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.
consumer goods
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.
consumer goods
energy (general)
energy saving
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
renewable energy
road transport
transport
Hybrid vehicle sales speed up while petrol loses spark
Hybrid cars have more than doubled in popularity in the past year, surpassing electric vehicles and eating into petrol and diesel car sales.
alternative energy
consumer goods
energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
energy resources
energy saving
environmental issue
environmental pollution
renewable energy
Call for rebates to help apartment dwellers go green
People who live in apartments are less likely to benefit from solar power or efficient electric appliances and they need targeted help, a conference has heard.
More Aussies to drive EVs but cost remains a speed bump
Two in every five Aussie motorists are expected to be driving an electric car in the next five years, even though the cost remains a hurdle for many road users.
Hefty fines, tougher code could cut grocery prices: PM
Shoppers could pay less for groceries under plans to impose heavy financial penalties on supermarkets that fail to comply with a code of conduct.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
diesel fuel
energy (general)
environmental issue
environmental pollution
road transport
sales
transport
Big car sales boom but EV buyers are hitting the gas
Sports utility vehicles dominated new car sales in Australia during March, according to new figures, but sales of low-emission cars are accelerating.
Electric car price war resumes as one brand sets record
The price of the cheapest electric vehicle in Australia has dropped again, in a move experts say shows the fuel-efficiency standard is already working.
Volkswagen to test car tech to make kangaroos go jump
Australian-made car technology that will play sounds kangaroos don't like will be tested in motion after receiving university approval.
Crowds shell out for seafood as Easter egg prices crack
Australians have flocked to fish markets for the traditional Good Friday shopping spree but cheaper species are expected to be high on the menu this year.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
consumer issue - lifestyle and leisure
energy (general)
environmental issue
environmental pollution
road transport
transport
EV owners urged to change charging behaviour for Easter
Charge early and plan ahead: experts are advising electric vehicle drivers to be mindful of others to avoid queues during a record-breaking Easter holiday.