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.
consumer goods
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.
Oh what a feeling! Toyota petrol cars end of the road
Australia's most popular vehicle brand has announced plans to discontinue sales of nine petrol models in favour of hybrid cars due to rising demand.
Petrol giant pairs with Uber to fuel electric car move
The latest electric vehicle partnership may seem unexpected as Uber and BP team up to offer drivers discount pit stops.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
energy (general)
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
road transport
transport
Winners and losers named in global electric car race
Tesla is pulling away from its major rival in the electric vehicle race, a study has found, but other major automakers are falling behind the pack.
Narrators call for laws to prevent losing their voice
Australian voice actors are already losing animation, audiobook and ad voiceovers to AI creations and they're calling for regulations to protect the industry.
New driver takes the wheel at electric car lobby group
The former head of Polestar Australia is set to drive Australia's peak electric vehicle body after its first chief executive stepped down from the role.
LG battery recall ramps up as 4400 homes remain at risk
Faulty solar batteries that have caused house fires are still being used in thousands of Australian homes, forcing LG to intensify recall efforts.
One in three cars fails real-world fuel emission tests
Testing has shown eight popular vehicles, from petrol hatchbacks to diesel SUVs, produce more emissions than lab tests promised, and some break lab limits.
Car rules could help Aussies catch up in electric race
Australian motorists are likely to get more low-emission vehicle options in coming years, groups say, after changes to transport laws won approval.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
politics (general)
road transport
transport
Top brands in the slow lane with electric car policies
Some of the world's biggest vehicle manufacturers are slowing progress on electric cars, a report has found.
Charge an electric car for $5? Energy trial goes public
Australia's biggest energy retailer will open a popular electric car-charging program to the public but only those with a Tesla can apply.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
politics (general)
road transport
transport
Gas guzzler or petrol pincher: call for better car data
A green group says drivers should be given more information about the vehicles brought to Australia under the upcoming New Vehicle Efficiency Standard.
alternative energy
consumer goods
economy (general)
energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
energy resources
energy saving
environmental politics
politics (general)
renewable energy
Rooftop solar, electric cars could solve energy puzzle
Savvy households could lead Australia's transition to clean energy with solar panels, batteries and electric cars, a report has found, but reforms are needed.
Hybrid sales charge ahead as electric cars slow down
Aussie drivers have snapped up a record number of new vehicles in 2024 despite challenging economic conditions, with big and hybrid vehicles popular.
Electric and hybrid vehicles racing ahead in the ‘burbs
More electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are hitting the streets in outer suburbs where drivers are in the box seat to save the most money on petrol.
Why ‘noisy’ electric cars could save Australian lives
New rules will force electric and hybrid vehicles to make sounds at low speeds next year, in a move that could save the lives of Australian pedestrians.
air pollution
consumer goods
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
politics (general)
pollution
road transport
transport
Electric cars to make bigger impact than electric homes
Laws to reduce vehicle emissions are on track to make a bigger environmental impact than disconnecting gas appliances, according to a study.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
consumers
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
road transport
transport
More Aussies to buy an electric car, but price a factor
Almost one in three motorists who intend to buy a car in the next year will shop for an electric model, but high prices are slowing adoption rates.
Ute-turn: electric, hybrid utes ready for Aussie launch
Electric and hybrid utes are queuing up to launch in Australia following policy changes, and experts say they offer benefits which could attract new fans.