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So far Dan Angland has created 1402 blog entries.

3rd May 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Pure-electric Lexus UX 300e SUV confirmed for New Zealand

Falling under the Toyota umbrella, Lexus has had mild hybrids in its fleet for some time now, but is yet to offer an all-electric alternative in New Zealand.

// Other articles on this topic

AutoTalk.co.nz says: First Lexus BEV in NZ this year

AutoCar.co.nz says: Lexus’ first fully electric car is coming to New Zealand

HOT TOPIC

// AA New Zealand Chief Executive steps down

The New Zealand Automobile Association has confirmed a change in personnel, with CEO Brian Gibbons to retire from his position in early 2022.

// Other articles on this topic

AutoTalk.co.nz says Gibbons to retire as AA Chief Executive

AutoFile.co.nz says Gibbons to step down from AA

HOT TOPIC

// Hundreds attend dealership opening

International best-selling artists Sol3 Mio join celebration as Ebbett Group moves into new site.

// Other articles on this topic

AutoTalk.co.nz says Ebbett group opening night to remember

HOT TOPIC

// Three marques dominate sales

Almost 9,000 new cars were registered in New Zealand last month, with Toyota, Kia and Mitsubishi steaming ahead of the rest.

// Other articles on this topic

AutoFile.co.nz says Ranger tops April’s ladder

AutoFile also says Toyota out front for used imports

AutoTalk says April on track despite massive statistical change

HOT TOPIC

// Kiwi car owner rallies to ban offensive number plate

New Zealand’s sequential three letter and three number number plate format can sometimes generate interesting or even comedic plate number combinations.

// Other articles on this topic

Stuff.co.nz says Man wants offensive number plate removed from circulation

HOT TOPIC

// Why do cars catch on fire?

Car fires that just happen, as opposed to being caused by an accident always make the news – and always look dramatic

// Other articles on this topic

EVsandBeyond.co.nz says EV destroyed in NZ road blaze

BEST OF THE REST

// Is this the new Toyota Corolla GR hot hatch?

While Toyota continues to ‘keep mum’ over the prospects of a hot hatch Gazoo Racing ‘GR’ variant of the Corolla, speculation continues to churn from all corners of the globe.

// Ford and ARB make it official with Licensed Accessories for Ranger and Everest

ARB and Ford are undertaking what they call a “high-level collaboration” to sell selected off-road equipment

IN OTHER NEWS

// May eworld expo has electrifying topics and displays

Movers and shakers in the New Zealand’s e-mobility and sustainable technologies industries are set to charge up eworld

// Five Things: Weird and wonderful Shanghai Motor Show reveals

The Shanghai Motor Show wrapped up last week, and we were treated to a bunch of awesome new concepts and near-production prototypes.

ONE LINERS

Three-peat for Archibald and Shorter Greenlane

Rolls-Royce opens new London flagship store

EVs surge in IEA global outlook

Iconic Ford F-150 lightning set to be reborn as an EV ute

Tesla can’t just keep preaching to the converted

Chinese tech giant Baidu rolls out paid driverless taxi service in Beijing

 

3rd May 20212021-05-04T08:34:18+12:00

29th April 2021

SPECIAL REPORT

// Current National New Car Deals Revealed

A complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials. Offers including pricing specials, ‘free extras’ deals, or special financing terms.

HOT TOPIC

// Hyundai Kona Electric Series II arrives

Hyundai New Zealand welcomes the arrival of the 2021 Kona Electric Series II with a facelifted exterior and interior design, improved range (484km WLTP)

// Other articles on this topic

AutoCar.co.nz says: Hyundai’s updated 484km Kona Electric lands on kiwi soil

Driven.co.nz says: Hyundai’s all-new Kona Electric lands in NZ with more range

HOT TOPIC

// Forget GTI; GTX is the future of hot Volkswagens

Volkswagen has revealed its first fully electric high-performance model, the ID.4 GTX, with a “digital reveal” held at the Berlin Tempelhof Airport in Germany.

