February 4th, 2025
HOT TOPIC
// Crichton’s Ateco Group secure ongoing BYD deal
Neville Crichton’s Ateco Group has renewed its New Zealand distribution contract with BYD Automotive.
- AutoCar says Ateco Group strengthens partnership with BYD locally
HOT TOPIC
// Colonial’s profits to drop
Company chairman predicts decrease of one-fifth in pre-tax profit for half-year.
- AutoTalk says Colonial expects 20% half-year profit drop
HOT TOPIC
// Carolyn McMahon appointed as Honda New Zealand president
Honda has appointed Carolyn McMahon as Honda New Zealand president, effective April 1, 2025.
- AutoCar says Honda announces leadership changes for Australasia
HOT TOPIC
// Tesla Cybertruck has been doing the rounds down under
The Tesla Cybertruck tour that dotted down in Australia appears to be over.
- EVs and Beyond says Tesla Cybertruck spotted in Auckland
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STATS WEEK
// New-car market steady
Toyota RAV4 and Kia Seltos take out January’s top two spots after year-on-year increase in registrations.
// Imports continue fall
The market for used imports continued to struggle in January, with a massive drop in particular for passenger – though with this time last year the first month without the Clean Car Discount, it is hard to pin down the actual trend.
// January 2025 new vehicle market: BYD’s Shark makes waves
The new vehicle market in January 2025 showed a mixed performance, with passenger vehicle registrations holding steady while the commercial sector faced some challenges.
// Shark swims into top four
BYD’s plug-in hybrid ute only behind Hilux, Ranger and Triton in monthly sales charts for new commercials.
IN OTHER NEWS
// 2025 Toyota Prius debuts geo-fencing tech and enhanced PHEV range
Toyota has added new features to the 2025 Toyota Prius, including an advanced geo-fencing system designed to optimise the balance between electric and hybrid driving.
// ‘NZ’s largest solar farm’ due to start construction this year
Harmony Energy Limited and Clarus company First Renewables Limited have approved the final investment for the Tauhei Solar Farm project with construction expected to begin this year on the 182-hectare site near Te Aroha.
// Simplifying motor assessing for Tower repairers
Following a successful trial with some repairers, Panel Quote and Hello Claims have begun rolling out a software integration to the broader New Zealand collision repair industry.
CARJOBS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
// Workshop Controller
Farmer Motor Group Limited | Whitianga, Waikato
Beat the traffic and live by the beach. Work for a successful, award-winning family owned business.
Competitive remuneration, ongoing training, and career development.
// Reconditioning Assistant
Enterprise Motor Group | Hamilton
Work with a fun and dynamic team. Well renowned NZ business. Great culture where employees are genuinely valued.
// Reconditioning Assistant
Enterprise Motor Group | Hamilton
Work with a fun and dynamic team. Well renowned NZ business. Great culture where employees are genuinely valued.
// Used or New Car Salesperson
Enterprise Motor Group | Gisborne
Great Income. Rostered weekends off. Company car with fuel included. Sell Gisborne’s biggest selection of Used Vehicles. Work with a fun team.
INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// Cutting-edge Renault Filante concept hopes to break EV efficiency records
The new Renault Filante Record 2025 concept is a racy, aerodynamically-sculpted piece of rolling electric lab equipment designed to push the envelope of energy efficiency and set new records for power consumption and range.
ONE LINERS
- UFO-type EV tipped to be next Uber
- Ford is returning to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027
- Value-packed Chinese ute gets even more punch
- Famous F1 Mercedes sells at auction for a jaw-dropping $93m
- Is this the ultimate Toyota GR Yaris?
- Toyota retains global sales crown with 10.8 million vehicles in 2024
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