CHINA’S biggest motor show has again underlined the emergence of that nation as an important global automotive power, with Auto Shanghai 2007 playing host to no fewer than three world debuts on Friday.

Apart from presenting its Holden Statesman-based Park Avenue, the world’s biggest car-maker General Motors – which is now the top-selling automaker in China, with around 100,000 sales a month – also revealed a wild new hybrid coupe concept heralding a new global design direction for the Buick brand.

Similarly, Audi revealed its Q3-previewing Cross Coupe quattro concept, while BMW offered up its first Chinese world debut in the Concept CS, a preview of the 7 Series-based four-door “coupe”, with which it hopes to emulate the success of the Mercedes-Benz CLS.

Clearly indicating his company’s belief that China will soon be one of the world’s largest car markets, BMW boss Dr Norbert Reithofer said: “We continue to believe in this country’s huge

potential. It is our goal to increase retail volume in Asia to 150,000 vehicles by next year.

“Over the last five years, the BMW brand alone has risen by more than 750 percent in Chinese mainland. No other major premium brand has achieved such dynamic growth rates in this market.

“This market is clearly headed towards becoming one of the world’s most important automotive markets.”

This was a sentiment echoed on the stands throughout the motor show. And while the big international brands attracted

most of the attention, the rapidly emerging Chinese manufacturers did not go unnoticed – and, mostly, for all the right reasons.

Whereas past shows have unearthed some blatant rip-offs, caused a stir with their off-the-wall designs and made us laugh out loud with free-spirited model names, Auto Shanghai 2007 was seen more as a venue brimming with fresh new ideas, increased sophistication, and vehicles with serious production – and export – potential.

Consider Chery’s Bertone-designed A6cc, Shanghai Automotive’s Roewe W2 and Changan’s CV8. And consider the prediction, made by the world’s automotive powerbrokers, that China is expected to become the largest car market in the world by 2020. Read on...

The auto world turns to Shanghai as BMW, Audi and GM unveil hot new concepts

NEW LEXUS FLAGSHIP ARRIVES!

- page 7

Chery A6cc

World debuts: (from left) the Audi Cross Coupe Quattro, BMW

Concept CS and the Buick Riviera

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APRIL 25, 2007 Page 2

We do both extremely well. Call us and we’ll explain how.Phone: +61 3 9349 3062 | E-mail: sales@auto-it .com.au www.auto-i t .com.au

There are just two things.Increased revenue & reduced costs.

BMW CONCEPT CSBMW has pulled yet another surprise out of its corporate hat by using

last week’s Shanghai motor show opening to reveal its widely anticipated

answer to top-shelf four-door “coupes” like the Mercedes-Benz CLS

and the forthcoming Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide.

The CS concept not only heralds a new design direction for BMW, but

confi rms the Munich maker intends to go even further upmarket than its

7 Series sedan fl agship via this low-slung grand tourer that will further

close the gap between BMW’s own models and the million-dollar Rolls-

Royce models it also produces.

Though the CS has not been confi rmed for production, BMW does

not build concept cars for fun. But exactly what nameplate the CS will

carry when it hits the road around the end of this decade is the subject of

great debate.

While speculation that BMW would

unveil a successor for its left-hand drive-

only Z8 roadster in the shape of an all-new

so-called Z9 at Shanghai has proved wide of the mark, the CS could

morph into a belated replacement for the overweight, under-selling 8

Series coupe. Others suggest the CS will become the next-generation

6 Series, which will be made available in both two-door coupe and

convertible – and four-door sedan – bodystyles.

Either way, the CS provides the fi rst public glimpse of the high-

end luxury sedan project that has been known internally as the Sports

Luxury Concept (SLC). As well as previewing a new BMW corporate

design direction, the CS also gives a sneak-peek at the redesigned 7

Series sedan, due on sale in 2009.

The X5-based X6, a high-riding four-door crossover “coupe” due to

appear at the Frankfurt motor show ahead of its 2008 release, may also

incorporate elements of the CS look. The 8 Series (if that’s what it

will be called) will be built on a modifi ed version of the all-

new 7 Series, and should offer V8 and V10 fi repower.

Also widely speculated is a new high-revving

6.0-litre V12 to power the fl agship M8. The new

12-cylinder engine is odds-on to be yet another

development of the M5/M6’s 5.0-litre V10, the fi rst

in a family of high-revving Vee engines that also

spawned the upcoming M3’s 4.0-litre V8. MP FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

AUDI CROSS COUPE QUATTROA SMALLER sibling for Audi’s new Q7 luxury off-roader, the A5

coupe-based Q5 SUV, is yet to offi cially break cover in any guise, but

that failed to stop the German maker revealing an even more compact

future SUV model in the shape of the Audi Cross Coupe Quattro.

Revealed at last week’s Shanghai motor show opening, the compact

SUV concept is an unexpected sneak-peek at the Q3, which is expected

to follow next year’s Q5 to market by 2010. As the name suggests,

the all-new Q3 will be similar in size to the same brand’s fi ve-door

A3 Sportback and parent company Volkswagen Group’s Golf. Next-

generation versions of both mainstream models are likely to share

the same underpinnings, which are also shared with Volkswagen’s

forthcoming Tiguan compact SUV.

For now, however, the Audi Cross Coupe Quattro is claimed to

combine “the design and dynamism of a compact premium sportscar

with the spaciousness and versatility of a four-seat sport utility vehicle”.

In doing so, Audi says its newest concept car “defi nes a new segment

in the fi eld of crossover vehicles” by presenting new technical solutions

for “achieving effi ciency, driving pleasure and comfort in a manner that

is typical of Audi”.

Painted in “Liquid Silver”, the Cross Coupe rides on 20-inch wheels,

features a power-operated folding fabric roof and is claimed to shout its

off-road ability from the rooftops. It is powered by a transverse-mounted

four-cylinder inline TDI engine with common-rail fuel injection and piezo

injectors. Also featuring a diesel particulate fi lter and Bluetec system, it

is claimed to be an all-new design. Offi cial outputs are about 150kW

and 400Nm of torque, while returning 5.9L/100km. A Haldex coupling

channels power to all four wheels via an S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox.

