Statistics: KIA a close second as 2021 kicks off
Kia has had a strong start to 2021, recording a 40.2% gain and putting itself a close second to Toyota in the passenger car stakes. The market itself started strongly, up 6.7% year-on-year to 9712 passenger vehicle sales.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/statistics-kia-a-close-second-as-2021-kicks-off
Statistics: Import sales start 2021 in a slump
Registrations of used import passenger cars have had a slow start to 2021 – own nearly 20% over the same period last year. In January 9404 cars were delivered, down 19.6% from 11,693 this time last year – when COVID-19 was only starting to break news.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/import-sales-start-2021-in-a-slump
PODCAST: Radio, restaurants and car sales with Pete Marsden
In the latest episode of the AutoTalk podcast, host Richard Edwards catches up with Pete Marsden, who has a range of other careers and businesses alongside his vehicle dealer efforts.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/podcast-radio-restaurants-and-car-sales-with-pete-marsden
Vehicle arrivals down in January
Vehicle imports were down 15.2% month-on-month in January with a total of 22,274 arrivals hitting the wharves. The total number of passenger vehicles was down 11.8% m/m with 19,034 arrivals compared to 21,590 the month prior, according to New Zealand Customs Motor Vehicle Statistics.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/vehicle-arrivals-down-in-january
New 328i revives BMW’s TI badge
BMW is reviving its famed TI nameplate on the new limited edition 128ti which goes on sale here before the middle of the year. BMW New Zealand will get only 30 of the $69,900 Launch Edition cars which are the first from the German manufacturer to wear the TI badge
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/new-328i-revives-bmws-ti-badge
Kiwis reach global Lexus award finals
Two Auckland students are among the six finalists in the Global Lexus Design Awards competition. Auckland University of Technology (AUT) design and creative technologies students, Jessica Vea and Gayle Lee, developed a concept, Heartfelt, that highlights creativity, innovation, empathy and design skills that were adapted to a COVID-19 world.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/kiwis-reach-global-lexus-award-finals
Climate Commission report welcomed with caution
The Motor Industry Association has welcomed the Climate Change Commission’s draft report into required pathways to reduce New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions – but warns New Zealand may not have the market weight to call for bans.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/climate-commission-report-welcomed-with-caution
Climate Commission calls for end to petrol and diesel vehicle sales
The independent Climate Change Commission has released its draft package of advice to Government on the steps Aotearoa must take to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/climate-commission-calls-for-end-to-petrol-and-diesel-vehicle-sales
ASB to help businesses switch fleets
Assisting business customers to explore options to reduce emissions such as moving fleets to EVs is promised by the ASB Bank.
https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/asb-to-help-businesses-switch-fleets/
Rapid rise in EVs needed
A rapid increase in the number of EVs on our roads, alongside increases in active and public transport, will be required if New Zealand wants to maintain a net-zero emissions future post 2050.
https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/rapid-rise-in-evs-needed/
Climate change commission advice shows that New Zealand will embrace EVs
Mark Gilbert, Chair of Drive Electric says, “What’s exciting about the draft advice is that it shows, while enormously challenging, there is a pathway for New Zealand to reach net-zero emissions by 2050…”
Industry hails new-car sales boost
Kia and Mitsubishi make big gains in the third-best January for registrations but Toyota remains on top.
https://autofile.co.nz/marques-enjoy-new-car-sales-boost-
Slump in used-car sales
While most parts of the country saw registrations fall, Masterton bucked the trend with a surprise increase.
https://autofile.co.nz/slump-in-used-car-sales-
Demand for used commercials nearly halves
Isuzu is on the up while the other leading marques suffer a massive blow to registration numbers.
https://autofile.co.nz/used-commercial-imports-nearly-halve-
Car imports enjoy surge
The monthly tally of used and new cars coming into the country increased by nearly 2,200 units from a year earlier.
https://autofile.co.nz/car-imports-enjoy-surge-
Dealer numbers slip lower
Latest figures show 150 fewer registered traders than a year ago after five consecutive months of decreases.
https://autofile.co.nz/dealer-numbers-slip-lower-
Making EVs mainstream ‘major challenge’
Organisation tips decarbonising transport as central to New Zealand’s climate change ambitions.
https://autofile.co.nz/making-evs-mainstream-major-challenge-
Fossil-fuel cars set to dominate for years
Emissions standards and a push towards EVs are all part of plans to transition to a more environmentally-friendly fleet.
https://autofile.co.nz/fossil-fuel-cars-set-to-dominate-for-years-
Petrol cars banned in NZ by 2032? Commission report’s bold claims
In the wake of last year’s ‘climate emergency’ declaration and last week’s ‘Clean Car Standard’ news, the question many have asked is when New Zealand is likely to confirm the news it will follow the likes of the UK in banning internal combustion engine cars.
BMW changes its mind, confirms 180kw hot hatch for NZ
BMW’s local arm has announced that its first front-wheel drive hot hatch, the 128ti, is set to be offered in local showrooms from the second quarter of 2021. A limited number of the fizzy front-driver will be offered, with just 30 destined for our shores.
https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/bmw-changes-its-mind-confirms-180kw-hot-hatch-for-nz
Leaked images: new Ssangyong Rhino gets whopping big grille
It’s only been around for a few years, but SsangYong’s Rhino ute (known as a Musso or Rexton Sports in some other markets) is set for a mid-life refresh. That’s at least according to fresh leaked images published in Korea.
Ford gets in bed with Google, announces Android plans
Ford has announced a new partnership with tech giant Google, which kicks off with a six-year roadmap that’s set to see Ford “reinvent the connected vehicle experience.” (Their words, not mine).
https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/ford-gets-in-bed-with-google-announces-android-plans
Hyundai now not so sure it wants to work with Apple
On the same day as Ford confirms a deal with one tech giant, Google, Hyundai appear to have shown cold feet on their potential deal with another tech giant, Apple.
https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/hyundai-now-not-so-sure-it-wants-to-work-with-apple
Next Mercedes-AMG C 63 could ditch the V8 for a hybrid four-cylinder
This might rark some of you up. Rumour has it, Mercedes-AMG is going to ditch the V8 for its next C 63 sports coupe, in favour of a four-cylinder hybrid.
Ford and Google team up
Ford Motor Co. and Google announced a strategic partnership on Monday that’s meant to more quickly modernise the 117-year-old automaker in unique ways and more aggressively use data to drive revenue and improve customer experience.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124118637/ford-and-google-team-up
Is BMW’s M3 CS the best modern day M car?
When it comes to fast BMWs, there are a few letters that mean special things. M (usually) means that it has a big engine, CSL means that the car’s value is only going to appreciate, and CS is a modern version of the latter.
https://www.driven.co.nz/news/is-bmw-s-m3-cs-the-best-modern-day-m-car/
Report: Four-cylinder Mercedes-AMG C63 to be more powerful than outgoing V8
It was always going to be a matter of time before the iconic V8 in Mercedes-AMG’s C63 meets its end, and according to recent reports, emissions standards are forcing the German brand to ditch it with the current model.
Toyota reveals plans to take on big tech with self-driving vehicles
Toyota has devised a plan to take on big tech. The Japanese car making giant recently unveiled its Woven Planet research group, which is set to develop driverless and connected cars.
https://www.driven.co.nz/news/toyota-reveals-plans-to-take-on-big-tech-with-self-driving-vehicles/