INDUSTRY SALES RESULTS

Astronomy-themed show car could also preview forthcoming update for Nissan's ute. Nissan has revealed the Navara Dark Sky concept at the 2018 Hannover motor show, developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA).The space-themed show car is basically a "mobile astronomy lab", featuring an observatory-class telescope mounted to a bespoke off-road trailer.In addition to the special trailer with stargazing equipment, the Navara itself has been given a makeover, which also potentially previews an forthcoming update for the popular ute.'Parametric' patterning adorns the exterior and interior, which is said to echo "nebula motifs". There's plenty of red lighting as well, since red light affects human night vision the least.The full-LED headlights have a new daytime-running light strip compared to the dotted layout of the current car, and the headlight internals themselves appear to have quad-LED lenses.Other changes include has raised the ground clearance – … [Read more...] about Nissan Navara Dark Sky concept revealed

Assistant chief engineer explains the importance of partnerships in performance car development. Despite carrying serious brand cachet, the new BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra wouldn't exist if the brands didn't collaborate on development of their respective models.Speaking to media at the first drive of the 2019 Toyota Supra, assistant chief engineer Masayuki Kai told journalists that it's a sad reality that in today's day and age, sports cars need co-development to make business sense."It is so difficult to make a feasible business case. We were lucky we found a good partner like BMW and so without BMW we would not revive the Supra and so, vice versa for BMW, because sports cars need a lot of specific cars that you can not use for other family cars and as a result we are quite restricted [in terms of developing a new car]," Kai said.REVIEW: 2019 TOYOTA SUPRA DRIVEN"So if you want to make a sports car it's very expensive, so you need to find a partner that you can share the costs with. … [Read more...] about Without BMW there would be no Supra

Incorrect tow bar stickers could encourage owners to overload their cars. Kia Australia has recalled the 2017-18 Rio and Stinger, over concerns about the load ratings specified on their tow bars.According to the company, the tow bar labels have incorrect load ratings specified. Kia says that could result in the tow bar being used to tow objects above its maximum weight.If a tow bar is overloaded it could separate from the vehicle, putting other road users at risk.A total of 13,727 units are affected by this recall – a VIN list is attached here.Kia will contact the owners of affected vehicles and advise them to contact their nearest dealer for a free fix.MORE: Kia Rio news, reviews, comparisons and videosMORE: Kia Stinger news, reviews, comparisons and videosMORE: Recalls … [Read more...] about 2017-18 Kia Stinger, Rio recalled

'Pricing is not finalised and it's going to be market dependent.' The global launch won't happen until early 2019, and an Australian debut won't occur until the second half of 2019, but Toyota has confirmed the Supra won't be a bargain like the 86, but should still be affordable.Speaking with media at the global first drive of the all-new Toyota Supra, Vincent Dewaersegger, senior manager of product communication at Toyota Europe, was confident pricing will be appealing."Pricing is not finalised and it's going to be market dependent. Of course it will be below a Porsche because Toyota is a mainstream brand, but the final price will depend on every market and the competitive set," Dewaersegger said.REVIEW: 2019 TOYOTA SUPRA DRIVEN"To be honest, it's not finalised. Although it's going to not be a cheap car, we want to make it affordable. Our target is not to make it so high that nobody buys it, that's not our intention. The sweet spot, we are now finding that sweet spot," he … [Read more...] about 2019 Toyota Supra ‘won’t be cheap, but will be affordable’

Cars from the last 100 years will be on show, and on the move. The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) is marking its 100-year anniversary this Saturday, with what's believed to be an event never attempted anywhere in the world.The industry association is undertaking a cavalcade of 100 vehicles from 61 different marques, with one car from each year between 1918, the year VACC was founded, and 2018 making an appearance.Some rare and valuable machinery from enthusiasts around Victoria will be on show, including a 1969 Aston Martin DBS Vantage with movie heritage (below), a 1932 Chrysler Imperial owned by gangster Legs Diamond, a 1986 Ferrari Testarossa, a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 'Gullwing', and a 1994 HSV GTS Mobil P Brock 002 – one of just three built as a Mobil prize giveaway.Event ambassador, actor, and car enthusiast, Shane Jacobson, will be making an appearance as the convoy leaves Calder Park Raceway from 8:30 am. The group will then make the 124-kilometre … [Read more...] about VACC celebrating centenary with ‘world first’ cavalcade