dan.angland

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Kia Incorporates EVs And Sustainability

Kia Motors Corporation becomes just Kia Corporation and seven new EVs by 2027 are among brand strategy and future ambitions revealed by the company.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/kia-incorporates-evs-and-sustainability

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Revamped Audi Q5 Reaches New Zealand

A shallower octagonal grille, higher side air intakes highlighted by trapezoidal insets, and redesigned LED headlights and daytime running lights are visible changes in the revamped Audi Q5 which is now available at New Zealand Audi dealers.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/revamped-audi-q5-reaches-new-zealand

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Montgomery Takes The Helm At Volvo Nz

Ben Montgomery (pictured) is moving from Jaguar Land Rover to become Volvo New Zealand’s general manager from January 25. Montgomery, currently JLR’s operations manager, replaces Coby Duggan who has been Volvo NZ’s general manager for the past five years.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/montgomery-takes-the-helm-at-volvo-nz

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A 28,000-Year Battery?

A battery which uses nuclear waste called a ‘nano-diamond battery’ could last for 28,000 years without charging, researchers say.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/a-28000-year-battery/

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Us Agency Asks Tesla To Recall 158,000 Evs

Tesla has been asked by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to recall 158,000 Model S (certain 2012 to 2018 cars) and Model X (certain 2016 to 2018 cars) EVs relating to potential touch screen issues, various media report.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/us-agency-asks-tesla-to-recall-158000-evs/

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It’s Back! Renault Reveals Funky Retro Electric R5 Rebirth

Earlier this week it was revealed that French carmaker Renault was investigating the idea of turning back the clock with some reborn nameplates from the past brought back to life as next-gen EVs.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/it-s-back-renault-reveals-funky-retro-electric-r5-rebirth

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Refreshed Audi Q5 Arrives With More Brains, More Brawn

The hotly contested premium SUV space has a new contender, with Audi New Zealand announcing that its updated Q5 has landed in showrooms around the country.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/refreshed-audi-q5-arrives-with-more-brains-more-brawn

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Skoda Fighting to get its First Electric Car Onto Kiwi Roads

Brands all over the motoring spectrum are rushing to get some kind of electric car into their line-up. Some are doing so in order to be prepared for upcoming bans on internal combustion vehicles overseas, some are doing it for brand positioning and image purposes, and some genuinely see the tech as being a valid answer for commuters in current times.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/skoda-fighting-to-get-its-first-electric-car-onto-kiwi-roads

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Hyundai’s largest SUV is here

Following hot on the heels of the extensively refreshed Santa Fe, Hyundai’s upper-large SUV kingpin, the Palisade, has landed in New Zealand, along with pricing and final specifications.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/123944897/hyundais-largest-suv-is-here

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Tesla baulks at touch screen recall, US agency takes action

Tesla Inc. is baulking at recalling about 159,000 vehicles with potentially defective touch screens, so U.S. safety regulators are moving to force the company to take action.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/300205618/tesla-baulks-at-touch-screen-recall-us-agency-takes-action

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Renault teases the reborn and all-electric 5 supermini

The news was spoilt a little earlier this week but Renault has come through and confirmed it is bringing back the Renault 5 as an all-electric supermini.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/evs/123957244/renault-teases-the-reborn-and-allelectric-5-supermini

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Toyota to pay US$180M for failing to report emissions defects

Toyota will pay $180 million to settle U.S. government allegations that it failed to report and fix pollution control defects in its vehicles for a decade.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/300205741/toyota-to-pay-us180m-for-failing-to-report-emissions-defects

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Mover over Duster! Dacia and Lada join forces to create the Bigster SUV

With its emphasis on no-frills, tough and inexpensive SUVs, Romanian brand Dacia (sold as “Renault” in New Zealand with the Duster) is pretty much the modern equivalent of Lada. Anybody remember those iconic “Nothing but car!” ads shown in New Zealand in the 1980s?

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/mover-over-duster-dacia-and-lada-join-forces-to-create-the-bigster-suv/

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Porsche 914 is reborn in carbon fibre, with a grunty Cayman flat-six engine and 6sp manual

British company Fifteen Eleven Design has a day job: it’s a division of Mellors Elliot Motorsport, which has been making racing cars (especially rally) for over 40 years.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/porsche-914-is-reborn-in-carbon-fibre-with-a-grunty-cayman-flat-six-engine-and-6sp-manual/

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German tuning firm pumps Toyota’s tiny GR Yaris up to 231kW

And so the race is on with the Toyota GR Yaris: not around a circuit or gravel road, but among the world’s tuning firms to see who can boost the pocket-rocket by the most.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/german-tuning-firm-pumps-toyota-s-tiny-gr-yaris-up-to-231kw/

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Dealer Drops Appeal Against Tribunal Decision

A Dunedin car dealer has reportedly abandoned an appeal against a Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal decision ordering it to pay $5000 to a customer after selling him a car that it didn’t disclose had been written off, repaired and re-registered.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/dealer-drops-appeal-against-tribunal-decision

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Sono’s Latest Solar Car Shines

