HOT TOPIC
// Clean Vehicle Standard survives review as Government commits to retention
The Clean Vehicle Standard will stay, with the Government confirming this afternoon it will retain the policy that shapes the flow of low-emission vehicles into New Zealand, ending months of uncertainty over whether the scheme would be scrapped entirely.
- AutoTalk says Associations back Clean Vehicle Standard call, turn focus to 2028 targets
- AutoTalk says ‘Policy certainty matters’: BYD welcomes Clean Vehicle Standard retention
// BYD’s Atto 2 DM-i priced from $34,990, NZ’s cheapest plug-in hybrid
BYD prices the Atto 2 DM-i plug-in hybrid from $34,990 in New Zealand, undercutting its own electric Atto 2 by $6,000, with 40km or 90km of electric range and 1,000km combined.
- Driven Car Guide says BYD expands NZ compact SUV lineup with Atto 2 plug-in hybrid
// Now you can hire a hydrogen Toyota Mirai, but you have to go to Palmerston North
Ezi rental car business customers are now able to hire the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai from the brand’s Palmerston North Airport fleet.
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BEST OF THE REST
// Nearly four in 10 Kiwi new-car buyers never test drive their car – survey
Last month, as many as 1,790 Kiwis may have bought a new car without taking it for a test drive, according to a Trade Me survey.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Leapmotor ‘deserves so much better’: ADNZ resets strategy as range doubles
Auto Distribution New Zealand is resetting its approach to Leapmotor, admitting the Chinese EV brand has underperformed in New Zealand and rolling out a longer warranty, a tripled dealer network, a dedicated fleet function and a new brand campaign alongside two fresh models.
// The 500km problem: why NZ Police hasn’t gone electric on the frontline
NZ Police needs 500km of range per frontline shift, and that is what keeps battery power off general duties, says acting national fleet manager Leighton Hamlin.
// The EV that just drove upside down has NZ in its plans
Voyah’s Passion S has driven a full 360-degree tunnel loop in Wuhan, and the Dongfeng premium brand has confirmed to sister site Inside China Auto that New Zealand is in its plans.
// Insurers will act on FMA add-on findings, says FSF
The industry body representing New Zealand’s finance and insurance sector says its members will make changes where needed in response to the Financial Markets Authority’s review of add-on insurance, while defending the value the products deliver for vehicle buyers.
// Full programme locked in for AutoTalk Live! Christchurch
AutoTalk Live! has confirmed its full programme for Christchurch, with the half-day event running Tuesday 15 September at Rydges Latimer, 30 Latimer Square.
// MITO Industry Summit and Awards set to bring sectors together
MITO is preparing to host its Industry Summit and Awards, bringing together leaders, employers and industry partners from across the automotive, commercial road transport, extractives, drilling, gas and logistics sectors.
// Fuel crisis flips used car market: diesel demand dives as EV interest surges
The fuel crisis is reshaping what New Zealanders buy, with one of the country’s biggest used vehicle retailers reporting a sharp swing away from diesel and large petrol vehicles.
// Toyota NZ CEO: new Chinese competition ‘doesn’t matter’, brand backs customer-first approach
Toyota New Zealand says it won’t be changing its strategy in response to the growing number of Chinese carmakers entering the local market, instead doubling down on customer service and its long-standing relationship with Kiwi buyers.
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INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// The Fiat Topolino Is Disrupting The U.S. Golf Cart Market
Fiat’s “little mouse” is more golf cart than car, and it’s doing its best to disrupt America’s $1 billion golf cart industry.
ONE LINERS
- Bugatti brings the Veyron into the modern era
- Mercedes-Benz to showcase new electric SUVs at 2027 ASB Classic
- World’s biggest car glass maker says solar sunroofs are ready to scale
- Genesis GV90 flagship SUV has cool doors
- Report: Ford to start production of Bronco-based ute
- ‘We no longer feel safe’: Couple fear their $72k hybrid could catch fire with the kids inside
- Audi’s iconic five-cylinder engine could be spared the axe
- Nick Mason’s McLaren F1 GTR sells for record US$34.7m
- Road-legal Defender Dakar packs 467kW V8
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