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16th April 2021 + the Weekend

HOT TOPIC

Hyundai Santa Cruz ute not coming to New Zealand

For those in Aotearoa who smacked their lips this morning at the sight of Hyundai’s new compact Santa Cruz — a Sport Adventure Vehicle take on the ute segment — I have some sad news.

Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

Hyundai’s first ute revealed: meet the Santa Cruz

After plenty of teasers and rumours, Hyundai has finally whipped the covers completely off its new double-cab pick-up, the Santa Cruz.

Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

HOT TOPIC

BMW and Mini sales soar in NZ

Local registrations play a key part in group starting the year by setting a new global record.

Read more on AutoFile.co.nz

BMW reports double digit growth in Q1

BMW Group New Zealand is reporting a combined 20.4% sales growth in the first quarter of 2021 for the BMW and MINI brands.

Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

HOT TOPIC

Mercedes EQS 2022 launches

The first luxury EV saloon from Mercedes-EQ has up to 770km range and 385kW output from its powertrain.

Read more on EVsandBeyond.co.nz

Mercedes-Benz unveils sleek EQS EV with 770km range

Following extensive coverage of both its enormous 56-inch ‘Hyperscreen’ and the rest of its cabin, Mercedes-Benz has finally shown off its new fully electric EQS sedan in full.

Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

Mercedes looks to redefine electric luxury with all-new EQS sedan

Call the EQS a drag queen, if you want. This luxurious EV from Mercedes now wears the crown reserved for the world’s most aerodynamic production car.

Read more on Driven.co.nz

HOT TOPIC

Audi confirms electric Q4 e-tron for New Zealand

Audi’s local arm has announced that the brand’s newest electric car, the Q4 e-tron, is destined to launch in New Zealand in late 2022.

Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

Audi reveals Q4 e-tron

The Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron have been unveiled globally but may not reach New Zealand until later next year.

Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

Audi unveils all-new, all-electric Q4 e-tron

Audi is the latest to show off some new electrical hardware, this time coming in the form of the Q4 e-tron.

Read more on Stuff.co.nz

Charge account: Audi e-tron GT, full New Zealand pricing and specification

Audi has been one of the pioneers in bringing Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) power to the premium segment, with the likes of the e-tron SUV.

Read more on Driven.co.nz

BEST OF THE REST

The Good Oil: How the Jeepster got it on

What was the first SUV? While the term “Sport Utility Vehicle” wasn’t widely used until the 1980s, the concept of an off-road style vehicle intended mainly for urban/leisure use (which is what an SUV really is these days) emerged much, much earlier.

Read more on Driven.co.nz

IN OTHER NEWS

Prince Philip’s custom-made Land Rover hearse – 18 years in the making

Buckingham Palace has released pictures of a customised Land Rover that Prince Philip helped design, and that will now carry his coffin.

Read more on Stuff.co.nz

New look for Cooke Howlison Isuzu

Locally owned Cooke Howlison Isuzu has recently opened its new redeveloped Teviot St dealership in Dunedin.

Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

SUV is back in black

Mazda tips fresh addition to CX-5 line-up will be a hit with Kiwi consumers.

Read more on AutoFile.co.nz

Lessons learned after living with a Nissan Leaf

Over the past six weeks we have followed the Saunders-Smeath family on their series of road trips around Northland in a Nissan Leaf

Read more on Stuff.co.nz

Watch: Is VW’s new Golf the best one yet? Zooming with DRIVEN EP41

This week it’s just the three of us, but don’t stress, because we’ve still managed to pull together a half-decent show without the boss.

Read more on Driven.co.nz

The Insider: New Zealand motor industry insight

It’s been a year since New Zealand’s first big lockdown, in response to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Read more on Driven.co.nz

Hyundai Pony goes back to the future

Hyundai Motor Company has gone back to the future by creating a retro-modern reconstruction of the first-generation Pony light-car

Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

 

16th April 2021 + the Weekend2021-04-18T18:20:28+12:00

15th April 2021 + Special Report

SPECIAL REPORT

// Current National New Car Deals Revealed

On this page you’ll find current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials. Offers including pricing specials, ‘free extras’ deals, or special financing terms.

HOT TOPIC

// Q4 e-tron: Audi reveals its smallest electric car yet

After Audi’s recent announcement of ditching fossil fuel-powered engines completely, the German brand has doubled down on the electric movement, by whipping the covers off the latest e-tron.

// Revealed: Audi shows off baby electric Q4 e-tron

Audi’s ongoing electrification expansion has a new chapter, following the overnight unveiling of the new Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback; Audi’s smallest fully electric cars yet.

