NZ Automotive Industry News

12th January 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Toyota and Lexus celebrate NZ sales success

While it may not have secured the ‘Driver’s Championship’ of 2021, Toyota New Zealand did once again scoop the ‘Constructor’s Championship’ — dominating the market overall with an overall market share of 18 percent, its 34th year on top.

// 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

// New owners confirmed for SsangYong as it starts EV pivot

The light has finally emerged at the end of the tunnel for SsangYong. After several years of questions over the Korean marque’s ownership, its new owners have been formally announced this week.

// Is the import market making a recovery?

The used import market made a recovery in 2021 over the devastating result in 2020

// Grid-scale battery progress

Renewables developer Infratec and WEL Networks, a power distribution company, are in the final stages of assessment for what will be the country’s first utility-scale battery energy storage system.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Sony confirms it’s entering the car world with new sub-brand

After a somewhat odd concept car reveal in 2020 and, seemingly, a bit of hesitation around the idea of committing to the bit, Sony has finally confirmed that it’s set to join the car world through its newly created Sony Mobility Inc sub-brand.

// EVs win Good Design awards

Hyundai received awards in five different categories at the 2021 Good Design Awards with its Ioniq 5 a transportation sector winner along with the Kia EV6 and the Genesis X Concept.

// Toyota was the most searched car brand in 2021

Following 2020, Toyota has once again taken the crown for the most searched for car brand across the world. The ranking came from Compare the Market, which used Google Trends data to find the most-searched car company in countries around the world.

// Black Badge Ghost drives new Rolls-Royce sales record

In spite of the global pandemic, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars says its sales in 2021 were up…

// Shell converts petrol station into EV charging center

Petrol and oil firm Shell has opened its first ‘EV hub’ in the UK, where petrol and diesel bowsers have been replaced with charging units for electric vehicles.

// A world full of pink Taycans?

Now, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen a pink Porsche. But imagine if the world was full of them.

// McLaren focussed on growth in Asia Pacific and China

McLaren Automotive has appointed Paul Harris to spearhead the marque’s operations in the Asia Pacific (APAC) and China regions.

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).

12th January 20222022-01-12T01:46:31+13:00

11th January 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Ford Ranger still ruled the sales charts for 2021, but Tesla Model 3 broke into the top 10

Despite months of lockdown in New Zealand’s biggest city and severe supply shortages nationwide, 2021 emerged as a winner for the new-vehicle industry: it was the biggest sales year on record, with 165,287 registrations.

// 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

// EV startup Alpha is working on some gorgeous new vehicles

Alpha, an EV startup based in California, is coming into the auto industry hot. Last year it revealed the rather gorgeous Ace Coupe, Jax off-roader, and Wolf ute, and now it is following up with the Saga.

// 5-minute electric vehicle charging could be here soon, professor says

Ford Motor Co is working with scientists at Purdue University in Indiana on a patent-pending plan to slash the average time it takes to recharge all-electric vehicles at charging stations from an estimated 25 minutes to 5 minutes.

// No changes to NZ Clean Car targets despite pleas from brands

Despite receiving another set of mixed reviews from New Zealand’s motoring distributors as part of its last wave of submissions, the select committee appears to be set on its current targets laid out in the Clean Car Standard, as part of the Land Transport Amendment Bill.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Toyota teases go-faster GR Yaris and GT3 racer

Toyota is on a bit of a roll with its performance line-up of late, and that trend seems set to only get better if the brand’s upcoming unveilings are anything to go by.

// Car ads in France are required to mention walking or cycling

Car advertisements in France are going to look a little different come March 2022, as new laws mean automakers are required to mention alternative modes of transport such as bicycling or walking.

// Titans of carmaking are plotting the overthrow of Elon Musk

The epic fight over who controls the future of the car industry is about to get a whole lot more interesting. Tesla, the pioneer, and pacesetter has dominated the early rounds of the new-energy age,

// Focus on cutting emissions

Toyota NZ has reduced its fleet emissions by three percent year on year following a record year when it came to sales of its hybrid models.

// Two new CEOs in two years for Aston Martin?

