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June 7th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

NZCD Main Header

// Here it is, the private Facebook group for NZ Car Dealers

Very uncreatively named NZ Car Dealers.

A private community for car dealers to vent about the industry, joke about ‘interesting’ customers. Rant, debate, ask for help and help others.

Anyone in the NZ Auto Industry can join. So join today and get involved. If we can build this up to a decent number of people it should be quite entertaining.

SLOW NEWS DAY FOR QUEENS BIRTHDAY

// Ram reveals more about its electric utes

Ram’s CEO has shared more about what’s coming up for the brand in terms of electric pickups, and it seems that Ranger-fighting Dakota revival is still on the cards.

// Carmakers feel chip crisis easing as global growth slows

BMW and Mercedes-Benz both say that the global semiconductor shortage that’s bogged down the auto industry for almost two years is showing signs of easing.

SPONSORED BY NEWCOAT

// Boost your accessory sales!

Auto+Aid Long Life Ceramic Polish is the trick pre-owned dealerships have been missing. It’s a low cost/high margin product – everyone wins. All the benefits of a ceramic coating – in an easy-to-apply polish form.

  • Ideal for the pre-owned vehicle or “paint only” customer
  • 30-minute application Ceramic Polish – Your groomers will love it!
  • Complimentary Auto+Aid Car Cleaning Pack worth over $80 RRP
  • 24-month warranty backed by Newcoat International
  • Super easy accessory sale
  • Your customer gets easy cleaning, and they don’t need to polish their car.

Call now 09 889 6535 email business@newcoat.co.nz or click here for more information.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Top 20 Electric Cars In The World — April 2022 (Charts)

Global plugin vehicle registrations were up 38% in April 2022 compared to April 2021. Despite several disturbing factors happening all at once

// Early Days Of Tesla — Elon Musk Interview With Tesla Owners Of Silicon Valley

There’s a new interview with Tesla CEO Elon Musk out. Leaders from the Tesla Owners of Silicon Valley were invited to interview Elon Musk, and the first part of the interview is now available.

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.

// NZ Car Dealers Private Facebook Group

A private community for car dealers to vent about the industry and joke about ‘interesting’ customers. Rant, debate, ask for help and help others.

June 7th, 20222022-06-06T19:40:54+12:00

June 6th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// MIA celebrates “strong” car market bounce back

Motor Industry Association (MIA) chief executive David Crawford says the new-car market’s results from May were “strong” in the face of ongoing “production constraints, weakening market conditions and geopolitical factors”.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Ford’s next-generation Mustang will be offered with a manual transmission

We know it’ll have three pedals, but the eight cylinders still remain a mystery…

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY NEWCOAT

// Boost your accessory sales!

Auto+Aid Long Life Ceramic Polish is the trick pre-owned dealerships have been missing. It’s a low cost/high margin product – everyone wins. All the benefits of a ceramic coating – in an easy-to-apply polish form.

  • Ideal for the pre-owned vehicle or “paint only” customer
  • 30-minute application Ceramic Polish – Your groomers will love it!
  • Complimentary Auto+Aid Car Cleaning Pack worth over $80 RRP
  • 24-month warranty backed by Newcoat International
  • Super easy accessory sale
  • Your customer gets easy cleaning, and they don’t need to polish their car.

Call now 09 889 6535 email business@newcoat.co.nz or click here for more information.

BEST OF THE REST

// Jeep Wrangler flips during a crash test… again

Jeep really can’t seem to catch a break with the Wrangler falling over during crash tests.

// Finance firm forced to pay $1.36m by Commerce Commission

The commission found that Real Finance charged “unreasonable” fees to customers over a seven-year period between 2013 and 2020.

// Toyota quietly drops pure-petrol Corolla from NZ market

AutoTalk understands that Toyota New Zealand has quietly culled all pure internal combustion variants of the Corolla from the local market.

// Surge in used imports

Passenger vehicles and light commercials on the up, while new sector slides.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Toyota’s Powerwall alternative is designed to work with solar, plug-in hybrids

The system is intended for home use and can harness emergency backup power from hybrids, PHEVs, or EVs and help manage solar.

