Latest news with #AADA
7NEWS
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Australian car dealers lose again as court rules in favour of Mercedes-Benz
The head of the peak body for car dealers in Australia has slammed a Federal Court appeal decision that found in favour of Mercedes-Benz over dealers unhappy with its move to an agency sales model. The Federal Court has dismissed an appeal, filed in 2024, against a judgement it handed down in 2023. In that ruling, where it found in favour of Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific over a majority (38 of 50) of its franchised dealers, the Court found dealers hadn't been misled about the agency move and that Mercedes-Benz hadn't engaged in unconscionable conduct. The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) said it's 'bitterly disappointed' by today's decision, particularly as it follows the Supreme Court of Victoria's ruling earlier this year which found General Motors didn't breach its agreement with Australian dealers when it axed the Holden brand in 2020. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. It's pushing for the Federal Government to introduce additional protections for automotive franchisees 'so that the blueprint created by this court decision is not used by others'. 'We welcome the decision of the Full Court of the Federal Court in this matter. Our focus continues to be on delivering luxury products and services for our valued customers around Australia,' said a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz. At the heart of the original case, which commenced in October 2021, was the compensation Mercedes-Benz offered to dealers, although Justice Beach indicated Australian franchise law may once again need to be revisited and potentially modified. 'Australian dealers have been fighting to stop Mercedes-Benz using their power over franchised dealers to force them into one-sided business relationships. Today's decision is a significant blow to that fight which will have detrimental effects on Australia's franchising sector,' said AADA CEO James Voortman. 'In handing down today's decision, there is now a clear need to protect Australian franchisees against unfair treatment from franchisors to arbitrarily change business models with no compensation. 'The presiding Judge in the original court decision clearly articulated the need for further amendments to the Franchising Code to protect the investments dealers make in their businesses. 'Today's decision confirms that current laws in Australia do not adequately protect new car dealers against unfair conduct and particularly are not being supported against unfair decisions being made in head office overseas. 'It is imperative that the Federal Government moves at speed to implement the commitments it made in the election to protect franchisees against unfair contract terms and unfair trading practices.' The move to an agency retail model resulted in Mercedes-Benz taking ownership of dealership stock, and removing the ability for customers and dealership staff to negotiate on prices – a change which dealers claimed would drive up prices of new models. At the time of the initial court action, the 38 dealers were pursuing approximately $650 million in compensation. Mercedes-Benz isn't the only auto brand to switch to an agency model in Australia, with Honda also doing the same – also resulting in legal action from some of its dealers. Like Honda, Mercedes-Benz experienced a sales downturn after the switch in January 2022. Deliveries of vehicles from its Cars division fell from 28,348 in 2021 to 26,801 in 2022, before dropping again in 2023 to 24,315 and then 19,989 in 2024. But there's light at the end of the tunnel, it would appear, with deliveries in the first half of 2025 up 15.9 per cent on the same period last year to 11,146 in total – its best first-half of a year since 2023.