Underneath the Cross Coupe lie a MacPherson-strut front axle and

a four-link rear axle, plus ceramic brake discs. A three-mode “drive

select system” alters engine, gearbox, steering and shock absorber

characteristics, while a touch-screen MMI control panel is also claimed

to set a new infotainment standard. The latter employs a “dual-view”

monitor that can produce different images for the driver and front-seat

passenger, for example by allowing the driver to read data from the on-

board computer while the front passenger watches TV. MP

Produced by GoAuto Newsroom: Ph: (03) 9598 6477 PO Box 18, Sandringham VIC 3191 PUBLISHER: John Mellor

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APRIL 25, 2007 Page 3

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“The Power Comes From Inside” The Focus is the Customer; the Driving Force is Value Creation

Manager Service Marketing & CRMAs a national role, the primary function of this position is to successfully develop service marketing activities along with a longer term CRM service solution working with the ‘Single Customer View’ data warehouse initiatives within the national office. These CRM activities support the national Services and Parts marketing initiatives which are the cornerstone to delivering overall customer satisfaction, retention and customer loyalty throughout the entire ownership life cycle.Your ability to develop both short and long term service marketing CRM activities that support many areas of the business will require a high degree of cross functional involvement and collaboration with other departments as well as the dealership network. Developing Service Marketing programs that work closely within the Parts and Service departments, plus dealerships in developing sustainable and profitable programs based on both short and long term strategies will be a key measure of your success.You will be tertiary qualified with demonstrated experience in the area of CRM and Service Marketing. Additionally experience in project management with strong commercial skills and business process development will be highly regarded. The ability to influence both internally and externally to gain ‘buy in’ and commitment to the programs and broader business is essential. Ref: 35-714729

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Manager Customer SatisfactionWorking closely with the internal Service and Sales teams both at head office and also regionally, this role will have responsibility for providing the management, measurement and analysis of all customer satisfaction initiatives. Ensuring that regional staff are supported in developing and implementing process improvement activities with the dealer network to enhance the customer experience will be crucial.

Developing effective relationships with external vendors and suppliers in measuring the success of customer satisfaction programs and in particular sales and service process improvement programs will be another key requirement for this role. Strong communication and influencing skills will also be critical for this position.

A background in the automotive sector with an understanding of how day to day operations within a dealership operates, combined with formal tertiary qualifications is desirable. You will also bring experience in customer satisfaction measures through data analysis and the use of relevant software technology. An ability to think laterally is a must for this position. Ref: 35-714730

Please contact Virginia Bacon on (03) 9825 4180 or Julia Spoor on(03) 9825 4145.

Nissan has repeatedly proven its place offering outstanding levels of quality, features and design that represent exceptional value. With a culture that is made up of a richly diverse group of people, this is refl ected in the company’s leadership team and the way the business focuses on constant business innovation. As a result of a key strategic inititiave in driving the customer satisfaction experience, two exciting new roles have become available both reporting to the Manager, Customer Satisfaction, Loyalty & Training.

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BUICK RIVIERATHE global reach of General Motors’ engineering abilities was

showcased in the Buick Park Avenue, a built-for-China version of

Holden’s WM Statesman, but the Shanghai show also hosted the

unveiling of a concept that is claimed to preview a totally new design

direction for the Buick brand worldwide.

Said to be developed with design input by the Pan Asia Technical

Automotive Center (PATAC) in China, the Riviera is a design and

engineering joint-venture between GM and Shanghai Automotive

Industry Corporation (SAIC).

The gullwinged coupe concept, which revives a Buick nameplate that

found more than 1.1 million homes between 1963 and 1999, was jointly

unveiled in Shanghai by GM chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner and

SAIC chairman Hu Maoyuan. “Developing and launching the Riviera in

China underscores the diversity, strength and depth of the GM global

design network,” said GM Global Design vice-president Ed Welburn.

“It also refl ects PATAC’s growing role within the GM Design family

and China’s signifi cance as the world’s largest Buick market.”

Signifi cantly, the Riviera is claimed to be engineered to

accommodate a new hybrid system that will go into production at

Shanghai GM, GM’s fl agship joint-venture with SAIC, prior to the

Beijing Olympics in 2008.

However, look beyond the 2+2

showcar’s tightly sculpted carbon-fi bre

body panels and 21-inch forged aluminium

wheels and it is clear that, if it reaches production, the striking two-door

may also have close ties with homegrown Holden products, such as the

next-generation Monaro. MP FULL STORY: CLICK HERERead more: Holden’s Chinese Buick

www.mellor.net

EDITOR: Terry Martin MANAGING EDITOR: Marton Pettendy JOURNALISTS: Byron Mathioudakis, James Stanford, Tim Britten, David Hassall PRODUCTION AND GRAPHICS: Chris Harris, Luc Britten SUB-EDITORS: Katrina Webb, Georgia O'Connell NEW MODEL DIARY: Lou Paolino

APRIL 25, 2007 Page 4

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AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE INTELLIGENCE specialists on the Australian automotive market and industry

AAI YEARBOOK 2007the most comprehensive data sourceon the Australian automotive industry

ORDER YOUR COPY NOW visit www.aaintelligence.com.au for more information and details on how to order.

AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE INTELLIGENCE

By DAVID HASSALL

HOLDEN has rejected suggestions from a

visiting international motor industry expert

that Australian car-makers should move away

from large cars and instead build small or

hybrid cars.

Holden director of engineering Tony Hyde

told GoAuto that it was not economically

feasible to build small cars for Australia.

Mr Hyde said that Holden was very happy

with its large-car program and would continue

trying to expand its volumes through exports.

He was responding to comments made by

the president of the Detroit-based Center for

Automotive Research, Jay Baron, who was

a keynote speaker at last week’s ‘Change By

Design’ conference – an annual government-

backed event run this year by the Society of

Automotive Engineers (Australasia)

Mr Baron told local industry representatives

at the conference that Australian car-

makers needed to change direction

because large rear-wheel drive cars

were in decline.

In an interview with GoAuto, he also

warned about exporting more cars than

we make for local consumption.

“I think that’s a dangerous business

case to be riding on, given the downturn of

rear-wheel drive cars,” said Mr Baron. “It’s just

a risk because the volumes of those markets are

going down. Who’s going to be buying those

vehicles in fi ve years? It’s a risk.

“There is obviously a demand for rear-wheel

drive vehicles, but it is more of a niche area.

You are dealing with a market that’s getting

smaller, not bigger.

“Where you go from the current infrastructure

to where the car market is going to be in fi ve

years, whether it’s hybrids or small effi cient cars

or a combination of that … even if you knew

where it’s going to be in fi ve years, how well

can you infl uence that move, given that you

have GM, Ford, Toyota all with plants here?”

However, Mr Hyde said that none of the

Australian manufacturers could afford to build

small cars to compete with imports, as had

been proven in the past.

“We could go and design a small car, but

I don’t think there’s any way you could do it

economically in Australia,” Mr Hyde

told GoAuto. “It may not cost a billion

dollars like with VE (Commodore),

but you still have to spend a swag of

money and you can only sell them in the

$17,000 to $22,000 range, and you don’t

make much out of a car in that range.

“And your volume would not be

guaranteed because there’s a lot more competition

down in that area of the market than there is in the

large-car market where we are now, so trying to

get your $600-$800 million (investment) back …

I just can’t see it being viable.

“There’s no coincidence that all the other

(manufacturers) have stopped making that sort

of car in Australia. They’ve gone out of that

business. It is absolutely more business-friendly

to go out and import the damn things.”

Mr Hyde also rejected the suggestion of

building more highly-specifi ed small cars with

bigger profi t margins.

“The higher you go, the less volume you get.

