NZ Automotive Industry News

June 3rd, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Mercedes-AMG’s Formula One car for the road

What is essentially a Formula One car for the road, we first heard of the AMG ONE way back in 2017 but the project was plagued with challenges throughout its development process.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Ford CEO sees electric vehicle price war as EV costs decline video

Ford’s chief executive says the global auto industry is headed for a huge price war in the coming years as electric vehicle costs drop.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Lexus reveals its bestselling SUV, the fifth generation RX

The Lexus RX is all-new from the ground up…

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Toyota NZ wants to be a green market leader

Toyota New Zealand chief executive Neeraj Lala says he wants the brand to be a ‘market…

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// More options for MY23 Corvette buyers

The new C8 Corvette has been well received but has been in limited supply for NZ buyers. And the usual…

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB

Autohub

// AUTOHUB is unique. We don’t sell or buy cars.

Instead, we offer the easiest way to import and export your vehicle. We can take care of all associated processes involved “door to door” with one fixed price.

You gain all the benefits of Large Company negotiated discounts, with no guesswork, and no worries.

BEST OF THE REST

// Toyota’s GR Corolla gets even hotter with new edition

If the Toyota GR Corolla wasn’t already sporty enough, it’s set to get even wilder with a new MORIZO Edition…

// Video: Portable hydrogen cartridge prototype developed

A portable hydrogen cartridge working prototype has been developed by Toyota and subsidiary Woven Planet.

// Mercedes unveils new GLC, hybrid engine galore

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its new GLC compact SUV overnight, with tech, luxury, and a squadron of…

// MTA on scrappage scheme

Autofile Online talks to Greig Epps, of the Motor Trade Association, about the government’s “clean car upgrade” and policies to cut pollution from the fleet.

// Where can NZ Car Dealers vent these days?

Why doesn’t the NZ automotive industry have a private Facebook group? Somewhere for us to vent about the industry and joke about difficult customers. A place to give and receive help. The UK has a good one. The US has several.

It’s our turn… stay tuned. – Dan

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Faraday Future Announces First “Brand Experience Center” In Beverly Hills

Luxury EV manufacturer Faraday Future recently announced that it is going to open its first retail location on posh Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California.

// Tesla receives 4680 battery cell samples from Panasonic ahead of mass production

Back in 2020, Tesla unveiled its 4680 battery cell, a new tab-less battery cell in a bigger format with new chemistry, enabling cheaper and/or longer-range electric vehicles.

IN OTHER NEWS

// The best of Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

The best (and most interesting) cars we saw at the recent Lake Como event…

// Patent filed for LFP battery cell for more range

A patent application for a very large format (VLF) cell has been filed by Advanced Cell…

// DMS provider says data security should be dealer’s top priority

A dealer management systems provider has told delegates at the Australian Automotive Dealer Association Expo and Convention in Brisbane today that a ransomware attack is the top data security issue they face in business.

// Car-carrier delays averted

Vessels squeezed into alternative spots as coal ships clog port’s schedule.

// Video: AADA conference kicks off

The 2022 Australian Automotive Dealer Association Expo and Convention kick off in Brisbane today with dealers…

// Video: Aptera EV nears production

Aptera Motors has finished its first Solar Mobility Tour to colleges and universities along the California coast to introduce its solar-powered EV to college students, meet reservation holders,

// Changes to port’s board

Andrew Flavell takes spot on Auckland’s board vacated by Pat Snedden.

ONE LINERS

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// Current National New Car Deals

ADDED THIS WEEK

MERCEDES

  • V-Class available with a 0% p.a. fixed interest rate. Just pay in thirds – once on deposit, once at 12 months and the remaining at 24 months.

SUZUKI

  • No Deposit, 4.9% Finance on a range of Suzukis

REMOVED THIS WEEK

BMW

  • Buy a BMW X1 at 0% interest with 3 payments across 2 years.

JAGUAR

  • Jaguar I-PACE Freedom Finance offer, interest rate of 3.99%* p.a.