The Advertiser
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Australian car dealers lose again as court rules in favour of Mercedes-Benz
The head of the peak body for car dealers in Australia has slammed a Federal Court appeal decision that found in favour of Mercedes-Benz over dealers unhappy with its move to an agency sales model. The Federal Court has dismissed an appeal, filed in 2024, against a judgement it handed down in 2023. In that ruling, where it found in favour of Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific over a majority (38 of 50) of its franchised dealers, the Court found dealers hadn't been misled about the agency move and that Mercedes-Benz hadn't engaged in unconscionable conduct. The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) said it's "bitterly disappointed" by today's decision, particularly as it follows the Supreme Court of Victoria's ruling earlier this year which found General Motors didn't breach its agreement with Australian dealers when it axed the Holden brand in 2020. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. It's pushing for the Federal Government to introduce additional protections for automotive franchisees "so that the blueprint created by this court decision is not used by others". "We welcome the decision of the Full Court of the Federal Court in this matter. Our focus continues to be on delivering luxury products and services for our valued customers around Australia," said a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz. At the heart of the original case, which commenced in October 2021, was the compensation Mercedes-Benz offered to dealers, although Justice Beach indicated Australian franchise law may once again need to be revisited and potentially modified. "Australian dealers have been fighting to stop Mercedes-Benz using their power over franchised dealers to force them into one-sided business relationships. Today's decision is a significant blow to that fight which will have detrimental effects on Australia's franchising sector," said AADA CEO James Voortman. "In handing down today's decision, there is now a clear need to protect Australian franchisees against unfair treatment from franchisors to arbitrarily change business models with no compensation. "The presiding Judge in the original court decision clearly articulated the need for further amendments to the Franchising Code to protect the investments dealers make in their businesses. "Today's decision confirms that current laws in Australia do not adequately protect new car dealers against unfair conduct and particularly are not being supported against unfair decisions being made in head office overseas. "It is imperative that the Federal Government moves at speed to implement the commitments it made in the election to protect franchisees against unfair contract terms and unfair trading practices." The move to an agency retail model resulted in Mercedes-Benz taking ownership of dealership stock, and removing the ability for customers and dealership staff to negotiate on prices – a change which dealers claimed would drive up prices of new models. At the time of the initial court action, the 38 dealers were pursuing approximately $650 million in compensation. Mercedes-Benz isn't the only auto brand to switch to an agency model in Australia, with Honda also doing the same – also resulting in legal action from some of its dealers. Like Honda, Mercedes-Benz experienced a sales downturn after the switch in January 2022. Deliveries of vehicles from its Cars division fell from 28,348 in 2021 to 26,801 in 2022, before dropping again in 2023 to 24,315 and then 19,989 in 2024. But there's light at the end of the tunnel, it would appear, with deliveries in the first half of 2025 up 15.9 per cent on the same period last year to 11,146 in total – its best first-half of a year since 2023. MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz Content originally sourced from: The head of the peak body for car dealers in Australia has slammed a Federal Court appeal decision that found in favour of Mercedes-Benz over dealers unhappy with its move to an agency sales model. The Federal Court has dismissed an appeal, filed in 2024, against a judgement it handed down in 2023. In that ruling, where it found in favour of Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific over a majority (38 of 50) of its franchised dealers, the Court found dealers hadn't been misled about the agency move and that Mercedes-Benz hadn't engaged in unconscionable conduct. The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) said it's "bitterly disappointed" by today's decision, particularly as it follows the Supreme Court of Victoria's ruling earlier this year which found General Motors didn't breach its agreement with Australian dealers when it axed the Holden brand in 2020. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. It's pushing for the Federal Government to introduce additional protections for automotive franchisees "so that the blueprint created by this court decision is not used by others". "We welcome the decision of the Full Court of the Federal Court in this matter. Our focus continues to be on delivering luxury products and services for our valued customers around Australia," said a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz. At the heart of the original case, which commenced in October 2021, was the compensation Mercedes-Benz offered to dealers, although Justice Beach indicated Australian franchise law may once again need to be revisited and potentially modified. "Australian dealers have been fighting to stop Mercedes-Benz using their power over franchised dealers to force them into one-sided business relationships. Today's decision is a significant blow to that fight which will have detrimental effects on Australia's franchising sector," said AADA CEO James Voortman. "In handing down today's decision, there is now a clear need to protect Australian franchisees against unfair treatment from franchisors to arbitrarily change business models with no compensation. "The presiding Judge in the original court decision clearly articulated the need for further amendments to the Franchising Code to protect the investments dealers make in their businesses. "Today's decision confirms that current laws in Australia do not adequately protect new car dealers against unfair conduct and particularly are not being supported against unfair decisions being made in head office overseas. "It is imperative that the Federal Government moves at speed to implement the commitments it made in the election to protect franchisees against unfair contract terms and unfair trading practices." The move to an agency retail model resulted in Mercedes-Benz taking ownership of dealership stock, and removing the ability for customers and dealership staff to negotiate on prices – a change which dealers claimed would drive up prices of new models. At the time of the initial court action, the 38 dealers were pursuing approximately $650 million in compensation. Mercedes-Benz isn't the only auto brand to switch to an agency model in Australia, with Honda also doing the same – also resulting in legal action from some of its dealers. Like Honda, Mercedes-Benz experienced a sales downturn after the switch in January 2022. Deliveries of vehicles from its Cars division fell from 28,348 in 2021 to 26,801 in 2022, before dropping again in 2023 to 24,315 and then 19,989 in 2024. But there's light at the end of the tunnel, it would appear, with deliveries in the first half of 2025 up 15.9 per cent on the same period last year to 11,146 in total – its best first-half of a year since 2023. MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz Content originally sourced from: The head of the peak body for car dealers in Australia has slammed a Federal Court appeal decision that found in favour of Mercedes-Benz over dealers unhappy with its move to an agency sales model. The Federal Court has dismissed an appeal, filed in 2024, against a judgement it handed down in 2023. In that ruling, where it found in favour of Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific over a majority (38 of 50) of its franchised dealers, the Court found dealers hadn't been misled about the agency move and that Mercedes-Benz hadn't engaged in unconscionable conduct. The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) said it's "bitterly disappointed" by today's decision, particularly as it follows the Supreme Court of Victoria's ruling earlier this year which found General Motors didn't breach its agreement with Australian dealers when it axed the Holden brand in 2020. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. It's pushing for the Federal Government to introduce additional protections for automotive franchisees "so that the blueprint created by this court decision is not used by others". "We welcome the decision of the Full Court of the Federal Court in this matter. Our focus continues to be on delivering luxury products and services for our valued customers around Australia," said a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz. At the heart of the original case, which commenced in October 2021, was the compensation Mercedes-Benz offered to dealers, although Justice Beach indicated Australian franchise law may once again need to be revisited and potentially modified. "Australian dealers have been fighting to stop Mercedes-Benz using their power over franchised dealers to force them into one-sided business relationships. Today's decision is a significant blow to that fight which will have detrimental effects on Australia's franchising sector," said AADA CEO James Voortman. "In handing down today's decision, there is now a clear need to protect Australian franchisees against unfair treatment from franchisors to arbitrarily change business models with no compensation. "The presiding Judge in the original court decision clearly articulated the need for further amendments to the Franchising Code to protect the investments dealers make in their businesses. "Today's decision confirms that current laws in Australia do not adequately protect new car dealers against unfair conduct and particularly are not being supported against unfair decisions being made in head office overseas. "It is imperative that the Federal Government moves at speed to implement the commitments it made in the election to protect franchisees against unfair contract terms and unfair trading practices." The move to an agency retail model resulted in Mercedes-Benz taking ownership of dealership stock, and removing the ability for customers and dealership staff to negotiate on prices – a change which dealers claimed would drive up prices of new models. At the time of the initial court action, the 38 dealers were pursuing approximately $650 million in compensation. Mercedes-Benz