NZ Automotive Industry News

7th October 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Toyota Land Cruiser’s NZ arrival delayed until early 2022

Toyota’s ongoing battle with semiconductor shortages and Covid-19 lockdowns has resulted in the delayed delivery of its new Land Cruiser 300 Series.

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HOT TOPIC

// Ford NZ: no Mach-E (yet), but here’s a van

Ford New Zealand has announced it will launch seven new electrified vehicles between now and the end of 2024, with the fully-electric E-Transit van arriving next year.

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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

// VW Multivan PHEV production begins

The first production vehicles of the new Multivan are coming off the line at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV), marking the first time a Multivan with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 160kW engine has been made in Hannover.

// Moola admits failure to behave as a responsible lender, says ComCom

Christchurch-based online lender Moola.co.nz Limited has entered into a settlement with the Commerce Commission, admitting that it failed to comply with the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Acts lender responsibility principles.

// More delivery delays for Lexus New Zealand customers

Lexus New Zealand says recent disruptions in the component supply chain in Southeast Asia due to COVID-19 means fewer vehicles than expected were produced in the Japanese factories in September 2021.

IN OTHER NEWS

// EV start-up reveals Aston Martin-ish 600hp grand tourer

While most electric vehicle start-ups at the moment focus on pick-ups and affordably priced hatches, fledgling start-up Piech Automotive has elected to go down the grand touring route.

// Cupra Born EV begins production

Volkswagen Groups Spanish-brand Cupra has begun series production of its first 100% electric car the Born at the Zwickau plant in Germany.

// Ford’s highly anticipated Mustang Mach-E a likely candidate for NZ

While putting the iconic Mustang badge on the brand’s first all-electric SUV was an extremely bold move on Ford’s part, it’s a move that has proven extremely popular in America.

// Daimler renaming itself Mercedes-Benz Group

Daimler AG shareholders have approved for its truck and bus business to be split away from the van and passenger car brands and become its own independent entity with a listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

// Partnership to develop global commercial e-powertrains

Chinese electrified propulsion firm Jing-Jin Electric (JJE) and Allison Transmission have signed a global strategic collaboration partnership agreement to accelerate the development of electrified powertrain solutions for commercial vehicles.

// Rally battle pushed back

Rally organisers have postponed the Repco Battle of Jacks Ridge until February next year because of the ongoing uncertainty around Covid alert levels and regional travel in and out of Auckland.

// GM sees robotaxi unit growing past US$50 billion

General Motors’ Cruise autonomous vehicle unit will tell investors this week that it sees a path for its ride-hailing business to reach US$50 billion in revenue as it ramps up over the next couple of years, people familiar with the matter said.

// Marque expanding network

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ) is expanding its national dealer network with plans to open new sites in Paraparaumu on the Kapiti Coast and Sockburn in Christchurch.

// Grille me up, Scotty: BMW reveals new 2 Series Active Tourer

BMW’s onslaught of new releases has continued today, with the global unveiling of its revised 2 Series Active Tourer MPV; a more compact solution for those wanting spaciousness without SUV proportions.

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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).

7th October 20212021-10-06T19:56:35+13:00

6th October 2021

HOT TOPIC

// EV chasing Ranger for top spot in September

More than 3,505 new vehicles with some form of electrification in their drivetrain were sold in September 2021 as the market rebounded strongly, in spite of Auckland new vehicle dealers operating in alert level three.

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HOT TOPIC

// Revealed: Official photo of 2023 Honda Civic Type R

Honda have finally revealed an official photo of its 2023 Honda Civic Type R. While spy photos have been previously leaked, this is the first official look at the next-generation Civic.

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HOT TOPIC

// Ford NZ – ‘when not if’ for Mach E

Ford New Zealand is still expecting to one day see the Mach E battery electric vehicle in New Zealand, despite having no update on its arrival after more than a year of availability and an upgrade in the US and Europe.

// 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

// Hyundai wants to put a screen on your steering wheel

Even up to a decade ago, the idea of getting a touchscreen in your car was something of a novelty, reserved for premium brands.

// Used imports climb

There were 9,190 used passenger vehicles imported last month, up 30.9 per cent increase when compared to September 2020s total of 8,358.

// Climate change agreement may lead to ‘zero emission zones’ in Christchurch

Christchurch leaders are considering joining a United Nations-linked climate change initiative that could lead to parts of the city becoming zero emission zones, meaning no petrol-guzzling cars, by 2025.