// Other articles on this topic

AutoTalk.co.nz says VW ID.4 GTX presented globally

BEST OF THE REST

// Video: EV charging via wireless under study

EV drivers may in future just change lanes and drive over charging strips in the road to recharge their EVs.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Stunning Aston Martin V12 Speedster DBR1 revealed

Just over 12 months ago, Aston Martin unveiled its stunning V12 Speedster; the iconic British firm’s take on the new hypercar speedster genre

// Catch a wave with VW Amarok

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is the new official vehicle supplier for Surfing New Zealand

// Campervan company’s outlook improves

Business plans to re-invest in new fleet as sales margins for its older vehicles stage recovery.

// Call for views on Trade Me bid

Deadline looms for interested parties to have their say over online marketplace’s plans to take over rival.

// Auto group backs guidelines for partially automated vehicles

The trade association representing most major automakers is offering guidelines for manufacturers to advertise partially automated driving systems

ONE LINERS

Mitsubishi Outlander dominates rivals

Mazda restores the first MX

VW in 100 most influential companies list

Ford plans to develop and produce electric vehicle batteries

 

29th April 20212021-04-29T21:00:28+12:00

28th April 2021

HOT TOPIC

// New biosecurity measures to tackle lengthy vehicle import delays

Biosecurity New Zealand will no longer require vehicles to be held on a vessel for further inspection if contamination is detected

// Biosecurity staff staying in NZ

Ministry announces plans to tackle delays in the verification process that have hit the used-vehicle supply chain since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

HOT TOPIC

// Toyota ups investment in autonomous cars with $550m purchase

Toyota is on something of a technology high, it seems. Earlier this month it unveiled its new bZ4X electric concept, while simultaneously making a series of pledging about its commitment to electrification.

// Toyota acquires Lyft’s self-driving unit for US$550 million

Toyota Motor Corp. has acquired the self-driving division of American ride-hailing company Lyft for US$550 million, in a move that highlights the Japanese automaker’s ambitions in that technology.

// Toyota to get Lyft’s self-driving unit

Toyota’s Woven Planet division will acquire rideshare firm Lyft’s self-driving technology unit for US$550 million.

HOT TOPIC

// Hyundai Kona N revealed as family-friendly crossover for track days

The words ‘enthusiast’ and ‘small SUV’ don’t usually belong in the same sentence, but Hyundai has given one good reason why they should coexist in harmony.

// This is it: Hyundai unveils 213kw Kona N, its hottest suv

Hyundai continued its new model onslaught overnight, via its official reveal of the new Kona N.

// Hot Kona N headed for NZ

Hyundai’s first N brand high-performance crossover SUV, the 240km/h Kona N, is due to arrive here in the second half of this year.

// Hyundai reveals its hottest SUV

Hyundai has finally whipped the hanky off its hottest SUV, the all-new Kona N

BEST OF THE REST

// Lightyear plans world’s first long range solar car this year

Lightyear and Bridgestone have formed a partnership to develop solar car Lightyear One due to become commercially available by the end of this year.

// Automotive recruiter reports 240% increase in job listings

Automotive Employment New Zealand says in comparison to 2019 it has experienced a 240% increase in job listings thus far in 2021.

IN OTHER NEWS

// World’s wildest SUV? Ram 1500 TRX seven-seater revealed with 1000HP

Considering that the Dodge Durango Hellcat is already in the FCA catalog, we can see why Ram wouldn’t be interested in turning the Hellcat-powered TRX into an SUV, so Hennessey has decided to do it.

// Outlander sales not a lucky blip says MMNZ

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ) says it has sold more than 5014 Outlander seven-seat models over the past 24 months, nearly twice as many as the nearest competitor,

// Go Car Finance secures new $40 million facility

Australian-owned Go Car Finance has secured a three-year facility with Heartland Bank for $40 million, to support ongoing loan book growth.