Sono Motors has presented its second generation solar EV (SEV) prototype at the virtual CES 2021 event. The new Sion from the German start-up includes 248 photovoltaic panels in the EV’s body that will top up its battery pack for a maximum 35km extra range daily.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/sonos-latest-solar-car-shines/

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Car yard vandal put behind bars

Two dealerships in the same city were targeted by a criminal during night-time raids. A burglar has been jailed for 17 months after causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage at dealerships in Invercargill.

https://autofile.co.nz/car-yard-vandal-put-behind-bars-

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New boss for Volvo NZ

Executive looks forward to tackling electrification programme as he returns to marque to take on top job. Volvo New Zealand has appointed Ben Montgomery as its new general manager following the resignation of Coby Duggan.

https://autofile.co.nz/new-boss-for-volvo-nz-

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Will New Zealand’s Next Police Cars Be Electric?

One of the biggest stories of 2020’s motoring year was Skoda winning the tender to become the New Zealand Police’s next vehicle supplier. In the wake of the announcement, one of the big questions is what the Labour Government’s declaration of a climate emergency means for the vehicles at hand.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/will-new-zealand-s-next-police-cars-be-electric

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Toyota Looking To Hydrogen To Make The Hilux Green

One of the biggest gripes facing the push for electrification in motoring is the lack of options and solutions when it comes to utility vehicles and commercials. Many of the buyers of these vehicles are EV cynics, often traversing remote areas not well plotted by car chargers.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/toyota-looking-to-hydrogen-to-make-the-hilux-green

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Volvo New Zealand Appoints New General Manager

Change is afoot at Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover’s local arms, following confirmation that JLR operations manager Ben Montgomery is set to take over as general manager at Volvo New Zealand.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/volvo-new-zealand-appoints-new-general-manager

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Porsche Throws Back The Clock With ‘90S-Inspired Boxster

The age of 1990s throwbacks is well and truly in full swing, with Porsche being the latest brand to release a homage to its pre-millennium self in the form of the new Boxster 25 Edition.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/porsche-throws-back-the-clock-with-90s-inspired-boxster

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Hot Hatch Gets Hotter: Toyota GR Yaris Gets 300Bhp Boost

It felt almost inevitable that Toyota’s highly anticipated new hot hatch, the incredible GR Yaris, would become a bit of a tuning world darling in the midst of its undeniable hype. And, that appears to be coming to fruition thanks to UK firm Litchfield.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/hot-hatch-gets-hotter-toyota-gr-yaris-gets-300bhp-boost

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iPhone assembler Foxconn sets up auto arm as Apple car looms

Apple’s Taiwanese manufacturing partner Foxconn Technology Group is setting up a car venture, strengthening its automotive capabilities at a time when technology companies including its California ally are looking to expand in vehicles.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/300204639/iphone-assembler-foxconn-sets-up-auto-arm-as-apple-car-looms

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Sony still developing its not-for-production EV

Sony is still working on its all-electric Vision-S concept car, despite saying it won’t put it into production.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/123935081/sony-still-developing-its-notforproduction-ev

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Hyundai teases Ioniq 5 electric SUV

Hyundai has teased its forthcoming electric SUV, called Ioniq 5. Weirdly, it’s not related to the existing Ioniq in pretty much every way, shape and form.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/123939715/hyundai-teases-ioniq-5-electric-suv

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BMW announces plans to ditch dual-clutch transmissions for good

For years, car enthusiasts like us have banged on about how the manual transmission was dying a slow death and how we aren’t happy about it, but we’ve all swallowed our three-pedaled pride, and have had to accept it.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/bmw-announces-plans-to-ditch-dual-clutch-transmissions-for-good/

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It turns out that Sony is dead serious about building an electric car

Sony’s Vision S is a lot of things. The electric car is a PlayStation, personal assistant, home theatre system and cinema rolled into a set of wheels promising to change the way people think about cars.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/it-turns-out-that-sony-is-dead-serious-about-building-an-electric-car/

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Hydrogen-powered Hilux? NZ icon set to gain fuel cell tech in the future

New Zealand’s number-two selling vehicle could be powered by a fuel cell in the future, as Toyota works with partners including Kenworth to come up with low-emission solutions for commercial vehicles.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/hydrogen-powered-hilux-nz-icon-set-to-gain-fuel-cell-tech-in-the-future/

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Thailand Feels Brunt of Falling Australian Car Sales

Australia imported nearly 146,600 fewer vehicles from overseas suppliers in 2020, and nearly 57,000 fewer from its major trading partner Thailand, as new vehicle sales fell for the third consecutive year.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/thailand-feels-brunt-of-falling-australian-car-sales

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Palisade Out to Stretch Large SUV Boundaries

Hyundai is throwing down the gauntlet to large SUV sector players with the Palisade which hits New Zealand showrooms this month.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/palisade-out-to-stretch-large-suv-boundaries

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EVs Exceed 24,000

EV registrations continue a steady but not spectacular climb in December EV registration figures just released by the Ministry of Transport.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/evs-exceed-24000/

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EVs Help Global Auto Sales

Sales of electrified vehicles have boosted both BMW and Renault. Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales rose 38.9% while fully electric sales increased 13% last year compared to 2019, reflecting strong customer interest, BMW Group says.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/evs-help-global-auto-sales/

