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BYD is poised to step up its attack on the ute market, with a raft of possible Shark 6 expansion models under consideration.The Chinese brand’s decision to triple the Shark 6 line-up with the new 2.0-litre Performance model and the Cab Chassis variant is only the beginning of its growth plans for the popular ute.BYD Australia Chief Operating Officer Stephen Collins said the company is focused on expanding the appeal of the plug-in hybrid ute to potential fleet customers in the short-term, with more options on the table beyond that.“There's more sub-segments that are pretty obvious that we're talking to HQ about,” Collins told CarsGuide.“So nothing I can confirm at this point, but yeah, we're certainly looking to continue to grow where it makes sense in the range. So whether that be at the top, whether it be at the bottom, whether it be certain mining-spec cars or whatever it may be, definite opportunities there. And because we're the lead market I think we have a lot of pull in what we can bring to the market.”The addition of the Shark 6 Performance means the ute can now tow up to 3500kg, opening the market to customers who tow larger items, such as ‘grey nomad’ caravaners and other tradespeople. While the new Dynamic Cab Chassis gives the Shark 6 more appeal to tradies and fleet customers in need of a specific solution at the rear instead of the integrated tub.Collins wouldn’t be drawn on any specific areas where the Shark 6 range could expand to, but did underline just how important growing its share of the lucrative fleet market is.“I think the obvious one has been fleet. We said last night that 35 per cent is about the norm. We've been at 10, we're now at 20 . So I think fleet is probably the obvious one where we've really been missing out, and we've established a fleet department. We work closely with our retail partners. We've probably got, in combination with our retail partners, we've probably got 25 people working on fleet. So that's the obvious one.“I think we just appeal broadly now, and I think there's just more opportunity as the car's only been in the market for 14-15 months. We've quickly gained, I think, a strong reputation getting on the shopping list. And I think now we're just getting on the shopping list of more tradies, grey nomads, families who just want to go camping, sparkies, just all of the above. And I think this just widens the appeal.”One likely option would be installing the new 2.0-litre petrol engine in the Cab Chassis, which would allow it to tow up to 3500kg, instead of the current 2500kg. Collins wouldn’t confirm such a variant was locked in, but did say it was “on the radar” for the brand.

My 2007 Holden Rodeo went into limp mode, but now the automatic gear lever is sloppy and the gearbox appears to be stuck in second which results in not being able to start engin

A new entry-level engine is the big news in Ford's latest upgrade of the Ranger dual-cab. Gone is the old two-litre turbo-diesel with its twin turbochargers and 154kW, and in comes a simplified, unit with one less turbo and 29 fewer kiloWatts. But the pay off should be in long-term ownership cost. But what does that mean in the meantime? And does this make the V6 diesel even more attractive?

Kia’s head of global product planning has fired a cheeky shot at rival brands, said he believes no brand is as well-prepared as Kia for the world’s unpredictable automotive market.Spencer Cho, Kia’s Senior Vice President and Head of the Global Business Planning Subdivision, said it’s impossible to know what the industry might look like in the future, but being prepared for as many possibilities as reasonable is the best answer.Speaking with Australian media at the launch of the new-generation 2026 Kia Seltos, Cho said that he thinks no one can know how global events will affect the industry.Trying to predict the events that might change the way brands need to operate is impossible, he said, but understanding what needs to be done to respond can’t be known until after the fact.“Let me put it this way. If I can say that I can expect everything… that's not possible,” Cho said.The US-Israel war in Iran and the effects it has had on global oil shipping is front-of-mind for Cho.“No one can expect this kind of war will happen, and also a couple years ago for Russia and Ukraine, no one can expect that kind of thing.”"But what we are doing is we carefully monitor the market demand or market changes. And development of product takes quite some time. We should create very sound product strategies, and we have to maintain those strategies in a consistent manner.”Rather than scrambling to respond to changes in the industry, Cho said Kia has built enough options to be able to react quickly in a ‘here’s one we prepared earlier’ manner.“Thankfully, we studied the EV transition quite earlier than any other brand. There are also some ups and downs, but the transition and the trend stays the same, just the differences are a little bit of this slow down. So speed might be the difference.”He says the key is not drastically changing for short-term gain, rather slightly adjusting without removing options for the future. Essentially, giving EVs a boost shouldn’t mean forgetting to continue ICE development, he said.“But we stay in the course to maintain the development of the planned EV models entering each global market, step by step. Yet we're still developing the all new ICE models as well as you see in the new Seltos. “So one of the key strengths we have is all the technologies, the diesel or gasoline or hybrid and plug-ins and EVs.”“So we have all the options in our hands. “Certain market ups and downs… hybrid is rising, we can provide hybrid models. If EV is coming, we can provide EVs. So thankfully, we have all the technologies in our hands, and we have the all the product lineup as well.”Cho took a cheeky swipe at rivals, too, rare for a senior executive. He said Kia’s strength globally is its range of cars available from the budget end, Picanto for example, through to hybrids, plug-ins, and more expensive performance cars or large electric SUVS.“So that's probably one of the strengths Kia has compared to other brands. I don't know whether you can name any other OEMs better than us in the case of the product line-up as of today.”

