HOT TOPIC
Polestar is back! Electric car brand confirmed for NZ
After occupying local market ‘forbidden fruit’ status for a few years, electric car specialists Polestar have confirmed that they will be establishing themselves in New Zealand.
https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/polestar-is-back-electric-car-brand-confirmed-for-nz
Polestar heading downunder
It started life as an independent racing team, got bought by Volvo to become the brands official racing team, then became the performance sub-brand for Volvo road cars and finally became a car maker in its own right under Geely ownership.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/300249782/polestar-heading-downunder
Polestar coming to NZ
Premium electric car brand is expected to operate on an importer basis, with local partners yet to be confirmed.
https://autofile.co.nz/polestar-coming-to-nz-
Polestar 2 coming to Australia and New Zealand
Polestar has announced it will launch its all-electric Polestar 2 in the Australian and New Zealand markets, as well as South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/polestar-adding-five-new-markets-across-asia-pacific
HOT TOPIC
Toyota teases electric SUV
Toyota will launch its X Prologue electric SUV on March 17. No details are yet available, with media pondering whether it’s a single model or a series.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/toyota-teases-electric-suv-2
Is this Toyota’s first electric car? New vehicle teased
Toyota has released a mysterious new image of what it calls the ‘X Prologue’. Speculation about the model is has been running rampant online, with most suggesting that it is set to be Toyota’s first EV.
https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/is-this-toyota-s-first-electric-car-new-vehicle-teased
BEST OF THE REST
Tesla admits ‘Full Self-Driving’ option is not actually capable of self-driving
For years, Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk has been telling the public that fully autonomous Teslas are just around the corner, no more than a year or two off.
IN OTHER NEWS
Honda Australia moves to NZ agency model
Honda Australia has revealed the details of its new fixed-price agency model which will roll out across its revised national dealership platform from July 1.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/honda-australia-moves-to-nz-agency-model
Turners upgrades FY21 earnings guidance
Turners Automotive Group has upgraded its FY21 net profit before tax (NPBT) guidance to $35 million from its earlier January figure of $33 to $35 million.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/turners-upgrades-fy21-earnings-guidance
Ports of Auckland reports gloomy half-year result
Ports of Auckland has posted net profit after tax of $13.6 million for the six months to December 31, down $3.6m from the same period last year.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/ports-of-auckland-reports-gloomy-half-year-result
Eroad targets North America and Australia with new appointments
Transport technology company EROAD is making new appointments to its management team with an eye on market growth in North America and Australia.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/eroad-targets-north-america-and-australia-with-new-appointments
Uber report highlights post-lockdown recovery
Uber New Zealand has released its first Movement Index, revealing the changes to Kiwis’ travel patterns and food habits in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/uber-report-highlights-post-lockdown-recovery
Nigel Barbour appointed Orion Group chief executive
Nigel Barbour is Orion Group’s new chief executive and will move to Christchurch to take up the role on July 1 with EVs becoming an increasing consideration for the electricity industry.
https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/nigel-barbour-appointed-orion-group-chief-executive/
Vehicle spending slides
Shifting Covid-19 alert levels put a dampener on shopping activity across all sectors.
https://autofile.co.nz/vehicle-spending-slides-
Kia offers glimpse of electric future
Korean marque closes in on the official launch of the first of 11 new EVs it plans to have on sale before 2026.
https://autofile.co.nz/kia-offers-glimpse-of-electric-future-
More time for conference submissions
T-Tech set to focus on sustainability, safety and equity for annual event in the capital.
https://autofile.co.nz/more-time-for-conference-submissions-
Have your say on Trade Me deal
Commission invites comments about the likely competitive effects of proposed acquisition.
https://autofile.co.nz/have-your-say-on-trade-me-deal-
Hyundai aiming for ‘large scale’ hydrogen vehicle adoption in NZ
Hyundai New Zealand hopes that a recent government funding win will help encourage more in the commercial sector to investigate hydrogen as a next-generation option for trucking fleets.
Volkswagen boss doesn’t think hydrogen is a proper EV rival
You can already see it… motoring enthusiasts of the future will be having rousing debates not about Holden versus Ford or six-cylinder versus eight, but instead about electric versus hydrogen.
Mercedes-Benz NZ adds another G Wagen to the mix
The world can never have too many capable mountain-climbing SUVs, and therefore we welcome Mercedes-Benz’s addition of another trim-level to its G Wagen line-up in the form of the G 400 d.
https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/mercedes-benz-nz-adds-another-g-wagen-to-the-mix
Peugeot rebrands ahead of EVs landing in New Zealand
Peugeot has revealed its new branding ahead of the local arrival of the hybrid 3008 SUV and all-electric versions of the 2008 and the new 208 hatchback which will arrive in New Zealand later this year.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124491746/peugeot-rebrands-ahead-of-evs-landing-in-new-zealand