Articles by Spencer Leech

Kia Motors Australia (KMAu) now offers a hatchback body style for its popular Cerato small car as well as sporty GT variants to top the sedan and hatch ranges.

Ram Trucks has revealed its new Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 full-size pick-ups at the Detroit motor show, with the pair confirmed for an Australian debut next year.

Ford and Volkswagen have this week announced a manufacturing alliance that will see the two carmaking giants combine forces to develop commercial vehicles and pick-ups that will begin to hit international showrooms as early as 2022.

Infiniti as revealed a new electric ‘Inspiration’ concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, this time in the form of a premium mid-size SUV.The QX Inspiration shares its design language with the Q Inspiration four-door sedan which was shown at last year’s Detroit show, though with taller, boxier lines and a high-riding stance.It also sports ultra-slim headlights, handle-free doors, cameras to replace conventional wing mirrors and clean flat body surfaces befitting its pure-electric designation.Speaking of which, it’s unclear what powers the QX Inspiration, if anything, though Infiniti has plans to launch electrified powertrain options for each of its new models from 2021.Infiniti says its latest concept “previews the brand’s plan to launch a range of high-performance electrified vehicles which promise an engaging drive and deliver range confidence”. Clamshell doors pave the way to the vehicle’s minimalistic interior that adorns hand-crafted materials and large colour displays.According to Infiniti president Christian Meunier, the design of the QX inspiration foreshadows the brand’s first all-electric production model.“The QX Inspiration marks the beginning of a new generation of Infiniti cars and establishes a direct blueprint for the brand’s first electric vehicle,” he said.“Based on a new dedicated electric vehicle architecture and inspired by Infiniti’s Japanese DNA, the SUV concept previews a product portfolio which will offer high performance, ultra-low emissions, and range confidence.”

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its second-generation CLA ahead of its public debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week.

Hyundai has revealed its walking Elevate concept at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas – a vehicle designed to traverse rough terrain with its four robotic legs – and aimed to help emergency first responders and those living with a disability.The Elevate is the first of what Hyundai calls an Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV), and can walk or climb over a wide range of terrain, and drive with wheels fitted at the bottom of each leg.When the legs are stowed, the vehicle restricts power to the joints to maximise efficiency, allowing it to drive like a conventional car.Designed by Hyundai's Cradle division, the Elevate is built on a modular electric vehicle (EV) platform, allowing various components to be swapped in and out.According to Hyundai, the Elevate can climb a "five-foot wall", walk over diverse terrain, step over a five-foot gap and stretch to a 15-foot-wide track, while keeping the cabin and its occupants level.Hyundai Cradle vice-president John Suh imagines the Elevate to one day help emergency services during a natural disaster."When a tsunami or earthquake hits, current rescue vehicles can only deliver first responders to the edge of the debris field. They have to go the rest of the way by foot. Elevate can drive to the scene and climb right over flood debris or crumbled concrete," he said.Mr Suh also pointed out the benefits the Cradle technology could have for people living with disabilities."This technology goes well beyond emergency situations" he said."People living with disabilities worldwide that don't have access to an ADA ramp could hail an autonomous Hyundai Elevate that could walk up to their front door, level itself, and allow their wheelchair to roll right in. The possibilities are limitless."

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has increased pricing for a number of variants in its recently updated Triton pick-up range, which will land in local showrooms in early January.

Carlos Ghosn, former Nissan Motor Company representative director and chairman, has been officially indicted by Japanese prosecutors alongside ex-representative Greg Kelly and Nissan Motor Company itself.The indictment is in regards to allegations of false disclosures in annual securities reports, which violates financial law in Japan, meaning Nissan is also caught up in the misconduct claims.Mr Ghosn and his aide Mr Kelly were arrested by Japanese authorities last month, and officially removed from their positions at Nissan shortly after.The allegations claim that Mr Ghosn under-reported his salary by approximately ¥5 billion ($A61.5m) from 2010 to 2014 with the help of Mr Kelly.According to United States publication Automotive News, the pair have been indicted by Tokyo prosecutors due to new allegations that they also hid ¥4 billion ($A49m) between 2015 and 2017.Mr Ghosn and Mr Kelly were held without formal charge in Tokyo until their arrest on November 19 where they received a 22-day detention, however the re-arrest means the pair will have to remain in custody without bail for an extra 20 days.Nissan issued a formal statement in Japan, expressing its regret, and confirming the indictment of the company, Mr Ghosn and Mr Kelly."Nissan takes this situation extremely seriously. Making false disclosures in annual securities reports greatly harms the integrity of Nissan's public disclosures in the securities markets, and the company expresses its deepest regret," the company said. "Nissan will continue its efforts to strengthen its governance and compliance, including making accurate disclosures of corporate information."According to reports in Japan, Mr Ghosn and Mr Kelly could be facing up to 10 years imprisonment and ¥10 million ($A123,003) in fines.As Nissan is a corporation, it could be fined up to ¥700 million ($A8.6m).Mr Ghosn played a pivotal role in rescuing Nissan from the brink when he stepped up to the plate in 1999, helping establish the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance which is now the world's largest automotive group.While Mitsubishi has declared plans to remove Mr Ghosn, Renault says it is waiting for evidence before making a decision to oust him from the board.

Porsche Cars Australia has released pricing for the second variant in its updated Macan medium SUV range, the S, which will arrive in Q1 2019 at $97,500 plus on-road costs.

Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific has confirmed pricing for its AMG-fettled G63 upper-large SUV, topping the G-Wagon range at $247,700 plus on-road costs.