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Video: Hyundai Teases Ioniq 5

Hyundai has given some indications about its electric Ioniq 5 midsize SUV which premieres globally in February.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/video-hyundai-teases-ioniq-5/

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GM Targets Delivery Industry With New Business Plus EV Van

General Motors has announced a new EV van to be released this year as part of a new business focusing on delivery and logistics with FedEx Express its very first customer.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/gm-targets-delivery-industry-with-new-business-plus-ev-van/

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ABB Opens Global E-Mobility R&D Centre

ABB’s US$10 million E-mobility Innovation Lab has opened in the Netherlands, underlining its market leading position in EV charging infrastructure.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/abb-opens-global-e-mobility-rd-centre/

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Joint Venture Targets Hydrogen LCV Market

Groupe Renault and Plug Power will develop hydrogen fuel cell systems (FCEVs) targeting more than 30% of Europe’s FCEV light commercial vehicle market.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/joint-venture-targets-hydrogen-lcv-market/

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About 20,000 Porsche Taycans Delivered

All-electric Taycan deliveries of 20,015 last year helped Porsche achieve a strong global result. The brand delivered 272,162 new vehicles worldwide in 2020, just 3% below a record 2019, in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic challenges.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/about-20000-porsche-taycans-delivered/

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Energy Storage’s Future Investigated

Electricity generation from renewable energies is growing daily and, to integrate their variable nature, energy storage systems are growing in parallel.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/energy-storages-future-investigated/

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Real Life Tron: Hyundai Teases Futuristic, Electric Ioniq 5

Hyundai’s assault of new model releases looks set to continue into 2021. Hot on the heels of the new Sonata, i20, i20 N, i30 N, Tucson, Kona EV, Kona N-Line, and more, the firm has confirmed that the reveal of its new Ioniq 5 is imminent.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/real-life-tron-hyundai-teases-futuristic-electric-ioniq-5

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Ford Mondeo Set to Become an SUV?

It’s one of the sole remaining traditional three-box sedan and wagon platforms on the market, but that may not be the case for the Ford Mondeo.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/ford-mondeo-set-to-become-an-suv

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Revealed: China’s Latest EV Could be a Tesla Model S Killer

The phrase ‘Tesla killer’ gets wheeled out too often these days — bestowed upon any start-up EV concept, and the odd Porsche. But, this sleek new sedan from Chinese carmaker Nio might actually be deserving of the title.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/revealed-china-s-latest-ev-could-be-a-tesla-model-s-killer

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Hyundai’s $119,990 Super SUV Lands in New Zealand

Six months on from confirmation that it would be offered locally, Hyundai’s giant seven-seater Palisade SUV has landed in New Zealand. And the Korean firm’s local arm has confirmed full specs and pricing, to boot.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/hyundai-s-119-990-super-suv-lands-in-new-zealand

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Renault to bring back classic models as EVs

The plans will be officially confirmed later this week but, if these details from Reuters are accurate, Renault is looking to revive two classic models as fully electric vehicles.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/123924091/renault-to-bring-back-classic-models-as-evs

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Volkswagen triples electric car sales ahead of climate rules

utomaker Volkswagen tripled sales of battery-only cars in 2020 as its new electric compact ID.3 came on the market ahead of tough new European Union limits on auto emissions.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/evs/300203709/volkswagen-triples-electric-car-sales-ahead-of-climate-rules

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Abarth’s spicy little 595 gains new tech, and ‘Scorpion’ mode for 2021

While it’s based on Fiat’s iconic 500 hatch, the Abarth 595 is a different beast entirely, featuring more aggressive styling, and a spicy little powerplant that will leave you grinning ear to ear.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/abarth-s-spicy-little-595-gains-new-tech-and-scorpion-mode-for-2021/

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NZ-built bargain: This $60K Lamborghini blends Italian style and Kiwi ingenuity

Known as one of the most radically-styled cars of its time, the Lamborghini Countach is still one of the most wild-looking vehicles to grace this earth, but as with all Italian exotics, they don’t come cheap.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/nz-built-bargain-this-60k-lamborghini-blends-italian-style-and-kiwi-ingenuity/

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Meet Hyundai New Zealand’s $120k, eight-seat Palisade super-SUV

And you thought the $90k Santa Fe Limited was extravagant. Hyundai New Zealand is taking its SUV offering to the next level with the “upper-large” Palisade, an imposing machine originally designed with the American market in mind (hence the name, referencing Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles) but also now developed in right-hand drive “primarily for for Australasia”, says Hyundai.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/meet-hyundai-new-zealand-s-120k-eight-seat-palisade-super-suv/

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Watch: Hyundai teases high-performance Kona N, confirms turbo mill

A new breed of affordable performance cars is around the corner. Compact SUVs represent the fastest-growing segment in the new car sales race, and manufacturers are working to introduce high-performance versions of popular crossovers.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/watch-hyundai-teases-high-performance-kona-n-confirms-turbo-mill/

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Does Chevrolet have a Corvette-based electric SUV in the works?

