HOT TOPIC
// Nissan’s new Qashqai heading to NZ with e-Power
Nissan has confirmed the new Qashqai SUV will arrive in New Zealand next year, with a decent array of standard spec and a new e-Power hybrid powertrain, coming later next year.
HOT TOPIC
// Lockdown blow for 2 Cheap sales
Profits warning issued, but business expected to “bounce back” when Auckland’s alert level drops.
- AutoTalk says NZAI takes a hit in level four
HOT TOPIC
// SUV wars heat up: new-look 2022 Mazda CX-5 debuts
It’s raining mid-size SUVs at the minute. Overnight, the first of Toyota’s updated 2022 RAV4s was unveiled overseas.
- Driven says Mazda’s popular CX-5 gets updated looks for 2022
HOT TOPIC
// Tesla looks to replace windscreen wipers with lasers
While a lot has changed on the humble car since Henry Ford first started mass-producing the Model T, it could be argued that even more has stayed the same, with rubber tyres, glass windows, and doors that open outward.
- Stuff Motoring says Tesla patents laser-powered windscreen cleaner
HOT TOPIC
// Tereora announced as new AA chief
Finance industry executive Nadine Tereora (above) will take over as CEO of motorists’ group, the AA from next February.
- AutoFile says New chief executive for AA
HOT TOPIC
// Toyota RAV4 gets updated for 2022
In a case of slightly odd timing, Toyota has unveiled the newly updated 2022 RAV4 in Europe; showing it off in the midst of well documented production delays for the popular model spurred on by Covid-19 and the semiconductor shortage.
- Stuff Motoring says Toyota reveals updated RAV4 in spite of production delays
HOT TOPIC
// High-performance Benz sports sedan coming
Mercedes-Benz dealers are taking orders for restyled and upgraded versions of the high-performance AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+ four-door coupe.
- Stuff Motoring says Mercedes prices New Zealand-bound AMG CLS 53
HOT TOPIC
// Nissan’s limited-edition GT-R T-Spec revealed in iconic colours
First introduced in 2007, Nissan’s R35 GT-R is a car that’s well beyond its use-by date, but the Japanese company seems to be keeping it alive by releasing numerous special editions.
- Stuff Motoring says Revealed: Nissan’s ageing R35 GT-R gets T-Spec swansong
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Best of all, there’s a 5+5 year warranty. If your customers can’t remove dirt or stains from the paint, fabric or leather, Newcoat will assist with professional advice and assistance up to a value of $1,500 per event.
- Learn more about Newcoat products on their website
- And download their Dealer Booklet to learn about selling Newcoat in your dealership
BEST OF THE REST
// Skoda Octavia PHEV due before Christmas
Skoda’s first electrified performance car the Octavia iV plug-in hybrid (PHEV) starts arriving here prior to Christmas, Skoda New Zealand says.
// Clean car bill – ‘ice ban by stealth’
A new addition to upcoming clean car regulations allowing officials to set a proportion of an importers vehicles that must be zero-emission is an ‘ICE ban by stealth’ according to the Motor Industry Association.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Polestar expands UK team
Polestar is rapidly growing its global engineering capability with the expansion of a world-class research and development (R&D) hub in the United Kingdom, the latest element in the brand’s development.
// Registration opens for CES 2022
More than 1100 companies from around the world feature in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on January 5-8 next year which will be a combined in-person and digital occasion.
// Renault strengthens dealer presence in used car marketplace
Renault is building a stronger presence for its dealer network in the business to consumer (B2C) used car digital marketplace in France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.
// EV rush forecast
A run on EVs is predicted after Auckland reduces its COVID-19 alert level as expected from midnight on Tuesday September 21.
// Significant Toyota production issues to affect Kiwi customers
Toyota customers in New Zealand could be facing extensive delays as Covid-19 and a global semiconductor shortage halts production.
ONE LINERS
- Watch: BMW iX parks, charges, and gets a wash without human interaction
- Lockdown slashes spending on cars
- Video: Hino reveals fuel cell prototype at US expo
- MG’s electric results
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).