BEST OF THE REST

// Honda seeking service store partners

Honda New Zealand is seeking partners for its new Honda Service Store concept in unallocated prime marketing areas

IN OTHER NEWS

// Turners thriving in uncertainty

Company exceeds expectations during pandemic and is confident about future growth.

// Hot Mini upgraded for 2021

Mini fans can banish the winter gloom with the latest version of the John Cooper Works Hatch

// Thatcham impressed with 5-Star VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq

Vehicle safety standards within the Electrical Vehicle (EV) market have been further boosted after the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq emerged

// Dunedin dealership celebrates long serving employees

Cooke Howlison Toyota Dunedin has farewelled two of it’s longest serving employees from the sales and service departments

// Video: Audi partners with ABB to provide e-mobility solutions

Audi and ABB in New Zealand have partnered to provide an e-mobility solution to help achieve the country’s objective of being carbon neutral by 2050.

// Staria launches with diesel and petrol engines

Hyundai’s vision of the “evolution of mobility” will be rooted in petrol and diesel power – at least for now.

// Future mobility focussed dealership group

Not many NZ car dealers have created an app-based car share business, but Hamilton’s Ebbett Group founded the Loop brand

// Mustang jumps to the front

Ford reveals increase in sales locally and internationally ahead of pony car’s 57th anniversary.

// Spending on cars resurgent

Industry overcomes “lacklustre” February as consumers splash nearly $8m more the following month.

// General Motors under investigation over airbags that don’t work

General Motors has found themselves in hot water, over allegations of airbags in its vehicles that are not deploying in the event of a crash.

// Kiwi details, pricing confirmed for Mercedes’ cheapest electric car

Following the January unveiling of the Mercedes-Benz EQA and the confirmation that it would be hitting New Zealand,

// Tests on truck handbrakes find high failure rates – report

Tests on truck handbrakes have found high rates of failure, and concluded the way the brakes are routinely checked is ineffective.

// Nissan’s updated GT-R NISMO revealed with a new bonnet

Once an automotive brand that was at the forefront of performance development, a spate of unfortunate events has left Nissan’s performance products sitting stagnant,

// New study finds link between smartphone and electric car adoption

Tech lovers who frequently upgrade their smartphones could be first in line to sign up for electric cars.

 

15th April 2021 + Special Report2021-04-15T21:27:49+12:00

14th April 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Tuner turns Ford Bronco into six-wheeled behemoth

Ever since Mercedes decided that its G-Wagen needed an extra two wheels, tuners have been adding pairs of wheels to almost every over-the-top off-roader,

// Bonkers 6-wheeled Ford Bronco confirmed for production

Like the Jeep Wrangler it aims to topple, the Ford Bronco is a sitter for the off-road aftermarket industry.

HOT TOPIC

// Mustang sales galloping in NZ

Ford Mustang sales in New Zealand are up 72% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2021 and the pony car leads the sports car segment.

// Ford Mustang still number one in NZ and abroad

Like it or lump it, it’s hard to deny that the Ford Mustang isn’t a value-packed beast compared to other two-door coupes on the market.

HOT TOPIC

// Mercedes-Benz achieves EV price-parity with new EQA

Mercedes-Benz New Zealand has priced its small electric SUV, the EQA. Set for a local launch in June, the EQA will first arrive in 250 form, priced at $85,500.

// All-electric Mercedes A-class here in June

Mercedes-Benz is entering the compact segment of the New Zealand electric vehicle market with an all-electric version of its A-class SUV.

// Trailblazing SUV coming to NZ

Mercedes-Benz describes new model as a key part of the journey towards electrification of all its vehicle segments.

HOT TOPIC

// Skoda teams up with Murph and Street Smart

Following on from taking over as the supplier of patrol cars to the Police from Holden, Skoda New Zealand has once again stepped into a void

// Skoda NZ backs safety training

Marque to supply cars for youngsters taking part in cognitive-based driver programme as it tours the country.

BEST OF THE REST

// Bend it like Beckham in a Maserati?

Most luxury brands would not encourage a newly appointed global brand ambassador to do “doughnuts” in their shiny new sponsored vehicle

// Anniversary treat for car fans

Members of the public are invited to check out Shelby cars and custom builds as part of an event to mark major milestone.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Hyundai turns an unloved classic into an EV masterpiece

It’s been a while since we’ve dwelled on the history of the likes of Hyundai and Kia.

