NZ Automotive Industry News

March 9th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Peugeot 308 voted Supreme Winner of the Women’s World Car of the Year

The journalists of the Women’s World Car of the Year have chosen the Peugeot 308 as the World’s Best Car for 2022.

// 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

// Hino cheated emission and fuel economy tests to make diesel engines appear cleaner

Toyota’s truck subsidiary Hino cheated their emission tests, falsifying data to make their diesel engines appear cleaner than what they are.

// Counties Energy second-life EV battery tests get good results

Electricity distributor Counties Energy and Australian battery technology company Relectrify say successful milestone results have been achieved from their joint deployment of New Zealand’s largest battery system using repurposed second-life EV batteries.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Ford’s new California Special Mustang is less powerful and makes side scoops ‘optional’

The California Special Ford Mustang has had so many redos in the last two decades it is hard to imagine them as ‘limited editions’ anymore.

// Ford and GM spinoffs look likely, but not for a while longer

Ford and General Motors face some pressure from investors and analysts about splitting up their companies – creating new, separately listed entities

// Polestar and MobilityXlab partner

Polestar has joined Sweden-based innovation hub MobilityXlab.

// War in Ukraine could extend semi-conductor shortage

The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has already had implications for the motoring world, with numerous brands pulling exports and operations from Russia and other brands on the back foot having to deal with wiring harness Ukraine supply shortages.

// EV registrations bounce back

Ministry of Transport reveals nearly 1,500 low and zero-emissions vehicles entered the fleet last month

// Opel Manta to return as an electric sports car

Opel has confirmed the Manta will return in 2025 as a pure-electric sports car.

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.

March 9th, 20222022-03-08T22:59:28+13:00

March 8th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// NZ Police debuts first plug-in hybrid police car

After confirming last year that it was investigating adding plug-in hybrids to its fleet, the New Zealand Police have shown off their first decorated Skoda Superb iV PHEV frontline car.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// VIA plugs MITO EV and hybrid training courses

With the increasing number of EV and hybrid vehicles being imported to meet the Clean Car Standard and Clean Car Discount regime,

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HOT TOPIC

// Honda and Sony team up and will begin selling EVs in 2025

Honda, the lads that bought you VTEC, and Sony, the boys who bought you the PlayStation, are starting a new…

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HOT TOPIC

// Kiwis falling out of love with manual transmissions

The motoring world’s ongoing embrace of electrification and semi-autonomous technology is bad news for the once hallowed manual transmission,

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// MG Motor announces NZ prices for facelift ZS EV

MG Motor New Zealand has just announced pricing for the facelift 2022 MG ZS EV SUV which will begin dealer deliveries in the third quarter of this year.

// 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

// Mazda NZ confirms pricing for updated CX-5

Mazda’s most popular model in New Zealand, the CX-5, gets a facelift for the 2022 model year.

// Ford patent reveals hands-free charging tech

But the idea is different from the wireless charging solutions we’ve seen from other automakers…

IN OTHER NEWS

// The 400cc inline-four lives again

Chinese company Colove has shown off sketches of its Excelle 400RR, a new baby superbike powered by a 400cc inline-four.

// New PHEV boost for market leader

Marque expects demand for plug-in variants to outstrip petrol counterparts within the year.

// Big battery for Huntly

A 35MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to help charge EVs and back up the grid will be built in Rotowaro Road in Huntly starting July 2022,

// National may repeal ‘ute’ tax

A National Government – if elected next year- may repeal nearly all new taxes introduced under the Labour Government, says National leader Christopher Luxon.

// Added spec and tech for Ducati Multistrada

Last year, the Multistrada V4 became Ducati’s favourite model with buyers. It also scored well with the critics, picking up…

// Tesla Giga Berlin nearly ready

Tesla’s Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg could be just months away from starting production now that a key environmental approval has been given.