2021 was a building year for Aston Martin. Of particular note was the success of its DBX. In its first full year on sale, the luxury SUV has been a significant seller for the marque, even outselling every other model in their line-up combined in Q3.

// Opinion: The Class of 2021

Despite the supply disruptions, some marques have fared better than others, and some longer-term trends are emerging, one of which is the strong move to electrification for those who can afford it.

// Study reveals most vegan-friendly car brands

More and more car brands are adopting veganism as a more sustainable approach to interior design. A recent study reveals which automakers are currently offering the most vegan-friendly models, using resources from PETA.

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).

11th January 20222022-01-10T21:58:46+13:00

10th January 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Ford NZ completes double in commercials

Ford NZ has rounded off a stellar year by taking out top model of 2021 as well as being the country’s best-selling marque for commercial vehicles.

// 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

// Volkswagen to reveal all-electric retro Kombi in March

Volkswagen boss Herbert Diess has revealed on Twitter that the company will finally unveil the long-awaited ID. Buzz, an all-electric iteration of its iconic Type 2 “Kombi” in March.

// Association’s comment on emissions plan – Kit Wilkerson, VIA Senior Policy Advisor

Plenty of cheap, green electricity and introducing a universal carbon tax which could become a carbon dividend putting money into KiwiSaver accounts will help New Zealand’s transition from fossil fuels.

// Hyundai denies claims it will stop production of combustion engines

Over the holidays, it was reported by a couple of Korean news outlets that Hyundai will be stopping its production of internal combustion engines (ICE).

IN OTHER NEWS

// Check out BMW’s colour changing paint

The 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is underway, and BMW has chosen an all-electric iX to feature its latest colour changing tech.

// Marque to meet emissions target

More than two-out-of-three new Lexus passenger cars or SUVs leaving the marque’s stores last year were electrified with hybrid powertrains.

// Rivian plunges below IPO price on mounting EV competition

Rivian Automotive Inc., the electric pickup maker backed by Amazon.com Inc., briefly tumbled below its November IPO price as the industry darling faces growing competition in the EV market.

// Toyota overtakes GM as America’s top-selling automaker

The top title in American auto sales last year ultimately came down to the almighty chip.

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).

10th January 20222022-01-09T21:11:36+13:00

24 December 2021

AND THE WINNER IS …

// Josh Hodgson from Pearce Brothers, Auckland

Congratulations Josh, it’s an awesome experience. Although he said he’s already got a voucher from his last birthday. Oh well, now you’ve got two!

We’re taking a break for a few weeks 

We’ve had a big year at The Full Brief. Thank you all for subscribing and reading, I hope you enjoyed it.

We’ll be back Monday 10th Jan. Have a great Xmas and New Year!

Dan.

HOT TOPIC

// Unachievable, unsafe: NZ industry’s responses to Clean Car bill go public

The local motoring industry’s mixed feelings about the Clean Car Standard and certain other aspects of the New Zealand Government’s Land Transport Amendment Bill are well documented.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Lotus marks the end of the 3E era

Lotus is marking the end of production of the Elise, Exige and Evora with the three final examples of each model heading for the brands growing heritage collection.

// 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

// Nikola’s lost year: delayed trucks, fallen stock, and short on cash

Nikola Corp. entered this year with ambitions to start full production of a battery-powered semi-truck, make progress on a fuel-cell big rig and break ground on a network of hydrogen fueling stations.

IN OTHER NEWS

// The fastest way to get a Christmas tree home

While it seems like everyone is in a hurry at Christmas time, no one wants to get the Christmas tree home faster than John Hennessey.

// Colonial predicts high profits

The Colonial Motor Company is anticipating strong half-year profits despite challenges the automotive industry is facing in New Zealand and further afield.

// Car thieves target Toyota hybrids for joyrides and ram-raids

Voracious thieves targetting Toyota hybrid hatchbacks have caused a nationwide shortage of spare parts. Police say thefts of Toyota Aqua or Prius C cars are climbing, and a Hamilton panelbeater says it’s “unbelievable”, and it’s almost impossible to get the parts to fix them.

// Morris retires from Toyota NZ

Spencer Morris is retiring from his role as general manager of after-sales at Toyota NZ on January 1 after a 37-year career of driving change and leading transformative projects.

