Why SUVs cost the earth

Half the new cars sold in Australia are lumbering, three tonne SUVs whose real fuel consumption and pollution figures are heavily massaged by their manufacturers to underestimate their costs and contribution to climate change.

Why we should use electric rather than hydrogen cars

Petrol and diesel vehicles are on the way out, but despite the promise of hydrogen fuel cells, electric power units still appear the best bet for the future of personal transport.

Saving our cities from the return of the car

The best way to minimise congestion as the economy recovers is to improve commuters’ public transport options, rather than trying to price congestion away, and allow it to operate more effectively while still offering room for on-board social distancing.

Holden on to history

Like a beloved relative who dies after a long illness, Holden’s decision to leave Australia wasn’t surprising – but it is a cause for sadness, and an opportunity to look back on what’s been lost.

Let’s not go there

General Motor’s announcement that the Holden car brand will be “retired” and that local design and engineering will cease marks the end of the road for an Australian icon.

Would you let your car do the driving?

Australians think automated vehicles would great for the elderly and people with disabilities, and would cut accidents allow commuters to multi-task, but the remain worried about malfunctions and hackers.

The risks and opportunities “decarbonising” transport

Australia lags behind other nations in terms of regulating vehicle greenhouse gas emissions, but combining a range of measures can could clean our air and even save us money.

Your car is more likely to be hacked by your mechanic than a terrorist

The danger with car hacking isn’t terrorists taking control when you’re driving, as movies might have you think, but the age old problem of dodgy mechanics conning you into spending more on servicing it.

Queensland road trip to test AI on real Aussie roads

QUT researchers will take an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system on a road trip of south-east Queensland to ensure the autonomous cars of the future will be smart enough to handle tough Australian road conditions.

Are Australians ready for driverless cars?

The authors of a new report on public attitudes to driverless cars say people might be more receptive towards autonomous vehicles if they understood their potential to reduce crashes, emissions and driving stress and improve cyclist safety and mobility for those unable to drive.