China ramps up Aussie takeover
From your Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux to Isuzu D-Max and now the BYD Shark 6.
The newly launched dual-cab from Chinese automaker BYD, the Shark has charged into fourth place on the national sales leaderboard for the month of June, outselling hundreds of competitors and closing in on Aussie favourites.
With 2,993 sales in June, the Shark 6 finished just behind the Isuzu D-Max (3,119), and the HiLux (6,195) and Ranger (6,293).
According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) data released on Thursday, light commercial vehicles, like utes, accounted for 25.3 per cent of all new car sales in June.
FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said the latest figures show the country has an strong appetite for light commercial vehicles, especially utes.
'In a market of more than 400 models, the top four utes made up 15.2 per cent of all sales during June. The rest of the top 10 was made up of SUVs and, when combined, models in the top 10 made up 27.2 per cent of all sales,' Mr Weber said.
TOYOTA REMAINS NO. 1, BYD SURGES
Toyota was the Australian market leader and remained in its number one spot with a total of 20,225 vehicle sales for June 2025, ahead of Ford (10,103), Mazda (9,405), Hyundai (8,407) and BYD, which surged into fifth place with 8,156 vehicles sold across its range.
Year-to-date, BYD moved to 8th place with a total of 23,355 new vehicles sold.
In June alone, Australians bought 122,509 new vehicles, marking a 2.4 per cent increase compared to the same month last year.
It brings the year-to-date total to more than 608,000, a sign that despite the cost-of-living pressures, the market is holding strong.
However that is down on the 632,412 cars sold in the first half of 2024.
Traditional passenger cars like sedans and hatchbacks continued their slide down 27.9 per cent year-on-year, now making up just 12.4 per cent of the total market.
It's no surprise that SUVs rose to 9.4 per cent, as more Aussies opt for bigger vehicles.
Despite more than 100 electric vehicle (EV) models, EVs accounted for 7.7 per cent of year-to-date sales, this figure is slightly below last year.
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SBS Australia
2 hours ago
- SBS Australia
'More can be done': The knowledge gap Australians have with their retirement nest egg
The final increase to the superannuation guarantee has taken effect, meaning employers are now required to pay a minimum contribution of 12 per cent into their employees' super funds. But around a third of people are unaware where their retirement funds are invested — a similar proportion don't know their super balance, and one in 10 have never checked. These were the findings of a survey of 3,146 Australians conducted by the Commonwealth Bank, which suggested the knowledge gap about how super is invested was higher among gen Z and women, at 43 per cent. Jessica Irvine, the bank's personal finance expert, said people have more confidence in managing their day-to-day finances, but need more assistance to understand retirement options. Echoing her views, Wayne Swan, the former federal treasurer who oversaw the legislation guaranteeing the increase from nine to 12 per cent, told SBS News that more needed to be done to engage Australians with their retirement planning. Swan, now chair of Cbus, an industry super fund, said: "I think that all superannuation funds acknowledge and do their best to achieve [that], and there's always more that can be done." What is happening with superannuation? Thirty-four years ago, former prime minister Paul Keating shared his vision of an Australian future that included a 12 per cent target for compulsory super contributions. Now, he said, that system "finally matures". The superannuation guarantee has risen since 2012 to reach 12 per cent. In a statement to mark the 1 July increase to 12 per cent, Keating said it "will guarantee personal super accumulations in excess of $3 million at retirement" for someone entering the workforce today. "Superannuation, like Medicare, is now an Australian community standard, binding the whole population as a national economic family, with each person having a place," he said. How did we get here? Superannuation in Australia stretches back to the early 20th century, but there were no attempts to institutionalise universal compulsory contributions before the mid-1980s. In 1985, the Australian Council of Trade Unions, with the support of the then-Hawke government, presented a National Wage Case to the Conciliation and Arbitration Commission about a 3 per cent compulsory contribution for all Australian workers. The tribunal sided with the union in 1986 but ruled it as optional — subject to agreement between employers and employees. Five years later, in Keating's final federal budget as treasurer, the 3 per cent superannuation guarantee levy was made compulsory. It came into effect the following year, when Keating was prime minister, with the introduction of a superannuation guarantee charge to penalise employers who don't meet their contribution obligations. The mandatory rate then gradually increased to 9 per cent by 2002. It was supposed to reach 12 per cent by 2000, but, under the Howard government, there were no further increases until 1 July 2013. In 2010, two years after the Global Financial Crisis and in response to the findings of the Henry Tax Review, then-treasurer Swan unveiled a plan to incrementally lift the superannuation guarantee levy to 12 per cent. He said it would increase by 0.5 per cent each year between 2013 and 2019. In 2010, then-treasurer Wayne Swan (pictured right) announced a plan to gradually increase the superannuation guarantee levy from 9 per cent to 12 per cent. Source: AAP / Alan Porritt But two months after it rose to 9.25 per cent in 2013, Tony Abbott stormed to a landslide election victory — and followed through on an election promise to delay increases to the guarantee due to cost pressures on small businesses. The government failed to legislate the delay the following year, and the rate was lifted to 9.5 per cent — a level it remained at for seven years. It wasn't until Australia was in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that the incremental increases began. Starting in 2021, it rose by 0.5 per cent each year. LISTEN TO SBS News 30/06/2025 08:22 English The 12 per cent milestone Australia's superannuation system now manages over $4 trillion in assets, ranking as the fourth-largest pension market in the world. The 12 per cent milestone is expected to propel Australia to second place within a decade — just behind the United States — despite its relatively small population. Swan said the superannuation guarantee levy not only delivers a secure retirement for all Australians, but "fundamentally alters the distribution of wealth in our community". "It gives access to growth assets to everyone in the community. From a building worker through to a professional in the office tower, everyone in Australia gets to own a piece of the wealth of this great country in a way that's never before been possible," he said. Swan said he's "absolutely proud to have been