// Reserve Bank establishes new enforcement department

The Reserve Bank has established a new standalone enforcement department to promote confidence in compliance across regulated sectors.

// New Haval H6 in dealerships late may

The all-new mid-sized Haval H6 SUV will be arriving into New Zealand dealership showrooms in late May according to the distributor.

// Tesla log-hauling pilot could be part of $149b market opportunity

The electric vehicle market in construction, agriculture and mining is expected to reach $149 billion by 2030

// Video: Pole to pole in an EV

Electric adventurer Chris Ramsey aims to the first person to drive from Pole to Pole

// Repairers hit out at insurance firm

Association fears a company’s new business model will be detrimental to businesses and consumers.

// Nissan updates aging GT-R with new Nismo

Few sports car platforms have the longevity that the Nissan R35 GT-R has. This is symptomatic of a few things,

// Volkswagen NZ celebrates record sales throughout March

Just recently, Motor Industry Association (MIA) figures revealed that the March just gone was the biggest March in terms of vehicle sales that New Zealand has had since records started.

// Hyundai’s futuristic Staria minivan confirmed for NZ

Over the last decade or so, the rise in popularity of the SUV has meant that traditional sedans have fallen by the wayside, as has the automotive icon that is the minivan.

 

14th April 20212021-04-14T16:52:21+12:00

13th April 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Farmer Audi repeats title success

Bay of Plenty business takes out top gong as marque recognises the best performers across its dealer network.

// Farmer Audi wins consecutive DOTY award

Audi New Zealand has announced the winners of its Audi Excellence awards for 2020

HOT TOPIC

// Skoda throws weight behind street smart driver training

Skoda New Zealand has joined the likes of Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, and the councils of Central Otago and Queenstown as a lead partner for the Street Smart driver training

// Skoda dealers get behind young driver training programme

Skoda New Zealand in conjunction with its dealership network has announced a partnership

BEST OF THE REST

// Up close and personal with the new Skoda NZ police car

The announcement that Skoda would replace Holden as New Zealand’s ‘Prime One’ police vehicle supplier was one of the biggest Kiwi motoring stories of 2020

A LITTLE BIT OF MOTORSPORT

// Bentley’s wild new Pikes Peak Continental GT comes with a Kiwi connection

While Bentley may sit alongside Rolls-Royce at the top of the luxury car food chain, it’s a brand with a rich history in motorsport, and this doesn’t look like it’s stopping anytime soon.

// Bentley unveils continental GT monster for pikes peak tilt

While there’s ongoing division around whether the current era of Pikes Peak hillclimb, with its paved surface and electric combatants, is as loved in the world of motorsport

IN OTHER NEWS

// New Haval H6 revealed, will hit NZ in may

Chinese car-maker Haval has confirmed that an all-new version of its mid-size competitor, the H6, will be in Kiwi showrooms in May 2021.

// EV industry conference charges on

Establishing an effective EV charging strategy is key, say two Kiwi charging experts.

// Petrol-only new Koleos arrives

Four models, two Zen front-wheel drives and two Intens 4WDs, all powered by 2.5-litre petrol engines developing 126kW/226Nm

// Volvo takes further step towards autonomous driving

Volvo is expanding its collaboration with computing expert Nvidia to power the autonomous driving computer in next generation Volvo models

// Mini updates smartphone connectivity app

Mini owners can download free of charge a newly developed app that allows them to communicate better with their car by smartphone.

// Two e-aircraft on display in Christchurch April 17 & 18

A self-flying electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTO) air taxi and New Zealand’s first e-aircraft will be displayed at Christchurch

// Supercar show revs up funds

Dealership curates exhibition of fast and spectacular models to raise vital cash for Starship.

// Bank sets ambitious emissions goals

Heartland reviews transport options as part of sweeping measures to help the environment.

// MG unveils rather bonkers Cyberster concept

MG has revealed its “vision of the future” and it’s pretty striking. This is the Cyberster concept, a would-be Tesla Roadster-rivalling electric sports car.

// Confirmed: Volkswagen evaluating electric ID.3 for NZ market

While Volkswagen’s local arm was very quick to confirm that it would be a taker for the marque’s ID.4 fully electric SUV, the smaller ID.3 hatch that started it all has always been a bit of an enigma.

// ‘CyberLandr’ turns Tesla’s upcoming Cybertruck into campervan

The futuristic Tesla Cybertruck is about to get even wilder.