SUZUKI

  • Limited Edition Suzuki Ignis Explore from $23,990+ORC
  • RSX Special Edition (Yellow and Silver)

Updated every Friday, here’s a complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials.

// Clean Car Discount / Fee Finder

RightCar.govt.nz is the Government recommended website for rebate/fee information. Simply search from the Home page to find a vehicle’s rebate/fee.

June 3rd, 20222022-06-02T23:04:04+12:00

June 2nd, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Ute sales rebound as Toyota Hilux leads May new car registrations

After disappearing from New Zealand’s registration data in April, ute registration figures have partially rebounded in May with Toyota’s Hilux topping the month’s table

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Hybrid-only Lexus RX coming to New Zealand

Lexus has globally revealed the all-new fifth-generation RX, its bestselling SUV locally, which has sold 2632 units in New Zealand since its launch in 2003.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Ineos boss confirms smaller all-electric Grenadier in the works video

Although Ineos Automotive’s first vehicle, the hardcore Grenadier, has yet to launch, the company has revealed that it is planning a second, smaller, all-electric model line.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Land Rover Defender 130 revealed

Land Rover has just revealed its latest addition to the Defender line-up with the extended body Defender 130. Alongside the…

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB

Autohub

// AUTOHUB is unique. We don’t sell or buy cars.

Instead, we offer the easiest way to import and export your vehicle. We can take care of all associated processes involved “door to door” with one fixed price.

You gain all the benefits of Large Company negotiated discounts, with no guesswork, and no worries.

BEST OF THE REST

// New BMW X1 gets an electric variant

The third-generation BMW X1 has been revealed, along with its first-ever electric counterpart – the iX1.

// How Lotus plans to sell 90,000 Chinese SUVs per year… and still be a sports car brand

‘The brand will remain the brand’ through a massive expansion, say company executives…

// Renault renews electric LCV range

The new Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech with up to 300km range (WLTP) is geared to meet…

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// This is where electric vehicle adoption is headed between 2022 and 2025

BloombergNEF today released its seventh annual Electric Vehicle Outlook. While the study also makes longer-term predictions, here’s where its researchers think electric vehicle adoption is going between now and 2025.

// New solar project will power 100% of Electrify America’s charging network—and then some

Electrify America has entered into a 15-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Terra-Gen, a provider of utility-scale renewable energy projects,

IN OTHER NEWS

// Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Final Edition to send off V8

As the next generation of Mercedes-AMG performance vehicles goes hybrid, a limited run of 999 Mercedes-AMG E 63s are being…

// Polestar launches referral and rewards programme

A Polestar referral programme has launched in Europe (including the United Kingdom), South Korea, and North…

// Stellantis to build new Toyota van in Europe

Stellantis plans to build a new large commercial van for Toyota in its Italian and Polish factories starting in mid-2024…

// Westpac to offer cheaper loans for EVs in Australia, but not NZ

Westpac has announced that it plans to offer lower interest rates to those looking to purchase an electric, plug-in hybrid, or hybrid vehicle in Australia,

ONE LINERS

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// Current National New Car Deals

Updated every Friday, here’s a complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials.

// Clean Car Discount / Fee Finder

RightCar.govt.nz is the Government recommended website for rebate/fee information. Simply search from the Home page to find a vehicle’s rebate/fee.

June 2nd, 20222022-06-01T23:33:19+12:00

June 1st, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// DeLorean Alpha5 officially revealed

After 40 years since the release of the original DeLorean, the brand is back with an all-new electric coupe.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Land Rover Defender 130 revealed

Land Rover has just revealed its latest addition to the Defender line-up with the extended body Defender 130.

// More on this

HOT TOPIC

// Colonial on course for record result

Company says Covid disruptions will not detract from ‘strong full-year profit.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB

Autohub

// AUTOHUB is unique. We don’t sell or buy cars.

Instead, we offer the easiest way to import and export your vehicle. We can take care of all associated processes involved “door to door” with one fixed price.

You gain all the benefits of Large Company negotiated discounts, with no guesswork, and no worries.