// Tesla has to respond to increase in phantom braking complaints

Tesla has to respond to an inquiry from NHTSA regarding the increasing number of phantom braking complaints that it has been receiving.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Hyundai Palisade handed 4-star ANCAP safety rating

In its final ratings, ANCAP rated the Palisade 79% for Adult Occupant Protection, 88% for Child Occupant Protection,

// Toyota wants to lead the way on CO2 reduction as well as sales

Toyota New Zealand has announced that it wants to lead the market, not only in new vehicle sales but also reduction of CO2 across their fleet and meeting the mobility needs of Kiwis.

// More choice, less carbon, with new NX, says Lexus NZ GM

We chat to Andrew Davis, GM of Lexus New Zealand, about the new electrified range of luxuriously furnished SUVs…

// Cruise gets approval to operate a driverless taxis service

Cruise, the robotaxi company controlled by automaker General Motors, has been granted permission to begin charging passengers for driverless rides in San Francisco.

// Could Buick’s electric rebrand see it coming to NZ?

This is the Buick Wildcat EV, which will sadly forever remain a concept.

// GREEN SPECIAL: The quiet revolution around electrification

The sustainable future for BMW is less about the shock of the new and more about the power of choice..

// Baby BMW X1 SUV arriving with all-electric option

BMW has revealed the new X1 small SUV, giving it a smart new look inside and out and an all-electric option.

// The Good Oil: ‘Father of the Corvette’ always wanted a middle child

GM’s desire for a mid-engined Corvette dates back to the dawn of the model…

ONE LINERS

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.

June 6th, 20222022-06-05T19:30:29+12:00

June 2nd, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Ute sales rebound as Toyota Hilux leads May new car registrations

After disappearing from New Zealand’s registration data in April, ute registration figures have partially rebounded in May with Toyota’s Hilux topping the month’s table

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Hybrid-only Lexus RX coming to New Zealand

Lexus has globally revealed the all-new fifth-generation RX, its bestselling SUV locally, which has sold 2632 units in New Zealand since its launch in 2003.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Ineos boss confirms smaller all-electric Grenadier in the works video

Although Ineos Automotive’s first vehicle, the hardcore Grenadier, has yet to launch, the company has revealed that it is planning a second, smaller, all-electric model line.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Land Rover Defender 130 revealed

Land Rover has just revealed its latest addition to the Defender line-up with the extended body Defender 130. Alongside the…

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB

Autohub

// AUTOHUB is unique. We don’t sell or buy cars.

Instead, we offer the easiest way to import and export your vehicle. We can take care of all associated processes involved “door to door” with one fixed price.

You gain all the benefits of Large Company negotiated discounts, with no guesswork, and no worries.

BEST OF THE REST

// New BMW X1 gets an electric variant

The third-generation BMW X1 has been revealed, along with its first-ever electric counterpart – the iX1.

// How Lotus plans to sell 90,000 Chinese SUVs per year… and still be a sports car brand

‘The brand will remain the brand’ through a massive expansion, say company executives…

// Renault renews electric LCV range

The new Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech with up to 300km range (WLTP) is geared to meet…

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// This is where electric vehicle adoption is headed between 2022 and 2025

BloombergNEF today released its seventh annual Electric Vehicle Outlook. While the study also makes longer-term predictions, here’s where its researchers think electric vehicle adoption is going between now and 2025.

// New solar project will power 100% of Electrify America’s charging network—and then some

Electrify America has entered into a 15-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Terra-Gen, a provider of utility-scale renewable energy projects,

IN OTHER NEWS

// Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Final Edition to send off V8

As the next generation of Mercedes-AMG performance vehicles goes hybrid, a limited run of 999 Mercedes-AMG E 63s are being…

// Polestar launches referral and rewards programme

A Polestar referral programme has launched in Europe (including the United Kingdom), South Korea, and North…

// Stellantis to build new Toyota van in Europe

Stellantis plans to build a new large commercial van for Toyota in its Italian and Polish factories starting in mid-2024…

// Westpac to offer cheaper loans for EVs in Australia, but not NZ

Westpac has announced that it plans to offer lower interest rates to those looking to purchase an electric, plug-in hybrid, or hybrid vehicle in Australia,

ONE LINERS

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.

