NZ Automotive Industry News

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Australian ‘future fuels’ paper slammed

“Acutely disappointing” is the Electric Vehicle Council’s (EVC) view of the Morrison government’s newly released Future Fuels Strategy discussion paper which rules out EV subsidies but encourages Australian businesses to invest in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and electric car fleets.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/australian-future-fuels-paper-slammed

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EV enthusiasm high in SE Asia

outheast Asian consumers continue to show high enthusiasm to own an electrified vehicle, driven by a growing need to create a more sustainable future.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/ev-enthusiasm-high-in-se-asia

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Warning over EV prices

Boss at biggest car retailer predicts the cost of trying to slash emissions may be out of reach for the average Kiwi car buyer.

https://autofile.co.nz/warning-over-ev-prices-

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Mitsubishi enjoys record month

Marque hits 30-year high for sales as it increases its market share despite difficult times for the industry.

https://autofile.co.nz/mitsubishi-enjoys-record-month-

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How Skoda beat everyone to become NZ’s next police car

One of the biggest stories of 2020 was the announcement of Skoda as the New Zealand Police’s replacement ‘Prime One’ police car supplier — the Czech firm taking the torch from the departing Holden.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/how-skoda-beat-everyone-to-become-nz-s-next-police-car

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Ford’s electric Mustang Mach-e has a hidden retro easter egg

Ford’s first electric car has managed to cause quite a stir this far, from anger among the brand’s enthusiast faithful to a flurry of ‘no way, not even close’ remarks from Tesla’s fan base.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/ford-s-electric-mustang-mach-e-has-a-hidden-retro-easter-egg

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Lexus set to bring back the is F V8 and more

Hot on the heels of the local launch of Lexus’ heavily revised new IS comes a report from Japan claiming that the nameplate’s long defunct V8-powered performance variant — the IS F — is coming back in 2022.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/lexus-set-to-bring-back-the-is-f-v8-and-more

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Which car brands did kiwis Google most in 2020?

The ability to search for anything on the internet at any time creates a lot of fascinating data, including in the motoring world.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/which-car-brands-did-kiwis-google-most-in-2020

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Revealed: Volkswagen’s supersized electric SUV gets leaked

Volkswagen’s next electrified SUV project following the ID.4 has broken cover, looking like a supersized version of the firm’s forthcoming mid-sizer. Say hello to the seven-seater ID.6.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/revealed-volkswagen-s-supersized-electric-suv-gets-leaked

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Skoda looks to the past for its future

We here at Stuff Motoring are fans of a good modern re-imagining of a classic design, so Skoda’s latest project is something we are right into: as part of the company’s 125th birthday celebrations, Skoda’s design team has unveiled a new project that give the brand’s most iconic models a dramatic and futuristic makeover.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124158601/skoda-looks-to-the-past-for-its-future

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Nissan reveals thoroughly revised Pathfinder

Nissan has given the Pathfinder a good once-over, upgrading the SUV with a new transmission, reworked four-wheel drive system, more tech and a new design.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124161204/nissan-reveals-thoroughly-revised-pathfinder

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Hundreds of cars and thousands of people at Invercargill car show

The third edition of the Southern Grilles & Gasoline Car & Bike Show was the biggest ever as petrol-heads flocked to Southland this weekend.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/news/124175152/hundreds-of-cars-and-thousands-of-people-at-invercargill-car-show

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PODCAST: Zooming with DRIVEN – EP30

This week we’re down to just two as David heads off on the local launch of Hyundai’s new Palisade SUV, and Sam’s on baby duties as his twins are born.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/what-s-the-best-ferrari-of-all-time-zooming-with-driven/

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Ateco group confirmed as new Australian Renault distributor

Groupe Renault has announced the appointment of an independent distributor to operate the Renault network in Australia. Australia joins several overseas markets moving to distributorships as part of Groupe Renault’s global reorganisation.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/ateco-group-confirmed-as-new-australian-renault-distributor

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Colonial motor company expects revenue rise

The Colonial Motor Company has released a guidance update indicating a revenue rise of over 4% for the six months to December 31. It says this is attributable to “a much stronger December than the prior year”.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/colonial-motor-company-expects-revenue-rise

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Mitsubishi sets 30-year sales record

Mitsubishi is going from strength to strength on the New Zealand market, posting a 30-year sales peak of 1426 in January. That number includes 1002 passenger vehicles, with the remainder consisting of Triton utes and Express vans.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/mitsubishi-sets-30-year-sales-record

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Hyundai hoists new flag(ship) in New Zealand

Eight seats, sixteen cup holders and seven USB ports, Hyundai’s new upper-large SUV the Palisade has landed in NZ and it’s a big deal both in size and importance.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/hyundai-hoists-new-flagship-in-new-zealand

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EV record drive attempt

Tesla Owners Club of New Zealand founder and president John Fitness is driving his Model 3 from Cape Reinga to Bluff with the least number of charging stops in a record attempt.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/ev-record-drive-attempt-starts/

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Tesla to recall 135,000 EVs over touch screen failures

Tesla is recalling 135,000 Model S and X EVs over older touch screen failures after initially baulking at a US agency’s request to do so.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/tesla-to-recall-135000-evs-over-touch-screen-failures/

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Surprise trade lift boosts Colonial

Busier than usual December looks set to deliver increases to company’s revenue and trading profit. Colonial Motor Company is in upbeat mood after recent sales have been stronger than expected and half-year revenue looks set to climb by more than four per cent.

https://autofile.co.nz/surprise-trade-lift-boosts-colonial-

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Tesla owner aims to travel length of NZ in world record attempt

Few countries can claim to offer a more varied and picturesque drive than the 2068km, 29-hour marathon between Cape Reinga and Bluff — New Zealand top and bottom. And, an Auckland electric car owner is set to try and complete the journey in as few stops as possible.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/tesla-owner-aims-to-travel-length-of-nz-in-world-record-attempt

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Ford NZ increases prices for full ranger line-up

New Zealand’s most popular car (well, ute I guess) has just become a touch more expensive, thanks to sweeping price increases across the full line-up. In most cases prices have gone up by several hundred dollars, although some models have gone up by more than $1000.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/ford-nz-increases-prices-for-full-ranger-line-up

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Spotted: Super sleuths uncover nissan ‘400z’ engine online

Three key questions remain regarding Nissan’s forthcoming replacement for the 370Z; what’s it going to be called, what will it look like, and what’s going to reside under the bonnet.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/spotted-super-sleuths-uncover-nissan-400z-engine-online

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Daimler to spin off truck business, change name

German automaker Daimler will split itself into two independent companies by spinning off its truck and bus division, a move the company said would give both the freedom to operate more nimbly in a fast-changing environment focussed on zero-emission vehicles and software.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/300221307/daimler-to-spin-off-truck-business-change-name

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With Trump gone, auto industry now backing California tailpipe emission standards

The world’s automakers say they will cooperate with California officials and President Joe Biden on greenhouse gas emissions, ending a nasty dispute with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration over the regulatory framework for combating climate change.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124142762/with-trump-gone-auto-industry-now-backing-california-tailpipe-emission-standards

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Tesla US recall affects some NZ cars

A limited number of Tesla vehicles in New Zealand are expected to be affected by the recall of around 135,000 vehicles because the large touch screens on the console can go dark.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124148841/tesla-us-recall-affects-some-nz-cars

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Vegan-friendly motoring: Mini drops leather interiors in the name of sustainability

What’s more fashionable than leather interiors in 2021? According to Mini’s new sustainability model, it’s being eco-friendly.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/vegan-friendly-motoring-mini-drops-leather-interiors-in-the-name-of-sustainability/

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NZ Tesla owner to drive length of country in world record attempt

While our slice of paradise at the bottom of the world may not be large by population standards, driving from the very top to the very bottom will take you around 29, and you’ll cover 2068 odd kilometres.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/nz-tesla-owner-to-drive-length-of-country-in-world-record-attempt/

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$240K Skyline GT-R: Is Nissan’s holy grail worth it?