March 8th, 20222022-03-07T23:37:16+13:00

March 7th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// NZ pricing and spec confirmed for Lexus LX

The Toyota Land Cruiser’s more premium Lexus cousin, the LX, launches in New Zealand this month,…

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// NZ’s top utes and cars to have their ANCAP safety ratings expire this year

Some of New Zealand’s most popular utes and road cars will have their ANCAP safety rating expire this year. However, that doesn’t prevent any of these cars from being sold here,

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// MIA President calls government decision ‘a slap in the face’

Cars discharged at Captain Cook Wharf The NZ Motor Industry Association of New Zealand president Andy…

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HOT TOPIC

// Polestar O2 concept envisions new age for electric roadsters

Polestar, the pure-play electric performance car brand, has revealed a new concept car that redefines sports roadsters for the electric age.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// BMW, Porsche, VW suspend production due to Ukraine supply shortage

The extent of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine impact on the motoring industry continues, with several brands…

// 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

// MMNZ says PHEV demand will outstrip ICE in 12 months

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ) head of marketing Reece Congdon is bullishly predicting demand for the Next Generation Outlander plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will outstrip its petrol-only internal combustion engine (ICE) sibling in less than 12 months.

// Can we harness the fossil fuel industry to combat climate change?

Dr. Richard Meade is a Senior Research Fellow, Auckland University of Technology. Many might choke at the suggestion Big Oil could play a key role in saving the climate. But, …

IN OTHER NEWS

// Rivian cancels price increases for pre-orders after outcry

Rivian Automotive Inc. rolled back price increases on its debut electric vehicles for existing customers, marking an embarrassing about-face for the EV maker as it ramps up production and seeks to win over more car buyers.

// LiveWire sets ambitious targets

With two new models set to be delivered by the Harley-Davidson offshoot, company officials suggest that within a few years electric company LiveWire will be contributing about one-third of total sales.

// Skoda working on ‘beautiful’ all-electric city car

Like stablemates Volkswagen and Cupra, Skoda is working on a small, electric city car.

// Dip in border activity for cars

There were 7,159 used passenger vehicles imported into New Zealand during February, which is 23.5 percent lower than for the same month a year ago.

// The Good Oil: The most important car company you’ve never heard of

We tend to think of the modern MG that makes SUVs as a “new” or “challenger” brand, and in some respects it is. The rebooted company was only launched in New Zealand in 2019,

// Law changes hit loan rates

Changes to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA) and the new responsible lending rules are impacting borrowers with good credit records.

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.

March 7th, 20222022-03-07T03:16:19+13:00

March 4th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Polestar roadster EV revealed

The Polestar O₂ concept envisions a new age for electric roadsters and is the second to reflect the Polestar Precept design.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Clean car penalties cut for used imports

Industry body hails government decision after it lobbied the Minister of Transport over proposed fees.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Video: Ford to split EV and ICE businesses

Ford is forming distinct automotive units – Ford Model e to accelerate EV production and Ford Blue to continue its internal combustion engine (ICE) side to simplify operations,

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Ranger back on top, number one in February’s sales figures

After January’s slip, the Ford Ranger has regained the number one spot in the Motor Industry Association’s latest monthly registration figures.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Feebate scheme impacts market

Sales of new vehicles set a record for the month of February as the market for light commercials strengthens.

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HOT TOPIC

// Toyota, Ford, BMW and more suspend exports to Russia

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, the nation is now experiencing blowback from the motoring world.

// 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

// T7-series Volkswagen Multivan PHEV arriving in May

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles New Zealand (VWCVNZ) will launch its first electrified offering, the T7-series Multivan plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in May.

// Dealer group pitches IPO plans

Bosses at Armstrong’s are holding a series of meetings with investors as the company weighs up possible dual listing.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Megane E-Tech EV gets top Euro NCAP safety rating

The new Renault Megane E-Tech electric has received a five-star safety rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).

// Boom in-vehicle spending

Strong rise recorded in motor vehicles and parts retailing – up by 22 percent in the December quarter when compared to the three months before that.

// Higher emissions drop needed

Government statistics show pollution from greenhouse gases has yet to record “sustained” declines.

// Ford says it’ll keep producing ICE utes and Mustangs

The end is coming for combustion engines, as more and more governments push for electrification in the hope to lower emissions.

