NZ Automotive Industry News

January 18, 2023

HOT TOPIC

// Feebate scheme forks out $203.5m

Government set to ponder adjusting levels of rebates and penalties after only gathering $105.1m in fees.

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HOT TOPIC

// BYD appoints nationwide panel repair network

BYD Auto New Zealand has today announced the appointment of a nationwide panel and paint repair network which will support the brand’s customers and growing fleet of models.

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BEST OF THE REST

// Aptera solar car launch Saturday

Solar car manufacturer Aptera announces its “launch edition” specifications and features in a global webinar on January 21 at 7am New Zealand Daylight Time.

// Automotive sector sees growth in job applications and salaries, Trade Me data shows

The automotive sector is among a number of New Zealand industries experiencing growth in both job applications and salaries, according to the latest data from Trade Me Jobs.

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INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// Tesla Roadster 2.0 To Improve On Every Metric Of 2017 Prototype

Tesla design chief Franz von Holzhausen says the long-overdue second-generation Roadster will be worth the wait.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Vanwall unveils Vandervell S as first street legal model

Vanwall, a name most commonly associated with racing, has just unveiled the Vandervell S as its very first street legal model in its new range.

// Demand for petrol-power falls

Analysis of the new-vehicle market reveals shift towards EVs as the percentage of ICE-powered models sold dwindles.

// Dead batteries in used hybrids set to become future focus

Toyota New Zealand has said that it wants to ramp up its focus on electrified vehicle battery recycling, specifically in regards to batteries coming into the country via used hybrids from Japan.

// Toyota wants Kiwis to buy fewer diesel Hilux utes

As it pushes to further reduce its emissions output, Toyota New Zealand has reiterated that it wants to sell fewer Hilux utes to local customers.

// Renault’s bidirectional charger deployed by 2030

Renault Group and research organization CEA have jointly developed over three years a new electronic power converter architecture directly integrated into the vehicle’s charger,

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// The Full Brief is For Sale

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January 18, 20232023-01-18T00:12:22+13:00

January 17th, 2023

HOT TOPIC

// Electrifying times for Toyota NZ

Company celebrates sales success for its Toyota and Lexus brands in 2022 while also cutting emissions.

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HOT TOPIC

// Toyota New Zealand adds GR Sport model to Yaris Cross range

Toyota New Zealand has introduced a new GR Sport grade to the Yaris Cross compact SUV family, which was inspired by its motorsport division, Toyota Gazoo Racing.

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HOT TOPIC

// Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV revealed

The Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model that uses a rotary engine as a generator, has been unveiled by the Mazda Motor Corporation at the Brussels Motor Show.

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BEST OF THE REST

// Clean car standard errors

Transport agency gives steer to vehicle certifiers and importers on how to avoid mistakes in system.

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// Superior Protection. Better Value for Your Clients

Newcoat uses the latest in 2-coat Ceramic Coating Technology to enhance the look of new cars and protect them from the elements. Customers understand the benefits of 2 coats, making Newcoat the easiest ceramic coating to present and sell.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// Wyoming Moves To Ban Sales Of New Electric Vehicles By 2035

The bizarre resolution is most likely nothing more than a cry for help.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Ioniq 6 Euro NCAP ‘best’ large family car

Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 has been awarded ‘Best in Class’ of 2022 by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) in the ‘Large Family Car’ category.

// Kia EV6 is ‘North American Utility Vehicle of the Year’

The Kia EV6 has been named North American Utility Vehicle of the Year by the North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) jury of 50 automotive experts.

// BYD Seal and limited-edition Atto 3 at Auto Expo 2023

The new luxury model BYD Seal and a limited-edition Atto 3 were presented at the Auto Expo 2023 in India.

// Mini partners with Sydney WorldPride 2023

To champion its message of connection by uniting the LGBTQIA+ community in one ‘Big Love Story’, Mini has partnered with Sydney WorldPride 2023 on a global campaign.

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January 17th, 20232023-01-17T00:36:27+13:00

January 16th, 2023

HOT TOPIC

// 2024 Nissan GT-R is the same, but different

The 2024 Nissan GT-R has been revealed in Japan today, but it isn’t the next-generation model many of you would have been hoping for.

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HOT TOPIC

// Kiwi off-road favourite gets bigger and goes hybrid

Suzuki has been testing a 5-door version of its eternally popular Jimny for years now, making it one of the worst-kept secrets in motoring.