It’s arguably the most iconic car to ever come out of Japan, so there’s no wonder why R34 GT-R prices are shooting through the roof as they start to become legal to import into the US.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/240k-skyline-gt-r-is-nissan-s-holy-grail-worth-it/

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First-ever Lexus soft top hits NZ roads

Lexus’ first soft top car, the LC Convertible, has gone on sale in New Zealand. Based on the LC Coupe, the soft top is priced at $234,000. The retracting soft top uses a folding mechanism that stows the roof within a small space without compromising the Coupe’s principal lines.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/first-ever-lexus-soft-top-hits-nz-roads

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New Aussie vehicle sales up 11% in January 2021

The Australian Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, (FCAI), says new vehicle sales in January 2021 follow the strong recovery shown by the market in the final months of 2020 and reflects the built-up demand over the COVID lockdown.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/new-aussie-vehicle-sales-up-11-in-january-2021

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Tesla gets billions for german battery project

Tesla is expected to put billions of euros in public funding from one of the EU Commission’s Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) projects into a battery cell factory near Giga Berlin.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/tesla-gets-billions-for-german-battery-project/

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Used EVs the best

Used electric vehicles are now the most cost competitive among all vehicle types, according to a newly released New Zealand-led report.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/used-evs-the-best/

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Fuel cells studied for passenger and light commercial vehicles

Denmark-based Blue World Technologies will collaborate with California luxury EV producer Karma Automotive to study the viability of a fuel cell system for a variety of future passenger and light commercial vehicles (LCVs).

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/fuel-cells-studied-for-passenger-and-light-commercial-vehicles/

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Overhauled Honda Odyssey confirmed for NZ market

Honda New Zealand has announced that a heavily revised version of its 8-seater Odyssey people mover has joined its line-up, having been launched today as a replacement for the outgoing model.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/overhauled-honda-odyssey-confirmed-for-nz-market

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‘Considerable electricity expansion’ needed for kiwi EV dream

According to the New Zealand Climate Change Commission, the projected increase in demand for electricity to run the country’s expected boom in electric cars will be a challenge — but not impossible.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/report-considerable-electricity-expansion-needed-for-kiwi-ev-dream

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Kiwi car industry relishes January sales boom

After more than six months of speculation about whether the local motoring industry has ‘turned a corner’ since its big losses during the Covid-19 pandemic’s numerous lockdowns, January’s local registrations figures show huge amounts of promise.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/kiwi-car-industry-relishes-january-sales-boom-1

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Solid-state battery promised with impressive power-per-kilo

Chinese battery maker Contemporary Amperex Techology Co. Ltd. (CATL) is back in the headlines, claiming its solid-state battery technology can offer as much as 400Wh per kilo.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/evs/124124108/solidstate-battery-promised-with-impressive-powerperkilo

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New vehicle sales bounce back strongly

New vehicle sales have made a strong start to the year, with January seeing close to 14,000 new registrations, up 6.2 per cent on last year, making it the third strongest January on record.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124130773/new-vehicle-sales-bounce-back-strongly

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Tesla to fix touch screens, ending spat with US regulators

After initially refusing a request from U.S. safety regulators, Tesla has now agreed to recall about 135,000 vehicles because the large touch screens on the console can go dark.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/evs/300220328/tesla-to-fix-touch-screens-ending-spat-with-us-regulators

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Mercedes-AMG’s F1-powered Project ONE gets thrashed around a track

As you would expect, it turns out that building a road-going car that’s based on a Formula 1 racer is easier said that done, and is something that Mercedes-AMG has recently learned the hard way.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/watch-mercedes-amg-s-f1-powered-project-one-gets-thrashed-around-a-track/

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Tesla forced to recall more than 130,000 vehicles over failing touchscreens

Given Tesla’s cutting-edge technology in its vehicles, recalls are almost non-avoidable, and the American brand has had to issue another one over an issue with a display processor.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/tesla-forced-to-recall-more-than-130-000-vehicles-over-failing-touchscreens/

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Ford joins forces with Google to bring ‘cutting edge’ tech to its vehicles

Ford has signed a deal with Google that will put the tech giant behind the wheel of new models. Google’s mapping, voice recognition, entertainment and convenience features will be integrated within new models from 2023.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/ford-joins-forces-with-google-to-bring-cutting-edge-tech-to-its-vehicles/

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Statistics: KIA a close second as 2021 kicks off

Kia has had a strong start to 2021, recording a 40.2% gain and putting itself a close second to Toyota in the passenger car stakes. The market itself started strongly, up 6.7% year-on-year to 9712 passenger vehicle sales.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/statistics-kia-a-close-second-as-2021-kicks-off

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Statistics: Import sales start 2021 in a slump

Registrations of used import passenger cars have had a slow start to 2021 – own nearly 20% over the same period last year. In January 9404 cars were delivered, down 19.6% from 11,693 this time last year – when COVID-19 was only starting to break news.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/import-sales-start-2021-in-a-slump

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PODCAST: Radio, restaurants and car sales with Pete Marsden

In the latest episode of the AutoTalk podcast, host Richard Edwards catches up with Pete Marsden, who has a range of other careers and businesses alongside his vehicle dealer efforts.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/podcast-radio-restaurants-and-car-sales-with-pete-marsden

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Vehicle arrivals down in January

Vehicle imports were down 15.2% month-on-month in January with a total of 22,274 arrivals hitting the wharves. The total number of passenger vehicles was down 11.8% m/m with 19,034 arrivals compared to 21,590 the month prior, according to New Zealand Customs Motor Vehicle Statistics.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/vehicle-arrivals-down-in-january

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New 328i revives BMW’s TI badge

BMW is reviving its famed TI nameplate on the new limited edition 128ti which goes on sale here before the middle of the year. BMW New Zealand will get only 30 of the $69,900 Launch Edition cars which are the first from the German manufacturer to wear the TI badge

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/new-328i-revives-bmws-ti-badge

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Kiwis reach global Lexus award finals

Two Auckland students are among the six finalists in the Global Lexus Design Awards competition. Auckland University of Technology (AUT) design and creative technologies students, Jessica Vea and Gayle Lee, developed a concept, Heartfelt, that highlights creativity, innovation, empathy and design skills that were adapted to a COVID-19 world.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/kiwis-reach-global-lexus-award-finals

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Climate Commission report welcomed with caution

The Motor Industry Association has welcomed the Climate Change Commission’s draft report into required pathways to reduce New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions – but warns New Zealand may not have the market weight to call for bans.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/climate-commission-report-welcomed-with-caution

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Climate Commission calls for end to petrol and diesel vehicle sales

