Celine Nolan

Newly-appointed Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) chief executive officer Don Romano has confirmed Hyundai will sell a ute in Australia after convincing global president Jose Munoz that a mainstream tag can now not be competitive in Australia without this type of automobile.

The main idea is to redesign the Kia Tasman to swimsuit Hyundai’s abolish language—however equipped that Hyundai can real that automobile with a hybrid (HEV) or tear-in hybrid (PHEV) engine, even supposing diesel would perhaps well also come first.

If Hyundai headquarters can now not make a Tasman-vogue automobile with a hybrid engine, then Hyundai will look to its strategic partnership with Overall Motors (GM) to source a US-made pick-up for Australia.

“We want something that competes against (Ranger) and (Hilux) in the market,” HMCA boss Romano rapid Chasing Automobiles. “That’s what sells right here. That’s what customers want. Every predominant manufacturer has one, and I don’t fetch you is on the final a viable tag (in Australia) without one.

“There had been solutions previously that per chance utes aren’t appropriate for our tag and that pondering has modified and we glance it as an imperative.”

The final resolution on whether or to now not refit the Tasman or chase alongside side a GM product will be made before the conclude of 2025, with Romano confirming that he needs a “locked and loaded manufacturing idea” in predicament by the conclude of 2028 when he faces vital retirement at 68 years of age.

Romano assumed management of Hyundai Australia because the indispensable-ever non-Korean chief of HMCA seven weeks previously after a a success 11-year tenure as head of Hyundai Canada—a market where Hyundai sells the Tucson-based fully fully Santa Cruz.

The unibody Santa Cruz is now not in contention to be Hyundai’s ute product for Australia attributable to financial factors even supposing Romano believes it would sell moderately neatly in the community.

Restyled Tasman with hybrid engine is Hyundai’s most neatly-most neatly-liked ute

“There could be nothing shameful with the Tasman,” Romano rapid Chasing Automobiles. “It’s miles a noteworthy infrastructure to device from.

“I even agree with concerns with diesel, even supposing I’d rob a diesel engine if there was once a bridge components to something that can additionally meet towing skill I’d want, whether or now not that be a hybrid, tear-in hybrid or an electrical automobile.”

Hyundai’s sister tag Kia developed the Tasman platform for every and each diesel and fully-electrical (BEV) motors. Chasing Automobiles understands that the Tasman was once now not designed for petrol hybrid powertrains and this work would can agree with to be done to build the ute staunch for Hyundai.

While the fully-electrical version continues in development in South Korea, Romano indicated that he would prefer a hybrid – even supposing if electrical was once the one provide from head predicament of job he would indeed approve it for Australia.

A hybrid powertrain is “now not available” for the Tasman platform, Romano rapid Chasing Automobiles, even supposing adapting an existing Hyundai hybrid or PHEV plot to be used in the Tasman platform is a live probability and essentially the most prone to be authorized at the moment.

“As regards to all of my discussions, all of my conferences I’m having are to provide input in this residence. They would now not be soliciting for input at my stage unless there was once a crucial want,” Romano acknowledged.

After customary underpinnings had been selected, Hyundai will must snappy abolish and idea the done product while getting ready native dealers to market and sell a ute to Australians alongside a differ of automobile customisation alternatives.

Hybrid engine most neatly-most neatly-liked over diesel for CO2 emissions causes

“The vogue of ute we make will prefer the timeline. If we expend the Tasman (platform) from the factory in Korea that can even be soon—however then we must ask if we wish a diesel, and we must take a look on the NVES and the impact that goes to agree with,” Romano rapid media.

Australia’s Novel Automobile Efficiency Regular (NVES) authorized guidelines had been handed by the Albanese/Australian Labor Party federal authorities which was once re-elected earlier this month, bolstering the look among carmaker executives that the authorized guidelines are right here to place.

Below NVES, carmakers face fines if they sell too many autos with excessive CO2 emissions in a given year. Promoting some ‘soiled’ autos can even be offset if the carmaker sells a mode of low-CO2 autos in a year, equivalent to elephantine EVs, tear-in hybrids (PHEVs) and elephantine hybrids.

Every year NVES limits procure stricter. For light industrial autos (equivalent to utes), essentially the most CO2 emissions per automobile sold to manual determined of fines birth at 210g/km in 2025 and ratchet the complete manner down to staunch 110g/km in 2029. Regular automobile limits chase from 141g/km to 58g/km between 2025-2029.

If carmakers face fines for breaching NVES limits, these fines can agree with to be paid—probably by rising prices for purchasers. Within the lower-throat ute section, magnificent-driven label increases would build a automobile much less competitive.

