Nissan Frontier Pro: Chinese-made PHEV ute could take on BYD Shark in Australia
Speaking with CarExpert, vice president and managing director for Nissan Australia, Andrew Humberstone, said the plug-in truck co-developed with China's Dongfeng could 'absolutely fit' within the local portfolio.
'I see no problem with that running in parallel to new Navara. It's about 'does the business case work?' I think it takes about six months to get right-hand drive. I think it could potentially work for the market,' Mr Humberstone said.
'What we've been told officially – this is a joint venture with Dongfeng, obviously – the car is available for export, we are one of the markets which could be considered. I think it could be a very interesting product for us to look at. I think it could absolutely fit.'
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Frontier Pro PHEV Credit: CarExpert
Revealed at last month's Shanghai motor show, the Nissan Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid is a Chinese collaboration with joint venture partner Dongfeng, based on the former's Z9 ute rather than the D40 Navara-derived Frontier pickup sold in the United States.
The brightly-coloured Frontier Pro PHEV is Nissan's first plug-in hybrid model globally, and also its first-ever electrified ute.
Power comes from a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a transmission-mounted electric motor, for total system outputs of 300kW of power and 800Nm of torque.
Nissan claims EV range of 135km on the CLTC cycle, and fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability supplies up to 6kW of power and allows you to power external appliances via outlets in the tub. Braked towing capacity is 3500kg – matching the Navara – with a wading depth of 700mm. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert
The Frontier Pro also features five-link rear suspension, and comes standard with four-wheel drive and 18-inch alloy wheels wearing 265/65 R18 tyres.
An electromechanical rear differential lock is available, while there are selectable hybrid, electric, performance and snow drive modes.
Inside, there's a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
It's a much more luxurious interior than our Navara, with the front seats available with heating, ventilation and massage, and a panoramic sunroof bathing the cabin with light.
The Frontier Pro revealed in Shanghai also has a colourful interior, with yellow upholstery and matching yellow trim on the dashboard and doors. Teaser Credit: CarExpert Edited Credit: CarExpert
The new Navara, meanwhile, arrives in Australia next year and is yet to be revealed. Mr Humberstone indicated we could see a reveal or at least preview of the production model around November 2025.
Interestingly, the image above is of the facelifted NP300 Navara/Frontier that will arrive in Latin American markets during the 2026 Japanese financial year. This indicates the Latin American Navara/Frontier will be a significant facelift of the current D23 model, meaning Nissan will be producing three different mid-size pickups globally.
Of most importance to us is the upcoming Thai-built Navara, which is destined for the Oceania region which includes Asia and Australia. This new 'one-ton pickup' will 'leverage Nissan's partnership with Mitsubishi Motors', and will be the most advanced of the three utes.
Nissan's global announcement of this new model says 'FY26' timing, though the Japanese market's financial year uses 'fiscal year' timing – i.e. April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. This likely means the next-generation Navara won't hit Australian showrooms until the second half of the 2026 calendar year.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest! Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Would you consider the Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid if it was sold in Australia?
MORE: Nissan confirms five new models for Australia within the next two yearsMORE: Nissan Frontier Pro – New Chinese PHEV ute will be sold outside ChinaMORE: Everything Nissan Navara
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My first taste of Goodwood brought to you by Aston Martin
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a mainstay bucket list item for car enthusiasts of all ages, as is getting a ride-along in an exotic supercar with a seasoned racing driver behind the wheel. On a recent holiday to Europe and the UK, I was in the right place at the right time and was offered the incredible opportunity to attend the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed as a media guest of Aston Martin, including a stint in the passenger seat of a DB12 Volante fanging up the famed hillclimb. Obviously, I accepted this invitation with no hesitation, and after a 2.5-hour drive from my friend's house in London (shoutout to Kia UK for loaning me a new EV6), I made it to the hallowed grounds of the Goodwood event. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. After being chaperoned by Aston Martin staff through a special entrance and to the marque's guest tent, I was soon whisked away again towards the Supercar Paddock, where a slew of very high-end vehicles are kept on display to the public. It was here I was greeted by a beautiful burgundy DB12 Volante that would be my ride for the morning run, sitting alongside the new Vanquish Volante, the Vantage S, as well as Aston Martin's Valkyrie Le Mans-inspired hybrid hypercar and the new Valhalla mid-engine plug-in hybrid supercar. As a '90s kid who grew up only dreaming of ever seeing this kind of metal in person, let alone sitting in them as well as hearing their sonorous exhaust notes in real life, I was simply in awe. Our group signed indemnity forms and then quickly slipped into full-length trousers and a jumper per motorsport safety rules – mind you, it was quite possibly the hottest day of the year in the UK on that fabled Friday, peaking at around 34 degrees Celsius. Above: Assembling the Astons at Supercar Paddock No matter. Despite numerous questions of concern from Aston Martin staff that I may overheat while waiting to head to the start line, I was grinning from ear to ear and brimming with excitement for what was to come. Driving me in the DB12 Volante would be Ben Seyfried, factory driver for not only Aston Martin but also Ferrari and Maserati; he has also participated in competitive motorsport for 25 years across numerous disciplines. Big thank you to Ben for being an absolute legend and making my day. The crew of Aston Martins made a procession up towards the start line alongside other members of the 'supercar' group, which included a number of new and recent McLarens like the Artura and P1 GTR, as well as the new Lamborghini Temerario, works by Gordon Murray, and even a Pagani Huayra R. Festival goers lined the makeshift road ahead. It felt like I was part of some parade. The excitement and passion was palpable, and I think some of them might have thought I was one of Aston's racing drivers – as a Leo, I was happy to make-believe for my five minutes of supposed fame. Above: Weird and wonderful metal lining up for the Goodwood Hillclimb Rolling up to the start line there were even more incredible cars lining up for their blat up the hill. Coach-built restomods, working concepts and design studies. Stuff that I had only ever seen in pictures or video games – they were all here. In my excitement I realise I took mostly videos, not photos, of all the incredibly exotic and expensive metal that I rolled past at the starting area. If you'd like to see more, I have a special highlight on my Instagram profile here which documents my day at the event. As we slowly snaked our way around the makeshift cul-de-sac and headed towards the start line – which took what felt like an eternity – Ben and I would have