// Citroen’s ‘My Ami’ is probably the world’s cutest off-roader

While small electric city cars are picking up steam on the international market, quadricycles such as Citroen’s little Ami are still a relatively foreign concept.

// Superbike-powered Toyota IQ revealed as a mini GR Yaris

Ever since Toyota’s little GR Yaris burst onto the scene in 2020, it’s been an absolute hit, so much so that it recently took out the grand prize in the 2021 AA DRIVEN New Zealand Car of the Year awards.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// Updated Current National New Car Deals

REMOVED THIS WEEK

SUZUKI

  • SPECIAL EDITION JIMNY SAFARI JX MANUAL $29,990+orc
  • 3 year service plan for $699 for all new Suzuki models.

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).

24 December 20212021-12-24T03:14:21+13:00

23rd December 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Nissan Bluebird EV celebrates 35 years of Sunderland production

To celebrate 35 years of production at its Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom, Nissan has created an electric restored-modified (resto-mod) Bluebird car which was the first model off the factory line in 1986.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Toyota NZ stalwart calls time after 45-year career

Toyota New Zealand has confirmed that one of its longest-standing staffers is retiring from the industry after more than four decades in the industry.

// 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

// Maserati teases MC20 drop-top with first official images

Maserati’s seemingly victorious return to the supercar world, the MC20, debuted last year in hard-top coupe form.

// Little change following Clean Car Standard consultation

Little change has been proposed to the Land Transport (Clean Car) Amendment Bill following the select committee stage.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Fully electric SUV launched

Luxury marque’s first battery-electric car the first of “many new and exciting” models to be launched.

// Polestar raises green charging awareness

Performance EV manufacturer Polestar has teamed up with Dutch solar designer Marjan van Aubel to engage and educate around the power of renewable energy, through a series of social media content.

// People mover gains top safety rating

Results for Hyundai vehicle and van described as good news for families and fleet buyers. PLUS – video

// Is Tesla’s Full Self-Driving beta making driving safer? Or is it a safety hazard?

Kevin Smith has a love-hate relationship with driving. He was rear-ended twice in a short span of time, his daughter crashed her car weeks after getting her driver’s license and his mother chose to surrender hers after she started missing red lights.

// Homegrown supercharged Suzuki Jimny revealed

We’re big fans of the Suzuki Jimny over at NZ Autocar. Cheap and cheerful, packed with character, and exceptional off-road. It’s almost enough to forget that fairly questionable safety rating, hey …

// New Zealand steers clear of global diesel additive crisis

Domestic production of urea should be easily strong enough to keep Kiwi diesel drivers on the road beyond when counterparts overseas might be forced to a stop.

// Ford pokes fun at EV haters, cops a bit of backlash

Ford Motor Company’s character arc has been an interesting one to plot over the last few years, as it’s gone from the V8 Mustang and Ranger ute company to a company aiming to position itself at the forefront of electric vehicles.

// Ford F-150 Lightning and hybrid trucks will charge other EVs

Ford has confirmed the F-150 Lightning and F-150 hybrid variants will now be able to help out stricken EV owners with vehicle-to-vehicle charging.

// Tesla pulls Roadster pricing from website, removes reservations for top-spec model

Though Tesla is probably the most successful automotive brand in the world right now, it’s a bit all over the place with upcoming models, leaving fans wondering where orders are actually at.

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).

23rd December 20212021-12-23T03:00:32+13:00

22nd December 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Mitsubishi teases a new Ralliart-flavoured concept

Mitsubishi is cooking up a couple of new concepts for 2022, one of which looks to be a proper Ralliart revival. I say proper because I mean it’s not restricted to a look pack.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB

// ‘Door to door’ with one fixed price

At AUTOHUB we don’t sell or buy cars. Instead, for 18 years we’ve been offering
the easiest way to import and export your vehicles, and we offer a ‘door to door’
service for one fixed price.

BEST OF THE REST

// Citroen debuts the cutest electric off-roader ever

Citroen has revealed what could be the cutest off-roader ever made. It’s called the My Ami Buggy, and is “one of the many faces that could be developed for Ami.”

