Articles by Ron Hammerton

Ron Hammerton
Contributing Journalist

GoAutoMedia

Ron Hammerton is GoAuto's senior writer.

A veteran of more than 40 years in journalism and the motor industry, Ron Hammerton is one of the most experienced writers covering the Australian motoring scene today.

He cut his teeth in country newspapers in Mildura and Bendigo, and then spent 13 years with Melbourne's Herald Sun - Australia's biggest-selling daily newspaper - where he became deputy chief sub-editor.

In 1986 he was attracted into the role of motoring editor, reviewing cars and covering both the motor industry and motor racing.

In 1991, he became editor of the Automotive Business section of The Australian with John Mellor's Melbourne-based production team, before switching to the other side of the automotive industry fence in 1993 to become public relations manager for Honda Australia, rising to the rank of general manager.

From 2001, he spent eight years providing marketing writing services to GM Holden. During that time, he also indulged his passion for motor racing by accepting the media manager's role with the HSV Dealer Team as it won back-to-back V8 Supercar championships with Rick Kelly and Garth Tander in 2006-2007.

In January 2009, Ron returned to John Mellor's GoAutoMedia, this time as a sub-editor and senior writer for GoAuto.com.au and the weekly newsletter, GoAutoNews.

In 2010, he was appointed managing editor, a position he held until his semi-retirement in 2013.

Ron brings to the GoAutoMedia team a broad understanding of news management as well as a vital knowledge of the paradigms that drive the motor industry.

Lifan X80 SUV caught under test Down Under
By Justin Hilliard · 08 Nov 2017
An undisguised example of Lifan Motors' X80 was sprung testing in Victoria last week.
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All-new Forester coming in second-half 2018
By Justin Hilliard · 06 Nov 2017
Subaru Australia's best-selling offering, the Forester, will be replaced next year by an all-new model looking to rocket up the medium-SUV sales charts, with many of its rivals having been overhauled.
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RHD Chrysler future guaranteed
By Ron Hammerton · 19 Oct 2017
The future of the Chrysler 300 SRT has been guaranteed by FCA Australia, despite reports that RHD production had stopped.
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Holden to honour heritage following exit
By Ron Hammerton · 14 Oct 2017
The final examples of the Aussie Commodore will roll off Holden’s production line in Elizabeth, South Australia, this week, with a quartet to be kept by the carmaker.
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What did Holden build before cars?
By Ron Hammerton · 14 Oct 2017
Tracing its history back to 1856, Holden is the second-oldest mobility company in the world, trailing France's Peugeot, which began operations in 1810 when it started out as a coffee mill manufacturer before transitioning to bicycles. While Karl Benz was tinkering with his first vehicle in Germany during 1886, James
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Holden to launch 'OnStar' service in 2019
By Ron Hammerton · 06 Oct 2017
Holden Australia is set to introduce General Motors' connected 'OnStar' service into its line-up in 2019.
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Ranger tops HiLux in September 2017 sales
By Ron Hammerton · 04 Oct 2017
Ford's ever-popular Ranger utility eclipsed its main rival, the Toyota HiLux, to become Australia's best-selling new model last month, according to official VFACTS data released today.
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Refreshed EcoSport confirmed for Australia
By Ron Hammerton · 06 Sep 2017
Ford’s EcoSport crossover will soon receive a major model refresh that could include a new, more powerful and more economical engine, as well as enhanced connectivity and an exterior makeover.
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HiLux repeats as top-selling Australian model
By Ron Hammerton · 05 Sep 2017
According to official VFACTS data released today, the Toyota Hilux and its competitors in the one-tonne segment have driven the Australian new-vehicle market to a record August sales tally.
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Lighter, faster Porsche Cayenne emerges
By Ron Hammerton · 30 Aug 2017
A lighter, faster Porsche Cayenne luxury large SUV was unveiled at an elaborate global event in Germany last night.
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