// Stellantis will become electric-only in Europe from 2026

Stellantis has confirmed plans to go completely electric in Europe by 2026 (and 50 percent electric in the US), in a bid to reduce its carbon output by 50 percent from current levels by 2030.

// Hyundai targets 7% of global EV market by 2030

Hyundai aims to sell 1.87 million battery electric vehicles (BEVs) annually by 2030 by strengthening its line-up.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// Current National New Car Deals

REMOVED THIS WEEK

MITSUBISHI

  • TRITON BLACK EDITION 2WD – $44,990 +ORC*
  • Next Gen Outlander $41,990+ORC

NISSAN

  • NAVARA ST DOUBLE CAB 4X2 – MSRP FROM $47,990 +ORC

SUBARU

  • GUARANTEED FUTURE VALUE AVAILABLE WITH THE NEW SUBARU E-BOXER HYBRID
  • GUARANTEED FUTURE VALUE AVAILABLE ON IMPREZA

ADDED THIS WEEK

MITSUBISHI

  • TRITON BLACK EDITION 2WD – $45,990 +ORC*

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

March 4th, 20222022-03-04T01:34:02+13:00

March 3rd, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Watch: Next-Generation Ford Everest makes its global debut

The Next-Generation Ford Everest made its global debut last night. Ford New Zealand will offer three variants of the Next-Gen Everest.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// EV Jeep coming next year, Ram EV truck to follow

There will be a fully electric Jeep available on the market in 2023.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Felicity Ace sinks leaving hundreds of burnt Porsches at the bottom of the Ocean

Everyone’s favorite cargo ship (like you can name another), The Felicity Ace, has sunk.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Stellantis ups EV vision

The world’s fourth-largest automotive manufacturer with 14 brands, Stellantis is stepping up its EV plans…

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// A sneak peek at the all-new Mazda CX-60 ahead of its unveiling

Mazda’s new flagship model, the first-ever CX-60, has been confirmed for New Zealand and is set to be unveiled on 9 March 2022.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Cutting through the jargon

Toyota NZ has launched a customer engagement platform this week – called Hey Toyota, it’s a way for people to “connect” with the marque.

// 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

// Five new EVs in the pipeline at Volvo

Few brands have shown greater commitment to electric vehicles than Volvo.

// Dodge electric muscle car to have ‘shocking sound’, built to do donuts and burnouts

If there’s one thing keeping muscle car enthusiasts hesitant from switching from petrol to batteries, it’s the lack of sound an electric car makes.

// Call to register fee-attracting cars

The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) has issued a fresh reminder to its members to register all cars on their yards that are at risk of attracting penalties when the full clean car discount comes into force on April 1.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Rivian wants to carve out a huge slice of the EV market

Electric ute maker Rivian has set itself an ambitious target. The company’s founder RJ Scaringe says the emerging electric vehicle maker is aiming to take 10 percent of the EV market in under 10 years,

// MG expands HS Plus EV range with Excite variant

MG Motor has added an Excite variant of its HS Plus EV to its line-up in New Zealand and demonstration units will be available in local dealerships by the end of March

// Ford launches US bi-directional home charging station

Ford has launched its new Ford Charge Station Pro for US$1310, a bi-directional home charging station…

// Dealer numbers keep falling

The number of dealers in New Zealand dropped by 15 last month and stood at 3,027 at the end of February, according to figures from the Motor Vehicle Traders Register (MVTR).

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.

March 3rd, 20222022-03-03T01:41:47+13:00

March 2nd, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Kia EV6 named European Car of the Year

The Kia EV6 has taken top honors in the European Car of the Year award. Beating 60 other newly released vehicles,

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Mitsubishi stays out front for new cars

Marque racing ahead of rivals for registrations in 2022, while Tesla’s Model 3 climbs back up the ladder to be the number-two best seller.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Import market continues growth after positive February

Positive momentum in New Zealand’s used passenger vehicle market has continued, with a total of 10,734…

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Toyota pauses all production in Japan following a cyberattack

The world’s largest car manufacturer has suspended all of its production in Japan after one of…

// 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

// This EV charging station gets its power from solar and wind

One of the big questions of electric vehicle charging, is how green is the energy that’s used to power them?