While it doesn’t sound like the world’s most interesting seminar, the GM had some exciting news to share at the 2021 Consumer Electronics Show relating to a few of its new models.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/does-chevrolet-have-a-corvette-based-electric-suv-in-the-works/

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Vehicle Arrivals Up in December

Vehicle imports bounced back strongly in December with a total of 26,180 arrivals, up 32% month-on-month. This compares to 19,829 arrivals the month prior, according to New Zealand Customs Motor Vehicle Statistics.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/vehicle-arrivals-up-in-december

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Cableprice Opens Dunedin Site

CablePrice has expanded its Mercedes and Freightliner sales, parts and service network with the addition of a new Dunedin branch.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/cableprice-opens-dunedin-site

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GM’s E-mobility Vision Explained

General Motors’ EV and AV future will be outlined by its chairman and chief executive Mary Barra in the opening keynote address at the virtual 2021 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) from January 11-14.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/gms-e-mobility-vision-explained

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Numbers of Dealers Dwindling

The numbers of registered motor vehicle traders is continuing to fall – and if present trends continue may go below the 3000 mark before this year is over.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/numbers-of-dealers-dwindling-2

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Regional State of Emergency Situation in Japan Yet to Impact Trade

A series of regional State of Emergency declarations in Japan to ease the spread of COVID-19 are yet to significantly impact the used vehicle supply chain according to exports.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/regional-state-of-emergency-situation-in-japan-yet-to-impact-trade

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Ports of Auckland Chair Liz Coutts to Retire

Ports of Auckland (POAL) chair and director Liz Coutts has announced she will be stepping down after 10 years in the role.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/ports-of-auckland-chair-liz-coutts-to-retire

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Video: Big Screen in Mercedes-Benz EQS

The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) hyperscreen features in the brand’s electric EQS due on sale later this year with an expected 700km range.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/video-big-screen-in-mercedes-benz-eqs

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Nio Reveals ET7 Autonomous Model

China-based global EV company Nio has launched its first autonomous driving model, the ET7 sedan.

Revealed at Nio Day in Chengdu, ET7 deliveries are expected to start in Q1 2022.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/nio-reveals-et7-autonomous-model/

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Imports Stage Late Rally in 2020

Numbers edge up for all sectors but they fail to mask the sharp drop in supply over the course of the year.

https://autofile.co.nz/imports-stage-late-rally-in-2020-

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Dealership Drops Legal Battle

Company found to have breached the Fair Trading Act decides to pay up to disgruntled customer.

https://autofile.co.nz/dealer-abandons-legal-battle-

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Port’s Chair Steps Down

Five-year stint at Auckland’s helm has seen “many challenges”, says Liz Coutts.

https://autofile.co.nz/ports-chair-steps-down-

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Next Honda Civic Type R Might Not be a Hybrid After All

It feels like from the very moment the current FK8-generation Honda Civic Type R was revealed that rumours started to swirl around whether the next-gen model would become electrified in some way, shape, or form.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/next-honda-civic-type-r-might-not-be-a-hybrid-after-all

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Renault Set to Revive Classic Models as Electric Cars

Almost a year on from his appointment as Renault’s new CEO, former Volkswagen exec Luca de Meo is set to radicalise the French firm’s outlook on electrification — according to a fresh report.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/renault-set-to-revive-classic-models-as-electric-cars

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First Look: Hyundai Drops Generous Tease for Hot Kona N

While most of today’s ‘performance SUVs’ are built to target premium buyers, we’re starting to see more of them enter the mainstream space. Ford has unveiled the Puma ST, and Hyundai is busy cooking away behind the scenes with its new warm Kona N-Line and hot Kona N.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/first-look-hyundai-drops-generous-tease-for-hot-kona-n

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Genuine ‘Kitt’ from Knight Rider Could Sell for a Million Dollars

Those of us who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s will be well aware of the halcyon period of cars in sitcoms. We recently touched on this in a story about a van from the A-Team, and we mention it again because another icon from the period is also set to go up for sale — the KITT Pontiac Firebird TransAm from Knight Rider.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/genuine-kitt-from-knight-rider-could-sell-for-a-million-dollars

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Nio’s Flagship Electric Sedan Will Have a Range of Up to 1000km

At the Nio Day event over the weekend just gone, Chinese electric carmaker Nio revealed a brand new model. The ET7 is set to be the marque’s flagship sedan, ready to fight it out with the likes of the Tesla Model 3.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/evs/123921388/nios-flagship-electric-sedan-will-have-a-range-of-up-to-1000km

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The Long History of the Company That Now Provides Our Police Cars

Skoda might have been the punchline to a bad joke for people over a certain age, but those jokes don’t really work anymore, because Skoda has been cool for some time now.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/123811818/the-long-history-of-the-company-that-now-provides-our-police-cars

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Chip Shortage Hits Global Automakers

A semiconductor shortage is dragging on some of the world’s biggest auto manufacturers, costing Daimler, Nissan, Honda and Ford production of a range of cars.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/300202009/chip-shortage-hits-global-automakers

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Are Apple and Hyundai Teaming Up to Build Cars?