The independent Climate Change Commission has released its draft package of advice to Government on the steps Aotearoa must take to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/climate-commission-calls-for-end-to-petrol-and-diesel-vehicle-sales

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ASB to help businesses switch fleets

Assisting business customers to explore options to reduce emissions such as moving fleets to EVs is promised by the ASB Bank.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/asb-to-help-businesses-switch-fleets/

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Rapid rise in EVs needed

A rapid increase in the number of EVs on our roads, alongside increases in active and public transport, will be required if New Zealand wants to maintain a net-zero emissions future post 2050.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/rapid-rise-in-evs-needed/

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Climate change commission advice shows that New Zealand will embrace EVs

Mark Gilbert, Chair of Drive Electric says, “What’s exciting about the draft advice is that it shows, while enormously challenging, there is a pathway for New Zealand to reach net-zero emissions by 2050…”

https://driveelectric.org.nz/media-release-climate-change-commission-advice-shows-that-new-zealand-will-embrace-evs/

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Industry hails new-car sales boost

Kia and Mitsubishi make big gains in the third-best January for registrations but Toyota remains on top.

https://autofile.co.nz/marques-enjoy-new-car-sales-boost-

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Slump in used-car sales

While most parts of the country saw registrations fall, Masterton bucked the trend with a surprise increase.

https://autofile.co.nz/slump-in-used-car-sales-

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Demand for used commercials nearly halves

Isuzu is on the up while the other leading marques suffer a massive blow to registration numbers.

https://autofile.co.nz/used-commercial-imports-nearly-halve-

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Car imports enjoy surge

The monthly tally of used and new cars coming into the country increased by nearly 2,200 units from a year earlier.

https://autofile.co.nz/car-imports-enjoy-surge-

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Dealer numbers slip lower

Latest figures show 150 fewer registered traders than a year ago after five consecutive months of decreases.

https://autofile.co.nz/dealer-numbers-slip-lower-

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Making EVs mainstream ‘major challenge’

Organisation tips decarbonising transport as central to New Zealand’s climate change ambitions.

https://autofile.co.nz/making-evs-mainstream-major-challenge-

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Fossil-fuel cars set to dominate for years

Emissions standards and a push towards EVs are all part of plans to transition to a more environmentally-friendly fleet.

https://autofile.co.nz/fossil-fuel-cars-set-to-dominate-for-years-

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Petrol cars banned in NZ by 2032? Commission report’s bold claims

In the wake of last year’s ‘climate emergency’ declaration and last week’s ‘Clean Car Standard’ news, the question many have asked is when New Zealand is likely to confirm the news it will follow the likes of the UK in banning internal combustion engine cars.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/petrol-cars-banned-in-nz-by-2032-commission-reports-bold-claims

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BMW changes its mind, confirms 180kw hot hatch for NZ

BMW’s local arm has announced that its first front-wheel drive hot hatch, the 128ti, is set to be offered in local showrooms from the second quarter of 2021. A limited number of the fizzy front-driver will be offered, with just 30 destined for our shores.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/bmw-changes-its-mind-confirms-180kw-hot-hatch-for-nz

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Leaked images: new Ssangyong Rhino gets whopping big grille

It’s only been around for a few years, but SsangYong’s Rhino ute (known as a Musso or Rexton Sports in some other markets) is set for a mid-life refresh. That’s at least according to fresh leaked images published in Korea.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/leaked-images-new-ssangyong-rhino-gets-whopping-big-grille

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Ford gets in bed with Google, announces Android plans

Ford has announced a new partnership with tech giant Google, which kicks off with a six-year roadmap that’s set to see Ford “reinvent the connected vehicle experience.” (Their words, not mine).

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/ford-gets-in-bed-with-google-announces-android-plans

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Hyundai now not so sure it wants to work with Apple

On the same day as Ford confirms a deal with one tech giant, Google, Hyundai appear to have shown cold feet on their potential deal with another tech giant, Apple.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/hyundai-now-not-so-sure-it-wants-to-work-with-apple

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Next Mercedes-AMG C 63 could ditch the V8 for a hybrid four-cylinder

This might rark some of you up. Rumour has it, Mercedes-AMG is going to ditch the V8 for its next C 63 sports coupe, in favour of a four-cylinder hybrid.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124120238/next-mercedesamg-c-63-could-ditch-the-v8-for-a-hybrid-fourcylinder

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Ford and Google team up

Ford Motor Co. and Google announced a strategic partnership on Monday that’s meant to more quickly modernise the 117-year-old automaker in unique ways and more aggressively use data to drive revenue and improve customer experience.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124118637/ford-and-google-team-up

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Is BMW’s M3 CS the best modern day M car?

When it comes to fast BMWs, there are a few letters that mean special things. M (usually) means that it has a big engine, CSL means that the car’s value is only going to appreciate, and CS is a modern version of the latter.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/is-bmw-s-m3-cs-the-best-modern-day-m-car/

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Report: Four-cylinder Mercedes-AMG C63 to be more powerful than outgoing V8

It was always going to be a matter of time before the iconic V8 in Mercedes-AMG’s C63 meets its end, and according to recent reports, emissions standards are forcing the German brand to ditch it with the current model.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/report-four-cylinder-mercedes-amg-c63-to-be-more-powerful-than-outgoing-v8/

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Toyota reveals plans to take on big tech with self-driving vehicles

Toyota has devised a plan to take on big tech. The Japanese car making giant recently unveiled its Woven Planet research group, which is set to develop driverless and connected cars.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/toyota-reveals-plans-to-take-on-big-tech-with-self-driving-vehicles/

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‘Monumental’ task for transport

The uptake of electric vehicles and banning pure petrol or diesel vehicles in New Zealand are included in draft report.

https://autofile.co.nz/monumental-task-for-transport-

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Call to ban petrol and diesel imports by 2035

Climate change report pushes for rapid uptake of EVs to help meet emissions targets.

https://autofile.co.nz/call-to-ban-petrol-and-diesel-cars-by-2035-

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Have your say on ‘ambitious’ climate advice

Public consultation begins on a raft of measures the Climate Change Commission wants the government to act on and fast.

https://autofile.co.nz/have-your-say-on-ambitious-climate-advice-

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Volvo NZ sets new monthly sales record

Marque aims to once again be the fastest-growing European brand on our shores.

https://autofile.co.nz/volvo-nz-sets-new-monthly-sales-record-

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New car sales boost good causes

The Mazda Foundation announces the latest round of grants to support “very important work” across the country.

https://autofile.co.nz/new-car-sales-boost-good-causes-

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Cadillac’s new Blackwing sedans are the coolest cars we can’t have

Manual transmissions in performance sedans are a rare commodity, one that New Zealand has missed out on for quite some time now, and considering the new BMW M3 and M4 models are coming here exclusively in Competition guise, we’re going to miss out again.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/cadillac-s-new-blackwing-sedans-are-the-coolest-cars-we-can-t-have/

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$2 million duo: Ultra rare Holdens make history over the ditch

As we expected, a Ford no longer holds the title for the most expensive Australian-built car of all time, that record now sits with an incredibly rare HSV Maloo W1 which sold at auction over the weekend.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/2-million-duo-ultra-rare-holdens-make-history-over-the-ditch/

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General Motors announces plans to go all-electric by 2035

General Motors has announced it aims to make most of its cars and trucks emissions-free by 2035, as part of a wider campaign by the American auto giant to go carbon neutral.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/general-motors-announces-plans-to-go-all-electric-by-2035/

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Don’t miss a thing…

What’s in the daily email?