little chats with staff as they walked past and did their checks. I was also busy making sure I knew how to turn on the in-car camera suctioned to the windscreen because, content. I'd hear the cars ahead go for their runs one by one, usually signalled by clouds of smoke and the symphony of engines revving to their redlines. There comes a point where all the intoxicating sounds sort of mesh together and you can't even pick up which car is setting off. I was kind of in a daze. Finally, we were rolling up to the start line. I squeezed my head (and hair) into the supplied Aston-branded race helmet. "Strapped in?" Ben asked – I tugged twice at my seatbelt to make sure (having already done this 50 times while I waited) – "yep!" I replied, then he lit up the rear tyres for dramatic effect and off we went. The DB12 Volante can be described as a seriously quick car, quoting a 0-100km/h dash in just 3.7 seconds on its way to a claimed top speed of 325km/h, but amongst its exotic company at the bottom of the Goodwood hill some might label it as mundane by comparison. I certainly had no such thought, having driven one myself back home last year. And while the Volante might be seen as a Sunset Boulevard cruiser rather than a circuit bruiser like its hard-topped sibling, I'd argue that a moment like this is best enjoyed with no roof – which is exactly what we did. The bellow of the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 behind me, the cheers of the crowd around us, and the sheer excitement of seeing the short hillclimb stage coming through the windscreen was an incredible delight for the senses. Ben was hard on the throttle, then the brakes, then the throttle, with tight turns thrown in there for good measure. I was too focused on what was in front of me to really check the speedo, which mind you was also in miles per hour, but I'm pretty sure I glanced over and saw a big number starting with '9' on the digital speedo at one point, which means we hit at least 145km/h somewhere. Before I know it, we've crossed the finish line. Ben hits the brakes, and we coast towards the end of the track where the cars that went before us have collected in what looks like a very expensive meet. It appears the most elite of Goodwood guests have access to seating areas around the end of the track where they can see each car come through one-by-one after they've completed their run. Given the balmy English conditions, some were understandably puzzled at my fully sleeved and trousered fit compared to their shorts and T-shirts. We were quickly ushered back into our cars for the leisurely parade back to the paddock. "Have a wave if you like," Ben says, as we roll past spectators and track marshalls giving us a nod and a wave. Maybe I will. I arrived back at Supercar Paddock and had to pinch myself. What an incredible experience for my first time at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Not only did I get a front row seat at one of the world's largest automotive events with some of the coolest cars and race cars in history on display – as part of the 75 years of Formula 1 celebrations, as well as a spotlight on Gordon Murray Automotive – but I got to experience first hand what it's like to do a timed run up the famed hillclimb. I then proceeded to have a quick walk around the grounds, capping it at around one hour before making a break for the carpark so I didn't pass out in the heat. Several people told me I'd need days to see it all, and they weren't joking, I'd probably need several more laps of the grounds to get the full picture. Britain's car culture is really something to be admired. People there are really passionate about everything on four wheels and will proudly use their prized possessions as modes of transport (you should have seen the carpark finds), rather than cooping it up in a glass box or trying to flip it for a profit six to twelve months after taking delivery. I look forward to attending the Festival of Speed in future years, and absolutely cannot recommend it enough if you happen to be in the UK when it's on – just make sure you get tickets quickly, they sell out fast! Lastly, a big thank you to the team at Aston Martin and EVH Agency for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that made a little boy's dream come Explore the Aston Martin DB12 showroom Content originally sourced from: The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a mainstay bucket list item for car enthusiasts of all ages, as is getting a ride-along in an exotic supercar with a seasoned racing driver behind the wheel. On a recent holiday to Europe and the UK, I was in the right place at the right time and was offered the incredible opportunity to attend the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed as a media guest of Aston Martin, including a stint in the passenger seat of a DB12 Volante fanging up the famed hillclimb. Obviously, I accepted this invitation with no hesitation, and after a 2.5-hour drive from my friend's house in London (shoutout to Kia UK for loaning me a new EV6), I made it to the hallowed grounds of the Goodwood event. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. After being chaperoned by Aston Martin staff through a special entrance and to the marque's guest tent, I was soon whisked away again towards the Supercar Paddock, where a slew of very high-end vehicles are kept on display to the public. It was here I was greeted by a beautiful burgundy DB12 Volante that would be my ride for the morning run, sitting alongside the new Vanquish Volante, the Vantage S, as well as Aston Martin's Valkyrie Le Mans-inspired hybrid hypercar and the new Valhalla mid-engine plug-in hybrid supercar. As a '90s kid who grew up only dreaming of ever seeing this kind of metal in person, let alone sitting in them as well as hearing their sonorous exhaust notes in real life, I was simply in awe. Our group signed indemnity forms and then quickly slipped into full-length trousers and a jumper per motorsport safety rules – mind you, it was quite possibly the hottest day of the year in the UK on that fabled Friday, peaking at around 34 degrees Celsius. Above: Assembling the Astons at Supercar Paddock No matter. Despite numerous questions of concern from Aston Martin staff that I may overheat while waiting to head to the start line, I was grinning from ear to ear and brimming with excitement for what was to come. Driving me in the DB12 Volante would be Ben Seyfried, factory driver for not only Aston Martin but also Ferrari and Maserati; he has also participated in competitive motorsport for 25 years across numerous disciplines. Big thank you to Ben for being an absolute legend and making my day. The crew of Aston Martins made a procession up towards the start line alongside other members of the 'supercar' group, which included a number of new and recent McLarens like the Artura and P1 GTR, as well as the new Lamborghini Temerario, works by Gordon Murray, and even a Pagani Huayra R. Festival goers lined the makeshift road ahead. It felt like I was part of some parade. The excitement and passion was palpable, and I think some of them might have thought I was one of Aston's racing drivers – as a Leo, I was happy to make-believe for my five minutes of supposed fame. Above: Weird and wonderful metal lining up for the Goodwood Hillclimb Rolling up to the start line there were even more incredible cars lining up for their blat up the hill. Coach-built restomods, working concepts and design studies. Stuff that I had only ever seen in pictures or video games – they were all here. In my excitement I realise I took mostly videos, not photos, of all the incredibly exotic and expensive metal that I rolled past at the starting area. If you'd like to see more, I have a special highlight on my Instagram profile here which documents