Car News

BMW has released its 2019 industry figures, shedding light on the progress of an electric initiative that now includes axing up to 50 per cent of its “traditional” drivetrains from 2021 onwards. In preparations to offer 25 electrified models by 2023 – an initiative the report reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to – BMW’s spend on research development in 2019 totalled €5.95 billion (AU$10.74 billion), up 11.9 per cent over 2018.

Revealing the latest convertible Ferrari amid man-made waves and pro-surfing demonstrations under a crystal clear dusky sky? I mean, why not! The Ferrari F8 Spider is the open-top sun-tan version of the F8 Tributo V8 sports car. The Tributo name refers to design elements that offer a ‘tribute’ to V8 Ferraris of the past.

Toyota Australia has shut down the import and sale of fake Toyota-badged grilles, the company announced this week, as part of its long-running fight against counterfeit parts sales to service centres and the general public. The part and panel distributor had been selling aftermarket versions of Toyota grilles that the carmaker claims “can be far worse than people realise as there is zero testing, no legal regulation and very little recourse for consumers if the part is ineffective or unsafe."

If you miss the quick Foresters of old, here's some news sure to garner a mixed response: a 'sporty' variant of the 2020 Subaru Forester is coming to Australia, and is slated to arrive by the end of the year. This Forester will be differentiated by styling changes, rather than powertrain updates – explained Colin Christie, managing director of Subaru Australia, at the recent Australian launch of the updated MY20 and hybrid line-up.

Nearly 4000 examples of the current Mercedes-Benz Vito work van have been recalled in Australia, over concerns of a fire risk. Affecting 3542 examples of Vito vans in the 2015 to 2019 model years, the recall centres on the auxiliary battery installed beneath the driver's seat. Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia reports the battery "may not include a seat base cover", which could lead users to mistake the space for a storage compartment.