BEST OF TODAY
// 2024 Suzuki Swift spotted at dealership in Japan
The first real-world images of the new 2024 Suzuki Swift have appeared online after the model was spotted at a dealership in Japan recently, suggesting its New Zealand arrival isn’t far away.
// Brown admits fuel excise ‘distorted’
Transport minister Simeon Brown has acknowledged that current levels of fuel excise have been ‘distorted’ – and says the differential created that will see electric vehicles pay more than petrol and hybrid counterparts should be seen in the context of it being temporary.
// ‘Active Air Skirt’ from Hyundai and Kia helps EVs go faster and further
Hyundai and Kia have unveiled “Active Air Skirt” (AAS) technology to control EV wind turbulence at more than 80km/h.
SPONSORED BY AUTOFLIP
// 850 dealers in Australia can’t be wrong
With 65 employees and more than 850 dealers using the service in Australia, a strategic Kiwi partnership signed means AutoFlip is coming to New Zealand. Read about it here in AutoTalk, or learn more on the AutoFlip website.
AutoFlip offers dealers a simple way to buy stock quickly, with a wide range of quality vehicles listed daily. And sell aged stock and trade-ins fast, with access to licensed buyers ready to purchase.
Register now to be part of the Feb 2024 official launch
IN OTHER NEWS
// Another sedan bites the dust as car buyers move to SUVs
Mazda’s local arm has confirmed that last year’s special 20th Anniversary Edition of the Mazda6 was indeed a final, farewell model,
// Renewable electricity increases
A report commissioned by the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko shows the amount of new renewable electricity generation that has been committed has almost doubled in 18 months, which will help EV uptake.
// Game of two halves for Suzuki New Zealand
Suzuki New Zealand automobile general manager Gary Collins says 2023 was a game of two halves for the Wanganui-based distributor.
// China hits brakes on EV growth despite export surge
In an intriguing twist to the rise of Chinese vehicles, China, while having recently snatched the title of the world’s biggest car exporter from Japan, is now reportedly pumping the brakes on the expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) sector.
INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// Waymo looks to launch full fleet of robotaxis in Los Angeles
Alphabet Inc.’s autonomous driving unit Waymo is looking to expand its driverless robotaxi service in Los Angeles, where it is currently testing rides.
ONE LINERS
- Video: Jeep Wagoneer S BEV to be offered globally
- Greg Lowe appointed BusinessNZ Energy Council chair
- Harmony Energy and Clarus to develop one of NZ’s largest solar farms
- Porsche Style head discusses Macan EV design process ahead of unveiling
- Transport Minister orders review of Clean Car Standard
- This record-breaking supercar is currently the most expensive car on TradeMe
- New SP25 version for Mazda NZ’s CX-30 SUV range: back in black
- EU mandates battery passports for all EVs by 2027
OTHER STUFF
// NZ Car Dealers Private Facebook Group
Join a private community for car dealers to vent about the industry and joke about ‘interesting’ customers. A place to rant, debate, ask for help and help others.
// Advertise Here to reach the Industry
Reach a highly targeted group of automotive industry professionals. Dealer Principal’s, Sales Managers, Parts and Service Managers, Industry Suppliers, and all the people working with them that help influence buying decisions.