Articles by Paul Gover

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 worldwide head of the Italian company, which also controls Chrysler in the USA, admits Australia has suffered in the past but promises immediate action on a range of fronts as well as a longer-term commitment to right-hand drive vehicles.  It could even include a change of representation for Fiat. "I think we have to be careful that we come up with an economically viable answer for Australia". "We need to make money out of selling cars in Australia to be perfectly honest," says Sergio Marchionne, the head of both Fiat and Chrysler Group.  "I think we have had relative success in some of our ventures. I know the Fiat side has struggled for a while with this and we are in the process of cleaning up our act in Australia and come up with a unified view of the work to do.  "The fact we have created the Asia-Pacific region with a CEO, Mike Manley, who is running it is now giving the proper focus to Australia. Unfortunately Australia has always been the orphan child. It was the stuff that we dealt with whenever we cleaned up something else and never got a lot of attention."

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. With the retro drive in the US, Chrysler is considering a plan that would see the Barracuda join its three current classic nameplates - Challenger, Charger and Avenger.  The Challenger coupe is the hero car for the brand and competes directly with the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, just as it did when the three cars first went head-to-head in the 1970s.  Early details of the Barracuda plan have just leaked in motown during the Detroit motor show, where Chrysler has just returned the Dodge Dart name to its roster with an American remake of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta mechanical package shared with the American company's Italian alliance partner, Fiat.  It's likely that the Barracuda will be based on the mechanical package of the latest 300C sedan, but it is not expected until at least 2014.  But no-one is talking yet. "I've not seen or heard anything official on a Barracuda plan," Clyde Campbell, managing director of Chrysler Jeep Australia, tells Carsguide in Detroit.

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 brighter aspect is thanks to cash and commitments from Canberra and Detroit. Ford has just won a $103 million lifeline that locks the Falcon and Territory in place until at least 2016, while Holden is closing fast on a deal to cement its manufacturing operation in South Australia through until 2020. Both companies now join Toyota Australia, which has just switched its Altona factory to an all-new Camry and is spending $350 million on a fresh engine factory, with solid commitments from their head offices to ongoing operations in Australia. The new deals come after high-level meetings in Detroit yesterday between the Federal Minister for Industry, Senator Kim Carr, and South Australian premier Jay Weatherill and a range of senior motown executives up to Ford Motor Company's CEO Alan Mullaly and the chairman of General Motors, Dan Akerson. The major focus is development of a fresh co-investment strategy between the Federal government and the carmakers, taking advantage of the $3.4 billion fighting fund included in the Automotive Transformation Scheme as part of the motor industry plan that runs through to the end of the decade. Senator Carr was upbeat when he emerged from the talks, firstly to pledge his support of Holden and then to announce the new Ford deal which has been fast-tracked in less than six months. "We had very, very productive conversations. We are at the table," said Senator Carr. He confirmed the Ford deal protects the jobs of the company's production line workers at both Broadmeadows and Geelong, despite dismal Falcon sales in 2011 and total output which was down to only 45,000 vehicles including the Territory SUV and Falcon ute. Senator Carr also said his priority for Holden was ensuring no job losses at either Fishermans Bend, the heart of Holden's engineering and design operation, or at the factory in Adelaide that produces the Commodore and compact Cruze. "We are in the business of fighting for jobs. That's what this is all about. Fighting for Australian jobs and fighting for partnerships that take us through the rest of this decade," Senator Carr said. "Manufacturing facilities in Victoria are very, very important." Senator Carr said the new deals will also protect smaller companies that supply components to the major makers, as well as drawing new investment from offshore suppliers - citing successes in India and China - keen to service Ford and Holden. The Ford deal is signed and sealed, while everything points to a Holden contract within six months. "I think we've reached a position where an agreement looks likely," said Premier Weatherill. Holden is already committed to the upcoming VF Commodore in 2014 and its compact Cruze through to at least 2016, but the new deal is aimed at locking the company into GM's future global product plans as it eliminates 'orphans' such as the Australia-only Commodore. "Am I confident there is a way forward for Holden? Yes, I'm confident," said the chairman of GM Holden, Mike Devereux. "We are working on a long-term sustainable future for this company. We're talking about things that won't become true until late 2016." For Ford Australia, the fresh investment and high-level support from Ford in Detroit is intended to end uncertainty over the future of the Falcon and the sort of rumours, loss of confidence and falling sales that eventually forced Mitsubishi to shut its Australian factory. "There is no way to make this story bad," said the head of Ford Asia- Pacific, Joe Hinrichs. Senator Carr, who was recently demoted to the outer cabinet of Julia Gillard's government, was bullish and enthusiastic about his work on an industry that has become a personal passion. "A $103 million investment is a very significant amount. I'm very, very pleased about this announcement," said Carr on the Ford front. But he also knows the reality of the increasing globalisation of the motor industry, and the pressures placed on the three local makers by a strong Australian dollar which has effectively made exports - even for Toyota - a non-profit operation. "We have to ackknoledge harsh realities," Senator Carr said. "Our approach is about building and maintaining capability in Australia. We are in the business of fighting for jobs. That's what this is all about. Fighting for Australian jobs and fighting for partnerships that take us through the rest of this decade. "It's strategically vital. The loss of the industry is irretrievable. It will cost a lot more, a lot more, if we don't have an automotive industry in Australia."