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Light ICE Vehicle Imports To End By 2035?

The phasing out of light internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle importation within 14 years and ending energy generation from coal by 2035 are among actions proposed by the Climate Change Commission.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/light-ice-vehicle-imports-to-end-by-2035

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Dealer-Focussed Safety Webinar Confirmed

AutoTalk has partnered with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency for a professional development session no one in the trade should miss.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/dealer-focussed-safety-webinar-confirmed

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BMW M5 CS Accelerates Like A Supercar

Want a car that will hit 100km/h from rest in three seconds flat and will go on to hit an electronically limited top speed of 302km/h? From the middle of the year, you’ll be able to get one – price on request – from BMW dealers in New Zealand.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/bmw-m5-cs-accelerates-like-a-supercar

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EV Rally King Confirmed For EV Conference

Climate heavy hitter also confirmed Multiple Kiwi rally champion, World Rally Championship driver and now electric rally car constructor Hayden Paddon has confirmed as being a key speaker for The EVent, the EVs & Beyond conference to be held on Waiheke Island on March 1 and 2, 2021.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/ev-rally-king-confirmed-for-ev-conference

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Jazz Will Swing In By Mid-Year

Honda’s new Jazz range which is expected to go on sale here before the middle of the year will include a hybrid version. Honda New Zealand says the new model is “the biggest change to the Jazz since the first generation launched in 2002.”

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/jazz-will-swing-in-by-mid-year

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Volvo Records Best-Ever NZ Sales Month

Volvo has made an exceptional sales start to 2021, says the Swedish brand’s new general manager Ben Montgomery. In January, Volvo NZ set a new sales record, retailing more than 100 vehicles – an improvement of more than 36% over its previous record.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/volvo-records-best-ever-nz-sales-month

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GM Going Green

General Motors (GM) aims to be carbon neutral by 2040 in its global products and operations. It’s also working towards an all-electric future and aspires to eliminate tailpipe emissions from new light-duty vehicles by 2035.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/gm-going-green

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Car Share Will Help Reduce Emissions

The government’s emissions announcement is a great first step towards reducing emissions per car but more is needed – especially in encouraging people to ditch their private car for other modes such as car share and public transport.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/car-share-will-help-reduce-emissions/

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Biden A Boon For Electric Trucks

The US electric truck market is primed for huge growth under president Joe Biden’s EV revolution. So says IDTechEx in its 20-year forecast Electric Truck Markets 2021-2041 about the battery electric and fuel cell (FCEV) truck outlook, adding Biden’s administration will also benefit Tesla’s Semi.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/biden-a-boon-for-electric-trucks/

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Industry leader slams proposals for imports

VIA warns the public will be forced to pay more for cars and face less choice under the government’s “unrealistic” policies.

https://autofile.co.nz/industry-leader-slams-proposals-for-imports-

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Toyota NZ Calls For EV Initiatives In Face Of ‘Tough Ask’ Co2 Targets

In the wake of yesterday’s news of a planned Clean Car Standard, set to come into full effect in 2025, Toyota New Zealand CEO Neeraj Lala has stressed the importance of setting up initiatives to help make next-gen vehicles more accessible to buyers.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/toyota-nz-calls-for-ev-initiatives-in-face-of-tough-ask-co2-targets

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Volvo Smashes Local Records In Successful January

In the midst of the latest wave of Covid-19 panic, Volvo New Zealand has scooped a significant local sales scalp — recording its best month of sales in history.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/volvo-smashes-local-records-in-successful-january

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Tesla Could Be Delivering Cybertrucks By The End Of 2021

Tesla’s most talked about project could be hitting the pavement for real by the end of this year, according to the tech firm’s CEO Elon Musk.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/tesla-could-be-delivering-cybertrucks-by-the-end-of-2021

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Govt Emissions Strategy Could Lead To More Unsafe Cars, Says MTA

Yesterday’s Clean Car Standard announcement from the New Zealand Government has triggered responses from all over the motoring industry, ranging from distributors, to the Automobile Association, to the Motor Industry Association itself.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/govt-emissions-strategy-could-lead-to-more-unsafe-cars-says-mta

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Hyundai’s Bolsters Hot SUV Range With New Tucson N-Line

On the heels of a long, long list of new releases over the last 12 months, Hyundai has shown off its first N-ified version of its upcoming all-new Tucson — the N-Line. The unveiling loops the Tucson in with other Hyundais that have been given the N-Line treatment, including the i20, i30, Sonata, and more.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/hyundai-s-bolsters-hot-suv-range-with-new-tucson-n-line

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EV Torque – New Year’s Wishes

It’s now just nine years until the United Kingdom bans the sale of new fossil-fueled vehicles and New Zealand is still wondering what to do. We have yet to see the level of ambition, or any sort of plan needed to transition our fleet towards EVs.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/ev-torque-february-2021

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Plan To Ban Cars On Queen St Met With Criticism

Along with the New Zealand government’s roll-out of revised speed limits around Auckland central, it’s also set to undertake a ban on cars on the CBD’s most congested road, Queen Street.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/plan-to-ban-cars-on-queen-st-met-with-criticism

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Holdens Make History: Last Aussie V8 And Maloo W1 Sell For Almost $2M

It was a big day yesterday for the fallen lion, as two of the most significant Holdens of recent history crossed the auction floor at Lloyd’s Auctions.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/holdens-make-history-last-aussie-v8-and-maloo-w1-sell-for-almost-2m

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Electric Ford F-150 more appealing in nearly every way than Tesla Cybertruck

A recent study looking at which electric truck people prefer has found that the forthcoming electric version of the Ford F-150 is more appealing than Tesla’s much-hyped Cybertruck.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/evs/124064765/electric-ford-f150-more-appealing-in-nearly-every-way-than-tesla-cybertruck

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Volkswagen loses title of world’s top-selling carmaker to Toyota

Toyota overtook Volkswagen in 2020 to become the world’s top-selling automaker, the first time the Japanese group has clinched the position in five years.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/300217026/volkswagen-loses-title-of-worlds-topselling-carmaker-to-toyota

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Tesla goes Plaid and beyond

Tesla has given the Model S and X a healthy update for the new year, including the long-awaited Plaid versions.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/evs/124089469/tesla-goes-plaid-and-beyond

---

General Motors sets goal of going largely electric by 2035

General Motors has set a goal of making the vast majority of the vehicles it produces electric by 2035, and the entire company carbon neutral, including operations, five years after that.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/evs/300217031/general-motors-sets-goal-of-going-largely-electric-by-2035

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The iconic Jaguar C-Type is back in production

Good news, fans of old, out-of-production British sports cars. Jaguar has officially added the C-Type to its Classic Continuation family.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124082536/the-iconic-jaguar-ctype-is-back-in-production

---

Next-gen Honda Jazz headed to New Zealand

Honda New Zealand has finally confirmed the fourth-generation Jazz will land on New Zealand roads, after the model debuted at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124095238/nextgen-honda-jazz-headed-to-new-zealand

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‘Last ever’ Holden built in Australia sells for $800,000 at auction

The last Holden car built in Australia was auctioned on Saturday, selling for an eye-watering A$750,000 (NZ$796,000).

