Latest news with #MitsubishiTriton
The Australian
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Australian
Polestar Australia boss calls for overhaul of ute tax incentives
The boss of one of Australia's greenest car companies has called for an end to tax breaks for utes that have become the nation's best-selling cars. Scott Maynard, managing director of Polestar in Australia, says lucrative tax concessions for high-riding utes have gone too far, resulting in taxpayers subsidising cars that are harmful to the environment. MORE: Luxury van delivers – at a cost Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi Triton and Ford Ranger utes are the subject of lucrative tax incentives. Picture: Mark Bean Large four-wheel-drive utes can be exempt from luxury car tax and fringe benefits tax that apply to other vehicles. Maynard says the fringe benefits tax concession 'continues to disproportionately serve the sale of dual cab utes and not what I would consider to be a far more progressive style of transportation, which is electric vehicles'. 'Consider that three of the top five selling cars in Australia for the entire first half [of the year] were dual cab utes and their variants,' he said. 'We've now got more than one and a half times the dual cab ute to tradie ratio, which doesn't make sense. Polestar Australia's Scott Maynard says the focus of the tax break system for cars is misguided. 'If you consider some of the positioning of some of those particular vehicles, which are clearly no longer tools of trade, I don't think it's a difficult jump to make to put that on the fact that they've enjoyed tax let off since 2000. 'Wouldn't it be great to see benefits like that afforded to vehicles that are now cheaper to own um easier to live with and better for the environment?' Rod Campbell, research director at The Australia Institute, made headlines in 2024 when pointing out the 'considerable costs on society' of subsidising large utes such as the RAM 1500 and Ford F-150. MORE: Jet pilot tech to change Aussie cars Huge utes like these ones are being subsidised by the government instead of a proper focus on clean technology, Maynard says. Picture: Supplied 'The Australian public is subsidising big, dumb utes by hundreds of millions of dollars each year,' he said. 'These vehicles are damaging roads, reducing safety and increasing emissions, yet they are given a massive tax break. 'Removing the luxury car tax exemption will not affect most ute drivers, particularly tradies. 'Instead it targets those buying large luxury vehicles, worth sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars, for personal use. 'Economics 101 says that governments should tax things they want less of, and subsidise things they want more of, and it is stunning that the Australian Government seems to want more big, dumb utes.' Maynard's views differ from peers at the top of the car industry. Polestar has effectively split from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, a collective that lobbies on behalf of member companies such as Toyota, Ford and Mitsubishi – brands that rely heavily on the sales of utes such as the HiLux, Ranger and Triton. But Polestar doesn't have a ute. MORE: Polestar 4 a window into the future Polestar specialises in electric vehicles only. Picture: Supplied It doesn't have any cars that require petrol or diesel fuel – every Polestar sold in Australia is a pure electric vehicle. Maynard said the brand's all-in stance on electric vehicles 'does open a window for us' as rival brands water down their commitment to EVs. The brand has recorded an uptick in interest from customers who were considering plug-in electric vehicles before a tax break expired on April 1, pushing them toward EVs. 'Anecdotally, I feel like I'm talking to more and more customers that say now that's done,' he said. 'At a function last night, I spoke to three people at a table that said, 'you know, we were squaring up for a PHEV [but] we will probably just go full electric now'. 'And I know that there was a lot of people that were trying to get their PHEV deals secured before that FBT incentive [expired].'