While Apple has been at the forefront of tech for the last few decades, the American brand is still yet to make a successful foray into the vehicle segment, and take on Tesla at its own game.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/are-apple-and-hyundai-teaming-up-to-build-cars/

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Electric Power Coming to Toyota’s Toughest Ute

Toyota is experimenting with electric power for its LandCruiser 70 Series in Australia. Developed with BHP for use on mine sites, the machine packs electrified power in place of a conventional engine.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/electric-power-coming-to-toyota-s-toughest-ute/

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This Koenigsegg Regera Could Fill the $5 Million Hole in Your Garage

Imagine waking up one day and deciding that you’re going to build and sell a supercar that can compete with the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini at the top of the pecking order, it sounds like quite the fantasy, right?

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/this-koenigsegg-regera-could-fill-the-5-million-hole-in-your-garage/

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Loopit Launches In NZ

Australian car subscription business Loopit has officially launched in the New Zealand market, announcing a partnership with the Giltrap Group and global car rental giant SIXT.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/loopit-launches-in-nz

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Petition to Recall Teslas Rejected

A request to investigate unintended acceleration in Tesla EVs has been rejected by the US government’s automotive safety agency which says drivers hit the wrong pedal.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/petition-to-recall-teslas-rejected

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Dealer numbers drop 4.4%

Register shrinks for the fourth month in a row but the annual decline is lower than the previous year.

https://autofile.co.nz/dealer-numbers-drop-44pc-

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Giltrap scheme teams up with Aussie tech

“Subscriptions provide an opportunity for dealerships to innovate” – Dane Fisher, Giltrap Group

https://autofile.co.nz/giltrap-scheme-teams-up-with-aussie-tech-

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General Motors, Kia Both Unveil New-Look Logos

You’ll have no doubt heard plenty of ‘new year, new me’ sentiment so far in 2021. But, unlike most ambitious new-year resolutions, General Motors and Kia have both already acted on theirs.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/general-motors-kia-both-unveil-new-look-logos

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Apple to Produce its First Car With Help From Hyundai?

A few years ago there was a mountain of rumour and innuendo around tech giant Apple pushing to produce a car — a logical move in this age of electrification and autonomy. Speculation about the project was dormant for a period, but now it’s back.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/apple-to-produce-its-first-car-with-help-from-hyundai

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Confirmed: Elon Musk Now the Richest Human Alive

After a meteoric rise in the wealth charts in 2020, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has managed to overtake Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/confirmed-elon-musk-now-the-richest-human-alive

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Australia to Trial ‘Cash For Clunkers’ Scheme to Get Rid of Old Cars

After years of watching the US and UK put through various ‘cash for clunkers’ schemes, which see a partial buy-back of old cars via significant discounts on new cars in order to lower the age of the national fleet and boost the economy, a similar scheme is set to be launched over the ditch in Australia.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/australia-to-trial-cash-for-clunkers-scheme-to-get-rid-of-old-cars

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Lock Up Your SUVs: Subaru Reveals ‘Greatest Outback of all Time’

Yes yes, I know, the Subaru Outback (and a multitude of the brand’s other low-bodied offerings) are touted as SUVs. But, station wagon fans nationwide should celebrate the Outback as one of their own — even in silence.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/lock-up-your-suvs-subaru-reveals-greatest-outback-of-all-time

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New logo for GM in a bid to electrify image

General Motors is changing its corporate logo and launching an electric vehicle marketing campaign to reshape its image as clean vehicle company, rather than a builder of gas-powered pickups and SUVs.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/300202007/new-logo-for-gm-in-a-bid-to-electrify-image

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US safety agency rejects petition to recall Tesla vehicles

The U.S. government’s auto safety agency has rejected a request to investigate unintended acceleration in Tesla electric vehicles, saying the acceleration was caused by drivers pushing the wrong pedal.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/300202004/us-safety-agency-rejects-petition-to-recall-tesla-vehicles

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If only: Jeep Vangler rendering hints at the impossible

For the same reason that car enthusiasts seem to love station wagons, vans have also fallen into the same category. And for a vehicle with almost no redeeming factors in the dynamic driving sphere, it doesn’t make a lot of sense.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/if-only-jeep-vangler-rendering-hints-at-the-impossible/

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Report: Tesla’s ‘game-changing’ $35,000 EV to arrive by 2022

While Tesla’s Model 3 was marketed around the world as the affordable way to get into luxury electric motoring, the reality of a $70,000 electric sedan landed in New Zealand missed the mark a little.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/report-tesla-s-game-changing-35-000-ev-to-arrive-by-2022/

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Marques predict sales rebound

Hyundai and Kia hope a growing demand for electric vehicles will bolster business in the year ahead. Hyundai and its affiliate Kia predict global vehicle sales to increase by 11.5 per cent in 2021 after being in decline for the past two years.

https://autofile.co.nz/marques-predict-sales-rebound-

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New faces for peak body

Pair bring extensive industry experience to organisation across the ditch. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) is hailing the appointment of two new senior executives as “deep and abiding change” looms.

https://autofile.co.nz/new-faces-for-peak-body-

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Star sales performance for MG Motors Australia

