HOT TOPIC
// Suzuki EV planned by 2025
Suzuki’s EV concept model eVX has debuted at India’s Auto Expo 2023, which runs from January 13-18 (public days) and includes press days on January 11 and 12.
- AutoCar says Suzuki eVX Concept will become brand’s first EV
- Driven says Better late than never: Suzuki reveals first-ever pure electric vehicle
- Stuff Motoring says Suzuki’s first electric vehicle has been revealed, due in 2025
HOT TOPIC
// MTF appoints chief commercial officer
Natasha Callister tasked with helping improve customer experience as she brings her skills to the finance sector.
- AutoTalk says MTF Finance welcomes new chief commercial officer
BEST OF THE REST
// Toyota NZ considering Hilux GR Sport
Toyota New Zealand says the Hilux GR Sport is under consideration for our market and it expects to make announcement about this in the first quarter.
// Fiat NZ welcomes new Series 8 Ducato
Fiat Professional New Zealand is marking the arrival of the award-winning Series 8 Ducato to the local market.
SPONSORED
// The Full Brief is For Sale
A new project for 2023 means I may need to sell the Full Brief. It’s a great little side business for someone interested in the automotive industry, and there’s loads of potential to grow.
- For more information email me at dan@thefullbrief.nz
INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// Toyota Hilux Hydrogen Fuel Cell Pickup Prototype Unveiled
Pickups dominates sales in many markets around the world. In the USA, the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling truck for 46 consecutive years
// Hyundai Ioniq 5 with e-corner tech turns on a dime
With e-corner, the Ioniq 5 can crab sideways like a GMC Hummer EV, or turn in place much like the “tank turn” maneuver exhibited by Rivian and Mercedes-Benz EQG prototypes.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Next-generation Mercedes-AMG GT coupe leaked
The next-generation Mercedes-AMG GT has been leaked online, showing the model in coupe form ahead of an official unveiling later this year.
// Sales of electrified vehicles almost doubled in 2022
New Zealanders are continuing to make the shift from gas guzzlers to greener options with almost double the amount of electrified vehicles being sold last year compared to 2021.
// Ford hikes Ranger pricing as Clean Car Standard comes into effect
Ford has bumped the pricing of the best-selling Ranger ute, starting in January.
// Toyota New Zealand adds GR Sport model to Yaris Cross SUV
Not to be confused with the full Gazoo Racing-developed models like GR Yaris, GR Supra and the forthcoming GR Corolla (you’ll notice the “GR” comes before the model names in those, because it’s a brand in its own right),
// Fiat Metaverse Store World premiere
Fiat returned to the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, with two major exhibits starring the New 500 electric.
ONE LINERS
- Bentley Motors announces 2022 sales record
- ACT Party commits to dumping Clean Car ‘ute tax’
- Euro NCAP reveals the safest cars for 2022 – and they’re all electric!
- Geely aims for 650,000 NEV sales this year
- Tesla tops most Googled stock search in Europe
- Toyota is NZ’s most searched car brand in 2022
- Ford, GM, Google create virtual powerplants
- Eagers Automotive service advisor wins ‘Good to Great’ award
HELPFUL RESOURCES
// NZ Car Dealers Private Facebook Group
A private community for car dealers to vent about the industry and joke about ‘interesting’ customers. A place to rant, debate, ask for help and help others.