NRMA Motoring Blog

The first half of 2008 has been a good one for Toyota. It not only became the first car company to sell over 25,000 vehicles in Australia in a single month, but it was also named the world’s most respected company and Australia’s most trusted automotive brand.

Survey results

Toyota was ranked first on the list of the world’s 1,000 most respected companies in a new global survey of consumer attitudes. 60,000 people in 27 countries completed the survey, which ranked companies by perceptions of trust, esteem, admiration and good feeling. It was the only automotive company to score in the top tier. Toyota was followed by Google, IKEA and Ferrero.

Locally, Toyota also topped the annual Australian Reader’s Digest poll as the most trusted automotive brand in the land. According to respondents, Toyota earned top spot because it consistently produced high quality models, delivered safe, reliable and economic cars and backed its product.

25,624 Toyotas sold in June

Toyota became the first car company in Australia to sell over 25,000 cars in a single month. Despite high interest rates and the rising cost of petrol, it sold 25,624 cars in June alone – the highest monthly tally ever achieved by a car company in Australia.

June’s sales took Toyota’s tally to 127,400 vehicles sold in 2008 – 60,000 more than the second-placed manufacturer. Its market share for the first half of 2008 sits at an impressive 23.5 per cent, with the Corolla being Australia’s best selling car so far this year.

Is Toyota the benchmark for car companies?

As of July 1, NSW will have some new and amended road rules. While they will not dramatically change how the road is used, these new rules need to be obeyed and do come with hefty penalties.

To acquaint yourself with the new rules, visit the RTA’s Road Rules page. But keep reading for a summary of some of the main changes.

Bicycle storage areas

Some intersections may now have bicycle storage areas - painted sections of the road in front of the stop lines that allow cyclists to wait safely at traffic lights.

Drivers must not allow any part of their vehicle to enter the storage area when traffic lights are red. Those that do will attract three demerit points (four in a school zone) and a $324 fine ($405 in a school zone).

Hook turns by cyclists

When a bicycle hook turn storage area at an intersection is provided, cyclists must now use that area when doing hook turns. Cyclists must cross the intersection by staying to the left, then waiting in the storage area until the traffic light is green or when it is safe to cross at intersections without traffic lights.

Slip lanes

Not using a slip lane to turn left where one is provided will now incur a fine of $189 and two demerit points. And unless there are signs to indicate parking, there’s no stopping in a slip lane. Doing so incurs a fine of $135.

Keeping off a painted island

Driving on painted islands is now permitted for only 50 metres if you are entering or leaving the road, or entering a turning lane immediately after the painted island. The penalty for not abiding by this rule is two demerit points and a $189 fine ($54 for bicycles). Parking on a painted island is also illegal and doing so will earn you a $135 fine.

Driver’s lap must be free

A driver must not have a person or animal in their lap when driving, and motorcycle riders must not drive with an animal on the fuel tank. Penalties are three demerit points (four in a school zone) and a $324 fine ($405 in a school zone).

For full details about the road rule changes, visit the RTA’s Road Rules page.

What do you think of the new rules? Has there been enough done to publicly warn motorists of these changes? Do you think they make the road safer or should the law-makers be focusing their attention on other sections of the road?