 

13th April 20212021-04-13T09:52:44+12:00

12th April 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Dealers encouraged to discuss new EV charging standards with buyers

The imported used car industry body is encouraging its dealer members to discuss the latest publically available standards (PAS) for residential electric vehicle chargers developed by Standards NZ with buyers of second-hand vehicles.

// New standard for charging EVs at home

VIA provides input for consumer guidance on how to recharge cars safely and cost-effectively.

HOT TOPIC

// Gas emissions from cars dropped in NZ last year

New Zealand’s thirst for electrified cars continues to slowly gain momentum; spurred on by slowly decreasing pricing, improvements to range, and the like.

// Transport emissions plunge

Decrease in amount of pollution from vehicles in 2020 comes despite a late surge in driving activity.

HOT TOPIC

// Highly-anticipated 2022 Ford Ranger spotted testing in Australia

When it comes to testing a pre-production vehicle on public roads, drivers aren’t only responsible for gathering important data, but also have to make sure prototypes fly beneath the radar.

// All-new ford ranger spotted testing at … KFC?

We all know that the average tradie doesn’t tend to have the best diet…

BEST OF THE REST

// Luxury car dealer raises $200k for Starship foundation

Auckland-based luxury and supercar dealer Giltrap Group has raised more than $200,000 for the Starship Foundation by hosting the inaugural Starship Supercars show at its 119GNR building.

// The event EV industry conference kicks off

Electrifying conservations are set to continue at the EVs and Beyond Conference on Waiheke Island on April 12 and 13.

IN OTHER NEWS

// BMW group doubles global EV sales in Q1

The BMW Group doubled its global sales of electrified vehicles in the first quarter of 2021 in comparison to the same period last year,

// ERoad signs Ventia as Australian enterprise customer

EROAD has signed its largest Australian enterprise customer with essential service provider Ventia.

// China driving demand for Adas says jv

The China division of Hitachi Astemo will showcase its advanced mobility solutions at Auto Shanghai 2021 from April 19 to 28.

// Long-serving duo leave dealership

Friends with a shared interest in cars since childhood step into retirement.

// Tougher penalties for cartel conduct

New laws introduce possible jail time for those found guilty of “serious and harmful” offending.

// VW loses appeal over Aussie $125m ‘Dieselgate’ fine

A few weeks after a comprehensive investigation resulted in the naming of its former CEO as a prime ‘Dieselgate’ suspect,

// SUVs compared to cigarettes in new emissions report

It’s no secret that the world’s motoring landscape has probably been changed forever by the enormous increase in demand and uptake of SUVs around the world;

// Five Things: significant EVs over the course of history

We already know electric vehicles are the future, despite the lack of V8 thunder. But while it might feel like they are relatively recent things, they’ve actually been around for more than a hundred years.

// Cyberster: MG reveals stunning electric roadster concept

Due to international Covid-19 travel restrictions, car shows around the world have been put on the back-burner recently,

 

12th April 20212021-04-12T08:16:08+12:00

9th April 2021 + the Weekend

HOT TOPIC

// Mazda adds new grade variant to CX-5 range

Mazda New Zealand is introducing a new grade variant called the SP25T to the CX-5 SUV range. Powered the Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine the new SP25T variant will sit between the Limited and Takami grades.

// Mazda NZ announces CX-5 update plus new ‘blackout’ model

While much of the attention has been on its upcoming MX-30 and the all-new BT-50 pick-up, …

HOT TOPIC

// Dealership targets new territory

Change of ownership for a 15-year-old Coromandel business boosts the number of marques on offer to consumers.

// Farmer Autovillage opening Coromandel dealership

From April 1 Mt Maunganui-based Farmer Autovillage took ownership of SubLab Whitianga …

  • https://autotalk.co.nz/news/farmer-autovillage-opening-coromandel-dealership

HOT TOPIC

// Koenigsegg & Ferrari SP2 confirmed for kiwi supercar extravaganza

This Sunday’s Starship Supercar Show in Auckland at Giltrap Group’s 119 Great North Road premises in Grey Lynn has attracted some of the finest pieces of four-wheeled machinery in the country,

// Come and meet the 400km/h club at New Zealand’s biggest supercar show

Three cars boasting top speeds in excess of 400km/h will headline the Giltrap Group Starship Supercar Show tomorrow.

  • https://www.driven.co.nz/news/come-and-meet-the-400km-h-club-at-new-zealand-s-biggest-supercar-show/

BEST OF THE REST

// New Ssangyong ute revealed in leaked images

A replacement for the SsangYong Rhino is imminent, underlined by the emergence of a series of leaked images of the revised model online.

