HOT TOPIC
// Mercedes-Benz unveils heavily updated GLE SUV and Coupe models
Mercedes-Benz has taken the covers off the updated GLE SUV in both wagon and coupe forms. Revealed for the 2027 model year, this SUV has undergone a
- AutoTrader says Mercedes-Benz unveils fresh-faced GLS SUV
- Driven Car Guide says Small updates to big SUVs: Mercedes updates GLE and GLS
HOT TOPIC
// Nissan launches 10-year warranty programme in New Zealand
Nissan has launched a new ownership programme in New Zealand, offering what it says is the country’s only 10-year or
- Driven Car Guide says Nissan NZ fires the latest shot in the warranty wars with a 10-year/300,000km showstopper
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STATS WEEK
// New car sales charge ahead
Sales of new passenger vehicles were given a boost last month as demand for battery EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) shot up in response to rising fuel prices because of the Middle East conflict.
// Plug-in vehicles claim third of new passenger registrations
BEV and PHEV registrations surge as fuel price anxiety reshapes buying behaviour NZ New Passenger Power Source – March 2025
// EV and PHEV demand surges as new vehicle registrations jump 25% in March
New vehicle registrations totalled 14,910 units in March 2026, a 25.1% increase compared with the same month last year, when 11,916 units were recorded.
// Power boost for imports! Leaf shines as fuel prices hit
Used import registrations rose to 8697 units in March 2026, a 13.3% increase compared with the same month last year,
// Used-imports market up 13.3%
The used-imported car market recorded a 373.1 per cent jump in battery-electric sales last month after they climbed from 130 in March 2025 to 615.
// Increased fuel prices drive import demand for New Zealand
Used import registrations rose to 8697 units in March 2026, a 13.3% increase compared with the same month last year, when 7679 units were recorded. It is
// Bumper month for commercials
There were 4,847 new commercials registered last month, an increase of 39 per cent when compared with 3,487 in March 2025.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Auto Trader NZ managing director Ross Logue steps down after 15 years
Ross Logue Ross Logue, the managing director of Auto Trader New Zealand, is leaving the business at the end of
// Ikea launches zero-emissions deliveries in Auckland
Ikea New Zealand has rolled out a zero-emissions home delivery network in Auckland, supported by a new electric vehicle charging
// Credit conditions stabilise as global uncertainty re-emerges
New Zealand’s credit environment has been stabilising in recent months, but global volatility is adding fresh uncertainty
// ‘Fresh perspective’ for Nissan NZ
Nissan Oceania has announced the appointment of Sriram (Sri) Padmanabhan as country head of Nissan New Zealand, effective from April 27.
// MTA probes fuel plan
The Motor Trade Association (MTA) is in the process of evaluating the possible impacts of the government’s fuel plan on its members, the industry and public.
// Soaring fuel prices won’t hurt ute sales, says Ford NZ boss
The managing director of Ford’s local operations has said that rising fuel costs have had no impact on the popularity of the brand’s best-selling nameplate, the Ranger ute.
// New car brand Forthing locked in for NZ launch with hybrid and electric SUV
Another new Chinese brand is set to enter the New Zealand market next month, with Forthing confirming it will launch locally in April with a mid-size SUV range.
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INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// The World’s First Solid-State Electric Motorcycle Hits Production, Verge Motorcycles Says
The Verge Motorcycles TS Pro would also be the world’s first production vehicle with solid-state batteries, if the big claims pan out.
ONE LINERS
- Electric Hilux appears to be a masterclass in doing EV utes wrong
- Toyota to join Daimler Truck and Volvo fuel cell joint venture
- Freelander returns as electrified SUV brand
- Tesla Sydney showroom hit by suspected arson attack
OTHER STUFF
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