In consequence, HMCA boss Romano would now not must rely on a ancient diesel engine for the Hyundai ute as a result of with no hybrid, this could breach the CO2 limit. As an illustration, the Toyota Hilux with 4 wheel pressure and a couple of.8-litre diesel produces 207g/km of CO2 – staunch timid of breaching the 2025 limit.

However Romano would salvage a Hyundai ute with the Tasman’s 2.2-litre diesel engine in the short term to procure the ute onto the market—alternatively it would can agree with to be modified with a petrol hybrid or PHEV snappy to manual determined of changing into a expansive NVES/CO2 headache for the manufacturer.

“We are taking a take a study pretty just a few drivetrains, however all of that provides time,” acknowledged Romano.

GM ute would perhaps well also be chosen if hybrid can’t be developed for Tasman platform

For HMCA to bring a ute to Australia on the Tasman platform this could can agree with to be assured that its diesel engine would be transitioned to a hybrid powertrain before NVES limits in truth bite by the conclude of this decade.

If a hybrid can now not be developed promptly to be used in the Tasman platform then it is extra probably that Romano will lobby global Hyundai chief Munoz to faucet Overall Motors to provide a hybrid, PHEV or even BEV ute to Hyundai.

A partially or fully electrified Hyundai/GM ute collaboration would be manufactured in the United States—to be sold in the US, Australia, and pretty just a few markets that can rob pleasure in a increased and further top payment ute.

The GM probability would now not compete with the Ranger, Hilux and Tasman however pretty the increased pick-up section populated in the community by the RAM 1500, Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado and Toyota Tundra.

This type of strategy is now not HMCA’s want because the automobile wouldn’t sell in the center of the Australian ute market. In 2024, nearly 230,000 midsize utes sold in Australia; the section is 20 times increased than the huge US pick-up class (10,611 deliveries in 2024).

Overall Motors has commenced development of PHEV variations of its Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra twin elephantine-dimension pick-ups. The Silverado and Sierra will most seemingly be found with petrol and diesel powertrains while a BEV version of the Sierra is additionally on sale.

“(GM utes) are pretty just a few (to Tasman),” Romano acknowledged.. “They agree with got pretty just a few doable designs and kinds we would procure. I’m by no plan going to keep in touch badly about our sister company (Kia) however the abolish wouldn’t fit for us and what we are searching for to procure.

“It wouldn’t be my first different at this stage, given what I do know. I’d prefer so that you simply must well procure it out of Korea. The distribution channel, commerce (payment), ease of doing business and mixing with pretty just a few merchandise we procure makes a lot extra sense from a financial standpoint.”

Subaru Australia has printed its towbar-mounted resolution for the scarcity of a spare wheel on its original-expertise Forester hybrid mannequin following backlash from fans of the nameplate.

Whereas the petrol mannequin continues to buck trade norms by becoming a elephantine-dimension spare wheel, the original-expertise hybrid mannequin does no longer provide this wanted touring characteristic, even in downsized spare-saver create.

As with many EVs and hybrid items, the packaging obstacles of in conjunction with the electrical ingredients rob the Forester of dwelling that would otherwise be venerable for the spare fifth wheel.

It comes as a suite of recent hybrid competitors, such because the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 proceed to present a spare wheel, even on AWD variants – albeit on the full in the extra restricted dwelling saver create.

Subaru Australia engineers had been neatly attentive to the concerns from investors when Chasing Cars had our first hands-on explore with the Forester hybrid earlier this twelve months, insisting that a resolution would be ready to launch alongside the original mannequin.

A tow-bar mounted spare wheel carrier is furthermore supplied on the emblem’s Solterra electrical midsize SUV, after concerns had been raised by investors as to the sensible off-avenue capacity, with occupants potentially in danger of being stranded in some distance away areas if the tyre repair equipment failed or the tyre or rim was seriously damaged.

Subaru has priced the accent at $3099 for the 18-hasten wheel grade and $3199 for the bigger 19-hasten grades. The pricing involves the mark of everything, in conjunction with the wheel, tyre, accent and installation.

Drawbacks for cycling, camping lovers

As many had been quick to indicate, mounting a spare on the tow bar will limit Subaru-proudly owning cyclists who would in point of fact like to utilize a motorbike rack, or touring and outside lovers who tow a small camper trailer on their weekend adventures.

However, it desires to be said all possible alternate recommendations would arrangement with some drawbacks.

Mounting a spare in the boot and raising the ground high as a consequence would rob the Forester of substantial cargo room; equally, putting it on the roof rack would decide up it refined for many folks to bodily lift the reserve wheel on and off.