IN OTHER NEWS

// E-air taxis use new advances

Electrical vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) are moving from science fiction to reality, enabled by rapid advancements in electric motor, battery, and computing technology.

// “Empires may fall”: report underlines dire electric car situation

The forthcoming bans on new petrol cars in countries around the world are set to force car-makers to rethink how they make cars and make profits — if they haven’t already done this already.

// Climate Commission agrees with trade on CCS timing

We spoke to the Climate Change Commission’s chief scientist Grant Blackwell about the government’s announcement of its Clean Car Standard,

// Rolls-Royce reports record first quarter sales

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars says it has delivered the highest-yet first quarter sales results in the marque’s 116-year history.

// Toyoda voted 2021 world car person of the year

Ninety-three journalists on the World Car Awards jury panel have voted Toyota Motor Corporation president and chief executive officer Akio Toyota, as the 2021 World Car Person of the Year.

// 5G tech paves the way for AVs

From platoon travel to the elimination of traffic jams, Select Car Leasing has revealed an unusual list of eight ways 5G technology will transform our roads.

// Top lineup for EV conference April 12 & 13

A two-day conference on EVs’ critical role in helping solve the Government’s ‘climate emergency’ features key people in the EV industry.

// EVs on track in NZ

EV policies and incentives may be known when the New Zealand Government issues its May budget, but the country appears to be on track, Drive Electric chair Mark Gilbert says.

// ICE age ending

Norway’s internal combustion engine (ICE) car sales are crashing and EV media like Electrek predict the rest of the world will soon follow.

// Farmer Autovillage charges ahead

Farmer Autovillage has installed one of the first 175kW DC fast chargers in the Bay of Plenty.

// Call to get in early for WOFs

Waka Kotahi says vehicle owners may be able to dodge the queues if they act ahead of an expected spike in inspections.

// Tesla slams German lawmakers over Gigafactory build

Tesla has found itself in a squabble with legislators in Germany over the brand’s new Gigafactory being built in Berlin — the brand’s first factory in Europe.

// MG unveils jaw-dropping cyberster electric sports car

As Covid-19 begins to subside (ish), the car industry has begun to slowly warm to the idea of car shows again. And one of the first to return is the Shanghai Auto Show.

// Lowest to highest: every new electric car you can buy in NZ in 2021

While uptake the of electric vehicles is continuing to gather pace in New Zealand, the selection available in the new car sector is still relatively small and mainly high-end.

// Everything electric coming in 2021

The world of EVs is growing every day, and it can feel quite overwhelming when looking at what’s on the horizon.

// Quick Charge 10/04: this week in EV news

As from tomorrow Stuff Motoring will be publishing a guide to all things electric in the car world with our first-ever Go Electric supplement in newspapers and online.

// Shift to electric vehicles becomes life-or-death risk for automakers

The shift to electric vehicles won’t happen like the flip of a light switch.

// Polestar will build the first-ever carbon-neutral car by 2030

Polestar has detailed its latest project, named 0, with a simple goal of becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral car.

// Watch: Is this the year that Hilux takes back the NZ new-vehicle sales crown?

This week on Zooming with DRIVEN news we’re wowed by a record sales month for the Kiwi industry – including the continued dominance of the Toyota Hilux over arch-rival Ranger.

// Charge account: Audi e-tron GT, full New Zealand pricing and specification

Audi has been one of the pioneers in bringing Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) power to the premium segment, with the likes of the e-tron SUV.

// The Good Oil: Audi RS, Porsche and ‘electric’ performance

The forthcoming RS e-tron GT stirs up the Audi Sport brand for a number of reasons.

// March 2021 New Vehicle Registrations Strongest on Record.

Motor Industry Association Chief Executive David Crawford says that despite March 2021 being the strongest March on record for sales of new vehicles,

 

9th April 2021 + the Weekend2021-04-11T08:27:17+12:00

8th April 2021 + Special Report

SPECIAL REPORT

// Current National New Car Deals Revealed

On this page you’ll find current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials. Offers including pricing specials, ‘free extras’ deals, or special financing terms.

HOT TOPIC

// Polestar aims for ‘climate neutral’ car by 2030

Polestar has announced its “moonshot goal to create the first truly climate neutral car by 2030”.

// Polestar pledges to build the world’s first “climate-neutral” car by 2030

It’s a strange time in the automotive industry right now. …

HOT TOPIC

// Chevrolet announces fully electric Silverado

Overnight, the boss of General Motors announced that Chevrolet would dip its toes into the battery powered world with an all-electric Silverado.

