Car News

The new Worldwide harmonised Light vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP)testing regime has forced Seat to detune its Leon Cupra 300 and create the Cupra 290. First reported by the UK's Auto Express, the company has confirmed the front-wheel drive versions of the Leon Cupra will lose 10 horsepower (7kW) to comply with new WLTP regulations (now 290bhp/216kW), though the all-wheel drive Leon Cupra ST wagon will maintain its 300hp (224kW) power output.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has appointed Mark Cameron its new Australian managing director, after Matthew Wiesner's abrupt departure in May. Cameron moves from his role as 'global experiential marketing director', having previously held senior leadership roles in Mazda UK's sales and marketing departments. "I am delighted to be joining and leading the Jaguar Land Rover team in Australia," he said.

Korea’s SsangYong is coming back to Australia for another crack at our unusually competitive and fragmented new vehicle market. While we learned that little fact in March this year, we now know a little more about its plans, which include re-launching as an official distributor in the fourth quarter of 2018. The company had previously used independent distributors such as Ateco Automotive, thereby outsourcing dealer franchising, parts distribution, marketing, and all the rest.

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.