my day at the event. As we slowly snaked our way around the makeshift cul-de-sac and headed towards the start line – which took what felt like an eternity – Ben and I would have little chats with staff as they walked past and did their checks. I was also busy making sure I knew how to turn on the in-car camera suctioned to the windscreen because, content. I'd hear the cars ahead go for their runs one by one, usually signalled by clouds of smoke and the symphony of engines revving to their redlines. There comes a point where all the intoxicating sounds sort of mesh together and you can't even pick up which car is setting off. I was kind of in a daze. Finally, we were rolling up to the start line. I squeezed my head (and hair) into the supplied Aston-branded race helmet. "Strapped in?" Ben asked – I tugged twice at my seatbelt to make sure (having already done this 50 times while I waited) – "yep!" I replied, then he lit up the rear tyres for dramatic effect and off we went. The DB12 Volante can be described as a seriously quick car, quoting a 0-100km/h dash in just 3.7 seconds on its way to a claimed top speed of 325km/h, but amongst its exotic company at the bottom of the Goodwood hill some might label it as mundane by comparison. I certainly had no such thought, having driven one myself back home last year. And while the Volante might be seen as a Sunset Boulevard cruiser rather than a circuit bruiser like its hard-topped sibling, I'd argue that a moment like this is best enjoyed with no roof – which is exactly what we did. The bellow of the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 behind me, the cheers of the crowd around us, and the sheer excitement of seeing the short hillclimb stage coming through the windscreen was an incredible delight for the senses. Ben was hard on the throttle, then the brakes, then the throttle, with tight turns thrown in there for good measure. I was too focused on what was in front of me to really check the speedo, which mind you was also in miles per hour, but I'm pretty sure I glanced over and saw a big number starting with '9' on the digital speedo at one point, which means we hit at least 145km/h somewhere. Before I know it, we've crossed the finish line. Ben hits the brakes, and we coast towards the end of the track where the cars that went before us have collected in what looks like a very expensive meet. It appears the most elite of Goodwood guests have access to seating areas around the end of the track where they can see each car come through one-by-one after they've completed their run. Given the balmy English conditions, some were understandably puzzled at my fully sleeved and trousered fit compared to their shorts and T-shirts. We were quickly ushered back into our cars for the leisurely parade back to the paddock. "Have a wave if you like," Ben says, as we roll past spectators and track marshalls giving us a nod and a wave. Maybe I will. I arrived back at Supercar Paddock and had to pinch myself. What an incredible experience for my first time at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Not only did I get a front row seat at one of the world's largest automotive events with some of the coolest cars and race cars in history on display – as part of the 75 years of Formula 1 celebrations, as well as a spotlight on Gordon Murray Automotive – but I got to experience first hand what it's like to do a timed run up the famed hillclimb. I then proceeded to have a quick walk around the grounds, capping it at around one hour before making a break for the carpark so I didn't pass out in the heat. Several people told me I'd need days to see it all, and they weren't joking, I'd probably need several more laps of the grounds to get the full picture. Britain's car culture is really something to be admired. People there are really passionate about everything on four wheels and will proudly use their prized possessions as modes of transport (you should have seen the carpark finds), rather than cooping it up in a glass box or trying to flip it for a profit six to twelve months after taking delivery. I look forward to attending the Festival of Speed in future years, and absolutely cannot recommend it enough if you happen to be in the UK when it's on – just make sure you get tickets quickly, they sell out fast! Lastly, a big thank you to the team at Aston Martin and EVH Agency for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that made a little boy's dream come Explore the Aston Martin DB12 showroom Content originally sourced from: The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a mainstay bucket list item for car enthusiasts of all ages, as is getting a ride-along in an exotic supercar with a seasoned racing driver behind the wheel. On a recent holiday to Europe and the UK, I was in the right place at the right time and was offered the incredible opportunity to attend the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed as a media guest of Aston Martin, including a stint in the passenger seat of a DB12 Volante fanging up the famed hillclimb. Obviously, I accepted this invitation with no hesitation, and after a 2.5-hour drive from my friend's house in London (shoutout to Kia UK for loaning me a new EV6), I made it to the hallowed grounds of the Goodwood event. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. After being chaperoned by Aston Martin staff through a special entrance and to the marque's guest tent, I was soon whisked away again towards the Supercar Paddock, where a slew of very high-end vehicles are kept on display to the public. It was here I was greeted by a beautiful burgundy DB12 Volante that would be my ride for the morning run, sitting alongside the new Vanquish Volante, the Vantage S, as well as Aston Martin's Valkyrie Le Mans-inspired hybrid hypercar and the new Valhalla mid-engine plug-in hybrid supercar. As a '90s kid who grew up only dreaming of ever seeing this kind of metal in person, let alone sitting in them as well as hearing their sonorous exhaust notes in real life, I was simply in awe. Our group signed indemnity forms and then quickly slipped into full-length trousers and a jumper per motorsport safety rules – mind you, it was quite possibly the hottest day of the year in the UK on that fabled Friday, peaking at around 34 degrees Celsius. Above: Assembling the Astons at Supercar Paddock No matter. Despite numerous questions of concern from Aston Martin staff that I may overheat while waiting to head to the start line, I was grinning from ear to ear and brimming with excitement for what was to come. Driving me in the DB12 Volante would be Ben Seyfried, factory driver for not only Aston Martin but also Ferrari and Maserati; he has also participated in competitive motorsport for 25 years across numerous disciplines. Big thank you to Ben for being an absolute legend and making my day. The crew of Aston Martins made a procession up towards the start line alongside other members of the 'supercar' group, which included a number of new and recent McLarens like the Artura and P1 GTR, as well as the new Lamborghini Temerario, works by Gordon Murray, and even a Pagani Huayra R. Festival goers lined the makeshift road ahead. It felt like I was part of some parade. The excitement and passion was palpable, and I think some of them might have thought I was one of Aston's racing drivers – as a Leo, I was happy to make-believe for my five minutes of supposed fame. Above: Weird and wonderful metal lining up for the Goodwood Hillclimb Rolling up to the start line there were even more incredible cars lining up for their blat up the hill. Coach-built restomods, working concepts and design studies. Stuff that I had only ever seen in pictures or video games – they were all here. In my excitement I realise I took mostly videos, not photos, of all