The temptation is there to do, say, a 3 Series

BMW equal or something like that, a la the

Torana show car, but there’s still a fair amount

of cost in those cars,” he said.

So Holden is happy to follow its present path,

with large rear-wheel drive cars being exported

primarily to North America and the Middle East.

“We still believe that there’s good life in

Commodore and global rear-wheel drive from

an Elizabeth plant point of view,” Mr Hyde

told GoAuto. “In the future we might be told

to build something else, but it still wouldn’t be

relying solely on this domestic market – you’d

be exporting heaps of them.

“Both Toyota and ourselves have very strong

export programs out of Australia and I think it

helps both companies.

“I am very happy that we got the means of

getting into the Middle East back in the mid-’90s;

we made the decision to go and do left-hand drive

and all the things that’s brought to us.”

Mr Hyde conceded that the only real volume

rear-drive large car opportunities for Holden

were in North America and the Middle East,

despite recent moves into Korea (“It’s a good

deal and should be ongoing, but not high

volume”).

“I fl oated Russia there for a while and I still

personally believe there are opportunities there,

but that’s not on the agenda at the moment.”

‘‘DangerousDangerous’’ times times

Tony Hyde

Holden hits back after US expert predicts bleak future for Aussie sector

Jay Baron with the VE Commodore

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www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonews

Recruitment and Selection

Suzuki is a major player in the world automotive market. In 2006 global auto-

mobile sales were 2,174,000 vehicles, an 8% increase on the previous year and

motorcycle sales (including ATV’s) just over 2,000,000 units. This means Suzuki

builds and sells more cars than brands such as Mazda, Subaru and Mitsubishi.

In Australia in the past few years since the launch of an exciting range of new

models, year upon year growth has been similarly impressive. The future model

program will maintain this growth. The time to develop your career to a new level is

now. The above growth has created the following excellent career opportunities.

Naturally salary packages for both roles will be in keeping with challenges and

include the usual automotive industry benefits.

To take either of these exciting opportunities further, forward your resume (Word format only) to recruitment@wtfd.com.au quoting Ref: 721 – National

Training Supervisor or Ref: 720 – Supervisor Corporate Communications.

For any specific enquiries contact Susan Mould (03) 9682 9911 during business

hours for a confidential discussion.

National Training SupervisorReporting to the General Manager – Automobiles, this

is a hands on role which will have influence across both

the Dealer network and Suzuki Australia.

The initial challenges will be to identify performance

improvement opportunities predominantly in product

knowledge, competitor analysis and sales techniques.

The ability to develop support materials and training

manuals is a pre-requisite. Where appropriate, there

will be a need to manage external agencies.

Of key importance in this appointment will be the

following criteria – interpersonal skills, proven training

credentials, automotive industry (or a comparable

industry) experience and a desire to operate in a manner

which makes a difference.

Supervisor Corporate CommunicationsReporting to the General Manager – Automobiles

this role will excite and challenge a communications

specialist who wants to be a member of a team gathering

momentum. The initial focus on acceptance of this role

will be to establish a communications strategy which

will ensure the brand is high on consumers shopping

lists. Media communications will require excellent

writing skills together with the ability to manage the

press fleet for maximum benefit and exposure.

Proven strategic skills will be required in the appointee

together with recognised PR & Media training.

Interpersonal skills will naturally need to be of the

highest order as will organisational and event support

skills. While experience in the automotive industry will

be advantageous candidates with strong experience in

a related industry should not be deterred from applying.

By MARTON PETTENDY

A FULL-SCALE plant closure at Ford Australia

was averted this week when workers at troubled

Victorian components supplier Coghlan &

Russell Engineering accepted $1 million a

rescue package and went back to work.

As reported last issue, Ford Australia’s

Broadmeadows assembly plant ceased V8

Falcon production on April 16 and both

Territory and Falcon production was threatened

from last Thursday, following the failure of a

meeting to shore up the cash-strapped Geelong

auto parts company.

In the end, however, Ford stood down just

400 workers at its Geelong engine plant on

Friday after rearranging production schedules.

They returned to work on Monday following

the Coughlin & Russell workers’ decision to

accept a million-dollar offer by

Ford and Delphi, the company’s

two largest customers.

“The Coughlin & Russell

workers accepted our offer to

provide trading capital for the next

60 days,” said Ford spokeswoman

Sinead McAlary. “That will allow the

administrator time to determine what needs to

be done with the business, obviously with the

ultimate goal of rehabilitating it and potentially

offering it for sale if there are buyers.”

Asked if the same situation would emerge in

two months’ time, when funds made available

by Ford and Delphi are exhausted, Ms

McAlary said: “Hopefully not. Everyone’s on

board to keep the business operating if we can.

If the company does remain viable, we have

committed to keeping it as a supplier.”

Coghlan & Russell Engineering supplies

Ford with 37 different vehicle parts, including

a V8 engine damper, but rising debts following

slower sales of Ford’s large Australian-built

models saw the fi rm cease production and axe

its 49-strong workforce last week.

It is understood workers still face the loss

of $521,000 in entitlements, including eight

months of unpaid superannuation.

Read more: Ford threat

$1m rescue deal$1m rescue deal

Geelong engine plant

APRIL 25, 2007 Page 6

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonews

On the track, on the road, and in your

dealership, Mobil 1 is the name that

stands for performance.

By JAMES STANFORD

SSANGYONG will not back away from its

polarising vehicle designs.

Following the Australian launch last week

of two more controversial-looking vehicles

in the Actyon SUV and Actyon Sports utility,

SsangYong Australia has revealed that future

models will continue to “challenge” consumers

with unorthodox designs.

“Their forward planning still has this idea

that they want to stand out from the pack and

not look like everyone else in the marketplace,”

said SsangYong Australia sales and marketing

manager Brad Larkham. “On our last trip,

(managing director) Keith (Timmins) and

I saw clays (clay design models) of future

models and they are still challenging the way

we look at cars.”

Some of the most outlandish modern

SsangYong designs – including the Korando

4WD and Stavic people-mover – were penned

by Briton Ken Greenley, who is a former vehicle

design head at London’s respected Royal College

of the Arts. Mr Greenley has now retired.

While Mr Timmins admitted the design of the

Stavic might prevent some potential customers

taking one for a test drive, he insisted that those

who drove the cars came to like them.

“If they can overcome that initial look, it

is an easy sale,” said Mr Timmins, who

drives a Stavic as a company car. “We

have a very, very strong core of Stavic fans

who are current owners, (and) quite frankly

some of the letters that we get from them are

heart-warming. They really, really are good,

particularly when you go back outside and

think, ‘No, I don’t really like the look of that.’

“You don’t see the mixed design of the rear

quarters of the vehicle when you are sitting up the

front, and all the seats are very comfortable.”

Mr Timmins said SsangYong had no plan

to change the design of the Stavic until a

scheduled freshening in 2010.

While SsangYong has resisted pressure to

alter the look of the Stavic, which has been the

subject of ridicule around the world, it has swiftly

redesigned the Kyron SUV after criticism both in

South Korea and international markets.

