HOT TOPIC
// WOF reforms ‘cost to safety’
The Motor Trade Association (MTA) has criticised the coalition’s overhaul of the warrant of fitness (WOF) regime for failing to add up.
- AutoTalk says MTA warns WoF changes could increase costs, safety risks
- Autofile says Shake-up for inspection regime
- Stuff says MTA flags safety concerns with Govt Warrant of Fitness changes
HOT TOPIC
// Forthing launches in New Zealand with $43k EV
Chinese automotive brand Forthing has launched in New Zealand with the Taikon SUV, offering both electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid
- Stuff says 2026 Forthing Taikon: new hybrid and EV SUV range lands in NZ under $40k
- Driven Car Guide says Forthing Taikon prices, specification for New Zealand revealed
HOT TOPIC
// Collecting Cars hits record March auction sales
Online auction platform Collecting Cars achieved record sales in March 2026, selling 102 lots
- Autofile says Kiwi auctions set record
SPONSORED BY AUCTION ONLINE
// Dealer-to-Dealer Trading. Reimagined.
Connect instantly with over 1,500 licensed motor dealers nationwide and trade with clarity, speed, and complete confidence.
Whether you’re moving aging stock or hunting down fresh inventory, our live weekly dealer auctions let you buy and sell in real time, without the delays, uncertainty, or friction of traditional wholesale channels.
Every vehicle is presented with high-quality images, verified information, and market-driven pricing, creating fast, transparent, and trustworthy transactions between professionals who speak the same language.
BEST OF THE REST
// New RAV4 launches without ANCAP rating
New Zealand’s bestselling vehicle, the Toyota RAV4, will arrive in its sixth-generation form during the first half of 2026
// IR sharpens transfer pricing documentation expectations
Inland Revenue has updated its guidance on transfer pricing documentation,
IN OTHER NEWS
// MotorShare adds muscle
MotorShare has expanded its performance fleet with the addition of a 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye.
// UCOL collision repair students gain industry insight through Southwards visit
Students studying automotive collision repair at UCOL have taken part in a behind-the-scenes visit to the Southwards Car Museum in Otaihanga,
// Porsche New Zealand celebrates apprentice technician graduates
Porsche New Zealand has recognised the successful completion of its Apprentice Technician Program,
// Pacific Motor Group’s after-hours duck rescue goes viral
A Whangarei dealership’s security callout took an unexpected turn last week,
// Grim outlook for economy
The Reserve Bank has a big job ahead of it bringing pricing behaviour and inflation pressures under control, reports Infometrics.
// Older customers could be key to new-car market success
It has been a tumultuous period for new vehicle sales in New Zealand. The focus on a rising cost of living,
// Mercedes reveals electric C-Class interior ahead of global debut
Set to debut globally on April 20, 2026, the C-Class EV aims to redefine expectations in the segment, with Mercedes promising space, smarts and comfort.
// Honda’s tiny Super-One EV gets closer with expressions of interest now open
Honda New Zealand has opened expressions of interest for its upcoming Super-One EV. Prospective customers can register for updates at Honda’s website.
SPONSORED BY EV POWER
// Knowledgeable, Experienced Team
Trusted Experts in EV Charging – Here to Help Every Step of the Way.
With years of experience in the New Zealand EV space, few companies have been supplying EV charging products as long as OEM Audio Ltd, the team behind EV Power.
We’re proud to hold the Consumer Trusted accreditation, giving you confidence in both our products and our customer service.
INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// In the UK, EVs are cheaper than petrol cars, thanks to Chinese competition
EVs have long been cheaper to own, but now they’re cheaper upfront, largely due to downward price pressure from affordable Chinese models.
ONE LINERS
- Volvo unveils electric trucks with up to 700km range
- Isuzu and Toyota to develop Japan’s first mass-produced fuel cell light truck
- Volkswagen reveals upgraded ID.3 Neo electric hatch
- Chery opens Barcelona hub to drive growth and EV development
- EVs could cut household power costs, reduce need for home batteries – study
- Bentley unveils high-tech workwear ahead of first EV launch
OTHER STUFF
- Join the NZ Car Dealers Facebook Group — the online community for Kiwi motor industry professionals.
- Advertise in The Full Brief — contact dan@thefullbrief.nz