August 6th, 2025
HOT TOPIC
// Mercedes-Benz ‘redefines the face’ of its brand after a century: it’s a new grille, basically
Grilles have been a central feature (some might say the central feature) of Mercedes-Benz vehicles for over a century. That’s why the company is making such a big deal about the “new iconic grille” design that will be worn by the all-new (and yet to be seen) pure-electric GLC.
HOT TOPIC
// Award for franchises
Ford NZ dealerships secure global recognition for customer experience levels. A number of the blue oval’s dealerships in New Zealand have secured the Ford Guest Experience (FGE) in sales and or after-sales service.
- AutoTalk says Ford NZ announces FGE accredited dealers
HOT TOPIC
// Tesla board approves $48.4b payday for Musk
Tesla has approved a new share-based compensation award worth approximately US$29 billion (NZ$48.4 billion) for CEO Elon Musk, even as the company continues its legal fight to reinstate his earlier, larger pay package that was struck down by a US court earlier this year.
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STATS WEEK
// New vehicle registrations for July follow strong June numbers
July new vehicle sales held relatively steady after a lift in June, thanks mainly to strong sales of light commercials.
// Commercials led July’s steady new vehicle sales result
A positive performance in the two commercial classes saw sales of new vehicles in New Zealand relatively steady last month, holding on to June’s uplift.
// Used imports on the slide
Drop for used sector but new passenger vehicle numbers break five figures for the first time this year. There were 6,813 used passenger vehicles imported last month, a fall of 13.3 per cent from June when 7,857 units crossed our borders.
// Top-selling ute overtakes Toyota RAV4 as new car battle continues
The Ford Ranger has regained the lead in the fight to be New Zealand’s most popular new vehicle of 2025, having overtaken the Toyota RAV4 following a healthy tally of registrations in July.
IN OTHER NEWS
// BYD confirms Denza brand for New Zealand, appoints new COO
BYD Australia and New Zealand has confirmed that its premium brand, Denza, will be launched in both markets and led by Mark Harland who has just been confirmed as its chief operating officer.
// Chery Tiggo 4 makes debut in Australia’s top-ten best-sellers
The Chery Tiggo 4 has made its debut into the top-ten best-selling new vehicles in Australia for July, in a list dominated by more expensive 4×4 Utes and SUV.
// Tourism Holdings rejects $2.30 per share takeover bid
Tourism Holdings Ltd (thl) has rejected a $2.30 per share takeover offer from a consortium led by Melbourne-based private equity firm BGH Capital, stating the proposal “is well below a level that the board can engage with”.
CARJOBS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
// New Vehicle Sales
Farmer Motor Group | Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty
Live, work and play near one of the best beaches in the country! Drive some of the best brands of vehicles. Uncapped earning potential.
// Automotive Technician
Farmer Motor Group | Pyes Pa / Tauriko, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
Put your skills and experience to work in our brand new workshop. Avoid the city traffic. Work with a great team of people.
// Automotive Technician
Bay City Mitsubishi | Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
Multi-award-winning Mitsubishi dealership. Competitive remuneration aligned with your experience. 8am-4.30pm Mon to Fri, no weekends!
INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// Critics Say EVs Are A Fire Hazard. Here’s What The Latest Data Shows
We’ve all heard the stories, and they’re scary. But electric-vehicle batteries themselves aren’t always to blame.
ONE LINERS
- Porsche Macan is returning with petrol and hybrid power
- The 2 Cheap Cars Group opens a new branch in Sylvia Park
- Praise for school changes
- Tata finance chief is JLR’s new CEO
- Upcoming BMW iX3 50 xDrive slashes carbon footprint by up to 72%
- BYD mixes myth, gaming and small SUVs
- Z offers half-price car charging every Tuesday in August
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OTHER STUFF
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