// EROAD welcomes govt work on future revenue system

EROAD chief executive Steven Newman says he welcomes news that work is underway to review the current land transport revenue system.

// Electric Island Waiheke seminar covers sustainability

Electric Island Waiheke will host a series of seminars throughout 2021 at the Waiheke High School in support of Electric Island’s vision

// Toyota and Honda’s EV push improves their outlook

The credit profiles of Toyota Motor Corporation (A+/Stable) and Honda’s Motor Co., Ltd (A/Stable) are supported by the acceleration in their EV strategies

// Covid prompts kiwis’ shift to cleaner, greener future

New Zealanders are turning more to clean energy like solar and green hydrogen along with e-mobility in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

// BMW talks torque with new models

Marque’s M division is set to boost its range in New Zealand with the addition of two all-wheel-drive cars.

// Freight firm eyes alternate fuels

Boss urges whole industry to work together if it wants to successfully decarbonise the sector.

// Pint-size muscle: Manhart unveils pumped up BMW M2 comp

There’s little doubt that the current BMW M2 is going to be a future classic, and not because it doesn’t have the brand’s new big-grilled face.

ONE LINERS

Honda declares all sales will be electric vehicles by 2040

Ultra-rare electric Mercedes-Benz SLS emerges for sale at $1.6 million

Tesla hits back at authorities over fatal crash, claims driver was behind wheel

Watch: Bill Nye explains how Porsche’s incredible all-electric Taycan works

ABB records strong start to 2021

Turners wins trusted used car dealer award

Elon Musk believes Tesla Model Y could be world’s best-selling car

 

28th April 20212021-04-28T20:37:30+12:00

27th April 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Farmer Volkswagen wins 2020 dealer of the year

Mount Maunganui based Farmer Volkswagen has won the overall Volkswagen New Zealand dealer of the year award for 2020.

// Dealership wins eight gongs

Marque celebrates the efforts of its 21 dealerships nationwide and announces ambassador role for Kiwi pop star. PLUS – gallery

HOT TOPIC

// Trusted trio stay on top

Survey of Kiwi consumers puts Turners ahead of its used-car rivals, with Toyota and AA also enjoying repeat wins.

// Toyota crowned as one of NZ’s most trusted brands

Toyota’s somewhat perpetual position as New Zealand’s most popular car brand comes down to a lot of different things.

BEST OF THE REST

// Will this Chinese hatch be NZ’s first sub-$40k electric car?

The topic of cheap electric cars is a heck of a conversation starter in New Zealand motoring circles.

IN OTHER NEWS

// A legendary Ferrari for less?

Ever fancied a Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, but don’t have a lazy $10 million or so that one would cost?

// Design your personalised Mini

Mini New Zealand has launched an online configurator that allows buyers to customise their cars within the brand’s new tier system.

// The ‘new’ Mini is not so new anymore

To some people the “new” Mini will never be a replacement for the original, but here’s the thing: it’s not that “new” anymore. In fact the BMW Mini is celebrating its 20th birthday this month!

// Protecta adds international experience

Company’s new business development manager has spent years working with dealerships across South Africa.

// All Renaults to be limited to 180km/h in pursuit of safety

French car maker Renault has announced that all of its cars from 2022 onwards will have their top speeds capped at 180km/h.

ONE LINERS

Modified Toyota Prius looks ready for the apocalypse

Tesla CEO Elon Musk adding SNL hosting job to his to-do list

Tesla posts US$438M profit on strong sales

Honda set to phase out petrol engine cars by 2040

NZ Police have paid $24.3million for damaged cars over 6 years

Tesla delivers seventh successive quarter profit

 

27th April 20212021-04-27T21:25:46+12:00

26th April 2021

SLOW NEWS DAY

// Remembering when GM beat Tesla to the EV punch 25 years ago

This week just gone was a considerable one for General Motors, particularly in terms of electrification.

// Five Things: the best interiors under $50k

While the exterior of a car is what hooks people in, the interior is where they’ll spend all of their driving time, so it’s gotta be good.