part of this story". "I always think of those pioneers, particularly the unionists, who fought to establish this scheme 40 years ago. What it really shows is that ordinary working people can effect change in a society like ours," he said. "What visionaries they were, and what they have done to make our country not only a bigger and more successful economy, but a fairer one as well." What is a 'comfortable retirement'? Swan said while the six-year delay in achieving a 12 per cent increase came at a cost to Australian superannuation balances, the benefits are greater from having finally reached that milestone. "For someone who's, say, 30 years old now, it's going to mean an extra $130,000 in their retirement," he said. That follows recent modelling by the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA). The super peak body's retirement standard for June 2025 projects a 30-year-old today on the median wage of $75,000 and a $30,000 super balance would witness that figure rise to $610,000 by the retirement age of 67. This amount exceeds ASFA's estimate of the $595,000 needed to afford a comfortable retirement for singles and $690,000 for couples. ASFA defines a 'comfortable' retirement as someone who owns their home outright, is in good health, can afford top-level private health insurance, has a good car, and engages in a range of leisure and recreational activities, including taking one domestic trip a year and one international trip every seven years. Business concerns There are concerns that a string of 1 July changes , including the increase to the superannuation guarantee levy, could hit businesses and place further pressure on cash flow. Luke Achterstraat, CEO, Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, said: "The increase of the superannuation guarantee comes at a time when award rates have also increased 3.5 per cent, national productivity is in decline, and payroll tax and workers' compensation insurance will also increase." There are concerns that an increase to the superannuation guarantee levy and other changes that took effect on 1 July could negatively impact small businesses and further pressure their cash flow. Source: AAP "This puts small businesses between a rock and a hard place, needing to either absorb or pass on these costs to consumers," Achterstraat said. Beyond 12 per cent: Where to from here? The 0.5 per cent increase to 12 per cent is the last one legislated by the Australian government. However, with life expectancy improving, would we need more in our nest egg, and is there a case for raising the superannuation guarantee even further? "I think there's going to be a debate about whether we need to go above 12 per cent," Swan said. "I think 12 per cent can certainly guarantee quite a dignified retirement for all Australians, but that will be a discussion that will be had in the years ahead."

News.com.au
3 hours ago
- News.com.au
McDonald's rejected from affluent Sydney suburb
One of Sydney's affluent Northern Beaches suburbs has said no to the golden arches, with a contentious proposal to build a McDonald's in Balgowlah shut down amid concerns of anti-social behaviour and congestion on an-already bustling road. The plan to build the restaurant – which would operate from 5am to midnight – at 37 Roseberry Street, was unanimously rejected by the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel (NBLPP) on Wednesday. In its decision, the panel highlighted existing congestion in the area – which is home to businesses, dwellings and the Manly Vale B-Line bus stop, stating: 'The application has not demonstrated the proposed development will not have unreasonable impacts on the already congested surrounding road network'. It also pointed out 'incidents of anti-social behaviour in the vicinity recorded by police' – who have raised concerns the restaurant could make matters worse. In its submission to Northern Beaches Council, police said they had 'some reservations' about the restaurant – which was originally proposed to be open 24 hours a day – stating it 'may contribute to an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly at night unless adequate security measures are implemented'. 'Given the 24-hour operating model, this development has the potential to attract increased levels of crime, anti-social behaviour, and public safety concerns, particularly during late-night and early-morning trading periods,' police said in the report. Police also noted a comparable existing 24-hour McDonald's located nearby recorded 58 incidents over the last 24 months, including assaults, burglaries and malicious damage. Within the vicinity of the proposed Roseberry Street site, police recorded a total of 112 incidents over the past 24 months. 'The introduction of a 24-hour fast-food venue at this location has the potential to exacerbate these incident categories, particularly in relation to assaults, anti-social behaviour, and property damage at night, if reasonable mitigation strategies are not implemented.' McDonald's had originally proposed redeveloping the site – which is currently occupied by the Seven Miles Coffee Roasters plant, head office and cafe – and opening the restaurant for 24 hours a day, seven days a week in an almost $4 million Development Application lodged to the council in February. However, the hours were later scaled back to 5am to midnight, seven days a week amid community backlash. A community petition calling on officials to 'Say NO' to McDonald's was launched in February. At the time of publication, it had attracted over 3,000 signatures, with supporters raising concerns about traffic congestion and potential crime, as well as noise and rubbish pollution. 'We are calling for a rejection of the application … and to consider the cumulative impact of fast-food outlets on our neighbourhood's environment and character,' Petition creator Sarah Garland said, as per The Courier Mail. Prior to the proposal's rejection, McDonald's told the publication last month, the restaurant would 'create more than 100 new local jobs and represents an investment of more than $3.9m into the community'. contacted McDonald's for comment however a statement was not provided prior to publishing. Plans for Redfern McDonald's scrapped It comes after plans for a 24-hour Macca's in the inner Sydney suburb of Redfern were scrapped following uproar from local residents and police earlier this year. The $3 million development plan for a two-storey restaurant on the area's main dining and shopping strip, Redfern Street, was blocked in a unanimous vote by the local planning panel at a City of Sydney council meeting in May. Police and local residents fought to stop the proposal, warning it would lead to a spike in theft and violent crime at night, and be a step backwards for the suburb. A request by a McDonald's representative for a six-week extension to try and resolve locals' concerns was also denied during the meeting, with one panel member suggesting those attempts would be like putting 'lipstick on what the community submissions largely believe to be a pig'. The local planning panel conceded that the development proposal 'has not adequately addressed crime prevention'.

