Transport & Logistics

New car sales crashed in Western Australia last month, adding to a year of poor performance in the industry.

Emeco Holdings has sought to reassure investors that its planned three-way tie-up with Orionstone and Andy's Earthmovers is progressing smoothly, despite news that one of the parties involved has received a takeover bid of its own.

Virgin Australia has joined rival Qantas in announcing a tough start to the year, with soft demand pushing the number two carrier to a first-quarter loss.

Qantas is facing a bumpy year as international airlines cut air fares to attract customers, just two months after the airline delivered a record annual underlying profit.

Destination marketing, placemaking, exports, tourism and education are all part of a day's work for the new boss at Perth Airport.

Henderson-based shipbuilder Austal has won a $US12 million ($A15.6 million) contract to provide maintenance work on a littoral combat ship it is currently building for the US Navy.

The state government has talked up the benefits of its transport plan for the new Perth Stadium, with up to 23,000 patrons expected to take one of the two bridges crossing the Swan River as they exit the stadium after an event.

Grain handling cooperative CBH Group has opened itself up to increased competition in the provision of grain transport services, following a review by the competition watchdog.

Austal has been contracted to provide maintenance work on patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy for an undisclosed sum.

Marine manufacturing firm VEEM has raised $25 million from its initial public offering, with its stock expected to start trading on the ASX later this month.

Western Australia's car retail industry has once again been taken to the panel beaters after new figures showed another slump in new vehicle sales.

Virgin Australia has announced several new services that will be available next year, including a flight from Perth to Abu Dhabi.

Car retailer Automotive Holdings Group is bracing for a potential earnings hit when the corporate regulator enacts reforms to finance and insurance commission arrangements next year.

The biggest single user of Fremantle Ports, Mediterranean Shipping Company, has unveiled a new headquarters for its Australian and New Zealand operations in a heritage building in Fremantle's historic West End.

Shipbuilder Austal has successfully completed an export contract to Azerbaijan, delivering a 70-metre catamaran constructed at its Henderson yard, the same facility that will be building a series of vessels for the federal government in two naval contracts.

The Turnbull government has failed to comply with a Senate order to release documents about the largely federal-funded Perth Freight Link.

The corporate regulator has blasted the insurance industry over expensive, poor-value add-on policies sold to car buyers, warning there are "serious problems" in the market that must be fixed immediately.

West Perth-based Sirona Capital has signed a memorandum of understanding with Brookfield Rail to ascertain the viability of a new intermodal freight hub in Bullsbrook.

Aurizon has appointed Andrew Harding as chief executive in place of Lance Hockridge, calling the former Rio Tinto iron ore head the right person to increase value for shareholders.

Australia's consumer watchdog has started legal action in the Federal Court against German carmaker Volkswagen and its Australian subsidiary accusing it of misleading claims about diesel vehicle emissions.

After 10 years of research and development, Australia's first driverless electric shuttle bus made its public debut this afternoon as it cruised along the South Perth Esplanade.

Qantas shareholders will receive another $500 million of capital after Australia's biggest airline delivered an 84.7 per jump in annual net profit to $1.03 billion, thanks to benefits from its operational overhaul and lower fuel prices.

Automotive Holdings Group has announced plans to raise up to $110 million from investors and purchase two car yards on the east coast, on the same day it revealed an increase in full-year profit.

A recently established joint venture comprising local shipbuilder Austal has won a $10 million contract to build a ferry for a Chinese operator.

The state government has appointed Richard Sellers to the role of director general of the Department of Transport, succeeding Reece Waldock who retired last month.

Uber drivers using the service as a supplementary income should declare it to their primary employer, according to Minter Ellison partner Kathy Reid, after a driver who had worked during sick leave lost an unfair dismissal claim.

Automotive Holdings Group has announced an unusual 12-month leadership transition under which current managing director, Bronte Howson, will become special counsel, while also getting a special cash payout and potentially early vesting of long-term performance rights.

Construction contractor Laing O'Rourke and engineering firm AECOM have won a $25 million contract to upgrade the East Perth train station, which is expected to take on larger crowds when the new Perth Stadium opens next year.

Qantas is holding off taking delivery of eight A380 superjumbos ordered more than a decade ago because they don't fit with its current plans for growth in Asia.

Car sales in Western Australia remain stalled, according to the latest figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.

Australia's largest airline is planning to build a new lounge at Karratha Airport that will be double the size of the present facility.

A series of new rail and road tunnels, including a CBD train loop and a line from Stirling to Murdoch could be needed as Perth's population grows to 3.5 million, according to Transport Minister Dean Nalder, as he unveiled the state government's long term transport blueprint this morning.