Ford to invest $27 billion in electric and autonomous tech development

Ford will invest US$22 billion (AU$28 billion) in electric vehicle development by 2025, the US manufacturer has announced. In a statement following the release of the brand's fourth-quarter 2020 earnings report, it was also confirmed that a further US$7 billion (AU$9.2 billion) would be spent on expanding autonomous vehicle technologies.

2021 Mahindra Thar spotted testing in Australia

The 2021 Mahindra Thar has been spied undergoing testing on Australian roads. Mahindra's new Thar was officially unveiled in August 2020, revealing a design which shared more than a passing resemblance to the Jeep TJ Wrangler. The Indian car maker is hoping the new Thar will enjoy some of the runaway success of the Suzuki Jimny, with the short-wheelbase SUV offering real off-road capability thanks to its part-time four-wheel drive, low-range gearbox, and rear differential lock.

Speeding fines triple in NSW after warning signs removed from mobile speed cameras – report

Revenue from speeding fines in NSW has more than tripled since the state government announced it would removing warning signs from mobile speed detection cameras late last year. A report by 9News has revealed that in December 2020, the state’s coffers were topped up by almost $2.5 million in speeding fines, which have tripled since the phase-out of warning signs.

Tesla expects to start accepting bitcoin as payment for its cars

Tesla has announced it could soon accept bitcoin as payment for its electric cars and other products, after purchasing almost US$1.5 billion (AU$1.95 billion) of the cryptocurrency. The announcement, issued in a filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, prompted a 14 per cent surge in bitcoin's price to an all-time high in excess of US$43,000 (AU$55,000).

Holden launches ‘Rewinding Roads’, reflects on its past to sell car parts in the future

Holden has launched a surprising social media campaign as it approaches the 12-month anniversary for the announcement of the shutdown of the iconic brand. The campaign – supported by RMIT University students in Melbourne – uses some of Holden’s most famous photos from its media archives and places them in modern day settings with the help of Google Maps.

Porsche to open assembly plant in Malaysia – report

Porsche AG appears set to open a manufacturing facility in Malaysia, according to one of the country's leading local news outlets, The Edge Weekly. If accurate, this would be the brand’s first plant outside of Germany. It isn't the first time Porsche vehicles have been built outside of Germany, however, as the current Cayenne SUV is built at parent Volkswagen's factory in Slovakia.

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander leaked and teased – UPDATE: Australian launch by end of 2021

UPDATE, 9 February 2021: Mitsubishi has confirmed the new Outlander will launch in Australia by the end of 2021. In a teaser announcing the first examples of the new Outlander have been built and are on their way to the United States (where the car will launch first), the brand confirmed the new SUV will go on sale in Australia "later this year", though more specific timing has yet to be announced.