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. Chrysler claims credit for originally creating the class back in the 1980s, and this time around its thinking is reflected in a concept car called the  700C.  It shares its nameline with the existing 300C and 200 passenger cars, but takes things to a whole new level.  The 700C is a giant concept car with much more radical styling than  anything currently in the class - and since the 'giant egg' Toyota Tarago - with the focus on a wedgy look with more car-like design cues than most big boxes.  It has electric sliding doors on both sides, big alloy wheels and a front-wheel drive mechanical package.  But Chrysler says nothing about the 700C, not even including the concept in its opening-day press presentation.  More information could emerge on the second day of the Detroit show, but right now its unveiling is so low-key - it was just wheeled onto the Chryler stand without any fanfare - that there is nothing in the official press package handed to journalists today.

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. Despite claims that there is nothing retro about the youth-focussed two-door concept, it takes its inspiration from the BMW 2002 Tii of the 1980s. "Yes, you're right. It does," Mark Reuss, the president of GM North America, admits to Carsguide. "That was a great car." The Chevrolet 130R has also been compared with today's chunky BMW 1 Series coupe but Reuss says the GM designers responsible for the car looked further back for their ideas.  The car is one of a pair of Chevrolet concepts - the other is the wedgy Tru 140S - aimed at the next generation of car buyers. Apart from their shape, the clear difference is their focus. The Tru-car is about style and high-tech connections for what General Motors is calling 'Millenials', the next generation of young drivers about to begin their life on wheels, and its body sits over the front- wheel drive platform of the existing Chevrolet Cruze. But the Code is about driving enjoyment and shares its mechanical platform with the rear-wheel drive Cadillac ATS revealed at the Detroit show, but with the 1.4-litre turbocharged Ecotec engine about to be fitted to the Chevrolet Sonic RS - a car also being considered for Australia as a hotrod Barina.

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 ATS is a rear-wheel drive rival for the BMW 3 Series and its mechanical package will also be morphed into the next Chevrolet Camaro, ending the muscle car's Commodore connection. The possibility of significant Australian sales for the car, particularly with strength of the Australian dollar since the global  financial crisis, has Holden executives thinking again about the potential of Cadillac down under.They are also buoyed by the decision to make the ATS available with right-hand drive, as well as a diesel engine, even though its development has been focussed on the USA. "There is no indication of a plan to bring Cadillac to Australia but, obviously, having the ability for right-hand drive and options like a diesel powertrain would make it a great car for Australia," the spokesperson for GM Holden, Emily Perry, tells Carsguide."It's possible, but far from decided. There are other priority markets to look at. It's a global brand, but the focus is regional." Holden came close to adding Cadillac to its local lineup in 2008, when it planned a premium division which would have tied it to Saab and Hummer. But the global financial crisis killed the plan dead, as Holden focussed on survival when General Motors slipped into bankruptcy. "We had a choice - cut people or kill Cadillac. I was not going to cut people," former chairman of GM Holden, Mark Reuss, tells Carsguide. The ATS is a good looking car with a rear-wheel drive chassis that's been tuned at the Nurburgring, and it's already a hit with one Australian - Mike Simcoe, the executive director of design for General Motors International Operations, based in Melbourne."It would work well in Australia. What the GM network needs is some luxury products. You could top and tail the brand with Cadillac," Simcoe tells Carsguide.