MG Motors was by far the star performing brand for its Australian franchise dealers which sold 15,253 vehicles in 2020, an increase of 83.2% over 2019’s tally of 8,326 vehicles.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/star-sales-performance-for-mg-motors-australia

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Bhp trialling Toyota Australia’s converted electric ute

Toyota Australia is announcing a local electric-vehicle pilot trial with resources giant BHP. The small-scale trial involves a Landcruiser 70 Series single-cab ute that has been converted to a battery-electric vehicle by Toyota Australia’s product planning and development division in Port Melbourne.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/bhp-trialling-toyota-australias-converted-electric-ute/

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Strong interest in crossover

Kia delivers large pre-Christmas shipment of Stonics to customers who reserved them at launch. Kia believes its new Stonic will bring “fresh excitement and a free spirit” to New Zealand’s crossover market.

https://autofile.co.nz/strong-interest-in-crossover-

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Subaru NZ reveals all-new Outback pricing

Subaru New Zealand has given us our first glimpse of the all-new Outback in right-hand drive form as well as revealing local pricing of the SUV before its launch here next month.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/123891833/subaru-nz-reveals-allnew-outback-pricing

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New engine but no turbo for all-new Subaru Outback, NZ prices announced ahead of on-sale February

There are no really big surprises with the all-new Subaru Outback, revealed here in New Zealand specification for the first time. That’s partly because Subaru has stuck to a winning formula.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/new-engine-but-no-turbo-for-all-new-subaru-outback-nz-prices-announced-ahead-of-on-sale-february/

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Jeep’s new Grand Cherokee L could be the ultimate family hauler

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee L is pitched as the ultimate family car. It has 12 USB outlets, three rows of seats, wireless smartphone connectivity and more cup holders than a gold class cinema.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/jeep-s-new-grand-cherokee-l-could-be-the-ultimate-family-hauler/

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Subaru Outback Moves Upmarket For 2021

Subaru is taking its Outback SUV range upmarket with the all-new version which reaches New Zealand showrooms next month. It will be sold in three all-wheel drive versions, the $49,900 Outback, the Outback X at $54,990 and the $57,490 Outback Touring.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/subaru-outback-moves-upmarket-for-2021

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Australian New Car Sales Bounce Back In December

Sales of new vehicles in Australia bounced back again in December 2020 with 95,652 units recorded, 13.5% increase over December 2019 when 84,239 were sold. This result follows a similar upturn in November 2020, when sales of 95,205 vehicles, a 12.4% gain over November 2019, were recorded.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/australian-new-car-sales-bounce-back-in-december

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New Logo First Move in Kia’s Strategy Revamp

Kia has unveiled a new corporate logo and global brand slogan that it says represent its ambition to become a leader in the mobility industry by revamping nearly all facets of its business.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/new-logo-first-move-in-kias-strategy-revamp

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Kia reveals new logo

Marque rejigs branding as it prepares to face the challenges of a “fast-changing industry”. Kia has marked plans to revamp all facets of its business and an ambition become a leader in the future mobility industry by unveiling a new corporate logo and global brand slogan.

https://autofile.co.nz/kia-reveals-new-logo-

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Dealers’ optimism grows across the ditch

Sales down for the year but the final months offer encouraging signs for the new-vehicle industry. New-car sales in Australia are starting to show positive signs of growth after the financial impact of Covid-19 led to sales dropping by 13.7 per cent in 2020 when compared to the previous year.

https://autofile.co.nz/dealers-optimism-grows-across-the-ditch-

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Electric sales boom in UK

Uptake of greener vehicles accelerates despite slump across the wider industry. The coronavirus pandemic pushed UK car sales in 2020 down to their lowest level since 1992.

https://autofile.co.nz/electric-sales-boom-in-uk-

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Electric vehicles hit the roads in a record-breaking summer

Electric vehicle chargers have had a record-breaking holiday season – the number of fast-charges rose by more than a quarter compared to last year, according to ChargeNet.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/evs/123878762/electric-vehicles-hit-the-roads-in-a-recordbreaking-summer

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Don’t worry about charging your electric car – Volkswagen’s smiling robot will do it for you

Getting charging infrastructure in the right places is a key challenge for the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) industry. But what if the charger could come to you?

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/don-t-worry-about-charging-your-electric-car-volkswagen-s-smiling-robot-will-do-it-for-you/

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Mazda confirms the rotary engine’s revival, but with a catch

Back in 2019, Mazda revealed its very first electric vehicle in the form of the MX-30, but with a range of just 200km on a full charge, critics were left wondering how it would perform in the real world.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/mazda-confirms-the-rotary-engine-s-revival-but-with-a-catch/

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What would Carroll Shelby think of the new AC Cars… electric scooter?

