HOT TOPIC
// GWM confirms 3.0-litre Tank 300 and Cannon Alpha for local arrival, opens order books
GWM New Zealand has confirmed its Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha will be offered with a new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine for the local market, with orders opening ahead of arrivals starting in September.
- Driven Car Guide says NZ and Australia first global markets for GWM’s grunty 3.0-litre diesel, and the order books are open
HOT TOPIC
// Honda NZ not ruling out bringing in Super-One’s cheaper EV cousin
After a brief period of not offering a fully electric option in New Zealand, Honda has re-entered the market with its Super-One hot hatch.
- AutoTrader says Honda promises the Super-ONE will not be another short story
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BEST OF THE REST
// ‘Exciting refresh’ to range
Volkswagen has released its all-new T-Roc in New Zealand, introducing its first mild-hybrid powertrain and marking what the brand calls a major step forward in efficiency and everyday usability.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Why hybrid drivers will pay more under the new RUC system
A plan to scrap petrol tax and move every light vehicle onto road user charges will leave hybrid owners paying considerably more than they currently do, according to official figures cited in a Ministry of Transport briefing.
// New appointments to NZTA board
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has announced the reappointment of David Smol along with new appointments of Lana Stockman, Steve Haszard and Murdo Beattie to the New Zealand Transport Agency board.
// Decrease in pollution
Stats NZ reports that seasonally adjusted greenhouse gas emissions from industries and households fell by 0.2 percent over the March 2026 quarter, even as transport-related emissions rose.
// Toyota helps turn tries into cash
Toyota New Zealand is boosting grassroots rugby by partnering with New Zealand Rugby to donate $2,000 to a club for every try scored by the All Blacks and Black Ferns on home soil this season.
// Audi Q9 confirmed for NZ in early 2027
Audi has confirmed that its new flagship Q9 SUV will land in New Zealand in early 2027, offering seven seats, a 220kW diesel V6 and the largest body ever fitted to a model wearing the four rings.
// Fairfax electric refrigerated trailer trial cutting emissions at Big Chill
Fairfax Industries says an all-electric refrigerated trailer, paired with a DeepWay Star electric prime mover, has cut more than five tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in its first year running with Big Chill Distribution.
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INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// Momenta Goes from Robotaxis to Robovans
Momenta, which has been developing robotaxis since 2021, has now launched driverless robovans that operate around the clock delivering parcels in its home district of Xiangcheng in Suzhou.
ONE LINERS
- 2027 Kia Sportage spied testing ahead of NZ launch
- Thornley Kelham reveals Porsche 356 European SL restomod
- BMW’s electric iX5 battery plant gears up with 250 robots
- Car cover versions: five Kiwi-market models that are obvious knock-offs
- Zeekr to host luxury ice driving experience in Queenstown
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