June 2nd, 20222022-06-01T23:33:19+12:00

June 1st, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// DeLorean Alpha5 officially revealed

After 40 years since the release of the original DeLorean, the brand is back with an all-new electric coupe.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Land Rover Defender 130 revealed

Land Rover has just revealed its latest addition to the Defender line-up with the extended body Defender 130.

// More on this

HOT TOPIC

// Colonial on course for record result

Company says Covid disruptions will not detract from ‘strong full-year profit.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB

Autohub

// AUTOHUB is unique. We don’t sell or buy cars.

Instead, we offer the easiest way to import and export your vehicle. We can take care of all associated processes involved “door to door” with one fixed price.

You gain all the benefits of Large Company negotiated discounts, with no guesswork, and no worries.

BEST OF THE REST

// Rally-bred icon arrives

Fifth-generation WRX “incorporates rich history and lives up to the legend”.

// Hyundai Nexo for Tuaropaki Trust

The Nexo will be used to demonstrate the potential of green hydrogen as a transport fuel, says trust energy general manager David Binnie.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Aptera has more than 22,000 reservations for its solar electric car with up to 1,000 miles of range

Aptera announced that it has now received more than 22,000 reservations for its solar-powered electric car, which get to 1,000 miles of range,

// Nissan US Dealers Told To Stop Taking New Orders For 2023 Ariya

Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta explains that it is better to limit orders to what can realistically be delivered in a timely manner.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Blame the buyers for why the BMW XM is an SUV

If more people bought sedans and coupes, BMW’s M division probably would have made a proper successor to the M1. Instead, it built the XM, because that’s what sells.

// World EV journey aired

Wiebe Wakker will be interviewed about his globe-trotting EV journey from the Netherlands to Australia and…

// ‘Clean gas’ energy source claimed

A tech company says it has made a major breakthrough for a “clean gas” global energy…

// Four-cylinder C 63 hybrid makes debut

The next-generation Mercedes-AMG C 63 made its debut at the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring over the weekend with…

ONE LINERS

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.

June 1st, 20222022-05-31T22:33:44+12:00

May 31st, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Polestar 2 sells out, new orders open

Orders for the updated Polestar 2 have opened after strong demand saw current models sell out three weeks following New Zealand’s first Polestar Space opening at 58 Great South Road in Newmarket, Auckland.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// ‘Difficult’ year for 2 Cheap’s owner

Profits drop after dealerships unable to operate for nearly one-third of the year.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB

Autohub

// AUTOHUB is unique. We don’t sell or buy cars.

Instead, we offer the easiest way to import and export your vehicle. We can take care of all associated processes involved “door to door” with one fixed price.

You gain all the benefits of Large Company negotiated discounts, with no guesswork, and no worries.

BEST OF THE REST

// Rivian introduces Soft Sand mode to its electric ute

The automaker announced it’ll issue an OTA update, adding a new drive mode specifically for soft sand…

// EV sales rocket but mineral constraints likely

EV demand is soaring but may be restricted by mineral supply issues and other constraints.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Volkswagen ID. Buzz For Hollywood — May The Force Be With You!

Dark side? Light side? The ID. Buzz gives you a choice.

// Anxiety The Problem, Not EV Range

A recent report from the United Kingdom highlights a maturing charging network and a reduction in range anxiety.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Updated SUV promises less drag

Skoda claims new Karoq is nine per cent more aerodynamic than its predecessor.

// Tesla Model 3 gets another Kiwi price increase

After having its prices increased twice in March Tesla has rolled out another price hike for the Model 3, New Zealand’s most popular new electric vehicle.

// Local pricing confirmed for Nissan Z, undercuts Toyota Supra

Nissan New Zealand has announced pricing for its new Z sports car, with the figure notably undercutting its Toyota GR Supra rival.

// WEL Networks joins smart grid group

An international knowledge-sharing partnership of distribution network operators and community energy enterprises and organizations has been officially launched

// Promising results for MTF

Finance company reports a half-year profit of $4.3 million as operational costs

ONE LINERS

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.

