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HOT TOPIC

// RUC to impact fuel prices

A government briefing to Transport Minister Chris Bishop indicates fuel prices should fall as New Zealand shifts its 3.5 million light vehicles from fuel excise duty onto road-user charges.

• Read this article on Autofile

// More on this

• Autotalk says Officials expect petrol prices to fall under eRUC system

HOT TOPIC

// RV dealership downsizes as market slows

One of New Zealand’s largest privately owned RV dealerships, Mount Maunganui-based RV Mega, is closing its vehicle sales yard, cutting staff and moving to smaller premises as it looks to cut costs.

• Read this article on Autotalk

// More on this

• Autofile says Dealership downsizing

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// Use the best tool for the job

Built for dealers. Trusted by dealerships nationwide.

“It’s clear that the Autocheck team understands the industry’s day-to-day operations …” – Jeremy Spicer, Group General Manager, Andrew Simms Group

Call Mike 021 410 134 or visit AutoCheck.co.nz

BEST OF THE REST

// 2 Cheap appoints executive

Auckland-based 2 Cheap Cars has appointed Hugo Richards as chief operating officer, bringing experience across automotive retail, supply chain and after-sales roles gained in both New Zealand and South Africa.

• Read this article on Autofile

IN OTHER NEWS

// AUT researchers develop AI tool to reinvent gear system design

Researchers at Auckland University of Technology are developing an AI-powered design tool they believe could transform how mechanical gear systems are created, aiming to overcome existing software’s inability to generate entirely new concepts rather than just optimise existing ones.

• Read this article on Autotalk

// Skoda’s arresting deal

Skoda New Zealand has extended its fleet partnership with New Zealand Police, continuing to supply frontline patrol vehicles after the Skoda Superb replaced the Holden Commodore in the role several years ago.

• Read this article on Autofile

SPONSORED BY EV POWER

// Knowledgeable, Experienced Team

Trusted Experts in EV Charging – Here to Help Every Step of the Way.

With years of experience in the New Zealand EV space, few companies have been supplying EV charging products as long as OEM Audio Ltd, the team behind EV Power.

We’re proud to hold the Consumer Trusted accreditation, giving you confidence in both our products and our customer service.

Shop Online or Get in touch

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// This Chinese Automaker Just Beat BYD With An EV Battery That Recharges In 8 Minutes

Hongqi, working with Lishen Battery and FAW’s battery subsidiary, has tested an experimental EV battery that charged from 10 to 70 percent in just 3 minutes 41 seconds, and to 97 percent in a little over 8 minutes, using a 12C peak charging rate. The result reportedly edges out BYD’s current flash-charging benchmark, though no production timeline or vehicle has been announced.

• Read this article on InsideEVs

ONE LINERS

• BYD launches its first Kei EV at $22,000 in Japan, will it come to New Zealand?
• Volkswagen’s Brand Group Core lifts first-half profit despite global headwinds
• BMW builds 50,000th all-electric iX3 in nine months
• New Mercedes-Benz GLA goes electric with 657km range
• 2027 Audi Q9: All-new flagship SUV revealed as Audi’s largest model yet
• Electric Mercedes-Benz C-Class, GLC AMG prototypes spotted testing in NZ

SPONSORED BY FARMER AUTOVILLAGE

// Farmer Autovillage Wheel Repairs

Now offering precision machine face wheel repairs and professional powder coating using our advanced WheelRestore diamond cutting machine and specialist coating equipment. From cost-effective repairs to full blackouts, it’s the perfect solution for used vehicle reconditioning.

Fast turnaround times – Simply send us the wheel complete with tyre and we’ll return it repaired, fitted, balanced, and ready to roll.

Contact: tyreadvisors@farmerautovillage.co.nz

HOT TOPIC

// GWM confirms 3.0-litre Tank 300 and Cannon Alpha for local arrival, opens order books

GWM New Zealand has confirmed its Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha will be offered with a new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine for the local market, with orders opening ahead of arrivals starting in September.

• Read this article on AutoTrader

// More on this

• Driven Car Guide says NZ and Australia first global markets for GWM’s grunty 3.0-litre diesel, and the order books are open

HOT TOPIC

// Honda NZ not ruling out bringing in Super-One’s cheaper EV cousin

After a brief period of not offering a fully electric option in New Zealand, Honda has re-entered the market with its Super-One hot hatch.

