To say that Australia's new car market is competitive is putting it lightly. With more than 60 brands competing in a market of approximately 1.2 million new vehicles, it is a brutal fight for customer dollars.*

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we gaze into the crystal ball with very special guest and market expert Mike Costello. We chat about who will survive, and who will thrive, in the Hunger Games of the Australian new car market. We also discuss whether you'll still be buying your car from a dealership in the future, and the cars that we're most excited to see on the road this year.

Show notes:

- Mike Costello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-costello-cox-automotive/

*For context, the US has approximately 40 brands in a vastly larger market of more than 16 million new vehicles sold annually. The UK has approximately 40 brands in a market of 2 million new vehicles sold annually.

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss VW finally returning to good design, inside and out, with the new ID. Polo small EV hatch. We also speculate on whether Suzuki has gone crazy with the pricing of the new e-Vitara small electric SUV. Finally, we discuss what our picks for an EV would be if we had a budget of $30k.

Show notes:

- VW ID. Polo: https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/press-releases/much-more-than-a-city-car-world-premiere-of-the-all-new-electric-id-polo-20356

- Suzuki e-Vitara: https://zecar.com/reviews/suzuki-e-vitara-australia-price-specs-2026

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Mercedes' new C-Class Electric, and BMW's latest application of its Neue Klasse philosophy with the updated flagship 7 Series. Given the lack of success that MG has had with its Cyberster, we also speculate on whether the Denza (BYD's premium brand) 7 convertible will have any more success.

Show notes:

- Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mercedes/c-class/364229/new-mercedes-c-class-electric-revealed-exec-ev-gets-472-mile-range-and

- BMW 7 Series: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2027-bmw-7-series-revealed-with-heavy-i3-influence-due-in-australia-this-year/

- BYD Denza 7 convertible: https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/denza-z-revealed-at-beijing-electric-gt-targets-porsche-911-territory/