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 new investment plan has been finalised since August that will provide a freshen for the Falcon, as well as a range of efficiency improvements, to take the car and the Territory SUV through to at least 2016. It protects more than 3500 jobs at Ford's Victorian manufacturing sites at Broadmeadows and Geelong. The deal was predicted by Carsguide on the weekend and involves investment from both Ford Motor Company and the Federal government, under its Automotive Transformation scheme. Ford confirmed the deal yesterday in an unprecedented move to try and end speculation about the future of the Falcon, following the worst sales year in its history through 2011. Falcon sales fell to less than 19,000 and the total production at Broadmeadows - including Falcon ute and Territory - was only 45,000 vehicles. But Ford is upbeat about the new deal and says it marks a significant turning point for its local production. "There is no way to make this story bad," says the head of Ford Asia-Pacific, Joe Hinrichs. He is present at an announcement on the opening day of the Detroit motor show that also includes Ford's global chief Alan Mulally, local president Bob Graziano, and Federal Minister for Industry, Senator Kim Carr. "A $103 million investment is a very significant amount. I'm very, very pleased about this announcement," says Carr. The fresh Ford deal was pulled together quickly when it became obvious that falling sales were threatening even the short-term future of the Falcon. "We did not have a plan to make this level of investment in the Falcon," admits Hinrichs. He says Ford would not set up a new factory for the relatively low production levels at Broadmeadows, but confirms the company is still profitable and viable. "We're not in the business to lose money," he says. But Hinrichs refuses to comment on anything beyond 2016, even though GM Holden is currently working on a new deal for its factory in Adelaide that will confirm production of two cars through to around 2020. "Does that man this is a 20-year plan? No, candidly. But it gives us several years to decide," 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 company's manufacturing operation in Adelaide and its research base at Fishermans Bend are the target for a renewed commitment from General Motors on one side and both state and federal governments in Australia aimed at taking the company through to at least 2020.High-level talks in Detroit today have yet to produce a concrete deal but there are positive signs that the Federal government will dip into a $3.4 billion fighting fund to produce a co-investment plan to secure two car lines for Holden's factory at Elizabeth."I think we've reached a position where an agreement looks likely," says the South Australian premier, Jay Weatherall.Holden is already committed to the upcoming VF Commodore in 2014 and its compact Cruze through to at least 2016, but the new deal is aimed at locking the company into GM's future global product plans. Holden knows it cannot go alone as it has in the past and the Federal Minister for Industry, Senator Kim Carr, says his government supports any move to protect jobs in the Australian automotive sector."It's strategically vital. The loss of the industry is irretrievable. It will cost a lot more, a lot more, if we don't have an automotive industry in Australia," says Carr."Our approach is about building and maintaining capability in Australia. We are in the business of fighting for jobs. That's what this is all about. Fighting for Australian jobs and fighting for partnerships that take us through the rest of this decade."Carr met with the chairman of GM, Dan Ackerson, yesterday and says a working group has been established to plow through the detail of a new co-investment deal that would secure funding from Detroit and balance it with cash from Canberra.The government has money available from the $3.4 billion Automotive Transformation Fund, under the latest car plan that runs until 2020, to support any commitment from GM."Am I confident there is a way forward for Holden? Yes, I'm confident," says the chairman of GM Holden, Mike Devereux.He will not go into any detail but says Holden wants to continue with two individual models on its production line in South Australia, as well as a continuation of its large portfolio of design and engineering work throughout the GM world."We are working on a long-term sustainable future for this company. We're talking about things that won't become true until late 2016," Devereux 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 first-born child of the new Fiat-Chrysler alliance, the new Dodge Dart is unveiled this week as Chrysler's headliner at the Detroit motor show and the jockeying has already begun to get the car confirmed for local showrooms. It will not arrive before the second half of 2013 but, because it is based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta already sold in Australia, there is a better-than-even chance of a go-ahead for local deliveries. "We find out the production plan this week. We believe there is no inhibitor. If the numbers support the engineering investment it should go ahead," the managing director of Chrysler Jeep Australia, Clyde Campbell, tells Carsguide. "We need help from the UK, South Africa and Singapore, as well as Australia and New Zealand, to band together to build the business case. If not, we've got to carry the cost ourselves." The Dart would take Chrysler back to the compact class for the first time since it sold the good looking but underwhelming Chrysler Neon in Australia in the late 1990s. "We're pretty keen. It's a good segment. We don't have an offering there so we'd be delighted if we could get it," says Campbell. Early information on the Dart shows a stylish four-door sedan with the sort of punchy looks that have made the Chrysler 300C a success in Australia, with three four-cylinder engines and three six-speed, front-wheel drive transmissions, as well as five different trim levels. Chrysler is claiming significant American input on the conversion of the Fiat Group engineering package for its local needs, and production at its factory at Belvidere in Illinois. “Dodge is back in the compact car segment in a big way. The Dart is well-crafted, agile, powered by world-class, fuel-efficient powertrains, loaded with high-tech features that are both clever and useful, and it’s fun to drive," says Matt Liddane, the vehicle line executive responsible for the car. The Dart is the real beginning of genuine product sharing spun from Fiat's effective takeover of Chrysler, which will see the American brand putting fresh 'top-hat' bodies on Italian platforms and Fiat tapping larger cars and Jeep vehicles for its needs in Europe. Chrysler is touting the Alfa Romeo DNA in the car but pushing its styling work on a car which looks massively different from the Italian original. “The Alfa Romeo-based architecture allowed us to design an exterior with great proportions that say ‘fun-to-drive’ when you look at it," says Joe Dehner, head of Dodge Design. But one thing could easily change before the Dart makes it to Australia - the badge. Dodges are not sold downunder and Campbell hints it might need a new name here. "It might as a re-badged product in another brand. Perhaps a Chrysler," he says. Campbell also says the Fiat-Chrysler alliance, which might eventually see his team take over local distribution of the Italian brands from the Ateco Group in Sydney, will definitely bring more models for Chrysler. "Obviously the platform sharing will bring further opportunities. If something is engineered in one brand, then it increases the likelihood of getting more product to our market." But he warns against any early optimism, even if the Dart is fired from Detroit. "We wouldn't get it until 2013. We certainly won't be getting it this year. It's a 2013 model launch late this year in the USA and we would be somewhere behind them, perhaps even in 2014."

