HOT TOPIC
// Volkswagen’s race-ready ‘R’ range confirmed for New Zealand
For a long time, Volkswagen’s Golf was the only model in the line-up to wear the R badge, but come 2022, it’s going to be a lot more common across the range, and we’re here for it.
- AutoTalk says Volkswagen says 2022 will be the year of R
- Stuff Motoring says Volkswagen NZ announces expanded R line-up
HOT TOPIC
// One last fling: Aston Martin teases V12 Vantage Final Edition
As Aston Martin hurtles towards going almost entirely electric by 2030, its started teasing yet another likely last hurrah model; the Vantage V12.
- Stuff Motoring says Aston Martin confirms the V12 Vantage is coming back
HOT TOPIC
// New concept EV by Mercedes is an interesting off-road coupe
Following the unfortunate passing of fashion designer, Virgil Abloh, Mercedes has released a new concept car: Project Maybach.
- Stuff Motoring says Virgil Abloh-designed project Maybach electric car unveiled by Mercedes-Benz
HOT TOPIC
// MG NZ announces revised pricing across its full line-up
Following its big Accelerate Together virtual event last week, where it confirmed drive-away pricing in and a standard seven-year warranty for New Zealand customers, MG has announced tweaked pricing for its full Kiwi line-up.
- EVs and Beyond says MG Motor NZ releases new drive-away pricing
HOT TOPIC
// New car sales soar 40%
A total of 11,242 new cars were registered last month, which was up a whopping 40 per cent from the 8,029 sold in November 2020.
- AutoFile says Used imports make healthy jump
- AutoFile says Commercials on the rise
- AutoTalk says Imports up one-fifth in November
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BEST OF THE REST
// Lexus’ first-ever plug-in hybrid is nearly here
Lexus New Zealand has confirmed the local NX SUV range, featuring the plug-in hybrid version as its range-topper, is nearly here.
// ‘Tougher path’ to recovery
The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) is warning of a tougher path to economic recovery following the emergence of the new Covid variant omicron.
// BMW complimentary Wallbox for iX3, iX and i4 EVs
A complimentary BMW Wallbox charging unit is offered to customers of new BMW electric models – the BMW iX3, iX and i4, while $800 is contributed towards installation when customers finance their BMW i vehicle through BMW Financial Services.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Electric Mercedes-Benz van quartet confirmed for NZ
The plug-in commercial van space is set to get a few new contenders in 2022, with Mercedes-Benz today announcing that the EQV, eVito panel van, eVito Tourer, and eSprinter are coming to its New Zealand line-up.
// Waka Kotahi renews contract with Unisys
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has awarded a new 10-year contract to global IT firm Unisys Corporation for systems processing of around 25 million drivers licences and 60 million motor vehicle transactions per year.
// NZ Post to pilot all-electric Mercedes-Benz vans
NZ Post will evaluate a combination of fully electric Mercedes-Benz eSprinter and eVito delivery vans in its fleet in early 2022 prior to a full market launch later in the year.
// Motor trade gets behind voluntary safety rating label
VIA, the industry body for the used import trade, and dealer management system software provider Motorcentral are supporting vehicle safety rating labels which aim to help car buyers make potentially life-saving choices when purchasing their next vehicle.
// New auto centre pops up
The AA is celebrating the opening of a new Auto Centre in Whakatane, the 40th such centre in the country and the third in the Bay of Plenty region.
// 50 billion dollars: VW reveals the cost of EV battery development
If you’re stuck wondering why a lot of legacy car manufacturers have taken longer than others to develop an electric car, one of the most obvious reasons in most cases is costs.
// MotoGP looks to a clean and green racing future
Its the end of the 2021 MotoGP season so the officials are looking to the future, and they have decided to follow Formula 1s decision to switch to the use of sustainable fuels.
ONE LINERS
- Why GM benchmarked the Chevy Corvette Z06 against Ferrari 458
- GM venture to build battery chemical plant
- Groups warn of massive delays over NZ driver license tests
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 V2L gets award
HELPFUL RESOURCES
// Current National New Car Deals
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HONDA
- 2.9% Finance available on any new Next Generation Honda Jazz
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).