We publish a lot of car news during the workweek (the rule is 70) and it can be difficult to keep everything up to date – that’s the underlying reason behind this weekend’s list.
In short, this is some The main articles from our newsstand as of this Monday have been summarized, in case you missed them at the time.
Likely the best-selling new EV has landed
Tesla’s hotly anticipated Model Y SUV has final has been priced for Australia.
The electric SUV will start at $68,900 before on-road shipping costs for the rear-wheel drive model, known simply as the Model Y, while the Model Y Performance will set you back $98,689 prior to the run. Street.
No four-wheel drive Long Range models were offered in Australia at launch. Deliveries are expected to begin from August to November, led by the rear-wheel drive model.
FULL STORY: Tesla Model Y price and specifications 2023, delivery time confirmed
Belts up, idiot!
New cameras in Queensland have recorded more than 100,000 mobile phone and seat belt violations in the past six months.
Between November 1, 2021 and May 25, 2022, a total of 100,375 breach notices were issued based on images captured by these cameras. While the majority of these (71,596) were for cell phone use, 13,651 violation notices were issued for drivers not wearing seat belts and 15,128 for passengers not wearing seat belts.
“We gave people a lot of warning that these things were coming. If you do it wrong, drive distracted or don’t wear your seat belt, you’ll be in a lot of trouble,” said Queensland Transport and Mainstream Minister Mark Bailey.
FULL STORY: Queensland cameras capture more than 100,000 mobile phone and seat belt violations
Stupid DPF discovery leads to class action, appeal
Toyota filed an appeal with the Federal Court of Australia, which earlier this year found faulty diesel engine particulate filters (DPFs), opening a potential multibillion-dollar class action lawsuit.
The automaker said it will challenge the factual and legal basis behind the damages settlement, focusing on those eligible for the resulting class action not suffering from DPF issues.
In April this year, the Court gave Toyota Motor Australia (TMC) a negative review on the issue of defective DPFs in the best-selling HiLux and Prado, along with the Fortuner. It found TMC to engage in misleading conduct regarding the marketing and sale of the relevant media.
FULL STORY: Toyota appeals Federal Court’s conclusion as DPF class-action case emerges
Share back to promote EV . absorption
Ride-sharing service Uber will halve service fees for electric drivers between now and mid-2025, to encourage its operators to switch to petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles.
The new policy, announced this week, follows a successful 12-month trial in Australia. Uber said the move equates to a $26 million investment in the Australian electric vehicle (EV) market.
The first 2500 drivers to make the switch are eligible for half the service fee, up to a value of $3500 per year.
FULL STORY: How Uber is pushing Australian drivers to go electric
What’s next for Polestar?
What comes after Polestar 2? Polestar 3, of course. The electric Polestar 3 SUV was first spotted, ahead of its October 2022 reveal.
The large SUV will go head-to-head with the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV at launch, and is set to lead the Polestar brand in the US.
Essentially, all 3 will share the bone with the next-generation Volvo XC90 – likely to be called the Embla. It will be manufactured in China and the United States, with production slated to begin in early 2023.
FULL STORY: 2023 Polestar 3 targets a range of 600km
Against the downtrend
It’s not all doom and gloom out there in the auto industry. Despite the ongoing shortages and waiting lists, some vehicles are actually increasing in sales in 2022.
That goes against the overall market, where sales fell 4.1% mainly due to insufficient shipments – the result of semiconductor shortages and the shutdown of most COVID-led factories. .
Here are 10 relatively popular, mainstream services that show good growth in both percentage and volume in 2022, compared to the same period in 2021. They are listed in alphabetical order.
FULL STORY: 10 cars to grow sales in 2022, against the doldrums
Ranger stretched to?
It looks like Ford may have some lingering plans for its new-generation Ranger. On June 3, we were able to capture exclusive images of what looks like a longer version of the Ford Ranger while parked at IKEA in Melbourne.
Seemingly normal from the cabin forward, this scout Ranger prototype was left-drive and had a longer trunk than the regular double cab with more space between the rear doors and the rear wheels. There is also a side outlet on the right side.
It’s not clear how long this spy prototype actually lasts compared to the existing 2023 Ford Ranger dual-cab, but on the images it looks like a 25-30cm extra long car.
FULL STORY: 2023 Ford Ranger scout with expansion tray
Apple CarPlay evolves
Forget iPhone and Android, the next battle between Apple and Google will be in the car.
Announced this morning at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the next generation of CarPlay will be more deeply integrated into new cars than the current phone-based system.
Along with the central infotainment display, the next-generation CarPlay system will integrate with the driver’s display and additional screens are used to control things like the climate.
FULL STORY: Next-gen Apple CarPlay will have more control over the vehicle
Subaru plugged in, and fans were interested
Don’t expect to see it here before mid-2023, but the Subaru Solterra has received thousands of expressions of interest from brand enthusiasts and those looking to buy Subaru’s first all-wheel-drive EV.
At least, that’s according to Subaru Australia chief executive officer Blair Read, who gave CarExpert an early look at the car, in Australia for ongoing evaluation prior to its market launch.
“We have shown the vehicle to various Subaru dealers and customers, and I can tell the number of people who have signed up are interested in Subaru’s first all-electric model,” said Mr. Read.
FULL STORY: 2023 Subaru Solterra, buyers strongly interested in the brand’s first electric vehicle
That policeman!
The Western Australian Police Force is testing two zero-emissions vehicles: the Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric crossover and the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell sedan.
This test – and public exercise – is intended to showcase whether these electric vehicles have potential for future frontline police applications.
Both the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Toyota Mirai are decorated with WA Police Force branding, police radios, lights and sirens.
FULL STORY: Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV, Toyota Mirai hydro car join WA police