The AC Cars brand might be best known for powerful petrol-powered roadsters, but it’s taking a different tack for 2021 with the launch of an e-scooter.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/what-would-carroll-shelby-think-of-the-new-ac-cars-electric-scooter/

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Mazda Celebrates a Decade of Kodo Design

Ten years ago the Mazda Shinari concept car introduced the brands “Kodo – Soul of Motion” design language at the 2010 Los Angeles International Motor Show. Head Designer Ikuo Maeda was the person responsible for setting the bold new design direction for the Mazda brand.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/mazda-celebrates-a-decade-of-kodo-design

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Hyundai Motor Group Wants 23 BEVs by 2025

Hyundai Motor Group wants to expand its range of battery electric vehicles (BEV) from the current eight models to 23 by the year 2025. It’s part of future growth strategy unveiled by the Group chairman Euisun Chung in a speech outlining the company’s commitments for 2021 and beyond.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/hyundai-motor-group-wants-23-bevs-by-2025

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Enforcing Repayment of Disputed Car Loan Reasonable Says FSCL

Financial Services Complaints Ltd (FSCL) says its investigation concludes it is reasonable that a woman should be required to repay a $17,000 car loan that she says she had never signed up for.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/enforcing-repayment-of-disputed-car-loan-reasonable-says-fscl

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Toyota Sees Positives in Final Results

While 2020 may have recorded the toughest trading conditions ever for the automobile industry, caused by COVID-19 lockdowns and a halted rental car sector, Toyota New Zealand is feeling positive about their own results.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/toyota-sees-positives-in-final-results

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Miles Buys Large Christchurch Land Block

Christchurch car dealer and property developer Bruce Miles has bought a large block of land that has been the focus of zoning and legal action near Christchurch Airport. Miles reportedly plans to use it for his business interests and will develop the rest, news agency Stuff says.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/miles-buys-large-christchurch-land-block

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New-car sales plunge 22.5%

Toyota dominates the charts in a year of disruption for dealers. New-car registrations in New Zealand came in at 80,849 in 2020, down 22.5 per cent on the previous year’s figures.

https://autofile.co.nz/new-car-sales-plunge-225-per-cent-

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Demand for light commercials slips

Used commercial market takes a hit for first-time sales of imports. There were 9,051 used-imported commercials registered for the first time last year, which was a 19.8 per cent decrease compared to the 11,281 units sold in 2019.

https://autofile.co.nz/demand-for-light-commercials-slips-

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New commercials suffer decline

Ford and Toyota battle for top two spots as sector’s annual sales figures fall by nearly one-quarter. There were 38,760 new commercial-vehicle registrations last year, a drop of 23.2 per cent, and 11,721 units, on the volumes seen in 2019.

https://autofile.co.nz/new-commercials-suffer-decline-

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Supply issues close factory

Honda temporarily mothballs operation due to problems arising from Covid-19 and Brexit. Japanese carmaker Honda says it was due to halt output at its factory in the UK for two days this week due to global supply delays.

https://autofile.co.nz/supply-issues-close-factory-

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Traders record sales boom

Second-time around registrations of used cars by dealers to the public jumped by almost six per cent last month. Dealers sold 18,898 second-hand cars to the public last month, which was up by 5.9 per cent compared to December 2019 when there were 17,837 changes of ownership.

https://autofile.co.nz/traders-record-sales-boom-

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Toyota NZ’s new-vehicle trade plunges 31%

Company hails rebound from Covid-19 and notes the increasing demand for hybrid models. Toyota New Zealand saw its new-vehicle sales slump by nearly one-third in 2020 compared to the previous year, with the company mostly blaming the impacts of Covid-19.

https://autofile.co.nz/toyota-new-vehicle-sales-plunge-31-

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Used imports tumble by nearly one-fifth

Annual figures reveal the full impact of Covid-19 and a disappointing end to the year. There were 113,142 used-imported cars registered in New Zealand in 2020, a drop of 19.5 per cent when compared to 140,590 sales in the previous year.

https://autofile.co.nz/used-imports-tumble-by-nearly-one-fifth-

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Ford’s ‘pivotal’ deal with Mahindra goes kaput, adding twist to financials

A cost-cutting deal called “pivotal” by Ford in 2019 has gone kaput, the automaker announced just after the stock market closed on New Year’s Eve.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/300198903/fords-pivotal-deal-with-mahindra-goes-kaput-adding-twist-to-financials

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Toyota NZ down 31 per cent in 2020, but a running start on 2021 with 5700 orders in the bank

We’re yet to see official New Zealand new-vehicle sales figures for the whole of 2020 (expect them in the next week or so), but based on its own numbers market leader Toyota NZ (TNZ) has revealed that it was 31 per cent down on 2019.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/toyota-nz-down-31-per-cent-in-2020-but-a-running-start-on-2021-with-5700-orders-in-the-bank/

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Raptor who? Supercharged RAM 1500 TRX emerges for sale in NZ

For a few years now, FCA or Fiat Chrysler Automobiles have been cramming the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 or Hellcat engine into almost everything that has an engine bay big enough.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/raptor-who-supercharged-ram-1500-trx-emerges-for-sale-in-nz/

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December Import Registrations Match Year

Used import vehicle registration for December 2020 matched the year overall almost exactly – down 19.7% for the month vs 19.5% for the year. Overall used import passenger car registrations for down for the COVID-hit year to 113,225 from 140,590 units – down by 27,365 vehicles.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/december-import-registrations-match-year

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New Market Down 23% For 2020