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/300218387/last-ever-holden-built-in-australia-sells-for-800000-at-auction

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Tesla’s new Model S Plaid + revealed as the quickest production car ever

The new Tesla Model S looks set to become the world’s quickest production car. Heavily updated for 2021, Tesla’s game-changing electric sedan brings fresh looks inside and out, along with heavily reworked drivelines that make it shockingly fast.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/tesla-s-new-model-s-plaid-revealed-as-the-quickest-production-car-ever/

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All-time sales record for Volvo NZ in January – and farewell to diesel engines and CDs!

Never mind Covid-19: Volvo New Zealand has achieved an all-time sales record in January – and the month’s not even over yet.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/all-time-sales-record-for-volvo-nz-in-january-and-farewell-to-diesel-engines-and-cds/

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PODCAST: Who came out on top in 2020? Zooming with DRIVEN

We’re back for 2021! So what better time to go over the year that has been in terms of new car sales, and see which brands outperformed expectations – there were quite a few!

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/who-came-out-on-top-in-2020-zooming-with-driven/

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Don’t miss a thing…

What’s in the daily email?

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Eight new-build C-types mark Jaguar icon’s 70th

Almost 70 years ago, Jaguar won the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race in France with its revolutionary C-type sports racing car, the forerunner of the legendary D-type.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/eight-new-build-c-types-mark-jaguar-icons-70th

---

Roof of many colours on new Mini

A multi-coloured roof is a unique option on the all-new Mini Hatch due to go on sale here in the second half of 2021. BMW announced details of the revised Hatch and Convertible this week, though exact local specifications and price are yet to be confirmed.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/roof-of-many-colours-on-new-mini

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AA: Target may not be achievable

The AA is supportive of the Government’s announcements today to reduce transport emissions, but is concerned that the proposed targets may not be possible within the timeframe.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/aa-target-may-not-be-achievable

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Standard ‘nothing short of virtue signalling’ – VIA Chief Executive

VIA chief executive David Vinsen has called the government’s announcement today that it will go ahead with a vehicle emissions standard as ‘nothing short of virtue signalling.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/standard-nothing-short-of-virtue-signalling-via-chief-executive

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Toyota welcomes emissions policy; confirms first EV

Hybrid-leader Toyota New Zealand has released a statement in support of new emissions standards released by the government today. Chief executive Neeraj Lala says Toyota New Zealand is committed to reducing the carbon footprint across the full life of its product lines, including manufacturing, distribution and tail pipe emissions.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/toyota-welcomes-emissions-policy-confirms-first-ev

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How will the clean car importation standard work?

How will the new clean car import standard work? Here is a basic – and changing – guide, taken from material released with the announcement and other standards.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/how-will-the-clean-car-importation-standard-work

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Concerns over speed of CO2 rules on vehicles

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern has today confirmed new average emissions standards for light vehicles, a move likely to change the vehicles Kiwi’s can purchase to a level not seen since the importation of used vehicles was opened up in the 1980s.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/concerns-over-speed-of-co2-rules-on-vehicles

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Nissan to be carbon neutral by 2050

Nissan plans to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations and the life cycle of its vehicles by 2050, the company said this week. And by the early 2030s every all-new Nissan in key markets will be electrified.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/nissan-to-be-carbon-neutral-by-2050

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NZ ban on new ice passenger vehicle sales suggested from 2035

A sales ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger vehicles in New Zealand is proposed from at least 2035. So says a newly released study by Concept Consulting and Retyna which adds that more rapid EV uptake could save Kiwis $15 billion in vehicle, fuel and carbon emission costs

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/nz-ban-on-new-ice-passenger-vehicle-sales-suggested-from-2035

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Mercury backs policy fast lane for EVs

Mercury welcomes the government’s announcement it will push ahead with introducing a clean car import standard and its signalled openness to a “feebate” scheme to encourage faster EV uptake.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/mercury-backs-policy-fast-lane-for-evs/

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Tesla updates Model S and X

Tesla has launched one its biggest updates to the Model S and Model X. The ground-up rethink to its flagship vehicles introduces an all-new interior, two new powertrains, more performance, technology and refined styling.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/tesla-updates-model-s-and-x/

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Tesla’s Q4 2020 profitable

Tesla is ahead on revenue after producing its sixth consecutive profitable quarter but missed meeting its earnings target in its newly released report on fourth quarter earnings last year.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/teslas-q4-2020-profitable/

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Emission reduction measures announced

A ‘Clean Car Import Standard’ to reduce emissions and Kiwis’ fuel costs will be passed this year and the standard start next year. That’s among a raft of measures planned by the government to help meet New Zealand’s 2050 carbon neutral target,

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/emission-reduction-measures-announced/

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First step towards planned EV transition welcomed

Drive Electric welcomes the government’s announcement of a ‘Clean Car Import Standard’, saying it’s the first step toward a planned EV transition.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/first-step-towards-planned-ev-transition-welcomed/

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Clean Car Import Standard, The First Step Towards A Planned EV Transition

Emissions import standards announcement a sign that 2021 will be the year we get serious about cleaning up our cars

https://driveelectric.org.nz/media-release-clean-car-import-standard-the-first-step-towards-a-planned-ev-transition/

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Marques face ‘tough ask’ to hit emissions goals

Toyota NZ commits to reducing its carbon footprint and prepares to launch its first pure electric car in the local market. Toyota New Zealand has pledged to dramatically cut its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions but admits the latest targets set by the government are a “tough ask”.

https://autofile.co.nz/marques-face-tough-ask-to-hit-emissions-goals-

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AA raises clean-car standard concerns

Warning that the car industry will need more time to adjust to tough emissions rules. The AA fears the government’s new proposals to cut transport emissions may lead to higher prices for new cars and people hanging on to older vehicles for longer.

https://autofile.co.nz/aa-raises-clean-car-standard-concerns-

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EV advocate hails plans to cut emissions

Clean-car standard tipped to boost the number of EVs in our new and used vehicle markets. Drive Electric has welcomed the government’s latest push to cut transport emissions as a “first step towards managing a transition away from fossil fuel vehicles”.

https://autofile.co.nz/ev-advocate-hails-plans-to-cut-emissions-

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Industry body urges rethink over clean-car policy target

The MIA wants new and used imported vehicles to face the same rules and warns the government is moving too fast on slashing emissions. The Motor Industry Association (MIA) is calling on the government to slow down its plans to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from passenger vehicles.

https://autofile.co.nz/industry-body-urges-rethink-over-clean-car-policy-target-

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Used car prices drive up CPI

Buyers unable to travel overseas are reportedly turning to vehicles and other big-ticket purchases instead. Prices for used cars enjoyed their biggest climb in more than 20 years after increasing in the December quarter by 4.6 per cent when compared to the previous three months, according to Stats NZ.

https://autofile.co.nz/used-car-prices-drive-up-cpi-

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How EVs can save Kiwis $15b

Consultancies call for a suite of policies to help car buyers pick low-emissions vehicles over those with petrol or diesel engines. Accelerating the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) may save New Zealanders $15 billion in vehicle, fuel and carbon emission costs by 2050, according to a new study.

https://autofile.co.nz/how-evs-can-save-kiwis-15b-

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NZ Govt announces plan to slash gas guzzlers by 2025

