This is a 3.9 per cent increase (or 3,632 vehicles) compared to the same month in 2011. On a year to date basis, the strong results are also a 4.7% per cent increase (or 11,658 vehicles) on the same period last year.

“SUVs continue to dominate Australian car sales, accounting for 28 per cent of all new car sales so far this year,” FCAI Chief Executive, Ian Chalmers said. “Combined with small passenger cars (23.6 per cent) and light passenger cars (13.0 per cent), these three segments make up 64.6 per cent of new cars sold this year.”

While all categories of SUV have grown in sales, two passenger car categories have also shown strong growth compared with 2011. Medium passengers car sales are up 17.7 per cent (3,139) since the same time last year, while sales of sports cars have also sprung back with an increase of 31.2 per cent (1,142) compared with the same period.

“Yet again, the VFACTS data give us an overarching message – Australians will buy the cars that best meet their varied lifestyles, expectations and hip pockets,” Ian Chalmers said.

The sales of locally manufactured vehicles are up almost 20 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Toyota was the best performing brand in March selling 18,461 vehicles, followed by Holden with 10,196 and then Mazda with 9,345.

4th April 2012
Media release by Paul Matthewson
Ian Chalmers, Cheif Executive

Renault Australia has come up with a new offer that makes that taking care of your new purchase a little easier. With the purchase of one of the cars in a specific range, buyers get three years of free scheduled servicing to save themselves even more money. Although they already offer one of the longest factory warranties on their cars, by adding the free servicing they are letting drivers know that they value their business. They are also backing the vehicles that they sell by offering assurance to drivers that they will be taken care of for the long haul, well after they leave the sales lot.

Although the deal on offer for April is only provided for select cars, new customers can be sure that there are still plenty of options available to them. The standard features in most of the Renault line provides drivers with almost everything that they need for automotive enjoyment, and there is sure to be plenty of room for the entire family. Between the Mégane Hatch, Fluence Sedan, Latitude Sedan and Koleos Compact SUV, buyers have plenty of room to find the options that they need to make their purchase a happy one.

The three year free scheduled servicing deal for Renault vehicles covers all purchases made in April and picked up from the dealership through the end of May, and covers all routine scheduled maintenance that should be performed on your vehicle. This can save new buyers hundreds of dollars a year and makes the prospect of purchasing a Renault vehicle much more appealing than it was before. Not only are you getting a longer factory warranty, but they are taking care of you and your vehicle for the long haul with every purchase made in April.

Priced from $33,990 to $41,490, it’s lower, longer, and wider body from the years before and undesireable looks yet has the outstanding performance that people look for in a Mercedes Benz any class. It gives you strong and safe confidence behind the wheel. Offering several airbags front and side airbags. Putting style, safety, and convience first all at once. It provides visual and acoustic warnings after identifying an obstacle, this is definitly a first in compact cars. It has a pre safe passenger protection system which is also a first in the compact class of cars.

The B180 goes from 0-60mph in 10.2 seconds, petrol fuel and just like the B200 is paired with a seven speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The B200 goes from 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds and the B200 CDI goes from 0-60 mph in 9.3 seconds and has a diesel engine and gets 64.2 mpg as tested. All the models comes with bluetooth and IPod connectivity, multifunction and power assisted steering.

The new B-Class Mercedes benz has a completely new look, new chassis and new engine, and new transmission from it’s previous model, and new and high powered technology. Technology that allow you to continue your digital lifestyle in the car. Technology that allow you to configure your vehicle from off-board, you can send destinations and routes to the new B-Class. The command online feature which comes with google, facebook, check into hotels and people on facebook can follow your destination while you are driving. No car in Mercedes Benz history has ever had so many changes. The new B-Class Mercedes is a computer on wheels.

The new Mercedes Benz B-Class comes with a full life cycle assessment. The new Mercedes Benz B-Class is environmentally efficient, because it is energy saving. It uses recycled plastics and natural materials. Co2 emissions combined is 145-114 g/km. The new Mercedes Benz B-Class celebrates it’s world premiere in September at IAA in Frankfurt.

