceptance of electric cars but their calls have fallen on deaf ears. Nissan plans to launch its Leaf electric hatch here in 2012. Mitsubishi is already testing its i-MIEV locally and expects to start selling it here next year.Nissan Australia managing director, Dan Thompson, said that without incentives, Australia would lag behind the rest of the world in the adoption of electric cars. "There isn't the level of engagement, commitment and support that will be needed to accelerate the uptake of EVs here," he said. Nissan and the NSW, VIC and ACT governments are currently exploring ways of bringing electric cars to market.

One of the first tasks of the new Australian Automotive Industry Association will be to appoint a lobbying group to  head-to-head with Federal politicians on automotive issues.  The association's acting chief executive, James McCall, expects the new body to have plenty of clout as it represents 80 per cent of auto industry workers nationally. McCall said the motor industry in Australia was an extremely significant business.  Not counting manufacturers it represents 100,000 businesses that employ about 300,000 people, he said. "It's a significant organisation within the Australian economy but we don't believe it is generally recognised as such and that's one of the reasons we've formulated the new association," McCall said.  "Our members need better representation and the AAIA will give it to them." McCall said the biggest issue facing the auto sector was training.  "We need training to keep pace with technological changes," he said. "We believe the arrangements put in place by government so far are inadequate and do not recognise the views of the industry."  Apart from training McCall said the association needed to build up a good relationship between motor dealers and manufacturers.  "This relationship has been fractured over time and we need to repair that relationship," he said.  The association has emerged out of disillusionment with the Motor Trades Association over costs, services and the powerful role of MTA chief executive, Michael Delaney.  "Over the last decade the MTA has taken a life of its own," McCall said. "It has grown stale and does not effectively represent the motor trades in political forums."  The MTA in NSW and Queensland, along with the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce and Tasmania's TACC were behind the split.  McCall said he expects other MTA groups Western Australia, South Australia and the ACT and Northern Territory to follow. The executive director of the VACC, David Purchase, said it was felt the MTAA business model, which had served its purpose in the past, was not appropriate for the future. The organisation "had to evolve" in order to stay ahead, he said.  "Under the previous structure we were falling behind," he said.  Purchase said AAIA members would be well served by a comprehensive support network.  The new association will also gain considerable lobbying clout with governments. The Motor Trades Association of Australia was set up in 1988.

Each 50th anniversary model will get special exterior design elements, exclusive interior finishes and more standard equipment. The range will include G Series and XR models, with six individual variants available across both sedan and ute models, including a G6E, G6E Turbo, Falcon XR6 sedan, XR6 Turbo sedan, XR6 Ute and XR6 Turbo ute. Ford will build about 750 G-Series and 4000 XR birthday specials. The Falcon XR 50th Anniversary sedans will feature "Dark Stealth" colour accents on the grille, fog light bezels and rear bumper insert, and "Medium Stealth" accents on the alloys, along with high series side mirrors with integrated indicators and G6-spec tail lights. Anniversary features for the exterior include "XR50" graphics, body stripes and a "50th Anniversary" badging. Inside there is an embroidered XR50 logo on the seats, carpet mats and door scuff plates and 50th Anniversary instrument graphics. Other highlights include special interior trim on the centre console, dashboard and front doors, along with standard dual zone climate control, premium audio system and high series sports leather steering wheel. Features specific to the Falcon XR6 50th Anniversary include new partial leather seat trim and 18-inch XR alloy wheels with the detail accent treatment. The Falcon XR6 Turbo 50th Anniversary receives new leather-detailed seat trim, reverse sensors and 19-inch XR alloys with full colour accents. Production of XR anniversary models start in June, with G Series anniversary models to follow a month later. The longest running vehicle name in Australian motoring history marks its 50th birthday on June 28. It will be half a century after the first XK Falcon rolled off Ford Australia's Campbellfield production line. Ford Australia's marketing, sales and service vice president Beth Donovan, says 50 years of continuity in any industry is a remarkable achievement "but it's especially rare in a dynamic field like the car industry". "The Falcon's long and distinguished heritage is unmatched by any other car in the history of Australian motoring." Prices for the 50th Anniversary range will be announced closer to the on sale date. "But as with previous limited edition models, customers can expect these special vehicles to come with some equally special pricing that will deliver exceptional value for money," Donovan says. The timing of the anniversary anniversary Falcons also marks 50 years since the first inline six-cylinder engine was built at Ford's Geelong engine plant. The 144 cubic inch (2.4-litre) overhead valve (OHV) engine developed 67kW when it was introduced, which was class-leading at the time but only average for a 1.5-litre four-cylinder today. By comparison, the advanced design of today's Falcon engine would have been unimaginable back in 1960, with high-tech features like a dual-mode split plenum composite intake manifold, fast burn cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and dual independent variable camshaft timing (DI-VCT). The current Falcon's six-cylinder engine produces almost three times the power and more than twice the peak torque, while being significantly more fuel efficient despite a 50 per cent increase in total vehicle mass.

When Mercedes-Benz Australia announced pricing for its stunning new SLS AMG "Gullwing" earlier this week, it was almost $40,000 lower than its forecast $500,000. At $464,000, Mercedes-Benz Australia managing director, Horst von Sanden, is tipping an increase in deposits from prospective buyers, many of them collectors. The first cars are due to arrive within months. As many SLS's are expected to be driven at weekends and race days, owners will also get a specially made car cover and battery recharging equipment. The company's allocation of just 50 cars has blown out to 70 and the Australian operation is trying to secure more cars. Following its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show last year, production of the SLS is now well under way at Sindelfingen, Germany - the largest Mercedes-Benz passenger car production plant.  "The SLS AMG has been extremely well received by our customers in Australia with over forty orders already locked in," von Sanden says. "Despite the fact that the first customer cars have not yet arrived and with deliveries not expected until August the order book is filling fast. Even in advance of the actual market launch, orders have considerably exceeded our expectations. Given the impressive demand we are experiencing for this special car our stock allocation for 2010 could well be insufficient." The SLS features an aluminium spaceframe body with gullwing doors that tips the scales at just 1620kg. It is powered by an AMG-built 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine developing 420kW and 650Nm. There is dry sump lubrication, seven-speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle configuration and sports suspension. The SLS has a top speed of 317km/h and zero to 100km/h sprint time of just 3.8 seconds.