Arriving in Australia in June, the facelifted

Kyron features mild changes to the front and rear

to remove what was seen as an excess of lines.

SsangYong had previously outsourced some

of its design work, such as calling on ItalDesign

to shape the Rexton SUV, but developed the

Actyon in-house. SsangYong Australia claims

the styling of the Actyon SUV was deemed as

“attractive and appealing” by a group of people

who were unaware of the car’s origins during

market research.

As reported earlier this month, the company

has followed a more conservative styling

course with the Wz concept shown at the recent

Seoul Motor Show – a car which looks to be a

replacement for the Chairman prestige sedan.

More reports - page 11,12

SsangYong will continue with polarising designs

Different strokesDifferent strokes

Kyron

Stavic

APRIL 25, 2007 Page 7

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonews

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By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS

LEXUS’ fl agship LS series has been reborn

for a fourth time with pricing, performance,

styling and refi nement to unsettle the upper-

luxury segment status quo.

On sale from May 1, the ground-up redesign

of the LS also represents a rethink of Lexus’

fl agship positioning, with the traditional single-

specifi cation V8 model – now christened LS460

– to be joined by a long-wheelbase version.

Dubbed the LS600Lh, the latter is a petrol/

electric hybrid devised to recharge the moribund

image of the LS to that of a technological and

environmental innovator. It arrives in October,

priced from around $250,000.

For now, the focus falls on the LS460, and

its keen, no-options $184,900 pricing that

continues the LS tradition (since 1990) of

offering specifi cation matching the German

competitions’ upper-level models but at their

entry-level prices.

These days, this includes Lexus’ ‘Pre-

Collision’ advanced safety system, air

suspension, radar cruise control, reclinable

‘premium leather’ seating with cooling and

heating for all outboard seats, top-end audio,

four-zone climate-control air-conditioning,

and keyless entry and start.

Lexus says that equivalently equipped and

powered BMW 750i and Mercedes S500

models cost between $19,600 and $69,000 more

respectively, while – for LS460 money – you

can only get the 200kW/350Nm 3.5-litre V6-

powered Mercedes S350 and 225kW/390Nm

4.0-litre V8 BMW 740i.

With a new 4.6-litre quad-cam V8 delivering

280kW of power at 6500rpm and 493Nm

of torque at 4100rpm to the rear wheels, the

LS460 also has the upper hand on engine

output for the outlay.

It is married to the world’s fi rst eight-speed

automatic gearbox, a compact transmission

designed to maximise fuel economy at higher

speeds and launch feel at lower ones. Gearshifts

are said to be virtually imperceptible, and up to

41 per cent quicker than the previous six-speed

automatic set-up.

Speed is an unexpected

LS460 upshot – it can sprint

from 0-100km/h in 5.7

seconds, hit the standing-

400m mark in 13.8 seconds

and reach a speed-restricted

250km/h. Apparently, 280km/

h has been recorded.

Conversely, the ADR 81/01

fuel economy average is

11.1L/100km, while its CO2

emissions result is 261g/km.

It is also extremely quiet

– Lexus says a stethoscope is used to test each

engine so buyers can enjoy the silence.

Aiding the numbers above is a leading drag

co-effi cient fi gure of 0.26Cd, with reduced

lift front and rear compared to its LS430

predecessor, narrower panel gaps, minimal

protrusions and a fl ush underbody for quieter,

smoother airfl ow.

The LS is the latest Lexus with the ‘L-

fi nesse’ styling language also seen on the

GS and IS, which, according to design chief

Simon Humphries, needed to encompass more

boldness “with a degree of good taste” as well

as aerodynamic effi ciency.

Air suspension also makes its debut in an

Australian-bound Lexus, incorporating new

shock absorbers and an improved Adaptive

Variable Suspension (AVS) system that

automatically adjusts suspension forces at all

four wheels.

It forms part of a new platform featuring a

longer wheelbase and wider tracks – with the

rears being the fattest among the LS’ immediate

fat-cat competition.

The Lexus’ multi-link front and fi ve-link

rear arrangement includes forged aluminium

components and ‘Vehicle Posture Control’

damper force control logic that uses sensors

to minimise the phase difference between

bodyroll and pitch angles during cornering via

the shock absorbers.Continued next page

Brilliant LS460 combines emotion with comfort, technology and value

Emotional rescueEmotional rescue

APRIL 25, 2007 Page 8

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonews

Your Deloitte motor industry contacts are:

Victoria John Flynn, Grant Cameron & Murray Peck Ph: +61 (0) 3 9208 7015

Queensland David Cowper, Terry Giffin & Michael Richter Ph: +61 (0) 7 3308 7217

SA/NT/TAS Henry Veronese Ph: +61 (0) 8 8407 7236

WA Wayne Pearson Ph: +61 (0) 8 9365 7015

NZ Gavin Sebire Ph: +64 (0) 4 721 677

Asia Wayne Pearson & Danny Rezek Ph: +61 (0) 2 9322 3889

NSW Stavroula Papadatos, John Flynn, David Cowper & Ph: +61 (0) 2 9322 3577

Peter Axiom

Deloitte Motor Industry ServicesSame team . . . new name . . . exceptional service

Continued from previous page

Among many other things, AVS also helps

reduce bodyroll by 30 per cent compared to the

previous LS, along with reducing diving under

brakes, squatting under acceleration, and the

transmission of noise, vibration and harshness

into the passenger compartment.

A Normal, Sport and Comfort switch next

to the gearlever alters the damping force for

fl at, fi rmer (by 20 per cent) or softer respective

responses from the suspension.

The LS460’s steering is an electronically

powered set-up that, along with the front

suspension’s geometry, has been redesigned for

better feel, ride and handling characteristics.

Mounted forward of the front axle centres,

Lexus claims the steering has a more natural

feel, is more adept on rough roads, less likely to

vibrate, and is more prompt in response to input.

A variable steering gear ratio is also

incorporated, which quickens the direction

of change at low-speed steering inputs, and

decreases it as vehicle speeds rise, for a less

nervous and less fi dgety steering feel. Turns

vary from 2.4 to 3.5 revolutions.

The driver is ensconced in a cabin that offers

independent temperature adjustment as part of

the four-zone climate control operation for

all outboard occupants. It uses 13 sensors for

optimal conditioning, and includes a permanent

pollen and dust-removal mode.

Entry is via a sub-credit card-sized ‘Smart

Card’ that boasts several driver-specifi c seat

and steering wheel positioning settings.

The aforementioned Pre-Collision safety

System (PCS), cribbed from the GS and some

IS models, recognises potential dangers in

advance according to deceleration and sudden

driver inputs by “preparing” the brakes,

seatbelts and dampers.