BEST OF THE REST

// Rally-bred icon arrives

Fifth-generation WRX “incorporates rich history and lives up to the legend”.

// Hyundai Nexo for Tuaropaki Trust

The Nexo will be used to demonstrate the potential of green hydrogen as a transport fuel, says trust energy general manager David Binnie.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Aptera has more than 22,000 reservations for its solar electric car with up to 1,000 miles of range

Aptera announced that it has now received more than 22,000 reservations for its solar-powered electric car, which get to 1,000 miles of range,

// Nissan US Dealers Told To Stop Taking New Orders For 2023 Ariya

Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta explains that it is better to limit orders to what can realistically be delivered in a timely manner.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Blame the buyers for why the BMW XM is an SUV

If more people bought sedans and coupes, BMW’s M division probably would have made a proper successor to the M1. Instead, it built the XM, because that’s what sells.

// World EV journey aired

Wiebe Wakker will be interviewed about his globe-trotting EV journey from the Netherlands to Australia and…

// ‘Clean gas’ energy source claimed

A tech company says it has made a major breakthrough for a “clean gas” global energy…

// Four-cylinder C 63 hybrid makes debut

The next-generation Mercedes-AMG C 63 made its debut at the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring over the weekend with…

ONE LINERS

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// Current National New Car Deals

Updated every Friday, here’s a complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials.

// Clean Car Discount / Fee Finder

RightCar.govt.nz is the Government recommended website for rebate/fee information. Simply search from the Home page to find a vehicle’s rebate/fee.

June 1st, 20222022-05-31T22:33:44+12:00

May 31st, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Polestar 2 sells out, new orders open

Orders for the updated Polestar 2 have opened after strong demand saw current models sell out three weeks following New Zealand’s first Polestar Space opening at 58 Great South Road in Newmarket, Auckland.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// ‘Difficult’ year for 2 Cheap’s owner

Profits drop after dealerships unable to operate for nearly one-third of the year.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB

Autohub

// AUTOHUB is unique. We don’t sell or buy cars.

Instead, we offer the easiest way to import and export your vehicle. We can take care of all associated processes involved “door to door” with one fixed price.

You gain all the benefits of Large Company negotiated discounts, with no guesswork, and no worries.

BEST OF THE REST

// Rivian introduces Soft Sand mode to its electric ute

The automaker announced it’ll issue an OTA update, adding a new drive mode specifically for soft sand…

// EV sales rocket but mineral constraints likely

EV demand is soaring but may be restricted by mineral supply issues and other constraints.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Volkswagen ID. Buzz For Hollywood — May The Force Be With You!

Dark side? Light side? The ID. Buzz gives you a choice.

// Anxiety The Problem, Not EV Range

A recent report from the United Kingdom highlights a maturing charging network and a reduction in range anxiety.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Updated SUV promises less drag

Skoda claims new Karoq is nine per cent more aerodynamic than its predecessor.

// Tesla Model 3 gets another Kiwi price increase

After having its prices increased twice in March Tesla has rolled out another price hike for the Model 3, New Zealand’s most popular new electric vehicle.

// Local pricing confirmed for Nissan Z, undercuts Toyota Supra

Nissan New Zealand has announced pricing for its new Z sports car, with the figure notably undercutting its Toyota GR Supra rival.

// WEL Networks joins smart grid group

An international knowledge-sharing partnership of distribution network operators and community energy enterprises and organizations has been officially launched

// Promising results for MTF

Finance company reports a half-year profit of $4.3 million as operational costs

ONE LINERS

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// Current National New Car Deals

Updated every Friday, here’s a complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials.

// Clean Car Discount / Fee Finder

RightCar.govt.nz is the Government recommended website for rebate/fee information. Simply search from the Home page to find a vehicle’s rebate/fee.

May 31st, 20222022-05-30T22:23:52+12:00

May 30th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Nissan NZ prices the Z

Nissan New Zealand has put a price on the new Z, with the sports coupe set to arrive here later this year.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB

Autohub

// AUTOHUB is unique. We don’t sell or buy cars.

