Thanks for joining us this Monday May 6th 2024. Notably in car news today: LDV launches its new halo ute, the T60 Max Plus, and Peugeot slashes E-2008 electric SUV pricing by more than $25,000.
Browse this issue:
- LDV launches new halo ute, the T60 Max Plus
- Peugeot E-2008 electric SUV price slashed by over 30 percent
- Western Australia continues EV rebate, despite other states dropping similar incentives
- Tesla back-pedals on gigacasting plans
- Reviewed: 2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe
LDV launches new halo ute, the T60 Max Plus
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LDV Australia has launched a new variant for its T60 ute lineup and it’s officially called the T60 Max Plus.
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Priced starting from just $45,990 driveaway for ABN buyers, the Max Plus’s major enhancement is the adoption of a multi-link rear suspension setup, which LDV says delivers “more control and better ride quality over a range of surfaces”.
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Also new for the Max Plus is the addition of dual 12.3-inch screens, one for the driver instrument cluster and one for the central infotainment.
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The Max Plus will continue to be powered by the same 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder engine that produces 160kW/500Nm.
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LDV Australia has confirmed to Chasing Cars that the new halo ute variant is now available to order through the brand’s local dealerships
Peugeot E-2008 electric SUV price slashed by over 30 percent
The Peugeot E-2008 just got a whole lot cheaper
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Peugeot has cut the price of its electric small SUV, the E-2008 GT by over 30 percent – down from $59,990 before on-road costs to $39,990 driveaway, for a limited time.
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All new and demo variants of the E-2008 GT will be available at the discounted price between now and the 30th of June, so long as they are delivered by that same date.
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The discounted pricing brings Peugeot’s first electric vehicle in Australia in line with the most affordable EVs, namely the budget-friendly Chinese trio of the GWM Ora ($35,990 driveaway), MG4 ($39,990 driveaway) and BYD Dolphin ($38,890 before on-road costs), also making the E-2008 GT the most affordable European electric car in the country.
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Powering the E-2008 GT is a single electric motor turning the front wheels, offering 100kW/260Nm and mated to a 50kWh battery delivering a range of 328km (WLTP), with an updated model expected to arrive later this year following a facelift to petrol variants that has already debuted locally.
Western Australia continues EV rebate, despite other states dropping similar incentives
Western Australia will retain its EV incentive scheme, unlike some other states
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The Western Australian government has added an additional $5.2 million of funding to its electric vehicle rebate scheme.
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Currently, this rebate provides $3500 for those who purchased an electric vehicle under the dutiable value of $70,000. Over 5900 have currently taken advantage of the scheme in WA.
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The news comes after New South Wales scrapped its scheme effective January 1, 2024.
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Queensland retains its offer of a tempting rebate to new EV owners, with up to $6000 available if owners meet the criteria of 1. Have an EV under the dutiable value of $68,000 and less than $180,000 of total household taxable income.
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For Queensland EV buyers, there is still $13.6 million of funding remaining for the scheme.
Tesla back pedals on single-piece gigacasting plans due to big upfront investment
Tesla will use existing production lines for a future affordable model
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Tesla has reportedly backed away from plans to innovate its gigacasting production process, a move that would have potentially helped them deliver a more affordable electric model.
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According to Automotive News reports, the global automaker planned to make the entire underbody of a more affordable car with a single piece.
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The brand has instead gone with using three separate pieces for its vehicles – a mid section and one section for the front and rear.
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Recent automotive reports had stated that Tesla was not going to produce an affordable entry-level car, and would instead continue with its Robotaxi project.
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However, on April 23, Tesla officials said it would produce affordable models, but on an existing platform and with current operating production lines.
Genesis GV80 Coupe 2024 reviewed
The 2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe
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Chasing Cars deputy editor Curt Dupriez’s review of the 2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe was published, revealing his take on the facelifted model which repositions itself more upmarket but with less variety.
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Amongst other positives, Dupriez commended the vehicle’s simple, plush interior, generous feature-appointment and lusty petrol powertrain.
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However, he also noted a substantial increase in entry price, the lack of powertrain choice, unsettled ride in the wagon and the high fuel use of the V6 around tow, as well as an overzealous and often infuriating driver attention warning systems – which were a nigh on dealbreaker.
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Despite some shortcomings, Dupriez acknowledged the overall appeal of the GV80, particularly as a classy alternative to German competitors – however, he strongly recommended test driving the vehicle to discern whether you can live with the intrusive safety system warnings.
READ: Genesis GV80 Coupe 2024 full written review
WATCH: Genesis GV80 Coupe 2024 full video review
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Tuesday 7th May at 4.30pm Sydney time.
