February 25th 2026
HOT TOPIC
// Tesla rolls out Grok AI assistant to NZ vehicles
Tesla Australia and New Zealand have announced the rollout of Grok, an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant,
- DrivenCarGuide says Tesla launches ‘Grok’ AI assistant for New Zealand drivers
HOT TOPIC
// Lamborghini shelves Lanzador EV, doubles down on PHEVs
Lamborghini has abandoned plans for its first full-electric production model, confirming the Lanzador 2+2 EV-SUV will not reach showrooms.
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BEST OF THE REST
// Grey area surrounding 3,500kg threshold highlighted by arrival of Denza B8
Denza Auckland has confirmed it has registered its first B8, a seven-seat luxury plug-in hybrid SUV, as a light vehicle without road user charges.
// Six-seat Tesla Model Y L inches closer to New Zealand with ADR approval
Tesla’s three-row, six-seat Model Y L is one step closer to going on sale in New Zealand, following news of its Australian approval.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Mercedes-Benz Botany wins Retailer of the Year
Armstrong’s Mercedes-Benz Botany has been named Mercedes-Benz New Zealand Retailer of the Year for the fourth consecutive year,
// Brett Flintoff appointed president of the AA
Brett Flintoff has been appointed president of the New Zealand Automobile Association (AA),
// Motor vehicle spending remains elevated despite quarterly dip
Motor vehicles and parts retailing recorded $4.277 billion in actual sales in the December 2025 quarter, according to Stats NZ.
// Value of vehicle imports grows
Value of vehicle imports grows Automotive-related shipments from China and the EU rose year-on-year by $69m and $47m respectively.
// Guilty of illegal lending
Ilaisaane Malupo, trading as Nane Easy Loan Finance Services NZ, has admitted providing loans illegally to members of the Tongan community in south Auckland.
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INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// Volvo Is Recalling 40,000 EX30s Because They Might Catch On Fire
Volvo has issued a recall for more than 40,000 EX30 electric crossovers, citing a risk that modules in the high voltage battery can overheat and catch fire.
ONE LINERS
- Apple CarPlay update to allow video streaming in parked cars
- Chery’s new 1-tonner is the ‘world’s first’ diesel PHEV ute – and it could be NZ-bound
- Isuzu turns humble N-Series truck into a rolling lounge with gullwing twist
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