Instead, we offer the easiest way to import and export your vehicle. We can take care of all associated processes involved “door to door” with one fixed price.

You gain all the benefits of Large Company negotiated discounts, with no guesswork, and no worries.

BEST OF THE REST

// Volkswagen issues teaser for all-new Amarok

Volkswagen continues to inch closer to revealing its all-new Amarok in full, after debuting more teasers…

// ‘Cheap’ EVs might have to wait, as lithium prices rise

Hopes from those in the industry that prices of electric vehicles might continue to fall gradually might have to be put on hold, following significant price rises for lithium.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// In a global tipping point, 52% of car buyers now want to purchase an EV – here’s why

The number of consumers looking to buy electric vehicles has hit 52%, according to the latest EY Mobility Consumer Index (MCI).

// Stellantis’ Lancia Prepares For Electryfying Renaissance

The brand will introduce a total of three new all-electric models within several years.

IN OTHER NEWS

// A small EV from Mercedes to rival ID 3

The new A-Class ‘replacement’ coming just happens to be all-electric, a rival for the likes of ID 3.

// Mitsubishi eyes top sales spot

Marque to open more dealerships after making rapid market gains.

// Genter’s ‘secret letter’ reveals transport concerns

A “secret letter” written by Green MP Julie Anne Genter expressing concerns around increased capacity for private vehicles in the Let’s Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) project has been revealed.

// VW Multivan – Multiple Personalities

Seven-seaters are in vogue at present, most people ending up with a three-row SUV but if you want a proper…

// Marque backs new leasing project

Toyota NZ provides hybrid electric cars to help families shift to cleaner vehicles.

// EROAD Fleet Day to tackle transport topics

Discussions around safety and sustainability in the transport industry along with electric vehicle technology will be…

ONE LINERS

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// Current National New Car Deals

Updated every Friday, here’s a complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials.

// Clean Car Discount / Fee Finder

RightCar.govt.nz is the Government recommended website for rebate/fee information. Simply search from the Home page to find a vehicle’s rebate/fee.

May 30th, 20222022-05-29T22:17:04+12:00

May 27th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Maserati MC20 Cielo revealed as a drop-top supercar

Convertible style comes to Maserati’s speedy little two-door number…

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Dealerships hailed as ‘legends’

General Motors NZ reveals maiden winners of initiative that puts the focus on customer satisfaction.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// EV6, C-Class sedan, and VW Multivan get five-star safety ratings

The Kia EV6, Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, and the Volkswagen Multivan plug-in hybrid have all received five stars in the latest…

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB

Autohub

// AUTOHUB is unique. We don’t sell or buy cars.

Instead, we offer the easiest way to import and export your vehicle. We can take care of all associated processes involved “door to door” with one fixed price.

You gain all the benefits of Large Company negotiated discounts, with no guesswork, and no worries.

BEST OF THE REST

// Dealers excited for new Volkswagen Multivan 7 PHEV

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles New Zealand (VWCVNZ) general manager Kevin Richards says the 20-strong New Zealand dealer network has given the new Multivan 7 PHEV a rapturous reception,

// Battery swapping steps up

Traditional cable-based EV charging is now being complemented by another solution – battery swapping.

// Toyota to support low-cost hybrid vehicle leasing scheme

Toyota New Zealand has announced that it has partnered with numerous other organizations, including the Ākina Foundation,

// Jeep Grand Cherokee L sure is Grand

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L has landed in New Zealand, the first few examples making their way to dealers this week and the first shipment of vehicles arriving soon.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Watch Lucid Air Set New Hypermiling Record Of 687 Miles (1,106.2 kilometers)

This is claimed to be a new world record for the longest range achieved by a production electric vehicle on public roads.

// China Electric Car Market — 29% Market Share In April!

BYD achieves record month in Covid-disrupted market Plugin vehicles continue to be all the rage in the Chinese auto market.

// Over 300 battery gigafactories in the global pipeline

As EV demand steadily grows, automakers and their suppliers are wisely hustling to increase battery production capacity—

IN OTHER NEWS

// The gut-busting BMW iX M60 is coming here

The all-electric BMW iX M60 is coming here as the most powerful iX, boasting 455kW and 1100Nm.