 

26th April 20212021-04-26T17:51:52+12:00

23rd April 2021 + the Weekend

HOT TOPIC

// Just how easy is it for a Tesla to drive with no driver?

Tesla’s level two autonomous ‘Autopilot’ system, as well as its more advanced ‘Full Self Driving’ (FSD) cousin have been all over the news this week following a tragic fatal crash in the US which killed two.

// Consumer Reports tricks Tesla to drive with no one at wheel

Consumer Reports said Thursday it was able to easily trick a Tesla into driving in the car’s Autopilot mode with no one at the wheel.

BEST OF THE REST

// Spied: new Toyota land cruiser spotted without camouflage

Just a few weeks after patent drawings of the new Toyota Land Cruiser emerged online, a series of images of the real thing have followed.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Huawei has revealed its first ever car

Huawei has beaten Apple to the punch and released its first ever car – in a way. The car is actually the Seres SF5, which first debuted in 2019.

// Not carrying out land transport funding review

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) is undertaking a programme of work to review the current land transport revenue system to ensure it is “fit for purpose and can meet future requirements”.

// Mini introduces new tiered package structure

Mini has announced pricing and specification details for its 2021 Hatch and Convertible range and says buyers will enjoy a high level of standard specification from new tiered package structure.

// Audi presents fully electric sportback concept car

Audi has unveiled the four-door A6 e-tron concept at Auto Shanghai 2021 which it says is the forerunner of a family of fully-electric production cars.

// Eighty EV battery gigafactories ‘insufficient’

Plans for 80 new EV battery gigafactories will be insufficient, an ABB sponsored report predicts.

// EV demand accelerating

Sales of high voltage hybrids (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) all saw an increase in most regions across the globe in spite of COVID-19.

// MTA’s call to boost safety of fleet

Industry body urges permanent support for employers teaching skills to the next generation of automotive workers.

// Logistics company to slash emissions

Toll NZ trials alternative fuel options for its fleet as it eyes ambitious environmental goals.

// Penis vigilante: Artist spray paints dicks on pothole-filled kiwi roads

The state of New Zealand’s roads has been a hot topic in the recent past, following a flurry of discussions around infrastructure upgrades and road safety.

// Government thinking of killing NZ fuel tax

One of the New Zealand Government’s less popular taxes, that is placed on fuel, is under review following an investigation by the Ministry of Transport.

// Volkswagen shows off facelifted Polo

Volkswagen has revealed the facelifted Polo ahead of an expected launch next year.

// Volvo announces EV battery recycling initiatives

From 2025, Volvo wants to reduce its annual CO2 output by 2.5 million tonnes by using circular business principles.

// Jaguar Land Rover halts production because of chip shortage

Jaguar Land Rover said Thursday it’s suspending production at two U.K. factories, becoming the latest automaker to fall victim to a global shortage of microchips.

// DRIVEN’s 10th anniversary: The top 10 cars of the last 10 years

It’s DRIVEN’s 10th anniversary and so we couldn’t resist arguing amongst ourselves to establish what we reckon are the 10 most important and/or influential cars of the last decade.

// The Good Oil: The day the first domino fell for the Australian car industry

A long time in this business, being lucky enough to represent big publications like DRIVEN, has afforded me the opportunity for a few “I was there” moments over the past 27 years.

// DRIVEN 10th anniversary: How it all began

An early response to the first issue of DRIVEN came from an Australian who’d picked up the NZ Herald from Auckland airport on his way back across the ditch.

// Watch: How big is Hyundai’s new Santa Cruz ute? Zooming with DRIVEN

This week we cover Hyundai’s new Santa Cruz ute, the Toyota BZ4X electric SUV, a Subaru that sold for an extraordinary price, and Dean’s entry into Mazda MX-5 racing.

 

23rd April 2021 + the Weekend2021-04-25T18:32:38+12:00

22nd April 2021 + Special Report

SPECIAL REPORT

// Current National New Car Deals Revealed

A complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials. Offers including pricing specials, ‘free extras’ deals, or special financing terms.

