HOT TOPIC
// Toyota New Zealand issues recall for over 4000 Hilux utes
Toyota New Zealand is recalling 4,855 vehicles due to a potential issue affecting the number plate bracket on the Toyota Hilux, manufactured between March 2015 and November 2020.
HOT TOPIC
// Transport minister guest speaker at ITSNZ AGM
Transport minister Michael Wood will be providing Government updates as the guest speaker at the upcoming Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSNZ) annual general meeting.
- AutoFile says Minister to announce new transport fund
HOT TOPIC
// EVs dominate top-10 NZCOTY finalists
Electric vehicles dominate the finalists’ list for the 2021 edition of the New Zealand Car Of The Year award (NZCOTY). No fewer than five of the 10 contenders are available as pure electric vehicles,
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BEST OF THE REST
// Local pricing confirmed for Audi e-tron S Sportback
Audis plug-in line-up continues to expand, with the firm’s local arm announcing the arrival of its e-tron S Sportback in dealerships around the country.
// Rightcar fuel labelling changes December 1
Rightcar fuel labels are changing to WLTP ratings from December 1. The VIA says the change is because the Clean Car Standard requires fuel consumption testing.
// Apple accelerates work on car, aims for fully autonomous vehicle
Apple is pushing to accelerate development of its electric car and is refocusing the project around full self-driving capabilities, according to people familiar with the matter.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Toyota Hilux crowned the best ute in the world
Toyotas eternal Hilux has been crowned the best ute in the world, having been handed the International Pick-up Award (IPUA) grand prize in France, following a test programme in Croatia
// With supply short, Ford dips toe into computer chip business
Ford Motor Co. is in talks with a computer chip maker to shore up its semiconductor supplies and avoid a repeat of this year’s auto factory shutdowns caused by semiconductor shortages.
// Elon Musk wants to show Germans how to build cars
Two years after Elon Musk elicited audible gasps from an awards show audience with his surprise announcement that Tesla would build a factory outside Berlin, the project is nearing fruition and the hype has never been more palpable.
// Glitchy features dent electric SUV reliability, U.S. survey finds
Electric SUVs generally are among the least reliable vehicles on the road, but it’s not because of the batteries or electric motors that power them.
// Sparks fly as Tesla offer rejected
Tesla owners are incensed that the New Plymouth district council has turned down an application by Tesla NZ to install three Tesla super-chargers and a universal EV charger in the New Plymouth CBD.
// The Good Oil: Why there can be more than one Highlander
As Connor MacLeod says in the 1986 movie Highlander, “there can be only one”. That seems true, because when Toyota launched a new crossover-SUV back in 2000 it found that its global Highlander name had to be a bit less global than it had hoped.
// EVs get spotlight at LA Auto Show as VinFast makes its U.S. push
Battery-powered vehicles will get top billing at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which opens this week after a year’s hiatus due to the novel coronavirus,
// Chrysler finally pulls plug on Australia, its last right-hand drive market
It may come as a surprise to you (it did to me), but Chrysler still sells right-hand drive cars over the ditch in Australia.
// GREEN SPECIAL: Plugging into the programme
The Government’s Clean Car Programme has been a hot topic of conversation in New Zealand. It’s a multi-layered effort, and for that reason it can be a bit confusing to consumers.
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ONE LINERS
- The grille on the BMW XM concept is ginormous!
- Porsche’s new Taycan Sport Turismo is an incredible looking electric wagon
- Another nail in the coffin for the Kia Stinger
- Kia shows off the EV9 large electric SUV
- Turners anticipates profit higher than $40m
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).