Automotive news

• Desperate for workers, some mechanics are looking overseas

  30-12-2025 20:44 via abc.net.au
  
  The automotive repair industry says it is dealing with a major labour and skills shortage, and some mechanics are looking overseas for workers.
  
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• 2026 Kia Tasman S 4×2 review

  04-01-2026 14:00 via drive.com.au
  The Kia Tasman S represents the business end, literally, of the Tasman range. While it may be focused on fleets, could the entry-level Tasman be good enough for private buyers?
  Skip ahead:IntroductionInteriorPrice and cost to ownValue SafetyCompetitorsRunning costsSummary and verdictDriving comfort
  2026 Kia Tasman S 4×2As with most utes, the 2026 Kia Tasman will first be seen around Australia in carefully curated, glossy lifestyle images of high-spec versions on billboards and in TV commer
  
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• Subaru’s STI performance arm reveals three new JDM specials for Tokyo Auto Salon

  04-01-2026 03:00 via drive.com.au
  Subaru Technica International, Subaru’s performance division, will reveal three new special editions for Tokyo Auto Salon.
  2026 Subaru Performance-E STI Concept
  Subaru fans are sure to be heartened by the news that STI will feature three new models at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon.Subaru’s performance arm will show STI-enhanced versions of the WRX sedan, Levorg (sold here as the WRX Sportswagon) and Impreza.All three are set to become Japan-only specials, but unlike some of the legen
  
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• BYD Atto 1 could shake up Australia’s light car market

  04-01-2026 00:00 via drive.com.au
  Can BYD’s clever price and positioning for the new Atto 1 electric light car breathe life back into a segment that’s in decline?Just four models made up Australia’s Light Car Under $30,000 vehicle sales category in 2025, and three of the four saw their sales go backwards.In 2025 The BYD Atto 1 will join the segment and stands a genuine chance of causing a serious shake-up.Sales figures are down in the mainstream Light Car class by over 25 per cent with the Mazda 2, MG 3, and Su
  
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• 2026 Honda Prelude exceeds 1000 expressions of interest in Australia

  03-01-2026 21:00 via drive.com.au
  Demand is seemingly high in Australia for Honda’s first new Prelude in 25 years, but will expressions of interest translate to sales?Anticipation for Honda’s incoming Prelude has amassed more than 1000 expressions of interest, according to the brand, but how many convert to sales is still unknown.Speaking to local media, Honda Australia General Manager of Automotive Robert Thorp said demand for the reborn coupe has given the brand “confidence” that the Prelude will be a s
  
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• Nissan faces a defining year in Australia in 2026

  03-01-2026 03:00 via drive.com.au
  An all-new dual-cab ute should be a recipe for success for Nissan in 2026, but as models like Pathfinder and Patrol are left to languish, and with X-Trail as the only volume seller, can a rebadged Triton in Nissan clothes carry the brand to success?
  Nissan Navara
  Nissan’s sales forecast for 2026 could head in any direction, as crucial new models arrive, and others are held back due to production timing.The new Navara ute is a crucial new model for Nissan, as utes so often are for mainstrea
  
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• Honda Civic hybrid RS with faux gear shifts and a racing Prelude heading to Tokyo Auto Salon

  03-01-2026 00:00 via drive.com.au
  Honda wants to remind buyers that it is an enthusiast-oriented brand, with a heavy focus on racing and driver involvement at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon.
  2025 Honda Civic RS petrol
  Honda appears to be re-inventing itself as a brand with genuine enthusiast appeal, while at the same time keeping a firm eye on its eco-conscious credentials.At the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, Honda is set to unveil a new version of the Civic hybrid, equipped with the simulated gear shift technology from the new Prelude, whi
  
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• Tesla loses title of world's bestselling EV company as sales drop

  02-01-2026 21:55 via abc.net.au
  
  Tesla sales have dropped for the second year in a row, with Chinese rival BYD taking over as the world's biggest electric vehicle maker. 
  