// Chevrolet Silverado electric ute planned

Chevrolet will build a Silverado electric ute (pickup truck) …

HOT TOPIC

// Hyundai Kona N confirmed for NZ as new model debuts

It seems like just yesterday that Hyundai’s then-new Kona SUV first landed on Kiwi shores.

// Hyundai’s updated Kona is here now

Hyundai’s facelifted Kona is here now, sporting new looks …

BEST OF THE REST

// MG teases a pure-electric ‘heritage’ sports car… again

After 14 years of ownership by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), the MG brand has evolved to focus heavily on SUVs.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Ateco bolsters stable of marques

Expansion has company on track for $1b of turnover in the next financial year.

// EV registrations rocket in march

EV registrations have reached 26,123 in March 2021 – up a massive 905 on February figures.

// Many routes to ‘1000-mile’ EVs

It is easy to make “1000-mile” (1609km) battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and the effect on market uptake will be profound.

// VW hits sales high in NZ

Marque praises performance of two recent launches for helping set new benchmark.

// Container congestion hits port

Bay of Plenty site seeks extra trains to clear build-up of goods that need to be in Auckland.

// Volkswagen NZ sold more new cars last month than ever before

Local distributors have started coming out of the woodwork to confirm the scale of last month’s credible month of new-vehicle registrations;

// It’s not just new cars: used car sales rise in NZ

It’s been an explosive start to the year for local new-car distributors, with record sales of new cars in both February and March.

// The best sounding cars of all time

As we move into the age of electricity, one of the biggest losers in the car scene is the sound.

// KTM unleashes utterly mad 1290 Super Duke RR

KTM has evidently decided its barn-storming 1290 Super Duke R isn’t quite as tough as it could be. Enter the limited-run, double-R edition.

// Japan’s Mitsui & Co invests into NZ hydrogen

New Zealand hydrogen developer Hiringa Energy has signed an investment deal with Japanese trading and investment multinational Mitsui & Co.

// AA Car Care: Air conditioning 101

Despite summer drawing to a close, we’ve been experiencing hot, muggy days over the past few weeks. During these times, car air conditioning can be working overtime.

8th April 2021 + Special Report2021-04-08T09:09:17+12:00

7th April 2021

INTERESTING INTERNATIONAL

// Four Key Trends

A McKinsey & Company article about the irresistible momentum behind clean, electric, connected mobility.

HOT TOPIC

// Kia Sorento PHEV premium from $89,990

The Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) offers 57km electric range, all-wheel-drive, and more power for $89,990 plus on-road costs.

// Kia confirms kiwi pricing for Sorento plug-in hybrid

Kia’s all-new award winning Sorento three-row SUV …

HOT TOPIC

// Haval confirms new SUV for New Zealand, more on the way

Chinese car maker Haval has confirmed a new SUV nameplate for New Zealand; the Jolion.

// Haval announces fresh new Jolion SUV for NZ

Coming initially two grades, the Jolion features plenty of chrome …

HOT TOPIC

// Strongest March ever for new car sales as Hilux stays on top

March 2021 was the strongest third month of the year ever in terms of vehicle registrations, despite various ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.

// All-time record for new-vehicle sales in March, Hilux still rules ahead of Ranger

The Toyota Hilux has stayed ahead of arch rival Ford Ranger …

BEST OF THE REST

// EV RUV exemption extension likely?

The EV exemption from road user charges (RUC) is due to expire on December 31 this year, but transport minister Michael Wood says he’s asked for advice on extending it.

IN OTHER NEWS

// These are the most popular electric and electrified vehicles in NZ

Electric vehicles and hybrids are really picking up steam in New Zealand, with 424 pure electric vehicles, 150 plug-in hybrids and 855 hybrids sold this month.

// Volkswagen celebrates best March sales month yet

March 2021 saw Volkswagen passenger vehicles achieve the best monthly sales tally yet recorded by the brand in New Zealand – selling 528 new vehicles nationwide.

// Brake hosts an evening with Murph

Fleet operators, suppliers and health and safety professionals are invited to join road safety charity Brake for an evening with motorsport legend Greg Murphy.

// Fleet Day 2021 tackles safety and tech

Fleet safety, electric and alternative fleets along with heavy transport challenges and solutions will be topics of discussion at Fleet Day 2021.

// Call to accelerate ICE ban

Drive Electric wants earlier deadline for petrol and diesel imports to keep NZ in line with other nations.

