dan.angland

---

Davis honoured for work at Toyota NZ

Former CEO “blessed to be recognised” after being made Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Alistair Davis, whose career with Toyota NZ has spanned more than four decades, has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the motor industry, business and sustainability.

https://autofile.co.nz/davis-honoured-for-work-at-toyota-nz-

---

MITO’s leader wins recognition

Chief executive of two decades recognised for services to tertiary education. Janet Lane, who has been chief executive of MITO since 1999, has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

https://autofile.co.nz/mitos-leader-wins-recognition-

---

Counting the cost of port plans

“Dealers will be concerned about potential transport cost increases in bringing stock to their yards” – Greig Epps, MTA. The Motor Trade Association (MTA) is closely monitoring discussions around moving freight operations away from Ports of Auckland Ltd (POAL) and the cost impact it would have on its members.

https://autofile.co.nz/counting-the-cost-of-port-plans-

---

EV ambitions under fire

Carmakers warn the market is not ready for the massive leap in zero-emission vehicles being sought by European politicians. An association of Europe’s carmakers is warning that plans by politicians to have 30 million electric vehicles (EVs) on the road by 2030 are “far removed from today’s reality”.

https://autofile.co.nz/ev-ambitions-under-fire-

---

Talk of moving port ‘ridiculous’

“I can’t see any real advantage of relocating the port because of the huge capital costs it would involve” – David Vinsen, VIA. A leading automotive industry figure hopes vehicle imports will continue coming through Ports of Auckland for many decades to come and has labelled plans to relocate such operations as “ridiculous”.

https://autofile.co.nz/talk-of-moving-port-ridiculous-

---

Japan salutes UK-EU deal

“Tariffs between the EU and UK could have had a serious impact on the international economy.” The Japanese government has welcomed the long-awaited post-Brexit free-trade agreement between the UK and European Union before the end-of-2020 deadline for heading off negative impacts of a no-deal outcome.

https://autofile.co.nz/japan-salutes-uk-eu-deal-

---

New hypercar speeds into view

Bugatti ponders whether to turn “uncompromising” concept into a series production vehicle. PLUS – video. Bugatti has unleashed a concept car it describes as almost on a par with Formula One vehicles and that delivers a top speed of more than 500kph.

https://autofile.co.nz/new-hypercar-speeds-into-view-

---

Port decision vital in next decade

“We do not see any justification for it to leave Auckland” – David Crawford, MIA. The boss of the Motor Industry Association (MIA) says planning decisions on the future of our ports need to be taken within the next decade if they are to keep up with predicted freight levels.

https://autofile.co.nz/port-decision-vital-in-next-decade-

---

Digital boost for businesses

Extra support for enterprises as the Covid-19 pandemic accelerates the adoption of high-tech solutions. Small businesses can now benefit from the Digital Boost skills training and support initiative.

https://autofile.co.nz/digital-boost-for-businesses-

---

Is This a Level Playing Field? Arnold Difflock

It would seem that electric cars are not just a passing fad. Governments are inventing new rules to give electric propulsion a head start, but will it ever reach the ‘tipping point’ which would see battery power eventually relegate internal combustion to the history books?

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/stick-it-to-the-man-arnold-difflock-jan-2021-is-this-a-level-playing-field

---

Finance firm’s receivership finally over

Debenture investors left out of pocket by millions of dollars following the collapse of business in 2007. Receivers have delivered their closing report on Capital + Merchant Finance 13 years after their appointment.

https://autofile.co.nz/finance-firms-receivership-finally-over-

---

Back to black for X factor

Ford NZ secures an extra limited run of the latest Ranger models after its previous batch sold out. The popular Ranger Wildtrak X is making a return to dealerships in early 2021 with a range of design, value features and interior upgrades over the standard variant.

https://autofile.co.nz/back-to-black-for-x-factor-

---

Forum to debate transport solutions

Organisers urge people to save the date as ITS NZ’s annual conference eyes a return in 2021. Experts are planning to gather in Wellington next year to discuss how transport and our cities can be transformed to address climate change, safety and equity.