A historical past of punctures

The absence of spare tyres is a consistent criticism highlighted in Chasing Cars opinions, and for vivid goal.

The obstacles of the scarcity of a spare tyre had been highlighted previously in a Chasing Cars comparability between the Toyota RAV4 and rapidly-to-be-outdated present expertise Forester hybrid abet in 2020, with the latter the ultimate one to fail to trace a spare tyre.

Right via the test, the Forester hybrid experienced a puncture that wanted to be repaired with tyre sealant, a compromised resolution that promptly ended the test..

Equally, for the length of a Chasing Cars future test of the Nissan X-Breeze e-Vitality, which furthermore boasts an AWD arrangement capable of gentle off-roading, a puncture was obtained in the sidewall of the tyre, meaning it couldn’t be repaired on the time and wanted to be towed.

Mazda Australia is finalising a industrial case to launch the 6e electric sedan within the neighborhood, following a successful push from Mazda UK to stable lawful-hand-drive (RHD) manufacturing acclaim for the Chinese-built Tesla Mannequin 3 rival.

Mazda UK is also understood to be lobbying for RHD manufacturing of the closely connected CX-6e electric midsize SUV—a Tesla Mannequin Y-sized crossover that points prominently on Mazda Australia’s local favor list.

Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi acknowledged the impress had been slack to ship mainstream EVs to Australia, nonetheless acknowledged it recognises that “six or seven percent” of local traders are genuinely procuring battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with the re-elected Albanese govt signalling BEVs would possibly perchance perchance also fabricate up an even bigger share of future gross sales.

“With the RHD Mazda 6e being confirmed, we maintain to make a selection up our skates on and make the fitting industrial case,” Bhindi advised media.

“[It isn’t] a performed deal, nonetheless the manner we scrutinize at it is that Mazda Australia offers the [greatest] amount of objects – as many as we can – whilst you scrutinize on the worldwide portfolio and we don’t are searching to desert that technique.

“Secondly, with the Modern Vehicle Effectivity Long-established [laws now in effect], if the govt. is admittedly definite to lower our carbon footprint from Australia, I will handiest quiz they are able to journey stronger and tougher towards BEVs…so Mazda will provide that, if we can.”

Whereas the 6e sedan is the closer of the two vehicles to local affirmation, the CX-6e is following closely within the help of. Each and each EVs are expected to be priced to generate sufficient volume to positively affect Mazda’s Australian fast reasonable emissions below NVES.

“We all favor [the CX-6e], so if it becomes on hand, we would possibly perchance well be soliciting for it,” acknowledged Mazda Australia national manager of product and industrial technique Daniel Wakelam. “The industrial case [for CX-6e] will likely be a microscopic simpler. On legend of it’s a medium SUV, it is dazzling easy.”

Mazda 6e electric sedan expected to land in Australia first

Co-developed with Chinese three device partnership accomplice Changan, the 6e was once published in April 2024 and confirmed for European gross sales—including RHD manufacturing for the UK—in early 2025. Measuring 4921mm long and 1890mm wide, the fastback-model sedan is around 50mm longer, 50mm wider and 40mm taller than the outgoing petrol-powered Mazda 6.

Essentially based mostly entirely on Changan’s EVA1 platform, which also underpins Deepal vehicles, the Mazda 6e is rear-wheel drive, with outputs of 180kW and 320Nm. Two batteries are on hand globally: a 66.0kWh (usable) lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack rated for 479km vary, and a 75.0kWh (usable) nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) unit claiming 552km of WLTP vary.

Each and each batteries fortify 11kW AC charging, nonetheless a essential quirk is that the smaller LFP pack enables vastly faster DC charging – promising 200kW peak and 126kW reasonable from 10–80 percent in 23 minutes.

By comparison, the NMC battery is proscribed to a 95kW peak (averaging 70kW over the identical window), ensuing in a long 47-minute cost time.

The 6e offers gloomy or tan interiors, with points including a 14.6-jog touchscreen, 14-speaker Sony sound machine, 50-jog augmented actuality head-up order, and nil-gravity front seats.

Boot condo measures 330 litres, supplemented by a 70-litre frunk. A liftback structure has been published, with no wagon variant confirmed at this stage.

To boot to the two BEV variants, a petrol-electric vary extender model of the 6e is also equipped in China. It pairs a 70kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine performing as a generator with both an 18.9kWh or 28.4kWh battery, delivering 105km or 160km of EV vary and greater than 1000km of blended driving vary.

