NZ Automotive Industry News

April 22nd, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Lexus RZ 450e revealed with more power than Toyota/Subaru siblings

Following an extended campaign of teasers, Lexus unveiled its new RZ 450e fully electric SUV overnight, the brand’s first dedicated EV.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// BMW’s new 7 Series revealed and it’s even more grand than before

BMW’s next-generation 7 Series, revealed overnight, cements itself as the brand’s top sedan model.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Tesla earnings 7 times more than a year ago on strong sales

Tesla has reported that its first-quarter earnings were more than seven times greater than a year ago, despite global supply chain shortages.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY NEWCOAT

logo Newcoat Auto+Aid

// Boost your accessory sales!

Auto+Aid Long Life Ceramic Polish is the trick pre-owned dealerships have been missing.

An easy-to-sell accessory with massive value to customers. All the benefits of a ceramic coating – in an easy-to-apply polish form.

  • Ideal for the pre-owned vehicle or “paint only” customer
  • 30-minute application Ceramic Polish – Your groomers will love it!
  • Complimentary Auto+Aid Car Cleaning Pack worth over $80 RRP
  • 24-month warranty backed by Newcoat International
  • Super easy accessory sale

It’s such a quick and easy option for your customers, you’ll find yourself pitching Auto+Aid every time. Your customer gets easy cleaning, and they don’t need to polish their car. It’s a low cost/high margin product – everyone wins.

BEST OF THE REST

// Toyota NZ announces Auckland hydrogen fleet partnership

Toyota New Zealand has announced what it describes as the first commercial application of hydrogen fuel-cell technology in the country, in the form of a Toyota Mirai fleet partnership with eight of New Zealand’s largest companies.

// Clean car formula ‘leading to mistakes’

Industry organizations concerned errors in calculating emissions noted by an international report have been overlooked by government officials.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Exclusive Interview On EV Battery Constraints: Limiting Factors Jordan Giesige

Jordan says Tesla is currently in the best battery materials position going forward, but it will certainly struggle with constraints.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Golf R: Racing… and ready

Golf R. It’s the racing simulator that’s real… and right now it’s ready…

// Report stink bugs online

Web tool developed to report exotic pests and to complement freephone hotline.

// NZ hits near-record inflation, fuel and used car prices spike

A rising cost in fuel and second-hand cars has contributed to the largest annual inflation rise in more than 30 years.

// Arrest over alleged thefts from dealers

Man faces charges as police urge dealers to be vigilant over visitors.

// Café cool

The FTN Motion Streetdog looks like a classic motorcycle, but it’s actually an electric moped…

// EV fleet swells above 42,500

Record number of registrations as monthly total nearly doubles.

// Night rider

Following on from the release of the new generation Sportster, Harley-Davidson has followed up the Sportster S with an all-new smaller capacity option in the Nightster.

// Marque bringing new hybrid tech to NZ

Deliveries of BMW’s X7 to start arriving here in the final months of 2022.

ONE LINERS

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// Current National New Car Deals

REMOVED THIS WEEK

RANGE ROVER

  • Limited Edition Range Rover Sport Obsidian – Additional specifications worth $15,550, including Black Exterior Pack, black 22-inch alloys, privacy glass, and a sliding panoramic roof.

ADDED THIS WEEK

RANGE ROVER

  • SPECIAL EDITION – AUTOBIOGRAPHY DYNAMIC

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.

April 22nd, 20222022-04-22T03:24:19+12:00

April 21st, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// First look at the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS debuted last night, and it’s an all-electric SUV with up to 7 seats.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Deep in the heart of Texas: Hennessey begins production of massive 6×6 with over 1000hp

Size does matter, it appears. Well, at least for Hennessey, who has begun producing its Mammoth 6×6 truck

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Vehicle insurance brands cherry-picking lucrative collision repairs

The Collision Repair Association (CRA) general manager Neil Pritchard says the vertical integration of some insurance brands into smash repairs is taking lucrative work away from his members and threatening future investment in plant and machinery.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY NEWCOAT

logo Newcoat Auto+Aid

// Boost your accessory sales!

Auto+Aid Long Life Ceramic Polish is the trick pre-owned dealerships have been missing.

An easy-to-sell accessory with massive value to customers. All the benefits of a ceramic coating – in an easy-to-apply polish form.

