NZ Automotive Industry News

17th November 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Revealed: Mazda’s new CX-50 is a rugged gravel basher

To say Mazdas SUV line-up is comprehensive is a bit of an understatement. The Japanese manufacturer currently offers six SUVs locally, ranging from the plug-in MX-30 to the three-row CX-8 and CX-9.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// McLaren isn’t being bought by Audi, despite the rumours

Over the weekend, a report emerged claiming McLaren was to be split in two and sold, with the road car division going to BMW and the motorsport team to be bought by Audi.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Leaving no customers behind in low emissions mobility

Toyota New Zealand chief executive Neeraj Lala has told the transport and infrastructure select committee the company will not leave any customers behind as it focusses on providing low emissions mobility for all New Zealanders.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Keeping consumers informed about lending changes

The Financial Services Federation has joined forces with the New Zealand Bankers Association to explain how the consumer lending processes will change from December 1 when new legislation comes into play.

// 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

// More electric utes coming

Chinese brand Kandi has its electric double-cab ute ready to order in the US where Rivian has brought its R1T ute to the market with other automotive manufacturers likely to follow.

// NZ can be a ‘fast follower’ in transforming its vehicle industry

New Zealand should set goals similar to those for Europe for vehicle emission reductions, allowing for a two-year delay to account for local market transition factors and to enable local new vehicle distributors to transition in an orderly and sustainable manner. That’s the view of the Ford Motor Company of New Zealand

IN OTHER NEWS

// GMSV launches first locally produced advertising campaign

The first locally produced Chevrolet Silverado television advertising campaign (TVC) yet has been released by GMSV, showing a selection of Thats Boss moments with the off-road focussed LT Trail Boss.

// Five Japanese manufacturers are working on carbon-neutral fuels

Electrification is pretty well-entrenched as the next step in transport, at least in terms of power and reducing emissions. But not everyone is convinced it is the only way.

// MITO boss Janet Lane to step down

MITO chief executive Janet Lane is set to depart as the automotive industry training organisation transitions as part of the Governments new training reforms.

// Tesla backs clean cars bill

Teslas chairwoman says the clean car standard being proposed by the government will make New Zealand’s fleet among the world’s safest and greenest.

// Boniface takes over MTA presidency from retiring Harris

Auckland paint and panel shop owner Bob Boniface has been elected as the new president of the Motor Trade Association following the retirement of Waikato service station and workshop owner Dave Harris.

// Hyundai goes back to the future with Grandeur EV

To mark the 35th anniversary of its 1986 flagship sedan, Hyundai has gone back to the future and created a restored-modified (resto-mod) Heritage Series Grandeur EV.

// Mercedes-AMG appoints Triple Eight as customer support hub

Queensland-based Triple Eight Race Engineering Australia Pty Ltd (Triple Eight) has been appointed by Mercedes-AMG to become its Pacific hub to support motorsport customers in Australia and New Zealand with spare parts and repairs and rebuilds.

// An ‘Apple Car’ was designed by company saying it specifically used tech giant’s new patents

While the Apple Car has only been an idea floating in the cloud for some time, a company has decided to take matters into its own hands.

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).

17th November 20212021-11-17T03:39:48+13:00

16th November 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Tesla chair praises NZ’s ‘world class’ electric vehicle incentives

Tesla has been on a high in New Zealand this year, with sales of its Model 3 going through the roof.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Watch live – Clean Car submissions underway

The Land Transport (Clean Car) Amendment Bill is currently being debated by parliaments Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee.

// 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

// Toyota GR Supra rumoured to get a manual by mid-2022

Upon its launch a few years ago, the Toyota GR Supra quickly became one of the most talked-about commodities in motoring. While it eventually proved itself among critics, its lack of a manual transmission option confused many.

// Giltrap Group opening ‘The Showroom’ in a retail precinct

The Giltrap Group has announced it will be opening an innovative automotive space in a premier retail precinct in Auckland called The Showroom.

// Toyota forecasting normal December production in Japan

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) says it expects all its manufacturing plants in Japan to be operating normally in December, with production forecast to reach 800,000 vehicles.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Poo power for Toyota race car

Hydrogen refined from sewage biogas is driving a Toyota Corolla Sport race car with an internal combustion engine (ICE) rather than electric, the car finishing 20th in the final round of the endurance Super Taikyu motorsport series at Okayama in Japan.

// Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda unite to keep the petrol engine alive

Last week the UK Government revealed an agreement at its COP26 climate change summit, with signatories from across the world ranging from governments to car manufacturers signing a non-binding agreement to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040.

// Tesla driver’s complaint being looked into by US regulators

US auto safety regulators are looking into a complaint from a Tesla driver that the company’s Full Self-Driving software caused a crash.

// Kia pledges to be fully electric by 2040, carbon neutral by 2045

As it prepares to reveal its new Concept EV9, Kia has announced that it will be fully electric in Europe by 2035, fully electric in all markets by 2040, and carbon neutral across its operations by 2045.

// Grenfell departs AA for new position at Heartland Bank

Heartland Bank has appointed Mike Grenfell as its new chief operating officer. He was the former chief information officer for the Automobile Association for more than four years and says the role was challenging but extremely rewarding.

// AC charging developer plans national rollout

Hikotron has launched EV charging stations using AC rather than DC charging, starting with a public facility at the Waikato Innovation Park at Ruakura, Hamilton.

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).

16th November 20212021-11-15T23:24:32+13:00

15th November 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Great Wall gets monkey off its back, earns 5-star ANCAP safety rating

After its last trucks reputation was put through the mud following one of the lowest ANCAP crash-test ratings of recent times, Great Wall Motors (GWM) has buried the hatchet; its new Cannon ute becoming the latest vehicle to secure a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Kia shows off Concept EV9, a window into its SUV future

Kia has (partially) lifted the lift on an upcoming electric seven-seater SUV, having released teaser shots of its Concept EV9 overnight.

// 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

// The Integra is back: Acura reveals slick performance sedan

Following a cascade of teaser images and information drops, Hondas American premium arm, Acura, has unveiled its new Integra Prototype in full; marking the nameplates return following a 15-year hiatus.

// First Polestar 2 electric cars arrive in New Zealand

The first Polestar 2s have started to arrive on New Zealand shores, ahead of the new marques test-drive programme. The fully electric sister brand to Volvo announced it would be joining our local market earlier this year.

// Rivian rockets past GM to become 2nd most valuable US carmaker

Rivian Automotive, a company that has delivered about 150 electric pickup trucks mostly to employees, has surpassed General Motors to become the USAs second most valuable automaker.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Joe Isuzu is the best car salesman you’ve never heard of

Isuzu arrived in the US at the start of the 1980s with an advertising budget around a tenth of Toyotas at the time. That meant it had to think somewhat creatively in order to convince the American public to buy its vehicles and that resulted in Joe Isuzu.

// Video: Buy NZ Made showcases FTN Motion e-motorcycle

Wellington electric motorcycle start-up FTN Motion has been showcased by Buy NZ Made in a new video lauding the companys commitment to creating its bikes locally and supporting other local suppliers.

// Rivian adds stand-alone battery plant to post-IPO to-do list

Fresh off a US$12 billion initial public offering, Rivian Automotive is investing in a dizzying array of expansion projects and actively pursuing a site for a stand-alone battery factory in addition to a pair of new vehicle-assembly plants already planned.

// Vaccination mandate not a breach of bill of rights

A Wellington High Court judge has dismissed an application by a group of health professionals to stop a mandate that required them to be vaccinated by November 16.

// Distributors plead emissions case to select committee

Several new vehicle distributors have pleaded the case for more time to the select committee hearing submission on the Land Transport (Clean Vehicles) amendment bill.

// Toyota: Some countries simply aren’t ready for electric cars

One of this week’s biggest stories was the emergence of an agreement document from the United Nations COP26 climate change talks currently being undertaken in the UK.

// Vote for your favourite car

The AA and New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) motoring platform DRIVEN have launched the search for Kiwis’ favourite 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.

// 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).

15th November 20212021-11-15T02:10:13+13:00

12th November 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Subaru confirms new EV for NZ, but emissions targets can’t be done overnight”

With Subaru finally letting the cat out of the bag in unveiling its new Solterra fully electric SUV, the firm’s local arm has confirmed that the model will be heading our way.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Is Ford planning on bringing the F-150 to New Zealand?