Australia is about to get a new budget electric van early, with pricing and specifications for the LDV eDeliver 5 just revealed. The mid-size van will start with an introductory drive-away deal for ABN buyers from $47,990 for the short-wheel base variant, making it the cheapest electric van on sale from LDV.It will be available until 31 July 2026 while stocks last.ABN pricing for the long-wheel base will start from $52,990 (drive-away), while the high roof will be an extra $2000. It offers a competitive deal compared to other electric rivals in the segment such as the ID. Buzz Cargo.This pricing also comes in cheaper than some of the eDeliver 5’s diesel rivals like the Ford Transit Custom and the Toyota HiAce.It is powered by a single electric motor, producing 120kW and 240Nm, with its 64kWh battery offering a driving range of up to 335km (WLTP), depending on the variant. DC charging from 20 to 80 per cent takes 36 minutes, with the van also supporting vehicle-to-load capacity up to 6.6kW, enabling the charging and powering of tools. It has a payload of up to 1265kg, as well as dual sliding side doors and rear barn doors. Cargo volume can be as much as 8.7m³ for the high roof long-wheel base.The car’s interior has a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and 7.0-inch digital driver display, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. LDV Australia said stock for the van will be initially limited due to the expedited launch of the van, but deliveries are still expected to get under way from July 2026. The brand said it brought forward plans to release the eDeliver 5 in Australia because high fuel prices were driving demand for electric alternatives.Expressions of interesting on the van are up and running from today.2027 LDV eDeliver 5 pricing Australia2027 LDV eDeliver 5 electric motor and efficiency2027 LDV eDeliver 5 standard features include12.3-inch central touchscreen7.0-inch digital driver displayApple CarPlay and Android AutoTwin sliding doorsRear barn doors2027 LDV eDeliver 5 safety LDV Australia has been contacted to find out the safety features available on the eDeliver 5.2027 LDV eDeliver 5 dimensions Cargo capacitiesSWB low roof: 6.6m³LWB low roof: 7.5m³LWB high roof: 8.7m³2027 LDV eDeliver 5 warrantyThe eDeliver 5 comes with a five-year/160,000-kilometre manufacturers warranty and an eight-year/250,000-kilometre battery warranty. 

Before you get your hopes up… no, despite the name, this isn’t BYD’s answer to the Ford Ranger Raptor. But the new Shark 6 Performance might do something even better than just be quick.This is the brand’s first major update to its ute, coming after it became a sales hit despite paving the way for plug-in hybrid (PHEV) utes. However, while it has cemented itself as one of the top five most popular utes in Australia, it isn’t without its shortcomings.Specifically, the Shark 6 came under fire for its 2500kg towing capacity, when the industry standard is considered 3500kg, and some issues when the going gets slippery off-road. So, BYD has acted swiftly to try and address those criticisms and continue the Shark 6’s sales growth.That’s why the Performance, which sits above the existing Premium variant, has a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, replacing the 1.5-litre version. BYD has also added a more powerful front axle motor (but kept the rear axle motor the same), for a combined system output of 350kW and 700Nm. That’s a 29kW/50Nm improvement over the Shark 6 Premium.While that doesn’t mean it’s much faster, the 0-100km/h sprint now takes 5.5 seconds which is only 0.2 seconds faster than the Premium, but the added torque means the Performance can tow up to 3500kg.Then to tackle the criticisms about its off-road performance, particularly on steep inclines and slippery surfaces, BYD has introduced a new off-road setting to the car’s complex computer, ‘Crawl’ mode.This new setting was developed in Australia, as we are the lead market for the Shark 6, and it goes a long way to rectifying the problems the PHEV ute would have on high angle, slippery surfaces at low speed, where the traction control system would struggle to get you out of a jam.So Crawl mode activates between 0-12km/h and uses the petrol engine to help get over rocks, steep climbs, deep ruts and soft sand.Notably, BYD opted against adding the mechanical locking differential featured in the sister-brand Denza’s B5 and B8 SUVs, which share the same 2.0-litre PHEV powertrain. What there are though, are larger brakes, which helps if you’re towing an extra tonne, and revisions to the suspension, but otherwise changes are limited. Visually the Performance and Premium are the same externally, with the Performance getting a unique steering wheel and steering column-mounted gear selector.Driving the new Shark 6 Performance across a variety of conditions - on-road, off-road and towing - it doesn’t take long to realise why it has become so popular. BYD has had the rare fortune of meeting the market with exactly the right vehicle at exactly the right moment.With the rise of ‘lifestyle’ utes, the fuel efficiency of the Shark 6 Performance - using just 1.3L/100km and with a 80km electric range - combined with its new-found off-road improvements and ability to tow more, will only make it more appealing as diesel prices show no signs of diving anytime soon.On the road, the new engine doesn’t feel dramatically different to the existing 1.5-litre though, so if you are still thinking the badge makes it a sporty, high-performance ute, you will be disappointed. But it did manage to tow well over 2500kg during our test drive, pulling a large caravan without too much effort. Yes, you can feel the engine and motors are working harder to haul so much weight, but it doesn’t feel like it is straining.While we only did a basic towing test, BYD claimed that during local testing they pulled a 3500kg, 25ft caravan and saw a return of 18L/100km.Priced from $62,990 (plus on-road costs) the Performance is a $5000 premium on the Premium, but that will be a small price to pay for those looking for that extra 1000kg of towing capability.