the incredibly exotic and expensive metal that I rolled past at the starting area. If you'd like to see more, I have a special highlight on my Instagram profile here which documents my day at the event. As we slowly snaked our way around the makeshift cul-de-sac and headed towards the start line – which took what felt like an eternity – Ben and I would have little chats with staff as they walked past and did their checks. I was also busy making sure I knew how to turn on the in-car camera suctioned to the windscreen because, content. I'd hear the cars ahead go for their runs one by one, usually signalled by clouds of smoke and the symphony of engines revving to their redlines. There comes a point where all the intoxicating sounds sort of mesh together and you can't even pick up which car is setting off. I was kind of in a daze. Finally, we were rolling up to the start line. I squeezed my head (and hair) into the supplied Aston-branded race helmet. "Strapped in?" Ben asked – I tugged twice at my seatbelt to make sure (having already done this 50 times while I waited) – "yep!" I replied, then he lit up the rear tyres for dramatic effect and off we went. The DB12 Volante can be described as a seriously quick car, quoting a 0-100km/h dash in just 3.7 seconds on its way to a claimed top speed of 325km/h, but amongst its exotic company at the bottom of the Goodwood hill some might label it as mundane by comparison. I certainly had no such thought, having driven one myself back home last year. And while the Volante might be seen as a Sunset Boulevard cruiser rather than a circuit bruiser like its hard-topped sibling, I'd argue that a moment like this is best enjoyed with no roof – which is exactly what we did. The bellow of the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 behind me, the cheers of the crowd around us, and the sheer excitement of seeing the short hillclimb stage coming through the windscreen was an incredible delight for the senses. Ben was hard on the throttle, then the brakes, then the throttle, with tight turns thrown in there for good measure. I was too focused on what was in front of me to really check the speedo, which mind you was also in miles per hour, but I'm pretty sure I glanced over and saw a big number starting with '9' on the digital speedo at one point, which means we hit at least 145km/h somewhere. Before I know it, we've crossed the finish line. Ben hits the brakes, and we coast towards the end of the track where the cars that went before us have collected in what looks like a very expensive meet. It appears the most elite of Goodwood guests have access to seating areas around the end of the track where they can see each car come through one-by-one after they've completed their run. Given the balmy English conditions, some were understandably puzzled at my fully sleeved and trousered fit compared to their shorts and T-shirts. We were quickly ushered back into our cars for the leisurely parade back to the paddock. "Have a wave if you like," Ben says, as we roll past spectators and track marshalls giving us a nod and a wave. Maybe I will. I arrived back at Supercar Paddock and had to pinch myself. What an incredible experience for my first time at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Not only did I get a front row seat at one of the world's largest automotive events with some of the coolest cars and race cars in history on display – as part of the 75 years of Formula 1 celebrations, as well as a spotlight on Gordon Murray Automotive – but I got to experience first hand what it's like to do a timed run up the famed hillclimb. I then proceeded to have a quick walk around the grounds, capping it at around one hour before making a break for the carpark so I didn't pass out in the heat. Several people told me I'd need days to see it all, and they weren't joking, I'd probably need several more laps of the grounds to get the full picture. Britain's car culture is really something to be admired. People there are really passionate about everything on four wheels and will proudly use their prized possessions as modes of transport (you should have seen the carpark finds), rather than cooping it up in a glass box or trying to flip it for a profit six to twelve months after taking delivery. I look forward to attending the Festival of Speed in future years, and absolutely cannot recommend it enough if you happen to be in the UK when it's on – just make sure you get tickets quickly, they sell out fast! Lastly, a big thank you to the team at Aston Martin and EVH Agency for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that made a little boy's dream come Explore the Aston Martin DB12 showroom Content originally sourced from: The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a mainstay bucket list item for car enthusiasts of all ages, as is getting a ride-along in an exotic supercar with a seasoned racing driver behind the wheel. On a recent holiday to Europe and the UK, I was in the right place at the right time and was offered the incredible opportunity to attend the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed as a media guest of Aston Martin, including a stint in the passenger seat of a DB12 Volante fanging up the famed hillclimb. Obviously, I accepted this invitation with no hesitation, and after a 2.5-hour drive from my friend's house in London (shoutout to Kia UK for loaning me a new EV6), I made it to the hallowed grounds of the Goodwood event. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. After being chaperoned by Aston Martin staff through a special entrance and to the marque's guest tent, I was soon whisked away again towards the Supercar Paddock, where a slew of very high-end vehicles are kept on display to the public. It was here I was greeted by a beautiful burgundy DB12 Volante that would be my ride for the morning run, sitting alongside the new Vanquish Volante, the Vantage S, as well as Aston Martin's Valkyrie Le Mans-inspired hybrid hypercar and the new Valhalla mid-engine plug-in hybrid supercar. As a '90s kid who grew up only dreaming of ever seeing this kind of metal in person, let alone sitting in them as well as hearing their sonorous exhaust notes in real life, I was simply in awe. Our group signed indemnity forms and then quickly slipped into full-length trousers and a jumper per motorsport safety rules – mind you, it was quite possibly the hottest day of the year in the UK on that fabled Friday, peaking at around 34 degrees Celsius. Above: Assembling the Astons at Supercar Paddock No matter. Despite numerous questions of concern from Aston Martin staff that I may overheat while waiting to head to the start line, I was grinning from ear to ear and brimming with excitement for what was to come. Driving me in the DB12 Volante would be Ben Seyfried, factory driver for not only Aston Martin but also Ferrari and Maserati; he has also participated in competitive motorsport for 25 years across numerous disciplines. Big thank you to Ben for being an absolute legend and making my day. The crew of Aston Martins made a procession up towards the start line alongside other members of the 'supercar' group, which included a number of new and recent McLarens like the Artura and P1 GTR, as well as the new Lamborghini Temerario, works by Gordon Murray, and even a Pagani Huayra R. Festival goers lined the makeshift road ahead. It felt like I was part of some parade. The excitement and passion was palpable, and I think some of them might have thought I was one of Aston's racing drivers – as a Leo, I was happy to make-believe for my five minutes of supposed fame. Above: Weird and wonderful metal lining up for the Goodwood Hillclimb Rolling up to the start line there were even more incredible cars lining up for their blat up the hill. Coach-built restomods, working