  • Ideal for the pre-owned vehicle or “paint only” customer
  • 30-minute application Ceramic Polish – Your groomers will love it!
  • Complimentary Auto+Aid Car Cleaning Pack worth over $80 RRP
  • 24-month warranty backed by Newcoat International
  • Super easy accessory sale

It’s such a quick and easy option for your customers, you’ll find yourself pitching Auto+Aid every time. Your customer gets easy cleaning, and they don’t need to polish their car. It’s a low cost/high margin product – everyone wins.

BEST OF THE REST

// Ferrari reveals 296 GTS hybrid convertible

Ferrari has ditched the roof from its 296 GTB, giving the V6 hybrid sportscar the convertible treatment.

// Head of BMW sales says Tesla’s reign over EV market is over

The head of sales at BMW is confident Tesla’s reign over the EV market is over, as the German automaker is investing heavily into electric powertrains.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Audi Urbansphere Concept Debuts As Self-Driving Electric Minivan

The roomiest Audi ever measures 216.9 inches in length and 133.8 inches between the axles but only seats four, so what gives?

// Most Of The EV Industry To Shift To 800 Volts By 2025, Report Says

Out of the wide range of EVs available today, most run on 400 volts and only a handful have an 800-volt system.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Chery edges closer to Australasian relaunch

Chinese car manufacturer Chery appears set to relaunch in Australia, and potentially also New Zealand, as demand for more affordable electric vehicles grows.

// Solar and wind farms among 50 fast-tracked projects

NZ Windfarm’s Te Rere Hau repowering project near Palmerston North has been approved as the 50th referred fast-track project, says environment minister David Parker.

// Ford, VW embark on media drives in a bid to tackle Tesla in the US

The CEOs of Ford and Volkswagen have made a series of high-profile media appearances this month, in a bid to position their respective brands at the heart of the electric vehicle conversation; each executive pushing a desire to rival Tesla at its own game.

// Kinetic looks to buy NZ Bus to become Australasia’s largest EV operator

Australasian bus operator Kinetic is seeking clearance to purchase NZ Bus and become the largest operator of battery-electric buses in the region and one of the largest globally.

// Finance group in takeover

The regulator will have to approve the takeover of the rival’s consumer-finance division.

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.

April 21st, 20222022-04-20T23:21:23+12:00

April 20th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Tesla stops including chargers with cars

Tesla has done an Apple. The electric vehicle manufacturer has stopped including charging equipment with the purchase of one of its vehicles.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Lotus is set to make an electric sedan

Lotus has announced it’s making an electric sedan to rival the Porsche Taycan and Audi RS E-Tron GT

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Rivian’s slow start

Rivian’s EV factory is off to a slow start, mainly due to ongoing microchip shortages, says Bloomberg, which was given a tour of Rivian’s Normal, Illinois, factory by chief executive RJ Scaringe.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Worker dies in port fall

Multiple investigations are underway after the fatal incident at the Auckland site.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Green hydrogen talks part of PM’s trade mission to Japan, Singapore

Creating a green hydrogen economy is among discussion topics as prime minister Jacinda Ardern meets with officials in Singapore and Japan as part of a week-long trip.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY NEWCOAT

logo Newcoat Auto+Aid

// Boost your accessory sales!

Auto+Aid Long Life Ceramic Polish is the trick pre-owned dealerships have been missing.

An easy-to-sell accessory with massive value to customers. All the benefits of a ceramic coating – in an easy-to-apply polish form.

  • Ideal for the pre-owned vehicle or “paint only” customer
  • 30-minute application Ceramic Polish – Your groomers will love it!
  • Complimentary Auto+Aid Car Cleaning Pack worth over $80 RRP
  • 24-month warranty backed by Newcoat International
  • Super easy accessory sale

It’s such a quick and easy option for your customers, you’ll find yourself pitching Auto+Aid every time. Your customer gets easy cleaning, and they don’t need to polish their car. It’s a low cost/high margin product – everyone wins.

BEST OF THE REST

// Genesis gives us a look into their EV future with a striking concept

Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury brand and not the electricity company, revealed its take on the EV sports sedan world at the…

// Toyota finally adding manual transmission to Supra

Toyota is finally giving Supra fans what they have been asking for – a manual transmission.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Vinfast prices 2023 VF 8 and VF 9 around mandatory battery leasing: Here’s how it works

Vinfast plans to be the first automaker to offer a battery subscription program in the U.S. with a tiered monthly fee structure, and the Vietnamese automaker has also announced new starting prices for both the VF 8 and VF 9 SUVs.