Thanks to the likes of Ateco and GMSV, big American trucks in a right-hand drive configuration is not a new concept in New Zealand, but we’re still missing out on the most popular.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Hyundai NZ’s first hydrogen-powered truck due this month

The first of Hyundai New Zealands five new hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric Xcient trucks arrives at the Ports of Auckland around November 18.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Rivian makes explosive stock market debut, biggest IPO of 2021

Following a significant third quarter for the company, Rivian has successfully debuted on the stock market; it’s initial public offering (IPO) ranking as the largest of 2021 thus far and the largest American-based IPO since 2014.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Major carmakers refuse to commit to 2040 combustion ban

Efforts to curb carbon emissions aren’t going as smoothly as some might have hoped, as a COP26 pledge to end fossil-fuel vehicles by 2040 is being met with an uncomfortable silence from Toyota, Volkswagen, and Stellantis, among other makers.

// 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

// Ioniq 5 Green Car Journal’s 2022 Green SUV of the Year

Hyundais Ioniq 5 has been named Green SUV of the Year by Green Car Journal, selected by a jury of automotive experts and journal staff.

// New Zealand banning ICE vehicles by 2040?

A ban on the import and sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles seems likely to be introduced in New Zealand by 2040. If ratified by the New Zealand Government, the ban would probably closely follow the United Kingdoms’ plan.

// Associations state case against clean car plans

Submissions on the Government’s Land Transport (Clean Car) Amendment bill have closed, with the Motor Industry Association and VIA making their recommendations on the controversial legislation.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Finance warning for dealers

Dealers are being advised to make sure they follow the processes set out by lenders and insurance providers or risk losing out on potential income from add-on products when selling vehicles.

// Talk of $3b float for Trade Me

The chief executive of Trade Me says its business as usual despite reports from across the Tasman that the company may be the subject of a $3 billion float in New Zealand and Australia next year.

// Vehicle spending leaps $40m

Spending on motor vehicles jumped to $189 million in October, an increase of $40m or 26.9 percent, when compared to the $149m splurged in the previous month.

// Bentleys to Buddhas: classic-car shop restores temple statue

The major branches of Buddhism are often known as vehicles, or ways of spiritual practice.

// Rare Rockets

Triumph has just released a slew of limited edition Gold Line Bonneville models and follows that up with the exclusive Rocket 3 R Black and Rocket 3 GT Triple Black for 2021.

// Kiwi climbs to top of tyre company

After starting out as a tyre fitter in a New Zealand store, Heath Barclay has risen up through the ranks and will become managing director of Bridgestone Australia and New Zealand from January 2022.

FEATURED JOBS

// Parts Advisor | Tauranga CBD | Bay City Mitsubishi

Have you won any awards lately? We have. The Mitsubishi ‘Parts Excellence’ award for 2021. And we’re growing, so you have an opportunity to come work with us.

// Automotive Technician | Tauranga CBD | Bay City Mitsubishi

Do you want to earn a top wage plus a performance bonus? Would you like to work on mainly new and nearly-new vehicles? Yes? Then we need to talk!

ONE LINERS

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// UPDATED 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).

12th November 20212021-11-11T22:46:25+13:00

11th November 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Should Nissan’s next GT-R be electric?

Nissan is investigating whether to make its next GT-R performance car flagship (colloquially known as the R36) fully electric or not, according to a fresh interview with the Japanese firm’s chief executive Makoto Uchida. Speaking to Autocar UK, Uchida outlined that the brand is looking in a plug-in direction.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// BMW is producing energy out of cow poo to power EVs

BMW is set to expand its collaboration with dairy farmers as part of its renewable energy project. Working with California Bioenergy (CalBio), BMW is currently working with The Bar 20 Dairy farm to generate electricity to be used to power electric vehicles.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// GMSV celebrates first birthday following Holden’s closure

It’s been a year since the demise of Holden, but the team at GM Specialty Vehicles has celebrated a special milestone today – the first anniversary of the new business.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// ComCom release report on vehicle finance and add ons

The Commerce Commission has released a report into the vehicle finance industry and the associated risk products sold to dealership customers. The Commission looked at add-on products sold alongside motor vehicles that were bought on finance.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// AA Driven COTY adds clean and green category

The New Zealand Automobile Association has resumed its partnership with NZMEs Driven motoring publication to host their joint car of the year awards for 2021.

// 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

// It’s back? Photos of new Ford Mondeo leak online

Sedan and wagon aficionados tipped their hats and wept in unison earlier this year when Ford confirmed that it would be retiring the much loved Mondeo nameplate, following a decline in sales as customers gravitated towards SUVs instead.

