FCAI

Australia's Takata airbag recall is almost 80 per cent complete, but the ACCC data says there are three brands with a conversion rate below 70 per cent. A combination of heat and humidity can make the propellant in Takata airbag inflators degrade over time. In an accident where the airbags deploy, metal fragments could shoot into the cabin, posing a serious risk of injury or death to passengers.

Sales of new vehicles in Australia fell almost 10 per cent in June compared to the same month in 2018, making it 15 successive months of decline. The June tally of 117,817 vehicles was 9.6 per cent less than the 130,300 sold in June 2018. It’s also the worst June tally since 2012. At the halfway point of the year, sales across the six months sit at 554,466 units, which is 8.4 per cent fewer (equating to 51,056 units) than the same period in 2018.

The car industry has slammed a proposal by the Victorian Government to slug vehicles priced over $100,000 with an additional tax – on top of the 10 per cent GST on the total cost and 33 per cent Luxury Car Tax already charged on every dollar above $66,331. UPDATE, 27/5/19: The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has made a statement regarding the proposed changes to taxes on new vehicles in Victoria. See bottom of article for details.

Hyundai has reinforced the need for new emissions regulations in Australia, suggesting the industry is eagerly waiting for a 'line in the sand' from the Federal Government on the issue. Speaking with CarAdvice at the launch of the Hyundai Ioniq in Brisbane, Scott Nargar, manager of future mobility and government relations at Hyundai Australia, highlighted the importance of certainty surrounding emissions Down Under.

Owners of vehicles still fitted with the most dangerous 'alpha' Takata airbag inflators won't be able to register their car in South Australia from November 1. The move is the first of its kind in Australia, and will be enforced by the South Australian Registrar of Motor Vehicles.