HOT TOPIC
// Father of the Monaro to retire from GM
Former GM Holden chief designer Michael Simcoe, who led the creation of the VT and VE Commodore and the 2001 Monaro Coupe, will step down from his role as GM Global Design vice president on July 1, 2025.
- AutoCar says Simcoe bows out as GM’s top designer
HOT TOPIC
// Ken Block’s Hoonitruck is up for auction
Ken Block’s custom-built 1977 Ford F-150 Hoonitruck, a star of Gymkhana Ten and Climbkhana Two, is set to go under the hammer at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale event in Arizona later this month.
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BEST OF THE REST
// Annual electric car sales down 74% as policy changes hit hard
Electric vehicles have been battling ever since the Clean Car Discount was phased out at the end of 2023 and road user charges implemented in April 2024.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Tesla closing in on Toyota as world’s most searched car brand
Tesla is rapidly gaining ground on Toyota, according to the latest Most Searched Cars report from Compare the Market Australia.
// EV Owners Are Now Less Worried About Charge Times
Long charging times and a lack of public chargers are frequently cited as obstructions to widespread EV adoption.
// New vehicle demand ‘does not align’ with Government emissions target
The Motor Industry Association has released figures for the 2024 calendar year in vehicle registrations, and its chief executive has painted a dim light on the upcoming year.
// Women pick 2024’s best cars
Now in its 15th edition, the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year judges are getting close to naming an overall winner.
// Perfect storm hits new-car sales
Results for 2024 reflect “pressing need for policy stability to support sustained market growth and resilience”.
INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// Mazda finally reveals plans to build its first dedicated EV: Here’s what we know so far
The upcoming Mazda EV will be made in Japan and based on a new in-house platform.
ONE LINERS
- Porsche 917 from Steve McQueen’s ‘LeMans’ heads to auction
- NZ new-vehicle sales for 2024: not so fast RAV4, Ranger is still the king
- Which car brands in NZ make the top 15 sellers list?
- Ford sold more electric than petrol Mustangs last year
- Sony’s First EV is Expensive And A While Away Yet
- Is Lamborghini Looking to the Koreans for Electric Vehicle Insights?
- Mitsubishi unveils custom Triton lineup for Tokyo Auto Salon
- Mazda to build first dedicated EV in Japan with Panasonic batteries
OTHER STUFF
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