// Lotus teases looks for its first fully-electric SUV

Few brands are set to change as much in the short to medium-term future as Lotus. While the marque has repeatedly underscored a focus on no-compromise sports cars, it’s now set to do a 180 of sorts and reveal an SUV.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Ford Bronco Raptor spotted playing in the dirt

Ford is working hard on the Bronco Raptor, the most potent of the Bronco family. As per the norm for Raptor models, it should be an absolute monster off-road, and new photos of a prototype playing in some mud confirm that’s where Ford is focusing its efforts.

// Kiwi taking over Bridgestone ANZ reins in 2022

The current Bridgestone Australia sales director Heath Barclay has been appointed as the successor to Bridgestone Australia and New Zealand managing director Stephen Roche, who is retiring from the company at the end of 2021.

// Kiwi car dealership group considering stock exchange listing

New Zealand car dealership network Armstrongs has announced that it’s considering a dual listing on the main board of the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) and the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) in 2022.

// Targets essential for success

The Motor Industry Association (MIA) is urging the government to aim for the European Unions currently enacted 2030 emissions targets for new vehicles in New Zealand by 2032.

// Bonneville Gold

Following the sell-out success of the Street Twin, Gold Line Edition launched earlier in 2021, Triumph is inciting a further gold rush, showcasing its hand-painted gold lining skills across eight models, each available for only one year.

// Stock supply still biting

Supply of new and used vehicles has been a major issue over the past year and continues to be, with problems in this area compounded by the coronavirus.

FEATURED JOBS

// Parts Advisor | Tauranga CBD | Bay City Mitsubishi

Have you won any awards lately? We have. The Mitsubishi ‘Parts Excellence’ award for 2021. And we’re growing, so you have an opportunity to come work with us.

// Automotive Technician | Tauranga CBD | Bay City Mitsubishi

Do you want to earn a top wage plus a performance bonus? Would you like to work on mainly new and nearly-new vehicles? Yes? Then we need to talk!

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).

11th November 20212021-11-10T20:56:10+13:00

10th November 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Kia EV9 concept teased and debut date announced

Kia has just released a teaser for its new EV9 concept car on Instagram. This comes a couple of months after Kia revealed its first dedicated EV, the EV6.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Armstrong’s considering Australia and New Zealand IPO

Armstrongs, the privately held automotive distribution and retail group, is considering an initial public offer by listing dually on the main board of the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) and the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) in 2022.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Another new car manufacturer confirmed for New Zealand

It’s been a bigger year than usual for new manufacturers, with BYD and Polestar both announcing that they’ll be setting up shop in New Zealand, and Lotus announcing its return to the market. Now another manufacturer, Lynk & Co, is set to join the local ranks, with a New Zealand and Australia expansion set to come sometime in the next four years.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// New appointment for vehicle border inspections

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has made a new border inspection organisation (BIO) appointment. KMA (NZ) Ltd is now among five other organisations approved to carry out border inspections for vehicles coming to New Zealand.

// 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

// Mercedes announces global recall for EQC over faulty steering unit

Mercedes-Benzs fully electric EQC is at the centre of an international recall relating to the model’s power steering control unit.

// ‘Business as usual’ for used-car shipments

A leading figure at a shipping and logistics company is predicting the industry will enjoy a smoother 2022 compared to the past two years, with the delivery of used imports back to business as usual.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Honda to launch battery-sharing in India for auto rickshaws

Honda Motor Co. will start a battery-sharing service for India’s ubiquitous three-wheeled taxis, its way of supporting efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a nation facing worsening air pollution amid rapid economic growth.

// Tesla’s recent update made cars go haywire. It may be the excuse regulators needed.

For a few hours late last month, Tesla cars began behaving erratically after receiving an overnight software update. Cars suddenly started slamming on the brakes at highway speeds, owners reported, risking collisions.

// ‘Future Fuels’ a fizzer: EVC

The Australian federal government’s long-awaited Future Fuels strategy ignores the most important and effective measures to improve electric vehicle uptake, the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) of Australia says.

// Call to clean up existing fleet

The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) is calling for the governments clean car programme to be extended to mitigate two main risks it has identified under the proposed legislation.

// EV Torque – Coming ready or not!

That’s the electric sectors largest month so far, achieving about 12.5 percent of total new car sales. Tesla led the way, putting over 1000 new Model 3s on New Zealand’s roads.