• Read this article on Stuff

// More on this

• AutoTrader says Honda promises the Super-ONE will not be another short story

SPONSORED BY AUTOCHECK

// Use the best tool for the job

Built for dealers. Trusted by dealerships nationwide.

“It’s clear that the Autocheck team understands the industry’s day-to-day operations …” – Jeremy Spicer, Group General Manager, Andrew Simms Group

Call Mike 021 410 134 or visit AutoCheck.co.nz

BEST OF THE REST

// ‘Exciting refresh’ to range

Volkswagen has released its all-new T-Roc in New Zealand, introducing its first mild-hybrid powertrain and marking what the brand calls a major step forward in efficiency and everyday usability.

• Read this article on Autofile

IN OTHER NEWS

// Why hybrid drivers will pay more under the new RUC system

A plan to scrap petrol tax and move every light vehicle onto road user charges will leave hybrid owners paying considerably more than they currently do, according to official figures cited in a Ministry of Transport briefing.

• Read this article on AutoTrader

// New appointments to NZTA board

Transport Minister Chris Bishop has announced the reappointment of David Smol along with new appointments of Lana Stockman, Steve Haszard and Murdo Beattie to the New Zealand Transport Agency board.

• Read this article on AutoTalk

// Decrease in pollution

Stats NZ reports that seasonally adjusted greenhouse gas emissions from industries and households fell by 0.2 percent over the March 2026 quarter, even as transport-related emissions rose.

• Read this article on Autofile

// Toyota helps turn tries into cash

Toyota New Zealand is boosting grassroots rugby by partnering with New Zealand Rugby to donate $2,000 to a club for every try scored by the All Blacks and Black Ferns on home soil this season.

• Read this article on Autofile

// Audi Q9 confirmed for NZ in early 2027

Audi has confirmed that its new flagship Q9 SUV will land in New Zealand in early 2027, offering seven seats, a 220kW diesel V6 and the largest body ever fitted to a model wearing the four rings.

• Read this article on AutoTrader

// Fairfax electric refrigerated trailer trial cutting emissions at Big Chill

Fairfax Industries says an all-electric refrigerated trailer, paired with a DeepWay Star electric prime mover, has cut more than five tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in its first year running with Big Chill Distribution.

• Read this article on EVs & Beyond

SPONSORED BY EV POWER

// Knowledgeable, Experienced Team

Trusted Experts in EV Charging – Here to Help Every Step of the Way.

With years of experience in the New Zealand EV space, few companies have been supplying EV charging products as long as OEM Audio Ltd, the team behind EV Power.

We’re proud to hold the Consumer Trusted accreditation, giving you confidence in both our products and our customer service.

Shop Online or Get in touch

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// Momenta Goes from Robotaxis to Robovans

Momenta, which has been developing robotaxis since 2021, has now launched driverless robovans that operate around the clock delivering parcels in its home district of Xiangcheng in Suzhou.

• Read this article on CleanTechnica

ONE LINERS

• 2027 Kia Sportage spied testing ahead of NZ launch
• Thornley Kelham reveals Porsche 356 European SL restomod
• BMW’s electric iX5 battery plant gears up with 250 robots
• Car cover versions: five Kiwi-market models that are obvious knock-offs
• Zeekr to host luxury ice driving experience in Queenstown

SPONSORED BY FARMER AUTOVILLAGE

// Farmer Autovillage Wheel Repairs

Now offering precision machine face wheel repairs and professional powder coating using our advanced WheelRestore diamond cutting machine and specialist coating equipment. From cost-effective repairs to full blackouts, it’s the perfect solution for used vehicle reconditioning.

Fast turnaround times – Simply send us the wheel complete with tyre and we’ll return it repaired, fitted, balanced, and ready to roll.

Contact: tyreadvisors@farmerautovillage.co.nz

HOT TOPIC

// Nissan New Zealand announces pricing for updated Z, including manual Nismo version

Nissan New Zealand has confirmed pricing for its refreshed Z sports car range, headlined by the long-awaited manual-transmission Nismo variant, with the standard coupe still starting at $89,990.

