Cost of living puts the brakes on new vehicle sales
Vehicle sales have slowed down in Australia, with passenger and petrol cars taking significant hits, but the industry says it is still a "positive result".
consumer goods
End of the road for Qld’s electric car rebate scheme
In a move advocates say is premature Australia's most generous electric vehicle rebate scheme will end almost one year early.
‘Let me out’: Aussies need help with subscription traps
Most Australians have struggled to cancel a subscription and some have given up entirely, a report has warned amid calls for legal reforms.
What’s that name? Little-known EV brands race to market
Your next car might have a brand name you have never seen before as a host of Chinese automakers line up to launch electric vehicles in Australia.
Feeling the cold? Study shows newer homes are more cosy
Apartments and houses built in the last decade are more energy efficient and easier to cool or heat, a CSIRO study has revealed.
Broadband speed boosts slow NBN Co’s path to profit
More copper connections have been replaced with faster fibre over the past year, NBN Co has revealed, but the broadband boost proved expensive.
Popular utes score bad marks in real-world vehicle test
Some popular utes use more petrol and produce more pollution than lab tests promise, according to a motoring body, and could cost drivers more than expected.
Hit the brakes: taxes could slow hybrid vehicle sales
Cuts to transport emissions could slow down next year unless the government extends its tax cuts for plug-in hybrid cars, an inquiry has been told.
Budgets running on fumes as car costs outpace inflation
Transport is becoming an even bigger household expense, with research showing costs grew by more than 10 per cent over the past year.
Uber to take Leaf out of Japan’s second-hand EV market
Ride-share and food delivery drivers will be encouraged to adopt second-hand electric vehicles under a pilot program launched in Queensland.
Price cuts may recharge Aussie electric vehicle market
Some of Australia's biggest electric vehicle brands have cut the price of their models, with one setting a record cost for low-emission cars.
Why future cars will be like ‘smartphones on wheels’
Buyers might not choose their next car for its shape, power or brand, auto experts say, but based on what its software can do.
Debt collector taken to court after flouting trade ban
Victoria's consumer protection watchdog will take a debt collector to court after the company allegedly continued to operate in the state despite being banned.
Tesla launches deal to cut electric vehicle speed bumps
Australia's most popular electric vehicle brand has partnered with an insurance firm to reduce another hurdle to investing in low-emission transport.
‘Battery passport’ call to solve electric car recycling
An influx of old electric vehicle batteries will pose a significant challenge but also an opportunity to recover critical minerals, an inquiry has been told.
Porsche to put brakes on 1600 luxury electric vehicles
More than 1600 high-end electric sports cars have been recalled over a safety issue, in the second electric car recall in a week.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
energy (general)
environmental issue
environmental pollution
road transport
transport
Second-hand electric car sales speed up, utes slow down
Sales of used electric vehicles are up by more than 200 per cent this year, according to a report, but the ute market is facing an oversupply issue.
‘Game changer’, cash-free charging trial for EV drivers
A major electric car-charging network will test cashless payment technology in what's being hailed as a game changer for EV drivers.
Online shopping spree despite cost-of-living crisis
Australians are still turning to online retail therapy despite household spending slowing due to cost-of-living pressures.
Virtual reality tech, batteries named in safety probe
Battery-powered products and new kinds of consumer gadgets will be closely examined by Australia's consumer watchdog as a top priority.
Early sales send bargain hunters on shopping spree
Shoppers took advantage of sales in May, helping fuel an improvement in retail sales otherwise trending weak as higher interest rates weigh on households.
Car sales hit speed bump as buyers step on the brake
Vehicle sales, including popular SUVs and utes, have hit a speed bump in Australia after more than a year of cruising through records.
Shoppers still spending but only if a sign says ‘sale’
Shoppers have rushed to snap up heavily discounted goods, helping buoy retail sales which were trending weaker as higher interest rates weigh on households.
Hundreds of high-end EVs recalled over battery fault
More than 1400 luxury electric vehicles have been recalled in Australia over a fault that the regulator warns could cause serious accidents.
Solar panels paving the path to new recycling hub
One of Australia's biggest energy providers plans to establish a solar panel recycling facility in NSW that could turn old tech into new footpaths.
Supermarkets to face millions in fines under new code
Supermarkets could be hit with millions in fines in a government bid to make prices fairer for farmers and shoppers.
Riders urged to recycle e-bike batteries amid fire risk
Australia's battery recycling scheme has started accepting lithium batteries from e-bikes and e-scooters and is urging riders to research their disposal.
Fears subsidy a ‘quick fix’ for remote cost of living
A discount on essential items in Queensland remote communities has been welcomed, but some residents fear it may not be a long-term solution.
Why Australia is hosting an electric vehicle price war
Thousands of dollars are being cut from the price of some electric cars as brands battle to lead the market and Chinese automakers face global taxes.
Why all smartphones are adding artificial intelligence
Apple has revealed plans to put ChatGPT in iPhones and, with Google and Samsung embracing AI tools, experts say they will soon be ubiquitous.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
consumers
economy (general)
environmental pollution
road transport
sales
transport
Aussies spend big on cars but choose fuel-saving models
Australian drivers bought a record number of new vehicles in May, with many choosing to reduce their fuel costs by choosing hybrid and electric models.