GM to dump Holden

[cookie2]

Expensive, heavy and a few too many option packs IMO ,2k extra if you want anything other than a White one??? Land Rover service and backup isnt exactly anything flash either, is their a manual option or all auto's?....I'd probably go a Lexus if I wanted that end of the market.

My late wife drove a Disco diesel for a few years - quite good but servicing and repairs were very very expensive. Give me a Lexus or Toyota any day if you want that type of vehicle.

[Professer E]

There's no such thing as cheap 4WD servicing.  Toyota's are OK - still not cheap.  New steering box for the Prado is $5000.

Ever wonder why you can get say M5's for bugger all,  even though they're less than ten years old?  No parts... Or outlandish costs such $16000 for a gearbox temp sensor,  $4000 each for rotors....

[cookie2]

There's no such thing as cheap 4WD servicing.  Toyota's are OK - still not cheap.  New steering box for the Prado is $5000.

Ever wonder why you can get say M5's for bugger all,  even though they're less than ten years old?  No parts... Or outlandish costs such $16000 for a gearbox temp sensor,  $4000 each for rotors....

Sure but I found Landrover particularly expensive especially anywhere  in the country/bush. Agree also that buying a used prestige vehicle, especially a european one, can be a potential "money pit".

[Thryleon]

Perhaps the move to return to Aus manufacturing begins with one negative step?

[Baggers]

Perhaps the move to return to Aus manufacturing begins with one negative step?

Economics is not my strong suit, in fact probably my WAP suit. But it would seem that with the introspection that C-19 has created and rightly or wrongly a definite anti-Chinese sentiment palpable, this may be the ideal time to focus on local production and maybe even a uniquely Aussie car manufacturer which would very likely receive much more support than 6 months ago.

The future problem would no doubt be (in relation to all products) that as any negative Chinese sentiment subsides (maybe it won't? Or maybe China will be so affected by C-19 that it will force a change of govt?), that if China returns to the market place with reasonable products, dirt cheap, history will repeat itself... how can any nation compete with them when their labour is so cheap in comparison to ours and many other Western nations? Just 'spit-balling', as the Yanks would say.

[LP]

Under the guidance of Scotty from Marketing a return to manufacturing in Australia would be truly antithetical, and I think that idea is being actively supported and confirmed as he tries to replace China with India!

The media report recent efforts as political, it is but that seems to be a very narrow perspective to take in the reporting, the media maybe want to play the anti-China racism card for full ratings effect.

The invitation to India is much more about a wider philosophy, we dig and sell dirt, they make!

[capcom]

I'm all in favour of lower payroll taxes to (re) emerging industries (i.e. no bailouts) and if the infrastructure exists as well as the talent, I'd have no issue whatsoever with a decent car manufacturer as the filter down economic benefits are indeed considerable.  But NOT electric vehicles save for potential export if the market exists. 

Bit of seize the day logic.

[LP]

I'm all in favour of lower payroll taxes to (re) emerging industries (i.e. no bailouts) and if the infrastructure exists as well as the talent, I'd have no issue whatsoever with a decent car manufacturer as the filter down economic benefits are indeed considerable.  But NOT electric vehicles save for potential export if the market exists. 

Bit of seize the day logic.

Many years ago Australia had the opportunity become the SE Asian / Oceania hub for the manufacture of commercial stuff, trains, buses, tractors, trucks, excavators, etc., etc.. It was basically a three way race between Sth Africa, India and Australia. The local push was being supported by Ex.Patriot Sth Africans, they saw a huge opportunity to add value to locally produced steel. Nobody makes buses, trucks, excavators and tractors out of carbon fibre or aluminium, and everybody was starting the process with Australia's iron ore!

The local Pollies turned up their toes and said we can't compete with China, and so they didn't, naturally the others failed,....................not!!!

Sth Africa and India and now thriving hubs for such equipment and we import pretty much the bulk of whatever we need here excluding a few niche items! The Sth African's behind the push here headed home, a couple of them built billion dollar businesses back there doing exactly what they had wanted to do here!

I can't believe how piss-weak we are on the global stage, we are our own worst enemy!

[capcom]

Egg zackly LP

[Gointocarlton]

Many years ago Australia had the opportunity become the SE Asian / Oceania hub for the manufacture of commercial stuff, trains, buses, tractors, trucks, excavators, etc., etc.. It was basically a three way race between Sth Africa, India and Australia. The local push was being supported by Ex.Patriot Sth Africans, they saw a huge opportunity to add value to locally produced steel. Nobody makes buses, trucks, excavators and tractors out of carbon fibre or aluminium, and everybody was starting the process with Australia's iron ore!

The local Pollies turned up their toes and said we can't compete with China, and so they didn't, naturally the others failed,....................not!!!

Sth Africa and India and now thriving hubs for such equipment and we import pretty much the bulk of whatever we need here excluding a few niche items! The Sth African's behind the push here headed home, a couple of them built billion dollar businesses back there doing exactly what they had wanted to do here!

I can't believe how piss-weak we are on the global stage, we are our own worst enemy!

Cant compete when Unions red rag and make factory workers and Labourers earn 100K plus a year.