May 31st, 20222022-05-30T22:23:52+12:00

May 27th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Maserati MC20 Cielo revealed as a drop-top supercar

Convertible style comes to Maserati’s speedy little two-door number…

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Dealerships hailed as ‘legends’

General Motors NZ reveals maiden winners of initiative that puts the focus on customer satisfaction.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// EV6, C-Class sedan, and VW Multivan get five-star safety ratings

The Kia EV6, Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, and the Volkswagen Multivan plug-in hybrid have all received five stars in the latest…

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB

Autohub

// AUTOHUB is unique. We don’t sell or buy cars.

Instead, we offer the easiest way to import and export your vehicle. We can take care of all associated processes involved “door to door” with one fixed price.

You gain all the benefits of Large Company negotiated discounts, with no guesswork, and no worries.

BEST OF THE REST

// Dealers excited for new Volkswagen Multivan 7 PHEV

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles New Zealand (VWCVNZ) general manager Kevin Richards says the 20-strong New Zealand dealer network has given the new Multivan 7 PHEV a rapturous reception,

// Battery swapping steps up

Traditional cable-based EV charging is now being complemented by another solution – battery swapping.

// Toyota to support low-cost hybrid vehicle leasing scheme

Toyota New Zealand has announced that it has partnered with numerous other organizations, including the Ākina Foundation,

// Jeep Grand Cherokee L sure is Grand

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L has landed in New Zealand, the first few examples making their way to dealers this week and the first shipment of vehicles arriving soon.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Watch Lucid Air Set New Hypermiling Record Of 687 Miles (1,106.2 kilometers)

This is claimed to be a new world record for the longest range achieved by a production electric vehicle on public roads.

// China Electric Car Market — 29% Market Share In April!

BYD achieves record month in Covid-disrupted market Plugin vehicles continue to be all the rage in the Chinese auto market.

// Over 300 battery gigafactories in the global pipeline

As EV demand steadily grows, automakers and their suppliers are wisely hustling to increase battery production capacity—

IN OTHER NEWS

// The gut-busting BMW iX M60 is coming here

The all-electric BMW iX M60 is coming here as the most powerful iX, boasting 455kW and 1100Nm.

// Award for EV transition tech

Another international award has come for Wellington-based Critchlow Geospatial with its SwitchMyFleet tool for EV transition…

// Auditor shortage stalls industry meeting

VIA forced to push back its AGM after running into delays with auditing

// Innovation-led growth to boost business potential

Hundreds of New Zealand companies are set to benefit from the launch of two new grants aimed at fuelling firms that want to innovate.

ONE LINERS

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// Current National New Car Deals

  • No changes this week

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.

May 27th, 20222022-05-27T07:38:01+12:00

May 26th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Nissan attempting to drive EV from North to South pole

It sounds like another awesome Top Gear stunt, but Nissan is attempting to drive the 17,000-mile journey in, of all things, an Ariya EV.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB

Autohub

// AUTOHUB is unique. We don’t sell or buy cars.

Instead, we offer the easiest way to import and export your vehicle. We can take care of all associated processes involved “door to door” with one fixed price.

You gain all the benefits of Large Company negotiated discounts, with no guesswork, and no worries.

BEST OF THE REST

// Electric BMW iX M60 pricing revealed

The BMW iX M60, offering up to 566km range (WLTP) and priced from $238,900 (excluding on-road costs), is due mid-2022.

// Skoda updates the Karoq with lower emissions and fresh looks

The Karoq small SUV is more efficient than before thanks to tricky aero updates.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Ford Bronco Raptor to outmuscle the Ranger Raptor

The Bronco Raptor will outmuscle the Ranger Raptor by about 20kW, despite both using the same engine.

// NZ Electro Mobility Summit in August

Transitioning to a carbon-free future for New Zealand’s transport system is the focus of the New Zealand Electro Mobility Summit

// EV Torque – What about all those batteries?

When EVs first began to attract attention here, the number one concern for most was ‘range anxiety.

// Polestar invests in fast-charging battery firm

Polestar has made its first financial investment in another company, becoming a shareholder in Israel-based extreme fast charging pioneer StoreDot

// Slow start to year for sales

Automotive industry biggest loser in retail over first quarter of 2022.

// Chinese GWM Ballet Car electric Beetle slammed as ‘blatantly sexist’

An electric car that claims to “love women more” has been derided as “blatantly sexist”…

// Port defends ‘minor’ delays

South Island site says it is “always striving to accommodate”

ONE LINERS

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.