https://autofile.co.nz/forum-to-debate-transport-solutions-

---

Campervan company fears deeper losses

Financial outlook uncertain as the early season demand for rental vehicles indicates a slow season ahead. Tourism Holdings (THL) is bracing itself for lower demand than expected over the coming months and predicts its net loss will top $12.8 million for the June 2021 year.

https://autofile.co.nz/campervan-company-fears-deeper-losses-

---

Bentley hires jets to fly in parts

Luxury carmaker plots to keep supply chains moving in the event of trade bottlenecks following Brexit. Marques have been securing extra supply routes as negotiators from the UK and European Union (EU) wrestle with trying to strike a deal over Brexit.

https://autofile.co.nz/bentley-hires-jets-to-fly-in-parts-

---

Will it Be an EV New Year?

It’s time to look ahead. The Hon. Michael Wood has been appointed the new Minister of Transport. I feel a new set of eyes on this portfolio was necessary but he has a lower ranking within his party than previous transport ministers.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/ev-torque-jan-2021

---

Value of car imports slumps

Disruptions to the global supply chain have been cited as a key reason for the monthly drop and a rare November trade surplus. The value of cars and parts imported into New Zealand fell in November to $588m, a drop of $121m from the same month in 2019.

https://autofile.co.nz/value-of-car-imports-slumps-

---

Extra shipping costs hit importers

Commerce Commission watching developments in the shipping industry as charges climb in the wake of health crisis. Congestion charges and increasing freight rates are causing headaches for importers, who fear shipping lines are profiteering from the Covid-19 pandemic.

https://autofile.co.nz/extra-shipping-costs-hit-importers-

---

Japan eyes rapid growth

Economy appears on course for a rebound in 2021, according to the latest government predictions. Japan’s economy looks set to grow at its fastest rate in two decades thanks to a recently adopted stimulus package to help it recover from the impacts of Covid-19.

https://autofile.co.nz/japan-eyes-rapid-growth-

---

Meet the Sabre, Mclaren’s New Hybrid-Free 614Kw Monster

It’s almost criminal these days for supercar and hypercar manufacturers to produce cars that don’t make use of some kind of electrification. Most do so in a mild capacity, acting as a torque filler, a high-efficiency around-town drive mode, or as a means of green-tinged marketing.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/meet-the-sabre-mclaren-s-new-hybrid-free-614kw-monster

---

McLaren unveils the Sabre, its most extreme non-hybrid yet

A few wealthy fans of McLaren over in America will be having a very nice Christmas this year, as the British brand has just revealed its latest supercar in limited numbers, and is a USA exclusive.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/mclaren-unveils-the-sabre-its-most-extreme-non-hybrid-yet/

---

FACELIFTED TIGUAN SUV CAN’T ARRIVE SOON ENOUGH

Volkswagen Passenger Cars New Zealand says the early 2021 arrival of the facelifted Tiguan in March and April is a great win for both its dealers and customers.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/facelifted-tiguan-suv-cant-arrive-soon-enough

---

FORD ADDING MORE X FACTOR TO BEST-SELLING RANGER

Ford New Zealand is adding yet more core and limited edition models to its best-selling Ranger Ute line-up to maintain its market-leading position in 2021. 

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/ford-adding-more-x-factor-to-best-selling-ranger

---

VOLKSWAGEN MARKS 70 YEARS OF CKD CAR EXPORTS

In 1950 Volkswagen passenger cars exported its first shipment of completely knocked down (CKD) kits of the infamous Beetle to Ireland for local assembly.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/volkswagen-marks-70-years-of-ckd-car-exports

---

PORTS OF AUCKLAND RESPONDS TO UNION CLAIMS

Ports of Auckland spokesperson Matt Ball says claims by the Maritime Union leadership are entirely false and malicious, and are based on their ideological opposition to automation, not facts.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/ports-of-auckland-responds-to-union-claims

---

UNION CLAIMS PORT IS TURNING DOWN SKILLED WORKERS

The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) says skilled New Zealand workers are being turned down for jobs at the Ports of Auckland.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/union-claims-port-is-turning-down-skilled-workers

---

KIA E-NIRO FOR AUSTRALIA MID-2021?