// Chinese carmakers starting to make a dent in the Kiwi market

First, it was Japanese cars, then it was Korean cars, and now its cars from China that western markets like ours are tracking with great interest. Most pundits have said that the rise of Chinese carmakers is a case of when not if.

FEATURED JOBS

// Parts Advisor | Tauranga CBD | Bay City Mitsubishi

Have you won any awards lately? We have. The Mitsubishi ‘Parts Excellence’ award for 2021. And we’re growing, so you have an opportunity to come work with us.

// Automotive Technician | Tauranga CBD | Bay City Mitsubishi

Do you want to earn a top wage plus a performance bonus? Would you like to work on mainly new and nearly-new vehicles? Yes? Then we need to talk!

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).

10th November 20212021-11-09T22:12:44+13:00

9th November 2021

HOT TOPIC

// This Citroen Ami is probably the slowest police car in the world

The Greek Islands are not only an idyllic holiday destination but a popular destination for eco-sustainability and electric mobility projects.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Auckland set for 152 extra EV buses

Australasia’s biggest electric bus order has been announced in a partnership between Auckland Transport (AT) and NZ Bus.

// 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

// Alfa Romeo working on electric Giulia, first EV coming 2024

Only a handful of holdout brands haven’t released a plug-in vehicle of some kind, let alone a hybrid. Italian marque Alfa Romeo is one of the last pure internal combustion engine brands on the market, but that’s changing soon.

// Dealers given green light to reopen

Dealers in Auckland can get back to interacting with customers face-to-face after nearly three months of being under Covid-19 lockdown.

// Ford electric crate motor already sold out

Back in August Ford teased the existence of its first electric crate motor (essentially a complete, working replacement engine, or in this case an electric motor, sold to customers in a crate)

IN OTHER NEWS

// Arrival e-van expected here

The Arrival electric van showcased in a European roadshow to 15 cities by March 2022 will also be earmarked for the New Zealand and Australian markets.

// Armstrongs bring Holden service to Botany dealership

Holden owners in East Auckland will now be able to access an authorized service outlet at the new Armstrongs Botany dealership.

// TR Group orders 20 Hyzon FCEVs

Heavy commercial vehicle leasing and rental company TR Group has ordered 20 Hyzon hydrogen fuel cell trucks for the New Zealand market.

// Geneva profits climbing

Geneva Finance has announced its latest unaudited half-year results are expected to reveal a pre-tax profit of $3.96 million, an increase of 21 percent from the same period a year ago.

// EV brand Lynk & Co coming to New Zealand

Lynk & Co, the youthful brand of Volvos parent company Geely, will get a global expansion in the next four years, including a New Zealand launch.

// Regulator considers fuel takeover

Ampol Ltd has applied for clearance from the Commerce Commission to acquire 100 percent of the shares in Z Energy Ltd after the companies first revealed plans for a deal in August.

// Evergrande sells Protean to EV maker Bedeo

E-mobility company Bedeo has agreed to buy U.K. startup Protean Electric from China Evergrande Group’s automotive unit.

// Down under launch of 523kW Ram 1500 TRX reportedly close

Its been a busy year for Rams local arm, with the launch of the Warlock and Limited models joining the updated 1500 ranks, and the supersized 2500 and 3500 on the way.

// Which car manufacturer has done the most to block climate policy?

London-based research firm InfluenceMap has named the 50 companies that have made the most efforts to blockade Paris Agreement-aligned climate change policies around the world;

FEATURED JOBS

// Parts Advisor | Tauranga CBD | Bay City Mitsubishi

Have you won any awards lately? We have. The Mitsubishi ‘Parts Excellence’ award for 2021. And we’re growing, so you have an opportunity to come work with us.

// Automotive Technician | Tauranga CBD | Bay City Mitsubishi

Do you want to earn a top wage plus a performance bonus? Would you like to work on mainly new and nearly-new vehicles? Yes? Then we need to talk!

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).

9th November 20212021-11-08T22:48:48+13:00

8th November 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Volkswagen ID.5’s Kiwi prospects up in the air

Despite Volkswagens homegrown push for more plug-in vehicles, none of its electric nameplates have hit New Zealand yet. This despite the ID.3 and ID.4 having both already been launched in Europe, and the latter having already hit showrooms in the US.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Crikey – Crighton’s Rotary Rocket

Rotary engined motorcycles are rare beasts, a bit like their four-wheel counterparts then. Suzuki had a crack with its RE5, Yamaha had a concept bike, and Norton made a few rotary engine models but look what happened to that company.