// NZ won’t dump petrol for decades, says leading petrol firm

New Zealand’s vehicle landscape is in the midst of grand change once again thanks to electric vehicle legislation on our shores as well as abroad.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Tesla no longer taking reservations for 400km/h Roadster

Some four years after it first delayed, Tesla fans are no closer to knowing exactly when the brand’s fully electric Roadster hypercar will be produced, let alone delivered.

// MG ZS T provides balance for mindset coach

Former New Zealand hockey defender Brooke Neal says the MG ZS T is the perfect size for her, as the Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medal winner is almost six-foot tall.

// Industry body ready for tough times

Dave Harris is confident the Motor Trade Association (MTA) is well positioned to weather any tough times ahead after bolstering its culture of member support and balance sheet during his time on the board.

// Nio takes aim at Tesla with sleek ET5 sedan

Nio has revealed its latest Tesla fighter, the rather sensuous ET5 sedan. The four-door is based on Nio’s new Technology Platform 2.0, joining the likes of the larger ET7 sedan, EC6 crossover, and the ES6 and ES8 SUVs.

// Utes top online motor listings

A Toyota Land Cruiser that spent much of its life in the Antarctic and an MP’s trusty old ute have been among the most-viewed vehicles on Trade Me Motors this year.

// Prototype electric MotoGP bike hits the track

Ducati has shown off its new V21L MotoE prototype race machine, caught testing at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

// Online lender in hot water

The high court has granted the declarations sought by the Commerce Commission that Moola.co.nz Ltd engaged in cartel conduct relating to online advertising.

// EV Torque – An electric year

We are edging towards a total of 35,000 EVs registered here. The ‘hockey stick’ growth curve has kicked in, although there’s plenty more to go; to hit our climate change goals we need well north of one million EVs on our roads by 2035.

// Action against freight forwarders

The Commerce Commission has filed civil proceedings in the high court against two international freight-forwarding companies.

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).

22nd December 20212021-12-22T02:58:26+13:00

21st December 2021

HOT TOPIC

// The most popular Trade Me motors listings of 2021 are in

The most popular listings on Trade Me Motors for 2021 are in, and they’re as weird and wonderful as ever.

// 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

// Lexus reveals stunning all-electric hypercar concept

Lexus is preparing to take on the likes of Ferrari, Porsche, and Tesla with an electric alternative to the world’s top supercars.

// Number of deaths caused by car emissions has plummeted says study

The shift towards greener vehicles on a mainstream scale has very much been a work in progress over the last few decades. It started with the introduction of expensive hybrids, which then got cheaper.

IN OTHER NEWS

// The 1000km+ Nio ET5 is yet another Tesla Model 3 rival

‘Tesla killer’ has quickly become a cliche in the car mag biz, although mostly for good reason. As Tesla goes from strength to strength, more brands use their products to shape the direction of their future product … sometimes with very few subtleties.

// Marque backs electric roll-out

Toyota NZ says it has an opportunity to achieve its objective of “leaving no customer behind” in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

// New LiveWire Models Outed

Harley-Davidson and off-shoot LiveWire are already talking about new models aside from LW One, which is no great surprise because images of some of their future models had already been shown before LiveWire restructuring plans were announced.

// Marque celebrates top dealers

Staff at Ingham Hyundai are celebrating after the business was named the marque’s Dealer of the Year for the second year in a row.

// $170k BMW M3 Competition tested for Australian police duties

Once upon a time, having a fast car in the hands of police officers was the only way crooks in hotted-up vehicles would be caught red-handed, but thanks to new technology, those days are long gone.

// Regulator issues complaints snapshot

The latest snapshot of complaints lodged with the Commerce Commission by consumers shows little variation in overall year-on-year numbers.

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).

21st December 20212021-12-20T21:27:48+13:00

20th December 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Chief executive departs NZ Motor Trade Association

The Motor Trade Association has confirmed that chief executive Craig Pomare is set to leave the organisation at the end of a near eight-year tenure.“

// 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

// Hydrogen vans coming down the pipe for Citroen and Peugeot

2022 is going to be a huge year for alternative fuels in the commercial vehicle space, particularly in the world of vans.

