We publish news of a ton of cars every working week and it can be hard to keep up with everything – which is the reasoning behind this weekend’s list.
In short, here it is Something The main articles in our news desk have been summarized since Monday of this week, if you miss them at that time.
Demand for VW’s electric van in charge
Volkswagen Australia says there is already a high demand for its electric vans here with retro-cool IDs. Buzz man-mover and id. Buzz cargo work spinoff – but don’t expect to see them until the end of 2024.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles announced this week that it has begun taking orders on ID. The Buzz MPV and cargo van in Germany, along with the rest of Europe, will soon follow
But Australia, despite demand from customers and fleets seeking to burn their green certificates, appears to be slightly below the global packing order – our CO2 target, according to VW, was not helped by a lack of a key determinant of supply.
Full story: Volkswagen ID. High Australian demand Buzz and cargo EV van
Stop driving. Now.
Mercedes-Benz Australia is withdrawing 17,687 examples of ML-Class, GL-Class and R-Class due to brake booster problems. This recall affects the model years between 2005 and 2013, as well as privately imported R-Class vehicles until 2016.
If you own a damaged vehicle, Mercedes-Benz advises you to stop driving immediately and contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz service center to arrange an inspection as soon as possible.
Affected vehicles should not be driven unless inspected by a Mercedes-Benz service center, a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson said, depending on the service center, they will either send a technician to you or arrange a tow truck.
Full story: Mercedes-Benz calls on 17,687 Australian owners to ‘stop driving’ immediately
Tesla’s waiting times continue to increase
Waiting for Tesla Model 3? You can wait a little longer than initially expected.
Shipping tracker VedaPrime reports Tesla Australia “Sales advisors are gradually ringing and emailing everyone to expect delivery in the second half of the year”.
Customers on social media have been contacted by a Tesla spokesman to confirm that their orders have been returned. It is not clear when the delayed orders will touch in the second half.
Full story: Tesla Model 3 delayed for Australia
New Lexus RX, teased around the corner
The fifth-generation Lexus RX SUV will make its debut on May 31, New York time, or June 1 at 10 a.m. on the east coast of Australia.
The latest models, if anything, will have a tone-down version of the Lexus Signature Styling Elements that we know of. It should feature smooth creases and round surfacing.
On the front, we can see that the RX will retain the company’s spindle grille design, albeit with a non-functional body-color top section. It is flanked by headlights with brand L-shaped driving lights swoosh.
Full story: 2023 Lexus RX teased, confirmed at release time
Another day, another delay. This time it’s the Ford Ranger
Ford has suggested the arrival of its much-anticipated Ranger, and the Ranger Raptor models have been delayed by a month.
The Blue Oval brand is now suggesting that the Ranger will arrive in July, the Ranger Raptor will arrive in August.
“We continue to address global semiconductor and covid-related supply chain challenges. The combination of these two factors means there will be some waiting time, but we are doing everything we can to minimize them, “said a spokesman for Ford Australia.
Full story: 2022 Ford Ranger one month late
Kia Nero has been thrown into the PHV pit
The next generation Kia Nero Just a few months away from an Australian launch, but the family seems to be losing one member
According to the local preview page of Kia Australia’s all-new Nero, the company says the new generation crossover will be available in two, distinct identities – a hybrid and a fully electric one. Significantly, PHEV has been omitted in this description.
Care Expert Kear has reached out to the local department, but the company declined to comment further. Most likely, we will find out the full details of Nero’s Australian media launch in due course.
Full story: Kia Nero will be dropped from PHV Australia
Eventually, the M3 wagon comes closer
Following the release of its lightweight M4 CSL coupe, BMW officials have confirmed that the upcoming M3 Turing will make its debut at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
BMW confirmed the release date at a press event where executives again showed off a partially disguised M3 Turing pre-production model.
We already knew that BMW was going to release a new M car at the 2022 Festival of Speed, but it was not clear exactly what the car would be.
Full story: BMW M3 touring set for 2022 Goodwood release
Toyota retires Prius in Australia – a legacy
Hybrids form an important part of Toyota’s sales strategy today
The latest petrol-electric Corolla, RAV4, Camry and Kluger indicate a small additional cost compared to their internal combustion-only parts and offset it with significant advantages in fuel economy, refining and even initial reaction.
Hybrids accounted for about one-third of Toyota’s sales in Australia in 2021, and if HiLux ute and other commercial vehicles (such as HiAce vans) were excluded, that number would rise to about 45 percent of Mark’s sales. That was not the only reason.
Full story: Toyota Prius, looking back at retirement from Australia
Volkswagen and Walkins cement their bonds
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia will return to its local engineering partner, Walkinshaw Group, to create more capable and tough-looking derivatives of its still-unpublished next-generation Amarok dual-cab ute.
With global development partner Ford (based on the new Amarak new Ranger) Global Ranger Raptor at the top of its range, it is imperative that Volkswagen Australia has a similar Hello Amarok offer to entice adventure seekers.
Since Australia will be the world’s largest market for the new Amarok, any other hardcore or sporty vehicle project in this country is arguably the best – in this way, from VW’s point of view, to move people away from a well-resourced aftermarket.
Full story: Volkswagen and Walkins discuss new Amarok flagship
Sangyong hangs, near the new Torres
SsangYong’s bold looking upcoming SUV has a name: Torres.
Named after Chile’s stunning Torres del Paine National Park (“Torres” means “tower” in Spanish), the new SUV will slot between a medium-sized Korando crossover and a large Rexton SUV.
Production of the Torres – formerly codenamed J100 – will begin in June, and will offer an electric powertrain. A spokesman for Ssangyong Australia said Torres was in the company’s plans. The timing has not been confirmed yet.
Full story: SsangYong Torres SUV Tizzed, Australian launch planned