Antonella Abbate • 18 April 2024

Polestar's Visionary Leap: Farewell to the Rear Window

In the realm of automotive innovation, Polestar has long been a pioneering force, continually pushing the boundaries of design, performance, and sustainability.

With the unveiling of their latest range, however, Polestar has taken a daring leap into the future by bidding adieu to the traditional rear window in favor of cutting-edge camera technology. This move marks a significant departure from conventional automotive design, yet it embodies Polestar's commitment to redefining the driving experience for the modern era.


Gone are the days when drivers relied solely on a physical rear window to glimpse the world behind them. In Polestar's new lineup, this space has been repurposed to enhance the interior environment, offering passengers an unprecedented sense of spaciousness and comfort. By eliminating the rear window, Polestar has unlocked a wealth of opportunities for interior design, allowing for a seamless fusion of form and function.


So, what exactly replaces the traditional rear window in Polestar's visionary vehicles? Enter state-of-the-art camera technology. Mounted discreetly on the exterior of the vehicle, these advanced cameras capture real-time footage of the surroundings, providing drivers with a comprehensive view of what lies behind them. This footage is then seamlessly integrated into an innovative rear-view display located within the cabin, offering unparalleled clarity and visibility.


But what sets Polestar's rear-view display apart from traditional mirrors or camera systems? The answer lies in its sophistication and adaptability. Unlike conventional mirrors, which are susceptible to glare, distortion, and limited field of view, Polestar's display leverages advanced image processing algorithms to deliver crisp, distortion-free imagery in all driving conditions. Furthermore, its customizable interface allows drivers to tailor their viewing experience to suit their preferences, whether they prefer a wide-angle perspective or a focused view of specific areas.


One of the most striking benefits of Polestar's rear-view display is its ability to enhance safety on the road. By providing drivers with a comprehensive view of their surroundings, including blind spots and obstacles, the display minimizes the risk of accidents and collisions, thereby elevating the overall driving experience to new heights. Additionally, the elimination of the physical rear window reduces the vehicle's blind spots, further enhancing visibility and maneuverability.


Beyond safety, Polestar's innovative approach to rear-view technology also aligns with broader trends in automotive design and sustainability. By replacing traditional mirrors with cameras, Polestar has not only reduced the vehicle's aerodynamic drag, thus improving fuel efficiency and performance but also contributed to a reduction in overall weight, further enhancing the vehicle's eco-friendliness.


Of course, Polestar's bold decision to forego the rear window may raise questions and concerns among traditionalists and skeptics. After all, the rear window has long been a staple of automotive design, serving as a portal to the world behind us. However, Polestar's approach represents a paradigm shift in the way we perceive and interact with our vehicles. It embodies a future where technology seamlessly integrates with design to enhance the driving experience in ways previously unimaginable.



In conclusion, Polestar's decision to replace the rear window with state-of-the-art camera technology in its new range of vehicles represents a bold step forward in automotive innovation. By embracing this visionary approach, Polestar has not only redefined the concept of rear-view visibility but has also set a new standard for safety, comfort, and sustainability in the automotive industry. As we look ahead to the future of transportation, Polestar stands at the forefront, leading the charge towards a more connected, efficient, and exhilarating driving experience.


