The Australian car market has hit choppy waters after the release of last month’s numbers.
According to statistics released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), new car sales decreased 5.5 per cent in August 2014, compared to the same period last year. Just 88,157 new cars were sold – down from 93,336 in 2013.
Road users in regional and rural NSW understand the frustrations and inadequacies of country roads.
The latest example of NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads program was completed when Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay and Member for Dubbo Troy Grant this week opened the upgraded intersections on Derribong Street in Narromine.
NSW’s “Get Your Hand Off It” mobile phone distraction campaign, in operation since June 2013, has already been credited with preventing many accidents. However, some powerful sporting stars have thrown their weight towards the campaign to give it another boost.
Recent statistics indicate that the Australian car market is one of the most competitive in the world and is beginning to pick up after a number of slow months.
The Productivity Commission’s final report for its Inquiry into Australia’s Automotive Manufacturing Industry has been released. In the report, the commission said relaxing the restrictions on imported second-hand vehicles into the country would have a number of benefits to consumers including lower prices, improved features and greater choice.
For a number of years, some of NSW’s road rules have been behind the rest of Australia. Whether through the inconsistencies of previous governments or other states improving their legislation ahead of NSW, some motorists have found themselves on the wrong side of law simply because they have crossed the border.
From 1 September, however, 15 minor amendments will come into force and there will be greater consistency between all the Australian states and territories. Many of the amendments have been described as common sense as in the past there have been small loopholes in the system.
All NSW road users should be safer in the future, with the alcohol interlocks law passing the state parliament this month (August 2014).
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has begun proceedings in the Federal Court against Coles, Woolworths, BP, Caltex, 7-Eleven and fuel price information service ‘Informed Sources’.
ACCC’s initial investigations focus on the Melbourne fuel market, but could set a precedent across the country in the coming months. It is alleged the fuel price information (updated in 15 minute intervals) supplied to Informed Sources is being used by rival retailers to spike costs.
When you decide to purchase a new vehicle, there are a number of considerations to take into account. This includes making sure you have appropriate comprehensive insurance and that you have undertaken a ctp greenslip comparison. Have you thought about safety ratings?
A vehicle is an investment in you and your family’s safety so you should be going out of your way to analyse and compare safety features. If you are looking into buying a new vehicle today, you extremely fortunate that technology advances with every new model.
To take some of the guess work out of purchasing a safe new car, you can investigate findings of the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). For over 20 years, the crash test authority has tested over 400 new vehicles to see how they shape up in a head-on accident.
ANCAP awards vehicles a star rating based on their performance with many cars achieving the maximum five stars. The authority has recently announced its latest round of safety ratings with three models receiving the coveted accolade.
Road safety is an issue requiring constant focus. From time to time, the NSW government collaborates with the Police to reveal information highlighting what needs to be done to increase the safety of others.
This time this problem is the increasing number of accidents and fatalities involving drivers under the influence of illicit drugs. With the manufacture of drugs like methamphetamine, speed and ecstasy, the problem is becoming more widespread.
It seems that the Australian car market is in a world of its own, compared to the rest of the world.
For a number of years, the national market has been strong and despite the departure of several high-profile manufacturers, the momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing.
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