isn't the only auto brand to switch to an agency model in Australia, with Honda also doing the same – also resulting in legal action from some of its dealers. Like Honda, Mercedes-Benz experienced a sales downturn after the switch in January 2022. Deliveries of vehicles from its Cars division fell from 28,348 in 2021 to 26,801 in 2022, before dropping again in 2023 to 24,315 and then 19,989 in 2024. But there's light at the end of the tunnel, it would appear, with deliveries in the first half of 2025 up 15.9 per cent on the same period last year to 11,146 in total – its best first-half of a year since 2023. MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz Content originally sourced from: The head of the peak body for car dealers in Australia has slammed a Federal Court appeal decision that found in favour of Mercedes-Benz over dealers unhappy with its move to an agency sales model. The Federal Court has dismissed an appeal, filed in 2024, against a judgement it handed down in 2023. In that ruling, where it found in favour of Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific over a majority (38 of 50) of its franchised dealers, the Court found dealers hadn't been misled about the agency move and that Mercedes-Benz hadn't engaged in unconscionable conduct. The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) said it's "bitterly disappointed" by today's decision, particularly as it follows the Supreme Court of Victoria's ruling earlier this year which found General Motors didn't breach its agreement with Australian dealers when it axed the Holden brand in 2020. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. It's pushing for the Federal Government to introduce additional protections for automotive franchisees "so that the blueprint created by this court decision is not used by others". "We welcome the decision of the Full Court of the Federal Court in this matter. Our focus continues to be on delivering luxury products and services for our valued customers around Australia," said a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz. At the heart of the original case, which commenced in October 2021, was the compensation Mercedes-Benz offered to dealers, although Justice Beach indicated Australian franchise law may once again need to be revisited and potentially modified. "Australian dealers have been fighting to stop Mercedes-Benz using their power over franchised dealers to force them into one-sided business relationships. Today's decision is a significant blow to that fight which will have detrimental effects on Australia's franchising sector," said AADA CEO James Voortman. "In handing down today's decision, there is now a clear need to protect Australian franchisees against unfair treatment from franchisors to arbitrarily change business models with no compensation. "The presiding Judge in the original court decision clearly articulated the need for further amendments to the Franchising Code to protect the investments dealers make in their businesses. "Today's decision confirms that current laws in Australia do not adequately protect new car dealers against unfair conduct and particularly are not being supported against unfair decisions being made in head office overseas. "It is imperative that the Federal Government moves at speed to implement the commitments it made in the election to protect franchisees against unfair contract terms and unfair trading practices." The move to an agency retail model resulted in Mercedes-Benz taking ownership of dealership stock, and removing the ability for customers and dealership staff to negotiate on prices – a change which dealers claimed would drive up prices of new models. At the time of the initial court action, the 38 dealers were pursuing approximately $650 million in compensation. Mercedes-Benz isn't the only auto brand to switch to an agency model in Australia, with Honda also doing the same – also resulting in legal action from some of its dealers. Like Honda, Mercedes-Benz experienced a sales downturn after the switch in January 2022. Deliveries of vehicles from its Cars division fell from 28,348 in 2021 to 26,801 in 2022, before dropping again in 2023 to 24,315 and then 19,989 in 2024. But there's light at the end of the tunnel, it would appear, with deliveries in the first half of 2025 up 15.9 per cent on the same period last year to 11,146 in total – its best first-half of a year since 2023. MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz Content originally sourced from:
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Hydrating vs moisturising: What's the difference and which one does your skin really need