// BMW CEO Once Again Warns That Going All-In On EVs Is Not A Good Idea

Oliver Zipse said at the New York Auto Show there was still a market for ICE cars, adding that companies should not focus only on EVs.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Fraudster strikes at used-car dealers

Warning after the suspect has been falsely posing as a vehicle buyer for a dealership in a spate of thefts targeting Audis.

// Truck dealers lose Iveco sales as brand consolidates

Nelson-based Star Trucks International, Hamilton-based Wholesale Commercial Vehicles (Waikato Iveco), and AdvanceQuip in Otago and Southland will cease sales

// Port hit by supply chain problems

Disruptions to shipping services and staff shortages caused by Covid hurt trade.

// BP accelerates EV charging

DC fast charger manufacturer Tritium has signed a multi-year contract with BP for the supply of chargers and related services to support BP’s global EV charging network,

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.

April 20th, 20222022-04-19T22:38:21+12:00

April 19th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Hyundai Ioniq 5 wins World Car of the Year

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 picked up a hat trick of honours in the 2022 World Car of the Year Award,

// More on this

HOT TOPIC

// Electric Aston Martin expected in 2025

British premium brand Aston Martin could use Mercedes-Benz’s EQ electric division platform to make its first fully electric car by 2025, Australia’s Drive reports.

// More on this

SPONSORED BY NEWCOAT

logo Newcoat Auto+Aid

// Boost your accessory sales!

Auto+Aid Long Life Ceramic Polish is the trick pre-owned dealerships have been missing.

An easy-to-sell accessory with massive value to customers. All the benefits of a ceramic coating – in an easy-to-apply polish form.

  • Ideal for the pre-owned vehicle or “paint only” customer
  • 30-minute application Ceramic Polish – Your groomers will love it!
  • Complimentary Auto+Aid Car Cleaning Pack worth over $80 RRP
  • 24-month warranty backed by Newcoat International
  • Super easy accessory sale

It’s such a quick and easy option for your customers, you’ll find yourself pitching Auto+Aid every time. Your customer gets easy cleaning, and they don’t need to polish their car. It’s a low cost/high margin product – everyone wins.

BEST OF THE REST

// Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX does 1000km on single charge

A road trip around Europe has demonstrated the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX can do more than 1000km on one battery charge in real world driving, with an average consumption of 8.7kWh/100km.

// Government working to fix fee/rebate miscalculations, half remain unresolved

The Ministry of Transport and Waka Kotahi say they are actively fixing problems with used imports having their Clean Car…

// Second-generation Lexus NX is 95 per cent new and 100 per cent electrified

Lexus New Zealand already enjoys a very high share of electrified vehicles in its overall sales mix: 72 per cent last year. But when it comes to the second-generation NX, it’ll be 100 per cent.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Fully Charged Tries Out Wireless Charging And EV Battery Swapping In Norway

Norway is Europe’s most EV-friendly country and they also have the most advanced charging infrastructure too.

// What It Looks Like Inside A Tesla Gigafactory (Video)

With all the hype surrounding the Tesla Cyber Rodeo, you might’ve missed this amazing 3-minute mini documentary (gigafactory video) that looks like it’s straight from the mind of Elon Musk.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Hyundai reveals new Palisade, confirmed for Q3 NZ arrival

Hyundai has unveiled the latest iteration of its largest SUV, the Palisade, at the New York Auto Show.

// BEVs gain in March registrations

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are climbing in the popularity stakes with more than 42,500 EVs now registered in New Zealand.

// Subaru Outback gets rugged update, more tech

Just a year after its current iteration debuted on New Zealand shores, Subaru has already revealed an update to its popular Outback.

// Car spending bright spot for retail

Industry enjoys $5m month-on-month increase while other sectors stumble.

// North Island car dealer entering Nelson market

Ebbett Group is opening a new car dealership on the corner of Rutherford and Nile streets in Nelson.

// Jaguar’s F-Pace range gets mild-hybrid sport Models

Jaguar has expanded their F-Pace line-up, adding the 400 Sport and 300 Sport trims to the marque’s SUV fleet.

// Kiwis are still loving the Mustang

It seems the Mustang is still a favourite around New Zealand, as well as around the world.

// Fancy a New Zealand-made EV? Here’s your chance!

What could have been – and still might be – a piece of Kiwi motoring history is for sale on Trade Me.