• Read this article on AutoTrader

// More on this

• Stuff says Nissan Z Nismo manual joins NZ range as sports car lineup gains 2026 updates

HOT TOPIC

// Electric Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4MATIC opens for NZ orders at $128,900

Mercedes-Benz has opened New Zealand ordering for the fully electric GLC 400 4MATIC at a drive-away price of $128,900, marking the brand’s most popular nameplate’s move into the premium electric SUV segment on a dedicated 800-volt EV platform.

• Read this article on EVs & Beyond

// More on this

• AutoTrader says Mercedes-Benz announces local pricing for electric and AMG GLC models
• Driven Car Guide says Kiwi pricing for Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 EV: head-to-head with BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60

HOT TOPIC

// Inchcape sheds another partner

Inchcape has confirmed it will end its New Zealand distribution partnership for LDV, just weeks after parting ways with KGM, with a transition period to follow before the final date is set.

• Read this article on Autofile

// More on this

• Stuff says LDV dumped by distributor: Inchcape axes another brand from NZ market

HOT TOPIC

// Lamborghini Revuelto Impavido honours Japan with 25-car special

To celebrate a quarter-century in Japan, Lamborghini is building just 25 numbered Revuelto Impavido supercars in four Bushido-inspired configurations, with no New Zealand allocation confirmed.

• Read this article on Driven Car Guide

// More on this

• AutoTrader says Lamborghini’s new Revuelto Impavido is a Samurai special edition

SPONSORED BY AUTOCHECK

// Use the best tool for the job

Built for dealers. Trusted by dealerships nationwide.

“It’s clear that the Autocheck team understands the industry’s day-to-day operations …” – Jeremy Spicer, Group General Manager, Andrew Simms Group

Call Mike 021 410 134 or visit AutoCheck.co.nz

BEST OF THE REST

// Tesla Cybercab spotted on New Zealand public road for first time

Newly surfaced photos show a Tesla Cybercab driving itself under power on a public road near Cardrona, the first time one of the autonomous two-seaters has been captured outside the company’s nearby cold-weather testing grounds.

• Read this article on EVs & Beyond

IN OTHER NEWS

// Fiat pauses EV sales in New Zealand

Fiat has halted sales of its electric passenger models in New Zealand while parent company Stellantis reassesses future product plans for the local market, mirroring a similar pause recently announced in Australia.

• Read this article on EVs & Beyond

// Smart charger rules take shape as EECA opens consultation

New Zealand is moving closer to its first mandatory smart-charging rules for EV chargers, with EECA opening a consultation on proposed technical requirements and submissions due by early September.

• Read this article on EVs & Beyond

// Government appoints new chairs at EECA and Electricity Authority

The Government has named new chairs and board members for EECA and the Electricity Authority, appointments arriving as both regulators progress work that will shape how the country’s electricity grid handles growing EV uptake.

• Read this article on EVs & Beyond

// Bishop questions lower NZTA performance targets

Transport Minister Chris Bishop raised concerns that NZTA’s draft performance targets for 2026/27 were less ambitious than expected, though the agency’s board opted to leave them unchanged after review.

• Read this article on AutoTalk

// Celebration of motoring heritage

Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts have wrapped up the New Zealand leg of a global tour marking 140 years since Carl Benz’s original automobile patent, taking a heritage S-Class convoy the length of both islands.

• Read this article on Autofile

// Pain at pump eases

Petrol and diesel prices both fell between May and June 2026 according to Stats NZ figures, offering motorists some relief after price rises earlier in the year.

• Read this article on Autofile

// Rear-drive Atto 2 “unlikely” for New Zealand, Atto 3 Evo looking more likely

BYD New Zealand says the rear-wheel-drive Atto 2 revealed in China is unlikely to come here, while a rear-drive Atto 3 Evo update already confirmed for Australia looks a more probable fit for local showrooms.

• Read this article on AutoTrader

SPONSORED BY EV POWER

// Knowledgeable, Experienced Team

Trusted Experts in EV Charging – Here to Help Every Step of the Way.

With years of experience in the New Zealand EV space, few companies have been supplying EV charging products as long as OEM Audio Ltd, the team behind EV Power.

We’re proud to hold the Consumer Trusted accreditation, giving you confidence in both our products and our customer service.

Shop Online or Get in touch

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// Waymo crashes 1/3 as much as a human driver, says IIHS – with some caveats

An independent IIHS study of federal crash data found Waymo robotaxis were involved in 68% fewer reportable crashes than average human drivers over 50 million autonomous miles, though the researchers flagged several limitations in the comparison, including small sample sizes and differences in road types driven.