concepts and design studies. Stuff that I had only ever seen in pictures or video games – they were all here. In my excitement I realise I took mostly videos, not photos, of all the incredibly exotic and expensive metal that I rolled past at the starting area. If you'd like to see more, I have a special highlight on my Instagram profile here which documents my day at the event. As we slowly snaked our way around the makeshift cul-de-sac and headed towards the start line – which took what felt like an eternity – Ben and I would have little chats with staff as they walked past and did their checks. I was also busy making sure I knew how to turn on the in-car camera suctioned to the windscreen because, content. I'd hear the cars ahead go for their runs one by one, usually signalled by clouds of smoke and the symphony of engines revving to their redlines. There comes a point where all the intoxicating sounds sort of mesh together and you can't even pick up which car is setting off. I was kind of in a daze. Finally, we were rolling up to the start line. I squeezed my head (and hair) into the supplied Aston-branded race helmet. "Strapped in?" Ben asked – I tugged twice at my seatbelt to make sure (having already done this 50 times while I waited) – "yep!" I replied, then he lit up the rear tyres for dramatic effect and off we went. The DB12 Volante can be described as a seriously quick car, quoting a 0-100km/h dash in just 3.7 seconds on its way to a claimed top speed of 325km/h, but amongst its exotic company at the bottom of the Goodwood hill some might label it as mundane by comparison. I certainly had no such thought, having driven one myself back home last year. And while the Volante might be seen as a Sunset Boulevard cruiser rather than a circuit bruiser like its hard-topped sibling, I'd argue that a moment like this is best enjoyed with no roof – which is exactly what we did. The bellow of the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 behind me, the cheers of the crowd around us, and the sheer excitement of seeing the short hillclimb stage coming through the windscreen was an incredible delight for the senses. Ben was hard on the throttle, then the brakes, then the throttle, with tight turns thrown in there for good measure. I was too focused on what was in front of me to really check the speedo, which mind you was also in miles per hour, but I'm pretty sure I glanced over and saw a big number starting with '9' on the digital speedo at one point, which means we hit at least 145km/h somewhere. Before I know it, we've crossed the finish line. Ben hits the brakes, and we coast towards the end of the track where the cars that went before us have collected in what looks like a very expensive meet. It appears the most elite of Goodwood guests have access to seating areas around the end of the track where they can see each car come through one-by-one after they've completed their run. Given the balmy English conditions, some were understandably puzzled at my fully sleeved and trousered fit compared to their shorts and T-shirts. We were quickly ushered back into our cars for the leisurely parade back to the paddock. "Have a wave if you like," Ben says, as we roll past spectators and track marshalls giving us a nod and a wave. Maybe I will. I arrived back at Supercar Paddock and had to pinch myself. What an incredible experience for my first time at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Not only did I get a front row seat at one of the world's largest automotive events with some of the coolest cars and race cars in history on display – as part of the 75 years of Formula 1 celebrations, as well as a spotlight on Gordon Murray Automotive – but I got to experience first hand what it's like to do a timed run up the famed hillclimb. I then proceeded to have a quick walk around the grounds, capping it at around one hour before making a break for the carpark so I didn't pass out in the heat. Several people told me I'd need days to see it all, and they weren't joking, I'd probably need several more laps of the grounds to get the full picture. Britain's car culture is really something to be admired. People there are really passionate about everything on four wheels and will proudly use their prized possessions as modes of transport (you should have seen the carpark finds), rather than cooping it up in a glass box or trying to flip it for a profit six to twelve months after taking delivery. I look forward to attending the Festival of Speed in future years, and absolutely cannot recommend it enough if you happen to be in the UK when it's on – just make sure you get tickets quickly, they sell out fast! Lastly, a big thank you to the team at Aston Martin and EVH Agency for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that made a little boy's dream come Explore the Aston Martin DB12 showroom Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
16 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Ford pivots to 'super affordable EVs', delays larger models
Ford is delaying its F-150 Lightning successor, and large electric van again, as it prioritises smaller, more affordable EVs, including a Maverick-size electric ute. The automaker is teasing an event it is holding on August 11 US time in Kentucky, which CEO Jim Farley describes as a "Model T moment" for the firm. In a chat with Bloomberg Television, Mr Farley confirmed Ford will reveal the platform for "very low-end, super affordable EVs for urban duty cycles and for commercial". CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. This new platform has been developed in California with the battery integrated into the chassis, and some models have been revealed to dealers. It's believed the first product using the platform will be a small ute, around the size of today's Maverick (above). The small EV ute is due to enter production in 2027, with some rumours indicate it could resurrect the Ranchero name (1960 model pictured below). In the US, the Ranchero name was used on a series sedan-based utes from 1957 to 1979, with the donor vehicles including Falcon, Torino and LTD. It will be followed by a small electric SUV in 2028. If all goes according to plan, the platform could serve as the basis for eight different vehicles. All will be produced at the company's plant in Louisville, Kentucky, which currently manufactures the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair. Both finish their innings this year, and won't be directly replaced. In order to keep these small EVs affordable, they will be equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries made at the company's new US$3 billion ($4.6 billion) BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall, Michigan. Due to come online in 2026, the plant is scheduled to be the first to produce LFP batteries in the States. LFP batteries have less energy density than lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide batteries (NMC), but are significantly cheaper and less harmful to the environment. With Ford training its sights on the lower-end of the EV market, it is delaying the full-size electric ute, known as 'T3', that's set to replace the F-150 Lightning until 2028. It has also pushed out the date for a new electric van, thought to be the next-generation E-Transit, until 2028 also. It's unknown if European production of this van will start earlier. This isn't the first time Ford has changed its EV plans. In 2024 company cancelled plans to build a large electric three-row SUV for the US. With sales of its Volkswagen-based Explorer and Capri EVs not meeting expectations, Ford has reportedly approved the development of new internal combustion engine cars for Europe. MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: Ford is delaying its F-150 Lightning successor, and large electric