Chatbot mechanics: Aussies are turning to AI for fixes
More motorists are turning to artificial intelligence for advice on how to fix their car and one in three trust the technology more than a human.
consumer goods
Retailers under attack from weak demand, rising costs
Australia's retail sector faces a pincer attack as the war in the Middle East increases costs and pushes consumers to the brink.
Shifting gears: electric cars surge during fuel crisis
Australian motorists bought a record number of electric and hybrid vehicles for the third month in a row, while petrol and diesel vehicle sales slowed.
Falling fuel prices bolster hopes for RBA rate reprieve
A cut in the fuel excise caused annual headline inflation to fall, but the underlying impulse for price pressures is still gathering steam.
Mandatory recycling could help tyres go round and round
Australia's roads could be paved using rubber from abandoned tyres, an inquiry has been told, but only if regulators can find a way to fund it.
Petrol price hikes fuel record electric vehicle sales
The soaring price of petrol is sending more Australian drivers to electric cars and the trend could change the worldwide automotive market.
‘God help us’: warning as alcohol tax calls spill over
Calls are growing for the federal government to overhaul alcohol taxes to avoid a repeat of the black market takeover of cigarettes.
Why goldfish might be undermining your internet speed
Most households are not accessing the full speed of their broadband connections, research shows, and the reasons are surprising.
‘Nightmare scenario’: illegal tobacco impact laid bare
Legitimate tobacco retailers say tax hikes have led to illicit sales decimating their income, with the legal market destined to be wiped out.
Woolies cites post-COVID instability in prices stoush
Australia's biggest supermarket chain has defended its discounts, as the consumer watchdog's joint court case against Woolies and Coles nears the finish line.
Big bunnies and grog sales take a wartime shopping hit
Coles shoppers adjusted their spending patterns after the Middle East war began, spending less on liquor and even buying smaller Easter chocolate bunnies.
Supermarket giants brace for ruling on ‘fake’ discounts
The consumer watchdog's landmark case against Coles and Woolworths over alleged "illusory" discounts is nearing a decision after 18 sessions over two hearings.
Electric car sales surge ahead amid fuel uncertainty
Australian drivers have broken the record for electric car sales again, as petrol and diesel-powered vehicle sales stall.
End of the free ride: studies call for road user charge
Two transport groups say fuel excise is no longer running smoothly and the government needs to charge motorists based on how far they drive.
Caveat empty: car buyers beware fuel and range promises
Road tests show most vehicles are using more petrol, diesel or electricity than advertised, with one hybrid SUV using almost 30 per cent more fuel.
‘Like charging a phone’: $1.5m boost for EV network
More than 400 apartment buildings could get access to electric vehicle chargers as part of a push to remove a speed bump to their adoption.
Woolies cut promo-price rest time from months to weeks
Rising inflation spurred changes to timeline limits on pricing to avoid "gaming" of promoted product prices, a supermarket executive has told a court.
Aussies want electric cars to save cash, not the planet
Australians are considering electric cars as fuel prices rise, with potential buyers fuelled by the possibility of saving money rather than the environment.
Almost 5000 electric vehicles recalled due to fire risk
A major car brand will recall thousands of its most popular electric vehicles after discovering a fault that could lead to a fire while charging.
High-performance EVs and hatchbacks ready to steal show
After smashing sales records in Australia, electric vehicles are expected to be in high demand at the largest motor show in the southern hemisphere.
Electric vehicle fee could throttle record adoption
A road user charge for electric vehicle drivers could stall record-breaking sales, a study has found, with households in outer suburbs the hardest hit.
Big-selling Aussie ute recalled due to steering risk
Australian motorists are being urged to have their popular ute inspected and repaired after the discovery of a potentially deadly issue.
More records loom as fuel crunch turbocharges EV sales
A record number of Australian motorists are buying electric vehicles in a trend automotive experts say could stick around even if fuel prices fall.
Discount loans to rev up Aussie electric vehicle market
A $100 million scheme designed to cut the cost of buying an electric vehicle will launch during a period of record demand.
Electric car race speeds up as fuel crisis drags on
The global fuel crisis could be a turning point for electric vehicle sales in Australia, with one subscription service reporting record adoption.
Electric or bust: truck industry demands urgent U-turn
Skyrocketing diesel prices are adding cost and uncertainty to heavy transport and operators are calling for help to change the industry's direction.
Calm before storm: RBA braces for spikes and hikes
The economy is expected to be hit with a savage inflation spike which will in turn increase the chances of more interest rate hikes.
Shock at the petrol pump sparks electric vehicle surge
Enquiries about new and second-hand electric cars are setting records as motorists look for ways to avoid the rising price of petrol and diesel.
Postcode where more drivers plug into electric car cuts
More than 100,000 Australians have taken advantage of the federal government's tax exemption for electric vehicles but households in one location are most keen.
Aussie drivers divided over petrol vs electric future
Many Australian motorists plan to park an electric or hybrid vehicle in their garage in future but one policy change could alter their path.
Double whammy: food prices warning over war fuel shock
Panic buying has forced some regional service stations to impose fuel restrictions as farmers warn shoppers to brace for grocery price hikes.