Car News

China's GAC Motor says it wants to enter the massive US car market next year, with a wide range of models and a mission that - if successful - will make it a major player outside its home country. As a statement of intent, the Guangzhou company presented its line-up at this week's Detroit motor show, headlined by the slick GA4 small sedan and a wild electric SUV concept called the Enverge.

As expected, Lexus is odds-on to scrap the CT small hatchback and replace it with a small crossover SUV sharing some bits with the Toyota C-HR, to better capitalise on demand at the lower end of the luxury market. The CT200h is Lexus’ smallest car, and also its only vehicle sold exclusively with a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain. Yet its global sales haven’t been spectacular, with the key US market even dropping the model for 2018.

Hyundai Australia says it’s not happy with the sales of its i30 hatch, despite the vehicle claiming the prize of fifth most popular car for 2017. With the small car market remaining fiercely competitive, and sales of the entire segment down in general (in favour of SUVs), the i30 finished 2017 23.8% down on its 2016 record that saw the previous generation take the bronze medal for its efforts.

The latest luxury vehicle manufacturer to enter the Australian market will be Hyundai-owned Genesis, which will have its full brand launch alongside two models around April or May this year. Hyundai has been testing the water with its ‘Genesis’ sedan, but will now use that as a platform to launch the full line-up of Genesis-branded vehicles before the middle of the year.

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled a new '53' model line in Detroit, with power from a 48V hybrid-boosted inline-six engine. Debuting in the CLS, E-Class Coupe and E-Class Cabriolet, the new powertrain comprises of a turbocharged inline-six petrol engine making 320kW of power and 520Nm of torque, augmented by a 48V electric system offering an extra 16kW and 250Nm for brief periods.