HOT TOPIC
// Ford confirms NZ Ranger PHEV line-up
Ford New Zealand has confirmed it will launch three variants of the Ranger PHEV in mid-2025 with a starting price of $82,990.
- AutoCar says Ford New Zealand reveals Ranger PHEV pricing
HOT TOPIC
// Thunder Ridge Motorsport Park planned for B.O.P
First details have been revealed of a new motorsport and driver training facility (Thunder Ridge Motorsport Park) in the Bay of Plenty’s TECT Park.
- AutoFile says Plans for new racing circuit
HOT TOPIC
// Toyota Hilux world record smashed at Southland farm
An event organised by a Southland Toyota dealer has established a new world record for the largest number of Hilux utes gathered together in one location.
- AutoFile says Ute fans set unofficial world record
STATS WEEK
// Toyota pips Ford in NZ’s February new-car sales race
Sales of new vehicles in New Zealand have once again stumbled, with Motor Industry Association data from February confirming another indifferent month for the sector.
// New Zealand new-vehicle sales February 2025: ‘stabilisation’, Hilux now 20% ahead of Ranger
The Motor Industry Association (MIA) says a February new-vehicle sales total of 9809 for New Zealand shows modest growth
// EVs ‘sluggish’ in February new vehicle registrations
New EV registrations remain “sluggish” at 7% of the 9809 new vehicle units registered in February 2025.
// Car import figures stable
New data from Customs shows little change in number of passenger vehicles crossing the border month-on-month.
// Mixed fortunes for new vehicles
Industry association highlights widening gap between passenger vehicle growth and commercial sector’s decline.
// Mixed new registration trends in February reflect market adjustments
New Zealand’s new vehicle registrations in February 2025 totalled 9809 units,
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BEST OF THE REST
// NZTA grants temporary licence exemption for electric trucks up to 7500kg
Drivers with a Class 1 licence will now be able to legally operate heavier electric trucks under a new exemption announced by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).
IN OTHER NEWS
// New hybrid option for refreshed MY25 Kia Carnival
Kia New Zealand is launching the updated Model Year 2025 Carnival with three turbo diesel variants and a new turbocharged petrol hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) option.
// Dealers register shrinks further
Last month’s figure – the lowest it has been in 12 years – is down by 158 traders year-on-year.
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INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// Another L for H as every hydrogen bus in this European city fails at once
In another highly visible failure for hydrogen in the real-world, all 25 of the fuel cell-powered buses in the Poznan, Poland fleet failed at the same time yesterday morning, forcing the city to scramble diesel buses into action.
ONE LINERS
- New solar-powered EV nears production after first road tests
- Electric version of the M-B GLC out soon
- Port’s profits increase
- New Audi A6 keeps its A6 badge
- Skoda 130 RS anniversary: it’s 50 years since the ‘Porsche of the East’ made its debut
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