HOT TOPIC
// First look at the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS debuted last night, and it’s an all-electric SUV with up to 7 seats.
- AutoCar says Mercedes reveal luxurious EQS SUV
- Stuff Motoring says Mercedes-Benz reveals EQS SUV video
- EVs and Beyond says Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV launched
HOT TOPIC
// Deep in the heart of Texas: Hennessey begins production of massive 6×6 with over 1000hp
Size does matter, it appears. Well, at least for Hennessey, who has begun producing its Mammoth 6×6 truck
- Stuff Motoring says Everything is bigger in Texas: meet Hennessey’s Mammoth truck video
HOT TOPIC
// Vehicle insurance brands cherry-picking lucrative collision repairs
The Collision Repair Association (CRA) general manager Neil Pritchard says the vertical integration of some insurance brands into smash repairs is taking lucrative work away from his members and threatening future investment in plant and machinery.
- AutoFile says Repair industry’s ‘perfect storm’
- AutoTalk says IAG responds to collision repair industry concerns
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BEST OF THE REST
// Ferrari reveals 296 GTS hybrid convertible
Ferrari has ditched the roof from its 296 GTB, giving the V6 hybrid sportscar the convertible treatment.
// Head of BMW sales says Tesla’s reign over EV market is over
The head of sales at BMW is confident Tesla’s reign over the EV market is over, as the German automaker is investing heavily into electric powertrains.
INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES
// Audi Urbansphere Concept Debuts As Self-Driving Electric Minivan
The roomiest Audi ever measures 216.9 inches in length and 133.8 inches between the axles but only seats four, so what gives?
// Most Of The EV Industry To Shift To 800 Volts By 2025, Report Says
Out of the wide range of EVs available today, most run on 400 volts and only a handful have an 800-volt system.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Chery edges closer to Australasian relaunch
Chinese car manufacturer Chery appears set to relaunch in Australia, and potentially also New Zealand, as demand for more affordable electric vehicles grows.
// Solar and wind farms among 50 fast-tracked projects
NZ Windfarm’s Te Rere Hau repowering project near Palmerston North has been approved as the 50th referred fast-track project, says environment minister David Parker.
// Ford, VW embark on media drives in a bid to tackle Tesla in the US
The CEOs of Ford and Volkswagen have made a series of high-profile media appearances this month, in a bid to position their respective brands at the heart of the electric vehicle conversation; each executive pushing a desire to rival Tesla at its own game.
// Kinetic looks to buy NZ Bus to become Australasia’s largest EV operator
Australasian bus operator Kinetic is seeking clearance to purchase NZ Bus and become the largest operator of battery-electric buses in the region and one of the largest globally.
// Finance group in takeover
The regulator will have to approve the takeover of the rival’s consumer-finance division.
ONE LINERS
- Counties Energy’s EV charging a national energy awards finalist
- Armstrong’s on the hunt for a new chief operating officer
- Power prices up
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 Discount / Fee Finder
RightCar.govt.nz is the Government recommended website for rebate/fee information. Simply search from the Home page to find a vehicle’s rebate/fee.






