HOT TOPIC
// EVs dominate International Van of the Year shortlist
A number of battery electric light commercial vehicles feature on the shortlist for the International Van of the Year (IVOTY) 2027 award, highlighting the industry’s accelerating shift towards zero-emission transport.
SPONSORED BY AUCTION ONLINE
// Dealer-to-Dealer Trading. Reimagined.
Connect instantly with over 1,500 licensed motor dealers nationwide and trade with clarity, speed, and complete confidence.
Whether you’re moving aging stock or hunting down fresh inventory, our live weekly dealer auctions let you buy and sell in real time, without the delays, uncertainty, or friction of traditional wholesale channels.
Every vehicle is presented with high-quality images, verified information, and market-driven pricing, creating fast, transparent, and trustworthy transactions between professionals who speak the same language.
BEST OF THE REST
// Ford prices Fathom electric ute below NZ$50,000 equivalent
Ford confirms its affordable electric ute, the Fathom, from US$28,350. The programme is led by New Zealander Kay Hart, with pre-orders opening in early 2027.
IN OTHER NEWS
// GWM to expand local ute offering with plug-in hybrid Cannon ute
GWM New Zealand has announced the Cannon Hi4-T PHEV ute will soon be joining its local line-up. The brand’s local arm claims it will become one of New Zealand’s most affordable plug-in hybrid utes on its arrival.
// Bayswater takes full ownership of Hastings Kia as Mark Cooper retires
Bayswater Vehicle Group has taken full ownership of Hastings Kia, effective 1 August, after acquiring the remaining 50% shareholding in the business.
// Leapmotor unveils B03 electric hatch, and NZ chances look good
Leapmotor reveals the B03 electric hatchback with up to 390km of WLTP range. Right-hand drive is confirmed for the UK, making a New Zealand arrival a strong prospect.
// Port of Auckland reaches major milestone on Bledisloe North wharf
Construction of Port of Auckland’s new Bledisloe North wharf has reached a major milestone, with the first precast concrete deck panel installed as work enters its final phase.
// Second EV charger loan round opens as 10,000 target tightens
The Government has opened a second round of zero-interest loans for public EV charging infrastructure as it works towards its target of 10,000 public charge points by 2030.
// Auto Trader named principal sponsor of Auckland Rugby Referees Association
Online vehicle marketplace Auto Trader signs on as principal sponsor of the Auckland Rugby Referees Association for the 2027 and 2028 club rugby seasons.
// Zeekr confirms three new models for New Zealand, and you can drive them on ice this month
Zeekr has confirmed three new models for New Zealand, with the first arrivals expected by early next year, and you can still book a spot to drive them on ice later this month.
// Audi New Zealand: 80 per cent of local RS 5 allocation pre-sold ahead of launch
Local demand for Audi’s new RS 5 Avant is at impressive levels, as the brand has reported 80 per cent of its local allocation has been pre-sold.
SPONSORED BY EV POWER
// Knowledgeable, Experienced Team
Trusted Experts in EV Charging – Here to Help Every Step of the Way.
With years of experience in the New Zealand EV space, few companies have been supplying EV charging products as long as OEM Audio Ltd, the team behind EV Power.
We’re proud to hold the Consumer Trusted accreditation, giving you confidence in both our products and our customer service.
ONE LINERS
- Dodge revives Super Bee badge with 447kW Charger, and a fix for turbo lag
- Chery Stockman could add ICE option to boost payload
- Mercedes-AMG GT 53 – a 800km electric grand tourer
- Bugatti turns wild Bolide into elegant Destrier one-off
- Bentley Torcal previews floating-diamond grille and crystal-inspired displays
- Final Porsche 718 racer bows out at Nürburgring
- This odd looking car actually produces more energy than it consumes
- Lamborghini Revuelto SV claims Hockenheim lap record
- Toyota sharpens GR86 controls and expands EyeSight
- BMW owners baffled after Spiderman ad appears on infotainment screen
SPONSORED BY FARMER AUTOVILLAGE
// Farmer Autovillage Wheel Repairs
Now offering precision machine face wheel repairs and professional powder coating using our advanced WheelRestore diamond cutting machine and specialist coating equipment. From cost-effective repairs to full blackouts, it’s the perfect solution for used vehicle reconditioning.
Fast turnaround times – Simply send us the wheel complete with tyre and we’ll return it repaired, fitted, balanced, and ready to roll.
Contact: tyreadvisors@farmerautovillage.co.nz