// Global EV sales ‘up 109% in 2021’

About 6.5 million EVs sold worldwide in 2021 – up 109% on 2020, says technology market…

IN OTHER NEWS

// Would you pay $1.7 million to own this questionable Ford GT?

The latest-generation Ford GT is an interesting car. When it first hit the market, buyers had to be chosen by Ford,

// THL reports half-year loss, sells down fleet

Tourism Holdings Limited (THL) has posted a statutory net loss of $4.4 million for its half year result with the COVID-19 pandemic having an ongoing impact on its campervan rental and tourism operations.

// Emissions must still come down – minister

Climate change minister James Shaw says the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment report…

// Skoda NZ asks customers to check with dealers

Skoda New Zealand is asking its customers to check with it dealers as to how the ongoing international semi-conductor shortage might have an impact

// Russian EV charger hacked

Russia has been accused of cyberattacks preceding its war on Ukraine but it seems some are getting their own back.

// Brabus’ first bike has been revealed

Brabus has revealed the 1300 R in full, its first go at creating a two-wheeled machine.

// Bugatti will keep ICE for some time but may ditch the W16 engine in favor of something fresh

Most of you reading this will likely never be able to afford a Bugatti. In fact, I could confidently say everyone reading this can’t.

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.

March 2nd, 20222022-03-02T02:00:28+13:00

March 1st, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Toyota NZ recalls thousands of cars

Toyota New Zealand is recalling 3,615 vehicles due to a potential safety issue. The manufacturer says sophisticated collision detection systems in popular models may not work correctly,

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Ports of Auckland lifts profit, Omicron disruption adds pressure

Ports of Auckland has posted a net profit after tax of $23.5 million for its interim…

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Beam-riding car owners drive less

E-mobility is helping reduce car ownership and use. That’s according to the latest survey results from shared micromobility company Beam,

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Dismay over WOF failures

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) says the state of thousands of vehicles on our roads is still a major concern – and will be for years to come.

// 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

// Mevo launches in Auckland

Car share service Mevo, which is adding electric Polestar 2s and Tesla Model 3s, has launched…

// War shock raises fuel supply chain warnings, Govt says NZ ‘not affected’

The New Zealand maritime industry is warning that war in Ukraine could have “major implications”…

IN OTHER NEWS

// GMANZ offers C8 Corvette Stingray as parts and service prize

GM Australia and New Zealand are offering a brand new C8 Corvette Stingray as the major prize for its latest parts and service promotion across the two Trans-Tasman markets.

// C for Comfort – Mercedes-Benz C-Class range

SUVs aside, the C-Class is the most popular of the legacy vehicles from Mercedes, having sold over 2.5million since its release in 2014.

// Hyundai and Shell new deal to reduce emissions

Hyundai Motor and Shell are expanding their collaboration to explore ways to offer lower carbon emissions…

// Fleet sell-off continues

Tourism Holdings has posted a $4.4 million loss for the six months to December 31 with revenue tumbling by $30.9m, or 15 percent, from the prior interim result to come in at $175m.

// New weekly EV MoT report added

A new weekly electric vehicle report from the Te Manatū Waka Ministry of Transport adds to its regular monthly updates.

// Cummins buys Meritor, aims to ‘accelerate’ EVs

Engine manufacturing giant Cummins is entering a US$3.7 billion deal to purchase commercial vehicle component manufacturing…

// Noble Pursuit

India has launched another top-end cruiser optimized for touring and known as the Indian Pursuit.

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.

March 1st, 20222022-02-28T23:18:13+13:00

February 28th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Morgan’s new Super3 comes with beefier engine and modern performance

The Morgan Super3 is a replacement for the offbeat 3-Wheeler. It’s a move the iconic British brand is confident will make the quirky automobile relevant once more.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Land Rover NZ reveals pricing for 2022 Range Rover

New Zealand pricing for the 2022 Range Rover has been announced, with the base model starting at $209,900.Land Rover revealed the seven-seater SUV last year, emphasizing luxury and a premium driving experience.

