Each week, we distil Australia’s automotive and mobility headlines into a concise, trustworthy update. Expect clear summaries of car market movements, policy and regulation shifts, technology and safety developments, and broader economic trends shaping how Australians drive and do business. Designed for busy professionals and everyday drivers, it’s your balanced, plain-English recap to stay informed and make confident decisions—without the noise.
This Week:
This weeks brief covers January inflation holding at about 3.8% with underlying CPI up to roughly 3.4%, lifting the odds of an RBA move and reinforcing the need to keep car‑loan pre‑approvals current. Major banks raised some fixed home‑loan rates after the CPI print, a signal that personal and car‑loan pricing may vary more, so compare like‑for‑like and use eligibility checks. Lastly, if you drive less, consider low‑kilometre insurance to trim premiums and improve cash flow.
EPISODE 1334 | Car Loans Online News Brief | Fri, 27th Feb 2026
1 Mar 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Welcome to Car Loans Online News Brief, Im Paige Estritori, and its Friday, 27 February 2026.
First, inflation data for January landed this week. Australias consumer price index, or CPI, stayed around three point eight per cent year on year, while the trimmed‑mean measure edged up to about three point four per cent. The end of electricity rebates pushed power bills higher. This keeps pressure on the Reserve Bank of Australia, or RBA, to consider another cash‑rate move in coming months, so if youre planning a purchase, refresh your budget buffer and keep any pre‑approvals and quotes up to date.
Next up, several major banks lifted selected fixed home‑loan rates after the inflation print. When funding costs shift, lenders often reprice personal and car loans too, so expect more variation between offers. If youre shopping, compare like‑for‑like including fees and flexibility, and use a free eligibility check before you apply to protect your credit score and narrow your shortlist fast.
Meanwhile, insurance costs are back in focus. If you drive fewer kilometres, low‑kilometre or usage‑based car insurance can reduce premiums and free up cash flow for repayments and running costs. At renewal, update your declared annual kilometres and review optional extras you may not need.
Thats the wrap. For a clear comparison of personal and business car loans, plus a free eligibility assessment, head to car-loans-online.com.au.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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