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• Money makers: The three most expensive cars you can buy right now on Drive have all appreciated in value

  02-01-2026 21:00 via drive.com.au
  The big-dollar listings on Drive Marketplace show that savvy buyers have been able to cash-in on the right supercars.
  Savvy new car buyers in Australia know that not every car is an investment opportunity, but the three most expensive listings on Drive Marketplace right now show the investment potential of the right car.While the two most expensive classifieds make sense as recent ultra-exotic, high-performance supercars, the third-highest listing might be a surprise for all but the most die-har
  
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• Ram 1500 TRX returns as first ‘new’ model from revived SRT division, could come to Australia

  02-01-2026 04:00 via drive.com.au
  After axing the V8-powered TRX, Ram has reversed its decision and brought the TRX back to life with an even more powerful supercharged V8.The 2027 Ram 1500 TRX has returned with supercharged V8 power and is being billed as the “fastest and most powerful production gas pick-up truck in the world”, and it is in with a chance to come to Australia.Following the relaunch of the 5.7-litre V8 in regular Ram 1500 models in North America, the revived TRX offers 579kW and 922Nm from its 6.2-li
  
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• 2026 BYD Atto 3 electric car’s potential replacement spotted in disguise

  02-01-2026 03:00 via drive.com.au
  A new generation BYD electric SUV has been spied in production-ready form, pointing to a replacement for the four-year-old Atto 3.The second-generation 2026 BYD Atto 3 has been spied testing with minimal camouflage, suggesting it’s very close to launch.The car shown in these images is the Chinese market BYD Yuan Max, with the Yuan logo on the steering wheel that will be replaced by BYD badging in markets outside of China.The Yuan Max name will replace the Yuan Plus moniker used currently,
  
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• Roof loads done right: Surfboards, kayaks and Aussie rules

  02-01-2026 02:57 via drive.com.au
  Strap gear safely with Australian rules made simple. Learn tie-down basics, weight limits and setups that stay secure on the road.Nothing beats a trip to the beach with a board or kayak along for the ride. But securing gear to your roof is not as straightforward as you may think and can easily catch you out if you’re unfamiliar with the rules. Tie-down laws and safe anglesAs outlined in the National Transport Commission’s load restraint guide, it is on the driver to ensure the r
  
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• Honda Australia hoping for back-to-back-to-back sales growth

  02-01-2026 00:00 via drive.com.au
  New and refreshed models in 2026 are expected to continue Honda Australia’s sales comeback after moving to fixed-price sales strategy.
  Honda Australia is targeting its third consecutive year of sales growth in 2026, hoping to capture an additional 10 per cent of share off the back of an expected 10 per cent increase in 2025.Speaking to media, Honda Australia General Manager of Automotive Robert Thorp said the goal is for another year of expanding sales after the brand logged a record-low a
  
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• Tesla electronic door releases could be responsible for 15 deaths – report

  01-01-2026 23:00 via drive.com.au
  An investigation by Bloomberg attributes 15 deaths to entrapment caused by Tesla’s electronic door release system in crash situations.An ongoing investigation by news outlet Bloomberg reports that Tesla’s electronic door release system could be responsible for at least 15 deaths in the United States.The report filed by Bloomberg analysed crash data going back to 2012, following multiple reports by owners that Tesla’s electronically operated doors could fail to operate following
  
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• Ford CEO says it couldn’t compete with Toyota, Hyundai and Kia – report

  01-01-2026 22:00 via drive.com.au
  Ford’s global CEO Jim Farley says the Blue Oval made a ‘mistake’ in offering a full product line-up similar to Toyota, Hyundai and Kia.
  Ford Focus
  Ford wants to focus on specialised products, such as commercial vehicles, sports and electric cars, saying it was a “mistake” to be a full-line manufacturer similar to Toyota, Hyundai and Kia.In an interview with Argentina’s La Nacion, Jim Farley, the global CEO of Ford, said the brand’s “costs were not
  