by Antonella Abbate 10 July 2026
Tickets are now on sale for Wire & Gas 2026, with VASA and The Automotive Technician (TaT) confirming a full three-day programme at The Westin Brisbane from 31 July to 2 August. The event, co-hosted for the first time by both organisations under the theme ‘Better Together’, brings together automotive air-conditioning technicians, auto electricians and thermal management specialists from across Australia and New Zealand for training, networking and industry updates. VASA and TaT members can register for $995 + GST, with non-member tickets priced at $1,195 + GST. A Social Pass covering the Friday cocktail party and trade show plus the Saturday Gala Awards Dinner is available for $349 + GST. Non-members have the option to purchase discounted VASA or TaT membership at registration to unlock member pricing and ongoing benefits. VASA President Brett Meads said the TaT partnership had raised the bar for what Wire & Gas could deliver. “TaT and VASA have a long history of collaboration and share a common goal: supporting automotive technicians and workshop owners to build their skills and grow their businesses,” Mr Meads said. “By combining our networks and expertise, we can deliver a bigger, better Wire & Gas with high-quality training, new topics and more opportunities for technicians to connect with their peers and industry partners. “This is what ‘Better Together’ is all about.” Programme at a glance Friday 31 July: Opening Night The event opens with a cocktail party and trade show, followed by a panel discussion marking the launch of the updated Australian Automotive Air Conditioning Code of Practice. Panellists include Kylie Farrelley (Refrigerant Reclaim Australia), Dr Greg Picker (Refrigerants Australia / Australian Refrigeration Council), Lesley Yates (AAAA) and Jeff Smit (TaT). Saturday 1 August: Technical Training The full-day technical programme features four in-depth 1.5-hour sessions, with a trade show running during morning tea and lunch: ● Clint Flower: Diagnosing modern automotive HVAC systems ● Clinton Brett: AdBlue (SCR) emissions-control technology for diesel vehicles ● Brendan Sorensen: 48V to BEV: Electrified Diagnostic Triage Framework ● Scott Thomas: Vehicle Security Systems: A Workshop Guide The Saturday evening Gala Awards Dinner will feature live acoustic music, the REDARC Young Technician of the Year Award, the VASA Grant Hand Industry Mentor Award, the VASA Pioneer Award and a race sim champion and trade show prize draw. More awards are to be announced. Sunday 2 August: Seminars The closing half-day covers business and industry topics, with sessions from Lesley Yates on best practices and industry cohesion, Jeff Smit on the EV and hybrid market from an aftermarket perspective, a refrigerant and regulation panel with Kylie Farrelley and Dr Greg Picker, and Geoff Mutton on enhancing workshop productivity. TaT co-founder Jeff Smit said the programme reflected the combined training strengths of both organisations. “Wire & Gas has established itself as the must-attend event for the auto electrical and air-conditioning trades, and we’re thrilled to be joining forces with VASA to take it to the next level,” Mr Smit said. “TaT will be bringing our training expertise, presenter network and broad membership base to the table, with a focus on delivering practical, hands-on sessions that attendees can take straight back to the workshop. “We’re looking forward to welcoming both VASA and TaT members, and the broader industry, to Brisbane in July.” Accommodation VASA has negotiated special room rates for Wire & Gas attendees at The Westin Brisbane at $325 per night (room only, super king or twin) and the adjoining Four Points by Sheraton at $225 per night (room only, king or twin). Optional extras include breakfast ($30 per person at The Westin; $25 at Four Points), a rollaway bed for $80 per night, and valet parking at $60 per vehicle per day. All accommodation prices include GST. Discounted rates are valid for three days before and after the event, subject to availability. Cool Mavericks book signing Authors Mark Mitchell and Ken Newton will be signing copies of Cool Mavericks, which traces the evolution of automotive air-conditioning and the pioneers who shaped it. Books will also be available for purchase or collection at the event. Sponsors and exhibitors With the combined reach of the VASA and TaT networks, sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are expected to fill quickly. Organisations wanting to connect with the calibre of automotive repair professionals Wire & Gas is known for attracting should contact Jill Johnson at jj@jkjmedia.com.au or on 0409 217 624. Tickets and accommodation can be booked at WireAndGas.com
by Antonella Abbate 8 July 2026
The Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers (IAME) wishes to advise members and industry partners that Mr Peter Blanshard is no longer employed by the IAME , effective 7 July 2026 . The Board wishes to extend its best wishes to him for the future. The Board has enacted transition arrangements to ensure continuity across all operational areas, including member services, supplier and industry partnerships, RTO operations, and government engagement. Redirecting Communications To ensure enquiries are directed appropriately and responded to promptly, members and stakeholders are asked to redirect any communication previously addressed to the CEO to the following contact: IAME Auburn Office (NSW) unit 5, 340 Chisholm Road Auburn NSW 2144 Phone: (02) 9782 1100 Email: inbox@iame.com.au The IAME Board appreciates the cooperation and understanding of our members during this period of transition. We remain committed to delivering strong industry leadership and high‑quality support across the automotive and training sectors. Kind regards, The IAME Board
by Antonella Abbate 8 July 2026
By Dean Rothapfel - Oceania Country Manager  Motul Asia Pacific