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BEST OF THE REST

// Toyota pushes zero-emission goals by converting old models

To accelerate the global move toward sustainable vehicles, Toyota is suggesting simply replacing the inner workings of vehicles already on the roads with cleaner technology like fuel cells and electric motors.

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// Superior Protection. Better Value for Your Clients

Newcoat uses the latest in 2-coat Ceramic Coating Technology to enhance the look of new cars and protect them from the elements. Customers understand the benefits of 2 coats, making Newcoat the easiest ceramic coating to present and sell.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// Jeep’s First EV Named European Car Of The Year

Jeep’s first fully electric model, the Avenger, has been crowned European Car of the Year.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Toyota confirms crossover with a sporty side for NZ

Toyota New Zealand has announced that it will soon add a new performance-inspired variant to its Yaris Cross line-up.

// EV exec slams ‘corrupt’ mining industry, but says it’s a ‘great opportunity’ for Australia

As the head of sustainability for Polestar, Klarén’s job is to push boundaries in the automotive business, occasionally pushing people out of their comfort zone.

// Views sought on IP rules

Regulator seeks input on guidelines around intellectual property rights.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// NZ Car Dealers Private Facebook Group

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January 16th, 20232023-01-15T20:02:36+13:00

January 13th, 2023

HOT TOPIC

// Suzuki EV planned by 2025

Suzuki’s EV concept model eVX has debuted at India’s Auto Expo 2023, which runs from January 13-18 (public days) and includes press days on January 11 and 12.

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HOT TOPIC

// MTF appoints chief commercial officer

Natasha Callister tasked with helping improve customer experience as she brings her skills to the finance sector.

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BEST OF THE REST

// Toyota NZ considering Hilux GR Sport

Toyota New Zealand says the Hilux GR Sport is under consideration for our market and it expects to make announcement about this in the first quarter.

// Fiat NZ welcomes new Series 8 Ducato

Fiat Professional New Zealand is marking the arrival of the award-winning Series 8 Ducato to the local market.

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// The Full Brief is For Sale

A new project for 2023 means I may need to sell the Full Brief. It’s a great little side business for someone interested in the automotive industry, and there’s loads of potential to grow.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// Toyota Hilux Hydrogen Fuel Cell Pickup Prototype Unveiled

Pickups dominates sales in many markets around the world. In the USA, the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling truck for 46 consecutive years

// Hyundai Ioniq 5 with e-corner tech turns on a dime

With e-corner, the Ioniq 5 can crab sideways like a GMC Hummer EV, or turn in place much like the “tank turn” maneuver exhibited by Rivian and Mercedes-Benz EQG prototypes.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Next-generation Mercedes-AMG GT coupe leaked

The next-generation Mercedes-AMG GT has been leaked online, showing the model in coupe form ahead of an official unveiling later this year.

// Sales of electrified vehicles almost doubled in 2022

New Zealanders are continuing to make the shift from gas guzzlers to greener options with almost double the amount of electrified vehicles being sold last year compared to 2021.

// Ford hikes Ranger pricing as Clean Car Standard comes into effect

Ford has bumped the pricing of the best-selling Ranger ute, starting in January.

// Toyota New Zealand adds GR Sport model to Yaris Cross SUV

Not to be confused with the full Gazoo Racing-developed models like GR Yaris, GR Supra and the forthcoming GR Corolla (you’ll notice the “GR” comes before the model names in those, because it’s a brand in its own right),

// Fiat Metaverse Store World premiere

Fiat returned to the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, with two major exhibits starring the New 500 electric.

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// NZ Car Dealers Private Facebook Group

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January 13th, 20232023-01-12T22:53:25+13:00

January 12th, 2023

TODAY’S NEWS

// Kiwis ‘not behind’ clean car discount

Union calls on the government to scrap “unfair tax” after releasing poll findings.

// Polestar targeting more sales after record 2022

Electric car company Polestar experienced a record year for sales in 2022 and is now targeting new heights for 2023.

// India is now the world’s third-largest car market

India has overtaken Japan to become the world’s third-largest car market according to industry data, reported by Nikkei Asia.

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// The Full Brief is For Sale

A new project for 2023 means I may need to sell the Full Brief. It’s a great little side business for someone interested in the automotive industry, and there’s loads of potential to grow.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// Waitlist opens for $40,000 Lightyear 2 solar car due in 2025

The Lightyear 2 will have a real-world range near 500 miles, according to the company—and, likely, the same level of emphasis on reducing dependence on charging infrastructure.