// More on this

HOT TOPIC

// Watch the first-ever flying car drag race

Two flying cars have competed in a drag race for the first time ever in a giant leap forward for the development of electric flying cars.

// 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

// ZipCharge to release portable charger that’ll let you charge your EV anywhere

One of the main concerns for potential buyers of EVs, is range. “How will my battery last a road trip if there’s no place to charge it?” Well, fret no more! ZipCharge is introducing a product that it hopes will help solve this exact issue! The device acts similarly to a “jerry can” for electricity, or a power bank for your phone.

// NZ pricing confirmed for 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

Hot on the heels of the standard Tiguan, Volkswagen New Zealand has confirmed that the updated three-row Tiguan Allspace will land next month.

// Aston Martin’s DBX is outselling all its other models combined

The surefire formula of supercar and luxury car companies adding an SUV to their line-ups as a sort of license to print money continues to be a winning strategy, as evidenced by Aston Martins fortunes with its new DBX.

IN OTHER NEWS

// The VW ID Buzz is something cool for our inner hippies

Something for the hippies within us, Volkswagen has teased the production version of the revived electric VW bus.The VW ID Buzz is certainly a modern take on the original hippie van, with lots of fun colour options and amped-up camper van vibes.

// New generation Mini EV in 2023

The BMW Groups Mini brand will present the first model in a new generation of cars powered by an all-electric drivetrain as early as 2023.

// GREEN SPECIAL: EVs are clean by design

Much of the form that has traditionally given cars their visual character has been dictated by the function of the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and existing electronic architecture.

// Electric car not so quiet

When Hayden Paddons electric rally car made its race debut, researchers from the University of Auckland were hanging onto every sound coming from under its bonnet.

// Nikola sees US$125 million fine as it discusses deal with SEC

Nikola Corp. said it is in settlement discussions with U.S. regulators in which the company would pay a US$125 million civil penalty, bringing the embattled electric-truck maker a step closer to closing an investigation that’s cast a shadow over its path to production.

// The Good Oil: These new steering wheels must be some kind of yoke

Theres an idiosyncratic new trend emerging among Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): aircraft-style yoke steering wheels, as fitted to the Tesla Model S Plaid and now also confirmed as an option for Toyotas first mass-market BEV, the bZ4X(above).

// Autonomous vehicle maker Nuro secures US$600M for expansion

Electric vehicle maker Nuro said Tuesday it had secured US$600 million in funding from Google, Kroger and others to continue the development of its autonomous delivery vehicle service.

// Is the Ford Focus the next hatchback to go fully electric?

The Ford Focus is set for some big changes locally in the coming quarters. For the first time, Kiwis will soon be able to buy the model with a hybrid powertrain, with this set to be the only engine option apart from the STs 2.3-litre turbo four.

// Hyundai teases upcoming Ioniq 7 electric SUV

Hyundai has teased its next electric SUV with the new Seven concept. No prizes if you guess what its production name will likely be.

// Bigger batteries, more range: Tesla confirms Model 3 updates

Tesla has just rolled out a series of minor updates to its best-selling Model 3 on its website, off the back of the models strong recent sales performances in this part of the world.

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).

8th November 20212021-11-07T20:05:22+13:00

5th November 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Blue oval hits record sales

Ford New Zealand has set an all-time monthly sales record for the company with 2,077 vehicles delivered to customers during October.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Emma Gilmour confirmed for McLaren’s factory Extreme E team

Emma Gilmour makes world motorsport history by becoming McLarens first female factory driver.Gilmour will be a lead driver in the manufacturers inaugural Extreme E rally campaign in 2022.

// More on this

HOT TOPIC

// Sneak peek of electric Hyundai Seven SUV

Hyundai will debut its Seven concept electric SUV at AutoMobility LA on November 17, meanwhile releasing teaser images of the next Ioniq battery electric vehicle (BEV) family member.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOSURE

// Help your customers avoid expensive repair bills

Autosure mechanical breakdown insurance is available for petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles, and includes AA Roadservice Cover to give your customers peace of mind driving.

BEST OF THE REST

// Mini announces release of new hatch, Countryman, and EV crossover

Mini has announced three new model debuts, which will appear before the brand goes all-electric in the early 2030s.The three cars include a new generation mini hatch, which has recently been teased, as well as a Countryman successor and another fully electric crossover.