May 26th, 20222022-05-25T22:36:16+12:00

May 25th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Turners delivers record earnings

The Tina from Turners campaign has helped build automotive group’s inventory of locally owned cars and beat supply-chain woes.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Mercedes teases electric four-door Taycan fighter video

Mercedes-AMG isn’t content in leaving the four-door electric game to the likes of Porsche, Audi and Tesla, and it’s cooking up something serious to join in with.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Subaru WRX heralds new brand era

The new Subaru WRX range heralds a new performance era for the brand as it begins…

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Shell rocked as senior consultant Caroline Dennett resigns over environmental concerns

She accuses Shell of “ignoring all the alarms and dismissing the risks of climate change and ecological collapse”…

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB

Autohub

// AUTOHUB is unique. We don’t sell or buy cars.

Instead, we offer the easiest way to import and export your vehicle. We can take care of all associated processes involved “door to door” with one fixed price.

You gain all the benefits of Large Company negotiated discounts, with no guesswork, and no worries.

BEST OF THE REST

// Skoda announces pricing, spec for updated Karoq

Skoda’s mid-size crossover, the Karoq, has been given its first update four years after it first debuted on the Kiwi market.

// Emissions plan faces ‘challenges’

VIA sounds warning over availability of EVs but welcomes scrappage scheme trial.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Electric Dragsters Are Making Big Progress

A few weeks ago, Holley’s MotorLife blog covered an electric vehicle doing something we typically associate with combustion: dragsters.

// Musk Says Teslas Will Be Fully-Autonomous, Not Require Driver Next Year

It wouldn’t be the first time the Tesla boss was wrong about this topic, though, so don’t hold your breath.

// Tesla lobbies for anyone with solar and batteries to participate in Texas’ energy market

Tesla has filed to change rules for grid operators in Texas in order to enable anyone with solar and batteries, including residential homeowners, to participate in the state’s energy market.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Ex-port boss denies charges

Tony Gibson and Ports of Auckland face court following stevedore’s death.

// Volkswagen faces court case to eliminate polluting cars by 2030

Volkswagen is being taken to the German courts over emissions by an organic cattle-and-grain farmer.

ONE LINERS

  • Watch: $5M Bugatti Bolide displays its 1,360kW roar at Lake Como
  • Tesla hack allows thieves to access and steal cars within seconds
  • Rare Shelby Cobra CSX4000 hits the auction block
  • Aston Martin Bulldog is the youngest car to ever win Concours

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.

May 25th, 20222022-05-24T22:38:06+12:00

May 24th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// BMW M4 CSL is a road car for the track and it’s coming to NZ

New Zealand will receive BMW’s limited edition M4 CSL later this year.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Blackwells Mazda crowned dealer of the year

For the third year on the trot, Christchurch dealership Blackwells Mazda has claimed the brand’s Dealer of the Year award.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Driver must stand trial for deadly Tesla crash in California

There is enough evidence to try Kevin George Aziz Riad, 27, on two counts of vehicular manslaughter in a 2019 crash, a …

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB™

Autohub

// AUTOHUB™ is unique. We don’t sell or buy cars.

Instead, we offer the easiest way to import and export your vehicle. We can take care of all associated processes involved “door to door” with one fixed price.

You gain all the benefits of Large Company negotiated discounts, with no guesswork, and no worries.

BEST OF THE REST

// BMW prepares for all-electric sedan

The BMW i7 xDrive60 is bigger than previous-generation 7 Series models.

// Vehicle spending expected to slow

The vehicle retail industry is unlikely to escape the impact of rising mortgage rates, a result of moves to slow New Zealand’s busy economy and resulting in inflation.

// Dealer ordered to pay almost $10,000 over faulty Jaguar

A Napier car dealer has been ordered by the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal to pay a customer $8796.23 some four years after it sold a customer a 2006 Jaguar S-Type.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Could Hydrogen Be The Victor In UK’s Hydrogen Vs. Electric Truck Probe?

The UK government has launched a £200 million investigation into the future of its…

// Tesla Full Self-Driving Beta Version 10.12 Shows Significant Progress

This big update is the first one for some time and it promises more confidence for the software and new features.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Einride E-Trailer concept shown

Autonomous EV freight company Einride introduced its new E-Trailer concept along with new software and hardware products

// Video: Ministers see Tranzit e-bus progress

Transport minister Michael Wood and climate change minister James Shaw checked out electric bus developments at Tranzit’s Rongotai depot in Wellington.