Today the New Zealand Government has confirmed a significant step in its plans to reduce CO2 emissions on home soil, most notably by introducing a new Clean Car Standard by 2025 — just four years away — which will impact both new cars and used cars.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/nz-govt-announces-plan-to-slash-gas-guzzlers-by-2025

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Tesla unveils new Model S, features ‘knight rider’ style steering wheel

After an onslaught of coverage on the nameplate, Tesla has finally unveiled its new and improved Model S — the large ‘sedan’ that helped start the firm’s path to becoming an electric car powerhouse. And the Model X has inherited a series of updates, too.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/tesla-unveils-new-model-s-features-knight-rider-style-steering-wheel

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Honda NZ finally confirms all-new Jazz for kiwi line-up

After plenty of will-they-won’t-they speculation, Honda’s local arm has confirmed that the all-new Jazz will be sold in New Zealand, with its arrival scheduled for the second quarter of 2021.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/honda-nz-finally-confirms-all-new-jazz-for-kiwi-line-up

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Analysis: Car brands will struggle to hit govt’s strict new CO2 rules

The big news of the day is the New Zealand government’s roll-out of a new Clean Car Standard plan that it aims to pass by the end of the year, designed to minimise the amount of CO2 emissions produced by Kiwi motorists each year.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/analysis-car-brands-will-struggle-to-hit-govt-s-strict-new-co2-rules

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Toyota NZ calls for EV initiatives in face of ‘tough ask’ CO2 targets

In the wake of yesterday’s news of a planned Clean Car Standard, set to come into full effect in 2025, Toyota New Zealand CEO Neeraj Lala has stressed the importance of setting up initiatives to help make next-gen vehicles more accessible to buyers.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/toyota-nz-calls-for-ev-initiatives-in-face-of-tough-ask-co2-targets

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Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS powers up

Triumph has given its range-topping supernaked a thorough update for 2021, including a revamped engine with a healthy gob more power. The traditional three-cylinder layout continues but capacity has been bumped from 1050cc to 1160cc.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124067309/triumph-speed-triple-1200-rs-powers-up

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Small Minis and mad M5s

Mini has given the Cooper a decent update for 2021 and BMW has decided the M5 isn’t quite as much of a lunatic as it could be. There’s something for everyone!

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124076214/small-minis-and-mad-m5s

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Local motor industry responds to new emissions rules

The Government today announced new key policy decisions to reduce New Zealand’s carbon emissions generated by the transport industry. These include promising to pass a law implementing its long-planned Clean Car Import Standard this year, as part of a suite of climate change measures.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124080042/local-motor-industry-responds-to-new-emissions-rules

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Watch: SSC’s Tuatara sets production car speed record with 450km/h run

Just when we thought that SSC had blown the Koenigsegg out of the water with a blistering top speed run over in the Nevada desert, the brand was called out over legitimacy concerns.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/watch-ssc-s-tuatara-sets-production-car-speed-record-with-450km-h-run/

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How GM plans to protect its new Corvette from ‘heavy-footed’ owners

Chevrolet will artificially limit the power of the new Corvette when it reaches New Zealand Australian markets because owners can’t be trusted to read its manual.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/how-gm-plans-to-protect-its-new-corvette-from-heavy-footed-owners/

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M5 CS: BMW’s most powerful car of all time confirmed for NZ

If you aren’t familiar with BMW’s CS badge yet, it’s found on the most hardcore variants of the M cars, and we’ve seen it appear on the M3 and the M2 previously.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/m5-cs-bmw-s-most-powerful-car-of-all-time-confirmed-for-nz/

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Government Clean Car Standard for New Zealand: what exactly does a 105g model look like?

The New Zealand Government’s just-announced Clean Car Standard has set a CO2 target of 102g/km by 2025, a reduction of almost 40 per cent from the current new-vehicle average. Utes and vans must hit 132g in the same timeframe.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/government-clean-car-standard-for-new-zealand-what-exactly-does-a-105g-model-look-like/

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MIA Now Supports Fuel Economy Standard

The year that was 2020 has come and gone, resigned now to the history books. I, like everyone else I suspect, am happy to see the back of 2020 and have high hopes for 2021.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/mia-now-supports-fuel-economy-standard

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Lead, Test Drive And Sales By Source December 2020 (Vs November 2020)

Welcome to 2021! As we start the new year it’s appropriate to look back on the last few months of 2020 for the most popular sources of leads, test drives, and sales amongst kiwi dealers in December.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/lead-test-drive-and-sales-by-source-december-2020-vs-november-2020

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Build The Perfect Ute – RVE Configurator

Vehicle enhancement specialists RVE used its time in COVID lockdown this year to begin work on a tool that will help customers build their perfect vehicle – and enhance dealer profits in the process.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/build-the-perfect-ute-rve-configurator

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Navara Set For March On-Sale Date

Nissan’s new Navara ute range will consist of 16 models wehen it goes on sale in New Zealand in March. The new Navara is available with 4X2 and 4X4 drivetrains and in three cab styles – Single, King and Double Cab.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/navara-set-for-march-on-sale-date

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Video: New Outlander Shown Testing Before February Debut

A video of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander undergoing final tuning and testing has been released by the company ahead of its global debut on February 17 at 8am Japan Standard Time (JST).

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/video-new-outlander-shown-testing-before-february-debut

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Maritime Union Doubles Down On Ports Of Auckland Criticism

The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) is doubling down on its view that Ports of Auckland’s “failed automation plan” is causing delays and staff shortages but the port has previously hit back and calls the claims “entirely false and malicious”.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/maritime-union-doubles-down-on-ports-of-auckland-criticism

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Last Holden Built Goes To Auction Saturday

A unique piece of Australian motoring history, the last Holden to leave the production line, goes under the auctioneer’s hammer in an online sale this weekend and is expected to sell for at least $Au500,000.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/last-holden-built-goes-to-auction-saturday

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E-Mobility Likely In CCC Report

“Strong signals” regarding EV uptake are expected in a draft plan to be released by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) on February 1. “I think they will be going for it on EVs,” Drive Electric chair Mark Gilbert says,

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/e-mobility-likely-in-ccc-report/

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Fimer’s Three-Phase Inverter Here In April

Global e-mobility and solar firm Fimer introduces its new PVS-10/33-TL three-phase string inverter solutions for commercial and industrial applications to Australia and New Zealand in April 2021.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/fimers-three-phase-inverter-here-in-april/

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Velodyne Lidar Launches Digital Learning Series

New digital learning series Velodyne Lidar LIVE! starts January 28 at 1pm Pacific Standard Time (PST is about 21 hours behind New Zealand and 19 hours behind Australia).

