Author: Damion Smy

Latest laws introduced in China aim to enhance the protection of electrical vehicle (EV) battery packs, including a “no fire, no explosion” requirement specializing in eliminating battery fires and subsequent hazards.The regulations will bring global advantages given the dominance of China within the EV battery supply chains and their proliferation across auto brands, including Tesla, BYD and Toyota.In line with CarNewsChina, the brand new rules come into effect on January 1, 2026, and so they “would require automakers to optimise battery structures and thermal management systems to enhance the general safety of recent energy vehicles”.‘Latest energy vehicles’ is a term…

The 2026 KGM Musso ute has been caught without camouflage for the primary time, revealing various model grades ahead of its official unveiling and arrival in Australian showrooms.Images posted by shorts_car on social media reveal the look of the new-generation Musso Q300, while YouTube commentator BPD has added further detail to the photographs.Three model grades are shown, while BPD claims the Q300 will probably be offered in a normal short-wheelbase version in addition to a long-wheelbase variant.KGM has not announced details including powertrains, equipment levels or pricing for the Musso Q300.CarExpert can prevent hundreds on a brand new automobile. Click here to…

A seatbelt failure has prompted Australia’s leading authority on vehicle crash testing to warn motorists against travelling within the rear seats of the Suzuki Fronx small SUV, which launched locally earlier this 12 months, with the automaker quick to reply. The 2026 Suzuki Fronx has received a one-star crash rating from the Australasian Latest Automotive Assessment Program (ANCAP), certainly one of the bottom scores recorded for a small vehicle – and among the many lowest of any model currently on sale in Australia.ANCAP said recent testing of the Fronx revealed the failure of certainly one of the rear passenger seatbelts,…

The primary of 5 men accused of being a part of a criminal offense ring behind the theft of greater than 60 Toyota LandCruisers – valued at greater than $8 million – has been denied bail in Brisbane Arrest Court and now faces as much as 14 years in jail.Sher Hussain Mahasely, a 29-year-old Uber driver and business owner, was arrested by Queensland Police Service officers on the afternoon of December 9, 2025.He appeared before a magistrate this morning with an application for bail which, after a roughly 30-minute proceeding, was denied.The QPS alleged Mr Mahasely is a component of…

Mitsubishi Australia may have a brand new chief in 2026 because it looks to capitalise on a raft of latest models in local showrooms, led by the brand new ASX small SUV and a more capable Outlander PHEV. Shunichi Kihara has been confirmed as the brand new Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL), effective January 5, 2026. Mr Kihara will come into the role after serving because the Assistant Division General Manager of the Japanese automaker’s North Asia Division, and replaces interim MMAL CEO Yoshinori Yamazaki.The incoming CEO has also held global sales roles at Mitsubishi.CarExpert can prevent 1000’s…

Mitsubishi says it won’t take hybrid technology from Alliance partners Nissan and Renault to hurry up the introduction of a hybrid Triton to showrooms, saying it should rely in its own resources as an alternative. That’s despite Nissan, which has its e-Power hybrid powertrains, using the latest-generation Triton’s underpinnings for its latest Navara that’s due in Australian showrooms next yr.Mitsubishi engineer Kaoru Sawase told CarExpert the automaker won’t share hybrid powertrains with Alliance partners Nissan and Renault despite what it sees as a “fast development” needed so as to add a hybrid Triton to its global lineup. “Quite truthfully, we’re serious about developing…

The Toyota Fortuner off-roader has been axed from Australia after greater than a decade as considered one of the brand’s slowest-selling vehicles.“Fortuner has been an amazing product for us over time and located a comparatively small but enthusiastic customer base,” said Toyota Australia vp of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, in a media briefing.“But with customer preferences shifting in Australia, we made the choice to discontinue the Fortuner.” The Fortuner will exit Australian showrooms in mid-2026, but Toyota Australia says buyers have already been moving to vehicles elsewhere in its lineup. “Largely, they’re moving back into HiLux, or they’re moving into…

Former police officer and Australian Labor Party (ALP) electoral candidate Naomi Oakley has called for the demerit points system to be revised, saying it’s “too easy” for motorists to lose their driver’s licence.Ms Oakley, who was a Victoria Police officer for 12 years, is the ALP candidate for the Victorian seat of Casey, which covers an area north of Melbourne including the Yarra Ranges and stretching east towards Mansfield. In a submission to an ALP committee, Ms Oakley called for changes to penalties, saying the prevailing circumstances are unfair to Victorian drivers and make it too easy for them to lose…

A facelifted and expanded 2026 Ford F-150 range will likely be topped by a brand new Platinum flagship, as a part of the primary upgrade for the enduring American pickup lineup because it was officially released in Australia in 2023 – and it should remain essentially the most inexpensive full-size dual-cab on sale here despite price increases.Due in showrooms in early 2026, the upgraded MY25 F-150 will likely be $8000 costlier than before at base level, but still cheaper than its key rivals, while the brand new Platinum will likely be priced at $163,950 before on-road costs – greater than…

The 2026 Mercedes-AMG G63 Offroad Pro has been confirmed for Australia with – as its name suggests – several off-road oriented upgrades designed for the rough stuff, making it the brand new flagship of the esteemed G-Class lineup.Priced at a hefty $383,900 before on-road costs ($15,500 greater than the regular G63), the Offroad Pro combines extra suspension smarts and exclusive drive modes with more cabin gear in a more rugged package. These include AMG Traction Pro, which manages torque distribution to every individual wheel across seven different stages to enhance traction in slippery conditions. Also exclusive to the special G-Wagen is AMG…