Ford has opened a new technology centre in partnership with the University of Melbourne.
The new $20 million Advanced Centre for Automotive Research and Testing (ACART) at Ford’s proving ground and the University of Melbourne makes available world-class emissions, environmental and engine development facilities.
Established to enhance the technical competitiveness of Ford Australia and the quality of [...]

The new sports package adds unique 18-inch split five-spoke alloy wheels, satellite navigation, aluminium pedals and sports suspension.
In addition, the sports package, based on IS 250 prestige grade, also gains leather-accented seat material over the alcantara material of the previous sports model.
The sports package also offers a significant saving in recommended retail price compared with [...]

Until she was laid off, Danielle Trent was a lending officer for a finance company who always wore a good suit to work.
These days she has swapped her office for a workshop at Sydney City Toyota and her BlackBerry for a spanner. A month ago, Ms Trent, 30, became an apprentice motor mechanic.
She said that, [...]

A clue as to why GE pulled out of vehicle finance is given in the accounts of the global giant General Electric. These show that as interest rates moved against the company, they triggered a blow-out in financing costs.
Accounts just published show the financing vehicle GE Capital Australia posted a loss of $23.1 million for [...]

GM Holden has cut back to a single shift at its Elizabeth plant, but so far has planned no retrenchments.
The new shift pattern comes into effect on May 4 in response to “global economic conditions and falling volumes across the sector.”
GM Holden chairman and managing director, Mark Reuss, says the change will enable the company [...]

The BMW X6, probably one of the most segment crossing vehicles available, now has an additional class to cover – sports car.
The SUV/executive saloon/liftback, now has an M model added to the range.
The company is also set to release an X5 M model.
Australian customers will be able to purchase the BMW X6 M in the [...]

All present agreed, the recent 2009 VACC Holden apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony was a very successful evening.
Held at Holden Special Vehicles, Clayton, 16 apprentices were presented with their certificate and a watch as reward for successfully passing their Certificate III in Automotive (Mechanical-Light Vehicle).
They are now ready to commence their careers in the Australian Automotive Industry.
VACC [...]

Five Victorian Police HUMMER H3s have helped keep Victoria’s streets safe as part of a series of initiatives to address public order-related issues in the Melbourne CBD and throughout Victoria.
Provided as part of a no-cost community service initiative for five months, Victoria Police identified the HUMMER as ideal for policing duties throughout Victoria due to [...]

The Australian GP has just finished for another year with a sensational win for the F1’s newest team Brawn GP. Brawn GP has come out of the old Honda team who withdrew due to economic difficulties early this year. The management of the team bought out the license and on qualifying day picked up major [...]

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 [...]