Automotive news

• Chinese car brands could use underutilised UK factories

  31-01-2026 23:48 via drive.com.au
  Two Chinese brands could leverage existing joint venture partnerships, bringing the production of Chinese cars to the UK, increasing production at underutilised British factories.
  Nissan Sunderland factory. Photo: iStock
  Factories owned and operated by Jaguar Land Rover and Nissan in the United Kingdom could soon become production hubs for Chinese brands.Underutilised production capacity at Nissan’s Sunderland plant and JLR’s Solihull site could be balanced out by assembling Chinese
  
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• The Mercedes sports car worth seven times an average Aussie home

  31-01-2026 23:00 via drive.com.au
  While Mercedes-Benz is known for luxury and high retail tag, this 300SL Gullwing fetched the staggering price of almost AU$7.5 million at auction. Here’s why.As far as rarity goes, there’s few cars more exotic than this 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL ‘Gullwing’ that was recently sold at an auction.According to auctioneer Artcurial, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL fetched a whopping €4,407,800 at auction, equating to approximately AU$7,484,422, or about seven Aussie houses.RELATED:
  
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• Honda to roll out new logo on next-generation electric and hybrid cars

  31-01-2026 22:09 via drive.com.au
  Honda’s first logo change in 25 years is set to coincide with its new 0 Series electric models due in 2027.
  New Honda “H mark” logo design
  Honda has released a new logo set to go back to its roots, which will be adopted on its next-generation range of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids from 2027 onwards. The new logo connects to the Honda emblem – known as the “H mark” – used on the brand’s first vehicle in 1963, but in a narrower format, whi
  
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• 2026 BYD Seal Performance review

  31-01-2026 11:00 via drive.com.au
  BYD has given its quickest car a suspension tune and minor styling upgrade to boost its appeal – but has it gone far enough to justify the Performance badge?
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2026 BYD Seal PerformanceElectric cars have breathed some life into the struggling mid-size sedan category, and while the Tesla Model 3 has led the charge, the BYD Seal
  
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• Xiaomi SU7 Ultra makes history as first Chinese car in Gran Turismo

  31-01-2026 08:03 via drive.com.au
  The latest Gran Turismo 7 update has added the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, marking the first time a Chinese marque has been made available in the long-running video game series.
  Xiaomi SU7 Ultra
  The latest Gran Turismo 7 update has added three new cars to the PlayStation video game – one of which is a first for the long-running video game racing series.In addition to the Hyundai Elantra N TC and the Porsche 911 GT3 R being added to the game’s growing list of available cars, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultr
  
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• Mazda CX-5 hits five million global sales ahead of next-generation 2026 model launch

  31-01-2026 06:17 via drive.com.au
  The first- and second-generation Mazda CX-5 have achieved cumulative global sales of five million, ahead of the third-generation model’s launch this year.
  Mazda CX-5 (2016, 2021 and 2026 models)
  Mazda’s current global best-selling model, the CX-5 mid-size SUV, has achieved five million cumulative sales since its 2011 launch.The CX-5 is the third Mazda vehicle to achieve five million global sales, as of the end of 2025, following the Mazda 3 and the older Mazda Familia/323 small car s
  
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• BMW M Battle: CS vs GT4 at Phillip Island

  31-01-2026 05:00 via drive.com.au
  The M2 CS, M3 CS Touring and M4 CS take on the purpose-built M4 GT4 at one of the world’s fastest circuits.
  Back in the ’70s, the BMW’s Motorsport division was officially born with the inception of the legendary 3.0 CSL, or “Coupe Sport Lightweight”.A set number of homologation special E9 Coupes were stripped down and lightened to allow the marque to meet racing regulations for the European Touring Car Championship. The CSL soon became a cult classic, and earned the
  
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• Hyundai Santa Cruz SUV-based ute set for early end, ahead of bigger dual-cab

  31-01-2026 04:49 via drive.com.au
  Hyundai tried to be different in the American pick-up market, but its compact Tucson-based Santa Cruz looks set to meet an early end as plans for a Ranger-sized ute firm up.Hyundai may not offer a ute in the Australian market, but since 2021 the brand has sold the Santa Cruz dual-cab ute overseas.Rather than a traditional ladder-frame chassis, as found under a Ranger or HiLux, the Santa Cruz is based on the monocoque platform from the Tucson, and is positioned as a more compact ‘lifestyle&
  
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• Used-car sales in Australia are shifting towards dealer over private listings

  31-01-2026 04:11 via drive.com.au
  The split between private and dealer used-car sales is nearly even as 2025 data shows more customers are turning to car-yards to buy their next vehicle.Australian used-car buyers have shifted massively towards dealer transactions in the last 12 months, new data shows, with the second-hand market now almost evenly split with private sales.The Australian Automotive Dealer Association’s (AADA’s) latest Automotive Insights Report (AIR) shows the massive swing towards dealer sales in 2025
  
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• Toyota’s retro steering lock costs $200, but there’s plenty of alternatives

  31-01-2026 02:09 via drive.com.au
  With vehicle theft in the spotlight, some of the simplest solutions could be overlooked as first steps in keeping your vehicle safe.Toyota recently faced controversy for offering a $200 steering wheel lock, instead of inbuilt security upgrades, as its cars become some of the most targeted for vehicle theft in Australia.Despite criticism, the idea of an obvious visual deterrent can be an effective strategy in reducing your car’s theft or break-in risk.If the idea of a Toyota-brand $200 lock
  
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• Why 60% of Aussies hate this crucial car feature

  31-01-2026 01:00 via drive.com.au
  Despite Australia’s road toll continuing to climb, new data has revealed why most Aussies are turning their car’s safety systems off.
  As Australian authorities continue to tackle the country’s rising death toll on local roads, new data has revealed many Australian drivers have admitted to turning off their car’s safety features due to concerns that they’re more distracting than helpful.
  According to a survey conducted by IAG – Australia’s largest general
  
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• Kia Tasman gets bonus accessories to spur on sales

  31-01-2026 00:04 via drive.com.au
  Kia has introduced a free accessory pack on dual-cab pick-up versions of the Tasman ute, except the fleet-focused base models.
  Kia Tasman equipped with accesories
  The Kia Tasman is now available with a free accessory bundle that addresses some of the ute’s equipment shortcomings.The complimentary accessory pack offer is available on the dual-cab pick-up versions of the Tasman SX, SX+, X-Line and X-Pro.The most fleet-oriented Tasman S 4×2 and Tasman S 4×4 are excluded from the o
  
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