Everything from a tweaked HiLux to the all-new 86 sports car are confirmed for one of the biggest product makeovers in Brand T's recent history in a showroom revamp that promises something for almost anyone. The locally made Camry is already swinging back into full-scale production - with the hybrid next and then the V6 Aurion - with an overhauled Corolla to end the action in the back end of the year. "We have now embarked on a dramatic period of product renewal. For the year ahead, Toyota sees plenty of positives," says Dave Buttner, executive vice-president of sales and marketing at Toyota Australia. Following a quiet year on the model front through 2011, apart from the late arrival of the new Camry, shoppers will see plenty of action from this month right through until November with a predictable emphasis on the expansion of the Prius lineup to include the new V and C models, as well as a facelift for the regular Prius hatch. But it's the 86 coupe that will be the headliner. "We've seeing an incredible amount of interest in that car," says Buttner. At Lexus shops, the all-new GS is the hero car, with the RX SUV also coming in for an overhaul. The new-model push comes after what was, for Toyota, a disappointing result in 2011. It might have been Australia's favourite brand for the ninth straight year, with a string of successes including class wins for the Camry and HiLux, but sales were down by 15.4 per cent over 2010. The result looked even worse when natural disasters in Japan and Thailand emptied the supply chain, and a final-quarter recovery - when the Corolla even led the Mazda3 that became Australia's number one - only just got things back on track. "I think it's marvelous, compared to what it could have been. Things looked pretty bad there for a while. It was actually a good result in the end," says Buttner. He is predicting a sales result of around 250,000 vehicles in 2012, up from 181,624, last year and believes the new models will provide the drive. "Our aspirations are strong for 2012. Four of the past five months (of 2011) were stronger than the corresponding time in 2010. That's a great springboard into 2011," says Buttner. 2012 AT TOYOTA All-new Camry Hybrid V6 Aurion Prius C Prius V 86 sports car Corolla Lexus GS Updates LandCruiser Prius HiLux Lexus RX.