// BMW X7 gets a facelift, but still has the biggest grilles in the game

BMW’s range-topping X7 M60i has a twin-turbo V8 with almost 400kW…

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.

April 19th, 20222022-04-18T23:46:13+12:00

April 14th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Meet the Tecnica: Lamborghini’s latest Huracán supercar

Lamborghini’s new Huracán Tecnica is versatile. It’s something to bridge the gap between road and track. You can think of…

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Honda to introduce 30 new EVs by 2030

It seems as though Honda is lagging behind a little when it comes to announcing its plan for electrification, but the automaker has announced it’ll introduce 30 new EVs by 2030.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// There’ll always be an internal combustion MX-5, says Mazda

The MX-5 has been a staple of the Mazda brand ever since its debut at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Hyundai targeting fleets with Tucson Hybrid range

Hyundai NZ says the forthcoming hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) versions of its best-selling Tuscon SUV, will further grow its popularity in the fleet market.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Clean cars ‘running well overall’

Agency says it is working with industry “to resolve some bedding-in issues”.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY NEWCOAT

logo Newcoat Auto+Aid

// Boost your accessory sales!

Auto+Aid Long Life Ceramic Polish is the trick pre-owned dealerships have been missing.

An easy-to-sell accessory with massive value to customers. All the benefits of a ceramic coating – in an easy-to-apply polish form.

  • Ideal for the pre-owned vehicle or “paint only” customer
  • 30-minute application Ceramic Polish – Your groomers will love it!
  • Complimentary Auto+Aid Car Cleaning Pack worth over $80 RRP
  • 24-month warranty backed by Newcoat International
  • Super easy accessory sale

It’s such a quick and easy option for your customers, you’ll find yourself pitching Auto+Aid every time. Your customer gets easy cleaning, and they don’t need to polish their car. It’s a low cost/high margin product – everyone wins.

BEST OF THE REST

// The next gen Lexus NX is here

It won’t surprise you that the luxury car market is surging ahead, and that Lexus is riding the wave of…

// Distributors reconfirm commitment to National Fieldays

In spite of the postponement of the 2022 National Fieldays from mid-June to late-November some new vehicle distributors have reconfirmed their commitment to what is the largest event of its type in the Southern Hemisphere.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Are solid-state batteries always safer than Li-ion?

Many in the EV industry see solid-state batteries as the future, and one of the reasons is that the more stable solid electrolyte is expected to be safer than current liquid electrolytes.

// New report finds smart charging could reduce emissions from EVs by as much as 8 percent

We know that EVs produce much less pollution over their lifetimes than fossil-powered vehicles (regardless of the thousands of daily Facebook posts claiming the opposite).

IN OTHER NEWS

// New Nightster – Harley’s Dark Knight

The second cruiser in the Revolution Max family has just dotted down, and will be known as the Nightster, reusing a well recognised name for the Bar and Shield brand.

// Mercedes EV sales triple in gangbusters first quarter

Mercedes-Benz has issued its sales figures from the first quarter of 2022, confirming a significant surge in interest for the brand’s plug-in vehicles with sales of fully electric vehicles tripling year-on-year.

// Capacity limits off for dealers

Government moving NZ to the orange setting of the Covid Protection

// Holiday trading reminder

Industry association sends out message as with long weekends ahead.

// Comms chief appointed

Chris Keeffe takes on Stellantis role for region covering NZ and 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.

April 14th, 20222022-04-13T23:19:15+12:00

April 13th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Jeep confirms Grand Cherokee L pricing, two-row PHEV on its way

Jeep is launching its Grand Cherokee L SUV in New Zealand next month, while a plug-in hybrid three-row model is…

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Lexus’ next-gen NX SUV is on the way but won’t get you a rebate

Lexus New Zealand’s electric range is welcoming the addition of a self-charging hybrid and plug-in hybrid NX SUV to its fleet.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY NEWCOAT

logo Newcoat Auto+Aid

// Boost your accessory sales!

Auto+Aid Long Life Ceramic Polish is the trick pre-owned dealerships have been missing.

An easy-to-sell accessory with massive value to customers. All the benefits of a ceramic coating – in an easy-to-apply polish form.

