Car News

China’s biggest domestic SUV maker, Haval, is having a much tougher time selling cars to Australians than it expected, but the still-ambitious company suggests its next wave of products will have a better go at it. The company is developing a new modular architecture for domestic left-hand drive (LHD) purposes – as well as right-hand drive (RHD) for Australia, India and South Africa – to underpin its next generation model line-up.

BMW is reportedly considering basing the next-generation of Mini models on a platform co-developed with China's Great Wall Motors. Among a report in Automobile about product predictions relayed by unnamed sources, the most interesting revelation is the claim BMW is in discussions with Great Wall regarding a co-developed platform. If the two parties agree on terms, it's predicted next-generation Minis will debut in 2023.

Honda Australia has issued a recall for its 2013MY Jazz, Jazz Hybrid, Accord Euro and Insight models as part of the ongoing Takata airbag campaign. All vehicles involved in this notice are fitted with faulty passenger inflators classed as 'beta' airbags - that aren't rated as dangerous as 'alpha' ones. Like previous Takata-related recalls, faulty airbags could rupture when deployed, which could shoot metal fragments into the cabin - posing a serious risk of injury or death to occupants.

The Confederation of Australian Motorsports (CAMS) has announced plans to bring Touring Car Racing (TCR) Down Under. Starting in 2019, CAMS and WSC Limited (promoter for TCR) will develop the burgeoning series over the course of five years. The series, founded in 2015, pits racy versions of daily drivers – think VW Golf, Audi A3 and Honda Civic – against each other. The cost of entry is relatively low compared to many categories, and the racing is tight.

Toyota Australia has announced Matthew Callachor as its new president and CEO this week, shortly after Lexus's local arm announced its new boss. Callachor, 56, has a 36-year career with Toyota, including stints in the US and Japan. For the last 18 months Callachor served as the company's local vice president, where he was responsible for sales, marketing, product planning, corporate services and finance divisions.