Andrew Doyle

Another week, another new Chinese EV brand. This time it's Leapmotor and there is a very big difference - my invitation to a local preview in Brisbane came from a dealer and not the importer, Stellantis. Martin Roller from Ignition Car Centre made the call with the promise that Leapmotor - he calls it Leap - was worth my time and a look. I've known Roller since he was an executive at BMW Australia and he has been a winner at everything, from Brisbane BMW Group to caravans. Ignition is the top INEOS Automotive dealership in Australia. But we have a tough, combative relationship that mixes smiles with the tough questions. So there was no sign of a Powerpoint presentation, just a cuppa and time with the Ignition crew - with Roller wearing his shiny new Hublot watch - and #Andy Hoang, the head of Leapmotor in Australia. It was quick and simple, starting with the big ones - why bother with Leapmotor and what does its #C10 cost? “No-one in Australia knows what ZEEKR Australia is, and what a Leap is," said Roller. "We will turn this into something. I guarantee it. These guys are up for a fight.” So the C10 is (another) mid-sized, Chinese SUV and the starting price is $45,888, with a range of 420 kilometres on the WLTP cycle. A quick walkaround with the single C10, since deliveries haven't begun, reveals impressive finishing and a huge amount of rear-seat legroom. #Uber drivers will love that. But far too many Chinese EVs are just appliances. Ordinary. So, why would Stellantis be involved? Because Leapmotor is a technology company, not another wannabe carmaker, and it wants to grab its tech while also riding the Chinese sales wave. This time it's Andy Hoang who takes the question. “We want to make sure it’s not just about selling the car, but focussing on the customer experience. And having the back end to protect the customer," said Hoang. There are nine leap dealerships in Australia, not just a single 'experience centre', there are no plans to play a 'race to the bottom' price war, and there are more models to come in 2025 and beyond. So, based on what is obvious, Leapmotor will become the best selling Stellantis brand in Australia within its first year, beating Jeep and Alfa and the rest. There is no talk of a target, but 3000 cars should be relatively easy and - if those #Uber owners get on board - the total could top 5000. But there are still plenty of questions and not enough answers. Leapmotor is not alone. As I'm writing these words, a press announcement has just dropped from yet another Chinese newcomer. It's Jaecoo Zen Motor, not Jayco Corporation Pty Ltd (Australia) from the world of caravans, and for once it's not an EV. "The highly anticipated Jaecoo brand will launch in Australia early 2025. The first model to launch will be the J7, a mid-sized SUV," it said.

72

4 Comments

Check out this fantastic review of these two Yutong 12 metre buses, the diesel C12 and battery electric C12E! Combining performance and sustainability, these buses are taking on the streets of Australia, exceeding expectations and pushing the boundaries of sustainable travel. Don't miss the chance to see these buses in action! #Yutong #SustainableTransport #Australia #ZeroEmissions

12

70% of all new car buyers are considering EV as their next purchase and are already researching about EVs online. This is only increasing every day. Dealerships will do well if they have a 360-degree preparation to attract these enquiries, prospect them with patience, facilitate their sales and service offerings without any exaggerated claims and transact honestly. This will demystify the consumer anxieties and concerns around EVs and EV sales will soon be on the fast lane. #EV, #Dealerships, #EVSales, #Auto

10

ANZ Automotive News 21-07-2024 - Part 2: New Vehicle Launches and Reviews 🚘🔥 👉 2024 MG MG4 XPower review: Australia's first EV hot hatch offers unmatchable bang for buck. But is it any good? - EV Central: The 2024 MG MG4 XPower, Australia's first electric hot hatch, is making waves with its impressive value proposition. This review from EV Central explores whether it lives up to the hype, highlighting its performance, features, and market positioning. https://lnkd.in/ge-h8pWY 👉 Volvo EX30 is packed with features - The West Australian: The Volvo EX30 is drawing attention with its extensive list of features. This compact SUV promises to deliver a premium experience with advanced technology and safety features, making it a strong contender in its segment. https://lnkd.in/g3ACiHHf 👉 GMC Hummer EV: Aussie firm bringing behemoth EV Down Under - MSN: An Australian firm is set to introduce the GMC Hummer EV to the local market. Known for its massive size and robust performance, this electric vehicle is expected to attract a niche market of enthusiasts. https://lnkd.in/gA3aZ-Wb 👉 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance v Lexus NX 350h Sports Luxury comparison - MSN: In a unique comparison, the 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance goes head-to-head with the Lexus NX 350h Sports Luxury. This detailed review examines their differences and similarities, focusing on performance, features, and overall value. https://lnkd.in/g8TM9r7V 👉 2024 Peugeot 2008 review - Car Expert: The 2024 Peugeot 2008 continues to stand out in the small SUV market with its distinctive design. This review covers its strengths and weaknesses, offering insights into why it remains a compelling choice despite some rough edges. https://lnkd.in/gzHZayYm Keep up with Automotive News in just 5 Minutes 💹 Join 10k+ Automotive Professionals for One Daily Email with bite-sized summaries 👉 https://lnkd.in/gerYXFAa #automotive #Dealership #EV #ElectricVehicles #Auto #Media #News #Australia #ANZ #fleet

