HOT TOPIC
// Country going into lockdown
Auckland and Coromandel face seven days at alert level four, with the rest of the country initially facing tough restrictions for three days.
- AutoTalk says NZ returns to Level 4 Lockdown
HOT TOPIC
// GM rebuts Holden service centre rebrand to AC Delco
General Motors Australia and New Zealand (GMANZ) is rebutting claims made by an Australian publication that Holden service centres will be rebranded under the AC Delco banner.
HOT TOPIC
// US investigation opened into whether Tesla autopilot is safe
Tesla’s controversial Autopilot Level 2 autonomous driving system is now under federal investigation with regulators in the United States.
- Stuff Motoring says Tesla autopilot probed by U.S. over crash-scene collisions
- EVs and Beyond says US safety probe into Tesla autopilot
HOT TOPIC
// Renault EV boosts range
Latest version of the Zoe is now available to Kiwis with a number of upgrades and new features.
- AutoCar says Local pricing confirmed for electric Renault Zoe
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- Learn more about Newcoat products on their website
- And download their Dealer Booklet to learn about selling Newcoat in your dealership
BEST OF THE REST
// Nio ET7 completes winter test in NZ
The China-made Nio ET7 electric luxury sedan has been tested in New Zealand’s winter as it gears toward mass production, due to be launched in early 2022.
// New stink-bug guidelines
Officials expect imports from the UK will soon need to face stricter requirements as it refreshes import health standard.
IN OTHER NEWS
// More New Zealand ute and farming protests announced
Following on from last month’s nationwide ‘Howl of a Protest’ displays, farming advocacy group Groundswell NZ has announced its next wave of protests relating to government policies on land usage regulations, emissions, and the Clean Car Discount’s impact on local ute pricing come 2022.
// Making utes electric ‘difficult’
Toyota NZ boss says challenges of torque and towing means workhorses are unlikely to change for at least 18 months.
// German Mercedes-benz dealers taking EQS orders
Mercedes-Benz dealers in Germany are now taking orders for the all-new electric EQS luxury sedan and dealers in the USA will begin taking orders in the fourth quarter says the manufacturer.
// Beam launches ‘glide’ feature
E-mobility company Beam has introduced its new ‘Glide’ feature, meaning riders can hop on and off multiple Beam vehicles without paying subsequent unlock fees.
// Lyft leading the pack on EV transition
Almost a third of transport CO2 emissions come from trade-related fleets, according to the International Transport Forum.
// How would we ‘fix’ the new Lamborghini Countach?
Lamborghini’s new Countach has drawn reaction from all corners of the motoring sphere, such is the pull of reprising such a synonymous supercar nameplate.
// Two of the world’s most pure sports cars could go hybrid
The Toyota GR 86 and Subaru BRZ have had a complicated life. As twins under the skin, each has been lauded by the motoring press for their impeccable handling and fun factor,
// More than 30,000 electric cars now registered in NZ
The Ministry of Transport and electric vehicle advocacy group Drive Electric has confirmed that New Zealand’s EV registration count has exceeded 30,000.
// Ute’s mysterious ticking sound leads to $7000 bill for frustrated owner
A ute owner spent more than $7000 as he desperately tried to identify a mysterious ticking sound coming from its engine.
// Hyundai has given the i30 N more power and a dual-clutch transmission
The Hyundai i30 N hatchback and fastback have been given an upgrade, consisting of the same aesthetics package as the vanilla i30, more power and a dual-clutch automatic option for the transmission.
ONE LINERS
- Lego and Toyota build a life-size GR Supra
- Toyota’s iconic Prius Hybrid quietly disappears from NZ line-up
- The icon returns: Acura confirms that it’s building a new Integra
- A McLaren F1 just sold for nearly $30 million
HELPFUL RESOURCES
// Current National New Car Deals
Updated every Friday, here’s a complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials.
// Clean Car Calculator
Input vehicle make and/or model to calculate if the car will receive a rebate, fee or sits in the zero band (no change).