The official registration statistics are in – showing the tough COVID-19 market in 2020 was down 22.7% year-on-year. That means overall registrations dropped a massive 35,121 units to 119,620 for the year.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/new-market-down-23-for-2020

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Chargenet – Five Years On And Growing Beyond Expectations

New Zealand has one of the best DC charging networks in the world for its population, beaten only by leaders like Norway. A lot of that is down to one company,

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/chargenet-five-years-on-and-growing-beyond-expectations

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Failure To Clear Debt No Cause For Rejection

Chapman v Taylor and Southern Autos Manukau Ltd The purchaser was looking for a van to use in her employment as a courier driver. She contacted the first trader party to the case after seeing an advertisement shown to her by a colleague.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/failure-to-clear-debt-no-cause-for-rejection

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Your Crm Strategy Has To Be A Main Priority At Your Dealership

Consumers have more choice today than they ever had when buying cars. With higher consumer expectations, dealerships have to work harder to increase sales and service appointments. People today are impatient – they want everything immediately, with the best service and the cheapest price.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/your-crm-strategy-has-to-be-a-main-priority-at-your-dealership

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We Need A Better Plan

Many countries are declaring a “global climate emergency”. So we can expect more government, business and individual initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. Shifting to electric vehicles is the ultimate goal to cut transport-related carbon.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/we-need-a-better-plan

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Covid Triggers Changes For Automotive Finance

COVID-10 has triggered changes in the way New Zealand companies do business that might otherwise have taken years, a panel discussion at the Financial Services Federation’s Recovery Conference 2020 was told.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/covid-triggers-changes-for-automotive-finance

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Border Control ‘Out Of Whack’

The Government’s decision making on who comes through the Covid-19 restricted border and quarantine process is in my view increasingly out of whack. I am not talking about the right of New Zealanders to come home, that bit is as it should be.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/border-control-out-of-whack

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What Will Happen To Car Imports After A 2022 Clean Car Emissions Standard (Ccs)?

Phill Haynes is a strategist with an analytical, problem solving skillset. He’s got a lot of intel, with a dash of fun and spice. Some of you will know Phill (pic) from his days with Deloitte MIS team, or maybe Honda, (cars and motorcycles), or recently Holden.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/what-will-happen-to-car-imports-after-a-2022-clean-car-emissions-standard-ccs

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Toyota NZ Chair Receives New Year’s Honour

Toyota New Zealand’s former chief executive, now non-exec chair, Alistair Davis, was acknowledged last week in the New Year’s honours. David was made an Officer of The New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the motor industry, business and sustainability.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/toyota-nz-chair-receives-new-years-honour

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Let’s Get on With It

New Zealand’s EV market will see exponential growth from this year with the government starting to implement carbon reduction policies.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/lets-get-on-with-it/

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Getting Into the ‘Green Stuff’

The world’s attention has focused on sustainability and reducing emissions to mitigate climate change. That’s been encouraged by people realising the extent of pollution caused by internal combustion engine (ICE) transport during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns when traffic became scarce for a time and the air cleared over major cities.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/getting-into-the-green-stuff/

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The Most Important EV of 2021?

In 2019 the arrival of the Tesla Model 3 saw registrations of electric vehicles rocket in New Zealand. Late in 2020, the MG ZS EV is (admittedly in smaller numbers) causing a spike in registrations – expect over 100 to be on the road by sometime in January and more

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/the-most-important-ev-of-2021/

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Switching on a Low Emissions Energy Future

Ara Ake was launched as the $27 million National New Energy Development Centre in July this year by prime minister Jacinda Ardern and energy minister Megan Woods.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/switching-on-a-low-emissions-energy-future/

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World’s First EV Travel Guide Released

A global EV travel guide ‘#recharge’ has been produced by Tesla travellers Ralf Schwesinger and Nicole Wanner who featured in EVs and Beyond and EVtalk Australia in April and May last year on their “Mr and Mrs T on Tour” sojourn.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/worlds-first-ev-travel-guide-released-2/

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Six in a row for Ranger

Ford NZ boss says utes perform a vital function in supporting business productivity in this country. The Ford Ranger has been crowned New Zealand’s top-selling new vehicle for the sixth year in a row.

https://autofile.co.nz/six-in-a-row-for-ranger-

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Marque unveils tiny EV

Toyota targets business and government customers before plans to launch new model into the wider market. Toyota has launched a new car that is being dubbed an “ultra compact” electric vehicle (EV) with seating capacity for two adults.

https://autofile.co.nz/marque-unveils-compact-ev-

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Look out for a used import near you: humble Toyota wagon achieves retro glory

A Japanese company known for customised versions of classic Toyota SUVs and vans has turned its attention to a Corolla-sized station wagon, with awesome results. In beige if you want it (who wouldn’t?).

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/look-out-for-a-used-import-near-you-humble-toyota-wagon-achieves-retro-glory/

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Honda set to raise bar in autonomous race

Marque prepares to unleash a luxury sedan that will allow drivers to take their eyes off the road. Honda says it will be the world’s first carmaker to mass produce level three autonomous cars that will be able to navigate busy highway traffic all on their own.

https://autofile.co.nz/honda-set-to-raise-bar-in-autonomous-race-