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• 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy review

  01-01-2026 22:00 via drive.com.au
  If you’re looking for a stylish, fully-electric, seven-seat family car, look no further. Just make sure your pockets are deep, because as beautiful, powerful and practical as the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is, it is priced firmly at the pointy end.
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 CalligraphyFully-electric seven-seat SUVs are still relatively scarc
  
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• 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha, Tank 300 and Tank 500 hybrids recalled in Australia

  01-01-2026 21:00 via drive.com.au
  The fault could cause reduced vehicle performance and affect the cooling operation of its hybrid system, according to the recall notice.Great Wall Motors Australia has recalled 1445 examples of its 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha, GWM Tank 300 and GWM Tank 500 hybrids, citing a potential fault with their high-voltage wiring harness. The affected vehicles are stamped 2025 models, affecting the Cannon Alpha Plug-In Hybrid, the Tank 300 Hybrid, and the Tank 500 Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid. The recall
  
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• Used Imports: 2025 sees slowdown as Toyota dominance continues

  01-01-2026 20:57 via autotalk.co.nz
  The used import market faced a challenging year in 2025, with total registrations dipping across both passenger and commercial segments. For the full year, the total used import market (passenger and commercial) sat at 89,188 units, a significant drop from the 103,925 recorded in 2024. The passenger segment bore the brunt of the decline, finishing the year with 85,031 registrations, down […]
  The post Used Imports: 2025 sees slowdown as Toyota dominance contin
  
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• December: A solid finish to a rollercoaster year

  01-01-2026 20:48 via autotalk.co.nz
  The year has signed off with a steady month of trade, with 15,728 new vehicles hitting the road in December. While the overall market was down slightly on the same month last year (which saw 17,523 registrations), the passenger segment remained robust. A total of 12,844 passenger cars were registered, compared to 14,418 in December 2024. The commercial sector […]
  The post December: A solid finish to a rollercoaster year appeared first on Autotalk.
  
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• 2025 Market: RAV4 takes top spot as passenger sales drive recovery

  01-01-2026 20:11 via autotalk.co.nz
  The New Zealand new vehicle market finished 2025 on a high note, showing resilience and growth after a challenging previous year. The overall market reached 137,853 registrations, a solid increase from the 128,818 units recorded in 2024. This year’s growth story was driven entirely by a resurgence in the passenger vehicle segment, which surged by 12% to reach 97,987 registrations. This […]
  The post 2025 Market: RAV4 takes top spot as passenger sales dri
  
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• Ford Focus is dead, but here are five of the best models that lived

  01-01-2026 03:00 via drive.com.au
  After 27 years in production across four generations, the Ford Focus reached the end of the line in 2025. These are the five most memorable Focuses from Ford’s small car glory days.Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the life and legacy of the Ford Focus.It’s not uncommon to eulogise memorable, landmark, high-performance supercars, but what about affordable and accessible small cars?For Ford, the Focus represented a power play in Europe, a bold new model designed
  
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• Honda’s ‘fun side’ signals the start of a new approach in 2026

  01-01-2026 00:00 via drive.com.au
  Cars like the Prelude and Super-One may not be volume sellers for Honda, but they point to what’s to come from the Japanese brand.
  Honda Super-One and Honda Prelude
  Honda appears to be gearing up to entice enthusiasts to the brand in 2026, returning to its roots as an enthusiast brand.While the sales benefit of niche sports cars may not be immediate, behind the scenes, the new models coming in 2026 point to what the brand has in store in later years.The Honda Prelude returns to showrooms t
  
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• 2025 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 recalled in Australia

  31-12-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  The fault could prevent the instrument cluster from displaying safety system warnings, according to the recall notices.Ram Trucks Australia has recalled 1238 examples of its 2025 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500, citing a potential fault with their digital instrument clusters.The affected vehicles are stamped 2025 models.The recall notices, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, say: “Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual warnings for t
  
