Articles by Robbie Wallis

Volkswagen Group and Ford Motor Company have announced plans to expand their existing partnership beyond light-commercial vehicles (LCVs), expanding into electric vehicle (EV) architecture and self-driving technology.The new agreement will see Ford become the first car maker outside VW Group to have access to the Modular Electric Toolkit (MEB) platform set to underpin the upcoming ID family of all-electric Volkswagen models.Ford will use the MEB platform to create a full-electric vehicle for sale in Europe. It plans sell 600,000 units over six years, starting from its release in 2023.There is also the possibility of a second model destined solely for Europe, which would be in addition to the already-announced Mustang-inspired crossover EV.Volkswagen Group CEO Herbert Diess said the MEB sharing would reduce development costs for EVs, which can in turn stimulate the sale of alternative-propulsion vehicles.“Looking ahead, even more customers and the environment will benefit from Volkswagen’s industry-leading EV architecture. Our global alliance is beginning to demonstrate even greater promise, and we are continuing to look at other areas on which we might collaborate,” he said.“Scaling our MEB drives down development costs for zero-emissions vehicles, allowing for a broader and faster global adoption of electric vehicles. This improves the positions of both companies through greater capital efficiency, further growth and improved competitiveness.”VW Group has plans to build around 15 million MEB-based vehicles, following a $US7 billion ($A10b) investment.Along with the MEB plans, the two automotive giants have also announced an investment in autonomous-driving start-up Argo AI, which is in the process of developing a Level 4 self-driving system with plans to deploy it in Europe and the US.With the combined investment totalling over $US7 billion, the deal sees VW and Ford gain equal individual stakes in the start-up, which when put together make up a majority stake in the company.VW’s initial $US2.6 billion ($A3.7b) investment includes of funding and its $US1.6 billion ($A2.3b) Autonomous Intelligent Driving (AID) company, which has 200-plus employees that will be used to aid Argo AI’s 500-strong global workforce.The deal will also see VW purchase $US500 million of Argo AI shares from Ford over three years.Ford Motor Company president and CEO Jim Hackett said the joint AI investment would be beneficial to both companies.“While Ford and Volkswagen remain independent and fiercely competitive in the marketplace, teaming up and working with Argo AI on this important technology allows us to deliver unmatched capability, scale and geographic reach,” he said.“Unlocking the synergies across a range of areas allows us to showcase the power of our global alliance in this era of smart vehicles for a smart world.”The alliance between the two companies was first announced in January, including plans to co-develop the next-generation Ranger and Amarok pick-ups.

The Australian new vehicle market continued to fall in May, with an 8.1 percent slide across the market, matching an 8.1 percent decline year-to-date in 2019.

Skoda has ripped the covers off its facelifted Superb large car, which marks the first time the model has been given the brand's Scout soft-roader treatment.

Australia’s declining new-vehicle market continued its slide in April, with Kia the only top-10 brand to record positive sales growth for the month, according to the latest VFACTS sales data.

Renault has previewed its new-generation small van with the unveiling of the all-electric Kangoo ZE Concept, which could launch in production form as early as next year.

Goodyear has taken its high-performance tyre technology to the next level with the introduction of the Eagle F1 Supersport tyre range, which will take on the likes of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and Pirelli P Zero Cup 2 in the Ultra Ultra High Performance (UUHP) tyre market.

Proton is readying a rebirth in the Australian market now that the Malaysian carmaker is co-owned by Chinese automotive conglomerate Geely, who also counts Volvo, Lotus, Polestar and Lynk & Co under its umbrella.Local sales of Proton models – including the Exora, Preve and Suprima S – have come to a near-halt recently, with just a single new registration last year after sliding from 421 units in 2015.However, with Geely in control of Proton and snapping up 49 percent of the carmaker, plans are underway to rebadge China-sourced vehicles, as well as develop fresh models, for Australian market consumption."I would look closely at what Proton are up to," Geely head of international PR Ash Sutcliffe told journalists at last week’s Shanghai motor show. "Proton may be planning a return to Commonwealth nations in the near future."Mr Sutcliffe singled out Proton’s expertise in right-hand-drive development would complement Geely’s vast production resources."Proton have a lot of experience in developing right-hand-drive cars, and their chassis and platform development is really helpful for Geely," he said."For example, we do a lot of testing in Malaysia that we can’t do in China – hot-weather testing, when it’s cold here we can go there, and they have fantastic facilities, and they’ve got a lot of talent in developing right-hand-drive cars. So the match together is quite good."The first Geely-sourced vehicle to launch internationally last year was the Proton X70 mid-size SUV, a rebadged Bo Yue, which Mr Sutcliffe said has given the Malaysian brand a shot in the arm.However, the X70 is only a stop-gap solution, with future Proton models expected to be jointly developed with Geely, according to Mr Sutcliffe, though no timeline is yet set.As for Geely’s freshly-minted Geometry electric vehicle (EV) brand, Australian and South-East Asian market consideration is currently underway, which will be finalised in the next two years.

Chinese manufacturer Great Wall has confirmed its new-generation pick-up will score an electrified variant when the current Steed's replacement is revealed at the Shanghai motor show.

Toyota Australia has applied the special-edition treatment to its popular Kluger seven-seat large SUV, introducing a number of darkened exterior highlights that set it apart from the rest of the range.

Kia has used the Geneva motor show to unveil its Imagine by Kia all-electric sedan concept, a car the brand describes as "a visual embodiment of Kia's desire to move forward in the exciting world of electrification".