Cash for Clunkers
On Saturday 24th July, Julia Gillard announced that should Labor be re-elected, they would enact a ‘Cash for Clunkers’ type scheme meaning that Australians who trade-in their pre-1995 vehicles for brand new fuel-efficient vehicles would be eligible for a $2,000 rebate once that car is scrapped.
This ‘Cash for Clunkers’ idea (officially called the Cleaner Car Rebate), has been pitched as an eco-friendly measure as it entices owners of older cars (gas-guzzlers) to trade up to more fuel efficient models. The $395m committed to the project would also mean a significant economic boost to the automotive industry id it does, indeed, encourage people to trade-up their cars. The cash for clunkers scheme in the US was embraced by the public but also drew fire from certain quarters as critics suggested that it only encouraged potential buyers to bring their purchases forwards rather than consider buying a new car that they haven’t before. The economic benefits of the cash for clunkers scheme are also doubted by some who argue that the environmental cost of the manufacture of the new car outweighs and emissions savings that the new cars will deliver.
September Record
Sales of passenger cars, SUV’s and commercial vehicles broke all sales records for September, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.
The previous September sales record was set in 2005, well before the onset of the Global Financial Crisis, which shows that the recovery in Australia is well and truly on the way.
Australian Car Sales Down but hope on the Horizon
With the global financial crisis in full swing, Australian automotive sales are down across the board by around 22% this year. The decline has also impacted the second hand market with less sales being recorded there in the first few months of the year.
Manufacturers have also begun to cut back production and reduce allocation of vehicles to Australia with Honda topping the list with a 60% cut back in allocated vehicles against last years sales. A number of brands are also up for review with Saab, Hummer, and even Holden unsure of its future as problems persist with its parent company General Motors. The cuts in production and allocation has made it harder for individuals to gain discounts on their vehicle purchases with dealerships as they the dealers have attempt to achieve the same amount of profit from less vehicles.
Sydney Motor Show 2007
The Sydney Motor show provided the public viewers with excitement, glitz and glamour. The dazzling lights, shuffling feet, breathtaking automobile design and, of course, the snapping cameras further added to the amazing spectacle of what was a very memorable and satisfying Sydney motor show. All credit has to go to the organisers of such a mammoth event. In the last days before the Motor Show opened, Sydney’s Exhibition Centre was a hive of action as manufacturers worked overtime to erect and prepare their stands.
Held over a ten day period in mid-October, the motor show was fittingly kicked off with the G.M stand, where the Clubsport R8 speared the line-up from Holden. Holden’s E Commodore stationwagon looked one of the most balanced and sweeping designs at the show with its very sleek lines finished in gun-metal grey. Ford would have to come up with something pretty special to compete with this exceptional concept wagon from Holden.
Aussie Car Driving Survey
Private Fleet has completed the most comprehensive car driving survey of its kind ever completed in Australia.
Over 2,500 Aussie drivers were surveyed giving a fascinating and sometimes shocking insight into their good and bad driving habits. So if you ever wanted to know who are Australia’s best drivers or who are Australia’s worst drivers,we have the definitive answer for you right here.
The Australian Hybrids are coming
Australia is about to see its largest car manufacturers race off to deliver the newest versions of their hybrid cars locally made in Australia. Expected to be manufactured from 2010 onwards these vehicles represent a significant shot in the arm for both Australian manufacturing and fuel saving environmentally friendly initiatives.
To assist Toyota the Federal Government has agreed to kick in $35million from the new $500 million Green Car Innovation Fund set up by the Rudd Government. The announcement has created a green race between two of Australia’s three local vehicle producers – Holden and Toyota – to see which will be the first to the new range of hybrid cars to the market.
Fuel Prices Not Driving Australia’s Purchasing Trends
The past six months has seen fuel prices in Australia rise by over 30% which has made a significant impact on Australian’s ever tightening family budgets. It has however failed to curb Australians’ demand for new cars with sales setting an all-time record in the first half of this year.
And fuel-guzzling four-wheel-drives have set the pace, seemingly pouring cold water on claims that buyers are turning to smaller more economical vehicles as the price of petrol soars.
Sydney & Melbourne to Alternate Motor Shows
The organisers of the Sydney and Melbourne motor shows are looking at alternating their shows after increasing costs drive carmarkers out of attending two shows a year.
The Sydney and Melbourne motor shows are likely to be held on alternating years from 2009, with organisers of both events poised to change the scheduling to have just one major car show a year in Australia.
Private Fleet wants Fuel Watch Action on Diesel Prices
Privatefleet.com.au, Australia’s biggest online car buying service says that the price of diesel fuel should be reviewed by the Petrol Commissioner.
According to Privatefleet.com.au Marketing Director Tim Marsh, the sales of diesel powered cars were steadily increasing until May this year when the price of diesel began to accelerate away from petrol. Since May there has been a decline in the sale of diesel powered cars.
2009 Melbourne Motorshow
The 2009 Australian Motorshow is into its last week. As the only show this year with Sydney and Melbourne having agreed to alternate shows each year to appease cash-strapped car makers, the Sydney motor show will not be staged again until October 2010.
Despite a couple of withdrawals from brands for this show, Melbourne isn’t short of fresh metal – whether it’s shaped in production or concept form with over 340 different vehicles on display representing nearly 95% of all vehicles sold in Australia.
Level 2, 9 Help Street