Xenophon supports luxury car tax

South Australian independent Senator Nick Xenophon says he will support the luxury car tax moved by the Federal Government but only with amendments.

The tax is still being debated in the Senate.

Senator Xenophon wants cars with low emissions and high fuel economy to be exempt from the tax.

He also wants an exemption for cars ordered before the tax was announced but not delivered until after July 1.

Senator Xenophon says he rejects the Federal Opposition's claim that the tax will hurt local car makers such as Holden.

"When you consider that the effect of this in all likelihood is going to be to push consumer sentiment towards Australian-made cars, it'll hurt foreign cars more so than Australian-made cars, and I think you'll actually see a push towards Australian-made cars," he said.

Lexus LS 600hL - IS-F - LX 570 at Motor Show

Lexus Australia has today confirmed three new models will be on display at the company’s Australian International Motor Show history display. The LS 600hL luxury hybrid, the IS-F performance sedan and the LX 570 luxury off-roader.

“Show-goers will be treated to an advance look at some of the future vehicles for the Lexus brand, having three all-new models this year unequivocally demonstrates Lexus’ commitment to performance and luxury motoring in Australia.” Lexus Australia chief executive John Roca said

The LS 600hL is the world’s first V8 Hybrid (a V8 joined to an electric motor, making V10 equivalent power), match that to an All-Wheel-Drive platform, Lexus’ strikingly beautiful interior and craftsmanship and the LS 600hL promises to be an environmentally friendly, performance luxury car.

Luxury Car Market Slipping Along With The Rest

In most times of economic slowdown, the market for luxury cars stays healthier than the rest of the mass-market, but this year it’s different. Sales in the U.S. luxury-car market fell 30% as a whole last month compared to a year earlier. That’s just about in line with the 31.9% decline for the overall market, and researchers don’t expect it to get any better.

Many automakers rely on the large profit margin of luxury brands to help them stay afloat when sales in mass-market cars decline and they decrease those margins to ultra-thin levels. With the luxury market dropping as well, they’re finding it hard to create the deals and sales consumers expect in the mass-market.

J.D. Power estimates that BMW AG sales will show a decline of more than 20% for November and that sales for Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit will fall more than 40%. Bentley’s sales fell 62% while Maserati’s declined 29%. And last month, Porsche AG’s sales fell by half from a year earlier.

dCOTY 2006: Best Luxury Car over

A luxury car is an indulgence rather than a need, and buyers demand more than just the essentials.

They want an experience and an ambience as much as a reflection of their personal worth or power to choose.

They want plush seats, spaciousness, entertainment systems to rival the lounge-room and a driving experience only the latest technology and highest mechanical standards can provide.

Our four nominees may look eclectic at first; they accurately represent the broad spectrum of the luxury car market.

Each is considered the best in its respective field, and each is equally a luxury car worthy of nomination for this award.