HOT TOPIC
// New Audi A3 goes forth boldly
In 2021, supposedly the post-pandemic year, the virus is still raging around the globe and yet Audi NZ is having its best sales period ever.
- Stuff Motoring says Audi RS 3 will be the last of a special breed
HOT TOPIC
// Finance company eyes share buyback
Board believes offer to “dry shareholders” will be to the benefit of all those with an interest in the business.
- AutoTalk says MTF plans buyback from ‘dry shareholders’
HOT TOPIC
// Painfully rare Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR tipped to fetch over $12 million at auction
Long before almost every brand had a car that could hit 100km/h in less than five seconds, this sort of performance was reserved for supercars that were a genuine terror to drive.
- AutoCar says Incredible Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR heading for auction
HOT TOPIC
// Tesla will let everyone use its Superchargers
Tesla will open its proprietary EV charging network of Superchargers to other electric vehicles, starting this year.
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- Learn more about Newcoat products on their website
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BEST OF THE REST
// Aston Martin Vantage and DB11 to be fully electric by 2025
Two of Aston Martin’s most popular bread-and-butter models, the Vantage and DB11, will be exclusively electric by 2025 according to reports from Europe.
// World-scale green hydrogen production partnerships sought
Registrations of interest to develop the world’s largest green hydrogen plant are sought by Contact Energy and Meridian Energy.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Tesla semi close to production
The Tesla Semi truck is rumoured to be close to production after a string of delays since its first unveiling in 2017.
// Japan’s Toyota adds ‘kei’ makers to technology partnership
Japan’s top automaker Toyota is adding two companies specialising in tiny kei cars, Daihatsu and Suzuki, to a partnership in commercial vehicles it set up with Hino and Isuzu earlier this year.
// Phone records prove innocence says convicted fraudster
A woman convicted in Christchurch last year on charges of obtaining thousands of dollars by deception – including getting, in 2008, money for a motorbike that was never delivered – has appealed her conviction
// Hybrid event replaces conference
Intelligent Transport Systems NZ reveals details of special events after Covid-19 disrupted its previous plans.
// Harley-Davidson calls off Marlborough promo shoot hours before bridge wiped out
Annie Howe was all set to shoot a Harley-Davidson promo in Marlborough’s Waihopai Valley when one of the worst floods in Marlborough’s history rained on her parade.
// Peugeot wants to be the cleanest euro brand in NZ
As a brand, Peugeot has had its ups and downs over the past twenty years here as it has struggled to secure the right cars for our market.
// Tesla Wellington showroom planned?
A Wellington site will become Tesla’s permanent home for a service centre in the capital and could include a nearby showroom as well.
// Lender accused of cartel conduct
Moola in trouble with competition watchdog over alleged breach of the Commerce Act.
// There’s a company that will completely electrify your 2CV
Electrified classic cars are becoming more and more common as people figure out how to build kits to swap out old combustion engines for modern EV gubbins.
ONE LINERS
- Rivian’s all-electric ute confirmed for Australia, is New Zealand next?
- NZ Police keen on Skoda hybrids, ‘determined’ to lower emissions
- NZ clean car discount helping brands secure new EV models
- Consumer reports slam Tesla’s full self driving tech
HELPFUL RESOURCES
// UPDATED Current National New Car Deals
Updated every Friday, here’s a complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials.
ADDED THIS WEEK
Jaguar
- I-PACE SE INNOVATION EDITION with complimentary specifications adding more than $10,000 worth of value.
Range Rover
- RANGE ROVER EVOQUE now with an added specifications pack included, to the value of $8,800.
- RANGE ROVER SPORT with a $5,000 price reduction, and complimentary wheel upgrade adding more than $3,000 worth of value.
- RANGE ROVER VELAR with complimentary specifications adding more than $5,000 worth of value
// 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).