  • Ideal for the pre-owned vehicle or “paint only” customer
  • 30-minute application Ceramic Polish – Your groomers will love it!
  • Complimentary Auto+Aid Car Cleaning Pack worth over $80 RRP
  • 24-month warranty backed by Newcoat International
  • Super easy accessory sale

It’s such a quick and easy option for your customers, you’ll find yourself pitching Auto+Aid every time. Your customer gets easy cleaning, and they don’t need to polish their car. It’s a low cost/high margin product – everyone wins.

BEST OF THE REST

// Confusion reigns when driverless car does a runner from police

An autonomous Chevrolet Bolt appeared to do a runner after it was pulled over by US police. But it was actually doing …

// Orders open for new MG ZS EV

The new MG ZS EV is open for orders, available from $49,990 driveaway for the Excite and $52,990 driveaway for the range-topping Essence.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Do EV brakes and tires cause more particulate pollution?

Huge amounts of misinformation about EVs are churned out each day—and some of this has been coming from the UK’s top environmental official.

// Worried About The Battery In Your Electric Car? Don’t Be. Drive Happy

You have questions about electric car batteries. Wired has answers.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Bentley set to revive the Mulsanne as an electric sportscar

Bentley plans to revive the Mulsanne model by the end of the decade, albeit replacing the 6.75-liter turbo V8 with…

// Study finds EV trucks save 50% more CO2 than EV cars

The electric pick-up market continues to be the talk of the town, with Elon Musk recently confirming that Tesla Cybertruck production will commence in 2023.

// Luxury electrifying – Lexus

Lexus New Zealand says the luxury market is electrifying rapidly, and that is playing well for the hybrid-heavy brand.

// NZ to accelerate emissions cuts

The Greenhouse Gas Inventory release from the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) underlines the case for accelerated action to reduce emissions, says climate change minister James Shaw.

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.

April 13th, 20222022-04-12T22:41:38+12:00

April 12th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Subaru NZ confirms WRX pricing

Subaru New Zealand has confirmed the next-generation WRX will begin from $59,990 as pre-orders are now open.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Jeep’s Easter Safari concepts are crazy and we love it

Jeep has again gone a bit crazy at its annual Easter Safari event, revealing some wildly cool concepts. Leading the…

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Exemptions from clean car charges

“It’s absolutely not the end of the old-car hobby,” says the chief executive of LVVTA.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Nissan aims to have solid-state EV batteries in production by 2028 video

Nissan has unveiled a prototype production facility for solid-state batteries.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY NEWCOAT

logo Newcoat Auto+Aid

// Boost your accessory sales!

Auto+Aid Long Life Ceramic Polish is the trick pre-owned dealerships have been missing.

An easy-to-sell accessory with massive value to customers. All the benefits of a ceramic coating – in an easy-to-apply polish form.

  • Ideal for the pre-owned vehicle or “paint only” customer
  • 30-minute application Ceramic Polish – Your groomers will love it!
  • Complimentary Auto+Aid Car Cleaning Pack worth over $80 RRP
  • 24-month warranty backed by Newcoat International
  • Super easy accessory sale

It’s such a quick and easy option for your customers, you’ll find yourself pitching Auto+Aid every time. Your customer gets easy cleaning, and they don’t need to polish their car. It’s a low cost/high margin product – everyone wins.

BEST OF THE REST

// Smart #1 electric SUV launched

Mercedes and Geely intend to produce the Smart #1 (hashtag one) four-seater electric SUV later this year,

// Opel set to join Miles Group umbrella at the new dealership

Miles Group has confirmed that returning manufacturer Opel will be joining its fold at its upcoming new dealership on Fred Thomas Drive, on Auckland’s North Shore.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// BMW And McLaren May Jointly Develop Electric Sports Cars Platform

The last time these two companies collaborated, we got the now legendary McLaren F1.

// ANALYSIS – GM and Honda get even tighter on EVs

General Motors and Honda are to expand their EV collaboration with an emphasis on future scale and ‘affordable’ EVs.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Refreshed Mazda CX-5 range offers more buyer options

Mazda New Zealand has added three new model variants to the refreshed mid-size 2022 CX-5 SUV, namely the Activ, SP25T, and Takami, targeting business and private buyers.

// Tesla’s long, winding road to getting Europe’s approval for FSD

OPINION: Tesla is rolling out Full Self-Driving across North America, but may find it tougher to do so across Europe.

// John Keane, Provident chairman, dies

It is with sadness that we record the death of John Keane, Board Chairman, Provident Insurance, following a long battle with cancer.