IN OTHER NEWS

// The weirdest motorsport replica sold for $50k

If youve ever hankered after a motorsport replica but never found yourself in the right place at the right time… Sorry, you’ll need to wait a bit longer.

// Tesla sets new sales record

Tesla says it delivered 241,300 EVs in the third quarter of this year, producing nearly 238,000. That makes 2021 Teslas best year yet with 627,350 deliveries, 26% more than the previous record 499,500 deliveries in 2020.

// Volvo plans $4.1 billion IPO to fund EV ambitions

Swedish automaker Volvo said Monday it plans to raise at least 25 billion kroner (NZ$4.1 billion) by selling shares to fund its electric vehicle transformation strategy.

// Hyundai’s radical Ioniq 5 scoops top design award

Manufacturer releases kooky, original concept vehicle. Manufacturer says it will go into production.

// Vinfast debuts new EVs, scales back Australian operations

After temporarily shutting its Port Melbourne design and engineering office due to Covid-19 complications, and largely pulling the plug on its Australian testing capabilities, Vietnamese manufacturer Vinfast has debuted two new EVs overseas.

// Confirmed: Volvo goes public on stock exchange

Having announced last week that its specialist electric brand Polestar would be going public on the stock exchange, it was confirmed overnight that Volvo would also be going public.

// Daimler’s trucks, luxury cars to go their separate ways

Shareholders in Daimler AG, maker of Mercedes-Benz luxury cars, on Friday approved the spin-off of the company’s truck division, a move intended to let the world’s largest maker of trucks react faster to change and focus on the new low-emission technologies transforming the automotive industry.

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).

6th October 20212021-10-05T18:55:20+13:00

5th October 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Tesla surges to front of new car market

Electric car breaks 1,000-sales barrier in September to be the hottest new car on the market.

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HOT TOPIC

// Taiwan’s Foxconn has deal to buy former GM plant

Foxconn Technology Group, the worlds largest electronics maker, has a deal to buy a huge auto assembly plant in Ohio from startup electric truck maker Lordstown Motors, the companies announced late last week.

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HOT TOPIC

// Industry backs safety-rating labels

More than 90 per cent of licensed dealers have supported a scheme to display vehicle safety-rating labels produced by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency that are designed to help consumers choose safer cars.

// 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

// Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand opens two new retail outlets

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand Limited (MMNZ) has added another two retail sites to its authorised national sales and service dealer network.

// Hyundai NZ continues battery issue recall

Supply constraints are limiting replacement high-voltage batteries for the recall for some Hyundai Kona EVs, meaning the possibility of delays.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Mitsui invests in NZ green hydrogen refuelling stations

One of Japans largest general trading companies Mitsui & Co has become a strategic investor in Hiringa Refuelling New Zealand (HRNZ) to develop a network of green hydrogen refuelling stations for fuel cell powered heavy vehicles in New Zealand.

// Toyota Australia records best September sales yet

In spite of curtailed global production due to the shortage of semi-conductors and wiring harnesses, Toyota Motor Corporation Australia (TMCA) sold more than 20,000 vehicles in September 2021,

// New EVs jump in latest stats

A 2262 rise in EV registrations from August to September (30,518 to 32,780) is mainly due to new light pure electrics increasing by 1502 (8105 in August to 9607 in September).

// Auckland dealers edge nearer full reopening

A three-part road map to end tough Covid-19 restrictions for Auckland has been outlined by the government with dealers able to welcome back buyers into yards and showrooms once the region shifts to a hybrid level two.

// Leading imports hold onto top spots

There were 7,444 used-imported cars registered last month. That was down by 28 per cent from 10,339 when compared to September 2020.

// NZ to get more purpose-built EV chargers thanks to global juggernaut

As more New Zealanders embrace electrification, more businesses are coming to the party and supporting the build of public charging infrastructure.

// Honda’s future includes air taxis

Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis, robots, reusable rockets, and a lunar renewable energy system feature in Hondas vision for the next decade or more.

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).

5th October 20212021-10-04T18:43:24+13:00

4th October 2021

HOT TOPIC

// NZ pricing confirmed for Polestar 2 range

Ahead of the arrival of the Polestar 2 electric performance fastback in New Zealand later this year, Polestar has confirmed that both the Standard range Single motor and Long range Single motor models will qualify for the maximum government Clean Car Discount rebate of $8,625.

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HOT TOPIC

// Tesla model 3 tops car market in record month

Tesla’s Model 3 was the top passenger car delivered in the month of September according to NZ Transport Agency statistics released this week.

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HOT TOPIC

// Ports of Auckland appoints Jan Dawson as chair

Ports of Auckland’s board has elected Jan Dawson as its new chair following the retirement of previous chair Bill Osborne.

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HOT TOPIC

// Honda sees its future in air taxis, rockets and moon robots

Car and motorbike maker Honda Motor Co. is positioning itself for a vertical takeoff. The Tokyo-based company is embarking on efforts to field a new electric-hybrid air taxi, a robot with human-like hands that may one day toil on the moon and a reusable rocket to carry small satellites into space more economically.

// 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

// New MG motor corporate identity revealed

MG Motor has revealed a new global corporate identity which it says will lead the company into its second century.

// New vehicle market’s efforts rewarded with massive September result

The new vehicle industry and dealer staff deserve a pat on the back for its work in September it appears, with a near-record result despite COVID conditions.

// Import market defies lockdown with moderate result

We are not going to argue that it didn’t hurt, but the used import market appears to have beaten the worst of the lockdown by delivering more 80% of the volume than it did at the same time last year.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Is this render the stillborn Chevrolet Camaro Z/28?

The Chevrolet Camaro appears to be a nameplate wedged firmly between a rock and a hard place. As previously reported, the model has been on struggle street for a few years now thanks to slumping sales relative to the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger.

// Electric Vehicle etiquette: pressing chargers

To unplug or not to unplug? That is the EV question… or just one of them. There are so many unwritten society rules, with the increase of plug-in cars, and their relatively long refueling times, it does raise issues and potential conflict.

// ABB launches world’s fastest EV charger

ABB is launching an all-in-one Electric Vehicle (EV) charger, which its says provides the fastest charging experience yet available on the market.

// All Mazdas to be either partially or fully electrified by 2030

Mazda has announced that all of its models will be electrified to some extent by 2030.

// The new smartphone app that dials in better driving

A new risk management app that uses smartphone-based telematics brings claims of a 25 per cent reduction in accident rates in the first 12 months.

// Dealer numbers drop

New trader register figures reveal a fourth consecutive month of decline.

// An EV with Drift Mode? Genesis reveals GV60 in full

Earlier this year Hyundai’s luxury arm, Genesis, unveiled its first electric car; the GV60. Following in the footsteps of its…

// This is the Peugeot ute you didn’t know you wanted

Forget massive high-riding American trucks, the ute you really want is the one-of-six Peugeot 505 Pick-Up Double Cabine Gruau.

// Silicon Valley answer to the EV question calls for less silicon

As automakers scramble to make electric vehicles with longer ranges and speedier charging times, the chip industry has a message for them: You’re doing it wrong.

// New mod turns your Toyota Hilux into a macho monster

It used to be that, if you were wanting to buy a vehicle for the purposes of modification, you’d pick…

// Toyota banks on mobility technology for future growth

Japanese automaker Toyota is revving up acquisitions in mobility technology, adding Renovo Motors Inc., a Silicon Valley software developer, to its Woven Planet team, which is working on automated driving.

// Never fear, BattMan is here!

Never fear, BattMan is here! VW’s “Battery Monitoring Analysis Necessity,” or BattMan, software sets out to help the brand recycle automotive batteries.

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 October 20212021-10-03T14:06:07+13:00

1st October 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Rolls-Royce plans on going fully electric within 7 years of releasing it’s first EV

Rolls-Royce plan on going fully electric within 7 years of releasing it’s first EV. The company will sell its first electric car, the Spectre, in 2023, and will continue to phase out the internal combustion engine entirely by 2030, with the sale of its last 12-cylinder.

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HOT TOPIC

// Global giant Circle K opening 100 plus EV service stations in NZ

More than 100 convenience stores and EV service stations are expected to open under Circle K, one of the world’s largest convenience store and service station brands.

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HOT TOPIC

// Report: NZ’s used-car prices ‘skyrocket’ by 35%

The Covid-19 pandemic has had all sorts of impacts on the New Zealand motoring industry; from supply dramas, to sales…

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HOT TOPIC

// Jeep Grand Cherokee 2022 range revealed

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is included in the fifth generation line-up of the Jeep Grand Cherokee range.

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HOT TOPIC

// CMC plans face-to-face AGM

Colonial Motor Company (CMC) revenue and profit revenue for the year ended June 30, were $901.2m, the company says in its 103rd annual report tabled this week.

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SPONSORED BY SYSTIME

// 180 service bookings in 24 hours? Yes, please.

The dealership needed to meet the demand for customers to make service bookings anytime, anywhere, without increasing the workload of their Service Advisors. Service Online solved this problem.

BEST OF THE REST

// This new fully-electric hypercar has us frothing!

It’s safe to say we’re not surprised about the news of another EV release, but the Othello from newly launched Chinese company Farnova is something else.

// Numberplate shortage to hit dealers?

Could a numberplate shortage be the next issue to hit Auckland dealers already under pressure from a month at level four and now level three restrictions?

IN OTHER NEWS

// Renault 5 prototype wins concept car of the year

The Renault 5 electric prototype has been awarded Car Design News Concept Car of the Year by a jury from leading automotive brands.

// Toyota subsidiary gets automation developer

Toyota’s Woven Planet Holdings has acquired Renovo Motors, a pioneering Silicon Valley-based automotive operating system developer of specialised software.

// Genesis premieres GV60 luxury EV

Genesis has unveiled its first dedicated EV, the GV60, which embodies the brand’s journey towards electrification.

// Seat Scoot – It’s Cute

Spanish car maker Seat is soon to launch its first electric car, El-Born, but an electric scooter, the MÓ, has…

// Citroen gets its Skates on

The emergence of autonomous vehicles could help to reduce congestion in big cities. Citroën, Accor and JCDecaux have teamed up…

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HELPFUL RESOURCES

// UPDATED Current National New Car Deals

REMOVED THIS WEEK

  • Alfa Romeo – Stelvio Veloce Carbon 0% Finance Offer. Pay 1/3 + ORC now , 1/3 in 2022 , 1/3 in 2023

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).

1st October 20212021-09-30T21:57:20+13:00

30th September 2021

HOT TOPIC

// NZ pricing confirmed for the rugged INEOS Grenadier off-roader

Those looking to buy a hardcore off-road SUV have just been given another option in the form of the rugged INEOS Grenadier, which is set to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2022.

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HOT TOPIC

// Fiat 500 Abarth hot hatch gets local update and slashed price

It may be a bit long in the tooth, but there’s little doubt that the Fiat 500 Abarth is still…

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HOT TOPIC

// Non-bank lending on the rise

New data shows non-bank lenders are financing almost half of personal consumer lending in New Zealand.

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HOT TOPIC

// Ford EV mega campus and battery plants planned

Ford intends producing electric zero-emission vehicles at scale through a planned US$11.4 billion (NZ$16.37b) “Blue Oval City” auto production complex in Tennessee and twin battery plants in Kentucky with production starting in 2025.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY SYSTIME

// 180 service bookings in 24 hours? Yes, please.

The dealership needed to meet the demand for customers to make service bookings anytime, anywhere, without increasing the workload of their Service Advisors. Service Online solved this problem.

BEST OF THE REST

// Watch: Stock Rivian R1T tackles Moab’s ‘Hell’s Gate’ with ease

Moab is one of America’s most popular off-roading spots, and the Hell’s Gate climb within it has become somewhat of a benchmark to demonstrate both driver and vehicle ability.

// Rent relief welcomed

Industry organisation says “mechanism is a good first step to easing some of the burden of rent and other fixed costs”.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Special McLaren 720S revealed to celebrate Ricciardo’s Monza win

McLaren has paid tribute to Daniel Ricciardo’s breakthrough victory in the Italian Grand Prix with a limited-edition supercar set to be sold in Australia.

// Catering for zero and low emission vehicles

New Zealand’s national transport fleet is a major polluter than needs to lower its emissions profile as the country seeks to reduce its emissions, Infrastructure New Zealand says.

// Growth for federation

Membership of Financial Services Federation jumps by one-quarter over the past year.

// EVs and PHEVs outsold diesels in Europe in August

For the first time ever, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles outsold diesel-powered vehicles in Europe over a month.

// Partnership for EVs and hydrogen vehicles in Australia and NZ

French clean energy and intelligent freight transportation firm Gaussin has established a strategic partnership with Nexport for the distribution of electric and hydrogen vehicles in Australia and New Zealand.

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).

30th September 20212021-09-29T20:21:18+13:00

29th September 2021

HOT TOPIC

// EV maker backed by Leonardo DiCaprio valued at US$20 billion in SPAC deal

Polestar, the electric-vehicle maker backed by Volvo Car Group and actor Leonardo DiCaprio, agreed to go public through a merger with a blank-check company at a roughly US$20 billion enterprise valuation.

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HOT TOPIC

// NZ world-leading green hydrogen production could be ‘sooner than expected’

A proposal to build the world’s first large-scale green hydrogen plant in Southland has been met with strong interest from domestic and international businesses.

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HOT TOPIC

// The new Ford Puma MHEV (mild hybrid) is confirmed to arrive in New Zealand next year

The new Ford Puma MHEV (mild hybrid) is confirmed to arrive in New Zealand next year! Ford New Zealand will be offering two MHEV variants;

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HOT TOPIC

// Revealed: New-look 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 breaks cover

Chevrolet has issued its first official images of the updated 2023 Corvette C8 Z06, its go-faster, flat-plane crank V8 assault on the supercar establishment.

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY SYSTIME

// 180 service bookings in 24 hours? Yes, please.

The dealership needed to meet the demand for customers to make service bookings anytime, anywhere, without increasing the workload of their Service Advisors. Service Online solved this problem.

BEST OF THE REST

// This QV-powered Alfa Romeo Giulia restomod is a thing of dreams

Totem has released a petrol-powered version of their Alfa Romeo Giulia coupe, the Totem GT Super, trading the electric motor of the Giulia for a 456kW twin-turbo V6.

// Emissions targets under attack

Colonial’s chief executive highlights sticker prices of pure electric cars are almost double those of conventional vehicles.

// COVID disrupts EV road trip

Auckland’s COVID alert level three has impacted the northern loop of the planned ‘October Roadie’ and ‘Leading the Charge’ EV road trips.

IN OTHER NEWS

// High-tech talks online

Second T-Tech Reboot to feature five speakers after annual conference cancelled due to Covid-19.

// Porsche 718 line-up going fully electric in 2025

A new report has emerged claiming Porsche has decided to convert the Boxster and Cayman to fully electric sports cars by 2025.

// Rolls-Royce Motor Cars confirms production BEV coming

Ahead of a significant announcement at 13:00 hours BST on September 29, 2021, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has confirmed it will introduce a production battery electric vehicle (BEV) in the next decade (2020-2030).

// ‘The way of the future’: Dunedin trials first electric bus

An electric bus is being trialled in one of the country’s hilliest cities.

// Vector and (Google) X to collaborate on Auckland electricity system

A move by Vector to form a strategic collaboration with X, (formerly Google X) to work together on the virtualisation of the Auckland electricity grid highlights the type of innovation that can help decarbonise and decentralise the electricity system, energy and resources minister Megan Woods says.

// SUVs score five-star safety ratings

Isuzu and Toyota models win praise for crash-protection measures. PLUS – videos

// ABB invests in e-mobility start-up Go To-U

ABB’s e-mobility division has strengthened its global leadership with investment in Los Angeles-based start-up Go To-U, a platform for EV charging management and operations.

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).

29th September 20212021-09-28T22:35:06+13:00

28th September 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Ford NZ announces new entry-level hybrid SUV

The blue oval’s local arm has confirmed that it will bring in the mild hybrid variant of its Puma compact crossover in the second quarter of 2022.

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HOT TOPIC

// Ebbett group launching Kia Rotorua dealership

Kia New Zealand has announced on social media that its latest dealership in Rotorua is now open for business.

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HOT TOPIC

// Vehicle imports jump $415m

Japan leading contributor to increase as automotive sector plays key part in record monthly trade deficit for NZ.

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HOT TOPIC

// Turners cars driving the project’s ‘Wheel of Immunity’

Turners Cars is partnering with TV3’s The Project ‘Wheel of Immunity’ promotion which will offer more than $40,000 worth of prizes to viewers who have received a COVID-19 vaccination.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Mercedes-Benz joins European EV battery joint venture

Luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz is teaming up with Stellantis and TotalEnergies in a European electric vehicle battery joint venture, Automotive Cells Company (ACC).

// More on this 

SPONSORED BY SYSTIME

// 180 service bookings in 24 hours? Yes, please.

The dealership needed to meet the demand for customers to make service bookings anytime, anywhere, without increasing the workload of their Service Advisors. Service Online solved this problem.

BEST OF THE REST

// Another Dieselgate? VW accused of using emissions defeat devices again

Volkswagen’s ‘Dieselgate’ saga is undoubtedly the biggest scandal of its kind in the current motoring era. It prompted Volkswagen to ‘turn over a new leaf’ and push towards electrification earlier than most other legacy car makers,

// Toyota reportedly working on hydrogen ICE Prius

Toyota could be closer to releasing its hydrogen-powered combustion engine for the road than we thought. According to a new report from Japan, a new version of the Prius is coming, sourcing power from the new type of engine.

// PHEV Jeep Grand Cherokee debuts September 29

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee range will include an electrified 4xe version when it debuts globally on September 29, 2021.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Ford Falcon GTHO sells for $1.3million in Aussie V8 auction extravaganza

Last weekend will go down as one of the biggest for Australian V8 performance car sales in history, with stacks…

// Video: Iveco and Nikola launch joint-venture EV manufacturing facility

A joint venture manufacturing facility for electric heavy-duty trucks has been unveiled by EV truck startup Nikola and IVECO.

// Tesla starts judging owners it charged $10,000 for self-driving

The wait is almost over for some Tesla customers to get access to driver-assistance technology the company has marketed in controversial ways — as long as they’re on their best behaviour.

// Video: Chinese firm delivers 100 fuel cell trucks

A fleet of 100 hydrogen heavy trucks has been delivered for work on a major new construction project in Hebei Province, China.

// Beware of Covid burnout

Surveys highlight the stress felt by business leaders during lockdowns and pandemic.

// Evnex launches EV turnkey solution

Christchurch-based company Evnex has a new brand and offering. Evnex now not only makes New Zealand’s leading EV smart chargers, it will install them too,

// Volvo reveals new materials for its leather-free cars

Fashion houses such as Stella McCartney and Victoria Beckham have long eschewed animal products in their wares, while automakers including Audi, Mazda, BMW, Land Rover, and Tesla offer leather-free and sustainable interiors as options in their cars.

// US EV manufacturer workhorse recalls 41 vehicles

Ohio-based EV manufacturer Workhorse Group is recalling 41 electric delivery vehicles and suspending deliveries of its C-1000 cargo van range,

// Watch: Toyota Yaris Cross and Isuzu MU-X earn 5-star ANCAP ratings

Toyota’s Yaris Cross compact crossover and Isuzu’s rugged 7-seater MU-X are the latest vehicles to earn a full five-star ANCAP…

// Four British companies want to reinvent the classic roadster

Four British companies, Astheimer (exterior and interior design), Potenza Technology (drivetrain and battery development), BAMD Composites and Conjure (human machine interface design and development), have been quietly working together on a new two-seater sports car, one with “sustainability at its core and efficiency driving its design.

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).

28th September 20212021-09-27T22:26:09+13:00

27th September 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Viva La V8: Mercedes-AMG commits V8s for at least another decade

While it appears Mercedes is heading towards an all-electric future, it’s confirmed that the twin-turbo 4.0 litre engine will be sticking around for at least another decade.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// Video and Podcast – Transport minister defends Clean Car plans

Transport minister Michael Wood has discussed and defended the government’s Clean Car plans in a discussion with AutoTalk editor Richard Edwards.

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HOT TOPIC

// ChargeNet signs up director

ChargeNet, New Zealand’s leading charging network company for electric vehicles (EVs), has appointed Elizabeth Yeaman as an independent director.

// More on this

SPONSORED BY SYSTIME

// 180 service bookings in 24 hours? Yes, please.

The dealership needed to meet the demand for customers to make service bookings anytime, anywhere, without increasing the workload of their Service Advisors. Service Online solved this problem.

BEST OF THE REST

// Porsche takes EV plunge: Cayman and Boxster set to be fully electric

In what’s likely to be one of the brand’s biggest bombshell announcements, an overseas report has claimed that Porsche’s next-generation…

// Five-star safety ratings for Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Yaris Cross

ANCAP Safety has awarded the maximum five-star safety ratings to the Isuzu MU-X large SUV and the Toyota Yaris Cross small SUV.

// Bentley celebrates 70 years of design with first BEV

Bentley Motors is marking 70 years of design at its UK campus in Crewe with the development of the luxury brands first battery electric vehicle (BEV).

IN OTHER NEWS

// MG’s latest concept is a gaming PC on wheels

MG has created a new all-electric concept car, called the Maze, taking inspiration from the rise in e-sports brought on by global lockdowns.

// Wild electric dragster completes first stage of testing

Remember the crazy electric dragster with a hole punched through the middle from back in June?

// Back to the future with the quadricycle

Over the years we’ve heard plenty about Gordon Murray Design concepts. But we’ve yet to see one on the roads here.

// Do electric cars need more than 600km of range?…

The crux of the current electric car struggle is the debate that the silent, tailpipe-free genre needs to be able to meet all the same measures as internal combustion engine vehicles.

// Everything electric coming in the next year

Electric propulsion is rising in popularity, and with most major manufacturers making a big push into electrification around the world, it won’t be stopping any time soon.

// Hyundai to sell Ioniq 5 online as well as in dealerships

While Hyundai Australia is cutting dealers out of the loop entirely when it comes to sales of its latest EV, the Ioniq 5, Hyundai New Zealand is taking a broader approach, selling the first of its new generation of electric vehicles both online and in dealerships.

// Confirmed: Ford aren’t making a convertible Mustang Shelby GT500

If you were holding out for Ford to make a convertible version of the Mustang Shelby GT500, I’ve got bad news for you.

// Toyota CEO not keen on banning internal combustion engines completely

Toyota’s global boss isn’t a fan of banning petrol and diesel powered cars. Akio Toyodo recently told reporters that carbon is our enemy, not the internal combustion engine

// Save the cows: Volvo to ditch leather in future models

More and more new-vehicle consumers have started showing an interest in asking where the various components and materials that make…

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).

27th September 20212021-09-26T22:37:07+13:00

24th September 2021

HOT TOPIC

// Pricing and spec confirmed for BMW M240i xdrive

BMW’s local arm has announced pricing and spec for its upcoming 2 Series; a diminutive all-paw coupe set to take on the likes of the Mercedes-AMG A 45 and Audi RS 3.

// More on this 

HOT TOPIC

// WATCH: NZ’s Motor Industry Association chief on why the Clean Car Standard isn’t achieveable

The Government’s Clean Car Standard is a hot topic again this week, as the Land Transport (Clean Vehicle) Amendment Bill makes its way through the parliamentary process.

// More on this 

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BEST OF THE REST

// The fastest SUV in the world? Brabus unveils 662kw AMG monster

Ten years ago the idea of releasing a performance SUV would’ve got chuckles at most manufacturer board meetings.

// Another day, another battery breakthrough

Seems every other day, some company, somewhere is claiming to have made a breakthrough in battery technology.

// Downer NZ switching fleet to electric

About 20 MG ZS EV SUVs will be distributed to Downer NZ’s vehicle fleet, with another 20 on order.

IN OTHER NEWS

// British car companies collaborate on EV concept car, Aura

British car companies collaborate on a new electric concept car dubbed Aura. The open top two-seater has been brought to life by British manufactures such as Astheimer, Potenza Technology, BAMD Composites, Conjure, and Spark EV.

// Smartrak launches fleet emissions reporting tool

Fleet and mobility technologies provider Smartrak has released a new fleet emissions reporting solution to help companies meet growing targets and requirements.

// Turners win long-running buy right case

The deal between Turners Automotive Group and interests related to the Orlandini family appears to have been tense even before an agreement was struck for the sale of Buy Right Cars.

// Rolls-Royce appoints new APAC regional director

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has appointed Irene Nikkein as its new regional director for the Asia-Pacific region, based in Singapore.

// Polestar wins design awards

Volvo’s electric car brand Polestar has won the product design category with the Polestar 2 in business magazine Fast Company’s 2021 Innovation by Design Awards.

// Saic Design Studio creates MG maze digital concept EV

To celebrate its third anniversary of operation the SAIC Design Studio in London has created the MG Maze Concept EV which it says combines both real and digital worlds.

// Last hurrah for WRX?

Wally Dumper, of Subaru of NZ’s boss, says it could be “last chance” saloon due to “changes imposed by legislation”.

// Ford invests in electric vehicle battery recycling company

Ford Motor Co. is investing US$50 million in an upstart electric vehicle battery recycling company as the automaker moves to shore up its battery supply chain.

// Volkswagen is planning a retro, all-electric Jeep Wrangler fighter

Volkswagen is looking to build a new off-roader, with intentions of taking on the best in the segment.

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).

24th September 20212021-09-23T21:10:12+12:00
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