Kia expects to have its first electric car, the e-Niro, in Australia by mid-2021, joining a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Sorento to be introduced earlier. 

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/kia-e-niro-for-australia-mid-2021/

---

NISSAN FIGHTS COVID WITH FREE THERMAL IMAGING TECH

Nissan is supporting the fight against COVID-19 by providing licenses free for thermal imaging sensor technology developed by the company which is aimed at autonomous vehicles (AVs).

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/nissan-fights-covid-with-free-thermal-imaging-tech/

---

AV ADVANCES STEP UP

Further development of autonomous vehicles (AV) is included under an extended collaboration between two key associated product firms.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/av-advances-step-up/

---

PORT BATTLES FREIGHT BACKLOG

Recruitment drive aims to help address high level of demand.

https://autofile.co.nz/port-battles-freight-backlog-

---

ELECTRICITY PROFITS ‘REASONABLE’

Report highlights electricity companies’ financial performance and service quality.

https://autofile.co.nz/electricity-profits-reasonable-

---

REGULATORY OVERSIGHT TIGHTENS

Agency sets five-year terms for new inspection organisations.

https://autofile.co.nz/regulatory-oversight-tightened-

---

TUNING FIRM MAKES BMW’S MOST AGRO SUV EVEN SCARIER

BMW’s big-grilled X7 three-row SUV has been somewhat forgotten in the brand’s fashion stakes, following the … uhh … divisive 4 Series, M3, M4, and iX that have come in the time since.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/tuning-firm-makes-bmw-s-most-agro-suv-even-scarier

---

NEW-LOOK VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN KIWI-BOUND FOR 2021

Volkswagen’s stealthily popular mid-size SUV, the Tiguan, is getting a facelift for 2021 — the German firm’s local arm confirming more details about the model earlier today.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/new-look-volkswagen-tiguan-kiwi-bound-for-2021

---

TOYOTA REVEALS STUNNING GR SUPRA ‘CONVERTIBLE’ SPORT TOP

What’s perhaps a little surprising about Toyota’s still somewhat fresh-to-market GR Supra is that we haven’t seen many different variants be added to the mix.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/toyota-reveals-stunning-gr-supra-convertible-sport-top

---

VW GOLF GTI PRICING CONFIRMED? NZ MK8 DETAILS UNVEILED

As the year winds down to a close, attention turns to the interesting new metal that’s coming in 2021. And, at the compact end of the scale is the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/vw-golf-gti-pricing-confirmed-nz-mk8-details-unveiled

---

THE QUEST TO REPLICATE TESLA’S SUCCESS KEEPS EV MANIA ALIVE

Tesla has thrilled some investors and jarred others by soaring to a valuation of as much as US$649 billion, more than what the world’s seven largest carmakers were collectively worth at the beginning of this year. 

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/evs/300189292/the-quest-to-replicate-teslas-success-keeps-ev-mania-alive

---

SHELBY’S PERSONAL COBRA IS GOING UNDER THE HAMMER

Carroll Shelby isn’t someone that needs an introduction, nor does the Cobra. Based around the British AC Ace with the old 2.0-litre Bristol straight-six swapped for a healthy Ford-built V8, the two-seater roadster quickly became synonymous with Shelby’s mechanical knowhow.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/123785008/shelbys-personal-cobra-is-going-under-the-hammer

---

WATCH: TOYOTA TAKES THE TOP OFF THE GR SUPRA IN THE NAME OF STYLE

While we’re yet to see any hint of a manual transmission coming to Toyota’s GR Supra, the Japanese brand is more than happy to take the roof off it for its second wave of SEMA360 concepts.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/watch-toyota-takes-the-top-off-the-gr-supra-in-the-name-of-style/

---

Port battles freight backlog

Recruitment drive aims to help address the unexpected level of demand on the shipping supply chain. Ports of Auckland (POAL) is hiring more staff to help tackle delays for processing shipments coming in and out of the country.