// Greenhouse gas tracker developed for Christchurch

A ‘Greenhouse Gas Emission Tracker’ tool created by the Christchurch City Council allows people to see how the district is tracking across different emission sources,

// Mercedes to cut lower-price models amid drive into luxury

Mercedes-Benz has said it will drop some of its cheaper models and focus on the more profitable luxury end of the market.

ONE LINERS

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.

May 24th, 20222022-05-23T22:49:31+12:00

May 23rd, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Who bought the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR that sold for a record-breaking $142 million?

A road-racing car built by Mercedes-Benz in 1955, and kept by them ever since has been secured by British expert Simon Kidston for a client.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Mercedes launch luxurious Mythos brand and cuts back on entry-level models

Mercedes is launching an ultra-exclusive brand that will sit above the Maybach moniker and be only for those with lots…

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB

// Vehicle Shipping and Logistics Experts

Autohub has been recognised as one of the world’s best motor vehicle logistics companies, offering the easiest way to import and export your vehicle, wherever you are in the world. We transport your vehicle securely and efficiently, delivering it straight to your door.

BEST OF THE REST

// BMW’s 405kW M4 CSL confirmed for New Zealand

It’s been over 50 years since a BMW first wore the ‘CSL’ badge, and over two decades since the last one, but we can finally confirm that the epic CSL is making a return for the newest-generation M4 coupe.

// Mercedes-AMG unveils Taycan rival in concept form

Mercedes-Benz continues to release more vehicles teasing its electric future.

// NZ not considering 24-month WoFs but will be looking at updating the test

The Ministry of Transport is not considering switching to 24-month Warrant of Fitness inspections but will soon examine if the…

// Watch: Ford reveals the all-new Ranger! Zooming with DRIVEN EP88

This week on Zooming with DRIVEN, we’re talking about the all-new Ford Ranger that broke cover in NZ for the first time… at a boat show. David went along to check it out, so he gives us the inside scoop. He also talks about the new Range Rover Sport.

// Kia investing big time into electric vans and PBVs

Kia sees electric vans and purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) as its next business venture.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Renault Scénic Vision EV concept: Fuel-cell range extender enables smaller, lighter battery

The roomy people-mover gets nearly 500 miles of range from a battery pack the size of a base Nissan Leaf—thanks to an additional hydrogen fuel cell.

// GM patent: Electric trucks could charge other EVs during fast-charging, with dual ports

Electric vehicles have the potential to become mobile power banks for our houses and worksites. But as more scenarios become viable, would two ports be better than one?

IN OTHER NEWS

// VW’s answer to Rivian raises questions video

Volkswagen’s plans to revive the long-dormant Scout brand for the U.S. market raises a number of questions.

// Lockdown in China dents Polestar’s global sales forecast

The government COVID-19 lockdowns in China have forced Polestar to reduce its anticipated 2022 sales forecast from 65,000 units to approximately 50,000.

// Port appoints permanent boss

Acting chief executive at Lyttelton lands role long term and pledges company will learn from recent port tragedy.

// Hacker finds a way to unlock Tesla models, start cars

A hack effective on certain cars, including Teslas, could allow a thief to unlock a vehicle, start it and drive away, according to security researchers.

// Budget extends fuel tax cuts

Government says providing motorists with two more months of relief at the pumps will cost $235m.

// Changes for finance group

Heartland announces two key executive appointments set to come into effect from August.

// Mercedes-Benz announces recall for nearly 2000 cars in NZ

Mercedes-Benz New Zealand has confirmed a recall of nearly 2000 cars built between 2005 to 2013.

ONE LINERS

  • Prodrive is restomodding the best year of Impreza
  • Dissecting the scrappage scheme and more: Auto Media Group live weekly wrap
  • Climate change plan: High-emitting vehicles to be banned, electric vehicle scheme under $4.5 billion plan
  • DRIVEN CAR QUIZ: Can you beat our so-called experts?

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.

May 23rd, 20222022-05-23T01:50:06+12:00
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