Bhindi confirmed that handiest the BEV variations of the 6e are integrated in Mazda Australia’s most popular industrial case, though the local distributor would possibly perchance perchance also “doubtlessly enlarge” the lineup to embrace the vary extender model if curiosity arises.

Mazda Australia EV industrial case to be submitted to Japan almost as we express

Mazda Australia’s product boss Daniel Wakelam equipped Chasing Autos with further detail on the industrial case assignment for the 6e.

“Right here’s a terribly distorted segment on legend of Tesla Mannequin 3 [sales] are hugely distorting it. Which will likely be a special case. We’re no longer going to [sell] 25,000 6es, like they [sell Model 3s],” acknowledged Wakelam.

“To select up the[6e] program proper by the toll road with Japan, now we maintain to attain up with a industrial case. That’s what we place to them—we can sell this many vehicles, and fabricate this extraordinary profit.”

Tesla delivered 17,094 Mannequin 3 sedans in Australia in 2024, when in contrast with 15,401 Toyota Camrys and appropriate 1354 Mazda 6s, which is now discontinued. Other essential ends within the segment integrated two BEVs: the BYD Seal (6393) and BMW i4 (2062).

“The UK are determined for the [6e] so that they did the heavy lifting,” Wakelam published. “They got the [RHD] advertising strategy licensed. As soon as RHD is on hand, it makes it simpler [to bring it to Australia].

“EVs are also simpler than ICE vehicles on legend of there isn’t very any longer any emissions test that must be performed. It brings the associated price down, and device there would possibly perchance be much less uncommon investment for [ADR] compliance than what one other vehicles would maintain.”

CX-6e SUV likely to put collectively Mazda 6e to Australia

Unveiled on the 2025 Shanghai motor express their own praises and badged EZ-60 in China, the CX-6e is a midsize SUV sibling to the 6e. Its crossover body model is likely to generate stronger volume in Australia and Europe. Whereas RHD manufacturing has no longer but been confirmed, there are usually no longer any known technical impediments to building the CX-6e in lawful-hand drive.

Measuring 4850mm, the CX-6e would take a seat above the CX-5 and CX-60 in Mazda Australia’s SUV vary. Globally, this can back as Mazda’s core electric SUV whereas the firm works on its in-condo EV architecture, with unique objects expected to emerge from 2028 onwards. Until then, Changan-developed objects will act as a transitional EV offering.

The CX-6e’s exterior and interior bear are idea to be a half-technology ahead of the 6e, showcasing what Mazda calls “next-technology Kodo bear”. Form highlights embrace LED perimeter lighting around the grille, a coupe-model roofline, and a 26-jog split-show masks order that enables separate use by the motive force and front passenger.

Other tech points embrace a 3D digital heads-up order, 23-speaker stereo with headrest-mounted speakers, and digital facet mirrors.

The Shanghai debut of the CX-6e focussed on a vary extender model, combining a 1.5-litre engine with a 31.7kWh battery to ship a claimed 128km of electric-handiest vary and greater than 1000km of full vary. Blended outputs are rated at 190kW.

As with the 6e, it’s likely UK product planners will lead the push for RHD manufacturing of the CX-6e. Whereas full necessary points of the BEV model remain below wraps, it is expected to use the identical LFP and NMC batteries because the 6e, paired to both 160kW or 175kW motors.

WLTP vary estimates are tipped to fall between 400 and 500km.

Wakelam agreed the UK was once likely to already be advocating for RHD manufacturing of the CX-6e, and advised the SUV would possibly perchance perchance also land in Australia at a more affordable designate than the 6e because of larger expected volume—delivering a more mountainous affect on Mazda’s fast emissions reasonable below NVES.

“The price structure is more difficult on legend of we’re in a partnership with one other impress [Changan]. They’re on a the same platform anyway, the imperfect automobile would possibly perchance perchance also very successfully be very the same, the batteries are the identical, the motors are doubtlessly the identical—it is mostly the sheetmetal that is uncommon,” Wakelam acknowledged.

Thanks for becoming a member of us this Thursday, Can even just Twenty second, 2025. Particularly in automotive info on the present time: Tesla CEO Elon Musk commits to 5 extra years on the helm, and Toyota CEO declares that automobiles that aren’t fun, aren’t to be concept of automobiles at all!

Browse this effect:

• Elon Musk locks in 5 extra years as Tesla CEO
• Toyota CEO declares “fun automobiles” crucial
• Ford provides ‘Gloomy Edition’ to Everest fluctuate
• New Nissan Micra no likelihood for Australia
• …
• 2025 Mini JCW: total fluctuate reviewed!