https://autofile.co.nz/port-battles-freight-backlog-

---

Tesla joins key share index

Shares suffer rare dip in a year that has seen the carmaker’s market value soar past its rivals. Tesla has hit a new milestone after making its debut on America’s S&P 500, which provides millions more investors with an opportunity to hold a stake in the electric car maker.

https://autofile.co.nz/tesla-joins-key-share-index-

---

Support helps cap certification fee increase

Technical association welcomes funding boost from the NZTA as workload increases. An automotive group is looking forward to no longer “running on the smell of an oily rag” after securing financial support from the NZTA.

https://autofile.co.nz/support-limits-certification-fee-increase-

---

Car reveal targets young buyers

Honda tweaks Civic to make it look bigger and deliver improved visibility for drivers. Honda has tuned into Twitch, a popular streaming and social media platform for video game players, to reveal a new version of its Civic compact car.

https://autofile.co.nz/car-reveal-targets-young-buyers-

---

New Golf 8 Arriving In Dealerships in March 2021

Volkswagen New Zealand says the all-new Golf 8 and all-new Golf GTI will be arriving in New Zealand dealerships by March 2021. 

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/new-golf-8-arriving-in-dealerships-in-march-2021

---

Five-Year Terms for New Vehicle Inspecting Organisations

From January 1, 2021 Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will introduce defined appointment terms for all new warrant of fitness (WoF) and certificate of fitness (CoF) inspecting organisation (IO) applicants.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/five-year-terms-for-new-vehicle-inspecting-organisations

---

Best-Selling E-Class Gets Update For 2021

Mercedes-Benz says the E-Class is the best-selling model series in the company’s history so for 2021 the sedan, coupe, cabriolet and Mercedes-AMG variants have all received cosmetic and technological updates.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/best-selling-e-class-gets-update-for-2021

---

Toyota hit by spate of recalls

Marque spots potential problems in a mix of models. 

https://autofile.co.nz/toyota-hit-by-spate-of-recalls-

---

Treasury tips more rapid economic recovery

Surplus set to arrive sooner than expected despite Covid uncertainty.

https://autofile.co.nz/treasury-tips-more-rapid-economic-recovery-

---

Cartel policy set to change

Regulator seeks submissions as date for new criminal offence approaches.

https://autofile.co.nz/cartel-policy-set-to-change-

---

Electric Cars are Overhyped, Says Toyota Boss

You’d think that the announcement of its first fully electric car might sway Toyota towards softening its often mixed stance on EVs, but that doesn’t appear to be the case based on comments made by the firm’s president, Akio Toyoda.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/electric-cars-are-overhyped-says-toyota-boss

---

Ute Wars Continue: Ford Confirms Updated 2021 Ranger Wildtrak-X

After drafting the featured-packed Wildtrak-X grade of Ford Ranger earlier this year, Ford New Zealand has announced that the formerly sold-out model will be back for 2021 with a handful of changes.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/ute-wars-continue-ford-confirms-updated-2021-ranger-wildtrak-x

---

Is Subaru Finally Making A BRZ Sti? Curious Test Mule Spotted

In recent years there’s been many ‘will they, won’t they’ moments in motoring, and one of the biggest has been the lack of a definitive high-performance flagship in either the Subaru BRZ or Toyota 86.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/is-subaru-finally-making-a-brz-sti-curious-test-mule-spotted

---

VW warns chip shortage threatens car production worldwide

639034284 (White VW ID.3): Volkswagen has started building its ID.3 EV, but warns a semiconductor shortage may slow the company’s production process.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/300189299/vw-warns-chip-shortage-threatens-car-production-worldwide

---

Toyota’s CEO really doesn’t like the EV revolution

As Japan seemingly heads towards instigating a ban on the sale of combustion cars by the year 2035, the boss of the countries largest vehicle manufacturer isn’t happy.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/evs/123771983/toyotas-ceo-really-doesnt-like-the-ev-revolution

---

Toyota NZ recalls selected Yaris Hybrid and Yaris Cross models

A number of Yaris Hybrid and Yaris Cross SUV models have been recalled by Toyota New Zealand for two potential issues.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/toyota-nz-recalls-selected-yaris-hybrid-and-yaris-cross-models/

---

Live the Mad Max dream with this epic Ford Falcon Interceptor

Over the last decade or so, prices of classic Australian muscle cars have been sky-rocketing with old two-door Ford Falcons and Holden Monaro models leading the charge. 