Hydrating and moisturising are often used interchangeably, but they address different skin concerns. Hydration increases the water content in the skin using humectants like hyaluronic acid, while moisturising locks that water in with ingredients like oils and occlusives. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Understanding the difference is essential for choosing products that truly benefit your skin. Whether your skin is dry, dehydrated, oily, or sensitive, targeting the right issue can improve texture, reduce irritation, and restore balance. Backed by dermatologists and clinical research, this guide helps you decode your skin's needs and build a routine that works—from the inside out. The Science: Hydration adds water, moisturisation seals it in Hydration refers to increasing the water content within the skin. Hydrators contain humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, and urea, which draw water from the environment or deeper layers of the skin into the outermost layer, the epidermis. According to the (AADA) and research published in Dermatologic Therapy, humectants are essential for improving skin hydration, especially in dehydrated skin types. Moisturisers, on the other hand, help to lock in that water using occlusives (like petrolatum, beeswax) and emollients (such as ceramides and fatty acids). These create a barrier over the skin to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL). As explained by cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski, moisturisers are typically oil-based, while hydrators are water-attracting—both playing different but complementary roles. 'Moisturisers form a protective seal that prevents water from escaping, while hydrators absorb water and hold it on the skin,'— , The Beauty Brains. How to know what your skin really needs Dry skin Dry skin lacks oil and struggles to retain moisture. You'll benefit most from rich, occlusive moisturisers. Look for: Petrolatum, shea butter, plant oils (like coconut or jojoba) Emollients such as ceramides or fatty alcohols A 2017 review in suggests that occlusives are most effective for very dry or barrier-compromised skin. Dehydrated skin Dehydrated skin lacks water, and it can feel tight or look dull—even if it's oily. You need a hydrating serum followed by a light moisturiser. Best ingredients include: Hyaluronic acid Aloe vera, glycerin, honey Hyaluronic acid is well-documented in clinical trials to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a hydration powerhouse. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Oily or acne-prone skin Oily skin can also be dehydrated. When that happens, the skin may overcompensate by producing more oil, worsening breakouts. Dermatologists recommend using Water-based, non-comedogenic hydrators and gel moisturisers Lightweight ingredients like niacinamide or squalane According to the AADA, using oil-free, non-acnegenic products is critical in maintaining balance without clogging pores. Why water alone isn't enough to hydrate skin Simply rinsing your face or splashing on water doesn't hydrate — it may actually dry you out. As water evaporates, it pulls away natural oils, worsening dryness. The AADA warns that frequent cleansing without moisturising can lead to tight, flaky skin. Instead, always apply a humectant followed by a moisturiser after washing to trap hydration in the skin barrier. Many products do both; it's the ingredients that matter Most modern moisturisers contain a blend of humectants, occlusives, and emollients, meaning they can hydrate and moisturise simultaneously. The form—cream, gel, balm—affects texture and experience more than function. What's key is reading the ingredients list. According to the study, their uses typically include: Humectants: For thick, scaly, dehydrated skin Emollients: For improving skin texture and smoothness Occlusives: For sealing in moisture and preventing flare-ups like eczema So, while product labels might use 'hydrator' or 'moisturiser' loosely, understanding what's inside matters more than the branding. Support skin hydration from within Topical products do help, but internal hydration is essential. According to the AADA and nutritional studies: Aim to drink at least half your body weight (in pounds) in ounces of water daily Eat water-rich foods like cucumbers, strawberries, watermelon, and oranges Limit hot showers and opt for gentle cleansers and fragrance-free products Always apply moisturiser immediately after washing to prevent moisture loss Also, the AADA recommends regular sun protection, stress management, and avoiding smoking, as these affect your skin's ability to retain moisture. Whether your skin is dry, dehydrated, oily, or sensitive, there's no one-size-fits-all. Instead, tailor your routine based on what your skin lacks, water, oil, or both. By choosing the right balance of hydrating and moisturising ingredients, and staying hydrated from the inside, you'll help your skin function at its best—smooth, healthy, and glowing. Also Read:
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
5 Skin Changes That May Actually Be Heart Health Warnings
Though most of the time, an innocuous-seeming spot or bruise won't be anything to worry about, they can occasionally be a sign of something more serious. And per the American Academy of Dermatology Association, sometimes skin changes like rashes, 'netting', and the appearance of lumps can reveal underlying heart issues, too. The British Journal of Cardiology (BJC) said 'various cardiac disorders seen in general and acute medicine have dermatological manifestations that may provide critical clues to the underlying disease'. Here are five signs of heart disease that may show up on your skin: The NHS said that the 'net' this condition causes shows up as 'red or blue coloured blotches on white skin, and dark or brownish coloured blotches on black and brown skin'. It often shows nothing more than that you're cold, or that your medication has caused the reaction, the AADA added. But sometimes, it can reveal a condition called cholesterol embolisation syndrome. This happens when small arteries get blocked. These are small cholesterol deposits that develop in the skin around