HOT TOPIC
// Should Nissan’s next GT-R be electric?
Nissan is investigating whether to make its next GT-R performance car flagship (colloquially known as the R36) fully electric or not, according to a fresh interview with the Japanese firm’s chief executive Makoto Uchida. Speaking to Autocar UK, Uchida outlined that the brand is looking in a plug-in direction.
- Driven says Will Nissan’s next-generation GT-R be electric?
HOT TOPIC
// BMW is producing energy out of cow poo to power EVs
BMW is set to expand its collaboration with dairy farmers as part of its renewable energy project. Working with California Bioenergy (CalBio), BMW is currently working with The Bar 20 Dairy farm to generate electricity to be used to power electric vehicles.
- Stuff Motoring says BMW is using cow poo to power its EVs
HOT TOPIC
// GMSV celebrates first birthday following Holden’s closure
It’s been a year since the demise of Holden, but the team at GM Specialty Vehicles has celebrated a special milestone today – the first anniversary of the new business.
- AutoCar says GMSV says more Corvettes are on the way amid 1st birthday
- AutoTalk says GMSV celebrates first anniversary of operation
HOT TOPIC
// ComCom release report on vehicle finance and add ons
The Commerce Commission has released a report into the vehicle finance industry and the associated risk products sold to dealership customers. The Commission looked at add-on products sold alongside motor vehicles that were bought on finance.
- AutoFile says Regulator probes insurance add-ons
HOT TOPIC
// AA Driven COTY adds clean and green category
The New Zealand Automobile Association has resumed its partnership with NZMEs Driven motoring publication to host their joint car of the year awards for 2021.
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BEST OF THE REST
// It’s back? Photos of new Ford Mondeo leak online
Sedan and wagon aficionados tipped their hats and wept in unison earlier this year when Ford confirmed that it would be retiring the much loved Mondeo nameplate, following a decline in sales as customers gravitated towards SUVs instead.
// Lotus teases looks for its first fully-electric SUV
Few brands are set to change as much in the short to medium-term future as Lotus. While the marque has repeatedly underscored a focus on no-compromise sports cars, it’s now set to do a 180 of sorts and reveal an SUV.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Ford Bronco Raptor spotted playing in the dirt
Ford is working hard on the Bronco Raptor, the most potent of the Bronco family. As per the norm for Raptor models, it should be an absolute monster off-road, and new photos of a prototype playing in some mud confirm that’s where Ford is focusing its efforts.
// Kiwi taking over Bridgestone ANZ reins in 2022
The current Bridgestone Australia sales director Heath Barclay has been appointed as the successor to Bridgestone Australia and New Zealand managing director Stephen Roche, who is retiring from the company at the end of 2021.
// Kiwi car dealership group considering stock exchange listing
New Zealand car dealership network Armstrongs has announced that it’s considering a dual listing on the main board of the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) and the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) in 2022.
// Targets essential for success
The Motor Industry Association (MIA) is urging the government to aim for the European Unions currently enacted 2030 emissions targets for new vehicles in New Zealand by 2032.
// Bonneville Gold
Following the sell-out success of the Street Twin, Gold Line Edition launched earlier in 2021, Triumph is inciting a further gold rush, showcasing its hand-painted gold lining skills across eight models, each available for only one year.
// Stock supply still biting
Supply of new and used vehicles has been a major issue over the past year and continues to be, with problems in this area compounded by the coronavirus.
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ONE LINERS
- This is the best knock-off Mk1 Ford Escort we’ve ever seen
- A quarter of Maverick buyers are female, according to Ford
- Rivian aiming for NZ$91.4b valuation
- Urgent Couriers replaces Auckland car fleet with electric cargo bikes
HELPFUL RESOURCES
// Current National New Car Deals
Updated every Friday, here’s a complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials.
// Clean Car Calculator
Input vehicle make and/or model to calculate if the car will receive a rebate, fee or sits in the zero band (no change).