HOT TOPIC
// Volkswagen Smart eBike debuts radar rear camera, claiming world’s safest title
Volkswagen badging is coming to what its maker calls the world’s safest eBike, with a radar-activated rear-view camera system claimed as a first for a production electric bike.
- AutoTrader NZ says Volkswagen puts driver assistance tech on an eBike
HOT TOPIC
// Porsche NZ’s factory developed celebration 911 GT3 features the signature of Sir Colin Giltrap
Porsche New Zealand is celebrating 50 years in the Kiwi market with the first-ever model commissioned especially for local buyers, from the factory’s Sonderwunsch (“special request”) department: a special-edition GT3 Touring with a host of bespoke features, including the signature of the late Sir Colin Giltrap, founder of the distribution company that imports Porsche today and the man who brought the marque to the NZ market half a century ago.
- Stuff Motoring says Porsche marks 50 years in NZ with special edition 911 GT3 Touring
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BEST OF THE REST
// Mahindra Lifestyler ute confirmed for New Zealand
Mahindra’s new one-tonne ute is coming to New Zealand, the local arm of the Indian brand has confirmed, though buyers will have to wait a little longer for timing.
// Mahindra refreshes BE 6 electric SUV as brand’s NZ ambitions simmer
Mahindra has relaunched its BE 6 electric SUV in India as the BE 6 Sporteq, adding a third battery option, a triple-screen dashboard and a per-kilometre battery subscription scheme, as the wait continues for the company’s born-electric models to reach New Zealand.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Cupra doubles down on performance as range expands
Cupra has never been interested in blending in. While many car brands chase the broadest possible audience with increasingly similar products, the Spanish performance marque believes there is still a place for cars that prioritise emotion, driver engagement and distinctive design.
// 2 Cheap Cars posts $1.9m profit for first four months of FY27
2 Cheap Cars Group has reported unaudited net profit after tax (NPAT) of around $1.9 million for the first four months of FY27 following weaker trading in July.
// Colonial Motor Company profit rises to $18.7m
The Colonial Motor Company has reported $18.7 million in trading profit after tax for the year to June 30, marginally ahead of the previous year despite disruption from the Middle East conflict.
// Car imports through Lyttelton climb 11% as port posts record profit
Vehicle imports through Lyttelton Port grew 11% to 39,138 units in the 2025/26 financial year, a bright spot in a result that saw the South Island’s largest port post a record net profit after tax of $35 million.
// New NZTA training pathway opens for heavy vehicle certifiers
A new NZTA training programme for people certifying heavy vehicle builds and modifications has gone live, replacing the course previously run by the Truck-Trailer Manufacturers Federation.
// Kiwi custom cars chase Hot Wheels immortality
A group of New Zealand car builders will compete in Auckland this month for the chance to have their creations turned into Hot Wheels models and sold around the world.
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INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// This Chinese Electric SUV Just Recreated Mercedes’ Most Controversial Ad
Dongfeng claims its new Voyah Passion S drove upside down in a tunnel, just like Mercedes did back in 2010.
ONE LINERS
- NZ Police say its BMW i4 electric patrol cars have exceeded expectations
- $1m Ferrari Luce reportedly sells out as brand confirms New Zealand orders
- Ford NZ issues recall for selected Rangers over airbag issue
- Ford tears up the assembly line to build its cut-price electric ute
- Porsche brings back the manual 911 Carrera S, but there’s a catch
- McLaren revives Bruce’s unfinished supercar dream with manual McL 6GT
- Defender Dakar brings rally-winning V8 to the road
- Aston Martin Valen packs 625kW V12 punch
- First Ferrari Luce tipped to fetch more than US$1.1 million at auction
- Jaguar’s new EV has an interior just as radical as its exterior
- Nissan Qashqai e-Power sets 1980 km Guinness record
- Hyundai and Kia’s ‘wire car’ catches problems before prototypes exist
- Porsche 99X Electric wears historic colours for Formula E farewell
- JCB Hydromax sets new FIA World Land Speed Record for hydrogen
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