// Award for EV transition tech

Another international award has come for Wellington-based Critchlow Geospatial with its SwitchMyFleet tool for EV transition…

// Auditor shortage stalls industry meeting

VIA forced to push back its AGM after running into delays with auditing

// Innovation-led growth to boost business potential

Hundreds of New Zealand companies are set to benefit from the launch of two new grants aimed at fuelling firms that want to innovate.

ONE LINERS

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// Current National New Car Deals

  • No changes this week

Updated every Friday, here’s a complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials.

// Clean Car Discount / Fee Finder

RightCar.govt.nz is the Government recommended website for rebate/fee information. Simply search from the Home page to find a vehicle’s rebate/fee.

May 27th, 20222022-05-27T07:38:01+12:00

May 26th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Nissan attempting to drive EV from North to South pole

It sounds like another awesome Top Gear stunt, but Nissan is attempting to drive the 17,000-mile journey in, of all things, an Ariya EV.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB

Autohub

// AUTOHUB is unique. We don’t sell or buy cars.

Instead, we offer the easiest way to import and export your vehicle. We can take care of all associated processes involved “door to door” with one fixed price.

You gain all the benefits of Large Company negotiated discounts, with no guesswork, and no worries.

BEST OF THE REST

// Electric BMW iX M60 pricing revealed

The BMW iX M60, offering up to 566km range (WLTP) and priced from $238,900 (excluding on-road costs), is due mid-2022.

// Skoda updates the Karoq with lower emissions and fresh looks

The Karoq small SUV is more efficient than before thanks to tricky aero updates.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Ford Bronco Raptor to outmuscle the Ranger Raptor

The Bronco Raptor will outmuscle the Ranger Raptor by about 20kW, despite both using the same engine.

// NZ Electro Mobility Summit in August

Transitioning to a carbon-free future for New Zealand’s transport system is the focus of the New Zealand Electro Mobility Summit

// EV Torque – What about all those batteries?

When EVs first began to attract attention here, the number one concern for most was ‘range anxiety.

// Polestar invests in fast-charging battery firm

Polestar has made its first financial investment in another company, becoming a shareholder in Israel-based extreme fast charging pioneer StoreDot

// Slow start to year for sales

Automotive industry biggest loser in retail over first quarter of 2022.

// Chinese GWM Ballet Car electric Beetle slammed as ‘blatantly sexist’

An electric car that claims to “love women more” has been derided as “blatantly sexist”…

// Port defends ‘minor’ delays

South Island site says it is “always striving to accommodate”

ONE LINERS

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// Current National New Car Deals

Updated every Friday, here’s a complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials.

// Clean Car Discount / Fee Finder

RightCar.govt.nz is the Government recommended website for rebate/fee information. Simply search from the Home page to find a vehicle’s rebate/fee.

May 26th, 20222022-05-25T22:36:16+12:00

May 25th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Turners delivers record earnings

The Tina from Turners campaign has helped build automotive group’s inventory of locally owned cars and beat supply-chain woes.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Mercedes teases electric four-door Taycan fighter video

Mercedes-AMG isn’t content in leaving the four-door electric game to the likes of Porsche, Audi and Tesla, and it’s cooking up something serious to join in with.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Subaru WRX heralds new brand era

The new Subaru WRX range heralds a new performance era for the brand as it begins…

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Shell rocked as senior consultant Caroline Dennett resigns over environmental concerns

She accuses Shell of “ignoring all the alarms and dismissing the risks of climate change and ecological collapse”…

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB

Autohub

// AUTOHUB is unique. We don’t sell or buy cars.

Instead, we offer the easiest way to import and export your vehicle. We can take care of all associated processes involved “door to door” with one fixed price.

You gain all the benefits of Large Company negotiated discounts, with no guesswork, and no worries.

BEST OF THE REST

// Skoda announces pricing, spec for updated Karoq

Skoda’s mid-size crossover, the Karoq, has been given its first update four years after it first debuted on the Kiwi market.