This car is of a rather diverse type of vehicle. The AudiQ3 is a front engine, four wheel drive 5 passenger car. It also comes in the form of a 5 passenger, 5 door wagon as well. Either way consumers will get a quality vehicle that will allow them to travel easily and efficiently.

With an Audi Q3 you will be getting a vehicle that is very durable as it comes with a very sturdy steel construction. When getting this vehicle consumers will have a vehicle that is quite durable but also more lightweight. Since this is a lighter vehicle drivers will be able to have a car that is easier to manuver and therefore more desirable to drive. This is one of the best featrues of this new vehicle.

The transmission system of the car features one of a few distinct types. First you can get an AudiQ3 with 7 speed dual clutch automatic transmission. This is very good for those who want flexibility with their car transmission. People can also get a 6 speed manual transmission vehicle as well if they prefer this type of vehicle transmission.

As far as the engine is concerned the new vehicle has one that is very high powered and efficient. It can be run on regular gasoline and also diesel fuel. With this flexibility drivers will have a vehicle that will enable them to power their car with a variety of fuels.

With this new car the price is comparable to the BMW models. Since it is a high quality vehicle it will usually cost a considerable amount of money. Most models of this type of car are priced at approximately $43,000. However with good financing options people can affrod this vehcile.

When buying a new car consumers will want to know about the performance of vehicle. This car has decent gas mileage so you can travel good distances before you need to refuel. The car itself can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour within 10 seconds and its top speed is up to 155 miles per hour. As a result this car is a fairly high performance vehicle.

BMW is one of the largest luxury sports cars manufacturers in the world. The affected cars are not just found in Germany, but across the globe. 290, 000 cars were found to be faulty in home country of BMW. There are approximately over 350, 000 cars in the U.S. that will be effected from the 5 series model circa 2004 to 2010. The car models included sedans, station wagons, coupes and convertibles. If you are unsure if your car is to be recalled, you can check with your local BMW dealer.

Owners of these cars will be notified by mail next month to bring their car to a local dealer. The problem will not take more then thirty minutes to be fixed. All that needs to be done is securing the battery and adding a new cover. If you notice that you have been having problems with your car, then you will be able to take it in sooner. Just mention the series make and year to the dealer in order for them to understand it is a recalled vehicle.

Fortunately, there have been no reports of injury due to the faulty battery piece found in the trunks of these cars. BMW saw its profits jump over fifty percent to nearly five billion euros (six million dollars) last year. Hopefully, this recall problem will not hurt their profit margin too much this year. It is better for BMW to be safe then sorry when their products could adversely hurt someone.

For more information check out BMW’s website to see if your car model is affected.

Hyundai’s Australian branch is going to launch its new model i30 Trophy as its 2013 model within few months though earlier best seller models of Hyundai may still influencing it. The local branch of Korean makers of cars had declared the introduction of variants of i30 Trophy with its limited edition whereas its previous version of 2010 had achieved the sales target of 3700 units. The 2012 model of i30 Trophy had emerged as i30 SX on the basis of 2.0 liter petrol engine alongwith certain changes in it interior as well as exterior decorations.

The latest version of i30 limited edition includes five-door ‘Trophy’ hatch and wagon based on the fuel saving 2.0 liter petrol engine that ensures smooth and pleasant drive. 16-inch titanium-grey finish alloy wheels with an identical full-size spare and a rear spoiler are some of its exterior features and fog lamps buried in front bumpers and a badge of Trophy are among the changes in its exterior. The interior of i30 Trophy limited version is provided with leather mounted steering wheel with identical gear knob alongwith standard cruise controls. The cruise controls of the car will enable the driver to drive smoothly on either open roads or highways or on long distant drives.

