Antonella Abbate • 16 December 2024

Farewell to an Icon

Final Hemi V8-Powered Ram 1500 Rolls Off Melbourne Production Line

The last of the iconic Ram 1500 pick-up trucks powered by the legendary Hemi V8 engine has officially rolled off the Melbourne production line, marking the end of an era for Australian truck enthusiasts. The milestone paves the way for a new chapter in Ram’s local offerings, as the brand transitions to a turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine set to debut in 2025.


End of an Era: The Hemi V8 Legacy

For years, the Hemi V8-powered Ram 1500 has been synonymous with robust performance, a commanding presence on the road, and an unmistakable growl. Beloved by Australian ute lovers, the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 has become a hallmark of American muscle in a practical, workhorse package. Since Ram Trucks entered the Australian market through their local remanufacturing operations in Melbourne, the Ram 1500 has played a pivotal role in redefining the premium pick-up segment.


The Ram 1500, remanufactured to right-hand drive for Australian roads, has offered everything from luxury-grade comfort to impressive towing capabilities, catering to both lifestyle and workhorse needs. The discontinuation of the Hemi V8 model marks the end of a much-loved era for the local market.


A Greener, Turbocharged Future

Looking to the future, Ram Trucks is preparing to introduce a new turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine to the Australian lineup. Known as the Hurricane, this engine offers a compelling blend of power and efficiency, signaling Ram's commitment to staying ahead in an evolving automotive landscape where emission standards and fuel economy are increasingly vital.


The Hurricane engine, a 3.0-liter inline-six with twin turbochargers, is already making waves in global markets with its smooth performance and comparable power to the outgoing V8. In addition to reducing fuel consumption, this engine will lower emissions, aligning with growing environmental concerns while maintaining Ram’s reputation for capability and performance.


The Australian Ram Revolution

The Ram Trucks presence in Australia has been a remarkable success story, driven by their partnership with Walkinshaw Automotive Group. Over the years, the Melbourne-based production line has built thousands of Rams, tailoring the vehicles to meet the needs of Australian buyers. The collaboration has not only brought high-quality American trucks to Australia but has also created jobs and bolstered the local automotive industry.


With the final Hemi V8-powered Ram 1500 now produced, attention shifts to the next generation of Ram trucks. While the turbocharged Hurricane engine represents a departure from the roaring V8s of old, it underscores Ram's ability to adapt and innovate in an ever-changing automotive world.


What’s Next for Aussie Ram Fans?

For fans of the Hemi V8, the final units rolling out of Melbourne will undoubtedly become collector’s items. Meanwhile, those eager to experience the future of Ram Trucks can look forward to the turbocharged six-cylinder model, which promises to deliver all the performance and utility Australians have come to expect from the brand — now with an added focus on efficiency and sustainability.


As one chapter closes, another begins for Ram Trucks in Australia. Whether it’s towing, off-roading, or urban driving, the future of Ram looks bright, powered by innovation and a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of drivers.


The Hemi V8 might be gone, but the legacy it leaves behind will resonate with Australian enthusiasts for years to come.

Australia’s EV Love Affair Accelerates – and China is Leading the Charge

by Antonella Abbate • 25 May 2026
Across the Tasman this week, Chinese automotive giant BYD confirmed that almost 5,000 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are currently bound for Australia aboard its own dedicated vehicle carrier, the BYD Zhengzhou. The shipment, carrying 4,810 vehicles, marks the first Australian voyage of one of BYD’s purpose-built roll-on/roll-off vessels and is expected to dock in Melbourne before continuing to Sydney and Brisbane. What makes this story significant is not simply the size of the shipment, but what it says about the Australian market. BYD has already announced plans to bring an additional 30,000 new-energy vehicles to Australia in the coming months as demand for electric vehicles and hybrids continues to surge. For decades, Australian motorists were among the most loyal supporters of Japanese manufacturers, with brands from Toyota, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Honda dominating local driveways. Few industry observers would have predicted that Chinese brands would achieve such rapid acceptance. Yet Australian consumers have embraced brands such as BYD, MG, GWM, Chery, Geely, Zeekr and others with remarkable speed, treating many of them as though they have been established players for generations. Australia’s transition mirrors trends seen throughout Europe and North America, where consumers are increasingly seeking lower running costs, improved technology, longer warranties and electrified drivetrains. The difference in Australia is that much of this growth is being driven by Chinese manufacturers rather than traditional Western brands. Affordability, strong specifications, competitive warranty programs and rapid product development have reshaped buyer perceptions almost overnight. BYD’s decision to deploy its own shipping fleet to Australia is perhaps the clearest signal yet that global manufacturers now view Australia as a strategic growth market. When a manufacturer is prepared to invest in dedicated logistics to deliver thousands of vehicles directly to Australian customers, it demonstrates confidence not only in its products but also in the appetite of Australian motorists for electrified transport. The message is simple: Australia's EV and hybrid revolution is no longer coming—it has arrived, and Chinese manufacturers are playing a leading role in shaping the next chapter of the nation's automotive landscape.

Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) announces new appointments

by Antonella Abbate • 25 May 2026
Mr Lamb brings decades of diverse leadership experience across various sectors, both domestically and internationally. Most recently, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Murray-Darling Association. Previously, Mr Lamb has held several executive roles with distinct peak body organisations, where he worked closely with government and industry. During his tenure, assisted many organisations to transition into new strategies and methodologies. With his notable experience, he is well positioned to lead the ARC at a time when the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) industry is growing at a rapid pace. Mr Lamb succeeds Glenn Evans, who concluded his tenure in December 2025 after 17 years of service. ARC Chair Dr Greg Picker said he was pleased to welcome Mr Lamb to mark the next phase for the Council, which leads national governance of the RAC (also known as ARCtick) Permit Scheme. “The Board is pleased to appoint Mark Lamb as our new CEO. We look forward to working with him as we continue to deliver the ARCtick permit scheme and improve our service to industry. His passion and experience in leading peak body organisations perfectly aligns with the ARC’s priorities at this time and our vision for the future,” Dr Picker said. “It is a crucial time for the industry, and the Board is confident Mark will help us build on our momentum and continue deliver meaning outcomes for the ARC and the broader industry.”  Commenting on his appointment, Mr Lamb said, “I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to play this significant role, not just at the Australian Refrigeration Council, but in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.

BWM's Milestone

by Antonella Abbate • 25 May 2026
For a company long associated with precision internal combustion performance engines and premium driving dynamics, the production of BMW Group’s two millionth fully electric vehicle is far more than a symbolic milestone. It represents a major industrial transition within one of Europe’s most engineering-driven automotive manufacturers.