West Australian
23-07-2025
- West Australian
Horrific rail crossing crash near Albany ignites calls for improved level crossing safety
Level crossing safety has been thrust into the spotlight after a mother of three was killed in a crash between a four-wheel-drive and a grain train at a rail crossing near Albany. Cailee Mansell, 29, died on Wednesday, July 16, after the Mitsubishi Triton her family were driving in was hit by a CBH Group train at a a level crossing in Redmond. Ms Mansell, who was a passenger, suffered critical injuries and died at the scene. Her heartbroken family have launched a fundraiser to support her husband and children left behind. In a post on fundraising site GoFundMe, organisers said Ms Mansell was 'a light upon this earth' who was taken far too soon. 'Her sudden passing has left an unimaginable void in the hearts of all who knew her,' the post read. 'She leaves behind her heartbroken husband, Haydn and their three young children, who now face life without their mum's warmth, love and guidance.' The donations — which amounted to more than $92,000 on Tuesday — will go to funeral and memorial expenses, child care and schooling needs, and daily living costs. Redmond residents living near the rail line have joined the calls for improved level crossings, with Carly Pateman-Baker — who lives 50m from the train line — telling ABC that 'no one stops' at the crossing. 'To find out this has happened right at our doorstep . . . is pretty scary,' she said. 'Normal train lines either have warning lights . . . or a barrier that comes down before a train is close to the railway line.' WA currently has 960 public road level crossings on operational rail lines, about half of which are fitted with flashing lights or boom gates. A State Government review conducted in 2023 deemed 13 of the passive crossings on State roads should be upgraded with active controls, but Countryman understands the Redmond crossing falls under the City of Albany. The accident occurred just weeks after a trio of WA families marked the 25-year anniversary of a fatal level crossing accident at Jennacubbine in the Wheatbelt. There were renewed calls for improved level crossing safety and mandatory lighting on trains. Each of these families — the Jensen, Broad and Smith families — are part of a national campaign called Improve Level Crossing Safety and Train Lighting, which includes nine other families from across Australia. Campaign spokeswoman Lara Jensen said the families' hearts 'broke all over again' when they heard about the Redmond crash — for Ms Mansell's family, as well as the two train drivers and emergency personnel involved. 'Australia's Rail Safety National Law states that the regulator, Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator must facilitate safe rail operations, yet in the last four years we have seen ONRSR ignore three train lighting reports it commissioned that all found additional lighting improves train visibility,' she said. 'It is deeply concerning that the rail industry is still not being made to comply with the findings of its own research. 'Rail companies operate businesses that create serious risks and so they have a responsibility to mitigate these risks by doing all they can to ensure their locomotives and rolling stock are clearly illuminated at all times for rural road users that interact with them at more than 18,000 regional crossings without lights or boom gates around Australia. 'Improving level crossings safety requires multiple actions, and fitting auxiliary lighting to locomotives and rolling stock (hazard, side, front and beacon lighting) is one such affordable corrective action that would improve safety and reduce preventable crashes and fatalities at regional railway crossings.' Central Wheatbelt MP Lachlan Hunter also doubled down on his calls for flashing lights to be made mandatory on trains. 'People will argue that this accident happened during the day,' he said. 'I know many farmers in my electorate who have farm machinery and they have to have lighting on their header or tractor as they move from farm-to-farm. This is not something I think is unreasonable. 'If you look at this crossing, it is a peculiar crossing . . . there is just one stop sign..' A statement from freight train operator Aurizon on Thursday confirmed the fatal collision, saying it, along with CBH, would assist police with the investigation. 'Tragically, a passenger in the vehicle lost her life in the incident and we extend our condolences to her family and friends,' the statement read. 'This incident will be felt deeply by the local community, including our train drivers and employees who live and work locally.' A CBH Group spokesman said the farmer-owned co-operative was 'deeply saddened'. 'We are deeply saddened to hear of the fatality at Redmond,' he said. 'Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the deceased, and everyone affected by this tragedy. 'CBH and our rail services provider, Aurizon, are assisting the relevant authorities with their investigation.' It is understood the Australian Transport Safety Bureau will conduct an independent investigation, while major crash is also investigating the accident. Ms Mansell's death is one of 120 so far this year on WA roads, in a horror toll putting the State on track for its worst 12 months for fatalities in more than a decade.
