HOT TOPIC
// Subaru New Zealand confirms specs and pricing for all-electric Trailseeker
Subaru Trailseeker pricing has been revealed, with the new entry model starting at $68,990 and undercutting Toyota’s bZ4X Touring.
- EVs & Beyond says Subaru prices electric Trailseeker from $68,990, adds second variant
// Ministers ditch fuel tax hike
The coalition has announced plans to stall increases in fuel excise and road user charges until 2028.
- AutoTrader says Bishop admits election year role in fuel tax delay, Hipkins won’t say what freeze costs
// Toyota’s first Chinese-built EV will be a Lexus
Toyota will build its next-generation electric vehicle in China before anywhere else, breaking with decades of practice that put new technology into production in Japan first.
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STATS WEEK
// New car sales jump 13%
Toyota dominates the new-car sector while BYD is a big climber on the marques’ ladder.
// Passenger gains lift August market as commercial slide continues
New vehicle registrations totalled 12,216 units in August 2026, up 4.1% year-on-year, with a strong passenger result partly offset by another commercial decline.
// Vans in top five best-sellers
Sales activity dipped for new commercials, but the used commercial market delivered a 28.4% year-on-year jump.
// Used imports post best month since March as commercial run continues
Used import registrations totalled 8,599 units in August 2026, up 9.9% on the same month last year, with passenger volumes accounting for 8,156 registrations.
// Used market continues rise
The Nissan Leaf and Toyota Yaris were among the models making substantial gains in the latest used-vehicle sales statistics.
IN OTHER NEWS
// BAIC X55: Style and affordability made real
The BAIC X55 blends style, technology, strong performance and a $34,990 price as the Chinese brand expands across New Zealand.
// Leadership team expands
AutoSense has appointed a chief revenue officer as its customer offering grows.
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INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// A second Tesla driver died stopped on a freeway with Autopilot/Self-Driving on
Weeks after a Tesla Model 3 stopped in a live Florida interstate lane and its driver was killed, a second Model 3 was rear-ended while stopped on a Phoenix-area freeway, killing its driver.
ONE LINERS
- BMW’s new safety tech can stop doors opening into cyclists
- Zeekr’s message-displaying 7GT special edition in consideration for NZ
- Fieldays visitor wins JAC T9
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