the lower eye area and on the eyelid and typically appear as little, pale yellowish bumps. They can be a sign you have familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a genetic condition that means your liver can't process cholesterol properly. The bumps are harmless in and of themselves, but they're linked to an increased risk of heart disease. You can get a genetic test if you think you may have FH. Named after medicine professor Theodore Caldwell Janeway, these can reveal infective endocarditis (an infection in your heart). They are painless and may last for weeks, the BJC said. Though they heal on their own, the heart condition will need to be treated. These small, splinter-like, darker patches are sometimes a sign you've injured your nail. They look like very short lines under your nail and may appear in groups. If you don't remember hurting your nail, the AAD said, they may reveal heart conditions like endocarditis. Though this can sometimes appear when you're cold, the NHS warned it can also be a sign that your body is not circulating oxygen to all the places it needs. This may be down to poor circulation. If it comes on suddenly and is accompanied by troubled breathing, chest pain, confusion, dizziness, or drowsiness, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. If you suspect any heart health issues that are non-urgent, speak to your GP. Dietitian Shares The 1 Cooking Oil Rule They Follow For A Healthy Heart The Nutrient Linked To Lower Cancer, Heart Disease, And Dementia Risk 3 Research-Backed Longevity Rules A Heart Surgeon Swears By
Daily Mail
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
How Anthony Albanese's latest laws will force countless Aussies to start driving electric cars - and the new rules begin within DAYS
Anthony Albanese 's plan to force Australians to drive an electric car is set to drive up the price of new cars by thousands of dollars and cost dealers $2billion in revenue. Labor's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard comes into force on July 1 - with new penalties included for manufacturers that sell non-EV models. The federal government's plan to reduce carbon emissions by 59 per cent over four years could substantially hurt Australia's 3,700 car dealers if the penalties are passed on to them. A Centre for International Economics report for the Australian Automotive Dealer Association estimates Labor's plan could cost the industry between $1.1billion and $2.1billion from 2025 to 2029, with the potential to affect 68,493 jobs. 'Costs are likely to at least in part be passed on to dealers and customers,' the report said. 'Across all scenarios, dealers are expected to see a decline in profits from new car sales, primarily due to penalties for non-compliance and price drops in the case of full compliance.' The government's NVES scheme would see credits given to car companies that sold more EVs but penalties imposed on manufacturers that sold a higher proportion of larger petrol and diesel utes and SUVs. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries estimated Labor's new laws would add $6,150 to the price of a Ford Ranger and $2,720 to a petrol-powered Toyota RAV4 SUV, but also reduce the price of a Tesla Model Y by $15,390. The group's chief executive Tony Weber told Daily Mail Australia that motorists would end up paying more for petrol and diesel cars over the next four years. 'The regulation is designed to distort the market to get people to buy more efficient vehicles and if you don't buy that more efficient vehicle there's going to be penalties in the system,' he said. 'Those penalties will be borne by someone, most likely the consumer. 'We can safely assume - in the whole scheme of things - the increases in prices throughout the system ultimately will come to be borne by the motorist.' The prospect of new rules, designed to encourage Australians to buy more fully-electric cars, is yet to translate into stronger EV sales. The number of Tesla and Polestar EVs sold in Australia plunged by 45.4 per cent this year, when sales for January to May 2025 were compared with the first five months of 2024. The data from the Electric Vehicle Council also showed 70.2 per cent plunge in year-to-data sales of the Tesla Model 3 with just 317 leaving the showroom last month. That's only a fraction of the 1,958 sold in May 2024 and a far cry from 3,593 in February 2024 when the Model 3 was Australia's third most popular car behind the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux utes. By comparison, 4,952 HiLuxes were sold last month, compared with 4,761 Rangers, even though these diesel utes both emit 200 grams of carbon per kilometre, making them targets under Labor's new emission-reduction laws. Ford has this year introduced a plug-in hybrid Ranger ute that can tow 3.5 tonnes like a regular diesel model. Chinese carmaker BYD is now the world's biggest producer of electric vehicles. But it's yet to make the top ten list of Australian car brands. Eight of the top ten marques on the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries sales chart offer a fully-electric car, including Toyota, Mazda, Ford, Kia, Hyundai, GWM, MG and Nissan. Mitsubishi has plug-in hybrid SUVs while only Isuzu, the seller of the diesel-powered D-Max offers no fully electric vehicle in 2025, but an electric version of that ute is coming to Australia next year, as Toyota starts selling a fully-electric HiLux.