// Emissions plan faces ‘challenges’

VIA sounds warning over availability of EVs but welcomes scrappage scheme trial.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Electric Dragsters Are Making Big Progress

A few weeks ago, Holley’s MotorLife blog covered an electric vehicle doing something we typically associate with combustion: dragsters.

// Musk Says Teslas Will Be Fully-Autonomous, Not Require Driver Next Year

It wouldn’t be the first time the Tesla boss was wrong about this topic, though, so don’t hold your breath.

// Tesla lobbies for anyone with solar and batteries to participate in Texas’ energy market

Tesla has filed to change rules for grid operators in Texas in order to enable anyone with solar and batteries, including residential homeowners, to participate in the state’s energy market.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Ex-port boss denies charges

Tony Gibson and Ports of Auckland face court following stevedore’s death.

// Volkswagen faces court case to eliminate polluting cars by 2030

Volkswagen is being taken to the German courts over emissions by an organic cattle-and-grain farmer.

ONE LINERS

  • Watch: $5M Bugatti Bolide displays its 1,360kW roar at Lake Como
  • Tesla hack allows thieves to access and steal cars within seconds
  • Rare Shelby Cobra CSX4000 hits the auction block
  • Aston Martin Bulldog is the youngest car to ever win Concours

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// Current National New Car Deals

Updated every Friday, here’s a complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials.

// Clean Car Discount / Fee Finder

RightCar.govt.nz is the Government recommended website for rebate/fee information. Simply search from the Home page to find a vehicle’s rebate/fee.

May 25th, 20222022-05-24T22:38:06+12:00

May 24th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// BMW M4 CSL is a road car for the track and it’s coming to NZ

New Zealand will receive BMW’s limited edition M4 CSL later this year.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Blackwells Mazda crowned dealer of the year

For the third year on the trot, Christchurch dealership Blackwells Mazda has claimed the brand’s Dealer of the Year award.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Driver must stand trial for deadly Tesla crash in California

There is enough evidence to try Kevin George Aziz Riad, 27, on two counts of vehicular manslaughter in a 2019 crash, a …

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB™

Autohub

// AUTOHUB™ is unique. We don’t sell or buy cars.

Instead, we offer the easiest way to import and export your vehicle. We can take care of all associated processes involved “door to door” with one fixed price.

You gain all the benefits of Large Company negotiated discounts, with no guesswork, and no worries.

BEST OF THE REST

// BMW prepares for all-electric sedan

The BMW i7 xDrive60 is bigger than previous-generation 7 Series models.

// Vehicle spending expected to slow

The vehicle retail industry is unlikely to escape the impact of rising mortgage rates, a result of moves to slow New Zealand’s busy economy and resulting in inflation.

// Dealer ordered to pay almost $10,000 over faulty Jaguar

A Napier car dealer has been ordered by the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal to pay a customer $8796.23 some four years after it sold a customer a 2006 Jaguar S-Type.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Could Hydrogen Be The Victor In UK’s Hydrogen Vs. Electric Truck Probe?

The UK government has launched a £200 million investigation into the future of its…

// Tesla Full Self-Driving Beta Version 10.12 Shows Significant Progress

This big update is the first one for some time and it promises more confidence for the software and new features.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Einride E-Trailer concept shown

Autonomous EV freight company Einride introduced its new E-Trailer concept along with new software and hardware products

// Video: Ministers see Tranzit e-bus progress

Transport minister Michael Wood and climate change minister James Shaw checked out electric bus developments at Tranzit’s Rongotai depot in Wellington.

// Greenhouse gas tracker developed for Christchurch

A ‘Greenhouse Gas Emission Tracker’ tool created by the Christchurch City Council allows people to see how the district is tracking across different emission sources,

// Mercedes to cut lower-price models amid drive into luxury

Mercedes-Benz has said it will drop some of its cheaper models and focus on the more profitable luxury end of the market.

ONE LINERS

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// Current National New Car Deals

Updated every Friday, here’s a complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials.