Among the standard features of Trophy’s limited edition of i30cw Wagon and i30 SX include remote keyless entry with alarm, air-conditioning with pollen filter, power windows and mirrors, a chilled glove box, USB and iPod connectivity along with flexible space efficient seating, full AUX and ample in-cabin stowage areas. the engine of i30 Trophy is powered with 2.0 liter petrol like i30 SX producing 105Kw and torque capability of 186Nm with a safety rating of 5-star ANCAP.

Limited edition model of i30 2013 is also provided with the iPod and USB compatible stereo, and air-conditioning backed with excellent power supply. Hyundai will introduce only 500 units of Trophy edition in each its variant models of wagon i30cw and i30 five-door.

The excellent safety measures provided in the limited edition of i30 Trophy include Traction Control System with Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Anti-skid Braking System, six airbags and ‘anti-whiplash’ front head restraints and Hyundai Active Locking Operation that will enhance the confidence of driver as well as the passengers to drive on road.

The support of Hyundai and reasonable price of this special limited edition of i30 Trophy alongwith its five years warranty for unlimited mileage will definitely make this launch successful.

Holden is said to be the last of the local car manufacturers to offer this kind of service for motorists safe driving on the road and a clear cost on mileage servicing for car owners. Vehicles bought April of 2012 will all be included in HoldenWise capped priced servicing scheme and will be under the standard scheduled servicing which is set at three years or its equivalent mileage which is 60,000 km. The Holden’s Service Warranty Booklet holds all the necessary information car owners must know regarding the standard scheduled services of their car while Holden’s capped-price servicing cost is set at a maximum value for each standard scheduled service.

The great influence on this move by Holden to introduce HoldenWise is the growing need of motorists for an honest capped-price servicing cost. They have taken into consideration the need of car owners and potential car buyers in influencing them to purchase Holden cars due to the upfront CPS cost.

According to Narelle Stack, Holden’s director of customer service and retention, the capped price servicing scheme is very much competitive. They offer Holden clients an impressive value and guarantees quality car ownership with their latest models. He says that this latest program launched called HoldenWise will be very much appreciated by car owners bringing their service to a whole new level which is anchored on quality customer service. Holden car owners will experience total customer service satisfaction and pride for owning Holden models bought April this year.

With Holden’s upfront HoldenWise capped-price servicing charge, motorists have a clear idea on how to budget their financial resources in anticipation for the scheduled service of their vehicles. Here are the costs for the individual models of Holden that are included in their program from April this year onwards. The Barina Spark and Barina are capped price servicing charged at $185. The Cruz Petrol is CPS charged at $185 while the Cruze Diesel is $335. The Commodore is CPS charged at $185 while the Commodore LPG is $265. The Commodore Sportwagon is CPS charged at $185 while the Commodore Sportwagon LPG is $265. The Commodore Ute is CPS charged at $185 while the Commodore Ute LPG is $265. The Caprice is CPS charged at $185 while the Caprice LPG is $265. The Captiva is CPS charged at $245 while the Captiva Diesel is $395 and last is the Colorado Diesel which has a capped-priced servicing charge of $395.

Effective from today, Citibank will offer a new three year fixed rate product of 6.25 per cent – down from 6.32 per cent.

Speaking to The Adviser, Citibank’s director of mortgages Vibha Coburn said the yield curve is inverting strongly once again, giving the lender reason to cut rates.

“The markets are very volatile at the moment. I thought we had hit the bottom of the curve, but issues in China have put pressure on the yield curve, which is, in turn, allowing us to cut our three year fixed rate home loan,” she said.

“At Citibank, we meet every week to review both our fixed and standard variable rate mortgages. With the markets this volatile, we need to ensure our products remain nimble and we can adjust our rates to suit the economic environment.”

Ms Coburn said Citibank’s fixed rate products are now lower than the average standard variable rate – which is an unusual phenomenon.

“For those considering purchasing a house, it is a good idea to look at the fixed rate options. With so much market instability, it might be worth considering fixing all or part of the mortgage,” she said.