HOT TOPIC

// Over 9000! Ferrari’s 812 ‘Limited Edition’ features the brand’s highest-revving engine

To create an engine that’s capable of over 600kW without any form of forced induction takes an incredible amount of skill, but to make one that can also spin at over 9000 revolutions per minute takes even more.

// Ferrari unveils its most powerful v12 road car of all time

You’d presume that a car with a name like ‘Superfast’ would already be a pinnacle model, never to be trumped by some kind of special edition.

HOT TOPIC

// Used-car prices climb

A growing demand for second-hand cars has been vital to lifting the CPI. The price of buying used cars has increased by the highest annual amount in nearly a decade, according to new figures from Stats NZ.

// Kiwi used-car prices explode over supply and demand

While NZ Autocar predominantly loves talking about the latest and greatest in motoring, it can be fun to look at the second-hand market every now and again

HOT TOPIC

// Big trouble in china for Tesla

Tesla’s now getting criticism in China following a dream run there. A woman jumped on the roof of an EV at Tesla’s Auto Shanghai 2021 display yelling she almost died because of brake failure

// Tesla says sorry as disquiet in China climbs after protest

After a dream run that saw it receive backing from the highest levels of the Chinese state, Tesla is getting a reality check

HOT TOPIC

// Volvo tackles electric vehicle battery recycling

It’s no secret that recycling batteries from electric cars is a complicated topic, but it’s one much more promise now than just a few years ago.

// Volvo to re-use EV batteries

Volvo Cars has launched new initiatives to re-use EV batteries to store solar and hydro power and charge e-bikes.

HOT TOPIC

// Volkswagen’s updated Polo revealed with fresh looks and new tech

Over the past year or so, Volkswagen has been rolling out updates across its fleet, normalising its bold new design language across every vehicle.

// Volkswagen gives Polo the Golf treatment with update

Volkswagen is in the midst of a grand overhaul of its line-up, with the aim of getting each of them on the same design page as the new Mk8 Golf.

BEST OF THE REST

// Kia has given the Cerato a mid-life spruce-up

The Kia Cerato has been given an update, consisting of fresh looks and more technology.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Beam ‘pops’ the driving habit for earth day

E-mobility firm Beam introduced an Earth Day (April 22) campaign called “Let’s Pop The Driving Habit” where balloons were filled with air equivalent to the CO2 produced by 10km of car travel

// Make apprenticeship scheme permanent: MTA

The Government should make Apprenticeship Boost a permanent scheme following education minister Chris Hipkins announcing a 17% increase in apprenticeships from 2019 to 2020

// Insurance brokers and banks under MBIE microscope

Under proposed financial markets legislation, bank tellers will no longer have set sales targets and intermediaries such as insurance brokers will also be more stringently regulated says the Ministry of Business,

// Vector extends EV charger trial

Vector has extended its Auckland EV smart charging trial by a year with participants also increased from 120 to 200 people.

// Huge response to Christchurch e-aircraft display

More than 6000 people visited Christchurch’s main public library Tūranga during its Take Charge Christchurch battery electric aircraft event on April 17 and 18.

// VINZ welcomes new managers

Industry veterans step into key roles as company looks to provide extra focus on different parts of its business.

// Chevy plan to cram world’s most powerful n/a v8 in Corvette

It’s really still in its life-cycle infancy, yet Chevrolet’s new Corvette C8 is already classed by many as something of a world beater.

// Chinese firm’s new car is a giant air purifier on wheels

In this age of petrol bans and government regulations being hurried through, let this be a timely reminder of the fact that cars are a source of fun.

// Is the Skoda Superb NZ’s quickest cop car?

Bring up the New Zealand Police department’s new Skoda wheels and you’re likely to get one of two responses.

// Great Wall sub-brand reveals twin cat electric attack

Great Wall’s Ora sub-brand has revealed two new EVs at the Shanghai Auto Show this week – the retro-tastic Punk Cat and the not-at-all-Porsche-like Lightning Cat.