Daily Telegraph
4 hours ago
- Daily Telegraph
Mahindra XUV-3XO: Budget SUV arrives without ANCAP safety rating as 2026 crash test rules change
Don't miss out on the headlines from On the Road. Followed categories will be added to My News. Mahindra's newest compact SUV, XUV 3XO, has just launched in Australia with a jaw-dropping price of $23,490k (introductory offer) for the base model and flashy features like a panoramic sunroof, surround-view cameras and level 2 ADAS. It's a zippy, family-friendly SUV that's hard to ignore. But while it may look like the ultimate bargain, it comes with a catch. Mahindra isn't submitting it for ANCAP testing, as it's not mandatory in Australia. Instead, the automaker is working on tuning the vehicle to meet Australia's upcoming 2026 ANCAP protocols which include new benchmarks for post-crash safety, driver monitoring and advanced autonomous braking. That doesn't mean the car won't be tested at all. It's likely ANCAP will independently test the vehicle. RELATED: Australia's in love with Elon again Mahindra XUV 3XO. Picture: Daniel Snare A social media clip recently revealed ANCAP conducted a test on this model; however, its rating has not yet been released. ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg said consumers shouldn't overlook the importance of a verified rating. 'It is positive to hear Mahindra are working to bring safety improvements to their future model line-up, but consumers should be aware that – until independent safety testing is undertaken – the safety performance of any new model arriving in our market is unknown,' she said. Hoorweg emphasised that safety is critical in the compact SUV category. 'The Mahindra 3XO is entering a very competitive segment with a competitive price-tag, and while some may suggest safety isn't important for the smaller end of the market, in fact the opposite is true,' she said. 'Smaller vehicles, by physical size, are at a disadvantage out on the road. We all drive within a mixed fleet of larger cars, utes, vans, and trucks, so having a high level of structural safety, on-board safety features, and best ability to avoid a crash is critical for those looking to purchase a smaller vehicle.' MORE: Aussies 'not ready' for advanced driver tech Interior of Mahindra XUV 3XO. Picture: Daniel Snare Budget-friendly cars like the XUV-3XO often appeal to younger, more inexperienced drivers or older Australians, who may be more vulnerable in crashes, Hoorweg said. 'We also need to think about the consumer cohorts that are likely to buy these vehicles. They're generally some of the most at-risk – younger, more inexperienced drivers and older drivers who are physically more vulnerable.' Despite the lack of ANCAP testing, Mahindra insists the car is built to high safety standard and has been tested in India. According to the brand, the XUV 3XO features 55 safety features, including six airbags, level 2 ADAS, Bosch electronic stability program and 360 degree camera system. The 3XO on sale today is based on the heavily modified platform originally used by SsangYong's Tivoli, first released here in 2018. The price is right but buyers have to be mindful. Picture: Daniel Snare Mahindra says it has made major structural improvements but admits the car isn't currently tuned to meet ANCAP's stricter rules coming in 2026. A revised model will be submitted for future testing which could result in a higher price. With a current entry price below many hatchbacks and a lengthy 7-year warranty, the XUV 3XO offers strong bang for buck. The base model AX5L offers a sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 6 speaker system for $23,490 drive away (July-August introductory offer). The top spec AX7L adds a panoramic sunroof, leatherette interior and cabin, and a 360-degree camera for $26,490 drive away (July-August introductory offer). But with the current model not built to ANCAP's future crash standards, and a revised version already in the pipeline, buyers need to weigh up whether to buy now or wait. MORE: The end of travel as we know it Originally published as 24k SUV lands but there's a catch