// Gilt-edged Royal Enfields gone in a flash

Royal Enfield has released a pair of unique 650 Interceptor and Continental GT twins to mark the 120th year anniversary…

// Smith and Kernahan stand down from NZAI board

NZ Automotive Investments (NZAI) chairperson Karl Smith and independent director Michele Kernahan are resigning from the company board.

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.

April 12th, 20222022-04-11T22:43:08+12:00

April 11th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// New Ford Ranger prices revealed

Ford New Zealand has announced the pricing of the next-generation Ford Ranger, with only minor increases over the current model and what it says will be “some of them with the lowest Clean Car fees in the ute segment”.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Waka Kotahi admits some Clean Car numbers wrong

Waka Kotahi NZ has conceded that some of the rebate and levy amounts being attached to certain vehicles as part of the latest round of Clean Car Discount changes are wrong.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Smart makes a return and goes big with electric SUV

Smart has seemingly decided that enough is enough, revealing a new EV that is far bigger than what you expect…

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY NEWCOAT

logo Newcoat Auto+Aid

// Boost your accessory sales!

Auto+Aid Long Life Ceramic Polish is the trick pre-owned dealerships have been missing.

An easy-to-sell accessory with massive value to customers. All the benefits of a ceramic coating – in an easy-to-apply polish form.

  • Ideal for the pre-owned vehicle or “paint only” customer
  • 30-minute application Ceramic Polish – Your groomers will love it!
  • Complimentary Auto+Aid Car Cleaning Pack worth over $80 RRP
  • 24-month warranty backed by Newcoat International
  • Super easy accessory sale

It’s such a quick and easy option for your customers, you’ll find yourself pitching Auto+Aid every time. Your customer gets easy cleaning, and they don’t need to polish their car. It’s a low cost/high margin product – everyone wins.

BEST OF THE REST

// Updated Subaru WRX line-up to start at $59,990

Subaru of New Zealand has announced that it’s opened the order books for the new WRX sedan and wagon, ahead of its arrival next month.

// Polestar rolls out P2.0 OTA update, gets support from customers

The Polestar 2 has only just landed in New Zealand, and already the model is set to inherit a series of changes via Polestar’s latest P2.0 over-the-air (OTA) update.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// Germany Plugin Auto Sales Reach 26% Of Auto Market

Auto Production, Including Tesla’s, is At Risk From Energy Cuts

// Poorly timed traffic lights add to greenhouse gas emissions: [Here’s an estimate of how much]

Mass adoption of electric vehicles is proceeding slowly, but one way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions today could be addressing poorly timed traffic lights, the traffic data analysis, and controls firm Inrix claim.

IN OTHER NEWS

// The Good Oil: Why Land Rover used shock therapy to create the new Defender

It was a big moment when the world learned the beloved Land Rover Defender would reach the end of its production run, after 67 years (in 2016).

// Global shortage hits rentals

Expert says NZ’s depleted rental fleet may take two years to rebuild.

// Toyota class-action bill could reach $2b video

A class-action lawsuit against Toyota in Australia has been upheld, with the auto giant facing the prospect of paying out thousands of customers to the tune of $2 billion.

// Ford ends European production of the Mondeo

Ford has ended its production of the Mondeo in Europe, leaving only a Chinese-specific model as the only car to…

// Elon Musk says Tesla will build a vehicle designed to be a robotaxi

Tesla will build a vehicle dedicated for use as a robotaxi, and it will start making three new vehicles next year, CEO Elon Musk told fans at a party celebrating the opening of a Texas factory.

// UN Climate Change report calls out SUVs

This year’s UN Climate Change report has come out: Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change, and it’s certainly a reality check.

// Finance company shifts focus

Geneva overhauls its logo and plans more direct-to-consumer lending.

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.

April 11th, 20222022-04-10T21:59:55+12:00

April 8th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Auckland dealership hit with $19,000 fine over employee dispute

Azak Cars Limited in East Tamaki, Auckland, has been hit with a $19,007 fine over an unjustified dismissal, with the figure set to go to former employee Rasheel Naidu.

// 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

// Volkswagen may cull cheaper models in bid to go premium

Volkswagen, the carmaker with a name that loosely translates in German to ‘the people’s car company, looks set to distance itself from its entry-level heritage as part of a push to become a more premium brand.

// Clean Car Scheme exceeds 12,000 rebates

The Clean Car rebate scheme has exceeded expectations by already reaching 12,000 approved rebates, says transport minister Michael Wood.