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/velodyne-lidar-launches-digital-learning-series/

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Peugeot E-Partner Van Due In UK November

An electric light commercial van (LCV) will be added to Peugeot’s EV range to complete its aim of offering a full range of electric vans by the end of this year.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/peugeot-e-partner-van-due-in-uk-november/

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Digital store speeds access to models

The chance to be among the first to snap up a special edition model helps kickstart BMW NZ’s new venture. BMW New Zealand has launched a new online store to allow customers to secure upcoming models months before their arrive in the country.

https://autofile.co.nz/digital-store-speeds-access-to-models-

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Mercedes-Benz tops luxury sales

Marque hopes new models planned for 2021 will continue to make it a favourite among New Zealand buyers. Mercedes-Benz Cars launched 17 new models and variants, including the GLB compact seven-seater SUV, on its way to becoming number-one luxury marque in New Zealand for the sixth consecutive year.

https://autofile.co.nz/mercedes-benz-tops-luxury-sales-

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Nissan Unveils Light Price Hike For Updated Navara Ute

Late last year Nissan revealed its updated Navara, sporting more American-inspired looks, improved tech, and increased capability thanks to more payload and a beefed up rear axle. Now, Nissan’s local arm has unveiled Kiwi pricing.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/nissan-unveils-light-price-hike-for-updated-navara-ute

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Million-Dollar Holden Maloo GTSR W1 Could Be Given Away In Raffle

With just three days and six hours to go at the time of writing, bidding on what’s now the equal most expensive Australian-produced car of all time — an HSV Maloo GTSR W1 — sits at AU$1.05million.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/million-dollar-holden-maloo-gtsr-w1-could-be-given-away-in-raffle

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Oil Companies Starting To Invest More In Green Solutions

Overnight, Dutch oil firm Shell confirmed that it’s buying a full 100 per cent stake in charging company Ubitricity. The German-based start-up specialises in building EV car chargers from lamp posts and has a 13 per cent market share of charging points in the UK, a greater market share than any other charging firm.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/oil-companies-starting-to-invest-more-in-green-solutions

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BMW’s Most Powerful Car Ever: 627Hp BMW M5 Cs Revealed

While it’s unknown just how much longer the world’s motoring brands will continue to produce high performance internal combustion performance sedans, it’s clear that a lot of brands are clearing their throats, and making an attempt at giving the genre an emphatic swansong.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/bmw-s-most-powerful-car-ever-627hp-bmw-m5-cs-revealed

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Mini Unveils Juicy Update For 2021 Mini Line-Up

Barely a few months after it launched the fully electric Mini Cooper Electric on Kiwi shores, Mini has revealed not only a new version of its first EV, but a new-look Cooper and Cooper S as well.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/mini-unveils-juicy-update-for-2021-mini-line-up

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The Last V8 Holden Commodore Ever Produced Up For Sale

In what’s already been a stupendous month for Holden auctions, let’s add another one to the mix. Along with the skunkworks-project HSV Maloo GTSR W1 ute that’s currently bidded to over AU$1million, an auction has sprouted up with the last V8-powered, Australian-produced Holden ever made.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/the-last-v8-holden-commodore-ever-produced-up-for-sale

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Facelifted Nissan Navara priced and specced

Nissan New Zealand has confirmed local pricing and specifications for the 2021 Navara, due in showrooms by March 2021. The refreshed Navara features a new front end, taking design inspiration from the North American Titan.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124066135/facelifted-nissan-navara-priced-and-specced

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Master P partnering with former Tesla engineer to create black-owned supercar maker

Master P has announced his latest business endeavor: supercars. The New Orleans rapper took to Instagram to reveal that he’s working with former Tesla engineer Richard Patterson to develop the next era of supercars called Trion Supercars.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/300215050/master-p-partnering-with-former-tesla-engineer-to-create-blackowned-supercar-maker

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Next Ford F-150 Raptor will get V6 and V8 power

The next-generation Ford F-150 Raptor will soon be unveiled and, rumour has it, the range-topping truck will get a choice of V6 or V8 engines.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124058614/next-ford-f150-raptor-will-get-v6-and-v8-power

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Rivian scores $3.3 billion investment from Amazon

Most people haven’t heard of this car company, but it could soon be a household name thanks to some big time investors. American electric car start-up Rivian has been building a giant war chest to take on the might of Tesla.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/rivian-scores-3-3-billion-investment-from-amazon/

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Wacky wagon: Modern Ferrari Breadvan is a V12-powered tribute to an icon

While car enthusiasts can’t seem to get behind SUVs, station wagons and shooting brakes on the other hand fall into the uber-cool category and the world can’t seem to get enough of them.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/wacky-wagon-modern-ferrari-breadvan-is-a-v12-powered-tribute-to-an-icon/

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It’s back: Mini unveils new Cooper Hatch and Convertible models

While the majority of the automotive industry is looking towards futuristic new electric styling, it seems that Mini has no plans to ditch its retro style, unveiling the new Cooper models just recently.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/it-s-back-mini-unveils-new-cooper-hatch-and-convertible-models/

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Grab a slice of Holden history with the very last Australian-built Commodore

The very last Holden ever manufactured in Australia has been put up for auction this weekend and looks set to fetch a hefty $500,000.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/grab-a-slice-of-holden-history-with-the-very-last-australian-built-commodore/

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Jaguar Land Rover Prepares For EVs

Advanced lightweight composite research will help Jaguar Land Rover prepare for future EVs to deliver increased range, greater performance and a more dynamic drive.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/jaguar-land-rover-prepares-for-evs

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BMW Online Store Gives Early Access To New Models

Want to be the first in town to own BMW’s new X2 Mesh Edition model? That’s the offer BMW New Zealand is making with the launch of its all-new online BMW Store and an exclusive opportunity to buy an X2 Mesh Edition months before its official local launch.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/bmw-online-store-gives-early-access-to-new-models

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Biden Wants EVs For Entire US Federal Fleet

US president Joe Biden will replace all 645,000 US federal vehicles with US-made EVs. This includes 245,000 civilian vehicles, 173,000 military vehicles, and 225,000 post office vehicles, Electrek reports, adding there’s no specific details or time frame yet.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/biden-wants-evs-for-entire-us-federal-fleet

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Skoda NZ Supports School Cycling

Skoda New Zealand is the new naming sponsor for Cycling New Zealand Schools’ sanctioned events for the next three years. The automotive brand already has a well-established relationship with cycling, such as providing vehicles to Cycling New Zealand, and started as a bicycle manufacturer.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/skoda-nz-supports-school-cycling

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Aquilina Takes Reins At Cadillac International

Former Holden New Zealand boss Kristian Aquilina has started his new job, running iconic brand Cadillac’s international operations and Cadillac Middle East.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/aquilina-takes-reins-at-cadillac-international

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Porsche Taycan Model Range Extended

Porsche is launching the fourth variant of its first all-electric sports saloon the Taycan. The rear-wheel drive Taycan with the option of two battery sizes is expected to start arriving in global dealerships from mid-March.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/porsche-taycan-model-range-extended

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China Teslas Expected Here

China-made Tesla Model 3 and Y EVs are expected in Australia and New Zealand.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/china-teslas-expected-here/

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Spending on cars enjoys summer surge

Consumers end 2020 by spending millions more dollars on their cars than in previous years. Spending on vehicles surged to $218 million in December, with the monthly boost helping push figures for the final quarter of 2020 to a record $631m.

https://autofile.co.nz/spending-on-cars-enjoys-summer-surge-

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Community mourns car dealer

Accident claims the life of a successful businessman who was also an avid supporter of local organisations. A prominent used car dealer has died following a tragic accident, with staff at the business he ran on Auckland’s North Shore describing his death as a “great loss”.

https://autofile.co.nz/community-mourns-car-dealer-

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Big Change At Lotus: Elise, Exige Bid Farewell, Hybrid On The Way

Lotus, an iconic brand that’s announced plenty but actioned little in recent times, has finally bitten the bullet — confirming comprehensive changes to its line-up overnight while giving pointers to its replacement.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/big-change-at-lotus-elise-exige-discontinued-hybrid-on-the-way