// $300K hybrid: This Porsche Panamera might be the best way to save the planet

As fuel prices slowly rise, and emission standards get tighter, the majority of drivers are looking into electrification of some kind on the transportation front, be that either hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric.

// It’s happening: Toyota is serious about building an electric ute

Earlier this week, Toyota used the Shanghai Auto Show to reveal its bold plans around bringing a range of electric vehicles to the international market under the ‘Beyond Zero’ badge.

 

22nd April 2021 + Special Report2021-04-22T21:45:25+12:00

21st April 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Volkswagen ID.4 wins 2021 World Car of the Year award

The all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 SUV has beaten the Toyota Yaris and the Honda e to become the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year.

// The electric VW ID.4 is 2021 World Car of the Year

Officials from World Car of the Year have confirmed overnight that the Volkswagen ID.4, Veedub’s first fully electric SUV, has scooped the grand prize for 2021.

HOT TOPIC

// New Zealand’s EV charging network continues to expand

The network of public EV charging stations around the country is continuing to increase, with The Warehouse and Meridian Energy both recently revealing expansions to their public charger networks.

// The Warehouse expands free car charging network

Electric car owners who love a free plug or two can rejoice, following this morning’s news that The Warehouse is set to expand its charging network nationwide.

BEST OF THE REST

// Mazda, Honda, Mitsubishi all announce electric SUVs

If there’s been a theme to the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show, it’s been electrification. Almost every manufacturer represented at the event used it to launch new electric or partially electric offerings.

IN OTHER NEWS

// New Lexus hybrid only in NZ

Carmaker predicts Kiwis will not make an immediate jump to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) for some time yet.

// Auckland Audi dealership offering high-powered charging for all EVs

A new 175kW DC charger located at Auckland’s Giltrap Audi dealership is the first such facility above 50kW in the city centre and it will be available to all electric vehicles drivers who operate a ChargeNet account.

// Tesla drops Model 3 price

Tesla has reduced the price of its Model 3 variants in Australia and New Zealand by several thousands of dollars or nearly 6%.

// Countdown to may Eworld expo

New Zealand’s e-mobility and sustainable technologies event eworld is shaping up for The Trusts Arena in Henderson, Auckland, on Friday May 7 (trade expo) and Saturday May 8 (public day).

// BMW group New Zealand publishes next generation leadership report

BMW Group New Zealand has published a research study that documents five crucial components New Zealand business leaders must embrace today, so that they succeed in the future.

// Cockram Kia opens new Christchurch supersite

After a significant redevelopment which saw more than half a million dollars invested into the new dealership, Cockram Kia is open for business in a new, purpose-built facility which will house the entire team under one roof.

// Uber launches shared rides scheme

Uber has launched a new shared rides trial called Pool Chance exclusively in Auckland and Adelaide.

// Marque opens new supersite

Dealership in Christchurch brings all its staff under one roof after previously operating out of three locations.

// Nissan Pulsar GTI-R emerges in NZ for $54,990

The world is going gaga right now for homologation special ‘race cars for the road’, particularly those connected to Group A or Group B rallying.

// Volkswagen preparing go-fast ID.4 GTX for launch

Volkswagen has confirmed the first electric vehicle to get the high-performance GTX moniker will be the ID.4, set for a debut on April 28

// World Car of the Year winners announced

The big winners for the 2021 World Car of the Year awards have been announced, after a year marred by the Covid-19 pandemic.

// Fatal Tesla crash highlights company’s shaky history with safety investigators

Officials said Tesla is not party to a probe into a weekend Model S crash that killed two people – a departure from typical protocol and a potential sign of the auto company’s strained relations with investigators.

// Fast food: Nissan reveals McDonald’s Edition chrome-wrapped GT-R

Just recently, Nissan revealed the GT-R NISMO Special Edition which apart from adding a new colour, and a few carbon fibre parts, didn’t make the aging GT-R anymore interesting.

