Both Toyota and Honda are advising Australian buyers over reported problems - though neither affect local vehicles.

In Toyota’s case the company has confirmed no locally sold vehicles are involved in the massive worldwide recall the company is undertaking to fix accelerator pedal issues.

Shannons has expanded its auction team with leading auctioneer Ross Johnston joining the frontline squad commencing at the upcoming Shannons Sydney Summer Auction on Monday, February 15.

Johnston has supported Shannons’ flamboyant auctioneer Bill Wellwood at Melbourne Motor Show Auctions in the past and additionally has worked closely with Shannons and Wellwood on charity and memorabilia auctions in recent years.

Highlights include testimonial auctions for North Melbourne AFL legend Glenn Archer and Socceroo guru Paul Trimbole, while the charity sale he conducted for Ronald McDonald House raised over $200,000.

Dealer group A.P. Eagers has seen off the downturn in car sales, reporting a record profit for the year to the end of 2009.

The dealer group announced a record unaudited net profit before tax for the year ended 31 December 2009 of $52.4 million (2008: $19.9 million).

The underlying trading result was a record $50.1 million (2008: $26.2 million), with the $2.3 million difference representing a fair value review of assets.

A.P. Eagers investment in truck retailer Adtrans Group Limited had a positive revaluation of $5.8 million before tax , following its closing share price on 31 December 2009 of $3.50 per share ).

Toyota has made moves to alleviate any concerns car buyers may have about the technology in their new Camry Hybrid, offering fixed price servicing and an eight-year battery warranty.

Under Toyota Service Advantage, Hybrid Camry owners will pay just $130 for up to four standard scheduled services during the first three years or 60,000 kilometres driven (whichever comes first).

Toyota Service Advantage has been available to new Camry owners since 2006.