• Read this article on Electrek

ONE LINERS

• Amble One is a tiny electric off-roader with Audi R8 design links
• Tesla misses profit expectations despite revenue surge
• Dutch sports car maker Donkervoort taking NZ orders for 780kg, 450kW P24 RS
• Rezvani Dune unveiled as a Mad Max’s Lamborghini Huracan
• Nissan turns new Leaf into 160kW Nismo for Japan
• Ford and Geely plan Valencia manufacturing joint venture

SPONSORED BY FARMER AUTOVILLAGE

// Farmer Autovillage Wheel Repairs

Now offering precision machine face wheel repairs and professional powder coating using our advanced WheelRestore diamond cutting machine and specialist coating equipment. From cost-effective repairs to full blackouts, it’s the perfect solution for used vehicle reconditioning.

Fast turnaround times – Simply send us the wheel complete with tyre and we’ll return it repaired, fitted, balanced, and ready to roll.

Contact: tyreadvisors@farmerautovillage.co.nz

HOT TOPIC

// All-electric Range Rover GT confirmed for New Zealand

Land Rover New Zealand has confirmed that the fully electric Range Rover GT will land in local showrooms in 2027, distinct from the electric Range Rover Sport shown recently at Goodwood.

• Read this article on AutoTrader

// More on this

• Driven Car Guide says First look at ‘car-like’ pure-electric Range Rover GT (it’s the new Velar, basically)

HOT TOPIC

// Toyota names Evnex as official EV charging partner

Toyota New Zealand has selected Christchurch-based charger maker Evnex as its official home-charging partner, supporting the rapid growth of its electric and plug-in hybrid model range.

• Read this article on EVs & Beyond

// More on this

• Autofile says Charging forward with partnership

SPONSORED BY JAZZ PRINT

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BEST OF THE REST

// New expo focuses on EVs

Dealers and manufacturers are being invited to showcase their latest electric and plug-in hybrid models at a new expo in Auckland later this year.

• Read this article on Autofile

IN OTHER NEWS

// Hybrid joins electric

A hybrid version of Jaecoo’s J5 is now sitting alongside its electric counterpart in New Zealand showrooms, sold as a single Summit variant.

• Read this article on Autofile

// Updated Zeekr X arrives with more power and equipment

Zeekr has locked in pricing for its refreshed X electric SUV, which lands in New Zealand in August with stronger performance and extra standard gear for only a modest price rise.

• Read this article on EVs & Beyond

// Recycled tyres feature in NZ team’s Glasgow Games uniform

The New Zealand Olympic Committee has revealed the uniform the NZ team will wear at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the podium kit incorporating recycled car tyres among its materials.

• Read this article on AutoTalk

// Petrol fuels inflation rise

Stats NZ figures show climbing petrol and diesel prices were the biggest drivers behind annual inflation reaching 4.1 percent in the year to June.

• Read this article on Autofile

SPONSORED BY EV POWER

// Knowledgeable, Experienced Team

Trusted Experts in EV Charging – Here to Help Every Step of the Way.

With years of experience in the New Zealand EV space, few companies have been supplying EV charging products as long as OEM Audio Ltd, the team behind EV Power.

We’re proud to hold the Consumer Trusted accreditation, giving you confidence in both our products and our customer service.

Shop Online or Get in touch

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// Isuzu to Use Swappable Battery Tech for Yokohama’s Garbage Collection Route

Isuzu Motors is trialling a three-minute battery-swap system for electric refuse trucks in Yokohama, aiming to remove lengthy charging stops from the tight schedules that municipal collection rounds require.

• Read this article on CleanTechnica

ONE LINERS

• Iconic Japanese cars heading to local auction with $1 reserve
• Mercedes-Maybach gives GLS flagship a more luxurious makeover
• Nissan all-new Elgrand launched in Japan
• Kia NZ locks in electric van rollout with PV5 Cargo, Passenger
• First examples of Honda’s next EV arrive in NZ
• XPeng confirm five-model NZ expansion and hands-free driving tech to tackle Tesla, Zeekr

SPONSORED BY FARMER AUTOVILLAGE

// Farmer Autovillage Wheel Repairs

Now offering precision machine face wheel repairs and professional powder coating using our advanced WheelRestore diamond cutting machine and specialist coating equipment. From cost-effective repairs to full blackouts, it’s the perfect solution for used vehicle reconditioning.

