Australians are rapidly embracing motorbikes (especially scooters) and diesel-powered cars, according to the latest Motor Vehicle Census from the ABC.
Auto industry
PHOTO GALLERY: The green automobiles of the future
The next generation of eco-friendly autos was on display at the recent Tokyo Motor Show, featuring not just electric cars, but lean and green electric motorbikes, scooters and even unicycles.
Hydrogen-fuelled cars aren’t out of the race yet
Many have declared the development of hydrogen cars dead in favour of cheaper, simpler electric vehicles. But companies including Suzuki, Mercedes and Toyota are still quietly tinkering away at the technology.
The world’s first sustainable racing car: powered by chocolate
The world’s first fully sustainable racing car is about the hit the Formula 3 competitive circuit in England next week. And if that wasn’t exciting enough: it’s powered by chocolate.
Carr has his head in the sand on exports
Australia might be free from recession and recovering, but the big traditional manufacturing (making) economies of the US, the UK, Germany, Japan, South Korea are still very sick. Demand for goods that are ‘made’ is going to be very weak for some time.
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An electric Rolls-Royce?
Everyone else is doing it, so why not? Word on the street is the Rolls-Royce of electric cars may be coming — quite literally. Inside sources say an electric version of the three-ton Phantom sedan is in the works.
Hydrogen cars: dead in the water?
Is the hydrogen-powered car market over before it even got started? Manufacturers have switched their focus towards the more cost-effective electric cars, leaving the possibility of water-powered vehicles looking increasingly like a pipe dream.
PHOTO GALLERY: Green cars of tomorrow
From sleek and sporty to funky and futuristic, check out next year’s batch of lean, green (or leaner and greener) cars from the world’s largest auto show in Germany.
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The Ferrari family tree
A wonderful flow-chart follows the evolution of Ferraris from the 1970s right through to the new 458 Italia. The price and power may have increased (a lot), but the basic design remains the same.
Broom broom: cars drive past recession
Surprisingly, it is the car industries in America, Europe and China that are booming and helping the economy get back on track, writes Alan Kohler.
The Porsche family feud ends in tears
Volkswagen’s decision to purchase all of Porsche has put an end to the takeover drama that has gripped the gossipy German business community.
Prius tops car sales in Japan
The Toyota Prius outsold all other cars in Japan last month, with two other hybrid cars making it into the country’s top-five.
The Porsche soap opera beats Dynasty for drama
Of all the situations to have emerged since the credit crunch and recession erupted almost two years ago, the Porsche soap opera is by far the most intriguing and the most farcical.
Hummer to go “lean and green”
Hummer are planning to revamp their image as “gas-guzzling, road-hogging, oversized machines rich people buy to flaunt their wealth.” Good luck with that.
Why Europe’s car market could stall
The European Union have decided to end the incentives scheme that saw a major boost in car sales and demand last year. Auto makers say they knew this day was coming, but aren’t sure they’re ready to go it alone just yet.
The open-source hydrogen car with a Porsche pedigree
A group of British investors are hoping to trigger a hydrogen revival with the unveiling of their ultra-lightweight fuel cell Urban Car in London.
Israel declares war on gas-guzzling cars
Israel has declared a “green tax revolution”, proposing a new customs levy on large vehicles and a rebate for ditching older gas-guzzling models.
What the auto industry can learn from the Apple Store
Here’s a novel idea: get rid of car yards, and only manufacture cars on demand. So crazy it just might work?
China buys Hummer
It’s the big GM garage sale, and a Chinese company has snapped up perhaps one od the greatest symbols of excessive western capitalism — Hummer.
I was Romania’s car czar: lessons in nationalising your auto industry
Ion Mihai Pacepa ran Romania’s car industry under the Soviet Union. With the US Government set to take over General Motors, he offers Congress some advice.
Guy Rundle: RIP Detroit, as the US goes socialist
Detroit is the first modern urban ruin, the largest city that has simply been allowed to die, writes Guy Rundle.
GM on the brink of bankruptcy
Bankruptcy looks all but certain for General Motors after bondholders rejected their offer to exchange $27 billion in debt for equity.
Does improving fuel efficiency encourage people to drive more?
When you reduce the need for a fuel, you also reduce its cost, thereby increasing demand. So mandating cars that use less petrol will make driving cheaper, encouraging people to drive more, right?
Obama ushers in new era of fuel efficiency
President Obama announces tough new nationwide rules for automobile emissions and mileage standards, embracing standards that California has sought to enact for years over the objections of the auto industry and the Bush administration.