// NZ car sales continue to soar following best march on record

For the third consecutive month, the local car industry has recorded incredible sales data; this time in setting a new record for new-vehicle registrations for the month of March.

// Watch: new Volkswagen ad takes a shot at Subaru

Let’s just say it’s been a weird few weeks for Volkswagen. Days after it was confirmed that the brand would be going after its former CEO over ‘Dieselgate’, it embarked on one of the most botched and bizarre April Fools gags in motoring history

// Is this the new 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser?

Patent drawings purporting to show the next-generation Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series have emerged online, fueling further speculation about one of the Japanese marque’s most iconic nameplates.

// Iconic British car company has new Japanese owner

In this age of electrification transition, a lot of car enthusiasts are struggling to see how all the iconography that made the motoring world so attractive to them in the first place is going to translate into the new world.

// GM reveals Hummer EV SUV

General Motors resurrected the Hummer last year, as an all-conquering, 746kW electric truck designed to beat the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado at their own game.

// Volkswagen’s Golf 8 is strangely the same but also completely different

Reports of the death of the Volkswagen Golf have been greatly exaggerated.

// Emissions-free off-roader: Mercedes-Benz patent filing hints at electric G-Class

As we move into the electric age, automotive brands are hard at work building new electric vehicles, as well as finding ways to turn what they currently sell into an EV.

// Mazda New Zealand helping make trees count

While debate has been raging over the varying environmental impact of combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicle technologies, Mazda NZ has been doing something fundamental to improve the quality of bush reserves and waterways in this country: planting native trees.

// Report: Volkswagen EVs will be able to power homes and other vehicles by 2022

While electricity has been a thing for as long as most people remember, it seems that it’s only now that we’ve started treating it as a commodity rather than something that appears out of thin air.

 

7th April 20212021-04-07T09:25:11+12:00

6th April 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Vehicle arrivals up in March

Vehicle imports were up 28% month-on-month in March with a total of 29,444 arrivals for the month.

// Successful month for imports

Used import vehicle registrations in March showed the difference the start of lockdown made last year, with registrations up 28.5%.

// Record month for new vehicles

Motor Industry Association warns disruptions remain a threat to the sector despite healthy numbers.

// Mixed fortunes for imports

Used-car activity remains steady while new vehicles enjoyed a healthy boost at our borders in March.

// Covid month provides statistical outlier

New vehicle registrations were up a massive 86.7% on March last year, though as everyone knows that number is largely a COVID-created statistical outlier.

// Used-imported car sales surge

A full month of business in March brings welcome trade figures after the same month a year ago was blighted by Covid-19.

// Demand jumps for new cars

Sales figures nearly double from a year ago with a tight three-way tussle among the top marques.

HOT TOPIC

// Barling takes the helm at Maserati Australia and New Zealand

Following Glen Sealey’s move to the Renault brand within the Ateco Group, former national sales manager Grant Barling has been appointed as the new Maserati Australia and New Zealand general manager.

// Maserati’s new boss Down Under

Grant Barling takes on top job for luxury marque as former chief shifts to Renault.

// Maserati announces new GM for Australia and NZ

As Maserati prepares to tackle some of its most ambitious projects to date, it’s confirmed the appointment of a new general manager for its Australian and New Zealand arm.

HOT TOPIC

// 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV debuts

GMC’s electric super truck line-up expands with the addition of the 2024 Hummer EV SUV making its debut during the NCAA’s Final Four in a new commercial film narrated by LeBron James.

// The ultimate SUV? 619kw GMC Hummer wagon EV breaks cover

Overnight GMC Hummer did the inevitable, revealing an SUV variant to sit alongside its fully electric Hummer pick-up from late 2020.

// Watch: Hummer’s new SUV might be the wildest EV of its kind

The new GMC Hummer EV might just be the wildest SUV to hit the market in a long time.

HOT TOPIC

// Toyota reveals new GR 86 coupe with more power and sharper looks

Late last year, Subaru whipped the covers off the highly-anticipated second-generation BRZ, and while we thought that Toyota’s sister car wouldn’t be far behind, they’ve made us wait a while.

// Toyota unveils new GR 86 to global markets

Toyota has unveiled the GR 86 coupe which is the third model released under the Toyota Gazoo Racing brand following the GR Supra in 2019 and the GR Yaris in 2020.