“Citibank also offers a 60-day rate lock at no charge so customers can cost-effectively guarantee the low fixed rate for 60 days after application.”

Article written by: Jessica Darnbrough from The Adviser

When luxury cars are discussed, it is not easy to ignore an authentic brand like Peugeot. This well-known French brand, has a history of delivering new and better than before vehicles to its customers and posses a huge circle of brand loyal customers that are spread in entire world. Aussies are also not behind as Peugeot is already enjoying a good market share since many decades. At present, this brand is clearly leading the way in many areas in this country and the diesel technology is surely one of them.

As per upcoming news Peugeot is all set for an advanced 3008 range in the current year. They are now pronouncing their XSE-grade model as ‘Active’ and XTE as ‘Allure. In Australia, Active 1.6l is available for $36,490 and Active 2.0l HDI for $39,990 whilst Allure 1.6l is offered for $39,990 and the Allure 2.0l for HDI $43,490.

It is a 5-Seat compact SUV with 5 doors. The fuel capacity is of 60 liters and the engine is 1.6L electronic direct injection VVT 16valve turbo petrol and 120kW/340Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. Further, it is front wheel drive with 6-speed automatic transmission.
Although, there are few other equipment in Peugeot 3008 but the great thing is that the company have just raised $500 for cost.

As far as bonnet of the vehicle is concerned, no changes have been made in Peugeot 3008. The Active series is now equipped with a Cielo glass roof, Bluetooth and USB. On the other hand, Allure is available with very smart and comfy leather seats.

According to latest news, this freshened up version from Peugeot is now available in showrooms with some outstanding features. Some of the key traits that have made this modified version really special are as follows;

• Electronic Parking Assistance with electric parking brake.
• Electric Windows that operates with a single touch.
• 6-Speaker Radio/CD Player with steering column audio controls.
• Air conditioning with pollen filter and dual-zone climate control.
• A superb hill assists function.
• Cruise control & speed limiter.
• Remote central locking with deadlocking & engine immobilizer.
• Very classy 17″ Alloy Wheels.
• Automatic Wipers & Headlights along with front & back fog lights.

This modified edition from Peugeot is a classic example of both leisure and convenience. The car manufacturer has ensured that while adding some extra characteristics no compromise is made on features like performance, fuel efficiency and ride. This new introduction from Peugeot is known for its versatility, style and comfort.

Nissan motors is set to showcase their 2013 Altima in Australia. The Altima is the base program for its V8 Super cars program. The Nissan Altima has done quite well to date, in the United States, and now Nissan is looking to carve themselves a niche, in the car industry, here in Australia.

Nissan is now attempting, to offer their sedans that have been called attractive and eye catching, by many, who have be able to view the new Altima at a fair price that consumers will like. Nissan has created and developed a new sleek design that is aerodynamic that has impressed many wherever it has been showcased. Nissan is trying to start fresh and learn, from their previous failures, that they had, in the past, with the Maixima. Nissan is now seeking to brand themselves in Australia similar to their competitor Toyota who is leading the pack currently with their popular sedan the Toyota Camry.

Nissan is looking to replace their previous brand Maxima with the Altima, because of the lack of sales and appeal that the Maixima brand had with helping Nissan, to achieve their sales goals over the years, in regards, to attracting a large customer base that wanted to go out and purchase the Maxima brand. Nissan is now working tremendously hard, to create, a brand new and exciting chapter, for themselves, by creating a buzz throughout the car industry with their new Altima, for the year 2013.

The new design of the Altima and the optimism that Nissan is having with their 2013 model can possibly turn out to be an extremely, good benefit, for consumers, in regards to enhancing their options to purchase vehicles. If Nissan is able to reach consumers, in the same matter as Toyota has done with the Camry, then their will be another great option, for consumers, to consider. Only time will tell before the actual results will be shown, and individuals will be able, to see, for themselves, what occurred with Nissan and their 2013 Altima, and also what happened with their main competitor Toyota, in the race, to attract consumer sales.