Ram has confirmed production and launch timing for its much-anticipated ‘compact pick-up’ developed to challenge the popular Ford Maverick and reports out of the US overnight point to a North American introduction.Speaking at the 2026 Stellantis Investor Day in Detroit, Michigan, Group CEO Antonio Filosa and RAM management detailed plans for three new pick-ups within the next few years, the goal being 60 per cent global sales growth for the brand by 2030, from 517,000 units in 2025 to approximately 825,000 at the end of the decade.To be based on the Ram Rampage sold in South America (and retaining that name), a production site for what Automotive News reports will be a North American version of the new monocoque ute hasn’t been confirmed.The current Rampage is powered by a 147kW/450Nm version of the ‘MultiJet II’ four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine or the 200kW/400Nm ‘Hurricane’ turbo-petrol four, both driving all four wheels via a nine-speed auto transmission. US sales of Ford’s Maverick compact monocoque ute have exceeded 100,000 units for the last two years, with others, including Toyota, rumoured to be investigating an entry into the smaller pick-up segment in America.At the same time, the mid-size, body-on-frame Dakota has been scheduled to begin production in Toledo, Ohio (home of the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator) in 2028.Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis said the goal is to make Ram “number two in trucks” in the USA by the end of the decade and is on the record positioning the new mid-size Dakota as an affordable “spiritual successor” to the full-size 1500 Classic.Late last year, Antonio Filosa confirmed he had seen clay development models of the Dakota in Ram’s Detroit design centre.As per Mopar Insiders Filosa said, “It was in our design center in Detroit, and I saw the (truck) itself, not only the sketches and designs but the clay model. And it’s just beautiful.“If you want to come to Detroit, we’ll show you without cellphones and cameras, and you will be, I believe, astonished,” he said.These new model confirmations arrive as part of the Stellantis Group’s ‘Fastlane 2030’ initiative which includes introduction of more than 60 new or redesigned vehicles globally by 2030 (23 in North America). The emphasis on North America is a clear rebalancing of the corporate scales at Stellantis, with former CEO Carlos Tavares widely perceived to have favoured the group’s European brands including Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Citroen, Opel and Peugeot, with his successor Filosa now leaning into its US nameplates - Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram.While it had no comment on the new Rampage’s potential for local sale, Ram Trucks Australia General Manager Jeff Barber previously told CarsGuide he had a strong appetite for a Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux baiting ute saying, “We would love a mid-size pick-up and we have always said we have our hand raised if ever such a vehicle were to become available for our market.”Right-hand drive availability for these newcomers, or the economics of local LHD to RHD reengineering are obvious factors in determining viability for sale in this market.

Ram’s big US pick-up truck is muscling up, with a new V8-powered series revealed.It is dubbed the Ram 1500 Rumble Bee, and will be available in four different grades.Headlining the muscle truck range is the SRT super ute, which uses the most powerful V8 ever installed in a production pick-up truck.Under the bonnet of the 1500 Rumble Bee SRT is a 6.2-litre supercharged Hemi V8 that pumps out 579kW/922Nm.That helps it hit 60 miles an hour (96km/h) in just 3.4 seconds.And it could make its war Down Under in the future, according to Ram Trucks Australia boss Jeff Barber."We are super excited about the new Ram 1500 Rumble Bee unveiled in the US overnight.  Ram Trucks has an amazing catalogue of vehicles and, as always, we seriously consider all model variants," he said.The Rumble Bee range is firming as a hot commodity in the US, which could put a pin in a local launch in the near future.After the headline grabbing SRT there are three more accessible models.The range starts with the standard Rumble Bee, which uses a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 that makes 295kW/556Nm. Then comes the Rumble Bee 392 that packs 350kW/617Nm of grunt thanks to its 6.4-litre Hemi V8. The Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack variant that hosts an array of performance upgrades is next up.The entry-level version is due at the end of the year in the US, with the 392 and SRT versions landing in 2027.The Rumble Bee series isn’t just about V8 grunt, it also packs plenty of standard equipment across the range.There are big screens throughout, luxury features such as power-adjustable bucket seats wrapped in a range of materials, Harman and Kardon stereo and smartphone connectivity, among plenty of others.Don't expect the Rumble Bee to be cheap if it lands in Oz. Big grunt costs big bucks these days, due to the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which fines high-polluting vehicles due.The complicated remanufacturing process that converts the vehicles from left to right-hand drive, doesn't help either.