// Google, Ford, GM, & Solar Companies Partner To Promote Scaling Of Virtual Power Plants

By pooling together large numbers of decentralized energy resources, such as electric cars, home energy storage systems, electric water heaters, solar arrays, “smart” electric heating systems and more into a single portfolio, these virtual power plants can put those energy assets to work stabilizing the grid, improving electricity affordability, and increasing energy independence.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Porsche now offers 1970s rally wraps for 911 Dakar

The Porsche 911 has an illustrious history in motorsport, most notably on the rally stages of Africa.

// Confirmed: countdown is on to the return of Mazda’s rotary engine

Mazda will reveal a new plug-in hybrid powertrain for the MX-30 eco-car on Friday January 13, at the Brussels Motor Show (European time, Saturday for New Zealand).

// Kim Dotcom’s iconic 1959 Elvis pink Cadillac seized by police during raid up for $1 reserve

A prized asset of internet mogul Kim Dotcom that was seized by police during a 2012 raid of his Coatesville mansion is now being auctioned off on Trade Me.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

// NZ Car Dealers Private Facebook Group

A private community for car dealers to vent about the industry and joke about ‘interesting’ customers. A place to rant, debate, ask for help and help others.

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January 12th, 20232023-01-11T22:32:15+13:00

January 11th, 2023

HOT TOPIC

// Record year driven by 77% increase in EV registrations

The Motor Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) says that there were 11,840 sales of new vehicles for the month of December 2022, making it the second strongest month of December on record.

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HOT TOPIC

// Mazda MX-30 PHEV rotary revealed January 13

Mazda will introduce a new powertrain option for its MX-30 at the Brussels Motor Show 2023 on January 14-17.

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HOT TOPIC

// Tom Ruddenklau appointed CEO of Power Farming

Tom Ruddenklau, a well-known senior figure in the automotive industry, is making the shift from selling cars to distributing agricultural machinery.

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BEST OF THE REST

// Newly unveiled Volkswagen ID.7 has electrified paint

More news out of the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month has given us a glimpse of the new Volkswagen ID.7 which has been camouflaged in electroluminescent paint.

// Buyer loses $100k when dealer’s private sale goes awry

A Botswana-based Kiwi businessman has failed to recover $100,000 from an Auckland-based car dealer when the vehicle he purchased in a private sale turned out to be stolen goods and was retrieved by the rightful owner.

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// The Full Brief is For Sale

A profitable part-time business with potential to grow.

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INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// US: Stellantis’ Jeep And Chrysler Note Strong PHEV Sales In Q4 2022

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe remains the best selling plug-in hybrid model in the US.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Dongfeng Mengshi M-Terrain EV seen In China

A production version of the Dongfeng Mengshi M-Terrain EV SUV has been spotted in China.

// Major expansion underway for Keith Andrews Hamilton

Daimler commercial vehicles dealership Keith Andrews Hamilton has broken ground on a major workshop extension which will significantly increase the capacity of its flagship Waikato site.

// WWCOTY voting starts

EVs are among 59 candidate vehicles for the Women’s World Car of the Year, with six category winners announced February 15.

// Drone delivery service likely

Drone parcel delivery is expected in New Zealand with Google’s aviation subsidiary registering here.

// Tesla of the sea? CES showcases electric hydrofoil boats

Flying cars and self-driving vehicles always get attention at the CES gadget show in Las Vegas, but this year, electric recreational boats are making bigger waves.

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January 11th, 20232023-01-10T23:31:06+13:00

January 10, 2023

HOT TOPIC

// Toyota GR Corolla local pricing announced

The next in the line of Toyota’s rich race and rally-inspired hot hatches is coming to New Zealand early this year, with pricing for the Toyota GR Corolla now being announced.

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HOT TOPIC

// Number of Kiwi dealers continues slow but steady decline

The number of NZ-registered motor vehicle traders, continued its steady decline in the last six months of 2022.

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HOT TOPIC

// Used imports in decline

Sharp drops for passenger vehicles and light commercials, while fortunes were vastly different for parts of the new-vehicle market.

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BEST OF THE REST

// Ram goes electric with newly-revealed concept

The future vision of Ram Trucks has been revealed at the CES 2023 technology show in the form of the 1500 Revolution Battery-electric Vehicle (BEV) Concept.