Perth Now
21-07-2025
- Perth Now
Family pays tribute to loving mum killed in WA train crash
The heartbroken family of a mother-of-three killed when her car was hit by a train in WA's Great Southern have launched a fundraiser to support her husband and children now left behind. Cailee Mansell, 29, died on Wednesday after the Mitsubishi Triton her family were driving in near Albany was hit by a train at a level crossing in Redmond. Ms Mansell, who was a passenger, suffered critical injuries and died at the scene. Police said the Mitsubishi was driving east on Redmond-Hay River Road and that the CBH grain train was travelling north. Ms Mansell's family — including her husband and three children, and who live in the region — all received minor injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. Two men on the train were not injured, but were treated for shock. In a post on fundraising site GoFundMe, organisers said Ms Mansell was 'a light upon this earth' who was taken far too soon. 'Her sudden passing has left an unimaginable void in the hearts of all who knew her,' the post read. 'She leaves behind her heartbroken husband, Haydn and their three young children, who now face life without their mum's warmth, love, and guidance. Cailee Mansell leaves behind her heartbroken husband and their three young children. Credit: GoFund me 'Haydn is now navigating the difficult road ahead as a single parent, trying to provide emotional stability and practical care for his children during a time of deep grief. She also leaves behind her loving mother and best friend, Odette, who is grieving the unimaginable loss of her daughter. 'No amount can ever replace the love and presence of their mother, but with your help, we can ensure that this grieving family has the support and security they need in this incredibly difficult time.' The donations — which already amount to more than $50,000 — will go to funeral and memorial expenses, childcare and schooling needs and daily living costs. The crash closed road and rail around the site for more the 24 hours last week. Major crash officers on Thursday combed the scene as they began an investigation into how the tragic incident happened. A statement from freight train operator Aurizon on Thursday confirmed the fatal collision, saying it, along with CBH, would assist police with the investigation. 'Tragically, a passenger in the vehicle lost her life in the incident and we extend our condolences to her family and friends,' the statement read. 'This incident will be felt deeply by the local community, including our train drivers and employees who live and work locally.' It is understood the Australian Transport Safety Bureau will conduct an independent investigation. Ms Mansell's death is one of 120 so far this year on WA roads, in a horror toll putting the State on track for its worst 12 months for fatalities in more than a decade. The figure includes 62 metropolitan fatalities — a sharp rise on the historic trend for the year to date — and 58 on regional roads.
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
4WD crash in Kapit kills elderly man, four survive
SIBU: An elderly man died while four others survived after their four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle skidded and plunged into a ravine at Kilometre 38.6 of Jalan Musah/Kajah in Song, Kapit Division. The incident occurred last night. The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department confirmed the victim as Berain Sinau, 81, who died at the scene. The Mitsubishi Triton fell into a ravine approximately 10 metres deep. Basir Dingun, 43, sustained injuries and was rushed to Kanowit Hospital by passers-by. The driver, aged 50, and two other passengers, aged 61 and 44, escaped unharmed. 'There were five individuals in the vehicle. One died on the scene, one was injured, while the other three survived without injury,' said a department spokesperson. Emergency services received the distress call at 7.50 pm. The Song Fire and Rescue Station team, assisted by police, reached the remote location at 9.23 pm after navigating 46 kilometres of logging roads. A bulldozer from a nearby logging company helped clear the path and recover the vehicle. The rescue operation concluded at 12.50 am. - Bernama
New Straits Times
21-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Elderly man crushed as truck plunges into ravine and overturns
KUCHING: An elderly man died while four others survived after their vehicle plunged into a ravine in Batu 24, Jalan Musah Kajah, Song, Kapit, on Sunday night. The victim, Berain Sinau, 80, died at the scene. He was crushed when the vehicle overturned. According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department Operations Centre, the call came in at 7.50pm. Seven firefighters from the Song Fire and Rescue Station were deployed. They travelled in two trucks using a logging road, a spokesperson said. The team arrived at the scene of the crash after travelling for around 90 minutes. The location was about 46 km from the station. "Upon arrival at the scene, it was found that a Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck had skidded and plunged into a ravine approximately 10 metres deep," the official said. "One victim, who was crushed by the vehicle, was confirmed dead. A 43-year-old man sustained injuries and was taken to Kanowit Hospital by members of the public, while three other men, aged between 44 and 61, were unharmed." Rescue teams and police requested help from a nearby logging company. A bulldozer was used to open access and pull the vehicle to a safe area. The victim's body was handed over to the police for further action. Officials said the vehicle, driven by a 50-year-old man, lost control while going through a hilly stretch.
