Car News

Manufacturers are pouring countless hours (and dollars) into developing more advanced infotainment systems, as they race for technology leadership. While they're feature-packed and (sometimes) look very pretty, a study from the North American AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are less distracting in day-to-day driving.

There's not much doubt about this one. The leaner, meaner 2019 Audi A1 is already a winner, as far as styling is concerned. A whopping 77 per cent of respondents to our latest poll favoured the new A1 over its predecessor, an almost identical split to that we saw with the new-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class when it launched. Seems people like new, shiny designs.

Ford Australia has announced Kay Hart will replace Graeme Whickman as president and CEO, effective today. Hart previously worked as global battery electric vehicle manager, customer and digital experience at Ford, having also served as managing director for Ford Philippines between 2013 and 2015. She started with the company as part of the New Zealand marketing team in 1998.

A new Committee on Electric Vehicles has been formed in the Australian Senate, with the goal of lending "much needed momentum and leadership" to the push for electric cars Down Under. Headed by Tim Storer, Independent Senator for South Australia, the committee will explore the "economic, environmental and social benefits" widespread adoption of electric vehicles could offer for Australia.

Ride sharing, driven by the rise of Uber and Lyft, has completely changed the taxi market, but this is a strange entry to the mobility market. Meet the Fortum Singalong Shuttle, an electric Helsinki taxi that accepts only singing as payment. This is an odd story, we realise.