Fast turnaround times – Simply send us the wheel complete with tyre and we’ll return it repaired, fitted, balanced, and ready to roll.

Contact: tyreadvisors@farmerautovillage.co.nz

HOT TOPIC

// Hybrid and EV imports hit $2.9b in year to June

New Zealand’s move toward lower-emission vehicles kept building pace, with the value of reduced-emission passenger vehicle imports climbing 33% to reach $2.9 billion in the year to June 2026.

• Read this article on EVs & Beyond

// More on this

• Autofile says Value of EV imports soars

HOT TOPIC

// Updated Zeekr X significantly upgraded for 2026 despite small price rise

NordEast has confirmed pricing for the refreshed Zeekr X EV, due to arrive in August, with the New Zealand range continuing to offer rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants.

• Read this article on AutoTrader

// More on this

• Driven Car Guide says Kiwi-specification Zeekr X gets more power, faster charging, increased equipment

SPONSORED BY JAZZ PRINT

// Let’s Jazz you up!

For all your Automotive needs:

Number Plate Surrounds | Registration Holders | Flags and Accessories | WOF and Service Decals | Key Rings and Service Tags | Window Decals | Printing and Stationery | Promotional Products

For orders and enquiries:

sales@jazzprint.co.nz | 0800 52 99 77 | www.jazzprint.co.nz

BEST OF THE REST

// Honda Super-One arrives in New Zealand ahead of launch

Honda New Zealand has confirmed its first shipment of the all-new Super-One electric vehicle has landed in the country ahead of its August 1 retail launch.

• Read this article on EVs & Beyond

IN OTHER NEWS

// First foray into commercial EVs

Kia has confirmed its all-electric PV5 van will go on sale in New Zealand before the end of September, with a starting price of $64,990 plus on-road costs.

• Read this article on Autofile

// Giltrap Group to end Kia North Shore representation

Giltrap Group is ending its representation of the Kia brand on Auckland’s North Shore, closing out a 17-year partnership as part of a shift in business strategy.

• Read this article on AutoTalk

// Toyota turns All Blacks and Black Ferns tries into funding for grassroots rugby

Toyota New Zealand and New Zealand Rugby have launched a new programme that converts every All Blacks and Black Ferns try scored on home soil into funding for community rugby clubs.

• Read this article on AutoTalk

// Google Maps’ Māori voice

Google has teamed up with Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, the Māori Language Commission, to launch an Aotearoa New Zealand voice for Google Maps that correctly pronounces te reo Māori place names.

• Read this article on Autofile

// Toyota New Zealand partners with Evnex as official charging supplier

Toyota New Zealand has signed Christchurch-based Evnex as its official EV charging partner, timed with the expansion of Toyota’s battery-electric and plug-in hybrid lineup.

• Read this article on AutoTrader

SPONSORED BY EV POWER

// Knowledgeable, Experienced Team

Trusted Experts in EV Charging – Here to Help Every Step of the Way.

With years of experience in the New Zealand EV space, few companies have been supplying EV charging products as long as OEM Audio Ltd, the team behind EV Power.

We’re proud to hold the Consumer Trusted accreditation, giving you confidence in both our products and our customer service.

Shop Online or Get in touch

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// EVs Just Beat Gas And Diesel In Europe’s Biggest Car Market For The First Time

Electric vehicles outsold every other powertrain type in Germany for the first time last month, with 84,057 new BEV registrations marking a 78.2% year-on-year increase, according to the country’s KBA transport authority.

• Read this article on InsideEVs

ONE LINERS

• XPeng confirms five-model rollout for New Zealand, advanced driving tech to follow in 2027
• Convention to benefit dealers
• BYD says it can overtake Toyota without selling cars in the US
• Breitling watch pays tribute to James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 (and a weird geiger counter)

SPONSORED BY FARMER AUTOVILLAGE

// Farmer Autovillage Wheel Repairs

Now offering precision machine face wheel repairs and professional powder coating using our advanced WheelRestore diamond cutting machine and specialist coating equipment. From cost-effective repairs to full blackouts, it’s the perfect solution for used vehicle reconditioning.