// SsangYong to change name following new ownership

Korean carmaker SsangYong is ditching its old namesake for something new as it wants to forgo its tarnished reputation.

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// The Full Brief is For Sale

A new project for 2023 means I may need to sell the Full Brief. It’s a great little side business for someone interested in the automotive industry, and there’s loads of potential to grow.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// Mercedes plans own EV fast-charging network, starting with America

At CES, the automaker announced an initiative to place EV fast-charging sites along highways, while also near amenities and Mercedes dealerships.

IN OTHER NEWS

// BYD unveils supercar and SUV under luxury brand

Chinese carmaker BYD has decided to dip its toes into the lap of luxury after unveiling a new supercar and SUV under its high-end YangWang brand.

// Vector reverses moves

The Commerce Commission says its investigation has led to a backdown by New Zealand’s largest electricity distribution business Vector on moves that could have cost its customers millions of dollars over coming decades.

// ACT Party vows to fight ‘ute tax’

The ACT party says it will seek to repeal the Clean Car Discount and Clean Car Standard if it’s part of the next government.

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// NZ Car Dealers Private Facebook Group

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January 10, 20232023-01-09T23:48:56+13:00

December 23rd, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Opel Grandland arriving in New Zealand next January

In a recent series of social media posts, Opel New Zealand has indicated that its Grandland will be arriving on our shores in January 2023.

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BEST OF THE REST

// Toyoda reveals Hilux BEV concept but says one-size-fits-all is not the answer

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) president Akio Toyoda revealed an electric Hilux concept at the Toyota Motor Thailand 60th anniversary celebration but reiterated his belief that manufacturers should not commit to 100% battery electric vehicle (BEV) production.

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// Helping dealers buy and sell stock, since 2019

With two auctions every week, you can sell your stock to over 600 wholesale buyers, or buy stock from other dealers and some of the largest fleet and rental companies in New Zealand.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// Buick US Dealers Required To Invest $300,000-$400,000 To Sell EVs

Buick did not say how many of its US dealerships have chosen to take the buyout offer to date.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Mustangs roar to five stars

Two variants of Ford’s Mach-E land top safety ratings as Honda’s HR-V secures four stars.

// BP steps up NZ EV charging

BP has launched its global electrification business in New Zealand with executive vice president Emma Delaney officially opening new BP EV fast charge points at Millwater in Auckland.

// EVs spark rise in value of imports

Passenger car imports climbed by $277m to reach $717m last month, with reduced emissions vehicles accounting for more than 43 per cent.

// One-off Bugatti Chiron Profilee is a mature Pur Sport

Bugatti has unveiled a toned-down version of its Chiron Pur Sport called the Profilee, a one-of-one model complete with a new rear wing.

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// NZ Car Dealers Private Facebook Group

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Join the discussion

// XMAS Deliveries

The Full Brief will be taking a break for 3 weeks over Xmas. The last email will Friday 23rd Dec, and the first for 2023 will be Monday 16th Jan. Have a great Xmas and New Year. Thanks for reading.

December 23rd, 20222022-12-22T23:27:53+13:00

December 22nd, 2022

HOT TOPIC

// Keith Andrews brings BYD to Northland

Those looking to purchase a BYD in Northland and take advantage of the Government’s Clean Car Rebate have a new option on their back doorstep.

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HOT TOPIC

// Reynolds new transport agency chairman

Government announces Dr Paul Reynolds will step into top position at Waka Kotahi early next year.

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HOT TOPIC

// AA Motoring Services appoints new dealer relationship manager

AA Motoring Services has appointed experienced industry executive Avon Bailey to the newly established role of dealer relationship manager to support the growth of the AA’s preferred dealer network.

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HOT TOPIC

// CCS aspect ‘frustrates’ MIA

Some frustration is being seen by the Motor Industry Association (MIA) in the lead-up to the launch of the full Clean Car Standard (CCS) on January 1.

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BEST OF THE REST

// EasyAuto123’s new mascot creates after-hours havoc in showroom

Once a loveable toy, the easyauto123 toy kiwi has transformed into a giant mascot who loves the benefits of buying with the used car dealership and wants to be part of the team.

