Will Tesla’s problems crash Australia’s electric dream?
The brand that has long led Australia's electric vehicle charge is falling out of favour. Can the nation's move to low-emission transport go on regardless?
auto trends
Car sales accelerate, with hybrids leading the charge
More drivers are getting behind the wheel of a new car but preferences are changing, with hybrids speeding up and petrol cars slowing down.
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diesel fuel
energy
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environmental issue
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politics
politics (general)
pollution
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transport
U-turn on gas-guzzler fines could penalise motorists
Carmakers who fail to meet environmental standards will not be penalised under proposed changes expected during the election campaign.
Hitting the brakes: hybrid sales clouded by tax cut end
A tax concession for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles has come to the end of the road and experts say it could affect future car sales and emissions.
Mercedes goes back to the future with straight shooter
Who else thought big, beautiful machines such as this new Mercedes-Benz would go the way of the dinosaurs? Technology is fighting back, albeit for a few years.
Aussie road rules are not ready for self-driving cars
Road rules will need to be changed before autonomous vehicles become more common, or lawsuits could follow.
Tesla Cybertruck named the hero of motor show comeback
It is large, futuristic and not ready to drive on Australian roads but Tesla's Cybertruck will be the centrepiece of the first Melbourne motor show in 15 years.
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national elections
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politics
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regulatory policy and organisation
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safety of citizens
transport
Safety over politics: motoring groups call for change
Australia's peak motoring body will encourage its 9.5 million members to challenge federal election candidates on road safety, amid calls for more transparency.
Toyota gives its newest baby a chance to grow
It's drawn a fair share of criticism since it hit the market, but Toyota's baby C-HR hatchback has ironed out the bumps in its second-generation model.
Prado sheds sidekick act with designs on starring role
The Prado has been a trusty wingman for the big LandCruiser for more than 40 years, but that's changed after a stunning redesign - not that everybody is happy.
New vehicle sales stuck in slow lane, even popular SUVs
Hybrids are among few vehicles to withstand a continuing slowdown in new vehicles sales, with one model racing into the top ten.
Chinese EV takes a leap forward and looks the goods
Chinese maker Leapmotor has joined the Aussie SUV makers with a model surprisingly groundbreaking in style and performance.
Plug-in hybrid car tax breaks about to hit the skids
Drivers have one month left to claim a tax break on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, amid calls for Labor to give the fuel-saving cars more support.
Lexus off-roader steers new course, poses Prado puzzle
Perhaps it had to happen, but Toyota and Lexus appear to have mixed their messages with the introduction of a new, Prado-sized off-roader to broaden its range.
Enough range to cover almost any family outing
Who needs more than 500km of range anyway? That's the question Kia will be asking prospective buyers of its EV5 SUV.
Price and policy changes redirect Uber’s electric drive
Australian ride-share drivers could be about to lose a long-time electric vehicle discount but gain another as Uber adapts to market changes.
Small cars show a big thirst for petrol in road tests
Three popular small cars, including a hybrid model, are among the latest vehicles found using more fuel than expected in Australian road tests.
The muscle of a ute, plus the comfort of a wagon
The latest version of Mitsubishi's Pajero Sport offers seven seats, and keeps its similarities to the brand's popular Triton ute.
Electric vehicle sales brake as car market slows again
Australians bought fewer new cars in January, with electric car sales more than halving despite growing price competition and new limits on vehicle emissions.
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energy
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Electric kickstart: call to fund clean, greener trucks
Small transport companies need to adopt electric fleets to remain competitive, industry experts say, but many will need financial help to get there.
Dump fuel fees and tax all cars, motoring groups urge
The government should overhaul vehicle taxes in its upcoming budget, according to early submissions that say electric, hybrid and petrol drivers should pay.
Audi fires on all cylinders with high-powered Sportback
With high-performance EVs all around, German maker Audi is sticking to its guns with its stunning RS7 Sportback Performance - and what weapons they are.
Hybrid or the highway: new Camry’s back, maybe in black
While Toyota's market dominance continues to grow with a boost from its Hybrid models, the strong-selling Camry had been left behind.
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consumers
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energy and resource
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Government urged to put brakes on fast EV charging plan
Allowing energy networks to install hundreds of car chargers could present problems, one firm warns, unless they are made to follow the same rules.
20,000 free rides: Uber and Kia’s Australian Open serve
Fifty electric vehicles will deliver Aussies around Melbourne during the Australian Open in a partnership designed to promote the transport technology.
Mazda goes hardcore with new range of soft-roaders
Mazda appears to have taken a sledgehammer to crush a grape with its expanded SUV range, but nobody will be complaining once they drive machines like the CX-70.
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Rough road ahead despite record-breaking new car sales
Aussie motorists bought a record number of new vehicles during the year but experts warn the path ahead is rocky as momentum is already slowing.
Hyundai fun machine quick-shifts to a whole new level
Long admired by rev-heads and red-heads, Hyundai has given its feisty i30N hot hatch a sensible makeover.
Laws to rev up electric car race at starting line
Australia's automotive industry will look different in 2025 after a change in laws inspires a long list of electric and plug-in hybrid challengers.
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automotive equipment
consumers
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
pollution
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transport
Australia urged to power ahead on EV charger rollout
Australia is not moving fast enough on vehicle charging and is holding back apartment dwellers, one of the country's biggest energy firms says.
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consumer goods
energy
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Push to spark up EV policy to drive net zero ambitions
Misinformation and an early end to state subsidies has slowed electric car adoption and may mean Australia misses its climate goals, a study has found.