// 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

// NZ will get Mazda’s PHEV CX-60

New Zealand will receive Mazda’s plug-in hybrid CX-60. A Mazda representative confirmed the news to NZ Autocar Magazine ahead of the global launch next month.

// Ford CEO: No plan to spin off EV business, but change coming

The CEO of Ford Motor Co. says the automaker has no plans to spin off its electric vehicle or internal combustion businesses,

IN OTHER NEWS

// Utemaster: Luck of the drawer

Utemaster reckons it has come up with a unique design of well side drawer that’s every bit as practical and strong as traditional designs

// Audi says its diesel V6 engines can run on biofuel

During the lead-up to Audi switching entirely to electric power, it has confirmed that its V6 diesel engines built after February 2022 can run on renewable fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil.

// Port’s chairman to retire

David Pilkington is standing down as chairman of Port of Tauranga in July, some three years after originally announcing his intention to retire.

// Tesla plans to double China production capacity

Tesla has plans to drastically increase its production output in China with plans to start work on a new production facility in Shanghai as early as next month,

// ‘Short-lived’ bounce for regions

Economic activity staged a comeback in the December 2021 quarter as restrictions for the delta strain of Covid-19 were gradually eased at different times across the country – with mixed results.

// Over 1.7M Hondas probed for unexpected automatic braking

U.S. auto safety regulators are investigating complaints that the automatic emergency braking systems on more than 1.7 million newer Hondas can stop the vehicles for no reason.

// Motorsport exempt from Clean Car tax

The Clean Car tax will not affect motorsport and the importation of racing cars.

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 Calculator

Input vehicle make and/or model to calculate if the car will receive a rebate, fee or sits in the zero band (no change).

February 28th, 20222022-02-27T21:00:54+13:00

February 25th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Evolution over revolution: Nissan unveils updated Leaf

Rumors continue to swirl that the next comprehensive update for the Nissan Leaf will see the…

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// New Nissan X-Trail set to land in late 2022

Nissan’s local arm has announced that its updated X-Trail is set to make its local debut in late 2022, as it aims to do battle with the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// NZ gets more ultrafast EV chargers, first electric milk tanker, and concrete mixer

The government is throwing nearly $6.5 million behind a range of different electric vehicle projects, including the country’s first EV milk tanker and a solar-paneled bus.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Giltrap go next level with a one-of-a-kind immersive showroom in a shopping mall

Somehow, shopping malls still exist in a world where the internet prevails over everything. And now you can even buy supercars from one.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Will Lamborghini put the Aventador back into production following ship fiasco?

If the name ‘Felicity Ace’ doesn’t mean anything to you, you probably aren’t alone, but it’s the ship that recently caught fire off the coast of Portugal with hundreds of new vehicles onboard.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY NEWCOAT

// A high margin product with ongoing revenue

Designed to be easily applied by your valets with minimal training required, plus you’ll get ongoing commissions from customers purchasing refill products online.

Newcoat is not just a paint coating system; it’s a total maintenance solution for all surfaces of the vehicle. Formulated from pure Silica Dioxide, it gives a crystal-clear layer, permanently bonded to the vehicle.

Best of all, there’s a 5+5 year warranty. If your customers can’t remove dirt or stains from the paint, fabric or leather, Newcoat will assist with professional advice and assistance up to a value of $1,500 per event.

BEST OF THE REST

// Interim chief at MTA

Ian Pike has been appointed as the interim chief executive officer of the Motor Trade Association (MTA) following the departure of Craig Pomare.

IN OTHER NEWS

// MG teases electric hatch to rival the Volkswagen ID.3

Off the back of its successful ZS EV, MG’s next pure electric venture looks set to be either a hatchback or an even smaller crossover.

// Smooth transfer for franchise

Wanganui Toyota has become part of Manawatu & TRC Toyota following a change of ownership at the end of last year.