PCS joins another Lexus safety acronym:

VDiM, or Vehicle Dynamics integrated

Management. The latter works with the LS460’s

anti-lock brakes, brake assist function, electronic

brake-force distribution, traction control and

VSC stability control – as well as the AVS

suspension, electric power steering and variable

steering system – to simultaneously help keep

the LS under control and on the right trajectory,

instead of relying on individual components like

the VSC to work independently.

The aim is to also reduce response times, or

to keep progress as smooth as possible, since

VDiM can integrate each item as needed.

Ten airbags – including new rear-seat

side airbags – also offer improved impact

protection, while the body’s 30 per cent

increase in torsional stiffness has prompted

Lexus to claim another “best in class”.

Lexus says that it has redoubled its efforts as far

as cabin quality and craftsmanship is concerned,

with the aim being to combine highly automated

assembly with a custom-made effect.

“Function with emotion” is how the LS’

chief engineer, Moritaka Yoshida, put it. He

went through every process of the production

process to achieve this.

Expect a long-wheelbase LS460L before

too long, as well as a short-wheelbase LS600h

hybrid further along the line, to bring the LS

line-up to at least four.For drive impressions, go to

www.goauto.com.au from this Friday.

Emotional rescueEmotional rescue

APRIL 25, 2007 Page 9

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GoAutonews

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By DAVID HASSALL

JAGUAR Australia has offi cially launched the

supercharged version of its second-generation

XK grand tourer introduced 10 months ago,

giving it a real performance edge to go with its

famous sleek looks.

The Jaguar XKR comes in both coupe and

convertible form, but buyers will have to be

patient as waiting lists already extend to the

end of the year.

Prices start from $227,900 for the coupe

while the convertible is priced from $249,900.

This represents a $28,000 premium over the

regular XK coupe and convertible models

and a step up of $12,000-$18,000 from the

previous XKR.

Jaguar has an allocation of 120 XKRs for

2007 (65 per cent of them coupes) and, thanks

to appearances at the Brisbane and Melbourne

motor shows, most of them have already been

ordered by eager customers who start taking

delivery from May.

Interestingly, Jaguar says that XK buyers are

Jaguar’s youngest, averaging 53 years of age

compared with 57 for the X-Type (surprisingly,

the oldest buyers).

The fi rst-generation XKR was originally sold

here from 1998 with a 4.0-litre 276kW/525Nm

supercharged V8 engine and was upgraded to

the current 4.2-litre unit in October 2002.

Supercharging was chosen not only for its

smoother and lower-revs power delivery, but

also because of Jaguar’s long history with

the device, dating back to its glory days at Le

Mans.

Power is now 306kW at

6250rpm (compared with

224kW for the ‘atmo’ 4.2-

litre XK and 298kW for

the previous XKR) while

maximum torque is 560Nm

at 4000rpm (7Nm more than the previous model

and up from 420Nm at 4100rpm in the XK).

The result is a healthy 0-100km/h time of

5.2 seconds and greatly enhanced mid-range

acceleration, with an 80-110km/h overtaking

time of just 2.5 seconds.

The six-speed ZF automatic gearbox with

sequential changing function is retained, but

electronic mapping changes have resulted in

sharper changes and even more aggressive

down-shifting, especially in Sport mode.

Jaguar Cars Limited’s chief body engineer

Mark White said that the overall design brief

for the XKR was that “everything was to be 30

per cent-plus better than the XK”.

Mr White said that the target cars were

performance GTs like the BMW M6 and

Mercedes-Benz SL55 through to hard-edged

sports machines like the Aston Martin V8

Vantage and even the Porsche Carrera S.

However, in keeping with Jaguar tradition,

they wanted a more refi ned delivery of its

performance and a balance

between comfort and sports

performance.

The XKR has a huge price

advantage over some of these

target rivals, undercutting

both the BMW M6 and Mercedes-Benz SL500

by more than $45,000. However, it gives away

plenty of performance to the V10-engined M6.

In terms of price, performance and looks,

it lines up closely with the Aston Martin V8

Vantage.

Jaguar design chief Ian Callum (who also

penned the Aston) apparently does not like the

current trend towards folding hard-tops – and

nor did the engineers trying to make a hard-

edged coupe – so the XKR coupe again follows

its XK sibling in having a regular material soft-

top that folds away between the (tiny) rear seat

and the boot.

Continued next page

Demand is high for the hot new supercharged XKR

coupe and convertible

JaguarJaguar’’s s super XKsuper XK

PRICING:XK coupe (a) $199,900 XK convertible (a) $221,900 XKR coupe (a) $227,900 XKR convertible (a) $249,900

APRIL 25, 2007 Page 10

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonews

PERFORMANCE.

IT’S MORE THANJUST RACING.

IT’S CONTINUOUS

WE’RE BACK!

Continued from previous page

Holes are provided for a wind defl ector,

which is a dealer-fi tted extra.

At 1715kg, the convertible weighs in 50kg

above the coupe. They are 70-80kg more than

equivalent regular XK models, but some 70kg

and 100kg less respectively than the previous

steel-chassis XKRs.

Suspension settings are identical between

the coupe and convertible models in the XKR

range, so soft-top drivers enjoy similar levels of

dynamic performance. The front spring rate was

increased by 38 per cent while the rears are up

by 24 per cent (though they are effectively stiffer

due to the addition of a rear suspension brace).

Brakes are 26 per cent bigger than on the

XK (355mm x 32mm ventilated discs at the

front), and design changes have resulted in

them running 37 per cent cooler overall to

ensure strong, consistent stopping power.

The XKR’s aluminium monocoque chassis is

claimed to have superior torsional rigidity to its

rivals. The coupe is 30 per cent stiffer than the

previous steel-chassis XKR while the convertible

is more than 40 per cent stiffer.

The XKR is easily identifi ed from the regular

XK by its bold aluminium mesh on the grille and

also the deeper front air dam, twin bonnet louvres

that exhaust hot air from the engine compartment,

bold alloy side vents just ahead of the doors, and

R badging – not to mention four big exhaust

outlets at the back.

It sits on massive 20-inch Senta 10-spoke

alloy wheels (which are available as options

on the XK) fi tted with 255/35 tyres at the

front and 285/30 at the rear.

Inside, there is more R branding (seat

headrests, tachometer, steering wheel and

gearknob) and a move to aluminium-weave

design trim panels instead of the more

traditional but old-fashioned woodgrain.

Jaguar executives seem pleased to report

that two-thirds of XKRs are being ordered

in Australia with the more modern-looking

aluminium interior, which was fi rst seen in the

Advanced Lightweight Coupe design concept

at the 2005 Detroit motor show.

The XKR also features a unique sports seat

design with additional lateral support for both

the driver and front seat passenger.

XKR customers can also specify the Luxury

Sports interior option which features softgrain

leather on the 16-way adjustable seats,

instrument panel, door trim and centre console.

Standard features include adaptive damping,

switchable stability control and traction

control, pedestrian impact system (airbags

under the bonnet), active headlights, front and

rear parking sensors, electronic handbrake,

rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery, auto

climate control, auto-dipping mirror, heated

front seats, keyless entry and start, a trip

computer and satellite navigation.

DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

JaguarJaguar’’s super XKs super XK

APRIL 25, 2007 Page 11

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonews

By JAMES STANFORD

WITH the launch of its all-new Actyon 4WD

wagon last week, SsangYong has introduced

a compact SUV that is more at home in the

country than the city.

The South Korean car-maker claims the

vehicle, which starts from $29,990, is pitched

against soft-core 4WDs such as the Honda CR-

V, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV4 and the Ford

Escape and Mazda Tribute twins.

But although it has a similar price to these

models, the Actyon is more of an off-road

warrior.

Whereas its rivals use a car-like monocoque

chassis construction, the Actyon runs a rugged

ladder-frame as seen on harder-core 4WDs such

as the Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser.

It also has a solid rear axle (rather than fully

independent suspension) and comes standard

with a lockable 4WD system equipped with

low-range gearing.

Using a locking centre differential, the 4WD

system is suitable only for off-road work, with

SsangYong warning that running the Actyon in

4WD on tarmac will lead to component damage.

The Actyon can be switched from 2WD

(rear-wheel drive) to 4WD at speeds up to

75km/h. Those who like to travel further into

the bush will appreciate the Actyon’s rear

limited slip differential.

The fi ve-door Actyon is available with

petrol or diesel engine power, and with either

a standard manual or optional automatic

transmission. The petrol manual starts off the

range at $29,990, while a Limited petrol version

is priced from $36,990.

The diesel manual starts

from $33,990. Choosing an

automatic for any of these

requires another $2000, but

also adds cruise control.

Both the petrol and diesel

four-cylinder engine blocks

are produced by Mercedes in South Africa.

Dating back to Mercedes passenger cars in the

mid-1990s, the 2.3-litre petrol develops a modest

110kW at 5500rpm and 214Nm at 3500rpm.

The common-rail diesel is a more modern

design, which SsangYong has re-

engineered as a 2.0-litre unit that

produces 104kW at 4000rpm and

310Nm at 1800rpm.

Fuel misers will prefer

the diesel option which uses

7.8L/100km with a manual or

8.5L/100km as an automatic,

according to the ADR 81/01

standard.

There are very few rival SUVs that offer a

diesel option, apart from the bigger and more

expensive Hyundai Santa Fe diesel ($36,990)

and super-competitive Holden Captiva diesel

($34,990).

The petrol Actyon is much thirstier, using

11.3L/100km with the

manual and 11.9L/100km

with the automatic

when tested to the same

Australian Standard.

To put that into

perspective, the much

bigger and more

powerful Ford Territory automatic – often

criticised for its thirst – uses 12.2L/100km.

The (123kW/230Nm) X-Trail automatic uses

9.8L/100km, while the (125kW/218Nm) CR-

V automatic uses 10.0L/100km.

The fi ve-speed manual is a believed to be a

revised BorgWarner gearbox, while the four-

speed automatic is produced by Victorian-

based Drivetrain Systems International

(formerly BorgWarner, then Ion Limited).

A DSI six-speed automatic is also expected

in early 2008.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

Tough nut - next page

PRICING:2.3 petrol Standard $29,990 2.3 petrol Standard (a) $31,990 2.0 t/d Standard $33,990 2.0 t/d Standard (a) $35,990 2.3 petrol Limited $36,990 2.3 petrol Limited (a) $38,990

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SsangYong’s hardcore Actyon SUV takes aim at the soft-roaders

Bush administrationBush administration

APRIL 25, 2007 Page 12

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonews

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Rugged Actyon ute steps in to replace the Musso

Tough nutTough nutBy JAMES STANFORD

SSANGYONG has launched its new Actyon

Sports dual-cab ute in Australia, offering

improved performance, greater load-carrying

capacity and more standard equipment than the

previous Musso Sports ute.

Sharing major components with the Actyon

SUV, the Sports ute comes in crew-cab

confi guration only with a mid-sized tray. It runs a

lengthened version of the Actyon SUV’s ladder-

frame chassis and uses the same suspension

system made up of coil springs all round with a

double wishbone front and solid rear axle.

The working-class ute uses the same

Mercedes-based 104kW/310Nm 2.0-litre

common-rail turbo diesel as its SUV sibling

– and represents a marked improvement over

the Musso Sports, with an extra 16kW of

power and 56Nm of torque. Fuel economy has

also improved with the combined consumption

fi gure dropping by 0.8L/100km to 8.0L/100km

(ADR 81/01) for the base 4x2 manual.

The Sports is priced from $29,990 for the 4x2

manual, while the better-equipped Limited starts

from $36,990. The entry 4x4 model starts from

$32,990, while the 4x4 Limited is priced from

$39,990. As with the Actyon SUV, the ute is fi tted

standard with a fi ve-speed manual. A four-speed

automatic is available for an extra $2000.

The 4WD system is also the same as the

SUV, which means it has a centre-locking

differential, low-range gearing and a rear

limited-slip differential.

The Actyon Sports features a load tray which

is 1275mm long, 1600mm wide and 525mm

wide – adding up to 20 per cent

more space than the Musso

Sports. SsangYong Australia is

offering an optional 1900mm-

long aluminium tray for an

extra $1650.

The load capacity for

the Actyon Sports has also

increased by more than 200kg

compared to the Musso, to

a total of 830kg, while the

braked towing capacity has

increased to 2300kg.

The previous Musso ute came with just

one airbag (for the driver), while the Actyon

Sport is equipped standard with a driver and

passenger airbag. ABS is still not a standard

item on the base model, but can be added for

$1500. The base model uses disc brakes for the

front and drum brakes for the rear, while the

Limited is fi tted with discs all round.

Equipment across the range includes a

full-size spare wheel and

durable plastic tray liner.

The “Standard” model

comes with 16-inch steel

wheels, front and rear

foglights, electric windows

and mirrors, a CD sound

system and climate-control

air-conditioning. The

Limited runs 18-inch alloy

wheels and adds electrically

adjustable (and heated) front

seats, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights

and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.For drive impressions, go to

www.goauto.com.au from this Thursday.

PRICING:4x22.0 t/d Standard $29,9902.0 t/d Standard (a) $31,9902.0 t/d Limited $36,9902.0 t/d Limited (a) $38,990

4x42.0 t/d Standard $32,9902.0 t/d Standard (a) $34,9902.0 t/d Limited $39,9902.0 t/d Limited (a) $41,990

APRIL 25, 2007 Page 13

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonews

Astra pumps upAstra pumps up

A rare and highly sought-after position, withresponsibility for both F+I and aftermarket, hasbecome available at one of Australia’s largest andmost successful automotive dealership groups.

Preston Motors Group requires the services of anexperienced Finance & Insurance Manager with aproven track record in the automotive finance,insurance or allied industries to move into thissenior level position.

The position entails leading and motivating ourteam of F+I and aftermarket operators to ensurewe maximise profitability in these key areas.You will need to be able to liaise with our DealerPrincipals to ensure their complete and utmostcooperation.