// Clean Car Discount / Fee Finder

RightCar.govt.nz is the Government recommended website for rebate/fee information. Simply search from the Home page to find a vehicle’s rebate/fee.

May 24th, 20222022-05-23T22:49:31+12:00

May 23rd, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Who bought the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR that sold for a record-breaking $142 million?

A road-racing car built by Mercedes-Benz in 1955, and kept by them ever since has been secured by British expert Simon Kidston for a client.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Mercedes launch luxurious Mythos brand and cuts back on entry-level models

Mercedes is launching an ultra-exclusive brand that will sit above the Maybach moniker and be only for those with lots…

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB

// Vehicle Shipping and Logistics Experts

Autohub has been recognised as one of the world’s best motor vehicle logistics companies, offering the easiest way to import and export your vehicle, wherever you are in the world. We transport your vehicle securely and efficiently, delivering it straight to your door.

BEST OF THE REST

// BMW’s 405kW M4 CSL confirmed for New Zealand

It’s been over 50 years since a BMW first wore the ‘CSL’ badge, and over two decades since the last one, but we can finally confirm that the epic CSL is making a return for the newest-generation M4 coupe.

// Mercedes-AMG unveils Taycan rival in concept form

Mercedes-Benz continues to release more vehicles teasing its electric future.

// NZ not considering 24-month WoFs but will be looking at updating the test

The Ministry of Transport is not considering switching to 24-month Warrant of Fitness inspections but will soon examine if the…

// Watch: Ford reveals the all-new Ranger! Zooming with DRIVEN EP88

This week on Zooming with DRIVEN, we’re talking about the all-new Ford Ranger that broke cover in NZ for the first time… at a boat show. David went along to check it out, so he gives us the inside scoop. He also talks about the new Range Rover Sport.

// Kia investing big time into electric vans and PBVs

Kia sees electric vans and purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) as its next business venture.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Renault Scénic Vision EV concept: Fuel-cell range extender enables smaller, lighter battery

The roomy people-mover gets nearly 500 miles of range from a battery pack the size of a base Nissan Leaf—thanks to an additional hydrogen fuel cell.

// GM patent: Electric trucks could charge other EVs during fast-charging, with dual ports

Electric vehicles have the potential to become mobile power banks for our houses and worksites. But as more scenarios become viable, would two ports be better than one?

IN OTHER NEWS

// VW’s answer to Rivian raises questions video

Volkswagen’s plans to revive the long-dormant Scout brand for the U.S. market raises a number of questions.

// Lockdown in China dents Polestar’s global sales forecast

The government COVID-19 lockdowns in China have forced Polestar to reduce its anticipated 2022 sales forecast from 65,000 units to approximately 50,000.

// Port appoints permanent boss

Acting chief executive at Lyttelton lands role long term and pledges company will learn from recent port tragedy.

// Hacker finds a way to unlock Tesla models, start cars

A hack effective on certain cars, including Teslas, could allow a thief to unlock a vehicle, start it and drive away, according to security researchers.

// Budget extends fuel tax cuts

Government says providing motorists with two more months of relief at the pumps will cost $235m.

// Changes for finance group

Heartland announces two key executive appointments set to come into effect from August.

// Mercedes-Benz announces recall for nearly 2000 cars in NZ

Mercedes-Benz New Zealand has confirmed a recall of nearly 2000 cars built between 2005 to 2013.

ONE LINERS

  • Prodrive is restomodding the best year of Impreza
  • Dissecting the scrappage scheme and more: Auto Media Group live weekly wrap
  • Climate change plan: High-emitting vehicles to be banned, electric vehicle scheme under $4.5 billion plan
  • DRIVEN CAR QUIZ: Can you beat our so-called experts?

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// Current National New Car Deals

Updated every Friday, here’s a complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials.

// Clean Car Discount / Fee Finder

RightCar.govt.nz is the Government recommended website for rebate/fee information. Simply search from the Home page to find a vehicle’s rebate/fee.

May 23rd, 20222022-05-23T01:50:06+12:00
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