// Supply shortage looming for MG ZS EV

New Zealand’s most affordable pure electric vehicle is set to become even harder for customers to get their hands on, with a potential supply shortage on the cards.

// LDV full steam ahead on electrics

LDV was amongst the front runners to deliver an electric van, the LDV EV80 arriving in the noughties.

// Polestar seeks help for climate-neutral car

Polestar is collaborating with global suppliers to speed up the development of a climate-neutral car, and also…

// Video: E-mobility expo in Norway this June

Billed as the world’s largest exhibition of electric mobility for 2022, the EVS35 expo is planned…

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// Current National New Car Deals

REMOVED THIS WEEK

HAVAL

  • UTE CANNON-L 4X2 AUTO FROM $38,490 SRRP INC GST + ORC

HONDA

  • Guaranteed future value finance for Honda SUVs

ADDED THIS WEEK

FIAT

  • 3 Year Service Plan with the Abarth

HAVAL

  • UTE CANNON-L 4X2 AUTO FROM $39,490 SRRP INC GST + ORC

MERCEDES BENZ

  • All-electric EQC – pay 50% of the drive away price now and 50% later, with 0% interest.

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

February 25th, 20222022-02-24T21:51:52+13:00

February 24th, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// LDV debuts the T60 EV, NZ’s first electric ute

The New Zealand market is one step closer to the prospect of fully electric utes, with the February 23 unveiling of the first LDV T60 EV, registered locally as a left-hand drive pilot vehicle.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Here it is: Ford reveal new-look Ranger Raptor

Meet the Ford Ranger Raptor: a truck the Blue Oval says is all about character and personality. And it certainly has a personality. A fast one at that.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Polestar 2 gets top ANCAP rating

The electric Polestar 2 and all its variants have been awarded a five-star safety rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// VW wants to make Porsche public to play Tesla catch up

Volkswagen has drawn one step closer to listing Porsche on the stock exchange, drafting a preliminary agreement between itself and the controlling shareholder: the Porsche-Piëch family.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY NEWCOAT

// A high margin product with ongoing revenue

Designed to be easily applied by your valets with minimal training required, plus you’ll get ongoing commissions from customers purchasing refill products online.

Newcoat is not just a paint coating system; it’s a total maintenance solution for all surfaces of the vehicle. Formulated from pure Silica Dioxide, it gives a crystal-clear layer, permanently bonded to the vehicle.

Best of all, there’s a 5+5 year warranty. If your customers can’t remove dirt or stains from the paint, fabric or leather, Newcoat will assist with professional advice and assistance up to a value of $1,500 per event.

BEST OF THE REST

// Nissan bringing new X-Trail to NZ later this year

Nissan is bringing its all-new X-Trail to New Zealand, pencilling in late 2022 as a launch date for the marque’s top-of-the-range SUV.

// Ford and Volvo reunite to tackle battery recycling challenge

As global sales of electric vehicles surge, more groups are sinking investment into researching potential battery…

IN OTHER NEWS

// Giltrap Group opens Westfield Newmarket interactive digital showroom

The New Zealand family-owned vehicle importer and retailer, The Giltrap Group, is claiming a world-first as it opens a digitally-decorated interactive car showroom in Westfield Newmarket which also allows mall visitors to test drive and purchase their dream car.

// Manawatu & TRC Toyota takes over Whanganui dealership

Wanganui Toyota which owned and operated by the Nessling family for more than nine years has become part of the Manawatu & TRC Toyota dealership group

// ComCom reviewing energy networks regulations

The Commerce Commission has begun reviewing regulatory rules for energy networks and airports. It has published…

// Plan to survive, and thrive

Any business that hasn’t worked out how it’s going to roll with the punches this year…

// Lamborghini investigates synthetic fuel to keep combustion engines alive past 2030

While Lamborghini is looking forward to an electric future, promising to add electric supercars to its lineup soon, the company hasn’t given up on combustion engines yet.

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// 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 Calculator

Input vehicle make and/or model to calculate if the car will receive a rebate, fee or sits in the zero band (no change).

February 24th, 20222022-02-23T22:38:18+13:00
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