Elon Musk locks in 5 extra years as Tesla CEO

• Tesla’s controversial CEO Elon Musk has committed to at least 5 extra years on the helm of the company amid a world gross sales hotfoot, largely blamed on impacts of his involvement in US and world politics.
• Talking on the Qatar Financial Discussion board, Musk denied most modern experiences that the Tesla board changed into once taking a undercover agent to oust him from the role and mentioned the company changed into once already turning its fortunes around.

• Musk reiterated his design to utilize much less time dabbling in geopolitics and extra time at Tesla and SpaceX, answering “yes” when asked if he deliberate to raise on because the CEO of the primitive for at least the next 5 years.
• Whereas Tesla gross sales proceed to poke around the enviornment, Musk pointed to a rebound in Tesla’s inventory rate as his measure of overall success.
• It follows most modern strikes by Tesla, similar to its AI tasks and unique self-riding Robotaxi, that it guarantees will provide substantial commercial positive aspects for shoppers one day.

Toyota CEO declares “fun automobiles’ crucial

• Talking on the originate of the sixth-abilities Toyota RAV4, company CEO Koji Sato has declared that “a automotive is no longer a automotive if it’s no longer fun”.
• It’s an announcement harking motivate to the “no extra dumb automobiles” quote from Toyota chairman and primitive CEO Akio Toyoda motivate in 2017, which many show cloak as a step swap within the philosophy of its automotive lineup, that turned vastly extra fun to force as unique generations arrived.

• Sato mentioned the famously conservative manufacturer “can now no longer sell automobiles factual with model updates, a minute bit better gas effectivity, or unique designs”, adding, “unless that very same ardour [as sports cars] would be show cloak in varied forms of automobiles, we won’t be ready to attain customers”.
• Sato mentioned it changed into once vital to instil this philosophy into unique participants of the Toyota team, and, by making the assertion publicly, the CEO gave the look to be sending this message to the emblem’s right followers as effectively.

Ford provides ‘Gloomy Edition’ to Everest fluctuate

• Following on from the Ranger Gloomy Edition launched closing year, the Everest has gained its hold styling and value-targeted grade, with the indispensable batch of the final 750 objects promised for Australia space to attain in July.
• In response to the mid-spec Pattern 4 wheel force with the dual-turbo four-cylinder engine choice, the Gloomy Edition affords the expected suite of dusky exterior touches, along with 18-creep alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain as an different of dual carriageway terrain rubber.

• Alongside with the same old towing programs, shoppers could additionally additionally decide for the Top charge Seat pack that lifts the normal spec to encompass extra adjustable seating along with heated/ventilated seats for an extra $1200 on top of the depraved $69,000 rate.
• It’s the most modern unique grade to be a half of the Everest lineup following the Wildtrak and Tremor, with the folk on the Blue Oval greater than eager to double down on its most modern gross sales success of the wagon and in sympathy of the manufacturing wind-down of RWD variations.

Nissan Micra no likelihood for Australia

• Nissan Australia has confirmed that the currently unveiled, all-electric Micra hatch will no longer be coming to Australia and could just calm as an different be targeted at Europe.
• Pitched as a reasonably extra premium different to the Renault 5 on which it’s basically based, the Micra can be gunning for just among the most modern gross sales success loved by its French sibling, which has been praised for its affordability, ethical looks and dapper possess.

• The Micra is offered with both a 40kWh and 52kWh battery, offering ranges of 308km and 407km, respectively. A charging charge of 100kW is slack by replace requirements, however the Micra can calm recharge from 15-80 p.c in 30 minutes.
• The Micra has been on hiatus for the closing two years, but Nissan discontinued the hatch within the neighborhood in 2016, because it shifted focal point in opposition to SUVs, utes and sports actions automobiles.

2025 Mini JCW fluctuate reviewed

• Chasing Vehicles contributor Iain Curry executed an total fluctuate evaluation of the freshest JCW (aka John Cooper Works) variations of the recent Mini lineup.
• Riding the Countryman and Aceman SUVs, along with the petrol/electric three-door Hatch and petrol Convertible, Iain praised the depth of abilities all the scheme in which via your total fluctuate.

• The unique all-electric Aceman shone with its eager handling and prankish dynamics, but changed into once held motivate by its fire scramble; while the Countryman changed into once substantial to force, even supposing the added heft turned obvious within the company of the remainder of the Mini JCW household.
• Whereas now no longer obtainable with a handbook transmission, Curry mentioned the three-door petrol Hatch changed into once calm the purest and most luscious JCW experience.

READ: Link to written evaluation

WATCH: Link to YouTube video

The next effect of Vehicle News This day can be published on Friday, twenty third Can even just at 4.30pm Sydney time.