van again, as it prioritises smaller, more affordable EVs, including a Maverick-size electric ute. The automaker is teasing an event it is holding on August 11 US time in Kentucky, which CEO Jim Farley describes as a "Model T moment" for the firm. In a chat with Bloomberg Television, Mr Farley confirmed Ford will reveal the platform for "very low-end, super affordable EVs for urban duty cycles and for commercial". CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. This new platform has been developed in California with the battery integrated into the chassis, and some models have been revealed to dealers. It's believed the first product using the platform will be a small ute, around the size of today's Maverick (above). The small EV ute is due to enter production in 2027, with some rumours indicate it could resurrect the Ranchero name (1960 model pictured below). In the US, the Ranchero name was used on a series sedan-based utes from 1957 to 1979, with the donor vehicles including Falcon, Torino and LTD. It will be followed by a small electric SUV in 2028. If all goes according to plan, the platform could serve as the basis for eight different vehicles. All will be produced at the company's plant in Louisville, Kentucky, which currently manufactures the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair. Both finish their innings this year, and won't be directly replaced. In order to keep these small EVs affordable, they will be equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries made at the company's new US$3 billion ($4.6 billion) BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall, Michigan. Due to come online in 2026, the plant is scheduled to be the first to produce LFP batteries in the States. LFP batteries have less energy density than lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide batteries (NMC), but are significantly cheaper and less harmful to the environment. With Ford training its sights on the lower-end of the EV market, it is delaying the full-size electric ute, known as 'T3', that's set to replace the F-150 Lightning until 2028. It has also pushed out the date for a new electric van, thought to be the next-generation E-Transit, until 2028 also. It's unknown if European production of this van will start earlier. This isn't the first time Ford has changed its EV plans. In 2024 company cancelled plans to build a large electric three-row SUV for the US. With sales of its Volkswagen-based Explorer and Capri EVs not meeting expectations, Ford has reportedly approved the development of new internal combustion engine cars for Europe. MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: Ford is delaying its F-150 Lightning successor, and large electric van again, as it prioritises smaller, more affordable EVs, including a Maverick-size electric ute. The automaker is teasing an event it is holding on August 11 US time in Kentucky, which CEO Jim Farley describes as a "Model T moment" for the firm. In a chat with Bloomberg Television, Mr Farley confirmed Ford will reveal the platform for "very low-end, super affordable EVs for urban duty cycles and for commercial". CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. This new platform has been developed in California with the battery integrated into the chassis, and some models have been revealed to dealers. It's believed the first product using the platform will be a small ute, around the size of today's Maverick (above). The small EV ute is due to enter production in 2027, with some rumours indicate it could resurrect the Ranchero name (1960 model pictured below). In the US, the Ranchero name was used on a series sedan-based utes from 1957 to 1979, with the donor vehicles including Falcon, Torino and LTD. It will be followed by a small electric SUV in 2028. If all goes according to plan, the platform could serve as the basis for eight different vehicles. All will be produced at the company's plant in Louisville, Kentucky, which currently manufactures the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair. Both finish their innings this year, and won't be directly replaced. In order to keep these small EVs affordable, they will be equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries made at the company's new US$3 billion ($4.6 billion) BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall, Michigan. Due to come online in 2026, the plant is scheduled to be the first to produce LFP batteries in the States. LFP batteries have less energy density than lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide batteries (NMC), but are significantly cheaper and less harmful to the environment. With Ford training its sights on the lower-end of the EV market, it is delaying the full-size electric ute, known as 'T3', that's set to replace the F-150 Lightning until 2028. It has also pushed out the date for a new electric van, thought to be the next-generation E-Transit, until 2028 also. It's unknown if European production of this van will start earlier. This isn't the first time Ford has changed its EV plans. In 2024 company cancelled plans to build a large electric three-row SUV for the US. With sales of its Volkswagen-based Explorer and Capri EVs not meeting expectations, Ford has reportedly approved the development of new internal combustion engine cars for Europe. MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: Ford is delaying its F-150 Lightning successor, and large electric van again, as it prioritises smaller, more affordable EVs, including a Maverick-size electric ute. The automaker is teasing an event it is holding on August 11 US time in Kentucky, which CEO Jim Farley describes as a "Model T moment" for the firm. In a chat with Bloomberg Television, Mr Farley confirmed Ford will reveal the platform for "very low-end, super affordable EVs for urban duty cycles and for commercial". CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. This new platform has been developed in California with the battery integrated into the chassis, and some models have been revealed to dealers. It's believed the first product using the platform will be a small ute, around the size of today's Maverick (above). The small EV ute is due to enter production in 2027, with some rumours indicate it could resurrect the Ranchero name (1960 model pictured below). In the US, the Ranchero name was used on a series sedan-based utes from 1957 to 1979, with the donor vehicles including Falcon, Torino and LTD. It will be followed by a small electric SUV in 2028. If all goes according to plan, the platform could serve as the basis for eight different vehicles. All will be produced at the company's plant in Louisville, Kentucky, which currently manufactures the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair. Both finish their innings this year, and won't be directly replaced. In order to keep these small EVs affordable, they will be equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries made at the company's new US$3 billion ($4.6 billion) BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall, Michigan. Due to come online in 2026, the plant is scheduled to be the first to produce LFP batteries in the States. LFP batteries have less energy density than lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide batteries (NMC), but are significantly cheaper and less harmful to the environment. With Ford training its sights on the lower-end of the EV market, it is delaying the full-size electric ute, known as 'T3', that's set to replace the F-150 Lightning until 2028. It has also pushed out the date for a new electric van, thought to be the next-generation E-Transit, until 2028 also. It's unknown if European production of this van will start earlier. This isn't the first time Ford has changed its EV plans. In 2024 company cancelled plans to build a large electric three-row SUV for the US. With sales of its Volkswagen-based Explorer and Capri EVs not meeting expectations, Ford has reportedly approved the development of new internal combustion engine cars for Europe. MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