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/live-the-mad-max-dream-with-this-epic-ford-falcon-interceptor/

---

Carroll Shelby’s very own 427 Cobra set to fetch a fortune

As one of the most replicated classic cars on the road, the Shelby Cobra is certainly iconic, with some genuine models fetching over $1 million when crossing the auction block in recent years. 

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/carroll-shelby-s-very-own-427-cobra-set-to-fetch-a-fortune/

---

VIA Welcomes New NZTA Audit System

VIA is welcoming a new vehicle auditing system being implemented by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. It includes unannounced random audits of compliance shops as well as WoF and CoF issuing organisations. 

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/via-welcomes-new-nzta-audit-system

---

ALFA Upgrades Its Sporty Speedy SUVs

Alfa Romeo is offering two versions of its updated Stelvio high-performance SUV in New Zealand, the Veloce Carbon and the Quadrifoglio. 

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/alfa-upgrades-its-sporty-speedy-suvs

---

Agency targets inspectors

Compliance shops, and WOF and COF providers, face unannounced audits.

https://autofile.co.nz/agency-targets-inspectors-

---

Dodgy brakes and tyres on rise

Vehicle factors an increasing problem in our road toll.

https://autofile.co.nz/dodgy-brakes-and-tyres-on-rise-

---

Marque backs emerging designers

Lexus NZ celebrates “imaginative solutions” from the next generation.

https://autofile.co.nz/marque-backs-emerging-designers-

---

NZ shifts out of recession

Increased spending on cars plays vital part in economic turnaround.

https://autofile.co.nz/nz-shifts-out-of-recession-

---

Hyundai Developing 2.3-Litre ‘Big Block’ For Next i30 N?

Hyundai’s recently updated i30 N hot hatch has barely hit the market, and it’s already being rumoured that the next generation of the popular performance car is in development — particularly in regards to powertrains.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/hyundai-developing-2-3-litre-big-block-for-next-i30-n

---

Scott Mclaughlin Edition Ford Mustang To Cost $149,500

Seemingly as a bit of a parting gift, Scott McLaughlin’s ‘SM17’ Ford Mustang got plenty of tongues wagging earlier this year. More power than a Shelby GT500, racier looks, and limited production numbers will do that.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/scott-mclaughlin-edition-ford-mustang-to-cost-149-500

---

Special Scott McLaughlin Mustang priced

The special Mustang built as a send-off for Scott McLaughlin has been priced.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/123762283/special-scott-mclaughlin-mustang-priced

---

Toyota Yaris and Yaris Cross hit by two separate recalls

Even being the Top Car of 2020 can’t protect you from recalls, it seems.

Toyota has confirmed the new Yaris has been hit by two separate recalls, one affecting the hybrid system in relevant hatchback and Cross cars, the other relating to the rear centre seatbelts of some Yaris Cross models.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/123755097/toyota-yaris-and-yaris-cross-hit-by-two-separate-recalls

---

Volkswagen wants to have solid-state batteries on the road by 2024

Volkswagen is hoping to jump to the front of the EV arms race with its latest investment, which could allow it to put solid-state batteries on the road by 2024.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/evs/123751731/volkswagen-wants-to-have-solidstate-batteries-on-the-road-by-2024

---

GREEN SPECIAL: Five things we learned about green motoring in 2020

We’re close to the end of the year and therefore wrapping up our first series of Green articles in partnership with Audi.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/green-special-five-things-we-learned-about-green-motoring-in-2020/

---

NZ pricing revealed for Ford’s highly-anticipated SM17 Mustang

While Shelby might rule the roost when it comes to fast Mustangs over in America, Herrod has claimed that title with the burly SM17, dedicated to Scott McLaughlin’s success in Australia’s Supercars series.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/nz-pricing-revealed-for-ford-s-highly-anticipated-sm17-mustang/