We publish a lot of car news stories during the work week and it can be difficult to keep everything up to date – that’s the underlying reason behind this weekend’s list.
In a nutshell, here are some of the key articles from our news desk from this Monday in summary, in case you missed them at the time.
GWM can shoot Shanhai Cannon luxury truck to Australia
GWM has revealed a larger, more luxurious vehicle that will offer new V6 turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel powertrains.
The GWM Shanhai Cannon debuted at the Chengdu motor show this weekend as the brand’s new flagship, and the local branch of the company says the new model is already on the firm’s radar. .
CarExpert understands it could launch in Australia in the next 6-9 months and the company is looking at all powertrain options.
There’s a good chance it could become the first hybrid in the local car segment given GWM’s focus on electric vehicles.
FULL STORY: 2023 GWM Shanhai Cannon Atom revealed with turbo V6, hybrid
Think tank thinks Sydney should only ride trams from 2027
The Urban Policy Research Committee in Sydney is proposing that all new cars sold in the Harbor City be electric as early as five years from now – an extremely radical goal.
The Decarbonising Sydney report released last week suggests a faster rise in electric vehicles than current forecasts are needed, calling for an end to sales of new petrol and diesel cars between 2027 – 8. the ACT’s already ambitious goal last year.
That means about 30% of the passenger fleet will be EVs by the end of the decade, double the government’s target.
The current Government-backed NSW electric vehicle strategy targets electric vehicles to account for half of all new car sales by 2030, resulting in 15% of the total passenger vehicle fleet being electric by that time.
FULL STORY: Commission for Sydney wants all new cars to be EVs by 2027
GWM tank rolls into Melbourne
The GWM Tank 300 is definitely coming out locally, with photos sent to CarExpert of the right-drive version scouting in Melbourne.
While GWM Australia has yet to officially confirm the Tank 300 – or its larger Tank 500 stablemate – for launch, CarExpert understand that both will arrive here in 2023.
That includes a hybrid version of the Tank 300, along with a plug-in hybrid version of the Tank 500, which could lead to GWM having six or seven electric vehicles in Australia by the end of 2023.
FULL STORY: GWM Tank 300 lands in Australia by right-hand drive
MG 4 has two motors for 330kW
MG has revealed in China a top-of-the-line dual-engine version of the all-electric Mulan hatchback, otherwise known as the MG 4, with a performance edge over the hatchback.
Dubbed the Triumph Edition, it’s unclear if this dual-engine version of the MG 4 will be offered in Australia.
As recently reported, the single-engine version of the MG 4 hatch will launch in the first half of 2023.
The Triumph Edition is equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system, producing 330kW of power and 600Nm of torque, giving the ability to accelerate from 0-100km / h in 3.8 seconds.
FULL STORY: 2023 MG 4: Top 330kW EV revealed in China
BYD service prices change amid backlash but warranties remain
The Australian distributor of BYD has responded to widespread criticism of its recently announced service and warranty schemes, adjusting service prices but maintaining a warranty stance.
The company detailed the changes after many BYD Atto 3 orderers criticized importer EVDirect for alleged high service prices and unusual warranties, which resulted in 1,300 people signing the petition. Change.org and many customers have canceled.
In an email to customers shared on social media, the company announced two new maintenance programs that apply whether you service your vehicle at an Eagers Automotive store or at mycar.
FULL STORY: BYD distributor discount service, reduce warranty
Ranger Raptor and Everest will return to dealers on September 19
If you’ve been waiting for a new Ford Ranger Raptor or Everest, you’ll just have to wait a little longer.
After initially announcing these models would reach customers in August, Ford later confirmed that the two models would begin shipping domestically on September 19.
“A small number of next-generation Raptor vehicles have arrived in Australia; however, these units will be withheld until the supply of accessories and spare parts is optimal,” a statement shared with Ford dealers.
“We anticipate shipping to begin the week of September 19.”
FULL STORY: Delivery of Ford Ranger Raptor, Everest starting from September 19
Subaru Outback gets more upgrades at the front
The turbocharged Subaru Outback XT will hit showrooms before the end of 2022.
Two versions will be offered with the more powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine in Australia: Sport XT and Touring XT.
Prices for the supercharged Outback start at $52,190 before on-road costs and stretch to $55,990 before toll. Turbocharged models are distinguished from naturally aspirated models with dual exhaust pipes, XT badging and LED fog lights.
The front and rear shock absorbers, along with the front springs, have also been tweaked on the turbocharged Outback.
FULL STORY: Subaru Outback 2023 price and specifications: Turbo joins the range
Mercedes-Benz fined $12.5 million for Takata recall
Mercedes-Benz Australia has been ordered by a Federal Court to pay a fine of $12.5 million for “not using striking, impactful language” when communicating with customers about the mandatory recall of Takata airbags. .
Mercedes-Benz admits call center operators told 24 owners between July 16, 2018 and March 17, 2020, the Takata airbag recall was a precaution.
It also admitted on four occasions between February 18 and March 17, 2020, that operators told consumers the Beta airbag inflator was not at fault or caused any accidents, injuries or deaths. which death.
Beta-branded Takata airbags have been linked to one death and one serious injury in Australia, and Mercedes-Benz cars have reported their Takata airbags failing overseas.
FULL STORY: Mercedes-Benz Australia fined $12.5 million for Takata recall
Skoda reveals Vision for the future
Skoda outlined its vision for the future, revealing a new design language, a new logo and a new concept to preview a new model.
The seven-seat electric Vision 7S concept will enter production in 2026 along with a new small car and small SUV.
The brand has announced that, although it plans to have more than 70% of its sales of all-electric models in Europe by 2030, it still intends to “strengthen its product portfolio.” highly efficient internal combustion engine”.
The Czech automaker has confirmed that it will launch the new generation of Superb and Kodiaq in 2023, as well as a “modernized” Octavia in 2024.
FULL STORY: Skoda outlines future for Kodiaq, Superb, Octavia
FULL STORY: Skoda Vision 7S concept showcases new logo
Only 1100 Toyota GR86 units in the first allocation
Toyota Australia has secured around 1100 new GR86 coupes in the first 12 months of sales – which is hard to come by close to demand if history is any sort of guide.
Due to launch in September, the second generation of Toyota’s rear-wheel drive naturally aspirated sports car – essentially like every other Toyota today – will therefore become a waiting list object. wait.
“We secured about 1100 cars in the first 12 months. And as with all GR performance models, we expect demand to outstrip supply,” Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise, Sean Hanley said this week. this.
FULL STORY: 2023 Toyota GR86: 12 months supply tight, waiting list looks solid