// Views sought on CCCFA reviews

Government opens a two-week consultation period on what can be done to improve credit laws.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// VW ID Buzz Self-Driving Passenger And Cargo Vans On The Way

The first Buzz-based robotaxi will debut in Hamburg, Germany in 2025.

// NHTSA investigates LG batteries behind EV recalls for GM, Hyundai, others

The NHTSA review, which covers 138,324 vehicles, aims to ensure that all defective batteries have been recalled by the automakers.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Geneva Finance debuts new-look branding

Geneva Finance has debuted new-look ‘modernized’ branding as part of a “content drive” that will see it issuing more information to consumers to improve their knowledge of the finance world.

// EVs promoted in ‘Charged Up’ webinar

More than 250 people registered for the first Charged Up webinar on April 6 to learn everything they needed to know about EVs.

// Manheim NZ appoints new sales and relationship manager

Cox Automotive Australia and New Zealand has announced that Mohammed Hussain will take over the role of sales and relationship manager at Manheim New Zealand.

ONE LINERS

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// Current National New Car Deals

REMOVED THIS WEEK

HAVAL

  • JOLION PREMIUM FROM $27,990 SRRP INC GST + ORC
  • H6 PREMIUM FROM $33,990 SRRP INC GST + ORC
  • UTE CANNON-L 4X2 AUTO FROM $39,490 SRRP INC GST + ORC

HYUNDAI

  • Free service plan when you purchase an all-new Tucson

JEEP

  • Jeep Gladiator 0% Finance, 1/3 1/3 1/3 offer

NISSAN

  • X-TRAIL ST 4WD – MSRP FROM $36,990 +ORC

ADDED THIS WEEK

HAVAL

  • JOLION PREMIUM FROM $28,990 SRRP INC GST + ORC
  • H6 PREMIUM FROM $34,990 SRRP INC GST + ORC
  • UTE CANNON-L 4X2 AUTO FROM $40,490 SRRP INC GST + ORC

HYUNDAI

  • Purchase any N model (i30 N series II, i20 N or Kona N) before June 30th, and you’ll automatically go in the draw to win a trip for you and a mate to the New Zealand round of WRC to watch our very own flying Kiwi, Hayden Paddon.

MERCEDES

  • C 200 Edition C.

NISSAN

  • X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD. MSRP FROM $39,990 +ORC

RANGE ROVER

  • DISCOVERY METROPOLITAN EDITION

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.

April 8th, 20222022-04-07T22:59:31+12:00

April 7th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// GM and Honda to work on ‘affordable’ EVs

General Motors (GM) and Honda will co-develop a series of “affordable” EVs based on a new global architecture using next-generation Ultium battery technology and targeting the world’s most popular vehicle segments.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// US agency opens probe into electric vehicle batteries

U.S. safety regulators have opened an investigation into electric and hybrid vehicle batteries after five automakers issued a recall due to possible defects that could cause fires or stalling.

// 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

// Mercedes reveals AMG SL43 four-cylinder that comes with an electric turbo

Mercedes has added a new entry-level trim to its SL-Class, which encompasses both a bit of the new and a…

// Lexus to reveal new BEV

Lexus will reveal a dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV), the RZ 450e, during a special online event on April 20.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS // TODAY’S BEST STORIES

// US: BMW iX Sales Started In Q1 2022

Soon the lineup will be reinforced by the i4 and following all-electric models.

// Is Geely’s Tesla-chaser more than an attention Zeekr?

Geely’s experiment with new brands continues. While Maple has faded, Geometry and Zeekr are succeeding. Next comes Jidu Auto.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Mitsubishi bringing the Colt back from the dead with a shock of electricity

Mitsubishi is reviving the Colt nameplate a decade after it left the face of the earth.

// Supply woes increase used car prices

Online marketplace claims vehicles no longer appear to be depreciating assets.

// Tesla tests Lucid Air

A drone flyover of Tesla’s Fremont factory spotted what appears to be a Lucid Air being driven on Tesla’s test track there, doing a few laps and launches from standstill.

// Have your say on funding shake-up

Industry organization warns increasing charges will see costs passed on to

// Tesla Model Y pricing leaks in Australia

We are now one step closer to knowing the price of the upcoming Tesla Model Y,

// Marque presses on with agency plan

Mercedes-Benz to introduce new system here despite Australian lawsuit.

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.

April 7th, 20222022-04-06T22:54:12+12:00
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