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• 2026 New Car Calendar for Australia: Every car, SUV, ute coming soon

  31-12-2025 22:00 via drive.com.au
  Even more new cars and brands are coming to Australian showrooms in 2026, from the Toyota RAV4 to the BYD Sealion 8. Here’s your A to Z guide of everything you can expect.The rush of new-car brands and models launching in Australia shows little sign of slowing down.Last year saw the number of marques in the market grow significantly, mostly thanks to China and the likes of Geely, Foton, Jaecoo, and GAC, but new metal from existing brands, such as the BYD Shark 6 and Toyota HiLux, also made
  
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• Electric and plug-in hybrid owners lose registration discount in Victoria from today

  31-12-2025 21:00 via drive.com.au
  Victoria’s only electric-vehicle incentive – a $100 annual registration discount for ‘zero- and low-emission’ cars, including plug-in hybrids – isn’t continuing into 2026.Registration costs for electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen cars in Victoria have fallen back to the standard light-vehicle rate from today, following the conclusion of the state government’s $100 discount on the annual renewal fee.Last December, the Victorian Government announced it w
  
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• 2026 MG QS Essence review

  31-12-2025 11:30 via drive.com.au
  The MG QS is the brand’s first stab at a seven-seat SUV, providing more space and seating options for families in need of a more versatile vehicle. How does it fare compared to its rivals, and is it good value for money?
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2026 MG QS EssenceIf you go back in time just a few years, MG’s line-up consisted of only a trio of
  
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• Top 10 most-viewed Drive Instagram posts in 2025

  31-12-2025 02:00 via drive.com.au
  Among a variety of topics, Drive Instagram followers showed interest in a self-driving Tesla between Sydney and Melbourne, as well as the electric G-Class’s ‘G-Turn’ function.With 2025 drawing to a close, it’s time to take a look back at the year that was on Drive across our news, reviews, advice, social media and Marketplace content.In this edition, we’ve compiled a list of the most-viewed posts on the Drive Instagram channel in 2025.To stay up to date with the lat
  
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• No spare tyre? Your 2026 guide to fixing a flat tyre

  31-12-2025 01:55 via drive.com.au
  Most new cars don’t come with a spare tyre. So what do you do when you get a flat? We explain how to use a repair kit and share the truth about run-flat tyres.Let’s be honest, tyre construction has improved significantly in the past decade or two. New-tech compounds and manufacturing methods have increased both puncture resistance and working life considerably over the old rubber of yesteryear. Even tyre brands that may not be established are often just as good as the big names in th
  
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• Polestar slashes prices of Polestar 2 and Polestar 4 electric cars with up to $15,000 off

  31-12-2025 01:00 via drive.com.au
  Electric vehicle brand Polestar has heavily discounted its Tesla Model 3-rivalling Polestar 2 and Polestar 4 models, with savings of up to around $15,000.Polestar Australia has substantially cut pricing for its mid-size Polestar 2 and large Polestar 4 sedans as part of a limited-time promotion running until 31 March, 2026.Savings of up to around $13,000 can be had on the Polestar 2, with the most affordable version of the electric vehicle (EV) has coming down from $68,560 drive-away in Victoria
  
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• Toyota RAV4 accessory packages launched in Japan, including wild off-road JAOS kit

  31-12-2025 00:00 via drive.com.au
  Toyota has just launched the 2026 RAV4 with a range of forbidden-fruit accessories that Aussie customers can only dream of.Australia’s most popular medium SUV, the Toyota RAV4, is set to go on sale in Australia soon but before it lands locally, you may want to check out what Australia misses out on.It’s not unusual for Japanese companies to launch a much wider range of accessories for cars in their domestic market, and the 2026 Toyota RAV4 is no exception.Information on the Toyota Ja
  
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