// Watch: Mini Paddy Hopkirk Edition pays tribute to a rallying icon

More than 56 years have passed, but memories of the giant-slaying ‘little car that could’ with the starting number 37 have hardly faded.

// Audi’s all-electric e-tron A6 concept revealed at Shanghai Auto Show

Audi is getting serious about electric cars. The German luxury brand has shown off its new A6 e-tron concept car at the 2021 Shanghai motor show.

 

21st April 20212021-04-21T18:52:27+12:00

20th April 2021

HOT TOPIC

// “Madness”: Australian car industry criticises NZ emissions targets

New Zealand’s new Clean Car Standard legislation is set to come into effect next year, with the full brunt of its 102g/km carbon emissions limit for new cars to be felt by 2025.

// Aussie car industry slams NZ targets

Automotive body warns the government it should be taking more time to introduce its tough emissions goals this side of the Tasman.

HOT TOPIC

// Toyota reveals fully electric SUV destined for production

Toyota has revealed its latest electric concept, an SUV taking after the RAV4, at the Shanghai Motor Show.

// Toyota’s all-electric BZ range confirmed for New Zealand

Toyota will begin selling an electric vehicle in the New Zealand market in the near future as part of a global strategy to launch seven EVs in the next four years.

HOT TOPIC

// EVs electrify Auto Shanghai 2021

Electric vehicles are taking centre stage at China’s major automotive show from April 21-28, some announced at press days on April 19 and 20.

// EVs and SUVs star at China auto show under virus controls

Volkswagen, Ford and Chinese brands unveiled new SUVs for China on Monday at the Shanghai auto show, the industry’s biggest marketing event in a year overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic.

HOT TOPIC

// Renault confirms Megane R.S Trophy arrival

Renault New Zealand (RNZ) has confirmed the enhanced Megane R.S Trophy hatchback will be arriving in local dealerships in April.

// Renault confirm Megane R.S Trophy for New Zealand

Renault has confirmed that the Megane R.S Trophy will be available in New Zealand this month, in both manual and dual-clutch automatic flavours.

HOT TOPIC

// Investigators ‘100 per cent sure’ no one was driving a Tesla that hit a tree, killing two men

Two US federal agencies are sending teams to investigate the fatal crash of a Tesla near Houston, Texas, in which local authorities say no one was behind the wheel.

// Authorities sure no one was driving during fatal Tesla crash in America

Two men have died in a fiery crash after a Tesla “on autopilot with no one driving” crashed into a tree catching alight.

BEST OF THE REST

// Great Wall and Shelby reveal their own adventure ute

One of the more unique unions in the motoring world has confirmed its first combined consummation; Great Wall Motors (GWM) and Shelby (yeah, that Shelby) showing off their take on a Ford Ranger Raptor rival.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Investors flocking to buy shares in dealership group

In the past 12 months Australian investors flocking to buy shares in vehicle retailer Eagers Automotive have pushed the value of the company’s shares up by 300%

// Toyota says building works won’t affect dealers or customers

Toyota New Zealand says earthquake strengthening works on one section of the building at its Palmerston North headquarters will not disrupt the operations

// The Shanghai Auto show’s most interesting reveal isn’t even a car

It’s been a big 48-odd hours or so for the car world, following a plethora of new car news from the Shanghai Auto Show.

// Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Sydney awarded Ownership Services Dealer of the Year

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Sydney has been awarded Ownership Services Dealer of the Year in the Asia Pacific, beating 21 other dealers in the region to the title.

// Physical and digital premiere for Maserati Levante hybrid

Maserati hosted a physical premiere for the new Levante Hybrid live at the Shanghai Auto Show

// More traction coming for BMW M3 and M4 Competition models

BMW M will expand the line-up of the new BMW M3 and M4 Competition models with the New Zealand arrival later this year of new variants featuring the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

// New executive joins ATL

Shuji Kurumiya brings two decades of industry experience to company’s new role in Tokyo.

