HOT TOPIC
// Dealership defends online ad
A car dealership has hit out at people who want to be “nasty … and try and start arguments online” after it was found to have fallen foul of the Advertising Standards Code.
- AutoTalk says Used EV dealer rejects ASA complaint as ‘woke dribble’
HOT TOPIC
// Tesla driver charged after Autopilot fatality
A Tesla driver has reportedly just been charged with a felony after running a red light with Autopilot engaged and causing a fatal crash in 2019 near Los Angeles.The driver of the Tesla faces two counts of vehicular manslaughter.
- Stuff Motoring says Tesla driver faces manslaughter charges over fatal crash involving Autopilot
HOT TOPIC
// Suzuki NZ to stay but warns of big Clean Car price hikes
After it said it was assessing withdrawing from the local market, Suzuki New Zealand has confirmed it will be sticking around for the meantime, but it is still concerned about the incoming Clean Car Standard.
- AutoFile says Emissons targets to hit prices
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- Learn more about Newcoat products on their website
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BEST OF THE REST
// Chinese F-150 Lightning competitor revealed on Twitter
Pictures of an all-electric ute allegedly created by Farizon the commercial vehicle brand which is owned by Chinese manufacturer Geely Holdings have been tweeted by journalist Greg Kable.
// Toyota production in Japan hit by parts crunch from Covid-19
The shortage of parts caused by the coronavirus pandemic is further denting production at Toyota, Japan’s top automaker.
// Spied: Ford Ranger Raptor spotted testing as reveal nears
The unveiling of Ford’s new Ranger was one of the biggest new-car events of 2021 in this part of the world. And that’s set to continue in 2022 with the upcoming debut of the Ranger Raptor performance flagship, as well as the arrival of a hybrid variant.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Go black, never go back: Brabus unveils 800 Superblack beast
You’d think by now that the world would have had its quota of extreme, unhinged Mercedes-Benz G-Wagens. There have been plenty issued over the years, some extracting even more power from the G 63’s eight, some with six wheels, some with neon paint.
// Renault rips up Nissan alliance script for China traction
Renault’s chief executive officer is fed up with the carmaker’s moribund business in China and willing to rip up the script the company and its alliance partner Nissan forged years ago to turn things around.
// AA Buyer’s Guide: AEB moving onto must-have list
The Australian Government has announced that it will introduce an Australian Design Rule (ADR) mandating the fitment of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) in light vehicles, with flow-on effects expected for New Zealand.
// Is MBIE doing enough on Enforcement? Convictions drop
Questions are being asked if government agencies are doing enough to enforce the Motor Vehicle Sales Act as conviction levels drop and complaints to an industry helpline rise.
// Z Energy reports lower retail fuel volumes, commercial transport steady
Z Energy is reporting reduced quarterly retail volumes as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns and increased…
// SUV scores five stars on safety
All 2.5-litre petrol variants of the Mitsubishi Outlander have been awarded a five-star safety rating after ANCAP praised the model’s “excellent safety package”.
// One of the first women in automotive design has died
MaryEllen Green Dohrs, one of the first women in automotive design, has passed away age 92. Dohrs graduated from Pratt Institute in New York and joined General Motors in 1950.
// GM expands market for hydrogen fuel cells beyond vehicles
General Motors is finding new markets for its hydrogen fuel cell systems, announcing that it will work with another company to build mobile electricity generators, electric vehicle charging stations, and power generators for military camps.
// Lamborghini working on off-road Huracan to match Porsche’s 911 Safari
Lamborghini is working on a high(er) riding Huracan, designed to do battle with Porsche’s upcoming 911 Safari. Called the Sterrato, we first saw it back in 2019 as a concept.
// Honda Civic hybrid could be a surprise 158kW firecracker
While interest in the next-generation Honda Civic Type R continues to be drummed up (spurred on most recently by an appearance at Tokyo Auto Salon), the imminent Civic hybrid e: HEV is likely to be the more important model for the company. According to the rumour mill, it’s also set to be a pretty quick little hatch.
ONE LINERS
- ‘Barn find’ Holden Torana GTR XU-1 pops up in the UK
- Mad Mike to tackle Pikes Peak in a 1,200hp rotary-powered Mazda3
- German government condemns Bugatti Chiron’s 417kmh Autobahn blat
- Nissan Australia create pet accessories that every dog owner needs
- Documentary on Ford vs Holden rivalry set to come out this year
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).