// Changes to safety ratings

Safety ratings published on Rightcar.govt.nz now focus on the impact vehicles have on all people involved in crashes on New Zealand’s roads.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Watch: Ford drops more images of new Everest ahead of 2022 reveal

After spy images emerged of the 2023 Ford Everest testing in Thailand earlier this week, Ford has decided to get on the front foot and release images of the camouflaged three-row SUV themselves.

// GM plots mass-market EV push under pressure from rivals

General Motors has talked up its electric-vehicle plans for years, and even generated buzz by resurrecting Hummer’s gas-guzzling name in the form of an electric pickup truck. Now comes the tough part: selling mass-market EVs.

// Hyundai Motors New Zealand hosts virtual dealer awards

To celebrate the achievements of its dealership network under current pandemic restrictions, Hyundai Motors New Zealand hosted a virtual dealership awards ceremony for its national network to attend digitally.

// Company’s market share jumps

Following rapid growth over the past year, Avanti Finance is now reported as the second-largest non-bank lender by assets, loans, and market share in the country by KPMG.

// Mini shares big love this Christmas

Mini has partnered with Auckland City Mission to spread big love and cheer among those most in need this Christmas. The news comes as Auckland City Mission records a significant increase in requests for support this festive season.

// Audi is working on one last blast for the V10-powered R8

Audi is working on one final hurrah for the R8 supercar, before the mighty V10 makes way for electrification.

// Uber drivers assist in design for Arrival EV prototype

Arrival has collaborated with Uber drivers to create a purpose-built EV for ride-sharing services. The prototype moves the brand away from their typical electric busses and moving vans, as it unveils its first car prototype.

// Company expansion to cost $33m

CAL Isuzu, New Zealand’s largest independent Isuzu dealership, is building new dealerships and workshops costing a combined $33 million.

// Toyota NZ excited by new EVs

Toyota’s announcement of 30 new electric vehicles coming by 2030 has the local arm excited, with CEO Neeraj Lala saying that a full range of powertrains will be critical to achieving a low carbon economy in New Zealand.

// Mazda fiddles with the MX-5, again

Mazda has subtly updated its MX-5 for 2022 by adding extra cornering goodness. We weren’t aware it needed any help in this regard, it’s still one of our favourite driver’s cars, but Mazda is not a company to let its engineers lay around idle

// Nissan Newbird, the one-off electromod built to celebrate 35 years at Sunderland

Nissan has been producing cars at the Sunderland plant in the UK for 35 years, and to celebrate, a one-off electromod has been created out of the UK-built Bluebird.

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).

20th December 20212021-12-20T02:02:33+13:00

17th December 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Watch: First look at Ken Blocks new ride

Ken Block has teamed up with Audi to make a one of a kind EV for his upcoming gymkhana video, Elektrikhana. It’s an Audi S1 E-tron Quattro Hoonitron, A.K.A., an all-electric drift machine built for Ken Block.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOHUB

// ‘Door to door’ with one fixed price

At AUTOHUB we don’t sell or buy cars. Instead, for 18 years we’ve been offering
the easiest way to import and export your vehicles, and we offer a ‘door to door’
service for one fixed price.

BEST OF THE REST

// Shelby American reveals 900hp GT500KR, confirmed for NZ

Shelby American, known for tinkering various Shelby and Ford products, has revealed its latest package; the GT500KR. KR of course standing for King of the Road. The release aligns with the brand’s 60th anniversary.

// Clean car fees ‘surprise’ used sector

Industry organisations are calling for a rethink from the Ministry of Transport after discovering the penalties for thousands of new and used imported vehicles are set to be the same when the clean car discount feebate scheme kicks in.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Spied: Ford Everest to get Ranger sibling’s American face

The launch of the 2022 Ford Ranger was arguably the biggest new vehicle launch of 2021 in this part of the world, such is the gravity bestowed upon the best-selling vehicle on either side of the Tasman.

// Corvette due next year

New Zealand and Australia will be among the right-hand-drive (RHD) markets to receive the all-new 2023 model-year Corvette Z06.

// Teslas join Mevo fleet

Car share service Mevo has launched its Virtual Fleet subscription and added Teslas to its fleet.