Fast turnaround times – Simply send us the wheel complete with tyre and we’ll return it repaired, fitted, balanced, and ready to roll.

Contact: tyreadvisors@farmerautovillage.co.nz

BEST OF TODAY

// Kia confirms PV5 electric van pricing ahead of Q3 NZ launch

Kia New Zealand has locked in pricing for its eagerly awaited PV5 electric van, with the first Cargo variant set to arrive this quarter starting at $64,990 plus on-road costs.

• Read this article on EVs & Beyond

SPONSORED BY JAZZ PRINT

// Let’s Jazz you up!

For all your Automotive needs:

Number Plate Surrounds | Registration Holders | Flags and Accessories | WOF and Service Decals | Key Rings and Service Tags | Window Decals | Printing and Stationery | Promotional Products

For orders and enquiries:

sales@jazzprint.co.nz | 0800 52 99 77 | www.jazzprint.co.nz

IN OTHER NEWS

// EV meets new criteria

ANCAP updates its testing and ratings benchmarks roughly every three years to keep pace with industry developments, shifting crash risks and changing consumer expectations, and its newest criteria have just taken effect, with the BMW iX3 the first model put through them.

• Read this article on Autofile

// Feedback sought on digital revamp

Members of the public and industry are being asked to weigh in on proposed changes to transport rules that officials say would make it simpler to manage driver and vehicle obligations online.

• Read this article on Autofile

// Industry pioneer remembered

The automotive sector is paying tribute to industry pioneer Mike Nelson, who has passed away at 78.

• Read this article on Autofile

SPONSORED BY EV POWER

// Knowledgeable, Experienced Team

Trusted Experts in EV Charging – Here to Help Every Step of the Way.

With years of experience in the New Zealand EV space, few companies have been supplying EV charging products as long as OEM Audio Ltd, the team behind EV Power.

We’re proud to hold the Consumer Trusted accreditation, giving you confidence in both our products and our customer service.

Shop Online or Get in touch

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// Bentley’s EV Will Use an Orchestra to Replicate the Sound of a V8

Automakers have tried numerous ways to give silent electric vehicles some emotional character, and Bentley’s latest approach is enlisting a full orchestra, using mostly percussion, to recreate the rhythm of a V8 for its upcoming electric SUV.

• Read this article on InsideEVs

ONE LINERS

• Denza Z unveiled as another BYD electric supercar with more than 1100kW
• Interior of Freelander 8 revealed with a lot of screens
• Toyota bZ4X prices hiked as EV sells out in weeks, buyers face 2027 wait
• Range Rover lets full-electric Sport fly (through a plane)

SPONSORED BY FARMER AUTOVILLAGE

// Farmer Autovillage Wheel Repairs

Now offering precision machine face wheel repairs and professional powder coating using our advanced WheelRestore diamond cutting machine and specialist coating equipment. From cost-effective repairs to full blackouts, it’s the perfect solution for used vehicle reconditioning.

Fast turnaround times – Simply send us the wheel complete with tyre and we’ll return it repaired, fitted, balanced, and ready to roll.

Contact: tyreadvisors@farmerautovillage.co.nz

HOT TOPIC

// Range Rover Sport Electric breaks cover at Goodwood

Land Rover has unveiled the Range Rover Sport Electric at a private event during the Goodwood Festival of Speed, marking its public debut ahead of a full technical reveal later in 2026.

• Read this article on EVs & Beyond

// More on this

• AutoTrader says Land Rover unveils Range Rover Sport Electric
• Stuff Motoring says 2027 Range Rover Sport Electric revealed: Luxury EV confirmed for 2026 launch

HOT TOPIC

// Video: Kia PV5 – The courier’s new best friend?

Kia has added the PV5 Cargo electric van to its lineup, with a seven-seat passenger variant, high-roof cargo version and larger PV7 and PV9 models still to come.

• Read this article on EVs & Beyond

// More on this

• Stuff Motoring says Kia PV5 is just the beginning: Why this electric van changes everything for Kia

HOT TOPIC

// BMW iX3 first to pass ANCAP’s new safety test

BMW’s current iX3 is the first model tested under ANCAP’s 2026-28 assessment requirements, earning a five-star rating in the process.

