HOT TOPIC
// Mixed alert levels for country
Easing restrictions loom for much of the country but a full lockdown will stay in force for Auckland for another two weeks.
- AutoFile says Industry plans for contactless operations
- AutoFile also says Trading contact-free
- AutoTalk says Toyota NZ prepares for alert level 3
- AutoTalk also says Auckland at alert level 4 for two more weeks
- AutoTalk also says VIA members warned to comply with alert level 3 requirements
HOT TOPIC
// ‘Self-driving’ Toyota hits athlete at paralympic games
Toyota has announced that it will be immediately suspending its self-driving shuttle buses at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, after one of them hit an athlete over the weekend.
- Stuff Motoring says Toyota suspends self-driving shuttles after one hits a Paralympian
- EVs and Beyond says Toyota stops AV fleet after paralympian collision
HOT TOPIC
// Car dealership finds work ready apprentices
For more than a decade Capital City Motors Wellington service manager Tony McDonald says he has been taking two to three apprentices every year from WelTec’s Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level Four) (Managed Apprenticeship) programme.
- AutoFile says Engineers of the future
HOT TOPIC
// Rivian may go public with US$80b valuation
Rivian Automotive has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) and is seeking about a US$80 billion valuation as it gears up for production of its R1T ute, according to various reports.
- Stuff Motoring says Rivian files for IPO, seeking about US$80 billion valuation
HOT TOPIC
// Ultra-rare HSV collection expected to fetch eight-figures at auction
A collection of rare Holdens is expected to fetch eight-figures at auction next month.
HOT TOPIC
// End of an era: VW reportedly dumping manual transmissions
The template for the perfect hot hatch has arguably always been embodied best by the Volkswagen Golf GTI; a forefather of the segment.
SPONSORED BY SYSTIME
// Do customers really need to visit the dealership to buy a car?
38% don’t think so. Adapting touch points for digital buyers is more important than ever, check out the research on what buyers actually want and how you can adapt your dealership.
BEST OF THE REST
// Renault reveals electric sedan that you aren’t allowed to buy
In the world of new car technology, there’s three pillars that look set to define the next generation of vehicles.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Test Drive: The $2.85 million Bacalar shows off the best of Bentley
If you want a Bentley Bacalar, you’re too late. Each of the 12 individuals worldwide who purchased the US$2 million (NZ$2.85 million) open-top two-seater has already spent many months developing personalised exterior paint schemes, unique tones for the leather seats, and detailed stitching patterns.
// ‘Car Carnival Night’ drives up China’s auto sales
China’s automobile information company Yiche held a “Super August 18th Car Carnival Night” in conjunction with a top TV station in China.
// ‘Hydrogen Wave’ global forum to reveal hydrogen outlook
Hyundai Motor Group will unveil its vision for hydrogen at a “Hydrogen Wave” worldwide forum it hosts online on September 7.
// Electric aircraft switch progressing well
Electraflyer has announced it has passed crossover, meaning it now sells more battery electric aircraft than polluting ones while Pipistrel sold more than 100 battery electric aircraft last year.
// Thieves strike at dealership
Mystery over how Holden was stolen from Auckland business and taken on a high-speed joy ride.
// Nissan e-Power vehicles heading here?
Nissan Australia has confirmed that e-Power technology is coming down under in 2022 so expect the hybrid technology to be available here in New Zealand as well, probably kicking off in the third-generation Qashqai which launches next year.
// Bentley carbon rims six years in the making
Any car buff will know reducing unsprung mass is good news for dynamics. While big alloys add to the aesthetic appeal of a vehicle, they also add weight in exactly the wrong place.
// Ford may build a Maverick Raptor as well as an ST
Ford is reportedly considering building an off-road-oriented version of the Maverick small truck, as well as a high-performance ST variant.
ONE LINERS
- ‘Real’ General Lee Dodge Charger set to fetch big money
- Giltrap Group appoints Fisher as SIXT chief executive
- Orion gets two new board members
- When HSV turned the Maloo up to 11
- Port’s profits climb
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).