LOOKING FORWARD TO 2013: Companies to watch down under/internationally

Companies to watch down under/internationally

It would be easier still to nominate Volkswagen and Hyundai/Kia due to the high-quality multi-model pincer movement they’ll apply to Toyota from Germany and Korea respectively. And then there’s the luxo-battle between Benz, BMW, Audi and Lexus, all of which will roll out a plethora of new mainstream and niche models in 2013.

But the most intriguing case study could be Tesla, whose promising Model S electric sedan will either make or break the upstart start-up EV maker.

Ken Gratton – News Editor
Reckon it will be PSA Peugeot Citroen. the French company has hit the skids and is putting in place strategic plans to cut costs and raise revenue. In Australia that translates to the company that has distributed the Peugeot brand here for years is taking on Citroen as well.

What this means for Citroen is uncertain, but with Peugeot beginning to show signs of life in the local market, perhaps Citroen can flourish too.

Oh, and I know it’s subjective, but gosh they look good.

Feann Torr – Staff Journalist
Porsche will be busy in 2013 with a range of vehicles that will be available to the everyman, not just the orthopaedic surgeon. The Macan compact SUV will be at the forefront on this push and could be a game changer if the price is keen.

At the other end of spectrum is the Panamera Sport Turismo, the car the Panamera should have been (read: not ugly) and the company will also unleash its tyre-frying ‘green’ car, the 918 Spyder super car. This 585kW German warlord will come close to setting speed records, while at the same time assuaging Porsche’s corporate guilt with low emissions. Win-win.

Bruce Newton – Contributor
Locally, it's the Fiat Chrysler Group. Affordable Alfas and cheap Jeeps -- there are going to be some real bargains on the showroom floor as big volumes are chased down under.

Internationally keep your eyes on the Volkswagen Group. The roll-out of vehicles based on the new MQB architecture will set new standards and present new challenges to rivals.

Michael Taylor – Contributor
Maserati -- the Italian brand is coming to 2013 loaded for bear, with a new Quattroporte, a new E-Class rival with the Quattroporte’s engines and an SUV. And it still has the sexiest engine note in the world in the GranTurismo. Expect to see a few more on the streets, making the footpaths rich with their operatic airs.

Gautam Sharma -- Contributor
Toyota may have stuttered slightly owing to its mass recalls a couple of years ago and the subsequent tsunami, but the Japanese juggernaut is now back to grinding its opposition into the dust. In the first six months of 2012, Toyota’s global sales rose 34 per cent to 4.97 million vehicles globally, leading GM by 300,000 units and VW by 520,000 units to stamp itself as the undisputed No1 carmaker (in volume terms).

In 2013 the car-making giant appears set to build on the circa-200,000 Australian sales it’s on track to achieve this year, with fresh products that include an all-new RAV4 (due here in Feb) and a revamped Kluger (late 2013).

Jeremy Bass – Contributor
How much great press should one car company get? Hyundai’s smart little brother Kia just keeps racking up the brownie points. It’s putting plenty of R&D money into tailoring ride and handling to Aussie conditions, and winning the plaudits. A new Cerato, an updated Optima and a well-publicised push to get some hard-man turbo models here ensure Kia will keep making headlines.

More broadly, Toyota vs. Volkswagen is shaping up as a title fight for the heavyweight championship of the world.

Mike McCarthy – Contributor Emeritus
All of them -- there's never been more action and volatility among the world's makers and markets. Some will rise, some shall fall. Who will buy, beat or bed whom? Fascinating stuff and well worth watching. Pull up a pew and popcorn...