HOT TOPIC
// 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero reveal date confirmed
The Mitsubishi Pajero is returning, with the new-generation off-roader set to be revealed next week ahead of its New Zealand launch by the end of 2026.
- Driven Car Guide says All-new Mitsubishi Pajero reveal set for 2 September
HOT TOPIC
// Armstrong’s revealed as likely buyer of Eagers’ NZ dealerships
Armstrong’s Motor Group is the buyer lined up for Eagers Automotive’s New Zealand new-car dealership business, disclosure documents accompanying the Australian group’s half-year results reveal.
- Autofile says Eagers looks to sell franchises
HOT TOPIC
// Reincarnated rotary up for grabs
A meticulously restored Mazda RX-7 Series 4 is the prize in a Northern Rescue charity lottery with just 4,000 tickets available.
HOT TOPIC
// Toyota New Zealand launches GR as a dedicated performance brand
Toyota New Zealand has relaunched Gazoo Racing as a standalone performance offering.
- Stuff says Toyota will help customers modify GR cars as Kiwis ‘love to tinker’
- Stuff says Toyota launch GR as standalone brand in New Zealand
- Driven Car Guide says Gazoo Racing goes solo (sort of): how Toyota is making room for GR
- Driven Car Guide says Toyota spins Gazoo Racing into standalone performance brand in New Zealand
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BEST OF THE REST
// Mitsubishi’s new EV spotted on NZ roads ahead of launch
Mitsubishi’s upcoming electric SUV has been spotted on New Zealand roads for the first time ahead of its local launch.
// Omoda E5 recalled in NZ over silent pedestrian warning system
The Omoda E5 has been recalled in New Zealand after Chery found the AVAS pedestrian warning sound was not activated on 2025 and 2026 model-year cars.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Ram 1500 TRX SRT returning to NZ with more powerful supercharged V8 – but they’re all sold
Ram’s supercharged V8 pickup will return to New Zealand in 2027 with more power than a Ford F-150 Raptor R, but the local allocation is already sold.
// Labour pledges fuel excise freeze, setting up election fight over 22-cent rise
Labour will not increase fuel excise for three years if it wins November’s election, turning the Government’s legislated 22-cent programme of pump-tax rises into an election battleground.
// Smart Band dropped in a ute tray wins $60,000 Fieldays prize
A Smart Band dropped into a display ute’s tray at Fieldays has won Bay of Plenty woman Pua Taikato a prize worth more than $60,000.
// EV to start at $37,990
Leapmotor is set to launch the B03X from $37,990 as its dealer network expands with four additional sites.
// More Kiwi new-car buyers considering Chinese brands over European – study
One in three Kiwi new-car buyers is considering a Chinese brand, more than the number considering a European-made vehicle.
// General Motors’ New Zealand boss exits
Jess Bala, who led GM’s Australian and New Zealand operations including GMSV and Cadillac, has left after almost two decades with the US automaker.
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INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// Europe EV Sales Report: BEVs Reach 26% Market Share!
European battery-electric registrations rose 51% year on year to about 288,000 in July, lifting BEVs to a 26% market share.
ONE LINERS
- BYD’s new PHEV ute ruled out for New Zealand despite Māori connection
- Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro brings off-road focus to flagship SUV
- Everything Electric Sydney a month out, with 10-plus launches promised
- Hyundai’s tiny electric workhorse moves closer to production
- Axial-flux motors now in motion
- Next Hyundai Tucson Hybrid gains more power
- BMW adds door-opening delay to help protect cyclists
- Lamborghini Reef AL Giallo pram limited to 500
- Mercedes-AMG CLA 45: 500kW EV gets German pricing
- Porsche brings GaN tech to 400-watt Burmester amplifier
- Scientific study shows the ‘thrill’ of driving is not actually about speed
- Ford’s Chinese-built Bronco New Energy spotted testing in Australia
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