This is it: Audi unveils stunning e-tron GT electric powerhouse
Following an extended campaign of teasers and prototype reveals, Audi has finally whipped the covers off its new e-tron GT. Not a concept, not an ‘artist’s impression’ — this is the real McCoy.
Honda changing agency model network
The 17 independent agents in the Honda New Zealand network will transition into three new store types from May 1, 2020. The seven Honda New Zealand owned branches in the national retail network will remain unchanged.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/honda-changing-agency-model-network
The Panamera that was eight not five
A dealer who sold a 2012 Porsche Panamera as a 2015 model breached the Fair Trading Act but because the buyer couldn’t prove he had suffered loss, the Motor Vehicles Disputes Tribunal has turned down his bid for compensation.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/the-panamera-that-was-eight-not-five
VINZ moves national support office
Vehicle Inspection NZ (VINZ) is moving its national support office to a new address in Mt Wellington, Auckland. From February 19, the office will move to 79 Carbine Road from its current location in nearby Vestey Drive.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/vinz-moves-national-support-office
Video: Hyundai unleashes tiger
Hyundai’s first crewless ultimate mobility vehicle (UMV) concept TIGER, which stands for transforming intelligent ground excursion robot, can walk or drive over difficult terrain.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/video-hyundai-unleashes-tiger
Video: Audi e-tron GT due soon
Audi has globally premiered its e-tron GT – a luxury electric four-door coupe capable of 487km range which will be introduced as a rally sport (RS) model at the same time. It’s built on similar technology to the electric Porsche Taycan.
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/video-audi-e-tron-gt-due-soon
Hyundai gets funding for hydrogen trucks
Fuso and Hyundai Motors New Zealand have secured funding for both electric and hydrogen demonstration trucks respectively in the latest round of 22 successful recipients for the government’s low emission vehicles contestable fund (LEVCF).
https://autotalk.co.nz/news/e-trucks-get-eeca-funding
Counties Power gets EV tech funding
Projects to demonstrate sustainable driving technology and how battery and solar energy solutions can manage peak demand electricity use cost effectively have been given a boost.
https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/counties-power-gets-ev-tech-funding/
Rapidly changing emissions standard makes EV conference hot ticket
With the world for dealers and distributors set to change massively over the next few years off the back of the Clean Car Standard and other moves to reduce emissions, demand has spiked for an electric vehicle conference on Waiheke Island held in early March.
https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/rapidly-changing-emissions-standard-makes-ev-conference-hot-ticket/
EECA funding for 22 low emission projects
A community electric bike and car share scheme, additional EV charging stations, five hydrogen trucks and a demonstration electric truck are among projects to get government co-funding.
https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/eeca-funding-for-22-low-emission-projects/
Distributor calls for feebate to boost EV sales
European Motor Distributors wants penalty rates for proposed clean-car import standard to be the same for new and used cars.
https://autofile.co.nz/distributor-calls-for-feebate-to-boost-ev-sales-
After a disastrous run, Nissan is on the rebound
It was a fairly tough decade for Nissan. What started well enough with its early adoption of EV development and SUV output descended into scandal with the departure, legal proceedings, and Hollywood-style escape of former CEO Carlos Ghosn.
https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/after-a-disastrous-run-nissan-is-on-the-rebound
Suzuki bolsters kiwi line-up with Swift SR3
It feels like just yesterday that Suzuki launched its all-new Swift. But that was four years ago, and now the nameplate has a host of new rivals. And what do you do when you have new competition? Well, you roll out a new model.
https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/suzuki-bolsters-kiwi-line-up-with-swift-sr3
Subaru and Toyota working together on AWD hot hatch, report claims
It’s impossible to avoid the ridiculous amount of talk and awe surrounding the Toyota GR Yaris right now, what with a barrage of reviews dropping all over the world and the rumour mill pressing on with full force. And, the latest rumour is quite something.
Electric and hydrogen trucks from Hyundai, Fuso confirmed for NZ
Having confirmed last October that it would be bringing its hydrogen fuel cell Xcient truck to New Zealand, it’s been confirmed that five of Hyundai’s next-generation haulers are destined for our shores as a showcase of the emerging technology.
Honda announces sales model shake-up for Kiwi customers
Following two recent announcements in the form of the updated Odyssey and the renewal of the Jazz, Honda New Zealand has made another announcement — from May 1 buyers will be able to buy cars directly from the manufacturer.
https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/honda-announces-sales-model-shake-up-for-kiwi-customers
Audi has finally unleashed the e-tron GT
After a bunch of teasers and prototypes, Audi has finally taken the wraps off its all-electric high-performance four-door. Behold the e-tron GT.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/evs/124194191/audi-has-finally-unleashed-the-etron-gt
‘Not stolen OK’: Australian driver caught with hand-painted number plates
South Australian police have pulled over a man driving with hand-painted number plates on his car.
Is Apple making an electric, self-driving car? If it does, here are 5 things you could see
The long-rumoured Apple car might finally become a reality. After sputtering in development several years ago and then being shut down before it saw the light of day, the tech giant’s car project is apparently back on track.
Ford says no to electrified F-150 Raptor
Ford wants to electrify more than half of its range by 2022 and, in America where the only Ford car on sale is the Mustang, that means more electrified trucks.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124191413/ford-says-no-to-electrified-f150-raptor
Dealer breached Fair Trading Act in sale of $48k Porsche, but refund bid dismissed
A man who bought an eight-year-old Porsche, believing it to be a newer model, has lost a bid for compensation.
NZ car supply already under pressure, computer chip shortage adds to woes
The supply problems hitting New Zealand’s new vehicle market are being compounded by a worldwide shortage of the computer chips essential to running a modern car.
Report: Despite reliability issues, Tesla owners are the most satisfied
Tesla might have one of the most loyal fans of any car maker. The electric car maker has topped customer satisfaction surveys despite also bottoming-out in reliability reports.
https://www.driven.co.nz/news/report-despite-reliability-issues-tesla-owners-are-the-most-satisfied/
Mansory’s Ford GT might be the ugliest supercar of all time
Late last year, high-end tuning company Mansory revealed its take on the Ford GT. And while it was way over-the-top, atleast we could get behind the use of Ford blue across the carbon fibre panels.
https://www.driven.co.nz/news/mansory-s-ford-gt-might-be-the-ugliest-supercar-of-all-time/
Ford reveals plans to double funding for electric and self-driving cars
Despite being one of the world’s biggest automotive manufacturers, Ford’s move towards electric and self-driving tech has been a slow one, with the brand’s first all-electric vehicle yet to release.
Super EV: Audi’s new e-tron GT adds RS performance to the electric world
Late last year, Porsche changed the EV game by releasing the all-electric Taycan, which redefined the segment, and added performance like we had never seen.