You will be a hands on operator with the requiredleadership skills to manage and coach your teamto industry best practice levels.

Additionally, you will also be required to managethe relationships with our finance, insurance andaftermarket partners.

Obviously an extremely competitive remunerationpackage will be offered to attract the rightcandidate.

Interested? Then please send your resume incomplete confidence to:

John Bradley,Managing Director-Automotivejohnbradley@prestonmotors.com.au

PRESTON MOTORS GROUP

GROUP F&IMANAGER

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS

HOLDEN has introduced new engine and

model choices, a gutsier 1.8-litre unit and a

new convertible known as the TwinTop with

its facelifted AH Astra MY7.5 (Series II) range

launched last week.

Cosmetic changes are limited to a redesigned

front bumper and air intake, a new grille, chrome

headlight surrounds and

new-style alloy wheels on

the CDX and CDTi turbo-

diesel, while higher-grade

trim materials are now

used inside.

Addressing lacklustre

performance criticisms,

the volume-selling CD

and CDX three- and fi ve-

door hatchback and wagon

models gain an upgraded

1.8-litre ECOTEC twin-

cam four-cylinder engine

dubbed XER.

Using 95 RON

premium-unleaded petrol,

the 1.8 now

produces 103kW

at 6300rpm,

compared to

the outgoing

Astra 1.8’s

92kW (90kW on standard 91 RON

unleaded) at 5600rpm.

This now puts the Astra’s 1.8 in

sight of the 2.0-litre units found in

the Mazda3 (108kW), Ford Focus

(107kW) and Hyundai Elantra

(105kW), and makes it lineball with

the Civic 1.8 sedan and better than the

94kW Nissan Tiida 1.8, 93kW Corolla

1.8 and 92kW Subaru Impreza 2.0i

– although the Toyota and Subaru are

on their last legs in Australia.

On the torque front, the fi gures rise to

175Nm at 3800rpm on fi ve-speed manual XER

models, and 170Nm at 3800rpm on four-speed

automatic XER models. The latter is the same

fi gure as the old 1.8 on PULP, but Holden

claims that more torque is available through a

wider rev range, for improved driveability – in

fact, 90 per cent from

2200-6200rpm.

That said, Holden

was unable to provide

us with the XER

engines’ standard-

unleaded power and

torque outputs.

For the record, barring

the Corolla, all of the

aforementioned rivals

have higher maximum

torque fi gures (the

Civic’s 174Nm is on 91

RON fuel).

The Astra 1.8’s fuel

consumption and CO2

emissions have fallen

by 0.4L/100km and 9-

10g/km respectively.

All manual XER cars

return an ADR 81/01

combined average fuel

consumption fi gure of 7.4L/100km, rising

to 7.8L/100km on the automatic vehicles

and 7.9L/100km for the auto wagon. The

Hungarian-built XER’s increased effi ciency

over the old 1.8 is partly due to the adoption

of two continuously adjustable camshafts that

are designed to optimise the cylinder’s charge

cycle. It is also lighter and yet structurally

stronger.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

More grunt, wider range for Holden welterweight

PRICING:CD 5-dr hatch $21,990CD 5-dr hatch (a) $23,990CD 3-dr coupe $23,490CD 3-dr coupe (a) $25,490CD 5-dr wagon $23,490CD 5-dr wagon (a) $25,490CDX 5-dr hatch $24,490CDX 5-dr hatch (a) $26,490CDX 3-dr coupe $25,990CDX 3-dr coupe (a) $27,990CDX 5-dr wagon $27,990CDX 5-dr wagon (a) $29,990CDTi 5-dr hatch $29,990CDTi 5-dr hatch (a) $31,490SRi 2.2 5-dr hatch $29,990SRi 2.2 5-dr hatch (a) $31,990SRi 2.2 3-dr coupe $30,490SRi 3-dr coupe (a) $32,490SRi 2.2 Turbo 3-dr coupe $34,990TwinTop 2.2 $45,490TwinTop 2.2 (a) $47,490

CDX

APRIL 25, 2007 Page 14

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonews

Australia’s best choice of careers and staff...Australia’s best choice of careers and staff...Australia’s best choice of careers and staff...Australia’s best choice of careers and staff...Australia’s best choice of careers and staff...Australia’s best choice of careers and staff...Australia’s best choice of careers and staff...Australia’s best choice of careers and staff...Australia’s best choice of careers and staff...Australia’s best choice of careers and staff... motor staff

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Sydney • Melbourne • Brisbane • Adelaide • Perth

The Motor Industry’s No1 Recruitment Specialist

P: 1300 666 562 W: www.motorstaff.com.au E: careers@motorstaff.com.auP: 1300 666 562 W: www.motorstaff.com.au E: careers@motorstaff.com.auP: 1300 666 562 W: www.motorstaff.com.au E: careers@motorstaff.com.auP: 1300 666 562 W: www.motorstaff.com.au E: careers@motorstaff.com.auP: 1300 666 562 W: www.motorstaff.com.au E: careers@motorstaff.com.auP: 1300 666 562 W: www.motorstaff.com.au E: careers@motorstaff.com.auP: 1300 666 562 W: www.motorstaff.com.au E: careers@motorstaff.com.auP: 1300 666 562 W: www.motorstaff.com.au E: careers@motorstaff.com.auP: 1300 666 562 W: www.motorstaff.com.au E: careers@motorstaff.com.auP: 1300 666 562 W: www.motorstaff.com.au E: careers@motorstaff.com.au

Sales • Service • Parts • Admin

Up Close on PersonnelUp Close on PersonnelUp Close on PersonnelUp Close on PersonnelUp Close on PersonnelUp Close on PersonnelUp Close on PersonnelUp Close on PersonnelUp Close on PersonnelUp Close on Personnel motor staffsales•service•parts•adminBrought to you by Motor Staff - The Motor Industry’s No1 Recruitment Specialist

MALLIOS MAKES HIS MARKTHE regional controller

of automotive components

supplier Tyco Electronics in

Australia, New Zealand and

South Asia, Chris Mallios,

is now responsible for the

entire Asia-Pacifi c region.

“Mr Mallios is a

key member of Tyco

Electronics’ Global Automotive Division

for Asia Pacifi c,” the company said in a

statement last week. “With revenues of $US1

billion per annum, (he) is helping drive this

high-growth business in the region in the

areas of fi nance, strategic planning, sales and

marketing, business development, research

and development, production and full

bottom-line management responsibility with

signifi cant focus on major footprints within

Asia-Pacifi c such as in Japan, South Korea

and the People’s Republic of China.”

NEW TOYOTA AUST CHIEFTOYOTA Australia’s

president and CEO Ted

Okada will return to

Japan at the end of May to

commence his next, as yet

unspecifi ed, assignment

with the Japanese auto

giant. He will be replaced

by Masahide Yasuda, who

most recently served as the

chairman and CEO of Toyota France.