• Read this article on Driven Car Guide

// More on this

• EVs & Beyond says BMW iX3 first through ANCAP’s new ‘Stages of Safety’ regime with five stars

HOT TOPIC

// Aston Martin unveils digital Dreadnought SUV for Call of Duty

Aston Martin has unveiled the Dreadnought, a military-spec SUV created exclusively for the video game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.

• Read this article on AutoTrader

// More on this

• Driven Car Guide says Aston Martin reveals Dreadnought tactical AWD SUV

SPONSORED BY JAZZ PRINT

// Let’s Jazz you up!

For all your Automotive needs:

Number Plate Surrounds | Registration Holders | Flags and Accessories | WOF and Service Decals | Key Rings and Service Tags | Window Decals | Printing and Stationery | Promotional Products

For orders and enquiries:

sales@jazzprint.co.nz | 0800 52 99 77 | www.jazzprint.co.nz

BEST OF THE REST

// Kia NZ rules out EV2 over production cost concerns

Kia New Zealand has confirmed it won’t bring the EV2 to the local market, with managing director Todd McDonald citing European production and shipping costs as the key barriers.

• Read this article on EVs & Beyond

// New Renault Capturs spotted in New Zealand confirmed to be Japanese imports

A batch of brand-new Renault Capturs has turned up for sale at several New Zealand dealerships, despite Renault no longer selling passenger cars locally.

• Read this article on AutoTrader

IN OTHER NEWS

// Taupō technician retires after 61 years in automotive industry

Veteran technician Graham Church has retired after 61 years in the motor trade, with colleagues at Morrell Motors celebrating his long service to the Taupō dealership and industry.

• Read this article on AutoTalk

// Public consultation opens on digital driver licences

The Government has opened public consultation on the design of digital driver licences, moving New Zealand closer to letting motorists carry their licence on a smartphone.

• Read this article on AutoTalk

// All-electric V7E tops segment

Farizon NZ has posted its best month yet, with the V7E electric van cementing its place as the country’s top-selling electric van.

• Read this article on Autofile

// Foton’s not-so-secret sales weapon detailed as it dives back into Kiwi ute segment

The local dual-cab ute market has never been so competitive. Along with recent updates for the four major nameplates — the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, and Nissan Navara — we have seen the arrival of a smorgasbord of new contenders.

• Read this article on Stuff Motoring

// Mercedes-Benz ‘140Years 140Places’ global tour clocks up 3800km through NZ

The New Zealand leg of Mercedes-Benz’s “140Years 140Places” global tour wrapped up after covering 3800km through the North and South Islands, generating more than 10,000 photos and videos.

• Read this article on Driven Car Guide

SPONSORED BY EV POWER

// Knowledgeable, Experienced Team

Trusted Experts in EV Charging – Here to Help Every Step of the Way.

With years of experience in the New Zealand EV space, few companies have been supplying EV charging products as long as OEM Audio Ltd, the team behind EV Power.

We’re proud to hold the Consumer Trusted accreditation, giving you confidence in both our products and our customer service.

Shop Online or Get in touch

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// Mick Murray’s hybrid haulers move more freight with fewer fumes

Australian trailer maker Mick Murray Welding has partnered with mining firm MLG to develop hybrid-electric multi-trailer road trains aimed at hauling heavier loads with lower emissions.

• Read this article on Electrek

ONE LINERS

• No electric ute yet for Foton, but ‘it’s a fast evolving world’
• Genesis adds GV60 Magma EV to Nürburgring track taxi fleet
• Volkswagen reveals ID. Cross electric SUV with 427km range
• Volvo builds first Australian-made OEM electric trucks
• Ineos Automotive posts record first-half sales as fleet demand grows
• Rallying call over repair issue
• Ferrari considered pop-up headlights for its new Testarossa
• Toyota’s fuel-cell Hilux is heading for Dakar
• Audi gives 2027 Q3 more screen and a stronger tow rating

SPONSORED BY FARMER AUTOVILLAGE

// Farmer Autovillage Wheel Repairs

Now offering precision machine face wheel repairs and professional powder coating using our advanced WheelRestore diamond cutting machine and specialist coating equipment. From cost-effective repairs to full blackouts, it’s the perfect solution for used vehicle reconditioning.

Fast turnaround times – Simply send us the wheel complete with tyre and we’ll return it repaired, fitted, balanced, and ready to roll.

Contact: tyreadvisors@farmerautovillage.co.nz