Toyota has just unveiled a game-changing upgrade to its HiLux ute, which puts the Ford Ranger Super Duty in its sights. A factory-fitted GVM upgrade priced from $4000 will now be available on some HiLux models.It will boost payload by 372kg to 435kg, increasing the ute's maximum possible payload to roughly 1525kg. While the Ranger Super Duty maintains a superior payload of 1982kg, this upgrade brings Toyota's best-selling ute into closer competition.The towing capacity remains at 3500kg, while the Super Duty can handle 4500kg.This upgrade will only be available on select 4x4 grades of the HiLux, which are the WorkMate double cab-chassis, WorkMate double-cab pick-up, SR Extra cab-chassis, SR double cab-chassis, SR double-cab pick-up and SR5 double-cab pick-up.This means the minimum starting price for a GVM-upgraded HiLux is $56,490 (before on-road costs), substantially cheaper than the Super Duty at $80,000-plus. Longer monotube rear shock absorbers are fitted as part of the Hilux's GVM upgrade, increasing ride height by up to 10mm.GVM upgrades also usually involve beefing up other suspension elements to support greater load-bearing capacity. Axle capacities for the upgrades have increased by 100kg on the front and 280kg on the rear, giving the ute greater sturdiness. These modified HiLux models will maintain Toyota's five-year manufacturer warranty after the upgrades have been carried out, unlike some aftermarket alternatives. The GVM upgrade uses genuine Toyota parts, as opposed to external ones, such as on the Ford Ranger with 4WD brand ARB. The brand said the tune has been developed by the local Toyota Australia branch. Existing HiLux models and those which are already on order will not be eligible for the warranty-backed upgrade, with it being a factory-installed option.These HiLux models will still have the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 150kW and 500Nm. The upgrade will be available from August of this year.

Kia has sharpened the pencil on its slow selling Tasman ute.The Korean brand has knocked thousands off the price of most grades in the range until June 30, with some sharp drive-away deals.So far the Tasman has only mustered about 1600 sales, which is a long way behind its yearly 20,000 target. The segment leading Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux that have sold about 15,800 and 13,500 so far this year, respectively.There are some big deals to be had on top-tier Tasman versions.The range-topping Tasman X-Pro 4WD dual cab is now priced from $64,990 drive-away, which is more than $10,000 off the previous $74,990 (before on-road costs) price tag.The X-Line 4WD dual-cab variant is also more than $10,000 cheaper at $59,990. Similar big discounts apply to the mid-tier SX+ 4WD dual-cab.Entry-level S and SX 4WD dual-cabs also get some meaningful discounts that drop the price to $49,990 and $51,990, respectively.Kia has also wiped thousands off the price of hard working single cab chassis variants for ABN holders.The base S grade now starts at $39,990 drive-away for the two-wheel drive S with an alloy tray included. If you want 4WD it'll cost you $45,990. Both deals represent several thousands off the non promotional price.The Tasman is powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine that makes 154kW and 440Nm.All versions can tow 3500kg and most can carry a one tonne payload.Kia Australia boss Damien Meredith told CarsGuide it needed to do more to boost sales and it had several ways to do that, which now appears to be sharp deals.The Tasman ute has been critically acclaimed for how it performs its duties, but Meredith said there were several issues holding back the new ute.“I think once you’re inside it, it's fantastic,” said Meredith. “I think you know the exterior of the car is very polarising. Some people love it, some people don’t. And that’s had an effect.“I think you’ve got to be upfront and honest that the competition that’s out there is quite dramatic. “When we were planning this six years ago, the competition wasn’t as great as what it is right now.“So did we plan correctly? We planned as well as we possibly could, but the competition is hot, and there’s a polarising look to the vehicle.“We’ve fallen short. We know the facts.“The fact of the matter is we’ve got to make Tasman a better success in Australia than it is at its current level,” said Meredith.2026 Kia Tasman deals