// Revealed: New Toyota GR 86 has ‘ace up its sleeve’ over BRZ cousin

While the rest of us spent our weekend stuffing our gobs with Easter chocolate, Toyota went ahead and finally unveiled its next-generation 86 coupe over the weekend.

// Toyota reveals second-generation GR 86

Toyota has revealed the second generation of its small, rear-wheel drive sports car. This time, the 86 gets a new GR prefix, along with plenty of other upgrades.

HOT TOPIC

// Tesla first quarter sales more than double last year’s numbers

Tesla says it delivered nearly 185,000 electric vehicles in the first quarter despite a shortage of computer chips that has hit the global auto industry.

// Tesla doubles deliveries in Q1

Tesla says it has delivered nearly 185,000 EVs in the first quarter of this year, prompting some analysts to speculate that Tesla deliveries could exceed more than 850,000 vehicles in 2021.

HOT TOPIC

// Aotearoa could become a right hand-drive dumping ground for dirty cars, lobby group warns

Electric vehicle lobby group Drive Electric wants a ban on imports of internal combustion light vehicles, such as cars, vans and SUVs, by 2030.

// Electric car advocate want NZ to ban petrol cars by 2030

Ever since the New Zealand Government declared a state of climate change emergency late last year, various groups have engaged in a tug of war tussle over what the country is to do regarding its vehicle fleet.

BEST OF THE REST

// New Haval Jolion SUV bound for New Zealand

The first shipments of the all-new Haval Jolion SUV are about to arrive into New Zealand according to the local distributor.

BEST OF THE REST

// Clock is ticking on Honda Civic Type R orders

The end of an era will come later this year, as Honda’s European division prepares to close its Swindon production plant — simultaneously ending production of the current award-winning FK8-generation Civic Type R.

// WHO approves Landcruiser 78 Series vaccine transporter

A Toyota LandCruiser 78 series has become the world’s first refrigerated vehicle for vaccine delivery which has obtained the performance, quality, and safety (PQS) prequalification standard from the World Health Organisation.

// SG Fleet to acquire Leaseplan Australia and New Zealand

SG Fleet says it intends to acquire the Australian and New Zealand businesses of LeasePlan.

// FTN Motion investment round oversubscribed

Wellington’s FTN Motion has closed its investment round of $500,000 after pitching its unique electric motorbikes to key private investors and angel clubs throughout the country.

// Dealer register continues to shrink

Trader numbers decrease for the seventh consecutive month following a brief spike last year.

// Popularity of new commercials soars

Sector’s sales got back on track in March after the impact of lockdown a year ago, and used commercials only suffered a small dip.

// BMW inks $472m deal for more environmentally friendly lithium

Among the many questions around electric cars and their environmental impacts are concerns around the sourcing of lithium and cobalt.

// Ed Finn started a business after Holden pulled the pin in 2020, and no regrets

2020 started with a nasty shock for Ed Finn, Holden New Zealand’s corporate affairs manager, when staff were told they were going to be out of a job.

// Watch: Is there going to be another VW Golf? Zooming with DRIVEN

VW’s new Golf, Skoda’s new Octavia, and BMW’s new M3 is covered in last weeks’ news section on Zooming with DRIVEN.

 

6th April 20212021-04-06T10:24:48+12:00

5th April 2021 + Easter Weekend

// NZ Toyota Highlander pricing confirmed, Rav4 gets increase

Having been quiet about its upcoming Toyota Highlander replacement since October, Toyota New Zealand has announced the all-new Highlander’s pricing and line-up.

// EV torque – signalling the end of the ICE age

If you are still doubting that we are on the threshold of the EV evolution, it’s time to readjust your thinking.

// Quick Charge 03/04: this week in EV news

The biggest EV story of the week had little to do with actual electric cars and much to do with an April Fool’s joke that either backfired spectacularly or was smart marketing stunt that worked absolutely brilliantly.

// Five Things: carmakers we never thought would build an SUV

Once upon a time, SUVs were niche products for people wanting to combine decent levels of on- and off-road performance.

// CEO of Google’s self-driving car spinoff steps down from job

The executive who steered the transformation of Google’s self-driving car project into a separate company worth billions of dollars is stepping down after more than five years on the job.

// Genesis unveils spectacular X Concept

Genesis has revealed its latest concept car, the all-electric X Concept.

// Nissan reveals sort of pointless V8-powered Patrol Nismo

Nissan, maker of one of the world’s most popular electric vehicles, has just revealed this; a V8-powered, Nismo-tuned Patrol.

 

5th April 2021 + Easter Weekend2021-04-05T08:40:10+12:00
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