HOT TOPIC
// Clean Car Importer Standard fines slashed by 80%: scheme ‘out of whack’ says Transport Minister Chris Bishop
The Government has slashed Clean Car Importer Standard fines and frozen them for two years, in the face of growing deficits in the local car industry that it acknowledges were likely to push the price of new and used cars up significantly.
- AutoCar says Government slashes Clean Vehicle Standard fees
- AutoTalk says Government slashes Clean Vehicle Standard charges by 80%
- AutoTalk says Motor industry hails Clean Car Standard penalty relief
- Stuff Motoring says It’s about to get cheaper to import dirty cars – but the climate impact is ‘negligible’
HOT TOPIC
// 666hp Bentley Supersports – devilishly awesome RWD Conti GT spawned
Bentley has pulled the covers off what it calls the most driver-focused Continental GT in history; a new Supersports that brings rear-wheel drive, a sub-two-tonne kerb weight and a stripped-out two-seat cabin to the grand tourer for the first time.
- DrivenCarGuide says Bentley’s new Continental GT Supersports goes rear-drive and drops half a tonne
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BEST OF THE REST
// MG launches premium IM6 electric SUV range
The IM6 electric SUV has arrived in New Zealand, marking MG’s entry into the premium EV segment through its new IM sub-brand. The model range spans three variants priced from $66,990 to $89,990, positioning directly against the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7.
// Management buyout completed at NZ Cheap Cars as Williams exits industry
A management buyout of NZ Cheap Cars Limited has been successfully completed, with Managing Director Michael Yang and Chief Financial Officer Neil Saunders acquiring full ownership of the used-vehicle dealership group.
IN OTHER NEWS
// SUV breaking tradition
Suzuki opts for fresh appearance as it prepares to launch first fully electric vehicle.
// Geely and Zeekr open North Shore showrooms
Giltrap Group opens dedicated Geely and Zeekr dealerships at its North Shore super-site in Wairau Valley on Saturday 15 November, expanding access to the Chinese automotive brands for Auckland drivers.
// Auckland City Toyota appoints new Grey Lynn general manager
Auckland City Toyota has appointed Luke McCartie as general manager of its Grey Lynn dealership.
// NZ Cheap Cars wins silver for TikTok campaign
NZ Cheap Cars has been awarded Silver for Best Use of Social Media at the 2025 Pressie Awards for its Dancing Salesmen campaign, developed in partnership with TikTok.
// Credit recovery signs emerge as auto lending grows
New Zealand’s credit market is showing encouraging signs of recovery, with auto loan demand rising 1.2% year-on-year as consumer confidence gradually returns, according to the latest Centrix Credit Indicator.
INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// Volvo sees MASSIVE growth in electric semi truck dealer network
While other semi truck brands hide delays and missed deadlines behind press releases and fake updates, Volvo Trucks is busy cementing its position as the heavy-duty EV leader, thanks to great market share and a certified dealer network that’s seen 8,200% growth this decade.
ONE LINERS
- Chery fails to replicate Range Rover’s 999-step stair climb in viral video fail
- China proposes 0–100km/h acceleration cap for hi-po cars
- New ute hits showrooms
- Retirement village plots EV ban
- Auctions rake in $8.7m
- Subaru’s BRZ STI Sport Type RA is not for NZ
- McLaren hybrid SUV arrives in 2028
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