HOT TOPIC
// Video: Masks required for level 3 trading
Masks are required for trading at level 3 according to information received by the Motor Trade Association.
- AutoTalk says Dealers re-open for restricted L3 trading
- AutoTalk also says Dealership operations and parts delivery in alert Level 3
- EVs and Beyond says Drive EV to deliver in Level 3 areas
HOT TOPIC
// Plug-in hybrid GT 63 revealed as the most powerful Mercedes ever
Plug-in hybrid performance is something that we’ve been seeing in Porshe’s passenger cars for some time now, but it seems that fellow German automaker Mercedes-AMG has finally caught up.
- AutoCar says Plug-in monster: New 620kw Mercedes hybrid the most powerful AMG ever
- Stuff Motoring says Mercedes-AMG unleashes its first plug-in hybrid
- EVs and Beyond says Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E performance PHEV due here late 2022
HOT TOPIC
// Subaru Solterra EV images revealed
Subaru Corporation says its electric SUV the Solterra (‘sun’ and ‘earth’) will go on sale mid-2022 in the US, Canada, Europe, China and Japan.
- AutoCar says Subaru’s first electric car revealed, looks just like its Toyota cousin
- Driven says Solterra: Subaru’s first all-electric SUV revealed in teaser image
- Stuff Motoring says Subaru reveals Solterra EV through leafy new teasers
HOT TOPIC
// Dealer numbers creep down
Register’s total slips by only five in August after drops of 20 or more in the previous two months.
- AutoTalk says Number of dealers falling slowly
SPONSORED BY SYSTIME
// Do customers really need to visit the dealership to buy a car?
38% don’t think so. Adapting touch points for digital buyers is more important than ever, check out the research on what buyers actually want and how you can adapt your dealership.
BEST OF THE REST
// Disrupting Australia’s $55 billion used car market?
Calling itself the Australian used car market disruptor, CARS24 launched its online marketplace on September 1.
// Hyundai EV recall for battery issues affected by Covid restrictions
While Australia has launched its recall of Hyundai Konas and Ioniqs potentially affected by a battery fault, Hyundai New Zealand says it’s in the process of launching the official recall
IN OTHER NEWS
// New Subaru forester wilderness leaked before you’re meant to see it
Subaru has the reveal of three new models on the boil at the moment; the new WRX, Solterra, and Forester Wilderness.
// Lotus to launch EV range, two SUVs
Units of Lotus and electric-vehicle upstart Nio signed an investment pact as the Chinese owner of the iconic maker of British sports and racing cars seeks to transform it into an all-electric brand.
// ACC looks to increase motor vehicle levy rates
ACC has released its proposed levy rates for the next three years which includes an increase for motor vehicles.
// Robotaxi may herald driverless EV era
The electric Hyundai Ioniq 5-based Robotaxi is Motional’s first commercial vehicle and will be used in its fully driverless public ride-hail service starting in 2023.
// Import deliveries far ahead of lockdown indications
Used import registrations in August – according to early provisional numbers – were headed towards a massive month before lockdown.
// Collusion warning for businesses
Watchdog sends out stern message about anti-competitive behaviour at higher alert levels.
// Economy tipped to rise from ‘sharp shock’
Institute predicts inflation pressures will intensify and interest rates will soon start rising.
// Mainland finance settles with ComCom over unreasonable fees
Vehicle finance company Mainland Finance has entered into a settlement with the Commerce Commission acknowledging that it charged unreasonable credit and default fees and agreed to compensate borrowers.
// Finance company to pay out $1.1m
Mainland Finance reaches settlement with regulator over unreasonable charges for car loans.
// Dealers urged to start selling
Industry leader anticipates no problems shifting imported used vehicles from Auckland’s port as lockdown rumbles on.
ONE LINERS
- MG’s first plug-in hybrid has landed in New Zealand
- Ford Falcon XA GTHO Phase IV sets auction record
- Paris deploys 30km/h speed limit to improve the environment
- GWM’s Tank 500 revealed as a Chinese take on the Land Cruiser
- Northport delivers record profit
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).