// Regulator to consider takeover bid

The Commerce Commission is considering an application from THL
Group (Australia) seeking clearance to acquire 100 percent of the shares in Apollo Tourism & Leisure.

// EVs could spark holiday changes

Don’t dismiss the EV when it comes to taking the great Kiwi road-trip. So say Lincoln University researchers Helen Fitt and Niamh Espiner who reckon EVs will go the distance and spark changes in how we take our holidays.

// From oil to green hydrogen

Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) and Refining NZ are set to look into reconfiguring facilities at Marsden Point oil refinery to produce green hydrogen.

// Policy expert on the move

Iain McGlinchy is leaving the Ministry of Transport (MoT) after 17 years to join Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

// Toyota on target for huge January, 800,000 cars expected

After being temporarily crippled by widely reported semiconductor shortages, Toyota expects to hit the ground running in 2022 with a bonkers January month.

// New details emerge about the Rivian R1T And R1S

New details have emerged about the Rivian R1T And R1S, in documents released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

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 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).

17th December 20212021-12-16T23:37:20+13:00

16th December 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Toyota president unveils EV double-cab ute

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) says it is planning to have 30 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in production by 2030 including passenger cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Toyota and Lexus unveil a whopping 15 new EV concepts

Turns out drifting isn’t all Toyota president, Akio Toyoda, has been up to recently. During the media briefing on battery EV strategies, he shocked the press (and the automotive world) by unveiling 15 fully electric concepts, giving us a glimpse at the future models of Toyota and Lexus.

// More on this 

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// China’s next advance in electric vehicles is a used-car market

China’s efforts to build a thriving market for secondhand vehicles, pretty much from zero, are slowly starting to deliver results, including in the electric car segment.

// Biofuels boost while Clean Car Package ‘revs up’

The Government will introduce a Sustainable Biofuels Mandate to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the…

// Holiday trading restrictions reminder

No trading is permitted on Saturday, December 25 (Christmas Day) but vehicle dealerships can be open…

IN OTHER NEWS

// Jeep extends offer of special edition Tuscadero pink Wrangler

In August, Jeep produced a bunch of special edition Wrangler’s in Tuscadero pink.

// Dodge to replace V8 with turbocharged straight six?

One way or the other, big gas-guzzling engines will go the way of the dodo. The expiry date is different all around the world, but it’s coming, and sooner rather than later.

// McGlinchy moving from ministry to Waka Kotahi

Well-known Ministry of Transport adviser Iain McGlinchy has announced that after seventeen years he is on the move – though he is not going far.

// EVs help Hyundai’s global awards haul

Hyundai has secured a multitude of top industry accolades, with electric models Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 achieving numerous ‘Car of the Year’ award wins and 2022 short listings.

// Marque revamps pricing structure

MG Motor has released details of a drive-away pricing initiative, which means what’s advertised is the final price because there are no add-ons or on-road costs to pay.

// The woman behind Lotus, Hazel Chapman, dies at 94

Hazel Chapman, co-founder of Lotus and wife of Colin Chapman, has died aged 94. Hazel played a pivotal role in the creation and eventual success of Lotus, meeting Colin at a dance in 1944 when he was just 16 and she a few months older.

// Kaiwaka EV charger to open before Christmas

The Kaiwaka charger should look like this. ChargeNet anticipates that its newest hyper-rapid (300kW) charging site…

// Toyota NZ ‘very interested’ in bringing Tundra hybrid to local showrooms

Yesterday we covered speculation from over the ditch that Toyota Australia was hatching a plan to bring the supersized Tundra to market with the steering wheel on the correct side.

// Tritium seals Shell deal

Brisbane-founded EV fast charger developer and manufacturer Tritium has a global framework agreement with mobility retailer…

// Hyundai rumoured to be dumping Albert Biermann, Peter Schreyer

In one of the more interesting rumourmill developments, it’s been reported that two of the characters often credited in part for Hyundai’s rise to the pointy end of the manufacturer food chain could soon be on the outer.

// A CAR CARE: Batteries and the circular economy

AA Battery Service is committed to caring for the environment, with an operation dedicated to supporting the recycling of all scrap batteries by rewarding AA Members and customers to do so.

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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).

16th December 20212021-12-16T03:57:00+13:00
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