1

Latest in my series of interviews with #automotive industry decision makers has hit #TheAutoExec. Thanks Scott Maynard from Polestar for sharing your views on the opportunity that sits ahead of your marque. Growing from one model family to four between now and the end of 2025 will be an exciting period for the GEELY-owned #EV brand. I'm optimistic for it, however... For one thing, it's bitten the bullet taking learnings from the failure of its direct-to-consumer launch to embrace a more conventional network structure. A hard lesson to learn for sure -- but one would hope an even harder one to ignore... https://lnkd.in/gwGpZ4t3

15

The brief to ChatGPT: "Create an image for a social media post that depicts an automotive dealership receiving finance renewal support from Calibre Group and making an additional £90,000 in profit over 4-weeks due to the excellent efforts of the Calibre team contacting, qualifying, exciting and appointing their finance renewal customers on their behalf, but make the image fun, and something that will grab attention in the LinkedIn feed to ensure people contact us. Don't hold back..." Apart from spelling our name wrong, it's CALIBRE GROUP (not calbile), I think they captured the essence of our automotive Renewals Management service perfectly. Don't you think? Anyway, if you'd like your dealership to turn Q4 into a busy, profitable and appointment filled end to the year, get in touch. [email protected]

2

Sales of new cars in New Zealand continue to be slow, with the numbers for May down almost 25 per cent. According to the Motor Industry Association, May saw 10,186 new vehicles registered which is 23.7 per cent lower than May last year. Year-to-date, the market is 13.3 per cent behind where it was last year. 

1

1 Comment

Pool cars have been the best testing ground for electric cars in fleets with the previous Hyundai Kona EV being the preferred option because of supply, and the similarity to the petrol model. There are now more EV models in the market so which ones should Fleet Managers consider for a pool car? After speaking to Fleet Mangers over the last 12 months here's our recommendation for the right Fit for Purpose electric pool car. https://lnkd.in/gXwqeXHc

8

2 Comments

ANZ Automotive News 18-07-2024 - Part 3: Global Automotive Updates 🌐 👉 Penske Automotive Buys Largest Ford Dealer Network by Sales -MSN: Penske Automotive has acquired the largest Ford dealer network by sales, marking a significant expansion in its retail operations. This acquisition is expected to enhance Penske's market presence and operational capabilities. https://lnkd.in/gUed_dpJ 👉 Vehicle Repossessions Jump 23% Over the Past Year - Dealership Guy Vehicle repossessions have surged by 23% over the past year due to economic challenges. This trend highlights the financial strain on consumers and the increasing difficulties in maintaining vehicle ownership. https://lnkd.in/g6497gvf 👉 Tesla Cybertruck Races Past F-150 Lightning in Q2 - Dealership Guy: Tesla's Cybertruck has outsold the Ford F-150 Lightning in the second quarter, establishing itself as the leading electric pickup. This achievement underscores Tesla's dominance in the EV market. https://lnkd.in/gwx-QQy4 👉 GM Design Boss Says EVs Don’t Have to Be Ugly, Copycat ‘Lozenges’ - Car Expert: GM's design chief has criticized the trend of making EVs look like 'copycat lozenges,' advocating for more stylish and distinctive designs. This statement reflects GM's commitment to combining aesthetics with functionality in their electric vehicle lineup. https://lnkd.in/gpRHd5T7 Keep up with ANZ Automotive News in just 5 Minutes daily 💹 Join 10k+ Automotive Professionals for One Daily Email with bite-sized summaries 👉 https://bit.ly/45wo6bX #automotive #Dealership #EV #ElectricVehicles #Auto #Media #News #Australia #ANZ #fleet

1

Driving change in automotive recycling: FCAI and MTAA unveil plan to progress end-of-life vehicle management #autorecycling #automotiverecycling #ELVs #Australia https://buff.ly/3NGIoax

2