HOT TOPIC
// Details of first electric BMW M3 revealed, set to launch in 2027
BMW has revealed details of its first proper all-electric M powertrain, which is set to launch with an M3-like performance sedan in 2027.
- DrivenCarGuide says BMW M goes fully electric: Neue Klasse promises four-motor mayhem from 2027
- EVs and Beyond says BMW M announces first electric models from 2027
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BEST OF THE REST
// Electric vehicles dominate women’s car awards with four category wins
Electric vehicles claimed four of six category wins in the 2026 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year awards, highlighting the automotive industry’s shift toward electrification as judged by 84 women motoring journalists from 54 countries.
IN OTHER NEWS
// How the Toyota RAV4 ended a decade of New Zealand sales dominance by the Ford Ranger
The Toyota RAV4 has ended 2025 as New Zealand’s top-selling new vehicle, knocking the Ford Ranger off the top spot after a decade of dominance.
// Battery electric vehicle market steady in 2025
New Zealand’s battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales held broadly steady in 2025, while plug-in hybrids recorded the strongest growth of any powertrain as the new vehicle market stabilised.
// New-vehicle sales climb
MIA reports overall registrations rose by seven per cent in 2025 compared to 2024.
// Used imports from Aussie rise
Customs figures for the whole of last year reveal mixed fortunes for different sectors.
INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// GM’s CEO Just Admitted An Uncomfortable Truth About Plug-In Hybrids
General Motors CEO Mary Barra has a grim assessment for drivers of plug-in hybrids: “They don’t plug them in.”
ONE LINERS
- Ultra-rare Lamborghini Countach emerges for sale in New Zealand
- Zeekr 7GT goes long and low: could this be a budget Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo?
- Low mileage Toyota Supra sells for more than $400K at auction
- Watch: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X becomes America’s quickest production car
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