HOT TOPIC
// Mercedes suggests no need for low-cost EQA
Mercedes-Benz New Zealand has indicated there was little point in offering an additional cut-price version of their new entry-level EQA battery electric vehicle.
- AutoCar says New EQA lowers the electric entry point for Mercedes
HOT TOPIC
// ChargeNet to add three more 300kW hypercharger sites
ChargeNet has confirmed it will be adding more 300kW hypercharger sites after receiving more Goverment funding as part of the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund.
- EVs and Beyond says Chargenet adding three hyper-rapid EV charge sites
HOT TOPIC
// Safety rating label available now
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) have published a safety rating label to help consumers choose the safest car they can afford.
- AutoFile says Safety-rating labels for traders
HOT TOPIC
// Tractors and utes take over NZ’s roads in groundswell protest
Farmers in their tractors and utes are staging ‘Howl of a Protest’ protests in 55 cities all over New Zealand today, all uniting to show disapproval of numerous government policies that interfere with the way farmers operate and increase costs.
HOT TOPIC
// Legendary GT40 goes electric
Everrati, a UK-based technology company specialising in the “redefining and futureproofing of automotive icons through the integration of advanced electric vehicle powertrains” is teaming up with Superformance, a US manufacturer of 1960s-era “continuation” sports cars,
HOT TOPIC
// Aston Martin unveils Valhalla hypercar, a 698kw super hybrid
The Aston Martin Valhalla has had a curious road to production. It was initially unveiled in prototype form in 2019, with speculation it would utilise a six-cylinder powerplant.
- Stuff Motoring says Aston Martin reveals production Valhalla with 700kW hybrid V8
HOT TOPIC
// Bayswater Vehicle Group founder Dorothy (Dot) Townshend farewelled
The Townshend family have paid tribute to Hawkes Bay motor industry identity and Bayswater Vehicle Group founding shareholder Dot Townshend, who died aged 90 on July 13 after a short battle with cancer.
- AutoFile says Obituary: Dot Townshend
SPONSORED BY NEWCOAT
// A high margin product with ongoing revenue
Designed to be easily applied by your valets with minimal training required, plus you’ll get ongoing commissions from customers purchasing refill products online.
Newcoat is not just a paint coating system; it’s a total maintenance solution for all surfaces of the vehicle. Formulated from pure Silica Dioxide, it gives a crystal-clear layer, permanently bonded to the vehicle.
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
// Kia Stinger to be killed off in 2022, claims report
The Kia Stinger’s existence in the Korean carmaker’s line-up has been fascinating to plot.
IN OTHER NEWS
// GM to extract lithium from toxic sludge
General Motors (GM) and American company Controlled Therman Resources (CTR) have agreed to extract Lithium from superheated waters beneath the Salton Sea in the Southern California desert.
// Clean-car plans ‘rushed through’
Turners’ boss predicts EVs will remain out of reach for many and availability may also stymie the government’s ambitions.
// Toyota revs up its digital mapping subsidiary Woven Planet
Toyota plans to hire more people and invest heavily in its subsidiary Woven Planet to work on mobility technology
// Home EV charging: benefits by the numbers
Recently we covered the process of fitting a home EV charger. Though not suited to every EV/PHEV owner, we did look at the benefits, and with my own long distance drive between work and home, and the need to recharger faster on weekends,
// Time to hit the electric highway
What’s everyone waiting for? Electric Vehicles (EVs) are easy-to-drive, easy-to-own machines that don’t cover cityscapes in poisonous soot or produce motor noise barrages that make every night sound like Guy Fawkes.
ONE LINERS
- Interest surges for Outlander
- Turns out Suzuki owners are among the happiest in the world
- What will your new ute cost next year?
- Kiwi EV record confirmed
HELPFUL RESOURCES
// Current National New Car Deals
Updated every Friday, 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).