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Watch: All-New Mitsubishi Outlander Is A Demon On Gravel

On February 16, Mitsubishi will finally reveal a replacement for its seasoned veteran Outlander — an SUV that’s used just one platform since 2006. Thanks to spy images we already have a fairly good idea what the mid-sizer is going to look like. But, Mitsubishi ardently continue to tease the model; it’s latest effort being a gritty video of its going through performance testing while dressed in camouflage.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/watch-all-new-mitsubishi-outlander-is-a-demon-on-gravel

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BMW’s X2 Gets New Clothes And A Unique Brand First

The BMW X2 feels like a somewhat forgotten player in the premium compact SUV space-race, despite being one of the sweetest to drive and despite featuring one of the most iconic badges.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/bmw-s-x2-gets-new-clothes-and-a-unique-online-first

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A year of poor planning led to carmakers’ massive chip shortage

Near-sighted planning, supply-chain complexities and a tradition of keeping inventories low caused the semiconductor shortage that is now forcing carmakers to idle production lines and straining their relationship with chip manufacturers.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/300214127/a-year-of-poor-planning-led-to-carmakers-massive-chip-shortage

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Toyota the most searched car brand of 2020

Last year, Australian researchers crunching Google data found that BMW was the most searched for car brand of 2019. Now, it appears those researchers have nothing better to do than look up search statistics about cars because they found that Toyota knocked BMW off the throne in 2020.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124053863/toyota-the-most-searched-car-brand-of-2020

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BMW promises ‘sheer driving pleasure’ from its Tesla-rivalling i4 sedan

It’s a bold claim, but BMW is promising that its forthcoming i4 Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) will be very much the pure-electric equivalent of a 3/4 Series in terms of driving dynamics.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/bmw-promises-sheer-driving-pleasure-from-its-tesla-rivalling-i4-sedan/

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Skoda’s new SUV is called ‘Kushaq’: and you thought it would have run out of K-and-q names

Skoda is really sticking to its guns about SUVs having names that start with “K” and end in a “q” (which was pretty ambitious to start with). Its new baby SUV is called Kushaq, which translates from Sanskrit as “King”.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/skoda-s-new-suv-is-called-kushaq-and-you-thought-it-would-have-run-out-of-k-and-q-names/

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Ranger rules in NZ, but what are the best-selling new vehicles in other parts of the world?

The Ford Ranger has been the undisputed king of the new-vehicle sales charts in New Zealand for seven years now. Kiwis love utes and we love the Ranger to the point of giving it cult status.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/ranger-rules-in-nz-but-what-are-the-best-selling-new-vehicles-in-other-parts-of-the-world/

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Mercedes Tops Luxury Sales For Sixth Year

Mercedes-Benz was the number one luxury vehicle brand in New Zealand last year, topping sales for the sixth time running. Motor Industry Association registration data shows Mercedes-Benz sold 1967 new cars and SUVs here in 2020.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/mercedes-tops-luxury-sales-for-sixth-year

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Obituary: Wheels On Wairau’s Graeme Rutherford

Prominent North Shore Auckland used car dealer Graeme Rutherford has died following what is described as a tragic accident on his property at Mangawhai north of Auckland.

https://autotalk.co.nz/news/obituary-wheels-on-wairaus-graeme-rutherford

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Kiwi Electric Moped Due Out 2021

Wellington-based FTN Motion plans to launch an electric moped later this year. It looks more like a retro motorbike known as a ‘café racer’ and is designed for commuters with a 50km/h top speed from its 3kW rear hub motor and battery offering 100km range.

https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/kiwi-electric-moped-due-out-2021/

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Companies increasingly positive about economy

Growing demand for the construction sector leads an improvement in the overall economic outlook. Business confidence continues to improve, with companies feeling less pessimistic at the end of 2020 than they did at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

https://autofile.co.nz/companies-increasingly-positive-about-economy-

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Electric Car Ownership Study Underlines The Genre’s Biggest Issue

Late last week, J.D. Power released its inaugural EV Experience Ownership Study, which dived headfirst into the topic of electric car owner satisfaction.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/electric-car-ownership-study-underlines-the-genre-s-biggest-issue

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Ford’s EV Mustang Has Better Resale Value Than V8 Counterpart?

One of the most controversial new releases of 2020 was the Ford Mustang Mach-E — a fully electric mid-size crossover that had Ford Mustang clubs all over the US recoiling in horror, and seemingly few fans among the enthusiast community.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/ford-s-ev-mustang-has-better-resale-value-than-v8-counterpart

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Revealed: NZ’s Top Five Best-Selling Electric Cars of 2020

While our outright domestic registration figures for new-car sales were well down in 2020, sales of hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs weren’t as affected. In fact, hybrid sales increased significantly. This is in line with global trends that saw electrified cars charge through the Covid-19 pandemic (pun not intended) almost unabated.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/revealed-nz-s-top-five-best-selling-electric-cars-of-2020

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VW Faces Big Fine For Missing Carbon Emissions Target

The normal reaction when the words ‘Volkswagen Group’ and ‘carbon emissions’ are mentioned in the same sentence these days is to scramble for the nearest pitch fork. But, last week’s tale of the firm facing a hefty fine for missing its emissions target is a slightly different story.

https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/vw-faces-big-fine-for-missing-carbon-emissions-target

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‘Simple acceleration isn’t enough’ for BMW’s electric i4

BMW is hard at work on its first proper go at the electric sports car market, to be called i4 Gran Coupe. Before it unveils the car in full,

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124045656/simple-acceleration-isnt-enough-for-bmws-electric-i4

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Great Scott! DeLorean DMC-12 returning as a not-quite-gigawatt EV

After a few years of uncertainty, it looks like the all-electric rebirth of the iconic DeLorean DMC-12 is back on track.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124044617/great-scott-delorean-dmc12-returning-as-a-notquitegigawatt-ev

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Five Things: Most embarrassing performance car family secrets

Every carmaker has a few misses on its record but some are worse than others. However, it is particularly bad when they manage to screw up a performance car. Or at least slap a performance badge on where it doesn’t belong…

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/123989775/five-things-most-embarrassing-performance-car-family-secrets

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Why do our police keep avoiding electric vehicles?

The New South Wales Police Force has confirmed it will be testing a fully electric Hyundai Kona for twelve months as part of the Crime Prevention Unit as well as for community engagement. That’s a great move by the NSW Police but it also begs the question – why aren’t we doing the same?

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124000409/why-do-our-police-keep-avoiding-electric-vehicles

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How the hot stuff is taking over Seat SUVs in NZ (and we don’t just mean Cupra)

Seat is supposed to be the fun brand in the Volkswagen Group and it seems New Zealand buyers agree. An overwhelming preference for the sporty and/or fast models among Kiwi buyers has prompted a consolidation in the facelifted Ateca range for 2021.

https://www.driven.co.nz/reviews/how-the-hot-stuff-is-taking-over-seat-suvs-in-nz-and-we-don-t-just-mean-cupra/

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High-riding Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo spotted undisguised

While Tesla may rule the roost when it comes to global electric vehicle sales, Porsche managed to outdo the American company at its own game, blowing the automotive world away with the all-electric Taycan.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/high-riding-porsche-taycan-cross-turismo-spotted-undisguised/