Mr Yasuda is a former general manager for

overseas parts and customer service planning

at Toyota Motor Corporation. He has also

spent three years working as group vice-

president for Toyota Motor Sales in the US.

According to Toyota Australia, the

reshuffl e is part of TMC’s “senior executive

management program where senior

executives periodically rotate to different

positions within the company”.

Ted OkadaChris Mallios

SERIOUSPERFORMANCESERIOUSPERFORMANCE

0-19

14

BRANDS

MONTHS

IN

www.autodeadline.com.au

BRANDS12

345

67

8 9 10 11 1213

1415

161718

1920

BRANDS

TOYOTA’S GRANT HIGHTAILS TO HSVAFTER a three-month

search, Holden Special

Vehicles (HSV) has

appointed Scott Grant

as its new managing

director, and also the MD

of the HSVi and Holden

by Design businesses.

Taking up the Victorian-

based position on May 21

(after a two-week familiarisation program),

Mr Grant is well known throughout the

Australian automotive sector as a senior

executive with Toyota Australia, where he

was most recently group divisional general

manager for the Lexus brand, logistics,

export and vehicle services.

“Scott Grant is an outstanding automotive

leader and his experience in being a part of

the success of the luxury Lexus brand in

the Australian and American markets was

one of the major contributing factors to his

appointment,” said HSV chairman John

Crennan. “The HSV board established a

number of key priorities and attributes for

the successful candidate. This included

extensive experience in prestige/premium

vehicle marketing and distribution. We

also wanted someone with a thorough

understanding of the dealer network, in

particular the Sydney market.”

Mr Grant replaces Phil Harding, who has

taken on a new role as director of export

programs, based in the UK. “(This) allows

Phil to use his base in the United Kingdom

to seek new markets for the HSV brand,”

Mr Crennan said. “He will now be focused

on developing new export opportunities.”

A Toyota Australia spokesman said this

week that Mr Grant left the company at

the end of last year and that his areas of

responsibility were absorbed into other

divisions. Lexus is also now a standalone

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APRIL 25, 2007 Page 15

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonews

We sell a car every two and a half minutesWe sell a car every two and a half minutes

SEVEN years after Mitsubishi radically changed direction with its NM Pajero, we have a wide-reaching update that addresses some of the styling challenges presented to some potential buyers, while introducing new engine technology claimed to improve both performance and fuel economy. The restyle certainly brings the Pajero back closer to the mainstream but, for some, it looks a bit overdone. Inside, the NP Pajero Exceed is consistent with its $70,000 price tag and includes the most powerful sound system this side of an Audi S8. At the same time the Pajero continues with its balanced mix of on- and off-road ability, as well as seven-seat capacity and a big, easily-accessed load area.

GoAuto’s latest car review www.goauto.com.au

Mitsubishi Pajero Exceed fi ve-door wagon

www.mellor.netJohn Mellor's

GoAutonews

APRIL:BMW 3 Series ConvertibleHolden Astra rangeHolden Epica sedan rangeJaguar XKR rangeLexus LS460 sedanSsangYong Actyon SUVSsangYong Actyon Sports utilitySsangYong Rexton SUV

New model diary: CLICK HERE

Launch Padbrought to you by

Holden Epica

BMW 3 Series convertible

ROAD TEST: CLICK HERE

C-CLASS SUPER SPORTSMERCEDES-BENZ has reintroduced the

“Super Sport Edition” special on its C-class

range, this time offering the package – which is

worth a claimed $10,000 in added value for an

extra $1500 over the RRP – to its C180K Sports

Coupe and C200K Estate model variants.

Priced from $56,890, the limited-issue Sports

Coupe adds 17-inch light-alloy wheels, bi-

Xenon headlights, lowered sports suspension,

an AMG bodykit, panoramic glass sunroof,

metallic paint, a stainless steel oval tailpipe,

“Sport Edition” decals, and a silver grille

with chrome fi nish. Inside, there is a leather-

trimmed gearlever and black velour fl oor mats

with “Sport Edition” badges.

The wagon starts from $70,390 and gets

the same additional equipment, plus larger

perforated front disc brakes (with silver brake

callipers), front sports seats and steering wheel-

mounted gearshift paddles.

FIVE-STAR SUPERMINISBMW’S all-new Mini Cooper and Peugeot’s

207CC achieved an excellent fi ve-star (out of

fi ve) adult occupant protection rating in the

latest round of Euro NCAP crash tests handed

down last week.

The verdicts for pedestrian protection for

the two vehicles were less impressive – both

achieved a poor two-star score (out of four)

– while the protection afforded to children

was rated at three stars (out of fi ve) for the

Mini. The 207CC was not assessed for child

protection because it was deemed too small

to fi t the recommended child restraints on the

rear seats, with the front seats in the normal

position for “average-sized occupants”.

MEGANE PRICE SLASHRENAULT Australia has taken an axe to the

price of its Megane sedan range in response to

slow sales.

Now priced from $24,990 (down from

$28,490), the base-variant six-speed manual

Megane Expression sedan is $3500 cheaper

than before, allegedly making it Australia’s

best-equipped European sedan under $25,000.

The four-speed auto Expression sedan is

now also $3500 less expensive at $27,490

(previously $30,990), while the fl agship auto-

only Megane Privilege sedan is priced $1800

lower at $33,190 (previously $35,990). Renault

claims the price cuts will “substantially”

increase sales of its booted Megane.

Like its hatch siblings, the Megane sedan

is powered by a 98kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder

engine and comes with electronic stability

control, six airbags, ABS brakes, electronic

brake-force distribution and emergency brake

assist as standard. FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

HYUNDAI BACK-UPHYUNDAI Motor Co Australia is now

offering dealer-fi t reverse-parking sensors for

its Getz, Accent, Elantra, Sonata SLX, Tucson

and Santa Fe models. Prices start from $389

for the Getz to $520 for the Santa Fe, but do

not include fi tment. The sensors are standard

items on Sonata Elite and Grandeur.

The South Korean marque is also now

offering a $990 factory-fi t “Protectz Pack” on

2.4-litre four-cylinder variants of its Sonata,

which comprises stability and traction control

and active front head restraints.

CHRYSLER INVESTMENTAS NEGOTIATIONS over the sale of the

Chrysler Group continued behind closed doors

last week, president Tom LaSorda kick-started

a “powertrain offensive” that will see $US3

billion invested to produce “more fuel-effi cient

engines, transmissions and axles and provide

Chrysler Group with a more competitive

powertrain portfolio”.

$US1.78 billion will be invested in Michigan,

US, which will be the production source for a

new “Phoenix” family of V6 engines (from

2009). Phoenix will become the sole V6 engine

architecture for the company, paring back from

the four currently used.

GRANGE STILL CORKEDHOLDEN Special Vehicles has postponed next

week’s launch of its Grange luxury sedan until

later in the month, due to “production delays”.

The company has pencilled in May 22 as its

revised launch date.