Media Releases

The Australian government’s $6billion car industry bailout is simply rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic, says a leading car industry expert.

Clive Matthew-Wilson, editor of the car buyers’ Dog & Lemon Guide, says that unless Australia is prepared to block all imported cars, its industry is doomed.

“While I sympathise with the workers and businesses who rely on the car assembly to survive, the government’s package is simply corporate welfare that will not save the industry.”

With less than three weeks till the election, the National Party still hasn’t answered the hard questions on toll roads, says the car buyers’ watchdog, The Dog & Lemon Guide.

Editor Clive Matthew-Wilson says:

“It seems likely that a National government will hand out toll road contracts to a businessman who’s a former head of the National party and who is also National’s advisor on toll roads. This is a blatant conflict of interest, yet National refuses to answer questions on the subject.”

Classic cars are a very poor investment, says the car buyers’ Dog & Lemon Guide.

Dog & Lemon Guide editor Clive Matthew-Wilson, says:

“With the current economic turmoil, people are looking for safer investments, and some are buying up classic cars in the hope that these vehicles will gain in value. My advice is: don’t,”

The European Commission has ruled that all new cars operating in the EU must have daytime running lights from February 2011.

Daytime running lights make it easier to see vehicles and have been shown to improve road safety.

Daytime running lights are smaller than headlights. They are mounted on the front of the vehicle and switch on automatically when the engine is started. They are often mounted lower than headlights and put out less light.

Clive Matthew-Wilson, editor of the car buyers’ Dog & Lemon Guide, says Australia should adopt a similar measure.