// Gorgeous Audi A6 e-tron concept a preview of the future

Audi is in the midst of an electric car revolution. In the last week alone it unveiled the Q4 e-tron, confirmed Kiwi pricing and specs for its upcoming e-tron GT, and overnight it revealed another EV — the A6 e-tron Concept.

// Toyota confirms it’s working on an electric ute

Yesterday was an enormous one for Toyota at the Shanghai Auto Show.

// Hyundai Santa Cruz ute debuts, but there’s bad news for Kiwi buyers

Hyundai’s first go at a ute has finally been revealed, the unibody-based Santa Cruz.

 

20th April 20212021-04-20T21:58:22+12:00

19th April 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Mercedes-Benz continues its electric roll-out with EQS and EQB

Mercedes-Benz has continued expanding its all-electric EQ range with the family-moving EQB SUV and the ultra-suave EQS.

// Mercedes goes EV crazy, shows off another electric SUV

One of the surprise highlights of the 2020 motoring year was the Mercedes-Benz GLB.

// China premiere for Mercedes-benz EQB

Mercedes-Benz will unveil the all-electric EQB this week at Auto Shanghai as the vehicle will launch first in the Chinese market later this year.

HOT TOPIC

// Tesla drops Model 3 price

Tesla has reduced the price of its Model 3 variants in Australia and New Zealand by several thousands of dollars or nearly 6%.

// Tesla Model 3 gets big kiwi price cut

One of New Zealand’s most popular electric cars, the Tesla Model 3, has just inherited a beefy price cut across two of its three models,

HOT TOPIC

// Toyota plugs into electric future

Marque keen to get the BEV spearheading its new range into our used market as quickly as possible.

// Toyota turns electric

Toyota plans to bring its first battery electric vehicle (BEV) to New Zealand in 2022.

// Toyota unveils its first electric car: meet the bZ4X

After years of commitment to hybrid development, followed by the addition of hydrogen development, Toyota has finally unveiled its first fully electric car; the bZ4X.

BEST OF THE REST

// Quinn makes move for Taupo track

Australian-based businessman aims to add to his portfolio of motorsport venues in New Zealand.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Volvo to supply cars for robotaxi tests

Volvo Cars will supply its XC90s to DiDi Autonomous Driving for its self-driving test fleet.

// ATL appoints Kurumiya as Japan chief executive officer

Shuji Kurumiya has been appointed the chief executive officer of the Japanese operations of the Automotive Technologies Company Limited (ATL).

// Volkswagen reveals China-only ID.6 SUV family

Volkswagen has revealed two versions of the ID.6 SUV which will seat up to seven people and which will be manufactured exclusively for the Chinese market

// Genesis electrified G80 debuts at Auto Shanghai

Genesis has globally launched its Genesis Electrified G80 at Auto Shanghai 2021, its first EV which is due in Australia in early 2022 and possibly New Zealand.

// More public EV charging at The Warehouse

The Warehouse Group (TWG) is increasing free public access to EV rapid charging with the expansion and upgrade of its charging station infrastructure, now at 28 stores nationwide.

// 70% of European drivers considering an EV

About 70% of European drivers say they would consider buying an EV as their next car, mainly for the environmental benefits offered by a zero-emissions vehicle (49%).

// Call for biofuels mandate

Gull New Zealand says decarbonising the transport fleet can start now if the government reintroduces former legislation.

// Audi e-tron GT priced from $194,500 in New Zealand

In the same week as Audi’s local arm confirmed that the Q4 e-tron, its smallest electric car yet, would be coming to New Zealand, it’s also confirmed pricing for its flagship e-tron GT.

// Toyota confirms EVs for NZ, accepts high-price challenges

Toyota New Zealand has confirmed that it will be bringing over future fully electric products from the brand’s new bZ line of EVs, the first of which — the bZ4X — having been unveiled earlier today.

 

19th April 20212021-04-19T20:13:44+12:00
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