16 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Renault "well-positioned" to meet new Australian emissions regulations
Penalties under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) are now in effect, but Renault Australia says it isn't worried about being able to meet any mandated targets. The French brand only sells two electric vehicles (EV) in Australia, the Megane E-Tech and Kangoo E-Tech, and only recently introduced a mild-hybrid in the form of the Duster. That's despite Renault offering several models with mild-, full-, or plug-in hybrid powertrains, plus more EVs, in overseas markets such as Europe. Though hardly any of those European models have been confirmed for Australia, the brand's local general manager Glen Sealey says nothing is off the cards and maintains NVES is just another regulatory framework to adhere to. "From a Renault perspective… we always respect the umpire's decision. That's the regulatory framework that is out there today, and that's the framework that we will operate under," he told media at the local launch for the Duster. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Renault Megane E-Tech "Renault as a brand is European-based, so we have a fantastic product range to operate within an environment where NVES is in play." Renault, like every other manufacturer operating in Australia, is now obliged to meet set average carbon emissions targets across its fleet each year, or be penalised $100 per g/km of CO2 for every vehicle that exceeds the target. The brand's passenger vehicles fit into the Type 1 NVES category, which means the fleet is currently subject to average carbon dioxide emissions of 141g/km for 2025. This limit will drop each year, eventually reaching 58g/km in 2029. Unfortunately for Renault, only mild-hybrid Duster variants and the Arkana are below that limit, which likely won't be enough to offset emissions from the rest of the fleet. The brand's commercial lineup – Kangoo, Trafic, and Master – is subject to the current Type 2 vehicle limit of 210g/km, and all three are 'clean' enough for now. Above: Renault Kangoo E-Tech Renault Australia has confirmed six new models and updates will come in the next 18 months, including the new Captur – potentially with hybrid tech – and the niche Renault 5 Turbo 3E, which will be an exclusive performance EV. While unconfirmed, further models are likely to have some degree of electrification. "When we look at those six new models to come, there's a bit of water under the bridge, there's currency, there's regulatory changes, there's tariff changes rolling around the place," Mr Sealey said. "It's a very dynamic environment. So for me to sit here and say 'I'll definitely have that car tomorrow', I wouldn't be prepared to do that. "But what I can say, I do know I've got six of them coming. They may vary between now and then, but in terms of electrification, going back to that, you would have to say there is still going to be a baseline for electrification in Australia." Above: Renault Symbioz (overseas model) Mr Sealey explained that in 2024, before NVES came into effect, EVs held a market share of 8.0 per cent. Following the start of the NVES, in the first half of 2025 the share remained similar at 7.6 per cent. "So the one thing that we do see, and all car companies must respect, is [that] it is the consumer that drives the market, and so it will be the consumer that dictates whether electrification is adopted further," Mr Sealey said. When asked whether Renault Australia is expecting to have to pay fines for exceeding CO2 limits, Mr Sealey replied, "We're well-positioned to operate within an NVES environment." "When you look at Renault, we have typically four-cylinder engines, very efficient, we're lightweight, so you would have to say, no," he said. MORE: Renault is readying six new and updated models for Australia, but which? MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from: Penalties under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) are now in effect, but Renault Australia says it isn't worried about being able to meet any mandated targets. The French brand only sells two electric vehicles (EV) in Australia, the Megane E-Tech and Kangoo E-Tech, and only recently introduced a mild-hybrid in the form of the Duster. That's despite Renault offering several models with mild-, full-, or plug-in hybrid powertrains, plus more EVs, in overseas markets such as Europe. Though hardly any of those European models have been confirmed for Australia, the brand's local general manager Glen Sealey says nothing is off the cards and maintains NVES is just another regulatory framework to adhere to. "From a Renault perspective… we always respect the umpire's decision. That's the regulatory framework that is out there today, and that's the framework that we will operate under," he told media at the local launch for the Duster. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Renault Megane E-Tech "Renault as a brand is European-based, so we have a fantastic product range to operate within an environment where NVES is in play." Renault, like every other manufacturer operating in Australia, is now obliged to meet set average carbon emissions targets across its fleet each year, or be penalised $100 per g/km of CO2 for every vehicle that exceeds the target. The brand's passenger vehicles fit into the Type 1 NVES category, which means the fleet is currently subject to average carbon dioxide emissions of 141g/km for 2025. This limit will drop each year, eventually reaching 58g/km in 2029. Unfortunately for Renault, only mild-hybrid Duster variants and the Arkana are below that limit, which likely won't be enough to offset emissions from the rest of the fleet. The brand's commercial lineup – Kangoo, Trafic, and Master – is subject to the current Type 2 vehicle limit of 210g/km, and all three are 'clean' enough for now. Above: Renault Kangoo E-Tech Renault Australia has confirmed six new models and updates will come in the next 18 months, including the new Captur – potentially with hybrid tech – and the niche Renault 5 Turbo 3E, which will be an exclusive performance EV. While unconfirmed, further models are likely to have some degree of electrification. "When we look at those six new models to come, there's a bit of water under the bridge, there's currency, there's regulatory changes, there's tariff changes rolling around the place," Mr Sealey said. "It's a very dynamic environment. So for me to sit here and say 'I'll definitely have that car tomorrow', I wouldn't be prepared to do that. "But what I can say, I do know I've got six of them coming. They may vary between now and then, but in terms of electrification, going back to that, you would have to say there is still going to be a baseline for electrification in Australia." Above: Renault Symbioz (overseas model) Mr Sealey explained that in 2024, before NVES came into effect, EVs held a market share of 8.0 per cent. Following the start of the NVES, in the first half of 2025 the share remained similar at 7.6 per cent. "So the one thing that we do see, and all car companies must respect, is [that] it is the consumer that drives the market, and so it will be the consumer that dictates whether electrification is adopted further," Mr Sealey said. When asked whether Renault Australia is expecting to have to pay fines for exceeding CO2 limits, Mr Sealey replied, "We're well-positioned to operate within an NVES environment." "When you look at Renault, we have typically four-cylinder engines, very efficient, we're lightweight, so you would have to say, no," he said. MORE: Renault is readying six new and updated models for Australia, but which? MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from: Penalties under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) are now in effect, but Renault Australia says it isn't worried about being able to meet any mandated targets. The French brand only sells two electric vehicles (EV) in Australia, the Megane E-Tech and Kangoo E-Tech, and only recently introduced a mild-hybrid in the form of the Duster. That's despite Renault offering several models with mild-, full-, or plug-in hybrid powertrains, plus more EVs, in overseas markets such as Europe. Though hardly any of those European models have been confirmed for Australia, the brand's local general manager Glen Sealey says nothing is off the cards and maintains NVES is just another regulatory framework to adhere to. "From a Renault perspective… we always respect the umpire's decision. That's the regulatory framework that is out there today, and that's the framework that we will operate under," he told media at the local launch for the Duster. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Renault Megane E-Tech "Renault as a brand is European-based, so we have a fantastic product range to operate within an environment where NVES is in play." Renault, like every other manufacturer operating in Australia, is now obliged to meet set average carbon emissions targets across its fleet each year, or be penalised $100 per g/km of CO2 for every vehicle that exceeds the target. The brand's passenger vehicles fit into the Type 1 NVES category, which means the fleet is currently subject to average carbon dioxide emissions of 141g/km for 2025. This limit will drop each year, eventually reaching 58g/km in 2029. Unfortunately for Renault, only mild-hybrid Duster variants and the Arkana are below that limit, which likely won't be enough to offset emissions from the rest of the fleet. The brand's commercial lineup – Kangoo, Trafic, and Master – is subject to the current Type 2 vehicle limit of 210g/km, and all three are 'clean' enough for now. Above: Renault Kangoo E-Tech Renault Australia has confirmed six new models and updates will come in the next 18 months, including the new Captur – potentially with hybrid tech – and the niche Renault 5 Turbo 3E, which will be an exclusive performance EV. While unconfirmed, further models are likely to have some degree of electrification. "When we look at those six new models to come, there's a bit of water under the bridge, there's currency, there's regulatory changes, there's tariff changes rolling around the place," Mr Sealey said. "It's a very dynamic environment. So for me to sit here and say 'I'll definitely have that car tomorrow', I wouldn't be prepared to do that. "But what I can say, I do know I've got six of them coming. They may vary between now and then, but in terms of electrification, going back to that, you would have to say there is still going to be a baseline for electrification in Australia." Above: Renault Symbioz (overseas model) Mr Sealey explained that in 2024, before NVES came into effect, EVs held a market share of 8.0 per cent. Following the start of the NVES, in the first half of 2025 the share remained similar at 7.6 per cent. "So the one thing that we do see, and all car companies must respect, is [that] it is the consumer that drives the market, and so it will be the consumer that dictates whether electrification is adopted further," Mr Sealey said. When asked whether Renault Australia is expecting to have to pay fines for exceeding CO2 limits, Mr Sealey replied, "We're well-positioned to operate within an NVES environment." "When you look at Renault, we have typically four-cylinder engines, very efficient, we're lightweight, so you would have to say, no," he said. MORE: Renault is readying six new and updated models for Australia, but which? MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from: Penalties under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) are now in effect, but Renault Australia says it isn't worried about being able to meet any mandated targets. The French brand only sells two electric vehicles (EV) in Australia, the Megane E-Tech and Kangoo E-Tech, and only recently introduced a mild-hybrid in the form of the Duster. That's despite Renault offering several models with mild-, full-, or plug-in hybrid powertrains, plus more EVs, in overseas markets such as Europe. Though hardly any of those European models have been confirmed for Australia, the brand's local general manager Glen Sealey says nothing is off the cards and maintains NVES is just another regulatory framework to adhere to. "From a Renault perspective… we always respect the umpire's decision. That's the regulatory framework that is out there today, and that's the framework that we will operate under," he told media at the local launch for the Duster. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Renault Megane E-Tech "Renault as a brand is European-based, so we have a fantastic product range to operate within an environment where NVES is in play." Renault, like every other manufacturer operating in Australia, is now obliged to meet set average carbon emissions targets across its fleet each year, or be penalised $100 per g/km of CO2 for every vehicle that exceeds the target. The brand's passenger vehicles fit into the Type 1 NVES category, which means the fleet is currently subject to average carbon dioxide emissions of 141g/km for 2025. This limit will drop each year, eventually reaching 58g/km in 2029. Unfortunately for Renault, only mild-hybrid Duster variants and the Arkana are below that limit, which likely won't be enough to offset emissions from the rest of the fleet. The brand's commercial lineup – Kangoo, Trafic, and Master – is subject to the current Type 2 vehicle limit of 210g/km, and all three are 'clean' enough for now. Above: Renault Kangoo E-Tech Renault Australia has confirmed six new models and updates will come in the next 18 months, including the new Captur – potentially with hybrid tech – and the niche Renault 5 Turbo 3E, which will be an exclusive performance EV. While unconfirmed, further models are likely to have some degree of electrification. "When we look at those six new models to come, there's a bit of water under the bridge, there's currency, there's regulatory changes, there's tariff changes rolling around the place," Mr Sealey said. "It's a very dynamic environment. So for me to sit here and say 'I'll definitely have that car tomorrow', I wouldn't be prepared to do that. "But what I can say, I do know I've got six of them coming. They may vary between now and then, but in terms of electrification, going back to that, you would have to say there is still going to be a baseline for electrification in Australia." Above: Renault Symbioz (overseas model) Mr Sealey explained that in 2024, before NVES came into effect, EVs held a market share of 8.0 per cent. Following the start of the NVES, in the first half of 2025 the share remained similar at 7.6 per cent. "So the one thing that we do see, and all car companies must respect, is [that] it is the consumer that drives the market, and so it will be the consumer that dictates whether electrification is adopted further," Mr Sealey said. When asked whether Renault Australia is expecting to have to pay fines for exceeding CO2 limits, Mr Sealey replied, "We're well-positioned to operate within an NVES environment." "When you look at Renault, we have typically four-cylinder engines, very efficient, we're lightweight, so you would have to say, no," he said. MORE: Renault is readying six new and updated models for Australia, but which? MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from:
