NZ Automotive Industry News

HOT TOPIC

// Pure-electric Lexus UX 300e SUV confirmed for New Zealand

Falling under the Toyota umbrella, Lexus has had mild hybrids in its fleet for some time now, but is yet to offer an all-electric alternative in New Zealand.

• Read this article on Driven.co.nz

// Other articles on this topic

AutoTalk.co.nz says: First Lexus BEV in NZ this year

AutoCar.co.nz says: Lexus’ first fully electric car is coming to New Zealand

HOT TOPIC

// AA New Zealand Chief Executive steps down

The New Zealand Automobile Association has confirmed a change in personnel, with CEO Brian Gibbons to retire from his position in early 2022.

• Read this article on AutoCar.co.nz

// Other articles on this topic

AutoTalk.co.nz says Gibbons to retire as AA Chief Executive

AutoFile.co.nz says Gibbons to step down from AA

HOT TOPIC

// Hundreds attend dealership opening

International best-selling artists Sol3 Mio join celebration as Ebbett Group moves into new site.

• Read this article on AutoFile.co.nz

// Other articles on this topic

AutoTalk.co.nz says Ebbett group opening night to remember

HOT TOPIC

// Three marques dominate sales

Almost 9,000 new cars were registered in New Zealand last month, with Toyota, Kia and Mitsubishi steaming ahead of the rest.

• Read this article on AutoFile.co.nz

// Other articles on this topic

AutoFile.co.nz says Ranger tops April’s ladder

AutoFile also says Toyota out front for used imports

AutoTalk says April on track despite massive statistical change

HOT TOPIC

// Kiwi car owner rallies to ban offensive number plate

New Zealand’s sequential three letter and three number number plate format can sometimes generate interesting or even comedic plate number combinations.

• Read this article on AutoCar.co.nz

// Other articles on this topic

Stuff.co.nz says Man wants offensive number plate removed from circulation

HOT TOPIC

// Why do cars catch on fire?

Car fires that just happen, as opposed to being caused by an accident always make the news – and always look dramatic

• Read this article on Stuff.co.nz

// Other articles on this topic

EVsandBeyond.co.nz says EV destroyed in NZ road blaze

BEST OF THE REST

// Is this the new Toyota Corolla GR hot hatch?

While Toyota continues to ‘keep mum’ over the prospects of a hot hatch Gazoo Racing ‘GR’ variant of the Corolla, speculation continues to churn from all corners of the globe.

• Read this article on AutoCar.co.nz

// Ford and ARB make it official with Licensed Accessories for Ranger and Everest

ARB and Ford are undertaking what they call a “high-level collaboration” to sell selected off-road equipment

• Read this article on Driven.co.nz

IN OTHER NEWS

// May eworld expo has electrifying topics and displays

Movers and shakers in the New Zealand’s e-mobility and sustainable technologies industries are set to charge up eworld

• Read this article on EVsandBeyond.co.nz

// Five Things: Weird and wonderful Shanghai Motor Show reveals

The Shanghai Motor Show wrapped up last week, and we were treated to a bunch of awesome new concepts and near-production prototypes.

• Read this article on Stuff.co.nz

ONE LINERS

Three-peat for Archibald and Shorter Greenlane

Rolls-Royce opens new London flagship store

EVs surge in IEA global outlook

Iconic Ford F-150 lightning set to be reborn as an EV ute

Tesla can’t just keep preaching to the converted

Chinese tech giant Baidu rolls out paid driverless taxi service in Beijing

SPECIAL REPORT

// Current National New Car Deals Revealed

A complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials. Offers including pricing specials, ‘free extras’ deals, or special financing terms.

• https://yesterdaysnews.nz/special-report-new-car-deals/

HOT TOPIC

// Hyundai Kona Electric Series II arrives

Hyundai New Zealand welcomes the arrival of the 2021 Kona Electric Series II with a facelifted exterior and interior design, improved range (484km WLTP)

• Read this article on AutoTalk.co.nz

// Other articles on this topic

AutoCar.co.nz says: Hyundai’s updated 484km Kona Electric lands on kiwi soil

Driven.co.nz says: Hyundai’s all-new Kona Electric lands in NZ with more range

HOT TOPIC

// Forget GTI; GTX is the future of hot Volkswagens

Volkswagen has revealed its first fully electric high-performance model, the ID.4 GTX, with a “digital reveal” held at the Berlin Tempelhof Airport in Germany.

• Read this article on Stuff.co.nz

// Other articles on this topic

AutoTalk.co.nz says VW ID.4 GTX presented globally

BEST OF THE REST

// Video: EV charging via wireless under study

EV drivers may in future just change lanes and drive over charging strips in the road to recharge their EVs.

• Read this article on EVsandBeyond.co.nz

IN OTHER NEWS

// Stunning Aston Martin V12 Speedster DBR1 revealed

Just over 12 months ago, Aston Martin unveiled its stunning V12 Speedster; the iconic British firm’s take on the new hypercar speedster genre

• Read this article on AutoCar.co.nz

// Catch a wave with VW Amarok

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is the new official vehicle supplier for Surfing New Zealand

• Read this article on AutoTalk.co.nz

// Campervan company’s outlook improves

Business plans to re-invest in new fleet as sales margins for its older vehicles stage recovery.

• Read this article on AutoFile.co.nz

// Call for views on Trade Me bid

Deadline looms for interested parties to have their say over online marketplace’s plans to take over rival.

• Read this article on AutoFile.co.nz

// Auto group backs guidelines for partially automated vehicles

The trade association representing most major automakers is offering guidelines for manufacturers to advertise partially automated driving systems

• Read this article on Stuff.co.nz

ONE LINERS

Mitsubishi Outlander dominates rivals

Mazda restores the first MX

VW in 100 most influential companies list

Ford plans to develop and produce electric vehicle batteries

HOT TOPIC

// New biosecurity measures to tackle lengthy vehicle import delays

Biosecurity New Zealand will no longer require vehicles to be held on a vessel for further inspection if contamination is detected

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

// Biosecurity staff staying in NZ

Ministry announces plans to tackle delays in the verification process that have hit the used-vehicle supply chain since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

• Read more on AutoFile.co.nz

HOT TOPIC

// Toyota ups investment in autonomous cars with $550m purchase

Toyota is on something of a technology high, it seems. Earlier this month it unveiled its new bZ4X electric concept, while simultaneously making a series of pledging about its commitment to electrification.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

// Toyota acquires Lyft’s self-driving unit for US$550 million

Toyota Motor Corp. has acquired the self-driving division of American ride-hailing company Lyft for US$550 million, in a move that highlights the Japanese automaker’s ambitions in that technology.

• Read more on Stuff.co.nz

// Toyota to get Lyft’s self-driving unit

Toyota’s Woven Planet division will acquire rideshare firm Lyft’s self-driving technology unit for US$550 million.

• Read more on EVsandBeyond.co.nz

HOT TOPIC

// Hyundai Kona N revealed as family-friendly crossover for track days

The words ‘enthusiast’ and ‘small SUV’ don’t usually belong in the same sentence, but Hyundai has given one good reason why they should coexist in harmony.

• Read more on Driven.co.nz

// This is it: Hyundai unveils 213kw Kona N, its hottest suv

Hyundai continued its new model onslaught overnight, via its official reveal of the new Kona N.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

// Hot Kona N headed for NZ

Hyundai’s first N brand high-performance crossover SUV, the 240km/h Kona N, is due to arrive here in the second half of this year.

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

// Hyundai reveals its hottest SUV

Hyundai has finally whipped the hanky off its hottest SUV, the all-new Kona N

• Read more on Stuff.co.nz

BEST OF THE REST

// Lightyear plans world’s first long range solar car this year

Lightyear and Bridgestone have formed a partnership to develop solar car Lightyear One due to become commercially available by the end of this year.

• Read more on EVsandBeyond.co.nz

// Automotive recruiter reports 240% increase in job listings

Automotive Employment New Zealand says in comparison to 2019 it has experienced a 240% increase in job listings thus far in 2021.

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

IN OTHER NEWS

// World’s wildest SUV? Ram 1500 TRX seven-seater revealed with 1000HP

Considering that the Dodge Durango Hellcat is already in the FCA catalog, we can see why Ram wouldn’t be interested in turning the Hellcat-powered TRX into an SUV, so Hennessey has decided to do it.

• Read more on Driven.co.nz

// Outlander sales not a lucky blip says MMNZ

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ) says it has sold more than 5014 Outlander seven-seat models over the past 24 months, nearly twice as many as the nearest competitor,

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

// Go Car Finance secures new $40 million facility

Australian-owned Go Car Finance has secured a three-year facility with Heartland Bank for $40 million, to support ongoing loan book growth.

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

// EROAD welcomes govt work on future revenue system

EROAD chief executive Steven Newman says he welcomes news that work is underway to review the current land transport revenue system.

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

// Electric Island Waiheke seminar covers sustainability

Electric Island Waiheke will host a series of seminars throughout 2021 at the Waiheke High School in support of Electric Island’s vision

• Read more on EVsandBeyond.co.nz

// Toyota and Honda’s EV push improves their outlook

The credit profiles of Toyota Motor Corporation (A+/Stable) and Honda’s Motor Co., Ltd (A/Stable) are supported by the acceleration in their EV strategies

• Read more on EVsandBeyond.co.nz

// Covid prompts kiwis’ shift to cleaner, greener future

New Zealanders are turning more to clean energy like solar and green hydrogen along with e-mobility in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Read more on EVsandBeyond.co.nz

// BMW talks torque with new models

Marque’s M division is set to boost its range in New Zealand with the addition of two all-wheel-drive cars.

• Read more on AutoFile.co.nz

// Freight firm eyes alternate fuels

Boss urges whole industry to work together if it wants to successfully decarbonise the sector.

• Read more on AutoFile.co.nz

// Pint-size muscle: Manhart unveils pumped up BMW M2 comp

There’s little doubt that the current BMW M2 is going to be a future classic, and not because it doesn’t have the brand’s new big-grilled face.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

ONE LINERS

Honda declares all sales will be electric vehicles by 2040

Ultra-rare electric Mercedes-Benz SLS emerges for sale at $1.6 million

Tesla hits back at authorities over fatal crash, claims driver was behind wheel

Watch: Bill Nye explains how Porsche’s incredible all-electric Taycan works

ABB records strong start to 2021

Turners wins trusted used car dealer award

Elon Musk believes Tesla Model Y could be world’s best-selling car

HOT TOPIC

// Farmer Volkswagen wins 2020 dealer of the year

Mount Maunganui based Farmer Volkswagen has won the overall Volkswagen New Zealand dealer of the year award for 2020.

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

// Dealership wins eight gongs

Marque celebrates the efforts of its 21 dealerships nationwide and announces ambassador role for Kiwi pop star. PLUS – gallery

• Read more on AutoFile.co.nz

HOT TOPIC

// Trusted trio stay on top

Survey of Kiwi consumers puts Turners ahead of its used-car rivals, with Toyota and AA also enjoying repeat wins.

• Read more on AutoFile.co.nz

// Toyota crowned as one of NZ’s most trusted brands

Toyota’s somewhat perpetual position as New Zealand’s most popular car brand comes down to a lot of different things.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

BEST OF THE REST

// Will this Chinese hatch be NZ’s first sub-$40k electric car?

The topic of cheap electric cars is a heck of a conversation starter in New Zealand motoring circles.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

IN OTHER NEWS

// A legendary Ferrari for less?

Ever fancied a Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, but don’t have a lazy $10 million or so that one would cost?

• Read more on Stuff.co.nz

// Design your personalised Mini

Mini New Zealand has launched an online configurator that allows buyers to customise their cars within the brand’s new tier system.

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

// The ‘new’ Mini is not so new anymore

To some people the “new” Mini will never be a replacement for the original, but here’s the thing: it’s not that “new” anymore. In fact the BMW Mini is celebrating its 20th birthday this month!

• Read more on Stuff.co.nz

// Protecta adds international experience

Company’s new business development manager has spent years working with dealerships across South Africa.

• Read more on AutoFile.co.nz

// All Renaults to be limited to 180km/h in pursuit of safety

French car maker Renault has announced that all of its cars from 2022 onwards will have their top speeds capped at 180km/h.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

ONE LINERS

Modified Toyota Prius looks ready for the apocalypse

Tesla CEO Elon Musk adding SNL hosting job to his to-do list

Tesla posts US$438M profit on strong sales

Honda set to phase out petrol engine cars by 2040

NZ Police have paid $24.3million for damaged cars over 6 years

Tesla delivers seventh successive quarter profit

SLOW NEWS DAY

// Remembering when GM beat Tesla to the EV punch 25 years ago

This week just gone was a considerable one for General Motors, particularly in terms of electrification.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

// Five Things: the best interiors under $50k

While the exterior of a car is what hooks people in, the interior is where they’ll spend all of their driving time, so it’s gotta be good.

• Read more on Stuff.co.nz

HOT TOPIC

// Just how easy is it for a Tesla to drive with no driver?

Tesla’s level two autonomous ‘Autopilot’ system, as well as its more advanced ‘Full Self Driving’ (FSD) cousin have been all over the news this week following a tragic fatal crash in the US which killed two.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

// Consumer Reports tricks Tesla to drive with no one at wheel

Consumer Reports said Thursday it was able to easily trick a Tesla into driving in the car’s Autopilot mode with no one at the wheel.

• Read more on Stuff.co.nz

BEST OF THE REST

// Spied: new Toyota land cruiser spotted without camouflage

Just a few weeks after patent drawings of the new Toyota Land Cruiser emerged online, a series of images of the real thing have followed.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

IN OTHER NEWS

// Huawei has revealed its first ever car

Huawei has beaten Apple to the punch and released its first ever car – in a way. The car is actually the Seres SF5, which first debuted in 2019.

• Read more on Stuff.co.nz

// Not carrying out land transport funding review

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) is undertaking a programme of work to review the current land transport revenue system to ensure it is “fit for purpose and can meet future requirements”.

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

// Mini introduces new tiered package structure

Mini has announced pricing and specification details for its 2021 Hatch and Convertible range and says buyers will enjoy a high level of standard specification from new tiered package structure.

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

// Audi presents fully electric sportback concept car

Audi has unveiled the four-door A6 e-tron concept at Auto Shanghai 2021 which it says is the forerunner of a family of fully-electric production cars.

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

// Eighty EV battery gigafactories ‘insufficient’

Plans for 80 new EV battery gigafactories will be insufficient, an ABB sponsored report predicts.

• Read more on EVsandBeyond.co.nz

// EV demand accelerating

Sales of high voltage hybrids (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) all saw an increase in most regions across the globe in spite of COVID-19.

• Read more on EVsandBeyond.co.nz

// MTA’s call to boost safety of fleet

Industry body urges permanent support for employers teaching skills to the next generation of automotive workers.

• Read more on AutoFile.co.nz

// Logistics company to slash emissions

Toll NZ trials alternative fuel options for its fleet as it eyes ambitious environmental goals.

• Read more on AutoFile.co.nz

// Penis vigilante: Artist spray paints dicks on pothole-filled kiwi roads

The state of New Zealand’s roads has been a hot topic in the recent past, following a flurry of discussions around infrastructure upgrades and road safety.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

// Government thinking of killing NZ fuel tax

One of the New Zealand Government’s less popular taxes, that is placed on fuel, is under review following an investigation by the Ministry of Transport.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

// Volkswagen shows off facelifted Polo

Volkswagen has revealed the facelifted Polo ahead of an expected launch next year.

• Read more on Stuff.co.nz

// Volvo announces EV battery recycling initiatives

From 2025, Volvo wants to reduce its annual CO2 output by 2.5 million tonnes by using circular business principles.

• Read more on Stuff.co.nz

// Jaguar Land Rover halts production because of chip shortage

Jaguar Land Rover said Thursday it’s suspending production at two U.K. factories, becoming the latest automaker to fall victim to a global shortage of microchips.

• Read more on Stuff.co.nz

// DRIVEN’s 10th anniversary: The top 10 cars of the last 10 years

It’s DRIVEN’s 10th anniversary and so we couldn’t resist arguing amongst ourselves to establish what we reckon are the 10 most important and/or influential cars of the last decade.

• Read more on Driven.co.nz

// The Good Oil: The day the first domino fell for the Australian car industry

A long time in this business, being lucky enough to represent big publications like DRIVEN, has afforded me the opportunity for a few “I was there” moments over the past 27 years.

• Read more on Driven.co.nz

// DRIVEN 10th anniversary: How it all began

An early response to the first issue of DRIVEN came from an Australian who’d picked up the NZ Herald from Auckland airport on his way back across the ditch.

• Read more on Driven.co.nz

// Watch: How big is Hyundai’s new Santa Cruz ute? Zooming with DRIVEN

This week we cover Hyundai’s new Santa Cruz ute, the Toyota BZ4X electric SUV, a Subaru that sold for an extraordinary price, and Dean’s entry into Mazda MX-5 racing.

• Read more on Driven.co.nz

SPECIAL REPORT

// Current National New Car Deals Revealed

A complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials. Offers including pricing specials, ‘free extras’ deals, or special financing terms.

• https://yesterdaysnews.nz/special-report-new-car-deals/

HOT TOPIC

// Over 9000! Ferrari’s 812 ‘Limited Edition’ features the brand’s highest-revving engine

To create an engine that’s capable of over 600kW without any form of forced induction takes an incredible amount of skill, but to make one that can also spin at over 9000 revolutions per minute takes even more.

• Read more on Driven.co.nz

// Ferrari unveils its most powerful v12 road car of all time

You’d presume that a car with a name like ‘Superfast’ would already be a pinnacle model, never to be trumped by some kind of special edition.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

HOT TOPIC

// Used-car prices climb

A growing demand for second-hand cars has been vital to lifting the CPI. The price of buying used cars has increased by the highest annual amount in nearly a decade, according to new figures from Stats NZ.

• Read more on AutoFile.co.nz

// Kiwi used-car prices explode over supply and demand

While NZ Autocar predominantly loves talking about the latest and greatest in motoring, it can be fun to look at the second-hand market every now and again

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

HOT TOPIC

// Big trouble in china for Tesla

Tesla’s now getting criticism in China following a dream run there. A woman jumped on the roof of an EV at Tesla’s Auto Shanghai 2021 display yelling she almost died because of brake failure

• Read more on EVsandBeyond.co.nz

// Tesla says sorry as disquiet in China climbs after protest

After a dream run that saw it receive backing from the highest levels of the Chinese state, Tesla is getting a reality check

• Read more on Stuff.co.nz

HOT TOPIC

// Volvo tackles electric vehicle battery recycling

It’s no secret that recycling batteries from electric cars is a complicated topic, but it’s one much more promise now than just a few years ago.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

// Volvo to re-use EV batteries

Volvo Cars has launched new initiatives to re-use EV batteries to store solar and hydro power and charge e-bikes.

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

HOT TOPIC

// Volkswagen’s updated Polo revealed with fresh looks and new tech

Over the past year or so, Volkswagen has been rolling out updates across its fleet, normalising its bold new design language across every vehicle.

• Read more on Driven.co.nz

// Volkswagen gives Polo the Golf treatment with update

Volkswagen is in the midst of a grand overhaul of its line-up, with the aim of getting each of them on the same design page as the new Mk8 Golf.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

BEST OF THE REST

// Kia has given the Cerato a mid-life spruce-up

The Kia Cerato has been given an update, consisting of fresh looks and more technology.

• Read more on Stuff.co.nz

IN OTHER NEWS

// Beam ‘pops’ the driving habit for earth day

E-mobility firm Beam introduced an Earth Day (April 22) campaign called “Let’s Pop The Driving Habit” where balloons were filled with air equivalent to the CO2 produced by 10km of car travel

• Read more on EVsandBeyond.co.nz

// Make apprenticeship scheme permanent: MTA

The Government should make Apprenticeship Boost a permanent scheme following education minister Chris Hipkins announcing a 17% increase in apprenticeships from 2019 to 2020

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

// Insurance brokers and banks under MBIE microscope

Under proposed financial markets legislation, bank tellers will no longer have set sales targets and intermediaries such as insurance brokers will also be more stringently regulated says the Ministry of Business,

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

// Vector extends EV charger trial

Vector has extended its Auckland EV smart charging trial by a year with participants also increased from 120 to 200 people.

• Read more on EVsandBeyond.co.nz

// Huge response to Christchurch e-aircraft display

More than 6000 people visited Christchurch’s main public library Tūranga during its Take Charge Christchurch battery electric aircraft event on April 17 and 18.

• Read more on EVsandBeyond.co.nz

// VINZ welcomes new managers

Industry veterans step into key roles as company looks to provide extra focus on different parts of its business.

• Read more on AutoFile.co.nz

// Chevy plan to cram world’s most powerful n/a v8 in Corvette

It’s really still in its life-cycle infancy, yet Chevrolet’s new Corvette C8 is already classed by many as something of a world beater.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

// Chinese firm’s new car is a giant air purifier on wheels

In this age of petrol bans and government regulations being hurried through, let this be a timely reminder of the fact that cars are a source of fun.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

// Is the Skoda Superb NZ’s quickest cop car?

Bring up the New Zealand Police department’s new Skoda wheels and you’re likely to get one of two responses.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

// Great Wall sub-brand reveals twin cat electric attack

Great Wall’s Ora sub-brand has revealed two new EVs at the Shanghai Auto Show this week – the retro-tastic Punk Cat and the not-at-all-Porsche-like Lightning Cat.

• Read more on Stuff.co.nz

// $300K hybrid: This Porsche Panamera might be the best way to save the planet

As fuel prices slowly rise, and emission standards get tighter, the majority of drivers are looking into electrification of some kind on the transportation front, be that either hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric.

• Read more on Driven.co.nz

// It’s happening: Toyota is serious about building an electric ute

Earlier this week, Toyota used the Shanghai Auto Show to reveal its bold plans around bringing a range of electric vehicles to the international market under the ‘Beyond Zero’ badge.

• Read more on Driven.co.nz

HOT TOPIC

// Volkswagen ID.4 wins 2021 World Car of the Year award

The all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 SUV has beaten the Toyota Yaris and the Honda e to become the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year.

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

// The electric VW ID.4 is 2021 World Car of the Year

Officials from World Car of the Year have confirmed overnight that the Volkswagen ID.4, Veedub’s first fully electric SUV, has scooped the grand prize for 2021.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

HOT TOPIC

// New Zealand’s EV charging network continues to expand

The network of public EV charging stations around the country is continuing to increase, with The Warehouse and Meridian Energy both recently revealing expansions to their public charger networks.

• Read more on Stuff.co.nz

// The Warehouse expands free car charging network

Electric car owners who love a free plug or two can rejoice, following this morning’s news that The Warehouse is set to expand its charging network nationwide.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

BEST OF THE REST

// Mazda, Honda, Mitsubishi all announce electric SUVs

If there’s been a theme to the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show, it’s been electrification. Almost every manufacturer represented at the event used it to launch new electric or partially electric offerings.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

IN OTHER NEWS

// New Lexus hybrid only in NZ

Carmaker predicts Kiwis will not make an immediate jump to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) for some time yet.

• Read more on AutoFile.co.nz

// Auckland Audi dealership offering high-powered charging for all EVs

A new 175kW DC charger located at Auckland’s Giltrap Audi dealership is the first such facility above 50kW in the city centre and it will be available to all electric vehicles drivers who operate a ChargeNet account.

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

// Tesla drops Model 3 price

Tesla has reduced the price of its Model 3 variants in Australia and New Zealand by several thousands of dollars or nearly 6%.

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

// Countdown to may Eworld expo

New Zealand’s e-mobility and sustainable technologies event eworld is shaping up for The Trusts Arena in Henderson, Auckland, on Friday May 7 (trade expo) and Saturday May 8 (public day).

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

// BMW group New Zealand publishes next generation leadership report

BMW Group New Zealand has published a research study that documents five crucial components New Zealand business leaders must embrace today, so that they succeed in the future.

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

// Cockram Kia opens new Christchurch supersite

After a significant redevelopment which saw more than half a million dollars invested into the new dealership, Cockram Kia is open for business in a new, purpose-built facility which will house the entire team under one roof.

• Read more on AutoTalk.co.nz

// Uber launches shared rides scheme

Uber has launched a new shared rides trial called Pool Chance exclusively in Auckland and Adelaide.

• Read more on EVsandBeyond.co.nz

// Marque opens new supersite

Dealership in Christchurch brings all its staff under one roof after previously operating out of three locations.

• Read more on AutoFile.co.nz

// Nissan Pulsar GTI-R emerges in NZ for $54,990

The world is going gaga right now for homologation special ‘race cars for the road’, particularly those connected to Group A or Group B rallying.

• Read more on AutoCar.co.nz

// Volkswagen preparing go-fast ID.4 GTX for launch

Volkswagen has confirmed the first electric vehicle to get the high-performance GTX moniker will be the ID.4, set for a debut on April 28

• Read more on Stuff.co.nz

// World Car of the Year winners announced

The big winners for the 2021 World Car of the Year awards have been announced, after a year marred by the Covid-19 pandemic.

• Read more on Stuff.co.nz

// Fatal Tesla crash highlights company’s shaky history with safety investigators

Officials said Tesla is not party to a probe into a weekend Model S crash that killed two people – a departure from typical protocol and a potential sign of the auto company’s strained relations with investigators.

• Read more on Stuff.co.nz

// Fast food: Nissan reveals McDonald’s Edition chrome-wrapped GT-R

Just recently, Nissan revealed the GT-R NISMO Special Edition which apart from adding a new colour, and a few carbon fibre parts, didn’t make the aging GT-R anymore interesting.

• Read more on Driven.co.nz

// Watch: Mini Paddy Hopkirk Edition pays tribute to a rallying icon

More than 56 years have passed, but memories of the giant-slaying ‘little car that could’ with the starting number 37 have hardly faded.

• Read more on Driven.co.nz

// Audi’s all-electric e-tron A6 concept revealed at Shanghai Auto Show

Audi is getting serious about electric cars. The German luxury brand has shown off its new A6 e-tron concept car at the 2021 Shanghai motor show.

• Read more on Driven.co.nz