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// Helping dealers buy and sell stock, since 2019

With two auctions every week, you can sell your stock to over 600 wholesale buyers, or buy stock from other dealers and some of the largest fleet and rental companies in New Zealand.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// It’s For Real: Wireless EV Charging For Germany’s Famous Autobahn

Embedding wireless EV charging systems in roadways may seem futuristic, but on Germany’s Autobahn the future is now.

IN OTHER NEWS

// All change at GMSV

Rochelle Nelson takes on New Zealand sales manager role as company announces three new appointments.

// Unique Mini PHEV delivers Christmas cheer to people in need

Mini New Zealand is supporting Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai for the second consecutive Christmas to spread big love and cheer among those most in need this festive season.

// New AC Cobra GT roadster to release in 2023

Although it will inherit the now 61-year-old model’s legendary profile, the new Cobra will undergo somewhat of a revolution following its three years of development.

// Investigation into Wellington EV fire

Peugeot New Zealand is investigating a fire that reportedly destroyed a Peugeot e-208 GT EV in Wellington early on December 19.

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HELPFUL RESOURCES

// NZ Car Dealers Private Facebook Group

A private community for car dealers to vent about the industry and joke about ‘interesting’ customers. A place to rant, debate, ask for help and help others.

Join the discussion

// XMAS Deliveries

The Full Brief will be taking a break for 3 weeks over Xmas. The last email will Friday 23rd Dec, and the first for 2023 will be Monday 16th Jan. Have a great Xmas and New Year. Thanks for reading.

December 22nd, 20222022-12-22T00:41:51+13:00

December 21st 2022

HOT TOPIC

// All-new Hyundai Kona design revealed

Hyundai has just revealed the design for its all-new next generation Kona subcompact SUV, with the model now sporting a more “EV-led” look.

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HOT TOPIC

// Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid and PHEV arriving in 2023

Alfa Romeo will launch the Tonale Hybrid compact SUV to the New Zealand market in February 2023, with a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) arriving later in the year.

// More on this 

BEST OF THE REST

// Five-door Suzuki Jimny spotted without camouflage

Leaked images of the new five-door Suzuki Jimny have appeared online, revealing the model in full with no camouflage in sight.

// Toyota president questioning industry’s push for EVs

Toyota president Akio Toyoda has questioned the automotive industry’s plan to phase out petrol and diesel-powered vehicles and replace them with electric vehicles (EVs).

SPONSORED BY AUCTION ONLINE

// Helping dealers buy and sell stock, since 2019

With two auctions every week, you can sell your stock to over 600 wholesale buyers, or buy stock from other dealers and some of the largest fleet and rental companies in New Zealand.

INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS

// Mazda 3 could be replaced by a compact electric sedan with actual range

Mazda is already behind as the auto industry transitions to electric vehicles. However, a new patent reveals an electric Mazda 3 look-alike that could charge up the automaker’s EV strategy.

IN OTHER NEWS

// Fire risk prompts Lexus recall

Marque’s action and separate Toyota recall over airbags affects more than 2,300 units in New Zealand.

// Micro EVs could be $282b business in 20 years

Micro EVs (electric two- and three-wheelers and microcars) are set to surge during the next 20 years.

// Nelson takes on Chevy sales role in NZ

GMSV, which sells Chevrolets in New Zealand, has appointed Rochelle Nelson as its new national sales manager,

// Glimpse into marque’s future

The CX-90 will follow in the tread marks of the CX-60 coming to New Zealand in 2023.

// New board chair for Waka Kotahi

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is set for a new board chair with the appointment of Dr Paul Reynolds.

// Ateco Group appointment takes Groves full circle

The Ateco Group has appointed Todd Groves to manage the Stellantis brands

// GMSV announces three personnel changes

Managing Director of GM Australia and New Zealand, Marc Ebolo, has announced three personnel changes to the team at GM Specialty Vehicles (GMSV).

// CMC appoints John Hutchinson as a company director

The Colonial Motor Company has appointed John Hutchinson as a director of the NZX listed business

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HELPFUL RESOURCES

// NZ Car Dealers Private Facebook Group

A private community for car dealers to vent about the industry and joke about ‘interesting’ customers. A place to rant, debate, ask for help and help others.

Join the discussion

// XMAS Deliveries

The Full Brief will be taking a break for 3 weeks over Xmas. The last email will Friday 23rd Dec, and the first for 2023 will be Monday 16th Jan. Have a great Xmas and New Year. Thanks for reading.

December 21st 20222022-12-21T00:23:21+13:00
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