// Work starts on hydrogen network

The construction phase of high-capacity green hydrogen refuelling stations for use by zero-emissions heavy fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) has started.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Slick EV SUV: Volkswagen reveals new electric ID.5, a coupe-ified ID.4

Volkswagen has added another string to its electric vehicle bow, revealing its new slick new ID.5 crossover overnight.The ID.5 is familiar for a raft of reasons.

// Supply fulfills Ford order backlog

Ford New Zealand says it set an all-time monthly sales record of 2077 units in October 2021 as it received enough vehicle supply to fulfill customer orders received up to six months ago.

// Ford shows off its vision of the future of custom vehicles

Ford has shown off its idea of what future customisation could look like, in the form of a 1978 F-100 pick-up truck running two Mustang Mach-E motors.

// New Renault Kangoo e-van goes public from November 16

The new Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech Electric with 300km range (WLTP) debuts at the Solutrans car show in Lyon from November 16-20.

// How many public EV chargers do Kiwi roads need?

According to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), there is a group of public electric vehicle charging stations every 75km along most of the national highway network.

// Unregistered dealer fined $100

An unregistered car dealer who illegally sold 38 vehicles between 2017 and 2020 has copped a fine of only $100 despite his offences being more than minor.

// Tesla software recall may head off fight with US regulators

Tesla has issued a recall that automatically sent a software update fixing a safety problem in its electric vehicles, apparently heading off a looming confrontation with U.S. safety regulators.

ONE LINERS

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// UPDATED Current National New Car Deals

ADDED THIS WEEK

JEEP

  • Free Jeep Tow Pack, worth up to $2000, when you purchase a brand-new Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Gladiator from participating Jeep dealers

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.

SUZUKI

  • 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).

5th November 20212021-11-04T23:09:57+13:00

4th November 2021

IT’S STAT WEEK

// New vehicle sales volume hamstrung by constrained supply chain

The Motor Industry Association (MIA) says October is traditionally a strong month for new vehicle sales and while ahead of the same period 2020 they were well behind October returns in each of the years from 2016 to 2019 inclusive.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Toyota puts parts for the iconic AE86 Corolla in production again

While it’s a car that most people wouldn’t even notice driving down the street, Toyota’s AE86 Corolla is something of a cult symbol amongst car tuners these days, thanks to its appearance in ‘Initial D’.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// GALLERY: The good, the bad, and the ugly from SEMA 2021

After Covid-19 put last years edition of the annual SEMA motor show on ice, the Las Vegas event made its triumphant return this month.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY AUTOSURE

// Help your customers avoid expensive repair bills

Autosure mechanical breakdown insurance is available for petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles, and includes AA Roadservice Cover to give your customers peace of mind driving.

BEST OF THE REST

// Luxo-barge fans rejoice: Audi unveils new A8 and S8

Fetch the cigars and book the chateau; Audi has unveiled its new-look benchmark A8 sedan in three different trims.

// Judge takes pity on unregistered motor vehicle trader

A Timaru district court judge has taken pity on an unregistered trader who ignored compliance letters sent to him by the Registrar of Motor Vehicle Traders and illegally sold 38 motor vehicles between 2017 and 2020.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Keen to turn your Suzuki Jimny into a $105,000 monster truck?

The Suzuki Jimnys success is a result of it being the right vehicle at the right time; launching just as adventure tuning was picking up pace, at a cheap price,

// Tesla stock drops reported US$40 billion in market value after a single tweet from Elon Musk

Elon Musk is one of the most influential people on Twitter for a reason. So when Musk shared Monday night that Tesla currently has no contract signed with Hertz, …

// ‘Record volumes and margins’

Tourism Holdings Ltd (THL) has plenty of headroom to buy about 2,500 vehicles with ANZ and Westpac committing about $200 million in lending.

// The Hyundai Ioniq 5 battery pack is apparently getting an upgrade

Reportedly, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is gearing up for an update. This comes less than a year after the car arrived in select markets.

// Polestar CEO slams petrol-powered hypocrisy in the automotive industry

The global boss of Volvos Polestar electric spin-off has hit out at hypocrisy within the car industry as manufacturers move toward greener cars while still catering to petrol heads.

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).

4th November 20212021-11-03T20:26:06+13:00
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