Toyota said it is on target to introduce solid-state batteries to its vehicles by “2027-2028” with a shelf-life of up to 40 years – four times the current lifespan for most electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Solid-state battery (SSB) technology has been touted as a ‘silver bullet’ for EVs by several manufacturers including Toyota, Honda and…

It mightn’t be the most production-ready concept at the 2025 Tokyo motor show, but the Daihatsu Midget X is arguably the cutest. The original Midget was launched in 1957 as a three-wheel delivery ute. It had just a single seat, a handle bar for steering, and no doors. It was powered by a 250cc single-cylinder…

BYD is in the midst of a massive new product onslaught in Australia, moving into new segments across the board. In addition to adding a teeny electric city hatchback, and large and luxurious plug-in hybrid (PHEV) off-road SUVs under the new Denza brand, the Chinese automaker is also looking to bring PHEV power to more…

The restomod industry – which restores and modifies older cars using the latest technology – has exploded in recent years, following the success of companies such as Icon and Singer. Australia now has its own restomod outfit, known as Wiedergeboren, offering buyers the opportunity to enjoy the classic characteristics of older Porsche 911 models –…

Hyundai Australia will bolster its large SUV lineup next year when it welcomes several new variants of the second-generation Palisade launched this week, including a new off-road flagship and more affordable variants. Supply constraints see the new Palisade released this month in only a single Hybrid Calligraphy flagship trim – a far cry from the…

Not content with confirming it will finally launch its first global mid-size dual-cab ute in 2028, Ram has now also revealed it will introduce its first SUV in the same year. As reported by Automotive News, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa told financial analysts on Friday, October 31 that Ram is targeting an on-sale date in…

Australia’s cheapest SUV could be set for an overhaul, with the updated Hyundai Venue under consideration for a local launch. Made in India for India, the 2026 Venue is a significant departure from the pre-update model in terms of both exterior design and cabin presentation, representing a modernisation of the Korean-built model that is sold…

Hyundai says the first ute it will offer in Australia won’t be a simple ‘badge engineering’ exercise, and it appears the company is willing to wait for the “right” product rather than whatever is most expedient. “I’m not leaving until I have a ute, and not just any ute. I mean, we could easily take…

Toyota’s Century brand could go on sale in Australia for the first time after an emotionally charged unveiling of its latest concept at the Japan Mobility Show by chairman Akio Toyoda. Last month Toyota announced the Century brand – pitched as a Rolls-Royce rival to sit above its Lexus premium division – would expand globally…

The Toyota Prius could return to Australian showrooms, after the landmark hybrid model was dropped from showrooms in 2022 when the latest generation was introduced globally. Speaking at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, suggested the hybrid hatch could make an Australian comeback. “I…